Laguna Beach City Council Minutes December 9, 2025
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
December 9, 2025
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was called to order at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in the City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California, Mayor Rounaghi presiding.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Councilmember Hallie Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION
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Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation
Significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(1)
One (1) potential case. There is significant exposure to litigation against the City based on facts and circumstances that which the local agency believes are not yet known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation
Significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) One (1) potential case. There is significant exposure to litigation against the City based on the receipt of a claim pursuant to the Government Claims Act (Division 3.6 (commencing with Section 810) of Title 1 of the Government Code) g, 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 multi- family dwelling (compared to a single-family 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.
3. 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:
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a. On September 16, 2025, the City Attorney, Megan Garibaldi, met with attorneys for the property owners of 31774 5th 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 5th Avenue, which proceeded without the proper entitlements. At the September 16, 2025, meeting, the attorneys for property owners of 31774 5th Avenue threatened litigation if the City did not make the demanded payment.
4. Conference with Legal Counsel-Anticipated Litigation Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Number of Cases: One (1)
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
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City Attorney Megan Garibaldi reported that all Councilmembers were present and there was no public comment prior to the City Council convening into the Closed Session, and there was no ADDITIONS and DELETIONS - None.
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PRESENTATIONS
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LAGUNA BEACH LAWN BOWLING RECOGNITION
The Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club presented the trophy for Laguna Beach's victory in the Newport Beach versus Laguna Beach City Leaders Showdown.
2. 2025 CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY PALETTE AWARDS
Twelve young artists were recognized for being selected winners of the 2025 Children's Holiday Palette Exhibition: "Christmas Carnival" by Skylar Tiner, "Aurora Borealis" by Jaxon Nabors-Ard, "Beach Snowman" by Parker Walters, "Winter Penguin" by Aubrey Melamed, "Sunset Wave" by Ivan Kudryashov, "Untitled' by Isla Lombardo, "Main Beach Christmas" by Cade Mortazavi, "Christmas Pelican" by Linus Wong, "A Snowy Christmas in Laguna Beach" by Sienna Zamorano, "Santa Cruising" by Jack Nastanski, "Surfing Santa Hog" by Alice Kaufman, and "Holiday Bunny" by Maraya Jefferson.
PROCLAMATION FOR 2025 ART AND NATURE RECOGNITION
Adopted the Proclamation recognizing the 2025 Laguna Art Museum Art and Nature initiative.
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RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING MAYOR AND SELECTION OF MAYOR AND
MAYOR PRO TEM
Councilmember Bob Whalen nominated Councilmember Mark Orgill as Mayor, passed unanimously. Mayor Mark Orgill presented a plaque to Councilmember Mayor Alex Rounaghi, for his service as Mayor.
Councilmember Sue Kempf nominated Councilmember Hallie Jones as Mayor Pro Tem, passed unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
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Tyler Spring expressed his frustration with the lack of City enforcement of the View Restoration Order affecting his property.
Michael Hawks and Cheryl Heichemer, Arch Beach United, spoke against a proposed pump track in Moulton Meadows park.
Laura Parisi reminded everyone that property taxes are due tomorrow.
Ruben Flores invited everyone to the upcoming holiday singalong at the South Laguna Community Garden. He also commented on trees removed from private property by homeowners.
Brittany Ganson, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, thanked everyone for a successful Hospitality Night.
Jacob Cherub requested that the City Council consider allowing virtual participation again.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER ****************************************************************************** City Manager Dave Kiff advised that tent structures will not be in the Forest Avenue pedestrian plaza after January 2026. Kiff announced that there will be a City Council Special Meeting on December 18 at 5:00 p.m. to adopt two separate ordinances adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Codes and Fire Code, and a January 6, 2026, Special Meeting at 3:30 p.m. for appeal hearings. Kiff also announced that the Recreation Committee will consider the bike pump track proposal at its 6:00 p.m. January 12, 2026, meeting. Kiff also advised that the recruitment to fill the Animal Shelter manager position has been posted.
City Attorney Megan Garibaldi advised that Senate Bill 707, which passed during the recent legislative period, is a major revision on the Brown Act, and will require certain eligible legislative bodies to enable the public to participate through a two-way phone or video platform beginning July 1, 2026.
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All Councilmembers commented on this year's Hospitality Night.
Councilmember Sue Kempf reported on the Arts Commission's year-end review.
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi commented on the groundbreaking for the new fire station, which will be the first new station in over 50 years. He also reported on the annual AQWA water conference.
Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones reported on meetings with members of the public regarding the appeals.
Councilmember Bob Whalen also commented on the groundbreaking for Fire Station #4, and he commended the City for the slurry sealing of its streets. He also reported on the annual Laguna Beach Seniors holiday luncheon. Councilmember Whalen also commended the Quilter family their generous monetary gifts to both Laguna College of Art + Design and University of California, Irvine.
Mayor Mark Orgill reported on various events he attended and various meetings with members of the public.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1 - 13 and 15 - 21.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Study Session and the Regular Meeting for the City Council of November 18, 2025.
APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS
Date Description Reference Nos. Amount
Payroll-Related Payments
10/27/25 CaPERS Wire FY 2026 #7 391,348.67
10/31/25 Payroll Checks and Wires FY 2026#9 $ 1.817,149.43 Total Payroll-Related Payments $ 2,208,498.10
Payments to Vendors:
10/25/25-11/07/25 Check Payments to Vendors 23009368-23009581 $ 2.665.595.28 TOTAL PAYMENTS $ 4,874,093.38
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements. -4-
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7. MONTHLY TREASURER'S AND INVESTMENT REPORT (OCTOBER 2025) Received and filed the October 2025 report.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF GRANT APPLICATIONS TO
CALRECYCLE
(a) Adopted Resolution #25.092 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF
INDIVIDUAL GRANT APPLICATIONS AND RELATED AUTHORIZATIONS FOR
ALL GRANT PROGRAMS AND DETERMINE THE RECOMMENDED ACTION IS
NOT A PROJECT PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT", and authorizing the City Manager, or his/her designee, to submit applications to CalRecycle for all CalRecycle grants for which the City of Laguna Beach is eligible; and
(b) Found that the recommended action is not a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).
9. SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR SHELTER MANAGEMENT SERVICES AT THE
ALTERNATIVE SLEEPING LOCATION
(a) Approved service agreement #25-147 with Friendship Shelter, Inc. for the operation of the Alternative Sleeping Location (ASL) from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with the following financial limits:
(1) An amount not to exceed $250,000 for the operational period of January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026.
(2) An amount not to exceed $500,000 for the operational period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
(b) Authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and administrative amendments that do not increase the total contract amount; and
(c) Found that the action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 because it does not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
10. RESOLUTION ADOPTING MEASURE M2 EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
(1) Adopted Resolution #25.093 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, CONCERNING THE MEASURE M2 EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH," approving the Orange County Measure M2 Transportation Improvement Tax Expenditure Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, as certified by the Director of Finance subject to technical revisions in conformance with Orange County Transportation Authority guidelines; and (2) Authorized the Director of Finance to sign and submit the report to the Orange County Transportation Authority.
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11. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE PROJECT MANAGEMENT
FOR THE CITY'S PUBLIC SAFETY COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH
(a) Authorized the City Manager to execute service agreement #25-148 with National Public Safety Group for Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System project management services for a one-time cost not to exceed $238,293, as corrected by staff; and
(b) Found that the action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4) and Section 15378(b)(5).
12. AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH INTRATEK COMPUTER INC. FOR ONSITE
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment Number 1 to Agreement No. 25- 42 with Intratek Computer Inc. to expand the scope of work to include one additional Network Engineer I, and to increase the contract by $70,000 for the period January 1 2026, through June 30 2026, resulting in a revised not-to-exceed amount of $212,000 for onsite information technology desktop support services; (2) Authorized the City Manager to exercise up to two one-year extensions of the amended agreement, with an increased annual amount of $148,000 in the first extension year for a total not-to-exceed amount of $296,000 and an increased annual amount of $154,000 in the second extension year for a total not-to-exceed amount of $308,000 provided sufficient funding is appropriated in the applicable fiscal year budgets; and (3) Authorized the transfer of $70,000 from the Police Department contractual services budget to the Information Technology Division contractual services budget to support centralized funding and management of desktop support services.
