REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Minutes
Redondo Beach City Council
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Closed Session - Adjourned Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m.
Open Session –Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m.
4:30 PM - CLOSED SESSION – ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Redondo Beach City Council was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by Mayor Light in the City Hall Council Chambers, 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach, California.
B. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Behrendt, Kaluderovic, Loewenstein, Nehrenheim, Obagi, Mayor Light
Officials Present: Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Melissa Villa, Analyst
C. SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND INVOCATION - NONE
D. BLUE FOLDER ITEMS – ADDITIONAL BACK UP MATERIALS
Analyst Villa reported there were no Blue Folder Items for Closed Session.
E. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS AND NONAGENDA ITEMS There were no public communications on Closed Session items and non-agenda items.
F. RECESS TO CLOSED – 4:35 p.m.
Analyst Villa read title to the items to be considered in Closed Session.
City Manager Witzansky announced that the following would be participating in Closed Session: City Manager Mike Witzansky, City Attorney Mike Webb, Assistant City Attorney Cheryl Park, Human Resources Director Diane Strickfaden and Outside Legal Counsels Jon Welner and Abby O’Brient.
Motion by Councilmember Nehrenheim, seconded by Councilmember Loewenstein, and carried by voice vote, to recess to Closed Session at 4:35 p.m.
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The motion carried 5-0.
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:
City of Redondo Beach, et al. v. California State Water Resources Control Board
Case Number: 20STCP03193
F.2. 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:
New Commune DTLA LLC v. City of Redondo Beach; City Council of the City of Redondo Beach; and DOES 1 through 100, inclusive Case Number: 23STCV10146
F.3. 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:
New Commune DTLA, LLC and Leonid Pustilnikov v. City of Redondo Beach and City Council of the City of Redondo Beach
Case Number: 22TRCP00203
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:
New Commune DTLA, LLC v. City of Redondo Beach; City Council of the City of Redondo Beach; City of Redondo Beach Department of Community Development, et al.
Case Number: 23STCP00426
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:
9300 Wilshire, LLC v. City of Redondo Beach; City Council of the City of Redondo Beach; City of Redondo Beach Department of Community
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Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Development; and DOES 1 through 100, inclusive
Case Number: 23STCP02189
F.6. 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:
In re 9300 Wilshire LLC Bankruptcy C.D. Cal. Case Number: 2:23 -bk10918-ER F.7. 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:
Yes in My Back Yard, a California nonprofit corporation; SONJA TRAUSS, an individual v. City of Redondo Beach; City Council of the City of Redondo Beach; City of Redondo Beach Department of Community Development, and DOES 1 through 25 inclusive
Case Number: 23TRCP00325
F.8. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL AND LABOR NEGOTIATOR - The Closed Session is authorized by the Government Code Sec. 54957.6.
AGENCY NEGOTIATOR:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Diane Strickfaden, Director of Human Resources
EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS:
Redondo Beach Teamsters - Union Local 911
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION – 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Light reconvened to Open Session at 6:00 p.m.
H. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Behrendt, Kaluderovic, Loewenstein, Nehrenheim, Obagi, Mayor Light
Officials Present: Eleanor Manzano, City Clerk
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Mike Webb, City Attorney
Melissa Villa, Analyst
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MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
I. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
City Manager Witzansky announced there were no reportable actions from Closed Sessions.
Mayor Light announced that Closed Session, next week, will begin at 6:00 p.m.
J. ADJOURN TO REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Light adjourned to Open Session at 6:02 p.m.
6:00 PM - OPEN SESSION – REGULAR MEETING
A. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Redondo Beach City Council was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Mayor Light in the City Hall Council Chambers, 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach, California.
B. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Behrendt, Kaluderovic, Loewenstein, Nehrenheim, Obagi, Mayor Light
Officials Present: Eleanor Manzano, City Clerk (via Zoom) Mike Webb, City Attorney
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Melissa Villa, Analyst
C. SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND INVOCATION
Mayor Light invited Veterans and Active Military to stand and be recognized for their service.
Teagan, 2nd Grader, Beryl Heights Elementary School, led in the salute to the flag.
Mayor Light called for a moment of silence.
D. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Nehrenheim wished everyone a Happy New Year; announced the District 1 community meeting will be on January 18th at Alta Vista; thanked Public Works and Public Safety for taking care of the Holiday Stroll area and encouraged residents to sign up for the upcoming Blood Drive.
Councilmember Loewenstein expressed his wishes for a Happy New Year and reported
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the District 2 community meeting will be the latter part of January.
Councilmember Kaluderovic announced the District 3 community meeting will be this Saturday, on Zoom and thanked RBFD for helping with the Palisades Fires.
Councilmember Obagi thanked RBFD and RBPD for their service and work; announced the District 4 community meeting will be on February 3, 2025.
Councilmember Behrendt added that the District 5 community meeting will be a joint meeting with residents from District 4, on February 3, 2025 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.
E. APPROVE ORDER OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Kaluderovic, seconded by Councilmember Nehrenheim, and approved by voice vote, to approve the order of the agenda, as presented.
Motion carried, 5-0.
F. AGENCY RECESS – 6:15 p.m.
F.1. REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY FINANCING AUTHORITY CONTACT: STEPHANIE MEYER, INTERIM FINANCE DIRECTOR
F.2. PARKING AUTHORITY - REGULAR MEETING - CANCELLED
CONTACT: GREG KAPOVICH, WATERFRONT & ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING FROM AGENCY MEETING – 6:25 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Behrendt, Kaluderovic, Loewenstein, Nehrenheim, Obagi, Mayor Light
G. BLUE FOLDER ITEMS – ADDITIONAL BACK UP MATERIALS
G.1 For Blue Folder Documents Approved at the City Council Meeting City Clerk Manzano noted Blue Folder Items for Item No. J.1.
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
H. CONSENT CALENDAR
H.1. APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 7, 2025
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. JANUARY 16, 2024 ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETING
B. AUGUST 13, 2024 ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETING
C. AUGUST 20, 2024 ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETING
D. SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETING
CONTACT: ELEANOR MANZANO, CITY CLERK
H.4. PAYROLL DEMANDS
CHECKS 30057-30069 IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,782.77, PD. 12/20/24 DIRECT DEPOSIT 288321-288948 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,624,356.74, PD. 12/20/24
EFT/ACH $8,458.82, PD. 12/6/24 (PP2425)
EFT/ACH $450,029.68, PD. 12/30/24 (PP2425)
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE DEMANDS
CHECKS 117507-117605 IN THE AMOUNT OF $958,372.25
EFT CALPERS MEDICAL INSURANCE $504,987.17
DIRECT DEPOSIT 100008999-100009087 IN THE AMOUNT OF $106,790.46, PD.1/2/25
CONTACT: STEPHANIE MEYER, INTERIM FINANCE DIRECTOR
H.5. ACCEPT AS COMPLETE THE TORRANCE BOULEVARD RESURFACING PROJECT, JOB NO. 41230 AND THE TORRANCE BOULEVARD &
FRANCISCA AVENUE TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODIFICATION PROJECT, JOB NO. 41070; APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE A FINAL BALANCING CHANGE ORDER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $305,050; AND
AUTHORIZE THE CITY ENGINEER TO FILE A NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE PROJECT WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGISTRARRECORDER AND RELEASE THE RETENTION PAYMENT UPON EXPIRATION OF THE 35-DAY LIEN PERIOD AFTER SAID RECORDATION
AND NO CLAIMS BEING FILED UPON THE PROJECT
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Tuesday, January 7, 2025
CONTACT: ANDREW WINJE, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
H.6. APPROVE AN ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH KPFF, INC., A WASHINGTON CORPORATION, FOR ENGINEERING
SERVICES FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000 AND THE TERM ENDING JANUARY 6, 2026
CONTACT: ANDREW WINJE, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
H.7. APPROVE THE SUBSTITUTION OF TRUSTEE AND FULL RECONVEYANCE
OF THE RENTAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM LOAN LIEN FOR THE
PROPERTY AT 2003 BATAAN ROAD, REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA 90278 PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE CITY’S DEFERRED PAYMENT
LOAN PROGRAM
CONTACT: ELIZABETH HAUSE, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
H.8. APPROVE THE THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH AND THE CITY MANAGER
CONTACT: MICHAEL W. WEBB, CITY ATTORNEY
There were no public comments on the Consent Calendar.
Motion by Councilmember Kaluderovic, seconded by Councilmember Loewenstein, and approved by voice vote, the Consent Calendar, as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
I. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS - None
J. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
J.1 For eComments and Emails Received from the Public
Georgette Gantner, District 2, declared her candidacy for Mayor; voiced her excitement over improvements in the City and schools; spoke about thriving with collaboration and being energized by challenges; mentioned comments made by Councilmember Behrendt regarding cannabis dispensaries along Artesia and applauded him; referenced the beautification project along Artesia thereby providing another reason for not having dispensaries along Artesia and suggested placing dispensaries near medical centers.
Rick McQuillin, Manhattan Beach, spoke about forming a business development project for Artesia Boulevard; talked about the team, plans for Artesia to become a destination and spoke about an “Activate Artesia” module; went into detail on branding, positioning
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Tuesday, January 7, 2025
and technology approaches; urged Council to contact him for additional information and help.
More discussion followed on getting contact information and working with the City.
Ron Maroko, District 3, provided an update on the Path of History contract; discussed challenges he faces after making a public records request; produced samples of redacted information he receives from his public records requests; spoke about making sure the public records process is transparent and asked about the status of the contract.
Motion by Councilmember Kaluderovic, seconded by Councilmember Nehrenheim, and approved by voice vote, to receive and file documents submitted by Ron Maroko.
The motion carried 5-0.
Councilmember Obagi asked for clarification on what Ron Maroko is seeking; Ron Maroko confirmed he wants to see the contract.
Dan Elder thanked First Responders for keeping people safe; reported a candidate for City Council who currently serves on the Redondo Beach Unified School District Board of Education has published a candidate statement intended to create controversy and erode public trust in the School District as a campaign talking point; felt it is a self-serving and incorrect interpretation of a conflict between the State, RBUSD Board policies and the City Charter; spoke in support of the Board and its members, who have served the community honorably for many years and prioritize students over politics. He discussed settling the issue and moving forward; noted too much time and money has already been spent on the topic and that continuing an issue that has already been resolved for personal, political gain is not good for students or the community.
Brad Waller, District 1, noted he is a candidate for City Council; spoke about the time and effort invested into the Cannabis Ordinance; talked about issues in the cannabis industry that cannot be ignored such as the financial instability of the industry , use of pesticides and testing issues and felt that it is prudent to pause and allow the next Council and Mayor elected by the people to weigh in on this matter.
Marie Puterbaugh, District 5, expressed concerns regarding a candidate running for City Council, Rolf Strutzenberg; referenced a document from an attorney indicating his actions reveal a troubling pattern of behavior that should disqualify him from running for public office; opined he showed blatant disregard for public accountability and the democratic process; talked about his leadership style being hostile and intimidating and creating an environment of chaos versus collaboration.
Motion by Councilmember Kaluderovic, seconded by Councilmember Nehrenheim, and approved by voice vote, to receive and file documents submitted by Marie Puterbaugh.
The motion carried 5-0.
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL
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There were no other public comments, and Mayor Light closed this portion of the meeting.
K. EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS - None
L. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
M. ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS AGENDAS - None
N. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION PRIOR TO ACTION
N.1. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING UPDATES TO THE
REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO STREAMLINE APPLICATIONS
FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS CONSISTENT WITH
CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY BILL 1236
INTRODUCE BY TITLE ONLY ORDINANCE NO. 3286-25, AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, AMENDING THE REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING CHAPTER 28 -
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS TO TITLE 9, TO PROVIDE AN
EXPEDITED, STREAMLINED PERMITTING PROCESS FOR ELECTRIC
VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS FOR INTRODUCTION AND FIRST
READING
CONTACT: MARC WIENER, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Community Development Director Wiener and Chief Building Official Lorena Soules narrated a PowerPoint presentation with details of the Administrative Report.
Discussion followed regarding when the original ordinance was passed (2015), the number of applications received by the City during the last two years for EVC Stations, permit requirements for residential chargers, the timeline for processing an application and the need for more EV charging stations in the City.
Councilmember Obagi spoke about expediting the matter and making it easy for people to get EV chargers in the City.
Discussion followed on the application process for commercial use.
City Manager Witzansky spoke about continuing to add that infrastructure to the City and addressed grant application efforts.
In reply to Councilmember Nehrenheim’s question, Community Development Director Wiener reported it mirrors the solar panel application process.
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Councilmember Nehrenheim spoke favorably about the checklist created by Building and would like to see a similiar checklist available to residents to facilitate the permitting process.
In reply to Councilmember Nehrenheim’s question about requirements for new construction, Building Official Soules reported that a new Building Code will go into effect January 1, 2026, and she can research and update Director Wiener to provide the information to City Council.
Councilmember Nehrenheim asked whether SCE has the capacity to support new EV chargers.
City Manager Witzansky talked about them having capacity issues with delivering new transformers and the necessary power to support the infrastructure; mentioned he will reach out to SCE and noted it depends on the location and the particular property being considered.
Mayor Light invited public comments.
Georgette Gantner asked about the infrastructure and connection needed and Building Official Soules stated it depends on the connector and the type of vehicle.
There were no other public comments on this item.
Motion by Councilmember Obagi, seconded by Councilmember Behrendt, and approved by voice vote, to introduce by title only Ordinance No. 3286-25, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Redondo Beach, amending the Redondo Beach Municipal Code by adding Chapter 28 - electric vehicle charging stations to Title 9, to provide an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations for introduction and first reading.
The motion carried 5-0.
City Clerk Manzano read title to Ordinance No. 3286-25.
O. CITY MANAGER ITEMS
City Manager Witzansky wished all a Happy New Year and stated he and City staff are enthusiastic about 2025. Additionally, he reported two RBFD Fire Engines were deployed to help with the Pacific Palisades fire.
P. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
Councilmember Nehrenheim asked for a BRR on a parking permit program for the mid-year budget review.
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In reply to Councilmember Loewenstein’s question whether both new engines are operational, City Manager Witzansky reported that one engine is operational, and he was unsure about the second.
Councilmember Loewenstein asked when the City would be bringing back the ordinance on electronic signage.
City Manager Witzansky stated electronic signage will be brought to Council at its first meeting in February.
Motion by Councilmember Kaluderovic, seconded by Councilmember Obagi, and approved by voice vote, to direct staff to agendize a discussion about wave generated power in the Harbor on an upcoming Closed Session agenda.
The motion carried 5-0.
Councilmember Obagi requested a BRR on replacing the fencing around the Perry Park baseball field and whether it is eligible for QUIMBY fees; asked for a discussion on an upcoming agenda about the Path of History Marker contract.
City Manager Witzansky provide an update on the Path of History Marker program noting it is in the works and in motion.
Councilmember Obagi thanked Gary Margolis for correcting various typographical errors.
Mayor Light requested BRRs on revenues year over year (2023/2024) for December Riviera Village parking and sales tax revenues, including the fiscal impact of the decision; requested that Council consider a discussion in an upcoming Closed Session related to Beach Life in the California Surf Club.
Motion by Councilmember Nehrenheim, seconded by Councilmember Loewenstein, and approved by voice vote, to place a discussion regarding Beach Life in the California Surf Club, on the Closed Session agenda for January 14, 2025.
The motion carried 5-0.
Q. MAYOR AND COUNCIL REFERRALS TO STAFF
R. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION - None
The Closed Session meeting was cancelled.
S. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION - None
The Closed Session meeting was cancelled.
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MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
T. ADJOURNMENT – 7:00 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 7:00 p.m. to an Adjourned Regular meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m. (Closed Session), on Tuesday, January 14, 2024 in the Redondo Beach City Hall Council Chambers, 415 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach, California.
Motion carried, 5-0.
All written comments submitted via eComment are included in the record and available for public review on the City website.
Respectfully submitted:
Eleanor Manzano, CMC
City Clerk