C
ity Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 5 January 14-15, 2026
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Special City Council Meetings
January 14-15, 2026 – 4:00 p.m.
CALL T O O RDER AND ROLL CAL L – Mayor John s called t he Special City Co uncil Meeting of January 14, 2026 to order at 4:00 p.m.
Mayor Gene Johns – Present
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Jennings – Present
Council Member Ray Gennawey– Present (arrived at 7:09 p.m.) Council Member Stephanie Oddo – Present
Council Member Stephanie Winstead – Present
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council Member Oddo
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
CITY COUNCIL
1. Conduct Interviews to Fill Two- Year Term Vacancies, Unless Otherwise Specified, for the Investment, Banking and Audit Committee; Parks, Recreation, and Senior Commission; Planning Commission; and Traffic and Transportation Commission.
The City Council conducted interviews for the following applicants on January 14, 2026, to fill two -year vacancies, unless otherwise specified, for the Investment, Banking and Audit Committee (2); Parks , Recreation and Senior Commission (2); Planning Commission; and (2)Traffic and Transportation Commission:
I nvestment, Banking, and Audit Committee (2 vacancies)
1. Ruhl, Kathy (incumbent)
2. Burt, Steve
3. Levitin, Michael (incumbent)
4. Lambino, Christine
P arks, Recreation, and Senior Commission (2 vacancies)
5. Kim, Grace
6. Yang, Heidy
7. Spitzer, Rita (withdrew)
8. Hall, Chris (incumbent)
P lanning Commission (2 vacancies)
9. Maerzke, Charlie
10. Zueck, Anthony
11. Du, Jayne
12. Meihaus, Brian (incumbent)
13. Brown, Robert (incumbent)
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ity Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 5 January 14-15, 2026 T
raffic and Transportation Commission (2 vacancies)
14. Kinney, John (incumbent)
15. Fitzgerald, Trevor ( absent)
16. Dugan, Melissa (absent)
17. Valerio, Michael
T
he City Council reviewed candidate submittals and interview notes, held discussion, and appointed the following individuals to serve on City Commissions and Committees each for a two-year term ending December 31, 2026:
A
MOTION was made by Council Member Oddo, seconded by Council Member Winstead to approve the following appointments:
I
nvestment, Banking, and Audit Committee
R uhl, Kathy (incumbent)
Levitin, Michael (incumbent)
M
otion carried 4-0
A
MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Jennings, seconded by Council Member Winstead to approve the following appointments:
P
arks, Recreation, and Senior Commission
K im, Grace
Hall, Chris (incumbent)
M
otion carried 4-0
A
MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Jennings, seconded by Council Member Oddo to approve the following appointments:
P
lanning Commission
M eihaus, Brian (incumbent)
Brown, Robert (incumbent)
M
otion carried 4-0
A
MOTION was made by Council Member Oddo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jennings to approve the following appointments:
T
raffic and Transportation Commission
K inney, John (incumbent)
Valerio, Michael
R
ECESS
T
he City Council took a brief recess prior to the start of closed session.
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ity Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 5 January 14-15, 2026 CLOSED SESSION – 7:00 p.m.
C
ouncil Member Gennawey arrived at 7:09 p.m.
M
ayor Johns called the meeting back to order at 7:13 p.m.
P
UBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM
T
here were no public comments.
R
ECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
C
LOSED SESSION
1. CO
NFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION
Existing litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1) Number of cases: 1
C
ase Name: Michelle R. Jackson, et al. v. City of Laguna Niguel, et al.
OCSC Case No.: 30-2024-01402615-CU-WM-WJC
{
Petition for Writ of Mandate}
R
ECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
C
LOSED SESSION REPORT
C
ity Attorney Smith reported that there was no reportable action taken during closed session
ADJ
OURNMENT
A
t 7:31 p.m., Mayor Johns adjourned the Special City Council Meeting to January 15, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
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Ci
ty Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 5 January 14-15, 2026 CALL T O O RDER AND ROLL CAL L – Mayor John s called t he Special City Co uncil Meeting of January 15, 2026 to order at 4:00 p.m.
