Laguna Beach City Council Regular Meeting - May 23, 2017

May 23, 2017

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach City Council conducted a May 23, 2017 regular meeting covering budget discussions, smoking regulations, Business Improvement District extension, drone regulations, and a controversial coastal development permit for demolition at 31987 Coast Highway. - The Council approved $190,000 in ongoing funding for two full-time police jailers ($135,000), a school resource officer ($25,000), seasonal lifeguard expansion ($20,000), and CERT program support ($5,000) using Measure LL and police fee revenues. - The Council voted 4-1 to adopt a comprehensive smoking ban ordinance prohibiting smoking in all public places, common areas of multi-unit residences, and including electronic cigarettes, with Councilmember Whalen voting no citing concerns about enforcement and Big Brother implications. - The Council voted 4-1 to adopt a resolution approving a coastal development permit for demolition at 31987 Coast Highway after initially voting 3-2 against the resolution, then reconsidering following closed session legal advice about litigation exposure, with Councilmembers Boyd and Zershmeed voting no. - The Council approved extension of the Business Improvement District through June 30

Key Decisions

- Approved $190,000 in ongoing funding priorities: two full-time police jailers ($135,000), school resource officer ($25,000), seasonal lifeguard expansion ($20,000), CERT program ($5,000). - Directed staff to bring back police service fee increases (projected $50,000 in revenue) for council review. - Approved $300,000 contribution to pension smoothing strategy to address $2.8 million annual increase in CalPERS pension costs over the next seven years. - Authorized staff to explore using one-time fund balances (disaster fund, general fund reserve, parking fund) via letter of credit to pay down