LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
March 7, 2023
7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL - Mayor Sharma called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Rischi Paul Sharma - Present
Council Member Ray Gennawey- Present
Council Member Kelly Jennings - Present
Council Member Stephanie Oddo - Present
Council Member Sandy Rains - Absent
City Clerk Asistin indicated that Council Member Rains was not in attendance and is excused for medical reasons.
INVOCATION - Flora Shayani, Baha'l Community of Laguna Niguel PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Junior Girl Scout Troop #6484
PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation Declaring March as Red Cross Month in Laguna Niguel Mayor Sharma presented a proclamation declaring March as Red Cross in Laguna Niguel to Ross Chun, Board Member of the American Red Cross Southern California. Mayor Pro Tem Sharma thanked him on behalf of the City Council for all their services. Mr. Chun thanked the City Council for this recognition.
2. Proclamation Honoring "Nowruz" Persian New Year
Mayor Sharma presented the proclamation honoring "Nowruz" Persian New Year to Nikan Khatibi. Mr. Khatibi thanked the City Council for this recognition.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Melissa Waters discussed the challenges of being a member of the City Council/City staff and the importance of fairness, transparency, and the ability to work together.
Susan Pratt expressed her support for Council Member Rains and hope for the City Council to move forward positively.
Sherry Astrella discussed the resignation of Sandy Rains as Mayor and requested her resignation from the City Council, removal from her regional appointments; and expressed her opposition to Mayor Sharma to serve as the Mayor City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 8 March 7, 2023 Rod Robinson discussed the protection and maintenance of the new synthetic turf field in the City.
Patty Mouton expressed her appreciation and support for the items on the agenda to address errors in judgment articulated at the last City Council meeting.
Kimber Jovanivic discussed the reconsideration of the actions to be taken on City Council Discussion Item No. 2 and 3.
Jennifer Starling expressed support for Council Member Rains and discussed recent changes to City Attorney services.
Maria Elena Banks thanked Council Members Gennawey, Jennings, and Oddo; and City Manager Letourneau for their good work in the City.
Valerie Rhodes discussed her support for the actions being recommended on City Council Discussion Item No. 2 and 3.
Randall Lipton discussed the desire to see a cohesive City Council.
Melissa Crew discussed her support for Council Member Rains, as well as recent changes to City Attorney services, and the City Manager contract.
Paula Conseza, on behalf of the Orange County Realtors Association, discussed her support of Council Member Rains.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Gennawey and Council Member Oddo pulled Items No. 7 and 8 for discussion.
Mayor Sharma pulled Item No. 8 for discussion.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Jennings, seconded by Council member Oddo, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented, with the exception of Item No. 7 and Item No. 8.
Motion carried 4-0 (Rains absent).
1. Warrants of March 7, 2023
Approved as written or amended.
2. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written or amended.
3. Investment Report as of December 31, 2022
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 8 March 7, 2023 Received and filed the City of Laguna Niguel Investment Report as of December 31, 2022
4. Investment Reports as of January 31, 2023
Received and filed the City of Laguna Niguel Investment Report as of January 31, 2023.
5. Appointing Interim City Attorney for Legal Services
Affirmed the appointment of Nicholas Ghirelli of Richard, Watson, and Gershon (RWG) as the Interim City Attorney.
6. Award Construction Contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc for Residential Annual Resurfacing Program Zones III & IV - Phase 1, Cash Contract No. 22- 17
1. Awarded the Construction Contract for the Residential Annual Resurfacing Program Zones III & IV - Phase 1, Cash Contract No. 22-17 to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. in the amount of $1,422,000;
2. Authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to process change orders in an amount not to exceed 20% of the total contract for $284,000, for a total not-to- exceed amount of $1,706,400 if needed;
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Construction Contract for the Residential Annual Resurfacing Program Zones III & IV - Phase 1, Cash Contract No. 22-17 with Onyx Paving Company, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes; and,
4. Authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to execute the Notice of Completion at the conclusion of construction.
ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
7. Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-1418, Adopting an Update to City Council Policies and Procedures, Removing the Mayor's Power to Singularly Place Items on the Agenda
Council Member Gennawey and Council Member Oddo provided brief comments on the objective of removing the Mayor's power to singularly place items on the agenda and each of their support for the item. Council Member Jennings and Mayor Sharma expressed their concurrence.
Melissa Crew provided public comment on her opposition to the recommended actions.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Oddo, seconded by Council Member Gennawey, to:
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 8 March 7, 2023 Adopt Resolution No. 2023-1418, Adopting an Update to City Council Policies and Procedures, removing the Mayor's power to singularly place items on the agenda.
Motion carried 4-0 (Rains Absent).
8. Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-1419, Adopting an Update to the City Council Policies and Procedures to Require the Keeping of a Minute Book and Audio Recordings of all Closed Session Meetings Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.2
Council Member Gennawey discussed the need for closed session records and his support of the item.
Council Member Oddo stated her goals of transparency, accountability, and accessibility and her support of this item. She also shared that recordings remind attendees to stay mindful of behavior, dialogue, and the scope of the item on the closed session agenda.
Council Member Jennings shared her support for the item and her agreement that this matter promotes accountability and respect between those attending closed session.
In response to an inquiry by Mayor Sharma, Interim City Attorney Ghirelli indicated that the Brown Act provides the City Council the opportunity to collectively request the recording of minutes and audio for closed sessions on an as needed basis. He indicated that if the proposed policy is adopted, it will remove the City Council's ability to decline to record minutes and audio unless the City Council amends the policy.
Mayor Sharma requested further clarification that the Brown Act currently provides the City Council the option to request the recording of a Closed Session meeting, and with the policy change, the City Council would lose its flexibility to not record. City Attorney Ghirelli confirmed that, if adopted, the policy would mandate the recording of all closed session meetings.
Mayor Sharma inquired with Interim City Attorney Ghirelli whether the records would be subject to discovery or disclosure. Discussion ensued with Interim City Attorney Be and remati contential, they may bie accessible to the Court are Distic Atoney for the limited purpose of an allegation of a Brown Act violation but could not be offered as proof of decision in the matter of pending litigation.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Oddo, to:
Adopt Resolution No. 2023-1419, Adopting an Update to the City Council Policies and Procedures to Require the Keeping of a Minute Book and Audio Recordings of all Closed Session Meetings Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.2.
Motion carried 3-1, with Mayor Sharma voting no (Rains Absent).
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 8 March 7, 2023
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-1420, Adopting the Parks and Recreation Athletics Facilities Use Policy and the Revised Parks and Recreation Athletics Facilities Use Fee Schedule; and Make a Finding of Exemption under CEQA Parks and Recreation Director Rivera provided a report.
In response to an inquiry by Council Member Oddo, Director Rivera shared that the last policy update was made in 2013, and that the proposed policy update was unanimously approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission; and bi-annual field allocation meetings are a new requirement of the policy.
In response to an inquiry by Council Member Gennawey, Director Rivera shared that currently, the City provides 2,100 players with field time and that everyone will have field time to play under the updated policy.
Mayor Sharma inquired about the potential for alternative field time allocations through volunteer hours. Director Rivera shared that the City of Irvine does have a policy for volunteer hours relative to field time allocations, however it is related to one specific annual event only. City Manager Letourneau indicated that the administration of such a program would require hiring additional staff to implement and manage. She also confirmed for Mayor Sharma that the City currently subsidizes the cost of field use and maintenance.
Mayor Sharma opened the Public Hearing.
Neno Grgvric discussed his opposition to the proposed policy as written.
Darin Loughrey, Parks and Recreation Commission Chair, shared his support of the proposed policy.
Berty Chang discussed resident players affected by the proposed policy.
Adam Huebner of Dana Point FC discussed resident players affected by the proposed policy.
Mark Thacker discussed the resident players affected by the proposed policy.
Council Member Oddo expressed her support for LNYSA and for finding a solution to provide opportunities for all to have field use time.
Council Member Jennings inquired whether LNYSA presented questions to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Director Rivera confirmed their attendance at the meetings, and that staff responded to the questions. In response to Council Member Jennings comments regarding field use allocation and residency, Director Rivera clarified that groups are categorized each season, allowing for the regular review of priority. Director Rivera shared that the policy does not change current field allocations and assured the City Council that Laguna Niguel residents will have access to athletic facilities.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 8 March 7, 2023 Council Member Gennawey shared his support for the policy and discussed prioritizing Laguna Niguel families.
Mayor Sharma discussed the evaluation of metrics considered to propose solutions, similar field use allocation challenges that other local communities face, and field use Mayor Sharma closed the Public Hearing.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Jennings to:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-1420, Adopting the Parks and Recreation Athletics Facilities Use Policy, and the Parks and Recreation Athletics Facilities Use Fee Schedule; and
2. Make a Finding of Exemption under CEQA.
Motion carried 4-0 (Rains absent).
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Jeff von Waldburg spoke in support of Council Member Rains.
Kristy von Waldburg spoke in support of Council Member Rains.
Rhonda Reardon recommended that City Council avoid taking action without all the facts.
Sherry Astrella spoke in support of the removal of Council Member Rains from regional board appointments.
A speaker (who did not provide their name) expressed support for Council Member Rains.
Melissa Crew expressed support for Council Member Rains.
1. Selection of New Mayor and New Mayor Pro Tem
Council Member Gennawey nominated Council Member Kelly Jennings to serve as Mayor.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Oddo, to select Council Member Jennings for the Office of Mayor.
Motion carried 3-0-1, with Mayor Sharma abstaining (Rains absent).
Council Member Gennawey nominated Mayor Pro Tem Sharma to continue serving as Mayor Pro Tem.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8 March 7, 2023 A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Oddo, to select Mayor Pro Tem Sharma to continue to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for the remainder of the year.
Motion carried 4-0 (Rains absent).
2. Removal of Council Member Sandy Rains as City Representative from the Following Regional Board Appointments:
a. Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
b. Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD)
c. Alternate City Representative to CJPIA
Council Member Gennawey thanked everyone for sharing their opinions and thoughts on this matter and discussed his support for the recommended action.
Council Member Oddo discussed her support for the item as presented.
Mayor Jennings discussed her support for the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Sharma discussed his opposition to the item.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Oddo, to remove Council Member Rains from regional appointments to the Orange County Fire Authority, Capistrano Unified School District, and alternate City Representative of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA).
Motion carried 3-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Sharma voting no (Rains absent).
3. Removal of Council Member Sandy Rains as Council Liaison to the Following City Ad Hoc Committees:
a. Grants Ad Hoc Committee
b. Historic Preservation Ad Hoc Committee
c. Sea Country Festival Ad Hoc Committee
Council Member Oddo expressed her support for the item.
Council Member Gennawey expressed his support for the item.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Oddo, to remove Council Member Rains as Council Liaison to the Grants Ad Hoc Committee, Historic Preservation Ad Hoc Committee, and Sea Country Festival Ad Hoc Committee.
Motion carried 3-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Sharma voting no (Rains absent).
Mayor Pro Tem Sharma thanked the audience for maintaining decorum during the City Council Discussion items.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8 March 7, 2023
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Reports
Council Member Gennawey spoke in memory of Vido Ferlauto, Laguna Niguel resident and Air Force Veteran. He shared highlights from Mr. Ferlauto's distinguished 32-year career with the Orange County Sheriffs Department and various involvements in community organizations.
Mayor Jennings thanked her colleagues for placing their trust in her, expressed her appreciation to City statt and the City Manager, and welcomed the City's new Finance Director, Trevor Agrelius, to the Laguna Niguel team.
Council Member Oddo discussed her enthusiasm for the year ahead and of her continued support to address issues that affect residents.
Mayor Pro Tem Sharma discussed his recent ride-along experience with the OCFA and recognized the staff for their great work.
City Manager/Department Reports
Cy Manage Detourneau welcomed and introduced Trevor Agrelius as the City's Parks and Recreation Director Rivera provided a brief report on plans for the 2023 Independence Day festivities, culminating in a fireworks display.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Shamra adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marissa J. Asistin
City Clerk
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 8 March 7, 2023
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
March 21, 2023
7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL - Mayor Jennings called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Kelly Jennings - Present
Mayor Pro Tem Rischi Paul Sharma - Present
Council Member Ray Gennawey- Present
Council Member Stephanie Oddo - Present
Council Member Sandy Rains - Present
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL - 7:00 p.m.
INVOCATION - James Wenger, Grace Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council Member Gennawey
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Oddo pulled Item No. 4 for comment. Mayor Pro Tem Sharma pulled Items No. 4 and No. 7.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Rains, seconded by Council Member Gennawey, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
1. Warrants of March 21, 2023
Approved as written.
Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
3. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on February 21, 2023, and Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting on March 8, 2023 Approved as written.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 9 March 21, 2023
5. Approval of Maintenance Services Agreement for Citywide Plumbing Services with Verne's Plumbing, Inc. & Pacific Plumbing Company of Santa Ana dba Pacific Plumbing of Southern California
1. Approved the Maintenance Services Agreement for Citywide Plumbing Services with Verne's Plumbing, Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of $75,000 per year for Fiscal Years 2023-24 through 2025-26, subject to extension administratively for two additional one-year periods;
2. Approved the Maintenance Services Agreement for Citywide Plumbing Services with Pacific Plumbing Company of Santa Ana dba Pacific Plumbing of Southern California in the not-to-exceed amount of $75,000 per year for Fiscal Years 2023-24 through 2025-26, subject to extension administratively for two additional one-year periods;
3. Approved a not-to-exceed 20% contingency per year of the total contract in the amount of $15,000 for unforeseen conditions or extra work and authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve additional work with Verne's Plumbing, Inc. for a total not-to-exceed amount of $90,000 per year, if needed;
1. Approved a not-to-exceed 20% contingency per year of the total contract in the amount of $15,000 for unforeseen conditions or extra work and authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve additional work with Pacific Plumbing Company of Santa Ana dba Pacific Plumbing of Southern California for a total not-to-exceed amount of $90,000 per year, if needed; and,
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and future amendments to the Maintenance Services Agreement with Verne's Plumbing, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and future amendments to the Maintenance Services Agreement with Pacific Plumbing Company of Santa Ana dba Pacific Plumbing of Southern California, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
6. Approval of Plans and Specifications for the Marina Hills Drive (Niguel Road to Golden Lantern) Resurfacing Project, Cash Contract No. 22-14, and Authorization to Advertise the Project for Bids
1. Approved the Plans and Specifications for the Marina Hills Drive (Niguel Road to Golden Lantern) Resurfacing Project, Cash Contract No. 22-14; and
2. Authorized staff to advertise the project for bids.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 9 March 21, 2023 Approval of Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement for Video Production Services with SOCTV Productions
1. Approved Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement for Video Production Services with SOCTV Productions for additional meeting and training services and to increase the contract amount by $35,800 for a not-to- exceed amount of $79,580 for Fiscal Year 2022-23; and,
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 and future amendments to the Professional Services Agreement for Video Production Services with SOCTV Productions, subject to the City Attorney making non- substantive changes.
Authorize the Purchase Order with SHI International Corp. for the Procurement of Rubrik's Data Backup System
Authorized the Purchase Order with SHI International Corp. for the procurement of Rubrik's Data Backup System.
10. 2022 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
Authorized staff to submit the 2022 Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR) to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR) by April 1, 2023.
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
4. Approval of Maintenance Services Agreement for Landscape Maintenance of Parks, Fields and Public Spaces with Merchants Landscaping Services, Inc.
Council Member Oddo discussed the environmental practices incorporated in the Landscape Maintenance Agreement with Merchants Landscaping Services Inc. She added that pilot programs are being conducted in surrounding cities that, if successful, may be incorporated in Laguna Niguel.
Mayor Pro Tem Sharma asked Public Works Director Scott about the qualifications of Merchants Landscaping Services. Director Scott discussed the qualifications of Merchants Landscaping Services and stated that she is comfortable with their services.
Mayor Pro Tem Sharma expressed his concern for Merchants Landscaping Services, having never done business in Laguna Niguel before, and his hesitation for Merchants to be awarded all Landscape Maintenance Services in the City.
Council Member Rains expressed her concerns about only having one vendor providing Landscape Maintenance Services within the City and asked Public Works Director Scott to provide clarification on the staffs recommendation. Public Works Director Scott City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 9 March 21, 2023 discussed the staffs previous experience working with the contractor and the provisions in the contract that permit the City to ensure service quality standards. Council Member Rains stated her concern with transitioning to a single vendor for Landscape Maintenance Services. Council Member Rains asked about the Juaneno Park organic turf study and inquired about the impacts of this agreement on that study. Public Works Director Scott stated that this agreement would not impact the study.
Council Member Gennawey inquired with Public Works Director Scott about the quality of work produced by Merchants Landscaping Services in surrounding cities. Public Works Director Scott stated that she is confident in the quality of work that the City of Laguna Niguel would be receiving from Merchants Landscaping Services.
Mayor Jennings thanked staff for all their hard work on this agreement and for their due diligence in saving the City $1.5 million over the life of the contract.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Oddo, to:
1. Approve the Maintenance Services Agreement for Landscape Maintenance for Parks, Fields and Public Spaces with Merchants Landscape Services, Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of $3,075,780.00 per year for Fiscal Years 2023-24 through 2025-26, subject to extension administratively for two additional one- year periods;
2. Approve a not-to-exceed 10% contingency per year of the total contract in the amount of $307,578.00 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 $3,383,358.00 per year, if needed; and, Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and future amendments to the Maintenance Services Agreement with Merchants Landscape Services, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
Motion carried 4-0-1, with Council Member Rains abstaining.
7. Appointment of City Council Liaisons to Regional Agency Boards and City Commissions, Committees, and Boards
Mayor Pro Tem Sharma expressed that he voted "no" on bringing this item to Council at the March 7 Regular City Council Meeting and expressed his intention to abstain from voting on this item.
Council Member Rains discussed her accomplishments while serving on the Orange County Fire Authority's Board of Directors. Council Member Rains discussed the potential complications presented by this agenda item. Council Member Rains read a letter by the Orange County Fire Authority stressing the importance of having as little voluntary turnover as possible on the Board of Directors. Council Member Rains urged her City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 9 March 21, 2023 colleagues to reconsider their actions due to the potential detrimental implications on the Orange County Fire Authority and Laguna Niguel.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Jennings, seconded by Council Member Gennawey, to:
1. Appoint Council Representatives to the Regional Agency Boards as identified in Attachment A; and,
2. Appoint Council Liaisons to City Commissions, Committees, and Boards as identified in Attachment B.
3. Adopt Resolution No 2023-1421, Designating and Appointing the City Representative to the Orange County Fire Authority's Board of Directors.
Motion carried 3-1-1, with Council Member Rains voting No, and Mayor Pro Tem Sharma abstaining.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. " Crown Valley Park Parking Study
Management Analyst Kelli Everett provided a report.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
Council Member Rains asked about the status of the interim parking lot and future plans for the interim parking lot. Public Works Director Scott discussed the positive feedback staff has received from the community about the interim parking lot and stated that the cost to transform the interim lot into a permanent parking lot would be approximately $1 million. Council Member Rains asked about the lifespan of the interim parking lot. Public Works Director Scott stated that the lot with recommended maintenance that the City actively provides could be ten years. Council Member Rains inquired about the programming capacity at Crown Valley Park when the study was conducted. Parks and Recreation Director Riviera stated that programming was at 90% capacity during the summer of 2022.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Genneway thanked staff for their proactive approach to addressing the parking demands at Crown Valley Park.
Council Member Rains thanked staff for their work on this study.
Mayor Jennings thanked staff for their work on this study and the additional features that staff has already made to enhance parking at Crown Valley Park.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 9 March 21, 2023 A MOTION was made by Council Member Rains, seconded by Council Member Gennawey, to receive the presentation on the Crown Valley Park Parking Study and file this report.
Motion carried 5-0.
Introduction of Ordinance No. 2023-219, Amending the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Related to the Electronic Filing of Statements of Economic Interests and Campaign Disclosure Documents
City Clerk Asistin provided a report.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
Mayor Pro Tem Sharma inquired if filers could still file hard copy Statements of Economic Interest and Campaign Disclosure Documents. City Clerk Asistin clarified that the ordinance, as currently written, would require electronic filing but may be amended to allow for the filing of hard copies should the City Council desire to provide that option.
Council Member Gennawey inquired if hard copy Statements of Economic Interest and Campaign Disclosure Documents could be provided to the City Clerk's office and then uploaded electronically by the City Clerk's office. City Clerk Asistin clarified that the NetFile system does accommodate the uploading of documents.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Gennawey thanked staff for their efforts in bringing this ordinance forward. Council Member Gennawey expressed his support for this ordinance as it allows for increased transparency by making all documents accessible to the public on the City's website.
Council Member Oddo thanked staff for their efforts in bringing this ordinance forward and expressed her support for this ordinance as it provides for a more streamlined filing process.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Sharma, seconded by Council Member Oddo
1. Waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 2023-219, by title:
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-219
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING DIVISION 8 OF TITLE 2 OF THE LAGUNA NIGUEL MUNICIPAL CODE, ALLOWING FOR
THE ELECTRONIC AND PAPERLESS FILING OF STATEMENTS OF
ECONOMIC INTERESTS AND CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
DOCUMENTS
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 9 March 21, 2023
2. Direct that the proposed Ordinance be placed on the agenda for adoption at the April 4, 2023 City Council meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. General Plan Amendment GPA 21-01A01 (2021-2029 Revised Housing Element Update) Updating the Adopted Housing Element
Senior Planner Erica Roess provided a report.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
Mayor Pro Tem Sharma inquired with Community Development Director Orduna on the use of Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) funds and revising the Housing Element. Community Development Director Orduna clarified that the CBDG funding has certain categories and eligible expenses. He added that the funds used for revising the Housing Element fall into the Capital Improvement category while funding for certain community organizations fall into the Local Service Providers category. Mayor Pro Tem Sharma further clarified with staff the derivation of language from the Municipal Code that staff references in the report. Senior Planner Roess answered that the language is primarily derived from state law.
Council Member Rains clarified with staff that this is an updated Housing Element following the City's original submission to the state for this cycle. Senior Planner Roess answered that this item is an updated Housing Element and that the comments provided by the state have been incorporated into the City's update.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Debbie Salahi commented on the City's revised Housing Element related to workforce and affordable housing.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Rains discussed the importance of people of all economic levels being able to live in Laguna Niguel. Council Member Rains also discussed Senate Bill 540 and the importance of local control.
Semary. to penade public bearing take Rites one to i earn. and then:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-1422 approving General Plan Amendment GPA 21- 01A01 (2021-2029 Revised Housing Element Update) (Attachment A); and City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 9 March 21, 2023
2. Find that General Plan Amendment GPA 21-01A01 is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements per Section 15061, Review for Exemption of the CEQA Guidelines. Specifically, Section 15061(b) (3) states, in part, that a project is exempt from CEQA if "the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA."
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Reports
Council Member Rains discussed her work on the League of California Cities Housing, Community, and Economic Development Policy Committee and the legislative advocacy efforts being discussed. Council Member Rains further discussed the Orange County Council of Governments' upcoming event and a community event at a local elementary school. Council Member Rains expressed her appreciation for members of the community who reached out to her while she was dealing with medical concerns.
Council Member Oddo provided a progress update on her Climate Conversations meetings and discussed an upcoming Coffee and a Conversation Event with Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley on April 14, at 9:00 a.m., at High-Tide Coffee. Council Member Oddo discussed her experience on an OCFA ride-a-long.
Council Member Gennawey discussed the upcoming Fentany! Town Hall event on Wednesday, April 12, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Crown Valley Community Center.
Council Member Gennawey discussed the dangers presented by fentanyl and its impact on Orange County and Laguna Niguel. Council Member Gennawey discussed the upcoming Earth Day Celebration at the Niguel Botanical Preserve on April 22, from 8:30- 11:30 a.m.
Mayor Jennings thanked everyone for being in attendance and the staff for their hard work in preparing this agenda. Mayor Jennings thanked her Council colleagues for their efforts tonight on behalf of all Laguna Niguel residents. Mayor Jennings expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped make Laguna Niguel such a wonderful community.
Mayor Jennings expressed her resolve to celebrate Laguna Niguel community members, organizations, nonprofits, and businesses who make the City such a remarkable place.
Mayor Jennings announced the launching of her new initiative called "Laguna Niguel Cares," which will bring together and celebrate the hard-working community members and organizations that make Laguna Niguel so special.
2. City Manager/Department Reports
Public Works Director Scott provided an update on the storms occurring in Laguna Niguel and the Public Works Department's efforts to mitigate impacts on residents.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 9 March 21, 2023
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jennings adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 9 March 21, 2023