CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
MAYOR ZERUNYAN called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Led by Administrative Services Director Fernando Estrada.
3. ROLL CALL
City Council Members Present: Brown Schachter, Huff, Schmitz, Zerunyan City Council Members Absent: Stegura
City Staff Present: City Manager Greg Grammer
Assistant City Manager Alexa Davis
City Attorney Donald M. Davis
Community Dev. & PW Director Jeannie Naughton
Administrative Services Director Fernando Estrada
Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Slawson
4. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
A. PROCLAMATION: DECLARING OCTOBER 2026 "BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH"
MAYOR ZERUNYAN declared October 2026 as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” and presented the proclamation to Evelyn Calip, Breast Oncology Nurse & Founder of Non-Profit Evelyn’s Breast Friends Forever (BFF).
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 SCHMITZ moved, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 5A-E AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Brown Schachter Huff, Schmitz, Zerunyan
ABSENT: Stegura
A. READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
APPROVED.
B. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS REPORT OF AUGUST 2026
RECEIVED AND FILED.
C. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT OF AUGUST 2026
RECEIVED AND FILED.
D. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
REVIEWED AND APPROVED.
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SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
E. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
RECEIVED AND FILED.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
None.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 260213
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE ADDING OR AMENDING 10 CHAPTERS
Recommendation: That the City Council 1) Open the Public Hearing; 2) Take public testimony; 3) Discuss Ordinance No. 763; 4) Continue the Public Hearing to October 13, 2026; and 5) Introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 763, amending seven existing chapters and adding three chapters to the Rolling Hills Estates Municipal Code, and determining the code amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
Community Development & Public Works Director Naughton provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), and introduced City Attorney Don Davis, who went through the proposed Ordinance updates.
City Attorney Davis presented proposed updates to 10 zoning code chapters: three new chapters and seven revised chapters. The changes are intended to streamline and clarify administrative procedures, reduce duplication, align provisions with state law, and make the code easier for the public to understand. The Planning Commission recommended approval after one change based on its feedback.
Key proposals included:
• Establishing uniform application, review, decision, expiration, amendment, revocation, and appeal procedures.
• Consolidating public notice requirements, including 10- or 20-day notice periods and mailing notice in some cases.
• Clarifying the Community Development Director’s duties, code interpretation process, and enforcement options.
• Updating nonconforming use rules, variance findings, and conditional use permit findings; most special use permit changes are procedural. • Extending the City Council’s review period for Planning Commission decisions from 20 to 30 days.
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, TO open the public hearing.
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:
CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING TO OCTOBER 13, 2026, AND
INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING ORDINANCE NO. 763, AMENDING
SEVEN EXISTING CHAPTERS AND ADDING THREE CHAPTERS TO THE
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES MUNICIPAL CODE, AND DETERMINED THAT
THE CODE AMENDMENTS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.
AYES: Brown Schachter Huff, Schmitz, Zerunyan
ABSENT: Stegura
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
Assistant to the City Manager Slawson read Ordinance No. 763 by title.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. WILDFIRE CAMERA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
CITIES OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, ROLLING HILLS, ROLLING HILLS ESTATES,
AND PALOS VERDES ESTATES
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and Palos Verdes Estates to manage and fund the established Wildfire Detection Camera System.
Assistant to the City Manager Slawson 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.
MAYOR PRO TEM SCHACHTER moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
APPROVED THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, ROLLING HILLS, ROLLING HILLS
ESTATES, AND PALOS VERDES ESTATES TO MANAGE AND FUND THE ESTABLISHED WILDFIRE DETECTION CAMERA SYSTEM.
AYES: Brown Schachter Huff, Schmitz, Zerunyan
ABSENT: Stegura
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACTION ITEM: SB 1383 RECOVERED
ORGANIC WASTE PRODUCT PROCUREMENT
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Approve Waste Management’s proposal to procure 376 tons of qualifying compost, equivalent to the City’s 648-ton 2026 recovered organic waste procurement target, for a total cost of $5,640, with procurement completed by November 1, 2026, to remain eligible for reimbursement through the SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant Program; and 2) Direct City staff to evaluate future procurement options, including the five-year procurement target option for the 2027-2031 compliance period and community-based composting opportunities involving local schools and the George F Canyon Nature Center, to determine how these approaches could help satisfy the City’s procurement requirements while providing community and educational benefits.
Assistant City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per the agenda material).
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ discussed whether the 648-ton procurement requirement applies to raw organic material or finished compost. Assistant City Manager Davis clarified that the requirement is based on the converted end product and explained that a long-term City program could use a combination of options, including community composting, wood chips, landscape waste, and eligible composting equipment, to offset a portion of the annual procurement target. She also noted that processing the full amount internally would likely be impractical and cost prohibitive and recommended further evaluating feasible options and their cost benefits for a potential multi-year program.
Discussion ensued about the extensive SB 1383 reporting requirements. Staff explained that the City is responsible for annual reporting to CalRecycle, with Waste Management providing data and inspection assistance and consultant City Green assisting with development of the required implementation record.
MAYOR PRO TEM SCHACHTER asked whether horse manure could contribute toward the City’s compliance efforts; staff noted that its composition, including wood shavings, creates challenges for composting and anaerobic digestion, but opportunities for its beneficial use continue to be explored.
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SEPTEMBER 22, 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:
1) APPROVE WASTE MANAGEMENT’S PROPOSAL TO PROCURE 376
TONS OF QUALIFYING COMPOST, EQUIVALENT TO THE CITY’S 648-TON 2026 RECOVERED ORGANIC WASTE PROCUREMENT TARGET, FOR A
TOTAL COST OF $5,640, WITH PROCUREMENT COMPLETED BY
NOVEMBER 1, 2026, TO REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT
THROUGH THE SB 1383 LOCAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM; AND 2)
DIRECT CITY STAFF TO EVALUATE FUTURE PROCUREMENT OPTIONS,
INCLUDING THE FIVE-YEAR PROCUREMENT TARGET OPTION FOR THE 2027-2031 COMPLIANCE PERIOD AND COMMUNITY-BASED
COMPOSTING OPPORTUNITIES INVOLVING LOCAL SCHOOLS AND THE
GEORGE F CANYON NATURE CENTER, TO DETERMINE HOW THESE
APPROACHES COULD HELP SATISFY THE CITY’S PROCUREMENT
REQUIREMENTS WHILE PROVIDING COMMUNITY AND EDUCATIONAL
BENEFITS.
AYES: Brown Schachter Huff, Schmitz, Zerunyan
ABSENT: Stegura
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 764 AMENDING AND RESTATING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 10.44 REGARDING THE REGULATION
OF BICYCLES, ELECTRIC BICYCLES AND OTHER MOTORIZED DEVICES, AND CHAPTER 10.46 REGARDING THE REGULATION OF WHEELED VEHICLES ON
PUBLIC EQUESTRIAN PATHS AND TRAILS
Recommendation: That the City Council conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 764.
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.
Written public testimony was received from Brian More and Darren Eades.
City Attorney Davis addressed public comments regarding the proposed amendments to Chapter 10.46, explaining that the limited exceptions for wheeled devices on equestrian trails are intended to support equestrian uses, such as hay deliveries, and would not unduly burden the City’s trail easements. He noted that reasonable use is implied and that the ordinance provides sufficient standards to address potential abuses.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN agreed that any unreasonable or excessive use should be addressed through enforcement rather than further amendments to the ordinance.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF moved, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ, TO APPROVE AS FOLLOWS BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
CONDUCTED THE SECOND READING AND ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO.
764.
AYES: Brown Schachter Huff, Schmitz, Zerunyan
ABSENT: Stegura
Assistant to the City Manager Slawson read Ordinance No. 764 by title.
B. QUARTERLY WORK PLAN UPDATE
Recommendation: Receive and file.
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SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
City Manager Grammer provided a staff report (as per the agenda material), highlighting progress on several priority projects. The George F Canyon Nature Center remains on schedule for summer 2027 completion; Phase 1 of the Palos Verdes Drive North/Dapplegray School intersection project remains under construction with traffic and pedestrian access maintained; and work continues on the Peter Weber Equestrian Center restroom project. He also provided updates on the equestrian user fee study, landmark protection ordinance, zoning code amendments, horse census, Pavement Management System, and sidewalk assessment.
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.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN so ordered.
10. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
The City Attorney reported that, due to the increasing complexity of planning matters resulting from changes in State law, and at the City Manager’s request, his office will now provide legal counsel at Planning Commission meetings. He stated that Robert Khuu, a partner with the firm, will attend the meetings for the foreseeable future. This will provide continuity and ensure the City Attorney’s office stays informed about planning matters before they come before the City Council.
11. CITY COUNCIL / REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHMITZ reported that California Contract Cities Association adopted its annual budget, with the City’s annual dues increasing by $100. The Legislative Committee continues to monitor and advocate on legislation affecting local control, particularly related to transportation, development, and ADUs, while also supporting beneficial legislation such as wildfire-related measures.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF thanked staff for a successful City Celebration, which had a great turnout and participation from neighboring communities. She also reported that the City will be represented at the upcoming Cal Cities Annual Conference, including the Los Angeles County Division luncheon.
MAYOR PRO TEM SCHACHTER noted that the Traffic & Safety Committee meeting will take place tomorrow night.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN noted that he will be attending the Los Angeles County Division luncheon tomorrow.
12. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS
None.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ZERUNYAN thanked staff for their efforts in making the 69th Annual City Celebration a success, highlighting the strong family participation and the City’s unique equestrian and semi-rural character. He also congratulated the Sheriff’s Department on its volleyball tournament victory and expressed enthusiasm for continuing the friendly rivalry next year.
MAYOR ZERUNYAN adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m. to Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of a regular City Council meeting.
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SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
Submitted by, Approved by,
Lauren Pettit, City Clerk Frank V. Zerunyan, Mayor