CC DM 20250819 A - DRAFT 20250805 CC Regular MeetingDRAFT
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
AND IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
AUGUST 5, 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 Tem 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: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley (Via Zoom)
ABSENT: None
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; Pam Lee,
Labor Counsel; Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager; Vina Ramos, Director of Finance;
Brandy Forbes, Director of Community Development; Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public
Works; 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 NEGOTIATORS
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).
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
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August 5, 2025
Page 2 of 10
A closed session will be held pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(e) because
the City is considering whether to initiate litigation in two (2) cases.
At 6:03 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session.
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 Pro Tem Seo 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 (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; Robert Moya, Deputy Director of Finance; Jennifer
Schmid, Public Safety Manager; Lukasz Buchwald, IT Manager; Mike Phipps, City
Geologist (Via Zoom); Nathan Zweizig, Acting Deputy City Clerk (Via Zoom); and Teresa
Takaoka, City Clerk.
Also present was Captain Kimberly Guerrero of the Lomita Sheriff’s Station who joined the
meeting at 7:31 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Deputy City Manager Jun.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder provided the closed session report and reported on the three items
that were on closed session.
City Attorney Wynder reported that for Item 1 regarding ongoing labor negotiations with the
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees District Council 36
(AFSCME DC36), the authority to meet in closed session was Government Code §
DRAFT City Council Regular Minutes
August 5, 2025
Page 3 of 10
54957.6. There was a privileged and confidential briefing on the status of the negotiations.
Additional negotiating authority was given to the City’s negotiating team , and no reportable
action was taken.
Regarding Items 2 and 3, the items were placeholders on the agenda that were not
needed and not discussed in Closed Session.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Seo and the entire City Council recognized August 5, 2024, as “National
Night Out” day. Celebrating the incredible efforts by our public safety officers and first
responders. This National Night Out, the City Council paused and mourned the passing of
the three Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detectives, Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund,
Detective Victor Lemus, and Detective William Osborn who were assigned to the Special
Enforcement Bureaus Arson Explosive Detail and made the ultimate sacrifice to their
country.
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 acclamation.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve the
Recycle Winners for July 15, 2025, as Kathy Anderson and Sondra Behrens. 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:
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 two requests to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Carol Mueller and Eva
Albuja (Via Zoom).
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
DRAFT City Council Regular Minutes
August 5, 2025
Page 4 of 10
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following:
1. The City celebrated its Sister City Fifth Anniversary with Sakura City, Japan via
Zoom on August 4.
2. National Night Out was held on August 5 at Hesse Park prior to the start of the City
Council meeting.
3. St. John Fisher presents Music for Contemplation: Bells of Nagasaki.
4. LA County Board of Supervisors supports AB 986.
5. Palos Verdes Nature Preserve Quarterly Public Forum will be held at the City Hall
Community Room and via Zoom on August 21 starting at 6:00 P.M.
6. The Rancho Palos Verdes Recreation and Parks Programs and Classes Interest
Surveys (Adult Survey and Youth/Teen Survey) have launched. The surveys will be
active until September 30.
7. Recreation and Parks will be hosting a Softball Camp at Ryan Park on August 15-
17.
8. 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.
9. Oldies and Classic Rock Concert in the Park at the Ken Dyda Civic Center on
August 23 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
10. Fall 2025 Leadership Academy is underway. There are 25 spots available.
Applications are now being accepted through August 20 on a first-come, first-serve
basis.
11. Happy National Lighthouse Day
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed earlier regarding Items
E and H 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 July 15, 2025 (Regular Meeting).
DRAFT City Council Regular Minutes
August 5, 2025
Page 5 of 10
B. Registers of Demands (Anguiano)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-52, 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 June 2025 Preliminary Cash Balances/Monthly
Treasurer’s Report. (Lin)
Received and filed the June 2025 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer’s Report for the
City and the Improvement Authority.
D. Consideration 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.
E. Consideration to execute a professional service agreement and approve an
additional appropriation for exhibit improvements at the Point Vicente
Interpretive Center. (Rodin)
1) Directed staff to execute a professional services agreement (PSA) with Show Ready
Inc. to complete the requested exhibit improvements at the PVIC; and, 2) A pproved an
additional appropriation of $22,300 from the Donor Restricted Contribution Fund
allocated for Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) exhibits.
