CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1
AUGUST 25, 2026
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 25, 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 Assistant to the City Manager Slawson.
3. ROLL CALL
City Council Members Present: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan City Council Members Absent: None
City Staff Present: Assistant City Manager Alexa Davis
Assistant City Attorney Steve McEwen
Administrative Services Director Fernando Estrada
Comm. Dev/PW Director Jeannie Naughton
City Clerk Lauren Pettit
Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Slawson
Community Services Supervisor Rosa Pinuelas
4. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
None.
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.) COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 5A-L AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
A. READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
APPROVED.
B. DEMANDS AND WARRANTS OF AUGUST 2026
APPROVE WARRANTS 70018 THROUGH 70090 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$278,903.82; AND SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANTS 071026 - 080626; IN THE AMOUNT OF $995,073.98 FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT OF
$1,273,977.80 WITH PROPER AUDIT.
C. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT OF JULY 2026
RECEIVED AND FILED.
D. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS REPORT OF JULY 2026
RECEIVED AND FILED.
E. BUDGET AMENDMENTS FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
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AUGUST 25, 2026
APPROVED THE BUDGET AMENDMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027.
F. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF JULY 28, 2026
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
G. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 3, 2026
RECEIVED AND FILED.
H. PALOS VERDES PENINSULA PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE AND REGIONAL CONTRACT LAW COMMITTEE MINUTES OF JUNE 2026
RECEIVED AND FILED.
I. POLITICAL REFORM ACT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS/CITY CONFLICT OF
INTEREST CODE
RECEIVED AND FILED.
J. PARK & ACTIVITIES COMMISSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 18, 2026 RECEIVED AND FILED.
K. SBCCOG BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
RECEIVED AND FILED.
L. 2026 BIANNUAL CODE COMPLIANCE REPORT, DECEMBER 8, 2025 TO AUGUST 2, 2026
RECEIVED AND FILED.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
A. WASTE MANAGEMENT "RECYCLING HERO" DRAWING FOR ONE YEAR OF FREE
RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REFUSE SERVICE
Waste Management Public Sector Services Manager Erick Quintero announced the following 3rd quarter winners:
RESIDENTIAL: 14 SILVER EAGLE ROAD
COMMERCIAL: NORRIS CENTER
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. MASTER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (MPSA) FOR MS4 PERMIT CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THREE FISCAL YEARS (2026-29)
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Master Professional Services Agreement with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. (Geosyntec) for Municipal Stormwater Consulting Services and execute Task Order No. 2026-01 for a three-year term, in an amount not to exceed $360,800, plus a 10% contingency ($36,080), for a total contract authorization of $396,880, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
Community Development & Public Works Director Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
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AUGUST 25, 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 BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A MASTER
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH GEOSYNTEC
CONSULTANTS, INC. (GEOSYNTEC) FOR MUNICIPAL STORMWATER
CONSULTING SERVICES AND EXECUTE TASK ORDER NO. 2026-01 FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $360,800, PLUS A 10% CONTINGENCY ($36,080), FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT
AUTHORIZATION OF $396,880, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
B. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION ACTION ITEM: PENINSULA HOLIDAY
PARADE MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Approve changing the date of this year’s parade to December 12, 2026; and 2) Authorize the City Manager to sign the attached Agreement with Upbeat Parade Productions, LLC., to provide parade management services for the Peninsula Holiday Parade of Lights on December 12, 2026, approved as to the satisfaction of the City Attorney.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA asked how the proposed contractor’s cost compared to the previous year. Supervisor Pinuelas responded that the new contractor is more costly but specializes in parades and comes highly recommended, and stated that staff will pursue additional sponsorships and work with the subcommittee and contractor to identify other costsaving opportunities. .
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF asked for clarification regarding the City’s responsibility for trophy costs and the increase in the contractor’s cost. Staff confirmed that the City has traditionally paid for trophies and will continue working directly with the same trophy vendor. Staff also clarified that the parade contractor’s cost increased from approximately $15,000 last year to $30,000 this year.
Staff reported conducting extensive outreach to identify alternative parade vendors, but recommended selecting a contractor that specializes in parades due to the event’s specific needs. Staff also noted increased efforts to secure sponsorships, including outreach through the Chamber of Commerce and participation in an upcoming business expo.
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:
1) APPROVE CHANGING THE DATE OF THIS YEAR’S PARADE TO
DECEMBER 12, 2026; AND 2) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN
THE ATTACHED AGREEMENT WITH UPBEAT PARADE PRODUCTIONS,
LLC., TO PROVIDE PARADE MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE
PENINSULA HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS ON DECEMBER 12, 2026, APPROVED AS TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
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AUGUST 25, 2026
C. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION ACTION ITEM: SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT
PROPOSAL - SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN OVERFLOW PARKING FOR
UPCOMING EVENTS
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the South Coast Botanic Garden’s request for after-hours use of Ernie Howlett Park for overflow parking associated with special events at the Garden on select dates from September 2026 through January 2027, subject to the conditions and fees outlined in the attached report.
Community Services Supervisor Pinuelas provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
In response to COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, Supervisor Pinuelas explained that the proposal is for a new type of multi-day, after-hours event, unlike the City’s typical special events. Staff addressed potential noise and neighborhood impacts with the organizer, including trained parking staff, signage, attendee reminders, and shuttle service from Ernie Howlett Park. She also noted staff will conduct an on-site review and regularly check in with the organizer to promptly address any concerns or complaints.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed after-hours event schedule, potential impacts on regular park and equestrian use, and noise concerns for surrounding neighborhoods. South Coast Botanic Garden Director Claire Griswold described their experience with similar events and the sound-monitoring and mitigation measures in place to address potential concerns.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN asked about responsibility for opening and closing the park gate and raised concerns regarding pedestrian safety and traffic control. Staff explained that Garden staff would be trained to manage the gate, restrict access to event attendees, and ensure attendees use the shuttle rather than cross Hawthorne Boulevard on foot. Staff also indicated that traffic control needs would be evaluated with the Public Works Department, with coordination with the Sheriff’s Department also discussed.
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 STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE THE SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN’S REQUEST FOR
AFTER-HOURS USE OF ERNIE HOWLETT PARK FOR OVERFLOW
PARKING ASSOCIATED WITH SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE GARDEN ON SELECT DATES FROM SEPTEMBER 2026 THROUGH JANUARY 2027,
SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS AND FEES OUTLINED IN THE ATTACHED REPORT.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
D. LETTER OF OPPOSITION TO ASSEMBLY BILL 1751 (QUIRK-SILVA): MISSING
MIDDLE TOWNHOME OWNERSHIP ACT
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the Mayor to sign the letter of opposition to AB 1751 (Quirk-Silva) - Missing Middle Townhome Ownership Act.
Assistant City Manager Slawson provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA expressed support for the letter of opposition, citing concerns that the legislation applies a one-size-fits-all approach to cities and limits local discretion over housing density and infrastructure considerations.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF noted the strong opposition to the legislation among cities in the Los Angeles County Division.
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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 STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE LETTER OF OPPOSITION TO AB 1751 (QUIRK-SILVA) - MISSING MIDDLE TOWNHOME OWNERSHIP ACT.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. REVISED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES AND CITIES OF LOMITA, RANCHO PALOS VERDES,
AND ROLLING HILLS RELATING TO PROCUREMENT OF UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (UAS) DRONES FOR THE LOMITA SHERIFF’S STATION
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the revised Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Rolling Hills Estates and cities of Lomita, Rancho Palos Verdes, and Rolling Hills relating to the procurement of drones for the Lomita Sheriff’s Station.
Assistant to the City Manager Slawson provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA expressed support for the changes, stating that they provide protections for the City and neighboring cities, and expressed pride in the City’s participation in funding the drones for the Lomita Sheriff’s Station.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ expressed confidence in the Lomita Sheriff’s Station’s thoughtful and professional use of technology, including ALPR systems, and stated that she expects the drone technology to be utilized with the same care and professionalism.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF expressed support for the drone technology, noting that it could provide a safer and quieter alternative to helicopters in addressing crime in the community.
Public comment was invited in-person in the Council Chamber, via email and via eComment.
Public testimony was received from resident Tony Trutanich who expressed some concerns about the use of the drones.
In response to public comments, Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy Tina McCoy clarified that drones would be deployed and record only at or near specific incidents, rather than conduct continuous surveillance while in flight. She confirmed that deployment records would be subject to public disclosure through the Sheriff’s Department, the drones would carry identifying Sheriff’s Department markings and comply with FAA requirements, and deployments would be incident-driven rather than used for random or constant surveillance.
MAYOR PRO TEM SCHACHTER moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVE THE REVISED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTATES AND THE CITIES OF
LOMITA, RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AND ROLLING HILLS RELATING TO THE PROCUREMENT OF DRONES FOR THE LOMITA SHERIFF’S STATION.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
B. FIFTH AMENDMENT TO CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Fifth Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement and authorize its execution by the Mayor.
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AUGUST 25, 2026
Assistant City Attorney McEwen provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ recognized City Manager Grammer for his leadership and professionalism, noting that the City is fortunate to have a high-caliber, professional staff and thanking him and staff for their dedicated service.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN praised City Manager Grammer’s leadership and long tenure and emphasized the City’s commitment to recognizing employees while remaining fiscally responsible.
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:
APPROVE THE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZE ITS EXECUTION BY THE MAYOR.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
10. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
A. ORDINANCE NO. 762 AMENDING AND RESTATING CHAPTER 2.12 OF THE
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE OFFICE OF
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR
Recommendation: That the City Council introduce for a first reading proposed Ordinance No. 762 amending and restating Municipal Code Chapter 2.12, redesignating the office formerly referred to as director of finance to reflect the current title, director of administrative services, and bring back the ordinance for a second reading and adoption at the City Council meeting on September 8, 2026.
Assistant City Attorney McEwen 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 COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
INTRODUCE FOR A FIRST READING PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 762 AMENDING AND RESTATING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 2.12,
REDESIGNATING THE OFFICE FORMERLY REFERRED TO AS
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO REFLECT THE CURRENT TITLE, DIRECTOR
OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, AND BRING BACK THE ORDINANCE
FOR A SECOND READING AND ADOPTION AT THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2026.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Ordinance No. 762 by title.
B. RESOLUTION APPROVING LIABILITY COVERAGE FOR ALL CITY OFFICERS
AND EMPLOYEES UNDER A MASTER COMMERCIAL GOVERNMENT CRIME
INSURANCE POLICY
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2642, approving liability coverage for all City officers and employees under a master government crime insurance policy.
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Assistant City Attorney McEwen 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 STEGURA moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2642, APPROVING LIABILITY COVERAGE FOR
ALL CITY OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES UNDER A MASTER
GOVERNMENT CRIME INSURANCE POLICY.
AYES: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Stegura, Zerunyan ABSENT: None
City Clerk Pettit read Resolution No. 2642 by title.
11. CITY COUNCIL / REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
MAYOR ZERUNYAN recognized and thanked COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF for her service as President of the Los Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities this past year, commending her continued leadership and the City’s longstanding contributions to regional and statewide civic leadership.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF thanked MAYOR ZERUNYAN for the recognition and acknowledged City Manager Greg Grammer and COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA for attending the Cal Cities event.
COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA joined in recognizing COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF’s service and reported that the South Bay Regional Housing Trust did not meet in August; upcoming meetings include the South Bay Cities Council of Governments Board meeting and the Clean Power Alliance Board meeting.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ reported that the California Contract Cities Association’s Legislative Committee continues to meet twice monthly, monitoring legislation affecting cities, particularly bills that may erode local control, including housing and emerging technology measures. She also noted that the Committee’s budget subcommittees are reviewing information, with final budget action anticipated at the September Board meeting.
MAYOR PRO TEM SCHACHTER reported that she and COUNCIL MEMBER STEGURA attended a recent Palos Verdes Peninsula Transit Authority Board meeting, where a projected decline in enrollment for the coming year was discussed.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN reported that the Los Angeles County Sanitation District Board did not meet in August.
12. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
MAYOR ZERUNYAN noted that he will attend the California Contract Cities Association’s Fall Educational Seminar this weekend.
13. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) One potential case
NO REPORTABLE ACTION.
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4) One potential case
NO REPORTABLE ACTION.
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C. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8
Property: Tennis Club Facilities at Ernie Howlett Park, 25851 Hawthorne Boulevard Agency negotiators: City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Attorney, Community Services Supervisor
Negotiation: Consideration of lease/concession process, price, and terms of payment NO REPORTABLE ACTION.
14. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ZERUNYAN adjourned the meeting at 7:51 p.m. to Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of a regular City Council meeting.
Submitted by, Approved by,
Lauren Pettit, City Clerk Frank V. Zerunyan, Mayor