Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 10, 2026
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
March 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, March 10, 2026, in the City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California, Mayor Mark Orgill presiding.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Kempf, Rounaghi, Whalen, Orgill PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Jones
Councilmember Bob Whalen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION
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1. Conference with Legal Counsel -Existing Litigation
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Number of Cases: One (1)
Ia. City of Laguna Beach v. Laguna Beach Coalition for Environment Protection, California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three, Case No. G065514
2. Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
2a. Property: 30622 Coast Highway (Ruby's Diner)
Agency Negotiator: Dave Kiff, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Kenneth J. Cummins Trust
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
2b. Property: APN: 65601208; 65601205; 65603220; and 65603203 Agency Negotiator: Dave Kiff, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Merrick W & Mary L Leckey
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS)
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Public Testimony: Joy Berry, Susan Skinner, Johanna Felder, Pat Menne, Bryan Menne, Gayle Waite, Michele Monda, and Charlotte Masarik requested that the City Council not appeal the decision by the court on Case No. G065514 regarding City of Laguna Beach v. Laguna Beach Coalition for Environment Protection.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 10, 2026
City Manager Dave Kiff provided a presentation on the City's hillside protection and development.
City Attorney Megan Garibaldi reported that four Councilmembers were present (Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones absent) and there were several public comments on item 1 prior to the City Council convening into the Closed Session. Garibaldi reported that Councilmember Sue Kempf recused herself from item 2(b) due to the proximity of her residence to the properties, and that there was no reportable action on any of the items discussed.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS - None.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
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Ann Christoph announced a couple of upcoming events at the South Laguna Community Garden.
Mike Rauch and Vicki Johnson reiterated their opinion that the City should not move forward with considering joining the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA), and provided handouts showing OCPA's current financial status.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER **************************************************************** Councilmember Alex Rounaghi reported on his attendance at this year's CalCities City Leaders Summit.
Councilmember Bob Whalen reported on attending the Laguna Art Museum's annual California Cool Art Auction. He also reported that Representative Dave Min successfully had $850,000 in federal funds earmarked for the Laguna Canyon Road Protect & Connect project and $850,000 for the Fire Station No. 4 Replacement project. In response to Councilmember Whalen's question, Public Works Director Mark McAvoy advised that the demolition of the building on the site of the new fire station was delayed because there was an active bird's nest. The nest was confirmed empty yesterday; therefore, the demolition will commence soon.
Mayor Mark Orgill reported on various meetings with members of the public and events he attended.
City Clerk Ann Marie McKay announced that applications are being accepted for any Laguna Beach residents interested in serving on the Orange County Vector Control District Board of Trustees. -2-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 10, 2026
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 4/0 to approve items 3 - 5, 7 - 9, 11, and 13.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting for the City Council of February 24, 2026.
APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS
Date Description Reference Nos. Amount
Payroll-Related Payments
02/06/26 Payroll Checks and Wires FY 2026#16 $ 1.952,712.87 Total Payroll-Related Payments S 1,952,712.87
Payments to Vendors:
01/31/26-02/13/26 Wire Payments to Vendors 12-17 $ 8.673,001.46 01/31/26-02/13/26 Check Payments to Vendors 23010939-23011170 $ 4.630,394.74 Total Payments to Vendors S13,303,396.20
TOTAL PAYMENTS S15,256,109.07
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
MONTHLY TREASURER'S AND INVESTMENT REPORT (JANUARY 2026) Received and filed the revised January 2026 reports.
REVIEW OF THE PROPOSED ANNUAL INVESTMENT POLICY
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen. He thanked the committee for their input on the policy, and said he supported the language suggestion from Mary Locatelli and requested that it be included in the investment policy.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 4/0 to:
(a) Direct that staff return on or after March 24, 2026, with a resolution that adopts the 2026 Investment Policy, including a provision within the resolution that the Policy continues until such time as a subsequent adoption occurs, as revised, adding to the end of Section 17, Performance Standards, the words "as well as with Sections 3 and 4 that describe the City's investment philosophy and objectives"; and (b) Authorize the Deputy Treasurer, Victoria McIntosh, CPA, to complete the investment duties of the City Treasurer if the Treasurer cannot perform her duties. -3-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 10, 2026
7. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 24, 2026, AS ARBOR DAY IN LAGUNA BEACH (1) Adopted the proclamation recognizing April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in Laguna Beach; (2) Authorized staff to host an Arbor Day celebration event on April 24, 2026; (3) Authorized staff to apply for re-certification as a Tree City USA with the Arbor Day Foundation; and
(4) Found the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) and Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule Exemption).
SECOND AMENDMENT TO INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT FOR SEWER LIFT
STATION SERVICES
(a) Authorized the City Manager to execute a Second Amendment to Agreement No. 25- 55 with DownStream Services Inc., to increase the contract amount by $120,000 for services through June 30, 2027, resulting in a revised not-to-exceed amount of $220,000;
(b) Authorized the City Manager to exercise up to two (2) one-year extensions, subject to satisfactory performance, each in the amount not-to-exceed $120,000, for a total contract award of amount not-to-exceed $460,000; and
(c) Found that the agreement amendment is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15301(b).
SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH C3 TECH FOR CITYWIDE COPIER LEASE AND MAINTENANCE
SERVICES
(a) Authorized the City Manager to execute a 54-month service agreement (#26-28) with C3 Office Solutions LLC dba C3 Tech for Citywide Copier Lease and Maintenance in an amount not to exceed $6,456.59 per month;
(b) Authorized the City Manager to approve a contingency amount of up to 10% of the total contract amount for additional copiers and related services identified during the term of the contract, for a total not to exceed contract amount of $383,521.45; and (c) 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). -4-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 10, 2026
10. AWARD OF TASK ORDER AMENDMENT FOR DESIGN OF THE LAGUNA BEACH LIBRARY
IMPROVEMENTS
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen. He asked about the proposed seismic assessment and staff responded.
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 4/0 to:
(a) Authorize the City Manager to award a task order amendment to IDS Group in the amount of $451,597 for the design of the Laguna Beach Library Improvements Project; (b) Authorize project-related expenses and change orders for additional design-related services that may be required in an amount not-to-exceed $20,000; and (c) Find that the action consists 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 (CEQA).
11. FORMATION OF A FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY AND STRUCTURAL EFFICIENCY AD HOC
COMMITTEE (KEMPF)
(a) Appointed Councilmember Alex Rounaghi and Councilmember Sue Kempf to serve on the Fiscal Sustainability and Structural Efficiency Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate potential cost-reduction strategies and operational efficiencies for consideration during the development of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget process; (b) Found that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b) because it involves an organizational and administrative activity of government that will not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
12. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO CALIFORNIA GRAZING COMPANY FOR FIRE PREVENTION GOAT
GRAZING SERVICES
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen. Staff responded to the Councilmembers' questions.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 4/0 to:
(a) Award and authorize the City Manager to execute contract #26-29 with California Grazing Company (CGC) in the amount of $748,029 for fire prevention goat grazing services over a three-year term; and
(b) Find that this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15301 and § 15304, and are further statutorily exempt as specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate a wildfire emergency under Public Resources Code § 21080(b)(4) and CEQA Guidelines § 15269(c). -5-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 10, 2026
13. APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBER KEMPF AND MAYOR PRO TEM JONES TO THE AD HOC COMMITTEE TO REVIEW FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE GRANT
APPLICATIONS
(a) Appointed Council member Kempf and Mayor pro Tem Jones to serve as the ad hoc committee responsible for reviewing the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Assistance Grant applications;
(b) Directed the ad hoc committee to report back to the City Council with grant award recommendations at the budget adoption meeting on June 23, 2026; and (c) Found that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, as it constitutes an administrative activity that will not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
REGULAR BUSINESS
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14. HOSPITAL ACTION PLAN / FRAMEWORK
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a brief presentation regarding the adoption of a preliminary action plan pertaining to the emergency room closure at Mission Hospital, South Laguna.
Public Testimony: John Thomas and Ann Christoph commented on the importance of understanding the needs of the community and how those needs could be met. Dr.
Christine Park, Thor, and Greg Viviani also weighed in on the item.
Councilmember Comments: Councilmembers responded to the public's comments, confirming the importance of the community's input.
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 4/0 to:
(a) Adopt a preliminary Action Plan;
(b) Direct the ad hoc committee to work with staff and the City Clerk on interviews and appointments to establish a community advisory committee; and (c) Determine that the recommended action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, as the action consists of receiving information and providing policy direction and does not authorize any physical change to the environment.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 10, 2026
15. CONSIDERATION OF (1) A RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN AMENDED AND RESTATED CITY
COUNCIL POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL, INCLUDING ADOPTION OF A DISRUPTION POLICY PER SB 707 AND A CITY COUNCIL APPEALS POLICY, AND AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING ORGANIZATION POLICY, REMOTE ATTENDANCE POLICY, AND OTHER MINOR ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY CHANGES; (2) SELECTING DATES FOR APPEALS DAYS FOR 2026; AND (3) FINDING SUCH ACTIONS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
Presentation and Discussion: City Attorney Megan Garibaldi gave a presentation and responded to the Councilmembers' questions regarding proposed changes to City Council meetings per Senate Bill 707.
Public Testimony: Ann Christoph, Pat Menne, John Thomas, and Michele Monda commented on the item, and the City Attorney responded to questions raised.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 4/0 to:
(a) Adopt, as further amended by City Council direction, Resolution #26.014, titled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING AN AMENDED AND RESTATED CITY COUNCIL POLICY AND PROCEDURES
MANUAL, AND FINDING SUCH ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061," which in addition to formatting, correction of scrivener's errors, and minor administrative revisions, include:
1. Amendments to:
Policy 1.1, "City Council Meeting Order of Business"
Il. Policy 1.3, "Establishing Time and Location for Regular City Council Meetings; Remote Participation," including utilization of a two-way audio/visual or telephonic platform for remote participation at City Council meetings, effective July 1, 2026; and
ili. Policy 2.2, "Use of City Seal/Emblem."
2. Adding Policy 1.7, "Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During Public Meetings" (SB 707); and
3. Adding Policy 1.8, "Processing and Consideration of Appeals to the City Council Pursuant to Title 25 of the Laguna Beach Municipal Code," adding a process for interested parties to contact City Councilmembers in advance of a meeting date to request site visits.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 10, 2026
(b) Direct staff to schedule three Appeals Days for 2026, May 13 and November 5, with a 3:00 p.m. start time, and a third date between May and November, which will be determined by the City Council at a later date;
(c) Direct staff to look into different platforms for remote City Council meeting participation through telephonic or other means;
(d) Direct staff to return at the end of 2026 to evaluate the efficacy of the policies relating to meeting organization and remote meeting attendance; and (e) Finding such action not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), or alternatively, exempt from CEQA.
Appeal A was heard prior to agenda item #16.
PUBLIC HEARINGS --NON-APPEALS
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16. 2020 SOUTH COAST HIGHWAY: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 25-1036 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 25-2021 FOR A REDUCTION OF FOUR REQUIRED OFF-STREET
PARKING SPACES BASED ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
DEMAND MANAGEMENT PLAN PURSUANT TO LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION
25.52.006(G)(3) TO EXPAND AN EXISTING HOTEL IN THE C-1 (LOCAL BUSINESS DISTRICT)
ZONE AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 (CLASS 3)
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions regarding a conditional use permit for a reduction of four required off-street parking spaces at 2020 South Coast Highway (Woods Cove Inn).
Public Testimony: Ben Stevens, architect for the applicant, commented on the item.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 4/0 to adopt Resolution #26.015 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 25-1036 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 25-2021 FOR A REDUCTION OF
FOUR REQUIRED OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES BASED ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT PLAN PURSUANT TO LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25.52.006(G)(3) TO EXPAND AN EXISTING HOTEL AT 2020 SOUTH COAST HIGHWAY IN THE C-1 (LOCAL BUSINESS DISTRICT) ZONE, AND FINDING
THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 (CLASS 3)."
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 10, 2026
PUBLIC HEARINGS -APPEALS
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A. 31526 VALIDO ROAD: 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 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)
This item was heard before Agenda Item #16.
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 4/0 to:
(a) Open the public hearing, take public testimony, and continue the public hearing to the May 13, 2026, City Council Appeals Day Meeting; and
(b) Find that the action to continue the public hearing is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption.
COUNCILMEMBER ITEMS) - None.
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ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Orgill at 7:03 p.m., Tuesday March 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, March 24, 2026, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California. ****************
Approved: March 24, 2026
Mark Orgill, Mayor
Wells
n Marie McKay, City Clerk
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes March 10, 2026
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. -10-
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
March 10, 2026
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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, March 10, 2026, in the City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.
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PRESENT COUNCILMEMBERS: Kempf, Rounaghi, Whalen, Orgill PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Jones
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Orgill at 7:03 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026, adjourned to the Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. and the Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 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 11th day of March 2026.
OF AGUNA BEACH
HNCORPORATES ity clerk of the city of Laguna Beach Califor JUNE 29.192
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT
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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, March 10, 2026, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHED HERETO; and that on March 11, 2026, at the hour of 3:15 p.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, California