CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, March 11, 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 Dean Francois, 
• Mayor Pro Tem Rob Saemann, 
• Councilmember Mike Detoy, 
• Councilmember Ray Jackson, 
• and Councilmember Michael D. Keegan 

Staff Present:

• City Manager Suja Lowenthal, 
• City Attorney Patrick Donegan, 
• Deputy City Manager Angela Crespi, 
• Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker, 
• City Clerk Myra Maravilla, 
• Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols, 
• Lieutenant Joe Poelstra, 
• Public Works Director Joe SanClemente, 
• and Senior Office Assistant Holly Honma 

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1.

CLOSED SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 5:00 PM

Mayor Francois called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.

2.

ROLL CALL

City Clerk Myra Maravilla announced a quorum.

3.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CLOSED SESSION AGENDA

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

City Attorney Patrick Donegan reported that item 4.b will not be discussed. 

Mayor Francois opened Public Comment. No public comment was provided.

4.

RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION

The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:05 p.m.

4.a

MINUTES: Approval of minutes of Closed Session held on February 25, 2025

4.b

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: Work Comp Litigation

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: Jonathan Sibbald
WCAB Case Number: ADJ17934866, ADJ16040822, ADJ9969378
AdminSure Claim Number: 23-172878 (low back), 21-153317 (right knee), 15-122631 (low back)
D.O.I.: 06/30/2023, 12/03/2020, 05/05/2025

4.c

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: Workers Comp Litigation

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: James Karlock
WCAB Case Number: N/A (non-litigated file)
AdminSure Claim Number: 23-107452
D.O.I.: 3/7/2023

5.

OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM

Mayor Francois called the Open Session to order at 6:03 p.m.

6.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Hanna and a friend from Mira Costa High School.

7.

ROLL CALL

City Clerk Maravilla announced a quorum. 

8.

CLOSED SESSION REPORT

City Attorney Donegan provided the Closed Session Report. No reportable action was taken.

9.

ANNOUNCEMENTS—UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

Mayor Francois announced:

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15, 2025.

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 Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To approve the order of the agenda and continue item 17.c to the next meeting and pull 15.i from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion.

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

11.

PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS

11.a

PROCLAMATION DECLARING MARCH 2025 AS RED CROSS MONTH

Mayor Francois recognized March 2025 as Red Cross Month.

11.b

PROCLAMATION DECLARING MARCH 2025 AS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Mayor Francois declared March 2025 as Women's History Month.

12.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

City Manager Suja Lowenthal provided the City Manager Report.

12.a

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR UPDATE

Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided an update on various Public Works projects.

Mayor Francois requested additional information about the timeframe for the repaving on Pier Avenue and the closure schedule.

Mayor Francois asked Acting Assistant Director of Capital Projects and Facilities Greg McQueen to provide comments on the library project.

Acting Assistant Director McQueen provided information.

12.b

POLICE CHIEF UPDATE

Lieutenant Joe Poelstra provided a Police Department update.

13.

PUBLIC COMMENT

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. The following public comment was provided.

In Person Public Comment:

• Chad Kroeger
• Sarah Harper
• JT Parr
• Anna Jung and Brian Jung
• Carla Burk
• Nick Wilson
• Jennifer Kennedy
• Julie C. Henderson
• Frank Khulus
• Rory Barish
• Salli Harris
• Trent Larson
• Todd Koerner
• Elka Worner
• Josh K. 
• Frank P. Angel
• Anna Simonenko
• Nancy Schwappach
• Jim Houtz
• Rob Perez

14.

CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS

Mayor Francois provided comments about his attendance to the Hermosa Beach Little League Opening Day. 

14.a

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

Mayor Francois asked various questions about the project on Palm Drive.

City Attorney Donegan provided information about the project on Palm Drive.

Councilmember Jackson asked about an opportunity to have the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Commission create a subcommittee to take the lead on the dog park discussion.

Mayor Pro Tem Saemann expressed interest in proposing a future agenda item for a dog park.

Councilmember Keegan requested that the dog park be addressed as part of future agenda items.

Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments.

City Manager Lowenthal provided information.

Mayor Pro Tem Saemann spoke. 

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: Councilmember Detoy
  Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann

  To approve the consent calendar as amended.

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember 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: Councilmember Detoy
  Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann

  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 MEETING MINUTES - 25-CCO-016

(City Clerk Myra Maravilla)

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

  To approve the minutes for the February 25, 2025 Regular Meeting and February 25, 2025 Special Meeting.

  Motion Carried

15.c

CHECK REGISTERS - 25-AS-021

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

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

  To ratify the check registers for the period February 19, 2025 through February 26, 2025. The Administrative Services Director certifies the accuracy of the demands.

  Motion Carried

15.d

REVENUE REPORT, EXPENDITURE REPORT, AND CIP REPORT BY PROJECT FOR JANUARY 2025 - 25-AS-022

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

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

  To receive and file the January 2025 Financial Reports.

  Motion Carried

15.e

LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE AND AMBULANCE MONTHLY REPORT FOR JANUARY 2025 - 25-CMO-018

CEQA: Determine that this report is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) or, in the alternative that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(Emergency Management Coordinator Maurice Wright)

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

  To receive and file the January 2025 Fire and Ambulance monthly report.

  Motion Carried

15.f

ACTION MINUTES OF THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 4, 2025 - 25-CR-021

(Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols)

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

  To receive and file the action minutes of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Advisory Commission meeting of February 4, 2025.

  Motion Carried

15.h

ACTION MINUTES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 - 25-AS-024

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

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

  To receive and file the action minutes of the Civil Service Board meeting of September 18, 2024.

  Motion Carried

15.g

APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED CLARK BUILDING USE POLICY AND RESERVATION RATES - 25-CR-023

CEQA: Approval of the proposed Clark Building use policies and reservation rates would be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15304. The proposed Clark Building use policies and reservation rates will have negligible or no permanent effect on the environment.
(Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols)

Councilmember Keegan pulled the item and provided comments on the amplified sound permit. 

Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols provided information.

Mayor Francois asked various questions. 

City Manager Lowenthal provided information.

City Attorney Patrick Donegan provided information.

Councilmember Keegan provided comments.

Mayor Francois asked about the single-use plastics.

City Manager Lowenthal provided information.

Councilmember Keegan asked questions.

Councilmember Detoy asked questions.

Director Nichols provided information.

Virtual Public Comment:

• Laura Pena
• Matt McCool

Councilmember Jackson provided comments. 

Councilmember Detoy provided comments.

Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments.

• Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To approve the amended Clark Building use policies to include the removal of the prohibition on hard liquor. 

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

15.i

ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE REPEALING HERMOSA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE (“HBMC”) SECTIONS 12.28.010(H) AND 12.20.240 AND ADDING CHAPTER 12.40 TO THE HBMC REGULATING CAMPING IN PUBLIC AREAS - 25-CA-004

CEQA: Determine the Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
(City Attorney Patrick Donegan and Deputy City Manager Angela Crespi)

Mayor Francois pulled the item to further discuss the language of the ordinance.

Councilmember Keegan asked various questions.

Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided information.

In Person Public Comment:

• Nancy Swappach 
• Donald Santiani 

The City Council continued deliberation.

Mayor Pro Tem Saemann requested to swap A with B under Section 12.41.030.

Mayor Francois made various comments.

Mayor Pro Tem Semann discussed supporting the fourth citation in a week being filed as a misdemeanor.

• Moved by: Councilmember Jackson
  Seconded by: Councilmember Detoy

  To waive the full second reading and adopt by title only Ordinance No. 25-1486 of the City of Hermosa Beach, California, repealing Hermosa Beach Municipal Code (“HBMC”) sections 12.28.010(H) and 12.20.240 and adding Chapter 12.40 to the HBMC regulating camping in public areas and finding the ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and direct the City Clerk to print and publish a summary ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation within 15 days following adoption and post a copy on the City’s bulletin for 30 days.

  Mayor Francois verbally changed his vote to vote "no".

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

  Motion Failed
• Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann
  Seconded by: Mayor Francois

  To reintroduce the ordinance as amended to allow the officer the discretion to charge a person violating the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code with a misdemeanor or citation, and to only allow an officer to charge a person with a maximum of three consecutive administrative citations in a week. A fourth administrative citation within the same 7-day period is prohibited from being issued.

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

  Motion Carried

16.

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

17.

MUNICIPAL MATTERS

17.a

PURCHASE OF MOBILE DIGITAL COMPUTERS FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT REAL-TIME CRIME CENTER - 25-PD-002

(Police Chief Paul LeBaron)

Lieutenant Poelstra provided a presentation.

No Public Comment was provided.

• Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Jackson

  To authorize the purchase of 29 Mobile Digital Computers (MDCs), supporting hardware, and warranties from Code 3 Technology through a Cooperative Sourcewell Agreement, in an amount not to exceed $168,793.

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

  Motion Carried

17.b

DISCUSSION ON DOWNTOWN PARKING LOT REGULATIONS INCLUDING THE EMPLOYEE PARKING PERMIT PROGRAM. - 25-AS-023

CEQA: Determine that any modifications to the Employee Parking Permit Program and Downtown Parking Lot regulations is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

Director Brandon Walker provided a presentation.

Virtual Public Comment:

• Matt McCool

Councilmember Jackson provided comments.

Councilmember Keegan asked various questions.

Director Walker provided information.

Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments.

Councilmember Detoy provided comments supporting monthly or quarterly passes. 

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

  To create two separate monthly employee permits. One employee permit would allow employee parking on the upper level of Lot C. A second employee permit would restrict parking for the yellow meters to only Hermosa Avenue via a new sticker. Both permits would be available on a quarterly basis and maintain the current annual price which would be divided into quarterly rates, and the hours would be updated to a twelve-hour maximum. The twelve-hour maximum would apply to all four lots.

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

17.c

REPORT ON THE CITY’S REGULATION OF SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS - 25-CA-005

CEQA: This report is not a “project” under CEQA. In the alternative, this report falls within the “common sense” exemption set forth in State CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
(City Attorney Patrick Donegan)

Item 17.c was continued to the March 25, 2025 City Council meeting.

17.d

REPORT ON THE CITY’S PARKING REGULATIONS FOR AREAS SURROUNDING CLARK FIELD, CITY YARD, SOUTH PARK, AND VALLEY PARK - 25-PD-004

(Police Chief Paul LeBaron)

Community Services Supervisor Carlos Burgos provided a staff presentation.

Mayor Francois provided comments. 

No Public Comment was provided.

Councilmember Jackson provided comments.

Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments.

Community Services Supervisor Burgos provided information.

Councilmember Detoy suggested to wait to make changes until the new software is purchased. 

Councilmember Keegan agreed to wait on making changes.

Councilmember Jackson provided comments.

Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments.

• Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan

  To receive the informational report on the parking regulations for areas surrounding Clark Field, City Yard, South Park, and Valley Park.

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

  Motion Carried

17.e

REPORT ON THE ROLE OF THE MAYOR AND MAYORAL POWERS IN RUNNING COUNCIL MEETINGS AND REPORT ON VOTING OPTIONS FOR CITY OFFICIALS - 25-CA-003

CEQA: This report is not a “project” subject to CEQA, In the alternative, the discussion falls within the “common sense” exemption set forth in State CEQA Guidelines.
(City Attorney Patrick Donegan)

City Attorney Patrick Donegan provided a staff presentation.

Mayor Francois provided comments.

No Public Comment was provided.

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

  To receive a report on the role of the Mayor and Mayoral powers under Robert’s Rules of Order that govern City Council meetings; and receive a report on the voting options for City officials.

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember 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. 

Mayor Francois requested support to take a position on the Metro's C Line (Green) Extension to Torrance. Mayor Pro Tem Saemann and Councilmember Keegan supported the item. 

The City Council provided direction to refer the dog park discussion to the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Commission.

Councilmember Jackson requested support for staff to facilitate a discussion to clarify the role of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Commission and event producers, and to clarify and define a partnership versus a long-term agreement and the support that the City can provide in each. Councilmember Detoy provided support.

18.a

TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 25-CMO-019

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

19.

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. 

In Person Public Comment:

• John Burry

20.

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Francois announced the next Mayor's Town Hall Forum, to be held on March 24, 2025, and the State of the City, to be held on April 10, 2025. The meeting was adjourned at 10:36 p.m.