06-22-2020_CCAgendaPacket1.CALL TO ORDER
2.ROLL CALL
3.COMMENTS WILL BE TAKEN BY EMAIL IN REAL TIME - PUBLIC COMMENT
WELCOME
This is the appropriate time for members of the public to make comments regarding the items on
the consent calendar or items not listed on this agenda. Pursuant to the Brown Act, no action will
take place on any items not on the agenda.
4.CONSENT CALENDAR
Matters which may be acted upon by the City Council in a single motion. Any Councilmember may
request removal of any item from the Consent Calendar causing it to be considered under Council
Actions.
4.A.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as suggested.
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX (310) 377-7288
AGENDA
Regular Council Meeting
CITY COUNCIL
Monday, June 22, 2020
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
7:00 PM
This meeting is held pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20 issued by Governor Gavin Newsom on
March 17, 2020. All Councilmembers will participate by teleconference.
Public Participation: A live audio of the City Council meeting will available on the City’s website
(http://www.rolling-hills.org). The meeting agenda is on the City’s website (https://www.rolling-
hills.org/government/agenda/index.php).
Members of the public may submit comments in real time by emailing the City Clerk at
ycoronel@cityofrh.net. Your comments will become part of the official meeting record. Please
provide your full name, but please do not provide any other personal information (i.e., phone
numbers, addresses, etc.) that you do not want to be published.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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4.B.PAYMENT OF BILLS
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
4.C.REPUBLIC SERVICES RECYCLING TONNAGE REPORT FOR MAY 2020.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as Presented.
4.D.FINANCIAL REPORTS AS OF MAY 31 ,2020.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
5.COMMISSION ITEMS
NONE.
6.PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE.
7.OLD BUSINESS
NONE.
8.NEW BUSINESS
8.A.CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS PERTAINING TO A GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION CONSOLIDATED WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO
BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that members of the City Council adopt Resolution Nos. 1255 and
1256 pertaining to the General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2020 as
presented.
8.B.CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 1257 AUTHORIZING
APPLICATION FOR, AND RECEIPT OF, LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANNING
SUPPORT PROGRAM FUNDS.
03-30-20CCDraftMinutes
04-13-20CCDraftMinutes_Joint
04-13-20CCDraftMinutes
04-27-20CCDraftMinutes
05-11-20CCDraftMinutes
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06-22-2020Payment of Bills.pdf
Supplemental Agenda Page Relating to Item 4B
20-06-22__Payment of Billsv1
06-22-2020 MAY TONNAGE REPORT.pdf
Budget Comparative 05-31-20.pdf
Ordinance No. 347-CouncilElectionDateNov2020.pdf
1. Resolution No. 1255__ Calling Election and County Services-c1.DOC
2. Resolution No. 1256__ Establishing Regulations for Candidate Statements-c1.DOCX
2
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council consider and
approve Resolution No. 1257 authoring staff to apply for, and receive planning
support program funds.
9.MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS
10.MATTERS FROM STAFF
NONE.
11.ADJOURNMENT
Next regular meeting: Monday, July 13, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, Rolling
Hills City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California, 90274.
LEAP_Resolution_No._1257
Supplemental Agenda item Relating to Item 8B.docx
LEAP Resolution No. 1257v1
Notice:
Public Comment is welcome on any item prior to City Council action on the item.
Documents pertaining to an agenda item received after the posting of the agenda are available for review in the City
Clerk's office or at the meeting at which the item will be considered.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting
due to your disability, please contact the City Clerk at (310) 377-1521 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to enable the
City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility and accommodation for your review of this agenda and
attendance at this meeting.
3
Agenda Item No.: 4.A
Mtg. Date: 06/22/2020
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:YOHANA CORONEL, CITY CLERK
THRU:ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:APPROVAL OF MINUTES
DATE:June 22, 2020
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
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03-30-20CCDraftMinutes
04-13-20CCDraftMinutes_Joint
04-13-20CCDraftMinutes
04-27-20CCDraftMinutes
05-11-20CCDraftMinutes
05-26-20CCMinutes
06-04-20CCDraftMinutes__Special
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-1-
MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY, MARCH 09, 2020
1.CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Mirsch at 7:02p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling
Hills, California.
2.ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Mirsch, Pieper, Dieringer and Wilson.
Councilmembers Absent:Black.
Others Present:Elaine Jeng, P.E., City Manager.
Meredith Elguira, Planning and Community Services Director.
Yohana Coronel, City Clerk.
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney.
Alfred Visco, 15 Cinchring Road.
Abas Goodarzi, 2 Wrangler Road.
Marcia Schoettle, 24 Eastfield Drive.
Susan Sleep, 5W Ringbit Road West.
David McKinnie, 3 El Concho.
Brian Wells, Los Angeles County Fire Department.
3.OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME
Alfred Visco, 15 Cinchring Road, provided an update on a February 17th Fire Council Letter he
submitted to the City Council. He reported that some of the RHCA Board members had expressed
interest in attending a City Council meeting if a representative from the California Fire Safety
Council was scheduled to speak. He stated that the Fire Safety Council representative was available
after March. He requested that the Council agendize scheduling the California Fire Safety Council
presentation for the first meeting in April.
Mayor Mirsch asked Mr. Visco if the Association was willing to pick up the item.
Mr. Visco replied that it was his understanding that the Association would attend the City Council
Meeting when the representative was scheduled to speak. He also suggested that when the Fire
Safety representative was invited to speak that the Council should invite the public to attend.
Abas Goodarzi, 2 Wrangler Road, commented that he had recently became aware of damage to
his property due to rainwater from the roadway. He stated the City was informed of his problem
in 2006 and nothing was done. He recently learned that the Association was looking into the matter
but postponed acting because they were seeking a legal opinion. He explained that water continues
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to drain on his property and has created a water wash-out about 20-25 feet down and has caused
the hill to come down. He stated he would continue to follow up with the Association and hopes
to work towards a friendly resolution. Mr. Goodarzi noticed that on the previous City Council
agendas, the Council had actions items for undergrounding and drainage. He would appreciate it
if the Council make drainage a budget priority because drainage is a more serious issue than
undergrounding
4.CONSENT CALENDAR
Matters which may be acted upon by the City Council in a single motion. Any Councilmember may
request removal of any item from the Consent Calendar causing it to be considered under Council
Actions.
A.MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 25, 2020, REGULAR
MEETING OF JANUARY 27, 2020, AND REGULAR MEETING OF
FEBRUARY 24, 2020.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
B.PAYMENT OF BILLS.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
C. CONSIDER AND APPROVE RESOLUTION 1250: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS AUTHORIZED THE
DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN CITY RECORDS AS PROVIDED BY SECTION
34090 OF THE GOVERNMENT CODE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
Councilmember Dieringer asked to table consent item 4A until the next City Council Meeting.
Councilmember Wilson moved that the City Council approve consent items 4B and 4C as
presented. Mayor Pro Tem Pieper seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as
follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mirsch, Pieper, Dieringer, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: Black.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
5.COMMISSION ITEMS
NONE.
6.PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE.
7.OLD BUSINESS
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NONE.
8.NEW BUSINESS
A.CONSIDER AND APPROVE A PETITION FOR THE FORMATION OF AN
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC WORKS
IMPROVEMENT, TOGETHER WITH APPURTENANCES,
APPURTENANT WORK AND ACQUISITION, WHERE NECESSARY, IN
A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT KNOWN AND DESIGNED AS
UNDERGROUNDING UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2020-1
(EASTFIELD DRIVE UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS).
City Manager Elaine Jeng reported that the item was listed as New Business but in fact the matter
was presented to Council several times in the past. The item was new in the sense that an
undergrounding project, Eastfield Drive Utility Improvements Project, was requesting approval to
form an assessment district. She informed the Council that the project’s proponent, Mrs. Marcia
Schoettle, was present in the audience. She informed the Council that the project’s design was
completed, and the Association has given a portion of the necessary easements that were collected
from property owners. Edison has released the design plans for a construction bid. Despite the
project’s progression, it was out of order and the petition should have come to the Council in the
beginning of the project, once the proponent had formed the group. The group should have first
requested theCouncil’s approval to form an assessment district. The process to form an assessment
district involves the project’s proponent soliciting approvals from the property owners in the
proposed district. She pointed out that 60% participation is mandated to form an assessment district
according to the City’s guidelines. This translates to a requirement of 60% acreage within the
overall acreage of the project. She proceeded to highlight the acreage via a PowerPoint
presentation.
Mayor Mirsch inquired about the 30 days to pay the assessment and asked if there was a level
and/or amount where a bond would be viewed as profitable.
City Manager Jeng replied that according to the City’s Bond Counsel and Assessment Engineer
the bond is another form of financing. The group could opt to do a bond, which would be more
marketable at a certain price range. She advised that the Bond Counsel had seen financing through
a bank as well. City Manager Jeng reiterated that appropriate terminology is financing because the
amount of the bond is unknown for the first 30 days. That time is used by the group to determine
how they prefer to pay down their share of the cost.
Councilmember Wilson asked if there were other districts looking to form an assessment district.
City Manager Jeng advised that there was one other project by Mr. David McKinnie and Clint
Patterson. It was her understanding that they wanted to form an assessment district and have been
hosting neighborhood meetings, however it was in the beginning stages.
Mayor Mirsch opened the item for public comment.
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Mr. Goodarzi asked how much of this expense the City was going to absorb.
City Manager Jeng answered the City had contributed about 1/3 of the expenses thus far totaling
$35,882.00 as indicated on page 42 of the staff report. On March 19, 2019, the Council decided to
contribute 1/3 of the cost solely to assessment districts design and nothing more beyond that.
Mr. Goodarzi inquired why the City is involved in undergrounding. He expressed concern over
the City’s interest and finances. He stated that he currently has drainage problems and does not
feel that undergrounding should be a priority. He does not see this as a necessity for the City
compared to drainage. He stated he could call Edison for whatever he needed, and Edison would
charge it to his bill. He has attended two meetings and it was his understanding that the bill for this
project is continuous.
Mayor Mirsch replied that she appreciated Mr. Goodarzi concern for the City’s Finances. She
assured him that the Council was highly concerned as well. She explained that the policy has been
in place for a year and that the current Council, along with previous Councils, felt that
undergrounding was a benefit to the City and the community. The City may budget $100,000.00
each year, but that does not mean the City will spend the full allocation. She referenced the staff
report and highlighted that the Council is capped at $35,000.00 for the project. If the cost increases,
the assessment district must make provisions. She clarified that the Council offers seed money as
an incentive to encourage residents to form districts for undergrounding projects. This is
something the Council has been doing for some time and this was the first group to progress this
far. She further stated that this does not indicate undergrounding is more important than drainage.
Mr. Goodarzi asked how the City would get its money back and if the properties in the group
would be reassessed.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper replied that the City was not trying to recover any moneyback. The Council
is financially conservative and was very careful about spending the resident’s money. He stated
the Eastfield Drive Utility Improvements Project group has spent a lot of money and energy to
move the project forward. The Association and the City decided to pay a third of the assessment
districts design with the residents paying the remaining third for the first part of it to see if they
can get the project off the ground. He stated that the completion of this project would make the
City look better and increase property values. He understood Mr. Goodarzi has a drainage issue
and assured him that it was something the Council has discussed. He also pointed out that Mr.
