CC MINS 20091201 MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 1, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 7:14 P.M. by Mayor Clark at Fred Hesse Community
Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Dyda, Long, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Clark
ABSENT: None
Also present were Carolyn Lehr, City Manager; Carolynn Petru, Deputy City Manager;
Carol Lynch, City Attorney; Dennis McLean, Director of Finance/Information
Technology; Joel Rojas, Director of Community Development; Tom Odom, Interim Open
Space and Trails Manager; Ron Dragoo, Senior Engineer; Nicole Jules, Senior
Engineer; Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst; and, Carla Morreale, City Clerk.
Also present were Council Members Elect Brian Campbell and Anthony Misetich and
Traffic Safety Commissioners Bryan Klatt and Stanislav Parfenov.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Flag Salute was led by Former Mayors Marilyn Lyon and Barbara Ferraro.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Clark announced the recent selection of Brittany Morreale, daughter of City Clerk
Morreale, as a Rhodes Scholar to Oxford University. Mayor Clark recognized Terranea
Resort and Spa as the Business of the Month. Mayor Clark introduced the following
dignitaries in the audience: Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chairman Don
Knabe; Rolling Hills Estates Councilman Frank Zerunyan; and Redondo Beach Mayor
Mike Gin.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Mayor Clark suggested that the order of events as listed under the Ceremonial Matters
be reordered as indicated below:
CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION:
City Council Minutes
December 1, 2009
Page 1 of 9
Ceremonial Matters
A. Presentation to Gardiner Family
B. Presentation to Councilman Dyda
C. Presentation to Mayor Clark
D. Remarks by Continuing Council Members
Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz moved, seconded by Councilman Dyda, the approval of the
agenda, as amended.
Mayor Clark presented former Mayor and Councilman Peter Gardiner's daughter,
Christine, and son, Christopher, with a commemorative City street sign on behalf of all
of the City Council Members.
Mayor Clark presented one of the City's original founders and current Councilman Ken
Dyda, who filled the remainder of Councilman Gardiner's term, with a framed 35th
Anniversary City poster on behalf of all of the City Council Members.
Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz thanked Mayor Clark for his 20 years of service to the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes which began with his service on the View Restoration Committee,
then the Planning Commission, and finalized with his eight years of service on the City
Council. He presented him with a City street sign on behalf of all of the City Council
Members and announced that the gift given on behalf of the Council was the new dais
skirt for the Council Chamber.
Supervisor Knabe thanked Mayor and Coastal Commissioner Clark for his years of
service and presented him with a proclamation on behalf of the Los Angeles County
Board of Supervisors.
Rolling Hills Estates Councilman Zerunyan thanked Mayor Clark for his years of service
to the City and Contract Cities and wished him well in his retirement from City service.
Deputy Bill Orton, on behalf of Senator Roderick Wright, presented Mayor Clark and
Councilman Dyda with commendations for their service to the City.
Redondo Beach Mayor Gin acknowledged Mayor Clark for his years of service to the
City, League of California Cities, and the Coastal Commission, and presented him with
the City of Redondo Beach Civic Award. He also presented a Certificate to Councilman
Dyda for his service on the City Council and with the Peninsula Seniors.
Council Members shared remarks regarding the service to the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes of Mayor Clark and Councilman Dyda.
Certification of Election Results (501)
City Council Minutes
December 1, 2009
Page 2 of 9
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding this item.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Dyda, to approve the staff
recommendation to certify the Election results and ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2009-90,
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, RECITING THE FACTS OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD
IN SAID CITY ON NOVEMBER 3, 2009, DECLARING THE RESULTS THEREOF AND
SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS PROVIDED BY LAW.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Dyda, Long, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Clark
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Swearing in and Seating of Newly Elected Council Members Misetich and
Campbell
City Clerk Morreale administered the oath to newly elected Council Members Misetich
and Campbell.
COUNCIL REORGANIZATION (306)
Selection of Mayor
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding Rules of Procedure 4.1 and 4.2.
City Clerk Morreale called for nominations for the selection of Mayor.
Councilman Long nominated Mayor Pro Tern Wolowicz for Mayor. Councilman Stern
seconded the motion.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Long, Misetich, Stern, and Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Selection of Mayor Pro Tem
Mayor Wolowicz called for nominations.
City Council Minutes
December 1, 2009
Page 3 of 9
Councilman Stern nominated Councilman Long to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. Mayor
Wolowicz seconded the motion.
Councilman Campbell nominated Councilman Misetich to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.
Councilman Misetich seconded the motion.
The motion for the selection of Councilman Long to be selected as Mayor Pro Tem
carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Long, Stern, and Mayor Wolowicz
NOES: Campbell and Misetich
ABSENT: None
The motion for the selection of Councilman Misetich to be selected as Mayor Pro Tem
failed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell and Misetich
NOES: Stern, Long, and Mayor Wolowicz
ABSENT: None
Council Members Misetich and Campbell shared remarks regarding the service of
Mayor Clark and Councilman Dyda to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and thanked
family members, friends and residents for electing them to serve the City.
Council Member Stern, Mayor Pro Tem Long, and Mayor Wolowicz extended
congratulations and welcome to newly seated Council Members Campbell and Misetich
and commented on looking forward to working together as the new City Council.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Wolowicz called a recess for a brief celebratory reception from 8:57 P.M. to 9:19
P.M.
RECYCLE DRAWING:
Mayor Wolowicz announced Recyclers of the Month from the November 17, 2009 City
Council meeting: Robert Denni and David Gulino. 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.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Council Minutes
December 1, 2009
Page 4 of 9
Director of Finance/Information Technology McLean announced the recent purchase
and installation of a new audio system in the City Council Chamber.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Wolowicz called a brief recess from 9:23 P.M. to 9:29 P.M. due to technical
difficulties with the video broadcast.
City Manager Lehr announced that the City had received notification that it would
receive the 2009 American Public Works Association (APWA) Project of the Year Award
for the McCarrell Canyon Storm Drain Project.
Randall Barry, Civil Engineer/Design Manager, Harris and Associates, provided an
overview and PowerPoint presentation of the McCarrell Canyon Storm Drain Project.
NEW BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Long, to approve the Consent
Calendar, as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell*, Long*, Misetich*, Stern, and Mayor Wolowicz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
*Council Members Campbell, Long, and Misetich abstained from the Approval of the
Minutes.
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 the Minutes (301)
Approved the Minutes of the October 20, 2009 Regular Meeting, with Councilman
Campbell, Councilman Misetich, and Mayor Pro Tem Long abstaining.
Border Issues Status Report (310)
City Council Minutes
December 1, 2009
Page 5 of 9
Received and filed the current report on the status of border issues.
October 2009 Monthly Report of Cash Balances (602)
Received and filed the October 2009 Monthly Report of Cash Balances for the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes.
Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2009-91, 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.
# # # # # #
PAUSE TO CONSIDER THE REMAINDER OF THE AGENDA:
REGULAR NEW BUSINESS:
Innovative Traffic Safety Technologies Report (1502)
City Clerk Morreale reported that she had received late correspondence from Senior
Engineer Jules for distribution.
Senior Engineer Jules provided a brief staff report and PowerPoint presentation
regarding Innovative Traffic Safety Technologies researched by staff and Traffic Safety
Commission Subcommittee Members Bryan Klatt and Stanislav Parfenov. She reported
that the four key projects studied were the following: Automated Enforcement; Closed
Circuit TV Remote Speed Enforcement; Centralized Technology Control Center; and
Red-Light Speed Activated Intersections.
Bryan Klatt, Traffic Safety Commissioner, provided a brief presentation on the
Automated Enforcement and Red-Light Speed Activated Intersection Programs and the
associated costs.
Stanislav Parfenov, Traffic Safety Commissioner, provided a brief presentation on the
Closed Circuit TV Remote Speed Enforcement and the Centralized Technology Control
Center Programs and the associated costs.
Deputy Chris Knox, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, reported that there was a
story in the Wall Street Journal approximately one year ago regarding a county in
Arizona that found that photo radar technology was not as effective as it hoped it would
be as it did not reduce traffic collisions and did not generate much revenue; but he
noted that the Sheriff's Department was in favor of improved technology.
City Council Minutes
December 1, 2009
Page 6 of 9
Mayor Pro Tern Long moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to approve the staff
recommendation to: 1) Receive and file information regarding innovative traffic safety
technology projects; and, 2) Direct staff to draft a letter of support for Assembly Bill 987
for the Mayor's signature and submission to Assembly Member Fiona Ma's and
Assembly Member Bonnie Lowenthal's offices.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Long, Misetich, Stern, and Mayor Wolowicz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Approval of Agreement between the City and the Mountains Recreation &
Conservation Authority for Park Ranger Services (1201)
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding this item and there was one request to speak on the item.
City Manager Lehr introduced Interim Parks and Open Space Trails Manager Tom
Odom who recently joined the City of Rancho Palos Verdes to offer critical leadership in
the Parks and Open Space Program.
Senior Administrative Analyst Waters provided a brief staff report regarding the Park
Ranger Services Program and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
(MRCA). He reported that MRCA personnel are trained professional Park Rangers and
California Peace Officers experienced in dealing with the public and enforcing
regulations. He reported that staff recommended a trial period of 4 months at 30 hours
a week with the initial focus on the Portuguese Bend Nature Preserve, with rangers on a
flexible schedule.
Walt Young, Chief Ranger, MRCA, stated that the MRCA Park Rangers work patrol in a
collaborative effort with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and Californa Fish and
Game staff.
Council discussion and questions ensued regarding the different aspects of the
agreement with the MRCA Park Rangers.
Ken Swenson, Board Member, Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, stated that
his organization was supportive of the proposed enforcement by the MRCA Park
Rangers.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to approve and authorize
the Mayor to execute the 120-day agreement between the City and the Mountains
City Council Minutes
December 1, 2009
Page 7of9
Recreation & Conservation Authority in an amount not to exceed $23,000 for Park
Ranger services, with staff to return with a report near the end of the trial period.
Sheriff Issued Picture Identifications and City Council Badges (306)
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding this item and there was one request to speak on the item.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Wolowicz called a recess from 10:40 P.M. to 10:49 P.M.
Councilman Stern provided a brief staff report regarding Sheriff issued badges and
photo identification cards. He reported that badges have been used inappropriately by
some in other communities and opined that the photo identification cards should be the
only identification tool necessary for elected Council Members.
Council discussion ensued on the topics of badges versus photo identification cards.
Paul Wright, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the badge was a symbol of commitment
of those who serve as Law Enforcement Officers and that a County issued photo
identification card should be sufficient identification for an elected official.
Mayor Pro Tem Long moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to direct staff to redesign
the City Council Badge in a way to use the City logo to make it a badge of authority, but
to make it distinctly different than a Law Enforcement badge, with staff to bring back
several alternate designs for Council to make a selection.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Long, Misetich, Stern, and Mayor Wolowicz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Regular Business item added to the City Council Agenda:
Amendment to the Agreement to Purchase Additional Acreage to be Included in
the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve (1201)
City Attorney Lynch provided a brief staff report regarding this item.
Council discussion and questions ensued regarding the details of the amendment to the
agreement to purchase additional acreage to be included in the Palos Verdes Nature
Preserve.
City Council Minutes
December 1, 2009
Page 8 of 9
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Wolowicz, to approve the Amendment to
the Amended and Restated Purchase, Sale, and Donation Agreement and Joint Escrow
Instructions and authorize the Mayor to Execute the Amendment on Behalf of the City.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Long, Misetich, Stern, and Mayor Wolowicz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Council Member reported on his attendance at various organization and
association meetings since the last City Council Oral Reports were provided on
November 17, 2009.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION & SUGGESTION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Wolowicz adjourned the meeting at 12:22 A.M.
4.1
47.
Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
W:\City Council Minutes\2009\20091201 CC MINS.doc
City Council Minutes
December 1, 2009
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