City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 6 August 18, 2026
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
August 18, 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 – Chaplain Serena Cummins, Orange County Sheriff’s Department PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Boy Scout Troop #774 and Pack #702
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Muhammad Asha spoke on his previous comments regarding the denial of his building permit application to extend his deck.
Alex Guess urged the City Council to endorse an e-bike safety petition signed by more than 800 residents calling for stronger age, licensing, speed, enforcement, parental accountability, and safety funding requirements.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items No. 8 and 11 were pulled from the consent calendar.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Oddo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jennings, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
1. Warrants of August 18, 2026
Approved as written.
2. Payroll Summary Register
Approved as written.
3. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on August 4, 2026 Approved as written.
4. Amendment to the City manager Employment Agreement
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-1538, approving the Sixth Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement with Tamara S. Letourneau.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 6 August 18, 2026
5. Rate Adjustment Following Evaluation of Legal Counsel 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, 2026.
6. Annual Investment Report for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Received and filed the City’s Annual Investment Report for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
7. Approval of Amendment No, 5 to the On-Call Agreement with GMU Geotechnical, Inc. Amending the Scope of Services
1. Approved Amendment No. 5 to the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with GMU Geotechnical, Inc., Amending the Scope of Services to include Engineering, Architecture, and Landscape Architecture Design, Environmental Program Assistance, Construction Management and Inspection, and Geotechnical Services; and,
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with GMU Geotechnical, Inc., amending the Scope of Services, and future amendments to the agreement, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
9. Approval of Amendment No.2 to the Professional Services Agreement with GHD, Inc. for the South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements, Cash Contract No. 24-12
1. Awarded Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with GHD, Inc., to provide final engineering design services for the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates Phase of the South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements, Cash Contract No. 24-12, with a base fee of $426,044;
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 10% contingency to the base fee for Amendment No. 2 in the amount of $42,604 for unforeseen conditions or extra work, and authorized the Public Works Director to approve additional work, for a total notto-exceed Amendment No. 2 amount of $468,648, if needed; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with GHD, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making nonsubstantive changes.
10. Award of Amendment No. 8 to the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Ardurra Group, Inc. for Construction Management and Inspection Services for the Annual Residential Overlay Program Fiscal Year 2025-26
1. Awarded Amendment No. 8 to the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Ardurra Group, Inc. to provide construction management and inspection services for the Annual Residential Overlay Program Fiscal Year 2025-26 for a not-to-exceed amount of $95,146;
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 6 August 18, 2026
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 15% contingency in the amount of $14,272 for unforeseen conditions or extra work, and authorized the Public Works Director to approve additional work, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $109,418, if needed; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 8 to the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Ardurra Group, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
8. Approved the South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project Approval & Environmental Documentation Phase, Including the Selection of the Preferred Alternatives and Environmental Documentation
Council Member Oddo highlighted the South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project, noting that it will improve multimodal transportation, mobility, and safety by adding a sidewalk and Class I walking and bicycle path connecting to the Metrolink station, with the project funded primarily through a federal grant.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Oddo, seconded by Council Member Gennawey to:
1. Approve Project Approval and Environmental Document Phase and the Preferred Alternative selections for the South Forbes Road/Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements Project;
2. Direct staff to proceed with final engineering design of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates Phase for the Project;
3. Find the project statutory exempt from environmental review under the Public Resources Code §21080.25 and is further categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301, Class 1 (Existing Facilities), Section 15302, Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction), Section 15303, Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), and Section 15304, Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land);
4. Certify the Project will be constructed by a skilled and trained workforce; and
5. Direct staff to prepare, execute, and file with the County Clerk and State Clearinghouse, a division of the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, a Notice of Exemption documenting the Public Resources Code statutory exemption and categorical exemptions findings within five working days of its approval.
Motion carried 5-0.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 6 August 18, 2026
11. Award of Professional Services Agreement with Interwest Consulting Group, Inc. for Construction Management and Inspection Services for the Crown Valley Parkway Westbound Widening Project, CC 24-02 Council Member Oddo expressed support for the Crown Valley Widening Project, noting that it will fulfill a longstanding commitment to widen Crown Valley Parkway near the I-5 southbound off-ramp and Cabot Road to help alleviate traffic associated with increased development in the area.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Oddo, seconded by Council Member Gennawey to:
1. Award the Professional Services Agreement with Interwest Consulting Group, Inc. to provide construction management and inspection services for the Crown Valley Parkway Westbound Widening Project, CC 24-02 for a not-to-exceed amount of $1,340,355;
2. Approve a not-to-exceed 10% contingency in the amount of $134.035 for unforeseen conditions or extra work, and authorized the Public Works Director to approve additional work, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,474,390, if needed; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Interwest Consulting Group, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making nonsubstantive changes.
Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM
1. Adoption of Resolution for Property Tax Correction between City of Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo
Assistant to the City Manager/Acting Public Works Director O’Connor introduced the item and provided a report on the adoption of Resolution for Property Tax Correction between City of Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
There were no questions from the City Council.
Mayor Johns opened the Public Hearing.
There were no Public Comments.
Mayor Johns closed the Public Hearing.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
There was no further discussion from the City Council.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 6 August 18, 2026 A MOTION was made by Council Member Winstead, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jennings to:
Hold a public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 2026-1537, approving a correction in property tax allocation pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code sections 99(b)(6) and
99.02. Motion carried 5-0.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION
1. Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-1539, Providing for the Appointment to the Offices of City Council Member in District 2 and 4 those that were Nominated and Canceling the November 3, 2026 Election
City Attorney Smith introduced the item and provided a report on the adoption of Resolution No. 2026-1539, providing for the appointment to the office of City Council member in District 2 and 4 those that were nominated and canceling the November 3, 2026 election.
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
There were no questions from the City Council.
Mayor Johns opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Johns closed Public Comment.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
There was no further discussion from the City Council.
A MOTION was made by Council Member Winstead, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jennings to:
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-1539, providing for the appointment to the offices of City Council Member in District 2 and 4, those that were nominated to be elected at the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election and canceling the election.
Motion carried 5-0.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Oddo commended Alex Guess for his e-bike safety advocacy and announced that the Fire Resiliency Workshop has been rescheduled to September 29 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, where residents can learn about protecting their property and potential new state regulations affecting high fire hazard severity zones.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 6 August 18, 2026 Council Member Gennawey thanked Alex Guess for his e-bike safety advocacy and expressed support for consistent statewide e-bike safety regulations, encouraged residents to take advantage of the summer trolley service through Labor Day, and shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming Sea Country Festival.
Council Member Winstead thanked Troop 774 leaders for their service to local scouts, promoted the September 12 car wash fundraiser benefiting the City’s adopted Naval unit of USS Stockdale sailors, and wished students and school staff a successful school year while reminding drivers to slow down and follow traffic laws in school zones.
Mayor Pro Tem Jennings thanked Alex Guess for his e-bike safety advocacy, thanked City staff, Parks and Recreation, and the Sheriff’s Department for a successful summer concert series, and encouraged the community to attend the upcoming Sea Country Festival.
Mayor Johns shared his experience welcoming students back to George White Elementary School as the school mascot and recognized National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on August 21, encouraging residents to learn about the dangers of fentanyl and help those who may be struggling with drug use.
City Manager/Department Reports
Sergeant Nick Spangenberg provided a Police Services Quarterly Report.
Parks and Recreation Director Harmon announced that the Sea Country Festival will take place August 21–23 at its new location on Aliso Creek Road, featuring live music, food, carnival rides, and more than 100 booths, with free admission and parking.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Johns adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__
Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 5 September 15, 2026
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting
September 15, 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 – Absent
Council Member Stephanie Winstead – Present
INVOCATION – Bret Wilkins, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Boy Scout Pack #705
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ben Pasco, Rio Phior, Devrim Wellman, and Tatiana Shabelnik, introduced a forthcoming Rotary International project and requested the City’s support.
Bill Moorhead, a Moulton Niguel Water District Director, highlighted his experience and accomplishments and requested the community’s support for his reelection.
Myra O’Connell requested that the City Council support a resolution regarding Proposition
39. Muhammad Ascha expressed frustration over delays in obtaining a minor adjustment permit and urged the City Council to help resolve the matter.
Agnes Swanson, representing Orange County United Way, highlighted the organization’s work in education, financial stability, and housing within Orange County.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Jennings, seconded by Council Member Gennawey, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 4-0.
1. Warrants of September 1, 2026 and September 15, 2026 Approved as written.
2. Payroll Summary Register
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 5 September 15, 2026 Approved as written.
3. Investment Report as of July 31, 2026
Received and filed the City of Laguna Niguel Investment Report as of July 31, 2026.
4. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting on June 9, 2026 Approved as written.
5. Approval of a Five-Year Agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc. to upgrade the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning System
1. Approved a five-year agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc., in the not-toexceed amount of $649,920 for the procurement of an upgrade to the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning system for financial management;
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 10% contingency of the total contract in the amount of $64,992 for additional support services, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $714,912; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement and future nondiscretionary payments for software subscription renewals, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
6. Approval of Amendment No. 5 to the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with ICF Environmental, Inc. for Wetland Operations and Maintenance Project Support Services
1. Approved Amendment No. 5 to the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with ICF Environmental, Inc. to provide Wetlands Operations and Maintenance Project Support Services for a not-to-exceed amount of $119,590 annually for FY 2026-2027 and FY 2027-2028; and,
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with ICF Environmental, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
7. Approval of Amendment No. 7 to the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with GMU Geotechnical, Inc. for Microtrenching Support Services
1. Approved Amendment No. 7 to the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with GMU Geotechnical, Inc. to provide Microtrenching Support Services related to the City-wide Fiber Optic Installation Project for a not-to-exceed amount of $140,768.50; and,
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 5 September 15, 2026
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 7 to the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with GMU Geotechnical, Inc., subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
8. Award of Professional Services Agreement with Psomas for Professional Engineering Services for the Crown Valley Parkway Westbound Widening Project, CC 24-02
1. Awarded the Professional Services Agreement with Psomas to provide Professional Engineering Services for the Crown Valley Parkway Westbound Widening Project, CC 24-02 for a not-to-exceed amount of $425,564;
2. Approved a not-to-exceed 15% contingency in the amount of $63,835 for unforeseen conditions or extra work, and authorized the Public Works Director to approve additional work, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $489,399 if needed; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Psomas, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
9. Award of Maintenance Services Agreement for Citywide Street Banner Installation and Maintenance Services to Bapptre Landscaping, Inc. DBA Shine Illumination
1. Awarded the Maintenance Services Agreement for Citywide Street Banner Installation and Maintenance Services to Bapptre Landscaping, Inc. dba Shine Illumination in the not-to-exceed amount of $110,000 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 per year of the contract in the amount of $22,000 for unforeseen conditions or extra work and authorized the Public Works Director to approve additional work with Bapptre Landscaping, Inc. dba Shine Illumination for a total not-to-exceed amount of $132,000 per year, if needed; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and future amendments to the Maintenance Services Agreement with Bapptre Landscaping, Inc. dba Shine Illumination, subject to the City Attorney making non-substantive changes.
10. Authorization to Submit the 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report to the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 5 September 15, 2026 Authorized staff to submit the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
11. Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-1540, Amending the City’s Conflict of Interest Code
Adopted Resolution No, 2026-1540, amending the City’s Conflict of Interest Code.
OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCIL REPORTS
1. Council Reports
Council Member Gennawey thanked the Rotarians for their efforts to share Laguna Niguel’s history through a documentary, recognized Ben Pasco’s family contributions to the City, thanked Agnes Swanson for her presentation on Orange County United Way, praised the Sea Country Festival’s success, and highlighted the first meeting and swearing-in of the new Laguna Niguel Youth Committee.
Council Member Winstead reflected on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, and highlighted the community’s spirit of unity and service, recognizing the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 281 Girl State delegates, the Military Support Committee, volunteers, residents, and local businesses for their civic engagement and support of the USS Stockdale sailors.
Mayor Pro Tem Jennings thanked City staff, the Parks and Recreation Department, OCFA, and the Sheriff’s Department for their work on the Sea Country Festival, and recognized OCFA for the 9/11 remembrance ceremony, expressing appreciation for their service to the community.
Mayor Johns thanked the community and American Legion for supporting the USS Stockdale sailors and the Girl State program, and reflected on his personal experiences as a law enforcement officer during the September 11, 2001 attacks, emphasizing the sacrifices of first responders and the unity demonstrated by Americans following the tragedy.
City Manager/Department Reports
Division Chief Reid Gibson provided an Orange County Fire Authority Quarterly Report.
City Manager Letourneau announced that the City received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Triple Crown Award for the second consecutive year, recognizing achievements in budgeting, financial reporting, transparency, public communication, and fiscal responsibility, and thanked Finance Director Trevor Agrelius, his team, City staff, and the City Council for their support.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 5 September 15, 2026
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Johns adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__
Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk
City Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 1 September 24, 2026
LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting
September 24, 2026
4:00 p.m. – Special Meeting
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Johns called the Special City Council Meeting to order at 4:00 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
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council Member Stephanie Winstead
STATE OF THE CITY
Mayor Johns provided a brief introduction and shared the State of the City Video, “Story of the Past, Meeting the Present.”
Mayor Johns acknowledged all who contributed to the continued success of the City of Laguna Niguel.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Johns adjourned the Special City Council Meeting at 5:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__
Marissa J. Asistin, CMC, City Clerk