Laguna Beach City Council Regular Meeting - March 10, 2026

March 10, 2026

Executive Summary

- The City Council conducted a closed session regarding three items: litigation (City of Laguna Beach v. Laguna Beach Coalition for Environment Protection, Case No. G065514), real property negotiations for 30622 Coast Highway (Ruby's Diner) with Kenneth J. Cummins Trust, and real property negotiations for four parcels with Merrick W & Mary L Leckey. Council Member Sue Kempf recused herself from item 2B due to a potential conflict of interest relating to her personal residence. There was no reportable action on any closed session items. - Council Member Alex Rounaghi reported attending the Association of California Cities Orange County lobbying conference in Sacramento, where State Controller Malia Cohen indicated significant budget issues ahead despite the current year's relative stability, and Assemblywoman Wicks suggested future housing legislation likely will not include coastal zone savings clauses. - Council Member Bob Whalen announced the city received two federal earmarks totaling $1.7 million: $850,000 for Laguna Canyon Road Project Connect and $850,000 for Fire Station Number Four. - Mayor Mark Orgill reported on extensive community meetings, including a neighborhood town

Key Decisions

- Approved the consent calendar items 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 13 unanimously. - Approved item 6 (Review of the Proposed Annual Investment Policy) as amended to add language in section 17 referencing sections three and four that describe the city's investment philosophy and objectives, as recommended by Mary Locatelli (approved unanimously). - Approved item 10 (Award of Task Order Amendment for Design of the Laguna Beach Library Improvements) to award a task order amendment to IDS Group in the amount of $451,597 for design services (approved unanimously). - Approved item 12 (Award of Contract