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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-28-CC-R-MIN 1 CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES April 28, 2026 6:00 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, Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols, Public Works Director Joe SanClemente, Interim Deputy City Clerk Ariana Rodriguez, Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker, Police Chief Landon Phillips, Community Development Director Alison Becker _____________________________________________________________________ 1. OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM Mayor Detoy called the Open Session to order at 6:25 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by U.S. Women's National Ice Hockey Team Head Coach John Wroblewski. 3. ROLL CALL City Clerk Martha Alvarez led roll call. Present: Mayor Detoy, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, and Councilmember Saemann 4. CLOSED SESSION REPORT There was no closed session. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS—UPCOMING CITY EVENTS Councilmember Saemann announced the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club’s 100th birthday celebration on May 9, 2026, at noon at 2515 Valley Drive, noting it will be a community celebration rather than a fundraiser and would include music, food, and prizes. 2 Councilmember Francois announced his next Community Forum for Monday, May 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., describing it as an informal public discussion with refreshments. Mayor Detoy announced that Hermosa Beach Little League’s annual Night in the Ballpark would take place Saturday, May 2, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Clark Field. 6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA This is the time for the City Council to discuss any changes to the order of agenda items. Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann Motion to approve the agenda. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 7. PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS 7.a RECOGNIZING U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL ICE HOCKEY TEAM HEAD COACH JOHN WROBLEWSKI Mayor Detoy on behalf of the City Council presented a proclamation of recognition to U.S. Women's National Ice Hockey Team Head Coach and Hermosa Beach resident, John Wroblewski. Mayor Detoy further noted that John lead the U.S. Women's National Ice Hockey Team to a gold medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics and for his broader achievements in international hockey. Also highlighted the recipients loc al involvement as a Little League father and coach. 7.b RECOGNIZING HERMOSA BEACH KIWANIS CLUB FOR 100 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE Mayor Detoy and Councilmember Saemann on behalf of the City Council presented a proclamation of recognition to the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club for 100 years of service to the community. The Mayor noted the club’s long history in Hermosa Beach, its support for youth and community causes, and the significance of its centennial. Lieutenant Governor for Kiwanis International Division 19 Richard Tyler, accepted the proclamation and presented the City of Hermosa Beach with a certificate of appreciation for 100 years of collaboration and support of the Kiwanis Club’s mission. 8. PUBLIC COMMENT 3 Mayor Detoy opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:  Ira E. - Public Records Requests and City survey (In-Person)  Carla Buck - Dog Park (Virtual) Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Detoy closed the floor to public comments. 9. CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS Mayor Detoy asked for clarification regarding the City survey. City Manager Steve Napolitano provided an update and confirmed that the results will return at a future City Council meeting. 10. 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 Dean Francois reported that he had attended the South Bay Cities Sanitation District Board meeting two weeks earlier. He noted that rate increases would be discussed at the next meeting and stated that he would advocate against an increase if possible, though he indicated that an increase appeared likely. 11. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Francois requested a "No" Vote under Agenda Item No. 11.j, concerning vending on public beaches. He stated that while he had supported limited vending related to specific events such as volleyball tournaments, he opposed opening vending to all beach events and believed the policy was inconsistent with the spirit of the Coastal Act. Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson Motion to approve the Consent Calendar and register a "No" Vote under Agenda Item No. 11.j, for Councilmember Francois. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 11.a WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA 4 Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson 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 11.b CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (City Clerk Martha Alvarez) Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson To approve the minutes of the April 14, 2026 regular meeting. Motion Carried 11.c CASH BALANCE REPORT - 26-AS -047 (Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker) Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson To receive and file the January 2026 and February 2026 Cash Balance Reports. Motion Carried 11.d CITY TREASURER’S REPORT - 26-AS -048 (City Treasurer Dave Pedersen) Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson To receive and file the March 2026 City Treasurer’s Report. Motion Carried 11.e APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH NETRIX, LLC. FOR DATA BACK- UP SERVICES - 26-CMO-022 (GIS/IT Analyst Alex Hildebrand). Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson 5 To approve an agreement with Netrix, LLC. for data back -up services for a three-year term for a total not-exceed-amount of $121,742; and authorize the City Manager to execute the proposed agreement, approve minor modifications if necessary, with the City Clerk attesting the attached agreement subject to approval by the City Attorne y. Motion Carried 11.f REVENUE REPORT, EXPENDITURE REPORT, AND CIP REPORT BY PROJECT FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2026 - 26-AS -049 (Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker) Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson To receive and file the January and February 2026 Financial Reports. Motion Carried 11.g CHECK REGISTERS - 26-AS -050 (Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker) Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson To receive and file the check registers for April 8, 2026 through April 16, 2026. The Administrative Services Director certifies the accuracy of the demands. Motion Carried 11.h CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM STATUS REPORT AS OF April 16, 2026 - 26-PW-021 (Public Works Director Joe SanClemente) Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson To receive and file the Capital Improvement Program Status Report as of April 16, 2026. Motion Carried 11.i RATIFY LETTER OF SUPPORT IF AMENDED FOR ASSEMBLY BILL 2741 HOUSING ELEMENT: INVENTORY OF LAND: SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE - 26-CMO-023 6 (Senior Management Analyst Sara Russo) Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson To ratify a letter of support if amended for Assembly Bill 2741 sent on April 20, 2026. Motion Carried 11.j ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND HERMOSA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 12.30 (SPECIAL EVENTS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY) AND SECTION 12.20.300 (SOLICITATION) OF THE HERMOSA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE - 26-PR-023 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 not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols) The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar by Majority Vote with Councilmember Francois registering a "No" Vote. Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson To determine that the proposed ordinance is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), as it constitutes an organizational or administrative activity of the City that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment; waive full reading and adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 12.30 (Special Events on Public Property) and Section 12.20.300 (Solicitation) of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to allow for the sale of prepared food, nonalcoholic beverages, and/or merchandise on the beach by special event-associated vendors; and direct the City Clerk to publish a summary of the ordinance. Ayes (4): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Noes (1): Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 12. PUBLIC HEARINGS—TO COMMENCE AT 6:30 P.M 12.a PUBLIC HEARING-RESOLUTION ADOPTING FEES FROM A FEE STUDY UPDATE - 26-AS -025 7 Continued from meeting of April 14, 2026 (Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker) Administrative Services Director Brendan Walker provided the PowerPoint presentation. Administrative Services Director Walker, City Manager Steve Napolitano, Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza, Interim City Attorney Jason Baltimore, Public Works Director Joseph SanClemente, and Police Chief Landon Phillips responded to the City Council questions. Mayor Detoy opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:  Tony Higgins (Virtual)  Alan J. (In-Person)  Jon D. (In-Person)  Laura Pena (In-Person)  Maggie Bove-LaMadhi (In-Person)  Eric Horne (In-Person)  Elka Warner (In-Person) Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Detoy closed the floor to public comments. Administrative Services Director Walker and Interim Baltimore provided clarification. Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann Motion to pull multiple identified fee categories from the proposed Master Fee Schedule for separate review and further analysis, and to proceed with discussion on the remaining fees. This motion remained on the floor but was not acted upon following a substitute motion. The following line items were requested to be removed and considered at a later City Council meeting: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan: S001 (Conditional Use Permit - Comm/Other), S003 (CUP/PDP - Condo), S003B (CUP Annual Monitoring), S004A (Coastal Approval In-Concept), S006 (Zone Change), S007 (Variance), S009 (Parking Plan), S013 (Final Map), S017 (Mural Review), S018 (Temporary Use Permit), S024 (Planning Commission Interpretation), S030 (Planning Sign Permit), S030A (Planning A-Frame Sign Permit), 8 S034 (Admin Permit - Abandon CUP), S040 (Appeal to the City Council), S080 (Residential Encroachment Permit) Councilmember Jackson: None, agreed with the list provided by Mayor Pro Tem Keegan. Councilmember Saemann: Requested to add S008 (Sign Variance). Councilmember Francois: Did not have any additional requests. Mayor Detoy: Requested to add S018A (M-1 Zone Limited Events Permit), S081C (A-Frame Encroachment Permit). Substitute Motion Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Francois Motion to approve the fee updates in concept except for the specific fee items pulled for further review by the City Council, and to phase in the approved fee increases over two years, with the third year reserved for review. Ayes (4): Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Noes (1): Councilmember Saemann Motion Carried Interim City Attorney Baltimore, Administrative Services Director, and City Manager Napolitano provided clarification and responded to City Council questions. At 8:30 PM, Mayor Detoy re-opened the Public Hearing. Moved by: Mayor Detoy Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Motion to continue the public hearing on Item 12.a, as to the items pulled for further review, to the May 12, 2026, City Council me eting. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 12.b ORDINANCE FOR INTRODUCTION AMENDING SECTION 3.12 PURCHASING OF THE HERMOSA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE (Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker) At 8:31 p.m., Mayor Detoy opened the Public Hearing. 9 City Manager Steve Napolitano confirmed that the public hearing for this item is being continued to the May 26, 2026, City Council meeting. Mayor Detoy opened the floor to public comments. Seeing no requests to speak, Mayor Detoy closed the floor to public comments. Moved by: Councilmember Francois Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson Motion to continue the public hearing for Agenda Item 12.b to the May 26, 2026, City Council meeting. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 13. MUNICIPAL MATTERS 13.a REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF FALLEN TORRANCE POLICE DETECTIVE GARY ELTON RIPPSTEIN MEMORIAL SIGN INSTALLATION LOCATED AT 8TH STREET AND ARDMORE AVENUE - 26-CMO-021 (City Manager Steve Napolitano) Management Analyst Leo Zalyan provided the PowerPoint presentation. Police Chief Landon Phillips and Torrance Police Chief Robert Dunn provided a brief statement regarding the request. Police Chief Phillips, Management Analyst Zalyan, and Torrance Police Chief Dunn responded to the City Council questions. Mayor Detoy opened the floor to public comments. Seeing no requests to speak, Mayor Detoy closed the floor to public comments. Public Works Director Joseph SanClemente and Torrance Police Chief Dunn responded to City Council questions. Moved by: Councilmember Saemann Seconded by: Mayor Detoy Motion to approve the installation of a memorial sign commemorating fallen Torrance Police Detective Gary Elton Rippstein at the intersection of 8th Street and Ardmore Avenue, using the replacement pole in that location and with a smaller sign format. 10 Ayes (4): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Francois Noes (1): Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Motion Carried 13.b ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT A SIDE LETTER TO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH AND THE GENERAL AND SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES’ BARGAINING UNIT TEAMSTERS LOCAL 986 - 26-AS- 051 (Human Resources Manager Tyler Cashman) Human Resources Manager Tyler Cashman provided the PowerPoint presentation. Mayor Detoy opened the floor to public comments. Seeing no requests to speak, Mayor Detoy closed the floor to public comments. Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson Motion to adopt Resolution No. RES-26-7546, approving a Side Letter to the MOU between the City of Hermosa Beach and the General and Supervisory Employees’ Bargaining Unit, Teamsters Local 986, for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. Motion Carried City Manager Steve Napolitano provided clarification that City Council needed to return to the Public Hearing Agenda Item Nos. 12.a and 12.b. 13.c CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO ESTABLISH MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE HERMOSA BEACH LITTLE LEAGUE FOR CLARK FIELD IMPROVEMENTS - 26-PW-022 (Public Works Director Joe SanClemente) Public Works Director Joseph SanClemente provided the PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council questions. Mayor Detoy opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:  Tony Higgins (Virtual) Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Detoy closed the floor to public comments. 11 Mark Mamber thanked staff for their work and getting the MOU to this point. Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann Motion to consider approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hermosa Beach Little League (HBLL) to advance Clark Field improvements to be funded, designed, and constructed by HBLL ; and authorize the City Manager to execute the MOU, approve minor non - substantive modifications if necessary, subject to approval by the City Attorney. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 13.d RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING NEW CATEGORY AND FEE FOR COMMERCIAL ENCROACHMENT AREAS - 26-CMO-019 (Environmental Programs Douglas Krauss) Environmental Programs Manager Douglas Krauss provided the PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council questions. Mayor Detoy opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:  Betty Gregorian (In-Person)  Voc Gregorian (In-Person) - Provided the City Clerk with signatures that were received and incorporated into the record.  Mark D. Warshaw (In-Person)  Ira Ellman (In-Person)  Alan J.(In-Person)  John D. (In-Person)  Andrew G. (In-Person)  Laura (In-Person) Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Detoy closed the floor to public comments. Interim City Attorney Jason Baltimore and City Manager Steve Napolitano provided clarification and responded to City Council questions. 12 Moved by: Councilmember Jackson Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann Motion to direct staff to return with a modified resolution that maintains the approved encroachment fee framework for commercial zones but excludes commercial activity located in residential zones, with all other portions of the resolution and fee schedule remaining approved. Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois Motion Carried 13.e AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS FOR ON- CALL VEHICLE OUTFITTING SERVICES - 26-AS -024 (Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker) Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker provided the Powe rPoint presentation. Administrative Services Director Walker, Police Chief Landon Phillips, City Manager Steve Napolitano, and Interim City Attorney Jason Baltimore responded to City Council questions. Mayor Detoy opened the floor to public comments. Seeing no requests to speak, Mayor Detoy closed the floor to public comments. Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan Seconded by: Councilmember Francois Motion to award professional services agreements for on -call vehicle outfitting services to Commline, Inc., Derotic Emergency Equipment, A Vector Company, and 10-33 Industries, Ltd., each in an amount not-to- exceed $1,000,000 for a term ending April 14, 2031, and to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreements with minor modifications subject to City Attorney approval. The motion carried by voice vote, with support from the full Council. Motion Carried Additional direction was given to staff to review the South Bay Regional Public Communications Authority (RCC) contract and pursue improvements before relying on the new bench of vendors where possible. 14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 13 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 consider the city's work plan when considering new items. The ten tative future agenda items document is provided for information only. Councilmember Francois asked that the May 12, 2026, agenda item regarding Assembly Bill 1942 include information on the Cal Cities position recommending inclusion of Class 1, 2, and 3 electric bicycles. City Manager Steve Napolitano responded to City Council questions and provided clarification. Councilmember Francois requested support for a future agenda item to review the City’s sidewalk vending permit program, including where permits are being issued, how the fees are structured, and how the system is being administered. The request did not receive City Council support. Mayor Pro Tem Keegan requested that, as part of future discussions with the City of Redondo Beach regarding fire services, staff also seek information regarding dispatch service pricing so the City could compare potential costs and savings. Support was expressed for obtaining that information as part of the fire services discussion. Councilmember Saemann concurred. City Manager Napolitano provided clarification and responded to City Council questions. Mayor Pro Tem Keegan also requested a future action item to consider rescinding the City’s current Coastal Development Permit application regarding short-term rentals and to bring back potential regulations that would expand short-term rental opportunities in the coastal zone and throughout the City, including comparisons to other coastal cities and their enforcement structures. The request received support from Councilmember Saemann and Councilmember Francois to return as an action item. City Manager Napolitano provided clarification and responded to City Council questions. 14.a TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 26-CMO-025 Attached is the current list of tentative future agend a items for Council’s information. This item was received and filed by order of the Chair. 15. CITY MANAGER REPORT No report from City Manager Steve Napolitano. 16. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 14 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. 16.a ACTION MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 3, 2026 (Parks & Recreation Director Lisa Nichols) This item was received and filed by order of the Chair. 16.b ACTION MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 17, 2026 (Community Development Director Alison Becker) This item was received and filed by order of the Chair. 16.c POLICE CRIME STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY 2026 (Police Chief Landon Philips) This item was received and filed by order of the Chair. 16.d POLICE CRIME STATISTICS FOR MARCH 2026 (Police Chief Landon Philips) This item was received and filed by order of the Chair. 17. ADJOURNMENT At 9:55 p.m., Mayor Detoy adjourned the meeting to the May 12, 2026, Closed Session at 5:00 p.m.