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Based on direction provided at the February 13, 2024 City Council meeting, staff updated the Work Plan to reflect the priorities identified by City Council. The City Council’s current Work Plan was approved at the October 15, 2024, City Council meeting.
The City Council Work Plan features consistent layouts, priority levels on projects, funding sources and images. Priority levels are organized in the following A, B, and C categories.
Currently, the City Council Work Plan contains 23 items across nine City departments. Many items involve multiple departments.
In addition to the City Council Work Plan items, staff concurrently dedicates significant time and resources to projects not on the City Council Work Plan, categorized as “Department Work Plan Items.” This list is provided below.
The list below summarizes projects and initiatives City of Manhattan Beach staff is concurrently dedicating significant time and resources to that are not currently on the City Council Work Plan.
MANAGEMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
- Enhancements to the Municipal Code to increase transparency and user experience.
- Maintenance of ongoing homelessness initiatives.
- Acquisition and implementation of a centralized citywide contract management system.
- Creation and maintenance of ongoing employee engagement initiatives.
- Development and implementation of an oversized vehicle and trailer parking permit program.
- Creation of a Public Safety Camera System (PSCS) Policy.
- Manage and disburse opioid settlement fund expenditures in accordance with state regulations.
- Review of legislation impacting the City and conformance with the City’s Legislative Platform.
- Placement of Measure MMB on the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election Ballot.
- Development of a comprehensive communication plan for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), including Storm Water Projects, to ensure transparency, foster community engagement, and keep stakeholders informed throughout the project lifecycle.
- Implementation of a voter outreach and communications plan for the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election.
- Internal and external communications regarding emergency preparedness and safety leading up to the Great Shake Out earthquake drill.
- Communication with businesses and residents regarding the implementation of the cross-connection water safety ordinance and program.
- Identification and implementation of alternative parking solutions for the Downtown area while serving as a liaison between the city and the business community to enhance accessibility and support local businesses.
- Parking Lot 3 Emergency Project.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
- Technological implementations, which includes a Financial Statement Builder, Citizen Transparency Portal, Business Licensing, and Customer Self Service Portal.
- Completion of comprehensive user fee and cost allocation plan update.
- Development of a citywide program for grant and project tracking and communication.
- Development of a training program for onboarding new employees and continuing training for existing users.
- Implementation of new business licensing module.
- Identification of solutions to increase financial transparency.
- Parking Lot 3 Emergency Project.
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
- Work collaboratively with the Police Department and City Council to offer creative recruitment and retention incentives and implement strategies to recruit lateral and Trainee Police Officers, including the 7 new Police Officer positions approved in 2023.
- Work collaboratively with the Fire Department to recruit and onboard six new Firefighter positions approved in the February 2024 mid-year budget.
- Implementation of NEOGOV Performance Evaluation and Onboarding modules.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
- Development of the Senior and Scout House Community Center.
- Implementation of a Public Art Maintenance Program based on the Public Art Collection Survey.
- Update of the Parks Master Plan.
- Exploration of a cultural library concept in collaboration with LA County Library.
- Implementation of the Parks and Recreation Department 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.
- Continuation of the development and implementation of Juneteenth events.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
- Recruitment and hiring to achieve full staffing levels.
- Upgrading the Police Station’s Video Security System.
- Upgrading the Police Station Access Control System.
- Implementation of action items for the 2023-2024 Police Department Strategic Plan.
- Development of the 2025-2026 Police Department Strategic Plan.
- Development of a Calls for Services Dashboard on the City’s website.
- Implementation of the Computer-Aided Dispatch and Records Management System Replacement Project.
- Implementation of the Radio Replacement Project.
- Implementation of the Fusus Community Camera Registration Project.
- Addressing e-bike regulations by advocating the state legislature and conducting community outreach and education.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
- Development of staff training programs and succession planning.
- Implementation of specialized fire ground safety training.
- Ensure compliance with Los Angeles County Department of Health Services mandated emergency medical services training.
- Implementation of a Fire Safety Public Education Initiative.
- Development of a wellness program.
- Exploration of Fire Department Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Delivery Model options.
- Replacement of dispatch software, database management, and CAD Integration.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
- Processing of planning applications (including project review, environmental review, staff reports, resolutions, public hearings including continuations, appeals, conditions of approval, subdivision approvals, and condition compliance).
- Review of building plans for Building Code compliance and Zoning Regulations, issue building permits, and inspect construction projects.
- Oversee major development projects.
- Maintenance and customizations for the City’s permitting system (EnerGov).
- Code enforcement (including construction and quality of life impacts).
- Facilitate the review and administration of Outdoor Facilities Permits and Sidewalk Dining Permits.
- Oversee Citywide Parking Management Study.
- Completion of a major update to department webpages to provide better public service to our community.
- Completion and implementation of Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and all Climate MB efforts.
- Oversee Green Business Program.
- Coordination of new Office Assistant at the front reception counter and implementation of concierge services for an improved customer service experience at City Hall.
- Oversee Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant to fund installation of six public electric vehicle chargers at Marine Avenue Park.
- Parking Lot 3 Emergency Project.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
- Implementation of the Capital Improvement Program
- Place new water treatment plant into operation and increase the use of local groundwater supplies.
- Upgrades to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System.
- Evaluation and refinement of the Neighborhood Maintenance Worker Program.
- Implementation of the Water Conservation Program.
- Evaluation and refinement of the Urban Forestry Program.
- Implementation of Wastewater CCTV Inspection Program.
- Implementation of Water System Flushing Program.
- Rebid and award contracts for major maintenance services.
- Redesign or repurpose the large fountain at the center of Metlox.
- Parking Lot 3 Emergency Project.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
- Implementation of technology infrastructure modernization initiatives (servers, storage, network).
- Implementation of cyber security hardening initiatives.
- Upgrades and enhancements of City enterprise applications (Document Management System, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Enterprise Permitting & Licensing (EPL), etc.).
- Upgrade of audio-video and broadcast technology in the City Council Chambers.
- Implementation of Microsoft 365 (Office) and collaboration tools.
- Promotion of process automation and technology innovation to City Departments.
The list below summarizes notable projects or initiatives that City departments have accomplished since the prior City Council Work Plan update.
MANAGEMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
- Continued to invest in City’s homeless response by contracting for additional outreach and housing resources while reducing expenditures.
- Adopted a Coyote Management and Response Plan and required CEQA documentation.
- Held ribbon cuttings for the following projects: Peck Reservoir, Polliwog Playground Equipment, Storywalk, Fire Station No. 2, The Strand Parcourse, Bruce’s Beach Plaque, Catalina Classic Commemorative Statue, and the Sepulveda Bridge Widening.
- Drafted and adopted an Electric-Bicycle ordinance and revised the fine schedule.
- Executed an amended and restated agreement with the Manhattan Beach Unified School District regarding use and maintenance of school district fields and facilities.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
- Coordinated a Proposition 218 process for storm drain fees
- Implemented the accountant standard for subscription based IT arrangements (SBITAs),
- Obtained the first COVID-19 related reimbursements from FEMA in the amount of $194,719.
- Updated the Municipal Code regarding purchasing limit authority.
- Assisted with the Undergrounding Utility Assessment District loan program.
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
- Completed a 3-year MOU with the Manhattan Beach Firefighters Association (MBFA).
- Executed side letters with all City bargaining units to implement recruitment and retention incentives approved by the City Council in December 2023, with an emphasis on the recruitment and retention of Police Officers.
- Recruited and filled 83 full-time positions in FY 2022-23, including 44 new hires.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
- Completed Marine Field Turf Replacement and Begg Field and MBMS Field Upgrades.
- Partnered with Public Works to complete the replacement of the Polliwog Playground and Strand Parcourse equipment.
- Created a StoryWalk project at Polliwog Park.
- Provided and supported new Public Art, including the Bo Bridges Mural at City Hall, CJ Rench “Circles” Sculpture at Polliwog Park, Live Oak REC Mural, MBEF Donor Wall at Metlox, and John Van Hamersveld Frieze Restoration and four exhibits at the Manhattan Beach Art Center.
- Completed phase 3 of the Historical Collection Action Plan (processing, cataloging, and rehousing the collection).
- Secured new three-year agreement for the Manhattan Beach Open Volleyball Tournament.
- Developed plans and obtained funding for new community Juneteenth celebrations.
- Commenced a Begg Pool Modernization Study.
- Secured $400,000 in Los Angeles County grant funds for the Marine Turf Replacement Project.
- Purchased two new Dial-A-Ride vehicles utilizing a $462,600 transportation grant.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
- Continued hiring & recruitment efforts and hired 11 new full-time employees.
- Implemented numerous action items related to the 2023-2024 Police Department Strategic Plan.
- Increased community outreach with revamped weekly and monthly crime updates that are available via email, social media, and the City website.
- Hosted a youth e-bike safety event in August 2023.
- Conducted numerous organized retail theft operations.
- Increased bicycle patrol team deployments and expanded our fleet of police bikes.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
- Hired three new Firefighters/Paramedics.
- Received an award of $29,359 from Beach Cities Health District Grant to help with continuing education for the suppression team.
- Implemented a new Records Management System (RMS).
- Conducted a grand opening of Fire Station No. 2.
- Completed 100% of state mandated fire inspections.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
- Oversaw construction activity including: 2,056 building permits and 16,463 inspections.
- Opened 1,030 new code enforcement cases and closed 1,176 cases.
- Processed over 260 discretionary planning entitlement applications (coastal development permits, use permits, minor exceptions).
- Obtained Housing and Community Development (HCD) certification of the 6th Cycle Housing Element.
- Adopted zoning code amendments related to Senate Bill 9 and historic preservation.
- Obtained approval of the Scout House use permit.
- Issued over 1,000 right-of-way permits, traffic control plans, pod permits, temporary loading zones, moving van and oversize vehicle permits.
- Obtained certification of Local Coastal Plan (LCP) coastal hazards chapter.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
- Completed the Peck Reservoir Project.
- Completed the Fire Station No. 2 Reconstruction Project.
- Completed the Polliwog Park Lower Playground Project.
- Completed the North Manhattan Beach Slurry Seal Project.
- Completed the District 4 UUAD Project.
- Produced 437 acre-feet of groundwater from the City’s Wells in 2023, which amounts to approximately 40% of the City’s annual rights.
- Improved cleanliness in Downtown and North MB by insourcing pressure washing services.
- Successfully completed a Prop 218 process to increase wastewater rates.
- Completed the Parking Operations Assessment Project.
- Secured five grants totaling $10,145,000 to improve the community, including $1,000,000 from Congressman Ted Lieu’s Office for the Peck Avenue Storm Drain Project and $3,500,000 from Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi for the El Porto Water Infrastructure Improvement Project.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
- Expanded the enterprise storage capacity.
- Upgraded the enterprise permitting application.
- Enhanced GIS applications and backend server infrastructure.
- Implemented additional cybersecurity layers.
- Enhanced patch management systems.
- October 21, 2024, City Council Meeting
- May 21, 2024, City Council Meeting
- February 13, 2024, City Council Meeting
- November 7, 2023, City Council Meeting
- May 16, 2023, City Council Meeting
- March 14, 2023, City Council Meeting
- October 6, 2022, City Council Meeting
- May 17, 2022, City Council Meeting
- March 8, 2022 City Council Meeting
- October 5, 2021, City Council Meeting
- June 1, 2021, City Council Meeting
- January 26, 2021, City Council Meeting