CC MINS 20250617 (SPC IA) MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
AND SPECIAL MEETING OF THE IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
J U N E 17, 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: Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley (via Zoom)
ABSENT: Ferraro* (Excused in Fireside Room)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; John Fox,
Assistant City Attorney; Christine Carson, Special Counsel; Catherine Jun, Deputy City
Manager; Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community
Development; Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works; Michelle Staffield, Water
Resources Engineer (John L. Hunter & Associates); 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 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(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 — EXISTING LITIGATIONS
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1), to
confer with legal counsel regarding pending litigations to which the City is a
party. The title of such litigations are as follows: Verdes Estates, Inc. v. City of
Rancho Palos Verdes, LASC Case No. 25STCV14553
4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
54957.E
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 American Federation of State, County, and
Municipal Employees District Council 36 (AFSCME DC36).
5. 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.
City Attorney Wynder requested to continue Closed Session Item No. 4 to a future City
Council meeting. Without objection, Mayor Pro Tem Seo so ordered.
At 6:06 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 6:06 P.M.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:23 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 special meeting of the
Improvement Authority was called to order by Mayor Pro Tern Seo at 7:23 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
City Council Regular Minutes
June 17, 2025
Page 2 of 10
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; Robert Moya, Deputy Director of Finance; Octavio Silva,
Deputy Director of Community Development (via zoom); Luna Mohammad, Emergency
Management Coordinator/Senior Administrative Analyst; Jennifer Schmid, Public Safety
Manager; Lukasz Buchwald, IT Manager; Nathan Zweizig, Acting Deputy City Clerk (via
zoom); 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 Eagle Scout Connor Glenn Mellin.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder provided the closed session report and reported on the four items
that were discussed in closed session.
City Attorney Wynder reported that for Item 1 regarding a series of notice's of violation
issued by the Regional Water Quality Board. The City Council has the authority to discuss
these notices of violation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(c), (d)(2), and (e)(2).
There was a privileged and confidential briefing by Staff and Legal Counsel. The Regional
Board has issued a series of settlement proposals with respect to each of the notices of
violation. The City Council unanimously authorized the City to participate in those
settlements, subject to an appropriate letter acknowledging participation in the settlement
but disclaiming liability on the part of the City.
As to Item 2 regarding exposure to litigation in one case, the City Council met in closed
session pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2) or (d)(3) and (e)(1). There was a
privileged and confidential briefing on steps that could be taken to reduce its exposure to
litigation. The City Council unanimously directed a City Council subcommittee consisting of
Mayor Bradley and Councilmember Perestam to work with City Staff to further pursue
options to reduce the City's exposure to litigation.
City Attorney Wynder reported regarding Item 3 conference with legal counsel regarding
existing litigation to which the City is a party, Verdes Estates, Inc. v. City of Rancho Palos
Verdes, LASC Case No. 25STCV14553. The authority to meet in closed session is
pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1). The City Attorney's office briefed the City
Council on one matter of pending litigation. The City's litigation counsel provided the City
Council with a privileged and confidential briefing. Questions were asked and answered
but no reportable action was taken.
Regarding Item 4, ongoing labor negotiations with the American Federation of State,
County, and Municipal Employees District Council 36 (AFSCME DC36), the item was
continued to a future City Council meeting.
City Council Regular Minutes
June 17, 2025
Page 3 of 10
Lastly,, regarding Item 5, the City is considering whether to initiate litigation in two cases.
The authority to meet in closed session is pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(e).
The City Council received a privileged and confidential briefing on steps that could be
taken by the City. The City Council directed the City Manager and City Attorney's office to
bring back a more detailed outline of the steps that will need to be taken with respect to
possible future action, but no reportable action was taken.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Seo and the entire City Council joined in recognizing Scout Connor Glenn
Mellin of Scout Troop 785 for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
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 June 3, 2025, as Agatha Felactu and Daniela Saxa-Kaneko. 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: NoneI
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Perestam, 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 no requests to speak.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following:
1. Residents are encouraged to apply for the Public Safety Reimbursement Program.
2. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes joins in observing and commemorating
Juneteenth.
3. The ongoing Youth Advisory Committee Recruitment (deadline to apply June 30th).
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June 17, 2025
Page 4 of 10
4. The summer adoption event held by Pedro Pet Pals occurs on the first Sunday of
every month.
111 5. Shakespeare by the Sea is performing Julius Caesar on Sunday, July 6 at 7:00 P.M.
at the grass field at Hesse Park.
6. A friendly reminder that fireworks are illegal on the Peninsula. Residents are
encouraged to report fireworks to the Lomita Sheriffs Sation.
7. 4th of July Celebrations and Drone Show are scheduled for Friday, July 4, 2025,
from 3:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at the Ken Dyda Civic Center.
8. City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 4th due to the holiday and construction is
prohibited.
9. Happy 4th of July!
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed on Item K, and there
were no requests to speak.
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
A. Approval of Minutes (Zweizig)
Approved the Minutes of June 3, 2025 (Regular Meeting).
B. Registers of Demands (Anguiano)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-37, 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 regarding a claim against the City by Janet M. Joe. (Zweizig)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Janet M. Joe.
D. Consider renamingand expanding the roles of the CityCouncil Labor Unit
_ p g
Negotiations Subcommittee and Audit Subcommittee into the Fiscal
Sustainability Subcommittee. (Jun)
Renamed and expanded the role of the City Council Labor Unit Negotiations
Subcommittee and Audit Subcommittee into the Fiscal Sustainability Subcommittee to
111 include addressing matters related to the City's fiscal sustainability and maintain Mayor
Bradley and Councilmember Lewis as Subcommittee Members.
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June 17, 2025
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E. Consideration to establish the City's appropriation limit for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
(Moya)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-38, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ESTABLISHING THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025-
26 APPROPRIATION LIMIT AT $41,067,843 FOR THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES.
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 approve projects proposed to be funded by Senate Bill No. 1,
the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, for Fiscal Year 2025-26. (Cloke)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-39, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017.
H. Consideration to award a Professional Services Agreement to John L. Hunter &
Associates, Inc., for stormwater quality consulting services. (Hevener/Fraley)
1) Awarded a Professional Services Agreement to John L. Hunter and Associates, Inc.,
for stormwater quality consulting and related services, in a not-to-exceed amount of
$627,280 plus a 15% contingency for a three-year term expiring on June 30, 2028, with
an optional three-year extension; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute the contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
I. Consideration to review the first biannual 2025 Border Issues report. (Barnes)
Received and filed the first biannual report on the status of Border Issues for 2025.
J. Consideration to amend the existing Professional Services Agreement with
Michael Baker International, Inc. for Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) administrative services. (Sunwoo)
1) Awarded Amendment No. 7 to the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with
Michael Baker International, Inc. for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
administration services in the amount of$15,000 to ratify the services provided in FY
2024-25 and in the amount of$67,225 for FY 2025-26, thereby changing the PSA
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June 17, 2025
Page 6 of 10
amount from $226,546 to $308,771 and extending the services to June 30, 2026; and,
2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the agreement in a form approved by the City
Attorney.
K. Consideration to approve professional service agreements, amendments, and
purchase orders which exceed $25,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-26. (O'Neill)
1) Approved 13 amendments to existing professional service agreements for Fiscal
Year 2025-26; 2) Awarded 4 new professional service agreements for Fiscal Year
2025-26; 3) Approved 15 Purchase Orders for FY 2025-26 that exceed $25,000 for
various City Departments; 4) Authorized the Mayor to execute 13 amendments to
existing professional services agreements approved as to form by the City Attorney;
and, 5) Authorized the Mayor to execute two agreements for professional services and
two agreements for class instruction approved as to form by the City Attorney.
L. Consideration to initiate proceedings for the annual levy and collection of
assessments of the Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District
(LLMD) for Fiscal Year 2025-26. (Hevener)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-40, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE
ANNUAL LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS AND ORDERING AN ENGINEER'S REPORT
FOR THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING
ACT OF 1972, PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND
HIGHWAYS CODE; and, 2) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-41, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING THE
ENGINEER'S REPORT AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT
ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING
MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 PURSUANT TO THE
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972, CODIFIED AS PART 2 OF DIVISION
15 OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE, AND APPOINTING A
TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING OBJECTIONS THERETO.
M. Consideration to approve Amendment No. 1 to an Agreement for Class
Instruction with Kathleen Borgida for Recreation and Parks programming. (Berg)
1) Approved Amendment No. 1 to an Agreement for Class Instruction with Kathleen
Borgida setting the final compensation amount of$28,577; and, 2) Authorize the Mayor
and City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 1 to the FY 2024-25 Agreement for Class
Instruction by Kathleen Borgida in a form approved by the City Attorney.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
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June 17, 2025
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1. Consideration to adopt the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Budget for all City funds,
Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and Improvement Authorities (IA).
(Moya)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published,
late correspondence was distributed and there were no requests to speak.
Mayor Pro Tern Seo declared the public hearing open.
Finance Director Ramos presented a comprehensive staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Mayor Pro Tern Seo closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Lewis moved, seconded by Councilmember Perestam, to approve
Staff Recommendation as amended: 1) Conducted a public hearing on the FY 2025-26
Budget of all City funds, the Five-Year CIP, and IA; 2) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-
42, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES APPROVING A BUDGET APPROPRIATION AND ADOPTING THE
OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26;
3) Adopted Resolution No. IA 2025-01, A RESOLUTION OF THE RANCHO PALOS
VERDES JOINT POWERS IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY ADOPTING THE
OPERATING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26; and, 4) Affirmed a proposed plan
to track and evaluate spending on the financial status of each landslide-related project
as part of the 60-day progress report by line ranking in preferential order all of the
approximately $9 million landslide projects, including the items to be cut at
approximately $4.5 million, which is 50% of the projected deficit spending identified in
the FY 2025-26 CIP Fund Budget accepted by the City Council at its June 3, 2025
meeting .
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
2. Consider the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's (CalFire)
Updated 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map (Mohammad)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were three requests to speak.
Emergency Management Coordinator/Senior Administrative Analyst Luna Mohammad
presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Don Huseman.
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June 17, 2025
Page 8 of 10
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve Staff
Recommendation as amended: 1) Considered CalFire's proposed 2025 updates to the
City's Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map; and, 2) Introduced Ordinance No. 691 AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING UPDATED FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES AS RECOMMENDED BY
THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 51178 AND REPEALING AND
REPLACING SECTION 8.08.060 (VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE
MAP) OF TITLE 8 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
3. Consideration to approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Los Angeles Sheriff's
Department Service Level Authorization for public safety services and receive a
Public Safety Division status update. (Schmid)
Public Safety Manager Jennifer Schmid presented a comprehensive staff report and
PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff and
Captain Guerrero.
Councilmember Lewis moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve staff
recommendation as follows: 1) Authorized the City Manager to sign the Los Angeles
County Sheriffs Department Service Level Authorization (Annual Form 575) for Fiscal
Year (FY) 2025-26 at a total City annual cost of$8,583,899; and, 2) Received and filed
a status update on the implementation of the Public Safety Division including its current
initiatives and future objectives.
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:
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June 17, 2025
Page 9 of 10
Each Councilmember present reported on his attendance at various organization and
association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 8:47 P.M., Mayor Pro Tem Seo adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, for a
Closed Session meeting followed by a 7:00 P.M. Regular meeting.
....-
Davi: L. • -y, Mayor
Attest:
1 er a .akaoka, City Terk
I
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June 17, 2025
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