CC MINS 20250218 MINUTES
111 REGULAR MEETING
OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 18, 2025
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 Pro Tern Seo 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: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Pro Tern Seo
ABSENT: Mayor Bradley*
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; John Fox,
Assistant City Attorney; Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager; Vina Ramos, Director of
Finance; Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community
Development; Hector Gomez, Interim Deputy City Clerk; and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR CLOSED SESSION:
None.
CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S) ANNOUNCED:
City Attorney Wynder requested that the first closed session item be continued to the next
City Council meeting as they were not yet prepared to brief the Council with new
information.
He also requested adding two additional closed session items pursuant to Government
Code Section 54954.2(b) regarding pending litigation matters that arose after the agenda
was posted:
- City of Rancho Palos Verdes vs. Conjunction Junction, LLC.
- City of Rancho Palos Verdes vs. Limetree Estates, LLC.
He explained these cases recently received favorable rulings and the council needed to be
briefed on potentially filing motions for attorney's fees by February 25.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to add the two
additional closed session items.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Pro Tem Seo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bradley (for the vote on the motion)
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 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 -ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
A closed session will be held pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(e) because
the City is considering whether to initiate litigation in three cases
*At 6:05 P.M. Mayor Bradley joined the meeting via Zoom in the Fireside roomI
At 6:07 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session.
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
Pro Tem Seo at 7:07 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
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; John Fox,
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February 18, 2025
Page 2 of 9
Attorney; Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager; Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Ramzi
Awwad, Director of Public Works; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community Development;
Jessica Bobbett, Senior Planner; Daniel Trautner, Director of Recreation and Parks;
Jennifer Schmid, Public Safety Manager; Hector Gomez, Interim Deputy City Clerk; and
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
Also present was Sgt. Tina McCoy of the Lomita Sheriffs Station.
At 7:32 P.M. Captain Guerrero of the Lomita Sheriffs Station joined the meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Lewis.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder provided the closed session report:
• The first closed session item was continued.
• For the second item, no reportable action was taken on the two potential litigations.
• For the third item, the Council authorized staff to proceed with abatement of a public
nuisance.
• For the two added litigation items, the Council received briefings and unanimously
111 directed seeking recovery of attorney's fees as the prevailing party in both cases.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
City Clerk Takaoka noted due to Mayor Bradley participating via zoom a motion and roll
call vote would be required for this item, instead of proceeding via affirmation.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve the
Recycle Winners for February 4, 2025, as Rebecca Hanner and Elizabeth Bostick. 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 Councilmember Lewis, to approve the
agenda as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
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February 18, 2025
Page 3 of 9
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were two requests to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Eva Albuja (Via Zoom)
and Wayne Wang.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following:
1. Southern California Edison has begun restoring power to properties in the Seaview
and Portuguese Bend Beach Club neighborhoods affected by the landslide.
2. The City was well-prepared for recent rainstorms due to winterization efforts
approved by the City Council in October. Minimal issues were experienced.
3. Residents were reminded to keep drainage swales on private property clear of
debris to prevent slope failures.
4. The City offers grants up to $2,000 for neighborhoods and $100 for individuals to
install security cameras and other surveillance devices.
5. A town hall on wildfire preparedness will be held on Thursday at 6:30pm at Hess
Park.
6. The annual homeless count began this week, with volunteers needed for the Palos
Verdes Peninsula count on Thursday February 20.
7. The Valentine's Day "Puppy Love" event was rescheduled to February 25 at
Eastview Park.
8. Registration for the Easter Egg Extravaganza will open on March 4 for the April 19
event.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed earlier regarding item
letter I and there was one request to speak on letter I.
Councilmember Perestam moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve the
Consent Calendar with the exception of Item I.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
A. Approval of Minutes (Gomez)
Approved the Minutes of February 4 (Special Meeting) and February 4, 2025 (Regular
Meeting).
III
B. Registers of Demands (Anguiano)
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February 18, 2025
Page 4 of 9
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-09 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 regarding a claim against the City by Dhruv
Gujjari. (Gomez)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Dhruv Gujjari.
D. Consideration and possible action to approve grants to four different property
owners for the Western Avenue Storefront Improvement Program ("Program").
(Seeraty)
1) Approved a Tier 2 grant agreement between the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and
U.S. Bank in the amount of$10,000 for storefront improvements at 29051 S. Western
Avenue; 2) Approved a Tier 2 grant agreement between the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes and Tigertail Five LLC in the amount of$10,000 for storefront improvements at
29413 S. Western Avenue; 3) Approved a Tier 3 grant agreement between the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes and WLP Westmont Plaza LLC in the amount of$13,191 for
storefront improvements at 28500 S. Western Avenue; and, 4) Approved a Tier 3 grant
agreement between the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and Western Plaza Honey 2, LLC
in the amount of$20,000 for storefront improvements at 29105 S. Western Avenue.
E. Consideration and possible action to approve Amendment No. 5 to the
Employment Agreement with City Manager Ara Mihranian. (Wynder)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-10, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDMENT NO.
5 TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH CITY MANAGER MIHRANIAN.
F. Consideration and possible action to accept Gifts for Parks donations. (Fox)
Accepted Gifts for Parks donations and directed Staff to prepare donor letters of
appreciation for the Mayor's signature.
G. Consideration and possible action to prepare a Peninsula-wide Multi-
Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. (Mohammad)
Authorized the Mayor to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the
cities of Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, and Rolling Hills
Estates for the preparation and cost sharing of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Multi-
jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) Update; and, 2) Affirmed spending
$37,600 as budgeted in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 as the City's share in the cost to
prepare the MJHMP by Black and Veatch (B&V) Consulting based on a Professional
111 Service Agreement (PSA) administered by the City of Rolling Hills Estates.
H. Consideration and possible action to reconfirm continuing the emergency
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February 18, 2025
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justification for work and emergency contract for the Greater Portuguese Bend-
Ancient Altamira Landslide Emergency Project. (Copp)
1) Reconfirmed, 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.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
I. Consideration and possible action to award a professional services agreement to
Kimley Horn and Associates, Inc. to prepare a traffic study for certain intersections
along Palos Verdes Drive South. (Awwad)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there was one request to speak.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: Eva Albuja (Via Zoom).
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Bradley, to approve Staff
recommendations as follows: 1) Awarded a professional services agreement to Kimley-
Horn And Associates, Inc. for a comprehensive feasibility study for the installation of
roundabouts and/or other improvements that enhance traffic flow and improve safety at
the intersection of Palos Verdes Drive South and Forrestal Drive, Conqueror Drive, and
Schooner Drive in the amount of$93,280 with a 15% contingency of $13,992 for a total
cost of$107,272 (Capital Improvement Project Number 8828); and, 2) Authorized the
Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement, 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:
1. Consideration and possible action to conduct an appeal requested by Verdes
Estates Inc. of the Planning Commission's decision upholding the Director of
Community Development's determination for property located at 5323 Ironwood
Street (Case No. PLZC2024-0002). (Bobbett)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published
and there were nine requests to speak.
Mayor Pro Tem Seo recused himself due to owning property within 1000 feet of the
project. Mayor Bradley designated Council Member Perestam to preside over this item.
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February 18, 2025
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Council Member Perestam opened the public hearing at 8:08 P.M.
Director of Community Development Brandy Forbes presented a detailed staff report
and PowerPoint presentation.
The following appellant addressed the City Council: Akhilesh Jha.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Elizabeth Brightman,
Sharon Yarber, Mike Peterson, Kitty Callahan, Dave Matharu, Pritam Matharu, Yogi
Matharu and Aurora Rysanek.
Appellant Akhilesh Jha was provided rebuttal comments after the members of the
public addressed the City Council.
Council Member Perestam closed the public hearing at 8:58 P.M.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve staff
recommendations as follows: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-11 , A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES THEREBY
DENYING THE APPEAL AND UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S
DETERMINATION THAT THE PROPOSED PROJECT WHICH INCLUDES 482
RESIDENTIAL UNITS (1,173,927 SQUARE FEET) DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR
SB35/423 MINISTERIAL REVIEW OR THE EXEMPTION FROM CONSISTENCY
WITH THE CITY'S GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION OR ZONING SET FORTH IN
GOVERNMENT CODE, SECTION 65589.5(D)(5) THEREFORE REQUIRING THE
FOLLOWING LAND USE ENTITLEMENTS: GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, ZONE
CHANGE, CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE, MAJOR GRADING PERMIT,
VARIANCE, ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND MAJOR SITE PLAN REVIEW AS
REQUIRED BY THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE TO CONSIDER
THE PROPOSED PROJECT, AS DESCRIBED HEREIN, FOR THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 5323 IRONWOOD STREET (CASE NO. PLZC2024-0002).
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
Councilmember Perestam called for a recess at 9:02 P.M. Without objection, it was so
ordered.
Mayor Pro Tem Seo rejoined the meeting at 9:14 P.M.
111 The meeting was reconvened at 9:15 P.M.
2. Consideration and possible action to approve acceptance of funding through the
Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program from Los Angeles County
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February 18, 2025
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Development Authority. (Forbes)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published
and there were no requests to speak.
Mayor Pro Tem Seo opened the public hearing at 9:15 P.M.
Mayor Pro Tern Seo moved to waive the staff report, without objection this was so
ordered.
Mayor Pro Tern Seo closed the public hearing at 9:16 P.M.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilmember Lewis moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve staff
recommendations as followed: 1) Received and filed report on Permanent Local
Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program funding; 2) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-12, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE LOS ANGELES
URBAN COUNTY PERMANENT LOCAL HOUSING ALLOCATION PROGRAM BY
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO SIGN A REIMBURSABLE
CONTRACT WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
(LACDA) ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY; and, 3) Approve the submittal of
the letter of intent, input forms, and City Council adopted resolution to the Los Angeles
County Development Authority for the amount of$65,636 to provide funding for the
Rancho Palos Verdes 6th Cycle Housing Element Program No. 5 for Accessory
Dwelling Unit Assistance and Program No. 22 for Housing Conservation and
Rehabilitation Assistance.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
3. Consideration and possible action to receive an update report on the Abalone
Cove Landslide Abatement District's (ACLAD) Deep Dewatering Well Plan.
(Awwad)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there was
one request to speak.
Deputy Director of Public Works Ramzi Awwad presented a comprehensive staff report
and PowerPoint presentation.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: Gordon Leon.
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February 18, 2025
Page 8 of 9
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Staff.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Perestam, to receive
and file the update on ACLAD's Deep Dewatering Well Plan including the number of
wells and instrumentation to be installed using the City's $1.6 million loan; as well as
annual operations and maintenance costs.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Councilmember Lewis requested that future landslide reports include detailed data on well
pressure and output, especially in relation to rainfall events
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Councilmember present reported on his/ her attendance at various organization and
association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 9:38 pm., Mayor Pro Tern Seo Adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, for a
Closed Session meeting followed by a 7:00 P.M. Regular meeting.
011111111. "". j
David L. Bradley, Mayor
Attest:
, , •
Ter-; . akaoka, City Clerk
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February 18, 2025
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