Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 7, 2023
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR HYBRID VIRTUAL/IN-PERSON MEETING
February 7, 2023
A Regular Hybrid Virtual/In-Person Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was called to order on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, in the City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California, Mayor Whalen presiding.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Orgill, Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whalen PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi led the Pledge of Allegiance.
EXTRAORDINARY BUSINESS
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1. PROCLAMATION DECLARING FEBRUARY AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN
LAGUNA BEACH
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Mark Orgill, and arried unanimously 5/0 to adopt the Proclamation declaring February as Black Histor Month in Laguna Beach
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
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Michelle Highberg, Just Gather, reiterated her request to use space in the City's newly-acquired property at 30516 Coast Highway, and provided the Council with informational flyers about Just Gather.
Brooks Atwood requested that the Council direct staff to release an RFP (Request for Proposals) for a redesign of the library.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 7, 2023
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
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City Manager Shoreh Dupuis read a written statement addressing Monda's allegations.
City Manager Shoreh Dupuis reported that the City has been notified that it will be awarded a $200,000 Federal Safe Streets & Roads grant.
Regarding the public records request related to City Manager Shoreh Dupuis' traffic stop, Councilmember George Weiss reiterated Monda's claims. Councilmember Weiss also requested that the Council receive the crime and accident report for 2022. Councilmember Weiss also requested that the Presbyterian Church parking garage lease agreement be placed back on a future Council agenda. He also reiterated his suggestion that the Council form a library committee.
Councilmember Mark Orgill thanked Mayor Bob Whalen for the moment of silence at the beginning of tonight's meeting for Dr. Michael John Mammone, who died after being struck on his bicycle by a vehicle and then assaulted by the driver. Councilmember Orgill also acknowledged the two pedestrians recently killed on Coast Highway, and stated that he is pleased about the funding granted to the City to address safety. Councilmember Orgill reported on the League of California's New Mayors and Council Members Academy he attended last week. Regarding the library, he supported Councilmember Weiss' suggestion to establish a committee.
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi also reported on the League of California's New Mayors and Council Members Academy, noting the importance of networking with others from throughout the State. Councilmember Rounaghi reported on Laguna Beach High School's Modeled United Nations, noting how engaged the youth involved are with global issues. He reported that they have a committee on the water crises in Southern California, and that he is interested to hear what solutions they may suggest. Councilmember Rounaghi commented on the current public safety crisis, stating that it is important to bring all stakeholders together to address it. Councilmember Alex Rounaghi noted that the City officially takes over the South Laguna beaches on March 1, and the Council will be reviewing an ordinance implementing City control that mirrors the current County control; however, City staff will arrange community meetings in March to gather public input for the Council to review and consider at a May Council meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf commended City Manager Shoreh Dupuis on the facilitation of the annual planning session. Mayor Pro Tem Kempf acknowledged the calls she received regarding Dr. Mammone's murder, from residents describing Dr. Mammone's legacy as an incredible physician dedicated to our community. Mayor Pro Tem Kempf also thanked all the applicants for the various committees, and encouraged everyone to actively participate even if they are not appointed to the limited number of positions available.
Mayor Bob Whalen confirmed with City Manager Dupuis that the 2022 crime statistics are scheduled to be presented to the Council at one of the March meetings. Mayor Whalen also reported on Sunday's ceremony honoring Fire Captain Pat Cary as this year's 2022 Laguna Beach Firefighter of the year.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 7, 2023
CONSENT ITEM
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2. SERVICE PROVIDER _AGREEMENT FOR AN ORGANIZATION-WIDE
CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION STUDY
Councilmember Mark Orgill pulled this item from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Staff Report: Director of Human Resources/Risk Management Aggie Nesh gave a presentation discussing the organization-wide classification and compensation study.
Questions of Staff: Councilmember Alex Rounaghi confirmed that the proposed consultant would be writing the job descriptions based on the current duties, and going forward, the city would review 20% of its positions annually, and he asked about the performance management system.
Director of Human Resources/Risk Management Aggie Nesh responded to Councilmember Rounaghi explaining that the performance management system is outdated, and would be the next step once the classification and compensation study was conducted. A discussion ensued
Councilmember Mark Orgill stated that although he valued and appreciated city employees, $180,000 for a classification and compensation study would be premature at this time, and he explained
Councilmember George Weiss commented that he had concerns about the seven objectives of the study and he described. He said the auditing of management practices within each department to ensure processes were efficient should be conducted before this study was performed.
Public Testimony: Trish Sweeney, Jacob Cherub, and Jennifer Zeiter did not support the recommended action and they stated their reasons.
Karen Martin commented that she appreciated the effort of taking on this study and she explained
Questions of Staff: Mayor Bob Whalen asked about the next steps in the process. Director of Human Resources/Risk Management Aggie Nesh responded that the next stage would be to improve management performance processes.
Councilmember Mark Orgill and Councilmember George Weiss clarified their reasons for not supporting the recommended action.
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi asked the consultant why the study required 14 peers for the research. Jada Kent, consultant from Baker Tilly, responded that it could take up to 14 peers to gather the necessary classification for the job titles. -3-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 7, 2023
City Manager Shoreh Dupuis explained that there are 180 classifications across the city organization. She added that the city's system is outdated and had evolved over the years, but had never been comprehensively studied.
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi highlighted that it is important to invest in your employees, but it is also important to be mindful of the budget. He stated that city processes are outdated, and he commented that implementing technology solutions may change how the jobs are classified. Councilmember Rounaghi said he supported improving processes first, prior to moving forward with a classification and compensation study.
Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf emphasized the need to invest in both technology and its people. She explained her reasons for supporting staff's recommendation and moving forward with the study at this time.
Councilmember George Weiss described why he believed this study was premature and he would be voting against it.
Mayor Bob Whalen stated the importance of developing a fair system of evaluation for city employees. He commented that this study could run a parallel path with improving technology and efficiencies within the city.
Moved by Mayor Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf, to authorize the City Manager to execute a service provider agreement with Baker Tilly US, LLP in an amount not-to-exceed $181,000 to conduct a comprehensive, organization-wide Classification and Compensation Study. Motion failed.
REGULAR ORDER
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EXTENSION OF TERMS FOR ARTS AND PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf, seconded by Councilmember George Weiss, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Extend the terms of Arts Commissioners Donna Ballard, Suzi Chauvel, Karen Wood, Laura Ford, and one vacancy, ending March 31, to June 30, 2023, to fill during the June appointments; and
(2) Extend terms of Planning Commissioners Jorg Dubin, Steven Kellenberg, and Ken Sadler to June 30, 2023, to fill during the June appointments. -4-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 7, 2023
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE AUDIT REVIEW & INVESTMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Audit Review & Investment Advisory Committee: Jolie Eisner, Glenn Gray, Jeffrey Roedersheimer, Richard Swensson, Sasha Talebi.
The City Council appointed Sasha Talebi, Glenn Gray, and Jolie Eisner to the Audit Review & Investment Advisory Committee for terms effective immediately, through June 30, 2025.
Roll Call:
Jolie Eisner Rounaghi, Kempf, Whalen
Glenn Gray Orgill, Rounaghi, Kempf, Whalen
Jeffrey Roedersheimer Orgill, Weiss
Richard Swensson Orgill, Weiss
Sasha Talebi Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whalen
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE VIEW RESTORATION COMMITTEE The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the View Restoration Committee: Kelly Brochu, Rebecca Carson, Blair Contratto, Ara Hovanesian, Jennifer Potratz, Nick Ralston, and Rose Waters.
The City Council appointed Rebecca Carson, Jennifer Potratz, and Blair Contratto to the View Restoration Committee for terms beginning April 1,2023, through March 31, 2025, and appointed Kelly Brochu for term effective immediately, through March 31, 2024.
Roll Call (Vote #1):
Rounaghi, Kempf. Whaler
Rebecca Carson Orgill. Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whaler
lair Contratt Orgill, Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf
ra Hovanesia Orgill, Weiss, Whalen
Jennifer Potratz Orgill, Rounaghi, Kempf, Whalen
None
Rose Waters None
Roll Call (Vote #2):
Kelly Brochu Rounaghi, Kempf, Whalen
Ara Hovanesian Orgill, Weiss
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 7, 2023
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE HERITAGE COMMITTEE
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Heritage Committee:
Clark Collins, Justin Drucker, Regina Hartley, James Ward Henry II, Linda Morgenlander, Julie Ross, and Rose Waters; Jennifer Zeiter provided a written statement.
The City Council appointed James Ward Henry II, Clark Collins, and Justin Drucker to the Heritage Committee for terms beginning April 1,2023, through March 31, 2025, and appointed Linda Morgenlander for term effective immediately, through March 31, 2024.
Roll Call (Vote #1):
Clark Collins Orgill, Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whalen
Justin Drucker Urgill, Kounaght, Weiss, Kempt
Regina Hartley Weiss, Whalen
James Ward Henry II Orgill, Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whalen Linda Morgenlander Orgill, Whalen
Julie Ross Kempti
Rose Waters
Jennifer Zeiter None
Roll Call (Vote #2):
Regina Hartley Weiss
Linda Morgenlander Orgill, Rounaghi, Kempf, Whalen
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE PARKING, TRAFFIC. &
CIRCULATION COMMITTEE
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Parking, Traffic, & Circulation Committee: James Danziger, Lawrence Esten, Deborah Laughton, Jeffrey Roedersheimer, and Michael Schneider (Margaret Wells was not present).
The City Council appointed Jeffrey Roedersheimer, James Danziger, and Michael Schneider to the Parking, Traffic, & Circulation Committee for two-year terms beginning April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2025.
Roll Call:
James Danziger Orgill, Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf
Lawrence Esten Whalen
Deborah Laughton Orgill, Weiss
Jeffrey Roedersheimer Orgill, Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whalen Michael Schneider Rounaghi, Kempf, Whalen
Margaret Wells None
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 7, 2023
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Design Review Board:
Mary Jo Coveny, Tom Gibbs, Arianna Noppenberger, Kristine Thalman, and Louis Weil.
The City Council appointed Kristine Thalman, Louis Weil, and Tom Gibbs to the Design Review Board for two-year terms beginning April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2025.
Roll Call:
Mary Jo Coveny Weiss
Tom Gibbs Orgill, Rounaghi, Kempf, Whalen
Arianna Noppenberger Weiss
Kristine Thalman Orgill, Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whalen Louis Weil Orgill, Rounaghi, Kempf, Whalen
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE RECREATION COMMITTEE The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Recreation Committee:
Lauren Boeck, Karl Dumas, Sarah Durand, Michael Gruba, Elizabeth Hanauer, Roger Kempler, Gwen McNallan, Carmen Salazar, and Kelly Zinser; Jennifer Zeiter provided a The City Council appointed Roger Kempler, Elizabeth Hanauer, Gwen McNallan, and Lauren Boeck to the Recreation Committee, and Sarah Durand and Karl Dumas as alternates on the committee, for two-year terms beginning April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2025.
Roll Call!
Lauren Boeck Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whalen
Karl Dumas
Sarah Durand Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf
Michael Gruba
Elizabeth Hanauer Orgill, Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whalen Roger Kempler Orgill, Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whalen
Gwen McNallan Orgill, Rounaghi, Kempf, Whalen
Carmen Salazar Orgill, Weiss
Jennifer Zeiter Orgill
Kelly Zinser Weiss
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 7, 2023
INTERVIEWS APPOINTMENTS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Environmental Susa Labite, Ludie Man Used Cal Ma a Jace in ser, Dane regar, Mute, Lisa LaCorte,
Rahmatian, Uwe Schramm, and Ray Tang; Anne Girtz provided a prerecorded audio statement.
The City Council appointed Jacquelin Mutter, Judie Mancuso, Morteza Rahmatian, Anne Girtz, and John Ehlers to the Environmental Sustainability Committee, and Dane Pfluegar as an alternate, for two-year terms beginning April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2025.
Roll Call (Vote #1):
Fred Carr None
Lisa Carr Orgill
John Ehlers Weiss, Kempf, Whalen
Jolie Eisner None
Anne Girtz Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whalen
Sander Kushen Rounaghi
Lisa LaCorte None
Judie Mancuso Orgill, Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whalen
Paul Manina Orgill, Whaler
Jacquelin Mutter Orgill, Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whaler Dane Pfluegar ounaghi, Kemp
Morteza Rahmatian rgill. Rounaghi. Weiss. Whal
Uwe Schramm Weiss
Ray Tang Orgill, Kempf
Roll Call (Vote #2):
Paul Manina Weiss
Dane Pfluegar Rounaghi, Kempf, Whalen
Ray Tang Orgill
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES
COMMITTEE
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Housing and Human Services Committee: Joe Hanauer, Diane Harrison, Alexandra Jochim, Samir Khanna, Alex Kweskin, Lisa LaCorte, Joan McFarland, Jonathan Moore, Adam Redding-Kaufman, Stephanie Wander, and Mary Jo Winefordner; Cody Engle provided a written statement and Jennifer Zeiter was not present and did not provide a statement. -8-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 7, 2023
The City Council appointed Mary Jo Winefordner, Joe Hanauer, Adam Redding-Kaufman, Alex wein and Dane tarion as siterates on the commie, for terms Begining April 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.
Roll Call (Vote #1):
Rounaghi, Kempf, Whalen
Joe Hanauer rgill, Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whal
Diane Harrison eiss, Kempf, Whal
Sama Khanchim Orgil, Rough, Kempr, Whalen
Orgill, Weiss, Kempf
None
Orgill, Weiss
Rou unghi, Weis, Kempr, Whalen
Roll Call (Vote #2):
Cody Engle Rounaghi, Kempf, Whalen
Diane Harrison None
Alex Kweskin Orgill, Weiss
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Whalen at 9:57 p.m., Tuesday February 7, 2023, adjourned to the Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. and to the Regular hybrid virtual/in-person City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California.
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Approved: February 21, 2023 Bastihal
Bob Whalen, Mayor
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NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54995
EXCERPT OF THE MINUTES OF THE
HYBRID VIRTUAL/IN-PERSON REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
February 7, 2023
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The hybrid virtual/in-person Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2023, in the City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.
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PRESENT COUNCILMEMBERS: Orgill, Rounaghi, Weiss, Kempf, Whalen PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Whalen at 9:57 p.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2023, adjourned to the Closed Session at 4:00 p.m., and hybrid virtual/in-person Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 21, 2023, 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 8th day of February 2023.
Suuk
NCORPORATES City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach California O
UNE 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 hybrid virtual/in-person Regular Meeting of the City Council held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHED HERETO; and that on February 8, 2023, at the hour of 9:30 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.
City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, Californa