City Council discussed new Core Area community communication campaign, e-bikes and more
The City Council on Tuesday received a presentation of a new community communication campaign showcasing the Core Area Vision Plan concept, reviewed a report regarding the Capital Improvement Project budget, and heard an update about e-bikes, among other business.
Council Members considered a vibrant presentation about the newly-updated EnvisionMV.com website created for the Core Area Vision Plan and the communication campaign – “COME PLAY IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD” – to connect the community to exciting information, events, and current and future details about the heart of Mission Viejo. Following the item, numerous residents expressed their excitement about the new concepts and hopes of enjoying a new community gathering spot for recreation, shopping and dining in Mission Viejo. Assistant City Manager Keith Rattay spoke of the critical need for such a location, as five projects in adjacent communities are aimed at drawing visitors and tax dollars away from Mission Viejo. Folks are encouraged to participate in a series of upcoming presentations of the concept at the Planning and Transportation Commission, Community Services Commission and City Council Meetings, beginning on May 8.
As another part of the City’s process for developing the FY 2023-25 City budget, the Council studied a report regarding the Capital Improvement Project budget.
Council Members also discussed a detailed presentation by Chief Chris McDonald about e-bikes, Orange County Sheriff’s Department efforts and what they are seeing in the community. The OCSD will host a Bicycle Safety Rodeo on May 12 and the Bike-X23 special event about bike safety on May 19.
In other Council news, Orange County Supervisor Orange County Supervisor Donald Wagner gave a presentation to appreciate the work by the Council and residents to see Mission Viejo once again ranked as one of the safest cities in California.
The City Council normally meets at 6 pm on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. 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.
Comments
Since there is not a Vision…
Since there is not a Vision Plan feasibility study, if nothing else, the council needs to answer these questions:
1. Does this vision plan violate the CC&R's? If so, what is the remedy? It also appears that the Village Center will now be known as Los Osos.
2. Is the city using hyperbole to gain public approval? What is obtainable vs. financial reality? What are the legal rights of the property owners? Is the city destroying the viability of the shopping center to force compliance?
3. Does the City have compliance from the surrounding property owners or what means will the City use to gain compliance? Will permits to upgrade their properties be denied or withheld unless the property owners comply and conform to the heavy hand of government?
4. Lawsuits could take years to settle. I fail to see how the City has the legal right to pursue this Vision on private property. The Council needs to have a clear understanding of the lawful rights of all parties. Up to this point, the city attorney has been wrong on almost every aspect on the election lawsuits. I would get several written legal opinions from law firms not associated with Harper & Burns and not rely on the opinion of one city attorney or law firm thta financially benefits from city lawsuits.
5. What is the remaining balance of the bond money? Also, the council and public should see an accounting of bond money expenditures to date.
6. What are the boundaries of this proposed 200 acre park? Does the city have the legal authority to turn a shopping center into a park?
7. What is the timeline for completion of the vision plan?
8. What is the cost to complete?
9. What is the expected return on investment?
10. Has there been an identified revenue stream to pay back the bonds?
11. Has there been an identified revenue stream to fund the infrastructure projects that are owned by the Santa Margarita Water District but paid by the City?
12. What is the timeline and projected cost for the City's other vision plan for the golf course and open space?
13. Can the City successfully evolve two vision plans? If so, how?
14. What are the funding sources for each of the two visions plans?
15. Regarding the golf course and open space vision plan, when did our Mission Viejo citizens express a desire to build three hotels?
