Council rescinds March pickleball fee action and orders cost-recovery study before any changes

The Hermosa Beach City Council unanimously rescinded its March 24 action on pickleball reservation and membership fees April 14 and directed staff to conduct a cost-recovery and market analysis before any fee adjustments are adopted.

Staff characterized the earlier March motion as direction to staff rather than a formal fee adoption because it lacked a supporting resolution and cost-recovery documentation; in response to formal cure-and-correct requests, staff recommended a "cure and correct" approach: rescind the prior action, then return with properly noticed recommendations. Council approved rescission (roll-call vote 5-0) and instructed staff to return with a study, ideally before courts open. Council discussed timing: staff estimated the pickleball courts would likely open in June; staff suggested returning to Council with analysis in mid-May or at the next feasible meeting cycle and that any fee changes would follow required noticing and potential second readings.

Several public commenters urged clarity on cost recovery and duration to recoup capital costs; others emphasized access for regular players and the community benefits of affordable recreation. Councilmember proposals for Parks & Recreation Commission involvement to vet results were debated; the motion to route the study through Parks & Rec prior to council consideration failed 3-2, but Council nonetheless asked staff to present the research and recommendations promptly and to consider timing relative to court openings.

Next steps: staff will prepare a cost-recovery analysis and market comparison, coordinate with Parks & Rec as directed, and return with recommended fee options and implementation timing. Until Council adopts a change, current fee levels and membership rules remain in effect.