CITY OF DANA POINT
CALIFO
CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY
REGULAR MAY 5, 2026
MEETING 5:00 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 5:00 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 - Entered at 5:04 P.M.
Jamey M. Federico, Council Member
Matthew Pagano, Council Member
Michael Villar, Council Member
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 Sinacori, Director of Public Works/City Engineer; Jonathan Lightfoot, Director of Community Development; Bernice Villanueva, Natural Resource Protection Officer; Jaimie To, Economic Development & Housing Manager; Ryan Haworth, Deputy City Clerk.
CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION, Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(2), (1 case) B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION, Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(1), (3 cases):
a. Center For Natural Lands Management v City of Dana Point, Orange County Superior Court Case No: 30-2021-01219668
b. Center For Natural Lands Management v City of Dana Point (CEQA), Orange County Superior Court Case No: 30-2025-01524239
City of Dana Point
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c. City of Dana Point v. California Coastal Commission, Orange County Superior Court Case No 30-2026-01558283
C. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR, Government Code § 54956.8 Location: Doheny Park Road between Las Vegas Avenue and Camino ~ Capistrano
Agency Negotiator: Rutan and Tucker
Negotiating Parties: City of Dana Point and Various Property Owners Under Negotiation: Price and terms of agreement relating to property Mayor Gabbard recessed the meeting into Closed Session at 5:01 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 6:00 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Federico.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Volunteers of the Quarter - SOS Students
Mayor Gabbard and Mike Darnold, Youth Interventionist at Dana Hills High School, presented Certificates of Recognition to the students of the Dana Hills' S.O.S Club for Volunteers of the Quarter.
National Small Business Week
Mayor Gabbard presented Vickie McMurchie, President of Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, and Jan Meyer, Board Chair of Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, with a Proclamation for National Small Business Week.
READING OF ORDINANCE TITLES
City Clerk, Shayna Sharke, read one (1) Ordinance title.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 11 was removed from the Consent Calendar by the Public.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FEDERICO, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VILLAR, THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS BE ACCEPTED FOR ALL ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR. 2 City of Dana Point
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Federico, Frost, Villar, Pagano, 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, APRIL 21, 2026
APPROVED THE MINUTES.
3. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, MARCH 23, 2026
RECEIVED AND FILED THE MINUTES.
4. FINANCIAL REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES, FEBRUARY 24, 2026 RECEIVED AND FILED THE MINUTES.
5. YOUTH BOARD MINUTES, MARCH 18, 2026
RECEIVED AND FILED THE MINUTES.
6. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
RECEIVED AND FILED THE CLAIMS AND DEMANDS.
7. TREASURER'S REPORT
RECEIVED AND FILED THE TREASURER'S REPORT FROM MARCH, 2026.
8. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT
RECEIVED AND FILED THE QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT FOR QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2026.
9. ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT CONTRACT FOR FY27
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE FOR THE PROVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 (FY27).
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10. LETTER TO CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE'S RECOMMENDATION TO DENY PETITION 2023- 2024MPA_AM, PROPOSING THE EXPANSION OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MARINE
PROTECTED AREA
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE CALIFORNIA FISH AND
GAME COMMISSION SUPPORTING THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE'S RECOMMENDATION TO DENY PETITION 2023-2024MPA_AM TO EXPAND THE LAGUNA BEACH MARINE PROTECTED AREA.
11. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HERITAGE PARK MONUMENT
PROJECT
Item 11 was removed from the Consent Calendar by the Public.
Matthew Sinacori, Director of Public Works/City Engineer, provided a Staff Report Brief discussion ensued.
Terry Rifkin (Dana Point 5'h Marines) thanked the City Council for their support on the Heritage Park Monument and shared information regarding a traveling photographic war memorial.
Brief discussion ensued.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VILLAR, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FEDERICO, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) APPROVE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO UNITED BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES, LLC FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HERITAGE PARK MONUMENT PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT; and 2) APPROPRIATE THE CITY'S PORTION OF FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT FROM CIP #1383 HERITAGE PARK MONUMENT PROJECT, AS OUTLINED IN THE FISCAL IMPACT SECTION.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Federico, Frost, Villar, Pagano, Gabbard
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
:
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mary Herron (Dana Point) thanked Mayor Gabbard and Council Member Federico for their support of Diane Dixon in District 5 and thanked Staff for their work maintaining parkway trees. She expressed concerns regarding AB 2624 and AB 2017, encouraged in-person voting, commented on candidates running for office, and raised concerns about lithium batteries and potential safety issues. 4 City of Unca Regutar Meting Minutes May 5, 2026
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
'None.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Gabbard moved the order of New Business to hear items 16 and 15 prior to the other items.
16. AWARD OF A CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE DEL OBISPO PARK MODIFICATION PROJECT (CIP #1369)
Mayor Gabbard moved Item 16 up on the agenda.
Matthew Sinacori, Director of Public Works/City Engineer, provided a Staff Report.
Discussion ensued.
Wayne Yost (Dana Point) spoke in support of the project to add additional pickleball courts.
Buz Buster (Dana Point) spoke in support of the project to add additional pickleball courts.
Pam Wheeler (San Juan Capistrano) spoke in support of the project to add additional pickleball courts.
Doug McCafferty (Dana Point) spoke in support of the project to add additional pickleball courts and recommended that foul ball netting be added to the baseball Discussion ensued.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAGANO, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VILLAR, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) APPROVE AWARD OF THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO ELEGANT CONSTRUCTION,
INCORPORATED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE DEL OBISPO PARK MODIFICATION PROJECT (CIP #1369), AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT AND APPROVE ANY NECESSARY CHANGE ORDERS; and
2) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A STANDARD CONSULTANT SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH GMU GEOTECHNICAL FOR MATERIALS OBSERVATION AND TESTING SERVICES FOR CIP#1369 AS OUTLINED IN THE FISCAL IMPACT SECTIONS; and 5 City of Dana Point
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026
3) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A STANDARD CONSULTANT SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH WESTLAND GROUP, INCORPORATED, FOR SURVEYING, CONSTRUCTION STAKING AND MONUMENT PRESERVATION FOR CIP #1369, AS OUTLINED IN THE FISCAL IMPACT SECTION; and
4) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A STANDARD CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RJM DESIGN GROUP, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING:
SUPPORT SERVICES DURING CONSTRUCTION FOR CIP #1369, AS OUTLINED IN THE! FISCAL IMPACT SECTION; and
5) APPROVE EXPENDITURES AND BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS FOR CIP #1369 AS OUTLINED IN THE FISCAL IMPACT SECTION.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Federico, Frost, Pagano, Villar, Gabbard
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
15. INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING UPDATED SPEED LIMITS ON SEVERAL
CITY ROADWAYS
Mayor Gabbard moved Item 15 up on the agenda.
Matthew Sinacori, Director of Public Works/City Engineer, provided a Staff Report.
Discussion ensued.
John Miller (Dana Point) spoke in support of reduced speed limits.
Erik Perkowski (Dana Point) spoke in support of reduced speed limits and expressed concern about someone setting off explosions near Strands Beach.
Discussion ensued.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FEDERICO, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VILLAR, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) INTRODUCE AND HOLD THE FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 26-XX ENTITLED:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA AMENDING DANA POINT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 12.16.010, ESTABLISHING
UPDATED SPEED LIMITS FOR PORTIONS OF PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, NIGUEL ROAD
AND SELVA ROAD IN THE CITY OF DANA POINT PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE; and
2) DIRECT STAFF TO INSTALL SPEED HUMPS ON SELVA ROAD BETWEEN OCEAN FRONT 6 ity of Dana Poil
ity Council Regular Meeting Minut May 5, 2026
AND DANA STRAND (NORTH) BASED ON THE SPEED AND VOLUME DATA COLLECTED; and
3) APPOINT A COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE 2005 LONG NAME POLICY AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO APPOINT TWO COUNCIL MEMBERS TO THE COMMITTEE.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Federico, Frost, Pagano, Villar, Gabbard
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
12. LONG-TERM FINANCIAL PLAN UPDATE
Sea Shelton, Director of Administrative Services, provided a Staff Report.
Discussion ensued.
THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVED AND FILED THE LONG-TERM FINANCIAL PLAN UPDATE AND AUTHORIZED THE PERSONNEL UPDATE OUTLINED IN THE REPORT.
13. CONTRACT WITH LSA - PACIFIC POCKET MOUSE MONITORING Bernice Villanueva, Natural Resource Protection Officer, provided a Staff Report.
Discussion ensued.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VILLAR, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FEDERICO, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE, TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LSA ASSOCIATES FOR TRACK TUBE MONITORING OF
THE PACIFIC POCKET MOUSE ON CITY-OWNED PROPERTIES WITHIN THE DANA POINT HEADLANDS CONSERVATION AREA; and
2) AUTHORIZE THE FUNDING OUTLINED IN THE FISCAL IMPACT SECTION.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Federico, Frost, Pagano, Villar, Gabbard
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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14. SENATE BILL 707 PRESENTATION AND INTRODUCTION OF POLICIES RELATED TO
BROWN ACT CHANGES
Shayna Sharke, City Clerk, provided a Staff Report.
Brief discussion ensued.
THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVED AND FILED THE PRESENTATION ON SB707 AND PROVIDED RECOMMENDATIONS TO STAFF ON EXISTING CITY COUNCIL POLICIES NO. 119 AND NEW POLICIES 120, AND 121.
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 thanked Jaimie To and Staff for their work on State of the City.
Council Member Pagano stated that he has turned in his list of meetings and had nothing to report.
Mayor Pro Tem Frost stated that he will turn in his list of meetings and commended Shayna Sharke for her work on the Senate Bill 707 presentation. He also thanked Leadership and Staff for their efforts related to Strands Beach.
Mayor Gabbard stated that he has turned in his list of meetings, thanked Jaimie To for her work on State of the City, and announced upcoming events around Dana Point.
STAFF REPORTS
Kelly Reenders, City Manager, thanked Jaimie To and Staff for their work on State of the City.
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 in honor of Jean-Pierre "The Fly" Van Swae at 7:26 P.M. He announced that the next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be May 19, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. in the City Council Chamber located at 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210, Dana Point, California.
Laura Silen
SHAYNA SHARKE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AT THE MEETING OF JUNE 2, 2026.
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Meetings attended since April 22, 2026
Mayor Gabbard
24/22/2026 Frank Restrepo Farewell - Capo Beach
14/23/2026 OCCOG Board Directors Meeting
)4/23/2026 ibrary Advisory Board Executive Committee Meetin 34/24/2026 White Rooster Taste of Dana Award
04/24/2026 Dana Point Women's Club Diamond Celebration
04/27/2026 OCTA Fifth District Mayors Forum
04/29/2026 Ribbon Cutting for Mother's Market
04/29/2026 State of the City 2026
04/29/2026 CJPIA: Elected Officials Summit
04/30/2026 CJPIA: Elected Officials Summit
05/01/2026 CJPIA: Elected Officials Summit
05/03/2026 REDO Market
05/04/2026 Strand HOA Board Meeting
Mayor Pro Tem Frost
Council Member Pagano
04/27/2026 Financial Review Committee
Council Member Federico
04/04/2026 OCTA Executive Committee
04/22/2026 OCTA Exec Briefing
04/24/2026 Dana Point Women's Club
04/27/2026 OCTA Board
04/27/2026 OCTA Mayor's Forum
04/29/2026 State of the City
Council Member Michael Villar
- 04/29/2026 State of the City 2026
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