City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 6 July 15, 2025
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
July 15, 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 Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9
Number of potential cases: 1
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 – Bishop Mark Hellewell, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Boy Scout Troop #700
PRESENTATION
1. Recognition of Outgoing Youth Committee Members
Mayor Gennawey presented City tiles to outgoing Youth Committee Members Ava Adibi, Melody Moeinzadeh, Brian Guilfoyle, Rosy Martinez, and Diya Surana in recognition of their time in office. Council Member Jennings and Council Member Oddo thanked them for their service to the community and for being leaders to the youth in Laguna Niguel.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
Patricia Lestz spoke on fire control.
Shelley Salehzadeh spoke on safety issues at Ridgeview Park.
Lisa H., Linda M., George A., Cheryl F., Nancy M., and Michelle M. spoke on and introduced the United Sovereign Americans (USA) resolution.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Item No. 6 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 July 1, 2025 and July 15
Approved as written.
2. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
3. Investment Report as of May 31, 2025
Received and filed.
4. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on June 17, 2025
Approved as written.
5. Award of Maintenance Services Agreement for Citywide Glass Windows and Doors Cleaning Services on As-Needed Basis to Team One Management
1. Awarded a Maintenance Services Agreement for Citywide Glass Windows and Doors Cleaning Services on As -Needed Basis to Team One Management in the not-to-exceed amount of $75,000 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 $15,000 for unforeseen conditions or additional work and authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve additional work with Team One Management for a total not -to-exceed amount of $90,000 per year if needed; and,
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3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and future amendments to the Maintenance Services Agreement with Team One Management, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
7. Award of Construction Contract to Van Engineering, Inc. for the Golden Lantern Median Modifications at Serenity Lane Project, Cash Contract No. 23-08
1. Awarded Construction Contract to Van Engineering, Inc. for the Golden Lantern Median Modifications at Serenity Lane Project, Cash Contract No. 23-08 in the amount of $346,948;
2. Authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to process change orders in an amount not to exceed 20% of the contract for $69,390, for a total not -to- exceed amount of $416,338 if needed;
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Construction Contract for the Golden Lantern Median Modifications at Serenity Lane Project, Cash Contract No. 23-08 to Van Engineering, Inc., 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.
ITEM PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
6. Award of Professional Services Agreement for Citywide Bridge Inspection Services to Mark Thomas & Company, Inc.
Council Member Oddo shared that the City is proactively inspecting its 17 bridges to address potential maintenance issues early, acknowledging it could be a significant expense. She expressed support for awarding a professional services agreement to Mark Thomas & Company, Inc. for citywide bridge inspection services and looked forward to the resulting report.
A MOTION was made b y Council Member Oddo , seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Johns to:
1. Award the Professional Services Agreement for Citywide Bridge Inspection Services to Mark Thomas & Company, Inc. in the not -to-exceed amount of $169,930;
2. Approve a not-to-exceed 20% contingency of the total contract in the amount of $33,986 for unforeseen conditions or extra work and authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve additional work for a total not -to- exceed amount of $203,916, if needed; and,
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3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and future amendments to the Professional Services Agreement with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
Motion carried 5-0.
DISCUSSION ITEM
1. Update on the City’s Legislative Advocacy Efforts and Annual Review of the City’s Adopted Legislative Platform
Assistant to the City Manager Kevin O’Connor provided a presentation on the City’s legislative advocacy efforts and annual review of the City’s adopted legislative platform.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
Council Member Oddo asked for clarification of the passed bill. Assistant to the City Manager O’Connor confirmed that Assembly Bill 544 was passed.
Mayor Gennawey opened public comments.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Gennawey closed public comments.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Mayor Gennawey thanked Mr. O'Connor for his thorough work on the staff report and their collaborative legislative advocacy efforts over the past several months, including drafting letters to state legislators. H e noted that the advocacy platform being reviewed has been reviewed before and proposed one addition under the public safety section. He proposed including support for legislation ensuring that the location and building standards of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facilities do not compromise community safety.
Council Member Oddo stated she had no changes to suggest for the legislative platform but wanted to highlight a few bills she supports or is monitoring. Sh e expressed strong support for AB 75, which would require insurers to notify policyholders 45 days in advance if aerial images of their property are taken and to provide those images upon request.
Council Member Oddo noted disappointment that AB 303, which would require battery energy storage facilities to be 3,200 feet from homes, has become a two- year bill which is typically a bad sign. She also mentioned AB 647, which the city opposes because it would force cities to allow up to eight housing units on single- family lots, is also now a two-year bill.
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Mayor Gennawey expressed agreement with the bills highlighted by Council Member Oddo, especially AB 75, which requires insurers to notify property owners before taking aerial photos that could affect their insurance premiums. H e noted the City has already sent a support letter for this bill. Mayor Gennawey also shared that he recently met with Assemblymember Cottie Petrie- Norris, chair of the Assembly Energy and Utilities Committee, who confirmed that AB 303, concerning buffer zones for battery energy storage facilities, will not be advancing this legislative session.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Jennings to:
Receive and file this update on the City’s Legislative Advocacy Efforts.
Motion carried 5-0.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Gennawey, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Johns to:
Adopt the current Legislative Platform with the addition of support of legislation to ensure location and building standards of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facilities do not compromise community safety.
Motion carried 5-0.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Jennings thanked the Parks and Recreation Department team for their outstanding work, praising the Summer Concerts and Fourth of July festivities, especially the drone show. She commended their hard work and noted how much the community is enjoying the events, expressing her appreciation for a fun and successful summer.
Council Member Winstead echoed Council Member Jennings’ praise for the City staff's exceptional work on the Fourth of July festivities, commending their dedication and excellence. She acknowledged the tragic flooding in Kerrville, Texas, that took the lives of summer campers. She expressed solidarity with the grieving families and urged the community to cherish loved ones, let go of grudges, and be kinder.
Council Member Oddo thanked Orange County Fire Authority ( OCFA) for their swift and effective response to the Rancho Fire, noting how fires in the area evoke fear due to past experiences in Laguna Niguel. Sh e emphasized appreciation for their use of advanced equipment and professionalism. Council Member Oddo expressed frustration that residents were setting off fireworks during the fire, reminding the public that fireworks are illegal in Laguna Niguel and violators face up to a $50,000 fine or a year in jail. S he praised the City’s Fourth of July events, including the YMCA run, pancake breakfast, and the drone show, acknowledging it was shorter but fiscally responsible. Council Member Oddo also complimented the high quality of the bands and thanked staff for their efforts in creating a successful day.
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Mayor Pro Tem Johns echoed previous comments about the Fourth of July celebrations, the Kernville flooding, and the local fire, thanking first responders in both Texas and Laguna Niguel for their daily sacrifices and dedication. He praised the City's Fourt h of July events as flawless, noting the incredible effort by City staff who were working from early morning to late at night. Mayor Pro Tem Johns also commended law enforcement for keeping the events safe and expressed deep appreciation for everyone's har d work and commitment.
Mayor Gennawey praised the City’s Fourth of July celebrations, highlighting improvements to the 5K route, the fun events throughout the day, and the impressive drone show. He acknowledged some residents missed the fireworks but explained they were not possible due to new state-designated fire risk zones, which people understood once informed. Mayor Gennawey also mentioned attending the grand opening of Nick the Greek restaurant, which drew large crowds with free food, and promoted the upcoming Summer Concert featuring The Dreamboats. Lastly, h e shared his participation in the American Legion Post 281 BBQ cook -off, inviting the community to attend and support veterans' charities.
City Manager/Department Reports
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Division Chief Mike Summers provided an OCFA Quarterly Report.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gennawey adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk