Laguna Beach City Council Regular Meeting - December 5, 2017

December 5, 2017

Executive Summary

- The City Council held a workshop on December 5, 2017 to review the Village Entrance Project conceptual design, followed by a regular council meeting addressing dog park, short-term rentals, and tree vandalism issues. - The Village Entrance Project budget increased from $7.1 million to approximately $8.4 million due to added scope (trail extensions, car charging stations, utility fees, escalation contingency) and expanded services. - The project includes landscape improvements, multipurpose trails, water quality basins, bridge replacements, improved lighting (62 fixtures to meet 0.5 foot-candle standards), and permeable pavers, with construction phased over three nine-month periods to minimize parking disruptions. - Significant public concern was expressed about the Laguna Food Pantry's request to expand by taking approximately 2,500 square feet (10 feet by 250 feet) from the two-acre dog park; the matter was continued to Planning Commission for further community engagement. - Council authorized staff to proceed with the Village Entrance Project to Planning Commission review on December 13th, with direction to address community concerns about chain-link fencing, lighting, digester

Key Decisions

- Approved referring the Village Entrance Project to the Planning Commission for review on December 13th (unanimous vote). - Approved continuing item 10 (Laguna Food Pantry expansion affecting dog park) to allow staff to meet with dog park representatives and food pantry before Planning Commission review. - Approved item A (815 Bluebird Canyon Drive appeal) continuance to January 9th. - Approved consent calendar items 5-21 with exceptions (items 10, 12, 18, 20, 21 pulled for separate discussion). - Elected Council Member Kelly Boyd as Mayor (unanimous vote). - Elected Council Member Rob Zershm