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CC DM 20240319 A - 20240220 DRAFT CC MINSDRAFT MINUTES RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 20, 2024 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 Cruikshank at 6:02 P.M. at Fred Hesse Community Park, McTaggart Hall, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. This meeting took place both in person and remotely. Remote participation by any Councilmember was in accordance with 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: 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; 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 – 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). 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. 3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION DRAFT City Council Regular Minutes February 20, 2024 Page 2 of 9 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. 4. 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). At 6:05 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session. RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING: At 7:13 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 was called to order by Mayor Cruikshank at 7:13 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: 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; Amy Seeraty, Senior Planner; Shaunna Hunter, Administrative Analyst; Enyssa Sisson, Deputy City Clerk; and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk. Also present was Captain Kimberly Guerrero of the Lomita Sheriff’s Station. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jill Helm, founder of Run for Myles. DRAFT City Council Regular Minutes February 20, 2024 Page 3 of 9 CLOSED SESSION REPORT: City Attorney Gerli reported on the Regular Meeting Closed Session items one through four. Item one, conference with Legal Counsel existing litigation under Government Code 54956.9(d)(1), Limetree Estates LLC V City of Rancho Palos Verdes, was discussed, and an update was provided to the City Council. Item two, Public Employee Performance Evaluation, was discussed, and no reportable action was taken. Item three, conference with legal counsel anticipated litigation regarding the regional board threatened litigation with five different claims, was continued to the March 19 Closed Session. Item 4, conference with legal counsel anticipated litigation under Government Code 54956.9(d)(2), (d)(3) and (e)(1), was discussed, direction provided, and no reportable action was taken. MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Cruikshank announced the departure from the City of longtime resident and former Mayor Ann Shaw and thanked her for decades of service to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Mayor Cruikshank announced certificates of congratulations to the 2023 Educator of the Year at Rolling Hills Preparatory School, Reach and Renaissance Schools, Palos Verdes High School, Ridgecrest Intermediate School, Silver Spur Elementary School, Point Vicente Elementary School, Cornerstone Elementary School, Rancho Vista Elementary School, Chadwick School, and Peninsula Heritage School by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Club. Mayor Cruikshank recognized the following: Adeline Allen, Kindra Windish, Cara Dunn, Sherly Rasmussen, Elizabeth McCurdy, Stefanie Kagimoto, Patti Petrucci, Karen Kostrencich, and Ana Alejandre. Mayor Cruikshank introduced Jill Helm, founder of Run for Myles. Helm discussed the importance of the Run for Myles program and donated $35,000 to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. She also announced an upcoming run that will be held on September 28, 2024. City Clerk Takaoka introduced Amanda Brown, founder/CEO of AB Livewell, who provided information on Gang Prevention/Intervention Programs. Mayor Cruikshank shared the passing the City of Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand and noted he would adjourn the meeting in his memory. RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING: Mayor Cruikshank, by order of affirmation, noted the Recycle Winners for February 6, 2024, were Don and Marilyn Rosenblatt, and Judith Herdman. The winners will each receive a check for $250 as well as a personal emergency preparedness kit from the City valued at $40. DRAFT City Council Regular Minutes February 20, 2024 Page 4 of 9 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Bradley, to approve the agenda as presented with a modification to hear Regular Business Item No. Two before Public Hearing Item No. One. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: AYES: Bradley, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank NOES: None ABSENT: Ferraro PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS: City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there were five requests to speak. The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Pritam Matharu, Yogi Matharu, Mike Peterson, Kitty Callahan, and Joan Davidson. CITY MANAGER REPORT: City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following: Ways to receive storm updates; swale maintenance reminder; how to get updates from the City; important contact information to report building issues, water leaks, gas leaks, electrical line matters, and urgent matters; Wayfarers Chapel fundraiser; MyShake app; Avoid tailgating; One-day early voting on March 1 and 3 from 10:30 A.M. through 4 P.M.at City Hall; Happy Presidents Day; and announced the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Ladera Linda Community Park on February 23. 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) DRAFT City Council Regular Minutes February 20, 2024 Page 5 of 9 Approved the Minutes of February 6, 2024 Regular/Special Meeting. B. Registers of Demands (Mata) 1) Adopted Resolution No. 2024-06, 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 accept a donation of real property located on Cherry Hill Lane at APN 7572-004-015. (Gerli) Adopted Resolution No. 2024-07, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE REAL PROPERTY DONATION AGREEMENT AND JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS BETWEEN THE ROBERT E. WILLIAMS AND ZAHRAH L. WILLIAMS FAMILY TRUST AND THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AND ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF REAL PROPERTY, TO BE USED FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES, ON CHERRY HILL LANE AT APN 7572-004-015 D. Consideration and possible action regarding a claim against the City by Jaclyn Olcese (Sisson) Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Jaclyn Olcese. E. Consideration and possible action regarding a claim against the City by Victor Macchia. (Sisson) Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Victor Macchia. F. Consideration and possible action to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Engineering to expand the scope of work in the Building and Safety Division. (Garrett) 1) Approved Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Engineering to increase the scope of work to include a temporary Permit Technician in the Building and Safety Division and extend the agreement through June 30, 2024 during the recruitment process and authorizing the City Manager to extend the term an additional six months if deemed necessary; and 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Amendment in a form approved by the City Attorney. G. Consideration and possible action to award a professional services agreement to Sky Elements, LLC to perform a drone light show for the City’s Fourth of July celebration events. (Berg) DRAFT City Council Regular Minutes February 20, 2024 Page 6 of 9 1) Awarded a professional services agreement to Sky Elements, LLC., in an amount not to exceed $54,000 per year for a three -year term, to design and perform a drone light show at the Ken Dyda Civic Center on July 4, 2024, 2025 and 2026; and 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the professional services agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: None. REGULAR BUSINESS: 2. Consideration and possible action to receive a status report on the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project. (Awwad) City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there were 18 requests to speak. City Manager Mihranian provided a brief overview and introduced the Director of Public Works, who presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation. Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff. The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Kerri Jacob (Representative of Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi), Jennifer LaMarque (Representative of Supervisor Janice Hahn), Donny Schmid; Nikki Noushkam; Adrienne Mohan (Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy), Shannon Hartman, Mark Roberts, Chad Dime, Eva Albuja, and Arnold Strong. The following members left a pre-recorded voicemail: Lynn Doran, Ambra Servin, Dennis Jaconi, and Gina DiPietro. The following members had comments read into the record: Tony Buesing, Larry Paul, Celina Luna (Government Relations Manager, Southern California Edison), and David Roth. Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff. Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve Staff recommendations as amended: 1) Received and filed a status update on the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project final engineering; 2) Received and filed a status update on the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project Final Environmental Impact Report; 3) Directed Staff to complete the Final Environmental Impact Report and final engineering for the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project based on the original concept design analyzed in the Draft Environmental Impact Report and concurrently continue studying whether revisions could be made to the project footprint to reduce the environmental impact as soon as possible; 4) Reviewed information on requesting the Governor declare a State of Emergency for DRAFT City Council Regular Minutes February 20, 2024 Page 7 of 9 the entire Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex; and 5) Authorize d the Mayor to sign a letter and a follow up joint letter, to include co-signatures from Supervisor Janice Hahn, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, Senator Ben Allen, Senator Laphonza Butler, Senator Alex Padilla, and Congressman Ted Lieu , to the Governor requesting his consideration to declare a State of Emergency by invoking his emergency powers to suspend or waive certain state requirements and to consider requesting the President declare a Federal Emergency Disaster. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: AYES: Bradley, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank NOES: None ABSENT: Ferraro PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Consideration and possible action to conduct the 2023 Green Hills Memorial Park Conditional Use Permit Compliance Review (Planning Case No. PLCU2024- 0001). 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 Community Development Forbes introduced Senior Planner Seeraty, who presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation. The following applicant addressed the City Council: Nick Resich. Discussion ensued among Council Members. Mayor Cruikshank declared the public hearing closed. Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff. Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Mayor Cruikshank, to approve Staff recommendations as follows: Received and filed a report finding that Green Hills Memorial Park is in compliance with Conditional Use Permit No. 155 in 2023. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: AYES: Bradley, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank NOES: None ABSENT: Ferraro DRAFT City Council Regular Minutes February 20, 2024 Page 8 of 9 REGULAR BUSINESS: 3. Consideration and possible action to approve the first amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the four Peninsula cities to share costs for the placement and maintenance of the existing Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) System. (Hunter) City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed, and there were no requests to speak. Mayor Cruikshank moved to waive the staff report. Without objection, this was so ordered. Discussion ensued among Council Members. Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alegria, to approve Staff recommendations as follows: 1) Approved Amendment No. 1 to the MOU between the four Peninsula cities to share costs for the placement and maintenance of the existing ALPR System; 2) Approved the agreement with Vigilant Solutions for the purchase and installation of 29 ALPR replacement cameras at 19 locations within the region at a one-time cost not to exceed $474,750, of which the City of Rancho Palos Verdes cost share is 60% or $284,850; and 3) Affirmed the annual maintenance and replacement cost funding in Fiscal Years (FY) 2025 through 2030 for an anticipated five-year useful life replacement of regional cameras covered under the Regional ALPR Camera System MOU. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: AYES: Bradley, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank NOES: None ABSENT: Ferraro Mayor Cruikshank called for a brief recess at 9:43 P.M. Without objection, it was so ordered. The meeting was reconvened at 9:53 P.M. 4. Consideration and possible action to receive update on Public Safety Division pilot program implementation. (Hunter) City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak. Administrative Analyst Hunter presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation. DRAFT City Council Regular Minutes February 20, 2024 Page 9 of 9 Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Captain Guerrero and Staff. Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve Staff recommendations as follows: 1) Received and filed a status report on the implementation of the Public Safety Division within the Administration Department; and 2) Approved metrics to be utilized to monitor the implementation of the Public Safety Division during the pilot program. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: AYES: Bradley, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank NOES: None ABSENT: Ferraro CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER: None. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Councilmember Bradley requested Staff report back with a more detailed schedule of the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation project EIR certification and the status of the construction documents at the March 19, 2023 meeting. 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 Cruikshank adjourned to March 13, 2024 for a City Council Goals Workshop. Mayor Cruikshank adjourned the meeting in honor and memory of Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand. _______________________________ John Cruikshank, Mayor Attest: __________________________ Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk