January 11, 2011 - Laguna Hills City Council Meeting
All Council Members were present
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New Feature - The LH Watch Dog has received a lot of e-mails related to establishing a Report Card for each council member in 2011 based upon the essential ingredients from the 2010 election, including the following: Maximum Transparency in everything reported by the City Council and Staff including the council agenda, online and in City Views; Complete accountability to the citizens in every decision that is made; Web streaming unedited City Council meetings and making them available anytime for Citizens to view at their convenience; Safety for Citizens including more frequent Crime Reports for the city and both honest and easy to understand reporting of the numbers of deputies currently being used and their specialties related to how they serve the citizens; Curtailing bloated compensations for City Council and Staff; Looking at ways to make Health Insurance Plans for City Staff and Council Members more affordable including establishing an employee contribution; Greater attention to council members ordering costly and un-necessary reports including for the purpose of stalling an issue; making the City Manager more accountable to the city council, and through them to the citizens, by instituting internal audits of City Manager's and other City Management's expense accounts and public reporting of them; curtailing some City Manager powers such as allowing him to give raises to staff without council approval; Establishing a definition for "Total Value" and a definition for how frequently a new car will be purchased for any staff member including a requirement for the purchase price to be publicly approved and publicly reported by the city council before it takes place. We are also going to look at how the Laguna Hills City Manager's current contract may have a strangle hold on citizens/taxpayers, by comparing it with CM's contracts in other cities. We will monitor for larger Citizen issues such as the City Coyote Problem, a need for campaign finance reform for Laguna Hills to level the playing field for City Council Candidates, the Poor City Services such as the City's 20 year old contract with the now 70 year old County Animal Shelter in Orange, as well as specific neighborhood issues including traffic and safety.

Our New Year's Resolution is that the LH Watch Dog is going to work harder this year to focus on all issues that fall into, but are not limited to, the categories listed above and record the opinions and votes of every council member on those citizen related issues and more. We hope this will shine a light on council members whose actions and accomplishments prove them to be transparent, accountable to the citizens and citizen friendly public servants. We encourage everyone to contribute their ideas to this process. Our Report Card a very simple ongoing report that will help to establish the value of each city council member as a voting guide for citizens who choose to use it.

Presentations and Proclamations - Public Comments - NONE

Public Comments - Mike Bland, Laguna Hills Resident stated the City's Adopted 3/5 Marines Support Committee was re-established less than 2 months ago. He gave a brief slide presentation of the Marines in Afghanistan and the Support Committee's progress since that time, including the Marine's Banner hanging on the Community Center with a light on it until they come home. He thanked Community Services Superintendent Dan Meehan and Deputy City Manager/Community Services Director David Reynolds for getting the banner hung and lighted and Mayor Pro-Tem Carruth for getting that very large banner made from a small copy of the Marines Battalions Shield and Darkhorse logo. He also thanked Laguna Hills Resident Dee Dee McGann-Gollwitzer, Wildlife Photographer who donated her time and talent to take this gorgeous, almost magical, illuminated photo of the banner at night as well as photos during the day of the banner for the committee's archives. You can see the night photo of the banner at http://www.ocregister.com/news/marines-283528-banner-committee.html and more of Dee Dee's photos at www.USWildlifeImages.com and http://www.pbase.com/deedee_g/root&page=all

Mike added there is information inside the Community Center about the Marines and how to help support them. He noted a photo sent from Afghanistan of the Marines with one of their dogs who assists in locating IEDs. Specific information about the dogs is protected for security, but he said the dogs do come home with their Marine handlers when the 3/5 returns. He spoke about the great success of the Holiday Toy Drive this year, with special thanks to Council Members Randal Bressette and Melody Carruth for getting this effort moving forward again. He noted the success to date of the "Sock it to the 3/5 Marines Campaign" to send warm comfortable socks to the Marines in Afghanistan. He thanked Laguna Hills Citizen Jonathan Bromberg for the great Campaign Slogan and he thanked the community for their generosity in the success of the Toy Drive and the ongoing socks for the Marines Campaign as well as Council Member Bressette who is retired military so ordered the socks through the Marine Corps Exchange for a reduced price that includes shipping, to enable more socks to be sent. He also thanked city staff members Sandy Morgan and Melissa Au-Yeung for organizing and tracking the donations for the socks. Mike said he is mailing thank you notes to everyone who donated. He said about 25 boxes of school supplies have been sent for the Marines to hand out to the Afghan children and noted that citizens have really stepped up to support their Adopted Marines.

Mayor Pro-Tem Carruth added that this Marine Support Committee built upon what Laguna Hills Citizen Richard Nagle had done in the Fall with LHHS students and students in elementary schools in sending large numbers of care and comfort items to the Marines in Afghanistan and thanked Mike Bland for taking over as Chairman of the Support Committee. Mike added that the support from the Council in 2010 was really important and the Committee is close to finalizing the incorporation papers and full non-profit status.

David Russell Oren, Laguna Woods Citizen spoke about the large numbers of pot holes on Ridge Route where he drives daily. He noted Ridge Route is a street located almost entirely in Laguna Hills and badly in need of repair. Ken Rosenfield Director of Public Services and City Engineer said Ridge Route is not scheduled for repaving until 2014 but temporary repairs are being done as needed, weather permitting.

Meg Gorham, Laguna Hills Citizen spoke on behalf of an LHHS Grad Night fundraising effort entitled "Win Win Wednesday". She said letters were sent to 70 Laguna Hills Restaurants asking them to participate as fund raisers on Wed. nights between now and Graduation. So,until June 15, 2011 there will be an opportunity to dine at a local Laguna Hills Restaurant on a Wed. Night and they will contribute to Grad Night. Call LHHS for more information.

Kurt Bardos, Laguna Hills Citizen said he lives on Sunset Place and needs a Maple tree removed from a City Parkway because its roots are destroying his yard and have caused multiple problems to his plumbing that resulted in expensive repairs. He said he has spoken with Ken Rosenfield Director of Public Services and City Engineer and asked for this through the City twice previously but nothing has been done. He added that the HOA for this area is also involved in this issue. He was referred back to Ken Rosenfield by Mayor Songstad because this is not an agendized item.

LHHS Student Liaison Report by Mike Spain - Wrestling over the weekend with San Clemente, Boy's Soccer beat University on Friday, Win Win Grad Night Fund Raiser, Finals will be the last week of June, planning for College Admissions now and Mike jokingly added after that we are just looking at and keeping GPAs above 2.0. He added this is his last report and thanked the council for this opportunity.

Minutes - Recommendation that the City Council Approve the Minutes of the previous City Council Meeting for publication on the city web site. The minutes from tonight's meeting will not be edited and approved for publication until the next city council meeting so there is a long delay for the public related to timely information from the city.

Consent Calendar - Item 4.2 Warrant Register = $1,216,199.37

Items of interest from the Warrant Register - $102,500 settlement paid to Eric Young by the City for a bike accident

Items of Interest from the Consent Calendar: Items on the Consent Calendar are placed there by City Staff.
Item 4.3 - One year extension of the joint recreation Maintenance and Operation Agreement with Saddleback Valley Unified School District for use of the Upper High School Field.
Item 4.4 - Award of Contract for the La Paz road widening at I-5 Project.
Item 4.5 - Memorandum of Understanding with the OC Transportation Authority for Edinger Ave, Irvine Ctr. Dr., Moulton Pkwy., and Golden Lantern Traffic Light Synch. Program.
Item 4.6 - Memorandum of Understanding with the OC Transportation Authority for El Toro Rd.
Traffic Light Synch. Program.
Item 4.7 - 2011 Citizen Survey - Recommendation that the City Council direct Staff to forgo the 2011 Citizen Survey. *Editor's Note - If this item had not been pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion the 2011 Citizen Survey, a potentially valuable tool for Citizens to rate their priorities and give their opinions about the City, would have been eliminated without discussion and without knowledge of all citizens who had not carefully read the Agenda for this council meeting. This Survey has previously been conducted every 2 years since 1995. The City staff report states that this year because citizens have fewer phone numbers listed in the phone book they were concerned that they could not get a representative random sample of 400 citizens and the sample would be skewed toward an older population. Staff states the budget savings would be $18,000. The staff suggestion is to put enhanced information in City Views rather than do a citizen survey.
*This is an excellent example of why the Laguna Hills Watch Dog was started. The staff report says phone #s from the white pages are used to survey 400 random citizens and staff knew in 2009 that there were only 4266 phone numbers posted in the white pages for this city at that time. So, in 2009 already suspecting that the survey may not be valid, they did it anyway because they said they were already committed and they eliminated so many of the questions that the focus was narrowed to the point that it became an arguably useless tool. Since that time staff and some council members have quoted the 2009 results frequently saying a high percentage of the population feels this city is a great place to live. The LH Watch Dog sent e-mails to several council members before this meeting to alert them regarding this item in the Consent Calendar.
Item 4.8 - Final Grant Application for the Urban Forestry Grant Pgrm. known as "Green Trees for the Golden State" for funding from the Urban Forestry Grant Pgrm. provided through Propositions 40 & 84.
Item 4.9 - Local Implementation Plan document update for Water Quality Requirements as needed during the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit Term.
Vote - Consent Calendar Items (except 4.2, 4.3 and 4.7) passed 5 - 0

Items Pulled from the Consent Calendar -
Item 4.2 - Approval of the Warrant Register pulled by Council Member Kogerman who asked for an explanation of why the City has paid Joe A Gonsalves & Son (a State Legislature Lobbying Group) $2,900 a month or about $35,000 a year for many years and continues to pay. She noted that no other cities in Orange County appear to use their services and she asked what services are they actually providing. Mayor Songstad responded that they are a valuable information source if needed. City Manager Channing added they are used as protection against take-away legislation. Because of a long term relationship their fee to our city is less. They are useful to look after our selective interests, etc. Council Member Carruth stated she was also interested in looking further into this contract expenditure related to budgeting sessions coming up because we now get a lot of this information from the League of Cities.

Paul Stanislaw, Laguna Hills Citizen admitted that he used to just check the boxes to vote for City Council but is now getting engaged in what goes on in the City and being a more productive citizen. He asked what specifically has this lobbying firm done for Laguna Hills in the past. City Manager Channing stated they helped right after incorporation when the City needed special legislation to extend the effective date of the Terms of Office for three recently elected City Council Members who came into office in Dec. so would technically have had to run for office again in 3 months after incorporation. They helped through the State Legislature to fight the County of Orange in 1995-96 related to the City annexing North Laguna Hills. They helped in the late 90s to fight against property tax legislation to take away revenue from certain contract oriented cities, they've helped with Grant proposals, with improving funding chances, with the State Board of Equalization re. a sales tax issue and Council Member Lautenschleger added they actually get us in the door to talk with State Legislators when others are lined up waiting. Mr.Stanislaw thanked the Council for the more specific information.
Vote was 5-0 in favor of passing Item 4.2/Warrant Register

Item 4.3 - One year Extension of Maintenance and Operation Agreement for use of LHHS Upper Field was pulled by Council Member Carruth to ask if there was any council or staff concern about the renewal date for this contract and/or the improvements the City has made to these fields not being properly maintained. Deputy City Manager/Community Services Director David Reynolds responded there was no concern and that our agreement is for payment for the brick dust for the softball fields and some other general maintenance and for lights. Staff could look at this issue of the fields and bring a staff report back to the council.
Vote was 5-0 in favor of passing Item 4.3

Item 4.7 - 2011 Citizen Survey -
Staff Recommendation - City Council direct Staff to forgo the 2011 Citizen Survey. This item was pulled by Council Member Bressette who asked why we are just learning tonight about this and why were we not informed of these problems in 2009. Assistant City Manager Don White stated this has been happening over time, there was concern 2 years ago. One of the reasons we decided to go forward was that we were dealing with the Recreations Needs Assessment which included a phone survey that was less than we were paying for the overall survey. So we did that survey to get the information for the Recreation Facility Needs Assessment. We'd always delt with 60% - 70% of land lines listed but now down to about 38%. When the survey company was called this year they made a professional assessment that they could no longer take that data from that and extrapolate it to the whole population. Two years ago they had not come to that decision but now they have. Council Member Bressette asked if they have access to other phone records such as the Registrar of Voters information. Assistant City Attorney Don White stated what they would have to do is take the Voter Registration List and go again to the white pages to cross reference. There is a neighboring city that does that but the survey group said that narrows the population even more. Also using cell phones is problematic when doing a survey. They could do a survey and say it's going to be pretty comparable to 2 years ago but not one that you can be confident in extrapolating. Council Member Bressette responded we have been using the results of the 2009 survey data so if they were uncomfortable with that data 2 years ago they should have told us, did they? Assistant City Attorney Don White answered, "No". Council Member Bressette continued that he found this odd that University of Texas now decides that they can't generate an appropriate statistical sampling for us. It sounds like now that we had an election and the public made quite a statement we no longer care to obtain our residents input as we have since 1995 primarily because we no longer care about your opinion based on the election. He said he didn't think that was true but is the message we are potentially sending. He said he thinks this survey needs to be done and to use in the biennial budget program and we need to look now to 2013 to find out now what we can do then. There was a lengthy discussion with Council Member Songstad asking about using a different survey vendor, and Council Member Kogerman said we should have the survey and suggested using mail out surveys. City Manager Channing strongly stressed the question of the validity of the survey if it is done with existing phone #s and contributed that it is more expensive for a mailed survey than for a phone survey (**Editor's Note - No, you're not crazy if you're thinking what we're thinking - Why now is the City Manager considering costs to citizens when the issue is something useful for the citizens? Where was his concern for costs to the citizens when he bought the $60,000 luxury car for his personal use with taxpayer money in Tustin?) Council Member Kogerman also questioned the survey questions and asserted that if the city had asked citizens previously what they thought about Term Limits they may have saved everybody a lot of money and time. Assistant City Manager Don White said another survey would defer to the questions used in the previous 2007 survey. Mayor Pro-Tem Carruth summed it up by saying Staff gave us no options tonight other than dropping the survey. Council Member Lautenschleger said he was offended by the statement that this looked like a political issue this year and stressed that he wanted the survey but why do a survey if it's not representative of the people?

Vote was 5-0 in favor of directing the preparation of the 2011 Citizen Survey by using the voter registration index for phone numbers but not the sole source of phone numbers and find a new vendor if appropriate.

Item 4.8 - Vote - passed 5-0 without Council Member Kogerman who recused herself because she lives in Forestry Grant Pgrm. Area.

Planning Agency -
Item 5.2 - Report re. the use of LED Neon Linear Lighting to outline the roof line of the Hills Hotel located at 25205 La Paz Rd.
Staff Recommendation - A code amendment to allow the limited use of LED neon and exposed Neon signage, subject to a master sign program.
Community Development Director, Vern Jones spoke about the lighting along the roof line of the Hills Hotel. He noted that visibility of a very large sign for the Hotel on the property and another sign on the Hotel (that was built in the 1970s) are blocked related to large trees in the Caltrans right of way. The occupancy rate have dramatically diminished in the past 2 years and is down to about 20%. He said there are some blurred lines where lighting at some point becomes signage. He recommended a review of the City's code for updating related to new types of lighting technology used today. He said LED lighting is not mentioned at all in the current City Code and surrounding cities all allow LED, LED/Neon and/or exposed Neon to some degree. He noted staff has received 2 complaints in May of 2010 from residents living behind the Hotel. An investigation was done and it was determined that the LED lights used were labeled LED Neon had a similar effect to neon lights which are banned in the city code so the Hotel owner was advised and at some point the lights were turned off. Then shortly before the holidays the lights were turned back on except the lights directly facing the residential area. He said incandescent lights and individual LED bulbs are allowed in the City Code, but Laguna Hills is one of the few cities that bans Neon from outlining buildings, roofs and/or windows. He gave examples of a variety of shopping centers in OC who use incandescent, LED and/or neon lighting. He said LED is widely used these days because it is so much more efficient than neon, wears better and is in general less expensive in the way it is packaged here but the use of individual LED bulbs is very expensive.

Mayor Pro-Tem Melody Carruth, stressed the 2 complaints from the surrounding community in May of 2010 about the lights and asked why the current code had not been enforced to prohibit the lighting which was clearly visible to the neighboring community and out of compliance at that time and why all residents within 500 feet were not notified re. this issue?
Community Development Director, Vern Jones restated that the lights had been turned off but were turned back on for the holiday season (Thanksgiving to New Years) so at this point the council can elect to enforce a ban on these lights and/or conduct a review of the city code to decide re. the current lighting and during that time residents within 300 feet will be notified.
Council Member Kogerman asked which lights were currently turned off and which are still on? She added that in talking with some of the residents they said they had no problem with the lights on the freeway side of the building.

Planning Agency Public Comments - Mike Mofid, Laguna Hills Citizen and owner of the hotel stated that he acquired this hotel after the previous owners considered abandoning it. He said he invested a lot of money in remodeling it and is now struggling to keep it going in a bad economy. The trees block his signs and he needs the hotel to be seen from the freeway. He stressed that he lives in the neighboring community and wants to be a good neighbor but needs lighting so the hotel will be seen and the type of lighting he is now using consists of of tiny LED (ball shaped) diodes encased in clear thick plastic rope radiating a blue color. He stated his electric bill for incandescent lighting was $25,000 and has been reduced to $8000 with this new type of lighting. In response to a suggestion from Mayor Pro-Tem Carruth he said more subtle uplighting on the building has not worked because the trees block the view of the hotel the color of the lighting is to draw attention to the building but could be changed.

Vivian Stapleton, Laguna Hills Citizen since 1986. She said her family has enjoyed living near the hotel and participated in activities there as recently as over the 2010 holidays. She noted that it is unique and beautiful inside and said she wants the hotel to thrive. She added her concern tonight is for the residents. She brought photos of how the lighting looked in May that showed two large arches outlined in red lights. She said that in May the light from the blue lights penetrated well into her property and into her home. Now with the lights in the back turned off it is better however that strip on the South end of the building still shines into her home and homes of her neighbors. She said last night the North side of the building was fully illuminated one can see the blue tint on the homes when looking up at them. She said she had done some research and noted that the amount of illumination from multiple LED diodes can be more than from single source Neon. She suggested possible hooding of the lights to keep the light on the building but keep the intensity of the light from penetrating outward into the nearby community or possibly use some type of illuminating originating from inside the building. She said she had no problem with the lighting facing the freeway. Related to lighting codes she noted the "Dark Sky" element endorsed by cities such as San Diego that contains light pollution.

Council Member Kogerman suggested moving the Staff Recommendation to amending the code to allow the use of LED Neon and exposed Neon lighting and review the code for updates. She moved Staff Recommendation to Amend the codes as has been done in neighboring cities. She stressed that this hotel has been a long time community/city resource and partner in some years providing $350,000 or more in revenues to the city. She said she likes the look from the freeway and doesn't understand a prohibition against a roof outline in general, if it does not interfere with neighbors. She noted that the new owner has done so much to upgrade this hotel and the result is elegance. She said we need to encourage business without intruding on residents and she believes a solution to that can be found here. She noted that the "Dark Skys" areas were rather rare but has seen some designated areas for them such as in the Anza-Borrego Desert. (*See Dark Sky Sites in CA at www.observingsites.com/ds_ca.htm )

Council Member Bressette offered a motion of - Planning agency directs staff to return with a code amendment allowing the limited use of LED, Neon and exposed Neon signage.
Mayor Pro-Tem Carruth offered her thoughts that the City, rather than asking a hotel to comply with city code is looking at changing the code and added that the lighting on this hotel is too intense.
Vote was 4 - 1 in favor of directing staff to return with a code amendment allowing the use of LED, Neon and exposed Neon signage, with the No vote being Mayor Pro-Tem Carruth
Council Member Bressette added that he believes the code as it is now should be enforced at this time. Council Member Kogerman stated she did not agree as long as the hotel lights that concern the residents are turned off but the lights on the freeway side of the hotel should be allowed to continue as we update the code.
Planning Agency was Adjourned

City Council Administrative Reports - These Items are authored by City Staff
6.2 - Assistant City Manager - A. Comprehensive Compensation Study
Staff Recommendation - City Staff is asking the city council to direct staff to issue a Request for a Proposal for Comprehensive Compensation Study Services. Staff report says there may be a public presentation in May of the results of this study to look at how this City compares with others related to providing reasonable, fair and competitive compensation to its Full Time Employees.

Council Member Kogerman said she opposes this recommendation because she believes we should look at what we have such as realigning our spending priorities related to what many believe to be excessive management compensation before we collect statistics. She said we need to revisit City compensation policies before gathering more information such as our policy that staff should be paid 5% above the average for comparable positions, and our City Manager is the 10th highest compensated City Manager in the State, etc. A new policy that reflects the views of the citizens should be established and then we can seek evidence from the market place after we know what we are looking for. Compensation should be set by City Council not by staff report. A hired consultant is unlikely to recommend that we reduce compensation, and we don't know what the state has in store so now is the time to be especially prudent. She said staff gathering this information could use it in future negotiations so it is wrong for taxpayers to pay for what is essentially a negotiating strategy. She noted that she did this research just one year ago and would share it as a base of information to be augmented as needed. Mayor Pro-Tem Carruth stated we have a public perception problem with people really angry and suggested a consultant to gather the information. Council Member Bressette said understanding compensation throughout CA. is important and agreed with having an independent professional to collect this information. Council Member Lautenschleger stated 28% of our budget is allocated to personnel costs and agreed with hiring a professional. Mayor Songstad agreed with hiring a professional.
Vote - Passed 4 - 1 in favor of hiring a professional to do the study with Council Member Kogerman being the NO vote.

6.3 Public Services Director/City Engineer - A Establishment of 3 no Stopping Anytime Zones on Via Lomas St. Residents were notified and there were no speakers for public comments. Vote - Passed 5 - 0

6.4 - Deputy City Manager/ Community Services Director David Reynolds presented this item.
Staff Recommendation - Authorize the Mayor to execute a Consulting Services Agreement with SIRE Technologies for agenda management software and web-based access to AUDIO RECORDINGS of City Council Meetings for the not to exceed cost of $58,145 and an annual software and web-based license and maintenance agreement for agenda management software and web based access to audio recordings of City Council Meetings for $7,799 annually. Also appropriate $69,371 of the COX CAPITAL GRANT from designated reserves to the General Fund to implement this project.

This new software will reportedly allow the public to listen to (not view) all council meetings with the ability to listen to specific sections of a meeting without listening to the entire meeting. The staff report states the hosting cost to the city for audio only recordings is $200 per month vs. $400 per month for Video vs $500 per month for live web-streaming. The report also states that other cities have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to retrofit their council chamber as a TV broadcasting studio. Fiscal Impact of the audio method and updating of the computer system is estimated to be about $69,000 with annual maintenance fees of about $8000.

Council Member Kogerman stated she has heard good things about SIRE Software but would like to add video just using the wide range camera already in place in the council chamber since many citizens have requested video streaming with the same type of anytime access that is being proposed here. Deputy City Manager/ Community Services Director David Reynolds noted that the purpose of the camera in the chamber is closed circuit TV so could follow any action and to add this would exceed the Grant money and impact the General Fund. Therefore staff recommends testing the video system to see how much interest there is prior to spending additional funds. This will not be a live stream audio broadcast but an anytime access after the fact. He stated adding video later would not be duplicating costs. Council Member Bressette asked since web and video streaming were major projects for the city council weren't they included in the current biennial budget? The answer was NO. There was more discussion then agreement on audio coverage with a report from staff on adding video to use for the next budget discussion.
Vote 5-0 in favor of Audio Coverage of the City Council Meetings
(Editor's Note - This audio system will require every Mayor to remember to clearly announce the name of every speaker prior to calling on him/her including council members and staff, and to announce the result of each vote including who voted for and against every issue. We also have long noted that council members and any other speakers who do not consistently lean forward to speak into their microphones and do not speak clearly are not well heard or understood so this will be a significant task for them to master especially in the beginning, but if done properly this could be a step forward for Transparency and Accountability in Laguna Hills. Hopefully a much improved sound system added to the council chamber is included in this effort. )

Other Business - These Items are authored by Council Members

7.1 - Memorial Day Half Marathon Community Event and 3/5 Battalion Fund Raising Opportunity (from Council Member Carruth)
Staff Recommendation - Council Direct Staff to Coordinate a 3/5 Marine Battalion donation option with the Memorial Day Half Marathon event promoter and the 3/5 Adoption Committee. Mayor Pro-Tem Carruth asked that a 3/5 Marines donation option be provided for each individual registered to compete in this event to assist in funding the $3000 contribution that is needed for the Marines to attend the Marine Corps Birthday Ball when they return from Afghanistan. Vote was 5 - 0 in favor.

7.2 - Amendment to City's Municipal Code re. annual update and posting of the Public Official's Compensation Report on the City's Web Site (from Council Member Kogerman) to modify the content and presentation of information contained in the City's public Officials Compensation Report. To include: an easily understood spread sheet format, postings by title not name of salary, bonuses, Sec. 457 deferred compensation, CalPERS Contribution, Premiums for all health care Ins., increases in salary to cover health ins. premiums, City Manager's Term Life Ins., Grp. Life Ins., Physical exams, Auto expenses including vehicle payments, repair and maintenance, gasoline, and misc., Cell phone equipment and usage, Toll Rd. fees, In-home Computers, Moving Expenses, Dues and Subscriptions, Travel and Meetings, Payouts for Unused Vacation, Individual Life Ins. Premiums, Medicare employer and employee contributions, Additional Vacation Days granted as a bonus, Amounts taxable to Employee, Amounts of Cost to City, Administrative Leaves, Real Estate Loans, Forgiven Real Estate Loans, Equity Share Agreements, Compensation for additional Positions, Dollar figures provided for the most recent fiscal year, a chart provided for each City employee making or exceeding $100,000 annually, and a separate narrative section to describe an employee's background, education and responsibilities.

There was a lengthy discussion between Council Members Kogerman and Bressette re. specific compensation items to be included in Items 7.2 and 7.3. Council Member Bressette emphasized that his intention was also to make the report to the point, understandable, easy to find and read for every job title. Bressette wanted names attached but Kogerman originally did not, and Council Member Bressette wanted this information presented in a tabulated format. Council Member Lautenschleger again stated he felt they have already been pretty open about this whole issue and agreed with keeping the narrative in this as further explanation re. amount of compensation. City Attorney Greg Simonian suggested Kogerman and Bresette could form a temporary ad hoc committee without violating the Brown Act to work this out between the 2 of them serving as an advisory committee to the whole city council and Mayor Songstad suggested, to move this along, that staff prepare a 1st reading of this ordinance, with the information requested here, for the council members to examine and work from there to decide if more needs to be done. All parties then agreed to Mayor Songstad's suggestion to look at the report when it is brought back on Feb. 8 and see if it is complete enough for the council. City Attorney Greg Simonian stated one the city council agrees on what this report should look like, then it is simply an administerial task for the council to direct him to revise the municipal code to get that uploaded onto the web site as a matter of local law.
Vote was 5 - 0 in favor of information from Items 7.2 and 7.3 to be presented to the council on Feb. 8 for a 1st Read
**Editor's Note - We also recommend keeping organized records of all expenses submitted to the City by all employees and Council Members for reimbursement and an Internal Audit of records of all expenses presented for reimbursement from Staff and Council Members. There is currently no internal audit system for reimbursement of expenses including the City Manger's expenses. We also recommend stating who actually pays the employee and employer contributions for each category listed in Item 7.2 above where employee and employer contributions are involved.

7.3 - Amendment to City's Municipal Code (from Council Member Bressette) - direct City Attorney to return to Feb. 8, 2011 City Council Meeting with 1st read of Ordinance amending the City's Municipal Code to direct the City Manager to amend the content of the "Public Official's Compensation Report" to add "At a glance" tables detailing salary and benefit information for the City Council and Management staff to include all the total compensation items in the existing report plus unused vacation buyouts, unused sick leave buyouts, taxable personal use of a city-owned vehicle, taxable personal toll-road fees, and employees Medicare contributions paid by the employer.

7.4 - Amendment to City's Municipal Code re. Acquisition and Budgeting of the City Manager's Contractually Authorized City Vehicle. (from Council Member Bressette) Direct the City Attorney to return to the January 25, 2011 City Council meeting the 1st read of an ordinance to add the following: Notwithstanding anything in the code, the acquisition of the City Manager's contractually authorized vehicle shall be budgeted for as a separate item in the biennial budget in which the vehicle is acquired, and shall require the City Council approval before acquisition. Staff report states, as currently states the authority to lease of purchase is ambiguous and has not always been subject to City Council oversight.
Mayor Songstad asked City Attorney Greg Simonian how this would fit with the City's newly reworked Purchasing Agreement. City Attorney Greg Simonian announced that the newly completed amended and restated Purchasing Agreement for the City includes this information so passing this would be redundant at this time. Council Member Bressette agreed to withdraw this item until he reads the new Purchasing Agreement to see if this will still be needed.

7.5 - City Manager Employment Contract (from Council Member Kogerman) - Council direct the City Attorney to prepare a written report explaining the provisions of the current City Manager's Employment Contract, opportunities for modifications, and potential consequences of actions that might be considered by the City Council to be brought back at a future Council Meeting.
Council Member Kogerman explained that this is a complicated and tricky contract that requires a lot of explanation that the citizens want to better understand. It is very difficult to understand and she added that we have never asked the city attorney to explain it to us. She acknowledged that we have an Contract Attorney on the council but that she is asking the City Attorney for a confidential report explaining the provisions. City Attorney Greg Simonian explained that although the City Manager's Employment Agreement/Contract is Public Record, but the legal opinion he brings back to the council about the City Manager's Contract is protected by the Client Attorney Privilege as are all legal opinions brought back to the council until such time as the city council should choose to release that privilege. He further suggested that the council review his opinion before deciding whether or not to release that privilege because once the client attorney privilege is waived for one purpose it is waived for all purposes.
Vote was 5 - 0 in favor of asking the City Attorney to prepare this confidential opinion and bring it back to the council on Feb. 22, 2011.

Public Comments - None

Matters Presented by Mayor & City Council Members -

Council Member Lautenschleger reported on the recent SCAG Meeting he attended. He discussed that they are forming a committee on Regional Housing Needs Assessment and how that will affect the cities.

Council Member Kogerman reported on recently going with the City's Sheriff's deputies for 2 hours to experience a 5 hour Sobriety Check Point. There were several arrests and 3 vehicles were towed. She said it was a very interesting and informative evening and she noted that Sheriff's Deputies really like Crispy Cream. the new Laguna Hills new Bagel Restaurant across the street from the High School "Latte Da Bagles" provided coffee. She also attended a South Orange County Seniors meeting and learned that Orange County has the highest growth rate of seniors in the State of CA. People the population of people over the age of 60 id expected to increase by 64% increase in Orange County between 2005 and 2020 and in this same time frame the population of citizens 85 and over is expected to increase by 26%. In Laguna Hills the expectation was for a 15% increase in population over 65 between the years 200 and 2010. So we are an aging population and this is a good time for the city to get more involved with issues re. services to seniors.

Closed Session -
9.1 - Conference with Real property Negotiator re. Lease for office in City Hall.
9.2 - Public Employee Performance Evaluation - City Manager - Annual Performance Evaluation.

Next regular City Council Meeting is January 25, 2011 at 7 pm, City Hall plus there will be 3 PUBLIC BUDGET WORKSHOPS held on March 15, April 19 and May 17 and a PUBLIC HEARING on the City Budget in June.

