CITY OF DANA POINT
CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY
REGULAR
APRIL 21, 2026
MEETING
4:30 P.M.
MINUTES
Location: City Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210, Dana Point, California 92629 Next City Council Ordinance No. 26-05
CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Dana Point, California, was called to order by Mayor Gabbard at 4:31 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
John Gabbard, Mayor
Mike Frost, Mayor Pro Tem
Jamey M. Federico, Council Member
Matthew Pagano, Council Member
Michael Villar, Council Member - Entered at 4:47 P.M.
STAFF PRESENT: Kelly Reenders, City Manager; Jeff Rosaler, Assistant City Manager; Patrick Munoz, City Attorney; Shayna Sharke, City Clerk; Sea Shelton, Director of Administrative Services; Captain Frank Gonzalez; Matthew Kunk, Deputy Public Works Director; Jonathan Lightfoot, Director of Community Development; Melissa Muraira, Deputy Director of Community Services, Jaimie To, Economic Development & Housing Manager; Ryan Haworth, Deputy City Clerk.
CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - LITIGATION STRATEGY REVIEW INCLUDING POTENTIAL DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING EXISTING LITIGATION, Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(1), (10 cases)
a. City of Dana Point v. Sunshine Group LLC (Seaside Inn), Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2017- 00915900
b. Concerned Residents of Dana Point vs. City of Dana Point, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 2019- 01117892
c. Center For Natural Lands Management v City of Dana Point Trail, Orange County Superior Court Case No: 30-2021-01219668
City of Dana Point
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026
d. Mitchell Carr vs. City of Dana Point, et al., Orange County Superior Court Case No 30- 2018-00970749
e. City of Dana Point v. Paul Frederic Meyers, Trustee of the Meyers Family Trust, Orange County Superior Court Case No: 30-2022-01301502
f. ST Apartments vs. City of Dana Point; Orange County Superior Court Case No 30-2024- 01397922
g. California Housing Defense Fund, et al, v City of Dana Point, Orange County Superior Court Case No 30-2025-01483327
h. Travis Mellem v. City of Dana Point, Orange County Superior Court Case No 30-2025- 01476752
i. Center For Natural Lands Management v City of Dana Point (CEQA), Orange County Superior Court Case No: 30-2025-01524239
i Co 30-202a-0Pritz. California Coastal Commission, Orange County Superior Court Case B. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, Government Code § 54957 a. Title: City Manager
Mayor Gabbard recessed the meeting into Closed Session at 4:33 P.M. pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.
RECESS OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING UNTIL 6:00 P.M.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Gabbard reconvened the meeting at 6:01 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Captain Frank Gonzalez.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
VFW - First Responders of the Year
• Law Enforcement - Deputy Joseph Hodges
Mayor Gabbard, Captain Frank Gonzalez, Wayne Yost (VFW Post 9934), and Rick Jauregui (VFW Post 9934) provided a Certificate of Recognition to Deputy Joseph Hodges for 2025 VFW Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026
• Firefighter - Clay Mottern
Mayor Gabbard, Captain Frank Gonzalez, Wayne Yost (VFW Post 9934), Rick Jauregui (VFW Post 9934), Battalion Chief Neal McCann, and Chief Cheyne Maule provided a Certificate of Recognition to Clay Mottern for 2025 VFW Firefighter of the Year. • Employees of the Quarter - Bola Soliman and Reggie Jurado Mayor Gabbard and Matthew Kunk, Deputy Public Works Director, presented Bola Soliman, Assistant Engineer and Reggie Jurado, Engineering Tech Ill with Certificates of Recognition for Employees of the Quarter.
READING OF ORDINANCE TITLES
There were no Ordinance Titles.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 8 was removed from the Consent Calendar by Staff.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FEDERICO, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAGANO,
THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS BE ACCEPTED FOR ALL ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEM 8.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Federico, Frost, Pagano, Villar, Gabbard
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
1. WAIVE THE READING OF ORDINANCES AND APPROVE READING BY TITLE ONLY
APPROVED THE READING BY TITLE ONLY OF ALL ORDINANCES AND THAT FURTHER READING OF SUCH ORDINANCES BE WAIVED.
2. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES, MARCH 17, 2026
APPROVED THE MINUTES.
3. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
RECEIVED AND FILED THE CLAIMS AND DEMANDS.
4. TREASURER'S REPORT
RECEIVED AND FILED THE TREASURER'S REPORT FROM FEBRUARY, 2026.
5. LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH STEVEN H. KAUFMANN FOR MATTERS RELATED TO
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH NOSSAMAN LLP, SPECIFICALLY FOR STEVEN H. KAUFMANN
FOR LEGAL SERVICES RELATED TO THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION, ON TERMS SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF THE CITY ATTORNEY; AND, APPROVED THE BUDGET ADJUSTMENT AS OUTLINED IN THE FISCAL IMPACT SECTION OF THIS REPORT.
6. BIENNIAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION AND EXPENDITURE LIMITS ADJUSTMENT ADOPTED RESOLUTION 26-04-21-01 ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA,
ADJUSTING THE CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION AND CAMPAIGN LOAN LIMITS TO REFLECT CHANGES IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 2.05.058 OF THE
DANA POINT MUNICIPAL CODE
7. AMENDED AND RESTATED NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) STORMWATER PERMIT IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT AND
ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT.
8. DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Item 8 was removed from the Consent Calendar by Staff.
Jonathan Lightfoot, Director of Community Development, provided a Staff Report.
Discussion ensued.
IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR PRO TEM FROST, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VILLAR, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE THE REPORT.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Federico, Frost, Pagano, Villar, Gabbard
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mary Herron (Dana Point) thanked the City for addressing the water district herbicide issue and spoke in opposition to lithium battery facilities, noting planned expansion in California, Texas and Arizona. She also spoke regarding the negative long-term health effects related to these facilities.
Susan Parks (CEO - Orange County United Way) distributed 211 resource cards and shared information about Orange County United Way and the 211 service.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026
Stuart Stivers (Dana Point) spoke regarding parking issues at the South Coast Development between PCH and Del Obispo.
Mia La Londe (Capistrano Beach) spoke regarding the high cost of rent and requested that the City * explore rent stabilization laws to support working families.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9. POLICE SERVICES - DANA POINT COMMUNITY REPORT
Captain Frank Gonzalez provided a Staff Report.
Discussion ensued.
THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVED AND FILED THIS REPORT.
10. ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL POLICY 112 - MEMORIAL DONATION PROGRAM Melissa Muraira, Deputy Director of Community Services, provided a Staff Report.
Brief discussion ensued.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FEDERICO, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
PAGANO, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT THE PROPOSED REVISIONS TO CITY COUNCIL POLICY NO. 112.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Federico, Frost, Pagano, Villar, Gabbard
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
NEW BUSINESS
11. CALL FOR ARTIST FOR MURAL AT THE DANA POINT HEADLANDS Jeff Rosaler, Assistant City Manager, provided a Staff Report.
Discussion ensued.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026
IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR PRO TEM FROST, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VILLAR,
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE A CALL TO ARTISTS FOR AN OUTDOOR MURAL AT THE RETAINING WALL ADJACENT TO THE DANA POINT NATURE INTERPRETIVE CENTER.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Federico, Frost, Pagano, Villar, Gabbard
NOES: None
ABSENT: None.
COUNCIL REPORTS, INCLUDING CITY RELATED MEETINGS ATTENDED Council Member Federico stated that he has turned in his list of meetings and had nothing to report.
Council Member Villar stated that he has turned in his list of meetings and had nothing to report.
Council Member Pagano stated that he will turn in his list of meetings and stated that the Coastal Animal Services Authority (CASA) is participating in California Adopt a Pet Day and hosting a Low-Cost Vaccine Mayor Pro Tem Frost stated that he has turned in his list of meetings, commented on neighboring cities facing financial challenges, and commended the City for making smart financial decisions for the community.
Mayor Gabbard stated that he has turned in his list of meetings and announced upcoming events around Dana Point.
STAFF REPORTS
Kelly Reenders, City Manager, had nothing to report.
City Attorney, Patrick Munoz, had nothing to report.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council at this session, Mayor Gabbard adjourned the meeting at 7:11 P.M. He announced that the next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be the State of the City on April 29, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Dana Point Yacht Club, 24399 Dana Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629, Dana Point, California.
Shepafel
SHAYNA SHARKE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AT THE MEETING OF MAY 5, 2026.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026
Meetings attended since March 18, 2026
Mayor Gabbard
03/18/2026 Bon Appétit Bistro Café and Bakery Ribbon Cutting • 03/18/2026 BIASC PAC 2026 Gala
03/19/2026 OCMVCD Board of Trustees Meeting
03/20/2026 Dana Point, Legislative and Local Affairs Coffee Chat 03/22/2026 Roth Capital Conference
03/23/2026 Roth Capital Conference
03/24/2026 Roth Capital Conference
03/23/2026 New California Coalition Mayor's Panel
03/26/2026 OCCOG Board of Directors Meeting
03/27/2026 Moulton Water District General Manager Lunch 03/28/2026 Ocean Institute Gala by the Sea
03/30/2026 HOA Community Leaders Meet and Greet
04/02/2026 South Orange County Economic Coalition Mayor's Briefing 04/03/2026 Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Networking
04/04/2026 City of Dana Point Easter Egg Hunt
04/04/2026 Gentlemen's Cut One Year Anniversary Celebration 04/06/2026 OCCOG April Executive Management Committee Meeting 04/09/2026 SCAG Joint Meeting of Policy Committee, and Regional Council Meeting 04/10/2026 OC Park Commission Tour of Laguna Canyon Preserve 04/10/2026 CALCOG Board Meeting
04/11/2026 Coffee with Strand HOA Board Member to Discuss Funicular 04/13/2026 Meeting with Brenda Caloca with Community Relations and Outreach Branch of the California Department of Insurance
04/14/2026 Road Sign Reveal for Clean California Community Sign and Stand Up To Trash 04/15/2026 Dana Point Harbor Presentation - LAI
04/15/2026 Dana Point State of the City Interview Prep with Chairwoman Valbuena 04/16/2026 Medal of Honor Annual Luncheon by OC Sheriffs Advisory Council 04/16/2026 OCMVCD Budget Committee Meeting and Board of Trustee Meeting 04/19/2026 Taste of Dana Event for Dana Hills High School Athletics Mayor Pro Tem Frost
03/18/2026 OCHFT
03/26/2026 ACC-OC
a 03/26/2026 OCFA
03/28/2026 Coffee with a cop
03/30/2026 Strands HOA Community Meeting
04/14/2026 Stand Up to Trash Chamber Meeting
04/16/2026 Medal of Valor
7 ity of Dana Poin
ity Council Regular Meeting Minute: April 21, 2026
Council Member Pagano
Council Member Federico
03/18/2026 OCTA Exec Brief
03/19/2026 OCTA Finance Committee
03/23/2026 OCTA Board
03/25/2026 Legal Subcommittee
04/04/2026 City Easter Egg Hunt
04/06/2026 OCTA Exec Committee
04/08/2026 OCTA Exec brief
04/13/2026 OCTA Board
04/15/2026 ACC-OC Exec Committee
04/20/2026 Legal Subcommittee
04/21/2026 OCTA EOC Ad Hoc Committee
Council Member Michael Villar
No meetings attended.