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APRIL 12, 2022
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 12, 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 7:05 pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall and remotely via teleconference, in accordance with Assembly Bill 361 (AB 361) and City Council Resolution Nos. 2487, 2490, 2491, 2493, 2498, 2499 and 2503, 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 Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy Ben Russell.
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
Community Development & PW Director David Wahba
Planning Manager Jeannie Naughton
City Clerk Lauren Pettit
Administrative Aide Gabrielle Swain
4. CEREMONIAL
A. PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL AS DMV/DONATE LIFE MONTH MAYOR ZERUNYAN declared April as DMV/Donate Life Month and presented the Proclamation to One Legacy Ambassador Maria Larson.
B. PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL AS EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS MONTH
MAYOR ZERUNYAN declared April as Earthquake Preparedness Month.
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 ZUCKERMAN moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 5A-I 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.
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APRIL 12, 2022
B. DEMANDS AND WARRANTS OF MARCH & APRIL 2022
APPROVED WARRANTS 64932 THROUGH 65021 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$565,490.94; AND SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANTS 030622 THROUGH
030722; IN THE AMOUNT OF $84,840.01; FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT OF $650,330.95 WITH PROPER AUDIT.
C. ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 2022
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
D. ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MARCH 15, 2022
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
E. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MARCH 22, 2022
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
F. TRAFFIC AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MARCH 16, 2022 RECEIVED AND FILED.
G. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 21, 2022 RECEIVED AND FILED.
H. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF APRIL 6, 2022 RECEIVED AND FILED.
I. NOTICE OF COMPLETION - HAWTHORNE BLVD. STORM DRAIN REPAIR PROJECT BY E.C. CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
1) ACCEPTED THE HAWTHORNE BLVD. STORM DRAIN REPAIR
PROJECT AS COMPLETE; 2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY CLERK TO FILE
THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION FORM WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER’S OFFICE ON APRIL 13, 2022; AND 3) IF NO CLAIMS ARE FILED WITHIN 35 DAYS AFTER RECORDATION, DIRECT STAFF TO RELEASE THE 5% CONSTRUCTION RETENTION PAYMENT TO E.C.
CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,856.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
A. CAL WATER WHITE PAPER AND GENERAL RATE CASE (A.21-07-002) Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file this update.
Planning Manager Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material). She made two clarifications for the record: 1) on page 2, noting the example non-residential bill is not the same as the example residential bill, rather it is the revenue requirements; 2) on page 2, the current litigation is between Cal Water’s contractor and subcontractor, not Cal Water themselves.
Cal Water representatives in attendance included Angie Gilbride, Carmelo Sorce, Augustin Baeza and Kevin McCusker. Representative Angie Gilbride provided a presentation summarizing the 2021 Infrastructure Improvement Plan.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN inquired about the current rates listed in the presentation, and the potential change in those rates as a result of the current pending litigation. Discussion ensued about the presented rates, the rate approval process, and how and when these rates could change as a result of the pending litigation.
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APRIL 12, 2022
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
RECEIVE AND FILE.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 739 ADDING CHAPTER 16.06 (URBAN LOT SPLITS) AND CHAPTER 17.80 (URBAN DWELLING UNITS) TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE
Recommendation: That the City Council 1) re-open the Public Hearing on the Municipal Code amendments to implement SB-9 pursuant to regular Ordinance No. 739, take any additional testimony and then close the Public Hearing; and 2) adopt Ordinance No. 739.
City Attorney Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA, TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN so ordered.
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.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN so ordered.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 739.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Ordinance No. 739 by title.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICES TURF REMOVAL PROGRAM
Recommendation: That the City Council 1) Authorize the City to apply for the turf removal rebate program through California Water Service for Highridge Park and City Hall grounds; 2) Authorize staff to proceed with a Request for Proposals (RFP) for landscape design at City Hall; and 3) Appoint a subcommittee to work with staff on the scope and design of the project.
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA noted the enthusiasm from the Environmental Advisory Committee about interest in serving on the subcommittee for this project.
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF confirmed that Highridge Park would not require a landscape architect.
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Cal Water representative Tammie Myers explained that the idea of the Highridge Park project would be to transform a high-water use area that isn’t being utilized for any type of recreation, and reduce water usage in that area. She further explained that both City Hall and Highridge Park would serve as examples that the community could visit for ideas to implement in their own yards.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ expressed her appreciation for this program.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN thanked Cal Water for this program. Tammie Myers explained that there is no end date to the program, and that it was based on available funding, in response to MAYOR ZERUNYAN.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN suggested creating two or three separate garden areas at City Hall with different designs and plants for the community to visit for inspiration.
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 STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
1) AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO APPLY FOR THE TURF REMOVAL REBATE
PROGRAM THROUGH CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE FOR HIGHRIDGE
PARK AND CITY HALL GROUNDS; 2) AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PROCEED
WITH A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR LANDSCAPE DESIGN AT CITY HALL; AND 3) APPOINT A SUBCOMMITTEE TO WORK WITH STAFF ON THE SCOPE AND DESIGN OF THE PROJECT.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
B. REQUEST BY THE PALOS VERDES PENINSULA LAND CONSERVANCY TO
SHARE COSTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATURE CENTER
INTERPRETIVE DESIGN
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to sign a Letter of Agreement with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy subject to the review and approval of the City Attorney for the development of an interpretive design for a total cost to the City of $10,000 using Park Facility Fees.
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Assistant City Manager Davis explained the important role the Land Conservancy will play in the development of the interior plans for the building, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN. COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN also confirmed that the Land Conservancy will continue to be involved in future subcommittee meetings.
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:
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A LETTER OF AGREEMENT
WITH THE PALOS VERDES PENINSULA LAND CONSERVANCY SUBJECT
TO THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE CITY ATTORNEY FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERPRETIVE DESIGN FOR A TOTAL COST TO THE CITY OF $10,000 USING PARK FACILITY FEES.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
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C. TRAFFIC AND SAFETY COMMITTEE ACTION ITEMS: VARIOUS AREAS OF CONCERN; SILVER SPUR ROAD AT RANGE HORSE LANE - STRIPING CONCERN Recommendation: That the City Council approve the recommendations of the Traffic and Safety Committee as outlined in the staff report.
Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), and introduced Willdan Traffic Engineer Joanna Itagaki, who summarized the five items brought forth by the Traffic & Safety Committee.
Engineer Itagaki summarized the first item, “Palos Verdes Peninsula High School – Driveway
2.” Discussion ensued regarding the issue, collision history, and options for traffic modifications.
It was the consensus of the City Council to approve the Traffic & Safety Committee recommendation to not make any changes at this time, while directing staff to conduct an illegal turn count, and have the Committee review this item again with more data.
Engineer Itagaki summarized the second item, “Bank of America – 27411 Hawthorne Boulevard.” Discussion ensued regarding the issue, collision history, and options for traffic modifications. It was the consensus of the City Council to approve the Traffic & Safety Committee recommendation to make no change to the existing striping pattern on Hawthorne Boulevard and revise the exiting arrow in the driveway to a right arrow with the cooperation with property owner.
Engineer Itagaki summarized the third item, “US Post Office – Deep Valley Drive and Silver Spur Road.” Discussion ensued regarding the issue and options for traffic modifications. It was the consensus of the City Council to approve the recommendation of the Traffic & Safety Committee to make no changes to this area regarding the US Post Office.
Engineer Itagaki summarized the fourth item, “Rancho Vista Elementary School – Palos Verdes Drive North and Silver Saddle Lane/Moccasin Lane.” Discussion ensued regarding the issue, collision history and options for traffic modifications. It was the consensus of the City Council approve the recommendation of the Traffic & Safety Committee to make no changes to existing traffic controls at this intersection at this time.
Engineer Itagaki summarized the fifth item, “Silver Spur Road at Range Horse Lane - Striping.” Discussion ensued regarding the issue and options for traffic modifications. It was the consensus of the City Council to approve the recommendation of the Traffic & Safety Committee to install detail 41 (yellow) along the double yellow centerline on silver Spur Road and install 2 missing chevron signs (W1-6) on new posts.
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 ZUCKERMAN, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TRAFFIC AND SAFETY
COMMITTEE.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Schmitz, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
D. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACTION ITEM: WATER SHORTAGE RESPONSE LEVEL 2
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2504, declaring a water shortage response level 2, consistent with Cal Water’s AL No. 2446.
Planning Manager Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Planning Manager Naughton explained that all code enforcement would be done on a complaint-basis, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ.
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Planning Manager Naughton outlined the outreach efforts and educational materials that Cal Water would be providing to the residents, in response to MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN suggested contacting the Homeowners Associations (HOAs) to include this information at the next meetings of the HOAs.
Cal Water representative Tammie Myers emphasized that this is an opportunity for public education, rather than enforcement.
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 STEGURA moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2504, DECLARING A WATER SHORTAGE
RESPONSE LEVEL 2, CONSISTENT WITH CAL WATER’S AL NO. 2446.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Schmitz, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Resolution No. 2504 by title.
E. APPOINTMENT OF STEPHEN MCEWEN AS ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY Recommendation: That the City Council appoint Steve McEwen as Assistant City Attorney.
City Attorney Davis thanked former Assistant City Attorney Kane Thuyen for his years of service to the City, and introduced Attorney Steve McEwen.
City Manager Grammer echoed City Attorney Davis, expressing his appreciation for former Assistant City Attorney Thuyen on behalf of the City.
Attorney McEwen introduced himself and provided some background on his career.
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 SCHMITZ moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPOINT STEVE MCEWEN AS ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Schmitz, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
F. 2021 HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the City of Rolling Hills Estates' 2021 General Plan and Housing Element APRs.
Planning Manager Naughton 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 STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
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RECEIVE AND FILE THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTATES' 2021 GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT APRS.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Schmitz, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. DRAFT GENERAL PLAN 2040 AND FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (FEIR)
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Take public testimony; 2) Review the draft changes and provide input; and 3) Continue the item to the meeting of April 26, 2022.
Planning Manager Naughton 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.
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
CONTINUE ITEM TO THE MEETING OF APRIL 26, 2022.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Schmitz, 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 there have been no changes to the Los Angeles County Health Officer Order since the last City Council meeting, however Los Angeles County has seen a recent increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases, primarily due to the new Omicron BA.2 subvariant. Hospitalization rates remain low, continuing in a downward trend.
He also reported that the second booster vaccine is now available for those 50 years of age and older, or those who are immunocompromised.
10. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
NONE.
11. CITY COUNCIL/REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. LETTER OF SUPPORT AB 2074 AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM:
MICROMOBILITY DEVICES
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the Mayor to submit a letter supporting AB 2074 (Gipson) Air Quality Improvement Program: micromobility devices.
Administrative Aide Gabrielle Swain provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, AS FOLLOWS:
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SUBMIT A LETTER SUPPORTING AB 2074 (GIPSON) AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: MICROMOBILITY DEVICES.
There being no objection, MAYOR ZERUNYAN so ordered.
B. LETTER OF SUPPORT AB 1814 TRANSPORTATION ELECTRIFICATION FUNDS:
COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATORS
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Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the Mayor to submit a letter supporting AB 1814 (Grayson) Transportation Electrification Funds: Community Choice Aggregators
Administrative Aide Gabrielle Swain provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA, AS FOLLOWS:
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SUBMIT A LETTER SUPPORTING AB 1814 (GRAYSON) TRANSPORTATION ELECTRIFICATION FUNDS: COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATORS.
There being no objection, MAYOR ZERUNYAN so ordered.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN reported on a recent meeting of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) where the Housing Trust was discussed. COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA also attended. Discussion ensued about the Housing Trust.
12. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF attended a meeting of the Neighborhood Watch Leadership Group last Tuesday and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee meeting today.
13. CLOSED SESSION
A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Manager (Quarterly Evaluation)
NO REPORTABLE ACTION
B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager and Assistant City Manager Employee Organization: City of Rolling Hills Estates Employees' Association
NO REPORTABLE ACTION
C. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: Butcher Park (APN: 7551-036-900); Weir Property (APN: 7568-004-904); and adjacent City right-of way
Agency negotiator: City Manager, Community Development & Public Works Director, City Attorney
Negotiating parties: Metropolitan Water District
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment for temporary use license for construction project
NO REPORTABLE ACTION
14. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:32 pm MAYOR ZERUNYAN adjourned the City Council meeting in memory of Jackson Buresh and Nick Lincir. The meeting was adjourned to the next regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 7:00 pm for the purpose of a Regular meeting.
Submitted by, Approved by,
Lauren Pettit Frank V. Zerunyan
City Clerk Mayor