CC SR 20231219 A - 20231205 CC MINS_IA Meeting DRAFTDRAFT
MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL AND IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 5, 2023
CALL TO ORDER:
A Regular Meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council and the Improvement
Authority for the purpose of a Closed Session was called to order by Mayor Ferraro at
6:22 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, Cruikshank, Seo, and Mayor Ferraro
ABSENT: None
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; Elena
Gerli, Assistant City Attorney; Cory Linder, Director of Recreation and Parks; Dan
Trautner, Deputy Director of Recreation and Parks; and Vina Ramos, Finance Director.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR CLOSED SESSION:
City Clerk Takaoka noted that there were no requests to speak.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S) ANNOUNCED:
City Attorney Wynder announced the items to be discussed in Closed Session.
However, he noted Item No. 4 (Existing Litigation – Limetree Estates LLC vs City of
Rancho Palos Verdes) will not be discussed. He stated that there are anticipated rulings
from the Federal District Court that have not yet been received and requested that the
item be continued to an undetermined date.
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54957 to conduct
an employee performance evaluation for the position of City Manager.
2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54957 to conduct
an employee performance evaluation for the position of City Attorney.
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December 5, 2023
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3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2) or
(d)(3) and (e)(1) because there is a significant exposure to litigation in one (1)
case where the facts and circumstances giving rise to an exposure to litigation
are believed not to be known to plaintiff(s).
4. 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 pending litigation to which the City is a
party. The title of such litigation is as follows: LIMETREE ESTATES LLC, vs.
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES; United States District Court, Central
District of California, Case No. 2:23-cv-01420-SVW (PVCx).
5 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6, with the
Interim Finance Director, City Attorney, and City Council, its negotiators(s),
regarding labor negotiations with one unrepresented employee: City Manager.
At 6:24 P.M., the Council recessed to Closed Session.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:21 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 Ferraro at 7:21 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, Cruikshank, Seo, and Mayor Ferraro
ABSENT: None
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; Vina
Ramos, Director of Finance; Cory Linder, Director of Recreation and Parks; Ramzi
Awwad, Public Works Director; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community Development;
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December 5, 2023
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Jessica Bobbett, Senior Planner; Jesse Villalpando, Senior Administrative Analyst; Katie
Lozano, Senior Administrative Analyst; Shaunna Hunter, Administrative Analyst; Enyssa
Sisson, Administrative Analyst; and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
Also present was Captain Kimberly Guerrero from the Lomita Sheriff’s Station.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Captain Guerrero.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder reported that the City Council commenced the process of the
annual performance evaluation for the position of City Manager. The Council also
commenced the annual labor negotiations with the unrepresented employee, the City
Manager. These items will return to City Council at a future meeting.
The City Council elected not to proceed further with the performance evaluation of the
City Attorney.
With respect to one exposure to litigation, the City Council was provided with a
privileged and confidential briefing regarding the facts and circumstances which could
give rise to an exposure to litigation in one case where the facts and circumstances
giving rise to such an exposure are believed to not be known to the punitive Plaintiff.
There was a privileged and confidential briefing provided. Questions were asked and
answered, and a litigation avoidance strategy was authorized.
The litigation matter with Limetree Estates, LLC was continued to a date uncertain.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Pro Tem Cruikshank introduced newly appointed Lomita Sheriff’s Station Captain
Kimberly Guerrero. Captain Guerrero introduced the CORE Deputies that serve as
community resource officers, providing education and awareness for residents as
dedicated community representatives for the Lomita Station.
Mayor Pro Tem Cruikshank and the City Council announced the retirement of City
Attorney William Wynder and thanked him for his many accomplishments during his
time with the City with a presentation of a proclamation.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS:
1. Presentation to Mayor Ferraro
Mayor Ferraro was commended for her service as Mayor and was acknowledged for
her various contributions to the City and community. Mayor Ferraro was also presented
with certificates from various public officials.
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December 5, 2023
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2. Remarks by Invited Electeds/Representatives and Council Members
Each Council Member acknowledged and thanked Mayor Ferraro for her service.
The following representatives spoke and presented a certification to Mayor Ferraro for
her service:
Jennifer LaMarque, representative for L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn; Conner
Plaice, representative for Senator Ben Allen; Jonathan Beutler, Trustee for Palos
Verdes Library District; Linda Reid, Vice President of the Palos Verdes Peninsula
Unified School District Board of Education; Captain Kimberly Guerrero, Los Angeles
County Sheriff’s Department, Lomita Sheriff’s Station; Mayor Pat Wilson, Rolling Hills;
and Mayor Britt Huff, Rolling Hills Estates.
Additional remarks were made by resident Larry Maizlish.
Each Councilmember and City Manager Mihranian shared comments expressing their
appreciation for Mayor Ferraro’s service.
Mayor Ferraro provided remarks regarding her tenure as Mayor. She expressed great
appreciation to the Council Members, Staff, her family, and residents for their support.
3. Council Reorganization
a. Selection of Mayor
City Clerk Takaoka called for nominations for the selection of Mayor.
Councilmember Bradley nominated Mayor Pro Tem Cruikshank for Mayor.
With no other nominations, Mayor Pro Tem Cruikshank was appointed as Mayor for the
year 2024 with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Bradley, Seo, Cruikshank, and Mayor Ferraro
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
b. Selection of Mayor Pro Tem
City Clerk Takaoka called for nominations for the selection of Mayor Pro Tem.
Mayor Cruikshank nominated Councilmember Alegria for Mayor Pro Tem.
With no other nominations, Councilmember Alegria was appointed as Mayor Pro Tem
for the year 2024 with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, and Mayor Cruikshank
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December 5, 2023
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NOES: None
ABSENT: None
c. Comments by newly appointed Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Council
Members
Mayor Cruikshank stated that comments will be shared upon returning from recess.
Mayor Cruikshank called for a recess at 8:31 P.M.
Councilmember Ferraro left for the remainder of the meeting at 8:31 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Cruikshank and Mayor Pro Tem Alegria expressed their gratitude to the City
Council, residents, Staff, and their families for their support.
City Manager Mihranian presented Mayor Cruikshank with the Mayoral gavel and
thanked him for his continued leadership.
At 8:58 P.M., Mayor Cruikshank reconvened the meeting, and City Clerk Takaoka
conducted a roll call. City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Alegria, Bradley, Seo, and Mayor Cruikshank
ABSENT: Ferraro (excused)
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Cruikshank announced the Recycle Winners for the November 21, 2023, City
Council meeting: Debora Yavas and Lois Vannorsdall. 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.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve the
agenda and reorder Item 3 (6th Cycle Housing Element Update) to be heard first under
Regular Business.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Bradley, Seo, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
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December 5, 2023
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City Clerk Takaoka noted that there were three requests to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Carol Mueller; Merlin
David; and Joan Davidson.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following: Congratulated newly
appointed Finance Director, Vina Ramos; Welcomed the following newly hired staff:
Deputy Director of Public Works David Copp, Senior Engineer Noel Casil, Associate
Engineer Brandon Mesker, and Associate Engineer Jeremiah Sunwoo; Residential fire
insurance advocacy letter; Breakfast with Santa event to b e held at Fred Hesse
Community Park on December 9; Santa is Coming to RPV andwill be traveling the
streets on December 7, 12, 14, and 15; Holiday Toy Drive between December 1-19;
Skating in the Park opening night was held at the Ken Dyda Civic Center on December
1, and will continue the week between Christmas and New Years; and Happy Hanukkah
to all who celebrate.
Captain Guerrero shared a 3rd quarter report presentation providing an update on crime
rates in the City.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed for Item G.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve the
Consent Calendar as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Bradley, Seo, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro
A. Approval of Minutes (Sisson)
Approved the Minutes of November 14, 2023, Regular Meeting.
B. Registers of Demands (Mata)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2023-57, 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 2023-11, 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.
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December 5, 2023
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C. Consideration and possible action to cancel the January 2, 2024 City Council
meeting. (Takaoka)
Approved the cancellation of the January 2, 2024 City Council meeting.
D. Consideration and possible action to amend the City’s designation of City
Attorney and Assistant City Attorney. (Gerli)
Adopted Resolution No. 2023-58, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ELENA
GERLI, OF THE LAW FIRM OF ALESHIRE & WYNDER, LLP, AS CITY ATTORNEY
AND COUNSEL TO THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AND JOHN FOX AS
ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 6, 2023.
E. Consideration and possible action to accept Gifts for Parks donations.
(Hirsch)
Accepted Gifts for Parks donations and directed Staff to prepare donor letters of
appreciation for the Mayor’s signature.
F. Consideration and possible action to adopt Ordinance No. 676 to amend
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code Section 12.18.070 (Design and
Development Standards) to increase the maximum height permitted for any
antenna above the existing height of a light pole. (Awwad)
Adopted Ordinance No. 676, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 12.18.070 (DESIGN AND
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS) OF CHAPTER 12.18 (WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY) TO
TITLE 12 (STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES) OF THE RANCHO
PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT
PERMITTED FOR ANY ANTENNA ABOVE THE EXISTING HEIGHT OF A LIGHT
POLE FROM FOUR FEET TO UP TO SIX FEET.
G. Consideration and possible action to request a revised time extension
amendment to the conservation easement offers for Ocean Trails Reserve.
(Forbes)
Authorized the execution and recording of a Time Extension Amendment to the
Conservation Easement Offers for the Ocean Trails Reserve thereby extending the
deadline to record the Conservation Easements from December 16, 2023 to January
1, 2026, to ensure the California Department of Fish and Wildlife issues the City its
permit pursuant to the Rancho Palos Verdes Natural Community Conservation Plan .
H. Consideration and possible action to award a professional services agreement
to CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP for independent financial auditing services of the
City’s Measure W (Safe, Clean Water Program) Fund. (Hevener)
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1) Approved an additional appropriation of $15,400 from Measure W funds for
independent audit services; 2) Awarded a professional services agreement to
CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP for financial auditing services of the City’s Measure W Fund
in an amount up to $22,050 with a 15% contingency of $3,307 for a total contract
amount of up to $25,400 and a term ending on June 30, 2024 with an extension up
to 90 days; and 3) Authorized the Mayor to execute the agreement in a form
approved by the City Attorney.
I. Consideration and possible action regarding the annual Business License Tax
(BLT) for calendar year 2024. (Loya)
1) Affirmed continuing the BLT rates without applying a Consumer Price Index (CPI)
increase of 3.2%; 2) Affirmed continuing the BLT for home occupancy businesses at
zero ($0); and 3) Affirmed continuing the Small Business Financial Assistance
Program.
J. Consideration and possible action to receive the September 2023 Cash
Balances/Monthly Treasurer’s Report. (Lin)
Received and filed the September 2023 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer’s Report
for the City and the Improvement Authority.
K. Consideration and possible action to approve an agreement with Dell
Technologies for a three-year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA).
(Buchwald)
Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Dell Technologies for a
three-year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement through Riverside County, pursuant to
Section 2.44.060 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, in the amount of
$246,921 plus $5,000 per year of contingency if additional licenses are required
($87,307 per year).
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
3. Consideration and possible action to receive a status report on the City’s 6th
Cycle Housing Element Update. (Silva)
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City Clerk Takaoka reported late correspondence was distributed earlier and there
were six requests to speak.
Director of Community Development Forbes presented a staff report and PowerPoint
presentation and introduced Senior Planner Jessica Bobbett, who was available for
questions.
Council Members asked questions of Staff.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Ann Lynch; Yogi
Matharu; Kitty Callahan Lundberg; Aurora Rysanek; Robert Brugger; and Joan
Davidson.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, City Attorney Wynder, and Staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve Staff
recommendation as follows: Received and filed a status report on completing the
City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element Update.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Bradley, Seo, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved to extend the meeting to 11:15 P.M. Without objection,
Mayor Cruikshank so ordered.
1. Consideration and possible action to appoint one member to the Civic Center
Advisory Committee. (Sisson)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that ballots were distributed earlier in the evening after the
interviews.
After one round of balloting, the following appointments were made:
Anthony Karambelas was appointed to the Civic Center Advisory Committee, with a
term ending on June 30, 2026. (Mayor Pro Tem Alegria, Councilmember Bradley,
and Councilmember Seo voting Karambelas; and Mayor Cruikshank voting
Humber).
2. Consideration and possible action to receive a report from Southern California
Edison (SCE) regarding frequent power outages in the Grandview Estates
neighborhood. (Villalpando)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that there were no requests to speak.
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City Manager Mihranian shared that Southern California Edison ’s (SCE)
Government Affairs representative was unable to participate tonight.
Councilmember Bradley requested to have the item continued to the next meeting to
receive a report from the SCE Government Affairs representative.
Mayor Cruikshank ordered to have the item continued to the December 19 City
Council meeting. Without objection, this was so ordered.
4. Consideration and possible action to amend the Preserve Trails Plan to
include a new trail within the Lay Reserve and approve donor recognition trail
pilasters. (Lozano)
City Clerk Takaoka reported late correspondence was distributed earlier and there
were no requests to speak.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved to waive the staff report. Without objection, this was
so ordered.
Senior Administrative Analyst Katie Lozano shared Staff’s recommendations.
Council Members asked questions of Staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Mayor Cruikshank, to approve Staff
recommendation as follows: 1) Approved “Plumtree Trail” as the official name of the
new trail traversing the Lay Reserve; 2) Approved the trail route and
pedestrian/equestrian user designation for the Plumtree Trail traversing the Lay
Reserve; and 3) Approved the size, location, and design of four donor recognition
pilasters along Seascape, Golden Cove, Landslide Scarp, and Lunada Canyon
Trails within the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve to recognize $100,000-level
donations received by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC).
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Bradley, Seo, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro
5. Consideration and possible action to evaluate the City’s membership in the
League of California Cities (Cal Cities). (Hunter)
City Clerk Takaoka reported late correspondence was distributed earlier and there
were no requests to speak.
Administrative Analyst Shaunna Hunter presented a staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
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Administrative Analyst Hunter introduced League of California Cities Regional Public
Affairs Manager Jeff Kiernan who made brief comments and was available for
questions.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, and questions were asked of Regional
Public Affairs Manager Kiernan.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve Staff
recommendation as follows: Reviewed the services provided by Cal Cities this past
year, and approved the continued annual and ongoing organizational membership
with Cal Cities.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alegria, Bradley, Seo, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Council Member present reported on his/her attendance at various organization
and association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 11:05 P.M., Mayor Cruikshank adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on December 19, 2023, for a
Closed Session meeting followed by a 7:00 P.M. Regular meeting.
__________________________
John Cruikshank, Mayor
Attest:
__________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk