City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 10 June 3, 2025
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
June 3, 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 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 – Jan Sherertz, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Laguna Niguel
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Brownie and Junior Girl Scout Troops #2631
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 10 June 3, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A MOTION was made by Council Member Oddo, seconded by Council Member Jennings, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
1. Waive the Reading of all Ordinances
Approved the reading by title only of all ordinances wherein the titles appear on the public agenda; said titles shall be determined to have been read by title, and further reading is waived.
2. Warrants of June 3, 2025
Approved as written.
3. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
4. Investment Report as of April 30, 2025
Received and filed the City of Laguna Niguel Investment Report as of April 30, 2025.
5. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting on May 13, 2025 and Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on May 20, 2025
Approved as written.
6. Approval of Maintenance Services Agreement Amendments for Various Maintenance Services in Support of Public Works Department Functions
1. Approved Amendments to the subject Maintenance Services Agreements, to exercise an optional one-year term extension
;
2. Approved the increase in the total annual not -to-exceed contract amounts for Fiscal Year 2025-26 by $30,000 on the Maintenance Services Agreements with Jamey Clark, Inc. and Real Estate Consulting Services, Inc. to accommodate additional maintenance needs at City-owned parks and playgrounds; and, with Jamey Clark, Inc. and Zimprich Engineering, Inc. to accommodate additional maintenance needs at City-owned buildings and facilities,
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 10 June 3, 2025
3. Approved the increase in the total annual not -to-exceed contract amount for Fiscal Year 2025-26 by $50,000 on the Maintenance Services Agreement with Bear Electrical Solutions, Inc. to accommodate additional maintenance needs of City-owned electrical traffic infrastructure;
4. Approved the three percent (3%) increase in rates, and the increase in the total annual not -to-exceed contract amount by $30,000 on the Maintenance Services Agreement with BPR, Inc. to accommodate additional maintenance needs of City-owned concrete curbs, sidewalks and drainage facilities;
5. Approved the addition of a price escalation clause applicable to the remaining future option year extension in the Amendment to the Maintenance Services Agreement with Bapptre Landscaping, Inc. dba Shine Illumination; and,
6. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Amendments to the Maintenance Services Agreements, subject to the City Attorney making non- substantive changes.
7. Approval of Multi -Year Professional Services Agreements for On -Call Professional Services and Approval of Multi -Year Professional Services Agreement Amendments for On- Call Professional Services in Support of Community Development Department Functions
1. Approved Multi-Year Professional Services Agreements for On- Call Professional Services with the following firms (listed alphabetically):
4LEAF, Inc. Kosmont & Associates, Inc.
Amber Gregg, Inc. Linscott, Law & Greenspan, Inc.
Ascent, Inc. LSA Associates, Inc.
Becky Caha Michael Baker International LLC
Bickel Group Architecture Mike Linares, Inc.
Carlson Strategic Land Solutions Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Incorporated Chambers Group, Inc. MNS Engineers, Inc.
City Advisors, LLC Park Consulting Group, Inc.
Civic Solutions, Inc. Permitech Solutions Corporation
CSG Consultants, Inc. Placeworks, Inc.
De Novo Planning Group RJM Design Group, Inc.
ECORP Consulting, Inc. RK Engineering, Inc.
ECS Imaging, Inc. RRM Design Group
EPD Solutions, Inc. RSG, Inc.
Friedman Imaging Sagecrest Planning & Environmental
GMU Geotechnical, Inc. Summers, Murphy & Partners, Inc.
Harris & Associates, Inc. Transtech Engineers, Inc.
Hoffman Strategy Group, LLC Willdan Engineering
Iteris, Inc. WSP USA, Inc.
Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.
* Italicized firms in the table above indicate a recommendation for award of a Multi -Year Amendment.
2. Approved Multi-Year Professional Services Agreement Amendments for On- Call Professional Services, shown in italics above; and,
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 10 June 3, 2025
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Multi -Year On-Call Professional Services Agreements and Multi -Year On- Call Professional Services Amendments, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
8. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025 -235, Amending the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones as required by Government Code Section 51178 and Determining the Action Not Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
1. Conducted a second reading, by title only, and adopted Ordinance 2025-235:
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-235
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ARTICLE 7 TO DIVISION 3, TITLE 11
OF THE LAGUNA NIGUEL MUNICIPAL CODE, DESIGNATING
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES WITHIN THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 51179 AND
DETERMINING THE ACTION NOT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) UNDER STATE CEQA
GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15060(c)(2) AND 15060(c)(3)
2. Found the adoption of Ordinance No. 2025- 235 is not subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because the proposed actions will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, do not authorize construct ion, and therefore is not a project as defined under CEQA.
9. Approval of Fiscal Years 2025- 2030 Law Enforcement Services Agreement with the County of Orange
1. Approved the Fiscal Years 2025-2030 Law Enforcement Services Agreement with the County of Orange and authorize a total not -to-exceed cost of $19,785,358 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026; and,
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement and future Amendments to the Agreement, subject to the City Attorney making non- substantive changes.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM
1. Adoption of Fiscal Years 2025-2027 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget, and Approval of Updates to Fee Schedule for Public Works and Crown Valley Community Center and Facilities Fees
City Manager Tamara Letourneau introduced the Public Hearing item and Finance Director Trevor Agrelius and Public Works Director Jacki Scott provided a report on the
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 10 June 3, 2025
adoption of Fiscal Years 2025- 2027 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget and approval of updates to fee schedule for Public Works and Crown Valley Community Center and facilities fees.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
There were no City Council questions.
Mayor Gennawey opened the Public Hearing.
Mary Jane Foley spoke on behalf of the Beacon Hill Community Homeowners Association on the fire hazard severity zones and weed abatement program.
Mayor Gennawey closed the Public Hearing.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Council Member Jennings expressed pride in the newly adopted two- year budget, highlighting that it supports high- quality community services and advances key capital improvement projects. She credited the City’s success to careful planning, conservative financial management, and a forward-looking vision. Council Member Jennings thanked the Finance Director, department heads, administrative staff, and City leadership for their dedication to fiscal responsibility, stating that their efforts help ensure Laguna Niguel remains a strong, vibrant, and thriving community.
Council Member Winstead voiced strong agreement with Council Member Jennings’ remarks and emphasized appreciation for the budget’s focus on infrastructure maintenance, particularly as the C ity ages. She also praised the conservative approach taken in the five-year financial forecast. Council Member Winstead raised concerns from residents about the weed abatement program in high fire hazard areas near the Salt Creek corridor, stressing the importance of contractors meeting Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) standards. She urged staff to ensure that th e work is being properly completed. Additionally, she expressed anticipation for the upcoming L a Paz Road Project design submissions.
City Manager Letourneau responded by affirming the C ity’s commitment to weed abatement, noting that enforcement is conducted jointly by City code compliance and the Orange County Fire Authority ( OCFA). She confirmed the area in question would be reviewed and that abatement work is actively underway.
Council Member Oddo praised staff for their excellent work on the budget, expressing pride in supporting a balanced plan that includes no new taxes or debt. She emphasized Laguna Niguel’s strong financial position and noted that 88% of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) focuses on roads, including major projects like La Paz Road repairs and Crown Valley Parkway widening. Council Member Oddo highlighted the poor condition of Paseo de Colinas , calling it a priority for future repair if additional funding becomes available. She also discussed a competitive Transportation Corridor Authority (TCA) grant
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 10 June 3, 2025
opportunity for native habitat restoration on 15 City owned acres, noting its dual benefit of beautification and fire resiliency. She stressed that wildfire prevention is the top public safety concern for residents and proposed a study funded from the contingency budget on identifying where the City can safely increase brush trimming on City owned property without compromising hillside stability. She emphasized that thoughtful, native planting is necessary for effective fire mitigation and supported taking a leadership role on this issue.
Council Member Oddo expressed strong support for the two-year budget format, praising its efficiency and staff time savings.
Mayor Pro Tem Johns voiced full support for the two- year budget, noting it improves efficiency by reducing the annual workload on staff while still allowing flexibility for amendments if needed. He praised Public Works Director Scott for managing 18 capital improvement projects , double the usual amount , and highlighted that the budget addresses fiscal responsibility, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and park upgrades. Mayor Pro Tem Johns also appreciated the inclusion of community -focused events like summer concerts, the holiday parade, the Fourth of July celebration, the Sea Country Festival, and veterans' events. He emphasized that the budget successfully balances robust spending, nearly $50 million on CIP projects , while maintaining healthy reserves. He thanked staff for their hard work and expressed strong pride in the comprehensive nature of the budget.
Mayor Gennawey expressed pride in delivering a balanced, two- year budget for Laguna Niguel with no tax increases, emphasizing it is both fiscally responsible and responsive to community needs. He clarified that the budget is the result of months of work, beginning with a lengthy strategic planning workshop where the City Council and staff set priorities, followed later by a budget workshop. Mayor Gennawey highlighted the advantages of the two-year format, including improved long- term planning and more effic ient use of staff time, allowing staff to focus more on implementation rather than annual preparation.
Mayor Gennawey praised the clarity and presentation of the budget, noting it is easy to understand, unlike many other cities’ documents. H e commended staff for detailing how public funds are used, especially in public works and grant -funded projects, such as La Paz Road remediation and Crown Valley Parkway widening. Mayor Gennawey emphasized the City's ongoing investment in its road infrastructure, Laguna Niguel's most valuable asset, with a goal to reach a community-wide pavement condition index (PCI) of 80, usi ng a proactive, scheduled approach to road maintenance. He addressed community concerns about weed abatement, stating the C ity complies with OCFA standards and reaffirming its importance due to frequent public inquiries. Mayor Gennawey spoke favorably regarding exploring enhanced weed abatement efforts on City-owned property, citing community interest and wildfire concerns. H e suggested a future study to be completed to assess if more could be done safely, without causing ground erosion or ecological harm.
City Manager Letourneau agreed a study would be necessary and explained that it would require hiring a consultant through an RFP process , with a probable cost of at least $75,000, an amount exceeding the City Manager’s contract spending authority. She requested C ity Council direction to proceed by reallocating contingency funds and including the study in the City’s work plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 10 June 3, 2025
City Council discussion followed regarding the timing and feasibility, especially with other Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) underway. City Manager Letourneau confirmed the study was not in the adopted Strategic Plan, but staff would ensure successful execution if directed.
Mayor Gennawey clarified that the motion would be to add the study (focused only on City-owned property) to the budget as recommendation item #9, evaluating current Orange County Fire Authority ( OCFA) standards and identifying any additional safe measures.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Oddo to:
1) Adopt Resolution 2025-1500, Approving the City of Laguna Niguel Fiscal Years 2025-2027 Operating and Five-Year Capital Improvement Budget;
2) Adopt Resolution 2025-1501, Amending Portions of Resolution No. 2023- 1434 to Add the Salary Range for the New Classification of Assistant to the City Manager and to Add the Salary Range for the Existing Unfunded Classification of Community Engagement Manager;
3) Adopt Salary Resolution 2025-1502, Related to Updating Salary Ranges for Designated Classifications Included in the Orange County Employees Association (OCEA) Maintenance, Clerical and Technical Unit and the Middle Management, Professional and Supervisory Unit;
4) Hold a Public Hearing, and adopt Resolution 2025- 1503, Approving and Adopting a Citywide Master Schedule of Fees and Service Charges for Various Municipal Activities and Services;
5) Adopt Resolution 2025- 1504, Establishing the Appropriation Limit (Gann Limit) for the City of Laguna Niguel for Fiscal Year 2025-2026;
6) Commit the $381,101 Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 and the $1,009,421 Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 operational budget surpluses to the Infrastructure Replacement and Deferred Maintenance Reserve;
7) Authorize $1,459,156 from the Infrastructure Replacement and Deferred Maintenance Reserve in Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 to be used on the Crown Valley Parkway Westbound Widening Project;
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 10 June 3, 2025
8) Authorize $1,277,037 from the Infrastructure Replacement and Deferred Maintenance Reserve in Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 to be used on the La Paz Road Mobility Enhancements & Permanent Repair; and,
9) Direct staff to initiate an RFP process to explore enhanced weed abatement efforts on City -owned property, with funding from the contingency budget account.
Motion carried 5-0.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Oddo reflected on a significant week, highlighting the City Council’s unified presence at the May 29 California Energy Commission (CEC) hearing to oppose a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. She estimated approximately 165 public comments were made, with only nine in support , mostly from outside organizations. She praised community activist group B .L.E.S.S.I.N. for their effective advocacy, comparing their efforts to a hardworking midfielder in soccer, emphasizing teamwork and persistence. Council Member Oddo expressed strong optimism that the city will prevail in stopping the project, stating support for renewable energy only when it doesn't threaten public health or safety. She also shared that she and Council Member Jennings interviewed outstanding students for the Youth Committee, selecting 9 from 24 applicants. She encouraged all applicants to continue their community involvement.
Council Member Oddo concluded by wishing everyone a Happy Father’s Day, celebrating Pride Month, and affirming Laguna Niguel’s commitment to inclusion, acceptance, and creating a safe community for all, especially LGBTQ youth.
Council Member Winstead shared that she and Mayor Pro Tem Johns attended a fifth- grade performance of Hamilton at George White Elementary, praising the students , especially the young actor who played Marquis de Lafayette with an impressive French accent. She reminded the community that with school out for summer, drivers should be extra cautious of children on bikes and sidewalks. S he also emphasized pool safety, warning that drowning is silent and vigilance is critical. Council Member Winstead congratulated students and teachers on the end of the school year and wished H igh School graduates success in their future endeavors.
Council Member Jennings reflected on the honor of attending Laguna Niguel’s Memorial Day Ceremony event, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. She thanked attendees, organizers, veterans, and military families for making the event meaningful. She also expressed admiration for the Youth Committee applicants, praising their leadership and community spirit, and encouraging those not selected to stay involved. Council Member Jennings acknowledged the Parks and Recreation Department team for supporting youth engagement. She reaffirmed the City Council’s strong opposition to the proposed BESS facility near Laguna Niguel’s border,
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 10 June 3, 2025
citing safety and environmental concerns, and thanked residents for voicing their objections.
Mayor Pro Tem Johns highlighted the May 28 press conference at the proposed BESS facility site with community members and the strong turnout at the May 29 California Energy Commission (CEC) hearing, where Mayor Gennawey effectively presented safety concerns and flaws in the project's reporting. Mayor Pro Tem Johns praised Mayor Gennawey’s respectful but firm approach. He reflected on the emotional Memorial Day Ceremony event, thanking American Legion Post 281 for their work in organizing it, and commended the fifth-grade performance of Hamilton at George White Elementary, calling it on par with professional productions. Lastly, Mayor Pro Tem Johns celebrated the recognition of City Manager Tammy Letourneau and Public W orks Director Jacki Scott, who received nominations for the 2025 Golden Hub of Innovation Awards. City Manager Letourneau was nominated for City Manager of the Year, and Public Works Director Scott for two projects, highlighting their exceptional work and contributions to the City.
Mayor Gennawey began his remarks by praising C ity staff, stating that Laguna Niguel has the best team in Orange County, if not the entire state. He expressed hope that the City would be recognized with awards for their outstanding work. He thanked American Legion Post 281 and its Auxiliary for hosting the Memorial Day Ceremony event and providing poppies for attendees. He emphasized the importance of the event, especially given this year’s significant anniversaries: the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the 80th of World War II. Mayor Gennawey detailed the City’s participation in a site press conference on May 28 and the California Energy Commission (CEC) hear ing on May 29, where he personally spoke on behalf of Laguna Niguel’s 65,000 residents.
He highlighted the serious safety and environmental concerns tied to the proposed BESS facility’s location, including the potential need to evacuate 37,000 people within a two- mile radius and hundreds of thousands within an eight -mile radius. He applauded the unified opposition from residents and elected officials across political party lines, adding that the project poses a major public safety threat. He shared that the battery company attempted to buy support through large grant donations. He commended Paul Corey of The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano for rejecting a $1 million dollar grant, calling it a courageous and principled decision. He criticized the South Orange County Community College District for accepting a $750,000 dollar grant and remaining silent on the issue. He urged residents to express their concerns to the Community College Board, stating that their silence in the face of overwhelming opposition is unacceptable. Mayor Gennawey concluded by expressing excitement about the upcoming H igh School graduations, including the one at his alma mater, Aliso Niguel High School. He also looked forward to the City’s summer events, especially the first concert in the park featuring the James Kelly Band. He thanked his fellow City Council members and the community for their dedication and continued involvement.
City Manager/Department Reports
City Manager Letourneau began by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the City Council for their support and kind words regarding the recent award nomination. She noted that their encouragement alone feels like a win and is deeply appreciated. She then provided an update on the proposed BESS facility and the California Energy Commission (CEC)
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 10 June 3, 2025
review process. City Manager Letourneau explained that the CEC deemed the application complete on April 30 and issued a Notice of Preparation for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The initial public hearing began last Thursday and continued virtually today, with all public comments made today reportedly being in opposition. She emphasized that June 4 is the final day to submit public comments specifically on the scope of the EIR, which will inform what is to be included in the draft report. However, she clarified that this deadline does not mark the end of all public engagement, noting that residents should continue submitting letters in opposition and uploading them to the CEC docket, which is easily accessible from the City website. She outlined the next steps: the CEC will now begin preparing the draft EIR and a staff assessment, which are expected to be released in the fall 2025. Once the draft is available, another local public hearing will be scheduled.
The final decision from the CEC is anticipated by January 25, 2026, likely to take place at the CEC headquarters in Sacramento. City Manager Letourneau concluded by stressing the importance of maintaining momentum and public engagement throughout this process. She said the City will continue to share updates via a special edition of the Laguna Niguel Beacon Newsletter and social media channels to ensure the community remains informed, involved, and engaged.
Parks and Recreation Director Jonathon Harmon reminded the community that the 2025 Summer Concert Series will kick off this Friday at the Crown Valley Park Amphitheater.
Starting at 6:00 a.m., attendees may begin setting up blankets and chairs for the evening performance. The James Kelly Band will take the stage at 6:30 p.m., performing a mix of country and rock and roll hits. Parks and Recreation Director Harmon encouraged early arrival, noting the band's past popularity at the Sea Country Festival. Shuttles will be available from City Hall starting at 5:30 p.m., and food and dessert vendors will be on- site. He concluded by expressing excitement on behalf of the D epartment and thanked the community for supporting the Summer Concert Series.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gennawey adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__
Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk