Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 25, 2024
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
June 25, 2024
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was called to order on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in the City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California, Mayor Kempf presiding.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Orgill, Weiss, Rounaghi, Kempf PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Whalen
Councilmember George Weiss led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT(S) - None.
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PRESENTATION
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Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association presented awards to the 2024 Young Artists & Authors Showcase (YAAS) winners.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS
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City Manager Dave Kiff removed the proposed appeal fee increase from the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
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Richard Plavetich, Korlan Buxton, Helga Yaillen, John Glavinovich, James Azadia, Dave Csira, Zach Jacobs, Dan Drewnowski, Gordon McGregor, Barry Simons, MJ Abraham, Judie Mancuso, Joy Berry, and Gayle Waite spoke against the Neighborhood Congregational Church's concept for affordable housing.
Susana Cruciana read a letter from Nalini Lasiewicz regarding pickleball at Lang Park.
Thomas Fleming provided background on how he came to Laguna Beach.
Amber and Benton Sparks, and a member of the public, expressed concerns about use of herbicides in parks.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 25, 2024
John Thomas, Judie Mancuso, Gayle Waite, and Trish Sweeney requested that the City reconsider allowing virtual public comment again.
MJ Abraham expressed concerns regarding illegal parking in South Laguna.
Judie Mancuso suggested having Water District meetings streamed live.
Anne Caenn, Village Laguna, thanked City Manager Dave Kiff for speaking at their meeting on Monday at the Susi Q Senior Center.
Gayle Waite spoke against the previously proposed increase to the appeal fee.
Christy Miller and Joanne Sutch provided suggestions to address pedestrian and driver safety.
Greg Viviani requested additional trash pickup at the beaches, reuse of the sand picked up by the sweepers, and reiterated his view regarding permitting breaching of the berm.
Pat Gallis thanked Village Laguna for having City Manager Dave Kiff speak at its meeting, and reiterated Village Laguna's status as a political action committee.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER ****************************************************************************** City Manager Dave Kiff addressed the public comments regarding the Neighborhood Congregational Church conceptual project and requests to reinstate virtual public participation.
Councilmember George Weiss requested an update from staff regarding the use of herbicides, and expressed agreement with the concerns regarding the Neighborhood Congregational Church conceptual project.
Councilmember Mark Orgill summarized various informal meetings he had with members of the public and reported on the Vector Control meeting. He commented on the Fete's pre-party and the Laguna Canyon Foundation's event at Troy Lee Designs, and thanked City Manager Dave Kiff for his presentation at the Village Laguna meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi thanked staff for the display of flags on Flag Day. He commented on the issue with illegal parking and suggested increasing the fines.
Mayor Sue Kempf advised that the City will be providing a public safety announcement to give tips on pedestrian safety. She reported on the CR&R town hall meetings, and stated that she is working on a communication plan for the public regarding home issues. Mayor Kempf also noted that all beach communities are experiencing a very high volume of visitors this summer, and advised that the City already has crews that pick up trash three times a day on weekends. She also advised that Covid is once again on the rise. She also noted that Deputy Director of Public Works Reza Jafari provided an excellent response to the Sparks regarding their concerns related to use of herbicides. -2-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 25, 2024
Councilmember Mark Orgill, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi, and Mayor Sue Kempf welcomed David Contreras to his new position as Director of Community Development.
All the Councilmembers congratulated the Sister Cities on the Fete.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 4/0 to approve items 1-5 and 7.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
June 11, 2 the minutes of the Special Meeting and Regular Meeting of the City Council of
WARRANT LISTING
Warrants: $3,933,553.89 06/07/2024
Payroll #24: $1,723,433.72 05/31/2024
Total $5,656.987.61
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
CITY TREASURER'S MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT FOR APRIL 2024 Received and filed the Monthly Investment Report for April 2024.
4. AMENDMENTS FOR SENIOR MOBILITY PROGRAM AND SENIOR
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 with Sally's Fund for Senior Mobility Services, in an amount not-to-exceed $80,000 per year, dependent on the Orange County Transportation Authority's funding allocation for the Senior Mobility Program in Fiscal Years 2024-25 and 2025-26;
(2) Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 with Sally's Fund for Senior Transportation Services, in an amount to not-to-exceed $87,000 per year, based on the difference between Senior Mobility Program funds received and $143,000; (3) Authorized the City Manager to end the $30,000 annual pass-through of AB 2766 funding from the South Coast Air Quality Management District to Sally's Fund for vehicle replacement; and
(4) Found this action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. -3-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 25, 2024
ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 7.18 OF TITLE 7 OF THE
LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO REGULATION OF SOLID
WASTE FEES
Waived the second reading and adopted Ordinance #1702 titled, "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 7.18 OF TITLE 7 (HEALTH AND
SANITATION) OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE REGULATION OF SOLID WASTE FEES".
UPDATE ON PROPOSAL TO TRANSITION THE REGIONAL TREATMENT PLANT
TO MOULTON NIGUEL WATER DISTRICT AND FACILITATE THE WITHDRAWAL
OF MOULTON NIGUEL WATER DISTRICT FROM SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY
WASTEWATER AUTHORITY
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi to obtain an update from staff.
Discussion: Staff gave an update on the process, and a brief history of how it led to this point.
Public Testimony: Greg Viviani asked about the Aliso Creek estuary project. John Thomas questioned the rationale behind this item.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 4/0 to receive and file an update on the South Coast Water District's proposal to transition the Regional Treatment Plant to the Moulton Niguel Water District and facilitate the withdrawal of Moulton Niguel Water District from the South Orange County Wastewater Authority.
PROCEDURES FOR TAKING AND STORING OF MINUTES PERTAINING TO
CLOSED SESSION MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Approved Resolution 24.046 titled, "RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OFLAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING PROCEDURES FOR TAKING
AND STORING OF MINUTES PERTAINING TO CLOSED SESSION MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL", which creates procedures for taking and storing of minutes pertaining to closed session meetings of the City Council.
INITIAL CONSIDERATION FOR REAL PROPERTY DONATION (APN: 644-151-21) This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi to thank staff for moving forward with the item and to discuss the benefits. -4
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 25, 2024
Moved by Mayor Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 4/0 to:
(1) Direct staff to obtain due diligence documents, including a Phase I Environmental Report, Geological Site Hazard Assessment Report, Preliminary Title Report, and any other reports that may be required to determine liability should the City accept the donation; (2) Remand acquisition of the property with Assessor's Parcel Number 644-151-21 to the Planning Commission for the purpose of considering General Plan consistency.
REGULAR BUSINESS
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INITIAL REVIEW OF DRAFT CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN
REDUCTION STRATEGIES
Presentation and Discussion: Staff responded to Councilmembers' questions and comments.
Public Testimony: Judie Mancuso, Ginger Osborne, Gayle Waite, Tom Osborne, Lexi Hernandez, and Matt Lawson commented on the Plan and offered suggestions.
Received and filed the update on initial reduction strategies and provided input and feedback to refine the proposed strategies, including directing staff to determine if efficiencies can be implemented in the process of adopting a CEQA-certified Plan, such as reducing remaining public input to committee meetings, so the remaining budget can be focused on implementation, and possibly creating an internal sustainability revolving fund to fund programs.
10. PRESENTATION OF COMMERCIAL DISTRICT BEAUTIFICATION/PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Presentation and Discussion: Councilmember Mark Orgill and Mayor Sue Kempf introduced the item. Staff responded to Councilmembers' questions and comments.
Public Testimony: Greg McGilvray, Erin Slattery, and John Thomas stated that they supported the item and offered suggestions.
Moved by Mayor Sue Kempf, seconded by Councilmember Mark Orgill, and carried 3/1 (Councilmember George Weiss dissented) to direct staff to continue to work with the ad hoc committee to move forward with the proposed Commercial District Beautification/Property Maintenance Program and Ordinance, including incentives of reimbursement of Community Development fees to assist businesses with complying with the Ordinance and expedited review of permit/planning decisions
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 25, 2024
11. ADOPTION OF FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 BUDGET, APPROVAL OF THE POLICE UNIT
OF THE POLICE AND FIRE MANAGEMENT POLICE UNIT MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING, PROPOSED INCREASE TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT APPEAL FEE, AND REVISIONS TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 ADOPTED BUDGET Presentation and Discussion: Staff responded to Councilmembers' questions and comments.
Public Testimony: City Treasurer Laura Parisi urged the City Council to approve her rate of pay increase and explained her role as City Treasurer.
South Laguna Civic Association requested the City Council remove the proposed parking meters in South Laguna on Coast Highway from the budget in order to garner additional public input for other parking options and suggested adding the purchase of two vacant lots in South Laguna.
Gayle Waite addressed two items: 1) City Treasurer hours; and 2) metered parking in South Laguna.
John Thomas suggested increasing the business license fee or a meal tax for restaurants.
Jim Danziger commented on the need to generate more revenue sources that targeted visitors to Laguna Beach.
City Clerk Ann Marie McKay clarified her rate pay structure. She also thanked the City Council for supporting the nonprofit for the animal shelter, PUP Laguna Beach, through the community assistance grant program.
Moved by Mayor Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 4/0 to:
(1) Approve the City budget for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 by adopting Resolution #24.047 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE REVISED CITY BUDGET FOR THE 2024-25 FISCAL YEAR";
(2) Approve the salary schedules for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 by adopting Resolution #24.048 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, SETTING PAY RANGES FOR CITY
EMPLOYEES";
(3) Approve the funding recommendations made by the subcommittee regarding the Community Assistance Grants for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and direct the City Manager to disburse the funds accordingly;
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 25, 2024
(4) Approve the recommended Cultural Arts Grants for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and direct the City Manager to disburse the funds accordingly, adding to the approval under organizational efficiencies for the City Manager to also review utilities and parking enforcement;
(5) Approve the budget changes for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 as described in the Agenda Report and authorize the City Manager to modify the budget accordingly; (6) Approve the Appropriations Limit for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 by adopting Resolution #24.049 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DETERMINING AND ADOPTING AN
APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 IN ACCORDANCE
WITH ARTICLE XIIIB OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, CHAPTER 1205 OF THE REVENUE AND TAXATION CODE SECTION 791";
(7) Direct the City Manager to modify the salary schedules to reflect a 9% increase in the salary for the City Clerk;
(8) Postpone the discussion and review of the City Treasurer's salary and performance pay, and include it with the discussion of the transition plan for investment services to Meedor Public Funds, expected on the July 9, 2024, City Council meeting agenda, with compensation and responsibility comparisons with other City Treasurer positions; and (9) Approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Police and Fire Management Association Police Unit for a two-year agreement for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026, by adopting Resolution #24.051 titled, "A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA,
RATIFYING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY
OF LAGUNA BEACH AND THE LAGUNA BEACH POLICE AND FIRE
MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION".
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS)
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In accordance with Resolution No. 24.011, Mayor Sue Kempf and Councilmembers Mark Orgill and George Weiss directed the Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the possibilities related to adding a business license tax ballot measure to the 2024 General Municipal Election ballot, to present to the City Council at the July 9, 2024, City Council meeting. Additionally, the City Council directed staff to place on the July 9, 2024, City Council meeting establishing an ad hoc committee, consisting of Mayor Sue Kempf and Councilmember Bob Whalen, to investigate issues with the insurance industry and communicate the information to residents.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 25, 2024
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Kempf at 9:59 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2024, adjourned to the Closed Session at 4:00 p.m., and Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California. ****************
Approved: July 9, 2024
Salad.
Sue Kempt, Mayor
Ano Mane Mokay, Gily Conk
Note: All components of minutes shall be for the primary purpose of memorializing decisions made by the legislative body. Any minute component that does not serve this primary purpose will be minimized or eliminated; this includes comments made by individual body members and members of the public. Discussions that occurred during the meeting can be viewed in archived video recordings on the city's website. Public submittals on items received prior to adjournment of the meeting are retained in the administrative record and can be viewed in the city clerk's repository. -8-
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54995)
EXCERPT OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
June 25, 2024
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The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in the City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.
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PRESENT COUNCILMEMBERS: Orgill, Weiss, Rounaghi, Kempf
PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Whalen
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Kempf at 9:59 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2024, adjourned to the Closed Session at 4:00 p.m., and City Council Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California. ***************
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF ORANGE SS.
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
I, Cheryl Baldridge, Deputy 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 26" day of June 2024.
NCORPORATEO
Depury City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach California YUNE 29. 192° NIA
TO COLUMN CHASE
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT
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I, Cheryl Baldridge, Deputy City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, California, DO CERTIFY that at the Regular Meeting of the City Council held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHED HERETO; and that on June 26, 2024, at the hour of 1:04 p.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.
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