CC MINS 20200721 MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 21, 2020
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 Cruikshank at 6:02 P.M. at McTaggart Hall in
Fred Hesse Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, and via
teleconference/virtual meeting using the Zoom platform notice having been given with
affidavit thereto on file.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Bradley, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
ABSENT: Dyda (excused)*, Ferraro (excused)*
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William W. Wynder, City Attorney, and
Teresa Takaoka, Deputy City Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS ANNOUNCED:
City Attorney Wynder announced the items to be discussed in Closed Session.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL— EXISTING LITIGATION
GC SECTION 54956.9 (D)(1)
Indian Peak Properties, LLC, et al v. City of Rancho Palos Verdes, et al
Central District of California Case No. 2:20-cv-00457-DSF-E
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION (VIA CONFERENCE BRIDGE):
At 6:06 P.M., the Council recessed to Closed Session.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:00 P.M. the Study Session was adjourned to the Regular meeting.
STUDY SESSION
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS LISTED ON THE AGENDA FOR THE STUDY
SESSION:
None.
DISCUSSION TOPICS:
SS1. Review of tentative agendas
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff regarding items on the upcoming
City Council meetings as listed on the tentative agendas.
Without objection, the tentative agendas were approved, by acclamation.
ADJOURN TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:02 P.M. the Study 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 Cruikshank at 7:03 P.M. Hesse Park, McTaggart Hall, 29301 Hawthorne
Boulevard and via teleconference using the Zoom platform notice having been given
with affidavit thereto on file.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Bradley, Ferraro, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
ABSENT: Dyda (excused)*
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Karina Banales, Deputy City Manager;
William W. Wynder, City Attorney; Trang Nguyen, Director of Finance; Ken Rukavina,
Director of Community Development; Elias Sassoon, Director of Public Works; Cory
Linder, Director of Recreation and Parks; Lukasz Buchwald, Information Technology
Manager; and Teresa Takaoka, Deputy City Clerk.
Also present was Captain James Powers, Lomita Station, Los Angeles County Sheriffs
Department.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Attorney Wynder. I
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July 21, 2020
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CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder reported that with regards to the one Closed Session item, it met
with legal counsel to check status of litigation.
This one item was to provide a privileged and confidential briefing on one matter of
pending litigation to which the City is a party. The title of that litigation is Indian Peak
Properties vs. the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Unites States District Court for the
Central District of California case number: 20-CB-00-457-DSF-E. The authority to meet
in Closed Session is Government Code section 54956.9D1. The City Attorney's office
provided a privileged and confidential briefing on the status of this litigation and
discussed with the Council an ongoing litigation strategy. Questions were asked and
answered and the Council unanimously gave further direction.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Cruikshank and the City Council recognized Naomi Porter for Mayor's Honoree
Enlightened Entrepreneurship.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Cruikshank announced the Recycle Winners for the July 7, 2020, City Council
meeting: Rouimi Family Trust and Hung Ngo. He indicated that all winners receive a
II check for $250 and urged everyone to participate in the City's Recycling Program. He
noted that in addition to winning the Recycler Drawing, the two individuals also won a
Personal Emergency Preparedness Kit from the City valued at $60.00.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Bradley, to approve the
agenda as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dyda (excused)*
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
Deputy City Clerk Takaoka noted there was one request to speak on this item.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: Kelly Clark.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
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City Manager Mihranian announced the following: Welcome to Ken Rukavina, Director
of Community Development; New orders from the County regarding Covid-19 Permitting
process for Barbershops and Outdoor dining; Highlight on #RPVTogether; Professional
Services Day thanking Recreation and Park workers.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Deputy City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to
the meeting regarding Item G; and there was one request to speak regarding item E. F.
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alegria, to approve the
Consent Calendar with items E to be heard immediately after the Consent Calendar.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dyda (excused)*
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. Consideration and possible action to accept the Parkland Dedication (Quimby)
Fee in Lieu of Dedication for Vesting Final Parcel Map No. 72981 for the
property at 29065 Palos Verdes Drive East (Case No. SUB2014-00005). (Silva)
Accepted Parkland Dedication (Quimby) Fee in Lieu of Dedication for Vesting
Final Parcel Map No. 72981 in the amount of $23,652.33.
C. Registers of Demands (Amundson)
Adopted Resolution No. 2020-41, 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.
D. Consideration and possible action to amend the existing Professional
Services Agreement with Michael Baker International, Inc. for Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) administrative services. (Eder)
Authorized Amendment No. 2 to the Michael Baker International, Inc. contract in
the amount of $30,000 to the current Professional Services Agreement, thereby
changing the not-to-exceed total contract amount from $100,671.60 to
111
$130,671.60 and to extend the services to June 30, 2021.
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E. Consideration and possible action to apply for a Highway Safety Improvement
Program (HSIP) grant for guardrail improvements. (Eder)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
F. Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter in
support of SB 1312. (Barnes)
Authorized the Mayor to sign a letter in support of SB 1312 to reduce wildfire
risk.
G. Consideration and possible action to award a Contract Service Agreement for
custodial and janitorial services to Valley Maintenance Corporation.
(Hernandez)
(1) Awarded a Contract Service Agreement for Custodial and Janitorial Services
to Valley Maintenance Corporation for FY 2020-21 through FY 22-23 (three
years) in the not-to-exceed amount of $283,176 ($94,392 annually); and
(2) Authorized the Mayor to sign a new Contract Service Agreement in a form
approved by City Attorney's Office
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
E. Consideration and possible action to apply for a Highway Safety
Improvement Program (HSIP) grant for guardrail improvements. (Eder)
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: Mickey Rodich
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Bradley to: (1)
Authorize Staff to apply for an HSIP grant to fund the Palos Verdes Drive East
Guard Rail Project; and, (2) Authorize Blais & Associates to prepare the HSIP
grant application, on behalf of the City, for the Palos Verdes Drive East Guard
Rail Project at a cost not to exceed $7,232.50.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dyda (excused)*
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
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July 21, 2020
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1. Consideration and possible action to approve setting at zero the annual levy
and assessments of the existing Citywide Landscaping and Lighting
Maintenance District for Fiscal Year 2020-21. (Dragoo)
Deputy City Clerk Takaoka stated that the notice of the public hearing was duly
published, no written protests were received and there were no requests to speak.
Mayor Cruikshank declared the public hearing open.
City Engineer Dragoo presented a comprehensive staff report.
Mayor Cruikshank declared the public hearing closed.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alegria to: (1)
Conduct the public hearing on the proposed levy of the annual FY 2020-21 Citywide
Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District; and, (2) Adopt Resolution No. 2020-
42, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES DECLARING TO SET THE LEVY AT ZERO WITHIN THE CITYWIDE
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR
2020-2021 PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972,
PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS
CODE.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: Dyda
ABSENT: None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
2. Receive and file a report on the issuance of an encroachment permit to
relocate certain utility poles at 3867 Crest Road. (Sassoon)
Deputy City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed and there
were eleven requests to speak.
*one of the speaker was SCE : Cindy Carrillo
Mayor Cruikshank recused himself at 7:28 P.M.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria noted that while this item is not a public hearing, if the
remaining City Councilmembers agreed, he would allow each side to be heard
initially with an opportunity for rebuttals at the end, similar to a public hearing format.
Without objection, Mayor Pro Tem Alegria so ordered.
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July 21, 2020
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Director of Public Works Sassoon presented a brief staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Giovanni
Funiciello; Dale Spiegel; Sharon Jang; Naomi Foust; Betty Pop; Tracy Beecher;
Naomi Nakata; and Kathy Campbell.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
The following members of the public were invited to respond: Giovanni Funiciello;
Christina Funiciello; Kathy Campbell; Dale Spiegel; and Cindy Carrillo.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro to receive and
file the report with the added condition that an indemnity clause would be signed by
the Funiciellos and the applicant of the permit; and, at a future date Staff would
return with potential changes to the due process. Additionally, separate from the
motion the Council encouraged a continued dialogue with SCE representatives and
the interested parties one last time to seek resolution.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilmember Bradley moved a substitute motion to: not receive and file the
report, but to instead defer the matter to no later than August 18, 2020; ask Staff to
engage SCE to become a party in the project for the betterment of the City and SCE.
Mayor Pro Tern Alegria seconded this motion.
Themotion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Pro Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dyda (excused)*
ABSTAIN: Mayor Cruikshank
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria called for a brief recess at 9:52 P.M. The meeting
reconvened at 10:04 P.M.
Mayor Cruikshank returned to the dais at 10:04 P.M.
3. Consideration and possible action to receive a quarterly status report on
Fiscal Year 2020-21 City Council Goals. (Bañales)
Mayor Cruikshank moved to waive the staff report and proceed with Council
discussion and questions of Staff. Without objection, Mayor Cruikshank so
ordered.
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July 21, 2020
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Councilmember Bradley moved to extend the meeting to 10:45 P.M. Without
objection, Mayor Cruikshank so ordered.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro to receive
and file the quarterly status report on the FY 2020-21 City Council goals. Without
objection, Mayor Cruikshank so ordered.
Councilmember Bradley moved to extend the meeting to 11:30 P.M. Without
objection, Mayor Cruikshank so ordered.
4. Consideration and possible action to form a "sister city" relationship with the
City of Sakura City, Japan (Bañales)
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved to waive the staff report. By acclamation, Mayor
Cruikshank so ordered.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alegria to: Adopt
Resolution No. 2020-43, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, ESTABLISHING A SISTER CITIES PROGRAM
WITH SAKURA CITY, TOCHIGI PREFECTURE, JAPAN.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote: 111
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dyda (excused)*
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria requested the addition of a status report on the Flock cameras
and a reassessment of the Encroachment Permit Issuance Protocols.
Councilmember Ferraro requested the addition of a possible code amendment on Large
Scale Treehouse Regulations.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Council Member present reported on his/her attendance at various organization
and association meetings.
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July 21, 2020
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ADJOURNMENT
At 11:19 P.M., Mayor Cruikshank adjourned this meeting.
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Mayor
Attest:
ity ,Clerk
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July 21, 2020
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