MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Hermosa Beach, California, held on Tuesday, December 23, 1997, at the hour of 7:23 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - John Hales, resident

ROLL CALL:

Present: Benz, Bowler, Oakes, Reviczky, Mayor Edgerton

Absent: None

PRESENTATIONS: CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION5TH ANNUAL BEACH CITIES TOY DRIVE

Mayor Edgerton commented on the success of this year's toy drive, which he said was due to a fantastic showing of civic pride and an outpouring of good will, with donations of about 3,000 toys for distribution to needy children. He said several restaurants had donated food, and several cash donations had been made, including a $1,000 donation from Hawthorne Savings. He presented a certificate of recognition to each of the following businesses and organizations commending them for their participation in this year's annual Beach Cities Toy Drive: Always Travel, Patrick Malloy's, Aloha Sharkeez, The Seeley Company, Champion Chevrolet, Manhattan Beach Bar & Grill, Russ Berrie & Co., Fat Face Fenner's Falloon, Hennessey's Bar & Grill, Downtown Bakery, Paisano's Pizza, Club Sushi, Cantina Real, Hermosa Beach Woman's Club, Hawthorne Savings Bank, Browning-Ferris Industries, and California Street Maintenance.

Coming forward to receive their certificates were Jerry Costello of California Street Maintenance, Sherri Gore of Hawthorne Savings Bank, Jean Lombardo of the Hermosa Beach Woman's Club, and Chip Scholz of Browning-Ferris Industries.

Councilmember Reviczky expressed gratitude as well to all of the citizens who donated toys and the 100 or so volunteers who showed up Saturday, December 20th, to wrap the gifts. He thanked the Sandpipers who brought in a load of toys, Coast Pet Clinic who brought in the toys collected through its own toy drive, and the anonymous donor of 12 brand new bicycles. He said through the efforts of everyone involved, thousands of toys were donated and had been delivered to various charitable organizations in the South Bay and beyond, including the Richstone Center, 1736 House, the Harbor Child Crisis Center, Hope Chapel, the Good Shepherd Women's Home and the Kenny Nicholson Foundation, all of whom were very grateful. He said the generosity of the community continues to overwhelm him each Christmas.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

Coming forward to address the Council at this time were:

John Hales - Hermosa Beach, homeowner since 1951, thanked the Councilmembers for all their good deeds; said his interest in City government began years ago during an election to recall three councilmembers after their firing of the city manager, the issue at the time being whether or not to have a city manager; said things have changed and the City now has a Council that acts professional and a great City staff; and

Gila Katz - Hermosa Beach Police Department chaplain, said she had been asked by Councilmember Oakes to attend tonight's meeting to light the Menorah, this being the first night of Chanukah, the only holiday observed for a military victory; explained the history of Chanukah and the significance of lighting the candles over an eight-day period, and then lit the Menorah.

PUBLIC HEARING:

1. ORDINANCE EXTENDING A MORATORIUM ON THE DEMOLITION OR MODIFICATION OF HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF. Memorandum from Community development Director Sol Blumenfeld dated December 11, 1997.

Community Development Director Blumenfeld presented the staff report and responded to Council questions.

The public hearing opened at 7:45 p.m. As no one came forward to address the Council on this issue, the public hearing closed at 7:45 p.m.

Action: To waive full reading and adopt Ordinance No. 97-1177 , entitled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING A MORATORIUM ON THE DEMOLITION OR MODIFICATION OF HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF," as recommended by staff.

Motion Reviczky, second Oakes. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

OTHER MATTERS

Proposed Action: To agendize, for the next Council meeting, consideration of removing Commissioner Robert Aronoff from the Parks, Recreation and Community Resources Advisory Commission due to allegations that he was using his position to pursue a personal agenda.

Motion Bowler. The motion died for lack of a second.

Action: To form a Council subcommittee to look into the above-noted allegations pertaining to Commissioner Aronoff, to appoint Councilmembers Bowler and Reviczky to serve on the subcommittee, and to direct the subcommittee to investigate the matter and then report back to the full Council on a future agenda.

Motion Mayor Edgerton, second Oakes. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

CITIZEN COMMENTS - None

The City Council serenaded the viewing public with Christmas carols and wished everyone a joyous and happy holiday season.

ADJOURNMENT - The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Hermosa Beach, California, adjourned on Tuesday, December 23, 1997, at the hour of 7:56 p.m., to the Regular meeting of Tuesday, January 13, 1998 at the hour of 7:10 p.m.

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