Mayor Johns – Present
Mayor
Pro Tem Kelly Jennings – Absent
Council Member Ray Gennawey– Absent
Council Member Stephanie Oddo – Present
C
ouncil Member Stephanie Winstead – Present
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council Member Winstead
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
CITY COUNCIL
Conduc
t Interviews to Fill Two-Year Term Vacancies, Unless Otherwise Specified, for the Military Support Committee.
The C
ity Council conducted interviews for the following applicants on January 15, 2026, to fill two -year vacancies, unless otherwise specified, for the Military Support Committee (15):
Mi
litary Support Committee (15 vacancies)
1. McGinley, James
2. McGrath, Frank (incumbent)
3. Valenova Dayag, Hilary
4. Mastro, Elizabeth
5. Abrams, Daniel (incumbent)
6. Valenova Dayag, Heather
7. Caldwell, Melissa (incumbent)
8. Luckman, Karen (incumbent)
9. Cunningham, Jennifer (incumbent)
10. Smith, Mary (incumbent)
11. Hanley, John
12. Chiaverini, Jessica (incumbent)
13. Dopf, Cindy (incumbent)
14. Tuma, David (incumbent)
15. Gohardani, Navid
16. Hoskins, Lynn (incumbent)
Council Member Winstead recused herself from the interviews of Daniel Abrams and Jessica Chiaverini due to ongoing professional relationships.
The City Council reviewed candidate submittals and interview notes, held discussion, and appointed the following individuals to serve on The Military Support Committee for a two-y ear term, unless otherwise specified, ending December 31, 2026, with two remaining vacancies to be filled at the regular meeting of February 17, 2026:
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City
Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 5 January 14-15, 2026 A MOTION was made by Council Member Oddo, seconded by Council Member Winstead to approve the following appointments:
Military Support Committee (15 vacancies)
McGrath, Frank (incumbent)
(incumbent)
(incumbent)
(incumbent)
(incumbent)
(incumbent)
(incumbent)
*Valenova Dayag, Hilary
*Mastro, Elizabeth
*Valenova Dayag, Heather
Caldwell, Melissa
Luckman, Karen
Cunningham, Jennifer
**Smith, Mary
*Hanley, John
Dopf, Cindy
Tuma, David
*Gohardani, Navid
Hoskins, Lynn
Zueck, Anthony
*Appointments made for a one-year term ending December 31, 2026. **Appointment made as an “ex-officio” member, to serve in a non- voting advisory role, as provided for in Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Section 2-3-22.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Johns adjourned the Special City Council Meeting at 7:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__
Marissa J. Asistin, CMC
City Clerk
DRAFT
(incumbent)
(incumbent)
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 6 January 20, 2026
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
January 20, 2026
7:00 p.m. – Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Johns called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Gene Johns – Present
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Jennings – Absent
Council Member Ray Gennawey– Present
Council Member Stephanie Oddo – Present
Council Member Stephanie Winstead – Present
INVOCATION – Janice Sherertz, Christian Science Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Boy Scout Pack #700
PRESENTATION
1. Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce Shop N’ Dine Drawing
Teresa Schickling, President/CEO of the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, overviewed the Shop and Dine Program, and Mayor Johns drew three winners at random from the raffle.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Oddo, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 4-0.
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 December 16, 2025, January 6, 2026, and January 20, 2026
Approved as written.
3. Payroll Summary Register
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 6 January 20, 2026
Approved as written.
4. Investment Report as of November 30, 2025
Received and filed the City of Laguna Niguel Investment Report as of November 30, 2025.
5. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meetings on November 13, 2025, and December 2, 2025; Minutes of the Special City Council Meetings on November 13, 2025, December 11, 2025, and January 6, 2026
Approved as written.
6. Appointment of City Council Liaisons to Regional Agency Boards and City Commissions, Committees, and Boards
1. A ppointed Council Representatives to the Regional Agency Boards as identified in Attachment A; and,
2. Appointed Council Liaisons to City Commissions, Committees, and Boards as identified in Attachment B.
7. A pproval of Professional Services Agreement for Emergency Operations Plan Update with Atlas Planning Solutions
1. Approved a Professional Services Agreement with Atlas Planning Solutions for the preparation of an updated Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) in a not -to- exceed amount of $70,720;
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 10% contingency of the total contract in the amount of $7,072 for unforeseen conditions or extra work and authorize d the City Manager to approve additional work for a total not -to-exceed amount of $77,792, if needed; and
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Atlas Planning Solutions, and any amendments to the Agreement, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
8. A pproval of Amendment No. 4 to the On- Call Professional Services Agreement with Derek J. McGregor , Inc. dba DMc Engineering, for the Annual Residential Overlay Program Fiscal Year 2025-26
1. Approved Amendment No. 4 to the On- Call Professional Services Agreement with Derek J. McGregor, Inc. dba DMc Engineering to provide engineering design services for the Annual Residential Overlay Program Fiscal Year 2025- 26 for a not-to-exceed amount of $67,220;
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 6 January 20, 2026
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 15% contingency of the total contract in the amount of $10,083 for unforeseen conditions or extra work and authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve the additional work, for a total not-to- exceed contract amount of $77,303 if needed; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 4 to the On- Call Professional Services Agreement with Derek J. McGregor, Inc. dba DMc Engineering, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
9. A doption of Resolution No. 2026 -1520, Approving the Submittal of Two Improvement Projects to the Orange County Transportation Authority for Funding Under the Competitive Measure M2 Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program
Adopted Resolution No. 202 6-1520 approving the submittal of the following two Traffic Signal Synchronization Projects to OCTA for funding under the competitive Measure M2 Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program (Project P):
• Niguel Road from Alicia Parkway to Pacific Coast Highway • Oso Parkway/ Pacific Park Drive/ Glenwood Drive from Moulton Parkway to SR-241 Northbound On-Ramp
10. Approval of Agreement for Professional Services with Drone Studios
1. Awarded the Professional Services Agreement with Drone Studios to provide a Fourth of July Drone Show at Crown Valley Park for a three-year term in a not- to-exceed amount of $168,000, subject to extension administratively for two additional one-year terms;
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 10% contingency of the total contract in the amount of $16,800 for unforeseen conditions or extra work, and authorize d the Parks and Recreation Director to approve additional work, for a total not -to-exceed amount of $184,800, if needed; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Drone Studios, and any amendments to the Agreement, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
DISCUSSION ITEM
1. Recodification of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code – Titles 1, 2 and 3 Updates
Assistant City Manager Martin introduced the item and provided a report on the recodification of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Titles 1, 2 and 3 updates.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 6 January 20, 2026
There were no questions.
Mayor Johns opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Johns closed Public Comment.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
There was no discussion.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Introduction of Ordinance No. 2026 -239 Amending various sections of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code to implement state -mandated land use legislation regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs)
Community Development Director Orduna introduced the item and Planning Manager Crockett provided a report on the introduction of Ordinance No. 2026- 239 Amending various sections of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code to implement state-mandated land use legislation regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs).
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
There were no questions.
Mayor Johns opened the Public Hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Johns closed the Public Hearing.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
There was no discussion.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Oddo to:
Open the public hearing, take public testimony, close the public hearing, and then take the following actions:
1. Waive full reading, make any amendments to, and introduce Ordinance No. 2026-239 by title:
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 6 January 20, 2026
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-239
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT ZCA 25- 0002 AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE LAGUNA NIGUEL
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND
JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND FINDING THE ACTION TO
BE STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES
CODE § 21080.17
2. Direct that the proposed ordinance, with any changes, be placed on the agenda for the February 17, 2026, City Council Meeting and adopt the ordinance at that meeting.
Motion carried 4-0.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Oddo wished the community a happy 2026 and shared several updates.
She praised the Military Support Committee for a successful toy drive that collected 282 toys for three adopted military units, noting that expanded drop-off locations and volunteer efforts eliminated the need for additional funding. She recognized January 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day and reflected personally on the importance of remembering historical tragedies. Council Member Oddo also marked the conclusion of her three-year service as City Council liaison to the Military Support and Youth Committees, expressing pride in rebuilding the Military Support Committee into a strong, 16-member volunteer group dedicated to supporting active- duty service members. She thanked committee leaders and expressed confidence in its future leadership.
Additionally, she highlighted her involvement with SCORE Orange County, commending the organization’s free mentoring for entrepreneurs, its upcoming events in Laguna Niguel, and the City’s support of SCORE following significant federal funding cuts.
Council Member Winstead encouraged residents to support local businesses through the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce’s “Shop, Dine, and Win” program, sharing her own positive experience and noting its impact on shopping habits. She also highlighted a recent ribbon cutting where the Fire personnel responded immediately to a medical emergency, expressing appreciation for their professionalism and quick response. Lastly, she promoted the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 281’s “Valentines for Veterans” initiative, inviting community members and groups to participate in honoring local veterans, with signed valentines from the M ayor being provided to participating Laguna Niguel veterans.
Council Member Gennawey reported that South Orange County received welcome news with the suspension of the proposed battery energy storage facility project application with the California Energy Commission, calling it a major victory for Laguna Niguel and DRAFT
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 6 January 20, 2026
surrounding communities. He emphasized that the proposed facility posed significant risks due to its proximity to homes, the I -5 freeway, Oso Creek, and the railway. He thanked community advocates, particularly the group B.L.E.S.S.I.N, for their strong public engagement, as well as Saddleback Church for ultimately working with the City to resolve the land issue, which helped lead to the project’s suspension. He concluded by expressing gratitude to everyone who participated and spoke out to protect the community.
Mayor Johns announced that the City issued its first proclamation recognizing Holocaust victims, marking a new and meaningful acknowledgment by the City. He wished everyone a happy New Year and reflected on the significance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, emphasizing the continued importance of Dr. King’s message of peace and equality. He also highlighted his attendance at the Laguna Niguel Juni or Civic Workshop , where students participated in a well-attended presentation featuring Orange County Sheriff K- 9 units, thanking the deputies, handlers, and canine partners for an engaging and educational event.
City Manager/Department Reports
City Manager Letourneau reported that the City has launched a new GIS Hub feature on its website, allowing the public to explore Laguna Niguel through interactive maps and platforms. She highlighted two key tools: an open space inventory that identifies public and private land and allows users to search by address, and a new capital improvement project dashboard that provides details, costs, and status updates for C ity projects. She encouraged residents to visit the GIS Hub through the website search bar or by using the City’s chatbot, Beacon.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Johns adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:41 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__
Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk
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ity Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 1 January 27, 2026
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting
January 27, 2026
5:30 p.m. – Special Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Johns called the Special City Council Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Mayor Gene Johns – Present
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Jennings – Present
Council Member Ray Gennawey – Present
Council Member Stephanie Oddo – Present
Council Member Stephanie Winstead – Present
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council Member Gennawey
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM – None.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council recessed to closed session at 5:31 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION
Existing litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1) Number of cases: 1
C
ase Name: Michelle R. Jackson, et al. v. City of Laguna Niguel, et al.
OCSC Case No.: 30-2024-01402615-CU-WM-WJC
The City Council conducted Closed Session.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council reconvened to open session at 5:41 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Smith reported that there was no reportable action taken during Closed Session.
ADJOURNMENT
Ma
yor Johns adjourned the Special City Council Meeting at 5:41 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___ ___
Justin J. Martin, Assistant City Manager
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 6 February 17, 2026
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
February 17, 2026
6:00 p.m. – Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Johns called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Gene Johns – Present
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Jennings – Absent
Council Member Ray Gennawey– 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, Christian Mission Church, 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
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4) Number of potential cases: 2
The City Council conducted Closed Session.
Mayor Johns 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 – Boy Scout Pack #702
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 6 February 17, 2026
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Elaine Gennawey, joined by Karen Campbell, announced that nominations are now open for the Laguna Niguel Citizen of the Year Award.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A MOTION was made by Council Member Gennawey, seconded by Council Member Oddo, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Council Member Winstead abstained from voting on Consent Calendar item number 5.
Motion carried 4-0.
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 February 3, 2026 and February 17, 2026
Approved as written.
3. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
4. Investment Report as of December 31, 2025
Received and filed the City of Laguna Niguel Investment Report as of December 31, 2025.
5. Military Support Committee Re-Appointments
Completed the Military Support Committee re-appointment process. Reappointed Daniel Abrams and Je ssica Chiaverini to two -year terms ending December 31, 2027.
6. City Council Member Excused Absence
Approved the excused absences by Mayor Pro Tem Jennings due to a personal health matter.
7. Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
Received and filed the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and related audit reports of the City of Laguna Niguel for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.
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ity Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 6 February 17, 2026
8. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with GHD, Inc. for the South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project, CC24-12
1. A
pproved Amendment No.1 to the Professional Services Agreement with GHD, Inc. (GHD), for the South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project, CC24-12, with a base fee of $66,311;
2. A
pproved a not-to-exceed 15% contingency to the base fee for Amendment No. 1 in the amount of $9,947 for unforeseen conditions or extra work, and authorized the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve additional work, for a total not-to-exceed Amendment No. 1 amount of $76,258, if needed; and,
3. A
uthorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with GHD, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non- substantive changes.
9. S
econd Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-239 amending various sections of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code to implement state-mandated land use legislation regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs)
Conduc
ted a second reading, by title only, and adopted Ordinance No. 2026-239:
O
RDINANCE NO. 2026-239
A
N ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT ZCA 25-0002
AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE LAGUNA NIGUEL MUNICIPAL
CODE REGARDING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE
STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE § 21080.17
DI
SCUSSION ITEMS
1. Recodification of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code – Titles 1 0 and 13 Updates
Assistant City Manager Martin introduced the item and provided a report on the recodification of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Titles 10 and 13 updates.
CO
UNCIL QUESTIONS
T
here were no questions from the City Council.
M
ayor Johns opened Public Comment.
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ity Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 6 February 17, 2026 Paul Woodhouse requested that the City Council consider regulations to allow the responsible keeping of backyard chickens and honeybees.
M
ayor Johns closed Public Comment.
CO
UNCIL DISCUSSION
C
ouncil Member Gennawey thanked staff for presenting the item and praised the use of the track changes format, noting that it clearly showed additions, deletions, and revisions, making the material easy to review, and encouraged staff to continue using that format for future updates.
C
ouncil Member Winstead suggested minor wording revisions to Section 10-1- 40 regarding the prohibition on feeding wildlife, recommending removal of the word “wild” before raccoons to avoid confusion and proposing that squirrels be specifically listed among prohibited animals to ensure clarity for the public.
2. Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Mid-Year Budget Review
Finance Director Agrelius introduced the item and provided a report on the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Mid-Year Budget Review.
CO
UNCIL QUESTIONS
T
here were no questions from the council.
M
ayor Johns opened Public Comments.
T
here were no public comments.
M
ayor Johns closed Public Comments.
CO
UNCIL DISCUSSION
C
ouncil Member Gennawey praised the Finance Department and City staff for delivering a balanced budget with a $2.8 million mid- year surplus, commended the C ity’s strong fiscal management, and expressed support for the proposed fund allocations, particularly for infrastructure projects.
C
ouncil Member Winstead commended staff on their work, and expressed support for allocating the surplus funds toward capital improvement projects, infrastructure replacement, and deferred maintenance as an appropriate use of the funds.
C
ouncil Member Oddo commended staff for responsibly managing taxpayer dollars and maintaining a consistent surplus, expressed support for allocating $1.15 million toward much-needed street infrastructure repairs , especially given the impact of the rainy season, and voiced pride in the City’s strong fiscal management and upcoming strategic planning efforts.
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ity Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 6 February 17, 2026 Mayor Johns expressed his agreement with colleagues and highlighted that the C ity received the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) award for the 25th consecutive year, commending staff for not only balancing the budget but also maintaining high standards in financial reporting and documentation.
A
MOTION was made by Council Member Oddo , seconded by Council Member Gennawey to:
1. A
llocate the $2.8 million Fiscal Year 2024-2025 surplus as follows:
a. $1.
15 million to the Capital Improvements Project Fund to address the City’s street infrastructure.
b. $50
0,000 to the Capital Improvements Project Fund for building improvements at City owned facilities.
c. $1.
15 million to the reserve for Infrastructure Replacement, and Deferred Maintenance;
2. A
pprove the proposed changes to the Investment Policy; and,
3. A
pprove Resolution 2026- 1521, Authorizing the Examination of Sales or Transactions and Use Tax Records.
M
otion carried 4-0.
O
THER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. C
ouncil Reports
Council Member Gennawey shared that the Youth Committee is actively planning upcoming events, including the summer Battle of the Bands and several spring activities, and praised their efforts to engage local students. He also highlighted the Chamber of Commerce installation breakfast, noting its successful new format, and congratulated outgoing Chair Caroline Swift and incoming Chair Shawn Noonan on their leadership.
Council Member Oddo announced her appointment as Chair of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency, highlighting the agency’s strong financial performance, including early bond repayments that will significantly reduce long-term debt and interest costs. She also noted that the agency secured 50% ownership of its Irvine headquarters building, ending a prior rental arrangement and strengthening its asset position.
Additionally, she congratulated the new Chamber of Commerce Chair Shawn Noonan, expressed enthusiasm for serving as liaison to the Parks, Recreation and Seniors Commission, shared positive results from the Senior Wheels program with a major increase in rides, and recognized Lunar New Year and the start of Ramadan.
Mayor Johns shared that the City was again recognized as one of the top 10 safest cities in California. He credited to a multi-faceted approach that includes strategic planning, an DRAFT
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ity Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 6 February 17, 2026 effective Sheriff’s Department, and outreach to assist homeless individuals, with thanks given to staff, law enforcement, and City Council members for their efforts.
City Manager/Department Reports
There were no reports.
ADJ
OURNMENT
Ma
yor Johns adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:35 p.m.
R
espectfully submitted,
__
Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk
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ity Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 2 February 24, 2026
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting
Strategic Plan Workshop
February 24, 2026
3:00 p.m. – Special Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Johns called the City Council Meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
M
ayor Gene Johns – Present
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Jennings – Absent
Council Member Ray Gennawey – Present
Council Member Stephanie Oddo – Present
Council Member Stephanie Winstead – Present
P
LEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council Member Winstead
W
ELCOME BY THE MAYOR
Ma
yor Johns provided a brief welcome.
P
UBLIC COMMENTS
N
one.
S
TRATEGIC PLAN WORKSHOP
C
ity Manager Letourneau provided a brief overview and introduction of the workshop’s goals and objectives.
1. R
eview of 2025 Accomplishments
S
taff presented a review of the 2025 Accomplishments.
2. R
eview and Discuss the Implementation Action Plans for Goals 1 - 6 S
taff reviewed the Implementation Action Plans for Goals 1- 6: Public Safety, Fiscal Sustainability, Open Space and Environmental Preservation, Infrastructure and Technology, Economic and Community Development, and Communication and Community Outreach. Staff also introduced and reviewed all the new strategies being added to the 2026 Strategic Plan.
3. R
eview of the 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Projects
P
ublic Works Director/City Engineer Scott presented a preview of the 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Projects including major arterial rehabilitation, residential overlay and resurfacing, traffic signal equipment upgrades, mobility and accessibility enhancements, sidewalk improvements, and sports field synthetic turf replacement at Bear Brand Park.
DRAFT
C
ity Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 2 February 24, 2026
4. W
rap up and Next Steps
C
ity Manager Letourneau concluded the session by thanking the City Council for their leadership and participation and recognized City staff for their hard work.
Cit
y Council recognized staff’s accomplishments, shared their appreciation for staff’s hard work, City Manager Letourneau’s leadership, and expressed their pride in the entire team.
C
ity Manager Letourneau shared that the next step would be to update the documents and formally present them to the City Council for adoption on March 17, 2026.
ADJ
OURNMENT
Ma
yor Johns adjourned the Special City Council Meeting at 6:28 p.m.
R
espectfully submitted,
___
_____________________
Marissa J. Asistin
City Clerk
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