CC SR 20260721 02 - Ab Cove Sewer Charge FY26-27
PUBLIC HEARING
Date: July 21, 2026
Subject:
Consider adjusting the existing annual sewer service charge for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 for the Abalone
Cove Sewer System
Recommendation:
1. Conduct a public hearing on the proposed levy of the annual FY 2026 -27 sewer service charge
for the Abalone Cove Sewer System; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-__, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES APPROVING AN ENGINEER’S REPORT IN CONNECTION WITH THE SEWER
SERVICE CHARGE ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 13.06 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE, DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF SUCH CHARGE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27
AND ORDERING THAT SUCH CHARGE BE COLLECTED ON THE TAX ROLL.
3. Report of Notice Given: City Clerk
4. Declare Public Hearing Open: Mayor Seo
5. Request for Staff Report: Mayor Seo
6. Staff Report & Recommendation: Brandon Mesker, Associate Engineer
Susan Pan, Principal Engineer
7. Council Questions of Staff (factual and without bias):
8. Testimony from members of the public:
The normal time limit for each speaker is three (3) minutes. The Presiding Officer may grant additional time to a representative speaking
for an entire group. The Mayor also may adjust the time limit for individual speakers depending upon the number of speakers who
intend to speak.
7. Declare Hearing Closed/or Continue the Public Hearing to a later date: Mayor Seo
8. Council Deliberation:
The Council may ask staff to address questions raised by the testimony, or to clarify matters. Staff and/or Council may also answer
questions posed by speakers during their testimony. The Council will then debate and/or make motions on the matter.
9. Council Action:
The Council may: vote on the item; offer amendments or substitute motions to decide the matter; reopen the hearing for additional
testimony; continue the matter to a later date for a decision.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 07/21/2026
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Public Hearing
AGENDA TITLE:
Consider adjusting the existing annual sewer service charge for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-
27 for the Abalone Cove Sewer System
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Conduct a public hearing on the proposed levy of the annual FY 2026-27 sewer
service charge for the Abalone Cove Sewer System; and
(2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-__, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING AN ENGINEER’S REPORT
IN CONNECTION WITH THE SEWER SERVICE CHARGE ESTABLISHED
PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 13.06 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE, DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF SUCH CHARGE FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 AND ORDERING THAT SUCH CHARGE BE
COLLECTED ON THE TAX ROLL.
FISCAL IMPACT: The recommended Council action will result in the collection of
approximately $62,000 from users of the Abalone Cove Sanitary
Sewer System through tax rolls in FY 2026-27 recorded in Abalone
Cove Sewer Fund. These funds will offset a portion (~3%) of the FY
2026-27 operating, maintenance, and repair budget for the Abalone
Cove Sanitary Sewer System, which totals $1,949,500. The
remaining funds of approximately $1,887,500 will be funded from the
Capital Improvement Program Fund and multiple funds transferred
in from the General Fund and Abalone Cove Sewer Fund balance.
RM
Amount Budgeted: $1,949,500 (Expenditures)
$61,100 (Revenue)
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): 225-300-0000-3102 ($61,100)
(Abalone Cove Sewer Maintenance Fund – Property Tax
- Secured)
330-400-8202-8005 ($15,000)
(CIP – Ab Cove Sewer Rehab – Engineering Design
Services)
330-400-8202-8006 ($40,000)
(CIP – Ab Cove Sewer Rehab – Inspection Services)
330-400-8202-8802 ($1,695,000)
1
(CIP – Ab Cove Sewer Rehab – Other Improvements)
101-400-3110-41XX ($202,000)
(Public Works Administration)
ORIGINATED BY: Brandon Mesker, Public Works Associate Engineer
Susan Pan, PE, Public Works Principal Engineer sp
REVIEWED BY: David Copp, PE, Interim Director of Public Works
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Resolution No. 2026-____ (page A-1)
B. Annual Engineer’s Report – Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge – Fiscal
Year 2026-27 (page B-1)
C. Public Notification issued on July 2 and July 9, 2026 (page C-1)
D. Ordinances 367U and 368 Establishing Abalone Cove Sewer Charge
(page D-1)
E. Public Comment (page E-1)
BACKGROUND:
To ensure continued funding for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the sanitary
sewer facilities in the Abalone Cove area, the City Council established the Abalone Cove
Sewer District (District) and the Sewer Service Charge (charge). The charge ensures a
fair and equitable levying of the necessary costs of O&M for the facilities and was
established in compliance with the provisions of Proposition 218. At the time, mailed
notices were sent to all affected property owners, and a public hearing was held on July
17, 2001. Since there was not a majority of written protests, the District and charge were
established. Additionally, the establishment of the charge included an annual increase
commensurate with inflation, not-to-exceed a maximum of 7%.
The City Council annually reviews the current and projected costs for O&M of the sewer
and sets the District rates for the ensuing fiscal year, which runs between July 1 and June
30. The City Council adjusts the District rates accordingly based on new or updated
maintenance costs identified in an engineer’s report or any fund balances or shortages.
The charge is levied under the authority of the California Health and Safety Code.
Payment of the charges for each parcel will be made in the same manner and at the same
time as payments made for Los Angeles County property taxes for each property.
Since its inception, the total annual revenue that the City receives from the charge has
ranged from $21,595 (FY 2001-02 and FY 2002-03) to $65,280 (FY 2024-25). The
anticipated revenue to be collected for FY2026-27 is $60,173. It should be noted that the
revenue is lower than in previous years because land movement in the area has caused
several properties to be red-tagged and vacated. Each parcel is charged pursuant to the
specific subsystem of the overall sanitary sewer system used by that parcel as
established in the Council-adopted ordinance.
2
At the inception of the charge, the then-City Council agreed to subsidize the O&M costs
to reduce the charges to property owners within the District for FY 2001-02 only, and to
review the subsidy each year thereafter to determine if it should be discontinued, reduced,
or otherwise altered as deemed appropriate by the City Council. To date, the City’s
subsidy has continued.
DISCUSSION:
An annual engineer’s report (Attachment B) determines the zone and charge for each
parcel within the District using the procedure discussed below.
1) The amount of sewage flow generated by a parcel is calculated using a standard
formula from the Los Angeles County Sanitation District s. Vacant parcels are
assigned a sewage flow rate of zero.
2) The components of the Abalone Cove Sanitary Sewer System used by that parcel
are identified. This is necessary because the sewer system is comprised of
subsystems with different O&M needs. Some parcels use multiple subsystems, so
each parcel is assigned to one of four zones. These zones are established based
on the combination of subsystems used. The zones are described as follows:
a. Zone A – Gravity subsystem
b. Zone B – Gravity and force main subsystem
c. Zone C – Gravity and low-pressure subsystem
d. Zone D – Gravity, force main, and low-pressure subsystem
3) The O&M costs of each zone are calculated using only the estimated maintenance
costs for the upcoming fiscal year. The City’s practice has been to not include the
cost of capital projects or sewer asset management (i.e. annualized life-cycle
component replacement and repair) in that calculation.
4) The proportional cost for each parcel is determined by applying the fractional flow
generated by that parcel to the zone’s O&M costs, to which that parcel belongs.
The procedure outlined above ensures that the levy assessed for each parcel is
commensurate with that parcel’s system use and the associated O&M costs.
Since its inception, the charge has been less than the amount needed for the actual and
ongoing O&M costs of the sewer system, and the City has subsidized those costs through
transfers from the General Fund to the Abalone Cove Sewer Maintenance Fund. Pursuant
to Ordinance No. 367U and subsequently Ordinance No. 368 (Attachment D), the annual
increase in the Charge can be no greater than the annual increase in the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers for the Los Angeles -
Long Beach-Anaheim Area (CPI), as of March 1 of each year; not to exceed a maximum
increase of 7% per year, unless the City went through the Proposition 218 process (a
protest public hearing to increase assessments where no more than 50% of the property
owners within the District lodge a protest ballot opposing the increased assessment). The
March 1 CPI for 2026 is 3.4%.
3
The City Council reviews the current and projected costs for the sewer and sets rates for
each fiscal year through an annual Engineer’s Report. The Engineer’s Report includes a
budget of estimated expenses, which for FY 2026-27, are estimated to be $1,949,500
(Attachment B). Table 1 shows the budget of expenses by cost category.
Table 1 – Abalone Cove Sewer System – Estimated Maintenance and Operations Budget for FY 2025-26
Account Description Budget Cost Description
Line Maintenance $40,000 Line Jetting, Inspection, Minor Repairs
Pump Maintenance &
Replacement $28,000 Pump Part Replacement or Repair, Purchase of
New Pump, and Install
Emergency Repair $1,540,000 Emergency Response to Breaks, Blockages, or
Other Failures
Emergency Generators $132,000 Fuel for Lift Station Generators and Generator
Maintenance – Post Electricity Shut Off
Professional/Technical Services $7,500 Engineer's Report, Answering Services, etc.
Personnel $202,000 Maintenance Employees Salaries & Benefits
Total $1,949,500 Total
Landslide movement has caused expenses to be much higher than in previous years due
to the major repairs needed to keep the system in operation. The higher cost is reflected
in a much greater budget for personnel costs (~30% of all maintenance staff time) as well
as emergency repairs (by contractors) to respond to land movement related issues.
Historical data from previous Engineer’s Reports for the Abalone Cove Sewer System
show how the fee collected from the users of the system does not fully cover the operation
and maintenance (O&M) costs associated with the system, and that the annual O&M
costs fluctuate based on the severity of the landslide. During years with increased rates
of land movement, O&M costs have increased comparably. The following lists the
budgeted costs for the last 7 FYs.
• FY2019-20 - $143,500
• FY2020-21 - $133,400
• FY2021-22 - $152,400
• FY2022-23 - $152,400
• FY2023-24 - $162,700
• FY2024-25 - $382,374
• FY2025-26 - $3,353,500
The charge for FY 2026-27 is proposed to be approximately $62,000, which for a single-
family parcel ranges from $222.02 to $973.20 per year, depending on the Zone in which
4
the parcel is located. The proposed FY 2026-27 annual charge is an increase of 3.4%,
which is the CPI increase from the prior fiscal year.
The increase of 3.4% is the maximum allowable rate increase under the ordinance as it
limits the annual increase to the annual CPI, not to exceed 7%. An increase above this
amount to recover increased expenses associated with maintaining and operating the
sewer system would require the City Council to undertake the notice and protest
procedures in compliance with Proposition 218.
Generally speaking, the Proposition 218 process involves the following and would need
to be completed in time to meet the County’s August 10th deadline to be collected on the
tax rolls, if directed to do so:
• Preparation of an Engineer’s Report
• Mailed notice and ballot to each property owner 45 days before the public hearing
• Public hearing
During the FY 2026-27 budget workshop process, the City Council was made aware of
the increasing maintenance and operation costs of the sanitary sewer system due to
accelerated land movement. At the time, the City Council did not indicate an interest in
raising the assessments, therefore the deadline for the notice and public hearing process
to be in compliance with Proposition 218 for an increase above CPI for FY 2026-27 has
passed. However, the City Council can direct staff to initiate the process for FY 2027-28
for those estimated costs to operate and maintain the system. The process should start
during the FY 2027-28 budget workshops in early 2027 to allow sufficient time to complete
all steps in time for the County’s August 10th deadline.
The estimated revenue from the FY 2026-27 charge is approximately 3% of the total
estimated cost for FY 2026-27. The Engineer’s Report (Attachment B) includes the best
estimate of the necessary expenses to safely operate and maintain the system. Because
the City may face regulatory fines in the event of sewer overflows, the City must either
shut down the system or safely operate and maintain it in order to avoid regulatory fines.
Therefore, the City must identify funding sources to continue to safely operate the system
and minimize the likelihood of failures.
Accordingly, the remaining approximately 97%, or $1,887,583 of the estimated necessary
expenses will be funded from the Capital Improvement Fund and a combination of
General Fund transfers and the Abalone Cove Sewer Fund balance.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Public Notification
On July 2 and July 9, 2026, the City published the official notification for tonight’s meeting
in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News (Attachment C).
5
Public Comments
To date, one public comment has been received from the Portuguese Bend Community
Association Board of Directors expressing that they would file a protest to any increase
in the current sewer fee schedule due to higher than normal maintenance costs and will
protest that cost onto the property owners (Attachment E). Additional public comments
received after publishing this report will be provided to the City Council as late
correspondence.
CONCLUSION:
The City Council is being asked to conduct a public hearing on the proposed levy of the
annual FY 2026-27 sewer service charge for the Abalone Cove Sewer System and adopt
the attached resolution (Attachment) applying the assessed levy for FY 2026-27 to be
collected on the tax roll.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation s, the following alternative actions are available
for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Reduce or eliminate the Sanitary Sewer Charge for FY 2026-27, which would
require an additional appropriation of up to $6 1,917 from City funds to offset the
reduced revenue.
2. Direct staff to initiate the Proposition 218 notification and hearing process to
increase the Sanitary Sewer Assessment for FY 2027-28 in an amount greater
than CPI based on an estimate of FY 2027-28 maintenance and operation costs.
3. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
6
01203.0006 2019588.1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-__
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING AN
ENGINEER’S REPORT IN CONNECTION WITH THE
SEWER SERVICE CHARGE ESTABLISHED PURSUANT
TO CHAPTER 13.06 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE, DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF
SUCH CHARGE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27, AND
ORDERING THAT SUCH CHARGE BE COLLECTED ON
THE TAX ROLL
Whereas, in 2001 the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 367 -U and Ordinance
No. 368 that added Chapter 13.06, to the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code to
establish an annual sewer service charge for all parcels connected to the City’s Abalone
Cove sanitary sewer system.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES HEREBY FINDS, DETERMINES, ORDERS AND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council finds:
Pursuant to Chapter 13.06 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code
and Ordinance No. 367U (the “Ordinance”), the City levies an annual sewer service
charge (the “Charge”) on each parcel of real property that is connect ed to the sanitary
sewer system. The Charge is levied to finance the costs of ongoing operation and
maintenance of sewer facilities and services (“Sewer Services”).
A. As authorized by Section 5473 of the California Health and Safety
Code, the Charge is collected for each fiscal year on the County of Los Angeles tax roll
in the same manner, by the same persons, and at the same time as, together with and
not separately from, the general taxes of the City.
B. A written engineer’s report (the “Report”) has been filed with the
City Clerk, containing a description of each parcel of real property receiving Sewer
Services and the amount of the Charge for each such parcel for Fiscal Year 20 26-27
(commencing July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027) including an increase of 3.4%
based on the March 2026 Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) for the Los Angeles-Anaheim-
Riverside Area, computed in conformity with the Ordinance. Such Report is on file in
the office of the City Clerk and incorporated herein by reference.
C. The Report provides that the Charge for Fiscal Year 2026-27 be
increased from the Charge for the prior Fiscal Year; but the charge does not exceed the
maximum amount authorized pursuant to the Ordinance.
D. The City Clerk caused notice of a hearing on the Report to be
published in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News on July 2, 2026 and July 9, 2026.
E. The City Council held a public hearing on the Report on Ju ly 21,
2026. At such hearing, the City Council heard and considered all objections and
A-1
01203.0006 2019588.1 -2-
protests, if any, to the Report and all testimony regarding the proposed levy of the
Charge for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Section 2. The City Council hereby overrules any and all objections to the
Report; determines that no majority protest against the Report, determined in
accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 5473.2, exists; approves and finally
adopts the Report as filed; determines that the Charge for Fiscal Year 20 26-27 against
each parcel described in the Report shall be as described in the Report; and orders that
the Charge shall be collected for Fiscal Year 2026-27 on the County of Los Angeles tax
roll in the same manner, by the same persons, and at the same time as, together with
and not separately from, the general taxes of the City.
Section 3. The City Clerk is directed to file a copy of the Report, with a
statement endorsed on the Report over the City Clerk’s signature that the Report has
been approved and finally adopted, with the City Treasurer on or before August 10,
2026, pursuant to Section 5 of the Ordinance.
Section 4. The City Clerk is directed to file a copy of the Report, with a
statement endorsed on the Report over the City Clerk’s signature that the Report has
been approved and finally adopted, with the County Auditor of the County of Los
Angeles on or before August 10, 2026, pursuant to Section 6 of the Ordinance.
Section 5. The City Clerk is authorized to take such other action as is required
to implement this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of July, 2026.
_____________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
City Clerk
State of California )
County of Los Angeles ) ss
City of Rancho Palos Verdes )
I, TERESA TAKAOKA, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, hereby certify
that the above Resolution No. 2026-__ was duly and regularly passed and adopted by
the said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on July 21, 2026.
______________________________
City Clerk
A-2
CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 PRELIMINARY ANNUAL
REPORT FOR ABALONE COVE SEWER SERVICE
CHARGE
June 2026
Prepared by:
101 Progress, Suite 250
Irvine, CA 92618
www.weareharris.com
B-1
Financial Report
Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2026-27
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statement Of Engineer ...............................................................................................................................................1
Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................................2
Cost Estimate .............................................................................................................................................................3
District Diagrams .......................................................................................................................................................4
Method Of Apportionment ........................................................................................................................................5
Sewer Service Charge Roll ..........................................................................................................................................9
B-2
Financial Report
Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2026-27
1
STATEMENT OF ENGINEER
AGENCY: CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
PROJECT: ABALONE COVE SEWER SERVICE CHARGE
TO: THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE
ABALONE COVE SEWER SERVICE CHARGE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
The preparation of this Annual Report (“Report”) is in accordance with the obligation of the City Council for the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes to levy the Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The charge applies to each
parcel within the Abalone Cove Sewer District that discharges sewage into the District’s sewer system. Services funded
by this charge will be provided through June 30, 2027.
In conclusion, it is my professional opinion that the costs and expenses of the District have been properly allocated to the
lots and parcels within the boundaries in proportion to the estimated benefit received by each parcel from the services
provided.
DATED 2nd day of June, 2026
Tamorah J. Bryant, P.E., Assessment Engineer
R.C.E. No. C67205
Engineer of Work
B-3
Financial Report
Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2026-27
2
INTRODUCTION
The Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge District (the “District”) was established to fund the ongoing operation and
maintenance of the sewer facilities serving the Abalone Cove area. The detailed plans and specifications of the District
improvements for these improvements are on file with the City Engineer and are incorporated into this report by
reference.
The Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge is levied under the authority of the California Health and Safety Code, Sections
5471 et seq. (“the Code"). Charges are collected by the County property tax roll and are payable in the same manner and
at the same time as property taxes.
This report provides the data necessary to establish the annual charge for each parcel and is submitted to the City Clerk
for filing. Once filed, the report remains available for public inspection.
To ensure a reliable source of funding for the sewer system’s ongoing operation and maintenance, the City Council
established the Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge in compliance with Proposition 218, Article XIIID, Section 6(b) of the
California Constitution. The charge was approved following a properly noticed public hearing held on July 17, 2001. As
the majority protest threshold was not met, the charge was adopted, including provisions for an annual increase not to
exceed 7%, tied to the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”), as outlined in City Code Section 13.06.020.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the methodology and rates originally approved by the City Council in
2001. Each year, the Council reviews current and projected costs, evaluates available fund balances, and sets the rates
for the upcoming fiscal year, adjusting the charges as necessary to reflect actual and anticipated expenses.
B-4
Financial Report
Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2026-27
3
COST ESTIMATE
The estimated annual cost of the Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge is provided below in Table 1 below.
Gravity Subsystem
Line Maintenance or replacement $0.00
Emergency Work $1,500,000.00
$1,500,000.00
Force Main Subsystem
Line Maintenance $0.00
Pump Maintenance or replacement $0.00
Emergency Generator and Refueling $150,000.00
Emergency Work $0.00
$150,000.00
Low Pressure System
Line Maintenance $0.00
Pump Maintenance or replacement $90,000.00
Emergency Repairs $10,000.00
$100,000.00
Subtotal =$1,750,000.00
Administrative Costs
Salaries $201,218.78
Edison $2,000.00
County Charge for Collections $500.00
Professional Technical (Engineer's Report)$7,500.00
Phone Services $2,500.00
Subtotal =$213,718.78
Total Maintenance/ Operation Costs=$1,963,718.78
Total City Contribution ($1,901,801.38)
TOTAL ANNUAL CHARGE TO LEVY $61,917.40
Table 1- Estimated Annual Costs
B-5
Financial Report
Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2026-27
4
DISTRICT DIAGRAM
The assessment diagram for the District is on file with the Office of the City Engineer and available for public review.
B-6
Financial Report
Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2026-27
5
METHOD OF APPORTIONMENT
Equivalent Residential Units
The sewer flow rates used to calculate the user charge are based on standards established by the Los Angeles County
Sanitation District (LACSD), as outlined in their Master Service Charge Ordinance of South Bay Cities Sanitation District of
Los Angeles County, adopted on March 18, 1998. This ordinance defines user categories and assigns average sewer flow
rates for each use type within the District.
Under these standards, a single-family residential parcel is assigned an average flow of 260 Gallons Per Day (“GPD”).
Accordingly, 260 GPD is defined as one Equivalent Residential Unit (“ERU”). All other parcel types are charged based on
their estimated daily sewer flow, divided by 260 GPD to determine the number of ERUs assigned. Vacant and Red-Tagged
parcels are considered to have no sewer usage and are therefore assigned zero ERUs. Red-Tagged parcels refer to
properties that have been impacted by natural disasters and formally designated by the City as non-habitable.
For the Abalone Cove Beach parcels, flow estimates are based on future improvements, which include seven toilet facilities
and two showers. Flow rates for these types of facilities were provided by the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation.
Table 2 summarizes the user categories within the District, the flow rates, and the ERU calculation for each use type.
Sewer System Components
The Abalone Cove sewer system is comprised of three types of components or subsystems:
1. A gravity subsystem
2. A force main subsystem, and
3. A low-pressure subsystem.
These different and integrated subsystems collect flows from the sewer service area and ultimately convey it to the LACSD
outfall. Flows generated by each parcel are conveyed through one or more of these subsystems.
Each of these subsystems requires different levels of operation and maintenance and, therefore, have different costs
associated with the annual estimated maintenance costs. Parcels that contribute flow to a subsystem will be charged for
the operation and maintenance of that subsystem. Because the entire Abalone Cove sewer system flows into the Palos
Verdes Drive Pump Station and the 6-inch force main and gravity system between the pump station and the LACSD outfall,
all users of the system will be charged for the operation and maintenance of these facilities. The following describes each
subsystem:
Land Use Description Flow (GPD) ERU Calc.
Single Family Home 260 / home 1 / home
Church 50 / 1000 bldg sf 0.19 / 1000 bldg sf
School/ Nursery 200 / 1000 bldg sf 0.77 / 1000 bldg sf
Beach Toilet 120 / toilet 0.46 / toilet
Beach Shower 85 / shower 0.33 / shower
Vacant and/or Red-Tagged Property 0 0
Table 2- ERU Calculation Summary Table
B-7
Financial Report
Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2026-27
6
• Gravity Subsystem. Gravity systems are the most basic sewer systems and require minimal routine maintenance.
Parcels connected to the Gravity Subsystem would be responsible for sharing the costs associated with
maintenance of the gravity system. All parcels within the service area contribute to this subsystem, as sewage
flows contributed by each parcel are eventually discharged into the gravity subsystem.
• Force Main Subsystem. Force main subsystems include pump station and pressurized pipes in addition to gravity
lines. Parcels connected to the Force Main Subsystem would be responsible for sharing the additional costs
associated with the operation and maintenance of those components. The pump stations for these lines are
located at Thyme Place, Sweetbay East and Sweetbay at Altamira Canyon.
• Low Pressure Subsystem. Low pressure subsystems include grinder pumps at each user connection to the system
as well as low pressure pipes. Parcels connected to the Low-Pressure Subsystem would be responsible for sharing
the associated operation and maintenance costs of those components.
A few parcels that are connected to the gravity subsystem or the force main subsystem require the use of a grinder
pump to get their flow into the system. These parcels share in the cost of grinder pump maintenance and are
considered to be a part of the low-pressure subsystem.
Rate Zones
A system of zones was developed to identify the specific combination of subsystems used by each contributing parcel.
These zones are as follows:
• Zone A Gravity subsystem only
• Zone B Gravity Force Main subsystems
• Zone C Gravity Low Pressure subsystems
• Zone D Gravity Force Main and Low-Pressure subsystems
Inventory of Parcels
Table 3 and Table 4, on the following page, were compiled from information obtained from the Los Angeles County
Assessor’ s Roll, Assessor’ s Parcel Maps, and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Land Use Description Parcels Bldg SF ERU's
Single Family Home (Including Apartments)109 0 120.00
Church 1 6,144 1.18
School/ Nursery, Beach with 2 showers & 7 toilets 0 0 0.00
Recreational 1 0 1.00
Vacant and/or Red-Tagged Property 72 0 0.00
Total:183 6,144 122.18
Table 3 - Land Use Inventory
B-8
Financial Report
Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2026-27
7
Table 5 Provides a summary of the annual Sewer User Charge rates for each of the Rate Zones.
Zone ERU's Subsystem ERU's
A 42.00 Gravity 122.18
B 38.00 Force Main 48.00
C 32.18 Low Pressure 42.18
D 10.00
Table 4- ERU Distribution by Rate Zone and Subsystem
Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D Rate (Budget/ERU)
Gravity- Admin $1,683,187.53 x x x x $13,776.12
Force Main $168,318.75 x x $3,506.64
Low Pressure $112,212.50 x x $2,660.32
$13,776.12 $17,282.76 $16,436.44 $19,943.08
$222.02 $872.71 $301.34 $973.20
Total 2022-23 User Charge ($/ERU)
Table 5- Summary of Annual Charge Rates per ERU
Subsystem & Budget
Total 2026-27 User Charge without City
Contribution ($/ERU)
City Contribution ($/ERU)
Total 2024-25 User Charge ($/ERU)
Total 2023-24 User Charge ($/ERU)
Total 2025-26 User Charge ($/ERU)
Total 2026-27 User Charge ($/ERU)
Total 2015-16 User Charge ($/ERU)
Total 2021-22 User Charge ($/ERU)
Total 2020-21 User Charge ($/ERU)
Total 2019-20 User Charge ($/ERU)
Total 2018-19 User Charge ($/ERU)
Total 2017-18 User Charge ($/ERU)
Total 2016-17 User Charge ($/ERU)
B-9
Financial Report
Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2026-27
8
As shown in Table 6 below, and pursuant to Ordinance No. 367U and subsequently Ordinance No. 368, the annual increase
in the Sewer User Charge rates has been no greater than the annual increase in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’
Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim Area (CPI), as of March 1 of each
year; not to exceed a maximum increase of 7% per year. The March 2026 CPI for is equal to 3.4%.
Zone
Fiscal Year 2025-26
CPI
Fiscal Year 2026-27
A $214.72 3.4%$222.02
B $844.02 3.4%$872.71
C $291.44 3.4%$301.34
D $941.20 3.4%$973.20
Table 6- Summary of Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge Rates
Land Use Description Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Rate per ERU $222.02 $872.71 $301.34 $973.20
Single Family Home, per dwelling $222.02 $872.71 $301.34 $973.20
Church (per ERU)----$301.34 --
School/ Nursery (per ERU)----$301.34 --
Beach (2 showers; 7 toilets) (per parcel)--------
Vacant and/or Red-Tagged Property --------
B-10
Financial Report
Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2026-27
9
SEWER SERVICE CHARGE ROLL
The following pages present the Preliminary Sewer Service Charge Roll for FY 2026-27.
www.WeAreHarris.com Director
Donna.Segura@WeAreHarris.com
P: 949.536.2512
B-11
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
LEVY OF ANNUAL SEWER SERVICE CHARGE (ABALONE COVE
LANDSLIDE ABATEMENT DISTRICT) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27
CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF THE ANNUAL REPORT
Pursuant to Ordinance No. 367-U, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes established an annual sewer service charge for all developed parcels of real
property in the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District connected to the City’s
sanitary sewer system. The charge is levied to finance the costs of on-going operation
and maintenance of such sewer system. The levy of the annual sewer service charge
commenced in Fiscal Year 2001-02.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council has caused a written report to
be prepared by Harris & Associates and filed with the City Clerk regarding the levy of
the sewer service charge for Fiscal Year 2026-27 (the “Report”). The Report contains a
description of each parcel of real property in the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement
District connected to the sanitary sewer system and the proposed amount of the sewer
service charge for each such parcel for Fiscal Year 2026-27. The Report is on file in the
office of the City Clerk, 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
90275, and is available for public inspection. The Report computes the Fiscal Year
2026-27 sewer service charge in conformity with Chapter 13.06 of the City’s Municipal
Code. The sewer service charge may be increased annually by an amount equal to the
annual increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers for the Los
Angeles-Orange-Riverside Area (the “CPI”), including all items as published by the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 1 of each year not to exceed a maximum
increase of 7% per year. For Fiscal Year 2026-27, the proposed amount of the sewer
service charge will be increased by 3.4%.
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that on the 21st day of July, 2026, at
7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers at Hesse Park Community Center, 29301
Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes, California, the City Council will hold a
Public Hearing on the above-described Report.
If the City Council determines at the close of the Public Hearing that protests
against the Report have not been made by a majority of the owners of the property
subject to the sewer service charge, the City Council may adopt the Report, as filed or
as modified by the City Council, and may order the sewer service charge to be collected
on the County Tax Roll. In such case, the sewer service charge for Fiscal Year 2026-27
shall be collected on the County of Los Angeles Tax Roll in the same manner, by the
same persons, and at the same time as, together with and not separately from the
general taxes of the City.
C-1
2
All interested persons are invited to attend the Public Hearing and express
opinions about the proposed levy of the sewer service charge for Fiscal Year 2026-27
and the Report. At the Public Hearing, the City Council will hear and consider all
protests and objections against the Report and all testimony regarding the proposed
levy of the sewer service charge for Fiscal Year 2026-27. For more information contact
Public Works by phone at (310) 544-5252 or email PublicWorks@rpvca.gov
C-2
ORDINANCE NO. 367U
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES ESTABLISHING AN ANNUAL SEWER
SERVICE CHARGE AND AMENDING THE RANCHO
PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE AND
DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council finds:
1.1 The City of Rancho Palos Verdes (the "City") is empowered by
Health and Safety Code Section 5471 and Government Code Section 54344 to
prescribe and collect rates and charges, including sewer service charges, for
services and facilities furnished by the City in connection with its sewerage system.
1.2 In January 1981, the City Council formed the Abalone Cove
Landslide Abatement District (the "District") pursuant to the provisions of Division
17 of the California Public Resources Code. The properties included in the District
are set forth on the map attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by
this reference. Properties in the District are assessed annually to pay for the cost
of maintaining landslide mitigation improvements, including but not limited to,
drainage culverts and dewatering wells, within the District.
1.3 To further mitigate potential landslide hazards in the District,
the City recently installed sanitary sewers. The City is responsible for maintaining
and operating all sanitary sewers within its boundaries. The amount of money
from ad valorem taxes available to the City is inadequate to fund the cost of sewer
service in the District.
1.4 Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 5473, the City
Council may elect to have such sewer service charges collected on the County of
Los Angeles tax roll in any forthcoming fiscal year in the same manner, by the
same persons, and at the same time as, together with and not separately from, the
general taxes of the City in the manner prescribed by Sections 5473.1 to 5473.11,
inclusive, of said Code.
1.5 The City Council has determined that the sewer service
charges should be collected on the tax roll. Pursuant to Section 5473.1 of the
Health and Safety Code, the City Council has caused a written report ("Written
Report") to be prepared and filed with the City Clerk containing a description of
each parcel of real property within the District to which the sewer service charges
D-1
are applicable and the amount of the sewer service charge for each such parcel for
fiscal year 2001-02.
1.6 On June 1, 2001, the City Clerk caused a notice of filing of the
Written Report and proposed Ordinance and of the time and place of the hearing
thereon to be mailed the owner of each parcel of real property to be charged as
reflected in the last equalized assessment roll available on the date the Written
Report was prepared, and at the address shown on the assessment roll or
otherwise known to the City Clerk. On June 28, 2001, and July 5, 2001, the City
Clerk further caused a notice of filing of the Written Report and proposed
Ordinance and of the time and place of the hearing thereon to be published
pursuant to Section 6066 of the Government Code.
1.7 On July 17, 2001, at the time and day set forth in the notice,
the City Council conducted a hearing on the Written Report and the Ordinance and
heard and considered all objections and protests thereto.
Section 2. Title 13 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code is
hereby amended by adding new chapter 13.06 to read as follows:
Chapter 13.06 Sewer Service Charges — Abalone Cove Landslide
Abatement District.
13.06.010. Purpose. This chapter establishes an annual sewer
service charge for all parcels of real property in the Abalone Cove
Landslide Abatement District connected to the sanitary sewer
system. The City is responsible for providing sewer service within its
boundaries. The amount of money from ad valorem taxes available
to the City is inadequate to fund the cost of service for the sanitary
sewers. The City's sewer service in the District must be continued
without interruption in order to reduce the potential landslide hazard
and to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the residents
therein and the general public. The purpose of this chapter is to
provide financing for the ongoing maintenance and operation of the
Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District sanitary sewer system.
13.06.020. Creation of Rate Zones. The sewer system in the
District is comprised of three types of subsystems: (i) a gravity
subsystem; (ii) a force main subsystem; and (iii) a low-pressure
subsystem. Sewer service to each parcel in the District is provided
through one or more of these subsystems. Each subsystem requires
different levels of operations maintenance and, therefore, has
different maintenance costs associated with it. The District has been
divided into four zones as shown in Table A set out in Section
Ordinance No. 367U
Page 2of7
D-2
13.06.050 below and on the Abalone Cove Rate Zone Map on file
with the Department of Public Works. Each zone corresponds to the
specific combination of subsystems used by the parcels located in
that zone.
13.06.030. Charges Levied. An annual sewer service charge is
levied upon each parcel of real property in the District, as shown on
the map adopted by the City Council on January 6, 1981, attached as
Exhibit A to Resolution No. 81-4 and on file with the City Clerk, and
connected to the sanitary sewer system. The annual sewer service
charge is necessary to pay for the cost for services and facilities
furnished by the City beginning October 2001. The amount of the
sewer service charge shall be computed by multiplying the
Equivalent Residential Units ("ERUs") for the current land use on the
parcel, as of the 1st day of March of each year, as shown on Table B,
set out in Section 13.06.060 below, by the maximum annual charge
per ERU for the applicable zone as shown in Table C, set out in
Section 13.06.070 below. For the purposes of this Chapter, the land
uses within the District have been assigned sewer flow rates,
expressed in ERUs, based on the Los Angeles County Sanitation
District standards, as set forth in the Master Service Charge
Ordinance of South Bay Cities Sanitation District of Los Angeles
County as adopted March 18, 1998. The flow rates for the Abalone
Cove Beach property are based on information provided by the City
of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation. The sewer service charge may
be increased annually by an amount equal to the annual increase in
the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers for the Los
Angeles-Anaheim-Riverside Area (the "CPI"), including all items as
published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 1 of
each year, not to exceed a maximum increase of seven percent (7%)
per year. For any fiscal year that the sewer service charge is not
increased by the allowable increase in the CPI for that year, the City
may add the increase for that year to the CPI increase in subsequent
years.
13.06.040 Collection of Charges. The sewer service charge shall
be collected for each fiscal year on the County of Los Angeles tax roll
in the same manner, by the same persons, and at the same time as,
together with and not separately from, the general taxes of the City.
For any fiscal year that the sewer service charge is not collected on
the tax roll, the City may collect all or a portion of the sewer service
charge for such year on the tax roll in the following fiscal year or
years.
Ordinance No. 367U
Page 3 of 7
D-3
13.06.050. Rate zones — Table A.
TABLE A
Rate Zones
Zone Sewer Subsystem Components
A Gravity subsystem only
B Gravity & Force Main subsystems
C Gravity & Low-Pressure subsystems
D Gravity & Force Main & Low Pressure
subsystems
13.06.060. ERUs for various land uses — Table B.
TABLE B
Number of ERUs by Land Use
Land Use ERU
Single Family Residential ERU = 1
Church ERU = 0.19/1000 sq. ft. of building
School/Nursery ERU = 0.77/1000 sq. ft. of building
Beach toilet ERU = 0.46/toilet
Beach shower ERU = 0.33/shower
Vacant ERU = 0
13.06.070. Maximum Annual Charge per ERU by Rate Zone —Table C.
TABLE C
Maximum Annual Charge per ERU by Rate Zone— Fiscal Year 2001-02
Zone Maximum Charge per ERU (FY
2001-02)
A 119.07
B 479.39
C 161.61
D 521.93
Section 3. The City provides sanitary sewer service within the
boundaries of the District. The amount of money from ad valorem taxes available
to the City is inadequate to fund the cost of this service. The City's sanitary sewer
service must be continued without interruption in order to protect the public health,
Ordinance No. 367U
Page 4 of 7
D-4
safety and welfare of the residents therein and the general public. Therefore, it is
necessary to impose a sewer service charge upon the properties within the District.
In order to avoid the substantial costs of establishing a billing system for the
collection of the sewer service charge, the City Council has previously determined
that the sewer service charge should be collected on the tax roll. In order for the
sewer service charge to be collected without interruption of service, the City must
submit the fee to the County of Los Angeles for collection on the tax roll prior to
August 10th each year. Because of the County's August 10th deadline, there is
insufficient time for this ordinance to become effective without a single reading and
immediate effectiveness. It is therefore urgent that the establishment of sewer
service charge effected by this ordinance become effective immediately to prevent
an interruption in the sanitary sewer service provided by the City. An interruption
in such service is of great public concern. The sanitary sewer system in the
District was installed to reduce the risk of landslide activity in the area. It is
imperative that the City's sewer service in the District be continued without
interruption in order to achieve this purpose and adequately protect the public
health, safety and welfare of the residents therein and the general public. An
interruption in sanitary sewer service in the District may create an increased risk of
landslide activity, may create a public nuisance, or lead to other problems affecting
the health, welfare and safety of the residents of the City and surrounding cities.
This ordinance is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health,
safety and welfare, declares the facts constituting the urgency, and is passed by at
least a four-fifths vote of the City Council. Accordingly, this measure is adopted
immediately upon introduction pursuant to Government Code Section 36934 and
shall take effect immediately pursuant to Government Code Section 36937(b).
Section 4. Commencing with fiscal year 2001-2002, the annual
sewer service charge shall be collected on the tax roll, in the same manner, by the
same persons and at the same time as, together and not separately from, the
general taxes of the City in the amounts shown in the Written Report. In
subsequent tax years, the City Council shall cause a written report to be prepared
and filed with the City Clerk on or before June 1st
of each year. The City Council
shall further hold a duly noticed public hearing on the Written Report and hear and
consider all objections and protests thereto. If a majority protest is not received,
the City Council may adopt the Written Report and may order the annual sewer
service charge shall be collected on the tax roll, in the same manner, by the same
persons and at the same time as, together and not separately from, the general
taxes of the City in the amounts shown in the Written Report.
Section 5. On or before August 10th
of each year, commencing
with Fiscal Year 2001-2002, the City Clerk shall file a copy of the Written Report
with the City Treasurer with a statement endorsed on said Written Report over the
City Clerk's signature that the report has been finally adopted by the City Council.
Upon receipt of the Written Report from the City Clerk, the City Treasurer shall
Ordinance No. 367U
Page 5 of 7
D-5
enter the amount of the charges against the parcels as they appear on the current
assessment roll.
Section 6. On or before August 10th
of each year, the City Clerk
shall file with the County Auditor of the County of Los Angeles a copy of the
Written Report, with a statement endorsed thereon over the City Clerk's signature
that the Written Report has been finally adopted by the City Council, with a certified
copy of this Ordinance.
Section 7. If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence,
clause, p hrase, or portion of this ordinance, or the application thereof to any
person or place, is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court
of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder
of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this
ordinance, and each and every section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause,
phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections,
subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof be
declared invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 8. The City Clerk is directed to certify to the enactment of
this Ordinance and to cause this Ordinance to be posted as required by law.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 17th DAY OF JULY, 2001.
1/
T ayor
ATTEST:
City Cerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ss
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
I, Jo Purcell, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that
the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the
foregoing Ordinance No. 367U was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council
of said City at a regular meeting thereof held on July 17, 2001 and that the same
was passed and adopted by the following roll call vote:
Ordinance No. 367U
Page 6 of 7
D-6
AYES: Gardiner, McTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro
ABSTAIN: None
L
CITY CLERK
Ordinance No. 367U
Page 7 of 7
D-7
1.'
Si•
ip ,'•
r
P *R. N. •1 CL• 1•1. t
t ''.. 'jb0.0.iii 0010 1..7
PI"' is. •••°.4s:..)•7 •
71%
ic 4„; \'
t." . 0
t Off' \ , b. ____......-
4, .
Q, 00 4 9 mac.
5,0",.S
vir 6.").. 4,.. _
bus: •.
1 .\24.5.1
L...-- , r' r`
r 64S 'b
Ng ev
l
dV T R kra: .
4---•
it 0 1
tI I-: ---- ' m I . '' --. ,I - • ,
ey'-------
3,. i t-.
i . , '
e lr I % t ,:-
ID./
1 n ' ,J.,:?,
5 , ,
N\I \\
t
a..r.
98
nr . <:, ..
e. N2
9
tfl. . PI. * „„
4\...,
S.' 3
4&---#1,.., -..... e: _
I et
l'
7
1
c
V '
i
4 '
4411,04 Vt... .
t* • e,T; r-
L4_,-,„ , :
a..
s......:... . .
11. ''''''''...7.4:.0.'Di
lr ,/ ••,.,.....*".'---- '''' ':-. ,'..-
46)
A.d.8.'114,,,,,
e,\.
1.,,,"_‘ "4 r.
4
i Iv i: 4, \ .r-r \:_,,g,4. ,,.._0..' ,...„..--.'
zMt
9
s
r -
c :.. "
i, .}
Si ::.:Nb -:.sil^‘
r.:::\ \•V.:;4:S l'
C''..‘;,
T.A ' ..t, ,
wit; t
A `4t)'%; •
s„ a 2
M
aC 5 x `:.` 5!6ts Illy
çNL1 e••Dit't LOT 115, L.A.C.A ti0.St
w
oi j
f+ •• i
4.
P."' ‘19- 1-1-1-C. i
c •26; 1. TRACT t.e. 32110 Q
t A , I
b3i .....-
N.a13.35/47.Sir < 0 6
ar -.
i i.4.•;Y..w :LY 3..'3R,
Lor 73 1...•.C., .411.S'i
w
rr--------''''''"'--.."--,,_,,,,,,,... •
r
4ti
i 0.3"ZIC T t Oc: <• _.
V cc 4.
a' .
Li.!'-
a---------'-;— \ :
xr ,.,,,,-4'
i'.. a I 9 5 \
T R. ma:•
L.A.0 A-No.5t 144. -A: a• 4.' •. 4%-z= -_s
j _a V 0 O,
s
Y
J323/
Th at,....., .i'''''.‹.......D -A c _._•
1 a s a.
a 1*.....,„„„
4" I •,` .
4',..`8 - SO 4.7...
z.
D4 Os
b61c Q>. ,'.1e, t•
7 -
it ii 4110 "
t RGZ 6 E OR D•S!" 1.G.ZA, V.
XCc- .
e, riz.
AIN:
I...
VI
I6 MOST SLY.CO.PAttCL 2 a r
g.•
Pat YAP NS itl4f,P.Y a.-In.,- st
g• e4,0 ,,./
41.5' /,...f.
7---7-
7 ------ ' t:t.
fit
s
C:r. ; t f O iy
70/
0„.„.....„./••••...-
4. ...
CQ`, `? r 1 is` ww..•N
C
0 :-
SM w y
ij 7 .
GCE G
PO RI LJGu€sE aot r,T f II st. 4
ti .2 ,,_
4.,,-
Y t i„ii '4
INSP+RA'tON POIn1T 0 /,
S,,.1e.. I as 12OO•c)
N,..,....
covEABALONE
sLIDE ABATEmENT DisTRICTi
pa: CITY C. RA C•4O PALDS VEQ J 5 (2.:51 37i-O3.034;,k,
4Y' •50J-rH D4Y £k;GINisi r* c, COQ (2J3) 37S-2.55‘,
J.M.K-12t5•2 S.CA'E.• I es GO0 JA'J. G•1!•54 SY.E N Ce
REV. JAN.tS,tW,I,D-8
All
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES SS AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES)
The undersigned, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:
That at all times herein mentioned, she was and now is the appointed City Clerk
of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes;
That on July 31, 2001 she caused to be
posted the following document entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 367U
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ESTABLISHING AN
ANNUAL SEWER SERVICE CHARGE AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF.
a copy of which is attached hereto, in the following locations:
City Hall Hesse Park
30940 Hawthorne Blvd. 29301 Hawthorne Blvd
Rancho Palos Verdes Rancho Palos Verdes
Ladera Linda Community Center Ryan Park
32201 Forrestal Drive 30359 Hawthorne Blvd.,
Rancho Palos Verdes Rancho Palos Verdes
I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is a true and correct affadavit of
posting.ji 0 #to l ,f '
Ci y Clerk
W:\FORMS\Form 150-Affadavit of Posting Ordinances.doc
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard/Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275-5391 /(310)377-0360/Fax(310)544-5291
www.palosverdes.com/rpv
D-9
ORDINANCE NO. 368
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES ESTABLISHING AN ANNUAL SEWER SERVICE
CHARGE AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS
VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council finds:
1.1 The City of Rancho Palos Verdes (the "City") is empowered by
Health and Safety Code Section 5471 and Government Code Section 54344 to
prescribe and collect rates and charges, including sewer service charges, for services
and facilities furnished by the City in connection with its sewerage system.
1.2 In January 1981, the City Council formed the Abalone Cove
Landslide Abatement District (the "District") pursuant to the provisions of Division 17 of
the California Public Resources Code. The properties included in the District are set
forth on the map attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by this reference.
Properties in the District are assessed annually to pay for the cost of maintaining
landslide mitigation improvements, including but not limited to, drainage culverts and
dewatering wells, within the District.
1.3 To further mitigate potential landslide hazards in the District, the
City recently installed sanitary sewers. The City is responsible for maintaining and
operating all sanitary sewers within its boundaries. The amount of money from ad
valorem taxes available to the City is inadequate to fund the cost of sewer service in the
District.
1.4 Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 5473, the City Council
may elect to have such sewer service charges collected on the County of Los Angeles
tax roll in any forthcoming fiscal year in the same manner, by the same persons, and at
the same time as, together with and not separately from, the general taxes of the City in
the manner prescribed by Sections 5473.1 to 5473.11, inclusive, of said Code.
1.5 The City Council has determined that the sewer service charges
should be collected on the tax roll. Pursuant to Section 5473.1 of the Health and Safety
Code, the City Council has caused a written report ("Written Report") to be prepared
and filed with the City Clerk containing a description of each parcel of real property
within the District to which the sewer service charges are applicable and the amount of
the sewer service charge for each such parcel for fiscal year 2001-02.
1.6 On June 1, 2001, the City Clerk caused a notice of filing of the
Written Report and proposed Ordinance and of the time and place of the hearing
thereon to be mailed the owner of each parcel of real property to be charged as
reflected in the last equalized assessment roll available on the date the Written Report
D-10
was prepared, and at the address shown on the assessment roll or otherwise known to
the City Clerk. On June 28, 2001, and July 5, 2001, the City Clerk further caused a
notice of filing of the Written Report and proposed Ordinance and of the time and place
of the hearing thereon to be published pursuant to Section 6066 of the Government
Code.
1.7 On July 17, 2001, at the time and day set forth in the notice, the
City Council conducted a hearing on the Written Report and the Ordinance and heard
and considered all objections and protests thereto.
Section 2. Title 13 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code is
hereby amended by adding new chapter 13.06 to read as follows:
Chapter 13.06 Sewer Service Charges -- Abalone Cove Landslide
Abatement District.
13.06.010. Purpose. This chapter establishes an annual sewer service
charge for all parcels of real property in the Abalone Cove Landslidegpp
Abatement District connected to the sanitary sewer system. The City is
responsible for providing sewer service within its boundaries. The amount
of money from ad valorem taxes available to the City is inadequate to fund
the cost of service for the sanitary sewers. The City's sewer service in the
District must be continued without interruption in order to reduce the
potential landslide hazard and to protect the public health, safety and
welfare of the residents therein and the general public. The purpose of
this chapter is to provide financing for the ongoing maintenance and
operation of the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District sanitary
sewer system.
13.06.020. Creation of Rate Zones. The sewer system in the District is
comprised of three types of subsystems: (i) a gravity subsystem; (ii) a
force main subsystem; and (iii) a low-pressure subsystem. Sewer service
to each parcel in the District is provided through one or more of these
subsystems. Each subsystem requires different levels of operations
maintenance and, therefore, has different maintenance costs associated
with it. The District has been divided into four zones as shown in Table A
set out in Section 13.06.050 below and on the Abalone Cove Rate Zone
Map on file with the Department of Public Works. Each zone corresponds
to the specific combination of subsystems used by the parcels located in
that zone.
13.06.030. Charges Levied. An annual sewer service charge is levied
upon each parcel of real property in the District, as shown on the map
adopted by the City Council on January 6, 1981, attached as Exhibit A to
Resolution No. 81-4 and on file with the City Clerk, and connected to the
sanitary sewer system. The annual sewer service charge is necessary to
Ordinance 368
Page 2 -
D-11
pay for the cost for services and facilities furnished by the City beginning
October 2001. The amount of the sewer service charge shall be
computed by multiplying the Equivalent Residential Units ("ERUs") for the
current land use on the parcel, as of the 1st day of March of each year, as
shown on Table B, set out in Section 13.06.060 below, by the maximum
annual charge per ERU for the applicable zone as shown in Table C, set
out in Section 13.06.070 below. For the purposes of this Chapter, the land
uses within the District have been assigned sewer flow rates, expressed in
ERUs, based on the Los Angeles County Sanitation District standards, as
set forth in the Master Service Charge Ordinance of South Bay Cities
Sanitation District of Los Angeles County as adopted March 18, 1998.
The flow rates for the Abalone Cove Beach property are based on
information provided by the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation. The
sewer service charge may be increased annually by an amount equal to
the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers
for the Los Angeles-Anaheim-Riverside Area (the "CPI"), including all
items as published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 1 of
each year, not to exceed a maximum increase of seven percent (7%) per
year. For any fiscal year that the sewer service charge is not increased by
the allowable increase in the CPI for that year, the City may add the
increase for that year to the CPI increase in subsequent years.
13.06.040 Collection of Charges. The sewer service charge shall be
collected for each fiscal year on the County of Los Angeles tax roll in the
same manner, by the same persons, and at the same time as, together
with and not separately from, the general taxes of the City. For any fiscal
year that the sewer service charge is not collected on the tax roll, the City
may collect all or a portion of the sewer service charge for such year on
the tax roll in the following fiscal year or years.
13.06.050. Rate zones —Table A.
TABLE A
Rate Zones
Zone Sewer Subsystem Components
A Gravity subsystem only
B Gravity & Force Main subsystems
C Gravity & Low-Pressure subsystems
D Gravity & Force Main & Low Pressure
subsystems
13.06.060. ERUs for various land uses —Table B.
TABLE B
Ordinance 368
Page 3 -
D-12
Number of ERUs by Land Use
Land Use ERU
Single Family Residential ERU = 1
Church ERU = 0.19/1000 sq. ft. of building
School/Nurse ry ERU = 0.77/1000 sq. ft. of building
Beach toilet ERU = 0.46/toilet
Beach shower ERU = 0.33/shower
Vacant ERU = 0
13.06.070. Maximum Annual Charge per ERU by Rate Zone —Table C.
TABLE C
Maximum Annual Charge per ERU by Rate Zone— Fiscal Year 2001-02
Zone Maximum Charge per ERU (FY
2001-02)
A 119.07
B 479.39
C 161.61
D 521.93
Section 3. The City provides sanitary sewer service within the
boundaries of the District. The amount of money from ad valorem taxes available to the
City is inadequate to fund the cost of this service. The City's sanitary sewer service
must be continued without interruption in order to protect the public health, safety and
welfare of the residents therein and the general public. Therefore, it is necessary to
impose a sewer service charge upon the properties within the District. In order to avoid
the substantial costs of establishing a billing system for the collection of the sewer
service charge, the City Council has previously determined that the sewer service
charge should be collected on the tax roll. In order for the sewer service charge to be
collected without interruption of service, the City must submit the fee to the County of
Los Angeles for collection on the tax roll prior to August 10th each year. Because of the
gCounty's August 10th deadline, there is insufficient time for this ordinance to become
effective without a single reading and immediate effectiveness. It is therefore urgent
that the establishment of sewer service charge effected by this ordinance become
effective immediately to prevent an interruption in the sanitary sewer service provided
by the City. An interruption in such service is of great public concern. The sanitary
sewer system in the District was installed to reduce the risk of landslide activity in the
area. It is imperative that the City's sewer service in the District be continued without
interruption in order to achieve this purpose and adequately protect the public health,
safety and welfare of the residents therein and the general public. An interruption in
sanitary sewer service in the District may create an increased risk of landslide activity,
Ordinance 368
Page 4 -
D-13
may create a public nuisance, or lead to other problems affecting the health, welfare
and safety of the residents of the City and surrounding cities. This ordinance is
necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, safety and welfare,
declares the facts constituting the urgency, and is passed by at least a four-fifths vote of
the City Council. Accordingly, this measure is adopted immediately upon introduction
pursuant to Government Code Section 36934 and shall take effect immediately
pursuant to Government Code Section 36937(b).
Section 4. Commencing with fiscal year 2001-2002, the annual sewer
service charge shall be collected on the tax roll, in the same manner, by the same
persons and at the same time as, together and not separately from, the general taxes of
the City in the amounts shown in the Written Report. In subsequent tax years, the City
Council shall cause a written report to be prepared and filed with the City Clerk on or
before June 1st
of each year. The City Council shall further hold a duly noticed public
hearing on the Written Report and hear and consider all objections and protests thereto.
If a majority protest is not received, the City Council may adopt the Written Report and
may order the annual sewer service charge shall be collected on the tax roll, in the
same manner, by the same persons and at the same time as, together and not
separately from, the general taxes of the City in the amounts shown in the Written
Report.
Section 5. On or before August 10th
of each year, commencing with
Fiscal Year 2001-2002, the City Clerk shall file a copy of the Written Report with the City
Treasurer with a statement endorsed on said Written Report over the City Clerk's
signature that the report has been finally adopted by the City Council. Upon receipt of
the Written Report from the City Clerk, the City Treasurer shall enter the amount of the
charges against the parcels as they appear on the current assessment roll.
Section 6. On or before August 10th
of each year, the City Clerk shall
file with the County Auditor of the County of Los Angeles a copy of the Written Report,
with a statement endorsed thereon over the City Clerk's signature that the Written
Report has been finally adopted by the City Council, with a certified copy of this
Ordinance.
Section 7. If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause,
phrase, or portion of this ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or place, is
for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction,
such decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this ordinance. The City
Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance, and each and every
section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof,
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions,
sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 8. The City Clerk is directed to certify to the enactment of this
Ordinance and to cause this Ordinance to be posted as required by law.
Ordinance 368
Page 5 -
D-14
PAS SED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 17th DAY OF JULY, 2001.
Hy(
a r
ATTEST:
Cit, Clerk
CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ss
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
I, Jo Purcell, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that the
whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the foregoing
Ordinance No. 368 p assed first reading on July 17, 2001, was duly and regularly
yadoptedb the City Council of said City at a regular meeting thereof held on August 7,
p y
2001 and that the same was passed and adopted by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Gardiner, McTaggart, and Mayor Lyon
NOES: None
ABSENT. Stern
1
CITY LERK
Ordinance 368
Page 6 -
D-15
1.'
Si•
ip ,'•
r
P *R. N. •1 CL• 1•1. t
t ''.. 'jb0.0.iii 0010 1..7
PI"' is. •••°.4s:..)•7 •
71%
ic 4„; \'
t." . 0
t Off' \ , b. ____......-
4, .
Q, 00 4 9 mac.
5,0",.S
vir 6.").. 4,.. _
bus: •.
1 .\24.5.1
L...-- , r' r`
r 64S 'b
Ng ev
l
dV T R kra: .
4---•
it 0 1
tI I-: ---- ' m I . '' --. ,I - • ,
ey'-------
3,. i t-.
i . , '
e lr I % t ,:-
ID./
1 n ' ,J.,:?,
5 , ,
N\I \\
t
a..r.
98
nr . <:, ..
e. N2
9
tfl. . PI. * „„
4\...,
S.' 3
4&---#1,.., -..... e: _
I et
l'
7
1
c
V '
i
4 '
4411,04 Vt... .
t* • e,T; r-
L4_,-,„ , :
a..
s......:... . .
11. ''''''''...7.4:.0.'Di
lr ,/ ••,.,.....*".'---- '''' ':-. ,'..-
46)
A.d.8.'114,,,,,
e,\.
1.,,,"_‘ "4 r.
4
i Iv i: 4, \ .r-r \:_,,g,4. ,,.._0..' ,...„..--.'
zMt
9
s
r -
c :.. "
i, .}
Si ::.:Nb -:.sil^‘
r.:::\ \•V.:;4:S l'
C''..‘;,
T.A ' ..t, ,
wit; t
A `4t)'%; •
s„ a 2
M
aC 5 x `:.` 5!6ts Illy
çNL1 e••Dit't LOT 115, L.A.C.A ti0.St
w
oi j
f+ •• i
4.
P."' ‘19- 1-1-1-C. i
c •26; 1. TRACT t.e. 32110 Q
t A , I
b3i .....-
N.a13.35/47.Sir < 0 6
ar -.
i i.4.•;Y..w :LY 3..'3R,
Lor 73 1...•.C., .411.S'i
w
rr--------''''''"'--.."--,,_,,,,,,,... •
r
4ti
i 0.3"ZIC T t Oc: <• _.
V cc 4.
a' .
Li.!'-
a---------'-;— \ :
xr ,.,,,,-4'
i'.. a I 9 5 \
T R. ma:•
L.A.0 A-No.5t 144. -A: a• 4.' •. 4%-z= -_s
j _a V 0 O,
s
Y
J323/
Th at,....., .i'''''.‹.......D -A c _._•
1 a s a.
a 1*.....,„„„
4" I •,` .
4',..`8 - SO 4.7...
z.
D4 Os
b61c Q>. ,'.1e, t•
7 -
it ii 4110 "
t RGZ 6 E OR D•S!" 1.G.ZA, V.
XCc- .
e, riz.
AIN:
I...
VI
I6 MOST SLY.CO.PAttCL 2 a r
g.•
Pat YAP NS itl4f,P.Y a.-In.,- st
g• e4,0 ,,./
41.5' /,...f.
7---7-
7 ------ ' t:t.
fit
s
C:r. ; t f O iy
70/
0„.„.....„./••••...-
4. ...
CQ`, `? r 1 is` ww..•N
C
0 :-
SM w y
ij 7 .
GCE G
PO RI LJGu€sE aot r,T f II st. 4
ti .2 ,,_
4.,,-
Y t i„ii '4
INSP+RA'tON POIn1T 0 /,
S,,.1e.. I as 12OO•c)
N,..,....
covEABALONE
sLIDE ABATEmENT DisTRICTi
pa: CITY C. RA C•4O PALDS VEQ J 5 (2.:51 37i-O3.034;,k,
4Y' •50J-rH D4Y £k;GINisi r* c, COQ (2J3) 37S-2.55‘,
J.M.K-12t5•2 S.CA'E.• I es GO0 JA'J. G•1!•54 SY.E N Ce
REV. JAN.tS,tW,I,D-16
II
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES SS AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES)
The undersigned, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:
That at all times herein mentioned, she was and now is the appointed City Clerk
of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes;
That on October 16, 2001 she caused to be
posted the following document entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 368
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITYCOUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES ESTABLISHING AN ANNUAL SEWER SERVICE CHARGE AND
AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE.
a copy of which is attached hereto, in the following locations:
City Hall Hesse Park
30940 Hawthorne Blvd. 29301 Hawthorne Blvd
Rancho Palos Verdes Rancho Palos Verdes
Ladera Linda Community Center Ryan Park
32201 Forrestal Drive 30359 Hawthorne Blvd.,
Rancho Palos Verdes Rancho Palos Verdes
I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is a true and correct affidavit of
posting.
City Clerk
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard/Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275-5391/(310) 377-0360/Fax(310)544-5291
www.palosverdes.com/rpv
D-17
July 9, 2026
City of Rancho Palos Verdes City Council
Mayor Seo, paul.seo@rpvca.gov
Councilman Bradley, David.bradley@rpvca.gov
Councilman Lewis, George.lewis@rpvca.gov
Councilman Perestam, Stephen.perestam@rpvca.gov
Ara Mihranian, City Manager, AraM@rpvca.gov
David Copp, Director Public Works, dcopp@rpvca.gov
Re: History of the Abalone Cove Sewers
As you are all aware within a one week period starting July 29th, 2024, the PBCA suffered with So Cal Gas
being shut off, then September 1st, So Cal Edison being shut off, then within days Cox Cable shutting off. We
have all invested tens of thousands of dollars installing solar, propane, converting or purchasing new
appliances. All without assistance or funding.
The Portuguese Bend Community Association Board of Directors represents the property owners within the
Abalone Cove Sewer Maintenance District. We will formally file a protest to any increase in our current sewer
fee schedule due to higher than normal maintenance costs, and will protest the City passing on the subsidy
onto the property owners. These expenses are caused by improperly engineered and installed equipment,
inequitable assessments to different property owners within the district and the fact that our sewer fees over
the course of the years have been well above other Rancho Palos Verdes resident’s sewer fees for equal
service.
The Abalone Cove Sewer Collection System is owned, operated and maintained by the City separately from
the rest of the City’s sewer system, which is operated and maintained by the LA County Sewer Maintenance
District ((CSMD).
History
1974 Frank Vanderlip Jr. sold 40 acres at Abalone Cove to LA County.
1975 LA County Department of Beach & County Engineers study for toilet facilities and drainage and sewage
requirements
1978 County of Los Angeles sewer improvement project for Narcissa Drive, a draft resolution for the County to
do the project was presented and approved by the Mayor Dyda of RPV and the City Council on December 18,
1978.
1978 Abalone Cove Landslide activated
E-1
1984 Redevelopment Agency formed, funded by tax increment, RDA is comprised of RPV City Council
Members
1984 Liens which are labeled bonds by the City of RPV, Portuguese Bend Residents had liens on our home s to
fund the projects from the panel of experts appointed by the RDA.
1987 Horan Settlement, to purchase $10 million worth of assessment bonds to pay for landslide abatement
improvements within the Abalone Landslide Abatement District boundaries.
1989 EIR report of Abalone Cove Landslide Stabilization Project done by the County of Los Angeles Public
Works, construct domestic sewers to connect to the County Sanitation District
1989 RPV City Council passed a Resolution to place bonded liens on PB residents’ homes to fund projects
deemed necessary by the RDA (City Council Members)
1992 Letter from PBCA Board of Directors to Judge Chernow, presiding Judge of Horan Lawsuit. Letter is in
opposition to the liens placed on PB property owners who were not involved in the Horan lawsuit, liens range
from $21,000 to $93,000 of resident’s homes. The letter also states the Panel of Experts appointed by the
RDA are expanding their activities to the Portuguese Bend Landslide, which these funds are restricted to use
for the Abalone Cove Landslide only. At the date of this letter April 23, 1992, of the $10 million award
(bonds/liens), only $6 million remained in the fund abatement measures and yet no abatement work has
commended as of the date of the April 23, 1992 letter.
1993 April 28th RPV Agenda, Panel of Experts Priority list of improvements from the Horan Settlement Funds
for landslide abatement projects. #1 Additional dewatering wells $300,000; #2 Drainage Facilities $1 to $1.5
million (never done); #3 Shoreline Protection $5 million (never done); #4 Domestic Sewers $1 million; #5 Toe
berm and shoreline protection $7 million to $9 million (never done) Note that the Panel of Experts deemed
the sewers not a high priority.
1994 Rancho Palos Verdes formation of Sewer Maintenance District for Abalone Cove Sanitary Sewers funded
by the RDA. Which is funded by Horan Settlement, bonds described in the 1987 settlement agreement.
1996 Panel of Experts’ priorities concerning landslide abatement for Abalone Cove Landslide, remains as
stated above in 1992, Sewers are #4 on the list of 5 items.
1998 Letter from the City of RPV to PB residents dated September 22, 1998, stating that they will be installing
the sewer system along with the storm drains. Note the storm drain project never happened.
2000 City awards contract for construction of the Abalone Cove Combined Pressure/Gravity Sewer System.
Portuguese Bend residents had no input on the design nor did the PB residents give approval of the sewer
design.
2001 Letter from City of RPV to PB residents dated June 1st stating that the City Council has agreed to
contribute 47% of the estimated costs.
2002 Completed the Abalone Cove Sewer System, RDA advises ACLAD that they did not have adequate funds
to proceed with the Altamira Canyon Drainage Project, which on the Panel of Experts was #2.
E-2
2017 City of Rancho Palos Verdes Update Study – Abalone Cove Sewer Maintenance Fee. A-34 page 31 under
Grinder Pump Systems states “It is typical for an e-one pump to have a service life of approximately seven to
ten years. However, due to service requirements, the pumps at some locations require replacement at 3 to 4
year intervals.” This grinder pump replacement is part of the subsidy the City of RPV pays for. Where else in
the City of RPV does a resident have to replace sewer parts every 3 to 4 years at the cost of $10,000 to
$15,000? It is unjust for the City of RPV to pass on this expense to the PB residents when the City of RPV
designed and installed the substandard sewer system that we did not request to have. Example: My home has
3 adults with low use of the system, and the grinder pumps last approximately 4 years. (Claudia Gutierrez)
The RPV City Council at past meetings have asked the question,” how did we get stuck with these sewers.”
The answer is: Abalone Cove Shoreline Park was acquired from the County of Los Angeles by Rancho Palos
Verdes Redevelopment Agency on October 13, 1987. Remember in the timeline above in 1975 Los Angeles
County Engineers were already designing a sewer and drainage system for Abalone Cove, then in 1978 Los
Angeles County engineers presented a sewer system designed which included Narcissa Drive in the PB
community along with Abalone Cove beach sewer system, which was approved by Mayor Dyda and the City
Council on December 18, 1978. In order for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes to obtain title to Abalone Cove
Shoreline Park the City of RPV had to take responsibility for the construction of the Abalone Cove sewer
system. Otherwise, ownership of Abalone Cove Shoreline Park title would remain with Los Angeles County
and then Los Angeles County would be responsible for the Abalone Cove Sewer System.
By RPV choosing the design as they did ( different than the 1975 LA County sewer design), the City of RPV
have excluded the possibility of the L.A. County Sanitation District from taking over maintenance. This
precludes the Abalone Cove Sewer District’s landowners from benefiting with the economy of scale of fees the
Sanitation District charges with similar neighborhoods. As a result, the cost of the Abalone Cove Sewer System
is in some cases 3 times higher than the rest of RPV.
Property owners were enticed to accept the sewer system based upon a fixed cost with a CPI inflation factor.
To increase the fee and place all of the maintenance costs of a deficient system on the property owners would
be unfair. As stated in the City of RPV’s letter to PB landowners on June 1, 2001.
The City in their April 2015 Abalone Cove Sewer System Management Plan acknowledges that the system is
jointly funded through Abalone Cove Sewer Maintenance District and augmented with an annual City subsidy.
This has always been the understanding of the property owners, to change this agreement with a fee increase
to the property owners in order to cover a deficient system would be unfair. Note part of the subsidy amount
the City of RPV pays is for administrative expense of $21,948.
The property tax revenue the City of RPV received from property in Portuguese Bend should have been
considered to offset the subsidy the City of RPV funds for the sewers. Homes in the Sewer District were selling
for $3 million to $5 million, vacant lots in Zone 2 were selling for $1 million. The PBCA pays for our roads and
gates 100%, no City funds are ever used. PBCA pays for fire and weed abatement in our community. The City
of RPV owns 17 vacant lots within the PBCA and they do not comply with the weed abatement on their vacant
lots.
The Portuguese Bend landowners did not petition the City of RPV to install the sewer system. When the
City of RPV was formed in 1973 the PB Landslide had already occurred. The City knew full well what they
E-3
were entering into as far as possible land movement and the ongoing expenses of such, which included
PVDS.
Sewer Rates for FY 2020 to 2021
Portuguese Bend Residents on the Abalone Cove Sewer System pay:
Zone A $176.76
Zone B $694.81
Zone C $262.37
Zone D $774.81
Portuguese Bend Residents also pay on to the LA County Sanitation District:
179.00
Portuguese Bend Residents pay to ACLAD an annual fee for dewatering wells:
$1,183.72 and higher, depending on the square footage of the home and square footage of the parcel.
The ACLAD fees will go up to include the repayment of the City of RPV loan.
Sincerely,
Portuguese Bend Community Association Board of Directors
Claire Leon, President, claire.pbca@gmail.com
Claudia Gutierrez, VP, Treasurer, Roadside West & East, claudia.pbca@gmail.com
Jessica Towle, Secretary, jess.pbca@gmail.com
Cameron Stewart, Cameron.pbca@gmail.com
Dave Zelhart, Roads West, dave.pbca@gmail.com
E-4