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Minutes
e ' 4 Redondo Beach City Council
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Z ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING— 6:00 P. M.
p, STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
A. CALL TO ORDER
Via Teleconference, an Adjourned 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
Councilmembers Present: Nehrenheim, Loewenstein, Horvath, Obagi, Emdee, Mayor Brand Councilmembers Absent: None
Officials Present: Michael W. Webb, City Attorney
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Vickie Kroneberger, Chief Deputy City Clerk
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 Loewenstein thanked the Mayor for attending his last Community Meeting for District 2 and sharing information on the housing situation with the bills and statewide initiative.
Councilmember Obagi thanked the City Manager for attending his District 4 Community Meeting yesterday and Sheila Lamb discussing the statewide initiative and the Police Department regarding the homeless.
Councilmember Emdee announced the shred event this Saturday at the Performing Arts Center from 8 a. m. until noon.
E. APPROVE ORDER OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Emdee, seconded by Councilmember Horvath, 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 Emdee, seconded by Councilmember Obagi, to receive and file additional Items for Item J. 1. There being no objections, Mayor Brand so ordered.
H. CONSENT CALENDAR
H. 1. APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 25, 2022
CONTACT: ELEANOR MANZANO, CITY CLERK
MINUTES— CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Motion by Councilmember Nehrenheim, seconded by Councilmember Emdee, to approve Consent Calendar Item H. 1. Hearing no objections, Mayor Brand so ordered.
I. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Brand called for public comment via Zoom and eComment.
Candace Nafissi, District 3, supported the City for allocating two new dog parks in the City and suggested adding a trash bin for dog waste and a dog dish as well.
There being no further comments, Mayor Brand closed the public comment period.
J. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION PRIOR TO ACTION
J. 1. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE CITY'S STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.
CONTACT: MIKE WITZANSKY, CITY MANAGER
Welcome
Introductions
o Councilmembers and staff
o Facilitator Eric Douglas
o Assistant Facilitator Kari Riley
Public comment
Mayor Brand called for public comment via Zoom and eComment.
Mo Sharifi stated he was on the Artesia Aviation Board, recommendations took place, questioned why it has taken so long to have a General Plan and asked for an update.
Andrew Beauchamp, Chair Library Commission, referred to a letter asking City Council to consider the self service model open access for the North Branch during the Strategic Planning process.
Sheila Lamb, District 4, reviewed goals to complete in 2022 to include:
Establish a Citywide volunteer program that includes annual recognition for all volunteers Business concierge consultants to cultivate and recruit high quality businesses to Redondo Beach, especially Artesia Blvd.
Fully implement a CAP in 2022, change parking and FAR ASAP Technology- upgrade search function in 2022
Upgrade the mission and vision
Develop a new City logo and brand
Roger Carlson, District 3, Chair of Harbor Commission, suggested resending their letter from April 2020 from the last session which has relevant goals. He spoke on the sea level rise and having a design in place, and also suggested having more staff hours in the Waterfront and Economic Development Department to help reach goals throughout the City.
Kelsey Good, District 3, expressed concern with the alleyway next door to them being identified as a possible building site for a high density multiple unit complex. She requested more information on this issue.
Mark Hansen, King Harbor boater, supported the Harbor Commission' s recommendations, and requested Council review the intersection at Yacht Club Way and Harbor Drive, the White Sea Bass Program and the Waterfront Education Program.
MINUTES- CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Candace Nafissi, District 3, recommended focusing efforts on Artesia Boulevard, more opportunities for art, music and cultural and moving the Farmer' s Market along the row, painting crosswalks and encouraging walking and bike usage, greater opportunities for business collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce and the City, to consider the Library Commission' s request for the self-serving hours, and to consider integration between the schools and the City.
Jim Brown, District 3, requested something be done about the entire harbor area, believed the bike path is on the wrong side of Harbor Drive, noting conflicts with the cars and pedestrians, asked about SB9 and 5810, and expressed concern with high density growth, especially on the north end.
Eugene Solomon, Redondo Beach, suggested a circulation plan to get tourists to and from different parts of the City, Store Front Improvement Program expanded to other parts of the City, pointed out that the General Plan is being updated and suggested developer input, and noted sea level rise and challenging projects in the Coastal Zone.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Vickie Kroneberger read the comments submitted via eComment by Laura MacMorran.
There being no further comments, Mayor Brand closed the public comment period.
Community Development Director Brandy Forbes referred to the Artesia/Aviation Corridor Area Plan which was adopted by Council December 2020 and to move forward with components of the plan. She said some ordinance changes will need to take place. She also said the environmental should be completed and revisions adopted by August 2022 and the parking analysis allowing more opportunity for redeveloping properties.
Mayor Brand reviewed SB9 and RHNA and the impacts.
In response to Councilmember Obagi, Councilmember Horvath stated the Mary Ann and 190'h area is relative to the Housing Element.
In response to Councilmember Obagi, Community Development Director Brandy Forbes explained that the
1. 5 FAR will be evaluated in the EIR with the greater General Plan update and the timing of going to a vote will depend on how the Housing Element is received by HCD. She also said the 1. 5 will likely trigger a much higher environmental review. Councilmember Obagi suggested starting the process now.
Overview of the Strategic Planning Process
Recap of the previous year' s accomplishments
Mayor Brand - BeachLife 3- day music festival
Councilmember Nehrenheim - Riviera Village - record tax revenue Councilmember Loewenstein - Pension obligation bond enacted Councilmember Horvath - Joined South Bay Fiber Network
Councilmember Obagi - Public Works Department support responding very quickly Councilmember Emdee- Scout House remodeling
Mayor Brand - Management of pandemic
Councilmember Nehrenheim - Two new dog parks
Councilmember Loewenstein - Millions of dollars of road improvements around the City Councilmember Horvath - First city locally to create a pallet shelter project and outdoor homeless court
Councilmember Obagi - Police Department leading the way in community oriented and focused policing
MINUTES— CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Councilmember Emdee - Leadership of Chief Kauffman and the Fire Department - great improvements
Mayor Brand - Secure $ 1UM grant/ donation from the State of California to redevelop/redesign the Seaside Lagoon
Councilmember Nehrenheim - Public Amenities Plan for the Harbor Councilmember Loewenstein - Labor peace and motivated work force with the City Councilmember Horvath - Creation of parklets and sidewalk dining allowances in the midst of a pandemic
Councilmember Obagi - New car chargers across the City
Councilmember Obagi - First resident led SCE right-of-way clean up Councilmember Nehrenheim - Third party plan check program Mayor Brand - Created and filled a position of homeless counselor Councilmember Nehrenheim - South Bay Parkland Conservancy - redo Wilderness Park - first upcoming community garden
Mayor Brand - Great MLK Jr. Day event
Councilmember Obagi - City Council being very resident-focused City Manager Witzansky
o Negotiated multi- year agreements with employee associations o Full complement of Fire Department personnel
o Accomplished and completed approximately 15 CIP's and designed another 20+ o Restored two Administrative Analyst positions, two Assistant to the City Manager positions o Amended Solid Waste Franchise Agreement to include street sweeping services at no cost to the General Plan
Public Works Director Semaan
o NRB Bike Path landscaping and design of extension completed o Skate parks in design build construction soon
o Renovation of the Scout Houses
o Sewer upgrade on PCH
o Sewer pump upgrades
o City Council Chamber completed
c Transit Center in construction
c Pier restroom upgrades
o Harbor Patrol docks reconstruction- contract awarded
o Small boat launch completed
o Roadway work completions
o Homeless Shelter and Homeless Court
o Amended solid waste franchise agreement to include street sweeping Chief Keith Kauffman
o Keep everyone working during pandemic
o Keeping police officers supported and working in the field during civil unrest o Hired 30 new employees in 2020 and 45 in 2021 in the Police Department o Civilian staff huge benefit
o Succession planning
o Response to major events - Active shooter at the pier and bombing suspect o Completed audit of property and evidence unit
o Hired 10 new firefighter paramedics
o Council - implementation of the Fire Department's budget o Training and equipment
o Promotions in the Fire Department
o Major assessment of the Fire Department took place
o Good response to fire incidents
Community Development Director Forbes
o Adoption of the AACAP Plan
MINUTES— CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 25. 2022
o Complying with state requirements on adopting codes
o Extension of SB Galleria approval
Finance Director Jennifer Paul
o Bond issuance to reduce the pension costs for CaIPERS o Moving services online while City Hall was closed
o Receiving the Budget and Annual Reporting awards
o Receiving award for ACFR- no findings received
Library Director Susan Anderson
o Moved to automatic library card renewal
o New library app
o Curbside service
o Two new full- time Librarians
Community Services Director Cameron Harding
o Kept recreational programs going
o Created virtual and Zoom based programs
o Filled two vacant positions
Human Resources Director Diane Strickfaden
o 250% increase in the onboarding of new hires from 2020 to 2021 o New employee orientation and training platforms
o Changes due to COVID related regulations
Waterfront and Economic Development Manager Laurie Koike o Launched the third round of the Artesia/Aviation Storefront Improvement Program- grants for six businesses, totaling 27 businesses
o King Harbor Public Amenities Program - began outreach in October and have held several meetings
o Working group looking at outdoor dining on the pier and International Boardwalk o Working with Public Works regarding design and furniture IT Director Chris Benson
o Facilitated secure remote access to employees to work from home o Completed City Council Chamber audio visual and broadcast upgrades o Enable the main library large meeting room broadcast facility o Enable Zoom participation in the Council Chambers
o Enable and add building permit payments online
o Shifting Channel 41 and Channel 8 to a high definition feed in the next four to six weeks City Attorney Webb suggested shutting down the Zoom chat taking place and printing out all comments that have been made.
SWOT Analysis
Facilitate discussion of the City strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats Strengths
Mayor Brand - Highly capable Public Safety services
Councilmember Nehrenheim - Department Heads able to capture and fix problems in dynamic ways Councilmember Loewenstein - Vibrant, diverse tax base
Councilmember Horvath - Diverse mix of resident needs
Councilmember Obagi - Energized and motivated City Manager Councilmember Emdee - Complete services city
Weaknesses
Councilmember Emdee- Tend to work in silos
Councilmember Obagi- Failure to move on a clear and obvious opportunity- increasing FAR Artesia Boulevard
MINUTES— CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Councilmember Horvath - Aging infrastructure, historically an older city bringing challenges Councilmember Loewenstein - Cost of living and expensive to relocate to city, overbuilt, projects taking a long time to get done
Councilmember Nehrenheim - Not enough resources for/or staff Mayor Brand - Weak on environmental issues, outreach to the public Opportunities
Mayor Brand - The waterfront; huge opportunity
Councilmember Nehrenheim - Business areas - Artesia Boulevard, Riviera Village, the harbor, SB Galleria
Councilmember Loewenstein - Proximity to and potential expansion of Silicon Beach, 2020 Olympics coming to LA, Revitalization of the Galleria bringing increased tax base Councilmember Horvath - Artesia/Aviation - opportunity to attract and/ or retain business Councilmember Obagi - update General Plan codes, negotiate a longer and better term contract with Beach Life
Councilmember Emdee - Manhattan Beach Boulevard - bring in purple pipe and expansion of bike path
Threats
Councilmember Emdee - Changing retail - need to attract a good work base for both the City and businesses in the area
Councilmember Obagi - Increase influx of unhoused people and limited resources Councilmember Horvath - Cannabis ballot initiative
Councilmember Loewenstein - Political instability at the federal and state level, government shutdowns, climate change
Councilmember Nehrenheim - Threats to tax revenues and grant revenues, loss of Supervisor Hahn Mayor Brand - Housing bills from Sacramento- destruction of single family neighborhoods, inflation Identify the City's Strategic Goals
Discuss the time horizon for the City' s goals
Revisit the City' s previous three-year goals
Discuss the framework of the Strategic Goals
Previous three-year goals:
1. Modernize City communication systems
2. Vitalize the waterfront, Artesia Corridor, Riviera Village and South Bay Galleria
3. Ensure sustainability, livability, and health by completing the General Plan update and by implementing environmentally responsible programs
4. Assess, prioritize, and plan for park/open space acquisition, and for reconstruction of major City facilities and infrastructure
5. Maintain a high level of public safety with public engagement Suggested reframing of goals: 3-5 year goals:
1. Modernize the City' s communications ( website, revisit the City' s brand; streamline application processes; improve efficiency, coordination, and resiliency; realign City's public facing platforms; realign City' s public engagement processes
2. Vitalize core commercial areas of the City( Waterfront, Artesia Corridor, Riviera Village) ( Suggested by Councilmember Nehrenheim: business district creation and support, focus on messaging that the City is business friendly to become known as a business-friendly city)
3. Increase environment sustainability ( livability, and health, tree ordinance, enforcing environmental regulations, bike lanes, recycled water)
MINUTES— CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
4. Invest in the City' s infrastructure ( including parks, buildings, facilities, open space, multi- modal roadways, connectivity, broadband) ( Suggested by Councilmember Nehrenheim: Infrastructure replacement, parks investment)
5. Maintain a high level of public safety (Suggested by Councilmember Nehrenheim: keep PD and FD separate)
6. Potential separate goal: Enhance the delivery of City services (focus on continued improvements in the efficiency of City Government)
City of Redondo Beach - Six- Month Strategic Objectives
1. Modernize the City' s communication systems
By July 27, 2022, CM and new Assistant to the CM:
Refresh the City' s brand: Identify and procure resources needed to facilitate the rebranding effort. Overall aim is to capture the full diversity and flavor of the City.
By July 1, 2022 ( if current vendor is selected, or by 1011 if new vendor is selected) IT and new Assistant to the CM:
City website contract signed: Requirements established, new contract signed to rebuild current website, making it simpler, more user friendly, searchable, modern design, responsive, appealing, CMS, customized to Redondo Beach, clear compliant path with strong SEO plan to support it, website should have Councilmember pages that are editable by Councilmembers, clear path for people who want to do business with the City.
By July 27, 2022, CM and new Assistant to the CM:
Update City' s Communications Plan: Include brand alignment, different communications platforms, social media, two-way communications, surveying, public input gathering.
By July 1, 2022, Public Works, Capital Projects Manager, new Assistant to the CM and IT:
Identify gaps in internal communications and potential solutions: Goal is to upgrade City' s internal communications to include project status and budget reports.
Mayor Brand called for public comment via Zoom and eComment. There being no comments, Mayor Brand closed the public comment period.
K. ADJOURNMENT: 8: 58 p. m.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Motion by Councilmember Obagi, seconded by Councilmember Nehrenheim, to adjourn the meeting at 8:58 p. m. to an Adjourned Regular Meeting ( Strategic Planning Session) to be held at 6: 00 p. m. on Thursday. January 27, 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 Manzao, ity C er
MINUTES— CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 25, 2022