CC MINS 20251007 MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
AND IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
OCTOBER 7, 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 and Mayor Pro Tem Seo
ABSENT: *Mayor Bradley (Excused, in Fireside Room via Zoom)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; John Fox, Assistant City Attorney;
Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager; Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works; Howard
Gest of Burhenn & Gest LLP; 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: Case No. 13-TC-01 ; 13-TC-02 California Regional Water Quality Control
Board, Los Angeles Region, Order No. R4-2012-0175 DECISION PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 17500 ET SEQ.: CALIFORNIA CODE OF
REGULATIONS, TITLE 2, DIVISION 2, CHAPTER 2.5, ARTICLE 7.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING ADMINISTRATIVE
PROCEEDING
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Dode § 54956.9(a), to confer
with legal counsel regarding a pending administrative proceeding to which the city is
a party. The title of such administrative proceeding is as follows: Proceedings
Before the Commission on State Mandates for Recovery of Costs Imposed by the
2012 Los Angeles County Municipal Stormwater Permit; California Regional Water
Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region, Order No. R4-2012-0175, Parts II
1.A.1., 111.A.2., and 111.A.4.a.-d.
At 6:03 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session.
*Mayor Bradley (via Zoom) joined the Closed Session meeting in the Fireside Room at
6:03 P.M.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:02 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 7:02 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;
John Fox, Assistant City Attorney; Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Ramzi Awwad,
Director of Public Works; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community Development (via Zoom);
Daniel Trautner, Director of Recreation and Parks; Octavio Silva, Deputy Director of
Community Development; Gerri Whitten, Assistant Planner; Irantzu Pujadas,
Administrative Analyst; 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 Councilmember Lewis.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
Assistant City Attorney Fox provided the closed session report and reported on one item
that was discussed in closed session.
City Council Regular Minutes
October 7, 2025
Page 2 of 10
Assistant City Attorney Fox reported that there was one item of anticipated litigation and
existing administrative proceeding which is a proceeding before the Commission on State
Mandates. The City Council deliberated and decided to continue to have Burhenn & Gest,
LLP continue to represent the City along with other jurisdictions in the proceeding before
the Commission on State Mandates.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Seo and the entire City Council recognized the following Palos Verdes
High School students for winning first place in the 2025 MATE Revolving Operating
Vehicles (ROV) World Championship: Anaya Balaji; Anika Savai; Ayaan Chandak; Daniel
Chun; Dean Choi; Kenneth Preston; Nathan Dorfman; Noah Kim; Rayaan Jaffer; Wesley
Hsu; Evalyn Yu; Evie Poole; Harry Forrester; and Keke Melton.
Mayor Pro Tem Seo and the entire City Council recognized the participants that completed
the 13th cohort of the Rancho Palos Verdes Leadership Academy.
Mayor Bradley shared that the Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 2 passed a
resolution codifying $4 million of funds to the City for costs incurred and continuing costs
for the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex.
Mayor Bradley and the entire Council wished City Manager Mihranian Happy Birthday.
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 Perestam, to approve the
Recycle Winners for September 16, 2025, as Dean Olson and Mary Ursic. 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 Lewis moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, 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 Council Regular Minutes
October 7, 2025
Page 3 of 10
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were three requests to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Joan Davidson; Sharon
Yarber; and Lenee Bilski.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following:
1. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month —Think Pink!
2. Marguerite Drive update regarding four backyards of bluff top properties affected by
a landslide.
3. AB 986 has been vetoed.
4. The City is to receive $4 million from LA County Sanitation Districts for landslide
remediation.
5. EDCO Fall Brush Clearing Event October 4-November 1
6. The Trunk or Treat event will be held at the Ken Dyda Civic Center on Saturday,
October 11 from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
7. The City is participating in the Great ShakeOut on Thursday, October 16 at 10:16
A.M.
8. Get the free MyShake app for earthquake warnings.
9. American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at Fred Hesse Community Park on
Friday, October 17 from 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
10.Neighborhood Beautification Grant Program is open and accepting applications
through October 17.
11.E-Bike Safety Course will be held at Peninsula High School on Saturday, October
18 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
12.Round 3 applications are due on October 31 for the Western Avenue Storefront
Improvement Program.
13.Veterans Day Breakfast will be held on Tuesday, November 11 th from 9 to 11 A.M.
at Ken Dyda Civic Center.
14.RPV's Run for Myles 5K/1 OK event will take place at Point Vicente Lighthouse on
November 15.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka noted that late correspondence was distributed earlier regarding Item K
and there was one request to speak on Item K.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve the
Consent Calendar with the exception of Item K.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
A. Approval of Minutes (Zweizig)
City Council Regular Minutes
October 7, 2025
Page 4 of 10
Approved the Minutes of September 16, 2025 (Regular Meetings).
B. Registers of Demands (Anguiano)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-68, 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
(check run dated 09/05/2025); 2) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-69, 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 (check run dated 09/19/2025); and, 3) Adopted Resolution
No. IA 2025-02, A RESOLUTION OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND
SPECIFYING FUNDS FROM WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID.
C. Consideration to receive the August 2025 Preliminary Cash Balances/Monthly
Treasurer's Report. (Lin)
Received and filed the August 2025 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Report for the
City and the Improvement Authority.
D. Consider a professional service agreement with Black & Veatch for Project and
Grant Management services related to the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide
Complex Voluntary Property Buyout Program. (Garrett)
1) Approved a Professional Service Agreement (PSA) with Black &Veatch in the
amount of$338,541, for a term of four years, for Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) Project and Grant management services related to the Greater
Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex Voluntary Property Buyout Program; 2)
Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the PSA, in form approved by the City
Attorney; and, 3) Approved an additional appropriation of$338,600 in Fund 331,
Federal Grant (Expenditure and Revenue), which will be reimbursed by the grant
program.
E. Consider entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Run for
Myles non-profit organization to co-host a running event on November 15, 2025.
(Bailiff)
1) Authorized the Mayor to execute an MOU between the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
and the "Run for Myles" non-profit organization to co-host a Kids' Fun Run 1 k, 5k, and
10k race event on Saturday, November 15, 2025, in a form approved by the City
Attorney; 2) Authorized waiving the following fees total $2,897: a. Special Event Permit
II fee of$483, b. Civic Center parking lot fee of$423 c. Point Vicente Interpretive Center
(PVIC) parking fee of$423, d. PVIC lawn fee of$1,568 at $196 per hour for 8 hours;
and, 3) Authorized the City Manager to accept donated proceeds from the event to be
City Council Regular Minutes
October 7, 2025
Page 5 of 10
used for parks and trails preservation and recorded in Fund 228 (Donor Restricted
Fund).
F. Consider Amendment No. 1 to the Loan Agreement with Abalone Cove Landslide
Abatement District (ACLAD). (Ramos)
1) Approved Amendment No. 1 to the Loan Agreement with ACLAD to update the
eligible expenditures to include winterization or culvert repairs including, but not limited
to, the winterization of Altamira Canyon and repair for the culvert under Palos Verdes
Drive South (PVDS); and, 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute
Amendment No. 1 in a form approved by the City Attorney.
G. Consider continuing 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.
H. Consider authorizing the submittal of two grant applications for the L.A. County
Regional Park and Open Space District Competitive Measure A Grant Program.
(Lozano/Wolterding)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-70, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF THE
MEASURE A NATURAL LANDS, LOCAL BEACHES, WATER CONSERVATION &
PROTECTION COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR HABITAT
RESTORATION AND TRAIL REPAIRS IN THE PALOS VERDES NATURE
PRESERVE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1.61 MILLION"; and, 2) Adopted Resolution No.
2025-71, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF THE MEASURE A PLANNING
AND DESIGN COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR THE
PLANNING AND DESIGN OF THE THREE SISTERS-FILIORUM CONNECTOR
TRAIL AND BRIDGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $500,000".
I. Consider accepting a financial contribution of$4 Million from the Los Angeles
County Sanitation Districts for the City's Landslide Mitigation Activities. (Bryden)
1) Accepted a one-time financial contribution from Los Angeles County Sanitation
District No. 2 to the City, in the amount of$4 million, for costs incurred and continuing
costs to perform work to slow movement of the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient
Altamira Landslide Complex within the City; 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute an
agreement accepting the funds, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and, 3)
City Council Regular Minutes
October 7, 2025
Page 6 of 10
Approved an additional appropriation of$4 million from Local Grants Revenue in the
Capital Infrastructure Program (CIP) Fund.
J. Consider awarding a contract services agreement to Ron's Maintenance, Inc. for
annual catch basin cleaning and related maintenance. (Vitkus/Hernandez)
1) Awarded a contract services agreement to Ron's Maintenance, Inc., for annual catch
basin cleaning and related maintenance services with a five-year term between
October 7, 2025 and September 30, 2030, with a maximum amount of$255,000 in year
one plus a 15% contingency and a maximum amount of$1,582,638 plus a 15%
contingency over the five-year term of the agreement; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor
and City Clerk to execute the contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
K. Consider a Professional Services Agreement with Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz
& Associates (FM3) to conduct citywide Community Needs Surveys.
(Pujadas/Jun)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
K. Consider a Professional Services Agreement with Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz
& Associates (FM3) to conduct citywide Community Needs Surveys.
(Pujadas/Jun)
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Larry Maizlish.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Perestam, to approve
staff recommendations as amended, adding recommendation No. 4: 1) Approved a
professional services agreement (PSA) with FM3 to conduct up to two citywide
Community Needs Surveys for a not-to-exceed amount of $60,000 over a two-year
term; 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the PSA, in a form approved
by the City Attorney; 3) Approved a budget appropriation of$60,000 from the General
Fund, Non-Department Program; and, 4) Directed Staff to pursue the addition of the
Korean language translation.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
City CouncilRegular Re ular Minutes
October 7, 2025
Page 7 of 10
1. Consider receiving a status report on the City's Coyote Management Plan. (Silva)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Deputy Director of Community Development Octavio Silva introduced Assistant Planner
Gerri Whitten who presented a comprehensive staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Council Members asked questions of Staff.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve Staff
Recommendation as follows: Received and filed a status report on the implementation
of the City's Coyote Management Plan.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
2. Consider receiving a status report on wireless telecommunications coverage
throughout the City. (Mesker/Seeraty)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed, and there were
two requests to speak.
Director of Public Works Awwad introduced Associate Engineer, Brandon Mesker, who
presented a detailed staff report and PowerPoint presentation. Associate Engineer
Mesker shared that AT&T Representative McKenzie Neely Wright is available for
questions.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: McKenzie Neely
Wright.
Council Members asked questions of Staff and AT&T Representative McKenzie Neely
Wright.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Mickey Rodich.
Council Members asked questions of Staff.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Perestam moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve
staff recommendations as amended, excluding recommendation No. 2 thereby not to
pursue developing a Small Wireless Facilities Master Plan: 1) Received and filed a
status report on wireless telecommunications coverage on private property and in the
public right-of-way throughout the City; 2-)-Deter-m-i-ne-whether-Staff-sheuid-GGfltiR-Ue-
City Council Regular Minutes
October 7, 2025
Page 8 of 10
and, 3) Received and filed an update
on the continued efforts with the various carriers and the telecommunication's lobbying
firm, Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, to investigate potential
amendments to Chapters 12.18 (Wireless Facilities on Public Rights-of-Way) and 17.76
(Wireless Facilities on Private Property) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code
that would incentivize carriers to improve wireless telecommunications coverage
throughout the City.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
3. Consider initiating General Plan Amendment proceedings to update references
to the new Chapter 15.20 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code. (Forbes)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Mayor Pro Tern Seo moved to waive the staff report, without objection this was so
ordered.
Mayor Bradley temporarily left the meeting at 8:47 P.M.
Councilmember Perestam moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve staff
recommendations as follows: Initiated General Plan amendment proceedings thereby
having the Planning Commission, in an advisory role, make recommendations to the
City Council on proposed text amendments to the General Plan elements to update
references associated with the adopted amendments to Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code Chapter 15.20, entitled "Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex
Regulations on Land Use Permits."
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam and Mayor Pro Tern Seo
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Bradley
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None
111 Mayor Bradley rejoined the meeting at 8:49 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
City Council Regular Minutes
October 7, 2025
Page 9 of 10
Each Councilmember present reported on their attendance at various organization and
association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 8:52 P.M., Mayor Pro Tem Seo adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025,
for a Closed Session and then to 7:00 P.M. for a -ting.
David L. Bradley, or
Attest:
Te,re a kaoka, City Clerk
City Council Regular Minutes
October 7, 2025
Page 10 of 10