Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap March 10, 2026
-1-
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
*******************************
CONSENT CALENDAR
*********************
PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS (continued)
WELCOME
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Whalen
ROLL CALL
Present: Kempf, Rounaghi, Whalen, Orgill
Participating Remotely: None
Absent: Jones
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
*********************************
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.
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.
*******************************
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
*****************************************
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.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RECAP
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
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
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap March 10, 2026
-2-
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.
CONSENT CALENDAR
**********************
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.
3. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting for the City Council of February 24, 2026.
4. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
5. MONTHLY TREASURER’S AND INVESTMENT REPORT (JANUARY 2026) Received and filed the revised January 2026 reports.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap March 10, 2026
-3-
6. REVIEW OF THE PROPOSED ANNUAL INVESTMENT POLICY
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen.
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.
7. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 24, 2026, AS ARBOR DAY IN LAGUNA BEACH (a) Adopted the proclamation recognizing April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in Laguna Beach; (b) Authorized staff to host an Arbor Day celebration event on April 24, 2026; (c) Authorized staff to apply for re-certification as a Tree City USA with the Arbor Day Foundation; and
(d) 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).
8. 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).
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap March 10, 2026
-4-
9. 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).
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.
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 costreduction 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.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap March 10, 2026
-5-
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.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 4/0 to:
(c) 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
(d) 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).
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
********************
14. HOSPITAL ACTION PLAN / FRAMEWORK
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.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap March 10, 2026
-6-
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 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:
i. Policy 1.1, “City Council Meeting Order of Business” ii. 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
iii. 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. (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.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap March 10, 2026
-7-
PUBLIC HEARINGS –-NON-APPEALS
******************************
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)
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 OFFSTREET 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).” PUBLIC HEARINGS –-APPEALS
****************************
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 LOWDENSITY ZONE, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 (CLASS 3) 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 ITEM(S) – None.
*****************************
ADJOURNMENT AT 7:03 P.M., TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026,
TO THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION AT 4:00 P.M. AND REGULAR MEETING AT 5:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026