Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 8, 2025
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
July 8, 2025
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was called to order at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 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.
CLOSED SESSION
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1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Number of Cases: One (1)
Rene Baxter-Payne v. City of Laguna Beach et al, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2024-01403344-CU-PO-CJC
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Number of Cases: Two (2)
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
a. Property: 1437 Cerritos Drive, APN: 644-151-21
Agency Negotiator: Dave Kiff, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Peter Afrasiabi
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
b. Property: APN: 641-171-04
Agency Negotiator: Dave Kiff, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: William Bortz
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
c. 1000 Fernando Avenue, APN: 644-417-03
Agency Negotiator: Dave Kiff, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: The Frederick Clairmont Revoc Trust Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
d. Property: 265 Woodland Drive, APN: 644-231-11
Agency Negotiator: Dave Kiff, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Emma Thier
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 8, 2025
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT (S)
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City Attorney Megan Garibaldi reported that all Councilmembers were present 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 item #3 regarding the real property discussions, and there was no reportable action.
The City Council received an update on the Rancho Fire from Emergency Operations Coordinator Sarah Limones, Fire Chief Niko King, and Police Chief Jeff Calvert.
PRESENTATIONS
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YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNITION
Received and filed the report recognizing the following City employees with milestone years of service: Dave Kiff, Shaveta Sharma, Isidoro Serna, Thomas Brickman, Kai Diamond, and Christopher Caisip for 1 year, Nicholas Diamond for 5 years, and Carlos Mansilla, Alpha Santos-Guinto, Cornelius Ashton, and Ross Corona for 10 years.
2. INTRODUCTION OF NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF LBUSD, DR. JASON GLASS New Laguna Beach Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Jason Glass was introduced.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS None.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
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Christine Park, Office of Board of Supervisors Vice Chair, Katrina Foley, 5th District, provided the office's monthly update.
Lauren Ezzell, Bluebird Canyon resident, stated that she witnessed the fire being started and reported it immediately. Though she praised the quick response and outcome, she expressed concerns about similar actions occurring repeatedly in that area.
City Treasurer Laura Parisi expressed support for parking restrictions on evacuation routes. She thanked the Councilmembers that met with her regarding the discussion related to compensation for her position, and she requested that the City Council treat the City Treasurer position with good faith, be honest, and fair. Parisi then noted some of her accomplishments.
Tyler Spring expressed frustration that a view restoration order issued 20 months ago has yet to be complied with, and he requested a date certain on when the City will ensure compliance. -2-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 8, 2025
Sheri Morgan thanked Lauren for speaking up, Dr. Glass for introducing himself to the City Council, and she made recommendations regarding enforcement. Morgan also commended everyone for the fire response.
Drake Smith, and another unnamed member of the public, spoke in opposition of the 10-year Laguna Beach Marketing Tourism District contract.
Andra Miller expressed frustrations with traffic gridlock, inability to find parking, litter, and graffiti.
Matt Lawson commended the City on its fire response and proactive measures, and expressed support of a ban on the use and possession of fireworks.
Greg Viviani thanked the first responders, and commented on the challenges of emergency vehicles having to navigate through center dividers.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER ************************************************************************** City Manager Dave Kiff commented on the City's efforts to address visitor impacts, and expressed his appreciation for the City team on the fire response.
City Attorney Megan Garibaldi explained the definition of conflict of interest, noting that it relates to financial interest, and the five categories in the Political Reform Act. She advised that Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill does not have a qualifying conflict of interest related to Visit Laguna, explaining that he was appointed to the Visit Laguna Board by the City Council to represent City on that board.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill encouraged the public to reach out to him if they have any questions, and he supported City Manager Dave Kiff's suggestion to host another town hall on the new stewardship focus.
Councilmember Hallie Jones thanked the public safety team for the fire response, and she advised that she met with the City Treasurer.
Councilmember Sue Kempf commented on the Emergency Operations Center activities, and she reported her litter findings.
Councilmember Bob Whalen reported on the Festival of Arts opening day event, and he reported that the Community Land Trust incorporation papers have been signed. Councilmember Whalen also commented on the fire response, and noted that the City is on its second iteration of the fire mitigation plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill commended the City on its efforts on fire mitigation. He also commented on the Festival of Arts opening day event, reported on various communications and events he attended, and reported that he and Dr. Glass discussed a possible collaboration between the City and the School District on the library remodel.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi stated that he is thankful that our City has the best emergency responders. -3-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 8, 2025
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 - 7, 9, and 11.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of June 10, 2025.
APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS
Warrant #31: $4,039,929.53 06/20/2025
Warrant #32: 10,092.45 06/23/2025
$4,050,021.98
Payroll #25: $1,847,593.40 06/13/2025
Total: $5.897.615.38
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
5. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
Rejected Claim #25-18 filed by Steven Ellman.
6. MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT (MAY 2025)
Received and filed the May 2025 monthly investment report, with submissions from the City Treasurer, Laura Parisi, and the City's surplus funds investment manager, Meeder Investments.
7. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH TO
CONFIRM WEED ABATEMENT ASSESSMENT ROLL
Adopted Resolution #25.055 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING ASSESSMENTS FOR WEED ABATEMENT," which will direct the Fire Chief to file a copy of the 2025 report with the County Auditor on or before August 10, 2025.
8. APPROVAL OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH AND MOULTON NIGUEL WATER DISTRICT
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Mayor Alex Rounaghi to allow staff to address the minor modification to the agenda report.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Laguna Beach and Moulton Niguel Water District (MNWD) (Agreement #25-50) to explore collaboration on the OASIS Water Resource Center Project, with the second "whereas" clause removed;
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(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the MOU; and
(3) Determine that this action is not a project under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, and is exempt under Section 15061(b)(3), as there is no possibility it may have a significant effect on the environment.
9. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S REPORT ON COMPLIANCE
WITH STATE INSPECTION MANDATES
Adopted Resolution #25.056 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF A
REPORT FROM THE LAGUNA BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT DEMONSTRATING COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 13146.4 AND
FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT," accepting the Fire Department's report on compliance with state inspection mandates.
10. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR GEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS & WAVE RUN-UP
STUDIES FOR ENCLOSED LIFEGUARD TOWERS
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen to suggest beginning a dialog with the California Coastal Commission at the front end of the contract, rather than at the end, to gather input from them.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Award contract #25-51 with Engeo in the amount of $198,000 for Geological analysis and Wave Runup Studies for the enclosed lifeguard towers project across all City beaches;
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with Engeo; (3) Authorize the City Manager to approve project-related expenses and construction change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $20,000; and (4) Determine that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies) and Section 15306 (Information Collection) of the State CEQA Guidelines.
11. CITYWIDE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION STUDY UPDATE Received and filed this report providing a status update on the City's Classification and Compensation study.
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REGULAR BUSINESS
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12. REVISIONS TO UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FORMATION POLICY
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions regarding revisions to the underground utility assessment district formation policy.
Public Testimony: None.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Adopt the revised "Underground Utility Assessment District Formation Policy" with the following policy changes:
a. Remove the requirement of an initial deposit of $500 from each property owner signing the petition to initiate an assessments district. b. Reduce the petition threshold of required signatures and initial deposits from at least 60% of the participating property owners down to at least 50%. c. Establish a policy regarding contributions in excess of the required general benefit contribution.;
(2) Acknowledge preliminarily identified potential underground utility assessment district boundaries to substantially complete residential neighborhoods with remaining overhead utilities;
(3) Direct staff to coordinate with property owners, and determine if support exists to form assessment districts at the preliminarily identified potential utility undergrounding boundaries;
(4) Direct staff to return with a plan to obtain the necessary easements on all private streets to complete undergrounding citywide;
(5) Authorize the Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety members (Councilmembers Kempf and Whalen) to meet with staff and SCE and SDG&E to expedite the timeline for undergrounding;
(6) Authorize the City Manager to provide discretionary approval for applicants of the City's Assessment Deferment Program who do not meet the age requirements of the program; and
(7) Direct staff to work with a consultant to develop more accurate project cost estimates for preliminarily identified utility undergrounding boundaries.
13. CITY CLERK COMPENSATION
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions regarding the review of the elected City Clerk's compensation. -6-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 8, 2025
Public Testimony: City Clerk Ann Marie McKay stated that she appreciated the objective approach to tonight's item, and she suggested that the City Council set a single base salary instead of a salary range, with annual cost of living adjustments, and a salary review every four years. She also suggested that a 5% increase to the base salary was warranty based on the data presented.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Provide direction to staff to increase the base salary for the elected City Clerk for Fiscal Year 25/26 by 5%;
(2) Set a single base salary instead of a salary range; and (3) Adopt Resolution #25.057, which would, in lieu of considering an annual performance- based salary or Exceptional Performance Pay (EPP) increase, establish a pre-election salary review policy, as revised by the City Council, with a 5% increase in the base salary, and to provide the City Council with the option to appoint an ad hoc committee every four years during the Strategic Planning meeting to review the base salary and make a recommendation to the City Council.
14. FURTHER STUDY FOR FESTIVAL OF ARTS SOUND POLICY FOR PROPERTY AT
AND AROUND THE IRVINE BOWL AND PROCEDURAL NEXT STEPS, AND
FINDING ACTIONS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15304
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions regarding the sound policy for the Festival of Arts.
Public Testimony: Julie Padach, resident above the Irvine Bowl, offered suggestions and voiced her concerns.
Wayne Baglin, representative of the Festival of Arts, stated that they supported staff recommendations.
Ben Warner and Enrich Harris, co-founders of Coast Film Music Festival commented that it was important to hold community events at the Irvine Bowl, and they said they supported bringing the livine Bowl back to life. Sheri Morgan, Anthony DiMaggio, Jorg Dubin, an unnamed member of the public, and Rob Smith commented on the importance of community music events, and expressed support on the item.
Penny Milne commented on the sound levels and boundaries.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 8, 2025
(1) Suspend the Festival of Arts sound policy for three days on November 7, 8 and 9, 2025, to allow the City's sound consultant, Rincon Consultants, Inc., the opportunity to measure and analyze sound from a real-life concert to better inform whether any changes to such sound policy are necessary;
(2) Authorize the additional scope of work proposed by the City's sound consultant, Rincon Consultants, Inc., to measure and analyze sound during a real-life concert on November 7,8 and 9, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $15,000;
(3) Find the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304, based on the findings in this staff report; and
(4) Direct the two City Council Irvine Bowl Policy Committee members to develop recommendations based on best practices, including those from the Santa Barbara Bowl, to help guide the sound testing to create a formal sound and use policy for concerts.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - APPEALS
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A. PUBLIC HEARING FOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 25-0697 TO MODIFY THE APPROVED EXTERIOR
PAINT COLORS BY AMENDING THE PRIOR CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL ASSOCIATED WITH DESIGN REVIEW 24-0890 FOR THE FOREST AVENUE MALL AT 332-334 FOREST AVENUE IN THE CBD-1 (RESIDENT SERVING) AND CBD-2 (DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL) DISTRICTS OF THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN,
AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 (CLASS 1)
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Dan Declark, owner of the property, and Bob White, architect, explained the history of the project and the reason they did not comply with the Planning Commission's conditions of approval. Elise Roberts and Steve Jones expressed support for the current project.
Jorg Dubin, Planning Commissioner, explained the approval process of this project.
Ann Christoph said she supported the Planning Commission's decision, and she explained.
Rebuttal: Bob White, architect for the project, further explained the applicant's reason for the painting of the brick façade.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried 4/1 (Councilmember Jones opposed) to make the finding that there was an abuse of discretion by the Planning Commission.
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Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried 3/2 (Councilmembers Jones and Whalen opposed) to direct staff to return to the City Council with a resolution for City Council approval striking the condition related to the brick, with all of the findings necessary to issue DR 25-0697, as detailed in the Planning Commission resolution.
B. CONTINUED 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 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) would directly impact the public's rights to scenic coastal views. Michael Blakemore, architect, proposed a modified design for the ADU that would not impact scenic coastal views. Lester Julian Savit, Amy Jackson, Michael Morris, Steve Hester, Robert Smith, Mike Simondi, Linda Morgenlander, Daniel Henry, Ann Christoph, and two unnamed members of the public urged the City Council to support the appeal and deny the proposed two-story ADU, and they listed their reasons.
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). Steve Reinecke, Bruce Reinecke, an unnamoed member of the public, and Karen Reinecke commented on why they supported the proposed construction of the ADU.
Rebuttal: Lester Juliean Savit responded to the applicants' comments, stating that the applicants were focused on protecting public views, not private views.
Councilmember Comments: Councilmembers discussed the CDP findings, and if the view impacts were significant and adverse enough to determine that they were affecting coastal scenic resources. They commented that the State of California eliminated the ability to consider view equity for ADUs, and the Councilmembers stated that they had a responsibility to protect the City from legal battles and the cost to the City. -9-
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Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, seconded by Councilmember Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 4/0 to adopt Resolution #25.058 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DENYING THE
APPEAL AND UPHOLDING 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 AT 1673 LOUISE STREET IN THE R-1 (RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY) ZONE, AND FINDING THE ACTION
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15303," upholding the Community Development Director's conditional approval of Coastal Development Permit 25-0036.
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEM(S) - None.
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ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Rounaghi at 11:38 p.m., Tuesday July 8, 2025, adjourned to the City Council Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. and Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California. ****************
Approved: August 12, 2025 Alex homi
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. -10-
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
July 8, 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., Calilay, July 8, 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 11:38 p.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2025, adjourned to the Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. and the Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 22, 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 9'h day of July 2025.
NCORPORATES
TUNE 29.
ANGE 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, July 8, 2025, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHED HERETO; and that on July 9, 2025, at the hour of 10:50 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 Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, California