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
January 8, 2026
8:00 AM
.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: January 8, 2026 / 8:00 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
SWEARING IN OF NEW COMMISSIONER WILLIAM HEYER
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Heyer, Dar, Nehoray, Vice Chair Nystrom.
Commissioners Absent: Chair Ritterbush.
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 Vice Chair, the agenda was approved as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of Minutes
Consideration of Minutes of the Public Works Commission regular meeting of December 11, 2025.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Nehoray, SECONDED by Commissioner Dar to approve the Consent Calendar item as presented (3-1-0).
AYES: Commissioners Dar, Nehoray, Vice Chair Nystrom.
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Heyer.
NOES: None.
CARRIED
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
January 8, 2026
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Operations Reports from City Departments, Consultants and Outside Agencies None.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
2. WaterSmart Update
Sustainability Program Analyst Trevor Alsop gave an update on WaterSmart, the City’s portal for water use monitoring and for water bill payment. Trevor reviewed the portal’s capabilities since launching in April 2025, including water use tracking, utility bill payment, and the automated alert system for rain notifications and leak detection. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked about the adoption rate of the portal by residents, new features on the portal, and if a phone app version of the portal is in the works.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
PROJECT UPDATES AND STATUS ITEMS
3. Sustainability Report
Sustainability Program Administrator Amanda Grossman gave an update on the City’s sustainability efforts, including the Power on BH program and rebates from partners. The Commission thanked her for her presentation and asked about the specific details of the rebates and whether staff have considered a microgrid backup system.
4. Capital Projects Update
Engineering Services Manager Samer Elayyan gave an update on various capital projects, including the water main replacement project. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked about the AMI project and the Metro purple line extension.
5. Specific Information and Project Updates
Utilities General Manager Robert Welch said he was available for questions.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
6. Chair’s Report
The Commission said that the Public Works department should advertise the hard work they do more.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
7. Director’s Report
Utilities General Manager Robert Welch reminded the Commission about the upcoming ewaste/paper shredding/compost event on January 11.
ADJOURNMENT
Date/Time: January 8, 2026 / 9:07 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
February 12, 2026
8:00 AM
.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: February 12, 2026 / 8:00 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Heyer, Dar, Nehoray, Chair Ritterbush.
Commissioners Absent: Vice Chair Nystrom.
Staff Present: Christine Chung, Vince Damasse, Josette Descalzo, Cole Duffy, Samer Elayyan, Amanda Grossman, 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 January 8, 2026.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Nehoray, SECONDED by Commissioner Heyer to approve the Consent Calendar item as amended. (4-0).
AYES: Commissioners Heyer, Dar, Nehoray, Chair Ritterbush.
NOES: None.
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
February 12, 2026
Operations Reports from City Departments, Consultants and Outside Agencies Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Director Dr. Barry Pressman gave an update on water supply and drought management. He highlighted changes to the state water project allocations, current hydrologic conditions in the Upper Colorado River Basin and the Northern Sierra, and negotiations between the states for allocation of water supplies from the Colorado River. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked about water recycling programs, the importance of snowpacks, agricultural use for water in Northern California, and accountability for responsible water use.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
2. Review of Proposed City Council Priorities for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Utilities General Manager Robert Welch gave an update on the City Council’s strategic priorities for the Public Works department. The Commission asked about the Sunset Boulevard median, the possibility of residents converting the grass in the landscape strips along the public right-of-way into drought resistant plant life, and budget enhancements.
3. Cross-connection and Backflow Program
Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Program Manager Josette Descalzo gave an update on the City’s cross-connection backflow prevention program. He highlighted the program’s importance of protecting the integrity of the City’s drinking water and public health. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked about incident reports, how the City monitors for preventative repairs and replacements of backflow devices, and how the City handles any issues with noncompliance.
4. Quarterly Water Treatment Plant Update (October 2025 – December 2025) Water Resources & Operations Manager Vince Damasse gave an update on the water treatment plant’s operations and performance for the last quarter of the year 2025. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked about increasing output of local water production.
The commission took a break at 9:16 AM.
The commission returned from break at 9:26 AM.
NEW BUSINESS
5. 2024 Water Loss Audit Update
Water Resources & Operations Manager Vince Damasse gave an update on the 2024 water loss audit, which allows the City to analyze real and apparent water losses so staff may identify water saving opportunities and best methods of recovering lost revenues. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked about whether run-off is factored into the water loss audit.
PROJECT UPDATES AND STATUS ITEMS
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
February 12, 2026
6. Sustainability Report
Sustainability Program Administrator Amanda Grossman gave an update on the City’s sustainability efforts, including a recent trip to visit dams and reservoirs along the Colorado River, the City’s Green Business certification program, and the two-day watering notice system. The Commission thanked her for her presentation and asked about how businesses can qualify for the Green Business certificate and for more information about the Clean Power Alliance.
7. Capital Projects Update
Project Manager Christine Chung gave an update on the Metro D Line extension project, with section 1 (ending at Wilshire/La Cienega) expected to open in the first quarter of 2026. The Commission thanked her for her presentation and asked about the schedule for the Beverly Drive station opening and the renderings for the safety kiosk the City will build at the station.
8. Specific Information and Project Updates
Utilities General Manager Robert Welch pointed out that the Water Fund Financial Statement was available in the report.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
9. Chair’s Report
Chair Ritterbush shared highlights from the most recent Mayor’s cabinet meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
10. Director’s Report
Utilities General Manager Robert Welch gave an update on the balloting efforts for the residents of Coldwater Canyon to select a replacement tree and on Metropolitan Water District’s proposed rate increases.
ADJOURNMENT
Date/Time: February 12, 2026 / 10:15 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
March 12, 2026
8:00 AM
.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: March 12, 2026 / 8:00 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Heyer, Dar, Nehoray, Vice Chair Nystrom, Chair Ritterbush.
Commissioners Absent: None.
Staff Present: Colonel James Burnley, Cole Duffy, Samer Elayyan, Amanda Grossman, Jazmine Hadden, 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 February 12, 2026.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Nehoray, SECONDED by Commissioner Dar to approve the Consent Calendar item as amended. (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Heyer, Dar, Nehoray, Vice Chair Nystrom, Chair Ritterbush.
NOES: None.
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
March 12, 2026
Operations Reports from City Departments, Consultants and Outside Agencies Sustainability Program Administrator Amanda Grossman introduced Ryan Gardner, Environmental Planning Director with Rincon Consultants. He gave a presentation on how the City of Beverly Hills is tracking its implementation of the Climate Action & Adaptation Plan. Rincon has developed a website tool named CAP Dash to keep track of the city’s greenhouse emissions and strategic implementations for the City to use. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked if the dashboard tool will be available to the public.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
2. Senate Bill 1383 Compliance Report Update
Solid Waste Manager Colonel Burnley and Sustainability Program Analyst Jazmine Hadden gave an update on the City’s efforts with compliance on Senate Bill (SB) 1383, which is a law designed to reduce the volume of organic waste in landfills by 75% by 2025 and to recover 20% of currently disposed edible food for human consumption. She reviewed the city’s organic recycling program, the results of the annual waste container audits, and the city’s edible food recovery program. She also mentioned that the city is undergoing a compliance evaluation with CalRecycle. The Commission thanked them for their presentation and asked about how the percentages for diversion are measured, how purchasing renewable energy to be in compliance with SB 1383 works, and how the City would handle noncompliant violations.
3. Solid Waste Program Overview
Solid Waste Manager Colonel Burnley gave an overview presentation of the City’s solid waste program. He explained the program’s varying services, including residential solid waste and commercial solid waste, and alley maintenance services. He also explained the program’s diversion targets and the enterprise fund. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked about where the waste is processed and whether mileage would be an issue for electric trash trucks.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
PROJECT UPDATES AND STATUS ITEMS
4. Sustainability Report
Sustainability Program Administrator Amanda Grossman gave an update on the City’s sustainability efforts, including a green business lunch and learn with the Chamber of Commerce and the upcoming Earth Day celebration on April 19 at the Farmer’s Market. She also provided a walkthrough of Calscape’s website, which grants California residents access to knowledge about drought resistant plant species best suited for their homes depending on which part of the state they live in. The Commission thanked her for her presentation and asked if there are student poster contests regarding food waste and if Public Works has purview over private landscaping projects.
The Commission took a break at 9:27 AM.
The Commission returned from break at 9:37 AM.
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
March 12, 2026
5. Capital Projects Update
Project Manager Samer Elayyan gave an update on various capital projects across the city, including the water main replacement project, the sewer repair & rehabilitation project, and the upcoming annual street and alley improvements. The Metro D Line subway extension’s first phase will open on May 8, extending the line to Wilshire/La Cienega. The Commission asked for an update on the AMI project.
6. Specific Information and Project Updates
The Commission did not have any questions on the report.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
7. Chair’s Report
Chair Ritterbush said he would report on the Mayor’s Cabinet meeting next month.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
8. Director’s Report
Utilities General Manager Robert Welch highlighted the upcoming Earth Day Celebration on April 19, the Beverly Hills Art Show on May 16 and 17, and the Public Works Day Celebration on May 17. A liaison meeting with City Council has been scheduled for April 7 at 4pm.
ADJOURNMENT
Date/Time: March 12, 2026 / 9:47AM
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
April 9, 2026
8:00 AM
.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: April 9, 2026 / 8:00 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Heyer, Dar, Nehoray, Vice Chair Nystrom, Chair Ritterbush.
Commissioners Absent: None.
Staff Present: Trevor Alsop, Josette Descalzo, Cole Duffy, Samer Elayyan, Amanda Grossman, 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 March 12, 2026.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Nehoray, SECONDED by Vice Chair Nystrom to approve the Consent Calendar item as amended. (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Heyer, Dar, Nehoray, Vice Chair Nystrom, Chair Ritterbush.
NOES: None.
CARRIED
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
April 9, 2026
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Operations Reports from City Departments, Consultants and Outside Agencies Sustainability Program Administrator Amanda Grossman introduced Brandy Espinola, Network Coordinator for Green Cities California. She gave a presentation on the network’s collective goals and how the network encourages collaboration between cities, local agencies, and state level agencies for improved sustainability. The Commission asked how the organization is funded, how membership is vetted, and who represents the City of Beverly Hills at meetings.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
2. Legislative Update
Management Analyst Audrey Wright and Sustainability Program Analyst Trevor Alsop gave a presentation on state level legislation introduced during the 2025 – 2026 legislative session that relates to Public Works, including AB 2215 (water rights/permits), SB 1313 (PFAS grants/loans), AB 262 (California Individual Assistance Act), and AB 2679 (Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account: Funding Apportionment). They also reviewed legislative priorities at the federal level. The Commission thanked them for their presentation and asked about what the backup funding for federal funding requests are if federal funding falls through, the City’s stance on protecting existing affordable housing, and if any funding sources are starting to feel less dependable than they did a year ago.
NEW BUSINESS
3. Time Schedule Order (TSO) Application for Ballona Creek Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLS)
Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Program Manager Josette Descalzo gave a presentation and requested that the Commission move to request that City Council submit a Time Scheduled Order (TSO) application to extend the compliance deadlines for the Ballona Creek Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDLs) regulations that apply to trash, dry and wet weather bacteria, and metals/toxics. He also reviewed the projected enforcement penalties if the City fails to meet compliance. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked why Los Angeles and Santa Monica do not participate in the program, if there is a cost to submitting the application, and what the City is doing to lower the levels of waste going into Ballona Creek.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Nehoray, SECONDED by Vice Chair Nystrom to Request that City Council submit a TSO to extend compliance deadlines for the Ballona Creek TMDLs. (5-0)
AYES: Commissioners Heyer, Dar, Nehoray, Vice Chair Nystrom, Chair Ritterbush.
NOES: None.
CARRIED
The Commission took a break at 9:17 AM.
The Commission returned from break at 9:27 AM.
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
April 9, 2026
PROJECT UPDATES AND STATUS ITEMS
4. Sustainability Report
Sustainability Program Administrator Amanda Grossman gave an update on the City’s sustainability efforts, including the City’s annual Earth Day celebration at the Farmer’s Market on April 19, the Earth Month proclamation by City Council on March 21, and the upcoming Arbor Day celebration on April 24. The Commission thanked her for her presentation and asked about efforts to educate residents on compost waste and if there are measurable outcomes for residents concerning the City’s membership with the Clean Power Alliance.
5. Capital Projects Update
Project Manager Samer Elayyan gave an update on various capital projects across the city, including the AMI project, the water main replacement project, and the sewer repair & rehabilitation project. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked about the contract related to the AMI project going to City Council for approval on April 21 and the timeline for the project.
6. Specific Information and Project Updates
The Commission asked about the change order presented to City Council on March 4 concerning the La Cienega wells project.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
7. Chair’s Report
Chair Ritterbush said he would report on the Mayor’s Cabinet meeting next month.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
8. Director’s Report
Utilities General Manager Robert Welch highlighted the upcoming Mayor’s Cabinet on April 13, the Earth Day celebration on April 19, Arbor Day on April 24, and the City Council installation on April 14.
ADJOURNMENT
Date/Time: April 9, 2026 / 10:02 AM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
1 In-person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
HEALTH AND HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
Synopsis
Monday, April 27, 2026
4:00 p.m.
OPEN MEETING
4:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Margo led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioner Nisim, Commissioner Margo, Commissioner Batista, Commissioner Rosenthal, Commissioner Felsenthal, and Vice Chair Kraushaar,
Commissioners Absent: Chair Kaiserman
Staff Present: Fire Chief Gregory Barton, Battalion Chief Mark Hein, Human Services Administrator Enisha Clark, EMS Division Chief Sean Stokes, Police Lieutenant Kevin Orth, Utilities General Manager Robert Welch, Environmental Compliance & Sustainability Program Manager Josette Descalzo, Administrative Assistant Roger Askin, Management Assistant Austin Brault, and Commission Secretary Karen Gutierrez
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Members of the public may address the Commission regarding any items not on the agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. By State law, the Commission may not discuss or vote on items not on the agenda.
Gay Abrams provided public comment.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
With the concurrence of the Commission, the Chair may choose to amend the order of the items on the agenda.
Health and Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis April 27, 2026
2 By order of the Chair, the agenda was approved as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of minutes from the Health and Human Relations Commission regular meeting on March 23, 2026.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Nisim, SECONDED by Commissioner Felsenthal to approve the minutes as presented (6-0).
AYES: Commissioner Nisim, Commissioner Margo, Commissioner Batista Commissioner Rosenthal, Commissioner Felsenthal, and Vice Chair Kraushaar
ABSENT: Chair Kaiserman
NOES: None
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES.
• BHPW Environmental Compliance & Sustainability Program Manager Josette Descalzo and Utilities General Manager Robert Welch on the Burton Way Median Green Street Project, completed in February 2024, which converted a 3-block, 3.25-acre turf median into a drought-tolerant landscape saving about 5 million gallons of water annually through native plantings, vegetated bioswales, and a 1-million-gallon stormwater-reuse reservoir.
The project earned four major sustainability awards—including APWA, ASCE, CWEA, and the Green Streets Initiative—and reflects the City’s commitment to long-term water sustainability and strategic green-infrastructure improvements that enhance drought resilience and public space quality.
• BHUSD Board Member Amanda Stern shared a brief district update, highlighting Horace Mann’s weekly Walk to School program, El Rodeo’s Elros Fun Run, the opening of the Manaster Family Instrumental Music Room, and student internships with the Arts & Culture Commission and Recreation & Parks Commission. She noted strong student achievements, including SkillsUSA competitors—two advancing to nationals—Teen CERT completion, the BHHS Probability Fair, and culinary students assisting Chef Giacomino Drago at the Mayor’s installation. Upcoming events include commencement ceremonies May 27–29, the districtwide art show opening May 4, June’s Legally Blonde production, and the reopening of the Beverly Hills High School front lawn. • BHPD Lieutenant Kevin Orth reported that while total offenses rose 16% compared to March 2026, violent offenses dropped 57%, and year-to-date crime is down significantly, with total offenses falling from 337 to 217 and notable declines in violent and property offenses. He also highlighted new staffing and preparations for the incoming Metro station, which will include a dedicated BHPD substation. For emergencies, call 911; for non-emergencies, contact 310-550-4951.
• BHFD Battalion Chief Mark Hein reported on key initiatives, including the upcoming community evacuation drill beginning with a meeting at Greystone on April 27 and a full exercise on May 2 involving about 400 homes. He also highlighted ongoing Metro-related Health and Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis April 27, 2026
3 preparedness, recent high-angle technical rescue training, and announced Fire Service Day on May 9 at Station 1, featuring a live rescue demonstration.
Human Services Administrator Enisha Clark reported ongoing homelessness outreach and regional coordination, noting proactive engagement with businesses near the new Metro D Line station ahead of its May 8 opening. She highlighted Metro-readiness planning to support unhoused individuals and maintain quality-of-life conditions, along with the City’s coordinated, multi-department approach involving Human Services, BHPD, BHFD, BHOT, Ambassadors, Park Rangers, and Public Works. Community members seeking assistance for individuals in need may contact the 24/7 outreach line at 310-285-2468, with more Metro information available at www.beverlyhills.org/metroready.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
• None
NEW BUSINESS
2. Insects and Vectors Abatement and Prevention Tips
LA County West Vector Control District Executive Director Aaron Arugay provided a brief update on vector control, noting that mosquitoes remain the primary regional concern and urging residents to eliminate standing water to prevent breeding. The District continues surveillance, public education, and targeted treatments for mosquito-borne disease prevention while also monitoring other vectors such as ticks, flies, and rats. Beverly Hills residents may request inspections or report issues by calling 310-915-7370, and additional educational materials are available through the District’s website.
PROJECT UPDATES
• None
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
• Chair’s Report –
- None
• Commissioner Items –
- None
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
• Director’s Report –
- Just in Case BH Community Preparedness Fair – June 7 at Roxbury Park, 12–3 p.m.
- National Night Out – First week of August
- BH Reads – Late August
- Social Media Day – September 4
Health and Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis April 27, 2026
4 - Just in Case BH Preparedness Fair – September 6 at the Farmers’ Market, 8 a.m.– 1 p.m.
- 9/11 Memorial Event – Evening ceremony
- Civility Month in October, including the Embrace Civility Award - Holiday Toy Drive – December
• Health and Human Relations Related Supplemental Information:
1. Beverly Hills Police Department Metrics (February and March 2026; April 1-19, 2026)
2. Distracted Driving Awareness Month – Beverly Hills Police Department Media Release
3. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Newsletter April 2026
4. Coping with Disasters - JUST IN CASE BH Mental Health Tool Kit
5. Beverly Hills Fire Department Human Services Division Drop-In Consultations Now Available
6. Beverly Hills Fire Department Human Services Contact Card
7. Jewish Family Service LA – Case Management Program & Neighborhood Centers
8. Bet Tzedek Legal Clinic
9. Beverly Hills is Metro Ready!
10.City of Beverly Hills, Emergency Evacuation Assistance Registry
11.Stress Awareness Month
12.Beverly Hills Fire Service Day 2026 Event Flier
13.Beverly Hills Evacuation Drill Information
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: April 27, 2026 / 5:43 p.m.