INCORPORATED 1939
CALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 14, 2026
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CALIFORNIA
CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kemps at 6:32 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Kemps.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Kemps, Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro, Councilmember Lozzi, and Councilmember Quinn (Councilmember McGowan was absent).
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Kallman, Deputy City Manager Gabriel, City Attorney Rusin, Chief Hellinga, City Clerk Cook, City Treasurer Petersen, Community Development Director Brady and Public Works Director Antillon.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Kemps called for the approval of the agenda and inquired with the Council if there were any changes. There being no changes, a motion was moved as follows:
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Lozzi and seconded by Councilmember Quinn to approve the agenda.
AYES: Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: McGowan
ABSTAIN: None
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MAYOR'S REPORT - MATTERS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
Mayor Kemps welcomed everyone and wished a Happy New Year with prayers for a happy and healthy year ahead. As noted on the agenda, Mayor Kemps shared that the City has many positive developments underway: collaboration and progress on a critical public works project in Valmonte; compliance with state requirements related to changes in ADU law; continued discussion regarding the use of herbicides in landscape maintenance; an on-time audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and progress on both the Roessier Gazebo and the use permit program.
Mayor Kemps was pleased to share that he was invited to present a State of the City presentation for the Palos Verdes Breakfast Club on Saturday, January 17. Following his remarks, the Mayor commented that it is a tradition for the Mayor to provide this presentation and in turn the slides are then posted on the City's website. However, rather than doing this, Mayor Kemps indicated that he would present the slides under an agenda item during the January 27 Council meeting, ensuring the public and the Council can review and comment transparently.
Next, Mayor Kemps took a moment to wish Councilmember David McGowan a very happy birthday as he recovered from a medical procedure. Mayor Kemps also noted that there was a special visitor in attendance: Chef Hellinga's daughter, Layla, who was celebrating her birthday. Mayor Kemps invited Layla to stand, offering warm wishes and leading the room to applaud her 10th birthday.
The Mayor commented that in addition to regular business, one of the highlights of the evening was the ceremonial recognition of Chief Luke Hellinga's 25 years of employment and service to the City. Mayor Kemps further remarked "In today's fast-paced world, such dedication and long-term commitment are extraordinary." Mayor Kemps expressed deep gratitude for Chief Hellinga's contributions and shared his joy in celebrating this milestone with him. Mayor Kemps then presented the City's proclamation and invited Chief Hellinga to join the Council for a photo. Finally, Mayor Kemps requested the City Manager's Report.
CEREMONIAL / PROCLAMATIONS: Employee Recognition
• Luke Hellinga - 25 years of Service
Mayor Kemps read aloud a proclamation honoring Chief Hellinga for his 25 years of service. Following the reading, Chief Hellinga expressed his gratitude to the City Council, and the City Manager for the recognition as well as his family for their support. Thereafter, Mayor Kemps presented Chief Hellinga with a twenty-five-year service pin, followed by a commemorative photo with the City Council along with past Councilmembers Betty Peterson and Kenny Kao.
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CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Kallman remarked that appointing Chief Luke Hellinga as the City's Chief of Police had been one of the top highlights of his career. Since that time, he and the Chief had hit the ground running. He noted that their working relationship had been incredible and quite unique, emphasizing that in other cities it is uncommon for a City Manager and a Chief of Police to collaborate so well and with such mutual respect. He then wished the Chief's daughter, Layla, a happy birthday. Following that, he reported that the technological upgrades in the City Council chambers had been completed. He explained that the projector had been removed, three monitors had been installed, and the meeting setup now included four cameras. He added that the videographer would broadcast the meeting from a separate room. He expressed excitement about the new Zoom integration, highlighting its cost-efficiency and its ability to allow guest speakers to participate without needing to travel to Council meetings. The City Manager concluded by thanking the Council for funding the project.
The City Manager also informed the community that there were currently two active RFPs for weed abatement. Following his comments, he explained that changes were underway to improve the existing program. He reflected on the City's past use of goat herders to clear weeds throughout various areas and noted the benefits of that approach. He shared that the purpose of one of the RFPs was to expand the use of goats to cover a larger area. The second RFP, he stated, was intended to address weed abatement in parts of the City that were inaccessible to the goats. He noted that the Public Works Director had reported significant interest in the RFPs, with responses due in ten days. The goal, he added, was to present a new contract for Council consideration in February, with work expected to begin in the May-July timeframe. Kallman then asked the Public Works Director to provide an update on Lucera Circle, where a storm drain had failed and was currently under repair.
Public Works Director Oscar Antillon commented that the project had begun a month earlier due to the collapse of a storm drainpipe and the resulting runoff, which had contributed to slope erosion at the rear of a property on Lucera Circle. He further described the scope of work, which included removing and replacing the existing pipe, connecting it to the existing energy dissipation structure, ensuring the use of proper compacted structural backfill material, and removing and replacing the existing drain inlet.
In closing, Director Antillon displayed the displayed before-and-after photos to illustrate the project's progress.
Chief Hellinga provided a brief update on activity within the Police Department. He noted that 2025 had been a year of continued growth. In 2024, Captain Belda had been promoted to his current post, and Sergeant Crisfield and Sergeant Aguayo received their respective promotions. In 2025, he announced that Officer Marino had been promoted to Sergeant, and Officers Alvarez and Hicks had been promoted to Corporal. He added that Officer Banuelos had been assigned to the Detective Bureau, and Officer Zavala had been assigned new duties.
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Overall, during the year, the department had hired three police officers, two service officers, one Emergency Preparedness Community Outreach Coordinator, and three Police Service Aides. He further noted that the addition of new officers had reduced overtime needs by half. Previously, the department had required approximately 50 patrol overtime shifts per month to meet minimum staffing levels; this number had decreased to between 20 and 30 shifts, improving work-life balance and morale. Chief Hellinga reported that several officers would soon receive awards for notable actions in 2025, including a lifesaving award for an officer involved in saving a life following a traffic collision. Another officer would be recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving for apprehending more than 30 DUI offenders.
The Chief went on to list the Police Department's participation in numerous community including the Prepared Peninsula Expo, Public Safety Open House, Neighborhood Watch Street Meets, Coffee with a Cop, Little League parades, Neighbor Meeting Neighbors, PV Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, PV Realtors Association Breakfast, centenarian birthday celebrations, Peninsula Wildfire Preparedness Expo, PV Street Fair, Fourth of July picnic, Concerts in the Park, the tree-lighting ceremony, and the Santa Parade. Following these comments, Chief Hellinga reported on the department's recent technological implementations, which included new mobile data computers, ALPR cameras at ten additional locations, a new radio transition called LARICS, a new Watch Commander vehicle, and two new Ford Explorers. The Chief summarized the department's citation activity: 60 bicycle violations, more than 100 in-field violations, over 1,000 moving violations, and approximately 1,200 parking citations. He stated that one person had been arrested for armed robbery, nine people for burglary, 53 for jail violations, eight for weapons violations, and more than 60 for DUI offenses. He also reported the department's crime statistics. Burglary had decreased by 24 percent in 2024 and continued to maintain a downward trend. He attributed this decrease to officers' proactive efforts and strong community partnerships. Theft had increased by 13 percent; however, auto theft had decreased by 23 percent.
After Chief's report, City Manager Kallman played an audio message for the Council that had been received from resident Marie Rodderman. In the recording, the resident praised the efforts of Sergeant Jesse Aguayo and Maintenance Foreman Anthony Mendoza for assisting her after her vehicle had broken down and for ensuring her safety throughout the incident. City Manager Kallman noted that their commendations had been formally documented.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Valerie Gorsuch, Neighborhood Watch President and Area Coordinator for Malaga Cove, reported that she had joined in celebrating Chief Hellinga's 25 years of service with the Police Department. She highlighted his exemplary leadership and the strong influence he had on the quality and dedication of the officers and staff. She stated that it had beer an honor to support the Police Department and to work with him on various projects. She added that they wished him well in the future and expressed the hope that he could remain
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part of the police force indefinitely. She also reminded attendees to watch their mail, noting that the annual membership drive would be sent out in a few weeks. She shared that the cost was $10 per year, supporting educational and neighborhood activities, and directed residents to the website PVENW.org for more information.
John Williams expanded upon and revised his earlier comments, noting that a spreadsheet containing certain assumptions did not appear to reflect an agreement. He explained that the spreadsheet had been discussed previously but had not been addressed at a subsequent Council meeting. He reiterated that the parcel tax protected funding exclusively for public safety. He stated that, during the meetings, the Council had identified the parcel tax and responded to related questions. He remarked that few individuals had the fortitude to listen through hours of public comments. He summarized the issue by referencing an estimated figure of $177 million projected for the years 2027- 2035, stating that such a significant increase warranted a detailed review. He also referenced the November 25 meeting in connection with these concerns.
Christian Campisi, a resident and Chair of PVE Residents for a Safe Secure Future, explained that several months earlier he had appeared before the Council to report that a group of residents had come together to launch a citizen initiative to replace Measure E. He stated that Measure E, approved in 2018, was set to expire in 2027.To qualify the replacement measure for the ballot, the group needed to collect signatures amounting to 10 percent of the City's more than 10,000 registered voters. He reported that dozens of volunteers had gone door-to-door, engaged with friends and neighbors, and organized multiple signature-gathering events. He noted that the effort had progressed steadily and had received coverage from the Daily Breeze newspaper. Mr. Campisi also stated that the group had exceeded the required threshold, submitting 1,800 signatures to the City Clerk, who then forwarded them to the Los Angeles County Registrar for validation within 30 days. He emphasized that the initiative was driven by strong community support for effective local policing and comprehensive fire protection services provided by Los Angeles County Fire. Mr. Campisi reported that the process remained on track for placement on the June 2, 2026, ballot for voter consideration. In closing, he directed the public to visit pvefuture.com for additional information.
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 1-8)
Mayor Kemps called for the approval of the agenda, announced the title of the consent agenda items published on the agenda and inquired with the Council if there were any changes. Following the announcement, the Mayor opened the public comment period for the consent agenda. There being no public comment nor Council changes, the following motion was made.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Quinn and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro to approve the consent agenda (items 1 through 8).
AYES: Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro, and Kemps
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NOES: None
ABSENT: McGowan
ABSTAIN: None
1. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
Reviewed and approved the January 14, 2026, Warrant Register.
2. RECEIVE AND FILE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 31, 2025; SEPTEMBER 30, 2025; AND OCTOBER 31, 2025.
Roger Sean tras a caber 3, the months ending August 31,
3. CITY COUNCIL MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the minutes for the December 9, 2025, Special and Regular meetings.
4. APPROVE THE MAYOR'S PROPOSAL AND CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
ASSIGNMENTS
Received and filed the report.
5. CONTINUING THE EMERGENCY STORM DRAIN REPAIR AND EROSION CONTROL WORK AT 4425 LUCERA CIRCLE AND CITY BOUNDARY TRAIL Adopted Resolution No. R26-01, declaring that pursuant to the terms of Section 22050 of the California Public Contract Code, the City Council finds there is a need to continue the emergency storm drain repair and erosion control work at 4425 Lucera Circle and City Boundary Trail.
6. AUTHORIZATION TO THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A PROFFESIONAL
SERVICES AGREMEENT WITH COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA MANAGEMENT
CONSULTANTS
Authorized the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Communications and Media Management Consultants, to continue to plan, develop, and implement internal and external city communication strategies and public relations activities.
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7. CONSIDERATION OF A LETTER TO THE CITY OF TORRANCE EXPRESSING CONCERN ABOUT THE WALTERIA TERRACE GARDEN PROJECT (DVP21- 00001)
Authorized the Mayor to sign the attached letter to the City of Torrance urging the Torrance City Council to preserve the limited remaining local control and to weigh the risks associated with a major development on the east side of Hawthorne Blvd, 200 feet north of Rolling Hills Road.
8. CONSIDERATION OF A PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS
ANGELES FOR THE LOS ANGELES REGION IMAGERY ACQUISITION
CONSORTIUM 8 ("LARIAC8")
Authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with the County of Los Angeles to participate in the Los Angeles Region Imagery Acquisition Consortium 8 ("LARIAC8") project, in substantially the form as attached, and in such final form as approved by the City Attorney.
NEW BUSINESS
9. ZTA-002-25; AN URGENCY ORDINANCE 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
The Community Development Director delivered a staff report introducing the urgency ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 18.45 to align the City's regulations with recent State mandates regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUS) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs). She discussed the impacts related to fees, unit requirements, permitting processes, deed restrictions, and parking standards in accordance with the updated regulations. In closing, she noted that the urgency ordinance would take immediate effect upon Council approval. City Manager Kallman commented on the issue of local control in relation to the proposed urgency ordinance.
Councilmembers asked clarifying questions regarding deed restrictions and the sixty-day approval process required under AB 462. These questions were addressed by Director Brady and City Attorney Todd Leishman. Councilmembers also remarked on the growing number of State-imposed restrictions on local governments and the resulting impacts on the City's budget and staff resources.
There was no public comment on this item.
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ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Quinn and seconded by Councilmember Lozzi to adopt the staff recommendation:
Waive full reading and adopt by title only Urgency Ordinance No. 770 entitled: "AN
URGENCY ORDINANCE AMENDING PALOS VERDES ESTATES MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 18.45 (ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS) REGARDING
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADU) AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS (JADU) AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA." And Find that the adoption of the proposed ordinances are statutorily exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act ('CEQA") under Public Resources Code section 21080.17.
AYES: Quinn, Lozzi, and Kemps
NOES: Lazzaro
ABSENT: McGowan
ABSTAIN: None
10. DISCUSSION ON OPTIONS FOR CHEMICAL USE FOLLOWING THE HERBICIDE
PAUSE PERIOD WITHIN THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
CONTRACT WITH BENNETTT LANDSCAPE
Public Works Director Antillon presented a staff report outlining the herbicide pause initiative in response to environmental concerns, an evaluation of alternative vegetation-management methods, and the history of the City's herbicide use. Following his report, Director Antillon discussed five options for Council consideration:
1. No herbicides
2. Limited herbicide use with no additional funding.
3. Limited herbicide use with additional funding.
4. No herbicides while maintaining existing service levels.
5. No change to the City's existing contract
Councilmembers asked clarifying questions regarding the impact of limited herbicide use and the distinctions between the options presented by the department. They also inquired about the timeline of the current contract, any prepaid services associated with it, and the process of notifying the community about the proposed changes to the contract.
Adam Wagner addressed the Council regarding the City's Integrated Pest Management Policy. He urged a more nuanced approach to herbicide use, noting that the discussion should not be framed as an "all or none" choice.
Instead, he emphasized considering the use of specific herbicides, reduced
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quantities, or alternative products based on safety and need. He expressed concerns about the use of the product SpeedZone at Bluff Cove and raised questions about the potential health effects and risks associated with products such as Roundup and Ranger Pro. He encouraged the Council to take a step back, evaluate the distinctions among various herbicides, and adopt a more balanced and informed policy.
Christian Campisi - Via Alamitos, commented on issues related to open space and odors, encouraging the Council to support and continue considering the use of herbicides where appropriate. He noted that the City had experienced 14 inches of rainfall in December, emphasizing that a "one-size-fits-all" approach might not be suitable for all conditions. He referenced RFls from industry leaders and cited concerns surrounding major legal settlements involving Monsanto/Bayer in 2020 and 2025, as well as a recent large jury award in Missouri. These developments, he suggested, underscored the importance of making informed, balanced decisions about herbicide use. • Kyle Daniels - Via Solano, stated that an Integrated Pest Management Policy was essential to the City's approach moving forward, as it would help strategically allocate resources and support the City's broader fiscal rightsizing efforts. He noted that in 2019 the City had spent approximately $182,000 on related services, whereas current costs had increased to $1.341 million. He encouraged the exploration of creative options to maintain landscaped and open-space areas more efficiently.
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro and seconded by
Councilmember Quinn to direct staff to adopt option 2a as presented with the staff report and attached map with
additional direction that city staff continue to work toward an integrated pest management plan and also a long term
alignment of the various contracts for landscape maintenance and weed abatement (and to use least herbicides as
AYES: Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: McGowan
ABSTAIN: None
11. 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 UNE 30, 2025.
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City Manager Kallman introduced Noah Daniels of LSL, who provided a presentation on the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and auditor communications for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Mr. Daniels reported that the document had been filed on time and that the City had received a clean opinion from the independent auditor.
Following his presentation, Rodger Vasquez of Vasquez & Company LLP discussed several aspects of the audit, including the engagement team that performed the work and the firm's independence from the City, confirming that it met the requirements of Government Auditing Standards. He described the audit strategy, which included planning, evaluation, testing, and a review of key audit areas.
Mr. Vasquez identified the primary audit areas as follows:
• Management of internal controls
• Financial statement closing processes
• Cash and investments
• Revenue and accounts receivable
• Capital assets
• Payroll expenditures
• Net pension liability
• Net OPEB liability and related accounts
• Accounts payable
• Accrued expenses and accrued payroll
• GASB 101 implementation related to compensated absences In closing, Mr. Vasquez reviewed the required auditor communications, new accounting pronouncements, and highlighted the suggested recommendations.
City Manager Kallman then commented on the status of the recruitment for a Finance Director, noting its connection to the vacancy of the City's Human Resource Analyst position. He stated that an RFP had been issued for a recruitment agency to assist with onboarding a new Finance Director. City Treasurer Petersen requested a meeting with LSL and the City Manager to discuss policies and procedures related to the City's investment policy.
Following the presentation, Financial Advisory Committee Members John Nendick and Leslie Deholff addressed the Council to congratulate the team involved in the progress achieved and expressed agreement with the consultant's assessment regarding the timely and clean audit outcome.
There was no public comment on this item.
ACTION: Received and Filed
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12. REVIEW OF ROESSLER GAZEBO USE PERMIT PILOT PROGRAM
City Manager Kallman introduced Code Enforcement Officer Kash Pickens, who then delivered a presentation. In the report, she outlined the purpose of the pilot program, emphasizing its goal of preserving public access and ensuring safety.
She reviewed activity at the Roessler Gazebo from July through October 2025, which included the number of applications submitted and approved, non-permitted contacts, written warnings issued by the PVE Police Department, Code Enforcement Notices, and citations. To highlight compliance with the pilot program, Code Enforcement Officer Pickens referenced the applicable municipal codes:
12.04.020, 5.16.010, and 12.24.100. She then displayed a photograph of the signage currently posted at the site, which outlines the requirements for obtaining a special event permit. In closing, Ms. Pickens provided a staff recommendation to return to the Council with a proposed permanent program for review and consideration.
Councilmembers asked clarifying questions regarding the permitting process and the allowable number of attendees for special events. Additional Council comments were made to address safety concerns related to event gatherings at the Beach Club and Bluff Cove Park.
ACTION: By Consensus, the City Council directed staff to return the item for further review
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Kemps announced that his report had been provided earlier in the meeting and inquired whether any members of the Council had a report to share.
Councilmember Quinn congratulated Chief Hellinga on his 25 years of service and expressed his gratitude for all he has done and all he will continue to do for the City.
Councilmember Lozzi expressed the same sentiment in congratulating Chief Hellinga.
She then wished everyone a Happy New Year and conveyed her optimism about working together with great things ahead. In closing her report, Councilmember Lozzi reiterated her request for a future agenda item to review a holistic approach to landscape maintenance and weed abatement.
Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro added his congratulations to Chief Hellinga on his accomplishment and noted the significance of loyalty and continuity in city government.
He further observed that a great deal had been achieved during the meeting and that the year was off to a strong start. In closing, Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro thanked City staff for their continued efforts. Following his remarks, City Manager Kallman noted the 30th work anniversary of City Employee Donna Shellabarger, who had been invited for recognition
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but was unable to attend. In response, the Council offered congratulatory comments celebrating Ms. Shellabarger's milestone and longstanding service to the community.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by Mayor Kemps at 9:14 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY submitted:
APPROVED:
Michael Kemps, Mayor
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