MINUTES
City Council/Planning Agency Regular Meeting
June 9, 2026
City Council/Planning Agency Minutes 1 June 9, 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 6:00 p.m., on June 9, 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 June 5, 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.
Roll Call of City Council Members
Present: Mayor Don Caskey, via teleconference pursuant to GC § 54953(c) Mayor Pro Tempore Jared Mathis
Council Member Erica Pezold via teleconference pursuant to GC § 54953.8.3 (c)(2) Council Member Joshua Sweeney
Council Member Dave Wheeler
Absent: None
Invocation: Mayor Pro Tem Mathis
Pledge of Allegiance: Council Member Wheeler
1. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
There were no presentations.
2. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
2.1 Schedule of Future Events
Community Services Director Holland Gannon announced the upcoming meetings and events.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following expressed concern with parking issues in the Sunset Place community: Larry Holmes, Larry Bremer, Gary Steinberg, Tracy Doudt, and Afsaneh Namiranian who deferred her time and comments to Tracy Doudt.
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Randee Lennertz and Margaret Struve: expressed concern with conduct displayed on the dais during discussion of the proposed veterinary hospital at the last City Council Meeting.
Doug Tennant, Chairman of Laguna Hills Team Darkhorse: discussed the items that Team Darkhorse has shipped to deployed Marines and Sailors and outlined the support they are providing for service families.
Poly Pantelidou, Laguna Hills High School PTSA: thanked the City for donating the street signs, which contributed to a successful fundraiser for the school. She noted that two additional sales events are planned, and that the proceeds from all three events will help support a variety of Laguna Hills High School programs.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold, to approve the Consent Calendar as 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 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 May 26, 2026, Regular Meeting Approved the City Council/Planning Agency Minutes for the May 26, 2026, Regular Meeting.
4.3 Ratification of June 9, 2026 Warrant Register
Ratified the accompanying Warrant Register for the period from May 15, 2026, to May 29, 2026, in the amount of $705,743.95.
4.4 Approval of Resolutions Related to the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election
1) Adopted Resolution 2026-06-09-1 entitled: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Calling for the Holding of a General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the Election of Certain Officers as Required by the Provisions of the Laws of the State of California Relating to General Docusign Envelope ID: D14DCC2F-F1A9-86CB-82AA-C0307437CF62 City Council/Planning Agency Minutes 3 June 9, 2026
Law Cities”; 2) Adopted Resolution 2026-06-09-2 entitled: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Requesting The Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange to Consolidate a General Municipal Election to be Held on November 3, 2026, with the Statewide General Election to be Held on the Same Date Pursuant to Section 10403 of the Elections Code"; and 3) Adopted Resolution 2026-06- 09-3 entitled: "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Adopting Regulations for Candidates for Elective Office Pertaining to Candidates’ Statements Submitted to the Voters at an Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026."
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
4.5 Amendment No. 1 to Maintenance Services Agreement with SCA of CA, LLC for Citywide Street Sweeping and Roadway Cleaning
Council Member Wheeler expressed concern that the fiscal impact was not included in the agenda report.
Assistant City Manager Joe Ames responded that there are monies for street sweeping in both adopted budgets for the current and next fiscal years.
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Sweeney, to
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Citywide Street Sweeping and Roadway Cleaning Maintenance Services Agreement with SCA of CA, LLC; 2. Authorize the City Attorney to make minor edits as may be necessary to execute the Amendment; and 3. Authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 1 to the Citywide Street Sweeping and Roadway Cleaning Maintenance Services Agreement.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4.6 Amendment No. 1 to Street Maintenance Services Agreement with Charles Abbott Associates, Inc. for Citywide Street and Roadway Maintenance Services
Council Member Wheeler asked if there is a budgetary increase for the contract amendment.
Assistant City Manager Joe Ames stated that there is no budgetary increase for any of the contract amendments on the agenda.
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Sweeney, to
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Street Maintenance Services Agreement with Docusign Envelope ID: D14DCC2F-F1A9-86CB-82AA-C0307437CF62 City Council/Planning Agency Minutes 4 June 9, 2026
Charles Abbott Associates, Inc. for Citywide Street and Roadway Maintenance Services; 2. Authorize the City Attorney to make minor edits as may be necessary to execute the Amendment; and 3. Authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 1 to the Street Maintenance Services Agreement.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4.7 Amendment No. 1 to Traffic Signal Maintenance Services Agreement with Crosstown Electrical and Data, Inc. for Citywide Traffic Signal Maintenance Services Council Member Wheeler asked about the fiscal impact for this amendment and whether there are any reimbursements from other sources.
Assistant City Manager Ames responded that there is occasional reimbursement from an insurance company if a motorist damages city property.
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Sweeney, to
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Traffic Signal Maintenance Services Agreement with Crosstown Electrical and Data, Inc. for Citywide Traffic Signal Maintenance Services; 2. Authorize the City Attorney to make minor edits as may be necessary to execute the Agreement; and 3. Authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 1 to the Traffic Signal Maintenance Services Agreement.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4.8 Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with WSP USA, Inc. for NPDES Program Management and Inspection Consulting Services
Council Member Wheeler inquired about the fiscal impact for this amendment and reimbursements from other sources.
Assistant City Manager Ames responded that this is a stormwater compliance requirement handed down by the State of California and there are no reimbursements from outside sources.
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Sweeney, to
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with WSP USA, Inc. for NPDES Program Management and Inspection Consulting Services; 2. Authorize Docusign Envelope ID: D14DCC2F-F1A9-86CB-82AA-C0307437CF62 City Council/Planning Agency Minutes 5 June 9, 2026
the City Attorney to make minor edits as may be necessary to execute the Amendment; and 3. Authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4.9 Adoption of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Civic Center Budget Council Member Pezold expressed concern about several maintenance items at the Community Center.
Assistant City Manager Joe Ames clarified that this budget is for the Civic Center only and not the Community Center.
Motion made by Council Member Pezold, seconded by Council Member Sweeney, to approve and adopt the FY 2026-2027 Civic Center Budget.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
5. PLANNING AGENCY
At the hour of 6:32 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem Mathis recessed the City Council meeting and convened the Planning Agency meeting.
5.1 Roll Call of Planning Agency Members
Present: Chair Don Caskey, via teleconference pursuant to GC § 54953(c) Vice Chair Jared Mathis
Agency Member Erica Pezold via teleconference pursuant to GC § 54953.8.3 (c)(2) Agency Member Joshua Sweeney
Agency Member Dave Wheeler
Absent: None
5.2 Public Comments
There were no public comments on non-agendized Planning Agency items.
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5.3 Planning Agency Public Hearings
Vice Chair Mathis announced that he has a financial conflict of interest with agenda item 5.3.1 due to his partial ownership of the property under discussion. He recused himself and left the Council Chamber at 7:20 p.m.
5.3.1 Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. USE-0250-2025, a request by Shawn Zuo on behalf of Alliance Vet, for Approval of a Proposed Veterinary Hospital located at 25226 Cabot Road
Community Development Director Jennifer Lowe presented the staff report and addressed questions that were raised during the May 26, 2026, Public Hearing on the same matter.
At the hour of 7:46 p.m., Chair Caskey opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments.
Project applicant Shawn Zuo and Veterinarian Nancy Chen discussed their animal hospital operations and answered questions of the Agency Members Chair Caskey closed the public hearing at 8:03 p.m.
Motion made by Agency Member Pezold to approve staff's recommendation and add, to condition 25, that a septic tank would be required if pet odors are an ongoing issue. The Motion died for lack of a second.
Motion made by Agency Member Sweeney, seconded by Chair Caskey, to 1. Find and determine that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1, Existing Facilities); and 2. Adopt a Resolution PA2026-06-09-1 entitled: “A Resolution of the Planning Agency of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Approving Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. USE-0250-2025, a request by Shawn Zuo on behalf of Alliance Vet, for Approval of a Veterinary Hospital in an existing 2,308 square foot tenant space located at 25226 Cabot Road, Including an Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 of Title 14, Chapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations (Class 1, Existing Facilities).” On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Pezold
ABSENT: Mathis (recused)
Vice Chair Mathis returned to the Council Chamber at 8:18 p.m.
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5.3.2 Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. USE-0255-2026, a request by Daniel Ho, on behalf of Ronald Reagan Secondary School, for Approval of a Private High School Located at 23293 South Pointe Drive
Assistant Planner Talia Markison gave the staff report and provided a visual presentation.
At the hour of 8:33 p.m., Vice Chair Mathis opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments.
Project applicant Daniel Ho made a presentation on the proposed secondary school, discussed curriculum, student oversight, and presented various photos of classrooms and other spaces within the school.
Vice Chair Mathis closed the public hearing at 9:01 p.m.
Motion made by Agency Member Sweeney, seconded by Agency Member Pezold, to
1. Find and determine that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1, Existing Facilities); and 2. Adopt Resolution PA2026-06-09-2 entitled: “A Resolution of the Planning Agency of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Approving Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. USE-0255-2026, a request by Daniel Ho, on behalf of Ronald Reagan Secondary School, for Approval of a private high school in an existing 7,466 squarefoot tenant space located at 23293 South Pointe Drive, Including an Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 of Title 14, Chapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations (Class 1, Existing Facilities).” On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold Sweeney, Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
At the hour of 9:09 p.m., Vice Chair Mathis adjourned the Planning Agency meeting and the City Council reconvened.
6. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
6.1 City Manager
There was no report from the City Manager.
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6.2 Assistant City Manager
6.2.1 Resolution Establishing City Council Policy No. 128 Regarding Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During Public Meetings Assistant City Manager Joe Ames presented the staff report.
City Attorney Colin Burns shared his opinion on Council Member Wheeler’s proposed changes to the policy and answered the City Council Member's questions.
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler, seconded by Council Member Pezold, to add to the Policy the provision for multiple outages.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Wheeler
NOES: Sweeney
ABSENT: None
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler to add the word “shall” to the wording for restarting the meeting. The motion died for lack of a second.
Motion made by Council Member Wheeler to remove the words “two-way” from the policy. The motion died for lack of a second.
Motion made by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mathis, to adopt Resolution 2026-06-09-4 entitled: “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laguna Hills, California, Establishing City Council Policy No. 128 Regarding Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During Public Meetings” (including the previously approved change regarding multiple outages).
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Caskey, Mathis, Pezold, Sweeney
NOES: Wheeler
ABSENT: None
7. MATTERS AGENDIZED AND PRESENTED BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBER There were no Council Member agenda items.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
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8.1 Committee Assignment Reports
Council Member Sweeney discussed the May 28 meeting of the Orange County Fire Authority Board of Directors where the major focus was the recent Garden Grove “Western Incident” which demonstrated that OCFA is an all-hazards agency. He thanked OCFA, law enforcement, City staff and regional partners for their efforts during the incident. He also noted that the OCFA Board adopted the FY 2026-27 budget and that he had the honor of attending the 18th Annual Best and Greatest Awards, recognizing firefighters, chiefs, and all those who have provided extraordinary service.
Council Member Wheeler outlined his attendance at the May 28 Orange County Library Advisory Board where there was a presentation on literacy programs. He said the City of Laguna Hills was a topic of discussion because it hosted the author of the Goosebump books and the event had a fantastic turnout with approximately 1,300 attendees.
10. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Council Member Pezold
Council Member Pezold stated that she would like to see the fiscal impact listed on all agenda items and she suggested that resolutions be shown on a separate tab in the agenda. She thanked the residents who came out to speak about the climate on the dais at the last City Council meeting and she acknowledged that the parking situation discussed earlier is very problematic.
Council Member Sweeney
Council Member Sweeney thanked city staff for their work on the evening’s agenda and Director Gannon for the outstanding events organized by her department. In response to earlier comments, he said that he does respect his colleagues and their right to ask questions. Council Member Sweeney concluded by emphasizing the importance of focusing on economic development to help businesses thrive.
Council Member Wheeler
A motion was made by Council Member Wheeler and seconded by Council Member Sweeney, to put parking issues and street sweeping on a future agenda.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mathis and seconded by Council Member Wheeler, to look at parking on the south side of Laguna Hills Drive.
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Mayor Caskey
Mayor Caskey stated that the Traffic Commission exists for a reason and the City needs to partner with the Sheriff’s Department and the Commission on the parking issues in the Sunset Place Community. He noted that one of the benefits of continuing the public hearing on Alliance Veterinary Hospital was that the Council got answers to questions that were raised at the last meeting.
Adjournment
At the hour of 9:52 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, June 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
____________________________________
Karen Hamman, Interim City Clerk
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Don Caskey, Mayor
Approved at meeting of June 23, 2026
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