CC MINS 20250520 MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
AND IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
MAY 20, 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 6:02 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 and Mayor Pro Tern Seo
ABSENT: Ferraro* (Excused in Fireside Room) and Mayor Bradley* (Excused in
Fireside Room, via Zoom)
111 Also present were Ara Mihranian; City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; Pam Lee,
Labor Counsel; John Fox, Assistant City Attorney; Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager;;
Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community Development;;
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
GC SECTION 54957.6
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), American Federation of'State, County, and Municipal Employees District
Council 36 (AFSCME DC36) and Unrepresented Employees (Confidential,
Management, and Executive groups).
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
GC SECTION 54957.6
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6, with the
City Council, City Manager, and Finance Director, acting 'as the City's negotiators,
regarding labor negotiations with Aleshire & Wynder, LLP, through William W.
Wynder, City Attorney.
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: Community of Abalone Cove v. City of
Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 24TRCP00352.
5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL —ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
GC SECTION 54956.9(d)(4)
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 6:04 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session.
*Councilmember Ferraro and Mayor Bradley (via Zoom)joined the Closed Session
meeting in the Fireside Room at 6:04 P.M.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:20 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 7:20 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 (Via Zoom)
ABSENT: None
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager;
William Wynder, 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; Emily Rodin, Deputy Director of Recreation and Parks;
Noel Casil, Senior Engineer; James Zoren, Code Enforcement Officer; Lukasz Buchwald,
IT Manager; Nathan Zweizig, Acting Deputy City Clerk; and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
Also present was Captain Kimberly Guerrero of the Lomita Sheriff's Station.
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May 20, 2025
Page 2 of 10
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Manager Mihranian.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder provided the closed session report and reported that all items were
discussed in closed session.
City Attorney Wynder reported that for Item 1 regarding ongoing labor negotiations with
Rancho Palos Verdes Employee Association (RPVEA) there was a privileged and
confidential briefing. The City has reached tentative agreement and will be incorporated
into a Memorandum of Understanding to be brought back at a future City Council meeting
for public review, consideration, and action. The City commenced labor negotiations with
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees District Council 36
(AFSCME DC36). The City's labor negotiator Pam Lee briefed the City Council on
proposals received from AFSCME DC36 and made negotiation recommendations. The
City Council unanimously authorized the City's recommended labor negotiations on a
going forward basis. Regarding labor negotiations with the City's unrepresented
employees involving confidential management employees, executive groups, and the City
Manager, there was unanimous consensus to reach agreement with respect to these items
with exception of the City Manager with Mayor Bradley voting no. These items with come
to City Council at a future meeting for formal action and approval.
City Attorney Wynder reported that for Item 3 regarding ongoing labor negotiations with
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP, the parties have reached an agreement in principle, a contract
amendment will be brought back at a future City Council meeting for public review,
consideration, and possible action.
Relating to Item 4 conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation to which the
City is a party, Community of Abalone Cove v. City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles
Superior Court Case No. 24TRCP00352, City Council was provided a privileged and
confidential briefing and a recommended litigation strategy, which will be implemented on
a going forward basis but does not involve reportable action.
Lastly, regarding Item 5 conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation in
and whether to initiate litigation in three cases, time only allowed to discuss one of the
cases, the Code Enforcement action against the Community Christian Church. The City
Attorney's Office provided a briefing, and City Council gave direction to reach out to the
church one last time in an effort to avoid litigation.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Seo and the entire City Council joined in recognizing Community Helpline
for their contribution to advancing mental health awareness, advocacy, and unwavering
commitment and having a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
Mayor Pro Tem Seo and the City Council recognized and presented certificates to the
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May 20, 2025
Page 3 of 10
following Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Club 2025 Pageant of the Arts Competition
winners: Veronica Chen (Honorable Mention); Jaden Song (Honorable Mention); Jaden
Kim (Honorable Mention); Aarna Veera (Honorable Mention). Mayor Pro Tem Seo also
recognized the following winners not in attendance: Hannah Sheriff (First Place) and Rhys
Ota (Third Place).
Mayor Pro Tem Seo and the City Council recognized and presented a plaque to the
American Cetacean Society — Los Angeles Chapter for 40 years of dedicated volunteer
service.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Pro Tem Seo 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 May 6, 2025, as Harriet Hart and David Alexander. The winners will
each receive a check for $250 as well as a personal emergency preparedness kit from the
City valued at $40.
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Mayor Bradley 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
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; and Chris
Deatherage.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following:
1. Showcased the new merchandise being featured at the gift shop at Point Vicente
Interpretive Center o
2. National Public Works Week is May 18-24, 2025, and this year's theme is People,
Purpose, and Presence.
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May 20, 2025
Page 4 of 10
3. May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and a Community Forum on Wildfire Prevention
hosted by Supervisor Hahn's Office is scheduled for May 29, 2025, from 5:30 P.M.
to 7:30 P.M. at the South Coast Botanic Garden.
4. 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.
5. Los Angeles County Public Works Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District issued
a Proposition 218 notification regarding proposed annual rate increase for sewer
services.
6. The ongoing Youth Advisory Committee Recruitment (deadline to apply June 30th)
7. The City is recruiting to hire interns for each Department.
8. Registration for summer recreation classes opens May 19, 2025.
9. Monday, May 26, 2025 is Memorial Day and the City remembers and honor our
veterans and those that have served our nation. City Hall will be closed on the
holiday.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve the
Consent Calendar.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
A. Approval of Minutes (Zweizig)
Approved the Minutes of May 6, 2025 (Regular Meeting).
B. Registers of Demands (Anguiano)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-29, 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 accept, approve and adopt the Tentative
Agreement for a successor Memorandum of Understanding between the City and
the Rancho Palos Verdes Employee Association (RPVEA) (Godinez)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-30, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE
AGREEMENT FOR A SUCCESSOR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AND THE RANCHO PALOS
VERDES EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2025
THROUGH JUNE 30, 2028.
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May 20, 2025
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D. Consideration to receive the 2024 City Employee Compensation and Benefit
Analysis Report (Ramos)
Received and filed the City Employee Compensation and Benefit Analysis Report for
the calendar year ending December 31, 2024.
E. Consideration to approve Amendment No. 1 to the professional services
agreement with Yunex, LLC. for traffic signal maintenance. (Casil)
1) Approved Amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement (PSA) with
Yunex, LLC. for traffic signal maintenance and related services, increasing the not-to-
exceed amount for the initial three-year term by $60,325 from $420,000 to $480,325
while maintaining a 15% contingency; 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute Amendment No. 1, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and, 3) Approved
an additional appropriation of$60,325 for Fiscal Year 2024-25 from 1911 Street
Lighting Act Fund.
F. 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.
G. Consideration to file a Notice of Completion for the Storm Drain Improvements at
Peacock Ridge Road (CIP 8723). (Sunwoo)
1) Accepted the Storm Drain Improvements at Peacock Ridge Road (CIP 8723) 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 ASAD Holdings (dba Orangeblue General
Contractors), 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 warrant bond with the City.
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May 20, 2025
Page 6 of 10
H. Consideration to award a professional services agreement to Express Sign &
Neon for Preserve, California Coastal Trail, and City Entry Sign replacement and
repairs. (Lozano)
1) Awarded a professional services agreement to Express Sign & Neon for the design,
fabrication, repair, and installation of signs and related support services for the Palos
Verdes Nature Preserve (Preserve), California Coastal Trail (CCT), and City entry
signage in the amount of$38,500, 2) Found that pursuant to RPVMC § 2.44.070 (B)
and (D), due to the nature of the service, supplies, and equipment, bidding is not likely
to result in the lowest price or greatest benefit to the City; and, 3) Authorized the Mayor
to execute the agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.
I. Consideration to receive EDCO's residential solid waste collection and disposal
services rate increase for Fiscal Year 2025-26 (Hevener)
Received and filed EDCO's requested residential solid waste collection and disposal
rate increase of 4.93% for FY 2025-26.
J. Consider awarding a public works construction contract for the Wildlife Corridor
Encroachment Removal Project. (Wolterding)
1) Approved the plans, specifications, and construction documents for the Wildlife
111 Corridor Encroachment Removal Project (Capital Improvement Program ((CIP)) Project
No. 8427); 2) Awarded a construction contract for the Wildlife Corridor Encroachment
Removal Project to RAMCO General Engineering Contractors Inc., in the amount of
$299,000, with a contingency of 10%, or $29,900, for a total amount of up to $328,900;
and, 3) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contracts, in forms
approved by the City Attorney.
K. Consideration to award a public works agreement to Built Rite Fence Company
to repair the Coastal Bluff Tail Fence along Calle Entradero (Mesker)
1) Approved the construction documents for the Coastal Bluff Trail Fence Repairs
Along Calle Entradero project; 2) Awarded a public works agreement for the Coastal
Bluff Trail Fence Repairs along Calle Entradero project to Built Rite Fence Company in
the amount of$62,840, with a contingency of 10%, or$6,284; for a total amount of up
to $69,124; and, 3) Authorized the Mayor to execute the agreement in a form approved
by the City Attorney.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
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May 20, 2025
Page 7 of 10
None.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
1. Consideration of recommended traffic measures for Palos Verdes Drive East
from Crest Road to Palos Verdes Drive South. (Casil)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there were
twenty requests to speak.
Director of Public Works Awwad presented a comprehensive staff report and
PowerPoint presentation.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Delicia Folk; Marty
Redfield; Craig Whited; Lois Karp; Jim Hevener; Susan Cyr; Betty Riedman; George
Crudge; Brent Schirripa; Dominique Lem; Hans Bozler; Gilda Whited; Tim McGinley;
John Lakis; Brett Walker; Bertha Romero; Tina Kulluy-Nunez; Mike Whelan; and
Ronald Brandt; and Chris Deatherage.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, and questions were asked of Staff and
Captain Guerrero.
Mayor Pro Tem Seo moved, seconded by Mayor Bradley with a friendly amendment
made by Councilmember Lewis: 1) Removed Recommendation No. 1; 2) Approved
replacing the existing landscaping in the median between Palos Verdes Drive East and
the spur road with slow growing plantings that will be maintained at a maximum height
of 30 inches as measured from the top of the median curb; 3) Approved moving the
stop bar on Ganado Drive to the flowline of Palos Verdes Drive East; 4) Directed Staff
to upgrade the signs and pavement markings on Palos Verdes Drive East from Crest
Road to Palos Verdes Drive South based on the General Technologies and Solutions
(GTS) Traffic Study with modifications as deemed appropriate by the Public Works
Director; 5) Approved 5 foot-wide bicycle lanes on Palos Verdes Drive East from Crest
Road to Vista Del Mar as part of the next Palos Verdes Drive East roadway slurry
sealing/re-paving CIP project; 6) Directed Staff to prioritize traffic law enforcement on
Palos Verdes Drive East between Crest Road and Palos Verdes Drive South to the
extent allowable by enforcement resources and competing priorities; 7) Directed staff to
return in 30 days after implementation of the traffic law enforcement and other
measures and with data on their efficacy for the City Council's review to determine
whether additional measures should be implemented including reducing speed limits;
and, 8) Directed staff to bring the report back to City Council in 60 days to revisit and to
vote on reducing the speed limit.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: Perestam
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May 20, 2025
Page 8 of 10
Mayor Bradley left meeting at 9:50 P.M.
2. Consideration to amend Chapter 5.28 (Vending on Public Property) of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code for consistency with the Safe Sidewalk
Vending Act ("SB 946").(Zoren/Silva)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there were
no requests to speak.
Director of Community Development Forbes introduced James Zoren, Code
Enforcement Officer who presented a detailed staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Ferraro, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve Staff
Recommendation as follows: Introduced Ordinance No.690, "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING SECTIONS 5.28.010
(PURPOSE), 5.28.030 (DEFINITIONS), 5.28.070 (VENDOR OPERATIONAL
REQUIREMENTS), AND 5.28.080 (VIOLATIONS) OF CHAPTER 5.28 (VENDING ON
PUBLIC PROPERTY), OF TITLE 5 (BUSINESS TAXES, LICENSES AND
REGULATIONS) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE TO
UPDATE SIDEWALK VENDING REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSISTENCY WITH
SENATE BILL NO. 946".
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam and Mayor Pro Tem Seo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Bradley
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
At 9:57 P.M., Mayor Pro Tem Seo adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, for a
Closed Session meeting followed by a 7:00 P.M. Regular meeting.
City Council Regular Minutes
May 20, 2025
Page 9 of 10
David L. Bradley, ►. yor
Attest:
eres. akaoka, City Cler
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May 20, 2025
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