CC MINS 20251104 REG (SPC Closed Session) MINUTES
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
AND IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
NOVEMBER 4, 2025
CALL TO ORDER:
A Special and Regular Meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council for the purpose
of a Special Closed Session was called to order by Mayor Bradley at 5:35 P.M. at Ken
Dyda Civic Center, Community Room, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. 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 (via Zoom), Seo, and Mayor Bradley
ABSENT: None
*Mayor Bradley moved to include Councilmember Perestam remotely, pursuant to just
cause (Gov't Code § 54953 (b)(3)(b)). Second, by Councilmember Ferraro
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; Catherine
Jun, Deputy City Manager; Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works; Brandy Forbes,
Direction of Community Development; Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Dan Trautner,
Director of Recreation and Parks; Harvey Wimer, Graves and King, LLP; and Bethany
Ring, Graves and King, LLP.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR CLOSED SESSION:
None
CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S) ANNOUNCED:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION
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 titles of such litigations are as follows Andersen at al. v. City of Rancho
Palos Verdes et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 24STCV20953; Roth et
al., v City of Rancho Palos Verdes et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No.
24STCV00543; Chip Assets v. City of Rancho Palos Verdes et al., Los Angeles
Superior Court Case No. 24STCV04790; Buesing v. City of Rancho Palos Verdes et
al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 24STCV10840; Geffner v. City of Rancho
Palos Verdes et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 24STCV29479.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL —ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(4)
because the City is considering whether to join as amicus curia in a petition to the
California Supreme Court seeking review of the decision of the Second Appellate
District in that certain case styled New Commune DTLA LLC v. City of Redondo
Beach, Second Appellate District Appeal No. B336042.
At 5:37 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session (Conference Room, Ken Dyda Civic
Center).
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING (McTaggart Hall Hesse Park):
At 7:01 P.M. the Special 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 Bradley at 7:01 P.M. at Fred Hesse Jr. Community Park,
McTaggart Hall, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, notice having been given with affidavit
thereto on file.
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ROLL CALL:
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City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam (via Zoom), Seo and Mayor Bradley
ABSENT: None
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; Catherine
Jun, Deputy City Manager; Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Ramzi Awwad, Director of
Public Works; Daniel Trautner, Director of Recreation and Parks; Amy Seeraty, Senior
Planner; Lukasz Buchwald, IT Manager; Jennifer Schmid, Public Safety Manager; City
Geologist Mike Phipps; Enyssa Sisson, Deputy City Clerk (via Zoom); and Teresa
Takaoka, City Clerk.
Also present was Sergeant Paul Cervantes of the Lomita Sheriffs Station.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Geologist Phipps.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder provided the closed session report and reported on two items that
were discussed in closed session.
City Council Regular Minutes
November 4, 2025
Page 2 of 9
City Attorney Wynder reported on the first item, there was a privilege and confidential
briefing on a series on five matters of litigation involving claims against the City, resulting
from the landslide. The City Council was introduced to litigation council that has been
appointed by the California Joint Powers Authority. There were a brief introduction and a
primary discussion of the litigation and the next steps of the litigation. No action was
requested, no action was authorized, and there is nothing to report.
City Attorney Wynder reported on the second item, the City Council is considering whether
to join as a friend of the court in a petition to the California Supreme Court seeking review
of the decision of the Second Appellate District in that certain case New Commune DTLA
LLC v. City of Redondo Beach, Second Appellate District Appeal No. B336042. The City
Council unanimously directed the City Attorney's office to reach out to their City Attorney in
Redondo Beach to offer our services in the effort to secure Supreme Court review of this
decision as amicus or friend of the court.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Bradley shared that the City received a $2 million reimbursement from Los Angeles
County Flood Control District for winterization efforts within the Portuguese Bend
Landslide.
Mayor Bradley shared in celebration and cheered on the Los Angeles Dodgers as they
took home another World Series win.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Bradley, by acclamation, approved the Recycle Winners for October 21, 2025, as
Wayne Okamoto and Marilyn Falcon. 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 Pro Tem Seo 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 Clerk Takaoka reported that there were eleven requests to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Nikita Kapoor, Mac
Smith, Sacmadd Ali, Jolie Tseng, Emily Chen, Eleanor Lang, Amaal Ali, Audrey Ahn, Dr.
