Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 11, 2025
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
March 11, 2025
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was called to order on Tuesday, March 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
Councilmember Bob Whalen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
STUDY SESSION
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RECEIVE A PRESENTATION ON THE INTENTION TO RENEW THE LAGUNA
BEACH TOURISM MARKETING DISTRICT
The City Council received a presentation on the intention to renew the Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District, and provided feedback, affirming support to move forward.
Public Testimony: John Thomas and Wayne Baglin commented on the subject.
THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED FROM THE STUDY SESSION
AT 4:10 P.M. TO THE CLOSED SESSION
THERE WAS A 60-MINUTE BREAK WHILE THE CITY COUNCIL HELD ITS CLOSED SESSION MEETING FROM 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS)
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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 Items #1, #3 and #4, and there was no reportable action. Mayor Alex Rounaghi reported that the City Council will reconvene into Closed Session at the end of the Regular meeting to discuss Item #2. -1-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 11, 2025
The City Council reconvened its Closed Session at 9:17 p.m.; Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill recused Council adjourned from its Closed Session
Councilmembers Jones, Kempf, and Whalen, and Mayor Rounaghi were present and participated in the discussions, and there was no public comment prior to the City Council reconvening into the Closed Session. Garibaldi advised that there was no reportable action.
PRESENTATIONS
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PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAGUNA
BEACH SENIORS
Approved the Proclamation recognizing the 50" Anniversary of the Laguna Beach Seniors.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS
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The City Council agreed with City Manager Dave Kiff's suggestion to remove Agenda Item #18 from the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
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Tom Lamb announced the release of the 2025 edition of "Laguna Beach and the Greenbelt:
Celebrating a Treasured Historic American Landscape" during an event to be held at the Rivian South Coast Theater on Monday, March 31.
Rachel Goberman announced the inaugural Sawdust Art Festival "Spring Fling" on April 4, 5, and 6.
Gary Kasick, Sensible Laguna, provided an update on the Laguna Beach Unified School District's pool project.
Jacquie Schaefgen and Chris Quilter spoke in support of the Neighborhood Congregational Church affordable housing project; Bruce Dwyer, Richard Plavitz, and Ann Christoph (Village Laguna) spoke in opposition.
Pat Gallis requested an update on the lawsuits related to the Downtown Specific Plan and the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 11, 2025
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER жж*************************************************************************** City Attorney Megan Garibaldi advised that the Laguna Beach Historic Preservation Coalition v.
City of Laguna Beach, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2021-01178477, is scheduled to be heard on Friday at 1:30 p.m.
Councilmember Hallie Jones reported communications with Ann Balasuriya of The Montessori School of Laguna Beach, and reported on the recent Orange County Parks Commission meeting.
Councilmember Bob Whalen reported on the South Laguna Civic Association annual meeting he attended along with Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, explaining that the meeting focused on wildfire safety and emergency evacuation. Councilmember Whalen also reported on meeting with Moulton Niguel Water District with Mayor Alex Rounaghi regarding the OASIS project, advising that a Memorandum of Understanding for the City's consideration is expected in the near future.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill reported on the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach annual Community Partners Breakfast, the South Orange County Meet the Mayors Breakfast, and meetings regarding the Business Improvement District and the Facilities Master Plan. Mayor Pro Tem Orgill also summarized the various communications he had with members of the public.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi reported on meeting with the Rotary Club of Laguna Beach, throwing out the first pitch to kick off the Laguna Beach Little League season, attending the Iranian Nowruz Festival, and his experience as "Planner for the Day" in Community Development.
The City Councilmembers also commented on this past Saturday's annual Patriot's Day Parade.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1-6, 9, and 12 - 14.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of February 25, 2025.
APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS
Warrant #17: $4,815,438.95 02/14/2025
Payroll # 17: $1,725,953.00 02/21/2025
Total: $6,541.391.95
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements. -3-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 11, 2025
4. RESOLUTION TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SIDEWALK
AND INTERSECTION VISIBILITY NUISANCE ABATEMENT PROGRAM
Adopted Resolution #25.009 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING AND DETERMINING
THAT VEGETATION OR WEEDS UPON THE STREETS, SIDEWALKS, PARKWAYS
AND PRIVATE PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH ARE A PUBLIC
NUISANCE, AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO MAIL NOTICES TO DESTROY
AND REMOVE SAID VEGETATION OR WEEDS AS REQUIRED BY LAW, AND
FIXING THE TIME FOR HEARING OBJECTIONS AND PROTESTS, AND FINDING
THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT," which will set a public hearing date of May 6, 2025, for the Annual Sidewalk and Intersection Visibility Nuisance Abatement Program.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF LAGUNA BEACH TO SET A PUBLIC
HEARING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL WEED ABATEMENT PROGRAM
Adopted Resolution #25.010 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING AND DETERMINING
THAT WEEDS, RUBBISH, AND REFUSE UPON THE STREETS, SIDEWALKS,
PARKWAYS AND PRIVATE PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH ARE A
PUBLIC NUISANCE AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO MAIL NOTICES TO
DESTROY AND REMOVE SAID WEEDS, RUBBISH AND REFUSE, AS REQUIRED BY LAW, AND FIXING THE TIME FOR HEARING OBJECTIONS AND PROTESTS," which will set a hearing date of May 6, 2025, for the annual Weed Abatement Program.
6. IRVINE COVE OCEAN LIFEGUARD SER VICE AGREEMENT
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute service agreement #25-04 with the Irvine Cove Community Association for the provision of ocean lifeguard services; and (2) Authorized the City Manager to execute three additional one-year extensions (Fiscal Year 2026/27, Fiscal Year 2027/28, and Fiscal Year 2028/29), if the contract terms essentially remain the same.
7. CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR DIGITAL PARKING PERMITS This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Sue Kempf to obtain a report from staff.
Discussion: Staff briefly outlined the agenda report and responded to the Councilmembers' questions.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 11, 2025
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute consultant services agreement #25-05 with IPS Group, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $352,500, to provide digital parking permit software for a three-year initial term, with two one-year option terms; (2) Authorize the City Manager to approve future project-related expenses and change orders with IPS Group Inc., for an amount not to exceed $35,250; and (3) Find this action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act.
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18.28 OF THE LAGUNA
BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE REQUIRING USE OF QUIET PICKLEBALL PADDLES
OR SIMILAR EQUIPMENT AT LANG PARK
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by a member of the public.
Public Testimony: Susana Cruciana voiced concerns about the proposed ordinance. She requested that the Councilmembers do not extend to hours of pickleball at Lang Park. Nalini Lasiewicz and Felicia Moren listed the reasons they did not support pickleball at Lang Park.
Joanna Lidio, Ronique Goodman, and a member of the public stated that they supported the proposed ordinance. Hilary Castin stated that the pickleball community had been accommodating to the residents' needs, without reciprocity.
Moved by Councilmember Hallie Jones, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt Ordinance #1711 titled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 18.28.070 TO CHAPTER 18.28 (USE OF PARKS) OF TITLE 18 (BEACH AND
PARKS) OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO REQUIRE USE OF USA
PICKLEBALL QUIET CATEGORY PICKLEBALL PADDLES OR SIMILARLY
AUTHORIZED NOISE REDUCING EQUIPMENT AT LANG PARK AND FINDING
THE ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT REQUIRING FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT."
DISCUSSION OF FIFTH VOLLEYBALL COURT AT MAIN BEACH
(1) Directed staff to move forward with the appropriate permitting process for a pilot program for a temporary fifth volleyball court that will be taken down every four months at Main Beach from Labor Day to Memorial Day; and
(2) Found the action exempt from State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 - Class 4. -5-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 11, 2025
10. SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR LAGUNA BEACH COMMUNITY LAND TRUST This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen to clarify dates in the agenda report.
Discussion: Staff updated the Councilmembers on the correct dates in the agenda report and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Mary Locatelli, Jacquie Schaefgen, Cody Engle, and Chris Quilter voiced their support to move forward.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute Consultant Services Agreement #25-06 with Harris & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $81,000 to establish and form the Laguna Beach Community Land Trust;
(2) Authorize the City Manager to approve change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $8,100;
(3) Appropriate $16,100 for the contract for Consultant Services to Establish a Community Land Trust from the City's Housing Fund; and
(4) Find the action exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15060.
11. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR HISTORIC PROPERTY EVALUATION SERVICES This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Sue Kempf.
