[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6533826,"mediaKeyId","3657550-1eff675f9f681395f35073227fad632b","parentId",3657550,"title","Residents urge council not to reopen short‑term rental amortization; council amends minutes to direct planning commission review","audioSeconds",4416,"startMs",2625760,"endMs",7042000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3657550-1eff675f9f681395f35073227fad632b&start=2625&end=7042","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3657550-1eff675f9f681395f35073227fad632b/thumbnail_2625760.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6533826/San-Clemente-City/Orange-County/California/Residents-urge-council-not-to-reopen-shortterm-rental-amortization-council-amends-minutes-to-direct-planning-commission-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533826-7093d8686a74632dedeea89a8d9179d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181924&Signature=Z1xQ5tnpJz7fXDhkuToOZoaeskuFfGJ3wPHGDgY-I5ylxWezmjuoap8HqeZxvWPx67dVESDoqSXy27SyHSltfh9BnbECKHTt66m6ikWMNY~8sVEgY0jafncWUw4TD2LiWgF0cpFR6qgNC2d2-8SMhXnnfFu~ASD96Rud0TUszn8Eqvmj-Pjuuun1LY8XFKSLW4CGAhZCgWwzr6gTHxi5thWjzjlhBP-B1EJfKeEUfMom7yAb8~BwvE1B17WXAt061j-knNKm4IedWWA2WuPLhqsOKf5AYIq8ADrKQM~X7qtt2Czr71HWtO6Q9sQdjpNyhcbMcAu8IKzkeuQ1WAMH-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Clemente City","date","2025-06-04T17:15:02Z","article","Dozens of San Clemente residents told the City Council on June 3 that short‑term lodging units have disrupted neighborhoods and that the council should not re‑open the amortization schedule that phases out those units.

Public speakers described repeated noise, late‑night parties, parking and safety problems they attribute to STLUs. “I would like to state that I am adamantly against any further debate or reviews of this topic and believe the city council should keep and carry on with the hard fought short term lodging and zoning amortization process in place,” said Matthew Fletcher, who identified himself as a resident of an R‑1 neighborhood. Chris Booth, representing 22 neighbors on Calle Cinaja and Via Bellina, said one nearby property “has repeatedly failed to properly screen her short term rentals” and cited late‑night parties, trespass and code citations. “Your duty as city council members is to protect the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” Booth said.

Other speakers recounted safety incidents and legal costs. David Hurwitz said he spent about $600,000 fighting what he described as a sober‑living or problem house near his property. Several speakers, including Kathy Ward and Joe Janis, reminded the council that a 2020 legal settlement set a 10‑year amortization that was to expire in 2026; they urged the council to uphold that agreement.

Why it matters: San Clemente’s STLU rules affect neighborhood character, local housing availability and transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenue. Residents at the meeting framed the issue as a tradeoff between short‑term revenue and livability.

Council response and outcome

Council members debated whether the minutes of the May 20 meeting accurately recorded the council’s intentions. Several council members and the city manager said the prior meeting’s action was meant to direct staff to return to the Planning Commission for study, not to adopt final changes that night. Councilmember Victor Cabral moved to modify the May 20 minutes so they explicitly show the council directed staff and the Planning Commission to review and report back on three items: (1) the amortization period for amortized short‑term lodging units; (2) increased hotel/motel development potential through zoning changes or special exceptions; and (3) the expansion or capacity allowances for STLUs, including limited‑term expansions tied to the 2028 Olympics or other major events. The motion to modify the minutes passed by voice vote; the council recorded one abstention.

The council did not enact any immediate change to the STLU ordinance on June 3. The amended minutes and motion instead formalize direction that staff and the Planning Commission will study and report back on the three topics listed above.

Notable quotations (from meeting transcript)

- “I would like to state that I am adamantly against any further debate or reviews of this topic,” — Matthew Fletcher, San Clemente resident.
- “Your duty as city council members is to protect the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” — Chris Booth, representing neighbors on Calle Cinaja and Via Bellina.
- “We are not sure who incited this idea, but if you were the one, shame on you for not doing your due diligence before starting the ball rolling,” — Joe Janis, longtime organizing volunteer.

Clarifying details and context

- The amortization schedule referenced in public comment originated in a 2020 settlement; speakers said the settlement set a 10‑year sunset that would end in 2026. The city clerk and city manager discussed ensuring minutes reflect that council members intended study and not final action.
- City staff and the city manager repeatedly said a zoning amendment process requires Planning Commission hearings and is not final action from a single council meeting.
- The council’s amendment to the May 20 minutes instructs staff and the Planning Commission to study the three topics and return with recommendations; it does not itself change zoning or the amortization timeline.

Next steps

Staff will bring the matter to the Planning Commission for consideration and a formal recommendation to council. The amended minutes now explicitly record that direction.

Ending: The council heard more than a dozen speakers during Oral Communications on June 3, most urging the city to preserve the current amortization plan and not broaden STLU allowances; the council’s June 3 action was limited to clarifying the record and sending the issues to the Planning Commission for study.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting June 3, 2025 - Complete Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Dozens of San Clemente residents told the City Council on June 3 that short‑term lodging units have disrupted neighborhoods and that the council should not re‑open the amortization schedule that phases out those units.","taxTitle","San Clemente City, Orange County, California","taxId",4846,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6533816,"Votes at a glance: San Clemente City Council actions, June 3, 2025",2559,4650235,7210000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3657550-1eff675f9f681395f35073227fad632b&start=4650&end=7210","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3657550-1eff675f9f681395f35073227fad632b/thumbnail_4650235.jpg","/articles/6533816/San-Clemente-City/Orange-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-San-Clemente-City-Council-actions-June-3-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533816-aa80ae39ec2aee64af849895433c66ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181924&Signature=XrWQ7KHAt9UQfXVH3LnhM1Bg1nOJOLY28ZDDyRwYP9fPZByw2k4jIpiigcVyqEtzoV2T7U6RmvgG8mRXwYSS8RLahlXI-5IgLXXnL2kYRgi5XUStutBylkuVdVBVeQBEPjoFc-QXz3CG3nBidB~P1m0qF5gF0-IxEZi-zFPLwZJZtrsOAuth6AArQRHITKnsJhUTV2UajBy9mOEOj8VkCcHbCG3sZvcBxFZPfF3h~RLIJDCoGX4Bd7oPrLfJtc0WuIUDvhKEOrs6cIkXPwA~J5YIXVIFQkndJsbxkn7tvtGAaNDy1Nrjy3pScoYxE5MlptTT9j4u1OqL4S10WSQKEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Key votes and formal actions taken by the San Clemente City Council on June 3, 2025. This is a concise summary of each recorded item, outcome and immediate next steps.

- Fire hazard maps (Item 8a): Council introduced for first reading an ordinance amending Exhibit A of San Clemente Municipal Code Chapter 8.22 to update Very High, High and Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps. Motion to introduce ordinance carried unanimously (voice vote). Next step: second reading/adoption at a future meeting.

- City position vacancies/status report (Item 8b): Council accepted staff’s status report on position vacancies and recruitment/retention efforts (AB 2561 / Gov. Code §3502.3 compliance). Passed unanimously.

- Olympic committee (Item 9): Council tabled the item to continue city coordination through the city manager and existing committees; motion to table passed 5‑0.

- Appropriations limit resolution (Item 10a): Council approved FY25‑26 adjustments and adopted the resolution establishing the appropriations limit (resolutions referenced in staff packet). Passed unanimously.

- Revised salary schedule (Item 10b): Council adopted a resolution approving a revised salary schedule and a 3% pay increase for benefited full‑time employees effective July 7, 2025. Passed unanimously.

- Marquitas Slope procurement direction (Item 10d): Rather than awarding a single emergency construction contract, council directed staff to solicit competitive bids on an expedited timeline and coordinate with the Coastal Commission. Motion passed 5‑0. (See separate coverage.)

- County of Orange police services contract (Item 10e): Council authorized the city manager to execute the City/County police services contract for FY25‑26 (resolution 25‑75 in the staff packet). Passed unanimously.

- Consent calendar highlights (Item 11 and subitems): Multiple consent items were approved as amended or with updated attachments. Notable consent actions included approval of an OCTA contract amendment and authorization to execute an amendment to a Coastal Frontiers contract for offshore sand/source work (Item 11k updated resolution adopted); updated list of gas tax projects added (11m). The consent calendar passed as amended by a unanimous vote.

How these votes fit together

The council’s votes on June 3 were a mix of regulatory (fire hazard map amendments), operational (personnel and police contract), infrastructure procurement direction (Marquitas slope), and administrative housekeeping (consent calendar). Several items require follow‑up, public hearings or Planning Commission work before final adoption.

Ending: Staff will return with required follow‑up items, including a second reading on the fire hazard ordinance, Planning Commission reports where directed, bid results and contract recommendations for the Marquitas slope project, and any requested detail on police services staffing.","The San Clemente City Council adopted multiple measures June 3 including updates to fire hazard maps, budget and staffing resolutions, a revised police contract, and approvals tied to transportation and coastal studies. Several items were continued or placed for further study.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":80,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6533821,"Council directs competitive bids for Marquitas slope interim repairs after debate over emergency contract",1728,5481865,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3657550-1eff675f9f681395f35073227fad632b&start=5481&end=7210","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3657550-1eff675f9f681395f35073227fad632b/thumbnail_5481865.jpg","/articles/6533821/San-Clemente-City/Orange-County/California/Council-directs-competitive-bids-for-Marquitas-slope-interim-repairs-after-debate-over-emergency-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533821-bd19e171cb79bbee67a9f69c840fe4ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181924&Signature=R9J5t17kRlJCkf~L8G84MPZ600VrkAkNm0v0ArWs4Q4-sZUqWv1by0tdTT-wMRMf4GQ6Is-lSo90lFRyZ0bKuqJsEnETrljW8Mq~3Tr9im92UwFo~CPeFsBfM-eo3hf-Sa9KCppCPgzI0Jn7aPR3cf1pg~yk2KWUlNIZ83p6e51gkUM-00zvPwLEDV9aJAsiF5v8AAAF4e6~VsJOIxTloqACkvuQP~PZ25LUmtUHVAqOWf5E3LvePg2ggoAY2Rz29CMPPmWiNVDhPrert-ZJYW3mSC8iovDRWl8fqf-2yE4RVOgk6pjLjEGM3bVPWq1vwMxgTbk1~X4Y0lBbZ3Asog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Clemente City Council voted unanimously June 3 to direct staff to solicit competitive bids, on an expedited schedule, for interim reconstruction work at the Marquitas slope that threatens a city sewer pump station.

The project seeks to install structural supports — including caissons and tiebacks — to shore up the slope above the pump station and prevent further lateral movement that could damage the facility. Staff described a history of temporary measures and prior emergency permits; engineering reports presented to council said the existing temporary retaining wall has reached its capacity and additional movement in a heavy rainy season could damage the pump station.

Council debate focused on procurement approach and schedule. Public works staff and the city manager recommended an emergency contract to get work underway quickly, citing the need to complete the bulk of work before the winter rainy season and potential complications in securing railroad and Coastal Commission permits. Several council members questioned the emergency procurement and urged pursuing competitive bidding to seek lower costs and better contractor pricing.

Council action

Councilmember Victor Cabral moved that staff put the project out for competitive bid with a compressed timeline (staff to develop specifications quickly, use a shortened bid posting period) and that staff communicate immediately with the California Coastal Commission about extending emergency permit authority while bids are collected. Councilmember Zen Wu seconded. The motion passed 5‑0.

Technical and schedule details from the meeting

- Staff said obtaining full engineered specifications and an open competitive process could add roughly 2–3 months to the timeline; council discussion placed that risk against potential savings from competitive bids.
- Public works staff said railroad permitting (for work near tracks) can take 4–8 weeks once a contractor is selected and that the Coastal Commission’s emergency coastal development permit should be extended while the city pursues the competitive procurement.
- Staff noted the pump station handles roughly 300,000 gallons per day on average and can reach up to a million gallons during peak flows; an interruption to the station would pose operational and public‑works risks.

Quotations from the meeting

- “I believe so. The time it will take to go through the formal process ... we would have to put out an RFP to get design work done,” said a staff member explaining the schedule tradeoffs.
- “I think if there's a chance to save some taxpayers money, I think it is important,” said one councilmember advocating competitive bids.

Clarifying details

- The staff report referenced an emergency coastal development permit that the city had previously obtained for prior temporary work; staff recommended maintaining or extending the emergency permit while pursuing procurement.
- Staff said the current temporary wall and raker system had been modified multiple times over several years and engineers judged the temporary measures had reached their useful life.

Next steps

Staff will draft bid specifications immediately, seek any necessary extension or guidance from the Coastal Commission to preserve emergency permitting while bids are solicited, and return to council with bid proposals and a recommended contract award. The council’s motion explicitly directed staff to shorten standard timeline windows where possible to accelerate procurement.","Following months of concern over slope movement above a city pump station, the San Clemente City Council on June 3 directed staff to put the Marquitas Slope Interim Reconstruction project out for competitive bid with an expedited timeline and to coordinate with the Coastal Commission.","actionData","errors"]

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Residents urge council not to reopen short‑term rental amortization; council amends minutes to direct planning commission review

Votes at a glance: San Clemente City Council actions, June 3, 2025

Council directs competitive bids for Marquitas slope interim repairs after debate over emergency contract