City Council Meeting Highlights

Highlights from the May 7 City Council meeting:

• The Council approved construction contracts for two emergency dewatering wells in the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex that will remove water underground that is contributing to movement.
• One well will be installed near Burma Road at the north end of the landslide complex, and the other will be installed on the south end at one of two potential locations: in the Portuguese Bend Beach Club, or in the turnout area along Palos Verdes Drive South formerly known as “Gateway Park.”
• Work on this $9.6 million project is expected to begin as early as June. The City will seek reimbursement under the federal disaster declaration related to February’s storms and explore additional funding opportunities to help offset costs.
• City staff continues planning critical regrading work for the steep dip on Palos Verdes Drive South known as the “ski jump,” which may require a temporary closure in the landslide area. A project timeline is not yet available, but advance notice — including a construction schedule and detour information, if needed, — will be widely shared with the community.
• Staff will provide an update on efforts to provide financial assistance to the Abalone Cove and Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement Districts as well as the Portuguese Bend Community Association at a future Council meeting.
• The City’s local emergency declaration in the landslide complex was extended through July 6.
• The Council reviewed EDCO’s request for a 6% rate increase for residential customers in the next fiscal year based on the Consumer Price Index. The rate increase was approved in 2022 as part of a planned five-year schedule of increases, but was presented for the Council’s and public’s information.

For all City Council actions from the meeting, watch video at rpvca.gov/agendas.