Laguna Niguel City Council Meeting Reports
January 15, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=r2qfOLbiF-k
Meeting Agenda
Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Presentations
0:04
Public Communications
0:15
Kudos to retiring city attorney Terry Dixon
Trio Rewards app for local shopping; raffle for winners
Consent Calendar
0:42
Council member Minagar recuses himself from item #1. Items 1, 14 & 15 are pulled.
Item 1: clarification on expenditure for police services
Item 14: opposition to SB 50; Council member Gennawey said, “This is another egregious attempt by the state to take away local control. They keep trying to chip away at it and it’s absolutely ridiculous…” Council member Rains said, “SB 50… would be an overreach of state government control taking away the city’s ability to serve its residents and diverse needs…”
Item 14 carried unanimously.
Item 15: approval of legal services agreement
0:53
City Manager Ridge provided some background on what the agreement includes. Item 15 approved unanimously.
Council Reports
0:56
Council Member Gennawey discusses her new role on as Chair of OC Senior Citizens Advisory Council, what the advisory council does and how that relates to the needs of O.C. and L.N.
City Staff Reports
December 18, 2018
Watch meeting on YouTube
Meeting Agenda
Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance
Public Communications
20:35
Jerry Sluisewicz (former L.N. mayor)
Allegations of overpayments to landscape maintenance company with unauthorized money; contractor payments for work on then-city manager’s home. Allegation of improper audit using city staff. “Largest financial malfeasance in the history of the city of Laguna Niguel orchestrated by you [City Attorney Dixon] and this city council”
Consent Calendar
24:16
Items 4, 5, 9 pulled for discussion
Item 4
Council Member Sandy Rains – cost includes special services & repairs? Answer: includes monthly base amount plus repairs & replacements as needed
Item 4 carried unanimously.
Item 5
26:18
Council member Rains inquires about timing to allow more availability for summer use by children; answer: yes, timing can be adjusted.
Item 5 carried unanimously.
Item 9
Council Member Gennawey asks staff to review resolutions for consistency and for possibility of one-year appointments to committees & commissions.
Item 9 carried unanimously.
City Council Item 1
28:55
Appointment of council liaisons to regional committees, commissions & boards; city CC&Bs; dissolution of bus shelter committee
No discussion
Item carried unanimously
City Manager Item 1
30:23
30th anniversary ad hoc committee
City Manager Kristine Ridge: approval of ad hoc committee needed and selection of two council members to serve on committee.
Public Works Item 1
33:30
Approval of resubmittal of application for funding from OCTA of city trolley system
Council Member Minagar looked into costs for rides by Lyft & Uber vs. trolley system, asks if these alternatives have been investigated.
Cost per ride is difficult to determine at this point because the overall parameters of the system have not yet been decided.
Items A-C carried unanimously.
Public Works Item #2
46:30
Time-limited parking on Hidden Hills Rd
Item approved unanimously
Other Business & Council Reports
51:45
Council Member Minagar attended a conference on the economy. Next year the economy is expected to remain good.
Council Member Gennawey reported on the holiday parade; coat collection; MNWD presentation to middle school students
Council Member Rains attended an event on creating more affordable housing.
Mayor Pro Tem Davies reported on a transportation event; meeting with drug prevention person; OCTA’s OC Flex (on-demand transit) being used primarily for children. $4.50/day unlimited. Phone app available.
Mayor Jennings considers creation of a new “state-of-the-art” dog park; appointment of new people to committees/commissions.
OC Fire Authority now preparing for rains and flooding.
City Hall closed for holidays, reopening Jan. 2.
City Manager Ridge reports on OC Housing Finance Trust; she represents South OC on the working group. County of Orange will be utilizing existing staff.
Next City Council Meeting Jan. 15, 2019.
December 4, 2018
Watch Meeting on YouTube
Meeting Agenda
Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance
New community development director introduced
0:06 - 0:17
Public Communications
0:17 – 0:18
No requests to speak
Consent Calendar
0:18 – 0:21
Item #4 pulled for discussion; other items approved
Monthly summary of finances now being prepared for public; Council Member Jennings says it’s working well. Item # 4 passed.
Other Business & Council Reports
Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee (Mayor Gennawey, Mayor Pro Tem Jennings and staff members)
Jennings reports that the comm. met last week. They are tracking where expenditures are being made and where income is coming from (relative to sales taxes). Trying to attract businesses which target the needs of residents. “At least 5 new restaurants coming onboard.” Residents have indicated that restaurants are desired.
0:22
Crown Valley Park Tier 3 Ad Hoc Committee (Community Building and Pool Renovation)
construction proceeding on schedule. Pool will be ADA. Pool expected to be ready in early 2020.
0:23
Comments by Outgoing Mayor Gennawey
- New city manager early in 2018
- New chief of police services
- New fire chief
- New director of public works
- New director of community development
- Position of deputy city manager created and two analysts added at a reduction in the overall cost
- Delivered a package of $72.7 million in programs, services & facilities with no debt
- Upgraded financial software
- Added two deputies
- “Took a position on SB 54” (Sanctuary Cities)
- Passed a comprehensive ordinance on sober living homes
- Expedited rooftop solar installation
- Sales tax is about a quarter of annual revenue
- Five “Meet-the-Mayor” events
End of Current City Council; Recess
New City Council
0:35
Election Certificates/Oath of Office
New Council Member Sandy Rains is sworn in along with Gennawey & Minagar
0:43
City Council Item #1
0:46
Selection of Mayor (John Mark Jennings) & Mayor Pro Tem (Laurie Davies)
Comments by Newly Elected Council Members
Public Comments
0:54
President of Capistrano Unified School District
Comments by Incoming Mayor John Mark Jennings
Laguna Niguel 30th Anniversary Celebration
Council Reports
City Department Reports
November 30, 2018
Watch on YouTube
Meeting Agenda
Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance
Public Communications
0:14
Chamber of Commerce re: Trio rewards app
Save money on OCFA costs?
Leaf Blower ordinance requested; already have one?
Point-in-Time homeless persons count Jan. 2019
Consent Calendar
0:31
Item 7, 10 pulled
Item 7
Award of contract for construction for skate park and soccer field
Approved
Item 10
Comments by Mayor Pro Tem John Mark Jennings on long-term savings by reclassification of public works inspector
Approved
City Manager Item 1
0:35
County Addiction Treatment and Business Registration Ordinance
For better accountability in sober living programs
Resolution in support of county’s ordinance is approved
Public Works Item 1
0:38
New Solid Waste Collection Contract with CR & R
Consultant spoke on compliance with state laws administered by CalRecycle
Change from evergreen agreement to a fixed 10-year term
Existing rate continued for several years
Staff recommendations approved
Other Business & Council Reports
Staff Reports
October 16, 2018
Agenda (PDF)
Watch on YouTube
Invocation, Resolutions & Proclamations
0:00 – 0:27
OC Flex Micro-Transit Pilot Program
0:27 – 0:34
Service Begins on Oct. 20, 2018
App “OC Flex” in app store
Public Communications
0:34
Candidates for Moulton Niguel Water District
Consent Calendar
0:39
Items #5, 8, 10 & 12 pulled for comment
Item #5 – Audit
0:41
Audit approved by Investment Banking Committee
“Items mentioned in the audit have either been resolved or are in the process of being addressed”
Item #5 approved
Item #8
0:43
Community Building and Pool
Item #8 approved
Item #10
0:45
Traffic Signal Synchronization Program
Who will be responsible for maintenance & fine-tuning? Concerns about expenditure of $100K for program. Council member Minagar
Item #10 approved
Item #12
0:49
Council member Minagar requested clarification
Item # 12 approved
City Manager
0:51
Item #1 So OC Watershed Management Committee
Approval for city services manager to attend meeting in lieu of Mayor Gennawey
Item #1 approved
Item #2
0:53
Drug Take Back Program
Opioids and the Effect on L.N.
L.N. ranks high in O.C. for the number of ER visits related to opioids
Item #2 approved
Item #3
1:05
Issuance of a Request For Proposals for City Attorney Services
Item #3 approved
Other Business & Council Reports
1:08
Community Watch
Chamber of Commerce candidate’s forum
Capistrano Unified School District
Military Support Committee
Teen Dating Workshop presented by Laura’s House
Police report
Parks & Rec
Drive-through flu vaccine!
Adjourned
1:27
Laguna Niguel City Council Meeting
October 2, 2018
Meeting recording on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7GbEwo_24M
View Agenda
Resolutions & presentations occupied the first half-hour.
Public Communications
Click to watch at 33:00.
A candidate for Moulton Niguel Water District board discussed his candidacy
Consent Calendar
Item #5 pulled
Soccer field going out to bid; cost is over $500,000; Linda Lindholm asks that the public take care of their fields.
Item 5 approved.
Items 1-4 approved for consent calendar
City Manager: Zoning Code Cleanup
Watch at 39:20
City Manager Ridge provided an update: staff seeking council approval to begin process of amending zoning code for purpose of “streamlining, greater clarity and updating.” Reducing requirements for businesses to open.
Presentation:
- Remove Minor Use Permit requirement for retail food restaurants. To facilitate small restaurants like a yogurt shop.
- Modify parking requirements for major shopping centers. Current requirements appear to be excessive.
- Allow residential “outdoor rooms” within main building setbacks as a ministerial action
- Updates to be consistent with a State law change
- Update the 1992 Community Design Guidelines
- General clarification & cleanup
- Code enforcement—expand property maintenance requirements and nuisance provisions
Next Steps:
- City staff drafts applicable ordinances
- Draft ordinances considered at a planning commission public hearing
- Recommendation & draft ordinances forwarded to city council for formal action
Moved, Seconded, Passed
Other Business
Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee
Watch at 45:00
Grants Ad Hoc Committee
Watch at 47:00
Grant applications reviewed & awarded
Committee now on hiatus until next year
Council Reports
Watch at 48:00
Councilmember Lindholm agrees on the need to reduce parking requirements; facilitating outdoor eating requirements; updating signage
Councilmember Lindholm reported on efforts by a church to feed the homeless
She reported on her priority to keep residents in their homes. She referred to service organizations from the County.
Councilmember Minagar
Watch at 50:00
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG ), California Air Resources Board (CARB), requirement that cities reduce greenhouse gases by 19% by 2020
“which is almost impossible by all the industry leaders and a lot of people have been echoing”
He raised the spectre of layoffs.
“this has been imposed by the people in Northern California”
“Our quality of life and everything else would be impacted because of that required reduction.’
“… we are going to be taking the same position that it’s almost impossible for us to achieve.”
Councilmember Minagar also asserted that L.N. pays more in taxes than we receive back from Sacramento or Washington. “We have to take back our fair share as much as we can.”
Councilmember Davies
Smoke alarm walk & replacement
Councilmember Jennings
North OC has been suffering with West Nile Virus. In south county not a problem lately.
Mayor Pro Tem Jennings spoke about West Nile Virus, and he was correct that the cases have been in Anaheim and North County. But he misspoke when he said there was only one human case in 2018. We've had 8 human cases on WNV this year (source Orange County Health Care Agency Epidemiology, public website).
Attended interfaith prayer breakfast
Mayor Gennawey
Watch at 1:01:00
She attended a national women mayors conference at the White House; met with cabinet officials;
City Manager/Department Reports
Watch at 1:10:00
Workshop coming to discuss results of aircraft noise monitoring
NOTES ON THE SEPTEMBER 4, 2018 LAGUNA NIGUEL
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
All City Council Members were present: Mayor Elaine Gennawey; Pro Tem John Mark Jennings; Council Member Fred Minagar; Council Member Linda Lindholm; and Council Member Laurie Davies. The meeting was called to order at 7 PM.
The Invocation was given by Melanie La Shell of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Laguna Niguel.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop 5481.
A Proclamation declaring September 2018 as World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month was made.
Public Communications:
Melinda Galler, of the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, came to remind everyone about the Annual Mayor’s Party at the El Niguel Country Club on September 22nd from 6 – 9 PM at a cost of $45.
Sam Jun, a resident, spoke in support of the City’s reconsideration of the Pace Program to combat the monopoly SDG& E has over Laguna Niguel homeowners’ cost of electricity. He stated that homeowners should be allowed to make their own decision regarding which electricity provider they want to use; not be required to use SDG& E.
Duane Cave, of SDG& E, addressed some of the reasons for the high electricity bills this summer. He also asked that high bill complaints be forwarded to SDG& E or the PUC, not to the City Council.
Consent Calendar:
Items 1 through 7 of the Consent Calendar were approved by the City Council.
Item 8, Procedure for Removal of Members of the Laguna Niguel Military Support Committee, was pulled from the Consent Calendar. Council Members agreed that this issue should be referred back to staff so that they can look at the issue in all of the City’s Committees, not just the Military Support Committee.
City Manager, Item 1:
The City Manager updated the City Council on the Task Force on the Homelessness. A comprehensive resource guide for this area has been developed and is now being distributed and placed on the City’s website for everyone to use. The City Council voted to receive and file the report.
Other Business/Council Reports, Item 1:
John Mark reported on the Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee’s work to bring five new restaurants to Laguna Niguel.
Council Reports:
Laurie Davies reported that the Orange County Flex program, a pilot program, will begin at the end of this month. It will provide mobility solutions for residents of Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, and Laguna Niguel. The program will operate like an Uber or Lyft program; residents will call and the ADA-equipped shuttle, which will hold seven passangers, will pick them up. The transportation will be a shared ride and will cost $5 for the entire day.
Meeting adjourned at 8:01 PM.
NOTES ON THE JUNE 19, 2018 LAGUNA NIGUEL
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Flag, presentations LN Traffic Commision presented report, suggested not speeding, no texting while driving Public Communication- items not on agenda
- Chamber of Commerce, need help for July 4, great State of City meeting at country club
- Thank you for SunPointe decision
- Thank you for Sunpoint decision
Niguel Ranch overflow parking
Traffic and Transportation recommends no overnight parking Staff recommends no restrictions on overnight parking Public Comments Support overnight parking, 180 units, 80 extra spots, more parking needed Support Support Support, don’t fix a problem that doesn’t exist Support, safety issue, walking home late after work from farther away Against, blight, unsafe, LagunaNighetto Support Support Against, trash , collisions, high speed chases Against, trash, noise Support, safety issue Support, few homowners v needs of many homeowners Support, many families have more than 2 cars/drivers Against, unsafe Support, where would I park? City Council – asked staff to looking into trash, street sweeping Vote – 3 yes overnight parking, 1 absent, 1 not forMap of implemented traffic/landscape projects,
Video of storm drains, every 4 years
Appointment of Park/Rec staff
NOTES ON THE JUNE 5, 2018 LAGUNA NIGUEL
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
All City Council Members were present: Mayor Elaine Gennawey; Pro Tem John Mark Jennings; Council Member Fred Minagar; Council Member Linda Lindholm; and Council Member Laurie Davies. The meeting was called to order at 7 PM.
The Invocation was given by Deacon Ken Hobbs of St. Timothy Catholic Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance led by Junior Girl Scout Troup 3521.
A Proclamation Declaring July 2018 as Parks and Recreation Month was presented to the Parks and Recreation staff.
A Proclamation declaring May – October, 2018 as Drowning Awareness Months was presented to Fire Chief Adams.
Public Communications:
Ian Fullin came to remind everyone about the Mayor’s State of the City Luncheon for the Chamber at 11:15 on June 22nd. Lunch is $35 and you can sign up on LN Chamber.com.
Five community members spoke on the parking issue in the apartments where they live.
Consent Calendar:
Item 8, Approval of the First Amendment to the Agreement for Medians, Slopes and Facilities Landscape Maintenance Services with Nieves Landscape, Inc., is pulled from the Consent Calendar. City Council Members approved the remaining Consent Calendar unanimously.
SunPointe Development:
Thirteen members of the community spoke against approving the appeal of EIR 17-01 GPA 14-01 citing safety, narrowness of the streets, traffic problems, and stability of the land as the major concerns.
The SunPointe Development applicant spoke in favor of the 60 unit modified project, stating that the development should be approved and can be built safely and that it would increase the prestige and value of the neighborhood and the City. He stated that technical experts have determined that the project can be built safely without the safety and geotechnical or traffic problems that have been raised as concerns.
After discussion, Mayor Elaine Gennawey; Pro Tem John Mark Jennings; Council Member Linda Lindholm; and Council Member Laurie Davies approved the Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
City Manager Item 1:
City Council Members discussed what to do about the non-voting member appointment on the Coastal Greenbelt Authority. The City Manager recommended and there was a motion that Alison Giglio, Parks and Recreation Director, be the representative and Ron Riveras, the Recreation Manager, be the alternative representative. The City Council approved the motion.
City Manager Item 2:
City Council Members discussed filling the vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission. They voted unanimously to appoint someone from the list of qualified applicants they had developed late last year. The appointment will only be through the end of this year and the City Council passed a motion to invite everyone on the list to their June 19th meeting so that each of the people on the list can address the City Council on why they would like to serve on the Commission for one minute.
Finance, Item 1:
The City Manager, Kristine Ridge, presented the FY 18/19 City Budget & 5 Year Capital Improvement Program.
The budget is for $72.7 Million:
$42.8 Million Operating Budget (5% increase from last year): The majority of the increase is related to additions; to the Sherriff’s contract; and overall growth in associated personnel costs for both Police and City Employees. The Operating Budget breaks down as follows: Police $15.9M; Public Works $12.8M; Parks and Recreation $5.4M; General Government $5.3M; and Community Development $3.4M.
$29.9 Million for the one year Capital Improvement Budget which includes the new Crown Valley Community Park where we are going to have a new Community Center started; Streets and Roads; Neighborhood Parks; Chapparosa Park; Storm Drain Improvements; and Miscellaneous.
Budget Funding Sources:
57% General Fund which includes Property Tax Revenue, Sales Tax, Property Tax and Vehicle License Fees.
17% Capital Improvement Plan for 5 Years.
6% Other Services such as Gas Tax; Measure M2; Air Quality Funds; CDBG Funds; and a variety of funds and grants.
The Budget includes the following staffing and program changes:
The Department of Management Services and City Manager Office are being collapsed into a Department of Administration. This will allow for the utilization of different classifications within Administration to better align resources with current workload resulting in a savings of $127,000.
Addition of 1 Full-Time Position in Parks and Recreation to gear up for the new Community Center.
Establishment of Salary Schedule for three different Part-Time Positions.
The City Council voted unanimously to approve the FY 18/19 City Budget & 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan as presented.
Other Business and Council Reports:
Laurie Davies reported on the Girls Safety Programs they conducted. She stated that they are looking at doing a program in the Fall about Bullying for Boys. She also attended the Volunteer Dinner that was fantastic and conducted Youth Interviews.
John Mark Jennings talked about how impressed he was with how the Aliso Viejo and Laguna Beach fire was successfully handled.
Elaine Gennawey, Mayor, reported that she met with President Trump and 14 other representatives from California. Present Trump; Attorney General Sessions; Majority Leader McCarthy; Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen; and the Director of ICE Thomas Homan in the Cabinet Room for about one hour. The one common concern was about the detrimental effect of SB 54 has on the public safety of our communities. She also asked President Trump for help on the issue of Sober Living Homes in Orange County and Laguna Niguel.
The Mayor and City Manager Ridge spent 4 days at the International Conference of Shopping Centers where they met with Data Analytic Companies; Brokers; and Entertainment Venue Developers. We attended workshops on the new trends in retail space where a lot of different things are going on like Pop-Ups. This is very important because Sales Tax is a part of our General Fund Revenue Stream.
Chief of Police Lt. Matt McDaniel reported that the next Shredding Event is June 16th from 7 AM to Noon. He suggested that people come about 8 or 9 AM so as not to create a traffic jam.
Engineering Services Manager Ziad Mazboudi reported that the Crown Valley Project will be starting this week and will be going on towards the end of August and that we should expect delays during that time. They are doing overlays from Alicia to La Paz and Moulten to Greenfield.
Director Giglio of Parks and Recreation reported that the Summer Concert Series kicks off this Friday with concerts from 7 PM to 9 PM. There will be a free shuttle from City Hall to the concerts at 6:15 PM.
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.
Zoning Code Amendment ZCA 16-03 (Congregate Living Facilities
http://www.cityoflagunaniguel.org/DocumentCenter/View/15165 Background on Sober Living Homes: http://cityoflagunaniguel.org/index.aspx?NID=804 Proposed Congregate Living Facilities ordinance has been “Several years in the making” since 2016 45-day moratorium for homes, extended to max. Length of 2 yrs. Discussion about a possible home separation increase from 650’ to 1000’ Some question as to whether the 1000’ distance is legally defensible Operator verification of residents’ disabled status is recommended [ How is the operator required/able to prove said status?] Currently 19 known group homes; would be required to apply for a permit within 90 days. Ministerial permit is the recommended option of 4 options considered. Concerns about violations of the Equal Housing Act were important in determining the choice of option. Public hearing required before adoption Council Member Minagar asks what is the source of locations of unlicensed sober living homes Staff replies that it’s based on reports from the community Minagar says validation of additional homes required Council Member Davies likes that the homes would be required to provide transportation out of the area when individuals are done with treatment (or fail out of treatment). Periodically, checking is expected of who is living there? Dana Rohrabacher is pushing a federal bill that would allow local officials to ban sober living homes. Bill has just been introduced. Council Member Lindholm asks if the 1000’ requirement could be extended to include schools requiring 1000' separation between group homes and schools). City attorney is concerned that this might provide a basis for challenging the ordinance. There is also some concern that clustering of these homes could occur in this case. This could create undesirable areas. Responding to question from Council Member Minagar CC & Rs prohibit use of homes for commercial purposes. This ordinance doesn’t relate to HOAs. “HOAs can regulate these kinds of facilities.” 1000’ separation distance is as the crow flies Mayor Pro Tem Jennings worries that increasing the minimum separation distance from the proposed 650' to 1000’ would be more likely to trigger litigation. Public Comments Advocates for Responsible Treatment Report says there will be no fiscal impact — yet there will be administrative costs. Either the City will need to pay costs or some fees will be required by group home operators. If 1000’ is contemplated there should be some identifiable rationale for choosing that specific distance. Liz Avila Strong support for the new plan. Asks that they consider changing time requirement for compliance from 1 year to 90 days. Sean Lehman Transportation requirement for those leaving the homes—transportation to where? Emphasizes need to monitor and verify everything that operators report. Urges that the ordinance be as strong as possible. Recommends 1000’. We need to “push the envelope" Jim Falk Facilities have been difficult to find. Recommends a process to identify all existing homes as completely as possible. Mike S. Feels 1000’ should be the standard. Agrees with idea of pushing the limit. Council Member Davies Q.: Transportation to where? A.: to address on drivers license or the permanent mailing address on the resident's application. Extra staff to enforce? Fee for applications. After initial implementation may be necessary to review and make changes. Put a time limit, e.g., 72 hours that person leaving is required to leave after leaving a home. Mayor Pro Tem Jennings Default cost for transportation if an address is not clear. (May not be able to get address due to, e.g., HIPAA, etc.) Or, residents/operators could be required to pay a deposit. Do we have the legal right to force a person to leave? Don't want to run afoul of the Constitution. Council Member Minagar- Q. Lessons learned from other cities: what did we learn in research?
A. Settlements w/Costa Mesa, Newport Beach in their lawsuits; Ordinance includes latest info. - Need enforcement. Code enforcement staff can work with police.
- 300’ vs. 650’ vs. 1000’ He likes 1000.
- Compliance fees. Need to establish fee process so operator would pay for it. Need to make sure city staff is able to deal with the additional workload.
Approval of Design Concept for Bus Shelters and Trolley Stops http://www.cityoflagunaniguel.org/DocumentCenter/View/15166 Improvements to aging bus shelters 36 shelters in L.N., some neglected & looking bad Use colors and textures of new city monument signs Council Reports Council Member Linda Lindholm reports on a Task Force to reduce homelessness in the city Next meeting June 12 More meetings to follow Council Member Minagar was at SCAG meeting Represented “our” position on Sanctuary Cities Asst. City Manager HR3053 Yucca Mtn. Would be reopened; could impact nuclear waste storage at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station City Mgr Additional meetings on homelessness ongoing Mayor Elaine Gennawey's May 10, 2018 Letter to Residents for an Update on Homeless Issues http://www.cityoflagunaniguel.org/DocumentCenter/View/15152 Click to download Mayor's Letter
School safety presentation by sheriff:
- Full time school resource officer at high schools.
- “Adopt-a-school” program for other schools – encourage deputies to spend time at campuses just to show a presence. I.e., sit in car and do paper work.
- In each car, deputies have access to “campus assessments” for each campus—information for use in the event of an incident.
- High schools and middle schools have “text-a-tip” programs where kids can text confidential, but not anonymous, tips to sheriffs about issues on campus. They get tagged for immediate follow-up by sheriffs or school officials depending on the issue. Allows for immediate text responses with questions, etc.
SB54 resolution:
- Speakers allowed 1 minute only.
- Speaker counts:
- 2 residents spoke for resolution
- 6 non-residents spoke against, two of whom where Rohrabacher staffers reading prepared remarks.
- 13 residents spoke against resolution
- 5 non-residents spoke against resolution [including Omar Siddiqui and Rachel Payne]
- City Atty Dixon read a brief report that significantly diverged from the prepared report. No mention of any issue of conflict between SB54 and state law. Noted statement by acting director of ICE that SB54 would increase mass arrest raids, which are dangerous for everyone. Noted public safety as primary concern of city. Noted opinion of Sheriff Hutchins in opposition to SB54.
- Rohrabacher statement:
- Two staffers totaling 1 minute 27 seconds.
- Virulent, especially in the second half. Watch video for details.
- Speakers for:
- Beverly told a story about a hit-and-run by an undocumented alien.
- Didi – wore a MAGA hat
- Kim (man) said he sought asylum in OC after being attacked by MS-13 in Riverside. Says this isn’t about hatred, calls undocumented aliens “low IQ.”
- All three have been seen at other cities’ meetings on this.
- City councilors read prepared statements but didn’t respond to comments on any substance.
- Common theme is that public safety is primary concern. One of the councilors says that it is ridiculous to suggest that immigrant communities will be reluctant to report crimes if police cooperate with ICE. Several state that this issue only affects criminals.
- Mayor Gennawey:
- City has received hundreds of emails asking the city to act on SB54.
- California values act doesn’t reflect the values of our community.
- SB54 decreases cooperation between law enforcement agencies and that lack of cooperation was cause of 9/11.
- Mayor Pro Tem Jennings acknowledged that he “disagrees” with the comments made in opposition to the resolution.
- Resolution adopted and amicus brief approved, 5-0.
Meeting continued but notes ended. Per others, later speakers allowed two or three minutes to speak.