April Baumgarten

The agenda for this Regular Meeting includes several key items. The meeting covers receiving and filing the City Treasurer's Report for December 2025 and approving the payment register dated January 21, 2026. A major item is a Public Hearing concerning Conditional Use Permit CUP-2025-0003, a request by The Camino School/St. Nicholas Catholic Church to allow an educational institution use, modify off-street parking provisions, and install an outdoor shed. Another public hearing addresses City Council Salary and Expense Reimbursement, with a recommendation to introduce an ordinance to increase salaries. City Council Business includes appointing delegates for the Southern California Association of Governments 2026 General Assembly and directing staff to draft an ordinance regarding City Council term limits. The document also details the process for public comments, remote viewing options, and provides an affidavit of posting from January 16, 2026.

The meeting commenced with adherence to standard procedures regarding public comments on agenda and non-agenda items, including time limits and response protocols. A key segment involved a ceremonial presentation recognizing Marshia Miliker's 40th anniversary of service as a member of the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees, highlighting the significant growth and success of the associated colleges, Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College, and the Emeritus Institute. Subsequently, a presentation was made by Damen Hickman regarding the Recycle from Home community recycling pickup service, which offers residents payment for cans and bottles while diverting recyclables from landfills at zero cost to the city. The council members expressed interest in the program's model and indicated the need to consult with city management regarding potential implementation or partnership, particularly considering the city's structure as primarily a homeowner association.

The meeting, which was called to order on Monday, December 22nd, primarily focused on the potential lease of a portion of City Center Park to the Orange County Fire Authority for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a new fire station. Following prior discussions and receipt of the required findings letter from the state clearing the property as exempt surplus land, the council considered approval of the ground lease agreement. Council members expressed strong support, noting this project has been long overdue. Discussions also covered the required easement agreement with the El Toro Water District for joint access to the site and the subsequent timeline for design and construction. Additionally, council members provided reports on external meetings, including the League of Cities lunch, and a board member announced their upcoming promotion and departure. The Vector Control District meeting report noted the approval of the district manager's revised compensation and contract extension, along with reports on seasonal mosquito activity slowing down for the winter.

The meeting included discussions and a proclamation for Family Caregivers Month in November 2025. Public comments addressed concerns about the Orange County Power Authority's (OCPA) increasing electricity rates and greenhouse gas emissions compared to Southern California Edison (SCE). The city treasurer presented a report as of October 31st, 2025, detailing cash and investments, special revenue funds, and trust funds. A quarterly financial report for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025-2026 was presented, highlighting revenues from cannabis business taxes, development processing fees, and sales taxes, as well as expenditures and fund balances.

The City Council held a regular meeting where they discussed and approved a proclamation for Nurse Practitioners Week, received a presentation on earthquake safety and preparedness, and reviewed the City Treasurer's Report for September 2025. They also approved several items on the consent calendar, including the City Council meeting minutes, payment register, a memorandum of understanding for a countywide mass notification system, and local California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. A public hearing was held regarding the 2025 California Building Standards Code and local amendments, which was continued to a later date, and another public hearing was held for a conditional use permit related to the redevelopment of an existing automobile service station. The council also discussed and approved the Woods End Wilderness Preserve Trail Drainage and Improvement Project, including adopting a resolution, approving project plans and specifications, and awarding a contract for the construction.