City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission June 23, 2025
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Monday June 23, 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 4:00 pm.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present (6): Commissioners Aggarwal, Allen, Doran, Schreiner, Vice Chair Komatinsky, Chair Windes
Absent (1): Zimbalist
Others present: Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman, Senior Recreation Manager (SRM) Melissa McCollum, Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 29, 2025
Moved and seconded (Windes/Schreiner) to approve as submitted; motion passed 6-0-1 by voice vote. (Zimbalist absent)
E. CEREMONIAL – None
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) – None
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Selection of 2025 – 2026 Chair and Vice-Chair and reorganization Chair Allen moved, seconded by Schreiner that the Commission reorganize by seniority, with Vice Chair Windes elevated to Chair, Commissioner Komatinsky to Vice Chair. The motion passed 6-0-1 (Zimbalist absent).
The Commission recessed for reorganization at 4:04 p.m. and reconvened at 4:06 p.m.
Chair Windes invited the incoming student commissioner to self -introduce; Ishaan Aggarwal stated he is the new student Parks and Recreation commissioner. Chair Windes thanked outgoing Chair Allen for this service and support as Chair.
2. 25/0623.01 Consideration of Girl Scout Silver Award Project Proposal Chair Windes invited the applicant, cadets from local Troop 95528 , to address the Commission.
Melia Tsai, Aylee Baca and Niamh Adamis, local Girl Scout Troop 95528 are seeking approval to install anti -littering posters/storyboards in Polliwog Park . The Commission received a presentation by the cadet team , covering the description, proposed
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission June 23, 2025
implementation steps and deadline.
The cadets clarified their deadline as August 31st of 2025 which coincides with the last Polliwog Park summer concert. Chair Windes expressed concern about the cadets being able to meet their deadlines as the project is currently described. Vice Chair Komatinsky volunteered to assist the cadets and Director Leyman suggested that the cadets contact staff to discuss ways to expedite the project.
Chair Windes emphasized that learning about the governmental approval process will be a great experience in leadership, a goal of the award.
At 4:3 0 p.m., t he Commission recessed to allow the cadets to exchange contact information with city staff and Vice Chair Komatinsky.
At 4:33 p.m. the Chair called the meeting back to order.
3. 25/0623.02 Consideration of North Manhattan Beach BID Holiday Stroll event with road closure.
SMA Robb summarized the staff report, emphasizing that the current proposal is modified from last year, in that the closure of Highland has been requested on a Sunday (December 7), instead of a Thursday and this eliminates the main objection in 2024. The staff recommendation is that the Commis sion accept input and approve or deny the request for Highland Avenue closure for the 2025 North Manhattan Beach Business Improvement District (NMBBID). A decision made at this meeting would be forwarded to the City Council for its July 15 meeting.
The Chair invited the applicant to address the Commission.
Jill Lamkin, Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, spoke in support of the NMBBID. The BID has agreed to be more flexible and is very excited as this is the first time the BID ––having recently created an Association––will have the opportunity to generate revenue. By closing Highland, the BID can invite more vendors who will pay a fee to participate and earn revenue for their businesses.
Ms. Lamkin made the following points, responding to questions:
1) Purpose: This has created a lot of excitement for the North End – the ability to generate revenue, which will go towards marketing including promoting to the entire city. 2) Vendors: The number has not yet been determined but will de facto be limited through compliance with Fire Department safety regulations ; Ms. Lamkin agrees that having games is a good idea, this being a family -oriented event. The BID has not mentioned having a no-fee policy for a community-based vendor (as described by Commissioner Schreiner) but this can be looked into and seems reasonable, especially if there is a precedent. The Chamber has paid for a few entertainment vendors in the past (e.g. petting zoo).
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission June 23, 2025
3) Safety: Overcrowding in some areas as has been described for past strolls is believed to be avoidable because, with the street closed, people will be more able to use sidewalks.
An estimate for city police/fire expenses is expected to be worked into the proposal when reviewed by the City Council in July.
4) Parking: a real challenge; especially with the removal of a large parking lot due to construction of the “Highrose” project; a shuttle would be very expensive. 5) Impacts on North End businesses: The BID will consider booth layout and locations and possible impacts to adjoining businesses. While the middle of Highland is desirable in that it would free up space for businesses along Highland, this conflict s with fire/life/safety requirements for emergency response . Concerns of businesses about entrances or reduced visibility may be mitigated through pricing, marketing and setting the times, including setup and takedown.
6) Progress communication: While the BID is confident that the event can be fully planned and implemented in time , it agrees to report its progress to the Parks and Recreation Commission with details at the Parks and Rec meeting in July and possibly again in the fall.
Chair Windes called for public input.
Maya Brewer, MB Chamber Executive Coordinator, stated that options (e.g. smaller size event) can be considered but it is important for NMBBID to be recognized; feels under Jill’s leadership this can happen successfully benefitting the whole city.
Ms. Bewer confirmed that the pier fireworks is scheduled for the week following the north end stroll.
There being no other speakers, Chair Windes invited Commission discussion and a decision.
Commissioner Komatinsky noted her support for events that support the entire city; would like the BID to give a progress report to the Commission after receiving approval from City Council since this would be the first with the closure of Highland Avenue. Ms. Lamkin responded that this would be agreeable and also benefits the BID.
There was general consensus that, with the chamber’s involvement in planning and with effective management, the proposal, as modified can be a success.
It was moved and seconded (Windes/Schreiner) that the Commission approve the subject North End event to allow the BID to pursue planning to meet their December date. The Chair asked for a hand vote, with the following result:
Ayes: (5) Aggarwal, Doran, Schreiner, Vice Chair Komatinsky, Chair Windes.; Noes: (0); Abstain (0); Absent (1- Zimbalist)
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission June 23, 2025
Chair Windes announced: motion passed 5-0-1 (Zimbalist absent, Allen recused which does not count as a vote ). Commissioner Komatinsky reiterated her request that the Chamber encourage the NMBBID to update the Commission on its progress at the July Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and possibly in the fall.
Commissioner Schreiner suggested that parking may be available at Grandview school; Ms. Lamkin noted the BID will be looking into parking possibly at the Public Works Yard on Bell Avenue. She was advised that the armory will not be available.
4. 25/0324.02 Work Plan discussion
a. Park Master Plan. Commissioner Schreiner reported that the City C ouncil strongly supported the Commission in adopting the final document. The Commission is very grateful for S RM McCollum’s excellent stewardship. SRM McCollum thanked and congratulated the Commission on completing a very thorough updated Plan. b. Pay ’N Play
Director Leyman reported: staff is working on cost estimates (including futsal option) ahead of submittal to City Council August 19. The recommendation will be to demolish the building and, on a temporary basis, install turf (until library needs assessment is complete). Options for a relocated dog run will also have cost estimates.
H. STAFF ITEMS
City Council Recap and Parks and Recreation Department Updates Director Leyman reported on various items: Juneteenth (thank you to the entire team); Concerts in the Park (kick-off this Sunday); Leadership Manhattan Beach’s millennium time capsule retrieval ceremony (June 28, 2 - 3 p.m.); Begg Pool kickoff party (July 4); Manhattan Beach Open Tennis Tourney (July 17 – 20); Parks and Rec summer team training (June 7); Summer program (began June 16); and new Finance Director (Libby Bretthauer, starts in July).
I. COMMISSION ITEMS
Older Adult Program Update – Commissioner Schreiner reported on the SAC election (Diane Campisi, re-elected, and Shala Smith, Laurel Schweneke, new). Commissioner Schreiner also provided details on older adult programming , June through August, and congratulated Older Adults Program supervisor Kari Bell for joining SAC member Powell on the LA County Older Adult Advisory Board.
School District Update: Commissioner Komatinsky noted little to report; graduation was 2 weeks ago and effective July 1, a new Principal at MBMS, Dr. Matthew Horvath.
Student Update – Commissioner Aggarwal, a rising senior, expressed concerns about changes to 0 period , Grad Night and speeding on Sepulveda especially at night .
Regarding Sepulveda speeding, he suggested that the city might consider installing speed
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission June 23, 2025
humps as observed on Bluff Creek Road, in Playa Vista. The Commission, after clarifying his idea, suggested that , as traffic safety is not within the Parks and Recreation Commission purview, Commissioner Aggarwal attend or te stify at a City Parking and Public Improvements Commission meeting or discuss with the City Traffic Engineer.
J. ADJOURNMENT
At 5:19 pm it was moved and seconded (Komatinsky/Schreiner) to adjourn to the meeting of July 28, 2025 at 4:00 pm; motion passed unanimously by voice vote.