CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS
CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
GENERAL BUSINESS - CONVENING AT 7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Mayor Wheeler.
INVOCATION: Bishop Scott McKeon of the Laguna Hills Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Heft
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Dave Wheeler Mayor Present
Joshua Sweeney Mayor Pro Tempore Present
Don Caskey Council Member Present
Janine Heft Council Member Present
Erica Pezold Council Member Present
1. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
1.1 San Joaquin Elementary School Student Liaison Report The City Council presented Certificates of Appointment and received a report from San Joaquin Hills Elementary School Student Liaisons Mikaela Ambrosio and Fatima Navarro Santillana.
1.2 Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Report
Laguna Hills High School 2024 Spring Student Liaison Michael Holland was not available at the meeting to provide a report.
1.3 Certificate of Recognition for Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Michael Holland
Laguna Hills High School 2024 Spring Student Liaison Michael Holland was not available at the meeting to receive the certificate.
City of Laguna Hills City Council/Planning Agency Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
2 1.4 Certificates of Recognition for Laguna Terrace Beautification Team 2024 Plein Air Painting Contest
Mayor Wheeler presented Certificates of Recognition to the winners of the Laguna Terrace Beautification Team 2024 Plein Air Painting Contest.
1.5 Certificates of Recognition for 2024 Medal of Valor Recipients Mayor Wheeler presented Certificates of Recognition to OC Sheriff Deputies Steven Ledesma and Cole Snyder for receiving a 2024 Medal of Valor for Lifesaving.
1.6 Presentation from OneLegacy
The City Council received a presentation from Tony Rouff, OneLegacy Ambassador.
2. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
2.1 Schedule of Future Events
City Clerk Lee announced the upcoming meetings and events.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individual addressed the City Council on non-agendized items:
Dawn Ford, a resident of Laguna Hills, provided public comments regarding road conditions, landscape maintenance, and inquired about the opening of The Pizza Store.
City Manager Hildenbrand responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar with Council Member Pezold removing Item No. 4.4 and Mayor Wheeler removing Item No. 4.9.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Janine Heft, Council Member
SECONDER: Erica Pezold, Council Member
AYES: Dave Wheeler, Mayor; Joshua Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore; Don Caskey, Council Member; Janine Heft, Council Member; Erica Pezold, Council Member
City of Laguna Hills City Council/Planning Agency Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
3 4.1 Waive Reading in Full of all Ordinances and Resolutions on the Agenda Recommendation: That the City Council waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda and declare that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.
4.2 Approval of Minutes for May 14, 2024, Regular Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council approve the City Council Minutes for the May 14, 2024, Regular Meeting.
4.3 Approval of Minutes for May 14, 2024, Special Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council approve the City Council Minutes for the May 14, 2024, Special Meeting.
4.5 Approval of Resolutions Related to the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-05-28-2:
"a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Calling for the Holding of a General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the Election of Certain Officers as Required by the Provisions of the Laws of the State of California relating to General Law Cities”; 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-05-28-3: "a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange to Consolidate a General Municipal Election to be Held on November 5, 2024, with the Statewide General Election to be Held on the Same Date Pursuant to Section 10403 of the Elections Code"; and 3) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-05-28-4: "a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Adopting Regulations for Candidates for Elective Office Pertaining to Candidates’ Statements Submitted to the Voters at an Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024".
4.6 Ratification of May 28, 2024, Warrant Register
Recommendation: That the City Council ratify the accompanying Warrant Register for the period from May 3, 2024, to May 16, 2024, in the amount of $1,530,249.56.
City of Laguna Hills City Council/Planning Agency Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
4 4.7 Treasurer's Investment Report for April 2024
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Treasurer's Investment Report for the month of April 2024.
4.8 Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2024/2025
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2024-05-28-5: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Establishing the Appropriations Limit (GANN Limit) for the City of Laguna Hills for Fiscal Year 2024/2025.”
4.10 Renewed Measure M (M2) Compliance Reporting to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Approve the Measure M (M2) Compliance Submittal to OCTA including, but not limited, to the Seven-Year Capital Improvement Program; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-05-28-6: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Concerning the Status and Update of the Pavement Management Plan for the Measure M (M2) Program.”
4.11 Authorization for the City Manager to Execute California Department of Transportation Agreements and Amendments
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2024-05-28-7: “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute All California Department of Transportation Agreements and Amendments."
4.12 Resolution Adopting a List of Street Maintenance Projects for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Funded By SB 1: the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2024-05-28-1: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Adopting a List of Street Maintenance Projects for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Funded By SB 1:
The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017."
City of Laguna Hills City Council/Planning Agency Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
5 4.13 Approval of Fiscal Year 2024/25 Law Enforcement Services Agreement with the County of Orange
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the fiscal year 2024/25 Law Enforcement Services Agreement between the County of Orange and the City of Laguna Hills and authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
4.4 Records Retention Management
Council Member Pezold removed Item No. 4.4 from the Consent Calendar to oppose the item.
City Clerk Lee responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution entitled: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Authorizing and Directing the City Clerk to Dispose of Certain City Records in Accordance with the City's Record Retention Schedule."
A motion to retain the records proposed for destruction for an additional four years was made by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Council Member Heft.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Erica Pezold, Council Member
SECONDER: Janine Heft, Council Member
AYES: Dave Wheeler, Mayor; Joshua Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore; Don Caskey, Council Member; Janine Heft, Council Member; Erica Pezold, Council Member
4.9 Budget Adjustment for Fiscal Year 2024/2025
Mayor Wheeler removed Item No. 4.9 from the Consent Calendar to request additional information.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the Finance Director to amend the fiscal year 2024/2025 budget, as presented in the attachment to this staff report.
City of Laguna Hills City Council/Planning Agency Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
6 A motion to table the Item until the next regular meeting on June 11, 2024, was moved by Mayor Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold.
RESULT: TABLED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dave Wheeler, Mayor
SECONDER: Erica Pezold, Council Member
AYES: Dave Wheeler, Mayor; Joshua Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore; Don Caskey, Council Member; Janine Heft, Council Member; Erica Pezold, Council Member
5. PLANNING AGENCY
There were no separate Planning Agency Business Items for this meeting.
6. CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no City Council public hearings.
7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
7.1. City Manager
The City Manager provided no administrative reports.
7.2. Public Works Director/City Engineer
7.2.1 "LH on the Hill" Lighting Project, CIP No. 403-A
Public Works Director/City Engineer Ames reviewed the information provided in the staff report, provided a PowerPoint presentation, and responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
Bob Pickering, a resident of Laguna Hills, submitted an electronic public comment opposing Item No. 7.2.1 that was received, forwarded to the Council prior to the meeting, posted on the City’s website, and announced into the record by City Clerk Lee.
Dawn Ford, a resident of Laguna Hills, addresses the City Council on Item No. 7.2.1.
City Manager Hildenbrand responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
City of Laguna Hills City Council/Planning Agency Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
7 Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Authorize the City Manager to sign the Public Works Construction Contract with Oppenheimer National in the amount of $51,068; 2) Find that the Project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Class 1 Existing Facilities, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301; and 3) Authorize the Finance Director to amend the budget by transferring $28,229 from the Public Works Operating Account, Landscape Maintenance, into CIP No. 403.
A motion to move staff’s recommendation was moved by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Council Member Heft.
A substitute motion to perform testing to ensure visibility and conduct a poll of the residents located around the project site and return to the City Council at the June 25, 2024, regular meeting was moved by Mayor Wheeler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Sweeney.
Mayor Wheeler recessed the meeting at 9:22 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:28 p.m.
Mayor Wheeler called for a roll call vote on the substitute motion.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS
MOVER: Dave Wheeler, Mayor
SECONDER: Joshua Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore
AYES: Dave Wheeler, Mayor; Joshua Sweeney, Mayor
Pro Tempore; Don Caskey, Council Member;
Janine Heft, Council Member; Erica Pezold, Council
Member
8. MATTERS AGENDIZED AND PRESENTED BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
8.1 City Council/Planning Agency Roll as Decision-Maker Regarding QuasiJudicial Matters—Due Process Requirements Mayor Wheeler provided information on the item.
City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
The City Council discussed and provided direction.
City of Laguna Hills City Council/Planning Agency Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
8 8.2 Review of the City's Economic Development Committee Mayor Wheeler provided information on the item.
City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
The City Council discussed and provided direction.
8.3 Potential Changes To, Clarified Interpretation, and Discussion of Laguna Hills Municipal Code Chapter 9-92: Application Process and Submittal Requirements - Continued Item
Mayor Wheeler provided information on the item.
City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
City Manager Hildenbrand responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
The City Council discussed and provided direction to staff.
8.4 Discussion on the Formation of an Ad-Hoc Committee to Explore the Feasibility of Establishing an Aquatic Center / Community Pool Facility Council Member Heft provided information on the item.
City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
Recommendation: Council Member Pezold recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff.
A motion to form an Ad-Hoc Committee consisting of Council Member Pezold and Council Member Heft for a time period of 4-6 months to explore the feasibility of establishing an Aquatic Center/Community Pool Facility was moved by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Council Member Heft.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Erica Pezold, Council Member
SECONDER: Janine Heft, Council Member
AYES: Joshua Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore; Don Caskey, Council Member; Janine Heft, Council Member; Erica Pezold, Council Member
ABSTAIN: Dave Wheeler, Mayor
City of Laguna Hills City Council/Planning Agency Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
9 9. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS
9.1 Committee Assignment Reports
The City Council received reports from City Council Members on the City Council Committee Assignments listed in the staff report.
10. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Council Member Caskey
Council Member Caskey provided comments on the functionality of the Economic Development Committee and indicated his desire to have the City be represented at future International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conferences.
Council Member Caskey reported on a recent Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) meeting he attended.
Council Member Caskey indicated his desire to agendized a discussion to explore the possibility of forming a Planning Commission at a future meeting and received a second from Council Member Pezold.
Council Member Heft
Council Member Heft reported on the recent Laguna Hills Memorial Day Race event.
Council Member Heft provided comments on the passing of Laguna Hills High School Principal, Bill Hinds.
Mayor Pro Tempore Sweeney
Mayor Pro Tempore Sweeney reported on the recent Laguna Hills Memorial Day Race event.
Council Member Pezold
Council Member Pezold provided comments on the upcoming Rooted Campaign event.
Council Member Pezold reported on the comments she has received from constituents on the anticipation of the opening of The Pizza Store business in Laguna Hills.
Council Member Pezold reported on security concerns at night in Beckenham Park and inquired about the use of security cameras at City parks.
City of Laguna Hills City Council/Planning Agency Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
10 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council at this session, Mayor Wheeler declared the meeting adjourned at 11:21 pm., in memory of Laguna Hills High School Principal, Bill Hinds.
Jennifer Lee, City Clerk
ATTEST:
Dave Wheeler, Mayor
Approved at meeting of June 11, 2024