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, February 3, 2026
6:00 PM
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers and Zoom
City Council Regular Meeting
February 3, 2026City 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.
Amaya Grings of Manhattan Beach Middle School 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 -
February 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
1. 26-0072Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to Manhattan Beach’s Certified Green Businesses.
(Estimated Time: 5 Mins.)
PRESENT
Mayor Lesser introduced Environmental Programs Administrator Britny Coker-Moen who provided a brief presentation and recognized Lisa Ryder Moore for administering the Green Business Program and leading the City's compost workshops.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Lesser presented Certificates of Recognition to the following Manhattan Beach Businesses for attaining certification as a Green Business as part of the California Green Business Network:
Bar Au Chocolat
Denton & Denton Group
LMarie’Sea Treasures
Manhattan Beach City Hall
Manhattan Beach Nursery School
Organique Natural Organic Skincare
Salon Flourish
Sloopy’s Inc.
SPATHÉNÉÉ Wellness Center - Manhattan Beach
Stretch Lyfe
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF ORDINANCESE.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, 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 - Nay: 0
D. CEREMONIAL CALENDAR
February 3, 2026City 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 reminded the community of one of the services they offer to commercial businesses, restaurants, multifamily residences, and families of the on-site training for proper diversion of the three waste streams.
Police Chief Rachel Johnson invited the community to attend the Police and Fire Departments’ Town Hall Meeting at the Joslyn Community Center on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Library Manager Cassandra Sargent announced that spots are still available for “Gardening for Kids” with The Plant Plug, scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
City Engineer Gil Gamboa invited the community to attend the Pacific Sewer Lift Station Conversion to Gravity Line Project meeting at the City Council Chambers on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
Manhattan Beach United Representative Janet Allen announced, in collaboration with the Mira Costa High School Black Scholars Union, Pacific Islanders Club, Latino Scholars Union, St. Michael’s Club, Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Club, Jewish Cultural Club, Mira Costa Jazz Band, and Mira Costa Choir, will host a multicultural celebration at the Joslyn Community Center on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
Tonya Monaghan acknowledged the successful walk on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with South Bay Takes a Stand, expressed appreciation for the strong community support during the weekend protest which drew approximately 7,000 participants, and thanked the City residents who attended.
Mayor Lesser invited the community to attend Coffee with the Mayor at Metlox Plaza on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Councilmember Charelian announced that today is his son Knox’s 7th birthday and expressed pride in his kindness, strength, and confidence.
February 3, 2026City 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:
Brooke Wilen - A-Frame signs and benches
Kristin Coia - A-Frame signs and benches
Linda McLoughlin Figel - A-Frame signs and benches
Steve Packwood - High Rises
Ray Joseph - A-Frame signs for realtors
Suzanne Lerner (Zoom) - A-Frame signs and benches
Patrick Whitfield (Zoom) - A-Frame signs and benches
Helena Burke (Zoom) - Infrastructure Projects
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
February 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final CONSENT CALENDAR (APPROVE)H.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth5 - Nay: 0
2. 26-0073
City Council Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the Following City Council Meeting(s):
a) City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes of January 13, 2026 b) City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes of January 20, 2026 c) City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 20, 2026 d) City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes of January 27, 2026 (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
3. 26-0074
Declaration of Proclamations for the Following:
a) February 22 - February 28, 2026, as National Engineers Week b) February 2026, as Black History Month
(No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
PROCLAIM
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
4. 26-0088
Consideration of the Approval of City Council Assignments (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
5. 26-0036
Consideration of Awarding Bid No. 1344-26 to Villa Ford for the Purchase of Five Budgeted Ford Rangers for the Public Works Department and Police Department in the Amount of $206,882 (Budgeted) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
February 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
6. 26-0009Consideration of a Resolution Approving Change Order No. 1 to the Construction Agreement with Carbon Activated Corporation for Additional Work in the Amount of $98,854.56 Regarding the Interim Parking Lot 3 Project for a Total Contract Amount of $1,259,609.56; Reappropriating $65,000 in the Parking Lot 3 Redevelopment Demolition Project to the Interim Parking Lot 3 Project Within the Parking Fund; and Accepting as Complete Work Performed by Carbon Activated Corporation and American Wrecking, Inc. Regarding the Parking Lot 3 Project (Unbudgeted) (Interim Public Works Director DeFrancesco).
A) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0009
B) APPROVE REAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
C) ACCEPT
D) AUTHORIZE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDARI.
None.
February 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
7. 26-0046Conduct a Public Hearing for Consideration of: (1) Ordinance No. 26-0002, an Ordinance Adopting a Development Impact Fee Program, Amending The Manhattan Beach Municipal Code, and Making Findings of Exemption Pursuant to CEQA; and (2) Resolution No. 26-0010, Approving a Development Impact Fee Nexus Study, Adopting a Capital Improvement Plan as part of the Nexus Study, Establishing the Fee Amounts for the City’s Development Impact Fees, and Making Findings of Exemption Pursuant to CEQA (Not Budgeted) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
(Estimated Time: 2 Hrs.)
A) CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING
B)
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 26-0002
C) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0010
Finance Director Libby Bretthauer provided the PowerPoint presentation on Development Impact Fees (DIF) and then introduced Harris & Associates Project Manager Adam Martson, who continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Impact Fee Overview.
Harris & Associates Project Manager Martson and Fire Chief Jesse Alexander responded to City Council questions.
Harris & Associates Project Manager Martson continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Transportation Fee Future Trip Generation and responded to City Council questions.
Harris & Associates Project Manager Martson continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Water Fee Buildout EDUs and Finance Director Bretthauer continued the PowerPoint presentation on Anticipated Revenue and Funding Needed.
Harris & Associates Project Manager Martson, Finance Director Bretthauer and City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian 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 Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, to introduce Ordinance No. 26-0002, adopting a Development Impact Fee Program, amending the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code, and making findings of exemption pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
J. PUBLIC HEARINGS
February 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final City Attorney Quinn Barrow read the title for Ordinance No. 26-0002:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH ADOPTING A
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE PROGRAM, AMENDING THE
MANHATTAN BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE, AND MAKING FINDINGS OF
EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO CEQA
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
A motion was made by Councilmember Charelian, seconded by Mayor Lesser, to adopt Resolution No. 26-0010, approving a Development Impact Fee Nexus Study, adopting a Capital Improvement Plan as part of the Nexus Study, establishing the fee amounts for the City’s Development Impact Fees, and making findings of exemption pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
At 7:31 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 7:48 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
February 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
8. 26-0015Discussion Regarding Potential Code Amendments to Allow the Use of Outdoor Portable Signs and Benches in the Public Right-of-Way to Promote Business Engagement in the Downtown Area (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Alkire).
(Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Community Development Director Masa Alkire provided a brief presentation and introduced Associate Planner Johnathon Masi who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Associate Planner Masi, City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian, Planning Manager Adam Finestone, Community Development Director Alkire and Traffic Engineer Erik Zandvliet responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Kelly Stroman
Jill Lamkin
Sherry Yard
Steve Packwood
Jim Burton (Zoom)
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 Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, to direct staff to collaborate with businesses and business associations to propose updates to the Municipal Code regarding signage. The updates should include parameters for size, height, width, depth, ADA clearance, and insurance requirements, and apply to both the Downtown and North End business districts. City Council also directed staff to stay enforcement for portable signage violations during this process, except for issues impacting safety or ADA access in the public right-of-way. Additionally, staff should consider guidelines for other items in public right-of-way that do not impede access, such as dog bowls and plants. A friendly amendment accepted by the maker of the motion to allow signage on both private and public properties. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
K. GENERAL BUSINESS
February 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final City Manager Mirzakhanian and Community Development Director Alkire responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Charelian, to direct staff to return with proposed amendments to the Municipal Code regarding benches in the public right-of-way, including parameters for size, potential design elements, ADA clearance, and insurance requirements.
The updates should apply to both the Downtown and North End business districts. City Council also directed staff to stay enforcement of bench-related violations for businesses that currently have or previously had a bench during this process, except for issues impacting safety or ADA access in the public right-of-way. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
The City Council directed staff to continue enforcing the prohibition on racks/merchandise while the City develops additional ordinances for future code amendments.
At 9:17 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 9:29 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
February 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final 26-00689. Consideration of a Resolution Waiving Formal Bidding and Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Sole-Source Two-Year Agreement with Flock Group, Inc. for Drone as First Responder Program (DFR) in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $300,000 (Budgeted) (Police Chief Johnson).
(Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
A) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0011
B) WAIVE FORMAL BIDDING
Police Chief Rachel Johnson introduced Police Lieutenant Justin Hildago, who provided the PowerPoint presentation on Drone as First Responder, and then introduced Police Officer Arai White, who continued with the presentation on Why DFR Matters.
Police Officer White then introduced Police Lieutenant Hildago who continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Funding.
Police Officer White, Police Chief Johnson and Police Lieutenant Hildago 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 Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, seconded by Mayor Lesser, to adopt Resolution No. 26-0011, waiving formal bidding and authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement between the City of Manhattan Beach and Flock Group Inc. for Drone as First Responder Program; and waive formal bidding pursuant to Municipal Code Section 2.36.140 (Waivers). The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth5 - Nay: 0
February 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
10. 26-0022Consideration of a Resolution Adopting the 2026 Legislative Platform (No Budget Impact) (City Manager Mirzakhanian).
(Estimated Time: 15 mins)
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0008
Senior Management Analyst Patricia Matson provided a brief presentation.
Senior Management Analyst Matson and City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian 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 Tarnay, seconded by Councilmember Howorth, to adopt Resolution No. 26-0008, adopting the 2026 Legislative Platform, including all proposed edits, except Topic Priority 5a under Environmental Policies and Sustainability, which will retain the original language. A friendly amendment accepted by the maker of the motion to approve an edit to Topic Specific 7a under Emergency Preparedness to replace "promotes" with "strengthens" in the following statement: “Support strategies, legislation, and funding that strengthens emergency preparedness, resiliency, and recovery efforts.” The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4 - Lesser, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth
Nay: 1 - Franklin
February 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS AND REPORTS INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTSL.
11. 26-0076City Council AB 1234 Reports.
RECEIVE AND FILE
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin reported that he attended the United States Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., where he gained ideas for the upcoming 250th Anniversary of America celebration, explored traffic engineering strategies, and attended several sessions.
Councilmember Tarnay reported that she and Councilmember Howorth attended the MEGA event, hosted by the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce and other sponsors, along with local agencies. The event provided valuable information on preparing for major upcoming events such as the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and the Super Bowl, and offered a great opportunity to connect and collaborate with others on strategies for the City’s readiness.
12. 26-0077Consideration of a Request by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin and Councilmember Howorth to Discuss the City’s Plans to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary (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.
Mayor Lesser requested additional clarification to better understand the scope of the request.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian and Police Chief Rachel Johnson responded to City Council questions.
The City Council directed staff to return with options on the CIty's plans to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, and suggested the following:
incorporating the celebration into “Concerts in the Park” with the Salute to the Troops event; including a City lapel pin with a temporary commemorative design; organizing a flyover; coordinating a poster contest with a service organization; installing American flags on light pole banners; painting the 250th logo on the water tower; and return to a future City Council meeting with associated costs and logistics.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMSM.
None.