,TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Talyn Mirzakhanian, City Manager
FROM:
Rachel Johnson, Chief of Police
Andrew Enriquez, Police Captain
Matt Sabosky, Police Lieutenant
SUBJECT:Title
Downtown Business Professionals Association’s Request to Change the Start Time of the Manhattan Avenue Closures for the Holiday Fireworks Event (Police Chief Johnson).
(Estimated Time: 15 Mins.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Body
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RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council consider the Downtown Business Professionals Association’s (DBPA) request.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications associated with the recommended action.
BACKGROUND:
At the September 17, 2024, City Council Meeting, several Downtown business owners spoke at public comment and expressed concern that street closures would affect business revenues during the Holiday Fireworks Event. City Council directed staff to research and present the feasibility of changing the closure time along Manhattan Avenue from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., along with any realized impacts for other areas related to the staffing and set up of the event.
The City Council considered the request at its November 6, 2024, City Council Meeting, but took no action. In light of public comment received and a more limited request from the DBPA to delay the closure of specifically Manhattan Avenue, the item is being presented to City Council again.
DISCUSSION:
The request to move street closures on Manhattan Avenue from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. is feasible and can be accommodated with limited impact to the program of events; however, the movement of this closure time has the potential to move the availability of permitted seating on Manhattan Beach Boulevard from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Additionally, the final set up of vendor and activity areas for those hired by the Downtown Business and Professional Association on Manhattan Avenue could be delayed from the original 4:00 p.m. time.
The exact delays related to seating and vendor/activity areas will not be known until the day of the event, as the logistical challenges with moving the street closure times cannot be fully anticipated.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The City has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is necessary.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.