Council honors City Manager, High School Marching Band and receives report on Climate Change Mitigation efforts

City Manager Dennis Wilberg was honored by the City Council Tuesday for receiving the prestigious Wes McClure Award from the League of California Cities for his decades-long dedication to mentoring others. Wilberg has served as an advisor for city managers throughout the state and is the longest-tenured city manager in Orange County. Throughout the years, he has mentored future city managers through a university fellowship program as well as regional and international organizations. In Mission Viejo, Wilberg also worked with other city officials to create the second-largest animal shelter in Orange County; build an advanced water treatment facility; and increase public safety. He has held leadership roles with Cal Cities and the Orange County Council of Governments.

Council Members also feted the Thundering Mustangs marching band from Trabuco Hills High School for winning the California State Western Band Association's Grand Championship for Class 1A-3A for the second consecutive year. High school Instrumental Music Director Brad Pollock spoke of how proud he was to have worked with all the dedicated students and parents who contributed to a stellar season. 

In a response to a request from Mayor Trish Kelley at the last Council meeting, Director of Community Development Elaine Lister provided a detailed report about the variety of Climate Change Mitigation efforts underway at the City across all departments.

Council Members also approved a new event structure at the Garden + Grille at the Oso Creek Golf Course. The structure will allow the facility to provide additional rental services for events.

In other Council news, Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control Director of Scientific Technical Services Amber Semrow gave an interesting report on the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) project, a promising new tool that could help combat the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. 

The Council regularly meets for 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.