CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1
MARCH 12, 2024
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 12, 2024
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
MAYOR SCHMITZ called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Led by Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy Okamoto.
3. ROLL CALL
City Council Members Present: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura City Council Members Absent: Zerunyan* (arrived at 7:29 p.m.) City Staff Present: City Manager Greg Grammer
City Attorney Donald Davis
Assistant City Manager Alexa Davis
Administrative Services Director Michael Whitehead
Public Works Director David Wahba
Community Development Director Jeannie Naughton
City Clerk Lauren Pettit
Senior Planner Whitney Berry
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-H AS FOLLOWS BY THE
FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura
ABSENT: Zerunyan
A. READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY
APPROVED.
B. DEMANDS AND WARRANTS OF FEBRUARY & MARCH 2024
APPROVED WARRANTS 67164 THROUGH 67189 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$313,686.36 AND SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANTS 020624 THROUGH
020724; IN THE AMOUNT OF $98,656.68 FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT OF $412,343.04 WITH PROPER AUDIT.
C. CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2024
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
D. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2024
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2
MARCH 12, 2024
E. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 20, 2024 RECEIVED AND FILED.
F. TRAFFIC & SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 22, 2024 RECEIVED AND FILED.
G. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 4, 2024
RECEIVED AND FILED.
H. SOUTH BAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OF FEBRUARY 22, 2024
RECEIVED AND FILED.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT/PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
Written public comment was received from Brandee Kieth from South Coast Air Quality Management District regarding its 34th Annual Clean Air Awards on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 230516
PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS AND AMENITIES PROPOSED UNDER THE CITY’S BONUS LEVEL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR A PROPOSED 90-UNIT APARTMENT PROJECT
APPLICANT: RYAN ASH ON BEHALF OF VESTAR
LOCATION: 27525 NORRIS CENTER DRIVE
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Open the Public Hearing; 2) Receive any public testimony; 3) Discuss the issues; 4) Close the Public Hearing; and 5) Provide a preliminary determination that the proposed community amenities and benefits qualify for bonus level development pursuant to the City’s Bonus Level Development Program.
Senor Planner Berry provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA, TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF inquired about the number of parking spaces currently on the property and the number of parking spaces proposed. COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF also confirmed that the proposed affordable units are moderate-income units. Community Development Director Naughton provided an update on the number of very low-income, lowincome, and moderate-income housing units that have met the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER inquired about the proposed 68’ height of the building, and how that compares to the buildings adjacent such as Old Navy.
Senior Planner Berry explained that “amenities” are typically a gym or a space for community use, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA thanked the applicant for increasing the number of moderateincome units and noted that those units would serve as possible workforce housing for teachers, first responders etc., allowing them to live in the communities where they work. She inquired if the applicant’s request for reduced outdoor space per unit could be offset by more outdoor communal/amenity space. She also requested that the applicant consider sustainable building practices beyond what Title 24 requires.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3
MARCH 12, 2024
Applicant Ryan Ash responded that the building height will be comparable to Old Navy and Ulta, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER. He also noted that there are approximately 60 existing parking stalls, and the proposed project will include 85 shared public spaces for community use.
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 MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER
SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
CONFIRM PRELIMINARY DETERMINATION THAT THE PROPOSED
COMMUNITY AMENITIES AND BENEFITS QUALIFY FOR BONUS LEVEL DEVELOPMENT PURSUANT TO THE CITY’S BONUS LEVEL
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
**ITEM TAKEN OUT OF ORDER**
6. PUBLIC COMMENT/PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
Public comment was received from Merlin David, Executive Director of Peninsula Friends of the Library who shared upcoming community events.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. 2023 HOUSING ELEMENT AND GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the City of Rolling Hills Estates’ 2023 General Plan and Housing Element APRs, and direct staff to submit both reports to OPR and HCD.
Senior Planner Berry provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN discussed the challenges the City faces regarding the State’s housing policies and retaining local control. He also discussed low-income housing and affordability, and the positive perspective of helping people become members of this community including teachers, first responders etc.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA echoed COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN’s comments and commended staff for their work on the City’s Housing Element. She explained density bonuses and noted that we are one of the first cities in the South Bay to have our Housing Element approved.
MAYOR SCHMITZ echoed the comments of MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA and thanked the community for the 4+ years of work on the General Plan, and congratulated staff for all their hard work. She explained how important it is to have a certified Housing Element and what developers can do in cities that do not have approved Housing Elements.
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 MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
RECEIVE AND FILE THE REPORT, AND DIRECT STAFF TO SUBMIT BOTH REPORTS TO OPR AND HCD.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 4
MARCH 12, 2024
B. MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW & FISCAL HEALTH REPORT
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Mid-Year Budget Report and the Fiscal Health Report.
Administrative Services Director Whitehead 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.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS:
RECEIVE AND FILE THE MID-YEAR BUDGET REPORT AND FISCAL
HEALTH REPORT.
MAYOR SCHMITZ so ordered.
C. FOUNDERS PARK PROJECT - REQUEST TO AWARD PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT TO KORMEX CONSTRUCTION INC.
Recommendation: That the City Council 1) Award a Public Works Contract to Kormex Construction Inc. in the amount of $270,435 (which includes a 10% contingency), for the construction of Founders Park, all to the satisfaction of the City Attorney; and, 2) Approve a budget adjustment in Account No. 5269-430 adding $150,000, for a new total account budget of $300,000 in Park Facilities Fees.
Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Public Works Director Wahba explained that staff is looking to acquire the equipment and purchase it directly at a lower cost than what was proposed as part of the project last year, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF. He also noted staff expects the project to be completed this summer.
Public Works Director Wahba explained that Kormex Construction worked with the City on the Pagliano Perimeter Pathway Project at Ernie Howlett Park, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN.
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:
1) AWARD A PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT TO KORMEX CONSTRUCTION INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $270,435 (WHICH INCLUDES A 10%
CONTINGENCY), FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOUNDERS PARK, ALL TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY; AND, 2) APPROVE A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT IN ACCOUNT NO. 5269-430 ADDING $150,000, FOR A NEW TOTAL ACCOUNT BUDGET OF $300,000 IN PARK FACILITIES FEES.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
D. TASK ORDER NOS. 2024-12 AND 2024-13 FOR WILLDAN ENGINEERING TO PREPARE: 1) PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 STREET RESURFACING PROJECT; AND 2) TO PREPARE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND
GRANT FUNDING ADMINISTRATION FOR THE HIGHWAY SAFETY
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HSIP), CYCLE 11 PROJECT
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5
MARCH 12, 2024
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Approve Task Order Numbers 2024-12 ($81,000) and 2024-13 ($54,033) under Willdan Engineering’s Master Professional Services Agreement, totaling $135,033, all to the satisfaction of the City Attorney.
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 and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER
SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE TASK ORDER NUMBERS 2024-12 ($81,000) AND 2024-13 ($54,033) UNDER WILLDAN ENGINEERING’S MASTER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT, TOTALING $135,033, ALL TO THE
SATISFACTION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
E. TRAFFIC & SAFETY COMMITTEE ACTION ITEMS
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the following recommended action items of the Traffic & Safety Committee: 1) Install a plaque sign below each of the two recently-installed “No Right Turn on Red” signs on Palos Verdes Dr. North & East to read: “7 AM - 6 PM”; and, 2) Relocate and install a new yellow split intersection ahead sign on southbound Palos Verdes Dr. East, just south of Palos Verdes Dr.
North, at the direction of the Traffic Engineering Deputy. Attachments: Staff Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Director Wahba noted that the Sheriff’s Department monitored the intersection and issued warnings to those who did not adhere to the “No Right Turn on Red” rather than citations, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER noted that the sign would be consistent with the sign at Crenshaw Boulevard and Palos Verdes Drive North and emphasized the importance of enforcement.
Willdan Traffic Engineer Reggie Greene explained the state’s guidelines for the number of pedestrians per hour to warrant a crossing guard in response to MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA.
Discussion ensued about some of the community’s response to the current signage, as well as the importance of enforcement.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
Written public testimony was received in opposition of the “7 AM - 6 PM” sign by Paul Moilanen, as well as in-person testimony from Lynn Yen also in opposition of the added signage.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE THE RECOMMENDED ACTION ITEM OF THE TRAFFIC &
SAFETY COMMITTEE: INSTALL A PLAQUE SIGN BELOW EACH OF THE TWO RECENTLY-INSTALLED “NO RIGHT TURN ON RED” SIGNS ON
PALOS VERDES DR. NORTH & EAST TO READ: “7 AM - 6 PM”;
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6
MARCH 12, 2024
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER
ZERUNYAN, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE THE RECOMMENDED ACTION ITEM OF THE TRAFFIC &
SAFETY COMMITTEE: RELOCATE AND INSTALL A NEW YELLOW SPLIT INTERSECTION AHEAD SIGN ON SOUTHBOUND PALOS VERDES DR.
EAST, JUST SOUTH OF PALOS VERDES DR. NORTH, AT THE DIRECTION OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DEPUTY.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
9. OLD BUSINESS
None.
10. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
City Attorney Davis commented on item 7A, noting that the City’s ordinance is unique, allowing for the moderate units in the Vestar project, as well as the parking and connectivity which would not have been the case under State law. He also noted that the intent is to protect the public’s right to use the public parking spaces.
11. CITY COUNCIL/REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF attended the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Legislative Meet and Greet along with MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA. She also attended a funeral service for Manhattan Beach Mayor Bill Brand along with MAYOR SCHMITZ. She also attended the Cal Cities Los Angeles Division membership meeting.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA attended the City of Rolling Hills’ Council meeting last night to support the City’s decision to continue its membership with the SBCCOG.
MAYOR SCHMITZ noted that the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts meeting was adjourned in memory of Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand.
12. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF attended the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Legislative meeting this morning and announced some upcoming events for the community including a Business Expo at Hesse Park on April 22, and a State of the Peninsula Breakfast at Palos Verdes Golf Club in which MAYOR SCHMITZ will be speaking on May 8. She also reported that Rancho Palos Verdes City Manager Ara Mihranian summarized the state of the current land movement in RPV at the Chamber’s Legislative meeting.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER requested that the City Council add a discussion about code enforcement to the upcoming Policy Development Session. It was the consensus of the City Council to add this item to the March 26 agenda.
MAYOR SCHMITZ attended Coffee with a Captain with Los Angeles County Sheriff Captain Guerrero at Reverent Coffee.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:09 p.m. MAYOR SCHMITZ adjourned the meeting in memory of Kathleen Rae Gliksman. The meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. for the purpose of an Adjourned Policy Development Session Meeting. [signatures on following page]
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7
MARCH 12, 2024
Submitted by, Approved by,
Lauren Pettit, City Clerk Velveth Schmitz, Mayor