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, October 7, 2025
6:00 PM
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers and Zoom
City Council Regular Meeting
October 7, 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.
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 -
CEREMONIAL CALENDARD.
None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF ORDINANCESE.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, seconded by Councilmember Howorth, to pull Agenda Item Nos. 3 and 5 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: Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth5 - Nay: 0
October 7, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
CITY COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS (1 MINUTE PER PERSON)
F.
Recreation Supervisor David Ibarra invited the community to attend the 35th Annual Manhattan Beach Pumpkin Race at the Manhattan Beach Pier on October 19, 2025, beginning at 12:00 PM, with races starting at 2:00 PM; and the 37th Annual Family Halloween Carnival at Manhattan Heights Park on October 25, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Library Manager Cassandra Sargent invited the community to attend a Vietnamese Street Food cooking demonstration on October 18, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM; and the Manhattan Beach Speaker Series featuring Nic Stone on October 25, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. She also thanked Mayor Pro Tem Franklin for attending the “Why Dolphins Surf?” program held last month.
Congressman Ted Lieu’s Office Representative Mia Thiagarajan provided an update on the government shutdown; noted that their office remains open during regular business hours to assist with constituent casework; and encouraged the public to reach out for support as needed.
Environmental Programs Administrator Britny Coker-Moen announced that the City of Manhattan Beach has been recertified as a Blue City by the Blue City Network, a program of the non-profit organization Project O; mentioned that the City was the first certified Blue City in 2020; and stated that the program recognizes cities and counties for their leadership in sustainability and dedication to protecting the marine environment and waterways.
Waste Management Recycling Education Representative Bobby Bell thanked the Public Works Department and staff involved with the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair for organizing a successful event with strong community turnout; announced the final Composting Class at the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden at Polliwog Park on October 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM; and the final Free Paper Shredding event at Mira Costa High School on October 18, 2025.
Fire Engineer/Paramedic James Stratton invited the community to the 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Fire Association Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station 1 on October 12, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; and noted that the second-grade winners of the Home Escape Plan Program will be announced at the Pancake Breakfast. He shared that the program is an important school district initiative where students learn and demonstrate fire safety skills to help keep their families safe.
Mayor Lesser provided brief remarks to Manhattan Beach residents regarding the Chevron Refinery Fire in El Segundo that occurred the previous week, acknowledging the fear and uncertainty experienced by the community; reassuring residents that Manhattan Beach public safety teams responded within two minutes of the incident; and expressing gratitude to the
October 7, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final first responders, including Manhattan Beach firefighters who provided mutual aid. He noted that the cause of the fire remains under investigation and emphasized the City’s commitment to working with Chevron and the City of El Segundo to improve regional emergency communication; and affirmed the City’s dedication to transparency, safety, and environmental responsibility.
Fire Chief Jesse Alexander addressed community concerns regarding the recent Chevron Refinery Fire in El Segundo, acknowledging the fear experienced by residents and reaffirming that public safety remains the City’s top priority; commended the swift and professional response of Manhattan Beach Fire Department, which was en route within two minutes and actively engaged in suppression efforts while maintaining citywide coverage; highlighted the coordinated efforts of the Manhattan Beach Police Department in securing the area and preparing for potential evacuations; noted initial challenges in receiving real-time updates from incident command due to the complexity of the event, but emphasized that the City issued a public notification within 26 minutes of the initial call; and stated that the City is working with regional partners to review the incident and improve emergency communication protocols. He encouraged residents to sign up for Alert SouthBay to receive timely emergency notifications.
October 7, 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:
Kathleen Terry - Manhattan Beach Pollinator Habitat Project Laleh Ramezani - Manhattan Beach Pollinator Habitat Project Dave Harris - Manhattan Beach Pollinator Habitat Project John Mistler - Chevron Refinery Fire
Jessica Vincent - Chevron Refinery Fire (Introduced by John Mistler but did not speak)
Mike Garcia - Manhattan Beach Pollinator Habitat Project Jacqueline Sanders - Manhattan Beach Unified School District Lights Project Bryon Stock - Chevron Refinery Fire
Soraya Sutherland - Alert SouthBay
Jim Montgomery - Manhattan Beach Pollinator Habitat Project Patrick McBride - Manhattan Beach Scout House
James Gil - Memorial for the Fallen
Linda McLoughlin Figel - Municipal Code for A-frame signs Brent Estabrook - 400 Manhattan Beach Blvd. building
Bryon Stock - Chevron Refinery Fire
Melissa Rigazio - Light Pollution
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
Councilmember Howorth reminded the community that the City Council is unable to discuss or respond to items that are not listed on the agenda for the meeting.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian clarified that the Downtown Manhattan Beach Post Office Pollinator Habitat Project item is on the agenda for a third vote; and responded to City Council questions.
Councilmember Charelian provided remarks on the 53rd Annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair held over the past weekend and congratulated the community on a successful event; commented on the recent Chevron Refinery Fire, expressing gratitude to Public Safety first responders for their swift action and continued commitment to public safety, while acknowledging the need for improved communications surrounding such incidents.
Councilmember Tarnay provided remarks regarding the Chevron Refinery Fire and thanked Chevron representatives for attending the meeting and providing an update; and commended the swift response of first responders, including the Manhattan Beach Fire Department, El Segundo Fire Department, and Chevron Refinery Fire Department, for arriving on scene within minutes of the incident.
October 7, 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 Nos. 3 and 5 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
1. 25-0473
City Council Minutes:
This Item Contains The City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2025 (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
2. 25-0474
Declaration of Proclamations for the Following:
a) October 1, 2025, as National Coffee with a Cop Day
b)
October 1, 2025, as National Energy Efficiency Day
c) October 6, 2025, as National Bullying Prevention Awareness Day d) October 13, 2025, as National Indigenous Peoples’ Day e) October 15, 2025, as National Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day
f) October 28, 2025, as National First Responders Day
g) October 5-11, 2025, as National Fire Prevention Week h) October 19-25, 2025, as United Against Hate Week
i) October 2025, as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month j) October 2025, as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month k) October 2025, as National Community Planning Month
l) October 2025, as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month m) October 2025, as National Disability Employment Awareness Month
PROCLAIM
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
3. 25-0284
Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Compensation Plan for Full-Time Unrepresented Employees (Budgeted for Fiscal Year 2025-26) (Human Resources Director Jenkins).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0086
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar and heard under Section I - Items Removed from the Consent Calendar.
October 7, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
4. 25-0251Consideration of the Cultural Arts Commission Recommendations for Utility Box Beautification Project Artwork Proposals and Locations and Allocation of $37,474 from the Public Arts Fund (Not Budgeted) (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
A) APPROVE
B)
ALLOCATE FUNDS
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
5. 25-0464Consideration of a Resolution Formally Authorizing the Submittal of an Application for the Clean Power Alliance Innovation Fund Round 2 Grant for up to $250,000 for Energy and Resilience Upgrades at the Public Works Facility (Not Budgeted) (Community Development Director Alkire).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0115
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar and heard under Section I - Items Removed from the Consent Calendar.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDARI.
3. 25-0284
Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Compensation Plan for Full-Time Unrepresented Employees (Budgeted for Fiscal Year 2025-26) (Human Resources Director Jenkins).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0086
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin stated that he pulled the item to provide a comment on the resolution approving a compensation plan for unrepresented employees, and formally register a “No” vote specifically on the proposed salary range for the Deputy City Manager position.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments.
Seeing no requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
Prior to the vote, Councilmember Charelian stated that he supports the compensation plan for unrepresented employees but expressed concern regarding the proposed salary range for the Deputy City Manager position.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, to adopt Resolution No. 25-0086, a resolution of the Manhattan Beach City Council approving a compensation plan for full-time unrepresented employees of the City of Manhattan Beach.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay and Howorth
Nay: 1 - Charelian
October 7, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
5. 25-0464Consideration of a Resolution Formally Authorizing the Submittal of an Application for the Clean Power Alliance Innovation Fund Round 2 Grant for up to $250,000 for Energy and Resilience Upgrades at the Public Works Facility (Not Budgeted) (Community Development Director Alkire).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0115
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin stated that he pulled the item to seek clarification regarding a statement in the Clean Power Alliance's Innovation Fund Overview Report, specifically on Page 14, which reads: “Project sites/program recipients must be enrolled in CPA service, and stay with CPA for the duration of the program to be eligible for program benefits.” Environmental Programs Administrator Britny Coker-Moen responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Are - Chevron Refinery Fire (General Public Comment Out of Order) Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Mayor Lesser, to adopt Resolution No. 25-0115, a resolution of the Manhattan Beach City Council authorizing the submittal of an application for Grant Funds from the Clean Power Alliance for Innovation Fund Round 2 funding for energy and resilience upgrades at the Public Works Facility. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4 - Lesser, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth
Nay: 1 - Franklin
PUBLIC HEARINGSJ.
None.
October 7, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
6. 25-0423Consideration of an Update to the 28th Street Stormwater Infiltration CIP Project (No Budget Impact) (Interim Public Works Director Semaan). (Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
RECEIVE AND FILE
Interim Public Works Director Ted Semaan introduced Senior Civil Engineer Eduardo Pech who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Senior Civil Engineer Pech, Interim Public Works Director Semaan, City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian, Finance Director Libby Bretthauer, and Traffic Engineer Erik Zandvliet responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Bob Graham
Jim Upchurch
Jerry Johnson
Thornton Stone
Barbara Johnson
Christine Chapman
Christy Miller
Ashley Anderson
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
Acting City Engineer Gilbert Gamboa, CWE Special Projects Manager Katie Harrel, City Attorney Quinn Barrow, Interim Public Works Director Semaan, Traffic Engineer Zandvliet and Geosyntec Consultants Senior Principal Water Resources Engineer Chris Wessell responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, regarding the 28th Street Stormwater Infiltration CIP Project, to ensure that the significant concerns are thoroughly addressed and that the project proceeds with the highest level of fiscal responsibility, operational confidence, and timeliness; and to place the project on hold until the financing is fully finalized, a comprehensive parking and traffic study is completed, and additional outreach is conducted with the residents in the affected
area.
City Attorney Barrow clarified that the City Council could not entertain the motion, as the item was for Receive and File only; and responded to City Council questions.
K. GENERAL BUSINESS
October 7, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final The City Council Received and Filed the update on the 28th Street Stormwater Infiltration Project (CIP Project No. SW21402).
At 8:53 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 9:08 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
7. 25-0198Consideration of Memorial for the Fallen Public Artwork Commission from the Public Arts Fund (Unbudgeted) (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
(Estimated Time: 15 Min.)
A) DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
B) IF APPROVED, ALLOCATE FUNDS FROM PUBLIC ARTS
FUND
Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman introduced Senior Recreation Supervisor Eric Brinkman who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Senior Recreation Supervisor Brinkman responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Suzanne Karger
Gary McAulay
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
Prior to the vote, City Council confirmed with Senior Recreation Supervisor Brinkman that the site selection will be considered at a future City Council meeting.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to direct staff to proceed with the Memorial for the Fallen public art project at the Manhattan Beach Civic Center Plaza; authorize the issuance of a Request For Qualifications (RFQ) to commission the artwork; and appropriate $150,000 from the Public Arts Fund to support the project. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
October 7, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
8. 25-0128Approve Demolition of the Existing Pay N Play Building and Installation of Natural Turf at Marine Avenue Park (Budgeted) (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
(Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
APPROVE
Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman provided the PowerPoint presentation and 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 Charelian, to approve the demolition of the existing Pay N Play building and the installation of natural turf at Marine Avenue Park, as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission; directed staff to return following the demolition with potential fencing options for consideration and options for site use. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS AND REPORTS INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTSL.
9. 25-0475City Council AB 1234 Reports.
RECEIVE AND FILE
Mayor Pro Tem Lesser reported that he and City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian met with Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi to discuss housing options. Assemblymember Muratsuchi offered the support of his staff to assist in exploring housing legislation and strategies for pursuing legislative solutions to address the City’s housing challenges.
October 7, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
10. 25-0466Consideration of a Request by Councilmember Howorth and Councilmember Tarnay to Discuss a Potential Code Amendment to Allow A-Frame Signs and Benches in the Public Right-of-Way to Promote Business Engagement in the Downtown Area (City Manager Mirzakhanian).
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Councilmember Charelian provided that he 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 a potential code amendment to allow A-frame signs and benches in the public right-of-way to promote business engagement in the Downtown Area.
11. 25-0467
Consideration of a Request by Mayor Lesser and Mayor Pro Tem Franklin to Discuss Refreshing the Landscaping at the Downtown Manhattan Beach Post Office, Including the Possibility of a Pollinator Habitat Project (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 on refreshing landscaping at the Downtown Manhattan Beach Post Office, including the possibility of pollinator habitat project.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMSM.
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin requested to agendize a discussion on the potential for offering building permit discounts to qualified older adults for aging-in-place projects. Councilmember Tarnay concurred.
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin requested to agendize a discussion on the 28th Street Infiltration System Project to address outstanding financial components of the project, complete the parking and traffic studies associated with the site, and conduct additional community outreach to ensure residents are informed and engaged. Councilmember Charelian concurred.
Councilmember Charelian requested to agendize a discussion exploring options for emergency communication methods to better inform and protect residents. Mayor Lesser concurred.
CITY MANAGER REPORTN.
None.
October 7, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final CITY ATTORNEY REPORTO.
None.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMSP.
12. 25-0476Agenda Forecast (City Clerk Tamura).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
13. 25-0477Commission Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the following City Commission Meetings:
a) Library Commission Meeting Minutes of June 9, 2025
(Parks and Recreation Director Leyman)
b) Parking and Public Improvements Commission Meeting Minutes of July 24, 2025
(Community Development Director Alkire).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
CLOSED SESSIONQ.
None.