Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap October 14, 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 Rounaghi
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 City Council did not discuss items 1a, 2, 3b, or 4, and there was no reportable action on the items discussed.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS
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City Manager Dave Kiff noted that there are revised ordinances for Consent Item #15.
PRESENTATIONS
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1. YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNITION
Received and filed the report recognizing the following City employees with milestone years of service: Alondra Aguirre, Jose Gonzalez, Clarissa Pappo, and Yessenia Rangel for 1 year, Mark McAvoy for 5 years, Thomas Spratt for 10 years, and Debi Jensen and Scott Hammond for 20 years.
2. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING 70 YEARS OF THE BROOKS STREET SURFING
CLASSIC
Adopted the Proclamation recognizing 70 years of the Brooks Street Surfing Classic.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RECAP
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
City Council Closed Session 3:00 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting 5:00 p.m.
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach
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3. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING 70 YEARS OF THE LAGUNA OPEN BEACH
VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
Adopted the Proclamation recognizing 70 years of the Laguna Open Beach Volleyball Tournament.
3a. PROCLAMATION HONORING MARY KATE SAUNDERS ON THE OCCASION OF HER
RETIREMENT
Adopted the Proclamation honoring Mary Kate Saunders on her retirement.
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS
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4. INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE The following applicants were interviewed for a position on the Investment Advisory Committee: Steve Brown, Michael Burdiek, Kim Ciabattoni, Robert Klugman, Steve Neri, and Sasha Talebi. Davide Levine, Gregory Mech, and Rael Merson provided a written statement in lieu of an interview. Joseph Mauthe, Matthew Rogers, and Melissa Roguly were not present.
The City Council directed that the Investment Advisory Committee be expanded from three members to five members, and appointed Steve Brown, Michael Burdiek, Kim Ciabattoni, Gregory Mech, and Sasha Talebi to the Investment Advisory Committee for a 20-month term effective immediately, through June 30, 2027.
Roll Call:
Steve Brown Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
Michael Burdiek Kempf, Whalen, Orgill
Kim Ciabattoni Jones, Kempf, Orgill, Rounaghi
Robert Klugman Orgill
David Levine Rounaghi
Joseph Mauthe none
Gregory Mech Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Rounaghi
Rael Merson none
Steve Neri Jones, Whalen
Matthew Rogers none
Melissa Roguly none
Sasha Talebi Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
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Ed Almonza, Laguna Ocean Foundation, commented on their recent event held at the Rivian South Coast Theater, featuring Dr. Brendan Talwar, a shark researcher.
Laura Parisi requested a paid Deputy Treasurer to be able to fill in when necessary.
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Brittany Ganson, President/CEO of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, announced Small Business Saturday, and noted that this year the passports are good for the entire month.
Michele Monda expressed support of the City Council’s decision to increase the Investment Advisory Committee from three to five members. She then commented on the statements made by George Weiss at the last City Council meeting regarding the handling of personnel-related concerns, requesting an independent investigation. Jerome Pudwill also opined that an independent investigation should be performed.
Michelle Highberg commented on the recent Love Laguna Beach event, and she thanked the Laguna Beach Fire Department for attending the recent Top of the World neighborhood meeting. She also invited everyone to attend Just Gather’s upcoming event.
Greg Viviani thanked Deputy Director of Public Works Reza Jafari and the Public Works staff for the job they have done managing the berm.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER ****************************************************************************** Councilmember Hallie Jones reported on the Orange County Parks Commission meeting, Open Space and Conservation Element ad hoc committee meeting, Laguna Canyon Road ad hoc committee meeting, and various meetings with members of the public.
Councilmember Sue Kempf announced a remembrance ceremony for Elizabeth Pearson to be held at the Woman’s Club on October 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill reported on various meetings with various local groups and members of the public. He also reported on this year’s Lagunatics production by No Square Theater, and various local events he attended.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi reported on the League of Cities annual conference and Our Neighborhood Voices Education Corporation’s event with the Coastal Commission in Redondo Beach. He also reported on shadowing the City’s street sweeper, the landscaping team, and his tour of the animal shelter.
Mayor Rounaghi also commented on the passing of Elizabeth Pearson and her impact on this community.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1 – 7 and 10 – 18. Mayor Alex Rounaghi recused himself from item #13 and Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill recused himself from item #14.
4. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Study Session of the City Council and the Regular Meeting of the City Council, of September 23, 2025.
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5. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
6. MONTHLY TREASURERS’ AND INVESTMENT REPORTS - JULY 2025 AND AUGUST 2025
Received and filed the July 2025 and the August 2025 monthly investment and treasurer’s reports.
7. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
(1) Rejected Claim #25-29 filed by Marlo Maldonado;
(2) Rejected Claim #25-38 filed by Bridget Bulter;
(3) Rejected Claim #25-31 filed by Aris Ford;
(4) Rejected Claim #25-40 filed by John Molavi; and
(5) Rejected Claim #25-43 by Patricia Truman.
8. CITY COUNCIL 2026 MEETING SCHEDULE
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen.
The City Council reviewed and approved the City Council meeting schedule for the calendar year 2026 as presented, with direction that a concerted effort be made to accommodate full City Council attendance if a Special Meeting is deemed necessary during the scheduled AugustSeptember break.
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9. MODIFICATIONS TO CULTURAL ARTS PROGRAM APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen. (1) The City Council received a report on the current application parameters for the various City art programs, grants, competitions, etc.;
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(2) Direct City staff to make changes to not disqualify an applicant if the applicant serves on an appointive board, committee, or commission, other than the Arts Commission or City Council, or if the applicant otherwise qualifies (including residency) but may be a City employee who does not work for Cultural Arts or is in a role that influences any decision by Cultural Arts, if the City Attorney’s Office confirms there is no conflict for the individual; and
(3) Found that the action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.
10. HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM (OPSG) OPERATION ORDER NUMBER 23-SDCSDC-08-002
(1) Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to accept a $121,000 grant from Homeland Security Grant Program, Operation Stonegarden (OPSG);
(2) Appropriated $121,000, with a matching increase in estimated grant revenue, to fund overtime salaries and the purchase of equipment and supplies to support coastline patrols by Laguna Beach Police Department to reduce maritime narcotic smuggling, human trafficking and other related crimes; and
(3) Found that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
11. OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY (OTS) GRANT ACCEPTANCE
(1) Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to accept a $165,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety Grant;
(2) Approved a budget appropriation of $165,000 with a matching increase in estimated grant revenue to fund overtime salaries, equipment, and supplies related to a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Enforcement and Awareness Program, Traffic Safety Enforcement, and DUI Sobriety Checkpoint; and
(3) Found that the recommended action is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines.
12. 2026 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR ARTS COMMISSION PROGRAMS (1) Approved the 2026 performance schedule for City-funded performances; (2) Approved the use of amplified sound during the performances; Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap October 14, 2025 -6-
(3) Authorized the City Manager to approve any revisions to the location or dates of the performances, if required, and execute any ancillary agreements regarding such performances as determined necessary and in a final form approved by the City Attorney; and
(4) Found that the recommended action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Class 11 (Accessory Structures) and Class 23 (Normal Operations of Facilities for Public Gatherings) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15311 and 15323.
13. CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH’S LOCAL HOUSING TRUST FUND APPLICATION FOR
GRANT FUNDS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (HCD) LOCAL HOUSING TRUST FUND PROGRAM FROM THE VETERANS AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOND ACT OF 2018 (1) Adopted Resolution #25.079 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE LAGUNA BEACH LOCAL HOUSING TRUST FUND’S APPLICATION AND EXECUTION OF RELATED
DOCUMENTS UNDER THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LOCAL HOUSING TRUST FUND PROGRAM FROM THE VETERANS AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOND ACT OF 2018”; and (2) Found the action is not a project subject to CEQA under Public Resources Code Section 21065 and Section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines.
14. CONSIDERATION OF: (I) AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 3.10 TO TITLE 3 (FINANCE) OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO COLLECTION OPTIONS FOR UNPAID TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX IN THE CITY; (II) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 3.10 TO TITLE 3 (FINANCE) OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO COLLECTION OPTIONS FOR UNPAID TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX IN THE CITY; (III) AND FINDING THESE
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
(1) Waived full reading and adopted by title only Urgency Ordinance #1721 titled, “AN
URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 3.10 TO TITLE 3 (FINANCE) OF THE
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO COLLECTION
OPTIONS FOR UNPAID TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX IN THE CITY AND
FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT,” as amended;
(2) Waived full reading and introduced for first reading by title only an Ordinance titled, “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 3.10 TO TITLE 3 (FINANCE) OF THE CITY OF
LAGAUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO COLLECTION OPTIONS
FOR UNPAID TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX IN THE CITY AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT;” as amended; and
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(3) Found that the ordinances are not projects subject to CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section (15378(b)(5)).
15. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2.30 OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE CITY’S PURCHASING SYSTEM; AND APPROVAL OF UPDATED PURCHASING POLICY (ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY #I-9)
AND RESOLUTION ELECTING TO BECOME SUBJECT TO THE UNIFORM PUBLIC
CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT
(1) Waived full reading and introduced for first reading by title only an Ordinance titled, “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.30 OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL
CODE REGARDING THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH PURCHASING SYSTEM AND
FINDING THE ORDINANCE IS NOT A PROJECT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”;
(2) Set said Ordinance for second reading at the regular City Council meeting of October 28, 2025;
(3) Approved the City’s updated Purchasing Policy, Administrative Policy #I-9; (4) Adopted Resolution #25.080 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ELECTING TO BECOME SUBJECT TO
THE UNIFORM PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT AND
FINDING THE SAME NOT A PROJECT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”; and
(5) Found that the recommended action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
16. SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR ONSITE MULTIMEDIA SUPPORT FOR CITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute service agreement #25-73 with Network Television Time, Inc. in the amount of $48,000 for onsite City Council meeting support services in Fiscal Year 2025-26;
(2) Appropriated $48,000 from the General Fund available fund balance for Fiscal Year 2025- 26;
(3) Authorized the City Manager to extend the agreement for up to two additional one-year terms, provided that sufficient funding is available in the approved budget; and (4) Found that the action is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4) and (b)(5).
17. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR PAYMENT
CARD INDUSTRY (PCI) SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE (SAQ) WITH TEVORA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, INC.
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute the General Service Agreement (#25-107) for Payment Card Industry (PCI) Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) with Tevora Business Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap October 14, 2025 -8-
Solutions, Inc. for an initial 3-year term beginning November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2028, with annual renewal options for up to two additional years, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $143,043;
(2) Approved an appropriation of $27,000 from the available unappropriated fund balance in the City’s General Fund for the first year of the contract service; and (3) Found that this action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
18. FALL AND WINTER COMMUNITY EVENT APPROVALS AND REQUESTS (1) Approved the Laguna Art Museum’s exclusive use of the Laguna Beach High School Community Pool to host a rehearsal on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the public performance on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., subject to an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney, and excluding lifeguard services, waiver of fees for the exclusive use of the pool and the commercial filming permit application;
(2) Approved Ability Awareness’s request to host World Kindness Day at the Main Beach cobblestones area on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., waive the associated application fees for reserving the area, and authorize the Transit and Community Services Department to bag three parking meters on El Paseo in support of the event; (3) Authorized the Acting Director of Transit and Community Services to file an application for a Temporary Use Permit for Hospitality Night activities on Friday, December 5, 2025, December 4, 2026, and December 3, 2027, including the use of amplified sound, the temporary closures of certain downtown Laguna Beach streets and Lot 2, and restricted parking on Forest Avenue;
(4) Authorized the City Manager to modify the dates of the events as necessary; and (5) Found the actions categorically exempt from State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 based on the facts in this staff report.
REGULAR BUSINESS
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19. SUMMER 2025 OPERATIONAL WRAP-UP AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2026 (1) The City Council received and filed the Summer 2025 Wrap-Up Report and Recommendations for 2026;
(2) The City Council provided direction to Mayor Pro Tem Orgill and Councilmember Kempf and to staff on potential Municipal Code amendments, operational changes, and programmatic suggestions outlined in the staff report;
(3) The City Council provided additional guidance regarding preparation for Summer 2026; and (4) Found that this action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines.
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COUNCILMEMBER ITEM(S)
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In accordance with Resolution #24.011, the City Council supported Councilmember Sue Kempf’s request to establish an ad hoc committee with Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill and Councilmember Sue Kempf on the economic development plan.
ADJOURNMENT AT 7:13 P.M., TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025,
IN MEMORY OF ELIZABETH PEARSON
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 28, 2025