STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
June 23, 2026
CONSENT
19 SUBJECT: APPOINTMENTS TO HOSPITAL TASK FORCE
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. The hospital ad hoc committee recommends that the City Council appoint the 16 individuals listed in the staff report.
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
In response to the potential closure of the Emergency Room and other site plan changes at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach in South Laguna, the City Council, at its March 10, 2026, meeting, directed the hospital ad hoc committee to work with staff and the City Clerk on interviews and appointments to establish a community advisory committee, and also approved the proposed Hospital Action Plan Framework (Attachment 2). The City Clerk received nearly 30 applications for those interested in being appointed to the Hospital Task Force (Attachment 1).
On May 26, 2026, the City Council directed the hospital ad hoc committee to interview the applicants, and return to the City Council with its recommendations for appointments to the task force.
On June 2, 2026, the ad hoc committee, Councilmembers Alex Rounaghi and Bob Whalen, interviewed the applicants available on that date, and received written responses from those unable to make the interview date.
DISCUSSION
After carefully reviewing the applications and responses, the ad hoc committee recommends that the City Council appoint the following 16 individuals to the Hospital Task Force:
Balekian Alex Representing Medical Field Expertise
Casale David Representing admin / medical admin
Chadima Steve Representing community group
Dodge Christina Representing Medical Field Expertise
Geisman Ronald Representing Medical Field Expertise
Gibbs Thomas Planning Expertise / Background
Kelliher Matt Representing admin / medical admin
Nissanka Amila Representing Medical Field Expertise
Peluso Aaron Representing community group
Prietto Carlos Representing admin / medical admin
Rivera Mark Representing admin / medical admin
APPOINTMENTS TO HOSPITAL TASK FORCE
June 23, 2026
Rubal Jorge Representing Medical Field Expertise
Siew Melissa Representing Medical Field Expertise
Talarico Aaron Planning Expertise / Background
Thomas John B. Representing community group
Triebwasser Harvey Representing Medical Field Expertise For those who applied and were not selected, we offer our sincere thanks for applying. For those interested, the Task Force sessions will be open to the public with notice provided in advance.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The recommended action has no financial impact on the budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The recommended action has no environmental impact.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Applications (Pgs. 3-90)
2. Hospital Action Plan Framework (Pgs. 91-92)
Submitted By: Ann Marie McKay Approved: .David A Kiff
Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk Dave Kiff, City Manager
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk Alex Rounaghi, Council Member Bob Whalen, Council Member