CL_AGN_250210_CC_AgendaPacket_F1.CALL TO ORDER
2.ROLL CALL
3.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
5.APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
This is the appropriate time for the Mayor or Councilmembers to approve the agenda as is or reorder.
6.BLUE FOLDER ITEMS (SUPPLEMENTAL)
Blue folder (supplemental) items are additional back up materials to administrative reports, changes to the posted
agenda packet, and/or public comments received after the printing and distribution of the agenda packet for receive and
file.
7.PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
This is the appropriate time for members of the public to make comments regarding items not listed on this agenda.
Pursuant to the Brown Act, no action will take place on any items not on the agenda.
8.CONSENT CALENDAR
Business items, except those formally noticed for public hearing, or those pulled for discussion are assigned to the
Consent Calendar. The Mayor or any Councilmember may request that any Consent Calendar item(s) be removed,
discussed, and acted upon separately. Items removed from the Consent Calendar will be taken up under the "Excluded
Consent Calendar" section below. Those items remaining on the Consent Calendar will be approved in one motion. The
Mayor will call on anyone wishing to address the City Council on any Consent Calendar item on the agenda, which has
not been pulled by Councilmembers for discussion.
8.A.APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2025
2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274
(310) 377-1521
AGENDA
Regular City Council Meeting
CITY COUNCIL
Monday, February 10, 2025
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
7:00 PM
The meeting agenda is available on the City’s website. The City Council meeting will be live-streamed on the City’s website.
Both the agenda and the live-streamed video can be found here:
https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/agenda/index.php
Members of the public may submit written comments in real-time by emailing the City Clerk’s office at cityclerk@cityofrh.net.
Your comments will become part of the official meeting record. You must provide your full name, but please do not provide
any other personal information that you do not want to be published.
Recordings to City Council meetings can be found here: https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/agenda/index.php
Next Resolution No. 1385 Next Ordinance No. 386
1
RECOMMENDATION: Approve.
8.B.APPROVE MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE FURTHER
READING OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE
AGENDA
RECOMMENDATION: Approve.
8.C.APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: JANUARY 27, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
8.D.PAYMENT OF BILLS
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
9.EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
10.COMMISSION ITEMS
11.PUBLIC HEARINGS
12.OLD BUSINESS
13.NEW BUSINESS
13.A.APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH BENNETT LANDSCAPE FOR A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION
PROVIDING LANDSCAPING SERVICES ON THE CITY HALL CAMPUS
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
13.B.CONSIDER AND APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITIES OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES, RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, ROLLING HILLS, AND ROLLING HILLS ESTATES FOR THE
PURPOSE OF COST SHARING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-
JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
14.MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
15.MATTERS FROM STAFF
CL_AGN_250210_CC_AffidavitofPosting.pdf
CL_MIN_250127_CC_F.pdf
CL_AGN_250210_CC_PaymentOfBills.pdf
Attachment A - CA_AGR_250210_PSA_BennettLandscape_Amendment02_F.pdf
Attachment B - CA_AGR_250210_PSA_BennettLandscape_Exhibits_ABC_rev.pdf
Attachment C - CA_AGR_240108_PSA_BennettLandscape_Amendment01_F_E.pdf
Attachment D - CA_AGR_221213_PSA_BennettLandscape_Maintenance_E.pdf
Attachment A - PS_HMP_230803_LOI_PVP_JointHMP_E.pdf
Attachment B - CA_MOU_250131_PVP_JointHMP_Black&Veatch_CostProposal.pdf
Attachment C - CA_MOU_250203_PVP_JointHMP_F.pdf
2
15.A.RECEIVE AND FILE A PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
16.RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
16.A.PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957 (B)(1) TITLE: CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDATION: None.
16.B.EXISTING LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1)THE
CITY FINDS, BASED ON ADVICE FROM LEGAL COUNSEL, THAT DISCUSSION
IN OPEN SESSION WILL PREJUDICE THE POSITION OF THE CITY IN THE
LITIGATION. (1 CASE) a. NAME OF CASE: CONNIE ANDERSEN, ET AL. V.
CALIFORNIA WATER COMPANY, ET AL. (SEAVIEW CASE) CASE NO.:
24STCV20953
RECOMMENDATION: None.
16.C.CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (TWO CASES) CPUC COMPLAINTS
AGAINST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON AND SOCAL GAS
RECOMMENDATION: None.
16.D.CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - INITIATION OF LITIGATION
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) THE CITY FINDS, BASED ON
ADVICE FROM LEGAL COUNSEL, THAT DISCUSSION IN OPEN SESSION WILL
PREJUDICE THE POSITION OF THE CITY IN THE LITIGATION. (1 CASE)
RECOMMENDATION: None.
17.RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
18.ADJOURNMENT
Next regular meeting: Monday, February 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council
Chamber, Rolling Hills City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California,
90274.
Notice:
Public Comment is welcome on any item prior to City Council action on the item.
Documents pertaining to an agenda item received after the posting of the agenda are available for review in
the City Clerk's office or at the meeting at which the item will be considered.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in
this meeting due to your disability, please contact the City Clerk at (310) 377-1521 at least 48 hours prior to the
meeting to enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility and accommodation for
your review of this agenda and attendance at this meeting.
3
Agenda Item No.: 8.A
Mtg. Date: 02/10/2025
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2025
DATE:February 10, 2025
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_AGN_250210_CC_AffidavitofPosting.pdf
4
Administrative Report
8.A., File # 2638 Meeting Date: 2/10/2025
To: MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
From: Christian Horvath, City Clerk
TITLE
APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF
FEBRUARY 10, 2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS )
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
In compliance with the Brown Act, the following materials have been posted at the locations below.
Legislative Body City Council
Posting Type Regular Meeting Agenda
Posting Location 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA 90274
City Hall Window
City Website: https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/agenda/index.php
https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/city_council/city_council_archive_agendas/index.php
Meeting Date & Time FEBRUARY 10, 202 5 7:00pm Open Session
As City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills, I declare under penalty of perjury, the document noted above was
posted at the date displayed below.
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
Date: February 7, 2025
5
Agenda Item No.: 8.B
Mtg. Date: 02/10/2025
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:APPROVE MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE FURTHER
READING OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE
AGENDA
DATE:February 10, 2025
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve.
ATTACHMENTS:
6
Agenda Item No.: 8.C
Mtg. Date: 02/10/2025
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: JANUARY 27,
2025 REGULAR MEETING
DATE:February 10, 2025
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_MIN_250127_CC_F.pdf
7
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, January 27, 2025
Page 1
Minutes
Rolling Hills City Council
Monday, January 27 , 202 5
Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills met in person on the above date at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Pieper
presiding.
2. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Mirsch, Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Mayor Pieper
Councilmembers Absent: None
Staff Present: Karina Bañales, City Manager
Christian Horvath, City Clerk / Executive Assistant to the City Manager
Samantha Crew, Management Analyst
Lisa Edwards, Willdan Consultant Principal Planner
Pat Donegan, City Attorney
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Charlie Willis of Boy Scout Tro op 191
4. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS – NONE
5. APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Wilson to approve the order of the agenda.
Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Mirsch, Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Mayor Pieper
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
6. BLUE FOLDER ITEMS (SUPPLEMENTAL)
Motion by Councilmember Mirsch, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer to receive and file Blue Folder
Items 13A and 14. Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Mirsch, Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Mayor Pieper
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
7. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comment: Judith Haenel
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8.A. APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF
JANUARY 27, 2025
8
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, January 27, 2025
Page 2
8.B. APPROVE MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE FURTHER READING OF ALL
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE AGENDA
8.C. APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: JANUARY 13, 2025 REGULAR
MEETING
8.D. PAYMENT OF BILLS
8.E. REPUBLIC SERVICES RECYCLING TONNAGE AND COMPLAINT REPORTS FOR DECEMBER
2024
8.F. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 1384 AUTHORIZING A FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 BUDGET
MODIFICATION TO INCREASE APPROPRIATIONS BY $2,000 IN THE CITY COUNCIL
EXPENSES ACCOUNT FUNDED FROM AVAILABLE GENERAL FUND RESERVES FOR CITY
COUNCILMEMBER TO ATTEND UPCOMING CONFERENCES OR EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
Motion by Councilmember Mirsch, seconded by Councilmember Black to approve the Consent Calendar.
Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Mirsch, Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Mayor Pieper
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS – NONE
10. COMMISSION ITEMS
10.A. ZONING CASE NO. 24-074: SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR CONSTRUCTION, GRADING, STABLE
ACCESS, WALLS EXCEEDING A HEIGHT OF 3 FEET AND 2.5 FEET AVERAGE (UP TO A
MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF 5 FEET), AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS; CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
FOR A RECREATIONAL GAME COURT (TENNIS COURT), STABLE WITH LOFT GREATER
THAN 200 SQUARE FEET, CORRAL GREATER THAN 550 SQUARE FEET; AND VARIANCES
FOR CONSTRUCTION IN THE FRONT AND REAR YARD SETBACKS, SITE DISTURBANCE OF
MORE THAN 40 PERCENT, NONEXEMPT GRADING EXPORT, AND DEVIATIONS FROM THE
CONDITIONS FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT PER ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTION 17.16.210(A) AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (LOT 123-RH) (WHITCOMBE)
Presentation by Willdan Consultant Principal Planner Edwards
Public Comment: Megan Campbell (Project Architect), Alfred Visco
Motion by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Wilson to take the project under
consideration. Motion failed with the following vote:
AYES: Wilson, Black
NOES: Mirsch, Dieringer, Mayor Pieper
ABSENT: None
Motion by Councilmember Mirsch, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer to receive and file. Motion carried
with the following vote:
AYES: Mirsch, Dieringer, Mayor Pieper
9
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, January 27, 2025
Page 3
NOES: Wilson, Black
ABSENT: None
10.B. ZONING CASE NO. 24-053: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A DETACHED STRUCTURE
THAT EXCEEDS 200 SQUARE FEET LOCATED AT 74 EASTFIELD DRIVE, ROLLING HILLS, CA
90274, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (LOT 119-EF) (COCKE)
Presentation by Willdan Consultant Principal Planner Edwards
Motion by Councilmember Black, seconded by Mirsch to receive and file. Motion carried unanimously with
the following vote:
AYES: Mirsch, Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Mayor Pieper
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS – NONE
12. OLD BUSINESS – NONE
13. NEW BUSINESS
13.A. RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON THE EMERGENCY OUTDOOR SIREN NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
PROJECT AND STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
Presentation by Management Analyst Crew
HQE representative Charles West
Public Comment: Arlene Honbo, Greg Willis, Alfred Visco
Motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer to receive and file. Motion carried
unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Mirsch, Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Mayor Pieper
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Council directed staff to continue working with HQE on meeting contractual obligations for the outdoor siren
installation / sound coverage and, once completed, future implementation of the SAFE Network as an
augmented service. Without objection, so ordered.
14. MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
14.A. CONSIDERATION OF SUMITTING A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF
FORMER RANCHO PALOS VERDES MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER HON. JOHN
CRUIKSHANK TO THE WEST BASIN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT TO FILL THE RECENTLY
VACATED DIVIDSON 1 DIRECTOR'S SEAT (COUNCILMEMBER MIRSCH)
Presentation by City Manager Bañales
Councilmember Mirsch
10
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, January 27, 2025
Page 4
The Council discussed and decided to not send a letter representing the City Council as an official body, but
expressed a willingness to sign a letter drafted by Councilmember Mirsch as individual members.
15. MATTERS FROM STAFF
15.A. RECEIVE AND FILE FIRE CODE ENFORCEMENT QUART ERLY REPORT FOR THE FOURTH
QUARTER OF 2024 (OCTOBER 1 TO DECEMBER 31)
Presentation by City Manager Bañales
Public Comment: Alfred Visco, Marina Visco, Judith Haenel
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer, seconded by Councilmember Black to receive and file. Motion carried
unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Mirsch, Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Mayor Pieper
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Pieper directed staff to have Councilmember Mirsch provide a summary reflecting the conversations
and actions of the previous Fire Fuel Standing Committee for the February 24, 2025 City Council meeting.
Without objection, so ordered.
15.B. RECEIVE AND FILE A VERBAL UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF THE CITY HALL CAMPUS
BACKUP GENERATOR
Presentation by City Clerk / Executive Assistant to the City Manager Horvath
Public Comment: Judith Haenel
Motion by Councilmember Black , seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer to receive and file . Motion carried
unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Mirsch, Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Mayor Pieper
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer reported out on the Blue Folder Item 14 containing the January 23-24, 2025
CalCities Policy Committees General Briefing which included the Governor’s proposed budget highlights and
specific policy committee information.
16. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION – 9:49 P.M.
16.A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54957 (B)(1) TITLE: CITY MANAGER
16.B. EXISTING LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) THE CITY FINDS,
BASED ON ADVICE FROM LEGAL COUNSEL, THAT DISCUSSION IN OPEN SESSION WILL
PREJUDICE THE POSITION OF THE CITY IN THE LITIGATION. (1 CASE) a. NAME OF CASE:
CONNIE ANDERSEN, ET AL. V. CALIFORNIA WATER COMPANY, ET AL. (SEAVIEW CASE)
CASE NO.: 24STCV20953
11
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, January 27, 2025
Page 5
16.C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54956.9 (2 CASES) CPUC COMPLAINTS AGAINST SOTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON
AND SOCAL GAS
17. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION – 10:57 P.M.
18. ADJOURNMENT : 10 :57 P.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:57 p.m. on January 27, 202 5. The next regular meeting of the City Council
is scheduled to be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber
at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California. It will also be available via City’s website link
at: https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/agenda/index.php
All written comments submitted are included in the record and available for public review on the City website.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
Approved,
____________________________________
Jeff Pieper, Mayor
12
Agenda Item No.: 8.D
Mtg. Date: 02/10/2025
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:PAYMENT OF BILLS
DATE:February 10, 2025
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_AGN_250210_CC_PaymentOfBills.pdf
13
14
15
Agenda Item No.: 13.A
Mtg. Date: 02/10/2025
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BENNETT LANDSCAPE FOR A ONE-
YEAR EXTENSION PROVIDING LANDSCAPING SERVICES ON THE
CITY HALL CAMPUS
DATE:February 10, 2025
BACKGROUND:
Residents and visitors widely utilize the City Hall campus for events, informal social
gatherings, tai-chi classes, and as park space. Between 2017 and 2020, the City Hall campus
was poorly maintained, with diseased vegetation, broken irrigation lines, and sprinklers.
Repairs were made, replacement irrigation parts were installed, diseased vegetation was
removed, and new vegetation was isolated without a holistic plan for the entire campus. The
City lacked as-builts for the campus, including the existing irrigation system and plant palette.
In 2022, the City advertised a Request for Proposal (RFP) for weekly landscaping
maintenance on the City Hall campus. A survey of the existing irrigation system was
conducted by a licensed landscape architect, which resulted in a list of recommended actions
to improve the operation of the system and was included in the RFP. With limited open space,
the City desired to keep the City Hall campus functional at all times and aesthetically pleasing
with attention to detail in the plant palette.
The City received two responses to the RFP. The first was from current provider Bennett
Landscape, and the second was from Stay Green Inc., whose clientele includes Palos Verdes
Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes. The proposals received were evaluated in 4 categories:
Expertise, Experience and Training, Plus Prior Contracting History, Project Approach and
Availability, Cost, and Compliance with RFP.
At the October 24, 2022 City Council meeting, the Council directed staff to provide them with
the internal documents to determine the staff's recommendation. The council was provided
with both proposals, a comparison spreadsheet, and evaluation scoring documentation.
16
At the November 14, 2022 City Council meeting, staff returned with the item and a
recommendation to contract with Stay Green Inc. After testimony, consideration, and
comments, the Council unanimously voted to select Bennett Landscape for one year and
directed staff to prepare a professional service agreement.
At the December 13, 2022 City Council meeting, the Council approved the one-year
agreement with Bennett Landscape.
At the January 8, 2024 City Council meeting, the Council approved the first amendment to the
maintenance agreement, extending for one year.
DISCUSSION:
This past year, Bennett Landscape revised the City Hall campus based on Ric Dykzeul's
design as presented to the Council and approved in early 2024. The work was financed by a
water-wise turf-replacement grant from California Water Services and utilizing Metro TDA-03
funds. The new design feature native, drought-resistant plantings and ground cover which will
take 1-2 years to fully realize the intent of the design. It also provides an example of home-
hardening techniques the City, Block Captains and LA County Fire continuously work towards
educating residents on ways to protect their homes in a fire emergency.
As a result of the changes, staff discussed a monthly price reduction with Bennett Landscape
and made revisions to the scope of work as outlined in Exhibit A's revisions (Attachment B).
Staff also added Exhibit C outlining Mr. Dykzeul's design and notes for proper ongoing
maintenance.
Staff will continue to evaluate services provided by Bennett Landscape. This evening, staff
seeks approval of a one-year extension with Bennett Landscape via the second amendment
(Attachment A).
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are sufficient funds budgeted for FY24/25 in the General Fund to cover the new monthly
Landscaping Maintenance fees of $1020.00. The previous monthly fee was $1,139.67
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - CA_AGR_250210_PSA_BennettLandscape_Amendment02_F.pdf
Attachment B - CA_AGR_250210_PSA_BennettLandscape_Exhibits_ABC_rev.pdf
Attachment C - CA_AGR_240108_PSA_BennettLandscape_Amendment01_F_E.pdf
Attachment D - CA_AGR_221213_PSA_BennettLandscape_Maintenance_E.pdf
17
1
Second Amendment to Landscape Maintenance
This Second Amendment to the Agreement for Landscape Maintenance (“First
Amendment”) is made and entered into this 10th day of February 2025 by and between
the City of Rolling Hills, a municipal corporation (“City”), and Bennett Landscape
(“Contractor”).
BACKGROUND
A. On December 13, 2022, the City and Contractor entered into an Agreement for
Contractor to provide maintenance and landscaping services in the Civic Center
Area (City Hall and tennis Courts) in the City (“Agreement”).
B. On January 8, 2024, the City and Contractor amended the Agreement for the first
time to extend the term to December 14, 2024. (“First Amendment”).
C. The City and Consultant desire to amend the Agreement to revise the scope of
work as a result of changes to the campus landscape design, lower the monthly
cost, and extend the term of the Agreement to December 31, 2025 (“Second
Amendment”).
D. The Contractor warrants to the City that it has the expertise, experience, and
qualifications to perform the services more fully described in the Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and
agreements set forth below, the City and Contractor agree as follows:
1. Paragraph 2, Section A (Payment) of the Agreement is hereby amended to read
as follows:
“A. Compensation. City shall pay to Contractor the sum of $1,020.00 per month
based on weekly services rendered under this Agreement and described in the
attached Exhibit A and C which are incorporated herein by reference. This
represents total compensation for all work listed, labor, annual fertilizer, equipment,
and expenses incurred by Contractor. Additional work and materials shall be
provided as stated in revised Exhibit B, which is incorporated herein by reference.
However, any work contemplated by this Exhibit B must be authorized by City in
writing and compensation therefor shall be agreed upon in advance by the parties
prior to commencing any work.
2. Paragraph 3 (Term and Termination) of the Agreement is hereby amended to read
as follows:
“3. Term and Termination. The term of this Agreement shall commence on
December 14, 2022 and terminate on December 31, 2025 unless extended by
mutual agreement of the parties. City may terminate this Agreement at any time, with
or without cause. In such event, Contractor shall be compensated for work
satisfactorily accomplished prior to the time of termination.”
18
2
3. All other terms and conditions of the Agreement not amended by this Second
Amendment remain in full force and effect.
CITY
City of Rolling Hills
By:
Karina Bañales, City Manager
Attest:
By:
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
CONTRACTOR
BENNETT LANDSCAPE.
By:
Sean A. Bennett,
President and Founder
Contractor's License No. 479003
Agency Business License No. N/A
Federal Tax Identification No. 33-0105672
19
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 2/10/25
- 1 -
EXHIBIT A
Scope of Work
I. Turf Management
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Mow any remaining turf areas weekly to maintain a neat and manicured
appearance, weather permitting.
2. For all turf areas, inspect grounds for litter and debris prior to mowing and dispose
of any litter or debris identified.
3. Mow all irrigated lawn areas to the finished cut height of no less than 1 ½” and no
more than 2 ½” unless otherwise requested.
4. Cut lawn to a uniform height. Mowing equipment is to be kept sufficiently sharp
and properly adjusted through daily servicing to provide a cleanly cut grass blade.
Grass blade bruising, tearing, and shredding are to be prevented.
5. The lawn cutting height shall be appropriate to turf variety. The lawn edges shall
be trimmed adjacent to walks, curbs, paving, and headers. Immediately following
each mowing, the areas shall be left in a neat and clean condition.
6. Mowing pattern will be varied where possible to reduce rutting and compaction of
grade. Any excess clippings will be dispersed and/or collected to prevent damage
and unsightly appearance of lawns.
7. Extra care shall be taken to prevent edging wider than necessary margins around
sprinkler heads, borders, and trees. Care shall be taken to prevent trimmer
damage to tree trunks and structures.
8. Fertilizers shall be applied every two months, all year with lawn food to maintain
lawn strength, color, and vigor.
9. Fertilizers shall be watered in after the application at the next regularly scheduled
watering period.
10. Both chemical and organic fertilizer materials may be used.
11. Contractor shall maintain a log of fertilizer use and provide log to City quarterly.
12. Broadleaf and grassy weeds, insect pests, and plant diseases shall be treated by
application of approved pesticides.
13. Damage to lawns and ground cover due to circumstances beyond the Contractor’s
control shall be repaired after agreement with the City as to payment for such work.
14. Lawns are to the thatched, scalped, and over-seeded in the Fall.
II. Ground Covers, Plantings, and Shrubs
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
20
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 2/10/25
- 2 -
1. On a monthly basis, prune and trim ground cover plants neatly away from shrubs,
trees, walk-ways, walls, and headers.
2. Pruning and shaping of shrubs shall be performed only as necessary to maintain
the natural form of the plant, to maintain growth within space limitations, and to
eliminate damaged or diseased wood.
3. Shrubs shall not be clipped into balled or boxed forms unless required by the
design. Ground cover, plantings and shrubs shall be kept trimmed and pruned
back so as to not obstruct sprinklers, outdoor lights, fire hydrants, and
electrical/telephone boxes.
4. Damage to ground covers due to circumstances beyond the Contractor’s control
shall be repaired after prior agreement with the City as to payment for such work.
5. Plants that are in a state of decline and are dead shall normally be removed if
Contractor is satisfied that the property will benefit aesthetically. Contractor must
notify the City first, and gain City approval, before plant are removed.
6. On a weekly basis, shrubs, plantings and ground cover areas shall be kept free of
broadleaf or grassy weeds by pulling with hands or hand tools. Use of weed-
whackers, or hoeing weeds is not permitted. Any remaining turf that persists in
newly planted areas should be treated accordingly to prevent and stop future turf
growth.
7. Fertilizer shall be applied three times a year (March, June, September) with all-
purpose fertilizer (i.e. Gro Power Plus) to stimulate growth.
8. Contractor shall maintain a log of fertilizer use and provide log to City upon City’s
request.
9. Ground cover top dress over exposed soil should be refreshed as needed and/or
every 1-2 years with 3” layer of all wood tree chippings.
10. Decomposed Granite should be refreshed as needed and/or every 2-3 years.
11. Remove any remaining / leftover roots from previous landscape features prior to
2024 design implementation as visible.
12. Ground cover and plantings from 2024 Landscape redesign shall follow the
Landscape Architect’s written instructions for care and maintenance. Qualified and
knowledgeable staff shall be assigned to care for and foster proper growth and
maintenance to ensure design intent. (see Exhibit C)
III. Small Trees
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Maintain, without requests from City, all trees and remaining shrubbery to a
measure of 15 feet in height or less. Ensure tree branches do not block, occlude
or interfere with existing campus lighting and poles.
2. Trimming of trees over 15 feet in height may be performed and invoiced as extra
work following written approval by the City. City reserves the right to seek other
proposals from other contractors for trimming of trees over 15 feet in height.
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Landscape Maintenance
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3. Trees shall be properly staked and tied as necessary. Tree ties shall be inspected
monthly to prevent damage caused by abrasion or constriction.
4. Removal of tree stakes shall be considered as soon as possible to encourage tree
development.
5. Trees and stumps requiring removal due to storm damage, proximity to buildings,
walks, utilities, or other reasons shall be performed as directed and invoiced as
extra work following written approval by the City.
6. Contractor shall inspect trees for insects and diseases monthly. Approved
chemical sprays shall be applied if required for common and controllable insect
and disease infestations. Spraying shall be limited to one application. Additional
treatments necessary due to unusual conditions may be invoiced as extra work
following written approval by the City. Spraying shall be limited to trees measuring
15 feet or less in overall height.
7. The City may ask that a tree or large shrub be lowered to protect a view. If this
requires a non-standard trimming practice that can result in deformity or seriously
impact the health of the tree, the ultimate responsibility will be borne by the City.
8. Olive trees shall be sprayed in the spring to reduce the production of olives and
shall be performed as part of the monthly service at no additional charge to the
City.
9. Contractor shall not be responsible for tree damage caused by tree roots.
IV. Replacement
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Comply with the following requirement: any plant material that may expire, due to
negligent maintenance procedures, shall be replaced by the Contractor, up to a
maximum fifteen-gallon size plant, at no extra cost to the City.
V. Debris Control
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. On a weekly basis, all lawns, planting beds, driveways and walkways shall be
cleaned of papers, bottles, excessive dust, and other types of debris.
2. On a weekly basis, rake and remove leaf debris after tree trimming.
3. As work in each area is completed, the clippings, trimmings, and debris shall be
picked up and removed from the property at the end of each workday to leave a
clean condition.
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Landscape Maintenance
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VI. Pest Control
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. A pervasive pest infestation that is out of the ordinary (e.g. an influx of snails,
whitefly, and lerp psyllid, etc.) requiring repeated pesticide applications may be
invoiced as extra work following written approval by the City. Contractor will bear
the responsibility to hire a California licensed pest control and fumigation sub-
contractor when the application of services is deemed necessary.
2. Contractor’s employees and subcontractors shall exercise the proper use of
chemical controls and spray equipment and take all established safety
precautions.
3. Contractor shall assume all supervision and responsibility for the application of
chemicals and insecticides that are used by Contractor’s employees and
subcontractors in performing contracted work.
4. Contractor will not be held responsible for children or pets that may ingest pellets,
granular products, or treated foliage, unless negligence on the part of the
Contractor is the cause.
VII. Irrigation Systems
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Inspect the irrigation systems weekly for broken and clogged heads,
malfunctioning or leaking valves, or any other condition, which hampers the normal
operation of the irrigation system.
2. The crew foreman shall manually sequence each automatic irrigation controller on
a scheduled basis to ensure that the irrigation system facets are operating
properly.
3. Contractor shall replace sprinkler heads damaged by normal landscape
maintenance operations at no charge to the City.
4. On a monthly basis, Contractor shall inspect sprinkler heads and make
adjustments, if necessary to conserve water and to provide the best possible
coverage and least possible spray onto buildings, fences, and tennis courts while
conserving water.
5. Contractor will not be held responsible for water damage resulting from sprinkler
heads located in close proximity to structures that over-spray in an unavoidable
manner.
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Landscape Maintenance
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6. Maintenance crew shall schedule watering area plant material on automatic
irrigation controllers in quantities and frequencies consistent with seasonal
requirements of the area plant materials.
7. Where practical, watering all vegetation shall be done at night or early morning if
the system is automatic, or unless directed otherwise by the City.
8. Repairs and/or replacement of automatic irrigation clocks, major valves, and major
piping may be performed and invoiced as extra work following written approval by
the City.
9. Minor replacement and repairs to sprinkler heads and pipes shall be performed at
no additional cost to the City.
10. Contractor shall note on a campus map in City Hall, location of repaired or replaced
sprinkler heads, and maintain a log of any irrigation work performed including the
date, location and reason for repair.
11. Maintenance crew must immediately report to the City any vandalism or accidental
damage caused by others. Repairs may be made and invoiced as an extra charge
following written approval by the City.
12. If the maintenance crew has determined that the automatic irrigation controller has
failed or malfunctioned, the City shall be instructed as to location of clocks and
backflow valves so that they may be turned off.
13. Contractor shall provide the City with a 24-hour emergency service telephone
number and designate a company person to receive emergency calls. Contractor
agrees to respond to City emergency calls during normal business hours (7:30am
to 5pm) and during non-business hours (5pm to 7:30am).
14. On a weekly basis, Contractor shall inspect and clean all drainage swales, and
grates on and leading from the property, and on a monthly basis inspect and clean
rain gutters on all structures.
15. Ensure irrigation heads erroneously capped during 2024 landscape design project
are restored to provide appropriate water to the newly planted succulents along
the perimeter of the two campus buildings.
VIII. Irrigation Systems (Other)
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Special Circumstances. Damage to landscape or irrigation systems caused by
others, such as other contractors working on the property, may be repaired and
invoiced as extra work following written approval by the City.
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Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 2/10/25
- 6 -
2. Stormwater Prevention. Pursuant to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) Permit, Public Agencies are required to implement programs to
minimize storm water pollution impacts from public agency activities, including
from landscape facilities management. Therefore, Contractor shall ensure that no
application of pesticides or fertilizers occurs immediately before, during, or
immediately after a rain event or when water is flowing off the area to be applied. In
addition, Contractor shall not apply any banned or unregistered pesticides or
fertilizers.
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Landscape Maintenance
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EXHIBIT B
See attached two pages “Fees”
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Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 2/10/25
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EXHIBIT C
Contractor shall address the tasks listed below and ensure, at regular intervals, that conditions
remain in compliance with the following tasks:
1. Flag Pole area – add more Dymondia per designs to cover appropriately and weed
area.
2. Green Portulacaria around perimeter of building requires regular irrigation for proper
growth.
3. Add missing Green Portulacaria per designs along northeast side of City Hall building
4. Weed along outside east fence
5. Dig out / properly remove Eleagnus stump at RHCA East garage storage are and and
trash area.
6. Check and fix irrigation around Lomandra at northwest corner of RHCA building porch
to ensure it is receiving proper water.
7. Clip Star Jasmine to less than 12” “tall growth” to stimulate.
8. Clip “old” Star Jasmine to 6” in March 2025 to refresh.
9. Clip Muhlenbergia to 6” in February 2025 and thereafter in December /January.
10. Remove “Volunteer” Fan Palm
Contractor is expected to have staff knowledgeable in maintaining campus per above and
attached design comments.
29
EXHIBIT C
Landscape Architect Design
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Landscape Maintenance
Agreement
- 11 -
EXHIBIT B
See attached two pages “Fees”
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Exhibit B - page 1 of 2
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Exhibit B - page 2 of 2
45
Agenda Item No.: 13.B
Mtg. Date: 02/10/2025
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:SAMANTHA CREW, MANAGEMENT ANALYST
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:CONSIDER AND APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITIES OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES, RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, ROLLING HILLS, AND ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
FOR THE PURPOSE OF COST SHARING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A
MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
DATE:February 10, 2025
BACKGROUND:
State and local government agencies are required to prepare comprehensive disaster
mitigation plans such as a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) per the Federal Disaster
Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA) and to be eligible for hazard mitigation grant funding. A LHMP
contains information about the type of hazards a community faces, and actions that can be
taken to reduce vulnerability. Hazards identified in the Plan include Earthquake, Fire,
Tsunami, Earth Movement, Hazardous Materials Event, Human-Caused Event, Utility Related
Event, and Cyber Terrorism. Rolling Hills adopted a Plan, developed by Emergency Planning
Consultants, in January 2019. This Plan has since expired.
In spring of 2024, staff from Rolling Hills Estates identified an opportunity for all four Peninsula
cities to collaborate in a multi-jurisdictional plan in 2025 and received directions from the
Peninsula Public Safety Committee (PPSC) to pursue the joint effort and apply for grant
funding. The PPSC is comprised of two City Council Members from each PVP jurisdiction and
oversees regional emergency preparedness and cross-jurisdictional public safety project
collaborations. The PPSC appointed an Ad-Hoc Committee that will guide important phases of
the Plan development.
Additionally identified for the next Plan update is the incorporation of the two Geologic Hazard
Abatement Districts (GHAD), Klondike Canyon Land Abatement District and Abalone Cove
Landslide Abatement District, in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. The GHADs are special
districts that could also benefit from this process by making them eligible to receive future
grant funding from state and federal emergency management agencies such as the
Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA).
46
In the fall of 2024, the City of Rolling Hills Estates, acting as the lead agency, applied for and
received a Cal OES/FEMA reimbursable grant award in the amount of up to $349,298 for the
development of the multi-jurisdiction plan through an emergency planning consultant. There is
a local match of 25% of the total approved project cost that would be shared by the PVP
cities.
Staff prepared a Request for Proposals (RFP) and received seven proposals by the deadline
of December 10, 2024. Councilmember Mirsch sits on the Ad-Hoc Committee and
participated in interviewing three of the selected firms on January 23, 2025: Constant
Associates ($334,404), Black and Veatch ($250,672), and Michael Baker International
($249,420). Black and Veatch was selected as the emergency consulting firm that best meets
the needs and expectations of this project, with the project team’s familiarity with GHADS,
specific Palos Verdes-region hazards (i.e. landslides), and extensive experience in
collaborating with Cal OES/FEMA. Reference verification confirms the firm’s ability to
develop comprehensive emergency plans, including multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation
plans.
A letter of intent was sent from Rolling Hills to the City of Rolling Hills Estates in August of
2023, which verified the City's commitment to engage in a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation
plan with the peninsula cities (Attachment A).
DISCUSSION:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Agreement for the joint project was prepared and
reviewed by each city’s respective legal counsel (Attachment C). The MOU will be presented
to each PVP City Councils for approval and to initiate the Plan development. The City of
Rolling Hills Estates will serve as the lead agency for the project, as detailed in the MOU, and
will directly enter into an Agreement with Black and Veatch, coordinating with the other
participating cities. The Plan must be ultimately approved by Cal OES/FEMA and adopted by
each city’s governing body.
The Plan is designed to have the following benefits:
Reduce loss of life and property, environmental harm, economic disruption, and disaster
costs.
Prioritize hazard mitigation at the local level with increased emphasis on planning and
public involvement, assessing risks, implementing loss reduction measures, and
ensuring critical facilities/services survive a disaster.
Promote education and economic incentives to form community-based partnerships and
leverage non-federal resources to commit to and implement long-term hazard mitigation
activities.
LHMPs are long-term strategies to reduce disaster losses and break the cycle of disaster
damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. The LHMP goes through an update every five
years. Mitigation plans must be reviewed and updated, formally approved by federal and state
governing bodies, and then formally adopted by the local governing body (City/Special District)
as part of receiving approval. City staff will return to the City Council at a future meeting for
Plan approval and adoption.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The project will be largely funded by the grant award, with 25% of the project amount cost
47
shared by the PVP cities according to the established cost-sharing formula utilized for other
PVP regional projects.
A detailed cost proposal provided by the selected emergency planning consultant Black and
Veatch (Attachment B - Exhibit A in the MOU Agreement) outlines the work to be performed
on behalf of the PVP cities and GHADs. The following is the anticipated cost breakdown with
Cal OES/FEMA grant funding 75% of total project cost:
Black and Veatch overall cost proposal - $250,672
CalOES/FEMA grant funding - $188,004
Cost allocation formula for project proposal amount (25%) - $62,668
City of Rolling Hills (7%) - $4,386.76
City of Palos Verdes Estates (20%) - $12,533.60
City of Rancho Palos Verdes (60%) - $37,600.80
City of Rolling Hills Estates (13%) - $8,146.84
The cost-sharing formula is based on the city population, number of dwelling units, and area
square footage.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - PS_HMP_230803_LOI_PVP_JointHMP_E.pdf
Attachment B - CA_MOU_250131_PVP_JointHMP_Black&Veatch_CostProposal.pdf
Attachment C - CA_MOU_250203_PVP_JointHMP_F.pdf
48
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50
PROPRIETARY & CONFIDENTIAL
Cost Proposal for
Palos Verdes Peninsula
Multi-Jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Rolling Hills Estates
December 10, 2024
51
Black & Veatch Corporation
550 S. Hope Street, Suite 2250, Los Angeles, CA 90071
P +1 913-458-7346 E FlanerRB@bv.com
PALOS VERDES PENINSULA
MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
BLACK & VEATCH i
December 10, 2024
City of Rolling Hills Estates
4045 Palos Verdes Drive North
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
310-377-1577
Attn: Jessica Slawson, Assistant to the City Manager
RE: Cost Proposal Palos Verdes Peninsula Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Dear Ms. Slawson and Selection Committee:
As a supplement to our technical proposal to prepare a Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation plan for the
Palos Verdes Peninsula Planning Partnership, the Black & Veatch Corporation submits the following cost
proposal for completing the scope of work provided in the technical proposal. Black & Veatch is a respected
leader in developing innovative tools for mitigation, resilience, and emergency management planning,
engineering, and risk modeling, which have been invaluable in hazard mitigation planning. The following cost
proposal has utilized our team’s vast resume of experience of completing local hazard mitigation plans on-
time and on-budget. Please note that our hourly rates are widely accepted by our clients and the FEMA hazard
mitigation grant program. As requested in the RFP, we have provided:
A. The Black & Veatch Rate Schedule for the duration of the contract
B. The total cost to perform the scope of work in its entirety, including a breakdown of the costs for each
phase of the proposed scope of work.
C. The Black & Veatch payment disbursement schedule
D. A listing of other direct costs anticipated to complete the proposed scope of work
Black & Veatch appreciates the opportunity to provide this proposal and successfully develop your multi-
jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan. We have reviewed the Request for Proposals and have no exceptions to
its specifications. All contents of this proposal are true and correct and shall remain valid for 90 days following
the date of this submittal. If you have any questions, please contact Rob Flaner at 913-458-7346 or
FlanerRB@bv.com. As an authorized representative of the firm, I am authorized and empowered to sign this
proposal and bind the firm in contractual commitments.
Very truly yours,
Matt Thomas
Associate Vice President
Black & Veatch
52
Black & Veatch Corporation
550 S. Hope Street, Suite 2250, Los Angeles, CA 90071
P +1 913-458-7346 E FlanerRB@bv.com
PALOS VERDES PENINSULA
MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
BLACK & VEATCH 1
Cost Proposal
A key factor that sets Black & Veatch apart from other vendors is our highly
qualified staff who bring added value to the Palos Verdes Peninsula Planning
Partnership while staying within your grant budget. Companies do not write
these plans. Their people do!
PRICING, AND INFORMATION
Our stated costs are organized by work plan phase and are fully inclusive of all labor and direct reimbursable
charges. Our hourly rates are widely accepted by our clients and the FEMA hazard mitigation grant program.
Estimates are based on our recent and relevant experience working with similar agencies in California and
across the country.
In the tables below, we have broken down the costs by task, hours per task, hours per personnel classification,
and a total cost for the entire project:
TABLE 1. BLACK & VEATCH’S RATE SCHEDULE
PROJECT POSITION BILL RATE PROJECTED HOURS
QA/QC Coordinator $255.00 17
Project Manager $245.00 115
Financial Management $245.00 17
MJ Plan Process Coordinator $210.00 80
Risk Assessment Lead $195.00 111
Outreach Lead $185.00 112
Editor $175.00 64
Lead Project Planner $165.00 221
Capabilities & Mitigation Strategies Lead $165.00 63
Planner 4 $155.00 42
GIS-Risk Assessment 3 $155.00 53
GIS-Risk Assessment 2 $145.00 53
Planner 1 $145.00 52
GIS-StoryMap $140.00 67
GIS-Risk Assessment 1 $135.00 25
Planner 2 $135.00 109
Project Controls $125.00 13
Planner 3 $125.00 127
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PALOS VERDES PENINSULA
MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
BLACK & VEATCH 2
PROJECT POSITION BILL RATE PROJECTED HOURS
Project Accountant $110.00 13
Project Biller $110.00 13
Total 1367
TABLE 2. BLACK & VEATCH’S COST BREAKDOWN, BY PHASE
PHASE LABOR COSTS ODCS* HOURS TOTAL
Phase 1: Organize Resources & Planning Process $39,120 $1,996 223 $41,116
Phase 2: Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment $49,825 $11,970 310 $61,795
Phase 3: Public Engagement & Outreach Strategy $33,950 $4,756 208 $38,706
Phase 4: Assess Capability & Identify Mitigation
Strategies $19,060 $0 116 $19,060
Phase 5: Develop A Plan Maintenance Strategy $7,700 $0 50 $7,700
Phase 6: Assemble the Plan $59,840 $270 337 $60,110
Phase 7: Plan Approval & Adoptions $8,050 $0 42 $8,050
Phase 8: Project Management $14,135 $0 81 $14,135
Total $231,680 $18,992 1367 $250,672
*ODCs include all other direct charges such as travel, Per Diem and sub-contractor costs
PAYMENT DISBURSEMENT SCHEDULE
If awarded, Black & Veatch will bill the City of Rolling Hills Estates monthly based on a percent complete by
phase. Each invoice will be accompanied by a progress report that will summarize the tasks completed that
month by phase.
LISTING OF ANY OTHER COSTS CHARGED BY FIRM
As shown in the table above, we have included other costs within the column called “ODCs”. ODCs may
include the following:
Travel Expenses: Reimbursement for travel expenses incurred during on-site visits, including
transportation, lodging, and meals, will be billed at cost.
Printing and Reproduction: Costs for printing and reproducing documents, reports, and materials will
be billed at cost.
Specialized Software or Data Acquisition: Any specialized software or data acquisition required for the
project will be billed at cost, with prior approval from the City of Rolling Hills Estates.
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PALOS VERDES PENINSULA
MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
BLACK & VEATCH 3
PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS
Terms and Conditions. This proposal is contingent on the acceptance of mutually acceptable terms and
conditions, invoicing, and payment terms.
Planning Partnership: For this proposed scope of work, the “Planning Partnership” is defined as the following
jurisdictions that will be seeking coverage under the final plan:
City of Palos Verdes Estates
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
City of Rolling Hills
City of Rolling Hills Estates
Klondike Canyon Geologic Hazard Abatement District
Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District
Period of Performance. To the extent the period of performance is required to be extended due to reasons
beyond Black & Veatch’s control, such unforeseen circumstances may result in an increase in the project
timeline and budget.
Data Collection: At the onset of the project, the Black & Veatch team shall provide the Planning Partnership
with a specific list of data needs required for development of an MJHMP. The Planning Partnership shall
provide as much of this data as possible to the Black & Veatch team at the start of this project. These data
include relevant local government planning documents and GIS shapefiles/ geodatabases. The relevant local
government plans include, but are not limited to, general plans, emergency operations plans (EOPs), fire
management plans, hazard risk assessments, zoning ordinances, stormwater management plans, other local
plans, other Homeland Security assessment surveys, and ISO Building Code Effectiveness ratings.
Black & Veatch will deliver all GIS datasets (shapefile or geo-database format) generated for this
project. If there is a need for development by the Black & Veatch team of any GIS and other spatial
datasets, either from paper map sources or otherwise, these shall be created at accuracy levels
suitable for the levels of analysis and presentation required to meet the requirements of DMA
planning.
During this planning effort, except for use of Hazus-MH, Black & Veatch will be using GIS and other
data provided by the Planning Partnership, and publicly available data (county GIS, state GIS, etc.).
Black & Veatch shall not be responsible for developing metadata for data provided by others, other
than providing any metadata that may have been included with those datasets and amending same if
these data are modified by Black & Veatch. GIS and assessor data will be provided to Black & Veatch
at no charge.
The Black & Veatch team’s proposed scope and budget include developing a critical facility inventory
for the Palos Verdes Peninsula planning area. The Black & Veatch team will accept any spatial data the
Planning Partnership already has either from the current planning efforts, or as part of their GIS
inventory that may be used for the critical facility inventory. Black & Veatch will compile and
consolidate the data into one geodatabase to be compliant with FEMA’s Hazus CDMS program.
If no GIS files are available for the critical facility inventory, the Planning Partnership may provide the
Black & Veatch team one spreadsheet file containing the following attributes for all facilities that
55
PALOS VERDES PENINSULA
MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
BLACK & VEATCH 4
should be evaluated in the risk assessment (point facilities only; not polygons or lines): name, address
or geographic coordinates, facility type. The Black & Veatch team will geocode the facilities provided
and generate a shapefile for the planning area.
Black & Veatch will not generate metadata for any new data generated for the purposes of this
project.
Notwithstanding the above assumptions and limitations, Black & Veatch assumes that it will not be
responsible for development of any other GIS datasets not currently publicly available. The Black &
Veatch team will be responsible only for use, manipulation, editing, and/or enhancement of existing
GIS datasets.
Black & Veatch assumes that digital floodplain mapping is readily available in formats suitable for
direct incorporation and analysis using Hazus, and that this mapping will be provided to Black &
Veatch at no charge.
It is assumed that the Black & Veatch team will utilize existing, publicly available hazard datasets. We
will not create new hazard datasets.
Each municipal city will be responsible for requesting NFIP datasets from Cal OES and FEMA via an
Information Sharing Access Agreement (ISAA), and associated documentation. This may require
Black & Veatch to be identified as a contractor with permission to use NFIP data in the HMP. If the
NFIP statistics are not received from Cal OES or FEMA prior to the first draft, the previous HMP
statistics will be listed as a placeholder.
StoryMap: The Black & Veatch scope of work for this project proposes the development of an ESRI StoryMap
that will have legacy beyond the completion of this project, that will become part of the continuing public
involvement requirement for Local Hazard Mitigation Plans. Since the legacy of this StoryMap will extend
beyond the contact term for this project, the StoryMap will need to be constructed on a platform for which the
Planning Partnership has authorization and control to maintain the StoryMap. The StoryMap would be under
an ESRI license and ESRI’s authorized access from within the Planning Partnership. An alias account will need
to be provided to Black & Veatch to develop the StoryMap and host/store data and manage the application.
This scope of work has assumed that the Planning Partnership will authorize access to Black & Veatch
personnel to an ESRI account for construction of the StoryMap during the contract term. This access will be
rescinded at the completion of the Contract term. Please note that if the City or Planning Partners do not have
an ESRI license, the Black & Veatch team will create the StoryMap on our platform and transfer it to the
County for legacy at the conclusion of the planning process.
Risk Assessment: This proposal is based on the inclusion of the hazards based on the current HMPs and up
to two additional hazards if deemed appropriate by the HMPC. With mutual agreement by Planning
Partnership and Black & Veatch, some hazards may be combined, or additional hazards may be included.
Our proposed Hazus, level -2 user-defined facility analysis includes one (1) dam failure scenario, two (2) flood
scenarios (one coastal and one riverine), up to four (4) earthquake scenarios, two (2) landslide scenarios (one
rapid and one slow moving scenario), one (1) sea-level rise scenario and one (1) tsunami scenario.
Following FEMA’s HHPD criteria (Element G) in the Plan Review Tool, Black & Veatch’s analysis for dam failure
will include only the high-hazard and significant-hazard dams. This analysis will be contingent upon available
spatial data, including inundation areas and information on each dam provided by the Planning Partnership for
analysis. Black & Veatch is not responsible for the creation of dam inundation or depth data for dam
inundation areas.
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PALOS VERDES PENINSULA
MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
BLACK & VEATCH 5
Document Preparation. Black & Veatch will develop the plan in MS Word using an agreed upon style guide, if
available, in English. We will draft up to three style templates in MS Word for the client to select the final style
to be used. The plan will include the use of hazard icons (one per hazard) and hazard mapping. Graphical
summaries will be included in the Executive Summary.
Document Review: Throughout the planning process, the HMPC shall be expected to review MJLHMP-related
material and provide feedback within 2 weeks of delivery. Feedback will be provided in MS Word track
changes with all reviewer’s comments consolidated into one edited section by a lead designated by the
HMPC.
It is understood that comments regarding the Internal Review Draft Plan, Public Comment Draft Plan,
and Agency Submittal Draft Plan are important and may be offered by committees or others at any
time throughout the process, and the Black & Veatch team will make every reasonable attempt to
address these comments in the plan documents. However, in the interest of schedule and budget, this
proposal is based on the inclusion of one round of comments for each draft and it shall remain the
discretion of Black & Veatch to consider and address comments offered after mutually agreed-upon
review/response deadlines.
Incorporation of FEMA required revisions, if any, will be addressed for the final plan and any
recommended revisions will be at the discretion of the Black & Veatch team.
It is assumed that Black & Veatch’s cost of services does not include translation services for the draft
or final plan documents.
If the Planning Partnership desires the plan to be Section 508 compliant, this will only be available for
the final PDF for posting on the MJHMP dedicated website.
Meetings: Black & Veatch will be responsible for developing all meeting materials and follow-up meeting
minutes in English. A Planning Partnership representative will be responsible for any reproduction of these
materials. This scope of work has assumed that access to venues for all in-person meetings will be provided
at no cost to Black & Veatch. The Planning Partnership will support the announcement of all meetings via
available media channels.
Meetings will be held during regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday unless
otherwise stated in this proposal. Meetings will not be held on the day immediately before or after a
recognized holiday. Black & Veatch assumes that the Planning Partnership will be responsible for any requests
for resources to achieve ADA compliance or verbal translation for all meetings.
The scope and budget for Phase 1 of the scope of work has assumed an on-site presence of key Black &
Veatch personnel for no fewer than three HMPC meetings.
Public Outreach Translation: If the Planning Partnership desires to use Spanish translations of public outreach
materials, Black & Veatch will be responsible for translating public surveys (not to exceed 2 surveys), social
media posts (not to exceed 4 posts), press releases (not to exceed 2 press releases), and public information
flyers (not to exceed 2 flyers) about the planning process from English to Spanish. Any other language
accessibility needs will be provided by the Planning Partnership at no charge to Black & Veatch.
Schedule: Black & Veatch has proposed a 14-month schedule for this project, with an option to condense that
schedule to 11-months. To condense this schedule, the Planning Partnership will need to notify the Black &
Veatch team at the project’s onset that it will chose the “early plan adoption protocol” (Option 1) under Phase 7
of the scope of work.
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4882-9525-1169 v4 1
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
CITIES OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES, RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, ROLLING HILLS, AND ROLLING HILLS
ESTATES RELATING TO COST SHARING FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE
THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (“MOU”) is entered into as of
_________, 2025, between the CITY OF PALOS VERDES ESTATES, a general law city and
California municipal corporation (“Palos Verdes Estates”), the CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, a general law city and California municipal corporation (“Rancho Palos Verdes”), the
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, a general law city and California municipal corporation (“Rolling
Hills”), and the CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, a general law city and California
municipal corporation (“Rolling Hills Estates” or “Lead Agency”). Each of the foregoing cities
may be referred to individually as a “Member” and collectively as the “Members.”
RECITALS
A. The cities of Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, and Rolling
Hills Estates are all located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
B. The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (“DMA”) established requirements
for state and local government agencies to prepare comprehensive Disaster Mitigation Plans to be
eligible for hazard mitigation grant funding. The DMA aims to control federal costs associated
with disaster assistance while prioritizing hazard mitigation at the local level.
C. A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (“LHMP” or “Plan”) is a long-term strategy to
reduce disaster losses and break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage.
An LHMP must be updated at least every five years. A LHMP must be reviewed and updated,
formally approved by federal and state governing bodies, and then formally adopted by the local
governing body (city/special district).
D. Over the last several LHMP update cycles, the cities of Rolling Hills Estates and
Rancho Palos Verdes have partnered to develop and maintain a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan.
E. All four Peninsula cities desire to collaborate for the next LHMP update in 2025.
F. The cities also desire in the next Plan update to incorporate two Geologic Hazard
Abatement Districts (“GHADs”): Klondike Canyon Land Abatement District and Abalone Cove
Landslide Abatement District, which are located in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. These
GHADs are special districts that could also benefit from the planning process and the Plan, which
would enable them to receive grant funding from state and federal emergency management
agencies such as the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
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G. The Members have reviewed the proposal from and desire to enter into a contract
(“Contract”) with Black & Veach (“Consultant”) to assist in the preparation of the 2025 update to
the LHMP at a cost not to exceed $252,672 without the approval of the Members.
H. The Members further desire to divide the costs of the Consultant Contract as
provided in this MOU.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises, terms, conditions and covenants
contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
1. Recitals Incorporated. The recitals are incorporated by reference and made a part
of this MOU, as are the attached exhibits.
2. Purposes. The purposes of this MOU are to cooperatively fund the services of the
Consultant to prepare the updated 2025 LHMP and to administer the Contract.
3. Initiation and Term.
(a) Initiation of MOU. Upon the approval of the MOU by any Member, and
provided that within 60 days of such approval, at least two (2) other Members including the Lead
Agency have approved this MOU, this MOU will become effective.
(b) Effective Date of MOU. This MOU will become effective on the last date
to occur of the following: (i) the approval of this MOU by at least three (3) members, and (ii) Lead
Agency executing the Contract (“Effective Date”).
(c) Term. The MOU will remain in effect from the Effective Date until
termination in accordance with Section 9, and the termination of the Consultant Contract.
4. Lead Agency. The City of Rolling Hills Estates agrees:
(a) Consultant Contract. To enter into the Contract. The other Members will
not be in privity of contract with the Consultant, and the Lead Agency relies on the Members to
fulfill their obligations under this MOU. The Lead Agency will notify the other Members in writing
at least 10 days prior to any proposed change to the Contract.
(b) Invoice. To invoice the Members in amounts not exceeding the invoice
amounts shown in Exhibit A, which amounts are subject to change pursuant to Section 5(a) below.
(c) Expenditure. To utilize the funds deposited by the Members only for the
administration of the Contract.
(d) Accounting. To provide an accounting of the Contract costs and to provide
such accounting to the Members within 60 days following (i) the end of each fiscal year (June 30)
that this MOU remains in effect, (ii) the withdrawal of any Member, (iii) the termination of the
MOU, or (iv) the request of any Member.
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(e) Reports. To provide to the Members periodic reports concerning the
development of the draft updated LHMP, at such frequency as the Members may mutually agree.
5. Duties of All Members. The Members agree:
(a) Payment. To pay to the Lead Agency their proportional share of the
Contract as shown in Exhibit A no later than 30 days from the invoice date. The cost estimates
presented in Exhibit A have been agreed upon by the Members and are subject to changes in the
actual cost of the Contract. The percentages to be paid by each Member under the below Cost
Allocation Formula (“Formula”) are as follows:
COST ALLOCATION FORMULA
(FORMULA)
Member Percentage
City of Palos Verdes Estates 20%
City of Rancho Palos Verdes 60%
City of Rolling Hills 7%
City of Rolling Hills Estates 13%
(b) Documentation. To make a good faith effort to cooperate with one another
to achieve the purposes of this MOU by providing all requested information and documentation in
their possession and available for release to the Consultant that is deemed necessary by the
Members to implement the Contract.
(c) Access. To allow reasonable access and entry to the Consultant, on an as
needed basis during the term of this MOU, to each Member’s public property to achieve the
purposes of this MOU and the Contract.
6. Obligation for Debts and Liabilities.
(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this MOU, no Member will be
individually responsible for any of the debts, liabilities or obligations of any other Member, nor
will they have any liabilities under the Contract, but they will be responsible for paying the Lead
Agency so that the Lead Agency can manage the Consultant and the preparation of the updated
LHMP.
(b) This MOU does not create any legal entity under the Joint Exercise of
Powers Act (Govt. Code Sec. 6500 et. seq.) or any other law, which would authorize the execution
of contracts, provide the right to sue or be sued, or which would otherwise create a separate legal
entity under the laws of California. Instead, this MOU establishes a mutual understanding to carry
out a project beneficial to existing governmental entities to promote public health and safety.
7. Indemnification.
(a) Generally. Each Member agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless
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each other Member, including its elected and appointed officers, employees, agents, attorneys, and
designated volunteers from and against any and all liability, including, but not limited to demands,
claims, actions, fees, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s and expert witness fees),
arising from or connected with the respective acts of each Member arising from or related to this
MOU; provided, however, that no Member is obligated to indemnify another Member for that
Member’s own negligence or willful misconduct.
(b) Government Code Section 895.2. In light of the provisions of California
Government Code section 895.2 imposing certain tort liability jointly upon public entities solely
by reason of such entities being parties to an agreement (as defined in Section 895 of the
Government Code), each of the Members, pursuant to the authorization contained in Government
Code sections 895.4 and 895.6, agrees to assume the full liability imposed upon it or any of its
officers, agents, or employees, by law for injury caused by any act or omission occurring in the
performance of this MOU to the same extent such liability would be imposed in the absence of
Government Code section 895.2 . To achieve the above stated purpose, each Member agrees to
indemnify, defend, and holds harmless each other Member for any liability, cost, or expense that
may be imposed upon such other Member solely by virtue of Government Code section 895.2.
The provisions of Section 2778 of the California Civil Code are made a part of this MOU as if
incorporated herein.
(c) Privileges and Immunities. All of the privileges and immunities from
liability, exemptions from laws, ordinances, and rules, all pension, relief, disability, worker’s
compensation, and other benefits which apply to the activity of officers, agents, or employees of
any Member when performing their respective functions within the territorial limits of the
Member, will apply to them to the same degree and extent while engaged in the performance on
any of their functions and duties extraterritorially under this MOU.
8. Disputes. Each Member will have a reasonable opportunity to assert matters which
it believes have not been undertaken in accordance with the MOU, to explain the basis for such
assertion, and to receive from the other Member a justification of its position on such matters. If,
on the basis of the Members’ review of any terms of the MOU, any Member concludes that another
Member has not complied in good faith with the terms of the MOU, then such Member may issue
a written “Notice of Non-Compliance” specifying the grounds therefore and all facts
demonstrating such non-compliance, which Notice will be served on the alleged noncompliant
Member along with all other Members. The alleged noncompliant Member will have 30 days to
cure or remedy the non-compliance identified in the Notice of Non-Compliance, or if such cure or
remedy is not reasonably capable of being cured or remedied within such 30-day period, to
commence to cure or remedy the non-compliance and to diligently and in good faith prosecute
such cure or remedy to completion. If the Member receiving the Notice of Non-Compliance does
not believe it is out of compliance and contests the Notice, it may do so by responding in writing
to the Notice within 30 days after receipt of the Notice. The Notice of Non-Compliance, and any
response thereto, must be sent to all Members. If the response to the Notice of Non-Compliance
has not been received in the offices of the Member alleging the non-compliance within the
prescribed time period, the Notice of Non-Compliance will be conclusively presumed to be valid.
If a Notice of Non-Compliance is contested, the Members will, for a period of not less than 30
days following receipt of the response, seek to arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution of the
matter(s) occasioning the Notice. The Lead Agency will notify in writing all Members within 15
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days of any Member failing to cure an alleged non-compliance with the terms or conditions of this
MOU. The compliant Members will determine the next course of action, which may include the
termination of a Member’s participation in the MOU.
9. Termination and Withdrawal.
(a) Termination of MOU. This MOU may be terminated upon the express
written agreement of all Members. If this MOU is terminated all existing costs must be paid with
all Members paying their proportionate share in accordance with the Formula. Thereafter, all
Members must agree on the equitable redistribution of remaining funds deposited, if there are any.
Completed Contract work will be owned by the Member or Members who fund the completion of
such work.
(b) Withdrawal. If a Member wishes to withdraw from this MOU for any
reason, that Member must give the other Members prior written notice thereof. The remaining
Members have the option of completing the LHMP (without inclusion of planning for the area of
the withdrawing Member) and assuming the cost thereof, and making a proportionate adjustment
to the Formula per Section 5. The effective date of withdrawal will be 60-days after the Lead
Agency receives written notice of a Member’s intent to withdraw, and the Lead Agency will
provide the remaining Members with written notice of the effective date of such Member’s
withdrawal. The withdrawing Member will be responsible for its proportionate share of costs of
the Consultant Contract incurred through the effective date of withdrawal. Should any Member
withdraw from this MOU, the remaining Members’ cost share allocation, if any, will be adjusted
in accordance with the cost allocation formula in Exhibit A.
10. General Provisions.
(a) Cooperation. The Members agree to fully cooperate with one another to
attain the purposes of this MOU.
(b) Voluntary. This MOU is voluntarily entered into to attain the purposes of
this MOU.
(c) Notices. Any notices, bills, invoices, or reports relating to this MOU, and
any request, demand, statement, or other communication required or permitted hereunder must be
in writing and must be delivered to the representatives of the Members at the addresses set forth
in Exhibit B attached hereto. The Members must promptly notify each other of any change of
contact information, including personnel changes, provided in Exhibit B. Written notice may
include notice delivered via e-mail. A notice will be deemed to have been received on (i) the date
of delivery, if delivered by hand during regular business hours, or by e-mail; or (ii) on the third
(3rd) business day following mailing by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to
the addresses set forth in Exhibit B. “Regular business hours” in the case of Palos Verdes Estates
does not include Fridays when City Hall is closed.
(d) Administration. For the purposes of this MOU, the Members hereby
designate as their respective Member representatives the persons named in Exhibit B. The
designated Member representatives, or their respective designees, will administer the terms and
conditions of this MOU on behalf of their respective Member.
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(e) Relationship of the Members. The Members are, and will at all times remain
as to each other, wholly independent entities. No Member to this MOU will have power to incur
any debt, obligation, or liability on behalf of any other Member unless expressly provided to the
contrary by this MOU. No employee, agent, or officer of a Member will be deemed for any purpose
whatsoever to be an agent, employee, or officer of another Member.
(f) Binding Effect. This MOU is binding upon, and will inure to the benefit of
the respective successors, heirs, and assigns of each Member; provided, however, no Member may
assign its respective rights or obligations under this MOU without prior written consent of the
other Members.
(g) Amendment. The terms and provisions of this MOU may not be amended,
modified, or waived, except by an instrument in writing signed by all non-delinquent Members.
For purposes of this subsection, a Member will be considered delinquent if that Member fails to
timely pay an invoice as required by Section 5(a), withdraws pursuant to Section 9(b), or fails to
substantially comply with the terms and/or conditions of this MOU pursuant to Section 8.
(h) Law to Govern. This MOU is governed by, interpreted under, and construed
and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
(i) Severability. If any provision of this MOU is determined by any court to be
invalid, illegal, or unenforceable to any extent, then the remainder of this MOU will not be
affected, and this MOU will be construed as if the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had
never been contained in this MOU.
(j) Entire Agreement. This MOU constitutes the entire agreement of the
Members with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(k) Waiver. Waiver by any Member to this MOU of any term, condition, or
covenant of this MOU will not constitute a waiver of any other term, condition, or covenant.
Waiver by any Members to any breach of the provisions of this MOU will not constitute a waiver
of any other provision, nor a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation of any provision of this
MOU.
(1) No Presumption in Drafting. All Members have been represented by legal
counsel in the preparation and negotiation of this MOU. Accordingly, this MOU will be construed
according to its fair language. Any ambiguities will be resolved in a collaborative manner by the
Members and must be rectified by amending this MOU as described in Section l0(g).
(l) Counterparts. This MOU may be executed in counterparts, which together
will constitute the same and entire MOU.
(m) Corporate Authority. The person(s) executing this MOU on behalf of each
of the Members represent and warrant that (i) such party, if not an individual, is duly organized
and existing, (ii) they are duly authorized to execute and deliver this MOU on behalf of such
Member, (iii) by so executing so Member is formally bound to the provisions of this MOU, and
(iv) the entering into this MOU does not violate any provision of any other agreement to which
such party is bound.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Members have caused this MOU to be executed
and attested by its duly authorized officers as of the dates set forth below.
PALOS VERDES ESTATES
__________________________________
Dated: ________________ By: Victoria Lozzi, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM
__________________________________
Dated: ________________ By: Trevor Rusin, City Attorney
Dated: ________________ ATTEST:
__________________________________
Tameka Cook, City Clerk
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RANCHO PALOS VERDES
__________________________________
Dated: ________________ By: , Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM
__________________________________
Dated: ________________ By: , City Attorney
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ROLLING HILLS
__________________________________
Dated: ________________ By: Jeff Pieper, Mayor
ATTEST:
By: Christian Horvath, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM
__________________________________
Dated: _________________ By: Patrick Donegan, City Attorney
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ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
__________________________________
Dated: ________________ By: Debby Stegura, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM
__________________________________
Dated: ________________ By: Donald M. Davis, City Attorney
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EXHIBIT A
BLACK AND VEATCH COST PROPOSAL: $250,672
COST ALLOCATION FORMULA
FOR PROJECT PROPOSAL AMOUNT
(25% GRANT SHARE): $62,668
Member Percentage Cost Share
City of Palos Verdes Estates 20% $12,553
City of Rancho Palos Verdes 60% $37,600
City of Rolling Hills 7% $4,386
City of Rolling Hills Estates 13% $8,146
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EXHIBIT B
CITY ADDRESSES
Kerry Kallman, City Manager
City of Palos Verdes Estates
340 Palos Verdes Drive West
(310) 378-0383
Fax: (310) 378-7820
Karina Banales, City Manager
City of Rolling Hills
2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
(310) 377-1521
Greg Grammer, City Manager
City of Rolling Hills Estates
4045 Palos Verdes Drive North
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
(310) 377-1577
Fax: (310) 377-4468
Ara Mihranian, City Manager
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 544-5203
Fax: (310) 544-5293
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Agenda Item No.: 15.A
Mtg. Date: 02/10/2025
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:SAMANTHA CREW, MANAGEMENT ANALYST
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:
RECEIVE AND FILE A PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS UPDATE
DATE:February 10, 2025
BACKGROUND:
Ensuring public safety is a primary consideration for the City. The following highlights recent
efforts related to utility shutoffs and ongoing work to better prepare the City and the public for
disasters. The City’s responsibilities include managing and advancing the Emergency
Operations Center (EOC), conducting EOC training, maintaining alert and warning systems,
coordinating with first responders and multiple jurisdictions, supporting the Block Captain
Program, and promoting fire fuel education. Preserving life and property remains at the core of
this critical work.
DISCUSSION:
The following details the City's current efforts in disaster response and readiness. By
presenting a comprehensive Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Report, the City can
effectively allocate resources, identify areas for improvement and enhance the community's
overall resilience to local hazards. The City has the benefit of collaborating on public safety
issues with other Palos Verdes Peninsula cities and works hand-in-hand with the first
responders to ensure all partners are actively engaged. This monthly report disseminates
timely updates and looks ahead to future goals.
Utility Shutoffs
Over the course of five months, specific areas of Rolling Hills have continued to experience
natural gas and power shutoffs due to land movement concerns raised by utility companies.
As of October 2024, the City was informed that 12 properties might have power restored,
pending permits and inspections. In January 2025, Southern California Edison (SCE) met with
City staff and Councilmember Mirsch to discuss solutions identified by the utility company to
re-energize all affected properties in Rolling Hills. SCE requires properties to pass electrical
70
inspections conducted by its own inspectors, as well as structural inspections performed by
Los Angeles County Building and Safety (LACBS) or Willdan, as conditions for re-
energization. The City has been cooperating with SCE by providing the necessary permitting
information. To support impacted residents, the City has waived permit fees and expedited the
permitting process to ensure power can be restored as quickly as possible for those who wish
to proceed. The City will continue to work with the utility companies to restore gas and power
to affected residents.
Re-energization
The City continues to host coordination meetings with its utility partners. Objectives for these
meetings include receiving detailed updates and keeping the utility companies on task to find
solutions to the power shutoffs. Recently, with the promise of power restoration from SCE,
staff frequently meet with LACBS and Willdan to verify inspections are underway, and
residents are receiving expedited services.
Community Dinners
On January 30, the City hosted a community dinner for residents impacted by the utility shut-
offs. The meal was provided by Bettolino Kitchen in Torrance. The Women's Community Club
of Rolling Hills prepared desserts, and the Rolling Hills Community Association generously
offered water and coffee. The Block Captains assisted with setup, serving, and cleanup. The
City appreciates the generosity of everyone who assisted in this event.
Recent Fire Events
On January 7, 2025, a fire broke out in the Pacific Palisades. The fire quickly expanded, and
evacuations became necessary due to the rapid wind-driven event. Later that day, the Eaton
fire broke out, and then the Hurst fire. These fires were among the most destructive fires in
California history, according to Cal Fire. While there were other LA County fires during this
time period, the currently available January 2025 windstorm and wildfires incident summaries
are as follows:
Palisades Fire
Acreage burned – 23,448
Destroyed Structures - 6,837
Fatalities - 12
Eaton Fire
Acreage burned – 14,021
Destroyed Structures – 9,418
Fatalities - 17
Hughes Fire
Acreage burned – 10,425
Given that Rolling Hills is located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ),
designated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the City has been on
high alert following the devastating fires in the northern part of the county. City staff, Public
Safety partners and the other peninsula cities are in constant contact and addressing
concerns as they arise.
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CITY PROGRAMMING
Quarterly Fire Fuel Meeting
On January 30, 2025, City staff held its quarterly Fire Fuel Meeting. Representatives from the
Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD), Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and
Measures, SCE, Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC) and the Los Angeles
County Forestry Division/Brush Clearance Defensible Space Unit were in attendance. The
meeting served as an introductory opportunity for Management Analyst Samantha Crew, who
will take the lead for the meetings after the departure of the City’s Planning and Community
Services Director.
At the January meeting, the PVPLC discussed the results from work that had been completed
to expand the clearance area, adjacent to Quailridge Road South, Running Brand Road, and
led into the preserve. The contracted work has been beneficial in the reduction of fire fuel,
creating fire breaks beyond the required 200 feet from any structures. PVPLC removed dry
brush, hazardous trees and shrubs and invasive weeds such as non-native black mustard.
The now-expired two-year contract broke the seed bank, and there was a big decrease in the
return of the mustard plant. Additional benefits are the appearance of more native flowers like
milkweed and other wildflowers which is good for Monarch Butterflies, native and endangered
bird species like Gnat Catchers, Cactus Wren and general habitat restoration.
LACFD Battalion Chief Butorovich discussed the Fire Department's strategies for the
upcoming 2025 Brush Clearance inspections. It is anticipated that there will be a high volume
of re-inspections this season due to the department's commitment to issuing non-compliance
notifications if standards are unmet during the initial inspection.
Prohibited Hazardous Plants and Trees
The Rolling Hills Municipal code 8.30.015 states that no person shall plant on any property,
place or area within the boundaries of the City any of the following plants and trees: pine;
pampas grass; palm; juniper; acacia (shrub); eucalyptus; cedar; cypress; and Italian cypress.
Any such new planting of pine, pampas grass, palm, juniper, acacia (shrub), eucalyptus,
cedar, cypress, and Italian cypress is hereby declared to be a public nuisance.
Home Hardening
In collaboration with the LACFD, the Block Captain Program has constructed five (5)
comprehensive and educational videos on how to properly harden homes against wildfires. In
preparation for the dry season, it is more important, now than ever before, to be prepared and
informed of how to execute proper fire prevention safety measures. A link to the videos is
available at Rolling-Hills.org
Palos Verdes Peninsula Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP)
Rolling Hills Estates is lead agency in the collaborative update of the all-hazards MJHMP that
consist of six jurisdictions PVE, RPV, RHE, RH and two Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts:
Klondike Canyon Geologic Hazard Abatement District and Abalone Cove Landslide
Abatement District. An Ad-Hoc Committee consisting of one City Council member from each
City will participate throughout the development of the plan. Interviews are currently being
scheduled with consultants who can perform all necessary work required for the preparation
and adoption of the MJHMP in full conformance with the requirements of the Disaster
Mitigation Act of 2000, 44 CFR 201.6 and the most current FEMA Local Mitigation Plan
Guidelines.
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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Winterization
Sandbags are a simple and effective way to prevent or reduce flood damage from rain. They
can be used to divert water around buildings, protect doors and windows and prevent erosion.
Sandbag supplies are available to Rolling Hills residents, free of charge, at the following
locations:
The RHCA parking lot
Fire Station 56
Please be prepared to fill the bags and load them yourself.
Alert and Warning
The City of Rolling Hills practices the use of multiple communication systems to ensure critical
information reaches residents. Alert SouthBay is a trusted source for emergency information.
It is recommended for residents to sign up for alerts by texting RHalert to 888-777 or visiting
alertsouthbay.com.
The City’s Outdoor Emergency Sirens are operational in the event of an evacuation order. The
vendor, HQE, attended the City Council meeting on January 27, 2025 and confirmed their
intent to meet contractual obligations. The company has offered, at no cost to the City, extra
poles and speakers, if needed, to ensure audibility throughout Rolling Hills. HQE will
reconfigure the outdoor siren system in February and add an additional speaker to the Fire
Station 56 siren pole. The added speaker will be directed towards the Flying Triangle portion
of the City.
Following the work, staff will coordinate a siren test to be performed several days later.
Residents will receive notification of the test via Alert SouthBay and Dwelling Live. In efforts to
collect sound propagation data, HQE will perform the siren test at 7:30 A.M. when much of the
community is at home.
HQE has awarded the City of Rolling Hills a Community SAFE Grant (CSG). The CSG
package is the installation of the SAFE Network System, a public safety communications
network designed to operate independently of cellular or AC power. The system ensures
uninterrupted communication between City leadership and residents when traditional
communication methods fail. The SAFE Network System uses advanced radio frequency
technology to maintain reliable communication. The open market value of the grant equates to
over $30,000. Included in the grant, HQE is also offering at-cost pricing for up to 2100 Indoor
SAFE Units, allowing residents to benefit from the significantly reduced cost. Altogether the
total value of the Community SAFE Grant is over $65,000 in public safety enhancements.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency messages, usually 90 characters or less,
sent directly to your phone by authorized government alerting authorities through mobile
carriers. There are three types of warnings that will trigger a WEA alert. They are Presidential
Alerts, Imminent Threat Alerts, and Amber Alerts. It is recommended that residents not opt out
of receiving these potentially life-saving messages.
73
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Block Captains
Block Captains meet quarterly in the City Council Chambers. The meetings are streamed live
on the City’s website: www.rolling-hills.org. Many neighborhoods are without a Block Captain,
so consider joining and becoming an important part of the community.
See Something, Say Something
The City continues to remind residents that if they See Something, Say Something. This
pertains to utility concerns, fire, and public safety. Residents should call 911 in an emergency.
Reporting Water Leaks to Cal Water
Cal Water has seen an increase in pipe leaks with customer private water lines and other
utility lines. Residents should report water leaks to 310-257-1400.
Palos Verdes Peninsula Emergency Readiness
Alert SouthBay:
Staff continues to promote Alert South Bay and are having residents sign up for Alerts by
texting “RHalert” to 888-777 or registering at AlertSouthBay.com
Know Your Zone:
The Know Your Zone maps are utilized by local public safety agencies (Sheriff and Fire
departments), as well as the Peninsula cities, to prepare residents in the event of an
evacuation. In urgent situations, when an evacuation need arises, residents and visitors
are provided with timely, critical information for impacted zones. Knowing your zone is
very important to the evacuation process. If there is a wildfire or emergency, navigating
the Know Your Zone map can help determine residents next steps in emergency
incidents affecting where they live, work, and play. More information is available at:
PVPReady.gov.
Planning for Evacuation:
Residents are asked to consider the items in their homes and determine which of them
are important. If residents had twenty minutes to evacuate, what would they grab first?
Residents should consider their vehicle size and write a list of belongings that would take
priority. If an emergency were to occur being prepared could save time when time is
critical. Video contents of one's home in detail for insurance purposes, before it is time to
evacuate.
Equine Preparedness: If evacuation warnings are issued, it is important for horse owners
to exit the City early. Practice loading horses before an emergency and ensure that
emergency contact information is on each halter.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
ATTACHMENTS:
74
Agenda Item No.: 16.A
Mtg. Date: 02/10/2025
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957 (B)(1)
TITLE: CITY MANAGER
DATE:February 10, 2025
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
75
Agenda Item No.: 16.B
Mtg. Date: 02/10/2025
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:EXISTING LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1)
THE CITY FINDS, BASED ON ADVICE FROM LEGAL COUNSEL, THAT
DISCUSSION IN OPEN SESSION WILL PREJUDICE THE POSITION OF
THE CITY IN THE LITIGATION. (1 CASE)
a. NAME OF CASE: CONNIE ANDERSEN, ET AL. V. CALIFORNIA
WATER COMPANY, ET AL. (SEAVIEW CASE) CASE NO.:
24STCV20953
DATE:February 10, 2025
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
76
Agenda Item No.: 16.C
Mtg. Date: 02/10/2025
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (TWO CASES) CPUC
COMPLAINTS AGAINST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON AND
SOCAL GAS
DATE:February 10, 2025
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
77
Agenda Item No.: 16.D
Mtg. Date: 02/10/2025
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - INITIATION OF LITIGATION
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) THE CITY FINDS,
BASED ON ADVICE FROM LEGAL COUNSEL, THAT DISCUSSION IN
OPEN SESSION WILL PREJUDICE THE POSITION OF THE CITY IN
THE LITIGATION. (1 CASE)
DATE:February 10, 2025
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
78