City of Manhattan Beach
1400 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Joe Franklin
Mayor Pro Tem Nina Trieu Tarnay
Councilmember Steve S. Charelian
Councilmember Amy Thomas Howorth
Councilmember David Lesser
Meeting Minutes - Final
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
6:00 PM
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers and Zoom
City Council Regular Meeting
July 21, 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 Franklin called the meeting to order.
PLEDGE TO THE FLAGB.
Mateo Loo and Max Myronowicz led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALLC.
Roll Call led by City Clerk Liza Tamura.
Mayor Franklin requested that all Veterans in the audience stand up to be recognized for their service.
Mayor Franklin, Mayor Pro Tem Tarnay, Councilmember Charelian, Councilmember Howorth and Councilmember Lesser
Present: 5 -
July 21, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
1. 26-0433Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to the CIF Southern Section Division Champions at Mira Costa High School (Girls Beach Volleyball, Girls Cross Country, Girls Lacrosse, Boys Baseball, Boys Indoor Volleyball, Boys Lacrosse, and Boys Track and Field).
PRESENT
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Franklin presented Certificates of Recognition to the following CIF Southern Section Division Champions at Mira Costa High School:
Girls Beach Volleyball - 2026 CIF Southern Section Division 1 Champions:
Sienna Adzich
Brynn Barry
Ryann Bennett
Cayenne Ceman
Ruby Cochrane
Tristan Del Riego
Isabella Elston
Lily Enfield
Keira Faragalla
Zoey Gealon
Allyn Hilt
Lucy Matuszak
Milly McGee
Sammy Nammack
Olga Nikolaeva
Lerin Rosenthal
Simone Roslon
Ava Saffell
Sofia Sala
Jordan Shelor
Lily Sprague
Liliana Swanson
Harper Terry
Avery Tussing
Lily Vandeweghe
Nancy Mason, Head Coach
Kahlee York, Assistant Coach
Savvy Simo-Cory, Assistant Coach
Tomer Hader, Assistant Coach
Girls Cross Country - 2026 CIF Southern Section Division 1 Champions:
Alana Clarke
Mia Ritter
Evelyn Ursini
Isabella Amy
Kate Perrone
Shane O’Brien
Laney Phelps
D. CEREMONIAL CALENDAR
July 21, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final Renee Williams Smith, Head Coach
Rebecca Kelley, Head Coach
Annie Seawright, Assistant Coach
Girls Lacrosse - 2026 CIF Southern Section Division 1 Champions:
Emma Barrows
Mia Brown
Piper Dalsemer
Westie Davidson
Maggie Doran
Lauren Fan
Lily Jina
Carly Kilroy
Gabi Lachance
Alexa Lemm
Alicia Leon Velarde
Peyton Malone
Ella McCall
Colby Parker
Penelope Pean
Riley Rodrigues
Emily Roman
Ria Sethi
Lily Sinkus
Emmy Terry
Harper Terry
Savannah Willberg
Maddy Buss, Head Coach
Rob Zoppo, Assistant Coach
Laurel Van’t Hof, Assistant Coach
Boys Baseball - 2026 CIF Southern Section Division 3 Champions:
Charlie Carroll
Caden Ceman
Cameron Cobb
Connor Collins
Kekoa Delatori
Nick Feidler
Mason Feldman
Kellan Finn
Cary Geida
Noah Golob
Carter Gomes
Miko Hodzic
Laton Hunter
Garrett Jacobs
Magnus Johnson
Dash Jones
Isaac Lulich
Emmett Maloney
Hank McPhee
July 21, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final Jack O’Connor
Austin Olness
Emiliano Ortiz
Kyler Ott
Dylan Remilard
Aiden Rivera
Carter Rivera
Cooper Schlager
Joaquin Scholer
Brady Sherwood
Ace Tarango
Grayson Thomas
Jake Tittle
Matthew Vallejo
Kenji Zaw
Andy Diver, Head Coach
Derrek Duarte, Assistant Coach
Dylan Hatch, Assistant Coach
Steve Fedor, Assistant Coach
Joey Acosta, Assistant Coach
Brandon Marks, Assistant Coach
Boys Indoor Volleyball - 2026 CIF Southern Section Division 1 Champions:
Enzo Barker
Miles Crotty
Wyatt Davis
Dane Del Riego
Josh Farbman
Dylan Feakins
Mateo Fuerbringer
Colby Graham
Julian Lee
Teddy Mandelbaum
Jake Newman
KC Nieto-Chow
Darian Reneker
Dane Schaefer
Evan Stoddard
Evan Tourigny
Jack Tucker
Justin Warner
Greg Snyder, Head Coach
Mike Cook, Assistant Coach
Canyon Ceman, Assistant Coach
Eric Fonoimoana, Assistant Coach
Ben Coordt, Assistant Coach
Nick Scheftic, Assistant Coach
Boys Lacrosse - 2026 CIF Southern Section Division 2 Champions:
Marc Adams
July 21, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final Cade Brunner
Ronan Carroll
Drew Donnelley
Caden Finnerty
Joe Fujioka
Gavin Gauss
Chinny Hackley
Gordon Jonas
Gavin Kingston
Ethan Klaper
Jacob Klein
Luca Kraines
Ben Leon Velarde
Marty Matich
Peyton McAlpine
Connor McGinley
Brody Miller
Dylan Moran
Brandon Niehaus
Devon Olson
Luke Papera
Grayson Pike
Charlie Rogoff
Braden Sheets
Hudson Tang
Dylan Trout
Gavin Turner
Beckett Van Doornewaard
August Waterson
Miles Zielin
Aaron Karsh, Head Coach
Tajee Mobley, Assistant Coach
Nick De La Espriella, Assistant Coach
Kyle Kennedy, Assistant Coach
Eric Yoon, Assistant Coach
Boys Track and Field - 2026 CIF Southern Section Division 1 Champions:
Ryan Burger
Krish Desai
Carson Ehman
Caden Enright
Ailbe Gorzkowski
Tomek Gorzkowski
Michael Koch
Luke Leonard
Sean Liu
Mateo Loo
AJ McBean
Max Myronowicz
Max Schantz
July 21, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final Collin Tarnay
Moe Russell, Head Coach
Kelvin Gamble, Assistant Coach
Hunter Johnson, Assistant Coach
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF ORDINANCESE.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian asked the City Council to consider continuing Agenda Item No. 5 to a future City Council meeting.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Councilmember Charelian, to continue Agenda Item No. 5 to a future City Council meeting and waive full reading of ordinances. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian, Howorth and Lesser5 - Nay: 0
CITY COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS (1 MINUTE PER PERSON)
F.
Library Manager Cassandra Sargent invited the community to attend the Summer Discovery Program event, Musica Para Todos with Nathalia Music, on July 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
Recreation Supervisor Randy Niessen announced the Annual Community Exhibition at the Manhattan Beach Arts Center on July 24, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and the upcoming Concert in the Park with Kenny Metcalf as Elton on July 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Waste Management Recycling Education Representative Bobby Bell invited the community to the Free Paper Shredding Event at Mira Costa High School on August 1, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Senior Recreation Supervisor Archie Sherman invited the community to attend the International Surf Festival beginning on July 26, 2026, including the Charlie Saikley events, and also announced the Manhattan Beach Open taking place from August 14-16, 2026.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian announced that the City has concluded its year-long search for a Public Works Director and introduced Ramzi Awwad, inviting him to offer brief remarks.
Public Works Director Awwad shared that he is pleased to join the City of Manhattan Beach and looks forward to serving the community and working with stakeholders.
Resident Evelyn Schmitt invited the community to attend her Tides & Traditions exhibition at the Palos Verdes Art Center, taking place from July 18, 2026, through August 22, 2026.
July 21, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final PUBLIC COMMENTS (3 MINUTES PER PERSON)G.
Mayor Franklin opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Stefan Kampe - City’s communication, Agenda Item No. 7 and street takeover City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian - Street takeover
Mike Jenkins - Juneteenth event and Housing task force
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Franklin closed the floor to public comments.
Finance Director Libby Bretthauer and Deputy Fire Chief Tony Gomes responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Franklin reopened the floor to public comments for a last minute request.
The following individual(s) spoke:
Diane Wallace
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Franklin closed the floor to public comments.
July 21, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final CONSENT CALENDAR (APPROVE)H.
A motion was made by Councilmember Lesser, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tarnay, to approve the Consent Calendar with Agenda Item No. 5 being continued to a future City Council meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian, Howorth and Lesser5 - Nay: 0
2. 26-0442
City Council Minutes:
This Item Contains the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 7, 2026
(No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
3. 26-0190
Financial Report:
a)
Schedule of Demands: May 2026
b) Investment Portfolio for the Month Ending May 31, 2026 c) Month-End Financial Report for May 2026
(No Budget Impact) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
ACCEPT REPORT AND DEMANDS
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
4. 26-0294
Consideration of a Resolution Awarding a Construction Agreement to Harris Steel Fence Co., Inc. for the Fence Replacement Project at Marine Ave Park Soccer Field for $110,580 Including Contingency, Determination Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) that this Activity is Categorically Exempt, and Approving Plans and Specifications (Budgeted) (Public Works Director Awwad).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0075
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
5. 26-0295
Consideration of a Resolution Awarding a Construction Agreement to Kubus LLC for the Police Department Flooring Replacement Project for $302,477, Including Contingency, Determination Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) that this Activity is Categorically Exempt, and Approving Plans and Specifications (Budgeted) (Public Works Director Awwad).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0076
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar and will be considered at a future City Council meeting.
July 21, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
6. 26-0156Consideration of a Resolution Declaring Intention to Provide for Annual Levy and Collection of Assessments for the North Manhattan Beach Business Improvement District and Setting a Public Hearing for August 18, 2026 (No Budget Impact) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
A) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0077
B) SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING DATE TO CONSIDER
ASSESSMENTS ON AUGUST 18, 2026
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
7. 26-0438
Consideration of a Purchase of One North Star 144-1 Ambulance from Braun NW, Inc. in the Amount of $362,439.27 (Budgeted) (Finance Director Bretthauer and Fire Chief Alexander).
A) WAIVE FORMAL BIDDING DUE TO COOPERATIVE
PURCHASING
B) AUTHORIZE PURCHASE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
8. 26-0319
Consideration of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with the County of Los Angeles to Continue Participation in the Los Angeles Urban County Community Development Block Grant Program (No Budget Impact) (Public Works Director Awwad).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0078
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDARI.
None.
July 21, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
9. 26-0164Consideration of: (1) Resolutions Regarding Renewal of Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Including Authorization to Collect Assessments; (2) Appointment of the District Advisory Board; (3) Agreement with the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association Business; and (4) Disbursement of Assessments Collected Through June 30, 2026 (Budgeted) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
(Estimated Time: 15 Mins.)
A)
CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING
B) ADOPT RESOLUTION NOS. 26-0079 AND 26-0080
C) APPOINT BID ADVISORY BOARD
D) AUTHORIZE THE DISBURSEMENT OF ASSESSMENTS
COLLECTED THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026
Finance Director Libby Bretthauer provided the staff presentation.
Mayor Franklin opened the floor to the public hearing. The following individual(s) spoke:
Michael Zislis
Kelly Stroman
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Franklin closed the floor to the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilmember Charelian, seconded by Councilmember Howorth, to adopt Resolution No. 26-0079, overruling protests and providing for the Annual Levy and Collection of Assessments for the existing Downtown Manhattan Beach Business Improvement District, pursuant to California Streets and Highways Code Section 36500 et. seq. (The Parking & Business Improvement Law of 1989); adopt Resolution No. 26-0080, approving an agreement between the City of Manhattan Beach and the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association; appoint the nominees for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board; and authorize the disbursement of assessments collected through June 30, 2026, for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 licensing year (approximately $124,460). The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian, Howorth and Lesser Nay: 0
J. PUBLIC HEARINGS
July 21, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
10. 26-0347Consideration of Polling Results on a Potential Business License Ballot Measure and Direction to Schedule the Consideration of Resolutions to Present to the Voters the Finalized Ballot Measure Updating the Business License Tax for the August 4, 2026, City Council Meeting (No Immediate Revenue Impact) (Finance Director Bretthauer). (Estimated Time: 1 Hr.)
PROVIDE DIRECTION
Finance Director Libby Bretthauer provided the PowerPoint presentation on Business License Tax Modernization Plan Update who then introduced True North Research President Tim McLarney who provided the PowerPoint presentation on Polling Results.
True North Research President McLarney responded to City Council questions.
Finance Director Bretthauer continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Business License Tax Modernization Plan Update on Model 3 Analysis.
Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley’s Senior Counsel Jon DiCristina, Finance Director Bretthauer and True North President McLarney responded to City Council questions.
At 7:58 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 8:15 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
Finance Director Bretthauer continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Feedback from Business Community Concept of Double Taxation.
Finance Director Bretthauer and Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley’s Senior Counsel DiCristina responded to City Council questions.
Finance Director Bretthauer continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Feedback from Business Community Concept of Double Taxation on Pass Through Revenue.
Finance Director Bretthauer and Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley’s Senior Counsel DiCristina responded to City Council questions.
Finance Director Bretthauer continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Commercial Property Impacts.
Finance Director Bretthauer and Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley’s Senior Counsel DiCristina responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Franklin opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
K. GENERAL BUSINESS
July 21, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final Michael Zislis
Stefan Kampe
Jim Burton
Ray Joseph
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Franklin closed the floor to public comments.
Finance Director Bretthauer, City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian, Team CivX Consultant Charles Heath and Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley’s Senior Counsel DiCristina responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Franklin reopened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Kelly Stroman
Jill Lamkin
Michael Zislis
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Franklin closed the floor to public comments.
Financial Services Manager Emy-Rose Hanna, City Manager Mirzakhanian, and City Attorney Quinn Barrow responded to City Council questions.
At 10:19 PM, a motion was made by Councilmember Lesser, seconded by Councilmember Howorth, to extend the meeting time past 11:00 PM. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian, Howorth and Lesser5 - Nay: 0
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tarnay, to direct staff to proceed with Tax Model 4, establishing a $2.80 rate per thousand for the contractor, professional, property rental, and services categories and a $2.00 rate per thousand for the general/retail category, which includes retail, restaurants and hotels; increasing the maximum tax ("cap") to $100,000; and direct staff to return to City Council following the completion of the next business license cycle for consideration of a potential cap reduction.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian, Howorth and Lesser5 - Nay: 0
July 21, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, to direct staff to enforce the Ordinance related to business license tax as it applies to real estate agents.
Finance Director Bretthauer responded to City Council questions.
Councilmember Howorth withdrew the motion.
Finance Director Bretthauer, Financial Services Manager Hanna, City Attorney Barrow and Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley’s Senior Counsel DiCristina responded to City Council questions.
At 10:54 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 11:01 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
11. 26-0427Consideration of Taking an Official Position on the National Park Service’s Los Angeles Coastal Area Special Resource Study (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire). (Estimated Time: 30 Min.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Community Development Director Masa Alkire introduced Senior Planner Jaehee Yoon who provided the PowerPoint presentation and responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Franklin opened the floor to public comments.
Seeing no requests to speak, Mayor Franklin closed the floor to public comments.
Senior Planner Yoon and City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian responded to City Council questions.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Mayor Franklin, to direct staff to take an official position opposing the National Park Service’s Los Angeles Coastal Area Special Resource Study. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian, Howorth and Lesser5 - Nay: 0
July 21, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
12. 26-0441City Council AB 1234 Reports.
RECEIVE AND FILE
None.
13. 26-0443Consideration of a Request by Councilmember Howorth and Mayor Pro Tem Tarnay to Discuss a Potential Policy Aimed at Strengthening Security on City-Issued Devices by Ensuring that Individuals Only Download City-Approved Artificial Intelligence Applications (City Manager Mirzakhanian).
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Councilmember Howorth and Mayor Pro Tem Tarnay withdrew their request, and no further action was taken.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMSM.
Councilmember Lesser requested to agendize a discussion on updating the Financial Transparency page to enhance public transparency.
Councilmember Howorth concurred.
City Attorney Quinn Barrow responded to City Council questions and provided that the item would be going to the Finance Subcommittee for review.
Councilmember Howorth requested to agendize a discussion regarding the City’s community engagement and communications strategies.
Councilmember Charelian concurred.
City Attorney Barrow responded to City Council questions.
CITY MANAGER REPORTN.
None.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTO.
None.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMSP.
14. 26-0440Agenda 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 July 21, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
15. 26-0444Recent Planning Commission Quasi-Judicial Decision: One-Year Review of a Use Permit Amendment that Allowed the Expansion of an Existing Eating and Drinking Establishment, Including Second-Story Outdoor Dining in Conjunction with the On-Site Sales and Service of Alcohol (Beer, Wine, and Distilled Spirits) and Live Entertainment Located at 309 Manhattan Beach Boulevard (Esperanza) (Community Development Director Alkire).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
CLOSED SESSIONQ.
None.
ADJOURNMENTR.
At 11:14 PM, Mayor Franklin adjourned the meeting to the August 4, 2026, Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 PM.
_____________________________
Breana Contreras
Recording Secretary
_____________________________
Joe Franklin
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Liza Tamura
City Clerk