City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 9 November 19, 2024
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
November 19, 2024
7:00 p.m. – Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Jennings called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:01 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
INVOCATION – Chaplain Serena Cummins, Orange County Sheriff’s Department
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Cub Scout Pack #702
PRESENTATION
1. Laguna Niguel Cares – Project Hope Alliance
The City Council presented a proclamation to Project Hope Alliance, commending their service to the community and their commitment towards ending the cycle of homelessness for Orange County youth, one child at a time.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ming Shi spoke on an ongoing code compliance issue.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Winstead, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
1. Warrants of November 5, 2024 and November 19, 2024
Approved as written.
2. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
3. Investment Report as of September 30, 2024
Received and filed the City of Laguna Niguel Investment Report as of September 30, 2024.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 9 November 19, 2024
4. Minutes of the October 15, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting
Approved as written.
5. Approval of Plans and Specifications for the Annual Residential Overlay Program Fiscal Year 2024-25, Cash Contract No. 23-05, and Authorization to Advertise the Project for Bids
1. Approved the Plans and Specifications for the Annual Residential Overlay Program Fiscal Year 2024-25, Cash Contract No. 23-05; and,
2. Authorized staff to advertise the project for bids.
6. Award of Professional Services Agreement to Mark Thomas & Company, Inc. for the La Paz Road Mobility Enhancements and Permanent Repair Project Approval and Environmental Documentation Phase, Cash Contract No. 24- 10 1. Awarded the Professional Services Agreement with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc. to provide design and environmental clearance services for the La Paz Road Mobility Enhancements and Permanent Repair Project Approval and Environmental Documentation Phase (La Paz Road PA&ED), Cash Contract No. 24-10 for a not-to-exceed amount of $831,653;
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 15% contingency of the total contract in the amount of $124,748 for unforeseen conditions or extra work and authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve additional work for a total not -to- exceed amount of $956,401 if needed; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non- substantive changes.
7. Award of Professional Services Agreement to Moore lacofano Goltsman, Inc. dba MIG, Inc. for Open Space Inventory
1. Awarded the Professional Services Agreement to Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. dba MIG, Inc. for Open Space Inventory in the not -to-exceed amount of $71,391.
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 20% contingency of the total contract in the amount of $14,278 for unforeseen conditions or extra work and authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve additional work with Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. dba MIG, Inc. for a total not -to-exceed amount of $85,669, if needed; and,
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3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and future amendments to the Professional Services Agreement with MIG, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
8. Approval of Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement to Provide Additional Environmental Consulting Services for the Proposed Paseo De Colinas Townhomes Development
1. Approved Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement to provide additional environmental consulting services for the proposed Paseo De Colinas Townhomes development for an amount not-to-exceed $17,960;
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 10% contingency of the total contract in the amount of $1,796, if needed;
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement and future amendments to the agreement, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes; and,
4. Approved a budget appropriation for a pass -through amount of $17,960. The costs associated with these services will be paid by the property owner, Capistrano Unified School District.
9. Approval of Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with LSA Associates, Inc. to Provide Environmental Consulting Services for 25 Old Ranch Road – North Pacific Developments, Inc.
1. Approved Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with LSA Associates, Inc. to provide environmental consulting services for 25 Old Ranch Road for and amount not-to-exceed $66,033.30;
2. Approved a not -to-exceed 10% contingency of the total contract with LSA Associates, Inc. in the amount of $6,603.33, if needed;
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement and future amendments to the agreement between the City and LSA Associates, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non- substantive changes; and,
4. Approved a budget appropriation for a pass -through amount of $66,033.30.
The costs associated with these services will be paid by the property owner.
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DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Adoption of the 1st Marines Regimental Headquarters Unit, Replacing Redesignated 1st Battalion, 4th Marines Unit
Assistant City Manager Martin provided a report on the adoption of the 1 st Marines
Regimental Headquarters Unit, replacing the redesignated 1st Battalion, 4th Marines Unit.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
There were no City Council questions.
Mayor Jennings opened Public Comment.
Frank McGrath, Chair and representative of the Military Support Committee, spoke in favor of the adoption of the unit.
Mayor Jennings closed Public Comment.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Council Member Winstead expressed her admiration for the dedication of the Military Support Committee, highlighting their consistent support for both the City and the Marines over 18 years. Sh e praised their willingness to adapt to the redesignation of the 1st Battalion, 4
th Marines Unit and take on the responsibility of supporting the entire 1st Battalion. She emphasized the Military Support C ommittee's generosity and the expanded impact of their efforts in supporting military members and their families, stating her full support for the adoption of the 1st Marines Regimental Headquarters Unit.
Mayor Pro Tem Oddo prais ed the Military Support Committee's progress and efforts under Chair McGrath's leadership. Sh e highlighted the C ommittee's enthusiasm for supporting the new unit and expressed her full support for the adoption of the 1 st Marines
Regimental Headquarters Unit.
Council Member Gennawey acknowledged the Military Support Committee members in attendance, thanking them for their work and presence. H e also expressed gratitude to Chief Warrent Officer Shin, for his service.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Johns, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Oddo to:
1. Formally adopt the 1
st Marines Regimental Headquarters Unit as a City Council adoptive military unit, replacing the recently redesignated 1st Battalion, 4th Marines Unit; and,
2. Authorize consideration of additional support for the three remaining units (1 st Battalion, 2nd Battalion, & 3rd Battalion, of the 1st Marine Regiment).
Motion carried 5-0.
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2. Introduction of Ordinance No. 2024-231, Amending Ordinance No. 91-45 to Establish the Prima Facie Speed Limit on Four Street Segments of Forbes Road and La Paz Road Within the City
Public Works Director Scott provided a report on the introduction of Ordinance No. 2024- 231, amending Ordinance No. 91-45 to establish the prima facie speed limit on four street segments of Forbes Road and La Paz Road within the city.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
There were no City Council questions.
Mayor Jennings opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Jennings closed Public Comment.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
There was no further council discussion.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey , seconded by Council Member Johns to:
1. Waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 2024-231, by title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 91-45
TO ESTABLISH THE PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMIT ON FOUR
STREET SEGMENTS OF FORBES ROAD AND LA PAZ ROAD
WITHIN THE CITY
2. Direct that the proposed Ordinance be placed on the agenda for adoption at the December 3, 2024 City Council meeting.
3. Approve staff’s recommendation of no changes to the existing speed limit on Avila Road (Moulton Parkway to La Paz Road).
Motion carried 5-0.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEM
1. 2025 League of California Membership
Council Member Gennawey and Council Member Winstead provided a report on the 2025 Leage of California membership.
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COUNCIL QUESTIONS
There were no City Council questions.
Mayor Jennings opened Public Comment.
Connor Medina, Regional Public Affairs Manager for the Orange County Division of the League of California Cities, urged the City Council to renew their membership in 2025.
Susan Aaronson, Carol Singer, and John Taylor shared their support of the City’s continued membership with the League of California Cities.
Mayor Jennings closed Public Comment.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Council Member Johns expressed his frustration with the Lague of California Cities, citing repeated disagreements with their positions, including their support for Proposition 1 and Proposition 5. He spoke to their approach on addressing tax issues, which he believed prioritized increasing taxes over cutting costs. Council Member Johns shared his disappointing experience at the 2024 League of California Cities Conference and stated that their values do not align with Laguna Niguel's commitment to fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets. He stated his support for leaving the Lea gue of California Cities to demonstrate the City's dissatisfaction with the organization.
Mayor Pro Tem Oddo strongly advocated for renewing the membership with the League of California Cities, emphasizing its value as a platform for influencing state policy and addressing critical local issues. She highlighted successes like efforts against AB 25, which impacted Battery Energy Storage Systems, and long-term advocacy for addressing Sober Living homes. Mayor Pro Tem Oddo shared h er personal experience engaging with the League of California Cities, particularly her work on Fire Insurance Reform, where she collaborated with leaders from other cities to create a working group. She stressed that meaningful change requires active participation, asserting that the League of California Cities offers opportunities to connect with diverse perspectives and advocate for residents. Mayor Pro Tem Oddo acknowledged some disagreements with the League of California Cities organization and argued that leaving would diminish Laguna Niguel's voice in Sacramento and hinder progress on critical issues. Sh e stated that the benefits of staying, including the ability to influence and lead on key matters, far outweigh the nominal cost of membership.
Council Member Gennawey criticized the League of California Cities for its handling of key issues, particularly regarding Proposition 1 and its impact on Sober Living homes. He recounted attending conferences where the League of California Cities staff acknowledged flaws in Proposition 1 but still supported it without negotiating fixes to regulatory problems. Council Member Gennawey also highlighted the organization's past support for raising property taxes during a cost -of-living crisis, which he found dee ply concerning. Council Member Gennawey expressed frustration with the League of California Cities’ failure to align with Laguna Niguel's priorities, such as protecting Proposition 13 property tax protections and addressing regulatory challenges with Sober
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Living homes. He questioned the organization's decision-making process, citing a lack of consensus and misaligned priorities on core issues. Council Member Gennawey recommended taking a step back from the League of California Cities due to its inconsistent support for the City's values and its involvement in political actions.
Mayor Pro Tem Oddo expressed her disagreement with Council Member Gennawey.
Mayor Jennings discusssed her intention to end Laguna Niguel's membership in the League of California Cities, emphasizing that her decision was made after thoughtful consideration. While recognizing the value the League of California Cities has provided through advocacy, education, and collaboration, she highlighted a growing misalignment on key legislative issues, particularly Proposition 1 and Proposition 5, which the C ity opposed. She stated that the M easures undermine local control and fiscal integrity, contrasting with the League of California Cities' support for them. She emphasized that the decision to not renew the City’s membership is not permanent, and the City is open to rejoining if the League of California Cities’ priorities align better in the future.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey , seconded by Council Member Winstead to:
Not renew the City’s membership in the League of California Cities for the upcoming year.
