OF PALOS, „VERDES
STATES
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GALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 10, 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 6:31 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Kemps.
ROLL CALL
Prior to Roll Call, City Attorney Rusin reported for the record that Councilmember McGowan would be participating remotely pursuant to Government Code section 54953(c). due to recovery from multiple surgeries. Pursuant to the requirements of this provision, City Attorney Rusin advised Councilmember McGowan that he must maintain continuous audio and video teleconference capabilities throughout the duration of the meeting.
Following the disclosure, City Attorney Rusin requested that Councilmember McGowan confirm the accuracy of the information presented to the City Council and state whether any individual over the age of eighteen was present at his remote location.
Councilmember McGowan affirmed the accuracy of the City Attorney's statements and further confirmed that no other individual was present at his remote location. Thereafter, City Clerk Cook conducted Roll Call and announced that a quorum was established.
PRESENT: Mayor Kemps, Mayor Pro Tern Lazzaro, *Councilmember McGowan (via remote participation), Councilmember Quinn, and
Councilmember Lozzi.
ALSO PRESENT: 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.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2026
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Kemps called for approval of the agenda and inquired whether any Councilmembers wished to propose changes. There being none, the following motion was made:
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tern Lazzaro and seconded by Councilmember Quinn to approve the agenda.
AYES: *McGowan, Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
*In accordance with government code section 54953, a roll call vote was conducted for all motions made in the meeting.
MAYOR'S REPORT- MATTERS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
Mayor Kemps reported his attendance at the PV Peninsula Chamber of Commerce "70 Years Strong" event held January 30, 2026, at La Venta Inn, where he administered the oath to the Chamber's 2026 Board of Directors. He highlighted a tribute given to Eileen Hupp, a longtime civic leader who passed away December 25, 2025, and recognized her contributions and community impact.
The Mayor announced Little League Opening Days on Saturday, February 21 for both Palos Verdes Little League (Valmonte area parade at 9:30 a.m., opening at 10:15 a.m., carnival until 2:00 p.m., majors games at 11:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.) and Lunada Bay Little League (PVE PD-led parade 8:00 a.m., barbershop quartet national anthem, Challenger Division game at 9:30 a.m., WWII aircraft flyover at 10:30 a.m., games and activities throughout the day).
Following the report, Mayor Kemps acknowledged that Deputy City Manager Gabriel was overseeing the meeting in place of City Manager Kallman, who was absent due to illness.
He also reminded the public that City Hall will be closed on Monday, February 16, in recognition of Presidents' Day.
Mayor Kemps reported that, in accordance with Council's prior direction, he transmitted a letter opposing the proposed ½-cent Los Angeles County sales tax measure slated for the June ballot. He informed the Council and public that the County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to place the measure before voters, expressed concerns about the regressive impact of the tax and its implications for regional economic competitiveness, and emphasized that the ultimate decision now rests with the electorate. In closing, Mayor Kemps read remarks from his favorite social media poster, Ferris City Manager Dr. Brooks Williams, emphasizing the importance of civility, responsible engagement, and fact-based participation in public processes.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2026
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Deputy City Manager George Gabriel provided a brief staffing update and introduced Police Chief Luke Halinga to present the 2025 Police Department Year-End Report.
Chief Hellinga reported continued positive crime trends: burglaries decreased 24% (following a 44% decrease the prior year), GTA down 23%, vandalism down 51%, larceny up 13%, and significant increases in counterfeiting/forgery linked to a USPS employee's conviction. The Department made 237 arrests, including arrests for assault (10), burglary (9), other theft (12), GTA (5), drug violations (41), weapon violations (8), and DUI (61). Average emergency response time was 2:58, and Priority 2 calls averaged 4:21. Of approximately 2,500 911 calls, 97% were answered within 10 seconds. Dispatch logged roughly 28,000 CAD entries, with 75% representing proactive officer work. Traffic enforcement included 1,590 citations and 1,274 parking citations; non-injury collisions decreased 21%, injury collisions decreased 13%, and bicyclist-involved collisions decreased 30%. Reports are posted on the City's website. The Council thanked staff for the report.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
John Williams commented on the Mayor's recent presentation (Breakfast Club and at Council), questioned specific slides and staffing figures, and urged engagement from the Finance Advisory Committee.
John Credell, PVE Neighborhood Watch Area Coordinator, announced "Street Meets" sign-ups at pvenw.org, offered tips on mail theft/check fraud prevention (use interior USPS drop; avoid outdoor mailboxes and clipped pickups; use gel pens), and promoted the Neighborhood Watch annual membership drive.
Greg Diete spoke on mail theft experiences, thanked the Police Department, and expressed appreciation for wildfire risk mitigation near his residence; he asked about eucalyptus proximate to a nearby property and referenced prior committee and tree work.
Council remarks were made stating that vegetation in the public right-of-way associated with private projects typically proceeds to the Parklands Committee, and that a new owner's planning process would trigger subsequent steps.
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 1-6)
Mayor Kemps called for approval of the Consent Agenda and announced the titles of items 1 through 6. The Mayor further noted that Item 6 would require two recusals from members of the Council. The Council requested clarification as to whether item 6 required Council action, noting that the item was listed as 'receive and file.'
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Staff clarified a labeling error on Item 6 (should require action rather than "receive and file"). The City Attorney advised Mayor Kemps and Councilmember Lozzi to recuse from Item 6 due to membership conflicts; both members of Council did so for that item.
Thereafter, the following action was taken:
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Lozzi to approve Consent Agenda Items 1 through 6 and seconded by Councilmember McGowan (noting the recusals of Councilmember Lozzi and Mayor Kemps from Item 6).
AYES: *McGowan, Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
1. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
Approved the February 10, 2026, Warrant Register.
2. RECEIVE AND FILE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2025, AND DECEMBER 31, 2025.
Received and filed financial statements for the months November 30, 2025, and December 31, 2025.
3. CITY COUNCIL MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the minutes for the January 27, 2026, and February 4, 2026, Council Meetings.
4. CONTINUING THE EMERGENCY STORM DRAIN REPAIR AND EROSION CONTROL WORK AT 4425 LUCERA CIRCLE AND CITY BOUNDARY TRAIL Adopted Resolution No. 26-05 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.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2026
5. CONSIDERATION OF A LETTER TO THE TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
REQUESTING AUTHORIZATION FOR LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE
DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY HELICOPTER REFUELING OPERATIONS AT
TORRANCE AIRPORT
Authorized the Mayor to sign the attached letter requesting that the City of Torrance authorize Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopter refueling operations at Torrance Airport (Zamperini Field) for emergency firefighting and disaster response activities serving the Palos Verdes Peninsula and surrounding South Bay communities.
6. CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF PROPOSED 2026 PVTC CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Provided conceptual approval of the projects.
PUBLIC HEARING
7. AMENDMENT AND ADDITION OF MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS (CHAPTERS
8.56, 8.60, 8.64, AND 12.24) RELATED TO FIREWORKS, SMOKING,
DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND UNLAWFUL CAMPING TO IMPROVE FIRE SAFETY
Chief Hellinga reviewed Council direction from November 12 to strengthen fire safety laws. Proposed amendments add a clear definition of public place, explicitly prohibit fireworks in public places, set a $1,000 administrative citation for fireworks violations, remove duplicative sections, authorize City Manager or designee to close trails during Red Flag or Fire Weather Watch conditions, and establish a $500 administrative citation for smoking violations. A new chapter prohibits camping on public property (streets, sidewalks, trails, parks), with procedures to remove stored property in compliance with City policies. The City Attorney clarified that violations may be pursued as misdemeanors or administrative citations; the higher specified fines modify the standard administrative fine schedule where stated.
Council questions addressed use of video evidence (permitted for admin citation if identification can be established), interactions with existing large-vehicle/overnight sleeping ordinances, public notification/signage for trail closures (social media, alerts, signage, tape at trailheads where practicable), and Coastal Commission considerations.
City Attorney Rusin indicated health/safety amendments are exempt; sign installations may require additional steps. Council emphasized prevention and education and discussed differences between misdemeanor prosecution and administrative enforcement.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Mayor Kemps commenced the public hearing at 7:01 p.m.
Public Comment:
John Williams stated that he supported the preventative objectives and asked about realistic enforcement on holidays such as New Year's and July 4th.
Mayor Kemps closed the public hearing at 7:24 p.m.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Lozzi and seconded by Councilmember Quinn to Introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 771, entitled: "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Palos Verdes Estates, California, amending Chapter 8.56 (Smoking Prohibited) and Chapter 8.60 (Fireworks) of Title 8 (Health and Safety), amending Sections 12.24.040 (Closure of Grounds) and 12.24.100 (Disorderly Conduct) of Chapter 12.24 (Parks) of Title 12 (Streets, Sidewalks, and Public Places), adding Chapter 8.64 (Unlawful Camping) to the Palos Verdes Estates Municipal Code, and finding the same exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act."
AYES: *McGowan, Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NEW BUSINESS
8. FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ANNUAL BUDGET MID-YEAR REVIEW
Deputy City Manager Gabriel introduced Noah Daniels of LSL Consulting who presented the mid-year review using results through December 31, 2025. The adopted budget included a planned deficit (~$2M); subsequent amendments modestly increased it. Revenues overall track near plan; property tax (largest source) follows standard county disbursement timing and remains stable. Sales tax is trending approximately flat to modest gain vs. plan; franchise tax receipts are back-loaded. Charges for Services are tracking somewhat below plan but volatile and monitored. On expenditures, salary & benefit savings (~$471,000) are partially offset by contract services increases. Fund balance ended FY 2024-25 stronger than projected ($24.9M vs. $23.8M estimate); projected FY 2025-26 ending fund balance is ~$22.8M, above reserve minimums. Staff recommended budget amendments to reallocate realized savings to contracts, fund previously approved police overhire, and appropriate legal settlement costs (~$63,740) to the proper line.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Public Comment:
John Williams asked about the $930,700 licenses/permits revenue and whether figures reflect the City share vs. contract services reimbursement. Staff confirmed City share is recorded as revenue; contractor costs appear under expenditures.
Council Discussion:
Councilmembers commended staff for improved cadence and controls, reiterated unfunded needs (City Hall seismic/garage, police staffing and technology, Malaga Cove water intrusion mitigation, parklands management capacity, grant writing, sewer/storm drain work beyond minimums, pension acceleration, expanded tree maintenance), and emphasized structural budget constraints.
ACTION:
AYES: *McGowan, Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Continued on next page
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2026
9. DISCUSS THE CITYWIDE FIRE SAFETY WEED ABATEMENT PROGRAM;
AND AWARD TWO CONTRACTS FOR CITYWIDE FIRE SAFETY WEEED
ABATEMENT GOAT GRAZING SERVICES AND CONTRACTOR SERVICES Public Works Director Oscar Antillon presented two awards stemming from an RFP combining goat grazing and traditional abatement, with Option 1 (20 ft+ additional 50 ft = 70 fl) and Option 2 (20 ft plus expanded goat coverage at lower cost). Staff summarized coverage maps, acreage, cost deltas, schedule overlaps with existing contracts, and grant opportunities. Staff noted a need to correct minor mapping overlaps with the Bennett landscape contract (primarily medians), which will be refined.
Public Comment:
Bob Stearns asked about goat deployment prioritization and processes. Staff responded, stating that a schedule with the contractor will be developed, focusing on areas with greatest benefit early in the season.
Council Discussion:
Councilmembers discussed program effectiveness, overlapping zones, cost/acre tradeoffs, and public communication (including early notice where goats will appear). Members requested staff continue coordination among all vendors to minimize overlap and to return with a holistic landscape/weed abatement approach. The Council generally favored Option 2 due to fiscal constraints while expanding total acreage via goats.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Lozzi and seconded by Councilmember McGowan to award contracts to Fire Grazers, Inc. (goat grazing) and SoCal Brush (traditional abatement) and select Option 2 as outlined in the staff report.
AYES: *McGowan, Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN : None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2026
10. REVIEW OF FINANCE DIRECTOR RECRUITMENT
Deputy City Manager Gabriel summarized the ongoing vacancy of the Finance Director position since April 2023, the City's current reliance on LSL for interim services-which includes both on-site support and remote oversight-and the market compensation data reviewed to date. Staff requested Council direction on whether to initiate a recruitment process and whether any classification or compensation adjustments should be made prior to beginning that process.
Council Discussion & Direction
Councilmembers discussed fiscal uncertainty, structural deficit, near-term reliance on LSL, timing and costs of ERP modernization, and the need for multi-year financial planning. While acknowledging the long-term need for a Finance Director, the Council reached consensus to pause recruitment and continue with LSL while staff develops a holistic long-term financial plan, including reserves, liabilities, multi-year forecasting, and renewed Finance Advisory Committee engagement.
Action: The Council directed staff to return with proposals for long-term financial modeling/forecasting (LSL or other suitable firms) and to integrate that work with upcoming budget/GIP sessions.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Kemps noted that his report had been provided earlier in the meeting and inquired whether any Councilmembers had reports or requests for future agenda items.
Councilmember Lozzi reiterated her prior request for a future agenda item regarding an analysis of the City's contracted services for weed abatement.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, February 24, 2026, by Mayor Kemps at 9:11 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY submitted: APPROVED:
Jane cal comi palo
Michael Kemps, Mayor
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2026