Laguna Hills Watch Dog: 2014

The January 14, 2014 Synopsis of the Laguna Hills City Council Meeting Report, and below that, the 2013 Report Card for the Laguna Hills City Council Members will be our last blog for the Laguna Hills Watch Dog, because in 2013 the Laguna Hills City Council brought new life to council meetings through their willingness to reach out to the community, to create a more open environment for residents and businesses, to be more transparent, to keep their questions and comments more concise, and to be more congenial to each other as well as to residents and businesses. We sincerely congratulate them for this effort and fully expect that this effort will continue in years to come.

We originally became involved in creating this blog because 8 years ago, we saw so many of the above mentioned elements missing from council members and council meetings. We noted that council meetings were poorly attended and residents and businesses were rarely recognized unless there was a complaint or a necessity, and the workings of city government were substantially less transparent and appeared to be protected as status quo. We have seen new council members bring new life to the council and to the City. 2013 Mayor Barbara Kogerman who was elected in 2010 brought the concept of the recording of all city council meetings on the City web site for residents and businesses to hear and was responsible for the advent of Term Limits.

In the Friday, January 2, 2014 edition of the Saddleback Valley News, in the Orange County Register Newspaper, 3 residents of Laguna Hills, expressed their wishes/resolutions for the city council for 2014. Linda Williams said, her wish for Laguna Hills was for a solution to the lack of sufficient animal shelters in Orange County because the Orange County Animal Shelter is old, serves too many cities and is too far away; Bruce Schickler said he wanted the City to landscape the empty median on Laguna Hills Drive and Tim Sullivan said the City needs to reduce the exorbitant salaries and benefits paid to city workers, in particularly the city manager. These are 3 of many residents who are paying more attention and getting more involved now and who will hopefully vote for council members who are willing to make the changes that Laguna Hills residents want to see.

We are so pleased to have been able to observe positive changes in the past 8 years and have confidence that the residents and businesses that are now more involved will remain involved. We thank the council members who are listening and encouraging all residents and businesses to get involved, to attend council meetings and to remain involved. We also want to thank all of the readers of the Laguna Hills Watch Dog for being involved with us as well as with the city council and for all their great comments. It's been an adventure, challenging, a lot of work and, at times, a lot of fun. We have greatly appreciated the significantly increased involvement of the Orange County Register Newspaper over the years related to reporting the activities of city councils especially Teri Sforza and her team on the O.C.Watchdog, Erika Ritchie who used to be the reporter for the City of Laguna Hill and is now continuing to do a great job with other things ncluding the Marines at Camp Pendleton and Megan Nicolai who's currently doing such a dedicated job of covering Laguna Hills. We feel comfortable with reports to residents and businesses being in the capable hands of Megan and the O.C. Watchdog. We've sincerely enjoyed getting to know so many residents and businesses in Laguna Hills and trust that involved residents, businesses and council members will continue to build a City that they will enjoy for decades to come.
Jean Bland, Editor, Laguna Hills Watch Dog

LAGUNA HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING - January 14, 2014
All Council Members were present except Council Member Melody Carruth

** Please Consider Attending a Council Meeting to express your opinion on items of interest to you or just to observe and/or, more often now, to also have a little fun, feel a sense of community and learn more about your City.

Mayor Andrew Blount began the meeting by presenting certificates of recognition to AYSO Region 1422 winning team members for the 2013 Fall Season and area playoffs as follows:· Division U-10 Boys Team – Coach John Underwood - came in first place in the Fall Season and made it to the Championship game.
· Division U-12 Girls Team – Coach Cary Floyd - came in first place in the Fall Season and won the Championship game in the Area Playoffs beating Mission Viejo.
The council chamber was full of excited young soccer players, their families, their coaches and a strong feeling of community.

Mayor Andrew Blount and Council Member Kogerman presented a certificate of recognition from the City to Jean Bland for 8 years of attending and recording council meetings and publishing the meetings on the Laguna Hills Watch Dog Blog Site for the community.
** Editor's Note - We are not sure how we managed to be included with these other recognitions but we thank the council and want to add that we were delighted to see that this year began so positively with this Laguna Hills City Council Meeting's laser focus on residents, businesses and city services. In addition to that the feeling of real "community" was pervasive. Because of this we could not resist making one last brief council meeting report. We also want to say that over the past years we have uncovered not only issues in the City that needed improvement but a much greater appreciation of the City Staff, the great job that they do, and how thorough they are. We have personally and most directly experienced this, through Team Dark Horse, in working directly with David Reynolds, Director of Community Services and Dan Meehan, Superintendent of Community Services and their staff as well as Peggy Johns, City Clerk. We also want to say that we have long observed how lucky the City is to have an unshakable voice of reason in the City Attorney, Greg Simonian, who has always been extraordinary at maintaining his composure and his solid legal advice regardless of what might be happening in the council chamber. We have also noted, especially in 2013, that City Manager Channing is skilled at his job, unrelated to the issues of his salary and benefits.

Lieutenant Tom Behrens, Chief of Police Services for Laguna Hills, presented the "2013 Laguna Hills "Deputy of the Year Award" to Deputy Brendon Franks. Each year a deputy is selected from those assigned to the City of Laguna Hills as the Deputy of the Year. This selection is made by polling all Sheriff’s Department personnel assigned to the City, to select the deputy whose contributions set him/her apart from the rest. Deputy Brendon Franks has been selected as the 2013 Laguna Hills Deputy of the Year.
BACKGROUND: Deputy Brendon Franks has been assigned to the City of Laguna Hills since 2007. He has worked as a Uniformed Patrol Officer, Selected Enforcement Team (SET) member, and as a Field Training Officer. Brendon has worked diligently in all of his assignments within the City. Some of his most notable contributions have been as a member of our Selected Enforcement Team (SET) and as a Field Training Officer. Our SET team consists of two (2) deputies that are assigned to handle specific problems that face the City. The deputies that are assigned to this team are typically our most seasoned and skilled. Their focus is on specific problems which can range from keeping track of the City’s parolees and probationers, to handling problems such as graffiti and specific crime trends. This team works directly with the Chief to determine where their efforts are most needed. During Brendon’s time in this assignment his work performance has been exemplary and he has become one of our City’s most well respected deputies. Deputy Brendon Franks should be commended for his outstanding efforts within the City of Laguna Hills. Through his hard work and diligence he has made Laguna Hills a safer community.

Mayor Blount announced that the City is recognizing the 1st LH Business in 2014 as a Pro-Business City Council - City Recognized Care Plus Home Care at 22931 Triton Way, Suite 133, LH 949-305-4599, and asked them to tell the council and the audience what they do and how the City can help them.

City Businesses can contact Assist. City Manager Don White to get on the schedule to be recognized by the city.

Two representatives from Care Plus Home Care spoke and said they'd been in Laguna Hills for 10 years providing Home Health Care and they offer medical care, therapy and Hospice Care as well as help around the house, etc. Mayor Blount asked how the City could better serve them and they responded that they like the way the city is involved with the residents and businesses and communicating/working together as a community to facilitate the needs of the community. They noted that they'd like the construction on Moulton to be completed but otherwise no complaints! They added that they feel a lot more linked in now by being here and getting to know the council.

The Laguna Hills High School Student Liaison, Kerstyn Gonzales, gave a brief update.

Public Comments - Karen Robbins, President of Team Dark Horse said, many of the Gold Star families of the 3/5 Marines who were killed in action have learned about Team Dark Horse through facebook and through the City Council's involvement with their adopted 3/5 Darkhorse Marines on Memorial Day. Karen thanked the council for naming the Memorial Day Race after the battalion and spoke about Alec Catherwood, a 19 year old Marine who was killed in action in Sangin in 2010. His mother, Gretchen Catherwood, communicated with Team Dark Horse and said that although her son could not come back, the next worst thing that could happen would be for him to be forgotten. She said she was astounded and humbled that strangers, from the City of Laguna Hills, would go to the efforts they have on behalf of her son and she mailed Karen Robbins coins she'd had made to give to people so that Alec could still be all over the world and would not be forgotten. She asked that Karen give each of the city council members one of the coins. One side of each coin contained the battalion logo and the other side contained the words, "In Living Memory of Alec Catherwood" and the date he died. Karen noted that it is a military tradition to have coins to honor those who have died. Karen gave each council member and the city clerk a coin and asked that they share their coins with others to preserve the memory of Alec. Mayor Pro-Tem Dore Gilbert choked back some raw emotion as he thanked Karen and noted that he has a son who served in the Sangin River Valley with the 1-5 who lost several Marines and told Karen he will carry this and share it and thanked her again. Mayor Blount added that they all really appreciated Karen sharing this with them.

City Manager Bruce Channing announced that Lt. Behrens, Chief of Police for Laguna Hills, has been promoted to Captain, so we will be losing him as our Chief of Police. Channing congratulated Lt. Behrens and thanked him for his fine service to the City. He noted that we will be looking for his replacement in the next month or so. Council Member Kogerman and Mayor Blount added their congratulations and appreciation as well and thanked him.

Council Member Kogerman showed some new Memorial Day Cards printed for the City that include the Marines and can be picked up at the Community Center.

She also spoke about Peter Tomaino, who was 82 years old, lived on her street and was killed on Christmas Eve in an accident while riding his bicycle. She added that he'd put in about 150,000 miles on his bicycle in the last 15 years or so and would ride 30 or 40 miles a day and 100 miles a week minimum. He was a friend of David Whiting and OC Register Newspaper columnist who wrote a story about him last August and another story following his death. On his 82nd birthday Mr. Tomaino rode 89 miles stating that he rode more than 82 miles because it was so much fun. She noted that we are losing about one bicyclist a month to auto accidents so cautioned every driver to be very careful and respect the bicyclists right to be on the roads. She added he was a great role model, wonderful resident of Laguna Hills and noted there were many warm, kind comments about him on the OC Register Story written after his death.

Mayor Andrew Blount asked the staff for some time to be spent on 2 problem areas in the City related to exit and entry to Freeway 5. One is on Oso Pkwy when exiting Freeway 5 going South that forces people into a right turn onto Cabot road and the other is the entrance to the Freeway from La Paz Rd. where there is a no right turn on Red. Mayor Blount said he has spent hours watching both of these areas and can testify that the rules/laws in these 2 area are rarely obeyed by motorists. He noted that compliance is about 1 in 5 motorists on Oso with most motorists crossing a double yellow line to avoid the forced right turn so t other drivers may percieve a false sense of security related to the double yellow lines. He asked if the council could be informed of any options they may have related to correcting these problem areas. The council members agreed to ask Ken Rosenfield, Director of Public Services and City Engineer for options. Council Member Kogerman agreed that there is a false sense of security on the Freeway 5 exit onto Oso, expressed fears of someone getting T-boned there and supported getting information to CalTRANS again to let them know something needs to be done.

Mayor Blount also asked about a Laguna Hills law on the books stating that no one can park an "operable" vehicle in their own driveway for more than 72 hours without moving it. He noted this was for "operable" not just "inoperable" vehicles. David Chantarangsu, Community Development Director, rsponded that is true and was intended to address the storage of additional vehicles on their property unrelated to the vehicle that they are driving every day. Mayor Blount asked for some staff time to look into how this could be addressed to prevent people who parking the vehicle they do drive in their driveway but may not drive everyday from breaking the law. The other council members agreed.

Mayor Blount closed the meeting in memory of Mr. John Goss by sharing news of his passing last Friday night from an unexpected illness. He noted that John had been involved with assisting the City for many years and was a wonderful man whose service and wisdom was greatly appreciated.

The next Laguna Hills City Council Meeting will be on January 28th at 7:00 PM

SPECIAL REPORT- Laguna Hills Watch Dog's City Council and City Manager Citizen Friendliness Report Card Scores, for the Year 2013.

These ratings are subjective and based upon the Laguna Hills Watch Dog's observations, recordings and scoring of every City Council Meeting in 2013 related to attention from Council Members and the City Manager to "Serving the Citizens" the council members were elected to serve. These scores are, in the opinion of the Laguna Hills Watch Dog, a reflection of levels of Transparency, Accountability, Championing of Citizen Related Issues, and Achieving Citizen Related Goals.

The city manager is not allowed to vote so he was scored based upon online and agendized staff reports as well as verbal reports from him and from his management staff.

There is no perfect score. These scores are based upon the the opinion of the Laguna Hills Watch Dog, related to number of items that came up at city council meetings during the year 2013. What is presented here, in the opinion of the Laguna Hills Watch Dog, is a comparison of a range of scores that were gleaned from votes taken, initiative shown and actions that some city council members took on behalf of citizens compared with others including a degree of willingness of all council members and the city manager to be transparent and accountable to citizens.

Detailed explanations of each council member's and the city manager's scores are listed below the postings of the final score totals to further explain the Laguna Hills Watch Dog's reasoning behind the scoring of each item so that residents can decide how relevant these scores may be for them.

A+ is generally for achieving passage of a Citizen Friendly Item that a Council Member has authored, and for other special achievements/efforts for Citizens beyond the ordinary, A is generally for Researching and Authoring Citizen Friendly Items for the Council Agenda to be considered by the Council, P (Pass) is generally for voting "for" Citizen Friendly Items (with the exception of the city manager who does not vote), F (Fail) is generally for voting "against" Citizen Friendly Items (with the exception of the city manager who does not vote).

Absences from council meetings generally can reduce scores for a council member or raise them because they may reduce the total number of votes a council member makes or may allow a council member to escape citizen unfriendly voting. Unexplained absences are viewed, by the Laguna Hills Watch Dog, as a lack of transparency issue because council members are elected by citizens/taxpayers to serve and they continue to be paid and to receive their benefits from taxpayers when they are absent from meetings, therefore we believe taxpayers deserve an explanation for absences from council meetings.

City Council Members scores and details of their scores are listed below. All of the dates shown with the items listed are dates of City Council Meetings. For additional information and/or research regarding council meetings you can listen to the online audio/video of council meetings on the city web site or scroll down on the Laguna Hills Watch Dog Blog site at http://lhwatchdog.blogspot.com/ to find the complete posting for each city council meeting in the blog archives.

*** 2013 Mayor Barbara Kogerman received our Highest Citizen Friendly Grade of 68 with 0 absences in 2013
Followed by:
2013 Mayor Pro-Tem Andrew Blount with our Citizen Friendly Grade of 57 with 1 explained absence
2013 Council Member Dore Gilbert with our Citizen Friendly Grade of 54 with 1 explained absence
2013 Council Member Randy Bressette with our Citizen Friendly Grade of 42 with 2 unexplained absences
2013 Council Member Melody Carruth with our Citizen Friendly Grade of 39 with 2 unexplained absences

** SPECIAL RECOGNITION -

**Editor's Note - We also wanted to acknowledge council members for original, creative and positive contributions to the City in 2013 that went beyond their normal duties as council members, and were unrelated to political campaigning.

Council Member Gilbert introduced his ideas/suggestions, that were approved by votes of council members, regarding maintaining congeniality and curtailing excessive speaking early in the year 2013 in City Council Workshops.

Mayor Kogerman worked hard all year long, assisting council members to carry out Council Member Gilbert's approved suggestions during council meetings. Mayor Kogerman also worked hard making a significant positive difference through making herself uniquely accessible to the community including reaching out to so many groups, individuals and businesses in the City.

Mayor Pro-Tem Blount graciously and generously threw a party at his home in 2013 to assist the City in cementing relationships with the City's Adopted 3/5 Marines, and gained national recognition for the City of Laguna Hills through a television broadcast.

Therefore we wish to give our own special acknowledgment to these Council Members now.

A+ to 2013 Council Member Dore Gilbert for strongly focusing on the concept of congeniality among council members during all meetings and following through with coaching council members throughout the entire year related to remaining congenial even when not getting what they wanted. We watched him work at this, sometimes quietly but firmly exclaiming that he was ashamed to have been part of the group, on this occasion, related to the behaviors he observed, but as the year progressed we more often heard him quietly proclaim that he was proud to have been a part of this group, at this meeting, and he thanked them for their congeniality.
A+ again to 2013 Council Member Gilbert for the introduction of the 3 minute rule for speaking that required council members to target the issues, organize their thoughts and speak more concisely when giving their opinions, comments, and asking their questions, which is basically what the city council requires of residents who speak during PUBLIC COMMENTS. Some council members were more adept than others at doing this but with some degree of effort they all improved. This was a tremendous blessing for the community that attended the council meetings in 2013 and is a valuable skill that everyone, especially politicians, would do well to master.
A+ to Mayor Barbara Kogerman for working hard, and struggling at times, but making Council Member Gilbert's 3 minute rule for speaking work for the council and for the residents attending council meetings while concentrating concurrently on congeniality.
A+ again to Mayor Barbara Kogerman for the creative additional work she put into the function of being Mayor, all year long, including making herself so accessible to the community through her weekly Breakfasts with the Mayor and Walks with the Mayor as well as reaching out to recognize so many groups and individuals in the City that had long deserved recognition but had never received it.
A+ to Mayor Pro-Tem Blount for his positive efforts in 2013 for the City through generously throwing a party at his home for Marines, from the City's Adopted 3/5 Marines, who had been working with Laguna Hills Team Dark Horse and the City.
A+ again to Mayor Pro-Tem Blount for gaining positive national recognition for the City of Laguna Hills through his spectacular 2013 Christmas Lights Display that was featured in a 3 part National Television Broadcast.

Brief Breakdown of Scores in Alphabetical Order

Mayor Pro-Tem Andrew Blount received
A+ = 5
A = 4
P = 52
F = 4
Absences = 1
Citizen friendly rating = 61
Citizen unfriendly rating = 4
TOTAL CITIZEN FRIENDLY RATING = 57 with 1 explained absence

Council Member Randy Bressette received
A+ = 2
A = 4
P = 43
F = 7
Absences = 2
Citizen friendly rating = 49
Citizen unfriendly rating = 7
TOTAL CITIZEN FRIENDLY RATING = 42 with 2 unexplained absences

Council Member Melody Carruth received
A+ = 0
A = 3
P = 47
F = 11
Absences = 2
Citizen friendly rating = 50
Citizen unfriendly rating = 11
TOTAL CITIZEN FRIENDLY RATING = 39 with 2 unexplained absences

Council Member Dore Gilbert received
A+ = 3
A = 2
P = 54
F = 5
Absences = 1
Citizen friendly rating of = 59
Citizen unfriendly rating of = 5
TOTAL CITIZEN FRIENDLY RATING = 54 with 1 explained absence

Mayor Barbara Kogerman received
A+ = 5
A = 6
P = 59
F = 2
Absences = 0
Citizen friendly rating of = 70
Citizen unfriendly rating of = 2
TOTAL CITIZEN FRIENDLY RATING = 68 with 0 absences

City Manager Bruce Channing received
A+ = 1
A = 1
P = 3
F = 9
Absences = 1
Citizen friendly rating = 5
Citizen unfriendly rating = 9
TOTAL CITIZEN FRIENDLY RATING = (- 4) with 1 unexplained absence

Detailed Explanations of each council member's and the city manager's scores, in alphabetical order.

COUNCIL MEMBER BLOUNT
JANUARY 8
A - for vote for the Block Grant Funds for Improvements at the Florence Sylvester Senior Center
JANUARY 22
P - Vote to review the questions on the City Survey with a 2 council member ad hoc committee before the survey is approved.
A+ for suggesting a review of the questions on the City Survey before it is approved and getting that idea passed.
P - Vote for Kogerman and Blount to be on the committee reviewing the City Survey questions.
FEBRUARY 12
P - City Council/Planning Agency vote for a backyard fire place and patio cover approved by the neighborhood HOA
P - Vote for Authorization of the formation of a Laguna Hills Citizen led exploratory committee to contact South OC cities with existing animal shelters to assess their willingness and availability to contract with the City of Laguna Hills for Animal Care Services.
FEBRUARY 26
P - Vote to adopt the La Paz Open Space Preferred Concept Plan - Adopt the preferred plan with one bench, with the Ballard lighting and we will revisit that after looking at some code issues as per our attorney's recommendation, that the trails be moved from La Paz as outlined by Mr. Rosenfield, and that we have pedestrian access from the maintenance road.
MARCH 12
P - Vote for consideration of advertising in City Views to offset the cost.
P - Vote for changing the Closed Session meetings from after the council meeting to 6:00 pm before the council meetings to better inform citizens of any actions taken. **Editor's Note - This system has worked well in Aliso Viejo for many years.
P - Vote to appoint a person to the Parks and Rec Commission now rather than wait a month.
MARCH 26
A - Introduction of discussion for Citizen Friendly creation of a citizens' committee to direct and oversee the promotion of the City of Laguna Hills in City Views, a taxpayer funded publication costing more than $100,000 a year.
P - 2nd Vote for the Citizen Friendly issue of moving Closed Sessions to before rather than after City Council Meetings to better inform citizens of any actions taken.
P - Vote for a study to consider the issue of the cost of acquiring a Citizen Based Planning Commission
APRIL 9
P - Vote for the development of a mobile app for the City and the establishment of special event facebook pages.
A+ - for creating a new motion and getting it passed, to request that the ACCOC check with members of their organization as to costs for having and operating a planning commission and report back to Laguna Hills.
P - Vote for Motion to request the ACCOC to check with other members of their organization as to costs for having and operating a planning commission and report back to us. **Editor's Note - the cost estimate presented by city staff at this meeting was too wide ranging and non-specific to be useful. P - Vote for 3/5 Dark Horse Marine Corporal Josue Barron to be the Grand Marshall of the 2013 Laguna Hills Memorial Day Event
APRIL 23
P - Vote to receive status report and continue citizen's group search for an Alternative to County Animal Shelter and Control Services for Laguna Hills
P - Vote to form ad hoc committee to further study issue of cost analysis of City Views with opportunity for citizen input.
A - for adding option for citizen input for ad hoc committee to further study City Views
P - Vote in favor of weed abatement
MAY 14
P - Vote to receive and file reports on the Memorial Day Race and the July 4 Event.
MAY 28
P - Vote for the final determination of the signage consideration for the renovation of the shopping center at Moulton and La Paz.
JUNE 11
P - Vote to reduce the cost of City Views **Editor's Note - P for pass, but no applause related to no report of any consideration given to public input on this issue.
P - Vote to pay off of some of the CalPERS City Employee Retirement Fund Debt
F - **Editor's Note - for lack of transparency related to no questions about or explanation of the cost to the taxpayers for the PARS City Employee Retirement Fund that is also provided for Laguna Hills City Employees in addition to PERS.
P - Vote for traffic safety enhancements in Nellie Gail Ranch
P - Vote in traffic safety report to receive and file
P - Vote to make no changes to Law Enforcement Contract until there is more information.
JUNE 25 - ABSENT - NO VOTES - Family Related Absence
JULY 9
P - Vote to return Lease of City Vehicle for Assist. City Manager for more information/options.
P - Vote for Grant for money to improve sidewalk along La Paz for Safe Routes to School
P - Vote for paying $3,641.28 annual fee for (TIP) Trauma Intervention Program Agreement for Laguna Hills Residents to use as needed.
P - Vote for request to subdivide Cabot Rd. Town Ctr. Property
A - for referring request for salary and benefits increases for city management staff back to the City Manger for additional research and options.
F - Vote in favor of building a Horse Corral at the re-modeled shopping Center at Moulton and La Paz. ** Editor's Note - We're sorry to say we have to swim against the current on the Vote for a horse corral at the Moulton La Paz Center when the representative of the developer of the center stated he guessed they were against it, as well as for safety reasons. Horses are prey animals, easily frightened by loud noises, plastic bags, dogs, etc. The city council recently addressed significant problems with cars not yielding for horses on residential streets in Nellie Gail Ranch and this corral, that is expected to accommodate up to 6 horses, will be near the intersection of 2 very busy streets and a parking lot as well as being part of a busy shopping center. Also, cleaning up after one's horse, as one is supposed to do with a dog, is generally not done on trails or on streets. The shopping center and/or the city would need to provide tools and receptacles available for that purpose and provide someone to empty/recycle the manure from the receptacles on a regular basis. What the developer's representative appeared to be telling us, at this council meeting, was that this center was seeking a marketing strategy with the illusion of horses by displaying the trappings of hitching posts and watering tanks, but in reality are not prepared for or committed to the real thing for any length of time. Forcing that issue on the developer, without proper preparation, would appear to be putting both people and horses at risk.
P - Vote for stopping any further payment for July 4 fireworks display and recovering amount already paid
AUGUST 27
P - Vote in favor of the relocation of Judi's Laguna Pet Spa per request of the owner.
** No Grade until item returns for final vote on - EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS, SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR MANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL AND PART-TIME CLASSES OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY
P - Vote in favor of the POLICE SERVICES STUDY that includes possible sharing of services with other cities.
P - Vote for EVALUATION OF HOLIDAY BANNER PROGRAM being sent to the Parks and Recreations Committee
P - Vote for 2013 MEMORIAL DAY RACE POST EVENT REPORT AND A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FUNDING FOR THE 3/5 MARINE SUPPORT COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 10
P - Vote in support of a letter of support for the proposed renovation of the Saddleback College Athletic Stadium as a self funded project.
P - Vote for the EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS, SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR MANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL AND PART-TIME CLASSES OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY - **Editor's Note - We agree with passing this 3.5% increase for the City's Management Staff, but do not agree that it was a sacrifice for City Manager Channing to "verbally" agree to pay 0.75% of the "employee" share of his PERS Retirement Benefit for 2 years in exchange for receiving this 2 year raise for the city management staff, including himself, because, considering that according to his own report, at 107.3% of the County Average, his salary (excluding his benefits) is already too high. We credit him with being shrewd but not self sacrificing.
SEPTEMBER 24
P - Vote in favor of preparing and submitting written comments re. the Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration/Environmental Assessment for the I-5 widening project from State Route 73 to El Toro Rd.- related to the issue of freeway sound walls.
OCTOBER 8
A+ for soliciting an explanation for why the City is collecting Transportation Corridor Fees for and paying them to the San Joaquin Hills Transport.
P - Vote to continue the item of the SDG&E Utility Box for another 2 weeks to study the problem.
P - Vote for the Housing Element Update because there is no other choice that would not put the City at risk.
P - Vote to make a determination if there is enough money in the budget to study the issue of renovation of huge backlog of Poorly Maintained City Properties
F - Vote against removing an admittedly inappropriate tree from a parkway for a citizen who has offered to pay for the removal and replace the tree with one approved by the City. **Editor's Note - The tree provided shade only to the street, future Root Pruning and damage caused by roots may be more expensive than removing the tree now and the city has acknowledged in the past that it cannot remove the entire stump of a tree so future removal would leave a much larger stump that would not enhance the aesthetics of the community and larger roots that would prevent planting of a more appropriate tree.
OCTOBER 22
P - Vote for Approval for AT&T Wireless to modify and expand the existing communications facility at 26680 Alicia Pkwy. because basically we have learned over time that we have little to no choice in these matters.
P - Vote for Approval for CorePower Yoga facility on Lake Forest Dr.
P - Vote for Approval for Doctor's Ambulance be allowed to remain in the location they have inhabited for 20 plus years with no complaints from residents to date.
P - Vote for Approval of work done to address the Equity Issues in the Orange County Fire Authority.
P- Vote for Approval of the Veteran's Day Observance on the eleventh day, at the eleventh hour, and eleventh minute, for a two-minute remembrance to honor all Veterans.
P - VOTE for Approval of just the exploration of the cost for a trail head
NOVEMBER 12
P - Vote in favor of granting the Conditional Use Permit to the Hills Hotel to assist in moving toward a 4 Star Hotel in Laguna Hills.
P - Vote in favor of adopting new building and fire safety standards required by the State of CA.
P - Vote in favor of paying for the Police Services Study
NOVEMBER 26
F - Vote against passing the code to prohibit Medical Marijuana Dispensaries. **Editor's Note - We see a safety problem here, but we also see Mayor Pro-Tem Blounts argument re. the need for choice of safe and properly regulated businesses to be made by business and shopping center owners.
P - Vote to pass the Ambulance Contract Award for the City to the OC Fire Authority **Editor's Note - We wish there would have been some consideration given to the price for ambulance services for residents in this matter.
P - Vote to hire a noise consultant and environmental attorney to provide more information for the City re. sound walls needed related to the April 2013 NOISE STUDY REPORT for the I-5 WIDENING PROJECT, although we also believe, as **Editor's Note - Council Member Gilbert and the City Staff said, that no matter what information we receive this is probably a matter of being all in or all out for a very expensive legal battle with CalTrans that would ultimately be lost.
DECEMBER 10
P - Vote for Andrew Blount for Mayor
P - Vote for Dore Gilbert for Mayor Pro-Tem
P - Vote to adopt the updated State Building Codes, the updated Fire Codes and the Updated Swimming Pool Codes.

