I MOS, VERDES
INCORPORATED 1900
CALIFORNIA
MINUTES FOR THE JULY 22, 2025
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CALIFORNIA
CALL TO ORDER AT 6:38 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Lozzi, Mayor Pro Tem Kemps, Councilmember McGowan, and Councilmember Quinn (Councilmember Lazzaro was absent.) ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Kallman, City Attorney Rusin, Chief Hellinga, Deputy City Manager Gabriel, City Clerk Cook, City Treasurer Petersen, Community Development Director Brady, Public Works Director Antillon, and Senior Accountant Haves
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Lozzi recommended that the ceremonial presentations be noved before the Mayor's report and approval of the agenda items ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kemps and seconded by
Councilmember Quinn to approve the agenda with the
recommended changes noted by the Mayor.
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Kemps, and Lozzi
NOES: None
ABSENT: Lazzaro
ABSTAIN: None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 22, 2025
MAYOR'S REPORT - MATTERS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST (Held following Ceremonial Presentations)
Mayor Lozzi announced that the City Council and the City Manager recently hosted an Employee Appreciation Event at the Palos Verdes Tennis Club with staff and the Police Department. She further stated that a Pickle Ball Instructor provided lessons to the staff attendees, and the Council provided lunch afterward.
Following the announcement, the Mayor acknowledged the one-year work anniversary of the City Manager and commented on his focus on rebuilding City Staff and creating a positive environment. Thereafter, Mayor Lozzi disclosed that she, along with City Manager Kallman, hosted two community events last week that included Tennis Club and Beach Club Members and detailed information about the state of the City and the future of the City's Parcel Tax. The Mayor encouraged members of the public who are interested in hosting a seminar, meeting, or community event in collaboration with the City Council to reach out to the City Hall Staff or the Mayor at [email protected].
Mayor Lozzi also announced the upcoming Malaga Cove Summer Concert Series at Farnham Martin Park to be held on July 23, 2025, and performed by the Harold Payne and the Drift Away Band, a rhythm and blues band. Next, the Mayor stated the "New Originals Band would be performing 70's and 80's music on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Lunada Bay Park from 4 pm to 6 pm. Lastly, the Mayor informed the public that City Council Meetings will go dark during the month of August, according to the City's Municipal Code, and disclosed that the meetings will resume in September.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Kallman reflected on his time with the City and noted the efforts involved to foster a positive work environment. He further commented on Eli Bednerak, a student intern who supported the City in maintaining the city's website and facilitating a foster home for abandoned dogs. City Manager Kallman also acknowledged Erica Hsu's support of the city in her role as a Receptionist. He expressed appreciation for their service and commented that they would be greatly missed. In closing, he noted the progress made and the efforts on the horizon within the community and thanked the Council.
Chief Hellinga announced that the Police Department recently released its June 2025 statistics report, noting a downward trend in burglaries. He also publicized that the report was aggregated weekly and monthly and is available for public viewing on the police department's city webpage. In closing, he responded to an inquiry on recent activities related to counterfeit and forgeries and encouraged residents not to place checks in the mail, as ongoing efforts with the Police Department and the United States Postal Service continue towards investigation.
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REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 22, 2025
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Valerie Gorsuch - PVE Neighborhood Watch commented that this group is_seeking block captains. She also stated that the PVE Neighborhood Watch was established in 1980 and serves as the communication link between residents and the Police Department. Ms. Gorsuch commented that the City has 189 streets and only 60 block captains and encouraged new block captains to serve their neighborhood and community. In closing, she thanked Councilmember Quinn for his support and disclosed the website to register as Pvenw.org
John Williams- 1624 Cataluna Place expressed concerns about the following: storm drains inventory, associated costs, the status of the Malaga Cove Plaza water intrusion problem that took place two weeks ago, and the Charles Abbott study previously done.
Barbara Demarest - 1421 Via Coronel stated that the property at 1425 Via Coronel is totally abandoned and that the Owners who bought it 16 years ago have never lived there. She commented that the case was opened with the code enforcement officer in 2019 and was reopened in May of 2023 with Kash Pickens. There was no response from the owners, and the information was shared with the City Attorney's office as a follow-up. Ms. Demarest noted that there was overgrown vegetation, and the height of the trees was a nuisance and a fire hazard. The canyon has no space between the house and the bushes. She has previously removed trees. However, the tenets of agreement made with the owners previously were not being upheld. Sher further stated that the garage has a broken window, the glass was removed, and vermin and animals have inhabited the property.
Debbie Sampson - Resident on Via Corone! commented that the side and rear of the home located at 1425 Via Coronel has been totally neglected since 2016, and that nothing has been done to maintain the house. A grocery bag still sits on a counter; the house is deteriorating with time. Ms. Sampson stated that pride and compliance are key in the city, and this one remains untouched. The abandoned house is left without consequence. This is causing serious safety concerns; rotten wood serves as a haven for vermin. She also stated that the property is becoming a magnet for crime and a fire danger. Ms. Sampson asserted a broken window theory: if the house is decayed, then squatters inhabit the property, and commented that neighbors around us pay taxes, etc.
Kay Yamani - 1409 Via Corone! made similar statements about 1425 Via Coronel and noted that she was a City resident for 61 years and has maintained her current address for 47 years. Her home was built in 1978. Over the years, there have been many changes in ownership in the neighborhood. This one has irrigation pipes above the ground; concrete dangerously exposed; dry vegetation causing fire hazards; it is apparent that the house is not occupied. Ms. Yamani asserted that the City of Palos Verdes Estates prides itself on keeping residents safe. She is concerned about property values and mentioned that the owner has not replied. She inquired if there was a city code and can the PVE police could place some form of surveillance
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Ivan Arnold - 1412 Via Coronel commented that the house on 1425 Via Coronel_is a problem. She mentioned that the house had been broken into and currently has graffiti in the garage and main living room. In closing, she stated that this is a problem that needs to be addressed.
Lucy Huebner - 1406 Via Coronel expressed her support for the concerns related to 1425 Via Coronel and commented that packs of coyotes have moved into the underside of the house. She requested further action, as the Police Department visited the property twelve times for security checks.
CEREMONIAL/ PRESENTATIONS (Held before the Mayor's Report) Chief Hellinga provided a brief background on the recent collaboration with the Torrance Police Department in loaning K9 Officer Tango to assist in the capture of a suspect within city limits.
Following his comments, the Mayor presented K9 Officer Tango and Officer Couto with a Proclamation for their service, dedication, and role in advancing public safety.
Thereafter, Eli Bednerak and Eric Hsu were also presented with a proclamation from the Mayor. All honorees took photos with the City Council.
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 1- 7)
City Clerk Cook announced a correction on consent agenda item three and noted that the date should reflect May 31, 2025
There was no public comment on consent agenda items.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Quinn, seconded by Councilmember McGowan, to approve the consent agenda, noting the correction to consent agenda item three
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Kemps, and Lozzi
NOES: None
ABSENT: Lazzaro
ABSTAIN: None
1. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
Reviewed and approved the July 22, 2025, Warrant Register.
2. ADOPTION OF A PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO RELEASE WARRANTS DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2025
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 22, 2025
Adorated i propose payrol and actorizis para lot hang to monso August 2025.
3. RECEIVE AND FILE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING JUNE 30, 2025. *This item was corrected to reflect the period ending May 31,2025 Received and filed the financial statements for the month ending May 31, 2025.
4. CITY COUNCIL MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the minutes for the July 8, 2025, Regular Meeting.
5. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ACTIONS
leceived and filed the minutes for the Regular Planning Commissio eeting of July 15, 2025
6. PARKLANDS COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the Parklands Committee Action Minutes of the July 10, 2025 meeting.
7. APPROVE AND CERTIFY THE 2025 SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN (SSMP) JULY 2025 UPDATE
Approved and certified the 2025 Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP), July 2025 Update; and authorized the Public Works Director to certify the SSMP on behalf of the City and submit it to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
NEW BUSINESS
8. RECEIVE A REPORT FROM THE CITY'S INDEPENDENT AUDITOR AND
RECEIVE AND FILE THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT AND AUDITOR COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2024 City Manager Kallman introduced Kelly Telord, LSL Consultants, and Rodger Martinez, of Vasquez and Company, who presented a report on the financial highlights for the fiscal year 23/24, audit findings, as well as the status of internal
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 22, 2025
Adopted a proposed resolution authorizing the City Manager to release warrants (including payroll and accounts payable) during the month of August 2025.
3. RECEIVE AND FILE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING JUNE 30, 2025.
Receive and file the financial statements for the month ending June 30, 2025.
4. CITY COUNCIL MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the minutes for the July 8, 2025, Regular Meeting.
5. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ACTIONS
Received and filed the minutes for the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of July 15, 2025.
6. PARKLANDS COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the Parklands Committee Action Minutes of the July 10, 2025 meeting.
7. APPROVE AND CERTIFY THE 2025 SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN (SSMP) JULY 2025 UPDATE
Approved and certified the 2025 Swer System Management Plan (SP), July 2025 Update; and authorized the Public Works Director to certify the SSMP on behalf of the City and submit it to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
NEW BUSINESS
8. RECEIVE A REPORT FROM THE CITY'S INDEPENDENT AUDITOR AND
RECEIVE AND FILE THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT AND AUDITOR COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2024 City Manager Kallman introduced Kelly Telord, LSL Consultants, and Rodger Martinez, of Vasquez and Company, who presented a report on the financial highlights for the fiscal year 23/24, audit findings, as well as the status of internal
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controls and next steps. Following the report, John Nendick and Leslie DeHoff, Finance Advisory Committee Members, commented on the audit report as reliable, noted areas of improvement in completing audits promptly, and thanked the auditing and financial consultants for their efforts.
The Council asked clarifying questions, including IT recommendations, unallocated interests, timeline, and considerations for replacing existing software systems, which were responded to by Consultants, Kelly Telford and Rodger Martinez.
There was no public comment on item number eight.
ACTION: Received and filed
9. UPDATE REGARDING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND VOLUNTEER
PROGRAMS
Chief Hellinga introduced Captain Aaron Belda, and Kristin Jo, Emergency Preparedness and Community Outreach Coordinator, who presented an update on wildfire preparedness, incident management tools, the multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan, disaster district programs,, the Neighborhood Amateur Radio Team, community emergency response team, volunteers in policing, and Parkland Rangers, PVE Cares, and the Neighborhood Watch.
There was no public comment on item number nine.
The Council commented on enlisting new volunteers, the emergency resources that the Neighborhood Amateur Radio Team provides, and inquired on merging existing programs, which was responded to by Captain Belda.
In association with the report, City Manager announced that he signed a letter of svacuat for a new peninsula-wide intiative to seek a grant for mass care ACTION: Received and Filed
10. RECEIVE AND FILE AN UPDATE TO THE DRAFT 2025 CITYWIDE SEWER
MASTER PLAN (SMP)
Public Works Director Oscar Antillon and Kim Alexander from PSOMAS who presented an overview of the citywide sewer master plan. In the report, Ms.
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Alexander detailed the background and purpose of the study, which is to ensure that sewers are adequately sized and maintained; safeguard sustainability and meet regulatory compliance. In closing the report, she provided CIP recommendations.
The Council asked clarifying questions, including comparison studies to other cities, available grants, lifeline, and associated costs of sewer repairs, and separation of responsibilities between the City and the County, which were responded to by Consultant Kim Alexander, Monica Pangco, and Mike Myers from HR Green.
The Council was addressed by John Williams.
ACTION: Received and Filed
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Kemps requested a future agenda item to concretely address a sewer assessment scenario where it can be analyzed against the proposed CIP and do so separately and apart from the Parcel Tax to resolve short-term term and lay a map and plan for execution. Councilmember McGowan seconded the request.
Mayor Lozzi noted that the City Council Meetings will go dark during August and will resume in September. In closing, the Mayor wished everyone a happy summer ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY submitted:
Jamala / cook
rameka J. Cook, City Cler
APPROVED:
Victoria A. Lozzi,Mayor
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 22, 2025