‘Measure twice, pay once’ at center of Hermosa Council debate over new or renovated Civic Center
by Kevin Cody Plans for a new or upgraded Hermosa Beach Civic Center moved forward at a special meeting of the city council on Thursday, February 15. After a two hour discussion, the council voted 3 to 2 to hire a development consultant, and a community engagement consultant for the project. The divided council also approved appointment by the city manager of a Community Advisory Group to study the civic center options. “We’re at square one right now,” Mayor Justin Massey said in emphasizing the vote did not mean the council majority, which he joined, is committed to building a new civic center. Councilmembers Robb Saeman and Dean Francois opposed the motion, though both agreed the Civic Center needs to be repaired or replaced. “We can’t do nothing,” Saemann said. “But before we ask the public’s opinion we need something more solid to ask their opinion about.” “We need cost assessments,” he said. The city’s latest Facilities Condition Assessment was in 2015. Saemann and Dean Francois also opposed delegating appointments to the Community Advisory Group to the City Manager. “Residents should apply to be on the advisory committee, and the council should have the final say. It’s not…
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