CC MINS 20241217 MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 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 Bradley at 6:00 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: Lewis, Perestam, Seo, and Mayor Bradley
ABSENT: Ferraro *(excused in Fireside Room)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager;
Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works; Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Brandy
Forbes, Director of Community Development*(Via Zoom); William Wynder, City Attorney;
and Ed Richards (via Zoom), Special Counsel.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR CLOSED SESSION:
None.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S) ANNOUNCED:
City Attorney Wynder announced the items to be discussed in Closed Session.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL —ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
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
9589071052700684926273, settlement offer R4-2024-0013; Claim
9589071052700684926518, settlement offer R4-2024-0020; Claim
9589071052700684926457, settlement offer R4-2024-0018; and Claim
9589071052700684926242, settlement offer R4-2024-0012.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(b)(1) &
(3)(B) because there is a significant exposure to litigation in four(4) cases involving
claims by Maribel Duenas, Eulogio Duenas, Ana M. Duenas and The Duenas
Family Trust, which claims are available for public inspection and copying with the
Office of the City Clerk.
3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL— EXISTING LITIGATION
A closed session will be help, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(a), to
confer with legal counsel regarding pending litigation to which the City is a
party. The title of such litigation is as follows: Anderson et al. v. City of Rancho
Palos Verdes et al., LA County Superior Case No. 24STCV20953
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — REAL PROPERTY TRANSACTION
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 6:01 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session.
*Councilmember Ferraro joined the Closed Session meeting in the Fireside Room at 6:01
P.M.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:05 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 7:05 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: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo, and Mayor Bradley
ABSENT: None.
City Council Regular Minutes
December 17, 2024
Page 2 of 10
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; Catherine
Jun, Deputy City Manager; Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Ramzi Awwad, Director of
Public Works; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community Development; Director of
Recreation and Parks, Daniel Trautner; Luna Mohammad, Senior Administrative Analyst;
Jennifer Schmid, Public Safety Manager; 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 Captain Kimberly Guerrero.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney stated that there were four items on Closed Session. Item one, is continued
because the City is not yet in a position to brief the Council on the issues raised therein.
Item two, Council was briefed on this claim. Council gave some initial settlement authority.
This has been communicated to CJPIA's Council and will wait on their determination and
will report back to Council at a future date. Item three, CJPIA's legal Council also briefed
the City Council on Los Angeles County Superior Case No. 24STCV20953. The briefing
was extensive, questions were asked and answered, and no reportable action was taken.
Item four, City staff briefed the Council on the terms and conditions of the Greater
Portuguese Bend Landslide complex buyout program, questions were asked and
answered, but no reportable action was taken.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Bradley and the City Council recognized the following outgoing Finance Advisory
Committee member: George Lewis.
Mayor Bradley and the City Council recognized and presented a certificate of recognition
to Bryce Kurashige, Troop 378; Graham Johnson, Troop 128; London Duster, Troop 783;
and Matthew Soto, Troop 128 for the completion of their Eagle Scout project.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Bradley, by order of affirmation, noted the Recycle Winners for November 19,
2024, were Kasra Ferasat; Robert and Jean Markl; Virginia Cologne; and Jose Valverde.
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:
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Seo, to approve the
agenda as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
City Council Regular Minutes
December 17, 2024
Page 3 of 10
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo, and Mayor Bradley
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: Rob Kautz, Noel Park,
and Eva Albuja.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following: Introduced new Public Safety
Manager, Jennifer Schmid; The City is now accepting applications to fill one vacancy on
the Finance Advisory Committee, apply by January 23; Tree Lighting Ceremony on
December 6; EDCO curbside Tree Collection available December 26 - January 15;
Congratulations to the Finance Department for receiving GFOA Distinguished Budget
Presentation Award; City Hall will be Closed December 23 - January 1 for the holidays;
Free Shuttle Service for New Year's Eve with Palos Verdes Peninsula Transit Authority;
and wished everyone a Happy Hanukkah, a Happy Kwanzaa, a Merry Christmas, and a
Happy New Year.
Captain Guerrero shared a 3rd quarter report presentation providing an update on crime
rates in the City.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Seo, to approve the
Consent Calendar as presented with the exception of Item F.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
A. Approval of Minutes (Sisson)
Approved the Minutes of November 19, 2024.
B. Registers of Demands (Anguiano)
Adopted Resolution No. 2024-74, 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 date 20241115); Adopted Resolution No. 2024-75, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, ALLOWING
CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING FUNDS FROM WHICH THE
City Council Regular Minutes
December 17, 2024
Page 4 of 10
SAME ARE TO BE PAID (check date 20241127); and Adopted Resolution IA 2024-
12 A RESOLUTION OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES IMPROVEMENT
AUTHORITY ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING
FUNDS FROM WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID.
C. Consideration and possible action to amend the existing Professional Services
Agreement with Michael Baker International, Inc. to continue additional
temporary planning services. (Garrett)
1) Approved Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with Michael
Baker International, Inc., to continue to provide on-call planning contract services in
the Community Development Department through June 30, 2026 and increase the
agreement sum by $70,000, thereby increasing the not-to-exceed total agreement
amount from $115,000 to $185,000; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute the amendment in a form approved by the City Attorney.
D. Consideration and possible action to cancel the January 7, 2025 City Council
meeting. (Takaoka)
Approved and authorized the cancellation of the January 7, 2025 City Council
meeting.
E. Consideration and possible action to receive the October 2024 Cash
Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Reports. (Lin)
Received and filed the October 2024 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Report for
the City and the Improvement Authority.
F. Consideration and possible action approve a Professional Services Agreement
with T & M Construction to provide demolition services for a public nuisance
abatement action. (Silva)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
G. Consideration and possible action review the 2024 Border Issues report.
(Barnes)
Received and filed a report on the status of Border Issues for 2024.
H. Consideration and possible action to receive the annual valuations for City
pension plans from the California Public Employees Retirement System
(CalPERS). (Moya)
Received and filed the actuarial valuations for City pension plans from the CaIPERS
as of June 30, 2023.
I. Consideration and possible action to designate the City's management
representatives for labor negotiations. (Jun)
City Council Regular Minutes
December 17, 2024
Page 5 of 10
Adopted Resolution No. 2024-76, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE
CITY'S MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVES FOR LABOR NEGOTIATIONS
PURSUANT TO ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTION NO. 2-20, FOR PURPOSES
OF COMPLYING WITH THE MYERS-MILIAS-BROWN ACT, GOVERNMENT
CODE §§ 3500 ET SEQ. AS LEAD NEGOTIATOR PAM LEE OF ALESHIRE &
WYNDER, LLP; CITY MANAGER, ARA MIHRANIAN; DEPUTY CITY MANAGER,
CATHERINE JUN; FINANCE DIRECTOR, VINA RAMOS; AND HUMAN
RESOURCES MANAGER, VANESSA GODINEZ.
J. Consideration and possible action regarding the Fiscal Year 2024-25 First
Quarter Financial Report for General Fund and year-to-date report for ARPA
Fund. (Moya)
1) Received and filed the FY 2024-25 First Quarter Financial Report for the General
Fund; 2) Received and filed the year-to-date financial report for ARPA Fund and
approve the following: a. Carry forward budget appropriations balance of$1,100,000
from FY 2023-24 to FY 2024-25 and increase the FY 2024-25 Adopted for the
Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex.
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 appoint City Councilmembers to
intergovernmental organizations, associations, and City subcommittees for
2025. (Takaoka)
1) Appointed the members of the City Council to the various intergovernmental
organizations, associations, and City subcommittees for 2025; and, 2) Directed Staff
to notify the various agencies of the City Council's decision.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
F. Consideration and possible action approve a Professional Services Agreement
with T & M Construction to provide demolition services for a public nuisance
abatement'action. (Silva)
City Clerk Takaoka reported there were three requests to speak.
Mayor Bradley directed staff to present a brief staff report, without objection it was so
ordered.
City Council Regular Minutes
December 17, 2024
Page 6 of 10
Director of Community Development Forbes provided a brief staff report.
City Attorney provided a piece of quick background information.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Nikki Noushkam,
Eva Albuja, and Kit Song.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Seo, to approve Staff
recommendations as, follows: 1) Approved a Professional Services Agreement (PSA)
with T & M Construction to provide demolition services for a public nuisance
abatement action at 4361 Exultant Drive in the amount of $55,000 plus additional
costs for asbestos and other hazardous abatement, if needed; and, 2) Authorized the
Mayor and City Clerk to execute the PSA with T & M Construction in a form approved
by the City Attorney.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
1. Consideration and possible action on the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient
Altamira Landslide Complex.(Awwad/Ramos/Forbes/Lozano/Wynder)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were five requests to speak.
City Manager Mihranian provided a brief overview and introduced Director of Public
Works Awwad for an update, and who introduced the City's Geologist Mike Phipps of
Cotton Shires and Associates.
City Geologist Phipps presented a comprehensive report and PowerPoint
presentation regarding the landslide's progression.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff, Mike
Phipps, City's Geologist; William McCormick, Geo-Logic Associate Consultant; and
Gary Lass, Geo-Logic Associate Consultant.
Director of Public Works Awwad introduced the Director of Community Development
to present a Staff Report and PowerPoint presentation on FEMA's Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program's Voluntary Buyout Program.
Director of Public Works Awwad introduced the Director of Finance Ramos to present
a Staff Report and PowerPoint presentation on Portuguese Bend Landslide
Expenditures since October 2022.
City Council Regular Minutes
December 17, 2024
Page 7 of 10
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Nikki Noushkam,
Jeff Bassler, Gordon Leon, Eva Albuja, and Kit Song.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff, City
Attorney, and William McCormick, Geo-Logic Associate Consultant.
Discussion ensued among Council and questions were asked of Staff.
Mayor Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Perestam to approve Staff
recommendations as follows: 1) Received and filed an update on current activities and
conditions in the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex; 2)
Received and filed an update on FEMA's Voluntary Property Acquisition Buyout
Program; 3) Received and filed an update on City expenditures for emergency
protective and stabilization measures in response to the acceleration of the Greater
Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex; 4) Approved an additional
appropriation of $1.1 million, allocated from the Capital Infrastructure Program (CIP)
Fund, for the maintenance of the existing deep dewatering well program through
March 31, 2025; 5) Adopted Resolution No. 2024-77, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA,
EXTENDING FOR A TERM OF 90 DAYS THE TEMPORARY PROHIBITION ON
TRAVEL BY BICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES, UNICYCLES AND OTHER SIMILAR
WHEELED VEHICLES ON PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH WITHIN THE
LANDSLIDE COMPLEX DUE TO CONTINUED ROADWAY CONDITIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE ON-GOING LAND MOVEMENT; 6) Adopted Resolution
No. 2024-78, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, CONTINUING THE LOCAL EMERGENCY
DECLARATION AS ESTABLISHED BY RESOLUTION NO. 2023-47 ADOPTED ON
OCTOBER 3, 2023 FOR AN ADDITIONAL 60 DAY PERIOD; 7) Adopted Resolution
No. 2024-79, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING THE STATE OF LOCAL
EMERGENCY WITHIN THE GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES OF THE PORTUGUESE
BEND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, PORTUGUESE BEND BEACH CLUB, AND
SEAVIEW NEIGHBORHOODS BASED ON SUDDEN ENERGY SHORTAGES,
PLANNED DEENERGIZING EVENTS, AND INTERNET SERVICE SHUT OFFS AS
ESTABLISHED BY RESOLUTION NOS. 2024-52 AND 2024-57 FOR AN
ADDITIONAL 60 DAYS; and 8) Directed Staff to return to the January 21, 2025,
meeting with a proposed list of deferred CIP projects that could potentially fund
additional deep dewatering wells and to provide a comprehensive remediation plan.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: Ferraro and Seo
Mayor Bradley called for a brief recess at 9:42. Without objection, it was so ordered.
The meeting was reconvened at 9:53 P.M
City Council Regular Minutes
December 17, 2024
Page 8 of 10
2. Consideration and possible action to receive a status update on the City's Pano
Al Camera for Peninsula-wide wildfire detection services. (Mohammad)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there was
one request to speak.
Senior Administrative Analyst Mohammad provided 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: Larry Maizlish.
Councilmember Ferraro, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Seo, to approve Staff
recommendations as follows: Received and filed a status update on the installation
and performance of the City's Pano Al Camera.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis,, Perestam, Seo, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
Councilmember Ferraro moved to extend the meeting to 10:30 P.M. Without objection,
Mayor Bradley so ordered.
3. Consideration and possible action to authorize a delegation of City
representatives to visit sister city, Sakura City, Japan, to celebrate their 20th
Anniversary as a municipality. (Jun)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed.
Deputy City Manager Jun provided a brief staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Ferraro, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Seo, to approve Staff
recommendations as follows: 1) Authorized sending a delegation of City Council
Members and up to two City Staff to conduct an official sister city visit to Sakura City
in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan between March 24 and 31, 2025 to celebrate their 20th
Anniversary as a municipality; and, 2) Selected all five City Council Members plus
the City Manager and possibly an additional staff members to represent the City as
its delegation.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
City Council Regular Minutes
December 17, 2024
Page 9 of 10
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 10:27 P.M., Mayor Bradley adjourned to January 21, 2025 for a Closed Session
meeting followed by a 7:00 P.M. Regular meeting.
A:
Mayor
Attest:
eres -T-atcCaoka, cityC1erk
I
City Council Regular Minutes
December 17, 2024
Page 10 of 10