Council recognizes outstanding individuals and receives news City revenues have increased
The City Council on Tuesday recognized some outstanding individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving our country and community.
The Marines of the Quarter from Mission Viejo’s adopted Headquarters Battalion of the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton were feted for their outstanding efforts. Employees from the City, Mission Viejo Police Services and Orange County Fire Authority were also recognized for being 2021 Employees of the Year.
The Council also proclaimed March as “Red Cross Month” to recognize the humanitarian spirit that is part of the foundation of the American Red Cross and exemplified by its volunteers and donors.
In other Council business, City staff provided the Mid-Year Budget Review, which details how City revenues have increased, adding nearly $900,000 to the City’s General Fund.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the ordinance amending the City’s Municipal Code to transition to district-based voting passed unanimously and was adopted. Map A will be used for the November election.
The City Council 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
When are the electrical…
When are the electrical wires going to be removed at LaPaz and veterans ways. This is my second request.
The City's press release…
The City's press release notes the following: "During Tuesday’s meeting, the ordinance amending the City’s Municipal Code to transition to district-based voting passed unanimously and was adopted."
So in response to this suppressed or muted public information, let me add some context to that sentence because I believe the City is derelict in informing the public about the importance of the Council's vote.
First, let me first state that our right to vote is the only power voters have. And on March 8, 2022, the Council voted AGAINST allowing 100% of the voting public the right to vote in the upcoming November 2022 council elections.
We know that on June 23, 2020, the Council voted to extend the terms of Council Members Bucknum, Raths and Sachs to November 2022. On January 11, 2022, a formal complaint was executed asking the State Attorney General to sue in quo warranto. These council members are waiting for a decision from the AG if he will take action to remove them from office.
On September 14, 2021, the Council disguised their decision to extend the terms of office for Council Members Kelley and Goodell. This action was done under City Attorney Report. This was a non-agendized discussion. The Minutes do not reflect this action.
On February 22, 2022, again under City Attorney Report and AFTER the public had left the Council Chambers, the Council confirmed extending the terms of office for Trish Kelley and Brian Goodell to November 2024.
The members of the public went to that February 22 Council meeting to specifically address the election maps and were purposely denied its opportunity to have a voice in their elections. Again there was not a Staff Report that would alert the public, and the Minutes do not acknowledge the discussion. In fact, the City Attorney Report has been totally eliminated from the Minutes.
This Ordinance, which defines that members of the city council are to be elected by district, with boundaries as identified on the Council District Map. Commencing November 2022, "the voters in Council Districts 1, 3, and 5 shall elect Members of the City Council by district for full four (4) year terms per section 2.04.140. At the general municipal election in 2024 and thereafter, the voters in Council Districts 2 and 4 shall elect Members of the City Council by district for full four (4) year terms per Section 2.04.140."
The public was not only shut out from addressing alternative voting options, such as electing an "at large" mayor, the Council refused to discuss options for allowing 100% of the public to vote in the November 8, 2022 council elections.
So that is just a little bit more information for the public to digest and research to form its own opinions. Voters in District 2, represented by Trish Kelley and District 4, represented by Brian Goodell, have been restricted from voting for their council member until November 2024.
Thank you for your comment…
Thank you for your comment. As to the overhead wiring at La Paz and Veterans Way, the wiring was installed as a result of damaged underground conduit, which in part damaged the signal conductors. As a temporary solution, the City installed overhead wiring to keep the signal operational. At a recent City Council Meeting, the Council approved the item to repair the damaged conduit and reinstall the underground conductors, and you may read the report through the following link https://bit.ly/3o69M5q. Public Works anticipates the work to be completed at the end of the month.
