CC MINS 20110920 MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 20, 2011
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Long at Fred Hesse Community
Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, and was immediately recessed into Closed Session.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:06 P.M.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
ABSENT: Campbell*
*Councilman Campbell arrived at 7:42 P.M.
Also present were: Carolyn Lehr, City Manager; Carolynn Petru, Deputy City Manager;
Carol Lynch, City Attorney; Dennis McLean, Director of Finance/Information Technology
(IT); Joel Rojas, Community Development Director; Ray Holland, Director of Public
Works; Tom Odom, Director of Recreation and Parks/Deputy Director of Public Works;
Greg Pfost, Deputy Community Development Director; Ara Mihranian, Deputy
Community Development Director; Ron Dragoo, Senior Engineer; Eduardo Schonborn,
Senior Planner; Eric Mausser, Human Resources Manager; and Carla Morreale, City
Clerk.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Flag Salute was led by Deputy Community Development Director Pfost.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Long announced that the City and EDCO will be holding a free document
shredding event for the City's residents on Saturday, October 1, 2011 in the City Hall
parking lot.
RECYCLE DRAWING:
Mayor Long announced Recyclers of the Month from the September 6, 2011 City Council
meeting: Molly Johnson and Sid Weiss. He indicated that all winners receive a check for
$250 representing a year of free refuse service and urged everyone to participate in the
City's Recycling Program.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
City Council Minutes
September 20, 2011
Page 1 of 16
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to approve the agenda as
presented.
Without objection, Mayor Long so ordered.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: (For Audience Comments for Items not on the Agenda)
Mark Wells, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he recorded the recent Candidates Forum
held by the Lon gp oint Homeowners Association on September 7, 2011 noting that
Councilman Campbell did a great job as the moderator of the debate and provided staff
with a copy of the DVD for Councilman Campbell.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Lehr announced that the City's Mirandela Senior Affordable Housing
Project was recently named the "2011 Sage Award for Project of the Year" by the
Building Industry Association of Southern California.
Deputy Community Development Director Pfost explained that the prestigious Sage
Award recognizes projects that make outstanding contributions to enhancing the quality
of life for Southern California residents aged 55+.
Senior Engineer Dragoo provided a status update report regarding the San Ramon
Canyon Project, including the progress on the environmental report, design plans,
proposed schedule for the upcoming project, possible grant funding, and monitoring of
the roadway's stability.
Public Works Director Holland reported on the status of potential state and federal
funding sources for the project, including the New Jobs Bill proposed by the President.
Council and staff discussion ensued.
NEW BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding Item E (Agreement for Skate Park and Dog Park Community Outreach
and Site Analysis), and there was one request to speak regarding that item.
Councilman Wolowicz moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to approve the Consent
Calendar, with Item E removed from the Consent Calendar to follow immediately after the
Consent Calendar.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
City Council Minutes
September 20, 2011
Page 2 of 16
AYES: Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: Campbell
ABSTAIN: None
Motion to Waive Full Reading
Adopted a motion to waive reading in full of all ordinances presented at this meeting with
consent of the waiver of reading deemed to be given by all Council Members after the
reading of the title.
Approval of Minutes
Approved the Minutes of the September 6, 2011 Regular Meeting.
Notice of Completion — City Hall Main Waterline Replacement Project
1) Accepted the project as complete; 2) Authorized the City Clerk to file a Notice of
Completion for the project with the County Recorder; and if no claims are filed within 35
days after recordation, and upon the contractor posting an acceptable warranty bond,
notice the surety company to exonerate the Payment and Performance Bonds; and,
3) Authorized the Director of Public Works to release the 10% retention payment in the
amount of$3,622.51 to Atlas Allied Inc., 35 days after recordation of the Notice of
Completion by the County Recorder contingent upon no claims being filed on the project,
and the contractor posting an acceptable warranty bond.
Fourth Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement with the South Bay Cities
Council of Governments
1) Approved the Fourth Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement between the
South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) and the seventeen agencies set
forth in the agreement; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor to sign the amended Joint Powers
Agreement.
Agreement for Skate Park and Dog Park Community Outreach and Site
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
Adoption of Tax Increment Transfer Agreement
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2011-68, A RESOLUTION OF CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY OF A TRANSFER AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
City Council Minutes
September 20, 2011
Page 3 of 16
SECTION 34194.2 AND TAKING CERTAIN OTHER ACTIONS IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH.
