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MINUTES
JULY 15, 2025
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
BUSINESS SESSION:
Mayor Bourne called the Regular meeting of July 15, 2025, of the City Council of the City of San Juan Capistrano to order at 5:12 p.m. Council Member Hart led the Pledge of Allegiance and Mayor Pro Tem Campbell gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL:
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Troy A. Bourne, Mayor Pro Tem John Campbell and Council Members Sergio Farias, Howard Hart, and John Taylor.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
Agenda items are presented in the originally agendized format for the benefit of the minutes’ reader but were not necessarily heard in that order.
INTRODUCTIONS:
B1. COMMISSIONER INTRODUCTION – MAYOR PRO TEM CAMPBELL
INTRODUCED: Ted Rosenfeldt, Planning Commissioner; Larry Kramer, Former City Council Member/Mayor.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Public Comments: James Gilbert (no place of residence provided).
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
D1. INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND
DESIGNATING FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE MAPS PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 51178 AND AMENDING CHAPTER 4-8 OF THE SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO MUNICIPAL CODE; AND SAID ACTION NOT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”)
AND IS ALTERNATIVELY EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER STATE CEQA
GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3),” APPROVED (540.10)
Paul Garcia, Principal Analyst, provided an agenda report and responded to questions. James Wiatrak, Building Official, Cheyne Maule, Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief and Nick Pivaroff, Orange County Fire Authority Assistant Fire Marshal, responded to questions.
Mayor Bourne opened the Public Hearing.
Public Comments: Roy Heine, City resident.
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Mayor Bourne closed the Public Hearing.
Christy Jakl, City Clerk, read the title of the ordinance.
Council Action: Moved by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Campbell, and carried unanimously to approve the introduction and first reading of an Ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO ADOPTING AND DESIGNATING FIRE HAZARD
SEVERITY ZONE MAPS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
51178 AND AMENDING CHAPTER 4-8 OF THE SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO MUNICIPAL CODE; AND A FINDING THAT SAID ACTION IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”) AND IS
ALTERNATIVELY EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3).”
D2. RESOLUTION 25-07-15-01 ADOPTED CONDITIONALLY APPROVING ACCESSORY USE PERMIT (AUP) 24-001, SITE PLAN REVIEW (SPR) 24-002, AND ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL (AA) 24-011 FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A 980 SQ. FT STRUCTURE FOR A NEW EATING ESTABLISHMENT (COTTAGE
AT RIVER STREET RANCH) THAT WOULD INCLUDE THE ON-SITE
CONSUMPTION OF BEER AND WINE; AND THE PROJECT FOUND
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA) UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15303, CLASS 3 (NEW CONSTRUCTION OR CONVERSION OF SMALL STRUCTURES) (420.25) Council Member Taylor recused himself because his son rents from him and is employed by the applicant and proximity of his residence. Council Member Taylor left the Chamber.
Laurel Reimer, Contract Planner, provided an agenda report and responded to questions. Laura Stokes, Planning Manager, responded to questions.
Mayor Bourne opened the Public Hearing.
Public Comments: Stephen Rios, City resident; Steve Behmerwohld, City resident; and, Dan Almquist, Applicant.
Mayor Bourne closed the Public Hearing.
Council Action: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Campbell, seconded by Council Member Hart, and 4-0 with Council Member Taylor recused to adopted RESOLUTION 25-07-15-01 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA APPROVING ACCESSORY USE PERMIT 24-001, SITE PLAN REVIEW 24-002, AND ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL 24-011 RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 980 SQUARE FOOT ACCESSORY STRUCTURE WITH A 345 SQUARE FOOT PORCH AND 636 SQUARE FOOT OUTDOOR DINING AREA WITHIN THE LOS RIOS HISTORIC DISTRICT AS LISTED ON THE CITY’S IHCL AND NRHP; AND
FINDING THAT THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 (APPLICANT:
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31791 LOS RIOS STREET LLC);” modifying the conditions related to the hours of operation and the sale and service of alcohol to 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBER: Farias, Hart, Campbell and Mayor Bourne NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER: None
RECUSED: COUNCIL MEMBER: Taylor
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Council Action: Moved by Council Member Farias, seconded by Council Member Taylor, and carried unanimously to approve consent calendar items E1 through E12, as recommended by staff, with Council Member Taylor recused from item E10.
E1. MOTION TO READ ORDINANCE BY TITLE ONLY, APPROVED.
E2. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING (EXECUTIVE SESSION) OF JUNE 17, 2025, APPROVED
E3. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 17, 2025,
APPROVED
E4. SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 17, 2025, APPROVED
E5. CHECK REGISTERS FOR THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 4, 2025, THROUGH MAY 1, 2025, RECEIVED AND FILED (300.30)
E6. CASH AND INVESTMENTS REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED MARCH 31, 2025, RECEIVED AND FILED (350.30)
E7. CASH AND INVESTMENTS REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED APRIL 30, 2025, RECEIVED AND FILED (350.30)
E8. NEW DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION STATUS REPORT, RECEIVED AND FILED (440.10)
E9. UTILITY TERRAIN VEHICLE (UTV) PURCHASE FOR POLICE SERVICES FROM RJ 37 INC. FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $53,730, APPROVED; AND
COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS PURSUANT TO MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTION 3-4.310(E), WAIVED (370.30)
E10. CITY MANAGER AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO
THE LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH LEGACY RANCH PARTNERS LLC TO
EXTEND THE TERM FOR OPERATION OF THE CITYOWNED SWANNER
HOUSE PROPERTY AND EXPAND THE REQUIRED MAINTENANCE AREA;
AND, SAID ACTION FOUND CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE
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CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PER STATE CEQA
GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 (CLASS 1) (600.30)
Council Member Taylor recused himself because his son rents from him and is employed by the applicant.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBER: Farias, Hart, Campbell and Mayor Bourne NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER: None
RECUSED: COUNCIL MEMBER: Taylor
E11. CITY MANAGER AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CWP, CORP. TO PERFORM DESIGN (PS&E), PROJECT
ADMINISTRATION, ENGINEERING, PLANNING, AND ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION SERVICES FOR THE CALLE ARROYO – LA NOVIA
STORMWATER PROJECT (CIP 24502), FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $385,581; CITY MANAGER AUTHORIZED TO APPROVE AND EXECUTE CHANGE ORDERS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $25,419,
REPRESENTING THE REMAINING BALANCE OF THE GRANT FUNDING;
STAFF AUTHORIZED TO ADVERTISE AND RECEIVE CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE CALLE ARROYO – LA NOVIA STORMWATER PROJECT ONCE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE COMPLETE; AND SAID ACTIONS FOUND
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA SECTION 15061(B)(3) (COMMON SENSE EXEMPTION) (600.30)
E12. CITY MANAGER AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH CASTL, INC. FOR
SUPPLEMENTAL MUNICIPAL ENGINEERING SERVICES, EXTENDING THE TERM TO JUNE 30, 2026, ESTABLISHING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE AGREEMENT AS JULY 1, 2025, AND INCREASING THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AGREEMENT AMOUNT TO $90,000; CITY MANAGER AUTHORIZED TO
EXECUTE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENTS WITH VELLABAUM GROUP, LLC FOR SUPPLEMENTAL
ENGINEERING SERVICES, EXTENDING THE TERM TO JUNE 30, 2026, ESTABLISHING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE AGREEMENT AS JULY 1, 2025, AND INCREASING THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AGREEMENT AMOUNT TO $90,000; AND, SAID ACTIONS FOUND EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3) (600.30)
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS:
F1a. PRESENTATION FROM DIXON RESOURCES UNLIMITED ON THE STATUS OF THE DOWNTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT STUDY; FEEDBACK
PROVIDED TO DIXON AND CITY STAFF TO FURTHER INFORM ANALYSIS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS THAT WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION THIS FALL – NO ACTION TAKEN (570.60) Public Correspondence: Miriam Zuniga, City resident.
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Council Member Taylor recused himself due to the proximity of the study area to his residence; and his son rents from him and is employed by the owner of several parking lots included in the study. Council Member Taylor left the Chamber.
Julie Dixon, Dixon Resource Management, provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to questions. Ben Siegel, City Manager, and Tom Toman, Public Works and Community Services Director, responded to questions. Public Comments: Kathy Hobstetter, City resident; and, Randy Fisher, City business owner.
F2a. CITY MANAGER AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A GROUND LEASE FOR
OPERATION OF THE CITY-OWNED RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RIDING PARK
AT SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO WITH PREMIER EQUISPORT EVENTS LLC, WITH TERM ENDING JUNE 30, 2043; AND ACTION FOUND CATEGORICALLY
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15301, 15303, AND 15304 (600.30)
Matisse Reischl, Assistant City Manager, provided an agenda report and responded to questions.
Public Comments: Don Bernie, City resident; Kathy Hobstetter, City resident; and Larry Kramer, City resident.
Council Action: Moved by Council Member Farias, seconded by Council Member Council Member Taylor, and carried unanimously to authorize the City Manager to execute a Ground Lease for operation of the City-owned Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano with Premier Equisport Events LLC, with term ending June 30, 2043; and action found categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301, 15303, and 15304.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (Refer to Successor Agency Minutes) COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS:
H1. STAFF DIRECTED TO PREPARE A FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, PROVIDING $25,000
ANNUALLY FOR VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICES AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS (600.30)
Public Correspondence: Katherine Holman, City resident; Laurie Davies, Assemblywoman 74th District; Susie Wernet, City resident; Leslie Eisner, Camino Real Playhouse; and, Mike Sherrod, RRM Design Group.
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Public Comments: Craig Dibley, Aliso Viejo resident; Jim Taylor, San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association; Kyle Franson, San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce; Daniele Smith, City resident; and, Ben Medina, San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce.
Council Action: Moved by Council Member Hart, seconded by Council Member Farias, and carried unanimously to direct staff to prepare a Funding Agreement with the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce, providing $25,000 annually for visitor information services and economic development programs.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS: None.
CITY MANAGER REPORT: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business Mayor Bourne adjourned the meeting at 7:16 p.m. to Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. for an Executive Session, and 5:00 p.m. for the public Business Session, in the City Council Chamber at the Community Center – 25925 Camino Del Avion.
Respectfully submitted,
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CHRISTY JAKL, CITY CLERK
Approved: August 5, 2025
ATTEST:
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TROY A. BOURNE, MAYOR