CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1
AUGUST 23, 2022
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 23, 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), 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 the following members of the Lion’s Heart Organization: Nicholas Oreb, Bensen Webster, Michael Oreb and Moses Newmark.
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
City Clerk Lauren Pettit
Community Services Supervisor Rosa Pinuelas
Management Analyst Jessica Slawson
Senior Accountant Fernando Estrada
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.) MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, 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 AUGUST 2022
APPROVED WARRANTS 65359 THROUGH 65412 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$606,832.95; AND SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANTS 080122 THROUGH
080522 IN THE AMOUNT OF $188,158.38; FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT OF $794,991.33 WITH PROPER AUDIT.
C. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT OF JULY 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
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AUGUST 23, 2022
D. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS REPORT OF JULY 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
E. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF JULY 26, 2022
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
F. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION MINUTES OF JULY 18, 2022 RECEIVED AND FILED.
G. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 15, 2022 RECEIVED AND FILED.
H. SOUTH BAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OF JUNE 23, 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 2521 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
A. WASTE MANAGEMENT "RECYCLING HERO" DRAWING FOR ONE YEAR OF FREE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REFUSE SERVICE – THIRD QUARTER 2022 Waste Management Representative Erick Quintero presented a virtual drawing for one year of free service for a residential customer and announced the commercial customer winner.
RESIDENTIAL WINNER: 114 Cottonwood Circle
COMMERCIAL WINNER: Calvary Chapel, 735 Silver Spur Rd
B. DROUGHT AND WATER RESTRICTIONS VERBAL REPORT: WEST BASIN
MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT, WATER REPLENISHMENT DISTRICT,
METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, CALIFORNIA
WATER SERVICE
Updates on current drought and water restrictions provided by the following representatives from each agency:
- West Basin Municipal Water District: Harold Williams, Division I Board of Director and E.J. Caldwell, Policy & Resources Development Department Manager - Metropolitan Water District of Southern California: Charles Gale, Government Affairs Liaison
- Water Replenishment District: Rob Katherman, Director - California Water Service: Agustin Baeza, Palos Verdes Peninsula Operations Manager and Tammie Myers, Conservation Coordinator
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. PLANNING APPLICATION NO. PA-220255. A PRECISE PLAN OF DESIGN (PPD)
FOR GEORGE F CANYON NATURE CENTER REPLACEMENT PROJECT (CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2523) & INITIAL STUDY WITH PROPOSED
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (ISMND) UNDER THE CALIFORNIA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3
AUGUST 23, 2022
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) (CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2522).
LOCATION: SOUTHWEST CORNER OF PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH & PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST (27305 PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST).
APPLICANT: CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
Recommendation: That the City Council 1.) Open the Public Hearing; 2.) Take Public Testimony; 3.) Discuss the Project; 4.) Close the Public Hearing; and 5.) Approve the Project by Adopting Resolution Nos. 2522 (ISMND) and 2523 (PPD).
Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN so ordered.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN confirmed that certain traffic maneuvers were considered when exiting onto Palos Verdes Drive East, and confirmed additional space will be made to allow for pedestrians to safely walk since there is no formal sidewalk.
Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba reported on the recent meetings held with staff, the Subcommittee and the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy to ensure all issues are addressed. Removal of the Land Conservancy’s offices, inclusion of the outdoor classroom, storage rooms and shade coverings were among the items discussed.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA stated that she was glad the bus pull-out area was eliminated.
Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba explained that the Land Conservancy’s offices were no longer able to be located at the Nature Center, due to space limitations, in response to MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email, via eComment, 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 STEGURA, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN so ordered.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2522.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Resolution No. 2522 by title.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2523.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Resolution No. 2523 by title.
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AUGUST 23, 2022
**ITEM TAKEN OUT OF ORDER**
The City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to the League of Women Voters of Palos Verdes Peninsula, in recognition of the upcoming 102nd Anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment, which gave American women the right to vote, also known as Women’s Equality Day, on August 26, 2022. The certificate was accepted by co-presidents Janet MacLeod and Linda Herman.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. NOVEMBER 8, 2022 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2524 canceling the November 8, 2022 election and appointing Britt Huff and Pam Brown Schachter each to four-year terms of office as Council Members.
City Clerk Pettit provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email, via eComment, 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 STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2524 CANCELING THE NOVEMBER 8, 2022
ELECTION AND APPOINTING BRITT HUFF AND PAM BROWN
SCHACHTER EACH TO FOUR-YEAR TERMS OF OFFICE AS COUNCIL
MEMBERS.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Resolution No. 2524 by title.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN congratulated Council Member-Elect Pam Brown Schachter on her appointment. He also noted that this will be the first time in the City’s history where four women serve on the City Council. He also noted that COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN will have served five terms as Mayor and will be the longest serving City Council Member in the City’s history, having served for 25 years at the end of his term.
B. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 2520 ADOPTING THE 2017 UPDATED
GREATER LOS ANGELES COUNTY INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2520 approving adoption of the 2017 Updated Greater Los Angeles County Region Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (GLAC IRWMP).
Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email, via eComment, 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, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2520 APPROVING ADOPTION OF THE 2017
UPDATED GREATER LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGION INTEGRATED
REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN (GLAC IRWMP).
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AUGUST 23, 2022
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Resolution No. 2520 by title.
C. APPROVE A FIVE-YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HdL
COMPANIES TO PROVIDE TAX MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION SERVICES Recommendation: That the City Council 1.) approve the agreement with Hinderliter, De Llamas and Associates (HdL) in the amount of $4,200 annually and 15% of all new sales for sales and use tax audit and management services. Implementation cost of $6,500 and $16 per processed account for business license services and 40% of the revenues and 25% collections received for discovery; 2.) approve the agreement with HdL Coren & Cone in the amount of $7,200 annually plus 25% of net tax revenues for property tax services; and 3.) adopt Resolution No. 2526 authorizing HdL to examine sales and property tax information with the California Department of Tax & Fee Administration (CDTFA) and Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector.
Senior Accountant Fernando Estrada provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Senior Accountant Estrada explained that this item is being brought to the Council in response to unsatisfactory service provided by Avenu Insights, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN.
City Manager Grammer explained that there is a provision that allows the City to cancel the contract with 30 days’ notice, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZUCKERMAN.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA noted that it could potentially be costly for the City if HdL identifies a large number of sources that weren’t collected from in the past. Senior Accountant Estrada stated that the amount HdL would collect for discovery would be for the first year only and the City would receive 100% of the fees collected going forward.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email, via eComment, 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 STEGURA, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2526 AUTHORIZING HDL TO EXAMINE SALES
AND PROPERTY TAX INFORMATION WITH THE CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF TAX & FEE ADMINISTRATION (CDTFA) AND LOS
ANGELES COUNTY TREASURER AND TAX COLLECTOR.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Resolution No. 2526 by title.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE THE AGREEMENT WITH HINDERLITER, DE LLAMAS AND
ASSOCIATES (HDL) IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,200 ANNUALLY AND 15% OF
ALL NEW SALES FOR SALES AND USE TAX AUDIT AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES. IMPLEMENTATION COST OF $6,500 AND $16 PER
PROCESSED ACCOUNT FOR BUSINESS LICENSE SERVICES AND 40% OF THE REVENUES AND 25% COLLECTIONS RECEIVED FOR DISCOVERY;
AND APPROVE THE AGREEMENT WITH HDL COREN & CONE IN THE
AMOUNT OF $7,200 ANNUALLY PLUS 25% OF NET TAX REVENUES FOR PROPERTY TAX SERVICES.
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AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
D. AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR THE ERNIE HOWLETT PARK
PERIMETER PATHWAY PROJECT
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the attached plans, specifications and bid documents and authorize the solicitation of bids due September 22, 2022 for the Ernie Howlett Park Perimeter Pathway Project, in final form and content satisfactory to the City Attorney.
Management Analyst Slawson provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email, via eComment, 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 MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVED THE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND BID DOCUMENTS AND AUTHORIZED THE SOLICITATION OF BIDS DUE SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
FOR THE ERNIE HOWLETT PARK PERIMETER PATHWAY PROJECT, IN FINAL FORM AND CONTENT SATISFACTORY TO THE CITY ATTORNEY.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION ACTION ITEM: TURF REPLACEMENT
PROJECT CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
Recommendation: That the City Council review and provide input on the conceptual designs presented for the turf removal projects at City Hall and Highridge Park.
City Manager Grammer provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA highlighted the partnerships with both CalWater and the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy who have been a part of the entire process. She also noted that there will be a demonstration garden at City Hall, which will be helpful for residents interested in doing their own drought tolerant gardens and also useful for educational purposes for local schools.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email, via eComment, 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:
REVIEW AND APPROVE PROPOSED CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
B. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 742 AMENDING AND RESTATING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.38 (STORMWATER AND URBAN
RUNOFF POLLUTION CONTROL)
Recommendation: That the City Council conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 742, which would amend and restate Municipal Code Chapter 8.38 (Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control).
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Community Development & Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email, via eComment, 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 MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
CONDUCT SECOND READING AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 742,
AMENDING AND RESTATING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.38
(STORMWATER AND URBAN RUNOFF POLLUTION CONTROL).
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Ordinance No. 742 by title.
C. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 743 AMENDING AND RESTATING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.40 HORSE TRAINERS AND TRAIL
RIDING OPERATORS
Recommendation: That the City Council 1) conduct the second reading of Ordinance No. 743; and 2) adopt Ordinance No. 743.
City Attorney Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), and noted a clerical error in the cover Ordinance in the agenda packet which should have included the Ordinance summary, to be corrected and published.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email, via eComment, 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:
CONDUCT SECOND READING AND ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 743,
AMENDING AND RESTATING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.40 HORSE TRAINERS AND TRAIL RIDING OPERATORS.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Ordinance No. 743 by title.
D. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION ACTION ITEM: RESOLUTION NO. 2525
PUBLIC RIDING RULES UPDATE
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2525 to update the City’s Public Riding Rules.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
City Attorney Davis explained why the proposed minor updates are done via Resolution rather than by Ordinance, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA. Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas noted that the updated rules would be posted at all arenas and on the City’s website.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email, via eComment, 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.
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COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF, AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2525 UPDATING THE CITY’S PUBLIC RIDING RULES.
AYES: Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan and Zuckerman
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Resolution No. 2525 by title.
E. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS UPDATE
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file this report.
Management Analyst Slawson provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email, via eComment, 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:
RECEIVE AND FILE.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN so ordered.
F. UPDATE ON LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAFER AT HOME ORDER AND STATUS OF
CITY EVENTS (VERBAL REPORT)
City Manager Grammer reported that daily positivity rates and hospitalization rates are declining, and Los Angeles County has now moved down to the medium transmission level.
He added that free at-home COVID-19 tests are available through the covid.gov website.
10. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
City Attorney Davis noted for the record that with the Council’s appointment of Pam Brown Schachter to the City Council, she is now considered to be a part of the Brown Act body.
11. CITY COUNCIL/REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
MAYOR PRO TEM HUFF reported that she attended the installation of the new President and Vice President of the Cal Cities Los Angeles Division.
12. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
A. AUTHORIZATION TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACT CITIES ASSOCIATION 2022 FALL EDUCATIONAL SUMMIT IN LAKE ARROWHEAD - SEPTEMBER 30 TO OCTOBER 2, 2022
Consensus of Council to allow any/all Council Members who wish to attend, including Council Member-Elect Schachter.
13. CLOSED SESSION
A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Manager (Quarterly Evaluation)
NO REPORTABLE ACTION
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14. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:05 p.m. MAYOR ZERUNYAN adjourned the City Council meeting in honor of Vince Webber and Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez. The meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, September 13, 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