Lake Forest council adopts resolution certifying Nov. 5 election; Doug Serbo and Robert Pecano sworn in

The Lake Forest City Council on Dec. 17 unanimously adopted a resolution certifying the results of the Nov. 5, 2024, municipal election and conducted the oath of office for incoming council members Doug Serbo (District 1) and Robert Pecano (District 5).

The city clerk, Lisa Berglund, told the council the resolution "gives us the results of the election that took place in November" and said it was appropriate for the council to vote to adopt the attached staff report before proceeding with ceremonial items. The council approved the item without further discussion and recorded the vote via the city's electronic voting system.

Pastor Lyle Castella administered the oaths for Serbo and Pecano. After taking the oath, Serbo said the ceremony "means so much to me" and noted his prior oaths, including when he entered the Marine Corps, and expressed thanks to family, city staff and residents. Pecano thanked his wife, his son for swearing him in, volunteers and city staff and noted his past council experience, including his first vote on the Orange County Power Authority.

During public comment immediately before the oath, resident Andrew O'Connor criticized Serbo's conduct at a previous council meeting and questioned what Serbo and Pecano had accomplished for their districts, citing crime and business closures. The council did not respond to public commenters during the public comment period, consistent with the council's stated practice.

The ceremony also included brief remarks welcoming the two members and recognition of family members in the chamber. The council moved on to other agenda items after the swearing-in.

Votes at a glance: Resolution certifying Nov. 5, 2024 election — approved unanimously.