Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 11, 2025
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
February 11, 2025
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was called to order on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in the City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California, Mayor Rounaghi presiding.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Mayor Alex Rounaghi led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
***************************************************
EXTENSION OF TERMS FOR SOUTH LAGUNA WATER/SEWER ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to extend the terms of South Laguna Water & Sewer Advisory Committee members Eric Jessen, Calvin Nelson, and John Thomas, and committee alternate Mel Harwell, to June 30, 2025, to fill during the June appointments.
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE HOUSING & HUMAN SERVICES
COMMITTEE
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to appoint Chris Quilter to the Housing and Human Services Committee for term effective immediately, through June 30, 2027.
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE VIEW RESTORATION COMMITTEE Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to appoint Rebecca Carson, Blair Contratto, and Rhett Schiffman to the View Restoration Committee for two-year terms beginning April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2027.
-1-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 11, 2025
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE PARKING, TRAFFIC, &
CIRCULATION COMMITTEE
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee: Warren Bidmead, James Danziger, and Suren Machiraju. India Hynes provided a written statement in lieu of an interview.
The City Council appointed Warren Bidmead, James Danziger, and Suren Machiraju to the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee for two-year terms beginning April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2027.
Roll Call:
Warren Bidmead Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
James Danziger Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
India Hynes Kempf, Rounaghi
Suren Machiraju Jones, Whalen, Orgill
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Design Review Board: Imer Bauta, Tom Gibbs, Christopher Moore, Louis Weil.
The City Council appointed Imer Bauta, Tom Gibbs, and Louis Weil to the Design Review Board for two-year terms beginning April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2027.
Roll Call:
Imer Bauta Jones, Kempf, Rounaghi
Tom Gibbs Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
Christopher Moore Whalen, Orgill
Louis Weil Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
6. INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE HERITAGE COMMITTEE The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Heritage Committee: Justin Drucker, James Henry, Cathy Jurca, and Kevin Ware.
The City Council appointed Justin Drucker, James Henry, and Cathy Jurca to the Heritage Committee for two-year terms beginning April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2027.
Roll Call:
Justin Drucker Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
James Henry Jones, Kempt, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
Cathy Jurca Jones, Whalen, Orgill
Kevin Ware Kempf, Rounaghi
-2-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 11, 2025
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE RECREATION COMMITTEE The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Recreation Committee:
Sarah Durand, Jim Foley, Elizabeth Hanauer, Roger Kempler, Newth Morris, Lisa Sadowski, Jheri St. James, and Kelly Zinser. India Hynes, Gwen McNallan, and Tara Thompson provided written statements in lieu of interviews.
The City Council appointed Sarah Durand, Elizabeth Hanauer, Roger Kempler, and Gwen McNallan to the Recreation Committee for two-year terms beginning April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2027, and Newth Morris and Kelly Zinser to the Recreation Committee for one- year terms beginning April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026.
Roll Call (Vote #1):
Sarah Durand Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
Jim Foley Jones, Whalen, Orgill
Elizabeth Hanauer Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi India Hynes
Roger Kempler Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi )
Gwen McNallan Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
Newth Morris Jones, Kempf, Rounaghi
Lisa Sadowski Orgill
Jheri St. James None
Tara Thompson None
Kelly Zinser Kempf, Whalen, Rounaghi
Roll Call (Vote #2):
Jim Foley Jones, Whalen, Orgill
Newth Morris Jones, Kempf, Orgill, Rounaghi
Kelly Zinser Kempf, Whalen, Rounaghi
Roll Call (Vote #3):
Jim Foley Jones, Orgill
Kelly Zinser Kempf, Whalen, Rounaghi
THERE WAS A 45-MINUTE BREAK WHILE THE CITY COUNCIL HELD ITS CLOSED SESSION MEETING FROM 4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
-3-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 11, 2025
CLOSED SESSION
******************
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (2) & (e)(3)
One (1) potential case: There is significant exposure to litigation against the City based on a Government Claims Act claim filed by Cedric Owens against the City on November 4, 2024. The claim is available from the City Clerk's Office upon request.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Five (5) cases:
(1) Dornin v. City of Laguna Beach, Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30- 2021-01183025-CU-WM-CJC
(2) Temple Hills Land Company v. City of Laguna Beach, et al., United States District Court, Case No. 8:24-cv-00605-JLS-ADS
(3) Reinecke v. City of Laguna Beach, Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30- 2025-01453838-CU-WM-WJC
(4) Carolyn Chaney v. City of Laguna Beach, Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2023-01305382-CU-PO-CJC
(5) Laguna Beach Coalition for Environmental Protection v. City of Laguna Beach (Park), Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2023-01349628
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b)(2)
Title: City Attorney
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS)
**************************************
City Attorney Megan Garibaldi reported that all five Councilmembers were present and participated in the discussions, and there was no public comment prior to the City Council convening into the Closed Session. Garibaldi advised that the City Council discussed Closed Session Agenda Item #1, und the Existing Litigation item regarding the Laguna Beach Coalition for Environmental Protection and there was no reportable action. Garibaldi advised that the City Council will reconvene into Closed Session after adjournment of the Regular Meeting.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS - None.
*****************************
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
*************¢***************************
Ed Steinfeld suggested adding two additional Animal Control Officers and vehicles to be staged in endangered neighborhoods during disasters such as wildfires, and offset the cost with a slight increase in pet licensing fees.
-4-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 11, 2025
Karen Lagrew spoke in opposition to the destruction of the Neighborhood Congregational Church's Bridge Hall building, but stated that she did not oppose affordable housing on the site.
Wendy Aird and Julie Perlin Lee, Laguna Art Museum, announced and explained the upcoming "Every Single One" temporary public art fundraiser.
Mike Beanan, Laguna Bluebelt, requested that a City Council member virtually attend Thursday afternoon's Fish & Game meeting to support the proposed expansion of the Laguna Beach Marine Protection Areas.
Mary Locatelli requested clarification regarding how items are determined to be placed on the Consent Calendar.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER ******************************************************************* City Manager Dave Kiff explained how he determines what items are appropriate for the Consent Calendar. He also introduced Sarah Limones, the City's new Emergency Operations Coordinator.
Councilmember Hallie Jones reported on the first Environmental Sustainability Committee she attended as City Council liaison, and on the "Library of Things" available at the Laguna Beach Library.
Councilmember Sue Kempf reported on the initial Fire Mitigation ad hoc committee meeting, which also included Councilmember Bob Whalen. Councilmember Whalen commented on the active engagement of the Water Districts.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill reported on yesterday's "Laguna Blueprint Studio" community discussion on natural resources, held as part of the collaborative effort led by the Laguna Ocean Foundation, in partnership with Cal Poly Pomona, the City of Laguna Beach, Visit Laguna Beach and SWA Group.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi announced that the City has partnered with ProcureAmerica to identify, design, and implement operational efficiency strategies for cost reduction; they have identified about $30k in annual savings regarding electricity, and will be looking into other areas for additional potential savings.
City Clerk Ann Marie McKay noted that Election Day for the Special Primary Election for the 36th State Senate District is February 25; ballots can be dropped off in the mail, in an official ballot drop box such as the one located in front of the Laguna Beach Library, or at Vote Centers, which open on Saturday. In Laguna Beach, only the Lang Park location will be a Vote Center for this Primary Election. She also advised that the application window has been closed for the Environmental Sustainability Committee; 11 applications were received for the 5 openings. Interviews and appointments will occur during the February 25 City Council meeting. -5-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 11, 2025
THE CITY COUNCIL RECESSED AND RECONVENED AS THE
LAGUNA BEACH FINANCING AUTHORITY
LAGUNA BEACH FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING
**********************************************
1. REPLACEMENT OF GAVIN CURRAN, CURRENT TREASURER OF THE LAGUNA
BEACH FINANCING AUTHORITY, AND APPOINTMENT OF ERICA CASTILLO,
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE FOR THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, AS TREASURER
OF THE LAGUNA BEACH FINANCING AUTHORITY
Moved by Board Member Bob Whalen, seconded by Chair Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt Resolution #25.005FA titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS OF THE LAGUNA BEACH FINANCING AUTHORITY APPOINTING
THE LAGUNA BEACH FINANCING AUTHORITY ADJOURNED
AND RECONVENED AS THE CITY COUNCIL
CONSENT CALENDAR
**********************
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1-5.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of January 28, 2025.
APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS
Warrant #15: $4,736,667.77 01/17/2025
Payroll # 15: $1,882,937.77 01/24/2025
Total: $6.619.605.54
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
(1) Rejected Claim #24-64 filed by Dennis Lockwood;
(2) Rejected Claim #24-57 filed by Enich Harris; and
(3) Rejected Claim #24-68 filed by John Jenal.
- 6-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 11, 2025
4. CLEO STREET BEACH ACCESS RENOVATION - ART IN PUBLIC PLACES (1) Approved the installation of a tile mural titled "What Lies Beneath" by artist Mike Tauber to fulfill the Art in Public Places requirement for the Cleo Street beach access renovation; (2) Appropriated $26,500 for the artist honorarium for the creation and installation of the mural, with funding allocations of $14,000 from the Art in Public Places and $12,500 from the Art in Lieu Fund;
(3) Authorized the City Manager to enter into a contract with the artist, in a final form as approved by the City Attorney, in an amount not to exceed $26,500; (4) Found that the proposed actions do not qualify as a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), and are otherwise exempt pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); and (5) Directed staff to file and post a Notice of Exemption consistent with the above-stated CEQA finding within five days of this approval.
ANNUAL UPDATE OF THE CITY'S RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE
Adopted Resolution #25.006 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, UPDATING THE CITY'S RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE."
PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT BACKUP SERVER SYSTEM
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen for further discussion.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to authorize the City Manager to purchase Cohesity backup system from Nth Generation for a cost not to exceed $274,513.
REGULAR BUSINESS
********************
PROGRESS UPDATE - FLEET ELECTRIFICATION AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Ann Christoph asked about a similar program through San Diego Gas & Electric. A member of the public asked about adding a charging station at the Southern California Edison location in the Canyon.
-7-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 11, 2025
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Receive and file this update on the Fleet Electrification and Electric Vehicle Charging Implementation Plan;
(2) Direct staff to release a competitive Request for Proposals to select a vendor for the deployment of charging infrastructure at City Hall and the Corporation Yard; (3) Direct staff to continue collaborating with Southern California Edison (SCE) to finalize the City's application for the SCE Charge Ready Transport Program; and (4) Find that said actions are statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 - Feasibility and Planning Study.
AFFIRMING DIRECTION FROM THE JANUARY 31, 2025, STRATEGIC PLANNING
SESSION
City Manager Dave Kiff briefly described the agenda report and staff responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Gary Kasik, Sensible Laguna, encouraged the City Council to continue to work with the School District regarding the new pool so it could meet the needs of all residents. Merrill Anderson, Village Laguna, urged the City Council to place its highest priority on the City's safety. Ann Christoph asked about the report from the Police Chief.
Laura Gimanni commented on the importance of working with the School District to rebuild a new pool.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Affirm direction given at the January 31, 2025, Strategic Planning session, as listed in the discussion section of the agenda report and revised by the City Council to clarify that the community pool be included in the Facilities Master Plan as a long-range option, and only specific actions and projects from the Downtown Action Plan be brought back to the City Council for discussion;
(2) Adopt preliminary timelines for the five key initiatives discussed at the 2025 Strategic Planning Session; and
(3) Incorporate feedback on the 2024 Council Priority List.
COUNCILMEMBER ITEM(S)
***************************
In accordance with Resolution #24.011, the City Council supported Councilmember Bob Whalen's recommendation to direct staff to place on the March 11, 2025, City Council Meeting agenda adoption of a resolution regarding the proposed expansion of the Marine Protection Areas. -8-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 11, 2025
In accordance with Resolution #24.011, the City Council supported Councilmember Hallie Jones' request to direct staff to provide recommendations for a fifth volleyball court at Main Beach as a pilot program in the off-season.
ADJOURNMENT
****************
There being no further business, Mayor Rounaghi at 6:57 p.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2025, adjourned to the City Council Closed Session at 4:00 p.m., and Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 28, 2025, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California. ****************
Approved: February 28, 2025
Alex Rounaghi, Mayor
EX Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk
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. -9-
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
February 11, 2025
****************
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in the City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach.
California.
***************
PRESENT COUNCILMEMBERS: Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ADJOURNMENT
***************
There being no further business, Mayor Rounaghi at 6:57 p.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2025, adjourned to the Closed Session at 4:00 p.m., and the City Council Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 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 12* day of February 2025.
TO LAGUNA BEC culik
INCORPORATES City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach California UNE 29.192
RADE COUNT: CRED
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT
****************************
I, Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, California, DO CERTIFY that at the Regular Meeting of the City Council held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHED HERETO; and that on February 12, 2025, at the hour of 10:00 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, California