AGENDA
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025
REGULAR MEETING - 5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, CA
Agenda (printable PDF)
LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURE: Pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308), any party to a permit, license, contract, or other entitlement before the City Council is required to disclose on the record any campaign contribution, including aggregated contributions, of more than $250 through December 31, 2024, and $500 commencing on January 1, 2025, made by the party or the party’s agents within the preceding 12 months to any City official. Participants and agents are requested to make this disclosure as well. The disclosure should be made when the agenda item is called and must include the name of the party, participant, or agent, and any other person making the contribution, the name of the recipient, the amount of the contribution, and the date the contribution was made. Council Members are also required to make such disclosures and recuse themselves.
Courtesy Virtual Broadcast: Please take notice that the City also plans to broadcast the meeting via the below listed mediums. These virtual broadcast mediums are also provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be technically feasible or uninterrupted. Thus, in order to guarantee live-time viewing, members of the public are encouraged to attend in person.
1. Online on the City of Laguna website: www.lagunabeachcity.net/meetings
2. Cox cable channel 852
3. Online on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQsj8cEM7IvTH6p4uf3NUzQ ALEX ROUNAGHI, Mayor
MARK ORGILL, Mayor Pro Tem
HALLIE JONES, Councilmember
SUE KEMPF, Councilmember
BOB WHALEN, Councilmember
DAVE KIFF, City Manager
MEGAN GARIBALDI, City Attorney
LAURA PARISI, City Treasurer
ANN MARIE McKAY, City Clerk
***CLOSED SESSION - 4:00 P.M.***
A.
ROLL CALL – 4:00 p.m.
B.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS:
Public Comment can be provided at 4:00 p.m. on any item on the Closed Session agenda, in Council Chambers at 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, then the City Council will convene in Conference Room A for the Closed Session
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6(a)
Agency-designated representative: Dave Kiff, City Manager
Employee Organization: Laguna Beach Municipal Employees' Association
2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
City Manager Evaluation - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Number of Potential Cases: Two (2)
Initiation - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): Two (2) Cases
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL?ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) There is significant exposure to litigation based on existing facts and circumstances which are known to the potential plaintiffs, as follows: A sewer main back-up at a home located at 1266 Morningside, Laguna Beach, California, that occurred on November 27, 2024.
C.
RECESS FROM CLOSED SESSION, RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
*** REGULAR MEETING - 5:00 p.m.***
A.
ROLL CALL – 5:00 P.M.
B.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Mayor Rounaghi
C.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT(S).
A Closed Session report shall be provided, as required pursuant to California Government Code Section 54950 et seq.
D.
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENT(S).
1. INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENT(S) TO THE PARKING, TRAFFIC, & CIRCULATION COMMITTEE Recommendation: It is recommended by the City Clerk that the City Council interview the applicants and appoint one resident to the Parking, Traffic, & Circulation Committee for a term effective immediately, through March 31, 2027.
Agenda Report
E.
PRESENTATIONS.
The City Council shall from time to time recognize individuals and organizations and present awards or Certificates of Appreciation, or receive special presentations, as previously scheduled and described below.
1. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING ALEX MARTIN AS THE 2025 SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF ORANGE COUNTY ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Recommendation: Approve the Proclamation recognizing Alex Martin as the 2025 Special Olympics of Orange County Athlete of the Year.
Proclamation
2. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE LAGUNA BEACH HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS WATER POLO TEAM Recommendation: Adopt the Proclamation recognizing the Laguna Beach High School Girl’s Water Polo Team for their championship season.
Proclamation
3. RECOGNITION OF MOTOR SWEEPER OPERATOR, MICHAEL ESPARZA’S RETIREMENT F.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE COUNCIL AGENDA.
As may be deemed necessary by the City Manager, agenda items may from time to time be deleted from the agenda; in such event, the City Manager shall endeavor to provide as much advance notice to the community as reasonably possible about the removal of such items. Agenda items may only be added in accordance with Government Code Section 54950 et seq.
G.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS.
The City Council shall consider Public Comments, of up to three minutes each as determined by the Mayor and for a total of 45 minutes, from the audience concerning items not appearing on the agenda. Public comments beyond 45 minutes shall be reconvened at the conclusion of public hearings. In accordance with the provisions of the Brown Act (Government Code Section 54950 et seq.), no action or discussion may take place by the Council on any item not on the posted agenda. Speaker cards may be used by the City Clerk's Office for the orderly conduct of the meeting; those not completing speaker cards may speak after those who completed speaker cards. Pursuant to California Government Code section 54953(b)(3), any member of the public wishing to address the legislative body directly pursuant to California Government Code section 54954.3 may do so at each teleconference location at the time the item is considered.
Public Comment
H.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER.
This is a time for brief updates to the public from the City Council and the City Manager on various City matters.
I.
CONSENT CALENDAR. All matters listed under Consent Calendar are considered by the City Manager to be routine and will be enacted by one roll call vote. There will be no discussion of these items unless a Councilmember, the City staff, or a member of the public requests removal of an item (please identify the item by its number) from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion, and that person shall be identified and noted in the minutes for the item. Once any additions or removals are made, the City Council will vote to approve all items remaining on the Consent Calendar. Any item that was removed will be considered following the action on the Consent Calendar; each speaker shall have up to three minutes, and may be shortened or extended, or a cumulative limit on the time for all public speakers may be imposed, at the discretion of the presiding officer (the Mayor).
4. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recommendation: It is recommended by the City Clerk that the City Council approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of April 8, 2025.
Minutes
5. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Warrant #23: $ 3,295,273.06 03/28/2025
Payroll #20: $ 1,749,569.75 04/04/2025
Total: $ 5,044,842.81
Recommendation: Approve the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
Agenda Report
6. MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT (FEBRUARY 2025)
Recommendation: Receive and file the February 2025 monthly investment report, with submissions from the City Treasurer, Laura Parisi, and the City?s longer-term investment manager, Meeder Investments.
Agenda Report
7. GRANT OF EASEMENT TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON AT 20652 AND 20612 LAGUNA CANYON ROAD TO PLACE ELECTRICAL AND COMMUNICATION FACILITIES WITHIN THE PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER, FOOD PANTRY AND ALTERNATIVE SLEEPING LOCATION PROPERTIES (APN?S 629-031-27 AND 629-061-04) Recommendations:
(1) Grant an easement to Southern California Edison for placement and maintenance of underground electrical services within the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Food Pantry, and Alternative Sleeping Location properties at 20652 and 20612 Laguna Canyon Road; and (2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the easement on behalf of the City.
Agenda Report
8. AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE HAND AND PEDESTRIAN RAILINGS Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to purchase hand and pedestrian railing for the Caltrans Coast Highway ADA South Improvements, per the Scope of Work approved in Cooperative Agreement 12-818 for an amount not to exceed $400,000.
Agenda Report
9. PARKING, TRAFFIC, AND CIRCULATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations:
(1) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee’s recommendation to install parking restrictions on Del Mar Avenue by adopting the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON DEL MAR AVENUE AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304”; (2) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee’s recommendation to install parking restrictions on Farview Street by adopting the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON FAIRVIEW STREET AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304”; (3) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee’s recommendation to install demarcated parking at 1050 Skyline Drive by adopting the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING DEMARCATED PARKING ON SKYLINE DRIVE AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304”; (4) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee’s recommendation to install parking restrictions on Dolphin Way by adopting the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON DOLPHIN WAY AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304”; (5) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee’s recommendation to install demarcated golf cart parking at 174 Fairview Street by adopting the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING DEMARCATED GOLF CART PARKING ON FAIRVIEW STREET AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304”; and (6) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee’s recommendation to install parking restrictions on the northerly side of Mystic Way by adopting the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON MYSTIC WAY AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304”.
Agenda Report
10. PAYMENT TO SOUTH COAST WATER DISTRICT FOR THE NORTH COAST INTERCEPTOR INTERTIE PROJECT Recommendations:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to make a payment to South Coast Water District for the North Coast Interceptor Intertie project in a total amount not-to-exceed of $3,500,000; and (2) Approve the transfer of an appropriation of $1,787,600 from the South Orange County Wastewater Authority Wastewater Treatment Plant Projects account to the NCI Interceptor Intertie project to bring the total project budget to $3,500,000.
Agenda Report
11. CONSIDERATION OF CITY GRANT OF REAL PROPERTY EASEMENT OVER A CITY PARCEL TO PROPERTY OWNER OF 1536 MORNINGSIDE DRIVE AND FINDING ACTION EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 Recommendations:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute an easement granting to the property owner of 1536 Morningside Drive rights for access and utilities purposes through City property (APN: 644-321-05), in a form approved by the City Attorney, in consideration of the following:
a.
Property Owner’s payment to the City in the amount of $4,068.66; b.
Property Owner’s dedication to the City an area marked by the color blue in Figure 3 of this staff report to accommodate the development of one on-street public parking space; c.
Property Owner’s development of one on-street public parking space on the City Parcel, in the area marked by the color blue in Figure 3 of this staff report, and in the City’s right of way easement; d.
Property Owner’s development and maintenance of a portion of the Property Owner’s retaining wall on the City Parcel, subject to a maintenance agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, between the Property Owner and City reflecting Property Owner’s obligation to maintain such portion of the retaining wall. (2) Find recommended actions exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Section 15303.
Agenda Report
J.
REGULAR BUSINESS.
This section is for a wide variety of matters generally worthy of separate discussion such as the consideration of ordinances for introduction, resolutions, extraordinary policy and business matters, staff reports and recommendations. The presiding officer will take public comment on each Regular Business item. Each speaker shall have up to three minutes for each agendized Regular Business item, as may be shortened or extended, or a cumulative limit on the time for all public speakers may be imposed, at the discretion of the Presiding Officer. Pursuant to California Government Code section 54953(b)(3), any member of the public wishing to address the legislative body directly pursuant to California Government Code section 54954.3 may do so at each teleconference location at the time the item is considered.
12. PLAYGROUND MASTER PLAN ? RECEIVE AND FILE
Recommendation: Receive and file the Playground Master Plan, thereby acknowledging the document as a strategic guide for future planning and investment in City playgrounds.
Agenda Report
13. PLANNING DIVISION UPDATE AND WORKLOAD SUMMARY THROUGH APRIL 15, 2025 Recommendation: Receive and file the Planning Division Update and Workload Summary, which covers the period from September 2024 through April 15, 2025.
Agenda Report
K.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - APPEALS
This section is specifically for appeals of determinations of the Planning Commission, the Design Review Board, or other Boards or Commissions. Public Hearings (Appeals) are different from other public hearings in two ways: (1) In some cases, the City Council can only consider whether a lower body abused its discretion in granting or denying a project application. In other cases, the Council can conduct the hearing "de novo," meaning that it can consider old and new information and make a determination unbound by the lower body's decision. The item's staff report will clear-ly state which review standard applies to each appeal item; and (2) public comment generally oc-curs this way: Staff presents a report about the appeal, Council members ask questions about the report. Then the presiding officer opens the public hearing, inviting the person who filed the ap-peal (the appellant) to speak first, followed by persons supporting the appellant's position. Then the presiding officer invites persons disagreeing with appeal to speak. When all speakers have spoken, the presiding officer invites the appellant up a second time to address any comment and to conclude their argument. Following that, the presiding officer closes the public hearing, and the Council deliberates further and ultimately votes on a motion. The City Council conducts all Public Hearings in accordance with the provisions of applicable Laguna Beach procedure and State law. The Mayor shall have discretion to establish the time allocated for persons who wish to speak, of-ten allowing more time for the appellant and/or the applicant.
APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 23-0919 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 23-0921 AND CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 FOR A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE WITH AN ATTACHED TWO-CAR GARAGE, GRADING, RETAINING WALLS, ELEVATED DECKS, NEW VEHICULAR ACCESS, LANDSCAPING, AND CONSTRUCTION WITHIN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREA AT 1536 MORNINGSIDE DRIVE IN THE R-1 (RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY) ZONE Recommendations:
1. Conduct a Public Hearing, including receiving a staff report and taking public testimony and evidence relating to the consideration of Design Review 23-0919 and Coastal Development Permit 23-0921, and California Environmental Quality Act Exemption; and
2. Adopt the Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DENYING THE APPEAL AND SUSTAINING THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD’S DECISION APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 23-0919 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 23-0921 AND FINDING THE ACTION CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15303." Agenda Report
Attachments to Agenda Report
Public Comment
L.
COUNCILMEMBER ITEM(S).
The City Council shall consider matters submitted by members of the City Council in accordance with Resolution No. 24.011, as it may be amended.
M.
ADJOURNMENT. The Laguna Beach City Council will adjourn to:
THE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025
3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
THEN TO THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION AT 4:00 P.M.
AND REGULAR MEETING AT 5:00 P.M.
LAGUNA BEACH CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
505 FOREST AVENUE, LAGUNA BEACH, CA
ADA ACCOMMODATIONS
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with a disability who require a disability-related modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, may request such modification or accommodation from the City Clerk at (949) 497-0705 (telephone) or (949) 497-0771 (facsimile). Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to the meeting.
COMPLIANCE WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.5
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packets are available for public inspection in the City Clerk's Office at 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California, during normal business hours.
Testimony given before the City Council is recorded.
The timer light at the podium will turn yellow and beep once when the speaker has 30 seconds remaining. The timer light will turn red and buzz when the speaker's time has expired.
PLEASE TURN CELL PHONES OFF OR SET IN SILENT MODE.
Laguna Beach Regular City Council Meeting Agenda March 11, 2025
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