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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-14-CC-R-MIN 1 CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES April 14, 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, City Clerk Martha Alvarez, Interim Deputy City Clerk Ariana Rodriguez, Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker, Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols, Community Development Director Alison Becker, Public Works Director Joe SanClemente, Police Chief Landon Phillips, Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza, Lead Special Events and Filming Coordinator Kalyn Kaemerle _____________________________________________________________________ 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 City Clerk Martha Alvarez 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. 4.a MINUTES: Approval of minutes of Closed Session held on March 24, 2026 4.b CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR 2 California Government Code section 54957.6 City Negotiator: Tyler Cashman, Interim Human Resources Manager Organizations: Teamsters, Professional and Medical Employees’ Union, Local 986 Professional and Administrative Employee Group 5. OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM Mayor Detoy called the Open Session to order at 6:01 p.m. 6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Police Chief Landon Phillips. 7. ROLL CALL City Clerk Alvarez 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 Councilmember Saemann announced the 100th birthday party for the Kiwanis Club on May 9th, 2026. He also announced his attendance at the Hermosa Beach Lawn Bowling Club’s 90th birthday party and presented a gift from Hermosa Beach Lawn bowling Club to the City. Councilmember Francois invited the community to the next City Councilmember Community Forum on May 4th, 2026 in Council Chambers. Mayor Detoy announced the following: Spring Sidewalk Sale The Hermosa Beach Spring Sidewalk Sale is this weekend, April 18 and 19. Support local businesses and take advantage of special promotions, sales, discounted items, in-store activities and live music for families throughout downtown Hermosa Beach. For more information, please visit the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce website. Surfers Walk of Fame Next weekend, all are invited to celebrate the 22nd annual Surfers Walk of Fame events and this year’s inductees: Laurie Wilson, Lonie Argabright, Tyler Hatzikian, Pat Rawson, and John Van Hamersveld. This year's kickoff event will be held at the Community Theater at 5pm on Friday, April 24. The Induction Ceremony will be held the following day at Pier Plaza at 11am, followed by the Spyder Surf Fest at 1pm. We hope to see you there! Celebrating Earth Month 3 As the City continues to celebrate Earth Month this April, we’d like to highlight additional community events that will help promote a sustainable Hermosa Beach: On April 4, the City hosted the Spring Paper Shredding and Compost Giveaway event at the Community Center. The event was well-attended and allowed residents to securely recycle their important documents and attain some fresh compost to enrich their landscaping. In fact, the compost bin was emptied completely by our intrepid Hermosa residents! On Saturday, May 16, is the annual Hermosa Community Garage Sale. This community-wide event is held each year to help residents find homes for items they no longer need, and to help us all with our Spring-cleaning aspirations. Registrations are currently accepted on the City’s website, and garage sale permit fees will be waived for this one day. Please note this new date as the event was rescheduled from April 11th due to forecasted rain.  Lastly, there are a number of beach clean ups in Santa Monica Bay throughout the month. Heal the Bay is hosting their popular annual event April 18 in Santa Monica. More information can be found at Healthebay.org 10. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by: Councilmember Saemann Seconded by: Mayor Detoy To approve the order 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 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE SERVICES AND MCCORMICK AMBULANCE JULY - DECEMBER 2025 SEMI-ANNUAL REVIEW - 26- CMO-014 (Emergency Management Coordinator Maurice Wright) Emergency Management Coordinator Maurice Wright provided a staff presentation. City Council received and filed the Los Angeles County Fire Services and McCormick Ambulance reports for July through December 2025. 12. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Detoy opened public comment. The following public comment was provided. 4 In Person Public Comment:  Chad K.  Jose Bacavos  Carla Buck  Nicolas Robinson  Betty Gregorian  David Grethen Mayor Detoy provided comments. Councilmember Francois asked questions. City Manager Napolitano provided comments. Councilmember Saemann asked various questions. Mayor Pro Tem Keegan provided information. Councilmember Francois asked about ADA mats on the beach. City Manager Napolitano provided information. 13. CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS 14. UPDATES ON CITY COUNCIL ACTIVITIES Councilmember Saemann provided an update on his attendance to South Bay Council of Governments meeting. 15. CONSENT CALENDAR Moved by: Councilmember Saemann Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To approve the consent calendar and pull item 15. d for separate discussion. 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 Saemann Seconded by: Councilmember Francois 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 MEETING MINUTES (City Clerk Martha Alvarez) Moved by: Councilmember Saemann Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To approve the minutes of the March 24, 2026 regular meeting. Motion Carried 15.c CHECK REGISTERS - 26-AS -030 (Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker) Moved by: Councilmember Saemann Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To receive and file the check registers for March 18, 2026, through April 1, 2026. The Administrative Services Director certifies the accuracy of the demands. Motion Carried 15.e FISCAL YEAR 2024–2025 ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT AND SINGLE AUDIT REPORT (INCLUDING INDEPENDENT AUDITOR REPORTS) - 26-AS -029 (Finance Manager Henry Chao) Moved by: Councilmember Saemann Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To receive and file the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024–2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the FY 2024–2025 Single Audit Report, which includes the reports from Gruber and Lopez, Inc., the City’s independent auditors. Motion Carried 15.f ADOPT A RESOLUTION AND AWARD A CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) 626 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) IMPROVEMENTS (PROJECT) - 26-PW-019 6 CEQA: Determine that the Project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), Class 1. The proposed work involves the repair and minor alteration of existing sidewalks and curb ramps to ensure Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance without expanding its use or capacity, and staff further recommends that the City file a Notice of Exemption in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15062. (Public Works Director Joe SanClemente) Moved by: Councilmember Saemann Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To determine that the Project is exempt from the California Environmen tal Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), Class 1. The proposed work involves the repair and minor alteration of existing sidewalks and curb ramps to ensure Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance without expanding its use or capacity, and staff further recommends that the City file a Notice of Exemption in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15062; award a construction agreement for the Project to TVR Construction Engineering, LLC (TVR) in the amount of $89,285; authorize the Director of Public Works to establish a Project contingency amount of $17,857 (approximately 20% of the contract amount) and approve agreement change orders up to the amount of the approved Project contingency; adopt Resolution No. RES-26-7544 approving the construction of the Project, awarding a public works agreement, and establishing a Project payment account”; authorize the City Manager to execute the construction agreement and proposed contract amendment, approve minor modifications if necessary, and execute all related documents, with the City Clerk attesting the agreements subject to approval by the City Attorney; authorize the Director of Public Works to file a Notice of Completion following final completion of the project; and authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to file a Notice of Exemption with the Los Angeles County Clerk in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15062. Motion Carried 15.g APPROVE LETTER OF OPPOSITION UNLESS AMENDED FOR SENATE BILL 866 HOMELESS HOUSING, ASSISTANCE, AND PREVENTION PROGRAM: HOUSING ELEMENT - 26-CMO-018 (Senior Management Analyst Sara Russo) Moved by: Councilmember Saemann Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To approve a letter of opposition unless amended for Senate Bill 866. 7 Motion Carried 15.d APPROVAL OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH WILLDAN ENGINEERING FOR ON CALL DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW AND STAFF AUGMENTATION SERVICES - 26-CDD-044 CEQA: Determine the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. (Community Development Director Alison Becker) Community Development Director Alison Becker spoke. Councilmember Keegan asked various questions. Director Becker provided information. No in Person public comment was provided. Virtual Public Comment:  Laura Pena  Tony Higgins Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To determine the project is exempt from the California Environ mental Quality Act.(CEQA); approve the proposed first amendment to the agreement with Willdan Engineering for on call development plan review and staff augmentation services to increase the annual not to exceed amount by $250,000, for a revised annual not to exceed amount of $450,000, for the remainder of the existing contract term; approve a revised total not to exceed contract amount of $2,250,000 over the full five year term of the agreement with Willdan Engineering; and authorize the City Manager to execute the proposed first amendment, approve minor modifications if necessary, and execute all related documents, with the City Clerk attesting the amendment subject to approval by the City Attorney. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois 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-016 8 Continued from Meeting of March 10, 2026 (Lead Special Events and Filming Coordinator Kalyn Kaemerle) Lead Special Events and Filming Coordinator Kalyn Kaemerle provided a staff presentation. After Dark Tour LA 2026 event representatives Michelle La Sala and Jake Wanamaker provided a presentation. Councilmember Saemann asked various questions. Councilmember Francois asked various questions. After Dark Tour LA 2026 event representatives Michelle La Sala and Jake Wanamaker provided information. In Person Public Comment:  Robert C.  David Grethen Virtual Public Comment:  Tony Higgins  Laura Pena The City Council continued to deliberate on this item. Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To approve the inclusion of Impact Level III new special event, After Dark Tour LA 2026 on Saturday, October 24, with teardown on Sunday, October 25, on the 2026 Special Events Calendar contingent on additional negotiations or event modifications. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 16.b INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND HERMOSA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 12.30 SPECIAL EVENTS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY, 12.20.300 SOLICITATION AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL EVENT PER-VENDOR DAILY FEE - 26- PR-003 CEQA: The proposed ordinance is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (b)(5) as it is an organization or administrative activity of the City that will 9 not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols) Lead Special Events and Filming Coordinator Kalyn Kaemerle provided a staff presentation. No in-person public comment was provided. No virtual public comment was provided. Councilmember Saemann asked various questions. Lead Special Events and Filming Coordinator Kaemerle provided information. Councilmember Francois provided comments. Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker provided information. Mayor Detoy asked various questions and provided comments. City Manager Napolitano provided comments. Mayor Pro Tem Keegan asked various questions. City Attorney Baltimore provided comments. Councilmember Jackson provided comments. The City Council continued to deliberate on this item. Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To determine the proposed ordinance is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (b)(5) as it is an organization or administrative activity of the City that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment; Introduce by title only and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. ORD - 26-1499 amending Chapter 12.30 Special Events on Public Property, 12.20.300 Solicitation to allow for the sale of prepared food, nonalcoholic beverages, and/or merchandise on the beach by special event -associated vendors; and adopt Resolution No. RES-26-7545 amending the City’s Master Fee Schedule to establish a per-vendor daily fee for such vendors. Ayes (4): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Noes (1): Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 10 16.c PUBLIC HEARING - RESOLUTION ADOPTING FEES FROM A FEE STUDY UPDATE (Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker) Mayor Detoy opened public comment. No Public Comment was provided. Moved by: Mayor Detoy Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan To continue the Public Hearing to the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 17. MUNICIPAL MATTERS 17.a RECISSION AND RECONSIDERATION OF PICKLEBALL RESERVATION AND MEMBERSHIP FEES - 26-PR-019 (Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols) Lead Special Events and Filming Coordinator Kalyn Kaemerle provided a staff presentation. City Attorney Baltimore provided comments. Councilmember Francois asked various questions regarding fees. City Manager provided comments. In Person Public Comment:  Alain J. Virtual Public Comment:  Tony Higgins Lead Special Events and Filming Coordinator Kaemerle provided information. Councilmember asked various questions. Mayor Detoy provided comments. Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Francois 11 To rescind the Council action regarding pickleball fees from the previous meeting and direct staff to report findings and recommendations to a future City Council meeting for consideration and action. Substitute Motion Moved by: Mayor Detoy Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To rescind the City Council’s March 24, 2026, action regarding pickleball fee increases, clarifying that the prior action was not a final approval of fees and is rescinded out of an abundance of caution. 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 have a fee schedule and reconsideration of this item at our earliest convenience, with fee schedules included and for the item to return before the courts reopen. Substitute Motion Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To direct staff to conduct a fee study and have the item considered by the Parks and Recreation Commission prior to returning to City Council for consideration. Ayes (2): Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Francois Noes (3): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, and Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Motion Failed Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Mayor Detoy To have a fee schedule and reconsideration of this item at our earliest convenience, with fee schedules included and for the item to return before the courts reopen. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 12 17.b PARKING IN-LIEU FEE REPORT - 26-AS-026 (Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker) Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker provided a staff presentation. Mayor Detoy asked various questions and provided comments. No public comment was provided. Councilmember Saemann provided comments. Administrative Services Director Walker provided information. Mayor Pro Tem Keegan provided comments. City Manager Napolitano provided information. Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann To receive and file a Parking In-Lieu Fee Report. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 17.c INFORMATIONAL ITEM REGARDING CONSIDERATION OF A BID PACKAGE FOR PRODUCTION OF THE ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FIESTA HERMOSA - 26-PR-010 Informational items are for discussion only. No action will be taken. A City Council majority may request an action item to return at a future meeting. (Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols) Lead Special Events and Filming Coordinator Kalyn Kaemerle provided a staff presentation. Mayor Pro Tem Keegan asked various questions regarding a third-party vendor. Councilmember Francois provided comments. Councilmember Saemann asked various questions. City Manager Napolitano provided information. In Person Public Comment:  Michelle C.  Alain J. 13 Virtual Public Comment:  Laura Pena  John Berry Councilmember Saemann provided comments regarding profit. Mayor Detoy provided comments. Councilmember Jackson provided comments. Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Francois To receive and file the informational item regarding consideration of a bid package for production of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Fiesta Hermosa. Ayes (4): Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Noes (1): Councilmember Saemann Motion Carried 18. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Jackson requested support to direct staff to prepare an informational item regarding the legal framework, public safety considerations, potential locations, and operational impacts of establishing an entertainment zone, potentially in conjunction with a special event. Councilmember Saemann provided support. Councilmember Francois requested support to direct staff to return with information on requirements and limitations on pier fishing, including concerns related to the use of heavy equipment targeting protected species. No support was provided. Mayor Detoy requested support to place an action item on the May 12 City Council agenda to review the NPS Special Resource Study, discuss implications for Hermosa Beach, and provide direction on a Council comment letter prior to the May 23 deadline. Councilmembers Jackson and Keegan provided support. Councilmember Jackson requested support to bring back a discussion item regarding the short-term rentals application submitted to the California Coastal Commission. City Manager and City Attorney proposed circulating to the full City Council for individual review first and Council may co nsider a future agenda item if needed. Council agreed. Councilmember Jackson requested support for a discussion to include Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) increase options as a ballot measure for the November 14 2026 Election. City Manager stated this would be discussed as part of the upcoming budget review under revenue enhancements. 18.a TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 26-CMO-020 Attached is the current list of tentative future agenda items for Council’s information. 19. CITY MANAGER REPORT No City Manager Report was provided. 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 Parking Citations and Metered Revenue Report - March 2026 (Senior Management Analyst Ken Bales) 21. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:03 p.m.