CC DM 20220215 B - 20220201 DRAFT- CC MINS_IA MeetingDRAFT
MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR
AND IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
FEBRUARY 1, 2022
CALL TO ORDER:
A Regular Meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council and of the Improvement
Authority was called to order by Mayor Bradley at 6:44 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
2021-59, adopted by the City Council on November 16, 2021. Members of the public
could observe and participate using the zoom participation feature, 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.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro and Mayor Bradley
ABSENT: None
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; Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works; and
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR CLOSED SESSION:
None.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S) ANNOUNCED:
City Attorney Wynder announced the item to be discussed in Closed Session.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1), to
confer with legal counsel regarding one (1) matter of pending litigation to which
the City is a party. The title of such litigation is Rancho Palos Verdes v.
Clingerman & Gaunt, Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No.
20TRCV00419.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION (FIRESIDE ROOM):
At 6:45 P.M., the Council recessed to Closed Session.
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February 1, 2022
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RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:12 P.M. the Closed Session was reconvened to the Regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING – OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER:
A Regular meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council and of the Improvement
Authority was called to order by Mayor Bradley at 7:12 P.M. at Fred Hesse Community
Park, McTaggart Hall, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, notice having been given with
affidavit thereto on file.
ROLL CALL:
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Bradley
ABSENT: None
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; Amy Seeraty, Senior Planner; Teresa
Takaoka, City Clerk; and McKenzie Bright, Administrative Analyst.
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 and
discussed one item on the agenda. Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1), to
confer with legal counsel regarding one (1) matter of pending litigation. The title of such
litigation is Rancho Palos Verdes v. Clingerman & Gaunt, Los Angeles County Superior
Court, Case No. 20TRCV00419. It was a privileged and confidential briefing about the
terms and conditions of a possible settlement. The City Council unanimously authorized
the same.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Bradley announced that he and the City Manager attended fallen fire fighter
Jonathan Flagler’s flag folding ceremony and memorial service. Mayor Bradley
expressed his deepest gratitude for the service and ultimate sacrifice by fire fighter
Flagler.
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February 1, 2022
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Mayor Pro Tem Ferraro presented Mayor Bradley with a service tile for having served
on the City’s Planning Commission from 2016- 2019, prior to being elected to the City
Council. Councilmembers thanked Mayor Bradley for his past and continued years of
service.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Bradley announced the Recycle Winners for the January 18, 2022, City Council
meeting: Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Straub and Shirley Collins. 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 Dyda moved, seconded by Councilmember Alegria, to approve the
agenda as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were two requests to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Lenée Bilski and
LaVerne McCoy .
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following: Memorial services for fallen
fire fighter, Jonathan Flagler; Reopening of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center; Free
Tax Preparation Services at Hesse Park; Senior Scam Stopper event on February 9;
Upcoming Nature Preserve Quarterly Forum on February 9; Volunteers needed for Los
Angeles Homeless Services Authority event on February 23; City Commemorating
Black History Month; and Happy Lunar New Year.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there was no late correspondence received for the
Consent Calendar, and there were no requests to speak.
Councilmember Cruikshank moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ferraro, to approve
the Consent Calendar.
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The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: 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 January 18, 2022 (Regular Meeting/Improvement Authority
Special Meeting).
C. Consideration and possible action to receive and file the December 2021 Cash
Balances/Monthly Treasurers’ Reports. (Lin)
Received and filed the December 2021 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer’s Report
for the City and the Improvement Authority.
D. Consideration and possible action regarding a claim against the City by
Mercury Insurance (insured Matthew Rener). (Takaoka)
Rejected the claim and direct Staff to notify the claimant, Mercury Insurance.
E. Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of
support for Assembly Bill No. 1445 (AB 1445). (Bright)
Authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support for AB 1445, which would require
that evacuation route capacity, wildfire risk, and other impacts caused by climate
change be considered when developing regional housing need allocations (RHNA).
F. Consideration and possible action to approve Amendment No. 2 to the
employment agreement with Mr. Ara M. Mihranian, AICP, as City Manager.
(Wynder)
1) Approved “AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT” thereby increasing the annual salary compensation of the City
Manager by 2.5% to an annual salary of $226,000 and authorize the Mayor to
execute the same on behalf of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, the Successor
Agency to the Dissolved Rancho Palos Verdes Redevelopment Agency and the
Rancho Palos Verdes Improvement Authority effective February 12, 2022, the first
pay period after the amendment is approved; and, 2) Approved a retention payment,
not otherwise subject to CalPERS, to the City Manager of approximately 7% of his
salary in the amount of $15,000 to either be paid directly to the City Manager or
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February 1, 2022
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deposited in his name into a qualified Internal Revenue Service § 401(a) deferred
compensation plan.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Consideration and possible action to conduct the 2021 Annual Review of
Green Hills Memorial Park’s compliance with the Conditions of Approval of
Conditional Use Permit No. 55 on the property located at 27501 S. Western
Avenue (Planning Case No. PLCU2021-0012). (Seeraty)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, no
written protests were received and there was one request to speak.
Mayor Bradley declared the public hearing open.
Senior Planner Seeraty presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
The following applicant addressed the City Council: Nick Resich .
Mayor Bradley declared the public hearing closed.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilmember Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Cruikshank, to receive
and file the report finding that Green Hills Memorial Park is in compliance with the
Conditions of Approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 55 for the year 2021.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
2. Consideration and possible action to appoint one member to the Traffic Safety
Committee and a new Chair. (Takaoka)
City Clerk Takaoka announced that ballots were distributed earlier in the evening to
appoint one member to the Traffic Safety Committee and the selection of a new
Chair.
After two rounds of balloting, the following appointment was made:
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February 1, 2022
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James Guerin was appointed to the Traffic Safety Committee, with a term ending in
June 2024 (Councilmember Dyda, Mayor Pro Tem Ferraro, and Mayor Bradley
voting Guerin; Councilmembers Alegria and Cruikshank for Sprinkel).
Councilmember Cruikshank moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ferraro, to
appoint the current Vice-Chair of the Traffic Safety Committee to the position of
Chair through the end of June 2022.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
3. Consideration and possible action to affirm Oceanfront Estates Homeowners
Association’s responsibility for the maintenance of perimeter ornamental
landscaping within the certain common areas of their tract (Case No.
CPM2021-0012). (Seeraty)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was received and distributed,
and there were three requests to speak.
Senior Planner Seeraty shared a Staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Larry Carapellotti;
Robert Critelli; and Lisa Levine.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilmember Cruikshank moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ferraro, to
approve staff recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 2022-05, A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
AFFIRMING THAT, BASED ON THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT APPROVED
BY ORDINANCE NO. 344, THE OCEANFRONT ESTATES HOMEOWNERS’
ASSOCIATION IS THE ENTITY RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING THE
PERIMETER ORNAMENTAL LANDSCAPING (INCLUDING ACACIA) LOCATED
WITHIN LOT NOS. 80, 81, 83, AND 84 (OCEANFRONT ESTATES TRACT).
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
4. Consideration and possible action to receive a presentation from the
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on its proposed Western
Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project. (Lopez)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed and there were
no requests to speak.
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Director of Public Works Awwad introduced Caltrans representatives Bartt Gunter,
Cuong Trinh, and Medardo De La Cruz.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Caltrans representatives.
Mayor Bradley called for a brief recess at 10:00 P.M. Without objection, Mayor
Bradley so ordered. The meeting reconvened at 10:15 P.M.
Councilmember Alegria moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ferraro to approve
staff recommendations as follows: 1) Received and filed the presentation from
Caltrans on its proposed Western Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement
Project to install bicycle lanes and pedestrian access improvements on Western
Avenue; and, 2) Directed Staff to work with Caltrans to study the combined traf fic
impacts of the proposed bike lanes; the Ponte Vista development, which is under
construction; the potential mixed-use development that is being explored as part of
RPV’s Housing Element Update; to improve the landscaping within the median that
will be impacted by project construction; consider enhanced crosswalk
beautification; and, return with a report to the City Council before the project breaks
ground. It should be noted that Councilmember Cruikshank added the friendly
amendment to include the Ponte Vista Development and the Housing Element
component of this motion, the maker and seconder of the motion accepted the
amendment.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
Councilmember Cruikshank moved to extend the meeting to 10:45P.M. Without
objection, Mayor Bradley so ordered.
5. Receive a report summarizing services provided by Los Angeles County.
(Bright)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that no late correspondence was received, and there were
no requests to speak.
Mayor Bradley moved to waive staff report, hearing no objections it was so ordered.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Mayor Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Dyda, to approve staff
recommendation as follows: Received and filed the report on the services provided
by Los Angeles County to the City. Additionally, directed Staff to return annually with
a similar report; work with South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG)
regarding the “One Stop Shop” general services available to our residents at the
Western Avenue location; and report back at a future meeting.
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The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria ,Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
6. Consideration and possible action to initiate the planning and preparation for
the City's 50th anniversary celebration. (Bañales)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed and there were
no requests to speak.
Mayor Bradley ordered a brief staff, report hearing no objections it was so ordered.
Deputy City Manager presented a brief staff report.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Mayor Bradley moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ferraro to approve staff’s
recommendation as follows: 1) Reviewed and provided input on a proposed year’s
list of monthly events to count down to the 50th anniversary commencing in
September 2022 and concluding in September 2023; 2) Directed Staff to reserve the
banquet hall at Terranea on September 9, 2023, as the venue for the 50th
anniversary dinner banquet; 3) Directed Staff to begin planning events with the 50th
Anniversary City Council Subcommittee; and, 4) Directed Staff to begin a robust
donation and sponsorship campaign to raise funds to offset costs associated with
the 50th anniversary events.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Cruikshank, Dyda, Ferraro, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Councilmember Cruikshank requested the addition of the status report on the South
Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) “One Stop Shop” as noted in item 5.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Council Member present reported on his/her attendance at various organization
and association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 10:32 P.M., Mayor Bradley adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on February 15, 2022, for a
Closed Session meeting; and 7:00 P.M. for an Adjourned Regular meeting.
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___________________________
Mayor
Attest:
___________________________
City Clerk