CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1
JANUARY 23, 2024
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 23, 2024
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
MAYOR HUFF called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m.
2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Led by resident Christian Yoshino.
A. RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION: CHRISTIAN YOSHINO
The City Council presented Christian Yoshino with a Resolution of Commendation in recognition of his efforts to raise $5,300 for the Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary’s Peartree Lane Relief Fund.
3. ROLL CALL
City Council Members Present: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan City Council Members Absent: None
City Staff Present: City Manager Greg Grammer
City Attorney Donald Davis
Assistant City Manager Alexa Davis
Administrative Services Director Mike Whitehead
Public Works Director David Wahba
Community Development Director Jeannie Naughton
City Clerk Lauren Pettit
Community Services Supervisor Rosa Pinuelas
Senior Planner Whitney Berry
Management Analyst Jessica Slawson
4. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
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 STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 5A-J AS FOLLOWS BY THE
FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
A. READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY
APPROVED.
B. DEMANDS AND WARRANTS OF DECEMBER 2023 & JANUARY 2024 APPROVED WARRANTS 66930 THROUGH 67015 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$442,265.65 AND SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANTS 120423 THROUGH
120523; 010124 THROUGH 010624; 66830 VOID; IN THE AMOUNT OF $352,579.23 FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT OF $794,844.88 WITH PROPER AUDIT.
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C. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS REPORT OF NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 RECEIVED AND FILED.
D. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT OF NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 RECEIVED AND FILED.
E. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF DECEMBER 12, 2023
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
F. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 13, 2023 RECEIVED AND FILED.
G. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION MINUTES OF DECEMBER 18, 2023 RECEIVED AND FILED.
H. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 8, 2024
RECEIVED AND FILED.
I. 2023 CITY CELEBRATION, TRACY AUSTIN DOUBLES TENNIS TOURNAMENT
AND HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS DEBRIEF
RECEIVED AND FILED.
J. 2023-2024 BIANNUAL CODE COMPLIANCE REPORT
RECEIVED AND FILED.
K. NOTICE OF COMPLETION - CITY HALL EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS (RE-ROOF, PAINTING AND HVAC EQUIPMENT ROOM RE-BUILD) AVALON ROOFING INC.
AND MARISCAL PAINTING INC. (CONTRACTORS)
1) ACCEPTED THE RE-ROOF PROJECT AT CITY HALL WITH AVALON ROOFING INC. AS COMPLETE; 2) ACCEPTED THE CITY HALL HVAC
ROOM REPAIRS AND RE-PAINTING PROJECT WITH MARISCAL
PAINTING INC. AS COMPLETE; 3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY CLERK TO
FILE AN INDIVIDUAL NOTICE OF COMPLETION (FOR EACH
CONTRACTOR) WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER’S
OFFICE ON JANUARY 24, 2024; 4) IF NO CLAIMS ARE FILED WITHIN 35
DAYS AFTER RECORDATION OF EACH NOTICE, DIRECTED STAFF TO RELEASE THE 5% CONSTRUCTION RETENTION PAYMENTS TO EACH
CONTRACTOR; AND 5) APPROVED A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO
ACCOUNT 5303-430, TO INCREASE THE BUDGETED AMOUNT OF
$300,000 BY $30,788.58, FOR A NEW ACCOUNT BUDGET TOTAL OF 330,788.58.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT/PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
None.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. PUBLIC HEARING - RESOLUTION NO. 2563 APPROVING THE PROPOSED USE OF FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS
Recommendation: That the City Council 1) Open the Public Hearing; 2) Receive any public testimony; 3) Close the Public Hearing; and, 4) Waive further reading and CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3
JANUARY 23, 2024
approve Resolution No. 2563 authorizing execution of a contract with the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission for participation in the program for funding of the ADA Access Ramp and Sidewalk Improvement Program as identified in the Program and Conditions Assessment Report dated April 2, 2014 in the amount of $20,445.
Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN to:
OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
There being no objection, MAYOR SCHMITZ so ordered.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF to:
CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
There being no objection, MAYOR SCHMITZ so ordered.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2563 AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A
CONTRACT WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM
FOR FUNDING OF THE ADA ACCESS RAMP AND SIDEWALK
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AS IDENTIFIED IN THE PROGRAM AND
CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT REPORT DATED APRIL 2, 2014 IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,445.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Resolution No. 2563 by title.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2023
Recommendation: That the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills Estates receive and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal year ended June 30, 2023.
Administrative Services Director Whitehead provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), and introduced Demi Hite, CPA, Senior Auditor with Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, who presented a summary of the FY 2023-2024 audit.
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 HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS:
RECEIVE AND FILE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT
(ACFR) FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2023.
There being no objection, MAYOR SCHMITZ so ordered.
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JANUARY 23, 2024
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER, TO ADJOURN TO THE PEPPER TREE FOUNDATION BOARD MEETING. **ADJOURNED TO PEPPER TREE FOUNDATION BOARD MEETING**
B. PEPPER TREE FOUNDATION ANNUAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Recommendation: That the Rolling Hills Estates Pepper Tree Foundation Board of Directors receive and file this report.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
BOARD MEMBER HUFF requested that the report for the conceptual plan for large donations be included in the final report. BOARD MEMBER HUFF also requested that the 19th Amendment title be included in the report.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
VICE-CHAIR STEGURA moved, seconded by BOARD MEMBER ZERUNYAN, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS:
RECEIVE AND FILE THE ANNUAL REPORT.
There being no objection, MAYOR SCHMITZ so ordered.
BOARD MEMBER SCHACHTER moved, seconded by VICE-CHAIR STEGURA, TO RECONVENE TO THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
**RECONVENED TO CITY COUNCIL MEETING**
C. PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 230037
COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CODE UPDATE - COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
LOCATION: CITYWIDE
Recommendation: That the City Council discuss the issues and provide direction to staff as appropriate.
Community Development Director Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Community Development Director Naughton explained that staff would be proposing a stepped approach based on street width when it comes to setbacks, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN thanked staff and appreciates the effort to simplify the code.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA stated that she is in favor of providing more certainty to property owners and developers, and of getting rid of any discrepancies in the code. Community Development Director Naughton stated that the process of updating the code will be incremental, in response to MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA encouraged members of the public to participate in the process of updating the planning codes.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
IT WAS THE CONSENSUS OF THE COUNCIL FOR STAFF TO PROCEED AS PRESENTED.
There being no objection, MAYOR SCHMITZ so ordered.
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JANUARY 23, 2024
D. SECOND AMENDMENT TO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH
PENINSULA CITIES AND PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT FOR COST SHARING TWO SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
Recommendation: That City Council approve the Second Amendment to the MOU between the PVPUSD and the cities of Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, and Rolling Hills Estates for cost sharing two School Resource Officers (SROs).
Management Analyst Slawson provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF stated she supports the contract extension.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA toured Peninsula High School and met with the SRO there.
She stated is hopeful that the Sheriff deputies on the Peninsula feel that the existence of the SROs allows them to do other things. She also noted that reports of encounters between the students and SROs are given to the cities for review.
MAYOR SCHMITZ explained that her daughter who is a student at Palos Verdes High School sees the SROs as part of the staff and administration, and that they are a seamless part of her school experience.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE MOU BETWEEN THE
PVPUSD AND THE CITIES OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES, RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, ROLLING HILLS, AND ROLLING HILLS ESTATES FOR COST SHARING TWO SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
E. GRANT PROGRAM PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT - BUILDING ELECTRIFICATION (REACH) CODE DEVELOPMENT
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize staff to execute the participation agreement in CPA’s Reach Code Program.
Community Development Director Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Community Development Director Naughton confirmed that the Reach Code Program could help upgrade City Hall’s electric infrastructure to be able to bring super-chargers to City Hall, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN. COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN stated that more super-chargers are needed on the Peninsula.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AUTHORIZE STAFF TO EXECUTE THE PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT IN CPA’S REACH CODE PROGRAM.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
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F. CONSIDERATION OF PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
DAY CHANGE
Recommendation: That the City Council consider the request from the Park and Activities Commission and direct staff to return with a Resolution amending the Commission's regular meeting day.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Discussion ensued about the process of changing the date/time by Resolution of the City Council.
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 HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
DIRECT STAFF TO RETURN WITH A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE
COMMISSION'S REGULAR MEETING DAY.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
G. TASK ORDER FOR MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC., TO PREPARE AN ADDENDUM TO THE CITY’S 2040 GENERAL PLAN EIR FOR THE RESIDENCES AT
PENINSULA CENTER PROJECT
APPLICANT: JEFF AXTELL ON BEHALF OF VESTAR
LOCATION: 27525 NORRIS CENTER DRIVE
Recommendation: That the City Council approve a Task Order under Michael Baker International, Inc.’s Master Professional Services Agreement to prepare an Addendum to the City’s 2040 General Plan EIR for the Residences at Peninsula Center project, in the amount of $40,043, to the satisfaction of the City Attorney.
Senior Planner Berry provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Discussion ensued about the definition of “Community Benefit.” 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
SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE A TASK ORDER UNDER MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.’S MASTER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO PREPARE AN ADDENDUM TO THE CITY’S 2040 GENERAL PLAN EIR FOR THE
RESIDENCES AT PENINSULA CENTER PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,043, TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
H. CITY WORK PLAN 2023/24 QUARTERLY UPDATE
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the report.
City Manager Grammer provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER requested that the Sheriff’s Department work with the equestrians in terms of basic procedures to avoid frightening the horses by the Polaris’ when CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7
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they do begin patrolling the trails. City Manager Grammer confirmed that staff will coordinate with the Sheriff’s Department before the Polaris’ are deployed.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA noted that it was the City Manager’s idea to make this presentation so that the City’s progress and priorities for the year can be known to the public.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
RECEIVE AND FILE.
There being no objection, MAYOR SCHMITZ so ordered.
9. OLD BUSINESS
None.
10. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
None.
11. CITY COUNCIL/REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF reported that the entire Council attended the California Contract Cities Association’s (CCCA) Legislative Tour in Sacramento in early January.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA reported on a recent tour taken at the Waste Management Recycling facility in Sun Valley, CA.
12. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
A. REQUEST TO ATTEND SCAG REGIONAL CONFERENCE & GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY 2-3, 2024
CONSENSUS OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO ALLOW ANY/ALL COUNCIL
MEMBERS TO ATTEND.
B. 2024 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
RECEIVE AND FILE.
C. 2024 POLICY DEVELOPMENT SESSION - SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION City Manager Grammer provided a brief report including the two proposed dates and the suggested items for discussion.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF requested to add “City Traffic” to the list of discussion items.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN requested “Disaster Districts” to include “Emergency Management” to the list of discussion items.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA requested to include “Gun Safety” to the list of discussion items.
It was the consensus of the Council to schedule the Policy Development Session meeting at 12 noon on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
There being no objection, MAYOR SCHMITZ so ordered.
13. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Significant exposure to litigation: one case
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NO REPORTABLE ACTION.
14. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:44 p.m. MAYOR SCHMITZ adjourned the meeting in memory of Lynn McGowan, Jim Kelly and Michael-Patrick Hogue. The meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of a Regular Meeting.
Submitted by, Approved by,
Lauren Pettit Velveth Schmitz
City Clerk Mayor