LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Special City Council Meetings
January 12-13, 2022 - 5:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Gennawey called the Special City Council meeting on January 12, 2022, to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Elaine Gennawey - Present
Mayor Pro Tem Sandy Rains - Present
Council Member Kelly Jennings - Present
Council Member Fred Minagar - Present
Council Member Rischi Paul Sharma - Present
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council Member Minagar
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
There were no public comments.
CITY COUNCIL
Conduct Interviews to Fill Two-Year Term Vacancies, Unless Otherwise Specified, for the Senior Citizens Committee (4); Investment, Banking and Audit Committee (2); and Parks and Recreation Commission (2) The City Council interviewed the following individuals on January 12, 2022, to fill two-year term vacancies, unless otherwise specified, for the Senior Citizens Committee (4); Investment, Banking and Audit Committee (2); and Parks and Recreation Commission (2):
Senior Citizens Committee (4 vacancies)
Nancy Meade Cotton
Yvonne Davis (Incumbent)
Irene Kennedy
Ann Mudry (Incumbent)
Gregory Reid (Incumbent)
Investment, Banking and Audit Committee (2 vacancies)
James Carbone (Incumbent)
Richard Riegle (Incumbent)
Parks and Recreation Commission (2 vacancies)
Melissa Caldwell
Deanna Despot
Drew Hall
Richard Kovach
City Council Special Minutes Page 1 of 4 January 12-13, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission (2 vacancies) cont.
Christine Lambino-Cunliffe
Rod Robinson
Sher Sheldon
John Ulrich
Jeff von Waldburg
Stephanie Winstead (Incumbent)
William Zauner
The City Council concluded the interviews to fill two-year term vacancies, unless otherwise specified, for the Senior Citizens Committee (4); Investment, Banking and Audit Committee (2); and Parks and Recreation Commission (2).
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gennawey adjourned the January 12, 2022 meeting at 7:49 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Gennawey called the Special City Council meeting on January 13, 2022, to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Elaine Gennawey - Present
Mayor Pro Tem Sandy Rains - Present
Council Member Kelly Jennings - Present
Council Member Fred Minagar - Present
Council Member Rischi Paul Sharma - Present
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council Member Sharma
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
There were no public comments.
CITY COUNCIL
Conduct Interviews to Fill Two-Year Term Vacancies, Unless Otherwise Specified, for the Planning Commission (2); and Traffic and Transportation Commission (2)
The City Council interviewed the following individuals on January 13, 2022, to fill two-year term vacancies, unless otherwise specified, for the Planning Commission (2); and Traffic and Transportation Commission (2):
City Council Special Minutes Page 2 of 4 January 12-13, 2022 Planning Commission (2 vacancies)
Sally Savage-Lebhart
Any Open Vacancy
William "Bill" Sundin
Mr. Sundin decided to cancel his interview.
Planning Commission (2 vacancies) (cont.)
Timothy Bowman
Leif Brandon
William Frey
Peter Hersh (Incumbent)
Brian Melhaus
Kathleen Nordin
Stephanie Oddo
Taylor Parham
Don Stokes
Pedram "Pete" Vahid
Mike Whipple (Incumbent)
Andrew Zalay
Philip Zorc
Traffic and Transportation Commission (2 vacancies)
Amy Betonte (Incumbent)
Susan Harden (Incumbent)
Joe Pino
The City Council discussed and appointed the following individuals to serve on City Commissions and Committees each for a two-year term ending December 31, 2023:
Investment, Banking and Audit Committee
James Carbone (Incumbent)
Richard Riegle (Incumbent)
Planning Commission
Sally Savage-Lebhart
Pedram "Pete" Vahid
Parks and Recreation Commission
Christine Lambino-Cunliffe
Stephanie Winstead (Incumbent)
Traffic and Transportation Commission
Amy Betonte (Incumbent)
Susan Harden (Incumbent)
City Council Special Minutes Page 3 of 4 January 12-13, 2022 Senior Citizens Committee
Yvonne Davis (Incumbent)
Patty Mouton, moved from 1st Alternate to Regular Member (Incumbent) Ann Mudry (Incumbent)
Gregory Reid (Incumbent)
Shereen Sheldon, Alternate
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gennawey adjourned the January 13, 2022 meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Thy M. Merritt
Acting City Clerk
City Council Special Minutes Page 4 of 4 January 12-13, 2022
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
January 18, 2022
7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL - Mayor Gennawey called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Elaine Gennawey- Present
Mayor Pro Tem Sandy Rains - Present
Council Member Kelly Jennings - Present
Council Member Rischi Paul Sharma - Present
Council Member Fred Minagar - Absent
INVOCATION - Chaplain Serena Cummins, Orange County Sheriff's Department PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Cub Scout Pack 705
PRESENTATIONS
Volunteer of the Month Presentation - Jessica Tuma
Mayor Gennawey stated that the Volunteer of the Month award served to recognize a member of the Laguna Niguel community for their service to others, for displaying kindness and generosity, all while lending a helping hand to make the Laguna Niguel community a better place. She stated that she was happy to share that the Volunteer of the Month was Jessica Tuma. She listed Jessica's many accomplishments as a volunteer for the City. She stated that Jessica's gracious efforts and kind and giving actions helped to keep Laguna Niguel's selfless spirit as strong as ever, and she thanked her on behalf of the Council.
Mayor Gennawey and the City Council then presented Jessica with a certificate commending her for her volunteer services.
2. Proclamation Recognizing Ms. Jerri Rosen for 31 Years of Dedicated Service with Working Wardrobes
Mayor Gennawey stated that Jerri Rosen had an incredible career and is well known throughout the community for the selfless work that she has done over her 31 years with Working Wardrobes. She then read the Proclamation recognizing her dedicated service. On behalf of the City Council, she thanked Jerri for her service to the more than 115,000 client lives that she touched throughout her career, and for her commitment and never-ending dedication to making the community a great place and congratulated her on her well-earned retirement.
Mayor Gennawey and the City Council then presented Jerri with a Proclamation recognizing her 31-years of dedicated service with Working Wardrobes.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 24 January 18, 2022 Jerri thanked the Mayor, the City Council, and the citizens of Laguna Niguel for this honor.
Chamber of Commerce "Shop and Dine Laguna Niguel" Contest Winners Announcement
Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Scott Alevy stated that there were 1,409 tickets received for this contest, which was 20 percent more than last year.
He invited Mayor Gennawey to pick the winners from a drum of tickets. He stated that the Chamber of Commerce staff would contact the winners. He thanked the City for its generosity and support, and thanked the ten businesses who donated to the Chamber's weekly prize.
4. Moulton Niguel Water District Presentation Regarding the Drought and District Updates
Moulton Niguel Water District General Manager Joone Lopez provided an update on the drought conditions in South Orange County.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was one general public comment provided by Carole Allen. She stated that it was that time of year for the residents of Laguna Niguel to submit nominations for the Laguna Niguel Citizen of the Year. She stated that this award was created on the first anniversary of our cityhood by volunteer service organizations and continues to be awarded each year. She encouraged everyone to spread the word to friends and neighbors and have them think about Laguna Niguel residents they know who unselfishly volunteer in various ways that help our City. She stated that the nomination period is between March 1st and March 31st 1, that nomination forms would be around town and on the City of Laguna Niguel website, and that the due date to turn in nominations is 5:00 p.m. on March 31st : She thanked the Council for helping the Citizen of the Year committee with this positive endeavor.
Mayor Gennawey closed general Public Comments.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rains, seconded by Council Member Minagar, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 5-0, with Council Member Minagar abstaining from voting on Item No. 3.
1. Warrants of January 4, 2022 and January 18, 2022
Approved as written.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 24 January 18, 2022 Payroll Summary Registers
Approved as written.
3. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meetings on December 21, 2021 Approved as written.
Investment Report as of November 30, 2021
Received and filed the City of Laguna Niguel Investment Report as of November 30, 2021
Approval of Amendment No. 4 to the Maintenance Services Agreement for the Installation and Removal of City Banners with Creative Commercial Services
1. Approved Amendment No. 4 to the Maintenance Services Agreement for the Installation and Removal of City Banners with Creative Commercial Services in the additional not-to-exceed amount of $40,000 per year, for a total not-to- exceed amount of $76,140 per year;
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 20% contingency of the total contract in the amount of $15,228 per year for unforeseen conditions or extra work and authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve additional work for a total not-to-exceed amount of $91,368 per year, if needed; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 4 and future amendments to the Maintenance Services Agreement for the Installation and Removal of City Banners with Creative Commercial Services, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
6. Approval of Professional Services Agreement with ECORP Consulting, Inc. to Provide Environmental Consulting Services for a Proposed New 108-Unit Senior Living Facility, Including Rezone, and Expansion of Grace Church (24600 La Plata - Griffin Senior Living Facility and Grace Church Remodel).
1. Approved the Professional Services Agreement (the "Agreement") with ECORP Consulting, Inc. to prepare an environmental analysis for the proposed development of a 108-unit Senior Living Facility and expansion of Grace Church located at 24600 La Plata for an amount not to exceed $58,905;
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 24 January 18, 2022
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement, and future amendments to the Agreement, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes. The costs associated with these services will be paid by the project applicant, Griffin Living; and Approved a Fiscal Year 2021/22 budget appropriation for a pass-through amount of $58,905. The costs associated with these services will be paid by the project applicant, Griffin Living.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Introduction of Ordinance No. 2022-212 Amending the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Related to the Military Support Committee Deputy City Manager Justin Martin stated that this discussion item is related to an update to the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code section on Boards, Commissions and Committees, more specifically to amend the provisions of the City's Military Support Committee. He stated that this item and the provisions included in it were established at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Rains and Council Member Sharma, both who serve as the Co-Chairs of the Military Support Committee. He stated that the Military Support Committee was established to sustain and enhance the adoptive relationship between the City of Laguna Niguel and selected military units and that the Committee consists of 20 members including two City Council Members who serve as Co-Chairs. He stated that the Co- Chairs are the sole appointees of the remaining Committee members except for certain ex officio members. He stated that we are discussing updates and amendments to the Committee's provisions listed in the Municipal Code and that the Military Support Committee provisions of the Municipal Code were last updated in February 2020, when authority was given to the Co-Chairs to remove members from the Committee.
He stated that the recommended updates to the Military Support Committee sections included in this Municipal Code amendment consist of establishing the position of an honorary volunteer member; establishing term limits for committee members; revising the provisions for ex officio members; and revising the duties of the committee. He stated that we will first discuss the establishment of the position of an honorary volunteer member.
He stated that the rationale behind the request to create an honorary volunteer member is to create transitional or alternative volunteer opportunities for current or past Military Support Committee members whose appointment has ended, yet still have a desire to assist as a long-term volunteer at official Military Support Committee events and programs. He stated that on some occasions, following years of service, there have been changes in personal lives, capacity, and time constraints that have limited Committee members' ability to continue commitments at levels that a full Committee Member appointment requires. He stated that the addition of the new Honorary Volunteer Member position would enable an Honorary Voluntary Member to remain involved without the required commitments and responsibilities that accompany full voting 'Committee Member' appointments.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 24 January 18, 2022 He stated that the recommended criteria to be eligible to be an Honorary Member are:
need to have served on the Military Support Committee at-large for a total of at least 4 years, and at least 2 years as a sub committee chair; need to have been a member of the committee in good standing, including having followed the Military Support Committee Guidelines; and need to have been an exemplary participant/fundraiser during their time on the committee.
He stated that additionally, appointment is to be made collectively by the co-chairs, by interview and invitation, individuals who have served in the past or that are currently serving in a Committee Member position and having met the aforementioned criteria, may be eligible, that there is a maximum term limit of 8 years for honorary volunteer members, comprising of two 4-year terms, the maximum number of Honorary Members shall be up to 10, honorary volunteer members are not voting members of the Military Support Committee, and as such, do not have the same attendance and participation requirements as voting members, and honorary members may not concurrently serve as an ex officio member or voting at-large member.
He stated that the rationale behind this request is to create alternative transitional volunteer opportunities for current or past Military Support Committee members whose appointment has ended, yet still have a desire to assist as a volunteer at official Military Support Committee events and programs. He stated that the next item being considered is the establishment of term limits for members of the Military Support Committee. He stated that at current, there are no term limits in place for the Military Support Committee, while there are for most other Commissions and Committees, excluding the Youth and Investment, Banking & Audit Committees.
He stated that a recommendation is being made to set a maximum term limit of six years for members of the Military Support Committee, in line with other Commissions and Committees. He stated that the maximum term limit of 6-years excludes the new 'Honorary Volunteer Member' who would be permitted to serve a maximum term of eight years after they are a voting Committee member. He stated that the rationale behind the recommendation to adopt the 6-year term limit is to bring additional community member participation, ideas, and skills to the Committee and that these new member ideas and skills can serve to further utilize technology and increase sponsorship and donor opportunities, resulting in moving the Committee to newer and greater heights. He stated that the addition of term limits, coupled with the addition of up to 10 Honorary Volunteer Members will keep existing members involved in a volunteer participatory capacity, given their passion and experience, while still adding in the ideas and skillsets of new Committee members. He stated that the adoption of term limits is in line with prior City Council direction, which led to the adoption of term limits for other Commissions and Committees, in October 2014. He stated that if term limits are adopted by the City Council, the terms of current Military Support Committee Members would be retroactive to the current term only. He stated as an example, if a Committee Member is in the first year of a two-year term, this will count as one year of the maximum term or, if a committee member is in the second year of a two-year term this will count as two years of the maximum term. He stated that additionally, if a Committee Member previously served a term, or terms, those years will not count towards the maximum term of six years.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 24 January 18, 2022 He stated that the next update we will discuss is the revision to the ex officio member section. He stated that the proposed action is to amend the current ex officio non-voting member section by limiting the total number of representatives from the Laguna Niguel Military Support Foundation to one. He stated that the current total number of representatives is not limited. He stated that with the addition of up to 10 Honorary Volunteer Members, one Military Support Foundation ex Officio member adequately meets the needs of the Committee. He stated that changing the number of representatives on the Committee appointed by the Laguna Niguel Military Support Foundation to 1, will also match the total maximum number of ex officio member liaisons from the commanding officer of the adoptive units, which is one appointment, and the adoptive units Spouse/Family Support Group, which is also one appointment each. He stated that the language is also being recommended to clarify that ex officio members may not concurrently serve as a voting at-large member or Honorary volunteer member.
He stated that since the Committee's selected adoptive units have changed with the retirement of the USS McClusky, language is being recommended to remove references to the specific units and to become broader, so any future adoptive unit change does not need to be made to the Municipal Code, in the future. He stated that the recommended language will remove specific unit names and replace with 'the Committee's selected adoptive military units" and that this language change serves as an administrative change and a future efficiency for any additional adoptive military units.
He stated that the Municipal Code Section related to the Duties of the Committee, is being recommended for amendment to clean-up language related to past, current, and future adoptive units. He stated that similar to the language change in the Ex Officio Member section, amended language will also serve to remove reference to the specific military units and to become broader, so any future adoptive unit change does not need to be made to the Municipal Code. He stated that the recommended language will remove specific unit names and replace with "the Committee's selected adoptive military units" He stated that to fully update the existing provisions of the Municipal Code related to the Military Support Committee, staff has prepared Ordinance 2022-212. He stated that the Ordinance as presented includes language which serves to amend all of the items that have been discussed and are included in the staff report.
He stated he will review the recommendation as is proposed, which is to: waive full reading, make any amendments to, and introduce Ordinance No. 2022-212 by title:
Ordinance no. 2022-212, an Ordinance of the City Of Laguna Niguel amending various provisions of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code relating to the Military Support Committee, including provisions to establish the position of an Honorary Volunteer Member, establishing term limits, revising provisions for ex officio members, revising the duties of the committee, and making a finding of exemption under CEQA in connection therewith, and direct that the proposed ordinance, with any changes to it, be placed on the future agenda.
Council Member Minagar stated that this item was introduced by two of his City Council colleagues and he just wanted to know if there's anything else that he needed to know besides what he's read and what he's heard from Deputy City Manager Martin. He directed his question to Mayor Pro Tem Rains and Council Member Sharma.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 24 January 18, 2022 Council Member Sharma stated that we would be moving into discussion, but that as far as the background and the way that the ordinance revisions have matured, he thought that Deputy City Manager Martin was very succinct.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that she and Council Member Sharma were faced with a very challenging decision to make on December 5th and 6th when they had interviews for the Military Support Committee. She stated that some of the members had given them feedback on things that they'd like to see change and things that they felt were important that had fallen to the wayside over the past couple of years. She stated that we understand that there was a pandemic and that we had such respect for those who served during that time. She stated that we were at a quandary so we approached the City Manager and asked about creating a committee, like an honorarium, so that it would open up space for us to bring in people who could help us with some of the areas where we were lacking but be able to still honor and continue to keep the members we had that we respected, had a lot of history with, and members we knew wanted to continue to serve in that capacity. She stated that due to the fact that they had to wait a month that this is the first time it is coming to everybody, but that was our rationale behind it. She stated that this was a little bit more background as to how this came to be. She stated that we met with City Manager Letourneau and requested some guidance and some ideas to help us come up with suggestions, so that's where it started, and Deputy City Manager Martin did the report and the ordinance for us.
Council Member Jennings asked if the Military Support Committee ask for these changes.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that it is not a committee decision, that it is a City Council decision because of the ordinance, and that it is a change in ordinance.
Council Member Jennings stated that she understood that and asked whether this was a concern of the committee and was that why you were bringing it forward.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that there were some concerns from committee members who, like it was mentioned in the report, could no longer serve for personal reasons but wanted to still do stuff.
Council Member Jennings asked if the full committee had brought up these concerns and if they had reviewed these changes.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that she was going to defer to City Attorney Ennis and stated that she didn't believe that we could bring this forward to the committee because of the way the ordinance works, that it has to become public first and then go forward.
City Attorney Ennis stated that the City Council has a choice as to whether they want to direct it to be reviewed by the committee before it is considered by the Council for adoption, or the Council has a choice to act on its own without their review and recommendation.
Mayor Gennawey stated that the question was has this been reviewed by the committee.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 24 January 18, 2022 Deputy City Manager Martin stated that there had not been a formal agenda item on this item at the committee level.
Mayor Gennawey asked if this had been discussed or had input sought from the foundation on this item.
Deputy City Manager Martin stated that to his knowledge there had been no discussion with the foundation, but that perhaps Mayor Pro Tem Rains and Council Member Sharma might know.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that she had conversations with a foundation Board member and was given some advice.
Mayor Gennawey asked if the foundation was aware of this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that she didn't know if the member made all of the board aware of it but that she had conversations with one foundation member.
Mayor Gennawey then opened Public Comments for this item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Frank McGrath stated that he was in opposition of this ordinance and that as noted it was not discussed with the Military Support Committee but that he did have a conversation with one of our Co-Chairs. He referenced his long membership with the committee, his unique qualifications, and the many roles he's had on the committee. He noted that if the ordinance had been in place when he joined, he would have been forced to leave and would not have been able to provide his valuable services. He stated that the committee is unique and not like the other City committees, and that the purpose of the committee Sto Sular minary Corone from airy stated mistiercinate lee lay for the committee's functioning.
Debra Garnreiter stated that she has been a member of the committee for about 6 years and that a lot of things have happened of late that make her think how in the world is this wonderful thing that she cares so much about, about to be changed or taken away. She stated that last month 3 very valuable members who are hard-working, dedicated, good community members were left off the committee, two of which were on base serving our marines at the time they were given the call that they had been fired. She outlined how it takes a long time to learn the job of being on the committee. She stated that having those people lose their positions like that, the way we've all been kind of treated, is very disrespectful and was very unprofessional.
John Ulrich stated that he has been a member of the committee for over 8 years and that he enjoys being involved in the various fundraising events. He stated that he was a veteran during the Vietnam period, that he experienced the good and the bad during that conflict, and that this gives him a unique perspective on the needs of our military and their City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 24 January 18, 2022 families. He stated that he was in opposition of the ordinance and that the Military Support Committee was unique and unlike any of the other City committees or commissions. He listed examples of why he opposed the ordinance. He stated that the ordinance will encumber our mission and make it difficult. He stated that he believed it was time for a change in leadership in the Military Support Committee and respectfully requested the City Council remove the current Co-Chairs and appoint new Council Liaisons.
Robert Ming stated that as the President of the Military Support Foundation that they had a board meeting yesterday and reviewed the proposal especially in regard to the way the Military Support Foundation appoints its non-voting ex-officio members, and that the board voted unanimously to oppose those provisions. He stated that he wanted to compliment the Military Support Committee and that it has been one of the most effective and productive committees that he has ever seen. He stated that the efforts of the committee over the years has been exemplary and that while he respects the effort put in by Mayor Pro lem Rains and Council Member Sharma, he personally suggested that you say thanks but no thanks to these proposals and that if it wasn't broken, don't fix it.
Mayor Gennawey concluded Public Comments for this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that anytime we look at anything where we're changing something, it inevitably changes, though it's not something that most people like. She stated that there were a few things that prompted us to look at these different opportunities and one is that we have valued members of this community that we respect and value their years of service. She stated that we also have new members of our community who move in and who also want to be involved, so, in trying to open space for continuing to value and respect the service of those that we've had and also opening opportunities for new members to be able to serve is a very important thing. She stated that we have a lot of other newly retired military members who are newly appointed to this committee. She stated that earlier we heard a report from Moulton Niguel Water District's General Manager Joone Lopez, and Ms. Lopez said in her report that in regards to innovation and improvement, just because it's been done that way doesn't mean it's going to stay that way. She stated that one of the biggest concerns that we had when we were looking at the past 5 years of the committee, and none of us could have predicted Covid or what happened with Covid, but we had a lot of challenges. She stated that everybody had to pivot, everybody had to look at things differently and that we had to make some new changes. She stated that one of the things that happened as a result of Covid was that this committee did not raise a dollar in 2020. She stated that this was broken, and that this is a broken system if we're not bringing in one dollar. She stated that the needs of our military members and service members did not change and did not go away in 2020 just because we had a pandemic. She stated that her daughter was deployed during that time and she knew that their needs were much greater than what they are on a normal type of deployment. She stated that this was one of the things they looked at and that we have great programs in place, but we don't have systems in place or we don't have fundraising opportunities in place that are automated, that bring in large donors, that bring in donors that would donate whether we had the opportunity to stand at WalMart or whether we had the opportunity to do a car wash or a fundraiser. She stated that we weren't able to do in-person fundraisers for almost two years and that our first in-person fundraiser was our car wash just a couple of months ago. She stated that when we were City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 24 January 18, 2022 sitting down and having interviews even, that one of our members who's opposing this was one of the ones that brought these key points to us. She stated that he said our fundraising sucked and that this was an exact comment from him. She stated that we have to look at other opportunities. She stated that if this was a comment coming from a senior member of the committee, we have to look at new ways of doing things and that it's not easy and it's not comfortable. She stated that we're not comfortable up here and that we're not trying to put anybody in an awkward position or try to discredit anybody.
She stated that we actually appreciate each and every one of you and we want to make sure there's a place for all of you to serve. She stated that we are trying to align things so that everything is added up. She stated that the foundation's role is to collect the funds and disperse the funds, that is their limited role as far as this committee goes. She stated that one representative of the foundation can come to the meetings to give their updates and that we're happy to have that, and that all the others also have one representative.
She stated that there's no reason to have multiple representatives from the foundation at a meeting other than trying to align all the numbers to add up to the same thing. She stated that they thought the honorarium committee was a good thing because it gives us an opportunity to give members who can't serve or choose not to reapply because they want to open space for somebody else or have personal reasons, another opportunity to serve. She stated that she respects the comments and understands that this is a very difficult decision. She stated that a couple of years ago this dais took action to put into code that Co-Chairs could remove anyone at will and that this was a way more punitive way of moving members off of a committee than actually offering them something. She stated that the term limits are 6 years and that this is just like any other committee, with the exception of the Youth Committee and Investment, Banking and Audit Committee, and that in 2014 the Council established term limits for the Planning Commission. She stated that, yes, this is a working committee but that it is also a committee that is tasked with raising money, and that none of the good that we do can be done if we don't raise money. She stated that if we are seeing a lack of funds, then we have to start looking to see how we can do something different. She stated that this was not intended to be disrespectful in any way to anybody but that it is intended to open space and to hopefully provide more opportunities. She stated that if you serve for 6 years and then stay off for 2 years, you can back, re-apply, and serve another 6 years, so, it's not like a term limit where you are done and gone.
Council Member Sharma stated that Mayor Pro Tem Rains was comprehensive in her summary but that he would like to go back to the discussion on the honorarium committee.
He stated that the concept was following 2020 and 2021 and our inability to raise funds without being physically present at every event and the limitations that were being imposed on us by corporations that otherwise traditionally allow us to go and stand in front of their stores and solicit donations. He stated that there was a raw challenge for us to automate and systematize some of our stuff not only from a technical skill set but from an idea standpoint. He stated that sometimes when we have organizations that have been in place for a long time, and he quoted from a former committee member who did not re- apply, that unless you're bringing in new blood, the organization's going to die. He stated that this former committee member felt that it would be better for him to not re-apply and open up that space, as Mayor Pro Tem Rains pointed out. He stated that this gives us the opportunity to bring in some new skill sets to help us hopefully bridge to the next evolution of who we're going to become as a committee. He stated that through the introspection City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 24 January 18, 2022 of adding an honorarium committee, it was a question as to what is the capacity to make that transition when you have a lifelong member and your only two alternatives is to not reinstate them upon their renewal or to terminate them for cause. He stated that how do you transition individuals who say 'I'm not going to do this' or 'I'm not going to do that' into an honorarium committee that gives them the ability to pick and choose what responsibilities they want to have and to continue to stay in a position of leadership to direct and help the new members from our community who are new veterans that want to give back to their service units and their colleagues. He stated that we were going through this exploration, that there were several challenges that were raised, and that we felt that this was really the best way to handle it. He stated that when it came to asking the question about term limits again, it wasn't ever envisioned to be a punitive standpoint or a punitive development. He stated that it was that you got 6 years on the committee, you interview and come on to the honorarium committee, and if selected, you got another 8 years. He stated that this amounts to 14 years following the closure of the honorarium committee and you could re-apply back to the Military Support Committee for another b years. He stated that there's a lot of different avenues to pursue interests and that a lot of focus, unfortunately, is being put on the title of committee member and some of the focus is being lost on where our real service is intended to be. He stated that as clarification, he was put on as Co-Chair of a committee when he first came on and he didn't have any experience but enjoyed working with his team and enjoyed the learning experience. He stated that following his year 2 of service, his Co-Chair at the time came to him and said 'you look like you've got this under control, I can't give as much time due to personal reasons, as I used to, I won't be re-applying'. He stated that this was very sad, that this individual felt that they couldn't uphold all of the responsibilities of the committee and that this individual has since passed away. He stated that we have an individual that chose not to re-apply this year because he was going into semi-retirement and expressed that they wouldn't be able to attend every meeting and hated the thought of not being available all year long, but still wanted to be involved somehow. He stated that he wanted to be able to give honor and the badge of respect to such members, to say to them that you've given a lot of years to this committee and we'd like for you to continue to fulfill a role with us and serve in a position of leadership. He stated that as far as ex-officio members, the primary role of the foundation was to collect and distribute funds and that the ordinance is left up to the City Council. He stated that when it gets to what the actual language that's presented in the ordinance, the cleanup aspect of it should be straightforward for everybody on this Council.
Council Member Jennings stated that she had a hard time digesting this and did not understand why all these changes need to be made. She stated that a few more questions need to be asked, like why can't we expand the number of participants, why does it have to be 20, why can't it be 25. She stated that she didn't think we need to go through setting term limits and, like a committee member said, it takes a long time to develop these relationships with all the people and different units that they serve. She stated that she doesn't think we need term limits, that the Military Support Committee is a very different committee than being on the Planning Commission, and that this is a relationship committee. She stated that the committee is about volunteerism, that it is not making huge decisions that are affecting the city, that this is helping our community, and is expanding our relationships. She stated that, as former Mayor Robert Ming said, this is beyond the lives that have been touched from this committee and is beyond what we can ever City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 11 of 24 January 18, 2022 measure. She stated that she doesn't think it needs changing and that people can volunteer and we don't need to create a separate honorarium committee or set up a different committee for people to volunteer. She stated that she thinks it's up to the foundation how many people are on the foundation and that it is not up to the City Council or the committee. She stated that she doesn't agree with the vague language that takes out the names of the units we serve. She stated that it is important that we identify them in black and white and that if it needs to be changed or if we need to add or subtract that needs to be the full council and it needs to be documented in our ordinance. She stated that in regards to the lack of funds, that we don't need to change an ordinance to create different systems in place to get donors and that none of that needs to change. She stated that we could have just been thoughtful in the last two years of coming up with different ways to raise funds. She stated that she had a similar situation at work where they had to figure out how to raise funds for our charities that we support and how can we be creative. She stated that they came up with creative ways, had lots of Zoom things and that there are other ways but that we should have that conversation but don't change term limits, don't take people off committees. She stated to expand the committee and that it doesn't need to stay at 20 members. She stated that if someone can't serve at every meeting, why is it an all or nothing. She stated that this doesn't make sense and why can't a member miss a few meetings and that nobody should feel obligated to attend every meeting or event. She stated that she understands that people are busy and we want everyone's input, we want this to be a community outreach and that the Chair and Co- Chair shouldn't have all the authority. She stated that she would like to see some changes as well and that maybe after the discussion she can propose those changes.
Council Member Minagar asked City Attorney Ennis to clarify that this was the first reading of the ordinance. City Attorney Ennis answered yes. Council Member Minagar further asked City Attorney Ennis that we don't have to make a final determination tonight, so that decision can be carried over to the next City Council meeting for final ratification. City Attorney Ennis answered that an ordinance requires two readings at two different decide not to adopt it at the next meeting. Council Member Minagar further clarified that his question was do we have to make a determination tonight with regard to the approval and disapproval of the proposed action by the two Council Members on this specific item tonight, do we have to make that decision tonight or could it be made during the next meeting, which would be the final reading of the proposed ordinance. City Attorney Ennis answered that you can make a decision to not introduce the ordinance and continue the item, you can make a decision to introduce the ordinance but then not make additional changes to it at second reading and then it would become first reading requiring a second reading. Council Member Minagar stated that because a member of the public mentioned that two members were fired and one was pulled out or something, he needed to get more information on that to see why, because he has served on different committees and commissions at this great City for so many years and this has never happened in the 24 years he's been with the City. He stated that his personal take on this aspect of this unique situation, is that we've never done it like that before, and that the way we do things in Laguna Niguel, we always praise and that the City is a first-class City and what we do here is always in the best interest of the City. He stated that he doesn't have any information, so back to his first concern about what happened, what circumstances City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 12 of 24 January 18, 2022 instigated the decision to be made, that two had to be fired, he asked his colleagues to respond.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that no one was fired and that we had several members that did not re-apply, so, if there's a misunderstanding there that somebody re-applied and then there were members that we actually wanted to find a space in the honorarium committee because we felt that their leadership would be valuable in that committee and that was our goal. She stated that we did have a member who had a conflict of interest and we were asked by City Manager Letourneau if we had concerns and she advised that it would be best not to have a member on the committee with a conflict. She stated that no one was fired and that we were trying to put this together because we wanted to create those spaces. She stated that Mayor Gennawey knows the different challenges that go along with it.
Council Member Minagar stated that he understood the complexity of the committee.
Mayor Gennawey stated that for clarification re-appointment is the word you're looking for and that there was a member who was not re-appointed.
Council Member Minagar stated that it was mentioned that in 2020 we had zero donations and contributions. He asked how much did we collect in 2021.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that the report shows that in 2021 the fundraising was $16,420, in 2020 it was zero, and in 2019 it was $20,910. She stated that over the past three years the fundraising has really declined and when you look at the historical from 2016 to 2018 the 2016 was $34,665, in 2017 it was $37,434, and in 2018 it was $57,717.
She stated that there was a definite drop off and a significant loss and that as an example, at the Military Support Committee meeting earlier in the day, we just voted to give 150 gift cards to up to 25 families for their new babies. She stated that if you multiply 150 times 25 that's almost $4,000. She stated that we just gave 200 gift cards for Christmas to kids which was $10,000. She stated that these needs are the same every year whether we raise money or not and if we don't have the funds to continue the work. She stated that, as Council Member Sharma mentioned, it is not about the individual committee members it's about the service that we give to the military families and the service members. She stated that if a member wants to participate and be part of it, they can be, and we've opened up different ways for them to do this but also allowing us to implement new types of technologies and skills sets that can do those technologies, which we don't currently have in the committee.
Council Member Minagar stated that in regards to 2020 and 2021, and Mayor Pro Tem Rains interjected by stating that it's like bringing a plumber to an electrical job. He stated that he understood that 2020 and 2021 were exceptional years in America and in the whole world, so we ought not to use that as a justification for fundamental changes but he looked at this from a global perspective and then act local. He stated that his take on this is that he was part of the Council that voted in favor of having only the Military Support Committee to have its own two Co-Chairs and the decision and the selection of the community members to be made by these two. He stated that now with what he's heard and the phone calls he's personally received from different directions, is that he reflects City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 13 of 24 January 18, 2022 on that vote and the way he supported his colleagues to move in that direction, he then tells himself did we improve it, did we fix it, or did we put ourselves in a different kind of situation that I see, I feel, I hear, and I read tonight. He stated that with that said, that is a different subject and that he was going to ask City Attorney Ennis that we are not making a determination on that aspect of it, because he counted 5 items on the ordinance, and that item that was brought up by Council Member Jennings is not part of it.
City Attorney Ennis stated that was correct.
Council Member Minagar stated that the discussion is not on that and that he thought we should have uniformity in the City. He stated that he understood the uniqueness of the Military Support Committee and that unfortunately he's never served on that committee and he does regret it. He stated that there were those much more qualified than him, who have served this great country in the military in any shape or form, who were dynamic members that make strong viable contributions to the committee. He stated that as an engineer he looked for solutions rather than magnifying problems, and that from a logical aspect he was not in favor of leaning towards the changes because he did not feel comfortable. He stated that he wanted to be a fair member of the City Council and that's how he felt about it. He stated that with all due respect to his two colleagues, they've done a great job by putting additional time into the Military Support Committee, where you have to put in a lot more time than the other committees and be out front of WalMart and where you have to do a lot of other things that we don't do when we serve in other committees.
He stated that he wanted to ask Former Mayor Ming a few questions and looked to City Attorney Ennis for clarification that he could do so. City Attorney Ennis stated that the Council could ask questions of the public.
Council Member Minagar asked Former Mayor Ming how many members he had on the foundation. Former Mayor Ming answered that there were 5 members including himself as President: Former Mayor Linda Lindholm, Adam LeCurry, Bill Kelly, and Sherry Wuerl.
Council Member Minagar asked Former Mayor Ming if the job of the Military Support Foundation was to collect and distribute the funds that would be raised by the Military Support Committee. Former Mayor Ming answered that yes, the foundation works together with the committee, that the committee members run the events and the foundation collects the donations and then allocates the funds, and that we also make sure that we continue to meet the nonprofit status qualifications that a foundation has. He stated that we're always making sure that we have proper protocol and that we records things, we provide the right donation receipts and file the tax returns that are associated with that.
Council Member Minagar asked Former Mayor Ming if they rely upon the funding collection from the Military Support Committee. Former Mayor Ming stated that funds come in from many different sources, including the events that the Military Support Committee does and that in 2020 we did have $62,000 in income from various sources but not from specific events that were held in person.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 14 of 24 January 18, 2022 Mayor Gennawey stated that in 2020 we raised a lot of funds because of the tragic accident down at Camp Pendleton, so the community really stepped forward and raised funds.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that the money was specifically geared towards and earmarked specifically for that tragedy. She stated that she had a question for Former Mayor Ming, and stated that she was on the committee at that time, and that those donations that came in during that time didn't go into our general funds, and she wanted clarification that those donations were earmarked specifically for the tragedy of the seven marines and the sailors and that the money was allocated specifically for their families or costs associated with anything that had to do with them. Former Mayor Ming stated that one specific donation that we did accept of $10,000 was earmarked specifically for that cause and that the rest of the donations as they came in were to be generally put toward the help for that cause. He stated that we contacted most of those donors afterwards once it was clear that we didn't have an exact purpose that we were going to use it for and asked them what their donor intent was, and the donor intent was to use it for general purposes. He stated that some of the money was dedicated to, as an example, installation of memorial benches, amongst other things that were done for the family members. He stated that the foundation does have approximately $50,000 of unallocated funds and that there has never been a request from the committee that has not been fulfilled, even during the time we didn't raise money.
Mayor Gennawey stated that to clarify on those funds that were raised at the time, all of those expenditures were approved by the Military Support Committee and it was the committee members actually doing the work and seeing it carried through. She stated that the timing of this discussion is perfect because just last week we were all sitting across the hall interviewing all of the applicants for our City commissions and committees, so how do you get on one, what is expected of the members, that's all top of mind right now. She stated that she is very familiar with the Military Support Committee and that she served on that committee since its inception. She stated that she served on it for approximately 14 years, about half of that time as a committee member and then when she was elected to the City Council, as Co-Chair. She stated that when Council Member Sharma was elected to the City Council, she stepped off the committee so that he would have the opportunity to serve on that. She stated that she is very familiar with the way the committee works and what is expected of its members and has worked alongside them, so that is the prism through which she is looking at this and how she views this proposal that's before us. She stated that she appreciated the work that her colleagues put into it, because it is a lot to dive into an ordinance. She stated that the Military Support Committee is different from all of our other City commissions and committees because it is a working charitable committee, it is a hands-on committee, and it's work that is done to benefit the military unit members and their families of our City's adopted units. She stated that all of the other City commissions and committees are advisory because they provide citizen input and review on things that are critical to meeting the needs of our City and of our residents. She stated that there's a big difference when we talk about this committee being unique. She stated that it is also the working arm of the foundation and that the members seek out the needs of our military units and determine how those needs are going to be met. She stated that they fundraise for and seek funding from the foundation and then they do the work to fill the need, so there's a collaborative and a City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 15 of 24 January 18, 2022 symbiotic relationship between the Military Support Committee and the foundation. She stated that members of both the committee and the foundation are in their respective seats because they're working to benefit the members of our adopted military units and their families, so while the proposed changes are extensive and in detail, she cannot support them because she looks back at what the purpose of the committee is, and that is to benefit our military members and these changes don't benefit our military members nor the City. She stated that not all of our City committees have term limits because some have very specific skill sets that are required of its members, such as the Investment, Banking and Audit Committee. She stated that you need to have certain professional skills to be on that committee and if we had term limits we would not be able to fully seat that committee every year. She stated the other committee that doesn't have term limits is the Youth Committee but that's a moot point because in our City, term limits are 6 years and high school is 4, so she hopes we don't have any 6 year high school students. She stated that the Military Support Committee does not have term limits and that was done with a very specific intention by the City Council because they recognize what would be required of the members fulfilling their purpose. She stated that the Military Support Committee operates differently than our other committee and that it can take awhile to become familiar with the various functions and its activities, but more importantly, some of these positions within the committee are built upon relationships and an operational understanding of that particular military unit and both of those take years to develop. She stated that it would be really detrimental to the military units that we are supporting for the committee to term out its members. She stated that this is a working charitable committee, that it is not an advisory committee, and we are not seeking input from members of our community to get a full range of advice provided to the City Council. She stated that while the members who are committed to the cause tend to stay on for a while, with a group this large, there's 18 appointed members, there is opportunity for new members to come on and bring new skill sets to the committee. She stated that it was in her experience with this committee that we tend to have departures in bubbles, where one year we may have one or two members who do not re-apply and then all of a sudden we have four or five depart for various reasons. She stated that is to be expected with a committee this large, menses on do no ate are he and then we have committee members who are on for years and then step off for a couple of years and then they come back on. She stated that the appointments are for two years and so it's not as if you're on the committee forever. She stated that there have been times, and she knows because she's been there as a Council Member, where someone is being interviewed who re-applied but they didn't do the work of the committee person and so they were not re-appointed. She stated that this is rare because to get on this committee you have to love the work, so the term limits for the Military Support Committee would not benefit the military members, their families, nor would it benefit the city. She stated that in terms of honorary members, while we recognize the uniqueness of the Military Support Committee and the hearts of its members, honorary membership does not serve the committee nor its beneficiaries. She stated that the criteria outlined in the proposed ordinance is specific and at the same time subjective and an honorary member position may appear to be a workaround of the City Council's policy of this specific committee as being one that does not have term limits, so the result would be that those who would otherwise lead committee activities become disenfranchised because they've moved as an active committee member to what looks like a B team. She stated that the honorary committee members become disenfranchised and their participation would diminish and that this is a reversal of that committee's membership pathway because this City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 16 of 24 January 18, 2022 committee has volunteers from the community who participate with the different activities.
She stated that over the years we've had people apply or we've had committee members encourage someone to apply because they've worked with them at a function as a volunteer, so it gives the individual the opportunity to see what the committee is doing and if this is a good fit for them and how much work is involved. She stated that this also gives the committee an opportunity to see the potential member's interest, so adding up to 10 honorary members and growing this committee to potentially 30 members does not enhance the capacity for the good work that this committee does. She stated that it would both reduce the committee's effectiveness and it would weaken the onboarding and training of new members. She stated that adding honorary members does not benefit our adopted military units, their families, nor the City. She stated that members of this committee are invested in the Military Support Committee's work as a work of the heart and when the time comes to trim down their participation they do so knowing that they have contributed well to our military service members and their families, and they know how to support the Military Support Committee's continuing efforts. She stated that we also have many members of other City commissions and committees who have served four years or more, so should we have honorary members for all of those committees as well. She stated that the residents here in Laguna Niguel are fantastic and they serve because they truly want to contribute. She stated that as far as ex-officio members, the relationship between the Military Support Committee and the foundation is collaborative and symbiotic, both working towards the same goal of benefitting our military members and their families. She stated that the committee needs the foundation because it's the vehicle through which donations are accepted and it provides the funding for the activities, and the foundation needs the committee to carry out the hands-on work of their non-profit mission. She stated that the ex-officio foundation members are non-voting, so why would their participation be limited. She stated that their numbers do not dilute the vote of the appointed members and she recalls over the years a number of instances where it would have been helpful to the committee if we had more than one foundation member serving in their different capacities on the committee. She stated that there may be times the foundation, in carrying out their responsibilities, needs to have more than one ex-officio non-voting member on the Military Support Committee, so curtailing the foundation's carrying out of its responsibilities or limiting the participation of those appointed by the foundation to serve as ex-officio members does not benefit the military members and their families that we are serving nor does it benefit the City. She stated that there are some of the areas in this proposed ordinance that refers to some cleanup language and she appreciates this being brought forward because yes language does need to be corrected in this. She stated that she agrees that when you do an ordinance you want it to stand for as long as it can and be timeless but write it in a way that you won't have to go back and change it, so she does agree that we need to remove the references to specific military units but she does not agree with the replacement language of 'the committee's selected adoptive military units'. She stated that this language would indicate that the committee is usurping the City Council's responsibilities of selecting and approving the military units our City supports. She stated that the replacement language should read 'the City Council's approved military units'. She stated that it was good that we've had a chance to review this ordinance and that she appreciates the Co-Chairs bringing this up. She stated that while she does not support the changes that she's talked about, there are a couple of changes that she does support and recommend that we adopt. She stated that Military Support Committee members should be selected by the full City Council, that currently City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 17 of 24 January 18, 2022 the selection and removal is done by only two members which is not even a majority of the City Council. She stated that this is an unfair burden to those two City Council members making the appointments. She stated that the selection should be done by the full City Council so the public knows that the decision is that of the City Council and not of a minority. She stated that of all the City commissions and committees the Military Support Committee has the most interaction with the public so it's important that the applicants appear before and are selected by the full Council. She stated that as City Council members we are elected by the residents of Laguna Niguel to be the policy makers for our City, we are not elected to run charitable organizations. She stated that she understood that when the Military Support Committee was established that to get it up and running in alignment with the City's vision of having an adoptive relationship with military units, there may have been a need for the City Council Liaisons to act as Co- Chairs. She stated that now 15 years later the committee is well established and it is well past time for the Council Liaisons to support the committee as liaisons, such as we do on other City commissions and committees and not have the extra and significant time- consuming duties as Co-Chairs. She stated that the committee members are more than capable to assume the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair. She moved to direct staff to bring back to the Council a new ordinance with the following updates: committee appointment and removal of members to be made by the full City Council, Council Liaisons to act as Council Liaisons and not Co-Chairs, the committee will select its Chair and Vice-Chair, and the cleanup language to remove references specific military units and replace it with 'the City Council approved military units'. She asked if there was a second.
Council Member Jennings seconded Mayor Gennawey's motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains thanked Mayor Gennawey for her detailed information and she appreciated the information and the background. She stated that one of the concerns that was brough up earlier tonight was about new members. She asked Mayor Gennawey if she was proposing creating a full committee with its own Chair and Vice-Chair.
Mayor Gennawey stated that the Chair and Vice-Chair are selected from the committee just as we do with our other City commissions and committees.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that it's never been done that way, and that although Mayor Gennawey's thought process is that they've been around for awhile now, there have been some changes that have been made and that as Co-Chairs, we don't have a vote and we don't actually run the subcommittees. She stated that the committee makes the votes and the decisions, so she didn't understand what the difference is and that was her first question. She stated that she doesn't have a problem with the full City Council being responsible for appointing because it does put an undue burden on us and we've been under a lot of scrutiny for making decisions that we felt were the best. She stated that if it was the other way and you had to make that difficult decision, thank god you didn't get attacked like we did. She stated that she doesn't have a problem with that but that the Co-Chairs still serve a particular role within a committee of that size, and that there should still be some oversight. She stated that the committee is representing our City and they're in the community on a regular basis and that this is a different capacity than somebody who's actually serving on one of our other committees or commissions. She stated that is a concern that she has, that running the meeting and the Brown Act with a large City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 18 of 24 January 18, 2022 committee is a difficult task for somebody who doesn't have that training or background.
She stated that one thing that was brought up in Mayor Gennawey's commentary was relationships with the people on the ships. She stated that her daughter's in the Navy and every 18 to 24 months they get to a new ship and so building a relationship with a certain commanding officer or a certain group of sailors or marines changes every 18 to 24 months. She stated that for the USS Stockdale we had the luxury of having the same officer serve twice and have the same liaison but that is not the case so when we talk about relationships, the military is ever changing, the people that we work with and that we serve are ever changing, and that is in the same spirit of having new members who also service members who understand the service and they can build those same relationships with new people. She stated that it's not limited to just certain people and that it is important to consider some of these items. She stated that Council Member Jennings brought up meeting requirements and that there are meeting requirements in the policies and procedures of the Military Support Committee which were adopted way before her time. She stated that if they do miss so many meetings they are removed so there are meeting requirements. She stated that she is in favor of the full City Council appointing members and that this takes an undue burden off of us but that she is not in favor of immediately moving the liaison position. She stated that it could transpire to that but that it was not the right time to make that happen.
Council Member Sharma stated that he appreciated the due diligence that Mayor Gennawey put into this and that she was the most qualified individual based on her experience with the committee. He stated that it was a great idea to have everybody on the Council make decisions and that this was a great idea and he had no reservations about that. He stated that as Mayor Pro Tem Rains pointed out, the ability of the entirety of the Council to be making collective decisions on this would be much better suited to a group like this, especially where there are no term limits. He stated that this would address as to what the true nature of the interviews were and that the challenge is that the interview results are subject to interpretation, so if the entirety of the Council is party to that engagement then the outcome would be much evenly distributed. He stated that when it comes to transitioning to something similar to how other commissions are run with Chair and Vice-Chair, and to Mayor Pro Tem Rains' point, this is a much larger entity that is actively engaged in the community, and that it would be premature at this juncture.
Council Member Jennings stated that with respect to what Mayor Pro Tem Rains said about there always being a change in command, we adopted a marine unit and it changes every three years but the relationships get passed down, so when one of our colonels left and the other colonel came on, we were part of that, the committee members of her church were part of that transition, so it is really important that we don't limit those relationships, we don't limit the time for people to be on. She stated that it's also about activities and that it takes a long time to learn who to contact, when to do a car wash, when to do this, and where to get all the materials. She stated that is a lot of history that we can't erase completely. She stated that in regards to Chair and Co-Chair, we're not saying completely remove them. She stated that she agrees with this change and that she appreciates this coming before the Council. She stated that the Chair and Co-Chair still act as liaisons but don't instruct the committee, so if anybody needs help with the Brown Act there's always a Staff member around to help.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 19 of 24 January 18, 2022 Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that the Military Support Committee is only attended by the two Co-Chairs, the committee members, and then we have a secretary who takes minutes and that there are no staff members like there is at our other commissions and committees meetings. She stated that the Traffic and Transportation Commission have staff and the City Attorney there, and that this is the same for the Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission. She stated that the Co-Chairs for the Military Support Committee don't direct the committee to do anything, that the agenda items are presented to us by the committee and then they're discussed by the committee and the committee votes on what they want to do, so there is no direction from the Co-Chairs. She stated that if we're helping with a project or something we are involved but that all decisions are voted on by the committee. She stated that since Council Member Jennings has not been on the committee that this is how it functions, that it is not us directing them, and that Mayor Gennawey knows this, and that the committee does make their decisions on what they want to participate in and what they don't want to participate in. She stated that as Co-Chairs we're able to give them insight on the appropriate ways to handle things and to deal with things but we don't make the decisions nor direct them.
Council Member Jennings stated that you could do that as a Liaison too.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that we run the meetings, which is a challenging meeting to run and is not something that someone who doesn't have experience running a meeting can just easily pick up and do and that it's just a different meeting to run.
Mayor Gennawey stated that she has confidence in the committee members that they would be able to do that. She stated that going back to her point that she made on that our residents elected us to be the policy makers, not to run a charitable organization. She stated that we needed to get back to that point, that this is running the work of a charitable organization, which is a worthy endeavor and something our community loves and wants to continue doing but that committee members should be running the meeting. She stated that this doesn't mean that when you transition from Co-Chair to Council Liaison that they abandon the committee and that there will be some transition time, but that it is important that the transition be made. She stated that we are Council Members, we are policy makers, we're not running a charitable organization. She stated that there have been many times where it is the Military Support Committee members who are liaisons to those units who then help transition in the command and share with them and show them what support the City provides because what we do is very unique. She stated that it does take a committee member who knows what's been going on and how to carry out that work to communicate and provide the optimal support that we can for those units, so there is something to be said for that experience and keeping that experience. She stated that going back to the motion on the floor, the motion is regarding the committee appointments, the council liaisons, and the cleanup language.
Council Member Minagar stated that his question was in reference to how many new members did we select, and was it six. Mayor Pro Tem Rains nodded in the affirmative.
Council Member Minagar stated that he was in agreement with the motion except for the aspect of the Co-Chairmanships versus City Council Liaison. He stated that when he was Mayor he made the nominations and it was ratified by the entire City Council colleagues to have our two colleagues to serve in that capacity. He stated that he was in agreement City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 20 of 24 January 18, 2022 with everything except for that last part. He stated that he would feel more comfortable not to make that drastic change, that we should keep the two current Co-Chairs to serve in that capacity until end of this year so that the transition would be moving smoothly, but that with everything else with regard to setting the policies for the future, that he agrees and that this is in the best interest of the City. He stated that he knows the motion was seconded but was unsure if Council Member Jennings is still for making that change for the Co-Chairmanship versus City Council Liaison language.
Council Member Jennings stated that she still wants that, that it wasn't to remove them off of it, and that it was just to move them to liaison like how it is on the other committees.
Mayor Gennawey stated that we understand that for this particular committee in the transition there would be more of a support role with the liaisons and then it would actually transition, but that if you wait to the end of the year, every year you're going to have half of that committee being re-appointed.
Council Member Minagar asked if that was the frequency of the turnover.
Mayor Gennawey clarified that was the turnover, but that you may get two or three members a year, but that this year was unusual.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that the committee should be able to make their decision on whether they want to govern themselves or not.
Council Member Minagar stated that respectfully he disagreed with that and that it's the job of the City Council to set policies globally under one umbrella for the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that the other option is that if we move to this type of operation then this gives us an operational year to start training and preparing members to be able to run a committee meeting of that size and that doing it suddenly right now is too many changes. She stated that one of the problems tonight is that they don't like all the changes and now you're proposing even more changes. She stated that she is fine with the first part of the Mayor's motion, but not the second part.
Mayor Gennawey stated that it wouldn't be right away if it were to come back to us, it would come back as first reading, so we're looking at it being in effect in a couple of months. She stated that this will give the members time to do whatever training they need, if they do in fact need training because some of them have also been very effective in running their subcommittees over the years.
Council Member Minagar stated that he was under the impression that it's going to be at the next City Council meeting.
City Manager Letourneau stated that depending on how quickly we get the report back, it would either be at the first or second meeting of February, and for the sake of discussion let's assume we bring it back at the second meeting, which is the 15th, then it would have to come back March 1st for a second reading and it would go into effect 30 days after that.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 21 of 24 January 18, 2022 Mayor Gennawey stated that we are looking at April which is a couple of months from now and that it was better to do that transition mid-year while you know what your committee membership is rather than doing it at the same time when there is a new Chair, Vice-Chair and new committee members. She stated that the motion is to direct staff to bring back a new ordinance with the following updates: committee appointment and removal of members to be made by the full City Council; council liaisons to act as council liaisons, not as Co-Chairs; the committee will select its Chair and Vice-Chair; and the cleanup language to remove references to specific military units and replace it with 'the City Council approved military units.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains stated that Mayor Gennawey put all of them together and she thought Council Member Minager did not agree with one of them.
Council Member Minagar clarified that his vote was further informed when it was stated that it was going to be brought back and the changes won't be immediate.
Mayor Gennawey stated that City Staff has to do a new write-up because these changes are not just like changing a word.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Jennings, to direct staff to bring back a new ordinance with the following updates: committee appointment and removal of members to be made by the full City Council; council liaisons to act as council liaisons, not as Co-Chairs; the committee will select its Chair and Vice- Chair; and the cleanup language to remove references to specific military units and replace it with 'the City Council approved military units'.
Motion carried 3-2
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Sharma stated that he appreciated the engagement this evening. He stated that the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control held their regularly scheduled meeting as well as a special meeting discussing updates to their breeding programs as well as introduction of new appointed board members. He stated that the Traffic and Transportation Committee held its regularly scheduled meeting and that he sat in for Council Member Jennings. He stated that he wanted to thank all of the individuals in our community that applied for the different commissions. He stated that he knows it's a very arduous process and that it was very insightful to see how much talent we have in our community, as far as individuals from professional experience, families, and those willing to give time back to our community and our different commissions. He wanted to thank everyone that applied and congratulations to those who were appointed. He stated that we had the Military Support Committee meeting this morning.
Council Member Jennings stated that we had our Junior Civic Workshop and our Police Chief presented about cyber bullying and it was very informative. She stated that some of the examples that he touched on were examples of cyber bullying, warning signs, what City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 22 of 24 January 18, 2022 to do if it's happening, steps to take and when to report it to law enforcement. She stated that a website to check out was stopbullying.gov. She stated that he also touched on home alone safety and that he gave great tips about locking doors, and not opening the door for strangers or packages or anything like that and creating an emergency plan. She stated that this is the first meeting of the year and that she looks forward to a wonderful 2022. She stated that it's been a wonderful meeting with the Mayor and the rest of her colleagues. She stated that it's been a busy past couple of months and she appreciated their patience and that this year will be full of exciting things for us to experience during the summer and months to come. She stated that January is National Human Trafficking Prevention month and that she went to an event to raise awareness for human trafficking.
She stated that she is very thankful that our City is talking about it and others are talking about it. She stated that yesterday we celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and that he was not only a civil rights leader but also a pastor who was about changing lives through love, not hate and he had so many wonderful speeches in his short life. She stated that there were a couple of quotes that stood out to her: "Make a career of humanity, commit yours to the noble struggle for equal rights, you will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation for your country, and a finer world to live in" and "I know that love is ultimately the only answer to mankind's problems, I'm talking about strong, demanding love". ". She stated that he continues to inspire change.
Council Member Minager stated that he wanted to make sure that all the residents are aware of the document that is going to be coming to the City Council meeting soon with regards to the Local Roadway Safety Program. He stated that it is critical that the City Council ratifies the proposed document. He stated that if any citizen, any resident of this great City has any concerns with any potential traffic safety issue anywhere within the City's boundaries that this is the time to present those concerns to the Public Works Department so that the consultant retained by the City can respond to them and come up with any rectification of the safety issues, so that we can take advantage of the State and Federal funding that is available.
Mayor Pro Tem Rains thanked everyone for their lively comments and input and that it was greatly appreciated. She stated that we did have our first Military Support Committee meeting and she wanted to thank the Deputy City Attorney Nicholas Ghirelli for providing the Brown Act training. She wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Mayor Gennawey stated that she wanted to thank her City Council colleagues for the robust discussion, and that this is what City Councils do, we bring different ideas, we talk about it because we can't go off in different meeting rooms and talk about it and then have a nice discussion and come back to the dais. She stated that this is where the business takes place, so it was a robust discussion and she sincerely appreciates everyone's input and perspective and all the work that went into it. She stated that this is when we talk about these things and we may not agree on everything but when we refine it we make much better decisions for our City. She thanked Captain Asuncion for presenting at the January 11th Junior Civic Workshop and stated to please share our appreciation with Michelle Conlon, our new Crime Prevention Specialist, who was also at the workshop. She stated that she wanted to give a huge shout out to all the Laguna Niguel residents who applied to our City commission and committees. She stated that our City is blessed to have so many people who want to volunteer to serve and do those City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 23 of 24 January 18, 2022 things that are not necessarily fun, like reading a lot before meetings and discussing and making decisions and give advice to the City Council. She stated that Carole Allen was here with several past Citizens of the Year and to be thinking of those people in Laguna Niguel whose volunteer work has made Laguna Niguel a better place to live and work.
She stated that the Citizen of the Year nomination period is March 1st through the 31st and we look forward to seeing some fantastic applications.
2. City Manager Report/Department Reports
Public Works Director Jacki Scott stated that the Public Works Department has received a number of requests to resume the City's curb number painting program. She stated that the program paints residential house numbers on the street curb for easy location of property addresses. She stated that Public Works is now in the process of soliciting bids from a variety of vendors and will be resuming the program this April. She stated that the program will take at least 6 months to complete citywide depending on vendor availability and their staffing.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gennawey adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Thy Merritt
Deputy City Clerk
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 24 of 24 January 18, 2022