ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1
MARCH 26, 2024 (PDS)
MINUTES
ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
POLICY DEVELOPMENT SESSION
MARCH 26, 2024
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
An adjourned meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills Estates was called to order at 12:09 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 4045 Palos Verdes Drive North, by MAYOR SCHMITZ.
2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Led by MAYOR SCHMITZ.
3. ROLL CALL
City Council Members Present: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, and Stegura City Council Members Absent: Zerunyan* (arrived at 12:17 p.m.) City Staff Present: City Manager Greg Grammer
City Attorney Don 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 Accountant Fernando Estrada
Management Analyst Jessica Slawson
Administrative Analyst Carol Corea
Administrative Aide Gabrielle Swain
4. PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC PRESENTATION
A. HdL COMPANIES PRESENTATION ON PROPERTY TAX TRENDS, SALES TAX
OUTLOOK AND BUSINESS LICENSE ADMINISTRATION
Senior Accountant Estrada introduced Kenneth Brown, Connor Duckworth and Nichole Cone of HdL Companies, who provided an update on the current state of the City’s Sales Tax, Property Taxes and Business Licenses:
- RHE Sales Tax Rate Breakdown
- Statewide Sales Tax Trends and Major Industry Groups
- Percent Change in Consumer Price Index
- Interest Rates and California Unemployment
- HdL Statewide Trend Quarterly Outlook and Annual Outlook for Sales Tax - Allocation of Countywide Use Tax Pool
- Online sales allocations
- Proposition 13
- RHE Property Tax Dollar Breakdown
- Historical Assessed Value Growth and RHE Value Change Causes - Single-Family Residential Sales History and Detached Single-Family Homes - Five-Year Property Tax Projection
- Legislative update on Proposition 19
- Tax Revenue by Fiscal Year Payment
- Number of Business License Accounts and Total Tax Paid by Location - Business License Revenue Contribution Percentage by Rate Type - Business Count Percentage by Rate Type
- Monthly Trends of Business Activity
- Monthly Business License Tax Returns
- Business Tax Operations
ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2
MARCH 26, 2024 (PDS)
Public comment was received from Andrew Rein relating to how internet sales tax is captured by local cities.
5. MID-YEAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
A. DEPARTMENTAL MID-YEAR STAFF REPORTS
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file these reports.
Administrative Services Department mid-year accomplishments provided by Senior Accountant Estrada (as per the agenda material).
Administration Department mid-year accomplishments provided by Assistant City Manager Davis (as per the agenda material), which included a Public Outreach Overview presentation.
Community Services Department mid-year report provided by Supervisor Pinuelas (as per the agenda material).
Community Development mid-year accomplishments provided by Director Naughton (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN suggested staff investigate the possibility of creating a solar battery storage and microgrid for resilience program that includes resources for residents similar to the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) program.
Public Works Department mid-year accomplishments provided by Director Wahba (as per the agenda material).
It was the consensus of the City Council to receive and file the mid-year reports.
MAYOR SCHMITZ called for a recess at 1:21 p.m.
MAYOR SCHMITZ reconvened the meeting at 1:26 p.m.
6. POLICY DEVELOPMENT SESSION ITEMS
A. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT:
FINANCE UPDATE, SECURITY CAMERAS, CYBER SECURITY
Recommendation: That the City Council consider the items presented and prioritize them on the work plan for the coming fiscal year.
FINANCE UPDATE
Senior Accountant Estrada provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), providing an update on the City’s main audit activities.
This item is informational for the Council.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
Senior Accountant Estrada provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), providing information about expanding the use of security cameras to other City facilities and parks.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to develop a security camera implementation plan, obtain cost estimates, and allocate funds in future budgets.
Senior Accountant Estrada provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), providing a highlevel update on the City’s cybersecurity measures.
This item is informational for the Council.
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MARCH 26, 2024 (PDS)
B. ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT:
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER/CITY HALL RENOVATION, ELECTRONIC BICYCLES
OUTREACH AND REGULATION, USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, GUN SAFETY,
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UPDATE
Recommendation: That the City Council consider the items presented and prioritize them on the work plan for the coming fiscal year.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER/CITY HALL RENOVATION
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), summarizing goals towards ADA accommodations, meeting energy efficiency standards and other needed upgrades, and providing a list of recommended renovation/remodel work to be considered and prioritized in upcoming budget years.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA suggested the Council Chamber sounds system be considered in this renovation discussion and suggested solar/battery options be considered for City Hall, in place or in addition to its current diesel backup generator.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to engage the services of an engineer and architect in FY 2024-25 to develop a scope of work focused on the City Council Chamber upgrades.
ELECTRONIC BICYCLES (E-BIKES) OUTREACH AND REGULATIONS
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), discussing enforcement, engineering and education.
Discussion ensued about proposed State legislation regarding e-bikes, enforcement through the City or Sheriff’s Department, and permitting through the School District.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to wait to see how the State chooses to legislate on e-bikes, continue working with the Sheriff’s Department on enforcement, and continue working with the School District on expanding the permit process implemented at Ridgecrest Intermediate School.
USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), discussing the opportunity to create an AI policy for a managed and responsible approach that acknowledges the benefits of efficiency while minimizing the risks around AI bias, privacy, and cybersecurity.
Discussion ensued about the ethical implications associated with AI.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to return to the City Council with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy.
GUN SAFETY
Management Analyst Slawson provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), discussing safe storage of firearms in homes and vehicles.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA elaborated on the importance of education for the public about safe storage of firearms.
Discussion ensued about enforcement, the School District’s educational program, and the possibility of a gun safety program in coordination with the Sheriff’s Department.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to take no action at this time, and to monitor State legislation and the School District’s educational program.
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MARCH 26, 2024 (PDS)
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UPDATE
Management Analyst Slawson provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), summarizing the City’s hazard mitigation plan, emergency operations plan, disaster district program, evacuation planning, community-wide drill and emergency sirens.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to move forward with a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan, emergency operations plan, disaster district program, evacuation planning, and a community-wide drill but not proceed with an emergency siren program.
C. COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT:
LANDSCAPE CONTRACT, DOG PARK FEASIBILITY, PARKS AND RECREATION FEE
STUDY, RECREATION REGISTRATION SYSTEM, FUTURE CAPITAL PROJECTS
LANDSCAPE CONTRACT
Maintenance Superintendent Goldsmith provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to prepare a First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Bennett Landscape to continue landscape maintenance services for an additional year rather than issue a Request for Proposals for a new contract.
DOG PARK FEASIBILITY
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), summarizing the Park and Activities Commission’s suggestion that a dog park/run may provide an additional amenity for dog owners and walkers, reducing the concern of dogs off-leash at City parks and trails.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to move forward with the consideration of a dog park/run and return to the City Council with potential locations and policy.
PARKS AND RECREATION FEE STUDY
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to include funding for a Parks and Recreation Fee Study in the City’s proposed FY 2024-25 budget.
RECREATION REGISTRATION SYSTEM
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
This item is informational for the Council.
FUTURE CAPITAL PROJECTS
Maintenance Superintendent Goldsmith provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), including phase 2 of Founders Park (Purchase and Installation of Play Equipment); restroom floor refurbishing at Highridge Park and Ernie Howlett Park; drainage improvements at Tennis Center; Highridge Park decomposed granite pathway and drainage improvements; outdoor benches for City Parks and Tennis operations as needed; new George F Canyon Nature Center (bids solicited in Spring 2024 and construction estimated to start in Summer 2024); and the following annually allocated items: annual arena replenishment – as needed; ADA projects; Scout projects.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to include the listed Capital Improvement Projects in the City’s proposed budget year to the extent funding is available.
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MARCH 26, 2024 (PDS)
D. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT:
FALSE ALARM PERMIT PROCESS, DEVELOPMENT PROJECT UPDATES, LONGRANGE PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS, CODE COMPLIANCE
FALSE ALARM PERMIT PROCESS
Administrative Analyst Corea provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Discussion ensued about whether to charge the customers or the alarm companies, the current City ordinance and policy on false alarm permits and enforcement by the Sheriff’s Department.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to return to the City Council with options to improve the current alarm permit process for further discussion.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Community Development Director Naughton discussed this item during the Mid-Year Accomplishments discussion.
This item is informational for the Council.
LONG-RANGE PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
Community Development Director Naughton discussed this item during the Mid-Year Accomplishments discussion.
This item is informational for the Council.
CODE COMPLIANCE
Community Development Director Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER requested more information be provided to the Council in the biannual code compliance report regarding the status of code compliance cases including long-term or recurring cases.
Director Naughton explained how staff is refining the available fields of the report in the backend of the database of the code compliance module, to further clarify the way the information is reported to the Planning Commission and City Council in its Bi-Annual Code Compliance reports.
This item is informational for the Council.
E. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT:
TRAFFIC STUDY (PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH), GEORGE F CANYON NATURE
CENTER REPLACEMENT PROJECT, STORMWATER PROJECTS UPDATE, PUBLIC
WORKS PROJECTS UPDATE
TRAFFIC STUDY (PVDN)
Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), and introduced Reggie Greene, Traffic Engineer with Willdan Engineering, who provided a presentation summarizing traffic signal timing on PVDN and considerations of what can be done to improve traffic delays.
Discussion ensued about various options for improvements and the effects each option has on all directions of traffic, potential timing studies, as well as advanced signal technologies.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to reevaluate the signal timing at Palos Verdes Drive North and Rolling Hills Road, conduct a timing study along the length of Palos Verdes Drive North at a future date once other improvements have been completed, and explore advanced signal technologies.
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MARCH 26, 2024 (PDS)
GEORGE F CANYON NATURE CENTER REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
This item is informational for the Council.
STORMWATER PROJECTS UPDATE – MCGOWAN CONSULTING LLC
Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), and summarized the Dry Well Project, the Torrance Airport Stormwater Basin Project, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Multi-Benefit Flow Diversion Feasibility Study.
This item is informational for the Council.
PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS UPDATE (INCLUDING GRANTS)
Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material) on the Storm Drain Repair Program, Rolling Hills Road Redevelopment Project, Street Re-surfacing & Sidewalk Repair Projects, Dapplegray School and PVDN Intersection Improvements, Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) & Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Grants, Founders Park, Peter Weber Equestrian Center (PWEC) Restrooms and Peartree Lane Utilities and Sewer Line Work.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA inquired about a previous discussion related to Dapplegray School and PVDN Intersection Improvements, in which the back access road could be considered to create a loop for safer student drop-off and emergency vehicle access. It was reported that staff contacted Dapplegray school and the School District, and staff has a meeting with the PTA on April 9 related to this project. Staff noted this discussion will be coming back to the City Council on April 23, and will include an update on the use of this back access road.
This item is informational for the Council.
7. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency Designated
Representatives: City Manager and Assistant City Manager Employee Organization: City of Rolling Hills Estates Employees' Association
NO REPORTABLE ACTION
8. ADJOURNMENT
At 4:18 p.m. MAYOR SCHMITZ adjourned the City Council meeting to the Regular City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Rolling Hills Estates City Hall, 4045 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates, California.
Submitted by, Approved by,
Lauren Pettit Velveth Schmitz
City Clerk Mayor