Commission forms ad hoc committee to plan Redondo Beach’s 133rd birthday; staff to propose budget

The Redondo Beach Public Humanities Commission voted to create an ad hoc subcommittee to assist city staff with planning and implementing the city’s 133rd birthday celebration at the historical museum, scheduled for April 26, 2025. The commission also instructed staff to propose a not-to-exceed spending amount so the subcommittee and staff know the budgetary limit while booking entertainment and vendors.

City staff introduced Jack Meyer as the commission’s new culture arts manager and asked commissioners to consider a short-term committee to help coordinate performers, logistics and promotion. Staff noted that the museum’s current operating budget for the year is approximately $20,000 and that past celebrations have used both museum funds and support from the Morrell House historical organization (which typically handles cake and some hospitality).

The commission agreed to form the ad hoc subcommittee and named two commissioners to serve. The subcommittee will be limited in scope and time: it is intended to help staff identify performers and activities, coordinate publicity and provide community outreach rather than to take on primary event staffing.

Why it matters: The commission highlighted the museum’s role in local historic programming and said a short, focused committee could help the city stage the museum’s primary public event in spring 2025. Staff asked the commission for a clear not-to-exceed figure to guide early bookings; staff estimated past performer costs for similar events in recent years were roughly $3,000 for multiple performers.

Outcome: The motion to establish an ad hoc subcommittee passed by voice vote. Commissioners Rowe and one other commissioner were named to the subcommittee during the meeting; staff will return with a recommended not-to-exceed amount and a proposed timeline for planning and promotion.

Details and next steps: Staff said typical responsibilities for the subcommittee will include coordinating performers and entertainment contracts, reviewing event promotion and supporting logistics with city departments (police, fire and public works, as needed). The subcommittee will meet with staff and report back to the full commission; the commission asked staff to bring a recommended budget figure to a future meeting so booking can proceed.

Reporting note: The commission did not finalize a budget at the meeting and did not direct staff to commit funds at this time. The museum’s discretionary budget for the fiscal year was described as available for events and staff will propose a not-to-exceed allocation for the celebration.