CC MINS 20240206 REG (Closed Session SPC) MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL (CLOSED
SESSION)/REGULAR AND IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
FEBRUARY 6, 2024
CALL TO ORDER:
A Special (Closed Session)/Regular Meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council
and the Improvement Authority was called to order by Mayor Cruikshank at 5:36 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: Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
ABSENT: Bradley* and Ferraro (excused)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Elena Gerli, City Attorney; Ramzi
Awwad, Director of Public Works, Vanessa Hevener, Project Manager; John Hunter of
John L. Hunter and Associates; and Brandy Forbes, Director of Community
Development.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR CLOSED SESSION:
None.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S) ANNOUNCED:
City Attorney Gerli announced the items 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)(4)
because the City is considering whether to initiate litigation in one case.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL— INITIATION OF LITIGATION
CITY OF GRANTS PASS V. JOHNSON (Supreme Court Case No. 23-175)
The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code
54956.9(d)(1) and (d)(4). The City Council will confer with the City Attorney
regarding the City's possible participation in an amicus brief in on the Merits in
the following case: Gloria Johnson, et al. v. City of Grants Pass (U.S. Supreme
Court Case No. 23-175; US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Case No. 20-
35752; 20-35881; US District Court for the District of Oregon Case No. 1:18-cv-
01823-CL.)
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 (c)(1) because there is a significant exposure to litigation in two (2)
cases 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 —ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to § 54956.9(b), (c), (d)(2): (5 potential
cases): Regional Board threatened litigation Claim 9589071052700684926334,
settlement offer R4-2024-0014; Claim No. 9589071052700684926273,
settlement offer R4-2024-0013; Claim 9589071052700684926518, settlement
offer R4-2024-0020; Claim 9589071052700684926457, settlement offer R4-
2024-0018; Claim 9589071052700684926242, settlement offer R4-2024-0012.
5. 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. 111
At 5:39 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session.
*Councilmember Bradley joined the Closed Session at 6:30 P.M.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:15 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 Special Meeting of the
Improvement Authority was called to order by Mayor Cruikshank at 7:15 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: I
City Council Regular Minutes
February 6, 2024
Page 2 of 10
PRESENT: Bradley, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
ABSENT: Ferraro (excused)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Elena Gerli, City Attorney; Vina
Ramos, Director of Finance; Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works; Cory Linder,
Director of Recreation and Parks; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community Development;
Jeremiah Sunwoo, Associate Engineer; Katie Lozano, Senior Administrative Analyst;
Jesse Villalpando, Senior Administrative Analyst; Andrew Berg, Recreation Supervisor;
Enyssa Sisson, Deputy City Clerk; and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
Also present was Captain Kimberly Guerrero of the Lomita Sheriffs Station.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Seo.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Gerli reported that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss five
items. Item one, under Government Code 54956.9(d)(4), was discussed and no action
was taken. Item two, relating to the City of Grants Pass v. Johnson Supreme Court
case, the City Council decided to refrain from joining the amicus brief and the vote was
unanimous with a vote of 3-0 (Bradley and Ferraro absent). Item three had two items to
consider. One item was continued to the March 19 meeting and the second item was
discussed and no reportable action was taken. Item four was discussed, and no
reportable action was taken. Item five was not discussed and was continued to the
February 20 meeting.
City Attorney Gerli announced that Councilmember Bradley Joined Closed Session at
6:30 p.m.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Cruikshank shared that longtime resident and former Palos Verdes Peninsula
Unified School District Board Member Malcolm Schalick Sharp had passed away and
he would like to adjourn the meeting in his memory.
Mayor Cruikshank announced the retirement of Captain Powers of Lomita Sheriffs
Station and thanked him for his service and many accomplishments during his time with
the City.
Mayor Cruikshank announced the retirement of Principal Engineer of the Public Works
Department Ron Dragoo and thanked him for his many accomplishments during his
time with the City.
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February 6, 2024
Page 3 of 10
Mayor Cruikshank announced the retirement of Senior Accounting Technician of the
Finance Department Selena Wright and thanked her for her many accomplishments
during her time with the City.
City Clerk Takaoka introduced Jennifer Bullard, Director of Government Affairs with Cox
Communications, who provided a brief introduction and overview of her role.
City Clerk Takaoka announced Ian May, Special Assistant, Field Deputy with Los
Angeles County Office of the Assessor Jeff Prang, who shared valuable information
related to storm damage relief for property owners as available through the County.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Cruikshank, by order of affirmation, noted the Recycle Winners for February 6,
2024, were Lisa Jaksic and Margaret Avineri. The winners will receive a check for $250
as well as a personal emergency preparedness kit from the City valued at $40.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve the
agenda as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
111
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there were
three requests to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Yogi Matharu, Kitty
Callahan, and Merlin David.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following: Highlighted storm roundup;
thanked the Public Works Department and Staff for their invaluable assistance in
helping prepare for the upcoming storms; swale maintenance reminder; Ways to receive
storm updates; Emergency preparedness resources; MyShake app; HARP Tax-Aide;
Eastview Dog Park Temporary Closure; Sweet Puppy Love Valentine's Party on
February 10 at 10 A.M.; February 14 is Valentine's Day; February is Black History
Month; and extended a Happy Lunar New Year to all those who celebrate.
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February 6, 2024
Page 4 of 10
City Manager Mihranian introduced Captain Guerrero who provided a Quarterly Law
Enforcement Update.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
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: Bradley, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro
A. Approval of Minutes (Sisson)
Approved the Minutes of January 16, 2024, Regular Meeting.
B. Registers of Demands (Mats)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2024-02, 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 (check run dated 20240105); 2) Adopted Resolution No. 2024-03, 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 (check run dated 20240119);
and 3) Adopted Resolution No. IA 2024-01, 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 receive the December 2023 Cash
Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Report. (Lin)
Received and filed the December 2023 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Report
for the City and the Improvement Authority.
D. Consideration and possible action to receive a status report on the City's
grant program with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC)
for acacia removal throughout the City. (Hevener)
Received and filed a status report on the City's grant program with PVPLC for acacia
removal throughout the City.
E. Consideration and possible action to approve Amendment No. 4 to the
Employment Agreement with City Manager Mihranian. (Huston)
City Council Regular Minutes
February 6, 2024
Page 5 of 10
Adopted Resolution No. 2024-04, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING
AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH CITY
MANAGER MIHRANIAN.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Consideration and possible action to approve the Fiscal Year 2024-25
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project. (Sunwoo)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published,
no written protests were received, and there were no requests to speak.
Mayor Cruikshank declared the public hearing open.
Director of Public Works Awwad presented a staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, and questions were asked of Staff.
Mayor Cruikshank declared the public hearing closed.
Mayor Pro Tern Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Bradley, to approve
Staff recommendations with modifications as follows: 1) Approved the proposed FY
2024-25 CDBG Project; 2) Directed Staff to change curb ramp locations from
Crestwood and Western to Indian Peak Road and 3) Directed Staff to review
alternative projects to fund including assisting the two Geologic Hazard Abatement
Districts (GHAD) and/or arterial wall repairs, and to come back to the Council in the
future.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro
REGULAR BUSINESS:
2. Consideration and possible action to receive an update report and to extend the
local emergency declaration for the greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex.
(Awwad) III
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February 6, 2024
Page 6 of 10
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there
were six requests to speak.
City Manager Mihranian provided a brief overview and introduced the Director of
Public Works, who in turn introduced the City Geologist, Mike Phipps of Cotton
Shires and Associates.
City Geologist Phipps presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of City
Geologist Phipps and Staff.
Director of Public Works Awwad introduced Senior Administrative Analyst Lozano,
who presented a summary report and PowerPoint presentation on the condition of
trails and the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve in response to the landslide.
Director of Public Works Awwad presented a summary report and PowerPoint
presentation.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Agustin Baeza (Cal
Water), Nikki Noushkam, Eva Albuja, Kit Song, and David Roth (comments read into
the record); Molly Lowe-White (via a pre-recorded voicemail.)
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of City
Geologist Phipps and Staff.
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Mayor Cruikshank, to approve Staff
recommendations as amended: 1) Received and filed an update on: a) Current
conditions from the City Geologist on the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex; b)
Current trail conditions impacted by the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex within
the, Palos Verdes Nature Preserve; c) Project activities responding to land
movement within the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex; d) Landslide movement
monitoring; e) Reimbursement requests to the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) for landslide activities in response to the California Severe Winter
Storms disaster for the 2022-23 winter rain season; f) Information on eminent
domain; g) Emergency preparedness activities; h) City engagement with state and
federal officials regarding the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex; 2) Adopted
Resolution No. 2024-05, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES THEREBY CONTINUING THE LOCAL
EMERGENCY DECLARATION BY 60 DAYS UNTIL APRIL 6, 2024 AS
ESTABLISHED BY RESOLUTION NO. 2023-47 ADOPTED ON OCTOBER 3, 2023,
EXTENDED BY RESOLUTION NO. 2023-56 ADOPTED ON NOVEMBER 14, 2023,
AND EXTENDED BY RESOLUTION NO. 2023-61 ADOPTED ON DECEMBER 19,
2024; 3) Directed Staff to come back with a status report and action plan to
accelerate the completion of the City's Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation
project and project EIR for completion and certification consideration; 4) Accelerate
work in the greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex; 5) Directed Staff to
research possible funding resources from county, state, and federal partners; 6)
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February 6, 2024
Page 7 of 10
Directed Staff to research possible ways to approach the Governor on requesting a
state of emergency for the City; and 7) Requested Staff to include the City of Rolling
Hills as a part of future discussions.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro
3. 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 reported that there were no requests to speak.
Government Relations Manager Celina Luna presented a report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve Staff
recommendations as follows: 1) Received and filed the progress update report from
Southern California Edison (SCE) on addressing frequent power outages in the
Grandview Estates neighborhood; and 2) Authorized SCE's request to defer its next
detailed progress report to June 2024 contingent upon SCE's commitment to
address any emergent issues promptly if they arise before the scheduled update and
in coordination with the City Manager.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved to extend the meeting to 10:45 P.M., without
objection it was so ordered.
4. Consideration and possible action to receive a report on the planned
Peninsula-wide safety drill. (Villalpando)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Senior Analyst Villalpando presented a brief report and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff. 111
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February 6, 2024
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Mayor Cruikshank moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve Staff
recommendations as follows: Received and filed the status report on ongoing
preparation for the planned Peninsula-wide safety drill scheduled for 2024.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro
5. Consideration and possible action regarding drone light show for the City's 2024
Fourth of July celebration. (Berg)
City Clerk Takaoka reported there were no requests to speak.
Director of Recreation and Parks Linder introduced Recreation Program Supervisor
Berg, who presented a brief report and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Mayor Cruikshank, to approve Staff
recommendations as follows: 1) Affirmed conducting a drone light show for the City's
2024 Fourth of July celebration; 2) Selected utilizing 150 drones and entering into a
three-year agreement as its preferred option; and 3) Directed Staff to secure Sky
Elements, LLC for the preferred drone light show and for the preferred term, and to
return with the Professional Services Agreement at a future meeting as a consent
calendar item for Council consideration.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: Bradley
ABSENT: Ferraro
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Mayor Cruikshank indicated that he would not be in attendance at the March 5 City
Council meeting, Councilmember Bradley, and Mayor Pro Tem Alegria are also
unavailable the City Council meeting of March 5. Thus, the March 5 City Council
meeting will be canceled due to lack of a quorum.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
City Council Regular Minutes
February 6, 2024
Page 9 of 10
Each Council Member present reported on his/her attendance at various organization
and association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 10:39 P.M., Mayor Cruikshank adjourned to February 20, 2024, for a Closed Session
Meeting, followed by a Regular meeting at 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Cruikshank adjourned the meeting in honor and memory of Malcolm Schalick
Sharp.
eil .........
John uikshank, Mayor
Attest:
C--- ---' Teres kaoka, City Clerk
I
I
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February 6, 2024
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