Council approves Consent Calendar, 3–0

Approval of the Consent Calendar

3 yes, 0 no

RECREATION ASK LAKE FOREST TICKETS

3 yes, 0 no

2026 AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER PROGRAM PARTICIPATION REPORT

3 yes, 0 no

Proclamation Declaring Fire Prevention Week

0 yes, 0 no

Consent Calendar - Motion to Waive Reading

0 yes, 0 no

Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval

0 yes, 0 no

Consent Calendar - Notice of Completion for Bake Parkway & Trabuco Road/Irvine Boulevard Street Improvements

0 yes, 0 no

Consent Calendar - Budget Resolution for Foothill Circulation Phasing Plan Fee Credit Payments

0 yes, 0 no

2027 City Meeting Calendar

0 yes, 0 no

Naz's Halal Food Late-Night Hours

24601 Raymond Way, Suite 2, Lake Forest, CA

A request for a Use Permit to allow restaurant operations until 2:00 a.m.

still pending

Mosaic Mediterranean Grill and Café Hookah Lounge

41 Auto Center Drive, Suite 101, Lake Forest, CA

A request to operate an outdoor hookah lounge on an existing patio in conjunction with an existing restaurant, featuring minor exterior modifications.

still pending

Capital Improvement Plan Progress

The city is currently managing 60 capital projects worth $55 million, including major corridor improvements on El Toro Road and traffic mitigation projects. While construction causes temporary delays, the long-term upgrades will greatly improve local traffic flow and neighborhood infrastructure.

What it means: Approximately $55 million in total active capital investment across 60 projects.

Raised 2 times this week

Master Fee Schedule Updates

The city is issuing $1,110,472 in fee credit payments to property owners in the Portola North development, following an agreement with Orange County. The county will fully reimburse the city, resulting in no net cost.

What it means: Expenditures of $1,110,472 will be offset entirely by County reimbursement revenue, leaving no net fiscal impact.

Bake Parkway and Trabuco Road Street Improvements

Construction is complete on major intersection upgrades at Bake Parkway and Trabuco Road to improve traffic flow and add a new left-turn lane. The final project cost came to about $3.14 million, shared with the City of Irvine.

What it means: The final construction cost was $3,142,994.20, covered by previously budgeted funds and regional mitigation program revenues.

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety and Fire Prevention

The Orange County Fire Authority highlighted the growing number of lithium-ion battery fires from items like e-bikes and phones, urging residents to follow safe charging practices. The Council also proclaimed Fire Prevention Week to raise awareness.

What it means: All Lake Forest residents and property owners.

El Toro Road and Cornelius/Jutewood Intersection Safety

Residents requested a traffic study and a traffic signal at the intersection of El Toro Road and Cornelius/Jutewood due to heavy traffic, safety concerns for seniors from Freedom Village, and a lack of a signalized crossing.

What it means: Seniors, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists utilizing the El Toro Road corridor.

Park Security and Safety Patrols

The city utilizes Lyons Security Services to patrol neighborhood parks and the Lake Forest Sports Park, successfully addressing youth e-bike issues and maintaining a safe environment during weekend events like Friday Night Lights.

What it means: Families, youth sports participants, and park visitors enjoying secure recreational facilities.

Community Services Scholarship Program

The city launched a $10,000 annual scholarship program offering $100 credits to low-income families for recreation classes. Staff reported strong early interest with half a dozen applications already approved.

What it means: $10,000 annual budget allocated in the fiscal year 2026-27 municipal budget.

Late-Night Restaurant Operations Expansion

Naz's Halal Food is asking to stay open past midnight, which requires special city approval since it's the first non-drive-through restaurant in Lake Forest to request late-night hours. The change would provide flexible dining options for residents, particularly during the month of Ramadan.

What it means: Local residents seeking late-night dining options and members of the Muslim community observing Ramadan.

Outdoor Hookah Lounge Permitting

Mosaic Mediterranean Grill and Café wants to offer outdoor hookah smoking on its patio until midnight. The city must evaluate whether the smoking lounge fits compatibly within the Foothill Ranch commercial area near nearby residences.

What it means: The business owner and patrons seeking social lounge spaces that offer flavored tobacco smoking options.