City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 6 June 2, 2026
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
June 2, 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 – Present
Council Member Ray Gennawey– Present
Council Member Stephanie Oddo – Present
Council Member Stephanie Winstead – Present
INVOCATION – Pastor Russell Lackey, Mission Lutheran Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council Member Gennawey
PRESENTATION
1. Recognition of Col Jason Armas, Commanding Officer, 1st Marine Regiment
Mayor Johns presented a proclamation to Col Jason Armas , Commanding Officer, 1 st
Marine Regiment and thanked him on behalf of the City Council, for his commitment and service.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Teresa Schickling, CEO of the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, provided an update on Chamber activities, highlighting its partnership with the City, support of local businesses, non-profit businesses, Police Services, and the Military Support Committee.
Ken O’Leary expressed concerns about ongoing construction next door to his residence.
Rick Riegel, a Chamber of Commerce Board Member, highlighted planning efforts for the annual Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast in partnership with the City and YMCA and invited residents and officials to attend this year’s celebration.
Martha McNicholas, expressed concerns about wildfire risk following a recent brush fire near George White Elementary School..
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Item No. 9 was pulled from the consent calendar.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Jennings , seconded by Council Member Gennawey, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
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1. Warrants of June 2, 2026
Approved as written.
2. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
3. Investment Report as of April 30, 2026
Received and filed the City of Laguan Niguel Investment Report as of April 30, 2026.
4. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on May 19, 2026
Approved as written.
5. Adoption of Resolutions Calling, Ordering, and Giving Notice of the General Municipal Election and Requesting Consolidation with the County of Orange Statewide Election
1. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-1527, Calling, Ordering and Giving Notice of the General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026, for the Election of one (1) Member of the City Council from District 2, and one (1) Member of the City Council from District 4, each for a full term of four (4) years; and
2. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-1528, Requesting that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange Consolidate the City of Laguna Niguel’s General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election to be held on November 3, 2026, pursuant to Elections Code Section 10403
6. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Fiscal Years 2025- 2030 Law Enforcement Services Agreement with the County of Orange
Approved Amendment No.1 to the Fiscal Years 2025- 2030 Law Enforcement Services Agreement with the County of Orange and authorized a total not -to- exceed cost of $19,920,619 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
7. Approval of Amendment No. 5 to the On -Call Professional Services Agreement with EcoNomics, Inc., to provide Solid Waste Management Consulting Services
1. Approved Amendment No. 5 to the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with EcoNomics, Inc., in the not-to-exceed amount of $67,940 for Solid Waste Management Consulting Services; and,
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2. Approved a not-to-exceed 20% contingency of the total contract in the amount of $13,588 for unforeseen conditions or extra work, and authorized the City Manager to approve additional work for a not-to-exceed amount of $81,528, if needed; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with EcoNomics, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
8. Approval of Master Equity Lease Agreement and Related Documents with Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.
1. Approved a Master Equity Lease Agreement, and Full Maintenance Agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.; and,
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement and future Amendments to the Agreement, subject to the City Attorney making non- substantive changes.
ITEM PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
9. Approval of Final Tract Map No. 19024 and Subdivision Improvement Agreement
Council Member Oddo highlighted that the approval of the final tract map and subdivision improvement agreement relates to the Laguna Niguel City Center mixed -use project, which is planned to serve as Laguna Niguel’s downtown. She expressed enthusiasm about the project’s progress and noted that a ground breaking is anticipated in September.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Oddo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jennings to:
1. Approve Final Tract Map No. 19024;
2. Accept the dedication of easements for public street purposes, emergency vehicle ingress and egress, public sidewalk purposes, and public storm drain purposes;
3. Approve the Subdivision Improvement Agreement, Reciprocal Access Easement Agreement, and Park License and Joint Use Agreement;
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Subdivision Improvement Agreement, Reciprocal Access Agreement, and Park License and Joint Use Agreement, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes, and any related documents necessary to implement the terms of the agreements; and,
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5. Find recommended actions are consistent with the Laguna Niguel City Center Mixed-Use Project Final EIR (SCH No. 2019110083), and require no further CEQA review pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines section 15162.
Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM
1. Fiscal Years 2025-2027 Mid-Cycle Budget Review
Finance Director Agrelius introduced the item and provided a report on the fiscal years 2025-2027 Mid-Cycle Budget review.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
Council Member Oddo asked for clarification regarding the proposed increase in the Planning Division appeal fee, specifically inquiring whether the increase was intended to cover City staff time and costs associated with processing appeals. City Manager Letourneau explained that the proposed appeal fee increase is intended to more accurately reflect the City’s costs, without covering the City’s actual cost of processing an appeal. She noted that appeal-related expenses can exceed $5,000 within a few days of filing and emphasized that the proposed fee still does not fully recover the City’s actual costs. Council Member Oddo sought clarification regarding the appeal fee increase, asking whether the fee applies when an applicant disagrees with an administrative decision made by City staff and chooses to appeal that decision to the City Council for review. City Manager Letourneau clarified that the appeal fee applies primarily to appeals of Planning Commission decisions to the City Council, rather than appeals of staff decisions. She explained that processing an appeal can require substantial staff and City Attorney time, noting that a recent appeal cost the City more than $25,000 to prepare and bring forward for City Council consideration.
Mayor Johns opened the Public Hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Johns closed the Public Hearing.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Mayor Pro Tem Jennings expressed support for the mid- cycle budget review and commended the City’s fiscally responsible approach. She also welcomed the additional funding allocated to community organization grants, noting the positive impact these organizations have on Laguna Niguel residents.
Council Member Gennawey expressed appreciation for the transition to a biennial budget and the balanced outlook, supported the increase in community grants, and noted that
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the Planning Division appeal fee increase is appropriate given the significant staff and legal costs involved in processing appeals.
Council Member Winstead supported the $25,000 increase for community organization grants, attributing the City’s ability to expand funding to strong fiscal management by staff and leadership. She thanked City staff for identifying savings and encouraged continued support for local organizations.
Mayor Johns supported the $25,000 increase for community organization grants, noting it would help groups that previously received limited funding. He credited the City’s fiscal responsibility and staff efforts to streamline the budget for enabling the C ity to maintain strong finances and provide funding back to the community.
Council Member Oddo expressed support for the biennial budget approach and noted the City’s continued budget surpluses over recent years. She also supported the increase in community organization grants, stating it will help expand support for local organizations and residents in need.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Winstead, seconded by Council Member Oddo to:
1. Allocate an additional $25,000 to the Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 budget for Community Organization Grants;
2. Approve the proposed changes to the Purchasing Policy;
3. Hold a Public Hearing, and adopt Resolution 2026-1526, adopting revised fees for the facility use at the Sea Country Senior and Community Center, and other municipal activities for the Planning and Public Works Departments; and,
4. Approve Resolution 2026- 1525, Establishing the Appropriation Limit (GANN Limit) for the City of Laguna Niguel for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Motion carried 5-0.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Winstead reflected on Memorial Day events, including the American Legion ceremony and placing flags at El Toro Memorial Park with local scouts, emphasizing the importance of honoring fallen service members and educating youth about service and sacrifice. She also highlighted local business support, C ounty library summer reading programs and events, and announced updates from the Orange County Public Library, including leadership transition. She further noted the ribbon cutting of the new Capistrano Valley High School stadium and congratulated graduating seniors, and concluded by highlighting P olice Services programs such as document shredding and drug take-back resources, while wishing students and staff a safe and enjoyable summer.
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Council Member Gennawey thanked Chamber of Commerce representatives for their update and expressed appreciation for the City’s strong relationship with the Chamber.
He noted upcoming community events, including the Summer Concert Series kickoff featuring Yachty by Nature and local high school graduations across the School D istrict.
He also acknowledged Election Day, encouraged residents to vote, and noted that Laguna Niguel is projected to have strong voter turnout compared to many other cities.
Council Member Oddo reported on the State of the Fifth District event, noting updates on countywide trends including declines in fentanyl-related deaths and homelessness, while acknowledging continued work in both areas. She also thanked speakers for Memorial Day tributes and highlighted concerns regarding e- bike and electric motorcycle safety, referencing enforcement and prosecution efforts related to illegal use and parental responsibility. She concluded by recognizing Pride Month and support for LGBTQ residents, referencing prior City Council action on a Pride proclamation and encouraging an inclusive and supportive community.
Mayor Pro Tem Jennings reported that the Orange County Fire Authority budget was approved as balanced and forward- looking. She also reflected on recent tragedies involving first responders and emphasized support for emergency personnel and their families. She further shared remarks on the Memorial Day ceremony, expressing gratitude to staff, the American Legion, and the community for honoring fallen service members. She concluded by congratulating graduates across Laguna Niguel, highlighting the achievements of Aliso Niguel High School students and wishing all graduates success in their future endeavors.
Mayor Johns thanked the Orange County Fire Authority for its quick response to the George Fire and noted that local fire mitigation efforts helped contain the incident without the need for aerial water drops. He also highlighted his attendance at the Tech Tutor Celebration at the Sea Country Senior Center, praising youth volunteers who assist seniors with technology. He concluded by sharing a letter from a local student about skunk sightings at Chap parosa baseball field, using it to emphasize community enga gement and appreciation for youth perspectives, and noted meeting with the student and her family at City Hall.
City Manager/Department Reports
Parks and Recreation Director Harmon provided an update on the upcoming Summer Concert Series.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Johns adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk