PALOS, VERDES
PSTATES
17001
INCORPORRTED M39
GALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 15, 2025
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 Lozzi, Mayor Pro Tem Kemps, Councilmember McGowan Councilmember Lazzaro and Councilmember Quinn
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Kallman, City Attorney Rusin, Chief Hellinga, City Clerk Cook, City Treasurer Petersen, Interim Public Works Director Lanzafame, Community Development Director Brady, and Senior Accountant Hayes.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
mayor Lozzi proposed that the Public Hearing be moved before agandalim ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Quinn and Seconded by Council Membe azzaro to approve the agenda with the Mayor's recommendatior AYES: McGowan, Lazzaro, Quinn, Kemps and Lozz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Kemps
MAYOR'S REPORT - MATTERS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
Mayor Lozzi welcomed the public to the first City Council Meeting of 2025. She commented on emergency preparedness and recommended that residents sign up for emergency alerts such as alertsouthbay.com and become familiar with their evacuation plan, which can be found at PVPready.gov. The Mayor also announced the upcoming event "Lunada Bay Gives Back", a silent auction in support of the victims of the Los Angeles Wildfires to be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 10am to 7pm at Annie's Boutique in the
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Lunada Bay Plaza. Mayor Lozzi further stated that proceeds from this event would go to Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Pasadena Humane Society and Baby2Baby.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Kallman introduced Los Angeles County Assistant Fire Chief, Brian Kane who in turn provided a presentation to the public on the 2025 Wildlife Fire Season. Assistant Fire Chief reported on the fire suppression resources located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula which detailed the location, quantity, and usefulness of helicopters assigned to this region. Assistant Fire Chief further reported on the containment of the wildfires, number of fire fighter personnel and victims involved as well as the ongoing search and rescue efforts. In addition, Assistant Fire Chief, Brian Kane facilitated an educational tutorial to residents on fire weather conditions and criteria, red flag warnings, modes of firefighter operation, wildlite terms, firetighter statting in the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Cal Water supply and service, evacuation plans and Al cameras. Lastly, Assistant Fire Chief addressed the Council and responded to clarifying questions.
Chief Hellinga expressed his support for those impacted by the recent Wildfires in Los Angeles and thanked the first responders involved for their service. Chief Hellinga also reported on the law enforcement personnel from the Palos Verdes Police Department who have provided mutual aid support in surrounding areas including the Eaton Fires as well as the police departments coordinated communications with external agencies for disaster assistance. Chief Hellinga provided resources to the public for emergency preparedness and recommended residents to subscribe to emergency alerts, which included, Ready, Set, Go! Alert South Bay, as well tips from the City's social media platforms.
City Manager Kallman reported on the City's role and priority in providing public communication. He also remarked on his ongoing efforts with the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department in evaluating the City's emergency preparedness. Lastly, City Manager Kallman announced the new hire of a Deputy City Manager, recruitment for a Community Services Officer/ Emergency Services Preparedness Coordinator and evaluation of the City's brush clearance which will be further reported at the next meeting.
SWEARING IN CEREMONY
Chief Helling remarked on the leadership qualities of Police Captains Aaron Belda and Rebecca Gomez who were recently promoted and conducted their Oath of Office. Captains Belda and Gomez gave remarks and were pinned with their Police Badges from family members. The City Council provided comments took photos with the newly sworn police captains. City Manager Kallman commended Police Captains Belda and Gomez and expressed his appreciation for their service and commitment.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Council was addressed by the following public speakers: Valerie Gorsuch, Liane Bavmann Nick Kaltenbrun and Natalie Vaughn-Edmunds.
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CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 1-7)
Mayor Lozzi announced recent changes to state regulations on the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance and recommended that agenda item number six be pulled. Councilmember McGowan recommended that agenda item five be pulled.
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kemps and seconded by Councilmember Quinn to approve consent agenda items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7.
Consent agenda items 5 and 6 were pulled for discussion.
AYES: McGowan, Lazzaro, Quinn, Kemps and Lozzi
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
There was no public comment.
1. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
Reviewed and Approved Warrant Register of January 15, 2025.
2. RECEIVE AND FILE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2024
Received and Filed the financial statements for the month ending November 30, 2024.
3. CITY COUNCIL MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the minutes for the following meeting: December 10, 2024
4. ACCEPT AND APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
Approved the appointment of Carolbeth Cozen.
5. APPROVE THE MAYOR'S PROPOSED CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
ASSIGNMENTS
Councilmember McGowan expressed concerns about the structure of the proposed Audit Committee and suggested a recommendation to reformulate the committee's composition to include a Finance Director or resident with financial expertise as a member. City Council deliberated on the proposed amendments.
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ACTION: Moved by Councilmember McGowan and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kemps to approve the Mayor's proposed city council committee assignments assigning Mayor Lozzi and Councilmember McGowan as Council representatives and amend and include the following language to the proposed Audit Committee as follows: The Mayor and any subject matter expert on the Council shall serve as Council representatives. If a subject matter expert is not a member of the Council, the Mayor Pro Tem shall serve as the second member. The Mayor shall invite a subject matter expert to meet with the committee unless one of the councilmembers appointed to it is a subject matter expert.
