Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 10, 2025
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
June 10, 2025
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was called to order on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in the City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California, Mayor Rounaghi
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS 3:00 P.M.
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INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE SOUTH LAGUNA WATER & SEWER
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the South Laguna Water & Sewer Advisory Committee: Eric Jessen, Michael Kovach, Calvin Nelson, Steve Samuelian, and John Thomas. Mel Harwell provided a written statement in lieu of an interview.
The City Council appointed Eric Jessen, Michael Kovach, and Steve Samuelian, and Mel Harwell as the alternate, to the South Laguna Water & Sewer Advisory Committee for four- year terms beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
Roll Call:
Mel Harwell Jones, Kempf, Orgill, Rounaghi
Eric Jessen Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
Michael Kovach Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
Calvin Nelson Jones
Steve Samuelian Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
John Thomas Whalen
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 10, 2025
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE EMERGENCY/DISASTER
PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE (EDPC)
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee: David Horne, Edward Mousally, "Sonny" Myers. Michael McKinzie and Tony Rahimian provided a written statement in lieu of an interview. Kiku Terasaki withdrew, and Mark Vuilles did not attend.
The City Council appointed David Horne, Edward Mousally, "Sonny" Myers, and Tony Rahimian to the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee for two-year terms, beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.
Roll Call (Vote #1):
David Horne Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
Michael McKinzie Jones, Whalen
Edward Mousally
Jones, Kempt, Whalen, Oril, Ronaghi
"Sonny" Myers
Tony Rahimian
Mark Vuilles
Roll Call (Vote #2):
Michael McKinzie Jones, Whalen
Tony Rahimian Kempf, Orgill, Rounaghi
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE HOUSING & HUMAN SERVICES
COMMITTEE
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Housing and Human Services Committee: Slade Carlton and Julie Hall. Steve Cohn and Mary Fergus did not attend. Brent Wagner withdrew.
The City Council appointed Steve Cohn, Julie Hall, and Slade Carlton to the Housing and Human Services Committee for two-year terms, beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.
Roll Call:
Slade Carlton Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
Steve Cohn Jones, Kempf, Rounaghi
Mary Fergus Whalen, Orgill
Julie Hall Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 10, 2025
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE ARTS COMMISSION
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Arts Commission: Donna Ballard, Joan Gladstone, Veronica Gray, Sindi Schwartz, and Nicole Strathman. Suzi Chauvel, Cassie Jones, and Michael Ray did not attend.
The City Council appointed Donna Ballard, Joan Gladstone, and Nicole Strathman, Sindi Schwartz as the alternate, to the Arts Commission for two-year terms, beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.
Roll Call (Vote #1):
Donna Ballard Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
Suzi Chauvel Jones, Kempf, Orgill
Joan Gladstone Kempf, Whalen, Rounaghi
Veronica Gray Jones
Cassie Jones None
Michael Ray
Sindi Schwartz Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
Nicole Strathman Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi Roll Call (Vote #2):
Suzi Chauvel Jones, Kempf, Orgill
Joan Gladstone Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
Sindi Schwartz Jones, Whalen, Rounaghi
Roll Call (Vote #3):
Suzi Chauvel Jones, Kempf
Sindi Schwartz Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Planning Commission:
Leigh Bell, Rachel Goberman, Steven Goldman, Lauren Merhaut, Ken Sadler, Natalya Sheddan, and Tyler Wollmershauser. Mary Fergus did not attend.
The City Council appointed Steven Goldman and Ken Sadler to the Planning Commission for two-year terms, beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.
Roll Call:
Leigh Bell None
Mary Fergus None
Rachel Gobermar None
Steven Goldman lones, Kempt, Whaler
Lauren Merhaut Orgill, Rounagh
Ken Sadler
Natalya Sheddan Orgis, Kempr, Whalen, Rounaghi
Tyler Wollmershauser
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THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED FROM THE INTERVIEWS AND
APPOINTMENTS AT 4:28 P.M. TO THE REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING 5:00 P.M.
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The City Council opened the meeting with a moment of silence for James Politoski, the Laguna Beach father that recently lost his life while teaching his daughter to drive.
PRESENTATIONS
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1. THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS (VFW) WILL PRESENT OFFICER MARTINEZ
THE VEW LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARD
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) presented Officer Martinez the VFW law enforcement award.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS
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City Manager Dave Kiff advised that the Hotel Joaquin appeal hearing noticed to be continued during the June 10 City Council meeting to the June 24 meeting was not placed on the agenda; therefore, it will be re-noticed to be heard on June 24.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
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Several Laguna Beach High School students and other members of the public expressed concerns regarding the planned rotation out of the current female School Resource Officer (SRO), to be replaced Laura Parisi thanked her appointed volunteer Deputy Treasurer, Vicki McIntosh, for her assistance in fulfilling the duties of the Treasurer during Parisi's vacation. Parisi also reported on meetings she had with other elected treasurers, and advised that she will be serving on a roundtable discussion for the California Municipal Treasurers Association regarding the duties of an elected treasurer, and will be attending a Revenue & Taxation Committee meeting during which a topic of discussion will be third- party platforms reporting their collections to cities.
Ruben Flores questioned unknown factors related to the Forest Avenue pedestrian plaza project, and praised the Main Beach renovation, but expressed concerns regarding the tree encased in concrete.
Liz Spencer, Amp+Legacy, requested a meeting with the City to present how her organization may be of assistance.
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Michael Ray explained that he missed the Arts Commission interviews and appointments earlier in the day due to the recent passing of his partner, Chase Anderson. He commented on the budget for the Arts Commission, the City's public art, and the Cultural Arts Manager.
Glenn Rosen commented on a sidewalk busker cited recently and suggested that the City instead focus on enforcement related to other violations obstructing the sidewalk, such as a-frame signs and outdoor seating.
Elizabeth Ray, OC Supervisor Katrina Foley's office, provided an update from the County office, including the Supervisors' vote to ban kratom.
Edward Beck encouraged the City to be creative.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER ****************************************************************** Mayor Alex Rounaghi recognized the courage of the young people that spoke about the importance of the School Resource Officer. City Manager Dave Kiff advised that staff is exploring options.
City Manager Dave Kiff provided an update on the summer enforcement surge.
Councilmember Hallie Jones recognized Pride month, reported on various meetings she had with members of the public, and on the Main Beach project ribbon cutting event. Councilmember Sue Kempf also praised staff on the Main Beach project.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill reported on various meetings he had with members of the public, and on the Facilities Master Plan subcommittee meeting and Kelp Fest.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1-8, 11, and 13-16.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of May 20, 2025.
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
CaIPERS #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
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements. -5-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 10, 2025
CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
(1) Rejected Claim #25-21 filed by Sean Loh;
(2) Rejected Claim #25-19 filed by Dune Drifter;
(3) Rejected Claim #25-23 filed by David Koning;
(4) Rejected Claim #25-20 filed by Michael Vicker; and
(5) Rejected Claim #25-17 filed by Sandra Escalona.
MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT (APRIL 2025)
Received and filed the April 2025 monthly investment report, with submissions from the City Treasurer, Laura Parisi, and the City's surplus funds investment manager, Meeder Investments.
AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR CLEO STREET BEACH ACCESS
IMPROVEMENTS
(1) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to execute contract #25-36 with Wright Construction Engineering Corp. in the amount of $1,766,631, for construction of the Cleo Street Beach Access Improvements project;
(2) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to execute contract #25-37 with Anser Advisory Management, LLC, in the amount of $196,190, to provide construction management and inspection services;
(3) Authorized 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) Approved 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.
7. STORMWATER MASTER PLAN - AWARD OF CONTRACT
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute professional services agreement #25-38 with Ardurra Group, Inc. for $330,000, to develop a Stormwater Master Plan; (2) Authorized the City Manager to approve future project-related expenses and change orders for unforeseen circumstances for an amount not-to-exceed $40,000; (3) Approved 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) Found 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.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 10, 2025
8. RESOLUTION APPROVING SENATE BILL 1 ROAD MAINTENANCE, STREET
MAINTENANCE, REHABILITATION, AND SAFETY PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
Adopted Resolution #25.034 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".
