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MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
BUSINESS SESSION:
Mayor Bourne called the Regular meeting of September 16, 2025, of the City Council of the City of San Juan Capistrano to order at 5:18 p.m. Council Member Hart led the Pledge of Allegiance and Mayor Bourne 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: Jerry Muir, Youth Advisory Board Advisor; Anna Dickinson, Cultural Heritage Commissioner; Stan Branden and Ted Rosenfeldt, Planning Commissioners.
B2. SEPTEMBER 17 - 23, 2025, PROCLAIMED CONSTITUTION WEEK ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Public Correspondence: Michael Mavrovouniotis (no place of residence provided). Public Comments: Lucero Lecona, Youth Advisory Board.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
D1. RESOLUTION 25-09-16-01 ADOPTED CERTIFYING THE EIR FOR THE EL CAMINO SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT PROJECT (SCH#2023100025),
ADOPTING THE MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM,
ADOPTING CEQA FINDINGS OF FACT, AND ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS; FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING CODE AMENDMENT 23-001 TO AMEND THE EL CAMINO SPECIFIC PLAN AND REZONE (RZ) 23-001 TO CHANGE THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF THREE PRIVATELY-OWNED AND FIVE CITYOWNED PARCELS THAT ARE PROPOSED TO BE ADDED TO THE SPECIFIC
PLAN TO SPECIFIC PLAN/PRECISE PLAN (ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBERS 124-160-08, -09, -10, -11,-12, -37, -51, -52); AND RESOLUTION 25-09-16-02
ADOPTED APPROVING THE EL CAMINO SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT PROJECT, INCLUDING AC 23-003, GPA 23-002, GPM 23-013, SP 23-006, TTM 2 9/16/2025
23-001, AND TRP 23-012, THE FORSTER & EL CAMINO MIXED USE PROJECT (APPLICANT: DAN ALMQUIST, CAMINO CAPISTRANO OZ, LLC.) (440.25) Public Correspondence: Darrell Hill, City resident; Robert N. Kwong, representing SPM – Esslinger, LLC, SPM – Fairfield, LLC and South Coast Investors II, LLC; Miriam Zuniga, City resident; Cesar Covarrubias, The Kennedy Commission; and, anonymous correspondence.
Council Member Taylor recused himself because his son rents from him and is employed by the applicant.
Paul Garcia, Principal Planner, provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to questions. George Alverez, Traffic Engineer, Nicole Morse, T&B Planning, and Garrett Bustos, Land Concern, responded to questions.
Mayor Bourne opened the public hearing.
Public Comment: Rob Williams, City resident; Greg Solomon, City resident; Steve Behmerwohld, City resident; Anna Dickinson, City resident; and, Dan Almquist, applicant.
Mayor Bourne closed the public hearing.
Christy Jakl, City Clerk, read the title of the Ordinance.
Mayor Pro Tem Campbell made a motion, seconded by Council Member Farias, to approve staff recommendation, but motion failed due to approved substitute motion.
Substitute Council Action: Moved by Mayor Bourne, seconded by Council Member Hart, and carried 3-1-0, with Mayor Pro Tem Campbell opposed, and Council Member Taylor recused to adopted Resolution 25-09-16-01 entitled, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA CERTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT FOR THE EL CAMINO SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT
(SCH#2023100025); ADOPTING THE MITIGATION MONITORING AND
REPORTING PROGRAM AND ADOPTING CEQA FINDINGS OF FACT AND A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS;” first reading and introduction of an Ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CODE AMENDMENT (CA) 23-001 TO AMEND THE EL CAMINO SPECIFIC PLAN AND REZONE (RZ) 23-001 TO CHANGE THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF THREE
PRIVATELY-OWNED AND FIVE CITY-OWNED PARCELS THAT ARE
PROPOSED TO BE ADDED TO THE SPECIFIC PLAN TO SPECIFIC
PLAN/PRECISE PLAN (ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBERS 124-160-08, -09, -10, - 11, -12, -37, -51, -52) (APPLICANT: DAN ALMQUIST, CAMINO CAPISTRANO OZ, LLC); and adopt Resolution 25-09-16-02 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA APPROVING OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (GPA) 23-002 TO FACILITATE
THE EL CAMINO SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT, A REQUEST TO AMEND THE 3 9/16/2025
1.68-ACRE EL CAMINO SPECIFIC PLAN (SP 22-01) TO INCLUDE AN ADJACENT 5.61-ACRE AREA COMPRISED OF PRIVATELY-OWNED AND CITYOWNED PARCELS LOCATED BETWEEN 31806 EL CAMINO REAL AND 31882 CAMINO CAPISTRANO (APNS 124-160-08, -09, -10, -11, -12, -37, -51, AND -52) (APPLICANT: DAN ALMQUIST, CAMINO CAPISTRANO OZ, LLC.); AND ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL (AC) 23-003, GRADING PLAN MODIFICATION (GPM) 23-013, SIGN PROGRAM (SP) 23-006, TENTATIVE TRACT MAP (TTM) 23-001, AND TREE REMOVAL PERMIT (TRP) 23-012, THE FORSTER & EL CAMINO MIXED USE PROJECT, A MIXED-USE PROJECT CONSISTING OF 95 APARTMENT UNITS AND RELATED AMENITIES, A 3,865 SQ. FT.
RESTAURANT, AND A 3,100 SQ. FT. FITNESS CENTER AT 31878 CAMINO CAPISTRANO (ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBERS: 124-160-37, -51, & -52) (APPLICANT: DAN ALMQUIST, CAMINO CAPISTRANO OZ, LLC.);” and consideration of Architectural Control (AC) 23-004, Grading Plan Modification (GPM) 23-012, Site Plan Review (SPR) 23-002, and Tree Removal Permit (TRP) 23-015, Performing Arts Center Project, tabled to a future date.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBER: Farias, Hart and Mayor Bourne
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER: Mayor Pro Tem Campbell
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 absent to approve consent calendar items E1 through E9, as recommended by staff, with Council Member Farias recused from consent calendar item E8.
E1. MOTION TO READ ORDINANCE BY TITLE ONLY, APPROVED.
E2. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING (EXECUTIVE SESSION) OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2025, APPROVED
E3. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2025,
APPROVED
E4. CHECK REGISTERS FOR THE PERIOD FROM JUNE 13, 2025, THROUGH JUNE 26, 2025, RECEIVED AND FILED (300.30)
E5. CASH AND INVESTMENTS REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED JUNE 30, 2025, RECEIVED AND FILED (350.30)
E6. OPERATING BUDGET AMENDED FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 TO
CONTINUE THE APPROPRIATION OF UNEXPENDED FUNDS FOR
PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES THAT WERE BUDGETED IN FISCAL YEAR 2024-25, BUT WERE NOT COMPLETED BY YEAR END, AS SET FORTH IN ATTACHMENTS 1 AND 2 OF THE AGENDA REPORT; AND, SCHEDULE OF
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET CARRYOVERS FROM 4 9/16/2025
FISCAL YEAR 2024-25, AS SET FORTH IN ATTACHMENT 3 FOR THE AGENDA REPORT, RECEIVED AND FILED (320.30)
E7. NEW DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION STATUS REPORT, RECEIVED AND FILED (440.10)
E8. ACTIONS FOUND EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301, EXISTING FACILITIES AND SECTION 15304, MINOR ALTERNATIONS TO LAND; CITY MANAGER AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT
CHANGE ORDER WITH PLAYPOWER LT FARMINGTON, INC./LITTLE TYKES COMMERCIAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,975.80 FOR THE SERRA PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (CIP 25201) TO IMPLEMENT REQUIRED ELECTRICAL GROUNDING MEASURES; AND, APPROPRIATION OF $40,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE SERRA PARK
PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (CIP 25201), APPROVED
(920.40)
Council Member Farias recused himself due to proximity to his residence.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBER: Taylor, Hart, Campbell and Mayor Bourne NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER: None
RECUSED: COUNCIL MEMBER: Farias
E9. ACTION FOUND EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) GUIDELINES SECTION 15301, CLASS 1 (EXISTING FACILITIES); AND, CITY MANAGER AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A LICENSE
AGREEMENT WITH THE PACIFICA SAN JUAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION,
SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE FORM ATTACHED, TO REPLACE, INSTALL, AND
MAINTAIN FENCING AND GATES ALONG CITY-OWNED PROPERTY
LOCATED ADJACENT TO A PUBLIC TRAIL AT THE WEST END OF PASEO TRANQUILA (600.30)
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS:
F1a. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO HARDY & HARPER INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE ALIPAZ STREET REHABILITATION PROJECT (CIP 25101); AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES; APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR CIP 25101 AND CIP 24108; AND, A FINDING THAT SAID ACTIONS ARE
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES, SECTION 15301, CLASS 1 (EXISTING FACILITIES) (600.30)
Jeremy Hohnbaum, Engineering and Environmental Services Director, provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to questions.
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Council Action: Moved by Council Member Farias, seconded by Council Member Hart, and unanimously to find actions exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301, Class 1 (Existing Facilities); award construction contract for the Alipaz Street Rehabilitation Project (CIP 25101) to the lowest responsible bidder, Hardy & Harper Inc, in the amount of $2,217,404, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract and approve change orders, for a total construction contingency not to exceed $250,000; authorize the City Manager to execute any required Reimbursement Agreement with the Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) for the cost of adjusting SMWDowned water valves and sewer utility covers during construction; authorize City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Proactive Engineering Inc., for design of the Arterial Streets Pavement Rehabilitation Project (CIP 24108), increasing the compensation amount by $95,000 and bringing the total contract amount to $677,125; and, appropriation of $316,000 from the General Fund for the Alipaz Street Rehabilitation Project (CIP 25101) and $95,000 for the Arterial Streets Rehabilitation Design Project (CIP 24108), approved.
F2a. JOHN TAYLOR APPOINTED AS VOTING DELEGATE WITH TROY BOURNE
AND JOHN CAMPBELL APPOINTED AS THE ALTERNATE VOTING
DELEGATES TO REPRESENT THE CITY AT THE 2025 LEAGUE OF
CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE; VOTING DELEGATE
AUTHORIZED TO VOTE ON ANY LEAGUE RESOLUTION ADDED AT THE TIME OF THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING; AND CITY CLERK DIRECTED TO COMMUNICATE THE APPOINTMENTS TO THE LEAGUE (140.20)
Christy Jakl, City Clerk, provided an agenda report and responded to questions.
Council Action: Moved by Council Member Hart, seconded by Mayor Bourne, and carried unanimously to appoint John Taylor as voting delegate with Troy Bourne and John Campbell appointed as the alternated voting delegates to represent the City at the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference; voting delegate authorized to vote on any League resolution added at the time of the annual business meeting; and City Clerk directed to communicate the appointment to the League.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (Refer to Successor Agency Minutes) COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS: None.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS: None.
CITY MANAGER REPORT: None.
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ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business Mayor Bourne adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m. to Tuesday, October 7, 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,
___________________________
CHRISTY JAKL, CITY CLERK
Approved: October 7, 2025
ATTEST:
___________________________
TROY A. BOURNE, MAYOR