INCORPORATED 1939
BALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF THE APRIL 28, 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 - The Roll Call was conducted by City Clerk Cook.
PRESENT: Mayor Kemps, Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro, Councilmember McGowan and Councilmember Quinn (Councilmember Lozzi was absent).
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 Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro and seconded by Councilmember Quinn to approve the agenda.
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: Lozzi
ABSTAIN: None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 28, 2026
MAYOR'S REPORT - MATTERS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
The Mayor requested the City Manager to provide a public report.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
In response to the Mayor's request, City Manager Kallman provided updates on upcoming State of the City presentations, including speaking engagements with the Peninsula Realtors Association, the Malaga Cove Homeowners Association, and the Four Peninsula Cities State of the City event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.
An update was also provided regarding the June 2, 2026, election, including the mailing of vote-by-mail ballots on May 4, the opening of the City Hall ballot drop box on the same date, and the introduction of a new Flex Vote Center at the Palos Verdes Golf Club.
Additional voting opportunities were outlined, and staff noted that election information would be shared via the City's website and social media channels.
The City Manager highlighted the completion of sidewalk improvements adjacent to City Hall, noting that much of the work was completed by City Streets and Parks staff. The project was described as a modest but meaningful infrastructure improvement enhancing safety and accessibility at a key City gateway.
The Chief of Police presented the March 2026 crime statistics report. He reported that the City experienced zero residential burglaries through March 2026, representing a significant improvement compared to the same period in the prior year. One residential burglary was reported in late April, and preventative guidance was provided for residents living near trails.
Chief Hellinga also explained that reported increases in theft-related crimes were largely attributable to expanded reporting requirements under the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System, particularly for fraud-related offenses. The report also highlighted strong departmental performance metrics, including rapid emergency response times and high rates of timely 911 call handling.
PRESENTATION: Los Angeles County Fire Department - Fire Safety & Response Plan
Assistant Fire Chief Brian Kane, presented an overview of wildfire preparedness, response operations, evacuation protocols, and lessons learned from recent fires, including incident command structure, notification systems, firefighting resources, mutual aid coordination, and prevention measures. The City Council expressed appreciation for the presentation and discussed prevention efforts, evacuation coordination, aircraft limitations, and defensible space enforcement.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 28, 2026
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Valerie Gorsuch, representing PVE Neighborhood Watch, announced the upcoming "Meet Your Neighbors"
in the City, highlighting participation from public safety personnel and encouraging volunteer involvement.
Merlin David, Director of Development for the Peninsula Education Foundation, provided insuppoing localischools, including oting in eading stat acide in out pod is al He encouraged community participation and emphasized the importance of continued support for educational initiatives across the Peninsula.
Steve Friedrich expressed appreciation for the Police Department's performance, noting particularly strong response times and proactive policing efforts. He also commended recent public safety presentations, including wildfire preparedness outreach, and encouraged broader community awareness and engagement in City programs.
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 1 - 7)
The City Council considered Consent Agenda Items 1 through 7. Item 4, related to traffic improvements at the intersection of Yarmouth Road and Chelsea Road, was pulled for separate consideration. Councilmember announced that he would recused himself from discussion and action on item number four due to the proximity of his residence.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Quinn and seconded by Councilmember McGowan to approve the consent agenda items one through seven with the exception of item four.
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: Lozzi
ABSTAIN: None
1. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
Approved the April 28, 2026, Warrant Register.
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING ACTIONS
Approve the minutes for the April 14, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting and the April 20, 2026, Special Meeting.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 28, 2026
3. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ACTIONS
Received and filed the action minutes for the April 17, 2026, Planning Commission Meeting.
4. APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE OF MARCH 4, 2026, MEETING RELATING TO TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS AT THE
INTERSECTION OF YARMOUTH ROAD AND CHELSEA ROAD
This item was pulled for discussion. Councilmember Quinn recused himself on this item due to the proximity of his residence.
Public Works Director Antillon introduced the item and summarized the history of the Traffic Safety Committee's review, including the traffic study previously authorized by the City Council. In coordination with the City's traffic engineer, staff presented the revised design for the intersection, consisting of a four-way stop with stop bars, pavement markings, two additional stop signs on Yarmouth Road, and advance stop warning signs on the Yarmouth approaches. Staff further recommended that the advance warning signs be installed temporarily for 60 days to alert motorists to the new traffic control condition and then removed.
Kristina Ernenwein spoke in support of the proposed traffic improvements and the temporary advance warning signage approach.
James Brown indicated his question had been addressed and did not offer additional comments.
Following discussion, the City Council concurred with staff's recommendation and approved the installation of a four-way stop at the intersection, including temporary advance stop warning signs to remain in place for a period of 60 days, after which they would be removed based on observed conditions.
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Kemps and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro to approve the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Committee of March 4, 2026, relating to traffic improvements at the intersection of Yarmouth Road and Chelsea Road, as modified to provide that the advance stop warning signs be installed for 60 days only and then removed, and to authorize the Public Works Director to proceed with implementation.
