CC DM 20260120 A - 20251216 DRAFT CC MINSDRAFT
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 16, 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 Seo at 6:08 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: Bradley, Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Seo
ABSENT: None
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; Catherine
Jun, Deputy City Manager; Dan Trautner, Director of Recreation and Parks; Vina Ramos,
Director of Finance; and Vanessa Godinez, Human Resources and Risk Manager.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR CLOSED SESSION:
None
CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S) ANNOUNCED:
1. 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 6:09 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:00 P.M. the Closed Session was reconvened to the Regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING – OPEN SESSION
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CALL TO ORDER:
A Regular meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council was called to order by Mayor
Seo at 7:00 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: Bradley, Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Seo
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; Dan Trautner,
Director of Recreation and Parks; Emily Rodin, Deputy Director of Recreation and Parks
(via Zoom); Robert Moya, Deputy Director of Finance; Luna Mohammed, Senior
Administrative Analyst/ Emergency Management Coordinator; Enyssa Sisson, Deputy City
Clerk (via Zoom); and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mark Chang, Eagle Scout, Troop 387.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder provided the closed session report for one item.
City Attorney Wynder reported that City Council met in Closed Session regarding ongoing
labor negotiations with AFSCME District 36. City Council received a privileged and
confidential briefing from its labor negotiators regarding the latest proposal from AFSCME.
The proposal was reviewed and discussed. The City Council unanimously authorized its
labor negotiators to make a further counteroffer.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Seo shared the passing of long-time resident Judy Maizlish.
Mayor Seo and the entire City Council recognized Mark Chang, Troop 378, for completing
his Eagle Scout project.
Mayor Seo welcomed Jim Shneer to discuss his books, which the City uses as references
for the Battery Barnes Bunker floor plan. He is also actively involved with the Friends of the
Lighthouse and the upcoming centennial anniversary plans.
*Mayor Pro Tem Perestam left the dais at 7:20 P.M, he rejoined the meeting at 7:26 P.M.
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RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Seo, by acclamation, approved the Recycle Winners for December 2, 2025 as
Barbara Hertler and Ann Chaffey. 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 Bradley, to approve the
agenda as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Seo
NOES: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
None
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following:
1. RPV’S Run for Myles will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026
2. Help shape our community’s Resilience Plan and take our Peninsula -Wide Hazard
Mitigation Plan survey by January 15, 2026
3. RPV Public Safety Division - reminding everyone to stay safe this holiday season
4. Information on Home Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries
5. Another successful Parade of Lights
6. Thank you Sponsors for assisting in making the winter events possible
7. Upcoming events at the Ken Dyda Civic Center on December 20 at 4:00 – 8:00 P.M.
and December 27 at 2:00- 5:00 P.M.
8. Point Vicente Interpretive Center offers a gift shop, open 10 A.M.- 5:00 P.M.
9. EDCO curbside Christmas tree collection available December 26- January 16
10. City Hall Closed December 24 -January 4
11. Free New Year’s Eve Bus Service, reservations required
12. January 6 City Council Meeting canceled
13. Wishing everyone a Happy Kwanzaa, , Happy Hanukkah, and Merry Christmas
14. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka noted that there was one request to speak on Item H.
Councilmember Perestam briefly commented on Item C (2025 Border Issues report),
requesting the traffic study for the Rolling Hills’ Brickwalk project when it becomes
available.
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Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve the
Consent Calendar with the exception of Item H.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Seo
NOES: None
A. Approval of Minutes (Sisson)
Approved the Minutes of December 2, 2025 (Regular Meeting).
B. Registers of Demands (Anguiano)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-87, 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. Consider the second biannual 2025 Border Issues report.(Barnes)
Received and filed the second biannual report on the status of Border Issues for 2025.
D. Consider a claim against the City by Ivory Guzman. (Sisson)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Ivory Guzman.
E. Consider an updated Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge Engineer’s Report
regarding a red-tagged structure (Mesker/Fraley)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-88, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES THEREBY, VIA NUNC PRO TUNC, UPDATING
THE ABALONE COVE SEWER SERVICE CHARGE ENGINEER’S REPORT TO
REMOVE ONE RED TAGGED STRUCTURE INADVERTENTLY INCLUDED IN THE
ORIGINAL REPORT.
F. Consider Amendment No. 7 to the Employment Agreement with City Manager Ara
Mihranian (Jun)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-89, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDMENT NO.
7 TO CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT.
G. Consider setting a new minimum wage for part-time employees to reflect the
State of California’s new minimum wage increase for the 2026 calendar year.
(Godinez)
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Adopted Resolution No. 2025-90, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING, RESTATING, AND
SUPERSEDING RESOLUTION NO. 2025-58 TO REFLECT AN UPDATED SALARY
AND HOURLY COMPENSATION SCHEDULE FOR ALL CITY EMPLOYEES
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026.
H. Consider continuing the emergency justification for work and emergency
contracting for the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide
Emergency Project. (Copp/Awwad)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
I. Consider a Notice of Completion for the Wildlife Corridor Encroachment Removal
Project with Ramco General Engineering Contractors Inc. (Wolterding)
1) Accepted the construction contract with Ramco General Engineering Contractors for
the Wildlife Corridor Encroachment Removal Project (Capital Improvement Program
Project No. 8427) as complete; 2) Authorized the City Manager to sign and the City
Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the project with the Los Angeles County
Registrar-Recorder’s Office; and if no claims are filed within 35 days after recordation,
send a notice to the surety company to exonerate the Performance Bond; and, 3)
Authorized the Contract Officer to release the 5% construction retention payment to
RAMCO General Engineering Contractors Inc., 35 days after recordation of the Notice
of Completion by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s Office, contingent upon
no claims being filed on the project, and the contractor posting an acceptable warranty
bond with the City.
J. Consider a Professional Service Agreement with MIG, Inc. to prepare
amendments to the General Plan’s Conservation and Open Space Element.
(Bobbett)
1) Approved a Professional Service Agreement (PSA) with MIG, Inc. in the not -to-exceed
amount of $197,500, for a term of up to 1.5 years, to update the Conservation and
Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan; and, 2) authorized the Mayor and City
Clerk to execute the PSA, in form approved by the City Attorney.
K. Consider a claim against the City by Newmeyer & Dillion LLP, on behalf of
Peacock Flats, LCC, Charles S. Krolikowski. (Sisson)
Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Newmeyer & Dillion LLP,
on behalf of Peacock Flats, LCC, Charles S. Krolikowski.
L. Consider purchasing two vehicles to support Open Space and Trails and Public
Safety Divisions. (Wolterding/Schmid)
1) Authorized a purchase contract with South Bay Toyota for one 2026 Toyota Tundra
truck for the Open Space and Trails Division for a total not-to-exceed amount of
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$75,000; 2) Authorized the purchase and installation of additional decals, a toolbox,
and miscellaneous accessories necessary for the intended operation of the Toyota
Tundra truck in a total amount not-to-exceed $5,000; 3) Authorized a purchase contract
with AutoNation Cerritos Toyota for one 2025 Toyota Tacoma truck for the Public
Safety Division for a total not-to-exceed amount of $50,000; and, 4) Authorized the
purchase and installation of vehicle upfitting and miscellaneous accessories necessary
for the intended operation of the Toyota Tacoma truck with Emergency Vehicle
Specialties, Inc. for a total amount not-to-exceed $20,000.
M. Consider appointing City Councilmembers to intergovernmental organizations,
associations, and City subcommittees for 2026. (Sisson)
1) Appointed members of the City Council to various intergovernmental organizations,
associations, and City subcommittees for 2026; and, 2) Directed Staff to notify the
various agencies of the City Council’s decision.
N. Consider an agreement with VectorUSA to purchase and install Verkada security
cameras at City Hall and five park facilities. (Buchwald)
1) Approved an agreement with VectorUSA to purchase, install, and maintain nine
Verkada security cameras with a 5-year video storage and support services
subscription for $46,673 plus a 15% contingency for a total not -to-exceed amount of
$53,673; and, 2) Approved a budget appropriation of $53,673 from the Equipment
Replacement Fund.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
H. Consider continuing the emergency justification for work and emergency
contracting for the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide
Emergency Project. (Copp/Awwad)
The following member of the public addressed the City Council: Mickey Rodich.
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve staff
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: Bradley, Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Seo
NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
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None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
1. Consider commemorative merchandise for the 100th anniversary of the Point
Vicente Lighthouse. (Waters)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Director of Recreation and Parks Trautner introduced Deputy Director Recreation and
Parks Rodin for a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Council Members asked questions of Staff.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve Staff
Recommendation as amended: 1) Approved the commemorative logo design for the
100th anniversary of the Point Vicente Lighthouse for promoting the event and related
merchandisebut amended it to include the anniversary years and a straight alignment;
and, 2) Authorized staff to produce and sell merchandise, including if possible golf tees
and balls, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Point Vicente Lighthouse with
all net proceeds (less costs and staff resources) from the sales to be donated to the
Friends of the Lighthouse for restoration projects.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Seo
NOES: None
2. Consider updates on the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide
Complex. (Awwad/Ramos/Forbes/Lozano)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there was one request to speak.
Director of Public Works Awwad provided a staff report and PowerPoint presentation
on the Overall Movement Rates and in turn introduced Director of Finance Ramos who
provided a staff report and PowerPoint presentation on a financial update.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of staff.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Mickey Rodich.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Bradley, to approve staff
recommendations as follows: 1) Received and filed an update on the Greater
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Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex (Landslide Complex) conditions,
activities, and financials; 2) Adopted Resolution No. 2025-91, 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 W ITHIN THE
LANDSLIDE COMPLEX DUE TO CONTINUED ROADWAY CONDITIONS; 3) Adopted
Resolution No. 2025-92, 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, 4) Adopted
Resolution No. 2025-93, 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: Bradley, Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Seo
NOES: None
3. Consider adopting an updated Emergency Operations Plan for Rancho Palos
Verdes. (Mohammad)
Senior Administrative Analyst/ Emergency Management Coordinator Mohammad
provided a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of staff.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve Staff
Recommendation as follows: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-94, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING THE
UPDATED RANCHO PALOS VERDES EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
CONSISTENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA STANDARDIZED EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND THE FEDERAL NATIONAL INCIDENT
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Seo
NOES: None
4. Consider the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Year-End Draft Financial Report. (Moya)
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City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Director of Finance Ramos provided a staff report and PowerPoint presentation and in
turn introduced Deputy Director Moya who finalized the staff report and PowerPoint
presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and questions were asked of staff.
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve Staff
Recommendation as follows: 1) Received and filed the FY 2024-25 Year-End Draft
Financial Report; 2) Approved the Purchase Order Carryover Schedule for previously
approved projects in the amount of $4,465,585 from FY 2024-25 to FY 2025-26,
thereby approving the following:
a. Decreasing FY 2024-25 Budget for the following: $1,188,698 (General Fund),
$4,845 (Gas Tax-SB-1), $703,277 (1911 Act Street Lighting), $145,720
(Proposition C), $86,704 (Measure R), $359,123 (Measure M), $31,595
(Abalone Cove Sewer District), $691,871 (CIP), $2,900 (Federal Grants),
$775,766 (State Grants), $336 (Measure W), $474,750 (Equipment
Replacement); and
b. Increasing FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget for the same amounts listed in 2(a).
3) Approved Continuing Appropriations for previously approved projects of $4,551,548
from FY 2024-25 to FY 2025-26, thereby, approving the following:
a. Decreasing FY 2024-25 Budget for the following: $958,850 (General Fund),
$460,000 (Gas Tax-SB-1), $171,867 (1911 Act Street Lighting), $70,000 (Public Safety
Grant), $4,800 (Habitat Restoration), $150,000 (CDBG), $2,209,708 (Capital
Infrastructure Project), $92,500 (State Grants), $226,323 (Quimby Park Development),
$115,000 (Bicycle/Pedestrian Access), $60,000 (Measure W), $32,500 (Equipment
Replacement); and,
b. Increasing FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget for the same amounts listed in 3(a).
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Seo
NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Councilmember present reported on their attendance at various organization and
association meetings.
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ADJOURNMENT:
At 9:04 P.M., Mayor Seo adjourned to 6:00 P.M on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, for a
Closed Session and then to 7:00 P.M for a Regular meeting.
Mayor Seo adjourned the meeting in honor and memory of longtime resident Judy
Maizlish.
_________________________
Paul Seo, Mayor
Attest:
_________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk