City of Manhattan Beach
1400 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Amy Thomas Howorth
Mayor Pro Tem David Lesser
Councilmember Joe Franklin
Councilmember Nina Trieu Tarnay
Councilmember Steve S. Charelian
Meeting Minutes - Final
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
6:00 PM
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers and Zoom
City Council Regular Meeting
June 17, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CITY ARCHIVES THE VIDEO RECORDINGS OF ALL
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND THE VIDEO FOR THIS MEETING IS HEREBY INCORPORATED BY THIS REFERENCE. ALSO IN SUPPORT OF
MORE TRANSPARENCY AND THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) COMPLIANCE, THE CITY OFFERS CLOSED CAPTIONING FOR REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS. FOR A COMPLETE RECORD OF THIS CITY COUNCIL MEETING, GO TO:
www.manhattanbeach.gov/departments/city-clerk/city-council-meetings-agendas-and-minutes CALL MEETING TO ORDERA.
Mayor Howorth called the meeting to order.
PLEDGE TO THE FLAGB.
Isabella Jacobson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALLC.
Roll Call led by City Clerk Liza Tamura.
Mayor Howorth, Mayor Pro Tem Lesser, Councilmember Franklin, Councilmember Tarnay and Councilmember Charelian
Present: 5 -
CEREMONIAL CALENDARD.
1. 25-0265Presentation of a Commendation to Fire Chief Michael Lang on the Occasion of His Retirement with the City of Manhattan Beach. (Estimated Time: 15 Mins.)
PRESENT
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Howorth presented a Certificate of Commendation to retiring Fire Chief Michael Lang on the Occasion of his Retirement with the City of Manhattan Beach.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian and the City Council expressed their gratitude to Fire Cheif Lang for his many years of service.
Fire Chief Lang also shared a few words reflecting on his career with the City.
June 17, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
2. 25-0266Presentation of Plaques to Outgoing Commissioners: Parks and Recreation Commissioner Jacobson; Cultural Arts Commissioner Padnos; and Library Commissioners Bond and Huber.
(Estimated Time: 15 Mins.)
PRESENT
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Howorth presented plaques to the following outgoing commission members:
Isabella Jacobson
Stefanie Bond
Unable to attend:
Anthony Padnos
Sydney Huber
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF ORDINANCESE.
Mayor Howorth requested for consideration to have "N. City Manager Report" presented before the Consent Calendar.
A motion was made by Mayor Howorth, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lesser, to pull Agenda Item Nos. 8 and 15 to be heard under Section I - Items Removed From the Consent Calendar; waive full reading of ordinances; and consider the City Manager Report prior to the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Howorth, Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay and Charelian Nay: 0
CITY COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS (1 MINUTE PER PERSON)
F.
Library Manager Josh Murray announced that a consultant has been retained to conduct a library needs assessment for the community. He invited the public to attend one of the upcoming information-gathering sessions, including: a Senior Focus Group at the Joslyn Community Center on June 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM and a General Focus Group at the Manhattan Beach Library meeting room on June 25, 2025, at 6:30 PM. Teen Focus Groups will be held in the library board meeting room on June 26, 2025, and July 14, 2025, at 4:00 PM. He also reminded the community that the library will be closed on June 19, 2025, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday, and responded to questions from the City Council.
Communications and Civic Engagement Manager Alexandria Latragna announced that a Juneteenth Ceremony will be held at Bruce’s Beach Park on June 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; an artist talk with Keith Magruder at Manhattan Beach Art Center on June 20, 2025 from 7:00 PM-8:00 PM; and a Juneteenth Concert will take place at Polliwog Park on June 22, 2025, from 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
June 17, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final PUBLIC COMMENTS (3 MINUTES PER PERSON)G.
Mayor Howorth opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Maureen McBride
Kelly Stroman
Noa Duke Frank
Ray Joseph
Laura Muenchow
Stephanie Hubbard
Dennis Fitzgerald
Laura Kiely
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Howorth closed the floor to public comments.
CITY MANAGER REPORTN.
This report was presented out of order on the agenda.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian announced several executive leadership updates, including the appointment of Libby Bretthauer as Finance Director and Jesse Alexander as Fire Chief. In addition, the City Council will consider appointing Toufic "Ted" Semaan as Interim Public Works Director, during the Consent Calendar.
CONSENT CALENDAR (APPROVE)H.
Mayor Howorth announced that the resolution and employment agreement for Item No. 11 on the Consent Calendar fulfill CalPERS requirements for the appointment of Toufic "Ted" Semaan as Interim Public Works Director. As required by Government Code, it was reported that Mr. Semaan will be compensated at an hourly rate of $113.25 with no additional City benefits as a retiree.
A motion was made by Councilmember Franklin, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to approve the Consent Calendar with Agenda Item Nos. 8 and 15 being removed to be heard under Section I - Items Removed From the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Howorth, Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay and Charelian Nay: 0
June 17, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
3. 25-0238City Council Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the Following City Council Meeting(s):
a) City Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2025 b) City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2025 (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
4. 25-0253
Financial Reports:
A) Schedule of Demands: May 2025
B) Investment Portfolio Report: April 2025
C) Month End Financial Reports: April 2025
(No Budget Impact) (Acting Finance Director Bretthauer).
ACCEPT REPORT AND DEMANDS
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
5. 25-0239
Consideration of Memorializing Action Minutes for City Council, Planning Commission, and Parking and Public Improvements Commission, and Designating Meeting Videos and Closed Captioning as Permanent Records (Budgeted) (City Clerk Tamura, Interim Community Development Director Codron, and Information Technology Director Guardado).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
6. 25-0283
Consideration of Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 2.44 (City Boards, Commissions, and Committees) of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Regarding Membership for the Library Commission and Cultural Arts Commission (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 25-0005
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
7. 25-0211
Consideration of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with the North Manhattan Beach Business & Professional Association for the Management of the North Manhattan Beach Business Improvement District and Appropriate $82,050 from the Parking Fund (Unbudgeted) (City Manager Mirzakhanian).
A) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0055
B) APPROPRIATE FUNDS
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
June 17, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
8. 25-0250Consideration of Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Municipal Code Chapters 5.01 and 5.04 Related to Dog Licensing (No Budget Impact) (Acting Finance Director Bretthauer).
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE N0. 25-0006
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar and heard under Section I - Items Removed from the Consent Calendar.
9. 25-0091
Consideration of a Resolution Declaring Intention to Provide for Annual Levy and Collection of Assessments for the Downtown Business Improvement District and Setting a Public Hearing for July 15, 2025 (No Budget Impact) (Acting Finance Director Bretthauer).
A) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0080
B) SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING DATE TO CONSIDER
ASSESSMENTS ON JULY 15, 2025
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
10. 25-0245
Consideration of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with BLX Group for Arbitrage Rebate Services in Relation to Post-Issuance Debt Compliance (Budgeted) (Acting Finance Director Bretthauer).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0058
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
11. 25-0287
Consideration of a Resolution Appointing Toufic “Ted” Semaan as Interim Public Works Director and Approval of an Employment Agreement with Toufic Semaan (No Budget Impact) (Human Resources Director Jenkins).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0084
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
12. 25-0271
Consideration of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with All City Management Services to Provide Crossing Guard Services at a Cost Not-to-Exceed $555,000 Annually through July 31, 2027 (Budgeted) (Police Chief Johnson).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0082
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
13. 25-0083
Consideration of the Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Pursuant to Water Code Section 10632.1 (No Budget Impact) (Public Works Director Lee).
RECEIVE AND FILE ASSESSMENT
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
June 17, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
14. 25-0268Consideration of Accepting the Withdrawal of the Bid Submitted by MMC, Inc. for the Pacific Sewer Lift Station Conversion to Gravity Line Project, Resolutions Making a Determination that the Project Qualifies for a Categorical Exemption Pursuant to Section 15302 Class 2 of the State CEQA Guidelines, Approving Plans and Specifications, Awarding a Construction Contract to Environmental Construction, Inc. for $8,619,574, Including Contingency; and Approving the Professional Services Agreement with Butier Engineering, Inc. for $468,137 for Construction Management and Inspection Services (No Budget Impact) (Public Works Director Lee).
A) ACCEPT
B) ADOPT RESOLUTION NOS. 25-0076 AND 25-0077
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
15. 25-0209
Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Three-Year Maintenance Services Agreement with West Coast Arborists for Tree Management Services in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $3,102,425 (Continued from the April 15, 2025, City Council Meeting) (Budgeted) (Public Works Director Lee).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0038
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar and heard under Section I - Items Removed from the Consent Calendar.
16. 25-0241
Consideration of Accepting as Complete Work Performed by Aneen Construction, Inc. for the Joslyn Center Crosswalk Improvement Project (No Budget Impact) (Public Works Director Lee).
A) ACCEPT
B) AUTHORIZE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
17. 25-0246
Consideration of Accepting as Complete Work Performed by Gentry General Engineering, Inc. Regarding the Annual Citywide Concrete Repairs Cycle 2 Project (No Budget Impact) (Public Works Director Lee).
ACCEPT
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
18. 25-0248
Consideration of a Resolution Adopting a List of Street Repair Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Funded by Senate Bill 1: The Road and Accountability Act of 2017; and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Submit the Necessary Project Information to the California Transportation Commission (No Budget Impact) (Public Works Director Lee).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0078
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
June 17, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
19. 25-0141Lot 3 Parking Structure Local Emergency Update (Unbudgeted) (Public Works Director Lee).
DETERMINE THAT THERE IS A NEED TO CONTINUE THE
EMERGENCY ACTION
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDARI.
8. 25-0250
Consideration of Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Municipal Code Chapters 5.01 and 5.04 Related to Dog Licensing (No Budget Impact) (Acting Finance Director Bretthauer).
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE N0. 25-0006
Councilmember Franklin requested to remove the item from the Consent Calendar to seek clarification on the dog licensing program.
Finance Director Libby Bretthauer and Police Chief Rachel Johnson responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Howorth opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Stefan Kampe
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Howorth closed the floor to public comments.
Councilmember Franklin requested a friendly amendment, which was declined by the maker of the motion.
A motion was made by Mayor Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Charelian, to introduce Ordinance No. 25-0006, an ordinance of the City of Manhattan Beach amending Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Chapters 5.01
(Animals – Pound: Dogs) and 5.04 (Licensing of Dogs) of Title 5 to revise the City’s dog license requirements and make other minor changes. The motion carried by the following vote:
City Attorney Quinn Barrow read the title for Ordinance No. 25-0006:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH AMENDING
MANHATTAN BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTERS 5.01 (ANIMALS - POUND: DOGS) AND 5.04 (LICENSING OF DOGS) OF TITLE 5 TO REVISE THE CITY’S DOG LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND MAKE OTHER
MINOR CHANGES
Aye: 4 - Howorth, Lesser, Tarnay and Charelian
Nay: 1 - Franklin
June 17, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
15. 25-0209Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Three-Year Maintenance Services Agreement with West Coast Arborists for Tree Management Services in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $3,102,425 (Continued from the April 15, 2025, City Council Meeting) (Budgeted) (Public Works Director Lee).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0038
Councilmember Charelian requested to remove the item from the Consent Calendar to seek clarification regarding the title referencing a three-year term, while the amount listed reflects five years, and provide the public clarification on not proceeding with the lowest bid.
Acting Public Works Director Jeff Page introduced Urban Forester Ernest Area.
Urban Forester Area and City Attorney Quinn Barrow responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Howorth opened the floor to public comments.
Seeing no requests to speak, Mayor Howorth closed the floor to public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Franklin, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to adopt Resolution No. 25-0038, a resolution of the Manhattan Beach City Council approving an agreement between the City of Manhattan Beach and West Coast Arborists for tree management services. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Howorth, Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay and Charelian Nay: 0
June 17, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final PUBLIC HEARINGSJ.
20. 25-0046Conduct Public Hearing and Consider a Resolution Providing for the Annual Levy and Collection of Street Lighting and Landscaping District Maintenance Assessments for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (Budgeted) (Acting Finance Director Bretthauer).
(Estimated Time: 15 Mins.)
A)
CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING
B) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0083 PROVIDING FOR ANNUAL
LEVY AND COLLECTION OF FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS
Mayor Howorth opened the public hearing.
Finance Director Libby Bretthauer provided the staff presentation and responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Howorth opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Stefan Kampe
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Howorth closed the floor to public comments.
Finance Director Bretthauer responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Howorth closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Councilmember Charelian, to adopt Resolution No. 25-0083, a resolution of the Manhattan Beach City Council confirming a diagram and assessment for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year, and ordering the improvements in connection with Manhattan Beach Landscaping and Street Lighting Maintenance District No. 99 pursuant to the provisions of Part 2 of Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Howorth, Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay and Charelian Nay: 0
At 7:41 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 7:53 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
June 17, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
21. 25-0185Consideration of an Update to the City’s Parks Master Plan (No Budget Impact) (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
(Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
APPROVE Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman introduced Senior Recreation Manager Melissa McCollum who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Senior Recreation Manager McCollum, Parks and Recreation Director Leyman, City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian and Acting City Engineer Gil Gamboa responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Howorth opened the floor to public comments.
Seeing no requests to speak, Mayor Howorth closed the floor to public comments.
A motion was made by Mayor Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to approve the updated Parks Master Plan. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Howorth, Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay and Charelian5 - Nay: 0
22. 25-0124Consideration of Adopting a Cross-Connection Control Plan for Compliance with the State's New Regulations in the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (Budgeted) (Public Works Director Lee). (Estimated Time: 1 Hr.)
ADOPT
Acting Public Works Director Jeff Page introduced Graham Backflow Services Consultant John Graham who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Acting Public Works Director Page and Consultant Graham responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Howorth opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Jill Lamkin
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Howorth closed the floor to public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Charelian, seconded by Councilmember Franklin, to adopt a Cross-Connection Control Plan (CCC Plan) to comply with new state regulations outlined in the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, and authorized its submittal to the State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water for final approval, as required by state drinking water regulations. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Howorth, Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay and Charelian Nay: 0
K. GENERAL BUSINESS
June 17, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
23. 25-0252Consideration of Request from Waste Management to Adjust Solid Waste Diversion Requirements in the City’s Franchise Agreement for Integrated Solid Waste Management Services and a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Prepare and Execute a Corresponding Amendment No. 3 to the Franchise Agreement with Waste Management (No Budget Impact) (Public Works Director Lee).
(Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
A) DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
B) RESOLUTION NO. 25-0079
Acting Public Works Director Jeff Page introduced Solid Waste Administrator Anna Luke-Jones.
Solid Waste Administrator Luke-Jones and HF&H Consultants, Senior Vice President Laith Ezzet provided the PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Howorth opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Waste Management Representative Eric Quintero
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Howorth closed the floor to public comments.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Lesser, seconded by Mayor Howorth, to authorize the request from Waste Management to adjust solid waste diversion requirements in the City’s Franchise Agreement; and adopt Resolution No. 25-0079, a resolution of the Manhattan Beach City Council authorizing the City Manager to approve Amendment No. 3 to the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement between the City of Manhattan Beach and Waste Management to reduce solid waste diversion requirements. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Howorth, Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay and Charelian Nay: 0
City Attorney Quinn Barrow clarified that it was City Council’s intention to include adoption of the resolution as part of the motion.
June 17, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
24. 25-0269Consideration of Resolution Approving the Intention to Issue Tax-Exempt Obligations; Consider Waiving Formal Bidding and Authorizing the Purchase of Mobile and Portable Radios in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $3,584,056.72; and Appropriating $3,625,807 from the General Fund Balance and Adjusting General Fund Revenues by an Equivalent Amount in Fiscal Year 2026 (Unbudgeted) (Acting Finance Director Bretthauer). (Estimated Time: 15 Mins.)
A) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0081
B) WAIVE FORMAL BIDDING
C) AUTHORIZE PURCHASE
D) APPROPRIATE $3,625,807 FROM GENERAL FUND BALANCE
AND ADJUST GENERAL FUND REVENUES BY AN
EQUIVALENT AMOUNT FOR ANTICIPATED BOND
PROCEEDS IN FISCAL YEAR 2026
Police Chief Rachel Johnson and Finance Director Libby Bretthauer provided the staff presentation.
Finance Director Bretthauer and Police Chief Johnson responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Howorth opened the floor to public comments.
Seeing no requests to speak, Mayor Howorth closed the floor to public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Councilmember Charelian, to adopt Resolution No. 25-0081, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Manhattan Beach regarding its intention to issue tax-exempt obligations; waive formal bidding per Municipal Code Section 2.36.140 (Waivers); authorize the purchase of mobile and portable radios in an amount not-to-exceed $3,584,056.72; and appropriate $3,625,807 from the General Fund balance and adjust revenues by an equivalent amount in Fiscal Year 2026 for anticipated purchase costs and bond proceeds. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Howorth, Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay and Charelian Nay: 0
CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS AND REPORTS INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTSL.
None.
June 17, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final FUTURE AGENDA ITEMSM.
Councilmember Charelian requested to agendize a discussion on options for ensuring equal medical insurance coverage for all City Councilmembers.
Councilmember Franklin concurred.
CITY MANAGER REPORTN.
The City Manager report was presented prior to the Consent Calendar.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTO.
None.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMSP.
25. 25-0267Agenda Forecast (City Clerk Tamura).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
26. 25-0214Commission Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the following City Commission Meetings:
a) Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2025 (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman)
b) Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes of May 26, 2025 (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
CLOSED SESSIONQ.
None.
June 17, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final ADJOURNMENTR.
At 9:45 PM, Mayor Howorth adjourned the meeting and announced that the July 1, 2025, Regular City Council meeting is cancelled. Staff is coordinating the Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting scheduled for 4:00 PM on July 14, 2025.
_____________________________
Breana Contreras
Recording Secretary
_____________________________
Amy Thomas Howorth
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Liza Tamura
City Clerk