CC MINS 20180206 MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 6, 2018
CALL TO ORDER:
A Regular meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council for the purpose of a Closed
Session was called to order by Mayor Brooks at 6:13 P.M. at Fred Hesse Community
Park, McTaggart Hall, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, notice having been given with
affidavit thereto on file.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Duhovic, and Mayor Brooks
ABSENT: None
Also present were Doug Willmore, City Manager; Dave Aleshire, City Attorney; Gabriella
Yap, Deputy City Manager; and Emily Colborn, City Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
City Clerk Colborn reported that there were no requests to speak.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS ANNOUNCED:
City Attorney Aleshire announced the item to be discussed in Closed Session and
announced that there was a need for two items to be added. City Attorney Aleshire
requested that the Council take action to add two additional items to the Closed Session
agenda, as the need to address these matters arose after the posting of the agenda.
Councilman Dyda moved, seconded by Councilman Alegria, to add to the Closed
Session agenda: (1) Initiation of Litigation regarding Green Hills Memorial Park and (2)
Potential Litigation against the City relating to potential California Public Records Act
violations by the City, former Mayor Brian Campbell and Planning Commissioner David
Tomblin.
Without objection, Mayor Brooks so ordered.
The additional Closed Session items were added as No. 2 and No. 3.
1. POTENTIAL LITIGATION AGAINST THE CITY
GC 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(3)
A point has been reached where, in the opinion of the legislative body of the local
agency on the advice of its legal counsel, based on existing facts and
circumstances, there is a significant exposure to litigation against the local agency,
based on a letter dated April 19, 2016, from Ted. K. Lippincott, legal counsel for
Mark Doddy, to Deputy City Manager Yap; a letter dated May 9, 2016, from Mr.
Lippincott to City Manager Willmore; and, a letter dated August 18, 2016, from Ted
K. Lippincott, legal counsel for Maria Serrao, to Former Assistant City Attorney
Christina Burrows. A copy of the letters are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
2. INITIATION OF LITIGATION (Green Hills Memorial Park)
GC 54956.9(d)(4)
Based on existing facts and circumstances, the legislative body of the local agency
has decided to initiate or is deciding whether to initiate litigation against Green Hills
Memorial Park regarding indemnification for litigation in the following cases: Sharon
Loveys vs. City of Rancho Palos Verdes, et al., Los Angeles Superior Court. Case
No. BS166493; Sharon Loveys, et al. vs. City of Rancho Palos Verdes, et al., Los
Angeles Superior Court. Case No. BS160652; Sharon Loveys, et al. vs. City of
Rancho Palos Verdes, et al., Los Angeles Superior Court. Case No. BC629637
3. POTENTIAL LITIGATION AGAINST THE CITY
GC 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(2)
A point has been reached where, in the opinion of the legislative body of the local
agency on the advice of its legal counsel, based on existing facts and
circumstances, there is a significant exposure to litigation against the local agency,
based on a letter from Green Hills Memorial Park's attorney Ellen Berkowitz, dated
December 4, 2017, relating to potential California Public Records Act violations by
the City, former Mayor Brian Campbell and Planning Commissioner David Tomblin.
The letter is available for public inspection at the City Clerk's Office.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION (FIRESIDE ROOM):
At 6:15 P.M., the Council recessed to Closed Session.
ADJOURN TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:18 P.M. the Closed Session was adjourned to the Regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING — OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER:
A Regular meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council was called to order by
Mayor Brooks at 7:22 P.M. at Fred Hesse Community Park, McTaggart Hall, 29301
Hawthorne Boulevard, notice having been given with affidavit thereto on file.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Duhovic, and Mayor Brooks
ABSENT: None
City Council Minutes
February 6,2018
Page 2 of 15
Also present were Doug Willmore, City Manager; David Aleshire, City Attorney;
Gabriella Yap, Deputy City Manager; Deborah Cullen, Director of Finance; Ara
Mihranian, Director of Community Development; So Kim, Deputy Director of Community
Development; Octavio Silva, Associate Planner; Elias Sassoon, Public Works Director;
Cory Linder, Director of Recreation and Parks; and Emily Colborn, City Clerk.
Also present was Captain Beringer, Lomita Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff's
Department.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dick Brunner.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Aleshire reported that with regards to Closed Session items No. 1, No. 2,
and No. 3, matters were discussed with no reportable action taken.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Brooks announced the City has received a letter from Supervisor Janice Hahn
supporting a collaboration effort with the County of Los Angeles and the Peninsula
Cities on a coyote management plan to create a safe co-existence with urban coyotes;
informed the public regarding a recent incident report in the local news regarding a
video that appears to show Sheriffs deputies "dumping" a homeless man with possible
mental health issues in San Pedro. Captain Beringer, Lomita Station, Los Angeles
County Sheriff's Department followed with a detailed report on the incident.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Brooks announced Recyclers of the Month from the January 16, 2018, City
Council meeting: Jack and Margie Bohn. She indicated that all winners receive a check
for $250 and urged everyone to participate in the City's Recycling Program. She noted
that in addition to winning the Recycler Drawing, the couple also won a Personal
Emergency Preparedness Kit from the City at a value of$60.00.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Mayor Pro Tern Duhovic moved, seconded by Councilman Dyda, to approve the
agenda as modified: Items No. 5 and No. 6 will be heard before Items No. 1 and No. 2.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Duhovic, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Council Minutes
February 6, 2018
Page 3 of 15
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
City Clerk Colborn reported that there were six requests to speak.
Joe Locascio, expressed concern with noise from the wireless towers particularly the
one proposed at Whitley Collins Drive and Crest Road.
Barbara Traykis, spoke regarding a citation she received at Seahill and Palos Verdes
Drive West which was subsequently overturned. Ms. Traykis expressed concern with
the traffic and dangerous speeds driven in the area and urged for a stop sign or speed
bumps to be installed at the intersection.
Joan Davidson, spoke in opposition of the installation of wireless towers in order to
preserve the aesthetics of the City. Ms. Davidson also commented that former members
of the Council should refrain from sending correspondence to residents and posing as if
they are still in their elected position.
Connie Semos, requested that the Council consider a beautification project for the
corner of Granvia Altamira and Monero. Ms. Semos suggested undergrounding the
utilities and adding trees and shrubs to the area.
Robyn McMorran, expressed concern with inaccurate City records that did not show her
as the current homeowner/tax payer on her property and as a result has not been
receiving City notices since 2015. Ms. McMorran questioned the data system the City
uses for mailings.
Michael Huang, spoke regarding a letter the City received from former Mayor Brian
Campbell which had the City's logo and how it could mislead the public by thinking the
letter is official City business. Mr. Huang also inquired if the City had a policy or a
procedure to prevent legal liability against ex-officials.
Due to technical difficulties with the live web streaming, Mayor Brooks called for a brief
recess at 7:53 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 8:23 P.M.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Willmore announced the following: upcoming Special City Council
meetings on February 15, 2018 (appeals for Wireless Telecommunications Facility
permits), March 29, 2018 (Draft Natural Communities Conservation Plan ("NCCP"),
April 12, 2018 (Annual Budget Workshop for FY18-19), and April 26, 2018 (General
Plan Update); and Yappy Hour at Eastview Dog Park on February 10, 2018, 10:00 AM-
12:00 PM.
City Council Minutes
February 6, 2018
Page 4 of 15
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Colborn reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding Item G and there was one request to speak on Item G.
Mayor Pro Tern Duhovic moved, seconded by Councilmember Dyda, to approve the
Consent Calendar with a modification to Item F, Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic clarified that
one of the flagging locations with no traffic signal is located at the intersection of Palos
Verdes Dr. East and Via Canada (not Via Colonita) as mentioned in the administrative
report and Item G removed and to be heard immediately after the Consent Calendar.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Duhovic, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
A. 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.
B. Approval of Minutes
Approved the Minutes of the January 16, 2018, Special Closed Session and Regular
meeting.
C. Register of Demands
(1) Adopted Resolution No. 2018-05, 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.
(Check run date 01/12/18).
(2) Adopted Resolution No. 2018-06, 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.
(Check run date 01/26/18).
D. Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of
Completion for the Coastal Bluff Fencing Project - Phase I.
(1) Accepted the project as complete; (2) Authorized the City Clerk to file a Notice of
Completion for the project with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder's Office,
and if no claims are filed within 35 days of recordation, send a notice to the surety to
exonerate the Performance Bond; and, (3) Authorized the Director of Public Works to
City Council Minutes
February 6, 2018
Page 5 of 15
release the 5% construction retention payment to Harris Steel Fence Company, Inc. 35
days immediately following recordation of the Notice of Completion by the Los Angeles
County Recorder, contingent upon no claims being filed on the project.
E. Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of
Completion for the PVIC Sunset Room Acoustical Improvements Project.
(1) Accepted the project as complete; (2) Authorized the City Clerk to file a Notice of
Completion for the project with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder's Office,
and if no claims are filed within 35 days after recordation, and upon the contractor
posting an acceptable warranty bond, send a notice to the surety company to exonerate
the Performance Bond; and, (3) Authorized the Director of Public Works to release the
5% construction retention payment to C.E. Pickup Company, Inc. dba Pacific Sound
Control, a California corporation, 35 days after recordation of the Notice of Completion
by the Los Angeles County Recorder, contingent upon no claims being filed on the
project.
F. Consideration and possible action to approve the professional services
agreement for school flagging operations for the remainder of school calendar
year 2017-2018 and the full school calendar year 2018-19, and approve an
additional budget appropriation.
(1) Authorized the Mayor to execute the attached professional services agreement with
Sunbeam Solar Technologies, DBA Sunbeam Consulting, for school flagging operations
for the remainder of school calendar year 2017-2018, and the full school calendar year
2018-19; and, (2) Approved an additional budget appropriation in the amount of$50,000
in the Traffic Management Fund for Account No. 101-400-3120-5101 to cover the
needed costs for the remainder of FY 17-18.
G. Consideration and possible action to oppose Senate Bill No. 827 regarding
"transit-rich housing bonuses" for multifamily housing projects.
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
H. Consideration and possible action regarding the December 2017 Cash
Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Report.
Received and filed the December 2017 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Report.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
G. Consideration and possible action to oppose Senate Bill No. 827 regarding
"transit-rich housing bonuses" for multifamily housing projects.
City Clerk Colborn reported that there was one request to speak.
City Council Minutes
February 6, 2018
Page 6 of 15
April Sandell, spoke in opposition of Senate Bill No. 827.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilman Cruikshank moved, seconded by Councilman Dyda, to authorize the Mayor
to sign a letter to Senator Weiner in opposition to Senate Bill No. 827 (SB 827)
regarding "transit-rich housing bonuses" for multifamily housing projects.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Duhovic, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Per the re-order of the agenda, Mayor Brooks moved to item No.5.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Consideration and possible action to adopt an ordinance to amend Chapter
17.96 (Definitions) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the City's Municipal Code to expand
the definition of a Short-Term Rental to include commercial uses (Case No.
ZON2017-00486).
City Clerk Colborn reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, written
correspondence was received and included in the staff report, and there were two
requests to speak.
Octavio Silva, Associate Planner, presented a brief staff report.
Mayor Brooks declared the public hearing open; the following people spoke:
Michael Huang, spoke in support of the code amendment relating to "party houses".
Booth Tarkington, inquired if the proposed code amendment language intended to
exclude rental properties for charitable organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation
Army.
Staff clarified that if a residence is being rented for commercial purposes then it is
prohibited under the ordinance.
With no other requests to speak, Mayor Brooks declared the public hearing closed.
Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic moved to extend the meeting to 10:50 P.M. Without objection,
Mayor Brooks so ordered.
City Council Minutes
February 6, 2018
Page 7 of 15
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilman Dyda moved, seconded by Councilman Alegria, to introduce Ordinance No.
605,AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING
CHAPTER 17.96 (DEFINITIONS) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS
VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE BY EXPANDING THE DEFINITION OF A SHORT-TERM
RENTAL TO INCLUDE COMMERCIAL USES, AND FINDING AN EXEMPTION FROM
CEQA (CASE NO. ZON2017-00486).
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Duhovic, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Brooks announced that the Council would not hear any new business after 11:00
P.M. and items No.3 and No.4 would be remanded back to the Planning Commission.
2. Consideration and possible action to conduct the 2017 annual review of Green
Hills' compliance with the Conditions of Approval associated with the Green
Hills Memorial Park Conditional Use Permit.
City Clerk Colborn reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, public
correspondence was received and distributed prior to the meeting, and there were 17
requests to speak.
So Kim, Deputy Director of Community Development presented a staff report and
PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Brooks declared the public hearing open; the following people spoke:
Tom Frew, Green Hills Memorial Park, spoke in regards to the efforts made in preparation
of the annual compliance review and addressed topics of concerns, as well as suggested
revisions to the Conditions of Approval.
John Papadakis, Bernadette Sabath, Dave Turner, Mike McClunk, Ed Fitzgerald, Booth
Tarkington, spoke in support of the item.
Elizabeth Hoffman, Rolling Hills Riviera HOA, thanked Councilman Alegria for visiting
with homeowners and hearing their feedback on the matter. Ms. Hoffman also urged
the Council to keep in mind that the decisions they will be making regarding the Green
Hills development will create permanent changes that can potentially affect the quality
of life of homeowners in the surrounding area.
Without objection, Mayor Brooks so ordered to extend the meeting to 11:00 P.M.
City Council Minutes
February 6, 2018
Page 8 of 15
Chris Martin, Area 6 resident, raised several questions concerning the Conditions of
Approval and the permit application with regards to raising the headstones from three
feet to six feet and how the change was not communicated to residents. Mr. Martin also
commented that the Green Hills permits and developments that have been approved
have not been in the favor of the resident's best interest.
Glenn Cornell, echoed comments made by Mr. Chris Martin and urged the Council to
take measures to conduct more monitoring of developments and activities, get more
public input, and enforce violations.
Debbie Landes, spoke about her continued concerns with the daily operations of the
mausoleum roof top and the need for mediation which has not taken place as agreed
upon during the 2015 review.
Sharon Loveys, expressed concern with the need for mediation with Green Hills which
has not taken place as agreed upon during the 2015 review.
Councilman Cruikshank moved to extend the meeting to 11:30 P.M. Without objection,
Mayor Brooks so ordered.
Lori Brown, spoke in support of the Vista Verde residents and their continued concerns
with developments at Green Hills.
Nadia, expressed concerns with using the annual review process to modify the Master
Plan on the existing land use entitlements rather than going through the application
process.
Councilman Dyda moved to extend the meeting to 11:45 P.M. Without objection, Mayor
Brooks so ordered.
Lisa Scotto, acknowledged efforts made by Green Hills to come to an agreement with
the residents on the border wall and screening. Ms. Scotto also expressed concern with
the future of the area with regards to the grading and removal and dumping of dirt in
Area 6 and the mausoleums that will be built in the area in the future.
Jane Gualeni, expressed appreciation for the newly installed fencing and vegetation
near her property. Ms. Gualeni also spoke in support of the Peninsula Verde and the
Rolling Riviera Homeowner's Associations attesting to their continued concerns with
developments at Green Hills. She spoke about the excavating of soils in Area 7 which
will then be placed in Area 6 and future grading that can change at any time. Ms.
Gualeni urged Staff to monitor continued development very closely.
City Council Minutes
February 6, 2018
Page 9 of 15
Roger Metzler, expressed concerns with conditions allowing six-foot tall headstones
throughout the cemetery, a condition that has changed since previously proposed.
Previous conditions limited the six-foot tall headstones to certain areas in the cemetery
versus the proposed conditions that allow them anywhere in the cemetery.
With no other requests to speak, Mayor Brooks declared the public hearing closed.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilman Cruikshank moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic, to adopt
Resolution No. 2018-07, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES REVISING THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL OF THE
GREEN HILLS MEMORIAL PARK MASTER PLAN, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.
155, FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 27501 WESTERN AVENUE (GREEN HILLS
MEMORIAL PARK) as amended:
Section 5: Modification of Conditions.
B. Condition 8a is amended to clarify the type of engineer who will be preparing a
grading plan.
