STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Minutes
Redondo Beach City Council
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Strategic Planning Session - 3:00 p.m.
3:00 P.M. – STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION – SPECIAL MEETING A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
A Special 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: Waller, Castle, Kaluderovic, Obagi, Behrendt, Mayor Light
Councilmembers Absent: None
Officials Present: Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Melissa Villa, Analyst
C. SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND INVOCATION
Mayor Light led in the salute to the flag and asked all to remain standing for a few moments of silent invocation.
D. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/AB 1234 TRAVEL EXPENSE REPORTS - None
E. APPROVE ORDER OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Kaluderovic, seconded by Councilmember Waller, to approve the order of the agenda.
Motion carried 5-0, by voice vote.
F. AGENCY RECESS
G. BLUE FOLDER ITEMS – ADDITIONAL BACK UP MATERIALS
G.1. For Blue Folder Documents Approved at the City Council Meeting
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Analyst Villa announced two Blue Folder items J.1 and M.1.
Motion by Councilmember Kaluderovic, seconded by Councilmember Waller, to receive and file Blue Folder items.
Motion carried 5-0, by voice vote.
H. CONSENT CALENDAR
H.1. APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION OF APRIL 29, 2025
CONTACT: ELEANOR MANZANO, CITY CLERK
Motion by Councilmember Obagi, seconded by Councilmember Waller , to approve the order of the Consent Calendar as presented.
Mayor Light invited public comment.
Analyst Villa reported there were no eComments and no one online.
Motion carried 5-0, by voice vote.
I. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS - None
J. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS - None
J.1. For eComments and Emails Received from the Public - None K. RECESS – 3:04 P.M.
Motion by Councilmember Waller, seconded by Councilmember Obagi, to recess at 3:04 p.m. and reconvene in the Main Library meeting room for a strategic planning session.
Motion carried 5-0, by voice vote.
L. RECONVENE (MAIN LIBRARY MEETING ROOM, 303 N. PACIFIC COAST HWY, 2ND FLOOR)
Councilmembers Present: Waller, Castle, Kaluderovic, Obagi, Behrendt, Mayor Light
Councilmembers Absent: None
Officials Present: Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Melissa Villa, Analyst
STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Mayor Light reconvened the Special Meeting of the Strategic Planning Session in the Main Library meeting room at 3:10 p.m.
M. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION PRIOR TO ACTION
M.1. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE CITY’S STRATEGIC PLAN,
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
CONTACT: MIKE WITZANSKY, CITY MANAGER
Jane Harrington, Leading Resources facilitator, revisited last year’s Strategic Planning Session of September 10, 2024; stated that the agenda was packed and her job is to keep the meeting focused and moving to fit all the items in; invited the City Clerk and other participants to remind her to include public comment; began the meeting with introductions from all the attendees with names and titles.
Facilitator Harrington gave some background on the Strategic Planning Session and mentioned it is publicly posted on the City’s website; stated it has six goals and a number of objectives/key initiatives and projects; asked the group to offer suggestions on where it can be fine-tuned and adjusted; noted they should plan for the next six months and also plan for the 3-year plan.
Facilitator Harrington started off the session asking the group to provide the City’s accomplishments since the last time they convened in September.
Councilmember Kaluderovic mentioned the passing of Measure FP.
Councilmember Castle stated District 2 has made many improvements to the Waterfront, including the pavers and the new skatepark.
Councilmember Behrendt stated recruiting and retaining excellent staff; highlighted the City Manager as one of the key additions.
Councilmember Obagi mentioned the Community Development Department was able to include all the waitlisted kids into their after-school recreation program, the teen center remodel, completion of the bulb-outs and traffic signals by the Public Works Department on Grant Avenue, enforcement by the Police Department on Ford Avenue and apprehension of some violent criminals that were responsible for shootings in District 4 and found the people responsible for graffiti.
Councilmember Kaluderovic stated they reached functional zero for the City’s homelessness.
Councilmember Obagi reported Public Works successfully applied for significant grant funding from the COG for major expansion of the North Redondo Beach bike path,
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transportation activist groups have applauded Redondo Beach for being one of the most advanced South Bay cities for the Master Bicycle Plan.
Mayor Light noted the City completed a cannabis permit selection process, completed International Boardwalk venting improvements, got the 30% design review for Seaside Lagoon and have a funding mechanism for the first phase; mentioned advancements in the Boat Launch design, and hiring of critical staff in City Hall.
Councilmember Obagi added the RBFD are proven heroes for their part in battling the wildfires in LA and the City appropriating money to obtain a second engine , which allowed them to send firefighters and still maintain full staff in the City.
Mayor Light added the implementation of changes to the General Plan to accommodate the housing element and Charter change for it.
Councilmember Kaluderovic mentioned the crack down on smoke shops selling illegal products.
City Manager Witzansky noted the hirings of the Finance Director, Assistant to the City Manager and a new Special Projects Manager for Measure FP; completion of the playground equipment replacement project at Dominguez Park; completed bike path improvements; completed another phase of the streetscape enhancement in Riviera Village (Mayor Light added the Bicycle Coalition applauded all the City’s bike path improvements); completion of the hardscape improvements to the City’s courtyard landscaping project; successful implementation of RCV for the March election; more Charter changes occurred; added the Harbor Master position; successful implementation of the Boater Alert Network in the Harbor; enhanced enforcement efforts in the Harbor Patrol Unit.
Councilmember Obagi added the completion of the International Boardwalk pavers.
Mayor Light mentioned the addition of public wi-fi to the Pier.
Councilmember Obagi noted revenue doubled from the Beach Life Festival this year.
City Manager Witzansky mentioned the Community Development Department assisted the California Surf Club with its official completion.
Councilmember Obagi reported the City recovered about $200k by not having holiday parking for the entire month of December.
Chief Hoffman reported the RBPD responded to over 59,000 calls for service resulting in over 2,000 arrests; secured state funding to get an enhanced emergency medical dispatch system and to fully replace all their 911 dispatch equipment; modified the street sweeping ordinance and implemented a GIS mapping system for the public; RBPD hosted 17 community events.
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Councilmember Kaluderovic added continued e-Bike enforcement and education; grant funding for Public Safety to implement First Responder mental health services.
Library Director Vinke reported they have doubled their summer reading attendance in their annual program; digitized the City’s local newspaper, Redondo Beach Daily Breeze; upgraded all the Library’s public computers and enhanced their print stations, scanning, and wireless printing; held over 500 programs for the community and had over 20,000 in attendance.
Community Development Director Hause stated the City installed the first city commissioned mural at the Pier Skatepark; doubled the City’s Instagram platform from 2,000 to 4,000 followers, onboarded a brand new transit team and they were successful in conducting an RFP for a new Transit Operator; reported the Youth Commission is up and running; the Housing division was able to pull 100 people off of the waitlist for Section 8 housing.
Chief Butler reported with the addition of new fire engines the RBFD was able to deploy 10 strike teams to 10 wildfires across the state, total of 34-35 personnel were assigned and logged over 6,000 hours; turned one of their fire engines to a paramedic assessment engine which reduced their reliance on mutual aid by over 40%; Fire Prevention Bureau completed 99% of the state-mandated fire inspections; assisted Community Development in securing a barge company for the Fourt of July fireworks show; promoted three members to Deputy Harbor Master in the Harbor; reported they responded to just under 8,000 calls last year.
City Engineer Lauren Sablan stated the City issued 1,600 permits over the year approx. 800 since September); completed 4,300 inspections (2,150 since September); completed 18 projects which cost about $12.1 million in capital funds; filled two vacant positions and had two promotions.
Public Works Deputy Director of Operations Mike Klein noted the completion of the Harbor dredging project; completed the enhanced lighting along the walking paths; noted the purchase of equipment for the Fire, Police, and Public Works departments; mentioned response to emergencies along with Fire and Police; assisted with other cities to provide mutual aid along the coast.
Human Resources Director Diane Strickfaden stated they processed over 6,000 job applications; hired 54 full-time and 71 part-time employees; noted since 2022 the City has seen a 20% reduction in workers comp and liability claims costs and due to this got an insurance premium reduction for their annual risk pool premium; received 59 investigated liability claims and 40 workers comp claims which is less than normal; currently working with the City’s department heads to implement vendor compliance; negotiated, finalized and implemented two new MOU’s for the RBFA and the fire division chiefs; coordinated 12 employment relations trainings for City employees.
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Finance Director Stephanie Meyer announced they produced a balanced budget for 2024-25; received the GFOA award; returned to a normal budget timeline with their carryover; produced over 5,000 checks, EFT payments and processed over 700 new business licenses; prepared 14 external reports ranging from general bond compliance to transit and housing reports; added to senior accountants on staff; re-established Measure A funding which gives them access to about $2.5 million in existing funding for Parks and Rec projects; mentioned Measure FP and that a financial advisor was brought on for it.
Community Development Director Marc Wiener noted the implementation of the housing element; prepared for the comprehensive General Plan update and certified the EIR for the update; mentioned several ordinances that have gone to City Council; completed an organizational assessment and developed an action plan and are currently implementing it to improve operations; launched the new permitting system; issued a temporary certificate of occupancy for the Legado project.
Director of Waterfront & Economic Development Greg Kapovich listed several projects including the new Boat Launch project, Seaside Lagoon renovations, renegotiation of Beach Life, and negotiated a 50-year option agreement with Port Royal in exchange for completely new infrastructure; secured private donations for the Fourth of July Festival; purchased and donated a shark buoy to Cal State Long Beach; spoke about the International Boardwalk pavers and venting system and additional renovations; used grant money to remove about 15 abandoned boats out of the Harbor; spoke of work at Basin 3 and Basin 1.
City Attorney Joy Ford announced they completed over 250 assignments from staff which included contracts, ordinances, resolutions, etc.; stated their prosecution side implemented a case management system; mentioned the City is at functional zero for homelessness; stated Lila Omura was named Woman of the Year by Supervisor Holly Mitchell; stated her team has been invited to speak on homelessness and code enforcement by the League of Cities; hired a new Quality of Life prosecutor.
IT Director Mike Cook spoke of the big hardware replacement projects throughout the City; refreshed all the mobile devices for the City; completed several cyber security projects; addition of Wi-Fi to the International Boardwalk, Waterfront area, Wilderness Park and the historic museum; completed the move of the City’s Tyler Munis ERP from on-site to the latest Cloud version of the application.
Assistant to the City Manager Luke Smude spoke of the team of consultants assembled to continue to advocate for the Green Line extension project; instituted an attendance tracker for the Boards and Commissions.
Mayor Light added that the City successfully consolidated and transitioned a different commission structure, combining four commissions into one.
Facilitator Harrington moved the meeting’s focus to developing a S.W.O.T (Strengths,
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Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats)
Strengths
Councilmember Obagi mentioned the City’s strong department heads and staff; City’s responsiveness to public issues such as crime, parks, Public Works; noted the City’s dispatch response is phenomenal; consensus on Council; strong relationship with the school district and Chamber of Commerce
Councilmember Waller stated public safety is a big strength for the City.
City Manager Witzansky stated the City is fortunate to have significant transportation capital resources; positive relations with their labor associations; active volunteerism in the community; commitment to technological development.
Chief Hoffman added the City’s cutting-edge technology to enhance responses; the City is an attractive employer
Mayor Light mentioned the momentum on the City’s revitalization programs; the passing of Measure FP; lots of trust and respect from the public; homeless program has gotten much recognition; excitement from the Waterfront community.
Councilmember Kaluderovic noted the strong partnerships the City has with Athens.
Chief Butler noted the education and experience the staff receives regarding public safety; partnership with the School District gives the City access to parks at a very affordable rate.
Community Development Director Wiener noted the high success rate in accomplishing goals.
A member of the public stated the willingness of the City and community to work together to accomplish goals.
Commissioner Castle spoke of the quality of leadership throughout all the City departments and it is more highlighted in crisis situations.
Weaknesses
Councilmember Waller stated that their relationships with the Chamber and business community can be a weakness; perceived response to the community is also a weakness; the City’s economic situation; lack of inventory of every building asset and its condition.
Councilmember Obagi noted the lack of any contributions from the school district for crossing guards; the City has greater desires than they can satisfy in community service.
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Mayor Light spoke of the number of tasks and projects far exceeding the resources to complete them; lack of support in certain areas of the City such as contract and acquisition; lots of infrastructure demands from the aging buildings.
Chief Hoffman spoke of the young tenure with all the hiring in public safety.
Opportunities
Councilmember Obagi spoke about transit opportunities such as grant money; noted the re-opening of the Teen Center and potential for new teen programming; improvement around the regulatory framework around Artesia Blvd.
Councilmember Kaluderovic mentioned grant funding for the shooting range; greater enforcement for eBikes if the state can come through with support Mayor Light mentioned more community volunteer options and potential at the AES site.
Director of W.E.D. Kapovich spoke of tourism potential.
Councilmember Waller noted the upcoming LA events such as the Olympics, World Cup and Super Bowl.
Community Development Director Wiener added the potential for economic development and revitalization of commercial areas throughout the City.
Chief Hoffman spoke of the potential for enhanced prosecution due to the hiring of the new DA.
Councilmember Kaluderovic mentioned assistance with mental health issues or disorders.
Threats
Facilitator Harrington mentioned funding.
Councilmember Castle mentioned economic and budget cuts.
Mayor Light stated Section 8 funding is currently at risk with the new administration; capacity of overcapacity that comes with over-densification; huge cost growth; conversion of commercial properties to residential which will impact long -term potential for economic growth.
City Manager Witzansky expanded on the Section 8 funding to include all federal programs are at risk; housing formulas; reduction in travel and retail sales; tax
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exemptions.
Councilmember Kaluderovic spoke of the unknown of a new county entity for homelessness; labor and material shortage coming due to the fires.
Councilmember Castle noted the dependency of TOT as a volatile part of the City’s budget.
Councilmember Behrendt spoke of the potential over-densification of the City and the negative impact it will have on traffic and parking.
Councilmember Waller noted all element potentials such as earthquakes, fires, climate change, etc.
IT Director Cook mentioned the costs of goods and intangibles due to tariffs.
Assistant to the City Manager Smude mentioned the impact of cost growths not being able to stretch the dollar as they have in the past; the affect on Measure FP funding due to inflation.
City Attorney Ford mentioned the Green Line.
Chief Hoffman mentioned legislative mandates and pending laws and bills; challenges the City of LA faced during the fires and mentioned the lack of readiness.
Someone noted the increased reliance on emergencies.
Councilmember Obagi spoke of the continued inaction at the Galleria site.
Spoke of capital interest rates continuing to be a threat.
Facilitator Harrington wrapped up the S.W.O.T segment and moved onto the City’s three-year strategic goals; mentioned the goals need to be Redondo specific and not generalized; noted their priorities need to be strategic and not everyday business; revisited last session’s goals:
1) Modernize City’s Technology and Systems
2) Vitalize Commercial Areas of the City
3) Increase Environmental Sustainability
4) Invest in the City’s Infrastructure
5) Maintain a High Level of Public Safety
6) Enhance the Delivery of City Service
Facilitator Harrington wanted the group to focus on adjustments to the goals.
Councilmember Waller spoke about adding Measure FP to the list and noted that the current list is very generalized.
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Discussion followed on what they have done in the past, what they need to prioritize, what are the City’s short term and long-term goals, and do they want to keep thinking in three-year timelines.
City Manager Witzansky stated that the City generally thinks in three -year timelines; spoke of meeting goals in six-month segments and if they are meeting them; noted they need to decide if the objectives are attainable in the timelines they are placing.
Mayor Light recommended a long-term goal that is more specifically related to Redondo Beach is to achieve or exceed parody with the business growth and revenues from other neighboring cities instead of vitalizing commercial areas of the City; mentioned certain areas they could start with in Redondo and the ability to achieve the goal.
City Manager Witzansky spoke of framing the level of specificity; stated the goal would define its tenure; mentioned three goals could be: 1) vitalization of Artesia Blvd, 2) revitalizing the Waterfront, and 3) Redondo becoming a more “business friendly” City; felt all three of those goals may be three-year targets for achievement; stated he would like to have the goals prioritized and not just listed as it has been in the past.
More discussion followed.
Facilitator Harrington explained her thoughts on how to move forward; explained the number one goal she found re-occurring is vitalization of commercial areas; suggested bundling some efforts as she looked at the list and stated she found common objectives to be focused on the Waterfront and Artesia; she added to the chart as the group discussed changes.
Feedback and discussion ensued on the current goals, new strategic priorities, and new strategic goals; much of the discussion focused on Artesia development and how to acquire targeted new businesses and retain those businesses.
Facilitator Harrington moved forward and explained for goal two she felt Police and Fire facilities seemed to be a high priority item and moved it up on the list ; asked for feedback.
City Manager Witzansky stated it will be a three-year plus goal; reported implementing Measure FP will likely take the City three to five years but it will take a lot of the City’s time, focus and resources; stated the City will maintain the level of public safety services in the community but will not add any other projects in that area.
Councilmember Obagi also mentioned that the City will need to also focus on the continuity of the transition but still maintain their quick responsiveness to situations.
More discussion followed on the need to local and acquire temporary facilities while the building of the new facilities is taking place.
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Councilmember Castle addressed both the Fire and Police chiefs to ask if the transition to temporary facilities will present any challenges retaining or attracting new personnel/recruits.
Chief Hoffman responded that he feels it will enhance their ability to attract people to their agency; mentioned interviewing applicants that have chosen other agencies due to the condition of their facilities; for the present situation, he is unsure how it will affect recruitment opportunities.
Chief Butler agreed with Chief Hoffman and added that with the excitement of the new facilities, it would attract employment since officers and firefighters stay with agencies for 20 – 30 years and a new place is attractive.
Facilitator Harrington summarized the goal for FP as to build modern, safe and resilient police and fire facilities.
The group agreed that having FP will be a benefit since the community understands it and voted for it; stated having it at number 2 shows its immediacy to have it completed.
Mayor Light voiced concern over all the focus drawn to FP and pointed out that the City has a good reputation for its public safety and is a leader in adopting and funding technology through grants and other avenues and does not want to lose sight over these buildings.
More discussion followed on how to identify other existing programs and projects to show they are not losing sight of public safety while focusing on the fire and police facilities.
Mayor Light wanted to continue the upward trend of using technology for public safety and used Aerodome and Auto Pulse as examples.
Facilitator Harrington pointed out that she re-wrote the goals based on reading through them herself but they do not need to stick to her list, and they can be changed around as they see fit; noted she did not see much regarding emergency preparedness but as the group discusses the goals this may be something that needs to be added.
Councilmember Kaluderovic suggested some language to better refine to the community what is being done.
Discussion followed on the language of what FP will cover in terms of facilities and funding.
City Manager Witzansky pointed out they need to not confuse the goals with the objectives; spoke of the need to have functional, reasonable timelines.
The group continued to work on the goals and objectives in the template Facilitator
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Harrington was populating; current goal being Infrastructure.
Councilmember Waller suggested one area of focus to be on the inventory of everything the City owns, maintenance schedules on the buildings (paint, floors, lighting, etc.), and replacement schedules for items such as the carpets, roof, electrical, etc.
Councilmember Obagi added continued execution of the Bicycle Master Plan and moving forward with making decisions and implementing them.
City Manager Witzansky stated there needs actual goals listed such as completing a certain amount of miles by a certain time; there needs to be a direct goal set to move from simple objectives to meeting actual targets without overcommitting.
Facilitator Harrington moved the discussion along, mentioned they can come back to it and wanted to focus on the original goals; stated the group, last year, had Goal 1 as Modernize the City’s Technology and Systems; opined it didn’t only mean the delivery of City services but also changing the public’s experience with the services they receive; explained her train of thought on the goal and renamed it a Priority Area of Customer Centered Service Delivery; noted that PRA software could be part of this and generalizing that they are hoping to make navigating through the website easier for customers; stated it is more than just technology but also what is the hope of the outcome; asked for comments from the group.
City Manager Witzansky pointed out that parts of the process will be focused on organizational efficiency and not customer centered but in the long run will help the customer; noted that the modernized city’s tech and operational effectiveness is a combined concept.
More discussion followed regarding access and usability of the website; efficiencies to be gained by the use of technology; the process needed to fulfill the objectives.
Facilitator Harrington pushed along to Goals 5 and 6 which were: 5) Increase Environmental Sustainability and 6) Enhance the Delivery of City Services; opined that these goals seem to connect and asked for input from everyone.
Discussion followed on the thoughts and strategies behind these goals.
Mayor Light spoke of the City’s need to be more environmentally sustainable and responsible.
Councilmember Obagi disagreed listing items the City is currently involved in such as native plant implementation, use of electric City transportation, and the change in the Public Works Commission to Public Works and Sustainability Commission.
Councilmember Behrendt stated there is always more to be done but there is a balance needed.
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Councilmember Waller asked to add something towards neighborhood character and preserving the Redondo Beach vibe.
Councilmember Obagi mentioned increasing the tree canopy.
Discussion followed regarding objectives vs goals and timelines associated with them; stormwater issues and realistic solutions and objectives; pursuing microplastic and plastic bag bans and adding more charging stations.
More discussion led to preservation of historic resources, requirements of property owner’s cooperation and state rules to enact that could help preserve these resources.
Community Development Director Wiener noted there is a land use element and a few policies to address; stated the intent of his department is to go back to Council to take a deeper dive on historic preservation and what direction to take with the ordinance.
More discussion followed on the next steps for historic preservation, policy direction, land use element, and the ordinance.
Mayor Light warned that if the City sticks to what they have today, they will lose their history.
City Manager Witzansky clarified that the balancing is private property rights and community historic goals.
Community Development Director Wiener stated they did commit to bring back to City Council the potential to incentivize property owners to place trees on their property or as a condition of development; wondered if that is an objective or a goal.
Facilitator Harrington moved the meeting’s focus to capacity as an organization; spoke about staffing assessment, service delivery, and budget.
City Manager Witzansky felt innovation across all departments is important; suggested combining some objectives into two goals.
Facilitator Harrington stated besides wordsmithing they are pretty aligned across the board; asked if they want to revisit anything.
Discussion followed regarding park/community services, enhanced public spaces, amenities, and programs; spoke of moving away from categorizing and move into more specific goals.
More discussion led to the need to package some of the objectives into the new goals, prioritization and more specific language needed for the goals; build from the framework they designed.
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The group moved on to putting the goals and objectives into a “mission statement” type of document.
Facilitator Harrington noted it is about 5:13 p.m.
City Manager Witzansky stated public comment is still needed; recommended making sure all the items are priorities for the City.
Councilmember Obagi felt Artesia Blvd needs strategy including assessment of the parking situation.
Discussion followed and Facilitator Harrington moved into wordsmithing the goals; discussion followed on prioritization of each goal and the value of each.
More discussion focused on the homeless program, mental health response and emergency preparedness planning; agreed they are all separate goals but under public safety.
Facilitator Harrington asked the group what action is needed to achieve the goals for these items.
Chief Butler stated continued data surveys to find out what resources are needed, data driven studies to devise a game plan for future events and expand services.
Chief Hoffman stated he is not sure the residents know what the City’s plan is and where they could review a copy of the plan if they wanted to; noted more awareness is needed; spoke of natural disasters the City could face; stated if there is a strategic item it should be surrounding the actual emergency response plan, the development of it and the availability of it.
City Manager Witzansky felt that the communication of the City’s preparedness efforts need to be better communicated to the community by the City; felt it is not a strategic plan goal.
Discussion followed regarding adding continued utilization of new technologies to deliver a high level of public safety.
More discussion followed regarding the importance of each goal and where each should be placed on the chart; prioritizing the objectives within the goals focusing by primary investment, secondary investment and future tertiary right; suggested color coding to define priority; mentioned if there is discretionary funding that may take priority over non-funded items.
City Manager Witzansky stated media attention is first and foremost and Council call ultimately makes the decision; noted from what he has heard on the economic vitality items, Artesia, Waterfront and become a business destination would have priority over
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the rest.
Discussion followed on the need to choose from the 16 goals what should be placed as higher priority and suggestions on how to choose the top six.
Facilitator Harrington stated if she were prioritizing the list she would be doing it at the objective level because that is where you are making the actual budgetary decisions from what she has noticed; asked everyone to give their opinion on the order of the goals.
Discussion followed on the list being in the correct order already but that objectives within the goals may present less priority over other goals, that based on departments some may be able to allocate funding from a grant so they can prioritize it and recommend to Council, the need to focus on certain objectives and the need for Council to provide guidance.
City Manager Witzansky urged the Council to provide their ideas regarding the list; stated he needed to hear from them tonight so that he could come back to Council with wording and recommendations; explained to the group that if given no feedback he will run into hurdles and need to track down certain Councilmembers for input.
Discussion followed on prioritization and how to narrow it down, the general consensus that Goal 1 and 2 are where they should be, the need to find out from City staff what is actually possible and realistic, whether they focus on objectives tonight or allow the City staff to review it and adjust it and then present it to Council to fill in the blanks.
City Manager Witzansky pointed out that if they do not have the two-way dialogue tonight then things they wanted to prioritize may be missed; stated the goal with this exercise is for the group to coalesce around the objectives and fill in the details and then being able to react at the council meeting.
Councilmember Kaluderovic stated she would be more in favor of the “star system” approach.
City Manager Witzansky stated if the “star system” was applied to these goals, it would become very clear where the efforts would be applied, or he said they can all talk it through; suggested to take public input and come back and lay out objectives.
Facilitator Harrington noted they should determine where they have the most “meat” on some of the objectives and separate those from ones that might be much bigger than they thought.
City Manager Witzansky stated if they go through the traditional process, where they go through each of the goals and list the objectives they want to include, they will have full clarity; mentioned the value of this meeting is that staff gets a chance to hear everything Council wants and there is a two-way dialogue.
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Mayor Light opined that they seem to be coming up with a new strategy tonight and felt they need to figure out how to execute on priorities and not continue to just talk about the goals and objectives.
Discussion followed on whether they allow staff to take it, work on it and bring it back to Council in two weeks or continuing and focusing on creating a plan of execution, and the need for public input.
Facilitator Harrington asked for the City Manager’s opinion on how to proceed.
City Manager Witzansky stated it makes more sense for his staff if they have baked objectives to react to; noted the City has been successful in coalescing around initiatives underneath goals that are set by the group.
Facilitator Harrington asked the Mayor his opinion.
Mayor Light stated he is fine with the group consensus; suggested they can go one level down on objectives; felt they need feedback on what is practical and executable; noted that Council is not seeing everything that staff sees every day.
Councilmember Obagi felt that this is the Council’s opportunity to shape the way the City is moving forward, to give feedback on what should be done from a policy perspective and opined that the City Manager would let them know if they are overloading staff with too many objectives.
Public comment was invited.
Jim Mueller, District 5, spoke of the public stating that no progress is seen in some key areas; listed the Galleria as the most mentioned area, undesirable businesses moving into legacy spaces along Artesia and the General Plan and the AACAP taking forever and seems like it will never be done; stated he liked what the Mayor said about not generalizing but moving toward a specific development objective, not waiting for businesses to come to the City but to go after the businesses the City wants.
Kristina Christian-Kelly, Cultural Arts Commissioner wanted to make sure that public art will be engaged within the strategic plan; acknowledged owning and preserving historical homes has a big impact with sustainability on the environment and explained why.
Roger Carlson, Harbor Commissioner and District 3, thanked staff and Council for their past and present support in the Harbor and especially for filling the role of Harbor Master; stated he is there to offer the Harbor Commission’s support for the list that W.E.D. Director Greg Kapovich has and should be in everyone’s packet; highlighted a specific item regarding the disposal of abandoned boats in the basins; opined that the best decisions on which boats to dispose of first, and how to dispose of them, would
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come from the Habor Patrol and Harbor Master; mentioned the possibility of rescuing some; asked the City to keep an eye on the north basin and mentioned the rise of petty crimes and assaults in that area; suggested that the City figure out a way to connect the new dinghy dock, the Surf Club and down to the International Boardwalk with some artistic design, benches, and flowers to enhance the City’s amenities.
Analyst Villa reported no hands raised and no one on Zoom.
Facilitator Harrington suggested breaking for dinner at 6:01 p.m.
Everyone returned to the Main Library at 6:45 p.m.
Facilitator Harrington stated the next step in the strategic planning process, at this point, is for City Council to weigh in on how to achieve the goals the group has laid out; mentioned that the current plan has been updated to reflect any items that are complete.
Councilmember Obagi (mic not on) spoke of the Fun Factory space, which is dormant, and the need to fix the garage.
City Manager Witzansky clarified that he is speaking of the earthquake retrofit; stated there is a project that is funded to make improvements to the parking structure that is part and parcel to the Fun Factory space; mentioned the City has a revised strategy to stay within the funding there for that CIP and mentioned opportunities there once that project is completed.
Mayor Light mentioned the need to proactively market Had Two, Fun Factory, Maison Ritz and Market Hall.
City Manager Witzansky suggested wording to be: Proactively market the identified opportunity sites in the Waterfront and on the Market Hall.
Discussion followed on the feasibility study, citing analysis associated with the boat launch ramp, identifying the commercial space for Market Hall and marketing pieces for the retail and development market.
City Manager Witzansky reported there will be marketing pieces and proposed concept items as part of Closed Session on May 13th.
More discussion followed on the opportunity sites, leasing strategy and how to word the objective; more discussion on the International Boardwalk sealing and roofing, strategies for the repairs as part of the CIP and not as an objective for this session; discussion followed regarding all the new electronic signs for the Waterfront and distinguishing between the pilot electronic signs being installed on Monday, the larger electronic signs that are not fully funded but are part of the CIP signs and the electronic directory sign.
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City Manager Witzansky stated the next step focuses on the boat launch ramp and the Seaside Lagoon.
Discussion followed regarding various site locations such as Joe’s and Gold’s Gym and City Manager Witzansky stated those would be discussed further in Closed Session.
More discussion on items and where to place them on the list such as Marina parking, Basin 1, rental safety ordinances, and the Marine Mammal Care Center.
W.E.D. Director Kapovich reported that a letter was submitted to HCD regarding the Marine Mammal Care Center; stated negotiations for an option agreement similar to the Port Royal one will be next once they receive feedback from HCD.
Mayor Light felt the Marine Mammal Care Center needs to be separate from leasing strategy because it is relevant now and on the news.
City Manager Witzansky suggested to put that item on for a Closed Session date and track it separately.
Discussion followed regarding Joe’s Crab Shack and moved on to Artesia Blvd.
Councilmember Obagi brought up Artesia FAR increase, parking regulations, public art and branding for the location.
More discussion followed on the AACAP and the carryover items.
Facilitator Harrington moved onto business investment in the community; discussion followed on items such as permitting, making the City more business friendly, impediments to business investment and code requirements, procedural issues, land use, zoning, etc.
City Manager Witzansky stated a lot of analysis is needed; noted that the Council will appoint the Economic Development Subcommittee before the plan is adopted; mentioned he will work with Community Development Director Marc Wiener to discuss the pre-construction meeting, and will work on populating objectives he has such as full implementation of iWorq, communicating clear permitting timelines, etc.
Community Development Director Wiener stated most of the objectives he has are operational through his department and they are looking at updating codes to make it more business friendly.
More discussion followed on creating a business-friendly environment for Redondo Beach.
City Manager Witzansky explained the impediments his staff will need to work through such as regulatory issues, the City’s appeal process and other barriers to the
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investment community; mentioned there is a balance between the community input and the economic certainty; asked to add retention of businesses to the list.
Facilitator Harrington asked about moving to the topic of PCH and the group decided to table that as a future item; moved on to FP.
City Manager Witzansky listed out the objectives for this section as follows: select and complete a contract with the Bond Program Manager firm, development and acquisition strategy, and work with the City’s municipal financial advisor, in concert with the acquisition strategy, to determine the timing for bond issuance.
Discussion followed on the possibility of the elimination of a federal tax exemption that could accelerate the process and decisions if that happens.
City Manager Witzansky asked Jane Harrington to add “formation of the citizens oversight committee” and mentioned even if it is not formed the technical structure should be formed; stated it is for the gun range.
Facilitator Harrington moved on to mental health and asked the group for next steps.
Councilmember Kaluderovic (mic not on) stated that the City budgeted to hire a mental health clinician and then to explore partnership with Hermosa on mental health response.
City Attorney Ford stated there have been many barriers to the hiring of the mental health clinician such as meeting with outside counsel and malpractice insurance ; mentioned that contracting with a third party has been limiting due to retention of employees.
Discussion followed on the process and barriers to bring in a mental health clinician and possible solutions to move it forward; noted that the City works with a mental health contractor at this time but there are limitations since they are not a City employee; mentioned problems with scheduling and availability.
Chief Hoffman mentioned they have an agreement with LA County and a clinician assigned RBPD.
Discussion moved on to the Homeless Program.
City Engineer Sablan gave an update on the pallet shelters; mentioned it is in the plan and review stage with Building and they should get the comments back soon, then they can address those quickly and get them approved.
Mayor Light, Councilmember Kaluderovic, and City Attorney Ford all mentioned to add find funding for family supportive housing; Councilmember Kaluderovic mentioned Measure A as a funding source.
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Discussion followed on finding funding, potentially partnering with Hermosa Beach for family supportive housing, and current partnership with Hermosa with the Homeless Court and possibly partnering with them for the mental health response.
Facilitator Harrington moved to: Continue to be a leader in the use of technology for public safety.
Chief Hoffman mentioned obtaining the FAA Certificate of Waiver for autonomous drone use.
City Manager Witzansky noted it is Aerodome’s responsibility but the City is working with them.
Chief Hoffman suggested wording the objective as: Working with the vendor to obtain FAA Waiver for autonomous drone use through the City’s DFR Program.
Chief Butler mentioned Tablet Command as a tool to track resources.
Chief Hoffman interjected to ask about developing the new video system in the City; mentioned it would tie into public safety.
City Manager Witzansky asked how big of an initiative it would be.
IT Director Cook stated they will identify a vendor in the next few weeks; noted they would be replacing what the City is currently using including the main surveillance system, Public Safety facilities; upgrading jail, and upgrading mobile trailers; mentioned there is a decision package for an additional mobile trailer pole cams, trying to get everything integrated into a single platform; stated it would give the City a million times more capabilities.
City Manager Witzansky noted there are privacy issues with the expansion of the system but noted the efficiency in consolidating the City’s current CCTV Network would be something the City would support.
Discussion followed on the current system and the extent of what the new system could provide.
Chief Butler was asked about the Tablet Command; explained it is basically an iPad that they can use to track all their resources instead of writing on the back of an SUV.
City Manager Witzansky stated they would work on acquiring them.
Discussion changed to Next Gen 911 and eliminating paper citations and implementing technology-based citations, which they decided to place as a future objective.
Facilitator Harrington moved on to renewal, modernization, resilience of roads, public
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facilities.
City Manager Witzansky stated they need to identify the cost and process/mechanism to inventory the condition of City facilities and large amenities to help them more proactively manage deferred maintenance requirements.
More discussion followed regarding researching the cost but not being able to afford it at this time.
Councilmember Obagi spoke about the continued need to invest in infrastructure, ensure they are seeking grant funding through funding sources for energy related infrastructure investments.
City Manager Witzansky noted to add it as: Pursue grant funding for energy related infrastructure investments.
Facilitator Harrington asked if there was anything coming up more related to parks and amenities and programs that the public experiences.
Councilmember Obagi referred to a discussion they had at a prior strategic planning meeting two years ago; mentioned that the City is park poor but have so many small parks; stated the cost of installing playgrounds and replacing them would be very expensive and they need to be conscious of that with change.
Mayor Light stated he meant just restoring parks and equipment they already have and their facilities.
Discussion followed on the costs associated with Wilderness Park and Dominguez Park.
Mayor Light added an objective of: Execute Wilderness Park Master Plan as funded .
Discussion followed on Wilderness Park, its status and what has been completed; the Mayor mentioned there is a contract for design, cost estimate for the slide that was approved, in the process of procuring the interpretive signs, mentioned they approved 800K and stated the City picked four projects from the Wilderness Master Plan and are currently executing them.
More discussion followed regarding the funding and areas of the park that still need attention such as the sunshade over the amphitheater and the upper pond.
Facilitator Harrington asked if anything else should be under public spaces and amenities programs.
Councilmember Kaluderovic mentioned Franklin Park needs to be replaced but it is funded.
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More discussion followed regarding Moonstone Park, Veterans Park and Ito Park; Councilmember Kaluderovic mentioned signage made that talk about internment camps from the national parks that could be used for Ito Park if they can gain approval; Community Services Director Hause was asked to give an update on the signage.
Community Service Director Hause stated that the subcommittee that’s under the Public Amenities Commission is working with Jack Meyer, the new Cultural Arts Commissioner, to figure out how to proceed with using the signage and to ensure that is the path they would like to take going forward since there is limited funding and there will only be three signs in the park.
Facilitator Harrington moved on to active transportation and alternative modes of transportation goal.
Mayor Light brought up the Teen Center item.
Discussion followed on Teen Center programming, adaptive transportation, the Youth Commission, and merged into active alternative transportation goals, the LTN, low speed vehicles and the active CIP currently in motion with COG funding.
Facilitator Harrington moved on to the bike plan.
Councilmember Obagi mentioned they are currently implementing the plan; suggested maybe they should use grant money they have not used, but appropriated years ago, for green bike lanes and invest in equipment that paints the green bike lanes and the City can do it on its own.
Mayor Light noted they received a detailed letter from the Bike Coalition and maybe the City could prioritize what they have listed.
Discussion followed regarding the letter they received and the questions they have regarding some of the items on the list and separating out the ones that are feasible.
City Manager Witzansky suggested staff provides a report to City Council on the status of CIPs that not everyone is aware of or understand; noted it might be good to spend time on daylighting them for everybody to see; asked Facilitator Harrington to add provide a report on the status of the City’s active transportation projects and micromobility capital improvement projects”.
More discussion followed regarding the bike paths, enhancing the street rehabilitation program, exploring working with other cities to purchase equipment for street rehab projects.
Facilitator Harrington moved on to: Information and records easier to find.
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City Manager Witzansky stated the full objective reads “work with departments to determine the records that can be digitized, in order to improve operations, meet requirements, and then develop a plan to digitize those records, make them more accessible to public”; noted it will be a huge endeavor.
Discussion followed on search possibilities such as using AI, web interface options, carryover items including digital records enhancement, city services available online, parking permits, and PRA software.
Assistant to the City Manager Jane Chung reported they will be meeting with Granicus on Monday, they will go over the data collection they provide and start working through the workflows and the process with the system.
Discussion followed regarding agenda management software, software update, and records enhancement and record searches.
IT Director Cook stated each department is effectively its own project and is sizeable and will be a three-to-five-year goal for the City to be paperless at some point.
Councilmember Waller wanted to add, under 4.2, the Access Redondo app.
Discussion followed regarding the progress of the app and where they are in relation to the actual completion of the Access Redondo app, and the focus on the iWorq option, options on homeless reporting.
Discussion went back to digital records enhancement, internal forms, internal signatures, and implementation of the items.
City Manager Witzansky suggested combining the four objectives into one because they all have internal and external benefits.
Councilmember Behrendt suggested inventorying what has been added to the list and go from top to bottom; wanted to be able to have the City Manager see what is possible and for the group to clean it up and make it more clear.
Discussion followed and the group cleaned up the language, objectives and goals, added objectives that were missing.
Mayor Light disagreed with the sequential prioritization and explained some of the objectives need to be done in parallel with others; recommended a prioritization schema within each.
Discussion followed and it was clarified that they are just going through the list to see if all the objectives within the list are feasible and not to prioritize it.
The group continued to go through the list and cleaned up and removed language on
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each goal and objective on the plan.
Discussion ensued regarding charging stations and the ability or lack of ability to increase the number of charging stations throughout the City.
Discussion moved to a General Plan update, Community Development Director Wiener spoke of the ordinance, policies and land use element of the General Plan being scheduled to go back to Council in June; mentioned policy options on historic preservation.
More discussion followed on historic preservation, policy preservation, revisiting Riviera Village regarding parking regulations, the notary exemption and restaurants.
Discussion moved on to Path of History Markers.
Community Services Director Hause reported they have identified two that need to be replaced and they have funding to create eight new ones and they are working on the language for those and the Cultural Arts Manager is working on obtaining photos for those signs.
City Manager Witzansky stated the next item is the recommendation on the Public Art consultant that will be helping develop the Artesia strategy and noted it is scheduled for May 13th.
Discussion moved to items recommended from Commissions, possibility of overlaps with objectives already covered; spoke about the Planning Commission’s residential design standards objective and suggestions on how to develop standards; went through and compared the City’s strategic plan to the commissions’ recommendations.
Discussion followed on the major events not specifically being listed such as the Olympics, World Cup and FIFA and placing that under Economic Development; whether they will see any benefits from the events taking place in LA.
Facilitator Harrington reported they currently have 50 objectives; asked the City Manager if what is listed gives him enough direction.
City Manager Witzansky responded that it is pretty clear and felt he understands what Council wants; felt there is equity among policy prioritization and opined everyone understands FP is a priority; assured Council that staff will run projects in parallel since different departments have different objectives; noted that the balance of the plan is equal prioritization; mentioned the goal will be to have all 50 accomplished within the 10 to 12 month period.
More discussion followed. Mayor Light voiced his concern over the process of the Strategic Plan and the execution; the group collectively discussed their thoughts regarding the process.
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Facilitator Harrington stated they are trying to make adjustments to the process but felt, at this point, they may not be able to; stated, from what she has heard, the prioritization of the list is baked in already.
Discussion followed for anyone to voice their opinions on the process; Councilmember Behrendt felt comfortable with the current process; Mayor Light suggested that everyone think through the process, and before the next strategic plan, come back with a true strategic process and not just a punch list; City Manager Witzansky summarized the evolution of the past process which migrated to a “Council top down structure’.
Mayor Light stated he would like to see the pendulum in the middle with some real assessment of capacity in the departments to execute.
City Manager Witzansky stated they could commit to that as part of the next structure, assuming the goals stay the same.
Mayor Light suggested that himself, City Manager Witzansky and Jane Harrington meet and come up with a recommendation to the Council regarding how to create a more strategic process and not just a punch list of objectives and goals.
Councilmember Obagi suggested they have a second session where staff come in and provide feedback on items assigned to their department.
Mayor Light stated they can proceed with what they have but come up with a better process for the next time.
Discussion followed and a decision was made for the Mayor to come up with a process that would improve the strategic planning session.
City Manager Witzansky stated he will take the current plan, wordsmith it with staff, come up with goal titles, objective outcomes, who, what, where and when; mentioned trying to have it to Council by the second or third Tuesday in May.
Discussion followed on the timelines, ideally adopting the plan within a month, adopting the plan before they go through the CIP and budget to help drive decisions, the balancing act of the 50 objectives, staff’s input will be on what is achievable, and staff knowing how to adjust to get to the outcome needed.
Public comment was invited.
Analyst Villa reportend one Zoom attendee but no hands raised.
N. ADJOURNMENT – 8:27 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Obagi, seconded by Councilmember Kaluderovic, and approved by voice vote, to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 p.m.
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Motion carried, 5-0.
The next meeting of the City Council of the City of Redondo Beach will be an Adjourned Regular meeting to be held at 4:30 p.m. (Closed Session) and a Regular meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m. (Open Session) on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in the Redondo Beach City Hall Council Chamber, 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach, California.
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