Laguna Beach 4:00 p.m. Closed Session; 5:00 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting - July 21, 2026

July 21, 2026

Executive Summary

- Mayor Mark Orgill and the City Council recognized the 15th anniversary of the Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Committee, highlighting their role in promoting emergency readiness and community resilience. - A presentation by the Laguna Beach Historical Society detailed the role of early artists like Anna Hills and Joseph Kleitsch in shaping Laguna Beach's cultural identity and tourism-based economy. - The City Council directed staff to pause the Downtown Specific Plan Phase 2 Environmental Impact Report while continuing to study housing density in the Arts District and adaptive reuse options, releasing completed technical studies to the public. - Council approved a $300,000 contract for engineering and design work for 39 permanent enclosed lifeguard towers across city beaches, with direction to prioritize locations and explore alternatives to permanent structures for some sites. - Council directed staff to negotiate improved terms for a mobile parking payment system contract with IPS Group, focusing on better integration with parking management priorities and license plate reader technology. - The Aquagrams, a local youth environmental group, presented on their upcoming Hands

Key Decisions

- Approved the balance of the consent calendar unanimously, including Item 12 (cannabis grant of $475,000 for police department DUI enforcement). - Directed staff to pause the Downtown Specific Plan Phase 2 Environmental Impact Report while continuing to study housing density through the general plan update and seventh cycle housing element process, with direction to release all completed technical studies to the public. - Approved modified response to the grand jury report on housing mandates, with authorization for Mayor Mark Orgill to work with the city attorney's office to incorporate disc