MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 8, 2024
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES
CALL TO ORDER AT 6:33 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Murdock, Mayor Pro Tem Lozzi, Council Member Kemps, and Council Member Roos
ABSENT: Council Member Kemps
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Kallman, City Attorney Rusin, City Clerk Cook, Community Development Director Brady, Acting Public Works Director Wieske, Chief Hellinga, and City Treasurer Greenberg
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lozzi and Seconded by Council Member McGowan to approve the agenda.
AYES: Murdock, Lozzi, Roos, McGowan
NOES: None
ABSENT: Kemps
MAYOR’S REPORT - MATTERS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
Mayor Murdock reported out on the litigation settlement for the lawsuit regarding claims of localism in Lunada Bay. She informed residents details of the settlement are available on the city’s website. She reiterated the city’s commitment to preserving the natural look and feel of the area. Regarding fire safety, the mayor reported on a small fire that occurred in Valmonte and reminded residents they need to make sure their vegetation does not grow into or near the electrical wires as this was the cause.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2024
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2024
In her “Did You Know” segment, Mayor Murdock shared that street sweeping is part of the city’s contract with Athens and that sweeping occurs on Fridays. Commercial areas are done weekly and residential streets are swept monthly. To find out when your street is scheduled for sweeping, go on the city’s website to Services/Public Works and scroll down towards the bottom. She reminded residents to try to not park on their street when it is scheduled for sweeping and to keep vegetation maintained so it is not in the gutter or overhanging the curb.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Kallman reminded residents that Geosyntec will be performing testing along Via Corta and the road behind City Hall the week of 10/21 and there will be road closures for three days.
Chief Hellinga announced a new pilot where trained PSA (police service aides) will be enforcing municipal codes such as gas leaf blowers and business licenses. He also reminded the public of the breast cancer awareness pink patches which are for sale with proceeds to go to an officer in Inglewood battling breast cancer.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Council was addressed by Valerie Gorsuch, Craig Quinn, Joan Davidson, and Lucy Padilla.
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 1-8)
City Attorney Rusin announced a change in the staff recommendation for item #4 which is that Items #1 and #4 be returned to the Parklands Committee for clarification and for these items to be reported back to Council at a future time. Only items #2 and #3 on tonight’s Parklands Committee minutes would be addressed tonight.
Council was addressed by Sally and Kirby Larson, Ruth MacFarlane and Monique Thorington regarding item #4.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Roos and Seconded by Council Member McGowan to approve the consent agenda items with the clarification of only items #2 & 3 on the Parklands Committee action minutes (item #4 on tonight’s agenda).
AYES: Murdock, Lozzi, Roos, McGowan
NOES: None
ABSENT: Kemps
1. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
Reviewed and Approved Warrant Register of October 8, 2024.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2024
2. RECEIVE AND FILE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING AUGUST 31, 2024
Received and Filed the financial statements for the month ending August 31, 2024.
3. CITY COUNCIL MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the minutes for the following meeting: September 10, 2024
4. PARKLAND COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the action minutes for the Parklands Committee meeting of September 12, 2024 (Items #2 and #3, returned #1 and #4 to Parklands).
5. 2025 PALOS VERDES TENNIS CLUB BUDGET
Approved the proposed 2025 budget for the Palos Verdes Tennis Club.
6. CONSIDER THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TRIPEPI, SMITH AND ASSOCIATES, INC. TO CONTINUE TO
PROVIDE COMMUNICATION SERVICES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
Approved the second amendment to the professional services agreement with Tripepi, Smith and Associates, Inc. (“Tripepi”) to increase the compensation amount to a not-to-exceed amount of $140,000.
7. ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SUBMITTAL OF
APPLICATIONS FOR MEASURE A FUNDS AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE MEASURE A ANNUAL ALLOCATION
AGREEMENT AND GRANT RELATED DOCUMENTS
City Council:
1. Adopted a resolution to allow the City of Palos Verdes Estates (City) to apply for Measure A grant funds
2. Approved the Measure A Annual Allocation Agreement (Agreement) and
3. Authorized the City Manager or designees as signatories, to execute all Measure A program-related documents
8. SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION OF THE LUNADA BAY HOMEOWNERS
ASSOCIATION TO HOLD ITS HARVEST FESTIVAL AT LUNADA BAY PARK ON OCTOBER 27, 2024
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2024
Approved the Special Event Application submitted by the Lunada Bay Homeowners Association to host the LBHOA Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 2:00PM to 6:00PM at Lunada Bay Park and the adjacent street of Via Anacapa.
NEW BUSINESS
9. CONSIDER AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE AGREEMENT WITH BENNETT
LANDSCAPING TO MODIFY THE ANNUAL NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $1,506,746 TO $1,423,224 FOR YEAR 1; APPROVE A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION FOR CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,423,224 FOR YEAR 2; AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXTEND THE CONTRACT
FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWO, ONE-YEAR EXTENSIONS SUBJECT OT CIPI ADJUSTMENTS EACH YEAR; AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 2 IN FINAL FORM AND FORMAT AS APPROVED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
City Engineer Loriso provided a staff report. Council asked clarifying questions. Sean Bennett from Bennett Landscaping responded to Council questions. City Manager Kallman reported that at the advice of the City Attorney, Staff is recommending that Council provide feedback and direction, and Staff will bring the item back on consent at a future meeting. Council raised concerns regarding city maintenance of ROWs adjacent to private property, clearance of vegetative encroachments onto public land, overlaps with the BATS contract, lack of progress on gopher control, and implementation of a CPI adjustment ahead of what is in the current contract.
There was no public comment.
10. CONSIDERATION AND PROPOSED APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS R24-54, R24- 55, AND R24-56 BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES AND THE
PROFESSIONAL & SUPERVISORY, MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION, AND SWORN POLICE MANAGEMENT GROUPS. APPROVAL AND CREATION OF A DEPUTY CITY MANAGER POSITION.
City Manager Kallman provided a staff report. Council asked clarifying questions.
There was no public comment.
Council provided direction to Staff to conduct a Class & Comp Study.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member McGowan and Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lozzi to adopt the resolutions with the following changes: eliminate any retroactivity and make any changes effective the date the resolutions are adopted, to cap PD management sick leave at 1000 hours like all other employee groups, and to remove the option for monetary compensation in lieu of a city phone.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2024
AYES: Lozzi, Roos, McGowan
NOES: Murdock
ABSENT: Kemps
Council recessed for a break at 8:29 P.M. and returned at 8:40 P.M.
11. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION TO AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO NV5, INC. FOR THE DESIGN OF STRUCTURAL REPAIRS FOR
THE EXISTING RETAINING WALL ON PALOS VERDES DRIVE WEST IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $199,220; APPROVE ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURES NOT TO EXCEED $20,000, WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 10% OF THE CONTRACT AMOUNT; AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL CONTRACT
DOCUMENTS IN THE FINAL FORM AND FORMAT AS APPROVED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
City Engineer provided a staff report. Council asked clarifying questions.
There was no public comment.
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lozzi and Seconded by Council Member McGowan to adopt the resolution R24-50 to award professional services agreement to NV5 for the design of structural repairs PW-704-23 for an amount not to exceed $199,220, to approve additional expenditures not to exceed $20,000 which is 10% of the contract amount, and to authorize the city manager to execute all contract documents in the final format as approved by the city attorney.
AYES: Murdock, Lozzi, Roos, McGowan
NOES: None
ABSENT: Kemps
12. CONSIDER REJECTING ALL PROPOSALS RECEIVED FOR THE MASTER PLAN OF STORM DRAIN AND CONSIDER IMMEDIATE DRAINAGE PROJECT NEEDS.
City Engineer Loriso provided a staff report, clarified that all storm drains were not intended to be videotaped but only hot spots identified during development of the master plan, and explained the recommendation to reject the bids was based on their coming in over what was budgeted in the CIP. Council asked clarifying questions.
There was no public comment.
Council provided direction to Staff to work to keep the bids “live” for a longer time period and to return with a list of immediate storm drain repairs needed in the event Council wants to pursue both paths. Council continued this item to a date to be determined.
OLD BUSINESS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2024
13. MALAGA LANE WATER INTRUSION AND SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATION City Engineer Loriso provided a staff report on the latest ground penetration radar work performed in the area and any future work planned. Council asked clarifying questions. Yonas from Geosyntec was available to answer questions.
Council was addressed by Sylvia Dachterman and Lucy Padilla.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member McGowan and Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lozzi to declare a local emergency, authorize the Proclamation, and authorize staff to spend up to $100,000 as needed to remediate the sink holes along Malaga Lane.
AYES: Murdock, Lozzi, Roos, McGowan
NOES: None
ABSENT: Kemps
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS & TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA Mayor Murdock reported she attended the September SBCCOG meeting in place of Mayor Pro Tem Lozzi.
Council Member Roos announced he is moving next week to Austin, Texas and that it has been a pleasure to serve the city for the past seven years, including on Planning Commission. He reminded us he was Mayor once. He handed Mayor Murdock his letter of resignation which is effective 11:59 P.M. October 17, 2024. Council members thanked Jim Ross for his service and expressed their appreciation for his service.
ADJOURNMENT TO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024, AT 6:30 P.M.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:38 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
________________________________
Tameka Cook, City Clerk
APPROVED:
_______________________________
Dawn Murdock, Mayor
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2024
MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 22, 2024
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES
CALL TO ORDER AT 6:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Murdock, Mayor Pro Tem Lozzi, Council Member Kemps, Council Member McGowan
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Kallman, City Attorney Rusin, City Clerk Cook, Community Development Director Brady, City Engineer Loriso, Chief Hellinga, and City Treasurer Greenberg
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Murdock and Seconded by Council Member Kemps to move the ceremonial presentations ahead of the Mayor’s report and approve the agenda.
AYES: Murdock, Lozzi, Kemps, McGowan
NOES: None
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
LIFE SAVING AWARD – Chief Hellinga presented life savings awards to Acting Sergeant Sean Crisfield, Officer Neil Sisson, Firefighter Paramedics Derrick Ho, Frank Guitierrez, and Alan Matsumoto, and PVPUSD Registered Nurse Ralista “Railli” Berkovski-Varbanov PROCLAMATION: Honoring Eleazar “Alic” Abrego Upon His Retirement – Mayor Murdock read a proclamation thanking Alic for his 43 years of service. City Manager Kallman and Anthony Mendoza provided comments regarding Alic’s works and thanked him for his service and awarded him with a custom shirt and street sign.
MAYOR’S REPORT - MATTERS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
Mayor Murdock announced Council Member Roos’ resignation due to a move to Austin Texas and stated council will not be filling the seat as a new council will be in place in December.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2024
She thanked him for his service and sense of humor. The Mayor shared she attended the Friday night homecoming game at PVHS and thanked residents for their patience and understanding while putting up with the accompanying inconveniences that come with the annual homecoming activities. She reminded the public of the upcoming joint meeting with the Planning Commission on October 30, 2024 to discuss the draft comprehensive objective design standards, that the Lunada Bay Harvest Festival is October 27 from 2-6 P.M., and to vote on November 5.
In her “Did You Know” segment, Mayor Murdock noted seeing houses placing trash cans at the curb. She reminded residents that PVE Municipal Codes 8.16.020 and 8.16.090 state trash cans need to be concealed and on private property and doing otherwise is a code violation.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Kallman reminded residents of Sunday’s Prepared Peninsula Expo at Peninsula High School from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. He thanked Anthony Mendoza and John Strum for their after-hours service to address fallen trees.
City Clerk Cook provided information related to the upcoming election and the various locations and hours of operation to vote in person and submit mail-in ballots.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Council was addressed by Christine Fine, Phyllis Scribe, Valerie Gorsuch, John Weick, Parvin Jensen, Darcel Rameriz-Hanson, and Terry Pearson.
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 1-10)
Items #1, 5, 8, and 10 were pulled.
There was no public comment.
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lozzi and Seconded by Council Member Kemps to approve the consent agenda items 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9.
AYES: Murdock, Lozzi, Kemps, McGowan
NOES: None
2. RECEIVE AND FILE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING SEPTMEBER 30, 2024
Received and Filed the financial statements for the month ending September 30, 2024.
3. CITY COUNCIL MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the minutes for the following special meetings: September 5, 2024 and October 8, 2024.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2024
4. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ACTIONS
Received and Filed minutes for the Planning Commission meeting of October 15, 2024.
6. CONSIDER A NEW MUNICIPAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LOS ANGELES
COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL FOR FISCAL YEARS 2024-2029
Approved the contract and authorized the City Manager and City Attorney to execute the agreement between the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC).
7. CONSIDERATION OF A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA
CITIES REGARDING A GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION
Authorized the Mayor to sign this letter of support on behalf of the City Council of the city of Palos Verdes Estates.
9. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE PUBLIC AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
Approved the Public Available Pay Schedule for fiscal year 2024-2025.
Items Pulled from Consent
1. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
City Treasurer announced a check for So Cal Gas needed to be added to the warrants.
There was no public comment.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member McGowan and Seconded by Council Member Kemps to approve the warrants as amended.
AYES: Murdock, Lozzi, Kemps, McGowan
NOES: None
5. CONSIDER AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE AGREEMENT WITH BENNETT
LANDSCAPING TO MODIFY THE ANNUAL NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $1,506,746 TO $1,386,406 FOR YEAR 1; APPROVE A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION FOR CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,386,406 FOR YEAR 2; AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER THE OPTION TO EXTEND THE
CONTRACT FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWO, ONE-YEAR EXTENSIONS SUBJECT TO CPI ADJUSTMENTS STARTING YEAR 4; AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO.2.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2024
Mayor Murdock expressed concerns that the six issues she brought up at the October 8 discussion on this item were not addressed. Council asked additional clarifying questions. Staff and Sean Bennett of Bennett Landscaping responded.
Council expressed the need to provide more information to the public regarding the use of herbicides to both educate and inform. Information needs to be on the city website and bi-weekly updates and include information on when and where herbicides will be used and a set of FAQs to address residents’ concerns including the safety of products. Council also directed Staff to provide an annual presentation on how the contract is doing relative to our goals.
Council was addressed by Darcel Ramirez-Hanson.
ACTION: Moved by Council Member McGowan and Seconded by Council Member Kemps to approve the contract as staff has proposed, that staff, on an annual basis, review the progress against our milestones and goals of the contract including the use of pesticides, and that the City Manager find ways to communicate these pertinent facts to our residents.
AYES: Lozzi, Kemps, McGowan
NOES: Murdock
8. CONSIDER AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH MNS TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE AN ASSSITANT PLANNER
LEVEL PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT PLANNING SERVICES ASSISTANT PLANNER Council asked clarifying questions. regarding timing and likely success of hiring a planner.
There was no public comment.
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lozzi and Seconded by Council Member McGowan to approve Amendment No. 2 to the professional services agreement with MNS for $30,000 to fund professional contract planning services at the Assistant Planner level through February 2025 and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2.
AYES: Lozzi, Kemps, McGowan
NOES: Murdock
10. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION R24-52 REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF AN
INTERIM PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
City Attorney Rusin announced that changes were made to the resolution and draft agreement to be CalPERS compliant. Council asked clarifying questions.
There was no public comment.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2024
ACTION: Moved by Council Member Kemps and Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lozzi to approve Resolution R24-52 as amended appointing Phillip Lanzafame as Interim Public Works Director.
AYES: Lozzi, Kemps, McGowan
NOES: Murdock
OLD BUSINESS
11. MALAGA LANE WATER INTRUSION AND SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATION.
City Engineer Loriso provided a staff report. He reported that the sink hole and voids in Malaga Lane have been filled with slurry at a cost within the amount approved by Council. Council asked clarifying questions. City Manager Kallman provided an update regarding the Steering Committee meetings and options Staff is investigating. Council expressed a desire to ensure all affected property owners are aware of the City’s efforts.
It was suggested a post card be sent to all owners informing them Council is discussing the water issues at every council meeting. Staff reported the next Geosyntec study should be available in a month. Council expressed a desire for staff to see if the report can be expedited since council is dark in December and they would prefer not to wait until January.
Council was addressed by Scott Rosenberg.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS & TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA Council discussed the tentative agenda items. Council Member McGowan shared the PVE Foundation would like to provide a presentation on the ALPR cameras. City Manager Kallman, shared Staff is planning to update the ADU ordinance by January 1.
ADJOURNMENT TO TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024, AT 6:30 P.M.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:43 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
________________________________
Tameka Cook, City Clerk
APPROVED:
_______________________________
Dawn Murdock, Mayor
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2024
MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 30, 2024
JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES
CALL TO ORDER AT 6:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Murdock, Mayor Pro Tem Lozzi, Council Member Kemps, Council Member McGowan
Chair Wade, Commissioner Campisi, Commissioner Foster
ABSENT: Commissioner Lazarro, Commissioner Nendick
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Kallman, City Attorney Rusin, City Clerk Cook, Community Development Director Brady, Senior Accountant Hayes
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
There was no public comment.
1. DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS CONSULTANT
PRESENTATION
Community Development Director Brady provided an introduction followed by an overview by Perry Banner from DeNovo and a presentation by John Kaliski of JKA.
Director Brady clarified that Program 13 of the Housing Element requires the development of Objective Design Standards and that the Standards will apply to any multi-family or mixed-use projects. The Consultants reported they have had one meeting with PVHA. The discussion was focused on the overall framework with some specifics shared. Council and Planning Commissioners asked clarifying questions and provided specific feedback.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2024
Council/Commissioners provided direction for Staff and the Consultants to call out Valmonte and Montemalaga specifically rather than as “Other Areas.” They also directed Staff and the Consultants to continue to ensure the Standards are consistent with PVHA requirements to the extent possible but did not want the project delayed if information from PVHA did not meet their timeline.
JKA reported expecting a draft of the detailed standards to be available late November/early December.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 8:16 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
________________________________
Tameka Cook, City Clerk
APPROVED:
_______________________________
Dawn Murdock, Mayor