13. ABANDONMENT OF STORM DRAIN EASEMENT AT 1377 DUNNING DRIVE (1) Adopted Resolution #25.094 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, TO ORDER THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF STORM DRAIN EASEMENT AT 1377 DUNNING DRIVE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 4, SUMMARY VACATION, STREETS AND
HIGHWAYS CODE SECTION 8330 ET. SEQ"; and
(2) Found that the proposed summary vacation is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15060(c)(2) and 15060 (c)(3) because the action would not have a reasonably foreseeable direct or indirect effect on the environment and is therefore not a project subject to CEQA section 15378. -6.
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14. INITIATION OF CEQA REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF CONSULTANT AGREEMENT
FOR THE PROPOSED ALISO ESTUARY RESTORATION PROJECT
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by a member of the public and Mayor Mark Orgill directed staff to give a PowerPoint presentation.
Public Testimony: Debbie Neev, a member of the public, Ray Hiemstra from Orange County Coastkeeper, Ed Sauls, Mark Christy, Jorg Dubin, Ed Almanza of the Laguna Ocean Foundation, and Adam Redding Kauffman commented on the benefits of moving forward with the project.
Nick Arnoff and Greg Viviani explained why they did not support the agenda item.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Authorize the initiation of environmental review for the Aliso Estuary Restoration Project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, with the City of Laguna Beach serving as the lead agency, and direct staff to assume that role for purposes of environmental review and coordination;
(b) Approve professional services agreement #25-149 with Rincon Consultants, Inc. in the amount of $117,882 to prepare the required CEQA documentation, with the City contributing $100,000 and the balance funded by the Laguna Ocean Foundation through grant resources;
(c) Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any necessary amendments, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and
(d) Find that the recommended action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines, as it involves only the initiation of environmental review and does not commit the City to a specific physical development or construction project.
15. APPROVE RESOLUTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE REPORT AND MAKE CERTAIN FINDINGS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 66000, ET SEQ
(a) Received and filed the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Development Impact Fee and Sewer Connection Fee Report, as revised by staff;
(b) Adopted Resolution #25.095 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE REPORT AND MAKE
CERTAIN FINDINGS, AS REQUIRED BY CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 66000 et seq" as revised by staff; and
(c) Determined that the proposed resolution is not a "project" under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15378(b)(5). -7-
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16. REIMBURSEMENT TO ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY FOR RANCHO FIRE
COSTS AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
(a) Authorized the Finance Director to reimburse the Orange County Fire Authority $115,905.40 for costs incurred for the Rancho Fire incident that occurred in July 2025; (b) Appropriated $115,905.40 from the available fund balance in the City's Disaster Contingency Fund (#140);
(c) Confirmed that this expenditure satisfies the requirements of City Council Resolution No.
23.045, including the requirement for four affirmative votes and the intent to replenish the fund balance within 36 months; and
(d) Determined that this action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15378 of the CEQA guidelines.
17. APPROVAL OF TENTATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAGUNA
BEACH AND THE LAGUNA BEACH POLICE EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION FOR THE TERM OF JANUARY 1, 2026, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 (a) Adopted Resolution #25.096 titled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAGUNA
BEACH POLICE EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION" approving the Agreement between the City of Laguna Beach and the Laguna Beach Police Employees' Association; (b) Authorized the City Manager to execute the related Memorandum of Understanding (agreement #25-150), subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; and (c) Found that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
18. CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR TRANSIT CAD/AVL/APC
INTEGRATED SYSTEM
(a) Authorized the City Manager to execute Consultant Services Agreement #25-151 with TripShot, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $949,000.28, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for implementation and management of the Transit CAD/AVL/APC Integrated System for a three-year initial term, with two one-year extension options; (b) Appropriated $270,000 from the Transit Fund for this project; and (c) Found that the recommended actions are not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
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19. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH PUMP-POD USA AND
TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR PROCUREMENT AND DELIVERY
OF PUMP-POD UNIT THROUGH THE WATER SAVINGS INCENTIVE PROGRAM (a) Authorized the City Manager to execute contract #25-152 with Pump-Pod USA for the purchase and delivery of a Pump Pod Unit through the Water Savings Incentive Program; (b) Approved a General Fund appropriation of $31,555 for the purchase, including applicable taxes and delivery charges, and recognized $22,055 in estimated grant revenue to offset a portion of the cost; and
(c) Found that this action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
20. PARKING, TRAFFIC, AND CIRCULATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (a) Approved the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to establish 40 feet of parking restrictions on Sunset Ridge Drive by adopting Resolution #25.097 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS
ON SUNSET RIDGE DRIVE AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304";
(b) Approved the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to establish two golf cart parking spaces on Ocean Way by adopting Resolution #25.098 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING TWO GOLF CART PARKING SPACES
ON OCEAN WAY AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304"; and
(c) Approved the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to establish 4 feet of parking restrictions on Fairview Drive by adopting Resolution #25.099 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON FAIRVIEW
STREET AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304.
21. CONTRACT FOR MICROGRID DEPLOYMENT AT FIRE STATIONS 2 AND 3 (a) Authorized the City Manager to enter into agreement #25-153 and #25-154 with Staten Solar for Solar Photovoltaic Direct Purchase and Battery Energy Storage Systems Lease for Fire Stations 2 and 3; and
(b) Found that the proposed solar panel installations are statutorily exempt pursuant to Public Resources Code § 21080.35 for installing solar energy systems on existing building roofs or in existing parking lots.
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REGULAR BUSINESS
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22. QUALIFICATION OF INITIATIVE MEASURE PROPOSING TO ENACT CITY
COUNCIL TERM LIMITS
City Clerk Ann Marie McKay briefly described the agenda report and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Michael Morris, Jacob Cherub, Mary Clifford, Susan Skinner, Adam Redding Kauffman, and Matt Lawson commented on the initiative measure proposing to enact City Council term limits.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Receive, file, and accept the certification of sufficiency of petition of signatures as valid in all respects for the Ballot Measure Initiative titled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION
2.04.080 TO THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH TERM LIMITS FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS"; and
(b) Adopt Resolution #25.100 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, SUBMITTING TO THE
QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH ON THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION BALLOT AN INITIATIVE MEASURE
AMENDING THE CITY'S MUNICIPAL CODE TO ENACT CITY COUNCIL TERM LIMITS; REQUESTING THE COUNTY OF ORANGE TO CONSOLIDATE SAID ELECTION WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION OF EVEN DATE;
AND SETTING RULES AND DEADLINES FOR ARGUMENTS AND REBUTTALS FOR AND AGAINST THE MEASURE."
23. LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE FUNDING ASSISTANCE
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation regarding funding assistance for the Laguna Playhouse.
Public Testimony: Gary Jenkins, Joe Hanauer, Joy Dittberner, Ron Harris, Cody Engle, and Mark Saville explained why they strongly supported funding the Laguna Playhouse.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Following the development and review of an acceptable Lease Amendment, authorize the expenditure of $500,000 in two installments to the Laguna Playhouse for operational support in exchange for greater access by community organizations to the Playhouse venue for more expansive performance art opportunities for the public's enjoyment; -10-
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(b) Find that these actions do not constitute a "project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21065; 14 CCR Section 15378(b)(5)); and
(c) Direct the ad hoc committee consisting of Councilmembers Bob Whalen and Alex Rounaghi to continue to work with staff to return with proposed amendments to the lease agreement at the January 13, 2026, City Council meeting.
24. ARTIST LIVE-WORK UNITS; AMENDMENT TO THE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT FOR 2307 AND 2535 LAGUNA CANYON ROAD, EXECUTION OF A
LETTER OF INTENT WITH THE LAGUNA BEACH COMMUNITY LAND TRUST,
AND ASSIGNMENT OF CONSULTANT AGREEMENT
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions regarding the properties at 3207 and 2535 Laguna Canyon Road.
Public Testimony: Mark Christy, Billy Fried, Greg MacGillivray, Kristine Thalman, Kathryn Burton Gray, Jorg Dubin, Adam Redding Kaufman, Emily Howell, Kaitlin Evans, Lisa Stipkavich, Debbie Neeve, Julie Perlin Lee, Mark Saville, Ron Tober, a member of the public, Tom Lamb and Cody Engle expressed their support for the agenda item.
Moved by Mayor Mark Orgill, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Approve the Second Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreements for 2535 and 2307 Laguna Canyon Road to update the combined purchase price to $8 million and revise the escrow and closing timelines, and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to effectuate the amendment;
(b) Authorize the City Manager to execute the nonbinding Letter of Intent between the City of Laguna Beach and the Laguna Beach Community Land Trust, memorializing the key terms of the anticipated loan agreement and Purchase and Sale Agreement assignment that will return to the City Council for consideration at its January 13, 2026, meeting; (c) Authorize assignment of the City's Professional Services Agreement with Harris and Associates to the Laguna Beach Community Land Trust, allowing the consultant to complete the remaining nonprofit formation work directly under the Land Trust's direction;
(d) Approve a one-time payment to the Laguna Beach Community Land Trust in the amount of $41,987, or the remaining balance at the time of payment, under the Harris and Associates contract to support completion of the consultant's scope and to provide initial operational capacity for the Land Trust;
(e) Direct staff to return at the January 13, 2026, City Council meeting with the proposed loan agreement and assignment documents for full City Council consideration; and (f) Find that the recommended action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15378 because the actions will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. -11-
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25. RESOLUTIONS AND APPROPRIATIONS RELATED TO SALE OF BONDS FOR UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 (WEST STREET) Councilmember Alex Rounaghi recused himself as stated during previous hearings on this topic.
Councilmember Bob Whalen asked about the timing of the Preliminary Official Statement (POS) and staff responded.
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation, and they responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 4/0 to:
(a) Adopt Resolution #25.101 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DETERMINING UNPAID ASSESSMENTS IN
UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2021-1 (WEST
STREET) AND THE MANNER OF PAYMENT THEREOF AND LISTING BONDS ISSUED ON THE SECURITY THEREOF";
(b) Adopt Resolution #25.102 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2021-1 (WEST
STREET) LIMITED OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT BONDS, AWARDING THE
SALE OF SUCH BONDS, APPROVING FISCAL AGENT AGREEMENT, OFFICIAL STATEMENT, BOND • PURCHASE AGREEMENT, AND CONTINUING
DISCLOSURE CERTIFICATE AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE THE TERMS OF THE PURCHASE OF THE BONDS";
(c) Approve the purchase of Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-1 (West Street) public offering municipal serial bonds at a 25-year term with an estimated true interest cost of 4.71%;
(d) Authorize the City Manager to award a task order to Accenture in the amount of $143,700 for construction management and inspection services, and approve project-related expenses and change orders for additional construction inspection services that may be required in an amount not-to-exceed $15,000;
(e) Appropriate $6,580,699 for construction and other related expenses within Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-1 (West Street), increase revenues by the same amount, and authorize the City Manager to expend all appropriated funds; and (f) Authorize the City Manager to enter into necessary utility company agreements and make advance payments to the utility companies for their construction services for a total amount of $2,075,84.
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26. ADOPTION OF THE 2025 WASTEWATER MASTER PLAN
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Councilmember Comments: Councilmember Alex Rounaghi stated that this was an important step forward and he supported the item.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Adopt the 2025 Wastewater Master Plan; and
(2) Find that adoption of the 2025 Wastewater Master Plan is a government activity that will not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment and therefore does not constitute a "Project" under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3). Individual projects identified in the Plan will undergo separate CEQA review.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - APPEALS
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Appeal A was heard after Appeal B.
A. APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD DENIAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 24-1572 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 24-1688 FOR MODIFICATIONS FOR A NEW
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING (MAJOR REMODEL WITH ADDITIONS EXCEEDING 50%, INCLUDING UPPER-LEVEL ADDITIONS), EXTERIOR CHANGES, ELEVATED
DECKS, AND LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS TO AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY
DWELLING, AND NEW DETACHED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT, LOCATED AT 607 SHORT STREET IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY ZONE, AND
STATUTORY EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15270(A)
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation regarding the appeal and responded to City Councilmember questions.
Public Testimony in Support of the Appeal: Steve McIntosh, applicant and appellant, gave a presentation showing the proposed new home. Vicki McIntosh, applicant and appellant and Drew Blake, project designer, explained the project and described how it met design review criteria. Michael Cox stated the reasons he supported the project and voiced concerns with the approval process.
Public Testimony in Opposition of the Appeal: Miles and Alison Mahoney, neighbors, Steve Kawaratani, representing the neighbors, and Carter Mudge, attorney for the neighbors, listed their concerns with the proposed design, and they urged the City Council to uphold the DRB's decision to deny the project.
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Rebuttal: Steve McIntosh, applicant and appellant, stated there had been an abuse of discretion by the DRB and he explained.
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried 4/1 (Mayor Pro Tem Jones opposed) to adopt Resolution #25.103 titled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH,
CALIFORNIA OVERTURNING THE DECISION OF THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD TO DENY DESIGN REVIEW 24-1572 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 24- 1688 FOR MODIFICATIONS FOR A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING (MAJOR REMODEL WITH ADDITIONS EXCEEDING 50%, INCLUDING UPPER-LEVEL
ADDITIONS), EXTERIOR CHANGES, ELEVATED DECKS, AND LANDSCAPE
IMPROVEMENTS TO AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING AND NEW DETACHED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT ("ADU"), FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 607 SHORT STREET IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY ZONE, APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 24-1572 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 24-1688, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15303 (CLASS 3) AND 15304 (CLASS 4)" as revised by the City Council, overturning the Design Review Board's denial of Design Review 24- 1572 and finding the approval of the Project exempt from CEQA.
Appeal B was heard before Appeal A.
B. PUBLIC HEARING FOR 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)
Public Testimony in Support of the Appeal: Steve Kawaratani, representing the appellant, described the reasons the neighbors filed an appeal on the proposed project and he listed their requests. Lori and Mike Austin, appellants, explained their concerns with the proposed project.
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi confirmed with the appellants that the redline changes were reasonable and they could work through the remaining areas of concern.
Public Testimony in Opposition of the Appeal: Dave Frith, architect for the proposed project, stated that the property owners had followed the process and he explained.
City Attorney Megan Garibaldi confirmed with Frith that the homeowners agreed with the two conditions in the revised resolution.
Mike Austin, appellant, stated that they were not in agreement with the conditions in the revised resolution.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes December 9, 2025
City Attorney Megan Garibaldi listed the options for the City Council.
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions regarding the appeal.
Councilmember Bob Whalen confirmed with Steve Kawaratani that the appellants would not be accepting the special conditions in the proposed resolution.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt Resolution #25.104 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, UPHOLDING THE
DECISION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S DESIGNEE TO APPROVE DESIGN REVIEW 25-0891 FOR AN ELEVATED DECK ADDITION AT 31421 HOLLY DRIVE IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY ZONE, AND
FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301," with the standard conditions added, upholding the Community Development Director's designee's approval of Design Review 25-0891 and finding the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
C. 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)
The continuance of Appeal C was heard before Item #22.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Continue the public hearing to the January 6, 2026, City Council special 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.
COUNCILMEMBER ITEMS)
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In accordance with Resolution #24.011, the City Council supported Mayor Mark Orgill's request to consider a lobbying ordinance.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes December 9, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Orgill at 11:27 p.m., Tuesday December 9, 2025, adjourned to the City Council Study Session at 3:00 p.m., Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. and Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California.
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Approved: January 13, 2026
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Note: All components of minutes shall be for the primary purpose of memorializing decisions made by the legislative body. Any minute component that does not serve this primary purpose will be minimized or eliminated; this includes comments made by individual body members and members of the public. Discussions that occurred during the meeting can be viewed in archived video recordings on the city's website. Public submittals on items received prior to adjournment of the meeting are retained in the administrative record and can be viewed in the city clerk's repository. -16-
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54995)
EXCERPT OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
December 9, 2025
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The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in the City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.
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PRESENT COUNCILMEMBERS: Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Orgill at 11:27 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2025, adjourned to the Study Session at 3:00 p.m., Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. and the Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE SS.
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
I, Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of the Minute entry on record in my office. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and affix the official seal of the City of Laguna Beach, California, on this 10* day of December 2025.
Culika
_CORPORATED
JUNE 29,192
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT
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I, Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, California, DO CERTIFY that at the Regular Meeting of the City Council held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHED HERETO; and that on December 10, 2025, at the hour of 10:45 a.m., a copy of the Notice was posted at a conspicuous place on or near the door of the place at which said meeting of the City Council was held.
Cly Cork of the City of Taguna Bern, califormia