CC MINS 20210803 MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL/IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
111 REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 3, 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 6:41 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)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Karina Banales, Deputy City Manager;
Elena Gerli, Assistant City Attorney; Trang Nguyen, Director of Finance; Ken Rukavina
Director of Community Development; Cory Linder Director of Recreation and Parks;
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk; and Danny Aleshire, Special Counsel.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S) ANNOUNCED:
Assistant City Attorney Gerli 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)(4),
because the City is considering whether to initiate litigation in one (1) case.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION (FIRESIDE ROOM):
At 6:42 P.M., the Council recessed to Closed Session.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:22 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 Alegria at 7:22 P.M. at Fred Hesse Community Park, McTaggart Hall, 29301
Hawthorne Boulevard, notice having been given with affidavit thereto on file.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
Assistant City Attorney Gerli reported that the City Council met in Closed Session and
discussed the anticipated litigation item on the agenda and no reportable actions given.
ROLL CALL:
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Bradley, Cruikshank, Dyda, and Mayor Alegria
ABSENT: Ferraro (excused)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Karina Banales, Deputy City Manager;
Elena Gerli, Assistant 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.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Deputy City Manager Banales.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Alegria announced that the City will celebrate its one-year Sister City partnership
with Sakura City, Japan on Wednesday, August 4. A new sign will be unveiled at the
event. The event is open to the public and will take place at City Hall in the parking lot.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Alegria announced the Recycle Winners for the June 15, 2021, City Council
meeting: Gigi and David Kramer, and Richard Kidd. 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.
Mayor Alegria announced that the new recycler of the month entry cards will be
included in the July billing statements. Starting on August 3, winners will be drawn from
the new batch of Recyclers of the Month cards.
I
City Council Minutes
August 3, 2021
Page 2 of 11
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, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro (excused)
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following: Lomita Sheriffs Station
working with Neighborhood Watch on August 3 for National Night Out; Parking fees are
now in effect for parking on Crenshaw Boulevard and reservations can be made using
the ParkMobile App; Movies in the Park events on August 14; South Bay summer bike
ride with Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi on August 22; Housing Element update study
session joint meeting with City Council and Planning Commission on August 24; and
Sister City one-year anniversary celebration with Sakura City, Japan on August 4.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding Items H and K.
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley requested that Item K be considered after Regular Business.
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Cruikshank, to approve
the Consent Calendar with Item K to be considered after Regular Business.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley,, Cruikshank, Dyda, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro (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.
City Council Minutes
August 3, 2021
Page 3 of 11
B. Approval of Minutes (Takaoka)
Approved the Minutes of July 6, Regular Meeting of the City Council and
Improvement Authority.
C. Registers of Demands (Mata)
Adopted Resolution No. 2021-36, 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; and, Adopt Resolution No. IA 2021-08, A RESOLUTION OF THE RANCHO
PALOS VERDES IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS
AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING FUNDS FROM WHICH THE SAME ARE TO
BE PAID.
D. Consideration and possible action to receive and file the June 2021 Cash
Balances/Monthly Treasurers' Reports. (Lin)
Received and filed the June 2021 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Report for the
City and the Improvement Authority.
E. Consideration and possible action regarding a claim against the City by Atash
Soltani. (Takaoka)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Atash Soltani
F. Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter
opposing SB 262 (Hertzberg/Skinner). (Bright)
Authorized the Mayor to sign a letter opposing SB 262, which would require bail to
be set at $0 for all offenses except, among others, serious or violent felonies,
violations of specified protective orders, domestic violence, sex offenses, and driving
under the influence.
G. Consideration and possible action to designate voting delegates and alternates
for the upcoming League of California Cities Annual Business Meeting.
(Takaoka)
Designated Mayor Alegria as the voting delegate and Councilman Dyda and City
Manager Mihranian as the second voting delegate alternates for the League of
California Cities Annual Business Meeting scheduled for Friday, September 24,
2021.
H. Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter in
response to District Attorney George Gascon's July 21, 2021 letter. (Wynder)
Authorized the Mayor to sign a response letter, as amended, to District Attorney
George Gascon regarding the impact of his Special Directives on public safety.
City Council Minutes
August 3, 2021
Page 4 of 11
I. Consideration and possible action to approve Amendment No. 1 to the
111 existing Contract Services Agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc. for the
City's financial services software. (Ramos)
1) Authorized the Mayor to sign Amendment No. 1 to the existing Contract Services
Agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc. for ongoing Software as a Service (Baas)
system thereby extending the term through June 30, 2026 and increasing the sum to
a not-to-exceed amount of$725,944.11, in a form approved by the City Attorney;
and, 2) Authorized the City Manager or Director of Finance to execute change
orders up to an additional 10% of the five-year term (not to exceed $30,600) as
contingency funds for additional support as needed.
J. Consideration and possible action to amend Title 2 (Administration and
Personnel) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code to add a new chapter
relating to electronic filing of campaign statements and conflict of interest
statements. (Takaoka)
1) Required the use of the City's electronic filing system (NetFile) to ensure reporting
ease and continuity for documents filed on behalf of a candidate or committee going
forward to more easily comply with reporting guidelines set forth in AB 2151; and 2)
Adopted Ordinance No. 649, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES ADDING CHAPTER 2.54 TO TITLE 2 (ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL)
OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE AUTHORIZING ELECTRONIC
AND PAPER METHODS OF FILING CAMPAIGN FINANCE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS
AND STATEMENTS OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS (FORM 700).
K. Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayor to sign a joint
Peninsula letter regarding the indoor masking mandate. (Barnes)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Consideration and possible action to consider an appeal of a Community
Development Department recommendation to remove one City-owned pine
tree on City property adjacent to 4353 Palos Verdes Drive South (Case No.
CTRP2021-0012). (Alvarez)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published,
written protests were received, late correspondence was received, there was one
request to speak, and the public hearing was continued from the July 20 meeting.
City Council Minutes
August 3, 2021
Page 5 of 11
Senior Planner, John Alvarez presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
The following appellant addressed the City Council: Deborah and Tom Berg.
The following co-applicant addressed the City Council: Robert Locke.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: Lenee Bilski.
Rebuttals were heard by the following: Deborah and Tom Berg and Robert Locke.
City Council asked questions to co-applicant Robert Locke.
Mayor Alegria declared the public hearing closed.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, Staff, and Arborgate Consulting Inc.
CEO, Greg Applegate.
Councilmember Cruikshank moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bradley, to: Adopt
Resolution No. 2021-37, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DENYING THE APPEAL AND THEREBY
APPROVING THE REMOVAL OF ONE CITY-OWNED PINE TREE ON CITY
PROPERTY (APN 7564-005-900), ADJACENT TO 4353 PALOS VERDES DRIVE
SOUTH, TO RESTORE THE VIEWS THAT ARE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPAIRED BY
THE PINE TREE FROM THE VIEWING AREAS LOCATED AT 4332 AND 4324
ADMIRABLE DRIVE (CASE NO. CTRP2021-0012), and directed Staff to work with
the Seaview HOA on agreeable replacement vegetation.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Dyda, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro (excused)
2. Consideration and possible action to consider an appeal of a Site Plan Review
with Neighborhood Compatibility application on the property located at 30137
Avenida Tranquila (Case No. PLSR2019-0365). (Guillean)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published,
written protests were received, late correspondence was received, and there were
six requests to speak.
Mayor Alegria declared the public hearing open.
Assistant Planner, Maricela Guillean presented a staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
City Council Minutes
August 3, 2021
Page 6 of 11
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
The following appellant addressed the City Council: Rick Morales.
The following applicant addressed the City Council: Tatiana and Siamak Esteghball.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Debrey Miao; Gina
Whittlesey; Bill Whittlesey; Scott Wellman; Kenneth Scott; Corry Lieng (voicemail);
and Rosie Morales.
Rebuttals were heard by the following: Rick Morales and Tatiana and Siamak
Esteghball.
Mayor Alegria declared the public hearing closed.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, Staff, and Planning Commission Chair
Stephen Perestam.
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Cruikshank, to reject
Staffs recommendation thereby upholding the appeal and denying the project
without prejudice.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
III AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Dyda, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro (excused)
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley called for a brief recess at 10:03 P.M. Without objection,
Mayor Alegria so ordered. The meeting reconvened at 10:16 P.M.
Councilmember Cruikshank moved to extend the meeting to 11:00 P.M. Without
objection, Mayor Alegria so ordered.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
3. Consideration and possible action to appoint two members to the Civic Center
Advisory Committee. (Takaoka)
City Clerk Takaoka announced that ballots were distributed earlier in the evening to
appoint members to the Civic Center Advisory Committee.
After one round of balloting, the following appointments were made:
David Koch and Carolynn Petru were appointed to the Civic Center Advisory
Committee, with full terms to expire June 30, 2024.
City Council Minutes
August 3, 2021
Page 7 of 11
4. Consideration and possible action on the possible refurbishment and
installation of the Marineland Bubbles statue at the Point Vicente Interpretive
Center (PVIC). (Waters)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed 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.
Mayor Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Dyda, to approve staff
recommendation to: 1) Affirm the 2017 Council-approved installation of the
Marineland Bubbles statue as an entry marquee to be located to the north of the
PVIC building just before the main parking lot; 2) Direct Staff to reissue a request for
proposals from professional consultants to design the entry marquee that integrates
the Marineland Bubbles statue at PVIC; 3) Work with Jon Sansom, Suzanne
Seymour, and other interested parties to explore a future capital campaign and
potential in-kind services; and, 4) Direct Staff to research and solicit current
restoration and moving cost estimates.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Dyda, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro (excused)
5. Consideration and possible action to initiate code amendment proceedings to
amend the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code (RPVMC) to develop a
smoke-free ordinance in multi-family housing units. (Silva)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed and there were
four requests to speak and two voicemails received.
Deputy Director of Community Development Silva presented a brief staff report and
PowerPoint presentation.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Alix Politanoff;
Shalin Craig; Dominga Pardo; and Mark Han.
The following members of the public left a voicemails to be heard by City Council:
Ryan Paillet; and Linus Young Yeh.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Cruikshank moved to extend the meeting to 11:30 P.M. Without
objection, Mayor Alegria so ordered.
City Council Minutes
August 3, 2021
Page 8 of 11
Discussion continued among Council Members and Staff.
Mayor Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Cruikshank, to: proceed with
staff recommendation to receive a report on developing a new smoke-free ordinance
in multi-family housing units and also proceed with the preparation of an ordinance
. . . . . . . . .
banon smoking in multi-family facilities while working with residents,
to a g y g
homeowners associations and other organizations that have reached out to the City.
An amendment to the original motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Bradley and
approved by the original motion maker to also include Accessory Dwelling Units
(ADU's) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU's) as multi-family facilities.
The motion failed with the following tie roll call vote:
AYES: Cruikshank, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: Bradley, and Dyda
ABSENT: Ferraro (excused)
Discussion continued among Council Members and Staff.
Council directed Staff to reach out to organizations and property owners with
incentives to prohibit smoking in multi-family units/receive and file and return at a
future date with findings.
Mayor Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Cruikshank, to receive and file
the staff report and return at a future date with additional information.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Dyda, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro (excused)
6. Consideration and possible action to consider a potential City facility to be
renamed in honor of Councilmember Ken Dyda. (Waters)
*Councilmember Dyda recused himself at 11:18 P.M
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Cruikshank, to direct
Staff to have the Civic Center Advisory Committee review and provide a
recommendation on an appropriate naming tribute at the Civic Center for
consideration by the City Council at the October 19 meeting.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, and Mayor Alegria
City Council Minutes
August 3, 2021
Page 9 of 11
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dyda (recused), and Ferraro (excused)
Mayor Pro Tern Bradley moved to extend the meeting to 11:45 P.M. Without
objection, Mayor Alegria so ordered.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
K. Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayor to sign a joint Peninsula
letter regarding the indoor masking mandate. (Barnes)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed and there were
no requests to speak.
Mayor Alegria moved to waive staff report, hearing no objections it was so ordered.
Mayor Alegria noted that this item was pulled earlier this evening by Mayor Pro Tern
Bradley.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Cruikshank moved, seconded by Mayor Alegria, to approve staff
recommendation to: Authorize the Mayor to sign a joint Peninsula letter to the L.A.
County Board of Supervisors and the Department of Public Health calling for the
indoor masking mandate to be rescinded (noting that there may be non-substantive
changes from Rolling Hills Estates Councilmembers/Staff, and any substantive
changes would be brought back to the City Council).
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Cruikshank and Mayor Alegria
NOES: Bradley
ABSENT: Dyda (excused), and Ferraro (excused)
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Mayor Pro Tern Bradley requested that staff come back with a recommendation for
additional electronic surveillance monitoring of vandalism during off-hours at trailheads
and parking areas.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Council Member present reported on his/her attendance at various organization
and association meetings.
City Council Minutes
August 3, 2021
Page 10 of 11
ADJOURNMENT:
At 11:38 P.M., Mayor Alegria adjourned to 5:00 P.M. for a Special Meeting on August 4,
2021, (Sakura Sister City Event) at City Hall —at 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard and,
adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on August 17, 2021, for a Closed Session meeting and 7:00
P.M. for an Adjourned Regular meeting at McTaggart Hall — Hesse Park.
ck,u- c .,"\
Mayor
Attest:
CiltyL , 4/&*(144
ity Clerk
I
I
City Council Minutes
August 3, 2021
Page 11 of 11