================================
City Council & City Manager Report Card - #1 for 2011

Categories - (T) Transparency for Citizens, (A) Accountability to Citizens, (CI) Championing Citizen Related Issue, (AG) Achieving Citizen Related Goal
Grades - (P) Pass (A) for Authoring a Citizen Friendly Item (F) Fail (A+) Extra Credit
City Manager will be scored related to online and agendized Staff Reports and Requests

Bressette - A+ (AG) - Worked actively with Citizens & Achieved ongoing Support for City's Adopted Marines, P (CI) Rescued the City Survey from passing into oblivion and asked for alternative to continue it. P (CI) Voted to continue the Citizen Survey, P (CI) Voted for fund raising opportunity for City's Adopted Marines. A (A&T) Authored request for updating and clarification of Public Official's Compensation Report P (A&T) Voted for updating and clarification of Public Official's Compensation Report A (A&T) Authored Request to make changes in Acquisition and Budgeting of City Manager's Vehicle and wisely will delay but not drop this item until he checks, and hopefully lets us know, if this issue is adequately addressed in the newly updated City Purchasing Policy, P (A&T) Voted for Review and Explanation of City Manager's Contract
Total = 1 A+, 2 A & 5 Pass
Carruth - A+ (AG) - Worked actively with Citizens & Achieved ongoing Support for City's Adopted Marines P (CI) Voted to continue the Citizen Survey, A (CI) Authored Useful Opportunity Idea for additional support for City's Adopted Marines, P (CI) Voted for fund raising opportunity for City's Adopted Marines. P (A&T) Voted for updating and clarification of Public Official's Compensation Report, P (A&T) Voted for Review and Explanation of City Manager's Contract Total = 1 A+, 1 A & 4 Pass
Kogerman - A+ (CI) Refused City's Cadillac Health Ins. Plan for Part Time Council Members & elected to enroll in a less costly retirement plan for seasonal part-time employees, P (CI) Voted to continue the Citizen Survey, P (CI) Voted for fund raising opportunity for City's Adopted Marines, A (A&T) Authored request for updating and clarification of Public Official's Compensation Report, P (A&T) Voted for updating and clarification of Public Official's Compensation Report, A (A&T) Authored request for Review and Explanation of provisions of City Manager's Contract, P (A&T) Voted for Review and Explanation of City Manager's Contract
Total = 1 A+, 2 A & 4 Pass
Lautenschleger - P (CI) Voted to continue the Citizen Survey, P (CI) Voted for fund raising opportunity for City's Adopted Marines, P Voted for updating and clarification of Public Official's Compensation Report, P (A&T) Voted for Review and Explanation of City Manager's Contract Total = 4 Pass
Songstad - P (CI) Voted to continue the Citizen Survey, P (CI) Voted for fund raising opportunity for City's Adopted Marines P Voted for updating and clarification of Public Official's Compensation Report, P (A&T) Voted for Review and Explanation of City Manager's Contract Total = 4 Pass

City Manager - F (A) & (T) & (CI) Staff placed Item 4.7 - 2011 Citizen Survey - Staff Recommended that the City Council eliminate the 2011 Citizen Survey. This recommendation was made in the Consent Calendar where this potentially valuable tool for Citizens could have been eliminated without discussion and without citizens knowing about it. Staff presented no alternatives for continuing the survey or for making it a more valuable tool for citizens. This failed in the categories of Accountability, Transparency and Championing a Citizen Related Goal.
P for Deputy City Manger David Reynolds efforts to acquire what is apparently a very good Agenda Mgmt. Computer Software Company to begin Audio Recordings for the City Council Meetings and make the City's computer system more citizen friendly.
Total = 1 Fail and 1 Pass
*Editor's Note - In rating the Staff it is important to remember that everything they do is subject to the scrutiny of the City Manager, so we can only rate the City Manager.

We have no idea if citizens are interested in listening to Audio Recordings of City Council Meetings so if this is not a giant step for Citizens it is at least a step forward for the City Council and Staff, so we gave it a tentative Pass rating. The Laguna Hills Watch Dog can never publish every word from council meetings and the official minutes are edited so Audio recordings, if not edited, will give citizens a chance to listen to every word from any item of interest to them.

We did not rate the staff's request for a Comprehensive Compensation Study at taxpayer expense. We agree with Council Member Kogerman that staff should be responsible for gathering information to plead their case if they believe they are being undercompensated. However, Council Member Kogerman, the newspapers and the LH Watch Dog concentrated on the compensation of the City Manager and Assistant City Manager so if there are issues with the compensation of the rest of the staff that should surface in a study like this and Citizens should have that information to plan for the future. So we decided to call this issue a wash and not give it a pass or fail but hope that the "independent" expert they choose to do the study will be impartial. Since we already have multiple independent opinions on the compensation of our City Manager related to a small built out contract city we will be able to use that information as a litmus test for the overall impartiality of the results from this study.

* INFORMATION, COMMENTS QUESTIONS and CONCERNS
from Watch Dog Readers:

New Council Member refuses Cadillac Health Insurance Plan from Taxpayers and takes lesser retirement benefits
Please be advised that I have elected to opt out of the PERS Retirement System and any and all medical insurance benefits offered by the City of Laguna Hills to part-time City Council members. I had been told that City Council members of a certain age had no option but to elect full insurance benefits from their city in lieu of Medicare Parts A and B, but I have discovered that is not the case. Therefore I will not accept any retirement or medical benefits from the City of Laguna Hills that are provided to City Council members. I will accept the monthly stipend of $623. I challenge all Laguna Hills Council Members to do the same. Barbara Kogerman, Member, Laguna Hills City Council OCREGISTER: Laguna Hills councilwoman says no to health benefits
http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-282972-benefits-council.html

Reactions of the other Council Members re. their Health Care Plans
The recent revelation regarding medical insurance payments for the Laguna Hills City Council members and their dodging and weaving when asked by The Orange County Register about those exorbitant city-paid premiums brings up some interesting and revealing points:

· Council members Randal Bressette and Melody Carruth said they plan to keep the medical benefits and CalPERS retirement benefits through the city. I believe council member Bressette is retired Navy and as such would have continuing medical coverage, and retirement benefits. Council member Carruth, being the spouse of a managing partner of a very prestigious law firm, should be provided more than adequate spousal coverage through the firm.

· Councilman Joel Lautenschleger said he may opt out of the city's medical benefit plan to enroll in Medicare. Strange that when councilman Lautenschleger was asked some time ago why he did not enroll in Medicare he indicated that it was not possible for him to do so.

· Mayor Allan Songstad said he intends to opt out of the medical benefits the city offers. He said he didn't realize how much it was costing the city. I guess it’s just too much to expect those who have the responsibility for spending public funds to have knowledge of the amount they are spending ……..especially when it is on themselves!

Congratulations to council member Barbara Kogerman for opting out of the city paid medical plan. She is making good on her campaign promises. As the motto of the French Revolution was Liberty Equality Fraternity: the motto of the Laguna Hills Revolution is (or should be) Transparency Accountability Frugality. A Concerned Taxpayer

Opportunity to HELP RETIRE DEBT from TERM LIMITS CAMPAIGN
** New Council Member Barbara Kogerman has stated that she is still in debt for $4000 for the Term Limits Administrative and Legal Expenses. We know now that this campaign was hugely successful and something the citizens really wanted but also know, related to years of talking about it with no action taken and only one council member in favor of it, that we never would have accomplished it without Barbara's help, so if you would like to donate to help her retire that debt you can send donations to the Laguna Hills Term Limits Committee (ID # 1323046) at 25231 Mawson Drive, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 for forwarding to the campaign treasurer. The law requires that everyone include name, address, occupation and employer (or "homemaker" or "retired").

Will the appointment of Songstad as Mayor throw the City back to the past?
In response to Council Member Melody Carruth's statement, in the December 14 Laguna Hills Watch Dog, I want to say that as a long time supporter of Melody I never thought I or anyone else would be challenging her support for one of the old council majority. A columnist in the Orange County Register Newspaper, Jay Ambrose, said today "Use 2011 as a good excuse to shed the past and put on the future." That made me think more about how Melody nominating and the council electing Allan Songstad as the Mayor for 2011 deprived the citizens of "putting on the future". In a year when the citizens of Laguna Hills overwhelmingly voted to "shed the past and put on the future," the incumbent council members threw us back to the past in the name of "taking turns" and "the right thing to do for the City of Laguna Hills". This appears to be more of a convenient thing to do for the council members and/or a trading of favors rather than the right thing for the City. The right thing for council members to do would have been to LISTEN TO THE CITIZENS they were elected to serve! The other thing that occurred to me was why was this decision about who would be Mayor planned in advance and not discussed publicly at the city council meeting on December 14 for citizens to witness and respond to in Public Comments prior to the decision being made? One of Many Deeply Disappointed Citizens

Was a Trust or a Fiduciary Responsibility to the citizens violated by the City Manager's 2003 revised Contract?
Have you read the City Manager's Contract lately? I can see the headlines now, “DEFEATED LAGUNA HILLS CITY COUNCILMAN CRAIG SCOTT LEAVES LASTING PRESENT FOR THE CITY.” Was this a breach of Trust? Mr. T.

Citizen who studied City Manager's Contract calls it "POISON PILL".
I find it very interesting that one City Council can force the next one to keep in place the City Manager of their choosing for something beyond a reasonable term - like 6-months. Melody Carruth's use of the term "golden handcuffs" is totally misused. "Golden Handcuffs" are incentives that keep an executive from leaving, not prevent their termination "Golden Handcuffs" are things like making part of a manager's bonus payable into the future. Or having stock option grants vest over 5-years into the future. Check the Internet there is no definition of "Golden Handcuffs" that corresponds to Melody's. What this employment agreement is, is a "Poison Pill" strategy. A "Poison Pill" is a defensive strategy that makes it as expensive as possible for future governments to make a change. What if other contracts looked like this one? What if every contract the city had with a vendor said, unless you continue to use me in the future you owe me $50,000 or $500,000? No one would tolerate such. Why should we tolerate such when our 20-year City Manager is involved? He should be an "at will" employee.

I think at least some City Council members violated their fiduciary responsibility in approving this employment agreement. A fiduciary acts on behalf of the City and the people that they represent. A fiduciary does not have a conflict of interest. A fiduciary has a responsibility of care for the assets and rights of others. A fiduciary must act in the interest of the City rather than the council member's personal interest.

As our fiduciary how can yesterday's City Council really deem one City Manager to be so indispensable that they sign a contract making it extremely expensive for a change to ever be made - EVER BE MADE! Our City Manager is guaranteed a Severance Package by the actions of a prior Council. - FOREVER. THIS AGREEMENT CAN'T EXPIRE. Some kind of employment contract might make sense if we had just recruited our City Manager and he had relocated his family and quit a job to take ours. But this agreement was put in place after our City Manager had accumulated many years or service, accrued vacation days, deferred compensation, accrued sick days and guaranteed retirement benefits. Does he really need $300,000+ in additional compensation if we ever dare to question the terms of his employment?

I think someone needs to forward a copy of the agreement, pointing out the automatic renewal clause and the prohibition on City Council reconsideration within 6-months of any election, to the State of California Attorney General. Compare this agreement to the one the City of Palos Verdes Estates has with their City Manager:http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/citycouncil/agendas/2007_Agendas/MeetingDate-2007-03-06/open_agenda.cfm?id=RPVCCA_SR_2007_03_06_19_CM_Employment_Agreement_Staff_Report.cfm

and ask yourself which CITY had better legal representation? The City of Laguna Hills' agreement looks like no one was representing the interests of the city. Bill Enholm

**Editor's Note - To go directly to the Laguna Hills City Manager's Contract to view and/or print a copy use this link:
http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=3262

Don't forget web streaming of Council Meetings
I think we really need to push on getting the meetings broadcasted. You "hit the nail on the head" when you said "...monitor the actions of the council". I don't know what the Watchdog circulation is but I suspect "we" need to reach out to more citizens. So many people are saddled with jobs and kids that they cannot possibly attend the meetings. Concerned Citizen

A City Leader Position is an Opportunity to serve not long term employment
I recently found your Watch Dog blog, very informative, insightful and source of follow up facts and links. I will continue to encourage our City leaders to contribute to our community, then step aside and let other interested citizens have an opportunity to serve….the city is not and should not be a place of employment, rather a place to serve. The concept of career politicians, which has invaded all our cities, states and federal governments, has gotten us into the mess we are in, so lets try something different, something that our founders truly envisioned. Long Time LH Resident

* How to support the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Division Adopted by the City of Laguna Hills
You can e-mail Mike Bland at 35bland@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, for information, about donations, etc. and the city e-mail for the 3/5 is 3/5-support@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us The City Clerk Peggy Johns is the City Liaison to the 3/5 Support Committee. Go to the City web site at http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/

Since the Support Committee was reestablished the following has occurred:
1. Name change to "Laguna Hills Team DARKHORSE"
2. Committee meetings have been held and the Team now consists of over 30 very caring and supportive individuals.
3. The Committee has mailed over 24 boxes of school supplies to the 3/5 in Afghanistan for the Marines to give to Afghan children to use in their schools. Paper tablets, pencils, erasers and crayons were sent to assist the children in receiving an education and to establish good will between our country and the Afghan people.
4. Project "Sock it to the 3/5 Marines" has resulted in enough donations so far for the committee to send 470 packs of 3 pairs of socks for the 1000 Marines in Afghanistan.
5. Project "Toys/Gifts for the 3/5" The committee delivered over 600 toys/gifts on December 20th to Camp Pendleton.
6. 3/5 Banner was hung at the Laguna Hills Community Center showing the City's support for the 3/5.
Team DARKHORSE information sheet was established as a ling to the City's web site.
7. More than 100 hand made Valentines were created and are being sent soon to the Marines for Valentine's Day in Feb. These were made by high school math students and friends of Laguna Hills Residents Jonathan and Valerie Bromberg using "math terms" to very creatively express their greetings and their thanks to the Marines. They are priceless and so interesting to read!! These kids did such a great job and also gathered and donated all kinds of great snacks and other item including hand warmers to be sent as well. The Committee thanks the entire wonderful compassionate and very responsive community so much for all that has been accomplished to date!!

* News Stories and Blogs about Laguna Hills:

OCREGISTER: Laguna Hills councilwoman says no to health benefits
http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-282972-benefits-council.html

O.C. cities lavished health benefits on council members
http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/12/06/oc-cities-lavished-health-benefits-on-council-members/69544/

Vote! Should part-time councilfolk get full-blown benefits?http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/12/06/vote-should-part-time-councilfolk-get-full-blown-benefits/69750/

Who has the best-paid city council in California? (updated)http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/12/02/who-has-the-best-paid-city-council-in-california/69418/
In Laguna Hills the Taxpayers pay the entire cost of heath care premiums for the elected part time city council members and their families. In addition, the City Manager's contract states "To the extent that payment of all or any portion of the dependent rate of premium, is not approved by the city council for all city employees, Channing shall be entitled to a salary increase or cash payment sufficient to cover the amount of premium or rate for dependent coverage not provided by the City plus applicable income taxes on that amount."

OCREGISTER: Kenneth Frank: In defense of city managers
http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/city-277030-manager-laguna.html
"Citizens, in turn, must do their part to foster civic pride. They should demand that city council and planning meetings be televised and streamed online. And they need to become involved. In Laguna Beach, we have numerous homeowners associations and environmental, business and labor groups that encourage the exchange of ideas and enhance the interactivity between residents and elected officials."

OCREGISTER: Chris Norby: Local officials susceptible to 'Bell syndrome'
http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/elected-276253-city-syndrome.html
"Bell syndrome thrives where elected boards vote in lockstep, where groupthink is elevated, and skeptics are ostracized, and where top staff are seen as irreplaceable experts – with rubber-stamped salaries to prove it. Bell syndrome thrives when self-congratulation trumps self-examination."

Imperfect, one-stop shopping for city salary data
http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/10/25/imperfect-one-stop-shopping-for-city-salary-data/66812/

State Controller John Chaing's Office
http://www.sco.ca.gov/noncompliant_reports.html#cities2

OC has two of state’s best-paid city managers
http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/09/17/oc-has-two-of-states-best-paid-city-managers/64492 /

OC Register Editorial: City pay data belongs in daylight
http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/city-261556-compensation-cities.html

Proposed California law would sanction cities that pay excessive salaries
http://www.latimes.com/news/la-me-bell-legislation-20100812,0,4204782,email.story

* City Council Members Say the Darndest Things in Public? Memorable and surprising Public Quotes from City Council Members

June 10, 2008 - Mayor Allan Songstad said "We have to go through a bidding process and sometimes the low bidder is not always the best contractor, but sometimes that's what we're stuck with."
Thank you Council Member Songstad, that is exactly what we have been trying to tell you about the Laguna Hills City Council "sticking " the residents with the same bad vendor - The Orange County Animal Shelter for the past 19 years.

October 25, 2005 - Mayor Allan Songstad, speaking about the Laguna Hills City Council said, "When you've been doing business in a certain way for 13 years you're not likely to change that."
So true, Allan, so unfortunately true unless you change members of the city council.

August 19, 1994 - LHCC Member Allan Songstad - From the Los Angeles Times Newspaper Article Collections - Orange County Focus August 19, 1994 LYNN FRANEY - Laguna Hills Councilman Declines to Run for Reelection With Councilman L. Allan Songstad Jr. declining to run for reelection, at least one newcomer will gain a seat on the City Council this fall. Songstad said he never intended to run for a second council term and that he is not a "career politician." That leaves space for at least one of the challengers, Cindy Greengold, Saeid Hariri, Grant R. Marcus or Charmane Riggs.
Now, in 2010 with 18 years on the Laguna Hills City Council we are guessing Council Member Songstad has changed his mind about being not being a "career politician."

* For "CRIME IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD" www.ocregister.com/saddleback
scroll down to "Local Maps" Click on OCSC Crime Calls in the pull doewn box that says "MORE" move the map to your area, and click on the crime icons for details that show calls to the OC Sheriff's Department. You can also see stats for Crime in Lake Forest & Laguna Hills on Fridays in the Saddleback Valley News that is delivered to our area. Weekly Crime reports in Laguna Hills By CLAIRE WEBB, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER http://www.ocregister.com/news/block-281462-report-drive.html See a map of all crime calls in the city in the past 24 hours by visiting ocregister.com/lagunahills The blotter was compiled by Claire Webb and consists of selected items from the Orange County Sheriff's Department web site, ocsd.org.
There is more information at http://www.ocsd.org/ (the OC Sheriff's Dept.) click on "E-Services" for the pull down menu, next click on "Sheriff's Blotter" then click "Laguna Hills" for the 7 or 30 day view.

LIVE TRAFFIC MAPS
Caltrans Online Traffic Maps to instantly check traffic and any incidents on the 405/5 freeways at any time of day. On the tool bar, you can hit "Change Cities," and it shows whatever you put in there - inland, San Diego,etc. http://www.sigalert.com/map.asp?Region=Orange+County#lat=33.69964&lon=-117.80006&z=1

Contact all of the Laguna Hills City Council Members at: ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us
phone: 949-707-2610 fax: 949-707-2614

December 14, 2010 - Laguna Hills City Council Meeting
All Council Members were present except Outgoing Council Member Craig Scott
===============================
City Council Reorganization - Certification of the General Election held on November 2, 2010 declaring the vote on Measure T ( Term Limits Measure) and the votes for City Council Members. Mayor Bressette started the meeting again with a moment of silence for our City's adopted 3/5 Marines who recently lost 3 more men. The total is now 20 killed in action and 70 wounded.

Installation of Council Members - Oaths of Office for the Council Members were administered by CA. State Assembly Person Diane Harkey.

Presentations and Proclamations - Mayor Bressette presented a Certificate of Recognition to Cameron Manor, Laguna Hills Resident and Discovery Girl Magazine's Top Role Model - This 11 yr. old 6th grader was one of 12 winners (from 2,000 girls across the nation) in the tween magazine's contest to find a national role model and traveled to San Francisco, with the other winners, for a special edition photo shoot for the Magazine. Cameron's Autobiographical story "Sisters" made the cover of the March/April edition of the magazine "Stone Soup" and nearly a dozen of her poems have appeared in the LA Times Newspaper. She also bakes and delivers free cakes to the elderly and nurtures butterflies in her yard to release when they are ready. She has a volunteer position as a butterfly caretaker in the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach and creates science and nature videos for kids. You can go to http://www.stonesoup.com/archive/stories?sid=4 to hear and read Cameron's Story in "Stone Soup". Cameron commented that she had a really great experience in San Francisco meeting the other 11 winners of this contest and said she was really honored to be here right now receiving this award and really proud to be from Laguna Hills. There was a lot of applause for this young lady!

Public Comments -

Mike Bland, Chairman of Laguna Hills Adopted Marines Support Group issued an invitation to 11 year old Cameron Manor, the Top Role Model Winner, to join the Marines Support Committee. He then gave a quick review of the first 2 committee meetings. He thanked the very generous and supportive citizens of Laguna Hills for the successful Toy Drive for the families of the Marines. He thanked citizens for the School Supplies, pencils, erasers, notebooks and crayons, for the Marines to distribute to the school children of Afghanistan, that are coming in from donations from citizens including a $1000 donation from Boise Cascade Building Materials Distribution and Office Max. He also introduced the new "SOCK" IT TO OUR 3/5 MARINES campaign (Thank you to Jonathan Bromberg for our catchy campaign title!) to supply warm comfortable socks directly to our 3/5 Marines in Afghanistan. Because the Marines appreciate the simplest of things that we take for granted such as comfortable socks, we hope to send many boxes of socks by January 10th. For only $11.00, you can bring 2 sets of soft, clean relief to a Marine's tired feet. Please join us in showing our Marines they are appreciated! If you want to participate, please make your checks payable "City of Laguna Hills" and write on your check "Socks for 3/5". Mail checks to 24031 El Toro Road, Suite 350, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.

Connie Bon, Laguna Hills Resident in Moulton Ranch, stated she serves on the HOA Board in her community and expressed that the voters of Laguna Hills have resoundingly voted in Council Member Barbara Kogerman as an agent of change. She continued that with Kogerman's strong background in business and local government and positive and aggressive platform for change, she would make an excellent Mayor. She said the large majority of voters who voted for Kogerman are expecting to see change and she canvassed all of Moulton Ranch and other areas in Laguna Hills who also are expecting change.

Melissa Mc Donald, Laguna Hills Resident, said she missed the recent Coyote Control Meeting at the Community Center but wanted to express that there are negative consequences related to killing Coyotes and wants to be sure the city council recognizes the need for the entire community to co-exist with the Coyotes effectively. She said she will come back when this item is on the City Council Agenda and give more information about this.

LHHS Student Liaison Report by Mike Spain - It was announced by Mayor Bressette that Mike Spain has recently received a nomination to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Mike received congratulations and applause for this very significant accomplishment. Mike announced that tardiness to class at LHHS has increased dramatically with 76 kids each accumulating 4 tardies in the month of November and an average of 33 kids being late to class each day. The tutoring program is expanding now with more kids showing up each week. The Dinner Murder Mystery was a success, the Wrestling Team Dinner was a success and the team is doing very well. The Boys and Girls Soccer Teams are donating used soccer balls and Soccer equipment to 3rd world countries and currently to Morocco. They are collecting donations of soccer equipment from the public to pass on. Just contact the high school for information re. where to drop off any donations.

Comments by Outgoing Mayor Bressette - Mayor Bressette said this has been a year of intense scrutiny, strong debate, change and revolution that he believes will create a stronger, more responsive and more transparent city government. He said city staff and council acted and reacted sometimes poorly to this revolution, but continued to serve the people. He noted the following accomplishments: Refinancing of the City's Bond debt that will save $1 million over the life of the debt,
Renovation of the Courtyard at La Paz Shopping Center.
Exciting changes from Simon Properties to the Laguna Hills Mall coming in 2011 .
Community Block Grants the city passed through to the Florence Sylvester Senior Center for needed repairs
Dial a taxi program for Seniors that started this year.
Annual Community Development Block Grant Funds for renovations of properties in the Aliso Meadows Community Association in the Via Lomas area = $1.9 million to date.
City Council Chambers Murals depicting early Laguna Hills and the Saddleback Valley connected to an online curriculum guide for students in the local elementary schools.
Revival of the City's Adopted 3/5 Marines Support Committee and what it has already accomplished through the generosity of the community. He said it appears that almost 500 toys will have been donated to the 3/5 Marine families by the end date of Dec. 18, plus thousands of school supplies for the Marines to use for public outreach in Afghanistan are coming in and the City is starting to receive contributions for socks for the Marines in Afghanistan as well. He thanked Mike Bland and Council Member Carruth for their help with the Marines Support, he thanked Santa for the annual Breakfast with Santa Event and concluded that he believes the people of Laguna Hills are the most generous people in the world and thanked the citizens for the opportunity to serve as Mayor this year.

Election of new Mayor for 2011 and a Mayor Pro Tempore -

Council Member Melody Carruth nominated Allan Songstad for Mayor and the council passed that with a 4 - 1 vote. The no vote was from Council Member Barbara Kogerman. The new Mayor then recognized the outgoing Mayor's accomplishments in what he called a challenging and sometimes contentious year with a Resolution and a Plaque. To the list of accomplishments he added assisting youth sports Little League.
New Mayor Songstad then nominated Melody Carruth as Mayor Pro Tempore. Vote passed 5 - 0.

Remarks of newly elected Mayor and Council Members -
Mayor Songstad acknowledged that many people were surprised to see him as Mayor and said he was surprised himself. He said this will be a challenging and exciting year in Laguna Hills and added he thought our new council member would be helpful. He said he sees his job as bringing the council together for the benefit of Laguna Hills residents. He noted this is the budget cycle year for the City's 2 year budget cycle. He said we need to juggle revenues and budget forecasting to meet the needs of citizens and prioritize as best we can. He encouraged citizens to attend budget workshops and meetings to incorporate their ideas. (Budget Meetings will not start until March) He reiterated that although funds are dwindling good things are expected from the mall. He also noted plans for the development of the Oakbrook Mall and the Moulton La Paz Center as vital to increasing revenues to be able to do more things. He admitted to being tired of seeing revenues remain stagnant. He mentioned Public Safety is a major concern and a goal of his. He said there was a significant decrease of part one (most serious) crimes last year and said he wanted that to continue. (Editor's Note - Songstad did not mention bringing back either or both of the 2 Special Enforcement Team (SET) Sheriff's deputies were dropped in June of 2009, with his approval). He noted his next goal was to increase transparency and trust and stated he would like to move forward with streaming online or broadcast TV of the council meetings. He said out of this challenging election cycle will come new and good ideas. He said since incorporation the city has been well run, thanked the council members the opportunity to serve and said he hoped people would also feel good about that by the end of his term.

Council Member Barbara Kogerman stated she was elected on a platform of transparency and accountability so she was glad to hear Songstad say he was in favor of web streaming the city council meetings so hopefully Jean Bland/Laguna Hills Watch Dog would not have to always be the only conduit to the community for everything that goes on here. She reaffirmed that the city council needs to be accountable to the voters and the only that can happen is through complete transparency including complete reporting of information on the city web site. She thanked the community for all their support and ideas. She said we have to concentrate more on the budget, look at it in a new way, reorder our priorities with less in the area of excess city management compensation and invest more in our citizens including public safety. She acknowledged the 75% support of citizens for Term Limits and thanked them for supporting that effort and other needed reforms. She said she is looking forward to the city council hearing, taking seriously and acting on that message of change from the citizens.

Council Member Carruth welcomed the residents that had packed city hall for this occasion and the new city council member Barbara Kogerman. She said she was happy the term limits went well and looks forward to coordinating efforts on the budget process to implement some of the changes, issues that were raised during the council election.

Council Member Randy Bressette welcomed Council Member Kogerman. He thanked his supporters and his wife Mav. He declared that his goals and objectives have been clearly stated and he will not waver until they are met. He said a member of another city council told him that because of the changes on the Laguna Hills City Council it would no longer be the most boring city council in Orange County. He said he wants this council to be known for being exciting and productive. He said the council works best when it works together which is not simple but should be done with the best interests of the city in mind.

Council Member Joel Lautenschleger said he is looking forward to a productive year. He said "It was a campaign like no other," but is looking forward to positive developments. He said he knows we have different ideas but understands that council members are servants of the people, then he said the council has always been able to put their immediate needs aside to look to what was best for the entire city.

Minutes - The City Council always approves the Minutes of the previous City Council Meeting for publication on the City web site after they are edited and approved for publication at the next City Council Meeting so there is a long delay for the public related to information from each meeting.

Consent Calendar- Warrant Register = $152,740.60

Warrant Register Items of Interest that probably should require some additional explanation - None

Items of Interest from the Consent Calendar some of which probably should require some discussion for the public -

Item 4.10 - Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2010 - with independent auditor's report from Nissm Levy & Hartzheim, LLP including findings that there are no significant audit adjustments resulting from the audit, no material internal weaknesses in internal control, and no disagreements with management on financial accounting and reporting matters during this audit.
** Editor's note - This City is again touting it's past history of Government Finance Officers Assoc. (GFOA) awards for excellence in Comprehensive Annual Financial Reporting. Although we believe staff does the best job they are allowed to do, we discovered last year that many things are buried and/or minimized in the budget for this City and that the GFOA web site at www.gfoa.org states GFOA is a membership organization a city the size of Laguna Hills can join for a base membership fee of $250. It is open to anyone whose career, studies or interests involve government financial management in the United States and Canada. The fee based organization offers annual conferences, and training programs, etc., and encourages its members who meet its standards through awards including the "Distinguished Budget Presentation Award". In 2008 there were 7312 award winners and 410 winners in CA. among the members of this organization including Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Irvine, Lake Forest Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano in South Orange County. So, this City will probably be recognized again with this award but citizens are looking for public disclosure now.

Item 4.11 - Recommendation for Resolution for 3 No Stopping Anytime Zones on Via Lomas Street related to a history of auto accidents. Fiscal Impact for the signs - $750.00

Item 4.12 - Designation of 12 Assistant City Attorneys and 20 Deputy City Attorneys for the City from the Law Firm of Woodruff, Spradlin & Smart.

Item 4.3 - Recognition of Outgoing Council Member R. Craig Scott who had been on the Council since 1991 when the City was incorporated until he lost his position in the recent election. Craig Scott did not attend the council meeting to receive this award.

Item 4.5 - Annual Review of City's Investment Policies required by the State - Editor's Note - This item talks about but does not name the City Treasurer - Why Not?

Item 4.6 - Local Appointees for Commissions and Committees - State Law Government Codes sections 54972 - 54975 - Requires Cities to prepare and post an appointments list prior to Dec. 31. The State encourages "the vast and largely untapped reservoir of talent existing amount the citizenry" to be utilized by the cities and Laguna Hills has historically utilized only 2 - the Traffic and the Parks and Rec. Commissions. There is now also the Support Committee for the Adopted 3/5 Marines. The city needs to fill 3 vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Committee and 2 vacancies on the Traffic Commission. The Support Committee for the City's 3/5 Adopted Marines is welcoming new members. Please go to the home page on the City web site www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us to find additional information about the Commissions.

Item 4.7 - Development Fees for the City - Report addresses Public Art Fees, Traffic Mitigation Fees, and Quimby Act (for Parks and Recreation Facilities) Fees.

Item 4.8 - City is again Rejecting all bids for a planned project. Report states these bids were for the Community Center & Sports Complex, Playground Rennovation and Light Refurbishment and Costeau Park Playground Renovations, and because not all bids were consistent with the specification requirements everything now has to be re-advertised for bid. ** Editor's Note - This is the 2nd time in 2 months that Staff has rejected all bids and had to start over. In Oct. all 8 bids for the La Paz Rd. widening at I-5 were rejected and re-advertisement of the bids for that project was authorized because staff made an error in the original bid documents that could not be corrected after the award of contract, Fiscal Impact to the City was reported to be about $800.00 to issue the revised bids for that mishap. Staff failed to Report Responsibility and Fiscal Impact to the City for this problem - this failure to report is not compatible with transparency and accountability to the citizens.

Item 4.9 - Local Traffic Synchronization Plan - Report says in order for the City to continue to receive Measure M Funds the adoption of a Local Traffic Synchronization Plan is required. Staff has prepared a plad based upon the guidelines of the OCTA and adoption of that plan by the City Council is required.

Items Pulled from the Consent Calendar for Discussion - Item 4.11 (3 No Stopping Anytime Zones on Via Lomas) was pulled by Council Member Randy Bressette who stated that this eliminates 7 parking spaces for residents of this area so would like the residents to be given a chance to contribute their thoughts about this before a decision is made. Ken Rosenthal, Director of Public Services, City Engineer, confirmed that the residents had not been notified because in this case that was not required and the Traffic Commission took their information from the Aliso Meadow's Homeowner's Association HOA Board. Council members all discussed this and motion was made to notify the residents of the area, to give them a chance to contribute and to decide this issue at that time.
Vote - Motion passed 5 - 0.

City Council Public Hearing - Item 5.1 - Resolution to vacate and abandon the public service easement for open space purposes within the Moulton and La Paz Opportunity area - 3.365 acres of land on the corner of Moulton and La Paz.
Council Member Lautenschleger had to recuse himself from this discussion because he lives too close to this Center.

Public Comments - Micki Anderson from Laguna Niguel said she has a store "Stressbusters" in this small center and she favors the abandonment of this land to be used to upgrade the center which very much needs more businesses to become more vibrant and businesses have not wanted to come here related to the need for upgrading.
Council Member Kogerman spoke in favor of this.
Vote - Item passed 4 - 0

Administrative Reports -
Item 6.1A - City Manager's Year End Report - Please see online at City web site. Channing had nothing to add because the report was essentially given in the statements of the outgoing Mayor.

Item 6.2B City Council's Appointments of themselves to Various Agencies/Committees - Fire Authority appointment is open now related to the elimination of previous Council Member Craig Scott.

Audit Committee – Channing, Bressette, and Kogerman
California State Association of Counties Excess Insurance Authority - Representative - White
Civic Center Mgmt. Committee – Kogerman, Songstad, Channing White
Coastal Greenbelt Authority – Carruth
Exclusive Risk Management Authority - Staff - White
Growth Management Area 10 - Bressette, alternate Songstad , Staff - Channing
Housing Task force - Staff - Channing
Laguna Canyon Foundation – Carruth
League of CA. Cities Voting Delegate to Annual Conference - Current Mayor, alternate Mayor Pro Tem - so Songstad, alternate Carruth
League of CA. Cities, Orange County Division, City Selection Committee - Current Mayor, alternate Mayor Pro Tem - so Songstad, alternate Carruth
League of CA. Cities, Orange County Division, Executive Steering Committee - Songstad, past
League of CA. Cities, Orange County Division, Regular Meeting Voting Delegate - Current Mayor, alternate Mayor Pro Tem so Songstad, alternate Carruth
Operational Area Council (Emergency) - Current Mayor, alternate Mayor Pro Tem - so Songstad, alternate Carruth
OC Council of Governments (OCCOG) – Lautenschleger, alternate Kogerman
OC Emergency Mgmt. Asso. (OCEMA) - Chief of Police, alternate Sergeant
OC Fire Authority - Bressette, alternate Kogerman
OC Fire Authority TAC - Staff - Channing
OC Public Library System Board - Kogerman, alternate Lautenschleger
OC County Sheriff's Dept. TAC - Staff - Channing
OC Vector Control District - Carruth
Southern CA. Association of Governments (SCAG) – Lautenschleger, alternate Kogerman
Transportation Corridor Agency – Lautenschleger, alternate Carruth
Vote - all the Appointments passed 5 - 0.

Item 6.3A Need for Designation of a City Council Representative for the OC Transit System Study. Need delegate for 2 meetings only to review the bus system and the solvency issues, etc. Barbara Kogerman was appointed. Kogerman graciously accepted all of these appointments stating she welcomed the votes of confidence in her and the learning experiences as well as having a special interest in transportation.
** Editor's Note - Please check my math, if you are interested, and let me know if it's wrong. It appears the Appointments Totals are: Carruth = 8 (3 primary/5 alternate, Songstad = 7 (6 primary/1 alternate), Kogerman = 7 (4 primary/1 alternate), Lautenschleger = 4 (3 primary/1 alternate), Bressette = 3 (3 primary/0 alternate). I did the totals because there was some concern from the public in attendance that the rest of the council may have been snowing Kogerman with these appointments. We know now to always be checking on everything to keep 'em honest.

Matters Presented by Mayor & City Council Members -

Council Member Kogerman stated that having spent a lot of time in the audience it is difficult to distinguish and aye for a no and different voices so she asked that after every vote the vote be restated with who voted and how they voted or if it was unanimous.
**Editor's Note - Council Member Songstad agreed that the City Clerk could do that, and actually so could the Mayor.

Council Member Bressette thanked the Staff for Breakfast with Santa and noted that he and Council Member Carruth attended the Wrestler's Dinner at LHHS which was very good.

Council Member Carruth said she attended the LHHS concert in Laguna Woods and it was extraordinary. She also announced that The Bed Bugs are Coming per Vector Control apparently marching here from New York, so she offered to do a Public Education Presentation on that as needed. She said although they do not transmit disease and are not declared a "Vector" at this time, that declaration may happen in the future.

Council Member Songstad said he attended SCAG's Road to Recovery Summit in Los Angeles with people from 6 counties. One of the ideas expressed there was that the Governor of CA. be given emergency powers to declare and fiscal emergency.

Closed Session - Case of Eric Young re. bike accident.

Reported Results of Closed Session - This case is settled per Greg Simonian, City Attorney

Information, Comments, Questions and Concerns from LH Watch Dog Readers -
Message from Council Member Barbara Kogerman re. Citizen Involvement in City Government -Vacancies are coming up on the Traffic Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission. She urged anyone who is interested to apply right away. To find out more about the nature of these commissions you can visit the city web site at www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us and click on Commissions and Committees to review recent minutes and agendas from these Commission and learn how to apply. She said she strongly favors the City creating commissions on Economic or Business Development, Fiscal Oversight, and forming an independent Planning Commission, as well as committees on Senior Services, Youth Services, Animal Services and Citizen Recognition. She said the city would benefit by taking advantage of the talented and educated citizens, as well as provide a "training ground" for future city leaders. She stressed that now that our City has term limits, we need to have a succession plan, and serving on such committees as well as on our current commissions will provide valuable experience.

We received a great many Messages and calls from Citizens who attended the Laguna Hills City Council Meeting on 12/14/10 where Allan Songstad was voted in as Mayor 4 to 1 by City Council Members. We could not publish them all here but have recorded a few messages below that expressed the views of most of the Citizens who contacted us:

So, what happened last night? What could Alan have promised Melody in return for that nomination? I don't for a hot New York minute believe that it came as a surprise to him since his facial expression remained unchanged AND, miraculously, he had a smooth statement apparently prepared in advance. Hope you got every sentence recorded, especially the part about transparency in order to 1) compare & contrast to previous statements and 2) hold him accountable for future statements. A Citizen who feels betrayed

I want to know why Carruth and Bressette, council members who just ran on a platform of transparency and accountability, voted for Songstad for Mayor last night? He recently voted several times against greater transparency in Compensation Reporting for City Management and he is the one who called for honesty in elections and then signed that idiot campaign letter for Craig Scott saying a female candidate was trying to eliminate all the male council members over 50. Is this city council incapable of understanding the citizens who just voted overwhelmingly for accountability and transparency or do they just not care, and believe that we will all forget again and continue to keep them around? Do we need a recall election? This is ridiculous! Better start planning for the next election now. Violated Voter

Songstad's long term majority lost this election, so why is he back in our faces rambling on for another year? Angry as H.

Perhaps electing Alan Mayor was a misplaced peacemaking effort by Melody and others on the city council to attempt to bring the council together again after a very contentious election, but it inappropriately ignores rather than acknowledges the Laguna Hills Citizens they are supposed to represent who clearly voted for CHANGE. Understands but doesn't agree

Congratulations to "newby" Kogerman for taking all the jobs the other council members foisted on her last night. They were obviously trying to snow her but she is not shirker! Fred T.

The Laguna Hills City Council as currently structured for 2011-2012 should consider a new construct based upon the election results from November. The voters, by ratifying Measure T and selecting a completely new city council candidate have chosen a new and progressive path. The voters now understand that they are in fact the Electors or to phrase it another way, we are the employers. When candidates seek elective office for the first time or campaign for reelection, they are in effect asking for a job or submitting to a performance review. Now that Laguna Hills voters have tasted victory, we will be closely observing the Council and their performance over the next 2 years. Are promises being kept? Are councils meetings televised? Is transparency truly achieved or is it merely an empty slogan? Are our adopted Marines really supported? Are you listening to us? A REALLY vigilant citizen.

Because we received so many not only disappointed but angry e-mails, phone calls and comments from Citizens about the nomination of Allan Songstad and votes for him as Mayor for 2011 we went directly to Council Member, who nominated him, and asked why when the citizens overwhelmingly voted for change (accountability and transparency) through their votes for term limits and for council members, are they now presented with a leader of the city council who is well documented as frequent opponent of change including transparency and accountability? Her response was:

"Allan Songstad may not share all of my views on certain governmental reforms. However, managing a city, representing the community and presiding over city council meetings requires far more than forging unilateral city policy agreement. City Councils make hundreds of decisions over the course of a year. Often there is consensus. Occasionally, certain decisions before the council elicit public discourse, healthy political debate, and the disagreement results in split votes. Sometimes Mr. Songstad and I agree and sometimes we do not.

The City of Laguna Hills, like other south county cities, uses a rotation process. This allows more councilmembers to have the opportunity to serve as the mayor. It seems to me a fair approach-like taking turns. Mr. Songstad and I were both in the line up to assume additional leadership responsibilities. I asked Mr. Songstad to consider serving in 2011, giving me the chance to preside as mayor in 2012. Mr. Songstad and I have worked together for several years. I nominated him because it was the right thing to do for the City of Laguna Hills.

Why didn't I nominate Mrs. Kogerman? Unseating a strong incumbent in 2002, I waited five years to be appointed mayor by the City Council. I do not think it would be proper or fair to proceed through an entire election cycle before Mrs. Kogerman assumes the office of mayor. I do think, however, that any new council member be given the opportunity to learn about the community, land use issues, capital improvement projects, budget process, regional concerns and what is involved in serving as mayor prior to assuming full responsibility. Barbara Kogerman will be a more effective, stronger mayor if she serves in a few years rather than in 2011." Melody Carruth

A Letter from Your 3/5 Commanding Officer December 11, 2010 by 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 8:51pm

Dear Darkhorse Friends and Family,

Happy holidays from your Marines and Sailors in Sangin District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Thank you for attending tonight's Darkhorse Christmas party. First, I would like to thank all of the volunteers who have worked so hard to put this event together; this party would not have happened without your generosity and selfless support. Second, a special thanks goes out to the battalion's supporters from Mariners Church and the City of Laguna Hills who have given so much to our Marines and Sailors, and their families, to ensure that they have a wonderful and joyful holiday season. For that I am eternally grateful.

Finally, thank you to my Family Readiness Officer, Family Readiness Assistants, and Family Readiness Program volunteers for doing all manner of things to take care of this battalion's needs during this challengingand anxiety-filled deployment. I want to assure you that your Marines and Sailors are more focused and determined than ever to accomplish our assigned mission together, knowing that their families are behind them and taking care of business back at home.

The Marines and Sailors of the Battalion will certainly have a memorable Christmas here. We will have a special holiday dinner and most Marines should have a chance to call home. Christmas packages are starting to roll in and they are greatly appreciated. In fact, there is so much mail that we will probably still be receiving it in the middle of January because people have been so generous. The good news there is that our holiday season will continue until the last package arrives! We are truly blessed. In fact, your support and strength are especially important as we near the "half-way" point in this deployment, so that your Marine or Sailor can continue to focus on getting this difficult mission done and come home to you with a sense of accomplishment.

While we all wish we were home for the Christmas season, your Marine or Sailor is exactly where he needs to be right now-- taking the fight to the enemy and helping to rebuild Sangin, Afghanistan. Our mission is a historic one. I believe that one day we will be able to say that 3/5's success turned the tide in Sangin Afghanistan, solely on the courage and sacrifice of the fine men who fill the ranks of our battalion. Already,we have cleared portions of the District, reestablished freedom of movement for the people and its government, restarted the education of kids and adults alike, and driven the Taliban out of areas that they have controlled for years. Finally, the people of Sangin are optimistic for their future after three decades of war. You should be extremely proud of what your man has done for his Corps, country, and the future security of our Nation. I certainly am, and it is an honor to serve with them all.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannakhuh, and Happy Holidays. We love you and are with you in spirit on this very special day. Semper Fidelis,, LtCol Morris Commanding Officer
(Thank you so much to Dee Dee McGann and Micki Zettel for getting this message to all of us!!!)

HOW TO SUPPORT our CITY'S 3/5 ADOPTED MARINES & Updates -
e-mail 3/5-support@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us to reach the city or e-mail 35bland@gmail.com to reach the chairman of the 3/5 Marines support committee and you can Go to the City web site at http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/ and on the home page under News & Announcements click on: December 8, 2010 3-5 Battalion Support Committee Information Sheet

Toy Drive for Adopted Marines underway
http://www.ocregister.com/news/battalion-277978-marines-committee.html
Gift Box Collection locations at City Hall, the Community Center and the Nellie Gail HOA

A banner with the 3/5 Insignia will be installed on the exterior of the Laguna Hills Community Center with a light shining on it until the troops come home.

Understanding the 3/5 Marines Insignia Codes - The insignia of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines consists of a shield divided into quarters, a banner above the shield with word “DARKHORSE” replaced the phrase “CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONALS.” The phrase "CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONALS" was based upon a Presidential Unit Citation awarded to 5th Marines on 3 September 1968. The entire Regiment was cited for "consummate professionalism" during Operations Union I and II in the Republic of Vietnam. In 2005, while deployed, the battalion readopted their Korean War call sign of DARKHORSE in tribute to the fighting prowess of the battalion and to recognize the memory of its Korean War commanding officer Colonel Taplett, USMC (Ret) who passed away while the battalion was deployed.

There is a banner below the shield with the words "GET SOME." Lieutenant Colonel James M. Tully, USMC (Ret) Commanding Officer of the battalion (from February 23, 1973 to July 26, 1974) originated this insignia in 1973 upon the return of the Battalion from Vietnam. The phrase "GET SOME" was the motto of the Battalion in Vietnam. It is still in use and refers to giving the maximum effort to achieve the highest standards of achievement in peace and war.

In the shield, the upper right and lower left quarters have scarlet backgrounds surmounted by the numerals 3 and 5 respectively. The upper left and lower right quarters have gold backgrounds. The upper left is surmounted by three black fleurs-de-lis above the words "BELLEAU WOOD." The fleur-de-lis is the heraldic device, which was the armorial emblem of the Kings of France, and represents the Battalion's successes as part of the 4th Marine Brigade in France during World War One. The lower right quarter is surmounted by the word "VIETNAM" above five green bamboo stalks.

The 1st meeting of the City's Adopted 3/5 Marines Support Group took place on Nov. 30 with an enthusiastic group of approx. 30 people attending including 4 members of the City Council, Bressette, Carruth, Kogerman and Songstad. 3/5 Gunnery Sergeant Moreno spoke about the mission of the 3/5 in Afghanistan in the Sangin District where they are working closely every day with the people of Afghanistan to provide security and counter the insurgency. They are currently providing security for more than 3000 local farmers who are now growing wheat instead of poppies with seed provided by the Marines. They are also teaching the people to be their own police and Army. Sergeant Moreno told us that there have been 16 Marines from the 3/5 killed in action to date and many more wounded. He explained the KIA (Killed in Action) procedure in detail including the very high degree of attention and respect paid to the deceased Marine and to his family. Kim Reese, who works for the 3/5's Commanding Officer Lt. Col Morris, works with 3000 family members. She said she gives them good news reports, supports them in tough times and helps the young wives and families adjust to life on a Marine base from learning the very basics of how and where to find the Commissary to buy food to how to access all other needed services. Kim is also the Liaison from the 3/5 for the Laguna Hills Support Group. One of the large gift containers was filled to over flowing with toys, thanks to the generosity of the Laguna Hills Community. Those toys will be taken to a holiday dinner for the 3/5 families in Camp Pendleton on Dec. 11 to be distributed. There will be more toys and gift cards taken closer to Christmas. Mayor Bressette pointed out that even gasoline gift cards are very useful for many of the young families such as one young wife who drives 45 minutes each way every day to visit her wounded husband in the hospital. You can e-mail Mike Bland at 35bland@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, for information, about donations, etc. and the city e-mail for the 3/5 is 3/5-support@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us The City Clerk Peggy Johns is the City Liaison to the 3/5 Support Committee. Go to the City web site at http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/ and on the home page under News & Announcements click on: December 8, 2010 3-5 Battalion Support Committee Information Sheet

Thank you to Micki Zettel for this - A very poignant message for all regarding our Armed Forces in the field - YouTube - A Different Christmas Poem

NEWS STORIES & Blogs about or pertaining to Laguna Hills -

Who has the best-paid city council in California? (updated)http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/12/02/who-has-the-best-paid-city-council-in-california/69418/
Numbers for the Laguna Hills City Council - 2009/10

Wages, Pension, Employer Contribution, Employer Health Contribution, Total
Laguna Hills Council Member, 7,484, 2% @ 60, 524, 30,519, 38,527
Laguna Hills Council Member, 7,484, 2% @ 60, 524, 26,051, 34,059
Laguna Hills Council Member, 7,484, 2% @ 60, 524, 26,048, 34,056
Laguna Hills Council Member, 7,484, 2% @ 60, 524, 24,656, 32,664
Laguna Hills Council Member, 7,484, 2% @ 60, 524, 14,296, 22,304

In Laguna Hills the Taxpayers pay the entire cost of heath care premiums for the elected part time city council members and their families. In addition, the City Manager's contract states "To the extent that payment of all or any portion of the dependent rate of premium, is not approved by the city council for all city employees, Channing shall be entitled to a salary increase or cash payment sufficient to cover the amount of premium or rate for dependent coverage not provided by the City plus applicable income taxes on that amount."

O.C. cities lavished health benefits on council members
http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/12/06/oc-cities-lavished-health-benefits-on-council-members/69544/

Vote! Should part-time councilfolk get full-blown benefits?http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/12/06/vote-should-part-time-councilfolk-get-full-blown-benefits/69750/

Toy Drive for Adopted Marines underway
http://www.ocregister.com/news/battalion-277978-marines-committee.html

Election 2010:Updated Orange County city results:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/results-273313-county-election.html?data

Imperfect, one-stop shopping for city salary data http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/10/25/imperfect-one-stop-shopping-for-city-salary-data/66812/

State Controller John Chaing's Office
http://www.sco.ca.gov/noncompliant_reports.html#cities2

Transparency honor goes to Brandman students, law passes http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/09/01/transparency-honor-goes-to-brandman-students/63589/

OC has two of state’s best-paid city managers
http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2010/09/17/oc-has-two-of-states-best-paid-city-managers/64492/

OC Register Editorial: City pay data belongs in daylight http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/city-261556-compensation-cities.html

Proposed California law would sanction cities that pay excessive salaries http://www.latimes.com/news/la-me-bell-legislation-20100812,0,4204782,email.story

City Council Members Say the Darndest Things in Public?

June 10, 2008 - Mayor Allan Songstad said "We have to go through a bidding process and sometimes the low bidder is not always the best contractor, but sometimes that's what we're stuck with." Thank you Council Member Songstad, that is exactly what we have been trying to tell you about the Laguna Hills City Council "sticking " the residents with the same bad vendor - The Orange County Animal Shelter for the past 19 years.

October 25, 2005 - Mayor Allan Songstad, speaking about the Laguna Hills City Council said, "When you've been doing business in a certain way for 13 years you're not likely to change that." So true, Allan, so unfortunately true unless we change the city council members.

August 19, 1994 - LHCC Member Allan Songstad - From the Los Angeles Times Newspaper Article Collections - Orange County Focus August 19, 1994LYNN FRANEY - Laguna Hills Councilman Declines to Run for Reelection With Councilman L. Allan Songstad Jr. declining to run for reelection, at least one newcomer will gain a seat on the City Council this fall. Songstad said he never intended to run for a second council term and that he is not a "career politician." That leaves space for at least one of the challengers, Cindy Greengold, Saeid Hariri, Grant R. Marcus or Charmane Riggs. Now, in 2010 with 18 years on the Laguna Hills City Council we are guessing Council Member Songstad has changed his mind about being not being a "career politician."

CRIME in YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Updates -
www.ocregister.com/saddleback scroll down to "Local Maps" Click on OCSC Crime Calls in the pull doewn box that says "MORE" move the map to your area, and click on the crime icons for details that show calls to the OC Sheriff's Department. You can also see stats for Crime in Lake Forest & Laguna Hills on Fridays in the Saddleback Valley News that is delivered to our area. There is more information at www.ocsd.org (the OC Sheriff's Dept.) click on "E-Services" for the pull down menu, next click on "Sheriff's Blotter" then click "Laguna Hills" for the 7 or 30 day view.

LIVE TRAFFIC MAPS
Caltrans Online Traffic Maps to instantly check traffic and any incidents on the 405/5 freeways at any time of day. On the tool bar, you can hit "Change Cities," and it shows whatever you put in there - inland, San Diego,etc. (**Thank you to Dee Dee McGann-Gollwitzer for this!) http://www.sigalert.com/map.asp?Region=Orange+County#lat=33.69964&lon=-117.80006&z=1

How to CONTACT the LAGUNA HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS -
You can contact all of the Laguna Hills City Council Members at: ccouncil@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us phone: 949-707-2610 fax: 949-707-2614