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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-10-CC-R-MIN 1 CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES March 10, 2026 5:00 p.m. Council Chambers 1315 Valley Drive Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 Members Present: Councilmember Rob Saemann, Mayor Mike Detoy, Councilmember Ray Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Michael D. Keegan, Councilmember Dean Francois Staff Present: City Manager Steve Napolitano, Interim City Attorney Jason Baltimore, Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker, Interim City Clerk Ann Yang, Community Development Director Alison Becker, Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols, Public Works Director Joe SanClemente, Police Chief Landon Phillips, Interim Deputy City Clerk Ariana Rodriguez, Environmental Programs Manager Doug Krauss, Lead Special Events and Filming Coordinator Kalyn Kaemerle, Senior Management Analyst Kenneth Bales, Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CLOSED SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 5:00 PM Mayor Detoy called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Councilmember Saemann was not present for roll call Interim Deputy City Clerk Ariana Rodriguez announced a quorum. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CLOSED SESSION AGENDA Mayor Detoy 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 February 3, 2026. 2 4.b CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1) Name of Case: City of Hermosa Beach v. Independent Cities Risk Management Authority Case Number: 22TRCV00700 4.c CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR Pursuant to California Government Code section 54957.6 City Negotiator: Tyler Cashman, Interim Human Resources Manager Organizations: Teamsters, Professional and Medical Employees’ Union, Local 986 Hermosa Beach Police Officers' Association 5. OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM Mayor Detoy called the Open Session to order at 6:05 p.m. 6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Kaci McCrossen. 7. ROLL CALL Interim Deputy City Clerk Ariana Rodriguez announced a quorum. 8. CLOSED SESSION REPORT Interim City Attorney Jason Baltimore provided the Closed Session Report. No reportable action was taken. Mayor Detoy announced that Councilmember Saemann was present in Closed Session. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS—UPCOMING CITY EVENTS Mayor Detoy provided the following announcements: Student Scholarship Opportunity Hermosa Beach Friends of the Library is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy, education, culture, and community in Hermosa Beach and the South Bay. Their 2026 Student Scholarship Program is now accepting applications. They will award two $1,000 scholarships through a writing competition open to high school juniors and seniors attending schools in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach. Students may submit essays in Creative Writing or Historical Research. Essays must be 500 to 750 words and will be judged through a blind review process. The application deadline is April 3, 2026. More information is available at hbfol.org/scholarship St. Patrick’s Day Parade 3 The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce will host the 30th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade this Saturday, March 14th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome to join this family-friendly event featuring some of our community’s favorite local bands, nonprofits, vehicles, brands and more. To accommodate the event, residents and visitors should be aware of the following temporary street closures this Saturday:  Valley Drive between 18th Street and 11th Street, from 5am–3pm  Pier Ave and Hermosa Ave between 13th Street and 8th Street, from 7am– 3pm City Manager Steve Napolitano provided an announcement on the St. Patrick's Day Parade. 10. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by: Councilmember Francois Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To pull Item 15. i, move Item 17.b after Item 16.a, and approve the remainder of the agenda. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 11. PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS 11.a PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING RED CROSS MONTH Andrea Reilly from the Red Cross Community Volunteer Liaison spoke. Mayor Detoy read a proclamation into the record. 11.b PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH Kaci McCrossen from HERmosa Circle spoke about the organization. Mayor Detoy read a proclamation into the record. 11.c LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT PRESENTATION ON THE SOUTH BAY CITIES MAIN TRUNK SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT Michael Chee Public Information Officer and C.K. Kanda Resident Engineer from the Los Angeles County Sanitation District and provided a Presentation. Councilmember Saemann asked various questions. Mayor Detoy provided information. 4 12. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Detoy opened public comment. The following public comment was provided. In Person Public Comment:  Sarah Harper  Nancy Schwappach  Eric Horne  Elka Worner Virtual Public Comment:  Matt McCool 13. CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS No comments were provided. 14. UPDATES ON CITY COUNCIL ACTIVITIES 15. CONSENT CALENDAR Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To approve the consent calendar. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 15.a WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem 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 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES (Interim City Clerk Ann Yang) 5 Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To approve the minutes of the February 24, 2026 special meeting. 15.c CHECK REGISTERS - 26-AS -020 (Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To receive and file the check registers for February 18, 2026 through February 26, 2026. The Administrative Services Director certifies the accuracy of the demands. Motion Carried 15.d ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE PREPARATION OF A REPORT FOR THE ANNUAL LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE HERMOSA BEACH LANDSCAPING AND STREET LIGHTING DISTRICT DURING FY 2026–2027 - 26-PW-008 CEQA: Determine the resolution is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines (Public Works Director Joe SanClemente) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To determine the resolution is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378; and adopt Resolution No. RES-26-7541 to approve the preparation of a report for the annual levy of assessments within the Hermosa Beach Landscaping and Street Lighting District during Fiscal Year 2026–2027. Motion Carried 15.e APPROVE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ON-CALL STORM DRAIN CATCH BASIN MAINTENANCE SERVICES WITH RON'S MAINTENANCE, INC - 26-PW-006 CEQA: Determine the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378(b)(5). (Public Works Director Joe SanClemente) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan 6 To determine the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378(b)(5), approve the proposed amendment to the agreement with Ron’s Maintenance, Inc. for On-call Storm Drain Catch Basin Maintenance Services, extending the contract term through June 30, 2027, and increasing the total not-to- exceed contract amount from $173,351 to $218,632; authorize the Director of Public Works to increase the annual project contingency from $10,000 to $15,000 per year for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 -27; and authorize the City Manager to execute the proposed amendment, approve minor non-substantive modifications if necessary, and execute all related documents, with the City Clerk attesting the agreement subject to approval by the City Attorney. Motion Carried 15.f ADOPT A RESOLUTION AND APPROVE THE INCREASE OF PROJECT CONTINGENCY TO CIP 630 COMMUNITY CENTER GAS LINE REPAIRS - 26-PW-010 CEQA: Determine that CIP 630, Community Center Gas Line Repairs, is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) (Public Works Director Joe SanClemente) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To determine that CIP 630, Community Center Gas Line Repairs is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); adopt Resolution No. RES- 26-7542 authorizing the increase in project contingency by $42,000 from $46,600 to $88,600 for CIP 630 Community Center Gas Line Repairs project for a total authorized amount of $321,600; and authorize the Director of Public Works to approve contract change orders up to the approved project contingency amount. Motion Carried 15.g APPROVE THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE JANITORIAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH XANADU SYSTEM SERVICES - 26-PW- 007 CEQA: The action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378(b)(5), as it consists of administrative activities that will not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment. The amendment pertains to ongoing custodial services within existing facilities. (Public Works Director Joe SanClemente) 7 Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To determine that the Second Amendment to the Janitorial Services Contract with Xanadu System Services is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 (b)(5) (administrative activities); approve the second amendment to the agreement with Xanadu Service Systems for janitorial services, adding additional services for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 25 -26, extending the contract term through June 30, 2027, and increasing the total not-to- exceed contract amount from $651,696 to $895,313;a uthorize the Director of Public Works to increase the established project contingency per year from $10,000 to $15,000 per year starting in FY 26 -27; and authorize the City Manager to execute the proposed amendment, approve minor non-substantive modifications if necessary, and execute all related documents, with the City Clerk attesting the agreement subject to approval by the City Attorney. Motion Carried 15.h APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH THE ARC SOUTH BAY FOR USE OF COMMUNITY CENTER ROOMS 15 AND 17 - 26-PR-005 (Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To consider approval of a lease agreement with The Arc South Bay for use of the Community Center rooms 15 and 17 beginning April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027 with