Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap September 23, 2025 -1-
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
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CONSENT CALENDAR
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PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS (continued)
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WELCOME
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Orgill
ROLL CALL
Present: Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
Participating Remotely: None
Absent: None
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 due to time constraints, the City Council did not discuss items 1a or b, 4 or 6a, and there was no reportable action on the items discussed. Garibaldi advised that Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill recused himself from Item 6b, due to potential conflict of interest.
PRESENTATIONS
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1. PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 2025 AS CHILDHOOD CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH IN LAGUNA BEACH
Adopted the Proclamation declaring September 2025 as Hunger Action Month in the City of Laguna Beach.
2. RECOGNITION OF LIFEGUARDS AND CITIZENS FOR OCEAN RESCUE AT TREASURE ISLAND BEACH ON JULY 18, 2025
The exemplary actions of three City lifeguards and community members Mason Davis, Levi Mauga, and Tommy Zahalka ere recognized for their bravery and lifesaving efforts during the July 18, 2025, water emergency at Treasure Island Beach.
3. PRESENTATION LAGUNA BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Carol Lloyd, Laguna Beach Historical Society, provided a presentation on the early development of Laguna Beach.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RECAP
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
City Council Closed Session 3:30 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting 5:00 p.m.
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach
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PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
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George Weiss commented on the handling of personnel-related concerns.
Joy Dittberner, Laguna Dance, announced their upcoming productions.
Michelle Highberg, Just Gather, invited everyone to their upcoming event on October 1, and to participate in their project for the Love Laguna Beach event on October 4. Maria Dolores, World Peace Ambassador from Sweden, who will be part of JustGather’s October 1 event, introduced herself.
Brittany Ganson, new President/CEO of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, reminded everyone to get tickets for this year’s Taste of Laguna, to be held on October 2, before they are sold out.
Gail Onodera, Love Laguna Beach, invited everyone to sign up for projects for this year’s Love Laguna Beach Volunteer Day event to be held on October 4.
Billy Fried, KX FM, invited the public to purchase tickets to their fundraiser on Friday, and announced that they just received $100,000 from the County and $75,000 from the Samueli Foundation. Fried also encouraged the City Council to allocate City funds from the Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District.
Ann Marie McKay, Katie Van Harten, and Diane Crandall, volunteers of the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter and members of the nonprofit PUP (Protecting Unwanted Pets) Laguna Beach, requested that the City Council direct the City Manager to move the shelter out from under the Police Department, fill the full-time Shelter Manager position immediately considering the upcoming October 5 retirement of Nancy Goodwin, who has filled that position for over 40 years, and move the animal shelter donation funds out from under any department, to ensure those funds are protected and only spent in ways that directly benefit the animals at the animal shelter.
Jim Burnes referenced the packet he provided the City Council regarding his concerns with approvals of rooftop decks on ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units).
Judy Yorke implored the City to support extending the Marine Protection Areas.
Robin Young expressed concerns related to the impact of the recent Park Avenue restriping on the Hidden Valley Canyon Road neighborhood.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER ****************************************************************************** City Manager Dave Kiff stated that the City does not address personnel issues in a public setting, advising that the issue Weiss referred to was investigated and resulted in no disciplinary action, and he considers the issue closed. Kiff assured that he has full confidence in Human Resources Director Aggie Nesh and Fire Chief Niko King. Regarding the Animal Shelter, Kiff advised that the City is hiring an interim full-time manager to fill the role while the job description and salary range is updated to be posted, and commented that the shelter has been managed very well as it is currently, under the Police Department. He also assured that the donation funds will not be spent inappropriately.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi apologized to staff for the personnel issue mentioned in public comment.
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City Attorney Megan Garibaldi noted that the City Clerk paused the timer when the City Attorney needed to interrupt a member of the public to address concerns with what was being said, to ensure the member of the public had his opportunity to speak, after being cautioned on the subject matter.
Councilmember Hallie Jones reported on her participation in the intercity lawn bowling tournament.
She also reported on various meetings with various local groups and members of the public.
Councilmember Sue Kempf encouraged everyone to participate in the Love Laguna Beach Volunteer Day. She also reported on the beach cleanup event, and she encouraged everyone to get tickets to see this year’s Lagunatics show, Tour De Farce. Councilmember Kempf advised that she and Mayor Pro Tem Orgill will be providing their tourist impacts report at the City Council’s next meeting on October
14. She also commented on the passing of Anne Johnson, and advised that tonight’s meeting would be adjourned in her honor.
Councilmember Bob Whalen also commented on Anne Johnson’s impact on the community. He reported that he and Mayor Pro Tem Orgill attended the ribbon cutting of the LCAD (Laguna College of Art + Design) Big Bend campus. Councilmember Whalen also reported that he provided testimony at the California Public Utilities Commission hearing to request an increase ein miles for undergrounding, but the Commission opted to approve the staff recommendation. He also reported on the Laguna Canyon Road town hall, and noted that the next one will be virtual. Regarding the personnel issue, he assured that Fire Chief Niko King and Human Resources Director Aggie Nesh has his full support and confidence.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill also commented on Anne Johnson’s impact, and he reported on various meetings with various local groups and members of the public.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi also commented on Anne Johnson’s impact, and advised that tonight’s adjournment will be in honor of her and Pamela Goldstein, who also recently passed. Mayor Rounaghi reported on the Laguna Art Museum’s Directors Circle Dinner and Awards Night during which Bob and Kirsten Whalen were honored. He also celebrated the City’s recognition as the safest coastal city in Orange County for violent crime in 2024 by the California Department of Justice, and ranked second lowest for property crime, behind Dana Point. Mayor Alex Rounaghi also reported on his visit to Hoover Dam and the Colorado River Aqueduct, where California currently gets its water. [Appeals A and B were heard at this time.]
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, 8 – 11, 14 – 16, and 18 – 23. [Agenda Item #27 regarding balloting for proposed underground utility Assessment District 2021- 1 (West Street) was addressed prior to hearing the items pulled from the Consent Calendar to (1) Receive and file the proposed Undergrounding Utility Assessment District 2014-2 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.] Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap September 23, 2025 -4-
4. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved 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 Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
6. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
(1) Rejected Claim #25-32 filed by Janine Campbell;
(2) Rejected Claim #25-33 filed by Silvia Barragan;
(3) Rejected Claim #25-30 filed by Michael Sullivan;
(4) Rejected Claim #25-36 filed by James Allman;
(5) Rejected Claim #25-37 filed by Gary Pollard;
(6) Rejected Claim #24-25 filed by Scott Hutcheon; and
(7) Rejected Claim #25-08 filed by Jack & Cherie Raidy.
7. PLANNING DIVISION UPDATE AND WORKLOAD SUMMARY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Sue Kempf.
The City Council received and filed the Planning Division Update and Workload Summary, which covers the period from September 2024 through September 8, 2025.
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8. AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR CITY HALL ELEVATOR
RENOVATION
(1) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to execute contract #25-90 with Ambit Construction & Design Inc. in the amount of $149,200 for the City Hall Elevator Renovation Project;
(2) Authorized the City Manager to approve project-related expenses and change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $20,000; and (3) Found 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 (1) Approved the temporary public art entitled “SOS” by artist Ana Teresa Fernandez; and (2) Found 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
(1) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to execute contract #25-91 with SFS Constructors & Builders, Inc. in the amount of $335,700 for the Hagan Place Stairs and Susi Q Trellis project;
(2) Authorized the City Manager to approve project-related expenses and change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $35,000; and (3) Found 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
(1) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to execute contract #25-92 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) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to execute a task order (on-call contract #23-94) with Lee + RO, in the amount of $226,158 to provide construction management and inspection services;
(3) Authorized the City Manager to approve project-related expenses and contract change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $67,000; and (4) Found the project to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15302 of the CEQA Guidelines.
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12. AWARD OF TASK ORDER FOR THE DESIGN OF DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN
IMPROVEMENTS (OCEAN AVENUE)
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by a member of the public, Ann Christoph.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen , seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to award a task order (on-call contract #23-92) 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 project-related expenses and change orders for additional design-related services that may be required in an amount not to exceed $30,000; (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; and (4) Direct staff to return to the City Council with the traffic analysis on converting lower Ocean Avenue to one way, prior to developing design options.
13. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE COAST HIGHWAY SIDEWALK GAP CLOSURES TO ACHIEVE COMPLETE STREETS (CARDINAL TO 7TH) This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Sue Kempf.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute professional services agreement #25-93 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 project-related 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
(1) Authorized the City Manager to enter into agreement #25-94 with Amazon Business for an amount not to exceed $220,000 per year, for a five-year 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) Found the action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
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15. RECONCILIATION AND REFUND OF FEMA ADVANCE PAYMENT FOR PROJECT 135485 (COVID-19 RESPONSE) AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
(1) Authorized the City Manager to refund $150,185.81 to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES);
(2) Appropriated $150,200 from the General Fund available fund balance for Fiscal Year 2024/2025; and
(3) Determined 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 MEDI-CAL VARIABLE RATE INTERGOVERNMENTAL
TRANSFER (VRRP/IGT) PROGRAM
(1) Adopted Resolution #25.076 approving the City’s participation in the Medi-Cal 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 MEDI-CAL RATE RANGE INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRANSFER (IGT) PROGRAM”;
(2) Approved a budget amendment to increase General Fund appropriations by $143,400 in the Fire Department’s FY 2025-26 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) Found 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 This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen.
Moved by Councilmember Hallie Jones, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(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 carbon-positive concrete as a material option in the design and implementation of sidewalk and project infrastructure; and (3) Direct the Environmental Sustainability Committee to investigate the design and implementation of alternative locations, in addition to City Hall, for a native plant garden, and canvass the city for appropriate lawn removals.
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18. SERVICE SUPPORT AGREEMENT FOR ONSITE NETWORK AND CYBERSECURITY
SUPPORT
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute three-year service agreement #25-95 with Sidepath to not exceed $120,000 annually and a total contract value of $360,000; (2) Authorized the City Manager to extend the agreement for up to two additional one-year 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) Determined 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
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute five-year professional services agreement #25-96 with Townsend Public Affairs commencing October 1, 2025, for an amount not to exceed $84,000 in FY 2025-26, and an overall contract amount not-to-exceed $444,000; and (2) Determined that the recommended action does not constitute a “project” pursuant the California Environmental Quality Act.
20. EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH SOFTWARE
(1) Authorized the City Manager to purchase of Emergency Medical Dispatch Software ProQA from Priority Dispatch Corp. in an amount not to exceed $126,961, via agreement #25-97 approved by the City Attorney;
(2) Approved 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) Found that the recommended action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense).
21. 2024-2025 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY RESPONSE - LONG TERM SOLUTIONS
TO SHORT-TERM RENTAL
(1) Approved the City’s formal responses to the findings and recommendations in the 2024-2025 Orange County Grand Jury Report entitled “Long-Term Solutions to Short-Term Rentals”, as detailed in Attachment 1 of the staff report;
(2) Authorized 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) Found 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.
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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.
(1) Authorized 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) Authorized 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) Authorized 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) Found 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 (1) Authorized the City Manager to purchase Cisco Network Switches from Presidio in an amount not to exceed $239,945.92; and
(2) Determined 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
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen.
Moved by Councilmember Hallie Jones, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Confirm that the City’s contract with Nature Image will not use herbicide for regular maintenance or new projects;
(2) Confirm that the process for managing Emergent Invasive Species starts with hand or mechanical removal, and if the plants keep spreading, herbicide may be used only if all required rules and steps are met;
(3) Apply the City’s Fuel Modification Treatment Protocol addendum, which explains limits and rules for herbicide use, to managing the City’s wildland areas, including the Emergent Invasive Species Management program; and
(4) Direct staff to host a town hall with at least 72 hours notice if staff determines herbicide is necessary.
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REGULAR BUSINESS
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25. WILDFIRE MITIGATION AND FIRE SAFETY REPORT 2025 UPDATE AND
APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Approve the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Report 2025 Update; (2) Approve the creation of the Community Preparedness Educator part-time 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 a “project” under CEQA Guidelines, Section 15378(b).
26. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR A
COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO RENEW A FIVE-YEAR PARKING RATE
STRUCTURE
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Authorize staff to process CDP applications 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).
PUBLIC HEARINGS – NON-APPEALS
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27. PUBLIC HEARING AND BALLOTING FOR PROPOSED UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 (WEST STREET)
Mayor Alex Rounaghi and Councilmember Hallie Jones recused as stated during previous hearings on this topic.
[This item began immediately prior to the Consent Calendar to (1) Receive and file the proposed Undergrounding Utility Assessment District 2014-2 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; and then continued during the Regular Meeting with the remaining actions after the tallying is complete.] Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap September 23, 2025 -11-
The City Council:
(1) Received and filed the proposed Undergrounding Utility Assessment District 2021-1 report; (2) Opened the public hearing for public comments;
(3) Called for submittal of any final ballots, and closed the public hearing; (4) Directed staff to proceed with tallying ballots in City Hall, Conference Room A, and invited the public to observe the tallying process;
(5) Postponed the item until the ballot tally is complete and then resume the meeting on the item, asking staff to report the ballot results;
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 3/0 to:
(6) Review the balloting results, and due to the majority of weighted ballots are in favor of the proposed assessment district; then:
a. Adopt Resolution #25.077 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. 2021-1, 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” with revisions noted by Councilmember Bob Whalen; b. Adopt Resolution #25.078 titled, “ 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. 2021-1 SUBJECT
TO RECEIPT OF BOND PROCEEDS AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT,” with
revisions noted by Councilmember Bob Whalen, 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 project-related expenses and construction change orders for unforeseen circumstances for an amount not to exceed $339,350; and
(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 Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap September 23, 2025 -12-
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.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – APPEALS
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Appeal Items A and B were heard before the Consent Calendar.
A. APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 24-1151, COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 24-1152, AND VARIANCE 24-1153 FOR
ADDITIONS AND REMODEL OF AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING, NEW
TWO-CAR GARAGE, ELEVATED DECK ADDITIONS, GRADING, LANDSCAPING, NEW POOL AND SPA, AND NEW ATTACHED ADU AT 31731 SEACOVE DRIVE IN THE R-1 (RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY ZONE), AND CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 (CLASS 1)
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(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 25-0891 FOR AN ELEVATED DECK ADDITION AT 31421 HOLLY DRIVE IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY ZONE, AND FINDING THE
PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 (CLASS 1)
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Open the public hearing, take public testimony, and continue the appeal of the Community Development Director’s designee’s approval of Design Review 25-0891 located at 31421 Holly Drive, and finding the Project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (the “Project”) to October 28, 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.
COUNCILMEMBER ITEM(S)
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In accordance with Resolution #24.011, the City Council directed staff to schedule a Study Session for the City Council to discuss distribution of the Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District funds.
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ADJOURNMENT AT 10:18 P.M., TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025,
IN MEMORY OF ANNE JOHNSON AND PAM GOLDSTEIN
TO THE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AT 3:00 P.M.,
CLOSED SESSION AT 4:00 P.M. AND REGULAR MEETING AT 5:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025