Council authorizes city manager to sign aquatic center agreements with international teams; council directs research on activations, signage and parking

The El Segundo City Council on Oct. 21 authorized the city manager to enter into facility‑use agreements for the aquatic center with visiting teams, and provided staff direction on several policy areas related to upcoming major events, including event activations, temporary off‑site signage and parking protections.

Recreation staff said the French national swim team has expressed interest in using the aquatic center as a training site ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games. Recreation staff proposed a premium rental rate of $80 per lane per hour for long‑course lane rentals for international teams. City staff estimated the French team’s confirmed July 2028 request (10 days, 2–4 hours per day) would bring about $32,000 in revenue and a January 2026 request (7 days, 2–4 hours per day) about $14,080. Council voted to authorize the city manager to execute such agreements.

Council also received a briefing from the Major Events Committee, which is studying options tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The committee presented five broad goals — strategic partnerships, operations and safety, economic opportunities, community engagement and a lasting legacy — and asked for council direction before developing detailed proposals.

Council gave staff direction to research and plan for event activations and to return with options. The council also asked the city attorney to research legal risks and safeguards related to temporary off‑site signage (building wraps or similar), limiting that research to short‑term exemptions tied to major events (World Cup and Olympics) rather than a permanent change to the existing billboard restrictions. Council asked staff to research possible temporary residential parking protections or enforcement increases to address intrusion during large events.

On short‑term rentals, council members spoke at length and ultimately expressed no appetite to loosen existing home‑share rules for the events; staff was asked to monitor related renter protections and educate the public if needed.

Council approved the manager authority to execute facility‑use agreements and voted to direct staff to research activations and parking protections; it also requested legal analysis on temporary signage options and potential risks. No new ordinance was adopted on Oct. 21.