Laguna Beach City Council Meeting Recap September 22, 2026 -1-
COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
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CONSENT CALENDAR
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PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS (continued)
WELCOME
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Orgill
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. Garibaldi reported that for Closed Session agenda items 3(c) and 3(d), the City Council unanimously voted to authorize the filing of a writ or appeal, and the City Council did not reach agenda item 3(e).
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS
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City Manager Dave Kiff noted the updated attachment provided for consent item #18 and the updated resolution for consent item #19.
Mayor Mark Orgill pulled Public Hearing Item #A from the agenda, stating that he instead will request that the City Council direct staff to schedule a workshop to discuss the City’s policy on variances. Karen Martin raised a procedural objection to the Mayor removing the item from the agenda, stating that neighbors did not file an appeal based on his action to request Council review. Larry Nokes, agent for the applicant, addressed the objection.
PRESENTATIONS
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1. RECOGNITION OF BRADLEY BESHEAR FOR ACT OF BRAVERY
Recognized Bradley Beshear for his lifesaving actions in a critical ocean emergency.
2. RECOGNITION OF HEROIC ACT – CPR
Recognized Aysem Kenan for her heroic actions in a critical traffic collision.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RECAP
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
City Council Closed Session 3:45 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting 5:00 p.m.
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach
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3. PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 2026 AS HUNGER ACTION MONTH IN
LAGUNA BEACH
Adopted the Proclamation declaring September 2026 as Hunger Action Month in the City of Laguna Beach.
4. PRESENTATION FROM LAGUNA BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Received a presentation from the Laguna Beach Historical Society continuing to highlight artist Joseph Kleitsch.
5. LAGUNA BEACH CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION UPDATE
Received a presentation from the Centennial Committee highlighting programming for the upcoming Centennial celebration year.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – NON-AGENDA ITEMS (In-Person Participation) ********************************************************** Liza Stewart, Greg Pearly, and Dee Perry spoke about autism accommodations and awareness, and encouraged the City to explore “Autism Certified City” certification.
Ruben Flores suggested hydroseeding behind City Hall in preparation for the City’s centennial, and he asked what the City is doing to make City look better for the celebration.
Blair Contratto, PMMC Chief Executive Officer, reported on the upcoming reopening of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center’s expanded site.
Connor Parker, Laguna Site Manager for the nonprofit Creative Identity, described the organization’s work serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Theresa Prelitz described the positive impact of Creative Identity on her daughter.
Aaron Peluso presented picture showing changes in beach sand and shorelines in Laguna Beach, and suggested that the City commission a sediment study.
Gail Onodera announced the upcoming annual Love Laguna Beach.
William Maniaci talked about his “Mini League” camp.
Ann Christoph requested confirmation that there will be a workshop regarding variances.
City Treasurer Laura Parisi provided an update on the assessment district bond payments, advising that all payments have been made, and she has met with the City Manager regarding possible accounting guardrails to ensure the issue that occurred does not happen again. Parisi also reported that she is working on the 2027 Local Agency Investment Guidelines update.
Greg Viviani suggested replacing trees that have to be removed and supported a sand replacement study.
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An unnamed member of the public expressed concerns regarding the City’s contract with Flock.
Anne Krizman noted projects that have been delayed, such as the Ocean Avenue sidewalk project, Laguna Canyon Road relinquishment, and the Downtown Specific Plan update, suggesting that the delays are due to the upcoming election.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER **************************************************************** Reza Jafari explained the City’s tree replacement policy for public trees. City Manager Dave Kiff presented updates on the Mission Hospital task force, the promenade, confirmed City Treasurer Laura Parisi’s update on the assessment district payments, enforcement statistics for the summer, and impending swell events.
Councilmember Sue Kempf thanked the Centennial Committee. She reported on the opening of the Surf Museum and thanked Police Department, Fire Department, Marine Safety, and Public Works staff for their work over the summer.
Councilmember Alex Rounaghi expanded on the Mission Hospital task force update.
Councilmember Bob Whalen also commented on the Mission Hospital task force. He noted the impressive culture in Laguna, including the Surf Museum, the Laguna Playhouse, and the Laguna Art Museum. Acting Director of Public Works & Utilities Tom Perez, Deputy Director of Public Works Reza Jafari, and City Manager Dave Kiff described the City’s storm preparations, at Councilmember Whalen’s request.
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
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Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1 – 18, 20, and 22.
6. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Received and filed the minutes of the July 28, 2026, City Council Special Meeting, the August 4, 2026, Study Session, the August 4, 2026, City Council Regular Meeting, and the September 14, 2026, City Council Special Meeting.
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7. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
8. MONTHLY TREASURER’S AND INVESTMENT REPORT (JULY 2026) Received and filed the July 2026 report.
9. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
(a) Rejected Claim #26-35 filed by Madeleine Dickinson; (b) Rejected Claim #26-38 filed by Oscar Oswaldo Gonzalez Castillo; and (c) Rejected Claim #26-13 filed by Emir Bezdrob.
10. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES (a) Authorized the City Manager to execute contract #26-286 with JAS Landscape LLC for a 32- month term commencing November 1, 2026, to provide landscape maintenance services at City parks, facilities, and various other public locations throughout the City for a contract total not-to-exceed amount of $797,840;
(b) Authorized the City Manager to execute up to three additional one-year extensions, subject to satisfactory performance, with an annual cost increase not to exceed the percentage change in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Los AngelesLong Beach-Anaheim region; and (c) Found that the actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.
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11. AWARD OF TASK ORDER FOR NPDES COMPLIANCE SERVICES
(a) Authorized the City Manager to approve a task order to Olaunu, LLC for NPDES Compliance Services in the amount of $196,133; and
(b) Found that the services provided do not constitute a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) or, in the alternative, the services are exempt under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15308.
12. AWARD OF TASK ORDER FOR ALISO CREEK BERM MAINTENANCE MONITORING SERVICES (a) Authorized the City Manager to approve a task order with ECORP Consulting, Inc. for biological monitoring, water quality sampling, reporting, and permit compliance services for Aliso Creek Outlet Maintenance in an amount not-to-exceed $102,610; (b) Approved the transfer of $26,743 from the NPDES Storm Water Permit account (Account No. 110-3136-72037) into the Contractual Services account (Account No. 110-3136-55036) to consolidate Public Works operating budget for this task, and authorize the remaining $115,457 in the NPDES Storm Water Permit account to remain available; and (c) Found that the services are exempt under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15308.
13. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR SIDEWALK INSPECTION AND REPAIR SERVICES (a) Authorized the City Manager to approve Professional Services Agreement #26-287 to Infrastructure Management Group, LLC, dba Precision Concrete Cutting (PCC) for sidewalk trip hazard assessment, removal, and maintenance services in an amount not to exceed $200,000;
(b) Found that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.
14. APPROVE PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS LIST AND AUTHORIZE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE FIRE STATION NO. 4 REPLACEMENT
(a) Approved the list of Prequalified bidders and authorized advertisement for bids for the Fire Station No. 4 Replacement;
(b) Found that the approval of a list of prequalified bidders and the authorization for bids does not constitute a "project" for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to section 15378(b)((5) of the CEQA Guidelines.
15. REPLACE THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH’S ENGINEERING COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY WASTEWATER AUTHORITY
(a) Appointed Acting Director of Public Works & Utilities, Thomas Perez, to serve as the Engineering Committee Representative for the South Orange County Wastewater Authority for the City of Laguna Beach;
(b) Determined that the proposed action does not constitute a “project” for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act.
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16. PARTICIPATION IN THE MEDI-CAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRANSFER RATE RANGE PROGRAM FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025
(a) Authorized the Mayor to execute the Health Plan-Provider Intergovernmental Transfer Rate Range Program Agreement #26-288 with CalOptima Health for the City's participation in the Medi-Cal Intergovernmental Transfer Variable Rate Range Program for Calendar Year 2025; and
(b) Found that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3), as it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical change to the environment.
17. CALPERS RESOLUTIONS IN COMPLIANCE WITH RETIRED ANNUITANT RULES - APPOINTMENTS
OF INTERIM POSITIONS
(a) Adopted the following Resolutions:
(1) #26.067 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING CAROL JACOBS AS INTERIM ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
FINDING THE SAME IS NOT A PROJECT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”;
(2) #26.068 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING MARK TRESTIK AS INTERIM DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC
WORKS AND UTILITIES AND FINDING THE SAME IS NOT A PROJECT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”;
(3) #26.069 titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF STEVE MONTANO AS INTERIM FINANCE
MANAGER AND FINDING THE SAME IS NOT A PROJECT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT;” and
(b) Found that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3), as it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical change to the environment.
18. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH AND THE LAGUNA BEACH POLICE EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION FOR THE TERM OF OCTOBER 1, 2026, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2027
(a) Adopted Resolution #26.070 titled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH POLICE EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION, UPDATING THE CITY’S SALARY SCHEDULE, AND FINDING THE SAME EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT” approving the Agreement between the City of Laguna Beach and the Laguna Beach Police Employees' Association; (b) Authorized the City Manager to execute the related Memorandum of Understanding, (#26- 289) subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; (c) Approved the updated City of Laguna Beach Classification Title and Range Assignments to reflect the update terms of employment for those members of the Laguna Beach Police Employees' Association; and
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(d) Found that the action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
19. APPEAL OF THE APPROVAL OF DR 2026-0024, CDP 2026-0025 AND VAR 2026-0026 AT 31985 AND 31987 COAST HIGHWAY
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen.
Moved by Councilmember Sue Kempf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt Resolution #26.071 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DENYING THE APPEAL AND SUSTAINING THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD’S APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 2026-0024, COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2026-0025, AND VARIANCE 2026-0026 FOR DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING STRUCTURES AND
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE WITH A TWO-CAR GARAGE AND OTHER RELATED IMPROVEMENTS AT 31985 AND 31987 COAST HIGHWAY IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL
LOW-DENSITY ZONE SUBJECT TO IMPOSING MORE RESTRICTIVE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL,
AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15303.”
20. DR EFFICIENCY ORDINANCE AND AMENDED DR GUIDELINES: COASTAL ACT CONFORMITY (a) Adopted Resolution #26.072 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, FINDING THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1730, WHICH STREAMLINES THE DESIGN REVIEW AND OTHER PERMIT PROCESSES, AND CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO.
26.059, WHICH AMENDS THE DESIGN GUIDELINES – A GUIDE TO RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT, ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE CERTIFIED LAGUNA BEACH COASTAL LAND USE PLAN AND CHAPTER 6 OF THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL ACT, AFFIRMING THE CITY’S INTENT
TO IMPLEMENT ITS CERTIFIED LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM IN A MANNER FULLY IN
CONFORMITY WITH THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL ACT, AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 OR ALTERNATIVELY 15265”, affirming the City’s intent to implement the certified LCP in full conformity with the Coastal Act, satisfying the requirements of Public Resources Code section 30510, subdivision (a);
(b) Directed the Director of Community Development to submit the Resolution affirming the City’s intent to implement the certified LCP in a manner fully in conformity with the Coastal Act, together with any appropriate supporting materials, to the California Coastal Commission; and
(c) Found that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.
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21. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL TO ADD NEW POLICIES RELATING TO (1) CAPITAL ASSETS; (2) FINANCIAL AND ETHICS TRAINING FOR OFFICIALS AND STAFF; (3) CITY TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT; AND (4) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE; AND FURTHER RESCINDING PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL APPROVALS
INCONSISTENT WITH SUCH POLICIES
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi.
Moved by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt Resolution #26.073 titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL BY ADOPTING AND ADDING THERETO CITY COUNCIL POLICY NO. 4.3, CAPITAL ASSET POLICY AND PROCEDURES; POLICY NO. 5.2, AB 1234 AND SB 827 TRAINING POLICY; POLICY NO. 2.5, CITY TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT POLICY; AND POLICY NO. 5.3, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE POLICY; AND FINDING SUCH ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378”, amending the City Council Policy and Procedures Manual, as follows:
(a) Adding City Council Policy No. 4.3, Capital Asset Policy and Procedures, and rescinding the previously adopted Administrative Policy No. 1-10, Capital Asset Policy and Procedures; (b) Adding City Council Policy No. 5.2, AB 1234 and SB 827 Training Policy; (c) Adding City Council Policy No. 2.5, City Travel Reimbursement Policy, and rescinding the previously adopted Administrative Policy No. 3-3, Travel Authorizations and Expense Reporting; and
(d) Adding City Council Policy No. 5.3, Artificial Intelligence.
22. AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT AND EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM – OPERATION STONEGARDEN (OPSG) 25-SDCSDC-09-002 AND THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS (G2703)
(a) Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the FY 2025 Operation Stonegarden Memorandum of Agreement (#26-290); and
(b) Appropriated $60,000 in the General Fund (1102102-72068-G2703), with a corresponding increase in estimated grant revenue (1102100-45000-G2703), to fund eligible Laguna Beach Police Department Operation Stonegarden activities.
REGULAR BUSINESS
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23. SCE PRESENTATION ABOUT TARGETED UNDERGROUNDING PROGRAMS IN LAGUNA BEACH Received a presentation from Southern California Edison regarding their Targeted Undergrounding (TUG) projects within the City of Laguna Beach, and an update from City staff regarding current undergrounding districts progress.
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24. FURTHER STUDY FOR FESTIVAL OF ARTS SOUND POLICY FOR PROPERTY AT AND AROUND THE IRVINE BOWL AND ESTABLISHMENT OF TICKET ENTRANCE FEE; AND FINDING THE ACTIONS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 1530 Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hallie Jones, seconded by Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Temporarily suspend the Festival of Arts sound policy for three days on October 23 through 25, 2026 to allow the City’s acoustical consultant, Rincon Consultants, Inc., the opportunity to measure and analyze sound from a real-life concert with directional speakers to better inform whether any changes to such sound policy are necessary; (b) Authorize the additional scope of work proposed by the City’s acoustical consultant, Rincon Consultants, Inc., to measure and analyze sound during real-life concerts on October 23 through 25, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $12,386;
(c) Adopt Resolution #26.074 establishing a ticket entrance fee in the amount of $5 for access to government property, known as the Festival grounds, for non-Festival programmed and ticketed events to reinvest into the Irvine Bowl; and
(d) Find the recommended actions categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15306, based on the findings contained in this staff report.
25. CITYWIDE PARKING CODE UPDATE RECOMMENDATIONS AND TEMPORARY OUTDOOR DINING
TRANSITION PLAN
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Provide feedback on the draft Outdoor Dining Design Guidelines and direct staff to prepare a resolution establishing the Outdoor Dining Design Guidelines and seek preliminary input from the Planning Commission before returning to the Planning Commission and City Council in the formal adoption process;
(b) Direct staff to continue working with business owners seeking to continue their temporary outdoor dining uses by informing business owners to obtain the necessary Temporary Use Permit (“TUP”) and Coastal Development Permit (“CDP”) by January 1, 2027, to allow for an 18-month transition period while the City completes the local adoption process for ordinance amending the City’s parking requirements, including establishment of parking requirements for outdoor dining uses, and establishing design guidelines for outdoor dining uses and the California Coastal Commission considers certification of the associated Local Coastal Plan Amendment (“LCPA”); and
(c) Find that the recommended actions are exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15306 of the CEQA Guidelines based on the findings and facts in this staff report.
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Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to direct staff to prepare an ordinance amending the City’s parking requirements, including parking for outdoor dining uses, and establishing design guidelines for outdoor dining uses, and present to the community with workshops for feedback, with direction to the City Council Comprehensive Zoning Code Update Ad Hoc Committee to report back to the City Council to propose how businesses might participate in a parking management plan.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – APPEALS
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A. CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DR 2026-0922 AND VAR 2026- 0923 AT 31552 EAGLE ROCK WAY
Mayor Mark Orgill removed this item from the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – NON-AGENDA ITEMS (Remote Participation) – None. ****************************************************************
COUNCILMEMBER ITEM(S)
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In accordance with Resolution #26.014, the City Council supported Mayor Mark Orgill’s request to be placed on the next City Council agenda for the City Council to direct staff to schedule a workshop regarding variances in South Laguna.
ADJOURNMENT AT 10:35 P.M., TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026,
IN HONOR OF FORMER CITY COUNCILMEMBER AND MAYOR MARTHA COLLISON TO THE CLOSED SESSION AT 4:00 P.M. AND REGULAR MEETING AT 5:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2026