City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 6 July 21, 2026
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
July 21, 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– Absent
Council Member Stephanie Oddo – Present
Council Member Stephanie Winstead – Absent
INVOCATION – Father Binh, St. Timothy Catholic Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Boy Scout Troop #872
PRESENTATION
1. Recognition of Outgoing Youth Committee Members
Mayor Johns presented City tiles to outgoing Youth Committee Members Gabriella Gulini, Alanni Rogers, Viana Najafi and Rijul Kashyap in recognition of their time spent as a member of the committee servi ng the community and for being leaders to the youth in Laguna Niguel.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Christine Park urged the City Council to support efforts to keep Providence Laguna Beach Hospital open.
Muhammad Asha spoke on hazardous conditions at his home caused by a steep slope and expressed frustration regarding a related permit application.
Martha McNicholas thanked city staff for continued weed abatement near George White Elementary School, and invited the community to support the July 31 Relay for Life "Concert for a Cure" in Mission Viejo.
Remma Sheibi, speaking on behalf of the Orange County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, presented the Commission's inaugural report highlighting key data on women's education, employment, mental health, and domestic violence in Orange County.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Steven Carpenter requested that the June 16, 2026, City Council meeting minutes (CC #5) be revised to include the written materials he submitted for the public hearing record.
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A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Jennings, seconded by Council Member Oddo, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 3-0-2.
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 July 7, 2026, and July 21, 2026
Approved as written.
3. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
4. Investment Report as of May 31, 2026
Received and filed the City of Laguna Ni guel Investment Report as of May 31, 2026.
5. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on June 16, 2026
Approved as written.
6. Approval of Plans and Specifications and Award of Construction Contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. for the Alicia Parkway Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program Project, Cash Contract No. 24-11
1. Approved the plans and specifications for the Alicia Parkway Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program Project, Cash Contract No. 24-11;
2. Awarded a Construction Contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. for the Alicia Parkway Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program Project, Cash Contract No. 24-11 in the amount of $2,783,643;
3. Authorized the Public Works Director to process change orders in an amount not to exceed 10% of the contract for $278,365, for a total not -to-exceed amount of $3,062,008, if needed;
4. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Construction Contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. for the Alicia Parkway Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program Project, Cash Contract No. 24-11, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes; and,
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5. Authorized the Public Works Director to execute the Notice of Completion at the conclusion of construction.
7. Award of Professional Services Agreement to Mark Thomas & Company, Inc., for the La Paz Road Mobility Enhancements and Permanent Repair Project for the Plans, Specifications, Estimate and Right of Way Acquisition Phases, Cash Contract No. 24-10
1. Approved the Findings of Public Necessity to award this Agreement based upon the receipt of a single Proposal; and,
2. Awarded the Professional Services Agreement to Mark Thomas & Company, Inc., for the La Paz Road Mobility Enhancements and Permanent Repair Project for the Plans, Specifications, Estimate, and Right of Way Acquisition Phases, Cash Contract No. 24-10, for a not to exceed amount of $2,009,380; and,
3. Approved a not to exceed 15% contingency of the total contract in the amount of $301,407 for unforeseen conditions or extra work and authorized the Public Works Director to approve additional work for a total not -to-exceed amount of $2,310,787, if needed; and,
4. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non- substantive changes.
8. Award of Vendor Services Agreement to American Guard Services, Inc. for Crossing Guard Services
1. Awarded the Vendor Services Agreement to American Guard Services, Inc. for Crossing Guard Services in the not-to-exceed amount of $273,075 per year for Fiscal Years 2026- 27 through 2028- 29, subject to extension administratively for two additional one-year periods;
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 20% contingency of the total contract in the value of $54,615 per year for unforeseen conditions or extra work and authorized the Public Works Director to approve additional work with American Guard Services, Inc. for a total not-to-exceed amount of $327,690 per year if needed; and
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Vendor Services Agreement for Crossing Guard Services and future amendments to the agreement, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM
1. Introduction of Ordinance No. 2026 -240, Approving the Comprehensive Recodification of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code
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Assistant City Manager Martin introduced the item and provided a report on the approval of the comprehensive recodification of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
There were no questions from the City Council.
Mayor Johns opened the Public Hearing to approve and adopt new and revised fees for sidewalk vending permits and commercial vending permits as was included in the comprehensive recodification of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Johns closed the Public Hearing to approve and adopt new and revised fees for sidewalk vending permits and commercial vending permits.
Mayor Johns opened the Public Hearing for the Introduction of Ordinance No. 2026-240, approving the comprehensive recodification of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Johns closed the Public Hearing for the Introduction of Ordinance No. 2026- 240, approving the comprehensive recodification of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Council Member Oddo thanked staff for their work on the Municipal Code recodification, noting that it improves clarity, consistency, and compliance with state law, and expressed support for adopting the updated code.
Mayor Pro Tem Jennings thanked staff for their work on the Municipal Code recodification, noting that it modernizes the City's code, fulfills a longstanding Strategic Plan goal, and reflects a significant effort.
Mayor Johns displayed the newly completed Municipal Code binder, noting that it represents the City's first comprehensive recodification in 35 years, expressing appreciation for having a hard copy, and thanking staff for their work on the project.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Jennings, seconded by Council Member Oddo to:
1. Waive full reading, make any amendment to, and introduce Ordinance No. 2026-240 by title:
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ORDINANCE NO. 2026-240
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE COMPREHENSIVE
RECODIFICATION OF THE LAGUNA NIGUEL MUNICIPAL CODE
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2026- 1535, Approving and Adopting New and Revised Fees for Sidewalk Vending Permits and Commercial Vending Vehicle Permits; and,
3. Direct that Ordinance 2026- 240, with any changes, be placed on the agenda for the August 4, 2026, City Council meeting and adopt the ordinance at the meeting.
Motion carried 3-0-2.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Oddo recognized the outgoing Youth Committee members, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve as the committee liaison for three years and praising the importance of youth involvement in the community. She thanked the Mayor for the Liberty Tree Dedication event at Chapparosa Park, noting it was a meaningful way to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. She also highlighted the Salt Creek Corridor open space rehabilitation project, a multi-year effort led by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy using toll road grant funding to remove invasive vegetation, restore native habitat, improve aesthetics, and enhance wildfire safety. She congratulated Bruster’s Ice Cream on its grand opening and encouraged residents to visit the new local business.
Mayor Pro Tem Jennings congratulated the outgoing Youth Committee members, sharing her appreciation for their growth and leadership over the years and recognizing the strong interest from more than 30 applicants for the upcoming year, from which only six members were able to be selected. She thanked Mayor Johns for the Liberty Tree Dedication event and recognized staff for creating a meaningful tribute celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. She also congratulated City Manager Letourneau on receiving the ACC-OC Golden Hub City Manager of the Year Award, praising her leadership, professionalism, and dedication to the community. S he thanked the Parks and Recreation Department team, Police Services, volunteers, and staff for another successful Fourth of July Celebration and summer concert series.
Mayor Johns thanked Council Members for their support of the Liberty Tree Dedication event, recognizing City Manager Letourneau for helping bring the event vision to life and congratulating her on receiving the ACC -OC Golden Hub City Manager of the Year Award. He thanked the Military Support Committee for the successful car wash fundraiser benefiting military families and praised staff for the successful Fourth of July Celebration, which included a 5K run, pancake breakfast, concerts, and drone show. He also congratulated the City of Aliso Viejo on its 25th anniversary and recognized the American
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Legion South Orange County Post 281, the Laguna Niguel Military Support Committee, and Bistro K for their barbecue and classic car show fundraiser. H e thanked City staff, police services, and the fire department for their continued efforts in serving and protecting the community.
City Manager/Department Reports
Parks and Recreation Director Harmon reminded the community about the upcoming Sea Country Festival, scheduled for August 21 through August 23 at the new Aliso Creek Road location. He shared that the 2026 festival will feature live music, food and beverages, games, carnival rides, and more than 100 community and craft booths. He also announced that pre- sale for unlimited daily ride wristbands will begin July 27 at Crown Valley Community Center and encouraged residents to attend the end-of-summer celebration.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Johns adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting in memory of Allen Wortman at 7:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk