City of El Segundo

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included the recognition of the El Segundo High School Boys Water Polo Program for their unprecedented perfect 32-0 season and CIF Division 3 Southern Section Championship. The council also addressed proclamations for the Candy Cane Lane holiday tradition and the 59th Annual El Segundo Holiday Parade. Additionally, an introduction was provided for the El Segundo Public Library's new Vega Discovery online catalog.

The City Council meeting included special presentations proclaiming March as National Women's History Month. During public communications, the council was introduced to Dr. Michael K Stenstrom, who is assisting the city in addressing odors from the Hyperion Water Reclamation plant. Dr. Stenstrom is working on future odor control recommendations beyond the 33 already made post-spill. Odor measurement activities for new primary tank covers were scheduled. Reports indicated low odor complaints and no violation notices since January 17th. The council approved the design for the Smoky Hollow parking pilot project, which involves converting streets to one-way operation and creating additional angled parking stalls, with anticipated completion by Summer 2023. An appointment was announced for Mario Inga to the Planning Commission. The council also discussed restructuring the Aquatic subcommittee and set goals for the El Segundo Aquatic Center regarding competitive sports and cost recovery. Updates on policing strategies from the U.S. Conference of Mayors were reviewed, and the council recommended a third-party assessment on use of force in 2024. The meeting adjourned in memory of former Monrovia mayor Pro tem John Abrega Jr.

Key discussions and actions from the meeting included proclaiming December 24, 2022, as the El Segundo Community Christmas Dinner date. The City Manager provided updates on efforts to address odors and noxious gases from the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, noting the submission of a letter detailing city concerns to the Air Quality Management District hearing board. Progress on the Hyperion Road Improvement project was reported, indicating it is 69 percent complete, with work pausing over the holidays. The council approved a resolution to convert the General Services Manager classification from civil service to at-will status, revising the title to General Services Superintendent. A summary of the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) 2022 program evaluation was presented, showing positive preliminary findings. New appointments, Lewis Hill and Emily Atmore, were announced for the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, and recruitment was opened for various expiring positions on other committees. Finally, approval was granted for Mr. S. Claus's request for conditional use permits, air rights, and waivers related to holiday activities.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Employee Spotlight presentation honoring Norma Nicholson from the library for her excellent customer service. A strategic planning update covered ongoing goals such as expanding the availability of the recreation brochure in print, increasing social media presence, increasing e-bike safety awareness education, installing security cameras at various locations, implementing the Plunge Capital Campaign, and increasing filming and other fees. The commission also noted the completion of the Elseg Unified School District joint use agreement and the council's vote to establish a Youth Advisory Council. Unfinished business involved an update on the Recreation Park renovation project, aiming to bring a proposal for a consulting firm to the City Council in March. A public communication item involved a request from the Women's Club for written permission to plant a pollinator garden in Library Park, which requires drafting a formal agreement due to liability concerns. The Transportation Subcommittee requires a formal staff report to establish an official CCB to be approved by the commission before proceeding to the council.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. A special presentation introduced the new Director of Parks, Recreation, and Library, Ali Mancini, detailing her extensive background in community services. A commendation was read honoring El Segundo resident Mark Bloom and the USA Padel Team for their gold medal victory at the 2022 Maccabiah Games. Discussions were held regarding agenda item adjustments, including continuing the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee Local Economy Report presentation due to the presenter's illness, and correcting the proposed name change for a committee. During public communications, support was expressed for the renewal of joint use agreements between the City and the El Segundo Unified School District. The Environmental Committee chairperson advocated for implementing State Assembly Bill 171276 concerning single-use food wear accessories and stressed the importance of public education for enforcement, while also supporting the original naming of the Environmental Committee. Finally, the council addressed a communication regarding the withdrawal of a citizen ballot initiative and confirmed that the city's resolution would serve as ministerial notification to the county.