CC DM 20210601 B - 20210518 DRAFT CC MINSDRAFT
MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 18, 2021
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 Alegria 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, Cruikshank, Dyda and Mayor Alegria
ABSENT: Ferraro* (excused, in Fireside Room)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Karina Bañales, Deputy City Manager;
William W. Wynder, City Attorney; Colin Tanner, Special Counsel; Trang Nguyen,
Director of Finance; Ramzi Awwad, Public Works Director; Julie DeZiel, Human
Resources Manager; and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S) ANNOUNCED:
City Attorney Wynder announced the item to be discussed in Closed Session.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(2) or
(d)(3) & (e)(1) because there is a significant exposure to litigation in one (1) case
where the facts and circumstances giving rise to such exposure to litigation are
believed to be unknown to the putative plaintiff(s).
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6, with the
City Manager, Deputy City Manager, City Attorney, Ms. Nguyen, and Ms. Julie
DeZiel, the City’s negotiators, regarding labor negotiations with the Rancho Palos
Verdes Employee Association.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION (FIRESIDE ROOM):
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May 18, 2021
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At 6:03 P.M., the Council recessed to Closed Session.
*At 6:03 P.M. Councilmember Ferraro joined Closed Session in the Fireside Room.
RECONVENE TO STUDY SESSION (MCTAGGART HALL):
At 7:11 P.M., the Council reconvened the meeting for a Study Session.
STUDY SESSION
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS LISTED ON THE AGENDA FOR THE STUDY
SESSION:
None.
DISCUSSION TOPICS:
SS1. Review of Tentative Agendas
The tentative agendas were approved as presented. Without objection, Mayor Alegria
so ordered.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:13 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 Alegria at 7:13 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: Bradley, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
ABSENT: None
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Karina Bañales, Deputy City Manager;
William W. Wynder, City Attorney; Trang Nguyen, Director of Finance; Ken Rukavina,
Director of Community Development; Cory Linder, Director of Recreation and Parks;
Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works; Lukasz Buchwald, Information Technology
Manager; and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
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May 18, 2021
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Also present was Captain James Powers, Lomita Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dillan Anthony Pickens of Boy Scout Troop 128.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder reported that the City Council met in Closed Session and
discussed two items on the agenda. There was a privileged and confidential briefing
from the City Attorney’s office on facts and circumstances which could give rise to
litigation in one case. Questions were asked and answered, and Council directed that
this item be continued to a future date and no reportable actions were taken. The City
Council also met and conferred with its labor negotiators regarding ongoing labor
negotiations with the Rancho Palos Verdes Emplo yees Association. City Council
provided its labor negotiators with additional negotiating authority.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Alegria and City Council recognized outgoing Civic Center Advisory Committee
Member H. David Lee.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Alegria announced the Recycle Winners for the May 4, 2021, City Council
meeting: Gladys Wellington and Hassan Mahinfar. He indicated that all winners receive
a 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 $40.00.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Councilmember Cruikshank moved, seconded by Councilmember Dyda, to approve the
agenda as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were five requests to speak.
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May 18, 2021
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The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Helen Fung; Maurice
Haeems; Jeff Purdy; Sharon Yarber; Thomas and Deborah Berg, and Lenée Bilski.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following: Covid vaccination updates;
Road work along Palos Verdes Drive South in landslide area between May 18 -21;
Public Works week is May 16-22; Civic Center Advisory Committee recruitment;
Wayfarers Chapel is celebrating its 70 year anniversary; Monday, May 31 is Memorial
Day, City Hall will be closed and the City will install the flag tribute at many intersections
through the City and will stay up until June 4, and construction is not permitted on all
Federal holidays, including Memorial Day; Announced the passing of longtime
employee of the LA County Sheriff’s Department and Lomita Sheriff’s Station Diana
McWhorter; and announced the collaboration with the Lomita Sheriff’s Station and the
Cities of Rolling Hills, and Rolling Hills Estates for a Public Safety Town Hall being held
at Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall on Thursday, May 27.
Lomita Sheriff’s Department Captain Powers provided a 4th quarter law enforcement
update.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding Item D and there were three requests to speak on Item D.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Cruikshank, to approve
the Consent Calendar with Item D to be heard immediately following the Consent
Calendar.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
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 (Takaoka)
Approved the Minutes of April 20, 2021, Regular Meeting and May 4, 2021,
Concurrent Regular/Improvement Authority Meeting.
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May 18, 2021
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C. Registers of Demands (Mata)
Adopted Resolution No. 2021-17, 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.
D. Consideration and possible action to extend the temporary parking restriction
on Crenshaw Boulevard south of Crest Road. (Lozano)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
E. Consideration and possible action to formally accept Gifts for Parks
donations. (Hirsch)
Accepted Gifts for Parks donations and direct Staff to prepare donor letters of
appreciation for the Mayor’s signature.
F. Consideration and possible action to adopt Ordinance No. 648 to amend
Chapter 5.28 by adding new Sections 5.28.010 through 5.28.080 to incorporate
into the Municipal Code the requirements of Senate Bill 946. (Bañales)
Adopted Ordinance No. 648, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES REPEALING AND REPLACING SUBSECTION (A) OF CHAPTER
5.10.020 AND CHAPTER 5.28 (PEDDLERS) OF TITLE 5 (BUSINESS TAXES,
LICENSES AND REGULATIONS) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO VENDORS.
G. Consideration and possible action to adopt Ordinance No. 646 to amend
Chapter 17.70 (Site Plan Review) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Rancho Palos
Verde Municipal Code to add subsection 17.70.025 (Natural Communities
Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan) establishing Coastal Sage
Scrub provisions (CASE NO. PLCA2021-0002). (Silva)
Adopted Ordinance No. 646, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES ADDING SUBSECTION 17.70.025 (NATURAL COMMUNITIES
CONSERVATION PLAN/HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN) TO CHAPTER 17.70
(SITE PLAN REVIEW) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDE
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH PROVISIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF
COASTAL SAGE SCRUB.
H. Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of
support for AB 339 (teleconferencing). (Bright)
Authorized the Mayor to sign a City letter of support for AB 339 which would allow to
continue utilizing teleconferencing for public meetings.
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May 18, 2021
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I. Consideration and possible action to receive and file the 2020 City employee
compensation report. (Ramos)
Received and filed the Independent Accountants’ Report on Agreed-Upon
Procedures performed with respect to City Employee Compensation and Benefit
Analysis Report for the calendar year ending on December 31, 2020.
J. Consideration and possible action to file a Notice of Completion for the
Annual Sidewalk Repair and Replacement Program for Fiscal Year 2020 -21.
(Lopez)
1) Accepted the Annual Sidewalk Repair and Replacement Program for FY 2020 -21
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, 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 Ruiz Concrete & Paving, Inc. 35
days after recordation of the Notice of Completion by the Los Angeles County
Registrar-Recorder’s Office, contingent upon no claims being file on the project.
K. Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of
Completion for the Burma Trailhead Fence and Gate Project. (Lopez)
1) Accepted the Burma Trailhead Fence and Gate 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, 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 Metrocell Construction, Inc., 35 days after recordation of the
Notice of Completion by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s Office,
contingent upon no claims being filed on the project.
L. Consideration and possible action to restrict parking along a portion of
Diversey Drive to establish a student drop-off and pick-up zone at Silver Spur
Elementary School. (Lopez)
Adopted Resolution No. 2021-19, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ESTABLISHING PARKING
RESTRICTION BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7:30 A.M. AND 3:30 P.M., ON
SCHOOL DAYS ONLY, ON A PORTION OF THE SOUTH SIDE OF DIVERSEY
DRIVE TO CREATE A STUDENT LOADING ZONE AT SILVER SPUR
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
M. Consideration and possible action to award a Professional Services
Agreement to NV5, Inc., for engineering services associated with the Abalone
Cove Sanitary Sewer System Maintenance Charge. (Eder)
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May 18, 2021
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1) Awarded a professional services agreement, in form approved by the City
Attorney, to NV5, Inc. (“NV5”) for engineering services to review, analyze, and
update the Engineer’s Report regarding the Abalone Cove Sanitary Sewer Fee, for
an amount not-to-exceed $5,885; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute the Professional Services Agreement.
N. Consideration and possible action to award a contract to R.E. Shultz
Construction, Inc. for construction of the Playground Equipment Surface
Replacement Project. (Eder)
1) Approved the Plans and Specifications for the Playground Equipment Surface
Replacement Project; 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the
Construction Agreement, in form approved by the City Attorney, to R.E. Shultz
Construction, Inc., in the not-to-exceed amount of $121,986 for the Playground
Equipment Surface Replacement Project; and, 3) Authorized the City Manager or
Director of Finance to execute change orders up to an additional 10% of the
construction costs (not to exceed $12,199) as contingency funds for potential
unforeseen conditions.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
D. Consideration and possible action to extend the temporary parking restriction
on Crenshaw Boulevard south of Crest Road. (Lozano)
Mayor Alegria moved to waive staff report, hearing no objections it was so ordered.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Craig Louis; Kathy
Edgerton; and Miriam Varend.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Dyda, to approve staff
recommendation to: Adopt Resolution No. 2021-18, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES EXTENDING THE
TEMPORARY PARKING RESTRICTION ON SIX PARKING SPACES ALONG
CRENSHAW BOULEVARD, SOUTH OF CREST ROAD, UNTIL SEPTEMBER 15,
2021.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
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May 18, 2021
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None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
1. Consideration and possible action to identify a financing option for the Ladera
Linda Community Center and Park Project. (Nguyen)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed and there w ere
seven requests to speak and six voicemails received.
Director of Finance Nguyen presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, Staff, Finance Advisory Committee
Vice-Chair George Lewis and Member Kevin Yourman.
Mayor Alegria called for a brief recess at 8:52 P.M. The meeting reconvened at
9:01 P.M.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Mickey Rodich; Jim
Hevener; Susan Summit-Cyr; Pam Andresen; Kelvin Vanderlip; Elliot Levy; and
Sharon Yarber.
The following members of the public left voicemails to be heard by City Council:
Baldomero Fernandez; Charles Agnew; Craig Whited; Jay Fodor; Paul Funk; and
Jessica Vlaco.
City Clerk Takaoka read an email into the record from: Carolynn Petru.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, Staff, and City Attorney Wynder on the
financing option recommended by the Finance Advisory Committee.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Cruikshank, to
approve the following staff recommendations: 1) Based on a traditional procurement
approach, review the financing option recommended by the Finance Advisory
Committee for the Ladera Linda Community Center and Park Project using the
following combined funding sources:
a. 50% of the American Rescue Plan Act;
b. Available funds in the Quimby Fund;
c. A 50/50 split between financing with iBank and the Capital Infrastructure
Program Fund Reserve; and,
d. Create a framework to replenish CIP Fund with interest earnings, additional
transfers from the General Fund when there is a surplus, and private funding
such as donations and capital fundraisers.
2) If acceptable, affirm the FAC’s recommendation and direct Staff to proceed with
filing the necessary application with iBank.
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A substitute motion was made by Councilmember Dyda, seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Bradley to instead: Continue the item to a future meeting until the City qualifies
for the loan with iBank.
The substitute motion failed with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, and Dyda
NOES: Cruikshank, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
The original motion by Councilmember Ferraro, seconded by Councilmember
Cruikshank ,was then voted on and passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Cruikshank, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: Bradley, and Dyda
Mayor Alegria moved to extend the meeting to 10:45 P.M. Without objection, Mayor
Alegria so ordered.
2. Consideration and possible action to review the Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget
adjustments based on the third quarter year-end review and the Fiscal Year
2021-22 Preliminary Budget and estimated fund balances for all funds,
excluding Improvement Authorities. (Nguyen)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that no late correspondence was received and there were
no requests to speak.
Director of Finance Nguyen presented a brief staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley moved to extend the meeting to 11:00 P.M. Without
objection, Mayor Alegria so ordered.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilmember Cruikshank moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to
approve staff recommendation to: 1) Accept the reviewed FY 2020-21 Budget
Adjustments in the amount of $1,138,100 from the identified savings in personnel
and non-personnel based on the third quarter year-end estimates; and, 2) Accept
the reviewed Preliminary FY 2021-22 Budget consisting of the General Fund, Capital
Improvement Program, and Special Revenues, excluding the Improvement
Authorities.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
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May 18, 2021
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3. Consideration and possible action to initiate the process to conduct a
comprehensive classification and compensation study and an organizational
review for all full-time and part-time personnel. (DeZiel)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that no late correspondence was received and there were
no requests to speak.
Mayor Alegria moved to waive staff report, hearing no objections it was so ordered.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Dyda, to: Authorize
Staff to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to seek consultants to conduct a
comprehensive classification and compensation study for all full-time and part-time
personnel and an organizational review.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Mayor Alegria notified Council that there is a joint letter being drafted with other
Peninsula cities to District Attorney Gascon to communicate their concerns regarding
his recent directives. A draft letter will be placed on the agenda for June 1.
Mayor Alegria requested a multi-family unit smoking ordinance considered within the
City be added to the tentative agendas.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Council Member present reported on his/her attendance at various organization
and association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 11:01 P.M., Mayor Alegria adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on June 1, 2021, for Interviews
(Civic Center Advisory Committee), a Closed Session meeting and 7:00 P.M. for a
Regular meeting
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May 18, 2021
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Mayor Alegria adjourned the meeting in memory of longtime employee of the Los
Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Lomita Sheriff’s Station Diana McWhorter.
____________________________
Mayor
Attest:
____________________________
City Clerk