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REGULAR MEETING OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 15, 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 Pro Tem Perestam 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 Pro Tem Perestam
ABSENT: Seo (Excused) and Bradley * (Excused, in Fireside Room via Zoom) Also present were Ara Mihranian, City Manager; William Wynder, City Attorney; Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager; Daniel Trautner, Director of Recreation and Parks; David Copp, Interim Director of Public Works; Brandy Forbes, Director of Community Development; and Christine Carson, Special Counsel with A & W.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR CLOSED SESSION:
None
CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S) ANNOUNCED:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION A closed session was 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: Regional Board Claims 7022 1670 0001 3465 7386, 7022 1670 0001 3465 7393
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION A closed session was held pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(e) because the City is considering whether to initiate litigation in one (1) case.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION A closed session was 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 one (1) case.
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At 6:01 P.M. the City Council recessed.
RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING:
At 7:07 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 Pro Tem Perestam at 7:07 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: Bradley (via Zoom), Ferraro, Lewis, and Mayor Pro Tem Perestam ABSENT: Seo (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; David Copp, Interim Director of Public Works; Irantzu Pujadas, Administrative Analyst; James O’Neill, Senior Administrative Analyst; Enyssa Sisson, Deputy City Clerk; and Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Director of Community Development Forbes.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Wynder provided the closed session report for three items.
City Attorney Wynder reported on the first item with respect to each of the matters. The City Council unanimously directed staff to negotiate a tolling agreement with the Regional Water Quality Board regarding its various claims and to propose a series of discussions in an effort to resolve those claims.
City Attorney Wynder reported on the second item of Closed Session considering whether DRAFT-City Council Regular Minutes
September 15, 2026
to initiate litigation in one case, that item is going to return to a future Council agenda once additional information has been gathered and options can be recommended to the Council.
City Attorney Wynder reported on the third item involving an exposure of the City to litigation, and the City Council unanimously directed the Community Development Department to commence actions that would avoid any litigation claim.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Pro Tem Perestam shared the passing of Yvetta Williams, Los Serenos Docent.
Mayor Pro Tem Perestam and the entire City Council recognized Margie Beierschmitt on her retirement and for her service to the Peninsula Seniors.
RECYCLE AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS KIT DRAWING:
Mayor Pro Tem Perestam, by acclamation, approved the Recycle Winners for September 15, 2026, as Suzanne Maurizio and Robert Zane. 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: Bradley (via Zoom), Ferraro, Lewis, and Mayor Pro Tem Perestam NOES: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were two requests to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Merlin David and Eva Albuja.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Mihranian provided updates on the following:
1. Hispanic Heritage Month
2. General Municipal Election Information
3. City Council Candidate Forums will be held at Hesse Park on September 17 and October 7 at 7:00 P.M.
4. The City is updating its Conservation & Open Space Element - take the survey:
https://www.rpvca.gov/conos
5. Coastal Cleanup Day on September 19 at 9:00 A.M.
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6. Movie in the Park event will be held on September 19 at 6:00 P.M. at Eastview Park
7. EDCO Fall Brush Clearing Event to be held on Saturdays based on your collection day between September 26 and October and 24
8. Draft Trails Network Plan Public Workshop will be held on September 24 at 6:00 P.M. at the Ladera Linda Community Center
9. Coffee with the Mayor on September 25 from 10-11 A.M. at Yellow Vase, Golden Cove Shopping Center
10.The Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Legislative Forum on October 2 at Palos Verdes Estate Golf Club
11.Wishing all those who observe a meaningful Yom Kippur
12. Wishing Councilmember Bradley a Happy Birthday
*Captain Kimberly Guerrero of the Lomita Sheriff’s Station joined the meeting at 7:30 P.M.
LOMITA STATION REPORT:
1. Update on crime data
2. Update on notable incidents
3. Core team will be attending the PV Chamber Expo
4. Leadership Academy will be given a tour of the Lomita Station and Fire Station 53 on September 19
5. September 28th will be the Lomita Sheriff’s Annual Golf Tournament at Trump National Golf Course
CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Takaoka noted that there were speakers for items I and K.
Mayor Pro Tem Perestam provided a statement regarding Item C in support of a Resolution requesting Cal Cities form a working group to consider drafting a State Constitutional Amendment to maintain local control over housing laws.
Councilmember Lewis moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items I and K.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley (via Zoom), Ferraro, Lewis, and Mayor Pro Tem Perestam NOES: None
A. Approval of Minutes (Sisson)
Approved the Minutes of September 1, 2026 (Regular Meeting).
B. Registers of Demands (Anguiano)
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Adopted Resolution No. 2026-70, 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 City Council’s position regarding the Cal Cities 2026 Annual Conference Resolution. (Pujadas)
1) Authorized the City Council’s voting delegate to support the adoption of Cal Cities General Assembly Resolution No. 1 calling for a working group to consider a state constitutional amendment or other form of initiative to ensure final local authority over housing and land use decisions.
D. Consider adopting Ordinance No. 701 to amend Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code (RPVMC) Chapter 12.18 Wireless Telecommunication Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way. (Mesker/Pan)
1) Adopted Ordinance No. 701 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING CHAPTER 12.18 (WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY) OF TITLE 12 (STREETS, SIDEWALKS
AND PUBLIC PLACES) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE TO
ENCOURAGE WIRELESS DEVELOPMENT AND UPDATE THE REGULATORY
FRAMEWORK AND STANDARDS FOR PERMITTING WIRELESS FACILITIES WITHIN THE CITY’S PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA LAW.
E. Consider awarding a professional services agreement to Carpe Diem 2024, LLC (DBA Scaife Protection Services) for security services at City facilities. (Rodin) 1) Awarded a Professional Service Agreement (PSA) to Carpe Diem 2024, LLC (DBA Scaife Protection Services (SPS) for unarmed security services at City facilities in the annual amount of $31,739 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-26 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $158,693 for a term of five years; and 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the PSA in a form approved by the City Attorney.
F. Consider a claim against the City by Dragan Jovicic. (Godinez) 1) Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimant, Dragan Jovicic.
G. Consider a claim against the City by Robert and Patricia Penny. (Godinez) 1) Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the claimants, Robert and Patricia Penny
H. Consider a claim against the City by Samuel Romero Lopez. (Godinez) 1) Rejected the claim and directed Staff to notify the attorney representing claimant, Samuel Romero Lopez.
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I. Consider the distribution of a Commercial Solid Waste Service Survey to solicit input from City businesses. (Hevener)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
J. Consider awarding a Public Works Agreement to United Storm Water, Inc. for the installation of full stormwater capture system devices in City-owned catch basins. (Hevener)
1) Awarded a Public Works Agreement (PWA) for the installation of 20 (Phase One) of the full stormwater capture system devices in City-owned catch basins to United Storm Water, Inc. in the amount of $56,020, with a contingency of 10% or $5,602, for a total amount of up to $61,622; and 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the PWA in a form approved by the City Attorney.
K. Consider continuing the emergency justification for work and emergency contracting for the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide Emergency Project. (Bryden)
This item was removed for separate consideration.
L. Consider accepting Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP) funds in the amount of $1,423,000 for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program Project Roadway Maintenance Program – Palos Verdes Drive South and West. (Cloke)
1) Adopted Resolution No. 2026-71. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING ADMINISTERING AGENCY FEDERAL MASTER AGREEMENT NO. 07-5413F15 AND PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT AGREEMENT NO. F017 FOR $1,423,000 IN SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (STBGP) FUNDS FOR THE CITY’S ROADWAY MAINTENANCE PROGRAM – PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH AND WEST PROJECT (CIP PROJECT NO. 8855); 2) Authorized the Public Works Director (or designee) and City Clerk to execute the Agency Master Agreement No. 07-5413F15; 3) Authorized the Public Works Director (or designee) and City Clerk to execute the Program Supplement Agreement No. F017; and, 4) Approve an additional appropriation of $91,000 under Fund 331 - Federal Grant Fund, Federal Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP).
M. Consider approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Cities of Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and Palos Verdes Estates to manage and fund the Pano AI Wildfire Detection Camera system. (Mohammad)
Authorized the Mayor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Cities of Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and Palos Verdes Estates memorializing a formal agreement on how the Pano AI Wildfire Cameras will be managed and funded by the four participating Peninsula cities.
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CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
I. Consider the distribution of a Commercial Solid Waste Service Survey to solicit input from City businesses. (Hevener)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there was one request to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Erick Quientero of Waste Management.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve Staff Recommendation as follows: 1) Reviewed the proposed Commercial Solid Waste Survey prepared by Staff and its solid waste consultant MSW Consultants; and, 2) Authorized Staff to distribute the proposed Commercial Solid Waste Service Survey to solicit input from City businesses between September 16, 2026 and October 2, 2026.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley (via Zoom), Ferraro, Lewis, and Mayor Pro Perestam NOES: None
K. Consider continuing the emergency justification for work and emergency contracting for the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide Emergency Project. (Bryden)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there was one request to speak.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Eva Albuja.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve Staff Recommendation as follows: 1) Reconfirmed, by a four-fifths vote, 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.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley (via Zoom), Ferraro, Lewis, and Mayor Pro Perestam NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None.
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REGULAR BUSINESS:
1. Consider updates on the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex (Copp/Ramos)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was submitted, and there were two requests to speak.
Interim Director of Public Works Copp introduced Consultants Paul Hansen and Patricia McCarthy from Paul Hansen Engineering. Then proceeded to provide a staff report and PowerPoint Presentation along with Director of Finance Ramos.
Council Members asked questions of Staff.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council: Jeff Bassler.
Staff were unable to make contact with the second speaker.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to approve Staff Recommendation as amended: 1) Received and filed an update on the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex (Landslide Complex) conditions, activities, and financials; 2) Received and filed an update on the status of the City’s preparation for the rainy season in relation to forecasted strong El Niño conditions; 3) Received and filed an update on the status of the grants related to the City’s response to the Landslide Complex; 4) Adopted Resolution No. 2026-72, 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-, TWOAND THREE-WHEELED VEHICLES ON PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH WITHIN THE LANDSLIDE COMPLEX DUE TO CONTINUED ROADWAY CONDITIONS; 5) Adopted Resolution No. 2026-73, 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, 6) Adopted Resolution No. 2026-74, 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, and Mayor Pro Tem Perestam NOES: None
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2. Consider receiving a status report from Southern California Edison (SCE) regarding power outages and mitigation measures in certain City neighborhoods. (Pujadas)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that late correspondence was submitted, and there were no requests to speak.
City Manager Mihranian provided a brief update noting that a Southern California Edison (SCE) Government Affairs representative was invited to attend the meeting; however, SCE was unable to attend.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Administrative Analyst Pujadas presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Council Members asked questions of Staff.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Lewis moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve Staff Recommendation: Received and filed a status report from Southern California Edison (SCE) providing a status update on the frequency of power outages and long-term measures to mitigate frequent and prolonged power outages in the Grandview Estates, Grandpoint Lane, and the Rolling Riviera neighborhoods.
Councilmember Bradley requested a friendly amendment be added to the motion directing staff to send a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requesting they intervene if no satisfactory resolution is reached within 30 days by SCE.
The friendly amendment was accepted by the maker and seconder of the motion.
The motion, as amended, passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley (via Zoom), Ferraro, Lewis, and Mayor Pro Tem Perestam NOES: None
3. Consider the potential establishment of Developer Impact Fees (DIFs) and whether to proceed with a Nexus Study. (O’Neill/Moya)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Director of Finance Ramos introduced Senior Administrative Analyst O’Neill, James Edison from Willdan, and Chair John MacAllister from Finance Advisory Committee.
Senior Administrative Analyst O’Neill presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
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Council Members asked questions of Staff, Willdan Representative, and Chair MacAllister.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Lewis moved, seconded by Councilmember Ferraro, to approve Staff Recommendation as follows: 1) Received and filed Willdan Financial Services’ (Willdan) Initial Impact Fee Evaluation regarding the potential establishment of DIFs; 2) Provided Staff direction to proceed with the Nexus Study to position the City for potential future development, and authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement (PSA) with Willdan, in a form approved by the City Attorney, in an amount not to exceed $50,000; 3) Directed Staff to work with Willdan and City Departments to identify potentially eligible capital improvements, refine development assumptions and fee categories, and return to the City Council with the completed Nexus Study and proposed DIFs for consideration.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley (via Zoom), Ferraro, Lewis, and Mayor Pro Tem Perestam NOES: None
4. Consider taking a position on Measure RS - the Rancho Palos Verdes Public Safety/City Services Measure. (Jun)
City Clerk Takaoka reported that there were no requests to speak.
Deputy City Manager Jun presented a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued among Council Members.
Councilmember Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilmember Bradley, to approve Staff Recommendation as follows: 1) Considered taking a position on Measure RS, the Rancho Palos Verdes Public Safety/City Services Measure, that has been placed on the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election ballot for voter consideration; and, 2) Took a support position and adopted Resolution No. 2026-75, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, EXPRESSING SUPPORT
FOR MEASURE RS, THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES PUBLIC SAFETY/CITY
SERVICES MEASURE, THAT HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE BALLOT FOR THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026 The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Bradley (via Zoom), Ferraro, Lewis, and Mayor Pro Tem Perestam NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED BY A COUNCIL MEMBER:
None
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FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
At 9:24 P.M., Mayor Pro Tem Perestam adjourned to 6:00 P.M. on October 6, 2026, for a Closed Session meeting followed by a 7:00 P.M. Regular meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Perestam adjourned the meeting in honor and memory of Yvetta Williams. _________________________
Paul Seo, Mayor
Attest:
_________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk