Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 23, 2024
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
July 23, 2024
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was called to order on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in the City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California, Mayor Kempf presiding.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Orgill, Weiss, Whalen, Rounaghi, Kempf PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION
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Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation
Significant exposure to litigation (Gov. Code sec. 54956.9(d)(2) &(e)(2)): One (1) case On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, City Attorney Megan Garibaldi received a verbal threat of litigation from attorney Gavril Gabriel, who represents a City employee. The claims made by Mr. Gabriel relate to allegations of violations of federal and state employment laws.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS)
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City Attorney Megan Garibaldi reported that all Councilmembers were present and participated in the discussions, and there was no public comment prior to the City Council convening into the Closed Session. She stated that there was no reportable action.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS - None.
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City Attorney Megan Garibaldi explained why she has advised the City Council not to respond to comments related to the Neighborhood Congregational Church project. -1-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 23, 2024
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
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Michele Monda requested that the City Council reconsider enabling virtual public participation again, expressed support for the City Treasurer, and spoke against Visit Laguna Beach. Chris Catsimanes also spoke against Visit Laguna Beach, and suggested more enforcement of City regulations.
Kevin Harrison described "Lagunafication" as a crisis of overcrowding and suggested local neighborhood parking programs.
Cathy Jurca presented concerns related to the Olympic Cottage project.
City Treasurer Laura Parisi advised that she received the data needed to start the TOT audits on July 11, 2024, from the Interim Finance Director and intends to conduct the audits by October. She requested City Council support to attend the interviews for the audit firms, and to place a LAIF alternative on a future City Council agenda for investment of bond proceeds.
Bill Kerlin, Laguna Playhouse, advised that the Playhouse has spent about $300,000 on the building over the years on emergency bases, that was not part of its budget.
Alex Monda echoed the request that virtual public participation be reinstated. He also commented on transparency, as it relates to sharing body cam footage, and suggested that the City implement a crime map. He also expressed his support of the City Treasurer.
Mary Locatelli summarized a recent guest column by John Moorlach published in Stu News regarding the City Council's recent actions related to the City Treasurer.
Jordan Manning and Erin O'Malley alerted the community regarding Jason Garza, founder of Locals for Laguna, and spoke in support of Visit Laguna Beach. Kristen Hutchison suggested focusing on making a positive impact instead of inciting division among residents and visitors.
Jennifer Zeiter provided letters for the public record from those against the Neighborhood Congregational Church, and requested that a traffic study be performed before formal plans are submitted.
apon sed to resented earle of i and rayan Behis socialed is pot onl overcrowding.
Feng Shui Jimmi commented on the lack of spaces for musicians, and lack of assistance for those that are unhoused with a family.
Thomas Fleming encouraged everyone to love the environment and each other, rather than being addicted to money.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 23, 2024
Karyn Philippsen spoke on behalf of Visit Laguna Beach, and its role of partnering with the community. She clarified that Visit Laguna Beach receives no City funding, but rather is funded through a self-assessment by the lodging establishments. She also noted that in 2021 Visit Laguna Beach launched its Leave No Trace program, and also has a training program for its volunteers and employees on how to be a good steward.
Sharon spoke against Visit Laguna Beach, commented on the school district's proposed pool, and the Neighborhood Congregational Church project.
Christy Miller thanked the public service staff, particularly Marine Safety, noting the number of rescues made during the July 4" holiday weekend.
Pat Menne also spoke against Visit Laguna Beach.
Terry Ann suggested that all the crosswalks have lights.
Paulette Adams suggested that funds be provided for local artists.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER *жж***********¢*÷********************************************************* Assistant City Manager Jeremy Frimond provided a presentation summarizing the Heal the Bay report card.
Councilmember George Weiss complimented lifeguards that stopped fishermen from fishing in the MPA, and Liz Avila for her work on the transition to CR&R. He agreed with the comments against Visit Laguna Beach, and noted that affordable housing and tourism impacts seem like unsolvable issues. Councilmember Weiss also supported reinstating virtual public participation for City meetings.
Councilmember Mark Orgill commented on Visit Laguna Beach and suggested forming a subcommittee to look into ways to transition the organization into a stewardship role. He then summarized various communications he had with members of the public.
Councilmember Bob Whalen reported that the school district is moving ahead with a slightly smaller pool, and has requested input from the City on the City's potential use on the pool.
Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi commented on the passing of conservation leader Elisabeth Brown.
He also reported that he met with the City arborist on how to streamline the planting of trees.
Regarding Visit Laguna Beach, Mayor Pro Tem Rounaghi noted that the five-year self-assessment expires next year, half of which goes to arts organizations, and he agreed with moving towards stewardship.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 23, 2024
Mayor Sue Kempf commented that she was interviewed by ABC 7 about visitor impacts, and she submitted that most people that come to Laguna Beach know nothing about Visit Laguna Beach.
She observed that the overcrowding is happening everywhere, and agreed that increased enforcement is necessary. Mayor Kempf also stated that the Surf & Sand is paying its employees during its renovation, loaning their services to the City. Regarding remembering Elisabeth Brown, Mayor Kempf announced that the City Council will recognize Brown at its August 13 meeting.
Regarding the pool, Mayor Kempf advised that the Laguna Beach Unified School District is planning a public outreach meeting in August.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 4/0 (Councilmember Weiss was out of the room at the time of the vote) to approve items 1-3, 6, 8, and 11 - 14.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of July 9, 2024.
WARRANT LISTING
Warrants: $2,442,988.52 07/05/2024
Payroll #26 & 27: $2,279,400.63 06/28/2024
Total $4.722.389.15
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
CITY TREASURER'S MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT FOR MAY 2024 Received and filed the Monthly Investment Report for May 2024.
CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH IDS GROUP, INC. FOR TIER 3 SEISMIC RETROFIT FOR CITY HALL AND FIRE STATIONS 2 AND 3
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi to clarify the staff recommendation.
Discussion: Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi said that he opposed spending additional money on an analysis at this time.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember George Weiss, and carried 4/1 (Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi opposed) to authorize the City Manager to amend Agreement #23-129 with IDS Group Inc. in the amount of $110,000 for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $890,688.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 23, 2024
PARKING, TRAFFIC, AND CIRCULATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi to confirm with staff that the majority of the public parking spaces for vehicles in Laguna Beach carried a three-hour limit.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to install parking restrictions on Tahiti Avenue by adopting Resolution #24.055 titled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON TAHITI AVENUE";
(2) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to install parking restrictions at 31786 5th Avenue by adopting Resolution #24.056 titled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS AT 31786 5TH AVENUE";
(3) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to establish a three-hour limit at golf cart parking spaces Citywide by adopting Resolution #24.057 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A THREE-HOUR LIMIT AT GOLF CART PARKING SPACES CITYWIDE"; and
(4) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to install parking restrictions on Glenneyre Street by adopting Resolution #24.058 titled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON GLENNEYRE STREET AT AGATE STREET".
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING CERTAIN PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 25.16
OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE STREAMLINING
OF ARTIST OCCUPANCY PERMIT APPLICATIONS
Adopted Ordinance #1704 titled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CERTAIN PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 25.16 OF
THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE AND THE CITY'S LOCAL COASTAL
PROGRAM TO STREAMLINE REVIEW OF ARTIST OCCUPANCY PERMIT
APPLICATIONS, AND DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA."
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 23, 2024
7. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE REPEALING IN ITS ENTIRETY ORDINANCE NO. 1675, RELATING TO BUILDING HEIGHT, MASS, BULK, AND PARKING WITHIN
THE COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS, IN LIEU OF PLACING REFERENDUM MEASURE
AGAINST SAID ORDINANCE ON THE BALLOT
Councilmember Mark Orgill recused himself due to conflict of interest related to a source of income.
Public Testimony: Chris Catsimanes voiced his concerns with the proposed ordinance.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried 3/1 (Councilmember George Weiss opposed; Councilmember Mark Orgill abstained) to adopt Ordinance #1703 titled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING IN ITS ENTIRETY ORDINANCE NO. 1675 PERTAINING TO MASS, SCALING, HEIGHT, AND PARKING
WITHIN THE COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS, IN LIEU OF HOLDING A REFERENDUM ELECTION, PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE SECTION 9241."
PROMENADE CITY COUNCIL AD HOC COMMITTEE REQUEST TO INCREASE
THE NUMBER OF RESIDENTS TO SERVE ON THE RESIDENT FOCUS GROUP FROM 7 TO 12 (KEMPF AND ORGILL)
Approved increasing the number of residents that can serve on the Resident Focus Group from 7 to 12, to support the City Council Ad Hoc Committee in evaluating the future design of the Promenade on Forest project.
AUTHORIZATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO WAIVE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FEES IN CERTAIN
CIRCUMSTANCES AND FINDING SUCH ACTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A
PROJECT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember George Weiss.
Discussion: Staff responded to the Councilmembers' questions and comments regarding revenue impact and the limit on the waiver amount.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt Resolution #24.059 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO WAIVE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FEES IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND
FINDING SUCH ACTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A PROJECT UNDER THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378," revised as the City Council directed, with a limit on the public interest reason as up to the City Manager's purchasing limit and with concurrence of the City Manager and City Attorney.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 23, 2024
10. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAGUNA BEACH
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY AND NUISANCE
ABATEMENT AUTHORITY AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING
THE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT BEAUTIFICATION/ PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen.
Discussion: Staff responded to the Councilmembers' questions and comments regarding the incentives in the ordinance, and confirmed that the correct date for the second reading is August 13, 2024.
Moved by Councilmember George Weiss, seconded by Councilmember Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Waive full reading and introduce by title only, an Ordinance titled "AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 7.24.030 (MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY) AND 7.24.050 (NUISANCE ABATEMENT AUTHORITY) OF THE LAGUNA BEACH
MUNICIPAL CODE TO FURTHER REGULATE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
WITHIN THE CITY AND DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301"; and
(2) Adopt Resolution #24.060 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE COMMERCIAL
DISTRICT BEAUTIFICATION / PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND
FINDING SUCH PROGRAM CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15301."
11. PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT NETWORK FIREWALL SYSTEM AND RELATED
SUPPORT AGREEMENT
Authorized the City Manager to execute purchase and support agreement #24-47 with Insight to acquire a Palo Alto Firewall system, including support subscriptions for five years, licensing, and required hardware, for a one-time cost of $162,406.
CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION ON APPEAL OF APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 23-1638 FOR A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE, ELEVATED DECKS, NEW
VEHICULAR ACCESS, GRADING, ACCESSORY SHADE STRUCTURE (GAZEBO),
TRASH ENCLOSURE WITHIN THE FRONT YARD SETBACK, DEVELOPMENT ON A LOT WITH A SLOPE GREATER THAN 30%, RETAINING WALLS, PEDESTRIAN
ENTRY FEATURES, AND LANDSCAPING AND CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION AT 1526 MORNINGSIDE DRIVE IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY ZONE -7-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 23, 2024
Adopted Resolution #24.061 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, GRANTING THE APPEAL, IN PART,
OVERTURNING THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD'S DECISION REFLECTED IN DESIGN REVIEW BOARD RESOLUTION 23-1638 FOR 1526 MORNINGSIDE DRIVE,
AND REMANDING THE PROJECT BACK TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD FOR A NEW PUBLIC HEARING WITH FURTHER DIRECTION; AND FINDING SUCH
ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15270."
13. CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION ON APPEAL OF APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 23-1274 FOR A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE (3,525 SQUARE FEET), ATTACHED FOUR-CAR GARAGE (889 SQUARE FEET), ELEVATED DECKS (519
SQUARE FEET), GRADING, RETAINING WALLS, ADDITIONAL TANDEM PARKING SPACES, LANDSCAPING, AND CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION AT 950
BAJA STREET IN THE ARCH BEACH HEIGHTS SPECIFIC PLAN AREA OF THE R- 1, RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY ZONE
Adopted Resolution #24.062 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, GRANTING THE APPEAL, IN PART,
OVERTURNING THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD'S DECISION REFLECTED IN DESIGN REVIEW BOARD RESOLUTION 23-1274 FOR 950 BAJA STREET, AND
REMANDING THE PROJECT BACK TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD FOR A NEW PUBLIC HEARING WITH FURTHER DIRECTION; AND FINDING SUCH ACTION IS
NOT A PROJECT WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15270."
14. ACCEPTANCE OF URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY GRANT FROM THE U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
(1) Authorized the City Manager to accept a match-free $100,000 grant from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program; and (2) Appropriated $100,000 with a matching increase in estimated grant revenues to fund a tree canopy analysis, tree inventory system, planting site analysis, and an Urban Forestry Master Plan.
REGULAR BUSINESS
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15. PLACEMENT OF THE SEWER SERVICE FEES AS A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ON
THE COUNTY TAX ROLL (PUBLIC HEARING)
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to confirm the assessments for the sewer service fees and authorize transmittal of these assessments to the County of Orange for placement on the 2024-25 County Tax Roll.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 23, 2024
16. PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT REPORT
IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions and comments pertaining to parking management in Laguna Beach. It was also explained that the City continues to work with California Coastal Commission regarding parking options.
Public Testimony: Pat Menne voiced concerns about parking in South Laguna.
Chris Catsimanes said he did not support spending taxpayers' money on parking spaces.
Gene Felder commented on the need for the city to enforce laws and parking meters in the neighborhoods.
Aaron Peluso and Greg Viviani commented on parking concerns in Laguna Beach, and they offered suggestions.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember George Weiss, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Receive and file the Parking and Transportation Demand Management Report update, and direct staff return to City Council with an annual progress report in July 2025; (2) Direct staff to add a new short-term strategy to investigate the feasibility and potential impacts of converting existing free parking along Coast Highway and other areas throughout the City to paid public parking spaces; and
(3) Direct staff to investigate increasing parking citation fees.
17. TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX AND BUSINESS LICENSE TAX BALLOT
MEASURE
Presentation and Discussion: Staff and the consultant gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions and comments regarding a Transient Occupancy Tax and a.
Business License Tax ballot measure.
Public Testimony: Gene Felder, John Thomas, Jim Danziger, Jerome Pudwill, Jacob Cherub, and Christy Miller stated that they supported a food and beverage tax. Judie Mancuso and Michele Monda commented that they supported increasing fees for visitors to Laguna Beach, but not the residents. Pat Menne urged the Councilmembers to utilize residents' knowledge regarding this issue.
Kurt Bjorkman, The Ranch Laguna Beach, commented on the proposed ballot measures and gave suggestions. Mark Cohen, 230 Forest, stated that he did not support the proposed ballot measures. Cary Redfearn, Lumberyard and Slice Pizza, voiced concerns with the proposed ballot measures. Aaron Peluso commented that a food and beverage tax would impact residents.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 23, 2024
Moved by Councilmember Mark Orgill, seconded by Mayor Sue Kempf, and carried 4/1 (Councilmember George Weiss opposed) to:
(1) Continue the Ad Hoc Committee of Councilmembers Whalen and Orgill to investigate options targeting day trippers to help address financial challenges the City is facing while maintaining services and investing in public safety programs, road maintenance, and emergency preparedness; and
(2) Take no action on the proposed ballot measure.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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A. APPEAL OF APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 23-0887 FOR ADDITIONS (NET 413
SQUARE FEET) INCLUDING UPPER LEVEL ADDITIONS AND ELEVATED DECK
ADDITIONS, GRADING, RETAINING WALLS, SPA, EXTERIOR REMODEL, AND LANDSCAPING, VARIANCE 23-0888 TO EXCEED THE MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT (LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 25.10.008(D)(1) AND
25.51.010), AND REVOCABLE ENCROACHMENT PERMIT 23-0889 TO MAINTAIN
SITE WALLS WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY AND CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION AT 1560 SUNSET RIDGE DRIVE IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW
DENSITY ZONE
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to open the public hearing, and continue the appeal of the Design Review Board's approval of Design Review 23-0887, Variance 23-0888, and Revocable Encroachment Permit 23-0889 located at 1560 Sunset Ridge Drive, to the October 22, 2024, City Council meeting, to allow the applicant additional time to work on plan revisions, to a date the appellant is available, emphasizing that the City Council would not consider additional requests for continuances.
B. APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 22-2304, VARIANCE 24-0690, AND CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION FOR HOTEL LAGUNA AT 425 S. COAST HIGHWAY,
IN THE CENTRAL BLUFF DISTRICT
Councilmember Mark Orgill recused himself due to conflict of interest related to a source of income.
Ex Parte Disclosures: Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi reported communications with Christine Miller, Danielle Wilson, and Juan Munoz; Councilmember George Weiss reported communications with Mark Fudge and Building Official Dennis Bogle; Councilmember Bob Whalen reported communications with the City Attorney.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 23, 2024
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions and comments regarding the appeal of the Planning Commission's approval to he project at Hotel Laguna, 425 South Coast Highway
Testimony in Support of the Appeal: Jordan Sisan, representing the appellant, listed the reasons for the appeal of the project. Jonah Breslau, Andrea Martinez, Jessica Arteaga and Javier Galvan urged the City Council to uphold the appeal and deny the project, and they explained.
Testimony in Opposition of the Appeal: Michael Kluchin, applicant, stated that they had worked diligently to meet City codes and wanted to rehabilitate the hotel. He asked that the City Council uphold the Planning Commission's decision and allow them to restore Hotel Laguna. Michele Monda questioned the motive of the appellant, and stated that it was important to move the project forward. Christy Miller stated that she supported the project and urged the City Council to deny the appeal.
Rebuttal: Jordan Sisan, representing the appellant, responded to the public's comments.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 4/0 to adopt Resolution #24.063 titled "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DENYING THE
APPEAL, SUSTAINING THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S APPROVAL OF THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIORNMENTAL QUALITY ACT CATEGORIAL EXEMPTION UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15301 AND 15331," adding to the end of Section 4 as recommended by the City Attorney, "incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof." for Hotel Laguna at 425 S. Coast Highway, in the Central Bluff District.
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS)
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In accordance with Resolution #24.011, the City Council supported Councilmember Mark Orgill's suggestion to establish a subcommittee consisting of himself and Mayor Sue Kempf to work with Visit Laguna on a stewardship program.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 23, 2024
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Kempf at 10:42 p.m., Tuesday, July 23, 2024, adjourned to the Closed Session at 4:00 p.m., and Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California. ****************
Approved: August 13, 2024
Sue Kempf, Mayor
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. -12-
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54995)
EXCERT OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
July 9, 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, July 9, 2024, in the City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.
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PRESENT COUNCILMEMBERS: Orgill, Weiss, Whalen, Rounaghi, Kempf PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Kempf at 11:20 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024, adjourned to the Closed Session at 4:00 p.m., and City Council Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California. ***************
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 10th day of July 2024.
cult
CORPORATE
JUNE 29,192
CALE
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT
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1, Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, California, DO CERTIFY that at he Regular Meeting of the City Council held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, said meeting wa rdered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHEI HEREIO: and that on July 10. 2024
HEnspicions phaten Jur ear t024 at the hoe plad at which sod mo the Notice was osted al was held.
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