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 17, 2026
6:00 PM
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers and Zoom
City Council Regular Meeting
March 17, 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.
Natalie Berger of Manhattan Academy led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Mira Costa High School Band performed the National Anthem.
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. 26-0182Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring March 26, 2026, as Purple Day (Epilepsy Awareness).
PROCLAIM
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Lesser presented a Proclamation to Ryan James' parents, Chris James and Nancy Hesterberg, declaring March 26, 2026, as Purple Day (Epilepsy Awareness).
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF ORDINANCESE.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, 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
March 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
CITY COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS (1 MINUTE PER PERSON)
F.
Library Manager Cassandra Sargent announced a Bobblehead Painting for Teens program on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Waste Management Recycling Education Representative Bobby Bell announced a new update to plastic recycling: plastic No. 5 and paper to-go cups are now recyclable. He also reminded everyone to ensure containers are free of liquids and responded to City Council questions.
Manhattan Beach resident Carol Patterson invited the community to attend the Manhattan Beach Community Church production of "Fiddler on the Roof", which will open this weekend on Friday, March 20, 2026, and Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 7:30 PM.
Senior Civil Engineer Eduardo Pech announced a community meeting for the 28th Street Storm Drain Infiltration Project, where staff will review the construction schedule, discuss anticipated impacts, and answer residents’ questions. The meeting will be held at the Joslyn Community Center on March 19, 2026, from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Mira Costa High School Band Teacher Joel Carlson invited the community to the "Costa to the Capital" fundraiser festival and send-off concert, taking place at the Mira Costa High School Auditorium on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
Mira Costa High School student Samuel Rodriguez shared that he and his classmates have been working hard in band class, and that the experience has been a valuable educational opportunity. He noted their dedication and explained that they have been practicing as a team for the upcoming fundraiser and their visit to Washington, D.C.
Mayor Lesser invited the community to attend "Coffee with the Mayor" at Metlox Plaza on Friday, April 3, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. He also announced that this is the final City Council meeting with Assistant City Clerk Martha Alvarez, thanked her for her dedication and ten years of service, and wished her well in her next chapter.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian and all members of the City Council also shared remarks in appreciation of Assistant City Clerk Alvarez.
March 17, 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:
Scott Anderson - Iron Rails to Green Trails
Stefan Kampe - Agenda Item Nos. 8, 10 and 12
Annette Mejia - Iron Rails to Green Trails
Fred Taylor - Deputy Police Chief
Ray Joseph - Building impact fees & Carryout bags
James Upchurch (Zoom) - 28th Street Infiltration Project Community Meeting & Zusser Company contractor
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian and Senior Civil Engineer Eduardo Pech responded to City Council questions.
CONSENT CALENDAR (APPROVE)H.
A motion was made by Councilmember Charelian, seconded by Councilmember Tarnay, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth5 - Nay: 0
2. 26-0161
City Council Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the Following City Council Meeting(s):
a) City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2026 b) City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 3, 2026 (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
3. 26-0053
Financial Report:
a) Schedule of Demands: January 2026
b) Investment Portfolio for the Month Ending January 31, 2026 c) Month End Report for January 2026
(No Budget Impact) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
ACCEPT REPORT AND DEMANDS
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
March 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
4. 26-0167Proclamation Declaring March 23-27, 2026, as Government Finance Professionals Week.
PROCLAIM
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
5. 26-0096
Consideration of:
a)
Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 26-0005, Amending Sections of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Chapter 6.01 Licensing Regulations; and
b) Resolution No. 26-0022 Amending the Citywide User Fee Schedule to Include a Business License Appeal Fee of a $500 Deposit, Plus Actual Costs (Not Budgeted) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
A) ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 26-0005
B) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0022
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
6. 26-0152
Consideration of Awarding Bid No. 1346-26 to Villa Ford for the Purchase of a Budgeted Ford F-250 for the Fire Department in the Amount of $75,089.07 (Budgeted) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
7. 26-0159
Consideration of Leadership Manhattan Beach Service Project Proposal -
Iron Rails to Green Trails on Veterans Parkway (No Budget Impact) (Interim Public Works Director DeFrancesco and Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
8. 26-0180
Consideration of Awarding RFP No. 1347-26 and Adopting a Resolution Approving an Agreement with M. Arthur Gensler, Jr. & Associates, Inc. for Architectural and Public Engagement Services for Project Pulse:
Downtown Manhattan Beach Redevelopment Projects for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $160,000 (Budgeted) (Community Development Director Alkire).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0029
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
March 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
9. 26-0135Receive and File the 2025 Sixth Cycle Housing Element Annual Progress Report as Required by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire).
RECEIVE AND FILE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
10. 26-0171
Consideration of Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 26-0004, Amending Title 5 of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Related to Plastic Carryout Bag Regulations (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire).
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 26-0004
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
11. 26-0062
Consideration of a Resolution Making a Determination that the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project 602745-24 Cycle 4 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Curb Ramp Project Qualifies for a Categorical Exemption Pursuant to Section 15301(c) of the State CEQA Guidelines, Approving Plans and Specifications, and Awarding a Construction Contract to Oppenheimer National for $140,996.56, Including Contingency (No Budget Impact) (Interim Public Works Director DeFrancesco).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0023
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
12. 26-0105
Consideration of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Design Services Agreement with Geosyntec Consultants for $743,550 for the Manhattan Beach Dominguez Channel Stormwater Infiltration and TMDL Trash Capture Project for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $1,130,419 and Reappropriating $676,681 in the Storm Drain Fund to the Project (Partially Budgeted) (Interim Public Works Director DeFrancesco).
A) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0024
B) REAPPROPRIATE FUNDS
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDARI.
None.
March 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
13. 26-0093Consideration of:
a)
A Coastal Development Permit and Temporary Use Permits for the 2026-2031 Manhattan Beach Open Volleyball Tournaments; Request from Association of Beach Volleyball Professionals, LLC DBA AVP, Including Finding the Project Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act;
b) A Special Permit for Limited Alcoholic Beverage Use in the VIP Bleacher Seating Area and Concierge Deck Adjacent to Stadium Court; and
c) An Agreement with Association of Beach Volleyball Professionals, LLC DBA AVP to Operate the Manhattan Beach Open for 2026-2028 (Budgeted) (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
(Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
A) CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING
B) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0026 APPROVING THE
COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND TEMPORARY USE
PERMITS
C) APPROVE A SPECIAL PERMIT FOR LIMITED ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGE USE
D) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0027 APPROVING AN
AGREEMENT
Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman provided background on the item and introduced Senior Recreation Supervisor Archie Sherman who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Senior Recreation Supervisor Sherman, Association of Beach Volleyball Chief Operating Officer Robert Corvino, Parks and Recreation Director Leyman and City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
USA Volleyball President & CEO John Speraw
Jay Saikley
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
City Manager Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
Councilmember Tarnay inquired if Mayor Pro Tem Franklin would consider limiting the agreement to one year for now and continuing the discussion about potential changes and collaboration opportunities.
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin considered the request but did not accept it.
J. PUBLIC HEARINGS
March 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, seconded by Councilmember Charelian, to adopt Resolution No. 26-0026, approving a Coastal Development Permit and Temporary Use Permits for the 2026 through 2031 Manhattan Beach Open on property located on the beach on the south side of the Manhattan Beach Pier, and adjacent parking lots, and adopting a determination of exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act; approve a special permit for limited alcoholic beverage use in the VIP bleacher seating area and concierge deck adjacent to stadium court; and adopt Resolution No. 26-0027, approving a three year agreement between the City of Manhattan Beach and Association of Beach Volleyball Professionals, LLC (DBA AVP), for operation of the Manhattan Beach Open for 2026-2028 services. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
At 7:33 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 7:45 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
14. 26-0200Consideration and Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Section
10.90.060 of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code to Specify that Public Art Funds May Be Used for Performance Arts and Other Forms of Art (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Alkire).
(Estimated Time: 15 Mins.)
A) CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING
B) INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 26-0006
Community Development Director Masa Alkire introduced Senior Planner Ted Faturos who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Senior Cultural Arts Recreation Supervisor Eric Brinkman and City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Stefan Kampe
Marie Colmey
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
City Manager Mirzakhanian and Senior Cultural Arts Recreation Supervisor Brinkman responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Councilmember Howorth, to introduce Ordinance No. 26-0006, amending Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Section 10.90.060 to specify that Public Art Funds may be used for the performance of arts and other forms of art, and making a determination under the California Environmental Quality Act.
March 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final Assistant City Attorney Candice Lee read the title for Ordinance No. 26-0006:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH AMENDING
MANHATTAN BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 10.90.060 TO
SPECIFY THAT PUBLIC ART FUNDS MAY BE USED FOR THE
PERFORMANCE OF ARTS AND OTHER FORMS OF ART, AND MAKING
A DETERMINATION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth
Nay: 2 - Lesser and Franklin
GENERAL BUSINESSK.
15. 26-0188Discussion of Building Permit Discounts to Qualified Older Adults for Aging in Place Projects (Potential Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire).
(Estimated Time: 15 Mins.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Community Development Director Masa Alkire introduced Building Official Ryan Heise who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Building Official Heise and City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Stefan Kampe
Ray Joseph (Zoom)
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
The City Council directed staff to work with the Senior Advisory Committee to explore ways to better inform older adults about available resources for building permits related to Aging in Place projects, and to identify any additional information or assistance they may need, including developing a consolidated overview of existing programs.
March 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
16. 26-0126Consideration of the City’s Plans to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary (Not Budgeted) (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman). (Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Parks and Recreation Director Leyman and City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Stefan Kampe
Marie Colmey
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 direct staff to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with additional commemorative elements, including the already scheduled Salute to the Troops and Concerts in the Park on July 5, 2026; the Tiger Squadron flyover; participation by historical and patriotic organizations (Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution); printing up to 1,000 mini copies of the United States Constitution for Concerts in the Park; distributing a commemorative City lapel pin; installing American flag light pole banners at existing flag locations and at the Polliwog Park Amphitheater; lighting the Manhattan Beach Roundhouse Aquarium; and development of apparel for sale in the City store. City Council also directed staff to report back
on the feasibility of holding an America 250th poster contest, pending the availability of staff resources. 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.
None.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMSM.
None.
CITY MANAGER REPORTN.
None.
March 17, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final CITY ATTORNEY REPORTO.
None.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMSP.
17. 26-0162Agenda Forecast (City Clerk Tamura).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
18. 26-0163Commission Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the following City Commission Meetings:
a) Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes of December 22, 2025
(Parks and Recreation Director Leyman)
b) Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes of January 26, 2026
(Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
CLOSED SESSIONQ.
None.
ADJOURNMENTR.
At 9:20 PM, Mayor Lesser adjourned the meeting to the April 7, 2026, Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 PM.
_____________________________
Breana Contreras
Recording Secretary
_____________________________
David Lesser
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Liza Tamura
City Clerk