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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, and there was no reportable action, other than on item 3, the City Council authorized the City Attorney to file a cross-complaint.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS – None.
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PRESENTATIONS
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1. PRESENTATION LAGUNA BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Carol Lloyd, Laguna Beach Historical Society, continued her presentation on the early development of Laguna Beach.
2. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE 2025 COAST FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL Adopted the Proclamation recognizing the 2025 Coast Film & Music Festival.
3. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING LAGUNA BEACH HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM
Adopted the Proclamation recognizing the Laguna Beach High School Football Team. [Presentation Item #4 was removed from the Agenda.]
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RECAP
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
City Council Closed Session 4:00 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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Mike Beanan, Laguna Bluebelt Coalition, provided an update on the petition to extend the City’s Marine Protected Area.
Julie Barreda. CR&R Senior Regional Vice President, presented Ball aluminum cups with the City’s emblem, to be provided for City events.
Rickie Redman, Director of Laguna Beach Seniors Aging in Place Services, commended City staff and thanked the City for its collaboration with Laguna Beach Seniors.
Brittany Ganson, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, reminded everyone about Small Business Saturday and Hospitality Night.
Nick Aronoff commented on the importance of investing in youth development investment, thanked Public Works for taking appropriate actions during the recent rain storm, and thanked the Laguna Beach Historical Society for their presentation, but noted his concerns about the demolition of old homes, such as the recent Design Review Board approval for the demolition of the Egan Cottage (the decision has been appealed).
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER ****************************************************************************** City Manager Dave Kiff recommended that the City Council pull Consent Item #13, to allow staff to provide information regarding Zone 0.
Councilmember Hallie Jones reported on various meetings with members of the public and various events she attended.
Councilmember Sue Kempf reported on various events she attended.
Councilmember Bob Whalen reported on the formation of the Community Land Trust, its first meeting, and the appointment of the board. He also reported on various events he attended, and he noted South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA)’s release of the Request for Proposals for the rehabilitation of the Coastal Treatment Plant.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill reported on various events he attended and various meetings with members of the public.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi reported on various events he attended and explained the significance of the recent signing ceremony of a new regional Water Well Agreement with Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Fountain Valley.
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 – 12 and 14 – 17.
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5. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Study Session and the Regular Meeting for the City Council of October 28, 2025.
6. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
7. MONTHLY TREASURER’S AND INVESTMENT REPORT (SEPTEMBER 2025) Received and filed the September 2025 Monthly Treasurer’s and Investment Report (which are the two attachments to the agenda report).
8. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
(a) Rejected Claim #25-13 filed by State Farm c/o Kendra Ozorio (b) Rejected Claim #25-39 filed by Alex Salaverria; and (c) Rejected Claim #25-47 filed by Nicole Rice.
9. AGREEMENT WITH ENVISIO SOLUTIONS INC. FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A
SOFTWARE SYSTEM THAT TRACKS CITY PROJECTS AND GOALS WHILE
ENHANCING PUBLIC TRANSPARENCY
(a) Approved agreement #25-134 with Envisio Solutions Inc. for a three-year subscription to a performance management software platform for a three-year cost of $126,436, inclusive of implementation and licensing;
(b) Authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and
(c) Found this action is not a “project” under to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
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10. PLANNING DIVISION UPDATE AND WORKLOAD SUMMARY THROUGH NOVEMBER 3, 2025
Received and filed the Planning Division Update and Workload Summary, which covers the period from August 2024 through November 3, 2025.
11. SERVICE AGREEMENT TO PREPARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MASTER PLAN (a) Authorized the City Manager to execute service agreement #25-135 with Third Wave Corporation for a one-time cost not-to-exceed $127,750 to prepare an Information Technology Master Plan; and
(b) 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).
12. FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CARRYOVER APPROPRIATIONS; REQUEST FOR NEW FUNDS CREATION; TRANSFER OF BUDGETARY APPROPRIATIONS
(a) Approved carryover appropriations of $13,878,200 to Fiscal Year 2025-26 to provide continuing funding for projects in progress at the end of the last fiscal year, as revised by staff;
(b) Approved carryover revenue estimates of $2,503,966 expected to be received in Fiscal Year 2025-26;
(c) Approved creating a new Animal Shelter Donations Special Revenue and authorized the transfer of $1,497,850 of accumulated unspent donations from the City’s General Fund (110) to the new fund as of June 30, 2025;
(d) Approved creating a new Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Special Revenue Fund and authorized the transfer of $84,038 of unspent funds from the City’s General Fund (110) to the new fund as of June 30, 2025;
(e) Approved creating a new State Asset Forfeiture Special Revenue Fund and authorized the transfer of $50,439.08 of unspent funds from the City’s Federal Asset Forfeiture Fund (135) to the new fund as of June 30, 2025;
(f) Approved creating a new Library Impact Fees General Fund and authorized the transfer of $83,680 of unspent funds from the City’s General Fund (110) to the new fund as of June 30, 2025;
(g) Approved creating a new Cultural & Environmental Stewardship Special Revenue Fund; and (h) Approved the transfer of FY 2024-25 available budgetary funding from General Fund NonDepartmental to the City Clerk and Police Departments, as described in the staff report.
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13. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. BXXX AMENDING TITLE 14, CHAPTER 14.50 (BUILDING CODE) OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE AND FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. FXXX AMENDING TITLE 15, CHAPTER 15.01 (CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE) OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDIING, FIRE CODE, AND OTHER RELATED CODES,
INCLUDING LOCAL AMENDMENTS, ADOPT A RESOLUTIONS SETTING FORTH
FINDINGS BASED ON LOCAL CONDITIONS FOR CERTAIN LOCAL AMENDMENTS
AND FINDING THE PROPOSED ACTIONS ARE NOT PROJECTS SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”) OR IN THE
ALTERNATIVE ARE EXEMPT FROM CEQA
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to introduce two separate ordinances adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Codes and Fire Code with local amendments to title 14 and 15 of the LBMC:
(a) Waive full reading and introduce for first reading by title only an Ordinance titled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE AND OTHER RELATED 2025 CODES BY AMENDING TITLE 14 (BUILDIGS AND CONSTRUCTION), OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING CHAPTER 14.50 (BUILDING CODE), CHAPTER 14.52 (RESIDENTIAL CODE), CHAPTER 14.54 (MECHANICAL CODE), CHAPTER 14.64 (PLUMBING CODE), CHAPTER 14.68 (ELECTRICAL CODE), CHAPTER 14.70 (WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE), CHAPTER 14.86 (GREEN BUILDING CODE) AND ADDINGS CHAPTER 14.90 (ENERGY CODE), CHAPTER 14.91 (HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE), CHAPTER 14.92 (EXISTING BUILDING CODE), AND CHAPTER 14.95 (INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE CODE), WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS AND FINDING THE
ORDINANCE IS NOT A PROJECT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”) OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA;”
(b) Waive full reading and introduce for first reading by title only an Ordinance titled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH AMENDING TITLE 15, CHAPTER
15.01 (CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE) OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE 2025 2025 FIRE CODE WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS AND FINDING
THE ORDINANCE IS NOT A PROJECT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”) OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA;”
(c) Adopt Resolution #25.086, which sets forth findings related to local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions within the City of Laguna Beach as allowed per AB 306 that allows certain amendments to the 2025 California Building Standards and Fire Code as reasonably necessary.
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14. AWARD OF TASK ORDERS FOR THE PRELIMINARY DESIGNS OF DIVER’S COVE BEACH ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS AND FISHERMAN’S COVE BEACH ACCESS
IMPROVEMENTS
(a) Authorized the City Manager to award a task order on contract #23-66 to BKF Engineers in the amount of $129,950, for preliminary design of the Diver’s Cove Beach Access Improvements Project, and approve project-related expenses and change orders for additional design-related services that may be required in an amount not-to-exceed $10,000; (b) Authorized the City Manager to award a task order on contract # 23-66 to BKF Engineers in the amount of $129,860, for preliminary design of the Fisherman’s Cove Beach Access Improvements Project, and approve project-related expenses and change orders for additional design-related services that may be required in an amount not-to-exceed $10,000; and
(c) Found that the actions consist of government activities, which do not result in a direct or indirect physical change in environment and therefore does not constitute a “Project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act.
15. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE UPDATING THE CITY’S CAMPAIGN
CONTRIBUTION REGULATIONS
Adopted by title only Ordinance #1724 titled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 1.14.030 (CONTRIBUTION LIMITATIONS) OF TITLE 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS) OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE THE CITY’S CAMPAIGN
CONTRIBUTION REGULATIONS AND DETERMINE THE ORDINANCE IS NOT A PROJECT FOR PURPOSES OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”.
16. EXTENSION OF ENFORCEMENT DATE FOR SHORT-TERM LODGING ORDINANCE (a) Approved an extension of the enforcement date for Ordinance No. 1719 from October 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026, to allow additional time for continued outreach and compliance by operators and online hosting platforms;
(b) Directed staff to return with an update to Ordinance No. 1719 to implement SB 346, which creates further mechanisms for tracking and enforcement of short-term lodging; and (c) Found that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
17. AD HOC COMMITTEE ON LAGUNA BEACH’S CENTENNIAL YEAR
Formed an ad hoc committee, consisting of Council Member Jones and Mayor pro Tem Orgill, to guide and advise planning and implementation of any City-directed activities associated with Calendar Year 2027, which would be 100 years since the City was incorporated.
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REGULAR BUSINESS
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18. ADOPTION OF AN OFFICIAL CITY FLAG
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to form an ad hoc committee consisting of Mayor Alex Rounaghi and Councilmember Sue Kempf to work with the Arts Commission to develop a process to solicit design options for an official City flag, including Chad Cooper’s design.
19. OCEAN AVENUE AND BEACH STREET IMPROVEMENTS
(a) The City Council reached unanimous consensus not to convert Lower Ocean Avenue to a one-way street, and maintain the existing two-way circulation; (b) The City Council concurred with staff to incorporate AB 413–compliant bump-outs where state law requires daylighting and ADA-driven sidewalk widening into the design; (c) The City Council directed staff to prioritize tree species consistent with the Landscape & Scenic Highways Resource Document (LSHRD), reevaluate tree types recommended by SWA, consider larger specimen trees (e.g., larger-box magnolias) to achieve canopy faster and avoid long-term conflicts with buildings, avoid species with high litter or pruning issues, and return with thoughtful, justified exceptions to a refined tree palette consistent with the LSHRD only when necessary;
(d) The City Council determined that adding a mid-block crossing on upper Ocean Avenue was not needed and would remove parking unnecessarily. The Council supported removing the shade structure at the transit center to gain approximately two parking spaces, and supported including the small minor bump-outs to add trees without reducing parking; (e) The City Council supported improving bump-outs and crosswalk consistency for pedestrian safety and ensuring ADA-compliant crossing treatments; and (f) The City Council directed staff to evaluate modifications to improve vehicle turning movements at the Ocean Avenue/Coast Highway intersection (including potentially adjusting curb lines), and retain the existing bike parking and loading zone unless a superior solution emerges during design.
20. POLICY CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE CITY’s OUTDOOR DINING AND PARKLET
PROGRAM (EXCLUDING THE PROMENADE ON FOREST)
(a) The City Council directed staff to extend existing Temporary Use Permits (TUPs) for up to one year while staff develops a permanent outdoor dining program for uses that do not rely on parking-space conversions;
(b) Regarding outdoor dining in private-property parking areas, the City Council directed staff to extend existing TUPs for up to one year while staff analyzes each affected property individually and returns with recommendations using existing parking-reduction provisions and/or options for in-lieu fees, parking management participation, or Conditional Use Permit (CUP) amendments;
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(c) For parklets located in public parking spaces, the City Council directed staff to extend existing TUPs for up to six months only, and:
(1) Require each business to submit, within that six-month period, a transition plan showing how outdoor dining could relocate to the sidewalk or other compliant configuration; (2) After the six-month period, parklets may not continue in public parking spaces unless relocated through an approved plan;
(3) Direct staff to incorporate updated maintenance and operational standards, including:
• No storage of materials or furniture in parklets;
• Outdoor seating must be open when the restaurant is open (unless conditions specify otherwise); and
• Required upkeep of the dining area and furnishings.
(d) The City Council directed staff to return at a future meeting with a work plan outlining the steps, resources, and timeline necessary to develop a permanent outdoor dining program, including required Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program amendments and environmental review.
21. CONSIDERATION OF DESIGN REVIEW EFFICIENCY ORDINANCE AND EFFICIENCY
ORDINANCE
Item #21 was heard after Item #22.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Direct City staff to submit the Design Review Efficiency Ordinance to California Coastal Commission staff for consideration and feedback and to the City’s Planning Commission for a public hearing;
(b) Direct City staff to process an urgency version of the Design Review Efficiency Ordinance for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council; (c) Direct staff to process an urgency and non-urgency version of the Efficiency Ordinance for consideration by the City Council;
(d) Adopt Resolution #25.087 that limits the Design Review Board and Planning Commission, as appropriate, to a maximum of two public hearings and meetings on a housing development project application; and
(e) Find the actions exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS – NON-APPEALS
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Item #22 was heard before Item #21.
22. CONSIDERATION OF 2025 MILLS ACT CONTRACTS FOR FOUR (4) HISTORIC
RESOURCE PROPERTIES AND FINDING THE ACTIONS EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15331
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Adopt Resolutions approving the Mills Act Preservation Agreements for 501 Lombardy Lane (#25.088), 503 Brooks Street (#25.089), and 2646 Victoria Drive (#25.090); (b) Authorize the City Manager to sign the contract agreements (#25-136, #25-137, and #25- 138) with the owners of the subject properties; and
(c) Direct the Heritage Committee to research best practices on Mills Act programs, particularly the assessed value for the tax exemptions (specifically related to freestanding accessory dwelling units (ADUs)) and monitoring beyond the initial 10 years.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 4/0 (Councilmember Whalen recused himself due to the proximity of his residence) to:
(a) Adopt Resolution #25.091 approving the Mills Act Preservation Agreement for 426 Holly Street; and
(b) Authorize the City Manager to sign contract agreement #25-139 with the owner of the subject property.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – APPEALS
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Continuances of Appeal Items A, B, C, and D were heard before Item #13.
A. APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 24-2113 FOR
MODIFICATIONS TO A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED LANDSCAPE PLAN FOR AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING AT 1813 TEMPLE HILLS DRIVE LOCATED IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY ZONE, AND CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15304 (CLASS 4)
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Continue the public hearing on the appeal to the December 9, 2025, City Council meeting; and
(2) Find the Project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
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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 Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Continue the public hearing on the appeal to the December 9, 2025, City Council meeting; and
(2) Find the Project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
C. APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 24-0658 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 24-0657 FOR A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY
DWELLING, ATTACHED TWO-CAR GARAGE, ELEVATED DECKS, GRADING, AND
LANDSCAPING, AND DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING AT 31526 VALIDO ROAD IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY ZONE, AND
FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 (CLASS 3) Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Continue the public hearing on the appeal to the January 13, 2026, 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.
D. APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 24-0658 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 24-0657 FOR A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY
DWELLING, ATTACHED TWO-CAR GARAGE, ELEVATED DECKS, GRADING, AND
LANDSCAPING, AND DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING AT 31526 VALIDO ROAD IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY ZONE, AND
FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 (CLASS 3) Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Continue the public hearing on the appeal to the January 27, 2026, 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.
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COUNCILMEMBER ITEM(S)
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In accordance with Resolution #24.011, the City Council supported Mayor Alex Rounaghi’s request to schedule a high-level update from OCPA (Orange County Power Authority).
ADJOURNMENT AT 10:04 P.M., TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025,
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, DECEMBER 9, 2025