Laguna Beach City Council Regular Meeting - October 5, 2010

October 5, 2010

Executive Summary

- The City Council approved the mid-year budget update showing a $3 million surplus in the general fund, primarily from unexpected property tax collections from foreclosure sales and increased parking meter revenues. - Council received presentations on peak oil impacts and smart meter installation, directing the Environmental Committee to return in 4-6 months with recommendations for city planning around petroleum scarcity. - Council directed staff to explore purchasing utility undergrounding allocations from other cities to accelerate undergrounding on Laguna Canyon Road at Big Bend, using street lighting fund surplus for city's share. - Council extended the outdoor display moratorium through Labor Day 2011, allowing merchants to maintain modest sidewalk displays under existing guidelines. - Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance banning plastic grocery bags at grocery stores, with implementation delayed pending resolution of the Manhattan Beach environmental impact report court case. - Council voted to oppose Proposition 23 on the November 2010 ballot, which would suspend implementation of AB 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act). - Council adopted the objective of providing

Key Decisions

- Approved carryover revenues and appropriations, adopted June 30, 2010 ending fund balances showing $3 million general fund surplus, and modified the current budget by allocating $750,000 for liability insurance reserves, $700,000 for capital equipment purchases, and eliminating three vacant maintenance worker positions in the streets division. - Approved a contract with Romtec Utilities for $38,950 for wet-well and pump room technical specifications and shop drawings. - Awarded a contract to KFM Engineering for $22,150 for professional engineering services for the Hillcrest Sidewalk Construc