Good evening, ladies and gentlemen
Welcome to this regular meeting of the Rancho Santa margarita
City Council.
I'm going to call this meeting to order
And tonight, we will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Councilmember Baer, would you please lead us in the pledge ?
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which it stands
One nation under God indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you very much.
City Clerk.
We have a roll call, please Mayor Bill Hemmer,
Mayor Pro Tem Figueroa here.
Councilmember Baird here.
Councilmember Holloway Councilmember Meeker
here Thank you, Mayor.
City Clerk.
Tonight, we're implementing for the first time
some new protocols to comply with changes in state law.
And I wonder if you might give a brief update or explanation
to people about our new protocols Yes.
Thank you.
Good evening, Mayor and members of the city council.
This evening, our city council meeting
will be video streaming live Members of the public
can view the city council meeting live
by visiting the city's agendas and minutes webpage.
A watch button feature will appear once the meeting begins
Also new this evening community members
can participate telephonically during public comments
or a specific item on the agenda.
And we'll have Three minutes to speak if they.
Community member excuse me is calling for two separate items
on the agenda.
They will need to call back in once their first call ends
Community members who wish to address the City Council
telephonically during the public meeting
should electronically submit a request to call in form
prior to calling into the meeting
Submitting the form prior to the meeting will allow me
to properly identify who would like to speak
under public comments or during a specific item on the agenda
To join the City Council meeting by telephone.
Dial (949) 229-7104.
I will identify community members
by the last four digits of their phone number
when it is their turn to speak They
will be unmuted at the appropriate time
for a period of three minutes.
I will ask the speaker to wrap up their comments when 30s are
remaining.
And they will be muted soon after.
Following the meeting, the art the agenda minutes, audio,
video and close captioning will be archived under the agendas
and minutes by page the following day or soon thereafter
For any questions regarding public participation during City
Council meetings, please contact the City Clerk's office
at (949) 635-1806 or via email at City Clerk's Office at city
of RSM Dawg Thank you.
Thank you, Mayor.
City clerk.
That brings us to item One on our agenda, which
is schedule of future events.
The city manager Thank you very much,
Mayor Beall and members of the City Council The summer concerts
start this coming Sunday July 12th and will run for six
consecutive Sundays at Central Park from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m..
The final concert on August 16th will feature two bands
and the Dreamers market merchants in the park from 4
to 8 p.m..
All concerts are free and are open to the public Join
us at beautiful Central park for live music
with family friends, and neighbors.
Food vendors community booths and the rotary dial.
Seoul's popular beer and weingarten
offer something for everyone.
Our summer concert series is the perfect opportunity
to get outside and enjoy the cool summer sunsets and Rancho
Santa margarita.
For more information, please contact the community center
at (949) 216-9700 or visit rSM connect.org.
And as a reminder the july 22nd meeting of the City Council is
canceled per the approved city council meeting calendar.
That was done earlier this year.
Thank you.
Thank you very much Brings us to item Two on the agenda.
Council member comments and reports.
Item 2.1 is Council member comments.
Look, First to my left.
Anything Councilmember Holloway.
Thank you.
So I want to thank the chief and the deputies
for all the work you continue to do with the E-bike Enforcement
Seems like a real good balance of education and enforcement
in other ways as you can and heard,
nothing but positive comments from the public.
The work you're doing.
So thank you so much Right.
Councilmember mager.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
I want to congratulate, first of all,
Sam Clark for another fantastic Star Spangled,
spectacular that he recently held.
My congratulations Go to the entire board.
Jeff Albrecht and all the other members of the board
I also want to thank Chief Chappell for the Orange County
Sheriff's department being there in full force
They had a tough night considering what happened
in Newport Beach on July 4, and they
had to separate the herd, if you will
and have some of the deputies go to Newport
So thank You for keeping our community safe
Thank you to Sam Clark for another great fireworks show.
It just they pulled it off.
And I know it takes a heck of a lot of work to do that
and a lot of headache, I'm sure, and a lot of worry.
So they did a phantom stick job.
I want to point out the fact we have some new businesses coming
to town, EOS fitness is in the final stages of completing
their tenant improvements.
I know it's been a while, but we're
hoping that they will open this fall,
preferably in October There are planning Commission also
approved a conditional use permit for a new restaurant,
The Goldfinch.
That's going to be located at the it was Lulu's Cafe
and before that, it was Canyon Grill.
So now that's going to be the Goldfinch.
It's going to be a really nice restaurant.
They've been approved to have live music and dancing
So I'm looking forward to them opening soon.
I also want to point out that Cox Communications has been kind
enough to donate $2,000 to RSM Cares and have directed that
money to the Zero Trash group So they were happy that we have
the zero trash program here in Rancho Tourism cares help
sponsors.
It with me and I just want to thank Cox Communications
publicly for that donation.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Thank you To my right, Mayor Pro tem.
Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor.
I just wanted to add on to Councilwoman Berger's comments
and just thank Sam Lark for just an absolute wonderful 4th
of July performance.
The fireworks and the performance
is were actually better than ever.
So it was a very, very special 250th celebration in Rancho this
year So thank you.
Similar.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Thank you.
Councilmember Baer, thank you I, too,
want to reiterate how appreciate Two of Ambev Sam
Lark for their July fourth festivities
from the start with the bike parade to the amazing fireworks
display over our lake.
You could see all the blankets set up
and everyone was just enjoying the fireworks in the evening
and celebrating 250 years of America.
So I wanted to thank the Sam Mark staff and board
and also thank our sheriff's department
for being there and for throughout the weekend
keeping our community safe.
I appreciate that And then I just want to remind people that
the ways of water art exhibit is presented by RSM Cares and that
is now on display through August 31st at the Bell Tower regional
Community Center.
Be sure to stop on by and experience
the incredible artwork created by our talented local artists.
All inspired by the beauty movement and importance of water
And it's wonderful opportunity to celebrate
the arts and the creativity within our community.
Thank you.
Thank you very much That concludes item 2.1.
We're now at 2.2.
Committee a Simon reports.
We have one on our agenda tonight.
The Orange County Fire Authority and that is you.
Council member McGurn Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
I'm proud to serve on the Orange County Fire Authority
board of directors representing Rancho Santa
margarita at our last meeting, June 25 26.
We approved the design build services for a wildfire facility
to be located in Rancho Mission Viejo.
In other words, this is going to be a large facility that
will enhance the wildfire response efforts of the CFA
right here in south Orange County.
So along with the helipad that's being built off of La Plata.
This is all good news for all of us
who worry about wildfires on a day to day basis.
We also approved economic terms sheet
for a memorandum of understanding
between the CFA and the professional firefighters
Association.
In essence, we're going to have well-deserved salary increases
for our firefighters from march 2027 to March 32nd.
They deserve it.
If you look what's happened recently,
we had a fire in Dove Canyon In May, we
had the Ford Fire in Rancho Mission
Viejo which burned 11.6 acres.
And just yesterday, we had the narrow fire in ladera.
Five acres were burned.
On each occasion, the CFA responded,
as they always do, promptly and efficiently,
and put those fires out.
But it's wildfire season, folks and right after July Fourth,
we know what happens with people who have
illegal fireworks and whatnot.
Keep your keep your eyes open.
If you see anything.
And please call that Latino CFA know so they can do their job.
For those who may not be aware on June 10,
our city hosted along with the CFA and Assemblywoman Anne Kate
Sanchez and Sam Clark and Santa Margarita Water District a Fire
safety and Preparedness meeting, and that meeting
was really important.
It showed people I know Chief Miles
back there in the back row, we talked about home hardening,
how to hopefully prevent fire damage to your home
in the event of a wildfire.
A lot of great advice was given Our chief
Paul also spoke about evacuation and preparedness and advice
from the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
And it went on and on.
We had a lot of others involved as well.
And so I appreciate and some of them are here tonight.
I'm really happy to see that So if you
for those who are watching or listening at home, please
go on our website city of rsm.org.
That video is on there.
And you can watch it from beginning to end.
And there's a lot of great information.
So i would recommend everyone take a look at it.
Thank you Mr. Mayor.
Thank you very much.
That concludes item two.
Bringing us to item three presentations and proclamations
and 3.1 is a special proclamation from the city
of Rancho santa margarita regarding our nation's 250th
anniversary of American independence.
As you know, today is July 8th.
As you may not know the Declaration of Independence was
first read publicly on July 8th, I did 250 years ago.
On July eighth, 1776.
And it was done.
So by Colonel John Nixon in the state house
yard of the Pennsylvania State House,
which is now known as Independence Hall
in Philadelphia.
So the timing has worked out well
for this particular proclamation that I'd
like to share with you at this time in the year 1776,
the continental Congress adopted the declare of independence,
asserting the right of the 13 American colonies
to self-governance and freedom from British rule
This bold declaration laid the foundation for a new nation
built on the principle of liberty democracy,
and justice And over the past 250 years,
the United States of America has grown from fledgling republic
to a global super power.
Continually striving to uphold these foundational ideals
In the year 2026, the United States commemorates its 250th
anniversary, also known as the Semi quincentennial This
occasion offers a unique opportunity to reflect
on our nation's journey to sell liberate its achievements
and envision its future As we commemorate this significant
milestone, Americans should work together in addressing
the challenges of the 21st century and building a more
equitable and prosperous society Nation wide celebration
and events will be organized throughout the year to engage
and inspire citizens from all walks of life.
These activities will include historical reenactments
and exhibits, parades and festivals and public discussions
and forums community service initiatives May
we all reaffirm erm our commitment to liberty
and democracy.
Honor, the sacrifices made by countless individuals
to protect these values and ensure that future generation
nations continue to enjoy the freedoms enshrined
in our Constitution This proclamation serves
as a powerful reminder of our nation's enduring
spirit and a call to action for future generations
as the United states embarks on the next chapter of its history
the milestone celebration will stand
as a testament to the strength, the resilience
and the determination of the American people So
therefore, as the mayor of this city,
on behalf of my city council colleagues and everyone that is
proud to call Rancho Santa margarita home we do hereby
recognize and celebrate the 250th anniversary
of our nation's identity and pledge to continue fostering
an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
God bless America Thank you very much.
I did all that was my Mike off I spoke loud.
I hope you heard me For our next presentations could we.
Can I have the mayor pro tem, please join me ?
All right.
Testing One, two, three.
My mic is on.
This is item 3.2, which are certificates
of recognize Listen to Beth heard
and Rhonda Lundberg for their Firewise USA community
leadership.
And at this time, if you would, please.
Beth heard Rhonda Lundberg.
Please come forward you.
OK So, Greg you got it, right?
Yeah.
So please allow me to share the contents
of this special certificate of recognition Beth
heard and Rhonda Lundberg are dedicated
members of the community associations of Rancho known
as Car And they have demonstrated
exceptional leadership and commitment
to wildfire preparedness through their service to the Rancho
Cielo community through their leadership and collaboration
with residents, local fire officials and community
partners.
Beth and Rhonda played an instrumental role
in guiding Rancho Cielo which is located in Tributo Canyon,
to achieve national recognition as a fire wise USA community
on November 17, 2025, the fire wise USA Program, administered
by the National Fire Protection Association
and recognizes neighborhoods that
worked together to reduce wildfire risk through education.
Defensible space, home hardening emergency preparedness
and community wide mitigation efforts.
Beth and Rhonda's dedication to promoting wildfire resilience
and fostering neighborhood collaboration
has help strengthen the safety preparedness and long term
resilience of the Rancho Cielo community
and their outstanding volunteer service.
Leadership and commitment to protecting
lives homes and the surrounding natural environment.
Exemplify the spirit of community stewardship
and public service So therefore, Beth rhondda,
as the mayor of the city, on behalf of my City Council
colleague it is our great privilege and honor
to have you here tonight and congratulate you
for all of your efforts on making Rancho Santa margarita
a better and safer place.
Thank you Before I would One of you like to say a few words
but before I give them before I give you
that microphone did you draw the short straw Did you win?
I want to make sure you're aware that in addition
to the certificate of recognition from the city
of Rancho Santa margarita you also have received a special
certificate from our 71st District Assemblywoman kate
Sanchez from our state Senator Catherine Blake Spear,
and from Washington, DC, from our Congresswoman Yung Kim
And they each send their congratulation and thanks to you
as well So here you go.
Thank you.
Oh well, thank you, Mayor Bill.
And thank you, Pro-Tem and Figueroa and the whole city
council for this wonderful honor.
I feel so humble at being and i know Rhonda does, too.
It being able to do this When we started back in March of 2025,
we were asked by the chair, Derek McGregor,
if we would be willing to help facilitate the houses that
are in car which is all the enjoys that
are in Rancho Santa margarita are to facilitate doing.
Firewise communities.
And so we jumped at the chance because we
knew how important living in our is
and how far wildfire fires are very likely here
And this particular program does so much
to help the communities become protective
of their own communities so that they can be safe from wildfires.
Appreciate it.
Has helped with menu places.
They are the Firewise community does exist in 42 states
right now and they have helped protect those communities
As a as always with a firewise community,
it takes a community to make it a firewise community.
And that is something that we have been working on.
We currently have Four houses that are working on it.
Rancho Cielo is our first Firewise community and rSM
and really the credit for them becoming a Firewise community
goes to them because it's their committee that
really made that happen.
Rhonda and I were very happy to help
walk them through the process and help them.
Problem solve issues that you have
to do when you're doing the application
as well as how you create your action plan, which
is what helps the community maintain fire
hardening within their common areas
as well as with in each individual's home,
as well as looking at emergency prepared this.
But most of all, what we are hoping
for is that we are going to be able to grow this
so that all HOA is within RSM will have an operating entity
and be willing to become Firewise communities,
because one thing we know is it's not really a matter of
if, it's a matter of when.
We will have another fire here.
And the thing about fire, if you're a firewise community,
you help protect not only your community, but all the people
around you because you're not going
to be more likely to become a victim of the wildfire
in the way it goes.
So thank you very much.
And i know do you mind maybe if I say a couple of things?
I just wanted to say, Beth and rhonda, you
guys are two outstanding women in our city.
And just the countless hours you put
into this Firewise certificate and certification that happened
I know how long that took.
But also your many years on the community association
of Rancho Board as well.
So those meetings are very early in the morning
And how many people there are, there's
probably 30 plus people there at every single meeting.
And you guys do countless stick work.
So thank you for everything you've contributed to our city.
We appreciate it At this time, we're
going to pause and take a few photos
When I put you right in the middle of here
Rhonda, Beth anyone that is here that might want
to come forward and take photos, you're more than welcome
OK, let's take pictures.
OK So let's get it sort of right in the middle.
OK Okay.
Just a little That brings us to item 3.3
on our agenda, which is a certificate of recognition
as part of the business.
Recognize ation program of the city and tonight,
we're going to recognize digital photo graphics.
And I'd like to invite forward at this time dmitri
and Danielle la Magill pardon me, me me.
Hi love.
I hope i got that right, my love Who are the business owners?
And Rob Ellen, the former business owner and Welcome.
Sorry, I stumbled to me.
You.
Thank you Yes you guys.
Come If I could, I'd like to share
the con tense of this certificate of recognition.
Our city council desires to distinguish
with a great appreciation businesses that
have made a signifi can't contribution to the success
and prosperity of our community and digital photographic
has proudly served the art sM community.
For more than three decades, providing
exceptional photography printing and image preservation services
while becoming a trusted local business for residents
throughout all of Orange County digital photo graphics
offers a wide range of professionals services,
including photo printing, photo restoration film processing,
slide and photo scanning video and film
transfers passport photos fine art reproductions
and personalized photo products.
Helping customers preserve cherished memories
for future generations Digital photo graphics is committed
to delivering outstanding customer service combining
advanced technology with person analyzed attention and expert
craftsmanship to ensure every project is completed
with the highest level of quality and care
Digital photo graphics supports the local economy
by serving families, artists, businesses and organizations
with reliable printing imaging and archival services that
preserve personal histories.
Celebrate special occasions and meet the professional needs
of our community Digital Photo graphics
long standing commitment to excellence innovation,
and personalized service reflects the highest tandems
of business operations and contributes to the vitality
the character and prosperity of the great city of Rancho santa
margarita.
So as the mayor on behalf of my city council colleagues
all the residents of this great city,
we're so honored to have you here tonight to thank you.
Digital photo graphics for your outstanding contributions
to our community over three decades.
Thank you for choosing RSM as your business home
I'll mention that you also have certificates of recognition
from your state.
Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez, your state Senator,
Diane Blake Speer, and from your congresswoman Yong Kim.
And they send their congratulations to you as well.
Would anyone like to say a few words?
We'll pass the match.
Let me just say something I'm Rob Ellen.
I'm the original owner, and Danny and Dmitri
took it over a couple of years ago when I decided to retire.
I couldn't have found two better people to turn the business over
to danny as an artist by trade and Dmitri as an engineer
by trade And between the two of them,
they have made some fantastic progress
over the last couple of years.
And I'm so proud to have been part of the team
and i would not have sold this business
to anyone else other than these Two.
So thank you both.
Thank you Thank you so much, Mayor and members
of City Council and everybody who is present
Dimitry Dimitri This is my way of Daniella and i
just wanted to recognize specifically Rob
and his late wife Leslie, core owners of the business
and operating for the vast majority of these 30 years.
So basically, when we took over in 2024,
we just continue to to build on whatever they already
had accomplished for a quite long period of time.
And I must say, we can't thank Rob
enough that he's been making himself available for a council
and help of any kind.
And i hope we're just going to continue working together.
No matter that we are now supposedly running the business
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
It's a real honor.
I get all the credit You get all the I thank
you so much to the city of Santa Maria for recognizing us.
It's it's truly means a lot to us.
Thank you so much I just want to say thank you,
Rob, and thank everybody.
This is amazing.
I'm just holding myself, not crying, because here you go.
Look Thank you so much.
We're going to pause right now and take some photos Anyone that
is in the audience that would like
to may come forward and take as many as you like I'm so sorry.
You open your phone They have their whole paparazzi team
here right now Awesome Thanks, you guys.
Thank you.
Thank you so So before you leave, for anyone listening
or in attendance that might not know where your business is
located maybe you could share that
and how they could reach you?
Yes Um, digital photography is actually located in the Marcelo
the Largo Center, which is on the lake.
Our assembly.
And if you go into the shopping center the easiest thing to find
is.
Is look on the roof We're right under the bell tower Yes.
Not here.
Got it.
Perfect Thank you so much.
Congratulations.
Thank you so much for sharing All right
That brings us to item four public comments This is the time
to address the city council on any matter that is not listed
on the agenda, but that is within the subject matter
jurisdiction of the City Council.
Public comment are limited to three minutes per person,
and there is a time limit of 15 minutes for this first segment
of the public comments portion of our agenda
Those wishing to call in remotely
should complete a request to speak call in form
prior to the public comment section
in order to ensure their timely participation
So Council call leagues.
I'll call your attention first.
We did receive one e comment from Dr. Currie.
Ken Mark regarding early wildfire detection technology
and I believe you each have a copy of that in front of you
here on the Dyess.
You came as city clerk.
Do we have any speaker requests, cards for people in attendance
to speak live?
I don't have any.
We have none We have none.
Do we have anyone that has called in
and wishes to speak We do We have one.
OK Can you connect that person ?
Caller 5099 Caller 5099.
You are being connected.
Now OK so I am speaking and folks hear me.
Yes we can.
Great Thank you.
So this is the first city council meeting with live video
streaming and the opportunity for residents
to call in from home.
This new option will allow for more transparency
into our own council meetings.
The reason the city council voted to do this
was because the State of California
required all city council to provide more than streaming
audio The state mandated that city councils allow residents
to call in from home or have some other way
to interact from home.
There are many reasons to do this
that are unrelated to actually following a law
like it makes it easier for people with kids and jobs
to participate from work or home It
helps those with disabilities who
may struggle with getting to and sitting
through an in-person meeting for those who may not drive
or don't have access to transportation
they can now participate I'm glad this bill passed.
So I want to make an important point residents have been asking
the city to offer live video option for years
and just in the past year, several residents have pointed
out that this live video option would
help immensely those who have jobs, kids and disabilities.
The council has not moved by these pleas
from residents The reason we have this better option today
was that the state stepped in and required it.
The deadline to implement it was July 1 of this year today is
july 8th, and the city certainly dragged it out until that date.
Again, I'm glad we have this transparency,
even though the council wasn't willing to consider it
until they received a mandate or I should
say that even though not all members of the council
were willing to consider it until they received
the mandate from Sacramento In the interest of more
transparency, I would ask that the Council make
sure the instructions and information for the library
was changing or very present on the city's website not
just listed at the top of the agenda,
which is several pages deep in the website
and links out to a PDF file That should be stated clearly
in a central location.
As of now it's not clear and there
isn't any information about how to access it
outside of these agendas I hope the city will
correct this or improve it They also
have a list of every address in the city
I think it will be a wonderful actor Transparency to send
a letter to every address to let them know they can access
the meetings in this way.
I'm not even a little bit optimistic that this council
will do this, which is more evidence of their preference
that residents do not actually attend or comment
at these meetings.
Either way, I hope it's something that they will
consider Thank you Thank you for those comments Are there any
other speakers calling in the city Clerk ?
There are none.
OK.
Thank you.
That brings us to item five, the consent calendar
for all matters on the consent calendar
are to be approved in one motion unless a member of the city
council staff or a member of the public requests
a separate action on any item of the consent calendar
I'm going to go ahead and pull item 5.5, because I understand
a member of the public wants to discuss that.
We need to remove any other items from the consent calendar.
If none.
Is there a motion to approve of the balance of the consent
calendar other than 5.5?
So moved ?
Yeah.
We have a motion Sorry from Ms..
Baird and a second from Mr. Holloway.
All in favor, please say I I mean,
that motion carries unanimously.
Item 5.5.
Ms. City Clerk.
I understand there was a call in request to speak
from a member of the public.
Can we connect that person to explain why?
Will do.
Caller 5099.
You're being connected now.
Thank you I read through the city's letter related
to this item.
The letter related to the grand jury's report
on the California housing mandates
And i think it would be great keeping
with that theme of transparency for my last comment,
if the council would ask residents in the city
how they feel about this or items like this
They said in the letter that they agree
with certain findings of a grand jury
that people in Orange County do not
want certain types of housing, including higher density housing
and housing that would benefit those with lower income.
So it says in Section seven of that letter,
I'm going to read it right now.
Quote, Residents in Orange County
consistently expressed a desire for local planning decisions
to reflect community priorities, including,
but not limited to neighborhood character safety considerations,
the environment and open space preservation.
Quote so the city council consistently
does not ask residents for feedback on anything at all.
Let alone.
This letter and grand jury finding
Tony Beal is probably going to argue
with what I say after they disconnect
near the end of my comment as he is wont to do
But was there a meeting held that was
promoted early and often.
So that residents could speak into this?
I don't think there was or was jammed into a planning
commission meeting that wasn't advertised to residents
in any particular way Once again, the city isn't actually
trying to get the feedback of residents The letter the city
is discussing today states they agree
with that statement in Section Seven
that where county residents feel this way, maybe
they do in general, but do they feel that way
in this particular city?
The city.
These members are here to represent?
We don't know, and neither do they
because they never actually field or answer any questions
from residents about literally anything.
If anybody's been paying attention to city council
meetings So I think we should consider that this letter is
actually showing the feelings of this council of five people
and something like 46 employees of the city
And only those people, this council,
especially the mayor will continue
to behave this way unless we all start
demanding more opportunities to speak into this decisions.
And they give us a moment to actually try to listen.
Thank you for the time.
Thank you for those comments.
In recognition of the fact that we're
a representative government, we Five
are the elected representatives of the people of Rancho Santa
margarita I'm going to go ahead and move approval of this item.
Second, we have a motion in a second.
Is there any discussion ?
Seeing none, I'm going to call for the vote.
All in favor.
Please say I I. That motion carries unanimously.
Thank you All right, so that concludes the consent calendar
And we will now move on to item six, which is public hearing
items 6.1 is a request to continue
the public hearings scheduled for presentation of fees study
report and proposed resolution establishing and adopting update
to development processing fees and other city rates, charges
and fees for services.
This could a good evening.
Thank you, mayor Bill and members of the city council.
As you stated, staff is requesting
that we continue the public hearing on this item.
So that we can present a full user fee study to you
all at your next meeting.
Okay.
Thank you.
Do we need a motion for this?
I'll go ahead and move the staff recommendations.
And our Second, second.
The motion.
A second.
All in favor, please say, I that motion carries unanimously.
Thank you Item seven is new business
7.1 Design review for the Civic Center Non-functional turf
replacement eight and Monument Landscaping
project and misandry Your bra is going to forgive that
in lieu of our public works director
Joe Parker, who is not able to be with us this evening.
Good evening, Miss Brown.
Welcome.
Nice to see you.
Could we please have your report ?
Good evening, Mayor and City Council
This presentation is to go over the turf replacement project
designs for City Hall and bell Tower
This landscape project was a part
of the copy presented for approval for the upcoming year.
The design phase commenced during fiscal year 20 2526.
The areas included the portions of the existing landscape
around City Hall and Bell Tower that had nonfunctional turf.
This includes the serpentine grass
at the front of the building off of El Paso,
as well as a grass rushing along both sides of the roadway on La
Miranda and Richard Reese way.
The monument planners in each parking lot
were added to the project to refresh
with drought resistant plants The impetus for this project
was the determination shown under aB 1572
that the grass areas described around the City Hall and Bell
Tower were considered nonfunctional requiring removal
non-functional turf grass as any decorative or ornamental grass
that is watered by potable water.
AB 1572 applies to all government commercial,
industrial and HOA turf Government agencies must be
in compliance by January 1st, 2027.
The intent of this bill is to help
reduce the collective potable water usage required by grass.
We'll introducing drought resistant
landscaping back into these areas
Above is the site map, highlighting the scope of work
All areas in green are what is being presented
for design tonight.
The grass around the roadway and the serpentine planters
will be removed and replaced with a drought resistant design.
Staff pursuit rebates that are currently
being offered through both the municipal water
district of Orange County, known as Modoc as well
as through the collaborative county efforts through rain
smart rebates Additionally, a sustainable city feature
will be installed This is in order
to capitalize on an already essential project Two
additional measures are taking place
to further water conservation and utilize existing rebates.
The first is the sustainability feature
which will be installed to manage stormwater runoff,
reduce erosion and improve infiltration.
This will be in the form of a dry riverbed located
at the bottom of the serpentine planters.
The second is that the area that can be converted from spray
to drip area excuse me.
The second is that any area that can be converted from spray
irrigation to drip irrigation will
be modified The next slides will showcase
the design options These options focus on the serpentine planter.
Only but the estimated costs are inclusive of the entire project.
This first option illustrates a denser plant design
with smaller three quarter inch rocks.
These can either be in the crest of the blue or shades
or the Baja crest of the bronze shades
for the rock or the rubble.
This is estimated to be somewhere around 116,004
construction This table breaks down the estimated costs
for option one, and you'll see this again for option two
and three with minor changes This section option maintains
the dense plant design seen in option one.
However, larger 4 to 6 inch rocks
will be used at the perimeter while mulch
will be the primary cover.
These can either be in the Crush or both across the as before
and this is estimated to be somewhere around $109,000
for construction This table breaks down the estimated costs
for option two.
The cost difference is on line 18,
with less tonnage set aside for the rock cover as mulch will be,
the sap will be subsidized in this area
instead This third and last option
between for the serpentine grass has a sparser splint installed
option with the rock cover being more visual This design has
a larger 4 to 6 inch rocks as the cover
and can also be in the two color options.
This is estimated to be somewhere around 138,000,
which is slightly above the original budget This final table
breaks down the estimated costs for option three.
The cost differences from the previous options
include a higher cost for tonnage online 18
with the larger rock cover as well as
the differences in costs for the varying plant
sizes and quantities.
Above shows the general design for the roadway as mentioned,
the options presented only cover the serpentine planter
The roadway has limited options due to the maturity
of the existing trees and narrow space.
This will, however, follow the plant pallet
seen in other locations throughout the city that
have already undergone their AB 1572 transformation.
The irrigation will also change from spray
to drip The above depicts the refresher
for the monument planters in the parking lots.
In addition to refreshing the landscape with drought drought
tolerant plants, the hardscape framing the sides, the hardscape
that is framing the sides the signs will also
be altered to larger plant pots This concludes my presentation,
but I will be available to answer any questions.
I also have the landscape designer Arthur
Guy in the audience with me if needed.
Thank you Thank you for that presentation.
Council colleagues.
Any questions for staff?
To my left.
My questions All right.
Yes, Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Pro Tem.
Thank you.
I was just wondering.
So we're talking about option one and option two,
about $7,000 difference.
And you said that was primarily because of the use of mulch.
Yes, correct So I know that we've
had this discussion in the past in terms of mulch
needs to be replaced more often.
Do we know how often we would have to replace the mulch
to make sure that it's looking as good as possible
in ways that can make a difference
and in terms of how much more money we might be spending down
the road?
It would be minimal because there's also
maintenance behind keeping the rocks clean of debris.
The other portion to this.
And the reason why we wanted to include option two
is that we also have sB 1383.
That's always wanting cities to use more of our California
organic mulch.
So it is a good option to have so
that we can add it towards our procurement targets.
But we can provide that cost difference for you,
but it would be minimal between what
it would take to maintain the rocks
and keep them clean versus replenishing the mulch.
OK, great.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Councilmember baer I just have One question regarding
the use of rocks.
Is this something where the rocks would be glued so that
they wouldn't be moving around ?
No, No, they would not be glued down.
OK.
I have to say, I'm not a fan of this state mandate
and I'm heard a lot of complaints
from residents, as Sam Clark has tried
very hard to comply with the state requirement,
pulling out grass, putting in drought resistant plant things.
The the lush green of the community
has turned into more of a brown desert landscape in large parts
of the community.
And I'd like to preserve some of the original thoughts
and colors of this community to the extent
possible I'm curious could you go to whoever's in control?
Slide four Yeah.
So the serpentine turf area is at the very bottom the two
areas, correct?
Yes.
Was there any consideration of ever putting like synthetic turf
grass there And in lieu of what you're proposing here tonight,
that is something that can be looked into.
However, that would not that wouldn't
be that wouldn't fall into the rebates.
So that $28,000 that we're anticipate in getting back
in rebates for the conversion would go away Could it be that
it would still be less money to put in turf than what is being
proposed tonight?
Potential It's something we could look into.
I like the idea of having Green and preserving
sort of more of the character of this civic center area.
To the extent it's possible.
I'm I think it's something to think about.
And it might be worth taking the time to, to look into.
Also some of the plantings that you put in.
And turf is kind of flat.
You're not going to trip over it as easy
as long as somebody might be able to over plant material.
But that's something I would want it to put out
for consideration for there.
And what you're referring to is the monument planters.
What is in those planters right now?
So currently this this is a small picture of it.
You can see that elevated planter.
There are some maybe rose bushes.
It's kind of missing a lot of what it used to have.
And it definitely doesn't have the drought resistant.
We would be maintaining the trees
and just putting in basically more more plants there.
You can see that that that pot is kind of lacking
and needs a better irrigation.
But it's the entire planter would be a part of it.
So that that for lack of a better term, that
c-shaped all of that area would be replenished with the plants.
Is it possible that turf in those small areas
might also be beneficial and you don't have to irrigate it?
You do it one time, and it lasts for years and years
You're saying artificial turf?
Yeah.
Could underneath for a while.
I mean, I love the planters.
I think we could have a more A nicer plant, maybe
a more elaborate pot But, yeah, from a water quality standpoint,
I will always be more on the side of plants.
They help with treating water and they also
help with evapotranspiration which is a huge thing.
And one of the things we push a lot in our and PDS and water
quality discussions, but it is something we could look into.
Well, I know it's not part of the recommendation tonight
I, for one, would like to at least look into it
and know what the cost differential might
be for both of those areas But I'm just one person.
I don't know if anyone else might have an interest
in looking into that as well.
Council colleagues, this would be your opportunity to say,
you're right I agree with you.
I would be interested, especially up in the
in the front area by the serpentine planters
to see the cost of turf cutting there.
Like what the differential would be.
I do understand that we wouldn't get those rebates.
Would there be potential other rebates maybe
we could get because I know there used
to be when you took out grass and replaced it with turf,
the rebates were available.
Could we potentially maybe see other rebates ?
Not for artificial.
No.
OK Anyone else?
Mr. Mayor, I Councilmember Munger
I'm not going to say you're wrong.
Like you wanted someone to say I don't disagree with you
in in with regard to the front of the city hall
area with artificial turf.
But I would certainly want to see
the monument It's the planters around the monuments upgraded.
They don't look like they did ten years ago.
They need it.
I point out One thing when the conversion, the grass conversion
first started, it seemed to me and maybe
I'm looking at the wrong picture,
I'm in page 11, the dwarf needle plumb I believe
that's the plant that was used as page 11 Can we bring up page
11?
I don't have a slide 11.
Yeah there we go.
Apologies.
The bottom left, the natal plumbing See it everywhere
throughout the city.
And you go down Santa Margarita Parkway.
That's all that's there.
But recently, Sam Lark has a long antonio mixed it up.
They have lavender, they have a number
of other plants that are, I think, more attractive.
They've also planted a lot of trees bees,
and I think they've done a really really good job making
it look very, very nice I would want
to avoid whatever we choose to do tonight
or in the future focusing so much on this dwarf navel plum.
And I think I'm picking the right plant.
I'm not a botanist I'm not quite sure,
but it's that low growing plant that
has thorns and hides all the weeds and the weeds
pop up in between that they don't they don't look that great
And again Sam Lark along Antonio.
I think I've done a really, really good job
from Santa margarita Catholic High School, all the way
to the edge of town.
A really good job mixing it up.
And so I would hope that when we decide not tonight,
then in the future as to what we're
going to do around city hall and along Richard Reese way
and keeping in mind what Mayor Bill has said repeatedly
in the past and I completely agree.
I think all of us do.
We always want to wonder around in our minds
what Richard Reese would want And this is truly the Richard
Reese way of doing things.
What he would he approve of this and I
think he would approve of color And so
if whatever we choose to do, I would
hope that the plants that we do plant
are not just the dwarf native plum
and that, frankly, some of the selections here.
Option i think was option one doesn't knock my socks off
with regard to the plants that are being proposed
Option two doesn't necessarily knock my socks off either.
I I would I would hope that whatever option we pick,
maybe there's some variance that we could apply
as to the types of plants that can be planted
But again, that would be something other
than that natal plum, that dwarf native plum
and have some more color around City Hall.
I think that would be nice.
As far as the artificial turf, I don't have a problem with it
in the front of City Hall but certainly the monuments,
I think we need the plants That's my comment that.
I appreciate that.
Councilmember Holloway.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
The area that we're talking about potentially looking
at turf unfair question Any idea what the square footage
range is in that area?
I'm trying to get an idea of how big of an area that is.
The square footage in total, we're looking at, I think
it's 60 300ft² that we are the area that the mayor talked about
putting turf on.
Oh, that's just the time Just that part I do
have those numbers just not on the top of my head OK.
And is it like ten feet by two?
I'm trying to gauge what we're looking at here.
I know is it's not a straight line,
but um the reason I bring that up is if it's not
a gigantic area, I mean, the cost of turf
actually isn't that expensive as it used to be.
I've turf it was amazingly inexpensive
but it doesn't, you know, there's a lot of factors here.
I agree.
I think it's worth a look both financially and we
could grab some turf and put it down there,
get an idea of how it blends in or out.
They'll give you a piece of turf so you can kind of get
an idea of what it looks like.
It's like it's worth the effort to take a look at it This
isn't we don't have any legal timelines here right We do.
Okay.
This has to be implemented completely
reconstructed by January Oh, okay.
OK.
But we do need to do a bid package or a contract
and then start construction.
So we do have a little bit of time.
We could probably come back with those costs.
I believe by the next meeting, which is going to be in August
But I would highly recommend that that some options be
chosen at that meeting.
Mm hmm.
It sounds great Mayor Pro Tem.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
I would imagine, too, if we did turf
in the front area in El Paso, that we
could do some soft vegetation bushes behind it, too.
Right just to soften it in terms of the transition.
Yes There's a planter above the break from the serpentine
that we could.
So I would hope to in terms of just making
it look aesthetically great.
I'm a big fan of turf We just install
it a couple of years ago, I didn't
think I was going to like it as much as I
I do, but it always looks green and always looks beautiful,
so I think it's a good idea.
Thank you.
You, Mr..
Great.
Thank you.
I know staff was just looking for some direction and tonight.
Do you have enough direction based
on what you've heard to bring a look into that turf option,
come back at our next meeting If I could summarize I believe
we have looking at some turf option for the serpentine,
not using the dwarf needle plum, adding some color in.
Is there any preference on mulch versus rock
that would be helpful to know from the council I like rock.
I like rock too It's also the least expensive
or I'm in favor of option one.
If you pick if you need it.
Yes My.
Yes.
Thank you Councilman Robert, can I
just ask a question about the rock
and maybe i'm just overly concerned with people picking up
the rocks and throwing it.
Do we have any of those issues in our area currently now?
Okay then I don't have an issue with it
Good question Any other direction.
You would like?
Any questions you might have for us Nope.
That's it.
Thank you.
Thank you for a great presentation
and for all the work that went into it.
Appreciate it.
So that concludes item 7.1.
We're now in item eight continued items.
We have none.
So we're back to public comments.
Item nine, this is the final time
to have public comments tonight to address the city
council on any matter not listed on the agenda.
But that was within the subject matter jurisdiction
of the City Council.
These public comments also are limited
to three minutes per person I have no speaker requests cards.
Do we have anyone that has called in
and wants to speak tonight We do not.
Okay so that concludes item nine on bringing item ten
City Manager's report.
The City manager.
Anything?
Tonight?
I have nothing further this evening.
Thank you All right, finally, item 11 matters
presented by the mayor, Council members
to my left council member.
Miguel, thank you, Mr. Mayor.
I just want to point out that RSM cares has
a fundraiser called A Night in monte Carlo,
set for Sunday September 13 2026, from 5 to 9 at cylinders.
Mexican Restaurant.
You can go on RSM cares.org and they
are seeking sponsors Is this a fundraiser
for what I consider the heart of Rancho santa margarita?
The very folks to give back to the folks that need it,
the people that are in need in our community,
specifically through the RSM food pantry.
And then I also want to remind everybody and it was brought up
earlier through the city manager our first summer concerts coming
up this sunday, The reflex, they always bring a big crowd,
justifiably so.
If you're free Sunday evening, I can't remember when they start.
6 p.m.
6 p.m..
So come on out Central Park for the first of many summer
concerts.
Thank you.
Thank you Councilmember.
Anything?
Councilman Robert Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
I would just like to take a moment to thank our city clerk
and the entire city staff who worked so diligently
to ensure that tonight's meeting was ready to be livestreamed
and that residents now have the ability to call in and provide
public comment I'd also like to thank my council colleagues
who supported this even though the law did not require us
to video stream.
We as all as a council voted to implement video streaming.
I know that we had a tight timeline
to make sure that the technology was installed.
The processes were developed and everything was thoroughly
tested That required a tremendous amount of work
behind the scenes.
And I sincerely appreciate everyone's efforts.
I'm proud that the city of RSM is now live streaming
our city council meetings.
This is an important step forward
and transparency accessibility and community
engagement It gives residents who
are unable to attend in person, including those
with disabled these mobility challenges transportation
limitations or scheduling conflicts
the opportunity to stay informed about their local government
and participate in the public comments process.
All of my council colleagues believe this.
This was important I believe this enhancement will strengthen
the connection between our City Council and the community.
We serve.
Thank you.
You.
Thank you very much.
All right.
Well, that concludes our agenda tonight.
So I'm going to adjourn this meeting,
the next regular meeting of the city council will be held right
here Wednesday August 12th, 2026 at 7 p.m..
Thank you for your attendance.
This meeting is adjourned