Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 21, 2026
-1-
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
July 21, 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 21, 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 Sue Kempf led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION
****************
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
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
*********************************
Assistant City Attorney Pat Donegan 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 the items discussed.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS – None.
*******************************
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 21, 2026
-2-
PRESENTATIONS
***************
1. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EMERGENCY & DISASTER
PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE
Approved the Proclamation recognizing the 15th Anniversary of the Emergency / Disaster Preparedness Committee.
2. LAGUNA BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Received a presentation from the Laguna Beach Historical Society highlighting how artists shaped Laguna Beach.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – NON-AGENDA ITEMS (In-Person Participation) ********************************************************** Ed Hanke thanked the City Council for the grant for the Patriots Day Parade.
Rickie Redman, Director of Aging in Place Services for the Laguna Beach Seniors, provided a testimonial from one of the Lifelong Laguna members about the positive impact of the Laguna Local transit service, helping seniors age in place with dignity.
City Treasurer Laura Parisi reported that the City of Laguna Beach’s Investment Policy once again received the “Certificate of Excellence” award, with this year’s score higher than last year’s.
Robin Hall expressed frustration that the sculpture fountain installed on the promenade did not go through the City’s Art in Public Places process.
Ann Christoph read a letter left at her home by a tourist, thanking her family for educating them and providing assistance, illustrating the positive impact residents can have on visitors.
Alia Mariner and other Aquagrom presented information about this year’s fundraiser event and focus on fighting offshore oil drilling, “Hands Across the Sand” at Main Beach on August 1 at 9:30 a.m.
Pat Menne suggested that the City advertise the available beach parking at the hospital. Reported on the appeal hearing in Santa Ana, and implored the City Council to protect “small town” Laguna.
David Browning, Orange County Mountain Bike Association, thanked the City for allowing the temporary pump track at the Community Recreation Center.
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 21, 2026
-3-
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER **************************************************************** Councilmember Alex Rounaghi thanked Aquagrom for their efforts, and reported on his ridealong with the Fire Department. He also reported on the Hospital Task Force’s first meeting, and he advised that he will be asking for City Council support to request that the County include Aliso Creek in its pilot program to not use glyphosate for one year.
Councilmember Bob Whalen reported on events and meetings he attended, and advised that the next Hospital Task Force meeting will be on August 20 at 4:30 p.m. at the Susi Q. He also announced that the Community Land Trust has acquired 75 artist studio spaces, and thanked Horvath, the Quilters, and Mark Christy for making that possible.
Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones reported on various meetings with members of the public and events she attended.
Mayor Mark Orgill reported on various meetings with members of the public and events he attended.
CONSENT CALENDAR
**********************
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1 – 6, 8 – 9, and 11 – 12.
3. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Received and filed the minutes of the July 7, 2026, City Council Regular Meeting.
4. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 21, 2026
-4-
5. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
(a) Rejected Claim #26-08 filed by United Financial Casualty Company c/o Sierra Golding; (b) Rejected Claim #26-15 filed by Kim Gage; and
(c) Rejected Claim #26-03 filed by Mid-Century Insurance Company c/o Cynthia Koulax.
6. RESPONSE TO 2025–2026 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT: WILDFIRES HIT HOME (a) Approved the City of Laguna Beach's response to the 2025–2026 Orange County Grand Jury report entitled Wildfires Hit Home; and
(b) Authorized the Mayor to sign and transmit the response to the Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court, with copies to the Orange County Grand Jury, the Orange County Clerk, and the City Clerk, as required by law.
7. RESPONSE TO 2025–2026 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT: CALIFORNIA HOUSING
MANDATES, THE UNINTENDED RESHAPING OF ORANGE COUNTY NEIGHBORHOODS This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen to strike the third paragraph of Finding F7 as going beyond the scope of the question.
Public Testimony: Ann Christoph urged the City Council to add her two suggested paragraphs emphasizing that Laguna’s biggest contribution is serving millions of visitors of all income levels and that the state should require ADUs to be rented/affordable so the City can count them. Cathy Jurca said she supported Christoph’s additions, noting Laguna’s unique status as a federally recognized historic American landscape.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Approve the City of Laguna Beach’s response to the 2025–2026 Orange County Grand Jury report entitled California Housing Mandates, The Unintended Reshaping of Orange County Neighborhoods, as revised by the City Council, including removing the third paragraph for Finding F7 and adding “wildfire risk” to the Finding F8 response; (b) Authorize the Mayor to finalize the response with the City Attorney’s Office, incorporating the City Council’s revisions to incorporate themes reflecting coastal stewardship, visitor impacts, and Laguna’s unique constraints; and (c) Authorize the Mayor to sign and transmit the response to the Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court, as required by law.
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 21, 2026
-5-
8. AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR DOWNTOWN (ZONE 4) STREET OVERLAY
AND WALKWAY IMPROVEMENTS
(a) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to execute contract #26-227 with CT&T Concrete Paving, Inc., in the amount of $621,041.94 for the C2217 – Downtown (Zone 4) Street Overlay and Walkway Improvements;
(b) Authorized the City Manager to approve project-related expenses and construction change-orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $58,950; and
(c) Found that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c).
9. APPROVE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AGREEMENT WITH THE LEAGUE OF OREGON CITIES AND A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH LIFE-ASSIST, INC. FOR
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT
(a) Authorized the City Manager to execute Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement #26-228 with the League of Oregon Cities, enabling the City to participate in the National Purchasing Partners Government (NPPGov) cooperative purchasing program;
(b) Authorized the City Manager to execute Master Purchase Agreement #26-229 with Life-Assist, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $63,000 per fiscal year, commencing upon execution and continuing through January 19, 2030, with authority for the City Manager to approve up to one (1) additional one-year extensions through January 19, 2031, provided the underlying League of Oregon Cities Master Price Agreement No.
PS25830, or any renewal, extension, replacement, or successor cooperative purchasing contract, remains active and available for use by the City, and subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
(c) Found that approval of the Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement is not a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 because it is an administrative activity that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
10. AWARD OF TASK ORDER FOR DESIGN OF PERMANENT LIFEGUARD TOWERS This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Sue Kempf.
Discussion: Staff responded to Councilmember questions.
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 21, 2026
-6-
Public Testimony: Ann Christoph asked about the material of the towers. Nick Aronoff, Wendy Devorak, Deborah Laughton, Dusty Devorak and Pat Menne voiced concerns about the proposed permanent lifeguard tower locations.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, seconded by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Authorize the City Manager to award a task order with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for design engineering services for the Permanent Lifeguard Tower Program in the amount of $280,791;
(b) Authorize the City Manager to approve project-related expenses and change orders for additional design-related services that may be required in an amount not to exceed $28,000; and
(c) Find that the action consists of government activities, which do not result in a direct or indirect physical change in environment and therefore does not constitute a “Project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
11. RESOLUTION AMENDING THE APPENDIX OF DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES WITH FILING
RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE CITY'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE (a) Adopted Resolution #26.057 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
APPENDIX OF DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT” to update designated employee titles and positions of City personnel; and
(b) Found that the proposed action does not constitute a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(2) & (5) because the action involves administrative organizational activities that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical change in the environment.
12. AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT AND EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 CANNABIS TAX FUND GRANT
PROGRAM AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
(a) Adopt Resolution #26.058 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE,
TO EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT AND ALL RELATED DOCUMENTS WITH THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 CANNABIS TAX FUND GRANT PROGRAM”, thereby satisfying the governing body authorization required by California Code of Regulations, Title 13, Division 2, Chapter 13, Section 1890.13(g);
(b) Accept the California Highway Patrol Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program award in the amount of $475,800;
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 21, 2026
-7-
(c) Approve a budget adjustment to increase grant revenues and expenditures by $475,800 (1332102-45100-G2701 and 1332102-79999-G2701), respectively; and (d) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute any subsequent grant-related documents and amendments that do not increase the City's financial obligation or materially alter the approved scope of work.
REGULAR BUSINESS
********************
13. STATUS UPDATE ON THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN PHASE II UPDATE, TENANT MIX
AND ECONOMIC DIVERSITY, AND LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers’ questions.
Public Testimony: Merrill Anderson (Village Laguna), Cathy Jurca, Kathy Jepson and Ann Christoph commented on the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) Phase II Update and the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), urging transparency and release of completed studies.
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Receive and file the status update on the DSP Phase II Update; (b) Direct staff to publish the environmental technical studies/documents completed so far as part of the EIR work, so the public can see the environmental impacts that have been analyzed;
(c) Direct staff to narrow the DSP Phase II update scope to focus the update on allowing different types of residential uses in the Arts District and consider provisions for adaptive reuse of existing buildings for residential purposes; and (d) Direct staff to explore creative/legislative strategies to address issues unique to Laguna Beach (wildfire risk, coastal regulatory issues, etc.).
14. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR MOBILE PARKING PAYMENT SYSTEM TO IPS GROUP, INC. AND
RELATED ACTIONS
City Manager Dave Kiff introduced the item and briefly outlined the agenda report. Staff and the representative from IPS responded to the Councilmembers’ questions.
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 21, 2026
-8-
(a) Award contract #26-230 to IPS Group, Inc. to provide the City with a new mobile parking payment system (MPPS) for a five-year term, with the option of five, one-year extensions upon mutual agreement of the parties, and implement a $.50 transaction fee to all parking transactions;
(b) Cancel IPS Agreement Contract No. 24-35 for parking meter device and repair services;
(c) Incorporate new and amended terms of Contract No. 24-35 with IPS for parking meter device and repair services, in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 for a five-year term and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney;
(d) Authorize the City Manager to execute the fourth amendment with Frog Parking, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney, to identify transaction cost in the amount of $0.25 per transaction in an amount estimated as $11,000.00 per month for six months from May 2026 through October 31, 2026;
(e) Find the action exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); and
(f) Direct staff to return to City Council with a framework of options and timelines on how the City can integrate and leverage different technology solutions to achieve its parking and enforcement goals.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – NON-APPEALS
******************************
15. SECOND READING OF DESIGN REVIEW EFFICIENCY ORDINANCE AND EFFICIENCY ORDINANCE, AND AN INTERIM LAND USE ORDINANCE/URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 2026- 1339 STREAMLINING THE DESIGN REVIEW AND OTHER PERMIT PROCESSES Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers’ questions.
Public Testimony: Merrill Anderson (Village Laguna), Ann Christoph, Cathy Jurca, Deborah Laughton, Matt Lawson, and Amy Hundhausen commented on the ordinance.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Waive second full reading and adopt by title only Ordinance #1730 titled, "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ITS LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AND MUNICIPAL CODE TO MODIFY TITLE 25 (ZONING), TITLE 21 (SUBDIVISIONS), AND TITLE 22 (EXCAVATING, GRADING, AND FILLING) TO STREAMLINE THE DESIGN REVIEW AND OTHER PERMIT PROCESSES; AND FINDING
SAID ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301;
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 21, 2026
-9-
(b) Waive second full reading and adopt by title only Ordinance #1731 titled, "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ITS MUNICIPAL CODE TO MODIFY CHAPTER 7.25 (NOISE), 12.08 (PRESERVATION OF HERITAGE TREES), 12.16 (VIEW PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION), AND 17.50 (PRIVATE SEWER LATERALS) TO IMPROVE CONSISTENCY WITHIN THE CODE; AND FINDING SAID ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301”; revising verbiage stating “10 days” to state “15 working days,” during the iterative process with the California Coastal Commission;
(c) Adopt Resolution #26.059 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ITS LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM TO MODIFY THE DESIGN GUIDELINES – A GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, AND
FINDING SAID ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301”; and
(d) Find that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 and in the alternative is statutorily exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15265.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(e) Conduct a public hearing, waive full reading and adopt by title only Urgency Ordinance #1732 titled, “AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ITS LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AND MUNICIPAL CODE TO MODIFY TITLE 25 (ZONING), TITLE 21 (SUBDIVISIONS), AND TITLE 22 (EXCAVATING, GRADING, AND FILLING) TO STREAMLINE THE DESIGN REVIEW AND OTHER PERMIT PROCESSES; AND FINDING SAID ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301”; revising verbiage stating “10 days” to state “15 working days”; and (f) Find that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 and in the alternative is statutorily exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15265.
16. PUBLIC HEARING RELATIVE TO PLACING THE ANNUAL SEWER SERVICE CHARGE FOR SEWER SERVICES ON THE PROPERTY TAX ROLL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27 Presentation and Discussion: Staff briefly outlined the agenda report and responded to Councilmembers’ questions.
Public Testimony: None.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 21, 2026
-10-
(a) Find that this item is not subject to California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Sections 15273 and Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(8) because the sewer service fees are necessary and reasonable to fund the administration, operation, maintenance, and improvements of the City’s sewer system and will not result in the expansion of the sewer system; and
(b) Adopt Resolution #26.060 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING RATES FOR THE ANNUAL SEWER SERVICE CHARGE FOR SEWER SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27.”
17. LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT 2026-0960 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2026-0961 AT 647 SOUTH COAST HIGHWAY AND 610, 620, 636, AND 667 SLEEPY HOLLOW LANE Staff explained the reason the item is to be tabled is that staff determined the wrong entitlement vehicle was used, and a tentative parcel map is the correct path.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to table the public hearing.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – NON-AGENDA ITEMS (Remote Participation) – None. ****************************************************************
COUNCILMEMBER ITEM(S)
**********************
In accordance with Resolution #26.014, the City Council supported Councilmember Alex Rounaghi’s request to be placed on the next City Council agenda for City Council consideration that the County include Aliso Creek in its pilot program to not use glyphosate for one year.
ADJOURNMENT
***************
There being no further business, Mayor Orgill at 9:21 p.m., Tuesday July 21, 2026, adjourned to the Appeals-Only Special City Council Meeting at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, then to the Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. and Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California. ****************
Approved: August 4, 2026
______________________________
Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes July 21, 2026
-11-
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.