City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 7 October 7, 2025
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
October 7, 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 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 – Pastor Russell Lackey, Mission Lutheran Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Brownie Troop #3583
PUBLIC 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.
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Motion carried 5-0.
1. Warrants of October 7, 2025
Approved as written.
2. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
3. Investment Report as of August 31, 2025
Received and filed.
4. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on September 17, 2025 and Special City Council Meeting on September 25, 2025
Approved as written.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM
1. Approval of Resolution for Property Tax Correction Between City of Laguna Niguel and Laguna Hills
City Attorney Smith introduced the item and provided a report on the approval of resolution for property tax correction between City of Laguna Niguel and Laguna Hills.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
There were no questions.
Mayor Gennawey opened the Public Hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Gennawey closed the Public Hearing.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
There was no further City Council discussion.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Johns, seconded by Council Member Jennings to:
Hold a public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 2025-1511, approving a correction in property tax allocation pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code sections 99(b)(6) and 99.02.
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Motion carried 5-0.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Introduction of Ordinance No. 2025-236, Prohibiting the Sale and Distribution of Kratom and Nitrous Oxide Products
Mayor Gennawey and Mayor Pro Tem Johns requested this item, and both provided a report sharing the reasons for bringing this matter to the City Council for consideration.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
There were no questions.
Mayor Gennawey opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Gennawey closed Public Comment.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Council Member Oddo thanked Mayor Gennawey and Mayor Pro Tem Johns for bringing the issue forward and expressed support, noting concern that the product is being marketed as a natural leaf despite containing synthetic components that are highly addictive and harmful.
Council Member Jennings stated that the Council is taking an important step to protect community health and safety by prohibiting the sale and distribution of kratom and nitrous oxide products in Laguna Niguel. She noted that although these substances may appear harmless, they pose serious risks especially to youth, and can cause lasting health damage. Council Member Jennings emphasized that the ordinance focuses on prevention and protection, supporting parents, schools, and law enforcement in keeping the community safe. She also thanked Mayor Gennawey, Mayor Pro Tem Johns, and City staff for their work, highlighting that this action reflects Laguna Niguel’s family-oriented and caring values.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Johns, seconded by Mayor Gennawey to:
1. Waive full reading, make any amendments to, and introduce Ordinance No. 2025-236 by title:
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-236
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA,
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AMENDING DIVISION 3 OF TITLE 5 OF THE LAGUNA NIGUEL MUNICIPAL
CODE, PROHIBITING THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF KRATOM
PRODUCTS AND NITROUS OXIDE PRODUCTS, AND MAKING A
DETERMINATION OF EXEMPTION UNDER CEQA IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH
2. Direct that the proposed ordinance be placed on the agenda for the October 21, 2025, City Council Meeting for adoption.
Motion carried 5-0.
2. Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-1512, Opposition to Proposition 50
Mayor Gennawey and Mayor Pro Tem Johns requested this item, and both provided a report sharing the reasons for bringing this matter to the City Council for consideration.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
There were no questions.
Mayor Gennawey opened Public Comment.
Lori Reznick, Courtney Fielder, Diane Groh, Susan Aaronson, Jonathan Light, Melissa Waters, Pat Lestz, Karen Carrie, Leo Connolly, Suzanna Bortz, and Joan Tateyama spoke in opposition of Resolution No. 2025-1512.
Andrea Redfield spoke in favor of Resolution No. 2025-1512.
Mayor Gennawey closed Public Comment.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Council Member Oddo expressed strong opposition to the City taking positions on national political issues, calling such actions divisive and unrelated to local governance. She emphasized that the City Council should focus on local priorities like public safety, fire resiliency, and community improvements rather than partisan matters such as redistricting. Council Member Oddo stated that Laguna Niguel is politically diverse, and taking partisan stances only deepens divisions among residents. She reaffirmed her consistent belief that the City should not engage in issues that do not directly affect it, citing past examples like districting and Proposition One. While she acknowledged the passion of residents who spoke on the issue, she maintained that national matters should be left to voters and higher levels of government. Council Member Oddo concluded by calling for fairness in redistricting nationwide but reiterated her opposition, stating she would vote “no” to oppose placing the item on the agenda because the City should not involve itself in national politics.
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Council Member Jennings explained that the intent of the item was not to be divisive but to highlight concerns about the proposal’s impact on fair representation. She stated that removing the independent redistricting commission would reverse progress by returning control of district maps to politicians, creating conflicts of interest and enabling gerrymandering. Council Member Jennings warned that this would reduce transparency, accountability, and voter choice while increasing partisan manipulation. She also noted that Proposition 50 would allow mid-decade redistricting, creating instability, unnecessary costs, and potential legal challenges. Council Member Jennings expressed concern that the change would weaken local representation by dividing established communities. She stated that maps should remain fair and independent to protect voters, uphold election integrity, and maintain public trust.
Council Member Winstead thanked the community members who attended and shared their views on Proposition 50, stating that she agreed with their concerns and believes the measure is bad for the state. She called Prop 50 hypocritical, noting that while it claims to promote fair and independent redistricting nationwide, it would actually strip authority from California’s independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, undermining the successful Voters First Act model. Council Member Winstead said she will personally vote “no” on Prop 50 and encourage others to do the same, but emphasized that such issues fall outside the City Council’s role.
She stated the City Council should focus on local matters that directly affect residents such as city services, infrastructure, and community well -being and requested that the resolution be removed from the agenda, as it creates unnecessary division and distracts from the City Council’s local priorities.
Mayor Gennawey thanked residents for attending and emphasized the importance of civil discourse, noting that the discussion was intended to present different viewpoints on Proposition 50. He explained that the measure was placed on the ballot unusually qui ckly, prompting him to draft a resolution focused on the California Constitution and the voter -approved provisions of the Voters First Act.
Mayor Gennawey said the City has occasionally taken positions on state propositions in the past when they directly affected residents such as those impacting property taxes, homelessness, or local control and that this resolution aimed to highlight constitutional and state-level issues that may not be covered in public campaigns or media. He clarified that the discussion was not about national politics but about protecting California’s democratic process, emphasizing that residents are free to vote as they choose.
Council Member Oddo asked whether the proposition would eliminate the independent redistricting commission. City Attorney Smith clarified that it would not abolish the commission but would defer its role until after the next census in 2030.
Mayor Gennawey added that t he measure would replace the current 2020 redistricting maps with those drawn by the governor and legislature, while the commission would be reinstated to resume its work following the 2031 redistricting cycle.
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A MOTION was made by Council Member Winstead, seconded by Council member Oddo to:
Remove the Resolution from the Agenda
A SUBSTITUTE MOTION was made by Mayor Gennawey, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Johns to:
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-1512, Opposing Proposition 50.
Motion carried 3-2, with Council Members Oddo and Winstead voting No.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Jennings thanked City staff and Mayor Gennawey for the successful State of the City event. She highlighted that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, encouraging the community to honor survivors, remember those lost, and prioritize early detection through regular screenings. She also promoted the OCFA Open House at Fire Station 39 on October 11th and invited the community to attend.
Council Member Winstead shared her appreciation for Parks and Recreation Director Harmon and his team for organizing events at Sea Country Senior and Community Center, including a performance by the James Kelly Band. She also highlighted the Fall Boutique and Crafts Faire, noting the impressive talents of local participants, including a 13-year-old who crafted wooden bowls. Council Member Winstead mentioned enjoying the Niguel Botanical Preserve and encouraged the community to take advantage of the City’s recreational offerings.
Council Member Oddo recognized Hispanic Heritage Month, congratulated C ity staff on a creative and well-received State of the City event, and shared her experience attending the South Coast Conservatory Danceathon, which raised $51,000 dollars for student scholarships, training equipment, expanded programming, and dance-related charities.
Mayor Pro Tem Johns praised the State of the City event and thanked City staff for organizing it. He shared that he also enjoyed the Sea Country Senior and Community Center hoedown event featuring the James Kelly Band. On September 29, he participated in the Knights of Columbus golf tournament. On October 3, he attended the Dana Hills versus Aliso Niguel football game, humorously noting the mascots’ halftime “battle.” On October 4, he volunteered at the Special Olympics volleyball event in Westminster, highlighting the athletes’ enthusiasm. O n October 5, he attended the Niguel Botanical Preserve Citizen of the Year event, congratulating Mary Smith as Volunteer of the Year and praising the well organized event. Mayor Pro Tem Johns emphasized the importance of community engagement and expressed gratitude for all the events and organizations contributing to local life.
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Mayor Gennawey congratulated the Dana Hills Dolphins football teams for sweeping the Aliso Niguel Wolverines at all levels and shared he would serve as “Principal for a Day” at Aliso Niguel High School on October 17. He praised the success of the State of the City event, highlighting its unique format held at a movie theater where attendees enjoyed food, beverages, and a film presentati on. He thanked staff for their efforts in organizing the creative event. Mayor Gennawey reported progress in the ongoing op position to the proposed battery energy storage system project. He attended the South Orange County Community College District meeting with Council Member Oddo and approximately 200 residents, where the District voted unanimously to begin rescinding its contract with the energy company, Engie. He emphasized that the agreement was detrimental to the community and thanked residents and officials for their advocacy. Mayor Gennawey also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Second Harvest Food Bank, urging the m to reconsider their support for the project due to the potential risks it poses to the region.
City Manager/Department Reports
Division Chief Summers provided an Orange County Fire Authority Quarterly Report.
Parks and Recreation Director Harmon announced that the City will post its Halloween Home Decorating Map this week on the City website and social media, inviting residents to tour Laguna Niguel and enjoy festive neighborhood displays. He also shared that t he annual Haunted Trails event at Crown Valley Park will take place from October 16 through the 19, marking its 25th year. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. each night, and nearly 500 tickets have already been sold. Parks and Recreation Director Harmon encouraged residents to purchase tickets soon and visit the City website or Crown Valley Community Center for more information.
City Manager Letourneau congratulated Human Resources Manager Dor na Farhadi for receiving the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority’s statewide Capstone Award, expressing pride in her accomplishment.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gennawey adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:42 p.m., in memory of John Thomas Bates, spouse of City of Laguna Niguel’s first Mayor Patricia Bates.
Respectfully submitted,
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Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk