CC MINS 20241106 MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL AND
MEETING OF THE IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
NOVEMBER 6, 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, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
ABSENT: Ferraro *(excused in Fireside Room)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Elena Gerli, City Attorney; Catherine
Jun, Deputy City Manager; and William Wynder, City Attorney Emeritus.
111 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.E
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 —ANTICIPATED 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.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL —INITIATION OF LITIGATION
GC SECTION 54956.9(c), (d)(4)
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(c) and
(d)(4), because the City Council has decided or is deciding whether to initiate
litigation.
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — REAL PROPERTY TRANSACTION
GC SECTION 54956.8
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code§ 54956.8 to consider
the purchase of real property by or for the City, and if applicable to grant authority
to its negotiators regarding the price and terms of payment for the purchase
regarding certain properties in the landslide area (undetermined at this time),
pursuant to the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex Buyout Program.
The City's negotiators are the City Manager and City Attorney.
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.
I
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:08 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 7:08 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; Catherine
Jun, Deputy City Manager; Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Ramzi Awwad, Director of
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November 6, 2024
Page 2 of 10
Public Works; Daniel Trautner, Director of Recreation and Parks; Octavio Silva, Deputy
Director of Community Development; Katie Lazano, Senior Administrative Analyst; Noel
Casil, Senior Engineer; Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst; Enyssa Sisson,
Deputy City Clerk; and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Ferraro.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Gerli reported that City Council met in Closed Session to discuss four items.
City Attorney reported Item No. 1 and 4 were discussed and no reportable action was
taken. Item No. 2, was not discussed and has been moved to the next City Council
meeting, November 19. Item No. 3 was discussed and direction was given to initiate a
receivership proceedings against a property located on San Nicolas Dr.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Cruikshank and the City Council recognized the following outgoing Infrastructure
Management Advisory Committee member: Donald Swanson.
Mayor Cruikshank and the City Council recognized and presented a certificate to the
Peninsula Hill Foundation for their celebration of Diwali and contributions to the
Peninsula's Indian community.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Cruikshank, by order of affirmation, noted the Recycle Winners for October 15,
2024, George Walker and Michael Tom. 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 Ferraro, 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: Carol Mueller, Evan
Coats (Palos Verdes Library District), and Jeff Bassler.
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November 6, 2024
Page 3 of 10
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following: Upcoming due date for the
Voluntary Property Buyout Program for Homes Impacted by Land Movement;
Informational Door handouts will be passed out to homes impacted by Land Movement;
Public Safety Reimbursement Program, please contact publicsafety@rpvca.gov; Western
Avenue, Cal Trans Bike Lane Project; Native American Heritage Month; RPV Salutes and
Remembers Veterans with flags throughout the city; Veterans Day Breakfast on
November 9th from 9- 11 A.M. at Ken Dyda Civic Center; and City Hall will be Closed on
November 11; and the City thanks all who have served, and thanked all of our Veterans
who continue to serve.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk reported that late correspondence was distributed regarding items H, K and F
and there was one request to speak on item L.
Councilmember Bradley requested to pull items F and H.
Mayor Pro Tem Alegria moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve the
Consent Calendar as presented with the exceptions of Items L (public comments), F, and
H.
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 15, 2024 (Regular Meeting)
B. Registers of Demands (Mata)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2024-64, 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 2024-11, 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 September 2024 Cash
Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Reports. (Lin)
Received and filed the September 2024 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Report
for the City and the Improvement Authority.
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November 6, 2024
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D. Consideration and possible action regarding a claim against the City by
Mohammad Fakhreddine. (Sisson)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Mohammad Fakhreddine.
E. Consideration and possible action regarding a claim against the City by Kohei
Chikazawa. (Sisson)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Kohei Chikazawa.
F. Consideration and possible action to file a Notice of Completion for the
Restroom Improvements at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center project.
(O'Neill)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
G. Consideration and possible action to approve constructing drainage
improvements at the Point Vincente Interpretive Center. (Sunwoo/Copp)
1) Approved the plans, specifications, and construction documents for drainage
improvements at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC); 2) Awarded a
construction contract for the drainage improvements project at the PVIC to Estate
Design and Construction, Inc., in the amount of $60,000, with a contingency of 10%
or $6,000, for a total amount of up to $66,000; and,3) Authorized the Mayor and City
Clerk to execute the contracts in forms approved by the City Attorney.
H. Consideration and possible action to receive the 2023 Annual Report for the
Palos Verdes Nature Preserve. (Wolterding)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
I. Consideration and possible action to adopt a City Council Policy on Security
Cameras and Video Retention. (Waters)
Adopted City Council Policy No. 59, the City's Security Camera and Video Retention
Policy.
J. Consideration and possible action to approve an agreement with California
Wood Recycling, Inc. (DBA Agromin) to procure compost material pursuant to
Senate Bill 1383 (Organic Waste). (Hevener)
1) Approved a three-year direct service provider agreement with California Wood
Recycling, Inc. (DBA Agromin)to procure compost material to meet the City's required
Procurement Target under Senate Bill (SB) 1383; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor to
execute the direct service provider agreement, in a form acceptable to the City
Attorney.
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November 6, 2024
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K. 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)
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; and, 2) Directed the City Clerk to confirm the same in
the minutes of this City Council meeting, via Minute Order, reflecting this action.
L. Consideration and possible action to increase the City's contribution toward
eligible employee health savings accounts (HSA) to align with new IRS HSA
contribution limits effective January 1, 2025. (Godinez)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
L. Consideration and possible action to increase the City's contribution toward
eligible employee health savings accounts (HSA) to align with new IRS HSA
contribution limits effective January 1, 2025. (Godinez)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that there was one request to speak.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: Carol Mueller.
Councilmember Ferraro moved,seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alegria, to approve Staff
Recommendations as follows: 1) Authorized increasing the City's contribution to
eligible employee health savings accounts (HSA) to $4,300 for individuals and $8,550
for family plans under the 2025 High Deductible PPO+HSA medical plan to align with
new IRS 2025 HSA contribution limits effective January 1, 2025; 2) Approved
Resolution No. 2024-65 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, INCREASING THE CITY'S HEALTH
SAVINGS ACCOUNT CONTRIBUTION FOR ALL ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2025; 3) Approved Resolution No. 2024-66 A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING, ADOPTING, AND IMPLEMENTING, AND
THEREBY AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A THIRD AMENDMENT
TO THE CITY'S MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE RANCHO
PALOS VERDES EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2022
THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025, INCREASING THE CITY'S CONTRIBUTION TO
ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS; and, 4)Approved Resolution
No. 2024-67 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING, ADOPTING, AND IMPLEMENTING,
AND THEREBY AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A THIRD
AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE
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November 6, 2024
Page 6 of 10
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES,
DISTRICT COUNCIL 36 FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2023 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025,
INCREASING THE CITY'S CONTRIBUTION TO ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH
III SAVINGS ACCOUNTS.
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 adopt a Citywide electric bicycle (E-Bike)
ordinance. (Awwad)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Director of Public Works Ramzi Awwad introduced the Senior Engineer Casil who
provided a Staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff and
City Attorney.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Both Councilmember Bradley and Mayor Pro Tem Alegria withdrew their original initial
motion to replace it with the following motion:
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alegria, to approve
Staff Recommendations as amended: 1) Introduced Ordinance No. 689, AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA,
REPEALING AND REPLACING RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTION 12.16.020 (MOTOR VEHICLES AND ELECTRIC BICYCLES IN PARKS,
PRESERVES, AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES REGULATED) AND ADDING
SECTION 12.16.180 (OPERATION OF ELECTRIC BICYCLES ON STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS) TO REGULATE THE USE OF ELECTRIC BICYCLES; 2) ADOPTED
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-68, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING FINES FOR
VIOLATIONS OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION
12.16.020 (MOTOR VEHICLES, MOTORIZED BICYCLES, AND ELECTRIC
BICYCLES IN PARKS, PRESERVES, AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
REGULATED) AND UPDATING THE BAIL SCHEDULE ACCORDINGLY, as
amended, so that the first offence is a written warning, second offense $500, and third
or more offenses $750; and 4) Directed Staff to strike out the words "under 18 years
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November 6, 2024
Page 7 of 10
of age" from Item No. 13 so that the ordinance reads "all operators and passengers
must wear a helmet properly, strapped or while operating a motorized device."
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
Captain Kimberly Guerrero of the Lomita Sheriff's Station joined the meeting at 8:30
p.m.
2. Consideration and possible action to receive a status update report on a
proposed Point Vicente Interpretive Center Museum Annex. (Waters)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Senior Administrative Analyst Waters provided a staff report and PowerPoint
presentation and introduced Former Mayor Ken Dyda for the remainder of the
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 amended: Received and filed a status update report on a
proposed Point Vicente Interpretive Center Museum Annex from former Rancho Palos
Verdes Mayor Ken Dyda and Directed staff to reach out to the appropriate
Government Agencies that maintain oversight or restrictions for this property
including, but not limited to, National Park Service, Department of Toxic and
Substance Control, and California Coastal Commission, and to return to the City
Council in a few months with an update.
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:
F. Consideration and possible action to file a Notice of Completion for the
Restroom Improvements at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center project.
(O'Neill)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that there were no requests to speak and that this item was
pulled earlier this evening by Councilmember Bradley.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff.
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo, to approve Staff
Recommendations as follows: 1) Accepted the Restroom Improvements at the Point
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November 6, 2024
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Vicente Interpretive Center Project (PVIC) construction contract as complete; 2)
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 Ambit Construction & Design, Inc., 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.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
H. Consideration and possible action to receive the 2023 Annual Report for the
Palos Verdes Nature Preserve. (Wolterding)
City Clerk Takaoka noted that there were no requests to speak and that this item was
pulled earlier this evening by Councilmember Bradley.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff.
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Seo to approve Staff
recommendations as amened:1) Received and filed the 2023 Annual Report for the
Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, 2) Authorized the City Manager to sign the Annual
Report Certification Statement required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and 3)
Directed staff to pursue coordinating with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land
Conservancy to consider amending the existing Management Agreement to include
language specifying that the City Council should have the final authority over naming
the Preserve, Reserves, and trails.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Seo, Alegria, and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Council Member present reported on his/her attendance at various organization and
association meetings.
ADJOUR
NMENT:
City Council Regular Minutes
November 6, 2024
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At 9:25 P.M., Mayor Cruikshank adjourned to November 19, 2024, for a Closed Session
meeting followed by a 7:00 P.M. Regular meeting.
Joh\i çruikshank, Mayor
Attest:
GIPi
s kaoka, City Clerk
I
I
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November 6, 2024
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