Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 10, 2026
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
February 10, 2026
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was called to order at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in the City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California, Mayor Mark Orgill presiding.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Kempf, Rounaghi, Whalen, Jones, Orgill PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Councilmember Sue Kempf led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION
****************
Conference with Legal Counsel-Existing Litigation
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Number of Cases: Two (2)
a. Edward B. Riahi, Trustee of the EBR Trust, Dated May 29, 2015 v. City of Laguna Beach, Superior Court of California County of Orange, Case No. 30-2025-01498304-CU-WM- CJC
b. David Dyrnaes, as Trustee for the David Neil Dyrnaes and Mayumi Nagakura Joint Living Trust, dated August 11, 2010 v. City of Laguna Beach, Superior Court of California County of Orange, Case No. 30-2025-01519061-CU-WM-CJC
2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(5)
One (1) potential case. There is significant exposure to litigation against the City based on a threat of litigation made outside of a noticed meeting, which is based on the following facts:
a. On September 16, 2025, the City Attorney, Megan Garibaldi, met with attorneys for the property owners of 31774 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. -1-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 10, 2026
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS)
*********************************
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.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS - None.
*******************************
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
***************************************
Mike Beanan, Laguna Bluebelt Coalition, presented a video advocating to extend the City's Marine Protection Area.
Nick Aronoff commented on the multiple City priorities, asserting that addressing the State housing mandate is essential, and opined that the sequence and transparency on addressing the City's priorities is important.
Peter Sacks, Spurs and Satin Wild West reenactment group, recounted the group's history in the Patriots Day Parade and their gun safety protocols. He commented that the group was banned from firing weapons last year without discussion, and requested that the City consider alternatives.
Ed Steinfeld announced that there is a GoFundMe to help Michael the Greeter get permanent housing, and donations to the GoFundMe can be made through the website www.homeforthegreeter.com
Larry Zeman, Rich Plavetich, and Kerry Trevino spoke on view blockages by public trees, and requested an update on the status of the City's consideration of a public tree ordinance.
Tim Templeton commented on fire safety improvements implemented by the City, announced the establishment of the Top of the World Firewise Community, and commented on the need for additional telecommunications capabilities.
Ann Marie McKay requested that the City Council direct staff to draft a Memorandum of Understanding for City Council consideration to define appropriate uses of the animal shelter donation funds.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER **************************************************************** In response to Mayor Mark Orgill, City Manager Dave Kiff confirmed that staff can provide an update on staff's efforts related to public trees to the City Council at a future meeting. -2-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 10, 2026
Councilmember Sue Kempf commented on challenges related to getting telecommunication providers to improve service in Laguna Beach.
In response to Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, City Manager Dave Kiff confirmed that staff will be presenting the priority matrix at the City Council February 24 meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones reported that she, Fire Chief Niko King, and Newth Morris were invited to attend the XPRIZE Wildfire Autonomous Wildfire Response Track Finalists announcement event, and had Chief King provide an oral report. Mayor Pro Tem Jones also advised that she met with the new president of the Police Employee Association, Brendan Rowland.
City Engineer Tom Perez provided an update on the promenade construction project. Assistant City Manager Jeremy Frimond advised that the temporary parking program is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission at its March 4 meeting.
Mayor Mark Orgill reported on various meetings with members of the public.
CONSENT CALENDAR
**********************
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1 - 2, 4 - 6, and 8 (Mayor Mark Orgill recused from item #5).
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Study Session and the Regular Meeting of the City Council of January 27, 2026, and the Special Meeting of the City Council of January 30, 2026.
APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS
Date Description Reference Nos. Amount
Payroll-Related Payments
01/09/26 Payroll Checks and Wires FY 2026 #14 $ 2,108,237.46 Total Payroll-Related Payments $ 2,108,237.46
Payments to Vendors:
01/03/26-01/16/26 Wire Payments to Vendors 9 : 392,683.04 01/03/26-01/16/26 Check Payments to Vendors 23010348-23010701 $ 2,691,704.05 Total Payments to Vendors $ 3,084,387.09
TOTAL PAYMENTS $ 5,192,624.55
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements. -3-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 10, 2026
ANNUAL UPDATE OF THE CITY'S RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by a member of the public.
Public Testimony: Deborah Laughton voiced concerns with the length of retention for some items. City Attorney Megan Garibaldi and City Clerk Ann Marie McKay responded to the public's concerns and Councilmember questions.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0:
(a) Adopt Resolution #26.010 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, UPDATING THE CITY'S RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE,
AUTHORIZING DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN CITY RECORDS, AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 25.006"; and
(b) Find the action is not a "project" within the meaning of the California Environment Quality Act under Public Resources Code Section 21065.
RECREATION COMMITTEE 2026 WORK PLAN
The City Council authorized the Recreation Committee to proceed with its 2026 Work Plan.
PUBLIC ART INSTALLATIONS AT GLENNEYRE PARKING STRUCTURE AND ANITA STREET
BEACH ACCESS
Mayor Mark Orgill recused himself from this item due to the location of his residence within 500 feet of the project site.
(1) Approved the installation of the sculpture titled, "A Breeze, Floating Bloom" by Arne Quinze to satisfy the Art in Public Places requirement in Chapter 1.09 of the Laguna Beach Municipal Code for 501 Glenneyre Street (Parking Lot 6); (2) Approved the expenditure of $130,000 and appropriation of $21,605 from the Art in Lieu Fund for the installation of the sculpture titled, "A Breeze, Floating Bloom" by Arne Quinze;
(3) Approved the installation of the untitled tile mural by Kevin A. Myers at the Anita Street Beach Access Renovation Project;
(4) Approved the expenditure of $30,000 installation of an untitled tile mural by artist Kevin A. Myers; and
(5) Found that these actions are exempt under California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303.
-4-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 10, 2026
AMENDMENT TO SERVICE PROVIDER AGREEMENT FOR BUILDING AND PLANNING SERVICES (a) Authorized the City Manager to execute a third amendment to Agreement #22-64 with the Code Group, Inc. (dba VCA Code) to increase the contract amount by $190,000 for continued building and planning services, with the provided revisions; and (b) Found this action is not a "project" subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
AMENDMENT TO AN EASEMENT AGREEMENT RELATED TO RIGHT OF WAY ADJACENT TO 31131 MONTEREY STREET; AND FINDING ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(b)(3) This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by a member of the public.
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions regarding the proposed easement adjacent to 31131 Monterey Street.
Public Testimony: Jim Conrad, architect representing the property owner, gave a presentation describing the proposed easement.
Greg O'Loughlin, South Laguna Civic Association, John Thomas, Aaron Peluso, Amir Mozaferi, Robert Cosgrove, David Blachman, Brenda Boerman, Ann Christoph, and Ray Tang stated they did not support the proposed easement and they listed their reasons.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0:
(1) Deny the request to amend an Easement Agreement related to right of way adjacent to 31131 Monterey Street; and
(2) Direct staff to return to the City Council with recommendations on maintaining and improving the trail.
CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATION FOR VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMITTEES (a) Confirmed City Council appointments to various organizations and committees listed in Attachment 1 of the staff report, as revised to add Mayor Mark Orgill to the Laguna Playhouse committee;
(b) Confirmed City Council representation on Ad Hoc Committees as listed in Attachment 2 of the staff report; and
(c) Found that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15378(b)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines. -5-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 10, 2026
ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY (OCPA) - STUDY SESSION SUMMARY AND COUNCIL
DIRECTION
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by a member of the public.
Presentation and Discussion: Staff briefly summarized the agenda report.
Public Testimony: Mike, Laguna Woods resident, Vicki Johnson, Harvey Liss, Irvine resident, Steve, and Danny Gray, Capo Beach resident, weighed in on the agenda item.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to direct the Environmental Sustainability Committee to develop a work plan for City Council review, regarding potential participation in OCPA, including what other studies would be needed, such as the no-cost feasibility study, and return to the City Council with the proposed plan.
REGULAR BUSINESS
********************
10. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC) DISCUSSION
City Manager Dave Kiff provided a presentation on options for the City Council to consider regarding a permanent Emergency Operations Center. Staff responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Shelly Bennecke, Chair of the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee, Matt Lawson, Tom Gibbs, Sonny Myers, Janice Hayden, Aaron Peluso, Nick Arnott, David Horne, and John Thomas weighed in on the item.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to direct staff to proceed with the option to remodel space within the Community Recreation Center to establish a permanent Emergency Operations Center, and return to the City Council with recommendations on building Fire Station 1 and modifications to build out City Hall.
11. HOSPITAL ACTION PLAN DISCUSSION
Councilmembers Whalen and Rounaghi provided thoughts on possible next steps to protect the community's interest via a further evaluation of possible changes in service by the operators of Mission Hospital in South Laguna.
Public Testimony: Nick Arnoff, John Thomas, Aaron Peluso, Greg O' Loughlin, South Laguna Civic Association, Ann Christoph, and a member of the public commented on the agenda item.
-6-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 10, 2026
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to direct the ad hoc committee to develop a work plan.
12. CITY CHARTER DISCUSSION
City Manager Dave Kiff and City Attorney Megan Garibaldi provided a presentation on options to consider should the City Council wish to ask the voters to adopt a City Charter in November 2026. They responded to the Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Nick Arnoff, Aaron Peluso, John Thomas, City Treasurer Laura Parisi, and Ann Christoph asked questions and weighed in on the agenda item.
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Direct staff to bring back to the City Council for consideration a revised draft Charter that incorporates the three primary focus areas articulated during Council discussion:
parking enforcement/parking management flexibility (including ability to contract out enforcement), procurement/public contracting flexibility, and penalty/fine authority to improve deterrence;
(b) Explore and include public financing and economic development flexibility, and provide examples of how those authorities could be used; (c) Provide a financial analysis;
(d) Post links on the City website to other Orange County charters and referenced municipal code sections for context; and
(e) Explore potential charter language addressing the City Clerk and City Treasurer role descriptions and/or qualifications so the public understands the functions of those elected offices.
PUBLIC HEARING - NON-APPEAL
****************************
13. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION UPDATING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to the Councilmembers' questions regarding amending the master fee schedule.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
-7-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes February 10, 2026
(a) Adopt Resolution #26.011 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING ITS MASTER FEE SCHEDULE AND FINDING SUCH ACTIONS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT," with the provided revisions; and
(b) Find the action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(4), 15273(a)(1), and 15273(a)(2).
COUNCILMEMBER ITEM(S) - None.
******************************
ADJOURNMENT
**************
There being no further business, Mayor Orgill at 9:48 p.m., Tuesday February 10, 2026, adjourned to the City Council Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. and Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California. ****** *********
Approved: February 24, 2026 CaSI
Mark Orgill, May
Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk X
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. -8-
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
February 10, 2026
****************
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in the City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.
***************
PRESENT COUNCILMEMBERS: Kempf, Rounaghi, Whalen, Jones, Orgill PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ADJOURNMENT
***************
There being no further business, Mayor Orgill at 9:48 p.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2026, adjourned to the Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. and the Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California. ***: *******
STATE OF CALIFORNIA -
COUNTY OF ORANGE SS.
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
1, 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 11t day of February 2026.
TO LAGINA BENE Tul't
SCORPORATED
City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach California
JUNE 29.192
HE CoUNT ORD
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT
****************************
1, 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, February 10, 2026, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHED HERETO; and that on February 11, 2026, 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.
City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach,