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, August 4, 2026
6:00 PM
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers and Zoom
City Council Regular Meeting
August 4, 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.
Jack and Olivia DiScala led the Pledge of Allegiance, accompanied by parents Johnny Jett and Natalie DiScala.
ROLL CALLC.
Roll Call led by City Clerk Liza Tamura.
Mayor Franklin, Mayor Pro Tem Tarnay, Councilmember Charelian, Councilmember Howorth and Councilmember Lesser
Present: 5 -
CEREMONIAL CALENDARD.
1. 26-0469Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to Gold Award Recipients Miranda Fernandez and Isabella Jacobson
PRESENT
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Franklin presented Certificates of Recognition to Gold Award Recipients Miranda Fernandez and Isabella Jacobson.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF ORDINANCESE.
A motion was made by Councilmember Howorth, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tarnay, to approve the agenda and waive full reading of ordinances. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian, Howorth and Lesser5 - Nay: 0
August 4, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
CITY COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS (1 MINUTE PER PERSON)
F.
Police Chief Rachel Johnson invited the community to attend Coffee with a Cop this Saturday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Café Lux on Manhattan Avenue.
Library Manager Cassandra Sargent invited the community to the Summer Discovery Program wrap-up party beginning August 5, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. She noted strong participation and reminded everyone that prize redemption continues through Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Founder and Director of the Single Mom Project Janet Jones announced that the organization provides $1,000 grants to low-income mothers and recently distributed $70,000, bringing its six-year total to $200,000. She announced that Single Mom Project Day will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with local businesses and residents encouraged to participate and support the program.
Waste Management Recycling Education Representative Bobby Bell provided an update on the recent Free Paper Shredding event that assisted over 117 Manhattan Beach residents in securely shredding and recycling their documents.
Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association Executive Director Kelly Stroman announced the annual Summer Sidewalk Sale happening Friday, August 7, 2026, through Sunday, August 9, 2026, and highlighted four new downtown businesses: Beyond Yoga, Velvet by Graham & Spencer, Great White Restaurant, and the relocated Gum tree.
Mayor Franklin invited the community to attend Coffee with the Mayor at Coffee Bean on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM, and at Verve Coffee on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 9:00 AM.
Councilmember Howorth reported that she, Mayor Pro Tem Tarnay, City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian, City Treasurer Tim Lilligren, and Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman attended the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Medal of Valor Awards last week and highlighted recent heroic rescues performed by county lifeguards during dangerous surf conditions.
She encouraged the community to thank the lifeguards for their service.
Councilmember Lesser expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and announced that he will not seek reelection in November.
He shared that, following the conclusion of his term, he plans to focus on family matters and other personal interests. He noted that his decision extends the City Council candidate filing period to August 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM, and encouraged interested, qualified residents to contact the City Clerk for further information.
August 4, 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:
Scott Yanafsky - Budget Deficit and Staffing/Resource Reductions Don Ziss - Manhattan Village Farmer’s Market
Scott Sorensen - Parking Pads
Dr. Diane Ola - Parking Pads
Kathy Cappelletti - Parking Pads
Ray Joseph - Parking Pads
Rick Smith - Parking Pads
Kimberlee Kelly - Parking Pads
Linette Prescott-Mary - Parking Pads
Ian - Parking Pads
Katherine Yankel - Parking Pads
Mike Zislis - Sand Section parking
Jay Chaykowski - SB 9 and SB 1123
Councilmember Charelian - Manhattan Beach Charlie Saikley 6-Man James G. Murray (Zoom) - Parking Pads
Jerry Leekey (Zoom) - Parking Pads
Alita Rethmeyer (Zoom) - Election for the people
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Franklin closed the floor to public comments.
CONSENT CALENDAR (APPROVE)H.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Tarnay, seconded by Councilmember Charelian, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Franklin, Tarnay, Charelian, Howorth and Lesser5 - Nay: 0
2. 26-0466
City Council Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the City Council Regular Meeting of July 21, 2026 (No Budget Impact) (City Clerk Tamura).
APPROVE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
August 4, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
3. 26-0470Declaration of Proclamations for the Following:
a) August 4, 2026, as National Night Out
b) August 2-8, 2026, as National Farmers Market Week
c) August 21, 2026, as National Senior Citizens Day
PROCLAIM
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
4. 26-0390
Consideration of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 10 to the Landscaping Services Agreement with Merchants Landscape Services Inc., for Landscaping Services at a Cost Not-to-Exceed $986,797 (Budgeted) (Public Works Director Awwad).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0081
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
5. 26-0425
Consideration of a Resolution Awarding a Construction Agreement to UBD, Inc. in the amount of $322,893 for the Marine Avenue Park Pay N Play Racquetball Building Demolition Project, Including Contingency, Approving an Additional Appropriation of $12,500 from the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Fund, Making a Determination Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) that this Activity is Categorically Exempt, and Approving Plans and Specifications (Partially Budgeted) (Public Works Director Awwad).
A)
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0085
B) APPROPRIATE FUNDS
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
6. 26-0389Consideration of a Resolution to Accept a Temporary Construction Easement Deed for the Property at 1119 North Sepulveda Boulevard for the Manhattan Beach and Sepulveda Boulevard Intersection Improvement Project (Budgeted) (Public Works Director Awwad).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0082
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
7. 26-0463
Consideration of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 4 to the Professional Services Agreement with DKS Associates, Inc. for $73,415 for Additional Engineering Support Services for the Manhattan Beach Advanced Traffic Signal System Project (Budgeted) (Public Works Director Awwad).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0083
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
August 4, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
8. 26-0457Consideration of a Resolution Ratifying a Construction Agreement with Applied Restoration, Inc. In the Amount of $103,826.82, Approving Plans and Specifications, and Accepting the Work as Complete for the Emergency Shoring at the Lot 3 Parking Structure Project (Budgeted) (Public Works Director Awwad).
A) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0084
B) ACCEPT AS COMPLETE
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
9. 26-0478
Consideration of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to Temporary Information Technology Professional Services Agreement with TEKsystems Government Services in the Amount of $200,000 for an Updated Total of $274,650 (Budgeted) (Information Technology Director Guardado).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0086
The recommendation for this item was approved on the Consent Calendar.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDARI.
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGSJ.
None.
August 4, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
10. 26-0477Consideration of: a) Resolution No. 26-0087 Placing a Ballot Measure on the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election to be Conducted by the Los Angeles County Registrar - Recorder/County Clerk that Would Update/Simplify the Business License Tax; b) Resolution No. 26-0088 Providing for the Filing of Rebuttal Arguments for the City Measure; and c)
Selection of a Ballot Letter Designation for the City's Ballot Measure to Update/Simplify the Business License Tax (Revenue Budget Impact) (Finance Director Bretthauer).
(Estimated Time: 1 Hr.)
A) CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 26-0087
B) CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 26-0088
C) SELECT BALLOT LETTER DESIGNATION
Finance Director Libby Bretthauer introduced the item and provided the PowerPoint presentation on Consideration of Resolutions.
Finance Director Bretthauer and Financial Services Manager Emy-Rose Hanna responded to City Council questions.
Finance Director Bretthauer continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Proposed Ballot Measure Language.
Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley Attorney Michael Colantuono and Finance Director Bretthauer responded to City Council questions.
Finance Director Bretthauer continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Special Considerations Included in the Ordinance.
Finance Director Bretthauer and Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley Attorney Colantuono responded to City Council questions.
Finance Director Bretthauer continued with the PowerPoint presentation on Council Policies to be Considered in the Future.
Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley Attorney Colantuono responded to City Council questions.
At 7:55 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 8:07 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
Finance Director Bretthauer and Team CivX Consultant Charles Heath responded to City Council questions.
Mayor Franklin opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Mike Zislis
Brad Sperber
K. GENERAL BUSINESS
August 4, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final David Kissinger
Joseph Ramos
Jim Burton
Jim Van Zanten
Tamara Suminski
Richard Montgomery
Ray Joseph
Gary Richardson
Robert Schuman
Maureen McBride
John Altamura
Peter Kim
Tim James (Zoom)
Tony D’Errico (Zoom)
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Franklin closed the floor to public comments.
Finance Director Bretthauer and Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley Attorney Colantuono responded to City Council questions.
The City Council took no further action regarding the agenda item.
City Clerk Liza Tamura stated for the record that, to comply with the elections code and meet County election deadlines, a notice calling for a potential ballot measure was scheduled for publication in the August 6, 2026, edition of the Beach Reporter. She noted that the notice cannot be withdrawn due to publication deadlines, but it is now null and void based on the City Council’s decision not to pursue the measure.
City Attorney Quinn Barrow confirmed.
At 9:18 PM, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 9:29 PM with all City Councilmembers present.
August 4, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final
11. 26-0416Consideration and Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapters 9.72 and 14.40 of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Related to the Definition and Regulation of Public Parking Pads (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire)
(Estimated Time: 1.5 Hrs.)
A) DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
B) INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 26-0010
Mayor Pro Tem Tarnay announced that she would recuse herself from the item due to having a parking pad in front of her home and, out of an abundance of caution, would not participate in the discussion. City Attorney Quinn Barrow concurred.
At 9:30 PM, Mayor Pro Tem Tarnay left the dais.
Community Development Director Masa Alkire introduced Traffic Engineer Erik Zandvliet who provided the PowerPoint presentation.
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet, City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian and City Attorney Barrow responded to City Council questions.
At 10:18 PM, a motion was made by Councilmember Lesser, seconded by Councilmember Charelian, to extend the meeting time past 11:00 PM. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Franklin, Charelian, Howorth and Lesser4 -
Nay: 0
Recused: Tarnay1 -
August 4, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final Mayor Franklin opened the floor to public comments. The following individual(s) spoke:
Adam Hedman
Carl Goldsmith
Unknown Speaker
Peter Kim
James Murray (Zoom)
Eran (Zoom)
Seeing no further requests to speak, Mayor Franklin closed the floor to public comments.
City Manager Mirzakhanian, Traffic Engineer Zandvliet and City Attorney Barrow responded to City Council questions.
The City Council directed staff to return with the item for consideration at a future City Council meeting.
At 10:49 PM, Mayor Pro Tem Tarnay returned to the dais.
CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS AND REPORTS INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTSL.
12. 26-0467
City Council AB 1234 Reports.
RECEIVE AND FILE
None.
13. 26-0472Consideration of a Request by Councilmember Howorth and Councilmember Charelian to Discuss the City’s Communications and Community Engagement Strategies (City Manager Mirzakhanian).
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Councilmember Lesser provided that he would be the third vote in order to have the item return on a future agenda.
The City Council directed staff to provide a comprehensive report detailing the City’s communications and community engagement strategies.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMSM.
Councilmember Lesser requested to agendize a discussion to explore a potential code amendment permitting farmers markets within the Community Commercial zone. Councilmember Howorth concurred.
August 4, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final CITY MANAGER REPORTN.
None.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTO.
None.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMSP.
14. 26-0468Agenda Forecast (City Clerk Tamura).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
15. 26-0458Commission Minutes:
This Item Contains Minutes of the following City Commission Meetings:
a) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of March 11, 2026 (Community Development Director Alkire)
b) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2026 (Community Development Director Alkire)
c) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 22, 2026 (Community Development Director Alkire)
d) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 13, 2026
(Community Development Director Alkire)
e) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 27, 2026
(Community Development Director Alkire)
f) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of June 10, 2026 (Community Development Director Alkire)
g) Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of June 24, 2026 (Community Development Director Alkire).
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY
This item was received and filed by order of the Chair.
CLOSED SESSIONQ.
None.
August 4, 2026City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final ADJOURNMENTR.
At 10:51 PM, Mayor Franklin adjourned the meeting to the August 18, 2026, Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 PM. _____________________________
Breana Contreras
Recording Secretary
_____________________________
Joe Franklin
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Liza Tamura
City Clerk