HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-08-CC-R-MIN
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CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
October 8, 2024
5:30 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 Justin Massey
Staff Present: City Manager Suja Lowenthal, City Attorney Patrick Donegan,
Deputy City Manager Angela Crespi, Administrative Services
Director Brandon Walker, Administrative Services Director Viki
Copeland, City Clerk Myra Maravilla, Community Development
Director Carrie Tai, Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols,
Police Chief Paul LeBaron, Public Works Director Joe
SanClemente, Interim Human Resources Manager Cynthia
Stafford, Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CLOSED SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 5:30 PM
Mayor Francois called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Myra Maravilla announced a quorum.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
No Public Comment on the Closed Session agenda was provided.
4. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:32 p.m.
4.a Closed Session Minutes
4.b Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation
5. OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
Mayor Francois called the Open Session to order at 6:01 p.m.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Janice.
7. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Maravilla announced a quorum.
8. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Donegan provided the Closed Session report. No reportable action
was taken.
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS—UPCOMING CITY EVENTS
Mayor Francois provided various announcements.
City Council Candidate Forum hosted by Leadership Hermosa Beach—
Leadership Hermosa Beach is sponsoring a City Council Candidates Forum on
Thursday, October 10th at 6:30 p.m. The forum will take place in the Council
Chambers and will also be broadcast live on the City’s Public, Education, and
Government cable channels and available live and for replay on the City’s
YouTube channel.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s—Alzheimer's Association will hold its 2024 Walk to End
Alzheimer’s 5K fundraising walk-a-thon on Sunday, October 13th at 9:00am on
Pier Plaza and the Strand north of the Pier. Held annually in more than 600
communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is
the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research.
Members of the public are welcome to attend this free event, and all participants
are encouraged to raise critical funds that support the Alzheimer’s Association’s
important work. Additional information can be found at www.alz.org.
Pumpkins in the Park—On Saturday, October 19th, Friends of the Park will host
“Pumpkins in the Park” from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Edith Rodaway
Friendship Park, located at 350 Prospect Avenue. Planned activities include a
costume contest, face painting, a Halloween photo booth, games and pumpkin
decorating. Everyone is welcome to attend this family-friendly event celebrating
Fall and the Halloween holiday.
Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk—The 16th annual Skechers Pier to Pier
Friendship Walk will be held on Sunday, October 20th. Each October, the
Skechers Foundation hosts a 3.5 mile walk from Manhattan Beach Pier to
Hermosa Beach Pier and back to raise funds for public education and children
with special needs. Check-in and registration for this year’s event begins at 8:00
a.m. at the Manhattan Beach Pier. For more information on the walk or how to
donate funds, please visit skechersfriendshipwalk.com. We look forward to
seeing everyone at this community event supporting a good cause.
10. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Francois asked various questions.
City Attorney Patrick Donegan provided information.
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City Manager Suja Lowenthal provided information.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked various questions.
Councilmember Massey and Councilmember Detoy expressed support to add
item 17.d to the agenda.
Councilmember Massey and Mayor Francois discussed item 11.c.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments on item 11.c.
Moved by: Councilmember Massey
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To withdraw items and 11.c and 17.a, add item 17.d to the agenda, and approve
the remainder of the agenda.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy,
Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Massey
Motion Carried
11. PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
11.a WOMAN'S CLUB PANCAKE BREAKFAST PRESENTATION
Mayor Francois invited representatives from the Hermosa Beach Women's
Club to the podium.
Mindy Lagos, President of the Hermosa Beach Women's Club, provided
information on the Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on October 27th at the
Kiwanis Club.
11.b PROCLAMATION DECLARING OCTOBER 2024 AS BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH AND OCTOBER 13, 2024 AS METASTATIC
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY
Mayor Francois invited Dana Richards to the podium to speak about
Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Metastatic Breast Cancer
Awareness Day.
Mayor Francois presented a proclamation to Dana Richards.
11.c COMMEMORATING WORLD PEACE MONTH
Item 11.c was withdrawn during the approval of the agenda.
12. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Suja Lowenthal provided the City Manager Report.
12.a PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR UPDATE
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Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided an update on various
Public Works projects.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked various questions about the Lot C
elevator project.
12.b POLICE CHIEF UPDATE
Chief Paul LeBaron provided the Police Chief Update.
Mayor Francois asked questions about the community notifications that
went out for green zone meters.
City Manager Lowenthal provided information.
13. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Francois opened public comment. The following public comment was
provided.
In Person Public Comment:
Brian Sheil
Trent Larson
Ira Ellman
Nancy Schwappach
Sarah Harper
Carolyn Petty
Matt McCool
14. CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
14.a UPDATES FROM CITY COUNCIL AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES AND
STANDING COMMITTEE DELEGATES/ALTERNATES
15. CONSENT CALENDAR
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Massey
To approve the Consent Calendar.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy,
Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Massey
Motion Carried
15.a WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA
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Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Massey
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 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - 24-CCO-060
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Massey
To approve the minutes for the Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Regular
Meeting.
Motion Carried
15.c CHECK REGISTERS - 24-AS-034
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Massey
To ratify the check registers from September 19, 2024, September 23,
2024, and September 25, 2024.
Motion Carried
15.d LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE AND AMBULANCE MONTHLY
REPORT FOR AUGUST 2024 - 24-CMO-045
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Massey
To receive and file the August 2024 Fire and Ambulance monthly report.
Motion Carried
15.e CERTIFICATION THAT REPLACEMENT OF WINDOWS FOR PUBLIC
SAFETY PURPOSES AT THE HERMOSA BEACH COMMUNITY
CENTER, LOCATED AT 710 PIER AVENUE, IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS - 24-CDD-062
Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Massey
To receive and file the Community Development Director’s certification
that the replacement of louvered windows with solid paned windows for
public safety reasons at the Hermosa Beach Community Center located at
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710 Pier Avenue is not subject to the Certification of Appropriateness and
determine the certification to be exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act, where “it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility
that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the
environment.”
Motion Carried
16. PUBLIC HEARINGS—TO COMMENCE AT 6:30 P.M
16.a REVIEW OF PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PDP 24-10) APPROVED
BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON AUGUST 20, 2024, TO
RECONSTRUCT A CITY-OWNED SURFACE PARKING LOT LOCATED
AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF 14TH ST AND MANHATTAN AVE
IN THE DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL (C-2) ZONE
Mayor Francois opened the Public Hearing.
Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza provided a staff presentation.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked about Coastal Commission approval and
the tree planters.
Public Works Director SanClemente provided information.
Councilmember Detoy asked what triggers ADA review.
Mayor Francois asked various questions.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked various questions.
In Person Public Comment:
Robert Luthardt
Scott Hayes
Nancy Schwappach
Catherine Luthardt
Joe Bailey
Daniel Bailey
David Grethen
Virtual Public Comment:
Anthony Higgins
The City Council recessed at 8:11 p.m. for a fifteen minute break.
Mayor Francois reconvened the meeting at 8:33 p.m.
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City Clerk Maravilla conducted a roll call and announced a quorum. All
members were presented.
The City Council deliberated on this item.
Director Carrie Tai provided information.
City Manager Lowenthal provided information.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments.
Councilmember Massey provided comments.
Councilmember Jackson provided comments.
Mayor Francois provided comments.
Councilmember Detoy provided comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments.
Councilmember Massey provided comments.
Mayor Francois provided comments.
Moved by: Councilmember Massey
Seconded by: Councilmember Detoy
To conduct a Public Hearing; determine that the project is Categorically
Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and adopt
Resolution No. RES-24-7458 approving the Precise Development Plan
(PDP 24-10) for the reconstruction of an existing city-owned surface
parking lot located at the southwest corner of 14th Street and Manhattan
Avenue, subject to conditions.
Ayes (3): Mayor Francois, Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember
Massey
Noes (2): Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Jackson
Motion Carried
17. MUNICIPAL MATTERS
17.a SIDE LETTER TO THE GENERAL AND SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES’
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING - 24-AS-033
This item was withdrawn during the approval of the agenda.
17.b SIDE LETTER TO THE HERMOSA BEACH POLICE OFFICERS’
ASSOCIATION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING - 24-AS-032
Interim Human Resources Manager Cynthia Stafford provided a
presentation.
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Mayor Francois asked about the fiscal impact of the item.
City Manager Lowenthal provided information.
Councilmember Massey asked about the public safety value of having
officers participate in various task forces.
Chief LeBaron provided information.
Virtual Public Comment:
Anthony Higgins
Moved by: Councilmember Jackson
Seconded by: Councilmember Detoy
To approve Resolution No. RES-24-7457 and Side Letter to the Hermosa
Beach Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember
Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Massey
Motion Carried
17.c CONSIDERATION OF THE CITY’S POSITION ON HERMOSA BEACH
CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT MEASURE HV AND LOS ANGELES
COUNTY MEASURE A, WHICH WILL APPEAR ON THE NOVEMBER 5,
2024 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT - 24-CMO-046
Deputy City Manager Angela Crespi provided a staff presentation.
Mayor Francois asked questions about Measure A.
Councilmember Massey shared that the South Bay Council of
Governments took a no position on Measure A.
Councilmember Detoy asked various questions.
In Person Public Comment:
Eric Horne
Steve Izant
Virtual Public Comment:
Anthony Higgins
Councilmember Massey spoke.
Mayor Francois spoke.
Councilmember Massey spoke on Measure A.
Councilmember Detoy provided comments about Measure A.
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Ronson Chu, Homeless Services Coordinator, spoke from the South Bay
Council of Governments.
Councilmember Jackson provided comments.
Moved by: Councilmember Jackson
Seconded by: Councilmember Detoy
To take a support position on Measure HV: Hermosa Beach City School
District’s general obligation (G.O.) bond program, which will appear on the
November 5, 2024 General Election ballot.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember
Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Massey
Motion Carried
Moved by: Councilmember Massey
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To take a neutral position on Measure A: The Citizens’ Initiated Los
Angeles County Affordable Housing, Homelessness Services and
Affordable Housing Transactions and Use Tax (sales tax) Ordinance,
which will appear on the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot.
Ayes (3): Mayor Francois, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember
Massey
Noes (2): Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Detoy
Motion Carried
17.d REPORT ON THE CITY’S OPTIONS REGARDING PUBLIC CAMPING
ORDINANCES IN LIGHT OF CITY OF GRANTS PASS, OREGON V.
JOHNSON, ET AL., 24-CA-006
City Attorney Patrick Donegan provided a staff presentation.
Deputy City Manager Angela Crespi provided a staff presentation.
Councilmember Jackson asked about car camping.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann asked various questions.
Comments were made to make explicit in the municipal code that camping
is not allowed on the Greenbelt and in public areas.
Mayor Francois asked various questions.
In Person Public Comment:
Elka Worner
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Eric Horne
Ronson Chu
Councilmember Massey spoke.
Comments were made to move the ordinance language to one centralized
location on the municipal code.
Moved by: Councilmember Massey
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To receive a report on the current status of the City’s various prohibitions
of public camping in the City and revisit the anti-camping ordinance in light
of the recent United States Supreme Court Case City of Grants Pass,
Oregon v Johnson, et al., 603 U.S. __ (2024) (“Grants Pass”);
Adopt the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Good
Neighbor Pledge and authorize the Mayor to sign the pledge on behalf of
the City of Hermosa Beach; and
Direct staff to participate in the South Bay Cities Council of Governments
(SBCCOG) Functional Zero Street Homelessness Program.
Ayes (5): Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember
Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Massey
Motion Carried
18. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann requested an information item about how we are
broadcasting City meetings to include a review of the franchise agreement with
Spectrum, and other streaming alternatives to what the City currently provides.
Support was provided by Mayor Francois.
18.a TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 24-CMO-047
19. PUBLIC COMMENT
20. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11:03 p.m.