COLOGNO
INCORPORATED 1939
GALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 27, 2026
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CALIFORNIA
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Kemps called the meeting to order at 6:30 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 and Councilmember McGowan.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Kallman, Deputy City Manager Gabriel, City Attorney Rusin, Chief Hellinga, City Clerk Cook, City Treasurer Petersen, Community Development Director Brady, Public Works Director Antillon and Senior Accountant Hayes.
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, the following action was taken.
ACTION: Councilmember Quinn motioned to approve the agenda.
Councilmember Lozzi seconded the motion. The agenda was approved unanimously.
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MAYOR'S REPORT - MATTERS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
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REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 27, 2026
Mayor Kemps Mayor Kemp shared a social media post from Ferris, Texas City Manager, Dr. Brooks Williams, about the realities of local government and city management. The post highlighted the pressures and responsibilities faced by those in local government emphasizing the need for financial stability and community focus. Following his comments, the Mayor requested the City Manager's report.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
The City Manager reported on the release of the city's print newsletter and an upcoming PVE CARES program event on February 1st at the Peninsula Library. He noted that the event will bring local seniors and students together to play brain games. City Manager Kallman also mentioned that Deputy City Manager Gabriel attended the Leber Cassidy Whitmore's annual labor law conference.
PRESENTATIONS- Mayor's Report on January 17 PV Breakfast Club Presentation Mayor Kemps presented a recap of the "State of the City" presentation prepared for the Palos Verdes Breakfast Club. The presentation covered the city's financial standing, core services, revenue sources, and challenges. The Mayor's key points included the limited alternative revenue streams, reliance on property tax, pension obligations, and capital needs. Staffing levels and their impact on city services were also discussed. Also shared in the Mayor's presentation were survey results on community priorities, such as reducing fire risk and preventing theft.
Thereafter, Mayor Kemps stated that a citizen-led initiative is underway with signatures submitted and under review by the county, however, the city is limited in what it can say about the proposal during the review process. Mayor Kemps further presented a comparison of operational expenses from 2018-2019 to 2025-2026, highlighting increases in police, fire, landscape maintenance, and weed abatement costs. In closing, Mayor Kemps announced that the presentation would be published on the city's website.
Following the Mayor's presentation, members of the City Council provided comments.
Councilmembers noted the significance of the information presented regarding reduced City staffing levels and the resulting impacts on service delivery. Comments from the Council were also made regarding the City's aging infrastructure and the increasing costs associated with inflation. The Council further discussed the long-term effects of sustained inflation, noting that continued increases can significantly compound costs over time.
Concerns were expressed regarding customer service expectations and the importance of the City maintaining service levels beyond minimal standards.
Additionally, Councilmembers emphasized the need for long-range planning to address unmet needs and mitigate potential financial risks. Appreciation was expressed for recent improvements in leadership and the importance of continued collaboration among staff and Council moving forward. The Council also highlighted the value of maintaining strong alignment and communication with residents.
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REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 27, 2026
Council comments concluded with general agreement on the importance of presenting information at a measured pace and using clear explanations and examples to improve public understanding of complex issues.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
John Williams expressed concerns regarding the City's budget deficit and spoke in opposition to the proposed tax increase. He further stated that the proposal lacked a clear plan and suggested that the City consider a phased approach.
Christine Fine raised concerns about the size of the proposed parcel tax and provided opposing remarks on the commitment to specific services. In closing, she noted that her comments were also published on the meeting agenda.
*Due to technical issues with the audio equipment, both residents: Mr. Williams and Ms. Fine were allotted a second opportunity from the Mayor to restate their comments to the public.
Darcel Ramirez-Hanson, expressed concerns about the resumption of chemical spraying and its potential impact on wildlife and pets. She further requested a pause in spraying and collaboration on a wildlife-sensitive vegetation management plan.
Bob Stearns, Neighborhood Watch Area Coordinator, provided an update on neighborhood watch activities, including upcoming street meets and tips for preventing mail theft and check fraud.
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 1- 9)
The Mayor opened the floor for Council discussion on the Consent Agenda, which included the approval of warrants, meeting actions, and agreements related to storm drain repairs, unclaimed property, and the approval of a new job classification. Upon inquiry, and there being no questions from the Council, the Mayor opened the public comment period for items on the consent agenda.
Darcel Ramirez addressed the Council and inquired if the approval of herbicide use was on the consent agenda. Following public comments, the following motion was made.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Lozzi and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro to approve the consent agenda.
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 27, 2026
1. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
Reviewed and approved January 27, 2026, Warrant Register.
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the minutes for the January 14, 2026, Special and Regular Meetings.
3. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the minutes for the January 20, 2026, meeting.
4. TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE ACTION MINUTES
Approved the Traffic Safety Committee Action Minutes of the January 7, 2026, Meeting.
5. PARKLANDS COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the Parklands Committee Action Minutes of the January 8, 2026, Meeting.
6. APPROVAL OF THE FIFTH AMENDMENT AND RESTATED JOINT POWERS
AGREEMENT FOR THE SOUTH BAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Approved and authorized the Mayor to execute the Fifth Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG), which allows the City of Los Angeles to designate a non-elected senior staff member as an alternate to the SBCCOG Governing Board representative.
7. CONTINUING THE EMERGENCY STORM DRAIN REPAIR AND EROSION CONTROL WORK AT 4425 LUCERA CIRCLE AND CITY BOUNDARY TRAIL Adopted Resolution No. 26-02, declaring that pursuant to the terms of ection 22050 of the California Public Contract Code, the City Council finc nere is a need to continue the emergency storm drain repair and erosic control work at 4425 Lucera Circle and City Boundary Trail.
8. CONSIDER APPROVING THE UNCLAIMED PROPERTY POLICY
Approved the Unclaimed Property Policy.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 27, 2026
9. RESOLUTION NO. 26-03 ESTABLISHING THE ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN
CLASSIFICATION, JOB DESCRIPTION, AND PAY RANGE WITHIN THE PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION EMPLOYEE GROUP AND RESOLUTION NO. 26-04 AMENDING THE FY 25-26 SALARY SCHEDULE
Adopted Resolution No. 26-03, establishing the Accounting Technician classification, job description, and pay range within the Public Service Employee Association Group; and 2. Adopted Resolution No. 26-04 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Salary Schedule.
NEW BUSINESS
10. COMPREHENSIVE WILDFIRE RISK MITIGATION STRATEGY
Chief Hellinga introduced a comprehensive wildfire risk mitigation strategy on behalf of the Police Department and thanked Assistant Fire Chief Brian Kane for his collaboration on the meeting presentation. Chief Hellinga outlined both fire prevention and fire response strategies currently in place and under consideration. He noted that artificial intelligence (Al) cameras are deployed throughout the Peninsula to detect smoke as part of the City's fire response efforts. He further described a potential real-time response center that would integrate camera feeds and Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) alerts.
Chief Hellinga also discussed fire prevention strategies, including the need for additional Police Department personnel to support wildfire mitigation efforts. He further explained that a Red Flag Day Action Plan is needed, which may include measures such as trail closures and increased patrols during periods of heightened fire risk.
Following Chief Hellinga's presentation, Assistant Fire Chief Brian Kane provided an overview of a proposed Red Flag Day Action Plan. He also discussed the Peninsula's new wildland brush unit and stated that the purpose of the equipment is to enhance the City's ability to respond rapidly to wildfire incidents. Additional fire response measures were presented, including HeloPod water dip stations, a new water storage tank, Police Department training and equipment enhancements, strengthening the Disaster District program, and local access to Jet-A fuel for Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopters during wildfire emergencies.
Council inquiries were received regarding coordination with the city's school district during Red Flag warnings; opportunities for Parkland volunteer participation; weed abatement plans in very high fire severity zones; the historical number of Red Flag Days on the Peninsula and how those figures are categorized; resident notification and alert procedures; inspection practices for very high fire severity zones and how those processes compare to other cities; the rationale for selecting Long Beach Airport as a source for accessible Jet-A fuel; and staffing requirements related to the use of new fire
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apparatus at Fire Station No. 2. Responses were provided by Chief Hellinga, Assistant Fire Chief Kane, and City Manager Kallman.
Additional Council comments were received regarding the positive impact of Al detection systems, the development of a Red Flag Action Plan, and the potential role of Parkland Rangers in wildfire prevention. Thereafter, the Mayor requested that City staff prepare a letter to the Torrance City Council encouraging consideration of a partnership with Robinson Helicopter to provide Jet-A fuel for Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopters, noting that such collaboration could be mutually beneficial.
Members of the public addressed the Council as follows:
• John Williams asked how adequacy of fire protection is determined and inquired why enhancements are being considered when current protection levels appear to meet existing needs. He directed his questions to Assistant Fire Chief Kane regarding the City's current level of protection.
• Christine Fine inquired about water resources and whether the use of a local high school swimming pool had been considered as a potential water source during fire emergencies.
• Darcel Ramirez-Hanson commented on available adjacent space near City Hall that could potentially be utilized by the Fire Department. She stated that the space could be readily converted for such use and expressed opposition to the construction of a new City Hall.
• Bill Ward, owner of PumpPod USA, addressed prior comments regarding the spacing of helicopter dip sites. He clarified that the distance between sites is approximately two and one-half miles from the reservoir to facilitate efficient helicopter water drops. He stated that a potential site at the Nike missile site would provide full coverage for the Peninsula and emphasized that water access is critical in very high fire severity zones, particularly due to response time considerations.
He further stated that helicopters act as a force multiplier while ground responders are assembling during emergencies. Mr. Ward also addressed comments regarding redundancy, explaining that multiple sites are necessary in the event of mechanical failure or smoke conditions, referencing similar issues encountered during the Palisades fire. Mr. Ward concluded by stating that four to five stakeholders have been identified who would fund the helicopter dip sites.
ACTION: Council direction was provided to staff to prepare a letter to the Torrance City Council urging consideration of a partnership to support jet fuel availability; to return annually with an updated wildfire risk mitigation presentation; and to continue providing necessary
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REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 27, 2026
staff support to evaluate and advance additional wildfire mitigation opportunities.
11. CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT OVERHIRE Chief Hellinga presented a staff report and accompanying presentation that provided a historical analysis of staffing levels within the City's Police Department. In his report, the Chief summarized the reduction in personnel that has resulted in more frequent periods during which a dedicated jailer is unavailable. He explained that Jail Standards require at least one staff member to be assigned to inmate supervision and jail operations. As a result, when a Police Service Officer is not available to perform these duties, sworn personnel must be reassigned from field operations to provide coverage. This practice creates operational strain by reducing the number of officers available for patrol and emergency response.
Chief Hellinga concluded by presenting recommendations for Council consideration, including authorizing the City Manager to temporarily over-hire two Police Service Officers for a twelve-month period. This action would temporarily increase the number of authorized Police Service Officer positions to nine. Absent further Council action, staffing levels would return to the approved allocation of seven Police Service Officers following the twelve-month period, as natural attrition occurs within the classification.
Council comments and inquiries were received regarding the distinction between the two staffing options presented, current department staffing levels, the cost of a prior contract for jailing services, the use of temporary appointments, and existing vacancies.
Responses were provided by Chief Hellinga, City Attorney Rusin, and City Manager Kaliman.
The Council was addressed by the following individual.
John Williams spoke in support of Option B: Authorize the over hire of two temporary service officers. (Fiscal Impact this FY: $81,000Once Service Officers return from leave, the temporary position will be laid off, Less long-term financial impact). Mr. Williams commented that this option cites the Police Department's current staffing circumstances.
He further stated that the hiring of additional staff should be considered as a separate ACTION: Moved by Councilmember McGowan and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro to adopt Option A: Authorize the over hire of two service officers. (-Fiscal Impact this FY: $81,000$69,000 in pro-rated Salary; $6,000 in background investigations; $6,000 in training expenses for our in-house training program. Brings a better candidate pool. Capitalize on investment of hiring process.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 27, 2026
Lower risk of unfavorable audit from the BSCC. Provides better department stability, including succession planning and retention of staff.
Less burnout/forced overtime. Ensures officers can stay in the field more frequently, reducing response times)
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: Lozzi
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Quinn reported, in his role as a delegate to the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, that the agency recently hosted a cybersecurity presentation. Appreciation was expressed to Derek Lazzaro, Mayor Pro Tem for attending and leading the presentation, along with an associate from the MPT's firm and two representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In closing, Councilmember Quinn requested that the presentation be posted, should it be made available.
Councilmember Lozzi inquired whether the Housing Trust would be a future agenda item. In response, the City Manager stated that participation from additional cities is still needed and that the matter remains in progress. Councilmember Lozzi reported on her recent attendance at the monthly Los Angeles Sanitation District meeting, during which manhole failures were discussed. She emphasized the importance of cities regularly inspecting the integrity of manholes. Thereafter, Councilmember Lozzi stated that she had a few follow-up items to discuss with the city's Public Works Director. She further noted that residents should have recently received mailed notices regarding increased sanitation service rates.
Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro thanked Mayor Kemps for his presentation and acknowledged the information that was provided in the meeting.
The Mayor requested that the City Manager make an announcement. In response, City Manager Kallman announced that he would present cybersecurity as a topic of interest at the upcoming League of California Cities conference for City Managers. The Id tue importance Cites
Mayor emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in local government operations, noting that compliance is critical. He also referenced a recent cybersecurity incident involving a neighboring city, which resulted in significant consequences, and noted that efforts had been made to address cybersecurity needs through the City's budget.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 27, 2026
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, by Mayor Kemps at 9:23 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY submitted: APPROVED:
lela
Tameka J. Cook, City Clerk Michael Kemps, Mayor
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 27, 2026