CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE 100 N. Calle Seville
Thursday, February 13, 2025 Community Center
City Council
Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes
CALIFORNIA Mayor Knoblock
2:00 p.m. - City Council Retreat
ouncilmember Wi
These minutes reflect the order in which items appeared on the meeting agenda and do not necessarily reflect the order in which items were actually considered.
An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the San Clemente City Council was called to order by Mayor Knoblock on February 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the San Clemente Community Center, Fireside Room, located at 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente.
PRESENT: Cabral, Enmeier, Loeffler, Wu and Mayor Knoblock STAFF PRESENT: Andy Hall, City Manager; Elizabeth Mitchell, City Attorney; Laura Campagnolo, City Clerk; Megan Jimenez, Deputy City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Loeffler led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
George Gregory spoke in opposition to the Christ Lutheran Church Services held on the beach; expressed concerns regarding term limits for Councilmembers and the Elected Mayor in 2026.
Amanda Quintanilla commented on the Orange County Transportation Authority meetin meeting; thanked City Manager Hall for his comments at the OCTA
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION ON WATER RESOURCES
Public Works Director/City Engineer Rebensdorf narrated a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Discussion and Possible Direction on Water Resources" and responded to City Council inquiries. A hard copy of the presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
Desalination Project
George Gregory opined that there are more cost effective methods than
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes February 13, 2025 desalination for obtaining water in the event of an emergency.
Amanda Quintanilla expressed concerns regarding the Doheny Desalination Project as it relates to environmental impacts; commented on local wells.
John Dolegowski spoke on the future of water resources/allocation as it may be potentially impacted by population growth and global warming.
Water Resources
Amanda Quintanilla inquired on the output of local wells in case of an emergency and their current operating conditions.
George Gregory suggested that the City place a reservoir along Pico Canyon for emergencies.
Following discussion, the City Council agendized consideration of the Poche Beach Runoff Reclamation Phase | Project and consideration of partnering on the Doheny Desalination Phase I, both projects will return to the City Council for consideration at a future meeting.
Meeting Recess
The City Council recessed at 3:21 p.m. and reconvened at 3:25 p.m. with all City Councilmembers present.
DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION FOR THE PHASE II/FINAL IMPROVEMENTS
AT CASA ROMANTICA
Shawn Ryan narrated a PowerPoint presentation entitled "City Council Retreat Item 2 Discussion and Direction for the Phase II/Final Improvements at Casa Romantica" and responded to City Council inquiries. A hard copy of the presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
Wayne Eggleston commented on his involvement on the development of Casa Romantica into a cultural center; spoke in support of like-for-like repairs at Casa Romantica.
George Gregory spoke in support of like-for-like repairs at Casa Romantica; urged the City to seek private donors to fund improvements.
Larry Culbertson commented on the importance of Casa Romantica as a cultural center; urged the City Council to expand the amphitheater and observation deck.
Ruth Denault commented on the work of the Casa Romantica Board.
Jacqui Groseth, Executive Director, Casa Romantica, offered to share event/revenue data with the City; spoke on activities held at the amphitheater.
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes February 13, 2025 Following discussion, the City Council agendized a report concerning the Joint Powers Insurance Authority (JPIA) funding of like-for-like repairs and costs for Casa Romantica.
The City Council expressed interest in relocating the amphitheater to the slope.
The City Council requested that the Casa Romantica Board provide the City with the following information:
1. Data concerning income/expenditures on an annual basis (as included in the lease)
2. Direct the City Manager to extend the offer to have a City Councilmember be an ex-officio member of the Casa Romantica Board.
3. Direct the City Manager to collaborate with Casa Romantica to get audit numbers and lease provisions concerning noise.
3. UPDATE, LOOK AHEAD AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION ON COASTAL
RESOURCES
Coastal Administrator Meyerhoff narrated a PowerPoint presentation entitled "City Council Retreat Item 3 Coastal Projects" and responded to City Council inquiries. A hard copy of the presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
Amanda Quintanilla commented on the development of Doheny State Beach; spoke on the partnership with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION REGARDING THE CITY OF SAN
CLEMENTE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
City Manager Hall narrated a PowerPoint presentation concerning the Capital Improvement Program and responded to City Council inquiries. A hard copy of the presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
Amanda Quintanilla opined that the City should have a procedure to prioritize Capital Improvement Projects; expressed concerns regarding a proposed bike lane project on Avenida Pico.
Following discussion, the City Council directed the Capital Improvement Projects be displayed on a map and included in the budget.
The City Council directed the City Manager to return to the City Council within three months with a report concerning Capital Improvement Projects that could be contracted as either Professional Services Agreements or General Services Contracts and how to utilize contractors to expedite projects.
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes February 13, 2025
5. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION ON CITY COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES
City Clerk Campagnolo reviewed the contents of the Administrative Report and responded to City Council inquiries.
Community Development Director Atamian and Beaches Parks and Recreation Director Wylie responded to City Council inquiries.
Susan Ambrose, San Clemente, commented on her work on the Coastal Advisory Committee.
John Dolegowski, San Clemente, spoke on the work of the Coastal Advisory Committee; suggested ways the Coastal Advisory Committee could better assist the City/staff.
Amanda commented on attendance at the Coastal Advisory Committee as it relates to the information provided to the community.
Following discussion, the City Council directed staff to return to the City Council with a report concerning the City's Commissions and Committees with the following changes:
1. Consolidating the Human Affairs Committee and Public Safety Committee requiring four members to have a public safety background. The San Clemente Chief of Police Services, Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief and Marine Safety Chief to attend meetings as-needed.
2. Consolidate the Arts and Culture Committee, Coastal Advisory Committee with the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission requiring two members have coastal expertise.
3. The City Council directed that the Golf Course Committee, Investment Advisory, Planning Commission to remain in their current status.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION ON CITY
COUNCIL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Amanda Quintanilla spoke in opposition to limiting time for public speakers at regular City Council meetings.
CITY MANAGER CLOSING COMMENTS
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes February 13, 2025 Adjournment
Motion by Councilmember Cabral, second by Mayor Knoblock, CARRIED 5-0, to adjourn at 6:13 p.m. The next Regular Meeting will be held on February 18, 2025. Closed Session will begin at 4:30 p.m.The Business Meeting will commence at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at City Hall Council Chambers, located at 910 Calle Negocio, 2nd Floor, San Clemente.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Loeffler, Wu and Mayor Knoblock
NOE: None
MAYOR of the City of
San Clemente, California
CITY CLERK of the City of
San Clemente, California