Joseph Ames

The City Council and Planning Agency meeting included various presentations, such as a spotlight on a local business, a student liaison report, and a water district presentation regarding the statewide drought. Administrative actions included the approval of the warrant register, an amendment to a professional services agreement for survey monument preservation, and authorization for records retention management. The Council adopted parking regulations for Vista Grande Drive and passed an ordinance regulating the use and sale of e-cigarettes. Additionally, the meeting covered fiscal reports, amendments to employee position classifications, and a joint powers authority agreement. Key administrative reports addressed the appointment of a labor negotiator for the City Manager's performance evaluation, a property report for the Moulton Niguel Water District, and the status of opticom strobe emitters for emergency vehicles.

The City Council and Planning Agency received presentations on the Mission Viejo Animal Services Annual Report and the Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison report. The Council appointed a new member to fill a vacancy, ratified the warrant register, and confirmed the necessity of continuing the local emergency related to COVID-19. Additionally, they adopted a budget amendment for inter-fund transfers and reviewed the Public Review Draft of the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update. The Council also evaluated proposals for executive recruitment services, reviewed the holiday season events schedule, and requested future discussions regarding city staffing, funding for the Chamber of Commerce, and city economics.

The City Council and Planning Agency meeting included a closed session for the City Manager's annual performance evaluation. Presentations were received regarding a student liaison report and a local military support committee update. Public comments addressed future mobile office hours by a Congressional representative and concerns regarding animal care services. The Council approved various financial and infrastructure items, including a warrant register, progress payments for softball field and civic center improvements, and cooperative agreements for pavement management and traffic signal synchronization. The Council also adopted a resolution establishing new parking regulations on Beckenham Street and discussed issues regarding overgrown trees within the community.

The meeting included the reorganization of the City Council, resulting in the election of a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore, and the commendation of the outgoing Mayor. The Council recognized a retiring employee, affirmed the local appointments list, approved various contracts including a CDBG rehabilitation project and prosecution services with the County of Orange, and adopted resolutions regarding investment policies and expenditure reports. Several ordinances were adopted, including amendments to the municipal code prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries and the adoption of updated building, fire, and safety codes. Additionally, the Council authorized a legal services retainer for litigation against Caltrans and the Orange County Transportation Authority concerning the I-5 widening project, and received the City Manager's year-end report.

The Commission addressed public requests regarding the extension of open gym hours for children and teens, including weekend availability. The 2018 Fall Quarter Evaluation report was reviewed and approved. Additionally, the Commission approved rescheduling the 2019 Volunteer Connection Day and Arbor Day Recognition event, as well as the 2019 Laguna Hills Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K event. Commissioner comments were shared regarding city council election experiences and future commission reapplication plans.