CC MINS 20120306 MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 6, 2012
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Misetich at Fred Hesse Community Park,
29301 Hawthorne Blvd. at 7:03 P.M.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Knight and Mayor Misetich
ABSENT: None
Also present were: Carolyn Lehr, City Manager; Carolynn Petru, Deputy City
Manager/Interim Director of Recreation and Parks; Carol Lynch, City Attorney; Joel
Rojas, Community Development Director; Dennis McLean, Director of
Finance/Information Technology (IT); Tom Odom, Director of Public Works; Ray
Holland, Deputy Director of Public Works; Greg Pfost, Deputy Community Development
Director; Kathryn Downs, Deputy Director of Finance/IT; Nicole Jules, Senior Engineer;
and, Carla Morreale, City Clerk.
Also present were the following: Deputy Chris Knox, Los Angeles County Sheriffs
Department, Lomita Station; Ruth Smith, Traffic Engineer, Willdan Engineering
FLAG SALUTE:
The Flag Salute was led by Cub Scout Pack 166, Dapplegray Elementary School.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Misetich announced the City's Support and Participation in Sunshine Week, a
National Initiative to Promote a Dialogue about the Importance of Open Government
and Freedom of Information.
Mayor Misetich reported that while at the League of California's January meeting in
Sacramento, he and City Manager Lehr visited the State Controller's Office and asked
them to review the City's website for proper disclosure of employee compensation
information. He read from a letter from State Controller John Chiang dated February 3,
2012 confirming that the City is in compliance with the government requirements
regarding employee compensation information on the website.
Mayor Misetich reported on his recent visit to Washington D.C. with Deputy Director of
Public Works Holland where they met with numerous officials in an effort to obtain
Federal funding through the TIGER 4 Grant Program for the San Ramon Canyon
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March 6, 2012
Page 1 of 13
Stabilization Project. In addition, he thanked the Council Subcommittee of Councilman
Knight and Councilwoman Brooks for their work with the local public officials, including
Congressman Rohrbacher who wrote a letter in support of the City to receive
transportation funding for the project.
RECYCLE DRAWING:
Mayor Misetich announced Recyclers of the Month from the February 21, 2012 City
Council meeting: Golnaz Montagne and Cindy MacFarlane. 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. He noted that in addition to
winning the Recycler Drawing, the two individuals had also won a Personal Emergency
Preparedness Kit from the City valued at $59.95.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilwoman Brooks suggested that the agenda items be reordered to be heard in the
following order: Item No. 1 (Revision "AAA"to the Trump National Golf Course Project);
Item 5 (Appointment of Chairs to Three City Advisory Boards); Item 2 (Consider Traffic
Control Alternatives for the Crest Road at Whitley Collins Pedestrian Crossing); Item 6
(Consider Request for Proposal — City Banking Relationship); Item 4A (City Council
Goals & Priorities); 4B (City Council Policy No. 41: Reserve Policy); 4C (Fiscal Year
2012-13 Budget Meeting No. 1); and, Item 3 (Regulatory Framework for Operating City
Businesses).
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Knight, to approve the
Agenda, as amended.
Without objection, Mayor Misetich so ordered.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Audience Comments regarding Items Not on the Agenda)
Gary Randall, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he has concerns regarding the use of
Rancho Palos Verdes Beach for a pilot dog beach program, noting specific concerns
with liability issues and that the City's ordinances currently prohibit dogs from all
beaches. He reported issues with crowded beaches and parking during the past
weekend.
Sunshine, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated she supported the Sunshine Week Program,
and provided a handout regarding the Palos Verdes Loop Trail and position statement
regarding a proposed single family residence at 10 Chaparral Lane and issues
regarding preserving trails.
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March 6, 2012
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CITY MANAGER REPORT:
None.
NEW BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Morreale reported that there was one request to speak regarding Item H
(Temporary Banner Backboards in the City's Rights-of-Way and Parks).
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Knight, to approve the
Consent Calendar with Item H (Temporary Banner Backboards in the City's Rights-of-
Way and Parks) removed from the Consent Calendar.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Knight and Mayor Misetich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
EMERGENCY SEWER REPAIR PROJECT:
Abalone Cove Sewer Pump Station Repairs
Reviewed and reconfirmed by a four/fifths (4/5) vote, the City Council's previous action
taken on February 21, 2012, authorizing staff to continue with the actions taken to
perform emergency repairs to the Abalone Cove Sewer Pump Station located within the
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park.
OTHER CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS:
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 January 31, 2012 Adjourned Regular Meeting.
Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection Program Site Liability
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March 6, 2012
Page 3 of 13
Agreement with County of Los Angeles
Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Household Hazardous and
Electronic Waste Collection Program Site Liability Agreement with the County of Los
Angeles and County Sanitation District No. 2 of Los Angeles County.
Adoption of Ordinance No. 533, Approving a Correction to an Amendment made
to Section 17.02.030(D)(4) (Roof Decks and Balconies)
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 533, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, APPROVING A CORRECTION TO AN AMENDMENT MADE TO
SECTION 17.02.030(D)(4) (ROOF DECKS AND BALCONIES) AS PART OF THE
RECENT MINOR MISCELLANEOUS "CLEAN-UP" AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 17
(ZONING) OF THE CITY'S MUNICIPAL CODE VIA ORDINANCE NO. 529 (PLANNING
CASE NO. ZON2011-00023).
January 2012 Monthly Report of Cash Balances
Received and filed the January 2012 Monthly Report of Cash Balances for the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes.
Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2012-17, 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.
Temporary Banner Backboards in the City's Rights-Of-Way and Parks
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
# # # # # #
ITEM REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR:
Temporary Banner Backboards in the City's Rights-of-Way and Parks
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Duhovic, to waive the staff
report.
Without objection, Mayor Misetich so ordered.
John Freeman, Pacific View Homeowners Association, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated
that he appreciated staff's prompt response regarding this issue, noting he conceptually
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March 6, 2012
Page 4 of 13
agreed with staffs recommendation. He suggested a lighter shade of pastel green/blue
for Hesse Park and the City Hall locations, and a forest brown color for the location at
Miraleste Drive/Palos Verdes Drive East. He opined that Plexiglas would be a suitable
product for the banner backboards per his previous recommendation, noting that he
would be willing to pay for the Plexiglas solution.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Knight, to approve staffs
recommendation to: 1) Direct staff to repaint the temporary banner backboards and
support poles in a non-reflective neutral color; 2) Direct staff to replace the two
backboards at Upper Point Vicente Park/Civic Center with one, two-sided backboard;
and, 3) Bring the item back to Council for review in four months to allow time for full
utilization of the program to develop.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Knight and Mayor Misetich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Revision "AAA" to the Trump National Golf Course Project
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.
Councilman Duhovic reported that he would be recusing himself from discussion of this
item on the advice of City Attorney Lynch due to the fact that he lives within 500 feet of
the project location and there is a presumed conflict of interest. He left the dais at 7:35
P.M.
Mayor Misetich declared the public hearing open.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Campbell, to waive the
staff report.
Without objection, Mayor Misetich so ordered.
In response to a question from Councilman Knight, City Attorney Lynch reported that
November 20, 2012 is the deadline for any extensions to this Development Agreement,
and any future requests for extensions would necessitate a new Revised Development
Agreement, which staff intends to discuss with the Trump National Organization.
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March 6, 2012
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As there were no requests to speak regarding this item, Mayor Misetich declared the
public hearing closed.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Campbell, to approve the
staff recommendation to: 1) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2012-18, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, ADOPTING
ADDENDUM 44 TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NO. 36 IN CONNECTION
WITH REVISION "AAA" TO THE TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF COURSE PROJECT;
2) ADOPT URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 534U, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 13 TO THE TRUMP
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT, AUTHORIZING AN EXTENSION TO THE
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT TO SEPTEMBER 21, 2012, AND DECLARING THE
URGENCY THEREOF; 3) Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the
documents on behalf of the City; 4) Extend Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 50666
consistent with the term of the Development Agreement; and, 5) ADOPT RESOLUTION
NO. 2012-19, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, APPROVING REVISIONS TO GRADING PERMIT NO. 1541 IN
CONJUNCTION WITH REVISION "AAA" TO THE TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
LOCATED IN COASTAL SUBREGIONS 7 AND 8.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Knight, and Mayor Misetich
NOES: None
ABSENT: Duhovic (recused)
ABSTAIN: None
Councilman Duhovic returned to the dais at 7:39 P.M.
REGULAR NEW BUSINESS:
Appointment of Chairs to Three City Advisory Boards
City Clerk Morreale provided a brief update to the staff report.
Mayor Misetich moved, seconded by Councilman Knight, to appoint Paul Tetreault as
Chair of the Planning Commission.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Knight, and Mayor Misetich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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March 6, 2012
Page 6 of 13
Mayor Misetich moved, seconded by Councilman Knight, to appoint Tim Weiner as
Chair of the Emergency Preparedness Committee.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Knight, and Mayor Misetich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
City Clerk Morreale distributed ballots for the Council to vote on the position of Chair of
the Oversight Committee for the Water Quality Flood Protection Program. After the tally
of the votes, she reported that Lowell Wedemeyer was unanimously selected to serve
as Chair of the Oversight Committee for the Water Quality Flood Protection Program.
Consider Traffic Control Alternatives for the Crest Road at Whitley Collins
Pedestrian Crossing
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting and there were two requests to speak regarding this item.
Senior Engineer Jules provided a staff report and PowerPoint presentation regarding
this item, noting that staff recommendation was to approve Option F — Rectangular
Rapid Flash Beacon System with advanced Rapid Flash Beacons.
Deputy Knox, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, Lomita Station, reported that
the Sheriffs Department has no position regarding whether or not there should be a
crosswalk or not at this location, but that they are available to enforce the laws of the
City. He reported that drivers speed on Crest Road and that pedestrians have difficulty
crossing the street at the Crest Road and Whitley Collins location.
Sunshine, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that a crosswalk was proposed several years
ago at Country Meadow Lane and Crest Road, but there were no solar powered
flashing lights available at that time. She noted that Council decided not to pursue the
matter at the time due to the seasonal fog in the area.
Ray Mathys, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he had concerns regarding the need for
a marked crosswalk at the Crest Road and Whitley Collins intersection due to the
proximity of the Hilltop Nursery School, emergency entrance to the Island View homes
with a crash gate, and Ridgecrest Intermediate School. He reported that he had
measured the intersection and noted that Crest Road is a collector road with speeding
traffic. He opined that the intersection is not an intersection based on the nature of the
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March 6, 2012
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traffic in it, does not meet the warrants for mid-block crosswalks, and requested that
additional observation studies be made of the intersection.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, Mr. Mathys, Staff, and Deputy Knox.
Senior Engineer Jules reported that this intersection was analyzed as an intersection,
not as a mid-block location for a crosswalk.
City Attorney Lynch stated, and Senior Engineer Jules confirmed, that this intersection
meets warrants as an intersection for a crosswalk. City Attorney Lynch stated that the
Willdan Traffic Engineer disagrees with Mr. Mathys' assessment regarding the
intersection.
Senior Engineer Jules reported that there were seven criteria set forth to establish
satisfaction of the warrants, noting that the two most critical were the following:
1) The number of pedestrians present at the time the traffic counts were taken; and,
2) The proximity of the intersection to a direct school route to Ridgecrest Intermediate
School; the location is directly connected to Hilltop Nursery School; and the intersection
is less than 1/3 of a mile away from St. John Fisher School.
Ruth Smith, Traffic Engineer, Willdan Engineering, stated that she would recommend
the installation of the painted crosswalk with the Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon
System with advanced Rapid Flash Beacons, due to the foggy conditions in the area,
speeding on the street, and the misperception that this location is a midblock crosswalk.
Ms. Smith_ stated that the high intensity flashing beacons are more intense than a
regular traffic signal and, therefore, more visible.
Discussion continued among Council Members, Traffic Engineer Smith, and staff.
Mayor Misetich moved, seconded by Councilwoman Brooks, to approve staff
recommendation Option F to install a Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon System with
advanced Rapid Flash Beacons.
Council discussion continued.
Councilwoman Brooks commented on her desire for Rancho Palos Verdes to maintain a
semi-rural atmosphere and did not want the City to become a suburban enclave of flash
lights and beacons.
Discussion continued between Council Members.
Councilwoman Brooks withdrew her second to the motion; therefore, the motion died for
a lack of a second.
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March 6, 2012
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Mayor Pro Tern Campbell moved, seconded by Councilman Knight, to approve Staff
Option D to modify the current project by replacing the traditional overhead flashing
beacon system with a newer sleeker system that has a rapid-flash component for high
motorist awareness and visibility.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, and Knight
NOES: Duhovic and Mayor Misetich
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Misetich introduced newly elected City of Los Angeles Councilman Joe Buscaino
(15" District).
Councilman Buscaino stated that he and his Field Deputy John Larson looked forward
to working with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes in the coming months regarding the
beautification of Western Avenue, the issues regarding San Ramon Canyon, and to
address public safety concerns.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Misetich called for a brief recess from 8:43 P.M. to 8:55 P.M.
Consider Request for Proposal (RFP) — City Banking Relationship
City Clerk Morreale reported that there were two requests to speak regarding this item.
Mayor Misetich called for the public speakers prior to the staff report.
Carol Moeller, Occupy PV, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated she has concern that the City
of Rancho Palos Verdes banks with the Bank of America, as she considers large banks
a threat to the nation's financial system. She opined that large banks as demonstrated
in the 2008 meltdown took huge risks, have not been held accountable, and have not
been socially responsible. She requested that the City move its money to a smaller and
safer bank.
Sunshine, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she supported the idea to issue an RFP for
banking and preferred the City to bank with a local bank such as Malaga Bank.
Director of Finance/IT McLean provided a brief staff report regarding this item and noted
the focus would be on the following: cost savings, efficiency, and benefit to the local
community.
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March 6, 2012
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Discussion ensued between Council Members and staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Campbell moved, seconded by Councilwoman Brooks, to direct the
Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) to develop a banking RFP with the support of staff
and in accordance with the best practices of the Government Finance Officers
Association (GFOA); with the Mayor's appointment of a Council Subcommittee to liaison
with the FAC during the process, with the Council Subcommittee to present the
proposed RFP to the Council at the May 1, 2012 Council Meeting.
Councilwoman Brooks withdrew her second to the motion; therefore, the motion died for
a lack of a second.
Mayor Misetich moved, seconded by Councilwoman Brooks, to direct staff to:
1) Develop a recommendation to the City Council to diversify a portion of the City's cash
portfolio into the Certificates of Deposit Account Registry Service ("CDARS"), preferably
selecting a local gateway bank; and, 2) Send the staff report regarding the RFP to the
Finance Advisory Committee to provide comments and recommendations back to the
City Council regarding the RFP process.
Mayor Pro Tem Campbell offered an amendment to obtain the FAC recommendations
to the City Council by May 1, 2012.
The amendment was accepted by the maker and seconder of the motion.
Councilman Duhovic offered an amendment to direct staff to reach out to Bank of
America to memorialize existing inventory of services and associated fees that the bank
provides to the City.
The amendment was accepted by the maker and seconder of the motion.
1) Direct staff to develop a recommendation to the City Council to diversify a portion of
the City's cash portfolio into the Certificates of Deposit Account Registry Service
("CDARS"), preferably selecting a local gateway bank; 2) Send the staff report regarding
the RFP to the Finance Advisory Committee to provide comments and
recommendations back to the City Council by May 1, 2012; and, 3) Directed staff to
reach out to Bank of America to memorialize existing inventory of services and
associated fees that the bank provides to the City.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Knight, and Mayor Misetich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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March 6, 2012
Page 10 of 13
Council Priorities/Budget Workshop
City Council Goals & Priorities
Councilwoman Brooks expressed concern regarding the late hour of the evening and
suggested that the discussion of the Council Priorities/Budget Workshop items be
continued to a separate meeting in the near future due to the importance of the items.
Council discussion ensued regarding the continuation of these items to another meeting
in the near future.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Knight, to continue the Council
Priorities/Budget Workshop Items 4A (City Council Goals & Priorities), 4B (City Council
Policy No. 41: Reserve Policy), and 4C (Fiscal Year 2012-13 Budget Meeting No. 1) to
a future date.
City Manager Lehr stated that she would consult with the Council Members regarding a
date to hold a meeting regarding the Council Priorities/Budget Workshop.
Without objection, Mayor Misetich so ordered.
Mayor Misetich called for speakers regarding the three items under the Council
Priorities/Budget Workshop heading.
John Wessel, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he was concerned with City Trails and
Open Spaces and opined that Open Spaces should be added to the City Council Goals
p p
and Priorities List, noting that such a category would include Lower Pt. Vicente,
Shoreline Park and issues regarding Open Spaces.
Sunshine, Rancho Palos Verdes, opined that the staff report regarding the Council
Goals and Priorities was absurd because the options presented during the Goals
Workshop should simply be a matter of implementing the General Plan, Coastal
Specific Plan, Roadways Master Plan, Parks Master Plan, and Trails Network Plan by
approving a detailed budget. She commented on the Citywide Street Maintenance item
being omitted in error from the Council Priority List. She stated that many of the items
on the Priority List should be taken care of or adjusted by the budget process and
encouraged the Council to move forward with the budget promptly.
Tom Redfield, Chair, Revival & Renaissance (R & R) Coalition, Rancho Palos Verdes,
stated that the R&R Coalition is in full support of Council Goal No. 1, but suggested that
the title should be changed from "Focus on Crime Prevention" to "Crime Prevention and
Safety." He noted that effective traffic enforcement has deteriorated in the past two
years, since the City no longer has a dedicated traffic deputy in addition to the two
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March 6, 2012
Page 11 of 13
shared regional deputies under the Sheriffs contract. He reported that prior to the
elimination of the dedicated deputy there were 3,036 traffic citations issued, and after
the loss of the dedicated deputy there were 1,554 citations.
Councilman Duhovic noted that he had provided a handout where he numbered the
Council's Goals in order to organize them by category. He noted that he reviewed in
great detail the Budget document prepared by Deputy Director of Finance/IT Downs and
found it informative, complex and very well done.
Regulatory Framework for Operating City Businesses
Councilman Duhovic moved, seconded by Councilman Knight, to waive the staff report
and approve the staff recommendation to: Receive and file a report on the current
regulatory framework for operating a business in the City.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Knight and Mayor Misetich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Council Team Building Draft Agenda
City Manager Lehr stated that this item pertains to the proposal that the Council hold a
Team Building Session which has been scheduled for March 14 and March 15, 2012.
She reported that this item was placed on the agenda at the request of Mayor Pro Tem
Campbell. She stated that the Draft Agenda for the Team Building Sessions has been
provided for the Council, noting that the Sessions are to be conducted by Facilitator Len
Wood pursuant to previous Council direction.
Councilwoman Brooks reported that the Ad Hoc Subcommittee regarding City Council
Policies & Protocols has met and will be providing a draft of their work on that document
as part of the Team Building session.
Discussion ensued between Council Members.
Mayor Misetich moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Campbell, to receive and file the
item.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Knight and Mayor Misetich
NOES: None
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March 6, 2012
Page 12 of 13
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each of the Council Members present reported on his/her attendance at various
organization and association meetings since the last City Council Oral Reports were
provided on February 7, 2012.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Lynch reported that the City Council did not have time to discuss the two
lawsuits listed under Existing Litigation, so no discussion or action took place with
respect to the Monks or Enstedt cases. She reported that with respect to the Potential
Initiation of Litigation by the City, the Council voted unanimously, all Members present,
to direct the City Attorney's Office to initiate litigation against Southern California Edison
Company and its contractor regarding the August 2009 Portuguese Bend fire.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 10:53 P.M., Mayor Misetich adjourned the meeting to 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday,
March 14, 2012 for an Adjourned Regular Meeting to hold a Team Building Session at
the Salvation Army Officer Training College site located at 30840 Hawthorne Blvd.
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Attest:
City Clerk
W:\City Council Minutes\2012\20120306 CC MINS.doc
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