Ramzi Awwad

The City Council meeting included public hearings and regular business items. Key discussions involved the Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge, for which a resolution was adopted determining the charge for FY 2015/16. Regarding Street Tree Maintenance Practices, the Council directed staff to modify the trimming policy, delete the City Tree Review Permit process, and rescind existing covenants, while also introducing an ordinance to preclude permit issuance temporarily. In addressing the Parks Master Plan Update, the Council removed Gateway Park from consideration, incorporated the privately funded Skate Plaza at Upper Point Vicente Park, approved modest improvements at Lower Hesse Park and Eastview Park, and directed staff to analyze the creation of a full-time position for trash pick-up and graffiti removal. Furthermore, the Council introduced an ordinance in a bifurcated manner, authorizing Volunteers on Patrol to issue parking citations and addressing the recovery of attorney's fees. A separate discussion addressed Southern California Edison Prolonged Power Outages, resulting in a motion to notify legislators about rebate program precedents.

The meeting involved several key agenda items related to land use and development regulations. A significant portion of the discussion concerned a request for a one-year time extension for a Height Variation Permit, Grading Permit, and Variance (Case No. ZON2003-00465), which was ultimately continued to the next meeting for the applicant to provide clearer justification regarding hardship. The commission also addressed a continuance request for a Height Variation Permit (Case No. ZON2005-00074). During Public Hearings, the commission debated a Height Variation Permit (Case No. ZON2005-00409) for a large residence, ultimately continuing the public hearing to allow the applicant to redesign the project to address concerns about bulk, mass, and neighborhood compatibility. Another public hearing involved a request to continue a Height Variation and Site Plan Review (Case No. ZON2003-00557). The commission approved a Grading Permit (Case No. ZON2004-00517), adding language to address construction truck idling hours. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding a Code Amendment for Cargo Containers (Case No. ZON2004-00265), where commissioners debated provisions for short-term and long-term uses, particularly concerning commercial zones and the requirement for foundations, leading to a continuance to allow staff to revise the draft language and include input from the Building Official.

Key discussions included the ceremonial retirement recognition for Deputy Christopher Knox, with multiple members and staff expressing deep appreciation for his service, including his professionalism and community non-profit work. The agenda was approved as amended, and new committee members were sworn in. Regarding unfinished business, the committee discussed scheduling three public outreach workshop meetings for the Palos Verdes Drive South Corridor Traffic Study Report, noting scheduling conflicts. In new business, the committee reviewed and approved the proposed 2015 Work Plan, directing staff to incorporate specific modifications, such as monitoring speed issues citywide, extending the South Corridor focus to include the East Corridor goals, investigating bicycle safety slogans, and including outreach through special events. Informational items covered the completion status of the Palos Verdes Drive East Arterial Rehab Project (with subsequent plans for Miraleste Drive next) and the start of the Residential Street Rehabilitation Project in Area 1. The committee also received updates on the Forrestal Traffic Calming initiative and the status of the traffic signal at 25th Street at Anchovy, which is operating in "rest-in-red" mode.

The key discussion topic for this special meeting was conducting interviews for applicants to the Planning Commission. The applicants interviewed included David Chura, Dan Trout, Romolo (Ron) Santarosa, and Julie Hamill. The meeting commenced remotely via Zoom in accordance with state assembly bill provisions and was later joined by the Mayor.

The meeting began with a remote Closed Session to discuss existing litigation against the City (LIMETREE ESTATES LLC vs. CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES) and to conduct a performance evaluation for the City Manager and labor negotiations. In the subsequent Open Session, the Mayor announced the meeting would be adjourned in memory of longtime resident Les Chapin. The agenda was approved, and the City Manager provided several updates, including congratulations for recent financial and energy efficiency awards, reminders about leaf blower restrictions and upcoming holiday closures, and scheduling for community events. Key actions taken during the Consent Calendar included rejecting two claims against the City, receiving and filing financial reports, approving Amendment No. 3 to the ParkMobile agreement for app-based parking, and approving the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Year-End Draft Financial Report and associated budget carryovers/appropriations. In Regular Business, the Council received updates regarding the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex, including approving an additional appropriation of $200,000 for monitoring technology and adopting a resolution to continue the local emergency declaration until February 10, 2024. The Council also received a progress update from Southern California Edison regarding frequent power outages in the Grandview Estates neighborhood and requested a detailed progress report in 60 days. Furthermore, the Council received a status update on Stage 2 of the Civic Center Campus Master Plan and received the second-quarter status report on the Fiscal Year 2023-24 City Council Goals. Finally, the 2024 Legislative Platform was adopted via resolution with a minor text amendment. An amendment to the Public Works services agreement with Hardy & Harper, Inc. for roadway repairs within the landslide area was approved, increasing the total agreement amount.