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DRAFT MINUTES
ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
POLICY DEVELOPMENT SESSION
MARCH 11, 2025
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
An adjourned meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills Estates was called to order at 12:07 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 4045 Palos Verdes Drive North, by MAYOR STEGURA.
2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Led by MAYOR STEGURA.
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
Administrative Services Director Mike Whitehead
Public Works Director David Wahba
Community Development Director Jeannie Naughton
City Clerk Lauren Pettit
Community Services Supervisor Rosa Pinuelas
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
Nichole Cone and Bobby Young of HdL Companies provided an update on the current state of the City’s Sales Tax, Property Taxes and Business Licenses:
- 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
- Palisades and Eaton Fire Revenue Impacts
- RHE Sales Tax Rate Breakdown
- Statewide Sales Tax Trends
- Forecast Considerations
- How will Tariffs Affect Sales Tax
- Inflation & Sales Tax
- Goods versus Services
- HdL Statewide Trend Quarterly Outlook and Annual Outlook for Sales Tax - Major Industry Groups – 13 Quarter Trend
5. FY 2024-25 MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW & FISCAL HEALTH REPORT A. FY 2024-25 MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW & FISCAL HEALTH REPORT Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the mid-year budget report and Fiscal Health Report.
Administrative Services Director Whitehead provided a summary of the mid-year budget and Fiscal Health Report.
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Discussion ensued about the status of the City’s PERS funding.
Discussion ensued about the increase in the budget for animal control and crossing guard services.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS:
RECEIVE AND FILE THE MID-YEAR BUDGET REPORT.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS:
RECEIVE AND FILE THE FISCAL HEALTH REPORT.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
6. 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 Administrative Services Director Whitehead (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 Assistant City Manager Davis and Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas (as per the agenda material).
Community Development mid-year accomplishments provided by Community Development Director Naughton (as per the agenda material).
Public Works Department mid-year accomplishments provided by Public Works Director Wahba (as per the agenda material).
It was the consensus of the City Council to receive and file the mid-year reports.
7. POLICY DEVELOPMENT SESSION ITEMS
A. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT:
FINANCE UPDATE, SECURITY CAMERAS, CYBERSECURITY, VEHICLE
REPLACEMENT
Recommendation: That the City Council consider the items presented and prioritize them on the work plan for the coming fiscal year.
FINANCE UPDATE
Administrative Services Director Whitehead 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.
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
Administrative Services Director Whitehead 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 proceed with the addition of cameras at City Hall and Ernie Howlett Park, including signage.
CYBERSECURITY
Administrative Services Director Whitehead provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), providing a high-level update on the City’s cybersecurity measures.
This item is informational for the Council.
VEHICLE REPLACEMENT
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to replace the existing Ford Fusion hybrid car with an all-electric car from an American-made and - owned company that has an approximate 300-mile range. Air Quality Management District (AQMD) restricted funds will be allocated for this purchase in the FY 2025-26 Budget.
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.
PROCUREMENT POLICY UPDATE
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), and City Attorney Davis summarized his memo.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to increase the City Manager’s purchasing authority for materials, equipment, supplies, services and public works projects. l. This will be presented to the City Council for approval as part of the updated Procurement Policy.
CITY COUNCIL REGIONAL COMMITTEE CALENDARS
City Clerk Pettit provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
This item is informational for the Council.
USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to continue to research different AI solutions that could potentially support various departmental functions, and, if needed, expand the technology budget to incorporate these advanced systems.
NATURE CENTER PROJECT UPDATE
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to solicit bids for the George F Canyon Nature Center Project, once funds have been secured, to include the ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 4
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main building only, excluding the ramp and outdoor classroom deck components, unless specific donations are secured to fund these elements.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER/CITY HALL RENOVATION UPDATE
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
This item is informational for the Council.
ELECTRONIC BICYCLES (E-BIKES) OUTREACH AND REGULATIONS
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
This item is informational for the Council.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UPDATE
Assistant City Manager Davis and Assistant to the City Manager Slawson provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Discussion ensued about the Cal OES/FEMA’s Defensible Space Community Incentive Program.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council for staff to proceed with a new horse census for emergency preparedness and evacuation purposes
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAM AND SECURITY MEASURES AT
CITY FACILITIES
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to proceed with a comprehensive security site assessment coordinated through the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority.
C. COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT:
LANDSCAPE CONTRACT, TREE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT, NEIGHBORHOOD
ENTRYWAY GRANT PROGRAM AND LICENSE AGREEMENT, PILOT PROGRAM
FOR ALL-DAY TENNIS CLUB COURT RESERVATIONS AT ERNIE HOWLETT PARK,
PARK BENCH AND PICNIC TABLE DEDICATION PROGRAM, PROJECT UPDATES
LANDSCAPE CONTRACT
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to negotiate for a second-year extension with Bennett Landscape to continue services for FY 2025-26.
TREE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Discussion ensued about the coordination of tree trimming with Southern California Edison.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to move forward with a one-year extension to the contract with West Coast Arborists for continued services for FY 2025-26 and an increase of 5% (for a total increase of 8%) to the budget in the next two fiscal years to enhance tree maintenance services.
NEIGHBORHOOD ENTRYWAY GRANT PROGRAM AND LICENSE AGREEMENT Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
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Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to consider a revised landscape and entryway upgrade program consistent with the City's camera grant program that expands eligibility to both formal and informal HOAs, develops a license agreement when there are structures proposed on the City's right-of-way, and limits grants to one per neighborhood every five years.
PILOT PROGRAM FOR ALL-DAY TENNIS CLUB COURT RESERVATIONS AT ERNIE
HOWLETT PARK
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas also provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), discussing the recreation registration system. Discussion ensued about the current call-in registration system versus the new online program.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to implement a six-month pilot program at the Tennis Club allowing for all-day court reservations and rentals.
PARK BENCH AND PICNIC TABLE DEDICATION PROGRAM
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to make no changes to the City’s Recognition Plaque Policy.
PROJECT UPDATES AND PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Assistant City Manager Davis and Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), discussing dog run feasibility and Community Services Department capital projects.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to keep the dog park/run concept on the capital project list but to not seek the services of a consultant for a dog park/run feasibility study at this time.
D. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT:
FALSE ALARM PERMIT PROCESS, FILM ORDINANCE, BONUS LEVEL
DEVELOPMENT/COMMUNITY AMENITIES OR BENEFITS, DEVELOPMENT
PROJECTS, LONG-RANGE PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
FALSE ALARM PERMIT PROCESS
Community Development Director Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to eliminate the false alarm permit system and repeal the section within the municipal code.
FILM ORDINANCE
Community Development Director Naughton 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 draft model film ordinance for Council consideration, in conjunction with development of an appropriate fee and reimbursement schedule that could be included in the FY 25/26 budget.
BONUS LEVEL DEVELOPMENT/COMMUNITY AMENITIES OR BENEFITS Community Development Director Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to involve the Planning Commission early in the review process of a proposed development project by including the Commission in both the “First Look” meeting and by holding a joint ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6
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meeting with the City Council when considering community benefits of a Bonus Level Development.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Community Development Director Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), including an update on the Brickwalk Project.
This item is informational for the Council.
LONG-RANGE PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
Community Development Director Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
This item is informational for the Council.
E. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT:
UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING, TRAFFIC STUDY (PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH),
STORMWATER PROJECTS UPDATE, PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS UPDATES
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON (SCE) CONSIDERATION TO UNDERGROUND
POWER POLES AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE FOR WILDFIRE RISK Public Works Director Wahba provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
This item is informational for the Council.
TRAFFIC STUDY (PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH (PVDN))
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), including drywell projects, 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.
This item is informational for the Council.
8. ADJOURNMENT
At 4:45 p.m. MAYOR STEGURA adjourned the City Council meeting to the Regular City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2025 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 Debby Stegura
City Clerk Mayor