REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Minutes
Redondo Beach City Council
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
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 4:31 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Waller in the City Hall Council Chambers, 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach, California.
B. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Waller, Castle, Kaluderovic, Obagi, Mayor Pro Tem Behrendt
Councilmembers Absent: Mayor Light
Officials Present: Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Joy Ford, City Attorney
Emily Bodkin, Administrative Specialist/Interim
Liaison
C. BLUE FOLDER ITEMS – ADDITIONAL BACK UP MATERIALS - None D. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS AND NONAGENDA ITEMS Administrative Specialist Bodkin reported no one on Zoom and no eComments.
E. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
E.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:
Redondo Beach City Employee Association v. City of Redondo Beach Case No: LA-CE-1892-M
E.2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION - The Closed Session is authorized by the attorney-client privilege, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
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Name of case:
Cornelia Blakely v. City of Redondo Beach, and Does 1 through 25, inclusive Case Number: 24TRCV02937
E.3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR - The Closed Session is authorized by the Government Code Section 54956.8.
AGENCY NEGOTIATOR:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Elizabeth Hause, Waterfront & Community Services Director Katherine Buck, Waterfront & Economic Development Manager PROPERTY:
207 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
a portion of APN: 7503-029-903)
NEGOTIATING PARTIES:
Christopher Bredesen
UNDER NEGOTIATION:
Lease Terms
Administrative Specialist Bodkin read titles to be discussed in Closed Session.
City Manager Witzansky announced the following would be participating in Closed Session: City Manager Mike Witzansky, City Attorney Joy Ford, Assistant City Attorney Cheryl Park, Human Resources Director Diane Strickfaden, Senior Deputy City Attorney Aleena Hashmi, Outside Legal Counsel Tiffany Cheuvront, Outside Legal Counsel Sean Brady, Waterfront and Community Services Director Elizabeth Hause, and W.E.D.
Manager Katherine Buck.
Motion by Councilmember Castle, seconded by Councilmember Kaluderovic, to recess to Closed Session at 4:34 p.m.
Motion carried 5-0 by voice vote.
G. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Mayor Pro Tem Waller reconvened to Open Session at 6:00 p.m.
H. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Pro Tem Waller, Castle, Kaluderovic, Obagi, Behrendt
Councilmembers Absent: Mayor Light
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Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Officials Present: Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Joy Ford, City Attorney
Derek Kalish, Assistant City Clerk
Laura Diaz, Records Mgmt. Supervisor
I. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
City Manager Witzansky stated there was no reportable action that evening.
J. ADJOURN TO REGULAR MEETING
Motion by Councilmember Castle, seconded by Councilmember Obagi, to adjourn to the Regular Meeting at 6:01 p.m.
Motion carried 5-0 by voice vote.
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 6:01 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Waller in the City Hall Council Chambers, 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach, California.
B. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Pro Tem Waller, Castle, Kaluderovic, Obagi, Behrendt
Councilmembers Absent: Mayor Light
Officials Present: Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Joy Ford, City Attorney
Derek Kalish, Assistant City Clerk
Laura Diaz, Records Mgmt. Supervisor
C. SALUTE TO THE FLAG AND INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Waller invited veterans and active-duty military to stand and be recognized for their service.
Aaron, 4th grader at Beryl Heights Elementary, led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Pro Tem Waller asked all to remain standing for a moment of silent invocation.
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D. PRESENTATIONS/ PROCLAMATIONS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS/ AB 1234 TRAVEL Councilmember Kaluderovic reported attending the Shakespeare by the Sea events and noted that about 600 people attended both events held at Veterans’ Park and Dominguez Park; reported that Coastline Cares hosted an event on August 8 th that helped clean up
yards for those in need of assistance and that Athens provided the bin for the cleanup; announced that school would be back in session the following day and that there would be a water polo event in the Harbor from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. featuring national teams from the U.S., Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
Mayor Pro Tem Waller reported attending the NRBBA Rise and Shine Redondo meeting, a ribbon cutting for Face Window Tinting, and a ribbon cutting for Honeycutt Consulting last week; attended the K-9 demonstration at West High School on Saturday and congratulated the winners; reported attending RBUSD’s Back -to-School Rally on Monday and a Riviera Village Association (RVA) board meeting that morning; noted that the RVA created a subcommittee that will be presenting ideas to the Council at the next meeting; announced he will attend a Clean Power Alliance Legislative Regulatory Committee Meeting on Wednesday; announced Dine -Around-Artesia on Thursday at 5:00 p.m., the Chamber of Commerce Regional Mixer on August 26th at Seaside Lagoon, South Bay Cities Council of Governments Board Meeting on August 27th, and his district Community Meeting on August 29th at the Alta Vista Community Center at 9:00 a.m.; reminded everyone that Cruzin’ the Lagoon is on Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the King Harbor parking lot and live music at the Pier on Thursdays and Saturdays during the summer.
Councilmember Obagi reported that Access Redondo was working again and thanked IT Director Mike Cook.
E. APPROVE ORDER OF AGENDA
City Manager Witzansky requested to pull item H.11 and bring it back after they present it to the Public Works Safety and Sustainability Commission in October.
Motion by Councilmember Kaluderovic, seconded by Councilmember Obagi, to approve the order of the agenda minus H.11.
Motion carried 5-0 by voice vote.
F. AGENCY RECESS – 6:10 P.M.
F.1. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE REDONDO BEACH HOUSING AUTHORITY Motion by Councilmember Obagi, seconded by Councilmember Castle, to recess to the Special Meeting of the Redondo Beach Housing Authority (RBHA).
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Motion carried 5-0 by voice vote.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING FROM AGENCY RECESS – 6:12 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Waller, Castle, Kaluderovic, Obagi, Behrendt, Mayor Light
Councilmembers Absent: None
Officials Present: Eleanor Manzano, City Clerk
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Joy Ford, City Attorney
Derek Kalish, Assistant City Clerk
G. BLUE FOLDER ITEMS - ADDITIONAL BACK UP MATERIALS
G.1. For Blue Folder Documents Approved at the City Council Meeting Assistant City Clerk Kalish reported two Blue Folder items: J.1 and N.2.
Motion by Councilmember Kaluderovic, seconded by Councilmember Castle, to receive and file the Blue Folder items.
Motion carried 5-0 by voice vote.
H. CONSENT CALENDAR
H.1. APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 18, 2026
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. July 14, 2026
B. July 21, 2026
CONTACT: ELEANOR MANZANO, CITY CLERK
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H.4. PAYROLL DEMANDS
CHECKS 30717-30729 IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,547.72, PD. 7/31/26 DIRECT DEPOSIT 315121-315769 IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 2,502,809.14, PD. 7/31/26
CHECKS 30730-30743 IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,858.74, PD. 8/14/26 DIRECT DEPOSIT 315770-316421 IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 2,513,822.56, PD. 8/14/26
EFT/ACH $487,783.79, PD. 8/10/26 (PP2615)
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE DEMANDS
CHECKS 125856-126141 IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,449,417.55
REPLACEMENT DEMAND 125855
CONTACT: STEPHANIE MEYER, FINANCE DIRECTOR
H.5. APPROVE CONTRACTS UNDER $35,000:
1. APPROVE A FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
CHARGEPOINT, INC. TO ADD $15,380 IN EV CHARGING SUBSCRIPTION FEES AND SERVICES AND TO EXTEND THE TERM TO DECEMBER 3, 2027 CONTACT: ANDREW WINJE, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
2. APPROVE A THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH PETDATA, INC. FOR DOG LICENSING SERVICES TO EXTEND THE TERM THROUGH OCTOBER 18, 2026 FOR A MINIMUM MONTHLY SERVICE FEE OF $ 1,000 ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE FOR THE TERM IS $ 2,000) TO ALLOW FOR
ADDITIONAL TIME TO COMPLETE THE EVALUATION AND CONTRACTING PROCESS RELATED TO RFP#2526-007 FOR DOG LICENSING SERVICES CONTACT: STEPHEN SPRENGEL, POLICE CHIEF
H.6. APPROVE THE AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES WITH LOWER &
KESNER, LLP
CONTACT: JOY A. FORD, CITY ATTORNEY
H.7. APPROVE THE 2026 PUBLIC TRANSIT AGENCY SAFETY PLAN FOR BEACH
CITIES TRANSIT PER FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION GRANT
REQUIREMENTS
CONTACT: ELIZABETH HAUSE, WATERFRONT AND COMMUNITY
SERVICES DIRECTOR
H.8. APPROVE A TRANSIT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF
HERMOSA BEACH FOR THE OPERATION OF BEACH CITIES TRANSIT LINE 109 FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 AND A FEE
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OF $19,761
APPROVE A TRANSIT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF El SEGUNDO FOR THE OPERATION OF BEACH CITIES TRANSIT LINE 109 FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 AND A FEE OF $69,152 ADOPT BY 4/5THS VOTE AND TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. CC-2608-069,
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING A FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 BUDGET
MODIFICATION TO ALLOCATE $69,152 FROM THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO AND $ 19,761 FROM THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, FOR A TOTAL OF 88,913 FOR BEACH CITIES TRANSIT LINE 109 COST SHARING, TO THE CITY’S TRANSIT FUND
CONTACT: ELIZABETH HAUSE, WATERFRONT AND COMMUNITY
SERVICES DIRECTOR
H.9. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN ALETTER OF SUPPORT FOR ASSEMBLY BILL 2296, WHICH IF APPROVED BY THE STATE, WOULD PROVIDE CITIES
MORE TIME TO PROCESS THEIR HOUSING ELEMENTS
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN LETTERS OF OPPOSITION TO
ASSEMBLY BILL 1751, WHICH IF APPROVED BY THE STATE, WOULD
REQUIRE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO MINISTERIALLY APPROVE
TOWNHOMES THAT ARE LESS THAN THREE STORIES IN MULTIFAMILY
ZONES AND VACANT SINGLE-FAMILY ZONES REGARDLESS OF
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE CERTIFIED HOUSING ELEMENTS; AND SENATE BILL 1117, WHICH IF APPROVED BY THE STATE, WOULD LIMIT IMPACT
FEES CITIES CAN COLLECT FOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS LARGER THAN 750 SQUARE FEET
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A LETTER OF SUPPORT ENCOURAGING THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN SENATE BILL 922, WHICH IF APPROVED BY THE
STATE, WOULD ALLOW CITIES TO RECOVER STREET MAINTENANCE AND
REPAIR COSTS CAUSED BY HEAVY ESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVICE
VEHICLES
CONTACT: JANE CHUNG, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
H.10. ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. CC-2608-070, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA,
LEASING CERTAIN PROPERTY TO RAQUEL BUTLER INSURANCE
SERVICES, LLC
APPROVE A LEASE WITH RAQUEL BUTLER INSURANCE SERVICES, LLC FOR THE PREMISES AT 113 W. TORRANCE BLVD., SUITE 100, FOR THE
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Tuesday, August 18, 2026
TERM AUGUST 18, 2026 TO AUGUST 17, 2029
CONTACT: ELIZABETH HAUSE, WATERFRONT AND COMMUNITY
SERVICES DIRECTOR
H.11. Pulled by the City Manager for a later date.
H.12. DECLARE THE FOLLOWING COMMISSION POSITION VACANT BASED ON ABSENCES FROM 3 OR MORE MEETINGS SINCE OCTOBER 1, 2025, PURSUANT TO REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2-9.107(7) AND; AUTHORIZE THE CITY CLERK TO POST A NOTICE OF VACANCY FOR
THE PUBLIC AMENITIES COMMISSION POSITION
CONTACT: ELEANOR MANZANO, CITY CLERK
H.13. RECEIVE AND FILE THE CITY TREASURER’S FOURTH QUARTER 2025 -26 REPORT
CONTACT: EUGENE SOLOMON, CITY TREASURER
H.14. RECEIVE AND FILE THE MONTHLY UPDATE TO THE STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVES ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 5, 2026
CONTACT: LUKE SMUDE, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
Motion by Councilmember Kaluderovic, seconded by Councilmember Castle, to approve items H.1 through H.10 and H.12 through H.14.
Mayor Pro Tem Waller invited public comment.
Alex Fineman, District 3, spoke on H.9; referenced three letters the Mayor and Council intend to send regarding housing policy statewide; highlighted that the letters stated that the City of Redondo Beach supports efforts to increase housing production and expand homeownership opportunities; voiced excitement that the City went on record with the State Assembly to say they want to increase housing production; stated that the City has spent a lot of money challenging housing law and projects that developers bring to the City; noted that City leadership is very involved in advocacy group in support of local control, have spent a lot of time lobbying in Sacramento, and support the South Bay Cities Council of Governments campaign to repeal and replace RHNA ; spoke about the City’s history of making it difficult for housing projects to go through; invited the Mayor and City Council to meet with him and other local activist housing groups so they could work together to talk about policy solutions; suggested they pull the letters from the Consent Calendar and work on real housing solutions.
Assistant City Clerk Kalish reported no one on Zoom and one eComment for H.9.
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Motion carried 5-0 by voice vote.
Assistant City Clerk Kalish read adopt by 4/5ths vote and title only Resolution No. CC - 2608-069 and adopt by title only Resolution No. CC-2608-070.
I. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS – None
J. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
J.1. For eComments and Emails Received from the Public
Miles Burkart, 14-year resident, referenced the July 21st City Council meeting where it was stated on record that the 36” and 42” height limits for fences, hedges, and obstructions exist for public safety, which he agrees with; reported uncovering three issues with the pending code change that was submitted in the electronic Blue Folder; spoke about the first issue being intent and asked the City Manager to clarify what the Code Enforcement process is for determining whether a complaint is safety versus height only; stated that the second issue is ghost inspections, noted that Code Enforcement has been bulk closing safety cases within the span of minutes, provided examples, and asked the City Manager to clarify that process; stated that the third issue was administrative closures, noted that Code Enforcement purged legitimate safety complaints even though the code has not been updated, and that 36 hedge and vegetation cases were closed last week; stated that those cases were not resolved, just wiped from the records, and he included in the Blue Folder a report highlighting the closures that were invalid or questionable; requested that the City Council direct the City Manager to immediately audit his team’s performance and requested that the City activate the feature in Access Redondo that automatically surveys residents when their cases are closed to expose wrongful closures.
Assistant City Clerk Kalish reported no one online and one neutral eComment for J.1.
Wayne Craig, District 1, highlighted problems with the City’s public records request process, noted that many of them go unanswered or take an unreasonable amount of time to be addressed; reported that he submitted a request to test the system himself and found there were serious issues; recognized that the City is transitioning to a new records management system but that the public should not have to suffer for it; noted that the California Public Record Act established clear obligations for governmental agencies and that the City needs to fulfill those obligations; encouraged the City to fix the issue before it becomes a legal problem; stated his second concern is how the Council treats members of the public when they exercise their right to speak to their government; commented that elected officials need to learn to handle criticism and verbal attacks since they chose public office.
Assistant City Clerk Kalish reported no one online.
Gil Escontrias stated that dialog is a democratic necessity, and newsletters and posts do
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not substitute for a two-way exchange; reported that his district had not had a community meeting in four to five months; announced that there would be a District 1 Community Meeting on Saturday, August 29th at 1:00 p.m. at Alta Vista Park and it is open to everyone; spoke about the public’s constitutional rights to speak and be heard.
Assistant City Clerk Kalish reported no one online.
Hamza Goodmani stated this would be the second time he is speaking about the zone change on PCH and Ruby St. from RH to BC-2; reported that he met with the Planning Department earlier and they informed him that it was not officially active yet; voiced concern that the City Council is approving the plan and that a vote will take place on November 4th; noted that it was unfair to have 49,000 voters vote on something that affects 30 properties; stated that the change will affect him badly and it is referenced in a report submitted on October 29, 2024; stated that they were not notified with enough time to take action and requested guidance from the City Council.
Assistant City Clerk Kalish reported no one online.
Speaker stated her family has owned the property at 510 South Pacific Coast Highway for over 70 years and that if the City changes it to commercial it will limit what they can do with the property; reported that nothing has been told to them or their neighbors and it is upsetting.
Assistant City Clerk Kalish reported no one online.
Holly Osborne, District 5, stated that she went to almost all the GPAC meetings and remembers the topic of people living in non-conforming properties; noted that she was concerned for those residents when she learned about the problems they would face if the zoning changes were made; said she was under the impression that the GPAC was not going to create problems for those owners; hoped the district Councilmember would fix the issue for those property owners.
Assistant City Clerk Kalish reported no one online.
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 ON THE FORMATION OF THE MEASURE FP CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. CC-2608-071, A RESOLUTION OF
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THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA CREATING THE MEASURE FP CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE TO
REVIEW AND REPORT ON EXPENDITURES MADE FROM GENERAL
OBLIGATION BOND PROCEEDS TO REBUILD AND RENOVATE THE CITY’S
KEY PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITIES
CONTACT: LUKE SMUDE, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
Assistant to the City Manager Luke Smude provided a recap of Measure FP which included the approval on November 5, 2024, the $93,350,000 in General Obligation (GO) bonds for the replacement of Fire Stations 1 and 2 and the Main Police Station, as well as the renovation of the Police Annex; reported that Ordinance No. 3274 -24 was formalized and contains the conditions and authority to issue the bonds as well as the establishment of a Measure FP Oversight Committee; noted that the bond issuance is planned for the fall of 2026 and expect to issue a single issuance for the full amount of the GO bond; stated that the Oversight Committee would consist of five members, the applications would be solicited through the City Clerk’s website, it is open to the public but must be a Redondo Beach resident, the age minimum is 18, and the person must be a registered voter; noted that each Councilmember would be able to nominate someone from their district; stated that the Oversight Committee would be narrowly focused and will only review expenditures made to confirm they conform to the obligations under the bond; noted that the term for the Oversight Committee would be four years, the meetings will be held at a minimum to once a year and not more than quarterly, held on City property, subject to the Brown Act, they will be public and minutes will be recorded; stated that the Oversight Committee will be required to produce an annual report for the previous fiscal year to summarize the expenditures made for Measure FP ; mentioned it would be helpful if applicants had a background in municipal finance or financial reporting but not a requirement; stated that staff’s recommendation is for the City Council to adopt Resolution No. CC-2608-071; noted if it is adopted, staff will advertise vacancies, accept applications in October, each Councilmember will nominate someone for consideration at the City Council meeting, and it will be brought forward as an agenda item to be voted on.
Councilmember Castle asked when the City would post it on the City’s website and when the window would open for applications for the Oversight Committee.
Assistant to the City Manager Smude stated they expect to advertise in October; noted that the Committee does not need to be established prior to the bond issuance but concurrent to the bonds going to market.
City Manager Witzansky stated that they may actually advertise or open the application request in September so they can cull the applications in October and then give the Council an opportunity to make nominations in late November/early December.
Motion by Councilmember Obagi, seconded by Councilmember Behrendt, to adopt by title only Resolution No. CC-2608-071.
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Mayor Pro Tem Waller invited public comment.
Assistant City Clerk Kalish reported no participants online and no eComments.
Motion carried 5-0 by voice vote.
Assistant City Clerk Kalish read adopt by title only Resolution No. CC-2608-071.
N.2. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE CITY’S BUSINESS LICENSE
TAX COLLECTION PROCESS AND FEE STRUCTURE FOR SPECIAL EVENT
VENDORS
CONTACT: STEPHANIE MEYER, FINANCE DIRECTOR
Finance Director Meyer introduced the item; stated the main reason it was being brought forward that evening was because the current process is inefficient; explained their current process and identified a few challenges with it; stated that the process is administratively time consuming, it is inconsistent for event organizers and vendors, it does not allow the City to retain information about regular vendors, and staff estimates it is costing the City about $ 25,000 in lost revenue each year; provided a slide with recommendations which included a tiered lower rate for vendors that participate in three events and if they participate in more they would be assessed the additional amounts up to the regular annual rate; proposed an exception for City organized special events; proposed developing and implementing a technology administration fee to improve the overall customer experience.
Councilmember Castle asked if the $20 was per event.
Finance Director Meyer responded that $20 covers the vendor for three events; presented alternative options staff has considered based on how other cities handle the process; explained that one option was to have the event organizer pay for all the vendors , but noted that would not give the City visibility on the vendors operating in the City; stated another option would be to exempt all special event vendors from business license tax, but would also not give visibility on the vendors and they would lose revenue; stated that Council could approve staff’s recommendation or they could recommend that staff adjust the number of events subject to the initial lower rate , or provide direction on a different rate; stated that the next step, if Council moved forward, would be for staff to return with an update to the City’s Business License Tax municipal code to implement the new tiered rate structure through an ordinance; explained that a Prop 218 vote was not needed; stated that staff also hoped to streamline the administrative process without losing the regulatory oversight and improve efficiency by introducing some technology driven process enhancements so businesses can handle everything online rather than coming to City Hall; noted that the first two items discussed: municipal code update and administrative process streamline, could be brought back quickly but that the technology would take longer but they will bring that back with a procurement recommendation and
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proposed fee.
Mayor Pro Tem Waller asked if the $25,000 lost revenue was based on the assumption that the businesses were paying the full $129.
Finance Director Meyer responded yes but that the main purpose the item was brought to Council was to create a better, less burdensome process.
City Manager Witzansky added that it is important for the City make sure that all vendors are obtaining business licenses so the record of their activity, what they are selling, and other aspects of their business is on record and accessible to the City ; noted that any fee allows the City to track transactions for future years.
Mayor Pro Tem Waller voiced support for the idea; asked how it would work for the vendors at the farmers’ market.
City Manager Witzansky responded that the farmers’ market vendors would be treated the same and that they all should have a business license since they are active retailers in the City; noted that Redondo Beach is on the low side in terms of business license rates; stated they could have a separate discussion about rates at a later date.
Councilmember Castle thanked the Finance Director for putting the item together; spoke about the issues with the current business license process for both customers and staff; voiced support for the technology fee to streamline the process which will save time, energy, and money; supported the staff’s recommendation for $20 up to three events.
Motion by Councilmember Castle, seconded by Councilmember Beherendt, to move forward with staff’s recommendations.
Councilmember Kaluderovic questioned whether a vendor could renew for another three events at $20 within the same year or if they would need to then pay the $99.
City Manager Witzansky responded that once the vendor eclipses the tier that the City sets, they pay the full $99 rate within a rolling 12 -month period.
Mayor Pro Tem Waller invited public comment.
Mickey Johnson (via Zoom), speaking as the president of the NRBBA and on behalf of the NRBBA Board, thanked staff for their work on the item and commented that it was very helpful; reported that the Staff Report and BRR 27 listed NRBBA as the organizer for SummerFest which was incorrect and noted that it is a Riviera Village Association event; asked to have that changed because it impacts how the revenue loss figures are being understood; stated that NRBBA fully agrees that the City should have visibility into every business operating in the City; spoke about SpringFest being the NRBBA’s sole fundraiser for the organization and announced Dine -Around-Artesia would be held on Thursday; noted all the events the NRBBA fundraisers support throughout the year;
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stated that the NRBBA supports the $20 fee for City vendors and the $25 fee for non -City vendors but only once the technology upgrade is in place; said the NRBBA’s economic task force offered to help test out the new technology if needed but NRBBA does not believe the per vendor fee should take effect until the new system is available; asked that the City consider one of two alternatives if the technology timeline slips: 1) waive the individual vendor fees for SpringFest, or 2) assess the fee to NRBBA directly and waive it in full recognition of SpringFest status as a Signature Event.
Mayor Pro Tem Waller asked Finance Director Meyer what the City’s timeline was for implementation of the new technology.
Finance Director Meyer stated that they have not identified a new vendor yet and said implementation after that could take up to three months or longer; said nothing precludes Council from continuing to approve waivers on a one-time basis.
City Manager Witzansky commented that the implementation of a software solution may take four to six months before it is fully built, implemented, and functioning with the City’s current financial software.
Teresa Mitchell, District 4, noted that she is one of the organizers of the NRB Farmers’ Market; stated that the OurNRB falls into a middle ground category since they are constantly trying out new vendors, pop -up artisanal vendors, or one-time vendors; commented that the fee would be high for them since many vendors only make a couple of hundred dollars that day; voiced support for a Special Event Vendor fee; explained that many of the farmers’ market vendors have had trouble with the requirements since they do not have a brick and mortar store, or a fictitious business name, or stormwater and requested the City consider creating a simplified, short application for one-time vendors; reported that it also makes it difficult for them to fill last minute vendor drops because the process takes too long; questioned how the City would track the “three for $20” since some vendors participate in more than one location within the City.
Councilmember Obagi stated that a resident reached out to him about their issues in obtaining a business license from Redondo and asked that staff continue its efforts to make the City as business friendly as possible.
City Manager Witzansky stated that staff needs to review the City’s current documentation requirements and adjust or create a better application.
Mayor Pro Tem Waller supported simplification and noted that he has gone through the process before; suggested that the technology fee be integrated with the online payment fee.
Councilmember Kaluderovic asked if there could be a separate application for the larger organized events such as the farmers’ markets or SpringFest.
City Manager Witzansky stated that the short form concept is something the City will
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explore and that the tracking process is something that is needed; noted that there is no tracking being done at the moment.
Wayne Craig, District 1, stated that he is one of the organizers for the NRB Farmers’ Market; noted that not all vendors at the market pay tax but they are asked for a tax ID number when they fill out the business license form; wondered if that is something that could be addressed.
Mayor Pro Tem Waller commented that you don’t have to collect tax to have a tax ID number.
City Manager Witzansky said they try to have staff clarify that at the counter, they would ensure that staff are educated on the rules, and they would include that in their short form analysis.
Assistant City Clerk Kalish reported no participants online and one eComment for the item with a neutral position.
Some discussion followed regarding the motion on the floor.
Motion carried 5-0 by voice vote.
O. CITY MANAGER ITEMS
City Manager Witzansky reported that City Council would not have a meeting the following Tuesday but that the Harbor Commission would be using the Chambers for a Seaside Lagoon discussion; stated the next meeting would be on September 1st which would include an ACRF discussion and a possible introduction to the new Hedge Ordinance; noted that Council had meetings scheduled for the 8
th and 15th of September and possibly
one more if needed.
P. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS - None
Q. MAYOR AND COUNCIL REFERRALS TO STAFF – None
R. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
R.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:
Redondo Beach City Employee Association v. City of Redondo Beach Case No: LA-CE-1892-M
R.2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION - The Closed
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Session is authorized by the attorney-client privilege, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
Name of case:
Cornelia Blakely v. City of Redondo Beach, and Does 1 through 25, inclusive Case Number: 24TRCV02937
R.3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR - The Closed Session is authorized by the Government Code Section 54956.8.
AGENCY NEGOTIATOR:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Elizabeth Hause, Waterfront & Community Services Director Katherine Buck, Waterfront & Economic Development Manager PROPERTY:
207 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
a portion of APN: 7503-029-903) NEGOTIATING PARTIES: Christopher Bredesen UNDER NEGOTIATION: Lease Terms
S. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION – None
T. ROLL CALL – None
U. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS - None
V. ADJOURNMENT – 7:12 P.M.
City Manager Witzansky asked to adjourn to a 4:00 p.m. Closed Session meeting for September 1st.
Motion by Councilmember Castle, seconded by Councilmember Kaluderovic, to adjourn the meeting to a 4:00 Closed Session on September 1, 2026.
Motion carried 5-0 by voice vote.
The next meeting of the City Council of the City of Redondo Beach will be an Adjourned Regular meeting to be held at 4:00 p.m. (Closed Session) and a Regular meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m. (Open Session) on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 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.
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Respectfully submitted:
Eleanor Manzano, CMC
City Clerk