AYES: McGowan, Lazzaro, Quinn, Kemps and Lozzi
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
6. ADOPTION AND SECOND READING OF ZTA-004-34: ZONING TEXT AMENDING PALOS VERDES ESTATES MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 18.45 (ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS) TO COMPLY WITH RECENT CHANGES IN STATE LAW REGARDING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUs) AND JUNIOR
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (JADUs); AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE
STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM CEQA
This item was pulled to discuss the revisions in section 8 of Ordinance 765. City Attorney Rusin provided a brief report on the State regulation changes that took place on January 1, 2025. He further stated that new regulations could impose deed restrictions on junior accessory dwelling units. However, City Attorney Rusin stated that the new regulations recommend that accessory dwelling units should not be subject to deed restrictions. Community Development Director Brady presented the redline changes in section eight of the proposed Ordinance, due to new regulations.
City Attorney Rusin further remarked that the Urgency Ordinance 765 would remain in effect until Ordinance 765 is adopted.
There was no public comment.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Quinn and seconded by Councilmember McGowan to reintroduce Ordinance Number 765 as First Reading and direct staff to bring it back for a second reading at the subsequent meeting.
AYES: McGowan, Lazzaro, Quinn, Kemps and Lozzi
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
7. DONATION FROM RESIDENTS
Accepted the donation of $15,000.00 for the purchase, lease or contract of an unmanned aerial vehicle, and/or the training of staff to use the system, and an
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additional donation of $7,046.48 towards the purchase of new firearms for police officers.
NEW BUSINESS
8. AUTHORIZATION TO THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENTCMMC FOR PUBLIC OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Kaliman provided background on public outreach efforts through a consulting partner and ad hoc committee that were initiated in early 2024 and announced the continuance of prior discussions for future public engagement. He commented on the proposed agreement with CMMC and proposed the selection of two Councilmembers for the new ad hoc committee. In turn, City Manager introduced Tom Lorenz for Council presentation. Mr. Lorenz remarked on his scope of work, provided a brief background of services and answered clarifying questions to the Council. City Treasurer Petersen asked additional questions pertaining to the discussion.
There was no public comment.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Quinn and seconded by Councilmember Lazzaro to authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with CMCC for public outreach and communications.
AYES: McGowan, Lazzaro, Quinn, Kemps and Lozzi
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Council deliberated on the proposal selection of the proposed members of the Ad Hoc Committee as well as the proposed duties.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Quinn and seconded by Councilmembe _azzaro to select Councilmembers Lazzaro and McGowan to the proposed A Hoc Committee.
AYES: McGowan, Lazzaro, Quinn, and Kemps
NOES: LozziR
ABSENT: None
OLD BUSINESS
9. UPDATE ON POLICE COMMUNICATIONS AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF
THE BUDGET FROM THE TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENT FUND NOT
TO EXCEED $30,000 ; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
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RELATED DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY AND THE FINANCE
DEPARTMENT TO MAKE SUCH ACCOUNTING ENTRIES FOR THIS PURCHASE AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION R25-01
APPROVING THE USE OF CITIZENS OPTIONS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS) FUNDS (PVE FUND 05) NOT TO EXCEED $174,405;
Chief Hellinga provided a staff report to Council which entailed the second phase of upgrades to police communications. He also outlined the electrical improvements and additional technological in equipment of the proposed agreement for the Police Department. Furthermore, Chief Hellinga provided recommendations related to the suggested vendor and appropriation of funds for the agreement. Council asked clarifying questions which were addressed by Chief Hellinga.
There was no public comment.
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kemps and seconded by Councilmember McGowan to
AYES: McGowan, Lazzaro, Quinn, Kemps and Lozzi
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARING
This item was moved and heard before agenda item 8.
10. 702 VIA HORCADA- APPEAL OF PC-581-24, A RECOMMENDATION BY THE
PARKLANDS COMMITTEE TO APPROVE A PROPOSED NATIVE RESTORATION
PLAN FOR THE HORCADA PATH
Mayor Lozzi opened the public hearing at 8:44 pm
Interim Public Works Director Lanzafame discussed the background of the appeal and provided a presentation on the history of open space in Palos Verdes Estates as well as the current state of the Horcada Path. He further proposed staff recommendations listed in the report to the Council. City Council asked clarifying questions and deliberated on the recommendations.
Council was addressed by the following public speakers: Allan Rigg, James Duncan, Marlene Breene, Valerie Gorsuch, Kate Dworman, Jeff Lewis, and James Duncan.
Mayor Lozzi closed the public hearing at 9:03 pm
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ACTION: Moved by Council Councilmember Lazzaro and seconded by Councilmember McGowan to reject the appeal of the Parklands Committee recommendation and approve the plan as proposed with the additional modification to limit the width of Horcada Path not exceeding eight feet with AYES: McGowan, Lazzaro, Quinn, Kemps and Lozzi
NOES: None
ABSENT: ( None
City Council recessed at 9:31 p.m. and resumed at 9:41 p.m.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS & TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA Councilmember Lazzaro reported on neighborhood concerns related to the recent Wildfires In Los Angeles. Mayor Pro lem thanked the City Manager for inviting Los Angeles County Assistant Fire Chief Brian Kane to present before the Council and the residents. Mayor Lozzi thanked the public for attending the meeting and announced the next meeting would be held on January 28, 2025.
ADJOURNMENT TO TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025, AT 6:30 P.M.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:54 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
remela coole
ameka Cook, City Clerk
APPROVED:
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