CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1
JANUARY, 24, 2023
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 24, 2023
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 HUFF at 7:14 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Led by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER.
3. ROLL CALL
City Council Members Present: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura and Zerunyan 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 Director Jeannie Naughton
Community Services Supervisory Pinuelas
Management Analyst Jessica Slawson
Administrative Aide Gabrielle Swain
4. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
A. RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING COMMISSIONERS
BRIDGET CARMAN, PLANNING COMMISSIONER FOR 6 YEARS
RICK EDLER, PLANNING COMMISSIONER FOR 5 YEARS
MICHELE LOW, PLANNING COMMISSIONER FOR 1 YEAR
B. EMPLOYEE SERVICE RECOGNITION
GLEN PATMORE, MAINTENANCE WORKER FOR 30 YEARS
LAURIE MOROMISATO, ACCOUNTANT CLERK II FOR 15 YEARS
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 STEGURA moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 4A-K 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. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF DECEMBER 13, 2022
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
C. DEMANDS AND WARRANTS OF DECEMBER 2022 & JANUARY 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2
JANUARY, 24, 2023
APPROVED WARRANTS 65796 THROUGH 65878 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$1,980,495.13 AND SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANTS 120522 THROUGH
120622; 010123 THROUGH 010623; IN THE AMOUNT OF $336,148.61 FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT OF $2,316,643.74 WITH PROPER AUDIT.
D. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS REPORT OF NOVEMBER 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
E. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT OF NOVEMBER 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
F. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS REPORT OF DECEMBER 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
G. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT OF DECEMBER 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
H. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF DECEMBER 5, 2022
RECEIVED AND FILED.
I. PARK & ACTIVITIES COMMISSION MINUTES OF DECEMBER 19, 2022 RECEIVED AND FILED.
J. BUDGET AMENDMENTS FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023
APPROVED THE BUDGET AMENDMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023.
K. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUED USE OF
TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY PROCEDURES TO CONDUCT PUBLIC MEETINGS PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361
ADOPTED RESOLUTION 2539 TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT AND UTILIZE TELECONFERENCE
ACCESSIBILITY PROCEDURES TO CONDUCT PUBLIC MEETINGS
PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT/PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
None.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 220499
AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF CHAPTER 17.56 OF THE ROLLING HILLS
ESTATES MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS LOCATION: CITYWIDE
Recommendation: That the City Council 1.) Open the Public Hearing; 2.) Take public testimony; 3.) Discuss the issues; 4.) Find that the proposed Urgency Ordinance No. 745 is exempt from the provisions of CEQA; and 5.) Adopt Urgency Ordinance No.745 (which will require a 4/5ths vote).
Community Development Director Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3
JANUARY, 24, 2023
MAYOR PRO TEM SCHMITZ moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA, TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Community Development Director Naughton stated that staff has processed approximately 20 applications for ADUs over the last two years, and that about a half dozen have inquired about the City’s ADU program, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM SCHMITZ, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 745.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura and Zerunyan ABSENT: None
B. PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 230002
AMENDMENTS TO THE SAFETY ELEMENT AND HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE ROLLING HILLS ESTATES 2040 GENERAL PLAN
LOCATION: CITYWIDE
Recommendation: That the City Council 1.) Open the Public Hearing; 2.) Take public testimony; 3.) Discuss the issues; 4.) Find that the proposed Resolution No. 2538 is exempt from the provisions of CEQA; and 5.) Adopt Resolution No. 2538, making findings related to and adopting General Plan Amendment No. 230002 to the Safety Element and General Plan Amendment No. 230004 to the 2021-2029 Housing Element of the Rolling Hills Estates 2040 General Plan.
Community Development Director Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM SCHMITZ, TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2538, MAKING FINDINGS RELATED TO AND ADOPTING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 230002 TO THE SAFETY ELEMENT AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 230004 TO THE 2021- 2029 HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE ROLLING HILLS ESTATES 2040
GENERAL PLAN.
8. NEW BUSINESS
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER
SCHACHTER, TO ADJOURN TO THE PEPPER TREE FOUNDATION BOARD MEETING.
**ADJOURN TO PEPPER TREE FOUNDATION BOARD MEETING**
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 4
JANUARY, 24, 2023
A. PEPPER TREE FOUNDATION ANNUAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Recommendation: That the Rolling Hills Estates Pepper Tree Foundation Board of Directors receive and file this staff report.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
MAYOR HUFF requested that under the Statement of Fund Balance, the “Other Items and Uses” category be expanded to show the revenue and expenditure detail.
Administrative Services Director Whitehead explained how the proceeds are invested, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA.
MAYOR HUFF requested to agendize a discussion to nominate former Council Member Steve Zuckerman to the Pepper Tree Foundation Fundraising Committee.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN requested staff provide information to Council on the creation of a website, listing all growing assets of the Pepper Tree Foundation, including parks, monuments, public art, etc., to show people what they are donating towards. MAYOR PRO TEM SCHMITZ and COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER made comments in support of this idea.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA suggested that a representative from the Pepper Tree Foundation Fundraising Committee have a report available for this annual Board of Directors meeting each year, and also attend the Policy Development Session each year to provide an update.
MAYOR HUFF requested to agendize reviving the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote, and a discussion to create a memorial.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER
ZERUNYAN, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
RECEIVE AND FILE.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura and Zerunyan ABSENT: None
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM SCHMITZ, TO RECONVENE THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
**RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING**
B. ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022
Recommendation: That the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills Estates receive and file Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal year ended June 30, 2022.
Administrative Services Director Whitehead provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Auditor Demi Hite of Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP (RAMS), provided a summary of the audit.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5
JANUARY, 24, 2023
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE AS AMENDED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
RECEIVE AND FILE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT
(ACFR) FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura and Zerunyan ABSENT: None
C. PROPOSAL FOR PROFESSIONAL BUILDING AND SAFETY SERVICES RELATED
TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ONLINE SOLAR PERMITTING PLATFORM AS
PART OF THE CALAPP GRANT AWARD
Recommendation: That the City Council approve Task Order #2022-10 – Proposal from Willdan Engineering to provide professional services for the related to the implementation of an online solar permitting platform, as part of the CalAPP grant award, in a not-to-exceed amount of $35,000.
Community Development Director Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA thanked Director Naughton for her work on this grant.
Discussion ensued about possible ways the community can verify that companies are legitimate and in good standing when choosing a contractor.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE TASK ORDER #2022-10 - PROPOSAL FROM WILLDAN
ENGINEERING TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE
RELATED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ONLINE SOLAR PERMITTING PLATFORM, AS PART OF THE CALAPP GRANT AWARD, IN A NOT-TOEXCEED AMOUNT OF $35,000 AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura and Zerunyan ABSENT: None
D. ADOPTION OF FY 2022-23 PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a Publicly Available Pay Schedule for the 2022-23 fiscal year in accordance with California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) regulations.
Administrative Aide Swain provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE A PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE FOR THE 2022-23
FISCAL YEAR IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CALPERS) REGULATIONS.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura and Zerunyan ABSENT: None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6
JANUARY, 24, 2023
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR ROCKBLUFF PARK
Recommendation: That the City Council 1) approve a contract, as to form by the City Attorney, in the amount of $29,370 with Ace Fence Company for the installation of railing along the ramp at Rockbluff Park; 2) approve a contract, as to form by the City Attorney, in the amount of $16,120 with Dave Bang Associates for the completed pathway; 3) authorize a fiscal year budget adjustment in the total amount of $148,304.80 using Park Facilities Fees toward this project ($137,254.80 previously authorized, but unspent in the 2021-22 fiscal year; $11,050 for additional scope of work to complete project).
Maintenance Superintendent Goldsmith provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Maintenance Superintendent Goldsmith and Assistant City Manager Davis explained the series of events that led to the present situation, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER
ZERUNYAN, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
1) APPROVE A CONTRACT, AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,370 WITH ACE FENCE COMPANY FOR THE
INSTALLATION OF RAILING ALONG THE RAMP AT ROCKBLUFF PARK; 2)
APPROVE A CONTRACT, AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,120 WITH DAVE BANG ASSOCIATES FOR THE
COMPLETED PATHWAY; 3) AUTHORIZE A FISCAL YEAR BUDGET
ADJUSTMENT IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $148,304.80 USING PARK FACILITIES FEES TOWARD THIS PROJECT ($137,254.80 PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED, BUT UNSPENT IN THE 2021-22 FISCAL YEAR; $11,050 FOR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK TO COMPLETE PROJECT).
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura and Zerunyan ABSENT: None
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN thanked Maintenance Superintendent Goldsmith for all his work through the terrible storms the City has recently experienced.
MAYOR PRO TEM SCHMITZ reported that during the Equestrian Committee meeting, many comments were made complimenting Maintenance Superintendent Goldsmith’s efforts to keep the trails maintained throughout the storms.
10. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
A. NEW BROWN ACT PROVISIONS
City Attorney Davis summarized the new laws that affect the Brown Act and remote meetings.
RECEIVED AND FILED.
11. CITY COUNCIL/REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
None.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7
JANUARY, 24, 2023
12. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
A. REQUEST TO ATTEND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF
GOVERNMENTS' (SCAG) ANNUAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUSINESS MEETING MAY 4-5, 2023
CONSENSUS OF COUNCIL TO ALLOW ANY/ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS TO ATTEND.
B. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
City Clerk Pettit provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
MAYOR PRO TEM SCHMITZ moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER
ZERUNYAN, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
REAPPOINT LARRY OLSON TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION;
REAPPOINTED VALERIE CIAROLLA, RYAN MCCORMICK AND LISA POPE TO THE PARK & ACTIVITIES COMMISSION; REAPPOINT ALL INTERESTED
CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE EQUESTRIAN COMMITTEE,
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND TRAFFIC & SAFETY
COMMITTEE; APPOINT JOAN FRIEDMAN, WILL NICKLAS, AND JEFF ROMANELLI TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura and Zerunyan ABSENT: None
MAYOR PRO TEM SCHMITZ moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER
ZERUNYAN, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
DEFER COMMITTEE VACANCY APPOINTMENTS TO THE FEBRUARY 14 CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura and Zerunyan ABSENT: None
C. 2023 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
RECEIVE AND FILE.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura and Zerunyan ABSENT: None
D. 2023 POLICY DEVELOPMENT SESSION -SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION City Manager Grammer provided a staff report (as per the agenda materials).
MAYOR PRO TEM SCHMITZ suggested to add the topic of protocols for water main breaks.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA requested to add the topic of tree trimming in coordination with Southern California Edison.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA requested to add the topic of the Mayoral Rotation policy.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER requested to add the topic of Committee sizes.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8
JANUARY, 24, 2023
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM
SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
CONFIRM POLICY DEVELOPMENT SESSION DATE OF MARCH 14, 2023 at 12:00 PM.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura and Zerunyan ABSENT: None
13. CLOSED SESSION
A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Manager (Quarterly Evaluation)
NO REPORTABLE ACTION.
B. 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 8:49 PM MAYOR HUFF adjourned the City Council meeting in memory of the victims of the recent mass shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, CA. The meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 7:00 PM for the purpose of a Regular Meeting.
Submitted by, Approved by,
Lauren Pettit Britt Huff
City Clerk Mayor