Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap June 7, 2022
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COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
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CONSENT CALENDAR
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Moved by Councilmember Dicterow seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pearson and carried unanimously 4/0 to approve items 1 –
WELCOME
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Blake
ROLL CALL
Present: Blake, Iseman, Weiss, Whalen, Kempf
Participating Remotely: None
Absent: None
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS 3:00 p.m.
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1. INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE CITIZENS’ AUDIT REVIEW COMMITTEE The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Citizens’ Audit Review Committee:
Gregory Mech and Caitlin Reyna. Andrews Coyle withdrew his application prior to the meeting.
The City Council voted unanimously 5/0 to appoint Gregory Mech and Caitlin Reyna to the Citizens’ Audit Review Committee for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024, and directed staff to prepare an agenda report to rename the committee to include investment compliance review, and include Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen and Mayor Sue Kempf on the committee.
2. INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
COMMITTEE
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Environmental Sustainability Committee: Steve Chadima and Charlie Zender. Applicant Christopher Davis was not present.
The City Council voted unanimously 5/0 to appoint Steve Chadima to the Environmental Sustainability Committee, and appoint Charlie Zender as an alternate, for a two-year term effective immediately, through March 31, 2024.
THERE WAS A 60-MINUTE BREAK WHILE THE CITY COUNCIL HELD ITS CLOSED SESSION MEETING FROM 4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RECAP
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
Interviews & Appointments 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
City Council Closed Session 4:00 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting 5:00 p.m.
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, Ca.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap June 7, 2022
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CLOSED SESSION
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City Attorney Phil Kohn reported that in this evening’s Closed Session, the City Council received a status update on negotiations of possible acquisition of property at 30516 Coast Highway, received a status update and provided direction regarding negotiations with the Laguna Beach Marine Safety Association, and received a status update on a possible settlement agreement and gave direction regarding the Ghasemian litigation.
EXTRAORDINARY BUSINESS
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3. ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING FINANCE TRUST UPDATE
Received and filed an update from the Orange County Housing Finance Trust.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
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Anne Girtz announced the 2022 Laguna Bluebelt Photo Contest, which runs through July 5.
Kim Zebot argued against the recently approved MOU with Laguna Presbyterian Church, and suggested other parking alternatives.
Chris Quilter disputed the assertions made in the letter by Anne Caenn that was published in StuNews regarding supposed Brown Act violations and the MOU with Laguna Presbyterian Church.
Logan and Kimberly Leeds requested that the trolley service be expanded for Laguna Beach residents on El Toro Road, asserting that it would help reduce traffic, parking demands, and congestion.
Dee Sheldon asked if the City could raise taxes without raising property taxes to add more services, such as more lifeguard stations between Mountain and Main Beach. She also asked if the City’s costs for the fire investigation will be reimbursed.
Karyn Philippsen, Laguna Beach Sister Cities, reminded everyone about the Fête de la Musique Laguna Beach on Saturday, June 18, noting that it is a global event.
Chris Catsimanes expressed his issues with the recently approved MOU with Laguna Presbyterian Church and provided some recommendations.
Pat Gallis requested another update on the lawsuits related to historic preservation (Kirby property, Ray property, and the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance update), and asked if there was a way to deter lawsuits.
John Thomas commented that the Orange County Housing Finance Trust presentation was excellent, and asked if the funding was provided as grants or loans. Thomas also asked if the purpose or plan for properties that the City is considering to acquire could be disclosed to the public.
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Ruben Flores noted that due to the drought, State water restrictions are being levied, and he suggested that the City implement local restrictions. He also reiterated his suggestion to remove the lawn at City Hall, reduce lawn areas in parks, and put drought-tolerant plants in planters. Flores also advocated for the use of reclaimed water.
David Goldberg, Three Arch Bay, requested clarification from the Council regarding the authority of the Three Arch Bay Association.
Barbara McMurray, Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center, announced that the Cultural Arts Center is hosting the city’s first ever Juneteenth event on Sunday, June 19, which will include a free screening of “Summer of Soul,” a Soul/R&B/blues/funk concert, a Texas barbecue, with beverages, and red velvet cake, and eight quilt art pieces by Allyson Allen never before displayed in Laguna Beach.
Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association (LBSCA), in collaborative sponsorship with the Laguna Beach County Water District (LBCWD), recognized winners of the 2022 YAAS (Young Artists and Authors) Showcase, Laguna Beach High School student Sydney Alderson, Laguna Beach High School student Marlena Steinbach, and Thurston Middle School student Parker Bryan. The winning entries will be posted on the Sister Cities website.
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
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City Treasurer Laura Parisi reported on the ad hoc investment meeting, and advised the Council that she has been asked to once again chair the California Municipal Treasurers Association’s Legislation Committee. Parisi also advised that she will be on vacation next week.
City Clerk Ann Marie McKay commented on the sudden passing of Verna Rollinger, former Laguna Beach City Clerk for almost three decades and City Council member for one four-year-term, and Rollinger’s legacy to Laguna. McKay also noted that it is Election Day for the June primary, and encouraged everyone that has not yet voted to do so before 8:00 p.m., noting that they can register and vote with a provisional ballot at the same time.
Regarding the request to expand trolley service to El Toro Road, City Manager Shohreh Dupuis noted that the OCTA (Orange County Transportation Authority) has a bus, Route 89, that services that area, and the City has not budgeted to accommodate the request with the necessary fleet, drivers, etc; however, she stated that she will have staff determine what gap needs may exist.
City Manager Shohreh Dupuis referenced the 2022 Orange County Register report card on campaign finance laws and transparency in Orange County Municipal Government by Citizens Take Action, in which Laguna Beach received not only an A, but the highest grade. She also noted recent articles on the Coastal Fire that praised Laguna’s response and notifications. Dupuis commended all the City staff involved.
Community Development Director Marc Wiener provided an update on Hotel Laguna, advising that they issued a Certificate of Occupancy for the lower-level conference room. Wiener also advised that staff is currently reviewing the hotel’s renovation application.
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Police Chief Jeff Calvert responded to questions regarding parking enforcement, advising that the City has three parking enforcement officers, which includes a new dual parking enforcement/accident investigator position.
In response to Gallis’ request, City Attorney Phil Kohn provided an update on the lawsuits related to historic preservation. He noted that it was announced at the last meeting that the court held in favor of the City in the Kirby case; however, an appeal is expected to be filed. Regarding the Ray property, Kohn reported that the City’s motion to dismiss is scheduled to be heard on July 13. Kohn advised that a status conference on the lawsuit against the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance update is scheduled for July 25; however, the California Coastal Commission is expected to finalize its certification at its July meeting, which would supersede the City’s CEQA determination. Kohn also advised that a new lawsuit was filed today challenging the adoption of the City’s updated Downtown Specific Plan’s provisions related to historic preservation.
Regarding Three Arch Bay, City Attorney Phil Kohn advised that discussions are continuing, and the City is not intending to intervene in internal disputes.
City Attorney Phil Kohn responded to Councilmember Peter Blake that in his opinion, the Council did not violate the Brown Act with the Laguna Presbyterian MOU. Kohn stated that he has not made an opinion on whether or not Councilmember George Weiss violated the Brown Act with the meetings he held regarding the MOU, and Councilmember Peter Blake opined that Councilmember Weiss did violate the Brown Act.
Councilmember Toni Iseman noted that Michael Ray’s request to take the property off the historic register was denied and asked if any other actions were taken. City Attorney Phil Kohn advised that the decision on the remodel application is part of the lawsuit; however, that decision was not appealed, which is the basis of the City’s motion to dismiss.
Councilmember George Weiss reported on the Memorial Day event.
Councilmember Toni Iseman also spoke about Verna Rollinger and her impact on the community.
Councilmember Peter Blake commented on Chris Catsimanes and Laguna Residents First.
Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen reported on the ad hoc investment committee meeting and the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee meeting. He also referenced a recent Los Angeles Times article about the City’s ability to send out notifications quickly, and he commended the City’s state-of-the-art emergency response.
Mayor Sue Kempf noted that the City won the Nation's Most Waterwise City in the National Pledge for Water Conservation for the seventh time. She also thanked the Police and Fire Departments for the special tour of City Hall given to Laguna Beach third graders.
Regarding the Leeds’ request for trolley service to those on the outskirts of town, Councilmember Toni Iseman suggested possibly changing routes to make more efficient use of currently empty trolleys.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap June 7, 2022
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CONSENT CALENDAR
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Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 3 – 7, 9, and 11.
4. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Approved the Minutes of the Budget Workshop and Regular Meeting of the City Council of May 24, 2022.
5. WARRANT LISTING
Approved the General Warrants and payroll disbursements.
Warrants: $1,613,889.78 05/13/2022
$ 6,688.64 05/19/2022
$1,620,578.42
Payroll #24: $1,362,556.19 05/20/2022
Total $2,983,134.61
6. CITY TREASURER’S MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT FOR APRIL 2022 Received and filed the Monthly Investment Report for April 2022.
7. APPROVAL OF 2022-2024 LAGUNA OPEN VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENTS Approved the annual Laguna Open Volleyball Tournaments for 2022, 2023, and 2024.
8. PROCLAMATION CONGRATULATING DEE PERRY BEING RECOGNIZED BY THE WOMAN’S CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH AS 2022 WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Moved by Councilmember Toni Iseman, seconded by Councilmember George Weiss, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve the Proclamation to congratulate Dee Perry being recognized by the Laguna Beach Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach as 2022 Woman of the Year.
9. AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR ZONES 3 (PARK AVE TO THALIA ST) AND 1A (HOBO CANYON) SLURRY SEAL & REHABILITATION
(1) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to execute contract #22-39 with Excel Paving Company, in the amount of $2,018,725 for the Zones 3 and 1A Street Slurry Seal and Rehabilitation, subject to adoption of the budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23; (2) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to issue a task order to Dudek (contract #22-40), in the amount of $129,200, to provide construction management and inspection services; and (3) Authorized the City Manager to approve project related expenses and construction change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000.
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10. CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH 95TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember George Weiss, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve the use of the Main Beach Cobblestone area with a stage for the City’s 95th Anniversary event on June 29, 2022, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., including use of amplified sound and the bagging of five parking meters for unloading of equipment with no fees applied.
11. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT REGARDING ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM
Authorized the City Manager to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) (contract #22-41), to operate an Adult Education Program for the period of June 1, 2022, through May 31, 2025.
12. UPDATE REGARDING EMERGENCY CONCRETE REPAIRS TO THE SOUTH MAIN
BEACH COBBLESTONE AREA
Moved by Councilmember Peter Blake, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen, and carried 3/2 to receive and file the update on emergency repair to the south Main Beach cobblestones.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Blake, Whalen, Kempf
Noes: Iseman, Weiss
REGULAR ORDER
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13. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY PER CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY BILL 481
Moved by Councilmember George Weiss, seconded by Councilmember Peter Blake, and carried unanimously 5/0 to introduce the Ordinance that amends Title 2 of the Laguna Beach Municipal Code by adding Chapter 2.37 pertaining to the adoption of a military equipment policy, by: 1) asking the City Clerk to read the title of the Ordinance; and 2) approving a motion to waive further reading of the Ordinance and pass it to a second reading.
14. APPROVAL OF PROMENADE ON FOREST PROGRAM PLAN AS A GUIDE TO
DEVELOP TWO DISTINCT CONCEPT PLANS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION Moved by Councilmember Peter Blake, seconded by Councilmember George Weiss, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve the Promenade on Forest Program Plan, moving the first community outreach meeting after Labor Day.
15. PARKING MASTER PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE
Received and filed the Parking Master Plan Subcommittee’s update.
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COUNCILMEMBER ITEMS
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16. BUSINESS LICENSE FEES (WEISS)
Mayor Sue Kempf indicated that the Parking Master Plan Subcommittee is reviewing this idea.
17. TI AMO PROPERTY (ISEMAN)
The Council expressed a desire for staff to obtain an appraisal for the site if the Council decides to sell the property.
ADJOURNMENT
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ADJOURNMENT AT 8:57 P.M., TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022,
TO THE CLOSED SESSION AT 4:00 P.M., AND THE HYBRID VIRTUAL/IN-PERSON REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 5:00 P.M., TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022