City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 5 August 5, 2025
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
August 5, 2025
5:00 p.m. – Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Gennawey called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 5:00 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. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957
Title: City Attorney
2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957
Title: City Manager
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative(s): Mayor and City Attorney Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
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 – Camellia Lame, Baha’i Community of Laguna Niguel
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Pro Tem Johns
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
Craig Carmel spoke on proposed beautification of the chain-link fenced corner at Pacific Island Drive and Crown Valley Parkway.
John Fernandez spoke on fire and storm water flooding erosion concerns.
Jessica Cummings spoke about sober living home concerns.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Item No. 5 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 August 5, 2025
Approved as written.
2. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
3. Investment Report as of June 30, 2025
Received and filed.
4. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on July 15, 2025
Approved as written.
6. Adoption of Resolution No. 2025 -1508, Approving a Temporary Closure of Portions of El Lazo and Dorine Road for the Sea Country Festival and Portions of Crown Valley Parkway, Nueva Vista Drive, Adelanto Drive, La Paz Road, La Plata Drive, and Central Park Drive for the 2025 Holiday Parade
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-1508, approving a temporary closure of portions of El Lazo and Dorine Road for the Sea Country Festival and portions of Crown Valley Parkway, Nueva Vista Drive, Adelanto Drive, La Paz Road, La Plata Drive, and Central Park Drive for the 2025 Holiday Parade.
7. Award of Professional Services Agreement for Banking and Procurement Card Services with Wells Fargo Bank
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1. Awarded the Professional Services Agreement for Banking and Procurement Card Services with Wells Fargo for a five-year term with the option to renew for an additional five years, and five one-year optional extensions beyond that for a maximum total of fifteen years.
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement, and subsequent Standard Agreements with Wells Fargo Bank, subject to approval by the City Attorney.
3. Authorized the City Manager to make future amendments to the agreements for Banking and Procurement Card Services with Wells Fargo Bank, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
ITEM PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
5. Approval of Amendment No. 1 of the Professional Services Agreement for the Senior Mobility Program with Cabco Yellow Inc., DBA California Yellow Cab and Orange County Yellow (OCY) Management, LLC., for the Senior Wheels Program, through the Orange County T ransportation Authority (OCTA) Senior Mobility Program
Council Member Winstead shared that she pulled Item No. 5 to highlight the City’s Senior Mobility Program. She explained that increased demand for the program requires additional funding and asked staff to share information with the public, including eligibility, how to use the program, and its cost , so more seniors who are not yet riding can learn about the program and participate.
Parks & Recreation Director Jonathon Harmon explained that the City’s Senior Wheels transportation program, funded through OCTA Measure M2, provides roundtrip rides via contract service. The service transports eligible Laguna Niguel residents to the Sea Country Senior & Community Center, non- emergency medical appointments, and any address within Laguna Niguel. To qualify, participants must be Laguna Niguel residents aged 60+ who cannot drive. Applications are available online or in person at the Sea Country Senior & Community Center, where staff can assist with enrollment.
Council Member Oddo praised staff for revitalizing and promoting the senior mobility program, noting its success and growing usage, increasing from an average of 117 to 326 rides per month and continuing to rise. Sh e congratulated staff and encouraged eligible residents to take advantage of the valuable service.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Oddo, seconded by Council Member Winstead to:
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 of the Professional Services Agreement for the Senior Mobility Program with Cabco Yellow Inc., DBA California Yellow Cab and OCY Management, LLC., for the Senior Wheels Program, through the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Senior Mobility Program and
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finding said action exempt from CEQA, Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines.
2. Direct staff to submit Amendment No. 1 to OCTA for final approval as the program meets all OCTA Senior Mobility Program eligibility requirements.
Motion carried 5-0.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Oddo reported attending OCTA’s Measure M 10-year review roundtable, where she shared Laguna Niguel’s transportation priorities and highlighted the Senior Mobility Program. She shared that Measure M2 funding remains on track through 2041 except for Metro Rail, which is only funded until 2035 due to a 40% drop in ridership since the pandemic. Council Member Oddo also shared that countywide sales -tax revenues, which fund transportation projects , have flattened, resulting in an $800 million dollar decrease and impacting local matching funds. Council Member Oddo gave an update on her continued opposition to the proposed battery energy storage facility project in San Juan Capistrano, noting broad elected official support and optimism for alternative locations. Council Member Oddo invited residents to a town hall at Laguna Niguel Regional Park on August 9 to discuss the recent fish die- off and gather community feedback on future park improvements.
Council Member Winstead thanked Parks and Recreation Director Harmon and staff for the successful ‘90s Rock Show concert and encouraged residents to take advantage of the many activities happening in the C ity on Saturday, August 9 th, noting that in addition
to the town hall, residents can volunteer at the B otanical Preserve and visit the Friends of the Laguna Niguel Library’s Jumble Book Sale.
Council Member Jennings honored Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Mike Summers for receiving a Medal of Valor, recognizing his heroic rescue of two adults and a child during the Airport Fire. She expressed pride and gratitude for his service, and also thanked Police Services, the PACT team, and Parks & Recreation staff for their hard work in putting on the City’s successful Summer Concert Series.
Mayor Pro Tem Johns s hared that he attended B.L.E.S.S.I.N meetings in opposition to the San Juan Capistrano proposed battery energy storage facility project, noting another meeting would be held tomorrow at Crown Valley Community Center. Mayor Pro Tem Johns also shared that he plans to attend the upcoming regional park town hall to learn more about the fish die-off. He participated in the Dana Hills High School Dolphin Classic golf fundraiser and congratulated his team for raising money for students. He als o attended a neighborhood watch meeting in Palisades Laguna Heights, thanked Sheriff’s Department personnel, and encouraged residents to start their own Neighborhood Watch programs. Mayor Pro Tem Johns highlighted a photo walk at the Niguel Botanical Preserve featuring wild butterflies, praising the experience, and inviting residents to visit the preserve.
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Mayor Gennawey highlighted the success of the recent ‘90s Rock Show concert in the park, giving special recognition to staff member Kevin Lyon for his standout band introduction, and provided an update on the fish die-off at Laguna Niguel Regional Park, noting it’s a county-run facility and directing the public to OC Parks webpage for updates.
He recognized the Laguna Niguel AYSO Region 41 G irls U- 12 soccer team for representing the C ity at the national games and congratulated them for their effort and sportsmanship. Mayor Gennawey also spoke about his continued opposition to the proposed lithium battery energy storage facility project in San Juan Capistrano, including remarks made at the South Orange County Community College District B oard Meeting where he urged reversal of a $750,000 dollar community benefits agreement with the project developer. Mayor Gennawey invited residents to upcoming community events, including the last Summer concert featuring Flashback Heart Attack and the Sea Country Festival from August 22–24, encouraging everyone to attend and enjoy the festivities.
City Manager/Department Reports
Parks and Recreation Director Harmon reminded the community about the upcoming “Rule the Pool” event for ages 9–13, happening this Friday, August 8th from 8–10 p.m. at the Laguna Niguel Aquatic Center. The Parks & Recreation team will host activities such as cannonball contests, an inflatable water slide, a DJ, snacks, and drinks.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gennawey adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk