Seal Beach approves $20,000 legal services amendment to support billboard negotiations, council urges public outreach

The Seal Beach City Council voted Dec. 8 to increase a special council services agreement with the law firm Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley by $20,000 to provide specialized legal support for a proposed city‑owned billboard initiative.

Management analyst Sean Sabo told the council the amendment would expand the firm’s scope to negotiate lease terms, ensure regulatory compliance and protect the city’s interests during selection of a billboard operator. The increase brings the contract not‑to‑exceed total to $90,000; staff said the added cost is expected to be reimbursed by the eventual billboard operator through lease terms.

Councilmembers pressed staff about sequencing and public engagement. Councilmember Senecal asked how the item moved onto the agenda and stressed that residents and businesses should be shown the city’s vision for any digital billboards. “We need to engage and show the vision — this is what we’re thinking, this is what we’re not thinking,” she said, urging a community workshop rather than only individual council briefings.

Interim Community Development Director Sean Temple said staff has conducted RFPs and interviews with potential operators and plans to meet with council members individually; he said the next step would be to seek council direction on preferred companies and issue a letter of intent. City Manager Gallegos said staff will schedule workshops and outreach to fill “that gap” so the community can provide input.

The council approved the amendment by roll call (motion carried 5‑0). Staff said the $20,000 would come from the general fund and be reimbursed by the operator as part of the final lease agreement.