CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, October 28, 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 Steve Napolitano, 
• Interim City Attorney Jason Baltimore, 
• Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker, 
• City Clerk Myra Maravilla, 
• Community Development Director Alison Becker, 
• Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols, 
• Public Works Director Joe SanClemente, 
• Police Chief Landon Phillips, 
• Office Assistant Ariana Rodriguez, 
• Revenue Services Supervisor Paul Avila, 
• Senior Management Analyst Kenneth Bales, 
• Senior Management Analyst Sara Russo, 
• and Community Services Supervisor Carlos Burgos 

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1.

CLOSED SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 5:00 PM

Mayor Saemann called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.

2.

ROLL CALL

City Clerk Myra Maravilla announced a quorum.

3.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CLOSED SESSION AGENDA

Matt McCool

Agenda item 4c: This matter arises from the BKK Class I Landfill; a landfill located in West Covina, California and operated by BKK Corporation and/or other third parties, and owned by BKK Corporation from approximately 1973 through the present.

This Public Comment period is limited to Closed Session agenda items only. Public Comment is limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Mayor Saemann opened Public Comment.

Virtual Public Comment:

• Kent Allen
• Matt McCool

4.

RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION

The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:07 p.m.

4.a

MINUTES: Approval of minutes of Closed Session held on October 14, 2025

4.b

Public Employee Appointment/Employment

Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Manager Candidates

4.c

Conference with Legal Counsel: Existing Litigation

Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
The City finds, based on advice from legal counsel, that discussion in open session will prejudice the position of the City in the litigation.
Name of Case: BBK Working Group v. 1700 Santa Fe Ltd
Case Number: 2:18-cv-05810-MWF-PLA

4.d

Conference with Legal Counsel: Threatened Litigation

Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(4)
The City finds, based on advice from legal counsel, that discussion in open session will prejudice the position of the City in the litigation. (1 case)

5.

OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM

Mayor Saemann called the Open Session to order at 6:20 p.m.

6.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Saemann led the Pledge of Allegiance.

7.

ROLL CALL

City Clerk Maravilla announced a quorum. 

8.

CLOSED SESSION REPORT

Interim City Attorney Jason Baltimore provided the Closed Session Report. No reportable action was taken.

9.

ANNOUNCEMENTS—UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

Mayor Saemann made the following announcements:

Food Drive

The public was thanked for supporting the Richstone Family Center Nutrition Pantry for single mothers and for federal workers affected by the federal shutdown. The food drive will be extended an additional week and collection bins will be available at the Hermosa Beach Police Station, Community Center, and School District—Valley Campus. Donations may include items like canned beans, tomatoes, corn and meat, chicken/vegetable stock, flour, Maseca, dried beans, rice, pasta, cereal, granola bars, sugar or oil.

What the Fuzz

The Hermosa Beach Police Department will host the next What the Fuzz on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Pavilions located at 715 Pier Avenue. The public is invited to attend to join officers for coffee or shop.

Veterans Day Ceremony

The City will honor those who served our Country on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial on the East Lawn of the Community Center located at 710 Pier Avenue. A reception at the Hermosa Beach Museum will follow the ceremony.

Community Safety Forum

A Safety Forum will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The forum will cover topics such as e-bikes, homelessness, and general police services.

10.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

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

  To move Municipal Matter item 17.e to follow item 17.a.

  Ayes (5)

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

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

  To approve the remaining order of the agenda with the prior modification of moving item 17.e after 17.a.

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

11.

PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS

11.a

RECOGNIZING MELANIE CHAVIRA FOR HER SERVICE TO THE CITY

Mayor Saemann invited Chief Phillips to the podium to introduce and recognize Judge Melanie Chavira for her service to the City. Chief Phillips read comments into the record from City Attorney Ford in recognition of Judge Chavira.

Judge Chavira provided comments.

Mayor Saemann read a Certificate of Appreciation into the record and presented it to Judge Chavira.

12.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Laura Pena

Dear Mayor, Council Members, and Staff - As a business owner, I’d like to respectfully request that the Council reconsider adding one additional week to the Complimentary Holiday Parking Program, starting November 28th (Black Friday weekend) through December 3rd. Before addressing the substance of this item, I want to note a process concern. It was not clear on the City’s agenda that public comments for Item #20a “INFORMATIONAL ITEM: Complimentary Holiday Parking Program” could not be submitted through eScribe. Residents and businesses had to know to submit feedback under Item #12, Public Comment, which created confusion and likely reduced participation. For future discussions that affect our community, I respectfully ask that informational items include a clear way to provide input directly in the eComment system. Complimentary Holiday Parking Program Dates This early start beginning Black Friday weekend is critical for our retail businesses, who depend on that Thanksgiving to Christmas window for a large share of annual sales. The City’s own Economic Development Strategy and Plan Hermosa call for actions that strengthen our retail base, activate downtown, and increase foot traffic this program does all three. The City’s Market & Economic Development Study (EPS 2021) noted that Hermosa’s retail vacancy rate remains the highest among the Beach Cities (6.1%), and that the City “lags behind neighboring cities in general merchandise sales.” Offering free parking earlier in the season helps local retailers compete regionally when shoppers make their first big holiday purchases. Our Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) Analysis from our Economic Development Committee which included over 70 meetings over two years with our business owners identified “lack of foot traffic” and “competition from neighboring cities” as key threats. Aligning our program with Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, who both start their programs Thanksgiving weekend, keeps our City competitive and supports the retail mix we’ve worked so hard to attract downtown. This is a small, strategic step that shows we’re serious about revitalizing our downtown and supporting the small businesses that define Hermosa’s character. Our downtown is the heart of City, a place where neighbors meet, families gather, and visitors fall in love with our city. Adding one more week of free holiday parking isn’t just about meters; it’s about keeping that heart beating strong through the season that brings us all together. As always, I appreciate your reconsideration. Laura Pena

MC Guerry

I am writing to express my disappointment with the Hermosa Beach City Council’s vote to support the Hawthorne alignment for the C/K Metro line to Torrance. Except for a couple right-wing activists that speak at every meeting, every comment from actual Hermosa Beach residents was against the Hawthorne option. Like with the disastrous City Manager vote earlier this year, the current council ignores resident comments when it doesn’t fit their ideologies and personal ambitions. In particular, the comments comparing this vote to the oil drilling issue years ago were nonsensical and bizarre. I hope the council will stop ignoring the wishes of the public. They only seem to care about public comments when it fits into their agenda.

tony higgins

Dear City Council, please click on PDF above regarding the city's AI Assistant implementation. thanks, tonyhiggins

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 discussion, and Future Agenda Items). If public comment is provided on a Public Hearing or Municipal Matter item, public comment on the same item will not be accepted when the item is heard at a later part of the meeting.

The public is invited to attend and provide public comment. Public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker from those present in City Council Chambers and via the remote participation options listed on the agenda. This time allotment may be modified due to time constraints at the discretion of the Mayor or City Council. 

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 public 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
• Rory Barish
• Michelle Crispin
• Robert Reyes

Virtual Public Comment:

• Elaine MacIntyre Kim
• Laura Pena
• Matt McCool

13.

CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS

Councilmember Francois provided comments regarding the Holiday Parking Program. 

14.

UPDATE ON CITY COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

This is the time for members of the City Council to report on their attendance at ad hoc subcommittee or standing committee meetings, conferences, or other official activities as City representatives.

Councilmember Francois reported that he attended the Cal Cities Annual Conference in Long Beach held on October 8–10, 2025. Councilmember Francois indicated that Mayor Saemann and Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano and Interim City Attorney Jason Baltimore were also in attendance. 

15.

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 Francois

  Councilmember Keegan requested to pull item 15.l for separate discussion. 

  To hear item 15.l 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

15.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 Francois

  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

15.b

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

(City Clerk Myra Maravilla)

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

  To approve the minutes of the October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting.

  Motion Carried

15.c

CHECK REGISTERS - 25-AS-086

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

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

  To receive and file the check registers for the period of October 8, 2025 through October 15, 2025. The Administrative Services Director certifies the accuracy of the demands.

  Motion Carried

15.d

CITY’S TREASURER’S REPORT - 25-AS-085

(City Treasurer Dave Pedersen)

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

  To receive and file the August 2025 and September 2025 City Treasurer’s Reports.

  Motion Carried

15.e

REPORT ON RECENT ACTIONS BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR POSSIBLE DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF CALL UP DE NOVO REVIEW UNDER HBMC SECTION 2.52.040 - 25-CDD-157

(Community Development Director Alison Becker)

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

  To receive and file the action minutes of the Planning Commission Special Meeting of October 13, 2025, and the Regular Meeting of September 21, 2025.

  Motion Carried

15.f

PLANNING COMMISSION TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA - 25-CDD-134

(Community Development Director Alison Becker)

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

  To receive and file the tentative future agenda for the Planning Commission regular meeting of November 18^th.

  Motion Carried

15.g

ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 2.52.040 OF THE HERMOSA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO REVIEW OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTIONS - 25-CDD-155

CEQA: Determine that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act per Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines

(Community Development Director Alison Becker)

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

  To determine that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act per Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA guidelines; adopt by title only and waive second reading of Ordinance No. ORD-25-1491 titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hermosa Beach, California, Amending Section 2.52.040 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code related to the review of Planning Commission actions; and determining the ordinance is exempt from CEQA (Attachment 1); and direct the City Clerk to print and publish the summary ordinances in a newspaper of general circulation within 15 days following adoption and post it on the City’s bulletin for 30 days.

  Motion Carried

15.h

ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A FINAL PARCEL MAP - 25-CDD-148

CEQA: Determine that the Project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
SUBJECT: FINAL MAP NO. 84231 (CUP. NO. 23-10, PDP NO. 23-07)
LOCATION: 620 9th Street
APPLICANT(S): Brett Drogmund and Pricilla Lee
(Community Development Director Alison Becker)

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

  To determine that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; adopt a Resolution No. RES-25-7524 approving Final Parcel Map No. 84231 for a three-unit residential condominium project located at 620 9th Street, which is consistent with the approved Vesting Tentative Parcel Map; and authorize the City Clerk to endorse the certificate for said map.

  Motion Carried

15.i

ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A FINAL PARCEL MAP - 25-CDD-149

CEQA: Determine that the Project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
SUBJECT: FINAL MAP NO. 84203 (CUP NO. 23-11, PDP NO. 23-08)
LOCATION: 1009 5th Street
APPLICANT: Saeid Shokravi
(Community Development Director Alison Becker)

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

  To determine that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; adopt Resolution No. RES-25-7525 approving Final Parcel Map No. 84203 for a two-unit residential condominium project located at 1009 5th Street, which is consistent with the approved Vesting Tentative Parcel Map; and authorize the City Clerk to endorse the certificate for said map.

  Motion Carried

15.j

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM STATUS REPORT

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

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

  To receive and file the Capital Improvement Program Status Report as of October 16, 2025.

  Motion Carried

15.k

APPROVE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ON-CALL ARBORIST CONSULTING SERVICES WITH MINK TREE CONSULTING - 25-PW-078

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

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

  To approve the proposed first amendment to agreement with Mink Tree Consulting, Inc. (Mink), to provide on-call arborist consulting services increasing the not-to-exceed contract amount from $30,000 to $60,000; and authorize the City Manager to execute the proposed amendment, approve minor modifications if necessary, and execute all related documents, with the City Clerk attesting the agreement subject to approval by the City Attorney.

  Motion Carried

15.m

APPROVE A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY THROUGH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION FOR THEIR SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM - 25-PD-015

(Police Chief Landon Phillips)

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

  To approve a grant agreement of $80,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, for their Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP); add estimated revenue of $80,000 in the Grants Fund; and appropriate $80,000 in the Grants Fund for traffic enforcement operations to reduce alcohol-related accidents and other primary crash factors.

  Motion Carried

15.l

APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH ALL CITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. - 25-PD-013

(Police Chief Landon Phillips)

Councilmember Keegan requested to hear item 15.l separately due to concerns about the addition of a crossing guard on 5th Street and provided comments.

Mayor Saemann asked various questions and provided comments. 

Chief Phillips provided information.

Interim City Manager Napolitano provided information.

Councilmember Francois asked various questions.

Virtual Public Comment:

• Kent Allen
• Matt McCool

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy provided comments.

Councilmember Jackson provided comments.

Councilmember Keegan provided comments.

Councilmember Francois provided comments.

• Moved by: Councilmember Francois
  Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan

  To terminate the crossing guard on 5th Street after one month; direct staff to provide a notice about the termination to families using the crosswalk; and to utilize Prop C funds to develop signage and an informational program to successfully direct families to use the 8th Street crosswalk.
• SUBSTITUTE MOTION 1
  Moved by: Mayor Saemann
  Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy

  To continue with the crossing guard on 5th Street on a month-to-month basis, without amending the existing contract; direct staff to conduct a survey from 2nd Street to Pier Avenue to include feedback from parents and the school district to determine how many children cross each intersection and bring back a report with recommendations to City Council on crossing guard staffing needs and ways to educate families on the hillside on the safest route to school.

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

  Motion Carried

16.

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

16.a

ITEM TO BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 9, 2025

INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODES, 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE

17.

MUNICIPAL MATTERS

17.a

REVIEW OF THE CITY’S RESIDENTIAL AND EMPLOYEE PARKING PERMIT PROGRAMS - 25-AS-080

MC Guerry

For the parking permits, I support the following: Issue One: Option B. Not everyone uses a physical address on their driver’s license. Issue Two: Option C. Issue Three: Option A. The city needs to focus on residents, not landlords. Issue Four: Option B. In addition, charge for every permit issued and raise the price of each one. Issue Five: Option B. This allows for flexibility but ensures the parking permit program is per person. Two-year pause: Keep the ban as is. Employee Parking Permit Program: raise the fees to meet demand.

rory barish

Annual Resident Permits work fine in West Hollywood and other areas with permits. Never a problem and no complaints. In West Hollywood for example... Annual permits for residents (max 4 per address). Each permit is assigned to a plate or VIN and is non-transferable without re-registering. What you’ll need: Proof of residence (utility bills suffice), valid photo ID, and current CA vehicle registration. (THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO BE AT THE CURRENT ADDRESS OR IN THE CITY OF RESIDENCE). EV discount: DMV registration must show Motive Power: E. This is so simple but the City of Hermosa Beach makes it harder to get a permit here than to get into Harvard. If you live at an address in Hermosa Beach (whether you travel for work or have another residence) it should not matter how many consecutive days you are here. Your registration should not have to match the address you are at in Hermosa Beach. Neighbors who live (rent or own) here, pay taxes and/or support local businesses should be able to get a permit even if your car is registered in Palm Springs, West Hollywood or wherever! These are your constituents, listen to them, they voted you in.

Deanna Bradshaw

Parking has been so frustrating for the past several years! (It was fine for the 20 years before that.) Please don’t go back to the old system. It was abused. It was clear that lots of people not living in the neighborhood (full or part-time) had parking permits. Each summer it got increasingly difficult to find a parking place. With the new system, I’ve also found it difficult to find a parking place in summer, but this time due to lack of parking enforcement, which I find inexcusable. Can you find a solution that meets most residents’ needs but still has the practical result of making parking available to residents of the neighborhood?

Robert Aronoff

I spoke and gave comments on this item, specifically Event Permits, at the October 14, 2025 meeting. Please review them. However, I have an additonal point. Most of the guests for whom I get Event Permits are new or infrequent visitors to Hermosa Beach. They come at my invitation. Instead of being rushed to leave because their meter is running out, they decide to walk to Pier Plaza and check out the businesses. They often return with purchases. In other words, I can use the Event Permit to bring customers to our City who would not otherwise be here. I ply them with food and drink and then send downtown to shop. Why does the City want to end that boost to business?

Nancy Schwappach

I have attached a revised deck. I recalled decisions on the residential parking program were made in early 2023 but was unable to access those agendas as the link on the City website I normally use for earlier meetings is broken. I figured out a way to get there and the public hearing on this was 2/28/23. I have added to this deck references to that meeting - the same data was presented, and the same 4 permit per address limit was recommended by staff. Of course, Council decided to impose a 3 permit per address limit, unnecessarily disrupting the lives of almost 600 families. Council also decided to impose the requirement the drivers license and vehicle registration be at the impacted Hermosa Beach address, unnecessarily disrupting the lives of an unknown additional number of families.

tony higgins

Dear City Council, Nancy Schwappach makes excellent points in her parking permit comments in her ecomment. In addition to squarely addressing her concerns i hope the council will address how the city can can ensure that addresses requesting more than say 2 parking permits can best prove they are not using their garages for storage or a gym. Thank you.

Nancy Schwappach

Please see the attached presentation related to resident (and landlord) parking permits. I hope to be able to present this on the screen (if that is considered appropriate) and, in any event, will have a hard copy of the deck for each of you to review during my comments. My presentation focuses on the families affected by what I consider to have been an ill-conceived, unnecessary series of actions. These actions impacted hundreds of Hermosa Beach families and, I believe, "solved" a problem which did not actually exist. A tremendous amount of time and staff resources were put into this from 2020-2022, which, I think, would have been better spent solving real problems - for example getting our Housing Element approved in a timely manner and/or getting our Local Coastal Plan approved.

Continued from October 14, 2025

(Revenue Services Supervisor Paul Avila)

Revenue Services Supervisor Paul Avila provided a presentation and answered questions throughout Council's deliberation. 

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy asked various questions.

Councilmember Francois asked various questions. 

Community Development Director Alison Becker provided information.

Mayor Saemann asked various questions.

Councilmember Francois asked various questions.

Councilmember Jackson asked various questions.

In Person Public Comment:

• Michelle Crispin
• Rick Koenig

Virtual Public Comment:

• Brad Scott
• Matt McCool
• John Burry

Councilmember Jackson provided comments.

The City Council continued to deliberate.

The Employee Parking Program and the Fourth Permit Requirement discussions were tabled and will return at a future meeting.

Community Services Supervisor Carlos Burgos provided information.

Councilmember Jackson requested support for a future agenda item to discuss restricting buses, tractors and oversized vehicles from parking in residential areas. Support was provided by Mayor Pro Tem Detoy and Mayor Saemann.

Councilmember Jackson requested support for a future agenda item to discuss barring residents from applying for a parking permit should they have outstanding debt with the City through administrative citations or other fines. Support was provided by Mayor Pro Tem Detoy and Mayor Saemann.

• Moved by: Councilmember Jackson

  To provide comments with illustrative slides. Motion failed due to lack of a second.

  Motion Failed
• Moved by: Councilmember Francois
  Seconded by: Mayor Saemann

  Proof of Residency

  Option B: to accept alternative proof of residency (e.g., signed lease agreement [new residents only] or utility bill) instead of the driver's license. 

  Ayes (3)	Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, and Councilmember Keegan
  Noes (2)	Councilmember Jackson, and Mayor Pro Tem Detoy

  Motion Carried
• Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Mayor Saemann

  Guest Permits Not Replaceable

  Option B: Allow replaceable with proof of new tenancy (e.g., minimum of a 6-month signed lease agreement, utility bill in new tenant's name). 

  Ayes (3)	Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, and Councilmember Keegan
  Noes (2)	Councilmember Jackson, and Mayor Pro Tem Detoy

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

  Prop Owner Guest Permits Eliminated

  Option A (Status Quo): Continue prohibiting owner guest permits.

  Ayes (3)	Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Saemann, and Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Noes (2)	Councilmember Francois, and Councilmember Keegan

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

  Events Permits Eliminated

  Option A (Status Quo): Maintain the elimination of event permits and update the hours for the Daily Pass to 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 
• SUBSTITUTE MOTION 1 FOR EVENTS PERMITS ELIMINATED
  Moved by: Mayor Saemann
  Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan

  Events Permits Eliminated

  Option B: Reinstate event permits with updated rules (limit of 2 events per year, excluding the day of the holiday if landing midweek and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday should the  holiday land on the weekend, limit of 10 permits per event, and an updated fee of $10 for each permit). 

  Ayes (3)	Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, and Councilmember Keegan
  Noes (2)	Councilmember Jackson, and Mayor Pro Tem Detoy

  Motion Carried
• Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Councilmember Francois

  Fourth Permit Requirement

  Option B: Allow households to obtain a fourth permit regardless of driver registration, subject to verification of household residency.

  A friendly amendment was made by Councilmember Francois to only make the 4th permit available to a unique driver within the household.

  No vote was taken on this motion.
• SUBSTITUTE MOTION 1 FOR FOURTH PERMIT REQUIREMENT
  Moved by: Mayor Saemann

  Fourth Permit Requirement

  Option C: Eliminate the unique driver requirement and base eligibility on overall household parking needs.

  Mayor Pro Tem Detoy provided a second and then withdrew it.

  Motion failed due to lack of a second.

  Motion Failed
• SUBSTITUTE MOTION 2 FOR FOURTH PERMIT REQUIREMENT
  Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  Fourth Permit Requirement

  To bring back the fourth permit requirement discussion at a future meeting.

  Ayes (3)	Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Saemann, and Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Noes (2)	Councilmember Francois, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried
• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy

  To create two parking zones for the Residential Parking Program with one north of Pier Avenue and the second south of Pier Avenue, effective 2026. 

  Motion failed due to lack of a second.

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

  Two-Year Ban

  To maintain the two-year ban, or two-year loss of parking permit privileges, for submitting altered documents when applying for permits for or for misusing parking permits.

  Ayes (3)	Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Saemann, and Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
  Abstained (2)	Councilmember Francois, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried
• SUBSTITUTE MOTION 1 FOR TWO-YEAR BAN
  Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Councilmember Francois

  Two-Year Ban

  To update the current two-year ban to a one-year ban.

  Ayes (2)	Councilmember Francois, and Councilmember Keegan
  Noes (3)	Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Saemann, and Mayor Pro Tem Detoy

  Motion Failed

17.b

APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH REC TECHNOLOGIES INC. TO PROVIDE A RECREATION MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE - 25-CR-079

tony for fiscal responsibility

Dear City Council, The fact that the City of Torrance went with Rec Management Solution recommended by Director Nicholes is a positive; but who else? Carmel Del Mar, Pismo Beach, Malibu, Newport Beach Laguna Beach? Manhattan Beach, Cities like ours? And yes it's a positive the vendor has just received an additional round of startup funding.  But Conventional Wisdom says you dont go with an early stage startup in a fragmented market unless there are overwhelming reasons to do so.  It's not so much the cost of the software if the company fails or is sold.   It's the lost time staff time customizing the software, modifying and documenting and training on new software and procedures, that add up and are often the biggest impacts.  I assume there are overwhelming must-have software features that would justify the risks of going with an early stage startup AND I hope Director Nichols speaks DEFINITIVELY to these must-have's that will reduce staff costs and save money through better planning and streamlined departmental processes. The Parks Masterplan's $305,000 price tag revealed one truly surprising fact. Everyone already knew that residents wanted a dog park and a pool and a return of the Concert Series. The surprise was that 75% of the residents felt we had about the right number of Special Events and Recreational Services. So it follows that the Parks Department should NOT be growing significantly and future workloads should be relatively flat. It follows a good portion of any actual savings from this software will have to come from staff and/or contract services reductions. What exactly is the justification for this expense? I hope the Director's staff report speaks clearly to this point and if not this item is sent back to the drawing board. Thank You for Considering tonyhiggins

Todd Tullis

By spending an additional $16k this year, expenses for recreation management software in next year's budget should be reduced from $120k to ~$30k. The selected platform surely will improve on the ActiveNET user experience; it also shows potential to increase revenue. Torrance being a customer does provide some confidence. This change of systems is not without risk, which we should acknowledge and mitigate where possible. Rec Technologies is an early stage startup in a fragmented market, as such the risk of this company failing is high (they did just get a new round of funding so they should be good for the next 18-24 months). Assuming they continue to bring on new customers, they will have demands from many cities to make changes to their software, including changes that we may not want. The proposed project plan includes launch readiness activities only in Month 6 - the last month of the project before go-live. Given there is no migration of user accounts (or existing reservations?) from the current system, these kinds of activities should begin earlier to better inform residents who will be using the platform. These activities will require staff time & attention in a particularly busy time (late Spring). An additional note - this item, nor its initial RFP, were on an agenda for the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Commission. After the RFP was issued, I met with Staff to provide feedback on the issued RFP and suggestions for evaluating vendors. Assuming this project is approved, I continue to be willing to offer Staff my professional expertise, time, and labor in any capacity towards making this project more successful.

(Recreation Coordinator Kambria Vint)

Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols provided a presentation.

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

  To approve a Professional Services Agreement with Rec Technologies Inc. for a recreation management software for the Community Resources for a recreation management software platform for the Community Resources Department for a two-year term through October 28, 2028, with an automatic renewal for an additional one-year term, in a total amount not to exceed $75,000 over all three terms.; and authorize the City Manager to execute and the City Clerk to attest the proposed agreement subject to approval by the City Attorney.

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

17.c

ADOPT A RESOLUTION AND AWARD A SOLE-SOURCE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO AM-TEC TOTAL SECURITY, INC. FOR CIP 685 – REAL-TIME CRIME CENTER - 25-PD-009

David Grethen

I appreciate the extensive justification provided for sole source selection for such a large contract as documented in the Staff report. David Grethen Public Works Commission

CEQA: Determine that Capital Improvement Program (“CIP”) Project 685 – Real-time Crime Center Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 153011 (Existing Facilities). The proposed work is an alteration of existing public structures or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of existing use. No exceptions to the CEQA exemption apply.
(Police Chief Landon Phillips)

Chief Landon Phillips provided a presentation.

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

  To determine that Capital Improvement Program (“CIP”) Project 685 – Real-time Crime Center Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 153011 (Existing Facilities); award a construction contract for CIP Project 685 – Real-time Crime Center to Am-Tec Total Security, Inc. on a sole-source basis in the amount of $494,819.79; authorize the Director of Public Works to establish a project contingency amount of $49,481.98 and to approve contract change orders up to the amount of the approved project contingency; adopt Resolution No. RES-25-7526 approving the construction of Capital Improvement Program Project 685 - Real-time Crime Center Project, establishing a project payment account, and awarding a sole-source contract to Am-tec Total Security, Inc.; authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract and the City Clerk to attest, subject to approval by the City Attorney; and authorize the City Clerk to record and file a notice of completion following final completion of the project.

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

17.d

APPROVE FOURTH AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT FOR ON-CALL CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES WITH CIVIL WORKS ENGINEERS, INC. (CWE) - 25-PW-077

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided a presentation.

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

  To approve the proposed fourth amendment to agreement with Civil Works Engineers, Inc. (CWE), to provide on-call civil engineering services extending the term to December 03, 2026 and increasing the not-to-exceed contract amount from $300,000 to $530,000; appropriate $150,000 for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 699 Parking Structure Lot C Improvements in the RTI Undersea Cable Fund 190; and authorize the City Manager to execute the proposed amendment, approve minor modifications if necessary, and execute all related documents, with the City Clerk attesting the agreement subject to approval by the City Attorney.

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

17.e

UPDATE ON HOMELESSNESS EFFORTS - 25-CMO-069

Todd Tullis

Staff Report for this item makes it difficult for one to understand what initiatives are CURRENTLY ongoing in Hermosa, and the level of effectiveness of each initiative. It read to me like Hb Cares was the primary proactive initiative seeking to help reduce homelessness. Now that Hb Cares is over, it seems like the expected "replacement" is intended to be the SBCCOG Functional Zero initiative. - What should our community expect to see from the SBCCOG Functional Zero initiative and how can we help? - Is there anything effective that Hb Cares was doing that SBCCOG Functional Zero does not currently do? - Was there a handoff of information/work in progress from one team of people to the other? https://www.laalmanac.com/social/so14b.php indicates a homeless count of 17 in 2025 in Hermosa, up from the prior year but down materially compared to 5 years ago or so.

Nancy Schwappach

I appreciate Council (especially Mayor Saemann) renewing interest in this important topic. However, I was disappointed with the staff report, which I believe primarily summarized information regarding programs which are already identified on the City website. The only "data" provided related to the camping ordinance. (And I still don't know if enforcement is complaint based or carried out directly on observation by PD.) I felt the former regime gave a lot of lip service to addressing the needs of our unhoused population, and the security and health concerns raised by residents, without actually doing anything of substance. I certainly have not noticed an improvemeent. Maybe Council was provided data not made available to the public - but I don't think so as I have not seen anything on a closed session agenda. Hopefully the new management team will compile data and use that data to improve the situation. There's an old management axiom: "You can't improve what you can't measure." The City signed on to SBCOG Functional Zero program almost exactly a year ago. That program requires participants monitor individuals on a person by person basis and track contacts and outcomes. I understand privacy and HIPAA concerns inhibit public reporting but I think there is no reason data cannot be tracked and reported on an anonymized basis. Please see the attached for what I consider to be commitments made in the Press Release related to Functional Zero which, as best I can tell, have not been met. For example, last year, while it still had funding, a commitment was made to the public related to the Mobile Crisis Response to "[assess] its impact on reducing police demand and aiding homeless individuals to see if it can be expanded regionally." What did that assessment disclose? Again, I have faith the new management team will bring new data driven efforts to improving this problem, assisting our unhoused in getting the services they need and abating the safety and health concerns of our residents.

Informational item requested on September 30, 2025 (Mayor Saemann and Councilmember Jackson)

(Senior Management Analyst Sara Russo)

Senior Management Analyst Sara Russo provided a presentation. 

Councilmember Keegan asked various questions.

Councilmember Jackson asked various questions.

Councilmember Francois provided comments.

Virtual Public Comment:

• John Burry
• Nancy Schwappach

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

  To receive and file the staff report and return to City Council with the final report from HbCares.  

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

17.f

INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTIONS OF TITLE 2 OF THE HERMOSA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE THE TERMS OF OFFICE, APPOINTMENT, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITY COMMISSIONS - 25-CCO-042

Continued from October 14, 2025

CEQA: Determining the ordinance is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act
(City Clerk Myra Maravilla)

City Clerk Myra Maravilla

• Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Mayor Saemann

  To introduce by title only and waive first reading of Ordinance No. ORD-25-1492 titled “An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hermosa Beach amending various sections of Title 2 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to update the terms of office, appointment, and responsibilities of City Commissions and determining the Ordinance is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act;” and shorten the current terms of the Civil Service Board by 15 days and the Public Works Commission by four months to align all commission terms with the new end date of June 30.

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

18.

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 for staff to draft an assessment for the cost of staffing and the operational requirements to have the Police Department designate dedicated park officers to establish a more consistent and visible presence along the Strand, the beach, and parks. Mayor Pro Tem Detoy provided support. 

Councilmember Keegan requested support for an informational item to review the encroachment fees for dining decks on the north and south ends of the City to address businesses like Mickey's Deli and the Green Store that pay the same encroachment fees as businesses on Pier Plaza. Mayor Saemann provided support.

Mayor Saemann requested support for an informational item to study whether the City can prohibit residents living in newly constructed residences with substandard parking to apply for parking permits. Mayor Saemann announced he will work directly with the City Attorney and the Community Development Director to study the issue. 

18.a

TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 25-CMO-073

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

19.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano provided the City Manager Report.

20.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

This is reserved for items that do not require City Council action. The City Council may request a future agenda item to discuss an informational item. Otherwise, discussion of informational items will not be taken. 

Councilmember Francois requested a future agenda item to reconsider adding an additional week to the 2025 Complimentary Holiday Parking Program.

Interim City Attorney Jason Baltimore provided information.

Mayor Saemann provided comments.

No support was provided for Councilmember Francois' request.

20.a

2025 COMPLIMENTARY HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM DATES - 25-CMO-072

(Senior Management Analyst Ken Bales)

20.b

LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE AND AMBULANCE MONTHLY REPORT FOR AUGUST 2025 - 25-CMO-071

(Emergency Management Coordinator Maurice Wright)

21.

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Saemann adjourned the meeting at 11:42 p.m.