Council debates term limits after residents urge turnover; motion to draft ordinance fails for lack of second

Mayor Pro Tem Pearl Lee introduced a council‑initiated discussion about placing term limits on a future ballot, proposing a two‑term (eight‑year) cap. The proposal drew broad public support — speakers emphasized that term limits would open opportunities, increase civic participation and reduce the perceived barrier posed by long‑serving incumbents — and a number of residents urged the council to put the measure before voters.

Council debate exposed a split. Supporters argued term limits promote turnover and new ideas; opponents cautioned that Laguna Woods is a small city where long tenure helps elected members build the county‑level relationships and institutional memory necessary to secure funding and represent the city on regional boards. Several councilmembers recommended longer limits (three terms) or suggested voluntary self‑limits rather than a binding charter change.

The council considered directing staff to draft an ordinance with a placeholder for term length. A motion asking staff to prepare a draft did not receive a second and therefore failed at the meeting. Staff explained that if council later places a measure on the ballot, it would be prospective in effect (current terms would not be counted) and would be consolidated in the next general municipal election.

No ordinance was drafted or introduced at the meeting; councilmembers said they would continue to discuss the idea and that any formal action would return to a future agenda for possible voter consideration.