F. Consideration to approve the submittal of a grant application to the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) Wildfire Prevention Grants
Program for a Peninsula-wide Mass Care and Evacuation Plan. (Mohammad)
1) Approved the submittal of a grant application for $200,000 to the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) Wildfire Prevention Grant
Program to fund the development of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Mass Care and
Evacuation Plan; and, 2) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-53, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AUTHORIZING THE
SUBMITTAL OF A CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE
PROTECTION (CALFIRE) WILDFIRE PREVENTION GRANT PROGRAM
APPLICATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PALOS VERDES PENINSULA
MASS CARE AND EVACUATION PLAN”.
G. Consideration to approve the submittal of a grant application to the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) Wildfire Prevention Grants
Program for fuel modification activities. (Hevener)
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August 5, 2025
Page 6 of 10
1) Approved the submittal of a grant application for $948,000 to the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) Wildfire Prevention Grants
Program to fund fuel modification (brush clearing) activities; 2) Adopted Resolution No.
2025-54, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF THE CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION (CALFIRE) WILDFIRE
PREVENTION GRANTS PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR FUEL MODIFICATION
ACTIVITIES; 3) Approved Amendment No. 3 to the professional services agreement
with Blais & Associates for grant support services thereby increasing the contract
authorization amount for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 by $40,664 from $59,336 to a total
not-to-exceed amount of $100,000; and, 4) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute Amendment No. 3 in a form approved by the City Attorney.
H. Consider amendments to the Neighborhood Public Safety Reimbursement
Program guidelines. (Schmid)
Approved the proposed amendments to the Neighborhood Public Safety
Reimbursement Program guidelines thereby increasing the annual reimbursement
amount for neighborhood security camera maintenance fees from $2,000 to $2,500,
effective July 1, 2025.
I. 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
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.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
1. Consideration to receive a status report on recommended traffic measures for
Palos Verdes Drive East between Crest Road and Palos Verdes Drive South.
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August 5, 2025
Page 7 of 10
(Casil/Schmid)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were two requests to speak.
Director of Public Works Awwad and Public Safety Manager, Jennifer Schmid
presented a detailed staff report and PowerPoint presentation. Director of Public Works
Awwad introduced Traffic Safety Committee Chair, Mark Crossman who was available
for questions.
Council Members asked questions of Staff.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Eva Albuja (Via
Zoom).
Discussion ensued among Council Members, and questions were asked of Staff.
Mayor Bradley made a motion to continue to focus on enforcement, but not to change
the speed limit, continue maintaining the 40 MPH speed limit between Palos Verdes
Drive East at Crest Road to the top of the switchbacks and 40 MPH in the switchbacks,
and to add more advisory signs where there are drastic changes.
The motion was not considered for lack of a second.
Mayor Pro Tem Seo moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve Staff
Recommendation as amended: 1) Received and filed a status report on the City
Council approved traffic measures for Palos Verdes Drive East (PVDE) between Crest
Road and Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS); 2) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-55, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
APPROVING THE ENGINEERING TRAFFIC STUDY RECOMMENDATION AND
ESTABLISHING A SPEED LIMIT OF 35 MPH FOR THE SEGMENT OF PALOS
VERDES DRIVE EAST (PVDE) BETWEEN CREST ROAD AND PALOS VERDES
DRIVE SOUTH (PVDS); 3) Directed Staff to conduct an after-action study one year
after implementation of the traffic measures and speed limit change(s) for the City
Council’s review to determine whether additional measures should be considered; 4)
Received and filed an update on the 10 -day Enforcement Plan; 5) Received and filed
the proposed Speed Management Plan and directed staff to provide the City Council
Public Safety Subcommittee with quarterly updates; 6) To increase signage; and, 7)
Directed Staff to continue collecting data and return to City Council in 6 months on
enforcement efforts.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam and Mayor Pro Tem Seo
NOES: Mayor Bradley
2. Consideration to repeal and replace Chapter 15.20 of the Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code on building regulations within the Greater Portuguese Bend
Landslide Complex. (Forbes/Bobbett)
DRAFT City Council Regular Minutes
August 5, 2025
Page 8 of 10
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there were
six requests to speak.
