MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Minutes
Redondo Beach City Council
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Closed Session - Adjourned Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m.
Open Session - Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER
Via Teleconference, a Regular Meeting of the Redondo Beach City Council was called to order by Mayor Brand at 4:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach, California.
B. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Nehrenheim, Loewenstein, Horvath, Obagi, Emdee, Mayor Brand Councilmembers Absent: None
Officials Present: Eleanor Manzano, City Clerk
Michael W. Webb, City Attorney
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
C. SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND INVOCATION
At the request of Mayor Brand, the audience and Councilmembers rose to salute the flag followed by a moment of silence in memory of Bob Dole.
D. BLUE FOLDER ITEMS – ADDITIONAL BACK UP MATERIALS – NONE E. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Brand called for public comment via Zoom and eComment. There being no comments, Mayor Brand closed the public comment period.
F. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION: 4:30 p.m.
F.1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION - The Closed Session is authorized by the attorney-client privilege, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
Name of case:
Shana Ellay Quinones v. Parking Concepts, Inc., dba, Transportation Concepts, Parking Concepts, Inc., City of Redondo Beach, et al.
Case Number: 21STCV37768
F.2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR - The Closed Session is authorized by the Government Code Section 54956.8.
AGENCY NEGOTIATOR:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Stephen Proud, Waterfront and Economic Development Director PROPERTY: Portions of the Redondo Beach Marina Parking Lot and Seaside Lagoon (portions of APN #'s 7503-029-900 and 7503-033-903)
NEGOTIATING PARTY: Allen Sanford, Sanford Ventures, Inc.
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
UNDER NEGOTIATION: Both Price and Terms
F.3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED POTENTIAL LITIGATION - The Closed Session is authorized by the attorney-client privilege, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4).
One potential case
F.4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION - The Closed Session is authorized by the attorney-client privilege, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
Name of case:
City of Redondo Beach, et al. v. California State Water Resources Control Board Case Number: 20STCP03193
F.5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION - The Closed Session is authorized by the attorney-client privilege, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
Name of case: Saeko Friggle v. John Soumi, Rasha Vivian Soumi, John Soumi and Rasha Vivian Soumi, Trustees of the JR TRUST, City of Redondo Beach, et al. Case Number:
20STCV39369
Motion by Councilmember Emdee, seconded by Councilmember Obagi, to recess at 4:31 p.m. to conduct Closed Sessions attended by City Manager Mike Witzansky, City Attorney Mike Webb, Assistant City Attorney Cheryl Park, Human Resources Director Diane Strickfaden, Public Works Director Semaan, Deputy Public Works Director Mike Klein, Waterfront and Economic Development Director Stephen Proud, and Waterfront and Economic Development Acting Director Laurie Koike.
G. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
H. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Nehrenheim, Loewenstein, Horvath, Obagi, Emdee, Mayor Brand Councilmembers Absent: None
Officials Present: Eleanor Manzano, City Clerk
Michael W. Webb, City Attorney
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
I. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
City Manager Witzansky announced unanimous direction from the City Council was given to the City Attorney to defend both lawsuits listed under F.1 and F.5.
J. ADJOURN TO REGULAR MEETING
Motion by Councilmember Nehrenheim, seconded by Councilmember Obagi, to adjourn at 6:00 p.m. to a regular meeting. There being no objections, Mayor Brand so ordered. _____________________________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER
Via Teleconference, a Regular Meeting of the Redondo Beach City Council was called to order by Mayor Brand at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach, California.
B. ROLL CALL
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Councilmembers Present: Nehrenheim, Loewenstein, Horvath, Obagi, Emdee, Mayor Brand Councilmembers Absent: None
Officials Present: Eleanor Manzano, City Clerk
Michael W. Webb, City Attorney
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
C. SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND INVOCATION
At the request of Mayor Brand, the audience and Councilmembers rose to salute the flag followed by a moment of silence.
D. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Nehrenheim wished everyone happy holidays and new year.
Councilmember Loewenstein wished everyone a happy holiday and new year and encouraged people to get vaccinated.
Councilmember Horvath wished everyone happy holidays and a new year and encouraged people to stay safe, noting the flu and the variants are out there and to get vaccinated.
Councilmember Obagi wished everyone a Merry Christmas and happy new year and thanked staff for their help.
Councilmember Emdee wished everyone Merry Christmas and thanked staff for working over the holidays.
She also noted complaints regarding the 405 off ramp and the encampment and trash.
Mayor Brand wished everyone a Merry Christmas, holidays and new year. He also encouraged people to drive carefully and to slow down.
E. APPROVAL OF ORDER OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Obagi, seconded by Councilmember Nehrenheim, to approve the Order of Agenda as presented. There being no objections, Mayor Brand so ordered.
F. AGENCY RECESS – NONE
G. BLUE FOLDER ITEMS – ADDITIONAL BACK UP MATERIALS
Motion by Councilmember Horvath, seconded by Councilmember Loewenstein, to receive and file additional Items for Item N.2. There being no objections, Mayor Brand so ordered.
H. CONSENT CALENDAR
H.1. APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING AND REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 21, 2021
CONTACT: ELEANOR MANZANO, CITY CLERK
H.2. APPROVE MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE FURTHER READING OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE AGENDA.
CONTACT: ELEANOR MANZANO, CITY CLERK
H.3. APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
A. OCTOBER 12, 2021 ADJOURNED REGULAR & REGULAR MEETING B. OCTOBER 19, 2021 ADJOURNED REGULAR & REGULAR MEETING CONTACT: ELEANOR MANZANO, CITY CLERK
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
H.4. PAYROLL DEMANDS
CHECKS 27828-27860 IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,076.74, PD. 12/10/21 DIRECT DEPOSIT 242585-243101 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,868,286.59, PD. 12/10/21 EFT/ACH $7,332.26, PD. 11/26/21 (PP2124)
EFT/ACH $364,049.15, PD. 12/8/21 (PP2124)
EFT/ACH $7,332.26, PD. 12/10/21 (PP2125)
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE DEMANDS
CHECKS 101589-101820 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,947,645.88
CONTACT: JENNIFER PAUL, FINANCE DIRECTOR
H.5. APPROVE CONTRACTS UNDER $35,000:
1. APPROVE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH CREATIVE BUS SALES, INC. FOR THE ACQUISITION OF TRANSIT VEHICLES FOR AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $24,637.12 FOR THE EXISTING TERM.
2. APPROVE A LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH ADVANCED PROBLEM SOLVING LLC
FOR A FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING PLATFORM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $12,250 FOR THE TERM JANUARY 1, 2022 TO JUNE 30, 2025.
3. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIONAL OPIOID SETTLEMENT AS IT RELATES TO DISTRIBUTORS.
4. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIONAL OPIOID SETTLEMENT AS IT RELATES TO JANSSEN.
CONTACT: JENNIFER PAUL, FINANCE DIRECTOR
H.6. RECEIVE & FILE A REPORT PERTAINING TO VERIFICATION OF INITIATIVE PETITION
SIGNATURES
CONTACT: ELEANOR MANZANO, CITY CLERK
H.7. ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. CC-2112-123, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, LEASING CERTAIN PROPERTY TO FIRSTSTEPS FOR KIDS, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION
APPROVE THE FIRST LEASE AMENDMENT WITH FIRSTSTEPS FOR KIDS, INC. TO CHANGE THE PREMISES TO 119 W. TORRANCE BLVD., SUITE 100 FOR A MONTHLY AMOUNT OF $11,702 FOR THE TERM OF DECEMBER 21, 2021 - JANUARY 20, 2026 CONTACT: STEPHEN PROUD, WATERFRONT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR H.8. APPROVE A REASSIGNMENT OF VEHICLES AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PORTERVILLE TO ALLOW FOR THE PURCHASE TRANSFER OF 5 CLASS H LOW FLOOR BUS ELDORADO NATIONAL PASSPORT EZ RIDER BRT II 32’ BUSES, UNDER THE FEDERALLY APPROVED
COOPERATIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION FOR
COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION/MORONGO BASIN TRANSIT AUTHORITY VEHICLE PURCHASING COOPERATIVE APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH CREATIVE BUS SALES, INC.
TO PURCHASE 5 CLASS H LOW FLOOR BUS ELDORADO NATIONAL PASSPORT EZ RIDER BRT II 32’ BUSES, UNDER THE FEDERALLY APPROVED COOPERATIVE PURCHASE
AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION FOR COORDINATED
TRANSPORTATION/MORONGO BASIN TRANSIT AUTHORITY VEHICLE PURCHASING MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
COOPERATIVE, TO MEET FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS; BASED ON THE UNIT PRICE OF $558,582.06
FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,797,910.30 FROM THE TRANSIT FUND.
CONTACT: CAMERON HARDING, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
H.9. PULLED BY COUNCILMEMBER OBAGI FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.
Mayor Brand called for public comment via Zoom and eComment.
There being no comments, Mayor Brand closed the public comment period.
Motion by Councilmember Loewenstein, seconded by Councilmember Obagi, to approve Items H.1 through H.8. Motion carried unanimously with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Nehrenheim, Loewenstein, Horvath, Obagi, Emdee
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Eleanor Manzano read all ordinances and resolutions by title only which were included on the Consent Calendar.
I. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
H.9. APPROVE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE SOUTH BAY CITIES
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR USE OF COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES INNOVATION GRANT FUNDS TO EXPAND THE CITY’S HOUSING INITIATIVE COURT, ALSO KNOWN AS HOMELESS COURT, AS WELL AS FOR BRIDGE HOUSING FOR THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $306,299 FOR THE TERM OF JANUARY 1, 2022 UNTIL JUNE 30, 2023.
ADOPT BY 4/5 VOTE AND BY TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. CC-2112-124, A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING A FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022 BUDGET MODIFICATION TO APPROPRIATE $121,169 IN
INNOVATION GRANT FUNDS FROM THE SBCCOG TO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL GRANT FUND.
CONTACT: MICHAEL W. WEBB, CITY ATTORNEY
Councilmember Nehrenheim requested a status quo summary. City Attorney Webb explained this item will give funds for the first enhanced response to homelessness such as services, beds in Wilmington and transitional housing to the pallet court. He also said that Hermosa has wanted to be involved and agreed to take over hosting duties 4 out of the 12 times a year. He also noted interest from Manhattan Beach hosting 2 times a year. He said the program is working well and starting to expand, addressing the unhoused in various areas.
In response to Councilmember Obagi, City Attorney Webb stated the criminal court system is a totally different model but has Harbor Interfaith but not as active as our housing navigator. He also announced that Lila Omura will be starting as a City employee January 3rd.
Mayor Brand called for public comment via Zoom and eComment.
There being no comments, Mayor Brand closed the public comment period.
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Motion by Councilmember Obagi, seconded by Councilmember Horvath, to adopt by 4/5 vote and by title only Resolution No. CC-2112-124. Motion carried unanimously, with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Nehrenheim, Loewenstein, Horvath, Obagi, Emdee
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Manzano read by title only Resolution No. CC-2112-124.
J. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Brand called for public comment via Zoom and eComment.
City Clerk Manzano read the comments submitted via eComment by James Crawford.
There being no further comments, Mayor Brand closed the public comment period.
K. EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS
L. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE
M. ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS AGENDAS – NONE
N. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION PRIOR TO ACTION
N.1. ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. O-3226-21, AN INTERIM URGENCY
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 10, CHAPTERS 1, 2, AND 5, TO PROVIDE OBJECTIVE STANDARDS FOR SENATE BILL 9 (SB 9) BY PROVIDING
REGULATIONS RELATED TO URBAN LOT SPLITS AND TWO-UNIT PROJECTS SUBJECT TO SENATE BILL 9 (SB 9)
CONTACT: BRANDY FORBES, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Mayor Brand gave a report on SB 9 requiring administerial approval of lot splits, building two units on each lot at a minimum, with the ordinance taking effect January 1.
Councilmember Emdee asked about the R1A and being 25 wide, being 12.5 feet each if split. City Manager Witzansky stated staff will followup.
Councilmember Nehrenheim asked if an R2 can be split into four times, providing 8, if they are very large.
Councilmember Emdee clarified that SB 9 only applies to single family zoning residents.
City Clerk Manzano explained that the Urgency Ordinance has to pass by 4/5 vote and also will be published in the Easy Reader.
Mayor Brand called for public comment via Zoom and eComment.
There being no comments, Mayor Brand closed the public comment period.
Motion by Councilmember Emdee, seconded by Councilmember Horvath, to adopt by title only Urgency Ordinance No. O-3226-21. Motion carried unanimously, with the following roll call vote:
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
AYES: Nehrenheim, Loewenstein, Horvath, Obagi, Emdee
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Manzano read by title only Urgency Ordinance No. O-3226-21.
N.2. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 CONTACT: JENNIFER PAUL, FINANCE DIRECTOR
Finance Director Jennifer Paul gave a report and stated there are no material changes.
Bryan Gruber, LSL CPA’s, gave a report and discussed the following:
• Completed audit
• Reports and results
• City’s annual comprehensive financial report
• Separate audits
• LSL conducted a financial statement audit
• Followed professional standards
• Unmodified opinion on financial statements
• Report on internal control and compliance
• No material weaknesses in internal control
• Auditor communication letter
• Changes impacting financial statements
• New accounting standards related to leases
Finance Director Jennifer Paul pointed out that an unmodified opinion is the best a city can receive.
Councilmember Emdee pointed out that the number of Post Office employees in 2012 were 260 and is now down to 150 employees, and the population has increased, causing mail issues. She supported having more employees.
Mayor Brand called for public comment via Zoom and eComment.
There being no comments, Mayor Brand closed the public comment period.
Motion by Councilmember Emdee, seconded by Councilmember Nehrenheim, to approve the Annual Audited Financial Reports for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2021. Motion carried unanimously, with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Nehrenheim, Loewenstein, Horvath, Obagi, Emdee
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
N.3. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH AMERICAN
GUARD SERVICES, INC, TO PROVIDE TRANSIT CENTER SECURITY SERVICES FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $546,952.50 FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM.
CONTACT: CAMERON HARDING, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
Transit Manager Joyce Rooney gave a PowerPoint presentation and discussed the following:
• Contract Award
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
• Redondo Beach Transit Center
• Security Services RFP #2122-001
• RFP Calendar
• New Transit Center
o 1521 Kingsdale Avenue
o Approximately 6.5 acres
o Under construction, tentative completion February 2022 • Transit Center Site Plan
• Transit Center Amenities
• Regional and Local Transit Services
• Security Services
• Security Service Hours
• Proposal Review Process
• American Guard Services (AGS)
• Key Proposal Elements
• Three Year Contract Term and Costs
• Recommendation
Mayor Brand called for public comment via Zoom and eComment.
There being no comments, Mayor Brand closed the public comment period.
Motion by Councilmember Emdee, seconded by Councilmember Obagi, to approve the agreement with American Guard Services, Inc., to provide transit center security services for the amount not to exceed $546,952.50 for a three-year term. Motion carried unanimously with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Nehrenheim, Loewenstein, Horvath, Obagi, Emdee
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
N.4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON SCHEDULING THE CITY’S NEXT STRATEGIC
PLANNING SESSION(S) AND AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF A CONSULTING
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LEADING RESOURCES INCORPORATED FOR STRATEGIC
PLANNING FACILITATION
CONTACT: MIKE WITZANSKY, CITY MANAGER
City Manager Witzansky gave a report and supported OnStrategy which will be available in January and February, having the best combination of skill, price, experience and philosophy in the area. He suggested hosting the session over two Zoom calls and resetting the goals, and then setting objectives. He suggested Council pick two dates in late January such as the 24th and 26th or 25th and 27th.
Mayor Brand supported the Strategic Planning and having it in two steps.
Councilmember Emdee also agreed with the proposed process and suggested either Monday/Tuesday or Monday/Wednesday.
Councilmember Horvath suggested Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Thursday.
Councilmember Loewenstein suggested Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. He also supported the OnStrategy portal.
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Councilmember Nehrenheim stated he is open every night.
Mayor Brand also said he can attend any day.
Mayor Brand called for public comment via Zoom and eComment.
There being no comments, Mayor Brand closed the public comment period.
Motion by Councilmember Nehrenheim, seconded by Councilmember Horvath, that the Strategic Planning meetings take place on Tuesday, January 25th and Thursday, January 27th both starting at 6 p.m. and to choose LRI for the proposal. Motion carried unanimously, with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Nehrenheim, Loewenstein, Horvath, Obagi, Emdee
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
O. CITY MANAGER ITEMS
City Manager Witzansky wished everyone Happy Holidays, stated there will be City Council meetings on January 4th, January 11th and January 18th. He also said City Hall will be closed beginning tomorrow and emergency services will be fully engaged.
P. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
Q. MAYOR AND COUNCIL REFERRALS TO STAFF
R. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION – NONE
S. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION – NONE
T. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Motion by Councilmember Horvath, seconded by Councilmember Loewenstein, to adjourn the meeting at 7:02 p.m. in memory of Jeff Abrams to a Regular meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m. (Open Session) on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach, California, via teleconference. Motion carried unanimously, with no objection.
All written comments submitted via eComment are included in the record and available for public review on the City website.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________
Eleanor Manzano, City Clerk