Gemie Han, Eva Albuja, and Robert Abordo.
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November 4, 2025
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CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following:
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1. In-person early voting between October 25 and November 4
2. Congrats to the Finance Department for receiving GFOA Certificate of Achievement
for Excellence in Financial Reporting
3. Upcoming documentary screenings on November 5 at Ladera Linda Community
Park for "Equipoise: Life on a Landslide" and November 8 at Cabrillo Marine
Aquarium for "Out of Plain Sight"
4. Eastview Dog Park reopening on November 7
5. Veterans Day Breakfast will be held on Tuesday, November 11 from 9:00 — 11:00
A.M. at Ken Dyda Civic Center.
6. City Hall Closed on Veterans Day on November 11
7. Thank you to all veterans who have served our nation
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Seo, to approve the
Consent Calendar as is.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
A. Approval of Minutes (Sisson)
Approved the Minutes of October 21, 2025 (Regular Meeting).
B. Registers of Demands (Anguiano)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-74, 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 September 2025 Preliminary Cash Balances/Monthly
Treasurer's Report. (Lin)
Received and filed the September 2025 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer's Report for
the City and the Improvement Authority.
D. Consider an amendment to the Agreement with CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP for
independent financial audit services for Fiscal Years (FY) 2025-26 and 2026-27.
(O'Neill)
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November 4, 2025
Page 4 of 9
1) Approved Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement for Contractual Services with
CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP for independent financial audit services for FY 2025-26 in the
111 amount of$76,500 and FY 2026-27 in the amount of$79,100; and, 2) Authorized the
Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3, approved as to form by the City Attorney.
E. Consider authorizing the Public Works Director to execute California Department
of Transportation agreements and amendments to claim Federal and/or State
funding for City Council approved projects. (Cloke)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-75, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION.
F. Consider the Fiscal Year 2025-26 First Quarter Financial Report for the General
Fund. (O'Neill)
Received and filed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 First Quarter Financial Report for the
General Fund.
G. Consider amending City Council Policy No. 50 (Fraud, Waste and Abuse
Reporting Process) to implement an in-house reporting system to report fraud,
waste, and abuse. (Godinez)
1) Approved the amendments, as shown in track changes, to City Council Policy No. 50
to implement an in-house reporting system, in lieu of a system under contract with
Navex, to confidentially report alleged fraud, waste, and abuse by City employees,
contractors, volunteers, and Committee/Commission members, effective January 1,
2026; and, 2) Issued a notice of cancellation to Navex, which currently hosts the City's
fraud, waste, and abuse reporting system, effective December 31, 2025.
H. 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
I. Consider adopting a City Council Policy to implement new Brown Act
amendments regarding meeting disruption procedures pursuant to Senate Bill
707. (Sisson)
Adopted City Council Policy No. 60 to incorporate new Brown Act amendments
regarding meeting disruption procedures for two-way remote attendance pursuant to
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November 4, 2025
Page 5 of 9
Senate Bill 707.
J. Consider increasing the City's contribution toward eligible employee health
savings accounts (HSA) to align with new IRS HSA contribution limits effective
January 1, 2026. (Godinez)
1) Authorized increasing the City's contribution to full-time employee health savings
accounts (HSA) to $4,400 for individuals and $8,750 for family plans under the High-
Deductible PPO+HSA medical plan to align with new IRS 2026 HSA contribution limits
effective January 1, 2026; 2) Approved Resolution No. 2025-76 A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA,
INCREASING THE CITY'S HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT CONTRIBUTION FOR ALL
ELIGIBLE FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026; and, 3)
Approved Resolution No. 2025-77 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING, ADOPTING, AND
IMPLEMENTING, AND THEREBY AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH
THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD
JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2028, INCREASING THE CITY'S
CONTRIBUTION TO ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS IN 2026.