the option, at staff’s discretion, to extend for two additional one-year terms; and authorize the City Manager to execute and the City Clerk to attest, subject to approval by the City Attorney. Motion Carried 15.j APPROVE A CONTRACT TO GEOSYNTEC FOR PROFESSIONAL STORMWATER CONSULTING SERVICES - 26-CMO-002 (Environmental Programs Manager Doug Krauss) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To aprove a Professional Services Agreement with Geosyntec Consultants to develop a feasibility study for a dry well project at a not to exceed amount of $65,000 for a term of two years ending January 13, 2028, with an option to extend one year and authorize the City Manager to execute the proposed agreements, and approve minor modifications if 8 necessary, with the City Clerk attesting the proposed agreements and subject to approval by the City Attorney. Motion Carried 15.i APPROVE A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 84 DISABILITY ACCESS: CONSTRUCTION-RELATED ACCESSIBILITY CLAIMS: NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND OPPORTUNITY TO CORRECT - 26-CMO-010 (Senior Management Analyst Sara Russo) Councilmember Francois asked various questions. City Manager Steve Napolitano provided information. Moved by: Councilmember Francois Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To approve a letter of support for Senate Bill 84, including website accessibility protections, and direct staff to also transmit the letter to the League of California Cities Ayes (4): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Absent (1): Councilmember Jackson Motion Carried 16. PUBLIC HEARINGS—TO COMMENCE AT 6:30 P.M 16.a APPROVAL OF IMPACT LEVEL III NEW SPECIAL EVENT – AFTER DARK TOUR LA 2026 - 26-PR-004 Continued from meeting of February 24, 2026 (Lead Special Events and Filming Coordinator Kalyn Kaemerle) Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols provided an announcement and introduced Lead Special Events and Film Coordinator Kalyn Kaemerle. Lead Special Events and Film Coordinator Kalyn Kaemerle provided a staff presentation. City Attorney Jason Baltimore provided information. Councilmember Francois provided comments. After Dark Tour LA 2026 event representatives Britany Knight and Jake Wanamaker provided a presentation. 9 Councilmember Saemann asked various questions. Councilmember Francois asked various questions. Mayor Pro Tem Keegan asked various questions. Councilmember Saemann asked questions about financial packages. Mayor Detoy asked various questions about event clean up After Dark Tour LA 2026 event representatives Britany Knight and Jake Wanamaker provided information. In Person Public Comment:  Gregory Patten  Jake Taylor  Robert Campball  Sarah Musgrove  Bob Leetch  Nicole Nevhauser  Brynn Condy  Renee Williams-Smith  Mario Montoya  Alexandra Manss  Kiana Nicio  Briana Sharp  Sam V.  Michelle Crispin  Laura Pena  Barbara Ellman  Alan Jeffery Virtual Public Comment:  Tony Higgins  Matt McCool  Anna Liza 10 The City Council continued to deliberate on this item. Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To approve the Nike After Dark run, contingent upon a voluntary $50,000 community impact fee to the City, an additional $50,000 charitable contribution through Nike’s charitable arm to Friends of the Park for youth sports and recreation, 100 tickets for Hermosa Beach residents, and engagement with the Chamber and local musicians for collaboration opportunities. Substitute Motion Moved by: Councilmember Saemann Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To approve the inclusion of the After Dark Tour LA 2026 on the 2026 Special Events Calendar contingent on additional negotiations, a preferred date of October 24, and continue the public hearing to April 14, 2026. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 16.b INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND HBMC SECTION 3.32 TITLED TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX - 26-CMO-009 (Senior Management Analyst Ken Bales) Senior Management Analyst Ken Bales provided a staff presentation. No public comment was provided. Moved by: Councilmember Saemann Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To introduce by title only and waive first reading of ordinance No. ORD- 26-1497 updating the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code 3.32.020 Definitions, 3.32.030 Tax Imposed; and 3.32.100 Appeal. Ayes (4): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Absent (1): Councilmember Jackson Motion Carried 16.c INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 17.21 OF THE HERMOSA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE 11 RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS - 26-CDD-025 CEQA: Determine the action to be Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Public Resources Code § 21080.17. (Community Development Director Alison Becker) Associate Planner Jake Whitney provided a staff presentation. In Person Public Comment:  Allen Jeffrey There were no Virtual Public Speakers. Community Development Director Alison Becker gave outgoing remarks to Associate Planner Jake Whitney. Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To determine the action to be Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Public Resources Code § 21080.17; conduct a public hearing to consider repealing and replacing Chapter 17.21 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code relating to Accessory (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU); and introduce by title only and waive first reading of Ordinance No. ORD-26- 1498 approving Zone Text Amendment (TA 26-01) repealing and replacing Chapter 17.21 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code. Ayes (4): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Absent (1): Councilmember Jackson Motion Carried 17. MUNICIPAL MATTERS 17.a ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT TO JOIN THE SOUTH BAY REGIONAL HOUSING TRUST - 26-CDD-028 CEQA: Determine the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. (Community Development Director Alison Becker) Jacki Bacharach SBCCOG Executive Director and Ronson Chu Senior Program Manager provided a presentation. 12 Councilmember Francois asked various questions. Jacki Bacharach provided information. Associate Planner Jake Whitney provided a staff presentation. Public Speakers:  Jon David  Laura Pena There were no Virtual Public Speakers. Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Detoy To determine the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; adopt Resolution No. RES-26-7543 approving and authorizing the execution of the Joint Powers Authority Agreement joining the South Bay Regional Housing Trust (SBRHT); and authorize the Mayor to execute the SBRHT Joint Powers Authority Agreement (JPA). Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Mayor Detoy To appoint Councilmember Seaman as the City’s representative to the Regional Housing Trust Board and Councilmember Francois as the alternate. Ayes (4): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Absent (1): Councilmember Jackson Motion Carried 17.b ADJUSTMENT OF FEES FOR COMMERCIAL ENCROACHMENT AREAS - 26-CMO-012 (Environmental Programs Manager Douglas Krauss) The City Council took a recess at 8:32 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 8:37 p.m. 13 Interim Deputy City Clerk Rodriguez conducted a roll call. All members were present. Environmental Programs Manager Douglas Kraus provided a staff presentation. Councilmember Jackson asked various various questions. Environmental Programs Manager Krause provided information. City Manager Napolitano provided information. Councilmember Francois asked various questions. Councilmember Saemann asked various questions. In Person Public Comment:  Jon David  Elka Worner  Laura Pena  Lana Istwani  Michelle Crispin Moved by: Councilmember Francois Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To adopt option 4, creating a new encroachment category for businesses conducting retail food sales and retail without table service and without alcohol, reduce the encroachment fee to $1 per square foot, and make the fee retroactive to the previous fiscal year when the rate increased from $1 to $2. Substitute Motion Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To approve a new category of encroachment permit for off Pier Plaza businesses conducting retail food sales without table service and without alcohol service with an encroachment fee of $1 per square foot, and make the fee retroactive to January 1, 2026. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried Moved by: Mayor Detoy Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan 14 To direct staff to return with a new encroachment category for retail businesses on and off Pier Plaza, including size and aesthetic guidelines, with the fee to be determined. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 18. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 18.a TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 26-CMO-013 Mayor Detoy requested support for a future agenda item to increase the City's contract threshold limits including the City Manager's signing authority and the guidelines for consent calendar approval. The request was supported by Councilmember Francois and Mayor Pro Tem Keegan and will return to Council as an action item. Mayor Detoy requested support to reactivate the Municipal Naming Subcommittee to consider a commemorative sign at 8th Street and Ardmore Avenue to honor the life and service of Torrance Police Officer Gary Elton Rippstein. Councilmember Saemann provided support. The request did not receive sufficient support to be placed on a future agenda as an action item, and Mayor Detoy rescinded his request. Councilmember Saemann requested a letter of support for Assembly Bill 1942 (Bauer-Kahan) which proposes mandatory registration and special license plates for Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles through the DMV. Mayor Pro Tem Keegan provided support. The item will return to Council as an informational item. 19. CITY MANAGER REPORT City Manager Steve Napolitano provided a reminder about the 2026-2027 residential parking permit grace period. 20. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 20.a POLICE CRIME STATISTICS FOR JANUARY 2026 (Police Chief Landon Phillips) 20.b ACTION MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2026 (Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols) 20.c PARKING CITATION AND METERED REVENUE REPORT— FEBRUARY 2026 (Senior Management Analyst Ken Bales) 15 21. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:19 p.m.