City Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 2 April 29, 2025
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting
April 29, 2025 – 4:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Gennawey called the Special City Council Meeting to order at 4:00 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
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Ray Gennawey
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
CITY COUNCIL
1. Conduct Interviews to Fill Two- Year Term Vacancies, Unless Otherwise Specified, for the Investment, Banking and Audit Committee; Traffic and Transportation Commission; and Military Support Committee.
The City Council conducted interviews for the following applicants, to fill two -year vacancies, unless otherwise specified, for the Investment, Banking and Audit Committee (2); Traffic and Transportation Commission (1); and Military Support Committee (4):
Investment, Banking and Audit Committee (2 vacancies)
1. Aamodt, Kellie (did not attend)
2. Garner, Thomas
3. Sturges, Amanda
4. McElroy, Kevin
Traffic and Transportation Commission (1 vacancy)
5. Riegle, Rick
6. Townes, Deborah (did not attend)
BREAK – 4:50 p.m. – 5:05 p.m.
Military Support Committee (4 vacancies)
7. Cunningham, Jennifer
8. Kenney, Matthew
9. Dopf, Cindy
The City Council reviewed candidate submittals and interview notes, held discussion, and appointed the following individuals to serve on City Commissions and Committees:
City Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 2 April 29, 2025
A MOTION was made by Mayor Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Jennings to approve the following appointments, each for a two-year term ending December 31, 2026:
Investment, Banking and Audit Committee (2 vacancies)
Aamodt, Kellie
McElroy, Kevin
Motion carried 5-0
A MOTION was made by Council Member Oddo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Johns to approve the following appointment for a two-year term ending December 31, 2026:
Traffic and Transportation Commission (1 vacancy)
Riegle, Rick
Motion carried 5-0
A MOTION was made by Council Member Winstead, seconded by Council Member Oddo to approve the following appointments , each for a one -year term ending December 31, 2025:
Military Support Committee (4 vacancies)
Cunningham, Jennifer
Kenney, Matthew
Dopf, Cindy
Motion carried 5-0
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gennawey adjourned the Special City Council Meeting at 6:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk
C
ity Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 9 May 6, 2025
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
May 6, 2025
6:30 p.m. – Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Gennawey called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:30 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
C
LOSED SESSION
P
UBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION
T
here were no public comments.
R
ECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
1. CO
NFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6
City Designated representative: Justin J. Martin, Assistant City Manager Employee Organization: Orange County Employees Association (OCEA) T
he City Council conducted Closed Session.
M
ayor Gennawey called the regular meeting back to order at 7:00 p.m.
C
LOSED SESSION REPORT
C
ity Attorney Smith reported that there was no reportable action taken during Closed Session.
I
NVOCATION – Chaplain Serena Cummins, Orange County Sheriff’s Department PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Brownie Girl Scout Troop #1493
P
UBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A
MOTION was made by Council Member Jennings , seconded by Council Member Winstead, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 9 May 6, 2025
Motion carried 5-0.
1. Warrants of May 6, 2025
Approved as written.
2. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
3. Investment Report as of March 31, 2025
Received and filed the City of Laguna Niguel Investment Report as of March 31, 2025.
4. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on April 15, 2025
Approved as written.
5. Amendment No. 2 to the Waste Disposal Agreement with the County of Orange
1. Approved Amendment No. 2 to the Waste Disposal Agreement with the County of Orange; and,
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Waste Disposal Agreement with the County of Orange, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
6. Approval of Maintenance Services Agreements for On -Call Citywide Electrical Maintenance and Repair Services with Real Estate Consulting & Services, Inc. and Don F. Holly & Son, Inc. dba Fullerton Electric Co.
1. Awarded a Maintenance Services Agreement for On- Call Citywide Electrical Maintenance and Repair Services to Real Estate Consulting & Services, Inc. in the not -to-exceed amount of $150,000 per year for Fiscal Years 2025- 26 through 2027-28, subject to extension adm inistratively for two additional one- year periods;
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 20% contingency per year of the total contract in the amount of $30,000 for unforeseen conditions or additional work and authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve additional work with Real Estate Consulting & Services, Inc. for a total not-to-exceed amount of $180,000 per year if needed;
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and future amendments to the Maintenance Services Agreement with Real Estate Consulting &
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Services, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes;
4. Awarded a Maintenance Services Agreement for On- Call Citywide Electrical Maintenance and Repair Services to Donald F. Holly & Son, Inc. dba Fullerton Electric Co. in the not-to-exceed amount of $150,000 per year for Fiscal Years 2025-26 through 2027- 28, subject t o extension administratively for two additional one-year periods;
5. Approved a not-to-exceed 20% contingency of the total contract in the value of $30,000 for unforeseen conditions or additional work and authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve additional work with Donald F. Holly & Son, Inc. dba Fullerton Electric Co. for a total not -to-exceed amount of $180,000 per year if needed; and,
6. Authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and future amendments to the Maintenance Services Agreement with Donald F. Holly & Son, Inc. dba Fullerton Electric Co., subject to the City Attorney making non- substantive changes.
7. Approval of the Construction and Reimbursement Agreement with Moulton Niguel Water District for the Crown Valley Pipelines Replacement Project
1. Approved the Construction and Reimbursement Agreement with Moulton Niguel Water District (MNWD) in the amount of $172,000 for additional paving work on Crown Valley Parkway for the MNWD Crown Valley Pipelines Replacement Project;
2. Authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to process change orders for unforeseen conditions in an amount not to exceed 20% of the agreement for $34,000, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $206,400 if needed; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Construction and Reimbursement Agreement with Moulton Niguel Water District.
8. Award of Construction Contract to All American Asphalt for the Residential Annual Resurfacing Program Zones V & VI – Phase 2, Cash Contract No. 24- 07 1. Awarded a Construction Contract to All American Asphalt for the Residential Annual Resurfacing Program Zones V & VI – Phase 2, Cash Contract No. 24- 07 in the amount of $2,839,500;
2. Authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to process change orders in an amount not to exceed 20% of the contract for $567,900, for a total not-to- exceed amount of $3,407,400 if needed;
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3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Construction Contract for the Residential Annual Resurfacing Program Zones V & VI – Phase 2, Cash Contract No. 24-07 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.
9. Award of Maintenance Services Agreement for Citywide Interior and Exterior Potted Plant Maintenance Services to Instant Jungle LLC
1. Awarded the Maintenance Services Agreement for Citywide Interior and Exterior Potted Plant Maintenance Services to Instant Jungle LLC in the not - to-exceed amount of $25,000 per year for Fiscal Years 2025-26 through 2027- 28, subject to extension administratively for two additional one-year periods;
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 20% contingency per year of the total contract in the amount of $5,000 for unforeseen conditions or extra work and authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve additional work with Instant Jungle LLC for a total not -to-exceed amount of $30,000 per year, if needed, and;
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and future amendments to the Maintenance Services Agreement with Instant Jungle LLC, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
10. Adoption of Resolution No. 2025 -1499, Designating the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Finance Director to be the Authorized Agents to Execute for and on Behalf of the City of Laguna Niguel for Federal Financial Assistance Provided by the Californ ia Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-1499, designating the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Finance Director to be the Authorized Agents to execute for and on behalf of the City of Laguna Niguel for Federal Financial Assistance provided by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
11. Adoption of the Final Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 -2029 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan, which includes the FY 2025- 2029 Orange County Regional Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH), the Citizen Participation Plan Amendment, and the FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan
1. Adopted the Final Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2029 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan, which includes the FY 2025- 2029 Orange County Regional Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH), the Citizen Participation Plan Amendment, and the FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan; and,
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 9 May 6, 2025
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreements and future amendments of identified grant recipients, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
12. Approval of Agreement for Professional Services with Drone Studios
1. Approved the agreement for Professional Services with Drone Studios to provide a Drone show on July 4, 2025, at Crown Valley Park in the not -to- exceed amount of $66,800;
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 10% contingency of the total contract in the amount of $6,680 for unforeseen conditions or extra work, and authorized the Parks and Recreation Director to approve additional work, for a total not -to-exceed amount of $73,480, if needed; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Drone Studios, and future amendments to the Agreement subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
DISCUSSION ITEM
1. Approval of the Installation of 10 One -Way Signs within the Niguel Hills Neighborhood
Public Works Director Jacki Scott and the City’s consultant from RK Engineering Brian Estrada provided a report on the approval of the installation of 10 one- way signs within the Niguel Hills Neighborhood as well as the comprehensive Niguel Hills Neighborhood Traffic Study.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
Council Member Oddo stated that she had thoroughly reviewed the traffic and transportation study, attended one and a half neighborhood meetings, read the relevant materials, reviewed the ballot, and listened to audio recordings. Despite this, she still had several questions, both for her own clarity and to help inform the public. She emphasized the importance of addressing this long- standing neighborhood traffic issue correctly.
Council Member Oddo confirmed her understanding that the proposed stop signs were intended to address line-of-sight concerns at certain intersections, rather than to control speeding. Public Works Director Scott clarified that these signs were in response to community concerns about visibility and traffic control and would help regulate intersection behavior. Council Member Oddo asked whether unreported accidents were considered in the study. Public Works Director Scott responded that the study was strictly data-driven and based only on officially reported accidents. However, they did consider anecdotal information from residents as supplemental context during the analysis, even though such reports are not factored into the official metrics. Council Member Oddo referenced a resident’s concern about cars ending up in front yards and asked if such incidents were being tracked. Public Works Director Scott reassured her that while these events aren't documented in the formal data, they are kept in mind when making
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recommendations. Council Member Oddo then inquired whether any intersections would currently qualify for a four-way stop. Public Works Director Scott explained that an all-way stop analysis was performed, but none of the intersections met the required criteria, which include traffic volume, accident history, and pedestrian activity. It was noted that traffic volume in the neighborhood would need to roughly double for any intersection to qualify under current standards. Council Member Oddo asked about the effectiveness of speed humps, citing mixed opinions. Public Works Director Scott confirmed that speed humps do reduce speeds, typically by 5 to 10 mph, around their location, but drivers often accelerate between them. Additionally, some streets were too steep for speed hump installation, as anything over a 6% grade poses safety concerns. In those cases, the study recommended alternative measures like stri ping to help with speed control. Council Member Oddo also asked why the City requires such a high voter approval threshold for speed hump installation. Public Works Director Scott explained that the policy is in place to ensure long- term stability and community support. A simple majority could lead to future reversals as neighborhood demographics change, so a higher threshold prevents back-and-forth decisions. Council Member Oddo revisited the idea of traffic circles, which had been briefly discussed during the current study and more formally in 2017. However, the City had received only minimal support for them, just six letters at the time, and recent feedback did not indicate renewed interest. The study instead focused on medians as a more viable alternative. Council Member Oddo asked about bike safety, noting the absence of designated bike lanes. Public Works Director Scott clarified that while there are no bike lanes, edge-line striping could provide a usable space for cyclists in residential areas where bikes and vehicles must share the road. Council Member Oddo concluded by confirming that multi-way stop qualifications involve several criteria—not just collisions.
Public Works D irector Scott stated that none of the criteria were met in the current analysis.
Mayor Gennawey stated that all his questions had been answered by the nearly 500- page agenda packet. He encouraged members of the public who are interested in learning more about the extensive work done over the years to review the agenda item.
For specific details on the proposed stop sign and striping locations, he directed readers to pages 22 through 25 of the attached PDF.
Mayor Gennawey opened Public Comment.
Drew Hall supported the current recommendations while calling for ongoing evaluation and enforcement, questioned aspects of the voting process and policy clarity, and urged continued community engagement and accountability to ensure effective, lasting solutions.
Mayor Gennawey closed Public Comment.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Council Member Winstead shared that she has been involved with the La Plata area traffic issue for a decade, recalling her time on the Traffic and Transportation Commission when speed humps were first proposed but ultimately rejected due to mixed resident support.
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Council Member Winstead emphasized the need for action, supported moving forward with staff recommendations, and expressed concern about the C ity's outdated 20-year- old traffic calming policy. Council Member Winstead suggested revisiting the policy in the future by comparing it with those of other cities to find improvements but recommended first observing the effects of the current recommendations.
Council Member Jennings thanked Public Works Director Scott and her team for their thorough and long- term work on the traffic study, commending their detailed approach, public engagement through town halls, and continued monitoring efforts. Jennings expressed strong appreciation for their hard work and supported the final recommendations.
Council Member Oddo emphasized the importance of creating a family -friendly community and expressed support for updating the City’s outdated traffic calming policy.
Council Member Oddo analyzed the recent ballot results, noting that even if all 46 invalidated ballots had been ‘ Yes’ votes, the required 67% threshold still wouldn't have been met. Council member Oddo also raised concerns about the difficulty of interpreting non-responses as ‘No’ votes and the limitations of a non- binding vote. Council Member Oddo praised the neighborhood engagement and contractor’s efforts, suggested clearer ballot requirements, and referenced the City of Newport Beach's policy requiring resident consent near proposed speed humps. Council Member Oddo advocated implementing a more precise and transparent policy, including the use of petitions to demonstrate community support, and ultimately supported the staff recommendations for stop signs and striping while acknowledging the need for future improvements.
Mayor Pro Tem Johns thanked Public Works Director Scott, RK Engineering consultant Mr. Estrada, and staff for their thorough and enlightening work on the traffic study, emphasized the importance of the 67% supermajority threshold to ensure lasting community support for speed humps, expressed frustration at the inability to do more immediately, acknowledged ongoing speeding issues citywide, and affirmed support for follow-up evaluations to assess the effectiveness of the implemented measures.
Mayor Gennawey acknowledged the standard practice of the 67% threshold for speed bump approvals, explained the reasons behind the invalidated ballots, and expressed support for the recommendations, including striping and stop signs, as a starting point.
Mayor Gennawey emphasized that while not everyone may be satisfied, the measures are a step forward, and if necessary, further action, such as speed humps, could be considered in the future. Mayor Gennawey also noted that speeding is an important issue across the C ity and region and voiced his intention to vote in favor of the proposed solutions.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Johns, seconded by Council Member Winstead to:
Approve the installation of 10 one- way stop signs within the Niguel Hills Neighborhood.
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Motion carried 5-0.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Jennings expressed gratitude to Public Works Director Scott for the improvements at La Paz Sports Field, praised the Youth Committee’s growth and contributions, celebrated the City’s volunteers at the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner event, and gave special recognition to 2024 Citizen of the Year Mary Smith and the staff for organizing a wonderful event.
Council Member Winstead praised staff for the thorough traffic study and public outreach, celebrated the successful V olunteer Appreciation Dinner and 2024 Citizen of the Year Mary Smith, recognized Scout Braden for his Eagle project at the Niguel Botanical Preserve, and encouraged participation in upcoming community events including a planting event, book sale, and author R.L. Stine’s visit at the Laguna Hills Community Center.
Council Member Oddo expressed strong support for ongoing efforts to ensure safety in the Niguel Hills neighborhood and highlighted her advocacy work during the Cal Cities Leadership Summit in Sacramento. Council Member Oddo recounted the C ity’s successful opposition to SB 364, which threatened local authority over anti-camping laws, and discussed other legislation such as AB 303 (battery storage), AB 647 (high- density housing), and SB 79 (transit -oriented development), all of which the C ity opposes or supports with amendments. Council Member Oddo also advised residents facing insurance issues due to drone imagery to contact the Department of Insurance, praised Cal Cities’ effectiveness, and emphasized community recognitions including Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, Jewish Heritage Month, and AAPI Heritage Month. Council Member Oddo spoke optimistically about the economic benefits of the 2028 Olympics and expressed gratitude to city volunteers and staff, closing with Mother’s Day wishes.
Mayor Pro Tem Johns thanked Mayor Gennawey for his efforts in opposing state bills AB 647 and SB 79, which would diminish local control over zoning. Mayor Pro Tem Johns also expressed concern over the recent changes to AB 379, originally intended to make it a felony to solicit sex from any minor, but later amended to exclude 16- and 17-year- olds. Mayor Pro Tem Johns urged the public to ask Governor Newsom to veto the bill and restore its original protections. Mayor Pro Tem Johns recognized May as National Military Appreciation Month, thanked his nephew for his service, and honored a local Vietnam veteran. Mayor Pro Tem Johns closed by wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day and noting his wife will attend a memorial for fallen officers in Washington, D.C.
Mayor Gennawey emphasized his continued advocacy for local control, particularly focusing on the city’s authority to govern zoning and land use. Mayor Gennawey highlighted his opposition to SB 79 and AB 647, which shift land use power to transit agencies and allow up to eight housing units on single- family lots without local input or
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environmental review. Mayor Gennawey also condemned the weakening of AB 379, calling it outrageous that purchasing sex from a 16- year-old could be treated as a misdemeanor. Mayor Gennawey expressed hope that public pressure might reverse that decision, as seen previously with SB 1414 on human trafficking. Mayor Gennawey shared that he celebrated community events including the Taste of Aliso Niguel and the Rancho Niguel-themed Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, where Mary Smith was honored as the 2024 Citizen of the Year. Lastly, he warned about the state's override of local authority regarding a proposed battery energy storage facility, stating the City will actively fight the project while continuing to encourage resident outreach and advocacy.
City Manager/Department Reports
City Manager Letourneau provided an update on the proposed battery energy storage facility, noting that the California Energy Commission's 270- day review period began on April 30 and will end around January 25, 2026. A local scoping meeting on the environmental impact report is expected in late May, with details to be shared onc e available. She emphasized the City's strong opposition to the project and urged residents to submit public comments via the C ity website, where resources and a sample letter template are available. City Manager Letourneau also recognized Public Service Recognition Week, thanking City staff and public safety partners for their dedication and service.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gennawey adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk