City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 4 August 6, 2024
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
August 6, 2024
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 – Junior and Brownie Troop #2631
PRESENTATIONS
1. Laguna Niguel Cares – Orange County Rescue Mission
The City Council presented a proclamation to the Orange County Rescue Mission for their commitment to serving the City’s residents and for providing housing, basic needs, and comprehensive services to members of the community in need.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sharla Marocchi spoke on illegal fireworks in the City.
Linda M., Michelle M., Kathleen H., Cheryl F., and George A. spoke on and introduced the United Sovereign Americans (USA) resolution.
Ann Mudry thanked City Staff and the City Council for their hard work.
Cindy Dopf spoke on a failed asphalt sinkhole in her neighborhood.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Johns, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
1. Warrants of August 6, 2024
Approved as written.
2. Payroll Summary Register
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Approved as written.
3. Investment Report as of June 30, 2024
Received and filed the City of Laguna Niguel Investment Report as of June 30, 2024.
4. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on July 16th, 2024
Approved as written.
5. Adoption of Resolution No. 2024- 1487, Reaffirming and Extending the Proclamation of Local Emergency in Connection with the Recent Earth Movement Under La Paz Road
Adopted Resolution No. 2024-1487, reaffirming and extending the proclamation of local emergency in connection with the recent earth movement under La Paz Road.
6. Rate Adjustment Following Evaluation of Legal Counsel
Affirmed that a positive annual evaluation of the City Attorney occurred as required for the rate adjustments specified in the City’s Legal Services Agreement with Best Best & Krieger, LLP effective September 1, 2024.
7. Fourth Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement
Adopted Resolution No. 2024-1488, approving the Fourth Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement with Tamara S. Letourneau.
8. Approval of the Installation of the Right-Turn Only Lane on Shark Bay
Approved the installation of the right-turn only lane (with buses exempt) on Shark Bay.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION
1. Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-1489, Supporting Proposition 36
Council Member Gennawey and Council Member Johns requested this item, and both provided a report sharing the reasons for bringing this matter to the City Council for consideration.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
There were no questions from the City Council.
Mayor Jennings opened Public Comments.
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Scott Alevy, representative of the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, spoke in favor of the item.
Mayor Jennings closed Public Comments.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Mayor Pro Tem Oddo shared her support of Proposition 36 and stated that one of the basic duties as a Councilmember is to prioritize public safety.
Council Member Winstead shared her support of Proposition 36.
Council Member Gennawey shared that Proposition 36 puts drug dealers on notice that they could be facing the most serious charge in the penal code (Murder) if they continue to deal fentanyl and a death occurs.
Mayor Jennings shared her support of Proposition 36.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Johns to:
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-1489, Supporting Proposition 36.
Motion carried 5-0.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Gennawey shared that he attended the St. Timothy’s Knights of Columbus golf tournament. He shared that he met with members of the community regarding the proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) facility in San Juan Capistrano. He also shared that he attended the Summer Concert at Crown Valley Park and stated that he is looking forward to the Sea Country Festival.
Council Member Johns shared that he attended a butterfly tour at the Niguel Botanical Preserve and encouraged the community to visit the preserve. He shared that he attended the Special Olympics bowling event and the American Legion Auxiliary South Unit 281 barbecue.
Council Member Winstead shared that she attended the Chambe r of Commerce Pet Palooza event and the American Legion Auxiliary South Unit 281 barbecue. She encouraged residents to attend the Living with Local Wildlife workshop at Crown Valley Community Center on Wednesday, August 7 at 6 p.m. She thanked staff for their work on La Paz Road and the upcoming Bicycle Green Zone pilot project.
Mayor Pro Tem Oddo shared that she attended a community meeting opposing the proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) facility in San Juan Capistrano at Crown
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Valley Commun ity Center, the Chamber of Commerce Pet Palooza event, and the American Legion Auxiliary South Unit 281 barbecue. She shared that she volunteered at the Working Wardrobes PowerUp event and encouraged residents to attend a future event. She also shared that she attended a legislative roundup hosted by the Association of California Cities Orange County (ACC-OC). She gave an update on the MNWD Pipeline Project on Crown Valley Parkway and shared that the final road paving will be done in February and March of 2025. She gave an update on homeowners insurance and changes resulting from the City’s advocacy to State Insurance Commissioner Lara. She shared that the Los Angeles, Orange County, and Riverside area won a $500-million EPA grant.
Mayor Jennings shared that the City’s investment returns are at a 550% increase over the projected fiscal year of 2023/2024.
2. City Manager/Department Reports
Parks and Recreation Director Jonathon Harmon provided an update on the upcoming Sea Country Festival on Friday, August 23
rd to Sunday, August 25th.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jennings adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting, at 7:57 p.m., in memory of Mr. Bob Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
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Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk