CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1
NOVEMBER 18, 2025
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 18, 2025
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
MAYOR STEGURA called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Led by Lindsay Altamirano, Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Board Chair.
3. ROLL CALL
City Council Members Present: Brown Schachter, Huff, Stegura City Council Members Absent: Schmitz, Zerunyan
City Staff Present: City Manager Greg Grammer
City Attorney Donald M. Davis
Assistant City Manager Alexa Davis
Community Development/Public Works Director Naughton
Administrative Services Director Mike Whitehead
Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Slawson
Public Works Manager Kirsten Graham
Senior Planner Katrina Kawagoe
4. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
A. PROCLAMATION: DECLARING NOVEMBER 29, 2025 AS "SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY"
MAYOR STEGURA declared November 29, 2025 as “Small Business Saturday” and presented the proclamation to Lindsay Altamirano, Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Board Chair.
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 STEGURA requested to remove Item No. 5F for further discussion following the approval of the consent calendar.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 5A-E, G-I AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Stegura
ABSENT: Schmitz, Zerunyan
A. READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
APPROVED.
B. DEMANDS AND WARRANTS OF SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2025
APPROVED WARRANTS 69053 THROUGH 69093 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$524,980.82 AND SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANTS 110125 THROUGH
110325; IN THE AMOUNT OF $144,557.11; FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT OF $669,537.93 WITH PROPER AUDIT.
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C. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT OF OCTOBER 2025
RECEIVED AND FILED.
D. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS REPORT OF OCTOBER 2025
RECEIVED AND FILED.
E. PARK & ACTIVITIES COMMISSION MINUTES OF OCTOBER 21, 2025 RECEIVED AND FILED.
G. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 3, 2025
RECEIVED AND FILED.
H. SOUTH BAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS' OCTOBER BOARD
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
RECEIVED AND FILED.
I. PALOS VERDES PENINSULA PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE AND REGIONAL CONTRACT LAW COMMITTEE MINUTES OF AUGUST 14, 2025
RECEIVED AND FILED.
*ITEM TAKEN OUT OF ORDER*
F. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, 2025
MAYOR STEGURA proposed the following amendment on page 3 as shown in italics below:
Scott Anastasi, representative of the developer and ownership of the property, explained the process for prequalifying and selecting interested parties for the units, confirming there will not be a lottery for the units, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ.
MAYOR STEGURA proposed the following amendment on page 4 as shown in italics below:
Mr. Anastasi stated that the property is currently insured, and that the individual homeowners will get policies for their interior units, in response to MAYOR STEGURA’s concern the project being insurable given its location near a high severity fire zone.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER
SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM 5F AS AMENDED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED AS AMENDED.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Stegura
ABSENT: Schmitz, Zerunyan
6. PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
A. WASTE MANAGEMENT "RECYCLING HERO" DRAWING FOR ONE YEAR OF FREE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REFUSE SERVICE - FOURTH QUARTER 2025 Waste Management Public Sector Services Manager Erick Quintero announced the following 4th quarter winners, and provided updates regarding recyclable materials, holiday service collection changes, and Christmas tree collection.
RESIDENTIAL WINNER: 22 Seaview Drive North
COMMERCIAL WINNER: Peninsula Pointe, 27520 Hawthorne Boulevard CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3
NOVEMBER 18, 2025
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. AWARD OF PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT TO SS+K CONSTRUCTION INC. FOR
GEORGE F CANYON NATURE CENTER PROJECT - PHASE ONE
Recommendation: That the City Council accept the bid from SS+K Construction Inc. in the amount of $3,720,743.00, plus a 10% contingency ($372,074.30) for a grand total of $4,092,817.30.
Public Works Manager Graham provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
MAYOR STEGURA thanked staff and the subcommittee that worked on this project, as well as the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy for their partnership.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chamber, 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:
ACCEPT THE BID FROM SS+K CONSTRUCTION INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,720,743.00, PLUS A 10% CONTINGENCY ($372,074.30) FOR A GRAND TOTAL OF $4,092,817.30.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Stegura
ABSENT: Schmitz, Zerunyan
B. TAX EXEMPT FINANCING REIMBURSEMENT RESOLUTION FOR POTENTIAL
NATURE CENTER FINANCING
Recommendation: That the City Council 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2612 authorizing the issuance of tax-exempt obligations, if needed, for the purpose of financing the new George F Canyon Nature Center Project, and 2) Direct staff to initiate the process to obtain a credit rating to support potential short-term financing for cash flow management.
Administrative Services Director Whitehead provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Consultant Mark Young, KNN Consulting, explained the benefit of obtaining a Credit Rating to support potential short-term financing to address cash flow concerns, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER. Mr. Young further explained that doing so provides flexibility in financing options.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF confirmed that the City’s pension obligation is considered by the rating agencies and would be positively noted.
Mr. Young further summarized that the proposed reimbursement resolution gives the City the flexibility and option to finance the funding gap for the Nature Center Project, should the City need to do so.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chamber, 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:
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ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2612 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF TAXEXEMPT OBLIGATIONS, IF NEEDED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE NEW GEORGE F CANYON NATURE CENTER PROJECT.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Stegura
ABSENT: Schmitz, Zerunyan
Assistant to the City Manager Slawson read Resolution No. 2612 by title.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
DIRECT STAFF TO INITIATE THE PROCESS TO OBTAIN A CREDIT RATING
TO SUPPORT POTENTIAL SHORT-TERM FINANCING FOR CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Stegura
ABSENT: Schmitz, Zerunyan
C. CEQA LEGISLATION UPDATE AND REVISIONS TO CONSULTANT CONTRACTS
FOR THE BRICKWALK RESIDENCES PROJECT
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a revised Task Order with Michael Baker International, Inc. to prepare an anticipated Addendum to the General Plan Update Programmatic Environmental Impact Report for the Brickwalk Residences Project, in a not-to-exceed amount of $39,506, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; 2) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a revised Task Order with Fehr & Peers to prepare a Transportation Impact Study for the Brickwalk Residences Project, in a not-to-exceed amount of $71,910, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; and 3) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a revised Task Order with Cotton, Shires & Associates, Inc. to perform geotechnical review services, in a not-to-exceed amount of $73,600, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
Community Development and Public Works Director Naughton and Senior Planner Kawagoe provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chamber, 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:
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A REVISED TASK ORDER WITH MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC. TO PREPARE AN
ANTICIPATED ADDENDUM TO THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
PROGRAMMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE
BRICKWALK RESIDENCES PROJECT, IN A NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $39,506, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Stegura
ABSENT: Schmitz, Zerunyan
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A REVISED TASK
ORDER WITH FEHR & PEERS TO PREPARE A TRANSPORTATION IMPACT STUDY FOR THE BRICKWALK RESIDENCES PROJECT, IN A NOT-TOEXCEED AMOUNT OF $71,910, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
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NOVEMBER 18, 2025
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Stegura
ABSENT: Schmitz, Zerunyan
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER
SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A REVISED TASK ORDER WITH COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC. TO PERFORM
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW SERVICES, IN A NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $73,600, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Stegura
ABSENT: Schmitz, Zerunyan
D. APPROVAL OF THE FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT POWERS
AGREEMENT FOR THE SOUTH BAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Recommendation: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the Fifth Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG), which allows the City of Los Angeles to designate a non-elected senior staff member as an alternate to the SBCCOG Governing Board representative.
City Manager Grammer provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
MAYOR STEGURA noted that this was passed unanimously by the SBCCOG.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chamber, 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 AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE FIFTH
AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT (JPA) OF THE
SOUTH BAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (SBCCOG), WHICH
ALLOWS THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES TO DESIGNATE A NON-ELECTED
SENIOR STAFF MEMBER AS AN ALTERNATE TO THE SBCCOG
GOVERNING BOARD REPRESENTATIVE.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Stegura
ABSENT: Schmitz, Zerunyan
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION ACTION ITEM: OVERVIEW AND
EVALUATION OF PILOT PROGRAM FOR ALL-DAY TENNIS CLUB COURT
RESERVATIONS AT ERNIE HOWLETT PARK
Recommendation: That the City Council review and approve 1) Continuing weekday afternoon staffing at the tennis club to support ongoing facility management and programming; and 2) Implementing the proposed hybrid structure of weekday afternoon reservations, paid pickleball drop-in open play programming (for a cost of $5 per person per day/visit), and free Friday afternoon court use for both tennis and pickleball players to begin in January 2026 which would provide ample time for public outreach and staff training.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
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Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas explained that the proposed hybrid structure is based on feedback received from members of the public during the community meeting and Park and Activities Commission meeting, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas explained what the structure looked like before the pilot program began and outlined the benefits of having a City staff person on site, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas explained that the courts are always open to the public for use, and open courts can be reserved in person if they are open, or by phone, in response to COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas explained the difference between “open play” and “community play,” as well as the thought process behind free open play on certain days and paid open play on others in the proposed schedule, in response to MAYOR STEGURA.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER confirmed that although the proposed schedule is not a pilot program, there would be the opportunity for staff to make changes based on demand and needs.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chamber, via email and via eComment.
Public testimony was received via e-Comment as part of the public record, as well as from Michelle Grahada, resident of Lomita, who provided suggestions for more open play opportunities.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE: 1) CONTINUING WEEKDAY AFTERNOON STAFFING AT THE
TENNIS CLUB TO SUPPORT ONGOING FACILITY MANAGEMENT AND
PROGRAMMING; AND 2) IMPLEMENTING THE PROPOSED HYBRID
STRUCTURE OF WEEKDAY AFTERNOON RESERVATIONS, PAID
PICKLEBALL DROP-IN OPEN PLAY PROGRAMMING (FOR A COST OF $5
PER PERSON PER DAY/VISIT), AND FREE FRIDAY AFTERNOON COURT
USE FOR BOTH TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL PLAYERS TO BEGIN IN
JANUARY 2026 WHICH WOULD PROVIDE AMPLE TIME FOR PUBLIC
OUTREACH AND STAFF TRAINING.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Stegura
ABSENT: Schmitz, Zerunyan
B. TRAFFIC & SAFETY COMMITTEE ACTION ITEM: ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 756 AMENDING AND RESTATING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 10.12 AND ORDINANCE NO. 757 ADOPTING SPEED LIMITS IN SPECIAL SPEED ZONES Recommendation: That the City Council hold a second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 756 and Ordinance No. 757.
Public Works Manager Graham provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chamber, 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:
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 756.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Stegura
ABSENT: Schmitz, Zerunyan
Assistant to the City Manager Slawson read Ordinance No. 756 by title.
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COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 757.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Stegura
ABSENT: Schmitz, Zerunyan
Assistant to the City Manager Slawson read Ordinance No. 757 by title.
C. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 758 AMENDING AND RESTATING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 3.32 - PROCUREMENT OF EQUIPMENT, GOODS AND
SERVICES
Recommendation: That the City Council hold a second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 758, amending and restating Municipal Code Chapter 3.32 pertaining to the procurement of equipment, goods, and services.
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chamber, 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:
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 758.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Stegura
ABSENT: Schmitz, Zerunyan
Assistant to the City Manager Slawson read Ordinance No. 758 by title.
10. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
City Attorney Don Davis reported that Senate Bill SB 707 has made significant changes to the Brown Act, which are being reviewed and will be brought back to the City Council.
11. CITY COUNCIL/REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF attended the Los Angeles County Sheriff Lomita Station’s 50th anniversary event last week.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHACHTER attended this month’s Palos Verdes Peninsula Transit Authority board meeting.
MAYOR STEGURA attended the monthly Clean Power alliance Board meeting and will be attending the Peninsula Mayor’s lunch and Los Angeles County Sanitation District Board meeting, as well as the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Board meeting.
She also announced that she will be attending tomorrow’s dedication ceremony for a HeloPod in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District and Los Angeles County Fire Department.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF also noted that there will be a ribbon cutting on Friday for the La Sevilla residences, as well as the upcoming Neighborhood Watch Council meeting.
12. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
None.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
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14. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:38 p.m. MAYOR STEGURA adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of an adjourned meeting.
Submitted by, Approved by,
Lauren Pettit, City Clerk Debby Stegura, Mayor