Rancho Santa Margarita public meetings in 2024
34 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council Regular Meeting and Public Financing Authority Meeting
The City Council will certify the November 2024 election results, install newly elected officers, and reorganize with election of a Mayor Pro Tempore. Consent items include approval of $2,066,275.56 in warrant registers, a $105,100 roof replacement contract for City Hall/Bell Tower, and a $30,450 ballroom floor renovation. Under new business, the Council will vote on a $2,767,430.30 construction contract for the Antonio Parkway Gateway Improvements Project and consider appointments to boards including the Orange County Fire Authority.
- Certify results of General Municipal Election held November 5, 2024
- Award $2,767,430.30 contract to C.S. Legacy Construction for Antonio Parkway Gateway Improvements
- Approve warrant registers totaling $2,066,275.56
- Approve $105,100 professional services agreement with Allana Buick & Bers for City Hall/Bell Tower roof replacement
- Appoint representatives to Orange County Fire Authority Board and other agencies
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Rancho Santa Margarita Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two conditional use permits: one for an existing restaurant at 22342 El Paseo, Suite F2, to allow beer and wine retail sales, outdoor dining, and live entertainment; and another for a sports training facility at 29851 Aventura (Suites N, O, P). The commission will also discuss AB 413, the Daylighting to Save Lives bill. Routine items include approval of November 6 meeting minutes and holiday closure announcements.
- Public hearing on Planning Application RSM 24-009: Conditional Use Permit for beer/wine sales, outdoor dining, and live entertainment at 22342 El Paseo, Suite F2
- Public hearing on Planning Application RSM 24-013: Conditional Use Permit for a sports training facility at 29851 Aventura (Suites N, O, P)
- Discussion of AB 413: Daylighting to Save Lives bill
- Approval of Planning Commission minutes from November 6, 2024
- Notice of City Hall holiday closure December 25, 2024 through January 1, 2025
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will discuss the City Manager's annual performance evaluation and compensation. The body is also considering a contract for traffic signal enhancements and an update to the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
- Public Works construction contract for Traffic Signal Enhancements Project to Streetlight Restoration Specialists, Inc. for $198,460
- Warrant registers totaling $829,004.06
- Draft Local Hazard Mitigation Plan update for submission to Cal OES and FEMA
- Resolution amending City Council Policy No. 1.3 regarding the selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore
- Approval of Measure M2 expenditure report for Fiscal Year 2023/24
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Rancho Santa Margarita Planning Commission will meet to approve minutes from October and discuss a draft update to the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Commission will also vote to recommend that the City Council authorize the submission of this plan to Cal OES and FEMA.
- Approve October 2, 2024 meeting minutes
- Receive draft Local Hazard Mitigation Plan update
- Recommend City Council authorize plan submission to Cal OES and FEMA
- Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving holiday closures announced
- RSM Chamber of Commerce community update scheduled
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will review several consent calendar items, including traffic signal synchronization and landscape maintenance. The body is also deciding on a construction contract for ADA curb ramp installations.
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $1,392,009.15
- Regional traffic signal synchronization project for Antonio Parkway, Avenida de las Banderas, and Avenida Empresa
- Contract amendment for Greentech Landscape, Inc. increasing the maximum amount by $173,420 to $418,267
- Construction contract for ADA Curb Ramp Installation Project awarded to TVR Construction Engineering, LLC for $135,100
City Council Special Meeting
The City Council will convene in a special closed session to confer with legal counsel. The meeting is dedicated to discussing two existing litigation matters.
- Case: Michelle R. Jackson dba Law Offices of Michelle R. Jackson v. City of Rancho Santa Margarita (Case No. 30-2024-01419113-CU-WM-WJC)
- Case: Virginia Thomas v. City of Rancho Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation, Andre Landscape (Case No. 30-2024-01396694-CU-PO-CJC)
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will consider updating the fee for the Orange County Sheriff's Department Traffic Violator Apprehension Program. The body will also review warrant registers and a software license agreement for permits and code applications.
- Public hearing to update the Traffic Violator Apprehension Program fee
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $364,589.08
- Assignment and Assumption Agreement with CityTech Solutions for permits and code applications software
- Certificate of Recognition for Santa Margarita Ford Dealership
- Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week (October 6-12, 2024)
City Council Regular Meeting
The Rancho Santa Margarita City Council will consider routine consent items, approve proclamations for Hunger Action Month and World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and award an $80,750 public works contract for the FY 2024‑2025 annual concrete repair project to TVR Construction Engineering. The council will also terminate the local emergency declared after the airport fire and approve warrant registers totaling $1,451,560.24. These actions are part of the regular meeting agenda on September 25, 2024.
- Waive reading in full of all ordinances on the agenda (Consent Calendar)
- Approve proclamations for Hunger Action Month and World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
- Approve warrant registers dated September 9 and 16, 2024 totaling $1,451,560.24
- Award $80,750 public works construction contract to TVR Construction Engineering for FY 2024‑2025 concrete repair project
- Adopt resolution terminating the local emergency declared in response to the airport fire
City Council Regular Meeting
The council will consider a series of ordinances (ZCA 24-001 through 24-005) that amend the zoning code to establish workforce housing overlay, mixed‑use districts, and other housing development standards as required by the 2021‑2029 General Plan Housing Element. Additional items include waiving reading of ordinances, approving a certificate of recognition for Adventures in Advertising‑The Stanley Group, adopting an ordinance regulating e‑bikes, approving a purchase order for a Ford F150 Lightning electric vehicle, and authorizing a response to the Orange County Grand Jury report on e‑bikes.
- Adopt Zoning Code Amendments ZCA 24-001 to 24-005 for housing element implementation
- Adopt Ordinance regulating regulated mobility devices such as e‑bikes (Ordinance No. 24-03)
- Approve Purchase Order to Santa Margarita Ford for a 2024 Ford F150 Lightning EV ($71,923.85)
- Approve warrant registers totaling $373,649.58
- Approve Certificate of Recognition for Adventures in Advertising‑The Stanley Group
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to decide on conditional use permits for two fitness-related businesses. The body will also review and potentially approve the meeting minutes from August 7, 2024.
- Conditional use permit for a pilates studio at 22361 Antonio Parkway, Suite E-130 (Plaza Antonio Shopping Center)
- Conditional use permit for a gymnasium (EOS Fitness) at 30501 Avenida de las Flores
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will consider several zoning and general plan amendments to implement the 2021-2029 Housing Element. The meeting also includes discussions on e-bike regulations and city speed limits.
- Public hearing for General Plan Amendment 24-001 and Zoning Code Amendments 24-001 through 24-005 for the Housing Element Implementation and Rezoning Project
- Proposed ordinance to regulate mobility devices such as e-bikes
- Ordinance to update city speed limits based on Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS)
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $1,634,660.45
- Contract amendment for Dudek, Inc. increasing the maximum amount by $160,000 to a total of $343,905
City Council Regular Meeting
The council will vote on several consent calendar items, including waiving reading of ordinances, approving city records disposal, and authorizing a $154,828.13 purchase order for traffic signal enhancements with South Coast Lighting & Design, Inc. New business includes the first reading of a speed‑limit amendment ordinance and adoption of Caltrans design standards for Arroyo Vista. The meeting also features public comments, a city manager report, and various committee reports.
- Approve $154,828.13 purchase order with South Coast Lighting & Design, Inc. for traffic signal enhancements (Item 5.10)
- Approve $48,118.04 VoIP system agreement with GoTo Communications, Inc. (Item 5.8)
- First reading of ordinance amending speed limits, including CEQA exemption (Item 7.1)
- Adopt Caltrans Highway Design Manual Topic 405 for Arroyo Vista intersection (Item 7.2)
- Approve warrant registers totaling $3,476,518.95 (Item 5.6)
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will discuss the conceptual design and policy direction for a proposed Veterans Monument project located at Central Park. The meeting also includes several consent calendar items regarding city business and upcoming community events.
- Conceptual design review of the proposed Veterans Monument Project at Central Park
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $564,919.62
- Business recognition for Black Market Meal Prep
- Report on the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District
- Oral report on the Orange County Fire Authority
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Planning Commission will review two public hearing items regarding land use permits. These include a request for alcoholic beverage retail sales and outdoor dining at Mercado Del Lago Shopping Center, and a proposal for a new wireless communication facility attached to an existing water tank.
- Conditional Use Permit for alcohol retail sales and outdoor dining at 31431 Santa Margarita Parkway, Suites L and M
- Conditional Use Permit for a new wireless communication facility on Assessor Parcel Number 805-501-06
City Council Regular Meeting
The Rancho Santa Margarita City Council will act on routine approvals and new service contracts. The agenda proposes allocating $1,985,000 in state road repair funds for projects on Alicia Parkway and Antonio Parkway, and approving a three-year, $1,219,900 contract for citywide school crossing guard services. Council members will also consider agreements with the City of Mission Viejo for homeless outreach and animal control services, plus updates to city personnel policies. These actions will affect local street conditions, student safety, and municipal service delivery for residents.
- Allocate $500,000 for the Residential Overlay Project (Zone 6B), $800,000 for Alicia Parkway pavement rehabilitation, and $685,000 for Antonio Parkway median construction.
- Approve a three-year, $1,219,900 contract with All-City Management Services, Inc. for citywide school crossing guard services.
- Consider a one-year, $68,600 agreement with the City of Mission Viejo for 20 hours per week of homeless outreach services.
- Review a seven-year agreement (with a five-year extension option) for animal control and shelter services with the City of Mission Viejo.
- Adopt amendments to city personnel policies covering travel reimbursement, sick leave, and annual leave buyback programs.
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will consider the adoption of the annual operating budget and a seven-year capital improvement program. Additional items include law enforcement service agreements, municipal election resolutions, and citywide maintenance contract amendments.
- Adoption of FY 2024/25 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program
- Law Enforcement Services agreement with Orange County estimated at $11,853,107
- Amendment to PV Maintenance, Inc. contract for $2,798,145 increase
- Resolutions regarding the November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election
- Warrant registers totaling $599,344.70
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Planning Commission will review Public Works projects included in the proposed Seven-Year Capital Improvement Program. The body is asked to adopt a resolution finding these projects in conformance with the General Plan.
- Review of Fiscal Year 2024-25 Public Works projects
- Adoption of resolution for General Plan conformity for the Seven-Year Capital Improvement Program and Street Maintenance Program through 2030-31
- Approval of April 3, 2024, meeting minutes
City Council Special Meeting
The City Council will convene in a closed session to consider a specific personnel matter. The meeting includes an annual performance evaluation for the City Manager.
- Public employee performance evaluation: City Manager - Annual Performance Evaluation
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will review several consent calendar items including warrant registers and student recognition certificates. The agenda also includes a public works contract for wood trimming and the appointment of a labor negotiator for the City Manager's annual evaluation.
- Award of $47,500 construction contract to Color New, Co. for City Hall and BTRCC exterior wood trimming
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $1,571,372.20
- Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem Brad McGirr as labor negotiator for the City Manager's evaluation
- Proclamation of National Public Works Week, May 19-25, 2024
- Oral report on Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agencies
City Council Special Meeting
The City Council will hold a study session to review the Fiscal Year 2024/25 budget development work papers. Members will also discuss the status of the current Capital Improvement Program and potential projects for the upcoming seven-year program.
- FY 2024/25 budget development workshop
- Review of FY 2023/24 Capital Improvement Program status
- Proposed seven-year Capital Improvement Program (2024/25 to 2030/31)
City Council Special Meeting
The City Council will hold a study session to review the Fiscal Year 2024/25 budget development. The council will also discuss proposed projects for the seven-year Capital Improvement Program through 2030/31.
- Fiscal Year 2024/25 Budget Development Workshop
- Review of Seven-Year Capital Improvement Program (FY 2024/25 to 2030/31)
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will hold public hearings regarding adjustments to the city's master fee schedule based on inflation. They will also review the 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant funds. Additionally, the council will consider a contract amendment for youth recreation services.
- Public hearing on amending the Master Fee Schedule based on Consumer Price Index increases
- Public hearing on the 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan for CDBG funds
- Amendment to the Boys and Girls Clubs agreement, adding $120,000 for a total of $480,000
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $330,879.15
- Notice of completion for the 2023-24 Annual Residential Overlay Project
City Council Special Meeting
The City Council will convene in a closed session to consult with legal counsel. The discussion concerns potential litigation from the Law Offices of Michelle R. Jackson alleging a violation of Elections Code Section 10010(f).
- Closed Session: Conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation involving the Law Offices of Michelle R. Jackson
City Council Regular Meeting
The Rancho Santa Margarita City Council will review the FY 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant Expenditure Plan. The Council also plans to consider several public works contracts, including projects for LED lighting and residential street sealing.
- Agreement with CR&R Inc. for citywide street sweeping totaling up to $1,332,987.41
- Contract for City Hall and BTRCC interior LED lighting conversion for $666,204.80
- Contract for the Annual Residential Slurry Seal Project in the amount of $271,800
- Review of the FY 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant Expenditure Plan
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $1,331,795.11
City Council Regular Meeting
The Rancho Santa Margarita City Council will review several professional service agreements and financial policies. The agenda includes adopting a new investment policy and approving various contract amendments. The council will also address bank deposit agreements and recent warrant registers.
- $810,000 increase for Charles Abbott Associates, Inc. engineering services
- $169,891 contract with Davis Farr, LLP for audit and accounting services
- $17,000,000 deposit agreement limit with Bank of Southern California
- Rejection of all bids for the Solar Crosswalk LED Signs Project
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $1,129,557.11
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a fitness facility at 21612 Plano Trabuco Road, Suite L. The commission will also review the March 6, 2024, meeting minutes and note an upcoming medication take-back event.
- Conditional use permit for a fitness facility at 21612 Plano Trabuco Road, Suite L
- Approval of March 6, 2024, meeting minutes
- National Prescription Medication Take Back Day on April 20, 2024
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will review several items including a contract amendment for bridge preventative maintenance and the approval of warrant registers totaling $1,354,858.78. The meeting also includes reports on the Community Emergency Response Team and the 2023 General Plan annual progress.
- Amendment to Mark Thomas & Company, Inc. for E/B Santa Margarita Parkway Bridge and Antonio Parkway Bridge maintenance ($78,120 increase)
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $1,354,858.78
- Business recognition for RSM Complete Auto Care & Transmission
- Oral report on Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agencies
- General Plan Annual Progress Report for 2023
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will review the Fiscal Year 2023/24 General Fund budget performance through December 31, 2023. The council will also consider resolutions to update the Capital Improvement Program for HVAC upgrades and a power supply replacement project.
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $370,052.55
- Notice of completion for City Hall Interior Painting Project
- Budget amendments for HVAC unit upgrades and UPS replacement project
- Electronic waste disposal event scheduled for March 30, 2024
- Update on engineering and traffic surveys regarding speed limit reductions
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Planning Commission will review a staff presentation regarding the 2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report. The commission is also scheduled to approve meeting minutes from February 7, 2024.
- Review of 2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report
- Approval of February 7, 2024, meeting minutes
- Electronic waste disposal and document shredding event on March 30, 2024
- E-bike safety event on March 16, 2024
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will consider establishing a sidewalk vending regulatory program and associated permit fees. Additionally, they will review landscape design concepts and budget amendments for the SR-241 and Santa Margarita Parkway project.
- Adoption of Ordinance No. 24-01 establishing a sidewalk vending regulatory program
- Resolution to establish fees for sidewalk vending permits and appeals
- Amendment to BGB Design Group, Inc. contract increasing total amount to $43,000
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $1,562,415.42
- Rejection of all bids for the Melinda Road at Santa Margarita Parkway left turn lane project
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will consider the first reading of an ordinance to establish a sidewalk vending regulatory program. The agenda also includes approving a $829,425 contract for a residential overlay project and a $98,500 agreement for a hazard mitigation plan update.
- Introduction of an ordinance establishing a sidewalk vending regulatory program
- $829,425 contract award to Hardy & Harper, Inc. for the Annual Residential Overlay Project
- $98,500 agreement with De Novo Planning Group for a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
- Notice of completion for the Antonio Parkway Pavement Rehabilitation Project
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $1,223,264.81
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
The Planning Commission will hold elections for a new Chair and Vice-Chair. The commission will also conduct a public hearing regarding a permit for a rooftop wireless communication facility at 22032 El Paseo. Additionally, members will select a representative for the CDBG Public Service Grant Advisory Committee.
- Election of Planning Commission Chair and Vice-Chair
- Public hearing for a rooftop wireless communication facility (RSM 23-010) at 22032 El Paseo
- Selection of a commissioner for the CDBG Public Service Grant Advisory Committee
- Approval of December 6, 2023, meeting minutes
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will review presentations from the Orange County Fire Authority and City of Hope. The council is also scheduled to approve warrant registers totaling $1,074,263.42 and a resolution to update rules of decorum for meetings. Additionally, several community members and student groups will be recognized.
- Resolution to amend City Council Policy 4.4 regarding meeting decorum and procedures
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $1,074,263.42
- Presentation on the Orange County Fire Authority Behavior Wellness Program
- Recognition of the Santa Margarita Catholic High School Girls Golf Team
- Receipt of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year ended June 30, 2023
City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council will review design concepts for landscaping at the SR-241 and Santa Margarita Parkway intersection. The agenda also includes approval of warrant registers totaling $1,714,533.71. Additionally, members will discuss a proposal for a historical items display at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center.
- Approval of warrant registers totaling $1,714,533.71
- Design concept review for landscaping at SR-241 and Santa Margarita Parkway
- Resolution regarding the Federal Transportation Improvement Program
- Planning Commissioner appointment for 2024
- Proposal for a historical items display at Bell Tower Regional Community Center