Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-28-CC-R-MIN 1 CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES January 28, 2025 5:00 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, Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols, Deputy City Manager Angela Crespi, Police Chief Paul LeBaron, Public Works Director Joe SanClemente, Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker, Acting City Clerk Reanna Guzman, Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza, Special Events and Filming Coordinator Austin DeWeese _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CLOSED SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 5:00 PM Mayor Francois called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Acting City Clerk Reanna Guzman announced a quorum. Councilmember Keegan and Mayor Pro Tem Saemann were absent for the Closed Session roll call only. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CLOSED SESSION AGENDA Mayor Francois opened public comment. No Public Comment was provided. 4. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:05 p.m. 4.a MINUTES: Approval of minutes of Closed Session held on November 12, 2024 4.b CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: 2 4.c CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR 5. OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM Mayor Francois called the Open Session to order at 6:09 p.m. 6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jerry Ravinksy. 7. ROLL CALL Acting City Clerk Reanna Guzman announced a quorum. 8. CLOSED SESSION REPORT City Attorney Donegan provided the Closed Session report. Councilmember Keegan and Mayor Pro Tem Saemnn were both present. No reportable action was taken. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS—UPCOMING CITY EVENTS Mayor Francois announced it was enrollment time at Hermosa Beach City School District for new families. Families impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires who need assistance enrolling in Hermosa Schools are encouraged to contact Paulette Recinos at (424) 333-9975 x2119 or visit the Hermosa Beach City School District website for more information. 10. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by: Councilmember Keegan Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann To move item 11.c and 17.d before the Public Hearing and approve the remainder of the agenda. Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan Motion Carried 11. PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS 11.a ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE WINNER OF THE 15TH ANNUAL PARKING PERMIT ART CONTEST Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker provided a brief summary of the item. Director Walker announced Karen Beduya as the winner of the 15th Annual Parking Permit Art Contest. 3 11.b RECOGNIZING VIKI COPELAND ON HER RETIREMENT AND SERVICE TO THE CITY City Manager Suja Lowenthal provided a presentation recognizing Viki Copeland on her retirement and years of service. Public Works Director Joe SanClemente presented Viki Copeland with a Hermosa Beach street sign. Mayor Francois presented Viki Copeland with certificates. Viki Copeland shared a few words. The City Council provided comments. 11.c HERMOSA BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS REVIEW OF 2024 PROGRAMS AND VISION FOR 2025 Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership & Operations Millie Martinez provided the presentation. 12. CITY MANAGER REPORT City Manager Suja Lowenthal provided the City Manager Report. Acting Assistant Fire Chief Brian Kane provided a brief update on local firefighting and relief efforts. Cal Water Operations Manager Robert Thompson provided an update on Cal Water's emergency preparedness and supply reliability program. Mayor Francois asked various questions. Cal Water Operations Manager Robert Thompson provided information. City Manager Lowenthal provided remarks. Area G Disaster Management Coordinator Brandy Villanueva provided a brief presentation. Red Cross Disaster Program Manager Gabby McCormick provided an update about the Red Cross' response to the wildfire efforts. Mayor Francois asked questions. Disaster Program Manager McCormick provided information. 12.a PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR UPDATE Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided an update on various Public Works projects. Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments. Director SanClemente provided information. 4 Councilmember Jackson asked various questions. Director SanClemente provided additional information. 12.b POLICE CHIEF UPDATE Chief Paul LeBaron provided the Police Chief Update. Mayor Francois asked questions about DUI arrests. Chief LeBaron provided information. 13. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Francois opened public comment. The following public comment was provided. In Person Public Comment:  Sarah Harper  Rick Koenig  Clayton Shepherd  Lorraine Marshall  Carolyn Petty  Trent Larson  Adam M.  Ira Ellman  Erik Horne. Mayor Francois asked various questions regarding the cable channel, cell phone tower, and water quality. City Manager Lowenthal provided information. City Attorney Donegan provided information. 14. CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 14.a UPDATES FROM CITY COUNCIL AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES AND STANDING COMMITTEE DELEGATES/ALTERNATES Councilmember Keegan announced his attendance to the League of California Cities New Mayors and Councilmembers Academy. Mayor Francois announced Councilmember Keegan and Councilmember Detoy agreed to form a working group to provide recommendations to update the City's zoning codes to align with the City's priorities and goals. 5 Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked questions about the committee. Mayor Francois provided information. Councilmember Jackson provided comments. Mayor Francois suggested a future agenda item. City Attorney Donegan provided information. City Manager Lowenthal spoke. 15. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Jackson requested to pull item 15.h from the Consent Calendar to be heard after Municipal Matter item 17.e. Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To pull item 15.h for separate discussion to be heard after Municipal Matter item 17.e 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 15.a WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To 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 15.b CHECK REGISTERS - 25-AS-009 Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To ratify the check register for January 9, 2025. The Administrative Services Director certifies the accuracy of the demands. Motion Carried 15.c REVENUE REPORT, EXPENDITURE REPORT, AND CIP REPORT BY PROJECT FOR DECEMBER 2024 - 25-AS-012 6 Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To receive and file the December 2024 Financial Reports. Motion Carried 15.d CASH BALANCE REPORT - 25-AS-011 Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To receive and file the December 2024 Cash Balance Report. Motion Carried 15.e CITY’S TREASURER’S REPORT - 25-AS-010 Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To receive and file the December 2024 City Treasurer’s Report. Motion Carried 15.f ACTION MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 21, 2025 - 25-CDD-021 Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To receive and file the action minutes of the Planning Commission regular meeting of January 21, 2025. Motion Carried 15.g PLANNING COMMISSION TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA - 25-CDD- 022 Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To receive and file the February 18, 2025 Planning Commission tentative future agenda. Motion Carried 15.i ACTION MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 20, 2024 - 25-PW-006 7 Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To receive and file the action minutes of the Public Works Commission meeting of November 20, 2024. Motion Carried 15.j CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM STATUS REPORT AS OF JANUARY 16, 2025 - 25-PW-007 Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To receive and file the Capital Improvement Program Status Report as of January 16, 2025. Motion Carried 15.k APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH AND BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN, LLP AND STAFFORD HR CONSULTING FOR LABOR RELATIONS SERVICES - 25-AS-014 Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To award a Professional Services Contract with Burke, Williams & Sorensen LLP to provide labor relations services at a not-to-exceed amount of $50,000 and a one-year term ending January 31, 2026; award a Professional Services Contract with Stafford HR Consulting to provide labor relations services at a not-to-exceed amount of $50,000 and a one- year term ending January 31, 2026; and authorize the City Manager to execute and the City Clerk to attest to the proposed agreements, subject to approval by the City Attorney. Motion Carried 15.l ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE REPEALING H.B.M.C. SECTION 3.08.020., SETTING THE SETTLEMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY MANAGER FOR GENERAL LIABILITY AND WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIMS. - 25-AS-016 Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To adopt Ordinance No. ORD-24-1483 of the City of Hermosa Beach, California, repealing Section 3.08.020 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code; and direct the City Clerk to print and publish a summary ordinance 8 in a newspaper of general circulation within 15 days following adoption and post it on the City’s bulletin for 30 days. Motion Carried 15.m APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH THE HERMOSA BEACH LITTLE LEAGUE TO PROVIDE ITS ANNUAL YOUTH BASEBALL LEAGUE - 25-CR-013 Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To approve a three-year agreement with the Hermosa Beach Little League (HBLL) to continue operating its annual youth baseball league for the 2025–2027 season; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and the City Clerk to attest, subject to approval by the City Attorney. Motion Carried 15.h 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-023 Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza introduced the item. No Public Comment was provided. Councilmember Jackson provided comments. Councilmember Keegan asked various questions. Councilmember Jackson provided comments. Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments. Moved by: Councilmember Keegan Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann To adopt Ordinance No. ORD-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. 9 Ayes (3): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Keegan Noes (2): Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Jackson Motion Carried 16. PUBLIC HEARINGS—TO COMMENCE AT 6:30 P.M 16.a APPROVAL OF NEW 2025 SPECIAL EVENTS - 25-CR-008 Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols provided a staff presentation. Mayor Francois asked various questions. Director Nichols provided information. Councilmember Detoy asked questions about the tournament time frames. In Person Public Comment:  Alexi Waul Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson To hold a public hearing to approve the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Advisory Commission’s recommendation to include the following Impact Level II new special events on the 2025 Special Event Calendar: 1. Interscholastic Beach Volleyball League Tournament Series on the volleyball courts north of Pier on Sunday, March 2; Saturday, April 19; Wednesday, October 1; Sunday October 12; Sunday, November 2; Saturday November 15; Saturday December 21; and Tuesday, December 30, 2025 2. The Hermosa Classic south of the Pier on Friday, May 9 through Saturday, May 10, 2025 Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan Motion Carried 17. MUNICIPAL MATTERS 17.a DISCUSSION OF RESPONSE TO JANUARY 2025 FIRES AND ADOPTION OF AN URGENCY ORDINANCE TEMPORARILY AMENDING SECTION 17.42.180 OF THE HBMC DEALING WITH REGULATION AND PERMITTING OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS AND PROVIDING DIRECTION FOR EVICTION PROTECTIONS, 25-CMO-010 10 City Attorney Patrick Donegan provided the staff presentation. Mayor Francois asked various questions. Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked various questions. City Attorney Donegan provided information. Virtual Public Comment:  Scott Hayes  Tony Higgins  Laura Pena The City Council continued to deliberate on this item. Moved by: Councilmember Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Detoy To receive and file. Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan Motion Carried 17.b DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE CHANGES TO THE CITYWIDE RESIDENTIAL PARKING PROGRAM UPDATE., 25-AS-015 Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker provided a staff presentation. Mayor Francois asked various questions. Director Walker provided information. Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked various questions. Director Walker provided information. City Manager Lowenthal provided comments. Councilmember Jackson provided comments. Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments. Virtual Public Comment:  Anthony Higgins Mayor Francois provided comments. Councilmember Jackson provided comments. 11 Mayor Francois asked various questions. Councilmember Detoy spoke. The City Council continued to deliberate on this item. Mayor Pro Tem Saemann requested to bring back an item to discuss the parking regulations in commercial parking lots, including employee parking. The request was supported by Councilmember Jackson and Councilmember Detoy. Moved by: Councilmember Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson To receive an update regarding the City’s Residential Parking Permit Program; and consider any changes or modification to the City’s Residential Parking Permit Program. Substitute Motion Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann A substitute motion was made to establish the acceptable forms of proof of residency to add a Driver's License consistent with State law, and in the event the person does not have a vehicle, proof of residency for a hang tag can be established via bank statement or credit card statement at the address requested. Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan Motion Carried 17.c RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ADOPTION OF THE MULTIPLE EMPLOYER OPEB/PENSION 115 TRUST ADMINISTERED BY SHUSTER ADVISORY GROUP, LLC, 25-AS-013 Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker provided a staff presentation. No Public Comment was provided. Moved by: Councilmember Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Detoy To adopt Resolution No. RES-25-7472 approving the adoption of the Multiple Employer OPEB/Pension 115 Trust administered by Shuster Advisory Group, LLC and discontinuing the City’s current participation in the PARS Post-Retirement Health Care Plan Trust administered by Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) and U.S Bank. 12 Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan Motion Carried 17.d STATUS OF THE 2025 ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND NOTIFICATION OF THE HERMOSA BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITOR’S BUREAU’S REQUEST FOR MONETARY SUPPORT FOR THE EVENT, 25-CR-012 Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols provided a staff presentation. Chamber of Commerce President Michelle Crispin provided comments. Mayor Francois asked various questions. Chamber of Commerce President Crispin provided information. Director Nichols provided information. Mayor Francois asked various questions. City Manager Lowenthal provided comments. Mayor Francois provided comments. City Attorney Donegan provided information. Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked President Crispin Various questions. President Crispin provided information. Mike Bell from Bell Event Services provided comments. Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided additional information Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked various questions. President Crispin provided information. City Manager Lowenthal provided information about water barriers. Councilmember Detoy provided comments. Councilmember Keegan asked various questions. President Crispin provided comments. Mike Bell provided comments. In Person Public Comment:  John Burry  Ira Ellman 13 Virtual Public Comment:  Matt McCool  Laura Pena Councilmember Jackson provided comments. Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments. The City Council continued to deliberate. President Crispin provided information. Moved by: Mayor Francois To authorize up to $15,000 to contribute towards the Saint Patrick's Day parade, in addition to giving direction to staff that they agree to cover charges at future events and, if necessary, bring it back to the Council for consideration. Motion failed due to lack of second. Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To receive and file the status report for the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade; and receive and file a request for monetary support from the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau (Chamber) for security and public safety needs for the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade; or provide direction to staff regarding the request for monetary support from the Chamber for the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Mayor Pro Tem Saemann amended the original motion to enter into a one-year agreement with the Chamber of Commerce to loan $15,000 with no interest and to be paid back in full by February 1, 2026; subject to approval of the City Manager and the City Attorney. Councilmember Keegan accepted the amendment. Ayes (3): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Keegan Noes (2): Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Jackson Motion Carried 17.e CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF THE OPTIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE CIVIC FACILITES ADVISORY GROUP AND DISUSSION REGARDING THE POSSIBLE REMOVAL OF THE OPTION OF BUILDING A NEW CITY HALL ON THE EAST SIDE OF VALLEY DRIVE, 25-CMO-011 Deputy City Manager Angela Crespi provided a staff presentation. 14 Administrative Services Director Brandon continued the staff presentation. Fullerton Consulting Partners LLC. Principal Jeff Fullerton offered additional information. Director Walker provided additional information. Mayor Francois asked various questions. City Attorney Donegan provided information. The City Council continued to ask questions on the item. In Person Public Comment:  John Bury Virtual Public Comment:  Tony Higgins  Scott Hayes  Laura Pena Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments. Mayor Francois spoke. Councilmember Jackson spoke. The City Council continued to deliberate on this item. Moved by: Mayor Francois Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan To formally take a position in opposition to the option to build a new City Hall on the east side of Valley Drive. Ayes (3): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Keegan Noes (2): Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Jackson Motion Carried 18. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 18.a TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 25-CMO-012 19. PUBLIC COMMENT 20. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Francois adjourned the meeting in memory of Earl Fey. 15 Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments. The meeting was adjourned at 1:21 a.m.