Laguna Hills City Council and Planning Agency Regular Meeting - November 10, 2026

The Laguna Hills City Council and Planning Agency held a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, convening at approximately 6:08 PM and adjourning the open session at 11:01 PM. The agenda included a student liaison report, non-agenda public comments, a consent calendar, a Planning Agency public hearing, and several administrative and council-initiated discussion items. Key topics included a dispute over tree species in the Sunset Place neighborhood, conceptual plans for a multi-use recreational facility, a budget amendment for a bioswale project, and proposed policies governing the use of Artificial Intelligence and council member travel.

Presentations

• Student Liaison Report: Sophia Kim provided an update on Laguna Hills High School activities, including CIF sports results, drama productions, and community service drives.
• Schedule of Future Events: Community Services Director Gannon reported on upcoming community events and holiday closures.

Consent Calendar

• The Council unanimously approved the Consent Calendar, waiving the full reading of ordinances, approving the minutes of the October 27, 2026 meeting, receiving an informal bidding ordinance report, approving lease amendments, and ratifying a Warrant Register totaling $759,225.74 for the period of October 19 to November 1, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony (Non-Agendized)

• Scott Miller gave a report on his service as a Traffic Commissioner, honoring Veterans Day and the Marine Corps birthday. He officially submitted his resignation from the Traffic Commission, effective November 18, 2026.

Discussion Items

1. Planning Agency Public Hearing: MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Sign Program (Item 5.3.1)

The Planning Agency conducted a public hearing on a request to amend the existing Master Sign Program for the new Central Utility Plant. The proposed signs include deviations from code, extending four feet above the parapet and adding 290 square feet of aggregate signage. Staff recommended approval. No public opposition was voiced. The Planning Agency approved the resolution 5-0.

2. Sunset Place Neighborhood Tree Installations (Item 6.2.1)

• Background: Staff presented a history of the dispute over tree replacements in the Sunset Place HOA. The HOA requested sycamore trees based on a 2013 agreement and neighborhood character. City staff and an arborist recommended against sycamores due to root damage, liability risks (a related insurance claim was paid), and conflict with city policy. A compromise using Mexican Sycamores was pursued but faced challenges.
• Public Testimony:
  • Terry Whitley (Resident): Supported sycamores to restore the canopy; requested white-flowering Crepe Myrtles at constrained sites.
  • Mary Jimenez (Resident): Strongly opposed sycamores, citing documented root damage to her property. She stated she would not accept liability.
  • Jonathan De La Torre (HOA Management): Represented a neutral perspective, confirming the board's preference for sycamores.
  • Carl & Ann Donnie (Residents): Favored sycamores for property values and the canopy.
  • Stephen & Bonnie Coons (Residents): Opposed sycamores due to foundation damage and urged a rational approach to avoid city liability.
  • Tracy Down (Former HOA Board): Defended the board's unanimous decision for sycamores for consistency.
  • Gary Steinberg (HOA Board President): Defended the sycamore preference and presented a petition with 33 signatures.
• Key Outcome: The council voted 5-0 to continue the item. Staff will work with the HOA to find a compromise, potentially involving indemnification, and report back.

3. Citywide Safety Action Plan (Item 6.2.2)

• The item was unanimously continued to the December 8, 2026 meeting for more extensive discussion.

4. Multi-Use Recreational Facility (Roller Hockey Rink) (Item 6.2.3)

• Presentation: Staff presented two design concepts (Athletica and Compound) to rehabilitate the rink.
• Public Testimony: Kaylee Van Heis (South Coast Roller Derby) requested minimal permanent striping for the derby track.
• Key Outcome: The council voted 5-0 to advance the Athletica concept, preserving multi-use space, and directed staff to consult user groups.

5. Update of Capital Improvement Program Projects (Item 6.2.4)

• The report on numerous CIP projects was received and filed unanimously.

6. Ridge Route Drive Bioswale Project Budget Amendment (Item 6.2.5)

• Presentation: Staff requested a transfer of $152,125 from General Fund Reserves to match a $600,000 OCTA grant for the bioswale and future community garden.
• Key Outcome: The budget amendment was approved 4-1. Councilmember Wheeler dissented, citing cost concerns.

7. Replacement of Internally Illuminated Street Name Signs (Item 6.2.6)

• Discussion: Options included non-illuminated retro-reflective signs. Council debated readability, design consistency, and night visibility.
• Key Outcome: The council voted 4-1 to direct staff to develop test samples for evaluation. Councilmember Wheeler voted no, advocating to retain the current green illuminated signs.

8. City Council Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (Item 7.1)

• Presentation: Councilmember Pezold presented research on AI risks, including hallucinations, deep fakes, and subpoena risks for public records.
• Council Discussion: Councilmembers argued the issue was not pressing and existing rules were sufficient.
• Key Outcome: A motion to investigate and draft an AI policy failed 1-4. Councilmember Pezold voted in favor; Councilmembers Kaske, Mathis, Wheeler, and Sweeney voted against.

9. City Council Travel Policy (Item 7.2)

• Presentation: Councilmember Pezold advocated for a formal travel policy with clear allocation and reporting rules.
• Council Discussion: Strong opposition cited adequate existing policies and no budget violations.
• Key Outcome: A motion to have the City Manager update the travel policy failed 2-3. Councilmembers Pezold and Wheeler voted in favor; Councilmembers Kaske, Mathis, and Sweeney voted against.

Key Outcomes Summary

• Approved: Consent Calendar (5-0), MemorialCare Sign Program (5-0), Sunset Place tree continuation (5-0), Citywide Safety Plan continuation (5-0), Multi-Use Rink concept (5-0), CIP Updates (Received), Bioswale budget amendment (4-1), Street sign test samples (4-1).
• Failed: AI Policy (1-4), Travel Policy update (2-3).
• Next Steps: Staff will negotiate tree solutions with the Sunset Place HOA. The Safety Action Plan is scheduled for the December 8, 2026 meeting.