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 5.84 TO THE LAGUNA
BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE LICENSING SCHEME FOR SHORT-
TERM RENTAL UNITS
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen in order to obtain clarification from staff. Staff responded to Councilmember Whalen's questions.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Introduce and waive first reading for an 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."
(2) Direct staff to delay enforcement until October 1, 2025.
10. PLAYGROUND MASTER PLAN - ADOPTION
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by a member of the public, Deborah Laughton, who expressed safety concerns with existing playground equipment and the need to quality control the new installations.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(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). -7-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 10, 2025
11. AWARD CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR NORTH COAST INTERCEPTOR REACH 5 REPLACEMENT RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION
SERVICES
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute consultant services agreement #25-39 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) Authorized 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) Approved 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.
12. ESTABLISHMENT OF SEPARATE INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND AUDIT
COMMITTEES
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Mayor Alex Rounaghi to note a clerical error in the agenda report.
Public Testimony: City Treasurer Laura Parisi commented on the importance of separating the Investment Advisory and Audit Committee, and best practices for an audit committee Deborah Laughton commented on auditing, and the division of finance and auditing. Mar Locatilli and a member of the public supported the separation of the committees, and they offered suggestions.
Councilmember Sue Kempf clarified standard procedures for an audit committee and staff responded.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Adopt Resolution #25.035 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 Resolution #25.036 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.
(4) Authorize the Audit Committee to engage the services of an outside party with financial expertise through education and experience, in a manner specifically relevant to the government sector.
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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
Adopted Ordinance #1718 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."
14. ADDING PARK BENCHES AND OTHER SMALL AMENITIES WITH AN
IDENTIFIABLE LIFE SPAN TO THE DONATION AND NAMING POLICY (1) Approved 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; and (2) Approved the amendment to the Donation Policy.
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 (1) Approved the attached 7-Year Capital Improvement Program for transportation and transit improvement projects required for Measure M eligibility; and (2) Adopted Resolution #25.037 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."
16. FEE WAIVER FOR CERTAIN ART-A-FAIR PARKING PERMITS
Authorized the City Manager to waive up to $850.00 in parking fees for 34 "Premier" summer festival parking permits (2025 only).
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 10, 2025
REGULAR BUSINESS
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17. FIRST READING OF AN 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
Discussion and Presentation: Staff gave a presentation and responded to the Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Ann Christoph and Aaron Peluso voiced their concerns about the proposed 5-foot zone around residents' homes. Toni Iseman commented on canyon areas that required clearing.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to introduce and waive first reading for an 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".
18. POLICY CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE OUTDOOR DINING AND PARKLET
PROGRAM (NOT INCLUDING THE PROMENADE ON FOREST)
Discussion and Presentation: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Bree Burgess Rosen, a member of the public, Toni Iseman, Jacob Cherub, Ruben Flores, Jorge Dubin, Cathy Jurca, and Ann Christoph weighed in on the outdoor dining and parklet program.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
a. Take no action regarding current program set to expire January 1, 2026, until feasibility study for bulb-out locations and a sidewalk improvement plan is completed; b. Impose a moratorium on new parklet approvals;
c. Direct staff to have feasibility study completed to enable the City Council to evaluate the long-term aesthetic, including the potential for bulb-out locations and a sidewalk improvement plan, for sidewalk-based outdoor dining, parklets, and other potential uses; and
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 10, 2025
(4) Direct staff to update the market-rate analysis to revise the fee structure to ensure full cost recovery for parklets in the public parking locations, and explore options to apply an in-lieu fee for outdoor dining in private parking locations.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NON-APPEALS
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19. PUBLIC HEARING TO RENEW THE LAGUNA BEACH TOURISM MARKETING
DISTRICT (LBTMD)
Discussion and Presentation: Staff, consultant, and Visit Laguna Beach representative gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Mark Christy, Jorge Dubin, Julie Perlin Lee, Lisa Hale, and John Zegowitz stated that they supported the LTMD and they explained.
