CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Closed Session at 5:00 PM and Open Session at 6:00 PM

Council Chambers

1315 Valley Drive

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Members Present:

• Mayor Rob Saemann, 
• Mayor Pro Tem Mike Detoy, 
• Councilmember Ray Jackson, 
• Councilmember Michael D. Keegan, 
• and Councilmember Dean Francois 

Staff Present:

• Interim City Manager Napolitano, 
• Interim City Attorney Todd Leishman, 
• City Clerk Myra Maravilla, 
• Community Development Director Alison Becker, 
• Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols, 
• Police Chief Landon Phillips, 
• Deputy City Clerk Reanna Guzman, 
• Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza, 
• Public Works Director Joe SanClemente, 
• Human Resources Manager Tiffany Nguyen, 
• and Environmental Programs Manager Doug Krauss 

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1.

OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM

Mayor Saemann called the Open Session to order at 6:22 p.m.

2.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Morgan Sliff.

3.

ROLL CALL

City Clerk Myra Maravilla announced a quorum, noting Councilmember Keegan was in attendance virtually. City Clerk Maravilla announced that on Monday, July 21, 2025, Councilmember Keegan requested to join the Council meeting virtually pursuant to AB 2449 under the "just cause" clause due to medical reasons. The Council was notified of the request on Monday, July 21st of Councilmember Keegan's request. It was further announced that all votes would be taken via roll call and that virtual public comments would be accepted during the general public comment period. 

4.

CLOSED SESSION REPORT

Interim City Attorney Todd Leishman provided the Closed Session Report. No reportable action was taken.

5.

ANNOUNCEMENTS—UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

Mayor Saemann invited the public to attend and support the Hermosa Beach Sister City Association's annual gala themed Carnival Magico on July 26, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the St. Cross Episcopal Church.  

6.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

This is the time for the City Council to discuss any changes to the order of agenda items.

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Francois

  To approve the order of the agenda and hear items 11.h, 11.m, and 11.q for separate discussion. 

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried

7.

PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS

7.a

RECOGNIZING HERMOSA BEACH SURFER MORGAN SLIFF

Mayor Saemann invited Christian Stutzman to the podium to introduce Morgan Sliff. 

Mayor Saemann presented a Certificate of Recognition and mini surfboard to Morgan Sliff. 

7.b

BEACH CITIES HEALTH DISTRICT UPDATE ON HEALTHY LIVING CAMPUS

Mayor Saemann invited Beach Cities Health District CEO Tom Bakaly to the podium to provide a Beach Cities Health District update. 

Councilmember Francois provided comments and asked various questions.

Councilmember Jackson provided comments and asked various questions.

7.c

HERMOSA BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PROVIDES FIESTA HERMOSA RECAP

Chamber of Commerce President Michelle Crispin and Director of Membership and Operations Millie Martinez Stordeur provided a Fiesta Hermosa recap.

Councilmember Francois asked various comments.

President Crispin provided information about profits. 

8.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano provided the City Manager Report.

9.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Leonard Shapiro

Mayor Saemann, you have thanked the Advocates for Hermosa Beach Facebook group for their endorsement. Do you support the racist and homophobic attacks on Hermosa Beach residents and council members from this group?

Claudia Berman

I'm writing regarding the 1601 PCH parking planning amendment request from the May 27, 2025 agenda. I had forgotten about this topic until the other day, when I had a discussion about it with a friend of mine. I was so pleased to see this family-owned property is making significant investments with millions of dollars for a safer parking garage, exterior painting, new windows, landscaping, and nighttime security. I was also disappointed that Council Members Francois, Keegan, and Mayor Saemann responded to this significant private investment by mandating an additional free parking hour (from 2 to 3 hours) to accommodate gym patrons who might socialize longer. This penalizes a property owner who is actively improving their property, sends an unfriendly message to businesses, and was implemented without any public request for this change.

This is the time for members of the public to address the City Council on any items within the Council's jurisdiction and on items where public comment will not be taken (City Manager Reports, City Councilmember Comments, Consent Calendar items not pulled for separate consideration, and Future Agenda Items).

The public is invited to attend and provide public comment. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker and shall only be taken from those present in City Council Chambers. No remote public comment will be taken during this time unless required by the Brown Act. A total of thirty minutes will be allocated to this initial public participation item. This time allotment may be modified due to time constraints at the discretion of the Mayor or City Council. Another period is also reserved for general comment later in the meeting for those who could not be heard at this time.

No action will be taken on matters raised during public comment, except that the Council may take action to schedule issues raised during public comment for a future agenda. Speakers with comments regarding City management or departmental operations are encouraged to submit those comments directly to the City Manager. Members of the audience will have a future opportunity to speak on items pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion, Public Hearings, and Municipal Matters when those items are heard.

Mayor Francois opened Public Comment.

In-Person Public Comment:

• Sarah Harper
• Jim Holtz
• Yumi 
• Jamie Pagliano
• Elka Worner

10.

CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS

10.a

UPDATES FROM CITY COUNCIL AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES AND STANDING COMMITTEE DELEGATES/ALTERNATES

Councilmember Francois announced his attendance to the Los Angeles County Library Commission meeting.  

Mayor Saemann provided an update on an incident that occurred with the Los Angeles County Sanitation District. 

11.

CONSENT CALENDAR

The following matters will be acted upon collectively with a single motion and vote to approve with the majority consent of the City Council. Councilmembers may orally register a negative vote on any Consent Calendar item without pulling the item for separate consideration before the vote on the Consent Calendar. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Councilmember removes an item from the Consent Calendar, either under Approval of the Agenda or under this item before the vote on the Consent Calendar. Items removed for separate discussion will be provided a separate public comment period.

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To hear items 11.h, 11.m, and 11.q separately and approve the balance of the Consent Calendar.

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried

11.a

WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA

Recommendation: 
Staff recommends City Council waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda and declare that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda and declare that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.

  Motion Carried

11.b

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - 25-CCO-031

(City Clerk Myra Maravilla)

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To approve the minutes for the June 24, 2025, Special Meeting (Commission Interviews) and the June 24, 2025, Regular Meeting.

  Motion Carried

11.c

CHECK REGISTERS - 25-AS-062

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To receive and file the check registers for the period of June 18, 2025, through July 9, 2025. The Administrative Services Director certifies the accuracy of the demands.

  Motion Carried

11.d

CASH BALANCE REPORT - 25-AS-061

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To receive and file the April 2025 and May 2025 Cash Balance Reports.

  Motion Carried

11.e

REVENUE REPORT, EXPENDITURE REPORT, AND CIP REPORT BY PROJECT FOR APRIL AND MAY 2025 - 25-AS-049

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To receive and file the April and May 2025 Financial Reports.

  Motion Carried

11.f

CITY’S TREASURER’S REPORT - 25-AS-060

(City Treasurer Dave Pedersen)

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To receive and file the April 2025 and May 2025 City Treasurer’s Reports.

  Motion Carried

11.g

UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN PARKING LOT HOURS - 25-AS-059

CEQA: Determine the report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To receive and file an update on the City’s Downtown Parking Lot Hours.

  Motion Carried

11.i

APPROVAL OF THIRD AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH CSG CONSULTANTS, INC FOR ON-CALL STAFF AUGMENTATION SERVICES - 25-CDD-102

CEQA: Determine that the Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza)

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To approve a third amendment to an agreement with CSG Consultants, Inc. for staff augmentation services to increase the not-to-exceed amount by $114,990, resulting in a total not-to-exceed amount of $352,166 for the remainder of the two-year term ending June 30, 2026; and authorize the City Manager to execute and the City Clerk to attest the third amendment subject to approval by the City Attorney.

  Motion Carried

11.j

PARTICIPATION IN BEACH CITIES TRANSIT (BCT) LINE 109 AGREEMENT WITH FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION FROM OTHER CITIES, FUNDED PARTIALLY FROM PROPOSITION A FUNDS - 25-CDD-083

Bob Wolfe

Thanks to Ken Bales for a comprehensive analysis. If anything, I think that Ken has understated both the need for changing the transit service which BCT Line 109 provides Hermosa, but also the exciting opportunities it offers for addressing our parking and congestion problems. I agree with Claudia Berman's suggestions regarding branding, and have additional ideas as well once we get decent service.

Justin Massey

Good work by Ken Bales. I support the staff recommendation to modify the Transit Service Operation Agreement (Attachment 1) to include additional performance management reporting requirements from Beach Cities Transit (BCT) with future funding contingent upon substantial updates to Line 109 that will generate additional ridership and improve service delivery. BCT Line 109 has enormous untapped potential, as suggested by Ms. Berman. If Redondo Beach cannot realize that potential due to unstable staffing, the Beach Cities should ask Torrance Transit to take over the two lines operated by BCT.

Claudia Berman

BCT Route 109: A Missed Opportunity for "Shop, Dine, Play, Fly" Service The BCT 109 is missed opportunity to expand ridership and reduce parking demands (car & bike). Rather than serving as a convenient "Shop, Dine, Play, Fly" connector for residents and visitors, the current route suffers from poor design and execution. The wait times are excessive making the route unusable. The 2023 transit study confirmed that the route isn't streamlined and planned frequency improvements only target commute hours. Many potential riders remain unaware the service exists. Recommendations: Phase 1: Redesign the route to improve both residents and visitors ridership throughout the day, not just for commuters. Phase 2: Complete rebrand as the "Shop, Dine, Play, Fly" route with bright, distinctive bus colors like Santa Monica, Metro, and Culver City use. Current BCT branding is ineffective with an unclear acronym, hard-to-read graphics, and nondescript white buses that are hard to spot among the parked cars on Hermosa Avenue. A well-designed and branded route would transform this underutilized service into a valuable community asset.

David Grethen

This is a highly informative Staff report, especially for those interested in local mass transit.

(Senior Management Analyst Ken Bales)

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To authorize staff to modify Transit Service Operation Agreement to revise and include additional performance management reporting requirements from Beach Cities Transit (BCT) with future funding contingent upon substantial updates to Line 109 that will generate additional ridership and improve service delivery; and approve participation in the Beach Cities Transit Line 109 along with the other beach cities; and authorize the City of Hermosa Beach a financial contribution of $17,183 for Fiscal Year 2025–26 paid from budgeted Proposition A funds for the BCT Line 109; and authorize the Mayor to sign and the City Clerk to attest to the Transit Service Operation Agreement subject to approval by the Interim City Attorney.

  Motion Carried

11.k

ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL MAP NO. 84115 FOR A TWO-UNIT RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM PROJECT LOCATED AT 707 3rd STREET - 25-CDD-105

CEQA: Determine that the Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Community Development Director Alison Becker)

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To determine that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; adopt Resolution No. RES-25-7503, approving Final Parcel Map No. 84115, which is consistent with the approved Vesting Tentative Parcel Map; and authorize the City Clerk to endorse the certificate for said map.

  Motion Carried

11.l

ACTION MINUTES OF THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 3, 2025 - 25-CR-054

(Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols)

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To receive and file the action minutes of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Advisory Commission meeting of June 3, 2025.

  Motion Carried

11.n

ACTION MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 21, 2025 - 25-PW-048

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  Staff recommends City Council receive and file the action minutes of the Public Works Commission regular meeting of May 21, 2025.

  Motion Carried

11.o

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM STATUS REPORT AS OF JULY 10, 2025 - 25-PW-047

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  Staff recommends City Council receive and file the Capital Improvement Program Status Report as of July 10, 2025.

  Motion Carried

11.p

ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE UPDATED SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN AND AUTHORIZE THE LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL TO SUBMIT TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD - 25-PW-039

CEQA: Determine the Sewer System Management Plan is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)
(Environmental Programs Manager Douglas Krauss)

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To adopt Resolution No. RES-25-7504, approving the updated Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP); and authorize the Legally Responsible Official (LRO) to certify and submit the updated SSMP to the California State Water Resources Board (SWRCB).

  Motion Carried

11.h

PLANNING COMMISSION TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 25-CDD-106

(Community Development Director Alison Becker)

Councilmember Francois pulled item 11.h to request additional information on when the Land Value Recapture would be heard by the Planning Commission. Director Becker provided information that Land Value Recapture would be heard in the fall. 

Virtual Public Comment:

• Jon Davis

Councilmember Francois asked various questions. 

Mayor Saemann asked various questions. 

Councilmember Keegan asked various questions.

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Francois

  To receive and file the July 28, 2025 Planning Commission Special Meeting agenda and the August 19, 2025 Planning Commission Regular Meeting agenda.

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried

11.m

APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH THE HERMOSA BEACH KIWANIS CLUB TO PROVIDE ITS ANNUAL TREE LOT - 25-CR-055

CEQA: Approval of the agreement with the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club to provide its annual tree lot would be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15304 (e). The proposed agreement would allow for a minor, temporary use of land for the tree lot with negligible or no permanent effect on the environment.
(Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols)

Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano provided a presentation. 

Mayor Saemann pulled the item to request that the garage fee be waived.

In-Person Public Comment:

• Rick Koenig

Councilmember Francois asked various questions.

Interim City Attorney Leishman asked various questions.

Councilmember Jackson provided comments. 

Councilmember Francois asked various questions.

Councilmember Detoy asked various questions.

• Moved by: Mayor Saemann
  Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan

  To approve a three-year agreement with the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club (Kiwanis Club) for its annual tree lot through 2025–2027 as amended, waiving the $225 storage fee, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and the City Clerk to attest, subject to approval by the City Attorney.

  Ayes (4)	Councilmember Francois, Councilmember Keegan, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Mayor Saemann
  Noes (1)	Councilmember Jackson

  Motion Carried

11.q

LETTER TO CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION OPPOSING PERMIT APPLICATION BY LA COUNTY FIRE FOR AFTER-THE-FACT APPROVAL REGARDING EXPANDED ADVERTISING ON LA COUNTY OWNED LIFEGUARD TOWERS FROM CABRILLO TO WILL ROGERS STATE BEACH - 25-CMO-051

Todd Tullis

I agree with Council’s position against the large advertising currently in place on our beach’s lifeguard towers, I also urge an approach which carefully considers the looming expiration of and need to renegotiate our beach maintenance agreement with LA County. 1) It is important to maintain a good relationship with LA County. The draft letter to the Coastal Commission could be seen quite negatively by LA County if we have not already reached out to LA County to ask about the ability to exempt Hermosa from this advertising program. 2) Further, if our draft letter has any factual inaccuracies, additional offense could be taken by LA County. Example: in small print below the giant ads is text stating that “all advertising revenue…” goes towards “public youth beach and ocean access programs”. One could interpret our draft letter (“We appreciate LA County Fire’s need for additional revenue”) as not being cognizant of the advertising details.

Joseph Luis Piñon

Dear City Councilmembers, The Palos Verdes-South Bay Group of the Sierra Club appreciates this opportunity to comment on the July 22 council meeting item 11q, regarding a letter to the California Coastal Commission opposing application number 5-02-009-a1 (expanded advertising permit on LA County beaches). The Sierra Club respects and honors the existing open spaces that people have to recreate on our beaches. We oppose outdoor advertising which has a negative impact on this enjoyment. We support staff's recommendation to oppose the application for an increase amount of after-the-fact advertising on the lifeguard towers. In actuality, we do not believe that the city has gone far enough to oppose this advertising in the letter that has been drafted to the California Coastal Commission. The draft letter in part states if the commission sees fit to allow the increased advertising that a request that Hermosa Beach is exempt from this permit. We do not believe that exemption is needed, since advertising should not be allowed on any of our beaches and advertising is not allowed per the city's own ordinance. In fact, the draft letter should be revised to request that all advertising on the lifeguard towers be removed. It is not clear whether there ever has been a permit that was approved from the earlier advertising signs. This would mean that if this after the fact permit is denied, one could assume that current existing advertisements will continue. The city should do whatever is needed to request the commission to take action to remove all advertising on the lifeguard towers. This could include taking action to reconsider any previously approved permits. The draft letter should also include the email address of the executive director of the California Coastal Commission and commission email addresses so that correspondence is sent directly to coastal commissioners. Please take this action now, as it could be coming up as early as the commission’s August meeting. And thank you to the Hermosa Beach City Council for placing this on your agenda in a timely manner so that action can be taken to preserve the natural setting of our beaches. Environmentally Yours, Joseph Luis Piñon Chairman Palos Verdes-South Bay Regional Group Sierra Club

(Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano)

Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano provided a presentation.

Councilmember Francois asked various questions.

Councilmember Keegan provided comments. 

Virtual Public Comment:

• Kent Allen

Councilmember Jackson provided comments.

Councilmember Francois provided comments.

Councilmember Keegan provided comments.

• Moved by: Mayor Saemann
  Seconded by: Councilmember Francois

  To approve sending a letter to the California Coastal Commission opposing Application Number 5-02-009-A1; Permit Application by the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County (LA County Fire) for After-The-Fact Approval Regarding Expanded Advertising on LA County Owned Lifeguard Towers from Cabrillo Beach to Will Rogers State Beach.

  Mayor Pro Tem Detoy provided a friendly amendment to hold the letter until it is agendized by the California Coastal Commission. The friendly amendment was not accepted.

  Ayes (4)	Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, and Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Noes (1)	Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried

12.

PUBLIC HEARINGS—TO COMMENCE AT 6:30 P.M

12.a

PUBLIC HEARING TO REVIEW DELINQUENT SOLID WASTE COLLECTION CHARGES AS OF MARCH 31, 2025,  AND CONSIDER PLACING SAID CHARGES ON THE PROPERTY TAX ROLLS AS A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT - 25-CMO-048

CEQA: The process is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Environmental Programs Manager Douglas Krauss)

Environmental Programs Manager Doug Krauss provided a presentation.

Councilmember Detoy asked various questions.

Mayor Saemann asked various questions.

Environmental Programs Manager provided comments.

• Moved by: Councilmember Francois
  Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy

  To conduct a public hearing and receive testimony from affected property owners regarding delinquent refuse bills; and adopt Resolution No. RES-25-7505 authorizing and requesting the County Assessor to place delinquent refuse charges for Athens Services as a special assessment for collection through the County tax collection process.

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried

12.b

PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ANNUAL LEVY OF SEWER CHARGES ON THE PROPERTY TAX ROLL - 25-PW-041

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided a presentation.

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy asked various questions.

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Mayor Saemann

  To conduct a public hearing to receive public comment related to the collection of sewer service charges on the property tax roll for Fiscal Year 2025-2026; determine the presence of a majority protest; make an official finding that a majority protest by property owners within the City of Hermosa Beach does not exist; and adopt Resolution No. RES-25-7506, approving the Engineer’s Report and authorizing the placement of sewer service charges on the annual County of Los Angeles Tax Roll.

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried

13.

MUNICIPAL MATTERS

13.a

GREENWICH VILLAGE NORTH UNDERGROUND UTILITIES ASSESSMENT DISTRICT—ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, APPROVE AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH NV5, INC., ADOPT RESOLUTIONS TO ISSUE BONDS AND ENROLL ASSESSMENTS - 25-PW-046

CEQA: The Project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15302, class 2 (d) (Replacement and Reconstruction). The proposed work consists of conversion of overhead electric utility distribution system facilities to underground including connection to existing overhead electric utility distribution lines where surface is restored to the condition existing prior to the undergrounding.
(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided a presentation.

Interim City Manager Napolitano provided comments. 

Mayor Saemann provided comments.

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy provided comments.

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Mayor Saemann

  To adopt Resolution No. RES-25-7507 awarding a Construction Contract to CEM Construction Corporation for the CIP 114 Greenwich Village North – Underground Utilities Assessment District in the Amount of $2,307,500, Authorizing Contract Change Orders up to $461,500, Approving Project Design and Plans Pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6, and Establishing a Project Payment Account” to approve the construction contract; authorize the Director of Public Works to file a Notice of Completion following final completion of the contract; approve the Third Amendment to an agreement with NV5, Inc. to provide professional services for construction management and inspection services during construction which increases the contract amount by $100,000, resulting in a total amended not-to-exceed contract amount of $600,000, and extends the term of agreement to July 12, 2027; adopt Resolution No. RES-25-7508 authorizing the issuance of Limited Obligation Improvement Bonds, approving and directing the execution of a Paying Agent Agreement and a Placement Agent Agreement, authorizing sale of bonds, and other related documents and actions with respect thereto to issue district bonds up to $4,031,600, appointing the City Finance Manager as paying agent, and authorize the execution of the Paying Agent Agreement, and appointing Hilltop Securities, Inc. as Placement Agent and authorize the execution of the Placement Agent Agreement; adopt Resolution No. RES-25-7509 directing the County of Los Angeles Auditor-Controller to place the direct assessments for the Greenwich Village North Underground Utilities Assessment District on the County Tax Roll”; and authorize the Mayor to execute the proposed contracts and the City Clerk to attest, subject to approval by the City Attorney.

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried

13.b

COUNCIL CONSIDERATION AND DIRECTION ON RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S CIVIC FACILITIES PROJECT ADVISORY GROUP - 25-CMO-046

Justin Massey

Good work by the Civic Facilities Advisory Group, which dispensed with the empty rhetoric of Councilmember Keegan and 2024 City Council candidate Elka Worner. I look forward to your comprehensive solution, Councilmember Keegan.

Todd Tullis

Thank you Hermosa Beach Civic Facilities Advisory Group for a clear and concise report on a complex topic, and identifying key questions to be answered next. There are hard decisions and lots of costs coming due. I encourage Council to find a way to move forward with action on these questions and these facilities, continuing the momentum that has been established through the group’s efforts.

CEQA: Determine the report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano)

Eric Horne and Rick Koenig provided a presentation.

Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano provided comments.

Councilmember Francois asked various questions about library funding. 

In Person Public Comment:

• David Grethen
• Jennifer Rosenfeld

Virtual Public Comment:

• Laura Pena

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy provided comments.

Councilmember Jackson provided comments.

• Moved by: Mayor Saemann
  Seconded by: Councilmember Francois

  To receive and file the recommendations from the City Manager’s Civic Facilities Project Advisory Group.

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried

13.c

CONSIDERATION OF EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT FIRM FOR THE CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT. - 25-AS-063

(Human Resources Manager Tiffany Nguyen)

Human Resources Manager Tiffany Nguyen provided a presentation.

Councilmember Jackson asked various questions.

Councilmember Francois asked various questions.

In Person Public Comment:

• Rick Koenig

Councilmember Jackson provided comments.

• Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Mayor Saemann

  To select executive recruitment firm Peckham & McKenney for the City Manager recruitment; and authorize the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest to a professional services agreement with the selected firm subject to approval by the City Attorney.

  Ayes (4)	Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan
  Noes (1)	Councilmember Jackson

  Motion Carried
• Substitute Motion 1
  Moved by: Councilmember Jackson

  To add a future agenda item to discuss appointing Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano as City Manager. The item failed due to a lack of a second.

13.d

PURCHASE OF VEHICLES FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT - 25-PD-011

Matt McCool

Back to the Chevy Tahoe Patrol Vehicle for the HbPD! With the recent change in City leadership, it appears the natural order is returning to Hermosa Beach. A significant step in the right direction is expected at Tuesday’s City Council meeting: the purchase of two Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicles for the Hermosa Beach Police Department. For over a decade, vehicle acquisitions for the HBPD were entangled in contentious political debates. Environmental activists often prioritized reducing carbon emissions over practical public safety needs. At one point, former Councilman Justin Massey even asserted that the all-electric Chevy Volt could meet the front-line operational demands of the police department — a claim rejected by Acting Police Chief McKinnon and Sgt. Gaglia: https://www.facebook.com/813228377/videos/656700368737632/ Currently, the department is grappling with the limitations of Massey’s four recently acquired all-electric Chevy Blazers. These vehicles have proven inadequate for full patrol operations, requiring rotation between two for day shifts and two for night shifts due to prolonged charging times. The reintroduction of Chevy Tahoes — long trusted for their reliability, space, and performance in law enforcement — is a welcome return to practical, safety-first decision-making in Hermosa Beach.

CEQA: This agreement has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and as such, is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 14 Cal. Code Regs Section 15378
(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided a presentation. 

Virtual Public Comment:

• Matt McCool

• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Mayor Saemann

  To authorize the purchase of two Chevy Tahoes, through the State of California’s General Services Department Statewide Contract for Fleet Vehicles, or other cooperative purchasing program, for a total amount of $131,520; and appropriate $231,520 in the Equipment Replacement Fund for the purchase and outfitting of the two Chevy Tahoe Police Patrol Vehicles.

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried

14.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

This is the time for Councilmembers to schedule future agenda items and to ask questions about the status of previously approved future agenda items. No discussion, debate, or public comment will be taken. Councilmembers should consider the city's work plan when considering new items. The tentative future agenda items document is provided for information only. 

Councilmember Jackson requested support to discuss providing a 6-month notice of termination to the Hermosa Beach Self Storage. No support was provided for this item.

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy requested support to update the campaign contribution limits to match surrounding cities. Councilmember Francois and Councilmember Keegan provided support.

14.a

TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 25-CMO-050

Attached is the current list of tentative future agenda items for Council’s information.

15.

PUBLIC COMMENT

This time is set aside for the public to address the Council on any item of interest within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council that could not be heard under the first public comment opportunity because there were too many prior public speakers and the thirty-minute maximum time limit was exhausted. 

16.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 9:34 p.m.