Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 22, 2025
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
July 22, 2025
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was called to order on Tuesday, jury 222025, in the Cily Hall, S05 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach. Califomia, Mayor Rounaghi
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Councilmember Hallie Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION
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CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Number of Cases: Two (2)
a. CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD SAN DIEGO REGION In the matter of City of Laguna Beach, November 2019 Sanitary Sewer Overflow, Aliso Creek, Pacific Ocean, CA; Order No. R9-2021-0008, Place ID 63192 b. Worker's Compensation Claim No. 19-144903
Claimant: Thomas Ernest Christopher
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Number of Cases: One (1)
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 tha here was no reportable action on agenda items la and 2, and item 1b was continued to August 12 with no discussion
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 22, 2025
PRESENTATIONS
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PROCLAMATION FOR PARKS MAKE LIFE BETTER MONTH
Approved the Proclamation recognizing the month of July as Parks Make Life Beter lo
1.5 HONORING LAGUNA'S OWN NYJAH HUSTON - 2024 OLYMPIC BRONZE
MEDALIST IN SKATEBOARDING (MEN'S STREET EVENT)
Nyjah Huston was presented with a proclamation honoring his achievements in skateboarding.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS None.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
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Lisa Nordholm, Jewel Sowinski, and Kathy Salimi reported issues related to the required Termination of Tenancy notifications.
Greg Viviani presented an example of trash collected on the beaches.
City Treasurer Laura Parisi a summary of the securities purchases made by Meeder, the City's third- party investment consultant, during their first year.
Sheri Morgan commented on the necessity of undergrounding, and suggested private pools be outfitted to be capable of being used for fire mitigation.
Cathy Jurca commented on the quality of materials used for the refurbishment at 432 Ocean Avenue.
Emily Smith expressed her thankfulness.
John Thomas, Ann Christoph, and Sharon Lyons encouraged the City to consider purchasing lots on Catalina Street for another South Laguna Park.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER ****************************************************************************** City Manager Dave Kiff noted that the City's new business license vendor, HdL, has sent out notification regarding annual business license taxes due, assuring the public that those messages are legitimate. He also presented recent Police Department enforcement statistics, and Police Chief Jeff Calvert responded to Councilmember Hallie Jones' question regarding summer surge efforts. -2-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 22, 2025
Councilmember Hallie Jones reported on the Laguna Canyon Foundation Board meeting, and various public contacts she had
Councilmember Sue Kempf reported on her ride along with one of the Park Rangers, a meeting with Woods Cove residents, and her experiences in picking up trash in various locations.
Councilmember Bob Whalen commented on the tenancy termination notification requirement, noting that there is no active City enforcement component but rather is meant to provide a civil remedy. He also noted that the City is seeking feedback on what should be on an upcoming survey.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill also commented on the meeting with Woods Cove residents, and reported on a meeting with the South Laguna Civic Association and a meeting with the interim Irvine City Manager, noting the potential impact to Laguna Beach due to planned expansions of Irvine's Great Park and the Dana Point harbor renovation. Mayor Pro Tem Orgill also reported on the Housing Fund status, and a tour of Crystal Cove he received from Councilmember Jones, and various public contacts he had.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi reported on the ribbon cutting for Le Petit Pali, the new hotel across from the Montage. He also reported on the visit he and Councilmember Sue Kempf made to the Santa Barbara Bowl, to learn more about how they handle noise concerns. Mayor Rounaghi also announced that he would be participating in the July 30 Motorhome Madness, which benefits the CHOC Foundation.
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 - 6, 9, 11-12, and 14-16.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Special Meeting of the City Council of June 11, 2025, and the Regular Meeting of the City Council of June 24, 2025.
APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS
Warrant #1: $3,589,675.14 07/04/2025
CalPERS 23: $ 387,260.17 06/24/2025
$3,976,935.31
Payroll #26: $2,364,372.01 06/27/2025
Total $6,341,307.32
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
PLANNING DIVISION UPDATE AND WORKLOAD SUMMARY THROUGH JULY 7. 2025
Received and filed the Planning Division Update and Workload Summary, which covers the period from September 2024 through July 7, 2025.
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5. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY'S 2025 SEWER SYSTEM
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Adopted Resolution #25.059 approving the City's 2025 Sewer System Management Plan, titled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, TO APPROVE THE 2025 SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
AND FIND THIS ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378 OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE THAT THIS ACTION IS EXEMPT PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061."
6. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF HARDWARE UPGRADES FOR EXISTING
VENTEK PARKING PAYSTATIONS AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301
(1) Authorized the City Manager to purchase hardware upgrades for 27 VenTek International, Inc. parking paystations from Pacific Parking Systems, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $260,885; and
(2) Found the recommended action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.
7. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR TRASH & RECYCLING RECEPTACLE SERVICES This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Sue Kempf to ask about the cost of the Summer Enhanced Program.
Public Testimony: John Thomas commented on the program.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute contract #25-56 with Quality Commercial Cleaning dba Spectrum Facility Maintenance, Inc. for a two-year term commencing August 1, 2025, to provide trash receptacle, recycling receptacle, and litter control services for various public locations throughout the CITY for a total annual not-to-exceed amount of $550,070 annually; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute up to two (2) additional one-year extensions, subject to satisfactory performance, with an annual cost increase not to exceed the percentage change in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region.
RED FLAG FIRE SAFE PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN BLUEBIRD CANYON AND
CANYON ACRES DRIVE NEIGHBORHOODS
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen requesting a description of the Red Flag program.
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Public Testimony: Matt Lawson, Penelope Milne, and Ruben Flores remarked on the Red Flag program.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt Resolution #25.060 titled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A
RED FLAG FIRE SAFE PARKING RESTRICTION PROGRAM IN THE BLUEBIRD
CANYON AND CANYON ACRES DRIVE NEIGHBORHOODS AND PINDING THE
ACTION IS STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT," with the definition of "Red Flag condition" revised to add "or other governmental agency or official as determined by the Fire Chief or Fire Chief's designee," establishing a Red Flag Fire Safe parking restriction program in the Bluebird Canyon neighborhood and on Canyon Acres Drive.
9. AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR MANHOLE LINING
REHABILITATION
(1) Approved and authorized the City to execute sole source contract #25-57 with Hydro- Klean, LLC DBA HK Solutions Group, LLC, in the amount of $116,750, for manhole lining rehabilitation;
(2) Authorized the City Manager to approve project-related expenses and contract change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $11,675; and (3) Found that the award of the contract is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to section 15302 of the CEQA Guidelines.
10. LAGUNA BEACH AMNESTY ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) PROGRAM TO
LEGALIZE UNPERMITTED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS MEETING CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL ACT:
AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by a member of the public, John Thomas.
Public Testimony: John Thomas suggested modifying the Laguna Beach Municipal Cod o allow the renting of guest houses and guest rooms in Laguna Beach Code Engle said he supported the item, and he explained.
Staff responded to Thomas' suggestion.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Create a formal program, named "Laguna Beach Amnesty ADU Program," and authorize City staff to create and publicize a brochure detailing the program as proposed in the staff report; and
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(2) Find the action is not a "project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
11. OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION ELEMENT UPDATE, REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
FOR WATERCOURSE MAPPING, AND FORMATION OF AN OSCE UPDATE AD HOC: AND FINDING ACTIONS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15306
(1) Authorized the Community Development Department to issue a Request for Qualifications for consulting services to prepare updated watercourse mapping for the Open Space and Conservation Element (OSCE) Update project; (2) Formed an Ad Hoc committee consisting of Councilmember Hallie Jones and Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill to assist and coordinate with City staff and community stakeholders to develop a comprehensive OSCE Update recommendation for City Council consideration; (3) Found recommended actions exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15306 (Information Collection).
12. PARKING, TRAFFIC, AND CIRCULATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (1) Approved the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to install parking restrictions on Hillcrest Drive by adopting Resolution #25.061 titled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON HILLCREST
DRIVE 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 convert 3-minute passenger loading zones to 3-hour metered parking on Laguna Avenue by adopting Resolution #25.062 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, CONVERTING 3-MINUTE PASSENGER LOADING ZONES TO 3-HOUR METERED PARKING ON LAGUNA
AVENUE 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 parking restrictions on Catalina Avenue by adopting Resolution #25.063 titled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON CATALINA
AVENUE AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304"; and
(4) Approved the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to install parking restrictions on Virginia Way by adopting Resolution #25.064 titled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, -6-
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CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON VIRGINIA WAY
AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304."
13. CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 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) This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen to ask about amending the resolution to reflect the motions from the previous meeting.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried 3/2 (Councilmembers Whalen and Jones opposed) to adopt Resolution #25.065 titled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, OVERTURNING THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S CONDITIONAL 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 AND CBD-2 DISTRICTS OF THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN, APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 25-0697 AS
PROPOSED BY THE APPLICANT BY ALLOWING THE EXISTING BRICK TO BE
PAINTED TO MATCH THE REMAINING BUILDING SURFACES AND STRIKING A
REQUIREMENT TO ADD A TRIM COLOR, AND FINDING THE PROJECT
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 (CLASS 1)," with Section 2 revised to add a sentence noting the July 8, 2025, 3/2 (Councilmembers Whalen and Jones opposed) City Council vote.
14. APPROVAL OF LIBRARY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
(1) Approved the proposed Library Capital Improvement Plan developed jointly with the County of Orange;
(2) Authorized staff to submit the approved Plan to the County by August 1, 2025, in accordance with the Lease Agreement;
(3) Appropriated $750,000 in the Capital Improvement Fund with a matching increase in estimated revenue for the immediate improvements to the Laguna Beach Library; and (4) Found that the Library Capital Improvement Plan is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to section 15378 or 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
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15. RATIFICATION OF FIREFIGHTERS' ASSOCIATION SIDE LETTER RELATED TO
EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE PAY, UPDATES TO MANAGEMENT
RESOLUTION, AND REVISED CITY SALARY SCHEDULE
(1) Adopted Resolution #25.066 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING THE SIDE LETTER
OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE LAGUNA BEACH
FIREFIGHTERS' ASSOCIATION";
(2) Adopted Resolution #25.067 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, RELATING TO CONDITIONS OF
EMPLOYMENT, POLICIES, AND BENEFITS FOR UNREPRESENTED
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT AND MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES"; and
(3) Approved an updated salary schedule by adopting Resolution #25.068 titled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, SETTING PAY RANGES FOR CITY EMPLOYEES."
16. RATIFICATION OF SIDE LETTERS OF AGREEMENT WITH THE LAGUNA BEACH
FIREFIGHTERS' ASSOCIATION, LAGUNA BEACH POLICE EMPLOYEES'
ASSOCIATION AND LAGUNA BEACH POLICE AND FIRE MANAGEMENT
ASSOCIATION - POLICE UNIT, RESPECTIVELY, REGARDING A MODIFICATION
TO THE PROCESS FOR APPEALS OF CERTAIN DISCIPLINARY MATTERS (1) Adopted Resolution #25.069, entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING THE SIDE LETTERS
OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND, RESPECTIVELY, THE LAGUNA
BEACH FIREFIGHTERS' ASSOCIATION, LAGUNA BEACH POLICE
EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION, AND LAGUNA BEACH POLICE AND FIRE
MANAGEMENT - POLICE UNIT ASSOCIATION TO AMEND THE PROCESS FOR APPEALS OF CERTAIN DISCIPLINARY MATTERS", and
(2) Authorized the City Manager to sign each employee association's Side Letter of Agreement.
17. SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Sue Kempf to inquire as to when CAD would be implemented.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute service agreement #25-58 with Infinity Technologies for Geographic Information System (GIS) Professional Services in an amount not to exceed $120,000;
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents to implement the agreement; and
(3) Find that the award of the contract is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 22, 2025
REGULAR BUSINESS
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18. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED PUMP TRACK
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions regarding a proposed pump track
Public Testimony: Penelope Milne, Gayle Waite, Jack Jacob, Newt Morris, Marcy Fishman, Tony Zentil, and Jim Foley discussed proposed site locations and impacts on the environment.
Ashley Moraka, Coco Raffa, Paula Lopes, Brian Lopes, Andy Hillyard, Larry Nokes, Blair Ligett, Dylan Lee, Sarah Lee, Jan Schieber, Claudia Redfearn, Mick Donoff, an unnamed member of the public, Kerry, David Browning and John commented that they supported the pump track, and they offered suggestions.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill asked David Browning about the size of the pump track in San Clemente and the impact to the community.
Councilmember Comments: Mayor Alex Rounaghi said the City Council had a responsibility to create recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. He said staff had done a good job to suggest feasible site locations and there would not be a perfect location.
Councilmember Hallie Jones stated that it was important to build the pump track that protected the environment, and she described.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Direct staff to further investigate a site selection for a pump track, including Moulton Meadows Park, with a possible alternative on City land, including initiating a feasibility study and site evaluation;
(2) Direct staff to coordinate with the County of Orange to explore potential land-transfer agreements for a preferred site(s);
(3) Coordinate with Orange County Mountain Bike Association to explore grant and fundraising opportunities; and
(4) Direct Mayor Rounaghi and Councilmember Jones to continue as a working group on this effort.
19. PUBLIC MEETING FOR PROPOSED UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 (WEST STREET)
Mayor Alex Rounaghi recused himself due to potential financial impacts to his immediate family members and 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. - 9-
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Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Matt Lawson, Jill Tracy, Carrie Reynolds, Max Fahid, Christy Miller, and Amy Burke commented on the importance of undergrounding electrical wires for fire mitigation purposes, adding that they supported the proposed project.
Ken Schneider, Sharon Lyons, Betsy Kline, and Roxanne Degarma voiced concerns about the proposed undergrounding on West Street, stating that they opposed the proposed project.
Mary Locatelli suggested deferring the internal financing discussion to the Investment Advisory Committee and let them thoroughly analyze the policy.
The City Council provided direction to staff on the purchase method of municipal bonds, assuming an estimated bond proceeds amount of $4-5 million, to consult with the City Treasurer, the City's investment consultant Meeder, and the Investment Advisory Committee, on options on public versus city bonds, interest rates, a 5% limitation, and a 25- year term.
Agenda Item #20 was heard after Appeal A.
20. AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DE NOVO
PLANNING GROUP FOR REVISED SCOPE OF WORK FOR COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING CODE UPDATE, INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT OF OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS; AND FINDING ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation. Staff and the consultant responded to Councilmembers' questions regarding the revised scope of work for a comprehensive code update.
Public Testimony: Penelope Milne opined on the item and offered suggestions.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment for contract #24-70, all in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, with De Novo Planning Group for the modified and additional tasks associated with the preparation of a Comprehensive Zoning Code Update, for a $388,300 increase, at a total cost not to exceed $709,749; and (2) Find that this action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS - NON-APPEALS
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Agenda Item #21 was heard before Agenda Item #20.
21. PLACEMENT OF THE SEWER SERVICE FEE AS A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ON THE
COUNTY TAX ROLL
Discussion: Staff briefly described the agenda report.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to confirm the assessments for the sewer service fees and authorize transmittal of these assessments to the County of Orange for placement on the 2025-26 County Tax Roll and find the same exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3).
PUBLIC HEARINGS - APPEALS
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Appeal A was heard after Agenda Item #21, before Agenda Item #20.
A. PUBLIC HEARING FOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 25-0779 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 23-0151 TO DEMOLISH AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE AND
TO EXPAND AN EXISTING PARKING LOT TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL SEVEN PARKING SPACES AT 359 THIRD STREET IN THE CBD-O (OFFICE) DISTRICT OF
THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN, AND FINDING THE PROJECT
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15304 (CLASS 4)
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Brandon Schlynn, Laguna Beach Presbyterian Church Elder, stated that they supported the staff recommendation. Larry Nokes, attorney representing Laguna Beach Presbyterian Church, commented that the house was exempt from city landmark rules and control as a historic home and he explained.
Ann Christoph, Jacob Cherub, an unnamed member of the public, Bob Borthwick, and Anne Frank stated that they opposed demolition and supported the preservation of the house.
Larry Nokes, attorney representing the Laguna Beach Presbyterian Church, responded to the opposition's comments. He restated that the home was not a historic resource, and he urged the City Council to support the Planning Commission's approval to demolish the house.
Questions of Staff: Councilmember Bob Whalen asked staff if City Council were to grant this request, would they be amending the entitlement made back in 2009, which was in part based on the preservation of the house.
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Councilmember Comments: Councilmember Sue Kempf stated that the church had a right to demolish this house, and Mayor Alex Rounaghi said he could not find an abuse of discretion on the part of the Planning Commission.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried 3/2 (Councilmember Jones and Mayor Pro Tem Orgill opposed) to adopt Resolution #25.070 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S DECISION TO APPROVE DESIGN REVIEW 25-0779 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 23- 0151 TO DEMOLISH AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE AND TO
EXPAND AN EXISTING PARKING LOT TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL SEVEN PARKING SPACES AT 359 THIRD STREET, AND FINDING THE PROJECT
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA
GUIDELINES SECTION 15304," adding language presented at the meeting noting that permanent preservation of the blue house was not a requirement of the prior approval, and that the applicant properly triggered the protections of Government Code Section 37361(c), upholding the Planning Commission's approval of Design Review 25-0779 and Coastal Development Permit 23-0151 and finding the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEM(S) - None.
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ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Rounaghi at 11:30 p.m., Tuesday July 22, 2025, adjourned to the City Council Study Session at 3:00 p.m., Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. and Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California.
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Approved: August 12, 2025 Aller Rommi
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. -12-
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 22, 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, July 22, 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 11:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 22, 2025, adjourned to the Study Session at 3:00 p.m., Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. and the Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 12, 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 23d day of July 2025.
MNCORPORATED Culikay
JUNE 29,192
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, July 22, 2025, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHED HERETO; and that on July 23, 2025, at the hour of 12:30 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 City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, Califormia