Laguna Beach City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
April 22, 2025
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Mayor Alex Rounaghi led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION
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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
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.
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. Garibaldi reported that the City Council did not discuss one of the two cases on item 3 or item 4 due to lack of time, and there was no reportable action on the other Closed Session agenda items.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS
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INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS) TO THE PARKING, TRAFFIC, &
CIRCULATION COMMITTEE
This item was heard after the Consent Calendar.
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Parking, Traffic, & Circulation Committee: Jack Gabus, Erik Pritchard, and Jeff Roedersheimer.
The City Council appointed Jeff Roedersheimer to the Parking, Traffic, & Circulation Committee for a term effective immediately, through March 31, 2027.
Roll Call:
Jack Gabus: None
Erik Pritchard: Whalen
Jeff Roedersheimer: Jones, Kempf, Orgill, Rounaghi
PRESENTATIONS
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PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING ALEX MARTIN AS THE 2025 SPECIAL
OLYMPICS OF ORANGE COUNTY ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Approved the Proclamation recognizing Alex Martin as the 2025 Special Olympics of Orange County Athlete of the Year.
2. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE LAGUNA BEACH HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS
WATER POLO TEAM
Adopted the Proclamation recognizing the Laguna Beach High School Girl's Water Polo Team for their championship season.
RECOGNITION OF MOTOR SWEEPER OPERATOR, MICHAEL ESPARZA'S
RETIREMENT
Motor Sweeper Operator Michael Esparza was recognized for over 20 years of service.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS
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City Manager Dave Kiff advised that Consent Item #11 will be heard after the appeal item. -2-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
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Tom Slattery, Betsy Klein, Sharon Lyons, and Roxane deGarmo spoke in opposition to the proposed West Street Undergrounding District.
Jinger Wallace announced this year's annual Laguna Bluebelt Coalition photo contest.
Christina Giudice, OC Coastkeeper, spoke about the Aliso Beach Berm Buddies program.
Patty Mouton, Alzheimer's Orange County, provided information regarding the organization.
Michelle Highberg, Rhona Meyers, and Krista Lesa, Just Gather, invited the public to the organization's upcoming event.
Sarah Rolfing, Mazneen Hassim, and Jabeen Farukhi requested that the City ensure that the Montessori School of Laguna Beach is included in the Neighborhood Congregational Church's redevelopment plans, or is relocated to the City's Community & Recreation Center.
Kirk Milette, Daniel Palomino, and Rich Plavetich spoke against the Neighborhood Congregational Church's conceptual affordable housing project.
Alia Marriner explained her Aquagrom project.
Aaron Peluso and Ann Christoph requested that the City Council reconsider its direction to staff regarding the Aliso Beach parking lots.
Mike Beanan commented on the success of Laguna Beach's marine protected area (MPA) and reiterated his request for active City Council support of the Laguna Bluebelt Coalition's petition to extend it.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER ***************************************************************************** City Manager Dave Kiff provided updates on the Fire Station No. 4 project, the Main Beach renovation project, and the Visitor Stewardship Town Hall meeting and survey. He advised that there will be a Facilities Master Plan town hall meeting on April 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Center, and a budget workshop on May 13. Kiff also reported that recent approvals related to the Forest Avenue pedestrian plaza were appealed and are currently scheduled to be heard during the City Council's regular meeting on May 20, 2025.
Councilmember Hallie Jones reported on the Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting, and advised that the Laguna Canyon Foundation is hosting a workshop on Thursday at the Susi Q on native plants.
Councilmember Sue Kempf explained that a complete application has not been submitted for the Neighborhood Congregational Church's proposed redevelopment; therefore, the City is unable to provide detailed information.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
Councilmember Bob Whalen reported that he had been advised just before tonight's meeting that Arnie Silverman passed away.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill reported on his attendance at a couple local events, the OC Vector Control District meeting, and various communications he had with members of the public.
All Councilmembers thanked departing Communications Manager Cassie Walder for her service to the City.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1 - 10.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of April 8, 2025.
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
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
6. MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT (FEBRUARY 2025)
Received and filed the February 2025 monthly investment report, with submissions from the City Treasurer, Laura Parisi, and the City's longer-term investment manager, Meeder Investments.
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)
(1) Granted 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) Authorized the City Manager to execute the easement on behalf of the City. -4-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
8. AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE HAND AND PEDESTRIAN RAILINGS Authorized the City Manager to purchase hand and pedestrian railings 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.
9. PARKING, TRAFFIC, AND CIRCULATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (1) Approved the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to install parking restrictions on Del Mar Avenue by adopting Resolution #25.021 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) Approved the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to install parking restrictions on Farview Street by adopting Resolution #25.022 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) Approved the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to install demarcated parking at 1050 Skyline Drive by adopting Resolution #25.023 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) Approved the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to install parking restrictions on Dolphin Way by adopting Resolution #25.024 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) Approved the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to install demarcated golf cart parking at 174 Fairview Street by adopting Resolution #25.025 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
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
(6) Approved the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to install parking restrictions on the northerly side of Mystic Way by adopting Resolution #25.026 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".
10. PAYMENT TO SOUTH COAST WATER DISTRICT FOR THE NORTH COAST
INTERCEPTOR INTERTIE PROJECT
(1) Authorized 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) Approved 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.
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
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by City Manager Dave Kiff and heard after the appeal item.
Councilmember Hallie Jones recused herself from this item pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308), due to contributions made to her election campaign exceeding $250 by an agent to the party of the application.
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: David Dyrnaes offered suggestions to ensure that there would be some public benefit with the granting of the easement.
The representative for the applicant responded to the comments from the prior speaker.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 4/0 to:
(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:
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
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.
REGULAR BUSINESS
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12. PLAYGROUND MASTER PLAN - RECEIVE AND FILE
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Ann Christoph commented on the Village Green.
Received and filed the Playground Master Plan, thereby acknowledging the document as a strategic guide for future planning and investment in City playgrounds.
13. PLANNING DIVISION UPDATE AND WORKLOAD SUMMARY THROUGH APRIL 15,2025
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Received and filed the Planning Division Update and Workload Summary, which covers the period from September 2024 through April 15, 2025.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL
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A. 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
Councilmember Hallie Jones recused herself from this item pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308), due to contributions made to her election campaign exceeding $250 by an agent to the party of the application.
Councilmembers Sue Kempf and Bob Whalen disclosed communications with Chris Prelitz.
All Councilmembers disclosed communications with Steve Kawaratani.
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Testimony in Support of the Appeals: Ed Riahi and David Dyrnaes, appellants, and Steve Kawaratani, agent for appellants, voiced their concerns with the proposed project.
Testimony in Opposition of the Appeals: Chris Prelitz, architect for the project, addressed the appellants' concerns and explained the design of the home.
Mary Fegress, Bluebird Canyon resident, thanked the applicant for working with the neighbors to design an important structure in the area.
Joe Cover, owner and applicant, explained that they were respectfully trying to work with neighbors, while building a house that met their needs.
Rebuttal: Ed Riahi and David Dyrnaes, appellants, responded to the applicant's public comments.
Staff responded to the appellants' remarks concerning the design review criteria.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Sue Kempf, and carried 3/1 (Councilmember Whalen opposed) to adopt Resolution #25.027 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," as revised and presented by staff. -8-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEM(S) - None
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ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Rounaghi at 8:35 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, 2025, adjourned to the City Council Study Session at 3:30 p.m., then to the City Council Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. and the Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California.
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Approved: May 6, 2025
Mu Bate
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
May 6, 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., California May 6, 2025, in the City Council Chambers, S05 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach. ***************
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 11:11 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2025, adjourned to the Joint City Council / Laguna Beach Unified School District Meeting at 3:45 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025, then to the City Council Special Budget Workshop at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2025, then to the Closed Session at 4:00 p.m., and the City Council Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, 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 7° day of May 2025.
LOT AGUNA BEACH Chuiks
¡CORPORATED
UNE 29. 192
ORANGE COU
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, May 6, 2025, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHED HERETO; and that on May 7, 2025, at the hour of 12:45 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.
clut
Flerk of the City of Laguna Beach, Callionia