(Condition 8a) Grading. Prior to grading operations for new earth interments areas, the
property owner shall submit a grading plan, prepared by and wet-stamped by a licensed
civil engineer. The existing grade elevation shall not be raised without prior approval by
the Director, pursuant to Condition No. 2a.
F. Condition 9g is amended to require traffic calming methods at the time the future
road along the south property line is considered.
(Condition 9g) Road. The future road extension that parallels the south property line
shall be completed prior to the City issuing a final occupancy permit for any building in
Area 6. The future road extension that parallels the south property line shall be setback
a minimum of 8 feet from the future wall to provide a landscape buffer as required in
Condition No. 9f. Prior to construction, the future road shall include traffic calming
measures as deemed acceptable to the Director of Community Development.
K. Condition 17 is amended to allow for an additional observer from each Homeowner's
Associations.
(Condition 17) Green Hills Cemetery Neighborhood Advisory Committee. Green Hills
shall establish a neighborhood advisory committee, consisting of two representatives
and one observer from the Peninsula Verde and the Rolling Riviera Homeowner's
Associations, as well as a representative from City Staff. The Committee shall meet at
least once every quarter during normal business hours to review any operational and
neighborhood concerns. Reports on the meeting shall be provided to the City Council.
City Council Minutes
February 6, 2018
Page 10 of 15
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Duhovic, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
3. Consideration and possible action to grant an appeal and overturn the
Planning Commission's denial of Major Wireless Telecommunication Facility
ASG No. 36 to install a Wireless Telecommunication Facility on a new pole
within the public right-of-way across from 28907 Doverridge Drive.
City Clerk Colborn reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, written
correspondence was received and included in the staff report, and there were three
requests to speak.
Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic moved to waive the staff report on this item. Without objection,
Mayor Brooks so ordered.
Mayor Brooks declared the public hearing open; the following speakers were called
however were not present to speak: Paul O'Boyle (Crown Castle), Gary Wu, and Jeff
Calvagna.
With no other requests to speak, Mayor Brooks declared the public hearing closed.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic moved, seconded by Councilman Dyda, to maintain jurisdiction
over the appeal and refer the application back to the Planning Commission for review of
proposed revisions at a future duly-noticed public hearing, and direct the Planning
Commission to forward its recommendation to the City Council for consideration at a
future duly-noticed public hearing.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Dyda, Duhovic, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: Alegria and Cruikshank
ABSENT: None
4. Consideration and possible action to grant an appeal and overturn the
Planning Commission's denial of Major Wireless Telecommunication Facility
ASG No. 48 to install a Wireless Telecommunication Facility on an existing
utility pole at the terminus of Mossbank Drive west of Basswood Avenue.
City Clerk Colborn reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, there
were no written protests received, and there were two requests to speak however the
speakers were no longer present.
City Council Minutes
February 6, 2018
Page 11of15
Art Bashmakian, Contract Planner, presented a brief staff report.
Mayor Brooks declared the public hearing open; the following people spoke:
Michael Shonafelt, Counsel for Crown Castle, requested that the Council approve staff's
recommendation to refer the item back to the Planning Commission.
With no other requests to speak, Mayor Brooks declared the public hearing closed.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic moved, seconded by Councilman Dyda, to maintain jurisdiction
over the appeal and refer the application back to the Planning Commission for review of
proposed revisions at a future duly-noticed public hearing, and direct the Planning
Commission to forward its recommendation to the City Council for consideration at a
future duly-noticed public hearing.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Dyda, Duhovic, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: Alegria and Cruikshank
ABSENT: None
Per the re-order of the agenda, item No.4 was the last item heard. Mayor Brooks
moved to adjourn the meeting.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
5. Consideration and possible action to address Brown Act and Public Records
Act request issues with regards to:
A. Reauthorize in open session a letter being sent to Michael Huang stating
that former Mayor Brian Campbell's October 5, 2017 email regarding Mr.
Huang, violated a Council Protocol (No.14) and was his own personal view
and not authorized by the City Council.
B. Authorize a letter to Attorney Jeffrey Lewis which makes an unconditional
commitment as to when threats of litigation are added to the closed
session agenda, facts and circumstances of the threat will be orally
disclosed.
C. Determining that the City has been unable to obtain from former Mayor
Brian Campbell City-related emails on his personal email servers to comply
with Public Records Requests from Mr. Huang, requested on November 10,
2017 (and clarified on November 14, 2017) and from Attorney Ellen
Berkowitz requested on December 4, 2017 (a renewal of a May 20, 2016
City Council Minutes
February 6, 2018
Page 12 of 15
request to which Mr. Campbell did not respond); that such failure will
subject the City to litigation; and that under Sections 12.3, 12.4 of the
Council Procedures Manual, Mr. Campbell's failure to cooperate with the
City Attorney in providing the public records waives his right to defense
and indemnification by the City.
City Clerk Colborn reported that late correspondence was received and distributed prior
to the meeting and that there were two requests to speak.
David Aleshire, City Attorney, presented a staff report.
Carolynn Petru, spoke in favor of re-issuing a letter to Mr. Huang acknowledging that
the email sent by former Mayor Brian Campbell violated Council protocol. Ms. Petru
also expressed concern with a recent letter from Mr. Campbell that included the City
logo as letterhead and urged the Council to extend the newly adopted Rules of
Procedure to former members of Council.
Michael Huang, spoke regarding the effects he has had to experience due to the
defamatory email sent by former Mayor Brian Campbell. Mr. Huang also stated that he
has not received any City-related emails from Mr. Campbell's personal email servers,
which are also subject to the California Public Records Act and requested assistance
from the Council on retaining them.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff. The Council made the following
three motions.
A. Councilman Alegria moved, seconded by Councilman Dyda, to issue a letter to Mr.
Michael Huang stating that former Mayor Brian Campbell's October 5, 2017, email
regarding Mr. Huang violated Council Protocol (No.14) and the email was his own
personal view and not authorized by the City Council.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Duhovic, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
B. Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic moved, seconded by Councilman Cruikshank, to authorize
a letter to Attorney Jeffrey Lewis which makes an unconditional commitment as to
when threats of litigation are added to the closed session agenda, facts and
circumstances of the threat will be orally disclosed.
City Council Minutes
February 6, 2018
Page 13 of 15
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Duhovic, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
C. Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic moved, seconded by Councilman Dyda, to defer the matter
below for further legal review and action at a future meeting based upon the City
Attorney's research.
The following matter will return for action at a future meeting:
Determining that the City has been unable to obtain from former Mayor Brian Campbell
City-related emails on his personal email servers to comply with Public Records
Requests from Mr. Huang, requested on November 10, 2017 (and clarified on
November 14, 2017) and from Attorney Ellen Berkowitz requested on December 4,
2017 (a renewal of a May 20, 2016 request to which Mr. Campbell did not respond); that
such failure will subject the a City to litigation; and that under Sections 12.3, 12.4 of the
Council Procedures Manual, Mr. Campbell's failure to cooperate with the City Attorney
in providing the public records waives his right to defense and indemnification by the
City.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Duhovic, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Per the re-order of the agenda, Mayor Brooks moved to item No.6
6. Consideration and possible action to approve the First Amendment to the City
Manager's Employment Agreement.
City Clerk Colborn reported that late correspondence was received and distributed prior
to the meeting and there were no requests to speak.
Mayor Brooks presented a staff report.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilman Dyda moved, seconded by Councilman Alegria, to approve the First
Amendment to the City Manager's Employment Agreement as amended:
1. Modify Section 6A, increasing the employee's annual salary to $225,750; and
2. Modify Section 11E, adding that the City will contribute an amount equal to 5% of
employee's salary annually to a defined 401a benefit plan.
City Council Minutes
February 6, 2018
Page 14 of 15
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Duhovic, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Brooks called for a brief recess at 9:36 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 9:48
P.M. and Mayor Brooks moved to item No. 1 per the re-order of the agenda.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
This item was carried over to the next scheduled City Council meeting.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
This item was carried over to the next scheduled City Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 11:51 P.M., Mayor Brooks adjourned the meeting.
Mayor
Attest:
411L,
44111fiblik,
-rk
City Council Minutes
February 6, 2018
Page 15 of 15