El Segundo council approves police lockers, lifeguard pay bump, Park Vista budget and arts plan

The El Segundo City Council on April 1 approved several staff recommendations including $55,000 in new police lockers, a modest hourly pay increase for part-time aquatics staff, the Park Vista senior housing operating budget and the city's Cultural Arts Master Plan and Cultural Development Fund budget.

The council voted 3-2 to buy 51 patrol lockers and 24 charging lockers for the El Segundo Police Department and approved a resolution increasing hourly ranges for seasonal aquatics positions. Council also accepted the Park Vista annual operating budget, directed staff to study privatization options for Park Vista, and adopted the Cultural Arts Master Plan with refinements and a Cultural Development Fund budget.

The most contested item was funding for police lockers, which drew questions from multiple council members about cost and procurement. Chief of Police explained the department is replacing deteriorated particle-board lockers with steel units designed to last decades and said the purchase is sole-source. Councilmember Baldino moved approval and the motion passed with Kaldor, Giroux and Baldino voting yes and Boyles and Mayor Pimentel voting no.

On the aquatics staffing item, Director Redick recused herself because her son works as a lifeguard. Staff described how the lifeguard pay line anchors the swim instructor and senior lifeguard rates (set at 10% above anchor rates) and told council the proposed increase is intended to…