The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About09-28-2021 - CC Regular Mtg. Minutes Hermosa Beach City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 28, 2021 Closed Session-5:00 P.M., Regular Session 6:00 P.M. Virtual Meeting via Zoom City Council Justin Massey, Mayor Michael Detoy, Mayor Pro Tem Stacey Armato, Councilmember Mary Campbell, Councilmember Ray Jackson, Councilmember I. CALL TO ORDER The City Council Regular Meeting of the City of Hermosa Beach met via a virtual meeting held pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20 issued by Governor Gavin Newsom March 17, 2020 on the above date. Meeting was called to order by Mayor Massey at 6:06 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The pledge of allegiance was led Mayor Massey. III. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmembers Jackson, Campbell, Armato, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Mayor Massey Absent: None IV. CLOSED SESSION REPORT City attorney Jenkins stated that the City Council meeting began at 5:00 p.m. and two people provided public comment for the closed session agenda, no additional items were added, and there was no reportable action was taken. (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. September 28, 2021 Closed Session Report) V. ANNOUNCEMENTS – UPCOMMING CITY EVENT Mayor Massey began his comments by acknowledging this year’s ‘Clean Bay Certified’ restaurants in Hermosa Beach. The Bay Foundation, in partnership with the Hermosa Beach, launched this program in 2008 to improve the health of the Santa Monica Bay by recognizing establishments that are environmentally proactive, integrating sustainability and ocean-mindedness into their business practices. The mayor added that the City is committed to becoming a more sustainable community through waste reduction, water conservation, energy efficiency, and other practices. Restaurants typically handle a substantial amount of waste and if handled improperly, has a profound impact on the natural environment, the economy, and community health and well-being. Over the last few months, City inspectors have certified restaurants that meet a rigorous set of criteria aimed at preventing pollution and promote sustainability. This year, the City applauds the environmental stewardship of 66 restaurants in Hermosa Beach and thanked them for making a difference in the health of Hermosa Beach and the Santa Monica Bay. Next Mayor Massey announced that in October Hermosa Beach Police officers will be wearing pink patches on their uniforms to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The pink patches are purchased as part of a fundraising program to further the research, treatment, and care of those who are and have battled cancer. It’s also an opportunity for officers to educate the public as much as possible about early detection and prevention of breast cancer. The mayor encouraged everyone to stop by the Hermosa Beach Police Station if you would like to purchase a Pink Patch for $10. He added that T-shirts and other items are also available for sale, and all proceeds go to the City of Hope for breast cancer research. Mayor Massey concluded his comments by announcing some upcoming City events and encouraged everyone to please check the city calendar for more details about these events: Saturday, October 2 • Walk to End Alzheimer’s from 9am-12pm at Pier and The Strand • Hermosa Harmony Festival – Immersive music festival with 5 stages, live music & DJ’s on the beach, south of the Pier from 2pm-9pm Sunday, October 10 • Volley4Sound - Coed 4’s volleyball tournament to raise awareness for the deaf, 8am-6pm on the Beach. (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link: September 28, 2021 Announcements on Upcoming City Events) VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Jackson requested item 11j be pulled from the consent calendar for separate consideration MOTION: Councilmember Armato moved to approve on the agenda with item 11j pulled from consent for separate consideration as requested by Councilmember Jackson, seconded by Councilmember Jackson. Motion carried by unanimous consent. AYES: Councilmembers Jackson, Campbell, Armato, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Mayor Massey NOES: None (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link: September 28, 2021 Approval of the Agenda) VII. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS a. HERMOSA BEACH CERTIFIED AS A “BLUE CITY” BY NON-PROFIT PROJECT O: PROGRAM RECOGNIZES CITIES COMMITTED TO HEALTHY WATERWAYS AND OCEANS b. RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 6, 2021 AS CALIFORNIA CLEAN AIR DAY (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. (September 28, 2021 Proclamations and Presentations) VIII. CITY MANAGER REPORT City Manager Lowenthal began her report by sharing that “No Balloons” signs have been posted at Valley, South, Fort Lots-of-Fun and Seaview parks. She added that this information was shared via the City’s social media last weekend and was done to remind the community of the City’s 2019 ban on metalized or “Mylar” balloons in public places and the prohibition on the release of any lighter-than-air balloons. These balloons not only litter the community and oceans but also have the potential to cause power outages. Ms. Lowenthal then shared that the Community Resources Department began accepting applications for 2022 special events on Monday, September 27, 2012, via a new online application form available on the City’s website on the Special Events and Promotions page. The Community Resources Department will begin accepting reservations for the Community Theatre and 2nd Story Theatre for 2022 beginning Monday, October 4, 2021. More information is available at www.hermosabeach.gov/theatre. City Manager Lowenthal then quickly highlighted a few items included on tonight’s consent agenda: First, on the Capital Improvement Program Status Report, she pointed out that staff has added information to the report to provide greater clarity of the City’s ongoing efforts to make accessibility improvements. The report now contains a column titled “ADA Component” to indicate projects that include an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvement. In addition, the “Project Description” column was expanded to contain a description of the ADA improvements. She added that moving forward, staff will also include specific information regarding ADA components in CIP projects at the time that the project is presented to City Council for contract award. Second, she indicated that while not the final reports for the FY2020-21 Fiscal Year, the June 2021 Financial Reports indicate that the economy is recovering if current trends and virus suppression can remain on track. As it stands, General Fund revenue for FY 2020-21 is higher than the prior year by four percent or $1,562,610 and lower than FY 2018-19, before COVID-19 by only three percent, or $1,101,445. Revenue in the following COVID-19 impacted accounts are higher than expected and worth highlighting: • Transfer Tax, which is the tax on real estate transfers, is higher than usual due to the heated residential market resulting in a 44.8 increase over the prior year; • Sales Tax is higher than the prior year by 17.3 percent or $470,385, which is great news. Staff does not have the detailed information on the sales tax categories yet but will report it when available; • Transient Occupancy Tax, the tax on hotel stays, is still 1.8 percent lower than last year However, the occupancy rates for the last three months are promising at 68.8 percent, 72.8 percent and 78.6 percent; and • Contract Recreation Classes are higher than last year by 111.8 percent or $385,253 and as the COVID-19 restrictive health orders created a lot of pent-up demand for activities. City Manager Lowenthal concluded her report by sharing information on Senate Bill 9 which was recently signed into law. The Bill is geared to address the statewide housing crisis. She emphasized that the law is a game changer with respect to single family zoning. The new law which goes into effect in January 2022 will pre-empt local zoning and subdivision laws with respect to the lot splits, and the number of housing units allowed on single family zone properties as follows: • Require all local agencies to allow proposed two-unit projects and lot splits ministerially. • Local agencies must ministerially approve certain subdivisions of one lot into two without discretionary review or a hearing. • An SB 9 lot split followed by an SB 9 two-unit project on each of the two new lots would result in four total dwellings on what was formerly one single- family residential lot—all with only ministerial approval. The Planning Commission has requested a discussion of this item which will be placed on their next Agenda. In the meantime, Community Development staff is working with the City Attorney’s office to prepare an informational and discussion item to explain its implications for Hermosa Beach, next steps for making code changes and implementing standards for these projects, and to respond to questions from Commissioners. (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. (September 28, 2021 City Managers Report) IX. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS/ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS The following people provided public comment: 1. Sarah Harper 2. Trent Larson 3. Matt McCool 4. Laura Pena 5. Dency Nelson MOTION: Councilmember Armato moved to receive and file written communication, seconded by Councilmember Jackson. Motion carried by unanimous consent. AYES: Councilmembers Jackson, Campbell, Armato, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Mayor Massey NOES: None (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. (September 28, 2021 Public Communication/Oral and Written Communication from the Public) X. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS a. UPDATES FROM CITY COUNCIL AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES AND STANDING COMMITTEE DELEGATES/ALTERNATES (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. September 28, 2021 City Council Comments) XI. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION: Councilmember Campbell moved to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Armato. Motion carried by unanimous consent. AYES: Councilmembers Jackson, Campbell, Armato, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Mayor Massey NOES: None a. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES b. MEMORANDUM REGARDING CHECK REGISTER c. REVENUE REPORT, COVID-19 BUDGET AND REVENUE COMPARISON REPORTS, EXPENDITURE REPORT, AND CIP REPORT BY PROJECT FOR JUNE 2021 d. CITY TREASURER’S REPORT AND CASH BALANCE REPORT e. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM STATUS REPORT AS OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 f. ACTION MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 21, 2021 g. ACTION SHEET OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 h. ACTION SHEET OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 i. PLANNING COMMISSION TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS j. TOWING AND STORAGE SERVICES AGREEMENT AMENDMENT (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. (September 28, 2021 Consent Calendar) XII. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION j. TOWING AND STORAGE SERVICES AGREEMENT AMENDMENT The following person provided public comment: 1. Trent Larson MOTION: Councilmember Jackson moved to approve staff recommendation and approve the second amendment to the agreement with Bruffy’s Tow for towing and storage services to extend the contract by one year, through August 27, 2022, and to increase the rate for actual tow charges from $133 to $160, seconded by Councilmember Armato. Motion carried by unanimous consent. AYES: Councilmembers Jackson, Campbell, Armato, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Mayor Massey NOES: None (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link. September 28, 2021 Consent Calendar Item 11j) XIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None XIV. MUNICIPAL MATTERS a. ADOPTION OF THE COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY The following people provided public comment: 1. Ann Gotthoffer 2. Trent Larson 3. Dency Nelson 4. Laura Pena MOTION: Mayor Massey moved to approve the COVID-19 vaccination policy that is presented to City Council as modified by the City Attorney and Council extending the policy to officials, contractors, and volunteers. The term volunteer includes appointed board members and commissioners, Volunteers in Police, Interns, Community Emergency Response Team members, and Police Officer Reserves. Approve the accompanying forms and approve a professional service agreement with Veritas Testing for COVID-19 diagnostics testing services, seconded by Councilmember Armato. Motion carried by majority consent. AYES: Councilmembers, Campbell, Armato, and Mayor Massey NOES: Councilmember Jackson, and Mayor Pro Tem Detoy (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link: September 28, 2021 Municipal Matter 14a) b. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE PROGRESS REPORT The following people provided public comment: 1. Trent Larson 2. Jon David 3. Laura Pena MOTION: Councilmember Armato moved to receive and file the Economic Development Committee Progress Report, seconded by Councilmember Campbell. Motion carried by unanimous consent. AYES: Councilmembers Jackson, Campbell, Armato, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Mayor Massey NOES: None (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link: September 28, 2021 Municipal Matter 14b) c. ADOPTION OF THE MUNICIPAL NAMING, MONUMENT AND SPONSORSHIP POLICY WITH MINOR MODIFICATIONS AS PROPOSED BY THE PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMISSION The following people provided public comment: 1. Trent Larson 2. Dency Nelson MOTION: Councilmember Armato moved to adopt the proposed Municipal Naming, Monument and Sponsorship Policy noting the deletion of sentence on page 1, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Detoy. Motion carried by unanimous consent. AYES: Councilmembers Jackson, Campbell, Armato, and Mayor Pro Tem Detoy NOES: None (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link September 28, 2021 Municipal Matter 14c) MOTION TO EXTEND THE COUNCIL MEETING: Councilmember Armato moved to extend the Council meeting to midnight, seconded by Councilmember Campbell. Motion carried by unanimous consent. AYES: Councilmembers Jackson, Campbell, Armato, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Mayor Massey NOES: None d. STATUS UPDATE AND DISCUSSION OF CONCLUSION OF A SAFER PROSPECT TRAFFIC SAFETY DEMONSTRATION PROJECT The following people provided public comment: 1. Bob Atkins 2. Trent Larson MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem moved to direct staff to remove all demonstration elements of the Safer Prospect project by no later than October 31, 2021, seconded by Councilmember Campbell. Motion carried by unanimous consent. AYES: Councilmembers Jackson, Campbell, Armato, and Mayor Pro Tem Detoy NOES: None (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link September 28, 2021 Municipal Matter 14d) e. INSTALLATION OF ALL-WAY STOP CONTROLS AT THE INTERSECTION OF HERONDO STREET AND MONTEREY BOULEVARD The following people provided public comment: 1. Bob Atkins 2. David Grethen 3. Dency Nelson 4. Traci Horowitz 5. Nicole Burke MOTION: Councilmember Armato moved to approve the installation of all-way stop controls at the intersection of Herondo Street and Monterey Boulevard; and Request City of Redondo Beach staff continue to monitor the safety and performance of the all-way stop control and consider upgrading the signs to flashing LED in the future, if warranted., seconded by Councilmember Jackson. Motion carried by majority consent. AYES: Councilmembers Jackson, Campbell, Armato, and Mayor Pro Tem Detoy NOES: Mayor Massey (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link September 28, 2021 Municipal Matter 14e) XV. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. COUNCILMEMBER JACKSON REQUESTS THE CITY COUNCIL DIRECT STAFF TO PLACE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ON A FUTURE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION AGENDA: 1. AMEND HERMOSA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE (HBMC) 12.20.050 ANIMALS ON THE BEACH - REMOVING VIOLATIONS OF THIS CODE AS AN INFRACTION - AND INSTEAD, ENACT AN ORDINANCE PLACING VIOLATIONS OF THIS CODE UNDER ITS CIVIL ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION PROGRAM AND SET PENALTIES ACCORDINGLY. 2. AMEND HBMC 12.28.110 - REMOVING VIOLATIONS OF ITS PARK REGULATIONS HBMC 12.28.010 (AS IT APPLIES TO LEAD OR LOOSE ANIMALS AT PARKS) AS AN INFRACTION AND INSTEAD, ENACT AN ORDINANCE PLACING VIOLATIONS OF THIS CODE UNDER ITS CIVIL ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION PROGRAM AND SET PENALTIES ACCORDINGLY. 3. REVIEW HERMOSA BEACH’S RESIDENTIAL AND EMPLOYEE PARKING PERMIT PROGRAM. 4. REVIEW HERMOSA BEACH’S STREET METERED AND PARKING GARAGE PROGRAM. All four items received support from Councilmembers Campbell, Armato, and Mayor Massey and will be added to a future agenda of staff choosing. (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link: September 28, 2021 Future Agenda item 15a) b. TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS No comments were provided by Council related to tentative future agenda items. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Massey adjourned the City Council meeting to Tuesday, October 12 at 5:00 pm for Closed Session, followed by the regular meeting at 6:00 pm. The meeting concluded at 11:57 p.m. (Complete audio and video are available upon request at the City Clerk’s office or can be accessed by clicking the following link: https://hermosabeach.granicus.com/player/clip/6029?meta_id=591754 ) Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk