Long Beach council approves temporary battery storage moratorium, several contracts and budget notices; tight debate over police renovation costs

The City of Long Beach City Council on Tuesday adopted a one-year moratorium on the establishment of battery energy storage systems, approved a suite of procurement and contract items and published the schedule for upcoming budget and capital plan hearings. Council members also approved a change order increasing the police department renovation contract after a lengthy debate over cost and timing.

Supporters said the moratorium will give the city time to evaluate fire-department training and equipment needs and whether local zoning must be updated before such facilities are sited in Long Beach. Councilmember John Reinhart, who introduced the moratorium resolution, cited concerns about lithium-ion thermal runaway, multi-day fires at some storage sites elsewhere and the city’s dense, waterfront setting. The council adopted the resolution by voice vote.

The city also received a proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget from the acting city manager and set two public hearings on the budget and capital improvement program: May 6 at 7 p.m. and May 20 at 7 p.m., with a special meeting reserved for May 27 if needed. City Clerk Dave Frasier reviewed the charter timetable that requires the budget be ratified by May 31.

On procurement and contract matters, the council: - Authorized the city manager to purchase t-shirts and athletic apparel from the lowest responsible bidders (multiple awards to seven vendors were recommended); staff said actual orders are typically much lower than the bid maximums and last year the city…