CC DM 20211005 B - 20210921 DRAFT CC MINSDRAFT
MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
CALL TO ORDER:
A Regular meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council was called to order by
Mayor Alegria at 6:02 P.M. at Fred Hesse Community Park, McTaggart Hall, 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: Cruikshank, Dyda, and Mayor Alegria
ABSENT: Bradley and *Ferraro (*excused)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Karina Bañales, Deputy City Manager;
William W. Wynder, City Attorney; Lukasz Buchwald, Information Technology 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)(5), because there is a significant exposure to litigation in one (1) case. A
copy of the written threat of litigation is attached to this agenda item.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION (FIRESIDE ROOM):
At 6:03 P.M., the Council recessed to Closed Session.
*At 6:05 P.M. Councilmember Ferraro joined Closed Session in the Fireside Room.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:00 P.M. the Closed Session was reconvened to the Regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING – OPEN SESSION
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CALL TO ORDER:
A Regular meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council was called to order by
Mayor Alegria at 7:00 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: Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
ABSENT: Bradley
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; Jaehee Yoon, Senior Planner; Lukasz
Buchwald, Information Technology Manager; and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
Also present was Captain James Powers, Lomita Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Director of Finance Nguyen.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder reported that the City Council met in Closed Session in
pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(2) or (d)(3) & (e)(5), because there is a
significant exposure to litigation in one (1) case. It should be noted that Councilmember
Ferraro participated in the entire Closed Session as well as the remaining members of
the Council. It was a privileged and confidential briefing by the City Attorney’s office and
by Staff. Questions were asked and answered, no reportable action was taken.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENT S:
Mayor Alegria announced the Council’s Honoree Angel Gowns that provides solace and
support to grieving families. Angel Gowns of South Bay creates beautiful burials gowns
for children and assists parents in need with burial and cremation expenses. Gayle
Fleury, Heidi Strohm, Helena Zuvich, Scott Donnelly, Silvia Noriega, Bob Milling, and
Tim McOsker accepted the proclamation. Mayor Alegria and Councilmembers thanked
Angel Gowns for their service.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Alegria announced the Recycle Winners for the September 7, 2021, City Council
meeting: Leslie & Dennis Drag and Wan- Ping Yu. He indicated that all winners receive
a check for $250 and urged everyone to participate in the City’s Recycling Program. He
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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: Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bradley
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
None.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following: Update the Community on
the upcoming 6th Housing Element Survey; Housing Element Update Open House on
September 25; Caltrans will be hosting a Public Workshop on September 30;
Leadership Academy will be starting in October; Brush clearing event will be held every
Saturday in October based on residents’ pick up days; Temporary Playground Closures
for renovations; Upcoming Trunk or Treat on October 23; and Happy Birthday to
Councilmember Cruikshank.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding Items D, E, G, and L.
Councilmember Cruikshank moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve
the Consent Calendar with Item D pulled and to be considered immediately after
approval of the Consent Calendar; and, Item L to be approved as amended by the City
Attorney’s office.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bradley
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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 August 17, 2021, Regular Meeting.
C. Registers of Demands (Mata)
Adopted Resolution No. 2021-45, 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 adopt a resolution granting an appeal,
thereby overturning the Planning Commission's decision to deny a project,
without prejudice, and approving the Site Plan Review, Major Grading Permit,
and Minor Exception Permit for the property located at 30504 Palos Verdes
Drive West (Case No. PLGR2019-0025). (Yoon)
Removed for separate consideration.
E. Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter
supporting AB 361 (Rivas). (Bright)
Authorized the Mayor to sign a letter thanking the Governor for signing AB 361,
which would allow cities to continue to utilize teleconferencing for public meetings
during declared states of emergency.
F. Consideration and possible action to grant an easement to Southern California
Edison to access electric distribution facilities within a City-owned portion of
Lot “C” of Tract No. 50666 (Trump National Golf Club). (Seeraty)
1) Granted Southern California Edison an easement and right-of-way over a City-
owned portion of Lot “C” within Tract No. 50666 for installation of and access to
electrical distribution facilities as outlined in the attached easement documents; and,
2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Grant of Easement
Document.
G. Consideration and possible action to award a contract services agreement to
EcoTierra Consulting to prepare the environmental documents associated
with the proposed subdivision of the Point View Property at 6001 Palos Verdes
Drive South (Case No. PLTM2018-0001). (Silva)
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1) Awarded a contract services agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney,
to EcoTierra Consulting to prepare the environmental documents for the proposed
subdivision of the Point View Property at 6001 Palos Verdes Drive South, for an
amount not to exceed $295,235; 2) Approved a reimbursement agreement, in a form
approved by the City Attorney, with York Point Properties, LLC to reimburse the City
for the full costs incurred by the City related to work conducted by EcoTierra for the
preparation of the project’s environmental document; and, 3) Authorize d the Mayor
and City Clerk to execute the contract services agreement and reimbursement
agreement.
H. Consideration and possible action to award a professional services agreement
to Dudek to establish a potential Mixed-Use Overlay Zoning District. (Yoon)
1) Awarded a Professional Services Agreement, in a form approved by the City
Attorney, to Dudek to establish a potential Mixed-Use Overlay Zoning District,
develop related development standards, and prepare associated environmental
documents, for an amount not to exceed $309,990; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor
and City Clerk to execute the Professional Services Agreement.
I. Consideration and possible action to select two City Council members to
serve on the City’s Housing Element Update Ad-Hoc Committee. (Silva)
Appointed Mayor Pro Tem Bradley and Councilmember Cruikshank to serve on the
City’s Housing Element Update Ad-Hoc Committee.
J. Consideration and possible action to enter into a cooperative agreement with
the California Department of Transportation for design and construction of a
right-turn lane for northbound Western Avenue approaching Westmont
Drive/Delasonde Drive. (Lopez)
1) Executed a Cooperative Agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with
the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for design and construction of
a right-turn lane for northbound Western Avenue approaching Westmont
Drive/Delasonde Drive; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the
Cooperative Agreement.
K. Consideration and possible action to execute a Measure M Multi-Year
Subregional Programs Funding Agreement with the Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Transportation Authority to fund the Western Avenue Congestion
Improvement Project (25th Street to Palos Verdes Drive North). (Lopez)
1) Approved the Measure M Multi-Year Subregional Programs Funding Agreement
with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to fund the
Western Avenue Congestion Improvement Project subject to approval as to form by
the City Attorney; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the
Funding Agreement.
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L. Consideration and possible action to award a contract services agreement to
Coyote, Wildlife & Pest Solutions, Inc. to conduct selective coyote trapping.
(Monroy)
1) Awarded an amended contract services agreement, in a form approved by the
City Attorney, to Coyote, Wildlife & Pest Solutions, Inc., to conduct selective coyote
trapping pursuant to the City’s Coyote Management Plan, for an amount not to
exceed $60,000; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the contract services
agreement, as amended.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
D. Consideration and possible action to adopt a resolution granting an appeal,
thereby overturning the Planning Commission's decision to deny a project,
without prejudice, and approving the Site Plan Review, Major Grading Permit,
and Minor Exception Permit for the property located at 30504 Palos Verdes
Drive West (Case No. PLGR2019-0025). (Yoon)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was received and distributed
prior to the meeting; and, there were fourteen requests to speak.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: Tania Balos; Edith
Balos; Jeff Potter; Fay Davoodian; Donna Butler; RCM; Tara McGuinness; Rich
Heffernan; Teri Hawkins; CH; Ann Won; David Haas; and Jeff Lewis.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilmember Cruikshank moved, seconded by Councilmember Dyda, to approve
staff recommendations: Adopted Resolution No. 2021-46, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES GRANTING THE
APPEAL OF DAVID HAAS AND OVERTURNING THE DECISION OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION TO DENY A PROJECT, WITHOUT PREJUDICE, AND
APPROVING THE SITE PLAN REVIEW, MAJOR GRADING PERMIT, AND MINOR
EXCEPTION PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A NEW 4,350 FT² (GARAGE INCLUDED),
SPLIT-STORY, SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE AND ANCILLARY SITE
IMPROVEMENTS WITH 1,049 YD3 OF ASSOCIATED GRADING ON A VACANT
LOT AT 30504 PALOS VERDES DRIVE WEST (CASE NO. PLGR2019-0025).
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Cruikshank, Dyda, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: Ferraro
ABSENT: Bradley
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PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Consideration and possible action to approve Revision “GGG” to the Trump
National Golf Club Project Conditional Use Permit’s (CUP) Conditions of
Approval to allow a change in the maximum building height for Lot No. 11 of
Tract No. 50667 located at 32031 Isthmus View Drive (Case No. PLCU2020-0009).
(Yoon)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published,
no written protests were received, late correspondence was distributed and there
was one request to speak.
Mayor Alegria declared the public hearing open.
Senior Planner Yoon, presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
The following applicant addressed the City Council: Louie Tomaro.
Mayor Alegria declared the public hearing closed.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Cruikshank moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve
staff recommendations as follows: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 2021-47, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES ADOPTING ADDENDUM NO. 48 TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT NO. 36 IN CONNECTION WITH REVISION “GGG” TO THE TRUMP
NATIONAL GOLF CLUB PROJECT; and, 2) Adopted Resolution No. 2021-48, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES APPROVING REVISION “GGG” TO THE TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
PROJECT CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO AMEND CONDITION NOS. Z.44 and
Z.45 TO ALLOW LOT NO. 11 OF TRACT NO. 50667 TO BUILD UP TO 26 FEET IN
HEIGHT, AS MEASURED FROM THE POINT OF ENTRY OF A PROPOSED
SUBTERRANEAN GARAGE AND EXTERIOR BASEMENT PATIO LEVEL,
LOCATED AT 32031 ISTHMUS VIEW DRIVE.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bradley
2. Consideration and possible action to approve a Safety and Security Plan for
the Ladera Linda Park and Community Center Project and to amend the City
Council-adopted Conditions of Approval to increase the height of on-site light
standards to 16 feet (Case No. PLCU2020-0007). (Rukavina/Silva)
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City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published,
no written protests were received, late correspondence was distributed and there
were five requests to speak.
Mayor Alegria declared the public hearing open.
Director of Public Works Awwad presented a staff report and Steve Johnson
(Johnson Favaro) and David Gallegos (Secure Consulting & Design) conducted a
PowerPoint presentation describing their recommendations for the project’s Safety
and Security Plan.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, Staff, Steve Johnson, and David
Gallegos.
Mayor Alegria called for a brief recess at 9:21 P.M. The meeting reconvened at
9:32 P.M.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Bill Schurmer;
Mickey Rodich; Jessica Vlaco; Elliot Levy; and Don Bell (voicemail).
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Dyda moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to: 1) Receive
and file a presentation on the recommended Ladera Linda Park and Community
Center Project’s Safety and Security Plan as prepared by the Project’s security sub -
consultant; and, 2) Continue this item until all Councilmembers are present.
Councilmember Cruikshank made a friendly amendment which was accepted by
both the maker of the motion and the seconder to: Allow staff to address concerns
regarding surveillance cameras and lighting, and to return with an updated Safety
and Security Plan, updated conceptual lighting plan, landscape plan, and updated
project cost for City Council review at a future duly noticed public hearing.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bradley
Mayor Alegria moved to extend the meeting to 11:30 P.M. Without objection, it was
so ordered.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
3. Consideration and possible action to receive and file a quarterly status report
on Fiscal Year 2021-2022 City Council goals. (Bañales)
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City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was received and distributed and
there were no requests to speak.
Deputy City Manager Bañales, presented a brief staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilmember Cruikshank moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to
approve staff recommendations: Received and filed a quarterly status report on the
FY 2021-2022 City Council goals.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bradley
4. Consideration and possible action to review the American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) and the preliminary spending plan for the City’s ARPA funds. (Nguyen)
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 Cruikshank, to
approve staff recommendations: 1) Received and filed a report explaining how $9.9
million was allocated to the City for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA); 2)
Accepted $4,967,420, received in July 2021, as the first half of the City’s ARPA
allocation and increase the revenue appropriations in FY 2021-22; and, 3) Approved
the preliminary spending plan for the ARPA funds using Category C of the
Department of Treasury’s interim guidelines for eligible use of ARPA funding and
direct Staff to proceed in developing the final spending plan for the City Council’s
consideration at the October 5, 2021 meeting.
Mayor Alegria made a friendly amendment that was approved by the maker of the
motion and the seconder to: Memorialize for current and future Councils an annual
review of these funds.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
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AYES: Cruikshank, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: Dyda
ABSENT: Bradley
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Mayor Alegria requested staff to put together a general summary of County Services
contracts for the Council to review.
City Manager Mihranian noted to Council that item 2, Ladera Linda Community Center
and Park Project, would be brought back to Council on October 19 and re-notice in a
public newspaper.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Council Member present reported on his/her attendance at various orga nization
and association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 11:01 P.M., Mayor Alegria adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on October 5, 2021, for a Closed
Session meeting and 7:00 P.M. for a Regular meeting.
____________________________
Mayor
Attest:
____________________________
City Clerk
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