Laguna Beach Design Review Board - OCTOBER 14, 2025

October 14, 2025

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach City Council held a regular meeting on October 14, 2025, conducting closed session discussions on litigation matters, property negotiations, and personnel evaluations before proceeding to regular business. - The meeting agenda included presentations recognizing 70 years of the Brooks Street Surfing Classic and Laguna Open Beach Volleyball Tournament, as well as honoring retiring staff member Mary Kate Saunders. - Council interviewed 12 applicants and appointed 3 residents to the Investment Advisory Committee for a 20-month term through June 30, 2027. - The consent calendar included routine financial approvals, grant acceptances totaling $286,000 for law enforcement programs, and ordinances related to transient occupancy tax collection. - Council received a comprehensive Summer 2025 operational wrap-up report and provided direction on preparations for Summer 2026. - The meeting addressed multiple policy updates including modifications to cultural arts program eligibility requirements and purchasing system reforms. - Two urgency ordinances and a regular ordinance were introduced to establish new collection mechanisms for unpaid transient occupancy taxes.

Key Decisions

- Council appointed 3 residents to the Investment Advisory Committee for a 20-month term effective immediately through June 30, 2027. - Council waived full reading and adopted an urgency ordinance adding Chapter 3.10 to Title 3 of the Municipal Code relating to collection options for unpaid transient occupancy tax. - Council waived full reading and introduced for first reading an ordinance adding Chapter 3.10 to Title 3 regarding transient occupancy tax collection options, with second reading set for October 28, 2025. - Council approved a first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 2.30 of