1 Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 7, 2026
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
July 7, 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, July 7, 2026, in the City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California, Mayor Mark Orgill presiding.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Kempf, Rounaghi, Whalen, Jones, Orgill PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION
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1. Conference with Labor Negotiators
Pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6
1a. Agency-designated representative: Dave Kiff, City Manager Employee Organization: Police Employee's Association
1b. Agency-designated representative: Dave Kiff, City Manager Employee Organization: Municipal Employee's Association Conference with Legal Counsel-Existing Litigation
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Number of Cases: Four (4)
2a. Edward Riahi, as Trustee for the EBR Trust v. City of Laguna Beach, Superior Court of California County of Orange, Case No. 30-2026-01555306-CU-WM-NJC 2b. Edward Riahi, as Trustee for the EBR Trust v. City of Laguna Beach, Superior Court of California County of Orange, Case No. 30-2026-01561419-CU-WM-CJC 2c. City of Laguna Beach v. Kelly Gwin, Superior Court of California County of Orange, Case No. 30-2026-01580240-CU-OR-CJC
2d. Robin Altig v. City of Laguna Beach, Superior Court of California County of Orange, Case No. 30-2025-01477485-CU-PO-NJC
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 7, 2026
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS)
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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. Garibaldi reported that items 2a and 2b were not reached by the Council for lack of time.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS
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City Manager Dave Kiff noted the updated attachment for Consent Item #8.
PRESENTATIONS
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CONGRESSMAN DAVE MIN PRESENTATION OF CHECK FOR THE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR
THE SOUTH LAGUNA FIRE STATION AND LAGUNA CANYON ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECTS
Congressman Dave Min presented a ceremonial check for the $1.7 million of federal funding secured for the South Laguna Fire Station and Laguna Canyon Road improvements projects.
2. RECOGNITION OF MARINE SAFETY TEAM BY CONGRESSMAN DAVE MIN Congressman Dave Min recognized the Laguna Beach Marine Safety team for their service.
YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNITION
Received and filed the report recognizing the following City employees with milestone years of service: Lisa Han, Eduardo Baca, Christian Sanford, Michelle Bannigan, Miguel De Dios, Kevin Belkowiche, Eric Bigani, Thomas Matossian, Megan Garibaldi, Jane Abzug, Pat Donegan, Ryan Christensen, and James Rose for 1 year; Trevor Brooks, Cynthia Christian, Catalina Ramirez, and Lina Nguyen for 5 years; Kai Bond for 20 years; and Andrew Hill for 30 years.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDA ITEMS (in-Person Participation) ********************************************************** Michelle Highberg, Just Gather. Invited the public to their upcoming "Summer Wellness Series" !
event, and also stated that she has requested that the City provide space in the promenade for a screen-free "zen zone."
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 7, 2026
Mike Beanan, Laguna Bluebelt, presented the photo contest winners' submissions, encouraged ... - everyone to vote for their favorite on the Laguna Bluebelt Facebook page by July 10, and invited everyone to attend the artist reception on August 6.
Carrie Reynolds, Joe Moreno, and Christy Miller thanked the Council for their work, particularly on the promenade.
City Treasurer Laura Parisi advised that she is partnering with the Bank of America to provide a presentation on banking cyber security for the upcoming CSMFO (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers) annual conference.
Ruben Flores expressed concerns regarding the health of City trees, and the regular clean-up that may be required for the promenade. He also suggested cardboard trashcans on the beaches and portable toilets.
Greg Viviani asserted that the trees in the Aliso Beach parking lot would be disturbed if the estuary project moves forward. He also commended the City on the 4** of July efforts, and trash removal.
Glen Schrank advised that a new association has been created, the Laguna Neighborhood Association, to address neighborhood concerns, such as sound mitigation for concerts. He stated that complaint calls related to the June concert in Lot 10 were not logged; callers were advised that the concert had a permit. He also expressed concerns regarding proposals related to the shooting range.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER **************************************************************** City Manager Dave Kiff provided an update on the sewer spill, and on the promenade project. He also provided the updated Police Department statistics, and he advised that the first Hospital Task Force meeting will be held on Thursday, July 16, 4:30 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. in the multi-purpose room in the Susi Q Senior & Community Center, and is open to the public to attend.
Councilmember Sue Kempf reported on beach cleanups, various events she attended, and meetings with members of the public.
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi thanked staff for their efforts on the 4th of July. He also reported on shadowing the dispatchers, and his ride along with the police. Councilmember Rounaghi also recognized the Laguna Beach Fire Department for receiving ACC-OC's 2026 Valor Award for their response to the Rancho Fire. Councilmember Rounaghi also reported that the Laguna Beach County Water District, along with Newport Beach and Fountain Valley, was recognized for the partnership to build a groundwater well, noting other efforts underway to address the City's infrastructure maintenance concerns.
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Received and filed the May 2026 report.
MONTHLY TREASURER'S AND INVESTMENT REPORT (MAY 2026) 6.
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
TOTAL PAYMENTS S 4,412,706.09
Total Payments to Vendors S 2,495,620.20
S 2,032.015.38 23012915-23013109 05/23/26-06/05/26 Check Payments to Vendors 463,604.82 52-55 05/23/26-06/05/26 Wire Payments to Vendors Payments to Vendors:
Total Payroll-Related Payments S 1,917,085.89
1.726.83 S FY 2026 #24-2 Payroll Checks and Wires 06/03/26 2,355.07 FY 2026 #24-1 Payroll Checks and Wires 06/01/26 S 1,913,003.99 FY 2026 #24 Payroll Checks and Wires 05/29/26 Payroll-Related Payments
Amount Reference Nos. Description Date
APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS 5.
Received and filed the minutes of the June 23, 2026, City Council Regular Meeting.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 4.
unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1 - 10 and 12 - 14.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried **********************
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Clerk Ann Marie McKay congratulated Mariann Tracy on her retirement. attended.
Mayor Mark Orgill reported on various meetings with members of the public and events he graduating from the FBI National Academy Program.
neeting, noting the available mutual aid, and he recognized Police Captain Mike Peters for the Orange County Fire Authority at the EDPC (Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee) testing after the sewer spill. Councilmember Whalen reported on the presentation provided by for their assistance with the 4th of July activities. He also thanked SOCWA for expediting water Councilmember Bob Whalen reported on events and meetings he attended, and thanked CERT July 7, 2026 Laguna Beach City Council Minutes
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 7, 2026
CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
(a) Rejected Late Claim Application #26-22 filed by Ricardo Valenzuela; (b) Rejected Claim #26-20 filed by Melody Hargrove; and (c) Rejected Late Claim Application #26-14 filed by Gail Rodgers.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH TO CONFIRM WEED
ABATEMENT ASSESSMENT ROLL
(a) Adopted Resolution #26.052 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING THE AMOUNT OF THE ABATEMENT
COSTS FOR WEED, GRASS, RUBBISH AND REFUSE REMOVAL PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 26.036 AND DIRECTING THESE COSTS TO BE FILED WITH THE
ORANGE COUNTY ASSESSOR, AUDITOR AND TAX COLLECTOR FOR INCLUSION ON
COUNTY TAX ROLLS AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT," with the updated Exhibit A provided just prior to the meeting, which, among other things, will direct the Fire Chief to file a copy of the Resolution with pertinent County officials on or before August 10, 2026 for inclusion on property tax rolls; and
(b) Found that the same is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
9. AMENDMENT TO CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZATION TO UTILIZE NASPO VALUEPOINT MASTER AGREEMENT NO. 23026 FOR THE PURCHASE OF COMPUTER EQUIPMENT PERIPHERALS, AND RELATED SERVICES FROM DELL MARKETING L.P. (a) Amended the prior City Council authorization for use of NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement No. 23026, led by the State of Minnesota and adopted by the State of California through its Participating Addendum, for the purchase of computer equipment, peripherals, and related services from Dell Marketing L.P., by increasing the total authorized amount from $300,000 to $600,000 to extend through June 30, 2027;
(b) Authorized the transfer of $74,075.00 from the Fire Department budget, account no. 1412401-72071, to the Information Technology budget, account no. 10101205C- 80010, to support the procurement of Emergency Operations Center (EOC) computers;
(c) Authorized the City Manager to execute any related purchase orders or documents necessary to implement this procurement, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
(d) Found that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the "common sense" exemption, because it can be seen with certainty that the actions will not have a significant effect on the environment.
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10. AWARD OF AGREEMENT FOR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER AUDIO VISUAL SYSTEM DESIGN, SUPPLY, AND INSTALLATION PROJECT; BUDGET AMENDMENT AND TRANSFER OF FUNDS
(a) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to execute agreement #26-213 with Western AV, in the amount of $126,320.70, for the Emergency Operations Center Audio Visual System Design, Supply, and Installation Project; and (b) Authorized the transfer of $126,320.70 from the Fire Department budget, account no. 1412401-72071, to the Information Technology budget to fund the Emergency Operations Center Audio Visual System Design, Supply, and Installation Project.
11. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR MOBILE PARKING PAYMENT SYSTEM TO IPS GROUP, INC This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmembers Sue Kempf and Alex Rounaghi to continue the item and they explained. Staff responded.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to continue the item to the July 21, 2026, City Council meeting, for staff to provide options on including technology solutions to address items in the Parking Management Plan.
12. AWARD OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT TO ALLSTAR FIRE EQUIPMENT FOR THE PURCHASE
OF FIREFIGHTER PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
(a) Authorized the City Manager to execute purchase agreement #26-214 with AllStar Fire Equipment (AllStar) for the purchase of firefighter personal protective equipment in an amount not to exceed $250,000, with an initial term from July 1, 2026, through March 27, 2028, and the ability to extend the agreement through March 27, 2031, subject to the continued availability of Sourcewell Contract No. 010424, or any renewal, extension, replacement contract; and (b) Found that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 because it does not constitute a project.
13. ACCEPT A DONATION TO FUND THE RESURFACING OF THE BLUEBIRD CANYON TENNIS COURT
(a) Accepted a donation of $13,000 from the Ashvin and Poonam Dhingra Foundation to fund the resurfacing of the Bluebird Canyon tennis court; (b) Authorized the City Manager to sign a letter of appreciation to the donor foundation; (c) Appropriated $13,000 in the FY 2026/27 budget for the resurfacing of the Bluebird Canyon tennis court and increase donation revenue in the General Fund by the same amount; and
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(d) Found the recommended action categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class -... 1 - Existing Facilities).
14. AMENDMENT SEVEN TO COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF ORANGE
AND CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment Seven to the Cooperative Agreement with the County of Orange for participation in the CDBG program for the upcoming grant cycle (July 1, 2028 - June 30, 2030).
REGULAR BUSINESS
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15. EFFICIENCY & FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY AD HOC COMMITTEE BUDGET
RECOMMENDATIONS
Discussion: Councilmembers Alex Rounaghi and Sue Kempf introduced and commented on the Efficiency & Fiscal Sustainability Ad Hoc committee budget. Staff responded to Councilmembers' questions regarding expenditures and revenues.
Public Testimony: Mary Locatelli and John Thomas weighed in on the staff recommendations.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt the recommendations presented on screen for this item during the meeting.
16. REVENUE MEASURE UPDATE - RECOMMENDATION FROM THE AD HOC COMMITTEE Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and staff and the consultants responded to the Councilmembers' questions regarding the revenue measure update on the November 3, 2026, ballot and the Ad Hoc committee's recommendations.
Public Testimony: John Thomas, Deborah Laughton, City Treasurer Laura Parisi, Jim Danziger, Glen Schrank, Jacquie Schaefgen, and Anne Caenn commented and asked questions about the item.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Not place a general tax revenue measure on the November 3, 2026, ballot; and instead
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(b) Direct staff to pursue the "deferral with a plan" strategy as described in the staff report, with a citizen committee, to work to reduce ongoing expenditures thoughtfully, while focusing outreach, education, and polling efforts on a potential ...... ballot measure for placement on the November 2028, General Municipal Election ballot; and
(c) Find that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental ! Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, and alternatively, is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NON-APPEALS
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... ... AY IENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 2026-0865 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2026-0954 AT
17. 340 ST. ANNS DRIVE
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi recused himself from this item due to his prior employment with the applicant for the project, Related California, and City Manager Dave Kiff recused himself due to the proximity of his residence to the project site.
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Craig Farmer, Related California, developer for the project, stated that the property owners and developer were present to answer any questions that City Council may have.
Dani Palamino voiced concerns about the impact to existing sewer infrastructure and staff responded.
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Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 4/0 to adopt Resolution #26.053 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 2026-0865 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2026-0954 TO MERGE FOUR PARCELS LOCATED AT 340 ST. ANN'S DRIVE (APNS: 644-034-05, 644-034-09) INTO TWO
PARCELS IN THE LOCAL BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL (LBP) AND RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY (R-2) ZONES; AND FINDING THAT NO FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15162 OR, ALTERNATIVELY, THAT THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IS NOT A "PROJECT" OR IS EXEMPT UNDER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 65913.16(C), (B)(12)(B), AND 65913.16(L)(7), RESPECTIVELY." -8-
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PUBLIC HEARINGS - APPEALS
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A. APPEAL OF APPROVAL OF DR 2026-0278, CDP 2026-0279, AND VAR 2026-0280 AT 855 LA
VISTA DRIVE
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation regarding a proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 855 La Vista Drive.
Public Testimony in Support of the Appeal: Robin Williams, appellant, listed his concerns about the impact on the watercourse, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) categorical exemption, the cause of hazards to the site, the construction staging, and the mass, and visibility of the building. He urged the City Council to remand the project to the Design Review Board for further study.
Ben Simon, Linda Morgenlander, Lucy Martlin, and Craig and Elaine Brashier voiced their concerns with the project.
Public Testimony in Opposition of the Appeal: Warren Hutcherson, designer for the project, briefly addressed the neighbors' concerns, and responded to Councilmember questions.
Rebuttal: Robin Williams, appellant, reiterated the reasons for his appeal of the project.
Staff addressed the public comments.
Councilmember Questions of Staff and Discussion: Councilmembers asked about the watercourse and confirmed with the applicant's representative that the project could be moved to accommodate the neighbors.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to continue item for the applicant to obtain a hydrology study on the impact on the mapped watercourse, move the project not less than 5 feet in the northerly direction, and return with a landscape screening plan addressing the project's southern exposure.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDA ITEMS (Remote Participation) - None. **************************************************************** COUNCILMEMBER ITEM(S) - None.
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ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Orgill at 9:18 p.m., Tuesday July 7, 2026, adjourned to the City Council Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California.
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Approved: July 21, 2026
Ills
Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk (
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.
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NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54995)
EXCEPT OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
July 7, 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, July 7, 2026, in the City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.
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PRESENT COUNCILMEMBERS: Kempf, Rounaghi, Whalen, Jones, Orgill PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Orgill at 9:18 p.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2026, adjourned to the Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.
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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 8th day of July 2026.
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, July 7, 2026, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHED HERETO; and that on July 8, 2026, at the hour of 11:15 a.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.
Culika