Laguna Hills City Council Regular Meeting – October 27, 2026

The Laguna Hills City Council met on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. The meeting opened with an invocation by Councilmember Sweeney, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Pezold, and roll call showing all five members present. The agenda included a West Nile virus update, student liaison report, public comments, consent calendar (with several items pulled for separate discussion), administrative reports, committee reports, and councilmember comments.

Consent Calendar

• The City Council approved the following routine items by a single motion (5-0): waiver of reading of ordinances, approval of October 13, 2026 minutes, award of FY26/27 Community Development Block Grant Curb Ramp Improvement Project (CIP 170) to Hardy & Harper, Inc. for $149,490, Notice of Completion for Acceleration Lane Median Modification on Moulton Parkway at Mandeville (CIP 303), Treasurer's Investment Report for September 2026, ratification of Warrant Register for $348,632.57, Development Application Status Report, and appointment of Mayor Caskey as labor negotiator for the City Manager. However, Councilmember Wheeler requested removal of four items (4.3, 4.4, 4.8, and 5.1.1) because they were not in the packet he reviewed. After discussion, those items were removed from the consent calendar and voted on separately.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bill Moorhead (Director, Moulton Niguel Water District and candidate for re-election) promoted his qualifications and website (MoorheadforWater.com). He noted his expertise in water operations and his nonpartisan approach. Mayor Caskey asked if the water district works with vector control; Moorhead said they do not directly.
• Scott Miller reported on the first-ever Veterans Stand Down in Laguna Hills held on October 24 at Crossline Church. He stated that over 20 businesses/organizations donated tens of thousands of dollars in resources, serving about 500–600 veterans with food, clothing, medical care, and benefits assistance. The event was run entirely by volunteers; organizers are planning to partner with OCTA for regional bus transportation next year.
• Harry Huggins (candidate for City Council District 1) expressed excitement about Laguna Hills' future, emphasizing the need to better communicate state-mandated housing requirements and the five development projects. He advocated for improved landscaping on streetscapes and park entrances, uniform e-bike rules with neighboring cities, and requested to serve on a regional e-bike committee.
• Stephen Coons and Bonnie Coons spoke about invasive sycamore tree roots from a city-owned tree damaging their home's foundation at Sunset Place. They requested a less invasive species (e.g., crepe myrtle) be planted as replacement. Stephen Coons noted an HOA board decision favored dwarf sycamores over crepe myrtles despite past damage. Bonnie Coons, an aerospace engineer, stated the tree roots caused foundation damage and sewer issues. Councilmember Pezold suggested a neighborhood survey or HOA vote; Mayor Caskey advised working with staff to get the issue agendized for full discussion.

Discussion Items

• 4.3 – Award of Curb Ramp Improvement Contract: City Manager presented the item: a $149,490 contract to Hardy & Harper for replacing 63 curb ramps in North Laguna Hills, fully covered by a CDBG grant. Councilmember Wheeler abstained citing agenda discrepancy. Motion passed 4-0-1 (Wheeler abstain).
• 4.4 – Notice of Completion for Moulton Parkway Median Modification: Routine certification of completed work. Wheeler abstained; motion passed 4-0-1.
• 4.8 – Appointment of Labor Negotiator: Mayor Caskey appointed as designated representative for City Manager evaluation and labor negotiations. Wheeler abstained; motion passed 4-0-1.
• 5.1.1 – Resolution Establishing Associate Planner Classification: City Manager explained the need to fill a vacancy created by promotion of a senior planner to principal planner; the new associate planner position is lower-paid (approximately $20,000 less annually) and would “right-size” the department. Councilmember Pezold questioned fiscal impact and overlap with recently contracted TransTech services. Staff clarified the associate planner is for planning division, not building; TransTech provides building support only. Councilmember Wheeler noted the principal planner position previously approved was no longer needed after the promotion. Motion passed 4-0-1 (Pezold abstained).
• Committee Reports:
  • Councilmember Wheeler: Reported on OCTA meeting where he suggested allowing committee members to add agenda items; raised issues of lane markings on I-91 and I-5, and proposed using existing exit routes for a future interchange at Laguna Hills/Lake Forest. Also reported on Orange County Library Advisory Board; noted lack of quorum to pass bylaws. Councilmember Pezold asked about library-funded tutoring programs; Wheeler said that's a school district function.
  • Councilmember Sweeney: Reported on OCFA meeting focused on wildfire readiness, storm preparation, and the proposed Fire Station 10 project. He thanked OCFA for rapid response to the recent Norte Fire and expressed support for continued coordination.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved except items 4.3, 4.4, 4.8, and 5.1.1 which were pulled for separate votes.
• Item 4.3 (Curb ramp contract) approved 4-0-1 (Wheeler abstain).
• Item 4.4 (Notice of Completion) approved 4-0-1 (Wheeler abstain).
• Item 4.8 (Labor negotiator) approved 4-0-1 (Wheeler abstain).
• Item 5.1.1 (Associate Planner) approved 4-0-1 (Pezold abstain).
• Councilmember Comments:
  • Mayor Caskey proposed an economic development workshop within the next two weeks to develop a pilot precinct plan for a city-owned or privately owned site. Councilmembers expressed support; workshop to be scheduled.
  • Councilmember Pezold requested future discussions on:
    1. AI use policy (in light of SB 574 requiring attorney verification of AI outputs) – seconded by Councilmember Wheeler.
    2. Education on sober living homes and potential city tools – seconded by Councilmember Wheeler.
    3. Business license requirements/fees – Mayor Caskey suggested it be included in the economic development workshop.
    4. Travel policy for councilmembers (communication and budget limits) – seconded; will be agendized.
• Councilmember Wheeler made a final comment criticizing the Brown Act as a First Amendment violation and suggested future council consider repealing council districts, but did not request agendizing.
• The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.