Kerry Giovanniello

The Zoning Board reviewed multiple variance applications for properties within the City of Long Beach. Key items included a request for off-street parking in a front yard at 545 West Beach Street, and the renewal of a two-year conditional temporary variance for two-family use at 246 East Walnut Street. The Board approved an off-street parking variance for a property at 547 Harrison Street. Additionally, the Board considered a variance application regarding off-street parking requirements for the construction of a one-story deck at 1 Edwards Boulevard for the commercial establishment known as Riptides.

The City Council adopted several resolutions, including the authorization of a notice of public hearing regarding a community development program, the approval of a list of eligible volunteer firefighters for the Service Award Program, and the appointment of a hearing officer for city ordinances. The council also authorized a legal settlement, approved a professional service agreement for ice rink electrical switchgear replacement, and entered into sponsorship agreements for beach umbrellas and a beach accessibility mat.

The council passed a bond ordinance for various capital projects and authorized an amended agreement for engineering services related to the Resilient Connectivity for Park Avenue project. Significant budget amendments for the 2025-2026 fiscal year were approved across various municipal departments, including public works, police, and sanitation. The City Manager was authorized to accept charitable donations of rescue equipment and a Jet Ski collar for the lifeguard division. Additionally, the council approved an amended agreement for professional engineering services for the City Hall facade rehabilitation, authorized the purchase of chlorine tablets for the water purification plant, and approved the acquisition of Watchtower Digital Command Center software along with hardware for lifeguards. A resolution regarding the management of automated teller machines was tabled.

The council meeting addressed several legislative and administrative items. Key actions included the approval of a bond ordinance for traffic safety improvements and a local law regarding the collection of city taxes. The council approved the rescheduling of a future meeting and authorized the renewal of cloud-based email protection and backup software. Additional business included a budget transfer for the City Clerk's office, an agreement for asphalt overlay services, and the acceptance of two grants for a water main upgrade project and a cybersecurity audit. Finally, the council approved an agreement for the installation of a new air conditioning system at the Magnolia Senior Center.

The meeting focused on the authorization for the publication of a public hearing regarding an ordinance to amend the city's code of ordinances, specifically concerning the Building Code and Appendix A of the Zoning Code. Additionally, the Good and Welfare portion of the session featured public comments concerning local parking issues, the National Night Out event, and the city's comprehensive plan.