HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-14-CC-R-MIN
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CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
January 14, 2025
6:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
1315 Valley Drive
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Members Present: Mayor Dean Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Rob Saemann,
Councilmember Mike Detoy, Councilmember Ray Jackson,
Councilmember Michael D. Keegan
Staff Present: City Manager Suja Lowenthal, City Attorney Patrick Donegan,
Deputy City Manager Angela Crespi, Administrative Services
Director Brandon Walker, Acting City Clerk Reanna Guzman,
Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols, Police Chief Paul
LeBaron, Public Works Director Joe SanClemente, Senior Office
Assistant Holly Honma, Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza
_____________________________________________________________________
1. OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
Mayor Francois called the Open Session to order at 6:04 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Rick Koenig.
3. ROLL CALL
Acting City Clerk Reanna Guzman announced a quorum.
4. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no Closed Session Report.
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS—UPCOMING CITY EVENTS
Mayor Francois invited the community to the Mayor's Town Hall Forum on
January 16th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The town hall
allows residents to ask questions about emergency services or any other topic of
interest. RSVP is optional.
6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
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City Attorney Donegan provided information and requested that an emergency
item regarding the January 2025 fires in the Los Angeles County area be added
to the City Council's agenda as item 13.g.
Mayor Francois requested to pull Consent Calendar item 11.p for separate
discussion.
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To add Emergency Item 13.g to be discussed before Municipal Matter 13.a; pull
Consent Calendar item 11.p for separate discussion to be heard at the end of
Municipal Matters; and approve the remainder of the agenda.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy,
Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan
Motion Carried
7. PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
7.a LOCAL CONTEST WINNERS OF THE LOS ANGELES PUBLIC
LIBRARY 2024 CHILDREN'S BOOKMARK CONTEST
Mayor Francois invited Hermosa Beach Librarian Genavieve Gualano to
the podium.
Librarian Gualano presented the Library's Bookmark Contest winners.
7.b ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE WINNER OF THE 15TH ANNUAL PARKING
PERMIT ART CONTEST
This item was moved to a future agenda.
7.c RECOGNIZING JENETTE OSBORNE FOR BEING 2024 SCCIAA
CRIME ANALYST OF THE YEAR
Captain Philips provided remarks recognizing Jenette Osborne.
Jenette Osborne provided comments.
Mayor Francois provided remarks.
8. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Suja Lowenthal provided the City Manager Report.
Los Angeles West Vector Control Trustee Jim Fasola provided an update.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked various questions.
Trustee Fasola provided comments.
City Manager Lowenthal provided comments.
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8.a PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR UPDATE
Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided an update on various
Public Works projects.
Councilmember Detoy and Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked questions.
Director SanClemente provided additional information.
8.b POLICE CHIEF UPDATE
Chief Paul LeBaron provided the Police Chief Update.
Mayor Francois and Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked various questions.
City Manager Lowenthal provided additional information and provided
comments.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Francois opened public comment.
The following public comment was provided.
In Person Public Comment:
Rick Koenig
Trent Larson
Angelika Kroger
Gila Katz
Joe Vebrugge
Jim Rosenberger
Chuck Sheddon
Josef Levy
10. CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
10.a UPDATES FROM CITY COUNCIL AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES AND
STANDING COMMITTEE DELEGATES/ALTERNATES
Councilmember Jackson asked City Manager Lowenthal and Chief
LeBaron to speak on the City's efforts regarding e-bikes and traffic safety.
City Manager Lowenthal provided comments.
Chief LeBaron provided comments.
Mayor Francois attended the Governing Board of the Santa Monica Bay
Restoration Commission and the Los Angeles County Sanitation District.
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11. CONSENT CALENDAR
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To remove item 11.p for separate discussion and approve the remainder of the
Consent Calendar.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy,
Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan
Motion Carried
11.a WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
Staff recommends City Council waive reading in full of all ordinances and
resolutions on the agenda and declare that said titles which appear on the
public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further
reading waived.
Motion Carried
11.b CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - 25-CCO-010
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To approve the minutes for the November 12, 2024 Regular Meeting and
the December 5, 2024 Special Meeting.
Motion Carried
11.c CHECK REGISTERS - 25-AS-004
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To ratify the check registers for the period November 4, 2024 through
December 23, 2024. The Administrative Services Director certifies the
accuracy of the demands.
Motion Carried
11.d REVENUE REPORT, EXPENDITURE REPORT, AND CIP REPORT BY
PROJECT FOR OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2024 - 25-AS-005
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Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To receive and file the October and November 2024 Financial Reports.
Motion Carried
11.e CASH BALANCE REPORT - 25-AS-002
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To receive and file the October 2024 and November 2024 Cash Balance
Reports.
Motion Carried
11.f CITY’S TREASURER’S REPORT - 25-AS-003
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To receive and file the October 2024 and November 2024 City Treasurer’s
Reports.
Motion Carried
11.g LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE AND AMBULANCE MONTHLY
REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2024 - 25-CMO-002
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To receive and file the October 2024 Fire and Ambulance monthly report.
Motion Carried
11.h LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE AND AMBULANCE MONTHLY
REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2024 - 25-CMO-003
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To receive and file the November 2024 Fire and Ambulance monthly
report.
Motion Carried
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11.i ACTION MINUTES OF THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY
RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETINGS OF NOVEMBER 4
AND DECEMBER 3, 2024 - 25-CR-002
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To receive and file the action minutes of the Parks, Recreation, and
Community Resources Advisory Commission meetings of November 4,
2024 and December 3, 2024.
Motion Carried
11.j APPROVAL OF SPECIAL EVENT LONG-TERM AGREEMENTS - 25-
CR-004
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To approve two long-term agreements with each of the following
organizations for the following events for the stated calendar year(s):
Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) for the AVP Junior National
Championships in 2025 and Indivisible Arts for State of the Art in 2025
through 2027; and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute and
the City Clerk to attest to each long-term agreement, subject to approval
by the City Attorney.
Motion Carried
11.k APPROVAL OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH VOX
PRODUCTIONS FOR PROVIDING SOUND AND STAGE PRODUCTION
SERVICES FOR THE HERMOSA BEACH CONCERT SERIES - 25-CR-
010
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To approve the proposed first amendment to an agreement with Vox
Productions for sound and stage production services for the Hermosa
Beach Concert Series to extend the expiration term to December 31,
2025, increase the annual not-to-exceed amount to $77,840, and
authorize the City Manager to extend the agreement an additional year;
and authorize the City Manager to execute and the City Clerk to attest the
proposed first amendment subject to approval by the City Attorney.
Motion Carried
11.l ACTION MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING
OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 - 25-PW-004
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Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To receive and file the action minutes of the Public Works Commission
meeting of September 18, 2024.
Motion Carried
11.m ADOPT RESOLUTION 25-XX EASEMENT DEDICATION 1942 THE
STRAND - 25-PW-001
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To adopt Resolution No. RES-25-7468 accepting the easement deed for
the City storm drain associated with the redevelopment of 1942 The
Strand, and authorize the City Manager to execute the Certificate of
Acceptance.
Motion Carried
11.n ACTION MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 18, 2024 AND DECEMBER 16, 2024 - 25-
CDD-012
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To receive and file the action minutes of the Planning Commission regular
meeting of November 18, 2024 and December 16, 2024.
Motion Carried
11.o PLANNING COMMISSION TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA - 25-CDD-
013
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To receive and file the January 21, 2025 Planning Commission tentative
future agenda.
Motion Carried
11.q APPROVAL OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH CIVIC
SOLUTIONS, INC. FOR ON-CALL STAFF AUGMENTATION SERVICES
- 25-CDD-011
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Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To approve the proposed second amendment to an agreement with Civic
Solutions, Inc. for staff augmentation services to increase the not-to-
exceed amount by $34,680, resulting in a total not-to-exceed amount of
$84,680 for the remainder of the two-year term ending June 30, 2026; and
authorize the City Manager to execute and the City Clerk to attest the
attached second amendment subject to approval by the City Attorney.
Motion Carried
11.r APPROVAL OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH CSG
CONSULTANTS, INC FOR ON-CALL STAFF AUGMENTATION
SERVICES - 25-CDD-010
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To approve the proposed second amendment to an agreement with CSG
Consultants, Inc. for staff augmentation services to increase the not-to-
exceed amount by $122,176, resulting in a total not-to-exceed amount of
$237,176 for the remainder of the two-year term ending June 30, 2026;
and authorize the City Manager to execute and the City Clerk to attest the
attached second amendment subject to approval by the City Attorney.
Motion Carried
11.s SOUTH BAY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD QUARTERLY
SUMMARY - 25-CMO-005
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To receive and file the Quarterly Summary from the South Bay Workforce
Investment Board (SBWIB).
Motion Carried
11.t UPDATE TO THE SALARIES FOR PART-TIME POSITIONS - 25-AS-006
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To approve Resolution No. RES-25-7469 and Temporary Employee
Salary Table updating the hourly wages for part-time positions.
Motion Carried
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11.p ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING ZONE TEXT
AMENDMENT 24-03 AMENDING CHAPTER 17.21 OF THE HERMOSA
BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ACCESSORY DWELLING
UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS. - 25-CDD-016
Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza provided a brief overview of this item.
Mayor Francois asked various questions
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments.
Councilmember Detoy asked various questions.
Planning Manager Oropeza provided additional information.
Mayor Francois spoke.
Virtual Public Comment:
Laura Pena
The City Council continued to deliberate on this item.
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
A motion was made by Councilmember Detoy, seconded by
Councilmember Jackson, to adopt Ordinance No. 24-1484 of the City of
Hermosa Beach, California, amending Chapter 17.21 of the Hermosa
Beach Municipal Code regarding accessory dwelling units and junior
accessory dwelling units and determine the project is exempt under the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section
21080.17 of the California Public Resources Code; and direct the City
Clerk to print and publish a summary ordinance in a newspaper of general
circulation within 15 days following adoption and post it on the City’s
bulletin for 30 days.
Substitute Motion
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
Seconded by: Mayor Francois
To introduce on first reading and waive full reading of the proposed
ordinance approving Zone Text Amendment 24-03 as amended to reflect
the Planning Commission's original recommendation for a detached ADU
height limit.
Ayes (3): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember
Keegan
Noes (2): Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Jackson
Motion Carried
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12. PUBLIC HEARINGS—TO COMMENCE AT 6:30 P.M
There were no Public Hearing items.
13. MUNICIPAL MATTERS
13.a DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE CITY OPTIONS IN RESPONSE TO
JANUARY 2025 LOS ANGELES AREA FIRES ADDED PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54954.2(B)(1). - 25-CMO-009
City Manager Lowenthal introduced and provided a brief summary.
Emergency Management Coordinator Moe Wright provided the staff
presentation.
City Manager Lowenthal provided additional information.
Mayor Francois asked various questions.
City Attorney Donegan provided additional information.
Emergency Management Coordinator Wright provided additional
information.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked various questions.
City Attorney Donegan provided additional information.
Councilmember Jackson asked various questions.
City Manager Lowenthal provided additional information.
In Person Public Comment:
Laura Pena
Virtual Public Comment:
Tony Higgins
The City Council continued to deliberate on this item.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan
To bring forth an Urgency Ordinance to the next City Council meeting
related to short-term vacation rental regulations in response to the LA
fires. A friendly amendment was made by Councilmember Detoy to
discuss and include the eviction process. The friendly amendment was
accepted.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember
Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan
Motion Carried
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13.b DESIGNATION OF A MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF FEE WAIVER GRANTS
FOR SPECIAL EVENTS HELD IN 2025 - 25-CR-003
Community Resources Manager Lisa Nichols presented the staff
presentation.
No Public Comment was provided.
Councilmember Detoy provided comments.
Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To designate a maximum amount of $5,000 in fee waiver grant funding for
special events held in 2025, as per the City’s Special Events Policy Guide.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember
Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan
Motion Carried
13.c EXPANSION OF THE SCOPE OF AN EXISTING CITY COUNCIL
SUBCOMMITTEE TO CONSIDER RENAMING THE ACCESSIBLE
PLAYGROUND AT SOUTH PARK IN HONOR OF CASEY ROHRER -
25-CR-009
Community Resources Nichols presented the staff presentation.
No Public Comment was provided.
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan
To designate the Greenbelt Pedestrian Trail Renaming Subcommittee to
evaluate the proposed renaming of the accessible playground at South
Park in honor of the late Hermosa Beach resident Casey Rohrer.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember
Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan
Motion Carried
13.d CITYWIDE PARKING PROGRAM UPDATE AND APPROVAL OF
AGREEMENTS WITH PARKMOBILE, LLC AND TURBO DATA
SYSTEMS, INC FOR PARKING PROGRAM MANAGEMENT - 25-CMO-
001
City Manager Lowenthal provided a brief summary of the reports.
Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker presented a staff
presentation.
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Mayor Francois asked various questions.
Director Walker and City Manager Lowenthal provided comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked various questions.
Director Walker provided comments.
Councilmember Keegan asked various questions.
Councilmember Jackson asked various questions.
Virtual Public Comment:
Anthony Higgins
Laura Pena
Brad Scott
The City Council continued to deliberate on this item.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan
To receive an update regarding the City’s Residential Parking Permit
Program and software, pay-by-app mobile parking payment system,
parking transaction fees, and Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR);
authorize the City Manager to execute, and the City Clerk to attest to the
proposed the First Amendment to an agreement for mobile parking
payment systems services with ParkMobile, LLC, extending the
agreement citywide for a term of three years ending December 31, 2028,
with option to allow the City Manager to extend the agreement in one-year
terms, subject to approval by the City Attorney; and authorize the City
Manager to execute, and the City Clerk to attest to the proposed
agreement with Turbo Data Systems, Inc., to provide parking program
software at a not-to-exceed amount of $221,386 for a three year term
ending January 31, 2028 subject to approval by the City Attorney; and
discuss possible changes to the residential parking permit program at the
next City Council meeting to include the feedback provided in the staff
report.
Ayes (4): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember
Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan
Noes (1): Councilmember Detoy
Motion Carried
13.e AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR CIP 424 ANNUAL
STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS - 25-PW-002
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Public Works Director SanClemente presented a staff presentation
Councilmember Detoy asked various questions.
Public Works Director SanClemente provided information.
No Public Comment was provided.
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To award a construction contract for CIP 424 Annual Storm Drain
Improvements to PALP, Inc. dba Excel Paving Company in the amount of
$212,260; authorize the Director of Public Works to establish a project
contingency amount of $50,000 and to approve contract change orders up
to the amount of the approved contract contingency; adopt the attached
resolution entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hermosa
Beach Approving the Construction of CIP 424 Annual Storm Drain
Improvements Pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6 and
Establishing a Project Payment Account”; authorize the Mayor to execute
the construction contract and the City Clerk to attest, subject to approval
by the City Attorney; and authorize the Director of Public Works to file a
Notice of Completion following completion of the project.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember
Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan
Motion Carried
13.f CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REORGANIZATION - 25-CMO-007
City Manager Lowenthal provided a brief overview of the item.
Acting City Clerk Reanna Guzman provided a staff presentation.
No Public Comment was provided.
The City Council deliberated on this item and made changes to the
Appointments List as approved. Additionally, the Finance and Joint-Use
Park Amenities Subcommittees decommission dates were extended to
December 31, 2025.
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To approve the revised Appointments List, adopt Resolution No. RES-25-
7467 to reflect delegate/alternate changes to the South Bay Cities Council
of Government, and additional or deletions of committees or temporary
subcommittees
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Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember
Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan
Motion Carried
13.g CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2025 - 25-CMO-004
Executive Assistant Ann Yang presented the staff presentation.
Virtual Public Comment:
Matt McCool
Councilmember Detoy provided comments.
Mayor Francois provided comments.
Councilmember Keegan provided comments.
Councilmember Jackson asked various questions.
The City Council continued to deliberate on this item.
Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Detoy
To hold a City Council meeting on December 9, 2025.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember
Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan
Motion Carried
Moved by: Councilmember Jackson
Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan
To declare the City Council meeting of July 8, 2025 as dark.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember
Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan
Motion Carried
Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To change the City Council meeting date of September 23 to September
30, 2025.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember
Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan
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Motion Carried
Moved by: Councilmember Jackson
Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan
To keep the City Council meeting of August 30, 2025 as a placeholder.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember
Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan
Motion Carried
Moved by: Councilmember Jackson
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To continue to hold City Council meetings at 5:00 PM for Closed Session
and 6:00 PM for Open Session.
Ayes (3): Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, and
Councilmember Jackson
Noes (2): Mayor Francois, and Councilmember Keegan
Motion Carried
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson
To review and provide direction on the changes to the Regular Meeting
dates and proposed dates for Special Meetings; approve the City Council
meeting schedule for 2025; and approve Resolution No. 25-7471
establishing the meeting dates and times of the City Council for calendar
year 2025.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember
Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan
Motion Carried
14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Francois requested an action item on the Civic Facilities Task Force
options. Mayor Pro Tem Saemann and Councilmember Keegan provided
support.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann requested support for an agenda item for the Saint
Patrick's Day Parade. Councilmember Keegan and Mayor Francois provided
support.
City Attorney Donegan provided information.
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City Manager Lowenthal provided information.
Councilmember Jackson spoke.
14.a TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 25-CMO-008
15. PUBLIC COMMENT
16. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 PM in memory of Hector Alatorre.
Councilmember Jackson provided comments.