PALOS, VERDES
ESTATES
1000 сл
INCORPORATED 1939
CALIFORNIA
MINUTES
OF THE JULY 11, 2023
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CALIFORNIA
CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:34 pm PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tem Murdock led the pledge of allegiance
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Lozzi, Council Member Kemps, Council Member McGowan, Mayor Pro Tem Murdock
Absent: Mayor Roos
Also Present: City Attorney Rusin, City Manager Jeng, Public Works Director Seims, City Treasurer Goldberg, Interim Police Chief Hellinga, and Community Development Director Brady, Interim Finance Director Balos, and Interim City Clerk Cowley
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Lozzi, and seconded by Council Member Kemps, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion unanimously carried by the following vote:
AYES: Lozzi, Kemps, McGowan and Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Roos
MAYOR'S REPORT - MATTERS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
Mayor Pro Tem Murdock announced that since summer is often hard on youth due to lack of social contact and school structure, she joined representatives from the Peninsula Cities, the School Board, and student representatives and filmed a public service announcement highlighting mental health resources that are available to youth in our That information can be found on Palos Verdes High School's home page for anyone in need this summer.
She also attended the Peninsula Area Realtors on behalf of Mayor Roos and shared with them what makes Palos Verdes Estates special and why their clients should consider buying here.
On Sunday she attended the Lunada Bay Homeowners Association Symphonic Winds concert that was held at Palos Verdes High School. The next concert will be Sunday, July 23, 2023, at Lunada Bay Park. The Malaga Cove Concerts in the Park will begin Wednesday, July 12th outside the Malaga Cove Library.
Mayor Pro Tem Murdock also announced the Safety Element has been posted and is open for public comment through August 26th. To view the document, visit the City's website on the home page under the News Section. She advised that city staff, the ad hoc committee, and the consultant are completing the latest draft to the Housing Element which will be open to public comment in late July or early August. There will be a 30-day public comment period. After that, edits will be made, and it will be submitted to HCD for its 60-day review with an expectation of a hearing before the Council In November.
Mayor Pro Tem Murdock extended a warm welcome to the new City Manager Elaine Jeng who Joined the City on July 10m. She added there will be a reception for residents to meet Elaine after the City Council meeting.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Ms. Jeng thanked the Mayor and City Council and expressed her gratitude and happiness to be with the City of Palos Verdes Estates. She stated she was the City Manager for the City of Rolling Hills for five years and before that she was the Public Works Director for the City of El Monte. She lives in the south bay; she has two girls and most of her time is spent with them when she is not at work. She really enjoys her work, and she enjoys helping people out. She is happy to serve this community and she hopes she can do the community well.
Acting Chief Hellinga announced that the Police Department will be hosting a bicycle safety Course on Saturday, July 29th. The class will focus on riders 10 years old and up.
There will be classroom style presentations by officers held here in the Council Chambers tollowed by a passive course application that will be held in the parking deck which is Verdes Estates Neighborhood Watch. The event is for residents only and limited to the first twenty-five individuals who sign up. An email blast will be sent out tomorrow with the sign-up link and posted to the City's social media accounts.
He also shared that tomorrow will be Community services Officer Merlin David's last day.
Merlin has graced the city with his energy, and he has been a great asset to the city.
CEREMONIAL/PRESENTATIONS
None.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
The following individuals addressed the City Council:
Karen Logan regarding PVE Neighborhood Watch
Renee Jaco, Executive Director of the PVE Foundation
Steve Friedrich welcomed the Elaine Jeng
Joan Davidson regarding housing bills
Laura Guglielmo welcomed Elaine Jeng
Robert Amos
Jim Rossi
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 1-4)
Council Member Kemps noted a correction to the dates of the Malaga Cove Concerts in the Park.
Virginia Butler addressed the City Council thanking the Council's support of the Concerts in the Park.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Kemps, and seconded by Council Member McGowan, to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1 through 4. The motion Unanimously carried by the following vote:
AYES: Lozzi, Kemps, McGowan, Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Roos
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2
REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 11, 2023
CITY COUNCIL ACTION MINUTES
a) Special Joint Meeting Minutes of May 10, 2023
b) Special Closed Session Minutes of June 27, 2023
c) Special Closed Session Minutes of June 30, 2023
Recommendation: Review and Approve.
2. WARRANTS
Recommendation: Review and Approve Warrant Register of June 27, 2023.
3. Law Enforcement Services Special Tax Oversight Committee a) Annual Meeting of June 26, 2023
Recommendation: Receive and file.
4. SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION FOR THE MALAGA COVE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL "MALAGA COVE CONCERTS IN THE PARK" ON JULY 12TH, JULY 23RD, AUGUST 2ND, AUGUST 9TH AND AUGUST 16TH, 2023 AT FARNHAM MARTIN PARK.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve a Special Event Application for the 2023 "Malaga Cove Concerts in the Park" at Farnham Martin Park on July 12th, July 19th, July 23rd, August 2nd, August 9th, and August 16t, 2023 and waive the application fee of $167.
OLD BUSINESS
5. CONSIDERATION OF PARKING RESTRICTIONS AND SIGNAGE IN AREAS
NEAR LA VENTA INN AND PROVIDE DIRECTION TO THE INTERIM CITY
MANAGER
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. R23-23 Establishing Parking Restrictions on Via Del Monte, Gatos Place, Via Somonte, and Via Conejo.
Public Works Director Seims provided a brief staff report indicating a resolution for the adoption of the parking restrictions, parking permits and no parking zones on Via Del Monte, Gatos Place, Via Somonte and Via Conejo which were discussed at the last City Council meeting.
Council Member Kemps addressed the issue and asked that, in addition to these restrictions, staff return to help address any issues if it is necessary to go beyond this resolution. City Manager Jeng responded that staff would follow up with enforcement and how signage is displayed for the residents on the street and for people visiting the area.
In response to a question posed by Council Member Kemps regarding the staff report, Director Seims stated that "in the block" meant the area from one intersection to the next intersection for vendors working for a residence within that section of the block. Further discussion continued regarding parking within the restricted areas. on the parking permits.
The following individuals addressed the City Council on this issue:
Kate Greenberg
Meg Walker
Joan Davidson
The City Council deliberated on the issue and asked questions about the restricted parking going beyond Via Conejo.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3
REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 11, 2023
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Kemps and seconded by Council Member MoGowan to adopt Resolution No. R23-23 establishing parking restrictions on Via Del Monte, Gatos Place, Via Somonte, and Via Conejo with the exception that staff be directed to modify the Resolution to stop resident only parking at the intersection of Via Somonte and Via Conejo. The motion unanimously carried by the following vote:
AYES: Lozzi, Kemps, McGowan, and Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Roos
NEW BUSINESS
6. APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH VASQUEZ & COMPANY FOR PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENT AUDIT SERVICES AND A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION OF $30,000 Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 23-24 approving a professional services agreement amendment with Vasquez and Company for professional auditing services for Fiscal Year 2022 - 2023, for $66,300; Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City; and Approve a Supplemental Budget Appropriation of $30,000 from the General Fund Balance to City Support Services #01311064450.
Interim Finance Director Balos provided a brief staff report indicating Vasquez & Company are proposing to increase their annual audit fee by $30,000 for fiscal year 2022- 23 audit. The firm brought this to the attention of the City Council on March 14, 2023, when the 2021-22 financial statements were approved. The increase is due to additional staff hours that were not anticipated over the past two years. Director Balos advised the City Council that he felt the increase was reasonable and not out of line with today's costs for annual audits.
The City Council asked various questions regarding the completion date and requested if the city encountered any further delays from the anticipated November report date, that it be brought to Council immediately so any concerns can be addressed to remediate any shortcomings. Mr. Balos indicated that the anticipated date for the final is November 30th so staff can bring it to Council in December or January at the latest. The goal is to have them start the audit in September. Thereafter, a brief discussion took place about the timeline to close the books for the fiscal year.
City Manager Jeng addressed the City Council stating she spoke to Vasquez & Company and staff are going to measure their performance based on the timeline they presented.
Mayor Pro Tem Murdock added that the auditor recommends the city hire an accounting manager or supervisor and the city hasn't been able to do that and asked if staff had the resources in place to meet the timeline or does that timeline assume the city will have an accounting Manager or supervisor in place. Director Balos responded that he felt staff could meet the timeline. She also asked about the status of the concession audits and was informed by Director Balos that he just learned they have not been completed in the last two years, explaining the city hasn't received the information from the concessions.
Further discussion ensued regarding the audits for concessions and the auditors' fees and making sure the concessions audits are completed. Council Member Lozzi added her concerns with the requested fee increase and the five-year agreement that included an escalator clause each year. The time obviously went over what they estimated and what was important for the Council to realize is the history of the vendor's relationship with the city, for instance, how easy was it to work with the city, were the auditors being paid timely, and whether the city has the personnel to support that. Therefore, what Vasquez is saying to the city is that they require $66,300 to serve the city this fiscal year and any amount less than that they would not be interested in.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 4
REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 11, 2023
Council Member Kemps commented on proposals for professional services agreements being accurate at the time of submitting proposals and the city demands for accountability when entering into an agreement for professional services. Further discussion continued regarding the issue.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member McGowan, and seconded by Kemps, to approve the proposal as presented and request staff to go back and get further delineation on the concession audits and report back to Council. The motion carried as follows:
AYES: Kemps, McGowan, Murdock
NOES: Lozzi,
ABSENT: Roos
7. CONSIDERATION AND DISCUSSION REGARDING PAID PARKING
Recommendation: That the City Council provide direction to staff on a paid parking program and use of consultants.
City Manager Jeng provided a brief staff report indicating there have been previous discussions about finding alternative revenue sources. Since Palos Verdes Estates is regarded as a bedroom community, the major source of revenue is property tax. She indicated there are many options for alternative revenue; however, the option to be discussed this evening is paid parking at two locations; Rat Beach and the Malaga Cove area. She noted the previous city manager had worked with Mayor Pro Tem Murdock at looking at the services offered by consultants in terms of revenue generating in the two locations if the city were to start charging for parking. This item is being presented to the city council to get their feedback, provide staff with some thoughts to open discussion regarding this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Murdock added that this idea is coming from the Revenue Ad Hoc Committee for a conversation with the council and with the public to see what that might look like so the first phase of doing a feasibility assessment of whether paid parking makes sense or not.
Council Member McGowan felt this should be discussed with the local businesses to see how they would be affected before the council does a study. Council Member Lozzi expressed her concerns about the unintended consequences this would have with parking and with all the priorities the city must do, she did not think the city should spend money on a study at this time.
Mayor Pro Tem Murdock explained her purpose and reason for bringing this up.
Council Member Kemps expressed his concerns of whether it is worth it, can it be done so it is not unsightly, and third if this would give the city the benefit of being able to provide an employee to fully enforce parking restrictions, then maybe there is value in funding that position even if it isn't offsetting parcel taxes. He would probably support it for all of those reasons but if agreed that the city should communicate effectively before jumping into something.
The following individuals addressed the City Council:
Karen Logan
Viginia Butler
Ann Nye
The city council continued discussion on this item and each expressed their concerns on this issue. City Manager Jeng stated that she thought that some research work and a consultant to provide information about what that revenue stream would look like is worthwhile pursuing because it is the city's asset, and the city needs to know what assets can perform for the city. She felt the dollar figures in the report, based on her consulting days and experience in the parking world seem reasonable. She said that staff could get it going and she also felt the city should do outreach. She indicated she has a relationship with Eileen Hupp of the Chamber of Commerce. She felt she could utilize that to talk about the discussion this evening to bring attention to it, and she did not think that would CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5
REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 11, 2023
be too much on staff. After that staff could bring back a solid proposal to move forward.
The City Council concurred with the city manager's proposal.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tem Murdock announced she will be attending the Sanitation Board meeting next Wednesday in the afternoon and the annual PIA's directors meeting that evening.
Michael Kemps announced that at the last meeting the Council received a presentation from the League of California Cities and since all council members were not here, he requested the matter be brought back to vote on whether to continue the city's membership in the League.
He referred to Mrs. Davidson's comments on the subject of SB 423 and local control and he asked that people go to the Neighborhood Voices website to understand what they are doing relative to a statewide initiative to call back local control and consider supporting them.
Council Member Lozzi welcomed City Manager Jeng, and she appreciates the dialogue with the members of the City Council.
Council Member McGowan announced that he and Mayor Roos had some conversations regarding holding a joint workshop with the School Board to enhance further working relationships in our areas.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the city council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:42 pm.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
are
Carol Cowley, Interim City Cle
Fish
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6
REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 11, 2023