CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1
APRIL 14, 2026
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 14, 2026
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
MAYOR ZERUNYAN called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Led by Sheri Waldstein from Happy Hats for Kids in Hospitals.
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
Assistant City Attorney Steve McEwen
Assistant City Manager Alexa Davis
Community Development/PW Director Jeannie Naughton
City Clerk Lauren Pettit
Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Slawson
4. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
B. RESOLUTION: DECLARING SUPPORT FOR CALIFORNIA CITIES WEEK APRIL 19 – 25
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS:
APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2620, DECLARING SUPPORT FOR
CALIFORNIA CITIES WEEK, APRIL 19–25, 2026.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN presented the approved Resolution to COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, as President of the Los Angeles Division of Cal Cities, who spoke regarding California Cities Week.
A. PROCLAMATION: DECLARING APRIL 24, 2026 AS A "DAY OF REMEMBRANCE" OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE OF 1915-1923
MAYOR ZERUNYAN proclaimed April 24, 2026 as a “Day of Remembrance” of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.
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 SCHACHTER pulled item 5D from the consent calendar for further discussion.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 5A-C AND E-F AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
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APRIL 14, 2026
A. READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
APPROVED.
B. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MARCH 24, 2026
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
C. CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED MINUTES OF MARCH 30, 2026
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
E. PARK & ACTIVITIES COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 17, 2026 REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
F. BUDGET AMENDMENTS FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
APPROVED THE BUDGET AMENDMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026. ** ITEM TAKEN OUT OF ORDER**
D. PLANNING COMMISSION DRAFT MINUTES OF MARCH 2, 2026
MAYOR PRO TEM SCHACHTER requested that the City Council appeal item 8A, APPLICATION NO. PA-240560; ADDRESS: 0 Encanto Drive, on March 2, 2026 Planning Commission minutes (item 5D).
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF recused herself and left the Chamber at 7:32 pm, due to residing within 500 feet of the project site.
Community Development & Public Works Director Naughton summarized that on March 2, 2026, the Planning Commission approved (6–0, one absent) a project for the California Water Service Company facility at Montecillo and Encanto Drives. The approval included a grading permit to widen the driveway and add a berm for a backup generator, as well as a variance for a 7-foot security gate at the entrance and 300 feet of wood fencing along the interior side property line ranging from 6 1/2 to 10 feet in height. There were no appeals filed within the 20-day appeal period for the public.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN opened discussion on whether there were sufficient votes to allow the City Council to initiate an appeal regarding a fence proposal.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA raised questions about whether fence dimensions, materials and plans had been clearly presented at the prior meeting and whether the homeowner had been adequately informed. Director Naughton confirmed that the agenda, including detailed plans, dimensions, and materials, had been posted at least 72 hours in advance and presented during the meeting.
MAYOR PRO TEM SCHACHTER noted that the homeowners maintain they had not received the plans and were still in discussions with Cal Water.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN expressed concern about setting a precedent by initiating an appeal on behalf of an individual homeowner, emphasizing that appeals should typically address broader policy or citywide issues. He cautioned against creating expectations that the body would selectively take up individual appeals.
Discussion acknowledged the homeowner’s situation but reiterated that the issue affected a single property. Consensus emerged that the materials had been properly noticed and made available. No members expressed support for initiating the appeal. The motion did not proceed due to lack of votes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF returned to the Chamber at 7:48 pm.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3
APRIL 14, 2026
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM 5D AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
RECEIVE AND FILE.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
6. PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
A. LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICTS - PROPOSED 2026
WASTEWATER SERVICE CHARGE RATES PRESENTATION
Martha Tremblay, Assistant Chief Engineer and Assistant General Manager of the Los Angeles County Sanitation District, provided a presentation summarizing the proposed 2026 sewer service charge rates.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A LETTER OF OPPOSITION TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PROPOSED ½ CENT SALES TAX AND LETTER OF OPPOSITION TO ASSEMBLY BILL 1768 (BRYAN): TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAXES: COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Authorize the Mayor to sign the letter of opposition to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proposed ½ cent sales tax; and 2) Authorize the Mayor to sign the letter of opposition to AB 1768:
Transactions and Use Taxes: County of Los Angeles.
Assistant to the City Manager Slawson provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ noted that the California Contract Cities Association’s Legislative Committee also opposes.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chamber, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
1) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE LETTER OF OPPOSITION TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PROPOSED ½
CENT SALES TAX; AND 2) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE LETTER OF OPPOSITION TO AB 1768: TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAXES: COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
B. LETTER OF OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 866 (BLAKESPEAR): HOMELESS HOUSING, ASSISTANCE, AND PREVENTION PROGRAM: HOUSING ELEMENT Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the Mayor to sign the letter of opposition to SB 866 (Blakespear) - Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Programs: Housing Element.
Assistant to the City Manager Slawson provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 4
APRIL 14, 2026
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chamber, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
MAYOR PRO TEM SCHACHTER moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE LETTER OF OPPOSITION TO SB 866 (BLAKESPEAR) - HOMELESS HOUSING, ASSISTANCE, AND
PREVENTION PROGRAMS: HOUSING ELEMENT.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
**ITEM TAKEN OUT OF ORDER**
D. ORDINANCE NO. 761 - AMENDING AND RESTATING CHAPTER 13.08 (SEWER
SERVICE SYSTEM) OF THE ROLLING HILLS ESTATES MUNICIPAL CODE Recommendation: That the City Council introduce for a first reading proposed Ordinance No. 761 amending and restating Municipal Code Chapter 13.08 (Sewer Service System) and bring back the ordinance for a second reading and adoption at the City Council meeting on April 28, 2026.
Community Development & Public Works Director Naughton 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 SCHMITZ moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM
SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
INTRODUCE FOR A FIRST READING PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 761 AMENDING AND RESTATING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 13.08 (SEWER
SERVICE SYSTEM) AND BRING BACK THE ORDINANCE FOR A SECOND READING AND ADOPTION AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON APRIL 28, 2026.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Ordinance 761 by title.
C. RESOLUTION NO. 2619 - ROLLING HILLS ESTATES SANITARY SEWER
MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2619, approving the updated Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP), and authorizing the Legally Responsible Official (LRO) or his designee, to certify and submit the updated SSMP to the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) by May 2, 2026.
Community Development & Public Works Director Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ raised a question about the three-year SSMP audit requirement and whether it must be self-conducted and documented. Director Naughton clarified that Rolling Hills Estates contracts with Los Angeles County to perform the audit.
She explained that due to regulatory changes extending SSMP updates from five to six years, the City’s audit occurred prior to its SSMP update, and the audit largely recommended updating the SSMP. The City coordinated with the County to address this timing issue and has completed the current audit. It was confirmed that audits are required every three years, so no audit is needed next year.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5
APRIL 14, 2026
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chamber, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2619, APPROVING THE UPDATED SEWER
SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN (SSMP), AND AUTHORIZING THE LEGALLY
RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL (LRO) OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO CERTIFY AND
SUBMIT THE UPDATED SSMP TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER
RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD (SWRCB) BY MAY 2, 2026.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Resolution No. 2619 by title.
E. JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT OF THE SOUTH BAY REGIONAL
HOUSING TRUST
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the Mayor to sign the SBRHT JPA and appoint a Delegate and an Alternate to represent Rolling Hills Estates on the Trust’s Board of Directors.
Community Development & Public Works Director Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
MAYOR ZERUNYAN asked if any Council Members would be willing to serve on the Trust’s Board. COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA offered to serve as the delegate, noting prior involvement in related discussions. COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ volunteered to serve as the alternate, and both appointments were accepted without objection.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chamber, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM
SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT OF THE SOUTH BAY REGIONAL HOUSING TRUST.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
MAYOR PRO TEM SCHACHTER moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPOINT COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA AS DELEGATE AND COUNCIL
MEMBER SCHMITZ AS ALTERNATE TO REPRESENT ROLLING HILLS
ESTATES ON THE TRUST’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 WORKPLAN UPDATE
Recommendation: Receive and file.
City Manager Grammer provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6
APRIL 14, 2026
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chamber, via email and via eComment.
No public testimony was received.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS:
RECEIVE AND FILE.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
10. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
None.
11. CITY COUNCIL / REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA reported that Director Naughton will be attending the Clean Power Alliance Board meeting in Sacramento in May.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF plans to attend the Cal Cities City Leaders Summit in Sacramento next week, and also reported that the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City event will be on May 21.
12. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
None.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ZERUNYAN adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. to Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose of an adjourned City Council meeting to discuss updates to the Brown Act, which will be followed by our regular City Council meeting at 7:00 pm.
Submitted by, Approved by,
Lauren Pettit, City Clerk Frank V. Zerunyan, Mayor