Laguna Beach City Council Regular Meeting - April 6, 2010

April 6, 2010

Executive Summary

- The City Council meeting on April 6, 2010, addressed a wide range of community issues, with significant decisions made on street parking restrictions, the Forest Avenue promenade, public art placement, and marine conservation. - City Manager Ken Frank announced his retirement effective the end of November 2010 after 30-31 years of service, stating his house is paid off and he is turning 66. - The Council voted 4-1 to deny the appeal of the 12-foot wall variance at 1772 Oceanway, instead approving a 6-foot wall plus vegetation after the property owner successfully evicted problem tenants. - The Council voted 3-1 to take no action on the Chamber of Commerce's third Thursday hospitality nights proposal following strong opposition from Forest Avenue retail merchants who reported business ceased when streets closed for the promenade events. - The Council voted 4-1 to reaffirm support for a citywide marine reserve along Laguna Beach's entire coastline under the Marine Life Protection Act, rather than the shorter boundary proposed by the Blue Ribbon Task Force. - Council received multiple community presentations including invitations to Kelp Fest 2010, the Friends of the Laguna Beach Li

Key Decisions

- Denied the appeal of the 12-foot wall variance at 1772 Oceanway and granted the appeals, overturning the original approval in favor of a 6-foot wall plus vegetation (vote: 5-0, unanimous). - Voted to take no action on the Chamber of Commerce's request for third Thursday hospitality nights closing Forest Avenue from April through October, effectively denying the proposal (vote: 3-1, with Councilmember Boyd dissenting). - Reaffirmed the City's position supporting a marine reserve for the entire length of Laguna Beach's coastline under the Marine Life Protection Act, including language protecti