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, March 3, 2026
6:00 PM
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers and Zoom
City Council Regular Meeting
March 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.
Zoe Nichols of Mira Costa High 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 -
CEREMONIAL CALENDARD.
1. 26-0113Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring March 2026, as International Long COVID Awareness Month.
PROCLAIM
Dr. Elham Raker stated that Long COVID is difficult to measure due to under-diagnosis and includes symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive challenges, and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia (POTS). These issues are contributing to student absences and increased accommodation needs. She also mentioned that pediatric long COVID clinics are limited and ongoing attention to the topic is needed.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Lesser presented a Proclamation declaring March 2026 as International Long COVID Awareness Month.
March 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF ORDINANCESE.
Mayor Lesser announced a request to move Agenda Item No. 10 ahead of Agenda Item No. 9 under General Business.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, to pull Agenda Item No. 7 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
CITY COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS (1 MINUTE PER PERSON)
F.
Waste Management Recycling Education Representative Bobby Bell reported that he hosted an informational table at last week’s Farmers Market, where he provided home organic buckets, answered residents’ questions, and distributed 12 home organic pails.
Library Manager Cassandra Sargent invited the community to an author visit and storytelling event for Otto Normal’s Monsterton on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM; and also announced that the library will participate in the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Ready, Set, Grow event on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
City Engineer Gilbert Gamboa invited the community to the groundbreaking ceremony for the 28th Street Storm Drain Infiltration Project, to be held at the northeast corner of Manhattan Avenue and 26th Street on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM; and also announced a community meeting at the Joslyn Community Center on March 19, 2026, from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, where staff will review the construction schedule, discuss anticipated impacts, and answer questions from residents.
Grades of Green Co-founder Lisa Coppedge provided comments regarding the proposed Community Tree Planting Event in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day.
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin thanked the American Martyrs fifth-grade class for creating the handmade cards for the City Council; and announced a battery recall for Rad Power Bikes with model numbers RP-1304 and HL-RP-S1304, noting that the recalled batteries may pose a fire risk while charging.
Mayor Lesser thanked the American Martyrs fifth-grade class for the personalized cards, noting that they were much appreciated; and 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.
March 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:
JT Kaplan - Epilepsy Walk (Run for Ryan)
John Speraw - USA Volleyball
Chevron Refinery Director Bryon Stock - Chevron Refinery Fire Update Jessica Vincent - Chevron Refinery Fire Update (Introduced by Bryon Stock but did not speak)
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 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
2. 26-0136
City Council Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the Following City Council Meeting(s):
a) City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 17, 2026 b) City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes of February 23, 2026 (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
3. 26-0125
Declaration of Proclamations for the Following:
a) March 6, 2026, as National Employee Appreciation Day b) March 8, 2026, as International Women’s Day
c) March 13, 2026, as National K9 Veterans Day
d) March 29, 2026, as National Vietnam War Veterans Day e) March 8 - March 14, as Girl Scout Week
f) March 30 - April 5, 2026, as National Property and Evidence Professionals Appreciation Week
g) March 2026, as National Procurement Month
h) March 2026, as American Red Cross Month
i) March 2026, as National Women’s History Month
PROCLAIM
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
March 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
4. 26-0146Consideration of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Occupational Health Centers of California to Provide Professional Medical Services in the Amount of $126,000 for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $200,000 (Budgeted) (Human Resources Director Jenkins).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0020
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
5. 26-0143
Consideration of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo for $50,500 to Conduct Independent Investigations of Confidential Matters for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $125,000 (Budgeted) (Human Resources Director Jenkins).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0021
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
6. 26-0013
Consideration of Additional Space Options for Older Adult Programming (No Budget Impact) (Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman).
RECEIVE AND FILE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
7. 26-0100
Consideration of an Earth Day Community Tree Planting Event (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire).
APPROVE
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar and heard under Section I - Items Removed from the Consent Calendar.
March 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
7. 26-0100Consideration of an Earth Day Community Tree Planting Event (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire).
APPROVE
Councilmember Charelian provided that he pulled the item to give staff an opportunity to provide additional information or an update on the event’s timing, as the event will occur on Saturday, April 18, 2026, rather than Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Community Development Director Masa Alkire introduced Environmental Programs Administrator Britny Coker-Moen who provided background on the item and 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.
Urban Forester Ernest Area responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Lesser, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to approve the proposed Earth Day Community Tree Planting Event. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth5 - Nay: 0
I. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
March 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final PUBLIC HEARINGSJ.
8. 26-0040Conduct a Public Hearing to Consider the Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Sections of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Chapter
6.01 Business Licensing Regulations; and Provide Direction on the Business License Modernization Plan (No Budget Impact) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
(Estimated Time: 1 Hr.)
A) CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING
B) INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 26-0005
C) DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Finance Director Libby Bretthauer provided background on the item and provided the PowerPoint presentation on Business License Tax Modernization Plan.
Finance Director Bretthauer introduced Financial Services Manager Emy-Rose Hanna who continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Priorities - Phase 1.
Financial Services Manager Hanna and Finance Director Bretthauer responded to City Council questions.
Financial Services Manager Hanna continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Priorities - Phase 2.
Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley Senior Counsel Matt Slentz, Financial Services Manager Hanna and Finance Director Bretthauer responded to City Council questions.
Financial Services Manager Hanna continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Tentative Timeline & Public Outreach.
Finance Director Bretthauer continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Recommendation and responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Jill Lamkin
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments
March 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to introduce Ordinance No. 26-0005, amending Chapter 6.01 of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code, regarding business license regulations.
City Attorney Quinn Barrow read the title for Ordinance No. 26-0005:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH AMENDING
CHAPTER 6.01 OF THE MANHATTAN BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE,
REGARDING BUSINESS LICENSE REGULATIONS
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
Finance Director Bretthauer and City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to direct staff to conduct a tax study, polling, and research related to the Business License Tax Modernization Plan. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay and Howorth
Nay: 1 - Charelian
At 8:08 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 8:20 PM with all City Councilmembers present.Page 7City of Manhattan Beach March 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
10. 26-0086Consideration of an Update Regarding Community Emergency Notifications (No Budget Impact) (City Manager Mirzakhanian). (Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
RECEIVE AND FILE
This Agenda Item was considered out of order.
Communications and Civic Engagement Manager Alexandria Latragna provided background on the item and provided the PowerPoint presentation on Community Emergency Alert & Warning Systems.
Fire Chief Jesse Alexander continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Unified Command.
Alert SouthBay Emergency Manager Soroya Sutherland continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Enhancements: Regional Coordination.
Fire Chief Alexander continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Enhancements: Systems & Playbook.
Emergency Preparedness Administrator Ashley Hopson continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Enhancements: Systems & Playbook.
Fire Chief Alexander, El Segundo Fire Division Chief Evan Siefke, Communications and Civic Engagement Manager Latragna and Alert SouthBay Emergency Manager Sutherland responded to City Council questions.
Fire Chief Alexander continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Enhancements: Genasys Mapping.
Fire Chief Alexander, El Segundo Fire Division Chief Siefke, Alert SouthBay Emergency Manager Sutherland, Emergency Preparedness Administrator Hopson and Communications and Civic Engagement Manager Latragna responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Jeff Wilson
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
This item was received and filed by Order of the Chair.
K. GENERAL BUSINESS
March 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
9. 26-0138Consideration of Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Title 5 of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Related to Plastic Carryout Bag Regulations (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire).
(Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
A)
CONSIDER RECOMMENDED OPTIONS FOR AMENDING
TITLE 5 OF THE MANHATTAN BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATED TO PLASTIC CARRYOUT BAG REGULATIONS
B) INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 26-0004
Community Development Director Masa Alkire introduced Environmental Programs Administrator Britny Coker-Moen who 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 Charelian, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to introduce Ordinance No. 26-0004, amending Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Chapter 5.80 to update plastic carryout bag regulations, prohibiting the distribution of plastic carryout bags at the point of sale at businesses operating within the City, including, but not limited to, retail stores, grocers, and food service establishments.
City Attorney Quinn Barrow read the title for Ordinance No. 26-0004:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH AMENDING
MANHATTAN BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.80 TO UPDATE
PLASTIC CARRYOUT BAG REGULATIONS
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
10. 26-0086Consideration of an Update Regarding Community Emergency Notifications (No Budget Impact) (City Manager Mirzakhanian). (Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
RECEIVE AND FILE
This Agenda Item was considered earlier in the meeting.
March 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
11. 26-0071Consideration of FIFA World Cup Public Engagement Strategy (Not Budgeted) (City Manager Mirzakhanian).
(Estimated Time: 30 Min.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Communications and Civic Engagement Manager Alexandria Latragna provided background on the item and provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Communications and Civic Engagement Manager Latragna, City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian, City Attorney Quinn Barrow and Police Chief Rachel Johnson responded to City Council questions.
At 10:19 PM, a motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Charelian, to extend the meeting time past 11:00 PM. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth5 - Nay: 0
Communications and Civic Engagement Manager Latragna and City Manager Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Kelly Stroman
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
Police Lieutenant Kelly Benjamin and Communications and Civic Engagement Manager Latragna responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Councilmember Howorth, to direct staff to proceed with Tier 4 (up to 120 banners) of the Pole Banner Program to be installed by June 1, 2026; authorized the pole banners to be displayed for longer than 14 days; explore opportunities to expand the light pole locations to include Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue on the west side; and to return with a map showing these potential new locations. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Lesser, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth4 -
Nay: Franklin1 -
CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS AND REPORTS INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTSL.
City Council Requests and Reports, including AB 1234 Reports, occurred after the first Future Agenda Item listed under Section M, Future Agenda Items.
March 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final FUTURE AGENDA ITEMSM.
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin requested to agendize a discussion on establishing an America 250th Subcommittee to plan events on and around July 4, 2026.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
The request will be deferred, as staff will return to the City Council with information regarding the America 250th Anniversary at the next City Council Regular Meeting of March 17, 2026.
CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS AND REPORTS INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTSL.
Councilmember Tarnay reported that she and Mayor Pro Tem Franklin attended the Independent Cities Association Winter Conference in Santa Barbara, where she participated in several information sessions, including those on the Coastal Commission, cybersecurity, and short-term rentals.
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin added that they also received a demonstration of the drone systems recently purchased by the City.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMSM.
Mayor Lesser requested for the Manhattan Beach Community Emergency Response Team (MB CERT) Board to return with potential Fiscal Year 2026-2027 funding needs and to present that information to City Council during the budget discussion. Councilmember Charelian concurred.
CITY MANAGER REPORTN.
None.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTO.
None.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMSP.
12. 26-0115
Agenda Forecast (City Clerk Tamura).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by Order of the Chair.
March 3, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
13. 26-0137Commission Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the following City Commission Meetings:
a) Library Commission Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2025 (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman)
b) Cultural Arts Commission Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2025 (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman)
c) Library Commission Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2025 (Cancelled)
(Parks and Recreation Director Leyman)
d) Cultural Arts Commission Meeting Minutes of December 15, 2025 (Cancelled)
(Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
CLOSED SESSIONQ.
None.
ADJOURNMENTR.
At 10:51 PM, Mayor Lesser adjourned the meeting to the March 17, 2026, Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 PM.
_____________________________
Breana Contreras
Recording Secretary
_____________________________
David Lesser
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Liza Tamura
City Clerk