CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
October 9, 2025
8:00 AM
.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: October 9, 2025 / 8:00 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Dar, Nystrom, Millan, Vice Chair Ritterbush, Chair Nehoray.
Commissioners Absent: None.
Staff Present: Trevor Alsop, Josette Descalzo, Cole Duffy, Samer Elayyan, Amanda Grossman, Michael Hensley, Robert Sahagun, Robert Welch.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Public Speaker: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By Order of the Chair, the agenda was approved as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of Minutes
Consideration of Minutes of the Public Works Commission regular meeting of September 11, 2025.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Millan, SECONDED by Commissioner Nystrom to approve the Consent Calendar item as presented (5/0).
AYES: Commissioners Dar, Nystrom, Millan, Vice Chair Ritterbush, Chair Nehoray.
NOES: None.
CARRIED
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 9, 2025
2. Consideration of Revised Minutes
Consideration of the revised Minutes of the Public Works Commission special meeting of July 17, 2025.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Millan, SECONDED by Commissioner Nystrom to approve the Consent Calendar item as presented (5/0).
AYES: Commissioners Dar, Nystrom, Millan, Vice Chair Ritterbush, Chair Nehoray.
NOES: None.
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Operations Reports from City Departments, Consultants and Outside Agencies Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Director Dr. Barry Pressman gave an update on the negotiations over the water of the Colorado River ahead of the 2026 deadline. The Commission asked about the dead zone levels for Lake Mead and Lake Powell, how Mexico’s share of the water relates to the negotiations, and impending likely decreases in the amount of water being supplied to California by MWD.
Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton gave a presentation on the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps, which were released in March 2025 and now includes homes south of Sunset Boulevard, which comes with new restrictions and obligations on the homeowners. The Beverly Hills Fire Department is meeting with homeowners to discuss the new maps and what actions homeowners in the new zones must take. The Commission asked about what is required of the homeowners, vegetation clearance, how the new maps affect insurance policies, and exterior home sprinklers.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
3. Street Services Bureau Update
Street Services Manager Robert Sahagun gave an update on the operations of the Street Services Bureau, including the completion of the citywide sidewalk condition survey and the scope of the remaining work for sidewalk repairs. The Commission asked about the permitted work hours for sidewalk grinding, whether horizontal saw cutting and grinding repairs are temporary fixes or long-term repairs, and how trees factor into sidewalk repairs.
The Commission took a break at 9:16 AM.
The Commission returned from break at 9:26 AM.
4. Non-Functional Turf Regulations (AB 1572)
Sustainability Program Manager Amanda Grossman gave a presentation on AB 1572, which prohibits potable water use for non-functional turf and commercial/industrial/institutional properties. She reviewed the timeline for compliance, which begins with drafting a local ordinance and will run through 2029. The Commission asked about whether other cities have installed their own ordinances for AB 1572 compliance, whether artificial turf is an option for replacement, what implementation/enforcement for the ordinance would look like, and if succulents are considered turf.
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 9, 2025
NEW BUSINESS
None.
PROJECT UPDATES AND STATUS ITEMS
5. Sustainability Report
Sustainability Program Manager Amanda Grossman gave an update on the City’s sustainability efforts, including 2-day water scheduling reminders, reminders to turn off irrigation when rain falls in the City, the hazardous household waste roundup held on September 27th, and tags on City wastebins to make sure organic items end up in the green bins. The Commission asked about sending out alerts in multiple languages, whether residents have given feedback on the route reviews for wastebins, how to persuade residents to follow watering restrictions, and whether rebates are available to encourage residents to upgrade their irrigation systems to more water efficient options.
6. Capital Projects Update
Engineering Services Manager Samer Elayyan gave an update on the Coldwater Canyon rehabilitation project (which is on track to be completed by the end of October or early November) and the sewer main rehabilitation project (the sewer lines are currently undergoing video inspection). The Commission asked about the opening date for the La Cienega/Wilshire Metro station, who is reviewing the footage of the sewer mains, whether any unexpected issues have emerged from the sewer main video inspections, and when the AMIs will be installed.
7. Specific Information and Project Updates
Utilities General Manager Robert Welch noted the Commission’s request to highlight upcoming projects. He also noted that the City Council approved the street tree master plan for S. Santa Monica Blvd. on September 16.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
8. Chair’s Report
Chair Nehoray noted that the Mayor’s Cabinet meeting will take place on Monday, October
13. COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
9. Director’s Report
Utilities General Manager Robert Welch noted that the annual art show will be held on October 18th and 19. He encouraged residents to review the Fire Department’s community wildfire protection plan and provide feedback on the plan.
ADJOURNMENT
Date/Time: October 9, 2025 / 10:36 AM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
November 13, 2025
8:00 AM
.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: November 13, 2025 / 8:00 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Dar, Nystrom, Millan, Vice Chair Ritterbush, Chair Nehoray.
Commissioners Absent: None.
Staff Present: Trevor Alsop, James Burnley, Cole Duffy, Samer Elayyan, Amanda Grossman, Jazmine Hadden, Michael Hensley, Robert Welch.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Public Speaker: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By Order of the Chair, the agenda was approved as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of Minutes
Consideration of Minutes of the Public Works Commission regular meeting of October 9, 2025.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Millan, SECONDED by Commissioner Nystrom to approve the Consent Calendar item as presented (5/0).
AYES: Commissioners Dar, Nystrom, Millan, Vice Chair Ritterbush, Chair Nehoray.
NOES: None.
CARRIED
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 13, 2025
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Operations Reports from City Departments, Consultants and Outside Agencies Sustainability Program Analyst Jazmine Hadden introduced Zabble Inc. founder and CEO Nik Balachandran. He gave a presentation on Zabble’s AI-powered waste management techniques, including zero waste campaign empowerment and finance analysis. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked about whether the AI waste analysis technology has been implemented into waste collection trucks, how to incentivize residents who use shared alley collection bins into properly sorting their waste, and if trucks could be scanned to analyze the contents of the trash they collect.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
2. Water Conservation Program Update
Sustainability Program Analyst Trevor Alsop gave an update on the City’s water conservation program, including calculations of the urban water use objective to meet the City’s water budget and WaterSmart outreach. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked how the City is dealing with repeat over-waterers who do not respond to communication, if the City is notifying customers to turn off their sprinklers ahead of rainstorms, and if the water budget takes pools into account. The Commission also expressed interest in hiring a staff member to go door-to-door to educate residents about reducing their water usage.
The Commission took a break at 9:23 AM.
The Commission returned from break at 9:34 AM.
3. Quarterly Water Treatment Plant Update (July 2025 – September 2025) Water Resources Engineer Pei-Shin Wu gave an update on the water treatment plant’s performance and output over the last quarter. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked about filtering recovered water, the progress on adding additional wells to the City’s water system, the chemical composition of the groundwater being pumped into the water treatment plant, and if the City is mandated by the state to use groundwater for its water treatment plant.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
PROJECT UPDATES AND STATUS ITEMS
4. Sustainability Report
Sustainability Program Administrator gave an update on the City’s sustainability efforts, including the Green Business Program, the upcoming compost giveaway on January 11, and planned solar panel installations at the Roxbury Park Community Center. The Sustainability team also received the Beacon Spotlight award from the Institute for Local Government for best practices, which was recognized by City Council on November 12. The Commission thanked her for her presentation and asked about the waste container audits, the cost of replacing waste collection trucks, how the City would deal with repeat offenders who do not separate their waste properly, and how communication with those repeat offenders could be improved.
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 13, 2025
5. Capital Projects Update
Engineering Services Manager Samer Elayyan gave an update on various capital projects, including the Coldwater Canyon rehabilitation project, the water main replacement project, and the Wilshire repaving project. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked about the status of the Southern California Edison project and the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) project.
6. Specific Information and Project Updates
Utilities General Manager Robert Welch highlighted that the year-end Water Fund Financial Statement was included in the report. The Commission asked if a pro form financial statement is publicly available for fiscal year 2026.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
7. Chair’s Report
Chair Nehoray gave an update on the last Mayor’s Cabinet meeting held on November 10.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
8. Director’s Report
Utilities General Manager Robert Welch reminded the Commission that the City’s holiday lighting ceremony will be held on the evening of November 13 after sunset. He also asked the Commission to review planned meeting dates for 2026 and provide feedback at the next meeting if there are any scheduling conflicts.
ADJOURNMENT
Date/Time: November 13, 2025 / 10:31 AM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
December 11, 2025
8:00 AM
.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: December 11, 2025 / 8:00 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Dar, Nystrom, Millan, Vice Chair Ritterbush, Chair Nehoray.
Commissioners Absent: None.
Staff Present: Josette Descalzo, Cole Duffy, Samer Elayyan, Melissa Gomez, Amanda Grossman, Jazmine Hadden, Michael Hensley, Robert Welch, Audrey Wright.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Public Speaker: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By Order of the Chair, the agenda was approved as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of Minutes
Consideration of Minutes of the Public Works Commission regular meeting of November 13, 2025.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Millan, SECONDED by Commissioner Nystrom to approve the Consent Calendar item as presented (5/0).
AYES: Commissioners Dar, Nystrom, Millan, Vice Chair Ritterbush, Chair Nehoray.
NOES: None.
CARRIED
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
December 11, 2025
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Operations Reports from City Departments, Consultants and Outside Agencies Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Director Dr. Barry Pressman gave an update on precipitation levels and reservoir levels following the November atmospheric rivers. He noted there is an ongoing golden mussel infestation in the state water project, and that he will keep the Commission updated on eradication efforts. Negotiations continue for distribution of water from the Colorado River. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked about algae bloom issues, long-term decision making, and plans for the California Delta after Governor Newsom leaves office.
City of Beverly Hills Transportation Planner Jessie Holzer Carpenter gave a presentation on the city’s Safe System Approach plan to prevent serious injuries and deaths on the City’s roadways.
The Commission thanked her for her presentation and asked about the City’s efforts to close slip lanes where possible and add raised crosswalks where the slip lanes can’t be closed and about the number of collisions in the City.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
2. Legislative Update
Senior Management Analyst Melissa Gomez and Management Analyst Audrey Wright gave an update on state and federal legislation as it concerns Public Works, including AB 523 (alternative representatives for MWD), AB 961 (California Land Reuse and Revitalization Act of 2004), and AB 39 (Local Electrification Planning Act). The Commission thanked them for their presentation and asked about the process of watching bills as they’re introduced in the state legislature.
3. Citywide Approaches to Shallow Groundwater
Environmental Compliance & Sustainability Program Manager Josette Descalzo gave an update on the City’s approach to maximizing beneficial shallow groundwater use, including the dewatering ordinance and the system in place for it. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked about the cost of a basic dewatering system, whether dewatered properties replenish their water supply, and how the ordinance would be enforced with residents and businesses who do not report they have groundwater that needs to be dewatered or used beneficially.
The Commission took a break at 9:37 AM.
The Commission returned from break at 9:47 AM.
4. Proposed Six-Month Commission Agenda
Utilities General Manager Robert Welch presented a list of proposed agenda items for the Public Works Commission to discuss from January 2026 through June 2026, noting that items may change meeting dates as needed. The Commission asked about adding a discussion on cybersecurity and how it relates to water operations and Public Works.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
PROJECT UPDATES AND STATUS ITEMS
5. Sustainability Report
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
December 11, 2025
Sustainability Program Administrator Amanda Grossman gave an update on the City’s sustainability efforts, including the water collection in the Burton Way stormwater project during the November rains, the teen advisory committee, and a paper shredding & compost giveaway happening on January 11, 2026. The Commission thanked her for her presentation and asked if invasive species affect the City’s reservoirs.
6. Capital Projects Update
Engineering Services Manager Samer Elayyan gave an update on various capital projects, including the Coldwater Canyon rehabilitation project, the sewer relining project, and the reservoir management system (RMS) project. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked about the status of the Metro D line extension opening date.
7. Specific Information and Project Updates
Utilities General Manager Robert Welch asked for questions. The Commission asked about resurrecting the proposal for a traffic circle at the six-way intersection.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
8. Chair’s Report
Commissioner Millan gave an update on the Mayor’s Cabinet meeting on December 8 and reflected on the end of his term as Commissioner. The other Commissioners reflected on their time with him on the Commission and thanked him for his service. Staff thanked him for his service and presented him with a gift.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
9. Director’s Report
Utilities General Manager Robert Welch reminded the Commission that the City’s holiday lighting ceremony will be held on the evening of November 13 after sunset. He also asked the Commission to review planned meeting dates for 2026 and provide feedback at the next meeting if there are any scheduling conflicts.
ADJOURNMENT
Date/Time: December 11, 2025 / 10:35 AM