City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Closed Session - Convening at 5:00 PM
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Sweeney.
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:
Announcement of Closed Session Item(s)
A. Conference with Labor Negotiators
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6(a) City Designated Representative: Eric Hendrickson, Finance Director Employee Organization: Laguna Hills City Employee Association, City Employee Organization
B. Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) Public Employee Title: City Manager - Performance Review Public Comments
There were no public comments on the closed session items.
Adjourn to City Council Conference Room or City Council Chamber Convene into Closed Session
The City Council convened into closed session to consider the matters listed above.
Reconvene to City Council Chamber
Recess
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
2 General Business Convening at 6:00 PM
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Mayor Sweeney.
Invocation: Mayor Sweeney
Pledge of Allegiance: Council Member Pezold
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:
Closed Session Report
A. Conference with Labor Negotiators
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6(a) City Designated Representative: Eric Hendrickson, Finance Director Employee Organization: Laguna Hills City Employee Association, City Employee Organization
B. Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) Public Employee Title: City Manager - Performance Review City Attorney Simonian stated that the City Council convened into closed session pursuant to the authorities listed on the Agenda with no reportable action taken. City Attorney Simonian further stated that the discussion on Closed Session Item B was not concluded and, pursuant to the authorities authorized by the Laguna Hills Municipal Code, the City Council will reconvene into closed session at the end of the meeting.
1. Presentations and Proclamations
Mayor Sweeney presented Certificates of Recognition to Olympic athlete Johnny Key and his coach Ah Chong Sam Chong.
2. Schedule of Future Events
2.1 Schedule of Future Events
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
3 Deputy City Clerk McDonald announced the upcoming meetings and events.
3. Public Comments
The following individual(s) provided public comments on non-agendized items:
Dawn Ford
4. Consent Calendar
A motion to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar with Council Member Pezold removing Item No. 4.7 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
4.1 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 27, 2025, Special Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council approve the City Council Minutes for the May 27, 2025, Special Meeting.
4.3 Approval of Minutes for May 27, 2025, Regular Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council approve the City Council Minutes for the May 27, 2025, Regular Meeting.
4.4 Ratification of June 10, 2025 Warrant Register
Recommendation: That the City Council ratify the accompanying Warrant Register for the period from May 16, 2025, to May 29, 2025, in the amount of $630,542.72.
4.5 Second Reading and Adoption of Introduced 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 adopt Ordinance No. 2025-3: "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Amending City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
4 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."
4.6 Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025/2026
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-06-10-1: "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 2025/2026.”
4.8 Award of Professional Services Agreement to AGA Engineers, Inc. for Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program for Paseo De Valencia – Moulton Parkway Confluence Bypass Corridor Project, CIP 168-L
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Award a Professional Services Agreement to AGA Engineers, Inc. for Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program for Paseo De Valencia – Moulton Parkway Confluence Bypass Corridor Project, and 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement.
4.9 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. 2025-06-10-2: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Concerning the Status and Update of the Circulation Element, and Mitigation Fee Program for the Measure M (M2) Program."
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar
4.7 Award of Public Works Construction Contract for the Street Name Signs Project, CIP 113
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Award the Public Works Construction Contract for the Street Name Signs Project, CIP 113 (changed from CIP 153), to the lowest responsive bidder, Cat Tracking, Inc., in the amount of $237,325.00; 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;
3. Reject all other construction bids; and 4. Authorize the City Manager to sign the Public Works Construction Contract with Cat Tracking, Inc.
Council Member Pezold removed Item No. 4.7 from the Consent Calendar to provide comments on the item.
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
5 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
5. Planning Agency
Mayor Sweeney recessed the City Council Meeting, and acting in capacity as Chair, called the Regular Meeting of the Planning Agency of the City of Laguna Hills, California, to order at 6:17 p.m.
5.1 Roll Call of Planning Agency Members
Present:
Chair Joshua Sweeney
Vice Chair Don Caskey
Agency Member Erica Pezold
Agency Member Jared Mathis
Agency Member Dave Wheeler
Absent:
5.2 Public Comments
There were no public comments for the Planning Agency on non-agendized items.
5.3 Approval of Minutes
The Planning Agency Minutes are approved by the City Council.
5.4 Administrative Reports
5.4.1 Capital Improvement Program General Plan Conformity Report Recommendation: That the Planning Agency adopt Resolution No.
PA2025-06-10-1: “A Resolution of the Planning Agency of the City of Laguna Hills, California, finding that the proposed 2025/2026 Fiscal Year Capital Improvement Program conforms with the General Plan of the City of Laguna Hills pursuant to California Government Code Section 65401.” Assistant City Manager Ames reviewed the information provided in the staff report, provided a PowerPoint presentation, and responded to Agency Member requests for additional information.
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
6 A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Agency Member Mathis, seconded by Vice Chair Caskey.
Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0
Ayes: Chair Sweeney, Vice Chair Caskey, Agency Member Pezold, Agency Member Mathis, Agency Member Wheeler
Nays: None
Abstain: None
5.5 Planning Agency Public Hearings
5.5.1 Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. USE-0188-2024, a request by Property Owner Rahim Tofigh for Approval of a Proposed Roof Deck on a Detached Rear Yard Accessory Dwelling Unit Located at 25961 Glen Canyon Drive
Recommendation: That the Planning Agency:
1. Conduct a public hearing;
2. Find and determine that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15303 (Class 3, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures); and
3. Adopt Resolution No. PA2025-06-10-2: “A Resolution of the Planning Agency of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Approving Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. USE-0188-2024, a Request by Property Owner Rahim Tofigh for Approval of a Roof Deck on a Detached Rear Yard Accessory Dwelling Unit Located at 25961 Glen Canyon Drive, Including an Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines Article 19 Section 15303 (Class 3, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).”
Senior Planner Wuu reviewed the information provided in the staff report, provided a PowerPoint presentation, and responded to Agency Member requests for additional information.
Chair Sweeney opened the public hearing.
Project applicant and property owner, Rahim Tofigh, responded to Agency Member requests for additional information and agreed to abide by the proposed conditions of approval on the project.
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
7 Chair Sweeney closed the public hearing.
A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Agency Member Pezold, seconded by Vice Chair Caskey.
Roll Call Vote Result: Passed
Yes 5, No 0, Abstained 0
Ayes: Chair Sweeney, Vice Chair Caskey, Agency Member Pezold, Agency Member Mathis, Agency Member Wheeler
Nays: None
Abstain: None
5.6 Planning Agency Adjournment
Chair Sweeney adjourned the Planning Agency Meeting at 6:32 p.m. and reconvened the City Council Meeting. All Council Members were present in Chamber.
6. City Council Public Hearings
6.1 Adoption of Solid Waste Collection and Recycling Rate Adjustments for Residential and Commercial Collection Services
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Receive staff presentation and report, and receive City Clerk report on written property owner protests;
2. Ask questions of staff;
3. Open the public hearing;
4. Receive public testimony;
5. Close the public hearing; and
6. If less than 6,634 written protests were received by the City, by motion, approve the rate adjustments in the approved Contract for the Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Municipal Solid Waste and for the Collection and Transportation of Recyclable Materials to Processors for Diversion between the City of Laguna Hills and CR&R Incorporated.
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 Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
8 City Clerk Lee provided a report on written property owner protests received.
Mayor Sweeney opened the public hearing.
The following individual(s) provided public comments on Item No. 6.1.:
Mike Price
At Mayor Sweeney's request, Chrystal Denning, CR&R Regional Vice President, responded to Council Member and public requests for additional information.
Mayor Sweeney closed the public hearing.
Mayor Sweeney received consensus to re-open the public hearing.
At Mayor Sweeney's request, Chrystal Denning, CR&R Regional Vice President, responded to Council Member and public requests for additional information.
The following individual(s) provided public comments on Item No. 6.1.:
Anonymous
Anonymous
Mayor Sweeney closed the public hearing.
A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, 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. Administrative Reports
7.1 City Manager
7.1.1 First Reading and Introduction of an Ordinance adopting the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map as Required by California Government Code Section 51179
Recommendation: That the City Council
1. Receive staff presentation and report;
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 City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
9 Laguna Hills adding Chapter 10-84 to the Laguna Hills Municipal Code Adopting the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map as Designated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection;” and
3. Direct staff to place the Ordinance on the June 24, 2025, meeting agenda for a Public Hearing and second reading, and to publish the hearing notice.
City Manager Hildenbrand 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.
At Mayor's Sweeney's request, Nick Pivaroff, OCFA Assistant Fire Marshal, responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Council Member Mathis, 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
7.2 Finance Director
7.2.1 Budget Adoption for Fiscal Years 2025/2026 & 2026/2027 Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-06-10-3: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, adopting the operating budget, capital improvement program and other appropriations for the City of Laguna Hills for the 2025-2026 & 2026-2027 fiscal years." The following individual(s) submitted an electronic public comment on Item No.
7.2.1 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:
Ezekiel Katz
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
10 A motion to continue the item to an additional City Council Workshop was moved by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold.
Roll Call Vote Result: Failed
Yes 2, No 3, Abstained 0
Ayes: Council Member Pezold, Council Member Wheeler
Nays: Mayor Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, Council
Member Mathis
Abstain: None
Finance Director Hendrickson reviewed the information provided in the staff report, provided a PowerPoint presentation, and responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
A motion to move staff's recommendation was moved by Council Member Mathis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey.
A substitute motion to remove a Motor Deputy and a Community Services Officer (CSO) from the budget was moved by Council Member Wheeler and received no second.
A substitute motion to request Saddleback Valley Unified School District cover the costs of crossing guards and the School Resource Officer (SRO) was moved by Council Member Wheeler and subsequently withdrawn by Council Member Wheeler.
City Manager Hildenbrand responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
A substitute motion to reduce all budget discretionary items by 2% was moved by Council Member Wheeler and received no second.
A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Council Member Mathis, 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
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
11 7.3 City Manager
7.3.1 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 Manager Hildenbrand reviewed the information provided in the staff report and responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
The following individual(s) submitted an electronic public comment on Item No.
7.3.1 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:
Margaret Jenkins
Sook Lee Park
A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Council Member Mathis, seconded by Mayor Sweeney.
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
7.4 Chief of Police Services
7.4.1 Public Safety Update
Chief of Police Services, Captain Burk provided a public safety update report and responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
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.
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
12 10. City Council Member Comments
Council Member Pezold
Council Member Pezold provided comments on a lawsuit referred to as "The Siri Lawsuit" and requested a discussion on eliminating devices during closed session meetings be agendized at a future meeting and received no second.
Council Member Wheeler
Council Member Wheeler provided comments on recent changes to the lane layout on Paseo de Valencia at Laguna Hills Drive.
Adjournment
The City Council reconvened into Closed Session to continue their discussion on Closed Session Item B.
The City Council reconvened to the City Council Chamber.
City Attorney Simonian reported that the City Council convened into closed session pursuant to the authorities listed on the agenda with no reportable action.
There being no further business before the City Council at this session, Mayor Sweeney declared the meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.
____________________________________
Jennifer Lee, City Clerk
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Joshua Sweeney, Mayor
Approved at meeting of June 24, 2025.