[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6189200,"mediaKeyId","5058341-7abec4f1ad5bd357415d8b87846ffa17","parentId",5058341,"title","Council appoints interim city manager to permanent post; base salary raised to $270,000","audioSeconds",614,"startMs",9491000,"endMs",10105000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5058341-7abec4f1ad5bd357415d8b87846ffa17&start=9491&end=10105","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5058341-7abec4f1ad5bd357415d8b87846ffa17/thumbnail_9491000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6189200/Seal-Beach/Orange-County/California/Council-appoints-interim-city-manager-to-permanent-post-base-salary-raised-to-270000","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6189200-8a2c34b96cbecfe94db08577cb70efd4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773613569&Signature=ee0~nA4yloqt-BuUh9lcho99BPmsb1chcUC8Eh5ki0ttU4kwUVUjvDGswCWRw~xLI6HWKRkI6-R09l1pQQF6RTVnRbg6RZo-1jhMvWTict6EMoByQqSV~7gcXmZsRXF62BiZyeftH~J2Sfm-bKaPsd765tqTV6NuKeHelo2H1XSyjO5H-qzGYDSKF8jZLH78oXW-M1bRZUtbCvfK8co5JvQClMxZFpBWm04V3vdsUjSJXHCmQ5IiXok2Vuusi4VADw37unru~3RQXyeX8s3ag6~fjd-24P95BugiSt~UPFSU7Z~7R7eiBc9USfFrYlpQmbVQToDyL2YefGaCq~RZaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Seal Beach Council, California","date","2025-06-24T17:04:51Z","article","The Seal Beach City Council on June 23 voted 4–1 to appoint Patrick Gallegos from interim to permanent city manager and to amend his employment agreement to set an annual base salary of $270,000.

City Attorney Gorelli recused from the item in the interest of avoiding a perception of undue influence because the contract related to his office; Gorelli left the room before the council’s discussion. The council received an oral summary of the proposed contract under the Brown Act: the principal change is a base salary increase from the interim salary figure to $270,000 per year. The amendment also requires the council to conduct an annual performance evaluation of the city manager each January; other compensation and benefit provisions in the existing employment agreement remain unchanged.

Supporters on the dais cited Gallegos’s 13 years with the city and his institutional knowledge, arguing a national search would be disruptive and expensive. Opponents focused on transparency and fiscal context: one councilmember said the staff report should show a fully burdened cost figure for public review and said elements of the contract made them uncomfortable given broader fiscal pressures. The finance director told council the fully burdened increase for the year is under $4,000 compared with the prior figure.

A motion to approve the amendment was moved and seconded and carried 4–1. Council roll call recorded one vote against the contract; the meeting record shows the dissenting councilmember cited contract terms and the city’s structural fiscal issues.

Gallegos addressed the council after the vote, thanked members and pledged to continue working with staff and the community. Staff will implement the amended contract per the council resolution.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - June 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council approved an amendment to make Patrick Gallegos permanent city manager and increase his base salary to $270,000; the contract requires January annual performance reviews. The city attorney recused from the item and the measure passed 4–1.","taxTitle","Seal Beach, Orange County, California","taxId",72161,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6189205,"Council approves three public works reclassifications after contested debate",1626,7154000,8780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5058341-7abec4f1ad5bd357415d8b87846ffa17&start=7154&end=8780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5058341-7abec4f1ad5bd357415d8b87846ffa17/thumbnail_7154000.jpg","/articles/6189205/Seal-Beach/Orange-County/California/Council-approves-three-public-works-reclassifications-after-contested-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6189205-0b44ed905eff1acf39894bf6d18f4555/orig.mp4?Expires=1773613569&Signature=A40HZpKHLeBARub6fcNY2vjQ03yTfx9LdhUThr0S~S21HsX85ZgpuRy5AK3u7k2ScnQTUWbl4tGduBV0HE9LJiyekKXb70nP8XlskxSp45tlAk~khx0BVB1-R33Tz~sTErSysPXF5bEsuD16zeWShJdZ-abk3o2h66Q9FnKquu-Y5OUsWD0v1ebf3KpzYdp3lDMqDNK0O8DVMsR6za5-XoLEgndT0iZfViVJyyx92S74rJSRkqkdqMgp8WRKirxeyeF48qXP9RKBwmogrLIpr3CqHPnW3psUFE-DlZ1T~pAFxj5bGbbI-cKNozNF1kSRHkjCGkMcPySesT42CpQy2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Seal Beach City Council on June 23 approved personnel reclassifications in the Public Works Department after a lengthy debate about duties, pay grades and budget offsets.

Staff presented three recommended changes: (1) reclassify a maintenance services supervisor to public works superintendent, (2) reclassify a water services supervisor to senior utility supervisor, and (3) reclassify a water operator to cross‑connection control specialist. The last position is tied to a new state requirement that a certified cross‑connection specialist be on staff or retained under contract.

Public Works Director Lee told the council the changes reflect expanded duties that have been redistributed after a vacancy and that the revised classifications and pay grades are intended to match work already being performed. Staff said the reclassifications would not increase the city’s total full‑time equivalent count and that costs were partially offset by eliminating a vacant maintenance services supervisor slot.

Council debate focused on timing and cost. One councilmember urged caution given recent rate‑increase outreach and the city’s fiscal picture; others argued incumbent employees have performed at higher levels for about two years and that reclassification is needed to recognize that work and to retain institutional knowledge. Finance and personnel details were discussed at length, including step and grade comparisons provided by staff: a newly proposed cross‑connection control specialist would be Grade 17, step 3 (staff cited step 3 at about $80,322 annually); the water operator classification was described as Grade 12 (step 1 roughly $64,832 to step 5 ~$79,804 under the current pay table).

After discussion, the council approved the reclassifications as presented by motion (4–1). One councilmember voted no, citing timing and fiscal concerns. Staff will implement the new classifications and job descriptions and update the pay schedule per the council resolution.","Council voted 4–1 to reclassify three public‑works positions, including creating a state‑mandated cross‑connection control specialist; discussion centered on budget offsets, duties already being performed and whether the changes should be phased.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6189209,"Council declines immediate ban on rentals near schools; opts to monitor complaints for three months",1520,5400000,6920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5058341-7abec4f1ad5bd357415d8b87846ffa17&start=5400&end=6920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5058341-7abec4f1ad5bd357415d8b87846ffa17/thumbnail_5400000.jpg","/articles/6189209/Seal-Beach/Orange-County/California/Council-declines-immediate-ban-on-rentals-near-schools-opts-to-monitor-complaints-for-three-months","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6189209-54efb32cb8cdf5db3e4fba4987b87102/orig.mp4?Expires=1773613569&Signature=fvnSpBH6dxszEFNZ~sVZm0reYObk21gY-8fY8N0gnj3C~nRctTx8eZK7mWJIINuZehblfxrGcyc6b949qXSLeuub9K~aO8gpZqaLv4F38vddf5SGu4cdAIEjjdlG5~cti9s3dsMr~06NVKJ2bcIV2x4ApzRJE3jqC~9ze6l8EwLzvQ8ibSHa~bwNP6am7I-NKyAEyZaKEs27FE3pjwaeeGYFOhcLcWcnwXr4ZCQZ-TOo0vjiNsmwS2GT3b4X-OHhI4Ctz51v-VXiDN2QE0smUvEbwV0z5fcDrkgPFt18J-PmY1X6KofJ7oQKmAbwKuqSHovT1lEqRO1XxMEfb0CGWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Seal Beach City Council on June 23 discussed whether to restrict short‑term rentals (STRs) near schools but did not enact a new ordinance. Instead, councilmembers directed city staff and police to monitor complaints related to STRs and return with a report in about three months.

The item stemmed from public comments asking the council to prohibit STR listings near McGaugh School. Staff reviewed other cities’ approaches and reported that coastal jurisdictions generally do not adopt school setback rules; legal constraints under the California Coastal Commission’s jurisdiction limit some local bans. Counsel referenced the Keene v. City of Manhattan Beach (Feb. 2022) decision as relevant case law affecting coastal authority.

A commenter retained by a property owner told the council that he found no empirical evidence tying STR proximity to schools with elevated risk of child abduction or predation and warned that the Coastal Commission is unlikely to approve a coastal‑zone school buffer without a clear nexus. Councilmembers noted that Seal Beach already prohibits STRs outside the coastal zone, that the city has about 44 permitted STRs in the coastal area and that some unpermitted listings do appear on platforms.

Police reported four low‑level calls for service related to the specific listing at issue; staff said many calls came from a single reporting party and that their analysis of 38 reports showed no clear geographic trend or confirmed den sites. The council discussed enforcement, platform takedowns and the limits of local authority.

Rather than pursue an immediate ordinance change with uncertain legal prospects, the council asked staff and police to monitor complaints and enforcement results and return with a report in September. Councilmembers also urged residents to report problems and reminded platforms to remove inappropriate listings and photos when requested.","After public comment and legal briefings, the Seal Beach City Council decided to monitor short‑term rental complaints for three months rather than adopt a school buffer ordinance. Staff noted state/coastal limits on local bans in the coastal zone and residents offered conflicting views about safety and enforcement.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6189214,"City leaders urge water safety after drownings; lifeguards and bystanders credited with saving coach",1840,2776000,4616000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5058341-7abec4f1ad5bd357415d8b87846ffa17&start=2776&end=4616","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5058341-7abec4f1ad5bd357415d8b87846ffa17/thumbnail_2776000.jpg","/articles/6189214/Seal-Beach/Orange-County/California/City-leaders-urge-water-safety-after-drownings-lifeguards-and-bystanders-credited-with-saving-coach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6189214-b1ea38b8a9f912cc4120106f6596ba94/orig.mp4?Expires=1773613569&Signature=ApNO0Mkdoa~TVVMml3xISOSDT-DFIYgpEft4xPZWAJRbSdvBx7yesJlwlqlnemw8RyxndIuZzPWqrMpPscZGzwf0oJTIlZOkXUc68AWh3KomPk7xgiG5WVD8yDQh1lmc39IKlKWtaXf2vqaGUb21LW5nfExcFlRb9vzIcLednI0GtJ6Tfevh7b~4VKP3P0qFfTMDe1ymfDGiFoK3DVs1XEEFrEcdFXgxULO6migPAztd9yThmR~RJsfAiThAW~Y2zWV6ysaGCIlUKuzSghhCMuKw2QOrT0ibVbxWgiTBBzQvjCS6aoUiv-mGofmj5l6ss3RwXUGvJ3M-KiRDPix4Bw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fire and lifeguard chiefs told the Seal Beach City Council on June 23 that drowning remains a leading, preventable cause of death for young children and urged a renewed focus on supervision, barriers and swim instruction.

Division 1 Chief Covey of the Orange County Fire Authority and Chief Bailey joined the council to mark national drowning prevention month, present local statistics and promote the ABCs of water safety: active adult supervision, barriers and classes. Chief Covey said the county had nine drownings so far in the year and stressed that “it is preventable” when adults actively supervise children and follow safety measures.

Covey and Bailey outlined common risk factors — unsupervised backyard pools and spas, unattended flotation devices, and lack of swim skills — and promoted simple steps such as water‑watcher tags for designated supervisors, CPR and AED training, and pool barrier compliance.

During public comment, Eric Doshbach, representing Seal Beach Pony Baseball, described a near‑fatal incident at Maga Elementary in which a first‑base coach collapsed during a game. Bystanders gave chest compressions until lifeguards arrived with an AED; the patient received multiple shocks and was later stabilized and released from the hospital. Chief Bailey credited the combined response of trained bystanders, lifeguards and paramedics for saving the man’s life.

Councilmembers responded by agreeing to make an AED available at the Pony Baseball snack shack. Several councilmembers said they would contribute discretionary funds so the equipment could be bought quickly; the finance director confirmed staff would arrange the purchase and that municipal AEDs cost roughly $1,500 each with about a 10‑year service life. Chief Bailey and other speakers emphasized that timely CPR and AED access dramatically increase survival.

Council and staff encouraged residents to learn CPR and enroll children in swim lessons. Officials reiterated that most drowning incidents are short and silent, and that supervision without distraction is the most effective prevention. The council did not adopt new regulations at the meeting but directed staff to continue outreach and community training.","Orange County Fire Authority chiefs and Seal Beach officials urged resident vigilance on pool safety, education and barriers; a lifeguard team and bystanders used CPR and an AED to revive a collapsed coach, prompting councilmembers to agree to fund an AED for a snack shack.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6189220,"Experts and police outline coyote monitoring, urge removal of aggressive animals",1348,1351000,2699000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5058341-7abec4f1ad5bd357415d8b87846ffa17&start=1351&end=2699","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5058341-7abec4f1ad5bd357415d8b87846ffa17/thumbnail_1351000.jpg","/articles/6189220/Seal-Beach/Orange-County/California/Experts-and-police-outline-coyote-monitoring-urge-removal-of-aggressive-animals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6189220-027c1e8612ed26622e920e3448e10987/orig.mp4?Expires=1773613569&Signature=dKeqUiLpGZnzeTX4AaxN6~WJesagZA3vCY72xniUAO94Zj1fOLJCQXVsXGyQaC6e94dFflte7iI0J2zHNJcI8VY1qcpfKxP1PRhHeRqjqbNbDdLMCLgvdkHEap-lbHeG5xGcHP372pSb4pruxEobrbZIiapMKq8tGRucLm0GtfJ22u8Mp9sX5BlOwn6tbvrXUqcuTa5VBtDGMo99-bX0NtOa9JNInPGLzNSvNBxe1WRvJvLP3RYMnZTvu0CQAF8wh3NFrTSUDynM0IMYl5hQYzx~m8dAYixvnrF3dNT9FVls646l-udcI82-mu-3R6QeE-XEpz~mGr8hGuGQ7erj7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A wildlife scientist and Seal Beach police officials briefed the City Council on June 23 about urban coyote behavior and steps residents and city staff can take to reduce conflicts.

The presentation, delivered by Dr. Stankiewicz, professor of biological sciences and director of the mammal lab at California State University, Long Beach, described how coyotes adapt to cities and why some become bold enough to approach people and pets. Police Captain Nick Nicholas introduced the speaker and said animal control officers will respond to reports and coordinate any removal actions with the watch commander.

Dr. Stankiewicz said coyotes now occur in every major U.S. metropolitan area and that urban populations tend to be “on the bolder side” of the behavioral spectrum. He estimated typical urban densities at 0.5 to 2.5 coyotes per square mile and said that, given Seal Beach’s 13 square miles and nearby natural areas, “my best guess is 30 to 40 animals in the area.” He warned that indiscriminate lethal control can backfire by disrupting social structure and increasing localized reproduction.

The scientist recommended an active public program that combines two approaches: (1) targeted removal of hyper‑aggressive individuals that repeatedly approach people or pets, and (2) community measures that reinstate fear of humans across the population (often called hazing). “Target removal of the hyper aggressive problem animals is critical,” he said. He and police staff also stressed removal of attractants — unsecured garbage, pet food and deliberate feeding — and keeping small pets indoors or in enclosed runs.

Captain Nicholas told the council that animal control officers are dispatched to active incidents and that staff, working with the watch commander and outside experts, decide whether to seek permits or other authorizations for removal. For life‑threatening attacks, he reminded residents to call 911; for non‑emergency coyote issues residents should call the department’s non‑emergency number (562) 594‑7232 or use the city’s routine animal control contact methods.

Council members asked about fences, deterrents and legal limits on capture or relocation. Dr. Stankiewicz said tall fences (6½ to 8 feet) with roller bars can help but are expensive and visible; he also said relocation of coyotes is generally not legal in California without special permits and that poisons pose non‑target risks. He added that passive monitoring (trail cameras) and surveys can help the city track trends over time.

The presentation concluded without a council vote. Staff and police indicated they will continue standard animal control responses and public education; councilmembers did not adopt a new ordinance during the meeting.

The council discussion and the presentation emphasized resident actions — hazing, removing food sources, supervising small pets — and targeted removal of confirmed aggressive animals as the preferred policy approach to reduce coyote‑pet and coyote‑human conflicts.","A Cal State Long Beach researcher and Seal Beach police officials urged residents to remove attractants, practice hazing and report aggressive coyotes; officials said lethal removal of specific problem animals and targeted enforcement are preferred to broad extermination programs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council appoints interim city manager to permanent post; base salary raised to $270,000

Council approves three public works reclassifications after contested debate

Council declines immediate ban on rentals near schools; opts to monitor complaints for three months

City leaders urge water safety after drownings; lifeguards and bystanders credited with saving coach

Experts and police outline coyote monitoring, urge removal of aggressive animals