CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Council Chamber
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AND PARKING AUTHORITY MEETING July 21, 2026
7:00 p.m.*
Members of the public may participate in the meeting by attending in-person or telephonically, and may view the meeting through live webcast or BHTV Channel 10 on Spectrum Cable.
City Council meetings are broadcast on local Beverly Hills television and on other media platforms. Anyone who participates at the meeting and/or enters the City Council Chamber is subject to having their image displayed. These recordings will remain publicly accessible in perpetuity.
The City CouncillParking Authority may act on any item listed on the agenda.
The City Council/Parking Authority Meeting was called to order by Mayor Corman at 7:25 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Mayor Corman
A. ROLL CALLS
Present: Councilmember/Director Pynoos, Councilmember/Director Friedman, Vice MayorNice Chair Wells, Mayor/Chair Corman
Absent: Councilmember/Director Nazarian
B. PRESENTATIONS
1. PROCLAMATION: Parks Make Life Better Month
2. TEXT BH — Text messages on any City-related topic may be sent to (310) 596-4265.
City staff will acknowledge receipt of the text message within one business day, however, resolution of issues may take longer.
C. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1. TELEPHONE CALL-IN: (310) 288-2288 Members of the public are invited to listen to the meeting telephonically or share oral communications on this phone line.
Mayor Corman, along with the entire City Council, presented a proclamation to the Community Services Department in recognition of Parks Make Life Better Month.
If you would like to receive updated text alerts from the Beverly Hills PoliceDepartment, please text “BHPDaIert” to 888777. Text alerts will keep you informed of any Police activity within the City.
City Council/Parking Authority Meeting
July21, 2026
2. AUDIENCE COMMENTS: Any person wishing to address the City Council on any matter may do so in writing, through email or in-person. However, the State open meetings law (Government Code Section 54950 et seq.) prohibits the City Council from providing a detailed response or acting upon any item not contained on the agenda posted 72 hours before a regular meeting and 24 hours before a special meeting. If you wish to address the City Council at this time, please email or provide an in-person speaker card to the City Clerk prior to or during the meeting. The CityClerk will read only the first three minutes (approximately 350 words) of a written comment. In the event of a large number of written comments on one item, written comments may be summarized by the City Clerk’s Office. The entire written commentshall be archived in full as part of the record. Public comment via video conference or in-person will be no longer than three (3) minutes per each individual comment, subject to City Council discretion based on the anticipated length in the meeting.
Non Agenda Speaker(s):
1. Apostle Arnault re: Various topics
2. James Loewe re: Various topics
D. PARKING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
MOVED by Director Friedman, seconded by Chair Corman to approve the Parking Authority Consent Calendar.
Minutes
1. CONSIDERATION BY THE PARKING AUTHORITY OF THE MINUTES of the Parking Authority Meeting of May 5, 2026.
ITEM D-1: APPROVED
Other Business
None
Vote on the Parking Authority Consent Calendar:
Ayes: Director Pynoos, Director Friedman, Vice Chair Wells, Chair Corman Noes: None
Absent: Director Nazarian
CARRIED
E. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
MOVED by Mayor Corman, seconded by Vice Mayor Wells to remove items E-8 and E-9 for Council comments, and approve all remaining items on the City City Council/Parking Authority Meeting
July 21, 2026
Council Consent Calendar, and direct that the appropriate accounts be charged on items E-3 and E-4.
Minutes
1. CONSIDERATION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE MINUTES of City Council Study Session Meeting of May 5, 2026.ITEM E-1: APPROVED
2. CONSIDERATION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE MINUTES of the City Council Regular Meeting of May 5, 2026.
ITEM E-2: APPROVED
Demands Paid
3. REVIEW OF BUDGETED DEMANDS PAID, covering dates June 13, 2026 to July 13, 2026.
ITEM E-3: APPROVED
4. PAYROLL DISBURSEMENT REPORT, covering dates June 13, 2026 to July 13, 2026.ITEM E-4: APPROVED
Other Business
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS:
5. AUTHORIZING THE BEVERLY HILLS POLICE DEPARTMENT’S MILITARY
EQUIPMENT USE INVENTORY IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 7071 .-First Reading for Introduction
Comment: Staff recommends that the City Council waive full reading and introduce the ordinance by title only for first reading. This ordinance authorizes the acquisition of additional equipment identified in the Military Equipment Inventory, in accordance with Government Code Section 7071. Staff recommends that the City Council review the attached “Military Equipment Inventory,” which outlines the items requested by the Beverly Hills Police Department.
ITEM E-5: INTRODUCED AND READ BY TITLE ONLY
City Council/Parking Authority Meeting
July 21, 2026
6. RENEWING ITS MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE ORDINANCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 7071. - First Reading for Introduction Comment: Staff recommends that the City Council waive full reading and introduce the ordinance by title only for first reading. This ordinance renews the Military Equipment Use Policy and Inventory listing items in use by the Police Department in accordance with Government Code § 7071(d)(1).
ITEM E-6: INTRODUCED AND READ BY TITLE ONLY
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS:
7. APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE LOS ANGELES URBAN COUNTY
PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS BY
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO SIGN A COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES.
Comment: Staff recommends the City’s participation in the Los Angeles Urban County Program for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds through June 30, 2030.
ITEM E-7: ADOPTED, RES #26-R-1 3597
Other Business
APPROVAL OF:
8. THE PROJECT PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF ISRAEL, THROUGH ITS CONSULATE IN LOS ANGELES, FOR THE OCTOBER 7TH
MEMORIAL PROJECT, AND
ACCEPTANCE OF THE PARTICIPATION AMOUNT FROM THE STATE OF
ISRAEL, THROUGH ITS CONSULATE IN LOS ANGELES, FOR A NOT-TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $10,000 FOR THE OCTOBER 7TH MEMORIAL PROJECT.
Comment: Staff recommends approval of the project participation agreement with the State of Israel, through its Consulate in Los Angeles, and acceptance of the partial project funding in the amount of $10,000 for the October Memorial Project.
Mayor Corman pulled this item to suggest revisions to the language regarding refundprovisions. Council agreed that the proposed revised refund provisions be established as the City’s policy and that the agreement be returned to the Israeli Consulate for concurrence before consideration by Council.
ITEM E-8: ITEM WILL BE BROUGHT BACK AT THE NEXT MEETING City Council/Parking Authority Meeting
July 21, 2026
9. AGREEMENT WITH LIEBERT CASSIDY WHITMORE, A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION, FOR EMPLOYEE RELATIONS AND NEGOTIATION SERVICES.
Comment: Liebert Cassidy Whitmore (“LCW’) provides legal services to the City in connection with labor negotiations and employment law. The current agreement has expired and LCW has requested a rate increase to the firm’s hourly rates. The new agreement continues these services for an additional four years and provides a rateadjustment.
Vice Mayor Wells pulled this item to ask City Attorney Laurence Wiener questions.
City Attorney Laurence Wiener responded to Vice Mayor Wells’ questions.
Vice Mayor Wells requested to amend the language of the agreement to mention that double billing is prohibited and remove some outdated language. The rest of the Council concurred.
ITEM E-9: APPROVED AS AMENDED, AG #404-26
10. AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES AND SANITATION DISTRICT NO. 2 OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY FOR COUNTYWIDE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION PROGRAM.
Comment: This agreement provides for a countywide Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste Event scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026.
ITEM E-10: APPROVED, AG #405-26
11. AGREEMENT WITH RODEO DRIVE, INC. FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 FOR MARKETING; AND
PURCHASE ORDER FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 IN THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $184,998.
Comment: This Agreement provides base funding to the Rodeo Drive Committee (Rodeo Drive, Inc.) for marketing services, social media, website management and banner production in Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and authorizes the issuance of a Fiscal Year 2026-2027 purchase order in an amount not to exceed $184,998.
ITEM E-11: APPROVED, AG #496-26
City Council/Parking Authority Meeting
July 21, 2026
12. AGREEMENT WITH BEVERLY HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CIVIC
ASSOCIATION FOR BUSINESS ATTRACTION AND RETENTION SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027; AND
PURCHASE ORDER FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 IN THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $564,250.
Comment: This Agreement provides funding to the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association for business attraction and retention services in Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and authorizes the issuance of a Fiscal Year 2026-2027 purchase order in an amount not to exceed $564,250.
ITEM E-12: APPROVED, AG #407-26
13. AGREEMENT WITH THE BEVERLY HILLS CONFERENCE AND VISITORS BUREAU FOR PROMOTION OF THE CITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027; AND PURCHASE ORDER FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 IN THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $4,668,070.
Comment: This Agreement provides funding to the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau for promotion of the City in Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and authorizes the issuance of a Fiscal Year 2026-2027 purchase order in an amount not to exceed $4,668,070.
ITEM E-13: APPROVED, AG #408-26
14. AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO GENTRY GENERAL ENGINEERING, INC. FOR THE RODEO DRIVE BOLLARDS PHASE 2 PROJECT WITHIN THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,569,424; AND
APPROVAL OF A CORRESPONDING PURCHASE ORDER IN THE NOT-TOEXCEED AMOUNT OF $2,826,366 TO GENTRY GENERAL ENGINEERING, INC.
FOR THE PROJECT, WHICH INCLUDES A CONTINGENCY OF $256,942; AND
APPROVAL OF THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS THEREFOR WITH RESPECT TO DESIGN CRITERIA; AND
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA), CITY COUNCIL WILL ALSO CONSIDER FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM FURTHER REVIEW UNDER CEQA.
Comment: Staff recommends that City Council award a contract to Gentry General Engineering, Inc. for the Rodeo Bollards Phase 2 project and approve the plans and specifications as detailed in the bid documents with respect to design criteria.
ITEM E-14: APPROVED, AG #409-26
City Council/Parking Authority Meeting
July 21, 2026
15. AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, WILLIAMS PIPELINE CONTRACTORS, INC., FOR THE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENTS PHASE 2 — VARIOUS LOCATIONS PROJECT WITHIN THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,470,380; AND
APPROVAL OF THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS THEREFOR WITH RESPECT TO DESIGN CRITERIA; AND
APPROVAL OF A PURCHASE ORDER IN THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $6,290,937 TO WILLIAMS PIPELINE CONTRACTORS, INC. FOR THE PROJECT, WHICH INCLUDES A CONTINGENCY OF $820,557; AND
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA), CITY COUNCIL WILL ALSO CONSIDER FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM FURTHER REVIEW UNDER CEQA.
Comment: Staff recommends that City Council approve the Water Main Replacements Phase 2 — Various Locations Within The City of Beverly Hills Project with Williams Pipeline Contractors, Inc.
ITEM E-15: APPROVED, AG #410-26
16. AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO VARIOUS CONTRACTORS FOR THE 461 N.
BEDFORD PARKING STRUCTURE SEISMIC UPGRADE PROJECT; AND
APPROVAL OF CORRESPONDING PURCHASE ORDERS TO VARIOUS
CONTRACTORS IN THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $682,560.65; AND
APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS THEREFOR WITH RESPECT TO DESIGN CRITERIA; AND
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA), CITY COUNCIL WILL ALSO CONSIDER FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM FURTHER REVIEW UNDER CEQA.
Comment: These contracts for the seismic upgrade at 461 N. Bedford parkingstructure and approval of purchase orders in the not-to-exceed amount of $682,560.65 will cover strengthening of the building to ensure long-term resilience of the structure during any seismic activity.
ITEM E-16: APPROVED
Morley Construction Company — AG #411-26
Slater Waterproofing, Inc. — AG #412-26
City Council/Parking Authority Meeting
July 21, 2026
Vote on the City Council Consent Calendar:
Ayes: Councilmember Pynoos, Councilmember Friedman, Vice Mayor Wells, Mayor Corman
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Nazarian
CARRI ED
F. CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
TO SET:
None
TO CONSIDER:
APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S OCTOBER 23, 2025 DECISIONAPPROVING A DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW FOR A PROJECT UTILIZING STATE HOUSING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT BUILDER’S REMEDY PROVISIONS, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65589.5(D)(5), TO ALLOW FOR A NEW EIGHT-STORY, 55-UNIT MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AT 232 TOWER DRIVE; AND
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
CONDITIONALLY APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW FOR A PROJECT UTILIZING STATE HOUSING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT BUILDER’S
REMEDY PROVISIONS, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
65589.5(D)(5), TO ALLOW FOR A NEW EIGHT-STORY, 55-UNIT MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AT 232 TOWER DRIVE, AND FINDING THEPROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.
Comment: On November 6, 2025, Kenneth Dusick, on behalf of Carthay Beverly Hills Neighbors, submitted an appeal of the Planning Commission’s October 23, 2025 decision approving a Development Plan Review for a project proposed pursuant to State Housing Accountability Act Builder’s Remedy provisions (Government Code Section 65589.5(d)(5)). It is recommended that the City Council hold a de novo public hearing to consider the appeal, adopt a resolution approving the project, and consider finding the action exempt from CEQA.
Project Manager Edgar Arroyo presented information related to this item. Staffprovided responses to Council questions.
The Applicant provided their comments.
The Appellant provided their comments.
City Council/Parking Authority Meeting
July 21 2026
The Applicant provided their rebuttal.Speakers:
1. Amy Amsterdam
2. Matthew Duling
3. Ann Rubin
4. Jamie Davis-Siegel
5. Jim Garrett
6. Philip Blustein
7. Steve MayerZoom Public Comment:
1. David You nessi
2. Isaac Younessi
3. Sandra Eljam
4. John Luca
Written Public Comments:
1. Matthew Duling
2. Candace Moore
3. Jayson Shore
4. Anita Prasad
5. Franchesca Pamoukian
6. Lexie Newell
7. Jim Garrett
8. Anne Benayoun9. Sonia Dollero
10. Sandra Eljam
11. Marcela Beltran12. Jessica Tarazona
13. Alex Tabrezi on behalf of the Appellant14. Sarah Croce
15. Brandon Kaplan
16. Rhianmor Thomas17. Dave Rand on behalf of the Applicant
18. Elliott Cavalier19. James Lloyd I Dylan Casey, CaIHDF The Appellant provided additional comments.
Council provided their questions and comments.
City Attorney Laurence Wiener, Project Manager Edgar Arroyo, City Planner Cindy Gordon, the Applicant, City Manager Ryan Gohlich, Director of Public Works Shana Epstein, Assistant City Attorney David Snow, and the Appellant responded to Council questions.
Project Manager Edgar Arroyo read into the record the additional proposed amendments to the conditions regarding construction worker parking, construction related vehicles, trash collection services, construction deliveries and advanced City Council/Parking Authority Meeting
July 21, 2026
notice requirements and project website, maintenance of the sidewalks and public right of ways to be clear at all times, removal of construction debris, repair of damage to sidewalks and other infrastructure in the public right of way, traffic control personnel, and construction inspections.
MOVED by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Vice Mayor Wells to approve item F-I as follows:
THAT CITY COUNCIL DENY THE APPEAL, APPROVE THE PROJECT
BASED ON THE REQUIRED FINDINGS, FIND THE PROJECTEXEMPT FROM CEQA AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEVERLY
HILLS CONDITIONALLY APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT PLANREVIEW FOR A PROJECT UTILIZING STATE HOUSING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT BUILDER’S REMEDY PROVISIONS,
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65589.5(D)(5), TO
ALLOW FOR A NEW EIGHT-STORY, 55-UNIT MULTI-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AT 232 TOWER DRIVE, ANDFINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”, AS AMENDED PER THE
CONDITIONS READ PREVIOUSLY
Ayes: Councilmember Pynoos, Councilmember Friedman, Vice Mayor Wells, Mayor Corman
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Nazarian
CARRIED
ITEM F-I: ADOPTED AS AMENDED, RES #26-R-13598
2. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS EXTENDING ORDINANCE NO. 26-0-2935 AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE BEVERLY HILLS
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT AN AMENDED TRANSIT-ORIENTED
DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVE PLAN PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65912.161 (a), AMENDING THE ZONING MAP AND ADOPTING THE
TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVE PLAN MAP, AND MAKINGA DETERMINATION OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA).
Comment: Extension of an urgency ordinance previously adopted by the City Council on June 9, 2026 beyond its initial expiration date of July 24, 2026 for an additional 10 months and 15 days to make the effective period of the ordinance a one year term.
City Attorney Laurence Wiener recused himself from this item because his home is located immediately adjacent to the SB 79 zone.
Principal Planner Chloe Chen presented information related to this item.
City Council/Parking Authority Meeting
July 21, 2026
Written Public Comment:
1. Matthew Gelfand and Dylan Casey, CaIHDF
Council provided their questions and comments.
Principal Planner Chloe Chen responded to Council questions.
MOVED by Councilmember Friedman, seconded by Vice Mayor Wells to approve item F-2 as follows:
THAT THE FULL READING OF THE URGENCY ORDINANCE BE
WAIVED AND THE URGENCY ORDINANCE ENTITLED: “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS EXTENDINGORDINANCE NO. 26-0-2935 AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF
THE BEVERLY HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT AN AMENDED
TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVE PLAN
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65912.161 (A),
AMENDING THE ZONING MAP AND ADOPTING THE TRANSITORIENTED DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVE PLAN MAP, AND
MAKING A DETERMINATION OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)”, BE
ADOPTED
Ayes: Councilmember Pynoos, Councilmember Friedman, Vice Mayor Wells, Mayor Corman
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Nazarian
CARRI ED
ITEM F-2: ADOPTED, ORD #26-0-2936
G. CITY COUNCIL AND PARKING AUTHORITY CONTINUED AND NEW BUSINESS
REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
None
2. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER
None
3. CITY COUNCILMEMBER AND COMMITTEE REPORTS AND COMMENTS Councilmember Friedman reported that he participated in the California Contract Cities Association Board Meeting.
City Council/Parking Authority Meeting
July 21, 2026
Vice Mayor Wells reported on her attendance at the Concerts on Cañon and the Wallis Annenberg Celebration of Life. She also welcomed Councilmember Pynoos on her first official meeting.
Mayor Corman welcomed Councilmember Pynoos. He reported on the recent Rodeo Drive Committee meeting.
H. COMMISSION SYNOPSIS
I. ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION MEETING — Regular meeting of May 12, 2026
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION MEETING — Regular meeting of May 26, 2026
ITEM H-I: NO ACTION TAKEN
I. OTHER BUSINESS
J. ADJOURNMENT
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2026.
There being no further business, Mayor Corman, with the consent of the City Council, adjourned the meeting at 11:19 p.m.
PASSED, Approved and Adopted
this 20th day of October, 2026
HUMA AHMED, City ClerklSecretary
CRAIG A. CORMAN, MAYORIChair
This meeting was broadcast on live television, on City of Beverly Hills municipal government television access Channel BHTVIO Spectrum Cable.