Council approved park and animal shelter enhancements and more

The City Council on Tuesday approved upgrades at three City parks, enhancements at the animal shelter and received an update regarding the City's financial performance.

Council Members unanimously approved awarding a contract to replace the rubberized surfacing on the playgrounds at Granada Park, Bart Spendlove Park and Valyermo Park. Due to steady use, the play surfacing at the popular parks has become weathered and cracked.

The Council also unanimously approved purchasing equipment for the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center that includes an electric cart and three outdoor shade structures to cover the exercise and adoption areas. The funding source is derived from accumulated donation revenues and will benefit the center and its animals while they wait for forever homes.

In a related item, City Manager Elaine Lister announced that Mission Viejo Animal Services recently received a $90,000 grant from the ASPCA for the purchase of an emergency response trailer. MVAS deployed emergency response teams to assist with the Palisades Fire and other disasters, so the grant funding will be vital to the department's ongoing efforts.

Council Members also received a report about the City's financial performance for Fiscal Year 2024/25. Following that, Council discussed allocating available one-time General Fund resources to various operating programs and capital projects.

The City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Per Council policy, the next meeting - and last meeting of the year - will be on December 9. 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.