AYES: McGowan, Lazzaro, and Kemps
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 28, 2026
NOES: None
ABSENT: Lozzi
ABSTAIN: Quinn
5. CONSIDERATION OF SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION FOR SCHOOL OF ROCK
PALOS VERDES SPRING SHOWCASE AT LUNADA BAY PLAZA SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2026
1. Approved the Special Event Application for the School of Rock Palos Verdes Spring Showcase, to be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Lunada Bay Plaza, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with event setup beginning at 6:00 a.m. and cleanup completed by 10:00 p.m.; and
2. Required the applicant to comply with all conditions imposed by the City of Palos Verdes Estates and Los Angeles County Fire Department
6. ZTA-001-26: ADOPTION AND SECOND READING OF 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 EXEMPT FROM CEQA
Adopted Ordinance No. 772 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PALOS VERDES ESTATES MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 18.45 (ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS) RELATING TO
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUs) AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS (JADUs) TO COMPLY WITH THE RECENT CHANGES IN
STATE LAW AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA
7. ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ANNUAL MISCELLANEOUS INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS PROJECT (PW-719-25); AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO MIKE BUBALO CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $748,205;
APPROPRIATE AND ALLOCATE ADDITIONAL FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $489,711 FROM GAS TAX, MEASURE M, MEASURE R AND PROP C FUNDS TO THE PROJECT; APPROVE ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION EXPENDITURES NOT TO EXCEED $74,821 WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 10% OF THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT; AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL CONTRACT DOCUMENTS; AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY CLERK TO RECORD THE
NOTICE OF COMPLETION UPON ACCEPTANCE OF THE WORK BY THE PUBLIC
WORKS DIRECTOR
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 28, 2026
1. Approved the plans and specifications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 Annual Miscellaneous Infrastructure Repairs Project (City Project No.
PW-719-25);
2. Awarded a construction contract to Mike Bubalo Construction Co, Inc. in the amount of $748,205;
3. Appropriated and allocated additional funds in the amount of $489,711 from Gas Tax, Measure M, Measure R, and Prop C Funds to the project;
4. Approved additional construction expenditures not to exceed $74,821, which is approximately 10% of the construction contract amount;
5. Authorized the City Manager to Execute all Contract Documents; and
6. Authorized the City Clerk to Record the Notice of Completion upon Acceptance of the Work by the Public Works Director.
PUBLIC HEARING
8. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF AN INFORMATIONAL
REPORT AND PRESENTATION REGARDING THE STATUS OF VACANCIES AND RECRUITMENT EFFORTS, PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 2561
Acting Human Resources Analyst, Brian Alvarenga, presented the annual informational report required by Assembly Bill 2561 regarding the City's staffing vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts. The report summarized vacancy trends over the past five fiscal years, current vacancy rates by employee group and department, recent hiring activity, and the City's ongoing strategies to support recruitment and retention, including negotiated benefit improvements, police hiring incentives, and reduced recruitment turnaround times. Staff reported that all bargaining units remain below the 20 percent vacancy threshold that would trigger additional reporting requirements under state law.
There were no public comments received on this item.
Following the staff presentation, the City Council briefly commented on the report and commended staff on the presentation.
ACTION: The City Council conducted the public hearing and received and filed the report.
NEW BUSINESS
9. APPROVAL OF AN EASEMENT AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION LICENSE
AGREEMENT WITH CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE COMPANY FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 1-MILLION-GALLON WATER STORAGE TANK ON
CITY PROPERTY
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 28, 2026
Public Works Director Antillon presented a request to approve an easement and temporary construction license agreement with California Water Service Company for a new water storage tank on City property. Representatives of California Water Service explained that the project is intended to increase storage capacity and improve system reliability, including fire flow and emergency water supply on the Peninsula. City Staff noted that the item had been under review for an extended period, that coordination had occurred with the Golf Club and other stakeholders, and that additional review related to potential tree impacts would return to the Parklands Committee at a later stage.
During Council discussion, members asked questions regarding the location and extent of the proposed easement, the footprint of the new tank, the project timeline, and whether any steps could be taken to expedite construction. California Water Service representatives explained that the current request covered design and permitting, that the tank site and related easement area had been limited to the amount necessary for construction access, grading, and maintenance, and that construction would likely occur within a future rate case period.
Councilmembers also asked whether the existing older tank might eventually need replacement, whether the new tank would provide independent operational capacity if the existing tank were taken out of service, and whether other related water system improvements were planned in Palos Verdes Estates. In response, California Water Service stated that the existing tank would continue to be maintained and monitored, that the new facility would improve redundancy and reliability, and that other infrastructure projects such as pressure-reducing valve improvements and pipeline replacement work are also evaluated throughout the Peninsula.
Following the discussion, Councilmembers expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing the importance of additional water storage for fire protection, emergency preparedness, and overall system reliability, and encouraged California Water Service to move the project forward as quickly as possible.
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro and seconded by Councilmember McGowan to approve an easement and temporary construction license agreement with California Water Service Company for construction of a new 1-million-gallon water storage tank on City property.
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: Lozzi
ABSTAIN: None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 28, 2026
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There were no reports presented by members of the Council during this period.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business being presented, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:04 p.m. to Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
RESPECTFULLY submitted: APPROVED:
Celer
0. Gook, City Clerk Michael Kemps, Mayor
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 28, 2026