HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-25-CC-R-MIN
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CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
August 25, 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, City
Clerk Martha Alvarez, Community Development Director Alison
Becker, Deputy City Clerk Ariana Rodriguez, Police Chief
Landon Phillips, Public Works Director Joe SanClemente, Senior
Management Analyst Kenneth Bales, Lead Special Events and
Filming Coordinator Kalyn Kaemerle, Recreation Coordinator
Kambria Vint, Finance Manager Henry Chao
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CLOSED SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 5:00 PM
At 5:02 p.m., Mayor Detoy called the meeting to order.
2. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Martha Alvarez led the roll call and announced a quorum.
Present: Mayor Detoy, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, Councilmember Jackson,
Councilmember Francois, and Councilmember Saemann
3. PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
Mayor Detoy opened the floor to public comments.
Seeing no requests to speak, Mayor Detoy closed the floor to public comments.
4. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:04 p.m.
5. OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
Mayor Detoy called the Open Session to order at 6:02 p.m.
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6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by David Grethen.
7. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Martha Alvarez led the roll call and announced a quorum.
Present: Mayor Detoy, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, Councilmember Jackson,
Councilmember Francois, and Councilmember Saemann
8. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Interim City Attorney Jason Baltimore announced that the City Council discussed
all matters listed on the agenda and had no reportable action, except for the
finalized settlement in Corner v. City of Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles County
Superior Court Case No. 25STCP00891.
Pursuant to authority granted by the City Council on July 28, 2026, the City
Manager executed a settlement under which the City will withdraw its motion to
tax costs and pay $54,777.53 in litigation costs. In exchange, the petitioner and
his counsel waived all claims for attorney’s fees, additional costs, and interest.
The City Council authorized the settlement by a 5-0 vote.
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS—UPCOMING CITY EVENTS
Mayor Detoy announced a Back-to-School Picnic scheduled for Friday, August
28, 2026, at Hermosa Valley School.
10. PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
10.a RECOGNIZING FORMER PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSIONER THOR
LEGVOLD FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE CITY
The City Council recognized former Public Works Commissioner Thor
Legvold for four years of dedicated service to the community. Public
Works Commission Chair David Grethen and Mayor Detoy thanked him
for the valuable perspective he brought to discussions on the Capital
Improvement Program, City infrastructure, and other public works matters.
Former Commissioner Legvold shared his appreciation for the opportunity
to serve and looks forward to finding new ways to stay involved in the
community.
10.b REMEMBERING GEORGE SCHMELTZER AND STEPHANIE CRANE
The City Council remembered George Schmeltzer and Stephanie Crane,
honoring their lasting impact on Hermosa Beach. Mayor Detoy welcomed
and acknowledged Stephanie Crane’s daughter, Stephanie Gilley, who
was in attendance, and read tributes honoring former Hermosa Beach
Mayor George Schmeltzer and his wife, Stephanie Crane.
Councilmembers Rob Saemann, Dean Francois, Ray Jackson, and Mayor
Pro Tem Michael Keegan shared brief remarks.
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The following individuals also shared remarks:
Former Hermosa Beach Mayor George Barks
Former Hermosa Beach Mayor Jim Rosenberger
Former Hermosa Beach Mayor Chuck Sheldon
Former Hermosa Beach Mayor Carolyn Petty
Beach Cities Health District Chief Programs Officer Kerianne
Lawson
Hermosa Beach School Boardmember Maggie Bove-LaMonica
Police Chief Landon Phillips
Steve Izant, who shared personal photographs
Unknown Speaker
Unknown Speaker
Dency Nelson
Former Hermosa Beach Mayor Mary Campbell
Mayor Detoy invited Stephanie Gilley to the podium and presented her
with Certificates of Sympathy and flowers.
11. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided updates on the Los Angeles
County Sanitation District’s sewer project along Hermosa Avenue, the Kelly
Court renovation, and playground improvements at Valley, Seaview, and South
Parks. He also discussed temporary parking and traffic changes related to the
sewer work.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Francois
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, seconded by Councilmember
Francois, to approve the agenda and waive full reading of ordinances and
resolutions.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson,
Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois
Motion Carried
12. PUBLIC COMMENT
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Mayor Detoy opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s)
spoke:
Sarah Harper (In-Person)
Hermosa Pool Initiative Speakers (In-Person)
o Tate
o Keaton
o Connor
Ira Ellman (In-Person)
Steve Izant (In-Person) will be speaking at item 16. a
Robert Reyes (In-Person)
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Detoy closed the floor to public
comments.
13. CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Councilmember Jackson requested future consideration of moving the City
Manager’s Report earlier in the meeting. Interim City Attorney B altimore advised
that a permanent change would require amending the resolution establishing the
order of business.
Councilmember Saemann clarified that he has never operated a short-term rental
and that his rental properties have been leased annually. He also confirmed that
he would participate in the item’s discussion.
14. UPDATES ON CITY COUNCIL ACTIVITIES
Councilmember Francois reported attending meetings of the Santa Monica Bay
Restoration Commission and the Los Angeles County Sanitation District Board of
Directors.
Mayor Detoy reported on his participation in a bipartisan delegation to Argentina,
where he met with government officials and learned about renewable energy,
financial technology, and public safety technology.
15. CONSENT CALENDAR
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Francois
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, seconded by Councilmember
Francois, to approve the Consent Calendar.
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Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember Jackson,
Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois
Motion Carried
15.a CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
(City Clerk Martha Alvarez)
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Francois
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent
Calendar.
Motion Carried
15.b CHECK REGISTERS - 26-AS -090
(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Francois
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent
Calendar.
Motion Carried
15.c CITY TREASURER’S REPORT - 26-AS -088
(City Treasurer Dave Pedersen)
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Francois
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent
Calendar.
Motion Carried
15.d AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ON-
CALL ARBORIST CONSULTING SERVICES WITH GREG MINK
ENTERPRISES, LLC DBA MINK TREE CONSULTING - 26-PW-052
(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Francois
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The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent
Calendar.
Motion Carried
15.e RATIFY LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 799 - SOUTH BAY
REGIONAL HOUSING TRUST - 26-CMO-044
(Senior Management Analyst Sara Russo)
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Francois
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent
Calendar.
Motion Carried
15.f RATIFY LETTER OF SUPPORT TO ENGAGE WITH TASK FORCE FOR
MEASURE G - 26-CMO-045
(Senior Management Analyst Sara Russo)
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Francois
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent
Calendar.
Motion Carried
15.g REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF SPONSORSHIP DONATION TO
GRADES OF GREEN VERTE 2026 GALA - 26-CMO-046
(City Manager Steve Napolitano)
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Francois
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent
Calendar.
Motion Carried
15.h APPROVAL OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE
HERMOSA BEACH CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT AS PART OF A
FEDERAL GRANT APPLICATION FOR A SCHOOL VIOLENCE
PREVENTION PROGRAM - 26-PD-010
(Police Chief Landon Phillips)
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Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Francois
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent
Calendar.
Motion Carried
15.i CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM STATUS REPORT AS OF
AUGUST 17, 2026 - 26-PW-055
(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Francois
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent
Calendar.
Motion Carried
16. PUBLIC HEARINGS—TO COMMENCE AT 6:30 P.M
16.a INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE REGARDING PROGRAM AND
MUNICIPAL CODE UPDATES FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS - 26-
CMO-042
(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker and Senior
Management Analyst Ken Bales)
Administrative Director Brandon Walker provided the PowerPoint
Presentation.
Community Development Director Alison Becker, City Manager Steve
Napolitano, and Interim City Attorney Jason Baltimore responded to City
Council questions.
Mayor Detoy opened the floor to public comments. The following
individual(s) spoke:
Elka Worner (In-Person)
Jim Holtz (In-Person)
Maggie Bove-LaMonica (In-Person)
Eric Horne (In-Person)
Karen (Virtual)
Steve Izant (In-Person)
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Angelika Silverman (In-Person)
Laura Pena (In-Person)
Tony Higgins (Virtual)
Wendy Weissman (Virtual)
Ann Gotthoffer (Virtual)
David Tume (Virtual)
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Detoy closed the floor to
public comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Keegan and Councilmembers Saemann and Francois
commented. Interim City Attorney Baltimore, City Manager Napolitano,
and Community Development Director Becker responded to additional
City Council questions.
Moved by: Councilmember Jackson
Seconded by: Mayor Detoy
A motion was made by Councilmember Jackson, seconded by Mayor
Detoy, to adopt Option 2, direct staff to proceed with Option 2, and to
adopt Option 1.
Substitute Motion
Moved by: Councilmember Saemann
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
A friendly amendment was made by Councilmember Francois, to review in
six months. The friendly amendment was accepted by the maker of the
motion.
A substitute motion was made by Councilmember Saemann, seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, to direct staff to proceed with Option 1, permitting
short-term rentals within the Coastal Zone and prohibiting them outside
the Coastal Zone, with a review after six months; introduce and conduct
the first reading of an Ordinance No. 26-1502 (1) repealing Sections
17.08.025 and 17.42.180 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code; (2)
amend Chapter 3.32 relating to transient occupancy tax; (3) add Chapter
5.84 relating to short-term rental registration and operating requirements;
and (4) find the ordinance exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
Ayes (3): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and
Councilmember Francois
Noes (2): Mayor Detoy, and Councilmember Jackson
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Motion Carried
16.b INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 3.12 AND
CHAPTER 3.14 OF THE HBMC RELATING TO PURCHASING
INCREASING CITY MANAGER AUTHORITY, UPDATING
PROCUREMENT THRESHOLDS, EMERGENCY PURCHASING AND
CLARIFYING REFERENCES TO CA PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE. - 26-
AS -060
(Finance Manager Henry Chao)
Finance Manager Henry Chao provided the PowerPoint Presentation.
Interim City Attorney Jason Baltimore, Finance Manager Chao, and City
Manager Steve Napolitano 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
comment.
Moved by: Mayor Detoy
Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann
A motion was made by Mayor Detoy, seconded by Councilmember
Saemann, to introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 26-
1503, amending Chapters 3.12 and 3.14 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal
Code to increase the City Manager’s authority, establish emergency
purchasing procedures, and clarify references to the California Public
Contract Code; and authorize the City Manager to determine Consent
Calendar placement for routine items to improve meeting efficiency, while
preserving each Councilmember’s ability to pull an item for separate
discussion under Municipal Matters.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember
Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois
Motion Carried
17. MUNICIPAL MATTERS
17.a APPROVAL OF NEW IMPACT LEVEL III 2026 SPECIAL EVENT – AAU
HERMOSA BEACH HOLIDAY CHAMPIONSHIPS - 26-PR-057
(Lead Special Events and Filming Coordinator Kalyn Kaemerle)
Lead Special Events and Filming Coordinator Kalyn Kaemerle provided
the PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Detoy opened the floor to public comments. The following
individual(s) spoke:
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Alain Jauffret (In-Person)
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Detoy closed the floor to
public comments.
Lead Special Events and Filming Coordinator Kaemerle responded to City
Council questions.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, seconded by
Councilmember Saemann, to approve the AAU Hermosa Beach Holiday
Championships event as a new Impact Level III on the 2026 calendar and
grant an exception to the Special Events Policy Guide to allow for
simultaneous use of the North and South Pier Volleyball courts.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember
Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois
Motion Carried
17.b REVIEW OF HERMOSA BEACH LAWN BOWLING CLUB
OPERATIONS - 26-PR-058
(Recreation Supervisor Kambria Vint)
Recreation Coordinator Kambria Vint provided the PowerPoint
presentation.
Mayor Detoy opened the floor to public comments. The following
individual(s) spoke:
Tony Crutchfield (In-Person)
Karen Shore (In-Person)
Linda (In-Person)
Alain Jauffret (In-Person)
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Detoy closed the floor to
public comments.
Moved by: Councilmember Jackson
Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann
A motion was made by Councilmember Jackson, seconded by
Councilmember Saemann, to receive and file the report on the Hermosa
Beach Lawn Bowling Club operations.
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Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember
Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois
Motion Carried
17.c AW ARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
REVENUE MEASURE INFORMATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
CONSULTING SERVICES - 26-AS -089
(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)
Continued from the July 28, 2026 City Council Meeting
Administrative Director Brandon Walker provided the PowerPoint
Presentation.
City Manager Steve Napolitano 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 Detoy
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
A motion was made by Mayor Detoy, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Keegan, to award a Professional Services Agreement to Team CivicX for
revenue measure informational communications consulting services,
including two mailers and social media support, in an amount not -to-
exceed $50,000.
Ayes (3): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, and Mayor Pro Tem
Keegan
Noes (2): Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Francois
Motion Carried
17.d DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE & ALTERNATE FOR THE
LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND
VOTING DIRECTION ON PROPOSED RESOLUTION - 26-CMO-047
(City Manager Steve Napolitano)
City Manager Steve Napolitano 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.
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Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
Seconded by: Councilmember Saemann
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, seconded by
Councilmember Saemann, to designate Councilmember Francois as the
voting delegate and Councilmember Saemann as the alternate for the
League of California Cities 2026 Annual Conference, and to direct both to
vote in support of the Murireta Resolution regarding the restoration of local
authority over housing and land use decisions.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember
Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois
Motion Carried
17.e INFORMATIONAL ITEM REGARDING A 12 TO 18-MONTH HIRING
FREEZE- 26-AS -087
(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)
Information 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.
Administrative Director Brandon Walker 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: Councilmember Saemann
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Keegan
A motion was made by Councilmember Jackson, seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Keegan, to receive and file the report on the 12 - to 18-Month Hiring
Freeze.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Saemann, Mayor Detoy, Councilmember
Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Keegan, and Councilmember Francois
Motion Carried
18. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Jackson requested that staff return with options for moving the
City Manager’s Report to the beginning of the meeting, including any necessary
amendments to the resolution establishing the order of business. The City
Council broadly supported presenting substantive City updates earlier in the
meeting.
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Councilmember Jackson requested consideration of extending commercial
metered parking time limits after 6:00 p.m. from two to three hours. Mayor Pro
Tem Keegan and Mayor Detoy concurred.
Councilmember Jackson requested for the Planning Commission to examine
office-to-housing conversions and identify zoning and municipal code changes
necessary to allow and encourage these conversions. Mayor Detoy and
Councilmember Francois concurred.
Councilmember Jackson requested for the Planning Commission to consider a
moratorium on new ground-floor office and service-industry uses in commercial
zones to preserve retail and restaurant uses. Mayor Detoy and Councilmember
Saemann concurred.
Councilmember Jackson requested consideration of low-cost process for
Conditional Use Permits amendments. Mayor Pro Tem Keegan and
Councilmember Saemann concurred.
Councilmember Francois requested that the Parks and Recreation Commission’s
volleyball court use subcommittee item be narrowed in scope to focus on
maintenance and stewardship policies for residential-area courts and exclude
proposals related to tournament monitoring, fee collection, and ac counting. The
request did not receive sufficient Council support to move forward.
Mayor Pro Tem Keegan requested that staff return with a proposal to partially
waive the Pier Plaza use fees for Hennessey’s Tavern’s 50th anniversary
celebration while allowing the City to recover its direct costs. Councilmembers
Saemann and Francois concurred. Council agreed for the item to return as soon
as possible.
19. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Steve Napolitano announced that City Hall and the Community
Center will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026 for Labor Day. Public
safety services will remain available, most parking regulations will remain in
effect, and trash collection will be delayed by one day that week.
20. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
21. ADJOURNMENT
At 11:00 p.m., Mayor Detoy adjourned the meeting in memory of George
Schmeltzer and Stephanie Crane.
_________________________
Ariana Rodriguez
Recording Secretary
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_________________________
Mike Detoy
Mayor
_________________________
Martha Alvarez
City Clerk