City Council/Planning Agency Minutes 1 March 24, 2026
MINUTES
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting
March 24, 2026
A Regular Meeting of the City Council / Planning Agency of the City of Laguna Hills, California, was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Mathis at 5:00 p.m., on March 24, 2026, in the City Council Chamber at 24035 El Toro Road, Laguna Hills, California.
A complete copy of the agenda for the meeting containing all items as shown herein was posted by 5:00 p.m. on March 20, 2026, on the outdoor bulletin board at Laguna Hills City Hall. A copy was also posted at Laguna Hills Community Center and Knotty Pine Park.
In addition, the agenda was posted at two remote locations: (1) 27182 Hidden Trail Road, Laguna Hills, CA 92652 where Mayor Caskey was participating via teleconference; and (2) the AC Hotel by Marriott Washington DC, Capitol Hill Navy Yard, 867 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003 where Council Member Sweeney was participating via teleconference.
Roll Call of City Council Members
Present: Mayor Don Caskey (via teleconference)
Mayor Pro Tempore Jared Mathis
Council Member Erica Pezold
Council Member Joshua Sweeney (via teleconference)
Council Member Dave Wheeler
Absent: None
Announcement of Closed Session Item(s)
1. Public Employment: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1), Title: Interim City Attorney.
Public Comments on Closed Session Item(s)
There were no public comments on Closed Session item A.
Recess to Closed Session and Reconvene
At the hour of 5:01 p.m., Mayor Pro Tempore Mathis recessed to Closed Session. At the hour of 6:03 p.m., Mayor Pro Tempore Mathis reconvened the meeting with all five Council Members present.
City Council/Planning Agency Minutes 2 March 24, 2026
Report of Closed Session
There was no reportable action from Closed Session.
Invocation: Council Member Wheeler
Pledge of Allegiance: Council Member Pezold
1. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
1.1 Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison Report
The Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison was not in attendance.
2. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
2.1 Schedule of Future Events
Community Services Director Gannon announced the upcoming meetings and events.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Scott Miller, Chair of the Laguna Hills Traffic Commission: discussed growing pressure on residential streets for parking and announced that as Chairman of the Traffic Commission, he has called for a special workshop in April so the Commission can address these matters from a strategic standpoint.
John Loper: offered recommendationsto improve the aesthetics of the urban village to better serve customers of Oakbrook Village.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, and 4.10 were removed from the Consent Calendar for a separate discussion.
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4.1 Waive Reading in Full of all Ordinances and Resolutions on the Agenda City Council/Planning Agency Minutes 3 March 24, 2026
The City Council waived reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda and declared 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 March 10, 2026, Regular Meeting The City Council approved the City Council Minutes for the March 10, 2026, Regular Meeting.
4.3 Ratification of March 24, 2026 Warrant Register
The City Council ratified the accompanying Warrant Register for the period from February 27, 2026, to March 13, 2026, in the amount of $1,425,679.37.
4.4 Treasurer'sInvestment Report for February 2026
The City Council received and filed the Treasurer'sInvestment Report for the month of February 2026.
4.11 First Amendment to Lease Agreement with Serenity Escrow, Inc. for 24031 El Toro Road, Suite 300, Laguna Hills, California
The City Council: 1. Approved the proposed First Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Serenity Escrow, Inc., a California corporation, for 24031 El Toro Road, Suite 300, Laguna Hills, California; and 2. Authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement.
4.12 Arbor Day Proclamation
The City Council authorized the Mayor to sign the attached Arbor Day Proclamation as required by the Arbor Day Foundation for the Tree City USA Certification.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
4.5 FY 25-27 Biennial Budget Amendments
Council Member Wheeler asked questions of staff.
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold, to authorize the Finance Director to amend the FY 2025-2027 Biennial Budget by recognizing revenues and appropriating expenses related to encroachment permits, the Cabot Road Traffic Signal Improvements, the CR&R Donation, the Avenida de la Carlota Pavement Rehabilitation, the Principal Planner position, and the Paseo de Valencia Active Transportation Elements.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
City Council/Planning Agency Minutes 4 March 24, 2026
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4.6 Approval of the Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise (WISE) Agreement with the County of Orange
Council Member Wheeler asked questions of staff.
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Mathis,seconded by Council Member Wheeler, to 1. approve the attached WISE Agreement with the County of Orange for municipal solid waste disposal rates and services; and 2. authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4.7 Approval of Amended and Restated NPDES Stormwater Permit Implementation Agreement
Council Member Wheeler asked questions of staff.
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold, to 1.
Approved the Amended and Restated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit Implementation Agreement ("Agreement") between the County of Orange, Orange County Flood Control District (District), and participating Orange County cities (collectively called Permittees); and 2. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement and any related documents necessary to implement the terms of the Agreement.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4.8 Authorization to Submit Request for Schedule Adjustment – Paseo de Valencia Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program (RTSSP) Project Council Member Wheeler asked questions of staff.
City Council/Planning Agency Minutes 5 March 24, 2026
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold, to authorize the Assistant City Manager to submit a request to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to revise the project schedule for the Paseo de Valencia – Moulton Parkway Confluence Bypass Corridor Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program Project, including shifting the Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring (O&M) phase to January 2027 (FY 2026/27).
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4.9 Development Application Status Report
Council Member Wheeler asked questions of staff.
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold, to receive and file the report.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4.10 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Council Member Wheeler asked questions of staff.
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold, to approve and direct Staff to forward the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report and Housing Element Annual Progress Report-Housing Implementation to the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
5. PLANNING AGENCY
Mayor Pro Tem Mathis recessed the City Council Meeting, and acting in capacity as Vice Chair, called the Regular Meeting of the Planning Agency of the City of Laguna Hills, City Council/Planning Agency Minutes 6 March 24, 2026
California, to order at 6:36 p.m. There were no City Council Public Hearings.
5.1 Roll Call of Planning Agency Members
Present: Chair Don Caskey (via teleconference)
Vice Chair Jared Mathis
Agency Member Erica Pezold
Agency MemberJoshua Sweeney (via teleconference)
Agency Member Dave Wheeler
Absent: None
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
There were no Planning Agency administrative reports.
5.5 Planning Agency Public Hearings
5.5.1 Site Development Permit/Master Sign Program (SDP/MSP) No. USE-0216- 2025, a request by John Loper, on behalf of Laguna HillsInvestment Company, for Approval of an Amendment to the Oakbrook Village Master Sign Program to Accommodate a New Freeway Pylon Sign Located at 24231 – 24321 Avenida de la Carlota
Senior Planner Jay Wu reviewed the information provided in the staff report, provided a visual presentation, and responded to Agency Member requests for additional information.
Community Development Director Jennier Lowe responded to Agency Member requests for additional information.
Vice Chair Mathis opened the public hearing at 6:44 p.m.
Project applicantJohn Loper, Laguna HillsInvestment Company, discussed the proposed signage program,responded to Agency Memberrequestsfor additional information, and agreed to abide by the proposed conditions of approval on the project.
City Council/Planning Agency Minutes 7 March 24, 2026
Vice Chair Mathis closed the public hearing at 6:49 p.m.
Motion made by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Council Member Wheeler, to (1) Find and determine that the proposed Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15311(a) of Title 14, Chapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations (Class 11, Accessory Structures); and (2) Adopt Resolution PA2026-03-24-1 entitled: “A Resolution of the Planning Agency of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Approving Site Development Permit/Master Sign Program (SDP/MSP) No. USE-0216-2025, a Request by John Loper, on behalf of Laguna Hills Investment Company for Approval of an Amendment to the Oakbrook Village Master Sign Program to Accommodate a New Freeway Pylon Sign Located at 24231 – 24321 Avenida de la Carlota, and Finding the Project Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15311 (Class 11, Accessory Structures) of the State CEQA Guidelines.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
YES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
5.6 Planning Agency Adjournment
Vice Chair Mathis adjourned the Planning Agency Meeting and reconvened the City Council meeting at 6:51 p.m.
6. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
6.1 City Manager
City Manager Wingenroth welcomed and thanked newly appointed Division 5 Chief, Reid Gibson, of Orange County Fire Authority.
6.2 Assistant City Manager
6.2.1 Proposed Closures of Southbound Cabot Road by Southern California Gas Company
Juan Gonzalez, Public Affairs Manager, and Reid Perkins, Project Manager, on behalf of Southern California Gas Company, provided a visual presentation and responded to Council Member requests for additional information.
The City Council received and filed the report.
City Council/Planning Agency Minutes 8 March 24, 2026
6.3 Community Services Director
6.3.1 City of Laguna Hills Banner Program
Community Services Director Holland Gannon presented the staff report.
The City Council discussed the options and provided direction on the proposed banner program framework and banner designs.
Motion made by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Mayor Caskey, to approve staff's recommendation for option 1 of the banner project and directed that final banner designs come back to the City Council for approval.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
6.3.2 City of Laguna Hills America250
Community Services Director Holland Gannon presented the staff report.
The City Council discussed the options and asked questions of staff.
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold, to adopt Strategy 1 with final designsto come back in front of Council.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Mathis
7. MATTERS AGENDIZED AND PRESENTED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
7.1 Discussion of a Proposed City Council Policy Establishing A City Council Meeting Curfew
Mayor Pro Tem Sweeney presented the idea of establishing a City Council Meeting Curfew and the City Council Members discussed the matter.
Motion made by Council Member Sweeney,seconded by Mayor Caskey, to directstaff to draft a City Council meeting curfew policy and return to City Council for approval.
City Council/Planning Agency Minutes 9 March 24, 2026
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Sweeney
NOES: Pezold, Wheeler
ABSENT: None
8. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS
8.1 Village at Laguna Hills Ad-Hoc Committee Update Report Motion made by Mayor Caskey,seconded by Council Member Sweeney, to postpone the Village at Laguna Hills Ad-Hoc Committee Update Report to the next meeting.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Council Member Wheeler provided an update concerning the Orange County Older Adult Advisory Commission and proposed that their presentation be added to an upcoming City Council meeting agenda.
Council Member Pezold provided an update on recent actions of the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control Board and the Transportation Corridor Agencies (Toll Roads) Board.
9. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Council Member Wheeler
Council Member Wheeler requested that the application status of the Village at Laguna Hills project be presented to the City Council in a future report Mayor Caskey
Mayor Caskey asked whether old street corner signs could be retained for potential sale or distribution to community members and local groups. He made a motion to place the item on a future agenda and the motion was seconded by Council Member Sweeney.
Council Member Sweeney
Council Member Sweeney expressed appreciation and welcomed Division 5 Chief Reid Gibson of the Orange County Fire Authority. He also thanked and honored all first responders, including the 3/5 Dark Horse Battalion.
City Council/Planning Agency Minutes 10 March 24, 2026
Mayor Pro Tem Mathis
Mayor Pro Tem Mathis expressed appreciation for staff and their continued efforts.
Council Member Pezold
Council Member Pezold expressed appreciation for staff and for those involved in the installation of the newly updated street corner signs.
Adjournment
At the hour of 8:40 p.m., with no further business to come before the City Council/Planning Agency at this session, Mayor Pro Tem Mathis adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Karen Hamman, Interim City Clerk
ATTEST:
Jared Mathis, Mayor Pro Tem
Approved at meeting of April 14, 2026