Tuesday, February 17, 2026
6:00 PM
City of Manhattan Beach
1400 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
City Council Chambers and Zoom
City Council Regular Meeting
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
Regular Meeting
February 17, 2026City 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.
Sarah Blumfield of American Martyrs Catholic 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 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
1. 26-0123Presentation of a Commendation of Recognition to Soroptomist International of South Bay for Their Philanthropic Leadership and Dedication to Education, Empowerment, and Service.
PRESENT
Soroptimist International of South Bay President Karen Masini and Director of Philanthropy Monica Frey highlighted the organization’s mission to support women and girls through education and training and encouraged the community to learn more and support their efforts.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Lesser presented a Commendation of Recognition to Soroptimist International of South Bay for their philanthropic leadership and dedication to education, empowerment, and service, as well as the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day Proclamation.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF ORDINANCESE.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Councilmember Charelian, 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 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
CITY COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS (1 MINUTE PER PERSON)
F.
Waste Management Recycling Education Representative Bobby Bell reported that Manhattan Beach experienced its first truck fire caused by a battery, which was quickly extinguished by the Fire Department; shared that Waste Management hosted a story time at the library featuring books about trash trucks, where children actively participated and had the opportunity to see a trash truck in person; and responded to City Council questions.
Library Manager Cassandra Sargent announced the upcoming “Explore Dance” performance featuring Benita Bike, scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Manhattan Beach resident Mike Jenkins 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.
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, and also encouraged participation in Coffee with a Cop at Dunkin’ Donuts on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Financial Services Manager Emy-Rose Hanna announced that the City’s budget survey is currently open to the public and will close on February 28, 2026. She noted that the survey results will be shared during the proposed budget discussion scheduled for May 2026.
Manhattan Beach Little League Vice President Craig Snyder announced that the Little League Carnival and Parade will return this weekend at American Martyrs School on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and responded to City Council questions.
Councilmember Charelian also announced that the Manhattan Beach Little League Opening Day Parade and Carnival will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. He expressed appreciation to the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments for their efforts in organizing the event.
Councilmember Tarnay recognized and celebrated Lunar New Year, a time of renewal, reflection, and hope. She noted that the Year of the Horse symbolizes energy, determination, resilience, and a strong spirit of independence.
February 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft Mayor Lesser invited the community to attend Coffee with the Mayor at Metlox Plaza on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (3 MINUTES PER PERSON)G.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Jan Holtze - Stormwater study
James Locke (Mira Costa High School Teacher) - Roundhouse Aquarium funding Scott Yanofsky - Sepulveda Boulevard six-story buildings Tim Hageman - Proposed Deputy Police Chief position
Mike Jenkins - Legislative Platform
Amanda Park - Bruce’s Beach art piece
Ray Joseph - Diverse use of energy
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
CONSENT CALENDAR (APPROVE)H.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Charelian, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth5 - Nay: 0
2. 26-0108
City Council Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the Following City Council Meeting(s):
a) City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes of February 3, 2026 b) City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 3, 2026 (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
3. 26-0052
Financial Reports:
a) Schedule of Demands: December 2025
b) Investment Portfolio for the Month Ending December 31, 2025 c) Month End Report for December 2025
(No Budget Impact) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
ACCEPT REPORT AND DEMANDS
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
February 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
4. 26-0122Declaration of Proclamations for the Following:
a) January 11, 2026, as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day b) February 6, 2026, as National Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
PROCLAIM
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
5. 26-0070
Consideration of a Resolution Approving the Fifth Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement for the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (No Budget Impact) (City Manager Mirzakhanian).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0012
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
6. 26-0087
Consideration of a Purchase of One Budgeted North Star 144-1 Ambulance from Braun NW, Inc. in the Amount of $371,105.25 (Budgeted) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
A) WAIVE FORMAL BIDDING DUE TO COOPERATIVE
PURCHASING
B) AUTHORIZE PURCHASE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
7. 26-0054
Consideration of: (1) Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 26-0002, Adopting a Development Impact Fee Program, Amending the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code, and Making Findings of Exemption Pursuant to CEQA; and (2) Resolution No. 26-0018, Amending the Citywide User Fee Schedule to Include a Development Impact Fee Appeal Fee of $1,500 (Not Budgeted) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
A)
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 26-0002
B) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0018
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
8. 26-0084Consideration of a Resolution Establishing Updated Film Permit Fees (No Budget Impact) (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0014
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
9. 26-0092
Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Local Match Contribution of $72,000 from the Unreserved Measure R Fund Balance for the LA County Manhattan Beach Boulevard Traffic Signal Synchronization Project (Unbudgeted) (Community Development Director Alkire).
A) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0015
B) APPROPRIATE FUNDS
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
February 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
10. 26-0033Consideration of a Resolution Awarding an Agreement to CWE in a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $99,996 for the American Martyrs Stormwater Sump Hydrology and Capacity Study (Budgeted) (Interim Public Works Director DeFrancesco).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0016
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
11. 26-0083
Consideration of a Purchase of One Budgeted Ditch Witch - HX40G Vacuum Excavator from The Charles Machine Works, Inc. in the Amount of $87,175.89 (Budgeted) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
A) WAIVE FORMAL BIDDING DUE TO COOPERATIVE
PURCHASING
B) AUTHORIZE PURCHASE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDARI.
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGSJ.
None.
February 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
12. 26-0058South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Housing Trust Discussion (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire).
(Estimated Time: 30 Min.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Community Development Director Masa Alkire introduced Associate Planner Justin Urbanski who provided the PowerPoint presentation on Consideration of Participating in the South Bay Regional Housing Trust.
South Bay Cities Council of Governments Executive Director Jacki Bacharach provided background on the item and then introduced South Bay Cities Council of Governments Senior Program Manager Ronson Chu who provided the PowerPoint presentation on South Bay Housing Trust.
Mobius Planning Founding Principal Grant Henninger continued with the PowerPoint presentation on All Cities Can Benefit.
South Bay Cities Council of Governments Senior Program Manager Chu continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Wall Street In Our Cities, and South Bay Cities Council of Governments Executive Director Bacharach continued the PowerPoint presentation on South Bay Regional Housing Trust Strategic Plan Overview and JPA Summary.
Community Development Director Alkire, South Bay Cities Council of Governments Senior Program Manager Chu, South Bay Cities Council of Governments Executive Director Bacharach, City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian, and Planning Manager Adam Finestone responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Mike Jenkins
Rita Crabtree-Kampe
Ray Joseph
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Councilmember Charelian, to direct staff to proceed with joining the South Bay Regional Housing Trust (SBRHT) Joint Powers Authority (JPA). The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4 - Lesser, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth
Nay: 1 - Franklin
K. GENERAL BUSINESS
February 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft At 7:44 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 7:55 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
13. 26-0110Consideration of a Resolution Awarding a Three-Year Agreement for Parking Pay Stations and Mobile Parking Payment System Services to ParkMobile, LLC in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $2,428,310 (Budgeted) (Interim Public Works Director DeFrancesco).
(Estimated Time: 15 Mins.)
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0017
Interim Public Works Director Joseph DeFrancesco introduced Senior Management Analyst Nicky Petroff who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Dixon Resources Principal & Director of Operations Peter MacDonald, Senior Management Analyst Petroff and Arrive Regional Sales Manager Thomas Burton responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Jill Lamkin
Heather Kim (Zoom)
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
Dixon Resources Principal & Director of Operations MacDonald, Arrive Regional Sales Manager Burton, City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian, Senior Management Analyst Petroff and Finance Director Libby Bretthauer responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, seconded by Councilmember Charelian, to adopt Resolution No. 26-0017, approving an agreement between the City of Manhattan Beach and ParkMobile, LLC for parking pay stations and mobile parking payment system services; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any necessary amendments, including exercising up to two additional one-year extensions if deemed in the City’s best interest.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth5 - Nay: 0
February 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
14. 26-0055Consideration of the Final Bruce’s Beach Artist and Design and Approval of Professional Services Agreement (No Budget Impact) (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
(Estimated Time: 2 Hrs.)
APPROVE
Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman provided a brief background on the item and then introduced Senior Cultural Arts Supervisor Eric Brinkman who provided the PowerPoint presentation on Bruce's Beach Public Artwork.
Susan F. Gray & Company Principal Susan Gray continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Location.
Senior Cultural Arts Supervisor Brinkman continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Conclusion and Recommendation.
Senior Cultural Arts Supervisor Brinkman and Susan F. Gray & Company Principal Gray responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Anthony Lee
Mike Jenkins
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to select April Banks as the artist from the six artists list as proposed by the Art in Public Places Committee and the recommendation by the Cultural Arts Commission; and authorized the City to enter into a professional services agreement with April Banks to advance the Bruce’s Beach public art project through design development, coordination, and implementation. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
At 9:40 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 9:50 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
February 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft
15. 26-0091Fiscal Year 2026 Mid-Year Budget Report Including Funding Appropriations; and Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Development Calendar and Proposed Staffing Change (Partially Budgeted) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
(Estimated Time: 30 Min.)
A)
RECEIVE REPORT
B) APPROPRIATE FUNDS
C) APPROVE STAFFING ADJUSTMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027
D) CONSIDER GENERAL FUND TRANSFER TO INSURANCE
FUND IN FISCAL YEAR 2026
Finance Director Libby Bretthauer provided background on the item and provided the PowerPoint presentation on the Fiscal Year 2026 Mid-Year Budget Report.
At 10:17 PM, a motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to extend the meeting time past 11:00 PM. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
Finance Director Bretthauer continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Transfer Adjustments in Other Funds.
Finance Director Bretthauer, Environmental Programs Administrator Britny Coker-Moen, Roundhouse Aquarium Board Member Robin Curren, Roundhouse Aquarium Chairman of the Board Hillel Cohn and Police Chief Rachel Johnson responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Jim Lamkin
Richard Montgomery
Heather Kim (Zoom)
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
City Manager Mirzakhanian and Finance Director Bretthauer responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Mayor Lesser, to consider General Fund transfer of $1,711,200 to Insurance Reserve Fund in Fiscal Year 2026.
Councilmember Howorth withdrew the motion.
February 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft A motion was made by Councilmember Charelian, seconded by Mayor Lesser, to receive the Mid-Year Budget Report for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Development Calendar; as detailed in Attachment #1 of the Mid- Year Budget Report for Fiscal Year 2026, appropriated $11,139,619 from the General Fund and increased General Fund revenues by $2,023,134; appropriated $1,211,165 from Other Funds and decreased Other Fund revenues by $37,350; approved additional transfer adjustments in Other Funds totaling $696,227 and revenue adjustments totaling $9,339,586; and approved the Roundhouse Aquarium funding request of $80,000 annually for three years. A friendly amendment accepted by the maker of the motion adding a requirement for annual reports from the Roundhouse Aquarium. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
Regarding the Deputy Police Chief position request, the City Council directed staff to research recruitment and retention incentives for the vacant officer positions, including practices in other cities; explore alternatives to creating a Deputy Police Chief position, including other administrative roles; and evaluate how the Deputy position could shift responsibilities to free officers for mandated street duties. Staff will report back during the budget process. Additionally, City Council deferred the $1,711,200 General Fund transfer to the Insurance Reserve Fund until the full actuarial and funding strategies analysis is completed and presented to City Council for consideration.
CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS AND REPORTS INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTSL.
None.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMSM.
None.
CITY MANAGER REPORTN.
None.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTO.
None.
February 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft INFORMATIONAL ITEMSP.
16. 26-0025Agenda Forecast (City Clerk Tamura).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
17. 26-0109Commission Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the following City Commission Meetings:
a) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2024 (Community Development Director Alkire)
b) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of November 13, 2024 (Community Development Director Alkire)
c) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2025 (Community Development Director Alkire)
d) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 23, 2025 (Community Development Director Alkire)
e) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2025
(Community Development Director Alkire)
f) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of June 11, 2025 (Community Development Director Alkire)
g) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of June 25, 2025 (Community Development Director Alkire)
h) Parking and Public Improvements Commission Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2025
(Community Development Director Alkire)
i) Parking and Public Improvements Commission Meeting Minutes of December 4, 2025
(Community Development Director Alkire)
j) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2026 (Community Development Director Alkire)
k) Parking and Public Improvements Commission Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2026
(Community Development Director Alkire)
l) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2026 (Community Development Director Alkire)
m) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2026 (Community Development Director Alkire).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
February 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Draft CLOSED SESSIONQ.
None.
ADJOURNMENTR.
At 11:39 PM, Mayor Lesser adjourned the meeting to the February 23, 2026, Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting at 3:30 PM.
_____________________________
Breana Contreras
Recording Secretary
_____________________________
David Lesser
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Liza Tamura
City Clerk