CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1
FEBRUARY 22, 2022
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 22, 2022
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills Estates was called to order by MAYOR ZERUNYAN at 7:00 pm remotely via teleconference, in accordance with Assembly Bill 361 (AB 361) and City Council Resolution Nos. 2487, 2490, 2491, 2493, 2498 and proposed Resolution 2499, due to the continuing state of emergency, including masking and social distancing directives as a result of the threat of the COVID-19 virus.
2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Led by Administrative Aide Gabrielle Swain.
3. ROLL CALL
City Council Members Present: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman City Council Members Absent: None
City Staff Present: City Manager Greg Grammer
City Attorney Don Davis
Assistant City Manager Alexa Davis
Administrative Services Director Mike Whitehead
City Clerk Lauren Pettit
Community Services Supervisor Rosa Pinuelas
Management Analyst Jessica Slawson
Administrative Aide Gabrielle Swain
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
The following routine matters will be acted upon by one vote to approve with the majority consent of the City Council. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless good cause is shown by a member prior to the roll call vote. (Items removed for individual consideration will be voted on separately.)
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 5A-J AS FOLLOWS BY THE
FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
A. READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY
APPROVED.
B. DEMANDS AND WARRANTS OF FEBRUARY 2022
APPROVED WARRANTS 64818 THROUGH 64849 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$235,952.95; AND SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANTS 020422 THROUGH
020522; IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,752.26; FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT OF $314,705.21 WITH PROPER AUDIT.
C. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT OF JANUARY 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
D. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS REPORT OF JANUARY 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2
FEBRUARY 22, 2022
E. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 8, 2022
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
F. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 7, 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
G. PALOS VERDES PENINSULA PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE AND REGIONAL CONTRACT LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER, 2021 RECEIVED AND FILED.
H. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUED USE OF
TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY PROCEDURES TO CONDUCT PUBLIC MEETINGS PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361
ADOPTED RESOLUTION 2499 TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT AND UTILIZE TELECONFERENCE
ACCESSIBILITY PROCEDURES TO CONDUCT PUBLIC MEETINGS
PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361.
I. UPDATED JANITORIAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
APPROVED UPDATED AGREEMENT WITH P&G MAINTENANCE FOR A
MONTHLY COST OF $2,039.85.
J. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS
TO EMPLOYEE SALARIES WITHIN APPROVED RANGES
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2502.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
NONE.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION ACTION ITEM FROM MEETING OF FEBRUARY 15, 2022: TENNIS COURT RESURFACING AND PICKLEBALL
OVERLAYS
Recommendation: That the City Council approve a contract with Trueline Construction & Surfacing Inc. in the amount of $55,722.40 for the resurfacing of the Rolling Hills Estates Tennis Club tennis courts with the addition of four pickleball court overlays.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas provided a brief staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA expressed concern about the small number of residents surveyed regarding interest in adding the pickleball courts. Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas explained that pickleball is a fast growing sport and in talking with other neighboring cities who currently offer pickleball, typically once people know it is available the program grows quickly.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas explained that the bulk of the proposed cost is for the court resurfacing, and that the cost to add the pickleball court overlays is $325 each for two courts, which is significantly lower than if they were to be added outside of the resurfacing CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3
FEBRUARY 22, 2022
project. She added that the court resurfacing typically occurs every four to eight years, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ.
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF also clarified that the cost proposed is for the total tennis court resurfacing project, and noted that courts with pickleball overlays can still be used as tennis courts.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas noted that staff has contacted RHE Resident Tennis Pro, Bob Krueger, who agreed that the two proposed courts would be the best courts to put the pickleball overlays on.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas explained there will be two pickleball overlays per tennis court, one on each half of the court with the portable pickleball nets moved into place when in use, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas stated that the project is expected to be completed in two to four weeks, beginning in March, in response to MAYOR ZERUNYAN.
Public comment was invited via email, via eComment on the City’s website, and during the live Zoom Webinar as noticed on the Agenda and on the City’s website and social media platforms.
No additional public testimony was received.
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH TRUELINE CONSTRUCTION &
SURFACING INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,722.40 FOR THE
RESURFACING OF THE ROLLING HILLS ESTATES TENNIS CLUB TENNIS
COURTS WITH THE ADDITION OF FOUR PICKLEBALL COURT
OVERLAYS.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
**ITEM TAKEN OUT OF ORDER**
4. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
A. WASTE MANAGEMENT "RECYCLING HERO" DRAWING FOR ONE YEAR OF
FREE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REFUSE SERVICE - FIRST QUARTER 2022
On behalf of Waste Management, Kim Ohrt drew names for the first quarter “Recycling Hero” winners of one year of free refuse service.
RESIDENTIAL WINNER: 4535 Sugarhill Drive
COMMERCIAL WINNER: Mail Shop Etc. 904 Silver Spur Road
8. NEW BUSINESS
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2501 TO OPPOSE “THE TAXPAYER PROTECTION AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY ACT,” (INITIATIVE 21-0042A1)
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2501 opposing Initiative 21-0042A1, "The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act".
Administrative Aide Swain provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Public comment was invited via email, via eComment on the City’s website, and during the live Zoom Webinar as noticed on the Agenda and on the City’s website and social media platforms.
No public testimony was received.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 4
FEBRUARY 22, 2022
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2501 OPPOSING INITIATIVE 21-0042A1, "THE TAXPAYER PROTECTION AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY ACT".
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
C. RESOLUTION NO. 2500 AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATION FOR
CALIFORNIA CLIMATE INVESTMENT FIRE PREVENTION GRANT PROGRAM Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the attached Resolution No. 2500, authorizing staff to receive granted funds from CAL FIRE’s Fire Prevention Grant program and designating the City Manager, or his designee, as a “Signature Authority.” Management Analyst Slawson provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Management Analyst Slawson noted that the grant is project-specific, and that the City would apply for a $15,000 grant for the project as recommended by the CAL FIRE Unit designated to Los Angeles County along with the Fire Captain at Los Angeles County Fire Station 106, in response to MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF.
Public comment was invited via email, via eComment on the City’s website, and during the live Zoom Webinar as noticed on the Agenda and on the City’s website and social media platforms.
No public testimony was received.
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2500, AUTHORIZING STAFF TO RECEIVE GRANTED FUNDS FROM CAL FIRE’S FIRE PREVENTION GRANT
PROGRAM AND DESIGNATING THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, AS A “SIGNATURE AUTHORITY.”
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
D. REVIEW OF PROPOSED MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS TO IMPLEMENT THE REQUIREMENTS OF SENATE BILL 9
Recommendation: That the City Council review the proposed Municipal Code amendments to implement SB-9, including the adoption of objective development standards and procedures permitted under SB-9, and provide direction so that a final ordinance may be presented for adoption.
City Attorney Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA thanked City Attorney Davis for a clear and understandable report. Discussion ensued about Home Owner’s Associations’ (HOA) role in enforcement and the requirement of recorded declaration of an HOA in order to be recognized.
City Attorney Davis noted that setbacks vary depending on the side of the structure. Planning Manager Naughton further explained that typical side-yard setbacks for one story structures are 10 feet from a side property line, and get larger with two story structures. She also noted that new laws allow cities to have objective design guidelines but that cities can’t preclude units that are at least 800 square feet in size and can be as close as four feet to a side property line, which is very similar to the new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) laws, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed Exceptions to Development Standards in Section H, in response to MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5
FEBRUARY 22, 2022
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA highlighted the fact that newly constructed buildings must meet new fire hardening requirements yet retrofitting is not required of existing structures.
She further expressed her concern and frustration with housing density requirements from the State when the City is in a high-fire hazard area.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN echoed COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA’s frustration with the State’s requirements of SB-9.
City Attorney Davis highlighted Section E, Subsection 2(b) of 16.06.050, noting the building official will have the authority to make findings based on a preponderance of evidence of a potential health and safety issue, in response to MAYOR ZERUNYAN’s concerns regarding increasing the City’s density with the egress challenges the City would already face in the event of a wildfire or major catastrophe.
City Attorney Davis stated that staff does not expect to have a large number of applications, and emphasized that each project will be carefully reviewed.
Discussion continued about fire safety and evacuation concerns, and how it relates to the SB9 requirements.
City Attorney Davis requested direction from Council regarding the proposed exceptions in Section 17.80.040 Subsection H, and the order of said exceptions.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA suggested moving horse keeping area higher on the list of priorities, since the City is an equestrian community.
City Attorney Davis highlighted the Notice of Application section of Section 17.80.050.
City Attorney Davis confirmed that the Director providing ministerial approvals would be David Wahba, Director of Community Development & Public Works or his designee, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ.
Planning Manager Naughton noted that staff’s first priority would be to reduce the 35 foot spacing requirement before reducing the size of a horse keeping area.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN suggested a “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)” document be created in an effort to educate the community, describing the SB-9 requirements and what we’ve done in the City within the bounds of the law to accommodate SB-9 within our community.
Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba highlighted that the City is within the high-fire hazard severity zone, noting there are additional requirements from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Los Angeles County Building & Safety Department.
Public comment was invited via email, via eComment on the City’s website, and during the live Zoom Webinar as noticed on the Agenda and on the City’s website and social media platforms.
No public testimony was received.
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE THE PROPOSED MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT TEXT TO
IMPLEMENT SB-9, INCLUDING THE ADOPTION OF OBJECTIVE
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES PERMITTED UNDER
SB-9, FOR INCLUSION IN A FINAL ORDINANCE TO BE PRESENTED AT THE NEXT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR ADOPTION.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR CONTRACT WITH MICHAEL BAKER
INTERNATIONAL (MBI) TO COMPLETE THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6
FEBRUARY 22, 2022
Recommendation: That the City Council 1) discuss and approve the Additional Work Request (AWR) in the amount of $66,340 proposed by Michael Baker International (MBI) for the continued work and completion of the General Plan Update; 2) approve a budget amendment to Account Number 4545-430, for Fiscal Year 2021-22 for additional work to be completed in the amount of $66,340; and, 3) authorize the preparation and execution of an amendment (outlining the additional scope of work and costs) to the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) for the General Plan Update with MBI, in form satisfactory to the City Attorney.
Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Public comment was invited via email, via eComment on the City’s website, and during the live Zoom Webinar as noticed on the Agenda and on the City’s website and social media platforms.
No public testimony was received.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE THE ADDITIONAL WORK REQUEST (AWR) IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,340 PROPOSED BY MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL (MBI) FOR THE
CONTINUED WORK AND COMPLETION OF THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE AND APPROVED A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 4545- 430, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 FOR ADDITIONAL WORK TO BE
COMPLETED IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,340; AND, AUTHORIZED THE
PREPARATION AND EXECUTION OF AN AMENDMENT (OUTLINING THE
ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK AND COSTS) TO THE PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT (PSA) FOR THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE WITH MBI, IN FORM SATISFACTORY TO THE CITY ATTORNEY.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
B. UPDATE ON LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAFER AT HOME ORDER AND STATUS OF
CITY EVENTS (VERBAL REPORT)
City Manager Grammer reported that the daily COVID-19 case rates and hospitalization rates have been steadily declining over the last few weeks, and the State has lifted the state-wide indoor mask requirement. The indoor mask mandate still remains in place for Los Angeles County at this time.
10. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
NONE.
11. CITY COUNCIL/REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF reported that the Peninsula Holiday Parade Subcommittee met to debrief from the event in December.
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF reported that the South Bay Cities Council of Government’s (SBCCOG) General Assembly will be held Thursday, March, 24, 2022 in Carson.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN reported on the Regional Contract Law Committee and Peninsula Public Safety Committee meetings that took place in February. He announced that COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN has been elected Chair of both the Peninsula Public Safety and Regional Contract Law Committees. He also reported that the Palos Verdes Peninsula School District has been awarded a grant through the California Department of Justice to assist with the cost of school resource officers (SRO). The grant will also offset the City’s cost share for the SROs. Lastly, he reported that the Peninsula cities are working together to explore wildfire and disaster mitigation efforts such as wildfire cameras and evacuation planning.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7
FEBRUARY 22, 2022
MAYOR ZERUNYAN reported that the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) hopes to meet in person starting next month.
12. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
MAYOR ZERUNYAN reported that the California Contract Cities Association’s (CCCA) Legislative Tour will take place in Sacramento next week, to be attended by himself, MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA, City Manager Grammer and Planning Manager Naughton. The CCCA Municipal Seminar is planned for May 12-15, 2022.
13. CLOSED SESSION
NONE.
14. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN,
TO ADJOURN THE MEETING
At 8:54 pm MAYOR ZERUNYAN so ordered.
Submitted by, Approved by,
Lauren Pettit Frank V. Zerunyan
City Clerk Mayor