CC DM 20260203 A - 20260120 DRAFT CC MINS
DRAFT
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
AND SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
JANUARY 20, 2026
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 6:00 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: Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Seo
ABSENT: Ferraro* (Excused, in Fireside Room) and Councilmember Bradley*
(Excused, in transit)
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; Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works; Brandy Forbes, Director of
Community Development; Vanessa Godinez, Human Resources and Risk Manager; and
Pam Lee, Special Council with Aleshire & Wynder.
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).
2. 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 litigation to which the City is an amicus
curia in a petition to the California Supreme Court, Case No. S294028, seeking
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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.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING ADMINISTRATIVE
PROCEEDING
A closed session will be help, pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(a), to confer
with legal counsel regarding pending administrative proceeding to which the City is
a party. The title of such proceeding is as follows: California Regional Water
Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region, Order Nos. R4-2012-0175, 13-TC-01
and 13-TC-02
At 6:02 P.M. the Council recessed to Closed Session.
*Councilmember Ferraro and Councilmember Bradley joined the Closed Session meeting
in the Fireside Room at 6:02 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 Special meeting of the
Improvement Authority was called to order by Mayor 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: 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; Vanessa Hevener, Project Manager; Deanna Fraley,
Principal Engineer; Irantzu Pujadas, Administrative Analyst; Enyssa Sisson, Deputy City
Clerk (via Zoom); and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
Also present was Captain Kimberly Guerrero of the Lomita Sheriff’s Station.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Perestam.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder provided the closed session report for three items.
City Attorney Wynder reported on the first item, the City Council met in Closed Session
regarding ongoing labor negotiations with AFSCME District 36. City Attorney report ed that
the parties are close to a tentative agreement. There are two outstanding items that were
reviewed with the Council. They gave the City’s labor negotiators direction on those two
items.
City Attorney Wynder reported on the second item, with respect to one matter of pending
litigation to which the City is the party. The City is an amicus curia, meaning friend of the
court, in a petition in the California Supreme Court seeking review of a Court of Appeal
decisions styled New Commune v. City of Redondo Beach. The City along with other
entities filed an amicus brief urging the court to accept the case for review. The Supreme
Court gave notice that its original 60 day period to review is about to expire, and it was
exercising its one and only option to extend its review of the petition for an additional thirty
days. The City expects it by mid-February. The Council was briefed assuming that the
Supreme Court elects not to take this case for review and what steps the City needs to
take to be in compliance with the New Commune decision.
City Attorney Wynder reported on the third item, and the City Council was briefed on the
ruling of the Regional Water Quality Boards determination of eligibility for reimbursement
for compliance for the MS4 permit from 2012. The City Attorney has provided a privileged
and confidential briefing, and questions were asked and answered. The City Attorney
discussed with the City Council its options. and the Council unanimously provided the City
Attorney with direction.
All five City Councilmember participated in all Closed Session items.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Seo and the entire City Council recognized Golden Scoop Gelato for their
commitment to quality service and community spirit since their opening.
Mayor Seo discussed the recent visit from the Miraleste Intermediate and Sakura City
student exchange program on Friday, January 16. The visit included hands -on
experiences learning about City functions, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and
the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. These exchanges continue to strengthen
the relationship between our City and our Sister City of Sakura City, Japan.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
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Mayor Seo, by acclamation, approved the Recycle Winners for January 6, 2026 as Denyce
Radov and Arlen Osborne. 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:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were three requests to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Merlin David, Eva Albuja,
and Sha.
LOMITA STATION REPORT:
Captain Guerrero provided updates on the following:
1. Introduction of New Deputy - Deputy Zhang
2. Updates on Crime Data
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following:
1. Happy New Year!
2. 2025 City Hall Recap
3. Thank you to Public Works for responding to the rain during the Holiday break.
4. 2025 Winter Event Recap
5. Registration for Homeless Count 2026 now open
6. Palos Verdes Nature Preserve Quarterly Public Forum on January 29
7. RPV’S Run for Myles will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026
8. Winter Adoption Event, First Sunday of the Month
9. Thank you, Rep. Lieu
10. Wishing Mayor Seo a Happy Birthday
CONSENT CALENDAR:
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Councilmember Perestam briefly commented on Item J (Western Avenue Traffic Flow
Improvements Project report).
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve the
Consent Calendar as is.
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 16, 2025 (Regular Meeting).
B. Registers of Demands (Anguiano)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-01, 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 20251212); and Adopt Resolution No. 2026-02, 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 20251219).
C. Consider accepting Gifts for Parks donations. (Fox)
Accepted Gifts for Parks donations and directed Staff to prepare donor letters of
appreciation for the Mayor’s signature.
D. Consider the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Budget Development Calendar. (O’Neill)
Reviewed and approved the FY 2026-27 Budget Development Calendar.
E. Consider a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Run for Myles non-
profit organization to co-host a rescheduled race event on January 31, 2026.
(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, 5k, and 10k
race event on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in a form approved by the City Attorney; 2)
Authorize waiving $2,897 in the following City fees:
a. Special Event Permit 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,
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3) Authorized the City Manager to accept donated proceeds from the event to be used
for parks and trails preservation and recorded in Fund 228 (Donor Restricted Fund).
F. Consider consolidating two existing part-time Staff Assistant positions into one
new full-time Staff Assistant position in the Administration Department.
(Godinez)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-03, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, APPROVING A STAFFING ADJUSTMENT TO
CONSOLIDATE TWO EXISTING PART-TIME STAFF ASSISTANT POSITIONS INTO
ONE NEW FULL-TIME STAFF ASSISTANT POSITION IN THE ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT.
G. Consideration to receive the November 2025 Preliminary Cash Balances/Monthly
Treasurer’s Report. (Lin)
Received and filed the November 2025 Cash Balances/Monthly Treasurer’s Report for
the City and the Improvement Authority.
H. Consider ratifying amendments to Public Works Agreements previously
approved by the City Council. (Mesker/Fraley)
1) Ratified term extensions, initially approved by the Public Works Department, for the
following Public Works Agreements previously approved by the City Council with
optional term extensions:
a. National Utility Locators, LLC. (utility locating and field marking) – extending
original 1-year term by 2 years
b. Graffiti Protective Coatings, Inc. (graffiti removal) – extending original 3-year
term by 3 years
c. Permitech Solutions, formally Telecom Law Firm (wireless communications
regulatory review) – extending original 3-year term by 2 years
d. Fehr & Peers (transportation and traffic engineering) – extending original 4-
year term by 1 year
e. General Technologies and Solutions, LLC (transportation and traffic
engineering) – extending original 4-year term by 1 year
f. Kittelson & Associates, Inc. (transportation and traffic engineering) –
extending original 4-year term by 1 year;
2) Approved an increase to the not-to-exceed limits to account for anticipated
expenditures with the extended working terms for the following two Public Works
Agreements:
a. National Utility Locators, LLC – Increase from $42,000 for the original 1-year
term to $126,000 to account for the additional 2-year term.
b. Graffiti Protective Coating, Inc. – Increase from $216,000 for the original 3-
year term to $432,000 to account for the additional 3-year term.
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I. 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) Direct the City Clerk to confirm the
same in the minutes of this City Council meeting, via Minute Order, reflecting this
action.
J. Consider a status update on the Western Avenue Traffic Flow Improvements
Project and approve Amendment No. 2 to the Funding Agreement with Los
Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA). (Casil)
1) Received and filed an update on the Western Avenue Traffic Flow Improvements
Project; 2) Approved Amendment No. 2 to the Funding Agreement with LACMTA
authorizing a total grant allocation of $4,980,000 in Measure M Funds for the
construction phase of the Project; and, 3) Approved an additional appropriation of
$2,076,900 from the Special Revenue Fund for Measure M; and, 4) Authorized the
City Manager to execute the Amendment, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
K. Consider receiving the twice-yearly reports and Fiscal Year 2025-26 Work Plans
from the City’s advisory committees and commission. (Pujadas)
Received and filed the twice-yearly reports for the period between July and December
2025 and Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Work Plans from the City’s seven advisory
committees and commission.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None
REGULAR BUSINESS:
1. Consider an update on establishing electric vehicle (EV) charging fees at Ladera
Linda Community Park. (Hevener)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed, and there were
no requests to speak.
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Director of Public Works Awwad provided an overview and introduced Project Manager
Hevener for a staff report and PowerPoint presentation. Director of Public Works
Awwad reiterated the report’s key highlights for the Council.
Council Members asked questions of Staff.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Council Members asked questions of Staff and City Attorney.
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Mayor Seo, to continue the matter so
that Staff can : 1) Research comparable agencies to determine how EV charging
stations are priced and whether those agencies subsidize charging cost; 2) Consult
with the City’s electrical engineering consultant to determine how much additional
copper can be installed without requiring retrenching at Ladera Linda Community Park;
3) Evaluate the feasibility of privatizing the administration of Level III Ev charging,
including indirect and operations and maintenance (O & M) costs; and 4) Provide the
underlying assumptions used in the sensitivity analysis.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Seo
NOES: Ferraro
2. Consider adopting the City’s 2026 Legislative Platform. (Jun)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was distributed and there were
no requests to speak.
Deputy City Manager Jun introduced Administrative Analyst Pujadas for a staff report
and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve staff
recommendations as amended: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 2026-04, A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA
ADOPTING THE CITY’S 2026 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM; and 2) Include language
that clearly identifies the partners and, for the housing subsection, package the
supporting and opposing legislation together.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley, Ferraro, Lewis, Perestam, and Mayor Seo
NOES: None
3. Consider a status update on the formation of the RPV Community Foundation.
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(Jun/Pujadas)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Deputy City Manager Jun provided a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Councilmember Bradley moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve Staff
Recommendation as follows: 1) Received and filed a status update on the formation of
the RPV Community Foundation; 2) Directed staff to continue filing all remaining
necessary documents with the State to formalize the RPV Community Foundation ; and,
3) Scheduled the first RPV Community Foundation Board of Directors meeting for
March 17, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in advance of the regular scheduled City Council meeting.
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.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 9:01 P.M., Mayor Seo adjourned to 6:00 P.M on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, for a
Closed Session meeting followed by a 7:00 P.M. Regular meeting.
_________________________
Paul Seo, Mayor
Attest:
_________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk