, VERDES
0101010
INCORPORATED 1939
EALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF THE APRIL 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 at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Kemps.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Kemps.
ROLL CALL - The Roll was conducted by the City Clerk Cook.
PRESENT: Mayor Kemps, Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro, Councilmember Lozzi, Councilmember McGowan and Councilmember Quinn
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Kallman, 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 approval of the agenda. There being no changes, the following motion was presented.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Lozzi, seconded by Councilmember McGowan, to approve the agenda.
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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MAYOR'S REPORT - MATTERS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
Mayor Kemps delivered remarks drawn from a shared post by Brooks Williams, City Manager of Ferris, Texas, reflecting on the demands of public service and the importance of constructive civic engagement. In his remarks, the Mayor observed that public decision-making frequently requires balancing limited resources, competing priorities, and incomplete information, and emphasized the value of recognizing the inherent complexity of governance. He encouraged consideration of this context when evaluating City actions and policy decisions.
The Mayor emphasized the importance of maintaining civility, perspective, and mutual respect in public dialogue, particularly when community members hold differing views. He highlighted that respectful discourse supports effective problem solving and strengthens public participation. Mayor Kemps also recognized the dedication of City employees across all departments, noting that staft members are residents and professionals committed to serving the community and supporting the City's daily operations.
Concluding his report, Mayor Kemps encouraged the community to engage respectfully and collaboratively on City matters. He urged residents and officials alike to focus on facts, shared responsibility, and practical solutions, and called for thoughtful, reality-based collaboration in addressing the City's challenges.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Kallman reported on upcoming community events, including a compost distribution event and a document shredding event scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2026. He also introduced a new City website feature titled "Just the Facts," designed to address misinformation by providing factual, City-verified information on current topics of community interest. Residents may submit inquiries for consideration through the City's communications email.
Chief Hellinga provided a year-to-date update on Police Department operations, reporting strong emergency response times for both Priority 1 and Priority 2 calls and noting that no burglaries have been reported in 2026 to date. He also addressed an increase in reported traffic collisions, explaining that the rise was attributable to statistical comparison factors and reporting thresholds rather than a significant change in roadway safety conditions. In addition, the Chief discussed ongoing fraud-prevention efforts and recommended the use of gel pens when writing checks to help deter check-washing fraud.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
John Williams addressed issues related to City Hall facilities, long-term capital improvement planning, and the status of prior engineering studies. He expressed concerns regarding facility conditions and requested clarity on future planning priorities and the use of past studies.
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John Credell, Area Coordinator of PVE Neighborhood Watch provided information on the organization's activities and encouraged residents to participate in neighborhood "Street Meet" events. They also emphasized the importance of community involvement and requested increased engagement in block captain recruitment efforts citywide.
Darcel Ramirez-Hanson raised concerns regarding transparency, legal expenditures, and fiscal priorities, particularly in connection with the AECOM City Hall study and the City's use of outside legal counsel. She questioned the necessity and cost of certain City Hall interior improvements and urged clearer disclosure of legal and administrative expenses. Ms. Ramirez-Hanson also expressed opposition to herbicide use in landscaping, citing environmental and public-health concerns, and encouraged the City to reassess related contracts and practices. Additionally, she voiced concern about the cost and timing of special elections and emphasized the need for more prudent use of City resources.
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 1 - 5)
Mayor Kemps called for the approval of the Consent Agenda. Following the Mayor's announcement, Councilmember Quinn announced his recusal from consent agenda item number 4 due to the proximity of his residence. Thereafter, the following motion was made ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Quinn and seconded by Councilmember Lazzaro to approve the consent agenda (with the noted recusal from Councilmember Quinn on item number four)
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
1. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
Reviewed and approved April 14, Warrant Register.
2. RECEIVE AND FILE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 28, 2026
Received and filed financial statements for the month ending February 28, 2026.
3. CITY COUNCIL MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the minutes for the March 24, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting.
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Darcel Ramirez-Hanson commented on Consent Agenda Item 4, stating that the City Council meeting minutes of the prior meeting appeared to reference matters involving landscaping and herbicide use. She expressed concern about herbicide application in environmentally sensitive areas, including coastal zones, storm drains, and locations near Malaga Creek and a preschool, citing potential environmental, public-health, and regulatory risks. Ms. Ramirez Hanson questioned whether approving the minutes could be interpreted as endorsing such practices and urged the City Council to carefully scrutinize committee actions related to herbicide use and contractor compliance.
4. TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS
Received and filed the action minutes for the March 4, 2026, Traffic Safety Committee Meeting.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Quinn and seconded by Councilmember Lazzaro to approve the consent agenda (with the noted recusal from Councilmember Quinn on item number 4)
AYES: McGowan, Lozzi, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Quinn
5. TRANSITION FROM PILOT PROGRAM TO PERMANENT PROGRAM FOR
MANAGING PRIVATE EVENTS AT ROESSLER GAZEBO AS A SPECIAL EVENT Approved a permanent program for managing private events at the Roessler Gazebo through the City's Special Event permitting process.
PUBLIC HEARING
6. ZTA-001-26; AN 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 (JADU
Community Development Director Brady presented an ordinance amending Chapter
18.45 of the Municipal Code to update the City's regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs in compliance with State law changes effective January 1, 2026. She explained that an urgency ordinance had been adopted in
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January 2026 to ensure continuity of enforceable standards and that the proposed ordinance was identical, serving as the required permanent implementation. The ordinance retains local development standards, including lot-coverage limits, open-space requirements, and building-height measurement methods, while incorporating State-mandated provisions affecting the number and types of ADUs permitted on single-family and multi-family parcels.
Ms. Brady emphasized that the ordinance does not reflect new policy direction but is necessary to maintain compliance with State housing laws and avoid potential enforcement consequences, including the "builder's remedy." The Planning Commission reviewed the ordinance on March 17, 2026, and forwarded a favorable recommendation. Staff recommended that the City Council conduct the public hearing, introduce the ordinance on first reading, and find it exempt from CEQA.
Following the presentation, Council Members asked clarifying questions of staff and the City Attorney regarding the ordinance's requirements and legal implications.
Discussion focused on the City's ability to retain local standards, such as lot coverage, open-space requirements, and building-height measurement, while remaining compliant with State law. Council Members discussed the impacts of State housing mandates and recognized the need to adopt the ordinance to ensure compliance with State law and mitigate potential legal risks, including the builder's remedy.
Director Brady confirmed that the ordinance before the Council was identical to the previously adopted urgency ordinance and would not change current policy or development practice.
Mayor Kemps commenced the period for public comment on this item at 7:15 p.m.
Darcel Ramirez-Hanson, resident, inquired if construction of accessory dwelling units would result in increased taxable square footage for affected properties, particularly in relation to overall parcel assessment.
In response, the City Attorney clarified that additional development may be subject to reassessment in accordance with standard property tax assessment practices.
As no further public testimony was offered either in support of or opposition to the ordinance, the period for public comment was closed at 7:22 p.m.
The City Attorney confirmed that the ordinance required introduction on first reading and that a second reading would occur at a subsequent meeting. Following discussion, the Council expressed consensus to proceed with adoption as recommended by staff. The public hearing was closed, and the Council voted unanimously to introduce Ordinance No. 772 on first reading and find the ordinance exempt from CEQA, with no amendments proposed.
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ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Lozzi, seconded by Councilmember McGowan, to introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 772 finding the ordinance exempt from CEQA.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PALOS VERDES ESTATES
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 18.45 (ACCESSORY DWELLING
UNITS) RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUs)
AND JUNIOR ACCESSORYDWELLING UNITS (JADUs) TO
COMPLY WITH THE RECENT CHANGES IN STATE LAW AND
FINDING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NEW BUSINESS
7. DISCUSSION ON PRELIMINARY FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 GENERAL FUND
OPERATING BUDGET
Deputy City Manager Gabriel and Consultant, Noah Daniels, presented an overview of the preliminary FY 2026/27 General Fund budget, including projected revenues and expenditures, an anticipated operating deficit to be covered by reserves, key cost drivers such as pensions, insurance, and public safety, and long-term structural budget challenges.
Following the staff presentation and public comment, the City Council discussed the proposed FY 2026-27 General Fund Operating Budget, reviewing projected revenues and expenditures, the estimated structural deficit, and reserve levels.
Council Members acknowledged the City's fiscal constraints and discussed the need to balance essential services, risk management, and long-term obligations while maintaining required reserve policies.
Council discussion addressed specific budget elements including pension obligations, public safety contracts, insurance and health care cost pressures, and reliance on staffing vacancies to manage expenditures. Members of the Council also discussed unfunded or partially funded priorities such as tree maintenance, equipment replacement, facility needs, and infrastructure projects, and emphasized the importance of transparency regarding budget limitations. The Council provided direction to staff on revisions and requested a refined budget return at a future meeting for formal consideration and adoption.
John Williams commented on the City's capital planning and long-term fiscal priorities. He expressed concern that critical infrastructure issues, particularly City
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Hall remediation and Malaga Cove water intrusion have been delayed despite years of study, including an unpublished AECOM report. He urged the City to prioritize action over additional studies, dedicate funding to high-priority capital needs rather than the general fund, and ensure transparency regarding consultant work and associated costs.
Darcel Ramirez-Hanson raised concerns regarding overall fiscal management, legal and administrative expenditures, and the necessity of certain proposed capital and interior facility improvements. She questioned the scale of costs associated with City Hall upgrades and landscaping contracts, expressed opposition to herbicide use, and urged greater fiscal restraint given the City's constrained budget position. Ms. Ramirez-Hanson commented on the costs and timing of special elections and requested additional transparency regarding budget decisions.
ACTION: Council discussion was held on the information item, and Council direction was provided for city staff:
Council direction included removing the proposed $250,000 discretionary CaPERS additional payment from the FY 2026-27 budget; maintaining the Fire Department contract budget at the current-year level; and incorporating a reasonable mid-year adjustment assumption for anticipated employee health insurance cost increases. Council also directed staff to increase the tree trimming budget to approximately $450,000, with discretion to prioritize locations based on safety and operational need rather than earmarking funds for specific sites.
Additionally, Council requested that the revised budget highlight unfunded needs and structural constraints for transparency, include further information on the Police Services Aide compensation issue for future consideration, and return with a refined budget reflecting these changes at a subsequent meeting for formal consideration and adoption.
8. RECEIVE AND FILE THE CITY'S 2026 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (PMP) UPDATE
Public Works Director Antillon and City Engineer McDermott presented the City's 2026 Pavement Management Program Update. The update reported a Citywide Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of approximately 82, reflecting strong pavement conditions relative to regional averages. The presentation reviewed methodology, funding sources, treatment strategies, and long-term maintenance planning.
Following the staff presentation, Council Members discussed the condition of the City's roadway network and acknowledged that the reported Pavement Condition
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Index (PCI) of approximately 82 reflects a strong, long-term commitment to preventative maintenance. Council Members noted that the City's pavement condition compares favorably with regional and statewide averages and emphasized the value of proactive strategies, such as slurry sealing, in preserving roadway quality and controlling long-term costs.
Council discussion focused on the methodology used to assess pavement conditions, including the use of automated data-collection technology and the frequency of system-wide assessments. Members discussed prioritizing investments between residential streets and higher-traffic arterial roadways, recognizing that arterials experience greater wear due to traffic volume and utility impacts. Council Members also addressed the importance of coordinating pavement work with utility agencies to reduce conflicts and avoid redundant street repairs.
Additional discussion highlighted safety considerations, including visibility of striping, reflectivity, and pedestrian and cyclist use of City streets. Council Members expressed support for maintaining flexibility to address localized pavement issues outside of major project cycles and agreed that the Pavement Management Program serves as a valuable planning tool for future capital improvement and budget decisions.
John Williams provided comments on the Pavement Management Program Update. He asked technical questions regarding the pavement assessment methodology, including the use and cost of the automated data-collection vehicle and how often the survey is conducted. Mr. Williams inquired whether the updated technology could identify subsurface conditions not previously detected and whether those findings result in proactive repairs or are addressed only after surface failure occurs. He also commented that improved assessment tools may identify additional pavement deficiencies compared to prior surveys and stated his support for the data-driven approach used in the update.
ACTION: The City Council received and filed the 2026 Pavement Management Program Update.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Kemps indicated that he had no additional comments beyond those provided earlier in the meeting during the Mayor's Report. Thereafter, the Mayor thanked staff, Council Members, and members of the public for their participation and acknowledged the length and complexity of the evening's agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro commended staff for the rollout of the "Just the Facts" webpage and emphasized the importance of accurate public information and respectful civic engagement.
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Following the Council Member reports, City staff recognized Mayor Kemps' birthday and provided light refreshments.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business being presented, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:15 p.m. to Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY submitted: APPROVED:
lametal. Cool celes
/Tameka J. Cook, City Clerk Michael Kemps, Mayor
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