Award a Contract for GPS Monitoring in the Landslide
1) Awarded a contract to Michael McGee Surveying Consulting, Inc. in the amount of
$35,860, to perform a GPS survey of all existing points within the Portuguese
Bend/Abalone Cove Landslide area and to prepare the associated report; and,
2) Authorized the expenditure of$35,860 for the required survey and associated report;
and authorized the expenditure of up to $6,500 as a project contingency in the event
additional work is identified during the field survey and is determined to be required b
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the Director of Public Works.
Agreement to Use Easement at Menominee Place
1) Approved the agreement allowing the conditional use of City Right-of-Way and
easements at Menominee Place, and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the
agreement; 2) Authorized property owner to perform grading within easements following
Planning and Building approval; and, 3) Authorized the City Clerk to record the
agreement with the County Recorder following Planning approval of the improvements.
FY10-11 Continuing Appropriations & Fiscal Year-End Budget Adjustments
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2011-69, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AMENDING RESOLUTION 2010-55,
THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FY10-11, TO REDUCE THE BUDGET FOR THE
APPROVED CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS; 2) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2011-
70, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, AMENDING RESOLUTION 2011-44, THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR
FY11-12, TO INCREASE THE BUDGET FOR THE APPROVED CONTINUING
APPROPRIATIONS; and, 3) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2011-71, A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AMENDING
RESOLUTION 2010-55, THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FY10-11, TO ADJUST
THE BUDGET IN THE GENERAL FUND, PROPOSITION C FUND, PUBLIC SAFETY
GRANTS FUND, MEASURE A MAINTENANCE FUND, AND RPVTV FUND.
Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2011-72, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND
DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING FUNDS FROM WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID.
# # # # # # #
ITEM REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Council Minutes
September 20, 2011
Page 4 of 16
Agreement for Skate Park and Dog Park Community Outreach and Site Analysis
Director of Recreation and Parks Odom provided a brief staff report regarding the
contract for community outreach and site analysis for a skate park and a dog park in the
City and on the Peninsula.
Ken Dyda, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he did not see a default clause in the
contract if the consultant defaults or limitations in the contract regarding contingency
fees.
City Attorney Lynch pointed out the components of the contract which protect the City.
Discussion ensued between Council Members and staff.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to: 1) Approve an
agreement with Mia Lehrer &Associates in the amount of$24,400 for public outreach
and site analysis to consider both a skate park and a dog park on the Peninsula; and,
2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-73, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2011-44,
THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FY11-12, TO AMEND THE GENERAL FUND
AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FUND BUDGETS.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: Campbell
ABSTAIN: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Code Amendment to Revise the Current Program that Allows Non-Commercial
Organizations to Place Temporary Special Event Banners in the City's Right-of-
Ways
City Clerk Morreale reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, no
written protests received, and there were no requests to speak regarding this item.
Mayor Long declared the public hearing open.
Councilman Stern noted that staff's recommendation was to continue this item to October
4, 2011.
Councilman Campbell arrived at 7:42 P.M.
City Council Minutes
September 20, 2011
Page 5 of 16
Mayor Pro Tern Misetich moved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to continue the
public hearing to October 4, 2011.
Without objection, Mayor Long so ordered.
Revision "XX" to the Trump National Golf Course Project
City Clerk Morreale reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, no
written protests received, late correspondence was distributed prior to the meeting, and
there were no requests to speak regarding this item.
Mayor Long declared the public hearing open.
Community Development Deputy Director Pfost provided a brief staff report regarding this
item.
Discussion ensued between Council and staff.
Jill Martin, Attorney, Trurnp National Golf Course, stated that there has been some dela Y delay
due to the substantive comments from the City's geologist which required a more detailed
secondary report from Trump National's geologist.
Mayor Long declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Misetich, to: 1) ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-74, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, ADOPTING ADDENDUM 43 TO ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT NO. 36; 2) ADOPT URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 525U, AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, APPROVING
AMENDMENT NO. 12 TO THE TRUMP NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT,
AUTHORIZING AN EXTENSION TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT TO MARCH
21, 2012, AND DEQLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF; 3) Authorize the Mayor and the
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City Clerk to execute the documents on behalf of the City; 4) Extend Vesting Tentative
Tract Map No. 5066 consistent with the term of the Development Agreement; and,
5) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-75, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AMENDING GRADING PERMIT NO. 1541
TO ALLOW AN EXTENSION TO THE OPERATION OF THE DRIVING RANGE TO
MARCH 21, 2012.
The motion passed on the followin g roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Council Minutes
September 20, 2011
Page 6of16
ABSTAIN: None
Tract Map Amendment to Tract No. 52666 (SUB2OI I-00003) / 30039 Via Victoria (Lot
9) & 30051 Via Victoria (Lot 10)
City Clerk Morreale reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, written
protests included in the staff report and late correspondence which was distributed prior
to the meeting, and there were three requests to speak regarding this item.
Mayor Long declared the public hearing open.
Senior Planner Schonborn provided a brief staff report regarding this item.
Council and staff discussion ensued.
Sid Croft, Attorney for Applicant Marshall Esfahani, stated that the application before
Council was routine and noted that the change would provide a safer, less congested and
more efficient access to the garages of the properties. He stated that the applicant
agreed with staff that the change was warranted and created a more practical site plan
configuration, with a reduction of parking on Via Victoria.
Tim McElroy, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he was not against the driveways but
noted concern with the difficulty of residents to currently get in and out of the driveway.
He reported that residents scrape the bottom of their cars on the street and suggested
the consideration of permit parking for the area.
William Festa and Cindy Tea, Redondo Beach, stated that they are the proposed buyers
of Lot 10 and are in favor of staff's recommendation for the proposed amendment for the
addition of the two driveway entrances for the reasons of safety and privacy.
The applicant did not request a rebuttal opportunity.
Discussion ensued between Council and staff.
Mayor Long declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to: ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-76, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, THEREBY ADOPTING ADDENDUM 4 TO A
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVING A TRACT AMENDMENT
(REVISION D) TO ALLOW FOR TWO ADDITIONAL ACCESS DRIVEWAYS ALONG VIA
VICTORIA, EACH PROVIDING INDIVIDUAL ACCESS FOR LOT 9 AND LOT 10 OF
TRACT 52666.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
City Council Minutes
September 20, 2011
Page 7 of 16
AYES: Campbell, Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
State of California Habitat Conservation Fund Project Grant— Palos Verdes Nature
Preserve
Community Development Deputy Director Mihranian provided a brief staff report
regarding the State of California Habitat Conservation Fund Project Grant for the Palos
Verdes Nature Preserve.
Council and staff discussion ensued.
Councilman Wolowicz moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to: 1) ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. X011-77, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AUTHORIZING THE PALOS VERDES PENINSULA
LAND CONSERVANCY (PVPLC), ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE STATE'S HABITAT
CONSERVATION FOND FOR TRAIL WORK AND HABITAT RESTORATION AT THE
PALOS VERDES NATURE PRESERVE ; and 2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-78 A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES,
APPROVING A $10,800 BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
IMPROVEMENTS AT THE PALOS VERDES NATURE PRESERVE.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
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NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Department of Fish and Game's Office of Spill Prevention and Response Grant
Application for Habitat Restoration at the Vicente Bluffs Reserve
Community Development Deputy Director Mihranian provided a brief staff report
regarding the Department of Fish and Game's Office of Spill Prevention and Response
Grant Application for Habitat Restoration at the Vicente Bluffs Reserve.
Councilman Wolowicz moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to: ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-79, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AUTHORIZING THE PALOS VERDES PENINSULA
City Council Minutes
September 20, 2011
Page 8 of 16
LAND CONSERVANCY TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM
THE DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME'S OFFICE OF SPILL PREVENTION AND
RESPONSE FOR HABITAT RESTORATION AT THE VICENTE BLUFFS RESERVE OF
THE PALOS VERDES NATURE PRESERVE.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Long called a brief recess from 8:18 P.M. to 8:31 P.M.
Councilman Wolowicz moved, seconded by Councilman Campbell, to move Item 7
(Request from the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District to Support Measure M,
a Local School Parcel Tax Measure on the November 8, 2011 Ballot) up on the agenda.
Without objection, Mayor Long so ordered.
Request from the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) to
Support Measure M, a Local School Parcel Tax Measure on the November 8, 2011
Ballot
City Clerk Morreale reported that there were three requests to speak regarding this item.
Senior Administrative Analyst Waters provided a brief staff report regarding the request
from the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) to support Measure
M, a Local School Parcel Tax Measure on the November 8, 2011 Ballot.
Ken Dyda, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the School District was a separate taxing
agency and as such it should bear the burden of convincing the residents to support its
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measure. He urged the Council not to support the measure, noting that the School
District should support it and convince the residents of the need.
Dora de la Rosa, Member of Yes on Measure M Campaign Committee, stated that the
focus of Measure M is to secure stable local funding for the PVPUSD. She provided a
brief history regarding the funding of school districts through the State of California and
the complications as a result of that action. She reported that the PVPUSD is seeking to
combine Measure P and Measure V into one Measure M of $374 with a CPI adjustment
to be agendized each year. She stated that there would be no sunset on the Measure
due to the continuous underfunding of the PVPUSD by the State and noted that this was
a wise investment for the community to maintain a local stable source of funding for the
City Council Minutes
September 20, 2011
Page 9 of 16
schools.
Barbara Lucky, on Measure y, Yes o easu a M Campaign Committee, Vice President, stated that if
Parcel Tax Measure M did not pass the following would be the results: 1) loss of 90
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teaching positions and 40 classified positions including clerical, custodial and aide
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support staff; 2) the reduction or elimination of some athletic programs; 3) larger class
sizes; 4) fewer course offerings, with a reduction of honors and advanced placement
courses; 5) eliminate or reduce extracurricular activities; 6) reduction in counseling,
nursing and psychology services; and, 7) reduction in library services, technology
support, music, and language courses.
Council and staff discussion ensued.
Councilman Stern mpved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to adopt the staff
recommendation to: I) Approve the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District's
request for support of Measure M; and, 2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-80, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES TO ENDORSE AND
SUPPORT MEASURE M, A PARCEL TAX MEASURE FOR THE PALOS VERDES
PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT.
The motion o passed on the followin g roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Pension Revision
City Clerk Morreale;re orted that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting and there u�vere 12 requests to speak regarding this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Misetich moved, seconded by Mayor Long, to have Council address and
vote on Recommendation No. 3 and continue the remaining recommendations to the
October 4, 2011 Council meeting.
Council and staff discussion ensued.
Mayor ayo Pro Tem Misetich withdrew his motion to allow for the speakers to be heard.
Ken Dyda, Rancho Palos Verdes, complimented the Subcommittee for bringing Pension
Revision to the Council for consideration. He stated that the Subcommittee did not have
the benefit of hearing from the public and commented on calculations of pensions as a
percentage of the employee's base salary. He commented on the City's Reserve Funds
City Council Minutes
September 20, 2011
Page 10 of 16
noting that they should be reserved for projects such as the San Ramon Canyon Project,
storm drains, sewer system, and the solutions for the Portuguese Bend Landslide.
Kathryn Downs, Deputy Director of Finance/IT, City of Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that
she supports the Subcommittee's recommendation for current employees even though
the proposal results in a net 1.5% take away. She stated that she was opposed to the
establishment of a 2nd Tier Pension Program for new employees expressing concerns for
increased difficulties in recruitment efforts. She noted that Rancho Palos Verdes staff is
comprised of hard-working professionals with integrity who care about the future of the
City and listed some of the programs and services staff has taken on in the last few
years. She requested that the Council adopt the Subcommittee's recommendation for
current employees this evening.
Linda Gan-Vanderlinde, Senior Accountant, City of Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that
employees in the private sector covered by Social Security have been enjoying increased
take home pay in 2011 and will in 2012, but City employees are not covered by Social
Security. She added that in addition to City staff's decrease in take home pay, staff is
also facing potential layoffs of spouses, increased college tuition fees, and other financial
constraints.
Nancie Silver, Recreation Program Supervisor II, City of Rancho Palos Verdes, stated
that she encouraged the Council to vote in favor of the recommendation of the Pension
Revision Subcommittee and Management Partners regarding pension revision. She
reported on the new programs established in the Recreation and Parks Department
which have been added to already existing programs and events. She encouraged the
Council to support the recommendation which is a compromise between the Council and
employees to ensure that the City continues to be a shining example of what can be
achieved when people work together for a common purpose.
Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst, City of Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the
City's employees are dedicated, hard-working and resourceful people who have taken on
new and expanded challenges with successful results. He stated that he was in support
of the recommendation of the Pension Revision Subcommittee to achieve the stated goal
of sustainability and pension reform.
Dave Emenhiser, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he was a former Chair of the Finance
Adviso ry Committee, and that the City has benefited from the experienced staff who face
complex issues, noting that staff has been loyal with a low turnover rate. He stated that
the City should maintain its commitment of 2.5% at 55 to current employees; approve the
2% at 60 plan for new employees; prevent salary spiking; and begin to reduce the
payment of the City employees' pension retirement contribution in a phased manner.
Sharon Yarber, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she has not spent the time to analyze
this complex issue, but stated that she would have appreciated a community outreach
meeting where the limitations of available actions regarding the employee's pension were
City Council Minutes
September 20, 2011
Page 11 of 16
it
discussed. She spoke in support of a Second Tier program but suggested a sliding scale
based on the age of retirement. She expressed concern with the proposed 5% increase
in salary and the potehtial for spiking of salaries, and suggested the possibility of rolling
back salaries to the ai'nount at the time of hire.
Kit Fox, Senior Administrative Analyst, City of Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he
supported the recommendation of the Pension Subcommittee although he was not
thrilled about the 2nd Tier proposal for new employees. He stated that the times, public
expectation of local government, employees, officials, and compensation have changed
over the last few years. He stated that he appreciated the Council's proactive approach
and willingness to be open and transparent in the process of establishing a more
predictable and sustainable pension system for the City.
Jerry Duhovic, Vice Chair, Finance Advisory Committee, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated
that any action taken by Council was not a reflection on staff, their competency or
qualifications. He stated that speaking with members of the public there has been no
support for staff salary increases to offset pension reform, and that staff has been treated
fairly over the course of the years. He stated that this is important business and
requested the continuance of this matter so that additional questions could be asked and
potential solutions considered. He stated that he would welcome the opportunity to
review the pension revision proposal as a member of the Finance Advisory Committee.
John Alvarez, Senior Planner, City of Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he appreciated
the efforts of City management staff and Management Partners for the thorough review of
the pension revision issue. He noted that he will be able to handle the impact of the
financial change, but some employees may have a more difficult time with the salary
reduction. He stated that he was in favor of the Subcommittee's recommendation which
he believed is fair and meets the goals of the Subcommittee.
Nicole Jules, Senior Engineer, City of Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she was in
support of the recommendation of the Pension Revision Subcommittee and Management
Partners. She reflected on the limited number of projects that were able to be completed
in Public Works due to a limited number of staff when she was first hired in 2001. She
listed the numerous current projects and aspects of her job duties for which she has felt a
level of excitement.
Susan Brooks, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that 16 years ago staff and salaries were
half of that what they are now and the population of the City has not changed. She
raised concerns with pension costs, staff salary increases, pension spiking, and the
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ension liability. She suggested the continuance of the item until more
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research is perfornied or until the new Council is seated. She suggested issuing the
letter of intent to opt out of the CaIPERS program to find out the amount of the City's
unfunded pension liability.
City Council Minutes
September 20, 2011
Page 12 of 16
Lauren Ramezani, Senior Administrative Analyst, City of Rancho Palos Verdes, stated
that she has worked for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for sixteen years and stated
that she was in support of the recommendation of the Pension Revision Subcommittee
and Management Partners, Inc. which immediately begins to save the City money and
does not seriously impact current employees salary and morale. She noted that the City
was on solid financial ground and requested that the Council not penalize the current
employees any further.
Discussion among Council Members ensued.
Mayor Pro Tem Misetich moved, seconded by Councilman Campbell, to address the
recommendation regarding the establishment of the 2nd Tier benefit formula for new
employees and continue the remainder of the Pension Revision item to the October 4,
2011 Council meeting.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Long called a brief recess from 10:06 P.M. to 10:12 P.M.
Council discussion continued.
Mayor Long moved a substitute motion, seconded by Councilman Stern, to adopt the
Subcommittee's recommendations as set forth and outlined in the staff report to:
Approve the recommendations made by the City Council Pension Revision
Subcommittee and with concurrence by Management Partners to adopt revisions to the
City's pension plan to attain sustainability and cost control for current employees and new
hires, and further direct Staff as follows: 1) Effective with the pay period beginning
September 23 , 2011, discontinue the 6.5% employer paid member contribution for full-
time employees in conjunction with a one-time salary increase of 5%; 2) Effective with the
pay period beginning September 23, 2011, discontinue the 1% employer paid member
contribution for part-time employees in conjunction with a one-time wage increase of 1%;
3) Request CaIPERS to prepare a contract amendment to establish a 2nd Tier benefit
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formula for new employees based upon 2%/60 formula with determination of final
compensation based upon the average of the three highest years; and, 4) Inquire with
ICMA whether or not the City's existing Section 457 defined contribution plan can be
amended to enable matching contributions for new employees or research and make a
recommendation of other plan providers to administrate such a plan in conjunction with
adoption of an amendment to the CaIPERS agreement.
After additional Council discussion Mayor Long split his substitute motion.
Mayor Long moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to approve Recommendation Nos. 1
and 2 relating to the Tier 1 Pension Program for current employees as follows:
1) Effective with the pay period beginning September 23 , 2011, discontinue the 6.5%
employer paid member contribution for full-time employees in conjunction with a one-time
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September 20, 2011
Page 13 of 16
°
salary increase of 5W and, 2) Effective with the pay period beginning September 23,
2011, discontinue the 1°/0 employer paid member contribution for part-time employees in
conjunction with a one-time wage increase of 1%.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: Campbell and Misetich
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Long moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to approve Recommendation Nos. 3
and 4 relating to the Mier 2 Pension Program for new employees as follows:
3) Request CaIPERS to prepare a contract amendment to establish a 2nd Tier benefit
formula for new employees based upon 2%/60 formula with determination of final
compensation based upon the average of the three highest years; and, 4) Inquire with
ICMA whether or not the City's existing Section 457 defined contribution plan can be
amended to enable Matching contributions for new employees or research and make a
recommendation of Other plan providers to administrate such a plan in conjunction with
adoption of an amendment to the CaIPERS agreement.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Stern, Misetich, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Long called a brief recess from 10:56 P.M. to 11:04 P.M.
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Councilman Campbell left the meeting g at 10:56 P.M.
League of California Cities 2011 Annual Conference Resolutions
Councilman Stern rfnoved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to waive the staff report
regarding this item.
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Without objection, Mayor Long so ordered.
Mayor Long moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to: Direct the Voting Delegate to
support the adoption of the League of California Cities General Assembly Resolution No.
5 (Replacement of the Death Penalty with the Sentence of Life Imprisonment without the
Possibility of Parole).
City Council Minutes
September 20, 2011
Page 14 of 16
The motion failed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Stern and Mayor Long
NOES: Misetich and Wolowicz
ABSENT: Campbell
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Pro Tem Misetich moved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to: Direct the
Voting Delegate to take no position regarding the adoption of League of California Cities
General Assembly Resolution No. 5 (Replacement of the Death Penalty with the
Sentence of Life Imprisonment without the Possibility of Parole).
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Misetich, Stern and Wolowicz
NOES: Long
ABSENT: Campbell
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Long moved, seconded by Councilman Stern to: Direct the Voting Delegate to
support the adoption of League of California Cities General Assembly Resolution No. 4
(Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003).
Without objection, Mayor Long so ordered.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to: 1) Direct the Voting
Delegate to support the adoption of League of California Cities General Assembly
Resolution No. 1 (Alternative Methods of Meeting Public Notice Requirements and to
Advocate for Revisions to the Government Code Recognizing Alternative Methods as a
Means to Meet Noticing Requirements).
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: Campbell
ABSTAIN: None
Proposed League of California Cities Resolution Regarding Funding of Assembly
p g
Bills 109 and 117
There was no request for a staff report.
Council and staff discussion ensued.
City Council Minutes
September 20, 2011
Page 15 of 16
Mayor Long moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to: Direct the City's League of
California Cities Voting Delegate to be mindful of the concerns of the Council regarding
the "unfunded mandate" while listening to the issues raised at the League Conference,
and then voting accorcdingly.
Without objection, Myor Long so ordered.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each of the Council Members present reported on his attendance at various organization
and association meejin s since the last City Council Oral Reports were provided on
August 16, 2011.
CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Lynch reported on the following Closed Session items: 1) With respect to
the Enstedt case, no action was taken; and, 2) With respect to the Monks case, a report
was given and the Council voted (3-1), with Councilman Campbell absent, to reject the
settlement proposal end the City Attorney was directed not to stipulate to the entry of
judgment.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 11.41 P.M., Mayor Long adjourned the meeting.
Mayor `g.0
Attest:
City Clerk
W:\City Council Minutes\2011\20110920 CC MINS.doc
City Council Minutes
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September 20, 2011
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