Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap May 12, 2026
-1-
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
*******************************
CONSENT CALENDAR
*********************
PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS (continued)
WELCOME
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Rounaghi
ROLL CALL
Present: Kempf, Rounaghi, Whalen, Jones, Orgill
Participating Remotely: None
Absent: None
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT(S) – None.
***************************************
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS – None.
*******************************
PRESENTATIONS
***************
1. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING ROGER KEMPLER
Approved a Proclamation recognizing Roger Kempler’s service to the community.
2. RECOGNITION OF GUILLERMO MORATORIO FOR HIS LIFESAVING ACTION Recognized Guillermo Moratorio for his heroic actions in assisting a swimmer in distress at Woods Cove and April 11, 2026.
3. PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK
Approved a Proclamation recognizing the week of May 17-23, 2026, as National Public Works Week in the City of Laguna Beach.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RECAP
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Regular City Council Meeting 5:00 p.m.
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap May 12, 2026
-2-
4. PRESENTATION LAGUNA BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Received a presentation from Eric Jessen of the Laguna Beach Historical Society sharing the history of why Laguna Beach looks the way it does.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
***************************************
Mike Rauch and Vicki Johnson continued warning the City about joining the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA).
Mike Beanan, Laguna Bluebelt, announced their annual photo contest.
Ayn Craciun, Climate Action Campaign, and Gary Stewart, Citizens' Climate Lobby, encouraged the City Council to adopt a resolution supporting 14 bills for utility reforms.
Toni Iseman spoke in appreciation of Eric Jessen and encouraged the City to treasure and protect its history.
Anne Caenn, Village Laguna, commented on Village Laguna’s upcoming annual Charm House Tour.
Anne Krizman noted that the City’s request for a waiver of the requirement to obtain a Coastal Development Permit regarding the removal of the trees on the promenade at Forest Avenue will be heard by the California Coastal Commission at its May 13 meeting, and encouraged concerned citizens to participate. She also questioned why the City did not make the information about the Coastal Commission hearing readily available.
Ruben Flores commented on the frustrations being expressed by the public.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER **************************************************************** Councilmember Sue Kempf commented on yesterday’s State of the City and reflected on Roger Kempler’s contributions to the City.
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi echoed Councilmember Kempf’s sentiments. He also commented on the City of Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway Signal Synchronization Project, noted the importance of budget discussions, and requested that the Council adjourn tonight’s meeting in honor of Ken Frank.
Councilmember Bob Whalen spoke about Ken Frank’s legacy. He also advised that a resolution on the utility affordability bills will be on the City Council agenda at its next regular meeting. Councilmember Whalen also commented on yesterday’s State of the City, and he reported that Mission Hospital will be providing a presentation at the June 1 6:00 p.m. Emergency / Disaster Preparedness Committee meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones reported on various events and meetings she attended.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap May 12, 2026
-3-
Mayor Mark Orgill also expressed his thoughts about Ken Frank, and he noted the newly-installed banners in City Council Chambers. 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 – 8 and 10 – 16.
5. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Received and filed the minutes of the April 28, 2026, City Council Study Session, and minutes of the Regular Meeting for the City Council of April 28, 2026.
6. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
7. MONTHLY TREASURER’S AND INVESTMENT REPORT (MARCH 2026) Received and filed the March 2026 report.
8. AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR FIRE STATION COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
UPGRADES
(a) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to execute contract #26-96 with Intelinet, Inc., in the amount of $197,422, for construction of Fire Station Communication System Upgrades project;
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap May 12, 2026
-4-
(b) Authorized the City Manager to approve project-related expenses and contract change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $30,000; and (c) Found that the award of contract is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15301.
9. FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 AUDIT REPORTS
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by a member of the public.
The City Council received and filed the Fiscal Year 2024/25 audit reports.
10. RECEIVE AND FILE THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION STUDY PREPARED BY BAKER TILLY (a) Received and filed the Classification and Compensation Study prepared by Baker Tilly, US, LLP; and
(b) Found that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, as it does not constitute a project.
11. APPROVAL TO PROCEED WITH CONSTRUCTION FOR UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT 2019-1 (COAST HIGHWAY)
(a) Authorized the use of $5,097,358 Rule 20A credits to proceed with construction for Underground Utility District 2019-1 (Coast Highway);
(b) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to execute contract #26-97 with Hot Line Construction, Inc. in the amount of $2,363,255 for the construction of City street lighting and non-Rule 20A private connections;
(c) Authorized the City Manager to enter into utility company agreement #26-98 with Frontier Communications to construct non-Rule 20A underground utilities and make an advanced payment for a total amount of $1,151,743;
(d) Authorized the transfer of $2,780,127 from the Coast Highway UD 2020-1 project (6343150C-81000-C2118) to the Coast Highway Utility District 2019-1 project (6343150C81000-C2614); (e) Appropriated $135,609 (account number 6343150C-81000-C2614) from the Street Lighting and Utility Fund to approve a total budget of $2,915,736 for the Coast Highway Utility District 2019-1 project; and
(f) Authorized the City Manager to approve project-related expenses and construction change orders for unforeseen circumstances for an amount not-to-exceed $351,500.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap May 12, 2026
-5-
12. APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH US DIGITAL DESIGNS FOR FIRE
STATION ALERTING
(a) Approved Professional Services Agreement #26-99 with US Digital Designs for the purchase and installation of a Phoenix G2 fire station alerting system in an amount not to exceed $329,910.66;
(b) Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and any necessary related documents, in a form approved by the City Attorney; (c) Authorized a reduction in $35,000 from the IT budget (account 1101205-72111) and an increase in the Fire Department budget (account 1412406C-80010) to fully fund the project; (d) Authorized the transfer of $35,000 from the General Fund (#110) to the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Fund (#141); and
(e) Determined that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities).
13. THIRD AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH AND FROGPARKING, INC. FOR SMART PARKING GUIDANCE
(a) Authorized the City Manager to execute the Third Amendment to Agreement #19-39 with Frogparking, Inc. for parking services, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to extend the agreement until October 2, 2026, for an amount not to exceed $47,040; and (b) Found the action is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code Section 21065.
14. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT’S REPORT ON COMPLIANCE WITH STATE
INSPECTION MANDATES
Adopted Resolution #26.033 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF A REPORT FROM THE LAGUNA
BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT DEMONSTRATING COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 13146.4 AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT,” accepting the Fire Department’s report on compliance with state inspection mandates.
15. CONSIDER AND RESPOND TO A BROWN ACT ALLEGATION REGARDING THE CITY COUNCIL’S FIRST READING OF THE TITLE 18 ORDINANCE AT ITS APRIL 14, 2026, MEETING (a) Received and filed the April 27, 2026, complaint demanding the City Council “cure and correct” alleged Brown Act violations relating to the City Council’s April 14, 2026, consideration of the Title 18 Ordinance (Agenda Item No. 16 at that meeting); (b) Received and filed this report analyzing the allegations in that complaint; and (c) Directed the City Attorney to prepare, execute, and send, a letter pursuant to Government Code section 54960.1(c)(2), to the complainant conveying that the City Council considered the April 27, 2026, email demanding a cure or correction under the Brown Act, determining that no Brown Act violation occurred as the agenda title was sufficient and the City Council action was consistent with the agenda title, and therefore the City Council will not take further action regarding this matter as there is no action to correct.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap May 12, 2026
-6-
16. TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE 4 FUND ACTIVITY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025
(a) Received and filed the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 4 Fund Activity financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025; and (b) Found that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, as it does not constitute a project.
REGULAR BUSINESS
********************
17. CONSIDERATION OF CITY POSITION ON LAGUNA BEACH MARINE PROTECTED AREA BOUNDARY
PETITION AND STATE REVIEW PROCESS
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Send a letter agreeing with the Environmental Sustainability Committee’s and California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (DFW) conclusion that sufficient scientific evidence does not currently support a boundary change, and the City is open to future collaboration on kelp restoration and ocean health improvement;
(b) Direct staff to develop a process within the DFW framework to continue stakeholder discussions and explore opportunities for further scientific analysis; and (c) Find the recommended action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 and is alternatively exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)
18. CONTRACT SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR TROLLEY AND ON-DEMAND TRANSIT SERVICES AND
OPTIONS TO REDUCE OFF-SEASON SERVICE COSTS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ON-DEMAND
PASSENGER FARES
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen approve the five-year agreement, and direct staff to return to the City Council after further analysis and community outreach regarding proposed reduction of service hours and rider fees; Councilmember Bob Whalen withdrew his motion.
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Authorize the City Manager to execute five-year Professional Services Agreement #26-100, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with LAZ Parking California, LLC (“LAZ”) for trolley and on-demand transit operating services for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031, in an amount not to exceed $19,102,790;
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap May 12, 2026
-7-
(b) Direct staff to perform additional public outreach for further analysis reductions to certain off-season trolley and on-demand transit services, as reflected in Figure 4, in order to reduce Transit Fund subsidy requirements while maintaining compliance with Orange County Transportation Authority (“OCTA”) Measure M2 Project V grant requirements; with three tiers of options; and
(c) Find the action exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)
PUBLIC HEARINGS –-NON-APPEALS
******************************
19. LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT 2023-1747 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2025-0096 AT 675 BUENA VISTA WAY AND 620 TEMPLE HILLS DRIVE
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt Resolution #26.034 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT 2023-1747 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2025-0096 TO MODIFY THE LOCATION OF A COMMON PROPERTY LINE BETWEEN TWO LOTS AT 675 BUENA VISTA WAY AND 620 TEMPLE
HILLS DRIVE, AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3)”, approving Lot Line Adjustment 2023-1747 and Coastal Development Permit 2025-0096 to modify the location of a common property line between 675 Buena Vista Way and 620 Temple Hills Drive, and finding the project exempt from finding the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
20. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE ANNUAL SIDEWALK AND INTERSECTION VISIBILITY
NUISANCE ABATEMENT PROGRAM
Councilmember Bob Whalen recused himself due to the proximity of his residence to one of the affected properties.
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 4/0 to:
(a) Adopt Resolution #26.035 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DIRECTING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES TO
PROCEED WITH ABATING ALL NOTICED NUISANCES ON PROPERTIES THAT DO NOT ABATE
THE NUISANCES WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”, directing the Director of Public Works & Utilities to abate all noticed nuisances established by Resolution No. 26.017 for properties listed in Attachment 2, if not removed by June 12, 2026; and (b) Find the abatement of public nuisances exempt from California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15304.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap May 12, 2026
-8-
21. PUBLIC HEARING FOR ANNUAL WEED ABATEMENT PROGRAM
(a) Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 4/0 (Mayor Orgill recused himself due to the proximity of his residence) to adopt Resolution #26.036 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DIRECTING THE FIRE CHIEF TO PROCEED WITH
ABATING ALL NOTICED NUISANCES ON PROPERTIES THAT DO NOT ABATE THE NUISANCES
WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT” directing the Fire Chief to abate all noticed nuisances established by Resolution No. 26.010 on Exhibit A for property # 186 (APN 644-044-20) not removed by May 12, 2026;
(b) Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 4/0 (Mayor Pro Tem Jones recused herself due to the proximity of her residence) to adopt Resolution #26.036 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DIRECTING THE FIRE CHIEF TO PROCEED WITH
ABATING ALL NOTICED NUISANCES ON PROPERTIES THAT DO NOT ABATE THE NUISANCES
WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT” directing the Fire Chief to abate all noticed nuisances established by Resolution No. 26.010 on Exhibit A for property # 242 (APN 644-254-12) not removed by May 12, 2026;
(c) Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 3/0 (Councilmember Kempf recused herself due to the proximity of her residence; Mayor Pro Tem Jones was not present) to adopt Resolution #26.036 titled, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA,
DIRECTING THE FIRE CHIEF TO PROCEED WITH ABATING ALL NOTICED NUISANCES ON
PROPERTIES THAT DO NOT ABATE THE NUISANCES WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT” directing the Fire Chief to abate all noticed nuisances established by Resolution No. 26.010 on Exhibit A for properties # 325 and 326 (APN 656-053-17 and 656-053-27) not removed by May 12, 2026 (Councilmember Kempf to recuse);
(d) Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Adopt Resolution #26.036 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DIRECTING THE FIRE CHIEF TO PROCEED WITH ABATING
ALL NOTICED NUISANCES ON PROPERTIES THAT DO NOT ABATE THE NUISANCES
WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT” directing the Fire Chief to abate all noticed nuisances established by Resolution No. 26.0010 on Exhibit A for property #356, 357, and 358 (APN 658-091-01,658-091-05, and 658-091-06) not removed by May 12, 2026;
(2) Adopt Resolution #26.036 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DIRECTING THE FIRE CHIEF TO PROCEED WITH ABATING
ALL NOTICED NUISANCES ON PROPERTIES THAT DO NOT ABATE THE NUISANCES Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap May 12, 2026
-9-
WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT” directing the Fire Chief to abate all noticed nuisances established by Resolution No. 26.010, for properties # 1-185, 187- 241, 243-324, 327-355, and 359 -368 on Exhibit A if not removed by May 12, 2026; and (3) Identify the abatement of public nuisances exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15304 of the State CEQA Guidelines.
22. FIRST READING OF DESIGN REVIEW EFFICIENCY ORDINANCE AND EFFICIENCY ORDINANCE Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to continue the public hearing to the May 26, 2026, City Council meeting.
23. PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT RESOLUTION UPDATING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Adopt Resolution #26.037 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,” thereby approving the update Master Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2026, modified as presented by staff, and as directed by the City Council to delete the real property report line item on page 31 of the amended fee schedule, and on page 33 of the amended fee schedule that the fee for all other appeals be $2500; and
(b) Find the action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
COUNCILMEMBER ITEM(S)
***********************
In accordance with Resolution #26.014, the City Council supported Mayor Mark Orgill’s request to include a more limited and focused alternative analysis in the Environmental Impact Report for the Downtown Specific Plan update. The City Council also supported Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones’ request to discuss during the 2027 Strategic Planning Session enrolling the City’s open space lands in the Natural Communities Coalition.
ADJOURNMENT AT 12:22 A.M., WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026, IN MEMORY OF KEN FRANK, TO THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL AT 3:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026, THEN TO THE CLOSED SESSION AT 4:00 P.M. AND REGULAR MEETING AT 5:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026