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On Tuesday, April 1, the City Council heard following items of interest:
Item #2: District 3 Investment into Basic Infrastructure
This item increased funding by $50,000 to Public Works for additional sidewalk and curb repairs in District 3, as well as additional tree trimmings.
Last year, the District 3 Office had salary savings in our operations budget allowing this funding to be redirected to fixing basic infrastructure: sidewalks, curbs, and trees. Public Works will expand existing projects stretching this additional funding further. This item passed unanimously.
Item #23: Explore Mandating Minimum Staffing Levels and Operational Requirements at Grocery Stores Using Self-Check Out to Reduce Retail Theft
Retail theft in Long Beach, including through self-checkout systems in grocery and drug stores, is a growing concern contributing to unsafe conditions for both workers and customers. To address these concerns, this proposal asked the City Manager to explore options to mandate minimum staffing levels and operational requirements for grocery and drug stores that use self-checkout systems. Some considerations to explore include requiring at least one employee to supervise every two self-checkout stations, ensuring a traditionally staffed checkout lane is always available, and limiting self-checkout lanes to 15 items or fewer. Businesses found in violation would face a $2,500 an hour fine.
This item passed with a 7-2 vote. Councilmember Duggan opposed this item stating that it is not the businesses' fault their inventory is getting stolen and it is not the retail employees' job to stop crime, and this proposal inappropriately shifts responsibility away from the individuals stealing. Please listen to Councilmember Duggan's comments here.
Item #24 and Item #25: Approving the Temporary Amphitheater
Item 24 recommends awarding a five-year contract, with a five-year renewal option, to ASM Global for the operation and management of a new temporary amphitheater near the Queen Mary. The agreement includes a $1.5 million one-time payment from the City for pre-opening services and a $300,000 annual management fee, subject to a 3% annual CPI adjustment. ASM Global will oversee booking, operations, concessions, and event management, while also contributing $1 million in capital toward the project. The City retains a majority share of revenue from naming rights and sponsorships. The project supports Long Beach’s goal of becoming a premier entertainment hub, generating new economic activity and supporting local businesses.
Item 25 recommends appropriating $14 million from the Tidelands Fund to design, permit, and construct the amphitheater and complete necessary site and infrastructure improvements, including $4 million for upgrades to the surrounding parking lots. The project is expected to be repaid through future operating profits. Over a ten-year period, the amphitheater is projected to generate approximately $26 million in net operating profit, $6 million in new parking revenue, and $11 million in additional tax revenue. These funds will help offset declining oil revenues.
This item passed unanimously. Councilmember Duggan supports the temporary amphitheater as a potential revenue generator in the Tidelands area. As the City is transitioning away from oil, revenue generating assets will be critical for the future long-term health of the Tidelands Fund. Please listen to Councilmember Duggan's comments here.
Item #26: Approve the Fiscal Year 2025 first departmental and fund budget appropriation adjustments
The City Council will consider the first round of mid-year budget adjustments for Fiscal Year 2025 to formally approve the reallocation of unspent funds and year-end surplus dollars. A key public safety update includes the expansion of the Fire Department’s Rescue 2 Peak Load Unit from three to seven days per week, with $419,840 in funding. Other allocations include $467,250 for a pilot Police Recruitment Incentive Program, $489,864 to redesign the Community Police and Public Safety Youth Leadership Academy, and $550,000 to support 100 shelter beds and operational costs at 702 Anaheim. Additional funds will enhance beachfront homeless outreach and cleanup efforts, upgrade park restroom security, support tree planting and urban forest planning, and provide a $365,000 local match for Proposition 1 funding for mental health site design. This item passed unanimously.
Item #27: 12-month Electric Scooters on Beach Path Pilot Program
The City Council will consider implementing a 12-month Electric Scooters on Beach Path Pilot Program that will repeal the current ban on scooters along the beach path allowing e-scooter companies to operate. It will also establish speed limits for all micromobility users—15 mph for scooters, 20 mph for bikes and e-bikes, and 5 mph in high-pedestrian areas. Public Works will install speed limit signage and will coordinate with vendors to geofence slow zones, manage drop-off areas, and ensure compliance.
Public Works, Fire, and Police will lead outreach and enforcement efforts, with an initial focus on an education-first approach. Public outreach for the development of this pilot program was conducted through City Council meeting notices and coverage by local media.
This item passed with a 6-1 vote, with Councilmember Duggan casting the dissenting vote. Councilmember Duggan cited a previous survey of District 3 residents, in which 80% of over 600 respondents opposed allowing e-scooter companies to operate on the bike path. She also questioned the lack of community outreach during the development of the pilot program. Additionally, she raised concerns about the Police and Fire Departments' current capacity to provide sufficient education and enforcement for the pilot. Please listen to Councilmember Duggan's comments here.
All City Council, Committee, and Commission agendas can be found here.
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