INCORPORATED 1939
GALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF JUNE 9, 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 - City Clerk Cook conducted the Roll Call and announced a quorum.
PRESENT: Mayor Kemps, Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro, Councilmember Lozzi, Councilmember Quinn, and Councilmember McGowan
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Kallman, City Attorney Rusin, Chief Hellinga, City Clerk Cook, Deputy City Manager Gabriel, City Treasurer Petersen, Community Development Director Brady and Public Works Director Antillon.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Mayor proposed a modification to the agenda to continue Item 11 (PV Beach Club Budget Proposal) to the June 23, 2026, meeting due to scheduling constraints. The Council unanimously approved the agenda with this modification.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Lozzi and seconded by Councilmember Quinn to approve the agenda with the continuance of item 11 to June 23, 2026.
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 thanked Council members, City staff, and the public for their flexibility during a busy meeting schedule. He noted that an upcoming special meeting would be devoted to discussing recent election results and the City's broader fiscal strategy. The Mayor emphasized the importance of working collaboratively with the community to identify funding solutions that would both maintain public safety, particularly the Police Department-and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. He acknowledged significant public engagement on these issues and encouraged continued constructive dialogue
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
The City Manager reported that the City is preparing to implement new Brown Act requirements effective July 1, 2026, which will require meetings to accommodate both in- person and remote public participation, and noted that an upcoming special meeting would serve as a pilot for this hybrid format. The report also highlighted the launch of new internship programs involving high school and El Camino College students placed in departments such as City Clerk, Public Works, and Engineering, emphasizing the City's commitment to workforce development and cultivating future civic professionals.
Chief Hellinga reported on recent department activities, noting that two new recruits have joined the department and begun preparatory training ahead of attending the police academy. Officers also participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run to support community awareness and fundraising efforts. The Chief highlighted fireworks safety in advance of the Fourth of July, reminding the public that fireworks remain illegal within the City and may result in fines of up to $1,000. Additionally, the City is coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions to ensure consistent public messaging regarding holiday safety.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Valerie Gorsuch spoke on behalf of the Palos Verdes Estates Neighborhood Watch, thanking City officials, police, fire personnel, and community members for participating ir the annual "Neiahbors" event. She hiahliahted the success of the event, acknowledgec organizers and contributors, and expressed appreciation for community involvement and Carolyn Bernhardt raised concerns about wildfire risks associated with overgrowr vegetation in parkland areas, urging the City to take immediate action to create defensible space near residential neighborhoods.
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Joan Davidson discussed the rising cost of essential city services and emphasized the Importance ot adequate tunding to maintain infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life. She urged the community to support necessary funding measures, highlighted the value of police and emergency services. She urged residents to consider the real costs of maintaining the City's quality of life and to support efforts to ensure adequate funding.
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 1 - 9)
Mayor Kemps called for the approval of the Consent Agenda. Items five and six were pulled for discussion.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Lozzi and seconded by Councilmember McGowan to approve consent agenda items 1, 2, 3,4, 7, 8 and 9.
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
1. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
Reviewed and approved June 9, 2026, Warrant Register.
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the minutes for the May 26, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting
3. PARKLAND COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS
Approved the Parklands Committee Action Minutes of the May 14, 2026, meeting.
submitted and should be addressed at the next Parklands Committee meeting.
4. LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES SPECIAL TAX OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
MEETING ACTIONS
Received and filed the action minutes for the May 26, 2026, Law Enforcement Services Special Tax Oversight Committee Meeting.
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5. ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ANNUAL SLURRY SEAL PROJECT (PW- 720-25); AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO PAVEMENT COATINGS CO. IN THE AMOUNT OF $337,900 UTILIZING REALLOCATED RESTRICTED FUND ; APPROVE ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION EXPENDITURES NOT TO EXCEED $67,580, WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 20% 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
This item was pulled for discussion. A Council Member requested clarification to ensure that no General Fund resources would be used for the slurry seal project, given recent budget concerns. Staff confirmed that the project would be funded entirely through restricted funds and that no General Fund contribution was included. No further discussion or public comment followed, and the Council proceeded to approve the item.
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro and seconded by Councilmember Quinn to approve consent agenda item five.
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Lozzi, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Adopted the Resolution to: 1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 Annual Slurry Seal Project (City Project No. PW- 720-25); 2. Award a construction contract to Pavement Coatings Co. in the amount of $337,900 utilizing reallocated restricted funds; 3. Approve additional construction expenditures not to exceed $67,580, which is approximately 20% of the construction contract amount; 4. Authorize the City Manager to execute all contract documents; and 5. Authorize the City Clerk to Record the Notice of Completion upon Acceptance of the Work by the Public Works Director
6. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO.6 TO THE AGREEMENT FOR TREE
TRIMMING AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES WITH TRAVERS TREE
TRIMMING, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $450,000
This item was pulled for discussion. Council members expressed concern regarding the City's overall budget deficit and the need to align expenditures with available revenues, particularly considering the recent failure of Measure PF.
Discussion included considerations of emergency-only trimming, prioritization of
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high-risk trees, and the need to address the budget holistically rather than through incremental cuts.
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Kemps and seconded by Councilmember McGowan to propose a budget of $250,000 for item number six.
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Lazzaro, and Kemps
NOES: Lozzi
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO.1 TO THE AGREEMENT FOR CITYWIDE
CATCH BASIN MAINTENANCE SERVICES WITH RON'S MAINTENANCE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $164,068
Approved Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Citywide Catch Basin Maintenance services with Ron's Maintenance in an amount of $164,068 utilizing County of Los Angeles Measure W funding, extended the term of the agreement to June 30, 2027 and authorized the City Manager to execute the Amendment and future extensions
8. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTION R26-20 APPROVING
THE SPECIAL TAX REPORT AND SETTING THE PALOS VERDES ESTATES LAW ENFORCEMENT SPECIAL TAX LEVY FOR FY 2026/2027 AND
AUTHORIZING THE DEPUTY CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT THE SPECIAL PARCEL TAX TO LOS ANGELES COUNTY.
Adopted Resolution R26-20, which approved the Special Tax Report and sets the Palos Verdes Estates Law Enforcement Special Tax (Special Parcel Tax) levy for Fiscal Year 2026-27, and the Deputy City Manager to submit the Special Parcel Tax to Los Angeles County by the August 2026 deadline.
9. DISCUSSION AND DETERMINATION OF WHETHER THE PALOS VERDES
ESTATES POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS REMAINED IN COMPLIANCE WITH CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY BILL 481- MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
Approved staff recommendation
NEW BUSINESS
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PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES WITH HR GREEN PACIFIC, INC. EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT TO JUNE 30, 2027, AND ADJUSTING HOURLY RATES
Public Works Director, Oscar Antillon provided a brief staff overview explaining that the proposed amendment would extend the HR Green professional services agreement for one year to maintain continuity in essential engineering, building, and public works functions. He emphasized that the contract structure allows the City to scale services up or down as needed, highlighted that most project-related costs are tied to restricted funds rather than the General Fund, and noted that staff is already working with HR Green to identify efficiencies and control costs while ensuring uninterrupted service delivery to the community.
The Council discussed the HR Green agreement amendment with a focus on maintaining continuity of engineering and public works services while addressing fiscal constraints. Members acknowledged the importance of preserving a stable partnership but emphasized the need to closely evaluate costs, improve transparency in the fee structure, and ensure appropriate cost recovery through a future fee study.
Councilmembers also raised broader considerations, including exploring in-house service options, conducting an RFP to test the market, and improving customer service and communication with residents. Given budget concerns, the Council supported freezing rates during the extension and ultimately agreed to a one-year extension while directing staff to return with further analysis and recommendations.
There was no public comment received on this item
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Kemps and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro to authorize the city manager to approve amendment number nine to the professional services agreement with HR Green Pacific, known as HR Green, extending the term of the agreement for one additional year to June 30, 2027, subject to the vendor maintaining its existing rate schedule through the extension period.
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Lazzaro, Lozzi ,and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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11. CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR 2026/27 BEACH CLUB
OPERATING AND CAPITAL RESERVE BUDGET AND APPROVAL OF
REVISED FEES
This item was continued until the next scheduled meeting of June 23, 2026.
12. UPDATE AND DISCUSSION OF AGREEMENT WITH ARAKELIAN
ENTERPRISES INC. (I.E. ATHENS SERVICES) FOR REFUSE AND
RECYCLING COLLECTION, STREET SWEEPING, TRANSPORTATION,
PROCESSING, AND DISPOSAL SERVICES
Deputy City Manager, George Gabriel presented an overview of the City's agreement with Athens Services, explaining that new state mandates-particularly SB 1383 and related regulations —have significantly increased operational and compliance requirements for waste collection. He outlined proposed contract updates, including transitioning to a source-separated system with multiple bins, restoring backyard valet service for most residents, adjusting service terms, and implementing a rate increase to cover higher costs. He also explained the need to initiate a Proposition 218 process to approve any rate changes and requested Council direction on the proposed terms and next steps.
The Council discussed the proposed Athens Services contract update with a focus on rising costs driven by state mandates, particularly SB 1383, and the impact on residents through higher rates and increased service requirements. Members acknowledged community concerns about service changes and emphasized the importance of restoring backyard valet service while understanding the operational challenges and cost pressures faced by Athens. No final action was taken on the rates; staff was directed to return with next steps, including initiation of the Proposition 218 process.
There was no public comment on this item.
ACTION: Discussion was held, and staff was directed to return with the item at the June 23, 2026, Regular Meeting.
13.A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES ADOPTING POLICIES RELATED TO SENATE BILL 707'S CHANGES
TO THE BROWN ACT, INCLUDING THE DISRUPTION OF TELECONFERENCE
MEETINGS, AND DISRUPTION OF INTERNET AND TELEPHONIC SERVICE City Clerk, Tameka Cook provided an overview of Senate Bill 707, which was signed in October 2025 and took effect January 1, 2026, significantly modernizing the Brown Act by requiring hybrid public meetings. She explained that the new law
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mandates both in-person and remote participation options, including two-way audio/video access, accessibility features such as closed captioning, and expanded public participation requirements. The presentation outlined required policies for teleconference and technology disruptions, including procedures for handling disruptive participants and protocols for pausing or recessing meetings if virtual systems fail. Staff also reviewed roles and responsibilities for implementing hybrid meetings and noted potential future fiscal impacts related to technology and staffing. Staff recommended adoption of the required policies to ensure compliance and maintain transparency and accessibility.
The Council discussed the implementation of Senate Bill 707 and the associated hybrid meeting requirements, focusing on operational logistics such as managing public participation through Zoom, handling technology disruptions, and ensuring compliance with Brown Act requirements. Questions were raised regarding procedures for screen sharing, submission of presentation materials, participant visibility, and how to manage technical failures or remote participation. Staff emphasized that the new requirements would take effect July 1 and noted that implementation would require flexibility as processes are refined. After discussion, the Council took action to adopt the required policies.
The Council approved Resolution No. 26-21, adopting policies related to teleconference participation, disruptions, and accessibility requirements to ensure compliance with SB 707. The motion was made, seconded, and approved unanimously.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Quinn and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro to adopt Resolution 26-21 approving policies related to disruptions, reasonable accommodation, and other issues related to Senate Bill 707 changes to the Brown Act."
AYES: McGowan, Quinn, Lazzaro, Lozzi ,and Kemps
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Following adoption of Resolution No. 26-21, the Council proceeded to Mayor and Councilmember Reports and Tentative Future Agenda Items. The Mayor requested that the Council review the tentative future agenda list in light of recent election-related discussion and the City's ongoing fiscal considerations.
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Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro reported that he had been contacted by a member of the Palos Verdes Homes Association regarding pending litigation that could lower the Association's election quorum threshold. He noted that the matter could have implications for housing density and the relationship between Association deed restrictions and City regulations and stated that he was raising the issue for public awareness and the record.
Councilmembers discussed whether the issue should be returned as a future agenda item, and the City Attorney noted that if the Council wished to consider advocacy or a formal submission in the litigation, the matter could be placed on a future agenda for discussion.
Councilmember Quinn requested a future status report on the City's resident request or ticket system, including the types of activity being reported, how the system is being used, and whether it is proving helpful, meaningful, and effective for residents and staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro requested a future agenda item reviewing the City's contracting portfolio, focusing on larger contracts, renewal dates, expiration dates, special terms, and upcoming procurement needs. Councilmembers discussed beginning with contracts of at least $100,000 in annual value and developing a more useful forward-looking inventory that would assist the Council in managing renewals and planning for future requests for proposals.
The Council then discussed a future agenda item related to the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget deficit. Councilmember McGowan requested that staff return in July with an analysis identifying what service reductions or operational changes would be required to balance the budget using existing revenues, emphasizing that the analysis should describe specific service-level impacts rather than across-the-board departmental reductions. The Council's direction was for staff to return with a discussion item modeling what would be required to achieve a balanced budget, rather than an item immediately authorizing cuts.
The Council reviewed the tentative future agenda list and identified several items to remove, consolidate, or retain. The Measure A replacement item was removed from the list, with the Council indicating that further discussion should occur after the upcoming special meeting regarding election results and fiscal strategy. The Palos Verdes Estates Foundation/City Hall study item was also removed from the City's tentative agenda list, with discussion noting that the Foundation could release the AECOM study as a private entity if it wished and that the item could be reconsidered later if needed. The Malaga Lane water intrusion engineering design item and the City Hall immediate repairs engineering design item were recognized as capital needs already reflected in the Capital Improvement Program and dependent on funding; the Council indicated these did not need to remain on the short-term tentative agenda list as separate items.
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The Council discussed the enterprise resource planning system item and acknowledged that the City's current system presents a significant operational risk. However, because ERP replacement was already identified on another unfunded needs list, the Council removed it from the immediate tentative future agenda list while noting the possibility of exploring partnership opportunities with neighboring agencies if feasible. The zoning map update item was retained, and the diversionary rights item was consolidated with the zoning map discussion because the two issues were related. The conflict-of-interest code adoption item remained on the list as a legal requirement. The Council also retained the item concerning zoning and deed restrictions related to a City-owned lot or fire station site for a future status update, while clarifying that no fire station construction was being proposed.
The Council further clarified that the Urban Forest Management Plan was already scheduled to return to Council. The Palos Verdes Drive West resurfacing item was confirmed to be the same item already listed for the July 14 agenda and would be handled through that scheduled item using restricted funds. Staff was asked to correct a spelling error in the Bluff Top item description. The Public Contracting Code adoption item was retained, with direction to describe the item more clearly for the public because it would simplify procurement processes for public works projects. The Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District presentation item also remained on the list so the District could explain its responsibilities, use of collected fees, and capital investment obligations related to the City's sewer system.
Mayor Pro Tem Lazzaro requested an additional future agenda item related to education and notice for real estate agents, architects, and other professionals working in Palos Verdes Estates regarding the existence and role of the Palos Verdes Homes Association and its deed restrictions. He stated that more real estate and design professionals from outside the City appear to be working locally and that improved notice could help homeowners and prospective buyers better understand both City requirements and Association requirements. Councilmembers discussed possible approaches, including business license acknowledgments, escrow or title notice, or other disclosure mechanisms, and requested that the City Attorney explore options for a future discussion.
City Manager Kallman also advised that staff would need to bring forward future items related to replacement of the City's water monitoring consultant due to retirement and a required update to the City's safety element to cross-reference the hazard mitigation plan.
He noted that staff had been working with neighboring cities on cost-effective and cost- sharing approaches.
ADJOURNMENT
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With no further business being presented, the meeting was adjourned by Mayor Kemps at 10:30 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY submitted: APPROVED:
calle
Tameka J. Cook, City Clerk Michael Kemps, Mayor
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