City Council · Regular meeting

Item 1 · 3:24–9:33

Commendation to Tyler Hatzikian on His Induction into the Surfers Walk of Fame

The City Council commended Tyler Hatzikian for his contributions to surfing and surfboard craftsmanship following his induction into the Surfers Walk of Fame. Mayor Chris Pimentel read the commendation and remarks submitted by absent Council Member Drew Boyles, and Hatzikian thanked the city and reflected on growing up and starting his business in El Segundo.

• Hatzikian began shaping surfboards in his mother’s garage at age 12.
• He was recognized for building longboards and preserving classic surfboard forms through his craftsmanship.
• The commendation cited his April 25, 2026 induction as a South Bay legend surfboard shaper into the 22nd annual Surfers Walk of Fame.
• The council issued the commendation on September 1, 2026.

Item 3 · 9:33–12:45

National Preparedness Month Proclamation

Council Member Michelle Keldorf proclaimed September 2026 as National Preparedness Month in El Segundo and encouraged residents to prepare emergency kits, create family communication plans and follow city safety information. Fire Chief Ryan Ali accepted the proclamation and highlighted the city's emergency response resources and personnel.

• September 2026 was proclaimed National Preparedness Month in El Segundo.
• The Fire Department will share weekly preparedness tips and safety information throughout September.
• Residents were encouraged to build emergency kits, make family communication plans and stay informed about local hazards.

Item 2 · 12:45–18:03

Introduction of City's New Emergency Management Coordinator - Kristen Jo

Fire Chief Ryan Ali introduced Kristen Jo as El Segundo’s new emergency management coordinator, a citywide role housed in the Fire Department. Jo said she plans to develop a comprehensive emergency management program and asked the council to help emphasize preparedness throughout the community.

• The emergency management coordinator position is housed in the Fire Department but serves all city departments and leadership.
• The planned program will use FEMA’s whole-community approach, including children, older adults, families and people with access and functional needs.
• Initial work will include staff training, reconnecting with community partners and stakeholders, and restarting the Disaster Council.
• The introduction coincided with the start of National Preparedness Month.

“While Kristen is a part of our fire department, she's housed in fire, and her role is citywide.”

— Ryan Ali, Fire Chief · 14:10 (opens the official video at that moment in a new tab)

“My goal is to build a robust and comprehensive emergency management program modeled after FEMA's whole community approach.”

— Kristen Jo, Emergency Management Coordinator · 16:14 (opens the official video at that moment in a new tab)

18:03–25:24

Public communications

Three residents addressed the council. Two requested consideration of a temporary moratorium on data center approvals, while another asked about an investigation into speakers’ employment disclosures and potential litigation related to the Tesla appeal; a resident also urged review of the city’s Flock camera contract.

• Two speakers asked the council to consider a data center moratorium while the city updates its land-use plans through Vision 2050.
• One speaker asked about an investigation into speakers who allegedly failed to disclose their employment at an Aug. 12 special meeting.
• A speaker questioned the legal findings supporting the council’s decision on the Tesla appeal.
• A speaker asked the city to review its Flock camera contract before renewal.

Public comment: 3 speakers. Themes: Temporary moratorium on data center approvals, Investigation of employment disclosures by prior speakers, Potential litigation related to the Tesla appeal, Review of the Flock surveillance camera contract.

25:24–25:38

Procedural motions

The City Council approved a procedural motion allowing all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda to be read by title only. Drew Boyles was absent from the vote.

• Ordinances and resolutions on the agenda may be read by title only.
• The motion passed 4-0, with Drew Boyles absent.

Item 7 · 26:11–32:17

Agreement for the Installation of a 9/11 Remembrance Mural at Fire Station 1

The fire chief and firefighter Dylan Lowell presented plans for a 9/11 remembrance mural on the hose tower at Fire Station 1, funded entirely by the Firefighters Association. The City Council voted 4-0 to approve the agreement allowing the project to move forward, with Council Member Drew Boyles absent.

• The mural will be installed on the southeast-facing hose tower at Fire Station 1.
• Its design includes an American flag, the words “Never Forget,” the number 343 and the New York skyline with the Twin Towers.
• The Firefighters Association will fully fund the project.
• The mural is scheduled to be unveiled at the September 12 pancake breakfast.

“We want to make sure that the memory of that day and the sacrifice of the 343 and all those who were lost is never forgotten.”

— Dylan Lowell, Firefighter · 30:30 (opens the official video at that moment in a new tab)

Item 8 · 32:17–37:11

Adopt a Resolution Certifying the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan

The City Council held a public hearing on the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan, which evaluates demand, supplies, conservation and reliability through 2050. Council members asked whether regional recycling and groundwater-recharge projects were included; staff said those forecasts and recharge water were not part of this update. The council adopted the plan 4-0, with Drew Boyles absent.

• The state-required plan is updated every five years and uses a 20-year planning horizon.
• The city serves about 17,000 residents through approximately 57.5 miles of water mains.
• Per-capita water use was 282 gallons per day in 2025, below the applicable target of 411 gallons.
• The plan found projected demand can be met through 2050 under normal and drought conditions.

“the plan concludes that the city will be able to meet its projected water demands over the planning period, including under various hydrologic scenarios.”

— Cheryl Ebert, City Engineer · 34:07 (opens the official video at that moment in a new tab)

Item 9 · 37:11–48:20

Request to Purchase Replacement Fire Engine and Rescue Ambulance

The Fire Department asked the council to authorize replacement of Engine 31 and Rescue 31 using money in the equipment replacement fund. The council voted 4-0 to approve the purchases, paying for the fire engine at delivery rather than in advance and purchasing the ambulance now.

• The fire engine was priced at slightly more than $1.3 million; the rescue ambulance was priced at $359,085.
• Engine 31 had more than 68,000 miles, while Rescue 31 had more than 89,000 miles.
• The engine's estimated build time was three to four years; the ambulance's was about 18 months.
• Both purchases are funded through the equipment replacement schedule with no stated general fund impact.

“we have the money in the current equipment replacement schedule, and so there's no impact to the general fund for the replacement of the engine.”

— Fire Department chief officer · 43:05 (opens the official video at that moment in a new tab)

“The money will still be secured. So the finance recommendation was let's keep the money invested, but let's sign the contract so we lock in this price”

— Ryan Baldino, Mayor Pro Tem · 47:27 (opens the official video at that moment in a new tab)

Item 10 · 48:20–1:02:20

Investment Portfolio Report for July 2026

Finance staff presented the July 2026 investment portfolio report, including a $168.7 million book value, a 4.15% weighted average yield and $500,000 in monthly interest earnings. The council received and filed the report by consensus.

• The portfolio had a $168.7 million book value, $170 million market value and $171 million par value.
• The weighted average portfolio yield was 4.15%.
• The city made $4 million in new investments and earned $500,000 in interest during July.
• About $120 million was held in reserves and about $50 million in liquid investments.

1:02:20–1:03:39

Reports - city clerk

City Clerk Susan Truax outlined election deadlines and voting options ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Vote-by-mail ballots and the secure ballot box at Holly and Main were scheduled to become available Oct. 5, while the El Segundo Library was set to serve as a polling place beginning Oct. 31.

• The election was 63 days away.
• Campaign lawn signs could begin going up Friday.
• The county's initial vote-by-mail ballot mailing and the Holly and Main ballot box were scheduled for Oct. 5.
• The recommended voter registration or re-registration deadline was Oct. 19; later registration would require a provisional ballot.

“So we recommend everybody please register or re-register by October 19th.”

— Susan Truax, City Clerk · 1:03:17 (opens the official video at that moment in a new tab)

1:03:39–1:09:58

Reports - council members

Council members reported on upcoming community events, Finance Committee work, business openings, development activity and regional discussions. Michelle Keldorf announced a 9/11 remembrance ceremony and a Historical Society book event; Ryan Baldino discussed fleet and telephone costs; and Chris Pimentel reported on business, housing, homelessness and community activities. The council took no action.

• The 9/11 remembrance ceremony was scheduled for 9 a.m. in the courtyard.
• The El Segundo Historical Society scheduled an author event for 6 p.m. Thursday at the library.
• The Finance Committee reviewed the fire truck, the city vehicle fleet and landline telephone costs.
• An Urban Land Institute event brought El Segundo together with Long Beach, Inglewood and Culver City to discuss multifamily development challenges.

1:09:58–1:11:16

Reports/follow-up - city manager

The city manager reported that the South Coast Air Quality Management District had received 11 Hyperion odor complaints since the prior council meeting but issued no violation notices. Hyperion completed a semiannual audit of its fence-line monitoring system without odor impacts, and its community forum will be rescheduled to a date that does not conflict with a council meeting.

• AQMD received 11 odor complaints and issued no notices of violation since the prior council meeting.
• Hyperion audited its fence-line monitoring system Aug. 26-27; stations were temporarily offline and no odor impacts were reported.
• Hyperion's community forum will be moved to a date that does not conflict with a council meeting.
• The city manager scheduled meetings for the following week with the general managers of Hyperion and Los Angeles World Airports.

“Since our last council meeting, AQMD received 11 odor complaints, issued no notices of violation.”

— City Manager · 1:10:01 (opens the official video at that moment in a new tab)