City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3 October 15, 2024
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
October 15, 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 – Farshad Jahed, Baha’i Community of Laguna Niguel
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Boy Scout Pack #872
PRESENTATION
1. Laguna Niguel Cares – Laura’s House
The City Council presented a proclamation to Laura’s House, commending their service to the community, empowering domestic violence survivors to rebuild their lives, and providing shelter and supportive services for more than three decades.
Mayor Jennings formally recognized the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Item No. 4 was pulled from the consent calendar.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Johns, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
1. Warrants of October 15, 2024
Approved as written.
2. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 October 15, 2024
3. Minutes of the September 17, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting, Minutes of the October 1, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting, and Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting on October 3, 2024
Approved as written.
5. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024 -230 Establishing Regulations Applicable to the Planting and Care of Trees on Public Property and Making a Finding of Exemption under CEQA in Connection Therewith
Conducted a second reading, by title only, and adopted Ordinance No. 2024-230:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL ESTABLISHING
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PLANTING AND CARE OF TREES ON
PUBLIC PROPERTY AND MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER
CEQA IN CONNECTION THEREWITH
ITEM PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
4. City Grant Funding for Community Services/Cultural Arts Programs, Special Events and School-Based Activity Scholarships
Council Member Winstead expressed her gratitude to her fellow City Council members Jennings and Gennawey for evaluating all 26 organizations for funding related to Community Services and Cultural Arts programs. She thanked staff for their organization and Finance Director Agrelius for creating a strong budget that allows for financial support of these programs and events. Council Member Winstead highlighted the positive impact this funding will have on the organizations involved.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Winstead, 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.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Johns shared his participation in George White Elementary School's Walk to School Day on October 9
th, enjoying the experience with over 100 students while walking from Starbucks to the school. Additionally, on October 12 th, he attended the Haunted Trails event. He thanked Parks and Recreation Director Harmon and the staff for their excellent work and the volunteers who made the event a success.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 October 15, 2024
Council Member Winstead shared that she attended the Haunted Trails event and thanked Parks and Recreation Director Harmon and the staff for their excellent work and the volunteers who made the event a success. She encouraged the community to follow the city’s social media platforms for updates on local news and events happening in the City.
Council Member Gennawey praised the cultural grants program and the approval for 26 organizations in Laguna Niguel, highlighting the C ity's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents, including underserved communities. He shared that he attended a productive meeting with the Youth Committee, which includes planning events for high school students. Council Member Gennawey shared that he would be attending the League of California Cities Conference in Long Beach and noted the upcoming homecoming weekend for Aliso Niguel High School, encouraging everyone to stay safe during the festivities.
Mayor Pro Tem Oddo expressed pride in attending a ribbon- cutting for a new business called Connection Therapy, which supports neurodivergent children through therapy and play therapy. She announced that the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) received the Rose Award from OC Tax for its early bond paydown program, having paid down $1.39 billion dollars in interest and principal since 2019, with an additional $200 million dollars expected to be paid down in 2025.
Mayor Jennings expressed her gratitude to staff for their hard work on the State of the City event, noting the elegance and attention to detail that made the day special. She mentioned being honored to speak at the Chabad Jewish Center on October 7 th, marking
the one -year anniversary of the attacks on Israel, which was a solemn occasion for reflection. Mayor Jennings shared that she participated in the Family Assistance Ministries Hunger Walk, highlighting the strong turnout and the importance of supporting community outreach efforts.
2. City Manager/Department Reports
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Division Chief Mike Summers provided an OCFA Quarterly Report.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jennings adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk