CC MINS 20240604 MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL AND
MEETING OF THE IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
JUNE 4, 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 6:04 P.M. at Fred Hesse Jr.
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 in Fireside room)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Elena Gerli, City Attorney; Vina Ramos,
Director of Finance, Anita Luck, Special Counsel Aleshire & Wynder.
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 — PENDING LITIGATION
GC SECTION 54956.9(c), (d)(2), and (e)(2)
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(c), (d)(2),
and (e)(2) because a point has been reached where, in the opinion of the City
Council, on the advice of the City Attorney, based on existing facts and
circumstances there is a significant exposure to litigation against the City in the
following 5 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.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — PENDING LITIGATION
GC SECTION 54956.9(c), (d)(2), and (e)(1)
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(c),
(d)(2), and (e)(1) because a point has been reached where, in the opinion of the
City Council, on the advice of the City Attorney, based on existing facts and
circumstances there is a significant exposure to litigation against the City in 1
case, where the facts and circumstances giving rise to an exposure to litigation
are believed to be unknown to the putative plaintiffs.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION
GC SECTION 54956.9(c), (d)(1)
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(c) and
(d)(1) regarding the class-action case of City of Lancaster v. LASD, LA County
Superior Court Case No.24STCV08840.
At 6:07 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session.
*Councilmember Ferraro joined the Closed Session meeting in the Fireside Room at 6:07
P.M.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:09 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 Improvement Authority
Meeting was called to order by Mayor Cruikshank at 7:09 P.M. at Fred Hesse, Jr.
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, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
ABSENT: None
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; Jessica
Bobbett, Senior Planner, Amy Seeraty, Senior Planner; Jason Loya, Senior
Administrative Analyst; Shaunna Hunter, Senior Administrative Analyst; Enyssa Sisson,
Deputy City Clerk; and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
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June 4, 2024
Page 2 of 11
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Bradley.
111 CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Gerli reported that City Council met in Closed Session to discuss three
items. Item one, was not discussed and moved to June 18 City Council. Items two and
three were discussed and no reportable action was taken.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
City Clerk Takaoka introduced Assessor Jeff Prang with the Los Angeles County Office
who provided information relating to resources available regarding two programs that
provide property tax relief in the event of property damage and economic loss of value to
homeowners.
Mayor Cruikshank recognized the participants that completed the 12th cohort of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Leadership Academy.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Cruikshank, by order of affirmation, noted the Recycle Winners for May 21, 2024,
were Jose Comandante and Sherrill Walker- Halliday.
The winners will each 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, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were three requests to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Judy Frankel and Merlin
David.
The following member left a pre-recorded voicemail: Jerry Duhovic.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
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June 4, 2024
Page 3 of 11
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following: SBA Disaster Assistance is
available and the in-person center will close on June 5 at 5:00 P.M.; Congratulated this
year's 2024 Leadership Academy participants; Congratulated the class of 2024
graduates; Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will hold its 36th Annual PV
Street Fair on June 8 and 9; the first Movie in the Park for summer 2024 will take place
at, Ken Dyda Civic Center on June 15 at 7:00 P.M.; Happy Pride Month; and Happy
Father's Day.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka noted that no late correspondence was received and there were no
requests to speak.
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alegria, to approve the
Consent Calendar as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
A. Approval of Minutes (Sisson)
Approved the Minutes of May 21, 2024 (Regular/Special Meeting)
B. Registers of Demands (Math)
111
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2024-26, 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 2024-05, 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 adopt resolutions pertaining to the City's
November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election. (Takaoka)
1) Waived further reading and adopted Resolution No. 2024-27, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA,
CALLING FOR THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE
HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN
OFFICERS AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE
OF CALIFORNIA RELATING TO GENERAL LAW CITIES; 2) Waived further reading
and adopted Resolution No. 2024-28, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO
CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 5, 2024, WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND LIBRARY DISTRICT
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June 4, 2024
Page 4 of 11
ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON THE DATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 10403 OF THE
ELECTIONS CODE; and, 3) Waived further reading and adopted Resolution No.
2024-29, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES
FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATES' STATEMENTS
SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 5, 2024.
D. Consideration and possible action to receive the April 2024 Cash
Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Reports. (Lin)
Received and filed the April 2024 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Report for the
City and the Improvement Authority.
E. Consideration and possible action to extend the lease agreement with the Los
Angeles County Sanitation Districts for the Eastview Park property for an o
additional five-year term. (Trautner)
Authorized the Director of Recreation and Parks to sign a letter to the Los Angeles
County Sanitation Districts exercising the second of four optional five-year term
extensions for the lease agreement for the City's use of the Eastview Park property.
F. Consideration and possible action to enter into a new Memorandum of
Understanding between the City and the Seagate Villas Owners Association to
replace an existing storm drain pipe system. (Copp)
Authorized the Mayor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the
City and the Seagate Villas Owners Association to share costs for the replacement of
an existing storm drain pipe system located at 6629 Ocean Crest Drive.
G. Consideration and possible action to award professional services agreements
for pre-qualified on-call civil engineering professional services. (Sunwoo)
1)Awarded professional services agreements to BKF Engineers; Harris &Associates;
NV5, Inc; and Tait & Associates for on-call general civil engineering professional
services on an as-needed basis for three-year terms, with additional optional three-
year term extensions, in an amount not to exceed $500,000 for each contract, subject
to City Council approved appropriated project budgets; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor
and City Clerk to execute the contracts, in forms approved by the City Attorney.
H. Consideration and possible action to take positions on certain labor bill
legislation being considered by state law makers. (Hunter)
Authorized the Mayor to sign position letters in opposition of Senate Bill (SB) 1116
(Unemployment Insurance) and Assembly Bill (AB) 2561 (Local Public Employees:
Vacant Positions).
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June 4, 2024
Page 5 of 11
I. Consideration and possible action to reconfirm continuing the emergency
justification for work and contract bidding on the Portuguese Bend Landslide
Emergency Hydraugers Project. (Copp)
1) Reconfirmed, by a four-fifths vote, there is a need to continue the work on the
Portuguese Bend Landslide Emergency Hydraugers Project declared by Council-
adopted Resolution No. 2024-20 on May 7, 2024, finding an emergency exists
requiring immediate action to install hydraugers in the Portuguese Bend Landslide to
seek to mitigate the movement of the landslide; and, 2) Directed the City Clerk to
confirm the same in the minutes of this City Council meeting, via Minute Order,
reflecting this action.
J. Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of
Completion for the Retaining Wall Repairs at 3001 Crest Road Project. (Copp)
1) Accepted the Retaining Wall Repairs at 3001 Crest Road Project as complete; 2)
o
Authorized the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the project with the Los
Angeles County Registrar-Recorder's Office; and if no claims are filed within 35 days
after recordation, send a notice to the surety company to exonerate the Performance
Bond; and, 3) Authorized the Director of Public Works to release the 5% construction
retention payment to Ace Capital Engineering, 35 days after recordation of the
Notice of Completion by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder's Office,
contingent upon no claims being filed on the project, and the contractor posting an
acceptable warranty bond with the City.
K. Consideration and possible action to approve a purchase order for the
equipment and services provided by TelVue for RPVtv broadcasting.
(Buchwald)
Authorized the City Manager, as the City's purchasing agent, to approve a purchase
order for the equipment and services provided by TelVue in the amount of$35,000 for
new upgraded hardware for RPVtv broadcasting.
L. Consideration and possible action to approve Amendment No. 2 to the
Professional Services Agreement with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. to
implement the Palos Verdes Peninsula Coordinated Integrated Monitoring
Program. (Hevener)
1) Approved Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with
Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., to implement the Palos Verdes Peninsula Coordinated
Integrated Monitoring Program (CIMP) for stormwater quality monitoring, reporting,
and related services: a. Retroactively increasing the PSA amount for Fiscal Year (FY)
2023-24 by $58,242 to $422,516 for new compliance monitoring requirements; b.
Increasing the PSA amount by $914,169 for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26; and c.
Extending the term by two years to June 30, 2026 with a new total of$2,114,620 plus
15% contingency over a five-year period; and, 2)Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk
to execute Amendment No. 2 to the PSA in a form approved by the City Attorney.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
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June 4, 2024
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1. Consideration and possible action to adopt additional amendments to Title 17
of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code to further effectuate the City's
Revised Final 2021-2029 Housing Element. (Silva/Bobbett)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published,
no written protests were received, late correspondence was distributed, and there
were ten requests to speak.
Mayor Cruikshank declared the public hearing open.
Director of Community Development Forbes presented a staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Gerlinde Ryan,
Odette de Vleeschouwer, Kathy Millea, Stasys Petravicius, Shannon Hartman,
Michele Carbone, Kim Mueller, Dan Bruening, Tom Hartman, Lori Trull, John Lewin,
and, Dana Ireland.
The following members of the public left a pre-recorded voicemail: Benjamin
Eilenberg, Theodore Shirley, Ann Ryan, Elisabeth Ryan, and Gabi Augustyn.
Mayor Cruikshank declared the public hearing closed.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff and
City Attorney.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve
Staff recommendations as follows: 1) Adopted Ordinance No.680U, "AN URGENCY
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 17.47 (MIXED USE OVERLAY DISTRICT (MUOD)),
CHAPTER 17.48 (RESIDENTIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT (ROD)), CHAPTER 17.10
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT
DEVELOPMENT, AND CHAPTER 17.96 (DEFINITIONS) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING)
OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE, TO EFFECTUATE THE
REVISED FINAL 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT"; and, 2) Introduced Ordinance
No.681, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 17.47 (MIXED USE OVERLAY DISTRICT
(MUOD)), CHAPTER 17.48 (RESIDENTIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT (ROD)),
CHAPTER 17.10 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNIT DEVELOPMENT, AND CHAPTER 17.96 (DEFINITIONS) OF
TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE, TO
EFFECTUATE THE REVISED FINAL 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT."
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
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June 4, 2024
Page 7 of 11
Councilmember Bradley called for a brief recess at 9:47 P.M. Without objection, it
was so ordered. The meeting was reconvened at 10:02 P.M.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved to extend the meeting to 11:30 P.M. Without objection,
Mayor Cruikshank so ordered.
2. Consideration and possible action to introduce a replacement ordinance for
wireless telecommunication facilities on private property (Case No. PLCA2022-
0008). (Seeraty)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there was
one request to speak.
Director of Community Development Forbes introduced Senior Planner Seeraty who
provided a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Special
Counsel Christy Lopez.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: McKenzie Neely-
Wright.
Mayor Cruikshank declared the public hearing closed.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro to approve Staff
recommendations as follows: Introduced Ordinance No.682, AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES REPEALING §17.76.020 (ANTENNAS)
OF CHAPTER 17.76 (MISCELLANEOUS PERMITS AND STANDARDS) OF TITLE
17 (ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE AND
REPLACING IT WITH CHAPTER 17.73 (WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION
FACILITIES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY).
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
3. Consideration and possible action to determine whether to take a protest
position regarding proposed increases to the tax assessments for Fiscal Year
(FY) 2024-25 and to accept the terms of a financial assistance package for the
Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District (KCLAD) and Abalone Cove
Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD). (Ramos/Luck)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there were
four requests to speak.
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June 4, 2024
Page 8 of 11
City Manager Mihranian provided a brief overview and introduced Special Counsel
Anita Luck, who provided a staff report, who in turn introduced the Director of Public
Works Awwad, who provided a staff report. Director Awwad introduced Director of
Finance Ramos who finalized the 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: Nic Grillo,
Steve Cummins, Gordon Leon, and Nikki Noushkam.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve Staff
recommendations as amended: Defer items 5, 6, and 7 to a future City Council
Meeting; reviewed the proposed increase to the FY 2024-25 assessments by ACLAD
and KCLAD based on each entities assessment formula established at formation as
outlined in their respective engineers' reports; provided Staff direction to not cast a
protest vote on the proposed ACLAD assessment; provided Staff direction to not cast
a protest vote on the proposed KCLAD assessment; and, approved an increase of
$488,000 in the FY 2024-25 Draft Budget using prior year's unallocated fund balance.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved to extend the meeting to 12:00 A.M. Without objection,
Mayor Cruikshank so ordered.
4. Consideration and possible action to review the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 year-
end estimates and the FY 2024-25 Preliminary Citywide Budget. (Ramos/Loya)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there was one request to speak.
Director of Finance Ramos presented a brief report and PowerPoint presentation.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: Elliot Levy.
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 amended: 1) Reviewed the FY 2023-24 year-end estimates and
approved Budget Adjustments in the General Fund by reducing the budget in the
amount of $808,700 in Non-Personnel and by $200,000 in Transfers-Out based on
the third quarter year-end estimates; 2) Reviewed the Preliminary FY 2024-25 Budget
for the General Fund and affirm the changes since the April 18 Budget Workshop:
Increase the General Fund Revenues by $230,600, Increase the General Fund Non-
Personnel Expenditure by $80,000, Adjust Transfers-Out: i. Decrease Transfers-Out
by $30,000; ii. Increase Capital Infrastructure Program (CIP) by $1,400,000 from FY
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June 4, 2024
Page 9 of 11
2022-23 available unallocated fund balance as affirmed by the City Council at the April
18 Budget Workshop; iii. Retain the estimated FY 2024-25 unallocated balance of
$266,650 instead of transferring it to the CIP Fund; 3) Reviewed and approved the FY
2024-25 Preliminary Citywide Budget consisting of the Capital Infrastructure Program
(CIP) Fund and program list, Special Revenue Funds, Permanent Funds, and Internal
Service Funds; and, 4) Directed staff to return on June 18, 2024 for the budget public
hearing and budget adoption consideration; 5) Directed staff to include in the CIP
Forrestal/PVDW Intersection Improvements to the FY 2024-25 budget; and
improvements noted in the 2018 CIP Budget Workshop inclusive of intersection
improvements along PVDS at Seahill, Schooner, and Conqueror; as well as to
continue studying the addition of a roundabout at Forrestal; and lastly, to onboard an
outside consultant.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
5. Consideration and possible action to receive the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25
Financial Model. (Loya)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there was no late correspondence and no requests
to speak.
Mayor Cruikshank moved to waive the staff report. Without objection, this was so
ordered.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve Staff
recommendations as follows: Received and filed the FY 2024-25 Financial Model.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
6. Consideration and possible action to receive a quarterly status report on
Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 City Council Goals and to approve FY 2024-25 City
Council Goals. (Sisson)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there was no late correspondence and no requests
to speak.
Mayor Cruikshank moved to waive the staff report. Without objection, this was so
ordered.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Cruikshank, to approve Staff
recommendations as follows: 1) Received and filed a fourth-quarter status report on
the FY 2023-24 City Council Goals; and, 2) Approved the FY 2024-25 City Council
Goals.
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June 4, 2024
Page 10 of 11
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 11:55 P.M., Mayor Cruikshank adjourned to June 6, 2024, for Committee/Commission
interviews at City Hall (Community Room).
`"J n Cruikshank, Mayor
Attest:
ere�kaoka, City Clerk
I
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June 4, 2024
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