910 Calle Negocio
2nd Floor
San Clemente, California
www.sanclemente.gov
Council Chambers
CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
City Council
Special and Regular Meeting Minutes
4:45 p.m. Closed Session (Special Meeting)
5:30 p.m. Business Meeting
Mayor Loeffler
Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock
Councilmember Cabral
Councilmember Enmeier
Councilmember Wu
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.
A Special and Regular Meeting of the San Clemente City Council was called to order by Mayor Loeffler on September 15, 2026 at 4:45 p.m. in the San Clemente City Council Chambers, located at 910 Calle Negocio, 2nd Floor, San Clemente.
PRESENT: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler STAFF PRESENT: Andy Hall, City Manager; Elizabeth Mitchell, City Attorney; Laura Campagnolo, City Clerk; Megan Jimenez, Deputy City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Councilmember Enmeier, second by Councilmember Cabral, CARRIED 5-0, to recess to Closed Session at 4:45 p.m. to discuss the following:
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b)
Title: City Manager
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
Closed Session concluded at 5:29 p.m.
BUSINESS MEETING
The Regular Business meeting reconvened at 5:32 p.m. with all City Councilmembers present.
INVOCATION
Pastor Karl Stuckenberg, St. Andrew's by-the-Sea United Methodist Church, gave the invocation.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Eric Anderson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. Special Presentations
1A. ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (OCTA) PROJECT UPDATE
Dan Phu, Director of Strategic Planning, Orange County Transportation Authority, narrated a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Coastal Rail Update" and responded to City Council inquiries. The discussion for this item was continued to item 10C. A hard copy of the presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
Amanda Quintanilla spoke on sand nourishment projects; opined on permitting sand placement.
1B. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-151, ACCEPTING JAY LONGLEY AS THE 2026 WALL OF RECOGNITION INDUCTEE AND FINDING
THE ACTION CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
By City Council consensus, it was CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 26-151 approving the Wall of Recognition Committee's unanimous recommendation to select Jay "Sparky" Longley as the 2026 inductee to the City of San Clemente Wall of Recognition and find the action categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1 - Existing Facilities, 14 CCR 15301).
The City Council presented Jay "Sparky" Longley with a proclamation in recognition of his induction to the City of San Clemente Wall of Recognition.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
2. Council Member Reports
Councilmember Cabral:
· Attended an Orange County Fire Authority meeting concerning Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) planning on September 3, 2026. · Attended an event hosted by Assemblywoman Davies honoring first responders on September 9, 2026.
· Met with residents to address concerns regarding the planned amphitheater at Forster Ranch Community Park on September 10, 2026.
· Reviewed Love to Serve San Clemente’s day of service projects completed on September 12, 2026.
· Announced that he will be attending the upcoming Cal Cities conference where he will be appointed Second Vice President for Orange County on
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 September 23-25, 2026 in Anaheim.
· Met with Federal Deputy Secretary of Transportation concerning the impacts of Hurricane Marie, potential for strong storms with the anticipated Super El Nino weather pattern, and damage to the railway in San Clemente as it relates to sand replenishment.
· Held a meeting concerning the goat grazing project.
Councilmember Enmeier:
· Attended a Kiwanis Club meeting on September 2, 2026. · Recognized Labor Day and the hard work of San Clemente residents. · Attended a Cal Cities meeting on September 8, 2026.
· Announced that he will be moderating a Cal Cities forum on environmental disaster preparedness at the upcoming Cal Cities Conference September 23- 25, 2026 in Anaheim.
· Attended the Chamber of Commerce candidate forum on September 14, 2026.
· Announced the Love to Serve San Clemente mural that was painted on September 12, 2026, is the longest mural in San Clemente.
Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock:
· Met with Assemblywoman Davies concerning local issues including sand replenishment on September 2, 2026.
· Met with Tree of Life nursery concerning potential California Horticultural Foundation placement at Steed Park on September 4, 2026. · Attended an event hosted by Assemblywoman Davies honoring first responders on September 9, 2026.
· Attended a community gathering at Calvary Church South OC concerning public policy issues on September 13, 2026.
