MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 18, 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 Subdivisions b)( 1) as amended of Government Code Section. 54953. 4 ( b) ( 1). 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, and Mayor Seo
ABSENT: Bradley ( Excused) and Perestam ( Excused)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager; Allison Don, Senior Administrative Analyst; Nathan Zweizig, Administrative Assistant; and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
IPUBLIC 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(d)( 2) and e)( 1) because there is a significant exposure to litigation in one ( 1) case where the facts and circumstances giving rise to an exposure to litigation are believed to be unknown to the, putative plaintiff( s).
At 6: 01 P. M. the Council recessed.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7: 00 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 Seo at 7: 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 Subdivisions ( b)( 1.), as amended, of Government Code Section 54953.4 ( b) ( 1). 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.
ROLL CALL:
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Ferraro, Lewis, and Mayor Seo
ABSENT: Bradley ( Excused) and Perestam ( Excused)
Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager; Vina Ramos, Director of Finance; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community Development; Dan Trautner, Director of Recreation and Parks; Russ Bryden, Interim Deputy Director of Public Works; Allison Don, Senior Administrative Analyst; Jennifer Schmid, Public Safety Manager; Nathan Zweizig, Administrative Assistant; and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
Also present were Captain Kimberly Guerrero and Sgt. Jeffrey Velasco of the Lomita Sheriffs S=tation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Lewis.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder provided the closed session report.
A closed session was held pursuant to Government Code § 54956. 9( d)( 2) and ( e)'( 1). There was discussion with City Council on facts and circumstances which could give rise to an exposure to litigation in one case. No reportable action was taken.
MAYOR' S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Seo, and the entire City Council thanked and recognized the winners of the City' s recent emergency AM radio station naming contest, Mike:and Ryan Cass. The City Council also thanked and recognized Emergency Preparedness Committee Member Wouter van Biene and Peninsula Volunteer Alert Network volunteer Gary Lopes for their idea and work. in implementing the new AM radio station.
Mayor Seo and the entire City Council recognized California Water Service Co. ( Cal Water) for its centennial anniversary.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
City Council Regular Minutes
August 18, 2026
Mayor Seo, by acclamation, approved the Recycle Winners for August 4, 2026, as Harriet Cobb and. Patrick Don Vito. 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 Lewis, to approve the agenda as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, and Mayor Seo
NOES: None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR. NON- AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
LOMITA STATION REPORT:
None
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following:
1. General Municipal Election Information
2. Budget in Brief for Fiscal Year 2026- 27
3. Draft Trails Network Plan has been released and public workshops will be held on September 10 at 6: 00 P. M. at Hesse Park, McTaggart Hall and September 24 at 6: 00 P. M. at the Ladera Linda Community Center
4. Los Serenos De Point Vicente will hold an Open House on September 8 from 7: 00 P. M. to 8: 00 P. M. at Point Vicente Interpretive Center.
5. The last Summer Concert in the Park will be held on August 22 from 4: 00 P. M. to 6: 00 P. M. at the Ken Dyda Civic Center.
6. One last Movie in the,Park event will be held on September 19 at 6:00 P. M. at Eastview Park
7. Eastview Dog Park Temporary Closure until August 28
8. Welcome students back to school
9. City Hall Anniversary Open House will be held September 10. from 4: 00 P. M. to 6: 00 P. M. at the Ken Dyda Civic Center
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve. the Consent Calendar as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
City Council Regular Minutes
August 18, 2026
9 AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, and Mayor Seo
NOES: None
A. Approval of Minutes ( Zweizig)
Approved the Minutes of August 4, 2026 ( Regular Meeting).
B. Registers of Demands (Anguiano)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-67, 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 continuing the emergency justification for work and emergency contracting for the Greater Portuguese Bend- Ancient Altamira Landslide Emergency Project. (Bryden)
1) Reconfirmed there is a need to continue the work on the Landslide 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.
D. Consider ratifying the Purchase Agreement for the acquisition of 2 Peppertree Drive. (Forbes)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2026- 68.A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALO.S VERDES, CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING THE CITY
COUNCIL'S PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF 2 PEPPERTREE DRIVE AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE ACQUISITION; and, 2) Approved an additional appropriation of 289, 000 for acquisition costs, funded by the General Fund' s Unallocated Fund Balance and allocate to Non- Department— Land.
E. Consider a Grant Agreement for Round No. 4 of the Western Avenue Storefront Improvement Program. ( Garrett)
1) Approved a Grant Agreement with Amdan Investment Corp. in an amount not-toexceed $ 20, 000, for storefront improvements at 29000 S. Western Avenue, under Round No. 4 of the Western. Avenue Storefront Improvement Program; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Grant.Agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.
F. Consider appointing five members to the City' s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and appointing a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. ( Pujadas) City Council Regular Minutes
August 18, 2026
1) Appointed. Keanu Pourafzal, Walter Kim; Amara Alegria, and Coco Nie for their first term as members of the YAC; 2) Reappointed Matthew Song for a second term as member of the YAC; 3) Appointed Matthew Song as YAC Chair., Ashley Chan Mott and Amy Wen as Vice Chairs, and Annabelle Huang as Secretary to the YAC for Fiscal Year 2026- 27; and, 4) Amended City Council Policy No. 54A to change the eligible grade range requirements for the YAC range from Grades 7- 12 to Grades 9- 12 G. Consider awarding a professional services agreement to Transtech Engineers, Inc. for Public Works Capital Project Delivery Services. (Copp) 1) Awarded a Professional Services Agreement to Transtech Engineers, Inc. for Public Works Capital Project Delivery Services in the amount of $ 105,000, with a 15% contingency of $ 15, 750, for a four-month term for staffing augmentation as the City undergoes the recruitment process for Public Works Director; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the Professional Services Agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.
H. Consider awarding a professional services agreement to Sikand Engineering Associates,, Inc. for the Point Vicente Interpretive Center Drainage Study.
Rodriguez)
1) Awarded a Professional Services Agreement to Sikand Engineering Associates, Inc. for the preparation of the Point.Vicente Interpretive. Center Drainage Study that includes civil engineering,, topographic surveying, and drainage diagnostic services in the amount of$ 29, 500, with a 15% contingency of.$4, 425, for a total contract amount of$ 33, 925 and a term of 328 calendar days; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the Professional Services Agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.
I. Consider a Notice of Completion for the Sidewalk Management Program Construction Contract. (Ascencio)
1) Accepted the construction contract with FS Contractors, Inc. for the Sidewalk Management Program as complete; 2) Authorized 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 Director of Public Works to release the 5% construction retention payment to FS 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.
Mayor Seo recognized the newly appointed Youth Advisory Committee Members.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM( S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
City Council Regular Minutes
August 18, 2026
None.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
1. Consider a report on the use of Automated License Plate Reader camera systems within the City. ( Don)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was submitted, and there were four requests to speak.
City Manager Mihranian provided an introduction of the item and introduced Senior Administrative Analyst Don who presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation along with Captain Guerrero and Flock Safety Consultant Bia Campbell.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Sharon Yarber, Allison Wolcott, Dr. Kit Song ( via Zoom).
Council Members asked questions of Flock Safety Consultant Bia Campbell.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Lewis moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve Staff Recommendation as follows: 1) Received .and filed a report on the use of Automated License Plate Reader ( ALPR) cameras located in certain neighborhoods and in select public rights- of-way throughout the City; and, 2) Received and filed a presentation from Flock Safety regarding the use, data retention, and privacy policies of their ALPR camera systems operated in certain City neighborhoods.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES.: Ferraro, Lewis, and Mayor Seo
NOES: None
2. Consider an Unmanned Aerial System ( UAS) Drone Program for the Lomita Sheriffs Station. ( Schmid)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was submitted, and there were three requests to speak.
Public Safety Manager Schmid presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Sharon Yarber, Dr. Kit Song ( via Zoom, made comments during Regular Business Item No. 1).
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve Staff Recommendation as. follows: 1) Considered an Unmanned Aerial System ( UAS) Drone City Council Regular Minutes
August 18, 2026
Program for the Lomita Sheriffs Station. ( Schmid Approved participating in the proposed Unmanned Aerial System ( UAS) Drone Program to be implemented by the Lomita Sheriffs Station; and, 2,) Authorized the Mayor to sign the Memorandum of Understanding .( MOU) between the Cities of Rancho Palos Verdes, Lomita, Rolling Hills Estates, and Rolling Hills to fund the procurement of four UAS Drones for the Lomita Sheriffs Station based on a cost share formula in the first operating year.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Lewis, and Mayor Seo
NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM( S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
At' 8: 43 P. M., Mayor Seo adjourned to 6:00 P. M. on September 1, 2026, for a Closed Session meeting followed by a 7: 00 P. M. Regular meeting.
P- i, ' ayor
Attest:
eresa A aoka, City Clerk
I
City Council Regular Minutes
August 18, 2026