City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 5 October 17, 2023
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
October 17, 2023
7:00 p.m. – Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Jennings called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Kelly Jennings – Present
Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Oddo – Present
Council Member Ray Gennawey– Present
Council Member Gene Johns – Present
Council Member Stephanie Winstead – Present
INVOCATION – Chaplain Serena Cummins, Orange County Sheriff’s Department
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council Member Gennawey
PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation Declaring Fire Prevention Month
Mayor Jennings presented a proclamation, declaring October 2023 as Fire Prevention Month. The proclamation was received by Division Fire Chief Baryic Hunter, who thanked the city for the recognition and spoke on behalf of Orange County Fire Authority.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Elaine Gennawey discussed the older adults needs assessment being conducted by the County of Orange to help guide the Master Plan for Aging and encouraged residents to participate in the survey.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Members Gennawey, Johns, and Winstead pulled Item No. 5 for discussion.
Council Member Gennawey pulled Item No. 6 for discussion.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Oddo, seconded by Council Member Winstead, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
1. Warrants of October 3, 2023 and October 17, 2023
Approved as written.
2. Payroll Summary Register
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 5 October 17, 2023
Approved as written.
3. Investment Report as of August 31, 2023
Approved as written.
4. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting on September 13, 2023 and Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on September 19, 2023
Approved as written.
7. Approval of Plans and Specifications for Marina Hills Park Improvements Project, Cash Contract No. 22-15, and Authorization to Advertise the Project for Bids
City Council:
1. Approved the plans and specifications for the Marina Hills Park Improvements Project, Cash Contract No. 22-15; and,
2. Authorized staff to advertise the project for bids.
8. Resolution to Initiate the Procedures to Exchange an Access Driveway Easement Over a Minor Portion of Crown Valley Park for an Easement Over Adjacent Private Property (The Village Shopping Center) for Overflow Parking for Park Users and to Conditionally Approve a Reciprocal Easement Agreement, and finding said action exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities)
City Council:
1. Adopted Resolution 2023-1450 to initiate the discontinuance of the use of a minor portion of Crown Valley Park that currently serves as a landscape border, in exchange for an easement for non- exclusive use of up to five parking spaces at 30001 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, California, by users of Crown Valley Park and to call a public hearing on December 5, 2023, regarding the proposed minor exchange of park land, and finding that such action is exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities);
2. Upon completion of the procedures necessary to discontinue the applicable portion of Crown Valley Park, approve a reciprocal easement agreement between the City of Laguna Niguel and MV/The Village, LLC, regarding the proposed minor exchange of park land (“Easement Agreement”);
3. Directed the City Clerk to cause Resolution 2023-1450 to be published and circulated in accordance with Government Code Section 38445; and
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 5 October 17, 2023
4. Call a public hearing on the proposed minor exchange of park land.
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
5. City Grant Funding for Community Services/Cultural Arts Programs, Special Events and School-Based Activity Sponsorships
Council Member Johns and Council Member Winstead thanked the ad-hoc committee members, Council Member Gennawey and Mayor Jennings for their participation in the process and expressed their support for the recommendations.
Council Member Gennawey spoke on the City Council’s support of local organizations contributing to the quality of life in the City of Laguna Niguel through grant sponsorships.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Mayor Jennings to:
Approve $75,000 in City grant funding for Community Services/Cultural Arts Programs and Special Events/School -Based Activity Sponsorships, as recommended by the Grants Ad Hoc Committee.
Motion carried 5-0.
6. Award of Construction Contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. for the Marina Hills Drive (Niguel Road to Golden Lantern) Resurfacing Project, Cash Contract No. 22-14
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Johns to:
1. Award the Construction Contract for the Marina Hills Drive (Niguel Road to Golden Lantern) Resurfacing Project, Cash Contract No. 22- 14 to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. in the amount of $2,122,000;
2. Authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to process change orders in an amount not to exceed 10% of the contract for $212,200, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $2,334,200 if needed;
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Construction Contract for the Marina Hills Drive (Niguel Road to Golden Lantern) Resurfacing Project, Cash Contract No. 22- 14 with Onyx Paving Company, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes;
4. Authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer to execute the Notice of Completion at the conclusion of construction; and,
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5. Transfer $315,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the Residential Annual Resurfacing Program (Zones 3 & 4) to the Marina Hills Drive – Niguel Road to Golden Lantern Project.
Motion carried 5-0.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Winstead shared that the City will be hosting a General Plan Open House on October 18
th in the Community Room at City Hall and encouraged
residents to attend and reported that the annual Taste for the Troops event will be held on October 19th at the Crown Valley Community Center.
Council Member Johns reminded the community that Red Ribbon Week is recognized annually in October, sharing that the reason for the red ribbon is to honor the sacrifice made by DEA Agent Enrique Camarena in the fight against drugs and asked that Red Ribbon Week be recognized October 23 rd – October
31st. Council Member Johns also encouraged residents to take advantage of the Drug Take Back event on October 28 th at City Hall to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.
Council Member Gennaway announced the birth of his son, Reagan Gennawey; shared that his wife Rachel and son are doing well; thanked Dr. Ramirez, nursing staff, and the entire team at Mission Hospital, recognizing the incredible job they did during the Gennawey family’s maternity stay. Council Member Gennaway thanked everyone for their love and support and shared that they cannot wait to introduce their son to the community of Laguna Niguel.
Mayor Pro Tem Oddo reported on her recent attendance at the CalCities conference held in Sacramento, sharing a brief overview of the sessions she attended. Mayor Pro Tem Oddo shared that Ryan Chamberlain has just been hired as the new CEO for the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and shared that the widening of SR-73 Cataline View was recently approved. Mayor Pro Tem Oddo also reported on her recent attendance at FAM’s 36 th Annual Hunger Walk,
Dana Hills High School Homecoming game and 50 th Anniversary celebration.
Mayor Pro Tem Oddo shared her wish for peace, condemnation of violence of any type, and stated that she will be praying until the end of hostilities.
Mayor Jennings thanked Chief of Police Services Isaac Flores for presenting at the Junior Civic Workshop, recognized Parks and Recreation Director Rivera and staff on the amazing Haunted Trails event, congratulated the Gennawey family on the birth of their new son.
2. City Manager/Department Reports
None.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 5 October 17, 2023
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jennings adjourned the regular meeting at 7:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________
Marissa J. Asistin, CMC
City Clerk
City Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3 October 24, 2023
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting
October 24, 2023
5:00 p.m. – Special Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Jennings called the Special City Council Meeting Study Session to order at 5:01 p.m.
Mayor Kelly Jennings – Present
Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Oddo – Present
Council Member Ray Gennawey – Present
Council Member Gene Johns – Present
Council Member Stephanie Winstead – Present
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council Member Johns
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
STUDY SESSION
1. Proposed Objective Development and Design Standards for Multifamily and Mixed-Use Residential Projects that Qualify for Streamlined Ministerial Review Under State Law
Contract Planner Stephanie Tomaino provided a report and PowerPoint presentation.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
In response to an inquiry by Council Member Gennawey , City Attorney Smith clarified that the manual being considered applies to attached and multi-family projects.
Council Member Gennawey inquired about the architectural styles that would be allowed in the City of Laguna Niguel. Deputy Community Development Director Morgan provided a response indicating that those projects that are interested in the streamlined ministerial review process option would be subject to the design standards of the manual. Deputy Community Development Director Morgan further explained that, in the alternative, those projects that may want greater design flexibility would go through the traditional discretionary process, which would require review by the Planning Commission and be consistent with the City’s subjective design guidelines.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Odd o spoke on the history and identity of the City of Laguna and expressed her interest for more uniformity through City -wide design guidelines. She shared her support for a narrowed selection of design styles: craftsman, modern
City Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 October 24, 2023
farmhouse ranch, and modern ; and stated her support for limiting the options in the manual to just a few options. Mayor Pro Tem Oddo commented on Citywide landscaping designs in need of being updated. Mayor Pro Tem Oddo requested th at Section 2.2G,
movements shall be identified and connected via a sidewalk...”
In response to Council Member Gennawey , Mayor Pro Tem Oddo confirmed the requested change. Council Member Gennawey stated that he was fine with the change.
Council Member Winstead expressed her support to include Spanish colonial/ revival design as an option as a nod to the Spanish heritage of the City. Council Member Winstead shared her agreement with the update of landscape guidelines.
Council Member Johns shared his support for an eclectic mix of design styles if the styles stay within communities/neighborhoods to maintain consistency.
Council Member Gennawey commented on the number of design styles in the proposed manual in comparison with other cities and the ability to avoid a clash in architectural styles when approving new developments.
Staff indicated that concerns with compatibility of design styles may be addressed by limiting the options that are permitted in the manual, providing more predictability for the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Oddo reiterated her support for limiting the permitted design options to avoid incompatibility of styles.
Mayor Jennings expressed her concern for limiting the design options to create a community identity as it could isolate those who do not fit within the design parameters.
Community Development Director Orduna clarified that the standards being considered do not apply to traditional single-family residences.
In response to an inquiry by Council Member Gennawey , Community Development Director Orduna indicated that the City Council has the option to make changes to the manual at the upcoming Public Hearing to consider its adoption.
Mayor Pro Tem Oddo shared her interest in consistency and a community identity for the City of Laguna Niguel.
To address a question by Council Member Winstead regarding parking standards, Deputy Community Development Director Morgan shared that regarding parking as well as other areas where the manual may be silent, references are made to the City’s Zoning Code for applicable standards.
Council Member Johns inquired about whether consideration has been made to the blocking of views. Deputy Community Development Director Morgan shared that existing height standard of 35’, which is basically three stories, is provided for in the current Zoning
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Code; clarified that the C ity does not have a view protection ordinance; and explained that state preemptions may be exercise d to allow for a development taller than three stories. Deputy Community Development Director Morgan shared that to be sensitive to lower scale developments, the manual includes measures to address compatibility with existing structures. Council Member Johns spoke on the City seal and the depiction of the history and setting of Laguna Niguel and shared his support of varying design styles.
Following a question by Council Member Gennawey regarding the architectural style of the Beacon Hill neighborhood, discu ssion with staff ensued regarding the varying styles and use of materials during the time of the development of the area. Staff shared that the styles articulated in the manual call for high-end materials and finishes, meant to prevent a value engineering process and ensure high quality design.
Council Member Gennawey commented on the history of Laguna Niguel and the City seal.
Mayor Jennings shared her concern with wood roofs and siding.
In conclusion, Mayor Jennings confirmed that the matter will be brought back for consideration at a public hearing scheduled for November 7, 2023.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jennings adjourned the Special City Council Meeting at 5:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
Marissa J. Asistin, CMC
City Clerk
City Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 1 October 25, 2023
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting
10/25/2023
4:00 p.m. – Special Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Jennings called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 4:01 p.m.
Mayor Kelly Jennings – Present
Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Oddo – Present
Council Member Ray Gennawey – Present
Council Member Gene Johns – Present
Council Member Stephanie Winstead – Present
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council Member Winstead
CLOSED SESSION
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM
None.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Following City Attorney Smith’s announcement of the Closed Session, the City Council recessed to closed session for discussion on the following matter:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Number of potential cases: 1
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Smith reported that there was no reportable action taken during closed session.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jennings adjourned the Special City Council Meeting at 4:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
Marissa J. Asistin, CMC
City Clerk