CC DM 20211116 B - 20211102 CC MINS DRAFTDRAFT
MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL/IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 2, 2021
CALL TO ORDER:
A Regular Meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council was called to order by
Mayor Alegria at 7:05 P.M. at Fred Hesse Community Park, McTaggart Hall, 29301
Hawthorne Boulevard. This meeting took place remotely in accordance with
Government Code section 54953(e) et seq. (AB 361) and Resolution 2021-53, adopted
by the City Council on October 19, 2021. Members of the public could observe and
participate using the zoom participation feature, in person, and with options called out in
the public participation form provided under separate cover with the agenda. Notice
having been given with affidavit thereto on file.
ROLL CALL:
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Bradley, Cruikshank, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
ABSENT: Dyda* (excused)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Karina Bañales, Deputy City Manager;
William 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; Daniel Trautner, Deputy Director of Recreation
and Parks; McKenzie Bright, Administrative Analyst; Katie Lozano, Senior
Administrative Analyst; Jesse Villalpando, Senior Administrative Analyst; and Teresa
Takaoka, City Clerk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Levy Family daughters.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Alegria recognized the twelve participants that completed the tenth cohort of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Leadership Academy.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Alegria announced the Recycle Winners for the October 19, 2021, City Council
meeting: Judy Bradford and Steven Goldstein. 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.
DRAFT City Council Minutes
November 2, 2021
Page 2 of 10
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Cruikshank, to approve
the agenda as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dyda* (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: Reminder that comments for
the 6th Housing Element Survey are due by Friday, November 5; Catalytic Converter
Etching Event will take place on Saturday, November 13 at Lomita City Hall; Cal Water
pipeline installation and roadwork on Palos Verdes Drive East from Via Colinita to La
Vista Verde Drive and 6200 block of Via Subida will start on November 15 and will last
approximately two months; The City is renewing its commitment with Los Angeles
County and recognizing United Against Hate Week which is November 14-20, 2021,
and a proclamation will be presented at the November 16 City Council meeting; and
Veterans Day is November 11, and in recognition and tribute to all who served our
Nation, flags will be placed around the City.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding Items F and K, and there was one request to speak on Item E and
one request to speak on Item K.
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley requested that Item G be considered after Regular Business.
Councilmember Cruikshank moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve
the Consent Calendar with Items E and K to be heard immediately following the
Consent Calendar and Item G to be considered after Regular Business.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dyda* (excused)
A. Motion to Waive Full Reading
DRAFT City Council Minutes
November 2, 2021
Page 3 of 10
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 October 5, 2021 (Regular Meeting).
C. Registers of Demands (Mata)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2021-56, 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, 2) Adopted Resolution No. IA 2021-11, 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 September 2021
Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurers’ Reports. (Lin)
Received and filed the September 2021 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer’s Report
for the City and the Improvement Authority.
E. Consideration and possible action to approve Amendment No. 1 to the
Contract Services Agreement for City Attorney Legal Services with the law
firm of Aleshire & Wynder, LLP. (Wynder)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
F. Consideration and possible action to adopt Ordinance No. 650, amending
Chapter 12.16 (Streets, Parks and Recreational Facilities) of Title 12 (Streets,
Sidewalks and Public Places) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code.
(Lozano)
Adopted Ordinance No. 650, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES RENAMING THE TITLE OF CHAPTER 12.16 TO READ, “STREETS,
PARKS, PRESERVE, AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES”; REPEALING AND
REPLACING SECTIONS 12.16.010 (PROTECTION OF FLORA, FAUNA AND
PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES) AND 12.16.045 (AIRCRAFT); AND
ADDING 12.16.170 (VENDING, COMMERCIAL SERVICES, AND INDUSTRIAL
ACTIVITIES IN PARKS, PRESERVE, BEACHES, AND RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES) OF CHAPTER 12.16 (STREETS, PARKS AND RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES) OF TITLE 12 (STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES) OF
THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE, TO REGULATE USE OF
CERTAIN AIRCRAFTS, VENDING, COMMERCIAL SERVICES, AND INDUSTRIAL
ACTIVITY IN PARKS, PRESERVE, BEACHES, AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
DRAFT City Council Minutes
November 2, 2021
Page 4 of 10
G. Consideration and possible action to enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the City of Rolling Hills Estates for rehabilitation of
Silver Spur Road. (O’Neill)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
H. Consideration and possible action to approve Amendment No. 1 to the
Professional Services Agreement with General Technologies and Solutions,
LLC to provide school-related traffic engineering studies in the City. (Lopez)
1) Approved Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with
General Technologies and Solutions, LLC (GTS) thereby increasing the contract
amount from $10,000 to $35,000, plus a contingency of $5,000, to provide school -
related traffic engineering services for Silver Spur Elementary School, Soleado
Elementary School, Ridgecrest Intermediate School, and Vista Grande Elementary
School; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to the
Professional Services Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
I. Consideration and possible action to award a Contract Services Agreement to
Houston Tyner for design and engineering services for restroom
improvements at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. (O’Neill)
1) Awarded a Contract Services Agreement to Houston Tyner for design and
engineering services for restroom improvements at the Point Vicente Interpretive
Center in the amount of $30,600 with a contingency of $5,000; 2) Authorized the
Mayor to execute the Contract Services Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City
Attorney; and, 3) Approved an additional appropriation of $35,600 from American
Rescue Plan Act funds for design and engineering services for restroom
improvements at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center.
J. Consideration and possible action to increase the City’s contribution towards
the employee health savings account. (DeZiel)
1) Authorized Staff to increase the City’s contribution to the employee health savings
accounts (HSA) by a total of $2,400 for employees enrolled in the high deductible
preferred provider organization (PPO) medical plan; and, 2) Directed Staff to return
with a resolution memorializing this authorization which thereby would amend the
existing Rancho Palos Verdes Employee Association Memorandum of
Understanding before December 31, 2021.
K. Consideration and possible action to enter into a Professional Services
Agreement with Kittelson & Associates, Inc. to provide a Forrestal Reserve
Parking and Traffic Management Plan. (Lopez)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
DRAFT City Council Minutes
November 2, 2021
Page 5 of 10
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
E. Consideration and possible action to approve Amendment No. 1 to the
Contract Services Agreement for City Attorney Legal Services with the law
firm of Aleshire & Wynder, LLP. (Wynder)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there was one request to speak.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: Mickey Rodich.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Mayor Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve staff
recommendation as follows: Reviewed and approved Amendment No. 1 to the
Contract Services Agreement for City Attorney Legal Services with Aleshire &
Wynder, LLP increasing the hourly rate for certain legal services; and authorized the
Mayor to execute the same.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dyda* (excused)
K. Consideration and possible action to enter into a Professional Services
Agreement with Kittelson & Associates, Inc. to provide a Forrestal Reserve
Parking and Traffic Management Plan. (Lopez)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there was one request to speak.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: Jessica Vlaco.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Cruikshank moved, seconded by Mayor Alegria, to approve staff
recommendation as follows: 1) Awarded a Professional Services Agreement to
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. to provide a Parking and Traffic Management Plan for
the Forrestal Reserve in the not-to-exceed amount of $36,875 with an additional
15% contingency of $5,531; 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the Professional
Services Agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; and, 3) Approve d an
additional appropriation of $42,500 in the Capital Infrastructure Projects (CIP) Fund.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dyda* (excused)
DRAFT City Council Minutes
November 2, 2021
Page 6 of 10
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Consideration and possible action to repeal Section 17.76.050 (Sign Permit)
and to add Chapter 17.75 (Sign Code) to Article VII (Development Application
and Review) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code,
to update the City’s sign regulations (PLCA2021-0003). (Seeraty)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published,
no written protests were received, there was no late correspondence, and there
were no requests to speak.
Mayor Alegria declared the public hearing open.
Director of Community Development Rukavina introduced the item.
Senior Planner Amy Seeraty presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, and questions were asked of Staff.
Mayor Alegria declared the public hearing closed.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilmember Cruikshank moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bradley, to
introduce Ordinance No. 652, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, REPEALING SECTION 17.76.050 (SIGN PERMIT) OF CHAPTER 17.76
(MISCELLANEOUS PERMITS AND STANDARDS), AND ADDING CHAPTER 17.75
(SIGN CODE), TO ARTICLE VII (DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION AND REVIEW)
OF TITLE 17 (ZONING), as amended to provide clarification on the dimension for
flags when draped as it relates to the pole height and clearance; include the
maximum area for commercial signs to avoid a proliferation of signs per building
facade and for an entire property; and to include Staff proposed text amendments.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dyda* (excused)
REGULAR BUSINESS:
2. Consideration and possible action to receive a presentation from the
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on its proposed Western
Avenue Bicycle Pedestrian Improvement Project. (Lopez)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed, and there were
no requests to speak.
DRAFT City Council Minutes
November 2, 2021
Page 7 of 10
Director of Public Works Awwad notified City Council that Caltrans intends to revise
the project and recommends that the Item be continued to a date uncertain to allow
the revised project to be presented.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Cruikshank, to
continue this item to a date uncertain.
Without objection, Mayor Alegria so ordered.
3. Consideration and possible action to amend Chapter 12.16 (Streets, Parks and
Recreational Facilities) of Title 12 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places) of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code to expressly prohibit electric bicycles in
City parks, preserve, beaches, and recreational facilities. (Lozano)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed, and there was
one request to speak.
Mayor Alegria moved to waive the staff report, hearing no objections, it was so
ordered.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: Mickey Rodich.
Mayor Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Cruikshank, to approve staff
recommendation as follows: Introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 653, AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES REPEALING AND
REPLACING SECTION 12.16.020 (MOTORIZED VEHICLES) OF CHAPTER 12.16
(STREETS, PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES) OF TITLE 12 (STREETS,
SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE, TO REGULATE THE OPERATION OF CERTAIN MOTORIZED
VEHICLES AND TO PROHIBIT MOTORIZED BICYCLES AND ELECTRIC
BICYCLES IN CITY PARKS, PRESERVE, BEACHES, AND RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dyda* (excused)
4. Consideration and possible action to amend Chapter 12.16.140 of the Rancho
Palos Verdes Municipal Code related to the prohibition of camping in public
places. (Bright)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that was no late correspondence, and there were no
requests to speak.
DRAFT City Council Minutes
November 2, 2021
Page 8 of 10
Administrative Analyst McKenzie Bright presented a staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, Staff, and Captain Powers.
Mayor Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve staff
recommendation as follows: 1) Introduced Ordinance No. 654, AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES REPEALING AND REPLACING
SECTION 12.16.140 (OVERNIGHT CAMPING WITHIN THE PALOS VERDES
NATURE PRESERVE PROHIBITED) OF CHAPTER 12.16 (STREETS, PARKS,
AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES) OF TITLE 12 (STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND
PUBLIC PLACES) WITH SECTION 12.16.140 (PROHIBITION OF CAMPING AND
STORAGE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY IN PUBLIC PLACES) OF THE RANCHO
PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE; 2) Authorized the Mayor to sign a letter to
Governor Newsom and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors supporting
recent actions to provide financial support for local homelessness programs, and to
ensure that unhoused persons have access to support they need, including mental
health care; and 3) Authorized the Mayor to sign a letter to Senator Feinstein,
Senator Padilla, and Congressman Lieu in support of S. 2357 and H.R. 4464, the
Fighting Homelessness Through Services and Housing Act; and with the addition of
4) Sending letters to all other representatives who focus on homelessness.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dyda* (excused)
5. Consideration and possible action to receive updated information on the
installation of a potential Peninsula-wide wildfire monitoring camera system.
(Villalpando)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed and there were
three requests to speak.
Senior Administration Analyst Jesse Villalpando presented a staff report and
PowerPoint presentation along with Emergency Preparedness Committee Chair
Larry Maizlish.
*At 9:01 P.M. Councilmember Dyda joined the meeting.
City Council asked questions of Staff.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Arvind Satyam
(Pano AI); Stephen Murdock (Pano AI); and Ruth Braswell.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, Staff, and Emergency Preparedness
Committee Chair Maizlish.
DRAFT City Council Minutes
November 2, 2021
Page 9 of 10
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Cruikshank, to approve
staff recommendation as follows: 1) Received updated information regarding the
viability of implementing a Peninsula-wide wildfire monitoring camera system; and, 2)
Provided direction to Staff to seek proposals using AI technology or other technologies
and to work with the EPC, Chief Bennet of the LA County Fire Department, and the
Peninsula Public Safety Committee in identifying preferred locations including the
entire Peninsula; obtain pricing for detection cameras/satellites or other technologies;
and inquire if technology has a way to limit boundaries/parameters.
Without objection, Mayor Alegria so ordered.
6. Consideration and possible action to receive a report on the 2021 legislative
session and the City’s 2022 Legislative Platform. (Bright)
Administrative Analyst McKenzie Bright presented a staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, Staff, and City Attorney Wynder.
Mayor Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve staff
recommendation as follows: 1) Received and filed the status report on the legislative
bills the City Council took a position on during the 2021 legislative session; 2)
Adopted Resolution No. 2021-57, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES THEREBY APPROVING THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES 2022 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM; and, 3) Direct ed Staff
to issue the platform to the City’s elected officials and publish the platform on the
City’s network.
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:
G. Consideration and possible action to enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the City of Rolling Hills Estates for rehabilitation of
Silver Spur Road. (O’Neill)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that this item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, Staff, and City Attorney Wynder.
Councilmember Dyda moved, seconded by Mayor Alegria, to approve staff
recommendation as follows: Authorized the Mayor to execute a MOU with the City of
DRAFT City Council Minutes
November 2, 2021
Page 10 of 10
Rolling Hills Estates, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, to rehabilitate Silver
Spur Road within both cities, of which, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ portion of
the project is generally located between Hawthorne Boulevard and Drybank Drive ,
with the addition to ensure that the proposal includes a “time is of the essence’
clause.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Alegria
NOES: None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Mayor Alegria requested that the school traffic analysis return to City Council for review
as a consent calendar item. He also requested that a homelessness prevention plan
come back to City Council for consideration at a future date.
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley requested that the Cities Race to Zero be placed on a future
meeting agenda. Staff notified the City Council that it is scheduled to be on the
November 16, 2021, agenda.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Council Member present reported on his/her attendance at various organization
and association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 10:22 P.M., Mayor Alegria adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on November 16, 2021, for
Interviews (Planning Commission); a Closed Session meeting; and 7:00 P.M. for an
Adjourned Regular meeting.
___________________________
Mayor
Attest:
___________________________
City Clerk