CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1
JULY 26, 2022
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 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 7:03 p.m. 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, 2505, 2507, 2512 and proposed Resolution No. 2515, 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 Monique Sugimoto, Archivist and Adult Services Librarian with the Palos Verdes Library District.
3. ROLL CALL
City Council Members Present: Huff, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman City Council Members Absent: Schmitz
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
City Clerk Lauren Pettit
Maintenance Superintendent Mike Goldsmith
4. CEREMONIAL
NONE.
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 will be considered under New Business.) COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN requested to remove Item 5C from the consent calendar for further discussion.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 5A-B, D-I AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: Schmitz
A. READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY
APPROVED.
B. DEMANDS AND WARRANTS OF JULY 2022
APPROVED WARRANTS 65239 THROUGH 65358 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$931,179.07; AND SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANTS 070122 THROUGH
070622 AND 64972V IN THE AMOUNT OF $566,925.39; FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT OF $1,498,104.46 WITH PROPER AUDIT.
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D. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS REPORT OF JUNE 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
E. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF JUNE 28, 2022
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
F. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF JULY 11, 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
G. SOUTH BAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OF JUNE 23, 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
H. CODE ENFORCEMENT REPORT
RECEIVE 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 2515 TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT AND UTILIZE TELECONFERENCE
ACCESSIBILITY PROCEDURES TO CONDUCT PUBLIC MEETINGS
PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361.
**ITEM TAKEN OUT OF ORDER**
C. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS REPORT OF APRIL 2022
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN confirmed all of the budgeted ARPA funds have been received by the City.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN also confirmed that a final UAL payment was made last year.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
RECEIVE AND FILE.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: Schmitz
6. PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
A. PALOS VERDES LIBRARY DISTRICT - MONIQUE SUGIMOTO, ARCHIVIST &
ADULT SERVICES LIBRARIAN (VERBAL REPORT)
Monique Sugimoto provided a presentation on the Palos Verdes Library District’s “Doors Open Peninsula” Project that is scheduled to take place in June 2023 to commemorate 100 years of development on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE.
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JULY 26, 2022
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 742 AMENDING AND RESTATING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.38 (STORMWATER AND URBAN RUNOFF
POLLUTION CONTROL)
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Take Public Input; 2) Discuss the Proposed Amendments to Chapter 8.38 of the RHEMC as Stated in Ordinance No. 742; 3) Introduce Ordinance No. 742 for First Reading; and 4) Continue Ordinance No. 742 to the Next Available City Council Meeting for Second Reading and Adoption.
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 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:
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 742 FOR FIRST READING AND CONTINUE ORDINANCE NO. 742 TO THE NEXT AVAILABLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR SECOND READING AND ADOPTION.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: Schmitz
City Clerk Pettit read Ordinance No. 742 by title.
B. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 743 AMENDING AND RESTATING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.40 HORSE TRAINERS AND TRAIL RIDING
OPERATORS
Recommendation: That the City Council 1) receive any public testimony; and 2) introduce Ordinance No. 743 for a first reading.
Assistant City Manager Davis 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 MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 743 FOR A FIRST READING.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: Schmitz
City Clerk Pettit read Ordinance No. 743 by title.
C. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION ACTION ITEM FROM MEETING OF JULY 18, 2022: IRRIGATION AUDIT SERVICES AGREEMENT
Recommendation: That City Council enter into the attached Agreement with WaterWise Consulting for irrigation audit services at Ernie Howlett, Highridge and Dapplegray parks in an amount not-to-exceed a total of $16,300, to the satisfaction of the City Attorney
Maintenance Superintendent Goldsmith provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
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JULY 26, 2022
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA noted for the record that in an effort to proactively conserve water, the City Council approved moving to the next level under the Municipal Code of water conservation.
Maintenance Superintendent Goldsmith explained that CalWater would not cover the cost of the water audit, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA.
City Manager Grammer explained that grants were for not available for the analysis portions of projects such as these, 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.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH WATERWISE CONSULTING FOR
IRRIGATION AUDIT SERVICES AT ERNIE HOWLETT, HIGHRIDGE AND
DAPPLEGRAY PARKS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED A TOTAL OF
$16,300, TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: Schmitz
D. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION ACTION ITEM FROM MEETING OF JULY 18, 2022: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH PAGEANTRY
PRODUCTIONS
Recommendation: That City Council enter into the attached Agreement with Pageantry Productions to provide parade management services for the Peninsula Parade of Lights on December 3, 2022 in the amount of $11,250, to the satisfaction of the City Attorney.
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Assistant City Manager Davis confirmed that the proposed cost is the same rate as in 2019, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN.
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:
APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH PAGEANTRY PRODUCTIONS TO PROVIDE
PARADE MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE PENINSULA PARADE OF
LIGHTS ON DECEMBER 3, 2022 IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,250, TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: Schmitz
E. CROSSING GUARD SERVICES-MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
Recommendation: That City Council approve the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District and the City of Rolling Hills Estates to reimburse the School District for crossing guard services for the 2022- 23 school year, not to exceed $58,925, to the satisfaction of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Board of Education and final CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5
JULY 26, 2022
review by the City Attorney; and adjust the budget by $175, from $58,750 to $58,925 to meet the projected fiscal year cost associated.
Assistant City Manager Davis 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:
APPROVE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN
THE PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTATES TO REIMBURSE THE SCHOOL
DISTRICT FOR CROSSING GUARD SERVICES FOR THE 2022- 23 SCHOOL YEAR, NOT TO EXCEED $58,925, TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE PALOS
VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION AND FINAL REVIEW BY THE CITY ATTORNEY; AND ADJUST THE BUDGET BY $175, FROM $58,750 TO $58,925 TO MEET THE PROJECTED FISCAL YEAR COST ASSOCIATED.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: Schmitz
MAYOR ZERUNYAN emphasized the importance of the collaboration among all four cities to support the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District.
F. PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 220273 (PPD-220274) FOR THREE SIGNS
LOCATED WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY ON SILVER SPUR ROAD FOR ASCENSION LUTHERAN CHURCH. LOCATION: 26231 SILVER SPUR RD.;
RANCHO PALOS VERDES (ROLLING HILLS ESTATES PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY), CA 90275
Recommendation: That the City Council approve Planning Application No. 220273 (PPD-220274)) to install three new free-standing signs, all located within the public right-of-way of Silver Spur Rd., for Ascension Lutheran Church, located at 26231 Silver Spur Rd. in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (Rolling Hills Estates public rightof-way), including the associated License Agreement, all to the satisfaction of the City Attorney.
Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA confirmed that this item has come before the City Council and not the Planning Commission because it is on City property.
Discussion ensued about the use of LED lights, the adjustability of the lights to be installed, and the reduction in brightness as compared to the current spotlights on the signs.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN confirmed a primer will be applied to the signs and that photos of the primer can be provide. He also confirmed a graffiti sealant would be applied over the TexCoat of the signs.
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:
APPROVE PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 220273 (PPD-220274)) TO
INSTALL THREE NEW FREE-STANDING SIGNS, ALL LOCATED WITHIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6
JULY 26, 2022
THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY OF SILVER SPUR RD., FOR ASCENSION LUTHERAN CHURCH, LOCATED AT 26231 SILVER SPUR RD. IN THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES (ROLLING HILLS ESTATES PUBLIC RIGHTOF-WAY), INCLUDING THE ASSOCIATED LICENSE AGREEMENT, ALL TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: Schmitz
G. WORKSHOP ON PROPOSED MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS REGARDING:
(1) UPDATE TO CHAPTER 17.76 (DENSITY BONUS AND OTHER INCENTIVES), (2) AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 17.30 (COMMERCIAL-GENERAL DISTRICT) TO PROVIDE FOR BONUS LEVEL DEVELOPMENT, AND (3) NEW CHAPTER 17.82 (DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS)
Recommendation: The City Council should discuss the proposed zoning code amendments and provide comments and direction. If the proposed changes are minimal for any of the three proposed zoning code amendments, staff would recommend that the item proceed to the Planning Commission for review. If the City Council has significant questions or would like to review any of the three proposed ordinances further (e.g., the community amenities and benefits provisions), staff would recommend that such item come back to the City Council for further review before initiation of the formal zoning code amendment process City Attorney Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), outlining the proposed zoning code amendments.
The City Council reviewed and discussed the proposed zoning code amendments regarding State density bonus law and development agreements, and the creation of a community benefit program that would allow for increased density in the commercial-general district in exchange for providing community amenities or benefits to the City.
For the community benefit program, City Attorney Davis recommended the value of the community amenities to be provided be reduced from 50%, as staff initially proposed, to 25% of the fair market value of the additional gross floor area or residential units.
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:
DIRECT STAFF TO PROCEED WITH PRESENTING THE PROPOSED
ZONING CODE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR
REVIEW, TO THEN RETURN TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR FURTHER
REVIEW AND ADOPTION.
AYES: Huff, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: Schmitz
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. UPDATE ON LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAFER AT HOME ORDER AND STATUS OF
CITY EVENTS (VERBAL REPORT)
City Manager Grammer reported that there has been an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County due to the Omicron sub-variants, and that Los Angeles County has moved to the “High” community transmission level, as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has stated that if the County remains in the high transmission level for a two week period, a mask mandate may be reinstated, which could happen as early as Thursday. However over the last few days, the numbers have begun to stabilize so it is unknown if the mandate will be reinstated at this time.
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10. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
NONE.
11. CITY COUNCIL/REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF attended the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) General Assembly last weekend as the City’s delegate.
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF will attend the Board of Directors meeting this Friday and Saturday in Sacramento for the League of California Cities (Cal Cities).
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA attended the League of California Cities Community Services meeting on April 28.
12. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF reported that National Night Out will be held on August 2 from 5 – 7 pm.
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF also reported that the City’s annual Hills Are Alive Race will be held on Saturday, August 6.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA reminded the community to use the City’s coyote reporting site on the website to help track coyote locations within the community.
13. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Significant exposure to litigation: one potential case
NO REPORTABLE ACTION
14. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:05 p.m. MAYOR ZERUNYAN adjourned the City Council meeting to Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of a Regular Meeting.
Submitted by, Approved by,
Lauren Pettit Frank V. Zerunyan
City Clerk Mayor