CC MINS 20250715 (SPC IA) MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
AND SPECIAL MEETING OF THE IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
J U LY 15, 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 6:10 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
transit)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; Ed
III Richards, Special Counsel; Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager; Vina Ramos, Director of
Finance; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community Development; Ramzi Awwad, Director of
Public Works; Daniel Trautner, Director of Recreation and Parks; 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 — 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: Valine v. City of Rancho Palos
Verdes, LASC Case No. 25TRCP00177
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION
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: Andersen at al. v. City of Rancho
111 Palos Verdes et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 24STCV20953.
3. 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).
At 6:11 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session.
*Councilmember Ferraro joined the Closed Session meeting in the Fireside Room at 6:11
P.M. and Mayor Bradley joined at 6:15 P.M.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:07 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 Bradley 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: I
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;
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 (via zoom);
Octavio Silva, Deputy Director of Community Development (via zoom); Deanna Fraley,
Principal Engineer; Brandon Mesker, Associate Engineer; Lukasz Buchwald, IT Manager;
Nathan Zweizig, Acting Deputy City Clerk (via zoom); and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by resident Mickey Rodich.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder provided the closed session report and reported on the three items
that were discussed in closed session.
City Council Regular Minutes
July 15, 2025
Page 2 of 8
City Attorney Wynder reported that there were two matters of existing litigation to which the
City is a party that the City Attorney's office, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority
111 (CJPIA), the litigation counsel, provided privileged and confidential status reports. The first
item was Valine v. City of Rancho Palos Verdes, LASC Case No. 25TRCP00177. The
second item was Andersen at al. v. City of Rancho Palos Verdes et al., Los Angeles
Superior Court Case No. 24STCV20953. These were privileged and confidential briefings.
Questions were asked and answered but no reportable actions were taken.
As to Item 3 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 by the City Attorney. The City Council unanimously
directed the City Attorney's office to engage in a litigation avoidance strategy.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Bradley congratulated Councilmember Perestam on winning the pie eating contest
at the City's Fourth of July celebration.
Mayor Bradley and the entire City Council joined in recognizing the following two
businesses on their grand openings along Western Avenue: Urbane Café and Results
Sports & Fitness.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Bradley, by acclamation, approved the Recycle Winners for July 1, 2025, as Kelly
Chan and Aratani Family. 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:
Mayor Bradley moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Seo, to approve the agenda and
continue Regular Business Item 3 for 90 days to a future meeting.
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 noted that late correspondence was distributed on non-agenda items,
and there were three requests to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Lenee Bilski; Sha
Tahmasebi; Mickey Rodich; and Eva Albuja.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Council Regular Minutes
July 15, 2025
Page 3of8
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following:
1. Fourth of July Celebration and Drone Show.
2. Landslide Town Hall regarding Proposed Development Regulations will be held on
July 16 at Ladera Linda Community Park at 6:00 P.M.
3. 90's Concert in the Park at the Ken Dyda Civic Center on July 26 from 4:00 P.M. to
6:00 P.M.
4. The third Movie in the Park for summer 2025 will take place at the Ken Dyda Civic
Center on August 9 with the event starting at 7:00 P.M. and the movie The Wild
Robot starting at dusk.
5. The ongoing Traffic Safety Committee Recruitment (deadline to apply July 28th).
6. The summer adoption event held by Pedro Pet Pals occurs on the first Sunday of
every month with the next event being held on August 3 from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00
P.M at Eastview Park.
7. Eastview Dog Park temporarily closed starting August 4.
8. National Night Out will be held on August 5 at Hesse Park from 4:00 P.M. — 6:00
P.M.
9. Happy World Ranger Day!
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka noted that there was one request to speak on Item G.
Councilmember Perestam moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Seo, to approve the
Consent Calendar with the exception of Item G.
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 July 1, 2025 (Regular Meeting).
B. Registers of Demands (Anguiano)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-47, 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 to receive the May 2025 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer's
Report. (Lin)
Received and filed the May 2025 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Report for the
City and the Improvement Authority.
City Council Regular Minutes
July 15, 2025
Page 4 of 8
D. Consideration of a claim against the City by Scherman Singh. (Zweizig)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Scherman Singh.
E. Consideration to approve certain new or amended City employment Class
Specifications. (Godinez)
1) Approved a revised Class Specification for Part-time Staff Assistant; 2) Approved a
new Class Specification for Open Space and Trails Coordinator; and 3) Adopted
Resolution No. 2025-48 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AMENDING, APPROVING
AND ADOPTING REVISED CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR PART-TIME STAFF
ASSISTANT AND NEW CLASS SPECIFICATION OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS
COORDINATOR.
F. Consideration to ratify a professional services agreement with Transtech
Engineers, Inc. for public works permitting, plan review, and related services.
(Fraley)
Ratified the corrected Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Transtech
Engineers, Inc. for public works permitting, plan review, and related services to match
y
the July 2, 2024 City Council action.
G. Consideration to continue the emergency justification for work and emergency
contracting for the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide
Emergency Project. (Copp)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
H. Consideration to correct and amend the Salary Schedule for Rancho Palos
Verdes Employee Association, Unrepresented Employees, and City Manager
effective July 1, 2025. (Godinez)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-49, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, SUPERSEDING
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-34 TO AMEND THE SALARY SCHEDULE FOR THE
RANCHO PALOS VERDES EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION, UNREPRESENTED
EMPLOYEES, AND THE CITY MANAGER TO REFLECT A THREE PERCENT COST
OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
G. Consideration to continue the emergency justification for work and emergency
contracting for the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide
Emergency Project. (Copp)
City Council Regular Minutes
July 15, 2025
Page 5 of 8
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Nikki Noushkam.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Seo, to approve staff 111
recommendations as follows:1) Reconfirmed, by a four-fifths vote, there is a need to
continue the work on the 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 (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.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Consideration to adjust the existing annual sewer service charge for Fiscal Year
(FY) 2025-26 for the Abalone Cove Sewer System. (Mesker/Fraley)
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 Bradley declared the public hearing open.
Director of Public Works Awwad introduced Associate Engineer, Brandon Mesker, who
presented a detailed staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Bradley closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Lewis moved, seconded by Councilmember Perestam, to approve staff
recommendations as follows: 1) Conducted a public hearing on the proposed levy of
the annual FY 2025-26 sewer service charge for the Abalone Cove Sewer System; and
2) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-50, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING A REPORT IN
CONNECTION WITH THE SEWER SERVICE CHARGE ESTABLISHED PURSUANT
TO CHAPTER 13.06 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE,
DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF SUCH CHARGE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
AND ORDERING THAT SUCH CHARGE BE COLLECTED ON THE TAX ROLL.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
City Council Regular Minutes
July 15, 2025
Page 6 of 8
2. Consideration to approve the annual levy and assessments of the Citywide
Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
(Hevener)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published
and there were no requests to speak.
Mayor Bradley declared the public hearing open.
Director of Public Works Awwad introduced Principal Engineer, Deanna Fraley, who
presented a comprehensive staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Council Members asked questions of Staff.
Mayor Bradley closed the public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Seo moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve staff
recommendations as follows: 1) Conducted a public hearing for the proposed levy and
collection of assessment of the Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance
District for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and the Engineer's Report prepared in connection
therewith; 2) Approved an additional appropriation of$331,719 in the LLMD Fund (203)
for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and 3) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-51, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES CONFIRMING
THE ZONE DIAGRAMS AND ASSESSMENTS, ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENTS,
AND ORDERING THE LEVY FOR CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING
DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
3. Consideration to approve permanently relocating a Southern California Edison
(SCE) temporary power pole currently at the Ladera Linda Community Park.
(Fraley)
This item was continued for 90 days to a future meeting under Approval of the Agenda.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Mayor Pro Tem Seo requested a status report on wireless facilities installation.
City Council Regular Minutes
July 15, 2025
Page 7 of 8
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Councilmember present reported on his attendance at various organization and
association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 8:17 P.M., Mayor Bradley adjourned to 7:30 A.M. on Friday, August 1, 2025, for a State
of the City Breakfast,meeting at Ladera Linda Community Park.
4
D avid L. ra ley, Mayor
Attest:
f`./._1ANW
__f_•1l
erg•sa Takaoka, City Clerk
City Council Regular Minutes
July 15, 2025
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