City Manager Mihranian provided an introduction and brief summary of the item and
introduced the Community Development Director Forbes who presented a
comprehensive staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Community Development Director Forbes shared that Cotton Shires & Associates
consultant, Geologist Mike Phipps, was available Via Zoom for questions.
Council Members asked questions of City Geologist Mike Phipps.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Ellen Tuberosi; Sheri
Hastings; Gordon Leon; John Colich; Ben Eilenberg (Via Zoom); Dr. Kit Song (Via
Zoom); and Eva Albuja (Via Zoom).
Discussion ensued among Council Members and City Attorney Wynder.
Councilmember Lewis moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve staff
recommendations as follows: 1) Introduced Ordinance No. 692, AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA,
DETERMINING THAT THIS ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIROMENTAL QUALITY ACT AND REPEALING CHAPTER 15.20 (MORATORIUM
ON LAND USE PERMITS) OF TITLE 15 (BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION) OF
THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE AND REPLACING IT WITH
CHAPTER 15.20 (GREATER PORTUGUESE BEND LANDSLIDE COMPLEX
REGULATIONS ON LAND USE PERMITS) AND AMENDING §15.04.040 (BUILDING
CODE AMENDED – SPECIALIZED FOUNDATION REQUIREMENTS) OF TITLE 15
(BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION) AND AMENDING §16.40.030 (PARCEL
REQUIREMENTS) OF CHAPTER 16.40 (URBAN LOT SPLITS) OF TITLE 16
(SUBDIVISIONS) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE TO
PROPERLY REFERENCE CHAPTER 15.20; and, 2) Initiated Code Amendment
proceedings to the Zoning Code (Title 17 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code)
thereby having the Planning Commission, in an advisory role, make recommendations
to the City Council on proposed text amendments to §17.0 9.030 (Requirements) of
Chapter 17.09 (Second Units and Two-Unit Developments in Single-Family Zones),
§17.32.030 (Uses and development permitted) of Chapter 17.32 (Open Space Hazard
(OH) District), and §17.76.780 (Cargo Containers) of Chapter 17.76 (Miscellaneous
Permits and Standards) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal
Code to update references associated with proposed amendments to Chapter 15.20.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
Mayor Pro Tem Seo called for a brief recess at 9:14 P.M. Without objection, it was so
DRAFT City Council Regular Minutes
August 5, 2025
Page 9 of 10
ordered. The meeting was reconvened at 9:26 P.M.
3. Consideration to initiate the process to establish a new third Geologic Hazard
Abatement District. (Wynder)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were two requests to speak.
City Manager Mihranian and City Attorney Wynder presented a detailed staff report and
PowerPoint presentation.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Nikki Noushkam; Ben
Zask; Eva Albuja (Via Zoom); and Tashia Hinchcliffe.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve staff
recommendations as follows: 1) Reviewed the advantages and procedures to forming
a new third Geologic Hazard Abatement District (GHAD) not currently part of an
existing GHAD; and, 2) Directed staff to initiate the formal process to form a third
GHAD to be called the “Portuguese Bend Landslide Abatement District” (the “PBLAD”).
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
4. Consideration to amend Section 12.16.090 (Closed Areas) of Title 12 of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code (Jun)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Deputy City Manager Jun presented a comprehensive staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Mayor Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve staff
recommendation as follows: Introduced Ordinance No. 693, “AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING SECTION 12.16.090 (CLOSED
AREAS) OF CHAPTER 12.16 (STREETS, PARKS, PRESERVE AND
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES) OF TITLE 12 (STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC
PLACES) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCLUDE CITY
STREETS, SIDEWALKS, FACILITIES AND TRAILS TO BE WITHIN THE CITY
MANAGER OR DESIGNEE’S AUTHORITY TO CLOSE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME
AND WHEN NEEDED”.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
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August 5, 2025
Page 10 of 10
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Mayor Pro Tem Seo requested to consider requiring markets to provide paper coupons.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Councilmember present reported on his attendance at various organization and
association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 10:07 P.M., Mayor Pro Tem Seo adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
for Interviews for the Traffic Safety Committee followed by the Closed Session and then to
7:00 P.M. for a Regular meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Seo adjourned the meeting in honor and memory of the three Los Angeles
County Sheriff’s Detectives, Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus, and
Detective William Osborn.
_________________________
David L. Bradley, Mayor
Attest:
_________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk