Council to honor retiring Assistant City Manager and consider potential ballot measure July 9

The City Council on Tuesday, July 9 will recognize Mission Viejo’s retiring Assistant City Manager; consider ongoing service of the MV Shuttle; and host a public hearing regarding a potential ballot measure.

The business portion of the meeting starts at 6 pm in the Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center.

For his tremendous efforts since he began working for this City in 1995, retiring Assistant City Manager Keith Rattay will be honored for his outstanding legacy of service to the community. Keith’s creative energies have left an indelible impact on Mission Viejo. In fact, he distinctively etched his artistic mark across the City at numerous spots along the Oso Creek Trail; all City parks and facilities including the Civic Center, Recreation Centers, Animal Services Center, Oso Creek Golf Course and LOS OSOS; beloved holiday lighting displays; the design of businesses throughout the City; iconic City events; and much more.

During the business portion of the meeting, the Council will consider an amendment for continued service of the MV Shuttle. Later this month, the City hopes to receive new grant funding from OCTA, which would add a third bus and expanded service hours including morning service to Mission Viejo High School. The new grant would also fund special event shuttle service starting with the Prelude in the Park and Symphony in the Cities event on August 3.

Following the findings from the Community Opinion Survey presented at the May 14 City Council Meeting, the Council will hold a Public Hearing to consider a potential ballot measure to increase the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Mission Viejo has a lower TOT than surrounding cities and the Orange County average. Survey results show that the community appears to be in favor of making the TOT more in line with other Orange County cities.

The agenda Tuesday also includes a report from Orange County Fire Authority Fire Chief Cheyne Maule regarding what the fire authority has been experiencing in the area; expectations for the coming months; and a construction update on the new Fire Station 24 at the corner of Marguerite and Via Angelina.

Council meetings are streamed live on the City’s website and air on Cox Channel 30 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the City's eNewsletter and follow the City's official social media sites for the most accurate, up-to-date information.