City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission April 28, 2025
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Monday, April 28, 2025
4:00 PM
Location: Zoom and City Council Chambers, City Hall
1400 Highland Avenue
A. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Allen called the meeting to order at 4:03 pm.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present (6): Commissioners Komatinsky, Schreiner, Doran, Jacobson, Vice Chair Windes, Chair Allen
Absent (1): Zimbalist
Others present: Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman, Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 24, 2025
It was moved and seconded (Windes/Komatinsky) to approve as submitted; motion passed 6-0-1 by voice vote. (Zimbalist absent)
E. CEREMONIAL - None
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) –
Lee Barr congratulated the Commission on the reopening of the Polliwog Dog Park.
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. 25/0324.01 Pay N Play Repurposing Discussion
Committee Chair Windes commented that citizens have expressed that they want more cultural and recreational uses on the east side of the city.
Director Leyman followed with a staff report highlighting the background, options already discussed, and budget implications and co ncluded with the staff recommendation:
Commission to discuss identified options for repurposing the Pay N’ Play facility at Marine Avenue Park for a recommendation to city council.
In more detail, the Director noted that a new location for the existing dog run may be needed and alternate location has been identified and once the Commission arrives at a preferred use, staff will prepare cost estimates that will be given with the Commission’s recommendation to council.
The Commission discussed; it was moved and seconded (Komatinsky/Schreiner) that the
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission April 28, 2025
Commission: 1) endorse demolition of the existing building in the near term, and 2) putting its recommendation regarding repurposing the former Pay N’ Play facility on hold until a needs assessment report is completed related to the Surplus Library Fund with L.A.
County.
Motion carried 5-0-1 (Zimbalist absent)
2. 25/0324.02 Work Plan Items Discussion
a. Parks Master Plan – Commissioner Schreiner reported briefly that the committee is trying to get demographic data for the city. Commissioner Schriener also commented favorably on the improvements at Sand Dune Park and stepped trail nearby and the updated public art story map that is accessible online. Chang es to the Master Plan so far include two sections removed, and two new sections plus an Appendix.
Acknowledgments will be added and a slide presentation will be prepared for council meeting on June 17, after a final review by this commission at its May 26 meeting. b. Polliwog Park Dog Run – Director Leyman updated after acknowledging the contribution of resident Lee Barr: the Commission is to be congratulated as the project is now complete and within budget. Committee chair Windes congratulated staff especially for effective communications and public works staff for its hard work.
H. STAFF ITEMS
City Council Recap and Parks and Recreation Department Updates Director Leyman reported
• The new city exhibit (Keith Magruder, spectacular paper/watercolor ) at the Art Center opened 4/18; will run through June 29, 2025.
• The NFC fitness course (7 -minute workout) has started classes at the outdoor facility thanks to the city’s older adults team and Beach Cities Health District; classes will hopefully be held on a recurring basis – thank you to Parks and Rec Commission for its input.
• LoveMB non -profit: the MOU is being finalized; expected to come before city council on May 20, 2025.
I. COMMISSION ITEMS
Older Adult Program Update – Commissioner Schreiner reported on the last SAC meeting including report by Councilmember Franklin (Community Meeting regarding Planning issue of Residential Overlay District; purchase of downtown bank building; MBMS call for volunteers at lunch time). Also new Parkinson’s group/class has started through the city older adult team and Rotary Cares activities.
School District Update: No report per Commissioner Komatinsky . Commissioner Windes reported that the middle school vice principal will be resig ning at the end of the school year.
Student Update – Commissioner Jacobson: AP exams underway; BrightStar the spring
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission April 28, 2025
musical is running until May 3rd.
Commissioner Komatinsky reported on LoveMB: at its May 20 meeting, council is scheduled to finalize (sign) the official 501c3 for the city and projects coming forward will go through the city’s official non-profit – there is a three-way partnership between the City Manager, Public Works Department and Parks Director Leyman. The non-profit will have a board of 9 persons, recruitment is active. The $50k seed money will go towards administrative costs in establishing LoveMB.
J. ADJOURNMENT
At 4:45 pm it was moved and seconded (Windes/Komatinsky) to adjourn to the meeting of May 29, 2025 at 4:00 pm; motion passed unanimously by voice vote.