CC MINS 20250506 MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
AND IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
MAY 6, 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 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; John Fox, Assistant City Attorney; Pam
Lee, Labor Counsel; Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager; Ramzi Awwad, Director of
Public Works; Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community
Development; Daniel Trautner, Director of Recreation and Parks; Vanessa Godinez,
Human Resources and Risk Manager; Nathan Zweizig, Acting Deputy City Clerk (via
zoom); and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR CLOSED SESSION:
None
CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S) ANNOUNCED:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6, with the
City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and City Attorney, acting as its negotiators,
regarding labor negotiations with the Rancho Palos Verdes Employee Association
(RPVEA) and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees
District Council 36 (AFSME DC36).
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL —ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2) or
(d)(3) and (e)(1) because there is a significant exposure to litigation in one case
where the facts and circumstances giving rise to an exposure to litigation are not
known to plaintiff(s).
3. 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 two cases.
At 6:02 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session.
*Councilmember Ferraro joined the Closed Session meeting in the Fireside Room at 6:02
P.M.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:06 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
was called to order by Mayor Bradley at 7:06 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; Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager;
John Fox, Assistant City Attorney; Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Ramzi Awwad,
Director of Public Works; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community Development; Daniel
Trautner, Director of Recreation and Parks; Robert Nemeth, Associate Planner; James
Zoren, Code Enforcement Officer; Brandon Mesker, Associate Engineer; Vanessa
Godinez, Human Resources and Risk Manager; Eileen Jacinto, Human Resources
Analyst; Lukasz Buchwald, IT Manager; Nathan Zweizig, Acting Deputy City Clerk; and
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Assistant City Attorney John Fox.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Council Regular Minutes
May 6, 2025
Page 2 of 11
Assistant City Attorney Fox provided the closed session report and reported that all three
items were discussed in closed session.
Assistant City Attorney Fox reported that for Item 1 regarding ongoing labor negotiations
with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees District Council
36 (AFSCME DC36) was continued, and with the Rancho Palos Verdes Employee
Association (RPVEA) it was reported that the City Council tentatively approved a
successor collective bargaining agreement subject to the agreement returning to the City
Council for final approval at the City Council meeting on May 20.
As to Item 2 regarding anticipated litigation, there was conference with legal counsel and
there was nothing to report.
Relating to Item 3 conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation and
whether to initiate litigation in two cases, there was nothing to report.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Bradley noted that in celebration of 2025 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and
Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, Mayor Pro Tem Seo would read a proclamation.
Mayor Pro Tem Seo read the 2025 AANHPI proclamation and thanked the organization for
their dedicated community service.
Mayor Bradley and the entire City Council joined in thanking outgoing REACH Coordinator
Angela Lightner for her years of service to the City and the REACH Community providing
excellent support working with the developmentally disabled.
Mayor Bradley and the entire City Council bade farewell to longtime resident Dave
Emenhiser who is moving out of the City. Additionally, they thanked him for his previous
service on the Finance Advisory Committee and Planning Commission, as well as his recent
tenure on the Council of Homeowners Association (CHOA).
The following residents acknowledged Mr. Emenhiser's contributions to the community
and/or their respective organizations: Bob Nelson; Kathy Edgerton (CHOA), Marie Chura
(CHOA), and Paul Barrett (St. Peter's Church).
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Bradley, by order of affirmation, approved the Recycle Winners for April 15, 2025,
as Marc Izzo and Vicki Hanger. 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:
111 Mayor Pro Tem Seo moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve the agenda
as presented.
City Council Regular Minutes
May 6, 2025
Page 3 of 11
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None 111
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there was one request to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Ravi Khosla.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following:
1. Congratulations to Emily Rodin on being selected as Deputy Director of Recreation
and Parks.
2. The City's Drive-Thru Shredding, E-Waste, and Mulch event is scheduled for
Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the Ken Dyda Civic
Center.
3. Kids to Parks Day is Saturday, May 17, 2025
4. The Native Plant Garden Volunteer Event is scheduled for May 18, 2025 from 10:00
A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Point Vicente Interpretive Center.
5. The ongoing Youth Advisory Committee Recruitment (deadline to apply June 30th)
6. A note that May is Wildfire Awareness Month and it is currently Wildfire
Preparedness Week.
7. May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
8. Fair & Fun Run, celebrating mental health advocacy is scheduled for Saturday, May
31 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School track.
9. Municipal Clerks Week is May 4-10, 2025.
10.Peace Officers Memorial Day is May 15,, 2025
11.Happy Mother's Day to all moms.
12.Happy Birthday to Councilmembers Ferraro and Perestam.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed earlier regarding Item
C and H and there were no requests to speak.
Mayor Bradley shared some comments regarding Item C.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Perestam, to approve the
Consent Calendar.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
City Council Regular Minutes
May 6, 2025
Page 4 of 11
A. Approval of Minutes (Zweizig)
Approved the Minutes of April 15 (Regular), April 17 (Adjourned Regular Budget
Workshop) and April 29 (Adjourned Regular Meeting CIP Workshop).
B. Registers of Demands (Anguiano)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-22, 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 20250404); and, Adopted Resolution No. 2025-23, 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 20250418).
C. Consideration to affirm position letters on pending state legislation for Assembly
Bill (AB) 647 (Gonzalez), Senate Bill (SB) 79 (Wiener), AB 986 (Muratsuchi) and
AB 262 (Caloza). (Jun)
Affirmed authorizing the. Mayor's signing of the following position letters regarding
pending state legislation that have been sent to the State Legislature for consideration
based on the City Council-adopted 2025 Legislative Platform:
a) Oppose AB 647 (Gonzalez— Housing Density and Development in Single-
Family Zoning Districts);
b) Oppose SB 79 (Wiener— Housing Density Along High Transit Corridors);
c) Support AB 986 (Muratsuchi — Landslide and Climate Events); and/or
d) Support AB 262 (Caloza —Authorizing Individual Assistance for State
Emergencies)
D. Consideration to approve a Professional Service Agreement with Black and
Veatch for consultant services related to updating the General Plan's Safety
Element. (Seeraty)
1) Approved a Professional Service Agreement (PSA) with Black and Veatch in the not
to exceed amount of$165,402 for a term of one year from the date of approval for
consultant services related to updating the General Plan's Safety Element; and, 2)
Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the PSA, in a form approved by the
City Attorney.
E. Consideration of a claim against the City by Joseph Anthony Mercado. (Zweizig)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Joseph Anthony Mercado.
F. Consideration to receive the March 2025 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer's
Report. (Lin)
City Council Regular Minutes
May 6, 2025
Page 5 of 11
Received and filed the March 2025 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Report for the
City and the Improvement Authority.
G. Consideration to continue the emergency justification for work and emergency
contracting 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
Vertical Deep 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.
H. Consideration to support.South Coast Air Quality Management District's draft
Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121 (Jun)
Authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support for South Coast Air Quality
Management District's (AQMD) draft Proposed Amended Rules (PAR) 1111 and 1121
to require zero-emission standards for residential furnaces and water heaters.
I. Consideration to approve Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services
Agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc. for Building and Safety services.
(Garrett)
1) Approved Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with
Transtech Engineers, Inc. to exercise a two-year extension and extend the PSA by one
additional year and increase thecontract sum by $780,000 resulting in an annual not-
to-exceed contract agreement of$380,000 for Building and Safety services through
June'30, 2028; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Amendment
No. 2 in a form approved by the City Attorney.
J. Consideration to approve certain new or amended City employment Class
Specifications. (Godinez)
1) Reviewed revised Class Specifications for Accounting Clerk and Senior Staff
Assistant; 2) Reviewed new Class Specifications for Public Safety Field Training
Officer, Open Space and Trails Worker, Open Space and Trails Crew Lead; and, 3)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-24, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AMENDING,
APPROVING AND ADOPTING REVISED CLASS SPECIFICATIONS FOR
ACCOUNTING CLERK AND SENIOR STAFF ASSISTANT, AND NEW CLASS
SPECIFICATIONS OF PUBLIC SAFETY FIELD TRAINING OFFICER, OPEN SPACE
AND TRAILS WORKER, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS CREW LEAD.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
City Council Regular Minutes
May 6, 2025
Page 6 of 11
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Consideration of an appeal of the Planning Commission's decision of an
incomplete development application for 3015 Crest Road (Case No. PLHV2018-
0003). (Nemeth)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published,
late correspondence was distributed and there were five requests to speak.
Councilmember Perestam recused himself at 8:03 P.M. due to owning property within
1000 feet of the project.
Mayor Bradley declared the public hearing open.
Director of Community Development Forbes introduced Robert Nemeth, Associate
Planner who presented a detailed staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Council Members asked questions of Staff.
The following appellant addressed the City Council: Elizabeth Afriyie, Appellant
Attorney.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of the
appellants' attorney.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Dr. Ying Mou
(Appellant); Chunxiao Zhang (Appellant); Silvia Soong; and Tim Logan.
Council Members asked questions of the speakers.
Appellants' Attorney Elizabeth Afriyie provided rebuttal comments after the members of
the public addressed the City Council.
Mayor Bradley closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff and
City Attorney.
Councilmember Lewis moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve staff
recommendation as follows: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-25, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES THEREBY
DENYING AN APPEAL AND UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S
DECISION TO UPHOLD THE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT'S DETERMINATION OF AN INCOMPLETE DEVELOPMENT
APPLICATION FOR PROPOSED REVISIONS TO A PLANNING COMMISSION-
APPROVED PROJECT AT 3015 CREST ROAD (CASE NO. PLHV2018-0003).
City Council Regular Minutes
May 6, 2025
Page 7 of 11
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
RECUSED: Perestam
Mayor Bradley called for a brief recess at 9:35 P.M. Without objection, it was so
ordered. The meeting was reconvened at 9:45 P.M.
Councilmember Perestam rejoined at 9:45 P.M.
2. Consideration to receive a 2024 report on the City's Vacancies and Recruitment
and Retention Efforts per Assembly Bill 2561 and Government Code § 3502.3
(Jacinto)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published
and there were no requests to speak.
Deputy City Manager Jun introduced Vanessa Godinez, Human Resources and Risk
Manager and Eileen Jacinto, Human Resources Analyst, who presented a
comprehensive staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Bradley declared the public hearing open.
Mayor Bradley closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Seo, to approve staff
recommendation as follows: Received and filed an annual report on the 2024 City's
vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts, in compliance with new legal
obligations under Assembly Bill (AB) 2561/Government Code § 3502.3.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
3. Consideration to review the 2025 Peafowl Census Report and reinstate limited
trapping. (Silva/Zoren)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed, there were no
requests to speak, and shared Raptor Events consultant, Jonathan Gonzales was
available via Zoom.
Director of Community Development Forbes introduced James Zoren, Code
Enforcement Officer who presented a detailed staff report and PowerPoint presentation
and shared Raptor Events consultant, Jonathan Gonzales is available for questions.
City Council Regular Minutes
May 6, 2025
Page 8 of 11
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Perestam, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve Staff
Recommendation and to include Councilmember Lewis' friendly amendment to
Recommendation No. 3: 1) Received and filed a Peafowl Trapping Summary Report
between 2015 and 2024; 2) Received and filed the 2025 Peafowl Census Report; 3)
Directed Staff to reinstate the Peafowl Trapping and Relocation Program for 2025 with
up to 34 peafowl in Portuguese Bend, up to 20 peafowl in Vista Grande, and up to 15
peafowl, but no more than 3 females, in the Sunnyside Ridge neighborhoods; and, 4)
Approved Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Raptor
Events, LLC. to exercise a one-year extension option.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
4. Consideration to receive updates on the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient
Altamira Landslide Complex. (Awwad)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed, there were two
requests to speak, and shared Cotton Shires & Associates consultant, Mike Phipps
was available via Zoom.
Director of Public Works Awwad and Geologist Mike Phipps presented a
comprehensive staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Bradley moved to extend the meeting to 11:00 P.M. Without objection, it was so
ordered.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, and questions were asked of Staff.
Finance Director Ramos presented a thorough financial report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Due to technical difficulties, the following member of the public was not able to address
the City Council: Nikki Noushkam.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, and questions were asked of Staff.
Mayor Bradley moved to extend the meeting to 11:30 P.M. Without objection, it was so
ordered.
Mayor Pro Tem Seo moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve Staff
Recommendation as amended: 1) Received and filed an update on current activities
and conditions in the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex; 2')
Approved an additional appropriation of$500,000 from the Capital Improvement
City Council Regular Minutes
May 6, 2025
Page 9 of 11
Program (CIP) Fund for additional operations and maintenance costs associated with
the Deep Dewatering Well (DDW) Program through June 30, 2025; 3) Considered
additional data collection options for measuring the impact of the DDWs and did not
provide direction to Staff; 4) Deferred consideration of a Hydrology and Hydraulics
Study to allow staff to meet with the Council Subcommittee on expanding the scope of
work; 5) 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; 6) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-26, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING FOR A TERM OF 60 DAYS THE TEMPORARY
PROHIBITION ON TRAVEL BY UNICYCLES, BICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES, AND
OTHER ONE- OR TWO-WHEELED VEHICLES ON PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH
WITHIN THE LANDSLIDE COMPLEX DUE TO CONTINUED ROADWAY
CONDITIONS; 7) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-27, 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; and, 8) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-28, 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.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
5. Consideration to receive a status report on wireless telecommunications
coverage throughout the City. (Mesker/Seeraty)
City Clerk Takaoka shared that there were no requests to speak and Crown Castle
consultant, Steven Garcia was available for comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Seo moved to waive the staff report, without objection this was so
ordered.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Crown
Castle consultant, Steven Garcia.
Mayor Pro Tem Seo moved, seconded by Councilmember Perestam, to approve Staff
Recommendation as follows: 1) Received and filed a status report on wireless
telecommunications coverage on private property and in the public right-of-way
throughout the City; 2) Received and filed a status report on the City Council's request
for the carriers to provide a Master Plan Coverage Map; and, 3) Directed Staff to
City Council Regular Minutes
May 6, 2025
Page 10 of 11
continue their efforts 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
(RPVMC) that would incentivize carriers to improve wireless telecommunications
coverage throughout the City.
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:
None
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Councilmember present reported on his attendance at various organization and
association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 11:19 P.M., Mayor Bradley adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, for a
Closed Session meeting followed by a 7:00 P.M. Regular meeting.
Mayor Bradley adjourned the meeting in honor and memory of Barry Hildebrand.
-7C
David L. ra ey, Mayor
Attest:
of
Ter sa hkaoka, City Clerk
City Council Regular Minutes
May 6, 2025
Page 11 of 11