Manhattan Beach City Council: Regular Meeting - October 6, 2026

The City of Manhattan Beach City Council’s regular meeting on October 6, 2026, addressed several spending and project matters. Public Works said the 28th Street stormwater infiltration project remains a city priority, but on-site activity has been reduced while a hearing is scheduled; the prime contractor remains responsible for completing the work under its contract. Residents raised concerns about delays, wet-weather risks, contingency plans, and potential cost overruns. Staff committed to provide an update before year-end, including responses to residents’ questions. No new contract award or project funding approval was made. In a separate action, the Council voted 5–0 to waive the full $12,500 in estimated third-party public-safety costs for the North Manhattan Beach Holiday Stroll; estimated city services for the event were $59,688. The Council also directed staff, on a 5–0 vote, to find a way to advance a proposed poet laureate program; a $13,000 allocation was discussed, with staff noting that administrative capacity and funding would need to be addressed. A resident proposed a $5,000 initial assessment by housing consultant Veronica Tam, but staff said future housing-element consulting would require a formal solicitation or RFP, depending on cost.

Finance staff presented preliminary FY 2025–26 results and sought budget adjustments because the insurance reserve fund exceeded its appropriations by about $2.175 million and the county parking-lots fund by $43,000. Staff also explained that the adopted FY 2026–27 budget includes an $8 million General Fund deficit, including a planned $6 million transfer to replenish the insurance reserve. The Council introduced amended zoning-code housekeeping ordinance 26-0012 by a 5–0 vote. No procurement action was identified in that item.