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, May 5, 2026
6:00 PM
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers and Zoom
City Council Regular Meeting
May 5, 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
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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.
Chase Buxton of Grand View Elementary 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. 26-0259Presentation of a Certificate of Recognition to the Sandpipers on the Occasion of their 95th Anniversary.
PRESENT
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Lesser presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Sandpipers in honor of their 95th Anniversary and for their enduring commitment to strengthening the community through volunteer service, charitable giving, and community partnerships.
2. 26-0262
Presentation of a Proclamation to the Beach Cities Health District Declaring May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
PRESENT
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Lesser presented a Proclamation to the Beach Cities Health District declaring May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF ORDINANCESE.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, to pull Agenda Item No. 6 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
May 5, 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 provided updates of activities conducted during Earth Month, including participation in community and school outreach events related to environmental awareness and sustainability education. Activities included participation in a tree planting event, “Touch a Truck” events at local schools and City facilities, educational presentations regarding recycling and organics, and attendance at community events in coordination with City staff, volunteers, and community partners.
Downtown Manhattan Beach Executive Director Kelly Stroman announced the opening of Coucou, a French bistro-style restaurant located at 1131 Manhattan Avenue, and noted that the restaurant would also be open for lunch on Mother’s Day. She also announced the return of the “Build a Bouquet” Mother’s Day event in Downtown Manhattan Beach from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, during which participating businesses would distribute flowers and designated locations would provide bouquet wrapping materials for attendees.
Library Manager Cassandra Sargent announced that, in response to feedback from local teens, meeting rooms would be made available during the AP testing period as a study and gathering space from May 4, 2026, through May 14, 2026. The space would be available during afternoon hours and would include snacks, study space, and areas for students to collaborate and take breaks; and responded to City Council questions.
Planning Manager Adam Finestone provided an update on the Project Pulse work effort related to the redevelopment of Parking Lot 3 and 400 Manhattan Beach Boulevard and noted that the year-long community visioning and outreach process, which began in August 2025, is currently past the halfway point. He also announced upcoming community workshops scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Joslyn Community Center, and stated that the workshops would include activities related to both properties and assist in developing conceptual project designs.
Director of the Parents Softball Classic Dave Fratello announced the annual Parents Playing Against Parents softball tournament, a community fundraising event supporting the Mira Costa Girls Softball through MBX. The tournament involves parent teams from local schools and is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, 2026, and noted that most teams are formed, with additional participants still able to register. He also stated that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the tournament, which was founded in 2006 by Ross Kay and has been directed by the current organizer for the past 10 years. An afternoon ceremony is scheduled at approximately 3:00 PM prior to playoff games, and the event is open to the public.
May 5, 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:
Mike Jenkins - Charter Cities & State Housing laws
Joanne Hunter - Scout House
Troy Wollwage - Scout House
Paul Wafer - Proposed Operating Budget (Item No. 9)
Russ Lesser - Scout House & Zoning
Louie Tomaro - Scout House
Julie Justus McGinity - Scout House
Erika Nutty - Scout House
Cyrus Saadat - Scout House
Leslie Moody - Scout House
Susan Boettner - Scout House
Liz Hallinan - Scout House
Dr. Thom Cotton - Zoning
Ken Thompson - Scout House
City Treasurer Tim Lilligren - Scout House
Wayne Powell - MB CERT & Scout House
Dave Salzman - Scout House
Bonnie Schwartz - Scout House
Hugo Furth - Scout House
Fred Taylor - Proposed Operating Budget (Item No. 9)
Christopher Richardson - MB CERT
Steve DeBaets - Scout House
Heather Kim - Housing Element plan
Jim Burton (Zoom) - Proposed Operating Budget (Item No. 9) Michael Tauber (Zoom) - Scout House
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
At 7:30 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 7:37 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
CONSENT CALENDAR (APPROVE)H.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Charelian, to approve the Consent Calendar with Agenda Item No. 6 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
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
3. 26-0260City Council Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the Following City Council Meeting(s):
a) City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2026 b) City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes of April 21, 2026 c) City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 21, 2026 (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
4. 26-0261
Declaration of Proclamations for the Following:
a) Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May 2026)
b) International Building Safety Month (May 2026)
c) Jewish American Heritage Month (May 2026)
d) Older Americans Month (May 2026)
e) International Firefighter’s Day (May 4, 2026)
f) Professional Municipal Clerks Week (May 3-9, 2026)
g) National Public Service Recognition Week (May 3-9, 2026) h) National Correctional Officers’ Week (May 3-9, 2026) i) National Police Week (May 10-16, 2026)
j) National Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15, 2026)
k) National Public Works Week (May 17-23, 2026)
(No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura)
PROCLAIM
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
5. 26-0238
Consideration of an Update on Coyote Activity and Management Efforts (No Budget Impact) (Chief of Police Johnson).
RECEIVE AND FILE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
6. 26-0277
Consideration of First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Relating to Bicycles to: (1) Supplement Safety and Operational Requirements for Electric and Motorized Bicycles; and (2) Institute a Juvenile Diversion Program for Juvenile Violators of the Ordinance (No Budget Impact) (Police Chief Johnson).
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 26-0007
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar and heard under Section I - Items Removed from the Consent Calendar.
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
7. 26-0266Consideration of a Resolution to Increase the Contingency Amount on the Construction Agreement with Asplundh Construction, LLC by $46,137 for Work Within the Right-of-Way and Private Utility Conversion Work in Underground Utility Assessment Districts (UUAD) 19-12 and 19-14 for a total not to exceed $177,762 (No Budget Impact) (Interim Public Works Director DeFrancesco).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0033
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDARI.
6. 26-0277
Consideration of First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Relating to Bicycles to: (1) Supplement Safety and Operational Requirements for Electric and Motorized Bicycles; and (2) Institute a Juvenile Diversion Program for Juvenile Violators of the Ordinance (No Budget Impact) (Police Chief Johnson).
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 26-0007
Mayor Lesser stated that he pulled the item to provide staff with an opportunity to further clarify what constitutes riding in a dangerous manner.
Police Chief Rachel Johnson 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 Lesser, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, to introduce Ordinance No. 26-0007, amending Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Chapter 3.01 relating to electric and motorized bicycles and making an environmental determination pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
City Attorney Quinn Barrow read the title for Ordinance No. 26-0007:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH AMENDING
MANHATTAN BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 3.01 RELATING TO
ELECTRIC AND MOTORIZED BICYCLES AND MAKING AN
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final PUBLIC HEARINGSJ.
None.
GENERAL BUSINESSK.
8. 26-0258Consideration of Sepulveda Boulevard Traffic Safety Study and Potential Safety Measures (Unbudgeted) (Community Department Director Alkire). (Estimated Time: 1 hr.)
APPROVE AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Community Development Director Masa Alkire introduced Traffic Engineer Erik Zandvliet who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet, Police Chief Rachel Johnson and City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Steve Packwood
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
Community Development Director Alkire and Traffic Engineer Zandvliet responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Mayor Lesser, to accept the Sepulveda Boulevard Traffic Safety Study report; direct staff to proceed with all policy, enforcement, education, and engineering safety measures; to return with prioritized projects based on available funding; and to incorporate the South Bay Local Travel Network into the safety measures; to pursue state and subregional funds related to these safety measures. A friendly amendment made by Mayor Lesser, was accepted by the maker of the motion to continue advocacy for legislation to designate Sepulveda Boulevard as a State Priority Safety Corridor and the City as a designated jurisdiction for deployment of speed enforcement cameras. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Lesser, Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian and Howorth Nay: 0
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
9. 26-0104Presentation of the Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Operating Budget and Consideration of CERT Funding Request (Not Budgeted) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
(Estimated Time: 1 hr.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Finance Director Libby Bretthauer provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Finance Director Bretthauer and City Attorney Quinn Barrow responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Steve Packwood
Richard Montgomery
Heather Kim
Michael Tauber
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
At 10:18 PM, a motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Franklin, 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 responded to City Council questions.
The City Council Directed staff to evaluate and return with cost-containment options, including further review of expenditures for contract services, staffing, and materials and services; to identify potential revenue enhancements, including the feasibility of a bond measure and increases in parking meter rates and parking citations with a review of updated comparative survey data in surrounding cities; and to identify an additional $1 million in potential cost reductions, including associated service level impacts.
At 10:37 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 10:50 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
10. 26-0273Presentation of the Proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 through Fiscal Year 2030-2031 (Interim Public Works Director DeFrancesco).
(Estimated Time: 1 hr.)
A)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
B) APPROVE
Interim Public Works Director Joseph DeFrancesco provided background on the item and introduced City Engineer Gilbert Gamboa who began the PowerPoint presentation on the Proposed Five-Year Capital Improvements Program Fiscal Years 2027-2031.
City Engineer Gamboa introduced Finance Director Libby Bretthauer who continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Senior and Scout House - Funding.
City Engineer Gamboa continued with the PowerPoint presentation on the CIP Fund Funding Sources.
Finance Director Bretthauer and City Engineer Gamboa responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Lesser confirmed that there were no public comments.
The City Council directed staff to provide additional detail and analysis related to project costs and funding opportunities, including a more detailed breakout of soft costs and environmental cost projections; to evaluate whether bid data would provide a more accurate gauge of anticipated project costs and return with that information at the upcoming study session; to provide prioritization metrics and urgency assessments for potential deferred projects; to explore potential funding opportunities for pier renovations, including recently proposed federal legislation related to coastal pier improvements; to evaluate potential revenue- generating opportunities at the Scout House facility; to identify potential prior-year appropriations or other low-impact funding opportunities within Public Works projects that may be available for reallocation; and to evaluate potential refinancing or restructuring options related to existing debt obligations, including the Police/Fire Facility debt service, and return with associated fiscal impacts and opportunities for City Council consideration.
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
11. 26-0280Consideration of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to an Employment Agreement (City Attorney Quinn Barrow and Human Resources Director Jenkins).
(Estimated Time: 15 min.)
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0035
City Attorney Quinn Barrow provided background on the item.
Mayor Lesser opened the floor to public comments.
Seeing no requests to speak, Mayor Lesser closed the floor to public comments.
City Attorney Barrow responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay to adopt Resolution No. 26-0035.
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin inquired if Councilmember Tarnay would consider eliminating the assistance of a third-party facilitator for future evaluations.
Councilmember Tarnay considered the request but did not accept it.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tarnay, seconded by Councilmember Howorth, to adopt Resolution No. 26-0035, amending the City Manager’s employment agreement to provide: (1) a two-year term; (2) a 7.5% percent base salary increase effective May 16, 2026; (3) a 2.5% increase in deferred compensation effective May 16, 2026; and (4) a 4% cost of living adjustment effective May 1, 2027. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Lesser, Tarnay and Howorth
Nay: Franklin1 -
Abstain: Charelian1 -
May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
12. 26-0264Consideration of a Request by Mayor Lesser and Councilmember Howorth to Discuss the Fines Associated with Violations of the City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance on Private Property: Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Section 10.52.120, Subsections L & M; and Chapter
7.32 (City Manager Mirzakhanian).
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Mayor Pro Tem Franklin provided that he would be the third vote in order to have the item return on a future agenda.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian stated that the item would require staff to return with amendments to the Municipal Code.
Councilmember Howorth requested that the item be continued to a future meeting.
City Attorney Quinn Barrow responded to City Council questions.
The item was continued to be considered at a future City Council meeting, per City Council consensus.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMSM.
Councilmember Tarnay requested to agendize a discussion to explore options for the creation of a Housing Task Force to assist the City in addressing its housing needs. Councilmember Charelian concurred.
CITY MANAGER REPORTN.
None.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTO.
None.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMSP.
13. 26-0265
Agenda Forecast (City Clerk Tamura).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
L. CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS AND REPORTS INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS May 5, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
14. 26-0272Commission Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the following City Commission Meetings:
a) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of December 10, 2025 (Community Development Director Alkire)
b) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2026 (Community Development Director Alkire)
c) Library Commission Meeting Minutes of March 9, 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 12:13 AM, Mayor Lesser adjourned the meeting to the May 8, 2026, Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting at 4:30 PM.
_____________________________
Breana Contreras
Recording Secretary
_____________________________
David Lesser
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Liza Tamura
City Clerk