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APRIL 26, 2022
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 26, 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, 2503 and proposed Resolution No. 2505, 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 Rolling Robots members Morgan Deng and Winston Lin.
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
Management Analyst Jessica Slawson
Administrative Aide Gabrielle Swain
4. CEREMONIAL
A. RECOGNITION OF LOCAL STATE CHAMPIONS, ROLLING ROBOTS MAYOR ZERUNYAN introduced and presented Certificates of Recognition for the following teams and members of Rolling Robots:
- Team 7700E - Tournament Champions: Austin Chen, Ronojoy Sen, Madeleine Jiang, Nikhil Ramanuja, Renee Gerstner, Morgan Deng, Aidan Westerland - Team 92305A - Tournament Champions: Timmy Brennan, Troy So, Rainelle Yasa, Winston Lin, Zain Mourad, Leo Lopez, Leopoldo Gastel, Max Waldman - Team 7700K - Tournament Finalist and Create Award Winner: Ashley Wills, Thomas Wang, Noah Kim, Chris Campbell, Kyle Chu, Daniel Hong - Team 7700R - Sportsmanship Award Winner: Benjamin Lee, Jaehoon Kim, Avery Lam, Matthew Kwon, Sean Magers, Saifali Haji, Joshua Roe - Team 7700V - Design Award: Alex Cao, Liam Horeczko, Lawrence Hui, Anthony Hui, Charlie Pan
B. PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 24, 2022 AS A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE OF 1915-1923
MAYOR ZERUNYAN presented a proclamation declaring April 24, 2022 as a day of remembrance of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923, and provided a presentation on the history of the Armenian Genocide.
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 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2
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cause is shown by a member prior to the roll call vote. (Items removed for individual consideration will be voted on separately.)
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ 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.
B. DEMANDS AND WARRANTS OF APRIL 2022
APPROVED WARRANTS 65022 THROUGH 65035 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$51,687.16 AND SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANTS 040122 THROUGH 040322; IN THE AMOUNT OF $111,669.79 FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT OF $163,356.95 WITH PROPER AUDIT.
C. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS REPORT OF MARCH 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
D. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT OF MARCH 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
E. BUDGET AMENDMENTS FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
F. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF APRIL 12, 2022
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
G. EQUESTRIAN MINUTES OF MARCH 28, 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
H. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF APRIL 6, 2022 RECEIVED AND FILED.
I. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUED USE OF
TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY PROCEDURES TO CONDUCT PUBLIC MEETINGS PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361
ADOPTED RESOLUTION 2505 TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT AND UTILIZE TELECONFERENCE
ACCESSIBILITY PROCEDURES TO CONDUCT PUBLIC MEETINGS
PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
NONE.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 210363
DRAFT GENERAL PLAN 2040 AND FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (FEIR)
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LOCATION: CITYWIDE
Recommendation: That the City Council (1) Re-open the Public Hearing; (2) Take public testimony; (3) Discuss the issues related to the Draft General Plan 2040 Final Program Environmental Impact Report; (4) Close the Public Hearing; and (5) Adopt Resolution No. 2496, certifying the Rolling Hills Estates 2040 General Plan and Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH # 202105450), adopting the Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and a Mitigation Monitoring and Report Program; and (6) Adopt Resolution No. 2497, adopting the Rolling Hills Estates 2040 General Plan and 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Planning Manager Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN so ordered.
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF thanked the Council Members who served on the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) and all of the Committee Members.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA thanked the members of the GPAC, Planning Manager Jeannie Naughton, Council Member Schmitz for chairing the GPAC, consultant John Bellas of Michael Baker International and his colleagues, City Manager Grammer, Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba, and all staff involved.
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 SCHMITZ moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN so ordered.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER
ZUCKERMAN, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2496, CERTIFYING THE ROLLING HILLS ESTATES 2040 GENERAL PLAN AND FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (SCH # 202105450), ADOPTING THE FINDINGS OF FACT AND A
STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS, AND A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORT PROGRAM.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Resolution No. 2496 by title.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2497, ADOPTING THE ROLLING HILLS
ESTATES 2040 GENERAL PLAN AND 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN read Resolution No. 2497 by title.
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MAYOR ZERUNYAN thanked COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ and COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN for chairing the GPAC, COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA for being a member of the GPAC, and staff.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN thanked all consultants involved, in addition to Planning Manager Naughton and Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2506 - AMENDING THE CITY’S FINE SCHEDULE FOR
ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL FINE AMOUNT FOR VIOLATIONS OF SECTIONS 9.04.040 AND 12.24.110 OF THE ROLLING HILLS
ESTATES MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE POSSESSION AND
DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution 2506, amending the City’s fine schedule for administrative citations to establish a special fine amount for violations of sections 9.04.040 and 12.24.110 of the Rolling Hills Estates Municipal Code.
Management Analyst Slawson provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ reported on the discussion had by the Equestrian Committee regarding firework use in the landfill and how last year’s efforts were fantastic in suppressing firework use. She also commented that she hopes a $1,000 fine is enough to deter people, stressing that the City is a high-fire zone and how dangerous a potential fire could be for the Peninsula, and that fires do not stop at jurisdictional lines.
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF commented that firework use has increased over the last few years, occurring year-round, and that she is eager to support this Resolution.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA echoed MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, noting that fireworks can be heard year-round. She suggested year-round signs stating “You are entering a highfire risk area”, for those entering and visiting the community. She inquired if this was a service offered by Cal Fire, and stated that it could be a cost-sharing opportunity with the other Peninsula cities if not offered by Cal Fire. City Manager Grammer stated that staff would explore various options for signs and bring the findings back to Council.
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 MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION 2506, AMENDING THE CITY’S FINE SCHEDULE
FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL FINE AMOUNT FOR VIOLATIONS OF SECTIONS 9.04.040 AND 12.24.110 OF THE ROLLING HILLS ESTATES MUNICIPAL CODE.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Resolution No. 2506 by title.
B. REVIEW OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 17.60 (SIGNS)
Recommendation: That the City Council (1) review the proposed amendments to Municipal Code Chapter 17.60 and provide direction; and (2) unless further Council review is desired, direct staff to proceed with a formal ordinance for presentation to the Planning Commission.
City Attorney Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
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APRIL 26, 2022
City Attorney Davis clarified that a pole sign is a form of a free standing sign, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ inquired about the school/student accolade signs that have become popular on residential lawns during the pandemic, stating that there should be sign education for residents who wouldn’t otherwise know these rules and requirements within the City’s code.
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF noted that enforcement of sign regulations has been primarily complaint-based.
City Attorney Davis explained the definition of “temporary,” in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN. COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN inquired if HOAs could deny a sign that would otherwise be accepted under the City’s sign code. City Attorney Davis confirmed that would be possible, depending on how the HOA went about it.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ discussed the possibility of window signs in commercial buildings being used as a safety or security measure, in addition to advertising.
City Attorney confirmed that the authority to remove abandoned signs is included in the proposed code amendment, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN.
Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba confirmed a licensed sign installer would be required and that all lighted signs are now required to be LED, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN. COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN also suggested requiring primer in addition to paint on the sign boxes.
City Attorney Davis explained that temporary banner permits are not changed or regulated by this code amendment, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA.
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:
DIRECT STAFF TO PROCEED WITH A FORMAL ORDINANCE FOR
PRESENTATION TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
**ITEM TAKEN OUT OF ORDER**
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR THREE-MONTH EXTENSION OF A SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT (SEP) GRANTED TO ROLLING HILLS COVENANT CHURCH (RHCC).
LOCATION: 2222 PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH
APPLICANT: ROBERT CUBILLOS C/O OF RHCC
Recommendation: That the City Council conduct a hearing for the Rolling Hills Covenant Church (RHCC) requested three-month extension of their Special Event Permit (SEP) for the continued use of their outdoor parking lot tent, granted by the City Council on January 25, 2022, which would extend their Permit from May 1 to July 31, 2022; and, take one of the staff recommended actions as listed above in this report.
Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
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Craig Knickerbocker of RHCC spoke regarding the extension request, and also suggested a new option for consideration involving moving the current tent to the front parking lot of the Church.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA confirmed that the same tent would be moved from the front to back of the property. She also asked Mr. Knickerbocker to outline the renovation timeline, which was scheduled to be completed by May 1.
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.
Public testimony was received by resident Michael Goodin against the extension request, resident Bridget Carman against the extension request, and resident Debra Fixen against the extension request.
Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba explained that moving the tent to the front of the property would likely cause new noise issues for the neighbors across Palos Verdes Drive North in the Montecillo and Casaba neighborhoods.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ emphasized the importance of residents being able to enjoy their private space, stating that grace was given to the Church due the circumstances brought on by COVID, and that she was not in favor of continuing any amplified sound going forward.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN stated that he was in favor of option 2 of the staff recommendation as a fair compromise.
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF stated she was not opposed to option 2, and also suggested allowing the Church the opportunity to try moving the tent to the front of the property for a trial weekend.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA emphasized that the Special Event Permit was not issued to accommodate a remodel of the sanctuary, it was issued to protect the public health of those who attend the Church during the pandemic. She made a motion to approve option 2 of the staff recommendation, granting the extension without any amplified sound, and allowing for no further extensions of the permit.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN thanked the residents who provided comments, as well as the Church.
Discussion ensued about the use of amplified sound, versus prohibiting the use of amplified music.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA amended her motion, to prohibit the use of amplified sound for music.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
GRANT RHCC REQUESTED THREE-MONTH EXTENSION OF SPECIAL
EVENT PERMIT TO EXPIRE ON JULY 31, 2022, USING THE SAME CONDITIONS ON THE PERMIT GRANTED ON JANUARY 25, 2022, BUT
WITHOUT THE USE OF AMPLIFIED SOUND FOR THE MUSICAL PORTIONS OF THE SERVICE, AND NO OPTION TO EXTEND THE EXISTING PERMIT.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Schmitz, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
8. NEW BUSINESS
C. LICENSE AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENTS FOR THE METROPOLITAN
WATER DISTRICT (MWD) FOR TEMPORARY USE OF CITY PROPERTY (BUTCHER PARK AND WEIR PUMP STATION NORTH OF HARBOR SIGHT DR., WEST OF PALOS VERDES DR. EAST)
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Recommendation: That the City Council approve the attached License and Reimbursement agreements with MWD, in the grand total amount of $246,402, all to the satisfaction of the City Attorney.
Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF inquired what the estimated cost was to develop the park. She noted that residents in the adjacent neighborhoods have been looking forward to the development of Butcher Park, and are very disappointed in another delay.
Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba explained that working around the clock would move the project along quicker and shorten the project by approximately four months, in response to MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF.
Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba discussed where full-width paving would be done, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ thanked the subcommittee for their work, and emphasized that open space for the neighborhoods is being sacrificed.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN echoed COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, noting the project includes much-needed improvements to the infrastructure. He thanked MWD for finding a viable solution for both MWD and the City, and summarized the importance of this project.
Jose Aldrete from MWD thanked the City Council and staff.
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 COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE LICENSE AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENTS WITH MWD, IN THE GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT OF $246,402, ALL TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Schmitz, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
D. LETTER OF SUPPORT AB 2432 NEIGHBORHOOD ELECTRIC VEHICLES Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the Mayor to submit a letter supporting AB 2432 “Neighborhood Electric Vehicles.”
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.
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SUBMIT A LETTER SUPPORTING AB 2432 “NEIGHBORHOOD ELECTRIC VEHICLES.”
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Schmitz, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
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E. LETTER OF SUPPORT AB 2390 RETAIL THEFT AND AB 2545 STOLEN FIREARMS Recommendation: That the City Council discuss and provide direction on AB 2390 Retail Theft and AB 2545 Stolen Firearms.
Administrative Aide Swain provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN stated that existing law has incentivized theft, especially t of catalytic converters, with very little penalty for those crimes.
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 COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, AS FOLLOWS:
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SUBMIT LETTERS SUPPORTING AB 2390 RETAIL THEFT AND AB 2545 STOLEN FIREARMS.
There being no objection, MAYOR ZERUNYAN so ordered.
9. OLD BUSINESS
B. REQUEST TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 STREET
RESURFACING PROJECT
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize staff to solicit bids for the Fiscal Year 2021-22 street resurfacing project as summarized in this report.
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 COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AUTHORIZE STAFF TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 STREET RESURFACING PROJECT AS SUMMARIZED IN THIS REPORT.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Schmitz, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
C. UPDATE ON LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAFER AT HOME ORDER AND STATUS OF
CITY EVENTS (VERBAL REPORT)
City Manager Grammer reported on the updated Health Officer Order, which continues the requirement for masking on public transportation. He also report on the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, noting hospitalization rates and death rates continue to decrease. Lastly, the second booster shot is available to those 50 years and older or for those who are immunocompromised.
City Manager Grammer reported that Palos Verdes Transit continues to adhere to the Los Angeles County Health Officer Order, requiring masks to be worn on all buses, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA.
10. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
NONE.
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11. CITY COUNCIL/REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF and COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ attended the California Contract Cities Association’s (CCCA) Board of Director’s Meeting last week, honoring outgoing president Mark Waronek.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN attended a CCCA Past Presidents Lunch earlier that day.
12. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
NONE.
13. CLOSED SESSION
NONE.
14. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:04 p.m. MAYOR ZERUNYAN adjourned the City Council meeting to the next regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at 7:00 pm for the purpose of a Regular meeting.
Submitted by, Approved by,
Lauren Pettit Frank V. Zerunyan
City Clerk Mayor