CC MINS 20151020 MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 20, 2015
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Knight at Fred Hesse
Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, and was immediately recessed into
Closed Session.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION FOR A STUDY SESSION:
At 7:04 P.M., Mayor Knight reconvened the meeting to Regular Session for a City
Council Study Session.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Misetich and Mayor Knight
ABSENT: None
Also present were Doug Willmore, City Manager; Dave Aleshire, City Attorney; Gabriella
Yap, Deputy City Manager; Joel Rojas, Community Development Director; Michael
Throne, Director of Public Works; Cory Linder, Director of Recreation and Parks;
Deborah Cullen, Director of Finance; Sean Robinson, Human Resources Manager; Matt
Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst; and, Carla Morreale, City Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS LISTED ON THE AGENDA FOR THE STUDY
SESSION:
None.
DISCUSSION TOPICS:
Review of Tentative Agendas and 2015 Goals and Priorities
Discussion ensued among Council Members, City Attorney Aleshire, and staff regarding
items on the upcoming Council Meeting agendas as listed on the Tentative Agendas.
Mayor Pro Tem Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Duhovic, to approve the
Tentative Agendas, as amended.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Knight called a brief recess from 7:08 P.M. to 7:09 P.M.
REGULAR SESSION:
City Council Minutes
October 20, 2015
Page 1 of 8
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Misetich and Mayor Knight
ABSENT: None
Also present were Doug Willmore, City Manager; Dave Aleshire, City Attorney; Gabriella
Yap, Deputy City Manager; Joel Rojas, Community Development Director; Michael
Throne, Director of Public Works; Cory Linder, Director of Recreation and Parks;
Deborah Cullen, Director of Finance; Ron Dragoo, Principal Engineer; Sean Robinson,
Human Resources Manager; Daniel Trautner, Recreation Services Manager; Matt
Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst; and, Carla Morreale, City Clerk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Brooks.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Knight presented a certificate of recognition to Joe Moeller, Vice President,
Board of Directors, and Herb Stark, Chair of Grants Oversight Committee, Los Serenos
Docents in recognition of the Docents' creation of the Whale of the World Program,
which is an educational program for elementary age students.
Mayor Knight recognized Rancho Palos Verdes resident Casey Schneider who was
recently awarded a California Water Service Co. (CalWater) College Scholarship.
RECYCLE DRAWING:
Mayor Knight announced Recyclers of the Month from the October 6, 2015 City Council
meeting: Gladys Saroyan and Joanna Lee. 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:
Mayor Pro Tem Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to approve the
agenda.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Misetich and Mayor Knight
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Council Minutes
October 20, 2015
Page 2 of 8
PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Audience Comments regarding Items Not on the Agenda)
Noel Weiss, Marina del Rey, Vista Verde Homeowners, provided comments regarding a
recent meeting with City Manager Willmore and City Attorney Aleshire regarding the
Green Hills Memorial Park issue, noting that he looked forward to the item being placed
on an upcoming agenda.
Greg Royston, Rancho Palos Verdes, provided comments regarding the proliferation of
cell phone towers throughout the City; the Storm Drain User Fee, which is due to expire
next year; and, a truck with his campaign signs on it that has been placed in different
locations throughout the City.
Julie Keye, Lomita, Vista Verde, provided comments regarding a lack of privacy and
safety due to the Green Hills Pacific/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum, which is eight feet
away from her condominium balcony.
Max Ryan, Rancho Palos Verdes, provided comments regarding a 6th grade science
project he is working on regarding the importance of the use of rain barrels to help
capture water, save money, and decrease pollution by limiting water run-off to the
ocean.
Minas Yerelian, Rancho Palos Verdes, provided comments regarding transparency and
the need for attorney-client privileged laws.
Sandra Valeri, Rancho Palos Verdes, provided comments regarding the make-up of the
Palos Verdes Peninsula School District Board, noting that although Rancho Palos
Verdes has the largest population, only one resident sits on the Board.
Elisabeth Ryan, Rancho Palos Verdes, provided comments regarding the formation of a
new website to promote true transparency and accountability by a group of Peninsula
residents, noting that the website posts only true facts in a non-partisan manner
regarding topics of interest to the community.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Willmore introduced and welcomed the City's new Deputy City Manager,
Gabriella Yap.
City Manager Willmore reported on the success of the recent Night at the Museum
event, and announced two City events: 1) Trunk or Treat at Ladera Linda Community
Center on October 24, 2015; and, 2) Low Cost Pet Vaccination, Microchip, and
Licensing Clinic sponsored by Los Angeles County Animal Control and the City at
Hesse Park on Oct. 24, 2015.
City Council Minutes
October 20, 2015
Page 3 of 8
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding Item No. D (Approval of Stop and Yield Sign Traffic Control
Implementation at Three Locations) and there were no requests to speak regarding the
Consent Calendar.
Councilman Duhovic moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brooks, to approve the
Consent Calendar, as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Misetich and Mayor Knight
NOES: None
ABSENT: 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 October 6, 2015 Regular Meeting.
Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2015-96, 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.
Approval of Stop and Yield Sign Traffic Control Implementation at Three
Locations
Approved the installation of the following: A) Stop sign traffic control of Sparta Drive at
the intersection of N. Enrose Avenue, and 20 feet of red curb on N. Enrose Avenue
north of Sparta Drive and 20 feet of red curb on N. Enrose Avenue south of Sparta
Drive; B) Yield sign traffic control of Chartres Drive at the intersection of Sattes Drive;
and, C) Yield sign traffic control of Coolheights Drive at the intersection of Floweridge
Drive.
City Council Minutes
October 20, 2015
Page 4 of 8
Approve Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling Program (AB 1826)
Approved the City's implementation program for a mandatory commercial organics
recycling program complete with outreach, education, and monitoring as required by the
State approved AB 1826, Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling.
Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) Native Plant Garden Memorandum of
Understanding - California Native Plant Society
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2015-97, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2015-
47, THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FY 2015-16, TO PAY A PORTION OF THE
NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY'S COST TO MANAGE AND MAINTAIN THE UPKEEP OF
THE NATIVE PLANT GARDEN AT PVIC FROM THE CITY'S DONOR RESTRICTED
CONTRIBUTION FUND IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $20,000; and,
2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with the South Coast Chapter California Native Plant Society (SCCNPS) to
manage and maintain the upkeep of the Native Plant Garden located at PVIC.
Professional Services Agreements for RPVtv Contractors
Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign a Professional Services Agreement with Liz
Brown Swanson, Producer, to provide television duties for RPVtv.
# # # # # #
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Lower Hesse Park Improvements
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting and there were six requests to speak regarding this item.
Director of Recreation and Parks Linder presented a staff report and PowerPoint
presentation regarding proposed improvements for Lower Hesse Park including a brief
background and project descriptions of the two conceptual plans for Council's
consideration.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and staff.
Noel Park, Pacific View Homeowners Association (HOA), Rancho Palos Verdes,
provided comments in support of the concepts presented for Council's consideration,
noted his concern with hydro-seeding of the park, and endorsed Option 1 as his
preferred option.
City Council Minutes
October 20, 2015
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John Freeman, President, Pacific View HOA, Rancho Palos Verdes, provided
comments in support of the concepts presented for Council's consideration, endorsing
Option 1, with the addition of picnic nodes for use by all.
Dean Huang, Rancho Palos Verdes, provided comments regarding his support of both
Option 1 and Option 2, but questioned the need for the proposed size of the parking lot
and raised safety concerns regarding the location of a picnic area near a slope.
Minas Yerelian, provided comments regarding his support for Option 1, with the
inclusion of additional trees and a better connection between Upper and Lower Hesse
Park.
Jim Moore, Pacific View HOA, Rancho Palos Verdes, provided comments in support of
Option 1, noting the importance of phased improvements to Lower Hesse Park.
Norbert Nastangki, Rancho Palos Verdes, provided comments in support of Option 1,
noting that MS4 compliance should be achieved from runoff from the streets, since
there is not much runoff from the park or parking lot.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Knight called a brief recess from 8:32 P.M. to 8:44 P.M.
Discussion continued among Council Members and staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to approve Lower
Hesse Park Improvements Option No. 1, with the inclusion of picnic nodes, continued
involvement of the committee with regular progress reports, and a specified target date
for completion of the project.
Councilman Duhovic made a friendly amendment to direct staff seek potential grant
funding that may be available for the project. The maker and seconder of the motion
accepted the amendment.
The motion, as amended, was the following: Mayor Pro Tem Brooks moved, seconded
by Councilman Misetich, to approve Lower Hesse Park Improvements Option No. 1,
with the inclusion of picnic nodes; continued involvement of the committee with regular
progress reports; a specified target date for completion of the project; and staff directed
to seek potential grant funding that may be available for the project.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Misetich and Mayor Knight
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Council Minutes
October 20, 2015
Page 6 of 8
Palos Verdes Nature Preserve Enforcement Options
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting and there were four requests to speak regarding this item.
Director of Recreation and Parks Linder presented a staff report and PowerPoint
presentation regarding this item and proposed enhanced enforcement options for
Council's consideration.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and staff.
Barbara Ailor, Volunteer Trail Watch, Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
(PVPLC), Palos Verdes Estates, provided comments regarding the elimination of the
use of the MRCA staff in the Preserve and support of the initiation of in-house City-
operated Park Ranger Program, with random high visibility patrol by the Sheriff
Department.
Eva Cicoria, Rancho Palos Verdes, provided comments regarding the continuing
enforcement issues in the Preserve due to an increased need for patrol in Abalone
Cove and Sacred Cove, and spoke in support of the possible use of an in-house City-
operated Park Ranger Program to deal with the ongoing Preserve enforcement issues.
Andrea Vona, Executive Director, PVPLC, Rancho Palos Verdes, provided comments in
support of additional enforcement in the Preserve; did not necessarily see the benefit of
doubling the MRCA Rangers in the Preserve; supported the work done by the Volunteer
Trail Watch program; and spoke in support of the benefit of a coordinated real-time
response to enforcement problems in the Preserve.
Noel Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, provided comments regarding behavior problems and
frequent vandalism in the Preserve and proposed solely Sheriff Department
enforcement for enforcement options.
Discussion continued among Council Members, staff, and City Attorney Aleshire.
Councilman Misetich moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brooks, to continue this item
with direction to staff to consider other enforcement options, including private security
companies, mounted posse, and other possible options, with this item to come back for
Council consideration at the December 1, 2015 Council meeting.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Misetich and Mayor Knight
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Council Minutes
October 20, 2015
Page 7 of 8
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
The following items were raised by Council Members as future agenda items:
AirBnB Accommodations in the City (Knight)
Review Percentage of Allowable Hardscape at Residential Properties Due to the
Drought (Duhovic)
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Council Member present reported on his/her attendance at various organization
and association meetings since the last City Council Oral Reports were provided on
October 6, 2015.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Aleshire reported on the following Closed Session items: 1) With respect
to the Potential Litigation against the City regarding the Green Hills Memorial Park, a
status report was provided, and no reportable action was taken; 2) With respect to the
Existing Litigation regarding the Cherine Medawar and Jill Medawar v. City of Rancho
Palos Verdes, et.al. the City received an offer of a settlement and the Council voted
unanimously (5-0) to reject the 998 Settlement Offer, with Councilman Duhovic making
the motion, seconded by Councilman Misetich; and 3) With respect to the Existing
Litigation regarding the Michael Lightman v. Joel Rojas and City of Rancho Palos
Verdes et.al., there was a claim that the City did not properly report out from a previous
Closed Session. City Attorney Aleshire reported that the Council took the matter up
again and Councilman Duhovic moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to ratify the
previous settlement agreement which the Council unanimously approved (5-0). He
noted that this action would be reported back to the attorney who made the claim.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 9:57 P.M., Mayor Knight adjourned the meeting.
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Attest:
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City Clerk
W:\City Council Minutes12015\20151020 CC MINS.docx
City Council Minutes
October 20, 2015
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