Discussion: Staff briefly outlined the agenda report and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Chris Quilter commented on the historic property procedures and asserted that best practices and good data could only help to clarify the historic property process.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried 4/1 (Mayor Alex Rounaghi opposed) to:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute Consultant Services Agreement #25-07 with ASM Affiliates in the amount of $106,991.20 for historical property evaluation services; and
(2) Temporarily reappropriate $107,000 from the Community Development Special Programs budget for this project, with the intent to restore the funding as part of the 2025- 26 budget.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 11, 2025
12. AMENDMENTS TITLE 25 (ZONING) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE AND LOCAL
COASTAL PROGRAM AS MODIFIED BY THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL
COMMISSION; AND DETERMINING THAT NO FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEW IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21166
(1) Waived second full reading and adopted by title only Ordinance #1712 titled: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CERTAIN PORTIONS OF TITLE 25 OF THE LAGUNA
BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE AND THE CITY'S LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM, AS MODIFIED BY THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION; AND
DETERMINING THAT NO FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS
REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21166:" and (2) Adopted Resolution #25.011 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT
OF THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION'S CERTIFICATION
INCLUDING MODIFICATIONS; ACCEPTING AND AGREEING TO THE
SUGGESTED MODIFICATIONS; AND EVIDENCING FORMAL ACTION TAKEN TO SATISFY MODIFICATIONS BY ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 1712 AMENDING CERTAIN PORTIONS OF TITLE 25 OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE AND THE CITY'S LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM;
AGREEING TO ISSUE COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMITS FOR THE AREA IN THE LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM, AS AMENDED; AND REQUESTING FINAL CERTIFICATION BY THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION; AND
DETERMINING THAT NO FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS
REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21166."
13. RENEWAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR NETWORK
FIREWALL MAINTENANCE
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute service agreement #25-08 with Sidepath for Palo Alto Firewall maintenance for an amount not to exceed $161,359 for the period of March 31, 2025, through March 31, 2026; and
(2) Authorized the City Manager to extend the agreement for up to two additional one-year terms, provided that the annual cost increase does not exceed 10% of the previous year's rate and that sufficient funding is available in the approved budget. -7-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 11, 2025
14. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING PROPOSED CHAPTER 10.16 TO
THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE, REGULATING E-BIKES AND OTHER
ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION DEVICES IN THE CITY
(1) Introduced and waived first reading for the Ordinance titled: "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 10.16 (ELECTRIC BICYCLES AND OTHER ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION DEVICES) TO TITLE 10 (TRAFFIC) OF THE LAGUNA
BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS ON THE
OPERATION OF ELECTRIC BICYCLES AND OTHER ELECTRIC
TRANSPORTATION DEVICES IN THE CITY, AND FINDING THE ACTION IS
NOT A PROJECT REQUIRING FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT";
(2) Directed staff to return with the Ordinance for a second reading at the March 25, 2025, Regular City Council meeting; and
(3) Found that this Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA," Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq.) because it does not qualify as a "project" under CEQA, or in the alternative, finding the Ordinance exempt from CEQA under State CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3).
REGULAR BUSINESS
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15. 2024 HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
Due to a potential conflict of interest for Mayor Alex Rounaghi related to his previous employment within the last 12 months and for City Manager Dave Kiff related to the proximity of his residence to a project related to procuring consultant services to rezone residentially-zoned institutionally-owned properties, City Attorney Megan Garibaldi advised that the agenda item will be segmented so the City Council can receive the presentation, take public comment, and discuss everything that is not related to the rezoning, then the City Manager and Mayor will leave the dais, and the remainder of the City Council will then receive the presentation on the rezoning component, take public comment on that portion, and make its decision on the rezoning piece.
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions regarding the housing portion of the 2024 annual Housing Element progress report.
Public Testimony: Cody Engle and Chris Quilter commented on the need for affordable housing in Laguna Beach and they offered suggestions.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 11, 2025
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to modify the Senior Home Repair Program, and provide the Housing Element Annual Progress Report and any other housing program updates on an as- needed basis.
[Mayor Rounaghi left the dais and Mayor Pro Tem Orgill chaired the institutional zoning portion of the item.]
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions pertaining to rezoning residentially-zoned institutional properties.
Public Testimony: Cody Engle asked about the ability to piecemeal the residentially-zoned institutional projects.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 4/0 (Mayor Rounaghi was recused) to prepare a Request tor Proposals (RFP) for City Council consideration to procure consultant services to rezone residentially- zoned institutionally-owned properties and conduct the required environmental review, finding that the recommended actions do not qualify as a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act Section 15378(a).
16. COMMUNITY AND RECREATION CENTER INTERIM USE PLAN UPDATE Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Receive and file the Community and Recreation Center (CRC) Interim Use Plan update; (2) Direct Transit and Community Services to pursue appropriate permitting process to create the art room as an artist workspace;
(3) Direct Public Works to pursue appropriate permitting process to convert a portion of the grass field to additional parking spaces, and appropriate $150,000 from the Parking and Transit Fund;
(4) Direct staff to bring back options for City-managed versus public/private partnership for a community fitness center; and
(5) Find the action not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act, or in the alternative, is exempt pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15301. -9-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 11, 2025
17. REVISED FUND BALANCE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24, MID-YEAR BUDGET MODIFICATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25, AND A RESOLUTION
APPROVING SALARY SCHEDULES
City Manager Dave Kiff introduced the item, stating that the City was in good financial shape.
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Jacquie Schaefgen, Cody Engle, Joe Hanauer, and Ann Christoph voiced concerns about the proposed decrease in the housing fund.
Bill Witte commented on the capital project budget.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Update the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget by accepting June 30, 2024, ending fund balances;
(2) Modify the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Adopted Budget and approve the additional appropriations and adjustments as recommended in the report with any changes approved by the City Council;
(3) Approve transferring revenues estimated to be generated above the budget from Transient Occupancy Tax in the Capital Improvement Fund to the General Fund; (4) Approve key measures to balance the General Fund including a transfer from the Capital Improvement Fund, recognizing estimated salary savings, and a salary freeze of certain identified positions, and ensuring the $500,000 transfer to the Housing Fund; (5) Approve the closing out of Capital Projects across various Funds as outlined in the tables below and outlined in Attachment 3 totaling $16,005,183. Unencumbered funds will remain in the Capital Projects Fund;
(6) Reduce the budgeted transfer for Fiscal Year 2024-25 from the Street Lighting Fund to the Wildfire Mitigation Fund by $500,000 as a correction to prior year; (7) Approve a transfer from the Wastewater CIP Fund to the Wastewater Operating Fund for $213,500 to pay one-time invoice from the South Orange County Wastewater Authority for the annual use audit settlement and additional cash payout from the prior fiscal year;
8) Approve a transfer from the Capital Improvement Fund to the Gas Tax Fund of $300,000 to fund ongoing projects;
(9) Adopting the salary schedules for Fiscal Year 2024-25 by adopting Resolution #25.012 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, SETTING PAY RANGES FOR CITY EMPLOYEES," which updated the compensation for employees; and
(10) Direct staff to include timelines in the budget process for Capital Improvement Projects for project initiation and completion.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 11, 2025
18. REVIEW OF MICROGRID LOCATIONS AND SYSTEMS
This item was removed from the agenda.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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Agenda Items #19 and #20 were heard together.
CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CODE AND LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM BY REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 25.17
OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO COMPLY
WITH RECENT CHANGES IN STATE LAW, AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE
STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER SECTION 21080.17 OF THE PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE, AND SECTION 15265(C) OF THE STATE CEQA GUIDELINES
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Cody Engle, Housing and Human Services Committee, stated that the Committee supports the proposed modifications.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Waive full reading and introduce for first reading by title only an Ordinance titled, "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ITS ZONING CODE AND LOCAL COASTAL
PROGRAM BY REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 25.17 OF THE CITY
OF LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS, AND
FINDING THE ACTION TO BE STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTIONS 21080.17 AND 15265(C) OF THE STATE CEQA GUIDELINES;" and
(2) Find that the adoption of the proposed ordinance is statutorily exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code section 21080.17 and section 15265(c) of the State CEQA Guidelines.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 11, 2025
20. ADOPTION OF AN AMENDED URGENCY ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING
CODE AND LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM BY REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 25.17 OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
TO COMPLY WITH RECENT CHANGES IN STATE LAW
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Adopt amended urgency ordinance #1713, which repeals and replaces Chapter 25.17 of the Laguna Beach Municipal Code regarding accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units to ensure that the City's regulations comply with state ADU law and continue to protect coastal resources during the pendency of the Coastal Commission review and certification of the non-urgency ordinance; and (2) Find that said action is statutorily exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code section 21080.17.
COUNCILMEMBER ITEMS)
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In accordance with Resolution #24.011, the City Council supported Mayor Alex Rounaghi's recommendation to have an item on a future City Council agenda to lower the City's campaign contribution limit to the $500 limitation of the Levine Act.
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Rounaghi at 9:16 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2025, adjourned to reconvene to the City Council Closed Session, then to the Joint City Council/Planning Commission/Design Review Board Special Meeting at 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2025, then to the Special Study Session 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., immediately followed by the Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California.
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Approved: March 25, 2025 Aller Rommi
Alex Rounaghi, Mayor
MUlE
Ma me No, Cry Can
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 11, 2025
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. -13-
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
March 11, 2025
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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, March 11, 2025, in the City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.
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PRESENT COUNCILMEMBERS: Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Rounaghi at 9:16 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2025, adjourned and reconvened to the Closed Session, then to the Joint Special City Council/Planning Commission/Design Review Board meeting at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 12, 2025, then to the Special Study Session at 2:00 p.m., Closed Session at 3:30 p.m., and the City Council Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 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 12" day of March 2025.
INCORPORATE
erk of the City of Laguna Beach California
UNE 29, 192)
ORANGE COUN
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 Regular Meeting of the City Council held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHED HERETO; and that on March 12, 2025, at the hour of 2:00 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
cuite
Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, California