CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS CALIFORNIA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
August 16, 2023
2:00 P.M.
Laguna Woods City Hall
24264 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, California 92637
I. CALL TO ORDER
1.1 Call to Order
Mayor Conners called the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Woods to order at 2:00 p.m.
1.2 Emergency Circumstances and Just Cause Teleconferencing - N/A Il. ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBER: PRESENT: Horne, McCary, Moore, Hatch, Conners ABSENT:
All councilmembers participated in-person at the meeting location.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Macon, City Attorney Patterson, City Clerk Trippy All staff participated in-person at the meeting location.
Ill. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember McCary led the pledge of allegiance.
Mayor Conners requested to move Item 8.1 to next on the agenda. There were no objections.
VIII. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
8.1 Cannabis Retail Sales Business Regulations
City Manager Macon made a presentation.
The following public comments were received:
• Maureen Mehler, resident, spoke in support of allowing cannabis storefront retailers in Laguna Woods.
August 16, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• Erin McCormick, McCormick & Son Mortuary, shared information regarding the mortuary's operations and emergency services provided, as well as chemicals stored on-site and sensitivity to the religious beliefs of families.
Mayor Conners briefly responded to Ms. McCormick's comments. • Jim Ropo and his unidentified spouse, residents, spoke in opposition to allowing cannabis storefront retailers in Laguna Woods.
• Juanita Skillman, member, spoke in support of allowing cannabis storefront retailers in Laguna Woods.
• Dave Wheeler, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Laguna Hills, spoke in opposition to allowing cannabis storefront retailers in Laguna Woods.
Councilmember McCary made comments.
• Kathryn Freshley, resident, spoke in opposition to allowing cannabis storefront retailers in Laguna Woods.
• Chad Wanke, member of the public and part of the Committee to Support Measure T, spoke regarding crime and the clientele of legal versus illegal retailers. • Jonathan Adler, representative of the Laguna Woods Democratic Club, spoke in support of allowing cannabis storefront retailers in Laguna Woods.
Councilmember Moore made comments.
• Andrew Barnett, member of the public, spoke regarding medical benefits of cannabis and California Senate Bill 1186.
• Lonnie Painter, resident, spoke in support of allowing cannabis storefront retailers in Laguna Woods.
• Jonathan Adler, resident, spoke in support of allowing cannabis storefront retailers in Laguna Woods.
Mayor Conners responded to comments from Mr. Wheeler regarding Mr. Adler's ability to speak twice during public comments.
• Grace Hansel, resident, spoke regarding the federal illegality of cannabis. • Ruth Carter, resident, spoke in support of allowing cannabis storefront retailers in Laguna Woods.
August 16, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• Dave Wheeler, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Laguna Hills, spoke in opposition to allowing cannabis storefront retailers in Laguna Woods. • Janine Heft, Mayor of the City of Laguna Hills, spoke in opposition to allowing cannabis storefront retailers in Laguna Woods.
• Irene (last name indecipherable), resident, stated that seniors are not in the hospital for using cannabis.
• Pat Micone, resident, suggested allowing only medical cannabis sales and taking more time before adopting an ordinance.
Councilmember Moore made comments regarding written public comments.
Mayor Conners noted that emails were received by the City both in support and opposition of allowing cannabis storefront retailers in Laguna Woods. • Sarah Armstrong, Americans for Safe Access, spoke in support of allowing cannabis storefront retailers in Laguna Woods.
• Neil (no last name provided), member of the public, expressed concerns regarding allowing cannabis storefront retailers in Laguna Woods and suggested keeping them away from low-income neighborhoods and considering medical cannabis or delivery only.
Councilmembers discussed the item. Staff and Captain Alday, Orange County Sheriff's Department, answered related questions.
Moved by Councilmember McCary, seconded by Mayor Conners, and carried on a 3-2 vote, with Mayor Pro Tem Hatch and Councilmember Moore voting no, to approve second reading and adopt an ordinance - read by title with further reading waived - titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 13.06.010,
13.08.010, 13.10.020, 13.12.020, 13.13.020, 13.18.070, AND 13.26.025 OF TITLE 13 (ZONING) OF THE LAGUNA WOODS MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ESTABLISH A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR
CANNABIS STOREFRONT RETAILERS, SET THE CANNABIS
BUSINESS TAX RATE FOR CANNABIS STOREFRONT RETAILERS,
AND CLARIFY THE NATURE OF PROHIBITED CANNABIS
BUSINESSES AND EXISTING REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO
TOBACCO AND TOBACCO CIGARETTE SALES;
DETERMINING AND CERTIFYING THAT THE ORDINANCE IS
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ACT
August 16, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Mayor Conners called for a brief recess at 3:35 p.m.
The meeting was called back to order at 3:47 p.m.
Mayor Conners requested to move Item V to next on the agenda. There were no objections.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Cheryl Fennik, resident, expressed concerns with a City notice that was left at her door regarding alleged, unpermitted work.
City Manager Macon briefly responded to Ms. Fennik's comments.
Kimberlee Belli, on behalf of Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, shared information on the upcoming Senior Summit and responded to questions from councilmembers.
Councilmembers briefly discussed Ms. Belli's comments.
IV. PRESENTATIONS AND CEREMONIAL MATTERS
4.1 City Hall/Public Library Project Update
City Manager Macon provided an update.
Juanita Skillman, resident, inquired about the staffing level of the new library, what days and hours will the library be open, if there will be a printer/copier available to the public, and recommended paperbacks and large print books for the library.
City Manager Macon and Mayor Conners briefly responded to Ms. Skillman's comments.
An unidentified member of the public inquired about the occupancy level of the library and the number of books that will be available.
Councilmember Moore and City Manager Macon briefly responded to the comments.
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hatch, seconded by Councilmember Horne, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 vote, to approve Consent Calendar items 6.1 - 6.6.
6.1 City Council Minutes
Approved the City Council meeting minutes for the regular meeting on July 19, 2023.
6.2 City Treasurer's Report
August 16, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Received and filed the City Treasurer's Report for the month of July 2023.
6.3 Warrant Register
Approved the warrant register dated August 16, 2023 in the amount of $614,163.44.
6.4 Code Enforcement Services
Approved an agreement with Willdan Engineering for code enforcement services and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
6.5 Deed of Easement
Approved a deed of easement to the El Toro Water District for certain waterline infrastructure constructed as part of the City Hall/Public Library Project at 24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637 (Assessor's Parcel Number: 621-121-29) and authorized the Mayor to execute the deed of easement.
6.6 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Pedestrian Accessibility Improvement Project:
Phase 6 and 6(B)
1. Approved final record plans and specifications reflecting completion of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Pedestrian Accessibility Improvement Project: Phase 6 and 6(B)" as prepared by the project engineer.
AND
2. Accepted project completion of the contract agreement with Kalban, Inc. for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Pedestrian Accessibility Improvement Project: Phase 6 and 6(B)".
AND
3. Release contract retention in the amount of $12,939.35 withheld per California Government Code 35 days following recordation of the Notice of Completion with the County of Orange, provided no Stop Notices are on file with the City preventing the release of the contract retention.
AND
4. Exonerate project posted bonds 35 days following recordation of the Notice of Completion with the County of Orange.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
August 16, 2023 5 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
VIII. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
8.2 Zoning Code Amendments
City Manager Macon made a presentation.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hatch, seconded by Councilmember McCary, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 vote, to approve second reading and adopt an ordinance - read by title with further reading waived - titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 13.14 AND
SECTIONS 13.04.020, 13.08.010, 13.13.020, 13.15.011, 13.15.015,
13.15.016, 13.15.017, 13.15.020, 13.23.030, AND 13.26.070 OF TITLE 13 (ZONING) OF THE LAGUNA WOODS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND
DETERMINING AND CERTIFYING THAT THE ORDINANCE IS
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ACT
8.3 2021-2029 General Plan Housing Element Update
Councilmember Hatch made comments.
City Manager Macon made a presentation.
Juanita Skillman, resident, inquired about the relevancy of recent room rental changes in the California Civil Code.
City Manager Macon briefly responded to Ms. Skillman's comments.
Councilmember Moore left the dais at 4:34 p.m.
Mayor Conners briefly responded to Ms. Skillman's comments.
Kathryn Freshley, resident, inquired about the effect of the proposed zoning overlays on the sale of properties identified in the Housing Element as potential housing sites.
City Manager Macon briefly responded to Ms. Freshley's comments.
Councilmembers discussed the item and staff answered related questions.
Councilmember Moore returned to the dais at 4:36 p.m.
Councilmember Horne left the dais at 4:39 p.m.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hatch, seconded by Councilmember McCary, and carried August 16, 2023 6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
unanimously on a 4-0 vote, with Councilmember Horne absent, to adopt a resolution titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
WOODS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REVISIONS TO THE 2021-2029
GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT, AND PROVIDING
DIRECTION AND MAKING FINDINGS RELATED TO ADOPTION OF
THE 2021-2029 GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT PURSUANT
TO APPLICABLE STATE LAW
8.4 2022-2023 Orange County Grand Jury Report, "Welcome Neighborhood - Are cities responsibly managing the integration of group homes?"
City Manager Macon made a presentation.
Mayor Conners made comments.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hatch, seconded by Councilmember McCary, and carried unanimously on a 4-0 vote, with Councilmember Horne absent, to approve a response to the 2022-2023 Orange County Grand Jury Report, "Welcome to the Neighborhood - Are cities responsibly managing the integration of group homes?," authorize the Mayor to execute the response, and direct the City Manager to submit the response as required by applicable law.
8.5 El Toro Road Medians Improvement Project (Westbound El Toro Road between Moulton Parkway to Calle Sonora)
City Manager Macon made a presentation.
Councilmember Horne returned to the dais at 4:44 p.m.
Councilmembers discussed the item and staff answered related questions.
Moved by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember McCary, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 vote, to approve a conceptual design, tree palette, and plant palette, for the El Toro Road Medians Improvement Project (Westbound El Toro Road between Moulton Parkway to Calle Sonora), and authorize staff to proceed with preparing final design documents.
8.6 Employee Compensation and Benefits
City Manager Macon made a presentation.
Moved by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hatch, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 vote, to adopt a resolution titled:
August 16, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
WOODS, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING RESOLUTION NO.23-20, AND
ESTABLISHING A COMPENSATION SCHEDULE AND BENEFITS
FOR CITY EMPLOYEES
IX. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS
9.1 Coastal Greenbelt Authority
Councilmember McCary stated that her report was given at the last meeting.
9.2 Orange County Fire Authority
Mayor Pro Tem Hatch provided a report.
9.3 Orange County Library Advisory Board
No report.
9.4 Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District
No report.
Item 9.6 was taken out of order of the agenda.
9.6 South Orange County Watershed Management Area
No report.
9.5 San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency
Mayor Conners provided a report.
9.7 Liaisons to Community Bridge Builders
Councilmember McCary provided a report.
9.8 Other Comments and Reports
Councilmember McCary provided a report on the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority's Annual Board of Directors Meeting.
X. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Patterson introduced the closed session agenda.
August 16, 2023 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Mayor Conners made comments.
City Attorney Patterson noted that prior to convening in closed session, the City Council will hear public comments on items appearing on the closed session agenda.
No such public comments were received.
10.1 The City Council met in closed session under the authority of California Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) to consider the following: Public Employee Performance Evaluation - City Manager.
XI. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The City Council reconvened in open session at 5:48 p.m. City Attorney Patterson stated that there was no reportable action.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:49 p.m. The next regular meeting will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Laguna Woods City Hall, 24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637.
Melee IM
YOLIE TRIPPY, CMO
Approved: September 20, 2023
Cinthi is Corner
CYNTHIA S. CONNERS, Mayor
August 16, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes