City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Tuesday, August 26, 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: Council Member Mathis
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 Appointment of Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Ethan Keschner and Alternate Student Liaison Dylan Wu
Mayor Sweeney presented a Certificate of Appointment to Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Ethan Keschner. Alternate Student Liaison Dylan Wu was not available at the meeting to accept the certificate.
1.2 Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Report
The City Council received a report from Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Ethan Keschner.
1.3 Certificate of Recognition- Congressional Gold Medalist Sawyer Ashland The City Council congratulated Sawyer Ashland for earning the Congressional Gold Medal Award at the U.S. Capitol and Mayor Joshua Sweeney presented him with a Certificate of Recognition in honor of this outstanding achievement.
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Tuesday, August 26, 2025
2 1.4 Proclamation for Hunger Action Month
The City Council issued a Proclamation declaring September 2025 as "Hunger Action Month" and Mayor Sweeney presented the Proclamation to Second Harvest Director of Government Affairs and Community Relations Malia Carry and Policy & Advocacy Fellow Alejandro Aular.
1.5 Laguna Hills Team Darkhorse 3/5 Marine Support Committee The City Council received an update from President/Chair Douglas Tennant and LtCol Nicholson on recent activities of the Laguna Hills Team Darkhorse Support Committee and the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines Regiment, 1st Marine Division.
1.6 Laguna Terrace Beautification Team's 2025 Plein Air Painting Contest The City Council received a presentation from Commissioner Huggins on the Laguna Terrace Beautification Team's 2025 Plein Air Painting Contest and Mayor Sweeney presented Certificates of Recognition to the winners of the contest.
2. Schedule of Future Events
2.1 Schedule of Future Events
Community Services Director Gannon announced the upcoming meetings and events.
3. Public Comments
The following individual(s) provided public comments on non-agendized items:
Kaylee Van Hise (aka Baby Slice), President, South Coast Roller Derby SJ (aka Coach Beaderpan), South Coast Roller Derby
4. Consent Calendar
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar was moved by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Council Member Mathis.
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
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
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 July 8, 2025, Regular Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council approve the City Council Minutes for the July 8, 2025, Regular Meeting.
4.3 Ratification of August 26, 2025 Warrant Register
Recommendation: That the City Council ratify the accompanying Warrant Register for the period from June 27, 2025, to August 14, 2025, in the amount of $5,126,438.11.
4.4 Treasurer's Investment Report for June 2025
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Treasurer's Investment Report for the month of June 2025.
4.5 Treasurer's Investment Report for July 2025
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Treasurer's Investment Report for the month of July 2025.
4.6 Excused Absence Request from Council Member Pezold for the June 24, 2025, and July 8, 2025, City Council Regular Meetings
Recommendation: That the City Council approve an excused absence request from Council Member Pezold for the June 24, 2025, City Council regular meeting due to an illness and the July 8, 2025, City Council regular meeting due to a family emergency.
4.7 Designation of Voting Delegate for League of California Cities Annual Conference
Recommendation: That the City Council appoint the Mayor as the Voting Delegate and appoint the Mayor Pro Tempore as the Voting Delegate Alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference.
4.8 Assignment and Assumption of Lease and Third Amendment to Lease Agreement with Banc of California, a California State-Chartered Bank, for 24033 El Toro Road, Suite 130, Laguna Hills, California Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Approve the proposed assignment and assumption agreement for 24033 El Toro Road, Suite 130, Laguna Hills, California; City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
4 2. Approve the third amendment to the lease agreement with Banc of California, a California state-chartered bank, for 24033 El Toro Road, Suite 130, Laguna Hills, California; and 3. Authorize the Interim City Manager to make minor modifications, as necessary, to the assignment and assumption agreement and to the third amendment to the lease agreement and to execute both agreements.
4.9 Proposed License Agreement with SOCAL Counseling Services, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Corporation, for 24031 El Toro Road, Suite 250D, Laguna Hills, California
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Approve the proposed license agreement for 24031 El Toro Road, Suite 250D, Laguna Hills, California; and
2. Authorize the Interim City Manager to make minor modifications, as necessary, to the license agreement and to execute the agreement.
4.10 Proposed Lease Agreement with the County of Orange, a political subdivision of the State of California, for the use of Room No. 102 as a Library within the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, California
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Approve the proposed lease agreement with the County of Orange, a political subdivision of the State of California, for the use of Room No. 102 as a Library within the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, California; and 2. Authorize the City Manager to make minor modifications, as necessary, to the lease agreement and to execute the lease agreement.
4.11 Notice of Completion and Final Payment for the Arterial Pavement Rehabilitation Project – Paseo de Valencia & La Paz Road, CIP 104/109, and Curb Ramp Replacement Project – Alicia Parkway
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Certify the completion of and accept the improvements for the subject project; 2. Authorize the Public Works Director to sign the Notice of Completion; 3. Authorize the recording of the Notice of Completion with the County of Orange and to release the faithful performance and payment bonds one year and 35 days, respectively, after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion contingent upon no claims or liens being filed with the City; and 4. Authorize payment of the final retention 35 days after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion in the net amount of $270,222.12, if no liens have been filed.
4.12 Informal Bidding Ordinance Use Quarterly Report for Public Works Projects Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the report.
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
5 4.13 2025 Memorial Day Race Post Event Report and a Resolution Authorizing Community Assistance Funding for the 3/5 Marine Support Committee Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Receive and file the report; and 2.
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-08-26-1: “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Authorizing Community Assistance Funding for the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Division Support Committee, a California Nonprofit Corporation.”
4.14 2025 4th of July Post-Event Report
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the 2025 4th of July Celebration post-event report.
4.15 Development Application Status Report
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the report.
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar
There were no items removed from the Consent Calendar.
5. Planning Agency
There were no separate Planning Agency Business Items for this meeting.
6. City Council Public Hearings
6.1 Resolution Approving a Correction in Property Tax Allocation for Certain Parcels Between the Cities of Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel and Approval of a Proposed Property Tax Transfer Agreement
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing to consider the effect of the proposed correction and transfer of property tax revenue on fees, charges, assessments, taxes, or other revenues;
2. Approve a proposed Property Tax Transfer Agreement and authorize the Interim City Manager to sign the Agreement; and
3. Adopt a Resolution entitled: “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Approving a Correction in Property Tax Allocation for Certain Parcels Between the Cities of Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel.” Finance Director Hendrickson reviewed the information provided in the staff report and provided a PowerPoint presentation.
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Tuesday, August 26, 2025
6 Mayor Sweeney opened the public hearing, and upon seeing no one rise, closed the public hearing.
A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey.
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
City Attorney Simonian provided concluding comments on the item.
7. Administrative Reports
7.1 Interim City Manager
The Interim City Manager provided no administrative reports.
7.2 Community Development Director
7.2.1 First Reading of Proposed Ordinances Amending Title 10 (Buildings and Construction) and Chapter 5-16 (Fire Code) of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code and Adopting by Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24) Consisting of the California Building Code, Residential Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, Historical Building Code, Fire Code, Existing Building Code, Green Building Standards Code, and Referenced Standards Code, and the WildlandUrban Interface Code, Together with Certain Amendments, Additions, and Deletions Thereto, and Adopting By Reference the 2025 International Property Maintenance Code
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Introduce for first reading, read by title only, and waive further reading of an Ordinance entitled: “An Ordinance of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Amending Title 10 (Buildings and Construction) of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code and Adopting by Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24), Consisting of the 2025 California Building Code, the 2025 California Residential Code Including Appendices BF and CI, the 2025 California Electrical Code, the 2025 California Mechanical Code, the 2025 City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
7 California Plumbing Code, the 2025 California Energy Code, the 2025 California Historical Building Code, the 2025 California Existing Building Code, the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, the 2025 California Referenced Standards Code, and the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Including Appendices F and G, Together with Certain Amendments, Additions, and Deletions Thereto; and Adopting by Reference the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code.”
2. Introduce for first reading, read by title only, and waive further reading of an Ordinance entitled: “An Ordinance of the City of Laguna Hills, California, amending Chapter 5-16 (Fire Code) of Title 5 (Health and Sanitation) of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code and adopting by reference the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code including Appendices B, BB, C, CC, and H together with certain amendments, additions, and deletions thereto.”
3. Direct staff to place the Ordinances on the September 9, 2025, meeting agenda for a public hearing and second reading, and prepare and publish the appropriate hearing notices.
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.
Building Official Kent Tsen 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 Mathis, seconded by Council Member Pezold.
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
8. Matters Agendized and Presented by City Council Members There were no matters agendized by City Council Members.
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
8 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.
9.2 Village at Laguna Hills Ad Hoc Committee Update
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Receive a status report and recommendations from the Village at Laguna Hills Ad Hoc Committee;
2. Direct City staff to begin reviewing and working on Merlone Geier Fund X Laguna Hills, LLC’s (MGP) recently filed application requesting Major Project Modifications to the previously approved entitlements and requesting changes to the Development Agreement for the Village at Laguna Hills Mixed-Use Development Project; and
3. Approve a Retainer Agreement with Stradling Yocca Carson & Rauth to reengage the City’s special land use, entitlement, and development agreement counsel for the purpose of representing the City in connection with processing MGP’s application requesting Major Project Modifications to the previously approved land use entitlements, negotiating modifications to the Development Agreement, and providing the City with other related special counsel services.
The Village at Laguna Hills Ad Hoc Committee, consisting of Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey and Council Member Mathis, provided a status report and recommendations to the City Council.
City Attorney Simonian responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, seconded by Council Member Mathis.
A substitute motion to continue the item was moved by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold.
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
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
9 A substitute motion to take action on each staff recommendation individually was moved by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Council Member Wheeler.
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
Mayor Sweeney called for a vote on the main motion.
A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, seconded by Council Member Mathis.
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
10. City Council Member Comments
Council Member Wheeler
Council Member Wheeler provided comments regarding tonight's public speakers and asked that a discussion on a shared use of the roller hockey rink be agendized for a future meeting and received a second from Mayor Sweeney and Council Member Pezold.
Council Member Pezold
Council Member Pezold requested that a discussion on a new site for pickleball courts at Sheep Hills Park with a shared cost approach with the Aliso Viejo Community Association (AVCA) be agendized for a future meeting and received a second from Council Member Wheeler.
Council Member Mathis
Council Member Mathis commended staff on their efforts on the recent public workshop on design alternatives and the Mobility Element Amendment process.
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
10 Mayor Sweeney
Mayor Sweeney thanked Commissioner Miller for attending the meeting and for his service on the Traffic Commission.
Mayor Sweeney thanked staff for their effort during the transition of the City Manager position.
Mayor Sweeney wished all the Laguna Hills students a successful school year. Go Hawks!
Mayor Sweeney thanked the Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) for all they do throughout the City protecting our residents.
Mayor Sweeney recognized the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and read an email from OCFA regarding a recent fire to highlight the speed, accuracy, and precision at which they work protecting our residents.
Council Member Pezold
Council Member Pezold pointed out that juniper trees are highly flammable and asked that a discussion on the maintenance of the juniper trees located along Paseo de Valencia between La Paz Road and Alicia Parkway be agendized for a future meeting and received a second from Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey.
Council Member Pezold provided comments on work being done at City Hall and indicated she would like to see new paint and carpet be installed.
Council Member Pezold indicated she would like to see the City send an emergency message notifying residents to turn their sprinklers on in the event of a fire.
Adjournment
There being no further business before the City Council at this session, Mayor Sweeney declared the meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
____________________________________
Jennifer Lee, City Clerk
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Joshua Sweeney, Mayor
Approved at the meeting of September 9, 2025.