CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1
APRIL 23, 2024
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 23, 2024
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
MAYOR SCHMITZ called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Led by members of Rolling Robots.
MAYOR SCHMITZ introduced and presented certificates of recognition for State Champion teams from Rolling Robots, who would be competing in the 2024 World Championship later this week.
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 Don Davis
Assistant City Manager Alexa Davis
Public Works Director
Community Development Director Jeannie Naughton
City Clerk Lauren Pettit
Senior Planner Whitney Berry
Management Analyst Jessica Slawson
4. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
A. PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 24, 2024 AS A "DAY OF REMEMBRANCE" OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE OF 1915-1923
MAYOR SCHMITZ presented a proclamation declaring April 24, 2024 as a day of remembrance of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923, and COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN provided a brief history of the Armenian Genocide.
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 SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 5A-F 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 APRIL 2024
APPROVED WARRANTS 67262 THROUGH 67300 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$72,548.41, AND SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANTS 040124 THROUGH 040324 IN THE AMOUNT OF $125,960.07; FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT OF $198,508.48 WITH PROPER AUDIT.
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APRIL 23, 2024
C. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS REPORTS OF MARCH 2024
RECEIVED AND FILED.
D. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT OF MARCH 2024
RECEIVED AND FILED.
E. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF APRIL 9, 2024
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
F. EQUESTRIAN COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MARCH 25, 2024
RECEIVED AND FILED.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT/PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
A. JENNIFER BULLARD AND COLLEEN DILLAWAY, COX COMMUNICATIONS
PRESENTATION
Jennifer Bullard, COX Communications Director of Government Affairs of Orange County and Palos Verdes and Colleen Dillaway, COX Communications Market Vice President of Orange County and Palos Verdes, provided a presentation to the City Council and community with an update on their services and technologies.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
**ITEM TAKEN OUT OF ORDER**
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. STUDY SESSION FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH
AND DAPPLEGRAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, FUNDED BY “MEASURE M MULTI YEAR SUB REGIONAL PROGRAM”
OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY (LACMTA)
Recommendation: That the City Council conduct a study session for the proposed Palos Verdes Drive North and Dapplegray Elementary School Intersection Improvement Project, discuss the issues, receive public input, and direct staff accordingly.
Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), then introduced Willdan President/CEO Vanessa Munoz and her team, Engineer Ron Stein, and Traffic Engineer Reggie Greene. Engineer Stein summarized the project history, project details, and community benefits. Traffic Engineer Greene discussed the construction of the auxiliary lanes, improved traffic flow, and pedestrian signal equipment upgrades.
Traffic Engineer Green explained that CalTrans’ comments did not take into account the specific situations of Rolling Hills Estates, and that Willdan engineers agree that adding auxiliary lanes will not add additional traffic to Palos Verdes Drive North (PVDN), in response to COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF.
Engineer Stein explained that the design team worked to minimize the wall height and visual impact as much as possible by cladding the walls in stone to maintain the City’s rural charm, while adding three rail fences, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF.
Engineer Stein explained the exposed portion of the walls would be approximately 5 feet or less, spanning over 55 feet, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER.
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APRIL 23, 2024
Engineer Stein confirmed this is the last intersection of the five intersection improvements on Palos Verdes Drive North that were identified in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis prepared in 2007 for projected residential development in the Commercial District, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN. COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN discussed State housing requirements and how it relates to this project.
Engineer Stein explained that the proposed intersection improvements are similar in concept to the other four intersection projects completed on Palos Verdes Drive North, allowing more traffic to flow through the intersection safely without widening the roadway, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA expressed concern about the proposed auxiliary lanes and the removal of the center median. Engineer Stein explained that the center median is not a refuge island for pedestrians, and removing it eliminates a potential crash hazard. Engineer Stein also explained that there is not currently enough room at that intersection to add a refuge island to the design, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA.
Director Wahba confirmed there is currently a crossing guard at this intersection provided by the School District.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA suggested that the other stakeholders of this project, specifically the School District, participate in the next Study Session, should the Council decide to schedule one.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
Public testimony was received from Sheri Allen and Lynn Yen in opposition of the project.
MAYOR SCHMITZ explained that the Measure M funds allocated for this project are for intersection improvements only. She emphasized the importance of safety in the analysis and design of this project.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN summarized that more discussion is necessary for this project, which must involve School District representatives who were not in attendance at this meeting, but that some version of this project must move forward. He would like to see the community come together to work through this, and ultimately get to a design that everyone is satisfied with.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA echoed the point that further discussion is needed involving the School District. She emphasized that this really needs to be carefully studied because it involves the direct entrance to a school.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER, as Chair of the Traffic & Safety Committee, stated that she feels the improvements to the other four intersections have had a positive effect on the flow of traffic in those sections of Palos Verdes Drive North.
City Manager Grammer summarized that following the direction from the City Council last September, staff has done community outreach and met with the various stakeholders for the project including representatives of the School District, Dapplegray Elementary School, the PTA, Equestrian Committee, and Los Angeles County Sheriff Department and Fire Department. He noted that staff has not received anything from these interested parties in opposition to the project.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN moved, to seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
DIRECT STAFF TO SCHEDULE ANOTHER STUDY SESSION, TO INCLUDE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, FIRE DEPARTMENT AND SHERIFF’S
DEPARTMENT, TO FURTHER DISCUSS AT A FUTURE MEETING.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
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APRIL 23, 2024
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. FIRST AMENDMENT TO BENNETT LANDSCAPE CONTRACT FOR LANDSCAPE
MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the First Amendment to the Contract for Landscape Maintenance Services with Bennett Landscape, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney, in the amount of $361,000 for a one-year extension with the option of enhanced weed abatement at a cost of $27,000 for a total budgeted amount of $388,800.
Assistant City Manager (ACM) Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
ACM Davis explained that this amendment will keep the contract terms while also keeping the same level of service, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF who noted the large increase in the cost of the contract.
Discussion ensued about the unforeseen high level of rain this past winter.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN noted that the cost of everything has increased in recent years and appreciates the work of Sean Bennett and the Bennett Landscape team.
ACM Davis explained that Maintenance Superintendent Goldsmith would be the one to determine when enhanced weed abatement would be needed, in response to MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA.
ACM Davis explained that staff has determined the City can allocate more than $20,000 of Measure W funds in future years, in response to MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA highlighted that the City is “chemical-free” meaning the City prohibited the use of Roundup to control weeds.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chambers, via email and via eComment.
Public testimony was received from resident Lyneigh Palacios, who expressed concerns regarding the scope of work in the contract related to the area of coverage near her home.
Discussion ensued about ways her concerns could be addressed.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT FOR
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES WITH BENNETT LANDSCAPE,
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $361,000 FOR A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION WITH THE OPTION OF ENHANCED WEED ABATEMENT AT A COST OF $27,000 FOR A TOTAL BUDGETED AMOUNT OF $388,800.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
B. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH FEHR & PEERS TO PREPARE A
TRANSPORTATION IMPACT STUDY FOR THE BRICKWALK RESIDENCES
PROJECT
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement with Fehr & Peers, to prepare a Transportation Impact Study for the proposed Brickwalk Residences Project, in the amount of $78,664, to the satisfaction of the City Attorney.
Senior Planner Berry provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Senior Planner Berry noted that the traffic counts are intended to be completed before summer break begins, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF.
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APRIL 23, 2024
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER clarified that this service is being paid for by the applicant.
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 BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH FEHR &
PEERS, TO PREPARE A TRANSPORTATION IMPACT STUDY FOR THE BRICKWALK RESIDENCES PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,664, TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
10. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
None.
11. CITY COUNCIL/REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF attended the Cal Cities City Leaders Summit in Sacramento last week.
MAYOR SCHMITZ requested to agendize the consideration of a Resolution in support of the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, to which there were no objections.
12. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER plans to attend a tour at the Grace F. Napolitano Pure Water Southern California Innovation Center next week.
COUNCIL MEMBER ZERUNYAN will be attending the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) General Assembly next week in Palm Desert.
MAYOR PRO TEM STEGURA will be attending the South Bay Cities Council of Governments’ (SBCCOG) Board of Director’s meeting on Thursday.
MAYOR SCHMITZ attended the Los Angeles County Sanitations District meeting last week.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:28 p.m. MAYOR SCHMITZ adjourned the meeting in memory of Environmental Advisory Committee member Joseph Radocchio and Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy Daniel Okamoto. The meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of a Regular Meeting.
Submitted by, Approved by,
Lauren Pettit, City Clerk Velveth Schmitz, Mayor