Feb. 6 council meeting summary
Staff report

The Feb. 6 council meeting included a lengthy agenda but little business of significance. Noticeably absent was public discussion of the city attorney's new contract. Following a yearlong debate behind closed doors, the council’s decision to reappoint Richards Watson & Gershon was announced in a Jan. 17 press release. Councilwoman Gail Reavis was absent on Feb. 6.

Few people – about a dozen – stayed beyond Mayor MacLean’s “happy hour” of presentations and his so-called talent feature.

Topics of substance came from the public microphone, where residents pressed for answers about financial matters, public policy, public meeting laws and city code issues. Questions weren’t addressed except for an item regarding the city attorney’s contract. To a resident’s allegations the Jan. 17 special meeting was illegally held, locking out the public and precluding participation, the city attorney responded he believed everything was done appropriately.

MacLean delayed until Feb. 20 nominating a planning commissioner to replace Mary Binning, his appointee who resigned in December.

The council discussed at length a proposed opinion survey involving a 20-minute phone interview of 400 residents. Speakers from the public microphone asked why council members aren’t instead listening directly to community members. Topics eliciting considerable public input have involved zone changes and burying power lines, when residents filled council chambers to capacity. Another resident questioned the survey, suggesting the intent is a push poll designed to form rather than measure public opinion. The council voted 4-0 to spend $20,200 on the survey, which will be conducted by True North Research, Inc.

Without establishing a need, the council approved (4-0) a building-permit penalty-waiver program. Residents who neglected to get a permit for a past project will pay no penalty if they get the project permitted after the fact during a specified four-month period. The amnesty dates will be announced. Also without a basis for need, the council voted 4-0 to direct staff to get quotes for free wireless Internet access for city hall visitors.

Under the city manager’s report, a staffer presented the long-awaited city plan for emergency preparedness. The report included a high number of statements that began “We’re looking at,” “We’re looking for,” and “We’re considering.” The report, which was largely devoid of substance and specifics, sent a message that Mission Viejo residents should prepare on their own for a disaster.