CC MINS 20241015 MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15, 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 6:03 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; Brandy
Forbes, Director of Community Development; Christine Carlson, Special Counsel, 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. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
GC § 54957, 54957.6
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.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — PENDING LITIGATION
GC 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, which
facts and circumstances concern the city's potential liability for remediation of
contamination at the BKK landfill in West Covina.
3. 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.
4. 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), (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: Andersen at al. v. California
Water Service Co. et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 24STCV20953.
At 6:04 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session.
*Councilmember Ferraro joined the Closed Session meeting in the Fireside Room at 6:04
P.M.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:25 P.M. the Closed Session was reconvened to the Regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING — OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER:
A Regular meetingof the Rancho Palos Verdes CityCouncil was called to order byMayor
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Cruikshank at 7:25 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 111
Jun, Deputy_City Manager; Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Ramzi Awwad, Director of
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October 15, 2024
Page 2 of 8
Public Works; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community Development; Brandon Mesker,
Associate Engineer; Matt Waters, Senior Analyst; 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 stated that there were four items on Closed Session. Items one and two
were not discussed and continued. Items three and four were discussed and no
reportable action was taken.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Cruikshank and the City Council recognized the following outgoing Traffic Safety
Committee member: Dave Tomblin.
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 October 1, 2024, were Patrick Moran and Jaime Delgado. 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
NOES: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
City Council Regular Minutes
October 15, 2024
Page 3 of 8
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were two requests to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Dave Tomblin and Jeff
Bassler.
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CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following: October is breast cancer
awareness month; Donations for affected residents of Peninsula land movement, please
email Julia Parton at jpartonmalagabank.com; Caltrans Bicycle pedestrian
improvement project; Swale Maintenance Remainder; Public Safety Reimbursement
Program, please contact publicsafetyrpvca.gov; Palos Verdes Nature Preserve
Quarterly Public Forum on October 16 at 6:00 P.M.; Get notifications about nearby
earthquakes with MyShake App; EDCO fall brush clearing event from October 5-
November 2; Trunk or Treat at Ken Dyda Civic Center on October 19 at 11:00 A.M.- 2:00
P.M.; Prepared Peninsula Expo at Peninsula High School/ PV Farmer's Market on
October 27 at 10:00 A.M.- 1:00 P.M.; One- Day Early Voting on October 29 at Ladera
Linda Community Center at 9:00 A.M.- 6:00 P.M. and RPV City Hall (Parking Lot) at 9:00
A.M.- 4:00 P.M.- Drive-Thru Shredding on November 2 at 8:00- 11:00 A.M. at Ken Dyda
Civic Center; Reminder: Daylight Saving time ends November 3; EPA Water Sense
awarded Cal Water; Congrats to the Finance Department for receiving GFOA certificate
of achievement for excellence in financial reporting; Thank you, First Responders; Next
City Council Meeting has moved to Wednesday, November 6; and Have a Safe
Halloween.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Pro Tern Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve the
Consent Calendar as presented with the exception of Items C and E.
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 October 1, 2024 (Regular Meeting).
B. Registers of Demands (Mata)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2024-62, 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 9/20/24); and, 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-63, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING
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FUNDS FROM WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID(check run dated 10/04/24).
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October 15, 2024
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C. Consideration and possible action to adopt Ordinance No. 688 to amend
Section 6.04.040 (Number of Dogs and Cats Allowed) of Chapter 6.04 (General
Provisions), of Title 6 (Animals) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code to
increase the number of dogs and cats permitted on a residential lot. (Powers)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
D. Consideration and possible action regarding a claim against the City by Toni
Engberg. (Sisson)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Toni Engberg.
E. Consideration and possible action to reconfirm continuing the emergency
justification for work and emergency contract for the Greater Portuguese Bend-
Ancient Altamira Landslide Emergency Project. (Copp)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
C. Consideration and possible action to adopt Ordinance No. 688 to amend
Section 6.04.040 (Number of Dogs and Cats Allowed) of Chapter 6.04 (General
Provisions), of Title 6 (Animals) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code to
increase the number of dogs and cats permitted on a residential lot. (Powers)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there was one request to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Matthew Knapp.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Bradley, to approve
Staff Recommendations as follows: Adopted Ordinance No. 688, AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING SECTION 6.04.040
(NUMBER OF DOGS AND CATS ALLOWED) OF CHAPTER 6.04 (GENERAL
PROVISIONS), OF TITLE 6 (ANIMALS) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DOGS PERMITTED ON A
RESIDENTIAL LOT FROM THREE TO FOUR AND INCREASE THE NUMBER OF
CATS PERMITTED ON A RESIDENTIAL LOT FROM THREE TO FIVE FOR
CONSISTENCY WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE PROVISIONS.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
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October 15, 2024
Page 5 of 8
E. Consideration and possible action to reconfirm continuing the emergency
justification for work and emergency contract for the Greater Portuguese Bend-
Ancient Altamira Landslide Emergency Project. (Copp)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there was one request to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Dr. Kit Song.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of staff.
Discussion ensued among Councilmembers.
Mayor Cruikshank moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alegria, to approve Staff
recommendations as amended: 1) Reconfirm, by a four-fifths vote, there is a need to
continue the work on the Deep Vertical Dewatering Emergency Project declared by
Council-adopted Resolution No. 2024-20 on May 7, 2024, finding an emergency exists
requiring immediate action in the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira
Landslide Complex to seek to mitigate the movement of the landslide; 2) Direct the
City Clerk to confirm the same in the minutes of this City Council meeting, via Minute
Order, reflecting this action, and, 3) Directed staff to send written requests to all utility
companies, City Staff, and HOA's to provide with what they believe is considered
manageable.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
1. Consideration and possible action to receive a report on the status of wireless
telecommunications coverage throughout the City. (Mesker)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there were
twelve 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: Mckenzi Neely-
Wright (AT&T), Ed Dixon (AT&T), Daisy Kimpang, Stephen Garcia (Crown Castle),
Mickey Rodich, Tim Andrade, Swathi Ramanuja, Vinnie Due, Dr. Milan, Dave Tomblin,
Al Sattler, and Craig Cadwallader.
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October 15, 2024
Page 6 of 8
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Seo moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alegria, to approve Staff
recommendations as amended: 1) Receive and file a report on the status of wireless
telecommunications coverage throughout the City; 2) Direct Staff to conduct a meeting
with the various carriers and the telecommunication's lobbying firm, Cellular
Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), to investigate potential
amendments to Chapters 12.18 wireless facilities on public rights-of-way) and 17.76
(wireless facilities, on private property) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code
that would incentivize carriers to improve wireless telecommunications coverage
throughout the City; and, 3) Return to the City Council in no later than three to four
months with an update and possible code amendment initiation request.
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 receive a status update on the Civic Center
Master Plan project. (Waters)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Senior Analyst Waters provided a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve Staff
recommendations as: 1) Received and filed a status update on the Civic Center
Master Plan project; 2) Affirmed FEMA's conditional acceptance of revisions to the
public safety (emergency management) components of the revised City Council-
approved Civic Center Master Plan site plan; and, 3) Directed staff to onboard a
project manager to complete, at a minimum, the FEMA-required emergency/public
safety components of the project pursuant to the deed restrictions.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None.
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October 15, 2024
Page 7 of 8
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Mayor Cruikshank directed staff to bring a report on the possibility of obtaining a fourth
Pano Al camera.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Council Member present reported on his/her attendance at various organization and
association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 10:00 P.M., Mayor Cruikshank adjourned to November 6, 2024, for a Closed Session
meeting followed by a 7:00 P.M. Regular meeting.
Mayor Cruikshank adjourned the meeting in honor and memory of Shiraz Govani.
C
Jo Cruikshank, Mayor
Attest:
'4eriftad,k, I
re a Tal�aoka, City Clerk
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October 15, 2024
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