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Council splits on using reserves to rehabilitate Sierra Recreation Center; motion fails

Mission Viejo City Council · April 22, 2025
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Summary

Councilmember Trish Kelly moved to fund a $1.75 million rehabilitation of the Sierra Recreation Center from reserves; the motion failed after mixed votes. Staff estimated using reserves would lower projected year‑end reserves from about 48.8% to roughly 46.6%; council asked staff to study funding options and revisit the idea at the budget true‑up.

Councilmember Trish Kelly moved on April 8 that the council approve funding for the Sierra Recreation Center rehabilitation from reserve funds and described a $1,750,000 estimate for the project. Kelly said delaying the work risks higher future costs and referenced prior council decisions to spend reserves on community amenities.

“I would like to move that we approve funding for the Sierra Recreation Center rehabilitation,” Kelly said during the CIP discussion. Finance staff provided a reserves projection in response: “If we factor in utilizing reserves for the Sierra Recreation Center rehabilitation project at 1,750,000, that would reduce that reserve level to about 46.6%,” the finance director said, noting the March projection of 48.8% would fall to roughly 46.6% under that scenario.

Several council members said they supported the idea in principle but wanted more study on funding sources and timing. Mayor Bob Reese seconded the motion, but Councilmember Bucknam and Councilmember Vasquez expressed that additional analysis was needed before committing reserves. After the roll call the motion failed; Kelly asked the council to consider revisiting the project when the city does its year‑end true‑up and if surplus funds materialize.

Council directed staff to return with more precise numbers and options for funding the rehabilitation, including developer park fees, grants, or a phased approach. No appropriation was approved at the meeting.

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