Brian Brower

The meeting commenced with acknowledging the attendance of council members and outlining closed session items pertaining to real property negotiations concerning APN 6781601/69-55206 regarding Meadows Fields 7, 8, and 9 and part of Richard T. Steed Memorial Park, including negotiations with Rhino's Rugby for a potential financial contribution and lease agreement. Another closed session item involved real property negotiations for a city right-of-way lease extension with Introduction Unlimited Incorporated for the Farmers Market. The third closed session item concerned real property negotiations near Avanita Pico with Foothill Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency, Tlega Associates LLC, and Tlega Maintenance Corporation. The council then recognized and honored firefighter John Roland for administering life-saving CPR to a gentleman who suffered a heart attack at Richard T. Steed Memorial Park. Deputies Levi Nunes and Matthew Rudy were also recognized for promptly deploying an AED and administering care. The council member reports included discussions on supporting a local teacher battling brain cancer, updates on legislative matters affecting the Fire Authority, the appointment of an interim fire chief, and reports on various community and investment advisory committee meetings.

The meeting included a closed session announcement regarding real property negotiations concerning parcels on Avenue to Magdalena and Avanita Salvador, involving wireless tower facilities negotiations with Crown Castle and MD7 regarding price and terms. Key agenda items covered the presentation and proclamation honoring International Holocaust Remembrance Day, with comments from community members emphasizing the importance of remembrance amidst rising antisemitism. Council members provided extensive reports on their activities, including updates on a goat brush mitigation program, upcoming community service days at local schools, attendance at various regional and county events, and discussions regarding Orange County Cal Cities board representation and coastal protection issues. There was also recognition for a firefighter who saved a life and an update on the availability of free tax filing services for qualifying residents. Finally, the homeless outreach person was introduced to briefly discuss a positive recent encounter.

Key discussion topics for this combined Special and Regular Meeting include public hearings for the first reading of an ordinance amending various portions of the San Clemente Municipal Code, and another ordinance related to municipal golf course tee time reservations. Other agenda items involve an implementation agreement for the transfer of Transportation Corridor Agency properties, introduction and first reading of an ordinance adopting the City Seal and City Logo, and a City Manager compensation review with authorization for a third amendment to the employment agreement. Business also covers approval of previous meeting minutes, resolutions regarding street improvement programs, awards for construction contracts, purchase agreements for electric vehicles, professional services agreements for soil stabilization, acceptance of a stormwater permit implementation agreement, a fee waiver request for the upcoming primary election vote center, resolution approving license agreements for ballot drop boxes, and a resolution adopting a revised salary schedule.

The agenda for the regular meeting included several public hearings for zoning amendments related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) to comply with updated State laws, specifically referencing SB 1069, AB 2299, and AB 2406, and further amendments from 2025. The commission was set to provide recommendations to the City Council on these amendments, which covered topics such as maximum allowable units, parking requirements, deed restrictions, and impact fees. There was also a public hearing regarding a Development Permit for a single-family home on a newly subdivided lot, though continuance was recommended due to missing materials. New Business included seeking feedback on the 2026 Strategic Implementation Plan update concerning zoning code cleanup and clarification.

The Zoning Administrator meeting addressed several Public Hearing Items. Key discussions included the request for approval of Short Term Apartment Rental (STAR) 25-551, Preece STAR, to establish one short-term rental unit and one on-site manager's unit at 309 W. Avenida Palizada, with consideration for CEQA Categorical Exemption under Section 15301. Another public hearing involved Development Permit (DP) 25-259 for the exterior remodel of the Taco Bell restaurant at 918 S. El Camino Real, including a new outdoor dining area of less than 16 seats, also considering CEQA exemptions under Sections 15301 and 15303. The meeting also included receiving and filing the minutes from the January 22, 2026, Regular Zoning Administrator Meeting, and reviewing tentative future agendas.