Laguna Beach — The Laguna Beach City Council completed its annual reorganization at its December meeting, appointing Council Member Mark Orgill as mayor and Council Member Hallie (Hallie/Haley) Jones as mayor pro tem. The council held public comment before nominations and approved both appointments by voice vote.

The reorganization began after the council returned from closed session; the city attorney reported no reportable action. Public commenters urged continued rotation of the mayoralty and urged the council to give office-holding opportunities to members who had not previously served, remarks that were echoed during the nomination process (public commenter, SEG 22).

Council Member Bob Whelan moved to nominate Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill to serve as mayor; the motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote. Later the council nominated Hallie Jones for mayor pro tem; that nomination also passed by voice vote.

Orgill, who addressed the council after his selection, thanked colleagues and highlighted priorities he plans to emphasize in the year ahead including stewardship of Laguna’s heritage, environment and culture. Jones, selected as mayor pro tem, spoke of teamwork and her commitment to the city council’s work.

The reorganization was procedural; no policy decisions were made as part of the appointments. The mayor and mayor pro tem will preside over the council into the coming year and represent the city at civic events and ceremonial functions.