CC MINS 20250819 MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
III OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 19, 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 6:33 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 and Mayor Bradley
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Seo (excused absence)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; Anita
Luck, 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:
City Attorney Wynder requested to add an item for discussion in closed session.
City Attorney Wynder learned of facts and circumstances, which in the opinion of
Staff and the City Attorney will require that the City promptly initiate litigation in one
case. Upon authorizing to do so, there is a provision in the government code to add
urgency closed session items to the agenda so long as they meet two criteria: 1) In
the opinion of Staff and the City Attorney the facts and circumstances give rise to
the need for the closed session; and, 2) The closed session cannot wait until the
next City Council meeting to be regularly agendized. City Attorney Wynder
requested to add one item to closed session pursuant to Government Code §
54956.9(d)(4) to initiate litigation. The City is in the process of removing
encroachments into the property that is now owned and acquired by the City from
Mr. York to which there is one property owner actively interfering in that process. To
which the City would likely need to pursue through the litigation route. To add the
closed session item to the agenda would require a 4/5 vote.
Mayor Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to add the urgency
closed session item to the agenda.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL —ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1), to
confer with legal counsel regarding pending litigation to which the City is a
party. The title of such litigation is as follows: Ying Mou, an individual; Chunxiao
Zhang, an Individual vs. City of Rancho Palos Verdes, LASC No. 25TRCP00361
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 LABOR NEGOTIATOR GOVERNMENT CODE 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 American Federation of State, County, and
Municipal Employees District Council 36 (AFSCME DC36).
At 6:36 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:36 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
Bradley at 7:36 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 and Mayor Bradley
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Seo (excused absence)
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August 19, 2025
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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; Octavio Silva, Deputy Director of Community
Development (via zoom); Mike Phipps, City Geologist; 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 City Clerk Takaoka.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder provided the closed session report and reported on the two items
that were discussed in closed session.
City Attorney Wynder reported that the City Council met in closed session pursuant to
Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4) to discuss the urgency item which was added to the
agenda. City Attorney Wynder and Staff became aware of facts and circumstances giving
rise to the need to initiate litigation. The need to initiate the litigation is time sensitive and
could not wait until the next City Council meeting to be regularly agendized. The City
Council unanimously authorized the adding of the closed session agenda item. Following a
privileged and confidential briefing by the City Attorneys office, the City Council has
authorized the City to initiate litigation to remove an encroachment within the wildlife
corridor.
As to Items 1, anticipated litigation, this item was not discussed and moved to the next City
Council meeting (9/2/25).
As to Item 2 regarding anticipated litigation, the City Council met in closed session
pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2) or (d)(3) and (e)(1) because there was a
significant exposure to litigation. There, was a privileged and confidential briefing about the
exposure. There was an acknowledgment that little or nothing can be done to avoid
exposure and the City Council gave Staff direction.
The City Council was briefed on facts and circumstances that could give rise to an
exposure to litigation. There was a privileged and confidential briefing. Questions were
asked and answered. Direction was given but no reportable action has been taken yet.
As to Item 3, conference with labor negotiator, this'item was not discussed and moved to
the next City Council meeting (9/2/25).
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
111 Mayor Bradley and the entire City Council recognized September as Childhood Cancer
Awareness Month.
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August 19, 2025
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Mayor Bradley and the entire City Council joined in recognizing the following brother and
sister twin Scouts for their hard work in completing their Eagle Scout projects: Lucas Burwell
(Scout Troop 783); and Sofia Burwell (Scout Troop 258).
Mayor Bradley and the entire City Council joined in recognizing Daniel Diercks as a
California Water Services Group scholarship winner.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Bradley, by acclamation, approved the Recycle Winners for August 5, 2025, as
Victoria Ogunmola and Shelley Stahl. 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:
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, and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk Takaoka noted that there were four requests to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Carol Mueller; Dana
Ireland; Dr. Kit Song (via Zoom); and Eva Albuja (via Zoom).
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following:
1. Cooling centers are open at Fred Hesse Jr. Community Park and Ladera Linda
Community Park on August 21-22.
2. Fall 20.25 Leadership Academy remains open to receive applications, apply by
August 20.
3. Palos Verdes Nature Preserve Quarterly Public Forum will be held on August 21 at
6:00 P.M. via Zoom.
4. Ranger Hotline can be reached 24/7 for calls regarding open space and parks at
(310) 491-5775.
5. Fall Recreation Classes 2025 registration opened on August 18.
6. Recreation and Parks Programs and Classes Interest Survey available through
September 30.
7. 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. 111
8. Los Serenos De Point Vicente classes for docents start the second Wednesday of
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August 19, 2025
Page 4 of 11
September.
9. City Hall Anniversary Open House will take place at the Ken Dyda Civic Center on
September 4 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
10.Welcome back to school!
11.City Hall will be closed for Labor Day, on Monday, September 1 and Happy Labor
Day. No construction permitted on Labor Day unless a Special Construction Permit
is obtained in advance.
12.Captain Guerrero shared a 2nd quarter report (April through June 2025) presentation
on Part I and II crime rates in the City.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed earlier regarding Item
C and there was one request to speak on Item C.
Councilmember Perestam moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve the
Consent Calendar with the exception of Item C.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
111 A. Approval of Minutes (Zweizig)
Approved the Minutes of August 1 and 4 (Special Meetings), and August 5 (Regular
Meeting).
B. Registers of Demands (Anguiano)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-56, 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 adopt Ordinance No. 692 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)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
D. Consideration of second reading of Ordinance No. 693 to amend Section
12.16.090 (Closed Areas) of Title 12 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code.
(Jun)
111 Adopted Ordinance No. 693, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES AMENDING SECTION 12.16.090 (CLOSED AREAS) OF CHAPTER 12.16
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August 19, 2025
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(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.
E. Consideration to appoint ten members to the City's Youth Advisory Committee
(YAC) and appoint a Chair, Vice Chair, and two Secretaries. (Steffen)
1) Appointed Ashley Chan-Mott, Brian Coulon, Annabelle Huang, Gianna Jeon, Landon
Park, and Amy Wen for their first term as members of the YAC; 2) Re-appointed Krystal
Deng, Mattia Magnatta, Kiernan Peterson, and Valentina Sherer for a second term as
members of the YAC; and, 3) Appointed Kieran Peterson as Chair, Krystal Deng as
Vice Chair, and Aiden Cruz and Mattia Magnatta as Secretaries of the YAC.
F. Consideration to approve the Open Space'and Trails Manager Class Specification and
adjusted salary range. (Godinez)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-57, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVING
AND ADOPTING A CLASS SPECIFICATION AND ADJUSTED SALARY RANGE FOR
THE POSITION OF OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS MANAGER EFFECTIVE JULY 1,
2025" and, 2) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-58, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
SUPERSEDING RESOLUTION NO. 2025-49 TO AMEND THE SALARY SCHEDULE
FOR THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION TO REFLECT A
SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS MANAGER
POSITION EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025".
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
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:
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August 19, 2025
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C. Consideration to adopt Ordinance No. 692 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)
Due to technical difficulties, the following member of the public was not able to address
the City Council: Ben Eilenberg.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Perestam, to approve
staff recommendations as follows: Adopted 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.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
111 AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Consideration to recover nuisance,abatement costs on property located at 2
Peppertree Drive Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 (Case No. CVEH2O21-0002).
(Zoren)
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 Community Development Forbes shared a brief staff report and notified City
Council that the abatement cost balance was paid by the property owner prior to the
public hearing.
Mayor Bradley closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Lewis moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve the
amended staff recommendation as follows: Received and filed the report.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
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August 19, 2025
Page 7 of 11
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
I
2. Consideration to recover nuisance abatement costs on property located at 4
Peppertree Drive (APN: 7572-007-015) (Case No. CPM2024-0048). (Zoren)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published
and there was one request to speak.
Mayor Bradley declared the public hearing open.
Director of Community Development Forbes introduced Octavio Silva, Deputy Director
of Community Development, who presented a detailed staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Council Members asked questions of Staff.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Ben Eilenberg (via
Zoom).
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff and
City Attorney Wynder.
Mayor Bradley closed the public hearing. 111
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Perestam, to approve
staff recommendations as follows: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-59, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
CONFIRMING THE REPORT OF NUISANCE ABATEMENT COSTS AND
AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT, IN THE FORM OF A LIEN IN THE
AMOUNT OF $27,897.78 TO RECOVER ABATEMENT COSTS ON PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 4 PEPPERTREE DRIVE (APN 7572-007-015) (CASE NO. CPM2024-
0048); and, 2) Directed Staff to submit to the Los Angeles County Auditor/Controller for
collection in the next applicable tax roll year the confirmed nuisance abatement costs in
the amount of$27,897.78 and to direct the City Attorney and the Finance Director to
prepare and cause to be recorded in the Office of the Los Angeles County Recorder
appropriate notices of liens which document the amount of nuisance abatement costs
assessed for the property located at 4 Peppertree Drive (APN: 7572-007-015).
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
111
3. Consideration to appoint one member to the Traffic Safety Committee. (Zweizig)
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August 19, 2025
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City Clerk Takaoka noted that ballots were distributed earlier this evening after the
111 interviews.
After the initial round of balloting the votes were as follows:
• Councilmember Ferraro voted: James Guerin
• Councilmember Lewis voted: James Guerin
• Councilmember Perestam voted: James Guerin
• Mayor Bradley: Eric Chang
City Clerk Takaoka announced that James Guerin was the selection for the Traffic
Safety Committee (TSC) and would serve the unexpired term through June 2028.
4. Consideration to receive updates on the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient
Altamira Landslide Complex. (Ramzi)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that no late correspondence was received and there were
two requests to speak.
City Manager Mihranian provided an overview and introduced Director of Public Works
Awwad for an update. Director Awwad then introduced Bill McCormick of Geo-Logic
Associates (via Zoom), and City Geologist Mike Phipps.
Mayor Bradley called for a brief recess at 8:56 P.M. Without objection, it was so
ordered. The meeting was reconvened at 9:06 P.M.
Public Works Director Awwad presented a comprehensive staff report and PowerPoint
presentation along with City Geologist Mike Phipps and Finance Director Vina Ramos.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Eva Albuja (via Zoom);
and Jeff Basler (via Zoom).
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff and
Gordon Leon of ACLAD.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff.
Councilmember Lewis made a motion to approve staff recommendations with an
additional caveat to move decision date from 60 days to 45 days for further City Council
discussion on the FY 2025-26 landslide budget and the approval does not constitute
authorization to disperse funds which will come subsequently.
Councilmember Perestam made a friendly amendment to modifying the language to
111 make a decision to review at the September 16 City Council meeting which is the meeting
before the standing 60-day date.
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August 19, 2025
Page 9 of 11
The friendly amendment was accepted by the maker of the motion.
Councilmember Lewis moved, seconded by Councilmember Perestam, to approve
Staff Recommendation as amended: 1) Received and filed an update on current
conditions in the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex
(Landslide Complex); 2) Received and filed an update on emergency stabilization
activities in the Landslide Complex; 3) Received and filed a report on the Fiscal Year
2024-25 Deep Dewatering Well (DDW) and winterization emergency stabilization
measures; 4) Review a ranked priority order list of costs associated with the Fiscal
Year 2025-26 DDW and winterization programs; 5) Received and filed a financial
update on City expenditures for emergency protective and stabilization measures in
response to the acceleration of the Landslide Complex; 6) Approved the submittal of a
grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation
Project with a $10 million match from the unallocated fund balance in the General
Fund;7) Awarded a professional services agreement to Geo-Logic Associates, Inc.
(GLA) for final engineering design, environmental documents, and related services for
the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project (Capital Improvement Project
((CIP)) 8304) in the amount of$460,685 with a contingency of 15% or $69,103; 8)
Authorized the Mayor to execute the agreement with GLA in a form approved by the
City Attorney; 9) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-60, 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; 10) Adopted Resolution
No. 2025-61, 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, 11) Adopted
Resolution No. 2025-62, 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; and 12) to return at the September 16, 2025 meeting to continue the
discussion on the FY 2025-26 landslide response budget and that tonight's approval
does not constitute authorization to disperse funds which will come subsequently.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
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August 19, 2025
Page 10 of 11
None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Councilmember Lewis requested an update on the coyote management plan.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Councilmember present reported on their attendance at various organization and
association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 10:19 P.M., Mayor Bradley adjourned to Tuesday, September 2, 2025, for a 6:00 P.M
Closed Session followed by a 7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting.
4.-:
David L. Bradley, Mayor
Attest:
I
eres Icaoka, City Clerk
I
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August 19, 2025
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