Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap July 7, 2026
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COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
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CONSENT CALENDAR
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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)
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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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1. 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.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RECAP
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
City Council Closed Session 3:30 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 July 7, 2026
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3. 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.”
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 4th 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.
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap July 7, 2026
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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 of receiving ACC-OC's 2026 Valor Award for their response to the Rancho Fire. Sewer system maintenance.
Councilmember Bob Whalen reported on events and meetings he attended, and thanked CERT for their assistance with the 4th of July activities. He also thanked SOCWA for expediting water testing after the sewer spill. Councilmember Whalen reported on the presentation provided by the Orange County Fire Authority at the EDPC (Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee) meeting, noting the available mutual aid, and he recognized Police Captain Mike Peters for graduating from the FBI National Academy Program.
Mayor Mark Orgill reported on various meetings with members of the public and events he attended.
City Clerk Ann Marie McKay congratulated Mariann Tracy on her retirement.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1 – 10 and 12 – 14.
4. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Received and filed the minutes of the June 23, 2026, City Council Regular Meeting.
5. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
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6. MONTHLY TREASURER’S AND INVESTMENT REPORT (MAY 2026) Received and filed the May 2026 report.
7. 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.
8. 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 Councilmember Sue Kempf.
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 (d) Found the recommended action categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities).
Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap July 7, 2026
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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 Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt the recommendations presented on screen during the meeting for this item.
16. REVENUE MEASURE UPDATE – RECOMMENDATION FROM THE AD HOC COMMITTEE 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 (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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17. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 2026-0865 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2026-0954 AT 340 ST. ANN’S 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.
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 Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap July 7, 2026
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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.”
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
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 to 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 AT 9:18 P.M., TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2026,
TO THE REGULAR MEETING AT 5:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2026