CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, December 09, 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, 
• Deputy City Clerk Reanna Guzman, 
• Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza, 
• and Management Analyst Leo Zalyan 

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1.

CLOSED SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 5:00 PM

Mayor Saemann called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

2.

ROLL CALL

City Clerk Myra Maravilla announced the virtual attendance of Councilmember Jackson in accordance with AB 2449 "just cause" clause due to travel while on official business of another state or local agency. All members were present and a quorum was announced.

3.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CLOSED SESSION AGENDA

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

4.

RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION

The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:01 p.m.

4.a

MINUTES: Approval of minutes of Closed Session held on November 17, 2025, November 20, 2025, and December 1, 2025

4.b

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL (EXISTING LITIGATION)

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: George Brunn v. City of Hermosa Beach
Case Number: 23TRCV02212

Name of Case: Krasnegor v. City of Hermosa Beach
Case Number: 25TRCP00346

Name of Case: Koerner v. City of Hermosa Beach
Case Number: 25STCP00891

Name of Case: Fangary v. City of Hermosa Beach
Case Number: 19STCP051134

4.c

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL (THREATENED LITIGATION)

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(4)
The City Council finds, based on advice from legal counsel, that discussion in open session will prejudice the position of the City in the litigation
Number of Potential Cases: 1
Facts and Circumstances: Request for reimbursement of assessed administrative citation fees from Jeffrey Knyal

4.d

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL (THREATENED LITIGATION)

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(4)
The City Council finds, based on advice from legal counsel, that discussion in open session will prejudice the position of the City in the litigation
Number of Potential Cases: 1
Facts and Circumstances: City of Redondo Beach Housing Element petition

5.

OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM

Mayor Saemann called the Open Session to order at 6:15 p.m.

6.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Elka Worner.

7.

ROLL CALL

City Clerk Maravilla announced the virtual attendance of Councilmember Jackson in accordance with the AB 2449 "just cause" clause due to travel while on official business of another state or local agency. All members were present and a quorum was announced.

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 provided the following announcements:

Holiday Parking Reminder
The City offers complementary holiday parking through December 25 to encourage people to visit, dine, and shop locally throughout the holiday season. Visitors may park at red-bagged meters along Hermosa and Pier Avenues and other commercial areas of the City up to the posted time limit at no charge. The two-hour or three-hour parking limit will continue to be enforced at these meters to encourage parking space turn-over.

Santa Sleigh Parade & Holiday Movie Night
Santa will be visiting Hermosa Beach on Friday, December 12. Santa can be found around town during the annual Santa Sleigh Parade from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. More information about the sleigh route and stops can be found on the City's calendar. The public is invited to join Santa at the Community Center at 5:00 p.m. for photos and holiday activities. A screening of the film Frozen will begin at 6:30 p.m. Free tickets are available on the City's website. Seats are limited and can be reserved in advance. 

Beach Cities Toy Drive/Wrapping Party
The cities of Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach have commenced the Annual Beach Cities Toy Drive. The Beach Cities Toy Drive is held to provide toys to underprivileged children in Los Angeles County. All toys collected go directly to charities who in turn give those gifts to families in need. The public is invited to help spread the joy by donating unwrapped new toys to the Hermosa Beach Police Station or the Fire Station through December 19. The annual wrapping party will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until all toys are wrapped at the Joslyn Community Center at 1601 N. Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach. Volunteers are asked to bring scissors, tape, and any extra wrapping paper. 

Menorah Lightings
The community is invited to celebrate Chanukah as giant menorahs are lit across the South Bay with music, dancing, donuts, and hot latkes. 

• Hermosa Beach Pier—Sunday, December 14th at 3:30 p.m.
• Redondo Beach Civic Center—Tuesday, December 16th at 5:30 p.m.
• El Segundo City Hall—Thursday, December 18th at 5:30 p.m.
• Metlox Plaza, Manhattan Beach—Thursday, December 18th at 5:30 p.m.
• Manhattan Village Shopping Center—Sunday, December 21st at 5:30 p.m.
• Miramar Park, Torrance—Sunday, December 21st at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, call [phone] or email [email protected].

Holiday Tree Lot
The Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club is invited to visit the Holiday Tree Lot located on the lawn of the Hermosa Beach Community Center at the corner of Pier Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway. It will remain open until they are sold out of trees. 

Tree Lot Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
• Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The public is invited to take pictures with Santa and his sleigh at the lot every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

10.

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.
• Moved by: Councilmember Francois
  Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan

  To remove item 17.b from the agenda.

  Ayes (5)

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

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

  To remove 17.f from the agenda. 

  The City Council revoted on the removal of item 17.b from the agenda before voting to remove item 17.f.

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

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

  The City Council revoted to remove item 17.b from the agenda for clarity.

  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: Mayor Saemann

  To approve the order of the balance of the agenda. 

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

11.

PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS

11.a

UPDATE BY CHIEF PHILLIPS REGARDING NOVEMBER 21, 2025 ASSAULT INCIDENT

Police Chief Phillips provided a presentation regarding the November 21, 2025 assault incident.

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy asked various questions. 

Chief Phillips provided information about the non-emergency line versus calling 9-1-1, and about subscribing to Alert South Bay. 

Mayor Saemann asked various questions.

Councilmember Francois asked various questions.

12.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Adam Morrison

It’s a genuinely sad day for Hermosa Beach. Our City Council has managed to do the impossible: replace a qualified, experienced City Manager with a stooge like Napolitano, who has zero city management experience and a track record that would make any responsible community run in the opposite direction. Instead, they handed the job to a man best known as a horrific slumlord with multiple health and safety violations in his own complexes. A simple Google search shows Napolitano has tried and failed spectacularly to win every election he’s entered, largely because voters can spot his odious character and abrasive personality from a mile away. And if that weren’t enough, his awful YouTube videos alone should disqualify him from overseeing anything more complex than a ring light. I’ve seen middle-school group projects with better lighting, editing, and basic awareness of how the human face works on camera. If he can’t figure out YouTube, how is he going to figure out city management? We traded competence for chaos. Vision for vanity. A steady hand for a feckless one. City Council didn’t just make a bad decision. They made an embarrassing one. And Hermosa will be paying the price long after this appointment becomes the cautionary tale it already is. Congratulations City Council on hiring the Anthony Rendon of City Managers.

tonyhiggins

Dear City Council Why is our city clerk refusing to provide any information on WHEN public access will be restored to 20+ years of granicus council & commission videos, minutes, financial reports, council agendas and staff reports. Ive made 3 requests for info on this with no response from the City Clerk's office A couple months ago this escribe notice suddenly appeared. "The City Clerk’s Office is currently migrating City Council and Commission data from before July 1, 2024, into our updated agenda management system, eScribe. We appreciate your patience as we work through this transition. Past City Council and Commission meetings will be temporarily unavailable. Updates to this project will be made here". 20+ years of data! To the best of my knowledege there was no advance notice nor any explanation of why this data couldn't be ported over while retaining granicus access. Public access to city documents is a foundational city clerk duty. Yes public access was cut off by our City Clerk without any meaningful council review or public input. How is that ok? The clerk has said nothing about what documents will/wont be ported over to escribe nor any info on when access will be restored. Simply said, this is dereliction of you duty to the public. I hope the city can do better going forward. Sincerely, Anthony Higgins

tony higgins

Dear City Council Dear City Manager Napolitano Dear Chief Phillips. I hope Chief Phillips presentation in the 12/9 CCM will squarely answer questions the community has regarding the HBPD response to the ongoing Ebike-Teen-Thug problems that have plagued our community over the past 3 years. Hopefully it will not be just another "The King can do No Wrong" presentation . I think what many are struggling with can be understood by considering Chief Phillips' answer of "No" when asked if retrospectively the HBPD would have handled anything differently in the last town hall. At least City Manager Napolitano acknowledged in Francois' Dec 1st Town Hall that the city's press release covering the teen-thug beating (url below) "fell short." and "It could have been better and we'll do better in the future.". https://www.hermosabeach.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4461/28 Chief Phillips' said "The goal [of the ill-fated press release] was to put enough information out there to address some of the ***umptions that were going out on social media." Rather than simply admitting the above press release was a mistake and intentionally or not, its effect was to blame the victim , the Chief seemed to try and justify the press release by stating its goals were well intended. Im sure many read that as still being blind to the fact that his detectives and the city as a whole completely misrepresented the magnitude and characteristics of this attack. What I think residents are hoping for is that the Chief will speak candidly in his 12/9 CCM presentation about what was done right, what was done wrong, what the plan is and specifically what HBPD will do differently going forward. Thank You for Considering

Mayor Saemann opened Public Comment. The following public comment was provided.

In Person Public Comment:

• Gila Katz
• Sarah Harper
• Jack Levy 
• Xochitl Boehm
• Ira Ellman
• Eric Horne
• Elka Worner

Virtual Public Comment:

• Tony Higgins
• Nancy Schwappach
• Matt McCool
• Laura Pena

13.

CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS

Mayor Saemann provided various comments. 

Councilmember Jackson provided various comments.

Councilmember Francois provided various comments. 

14.

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

No updates were provided.

15.

CONSENT CALENDAR

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

  To approve the Consent Calendar.

  Councilmember Keegan acknowledged Chuck and Missy Sheldon for their generous $500,000 donation for a new digital monument sign at the Community Center on Pier Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway, as outlined in item 15.e. 

  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

• 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 November 17, 2025 regular meeting, and November 20, 2025 and December 1, 2025 special meetings. 

  Motion Carried

15.c

CHECK REGISTERS - 25-AS-094

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

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

  To receive and file the check register for November 20, 2025. The Administrative Services Director certifies the accuracy of the demands.

  Motion Carried

15.d

CITY’S TREASURER’S REPORT - 25-AS-097

(City Treasurer Dave Pedersen)

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

  To receive and file the October 2025 City Treasurer’s Report.

  Motion Carried

15.e

APPROVE THE ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION FOR DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF MONUMENT SIGNAGE - 25-AS-098

Howard Lee brief addendum

Note in my other eComment following below, to see the attachment you need to click/tap on the eComment for the blue attachment link to display in a small window. Just hovering a mouse over the eComment will not display the attachment.

Howard Lee

Please click/tap the blue attachment to this eComment to review the letter. ' style='font-weight: normal; width:100%;' >Mayor, Councilmembers, and others: Thanks go to former Mayor Chuck Sheldon and Missy Sheldon for their generous gift. However, notwithstanding, there are far better uses in City for this donation to benefit for long-term remembrance of the Sheldon's contributions to the city. I submitted a letter appearing on the Council agenda of the December 9, 2008 agenda (ironically, exactly 17 years to the day of this December 9, 2025 council meeting). Please click/tap the attachment to this eComment to review that letter. Most Respectfully, Howard Lee Again> Please click/tap the blue attachment to this eComment to review the letter.

tonyh

Please note i apologize i that i can't delete my previous post. There is more to consider. Dear City Council, I appreciate the well intended community spirit behind this donation. But one has to wonder if a large digital billboard wont degrade the ambience of our Historic 1930's era Community Center Building. But I think its fair to ask if there anyone besides the Chamber of Commerce, local business owners and event promoters that actually want this sign or other digital billboards? Can anyone see this expanding up and down PCH or Pier Ave or Downtown along Hermosa Ave Could it be a slippery slope to digital billboard way-fairer signs on Artesia, Aviation or Gould. Will the city sell advertising spots on this billboard? I hope the council is clear on this and establishes digital billboard guardrails. A good argument can also be made that digital billboards significantly increase distracted driver rear-end and sideswipe accidents. PCH in Hermosa is already inundated with road closures due to auto accidents. Is it in our resident's interest to increase this risk? No the sky is not falling. More like drip drip drip Many coastal cities do not permit digital billboards Malibu, La Jolla, Carmel, San Simeon, Cambria and most coastal cities in San Diego County. Yes i appreciate that Long Beach, Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach do. But again, before you commit to this i think its fair to ask about guardrails. Thank you for considering tonyhiggins

David Grethen

This agenda item should probably be pulled from Consent. While grateful for such a generous donation, we should acknowledge the potential for conflict between the donor's and public's preferences for the location and design of the sign. I was encouraged to see provisions in the agreement that begin to address this. But a discussion of adequacy of those provisions, and review of the history, prior discussion and public engagement on this matter would be worthwhile. Daviid Grethen - Public Works Commission

tony higgins

Dear City Council, One has to wonder if a large digital billboard wont degrade the ambience of our Historic 1930's era Community Center Building. Is there anyone besides the Chamber of Commerce and local business owners that actually want this sign? Its a slippery slope. tonyhiggins

Robert Aronoff

Thank you Chuck an Missy. I have always admired you suport of our comuninty.

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

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

  To approve acceptance of a donation of $500,000 for the design and installation of a monument signage.

  Motion Carried

15.f

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-174

(Community Development Director Alison Becker)

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

  To receive and file the final action minutes by the Planning Commission at their Regular Meeting of November 18, 2025, and forgo the call-up de novo review of said final actions.

  Motion Carried

15.g

PLANNING COMMISSION TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA - 25-CDD-173

(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 December 16, 2025.

  Motion Carried

15.h

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM STATUS REPORT AS OF NOVEMBER 13, 2025 - 25-PW-093

(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 November 13, 2025.

  Motion Carried

15.i

REQUEST TO APPROVE REVISIONS TO MULTIPLE CLASS SPECIFICATIONS - 25-AS-100

(Tiffany Nguyen Human Resources Manager)

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

  To approve the revisions to the classification specifications for Police Lieutenant, Police Sergeant, Senior Engineer, and Equipment Mechanic.

  Motion Carried

16.

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

16.a

ADOPT AN URGENCY ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, INCLUDING ALL APPLICABLE ADOPTED PARTS; ADOPTING THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE; ADOPTING LOCAL AMENDMENTS; REPEALING OUTDATED PROVISIONS - 25-CDD-123

Jon David

I recognize the urgency ordinance must be adopted tonight to meet the state's January 1, 2026, deadline for the 2025 California Building Standards Code, ensuring continuous enforcement authority. However, our local amendments go beyond state requirements in ways that create inefficiencies and burdens for staff, residents and businesses—such as requiring $30k in undergrounding for a simple $3k electrical panel change, which isn't mandated by the California Electrical Code. Even worse, things like this have unintended consequences that result in the shutting down of business. We also need to eliminate outdated, legacy code provisions to prevent more frustrated residents and "Becker building stories" that highlight inconsistent enforcement and regulatory hurdles. I understand now is not the time because of the urgent nature of this ordinance but this should be brought back when there is less urgency so there is enough time for meaningful public comment. When adopting this, please direct staff to bring back the ordinance and related code change recommendations to Council early next year for refinements that align better with our city's current needs, reducing burdens without sacrificing safety. This could be part of a larger conversation about finally completing the comprehensive update that was to be done years ago.

CEQA: Determine the urgency ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Community Development Director Alison Becker)

Building and Code Official Guillermo Hobleman provided a presentation. 

Councilmember Francois asked various questions.

Mayor Saemann asked various questions.

No public comment was provided.

• Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Mayor Saemann

  To determine the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; and introduce and adopt an Urgency Ordinance No. ORD-25-1493U titled “An Urgency Ordinance adopting by reference the 2025 California Building Standards Codes; adopting the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code; repealing legacy codes; adopting local amendments; declaring the Urgency Ordinance to be an urgency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety; and finding the action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act”; and authorize staff to file the adopted amendments and findings with the California Building Standards Commission.

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

17.

MUNICIPAL MATTERS

17.a

ADOPT A RESOLUTION AND APPROVE A CONTRACT FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF STEVEN NAPOLITANO AS CITY MANAGER - 25-AS-102

Laura Pena

Dear Mayor, Council Members, and Staff - First, I want to express my appreciation for the selection of Steve Napolitano as our new City Manager. As the staff report highlights, he brings a long track record of success in areas such as economic development, public safety, homelessness, infrastructure, regional partnerships, and community engagement. Given the importance of these areas, many residents naturally want to understand how his performance will be measured and what indicators will be used to show progress on these priorities. The City Manager Employment Agreement requires the Council and City Manager to jointly establish performance goals and objectives within 45 days of the effective date (Section 9). These goals form the basis of the City Manager’s evaluation and should guide the work of the organization. I fully respect that personnel evaluations must be conducted in closed session and remain confidential. However, the performance goals themselves are not confidential, and publicly sharing them does not disclose any private evaluation content. It simply communicates what the Council is asking the City Manager to accomplish. For Council Members who believe that performance expectations should not be disclosed: • Confidentiality applies to the evaluation meeting and discussion, not to the goals the Council sets for the City Manager. • Sharing goals does not critique, praise, or expose anything about the City Manager’s performance, it merely communicates the City’s priorities. • The public has a legitimate interest in understanding how the City’s top executive is being directed, especially on major issues such as economic development, public safety, homelessness, and infrastructure. The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Guidance in Performance Management for Local Government emphasizes that performance management works best when organizations clearly define what they are trying to accomplish and align performance expectations with strategic plans and publicly stated priorities. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) explicitly recommends that governments identify, track, and communicate performance measures, noting they should be communicated “internally and externally” to promote accountability and understanding. These principles support transparency in expectations not public disclosure of evaluations. Publishing the City Manager’s agreed upon performance goals would: • Strengthen trust in Council’s oversight role as elected public officials • Allow the community to understand how major priorities such as economic development, public safety, and organizational performance will be measured • Demonstrate responsible stewardship of tax dollars • Align our City with widely accepted performance management practices • Maintain full confidentiality for personnel evaluations For these reasons, I recommend our City Council consider publicly sharing the mutually agreed upon performance objectives and offering periodic, high level updates on progress. This maintains full compliance with personnel privacy laws while enhancing transparency and confidence in the City’s leadership. As always, I appreciate your thoughtful consideration. Laura Pena

(Human Resources Manager Tiffany Nguyen)

Human Resources Manager Tiffany Nguyen provided a presentation.

Councilmember Keegan asked various questions.

In Person Public Comment:

• Carolyn Petty
• John Burry

Virtual Public Comment:

• Tony Higgins
• Nancy Schwappach
• Matt McCool
• Laura Pena

Councilmember Francois provided various comments.

Councilmember Jackson provided various comments.

Councilmember Keegan provided various comments.

Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano provided various comments.

• Moved by: Mayor Saemann
  Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan

  To adopt Resolution No. RES-25-7529 appointing Steven Napolitano (“Napolitano”) to the position of City Manager (“CM”), approving an employment agreement (“Agreement”) with Napolitano, and setting the CM’s compensation; and to approve the contract with Napolitano.

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

  Motion Carried

17.b

CONTINUED REVIEW OF THE CITY’S RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT PROGRAM - 25-AS-099

Robert Aronoff

The City needs to restore reasonalbly priced one-day event passes (party passes) for residents. They residents to introduce new people would not normally come to HB to stay long enought to explore the shops and other advantages of HB, without being forced to leave because the meter is expiring.

(Revenue Services Supervisor Paul Avila)

Item 17.b was removed from the agenda during item 10. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.

17.c

PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS TO STREAMLINE BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATIONS PROCEDURES FOR COMMERCIAL BUSINESS LICENSE AND HOME OCCUPATION. - 25-CDD-166

Laura Pena

Dear Mayor, Council Members, and Staff - I appreciate the streamlining efforts by our Community Development Director and staff regarding the home occupation and business license processes. The draft revisions clearly demonstrate progress in this area. I recommend our City take the next step and update the underlying home occupation provisions in the application so they better reflect how people actually work today particularly as new technologies, AI-driven work patterns, and digital micro-enterprises rapidly reshape our economy. The current code restricts activity based on business type rather than actual neighborhood impacts. It bans employees, client visits, vehicle signage, equipment over 120 volts, and even the listing of a business address. These restrictions were crafted in a different era long before remote professional services, online commerce, digital content creation, the gig economy, or AI-enabled work became mainstream. Today, nearly half of all U.S. small businesses are home-based, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Importantly, most of these home-based enterprises are quiet, low-impact, and entirely compatible with residential neighborhoods. They involve laptops, video meetings, creative digital tools, consulting, teaching, or remote professional services not the high impact business types the old rules were designed to regulate. Updating the ordinance to regulate actual impacts (noise, traffic, parking, safety, and exterior appearance), rather than prohibiting entire business categories would protect neighborhoods and allow residents to participate in the evolving economy. This approach is also consistent with the staff report’s framing that home occupations are typically “limited” and “low-impact,” and that our goal is to foster local economic vitality. I also recommend the City involve our business community, Chamber of Commerce, and local entrepreneurs as partners in these updates. Their lived experience and perspectives will ensure that the revised code is practical, forward-looking, and supportive of the kinds of innovative work now emerging. With AI and digital tools accelerating new forms of income generation from consulting to robotics to creative and analytical services we should position our City to welcome, not unintentionally restrict, this next generation of small business activity. Supporting low-impact home-based businesses is not only a matter of fairness, it is an investment in the long-term health of our local economy. These entrepreneurs often become the future tenants of our commercial districts, the employers of local residents, and the contributors to our tax base. Modernizing our home occupation rules so they reflect current work realities will help ensure our City remains a place where small businesses can start, grow, and thrive. As always, I appreciate your thoughtful consideration. Laura Pena

(Community Development Director Alison Becker)

Management Analyst Leo Zaylan provided a presentation.

Councilmember Francois provided various comments.

Community Development Director Alison Becker provided information. 

No public comment was provided.

Mayor Saemann provided information.

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

  To direct staff to forward the proposed amendments for the Hermosa Beach Planning Commission to review and hold a public meeting on said changes.

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

17.d

APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH FLOWBIRD AMERICA, INC., TO REPLACE PARKING METERS IN LOTS A, B, AND C - 25-CMO-079

(Senior Management Analyst Ken Bales)

Senior Management Analyst Ken Bales provided a presentation.

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy asked various questions.

Councilmember Francois asked various questions. 

Councilmember Jackson asked various questions.

Senior Management Analyst Ken Bales provided information.

No public comment was provided.

• Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Mayor Saemann

  To authorize the purchase of multi-space parking meters from Flowbird America, Inc. through a cooperative purchasing agreement with Omnia Partners for an amount not to exceed $400,000; authorize the City Attorney to authorize modifications to the proposed agreement, if needed; and authorize the City Manager to execute the proposed agreement, with the City Clerk attesting the proposed agreements, subject to approval by the City Attorney.

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

17.e

INFORMATIONAL ITEM ON THE RENAMING OF THE COMMUNITY RESOURCES DEPARTMENT TO PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT - 25-CR-089

Requested by Councilmember Keegan and supported by Mayor Saemann
(Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols)

Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols provided a presentation.

Mayor Saemann asked various questions.

No public comment was provided.

Councilmember Keegan provided comments. 

Mayor Saemann provided comments. 

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy provided comments.

• Moved by: Mayor Saemann
  Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan

  To receive and file the informational item on renaming the Community Resources Department to Parks and Recreation Department and bring back a Consent Calendar item for Council approval to effectuate the change.

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

17.f

INFORMATIONAL ITEM REGARDING ALLOWING ALL VEHICLES TO PARK IN PUBLIC ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) PARKING SPACES. - 25-CMO-074

Requested by Mayor Saemann and supported by Councilmember Keegan
(Environmental Programs Manager Douglas Krauss)

Item 17.f was removed from the agenda during item 10. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.

17.g

APPROVE THE PROPOSED TREE REPLANTING PLAN FOR VALLEY PARK AND THE GREENBELT - 25-PW-091

MC Guerry

The city should only be planting native Californian trees. I ask the council reject the suggested list of trees and ask instead for one that only has native Californian trees. Our region has lost over 90% of local butterflies and songbirds since the beginning of the twentieth century due to replacing local native habitat with exotic non-natives.  Many of these species exist nowhere else and are now threatened. Planting non-native trees and plants means a future where the only birds you will hear are gulls, crows, and a few invasive European species.  There is no such thing as a "California Friendly" tree or plant that is not native. Our native pollinators evolved hand-in-hand with native plants. Native butterflies will not lay eggs on non-native plants/trees. The primary food source for local baby songbirds is native butterfly caterpillars. Most native bees cannot utilize non-native flora, no matter how pretty the blooms are. 90% of insects cannot co-exist with any non-native trees/plants, making every non-native planting unfriendly to California.

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided a presentation.

Councilmember Jackson asked various questions.

No public comment was provided.

• Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Mayor Saemann

  To approve the tree replanting plan for Valley Park and the Greenbelt; authorize an increase of $15,000 to the annual project contingency for the landscape maintenance services contract with Merchants Landscape Services, Inc., increasing the total annual contingency from $50,000 to $65,000 for the remainder of the contract; and authorize the City Manager to approve contract amendments up to the amount of the revised contract contingency.

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

17.h

PURCHASE OF VEHICLES FOR THE CITY FLEET - 25-PW-088

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

Director SanClemente provided a presentation.

Mayor Saemann asked various questions.

Councilmember Jackson asked various questions.

Virtual Public Comment:

• Kent Allen

• Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Councilmember Francois

  To authorize the purchase of one Class C Aerial (Bucket) Truck with Service Body for a total amount of $286,826 from PB Loader Corporation via the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program (Contract No. 080521-PBL) to replace a 2003 Chevrolet 6500; Authorize the purchase of one Ford Super Duty F-250 with Service Body for a not to exceed amount of $75,000 from National Auto Fleet Group via the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program (Contract No. 091521), or other Cooperative Purchasing Program, or on equal or better terms through purchase from a dealership as vehicles become available, to replace a 2019 Ford F-250; Authorize the purchase of a Toyota Sienna XLE Hybrid, for a not to exceed amount of $57,100 from the Manhattan Beach Toyota through a Cooperative Purchasing Program, or on equal or better terms through purchase from a dealership as vehicles become available, to replace a 2014 Ford Explorer; Add estimated revenue of $45,912 in the Equipment Replacement Fund; Appropriate $51,196 to the Public Works Lighting/Landscaping/Medians Equipment Replacement Fund to cover the purchase and estimated outfitting costs of the Ford Super Duty F-250; and appropriate $63,600 to the Police Department Equipment Replacement Fund for the purchase and estimated outfitting of the Toyota Sienna.

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried

17.i

CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REORGANIZATION DECEMBER 2025 - 25-CCO-045

(City Clerk Myra Maravilla)

Clerk Maravilla provided a presentation and the City Council adopted the following changes to the Committee List:

• South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG)
  • Delegate: Mayor Saemann
  • Alternate: Councilmember Francois
• SBCCOG Steering Committee
  • Delegate: Mayor Saemann
  • Alternate: Councilmember Francois
• Southern California Association of Governments
  • Councilmember Francois

No public comment was provided.

The following subcommittees were decommissioned:

• Greenbelt Pedestrian Trail Renaming Subcommittee
• Self-Storage Lease Subcommittee
• Joint-Use Park Amenities Subcommittee
• Joint Subcommittee to Explore the Roles and Responsibilities of the Public Works Commission

The following subcommittees were extended:

• Finance Subcommittee—December 20, 2027
• Downtown Lighting and Beautification Subcommittee—December 31, 2027

• MOTION 1
  Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Mayor Saemann

  To appoint Mayor Saemann as the delegate to the SBCOGG. 

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

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

  Mayor Pro Tem Detoy made a substitute motion to maintain Councilmember Jackson as the delegate to the SBCOGG.

  Councilmember Francois made a subsequent substitute motion that failed due to a lack of second.

  Mayor Pro Tem Detoy amended his substitute motion to appoint Councilmember Jackson as the delegate and Councilmember Francois as the alternate to the SBCOGG. 

  After deliberation on the amended substitute motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, it was agreed to only vote on the first substitute motion to have Councilmember Jackson remain as the delegate to the SBCOGG.

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

  Motion Failed
• Amendment:
  SUBSTITUTE MOTION 2
  Moved by: Councilmember Francois

  Councilmember Francois made a second substitute motion to appoint himself as the delegate to the SBCOGG. The substitute motion failed due to a lack of a second. 
• MOTION 2
  Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Councilmember Francois

  To appoint Councilmember Francois as the alternate to the SBCOGG.

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

  Motion Carried
• MOTION 3
  Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Councilmember Francois

  To decommission the Greenbelt Pedestrian Trail Renaming Subcommittee and the Self-Storage Lease Subcommittee.

  Mayor Pro Tem Detoy offered a friendly amendment to include the Joint-Use Park Amenities Subcommittee for decommissioning. 

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried
• MOTION 4
  Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Detoy

  To extend the Downtown Lighting and Beautification Subcommittee decommission date until December 31, 2027. 

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried
• MOTION 5
  Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Mayor Saemann

  To assign a decommission date of December 20, 2027 to the Finance Subcommittee.

  Ayes (5)

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

  Motion Carried
• MOTION 6
  Moved by: Mayor Saemann
  Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan

  To decommission the Joint Subcommittee to Explore the Roles and Responsibilities of the Public Works Commission.

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

  Motion Carried
• MOTION 7
  Moved by: Councilmember Keegan
  Seconded by: Mayor Saemann

  To reassign committee delegates/alternates or reaffirm current appointments as discussed; adopt Resolution No. RES-25-7530 to appoint Mayor Saemann as delegate and Councilmember Francois as alternate to the SBCOGG; and extend and decommission various subcommittees as discussed.

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

  Motion Carried

18.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Mayor Saemann requested support for an action item to discuss contract officers as discussed at the Safety Forum. Councilmember Keegan provided support for an informational item.

Mayor Pro Tem Detoy requested support to make Councilmember Jackson's informational item from November 28, 2025 to discuss Park Rangers into an action. No additional support was provided and the item will remain an informational item with Mayor Pro Tem Detoy's original support. 

The City Council requested staff to review all future agenda items and remove what has been completed and update the City Council on the status of each request.

Councilmember Francois requested to form an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to work with the school district to improve their existing educational program for e-bikes. No support was provided.

Councilmember Jackson requested support to have the Public Works Department review current height placement of signage on the Strand and to study the Hermosa Beach and Redondo boundary speed signage.  

Councilmember Jackson requested an item to delineate available options for licensing, registration, or other regulatory tools to support e-bike safety and compliance. Mayor Saemann provided support for this item.

18.a

TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 25-CMO-081

19.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

Interim City Manager Napolitano provided a City Manager Report.

20.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

20.a

PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES

(Office Assistant Amari Gilbert)

20.b

PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MINUTES

(Associate Engineer Andrew Nguyen)

20.c

LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE AND AMBULANCE MONTHLY REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2025 - 25-CMO-080

(Emergency Management Coordinator Maurice Wright)

20.d

PARKING CITATION AND REVENUE REPORT—NOVEMBER 2025

(Senior Management Analyst Ken Bales)

21.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 9:44 p.m.