CITY COUNCIL - March 11, 2025
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.
City Attorney Patrick Donegan reported that item 4.b will not be discussed.
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 5:05 p.m.
4.a
MINUTES: Approval of minutes of Closed Session held on February 25, 2025 Public Comments:
4.b
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: Work Comp Litigation
Public Comments:
Existing Litigation - 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.
Name of Case: Jonathan Sibbald
WCAB Case Number: ADJ17934866, ADJ16040822, ADJ9969378
AdminSure Claim Number: 23-172878 (low back), 21-153317 (right knee), 15-122631 (low back) D.O.I.: 06/30/2023, 12/03/2020, 05/05/2025
4.c
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: Workers Comp Litigation
Public Comments:
Existing Litigation - 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.
Name of Case: James Karlock
WCAB Case Number: N/A (non-litigated file)
AdminSure Claim Number: 23-107452
D.O.I.: 3/7/2023
5. OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
Public Comments:
Mayor Francois called the Open Session to order at 6:03 p.m.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Hanna and a friend from Mira Costa High School.
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:
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
on March 15, 2025.
10. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Public Comments:
This is the time for the City Council to discuss any changes to the order of agenda items.
Moved by:
Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by:
Councilmember Jackson
To approve the order of the agenda and continue item 17.c to the next meeting and pull 15.i from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion.
Ayes (5)
Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan Motion Carried
11. PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:
11.a
PROCLAMATION DECLARING MARCH 2025 AS RED CROSS MONTH
Public Comments:
Mayor Francois recognized March 2025 as Red Cross Month.
11.b
PROCLAMATION DECLARING MARCH 2025 AS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH Public Comments:
Mayor Francois declared March 2025 as Women's History Month.
12. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. SUPPLEMENTAL PowerPoint for 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 for Item 12a.pdf
Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided an update on various Public Works projects.
Mayor Francois requested additional information about the timeframe for the repaving on Pier Avenue and the closure schedule.
Mayor Francois asked Acting Assistant Director of Capital Projects and Facilities Greg McQueen to provide comments on the library project.
Acting Assistant Director McQueen provided information.
12.b
POLICE CHIEF UPDATE
Public Comments:
Lieutenant Joe Poelstra provided a Police Department update.
13. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Comments:
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. The following public comment was provided.
In Person Public Comment:
Chad Kroeger
Sarah Harper
JT Parr
Anna Jung and Brian Jung
Carla Burk
Nick Wilson
Jennifer Kennedy
Julie C. Henderson
Frank Khulus
Rory Barish
Salli Harris
Trent Larson
Todd Koerner
Elka Worner
Josh K.
Frank P. Angel
Anna Simonenko
Nancy Schwappach
Jim Houtz
Rob Perez
14. CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Public Comments:
Mayor Francois provided comments about his attendance to the Hermosa Beach Little League Opening Day.
14.a
UPDATES FROM CITY COUNCIL AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES AND STANDING COMMITTEE DELEGATES/ALTERNATES Public Comments:
Mayor Francois asked various questions about the project on Palm Drive.
City Attorney Donegan provided information about the project on Palm Drive.
Councilmember Jackson asked about an opportunity to have the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Commission create a subcommittee to take the lead on the dog park discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann expressed interest in proposing a future agenda item for a dog park.
Councilmember Keegan requested that the dog park be addressed as part of future agenda items.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments.
City Manager Lowenthal provided information.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann spoke.
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 Detoy
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To approve the consent calendar as amended.
Ayes (5)
Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan Motion Carried
15.a
WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA Public Comments:
Recommendation:
Staff recommends City Council 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 Detoy
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 - 25-CCO-016
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. City Council Minutes - 25-CCO-016.pdf
2. 1. February 25, 2025 Regular Meeting.pdf
3. 2. February 25, 2025 Special Meeting.pdf
(City Clerk Myra Maravilla)
Moved by:
Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To approve the minutes for the February 25, 2025 Regular Meeting and February 25, 2025 Special Meeting.
Motion Carried
15.c
CHECK REGISTERS - 25-AS-021
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Check Register 3-11-25 - 25-AS-021.pdf
2. 1. 2-19-25.pdf
3. 2. 2-26-25.pdf
(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)
Moved by:
Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To ratify the check registers for the period February 19, 2025 through February 26, 2025. The Administrative Services Director certifies the accuracy of the demands.
Motion Carried
15.d
REVENUE REPORT, EXPENDITURE REPORT, AND CIP REPORT BY PROJECT FOR JANUARY 2025 - 25-AS-022 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. January 2025 Revenue, Expenditure, and CIPs By Project Reports - 25-AS-022.pdf
2. 1. January 2025 Revenue Report.pdf
3. 2. January 2025 Expenditure Report.pdf
4. 3. January 2025 CIP Report .pdf
(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)
Moved by:
Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To receive and file the January 2025 Financial Reports.
Motion Carried
15.e
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE AND AMBULANCE MONTHLY REPORT FOR JANUARY 2025 - 25-CMO-018 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE AND AMBULANCE MONTHLY REPORT FOR JANUARY 2025 - 25-CMO-018.pdf
2. 1. Fire and Ambulance Monthly Report - January 2025.pdf CEQA
: Determine that this report is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) or, in the alternative that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Emergency Management Coordinator Maurice Wright)
Moved by:
Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To receive and file the January 2025 Fire and Ambulance monthly report.
Motion Carried
15.f
ACTION MINUTES OF THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 4, 2025 - 25-CR-021 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. PR Minutes 2-4-2025 - 25-CR-021.pdf
2. 1. Action Minutes of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Advisory Commission Meeting of February 4, 2025.pdf (Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols)
Moved by:
Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To receive and file the action minutes of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Advisory Commission meeting of February 4, 2025.
Motion Carried
15.h
ACTION MINUTES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 - 25-AS-024 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Action Minutes of the Civil Service Board Meeting of September 18, 2024 - 25-AS-024.pdf
2. 1. Action Minutes of the September 18, 2024 Civil Service Board Meeting.pdf (Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)
Moved by:
Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To receive and file the action minutes of the Civil Service Board meeting of September 18, 2024.
Motion Carried
15.g
APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED CLARK BUILDING USE POLICY AND RESERVATION RATES - 25-CR-023 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Approval of the Revised Clark Building Use Policy and Reservation Rates - 25-CR-023.pdf
2. 1. Amended New Clark Building Use Policy .pdf
3. 2. Amended New Clark Building Reservation Rates.pdf
CEQA:
Approval of the proposed Clark Building use policies and reservation rates would be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15304. The proposed Clark Building use policies and reservation rates will have negligible or no permanent effect on the environment. (Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols)
Councilmember Keegan pulled the item and provided comments on the amplified sound permit.
Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols provided information.
Mayor Francois asked various questions.
City Manager Lowenthal provided information.
City Attorney Patrick Donegan provided information.
Councilmember Keegan provided comments.
Mayor Francois asked about the single-use plastics.
City Manager Lowenthal provided information.
Councilmember Keegan asked questions.
Councilmember Detoy asked questions.
Director Nichols provided information.
Virtual Public Comment:
Laura Pena
Matt McCool
Councilmember Jackson provided comments.
Councilmember Detoy provided comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments.
Moved by:
Councilmember Keegan
Seconded by:
Councilmember Jackson
To approve the amended Clark Building use policies to include the removal of the prohibition on hard liquor.
Ayes (5)
Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan Motion Carried
15.i
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE REPEALING HERMOSA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE (“HBMC”) SECTIONS 12.28.010(H) AND 12.20.240 AND ADDING CHAPTER 12.40 TO THE HBMC REGULATING CAMPING IN PUBLIC AREAS - 25-CA-004 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Second Reading - Camping Ordinance - 25-CA-004.pdf
2. 1. Draft Ordinance 25-1486-c1.pdf
3. SUPPLEMENTAL Email for Item 15i.pdf
CEQA:
Determine the Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. (City Attorney Patrick Donegan and Deputy City Manager Angela Crespi) Mayor Francois pulled the item to further discuss the language of the ordinance.
Councilmember Keegan asked various questions.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided information.
In Person Public Comment:
Nancy Swappach
Donald Santiani
The City Council continued deliberation.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann requested to swap A with B under Section 12.41.030.
Mayor Francois made various comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Semann discussed supporting the fourth citation in a week being filed as a misdemeanor.
Moved by:
Councilmember Jackson
Seconded by:
Councilmember Detoy
To waive the full second reading and adopt by title only Ordinance No. 25-1486 of the City of Hermosa Beach, California, repealing Hermosa Beach Municipal Code (“HBMC”) sections 12.28.010(H) and 12.20.240 and adding Chapter 12.40 to the HBMC regulating camping in public areas and finding the ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and direct the City Clerk to print and publish a summary ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation within 15 days following adoption and post a copy on the City’s bulletin for 30 days.
Mayor Francois verbally changed his vote to vote "no".
Ayes (2)
Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Detoy
Noes (3)
Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Keegan Motion Failed
Moved by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
Seconded by:
Mayor Francois
To reintroduce the ordinance as amended to allow the officer the discretion to charge a person violating the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code with a misdemeanor or citation, and to only allow an officer to charge a person with a maximum of three consecutive administrative citations in a week. A fourth administrative citation within the same 7-day period is prohibited from being issued.
Ayes (3)
Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, and Councilmember Keegan Noes (2)
Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Detoy
Motion Carried
16. PUBLIC HEARINGS—TO COMMENCE AT 6:30 P.M
Public Comments:
17. MUNICIPAL MATTERS
Public Comments:
17.a
PURCHASE OF MOBILE DIGITAL COMPUTERS FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT REAL-TIME CRIME CENTER - 25-PD-002 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Purchase of Mobile Digital Computers for Police Department - 25-PD-002.pdf
2. 1. Code 3 Technology - MDC Quote.pdf
3. 2. Sourcewell - Getac Contract.pdf
4. 3. Sourcewell Authorized List.pdf
5. SUPPLEMENTAL Presentation for Muni Matter 17.a.pdf
(Police Chief Paul LeBaron)
Lieutenant Poelstra provided a presentation.
No Public Comment was provided.
Moved by:
Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by:
Councilmember Jackson
To authorize the purchase of 29 Mobile Digital Computers (MDCs), supporting hardware, and warranties from Code 3 Technology through a Cooperative Sourcewell Agreement, in an amount not to exceed $168,793.
Ayes (4)
Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan Absent (1)
Mayor Francois
Motion Carried
17.b
DISCUSSION ON DOWNTOWN PARKING LOT REGULATIONS INCLUDING THE EMPLOYEE PARKING PERMIT PROGRAM. - 25-AS-023 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Review Downtown Parking Lot Operations and Employee Parking Permits - 25-AS-023.pdf
2. 1. Public Parking Map.pdf
3. SUPPLEMENTAL Email for item 17.b.pdf
4. SUPPLEMENTAL Presentation for Muni Matter 17.b.pdf
CEQA:
Determine that any modifications to the Employee Parking Permit Program and Downtown Parking Lot regulations is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. (Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)
Director Brandon Walker provided a presentation.
Virtual Public Comment:
Matt McCool
Councilmember Jackson provided comments.
Councilmember Keegan asked various questions.
Director Walker provided information.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments.
Councilmember Detoy provided comments supporting monthly or quarterly passes.
Moved by:
Councilmember Keegan
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To create two separate monthly employee permits. One employee permit would allow employee parking on the upper level of Lot C. A second employee permit would restrict parking for the yellow meters to only Hermosa Avenue via a new sticker. Both permits would be available on a quarterly basis and maintain the current annual price which would be divided into quarterly rates, and the hours would be updated to a twelve-hour maximum. The twelve-hour maximum would apply to all four lots.
Ayes (5)
Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan Motion Carried
17.c
REPORT ON THE CITY’S REGULATION OF SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS - 25-CA-005 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. STVR - 25-CA-005.pdf
2. Supplemental Emails for item 17.c.pdf
CEQA:
This report is not a “project” under CEQA. In the alternative, this report falls within the “common sense” exemption set forth in State CEQA
Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
(City Attorney Patrick Donegan)
Item 17.c was continued to the March 25, 2025 City Council meeting.
17.d
REPORT ON THE CITY’S PARKING REGULATIONS FOR AREAS SURROUNDING CLARK FIELD, CITY YARD, SOUTH PARK, AND VALLEY PARK - 25-PD-004 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Report on City's Parking Regulations for Areas Surrounding Clark Field, City Yard, and Valley Park - 25-PD-004.pdf
2. SUPPLEMENTAL Presentation for Muni Matter 17.d.pdf
(Police Chief Paul LeBaron)
Community Services Supervisor Carlos Burgos provided a staff presentation.
Mayor Francois provided comments.
No Public Comment was provided.
Councilmember Jackson provided comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments.
Community Services Supervisor Burgos provided information.
Councilmember Detoy suggested to wait to make changes until the new software is purchased.
Councilmember Keegan agreed to wait on making changes.
Councilmember Jackson provided comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments.
Moved by:
Councilmember Detoy
Seconded by:
Councilmember Keegan
To receive the informational report on the parking regulations for areas surrounding Clark Field, City Yard, South Park, and Valley Park.
Ayes (4)
Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan Absent (1)
Councilmember Jackson
Motion Carried
17.e
REPORT ON THE ROLE OF THE MAYOR AND MAYORAL POWERS IN RUNNING COUNCIL MEETINGS AND REPORT ON VOTING OPTIONS FOR CITY OFFICIALS - 25-CA-003 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. REPORT ON THE ROLE OF THE MAYOR AND MAYORAL POWERS AND REPORT ON VOTING OPTIONS FOR CITY OFFICIALS - 25-CA-003.pdf
2. SUPPLEMENTAL Presentation for Muni Matter 17.e.pdf
CEQA:
This report is not a “project” subject to CEQA, In the alternative, the discussion falls within the “common sense” exemption set forth in State CEQA Guidelines. (City Attorney Patrick Donegan)
City Attorney Patrick Donegan provided a staff presentation.
Mayor Francois provided comments.
No Public Comment was provided.
Moved by:
Councilmember Keegan
Seconded by:
Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
To receive a report on the role of the Mayor and Mayoral powers under Robert’s Rules of Order that govern City Council meetings; and receive a report on the voting options for City officials.
Ayes (5)
Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan 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.
Mayor Francois requested support to take a position on the Metro's C Line (Green) Extension to Torrance. Mayor Pro Tem Saemann and Councilmember Keegan supported the item.
The City Council provided direction to refer the dog park discussion to the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Commission.
Councilmember Jackson requested support for staff to facilitate a discussion to clarify the role of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Commission and event producers, and to clarify and define a partnership versus a long-term agreement and the support that the City can provide in each. Councilmember Detoy provided support.
18.a
TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 25-CMO-019
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2025-03-11 Tentative Future Agenda - 25-CMO-019.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.
In Person Public Comment:
John Burry
20. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Mayor Francois announced the next Mayor's Town Hall Forum, to be held on March 24, 2025, and the State of the City, to be held on April 10, 2025. The meeting was adjourned at 10:36 p.m.