City of Manhattan Beach
1400 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor David Lesser
Mayor Pro Tem Joe Franklin
Councilmember Nina Trieu Tarnay
Councilmember Steve S. CHarelian
Councilmember Amy Thomas Howorth
Meeting Minutes - Final
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
6:00 PM
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers and Zoom
City Council Regular Meeting
August 19, 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 Lesser called the meeting to order.
PLEDGE TO THE FLAGB.
Adelaide Schmale led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: 5 -
ROLL CALLC.
Roll Call led by City Clerk Liza Tamura.
CEREMONIAL CALENDARD.
1. 25-0405Presentation of a Commendation to the Founder of Neighborhood Watch, Charlotte Lesser, for Her Extraordinary Dedication, Pioneering Leadership, and Lifelong Commitment to the Safety and Well-Being of the Residents of Manhattan Beach.
PRESENT
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Lesser presented a Certificate of Commendation to Charlotte Lesser, Founder of Neighborhood Watch, in honor of her 45 years of extraordinary dedication, pioneering leadership, and lifelong commitment to the safety and well-being of the residents of Manhattan Beach.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
E.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to pull Agenda Item No. 4 to be heard under Section I - Items Removed From the Consent Calendar and waive full reading of ordinances. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
Mayor Lesser, Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, Councilmember Tarnay, Councilmember Charelian and Councilmember Howorth
August 19, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
CITY COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS (1 MINUTE PER PERSON)
F.
Interim Community Development Director Michael Codron highlighted the Project Pulse study session scheduled for August 26, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. Project Pulse refers to the current public outreach efforts to ensure staff and City decision-makers have a clear understanding of community sentiment before major decisions are made regarding two public properties: Parking Lot 3 and 400 Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
Waste Management (WM) Recycling Education Representative Bobby Bell announced that collection services will be postponed by one day due to the Labor Day Holiday.
Police Chief Rachel Johnson provided an update on the recent uptick in coyote sightings in the City, reporting 128 sightings within the past year.
The Manhattan Beach Parking and Animal Control Division has been actively engaged in coyote management to make the environment less hospitable. Flyers with information and guidance are available through the Police Department. Police Chief Johnson also responded to City Council questions.
Library Manager Cassandra Sargent announced upcoming events, including a Writing Dynamic College Essays Workshop on September 3, 2025, from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, and a Cello Performance by Chelsea Wong on August 30, 2025, from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. She also responded to City Council questions.
Ray Joseph announced a protest regarding SB79 (high-density housing) near the Strand and Manhattan Beach Boulevard scheduled for August 23, 2025, at 9:00 AM.
Culture Club South Bay Founder and Executive Director Allison Hales announced that the local non-profit provides free beach access to diverse youth of color twice a year at Bruce’s Beach and is seeking volunteers aged 14 and older.
Councilmember Howorth reminded the community that the first day of school for the Manhattan Beach Unified School District is Wednesday, August 20, 2025, and wished everyone a safe, healthy, and successful school year.
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin announced that the Superior Court of Los Angeles County is recruiting alternate members for the grand jury.
August 19, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final PUBLIC COMMENTS (3 MINUTES PER PERSON)G.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Hilary Skinner - Speeding and traffic on 2nd Street
Peter Kim - Surf Ascension Sculpture (Item No. 15)
Domisi Parham - Surf Ascension Sculpture (Item No. 15)
Steven Lau - Speeding and traffic on 2nd Street
Jim Burton - Project Pulse
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
Mayor Lesser inquired about resident concerns on 2nd Street, asking whether traffic management plans exist for different areas and seeking clarification on the proper process for informing neighbors on how to address their concerns regarding speeding and traffic.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian and Interim Community Development Director Michael Codron responded to City Council questions.
Councilmember Charelian commented on the 65th Annual AVP Manhattan Beach Open, commending City staff, Public Safety, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation for their teamwork in organizing the event. He also noted under Item No. 6 that SB 79 will be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, and encouraged community members to provide input.
August 19, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final CONSENT CALENDAR (APPROVE)H.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to approve the Consent Calendar with Agenda Item No. 4 being removed to be heard under Section I - Items Removed From the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
2. 25-0392City Council Minutes:
This Item Contains the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 2, 2025 (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
3. 25-0381Financial Report:
a) Schedule of Demands: July 2025
b) Investment Portfolio for the Month Ending June 30, 2025 c) Month End Report for June 30, 2025
(No Budget Impact) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
ACCEPT REPORT AND DEMANDS
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
4. 25-0393
Consideration of the Approval of City Council Assignments (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar and heard under Section I - Items Removed from the Consent Calendar.
August 19, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
5. 25-0401Consideration of Acceptance of the Resignation from Parking and Public Improvements Commissioner Rosemarie Balla, Declaring Vacant the Parking and Public Improvements Commission Seat No. 4 (Member-At-Large Seat), and Directing the City Clerk to Contact Former January 2025 Applicants who Have Expressed an Interest in Being Appointed to the Parking and Public Improvements Commission (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
A) ACCEPT RESIGNATION
B) DECLARE VACANCY
C) DIRECT THE CITY CLERK TO CONTACT FORMER
APPLICANTS INTERESTED IN BEING APPOINTED TO THE
PARKING AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS COMMISSION
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
6. 25-0325
Consideration of an Update Regarding the City’s Legislative Positions on Bills from the Current Statewide Legislative Cycle (No Budget Impact) (City Manager Mirzakhanian).
RECEIVE AND FILE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
7. 25-0403
Consideration of a Resolution Approving Participation of the Manhattan Beach Firefighters’ Association in the International Federation of Firefighters (IAFF) Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (No Budget Impact) (Human Resources Director Jenkins).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0110
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
8. 25-0344
Consideration of a Resolution Approving the Renewal of a Five-Year Professional Services Agreement with Hinderliter, de Llamas & Associates to Provide Sales, Use and Transactions Tax for an Estimated Cost of $61,980, Plus Auxiliary Audit Recovery Services (Budgeted) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0097
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
9. 25-0328
Consideration of a Resolution Awarding an Agreement to Moffatt & Nichol in a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $228,550 for the Pier Structural Inspection Condition Assessment (Budgeted) (Interim Public Works Director Semaan).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0099
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
August 19, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
10. 25-0354Consideration of Resolutions Approving Change Order No. 2 to the Construction Agreement with Clarke Contracting Corporation for Additional Work in the Amount of $626,468 and Approving Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with CWE Corporation for Additional Design and Construction Support Services for $123,754 for the Santa Monica Bay Stormwater Total Maximum Daily Load Trash Treatment Project; and Reappropriating $479,121 in the Storm Drain Fund for the Santa Monica Bay Stormwater Total Maximum Daily Load Trash Treatment Project (No Budget Impact) (Interim Public Works Director Semaan).
A) ADOPT RESOLUTIONS NOS. 25-0107 AND 25-0108
B) APPROVE REAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
11. 25-0310
Consideration of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to the HF&H Consultants, LLC On-Call Assistance Agreement, Increasing the Agreement by $20,000 for a Total Cost Not-to-Exceed $94,900. (Budgeted) (Interim Public Works Semaan).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0098
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
12. 25-0371Consideration of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Paul Hansen Engineering, LLC for Project Management Support Services in the Amount of $203,924 for the Emergency Demolition and Construction of Interim Surface Parking Lot 3, for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $253,779. (No Budget Impact) (Interim Public Works Director Semaan).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0109
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
13. 25-0346
Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Five-Year Agreement with MCCi for Document Management System and Related Services in the Amount of $276,182, Inclusive of a Potential Contingency (Budgeted) (Information Technology Director Guardado).
A) WAIVE FORMAL BIDDING DUE TO COOPERATIVE
PURCHASING
B) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0100
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
August 19, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
4. 25-0393Consideration of the Approval of City Council Assignments (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
Mayor Lesser requested that the item be removed from the Consent Calendar to allow City Council discussion on whether Councilmember Howorth will remain on the Legislative Ad Hoc Subcommittee assignment or if the assignment will remain as is, with the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem serving as delegates.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments.
Seeing no requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to approve the City Council assignments, as amended, reverting to the previous rotation that designates the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to the Legislative Ad Hoc Subcommittee. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
PUBLIC HEARINGSJ.
None.
I. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
August 19, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
14. 25-0389Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Collaboration Agreement Between the Manhattan Beach Police Department and the Manhattan Beach Neighborhood Watch (No Budget Impact) (Police Chief Johnson).
(Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0111
Police Chief Rachel Johnson provided the staff presentation.
Police Chief Johnson and Fire Chief Jesse Alexander responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments.
Seeing no requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Charelian, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to Receive and File the Manhattan Beach Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Policy; and directed staff to explore a similar policy for the Map Your Neighborhood program. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
Please note for the record that Resolution No. 25-0111 was not adopted.
K. GENERAL BUSINESS
August 19, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
15. 25-0191Consideration of a Recommendation from the Cultural Arts Commission to Decline the Donation and End the Lease of the Surf Ascension Sculpture in North Manhattan Beach and Remove Artwork from the Public Domain (No Budget Impact) (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
(Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
APPROVE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman introduced Cultural Arts Senior Supervisor Eric Brinkman who provided the PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Jill Lamkin
Jim Burton
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
Cultural Arts Senior Supervisor Brinkman and City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Councilmember Howorth, to extend the lease of the donated public art installation in North Manhattan Beach for an initial period of two years and four months, starting the agreement on August 19, 2025, aligning with the lead-up to the 2028 Olympic surf events; authorized a total stipend of $12,000 from the Public Arts Fund to support maintenance, operations, and repairs during this term; and grant the City Manager authority to review and execute the updated lease agreement, incorporating a structured maintenance billing menu and clarifying the artist’s responsibilities. The agreement also includes a one-year extension option that must be returned to City Council for approval, allowing flexibility in coordination with any future citywide Olympic-related art initiatives; and a caveat was added stating that if the artwork suffers significant damage, the artist will be responsible for removal within 30 days of notice. The motion carried by the following vote:
Assistant City Attorney David Snow clarified that the extensions would begin on April 4, 2023, with the one-year extension ending in April 2026, prior to the 2028 Olympics. The current action adjusts the start to August 2025, resulting in a total extension of two years and four months.
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
August 19, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS AND REPORTS INCLUDING AB 1234
REPORTS
L.
None.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMSM.
Mayor Lesser requested to agendize a discussion regarding exploring additional space options for Older Adults Programming, including potential staff costs. Councilmember Tarnay concurred.
Councilmember Howorth requested to agendize a discussion on traffic mitigation options for 2nd Street. Mayor Lesser concurred.
CITY MANAGER REPORTN.
None.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTO.
None.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMSP.
16. 25-0394Agenda Forecast (City Clerk Tamura).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
17. 25-0395Commission Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the following City Commission Meetings:
a) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of July 9, 2025
(Interim Community Development Codron)
b) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (Cancelled) of July 27, 2025
(Interim Community Development Codron).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final August 19, 2025
18. Recent Planning Commissron Quasi-Judicial Decision(s):
Consideration of a Planned Development Plan Amendment to Allow lnstructional Alcohol Tastings and Off-Sale of Distilled Spirits in Addition to the Existing Allowance for On-Sale and Off-Sale Beer and Wine, an Expansion to Permitted Hours for On-Site Consumption, and an Extension of the Hours of Operation from 7:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M.
Daily to 7:00 A.M. - 11:00 P.M. Daily, in Conjunction with the Operation of Existing Food and Beverage Sales Use and Ancillary Eating and Drinking Establishment Use within an Existing Commercial Development Located at 1700 Rosecrans Avenue (Erewhon) (lnterim Community Development Director Codron).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and tiled by order of the Chair.
CLOSED SESSION
None
ADJOURNMENT
reana contreras
ing Secretary
David Lesser
Mayor
o.
R.
At 7:54 PM, Mayor Lesser adjourned the meeting to the PAed Pulse Sludy Sesslon on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
I
ATTEST:
Liza Tamura
City Clerk
City ol Manhattan Beach
25-0390
(