Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL
VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING
January 11, 2022
A Virtual Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was called to order on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, in the City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California, Mayor Kempf presiding.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Kempf
PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: COUNCILMEMBERS: Blake, Iseman, Weiss, Whalen ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Mayor Sue Kempf led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION
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Conference with Real Property Negotiators (pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8): two items - price and terms of payment for (1) possible acquisition of property at 30516 Coast Highway; City negotiator is Shoreh Dupuis, City Manager; property owner representative is Roman Catholic Bishop of Orange; and (2) possible lease of property at 355, 359, 361, and 363 3rd Avenue; City negotiator is Shoreh Dupuis, City Manager; property owner is Laguna Presbyterian Church.
City Attorney Phil Kohn reported that though there was no reportable action from this evening's Closed Session, he wanted to announce for the record that the Council received a status report and authorized continuing negotiations with the Roman Catholic Bishop of Orange on the possible acquisition of property at 30516 Coast Highway, and received a status report and authorized continuing negotiations with Laguna Presbyterian Church on the possible lease of property at 355, 359, 361, and 363 3rd Street.
EXTRAORDINARY BUSINESS
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Proclamation Recognizing February 2022 as Ethnic Diversity and Black History Month in Laguna Beach. Mayor Sue Kempf noted the special events scheduled to occur in February for Ethnic Diversity and Black History Month, and she thanked Councilmember Peter Blake and staff for working with Dr. Rebecca Washington-Lindsey on bringing this forward. Dr. Washington- Lindsey described the goals of her organization, We All Matter. Mayor Sue Kempf then read the proclamation recognizing February 2022 as Ethnic Diversity and Black History Month in Laguna Beach.
Moved by Mayor Sue Kempf, seconded by Councilmember Peter Blake, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve the proclamation recognizing February 2022 as Ethnic Diversity and Black History Month in Laguna Beach.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
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Gene Felder again requested a direct answer on whether or not the City Council discussed litigation at the June 29, 2021, Closed Session regarding the Hotel Laguna project.
Ann Christoph, John Thomas, Carly, Sam Richardson, Ruben Flores, Anne Caenn, and Lisa LaCorte requested that the City Council rescind the January 15, 2022, deadline for the South Laguna community garden park and extend the earmarked funding.
John Thomas asked if the subcommittee meetings to develop a parking master plan are open to the public.
Johanna Felder read an email she received from Councilmember Peter Blake, asserting that it violates the City's Decorum and Civility policy.
Ruben Flores suggested that the proclamation be amended to remove "Black History" to include everyone.
Chris Catsimanes stated that he did not complete the survey because of how the questions were posed. He also chastised the Council regarding Councilmember Peter Blake.
Lester Mackenzie, Rector of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, thanked the Council for the proclamation recognizing February 2022 as Ethnic Diversity and Black History Month, and stated that he looked forward to attending the events in February.
Sylvia Allen, South Laguna, described her experience related to heavy police presence due to a domestic violence call at her neighbor's, and requested more transparency, noting that she was denied information when she went to the police station, and instead had to read details about the incident in the Laguna Beach Independent.
Trish Sweeney requested that the Council rescind its censure of Councilmember George Weiss since the District Attorney's office stated that there was substantial evidence of violations of the Brown Act by the Council related to the June 29, 2021, Closed Session.
Karen Martin asserted that the survey questions are leading, not distinct, and the survey does not use proper survey methods.
Gianfranco, resident on Broadway, requested greater enforcement on vehicle noise, and also stated that loud machinery is used in the early morning hours for power washing of the sidewalks and street cleaning.
Jane Leary thanked the City's efforts in reducing the use of leaf blowers, specifically thanking Meriem and Susan in Code Enforcement.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
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City Treasurer Laura Parisi reported that she has once again been appointed to the League of California Cities Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee.
City Clerk Ann Marie McKay encouraged residents to submit an application for one of the upcoming openings on Council-appointed committees, by January 21, 2022. She also reminded the public that they can submit records requests online using the new records request software system.
McKay also advised that the proponents of the Laguna Residents First ballot initiative submitted the signatures to place it on the ballot; the Orange County Registrar of Voters has until February 23, 2022, to verify the signatures. Once the signatures are officially verified, the City Council must certify the results of the verification at its next regular meeting.
City Manager Shoreh Dupuis reiterated that the City used consultant Polco to administer the survey, noting that Polco administers such surveys nationwide, utilized by over 500 cities, and is endorsed by the League of California Cities and ICMA (International City Management Association). Dupuis noted that the survey has a series of standard questions about City services and programs, with some Laguna Beach-specific questions added.
Regarding Ms. Allen's concerns related to criminal activity in South Laguna, City Manager Shohreh Dupuis stated that Police Chief Jeff Calvert will contact Ms. Allen to discuss the issue privately because it cannot be discussed in an open forum.
City Attorney Phil Kohn responded to Mr. Gallis' request related to the lawsuits, advising that the legal costs related to the new Historic Preservation Ordinance remain the same as he last reported, about $41,000, because a stay order is in place until the outcome of the California Coastal Commission hearing, which is tentatively scheduled to occur in February. Kohn advised that there is a court status conference currently scheduled on March 22, 2022. Regarding the lawsuit related to the approval of the Kirby project on Hawthorne Road, Kohn advised that it is in process of being briefed on merits, with a hearing scheduled on February 4, 2022, and the costs to the City to date is about $25,000.
Regarding the subcommittee meetings to develop a parking master plan, City Manager Shoreh Dupuis advised that the meetings are not open to the public, but the subcommittee will provide periodic updates to the Council.
Public Works Director Mark McAvoy provided a brief presentation updating the Council on the enhanced lighting that will be installed in Council Chambers, which will be dimmable and controlled in zones.
Police Chief Jeff Calvert recounted the sustained effort the Department has taken to address loud vehicles, with a "zero tolerance" approach. He also advised that staff is working on having laws revised to increase penalties.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
Councilmember George Weiss requested that the Mayor take action on Councilmember Peter Blake's email. Councilmember Weiss also commented on survey results provided by the President of the Police Association, and encouraged the City Council, City Manager, and City staff to review those results and take the results seriously. Councilmember Weiss also requested verification that the community survey sample adequately represents everyone. Councilmember Weiss expressed frustration in getting agenda items on the calendar in a timely and fair fashion, and read Resolution 68.88, which indicates Councilmember-requested items are to be placed on the next agenda, or the following if necessary. Councilmember Weiss requested an item titled "12-day notice for agendas" be placed on the next agenda.
Councilmember Toni Iseman stated that she did not complete the survey because it is not anonymous, it requires an email address. City Manager Shoreh Dupuis explained that the survey is confidential, not anonymous; the information requested is to ensure respondents are Laguna Beach residents and are not taking the survey multiple times, but the identifying information is only provided to Polco, not the City.
Regarding the new Council Chambers lighting, Councilmember Toni Iseman requested that it respects the history of the room and addresses glare. Councilmember Iseman also reported that Southern California Edison has advised her that it will provide information regarding the revenue it receives for renting out its poles. Regarding loud exhaust, Councilmember Iseman recounted her experience during a recent meeting with a resident. Police Chief Jeff Calvert confirmed that enforcement is continuing. Councilmember Iseman expressed her dismay that the subcommittee meetings to develop a parking master plan are not open to the public. She also requested that the advisory regarding arundo be mentioned again in the City's community newsletter, more prominently. Councilmember Iseman also recommended rescinding Councilmember George Weiss' censure.
Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen noted that the Downtown Specific Plan was unanimously approved by the California Coastal Commission, and he thanked the Mayor and Community Development Director Marc Wiener for the efforts that went into obtaining the approval.
Mayor Sue Kempf noted that the community survey closes tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. She also reported that an agreement was made last week for Rivian to share use of space on Ocean Avenue for its renovation, which will avoid closure of a lane on Coast Highway. Mayor Kempf congratulated Cultural Arts Manager Siân Poeschl, Arts Program Coordinator Michael McGregor, and the Arts Commission, for the nomination by the Arts Alliance for the City's temporary art program, noting that the 2022 Art Star Awards ceremony will occur on Sunday April 24, 2022. -4-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember George Weiss, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1-7, and 9.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Approved the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of December 14, 2021.
WARRANT LISTING
Approved the General Warrants and payroll disbursements.
Warrants: $2,128,445.31 12/10/2021
$2,988.218.54 12/23/2021
$5,116,663.85
Payroll #12: $1,332,065.50 12/03/2021
Payroll #13: $1,322.943.30 12/17/2021
$2,655,008.80
Total $7.771.672.65
CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
(1) Rejected Claim #20-25 filed by Dirk Silva;
(2) Rejected Claim #21-22 filed by Carlton Sherrod; and (3) Rejected Claim #21-24 filed by Frances Helfat.
4. CITY TREASURER'S MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2021 Received and filed the Monthly Investment Report for November 2021.
FINDINGS FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS OF CITY COUNCIL AND CITY
COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND OTHER BODIES PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361
Adopted Resolution #22.001 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, MAKING FINDINGS AND
DETERMINATIONS FOR AUTHORIZING AND CONTINUING VIRTUAL
MEETINGS OF CITY COUNCIL AND CITY COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND OTHER BODIES PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361." -5-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
AMENDMENT TO LANG PARK COMMUNITY CENTER LEASE AGREEMENT
WITH BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
Amended Agreement #21-55 with Boys & Girls Club for a new lease rate of $500 per month for space located in the Lang Park Community Center.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES AT 1391 SOUTH COAST HIGHWAY (COAST LIQUOR) Approved the installation of a wall-mounted sculpture titled "Pelican Surfers" by Casey Parlette to satisfy the Art in Public Places for the Coast Liquor redevelopment located at 1391 South Coast Highway.
2022 STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen pulled this item to discuss minor modifications in the document.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember George Weiss, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Adopt the City of Laguna Beach 2022 State and Federal Legislative Platform as attached to the Agenda Report; adding under oppose on page 4 legislation that reduces or removes local control over zoning and other land use methods, and adding under Coastal Protection on page 6, in item 3 under support, " *...that oppose new, and seek to end to all existing, offshore oil and gas drilling..."
(2) Authorize the Mayor and the City Manager, with the Mayor's approval, to submit advocacy letters on behalf of the City if the proposed legislation falls within the adopted Legislative Platform.
9. PARKING, TRAFFIC, AND CIRCULATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR SIGNAGE AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS
(1) Approved the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to remove a parking restriction at 1320 Temple Hills Drive by adopting Resolution #22.002 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA REMOVING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON TEMPLE HILLS DRIVE ADJACENT TO 1320 TEMPLE HILLS DRIVE;" and (2) Approved the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to install a golf cart parking space on Forest Avenue adjacent to the Peppertree Parking Lot driveway by adopting Resolution #22.003 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA ESTABLISHING GOLF CART PARKING ON FOREST AVENUE.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
REGULAR ORDER
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10. UPDATE FROM PROVIDENCE MISSION HOSPITAL LAGUNA BEACH Police Chief Jeff Calvert briefly updated the City Council on the Police Department's ettorts to mitigate the number of calls received from the Providence Mission Hospital South Laguna campus. He described the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) program that was currently being implemented.
Lanette Faulkner, Director of Facilities and Operations at Providence Mission Hospital, gave a presentation regarding safety measures that the Laguna Beach campus of Mission Hospital was implementing
Questions from City Council: Councilmember Toni Iseman confirmed with Faulkner that: 1) monthly meetings with the Emergency Department took place, 2) a security parking post had access to a two-way radio with hospital security, and 3) additional lighting had been added to the campus.
Mayor Sue Kempf confirmed with Police Chief Calvert that there had been a reduction in overall calls for service to the police department since the security measures had been implemented at the hospital.
Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen requested the City Council receive regular updates on calls from the hospital. He discussed the long-range plans for the use of hospital.
City Manager Shohreh Dupuis confirmed that city and hospital staff were planning on updating the City Council on a regular basis.
Public Testimony: Judie Dike said she supported additional security measures and she suggested a security card for the medical doctor's parking lot.
Ruben Flores suggested placing a "relative" emphasis on the dying trees in front of the hospital.
John Thomas asked about the number of calls to the police department from the hospital.
He said residents were concerned about patients that wandered the neighborhood and he asked about the hospital's current business model.
Chris Catsimanes said it was important to maintain a detailed database to track the calls to the police from the hospital.
Lanette Faulkner, Director of Facilities and Operations at Providence Mission Hospital, responded to the public's questions regarding safety and security.
Police Chief Jeff Calvert replied to Catismanes' comment regarding collecting data. He stated that the police department was a data-driven organization and he described. -7-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
Mayor Sue Kempf directed staff to meet with Faulkner to schedule regular reports from the hospital and she thanked Mayor Pro Tem Whalen, Councilmember Blake, and Police Chief Calvert for the progress made to ensure that security and safety measures advanced at the hospital.
Councilmember Toni Iseman asked about the nature of the calls and the reason for the reduction of those calls to the police department from the hospital. Police Chief Jeff Calvert responded to Councilmember Iseman with more details regarding the calls.
No motion was made.
11. LAGUNA RESIDENTS FIRST BALLOT INITIATIVE FISCAL IMPACT ANALYSIS
REPORT AND LAND USE IMPLICATIONS
Assistant City Manager Ken Domer introduced the agenda item, detailing the direction City Council had given staff regarding the Laguna Residents First ballot initiative.
Ken Hira, President of Kosmont Companies, gave a presentation to discuss the fiscal impact analysis conducted by his firm of the voter ballot initiative.
Director of Community Development Marc Wiener resumed the presentation, explaining the implications of the voter ballot initiative on the Land Use Element of Laguna Beach.
He said the City Council had directed staff to investigate the cumulative effect provision and he explained. Wiener discussed additional information regarding outdoor dining, lot mergers, and parking provisions.
Questions of Staff: Councilmember Toni Iseman asked about standards of engineers referenced in the report. Director of Community Development Marc Wiener explained that it was a standard that cities based their parking requirements on and required by building codes.
Councilmember Toni Iseman confirmed with staff that a conversion of a retail store to a café would be considered a major development because of the parking requirement.
Councilmember George Weiss discussed the parking impacts.
Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen clarified with staff that the ballot initiative would be applied to housing units above nine that were not exempt from the density bonus.
Mayor Sue Kempf confirmed with staff that the state wanted to ensure that state mandates were being followed and that housing was allowed by right and not by discretion. She asked about lot mergers and protecting the city from out-of-scale developments.
Director of Community Development Marc Wiener referred to the presentation, stating that it would be important to establish where larger and smaller scale developments could be allowed in the downtown, and then to rely on set mass and scale design standards. -8-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
Mayor Sue Kempf asked about onsite parking and parking requirements in the downtown, and a discussion ensued.
Councilmember Toni Iseman asked Wiener about the City of Carmel's ability to maintain the character of its downtown. Director of Community Development Marc Wiener submitted that the City of Carmel's zoning and historic preservation policies were likely key factors.
Public Testimony: Trish Sweeney, Susan Skinner, Gene Felder, Merrell Anderson, Chris Catsimanes, John Thomas, David Raber, Jacob Cherub, Johanna Felder, Michele Monda, and MJ Abraham said they did not support the fiscal analysis report, and they listed their reasons. They stated why they supported the voter ballot initiative for the community.
Joe Hanauer said he appreciated the framework the report provided to create a discussion.
He said he did not believe this was the right ballot initiative; however, he said it was important that there was not unbridled development and he looked forward to the emergence of more suitable solutions for the community.
Cody Engle said the ballot initiative presented good ideas; however, he said it was not well-executed, and he explained.
Louis Weil said he appreciated the report, and he did not support the voter ballot initiative.
He added that there were gaps in the city's current development processes that required modifications.
Pat Gallis said the development process in Laguna Beach was already cumbersome and it was important move forward to improve the worn-out buildings.
Councilmember Comments: Councilmember George Weiss discussed major development projects and the impacts on the community.
Councilmember Peter Blake voiced concerns about the intent of the voter ballot initiative.
He said there were currently design safeguards in place to prevent developers from taking away the charm of Laguna Beach.
Mayor Bob Whalen stated there were no Laguna Beach councilmembers in support of overdevelopment. He said he was concerned about the impacts on smaller projects and housing, and he directed staff to investigate these further.
Mayor Sue Kempf commented that the City Council had confidence that the Planning Commission thoroughly vetted projects, and it was a false statement to say that any Councilmember was pro development. She added that it was important to maintain the character of the city and to protect of the 36-foot height limit building standard. Kempf cautioned to be mindful of unintended long-term consequences of this voter ballot initiative, and she explained. She said her goal was to protect the town, make it look better, and to ensure it was sustainable going forward
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
Councilmember Toni Iseman said the public was being ignored and this initiative stemmed from residents' frustration with development and parking issues. She said she was disappointed that the fiscal analysis report was not compelling, and she voiced her concerns.
City Manager Shoreh Dupuis confirmed with Mayor Pro Tem Whalen that his earlier direction to staff could be communicated via a memorandum, because the voter ballot initiative would be heard again in February.
Received and filed the Fiscal Impact Analysis Report and land use implications analysis for the Laguna Residents First proposed ballot initiative and directed staff to provide a memo to the Council with additional analyses on the ballot initiative's potential cumulative impact and impact on housing.
12. APPROVAL OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2021-8426 AND CERTIFICATION OF NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE Assistant Director of Community Development So Kim gave a presentation that described a component of the City's General Plan; the 6* Cycle Housing Element, that was required by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for compliance with state housing laws. She identified the expected and current affordable housing projects and she summarized key housing programs.
Patty Anders, housing consultant, continued with the presentation regarding the HCD's comments on the City's draft Housing Element.
Director of Community Development Marc Wiener commented that this document identified potential housing sites and it was a roadmap for housing developers. He stated that the programs discussed were commitments by the city to study the zoning code and to look for areas to reduce barriers to provide more housing. Wiener added that there was a state deadline that required submission of this document by mid-February.
Questions of Staff: Councilmember George Weiss asked about potential housing sites in the South Laguna commercial zone. Director of Community Development Marc Wiener stated that the smaller parcels at that location did not qualify because of the half-acre lot size criteria for the housing sites.
Public Testimony: Ginger Wallace said she did not support a potential affordable housing project behind Mission Hospital, and she explained.
Karen Martin, Housing and Human Services Committee (HHSC), said there was a huge low-income housing need; however, she said this document had been rushed and it required more vetting at this time.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
Penelope Milne discussed the importance to protect open space in Laguna Beach.
Ann Christoph said the Housing Element required additional work and she explained.
Mary Carter said she supported affordable housing throughout the community.
Michele Monda voiced density concerns regarding the proposed Mission Hospital site option and she asked that it be removed from list of affordable housing options.
Alex Rounaghi, HHSC Chair, suggested the City Council direct staff to work with the HHSC, City Council, and the community to develop a strategic plan for implementing the Housing Element program. He said any housing plan must have a realistic strategy for implementation, and he explained.
Laura Sauers, HHSC Vice Chair, said it was vital to come up with solutions and set those solutions in motion. She added that solely studying the issue was not sufficient.
Louis Weil stated it was important to move forward with the Housing Element with the HHSC recommendations.
Cody Engle, HHSC, said he supported the HHSC's recommendations and to approve the draft Housing Element with those modifications.
Councilmember Comments: Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen said the proposed Housing Element would ensure compliance with state law. He added that the suggested programs and starting dates were beneficial to moving the process forward. Whalen commented that the Missond aspiral situs a pots tic atraded by he pric. He asked about removing Assistant Director of Community Development So Kim answered Mayor Pro Tem Whalen stating that there would not be enough time to replace the Mission Hospital site in the document prior to the state submission deadline. She commented that the proposed sites listed in the housing element were not the only sites that would count towards Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), and she explained.
Councilmember Toni Iseman said she was very concerned about leaving the Mission Hospital site in the Housing Element document. Assistant Director of Community Development So Kim explained why this site had been identified as a potential site for affordable housing. Director of Community Development Marc Wiener reiterated the reasons the Mission Hospital site could not be removed from the Housing Element. He added that identifying this site in the Housing Element did not change any city policies or regulations that would allow the project to be developed. -11-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
Veronica Tam, housing consultant, stated that if the city were to miss the HCD deadline, it would be out of compliance with the state, and therefore, would not be eligible for any grant funding.
Mayor Sue Kempf confirmed with Wiener that the document could be submitted now and amended at a later date.
Councilmember Toni Iseman said she did not support the document with the hospital site included. Councilmember George Weiss stated that including the Mission Hospital site did not indicate that an affordable housing project could be built at this location. City Manager Shohreh Dupuis added this site was zoned for this level of housing, which was why it was included in the document. She stated that not placing in the document would not change its zoning use.
Mayor Sue Kempf said she supported approving the Housing Element tonight and making modifications in the future.
Councilmember Peter Blake said he agreed with Mayor Kempf.
Mayor Sue Kempf confirmed with Wiener that much of the future affordable housing would come from repurposing buildings and converting office spaces into housing; however, those sites did not qualify at this time, because they did not meet the housing criteria.
Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen pointed out how deficient the city was in affordable housing, and it was important to move forward.
Moved by Councilmember Peter Blake, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Adopt Resolution #22.004 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2021-8426 FOR THE 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT;" and (2) Adopt Resolution #22.005 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
BEACH, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT."
13. PRESENTATION OF THE HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE'S
AFFORDABLE HOUSING CANDIDATE ANALYSIS
Barbara McMurray, Housing and Human Services Committee (HHS), introduced the report, stating the importance of implementing an action plan. She commented that creating affordable housing in Laguna Beach was vital to maintaining a vibrant community. -12-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
Steve Kellenberg, Planning Commissioner, gave a presentation discussing the HHSC's strategic process as well as the committee's recommended affordable housing sites of interest for families and seniors.
Questions of Staff: Councilmember George Weiss asked about obtaining a financial analysis of the Vista Aliso site referenced in the presentation. Steve Kellenberg explained that it would require the National Church residents to pursue an evaluation of the site and perform some schematic concepts, returning with a financial analysis.
Director of Community Development Marc Wiener explained that staff could present to the City Council more detailed information on the process to develop affordable housing at the Vista Aliso site.
City Manager Shoreh Dupuis added that city resources would also need to be identified to pursue these proposed sites further.
Councilmember Toni Iseman asked about the dog park in the Canyon as a potential site for affordable housing. Steve Kellenberg stated that the dog park property had been thoroughly vetted and it was highly complicated. He explained those complexities and a discussion ensued.
Mayor Sue Kempf asked about high potential construction costs to convert parking lot 10 to affordable housing. Steve Kellenberg explained the costs associated with the proposed projects.
Public Testimony: Suzi, South Laguna resident, said she supported low-density affordable housing. She voiced concerns about the proposed affordable housing site behind Mission Hospital.
Penelope Milne, CANDO, discussed ACT V, the bus yard, and Lot 10 as proposed affordable housing sites.
Karen Martin, HHSC, commented on the importance to move forward with one or two sites.
John Thomas said he supported affordable housing; however, he said the financial challenges to building on these sites were disturbing. He said it was important to explore other feasible options.
Ann Christoph discussed the past proposed uses at the Vista Aliso property, and she added that it would be difficult to develop affordable housing in the downtown area. -13-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
Jacquie Schaefgen, HHSC, stated that it was vital that the City Council review a few of the proposed options in the report for serious consideration. She said this was merely a starting point towards meeting the affordable housing needs in the community.
Councilmember Comments: Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen directed staff to investigate Vista Aliso and the bus yard sites and the feasibility to develop affordable housing at these properties.
Councilmember Peter Blake said he supported moving forward with the Vista Aliso site.
He added that the site for seniors at Ocean Avenue was intriguing.
Councilmember George Weiss suggested further evaluation on three site options: Vista • Aliso, the bus yard and Ocean Avenue.
Councilmember Toni Iseman voiced construction concerns in the downtown and she offered an affordable housing suggestion in the Wells Fargo building.
Mayor Sue Kempf stated that none of the sites would be flawless and she supported moving forward with the Vista Aliso, bus yard, and Ocean Avenue properties.
Received a presentation from the Housing and Human Services Committee; and directed staff to provide additional analysis for sites at Vista Aliso, the bus yard, and the Ocean Avenue lot, and identify resources necessary to pursue the options.
14. FORMAT OF FUTURE COUNCIL, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD
MEETINGS RELATED TO CONTINUED PANDEMIC IMPACTS
City Manager Shohreh Dupuis briefly summarized the staff report.
A discussion ensued regarding maintaining virtual meetings through the end of February and moving the strategic planning meeting from February to March in order to meet in person.
Moved by Mayor Sue Kempf, seconded by Councilmember George Weiss, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Continue having virtual City Council, Committee, Commission, and Board meetings until the end of February 2022, and reschedule the February 12, 2022, Strategic Planning workshop to Friday, March 4, 2022, due to ongoing State directives regarding face covering and pandemic-related impacts; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager, after consultation with the Mayor, to implement meeting format guidelines until such time as State requirements end. -14-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes January 11, 2022
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Kempf at 11:24 p.m., Tuesday, January 11, 2022, adjourned to Closed Session at 4:00 pm. and to the Virtual City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2022, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California. *****************
Approved: January 25, 2022 Stand
Sue Kempf, Mayor
CuuK
Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk
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NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54995
EXCERPT OF THE MINUTES OF THE
VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
January 11, 2022
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The virtual Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 11, 2022, in the City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.
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PRESENT COUNCILMEMBERS: Kempf
PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: Blake, Iseman, Weiss, Whalen
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Kempf at 11:24 p.m., Tuesday, January 11, 2022, adjourned to the Closed Session at 4:00 p.m., and the virtual Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss.
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
I, Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of the Minute entry on record in my office. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and affix the official seal of the City of Laguna Beach, California, on this 12' day of January 2022.
LNCORPORATED cily clark of the cily of lagun Beach citionia YUNE 29. 192
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT
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I, Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, California, DO CERTIFY that at the virtual Regular Meeting of the City Council held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment ATTACHED HERETO; and that on January 12, 2022, at the hour of 9:45 a.m., a copy of the Notice was posted at a conspicuous place on or near the door of the place at which said meeting of the City Council was held.