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MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 25, 2022
SPECIAL MEETING OF
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALOS VERDES ESTATES
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/86820215245
MEETING ID: 868 2021 5245
BY TELEPHONE: 1 669 900 9128, Enter Code: 868 2021 5245# CALL TO ORDER 5:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members Murdock, Kemps, McGowan, Mayor Pro Tern Roos, Mayor Lozzi
Also Present: Interim City Manager Papa, City Attorney Cotti, Chief of Police Best, and City Clerk Chaney
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
OLD BUSINESS
1. UPDATE ON THE CITY'S COYOTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Chief Best presented his report as a follow-up to the November 2021 meeting. He reported since September of 2021, there were no reported incidents of pets being killed or injured.
He reported that the cost estimate of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) study which would be required if the City desired to trap coyotes for population control was approximately $30,000. He noted the study does not provide a recommendation but only looks at the impacts of removing or trapping and euthanizing coyotes. He also reviewed the brush clearance, noting that the County's new regulations will reduce the coyotes preferred resting or hiding spots. Chief Best also provided information on opportunities to enhance coyote efforts based on the management plan. Palos Verdes Estates is not eligible for use of the County's trapping services, and would have to hire a private vendor for this service.
The other options include public outreach and a game camera loaner program. Chief Best requested that the City Council direct staff to prepare a budget for a contract through FY21/22 with a private trapper to be included in the mid-year budget review discussion and provide staff direction for any additional information.
Councilmember McGowan asked for clarification about hiring a private trapper and under what conditions would a CEQA study be required. Chief Best clarified that the City's current coyote management plan and response plan already allows for targeted trapping, but if the city is interested in trapping to reduce population, then a CEQA study would be in order.
Councilmember Murdock about who would be assessing whether or not trapping is warranted if an incident is reported. Chief Best stated that under the current management plan, the City would still rely on the Department of Agriculture to conduct the assessment.
If trapping was warranted, then the private trapper would trap for a 10-day period.
Mayor Pro Tern Roos asked why Palos Verdes Estates was no longer eligible for services through Los Angeles County. Chief Best explained the history of the City not contracting with the County for this service, and a misunderstanding between the City and Department of Agriculture regarding the services that were being provided.
The following individuals addressed the City Council: Lisa Turek, Michelle Lute, Nathan Lee, Rebecca Dimitrick, Nancy Gillespe, Randal Massaro, Randi Feilich, Kristin Pekarek, Cara Wilson, Sheila O'Neill, Don Lipmanson, Katie McDonald, and Jimmy Rizzo.
Councilmember Kemps said that there is an ongoing trash issue that needs to be addressed, so that trash not overflowing and is secure and locked. Mayor Pro Tern Roos stated that if the County is not providing service then the City needs to hire someone to do it. He is not an advocate for reducing coyote populations, but believes in the current policy which supports removing animals that have been habituated. Councilmember Murdock stated she does not support trapping animals that have been habituated. She thinks that the City should focus on education and communication to the residents. Mayor Pro Tern Roos said he does support an education campaign and locking and emptying trash cans but does not believe that will be effective for habituated coyotes.
Councilmember McGowan stated that trash management is the number one priority and supports education and private trapping as needed in specific situations. He also noted that he believes deferred maintenance and overgrowth is an issue which needs to be addressed to minimize the habitat for these animals. Mayor Lozzi said she agrees with the suggestions but would also add that attention needs to be paid to the areas where there are concentrations of activity.
There was discussion among the Council and clarification from Chief Best about council support and the need of a private trapper and the current gap in the police department's ability to respond to coyote situations where trapping may be warranted. Councilmember Kemps expressed his concern about whether or not the City would be able to identify a specific coyote after a reported incident.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember McGowan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Roos to authorize the hiring of trapping services in compliance with the current management plan in place. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYE: McGowan, Roos, Lozzi
NO: Murdock, Kemps
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 6:23 p.m.
ResRectfully submitted:
APPROVED:
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