· Attended the Chamber of Commerce candidate forum on September 14, 2026.
Councilmember Wu:
· Attended a Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Transportation Committee meeting on September 3, 2026.
· Met with owner of Fig 313 concerning their parking agreement with the Presbyterian church on September 6, 2026.
· Attended the OC Mosquito and Vector Control District meeting on September 8, 2026.
· Attended the Chamber of Commerce candidate forum on September 14, 2026.
Mayor Loeffler:
· Met with Assemblywoman Davies concerning local issues including sand replenishment on September 2, 2026.
· Attended Lifeguard of the Year Luncheon on September 3, 2026.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 · Attended the “Hook and Cook” ribbon cutting on September 4, 2026. · Attended an event hosted by Assemblywoman Davies honoring first responders on September 9, 2026.
· Attended the 9/11 memorial ceremony on Patriot Hill in San Juan Capistrano on September 11, 2026; displayed photographs which are on file with the City Clerk.
· Attended a briefing with City Manager Hall and City Attorney Mitchell on September 14, 2026.
· Met with Supervisor Foley via teleconference concerning the emergency declaration related to high tides and damage to coastal properties on September 14, 2026.
· Chief of Police Services Chevalier introduced San Clemente Police Services Administrative Sergeant Leever.
· Recognized San Clemente resident Cole Houshmand for his win at the Fiji Pro on September 3, 2026.
3. Oral Communications (Part 1)
George Gregory urged the City Council to require minor e-bike riders to wear safety vests and helmets.
Amanda Quintanilla narrated a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Candidate Concerns". A hard copy of the presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
Kaitlyn Anne Magante, Partners4Wellness, spoke on second hand smoke health risks.
Lois McNicoll narrated a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Sand for Beaches".
A hard copy of the presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
Cord Bauer, San Clemente, spoke on sand replenishment.
Jay Friedman, San Clemente, spoke on free speech and comments made on Facebook directed at Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock.
4. Motion waiving reading in full of all Resolutions and Ordinances Motion by Councilmember Enmeier, second by Councilmember Cabral, CARRIED 5-0, to waive reading in full of all Resolutions and Ordinances.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
5. Consideration of agendizing items requiring immediate action Councilmember Cabral, with support of Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock, CARRIED 5-0, to find that an emergency exists due to storm impacts of Hurricane Marie and agendize for consideration, with item 10C, emergency placement of sand at North Beach to protect public and private infrastructure and allocate $1 million dollars for the project.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
6. Closed Session Report - City Attorney
City Attorney Mitchell provided the following Closed Session report:
Direction given, no reportable action concerning:
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b)
Title: City Manager
7. Staff Communications
None.
8. Public Hearings
None.
9. Unfinished Business
None.
10. New Business
10A. INTRODUCTION (FIRST READING) OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 15.04 OF SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 15 -
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION, RELATING TO BUILDING
REGULATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION ENFORCEMENT, AND FINDING THE
ORDINANCE EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA
GUIDELINES SECTION 15378
Motion by Councilmember Cabral, second by Councilmember Enmeier, CARRIED 5-0, to introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 1813 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 15.04 OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 15 - BUILDINGS AND
CONSTRUCTION, RELATING TO BUILDING REGULATIONS AND
CONSTRUCTION ENFORCEMENT, AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 10B. ESTABLISHMENT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2027 Motion by Councilmember Wu, second by Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 26-152 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, CANCELLING THE APRIL 6, 2027 CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
10C. PROCLAMATION OF A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY AND REQUEST
FOR A PROCLAMATION OF A COUNTY STATE OF EMERGENCY BY THE
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO ADDRESS THE
UNANTICIPATED COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH CURRENT AND
NEAR-FUTURE WEATHER, TIDAL AND EL NIÑO EVENTS
Continued Item 1A and the item agendized for immediate action were combined with this item to align discussion concerning an emergency proclamation, emergency action and action the Orange County Transportation is taking in San Clemente along the beaches and rail corridor.
City Manager Hall narrated a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Proclamation of Local Emergency and Request for the County of Orange to Proclaim a County Emergency" and responded to City Council inquiries. A hard copy of the presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
Dan Phu, Director of Strategic Planning, Orange County Transportation Authority responded to City Council inquiries.
Lois McNicoll spoke in opposition to emergency proclamation.
Amanda Quintanilla commented on past storm damage; spoke in support of the emergency proclamation.
Mark Howlett, representing Capistrano Shores Homeowners Association, thanked the City Council and City Manager for taking emergency action; spoke in support of the emergency proclamation.
Mike Kay spoke in support of the emergency proclamation; urged the City to take action to protect the coastline.
Motion by Mayor Loeffler, second by Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock, CARRIED 5-0 to appoint the City Manager as the Director of Emergency Services.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 The City Council considered the item agendized for immediate action at this meeting (please see page 4 for a summary of action) with item 10C as outlined below:
Motion by Councilmember Cabral, with the support of the City Council, CARRIED 5-0, to:
1. Adopt Resolution 26-160 proclaiming a local emergency with an initial duration of sixty (60) days.
2. Designate up to $1 million dollars for sand placement at North Beach to protect public and private infrastructure.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
11. Consent Calendar
Members of the public requested to speak on items 11D, 11E, and 11F.
A. City Council Minutes
Motion by Councilmember Cabral, second by Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock, CARRIED 5-0, to:
(1) APPROVE THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2026.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
B. Commission/Committee Minutes
Motion by Councilmember Cabral, second by Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock, CARRIED 5-0, to:
(1) CULTURAL HERITAGE SUBCOMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 29, 2026.
(2) PLANNING COMMISSION ADJOURNED MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 5, 2026.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
C. Warrant Register
Motion by Councilmember Cabral, second by Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock, CARRIED 5-0, to:
(1) APPROVE WIRE TRANSFER NO.
3494 AND WARRANT NOS.
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 613584 THROUGH 613731, PAID ON
8-28-26, IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,172,366.02
TOTAL WARRANT REGISTER $4,172,366.02
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
Payroll Register
None.
11G. CONTRACT AWARD - OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE SAN CLEMENTE CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET, AND FINDING THE ACTION
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
Motion by Councilmember Cabral, second by Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock, CARRIED 5-0, to:
Adopt Resolution No. 26-156, which will:
1. Find the project categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Class1 - Existing Facilities) and 15323 (Class 23 - Normal Operations of Facilities for Public Gatherings).
2. Award a Revocable License Agreement to Introductions Unlimited, Inc. for operation and management of the San Clemente Certified Farmers’ Market.
3. Approve, and authorize the City Manager to execute, Contract No. C26- 55, by and between the City of San Clemente and Introductions Unlimited, Inc., providing for a revocable license agreement for operation and management of the San Clemente Certified Farmers’ Market.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 11H. NOTICE OF COMPLETION - ARTERIAL PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROGRAM FOR SOUTH EL CAMINO REAL (W. AVE. GAVIOTA TO W. AVE.
SAN ANTONIO)
Motion by Councilmember Cabral, second by Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock, CARRIED 5-0, to:
Adopt Resolution No. 26-157, which will:
1. Accept the Arterial Pavement Preservation Program for South El Camino Real, CIP Project No. 12303, from the contractor, All American Asphalt.
2. Authorize the City Clerk to execute and record the Notice of Completion for the Arterial Pavement Preservation Program for South El Camino Real.
3. Authorize the City Clerk to release the payment bond 35 days from the recordation of the Notice of Completion upon verification with the Engineering Division that no liens have been levied against the Contractor, All American Asphalt.
4. Authorize the City Clerk to release the performance bond for this project upon receipt of a warranty bond in a form acceptable to the Public Works Director/City Engineer in the amount of 25% of the total construction cost.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
11I. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2025-2026
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE & EVALUATION REPORT
(CAPER) FOR EXPENDITURE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT FUNDS
Motion by Councilmember Cabral, second by Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 26-158, which will approve and adopt the FY 2025-26 Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 11J. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILLS 329 AND 490 REGARDING OVERSIGHT AND ENFORCEMENT OF FACILITIES
PROVIDING ALCOHOL AND DRUG TREATMENT AND SOBER LIVING
SERVICES
Motion by Councilmember Cabral, second by Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 26-159, entitled A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING SENATE BILL 329 (BLAKESPEAR) AND SENATE BILL 490 (UMBERG) AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE LETTERS
REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS 11D. CONTRACT AWARD - WATERFRONT STRUCTURAL INSPECTION AND
DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE PIER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, AND
FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Lois McNicoll inquired whether or not this project was noticed for bids.
Motion by Councilmember Cabral, second by Councilmember Enmeier, CARRIED 5-0, to:
Adopt Resolution No. 26-153, which will:
1. Find the Pier Improvements project, CIP Project No. 17419, categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Class 1 (Existing Facilities, 14 CCR 15301) of the State CEQA Guidelines.
2. Award a Professional Consultant Services Agreement to Duncan Engineering for the Waterfront Structural Inspection and Design Services for the Pier Improvements project.
3. Approve, and authorize the City Manager to execute, Contract No. C26- 54, by and between the City of San Clemente and Duncan Engineering, providing for a Waterfront Structural Inspection and Design Services for the Pier Improvements project, in an amount not to exceed $116,213.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 11E. CONTRACT AMENDMENT - LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR THE PEDESTRIAN
BEACH TRAIL, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Lois McNicoll spoke in opposition to not replacing mariposa bridge and the decision to replace with a decomposed granite trail.
Motion by Councilmember Enmeier, second by Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock, CARRIED 5-0, to:
Adopt Resolution No. 26-154, which will:
1. Determine that this project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under the state CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (19 CCR Section 15301, Existing Facilities).
2. Approve, and authorize the City Manager to execute, Amendment No. 1 to C23-20, by and between the City and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), amending the license agreement for the Pedestrian Beach Trail.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
11F. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF MERIDIAN VEHICLE
MITIGATION SYSTEM AND AUTHORIZING A SOLE SOURCE EXEMPTION TO COMPETITIVE BIDDING UNDER THE CITY’S PURCHASING POLICY Amanda Quintanilla narrated a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Vehicle Mitigation System". A hard copy of the presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
Lois McNicoll spoke in opposition to the purchase of the Meridian Vehicle Mitigation System; urged the City Council to use the funding for sand.
Larry Culbertson spoke in opposition to the purchase of the Meridian Vehicle Mitigation System.
Motion by Councilmember Cabral, second by Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock, CARRIED 5-0, to:
Adopt Resolution No. 26-155, which will:
1. Authorize a sole source exemption to competitive bidding requirements pursuant to City Purchasing Policy 201-2-1 based on the proprietary nature of the Meridian Vehicle Mitigation System, which is only sold by the
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 manufacturer.
2. Approve the purchase of a Meridian Vehicle Mitigation System and associated equipment in an amount not to exceed $135,000.
AYE: Cabral, Enmeier, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
12. Oral Communications (Part 2)
Tony Rubolino narrated a PowerPoint presentation entitled "The Horrors of Kathy Ward". A hard copy of the presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
13. Future Agenda Items
Smoking Ordinance
Mayor Loeffler, with support from Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock, and Councilmember Enmeier, agendized consideration of strengthening the City's smoking ordinance.
14. Reports
A. City Attorney
None.
B. City Manager
City Manager Hall reported that he executed the following contract under his signature authority:
Real Estate Consulting & Services, Inc providing for the exterior painting of the San Clemente Library in the amount of $51,865.
15. Adjournment
Motion by Mayor Loeffler, second by Mayor Pro Tem Knoblock, CARRIED 5-0, to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. in memory of James Wehr. The next Regular Meeting will be held on October 6, 2026. 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, Knoblock, Wu and Mayor Loeffler
NOE: None
City Council Special and Regular Meeting Minutes September 15, 2026 ________________________
MAYOR of the City of
San Clemente, California
________________________
CITY CLERK of the City of
San Clemente, California