CC DM 20230606 A -20230516 CC MINS DRAFTDRAFT
MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 16, 2023
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 Pro Tem Cruikshank at 6:04 P.M. at Fred Hesse
Community Park, McTaggart Hall, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. This meeting took
place remotely in accordance with the requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act, Section
54950 et seq. of the Government Code. Remote participation by any Councilmember
shall be in accordance with Subdivisions (b)(3) or (f) of Government Code Section
54953. 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 a separate cover with the agenda. Notice having been given with affidavit thereto
on file.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Alegria, Bradley* (via Zoom), Seo, and Mayor Pro Tem Cruikshank
ABSENT: Ferraro* (excused in Fireside Room)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Karina Bañales, Deputy City Manager;
Trang Nguyen, Director of Finance; Julie DeZiel, Human Resources Manager, Ramzi
Awwad, Public Works Director; Cory Linder, Director of Recreation and Parks; Octavio
Silva, Interim Director of Community Development; Colin Tanner, Deputy City Attorney
for Labor and Employment; Elena Gerli, Assistant City Attorney; and Teresa Takaoka,
City Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR CLOSED SESSION:
None.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S) ANNOUNCED:
Assistant City Attorney Gerli announced the item to be discussed in Closed Session.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS GC SECTION 54957.6
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6, with the
City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and City Attorney, acting as its negotiators,
regarding labor negotiations with the Rancho Palos Verdes Employees’ Association
and AFSCME District Council 36.
At 6:05 P.M., the Council recessed to Closed Session.
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**At 6:06 P.M. Mayor Ferraro joined Closed Session in the Fireside Room.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:35 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 was called to order by
Mayor Ferraro at 7:35 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, Bradley* (via Zoom), Seo, Cruikshank, and Mayor Ferraro
ABSENT: None
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Karina Bañales, Deputy City Manager;
Elena Gerli, Assistant City Attorney; Trang Nguyen, Director of Finance; Ramzi Awwad,
Public Works Director; Octavio Silva, Interim Director of Community Development; Cory
Linder, Director of Recreation and Parks; Jesse Villalpando, Senior Administrative
Analyst; Shaunna Hunter, Administrative Analyst; Gerri Whitten, Code Enforcement
Officer; Amy Seeraty, Senior Planner; and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
Also present, via Zoom, was Sergeant Tina McCoy from the Lomita Sheriff ’s Station.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Brian W.G. Marcotte, President of Marymount
California University.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
Assistant City Attorney Gerli reported that there was one item on the Closed Session.
Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6, was
discussed, and no reportable action was taken.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Ferraro and the City Council presented a proclamation to Marymount California
University for its legacy of educational excellence. Marymount California University
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May 16, 2023
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provided a high-quality academic experience and atmosphere for its attendees. The City
of Rancho Palos Verdes commends Marymount California University.
Mayor Ferraro and the City Council presented a proclamation to Brian W.G. Marcotte.
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes commends his service as Marymount California
University President.
Mayor Ferraro announced the departure of Finance Director Trang Nguyen and thanked
her for her many accomplishments during her time with the City.
Mayor Ferraro called for a brief recess at 7:37 P.M. Without objection, Mayor Ferraro so
ordered. The meeting reconvened at 8:41 P.M.
Councilmember Bradley left the dais for the remainder of the meeting at 7:37 P.M.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Ferraro announced the Recycle Winners for the May 2, 2023, City Council
meeting: Matthew Smith and Alfred Osburg. She indicated that all winners receive a
check for $250 and urged everyone to participate in the City’s Recycling Program. She
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.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Councilmember Alegria moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cruikshank, to approve as
amended agenda with Item 4 to be heard first on the Regular Business.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Seo, Cruikshank, and Mayor Ferraro
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bradley
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: Edward Yost and Joan
Davidson.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following: Introduced Interim Director
of Finance Brittany Ruiz; upcoming Kids to Parks Day on May 20 from 10:00 A.M. – 1
P.M.; Monday, May 29 is Memorial Day, on behalf of the City and City Staff, to
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remember and honor our veterans and those that have served our nation, as thanks,
the City will install the flag tribute throughout the City, and it will stay up until the Fourth
of July holiday; upcoming Concert in the Park on June 17 from 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.;
upcoming Fourth of July Celebration on July 4 from 3:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.; and the City
is accepting applications through May 26 to fill two vacancies on the Emergency
Preparedness Committee.
Senior Analyst Jesse Villalpando shared a presentation on Know Your Zone.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Alegria moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cruikshank, to approve
the Consent Calendar as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Seo, Cruikshank, and Mayor Ferraro
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bradley
This included, by a four/fifths vote, the need to continue the emergency repair work as
called out in Consent Calendar Item C - Consideration and possible action to reaffirm
continuing emergency repair work for the storm sewer drainpipe and roadway at
Hawthorne Boulevard near Seamount Drive/Eddinghill Drive.
A. Approval of Minutes (Zweizig)
Approved the Minutes of May 2, 2023, Regular Meeting.
B. Registers of Demands (Mata)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2023-19, 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.
C. Consideration and possible action to reaffirm continuing emergency repair
work for the storm sewer drainpipe and roadway at Hawthorne Boulevard near
Seamount Drive/Eddinghill Drive. (Awwad)
1) Reaffirmed, by a four-fifths vote, there is a need to continue the emergency repair
work identified by Council-adopted Resolution No. 2023-07 on February 21, 2023,
finding an emergency exists requiring immediate repairs to the storm sewer
drainpipe and roadway at Hawthorne Boulevard near Seamount Drive/Eddinghill
Drive; and, 2) Directed the City Clerk to affirm the same in the minutes of this City
Council meeting, via Minute Order, reflecting this action.
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D. Consideration and possible action to adopt Ordinance No. 671 amending the
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code’s Landslide Moratorium Exception
Categories to allow the construction of a pool on one lot in Zone 1 of the City’s
Landslide Moratorium Area. (Berry)
Adopted Ordinance No. 671, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES AMENDING SECTION 15.02.040 (EXCEPTIONS) OF CHAPTER 15.02
(MORATORIUM ON LAND USE PERMITS) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO LANDSLIDE MORATORIUM EXCEPTION
CATEGORY ‘T’ TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A POOL ON ONE LOT IN
ZONE 1 OF THE CITY’S LANDSLIDE MORATORIUM AREA.
E. Consideration and possible action to receive the FY 2021-22 Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
and the City’s financial audit letters. (Ramos)
1) Received the FY 2021-22 ACFR of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes; 2) Received
the FY 2021-22 Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS 114 Letter) from
Independent Auditors to those Charged with Governance; and, 3) Received the FY
2021-22 Independent Auditors’ Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting,
Compliance, and other Matters in accordance with Government Audit Standards
(GAS Letter).
F. Consideration and possible action to approve the construction plans and
agreement for the Silver Spur Road North of Hawthorne Boulevard Roadway
Rehabilitation Project. (Awwad)
1) Approved the plans, specifications, and construction documents for the Silver
Spur Road North of Hawthorne Boulevard Roadway Rehabilitation Project; 2)
Awarded a construction contract for the Silver Spur Road North of Hawthorne
Boulevard Roadway Rehabilitation Project to Hardy & Harper, Inc., in the amount of
$859,000, with a contingency of 10%, or $85,900, for a total sum of $9 44,900; and,
3) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract, in a form approved
by the City Attorney.
G. Consideration and possible action to enter into an updated wireless license
agreement with Southern California Edison (SCE) for the use of City Hall
grounds. (Bañales)
1) Approved an updated license agreement with SCE, thereby retroactively
extending the term through June 30, 2032, increasing the annual base rent to
$16,800 with 5% increases every year on July 1 thereafter, and updating the form of
the license agreement to support its wireless facilities on the Ken Dyda Civic Center
monopole; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the license
agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
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H. Consideration and possible action to authorize a revised final payment for the
completion of the traffic signal at Palos Verdes Drive South and Palos Verdes
Drive East. (O’Neill/Lo)
1) Authorized the Director of Public Works to make a revised final payment in the
amount of $33,212.59 to Crosstown Electrical & Data, Inc. for the completion of the
Traffic Signal at Palos Verdes Drive South and Palos Verdes Drive East Project.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
4. Consideration and possible action to support the Taxpayer Protection and
Government Accountability Act. (Hunter)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed, and there w as one
request to speak.
Administrative Analyst Shaunna Hunter presented a staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Administrative Analyst Hunter introduced Susan Shelly, Vice President of
Communications for the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association, and Melanie Perron,
representative of the League of California Cities, who shared a PowerPoint
presentation.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: Aidan Chao.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, Staff, League of California Cities
representative Melanie Perron, and Vice President of Communications Susan Shelley.
Mayor Pro Tem Cruikshank moved, seconded by Councilmember Alegria, to table the
item to September 19, 2023.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Seo, Cruikshank, and Mayor Ferraro
NOES: None
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ABSENT: Bradley
Councilmember Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to ask Staff to create
a letter directed to elected officials as well as stakeholders such as the League of
California Cities to express interest and desires to support government financial
transparency.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Seo, Cruikshank, and Mayor Ferraro
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bradley
1. Consideration and possible action to review the Fiscal Year 2022 -23 year-end
estimates, the FY 2023-24 Preliminary Budget, and estimated fund balances for all
funds, excluding Improvement Authorities. (Loya/Ramos)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that there were no requests to speak.
Councilmember Alegria moved to hear a brief staff report. Without objection, Mayor
Ferraro so ordered.
Director of Finance Trang Nguyen presented a brief staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Mayor Pro Tem Cruikshank moved to extend the meeting to 10:45 P.M. Without objection,
it this was so ordered.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilmember Alegria moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cruikshank, to approve
Staff recommendations as follows: 1) Reviewed the FY 2022-23 year-end estimates and
approved Budget Adjustments in the General Fund by reducing the budget in the
amount of $1,805,600 in Personnel and increasing Transfers-Out by $1,169,900 based
on the third quarter year-end estimates. 2) Reviewed the Preliminary FY 2023-24
Budget for the General Fund and affirmed the changes since the Budget Workshop:
Increase the General Fund Revenues by $143,200; Increase the General Fund
Personnel costs by $114,000; Decrease the General Fund Non-Personnel $107,200;
Revise General Fund Transfers-Out; Increase Capital Infrastructure Program (CIP) by
$243,200; i. Add Abalone Cove Sewer Maintenance Fund by $70,000; ii. Retain the
unallocated balance of $715,300 instead of transferrin g it to the CIP Fund.3) Reviewed
and approved the Preliminary FY 2023-24 Budget consisting of the Capital
Infrastructure Program (CIP) Fund, Special Revenue Funds, and Internal Service
Funds, and affirm the revised list for the FY 2023-24 Capital Improvement Program. 4)
Reviewed and provided direction on the following potential options for reserving funds
towards the Civic Center and Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation projects : Option
1 (existing): Pursuant to existing City Council Reserve Policy No. 41, the City Council
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may assign the current CIP Reserve for major capital improvements of $5 million to
Civic Center Master Plan and/or Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Projects .
Option 2: Subject to the annual budget process and the unrestricted fund balance in
CIP, the City Council may consider increasing the CIP reserves for major capital
improvements of $5 million to $10 million. Option No. 3: Subject to the annual budgeting
process, the City Council may consider transferring a portion or all of the $5 million in a
separate fund for the Civic Center Master Plan and/or Portuguese Bend Landslide
Remediation projects. Option 4: Direct Staff to present the future funding options to the
Finance Advisory Committee and solicit feedback and recommendations that the City
Council may consider at a future meeting. 5) Directed Staff to return on June 20, 2023
for the budget public hearing and budget adoption consideration.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Seo, Cruikshank, and Mayor Ferraro
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bradley
2. Consideration and possible action to review the 2023 Peafowl Census Report.
(Whitten)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed, and there were two
requests to speak.
Mayor Ferraro moved to waive the staff report. Without objection, it this was so ordered.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council via pre -recorded
voicemail: Marcia Luce.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: Darcel Ramirez
Hamson.
Mayor Pro Tem Cruikshank moved, seconded by Councilmember Alegria, to approve
Staff recommendations as follows: 1) Received and filed the 2023 Peafowl Census
Report; and, 2) Directed Staff to continue pausing the peafowl trapping program for
2023.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Seo, Cruikshank, and Mayor Ferraro
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bradley
3. Consideration and possible action to approve EDCO’s residential solid waste
collection and disposal services rate increase for Fiscal Year 2023-24. (Hevener)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed, and there w ere no
requests to speak.
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Mayor Ferraro moved to waive the staff report. Without objection, it this was so ordered.
Director of Public Works Ramzi Awwad explained a mathematical correction in the
recycle rebate table.
Councilmember Alegria moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cruikshank, to approve
Staff recommendations as follows: 1) Approved EDCO’s residential solid waste
collection and disposal rate increase of 6.0% for FY 2023-24; and, 2) Adopted
Resolution No. 2023-20 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA TO APPROVE A RESIDENTIAL SOLID
WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SERVICES RATE INCREASE IN THE
AMOUNT OF 6% for FY 2023-24.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Seo, Cruikshank, and Mayor Ferraro
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bradley
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Continuation to retain Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Council Member present reported on his/her attendance at various organization
and association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 10:37 P.M., Mayor Ferraro adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on June 6, 2023, for Interviews
(Emergency Preparedness Committee) and a Closed Session, followed by a Regular
meeting at 7:00 P.M.
__________________________
Barbara Ferraro, Mayor
Attest:
__________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk