April 2 Council Meeting Summary
Editorial staff

Items of interest on the April 2 council agenda included city contracts for waste disposal and the discussion of transportation issues. The council adopted resolutions regarding completion of the 241 Foothill South corridor and formed an ad hoc committee to discuss an east-west arterial between Antonio Parkway and the 73.

One resident spoke during public comments about parking problems near the sports fields on Alicia Parkway at Via Linda. Neighborhood streets, including Via Logrono, are posted to disallow park visitors from parking on residential streets. The speaker cited safety and noise problems, as well as the inconvenience caused by park users whose cars block RV access drives and prevent residents from using spaces near their homes. Staff members acknowledged they knew about the problems. No explanation was given as to why the city hadn’t responded on the basis of residents’ complaints. The city will direct sports leagues to inform park users not to park on residential streets. Despite posted signs being ignored by park users, the council took no other action to enforce measures already in place.

The council acted on two items related to a moratorium, due to expire May 16, on allowing medical marijuana dispensaries in Mission Viejo. One item was disposed of quickly with a 5-0 vote to pass an ordinance prohibiting land uses that contravene state or federal law. The council also amended city code to add a section prohibiting all land uses in violation of state or federal law. Federal law allows prosecution of marijuana growers and users, including those who have a doctor’s approval.

Councilman John Paul Ledesma nominated Jay Standish as his Investment Advisory Board appointee, and the council unanimously approved.

A lengthy discussion followed the introduction of recommendations regarding contracts with waste haulers. The council voted 5-0 to extend the agreement with Madison Materials for processing of construction and demolition waste through Dec. 31, 2010. With a 5-0 vote, the council approved raising the gate fee charged to Mission Viejo customers for recycling and processing construction and demolition waste at Madison Materials’ processing facility. Also with a 5-0 vote, the council directed staff to prepare an amendment to the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement with Waste Management through Dec. 31, 2010. With Councilman Ledesma dissenting, the council voted 4-1 to accept a rate increase to $58.10 per ton for waste-to-energy diversion requested by Waste Management for commercial customers.

As odd commentary, various staff members and at least one council member said suggested actions (usually referred to as recommendations) by the ad hoc committee and city staffers weren’t recommendations. At one point, Mayor Gail Reavis asked council members to state any discussions they had held with waste contractors, and all five members said they had participated in such discussions. What the mayor should have requested is total amounts each council member had accepted from waste contractors as campaign donations. According to their campaign finance reports, all five council members accepted significant amounts from both Ware Disposal and Waste Management. Residents should not expect an objective discussion among elected officials in conducting city business with their campaign financiers. As no surprise, all council comments about waste haulers were highly favorable. Also noteworthy, Ledesma was the only council member who voted against having the city’s largest businesses pay a substantial rate increase. A city staff member quickly pointed out that the rate increase wouldn’t affect residents. However, council members ran on platforms of being “business friendly,” and only Ledesma voted against the increase.

Councilwoman Kelley made a motion for the city to donate $5,000 toward Saddleback College’s Veterans Memorial, which has a total price tag of $200,000. Kelley, as usual, focused on herself and her role in the project. The council unanimously approved the $5,000 expenditure, and a public speaker supported the project, which will be funded with donations. The city’s $5,000 contribution will pay for a bench and plaque. Residents might be amazed at the low price, considering the last time the council paid for a place for the public to sit. On March 19, a council majority approved more than $375,000 for a bathroom in Melinda Park.

Councilman Ledesma introduced an item “to build common ground” between the city governments of San Juan Capistrano and Mission Viejo. An ad hoc committee comprised of Councilmen Ledesma and Frank Ury will work with San Juan Capistrano’s ad hoc committee regarding an east-west alternative to widening Ortega Highway. Mission Viejo’s ad hoc committee will present a report at the next council meeting, April 16.