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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-24-CC-R-MIN 1 CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES March 24, 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, Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza, Finance Manager Henry Chao, Senior Recreation Supervisor Brian Sousa, Senior Management Analyst Kenneth Bales _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CLOSED SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 5:00 PM Mayor Detoy called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Councilmember Francois 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 5:02 p.m. 4.a MINUTES: Approval of minutes of Closed Session held on March 10, 2026 2 4.b CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR California Government Code section 54957.6 City Negotiator: Tyler Cashman, Interim Human Resources Manager Organizations: Teamsters, Professional and Medical Employees’ Union, Local 986 4.c CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: EXISTING LITIGATION California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1) Name of Case: Koerner v. City of Hermosa Beach Case Number: 25STCP00891 5. OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM Mayor Detoy called the Open Session to order at 6:02 p.m. 6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Erin Pepper. 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. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS—UPCOMING CITY EVENTS What The Fuzz Join Hermosa Beach police officers for coffee and conversation at the next What The Fuzz event this Thursday, March 26th from 8–10 am at Stecca Taverna, 439 Pier Ave. Spring Paper Shredding and Compost Giveaway Event On Saturday April 4th from 8am – noon, the City and Athens Services will host the Spring paper shredding and compost giveaway event. Free to residents, the event will take place at the Community Center (710 Pier Avenue - enter driveway off Pier Avenue). Please bring your own containers and shovels for the compost, and paper shredding will be done on site. 10. APPROVAL OF AGENDA This is the time for the City Council to discuss any changes to the order of agenda items. Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To approve the order of the agenda and to pull item 15.l for separate discussion. 3 Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 11. PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS 11.a RECOGNIZING RESIDENT AND UFC WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER, JEAN-PAUL LEBOSNOYANI Police Chief Landon Phillips introduced Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani. Mayor Detoy presented Jean-Paul with a Certificate of Recognition. 12. PUBLIC COMMENT This is the time for members of the public to address the City Council on any items within the Council's jurisdiction and on items where public comment will not be taken (City Manager Reports, City Councilmember Comments, Consent Calendar items not pulled for separate discussion, and Future Agenda Items). If public comment is provided on a Public Hearing or Municipal Matter item, public comment on the same item will not be accepted when the item is heard at a later part of the meeting. The public is invited to attend and provide public comment. Public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker from those present in City Council Chambers and via the remote participation options listed on the agenda. This time allotment may be modified due to time constraints at the discretion of the Mayor or City Council. No action will be taken on matters raised during public comment, except that the Council may take action to schedule issues raised during public comment for a future agenda. Speakers with comments regarding City management or departmental operations are encouraged to submit those comments directly to the City Manager. Members of the public will have a future opportunity to speak on items pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion, Public Hearings, and Municipal Matters when those items are heard. Mayor Detoy opened public comment. The following public comment was provided. In Person Public Comment:  Sarah Harper  David Grethen  Carla Buck  Jack Levy  Kathy Knoll 4 Virtual Public Comment:  Kent Allen  Tony Higgins  Matt McCool 13. CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS No comments were provided. 14. UPDATES ON CITY COUNCIL ACTIVITIES This is the time for members of the City Council to report on their attendance at ad hoc subcommittees or standing committee meetings, conferences, or other official activities as City representatives. Councilmember Jackson announced his attendance of the unveiling of a 26 - story mural in Torrance. Councilmember Saemann provided an update from the SBCCOG meetings on E - bike License plates. 15. CONSENT CALENDAR The following matters will be acted upon collectively with a single motion and vote to approve with the majority consent of the City Council. Councilmembers may orally register a negative vote on any Consent Calendar item without pulling the item for separate consideration before the vote on the Consent Calendar. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Councilmember removes an item from the Consent Calendar, either under Approval of the Agenda or under this item before the vote on the Con sent Calendar. Items removed for separate discussion will be provided a separate public comment period. Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To approve the remainder of 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: Councilmember Saemann 5 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) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To approve the minutes of the March 10, 2026 regular meeting. Motion Carried 15.c CHECK REGISTERS - 26-AS -021 (Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To receive and file the check registers for March 4, 2026 through March 11, 2026. The Administrative Services Director certifies the accuracy of the demands. Motion Carried 15.d CITY TREASURER’S REPORT - 26-AS -022 (City Treasurer Dave Pedersen) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To receive and file the February 2026 City Treasurer’s Report. Motion Carried 15.e CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM STATUS REPORT AS OF MARCH 12, 2026 - 26-PW-015 (Public Works Director Joe SanClemente) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To receive and file the Capital Improvement Program Status Report as of March 12, 2026. 6 Motion Carried 15.f APPROVE SPECIAL EVENT LONG-TERM AGREEMENT WITH HOPE CHAPEL FROM 2026 THROUGH 2028 TO PROVIDE ANNUAL HOPE CHAPEL PICNIC EVENTS - 26-PR-002 (Special Events and Filming Coordinator Austin DeWeese) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To approve a special event long-term agreement (LTA) with Hope Chapel from 2026 through 2028 to provide annual Hope Chapel picnic events; and authorize the City Manager to execute and the City Clerk to attest the LTA, subject to approval by the City Attorney. Motion Carried 15.g APPROVE REMOVAL OF THREE OF SIX BASKETBALL HOOPS ON WEST SIDE OF CLARK FIELD - 26-PR-009 (Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To approve the removal of three of six basketball hoops along the western side of Clark Field, and the associated safety improvement measures. Motion Carried 15.h RATIFY LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR REFORMING MENTAL HEALTHCARE WITHIN THE COUNTY’S HOMELESSNESS SERVICES SYSTEM MOTION - 26-CMO-016 (Senior Management Analyst Sara Russo) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To ratify a letter of support sent on March 16, 2026 supporting Los Angeles County Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Kathryn Barger’s motion, Reforming Mental Healthcare Within the County’s Homelessness Services System, at the March 17, 2026 Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Meeting. Motion Carried 7 15.i ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING HERMOSA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 3.32 TITLED TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX - 26- CMO-015 (Senior Management Analyst Ken Bales) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To waive full second reading and adopt by title only Ordinance No. ORD- 26-1497 amending Hermosa Beach Municipal Code Section 3.32.020 Definitions, 3.32.030 Tax Imposed, and 3.32.100 Appeal; 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 a copy on the City’s bulletin for 30 days. Motion Carried 15.j ADOPT AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 17.21 OF THE HERMOSA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS - 26-CDD-036 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) Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To determine the Ordinance to be Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Public Resources Code § 21080.17; adopt by title only and waive second reading of Ordinance No. ORD-26-1498 repealing and replacing Chapter 17.21 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code pertaining to Accessory (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU); and direct the City Clerk to print and publish the summary ordinance 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.k APPROVE FOURTH AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH IK CONSULTING, LLC TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE ACCELA CIVIC PLATFORM SOFTWARE - 26-CDD-037 (Community Development Director Alison Becker) 8 Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To approve the proposed fourth amendment to an agreement with IK Consulting, LLC to provide ongoing technical assistance with the Accela Civic platform to increase the not-to-exceed amount by $23,000, resulting in a total not-to-exceed amount of $82,725; appropriate $23,000 from Records Technology Fees reserved in the Equipment Replacement Fund for the fourth amendment; and authorize the City Manager to execute and the City Clerk to attest the attached fourth amendment (or similar in substance), subject to modification and approval by the City Attorney Motion Carried 15.l CITY COUNCIL DOWNTOWN LIGHTING AND BEAUTIFICATION SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT ON EXPENDITURE PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025–2026 BEAUTIFICATION FUNDING - 26-PW-013 CEQA: Determine the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines. (Public Works Director Joe SanClemente and Community Development Director Alison Becker) The City Council took a recess at 10:25 p.m. and resumed at 10:35 p.m. Roll Call was conducted. All members were present. Community Development Director Becker and Public Works Director SanClemente provided information. Mayor Detoy provided information. Councilmember Francois asked various questions. City Manager Napolitano provided information. Moved by: Councilmember Saemann Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To repair the vintage signs and return the remaining funds to the General Fund or Beautification Fund. Ayes (3): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Noes (2): Mayor Detoy, and Councilmember Jackson Motion Carried 16. PUBLIC HEARINGS—TO COMMENCE AT 6:30 P.M 17. MUNICIPAL MATTERS 9 17.a CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) 623 REGARDING MUNICIPAL PIER STRUCTURAL INSPECTION AND EVALUATION, REPAIR, AND REQUEST FOR DIRECTION REGARDING POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT CEQA: Determine that the high priority structural repairs and removal and replacement of the Surfer’s Walk of Fame Plaques Project (“Project”) as part of CIP 623 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15301. (Public Works Director Joe SanClemente) Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided a staff presentation. The following public comment was provided. In Person Public Comment:  David Grethen  Jani Lange  Jeff Browning  Eric Horne  Kristen M. Virtual Public Comment:  Tony Higgins  Kent Allen The City Council continued to deliberate on this item. Moved by: Councilmember Francois Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To approve staff recommendations 1-4 Substitute Motion Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson To bring the Surfer Walk of Fame plaques replacement options to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission for further review, including location and stakeholder input. Ayes (3): Councilmember Saemann, Councilmember Jackson, and Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Noes (2): Mayor Detoy, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 10 Moved by: Councilmember Saemann Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To determine that the high priority structural repairs and, removal, and replacement of the Surfer’s Walk of Fame Plaques Project (“Project”) as part of CIP 623 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); direct staff to file a Notice of Exemption within 5 business days; and direct staff to complete the high priority repairs to the Municipal Pier (“Pier”) as part of CIP Project 623. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried Moved by: Councilmember Saemann Seconded by: Mayor Detoy To bring the planning and environmental review process for a proposed pier replacement project by 2032 to the Public Works Commission Substitute Motion Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To bring the proposed pier replacement project options to the Public Works Commission for further analysis. Ayes (3): Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Francois Noes (2): Councilmember Saemann, and Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Motion Carried 17.b MIDYEAR BUDGET REVIEW 2025-26 - 26-AS-023 (Finance Manager Henry Chao) Finance Manager Henry Chao provided a staff presentation. Mayor Detoy asked various questions. Senior Management Ken Bales provided information. Councilmember Jackson asked questions regarding the Ford Explorers. Police Chief Landon Phillips provided information. Finance Manager Chao provided information. 11 City Manager Napolitano provided information. Councilmember Francois asked various questions. Senior Management Bales provided information. Councilmember Francois asked various questions. Councilmember Saemann asked various questions. Finance Manager Chao provided information. In Person Public Comment:  David Grethen Virtual Public Comment:  Kent Allen  Laura Pena Mayor Detoy provided comments. Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To approve the revisions to estimated revenue, appropriations, budget transfers, and fund balances as shown herein and in the attached Projected Change in Financial Position and the Midyear Budget Amendment; and approve the following transactions from the General Fund:  Appropriate $548,007 of assigned fund balance from the Midyear Budget Review 2025–2026 to cover the $548,007 unassigned fund balance shortfall;  Transfer $317,833 of unspent funds from 2024–2025 actuals to the Insurance Fund to bring the fund up to the funding goal of $3.0 million;  Assign the estimated remaining $2,239,276 of unspent funds from 2024–2025 actuals to the assigned fund balance category; Receive and file the City Council Travel Summary; defer vehicle replacement funding to FY 2026–2027; and continue participation in the Beach Cities Transit (BCT) Line 109 agreement for the current year, with direction to staff to conduct an evaluation of the City’s public transportation system. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois 12 Motion Carried 17.c KELLY COURTS – PICKLEBALL COURTS POLICY REVISIONS - 26- PR-015 (Senior Recreation Supervisor Brian Sousa) Senior Recreation Supervisor Brian Sousa provided a staff presentation. Councilmember Saemann asked questions about staffing at Senior Recreation Supervisor Sousa provided information. Councilmember Jackson provided comments. In Person Public Comment:  Denis Normand  John Bauer  Patti Nernberg  Shawn Moonan  Alain J.  Gale Rose  Anna Garcia  Geraldine Poon  Barabara Ellman No virtual public comment was provided. Mayor Detoy provided comments. Councilmember Jackson provided comments. Councilmember Saemann asked various questions. Senior Recreation Supervisor Sousa provided information. Director Nichols provided information. Moved by: Councilmember Francois Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To modify the hours of operation for courts to 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, with Friday designated as free walk-on play and all other days by reservation. 13 Ayes (3): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Noes (2): Mayor Detoy, and Councilmember Jackson Motion Carried Moved by: Councilmember Saemann Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To direct staff to return within 90 days of court opening to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commissions for evaluation of sound and complaints 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: Councilmember Saemann To raise fees to $15 per hour for court rentals and to $25 for annual memberships for residents. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 17.d APPROVE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ON-CALL SANITARY SEWER AND VIDEO INSPECTION SERVICES WITH EMPIRE PIPE CLEANING AND EQUIPMENT, INC. - 26-PW-011 (CEQA): The action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378(b)(5). (Public Works Director Joe SanClemente) Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided a staff presentation. No Public Comment was provided. Moved by: Councilmember Francois Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan 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 Empire Pipe Cleaning and Equipment, Inc. to provide sanitary sewer hydro-flushing and video inspection maintenance services, extending the contract term through 14 June 30, 2027, increasing the total base contract amount by $255,696, and increasing contract total from $793,490 to $1,049,186; authorize the Director of Public Works to increase the annual project contingency from $10,000 per year to $15,000 per year for Fiscal Year (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 to the agreement subject to approval by the City Attorney. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 17.e APPROVE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ON-CALL LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES WITH MERCHANTS LANDSCAPE SERVICES, INC. - 26- PW-012 CEQA: Determine that this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378(b)(5) (administrative activities) (Public Works Director Joe SanClemente) Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided a staff presentation. Virtual Public Comment:  Nancy Schwappach Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To determine that the First Amendment to the Maintenance Services with Merchants Landscape Services, Inc. is exempt from th e California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 (b)(5) (administrative activities); approve the proposed First Amendment to the agreement with Merchants Landscape Services, Inc. for On-call Landscape Maintenance Services, extending the contract term through June 30, 2027, increasing the total base contract amount by $623,663, and the total contract amount from $2,173,789 to $2,797,452; authorize the Director of Public Works to increase the annual project contingency from $65,000 to $100,000 per year for Fiscal Year (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 to the agreement subject to approval by the City Attorney. 15 Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 17.f INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON THE COST EVAULATION AND STAFFING MODELS TO INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY PRESENCE ON THE STRAND, BEACH, AND PARKS - 26-PD-007 Informational items are for discussion only. No action will be taken. A Council majority may request an action item to return at a future meeting. (Police Chief Landon Phillips) Captain Eric Cahalan provided a staff presentation. Councilmember Saemann asked various questions. Councilmember Francois asked questions. Chief Landon Phillips and Captain Cahalan provided information. Mayor Pro Tem Keegan asked various questions. Captain Cahalan provided information. In Person Public Comment:  Alain J. Virtual Public Comment:  Nancy Schwappach Moved by: Mayor Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To receive and file an informational report on the cost evaluation and staffing models to increase public safety presence on the Strand, the beach, and City parks. Ayes (3): Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Francois Noes (2): Councilmember Saemann, and Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Motion Carried 18. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS This is the time for Councilmembers to schedule future agenda items and to ask questions about the status of previously approved future agenda items. No discussion, debate, or public comment will be taken. Councilmembers should 16 consider the city's work plan when considering new items. The tentative future agenda items document is provided for information only. Mayor Detoy requested support for an action item to support the request from Torrance Police Department for a memorial. Councilmember Saemann and Councilmember Jackson provided support. 18.a TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 26-CMO-017 Attached is the current list of tentative future agenda items for Council’s information. 19. CITY MANAGER REPORT City Manager Steve Napolitano provided a City Manager Report. 20. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS This is reserved for items that do not require City Council action. The City Council may request a future agenda item to discuss an informational item. Otherwise, discussion of informational items will not be taken. 20.a ACTION MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 21, 2026 (Associate Engineer Andrew Nguyen) 20.b ACTION MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 17, 2026 (Community Development Director Alison Becker) 21. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 a.m.