City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 5 August 19, 2025
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
August 19, 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 Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4) 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 – Father Binh, St. Timothy Catholic Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Boy Scout Troop #734
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Nathan Smith spoke on safety hazard concerns at the Cove at El Niguel development.
Cheryl Friedling spoke on safety hazard concerns at the Cove at El Niguel development.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
A MOTION was made by Council Member Jennings , seconded by Council Member Winstead, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
1. Warrants of August 19, 2025
Approved as written.
2. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
3. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on August 5, 2025
Approved as written.
4. Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement
Adopted Resolution No. 2025- 1509, approving the Fifth Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement with Tamara S. Letourneau.
5. Legal Counsel Rate Adjustment
Affirmed that a positive annual evaluation of the City Attorney occurred as required for the rate adjustments specified in the City’s Legal Services Agreement with Best Best & Krieger, LLP, effective September 1, 2025.
6. Award of Construction Contract to California Professional Engineering Inc., for the Traffic Signal Equipment Upgrades Project, Cash Contract No. 24-05
1. Awarded a Construction Contract to California Professional Engineering Inc., for the Traffic Signal Equipment Upgrades Project, Cash Contract No. 24- 05 in the amount of $258,797;
2. Authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to process change orders in an amount not to exceed 15% of the contract for $38,820, for a total not -to- exceed amount of $297,617 if needed;
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Construction Contract for the Traffic Signal Equipment Upgrades Project, Cash Contract No. 24- 05 to California Professional 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.
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PUBLIC HEARING ITEM
1. Adoption of Fee Update for Sheriff’s Response to Security System False Alarms
Assistant City Manager Martin provided a report on the adoption of the fee update for Sheriff’s response to security system false alarms.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
Council Member Oddo asked for clarification as to whether the City could always ensure cost recovery, noting fees must be set at an exact amount rather than increasing automatically.
Assistant City Manager Martin confirmed that a public hearing is required each time the fee is updated.
Mayor Gennawey opened the Public Hearing for comment.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Gennawey closed the Public Hearing.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
There was no further council discussion.
A MOTION was made by Pro Tem Mayor Johns, seconded by Council Member Oddo to:
Hold a Public Hearing and adopt Resolution No. 2025-1510, approving an updated fee for security system false alarms for the Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) False Alarm Fee Program.
Motion carried 5-0.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Oddo reported on the recent fish die- off town hall at Laguna Niguel Regional Lake, noting strong community participation and the County’s plans to prevent future incidents through improved aeration, equipment, and maintenance, as well as future lake house renovations. She also announced progress on the long-awaited 241/91 Toll Road connector project, which will reduce congestion with dynamic tolling, HOV, and bus/vanpool lanes, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026 and completion in 2029.
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Council Member Oddo invited the community to a Wildfire Resilience Workshop on September 10 at the Crown Valley Community Center, highlighting the program’s benefits for wildfire preparedness and potential property insurance savings, and recognized Laguna Niguel’s leadership in Firewise participation.
Council Member Winstead shared her appreciation for the Laguna Niguel Military Support Committee, which recently assembled care packages for families of the City’s adopted military units, noting the urgent redeployment of the USS Stockdale and the sacrific es made by sailors and their families. She expressed gratitude for their service, as well as for teachers, staff, volunteers, and parents supporting the start of the new school year, recognizing their contributions to the community.
Council Member Jennings thanked the Parks and Recreation Department team for an outstanding Summer Concert season, along with Police Services for ensuring safety, and expressed appreciation to residents for their participation. She shared that she looked forward to the upcoming Sea Country Festival and extended warm wishes to students, teachers, administrators, and families for a successful new school year.
Mayor Pro Tem Johns reported on attending the fish die- off town hall with Mayor Gennawey and Council Member Oddo, noting expert findings that the incident was caused by hot weather followed by overcast days leading to low oxygen levels, with most fish dying in the creek rather than the lake; he emphasized that no pesticides or fertilizers were involved. He also highlighted attending the Marine Corps fundraiser golf tournament, which successfully raised money for military support, and praised the S ummer Concert series, thanking staff for their efforts and P olice Services for ensuring safety throughout the events.
Mayor Gen nawey reported on attending the fish die- off event, noting that no harmful substances were detected and water quality remains healthy. He also attended the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority annual meeting, where financials were positive, and highlighted Human Resources Manager Dorna Farhadi as a finalist for the annual Capstone Award. Mayor Gennawey provided details on the upcoming State of the City address on September 25 at the Regency Theat res Director’s Cut Cinema , shared that he attended a charity golf tournament benefiting the Marines, and praised the recent Summer Concert series.
City Manager/Department Reports
Parks and Recreation Director Harmon reminded the community about the Sea Country Festival, a three -day end-of-summer event starting Friday at 5:00 p.m. behind the 24- Hour Fitness at El Lazo and Dorine. The festival will feature games, crafts, rides, food, and vendor booths for all ages. Pre-sale unlimited daily ride wristbands are available at a discounted price of $35 dollars through Thursday, increasing to $45 dollars starting Friday.
Finance Director Agrelius announced that the City received awards for its first Popular Annual Finance Report (PAFR), the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and its budget, achieving the "Triple Crown" from the Government Finance Officers
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Association. He recognized Community Engagement Manager Favian Bravo for his significant contribution and noted that only 20 cities in California have earned this distinction, highlighting the City’s accomplishment and commitment to financial reporting.
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