HERMOSA BEACH CITY COUNCIL RECAP: MAY 27
Link to Post-Meeting HTML Agenda and Timestamped Meeting Video
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Members Present:
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Mayor Rob Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Detoy, Councilmember Ray Jackson, Councilmember Michael D. Keegan and Councilmember Dean Francois
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BELOW ARE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH’S MAY 27, 2025, CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
✅ Temporary Use and Events Code Updated (Video Timestamp: 2:37:47)
Council introduced an ordinance amending the City’s Municipal Code to regulate temporary uses/events on private property. The changes reduce restrictions on amplified sound, event hours and allows more special events per month. The new ordinance prohibits sale of alcohol in the City’s M1 zone (‘Cypress Arts District’), but it does not prohibit free alcohol from being served.
Two amendments were suggested: the first from Councilmember Jackson to strike out the Restricted Days section, which was not accepted. The second amendment was made by Mayor Pro Tem Detoy and approved to adjust the number of parking spaces to 15 in section C.2.q.iii.
Motion Approved: 4-1
Ayes (4): Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, and Councilmember Keegan
Noes (1): Councilmember Francois
✅ Council Approves Parking Plan Amendment for 1601 Pacific Coast Highway (Video Timestamp: 3:50:05)
Council approved a Parking Plan Amendment allowing the consolidation of four retail units into two and the activation of previously unused space at 1601 Pacific Coast Highway. The updated plan permits new leasable retail or office space without requiring additional parking. As part of the approval, the Council increased the number of free parking hours to 3, to be implemented within 60 days. The project was found exempt from CEQA requirements.
Motion Approved: 3-2
Ayes (3): Mayor Saemann, Councilmember Keegan, and Councilmember Francois
Noes (2): Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, and Councilmember Jackson
✅ New Interim City Manager Appointed (Video Timestamp: 4:26:54)
City Council approved a resolution appointing Steven Napolitano as Interim City Manager and updated the salary table accordingly.
Motion Approved: 3-2
Ayes (3): Mayor Saemann, Councilmember Keegan and Councilmember Francois
Noes (2): Mayor Pro Tem Detoy and Councilmember Jackson
X First Motion to Waive Closed Session Confidentiality Rejected (Video Timestamp: 4:39:42)
City Council did not approve a motion to waive confidentiality and authorize the release of the discussion from the April 29, 2025 and May 5, 2025 Closed Sessions.
Motion Not Approved: 2-3
Ayes (2): Mayor Pro Tem Detoy and Councilmember Jackson
Noes (3): Mayor Saemann, Councilmember Keegan and Councilmember Francois
X Second Motion to Waive Closed Session Confidentiality Rejected (Video Timestamp: 4:45:28)
City Council did not approve a motion to waive confidentiality and authorize the release of the Interim City Manager Closed Session discussions.
Motion Not Approved: 2-2
Ayes (2): Mayor Pro Tem Detoy and Councilmember Jackson
Noes (2): Mayor Saemann, and Councilmember Keegan
Abstained (1): Councilmember Francois
✅ New Portable Barriers Approved (Video Timestamp: 5:44:12)
Council approved the use of $44,598 from the State Homeland Security Program 2022 Grant to help fund the purchase of portable barriers and a trailer. The total cost of the equipment is $109,534, and the purchase will be made through a national cooperative purchasing program to enhance public safety.
Motion Approved: 5-0
Ayes (5): Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Keegan and Councilmember Francois
✅ Residential Parking Permit Program Updates Discussion Will Return for Future Meeting (Video Timestamp: 5:55:19)
Staff presented an informational update on the City's residential parking permit program. Council voted to receive and file the report, with direction to return for discussion by or before October 2025.
Motion Approved: 5-0
Ayes (5): Mayor Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem Detoy, Councilmember Jackson, Councilmember Keegan and Councilmember Francois
📌 Other Council Actions (Full Consent Calendar Video Link & Timestamp: 2:36:22 – 2:37:05):
📅 Looking Ahead:
Councilmember Keegan, with the support of Mayor Saemann and Councilmember Francois, requested a future action item to increase the general public comment to three minutes per person and to allow virtual comments during general public comment. This item will be revisited during a future Council meeting.
🕖 Adjournment:
The meeting began at 5:00 p.m. and adjourned at 11:34 p.m. on May 27, 2025.
Link to May 27, 2025 City Council Recap
