City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
General Business Convening at 6:00 PM
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Sweeney.
Invocation: Mayor Sweeney
Pledge of Allegiance: Council Member Mathis
Roll Call of City Council Members
Present:
Mayor Joshua Sweeney
Mayor Pro Tempore Don Caskey
Council Member Erica Pezold
Council Member Jared Mathis
Council Member Dave Wheeler
Absent:
1. Presentations and Proclamations
1.1 Presentation from Parentis Foundation
The City Council received a presentation from Janice Frechette, Executive Director, Parentis Foundation, on the foundation's contributions to the community.
1.2 Certificate of Recognition for Parentis Foundation
Mayor Sweeney presented a Certificate of Recognition to Janice Frechette, Executive Director of the Parentis Foundation, in acknowledgment of the Foundation's selection as the official Non-Profit Vendor for the Beer Garden at the Memorial Day Race 2025.
2. Schedule of Future Events
2.1 Schedule of Future Events
Deputy City Clerk McDonald announced the upcoming meetings and events.
3. Public Comments
There were no public comments on non-agendized items.
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
2 Mayor Sweeney took Item No. 7.4.1 out of order on the Agenda.
7. Administrative Reports
7.4 Interim Community Services Director
7.4.1 Authorization for Use of Official City Seal
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the use of the official city seal by the Laguna Terrace Beautification Team in advertisements for their 2025 Plein Air Painting Competition.
Council Member Mathis does not have a legal conflict of interest, but out of an abundance of caution, he recused himself from discussion/action on the item.
Interim Community Service Director Gannon reviewed the information provided in the staff report.
Laguna Terrace Beautification Team President Harry Huggins provided a video presentation and responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Council Member Wheeler.
Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, Council
Member Pezold, Council Member Mathis, Council
Member Wheeler
Nays: None
Abstain: None
4. Consent Calendar
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar with Council Member Wheeler removing Item No. 4.7 and Item No. 4.10 and Council Member Pezold removing Item No. 4.7, Item No. 4.9, and Item No. 4.10 was moved by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey.
Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, Council Member Pezold, Council Member Mathis, Council Member Wheeler
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
3 Nays: None
Abstain: None
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 13, 2025, Special Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council approve the City Council Minutes for the May 13, 2025, Special Meeting.
4.3 Approval of Minutes for May 13, 2025, Regular Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council approve the City Council Minutes for the May 13, 2025, Regular Meeting.
4.4 Ratification of May 27, 2025 Warrant Register
Recommendation: That the City Council ratify the accompanying Warrant Register for the period from May 2, 2025, to May 15, 2025, in the amount of $1,911,598.89.
4.5 Treasurer's Investment Report for April 2025
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Treasurer's Investment Report for the month of April 2025.
4.6 Development Application Status Report
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the report.
4.8 Resolution Adopting a List of Street Maintenance Projects for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-05-27-1: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Adopting a List of Street Maintenance Projects for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Funded By SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017."
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar
4.7 Approval of Fiscal Year 2025–26 Agreement with the County of Orange for the Provision of Law Enforcement Services
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the agreement with the County of Orange for the provision of law enforcement services for fiscal year 2025–26, and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract on behalf of the City.
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
4 Council Member Wheeler and Council Member Pezold removed Item No. 4.7 from the Consent Calendar to request additional information.
City Manager Hildenbrand responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
A motion to continue the item until the City's FY25-27 biennial budget is finalized was moved by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold.
Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, Council Member Pezold, Council Member Mathis, Council Member Wheeler
Nays: None
Abstain: None
4.9 Proposed Civic Center Office Lease with Signature America Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., a California corporation, for 24031 El Toro Road, Suite 320, Laguna Hills, California
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Approve the lease agreement with Signature America Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., a California corporation, for 24031 El Toro Road, Suite 320, Laguna Hills, California; 2. Authorize the City Manager to make minor modifications to and negotiate the final terms of the lease agreement, as necessary; and 3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the lease agreement.
Council Member Pezold removed Item No. 4.9 from the Consent Calendar to oppose the item.
A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Mayor Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Mathis.
Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 4, No 1, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, Council Member Mathis, Council Member Wheeler
Nays: Council Member Pezold
Abstain: None
4.10 Assignment and Assumption Agreement for Senior Transportation Mobility Services Agreement
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Approve the proposed Assignment and Assumption Agreement relating to the 2021 Senior Transportation Mobility Services Agreement between the City of Laguna Hills and California Yellow Cab Inc.; City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
5 and 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Assignment and Assumption Agreement.
Council Member Wheeler and Council Member Pezold removed Item No. 4.10 from the Consent Calendar to request additional information.
City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Mathis.
Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, Council Member Pezold, Council Member Mathis, Council Member Wheeler
Nays: None
Abstain: None
5. Planning Agency
There were no separate Planning Agency Business Items for this meeting.
6. City Council Public Hearings
6.1 Local Public Employee Vacant Positions
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing; and
2. Receive a presentation regarding local public employee vacant positions, pursuant to AB 2561 and Government Code section 3502.3.
Finance Director Hendrickson reviewed the information provided in the staff report and responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
Mayor Sweeney opened the public hearing and, upon seeing no public speakers, closed the public hearing.
A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey.
Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, Council Member Pezold, Council Member Mathis, Council Member Wheeler
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
6 Nays: None
Abstain: None
7. Administrative Reports
7.1 City Manager
7.1.1 City of Laguna Hills Legislative Policy Platform
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution entitled, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Adopting a Legislative Policy Platform."
2. Approve City Council Policy No. 111, establishing the City’s Legislative Policy Platform for the 2025–2026 legislative cycle.
City Manager Hildenbrand reviewed the information provided in the staff report and responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
A motion to oppose the item was moved by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold.
A substitute motion to continue the Item to a future meeting was moved by Mayor Sweeney, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey.
Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 3, No 2, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, Council
Member Mathis
Nays: Council Member Pezold, Council Member Wheeler
Abstain: None
7.2 Assistant City Manager
7.2.1 First Reading and Introduction of an Ordinance Establishing a Speed Limit of 30 MPH for Del Lago Drive between Lake Forest Drive and La Cadena Drive
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Receive staff presentation and report; and
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
7 2. Introduce for first reading, read by title only, and waive further reading of an Ordinance entitled: "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Amending Section 11-20.010 of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code Establishing a Speed Limit of 30 MPH for Del Lago Drive between Lake Forest Drive and La Cadena Drive."
Assistant City Manager Ames reviewed the information provided in the staff report, provided a PowerPoint presentation, and responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
A motion to establish a speed limit of 25 MPH for Del Lago Drive between Lake Forest Drive and La Cadena Drive was moved by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold.
A substitute motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Mayor Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Mathis.
Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 4, No 1, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, Council
Member Pezold, Council Member Mathis
Nays: Council Member Wheeler
Abstain: None
7.2.2 Six-Month Review of Established No Parking Overnight Zone on Mill Creek Drive
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Find and determine that the proposed parking regulation is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15301 (the activity applies to the operation of existing streets, and will not expand the use of those existing streets) and 15061(b)(3) (the activity has no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment) of the CEQA Guidelines, Cal. Code of Regs, Title 14, Chapter 3; and
2. Adopt a Resolution entitled: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Re-Establishing a No Overnight Parking Zone from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on the entirety of Mill Creek Drive.” City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
8 Assistant City Manager Ames reviewed the information provided in the staff report, provided a PowerPoint presentation, and responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
The following individual(s) submitted an electronic public comment on Item No. 7.2.2 that was received, forwarded to the City Council prior to the meeting, posted on the City's website, and announced into the record by City Clerk Lee:
Van Erik Zachary McKinley
David Oslinker Przemyslaw Strzelczyk
Jennifer Oslinker Dee Dee Vellis
Shar Alikhani
The following individual(s) provided public comments on Item No. 7.2.2.:
Neel Patel, Traffic Commission Vice Chair
A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Council Member Mathis.
Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, Council
Member Pezold, Council Member Mathis, Council
Member Wheeler
Nays: None
Abstain: None
7.3 Community Development Director
7.3.1 Business Recognition Program
Recommendation: That the City Council review and discuss the proposed business recognition program and provide direction to staff regarding the adoption of a business recognition program.
Community Development Director Lowe reviewed the information provided in the staff report, provided a PowerPoint presentation, and responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
City Manager Hildenbrand responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
9 The City Council provided direction to staff regarding the adoption of a business recognition program.
8. Matters Agendized and Presented by City Council Members There were no matters agendized by City Council Members.
9. City Council Member Committee Reports
9.1 Committee Assignment Report
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 Mathis
Council Member Mathis thanked everyone for administrating a successful Memorial Day Race event.
Council Member Pezold
Council Member Pezold requested an discussion on a community survey regarding City events be agendized for a future Events, Communication, and Beautification Committee.
Council Member Pezold requested a discussion on a security assessment of all businesses and neighborhoods in the City be agendized for a future meeting and received no second.
Council Member Pezold indicated she would like to see public safety updates to be provided to the City Council at future meetings.
Council Member Pezold expressed her appreciation of Assistant City Manager Ames' efforts to establish a no right turn restriction at La Paz Road.
Mayor Sweeney
Mayor Sweeney reported on the Memorial Day Race event, emphasizing the work of Interim Community Services Director Gannon, the Grand Marshall, Sgt. Jarrett Kraft and Team Darkhorse.
Mayor Sweeney provided a quote from Black Hawk Down:"It's what you do right now that makes a difference".
Adjournment
There being no further business before the City Council at this session, Mayor Sweeney declared the meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
10 ____________________________________
Jennifer Lee, City Clerk
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Joshua Sweeney, Mayor
Approved at meeting of June 10, 2025.