COUNCIL MEMBER BRESSETTE
JANUARY 8
A - Vote for the Block Grant Funds for Improvements at the Florence Sylvester Senior Center
JANUARY 22
P - Vote to review the questions on the City Survey with a 2 council member ad hoc committee before the survey is approved.
A+ for requesting a 2 council member review panel to review the Survey questions and getting that passed.
F - Vote against Kogerman and Blount being on the committee to review the City Survey due to being in favor of Kogerman and Carruth being on the committee after suggesting that Blount be on that committee. - Not a citizen friendly vote, because Carruth was not present for the lengthy and detailed discussions re. the survey, therefore citizens had no chance to hear her views.
FEBRUARY 12
P - City Council/Planning Agency vote for a backyard fire place and patio cover approved by the neighborhood HOA
P - Vote for Authorization of the formation of a Laguna Hills Citizen led exploratory committee to contact South OC cities with existing animal shelters to assess their willingness and availability to contract with the City of Laguna Hills for Animal Care Services
FEBRUARY 26
F - Vote Against adopting the La Paz Open Space Preferred Concept Plan
MARCH 12
P - Vote for consideration of advertising in City Views to offset the cost.
F - Vote against changing the Closed Session meetings from after the council meeting to 6:00 pm before the council meetings to better inform citizens of any actions taken.**Editor's Note - This system has worked well in Aliso Viejo for many years.
P - Vote to appoint a person to the Parks and Rec Commission now rather than wait a month.
MARCH 26
F - 2nd Vote against the issue of moving Closed Sessions to before rather than after City Council Meetings to better inform citizens of any actions taken.
F - Vote against a study to consider the issue of the cost of acquiring a Citizen Based Planning Commission
APRIL 9
P - Vote for the development of a mobile app for the City and the establishment of special event facebook pages.
F - Vote against Mayor Pro-Tem Blount's Motion to request that the ACCOC check with members of their organization as to costs for having and operating a planning commission and report back to Laguna Hills. **Editor's Note - the cost estimate presented by city staff at this meeting was too wide ranging and non-specific to be useful.
P - Vote for 3/5 Dark Horse Marine Corporal Josue Barron to be the Grand Marshall of the 2013 Laguna Hills Memorial Day Event
APRIL 23
P - Vote to receive status report and continue citizen's group search for an Alternative to County Animal Shelter and Contol Services for Laguna Hills
P - Vote to form ad hoc committee to further study issue of cost analysis of City Views with opportunity for citizen input.
A - for suggesting an ad hoc committee to study City Views
P - Vote in favor of weed abatement
MAY 14
P - Vote to receive and file reports on the Memorial Day Race and the July 4 Event.
MAY 28  - ABSENT - NO VOTES - Unexplained Absence
JUNE 11 - ABSENT - NO VOTES - Unexplained Absence
JUNE 25
P - for Voting No on Consent Calendar Item 4.3 Adoption of Revised Financial Policies because this item included too many issues the vote probably could have gone either way.
F - for Voting No on acceptance of the 2013-2015 Biennial Budget
P - for Voting Yes on the Resolution to Establish New Classifications and Salary Ranges and Benefits within the Laguna Hills City Employees Assoc.
P - Vote for the Capital Improvement Program Conformance with the General Plan.
JULY 9
P - Vote for stopping any further payment for July 4 fireworks display and recovering amount already paid.
P - Vote to return Lease of City Vehicle for Assist. City Manager for more information/options.
P - Vote for Grant for money to improve sidewalk along La Paz for Safe Routes to School
P - Vote for paying $3,641.28 annual fee for (TIP) Trauma Intervention Program Agreement for Laguna Hills Residents to use as needed.
P - Vote for request to subdivide Cabot Rd. Town Ctr. Property
A - for referring request for salary and benefits increases for city management back to the City Manger for additional research and options.
P - Vote against the horse corral, at this time, at the Moulton La Paz Center when the representative of the developer of the center said they guessed they were against it. **Editor's Note - There could be a liability in forcing this issue on a project that is not prepared to deal with it. It would have been better to work out this problem prior to spending money for a corral that may never be used safely, if at all. A - for his suggestion to pass the rest of the project but to delay and reconsider the approval of the horse corral.
AUGUST 27
P - Vote in favor of the relocation of Judi's Laguna Pet Spa per request of the owner.
** No Grade until item returns for final vote on - EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS, SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR MANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL AND PART-TIME CLASSES OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY
P - Vote for the POLICE SERVICES STUDY that includes possible sharing of services with other cities.
P - Vote for EVALUATION OF HOLIDAY BANNER PROGRAM being sent to the Parks and Recreations Committee
P - Vote for 2013 MEMORIAL DAY RACE POST EVENT REPORT AND A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FUNDING FOR THE 3/5 MARINE SUPPORT COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 10
F - Vote against a letter of support for the proposed renovation of the Saddleback College Athletic Stadium as a self funded project.
Abstention - re. the EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS, SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR MANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL AND PART-TIME CLASSES OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY- **Editor's Note - We agree with passing this 3.5% increase for the City's Management Staff, but do not agree that it was a sacrifice for City Manager Channing to "verbally" agree to pay 0.75% of the "employee" share of his PERS Retirement Benefit for 2 years in exchange for receiving this 2 year raise for the city management staff, including himself, because, considering that according to his own report, at 107.3% of the County Average, his salary (excluding his benefits) is already too high. We credit him with being shrewd but not self sacrificing.
SEPTEMBER 24
P - Vote in favor of preparing and submitting written comments re. the Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration/Environmental Assessment for the I-5 widening project from State Route 73 to El Toro Rd.- related to the issue of freeway sound walls.
OCTOBER 8
A + for catching the problem with the SDG&E utility box location in a prime view area and getting it continued to verify the problem.
P - Vote to continue the item of the SDG&E Utility Box for another 2 weeks to verify the problem.
P - Vote for the Housing Element Update because there is no other choice that would not put the City at risk.
P - Vote to make a determination if there is enough money in the budget to study the issue of renovation of huge backlog of Poorly Maintained City Properties
F - Vote against removing an admittedly inappropriate tree from a parkway for a citizen who has offered to pay for the removal and replace the tree with one approved by the City. **Editor's Note - The tree provided shade only to the street, future Root Pruning and damage caused by roots may be more expensive than removing the tree now and the city has acknowledged in the past that it cannot remove the entire stump of a tree so future removal would leave a much larger stump that would not enhance the aesthetics of the community and larger roots that would prevent planting of a more appropriate tree.
OCTOBER 22
P - Vote for Approval for AT&T Wireless to modify and expand the existing communications facility at 26680 Alicia Pkwy. because basically we have learned over time that we have little to no choice in these matters.
P - Vote for Approval for CorePower Yoga facility on Lake Forest Dr.
P - Vote for Approval for Doctor's Ambulance be allowed to remain in the location they have inhabited for 20 plus years with no complaints from residents to date.
P - Vote for Approval of work done to address the Equity Issues in the Orange County Fire Authority.
P - Vote for Approval of the Veteran's Day Observance on the eleventh day, at the eleventh hour, and eleventh minute, for a two-minute remembrance to honor all Veterans.
P - VOTE for Approval of just the exploration of the cost for a trailhead
NOVEMBER 12P - Vote in favor of granting the Conditional Use Permit to the Hills Hotel to assist in moving toward a 4 Star Hotel in Laguna Hills.
P - Vote in favor of adopting new building and fire safety standards required by the State of CA.
P - Vote in favor of paying for the Police Services Study
NOVEMBER 26
P - Vote for passing the code to prohibit Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
P - Vote to pass the Ambulance Contract Award for the City to the OC Fire Authority **Editor's Note - We wish there would have been some consideration given to the price for ambulance services for residents in this matter.
P - Vote to hire a noise consultant and environmental attorney to provide more information for the City re. sound walls needed related to the April 2013 NOISE STUDY REPORT for the I-5 WIDENING PROJECT. **Editor's Note - Council Member Gilbert and the City Staff said, that no matter what information we receive this is probably a matter of being all in or all out for a very expensive legal battle with CalTrans that would ultimately be lost.
DECEMBER 10
P - Vote for Andrew Blount for Mayor
P - Vote for Dore Gilbert for Mayor Pro-Tem
P - Vote to adopt the updated State Building Codes, the updated Fire Codes and the Updated Swimming Pool Codes.

COUNCIL MEMBER CARRUTH
JANUARY 8   - ABSENT - NO VOTES - Unexplained Absence
JANUARY 22 - ABSENT - NO VOTES - Unexplained Absence
FEBRUARY 12
P - City Council/Planning Agency vote for a backyard fire place and patio cover approved by the neighborhood HOA
F - Vote Against Authorization of the formation of a Laguna Hills Citizen led exploratory committee to contact South OC cities with existing animal shelters to assess their willingness and availability to contract with the City of Laguna Hills for Animal Care Services.
FEBRUARY 26
P - Vote to adopt the La Paz Open Space Preferred Concept Plan - Adopt the preferred plan with one bench, with the Ballard lighting and we will revisit that after looking at some code issues as per our attorney's recommendation, that the trails be moved from La Paz as outlined by Mr. Rosenfield, and that we have pedestrian access from the maintenance road
MARCH 12
P - Vote for consideration of advertising in City Views to offset the cost.
P - Vote for changing the Closed Session meetings from after the council meeting to 6:00 pm before the council meetings to better inform citizens of any actions taken. **Editor's Note - This system has worked well in Aliso Viejo for many years.P - Vote to appoint a person to the Parks and Rec Commission now rather than wait a month.
MARCH 26
A - for introduction of Citizen friendly effort to make the issues at the local Nuclear Power Plant more transparent for citizens.
P - Vote for the Citizen Friendly issue of moving Closed Sessions to before rather than after City Council Meetings to better inform citizens of any actions taken.
F - Vote against a study to consider the issue the cost of acquiring a Citizen Based Planning Commission
APRIL 9
P - Vote for the development of a mobile app for the City and the establishment of special event facebook pages.
F - Vote against Mayor Pro-Tem Blount's Motion to request that the ACCOC check with other members of their organization as to costs for having and operating a planning commission and report back to Laguna Hills. **Editor's Note - the cost estimate presented by city staff at this meeting was too wide ranging and non-specific to be useful.
P - Vote for 3/5 Dark Horse Marine Corporal Josue Barron to be the Grand Marshall of the 2013 Laguna Hills Memorial Day Event
APRIL 23
P - Vote to receive status report and continue citizen's group search for an Alternative to County Animal Shelter and Contol Services for Laguna Hills
P - Vote to form ad hoc committee to further study issue of cost analysis of City Views with opportunity for citizen input.
P - Vote in favor of weed abatement
MAY 14
P - For Vote to receive and file reports on the Memorial Day Race and the July 4 Event.
MAY 28
F - Vote against the final determination of the signage consideration for the renovation of the shopping center at Moulton and La Paz.
JUNE 11
P - Vote to reduce the cost of City Views **Editor's Note - P for pass, but no applause related to no report of any consideration given to public input on this issue.
P - for pay off of some of the CalPERS City Employee Retirement Fund Debt
F - **Editor's Note - for lack of transparency related to no questions about or explanation of the cost to the taxpayers for the PARS City Employee Retirement Fund that is also provided for Laguna Hills City Employees in addition to PERS.P - Vote for traffic safety enhancements in Nellie Gail Ranch
P - Vote in traffic safety report to receive and file
P - Vote to make no changes to Law Enforcement Contract until there is more information
JUNE 25
P - Voting Yes on Consent Calendar Item 4.3 Adoption of Revised Financial Policies because this item included too many issues the vote probably could have gone either way.
P - Voting Yes on acceptance of the 2013-2015 Biennial Budget
P - Voting Yes on the Resolution to Establish New Classifications and Salary Ranges and Benefits within the Laguna Hills City Employees Assoc.
P - Vote for the Capital Improvement Program Conformance with the General Plan
JULY 9
P - Vote for stopping any further payment for July 4 fireworks display and recovering amount already paid.
P - Vote to return Lease of City Vehicle for Assist. City Manager for more information/options.
P - Vote for Grant for money to improve sidewalk along La Paz for Safe Routes to School
F - Vote against paying $3,641.28 annual fee for (TIP) Trauma Intervention Program Agreement for Laguna Hills Residents to use if needed.
P - Vote for request to subdivide Cabot Rd. Town Ctr. Property
A - for referring request for salary and benefits increases for city management back to the City Manger for additional research and options.
F - Vote for the horse corral at the Moulton La Paz Center when the representative of the developer of the center said they guessed they were against it.
F - Vote in favor of building a Horse Corral at the re-modeled shopping Center at Moulton and La Paz. ** Editor's Note - We're sorry to say we have to swim against the current on the Vote for a horse corral at the Moulton La Paz Center when the representative of the developer of the center stated he guessed they were against it as well as for safety reasons.- see further explanation under Council Member Blount above.
AUGUST 27
P - Vote in favor of the relocation of Judi's Laguna Pet Spa per request of the owner.
** No Grade until item returns for final vote on - EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS, SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR MANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL AND PART-TIME CLASSES OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY
P - Vote for the POLICE SERVICES STUDY that includes possible sharing of services with other cities.
P - Vote for EVALUATION OF HOLIDAY BANNER PROGRAM being sent to the Parks and Recreations Committee
P - Vote for 2013 MEMORIAL DAY RACE POST EVENT REPORT AND A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FUNDING FOR THE 3/5 MARINE SUPPORT COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 10
F - Vote against a letter of support for the proposed renovation of the Saddleback College Athletic Stadium as a self funded project.
P - Vote for the EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS, SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR MANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL AND PART-TIME CLASSES OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY - **Editor's Note - We agree with passing this 3.5% increase for the City's Management Staff, but do not agree that it was a sacrifice for City Manager Channing to "verbally" agree to pay 0.75% of the "employee" share of his PERS Retirement Benefit for 2 years in exchange for receiving this 2 year raise for the city management staff, including himself, because, considering that according to his own report, at 107.3% of the County Average, his salary (excluding his benefits) is already too high. We credit him with being shrewd but not self sacrificing.
SEPTEMBER 24
P - Vote in favor of preparing and submitting written comments re. the Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration/Environmental Assessment for the I-5 widening project from State Route 73 to El Toro Rd.- related to the issue of freeway sound walls.
OCTOBER 8
P - Vote to continue the item of the SDG&E Utility Box for another 2 weeks to verify the problem.
P - Vote for the Housing Element Update because there is no other choice that would not put the City at risk.
P - Vote to make a determination if there is enough money in the budget to study the issue of renovation of huge backlog of Poorly Maintained City Properties
F - Vote against removing an admittedly inappropriate tree from a parkway for a citizen who has offered to pay for the removal and replace the tree with one approved by the City. **Editor's Note - This tree provided shade only to the street, future Root Pruning and damage caused by roots may be more expensive than removing the tree now and the city has acknowledged in the past that it cannot remove the entire stump of a tree so future removal would leave a much larger stump that would not enhance the aesthetics of the community and larger roots that would prevent planting of a more appropriate tree.
OCTOBER 22
A - for the introduction of a Citizen Friendly Item of the exploration of the cost for a Trailhead and getting it passed. We could not give this item the full A+ because it was poorly constructed related to no visibility for the public of the area in question at the council meeting or online.
P - Vote for Approval for AT&T Wireless to modify and expand the existing communications facility at 26680 Alicia Pkwy. because basically we have learned over time that we have little to no choice in these matters.
P - Vote for Approval for CorePower Yoga facility on Lake Forest Dr.
F - Vote Against approval for Doctor's Ambulance be allowed to remain in the location they have inhabited for 20 plus years with no complaints from residents to date.
P - Vote for Approval of work done to address the Equity Issues in the Orange County Fire Authority.
P - Vote for Approval of the Veteran's Day Observance on the eleventh day, at the eleventh hour, and eleventh minute, for a two-minute remembrance to honor all Veterans.
P - VOTE for Approval of just the exploration of the cost for a trailhead
NOVEMBER 12
F - Vote against granting the Conditional Use Permit to the Hills Hotel to assist in moving toward a 4 Star Hotel in Laguna Hills
P - Vote in favor of adopting new building and fire safety standards required by the State of CA.
P - Vote in favor of paying for the Police Services Study
NOVEMBER 26
P - Vote passing the code to prohibit Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
P - Vote to pass the Ambulance Contract Award for the City to the OC Fire Authority **Editor's Note - We wish there would have been some consideration given to the price for ambulance services for residents in this matter.
P - Vote to hire a noise consultant and environmental attorney to provide more information for the City re. sound walls needed related to the April 2013 NOISE STUDY REPORT for the I-5 WIDENING PROJECT, **Editor's Note - Council Member Gilbert and the City Staff said, that no matter what information we receive this is probably a matter of being all in or all out for a very expensive legal battle with CalTrans that would ultimately be lost.
DECEMBER 10
P - Vote for Andrew Blount for Mayor
P - Vote for Dore Gilbert for Mayor Pro-Tem
P - Vote to adopt the updated State Building Codes, the updated Fire Codes and the Updated Swimming Pool Codes.

COUNCIL MEMBER GILBERT
JANUARY 8
A - Vote for the Block Grant Funds for Improvements at the Florence Sylvester Senior Center
JANUARY 22
P - Vote to review the questions on the City Survey with a 2 council member ad hoc committee before the survey is approved.
P - Vote for Kogerman and Blount to be on the committee reviewing the City Survey questions.
FEBRUARY 12
P - City Council/Planning Agency vote for a backyard fire place and patio cover approved by the neighborhood HOA
P - City Council vote for Authorization of the formation of a Laguna Hills Citizen led exploratory committee to contact South OC cities with existing animal shelters to assess their willingness and availability to contract with the City of Laguna Hills for Animal Care Services.
FEBRUARY 26
P - Vote to adopt the La Paz Open Space Preferred Concept Plan - Adopt the preferred plan with one bench, with the Ballard lighting and we will revisit that after looking at some code issues as per our attorney's recommendation, that the trails be moved from La Paz as outlined by Mr. Rosenfield, and that we have pedestrian access from the maintenance road.
MARCH 12
A+ for introducing and getting passed the concept of considering advertising in City Views to offset the cost to the City/taxpayers.
P - Vote for consideration of advertising in City Views to offset the cost.
P - Vote for changing the Closed Session meetings from after the council meeting to 6:00 pm before the council meetings to better inform citizens of any actions taken. **Editor's Note - This system has worked well in Aliso Viejo for many years.
P - Vote to appoint a person to the Parks and Rec Commission now rather than wait a month.
MARCH 26
P - Vote for the Citizen Friendly issue of moving Closed Sessions to before rather than after City Council Meetings to better inform citizens of any actions taken.
P - Vote for a study to consider the issue of the cost of acquiring a Citizen Based Planning Commission
APRIL 9
P - Vote for the development of a mobile app for the City and the establishment of special event facebook pages.
P - Vote for Mayor Pro-Tem Blount's Motion to request the ACCOC check with other members of their organization as to costs for having and operating a planning commission and report back to Laguna Hills. **Editor's Note - the cost estimate presented by city staff at this meeting was too wide ranging and non-specific to be useful.
P - Vote for 3/5 Dark Horse Marine Corporal Josue Barron to be the Grand Marshall of the 2013 Laguna Hills Memorial Day Event
APRIL 23
P - Vote to receive status report and continue citizen's group search for an Alternative to County Animal Shelter and Contol Services for Laguna Hills
P - Vote to form ad hoc committee to further study issue of cost analysis of City Views with opportunity for citizen input.
P - Vote in favor of weed abatement
MAY 14
P - Vote to receive and file reports on the Memorial Day Race and the July 4 Event.
MAY 28
F - Vote against the final determination of the signage consideration for the renovation of the shopping center at Moulton and La Paz.
JUNE 11
P - Vote to reduce the cost of City Views **Editor's Note - P for pass, but no applause related to no report of any consideration given to public input on this issue.
P - Vote for pay off of some of the CalPERS City Employee Retirement Fund Debt
F - **Editor's Note - for lack of transparency related to no questions about or explanation of the cost to the taxpayers for the PARS City Employee Retirement Fund that is also provided for Laguna Hills City Employees in addition to PERS.
P - Vote for traffic safety enhancements in Nellie Gail Ranch
P - Vote in traffic safety report to receive and file
P - Vote to make no changes to Law Enforcement Contract until there is more information
JUNE 25
P - Voting Yes on Consent Calendar Item 4.3 Adoption of Revised Financial Policies because this item included too many issues the vote probably could have gone either way.
P - Voting Yes on acceptance of the 2013-2015 Biennial Budget
P - Voting Yes on the Resolution to Establish New Classifications and Salary Ranges and Benefits within the Laguna Hills City Employees Assoc.
P - Voting for the Capital Improvement Program Conformance with the General Plan
JULY 9
P - Vote for stopping any further payment for July 4 fireworks display and recovering amount already paid.
P - Vote to return Lease of City Vehicle for Assist. City Manager for more information/options.
P - Vote for Grant for money to improve sidewalk along La Paz for Safe Routes to School
P - Vote for paying $3,641.28 annual fee for (TIP) Trauma Intervention Program Agreement for Laguna Hills Residents to use as needed.
P - Vote for request to subdivide Cabot Rd. Town Ctr. Property
A - for referring request for salary and benefits increases for city management back to the City Manger for additional research and options.
F - Vote for the horse corral at the Moulton La Paz Center when the representative of the developer of the center said they guessed they were against it.
F - Vote in favor of building a Horse Corral at the re-modeled shopping Center at Moulton and La Paz. ** Editor's Note - We're sorry to say we have to swim against the current on the Vote for a horse corral at the Moulton La Paz Center when the representative of the developer of the center stated he guessed they were against it as well as for safety reasons.- see further explanation under Council Member Blount above.
AUGUST 27P - Vote in favor of the relocation of Judi's Laguna Pet Spa per request of the owner.
** No Grade until item returns for final vote on - EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS, SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR MANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL AND PART-TIME CLASSES OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY
P - Vote for the POLICE SERVICES STUDY that includes possible sharing of services with other cities.
P - Vote for EVALUATION OF HOLIDAY BANNER PROGRAM being sent to the Parks and Recreations Committee
P - Vote for 2013 MEMORIAL DAY RACE POST EVENT REPORT AND A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FUNDING FOR THE 3/5 MARINE SUPPORT COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 10
P - Vote in support of a letter of support for the proposed renovation of the Saddleback College Athletic Stadium as a self funded project.
P - Vote for the EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS, SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR MANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL AND PART-TIME CLASSES OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY - **Editor's Note - We agree with passing this 3.5% increase for the City's Management Staff, but do not agree that it was a sacrifice for City Manager Channing to "verbally" agree to pay 0.75% of the "employee" share of his PERS Retirement Benefit for 2 years in exchange for receiving this 2 year raise for the city management staff, including himself, because, considering that according to his own report, at 107.3% of the County Average, his salary (excluding his benefits) is already too high. We credit him with being shrewd but not self sacrificing.
SEPTEMBER 24 - ABSENT - NO VOTE - ** Explained Absence for Required Service in a Military Reserve Unit.
OCTOBER 8
P - Vote to continue the item of the SDG&E Utility Box for another 2 weeks to verify the problem.
P - Vote for the Housing Element Update because there is no other choice that would not put the City at risk.
P - Vote to make a determination if there is enough money in the budget to study the issue of renovation of huge backlog of Poorly Maintained City Properties
F - Vote against removing an admittedly inappropriate tree from a parkway for a citizen who has offered to pay for the removal and replace the tree with one approved by the City. **Editor's Note - This tree provided shade only to the street, future Root Pruning and damage caused by roots may be more expensive than removing the tree now and the city has acknowledged in the past that it cannot remove the entire stump of a tree so future removal would leave a much larger stump that would not enhance the aesthetics of the community and larger roots that would prevent planting of a more appropriate tree.
OCTOBER 22
P - Vote for Approval for AT&T Wireless to modify and expand the existing communications facility at 26680 Alicia Pkwy. because basically we have learned over time that we have little to no choice in these matters.
P - Vote for Approval for CorePower Yoga facility on Lake Forest Dr.
P - Vote for Approval for Doctor's Ambulance be allowed to remain in the location they have inhabited for 20 plus years with no complaints from residents to date.
P - Vote for Approval of work done to address the Equity Issues in the Orange County Fire Authority.
P- Vote for Approval of the Veteran's Day Observance on the eleventh day, at the eleventh hour, and eleventh minute, for a two-minute remembrance to honor all Veterans.
P - VOTE for Approval of just the exploration of the cost for a trail head
NOVEMBER 12
P - Vote in favor of granting the Conditional Use Permit to the Hills Hotel to assist in moving toward a 4 Star Hotel in Laguna Hills.
P - Vote in favor of adopting new building and fire safety standards required by the State of CA.
P - Vote in favor of paying for the Police Services Study
NOVEMBER 26
P - Vote passing the code to prohibit Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
P - Vote to pass the Ambulance Contract Award for the City to the OC Fire Authority although we wish there would have been some consideration given to the price for ambulance services for residents. **Editor's Note - We wish there would have been some consideration given to the price for ambulance services for residents in this matter.
F - Vote against hiring a noise consultant and environmental attorney to provide more information for the City re. sound walls needed related to the April 2013 NOISE STUDY REPORT for the I-5 WIDENING PROJECT **Editor's Note - Council Member Gilbert and the City Staff said, and we tend to agree, that no matter what information we receive this is probably a matter of being all in or all out for a very expensive legal battle with CalTrans that would ultimately be lost.
DECEMBER 10
P - Vote for Andrew Blount for Mayor
P - Vote for Dore Gilbert for Mayor Pro-Tem
P - Vote to adopt the updated State Building Codes, the updated Fire Codes and the Updated Swimming Pool Codes.

COUNCIL MEMBER KOGERMAN
JANUARY 8
A - Vote for the Block Grant Funds for Improvements at the Florence Sylvester Senior Center
JANUARY 22
P - Vote to review the questions on the City Survey with a 2 council member ad hoc committee before the survey is approved.
P - Vote for Kogerman and Blount to be on the committee reviewing the City Survey questions.
FEBRUARY 12
P - City Council/Planning Agency vote for a backyard fire place and patio cover approved by the neighborhood HOA
P - Vote for Authorization of the formation of a Laguna Hills Citizen led exploratory committee to contact South OC cities with existing animal shelters to assess their willingness and availability to contract with the City of Laguna Hills for Animal Care Services.
A - For introducing the citizen friendly item of Exploration of Better Animal Care Services for citizens of Laguna Hills
A+ For getting the Exploration of Better Animal Care Services for citizens of Laguna Hills passed and getting the work done with little to no cost to the City
FEBRUARY 26
P - Vote to adopt the La Paz Open Space Preferred Concept Plan - Adopt the preferred plan with one bench, with the Ballard lighting and we will revisit that after looking at some code issues as per our attorney's recommendation, that the trails be moved from La Paz as outlined by Mr. Rosenfield, and that we have pedestrian access from the maintenance road
MARCH 12
P - Vote for consideration of advertising in City Views to offset the cost.
P - Vote for changing the Closed Session meetings from after the council meeting to 6:00 pm before the council meetings to better inform citizens of any actions taken. **Editor's Note - This system has worked well in Aliso Viejo for many years
P - Vote to appoint a person to the Parks and Rec Commission now rather than wait a month.
MARCH 26
A - for requesting a Study of the issue of acquiring a Citizen Based Planning Commission
P - Vote for the Citizen Friendly issue of moving Closed Sessions to before rather than after City Council Meetings to better inform citizens of any actions taken.
P - Vote for a study to consider the issue of the cost of acquiring a Citizen Based Planning Commission
APRIL 9
P - Vote for the development of a mobile app for the City and the establishment of special event facebook pages.
P - Vote for Mayor Pro-Tem Blount's Motion to request the ACCOC to check with other members of their organization as to costs for having and operating a planning commission and report back to us. **Editor's Note - the cost estimate presented by city staff at this meeting was too wide ranging and non-specific to be useful. P - Vote for 3/5 Dark Horse Marine Corporal Josue Barron to be the Grand Marshall of the 2013 Laguna Hills Memorial Day Event
APRIL 23
P - Vote to receive status report and continue citizen's group search for an Alternative to County Animal Shelter and Contol Services for Laguna Hills
P - Vote to form ad hoc committee to further study issue of cost analysis of City Views with opportunity for citizen input.
P - Vote in favor of weed abatement
MAY 14
P - Vote to receive and file reports on the Memorial Day Race and the July 4 Event.
MAY 28
P - Vote for the final determination of the signage consideration for the renovation of the shopping center at Moulton and La Paz.
JUNE 11
P - Vote to reduce the cost of City Views **Editor's Note - P for pass, but no applause related to no report of any consideration given to public input on this issue.
P - Vote for pay off of some of the CalPERS City Employee Retirement Fund Debt
F - **Editor's Note - for lack of transparency related to no questions about or explanation of the cost to the taxpayers for the PARS City Employee Retirement Fund that is also provided for Laguna Hills City Employees in addition to PERS.
P - Vote for traffic safety enhancements in Nellie Gail Ranch
P - Vote in traffic safety report to receive and file
P - Vote to make no changes to Law Enforcement Contract until there is more information
JUNE 25
P - Voting Yes on Consent Calendar Item 4.3 Adoption of Revised Financial Policies   because this item included too many issues the vote probably could have gone either way.
P - Voting Yes on acceptance of the 2013-2015 Biennial Budget
P - Voting Yes on the Resolution to Establish New Classifications and Salary Ranges and Benefits within the Laguna Hills City Employees Assoc.
P - Voting for the Capital Improvement Program Conformance with the General Plan
JULY 9
P - Vote for stopping any further payment for July 4 fireworks display and recovering amount already paid.
P - Vote to return Lease of City Vehicle for Assist. City Manager for more information/options.
P - Vote for Grant for money to improve sidewalk along La Paz for Safe Routes to School
P - Vote for paying $3,641.28 annual fee for (TIP) Trauma Intervention Program Agreement for Laguna Hills Residents to use as needed.
P - Vote for request to subdivide Cabot Rd. Town Ctr. Property
A - for referring request for salary and benefits increases for city management back to the City Manger for additional research and options.
F - Vote for the horse corral at the Moulton La Paz Center when the representative of the developer of the center said they guessed they were against it.
F - Vote in favor of building a Horse Corral at the re-modeled shopping Center at Moulton and La Paz. ** Editor's Note - We're sorry to say we have to swim against the current on the Vote for a horse corral at the Moulton La Paz Center when the representative of the developer of the center stated he guessed they were against it as well as for safety reasons. - see further explanation under Council Member Blount above.
A - For Suggestion of posting a sign with clear rules for the horse carral. **Editor's Note - If the city is going to force this issue we agree with Mayor Kogerman about posting a sign with clear rules of use for the horse corral.
AUGUST 27
P - Vote in favor of the relocation of Judi's Laguna Pet Spa per request of the owner.
** No Grade until item returns for final vote on - EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS, SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR MANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL AND PART-TIME CLASSES OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY.
P - Vote for EVALUATION OF HOLIDAY BANNER PROGRAM being sent to the Parks and Recreations Committee
P - Vote for 2013 MEMORIAL DAY RACE POST EVENT REPORT AND A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FUNDING FOR THE 3/5 MARINE SUPPORT COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 10
P - Vote in support of a letter of support for the proposed renovation of the Saddleback College Athletic Stadium as a self funded project.
P - Vote for the EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS, SALARY RANGES AND BENEFITS FOR MANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL AND PART-TIME CLASSES OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY - **Editor's Note - We agree with passing this 3.5% increase for the City's Management Staff, but do not agree that it was a sacrifice for City Manager Channing to "verbally" agree to pay 0.75% of the "employee" share of his PERS Retirement Benefit for 2 years in exchange for receiving this 2 year raise for the city management staff, including himself, because, considering that according to his own report, at 107.3% of the County Average, his salary (excluding his benefits) is already too high. We credit him with being shrewd but not self sacrificing.
SEPTEMBER 24
P - Vote in favor of preparing and submitting written comments re. the Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration/Environmental Assessment for the I-5 widening project from State Route 73 to El Toro Rd. - related to the issue of freeway sound walls.
OCTOBER 8
A+ for managing to get some kind of response for city taxpayers and pet owners regarding questionable previous information from Assist. City Manager Don White, and questionable payments this year to the Orange County Animal Shelter, and responding to that information.
A - for authoring the citizen friendly item of making a plan to do more about the enormous backlog of Poorly Maintained City Properties
P - Vote to continue the item of the SDG&E Utility Box for another 2 weeks to verify the problem.
P - Vote for the Housing Element Update because there is no other choice that would not put the City at risk.
P - Vote to make a determination if there is enough money in the budget to study the issue of renovation of huge backlog of Poorly Maintained City Properties
Abstention - Mayor Kogerman recused herself and did not vote on the parkway tree item because it was in her neighborhood.
OCTOBER 22
A+ for introducing the Citizen Friendly item of Approval of the Veteran's Day Observance on the eleventh day, at the eleventh hour, and eleventh minute, for a two-minute remembrance to honor all Veterans and getting it passed.
P - Vote for Approval for AT&T Wireless to modify and expand the existing communications facility at 26680 Alicia Pkwy. because basically we have learned over time that we have little to no choice in these matters.
P - Vote for Approval for CorePower Yoga facility on Lake Forest Dr.
P - Vote for Approval for Doctor's Ambulance be allowed to remain in the location they have inhabited for 20 plus years with no complaints from residents to date.
P - Vote for Approval of work done to address the Equity Issues in the Orange County Fire Authority.
P - Vote for Approval of the Veteran's Day Observance on the eleventh day, at the eleventh hour, and eleventh minute, for a two-minute remembrance to honor all Veterans.
P - VOTE for Approval of just the exploration of the cost for a trailhead
NOVEMBER 12
P - Vote in favor of granting the Conditional Use Permit to the Hills Hotel to assist in moving toward a 4 Star Hotel in Laguna Hills.
P - Vote in favor of adopting new building and fire safety standards required by the State of CA.
P - Vote in favor of paying for the Police Services Study
NOVEMBER 26
P - Vote passing the code to prohibit Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
P - Vote to pass the Ambulance Contract Award for the City to the OC Fire Authority although we wish there would have been some consideration given to the price for ambulance services for residents. **Editor's Note - We wish there would have been some consideration given to the price for ambulance services for residents in this matter.
P- Vote to hire a noise consultant and environmental attorney to provide more information for the City re. sound walls needed related to the April 2013 NOISE STUDY REPORT for the I-5 WIDENING PROJECT, although we also believe, as Council Member Gilbert stated, that no matter what information we receive this is probably a matter of being all in for a very expensive legal battle with CalTrans that would ultimately be lost.**Editor's Note - Council Member Gilbert and the City Staff said, that no matter what information we receive this is probably a matter of being all in or all out for a very expensive legal battle with CalTrans that would ultimately be lost.
DECEMBER 10
P - Vote for Andrew Blount for Mayor
P - Vote for Dore Gilbert for Mayor Pro-Tem
P - Council Member Kogerman's "No" vote for the ACCOC until that organization can assure us of no political interference with the workings of colleges, universities and other institutions.
P - Vote to adopt the updated State Building Codes, the updated Fire Codes and the Updated Swimming Pool Codes.

CITY MANAGER CHANNING
JANUARY 8 - Nothing this time.
JANUARY 22
F - for continuously touting the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) "Distinguished Budget Presentation Award" every year, as a major award for the City when it is more good looks than substance and no guarantee of solvency.
FEBRUARY 12 - Nothing this time.
FEBRUARY 26 - Nothing this time.
MARCH 12 - Nothing this time.
MARCH 26 - Nothing this time.
APRIL 9
F - for Inadequate cost analysis of costs for having and operating a planning commission **Editor's Note - the cost estimate presented by city staff at this meeting was too wide ranging and non-specific to be useful.
APRIL 23 - Nothing this time.
MAY 14 - Nothing this time.
MAY 28
A+ for the wonderful job done by the Community Services Dept. for the Memorial Day Event.
P - for attending the ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) convention in Las Vegas this year and actively pursuing opportunities for the city's businesses there.
JUNE 11
P - for pay off of some of the CalPERS City Employee Retirement Fund Debt
F - **Editor's Note - for lack of transparency related to no questions about or explanation of the cost to the taxpayers for the PARS City Employee Retirement Fund that is also provided for Laguna Hills City Employees in addition to PERS.
JUNE 25
F - **Editor's Note - for Lack of Transparency related to no reference in the entire budget process to the additional Retirement Plan the City provides for Laguna Hills Employees - PARS (Public Agency Reitrement System).
JULY 9
F - for Not voluntarily exempting himself and the Assist. City Manager from the management staff salary and benefit increases he has proposed that are in addition to the contract salary and benefits that they receive from the City.
F - for failing to include more information and options in request for purchase or lease of car for the Assist. City Manager
AUGUST 27
F - for staff not being aware of reason for $46,117.00 in Payments to the Orange County Animal Shelter, AFTER Assistant City Manager Don White told us on April 16, 2013 there would be no more payments this year.
F - for making it personal re. compensation for Management Staff related to City Manager already being compensated beyond the top range for the City. The City Manager and Assist. City Manager should not be double dipping from benefits to other staff, when they both have a contract with the City for their salary and benefits.
SEPTEMBER 10
(P-) - Channing agreed to pay only 0.75% of his portion of his PERS retirement plan for the 2 year duration of a Salary Resolution to obtain an increase in salary for Staff Management. **Editor's Note - We agree with passing this 3.5% increase for the City's management staff, but do not agree that it was a sacrifice for City Manager Channing to "verbally" agree to pay 0.75% of the "employee" share of his PERS Retirement Benefit for 2 years in exchange for receiving this 2 year raise for the city management staff, including himself, because, considering that according to his own report, at 107.3% of the County Average, his salary (excluding his benefits) is already too high. Because he did not agree to change the terms of his contract, in exchange for him "verbally" agreeing to pay 0.75% of the "employee" share of his PERS Retirement Benefit for 2 years, he is able to double dip and receive this staff increase for himself in addition to everything he receives under his Contract
/Employment Agreement with the City from taxpayers. We credit him with being shrewd but not self sacrificing.
SEPTEMBER 24 - ABSENT - Unexplained Absence
OCTOBER 8
F - for the Assistant City Manager approving at least two payments from the City to the County Animal Shelter, one for $38,000 that probably should have been billed to another city and another for $46,000 to the without knowing what these payments were for and not finding out until he was called out for an explanation.
OCTOBER 22
A - for report and work done to address the Equity Issues in the Orange County Fire Authority
NOVEMBER 12 - Nothing this time.
NOVEMBER 26 - **Editor's Note - Channing agreed with Council Member Gilbert and the City Staff who said, that no matter what information we receive this is probably a matter of being all in or all out for a very expensive legal battle with CalTrans that would ultimately be lost, however Channing agreed to manage the battle for the City
DECEMBER 10 - Nothing this time

Laguna Hills Watch Dog

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Old Medications Drop Off Point for So. OC

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

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