CITY COUNCIL - September 10, 2024
1. CLOSED SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 5:00 PM
Public Comments:
Mayor Francois called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Public Comments:
City Clerk Myra Maravilla announced a quorum.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
Public Comments:
This Public Comment period is limited to Closed Session agenda items only. Public Comment is limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
Mayor Francois opened public comment. No public comment was provided.
4. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Public Comments:
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:02 p.m.
4.a
Closed Session Minutes
Public Comments:
Approval of minutes of Closed Session held on August 13, 2024.
4.b
Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation
Public Comments:
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
The City finds, based on advice from legal counsel, that discussion in open session will prejudice the position of the City in the litigation. (2 cases) Name of Case: Wilson v. City of Hermosa Beach
Case No.: 23-169609
Name: J. Frederich
Case No.: AC519762
4.c
Conference with Legal Counsel—Initiation of Litigation
Public Comments:
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
The City finds, based on advice from legal counsel, that discussion in open session will prejudice the position of the City in the litigation. (1 case)
5. OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
Public Comments:
Mayor Francois called the Open Session to order at 6:10 p.m.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Michael Keegan.
7. ROLL CALL
Public Comments:
City Clerk Maravilla announced a quorum.
8. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Public Comments:
City Attorney Donegan provided the Closed Session Report. No reportable action was taken.
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS—UPCOMING CITY EVENTS
Public Comments:
Mayor Francois announced the following:
9/11 Wreath Laying Remembrance Ceremony—the event will take place on September 11, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. at the 9/11 Memorial on Greenbelt & Pier Avenue.
Movies at the Beach—the Hermosa Beach Friends of the Parks will host a showing of School of Rock on September 14, 2024, on the sand south of the Pier.
National Voter Registration Day—on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the City will recognize the civic holiday encouraging voter registration.
Glow Ride for Cystic Fibrosis—on Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Claire's Place Foundation will host its annual Glow Ride for Cystic Fibrosis. More information is available at www.clairesplacefoundation.org.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann reminded the community of the Hermosa Beach Sister Cities Association Gala on October 5th.
10. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Public Comments:
This is the time for the City Council to discuss any changes to the order of agenda items.
Mayor Francois requested to table items 15.k and 17.b.
Councilmember Massey concurred with pulling items 15.k and 15.m for separate discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann requested to pull item 15.g.
Moved by:
Councilmember Massey
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To approve the order of the agenda and pull items 15.g,15.k and 15.m pulled for separate discussion.
Ayes (5)
Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Massey, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Detoy Motion Carried
11. PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:
11.a
RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 21–27, 2024 AS UNITED AGAINST HATE WEEK Public Comments:
Mayor Francois presented a proclamation for United Against Hate Week to Hermosa Beach School Board Member Margaret Bove-LaMonica, Beach Cities Health District Board Member Vanessa Poster, and West Basin Water District Board Member Scott Houston.
12. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. SUPPLEMENTAL PowerPoint Item 12.pdf
City Manager Suja Lowenthal provided the City Manager Report.
12.a
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR UPDATE
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. SUPPLEMENTAL PowerPoint 12 a.pdf
Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided an update on various Public Works projects.
Councilmember Massey asked various questions about a stairway that was closed off at Rodaway Park. Director SanClemente will provide an update on the status of the stairway.
Councilmember Detoy asked various questions about the conditions of the basketball courts at Rodaway Park.
Councilmember Jackson asked about a Hermosa Beach sign north of the park in the entrance way on Prospect Avenue needing a refresh.
12.b
POLICE CHIEF UPDATE
Public Comments:
Captain Landon Phillips provided the Police Chief Update.
Councilmember Jackson asked about unpermitted fruit vendors.
Mayor Francois asked various questions.
Captain Landon provided information.
City Manager Lowenthal provided information.
13. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Comments
Anthony Higgins
Dear City Council,
The above PDF outlines the reasons that now is the time to reduce the speed limits by 5mph on Gould adjacent to Valley Park and 27th street between Morningside and Manhattan Ave.
Please agendize.
Thank you
Anthony Higgins
Dear City Council,
During Public Participation on non-agenda items, why is it that someone may attend a meeting in person and speak to the details contained in their ecomment and those that can't attend in-person, specifically the elderly, mobility disabled and immunocompromised, are not afforded the opportunity to Zoom-in and do the same?
Why?
This is blatant discrimination against the elderly and has been affirmed by Councilman Massey, Councilman Jackson and Councilman Detoy in several split decision 3-2 votes.
Councilman Detoy is standing for re-election in November and I hope the Council will not endorse him.
Moreover, I hope his elderly constituents are joined by those who simply can't attend the City Council meetings in-person because of their tight schedules call him to account and vote him out of office.
Discrimination against the elderly has no place in our city government.
Need more detail?
Here is how the City Council's discriminatory policies have played out in commission meetings. -------
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES?
In the Sept. 3, 2024 Parks Commission meeting, no one at the meeting made a public comment on non-agenda items.
The Chairperson concluded that accordingly- there was no need for commissioner comments and moved to the next agenda item.
There was however an Ecomment submitted by a person who could not attend the meeting that should have been considered for commissioner comment at that time, and the fact that the chairperson missed that, as did the other 3 commissioners, the City Attorney, the City Clerk and Director Nichols just drove home the point that Ecomments are not given the same weight or consideration as in-person or Zoom comments.
Had that elderly person been allowed to remotely Zoom into the Parks Commission meeting, they would have never made this mistake.
Basically, this amounts to blatant discrimination against those that can't attend in person: the elderly, mobility disabled and the immuno-compromised who legitimately fear of RSV or COVID.
City officials can blow this off as a mistake, but they all know related to Public Participation on non-agenda items, that offering the elderly and disabled Ecomment and saying it is an equivalent substitute for Zoom is simply a lie and a blatantly discriminatory act.
This is especially so since all the Zoom equipment is already on-line and working during every meeting, The city said it's not just the elderly or disabled that are NOT allowed to participate remotely on non agenda items; it's everyone.
Sounds great but it misses the point.
The elderly and disabled cannot attend the meeting in person. The others can.
Anthony Higgins
This is the time for members of the public to address the City Council on any items within the Council's jurisdiction and on items where public comment will not be taken (City Manager Reports, City Councilmember Comments, Consent Calendar items not pulled for separate consideration, and Future Agenda Items).
The public is invited to attend and provide public comment. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker and shall only be taken from those present in City Council Chambers. No remote public comment will be taken during this time unless required by the Brown Act. A total of thirty minutes will be allocated to this initial public participation item. This time allotment may be modified due to time constraints at the discretion of the Mayor or City Council. Another period is also reserved for general comment later in the meeting for those who could not be heard at this time.
No action will be taken on matters raised during public comment, except that the Council may take action to schedule issues raised during public comment for a future agenda. Speakers with comments regarding City management or departmental operations are encouraged to submit those comments directly to the City Manager. Members of the audience will have a future opportunity to speak on items pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion, Public Hearings, and Municipal Matters when those items are heard.
Mayor Francois opened public comment.
In Person Public Comment:
Sarah Mae Harper
Michael Keegan
Jonathan Cruz
Matt McCool
14. CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Public Comments:
Councilmember Jackson provided various comments related to public comments received.
14.a
UPDATES FROM CITY COUNCIL AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES AND STANDING COMMITTEE DELEGATES/ALTERNATES Public Comments:
Mayor Francois attended the Chamber of Commerce reception for the new Chamber President Michelle Crispin, at St. Rock on August 24th. Mayor Francois also attended the Rosa Beach Museum Gala held at St. Cross Church. On October 15th, Mayor Francois participated in a meeting as a governing board member of the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission.
Councilmember Detoy attended the Hermosa Beach Museum Fundraiser and Hermosa Beach Open Councilmember Jackson attended an event to present a certificate to Doctor Reverend Rachel for 20 years at St. Cross and attended the Hermosa Beach Museum Fundraiser and the Hermosa Beach Open. Additional comments were provided in response to public comments received.
15. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
The following matters will be acted upon collectively with a single motion and vote to approve with the majority consent of the City Council. Councilmembers may orally register a negative vote on any Consent Calendar item without pulling the item for separate consideration before the vote on the Consent Calendar. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Councilmember removes an item from the Consent Calendar, either under Approval of the Agenda or under this item before the vote on the Consent Calendar. Items removed for separate discussion will be provided a separate public comment period.
Moved by:
Councilmember Massey
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To approve the Consent Calendar with items 15.k, 15.m, and 15.g pulled for separate discussion.
Ayes (5)
Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Massey, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Detoy Motion Carried
15.a
WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA Public Comments:
Recommendation:
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.
Moved by:
Councilmember Massey
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
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 - 24-CCO-058
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. City Council Minutes - 24-CCO-058.pdf
2. 1. August 13, 2024 Regular Meeting.pdf
(City Clerk Myra Maravilla)
Moved by:
Councilmember Massey
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To approve the minutes for the Tuesday, August 13, 2024 Regular Meeting.
Motion Carried
15.c
VACANCIES—PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION UPCOMING EXPIRATION OF TERMS - 24-CCO-057 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Vacancies—Public Works Commission Upcoming Expiration of Terms - 24-CCO-057.pdf
2. 1. Application for Boards and Commissions.pdf
Howard Lee
Please be sure to clik on this item and its attachment to read the comment.
Howard Lee
It would be helpful to the council and the public for the staff report of this item to actually be useful, i.e., that when a commission or board comes up for term appointments, advertising for same, or otherwise, that the staff report would list the names and dates of the present members. Most everyone interested in the matter have the same questions. i.e. Whose terms are up? Who’s presently on the body? And also it would be useful to indicate how long the members have been on the body, such that one interested in this matter doesn’t have to waste their time doing the research or asking other(s). Are the councilmembers reading the report uninterested in who’s terms are to be up? Of course that would improve transparency, however is anyone on council or staff interested in real and useful transparency? If so, then speak up at the meeting and simply state to the rest of the council staff that, “In the future please indicate in these staff reports i.e. of these ‘item requests for advertising for new members’, as to whom the present members are whose terms are to be up.” Even though this is a rubber-stamp consent item. Let the public hear you make the request rather than doing it behind the scenes, as so much stuff is done in this town these days. Why should a member of the public even have to bring up the obvious? Does the staff member responsible require another $100 grand in pay and benefits to accomplish this? Does the city need another $3 million per year in sales tax from the residents and businesses to create a FATTER, MORE-INEFFICIENT BUREAUCRACY to accomplish such easy stuff? Here is the information I found by digging, which was not presented to the City Council in this item’s for-rubber-stamp-approval, de facto boiler-plate staff report.
MISSING INFORMATION FROM THE STAFF REPORT:
The present Public Works Commission commissioners - implying whose terms are coming up for renewal/replacement are; Janice Brittain
(310) 318-2104
Term through
October 2024
Scott Hayes
(310) 291-4911
Term through
October 2024
David Grethen
(310) 372-6371
Term through
October 2024
Thor L. Legvold
Term through
October 2026
Kathy Dunbabin
(310) 871-6162
Term through
October 2026
(City Clerk Myra Maravilla)
Moved by:
Councilmember Massey
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To direct staff to immediately advertise and request applications from interested parties for three Public Works Commission vacancies for four-year terms ending October 31, 2028; and schedule the presentation of applicants and applicant interviews on or before the October 22, 2024 regular meeting, with the option to make an appointment on the same date.
Motion Carried
15.d
UPCOMING VACANCY—REPRESENTATIVE TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY WEST VECTOR AND VECTOR-BORNE DISEASE CONTROL DISTRICT BOARD - 24-CCO-056 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Vacancy—Los Angeles County West Vector and Vector-Borne Disease Control District Board - 24-CCO-056.pdf
2. 1. Application for Boards and Commissions 2024.pdf
3. 2. Trustee Information Sheet.pdf
(City Clerk Myra Maravilla)
Moved by:
Councilmember Massey
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To direct staff to immediately advertise and request applications from interested parties for one Los Angeles County West Vector and Vector-Borne Disease Control Board representative for a two-year term ending December 31, 2026; and schedule the presentation of applicants for applicant interviews on or before the November 12, 2024 regular meeting.
Motion Carried
15.e
CHECK REGISTERS - 24-AS-019
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Check Registers 9-10-2024 - 24-AS-019.pdf
2. 1. 8-1-24.pdf
3. 2. 8-8-24.pdf
4. 3. 8-14-24.pdf
5. 4. 8-21-24.pdf
(Administrative Services Director Viki Copeland)
Moved by:
Councilmember Massey
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To ratify the following check registers.
Motion Carried
15.f
REAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FROM FY 2023–24 TO FY 2024–25, APPROVAL OF RELATED REVENUE REVISIONS - 24-AS-020 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Reappropriations of Funds From FY 2023-24 to FY 2024-25, Approval of Related Revenue Revisions - 24-AS-020.pdf
2. 1. Budget Reappropriations to 2024-25 from 2023-24.pdf
3. 2. Revenue Related to Budget Reappropriations from 2023-24 to 2024-25.pdf (Administrative Services Director Viki Copeland)
Moved by:
Councilmember Massey
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To approve the reappropriation of $431,095 in the General Fund from the FY 2023–24 to the FY 2024–25 Budget; and approve revenue revisions related to the reappropriations.
Motion Carried
15.h
PLANNING COMMISSION TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA - 24-CDD-047 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. PLANNING COMMISSION TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 24-CDD-047.pdf
2. 1. Planning Commission Tentative Agenda for October 2024.pdf (Community Development Director Carrie Tai)
Moved by:
Councilmember Massey
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To receive and file the October 15, 2024 Planning Commission tentative future agenda.
Motion Carried
15.i
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE AND AMBULANCEMONTHLY REPORT FOR JULY 2024 - 24-CMO-037 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE AND AMBULANCE MONTHLY REPORT FOR July 2024 - 24-CMO-037.pdf
2. 1. Fire and Ambulance Monthly report for July 2024.pdf (
Emergency Management Coordinator Maurice Wright)
Moved by:
Councilmember Massey
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To receive and file the July 2024 Fire and Ambulance
monthly report.
Motion Carried
15.j
ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING A TRANSFER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AND CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, AGREEMENT NO. 2024MP32 SAFE, CLEAN WATER PROGRAM— MUNICIPAL PROGRAM - 24-CMO-036 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. SCW Municipal Program Transfer Agreement - 24-CMO-036.pdf
2. 1. Transfer Agreement.pdf
3. 2. Draft Resolution.pdf
(Environmental Programs Manager Douglas Krauss)
Moved by:
Councilmember Massey
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To adopt Resolution No. RES-24-7452 approving the execution of a transfer agreement between the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (District) and the City of Hermosa Beach, Agreement No, 2024MP32 Safe, Clean Water Program—Municipal Program; and authorize the City Manager to execute and the City Clerk to attest to the agreement subject to approval by the City Attorney.
Motion Carried
15.l
SOUTH BAY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD QUARTERLY SUMMARY - 24-CMO-033 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2024-09-10 South Bay Workforce Investment Board Quarterly Summary - 24-CMO-033.pdf
2. 1. SBWIB 4th Quarter Summary for Program Year 2023-2024.pdf (City Manager Suja Lowenthal)
Moved by:
Councilmember Massey
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To receive and file the Quarterly Summary from the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB).
Motion Carried
15.g
ACTION MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 20, 2024 - 24-CDD-046 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. ACTION MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 20, 2024 - 24-CDD-046.pdf
2. 1. Planning Commission Action Minutes Regular Meeting of August 20, 2024.pdf (Community Development Director Carrie Tai)
The item was pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Saemann over concerns of the Lot D parking lot project. It was requested to take the project back to the Planning Commission to address various concerns brought up during the discussion.
Mayor Francois asked various questions.
City Attorney Donegan provided information.
City Manager Lowenthal provided information.
Environmental Manager Krauss provided information.
Public Works Director SanClemente provided information.
Virtual Public Comment:
Anthony Higgins
Councilmember Massey provided comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann and Councilmember Jackson provided support to bring item 7.b under the City Council's jurisdiction.
Moved by:
Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To receive and file the action minutes of the Planning Commission regular meeting of August 20, 2024 and bring item 7.b listed under the City Council's jurisdiction for deliberation.
Ayes (5)
Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Massey, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Detoy Motion Carried
15.k
APPROVAL OF THE COMMENCEMENT OF SPECIAL EVENT LONG-TERM AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS WITH DAY AT THE BEACH EVENTS FOR THE HERMOSA BEACH OPEN - 24-CR-014 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Consideration of Approval of the Commencement of Special Event Long-term Agreement Negotiations - 24-CR-014.pdf
2. 1. Special Events Policy Guide Updated.pdf
3. 2. Table of Current Long-term Agreements.pdf
4. 3. Day at the Beach Events Long-term Agreement Application for the Hermosa Beach Open.pdf
5. 4. Day at the Beach Events Long-term Agreement Application Supplemental Letter for the Hermosa Beach Open.pdf
6. 5. 2025 Special Events Calendar .pdf
7. 6. 2026 Special Events Calendar.pdf
8. 7. 2027 Special Events Calendar.pdf
9. 8. 2024 Special Events Calendar.pdf
10. SUPPLEMENTAL PowerPoint 15 k.pdf
(Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols)
Mayor Massey asked various questions.
Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols provided information.
Councilmember Detoy asked various questions.
Councilmember Massey asked various questions.
In Person Public Comment:
Eric Wedbush
Denny Lennon
Barbara Ellman
Mark Paaluhui
Mayor Francois asked whether the City has the capacity to host two opens.
Marc Paaluhui provided information.
Virtual Public Comment:
Anthony Higgins
Councilmember Massey requested to hold off on entering into negotiations with Day at the Beach until the City receives the AVP application and have the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Advisory Commission review both applications.
Councilmember Jackson expressed support to move forward with the Hermosa Beach Open.
Moved by:
Councilmember Jackson
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To approve the initiation of long-term agreement negotiations with Day at the Beach Events for the Hermosa Beach Open, authorizing staff to proceed with drafting the terms and conditions for Council's future consideration and approval.
Ayes (3)
Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Detoy Noes (1)
Councilmember Massey
Abstained (1)
Mayor Francois
Motion Carried
15.m
APPROVAL OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE BY THE HERMOSA BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 481 - 24-PD-004 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. APPROVAL OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE BY HBPD PURSUANT TO AB 481 - 24-PD-004.pdf
2. 1. Ordinance No. 22-1446 .pdf
3. 2. Annual Military Equipment Report.pdf
(Police Chief Paul LeBaron)
Captain Landon Phillips presented the staff report.
No public comment was provided.
Moved by:
Councilmember Massey
Seconded by:
Councilmember Jackson
To review and renew Ordinance No. 22-1446
,
an ordinance of the City of Hermosa Beach adopting a Military Use Equipment Policy, in accordance with Assembly Bill 481 and receive and file the Hermosa Beach Police Department (HBPD) Annual Military Equipment Report, in compliance with Assembly Bill 481, governing the use of military equipment by HBPD.
Ayes (5)
Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Massey, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Detoy Motion Carried
16. PUBLIC HEARINGS—TO COMMENCE AT 6:30 P.M
Public Comments:
16.a
RE-ADOPTION OF THE 2021–2029 HOUSING ELEMENT AS CERTIFIED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ALONG WITH ASSOCIATED LAND USE ELEMENT AMENDMENTS FOR GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY - 24-CDD-045 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Re-Adopt Housing Element + GP Amendments - 24-CDD-045.pdf
2. 1. Draft City Council Resolution .pdf
3. 1a. Certified Housing Element Policy Plan.pdf
4. 1b. Certified Housing Element Technical Report + Appendices A - C.pdf
5. 1b. Certified Housing Element Technical Report Appendix D.pdf
6. 1.c. PLAN Hermosa Redlined Changes .pdf
7. 2. Planning Commission Resolution 23-10 .pdf
8. SUPPLEMENTAL PowerPoint 16 a.pdf
CEQA: DETERMINE THAT THE
REVISIONS TO THE HOUSING ELEMENT AND LAND USE ELEMENT ARE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA). (Community Development Director Carrie Tai)
Community Development Director Carrie Tai provided a staff report.
Virtual Public Comment:
Anthony Higgins
Councilmember Detoy provided comments.
Moved by:
Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To adopt Resolution No. RES-24-7453 to approve General Plan Amendment (GPA) 23-01 consisting of revisions to the previously-adopted 2021–2029 Housing Element and associated changes to the Land Use Element of the General Plan and determine that the revisions to the Housing Element are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Ayes (5)
Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Massey, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Detoy Motion Carried
17. MUNICIPAL MATTERS
Public Comments:
17.a
SIDE LETTERS TO THE PROFESSIONAL AND MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEE (PAE) MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING AND AN AMENDMENT TO THE UNREPRESENTED GROUP REPORT - 24-AS-024 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Side Letters to the PAE and Management Employees MOU and Amendment to the Unrepresented Report.pdf
2. 1. Resolution and Side Letter to the Professional and Administrative Employees Memorandum of Understanding.pdf
3. 2. Resolution and Side Letter to the Management Employees Group Memorandum of Understanding.pdf
4. 3. Resolution and Amendment to the Unrepresented Group Report.pdf
5. SUPPLEMENTAL PowerPoint 17 a.pdf
anthony higgins
Dear City Council,
Dear City Manager
Re Total Staff & Staff Augmentation costs
Over the past 4 years, the City Council has approved one staff increase after another.
The Council has upgraded one position after another, meaning higher wages, salaries and benefits.
The City Councis has approved one staff augmentation Consulting and/or Contractor Services agreement after another.
And the City Council has done this without publicly sharing the TOTAL STAFF & STAFF AUGMENTATION COSTS, trended and projected into the future.
And that none of the Councilmen have asked the City Manager to share this data with the public: INCLUDING All City wages, salaries & benefits AND All Staff Augmentation costs (i.e. contract consulting services, fire and EMS services, etc. ); whether in support of capital projects or general operations, and trended and projected into the future.
This is deeply troubling.
And the fact that the City Manager hasn't asked the Finance Department to provide this data for public consumption in a simple but comprehensive format is telling.
For the record, it's not complicated to trend and project either the total costs AND the individual cost components and display this data as a percent of the total budget or a percent of total revenue on a simple graph.
And evaluating this data simply year by year; without looking at the long term trends (eg 2015 to 2025) is almost useless in determining if the city is on a sustainable budgetary path.
I hope you will consider this and not approve another staff increase or staff augmentation contract until this data is shared with the public and you all discuss publicly whether these trends and projected expenses are sustainable.
Related to this agenda item, I hope the council rejects any staff reclassifications until the data requested herein is publicly shared. anthony higgins
(Interim Human Resources Manager Cynthia Stafford)
Interim Human Resources Manager Cynthia Stafford provided a staff report.
Councilmember Jackson asked various questions.
Councilmember Detoy asked various questions.
Moved by:
Councilmember Massey
Seconded by:
Councilmember Detoy
To approve Resolution No. RES-24-7454 and Side Letter to the Professional and Administrative Employees Memorandum of Understanding; approve Resolution No. RES-24-7455 and Side Letter to the Management Employees Group Memorandum of Understanding; and approve Resolution No. RES-24-7456 and Amendment to the Unrepresented Group Report.
Ayes (5)
Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Massey, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Detoy Motion Carried
17.b
DISCUSSION OF UPDATING THE CITY’S PARKING IN-LIEU FEE - 24-CDD-048 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Discussion of Parking In-Lieu Fee Update - 24-CDD-048.pdf
2. 1. Letter to Coastal Commission - December 2021.pdf
3. 2. Inventory of In-Lieu Parking Spaces – August 2024.pdf
4. 3. Integra Appraisal – December 2022.pdf
5. 4. Kosmont HB Parking In-Lieu Summary 9-4-2024.pdf
6. 5. Resolution 85-4875 – Parking In-Lieu Fee Established.pdf
7. 6. Resolution 99-6001 – Parking In-Lieu Fee Increase.pdf
8. 7. Resolution 06-6487 – Parking In-Lieu Fee Increase.pdf
9. SUPPLEMENTAL PowerPoint 17 b.pdf
jonathan wicks
At ~$35,000 per space, a parking in lieu fee would be in line with current cost to construct structured parking in SoCal. The City should consider managing parking rates effectively to generate revenues needed to sustain available parking supply in the coastal zone.
Laura Pena
Dear Mayor, Council Members, and Staff - I am writing to offer my thoughts on our parking in-lieu fee program. As you know, parking challenges in Hermosa Beach remain a concern for both businesses and residents. However, I believe there is an opportunity to address this issue while promoting investment, economic vitality, and sustainable growth through a revision of the city’s parking in-lieu fees.
An effective parking in-lieu fee program should strike a balance between easing parking pressures and encouraging development that aligns with Hermosa Beach’s long-term sustainability goals. There are several key issues to consider:
1. Fee Adequacy and Impact: Raising the fee to $113,000 per space could discourage investment, particularly for smaller projects or businesses, potentially leading to slower economic growth and fewer new developments.
2. Timing and Effectiveness: Even with increased fees, it may take years to create actual parking spaces, which could result in limited short-term relief from parking challenges.
3. Equity and Fairness: Higher fees might disproportionately affect smaller property owners, limiting diversity in the types of businesses and developments downtown.
4. Use of Collected Fees: It would helpful to clearly communicate the amount of parking in-lieu fees in the staff report to date. It is unclear if the City has a clear program for using collected fees to build or acquire new parking, which raises concerns about transparency and accountability in how funds are spent.
5. Coastal Commission Involvement: The Coastal Commission's ability to impose parking requirements independent of the City’s ordinances complicates planning and creates uncertainty for those who want to change commercial use and renovate their buildings.
6. Consistency with Other Cities: Hermosa Beach's fees, if raised to $113,000, would far exceed other nearby cities, potentially making it less competitive for new investment. For example, Manhattan Beach's fee is much lower, at $20,363, as well as Redondo Beach’s fee of $25,000, which might draw business and investment there instead.
7. Prioritization Criteria: The recommendation to develop criteria for allocating remaining parking spaces could lead to disagreements about which projects align with the City’s vision, creating possible tension between city officials, businesses, and residents.
These issues highlight the balance needed between addressing parking challenges and encouraging sustainable growth while ensuring fairness and transparency. To achieve more balance, I propose the following approach:
1. Introduce Tiered Pricing Based on Location and Project Type: Implementing a tiered pricing structure based on the proximity to key areas will incentivize development in under-utilized zones while addressing high-demand parking areas. Additionally, offering reduced fees for mixed-use and environmentally friendly projects would promote sustainable development.
2. Encourage Alternative Transportation Solutions: In tandem with parking policies, the city could explore ways to reduce parking demand by encouraging the use of alternative transportation, such as bike parking programs (ROMA), improved public transit, and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure. Revenue from in-lieu fees could be directed toward these initiatives to further reduce the dependency on single-occupancy vehicles.
3. Establish Clear Criteria for Fee Waivers or Reductions: While increasing the in-lieu fees, it is important to create mechanisms for waivers or reductions for projects that provide demonstrable community benefits, such as active ground floor uses, housing, green building practices, placemaking spaces, etc. These incentives will encourage property and business owners to invest in projects that align with the city’s vision for sustainable growth.
4. Engage the Community: I encourage the City Council to engage with the business community, developers, and residents to ensure a collaborative and inclusive approach to updating parking policies. Input from those most affected will help create a plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of the entire community.
I support Option #3, providing direction and feedback to staff to update the criteria for evaluating parking in-lieu fee requests, as part of the ongoing Zoning Ordinance Update effort. A well-designed parking in-lieu fee program has the potential to not only address our current parking challenges but also drive smart, sustainable growth in Hermosa Beach.
As always, I appreciate your thoughtful consideration.
Laura Pena
Vincent Busam
This In-Lieu Fee should be eliminated, or at least reduced.
Parking fees should be paid by the party that is actually using the parking. The business doesn't pick how its customers get there, the customers do, and they should handle the burden of the impact of their choices. The current policy of forcing business to provide extra parking encourages more traffic and more cars, the opposite of what's best for our city.
We have plenty of parking in Hermosa Beach already. If we feel there isn't enough parking, those existing spaces could be much better allocated. It's better our spaces were used by business customers than many of the wasteful residential uses currently employed (5-6 car households with 4 drivers, garages turned into gyms/storage). We certainly don't need to be collecting money to build more parking.
If losing this revenue is an issue, we should first look to see if we're pricing our parking properly. If that is done well, we'd see more availability of spaces, and most importantly, more efficient use of the space. A likely positive side-effect of that is parking revenue would likely increase. (Community Development Director Carrie Tai)
Community Development Director Tai provided a presentation.
Mayor Francois asked various questions.
Councilmember Detoy asked various questions.
Councilmember Saemann asked various questions.
Mayor Francois asked various questions.
Virtual Public Comment:
Laura Pena
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann requested sliding scale pricing depending on the size of the development.
Councilmember Detoy and Councilmember Massey requested to review the program concurrently with the new zoning updates.
Councilmember Jackson provided comments.
Mayor Francois concurred with Councilmembers Detoy and Massey.
Director Tai provided information about the Planning Commission's purview.
The City Council continued deliberations.
The City Council provided consensus that the Planning Commission should include parking in-lieu fees when discussing the zoning code update.
The City Council provided staff direction, and no motion was recorded.
17.c
CITY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN AND PROTOCOLS UPDATE - 24-CMO-032 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Communications Plan and Protocols Update - 24-CMO-032.pdf
2. 1. 2016 Strategic Plan Leader's Guide Protocols.pdf
3. 2. 2015 Communications Plan.pdf
4. 3. Communications Plan Update - Redline.pdf
5. SUPPLEMENTAL PowerPoint 17 c.pdf
(City Manager Suja Lowenthal)
Deputy City Manager Angela Crespi provided a staff presentation.
Mayor Francois asked various questions on the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem providing input on the City press releases; media inquiries; and opposition support.
Councilmember Detoy asked various questions.
In Person Public Comment:
Elka Worner
John Burry
Virtual Public Comment:
Laura Pena
The City Council requested the following modifications to the Public Information and Communications Plan:
Remove strikethrough on page 6 "and Communications Subcommittee" and add language regarding "time permitting"; On page 7 the language should read, "Individual City Council members should refrain from direct contact with media prior to or
following
a City Council decision.
Members may direct inquiries to the recorded meeting
video, meeting minutes, or PIO.
"; and replace "Alert Southbay" with "General Alerting System." The City Council continued deliberations.
Moved by:
Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To approve modifications to the Public Information and Communications Plan with the following changes:
Remove strikethrough on page 6 "and Communications Subcommittee" and add language regarding "time permitting"; On page 7, the language should read, "Individual City Council members should refrain from direct contact with media prior to or
following
a City Council decision.
Members may direct inquiries to the recorded meeting
video, meeting minutes, or PIO.
" and replace "Alert Southbay" with "General Alerting System." Ayes (4)
Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Massey, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Detoy Abstained (1)
Mayor Francois
Motion Carried
17.d
DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE & ALTERNATE FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES 2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - 24-CMO-034 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2024-09-10 Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate for Cal Cities Conference 2024 - 24-CMO-034.pdf
2. 1. 2024 Voting Delegate Information Packet.pdf
3. 2. 2024 Resolutions Packet.pdf
4. SUPPLEMENTAL PowerPoint 17 d.pdf
(City Manager Suja Lowenthal)
Deputy City Manager Angela Crespi provided a staff presentation.
Moved by:
Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by:
Councilmember Massey
To designate Mayor Dean Francois as the voting delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Rob Saemann as the alternate for the League of California Cities General Assembly taking place on Friday, October 18, 2024 at the Long Beach Convention Center.
Ayes (5)
Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Massey, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Detoy Motion Carried
18. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comments:
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 tentative future agenda items document is provided for information only.
Councilmember Detoy requested support for an item to discuss the Grants Pass Supreme Court decision regarding camping in public areas. Support was provided by Mayor Francois and Mayor Pro Tem Saemann.
Councilmember Detoy requested support for an informational item regarding the process by which the Public Works Commission provides input and oversight of the Capital Improvement Project list. Support was provided by Councilmember Jackson.
Councilmember Jackson requested an item to discuss the use of an abstention vote and whether an explanation of an abstention vote should be provided during a public meeting. Support was provided by Councilmember Massey.
18.a
TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 24-CMO-035
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2024-09-10 Tentative Future Agenda - 24-CMO-035.pdf
2. 1. Tentative Future Agenda.pdf
Attached is the current list of tentative future agenda items for Council’s information.
19. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Comments:
This time is set aside for the public to address the Council on any item of interest within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council that could not be heard under the first public comment opportunity because there were too many prior public speakers and the thirty-minute maximum time limit was exhausted.
20. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
The meeting adjourned at 11:40 p.m.