Council approves plans for Wildfire Fuel Reduction Project, receives update on LOS OSOS project

The City Council on Tuesday approved the plans for the Mission Viejo Wildfire Fuel Reduction Project and received an update on the LOS OSOS project, among other business.

Council Members unanimously approved plans and specifications for the Mission Viejo Wildfire Fuel Reduction Project. The City, working closely with the Orange County Fire Authority, applied for and was awarded a $2 million Cal Fire "State Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funding" grant. The project's objective is to clear and maintain hazardous fuels to a safe height, remove dead or dying plant materials, and remove selected non-native trees in areas designated by the State as High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

After Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) General Manager Robert Grantham gave a presentation about the status and timeline of the Oso Creek Water Reclamation Plant Improvement project, City Manager Elaine Lister provided an update about the LOS OSOS project. While SMWD is redesigning its site plan and because of the current closures of Michael's, Party City and Big Lots in the Village Center, the City is using this time to further enhance relationships with property owners and evaluate all options. This could potentially lead to a more comprehensive plan for the center located in the heart of Mission Viejo. The City received construction proposals for Phase 1 of LOS OSOS and paused consideration of an award to further research the bids and evaluate the new options - including a possible public-private partnership. The City remains fully committed to a downtown vision as well as to fiscal prudence, and this temporary pause allows time for the situation and vacancies to evolve to help ensure the best possible project for the community.

During the presentation portion of the meeting, Council Members recognized members of the City's adopted Headquarters Battalion of the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton for their outstanding efforts. Corporal Christon Miena was honored as "Marine of the Quarter" and Sergeant William Jones as "Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter."

The Council meets 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.