CC DM 20241001 A - 20240917 DRAFT CC MINS,DRAFT
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 17, 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 6:01 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 *(via zoom), Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
ABSENT: Ferraro *(excused in Fireside Room)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager;
Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works; Daniel
Trautner, Director of Recreation and Parks; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community
Development; Christine Carlson, Special Counsel; Bill Wynder, City Attorney Emeritus;
and Elena Gerli, City Attorney
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
GC § 54956.9 (c) and (d)(1)
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(c), (d)(1)
regarding existing litigation regarding application by Southern California Edison
Company (U-338-E) For Authority to Recover Costs Related to the 2017 Thomas
Fire and 2018 Debris Flow Events Recorded in the Wildfire Expense
Memorandum Account and Catastrophic Event Memorandum Account, CPUC
Application No. 23-08-013.
2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
GC § 54957, 54957.6
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A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54957 to conduct
an employee performance evaluation and discuss compensation for the position
of City Attorney.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – POTENTIAL LITIGATION
GC § 54956.9(c), (d)(4).
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(c), (d)(4),
because based on existing facts and circumstances, the legislative body of the
local agency has decided to initiate or is deciding whether to initiate litigation.
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
GC 54956.9(c), (d)(1).
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(c), (d)(1),
to confer with legal counsel regarding existing litigation to which the City is a
party. The title of such litigation is as follows: Anderson at al. v. City of Rancho
Palos Verdes et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 24STCV20953.
At 6:03 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session.
*Councilmember Ferraro joined the Closed Session meeting in the Fireside Room at 6:03
P.M.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:36 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
Cruikshank at 7:36 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 (via zoom), Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
ABSENT: None.
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Elena Gerli, City Attorney; Catherine
Jun, Deputy City Manager; Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Ramzi Awwad, Director of
Public Works; Daniel Trautner, Director of Recreation and Parks; Brandy Forbes, Director
of Community Development; Brandon Mesker, Associate Engineer; Emily Rodin,
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Recreation Program Supervisor; 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 Assessor Jeff Prang.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney stated that there were four items on Closed Session. Item one, was
discussed and no reportable action was taken. Item two, is continued to the October 1
City Council Meeting. Item three, was discussed and Council provided direction to file an
amicus brief in the case in the United States in the court of appeals in the District of
Columbia Cricut. Indian Peak Properties, LLC seek Federal Communications commission
and the United States in DC Circuit case 24-1108. Item four, was discussed and no
reportable action was taken.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Cruikshank introduced Assessor Jeff Prang and David Weakley with the Los
Angeles County Office who provided information relating to resources available regarding
property tax relief in the event of property damage and economic loss of value to
homeowners.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
City Clerk Takaoka noted due to Councilmember Bradley participating via zoom a motion
and roll call vote would be required for this item, instead of proceeding via affirmation.
Mayor Cruikshank moved to approve. Without objection it was so ordered to approve the
Recycle Winners for September 3, 2024, were Frank Karmelich and Reza Eskandari. The
winners will each receive a check for $250 as well as a personal emergency preparedness
kit from the City valued at $40.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
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
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NOES: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there were ten
requests to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Patty Perkinson, Mark
Young, Don Schmitz, Gayle Schmitz, Dave Chura, Jeff Bassler, Peter Mirich, Sha, David
Roth, and Scott Peotter.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following: Get notifications about nearby
earthquakes with MyShake App; Get notification about emergency alerts:
alertsouthbay.com or text ALERTSB to 888-777; Know Your Zone, Palos Verdes
Peninsula Emergency Readiness: pvpready.gov; Applications now available for home
stabilization projects in landslide area: rpvca.gov/building; Recharging station available
at Ladera Linda Community Center with extended hours 9:00 A.M.- 9:00 P.M.; YMCA
Resources for Portuguese Bend & Sea View families for more information contact Josh
Chan: joshchan@ymcala.org & 310-221-3796; Candidate Forum at Hesse Park on
September 18 at 7:00- 9:00 P.M.; West Basin Municipal Water District Firescaping
Workshop at Hesse Park on September 19 at 6:00 -8:00 P.M.; Run for Myles at Point
Vicente Lighthouse on September 28; and Happy Birthday Mayor Cruikshank.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Ferraro 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 September 3, 2024 (Regular and Special Meetings).
B. Registers of Demands (Mata)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2024-58, 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 install surveillance cameras for City -
owned open space areas and parking lots. (Waters)
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1) Received and filed a report on a proposed surveillance camera pilot program for
use in some City-owned open space areas and parking lots; and, 2) If deemed
acceptable, as an expanded pilot program, authorize Staff to purchase, install, and
maintain an annual subscription of 12 Tactacam Reveal surveillance cameras to be
located at nine open space areas and City-owned parking lots.
D. Consideration and possible action regarding a claim against the City by
Adriana Williams. (Sisson)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Adriana Williams
E. Consideration and possible action regarding a claim against the City by Wael
Abdallah. (Sisson)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Wael Abdallah.
F. Consideration and possible action regarding a claim against the City by Olivia
Clemens. (Sisson)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Olivia Clemens.
G. Consideration and possible action regarding a claim against the City by Michele
Fischer. (Sisson)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Michele Fischer
H. Consideration and possible action to regarding a claim against the City by
Alexander Yoon. (Sisson)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Alexander Yoon.
I. Consideration and possible action to reassign a professional services
agreement for state lobbying services with Renne Public Policy Group, LLP to
California Public Policy Group Inc. effective October 1, 2024. (Jun)
1) Approved Amendment No. 3 to the professional services agreement (PSA) to
reassign state lobbying services with Renne Public Policy Group, LLP (RPPG) to
California Public Policy Group, Inc. (CPPG) effective October 1, 2024; and, 2)
Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 3 to the PSA, in a
form acceptable to the City Attorney.
J. Consideration and possible action to accept 11 Gifts for Parks donations
received between April 1 and August 31, 2024. (Fox)
1) Accepted 11 Gifts for Parks donations received between April 1 and August 31,
2024; and 2) Authorize the Mayor to sign the donor letters of appreciation on behalf
of the City Council.
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K. Consideration and possible action to approve the Storm Drain Improvements at
Peacock Ridge Project. (Sunwoo)
1) Approved the plans, specifications, and construction documents for the Storm Drain
Improvements at Peacock Ridge Project; 2) Award ed a construction contract for the
Storm Drain Improvements at Peacock Ridge Project to OrangeBlue, in the amount
of $203,600, with a contingency of 10%, or $20,400, for a total amount of up to
$224,000; and, 3) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contracts, in
forms approved by the City Attorney.
L. Consideration and possible action to award a Public Works Agreement to Stay
Green, Inc. for landscape maintenance and related services for Fiscal Year 2024 -
25 through 2028-29. (Hernandez)
1) Awarded a Public Works Agreement to Stay Green Inc. for landscape maintenance
and related services for Fiscal Year 2024 -25 through 2028-29 as follows: a. In the
amount of $1,766,250 for October 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 for October 1, 2024
through June 30, 2025; b. In the amount of $2,211,000 plus cumulative annual
consumer price index (CPI) increases for Fiscal Years 2025-26 through 2028-29; c. A
10% annual contingency after application of CPI increase; and, 2) Authorized the
Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement, in forms approved by the City
Attorney.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
1. Consideration and possible action to receive an informational report on the
Southern California Edison Utility Undergrounding Program. (Mesker)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there was one requests to speak.
Director of Public Works Awwad introduced Associate Engineer Mesker for 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: Eva Albuja.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
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Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve
Staff recommendations as follows: Received and filed an informational report on the
Southern California Edison (SCE) Utility Undergrounding Program. The motion
passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
2. Consideration and possible action to approve the Western Avenue Storefront
Improvement Program. (Forbes)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Director of Community Development Forbes provided a staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve Staff’s
Recommendation.
Mayor Cruikshank proposed an amendment to the motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria , seconded by Councilmember Seo, withdrew their original
motion and moved to approve Staff recommendations as amended: 1) Approve the
Western Avenue Storefront Improvement Program (“Program”) consisting of the
program guidelines documents, grant agreement template, grant application form , 2)
Direct Staff to initiate the Program, and 3) To include in section 5F, the Building and
Safety Department must sign off on the completion of work.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
3. Consideration and possible action to receive a first quarter status report on
Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 City Council Goals. (Jun)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Deputy City Manager Jun provided a brief staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff .
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve Staff
recommendations as follows: Received and filed a first-quarter status report on the
FY 2024-25 City Council Goals.
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The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Cruikshank
NOES: None
4. Consideration and possible action to hold a 2024 Winter Festival event at the
Ken Dyda Civic Center. (Rodin)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Director of Recreation and Parks Trautner introduced Recreation Program Supervisor
Rodin for a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff .
Mayor Cruikshank moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alegria, to approve Staff
recommendations as follows: 1) Affirmed conducting a 2024 Winter Festival event at
Ken Dyda Civic Center; 2) Approved a three day 2024 Winter Festival event at the
Ken Dyda Civic Center with a tree and menorah lighting and a weekend of roller-
skating rink; and, 3) Directed Staff to return with the appropriate agreement to conduct
the Winter Festival.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: Bradley and Seo
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 9:36 P.M., Mayor Cruikshank adjourned to October 1, 2024, for a Closed Session
meeting followed by a 7:00 P.M. Regular meeting.
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_______________________________
John Cruikshank, Mayor
Attest:
__________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk