Minutes — Laguna Hills City Council, October 14, 2025

City of Laguna Hills
City Council / Planning Agency
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Tuesday, October 14, 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. Public Employee Appointment and Employment
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Manager
Public Comments on Closed Session Item(s)
There were no public comments on the closed session item.

Convene into Closed Session
Reconvene to City Council Chamber
The City Council reconvened to the City Council Chamber at 6:00 p.m.

Closed Session Report
A. Public Employee Appointment and Employment
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Manager
City Attorney Simonian stated that the City Council convened into closed session pursuant to the authorities listed on the Agenda and reported that the City Council unanimously voted to appoint Bob Wingenroth as the next City Manager of the City of Laguna Hills.

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 14, 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 Pro Tempore Caskey
Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey
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 Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Report
The City Council received a report from Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Sophia Kim.

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:

Susan Stromswold
Tyler McCourtney
City Attorney Simonian provided comments regarding CR&R services.

4. Consent Calendar
The following individual(s) submitted an electronic public comment on Consent Calendar Item No. 4.9 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:

Zachary McKinley
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
3 The following individual(s) provided public comments on Consent Calendar Item No. 4.9:

Andie Chan
A motion to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar with Council Member Wheeler removing Item No. 4.8 and Item No. 4.10 and Council Member Pezold removing Item No. 4.11 was moved by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold.

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 September 19, 2025, Special Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council approve the City Council Minutes for the September 19, 2025, Special Meeting.

4.3 Approval of Minutes for September 23, 2025, Regular Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council approve the City Council/Planning Agency Minutes for the September 23, 2025, Regular Meeting.

4.4 Approval of Minutes for October 7, 2025, Special Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council approve the City Council Minutes for the October 7, 2025, Special Meeting.

4.5 Ratification of October 14, 2025 Warrant Register
Recommendation: That the City Council ratify the accompanying Warrant Register for the period from September 12, 2025, to October 2, 2025, in the amount of $1,311,171.62.

4.6 Development Impact Fees Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Development Impact Fees Annual Report pursuant to California Government Code Section 66006.

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
4 4.7 Annual Review of Investment and Portfolio Policy and Delegation of Investment Authority to the City Treasurer
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-10-14-1: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, delegating investment authority to the City Treasurer and approving a policy for the investment of City funds and rescinding Resolution No. 2024-10-22-1."

4.9 Resolution of Opposition to Proposition 50
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-10-14-2: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Adopting a Position of Opposition to Proposition 50, "Election Rigging Response Act," on the 2025 California Statewide Special Election Ballot."
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar

4.8 Proposed Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Agreement to Commission Original Art Work for 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines Darkhorse Bronze Memorial Sculpture with Brittany Ryan Studio, LLC Recommendation: That the City Council approve and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Agreement to Commission Original Art Work for 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines Darkhorse Bronze Memorial Sculpture with Brittany Ryan Studio, LLC.

Council Member Wheeler removed Item No. 4.8 from the Consent Calendar to request additional information.

Interim City Manager Ames responded to Council Member requests for additional information.

Finance Director Hendrickson 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.

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
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
5 4.10 Multi-Way Stop Control at Bridlewood Drive and Vista Viejo Road Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-10-14-3: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Designating the Intersection of Bridlewood Drive and Vista Viejo Road as a Multi-Way Stop Intersection and Authorizing the Installation of Multi-Way Stop Controls on Sunburst Avenue on Bridlewood Drive and on Vista Viejo Road." Council Member Wheeler removed Item No. 4.10 from the Consent Calendar to request additional information.

Interim City Manager Ames responded to Council Member requests for additional information.

Chief of Police Services Captain Burk responded to Council Member requests for additional information.

At Mayor Sweeney's request, Traffic Commissioner Miller 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.

6. City Council Public Hearings

6.1 Second Public Hearing to Consider Composition of Districts for Commencing the Process to Transition to By-District Elections
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Receive and file districting public participation presentation prepared by the City’s retained expert demographer National Demographics Corporation and 2. Conduct the Second Public Hearing necessary for commencing the process to transition to by-district elections, review and consider input regarding the composition of districts from interested members of the public, and provide further direction to City staff.

Council Member Pezold does not have a legal conflict of interest; however, due to a potential ethical conflict of interest arising from her friendship with attorney Michelle R. Jackson, she recused herself from the item.

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
6 City Attorney Simonian reviewed the information provided in the staff report and responded to Council Member requests for additional information.

Dr Justin Levitt, Vice-President, National Demographics Corporation (NDC) provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council Member requests for additional information.

Interim City Manager Ames responded to Council Member requests for additional information.

City Clerk Lee responded to Council Member requests for additional information.

Mayor Sweeney opened the public hearing.

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.

Vote Result: Passed
Yes 3, No 1, Abstained 0
Ayes: Mayor Sweeney, Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, Council Member Mathis
Nays: Council Member Wheeler
Abstain: None
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar (continued)

4.11 2025 Holiday Lighting and Decorations Agreement with Trovao and Associates, Inc. dba The Christmas Light Guy Company
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Waive competitive formal bidding requirements and procedures set forth in the City of Laguna Hills Municipal Code (LHMC) Section 3-08.090 with regard to approval of the proposed Holiday Lighting and Decorations Agreement with Trovao and Associates, Inc. dba The Christmas Light Guy Company, as it is hereby found and determined, pursuant to LHMC Section 3-08.110, that the recommended contract is for entertainment services and community support and 2. Approve the proposed Holiday Lighting and Decorations Agreement and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the Agreement.

Council Member Pezold rejoined the meeting at 7:17 p.m.

Council Member Pezold removed Item No. 4.11 from the Consent Calendar to request additional information.

Community Services Director Gannon responded to Council Member requests for additional information.

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
7 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 Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey.

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.

7. Administrative Reports

7.1 Interim City Manager

7.1.1 Review of Funding Needs for City-Owned Buildings, Streets, Parks, Open Spaces, and Other Infrastructure
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1. Receive and file the report concerning City-owned buildings and streets and 2. Direct the Interim City Manager to develop and release Requests for Proposals for the development of a Parks and Open Space Needs Assessment, and a Storm Drain and Bridge Infrastructure Needs Assessment.

Interim City Manager Ames reviewed the information provided in the staff report, provided a PowerPoint presentation, and 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.

Interim 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.

7.1.2 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:

Martha Morrissey Emily Zeif Christopher Zeif
Stephanie Riddle Martha Harcherl Stephen Morrissey
Marilyn Schultheis
OCFA Fire Division Chief Summers 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 to use Specialty Mowing Services for removal and DMS Facility Services for replanting while also incorporating Rooted Volunteer Campaign events to assist with replanting was moved by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Council Member Mathis.

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 City Attorney

7.2.1 City Manager Employment Agreement
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No.2025-10-14-4: “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Approving and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a New City Manager Employment Agreement.”
Mayor Sweeney provided introductory remarks on the item and welcomed Bob Wingenroth to the City of Laguna Hills.

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
9 Newly Appointed City Manager Wingenroth provided comments.

City Attorney Simonian orally reported a summary of the recommendation for final action on the compensation of the City Manager as required per Government Code section 54953.

A motion to approve staff's recommendation was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Caskey, 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

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
Mayor Sweeney
Mayor Sweeney reported on the United Nations University's Japan-United States Leadership Summit he recently attended and indicated that he will be bringing a report of the conference to a future meeting.

Council Member Pezold
Council Member Pezold provided comments on Mayor Sweeney's recently attended summit.

Council Member Pezold provided comments regarding the need for bathrooms and seating at Costeau Park and requested staff to look into the issue.

Council Member Wheeler
Council Member Wheeler provided comments on Mayor's Sweeney's recently attended summit.

City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
10 Council Member Mathis
Council Member Mathis provided comments on decorum.

Council Member Caskey
Council Member Caskey provided comments on decorum and indicated that he looks forward to Mayor's Sweeney's report on the recently attended summit.

Adjournment
There being no further business before the City Council at this session, Mayor Sweeney declared the meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
____________________________________
Jennifer Lee, City Clerk
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Joshua Sweeney, Mayor
Approved at meeting of October 28, 2025.

Laguna Hills City CouncilOctober 14, 2025

Laguna Hills City Council
October 14, 2025