K. Consider the approval of the Fifth Amended and Restated Joint Powers
Agreement for the South Bay Cities Council of Governments. (Pujadas)
Approved and authorized the Mayor to execute the Fifth Amended and Restated Joint
Powers Agreement (JPA) of South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG),
which allows the City of Los Angeles to designate a non-elected senior staff member as
an alternate to the SBCCOG Governing Board Representative.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Consideration to approve Revision "JJJ" to the Trump National Golf Club Project
Conditional Use Permit's (CUP) Conditions of Approval to allow as-built ancillary
site improvements within the required side yard setback, and the relocation of
the existing Open Space Hazard (OH) boundary line of Lot No. 35 of Tract No.
50667 located at 31909 Emerald View Drive (Case No. PLCU2025-0005). (Seeraty)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that the notice of the public hearing was duly published,
late correspondence was received and applicant present.
Mayor Bradley declared the public hearing open.
Senior Planner Seeraty shared a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
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November 4, 2025
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Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of Staff.
The following applicant addressed the City Council: Mike Coyle.
Mayor Bradley closed the public hearing. Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Perestam moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Seo, to approve staff
recommendations as amended to include updated resolution language of"after-the-
fact" inclusion: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-78, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING ADDENDUM
NO. 51 TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NO. 36 IN CONNECTION WITH
REVISION "JJJ" TO THE TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF CLUB PROJECT; and, 2)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-79, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING REVISION "JJJ" TO THE TRUMP
NATIONAL GOLF CLUB PROJECT CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO AMEND
CONDITION OF APPROVAL NO. Z.32 TO ALLOW AN AFTER-THE-FACT AS-BUILT
FIREPIT AND AN AFTER-THE FACT AS-BUILT OUTDOOR KITCHEN/BBQ
STRUCTURE TO REMAIN WITHIN THE WESTERN 20-FOOT-SIDE-YARD
SETBACK; AND APPROVING THE OPEN-SPACE HAZARD ZONING DISTRICT
BOUNDARY INTERPRETATION REQUEST TO ADJUST THE EXISTING OPEN-
SPACE HAZARD (OH) ZONING DISTRICT BOUNDARY LINE BY THREE FEET TO
THE NORTHWEST OF ITS EXISTING LOCATION; ON LOT NO. 35 OF TRACT NO.
50667 LOCATED AT 31909 EMERALD VIEW DRIVE.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
2. Consider updates on the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide
Complex and revise the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 budget.
(Awwad/Ramos/Forbes/Lozano)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there were
three requests to speak.
Director of Public Works Awwad provided a brief staff report and in turn introduced
City's Geologist Phipps who presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Director of Public Works Awwad introduced the Director of Finance for a Financial staff
report and PowerPoint Presentation
Council Members asked questions of Staff.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Eva Albuja, Jeff
Bassler, and Gordon Leon.
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November 4, 2025
Page 7 of 9
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Seo moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve Staff
Recommendation as follows: 1) Received and filed an update on the Greater
Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex (Landslide Complex) conditions,
activities, and financials; 2) Approved amending the $1,917,500 loan agreement to
Klondike Canyon Geologic Hazard Abatement District (KCLAD), approved on July 2,
2024, by extending the first loan payment from December 1, 2025 to December 1,
2026; 3) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-80, 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; 4) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-81, 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, 5) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-82, 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.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
3. Consider receiving a status update on the implementation of the Public Safety
Division, including current initiatives and future objectives. (Schmid)
Public Safety Manager Schmid presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Sergeant Cervantes to provided a brief update regarding proactive measures taken on
by the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department.
Public Safety Manager Schmid finalized her staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Councilmember Lewis moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve staff
recommendations as follows: 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:
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November 4, 2025
Page 8 of 9
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, Seo and Mayor Bradley
NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Councilmember Lewis requested that staff bring back a report on vendor management,
competitive bidding, and procurement processes, and providing examples of application
policies to recent large scale purchases within the next 60 to 90 days.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Councilmember present reported on their attendance at various organization and
association meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 8:42 P.M., Mayor Bradley adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, for
a Closed Session and then to 7:00 P.M. for a Regular meeting.
I r _ ,. ;i'i.,
/ eft
David L. Bradley, yor
Attest:
eresa aoka, City Clerk
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November 4, 2025
Page 9 of 9
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