Tuesday's council meeting carries significant waterfront business into closed session as the city continues lease negotiations with Quality Seafood and Basin 3 slip tenants. In open session, the council faces three substantial discussion items: a divisive hedge ordinance proposal, crossing guard program reforms, and most notably, a ballot measure placing proposed land use changes before voters in November. The meeting also addresses commission vacancies after several members' excessive absences and adopts final parking meter rate increases.
Items to watch
November ballot measure for land use changes
The proposed charter amendment would trigger automatic ballot referrals for major land use changes, adding a voter-approval requirement to future development decisions. Council must determine the exact ballot language, who submits the argument in favor, ballot letter designations, and other election logistics.
This represents a significant policy shift that could slow development approvals but give residents direct input on major zoning decisions. The measure follows ongoing community debate about development density and the city's AES site future.
Why it mattersCouncil will discuss ballot text and implementation for a November 2026 measure that would require voter approval for major land use changes. This charter amendment could significantly alter how the city approaches development projects and zoning modifications.
Hedge ordinance modifications
The city's hedge regulations balance homeowner property rights with neighbor concerns about blocked views, pedestrian safety, and traffic visibility. Any modifications to these rules typically generate public debate, as hedge heights affect everything from coastal views to intersection safety.
The agenda doesn't specify the exact changes proposed, but hedge ordinance discussions often center on maximum heights, setback requirements, and enforcement mechanisms.
Why it mattersCouncil will review proposed changes to the municipal code's hedge-related regulations — a perennially contentious issue that pits property rights against neighborhood aesthetics and sightlines.
Crossing guard program policy overhaul
The crossing guard program protects students at busy intersections near schools throughout the city. Establishing formal policy goals and an annual review process suggests the current program may need restructuring or improvement.
With multiple schools in the city including Adams Middle School and Redondo Union High School, crossing guard coverage affects families citywide.
Why it mattersCouncil will establish new policy goals and objectives for the city's crossing guard program, including implementing an annual review process to ensure student safety standards.
Waterfront lease negotiations continue in closed session
The city's waterfront lease negotiations continue with two conference-with-real-property-negotiatorA closed-session category under Government Code § 54956.8 that lets the Council privately discuss the price and terms of a lease or sale with its designated real-property negotiator before any public vote. items covering key harbor properties.
100 & 130 International Boardwalk — negotiations with Jeff Jones of Quality Seafood over lease status, price, and terms for the longtime harbor institution. Basin 3 Slips — price negotiations with various harbor tenants for boat slip rentals.
The city's negotiation team includes City Manager Mike Witzansky, Waterfront Director Elizabeth Hause, and Economic Development Manager Katherine Buck. These negotiations shape the future of King Harbor's commercial operations.
Why it mattersTwo closed-session items advance ongoing waterfront lease negotiations: Quality Seafood's International Boardwalk locations and Basin 3 slip pricing for various harbor tenants.
Consent calendar — the notable items
Several consentA batch of routine items voted on together in one motion. Any Council member or member of the public can pull an item for separate discussion. items merit attention:
H.8 — Final parking meter rate increases: Ordinance No. 3313-26 receives second reading and adoption, implementing the parking meter hourly rate increases approved earlier this year.
H.6 — Commission vacancies declared: The city declares multiple commission positions vacant due to excessive absences — members who missed three or more meetings since October 2025. Affected commissions include Budget & Finance, Cultural Arts, Public Amenities, and Public Works & Sustainability.
H.7 — Artesia Boulevard safety project completion: Council accepts the completed Artesia Boulevard Safety Improvements project and authorizes final paperwork and retention payment release.
H.10 — Veterans Park lighting upgrade: Approval for purchasing 20 replacement walkway light poles and fixtures from South Coast Lighting and Design for $93,068.
Closed session
The meeting opens at 4:00 p.m. with closed session before the 6:00 p.m. open meeting. Beyond the waterfront lease items, two litigation matters require discussion:
Cornelia Blakely v. City of Redondo Beach (Case No. 24TRCV02937) and Claudia Siracusa v. City of Redondo Beach (Case No. 26TRCV00905) — both existing litigation items under attorney-client privilege requiring Council consultation with legal counsel.
What's not on the agenda
No budget modifications beyond routine housing fund allocations, no major infrastructure contracts, and no public hearings despite the significant policy discussions. The ballot measure item represents the biggest policy decision, but the crossing guard and hedge ordinance discussions could generate substantial public comment.