City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 5 January 21, 2025
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
January 21, 2025
7:00 p.m. – Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Gennawey called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Ray Gennawey – Present
Mayor Pro Tem Gene Johns – Present
Council Member Kelly Jennings– Present
Council Member Stephanie Oddo – Present
Council Member Stephanie Winstead – Absent
INVOCATION – Jan Sheretz, First Church of Christ, Scientist
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Cub Scout Pack #872
PRESENTATION
1. Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce Shop and Dine Drawing
Caroline Swift, Chair of the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, overviewed the Shop and Dine Program, and Mayor Gennawey drew three winners at random from the raffle.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Item No. 3 was pulled from the consent calendar.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Johns, seconded by Council Member Jennings, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 4-0.
1. Warrants of January 7 and January 21, 2025
Approved as written.
2. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
4. Minutes of the December 17, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting
Approved as written.
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5. Approval of Multi-Year Master Services Agreement with Flock Safety Group, Inc.
1. Approved the Multi -Year Master Services Agreement with Flock Safety Group, Inc., subject to extension administratively for two additional one-year periods.
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and future amendments to the Master Services Agreement with Flock Safety Group, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
6. Award of Construction Contract to All American Asphalt for the Annual Residential Overlay Program Fiscal year 2024-25, Cash Contract No. 23-05
1. Appointed the Construction Contract to All American Asphalt for the Annual Residential Overlay Program Fiscal Year 2024- 25, Cash Contract No. 23- 05 in the amount of $1,035,277, which consists of the base bid, and additive alternative bid items A, B, and C;
2. Authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to process change orders in an amount not to exceed 10% of the contract for $103,528, for a total not-to-exceed amount of the $1,138,805 if needed;
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Construction Contract for the Annual Residential Overlay Program Fiscal Year 2024- 25, Cash Contract No. 23-05 to All American Asphalt, 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.
7. Second Reading and Adoption of 1) Ordinance No. 2024 -232 Adopting Zoning Code Amendment ZCA 24-1001 Amending Regulations Pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units to Conform with Revisions to State Law and 2) Ordinance No. 2024-233 Adopting Zoning Code Amendment ZCA 24-1002 Amending Various Sections of the Gateway Specific Plan to Address Several State Mandates
1. Conducted a second reading, by title only, and adopt ed Ordinance No. 2024-232:
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-232
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT ZCA 24-1001 AMENDING
REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND
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JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO CONFORM WITH
REVISIONS TO STATE LAW; AND DETERMINING THE ACTION TO BE
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15060(C)(2),
15060(C)(3), 15061(B)(3), AND PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080.17.
2. C onduct a second reading, by title only, and adopted Ordinance No. 2024- 233:
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-233
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT (ZCA) 24-1002 AMENDING
VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE GATEWAY SPECIFIC PLAN TO
ADDRESS SEVERAL STATE MANDATES; AND DETERMINING THE
ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS
15060(C)(2), 15060(C)(3), AND 15061(B)(3).
ITEM PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Investment Report as of November 30, 2024
Council Member Oddo commended the Finance Department, led by Director Agrelius, for their excellent work in managing the C ity's investments. She highlighted that the C ity's recent update to its investment strategy focuses on securing higher interest rates through long-term planning, which has resulted in significantly higher returns.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Oddo, seconded by Council Member Jennings to: Receive and file the City of Laguna Niguel Investment Report as of November 30, 2024.
Motion carried 4-0.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Oddo announced h er unanimous election as Vice Chair of the San Joaquin Transportation Corridor Agency, alongside Chair David Penaloza. She explained the Board’s role in managing the 73 Toll Road, toll collections, debt, and capital projects, and highlighted ongoing efforts on the 241/91 connector project, with construction anticipated to begin by the end of the year . Council Member Oddo expressed sympathy for those affected by the LA wildfires and noted the community's willingness to help. She announced a partnership with Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley to host a diaper drive. Council Member Oddo reiterated the C ity’s opposition to a proposed lithium -ion battery storage facility, sharing safety concerns and a major fire at Moss Landing’s battery
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plant. She emphasized that Laguna Niguel is a residential community and the proximity and nature of the proposed project is not suitable for the area. Council Member Oddo wished residents a Happy New Year, emphasized her commitment to addressing community and neighborhood issues in 2025, and extended gratitude for their support and engagement.
Council Member Jennings expressed her gratitude to Moulton Niguel Water District for presenting at the Junior Civic Workshop, where students enjoyed learning about the District and watching the hydro excavator demonstration. She announced her excitement about serving as a liaison for the Youth Committee again and highlighted their upcoming event, Pizza with Police , on Thursday, January 30th, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Ballpark Pizza. The event is open to all, offering an opportunity to connect with deputies, hear their stories, ask questions, and for youth to earn volunteer hours. Council Member Jennings reflected on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy as a symbol of hope, unity, and justice.
She shared her personal experience visiting his memorial in Washington, D.C. and emphasized the importance of continuing his vision of compassion, understanding, and justice in daily life. She thanked the Orange County Fire Authority for their bravery in combating the recent LA wildfires while continuing to protect local communities. She encouraged keeping fire victims in thoughts and prayers as they recover.
Mayor Pro Tem Johns shared that on January 15th and 16th, the City Council interviewed residents for various City Committees and Commissions. He expressed gratitude to the applicants, commending their talent and dedication to improving the City. Mayor Pro Tem Johns shared that he attended a ribbon- cutting ceremony for Move Chiropractic on La Paz Road, wishing the business success and welcoming it to the community. He acknowledged the preparedness of the County and City, as well as the Orange County Fire Authority’s efforts in response to recent events, including the LA wild fires. He expressed thoughts and prayers for the LA County residents affected by the fires, including those who lost homes and lives, and thanked the Orange County Fire Authority for their dedication to safety.
Mayor Gennawey highlighted the importance of evaluating Laguna Niguel’s readiness for wildfires, referencing lessons from the recent Los Angeles County wildfires and the 2022 Coastal Fire. He shared that he has been collaborating with Moulton Niguel Water District, OCFA, and C ity staff to ensure up- to-date information, sufficient water supply, and effective fire mitigation strategies. Mayor Gennawey expressed gratitude for the swift responses and preparedness of the C ity’s partners. Mayor Gennawey shared that the City Council p articipated in two evenings of interviews for C ity Commissions and Committees. He praised the City’s culture of volunteerism and thanked all applicants, encouraging those not selected to reapply in the future. Mayor Gennawey shared that he attended the grand opening of Parlor Doughnuts, being the first Orange County location, and recommended their unique doughnuts and cold brew coffee. He shared that he participated in a fundraiser in San Clemente supporting the Fallen Firefighters Fund, cherishing the opportunity to connect with firefighters. He noted the tragic loss of a firefighter in Laguna Niguel shortly after the event and planned to adjourn the meeting in his honor.
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2. City Manager/Department Reports
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Division Chief Mike Summers provided an OCFA Quarterly Report that focused on wildfire preparations, response, education, and resources.
City Manager Letourneau reassured the public that City staff, OCFA, OCSD, and Moulton Niguel Water District are highly trained individually and collaboratively to handle emergencies and that t raining remains a top priority. She shared that M oulton Niguel Water District operates 28 reservoirs across 22 sites in Orange County, with over 52 million gallons of local stored water as of January 11th. They also have contracts for an additional 103 million gallons for emergencies. In Aliso Viejo, M oulton Niguel Water District installed an 800- foot pipeline and two new fire hydrants, including a helicopter hydrant capable of filling a 7,500- gallon tank in five minutes, enhancing firefighting capabilities. Moulton Niguel Water District maintains stationary generators at critical water and wastewater facilities, has backup generators at its Emergency Operations Center, and six mobile generators for deployment during power outages or system failures. City Manager Letourneau emphasized that the City and its partners are well -prepared to protect the community in the event of an emergency.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gennawey adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:38 p.m., in memory of Kevin Skinner, an Orange County Fire Authority Fire Apparatus Engineer who tragically passed away on January 5, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest while responding to a residential fire in Laguna Niguel . Skinner was a 25- year veteran of the OCFA and was well-respected by his colleagues for his professionalism and warm personality.
Respectfully submitted,
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Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk