AGENDA
TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 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.
Public Participation: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.3, members of the public may directly address the City Council on any item of interest to the public that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. You may submit comments in person on any agenda item or any item not on the agenda. You may also submit written comments on any agenda item or on any item not on the agenda via mail to the City Clerk at 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA. 92651 or by email to [email protected]. In order to allow sufficient time for members of the City Council and staff to review and consider your written comments, written comments will be accepted for consideration up until the close of business on the business day before the date on which this public meeting is scheduled. Written comments WILL NOT be read aloud during the City Council Meeting. Please note that written comments are posted on the City’s website, so do not include any personal information you do not want posted online. Any comments received after the deadline for submittal may not become part of the public record for that meeting. For comments submitted on a topic not on the agenda, please indicate that you would like your comments included in the official record for this meeting.
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
***3:00 p.m. INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS***
*** REGULAR MEETING - 5:00 p.m.***
A.
ROLL CALL – 5:00 P.M.
B.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tem Orgill
C.
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. THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS (VFW) WILL PRESENT OFFICER MARTINEZ THE VFW LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARD D.
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.
E.
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 that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. 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
F.
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.
G.
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).
2. 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 May 20, 2025.
Draft Minutes
3. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Warrant #27: $3,349,089.66 05/09/2025 Warrant #28: $2,462,283.72 05/23/2025
CalPERS #21: $ 384,205.78 05/12/2025
$6,195,579.16
Payroll #23: $1,747,463.48 05/16/2025
Total: $7,943,042.64
Agenda Report
4. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
Recommendations:
(1) Reject Claim #25-21 filed by Sean Loh;
(2) Reject Claim #25-19 filed by Dune Drifter;
(3) Reject Claim #25-23 filed by David Koning;
(4) Reject Claim #25-20 filed by Michael Vicker; and
(5) Reject Claim #25-17 filed by Sandra Escalona.
Agenda Report
5. MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT (APRIL 2025)
Recommendations: Receive and file the April 2025 monthly investment report, with submissions from the City Treasurer, Laura Parisi, and the City?s surplus funds investment manager, Meeder Investments.
Agenda Report
6. AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR CLEO STREET BEACH ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS Recommendations:
(1) Award and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Wright Construction Engineering Corp. in the amount of $1,766,631, for construction of the Cleo Street Beach Access Improvements project; (2) Award and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Anser Advisory Management, LLC, in the amount of $196,190, to provide construction management and inspection services; (3) Authorize the City Manager to approve project-related expenses and contract change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $216,000; and (4) Approve the transfer of $361,551 in savings from the Sleepy Hollow Beach Access Improvements Project ($250,000) and the Sunset Avenue Slope Repairs Project ($111,551) to fully fund the Cleo Street Beach Access Improvements Project.
Agenda Report
7. STORMWATER MASTER PLAN ? AWARD OF CONTRACT
Recommendations:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Ardurra Group, Inc. for $330,000, to develop a Stormwater Master Plan; (2) Authorize the City Manager to approve future project-related expenses and change orders for unforeseen circumstances for an amount not-to-exceed $40,000; (3) Approve the transfer of $20,000 in project savings from the Bluebird Canyon Storm Drain Repair project to the Stormwater Master Plan, to bring the total budget for the project to $370,000; and (4) Find that said actions are not projects pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines section 15378(b)(4). Further, these actions are statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15060(c)(2) and 15262.
Agenda Report
8. RESOLUTION APPROVING SENATE BILL 1 ROAD MAINTENANCE, STREET MAINTENANCE, REHABILITATION, AND SAFETY PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017 AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”.
Agenda Report
9. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 5.84 TO THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE LICENSING SCHEME FOR SHORT-TERM RENTAL UNITS Recommendation: Adopt the Ordinance titled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 5.84 TO TITLE 5 OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING LICENSING OF SHORT-TERM LODGING UNITS AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.” Agenda Report
10. PLAYGROUND MASTER PLAN – ADOPTION
Recommendations:
(1) Adopt the Playground Master Plan as a strategic guide for future planning and investment in City playgrounds; and (2) Find that the adoption of the Playground Master Plan is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), the "Common Sense" exemption, Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies), and Section 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment).
Agenda Report
11. AWARD CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR NORTH COAST INTERCEPTOR REACH 5 REPLACEMENT RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION SERVICES Recommendations:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute a consultant services agreement with Clark Land Resources, Inc., for $140,100, to perform right of way acquisition services for the North Coast Interceptor Reach 5 Replacement project; (2) Authorize the City Manager to approve future project-related expenses and change orders for unforeseen circumstances for an amount not-to-exceed $14,000; and (3) Approve the transfer of $24,200 from the South Orange County Wastewater Authority Coastal Treatment Plant Projects account to the NCI Reach 5 Project account to fully fund the right-of-way acquisition services for the project.
Agenda Report
12. ESTABLISHMENT OF SEPARATE INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND AUDIT COMMITTEES Recommendations:
(1) Adopt the Resolution titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING AN INVESTMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE,” establishing a three-member Investment Advisory Committee; (2) Adopt the Resolution titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING AN AUDIT COMMITTEE AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 22.074” establishing a two-member Audit Committee; and (3) Appoint Councilmembers Kempf and Whalen to the Audit Committee, with future appointments to occur during the City Council’s annual review of Council appointments in December.
Agenda Report
City Treasurer and Public Comments
13. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10.06.090 OF CHAPTER 10.06 OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE THE CITY’S STREET PARKING RESTRICTIONS Recommendations: Adopt the Ordinance titled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 10.06.090 (OBEDIENCE TO SIGNS AND CURB MARKINGS) OF CHAPTER 10.06 (PARKING) OF TITLE 10 (TRAFFIC) OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE THE CITY’S STREET PARKING RESTRICTIONS AND FINDING THE ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.” Agenda Report
14. ADDING PARK BENCHES AND OTHER SMALL AMENITIES WITH AN IDENTIFIABLE LIFE SPAN TO THE DONATION AND NAMING POLICY Recommendations:
(1) Approve the proposed amendment to the “NAMING OF PUBLIC PROPERTY AND FACILITIES” (“Naming Policy”) to include provisions for park benches, trees, picnic tables, and other small amenities with identifiable lifespans; (2) Approve the amendment to the Donation Policy; and
(3) Provide any additional direction or amendments as deemed necessary.
Agenda Report
15. APPROVAL OF 7-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR TRANSIT RELATED EXPENDITURES AND RESOLUTION CONFIRMING MASTER PLAN OF ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS CONSISTENCY FOR MEASURE M FUNDING ELIGIBILITY Recommendations:
(1) Approve the attached 7-Year Capital Improvement Program for transportation and transit improvement projects required for Measure M eligibility; and; (2) Adopt the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, CONCERNING THE STATUS AND UPDATE OF THE CIRCULATION ELEMENT AND MITIGATION FEE PROGRAM FOR THE MEASURE M (M2) PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.” Agenda Report
16. FEE WAIVER FOR CERTAIN ART-A-FAIR PARKING PERMITS
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to waive up to $850.00 in parking fees for 34 "Premier" summer festival parking permits (2025 only).
Agenda Report
H.
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.
17. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FIRE CODE BY ADDING CHAPTER 15.01 TO THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE ADOPTING CAL FIRE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2025 FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES FOR LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY AREAS Recommendations: Adopt the Ordinance titled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 15.01.045 TO ADOPT THE 2025 FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES AS DESIGNATED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 51178 AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT." Agenda Report
18. POLICY CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE OUTDOOR DINING AND PARKLET PROGRAM (NOT INCLUDING THE PROMENADE ON FOREST) Recommendations: Provide direction to staff on policy questions related to the City's Outdoor Dining and Parklet Program (not the Promenade on Forest), including:
(a) Whether to let the current program expire on January 1, 2026, or extend it-conditionally or as-is if AB 592 is enacted, or by amending the City’s Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program; (b) Whether to impose a moratorium on new parklet approvals until the outcome of AB 592 is known; (c) Whether to phase out parklets in favor of sidewalk-based outdoor dining; and (d) Whether to revise the fee structure to apply equitably across all forms of outdoor dining, including private parking and sidewalk use Agenda Report
Public Comments
I.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
This section is for matters (other than appeals) that are structured as Public Hearings. Public hearings are different from regular business items in that there is a specific time period where a formal hearing is opened by the presiding officer, public comment is accepted from any member of the public, and the hearing is closed by the presiding officer. Generally, each public speaker has one opportunity to speak. The City Council conducts all Public Hearings in accordance with the provisions of applicable Laguna Beach procedure and State law. The presiding officer shall have discretion to establish the time allocated for public comment.
19. PUBLIC HEARING TO RENEW THE LAGUNA BEACH TOURISM MARKETING DISTRICT Recommendations:
(1) Conduct a Public Hearing, including receiving a staff report and taking public testimony and evidence for this item; (2) Approve the Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District Plan; (3) Adopt the Resolution titled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING RESULTS OF MAJORITY PROTEST PROCEEDINGS AND RENEWING THE LAGUNA BEACH TOURISM MARKETING DISTRICT"; and separately (4) Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement between the City of Laguna Beach and Visit Laguna Beach.
Agenda Report
Public Comments
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.
A.
APPEAL OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S APPROVAL OF COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 25-0036 FOR AN 810 SQUARE-FOOT, SECOND-STORY, ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT ATTACHED TO AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE ABOVE THE NORTHWEST PORTION OF SUCH RESIDENCE, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 AT 1673 LOUISE STREET 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 Coastal Development Permit 25-0036 to construct an 810 square-foot, second-story, accessory dwelling unit attached to an existing single-family residence above the northwest portion of such residence; and
2. Adopt a Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DENYING THE APPEAL OF AN 810 SQUARE-FOOT, SECOND STORY, ADU ATTACHED TO AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE AND FINDING THE ACTION CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301", upholding the Community Development Director’s conditional approval of Coastal Development Permit 25-0036.
Agenda Report
Public Comments
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.
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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