PALOS, VERDES
Op
ESTATES
INCORPORATED 1939
CALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 12, 2022
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CALIFORNIA
A Teleconference meeting of the Palos Verdes Estates City Council was held via Zoom videoconference only in order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and pursuant to AB 361 and the County of Los Angeles Public Health Officer's recommended measures to promote social distancing. Members of the public were provided with the following information to provide public input:
BY COMPUTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83626055116
Zoom Meeting ID: 836 2605 5116
BY TELEPHONE: 1 669 900 9128, Enter Code: 836 2605 5116# CALL TO ORDER - 6:31 pm
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lozzi.
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members Murdock, Kemps, McGowan, Mayor Pro Tem Roos, Mayor Lozzi
Also Present: Interim City Manager Papa, City Attorney Cotti, City Support Services Director Hannah, Interim Public Works Director Chankin, Chief of Police Best, Community Development Director Rindge, and City Clerk Chaney
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Murdock, and seconded by Council Member McGowan to approve the Agenda as presented. The motion unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Murdock, Roos, McGowan, Lozzi, Kemps
NOES: None.
PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS
Acknowledgment of Sergeant Aaron Belda for receiving Life Saving Award Presented by Chief Best
Chief Best presented the South Bay Police and Fire Memorial Foundation Life Saving Award to Sergeant Aaron Belda for his life-saving actions in January of 2019. Sergeant Belda provided his comments and thanked Chief Best for the honor of the award.
Councilmembers Kemps, McGowan, Murdock, Mayor Pro Tem Roos and Mayor Lozzi all provided their comments and congratulated Sergeant Belda for his award.
MAYOR'S REPORT - MATTERS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
Mayor Lozzi highlighted the Holiday Parade on December 18 and thanked the Police Officer's Association and staff that assisted with the parade. Mayor Lozzi acknowledged the 100th birthday of resident John Ohanian, and recognized fallen Los Angeles County
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Firefighter Jonathan Flagler, who lost his life in the line of duty on January 6, 2022 at a house fire in Rancho Palos Verdes.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Interim City Manager Papa noted that City Hall was open by appointment only through January due to Covid. She noted that communication from Athens will be sent to residents regarding the new regulation that requires food waste to be deposited into the green waste bin.
Lastly, she stated that the new Code Enforcement Officer would be starting Monday, noting that KaShauna Pickens has more than 15 years' experience in the South Bay.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
The following individuals addressed the City Council: Desiree Myers, John Credell CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 2-8)
Councilmember Murdock asked a question regarding Parklands Committee actions Item PC-558-21 and whether or not there is a deadline or timeline attached to replacement of trees. City Attorney John Cotti stated that there is no timeline defined in the municipal code.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Kemps, and seconded by Council Member McGowan to approve the following Consent Calendar Items. The motion unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Murdock, Roos, McGowan, Lozzi, Kemps
NOES: None.
2. CITY COUNCIL ACTION MINUTES
a) Minutes of December 13, 2021 Special Meeting
b) Minutes of December 14, 2021 Regular Meeting
c) Minutes of December 22, 2021 Special Meeting
d) Minutes of December 30, 2021 Special Meeting
Reviewed and Approved.
3. APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS
Reviewed and Approved Warrant Registers) of December 28, 2021 and January 12, 2022
4. REAFFIRMING THE FINDINGS TO HOLD VIRTUAL CITY COUNCIL,
COMMISSION, COMMITTEE, BOARD AND OTHER CITY BODIES,
MEETINGS UNDER AB 361
City Council reaffirmed the findings set forth in Resolution No. R21-38 to continue to hold virtual meetings pursuant to AB 361.
ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS
Accepted the donations as presented and thanked the donors for their PLANNING COMMISSION ACTIONS OF DECEMBER 21, 2021
Received and filed.
PARKLANDS COMMITTEE ACTIONS OF NOVEMBER 18, 2021
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Reviewed and Approved.
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 8, 2021
Received and Filed.
PUBLIC HEARING(S)/ORDINANCES
None.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
REVIEW JOB DESCRIPTION AND SALARY ANALYSIS FOR THE FINANCE
MANAGER POSITION, AUTHORIZE STAFF TO RECRUIT FOR THE
POSITION, AND AUTHORIZE THE USE OF A RECRUITING FIRM TO CONDUCT THE SEARCH.
City Support Services Director Hannah presented. He stated the current position is listed as a senior accountant, noting that the position was downgraded from a finance manager position during the FY2017/18 budget process and since that time this is the eighth recruitment for that position, two of which were successful and that neither of the hired individuals stayed with the City for more than 11 months. He stated the position is currently still vacant, and it places a lot of stress on the department as a whole.
Director Hannah noted additional research was performed to identify municipalities with either regional or operations similarities to Palos Verdes Estates to better align the salary and comparative data and job descriptions with what was provided previously.
He stated that staff believes that reinstating the senior accounting position to a finance manager will expand the competencies and skill set of the department which is more important now than it was when the position was eliminated, due to the department taking on additional roles. He noted that an effective recruitment of the position would allow focus on projects that have been moving slowly but need to be acted on.
Out of 15 cities, the average salary was $115,000, with staff recommending a midpoint of around $118,000 for the finance manager position with a total annual compensation of $154,940. He also noted the recommendation for use of an outside recruiting firm for this position. For additional reference, the senior accountant information was included.
In conclusion, Director Hannah reiterated the staff request of City Council to reinstate the senior accountant position to a finance manager, set a reasonable salary range, which he believes should be between 8,350 and 11,320, authorize a car allowance for that position and authorize use of a recruiting firm to identify candidates for the position.
Councilmember Kemps asked Director Hannah about the justification for the car allowance. Director Hannah stated that the position would need to do some driving but that it's more of a competitive piece of being able to attract someone to the position.
Councilmember Kemps expressed his opposition to the car allowance and asked for justification as well as budget impact. He believed there needs to be an overall plan, rather than seeking approval for positions on a one-on-one basis.
Director Hannah stated that the position would need to do some driving, but that it was more about making the position more attractive to applicants. He advised the budget impact was between $35,000-$40,000 annually at the mid-range; and noted that does not include things that are harder to quantify such as the percentage of UAL.
In response to Councilmember Murdock's question about the car allowance being included, Director Hannah replied that it does not, since the position does not currently include it.
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Councilmember Murdock expressed her concern that the position in Laguna Beach should not be in the comparison based on the position. Director Hannah explained it was included based on geographic similarities.
Councilmember Murdock asked clarifying questions about the job description and duties and whether or not the finance manager position is reflective of the work that needs to be done. Director Hannah noted that some of the concerns regarding the duties would be addressed in the hiring process.
Mayor Pro Tem Roos asked clarifying questions regarding the duties and title. Director Hannah provided clarification noting the need for succession planning for the City as well. Mayor Pro Tem Roos asked for clarification about the duties for the position as they relate to the Director role and distribution of duties. Director Hannah noted the desire to have someone who can handle both the technical skills but also contribute on a managerial level.
Mayor Lozzi asked Treasurer Greenberg to provide her comments. Treasurer Greenberg expressed her appreciation for the thoroughness of the report. She noted that she agreed that succession planning is critical and that looking at the entire organization is a good idea.
Councilmember McGowan supported the staff report and finance manager position. He is in favor of filling the position but recommended tabling a decision until the new City Manager is able to weigh in. He noted he would suggest bringing in temporary staff if ACTION: Moved by Council Member McGowan, and seconded by Council Member Kemps, to continue this item. The motion unanimously carried by the following roll call AYES: Murdock, Roos, McGowan, Lozzi, Kemps
NOES: None.
10. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR CITY MANAGER SERVICES
Recommendation: Appoint Mark Prestwich to the position of City Manager; approve the employment agreement dated January 12, 2022; and authorize Mayor Lozzi to execute the agreement on behalf of the City Council.
City Attorney John Cotti provided the report noting the updated start date of February 22, 2022.
Desiree Myers addressed the City Council.
City Attorney Cotti noted he will be making corrections to the Agreement.
Councilmember Kemps commented that this process was more efficient than in the past. He welcomed the new City Manager and thanked the recruiter Heather Renschler.
Councilmember Murdock said she is looking forward to Mark joining the City and provided her appreciation for all the hard work that Sharon has done.
Councilmember McGowan noted that Mark is extremely impressive and highly qualified.
Mayor Pro Tem Roos said he was pleased with the process and thanked the recruiter.
He stated that Mark is an unbelievably qualified candidate with experience in cities, very similar to Palos Verdes Estates and felt confident that the residents are going to relate very well to him.
Mayor Lozzi said she is looking forward to working with Mr. Prestwich and introducing him to the Community.
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ACTION: Moved by Council Member McGowan, and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Roos to approve the agreement for City Manager services. The motion unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Murdock, Roos, McGowan, Lozzi, Kemps
NOES: None.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS/ FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Lozzi asked the Council to use this time to not only discuss future agenda items but also recap the Councilmembers activities.
Councilmember McGowan - noted that during the holidays there were a number of various functions in the community. He noted the desire for peninsula communities to work together and the high spirit of cooperation. He provided an update on the sewer spill, he serves on the sanitation district board - which is actively remedying the situation and stated he will receive and provide updates based on the situation. He requested a future agenda item for long-range financial plan follow up and include a discussion regarding the agreement with concessions for payment of property insurance coverage.
City Attorney Cotti noted while this was not a current agenda item, the City is keenly aware of this issue and working with Director Hannah, and that there was no need for Council to place this on an Agenda at this time.
Councilmember Kemps - Cited the prior presentation by Palos Verdes Estates Foundation relative to third party work they wanted to do in analyzing City Hall. He noted there was some confusion and requested that the City Council hear the item in the He mentioned that the council has been receiving emails and comments regarding discussion around ballot initiative for local control issues, and requested a future agenda item for conversation and direction. He noted his vacation to South Africa, and thanked everyone for comments of appreciation regarding his mayoral efforts.
Councilmember Murdock stated she spent the break with family and also spent time talking to residents on various topics. She noted in her Athens bill there was information regarding the organics waste, so advised residents to take a look at the information.
She asked the next workshop regarding the tree management policy review be scheduled. She requested a future agenda item for an updated tree bank fee, noting the Council is waiting on the full fee schedule update. She would also like a future agenda item to discuss reinstating the revenue ad hoc committee.
Mayor Pro Tem Roos noted the concessions he is involved with and the South Bay council of Governments were quiet since December. He had a lovely holiday with family, took his kids to Santa Monica and was happy to return home to Palos Verdes Mayor Lozzi confirmed that Council was in agreement that all items need to be added to future agendas, which were: the long range financial plan follow-up, the Palos Verdes Estates Foundation correspondence on City Hall, the proposed ballot initiative, the tree management policy follow-up, updated tree bank fees, and the revenue ad hoc committee.
Mayor Pro Tem Roos asked for clarification regarding the Palos Verdes Estates Foundation item. Councilmember Kemps noted that the Foundation has made requests for staff time and noted the need for an agenda item to discuss their request and decide whether to authorize or not authorize their request.
Mayor Lozzi would like Council to consider a fire safety ad hoc committee in the future.
Councilmember McGowan noted the need for open space management.
Mayor Lozzi clarified that she was referring to the fire contract for services with County.
Mayor Lozzi noted she attended the Traffic Safety Committee meeting and requested a future agenda item for an update on the Via Corta project. She also noted the need for
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a possible joint meeting with Traffic Safety Committee, and possible consideration of an ad hoc for the Via Corta project.
Councilmember Murdock asked about having the Committee meeting minutes on future Council Agendas. Mayor Lozzi stated that all minutes should be on the council agenda.
She also asked that the December 7t workshop minutes be added to the next Agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. to Tuesday, January 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Kylynn Chaney, City Clerk
APPROVED:
Victoria A. Lozzi, Mayor
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