City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission March 23, 2026
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 23, 2026
4:00 PM
Location: Zoom and City Council Chambers, City Hall
A. CALL TO ORDER
– Chair Windes called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present (7): Commissioners Allen, Aggarwal, Doran, Schreiner, Zimbalist, Vice Chair Komatinsky, Chair Windes
Absent: (0)
Others present: Parks and Recreation Senior Recreation Supervisor Archie Sherman, Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow D. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved and seconded (Komatinsky/Zimbalist) to approve; motion passed 7-0 by voice vote.
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes of February 23, 2026 It was m oved and seconded (Komatinsky/Schreiner) to approve as submitted. M otion passed 7-0 by roll call vote.
F. PUBLIC COMMENTS (3-Minute Limit) – None
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
2. Consideration of Veterans Day Event Enhancements (Zimbalist, Doran, Aggarwal):
Committee chair Zimbalist updated, per staff report. The committee has met with Director Leyman and developed an extensive outline for an enhanced city Veterans’ Day event which Commissioner Zimbalist reviewed in detail. Three main goals were identified: larger event, more community engagement; and for the holiday to be more meaningful to military veterans.
Commissioner Zimbalist, sharing an aerial map of the proposed event area and staff report, covered:
a. Expansion content (participation by Veterans and Military organizations; and Static Military Displays, and
b. Community Engagement Strategy, involving students, active veterans, and publicity as
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission March 23, 2026
well as suggested no cost “wow” enhancements, and strategies for increasing overall attendance.
It was noted that the event area is proposed to include the greenbelt surrounding the existing memorial at the north side of intersection of 15th Street, and only the roadway on Valley adjacent.
The Commission discussed, making the following suggestions, comments:
• If time to plan, can there be a special 5k? or dash for kids? with a dedicated tee shirt. • Invite Hermosa Beach to participate?
• Engage girl as well as boy scouts
• Clarification: yes, will honor those currently serving in military • Why not expand area into the Joslyn Center parking lot? And use the MBAC as a staging area?
• Finding community members to engage with: band and choir directors, new MBUSD Superintendent, expected to be on board in April, Little League (for a golf cart parade) local businesses (through Chamber) may want to donate (perhaps create a task force within committee for business outreach - Commissioner Komatinsky can sound out); make a presentation to the Senior Advisory Committee; install street banners (up to six local street locations only; Sepulveda would require special Caltrans permission); see if Hyperion Outfall Serenaders still play? Contact James Gill who is a vet with wide contact.
• Consider: getting business buy-in and support before taking to council; and whether, because of the 250
th USA anniversary, this inaugural event perhaps should be kept within more prescribed bounds (so not overwhelming) or should proceed with “Go Big or Go Home!” approach?
Commissioner Komatinsky noted she believes it’s a really great idea that the events will take place over days, not only on only November 11th.
Commissioner Aggarwal shared a draft website for the event that he has developed, reflecting the outline of the committee so far, which received a glowing reception by the Commission.
A motion was made and seconded (Komatinsky/Schreiner) that the Parks and Recreation Commission host an enhanced Veterans Day event on November 11, 2026. Motion passed by roll call, 7-0.
3. Parks and Recreation Work Plan 2026/2027
Senior Recreation Supervisor Archie Sherman presented the Commission’s 2026- 2027 Work Plan updates, supplementing the written report.
• Plan projects for 2026 -2027 approved: Pay N Play (demo and replacement); Veterans’ Day Event, FIFA26 events; Olympics event. Approved at 2/24/26 council Work Plan workshop.
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission March 23, 2026
H. STAFF ITEMS
City Council Recap and Parks and Recreation Department Updates . SRS Sherman informed:
City council actions (March 17, 2026):
• MB Volleyball Open: new 3-year agreement approved, with limited alcohol sales. • A mended a section of the Public Arts Trust Fund ordinance, enabling the city to use PATF to fund performing arts.
• 250th USA Anniversary (July 2026): approved flyover, placing flags (new) on 71 light posts mainly downtown area, MB branded copy of The Constitution and building off of the annual Salute to Troops at the Co ncerts in Park, and patriotic lighting on the pier roundhouse, and more. (but no Ferris wheel or parade).
Miscellaneous:
• Missing plaques on pier (13) city is starting to replace 13 stolen on pier - in replacing will adhere stronger with deeper anchoring. It was suggested that the city inventory all city owned plaques.
I. C OMMISSION ITEMS
Older Adults Update: Commissioner Schreiner reported on the March 23rd Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting, including updates from Mayor Lesser regarding: Senior and Scout House Community Center status (in plan check with city), and emergency notification procedures (after nearby Chevron explosion – improvements to be explored).
Commissioner Schreiner also reported on many popular older adult programs provided through Parks and Recreation.
Student Update: Commissioner Aggarwal reported on several items: college acceptances are being received (he is accepted to UCLA and awaiting others), Scholar Quiz 26, a Mira Costa Model UN trip to New York City where both school and individuals including him as a delegate, received distinction s. Also, boys’ volleyball beat Loyola High (exciting comeback win).
School District Update : Commissioner Komatinsky reported: nothing to report, will be a board meeting this week.
J. ADJOURNMENT
At 5:12 pm it was moved and seconded (Aggarwal/Zimbalist) to adjourn to Monday April 27, 2026; motion passed 7-0 by voice vote.