City Council - Revised - 2026-03-17
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Long Beach City Council approved an MOU with LA County and The Ocean Cleanup for a trash capture pilot project at the LA River mouth, with an estimated cost of $6-9 million. The council also authorized a $9.9 million purchase of 1827 Spring Street for police evidence storage and approved a $1.77 million annual lease of the Colonial Motel at 802 East PCH for homeless services under the Encampment Resolution Program.
Key Decisions (8)
LA River Trash Capture MOU
Council approved an MOU with LA County and The Ocean Cleanup nonprofit to support a pilot trash and debris mitigation project at the LA River mouth. The project involves installing a kicker boom and receiver boom system to capture debris that bypasses the existing county-managed boom. Total project cost estimated at $6-9 million, with $4.3 million currently budgeted. Implementation targeted for early 2028.
Colonial Motel Lease for Homeless Services
Council authorized a one-year occupancy agreement with Sri Ganesh Inc for the Colonial Motel at 802 East PCH for the Encampment Resolution Program targeting LA Riverbed encampments. The 57-room facility will cost $85/room/day ($1,768,425 annually) with two one-year extension options. PATH will provide on-site case management for 55 rooms.
Police Evidence Warehouse Purchase at 1827 Spring Street
Council authorized purchase of 1827 Spring Street for $9.9 million plus $199,000 in acquisition costs from the Atkins Family Trust for police long-term property and evidence storage. Additional $4.35 million needed for tenant improvements including security upgrades and high-pile shelving. Annual debt service of $870,000 equals current rent payments for two leased facilities at Canal Avenue and 29th Street.
City Attorney Appointment - Dawn McIntosh
Council adopted resolution appointing Dawn McIntosh to the office of city attorney for a full four-year term, canceling the primary nominating election as she was uncontested. McIntosh is the first woman elected city attorney in Long Beach history.
City Prosecutor Appointment - Doug Halbert
Council adopted resolution appointing Doug Halbert to the office of city prosecutor for a full four-year term, canceling the primary nominating election as he was uncontested.
Impact Fee Annual Reports
Council adopted resolution approving annual and five-year reports for transportation improvement, parks and recreation facilities, fire facilities impact, and police impact fees citywide.
FY2026 Budget Appropriation Adjustments
Council approved fiscal year 2026 first departmental and fund budget appropriation adjustments citywide, including $193,946 for Direct Connect crime reduction program, $994,431 for immigrant legal services, $148,205 for childcare tuition assistance, $700,000 for city website redesign, and $300,000 for Olympics study.
City Salary Schedule Amendments
Council adopted resolution amending city salary schedules effective October 18, November 15, November 29, December 27, 2025, and January 24, 2026.
Development Activity (3)
LA River Trash Capture Pilot Project
Kicker boom and receiver boom system to capture debris; four technology options under study including boom and crane ($4.4M), trash wheel ($7.7M), and other configurations; total project cost $6-9M with $4.3M currently budgeted
Police Evidence Storage Facility
Two-story warehouse with 21-foot clear height for high-pile shelving, existing sprinkler system, adequate power and parking; will consolidate two leased evidence storage locations; $4.35M in tenant improvements for security upgrades and shelving
Colonial Motel Homeless Services Facility
57-room motel converted to temporary housing for Encampment Resolution Program; 55 rooms for homeless services with on-site case management space; one-year lease with two one-year extension options
Market Signals (5)
Infrastructure
Long Beach is investing $6-9 million in LA River trash capture infrastructure, signaling commitment to improving coastal water quality and beach conditions ahead of 2028 Olympics.
Housing Demand
City expanding homeless shelter capacity by 90% during current period, indicating continued pressure on housing affordability and homelessness services.
Commercial Demand
City transitioning from leasing to owning facilities for police operations, with annual debt service ($870K) matching current rent payments, suggesting long-term cost optimization strategy.
Infrastructure
City allocating $700,000 for website redesign and $300,000 for Olympics feasibility study, indicating preparation for increased tourism and visibility from 2028 Olympics.
Sentiment
Public commenters raised concerns about city spending priorities, including $700K website redesign and $350K app development, suggesting taxpayer scrutiny of municipal expenditures.