City council retirement contributions
Some city council members on Tuesday said they were misled by city staff as to whether they could pay their employee share of their retirement contributions.
Mayor Pro Tem Kit Bobko requested last month a report be compiled looking into whether City Council members can pay their own shares of retirement contributions, which would come out to $37.10 per month. When new City Manager Tom Bakaly researched the issue he discovered that was indeed possible, which is a different answer than some council members said they received during their respective orientations.
“I feel duped,” said Mike Divirgilio.
City leaders have been negotiating with city employees to require them to contribute a portion of their total retirement compensation. City staff is expected to present a detailed report at the next meeting as to what council members obligations are regarding participating in the state’s CalPERs retirement systems.
“If you’d like to get that in writing, that seems to be reasonable based on your experience,” Bakaly said.
Website wow factor
The city of Hermosa Beach has been honored with an outstanding website award by the Web Marketing Association, which cited the website’s overall design, ease of use and creativity. This is the 15th year of the WebAwards. The city won the award in the Government Website category.
The city’s new and improved website was launched in November 2011, offering updated content, easier navigation, and a more appealing design for both residents and visitors seeking information about the city and its programs.
Finance Director Viki Copeland served as the project manager for the website. Vision Internet, a private firm, provided the website content management system, city officials said. The city manager, community development department and the city clerk’s office participated in the design of the site, officials said. The City Clerk’s Office manages the site.
“Staff should be commended for all their diligent work in developing an award-winning website and continuing to ensure it functions as intended,” Mayor Duclos said in a statement.
Holiday flower presentation
The Hermosa Beach Garden club will sponsor a floral holiday design presentation at 10 a.m. on Oct. 17 at the Clark Building, 871 Valley Drive. Casey Coleman, floral design teacher and co-owner of Flower Duet Florist in Torrance, will talk about floral holiday designs.
Poker faces
The Hermosa Beach Firefighters Association will host its 4th annual Poker Casino Night Saturday, Oct. 23 at American Junkie restaurant (formerly Sangria), 68 Pier Ave., to benefit the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation. For more information, visit hbfirefighters.org.
Spirit squad performs at cancer fundraiser
The Mira Costa Spirit Squads performed onstage for four straight nights earlier this month at the Comedy & Magic Club “Girls Night Out” fundraiser for the Cancer Support Community of Redondo Beach. Funds help continue the free services provided by the Cancer Support Community to cancer survivors and their families. The squad performed “Stomp Out Cancer” and “Hermosa Women Strut” as well as a dance routine. The event is part of Cancer Awareness Month.
Free candle-making class
The Hermosa Beach Community Library will offer a free candle making class Saturday, Oct. 27 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. for anyone 18-years-old or older. Space is limited. To register, stop by the library at 550 Pier Ave or phone 310-379-8475.
Pancake breakfast time
The Woman’s Club of Hermosa Beach will host its 21st Annual Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon at the Clark Building, 861 Valley Drive. Proceeds will benefit Woman’s Club philanthropies. Tickets are $8 or 2 for $15. Children under 2 are admitted free. There will be a raffle, silent auction, ‘bounce house’ for kids and pumpkin decorating. For more information and tickets, contact Hermosa Beach Woman’s Club President Vicki Garcia 310-374-4528.
