City of Laguna Hills
City Council
Special Meeting
Minutes
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 2:04 p.m. by Mayor Sweeney.
Roll Call of City Council Members
Present:
Mayor Joshua Sweeney
Mayor Pro Tempore Don Caskey
Council Member Jared Mathis
Council Member Dave Wheeler
Absent:
Council Member Erica Pezold
Announcement of Closed Session Item(s)
A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) and paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Government Code Section 54956.9: (1 potential case: receipt of written notices threatening litigation from the Law Offices of Michelle R. Jackson alleging violation of the California Voting Rights Act.)
Threat of Litigation received June 20, 2023 Attached
Threat of Litigation received August 28, 2025 Attached
Public Comments
There were no public comments on the closed session item.
Convene into Closed Session
Reconvene
The City Council reconvened to the City Council Chamber at 3:21 p.m.
Closed Session Report
A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) and paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Government Code Section 54956.9: (1 City Council Special Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
2 potential case: receipt of written notices threatening litigation from the Law Offices of Michelle R. Jackson alleging violation of the California Voting Rights Act.)
Threat of Litigation received June 20, 2023 Attached
Threat of Litigation received August 28, 2025 Attached
City Attorney Simonian stated that the City Council convened into closed session pursuant to the authorities listed on the Agenda with no reportable action.
Mayor Sweeney read into the record the following statement received by the City Clerk from Council Member Pezold.
Laguna Hills members of the public and honorable members of the council.
In accordance with my commitment to uphold principles of impartiality, transparency, and ethical conduct as a member of the city council in Laguna Hills, I am recusing myself from participating in any deliberations, discussions, or votes related to this item on the agenda and potential legal matter.
I regret any inconvenience this may cause and assure you that this decision is made in the best interest of the council and the public. The decision is based on my family's personal relationship with Esquire Jackson and her family, which could be perceived as an ethical or conflict of interest. To maintain the integrity of the council's decision-making process and to ensure public trust, I believe it is appropriate to abstain from any involvement in this potential legal matter.
I will not participate in any meetings, potential hearings, or actions related to this case.
Adjournment
There being no further business before the City Council at this session, Mayor Sweeney declared the meeting adjourned at 3:23 p.m.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
3 ____________________________________
Jennifer Lee, City Clerk
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Joshua Sweeney, Mayor
Approved at meeting of September 23, 2025.