Motion carried 4-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Oddo voting No.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Winstead reflected on the 161st anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, emphasizing its message of resilience and unity following the devastating Battle of Gettysburg, where 51,000 lives were lost. Council Member Winstead praised Laguna Niguel as "America's Finest City," attributing its greatness to its community and volunteers. She highlighted recent events she attended including the Botanical Preserve Fall Planting, a Friends of the Laguna Niguel L ibrary Book Sale, and the Veterans Day Ceremony. She shared information on the Military Support Committee's T oy Drive for service members’ families, running through December 5th , and the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce's "Shop, Dine, and Win" program.
Council Member Johns shared that on October 29th, he joined Capistrano Unified School District Trustee Gila Jones for a food tasting at the District's facility, which prepares over 20,000 high-quality meals daily for students. He also toured the virtual school program, praising its flexibility for students balancing education with personal responsibilities, while still allowing them to participate in school activities. He commended the C ity's Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11th , highlighting the participation of veterans and expressing gratitude for their service. Council Member Johns shared that on November 16th, he and his wife volunteered as scorers for the Special Olympics golfing event, where
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they enjoyed interacting with talented athletes and encouraged others to participate in future events.
Council Member Gennawey praised the recent Veterans Day C eremony, calling it the best one yet, with over 250 attendees at the Sea Country Senior and Community Center.
He highlighted Judge Richard King's moving speech about his experiences as a Vietnam veteran and his return to Vietnam 50 years later to honor fallen comrades. Council Member Gennawey expressed hope to hear more from Judge King at future events. He also shared that he attended the Aliso Niguel High School homecoming game, noting the school's distinction as having the best student section in Orange County.
Mayor Pro Tem Oddo praised Judge King's outstanding contribution to the Veterans Day Ceremony. She congratulated the awardees from the "Women Who Mean Business" luncheon, including Caroline Swift, Carol Allen, Melissa Caldwell, and Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley for their work in the community. She shared the upcoming Youth Committee events, such as "Pizza with Police" and a project at the Laguna Niguel Botanical Preserve. Mayor Pro Tem Oddo mentioned attending three ribbon cuttings for local businesses: the new owner of the Mercedes -Benz dealership, Mathnasium, and Tailored Space, a new business offering flexible office space. Sh e reported on h er attendance at the Cal Cities C onference in Long Beach, where she learned about concerns regarding the potential decline in commercial property tax and sales tax revenues. She emphasized the need for a targeted strategy to address this expected loss, especially as experience-based businesses are becoming more popular but generate less sales tax. Mayor Pro Tem Oddo discussed the fire insurance issues faced by residents, noting that two bills supporting residents were recently defeated, but efforts are underway to get insurance companies to credit cities for their fire-prevention efforts. She shared that she participated in a wildland firefighter training session, gaining greater appreciation for the difficult work of wildland firefighters. She also shared that she attended a meeting on the proposed B attery Energy Storage System project. Mayor Pro Tem Oddo shared a letter from the commander of the USS Stockdale, thanking the Military Support Committee for their dedication to the crew and their mission. She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and expressed her pride in serving the residents of Laguna Niguel.
Mayor Jennings shared that she attended a Family Assistance Ministry fashion show that raised funds for meals for homeless families this Thanksgiving. She congratulated the award winners of the "Women Who Mean Business" luncheon, specifically recognizing Melissa Caldwell, who was in attendance, for her contributions. Mayor Jennings thanked the Parks and Recreation Department team, particularly staff member Lynn Hewitt, for organizing a successful Veterans Day Ceremony and praised Judge King for his inspiring presentation. She expressed gratitude to the Military Support Committee , and Police Services Deputies , including Sergeant McCann, Deputy Mack, and K9 Mac, for their engaging Junior Civic Workshop presentation. Mayor Jennings shared that she attended the grand reopening of Laguna Niguel Mercedes-Benz under new ownership, noting their commitment to community engagement and fundraising efforts for Family Assistance Ministries. She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, expressing gratitude for the City staff, public safety teams, City Council colleagues, and the community.
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2. City Manager/Department Reports
City Attorney Smith reported that the City Council unanimously approved a settlement agreement with the Bear Brand Ranch Community Association regarding title and public access to Long View Trail and Long View Park. The agreement secures the property title for the City and ensures public access from dawn to dusk. Provisions were also included to maintain the property’s security and safety.
Parks and Recreation Director Harmon reported on two of the City’s upcoming holiday events. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on December 7th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Hall Plaza, featuring games, cookie decorating, arts and crafts, and special appearances by Santa’s reindeer, Donner and Blitzen. The Holiday Parade will take place on December 14th at 10:00 a.m., with over 70 entries and this year’s theme is "Hometown Holidays." Santa will also make an appearance at both events.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jennings adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk