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 - Draft
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
6:00 PM
Regular Meeting
Police/Fire Conference Room and Zoom
City Council Regular Meeting
November 4, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
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.
Penny Pingelton of Meadows Elementary School led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. ROLL CALL
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.
1. 25-0521Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring November 13, 2025, as World Kindness Day.
(Estimated Time: 5 Mins.)
PRESENT
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Lesser presented a Proclamation declaring November 13, 2025, as World Kindness Day.
November 4, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
2. 25-0522Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to the 2025 Fire Department Annual “Home Escape Plan” Contest Winners.
(Estimated Time: 10 Mins.)
PRESENT
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Lesser, Fire Chief Jesse Alexander, Fire Marshal Kevin Shin, Fire Inspector Miguel Gutierrez and Senior Fire Inspector Suzy Contreras, presented Certificates of Recognition to the following winners of the 2025 Fire Department Annual “Home Escape Plan” Contest:
Maverick Svalberg-Little - American Martyrs Catholic School Gavin White - Grand View Elementary School
Cordelia Cortez - Meadows Elementary School
Jeremy Chong - Pacific Elementary School
Smith Overend - Pennekamp Elementary School
Cora Wilcox - Robinson Elementary School
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF ORDINANCESE.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to approve the agenda, register a “No” vote under Agenda Item No. 5 for Councilmember Charelian, and waive full reading of ordinances. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth5 - Nay: 0
November 4, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
CITY COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS (1 MINUTE PER PERSON)
F.
Councilmember Howorth extended her thanks to all attendees for their understanding and patience with the meeting location at the Police/Fire Conference Room.
Police Chief Rachel Johnson invited the community to attend the Tip-A-Cop Fundraiser at Tin Roof Bistro on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Proceeds from the event will benefit local Special Olympics.
Waste Management Recycling Education Representative Bobby Bell announced that, although next week is the observance of Veterans Day, there will be no interruption to services. Waste collection will proceed as scheduled on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Library Manager Cassandra Sargent announced that Kindness Week will begin at the library on Monday, November 10, 2025. She also recognized Native American Heritage Month and invited the community to attend a hands-on workshop on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Communications and Civic Engagement Manager Alexandria Latragna invited the community to attend the City’s Veterans Day Ceremony, to be held at Valley Drive and Ardmore Avenue on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM.
Councilmember Tarnay announced that, due to the current shutdown of the federal SNAP program, the South Bay Food Initiative is hosting a food drive.
Community members are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items, which can be dropped off at Mira Costa High School, Redondo Union High School, and Palos Verdes High School. Donation bins will be located in the school lobbies during regular school hours.
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin invited the community to attend the upcoming 6th Annual VetFest, which will be held at Kinecta Federal Credit Union on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The annual VetFest is to honor veterans, first responders, and active military.
Mayor Lesser, on behalf of the Mira Costa Drama Group, announced their fall play titled “A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes,” to be performed at the Mira Costa High School Small Theatre beginning Friday, November 7, 2025. He also invited the community to attend the inaugural “Coffee with the Mayor” event at Metlox Plaza on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
November 4, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft PUBLIC COMMENTS (3 MINUTES PER PERSON)G.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Stefan Kampe - Consent Calendar Item Nos. 5, 7 and 8
Laura Dotson - Begg Pool
Ray Joseph - Tree Ordinance
Matt Ramoundos - Yeastie Boys Food Truck
Victoria Peters - Parking Pads
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
Mayor Lesser requested that the City Manager provide an update and confirm whether the Parking Pad matter is scheduled for a future City Council meeting.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian confirmed that the item will be scheduled for discussion at a future City Council meeting.
Community Development Director Masa Alkire added that the Parking Pad item is scheduled to return to the Parking and Public Improvements Commission in December, and will subsequently be presented to the City Council in late January or early February.
Additional public comments were requested via Zoom through last-minute raised hands.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Bebegol Lari - Yeastie Boys Food Truck
Laura Forinash - Begg Pool
Melanie - Yeastie Boys Food Truck
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
November 4, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft CONSENT CALENDAR (APPROVE)H.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, to approve the Consent Calendar and register a “No” Vote under Agenda Item No. 5 for Councilmember Charelian. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
3. 25-0497City Council Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the Following City Council Meeting(s):
a) City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2025 b) City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2025 (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
4. 25-0498
Declaration of Proclamations for the Following:
a) November 16, 2025, as International Day for Tolerance b) November 29, 2025, as National Small Business Saturday c) November 4 - November 11, 2025, as Veterans Appreciation Week d) November 9 - November 15, 2025, as National Nurse Practitioner Week
e) November 2025, as Family Court Awareness Month
f) November 2025, as National Family Caregiver Month
g) November 2025, as National Native American Heritage Month h) November 2025, as American Diabetes Month
i) November 2025, as National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
PROCLAIM
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
5. 25-0509
Consideration of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with the Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation to Conduct Independent Investigations of Confidential Matters at a Cost Not-to-Exceed $700,000 (City Manager Mirzakhanian).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0120
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar by Majority Vote with Councilmember Charelian registering a "No" Vote.
November 4, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
6. 25-0520Consideration of a Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance to Amend Section 3.68 of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Related to Mobile Vending Businesses (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire).
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 25-0011
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
7. 25-0460
Consideration of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 2 to the General Services Agreement with Badger Meter, Inc. to Provide and Install SmartCovers for Seven Sewer Manholes and Provide Monitoring Services to Prevent Potential Sewer System Overflows at a Cost Not-to-Exceed $195,000. (Budgeted) (Interim Public Works Director Semaan)
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0121
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
8. 25-0485
Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Approve a Three-Year Enterprise Agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Software Licensing in a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $123,300 (Budgeted) (Information Technology Director Guardado)
A) WAIVE FORMAL BIDDING DUE TO SOLE SOURCE
B) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0122
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDARI.
None.
November 4, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft PUBLIC HEARINGSJ.
9. 25-0084Conduct the 2025 Public Health Goals Public Hearing (PHGs) and Receive a Presentation Identifying the Levels of Public Health Goals of Manhattan Beach Drinking Water in Comparison to the PHGs set by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) (No Budget Impact) (Interim Public Works Director Semaan).
(Estimated Time: 10 Mins. )
A) CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING
B) RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT
Interim Public Works Director Ted Semaan introduced Water Compliance Supervisor Sandy Nimat who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Water Compliance Supervisor Nimat responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Jim Burton
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
Water Compliance Supervisor Nimat responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to Receive and File the Triennial Water System Report on Public Health Goals (PHGs). The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
November 4, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
10. 25-0500Consideration and Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Section
10.52.050(D) of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Related to Accessory Structure Rear Yard Setback Requirements (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Alkire).
(Estimated Time: 30 min.)
A)
CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING
B) INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 25-0012
Community Development Director Masa Alkire introduced Associate Planner Maricela Guillean.
Associate Planner Guillean provided the PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Jennifer Mara
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
Associate Planner Guillean and City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Lesser, seconded by Councilmember Howorth, to introduce Ordinance No. 25-0012, amending Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Section 10.52.050(D) to update the accessory structure rear yard setback requirements in the single-family residential zone.
City Attorney Quinn Barrow read the title for Ordinance No. 25-0012:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH AMENDING
MANHATTAN BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 10.52.050(D) TO
UPDATE THE ACCESSORY STRUCTURE REAR YARD SETBACK
REQUIREMENTS IN THE SINGLE-FAMILY RESDIENTIAL ZONE
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
At 7:19 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 7:32 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
November 4, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
11. 25-0519Conduct Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Fees and Citations Related to Mobile Vending Business Permit and Consider Resolutions Amending the City’s Comprehensive Fee Schedule and Administrative Citation Fine Schedule (No Budget Impact) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
(Estimate Time: 15 Mins.)
A) CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING
B) ADOPT RESOLUTION NOS. 25-0123 AND 25-0124
Finance Director Libby Bretthauer introduced Financial Services Manager Emy-Rose Hanna who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Financial Services Manager Hanna, Traffic Engineer Erik Zandvliet, City Attorney Quinn Barrow, Finance Director Bretthauer and City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Jim Burton
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, to adopt Resolution No. 25-0123, amending the City’s Comprehensive Fee Schedule to include mobile vending business permit fees and an appeal fee for denial or revocation of the permit; and adopt Resolution No. 25-0124, setting forth fines and penalties for administrative citations for violations of Chapter 3.68 (mobile vending business). The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth5 - Nay: 0
November 4, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
12. 25-0435Consideration of Additional Findings Resulting from Further Exploration of the Existing Memorandum of Understanding with The Bay Club Company to Construct and Operate an Aquatic Facility (No Budget Impact) (City Manager Mirzakhanian).
(Estimated Time: 1 Hr.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian introduced Senior Management Analyst Patricia Matson who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Senior Management Analyst Matson, City Manager Mirzakhanian, Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman, The Bay Club Company Executive Vice President Anne Wharton, Acting City Engineer Gilbert Gamboa, Planning Manager Adam Finestone, City Attorney Quinn Barrow and The Bay Club Company Executive Vice President of Development Pete Jones 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.
Parks and Recreation Director Leyman, City Manager Mirzakhanian, Acting City Engineer Gamboa and The Bay Club Company Executive Vice President of Development Jones responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, to direct staff to continue pursuing the potential construction and operation of an aquatic facility by The Bay Club Company and simultaneously pursue an independent assessment to determine the cost for the City to construct one or two-pool options at the same location. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
At 9:27 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 9:32 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
K. GENERAL BUSINESS
November 4, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
13. 25-0529Consideration of a Resolution Approving an Emergency Exemption of Permit Extension and Reinstatement Fees Associated with Underground Utility Assessment Districts 19-12 and 19-14 (No Budget Impact) (Interim Public Works Director Semaan).
(Estimated Time: 15 Mins.)
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0125
Interim Public Works Director Ted Semaan introduced Acting City Engineer Gilbert Gamboa who provided the staff presentation.
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 adopt Resolution No. 25-0125, approving an emergency exemption of permit extension and reinstatement fees associated with Utility Undergrounding Assessment District No. 19-12 and 19-14. 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.
14. 25-0536City Council AB 1234 Reports.
RECEIVE AND FILE
None.
15. 25-0535Consideration of a Request by Councilmember Tarnay and Mayor Lesser to Discuss Working with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments to Explore Public Transportation Coordination with El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach (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 to assess the feasibility of collaborating with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments to explore public transportation coordination with El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach.
November 4, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft FUTURE AGENDA ITEMSM.
Councilmember Howorth requested to agendize a discussion on an enforcement plan for the recently adopted mobile vending ordinances and associated fee structures, which should also cover contact information, departmental responsibilities, and how enforcement is coordinated across City departments. Councilmember Tarnay concurred.
CITY MANAGER REPORTN.
None.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTO.
None.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMSP.
16. 25-0496Agenda Forecast (City Clerk Tamura).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
17. 25-0530Commission Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the following City Commission Meetings:
a) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of August 27, 2025 (Community Development Director Alkire)
b) Parking and Public Improvements Commission Meeting Minutes of September 4, 2025
(Community Development Director Alkire)
c) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2025 (Community Development Director Alkire)
d) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 24, 2025 (Community Development Director Alkire)
e) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2025 (Community Development Director Alkire)
f) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2025 (Community Development Director Alkire).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
November 4, 2025City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft CLOSED SESSIONQ.
None.
ADJOURNMENTR.
At 9:40 PM, Mayor Lesser adjourned the meeting to the November 10, 2025, Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting at 3:00 PM.
_____________________________
Breana Contreras
Recording Secretary
_____________________________
David Lesser
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Liza Tamura
City Clerk