George Weiss, Cathy Jurca, John Thomas, Merrill Anderson, Rubin Flores, MJ Abraham, and Greg Viviani said they did not support a 10-year plan.
Aaron Peluso, Ann Christoph, Brad Wynn, Ed Almonza, April Hand, Jacob Cherub, Mike and Deborah Laughton weighed in on the LBTMD plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, Councilmember liaison to Visit Laguna Beach, explained the development towards a stewardship program and a long-term investment.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Approve the Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District Plan, with the revisions noted by Councilmember Bob Whalen, City Attorney Megan Garibaldi, and Assistant City Manager Gavin Curran, including ensuring that the City maintains 25% of Board representation; (2) Adopt Resolution #25.038 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," with the revisions noted; and separately
(3) Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement between the City of Laguna Beach and Visit Laguna Beach
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 10, 2025
PUBLIC HEARINGS - APPEALS
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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 Councilmember Bob Whalen recused himself from this item pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308), due to contributions made to his election campaign exceeding $250 by a participant with a financial interest opposed to the application.
Discussion and Presentation: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Testimony Supporting the Appeal: Stacy Simondi, appellant, stated that the two-story ADU would directly impact public rights to scenic coastal views. Merrill Anderson, John Bernard, Mike Simondi, a Laguna Beach resident, Linda Morgenlander, Ann Christoph, Lester Julian Savit, Michael Morris, Amy Jackson, a resident of Laguna Beach, Cheryl Osborne, and Daniel Haney said they supported the appeal of the proposed ADU,.
Testimony Opposing the Appeal: David Deerson, attorney for the applicant, commented that this project had no significant impact on coastal resources and was legally entitled to a Coastal Development Permit (CDP). Julie Paddock and Glenn Butler gave their reasons for supporting the proposed project. Warren Hutcherson, architect for the project, clarified points raised by the appellant. Steve and Karen Reinecke, applicants, stated they had modified the designs of the ADU to minimize any impacts on the community. They addressed concerns raised by neighbors.
Rebuttal: Lester Juliean Savit responded to the applicants' comments.
Councilmember Comments: Councilmember Hallie Jones commented that this could be a precedent setting, and she would appreciate additional analysis from staff prior to making any decision.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 4/0 to continue the hearing to the July 8, 2025, City Council meeting, for the purpose of allowing staff to further evaluate whether the visual impairment of a minor view on an undeveloped hillside is sufficiently qualifying to require the proposed second-story Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to be revised to a first-story ADU in the context of feasibility and as an impact on coastal resources, to analyze the feasibility of placing the ADU in the front yard, and to discuss with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) about the protentional of decertification of the City's Housing Element should the City Council require a modification to this project based on the minor visual impairment.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes June 10, 2025
COUNCILMEMBER ITEM(S)
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In accordance with Resolution #24.011, the City Council supported Councilmember Hallie Jones' request for a flag policy to be brought before the City Council for review and approval, to officially allow the Pride flag to be flown at City Hall, and potentially other locations, during Pride month in June every year.
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Rounagh at 11:43 p.m., Tuesday June 10, 2025, adjourned to the City Council Special Meeting at 3:45 p.m., then to the City Council Special Meeting at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California. ******** ****
Approved: July 8, 2025 Alex Rampi
Alex Rounaghi, Mayor
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
June 10, 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, June 10, 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 11:43 p.m., Tuesday, June 10, 2025, adjourned to the Special Meeting at 3:45 p.m., then the Special Meeting at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 11, 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 11" day of June 2025.
NCORPORATED
JUNE 29.192
CAL
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT
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1, 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, June 10, 2025, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHED HERETO; and that on June 11, 2025, at the hour of 11:15 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 Čity of Laguna Beach, California