Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap April 28, 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, Jones, Orgill
Participating Remotely: None
Absent: None
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
*********************************
City Attorney Megan Garibaldi reported that all Councilmembers were present and there were no public comments prior to the City Council convening into the Closed Session, and that there was no reportable action on any of the items discussed.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS – None.
*******************************
PRESENTATIONS
***************
1. YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNITION
Received and filed the report recognizing the following City employees with milestone years of service: Sarah Limones, Brandon McLaughlin, Hailey Ramirez, Abraham Marin, Samantha Beier, Samantha Montalto, and Bill Rodrigues for 1 year; Daniel Latham, Nicole Bovey, Michaela Milone, Jacob Strangis, Tony Manzano, Kyle Valmassy, and Matthew Barker for 5 years; Elias Carrera Campos for 10 years; and Barrett Schulenburg for 20 years.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RECAP
Tuesday, April 28, 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 April 28, 2026
-2-
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
***************************************
Michelle Highberg, Just Gather, announced their new partnership with the Orange County Mountain Bike Association (OCMTBA) to create “Zen Zones” at pump tracks, and she invited everyone to their May 8 “The Art of Being” event at Galerie Rue Toulouse.
Joy Berry read a letter submitted by Merrill Anderson, and she encouraged everyone to direct their anger towards issues and not individuals.
Cathy Jurca thanked Councilmember Sue Kempf for actively cleaning the City’s beaches, and she requested that the City consider requiring bird-safe glass for new windows.
Mike Rauch and Vicki Johnson suggested that the City rescind its load data permission and table any further considerations of joining the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA).
Pat Menne noted that the new owner of a property on Coast Highway was actively planting Ficus trees in the view corridor, until they were reported to Code Enforcement who stopped them. She also expressed her consternation with the conversion of public parking to metered parking in South Laguna.
Ed Bayuk provided a packet regarding a civil issue and reiterated his suggestions to the City.
Jacob Cherub and Doug Vogel opined on how the City responds to citizen input.
Ruben Flores commented on local events and asserted that the City is no longer resident-friendly. [Appeal A, Item #16, then Item #15 were heard at this time.]
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER **************************************************************** City Clerk Ann Marie McKay announced that the official ballot drop box has been relocated from in front of the library to the parking lot next to City Hall. She also announced that one of the Vote Centers will be at the Community Recreation Center instead of Lang Park, and reminded everyone that removing and defacing political signs is a crime, unless placed without permission on their own personal property. She encouraged anyone that sees signs in unpermitted locations, such as the public right-of-way and on utility poles, to report those signs to the City. She also announced that the City is accepting applications for several committees, including Planning Commission, Arts Commission, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee, Housing & Human Services Committee, Parking, Traffic & Circulation Committee, and View Restoration Committee, and applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14. City Clerk McKay concluded by recognizing the loss of a member of the community, Roger Kempler.
Councilmember Sue Kempf also reflected on Roger Kempler’s contributions to the City. She then reported on the Community Preparedness & Evacuation workshops, and once again encouraged everyone to attend one.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap April 28, 2026
-3-
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi requested that the City Council adjourn the meeting in honor of Roger Kempler. Councilmember Bob Whalen supported the request, and commented on his relationship with Roger Kempler and Roger’s impact.
Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones also commented on Roger Kempler. She then reported on various events and meetings she attended.
Mayor Mark Orgill also expressed his thoughts about Roger Kempler. He then reported on various meetings with members of the public and events he attended.
CONSENT CALENDAR
**********************
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1 – 4, 6 – 7, 9 – 11, and 13 – 14.
2. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Received and filed the minutes of the April 14, 2026, City Council Study Session, and minutes of the Regular Meeting for the City Council of April 14, 2026.
3. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
4. PLANNING DIVISION UPDATE AND WORKLOAD SUMMARY THROUGH APRIL 6, 2026 Received and filed the Planning Division Update and Workload Summary, which covers the period from August 2024 through April 6, 2026.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap April 28, 2026
-4-
5. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 3.24 OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE CITY’S FINANCIAL GUIDELINES AND BUDGETING PROCEDURES AND
APPROVAL OF BUDGET CHANGE PROCESS ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY This item was pulled by a member of the public.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt Ordinance #1727 titled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 3.24 OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE CITY’S FINANCIAL GUIDELINES AND BUDGETING PROCEDURES, DELETING SECTION 3.01.060 DEALING WITH A BOND REQUIREMENT FOR THE
FINANCE DIRECTOR, AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE IS NOT A PROJECT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.”
6. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION
6.24.030 AND ADDING SECTION 6.24.070 TO PROHIBIT THE SALE AND USE OF GLUE TRAPS
WITHIN THE CITY
Adopted Ordinance #1728 titled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 6.24.030 OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADDING SECTION 6.24.070 TO CHAPTER 6.24 OF THE LAGUNA BEACH
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE SALE AND USE OF GLUE TRAPS AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”.
7. APPROVE AMENDMENT TO SEWER LINE MARKETING LICENSE AGREEMENT (a) Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to existing agreement #15-57 with Service Line Warranties of America, Inc. to offer service line warranty policies to residential property owners within the City of Laguna Beach; and
(b) Found the recommended action is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 and alternatively exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
8. UPDATE AND ADDITIONAL FUNDING APPROVAL FOR CLEAN LAGUNA STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by a member of the public.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Approve an additional appropriation of $66,845 from the Cultural and Environmental Stewardship Special Revenue Fund to complete the implementation of the Clean Laguna Campaign;
(b) Authorize reimbursement to Visit Laguna Beach for eligible program costs, in an amount not to exceed $66,845, subject to submission of itemized invoices, supporting documentation, and review and approval by the City; and (c) Find the recommended action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap April 28, 2026
-5-
9. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH INTELINET INC., FOR NETWORK REPAIR (RACK, STACK,
PORTS, TONING), CAMERAS (REPAIR, INSTALLATION, AND CONFIGURATION) FIBER (REPAIRS
AND CABLING)
(a) Authorized the City Manager to execute 5-year cooperative purchasing agreement #26-83 with Intelinet Inc. a C-10 contractor for project and on-call Cabling, Fiber, and Camera products and services utilizing City of Long Beach contract numbers 37614, 37626, and 37627, in an amount not to exceed $120,000 annually and $840,000 over the full sevenyear term, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; (b) Authorized the City Manager to approve up to two (2) additional one-year renewal terms, subject to the continued availability of the City of Long Beach contracts and annual budget approval;
(c) Authorized the City Manager to issue on-call task orders, on an as-needed basis for projects with fees of $100,000 or below; and
(d) Found that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, as it involves administrative procurement activities that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical change in the environment.
10. AMENDMENT TO SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
(a) Approved Amendment to Agreement #25-58 with Infinity Technologies for Geographic Information System (GIS) Professional Services to revise the scope of work and increase the contract by $29,960 for a revised total not to exceed the amount of $149,960; 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).
11. AGREEMENT WITH PACKET FUSION (AUTHORIZED ZOOM PHONE RESELLER/ PARTNER) FOR
VOIP TELEPHONE SYSTEM REPLACEMENT
(a) Authorized the City Manager to execute five-year agreement #26-79 with Packet Fusion for the purchase, implementation, and support of a cloud-based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone system using Zoom Phone services through Packet Fusion as an authorized reseller/implementation partner, to replace the City’s existing telephone system, in an amount not to exceed $419,128.67;
(b) Authorized the City Manager to approve change orders and additional expenditures in an amount not to exceed $55,000.00 during the initial five-year term for potential increases in service needs and unforeseen conditions identified during implementation, subject to available budget authority; and
(c) Found that the action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4) and Section 15378(b)(5).
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap April 28, 2026
-6-
12. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING Title 18 AND SECTIONS 6.16.020 AND 8.04.010 OF
THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE, AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING
CERTAIN SHADE COVERING ZONES AT MAIN BEACH AND ALISO BEACH This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by a member of the public.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 (with the caveat that Kempf and Rounaghi remain opposed to the proposed revisions to Laguna Beach Municipal Code section 18.04.020 “Canopies, awnings, umbrellas, tents and other covers,”) to:
(a) Adopt Ordinance #1729 titled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 18 AND SECTIONS 6.16.020 AND 8.04.010 OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE; AND FINDING SUCH ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15304”; (b) Adopt Resolution #26.030 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING CERTAIN SHADE COVERING ZONES AT MAIN
BEACH AND ALISO BEACH, AND FINDING SUCH ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15304”; and (c) Find the action exempt from the California Environmental Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304.
13. SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER PROPOSED MAXIMUM RATES FOR SOLID WASTE
AND RECYCLING COLLECTION SERVICES
(a) Received a report on the proposed maximum solid waste service rates, including the proposed cart-based pricing structure for multi-family residential properties with two to eight units;
(b) Directed the City Manager, or designee, to prepare and distribute all notices required for the proposed rate adjustments and set a public hearing for June 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.; and (c) Found the proposed action exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15061 (B)(3) and 15308 or, alternatively, determine that the proposed action is not a “project” under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378.
14. TEMPORARY (2 WEEKS) BIKE PUMP TRACK AT THE COMMUNITY AND RECREATION CENTER (CRC)
(a) Authorized the City Manager to participate in the temporary pump track program in summer 2026 for a period of approximately two weeks at the Community and Recreation Center, to be located on a portion of the grass area near the lower parking lot, including submitting an application for a Temporary Use Permit and executing any necessary rental agreements, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for an amount not to exceed $16,000; and
(b) Found the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Section 15304.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap April 28, 2026
-7-
REGULAR BUSINESS
********************
15. APRIL 20TH REMOVAL OF NINE TREES ON THE PROMENADE
This item was heard before the Consent Calendar, after Item #16.
Staff provided a presentation detailing the events that led to the decision to have nine existing trees removed from the Promenade.
City Manager Dave Kiff advised two trunk structures remain and staff will consider possibilities for memorialization of the trees.
The City Council directed staff to investigate possibilities for more variety (biodiversity) of trees in the project.
PUBLIC HEARINGS –-NON-APPEALS
******************************
Item #16 was heard before the Consent Calendar, after Appeal A.
16. CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADOPTION OF THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Continue the public hearing to the May 12, 2026, City Council 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).
17. FIRST PUBLIC HEARING PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 34458 REGARDING A
POTENTIAL CITY CHARTER
The City Council directed staff to not proceed with the process to create a City Charter.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – APPEALS
*************************
A. 30801 DRIFTWOOD DRIVE: APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 25-1883, COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 25-1884, AND REVOCABLE ENCROACHMENT PERMIT 25-1885 FOR DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING STRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION OF A
NEW SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING, NEW TWO-CAR GARAGE, VEHICULAR ACCESS, SKYLIGHTS, GRADING, LANDSCAPING, AND WALKWAY WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY IN THE R-1,
RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY ZONE, AND CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 (CLASS 3) Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap April 28, 2026
-8-
Appeal A was heard before the Consent Calendar.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt Resolution #26.031 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE APPEAL, UPHOLDING THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD’S APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 25-1883 FOR DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING STRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION
OF A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING, NEW TWO-CAR GARAGE, VEHICULAR ACCESS, SKYLIGHTS, GRADING, AND LANDSCAPING, COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 25-1884 FOR
NON-EXEMPT DEVELOPMENT IN THE COASTAL ZONE, AND REVOCABLE ENCROACHMENT PERMIT 25-1885 FOR A WALKWAY WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY, SUBJECT TO IMPOSING A MORE RESTRICTIVE CONDITION OF APPROVAL, AT 30801 DRIFTWOOD DRIVE LOCATED IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY ZONE, AND FINDING THE ACTION CATEGORICALLY
EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
GUIDELINES SECTION 15303.
B. 511 BROOKS STREET: APPEAL OF APPROVAL OF HEDGE HEIGHT CLAIM 25-1254 FOR HEDGE HEIGHT VIOLATIONS IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY ZONE, AND CATEGORICAL
EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15304 (CLASS 4)
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt Resolution#26.032 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DENYING THE APPEAL AND SUSTAINING THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DESIGNEE’S APPROVAL OF HEDGE HEIGHT CLAIM 25-1254 FOR HEDGE HEIGHT VIOLATIONS ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 511 BROOKS STREET IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY ZONE, AND CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15304,” upholding the Designee’s conditional approval of Hedge Height Claim 25-1254, finding the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, and directed staff to establish a baseline measurement.
COUNCILMEMBER ITEM(S) – None.
******************************
ADJOURNMENT AT 10:16 P.M., TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026, IN MEMORY OF ROGER KEMPLER, TO THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION AT 4:00 P.M. AND REGULAR MEETING AT 5:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026