Agenda, first session — Laguna Beach City Council, September 23, 2025

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CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 505 FOREST AVENUE, LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 CLOSED SESSION – 3:30 P.M.

REGULAR MEETING 5:00 P.M.

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
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: 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 (i.e., 5:30 p.m.) 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 Public Participation: 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 (i.e., 5:30 p.m.) 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 on the web. 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 livetime 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 STUDY SESSION
************************************************
A. ROLL CALL
B. STUDY SESSION

1. OVERVIEW OF THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT UPDATES TO PURCHASING POLICY (ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY #I9)
Recommendations:

1. Receive a presentation from staff on the City’s draft Purchasing Ordinance and Purchasing Policy; and

2. Find that the action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.

CLOSED SESSION
************************************************

1. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Number of Cases: Two (2)
a. Edward B. Riahi, Trustee of the EBR Trust, dated May 29, 2015 v. City of Laguna Beach, Superior Court of California County of Orange, Case No. 30202501498304CUWMCJC b. 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. R920210008, Place ID 631920

2. Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation Significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) & (e) (5)
One (1) potential case. There is significant exposure to litigation against the City based on a threat of litigation made outside of a noticed meeting, which is based on the following facts:
a. On September 16, 2025, the City Attorney, Megan Garibaldi, met with attorneys for the propertyownersof317745 Avenue(theFlemings)JamieSpragueandMorganGallagherof th
City of Laguna Beach, November 2019 Sanitary Sewer Overflow, Aliso Creek, Pacific Ocean, CA; Order No. R920210008, Place ID 631920

2. Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation Significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) & (e) (5)
One (1) potential case. There is significant exposure to litigation against the City based on a threat of litigation made outside of a noticed meeting, which is based on the following facts:
a. On September 16, 2025, the City Attorney, Megan Garibaldi, met with attorneys for the property owners of 31774 5 Avenue (the Flemings), Jamie Sprague and Morgan Gallagher of Cox Castle & Nicholson LLP, regarding the property owners demand for payment based on the City’s January 23, 2025 stop work order for construction at 31774 5 Avenue which proceeded without the proper entitlements. At the September 16, 2025 meeting, the attorneys for property owners of 31774 5 Avenue threatened litigation if the City did not make the demanded payment.

3. Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation Significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) & (e) (3)
One (1) potential case. There is significant exposure to litigation against the City based on a threat of litigation made outside of a noticed meeting, which is based on the following facts:
a. Pursuant to an email from August 5, 2025 (as revised on August 6, 2025), a resident (Gregg Homer), is claiming that he is erroneously being billed as a multifamily dwelling (compared to a singlefamily residence) for solid waste service at his residences. The resident subsequently filed a Government Claims Act claim on September 3, 2025. The letter and claim are on file with the City Clerk and available upon request.

4. Conference with Legal Counsel Anticipated Litigation Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Number of Cases: Two (2)

5. Conference with Labor Negotiators
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
a. Agencydesignated representatives: Dave Kiff, City Manager; Aggie Nesh, Human Resources Director Employee Organization: Police Employee’s Association

6. Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
a.   Property: Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 49611127, Laguna Beach, CA Agency Negotiator: Dave Kiff, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: David Perry, President of the Board, Festival of the Arts Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
b.         Property: 777 & 22466 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA Agency Negotiator: Dave Kiff, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: S.B.S. Trust Deed Network, a California Corporation (Trustee of Deed of Trust Dated 6/7/2021)
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
A. ROLL CALL
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th
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b.         Property: 777 & 22466 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA Agency Negotiator: Dave Kiff, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: S.B.S. Trust Deed Network, a California Corporation (Trustee of Deed of Trust Dated 6/7/2021)
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
A. ROLL CALL
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
C. ADJOURN FROM CLOSED SESSION, RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
********************************************************** A. ROLL CALL
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT(S).   A Closed Session report shall be provided, as required pursuant to California Government Code Section 54950 et seq.

D. 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. PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 2025 AS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IN LAGUNA BEACH
Recommendations: Adopt the Proclamation declaring September 2025 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Laguna Beach.

2. RECOGNITION OF LIFEGUARDS AND CITIZENS FOR OCEAN RESCUE AT TREASURE ISLAND BEACH ON JULY 18, 2025
Recommendations:

1. Recognize the exemplary actions of three City lifeguards and community members Mason Davis, Levi Mauga, and Tommy Zahalka for their bravery and lifesaving efforts during the July 18, 2025 water emergency at Treasure Island Beach.

3. PRESENTATION LAGUNA BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Recommendations: Receive a fiveminute presentation from the Laguna Beach Historical Society highlighting the history of Laguna Beach.
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Levi Mauga, and Tommy Zahalka for their bravery and lifesaving efforts during the July 18, 2025 water emergency at Treasure Island Beach.

3. PRESENTATION LAGUNA BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Recommendations: Receive a fiveminute presentation from the Laguna Beach Historical Society highlighting the history of Laguna Beach.

E. ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS. 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.

F. PUBLIC COMMENTS NONAGENDIZED 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. 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.

G. 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.

H. 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).

4. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Recommendations: Approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of August 12, 2025, and the Special Meeting of August 27, 2025.

5. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Recommendations:

1. Approve the general warrants and payroll distributions.

6. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
Recommendations:

1. Reject Claim #2532 filed by Janine Campbell;

5. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Recommendations:

1. Approve the general warrants and payroll distributions.

6. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
Recommendations:

1. Reject Claim #2532 filed by Janine Campbell;

2. Reject Claim #2533 filed by Silvia Barragan;

3. Reject Claim #2530 filed by Michael Sullivan;

4. Reject Claim #2536 filed by James Allman;

5. Reject Claim #2537 filed by Gary Pollard;

6. Reject Claim #2425 filed by Scott Hutcheon; and

7. Reject Claim #2508 filed by Jack & Cherie Raidy.

7. PLANNING DIVISION UPDATE AND WORKLOAD SUMMARY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
Recommendations: Receive and file the Planning Division Update and Workload Summary, which covers the period from September 2024 through September 8, 2025.

8. AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR CITY HALL ELEVATOR RENOVATION Recommendations:

1. Award and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Ambit Construction & Design Inc. in the amount of $149,200 for the City Hall Elevator Renovation Project;

2. Authorize the City Manager to approve projectrelated expenses and change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $20,000; and

3. Find that the award of contract is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15301.

9. LAGUNA ART MUSEUM “ART AND NATURE” TEMPORARY PUBLIC ART Recommendations:

1. Approve the temporary public art entitled “SOS” by artist Ana Teresa Fernandez; and

2. Find that the action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.

10. AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR HAGAN PLACE STAIRS AND SUSI Q TRELLIS REPLACEMENTS
Recommendations:

1. Award and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with SFS Constructors & Builders, Inc. in the amount of $335,700 for the Hagan Place Stairs and Susi Q Trellis project;

2. Authorize the City Manager to approve projectrelated expenses and change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $35,000; and 3FindthattheawardofcontractiscategoricallyexemptfromtheCaliforniaEnvironmental Q
TRELLIS REPLACEMENTS
Recommendations:

1. Award and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with SFS Constructors & Builders, Inc. in the amount of $335,700 for the Hagan Place Stairs and Susi Q Trellis project;

2. Authorize the City Manager to approve projectrelated expenses and change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $35,000; and

3. Find that the award of contract is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15301.

11. AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR OLD TOP OF THE WORLD SEWER LIFT STATION REHABILITATION – PHASE 1
Recommendations:

1. Award and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Arnaz Engineering Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $669,200, for construction of the Old Top of the World Sewer Lift Station Rehabilitation – Phase 1 project;

2. Award and authorize the City Manager to execute a task order with Lee + RO, in the amount of $226,158 to provide construction management and inspection services;

3. Authorize the City Manager to approve projectrelated expenses and contract change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $67,000; and

4. Find the project to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15302 of the CEQA Guidelines.

12. AWARD OF TASK ORDER FOR THE DESIGN OF DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN IMPROVEMENTS (OCEAN AVENUE)
Recommendations:

1. Authorize the City Manager to award a task order to KOA Corporation in the amount of $304,555, for final design of the Downtown Action Plan Improvements (Ocean Avenue);

2. Authorize the City Manager to approve projectrelated expenses and change orders for additional designrelated services that may be required in an amount not to exceed $30,000; and

3. Find that the recommended action does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (”CEQA”), or in the alternative that the recommended action is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.

13. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE COAST HIGHWAY SIDEWALK GAP CLOSURES TO ACHIEVE COMPLETE STREETS (CARDINAL TO 7TH) Recommendations:

1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. in the amount of $587,611, to provide design engineering services for the Coast Highway Sidewalk Gap Closures to Achieve Complete Streets (Cardinal to 7th) Project;

2. Authorize the City Manager to approve future projectrelated expenses and change orders for unforeseen circumstances for an amount not to exceed $70,000.00; and

3. 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

2. Authorize the City Manager to approve future projectrelated expenses and change orders for unforeseen circumstances for an amount not to exceed $70,000.00; and

3. 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.

14. AGREEMENT FOR AMAZON BUSINESS MARKETPLACE SERVICES
Recommendations:

1. Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Amazon Business for an amount not to exceed $220,000 per year, for a fiveyear term for a cumulative amount of $1,100,000 for online marketplace services for the purchase of business supplies for City Departments, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and

2. Find the action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.

15. RECONCILIATION AND REFUND OF FEMA ADVANCE PAYMENT FOR PROJECT 135485 (COVID19 RESPONSE) AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
Recommendations:

1. Authorize the City Manager to refund $150,185.81 to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES);

2. Appropriate $150,200 from the General Fund available fund balance for Fiscal Year 2024/2025; and

3. Determine that this action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378 of the CEQA guidelines.

16. PARTICIPATE IN THE MEDICAL VARIABLE RATE INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRANSFER (VRRP/IGT) PROGRAM
Recommendations:

1. Adopt a Resolution approving the City’s participation in the MediCal Variable Rate Range Intergovernmental Transfer (VRRP/IGT) Program for Calendar Year 2024 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING/RATIFYING EXECUTION OF THE
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT(S) REGARDING THE TRANSFER OF PUBLIC FUNDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES (DHCS), AND THE HEALTH PLAN PROVIDER AGREEMENT WITH CALOPTIMA, TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEDICAL RATE RANGE INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRANSFER (IGT) PROGRAM”;

2. Approve a budget amendment to increase General Fund appropriations by $143,400 in the Fire Department’s FY 202526 and increase revenue estimates by $339,900 to reflect participation in the VRRP/IGT Program and direct the City Manager to execute payment to the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and CalOptima Health; and

3. Find that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)pursuanttoCEQAGuidelinesSections15060(c)(2)and15060(c)(3),asitwillnot AND THE HEALTH PLAN PROVIDER AGREEMENT WITH CALOPTIMA, TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEDICAL RATE RANGE INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRANSFER (IGT) PROGRAM”;

3. Find that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3), as it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical change to the environment.

17. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITEE RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations:

1. Approve the Environmental Sustainability Committee’s recommendation to direct staff to investigate and return to City Council with options regarding a proposed ordinance prohibiting the local sale of glue traps as well as the use of glue traps on public property;

2. Approve the Environmental Sustainability Committee’s recommendation to direct staff to investigate the feasibility and cost of incorporating carbonpositive concrete as a material option in the design and implementation of sidewalk and project infrastructure; and

3. Approve the Environmental Sustainabilitiy Committee’s recommendation to direct staff to investigate the design and implementation of concerning City Hall landscaping to a native plant garden in the Fiscal Year 20262027 Capital Improvement Program.

18. SERVICE SUPPORT AGREEMENT FOR ONSITE NETWORK AND CYBERSECURITY

SUPPORT
Recommendations:

1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a threeyear service agreement with Sidepath to not exceed $120,000 annually and a total contract value of $360,000;

2. Authorize the City Manager to extend the agreement for up to two additional oneyear terms, provided that the annual cost increase does not exceed ten percent of the previous year’s rate and that sufficient funding is available in the approved budget; and

3. Determine that the award of the contract is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.

19. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY SERVICES
Recommendations:

1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a fiveyear professional services agreement with Townsend Public Affairs commencing October 1, 2025, for an amount not to exceed $84,000 in FY 202526, and an overall contract amount nottoexceed $444,000; and

2. Determine that the recommended action does not constitute a ”project” pursuant the California Environmental Quality Act.

20. EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH SOFTWARE
Recommendations:

1. Authorize the City Manager to purchase of Emergency Medical Dispatch Software ProQA from Public Affairs commencing October 1, 2025, for an amount not to exceed $84,000 in FY 202526, and an overall contract amount nottoexceed $444,000; and

2. Determine that the recommended action does not constitute a ”project” pursuant the California Environmental Quality Act.

20. EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH SOFTWARE
Recommendations:

1. Authorize the City Manager to purchase of Emergency Medical Dispatch Software ProQA from Priority Dispatch Corp. in an amount not to exceed $126,961, via an agreement approved by the City Attorney;

2. Approve the sole source procurement in accordance with Laguna Beach Municipal Code Section 2.30.050, based on the proprietary nature of the ProQA software as detailed in the attached Sole Source Letter such that the acquisition of this software can only be acquired from one vendor; and

3. Find that the recommended action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense).

21. 20242025 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY RESPONSE LONG TERM SOLUTIONS TO SHORTTERM RENTALS
Recommendations:

1. Approve the City’s formal responses to the findings and recommendations in the 20242025 Orange County Grand Jury Report entitled “LongTerm Solutions to ShortTerm Rentals”, as detailed in Attachment 1;

2. Authorize the Mayor to submit the approved responses to the Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court, as required by California Penal Code §933.05; and

3. Find that this action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines, as it involves administrative and organizational activities that do not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.

22. AUTHORIZATION TO UTILIZE NASPO VALUEPOINT MASTER AGREEMENT NO. 23026 FOR THE PURCHASE OF COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, PERIPHERALS, AND RELATED SERVICES FROM DELL MARKETING L.P.

Recommendations:

1. Authorize the use of the NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement No. 23026, led by the State of Minnesota and adopted by the State of California through its Participating Addendum, for the purchase of computer equipment, peripherals, and related services from Dell Marketing L.P., in an amount not to exceed $300,000 through June 30, 2026;

2. Authorize that the City’s participation under the NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement No. 23026 be extended through June 30, 2028, if the State of California extends its participation term accordingly;

3. Authorize the City Manager to execute any related purchase orders or documents necessary to implement this procurement, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and

4. Find that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), the "common sense" provisionthatCEQAonlyappliestoprojectsthatmayhaveaneffectontheenvironment.

3. Authorize the City Manager to execute any related purchase orders or documents necessary to implement this procurement, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and

4. Find that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), the "common sense" provision that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment.

23. PURCHASE AGREEMENT TO REPLACE END OF LIFE NETWORK SWITCHES Recommendations:

1. Authorize the City Manager to purchase Cisco Network Switches from Presidio in an amount not to exceed $239,945.92; and

2. Determine that the recommended action does not constitute a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act.

24. CLARIFICATION OF FUEL MODIFICATION PROGRAM AND EMERGENT INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAM
Recommendations:

1. Allow for the management of species identified on the California Native Plant Society’s Emergent Invasive Species List for Orange County under the City’s Early Detection and Rapid Response program, with a preference for mechanical and manual removal first, but permitting targeted herbicide use if mechanical methods fail to achieve eradication; and

2. Extend the provisions of the adopted Fuel Modification Treatment Protocol addendum, including restrictions, and public notice requirements, to any herbicide use conducted as part of the Emergent Invasive Species Management program.

I. 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.

25. WILDFIRE MITIGATION AND FIRE SAFETY REPORT 2025 UPDATE AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
Recommendations:

1. Approve the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report 2025 Update;

2. Approve the creation of the Community Preparedness Educator parttime position to support these efforts;

3. Approve an appropriation of $1,574,000 from the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Fund to implement the 2025 Update; and

4. Find that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15060(c)(3); or, in the alternative, that it is not jdidlii(b)
Recommendations:

1. Approve the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report 2025 Update;

2. Approve the creation of the Community Preparedness Educator parttime position to support these efforts;

3. Approve an appropriation of $1,574,000 from the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Fund to implement the 2025 Update; and

26. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO RENEW A FIVEYEAR PARKING RATE

STRUCTURE
Recommendations:

1. Authorize staff to process a CDP application regarding modifications to the City parking rate structure and other parking program components;

2. Authorize staff to coordinate with Caltrans to obtain an encroachment permit for parking feasibility in South Laguna Beach; and

3. Find this action is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065 and CEQA guidelines section 15378(b)(5), or, in the alternative, exempt from the CEQA pursuant to CEQA guidelines section 15061 (b) (3).

J. PUBLIC HEARINGS (NOT APPEALS). 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.

27. PUBLIC HEARING AND BALLOTING FOR PROPOSED UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 20211 (WEST STREET)
Recommendations:

1. Receive and file the proposed Undergrounding Utility Assessment District 20211 report;

2. Open the public hearing for public comments;

3. Call for submittal of any final ballots, and close the public hearing;

4. Direct staff to proceed with tallying ballots in City Hall, Conference Room A, and invite the public to observe the tallying process;

5. Postpone the item until the ballot tally is complete and then resume the meeting on the item, asking staff to report the ballot results;

6. Review the balloting results, and if the majority of weighted ballots are in favor of the proposed assessment district, then:
a. Adopt the attached Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING THE
RESULTS OF THE ASSESSMENT BALLOTING PROCEEDING,
CONFIRMING ASSESSMENTS IN UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 20211, ORDERING THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE, TOGETHER WITH APPURTENANCES, APPROVING THE
ENGINEER’S REPORT, AND DESIGNATING THE FINANCE DIRECTOR OR THE CITY TREASURER TO COLLECT AND RECEIVE MONEY”;
b. Adopt the attached Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AWARDING THE
CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS IN
UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 20211 SUBJECT TO RECEIPT OF BOND PROCEEDS AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT,” awarding a construction contract to Hot Line Construction in the amount not to exceed $3,393,491;
c. Contribute $707,536 for the General Benefit cost, and appropriate $578,200 from the Street Lighting and Utility Fund and $129,336 from the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Fund prior to bonds being sold;
d. Contribute $707,536 as an additional City contribution and appropriate that same amount from the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Fund prior to bonds being sold; e. Authorize the City Manager to approve projectrelated expenses and construction change orders for unforeseen circumstances for an amount not to exceed $339,350.

7. Determine that the action is exempt from the California Environmental Act pursuant to CEQA guidelines sections 15301(b), 15302(c) & (d), and 15303(d); in the alternative, determine the action is not a project as it is the creation of a government funding mechanism or other government fiscal activities (Public Resources Code Section 21065; CEQA Guidelines, section 15378(b)(4)), and further that this action implements the March 20, 2024 Planning Commission action, wherein the City previously conducted environmental review for the proposed undergrounding project and determined that the project was exempt and there are no changes to the project, no changed circumstances, and no new information that could not previously have been known, that would trigger the need for subsequent CEQA review.

8. If there is not a majority of weighted ballots in favor of the proposed assessment district, then declare the proposed Underground Utility Assessment District 20211 (West Street) abandoned for lack of majority support.

K. PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR 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 clearly state which review standard applies to each appeal item; and (2) public comment generally occurs this way: Staff presents a report about the appeal, Council members K. PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR 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 clearly state which review standard applies to each appeal item; and (2) public comment generally occurs 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 appeal (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, often allowing more time for the appellant and/or the applicant.

A. APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 241151, COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 241152, AND VARIANCE 241153 FOR ADDITIONS AND REMODEL OF AN EXISTING SINGLEFAMILY DWELLING, NEW TWOCAR GARAGE, ELEVATED DECK ADDITIONS, GRADING, LANDSCAPING, NEW POOL AND SPA, AND NEW ATTACHED ADU AT 31731 SEACOVE DRIVE IN THE R1 (RESIDENTIAL LOWDENSITY ZONE), AND CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 (CLASS 1) Recommendations:

1. Open the public hearing, take public testimony, and continue the public hearing to the October 28, 2025 City Council meeting; and

2. Find the action is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code Section 21065.

B. APPEAL OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE’S APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 250891 FOR AN ELEVATED DECK ADDITION AT 31421 HOLLY DRIVE IN THE R1, RESIDENTIAL LOWDENSITY ZONE, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 (CLASS 1)
Recommendations:

1. Open the public hearing, take public testimony, and continue the appeal of the Community Development Director’s designee’s approval of Design Review 250891 located at 31421 Holly Drive, and finding the Project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (the “Project”) to October 14, 2025; and

2. Find the action is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code Section 21065.

L. COUNCIL MEMBER 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. The Laguna Beach City Council will adjourn to its next regular or other meeting, tentatively set for:

TdOtb142025

2. Find the action is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code Section 21065.

L. COUNCIL MEMBER 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. The Laguna Beach City Council will adjourn to its next regular or other meeting, tentatively set for:

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
LAGUNA BEACH CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
505 FOREST AVENUE, LAGUNA BEACH, CA
CLOSED SESSION AT 4:00 P.M. AND
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 5:00 PM.

ADA ACCOMMODATIONS
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Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with a disability who require a disabilityrelated 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) 4970705 (telephone) or (949) 4970771 (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.

Laguna Beach City CouncilSeptember 23, 2025

Laguna Beach City Council
September 23, 2025