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, September 16, 2025
6:00 PM
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers and Zoom
City Council Regular Meeting
September 16, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CITY ARCHIVES THE VIDEO RECORDINGS OF ALL
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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.
Mayor Lesser led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALLC.
Roll Call led by City Clerk Liza Tamura.
Mayor Lesser, Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, Councilmember Tarnay, Councilmember Charelian and Councilmember Howorth
Present: 5 -
September 16, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
1. 25-0442Presentation of a Certificate of Recognition for the 25th Annual Matt and Mike Johnson Memorial Blood Drive.
PRESENT
Mayor Lesser announced that the Annual Memorial Blood Drive, traditionally held during the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair, will still take place during the Fair weekend; however, this year it will be held at a new location, the Manhattan Beach Library; the event is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, and Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; he emphasized the enormous need for blood donations, whether for infusions, planned surgeries, or cancer treatments; and noted that in recent years, there has been a shortage, making this blood drive, among others, incredibly important to support the community’s healthcare needs.
Memorial Blood Drive Chairman Michael Archuleta shared that over the 25 years of the blood drive, 1,363 units of usable blood have been donated through 1,440 donors; and announced that they also wished to honor Matt’s father, who passed away last year due to cancer; and therefore, the memorial blood drive is now officially named the Matt and Mike Johnson Memorial Blood Drive.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Lesser presented a Certificate of Recognition to Michael Archuleta on the 25th Annual Matt and Mike Johnson Memorial Blood Drive.
2. 25-0420Presentation of a Certificate of Recognition to Dietz Bros. Music for Their Nearly Five Decades of Service, Inspiration, and Musical Excellence to the City of Manhattan Beach.
PRESENT
Dietz Bros. Music Store Office Manager Nichele Thomas shared that their new location is now in Redondo Beach.
Former Mayor Russ Lesser shared he had known Pat Dietz for over 40 years, took music lessons with his sons, and described Pat as a wonderful mentor, confidant, and counselor; said they had a family band called Thin Ice, in which Pat was the leader and they had a lot of fun performing together over the years; and said that the store truly made the community a better place.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Lesser presented a Certificate of Recognition to Dietz Bros. Music for nearly five decades of service, inspiration, and musical excellence to the City of Manhattan Beach.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF ORDINANCESE.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Councilmember Howorth, to approve the agenda and waive full reading of ordinances. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth5 -
September 16, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
CITY COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS (1 MINUTE PER PERSON)
F.
Waste Management Recycling Education Representative Bobby Bell shared that he had the opportunity to present to seniors at the Joslyn Community Center last Tuesday, where he provided recycling tips and answered questions; and reminded the community that the final Free Paper Shredding event of the year will be held at Mira Costa High School on October 18, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Police Chief Rachel Johnson invited the community to attend the upcoming Town Hall meeting at the Joslyn Community Center on September 18, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Library Manager Cassandra Sargent invited the community to attend several upcoming events, beginning with tomorrow’s in-person program “Why Dolphins Surf?” at 6:00 PM; announced the New Parent Engagement program, scheduled for September 22, 2025, which will introduce new parents to the library’s programs and services; and announced the Susie Hansen Latin Trio Band will perform at the library on September 23, 2025.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian announced the appointment of the City’s new Community Development Director and introduced Masa Alkire.
Community Development Director Masa Alkire expressed his excitement about joining the City and shared that he looks forward to serving the community in his new role. He noted that he previously served as the City Planner Assistant Director of Community Development for the City of Beverly Hills, and prior to that, held positions with the City of El Segundo and worked as a consultant.
Mira Costa High School students Ryan Beaupain, Founder and President of the Digital Philanthropy Club, and Luke Finigan, Vice President, shared that they established the club with a mission to recycle e-waste and support youth education in underserved communities. They noted that the club has grown to over 25 members and has engaged many Mira Costa students in volunteer efforts. Last year, the club expanded its outreach to Manhattan Beach Middle School, Pacific Elementary School, and Robinson Elementary School. They proposed hosting an e-waste collection event at the Manhattan Beach Library on November 8, 2025, and responded to City Council questions.
September 16, 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:
Michelle Varady - 2nd Street Safety Traffic Study
Matt Fleming - 2nd Street Safety Traffic Study
Scott Anderson - Leadership Manhattan Beach Class of 2026 Hilary Skinner - 2nd Street Safety Traffic Study
Rose Austin - Highrose Development
Sally Peel - 2026 Fifa World Cup and 2028 Olympics
John Austin - Leadership Manhattan Beach
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
Councilmember Charelian thanked Fire Chief Jesse Alexander regarding Consent Calendar Item No. 6, for continuing the tradition of donating a surplus fire engine to El Camino College; and expressed appreciation for maintaining this meaningful partnership.
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin provided comments regarding the recent passing of Charlie Kirk, recognizing him as a political leader; and expressed condolences and appreciation for his contributions.
Mayor Lesser asked about the timing of the traffic study for 2nd Street; and requested an update on when the study is expected to begin or be completed.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
September 16, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final CONSENT CALENDAR (APPROVE)H.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, seconded by Councilmember Howorth, to reconsider the approval of the agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth5 - Nay: 0
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, to approve the Consent Calendar with Agenda Item No. 7 being removed to be heard under Section I - Items Removed From the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth5 - Nay: 0
3. 25-0365
City Council Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the Following City Council Meeting(s):
a) City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting (Project Pulse Study Session) Minutes of August 26, 2025
b) City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes of September 2, 2025
c) City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of September 2, 2025 (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
4. 25-0426
Financial Report:
a) Schedule of Demands: August 2025
b) Investment Portfolio for the Month Ending July 31, 2025 c) Month End Report for July 2025
(No Budget Impact) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
ACCEPT REPORT AND DEMANDS
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
September 16, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
5. 25-0410Consideration of Designation of Mayor Lesser as the Voting Delegate with Mayor Pro Tem Franklin and Councilmember Tarnay as Voting Alternates at the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference (October 8-10, 2025); and Authorizing the Delegate and Alternates to Have Voting Authority on the Proposed Resolution(s) Being Considered at the Conference (Budgeted) (City Clerk Tamura).
A) APPROVE VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATES
B) AUTHORIZE VOTING AUTHORITY
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
6. 25-0384
Consideration of a Resolution Approving the Donation of the Surplus 2000 American LaFrance Fire Engine to El Camino College Fire Academy (No Budget Impact) (Fire Chief Alexander and Finance Director Bretthauer).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0113
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
7. 25-0379
Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Comprehensive Citywide Salary Schedule for all City Positions and Adjustments to Salary Ranges (No Budget Impact) (Human Resources Director Jenkins).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0104
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar and heard under Section I - Items Removed from the Consent Calendar.
8. 25-0431
Consideration of a Resolution Accepting the State of California Office of Traffic Safety Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant in the Amount of $66,000 (Not Budgeted) (Police Chief Johnson).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0114
APPROPRIATE FUNDS
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
9. 25-0407
Consideration of a Resolution and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Title 9 of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Related to Construction Regulations and California Code of Regulations Title 24 (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire).
A) ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 25-0008
B) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0112
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
September 16, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
7. 25-0379Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Comprehensive Citywide Salary Schedule for all City Positions and Adjustments to Salary Ranges (No Budget Impact) (Human Resources Director Jenkins).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0104
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin stated that he wished to clarify the date and timing of discussions related to the Deputy City Manager position.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian and Human Resources Director Lisa Jenkins 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 Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to adopt Resolution No. 25-0104, approving a comprehensive Citywide salary schedule and amendments to the City’s Classification Plan. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Lesser, Tarnay and Howorth
Nay: 2 - Franklin and Charelian
PUBLIC HEARINGSJ.
None.
I. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
September 16, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
10. 25-0378Consideration of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment Program (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire).
(Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Community Development Director Masa Alkire introduced Environmental Programs Administrator Britny Coker-Moen who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Environmental Programs Administrator Coker-Moen, City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian and Building Official Ryan Heise responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Diane Wallace
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
Building Official Heise and Environmental Programs Administrator Coker-Moen responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to direct staff to proceed with community education efforts to increase awareness of the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment Program, including outreach through social media, the City website, newsletters, utility bill inserts, participation in City-hosted and community events, and the development of a dedicated, user-friendly webpage with links to relevant program information. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
At 7:29 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 7:40 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
K. GENERAL BUSINESS
September 16, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
11. 25-0376Consideration of Preparation and Participation Strategies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympics Games (No Budget Impact) (City Manager Mirzakhanian).
(Estimated Time: 1 hr.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian provided a brief introduction and introduced Communications & Civic Engagement Manager Alexandria Latragna who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Communications & Civic Engagement Manager Latragna, City Manager Mirzakhanian, Building Official Ryan Heise, Police Chief Rachel Johnson, Fire Chief Jesse Alexander, Planning Manager Adam Finestone and Recreation Supervisor Jeff Conover responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Kelly Stroman
Lee Phillips
Diane Wallace
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
City Manager Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Lesser, seconded by Councilmember Howorth, to direct staff to bring back the Scope of Services for the Emergency Preparedness Consultant for City Council discussion and approval at a future meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
City Manager Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to direct staff to confirm the current Beach Cities Transit route and identify steps required to expand or modify the existing route. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
September 16, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Councilmember Howorth, to direct staff to explore temporary modifications to the Short-Term Rentals Policy two to three weeks before and two weeks after global events and conduct community outreach, including surveys.
Planning Manager Finestone, City Manager Mirzakhanian and Communications & Civic Engagement Manager Latragna responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser proposed a friendly amendment to the motion to include conducting a survey first.
Councilmember Tarnay accepted the friendly amendment.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Councilmember Howorth, to direct staff to explore temporary modifications to the Short-Term Rentals Policy two to three weeks before and two weeks after global events; coordinate with rental platforms to ensure enforcement meets City needs; conduct community outreach, including surveys via FlashVote and True North; and assess the number of current rentals, potential permit caps on license permits, and eligibility thresholds. A friendly amendment proposed by Mayor Lesser, accepted by the maker of the motion, to conduct the survey first to gauge the community’s input. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay and Howorth
Nay: 1 - Charelian
A motion was made by Councilmember Charelian, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to direct staff to explore opportunities for community engagement through a potential City-sponsored torch run. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
City Manager Mirzakhanian and Communications & Civic Engagement Manager Latragna responded to City Council questions.
The City Council directed the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics Subcommittee to explore art and cultural initiatives and return with specific recommendations.
At 9:58 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 10:03 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
September 16, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS AND REPORTS INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTSL.
12. 25-0444City Council AB 1234 Reports.
RECEIVE AND FILE
None.
13. 25-0441Consideration of a Request by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin and Councilmember Charelian to Discuss the Exploration of an Earlier Closure Time of the Upper Pier Parking Lots to Mitigate Noise, Graffiti, and Related Nuisances (City Manager Mirzakhanian).
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Councilmember Howorth provided that she would be the third vote in order to have the item return on a future agenda.
The City Council directed staff to provide a comprehensive report exploring an earlier closure time of the upper pier parking lots to mitigate noise, graffiti, and related nuisances.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMSM.
Councilmember Howorth requested to agendize a discussion exploring a potential code amendment to allow A-frame signs and benches to promote engagement on private property in the Downtown area. Councilmember Tarnay concurred.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian clarified that the request involves an amendment to the Municipal Code rather than a modification to City policy.
Councilmember Howorth requested that the City pause the issuance of citations while staff continues its analysis and prepares to bring the matter back to the City Council for further discussion.
Following City Council deliberation, the request did not move forward.
City Attorney Quinn Barrow and City Manager Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser requested to agendize a discussion on refreshing landscaping at the Downtown Manhattan Beach Post Office, including the possibility of a pollinator habitat project. Mayor Pro Tem Franklin concurred.
September 16, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final CITY MANAGER REPORTN.
The City Manager report was presented during Community Annoucements.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian announced the appointment of the City’s new Community Development Director and introduced Masa Alkire.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTO.
None.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMSP.
14. 25-0404Agenda Forecast (City Clerk Tamura).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
15. 25-0436Commission Minutes:
This Item Contains the Parking and Public Improvements Commission Meeting (Cancelled) Minutes of August 28, 2025 (Community Development Alkire).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
CLOSED SESSIONQ.
None.