City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 7 March 18, 2025
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
March 18, 2025
6:00 p.m. – Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Gennawey called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 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 – Present
CLOSED SESSION
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION
There were no public comments.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
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
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8
Property: Crown Valley Parkway Westbound from I -5 Offramp to Cabot Road Agency Negotiator(s): City Manager
Negotiating Parties: City of Laguna Niguel, Orange County Flood Control District, Kathryn J. Carpenter, Steven W. Carpenter, Alexander M. Carpenter, Christian Mission Church, H & S Energy LLC, Mission Medical Investors LLC, and/or their agents or authorized representatives
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment for acquisition of Crown Valley Parkway Right of Way Easement
The City Council conducted Closed Session.
Mayor Gennawey called the regular meeting back to order at 7:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Smith reported that there was no reportable action taken during Closed Session.
INVOCATION – Council Member Kelly Jennings
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Boy Scout Troop #700
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Item No. 8 was pulled from the consent calendar.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Johns, seconded by Council Member Oddo, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
1. Warrants of March 18, 2025
Approved as written.
2. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
3. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on February 18, 2025, Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting on February 25, 2025, and Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on March 4, 2025
Approved as written.
4. Annual Holiday Closure Schedule for City Office Facilities and Services and Cancellation of July 1, 2025, September 2, 2025 and January 6, 2026 Regular City Council Meetings
1. Approved the holiday closure schedule for City office facilities and services during June 2025, November 2025 and December 2025; and,
2. Canceled the Regular City Council meetings scheduled for Tuesday, July 1, 2025, September 2, 2025 and January 6, 2026.
5. Award of Professional Services Agreement to GHD, Inc. for the South Forbes Road / Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements, Project Approval and Environmental Documentation Phase, Cash Contract No. 24- 12 1. Awarded the Professional Services Agreement to GHD, Inc., to provide preliminary engineering and environmental clearance services for the Project Approval and Environmental Documentation (PA&ED) Phase of the South Forbes Road / Oso Creek Trail Active Transportati on Enhancements, Cash
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Contract No. 24-12, for a not-to-exceed amount of $281,665;
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 10% contingency of the total contract in the amount of $28,167 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 $309,832, if needed; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement with GHD, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
6. Approval of Amendment No. 5 to the On- Call Professional Services Agreement with Kimley -Horn and Associates, Inc. for the Alicia Parkway Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program Project
1. Approved Amendment No. 5 to the On- Call Professional Services Agreement (On-Call PSA) with Kimley -Horn and Associates, Inc. to provide project management, design, and construction support services for the Alicia Parkway Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program Project for a not -to-exceed amount of $704,895;
2. Approved a not -to-exceed 10% contingency in the amount of $70,489 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 $775,384, if needed; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to the On- Call Professional Services Agreement with Kimley -Horn and Associates, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
7. Adoption of Resolution 2025-1497 Adopting the City of Laguna Niguel Title VI Plan and Authorizing the Public Works Director/City Engineer to Execute all Title VI Documentation and Implement the Title VI Plan
1. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-1497, adopting the City of Laguna Niguel Title VI Plan.
2. Authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to execute all Title VI documentation and implement the Title VI Plan.
ITEM PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
8. Award of Professional Services Agreement to LAZ Parking California LLC for Summer Trolley Operations and Special Events Shuttles Services (Fiscal Years 2024-25 to 2030-31)
Council Member Oddo highlighted the award of professional services to LAZ Parking California for summer trolley operations and special event shuttle services. She noted the addition of five new stops on the Northern route and inquired about their start date and
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continuity. Public Works Director Scott confirmed that the stops are funded through a grant lasting until 2031 and will begin service from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Council Member Oddo emphasized the importance of this free mobility service and directed residents to lntrolley.com for more information.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Oddo, seconded by Council Member Jennings, to:
1. Approve the Professional Services Agreement for Summer Trolley Operations and Special Events Shuttles Services to LAZ Parking in the not -to-exceed amount of $2,595,610 for Fiscal Years 2024-2025 to 2030-2031; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement and future Amendments to the Agreement, subject to the City Attorney making non- substantive changes.
Motion carried 5-0.
DISCUSSION ITEM
1. 2025 Laguna Niguel Strategic Plan Update
City Manager Letourneau provided a report on the 2025 Laguna Niguel Strategic Plan update.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
There were no City Council questions.
Mayor Gennawey opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Gennawey closed Public Comment.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Council Member Jennings expressed gratitude to City staff, OCSD Police Services, and OCFA for their dedication in achieving the City's 2024 S trategic Plan Goals. She highlighted accomplishments in public safety, infrastructure, economic growth, and community engagement. Council Member Jennings gave special thanks to City Manager Letourneau and Assistant City Manager Martin for their leadership in driving initiatives that benefit residents. Looking ahead to 2025, she reaffirmed the City's commitment to making Laguna Niguel a great place to live, work, and play, expressing confidence in continued success with a strong team and clear priorities.
Council Member Oddo thanked staff for their efforts in planning and highlighted key accomplishments from the past year. Notable successes included launching The Laguna
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Niguel Beacon newsletter, revamping the Human Services Division to support residents in need, amending the Reserve P olicy for infrastructure investment, and increasing investment income by 550%. She shared that the City also achieved a budget surplus, expanded police enforcement on e- bikes, increased volunteer recruitment by 53%, and improved park facilities and bike lanes. Other milestones included the Tree City USA designation, senior center hours expansion, and the success of community events.
Council Me mber Oddo expressed excitement about expanding police programs, implementing a two-year budget for efficiency, completing an open space inventory map, enhancing active transportation, launching the City website c hatbot tool, and securing a habitat restoration grant for fire- resilient native landscaping. She emphasized the City's commitment to continued progress and thanked staff for their dedication.
Council Member Winstead echoed her City Council colleagues’ praise for the Strategic Plan and the City's dedicated staff. She highlighted that a detailed list of 2024 accomplishments is available as an attachment to the agenda report. Council Member Winstead specifically emphasized the C ity's economic development and business - friendly environment, noting several new local businesses, including Chaska India, Jack’s Woodside Grille, Legends Seafood and Steakhouse, and Alohana Acai Bowls and Coffee.
She encouraged residents to support these businesses and explore the new storefronts, such as The Golf Lot.
Mayor Pro Tem Johns acknowledged the extensive accomplishments and successes already covered by his City Council colleagues and expressed gratitude to the staff for their hard work, especially in managing the Strategic Plan alongside the General Plan and Municipal Code updates.
Mayor Gennawey praised the Strategic Plan as an excellent document that sets Laguna Niguel apart from other cities by clearly defining priorities and managing expectations. He emphasized the importance of structured planning to achieve realistic goals for both City Hall and residents. Mayor Gennawey commended the C ity's staff, calling them the best in Orange County, and encouraged residents to review the report documents to see the City's accomplishments. He acknowledged staff's expertise and contributions, crediting them for making Laguna Niguel one of the best cities in the U.S.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Winstead, seconded by Council Member Jennings to:
Adopt the 2025 Strategic Plan Update.
Motion carried 5-0.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Jennings highlighted the great work of the Youth Committee, which she and Council Member Oddo serve as liaisons to . She shared that the Committee is currently hosting a food drive to benefit South County Outreach, supporting those in need.
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Donations of shelf -stable food items are being accepted at Crown Valley Community Center through March 21st. Council Member Jennings encouraged everyone to contribute and support the efforts of these dedicated youth leaders.
Council Member Winstead echoed the M ayor’s prior sentiment about what sets Laguna Niguel apart, highlighting its beauty, strong community, and exceptional amenities. She recounted attending a "Meet the Mayor" event with Mayor Gennawey, where officials from other cities praised Laguna Niguel’s lush greenery and impressive Crown Valley Community Center. Council Member Winstead expressed gratitude to the C ity staff and volunteers, emphasizing their role in fiscal sustainability and public safety. She recognized the over 6,673 volunteer hours logged through programs like "You Are Not Alone" and encouraged residents to apply for City Committees and Commissions before the upcoming deadline.
Council Member Oddo highlighted Women's History Month and International Women's Day, celebrating women's achievements while acknowledging the ongoing work needed for gender parity. She noted that 475 attendees benefited from free health and dental screenings at the CalOptima event, held in partnership with the C ity and OC Healthcare Agency. Council Member Oddo congratulated new Chamber CEO Teresa S chilling and welcomed Stratford School to the community. She shared that she spoke at a Laguna Niguel Rotary event about the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility, attended a United Way homelessness seminar, and participated in the Orange County Islamic Foundation’s annual Iftar dinner, praising it as a valuable interfaith gathering.
Council Member Oddo also discussed the C ity's support for AB 334, a Transportation Corridor Agencies-sponsored bill improving toll collection and interoperability for Orange County residents. Additionally, s he promoted the Transportation Corridor Agencies Spring conserv ation land tours, open to the public on select dates in May. Council Member Oddo extended best wishes for Nowruz to the Iranian-American community.
Mayor Pro Tem Johns thanked Council Member Jennings for the opportunity to participate in two Junior Civic Workshop sessions in February and March, praising the students' impressive knowledge. He also attended the Stratford School ribbon- cutting event and was amazed by the curriculum, especially the early Spanish education for preschoolers. Mayor Pro Tem Johns announced his upcoming ride- along with the Sheriff's Department, looking forward to experiencing the changes in law enforcement firsthand.
Mayor Gennawey highlighted a busy two weeks, including attending the South Orange County Economic Coalition's "Meet the Mayor s" event, where M ayors from 11 cities praised Laguna Niguel’s Crown Valley Community Center. H e shared that he sent advocacy letters supporting bills related to toll operations, the Orange County Veterans Cemetery, and Battery Facility emergency planning. Mayor Gennawey shared that he attended the Stratford School ribbon-cutting, noting its literary-themed name, and enjoyed the Iftar dinner at the Orange County Islamic Center, emphasizing its interfaith significance. Mayor Gennawey reminded residents that nominations for Citizen of the Year and Commissioner applications are due Friday. He welcomed new Chamber CEO Teresa Schilling and extended well wishes for the Persian New Year (Nowruz).
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2. City Manager/Department Reports
There were no additional department reports.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gennawey adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk