CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Closed Session at 5:00 PM and Open Session at 6:00 PM
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 Jason Baltimore, 
  • Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker, 
  • City Clerk Myra Maravilla, 
  • Community Development Director Alison Becker, 
  • Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols, 
  • Police Chief Landon Phillips, 
  • Public Works Director Joe SanClemente, 
  • Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza, 
  • Special Events and Filming Coordinator Austin DeWeese, 
  • and Senior Management Analyst Kenneth Bales 

Mayor Saemann called the Open Session to order at 6:12 p.m.

2.

  

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jeff Bonafede.

3.

  

City Clerk Maravilla announced a quorum. All members were present.

4.

  

There was no Closed Session. No Closed Session Report was provided.

Mayor Saemann announced the following community events:

  • Coffee with a Cop is taking place on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Java Man from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The community was invited to attend.
  • Carrie and the Prom is taking place on Friday, October 10, 2025 at the Community Center Theater. This event is for ages 18 and up. The event features a reception including a 70's-themed prom and tours of local filming locations at 7:00 p.m. and a screening of the horror classic "Carrie" at 8:30 p.m. Tickets for this event are $10. 
  • Friends of the Park is hosting Pumpkins in the Park on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Edith Rodaway Friendship Park on 350 Prospect Ave. Families are welcome to enjoy a costume contest, face painting, a photo booth, games and pumpkin decorating.

6.

  

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 Jackson

    To approve the order of the agenda.

    Ayes (5)Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan
    Motion Carried

7.

  

Mayor Saemann read a Certificate of Recognition into the record, acknowledging Kathy Knoll and Jeff Bonafede for their contributions to the City. 

Kathy Knoll provided comments. 

Jeff Bonafede provided comments.

Mayor Saemann read a proclamation into the record recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15, 2025 to October 15, 2025.

Mayor Saemann read a proclamation into the record recognizing California Clean Air Day on October 1, 2025.

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
  • Jan Brittain
  • John Holway
  • Nancy Schwappach
  • Rory Barish
  • Jeff Prugh
  • Quint Carroll
  • Eric Horne

Virtual Public Comment:

  • Josh Krasnegor 
  • Anthony Higgins

9.

  

Mayor Saemann provided comments about the upcoming Mayor's Town Hall at the Clark Building.

Councilmember Francois provided the following announcements:

  • Attended the Los Angeles County Library Commission meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025;
  • Attended Locale 90254: Oktoberfest event on Saturday, September 27, 2025;
  • Attended the Leadership Herrmosa Beach orientation with Mayor Saemann on September 13, 2025; and
  • Attended the City of Redondo Beach's groundbreaking ceremony for the open space improvement at the corner of Herondo Street and Pacific Coast Highway on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

11.

  

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 Francois
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Detoy

    To approve the Consent Calendar.

    Ayes (5)Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan
    Motion Carried
  • Moved by:Councilmember Francois
    Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Detoy

    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

(City Clerk Myra Maravilla)

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

    To approve the minutes of the September 9, 2025 Regular Meeting.

    Motion Carried

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

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

    To receive and file the check registers for the period of September 3, 2025, through September 17, 2025. The Administrative Services Director certifies the accuracy of the demands.

    Motion Carried

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

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

    To receive and file the June 2025 and July 2025 Cash Balance Reports.

    Motion Carried

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

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

    To receive and file the June 2025 Financial Reports.

    Motion Carried

(City Treasurer Dave Pedersen)

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

    To receive and file the June 2025 and July 2025 City Treasurer’s Reports.

    Motion Carried

CEQA: Determine the Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines
(Community Development Director Alison Becker)

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

    To adopt by title only and waive second reading of Ordinance No. ORD-25-1489  titled “Approving a Zone Text Amendment (ZTA 25-02), amending Hermosa Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) Section 17.42.180.D, extending the short-term vacation rental program an additional two years and determining the ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)"; determine the Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; 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

11.j

This item has attachments.  

(Community Development Director Alison Becker)

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

    To receive and file the action minutes of the Planning Commission Special Meeting of September 8, 2025, and the Regular Meeting of September 16, 2025.

    Motion Carried

(Community Development Director Alison Becker)

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

    To receive and file the tentative agendas for the October 13, 2025 Special Meeting and the October 21, 2025 Regular Meeting.

    Motion Carried

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

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

    To receive and file the action minutes of the Public Works Commission meeting of July 16, 2025.

    Motion Carried

(City Clerk Myra Maravilla)

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

    To take a position in opposition of Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) and authorize the Mayor to sign a letter expressing the City’s position.

    Motion Carried

11.n

This item has attachments.  

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

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

    To receive and file the Capital Improvement Program Status Report as of September 17, 2025.

    Motion Carried

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

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

    To approve the proposed fourth amendment to agreement with Westgroup Designs, Inc. to provide on-call architectural services extending the term to October 11, 2026; 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

(Emergency Management Coordinator Maurice Wright)

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

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

    Motion Carried

(Emergency Management Coordinator Maurice Wright)

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

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

    Motion Carried

CEQA: Approval of the agreement with Hermosa Beach Youth Basketball (HBYB) to provide use of the Hermosa Beach Community Center gymnasium and rooms and outdoor basketball facilities would be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15304 (e). 
(Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols)

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

    To approve a three-year agreement with HBYB for use of the Hermosa Beach Community Center gymnasium and rooms, and outdoor basketball facilities commencing with the 2025-26 winter season through the 2028 summer season; determine the approval of the agreement with Hermosa Beach Youth Basketball (HBYB) to provide use of the Hermosa Beach Community Center gymnasium and rooms and outdoor basketball facilities would be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15304 (e); and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and the City Clerk to attest, subject to approval by the City Attorney.

    Motion Carried

12.b

This item has attachments.  

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker provided a presentation.

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy asked various questions.

Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano provided information.

Mayor Saemann asked various questions.

Director Walker provided information.

Senior Management Analyst Kenneth Bales provided information.

Councilmember Francois asked various questions.

In Person Public Comment:

  • George Barks
  • Vincent Busam
  • Kathy Knoll

Virtual Public Comment:

  • Anthony Higgins
  • Josh Krasnegor
  • Matt McCool
  • Ann Gotthoffer

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy provided information about the Finance Subcommittee meeting. 

Councilmember Francois asked various questions and provided comments.

Councilmember Keegan asked various questions and provided comments.

Councilmember Jackson provided comments.

Mayor Saemann provided comments.

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

    To introduce by title only and waive first reading of Ordinance No. ORD-25-1490 titled “Amending Hermosa Beach Municipal Code Chapter 10.36 Parking Meters, Increasing Meter Rates”, as amended, to increase parking meter rates to $3 and parking in beach lots A, B, and C to $3.50.

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

12.c

This item has attachments.  

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker provided a presentation.

Mayor Saemann asked various questions.

Councilmember Francois asked various questions.

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy asked various questions.

Director Walker and Senior Management Analyst provided information.

In Person Public Comment:

  • George Barks
  • Sam V.
  • Ben Robishaw
  • Duncan Pipes

Virtual Public Comment:

  • Josh Krasnegor
  • Anthony Higgins
  • Mike T.
  • Matt McCool

Councilmember Francois provided comments. 

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy provided comments.

Councilmember Jackson provided comments.

Councilmember Keegan provided comments.

Mayor Saemann provided comments.

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

    To take no action to meter Lot E. 

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

13.

  

CEQA: Approval of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) High School Boys Beach Volleyball League Matches would be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15304 (e). 
(Special Events and Filming Coordinator Austin DeWeese)

Special Events and Filming Coordinator Austin DeWeese provided a presentation.

Councilmember Keegan provided comments.

  • Moved by:Councilmember Jackson
    Seconded by:Councilmember Francois

    To approve the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Advisory Commission’s (“Commission”) recommendation to allow a new Impact Level II special event, the AAU High School Boys Beach Volleyball League Matches on the volleyball courts north of the Pier within the Commercial Zone on Sunday, October 12, on the 2025 Special Events Calendar; and determine the approval of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) High School Boys Beach Volleyball League Matches would be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15304 (e). 

    Ayes (5)Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan
    Motion Carried

CEQA: The Project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and section 15302 (Replacement and Reconstruction)
(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided a presentation.

In Person Public Comment:

  • Scott Hayes

Councilmember Keegan provided comments.

  • Moved by:Councilmember Keegan
    Seconded by:Councilmember Jackson

    To award a construction contract for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project 619–Kelly Courts Improvements to All-American Construction Solutions in the amount of $825,999, ratifying City staff determination that lower bids were non-responsible (lowest-bid); authorize the Director of Public Works to establish a project contingency amount of $124,000 and to approve contract change orders up to the amount of the approved project contingency; adopt the Resolution No. RES-25-7522 entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hermosa Beach Approving the Construction of CIP 619 Kelly Courts Improvements Pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6 and Establishing a Project Payment Account”; authorize the Director of Public Works to file a Notice of Completion following final completion of the project and the City Clerk to record the document with Los Angeles County; approve the proposed fourth amendment to an agreement with NUVIS & Associates to provide on-call landscape architectural services extending the term to December 3, 2026; determine the project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and section 15302 (Replacement and Reconstruction); and authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract and proposed contract amendment, approve minor modifications if necessary, and execute all related documents, with the City Clerk attesting the agreements subject to approval by the City Attorney. A friendly amendment was made by Councilmember Keegan, accepted by Councilmember Jackson, that Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols work with HBYB to coordinate their practices at the Community Center gym should their practices be impacted during construction.

    Ayes (5)Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan
    Motion Carried

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided a presentation.

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy asked various questions.

  • Moved by:Councilmember Keegan
    Seconded by:Councilmember Francois

    To award a contract for on-call CDBG Administration and Labor Compliance Services to Tina Gall at a not-to-exceed amount of $250,000 for a term of five years ending October 1, 2030; award a contract for on-call CDBG Administration and Labor Compliance Services to Willdan Engineering at a not-to-exceed amount of $250,000 for a term of five years ending October 1, 2030; and authorize the City Manager to execute and the City Clerk to attest the proposed agreements subject to approval by the City Attorney.

    Ayes (5)Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Francois, Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan
    Motion Carried

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided a presentation.

Councilmember Francois asked various questions.

Councilmember Jackson asked various questions.

Councilmember Keegan asked various questions.

Mayor Saemann asked various questions.

City Clerk Myra Maravilla provided information.

Councilmember Jackson asked various questions.

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy asked various questions.

In Person Public Comment:

  • David Grethen
  • Scott Hayes
  • Moved by:Councilmember Keegan
    Seconded by:Councilmember Francois

    To receive and file the report.

  • SUBSTITUTE MOTION 1
    Moved by:Mayor Pro Tem Detoy
    Seconded by:Councilmember Jackson

    To bring back an action item to appoint Mayor Saemann, Councilmember Jackson, and two members of the Public Works Commission to a subcommittee to formalize the roles and responsibilities of the Public Works Commission.

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

14.

  

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 Francois moved to remove the future agenda item to discuss Ordinance No. ORD-98-5937 (Historic/Landmark Designations) from the tentative future agenda. The motion failed due to a lack of second. 

Interim City Attorney Jason Baltimore provided information about CEQA review pertaining to historic and landmark designations. 

Councilmember Jackson requested support for an update on the City's homelessness response program to include a discussion on car camping. Mayor Saemann provided support for this item. 

Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano provided a City Manager Update.

16.

  

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. 

17.

  

The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m.

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