Goodarzi was talking about issues that involve private property and roads. The drainage has come
up in previous Council meetings and has been flagged as a priority by the Council. He assured Mr.
Goodarzi that the Council was listening to his concerns, but he also wanted to point out that
undergrounding and drainage were two separate issues.
Mr. Goodarzi stated that he understood what Mayor Pro Tem Pieper said but he still felt that
undergrounding only adds value to properties once they are reassessed.
Mayor Mirsch commented that she felt that the removal of poles and undergrounding does add
value to the community. The streets that have undergrounding and do not have poles look better
in her opinion. If money were not an issue the entire City would have undergrounding. She further
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stated that previous Councilmembers had expressed the same sentiment.
Marcia Schoettle, 24 Eastfield Drive, commented that having the City support her project assisted
her in recruiting participation.
Susan Sleep, 5W Ringbit Road West, commented that she does not live anywhere near Eastfield,
but the big heavy overhead lines devalue the entire the City. She further stated that she would
gladly contribute to the project because it helps the entire City.
Mr. Goodarzi added that if the concern was safety and beauty then why not add lights to the
existing poles for safer roads. Having poles in the community add value because Edison and the
utility companies must provide maintenance for the trees around the poles. He stated that
undergrounding benefits the utility companies and furthermore the City should leverage them to
provide landscaping and maintenance services.
Mayor Mirsch thanked Mr. Goodarzi for his comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper moved that the City Council approve the assessment district as presented.
Councilmember Dieringer seconded the motion and the motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mirsch, Pieper, Dieringer, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: Black.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
B.CONSIDER AND DISCUSS A POLICY FOR CITY CONTRIBUTION
TOWARDS UNDERGROUNDING OF OVERHEAD WIRES AND POLES
THAT ARE NOT A PART OF ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS.
City Manager Jeng stated that this item was to discuss setting policy for undergrounding single
poles. She clarified that the previous item discussed assessment district projects. On March 2019,
the Council set a policy for contribution amounts, set a cap for assessment district projects and
created a MOU with the Association to share costs. She explained that provided clarity to the
residents that were considering forming an assessment district. Single poles, however, have been
handled on a case-by-case basis. She pointed out that the Council has not been consistent but
understood why. She explained every pole was different (location, andsingle versus multiple lines)
and that there were special considerations taken in some cases. She hoped that the Council could
reach some common ground regarding single pole requests. This would help provide better
direction, help staff process the single pole request and address some past concerns.
City Manager Jeng proceed to review past single pole projects. The most recent project that
received City contribution was a utility pole on 38 Saddleback. The City Council approved a
contribution of approximately 10% of the overall project cost, which matched RHCA's
contribution amount of $3,295. The staff report relating to 38 Saddleback was attached to the
Council’s report for reference. She highlighted other utility undergrounding projects that received
City contribution. In reviewing various projects, the City Council based contribution amounts on
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overall cost, RHCA's contribution amount, or the percentage of SCE engineering cost.
City Manager Jeng also sought clarity on the process of payouts. One project stated that the payout
would be done upon 75% completion and as she pointed out any percent of a project is difficult to
measure if it is not 100%. Another issue the staff consulted with the legal department was regarding
the City’s contribution to a single party. It was determined that any City contribution must have a
public benefit, which means it would benefit more than one resident. A question was posed if a
blanket determination could be made that undergrounding utility poles helps with wildfire
mitigation and that is a community wide benefit. This is another aspect for the Council to
determine. She explained that the Council is welcomed to define parameters or continue on a case-
by-case basis.
Mayor Mirsch thanked City Manager Jeng for her overview. She predicts that the Council will be
seeing more single pole requests and requested that the Council consider having a discussion on
the item.
Mayor Mirsch opened the item for public comment.
David McKinnie, 3 El Concho, shared that he has had discussions with people about single poles.
He stated that one of the major issues with single poles was figuring out the cost. If someone tries
to draw some parallel to the utility districts, then you would need to identify the engineering cost.
He was unsure how Edison breaks this cost down. He referenced the staff report for 38 Saddleback
and stated it was the best break down he has seen. He presumes the Association and the City
reviewed the break down before they decided how much they wanted to contribute. He did not
recall seeing the bid, but he saw that it shows Edison’s cost of $22,000. He was not sure if that
amount was for what they considered engineering design cost or cost before the project started. He
advised the Council that if they decided to explore that route for non-utility districts, they would
first have to define what the engineering cost would be. He suggested collaborating with Edison
to get a good estimation of the engineering cost. Once that amount is defined, then the City could
decide how much to contribute.
Mrs. Sleeps stated that she brought photos of all the poles on Ringbit Road West. She wanted to
work on the 3 poles located on the street above her. Instead of trying to do everything at once, she
and her neighbor, Mr. Shumaker, decided it was best to divide and conquer. She stated that Mr.
Shumaker was assigned pole A and B, and she was assigned pole C. She then informed the Council
that the pole assigned to her, pole C, and the people above her does not affect her view, but does
affect her neighbors, Mr. Joe Hummel, Mr. Charlie Shumaker. She also added that the pole was in
her driveway. So rather than trying to herd cats, it was decided that each neighbor would take on
a pole. She stated that her pole is at the end of the line and that she had already paid for her invoice
for engineering cost, totaling $6,600.00. She further stated that the Association had already written
her a check for a total of $2,250.00 which comes to a 1/3 of the cost. She informed the Council
that she had already paid for the undergrounding and construction cost. She stated that the cost to
tear up the street for a single pole came to $22,500.00 and that did not include the engineering
cost.
Mr. Goodarzi stated that he would reach out to Edison executives to see if there would be a way
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for the City receive credit for the preventative maintenance measures they have taken by doing
undergrounding.
Mayor Mirsch closed the item from public comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper admitted the Council had been inconsistent with contributions towards
undergrounding that is not part of an assessment district, but the Council was getting better as more
projects came up. His issue was how to confirm the removal of one pole serving more than one
resident. He commented that the removal of a pole could help with fire mitigation. He stated the
Council needed to be careful in declaring cost projections. He shared there was a huge difference
between a single pole and a feeder line pole, which powers an entire area. He compared the
removal of single poles on past projects to the Eastfield project and estimated the City spent about
$2,500.00 per house. He believes the Council has spent too much money on the removal of single
poles and would be better off declaring an amount to contribute regardless of engineering cost. If
the Council set a policy on the matter, it should decide how much money to contribute per pole,
but admitted each pole is different making that amount difficult to establish.
Mayor Mirsch stated that she felt it was better for everyone to know what the Council’s policy
would be and what to expect from it.
Councilmember Wilson commented that single poles could have a lot more variables and
unknowns than an assessment district.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper stated that the Eastfield project started with 19 poles and as the project
progressed, the number of poles changed. If they are trying to make it easier for staff to process,
they can simply place a bounty on a pole no matter its location. If the amount is out of line for
whatever reason, the applicant could come before the Council and be heard individually.
Councilmember Dieringer stated that the Council should investigate how much funding the City
has allocated for these projects. She was not sure how many poles the City has but that the City
does not have money to fund the removal of all the poles. She was also concerned about the legal
considerations. She recalled the Council considering these types of projects before and if the
project benefited more than one person, which it did. She further stated that she did not think that
the Council could come up with a magic number to contribute. The Council made different
decisions on each pole because each pole and circumstance were different. She thinks the Council
should develop considerations and encourage people to apply before the project begins. This
allows the Council to evaluate the project, find out how many people it would serve, and determine
if there is a community need. She acknowledged removing numerous poles would be some sort of
fire mitigation but questioned if that justifies the Council undergrounding every single pole. She
suggested the Council put together a workable policy because single poles are different than an
assessment district, which clearly has a community benefit.
Mayor Mirsch stated that she concurs with everyone’s point of view. She agrees assessment
districts defines who benefits and the costs. She does not feel the Council or staff are able to assess
how much value there is to a pole. It has been established that all poles are not alike including fire
safety considerations. She is not inclined to determine how much a pole is worth and was not in
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support of assigning an amount per pole. She stated that if the Council considered reimbursing a
portion of cost, it would have to be based on that project. The Council has made fire mitigation a
high priority. If undergrounding utilities is considered a benefit to fire mitigation, then that could
mean that undergrounding does benefit the community. She requested counsel’s position.
City Attorney Michael Jenkins stated that he was not sure. He informed the Council had two
options. They could review each project on a case-by-case basis. The advantage is that the Council
could look at individual facts to determine if it would produce a benefit (i.e. fire or esthetic). The
disadvantage is that it is more time consuming and does not provide the kind of incentive the
Council wants to give applicants. The question becomes how the Council would create a generic
policy. Can the Council arrive at a broad conclusion that the elimination of every single pole would
produce a community benefit that would be equal? He stated there would be an equality issue in
determining which pole removal would be more beneficial to the community. For example, a pole
in an obscure area versus a pole that is highly visible. The Council could create a policy and create
some criteria. Some poles may meet all the criteria some may only meet half the criteria. He
suggested that if a pole only meets half the criteria then that pole would then only receive half of
the contribution. This is one way to bring consistency rather than have the Council deal with it on
a case-by-case basis.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper suggested bringing the item up at the joint meeting between the City
Council and the Planning Commission in April. He suggested the Council come up with something
repeatable and hoped it would address 90% of the projects. He proposed if the applicant does not
like the answer, they could come before the Council and it could be treated as an individual case.
He would like policy that is clear for residents and staff. He does not think staff should have to
decide if a pole is a fire issue or view obstruction. The next issue for the Council to discuss was a
palpable amount of money for the poles with transformers versus the 4KW giant poles.
Mayor Mirsch stated the giant poles would more likely form a district because those poles service
many homes.
Councilmember Dieringer stated more discussion is needed in order to develop ideas.
Mayor Mirsch asked if the Council was inclined to form an Ad Hoc Committee. She was interested
if anyone cared to join her.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper moved that the City Council form an Ad Hoc Subcommittee with Mayor
Pro Tem Pieper and Mayor Mirsch as members. Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion and
the motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mirsch, Pieper, Dieringer, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: Black.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
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C.CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR CITY CONTRIBUTION TO
UNDERGROUND A SINGLE UTILITY POLE AT 5 RINGBIT ROAD
WEST.
Planning and Community Services Director Meredith Elguira gave a PowerPoint presentation of
the undergrounding of a single pole at 5 Ringbit Road West. The application was submitted by
Susan Sleep on February 4th, 2020 requesting reimbursement. She explained the infrastructure of
the project has been completed per the slide submitted by Ms. Sleep. Director Elguira spoke with
Southern California Edison (SCE) and they informed her that permits for this project were issued
on March 3rd, 2020. The project is expected to be completed within 45 days of the issued permit.
Ms. Sleep’s pole is part of a larger project but no letters of support were received. Mr. Shumaker
is also proposing removing 2 poles. Director Elguira highlighted the SCE project planner explained
that this project is an outlier because the pole was smaller and an end pole, which minimized the
cost. The design cost was nominal and not included in the invoice with the engineering cost, which
includes pulling of the cable, labor, and project materials. Ms. Sleep requested reimbursement of
an unknown amount because her project benefits the community.
Councilmember Dieringer asked staff to confirm that letters of support were requested from the
applicant and received none.
Director Elguira stated that was correct and added that the applicant referred staff to the
Shumaker’s project to locate letters of support. She further stated that the bigger project had the
support of other residents including Mr. Shumaker and the adjacent neighbor. When she visited
the site with Mr. Shumaker, SCE, and a potential contractor, two residents were present to support
the bigger project.
Mayor Mirsch opened the item for public comment.
Ms. Sleep stated that she was not sure why the Council was trying to reinvent the wheel. The
Association already offered a 1/3 of the engineering cost. She has an email from the City dated
August 18th stating that City has been contributing 1/3 to engineering cost and it was her
understanding that this was encouraged by the City. She does not understand why this is so difficult
and the hoops she has gone through were not encouraging. She informed the Council COX and
Frontier already ran lines at no cost. She felt that the questions being brought up had not been
researched. If a 1/3 of the engineering cost was paid by the Association and the correspondence,
she has from Mayor Mirsch states the City’s been covering a 1/3 why was the Council making it
complicated. She proclaimed the Council either wants to encourage residents or they do not, and
people will give up if it is complicated. She stated her group wanted all three poles done, but it
proved to be too difficult and doing one pole at a time seemed easier. She suggested the Council
continue to pay 1/3 of the engineering cost and if the engineering cost is expensive, the neighbors
could contribute. She referenced the earlier discussion about the Council creating a policy and
stated the value is determined by the work involved to remove the pole not the value someone
attributes to the view or fire hazard. She believes the Council should consider the full cost and not
cap a pole at $2,500.00. She felt the Council was complicating the issue and making the process
difficult. She already paid the invoice and would continue with the project either way. She added
that removing pole A and B would be nice and it would be nicer if her neighbors received support
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since they are investing a large amount of money. Ms. Sleep advised she is willing to contribute
her requested reimbursement to the Eastfield project because that project would benefit the whole
City.
Mayor Mirsch reiterated the Council encourages these projects and that was the purpose for the
discussion. The Council’s policy is to pay for a 1/3 of the engineering cost for assessment districts.
When she replied to Ms. Sleep’s email in August and she indicated “many neighbors” the Mayor
thought she was talking about an assessment district.
Ms. Sleep spoke with Edison and it was too difficult to form a district and determined that if each
neighbor took a pole, then the whole street would be done. It was not practical to do an assessment
with a bond, she stated that Joe Hummel, the Shumaker’s, and the Kirkpatrick’s all agreed they
wanted the poles done and signed the email. The group confirmed that they were all willing to
contribute but that the assessment district was too cumbersome. They projected if each person took
a pole, the cost would end up being about same.
Mayor Mirsch stated she understood, and the Council was trying to work it out. The Council is
considering her project, like all the others, and they were looking at all aspects. She advised that
her request would now be under the preview of the Ad Hoc Committee and that the Council had
enough information to consider her case.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper explained that these are public funds and the City must follow certain
protocols. Until recently, the City donated to larger groups because of the benefit to the entire City.
He explained that Ms. Sleep’s project involved a single pole at the end of a street and that the
Council had to have a conversation to decide if they can prove it is a community benefit. He agreed
it is a drawn-out process but there are multiple steps that need to happen. He stated the City strives
to make all processes easy for the residents. He thanked her for undergrounding the pole and
reminded her that the Council must go through the obligated steps and the City’s counsel attends
meetings to monitor the legalities.
Ms. Sleep insisted this was not a new issue and the Council had seen this issue before. She
suggested the Council review the Hackamore case because it was a single pole project as well.
Mr. McKinnie stated that there were two key issues before the Council. The first one was the use
of public funds. The second issue was if the Council provided funds, what items should be
considered and how much to cover. He indicated he was not clear what the $6,700.00 bill
represented. Was it just engineering, which he understands to be the front-end cost before any
construction or whether it includes some of Edison’s construction. He stated that the invoice was
hard to read because it was blurry and listed labor, materials, and other items. It appeared the bill
might be for the whole project. He did not believe the Council had all the necessary information.
City Attorney Jenkins interjected to say this was not a good use of the time. A member of the
public was constantly talking out of turn. He then noted a speaker was testifying while reading a
document for the first time. He discouraged the Council’s evaluation on this item if they have not
seen all the documentation. He suggested that staff provide comments on whether the Council is
ready to go forward with the issue.
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City Manager Jeng stated that staff had reviewed all the documents submitted by Ms. Sleep, which
was only her correspondence with Edison. She provided an Edison invoice for about $6,000.00,
which she paid. She proceeded to review the invoice that Mr. McKinnie questioned. She stated
that there was a line item for design that read zero cost. There was labor, materials, and other items
listed that related to Edison’s fieldwork. She pointed out that cost was not for design but rather
Edison’s labor. She also highlighted Ms. Sleep had another line item listing a separate contractor,
for trenching. It was the staff’s understanding that the pole had not been removed and had
confirmed that with Edison. She reminded the Council that past practice has been to issue payment
upon completion of work. There was only one project when funds were released before
completion. That payment was issued upon 75% completion of the work but she could not recall
the name of that project. She concluded the Council should not contribute at this point. She
recommends the Council wait until the applicant has demonstrated the work is completed. The
contribution would be at the Council’s discretion.
Councilmember Dieringer stated everything must be considered as a whole and she does not
believe the Council has all the information or knowledge on what criteria the Council should apply.
Past projects are being referenced as one-pole policies and that was not the case because the
Council did not treat it that way. Since more information was needed, she would not vote on the
item based on the information provided.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper stated that his problem was the information presented does not match what
is being said. He recognizes that the Council needs to figure out a policy.
Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council table the item until the Council meets with
the Ad Hoc Committee to develop a proposal for policy going forward and receives further
information from staff regarding the completion of this project and the cost involved. Mayor Pro
Tem Pieper seconded the motion and the motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mirsch, Pieper, Dieringer, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: Black.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
The City Council recessed at 8:25pm.
The City Council reconvened the regular meeting at 8:31 p.m.
D.CONSIDER AND DISCUSS RESTRICTING THE PLANTING OF SIX
HIGH HAZARD PLANTS PER LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE
DEPARTMENT READY! SET! GO! PROGRAM.
City Manager Jeng stated that staff has been working on the Wildfire Mitigation Plan with First
Responders (Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department), Rolling Hills Community Association, and members of the Block Captain Program.
The focus of the group is to release a draft copy of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan
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(CWPP). The CWPP is meant to be an action plan that all the entities previously described can
utilize to mitigate wildfire. Rolling Hills along with other Peninsula cities are in a very high fire
zone. One topic of discussion is high-hazard plants located in the Ready! Set! Go! Brochure issued
by the Fire Department. Brain Wells from the Fire Department was present to answer questions.
She referred the Council to page 88 where the brochure list six high hazard plants: Acacia,
Eucalyptus, Juniper, Palms, Pine and Pampas Grass. As the City continues to develop an action
plan for the CWPP, staff wanted to engage the Council in a discussion regarding high-hazard plants
and implementing restrictive measures. Some of the plants, as Mr. Visco pointed out, have oils
that mimic ceresin. She stressed the discussion was not about the existing plants in the community,
but restricting these plants going forward.
Mayor Mirsch stated the Association currently has a Landscape Committee that is also addressing
this type of issue. She again reminded everyone that this discussion had nothing to do with the
existing plants in the community. The proposal before the Council was to consider a position going
forward to restrict these types of plants.
Brian Wells, Los Angeles County Fire Department, introduced himself and stated he had 10 years’
experience working in Rolling Hills as he was previously assigned to Station 106.
Councilmember Dieringer asked Mr. Wells if he knew the background of why these six plants
were placed as high hazard in the brochure.
Firefighter Wells replied that most of the information comes from the State and it is their
recommendation. He stated these plants have an explosive nature because of the oils in them and
are susceptible to fire.
Councilmember Dieringer asked if the State’s information came from existing literature.
Mr. Wells stated he did not know that off hand.
Councilmember Dieringer stated that when the Fire Department came to inspect her property, she
inquired about a palm tree. She clarified she did not plant the palm tree but asked the Fire
Department if the palm tree presented a problem. They informed her that the plant was not a
problem and that it was fine where it was. She then stated that she wondered if the Ready!Set!Go!
Brochure is well known policy against palm trees and why there would be inconsistent
information.
Firefighter Wells replied that the presence of palm trees is not necessarily bad but rather the dead
palm fronds underneath that presents a problem. He stated that he was not aware of the condition
of the palm tree she was referring to but perhaps the Fire Department was able to determine the
palm tree was healthy and did not present a problem during their inspection.
Councilmember Dieringer asked if parts of the tree are dead/dying or if they are poorly maintained
would that be considered a fire issue.
Firefighter Wells replied in the affirmative. He highlighted page 4 of the brochure that states
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“special attention should be given to the use and maintenance of ornamental plants known or
thought to be high-hazard plants when used in close proximity of structures”. These examples
include Acacia, Cedar, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Italian Cypress, Juniper, Palms (remove all dead
fronds). He pointed out that problems come in to play when those plants are placed too close to
structures and unmaintained. That could cause a fire problem.
Councilmember Dieringer rebutted that it had more to do with where the plant is in relationship to
the residence.
Firefighter Wells advised that was correct. He stated that because Rolling Hills is on a hill and is
in a high fire hazard zone, the Fire Department inspects up to 200 hundred feet away from homes.
He explained it is a considerable distance that most people do not consider.
Councilmember Dieringer stated it was her opinion that the brochure may be inaccurately
identifying six plants as high-hazard when they are simply thought to be high-hazard. She asked
if there was data available to support the fact that the plants are high hazard.
Firefighter Wells stated he would have to defer her inquiry to their Forestry Division and that he
would also follow up with Chief Hale about whether there is data available to support the
statements made in the brochure.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper asked if a healthy Eucalyptus tree would catch fire. He also inquired if
restricting the identified plants would be beneficial or overkill for the City.
Firefighter Wells responded it depends on what causes the fire to transmit from place to place. He
also stated that it would be beneficial for the City in his opinion.
Councilmember Wilson asked how one makes the distinction between Acacia tree and an Acacia
shrub.
Firefighter Wells stated he would have to consult the Forestry Division and report back.
Councilmember Dieringer asked about the note on page 4, which suggests that homeowners to pay
attention to the use and maintenance of these types of plants when used in proximity of a structure.
The brochure does not say these plants should never be planted.
Firefighter Wells stated Councilmember Dieringer was correct and that it had to do with
maintenance and the upkeep of those plants.
Mayor Mirsch opened the item for public comment.
Alfred Visco, 15 Cinchring Road, jokingly thanked Councilmember Dieringer for the cross
examination of Firefighter Wells and advised he was available for cross examination as well. He
advised page 4 of the brochure also includes Cedar, Cypress, and Italian Cypress. He stated that it
was obvious that the brochure was inconsistent and that it was written as a general guide and not
for Rolling Hills. The City already had experts from the Land Conservancy discuss Acacia and its
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dangers. He recalled the City funded the removal of Acacia along the Rolling Hills border. He
reported that Eucalyptus and Pine trees produce essential oils. Pine tree essential oils are terrenes,
which is essentially turpentine. Eucalyptus produce essential oils consistent with Pine trees. The
problem with Eucalyptus trees is that it does not need a very high temperature before it starts off-
gassing its oils. It creates a fog over itself of these highly flammable oils and it is how crown fires
occur in these trees. He stated that of course trees should be properly maintained but the problem
is a lot of these trees are not close to the roads, they are not close to houses and therefore are not
being properly maintained. Palm trees have fatty oils with thyglicery, which are not nearly as
flammable as the essential oils but are still flammable. He stated he knows this because he was in
the natural fats, oils, and processing business before he became an attorney. Palm trees are a
problem as well because their leaves are horizontal and are more prone to catching the falling
embers than a properly maintained Eucalyptus or Pine tree. He stated that he had not done any
research on Juniper or Pampas Grass and therefore would take the Fire Departments
recommendations that both plants are high-hazard and should not be planted. He stated that it was
his opinion that it had nothing to do with structures but rather with fire fuel. He stated that the
Council has taken a first good step in banning the six named plants.
Mayor Mirsch thanks Mr. Visco for his comments.
Councilmember Dieringer commented that the City has a lot of conditions in place for fire safety
but has not implemented all of its conditions. She stressed that she has a problem with rules and
regulations that criminalize things when the community simply needs to practice diligence. She
further stated that even if the Council decides an ordinance was necessary, there is already an
ordinance in place regarding dried/dead plants and vegetation. She suggested placing the
restriction of the plants in the CWPP but only after more research is done with solid science to
support it.
Councilmember Wilson asked Director Elguira if she has seen landscape plans with any of the
listed plants.
Director Elguira stated she has seen some projects with palm trees.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper stated that the City already has requirements in place for new projects. He
believes the City would be in better shape if a couple of plants were banned and it would minimize
concerns. If there was a reference list when homeowners landscaped, they would be less likely to
use those plants.
Mayor Mirsch explained the reason why this item came before the Council was because the public
asked for information regarding the types of vegetation that could be planted. There was work
being done by the Association and they also hired a Fire Consultant who had mentioned that these
plants are not suggested. She asked if the Council would like to get ahead of the curb on this issue
and if there was a motion to consider moving forward. Which she clarified meant to discuss the
item, give staff direction that Council would like to have an ordinance, and going through the
public hearings process.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper stated that he would prefer the item as a guideline.
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Mayor Mirsch stated that the reason for having this ordinance beforehand was to hopefully set an
example. She reminded everyone that the Council was committed to fire safety. She stated that she
would like to direct staff, if the Council agreed, that going forward these plants are not permitted
in landscaping plans. She asked if the guidelines could legally be part of the planning approval
process without having an ordinance.
City Attorney Jenkins stated the Council could establish guidelines, but they would not be legally
enforceable.
Councilmember Dieringer stated that the guidelines should be put in context.
City Manager Jeng stated that staff could establish guidelines to discourage people from planting
the listed plants. If people proceed to plant them then the City would convey to them to please
properly maintain those plants.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper wants the City to be firm about what the expectation is. He suggested
repeating that the listed plants are undesirable.
9.MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS
A.REPORT BY SOUTHBAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENT
(SBCCOG) LIAISON ON CONSIDERATION TO CHANGE THE
MEMBERSHIP DUES (ORAL REPORT).
City Manager Jeng reported that the South Bay Cities Council of Government (SBCCOG) was
considering changing the formula that calculates the membership’s dues. She stated that she and
Councilmember Dieringer met with other Peninsula City Managers and one South Bay CCOG
representative to discuss the potential changes. She wanted to report on how the discussion had
gone and deferred to Councilmember Dieringer.
Councilmember Dieringer stated one of the SBCCOG suggestions was to pay a base of $10,000.00
and she communicated this was not the City’s preferred option. She expressed that was not a win
for the City of Rolling Hills as it may be for other cities. She further stated that she was working
on recommendations on how membership dues should be structured. She noted that part of the
recommendation was informing her Council of what was going. She explained that it was an
ongoing process and that she had met with other Peninsula Cities to try and see if there was a
collective view. She stated that she understood that the other Cities are not in the same position as
Rolling Hills because they receive funding from measures that do traffic control, whereas Rolling
Hills does not because the City has private roads. She stated that the City had a few things that
they would need the SBCCOG for compared to the other cities.
Mayor Mirsch asked why the City was still a part of the SBCCOG if that was the case.
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Councilmember Dieringer answered that the SBCCOG helped with the Climate action plan and
the City receives regional information. They also offered to help with the energy efficiency plan.
The SBCCOG looks for ways to be helpful for their Cities and noted that other CCOG’s had hired
people to help their cities with their Affordable Housing Plan. She also stated that the SBCCOG
was controlling the Measure M (transit) monies so it was clear to see how this would be a big deal
for other cities. Meanwhile Rolling Hills has no money to gain so she felt at liberty to speak out
about the membership dues change. She also informed the SBCCOG that if they insisted on the
base of $10,000.00 the City would walk and assumed the Council would agree.
Councilmember Wilson asked how much the City currently pays in membership dues.
Councilmember Dieringer advised the City currently pays $6,500.00.
Mayor Pro Tem Piper stated he supports the City not being a member of the SBCCOG.
Mayor Mirsch thanked Councilmember Dieringer for her efforts.
B.REPORT BY PERSONNEL COMMITTEE ON THE UPDATE TO THE
EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK AND PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL (ORAL
REPORT).
City Manager Jeng gave an overview of the updates the Personnel Committee made to the
Employee handbook. They reached out to the City Attorney’s office to check for any legislative
updates. They approached Council with the salary survey and medical health benefit updates. She
foresees another month of work may be needed but acknowledges committee assignments may
change. The updates are not complete and although she hoped for completion by January 1st, the
next best milestone would be July 1st. This would provide the new fiscal year as an effective date.
She posed the question if the current members (Mayor Mirsch and Councilmember Dieringer) may
stay on the committee in order to complete the assignment.
Mayor Mirsch confessed that the project was a bigger than she imagined. There were a lot of
changes in laws, work environments, and it required more work. She stated that the Personnel
Committee has been very comprehensive and apologized for taking longer than expected. She
stated that if changes are made to the composition of the Personnel Committee it would derail the
assignment. It was her hope that the New Mayor would allow the current members to stay on the
committee until the completion of the Employee Handbook.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper agreed and thought it was necessary to retain the committee members.
C.REPORT BY FIRE FUEL REDUCTION AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE ON
THE COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN (ORAL REPORT).
City Manager Jeng reported on the City’s wildfire mitigation work. The members of Fire Fuel
Reduction Ad Hoc Subcommittee, including Mayor Mirsch and Councilmember Wilson, have had
good correspondence and meetings with the Association. The Association Subcommittee
members were Tom Heinsheimer and Roger Hawkins. She reported that the compositions of the
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Subcommittee on the Association side had changed. Roger Hawkins was replaced by Anne Smith.
The next scheduled meeting is scheduled for March 25, 2020 to review the final draft of the
Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Ms. Smith attended the last meeting and provided
tons of feedback on the CWPP. She felt there was good progress on the CWPP and there was good
conversation about the needs of the community.
Mayor Mirsch stated the meetings have been very productive. The Block Captains involvement
has made a significant difference. The Block Captains organized a field trip with the Association
and Fire Department to visit the East Gate, which has been a contentious issue. Because of the
field trip, it seems there may be some movement on that item.
Councilmember Wilson stated the Honbo’s have been great in keeping the momentum up.
City Manager Jeng added the Fire Department has been great as well. The Fire Department attends
all the coordination meetings and Block Captain Meetings. They have been educating the City on
evacuations. They were instrumental in the Field Trip with the Association Board Members and
informed them about the care necessary for the entry/exit gates during emergencies.
10.MATTERS FROM STAFF
NONE.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Mirsch adjourned the meeting at
9:24p.m. The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2020
beginning at 7:00p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling
Hills, California.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________
Yohana Coronel, MBA
City Clerk
Approved,
_____________________________________
Leah Mirsch
Mayor
21
-1-
MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020
1.CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Mirsch at 07:01p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling
Hills, California.
2.ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Mirsch, Black, Dieringer, and Wilson.
Councilmembers Absent:Pieper*.
Others Present:Elaine Jeng, P.E., City Manager.
Meredith Elguira, Planning and Community Services Director.
Yohana Coronel, City Clerk.
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney.
Terry Shea, Finance Director.
*Mayor Pro Tem Pieper was excused for his absence.
3.OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME
NONE.
4.CONSENT CALENDAR
Matters which may be acted upon by the City Council in a single motion. Any Councilmember may
request removal of any item from the Consent Calendar causing it to be considered under Council
Actions.
A.MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 25, 2019.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
B.PAYMENT OF BILLS.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
Councilmember Dieringer pointed out that she had some corrections to the minutes.
City Manager Jeng confirmed that the corrections were received and assured Councilmember
Dieringer that the corrections would be applied.
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Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council approve all consent items with
amendments to the minutes of November 25, 2019. Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion.
The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mirsch, Black, Dieringer, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: Pieper.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
5.COMMISSION ITEMS
NONE.
6.PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE.
7.OLD BUSINESS
NONE.
8.NEW BUSINESS
A.DISCUSS THE PROCLAMATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY
REGARDING THE THREAT OF COVID-19.
City Manager Jeng advised surrounding agencies had declared a local emergency, which included
the County of Los Angeles, 13 South Bay cities and wanted to discuss whether the Council wanted
to do the same in response to COVID-19. The City of Rolling Hills is part of the South Bay Cities
Council of Government (SBCCOG) and the only city that has not declared a local emergency. She
highlighted that Bradbury, another Southern California city similar in size to Rolling Hills, had
not declared a local emergency. She pointed out that other cities adjacent to Rolling Hills have
departments that need more resources; for example, Parks and Recreation have restrooms that need
servicing. They also must consider if Park Rangers are necessary to enforce social distancing.
They need to assess if there is enough personnel to ensure emergency response times are adequate.
The City of Rolling Hills does not have any of those issues to prepare for because the City is
comprised of single-family homes. If there was a need for First Responders, they would be covered
under the County’s Declaration of Emergency. City Manager Jeng stated she was not
recommending the Council declare a local emergency.
She reminded the Council that regardless which entity declares an emergency, the Rolling Hills
Municipal Code allows her to gather resources and obtain vital supplies because the City Manager
is the Director of Emergency Services. Rolling Hills Municipal Code, Section 2.32.060 Per Section
3.32.060, A6, states “in the event of the proclamation of a local emergency; the proclamation of a
state of emergency; or the Director of the State Office of Emergency Services, or the existence of
a “state of war emergency” the Director of Emergency Services is allowed to do the following…”
Since the County and State have declared an emergency, she has been empowered to make
decisions without the Council having to declare a local emergency.
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Councilmember Dieringer clarified that City Manager Jeng could proceed with all the items she
mentioned if she declared a local emergency but if the State declared an emergency that would not
include the County.
City Manager Jeng confirmed and stated that the County’s declaration of emergency covers all the
jurisdictions within its County.
Councilmember Wilson asked if the City was subject to the most restrictive guidelines of whatever
jurisdiction the City falls under.
City Attorney Jenkins replied that the strictest rules apply.
Councilmember Wilson inquired what would be the downside of declaring an emergency.
City Manager Jeng replied that she spoke to Councilmember Dieringer about the same question.
Once an emergency is declared, the City must report to the State. This means the City would have
to document their expenditures and staff hours and see if there would be reimbursements at a later
time. Other cities that have different departments may also use the declaration as a method to
suspend existing rules.
Mayor Mirsch asked if the City does not declare an emergency now was there anything to preclude
the City from declaring one down the line.
City Attorney Jenkins replied that there was nothing that would preclude the City from declaring
at a later time.
Councilmember Dieringer would like to have confirmation of proposed reimbursement and that
the City can, in fact, file through the County before providing a definitive answer on the matter.
City Manager Jeng explained there are two parts to the reimbursement; 1) what would be eligible
and 2) the City’s response activities for Rolling Hills. First Responders overtime pay would be
considered an eligible item. Non-essential employees that are sent home and continue to receive
pay would be a questionable. The subject of reimbursement is still a work in progress.
Mayor Mirsch asked about the activation of the Emergency Operating Center (EOC) and whether
that goes away if the City were to declare an emergency.
City Manager Jeng stated that she was not sure if declaring an emergency affects the EOC. Other
agencies declared a local emergency and opened their EOC at the lowest level. This means they
do not have a physical person manning it, however, there is software that allows agencies to do it
virtually. She advised she was not fully versed on how that works but believes when a call comes
in; it triggers a chain-of-calls to the appropriate parties.
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council approve staff’s recommendation and not
declare a City emergency.
City Attorney Jenkins suggested that the Council receive and file the item. He wanted to make
sure the Council understood that the motion suggested by Councilmember Black does not preclude
the City Manager from declaring an emergency in between meetings if circumstances change and
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it is necessary to declare one.
Councilmember Dieringer concurred with the City Attorney and suggested amending the first
motion to include that the Council reserves the right to declare an emergency later if circumstances
change.
Councilmember Black made a second motion.
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council approve staff’s recommendation and not
declare a City emergency and receive the item. Councilmember Dieringer seconded the motion
and the motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mirsch, Black, Dieringer, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: Pieper.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
B.CONSIDER AND APPROVE PARTICIPATION IN ALERT SOUTHBAY
NOTIFICATION SYSTEM.
City Manager Jeng introduced the Alert Southbay Notification System. It is a new system that
crosses jurisdictional boundaries. Before the arrival of Alert Southbay, along with recent
legislation, cities did not have the ability to notify communities across borders. She gave an
overview of Senate Bill 833 and 821. Bill 821 permits each county and city to grant access to the
contact information of resident account holders through public utility bill records. This is important
because the City’s notification system only serves the people who opt in. She informed the Council
both Senate Bills would allow the City to pull data in order to notify residents of alerts even if they
had not signed up for notifications. Majority of the South Bay Cities fall under the Los Angeles
County Disaster Area known as Area G. Area G purchased Everbridge, which is the vendor selling
Alert Southbay. Many cities currently use a notification system similar to Rolling Hills Notify-
Me, which is owned by Blackboard. Notify-me aims to inform residents within a certain
community. The City’s notification system has approximately 120 registrants, which is very
limited given the population. If there were an explosion at the refinery, the refinery would be able
to notify select cities of that event including residents that did not sign up for notifications. Alert
Southbay allows the City to notify more residents, especially in pressing matters. She added the
program would be beneficial to the City since it is a bedroom community. The residents would
also be notified of events in the surrounding cities. City Manager Jeng recommended that the City
participate in Southbay Alert. The City would have to subscribe to the Everbridge program to
participate. The cost attached is $5,171.00 for the first year. The following two years would total
$4,171.00. There is also an introductory cost to retrieve the white page data and that would be
$5,000.00 per participant, however, the refinery is covering this cost. All Area G cities have
enrolled except for Lawndale and Carson, but they are expected to join. The City of Rolling Hills
was added to the project and is partnered with Rolling Hill Estates. The City must subscribe to the
program to solely notify Rolling Hills residents.
Councilmember Dieringer inquired who would be sending out the notifications.
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City Manager Jeng replied that participants send their own notifications. She explained that
Rolling Hills geographic area was added to the map features of Alert Southbay, but cannot use the
service until the City pays for it.
Councilmember Wilson asked if Alert Southbay had anything to do with the fiber network that is
being built.
City Manager Jeng explained the fiber network ring is the infrastructure to be able to deliver faster
internet service and is not related to Alert Southbay.
Councilmember Wilson stated that he understood people would receive messages without opting
in and further inquired if people could opt out. He also asked if Alert Southbay was the same thing
as Everbridge.
City Manager Jeng replied in the affirmative. She clarified that Everbridge is the parent company.
She informed the Council that Alert Southbay went live in January/February of 2020. She advised
that some South Bay Cities decided to transfer their data to Everbridge. Alert Southbay allows
people to choose which cities they would like to receive notifications from.
Mayor Mirsch asked City Manager Jeng if she thought that joining Alert Southbay would improve
the participation within the community and enhance their ability to receive important notifications.
City Manager Jeng commented that it was her opinion that the COVID-19 situation will motivate
people to sign on. Alert Southbay allows the City to get messages out to people that have never
opted in for any notifications. It is a benefit to the agency to push out information but does not
know if it will motivate people to opt into other notifications.
Councilmember Wilson asked if people decide not to opt in, would they receive notifications for
Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates.
City Manager Jeng explained that if the City decides to participate, the white pages information
would be for Rolling Hills only. People would have to go to the site and register for other
notifications. She explained that when Rolling Hills was added to Everbridge, Rolling Hills and
Rolling Hills Estates were combined as one but does not know the reason why as she was not part
of the original decision. It worked out for the best because if the City were not added with Rolling
Hills Estates there would be additional upfront costs. Currently Rolling Hills is part of Rolling
Hills Estates but if RHE were to send out a notification it would not include Rolling Hills.
Councilmember Dieringer asked to confirm that the City currently could not initiate sending
notifications to Rolling Hills residents only.
City Manager Jeng explained that if the City subscribes to the system, the City could send
notifications to Rolling Hills residents only and choose if adjacent cities should receive pertinent
notifications.
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Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council approve to participate in the Alert
Southbay notification system and subscribe to services on Everbridge. Councilmember Wilson
seconded the motion and the motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mirsch, Black, Dieringer, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: Pieper.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
C.CONSIDER AND APPROVE MID-YEAR BUDGET YEAR.
Finance Director Terry Shea gave an overview of the Mid-Year Budget report. He stated in June
2019 the City adopted a budget with a total of $2,278,000.00 in revenues, $2,234,000.00 in
expenditures, and $329,000.00 in deficits. The main reason for the budget deficit was because of
the transfer of money to the Traffic Safety Fund for roadway striping totaling $54,500.00, transfers
to the Capital Improvement Fund for the Tennis Court Project $320,000.00, and $30,000.00 for
the ADA design work at City Hall. He continued that the total General Fund year-to-date revenues
were $1,076,405, which is $179,270 less than expected through February 2020. Expenditures
were $1,129,921, which is $253,169 less than budgeted through February 2020. The FY 19/20
revenues compared to expenditures after transfers presents a decrease of $37,516 compared to an
anticipated budgeted shortfall of $111,415 through February. As such, the City is $73,899 better
than anticipated at mid-year. Total revenues were more than anticipated in property transfer tax
and interest income, but he stated that interest income was declining rapidly and does not expect
to see an increase because rates are dropping fast.
Building and other Permit Fee revenues were down below the mid-year projections and is $60,000
below this time last year. There were a couple of months where the City paid instead of collecting
money. He stated the costs for the City Attorney are slightly above the mid-year projected amount
but are well below the mid-year amount in the Planning Department for view cases. Total Finance
expenditures are as budgeted at mid-year. Total expenditures in Planning are less than anticipated
due to the invoices from Los Angeles County for services being lower than the prior year through
December 2019. The Planning Budget included $80,000 for the Housing Element, which has yet
to be expended. Costs for the Storm Water Management through February is at $73,415, which is
over the budgeted amount of $65,000, but overall, the Planning Department expenditures are well
below the projected mid-year amounts, so no adjustment is being proposed.
The original Traffic Safety Fund Budget included $40,000 for Road Striping. A Contract Change
Order with PCI was approved in January 2020 to add work identified in Schedule B for
$36,526.50. As part of the Staff Report, the additional funds were allocated from the tennis court
improvement project.Through February, expenditures include engineering and project
management totaling $12,545 mainly for engineering and project management. The original
Capital Project Fund Budget included $320,000 for the Tennis Court improvements and $30,000
for the City Hall ADA Design work. Through February, the City has only expended $7,960 for
lighting and project management and $5,360 on the City Hall ADA Design. The City Council
allocated $36,526.50 from the Tennis Court Project to the Traffic Safety Fund as mentioned
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above. At the October 14, 2019 City Council meeting, the Council allocated $34,200 for Fuel Load
Reduction to be performed by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
(Conservancy). Through February, the City has not been billed by the Conservancy for the work
performed. The original Utility Fund Budget included $150,000 for undergrounding projects and
$22,000 for a Sewer Feasibility Study. For the undergrounding projects through February there is
only $2,088 in expenditures. The City's contribution of $7,712 to the Eastfield Undergrounding
Project Assessment Engineer fee has not posted to the account. For the Sewer Feasibility Study,
the City expended $27,366 through February to Willdan for engineering and Alan Palermo for
project management cost. The Sewer Feasibility Study started last fiscal year and the allocated
budget for FY 19/20 assumed payout of certain expenses in FY 18/19 that did not materialize.
Staff is not proposing any Budget Adjustments to the General Fund Revenues at this time.
He advised his office would monitor the Building and other Permit Fees. Since revenues were
down, it was a good thing that expenditures were down by approximately the same amount. The
General Fund proposed expenditure adjustments have increased $10,000 for account 01-01-801
(City Attorney) and a $10,000 decrease in account 01-15-872 (Property Development – Legal
Expense). The FY 19/20 mid-year budget review shows the City has a positive budget variance of
$73,899. Revenues are down $179,270, expenditures are down $253,169, and net transfers in and
out are equal. With no proposed budget adjustments to revenues and no change in total budgeted
expenditures, the projected budget deficit is still $329,300. The projected General Fund balance
by June 30, 2020, with the no proposed changes, would be $5,466,480, which is slightly over two
times the City’s annual general fund expenditures.
Councilmember Black thanked the Finance Director for his overview.
Finance Director Shea offered to go over the schedules in the staff report. The first schedule was
the General Fund revenues and expenditures on page 49. He read the summary and stated that
revenues from July through February FY 19/20 were $1,076,405. The adjusted eight-month budget
was $1,255,000.00, which indicatesthe City’s revenues are about 80% at mid-year and about 40%
for the year. He stated that the biggest drop was due to the Building Permit being down. He stated
that for expenditures, for the City’s Administration Department were at about 79% of the mid-year
in salaries and that is due to the timing of onboarding people because the salaries were budgeted
for the full year. He stated that salaries and benefits were down and that everything else was
progressing okay. The Finance Department is right on budget so there was nothing to report.
Planning and Development salaries and benefits are where he predicted. He stated that the City
was up a bit in the NPDES but down in other areas, but overall, the City is at 80% at the mid-year
and at about 53% at yeam r-end. Law Enforcement is down due to the budgeted amount for
Wildlife and Coyote. The City is charging a little more to the CalCops Fund because the City had
a little more money than anticipated. We are about $10,000.00 lower in law enforcement and
$20,000.00 less in the Wildlife and Pet Management account.
Mayor Mirsch asked to confirm that the coyote services fall under the law enforcement line item
in the general fund.
Finance Director Shea replied in the affirmative.
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City Manager Jeng explained the mid-year budget report helps her track where the City stands in
revenues. She reviews projections and identifies trends. If the trend indicates the City is not
catching up to the revenue that was budgeted, then she would slow down the expenditures for the
rest of the year. She directed the Council to look at the last column on page 49, she stated that the
percentage meant revenues are tracking 50% and above. She stated that some items could not be
tracked by percentage, for example, striping. Once the striping project is complete there are no
more expenditures. Then there are contractual service expenses with consultants, and she must
assess if the City is depleting those funds quickly. She reported that the City is not overspending.
There is some adjustment for legal fees but that is due to new issues. A transfer would be made to
allocate legal expenses from the Planning Department back to the City Administration line item.
She also wanted to add that the City was expecting revenue from Measure W, the clean water
parcel tax, but it has not come in yet. The City budgeted $65,000.00 in the general fund that was
supposed to be offset by Measure W. If Measure W does not come in as expected, then the line
item would have to be increased in order to meet the expenses for the year.
Councilmember Wilson detailed that Building and other Permit Fees were down by $60,000.00
and asked if less construction lead to the reductions in the fees.
City Manager Jeng replied that there were two parts. The first was the reduction of projects and
the second was that the City had more grievances on properties. The City calls the Building and
Safety Department to conduct inspections for complaints. For example, residents have reached out
to the City stating they have drainage issues. The complaint was the rain caused all these issues.
Building and Safety logs their hours when they come out for an inspection. At months end, they
track expenditures plus revenue coming in from building permits then reconcile. In past years, the
numbers have always been positive because there were more applications than expenditures.
Recently, there have been fewer projects, which lead to less revenue from building permits but
more inspections.
Councilmember Wilson moved that the City Council receive and file the item as presented with
the adjustment. Councilmember Dieringer Mayor seconded the motion and the motion passed by
voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mirsch, Black, Dieringer, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: Pieper.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
D.CONSIDER AND APPROVE RENEWAL OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
GENERAL SERVICES AGREEMENT.
City Manager Jeng stated that the agreement before them was a typical agreement that is approved
by Council every five years. It allows the City to utilize County services.
Mayor Mirsch asked if the agreement had anything to do with the Fire Department.
City Manager Jeng answered that the Los Angeles County Fire Department services the City via
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the Fire District. The Fire Department services fall outside this general services agreement.
Councilmember Wilson asked if this agreement would include animal control.
City Manager Jeng replied that was a separate contract.
City Attorney Michael Jenkins clarified the general services agreement covers all services that are
not covered by a specific contract. For example, if the City has a specific contract for Sheriff’s
services, the general services agreement would not include that. He stated that it was his belief that
the Animal Control is a separate contract and asked City Manager Jeng to confirm.
City Manager Jeng replied in the affirmative.
Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council approve the renewal of the Los Angeles
County General Services contract. Councilmember Wilson Mayor seconded the motion and the
motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mirsch, Black, Dieringer, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: Pieper.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
9.MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS
A.CONSIDER ACTION TO ENCOURAGE STATE LEGISLATURE TO
DELAY PAYMENTS OF PROPERTY TAX (ORAL).
Councilmember Black stated that people’s businesses have gone to zero and the Federal
Government has advocated a tax holiday, which means people do not have to pay their taxes until
July 15th. He understood that the portion of Rolling Hills property taxes collected was about $0.07
or $0.08 on the dollar. He felt that the Council should assist their residents and request that the
State not collect the City’s portion of property taxes until July 15th. He mentioned that rent
evictions have been outlawed, which impacts property owners if they cannot collect rents. The
City is in good financial shape and can stand to go a few months without hitting their tax receipts.
Mayor Mirsch agreed and advised she reached out to other Peninsula Mayors to see if there was
any interest because the request would have more impact if the whole area asked. This was after
City Manager Jeng sent out the information from the County Treasurer and Tax Collector stating
they had no authority to appease this sort of request and therefore would have to approach the
State. Mayor Mirsch heard back from RPV and RHE. They had some interest and stated that if
Rolling Hills wrote a letter they would sign on. The PVE Mayor did not reply to her request. When
she was on the conference call with the other Mayors, she learned that the PVE Mayor was against
it because it was their only source of income.
Councilmember Dieringer asked for staff’s position on the issue.
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City Manager Jeng indicated staff did not have a position on the matter. She reminded Mayor
Mirsch the City’s largest revenue source is property tax but reiterated that the City had enough in
reserves if property taxes were delayed.
Councilmember Black requested that along with the letter, staff and/or the City Manager approach
the City’s local representatives and request they present the City’s request to the State Legislature.
Councilmember Wilson concurred with Councilmember Black and asked if the City knew of other
Cities outside the Peninsula considering this matter.
City Manager Jeng did not have a sense of what other cities were considering but could reach out.
She noticed cities were more concerned about PARS, rent evictions, parking enforcement, street
sweeping, and other issues. There was a call between Mayor Mirsch and Mayor Pro Tem Pieper
with Assemblyman Al Miratsuchi and other Peninsula Mayors recently where Mayor Pro Tem
Pieper discussed delaying property taxes.
Mayor Mirsch stated she would be happy to take lead on the project.
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council direct staff to request the State and Local
Legislature, including the Governor’s office, in writing with a direct approach to allow a property
tax holiday for Rolling Hills residents up until July 15th to correlate with the Federal Tax Holiday.
Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion and the motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mirsch, Black, Dieringer, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: Pieper.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
Councilmember Black asked when the Council would discuss reopening City Hall.
Councilmember Dieringer commented that the City was under the Governor’s current directive to
close City Hall until April.
Councilmember Black replied the City was exempt.
City Manager Jeng sent a notice to the community advising residents that City Hall is closed to
the public as of March 16th and the closure would run until the end of March per the first Health
Order. Since then, a second and third Health Order was released. The third Health Order stated
that the closure does not apply to public employees in the course of their employment for a
government agency, but also states that all public and private gatherings are prohibited. She
proceeded to state that she welcomed the Councils thoughts on the matter.
City Attorney Jenkins stated that this item was not listed on the agenda for discussion. He stated
that the Council could agendize the item for discussion for the next meeting.
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Councilmember Black stated the next Council meeting is scheduled for April 13th and that does
not work for him. He is not interested in keeping City Hall closed and wants to open by April 1
st.
He stated there was nothing in a health order that requires City Hall to be closed. Health Orders
one, two, and three had to do with group gatherings and social distancing. He believes City Hall
lends itself very well to maintain social distancing. He could place tables at the front door and
residents could not get anywhere near the staff. The staff could place cones or signs every six feet
to make sure residents do not line up too close together when they are waiting for services.
Mayor Mirsch repeated the item was not on the agenda and suggested the Council have an
emergency meeting via teleconference since Dr. Black would like to have a discussion.
City Attorney Jenkins stated that the Council could adjourn the meeting to any date and time they
would like between now and the next meeting.
Mayor Mirsch asked Councilmember Black if that was okay. It was obvious that he wanted to have
the discussion before April 13th,and she did not see any alternative.
Councilmember Black replied if that is what it would take. City Hall should not have closed from
a medical viewpoint and needs to be opened right away. He does not want it to continue past
March.
Mayor Mirsch asked if there was interest among the Council to have an emergency meeting.
Councilmember Wilson and Councilmember Dieringer concurred.
Mayor Mirsch asked that the Council teleconference in order to practice social distancing.
Councilmember Black asked why the Council was asked to teleconference. He suggested
conducting the meeting before April 1st.
Mayor Mirsch asked how much notification was needed to host a special meeting.
City Attorney Jenkins stated that if the Council wanted to meet within the next three days, then the
Council would have to call a special meeting. If the Council went beyond the 72 hours, then they
could adjourn the meeting to that time and a new agenda would be posted.
Councilmember Black advised the Council had four days left in the current week or they could
meet on Monday, March 30th. Again, he specified City Hall should be open today and he does not
want it to continue any longer.
Mayor Mirsch asked what the Council desired for dates and times.
Discussion ensued among the Council and they agreed that the meeting would be adjourned to
Monday, March 30th, 2020 at 7pm.
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Councilmember Black stated that he recommended following the recommendations of the CDC
and the State. He also was happy to recommend sites with good information on COVID-19.
Councilmember Wilson remarked that the mustard was in full bloom. He recalled the Land
Conservancy advised there was an ideal time to mow it. He believes it is right before the mustard
releases seeds and the City is at that window. He would hate for the City to miss the opportunity
but understands that it may not be addressed right now.
City Manager Jeng stated she could not open up the discussion because the item was not agendized
but she would investigate it and bring it back.
Councilmember Wilson asked about the Crest East striping and questioned the appropriateness of
the striping used in that section. He inquired where the striper acquired the specifications.
City Manager Jeng replied CalTrans standards are used and its manual on uniformed traffic control
devices for the state.
Mayor Mirsch stated that communication is key. It is important to have more communication to
know what is going on for the next Mayor. She knows that other cities are having nightly briefings
and thought that was a good idea. She asked if the Council would be interested in an End-of-Day
communication from Elaine.
Councilmember Black stated that the Council has a group text and prefers to use text to
communicate. He stated that email would not work for him because he is not at home watching his
computer.
City Attorney Jenkins clarified that the exception under the Governor’s new order is that it allows
the majority of the Council, in real time, to listen to an update on the COVID-19 emergency and
ask questions. Council can listen through a telephone, a teleconference, zoom meeting, or be
present even though it is not an actual meeting of the City Council. This exception does not allow
the Council to engage in any other form of communication with each other consisting of a majority.
It does not allow emailing, texting, or any other communication among the majority unless it is a
unilateral communication from the Mayor or City Manager to the rest of the Council to stay
updated.
Mayor Mirsch thanked the City Attorney for his clarification.
City Manager Jeng asked the Council if they would find it helpful to have a phone call with her on
some frequency to get an update on the development of COVID-19 and response activities.
Councilmember Dieringer stated that Council could call her on an as needed basis. In keeping with
the City Attorney’s explanation, the Council would not be able to interact on a group text or group
email to ask questions because that is not the forum to do so. It is only on news conference that
the exception applies.
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City Manager Jeng commented that if the Council is on a conference call with her, they are allowed
to ask questions about the update, but they cannot have a conversation among themselves about
the issue. She asked if the Council would like a call from her to disseminate information, which
would allow them to ask questions with respect to COVID-19.
Mayor Mirsch asked if Councilmember Dieringer had a question and City Manager Jeng provided
her information; she wondered if that information would be better shared if all of the
Councilmembers were listening to it at the same time.
City Attorney Jenkins stated that City Manager Jeng could provide the Council with regular
updates in writing. If City Manager Jeng receives questions that are of interest to the Council, she
could send an email.
Councilmember Black stated that it might not be in real time for the Councilmembers. If it is really
important City Manager Jeng could simply send a group text.
Councilmember Wilson asked under what circumstances might there be a need to address the
Council in real time; perhaps to report an outbreak in the City.
Councilmember Black stated if residents became infected what would the City do differently. They
would still practice social distancing and stay home. The Council should assume that residents are
already infected and more will likely become infected. The reality is we probably already know
people that are infected and will know people that will die from it, but that does not mean they are
going to do anything differently. It is going to settle down, the curve will flatten, which is
happening. Some of the medicines being made might work and then a vaccine will ultimately
become available, but it will take longer. The reality is there are certain people in the City that are
infected.
Mayor Mirsch asked if the Council wanted to conduct the meeting on the 30th in person or via
teleconference.
Councilmember Dieringer stated that she felt that accommodations should be made for both.
Mayor Mirsch asked Councilmember Black for his opinion on whether it was okay to meet in
person for the next meeting.
Councilmember Black stated absolutely. He stated that the distancing is six feet and that it is
physics not magic.
Mayor Mirsch stated that showing up in person was optional for the Council and staff.
10.MATTERS FROM STAFF
NONE.
11. ADJOURNMENT
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Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Mirsch adjourned the meeting at
08:18p.m. The next special meeting of the City Council is scheduled to be held on Monday, March
30, 2020 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend
Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Yohana Coronel, MBA
City Clerk
Approved,
_____________________________________
Leah Mirsch
Mayor
35
-1-
MINUTES OF
AN ADJOURNED MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020
1.CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Mirsch at 7:01p.m. via teleconference.
2.ROLL CALL
Councilmembers participating via teleconference:
Mayor Mirsch, Pieper Black, Dieringer and Wilson.
Councilmembers Absent:None.
Others participating via teleconference:
Elaine Jeng, P.E., City Manager.
Yohana Coronel, City Clerk.
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney.
3.OPEN AGENDA
NONE.
4.MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS
A.DISCUSS RE-OPENING CITY HALL TO THE PUBLIC ON APRIL 1, 2020.
Mayor Mirsch explained that the item for tonight’s discussion was brought up at the City Council
Meeting on March 23, 2020. She indicated that the item could not be discussed because it was not
agendized. This adjourned meeting was scheduled to discuss the matter. Mayor Mirsch expressed
that she was very uncomfortable discussing the item before the Council. She thought it was
inappropriate to discuss opening City Hall to the public given all the latest developments. The
State, Federal and County all released recommendations and orders that strongly encouraged
people to stay safe at home. In her opinion, this included the Council and City staff. In order to
make sure Councilmembers did not speak over each other, she directed them to speak in
alphabetical order.
Councilmember Black stated that he was the Councilmember that brought up the topic at the last
City Council meeting. He noted that the title of the agenda item was wrong, and the City was not
aligned with the Los Angeles County Health Order because that order did not specifically include
public entities. People are asked to adhere to public distancing of six feet or more and not have
large group gatherings, but businesses and entities considered essential could remain open. He
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understood that it was normal to be afraid or concerned but it was more important to know how to
manage fear. It was brought to his attention that City Hall staff was sent home because a part-time
staff member reported possible exposure on Thursday, March 19
th. Councilmember Black said
medical professionals know that a person is only contagious 24-48 hours prior to showing
symptoms. He specifically sent out the recommendations from hospitals and the CDC as to when
people could go to back to work after being in close contact with someone with the virus. He
pointed out that none of the City’s actions followed CDC recommendations. Part of leadership is
to show people how to behave and not panic. He stated that the City’s actions represented one
panic move after another. He stated that City staff should be in the building, the building should
be open, and that staff should observe six-foot distances. He indicated that with a small staff, they
were safer in City Hall than anywhere else.
Councilmember Dieringer shared that she works in the public sector. She stated the State Supreme
Court was drafting new measures because of the latest developments. Her office is dealing with
criminal defendant’s constitutional rights to have a trial. Notwithstanding the importance of these
constitutional rights, the Courts have decided to suspend cases that were in trial. She commented
that this pandemic is being taken very seriously. She concluded that she was notin favor of opening
City Hall. She pointed out that the City has a very small staff and if one person were to get sick,
everyone would have to be quarantined, bringing everything to a halt. The City needed to exercise
caution and Councilmember Dieringer added that there was nothing that could not be done through
phone calls and email. Residents could drop things off in a designated area and staff could retrieve
it without having personal contact.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper stated that he does not understand why the grocery clerks, Costco
employees, and the guys at the marijuana dispensary must go to work and City staff would not go
to work. Until recently, City Hall accepted walk-ins and conducted business by appointments. He
thought the set up was very reasonable. He stated he goes back and forth on the issue and cannot
come up with an answer. He wondered if the City was conducting business effectively while
telecommuting. He pondered if the City stopped permitting and reviewing plans and were these
functions also stopped at LA County offices. He commented that Rolling Hills is a small piece of
a bigger puzzle. The current situation does not allow the City to stand out and be different. He
believed closing City Hall is wrong if staff’s physical absence prevents business from being
conducted. Mayor Pro Tem inquired if business is disrupted with LA County offices closed? He
expressed working at City Hall was safer than working at any other place.
City Attorney Michael Jenkins suggested City Manager Jeng clarify some of the concerns raised
by Mayor Pro Tem Pieper. He observed there was a perception that City Hall closed its doors, staff
walked away, there was no work being performed, and that was not his understanding.
City Manager Jeng reported that City Hall was closed to the public on Monday, March 16, 2020.
City staff continued to report to work as usual behind closed doors until Wednesday, March 25,
2020 when all staff were directed to temporarily telecommute because a part-time staff member
reported she was exposed to someone that may have the COVID-19. City Manager Jeng said the
item before the Council was to discuss whether City Hall should be opened to the public and not
whether City staff should telecommute.
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City Attorney Jenkins clarified that City staff had been telecommuting because of the exposure to
the part-time employee.
Councilmember Black insisted no exposure occurred. He stated that a lot of non-medical people
were making incorrect medical treatment plans and it made no sense.
City Attorney Jenkins stated the status quo before the possible exposure was that all employees
were physically reporting to work, but the doors were closed to the public. If a member of the
public had city business, they could make an appointment. He explained that nothing different was
being proposed. He clarified for the Council that the only question before them was should City
Hall unlock the doors during business hours and have unrestricted access from any member of the
public.
City Manager Jeng added that the County also closed its doors to the public. It was her
understanding that County staff was still working in the office but at a limited capacity. The County
has since developed ways to issue permits and check plans remotely. They were also exploring
ways to pay fees remotely. All these services did not exist prior to the COVID-19. She stated that
City staff is in constant contact with the County’s Building and Safety office that serves Rolling
Hills.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper asked about daily foot traffic at City Hall prior to closure.
City Manager Jeng responded that majority of City Hall’s walk-ins were from residents to discuss
issues requiring city assistance. These visits have been replaced by phone calls and there has been
no feedback or service issues. Consultants visit City hall to drop off plans. They have been directed
to submit plans electronically and added that it is more efficient with electronic submittal. There
have been no requests for walk-in service.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper stated he was in support of status quo. He stated that more City services
need to be streamlined and that the City could use this time to transition. He stated it did not matter
to him one way or another unless he hears from residents of inadequate service.
Councilmember Wilson concurred with Mayor Pro Tem Pieper. He shared that his business is
considered essential and had conflicting feelings. He was dealing with employees who were very
concerned with customer interactions and had to find ways to address it. Some of his employees
expressed concerned about proximity to other employees so his company implemented social
distancing requirements. Some of his employees expressed concern about continuing to work even
though his company did its best to make sure all employees felt safe and comfortable. On the other
hand, he stated that a lot of his employees were happy to be employed. There is real fear within
people and that fear takes a toll on employees. Councilmember Wilson expressed the importance
of City Hall being open to the public, but it appeared to him that important business was
continuing. He stated he missed having the public at the Council meetings and some of the orders
were heavy handed and perhaps unnecessary, but whether it was needed remains unknown.
Mayor Mirsch stated that she respected Councilmember Black as a physician and trusted him with
her care. However, she took issue with his statement of “non-medical people making decisions”
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because she too has been listening to Public Health Officials such as Dr. Jerome Adams, Dr.
Anthony Fauci, and Dr. Barbara Ferrer. They all continue to stress that people should have limited
contact with the public. She reiterated the City’s business could continue without having the office
open to the public. She received comments from residents questioning the need to open City Hall
to the public. Furthermore, the City was not being perceived as panicking but rather following
guidelines from the public health government officials and other physicians in a position to provide
information.
Councilmember Black stated City Hall was panicking and it made no sense to him. He called for
a vote on the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Piper stated that he agreed with Councilmember Black, however he proposed a
motion for City Hall to continue to operate as is.
Mayor Mirsch asked for clarification on the appropriate motion.
City Attorney Jenkins clarified that the question was whether City Hall should be opened to the
public. Councilmember Black could make a motion to reopen City Hall to the public or someone
else could make a motion to maintain the status quo. He noted that the status quo was City Hall
would be available to the public by appointment, email, or by phone.
Councilmember Black motioned that City Hall be reopened to the public in accordance with the
Los Angeles County Public Health recommendations and the CDC guidelines and pretend that
staff is present at City Hall.
The motion was not seconded.
Mayor Mirsch asked if Council needed a motion to keep the status quo.
City Attorney Jenkins stated no motion was needed to maintain the status quo.
Councilmember Black requested to continue the meeting to next week to discuss staff’s physical
presence at City Hall. The City was going against medical practices regarding the Coronavirus. He
requested to have the City Council meet weekly because it was his opinion that bad decisions were
being made.
Mayor Mirsch stated that the next regular Council meeting was scheduled for April 13, 2020. She
inquired if Councilmember Black wanted to hold a meeting on April 06, 2020.
Councilmember Black stated that this is an emergency and the City Council should meet as soon
as possible to resolve City staff not being at work.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper asked if City staff was going to be available to work.
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City Manager Jeng stated she is waiting for the COVID-19 test result. If the result is negative, staff
will physically return to City Hall. If the test result is positive, she would seek further information
before proceeding.
Councilmember Black stated he disagreed with the City Manager’s actions. If the employee was
potentially exposed on the 19th and had shown no symptoms by the 30th this person did not have
the virus on the 19th. The part-time employee could have contracted the disease on the 27th by
going to the supermarket but did not contract the virus on the 19th.
Mayor Mirsch asked if there was a possibility that the employee could be a carrier of the disease.
Councilmember Black stated that carriers were not necessarily infectious. A person could be
infectious between 24-48 hours before they show symptoms. He again stated that the part-time
employee could not have become infected on the 19th if the person infected first showed symptoms
the 24th.
City Manager Jeng stated the Council entrusted her with the operations of City Hall and she was
doing so to the best of her ability. Although she is not a medical professional and does not have
one on staff, she gathered the best information available to care for the wellbeing of the community
and City staff.
Councilmember Black replied that the City Manager had a medical professional on her Council
who was willing to talk to her. He inquired if the person was tested? It was his understanding that
people do not have to get tested and further added that the test results fall under patient privacy.
Test result for individuals cannot be legally released to other individuals.
City Manager Jeng stated according to the employer of the person, a city official of another city,
he was tested, and his test result will be shared.
City Attorney Jenkins reminded the Mayor that there was a request to schedule an adjourned
meeting for Monday, April 6, 2020 to reassess the situation.
Mayor Mirsch stated she would like to schedule a meeting for next Monday and inquired if she
needed a second motion.
City Attorney Jenkins stated she could adjourn the meeting to Monday, April 6th, set a time, and
wait for a second motion to vote.
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council adjourn the City Council meeting of March
30, 2020 to Monday, April 06, 2020 at 7pm. Mayor Pro Tem Pieper seconded the motion. The
motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mirsch, Pieper, Black, Dieringer, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
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Mayor Mirsch provided an update on her conversations with the State Assembly representative
and Senator Ben Allen’s office regarding the City’s request to extend the property tax payment
deadline. She was unable to reach Governor Newsom’s office. She also spoke with the Tax
Collector’s office and the County Treasurer Tax Collector’s office. The League of California Cities
and seven other agencies sent a letter asking the State not to extend the property tax payment
deadline. The responses she received from her outreach was that a person could appeal to have
their late fees waived after April 11th. If the person’s reason for late payment had to do with
COVID-19, a task force would investigate the request. All the people she spoke with did not
support a payment deadline extension because property tax is a revenue source for the cities
necessary to pay for first responders, doctors, and essential services.
Councilmember Black stated that it was his understanding that if a person wanted their late fees
waived, they would have to prove that they were physically incapable of doing so due to COVID-
19. He asked if his interpretation was correct.
Mayor Mirsch stated that she wondered the same thing but unfortunately, she was not able to get
an answer.
Councilmember Black asked City Attorney Jenkins if he would go to jail if he recommended that
people not pay their property taxes if they were having a hard time.
City Attorney Jenkins replied he would not be violating any laws by providing his opinion.
Councilmember Dieringer stated Councilmember Black had the right to free speech.
City Attorney Jenkins indicated that Councilmember Black needed to make clear that he was
stating his personal opinion and was not speaking as a Councilmember.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Mirsch adjourned the meeting at
7:50p.m. to an adjourned meeting of the City Council scheduled for Monday, April 06, 2020
beginning at 7:00p.m. via teleconference.
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Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Yohana Coronel, MBA
City Clerk
Approved,
_____________________________________
Leah Mirsch
Mayor
42
-1-
MINUTES OF
A JOINT STUDY SESSION MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2020
1.CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Mirsch at 6:07p.m. via teleconference.
2.ROLL CALL
Councilmembers participating via teleconference:
Mayor Mirsch, Black*, Dieringer, Pieper, and Wilson.
Commissioners Present: Chairman Chelf, Cardenas, Cooley, Kirkpatrick and Seaburn.
Councilmembers Absent:None.
Others participating via teleconference:
Elaine Jeng, P.E., City Manager.
Meredith Elguira, Planning and Community Services Director.
Yohana Coronel, City Clerk.
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney.
Jane Abzug, Assistant City Attorney.
*Councilmember Black joined the meeting at 6:47pm.
3.OPEN AGENDA –PUBLIC COMMENT
NONE.
4.CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION JOINT STUDY SESSION
PCS Director Meredith Elguira gave an introduction of the joint study session between the
Planning Commission and the City Council. She highlighted the list of discussion topics submitted
by both bodies for input and/or questions to create a path forward.
Enforcement of Power on Nuisance
PCS Director Meredith Elguira explained the City receives numerous complaints regarding lights,
landscaping, dead vegetation, fallen trees on private property, and damaged fences.
Commissioner Cooley asked how the City distinguishes a nuisance from a code violation.
Assistant City Attorney Jane Abzug replied that nuisance is defined per the municipal code, which
states a "nuisance" shall be defined as anything which is injurious to health or safety, or is indecent
or offensive to the senses, or an obstruction to the free use of property…” (RHMC, Chapter 8.24).
She added the section also sets forth that the Council may define by ordinance any particular
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condition constituting a nuisance. If the Planning Commission had a particular item to recommend
to the Council as a nuisance, that could be a way to address the enforcement of power on nuisance.
City Manager Jeng commented that from an operational standpoint, it becomes difficult to
differentiate the two because there are times when code violations are continuous, and it then
becomes a nuisance.
Chair Chelf did not recall handling nuisance issues. It seemed that City staff is more familiar with
nuisance issues. He stated that some people have had their green fence up for years and roll-off
containers in the front yard. He feels that residents are abusing their fencing permit and that is a
more important issue. The containers should be placed in the backyard or side yard and residents
should not be allowed to bring in more than one container at a time. They should only be for
building materials and not used for storage.
Assistant City Attorney Jane Abzug commented this topic came up about 6 months ago when
discussing resolutions of approval and placing conditions on construction and trailers. She
reminded the Council and the Planning Commission that if the City were to prohibit those things
outside of the construction context there would need to be a code amendment.
Mayor Pro Tem Piper asked how the City determines when to direct a property owner to remove
the fencing when they have an open permit.
Chair Chelf advised the Planning Commission had discussions about a fence time limit. It was
suggested that the property owner reapply for a fencing permit every 6 months and provide proof
why the fence was needed. If no proof is submitted, then the property owner would have a certain
number of days to remove the fencing.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper wondered how the City could deal with the outliers that have keep their
fence up.
Chair Chelf recognizes there is always someone that will abuse the timeline forcing the City to
change all the rules. He suggested having a safeguard in place if a property owner has a fence up
for no reason; then the City has a mechanism to enforce removal.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper asked the PCS Director to create and present a manageable process to the
Planning Commission to make it part of the rules.
Chair Chelf added if the City made the applicant responsible for renewing their fencing permit
every 6 months, there would be no need to make a big deal of it.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick commented that there was not a lot of fencing around the City. He
suggested better communication between property owners, contractors, and the Planning
Commission.
Chair Chelf suggested defining what “under construction” means to give property owners
guidelines to keep or remove the fencing.
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PCS Director Elguira replied that staff could easily address the issue with the Code Enforcement
Officer and make the timeframe of the fencing part of the conditions of approval for projects. She
added that it was easier when the language is part of the code. It was also noted that Building and
Safety input would be needed.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper presumed the Council needed to figure out how to implement the timeframe
of fencing into the City’s municipal code. He asked if the Planning Commission would take lead
on this process and bring it to the Council for approval.
PCS Director Elguira replied in the affirmative.
Councilmember Wilson cautioned both bodies they would have to be very specific about the
proposed regulations. A construction container could be easily confused with a roll-off dumpster.
He also reminded both bodies that containers come in various sizes.
Mayor Mirsch recalls addressing that issue regarding a project on Crest. Decisions were made that
specified the size and number of storage containers and that it should be listed in the conditions of
approval.
Councilmember Dieringer recommended the City talk to Building and Safety to better define the
need, type, and how long the container should remain on the property.
PCS Director Elguira replied that the planning department would follow up on both issues with
the Building and Safety Department.
Tree and View Protection
PCS Director Elguira reported she receives numerous calls about tree and view protections. She
was processing one case and estimates three more on the horizon. She has submitted one letter and
had two residents inquire about the process. She determined this was becoming a hot topic.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick asked if the residents were interested in understanding the process or if
they were attempting to resolve an issue.
PCS Director Elguira responded one resident has been going back and forth with their neighbor
for over a year. Another resident spoke to their neighbor and wrote a letter, while one resident
requested advice from her and the City Manager on how to approach his neighbor regarding his
view problem.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper commented the City modified the rules. These three cases need to go
through the process to determine if the hybrid compromise works. If logical conclusions are
reached, then they could leave it as is. If it does not go well, the City will have to change the
process again. He does not want to change anything without first testing the hybrid rules.
ADU & JADUs
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PCS Director Elguira reported the City adopted amended ordinances based on the State’s new laws
requiring cities to allow ADUs and JADUs. The process starts with a review of the requirements
and staff provides the applicant with stringent guidelines. One application was submitted and
approved; however, the applicant has not picked up the plans. The applicant met the setback and
height requirements and the covenant is being prepared. A second applicant requested a site visit.
Thus far, every applicant has been open to amending their design, setback, and plans to blend in
with the City’s character.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper asked if there was need for the Planning Commission to address ADUs and
JADUs.
PCS Director Elguira advised the process for ADUs and JDU’s is ministerial.
Chair Chelf fears some people will use the ADU process to bypass the Planning Commission’s
approval process of a conditional use permit (CUP).
Assistant City Attorney Jane Abzug replied State law prohibits discretionary review for
ADUs/JADUs (which conform with state law/the City’s ordinance). But that if an applicant wants
a guest house (or an ADU/JADU that did not conform), it would still need to go through the CUP
process.
PCS Director Elguira asked if there were any concerns.
Several questions were raised regarding the States laws, undergrounding, and septic tanks.
PCS Director Elguira indicated that the City has standards that will be enforced. Regarding
undergrounding, the guidelines state it must be done when upgrading the electrical panel. The
septic systems would have to be addressed with the Building and Safety Department.
Housing Element
PCS Director Elguira conveyed the City was in the process of responding to HCD. City Manager
Jeng is reviewing the draft. Alternative options are being explored regarding how the City will
comply and provide 18 affordable units. With the passing of the new ADU laws, the State is
allowing cities to count their ADU’s toward affordable units given that there is a program in place
making it feasible for the homeowner to build an ADU on their property. The City is looking to
move in that direction and try to comply with the RHNA obligations using ADU’s and JADU’s.
She informed the Planning Commission and the Council that she was not sure how the State would
receive the City’s proposal making it a calculated risk. The City is going to wait to hear back from
the State before moving forward with the school site or any other site.
A question was presented if the City had to prove that ADU’s and JADU’s are being used for
affordable housing.
City Attorney Jenkins explained the availability of ADUs in the zoning ordinance alone will not
be sufficient to obtain a certification for the housing element. The only way an ADU program will
succeed is if the ADUs are covenanted for affordability and actually built. The only way the ADUs
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are going to be covenanted for affordability is if the City were to provide sufficient incentive for a
property owner to place a covenant on their property and that the unit built will only be rented to
income eligible persons. There was internal discussion and there are no viable financial incentives
that can be provided. The City cannot rely on the ADU program to satisfy the RHNA requirements
particularly for affordable housing. The City will have to identify some sites but is not limited to
the two institutional sites located outside the gates. Residential zone sites could also be considered
along Palos Verdes Drive.
City Manager Jeng informed the Planning Commission that the City has a work plan with the
HCD. They are currently editing the 2013-2014 housing element report. There will be a second
round of edits that the Commission will be a part of that includes public outreach. She anticipates
this will occur in September/October 2020.
Councilmember Black joined the meeting at 6:47p.m.
Stormwater
Councilmember Black remarked that the City has less than 10 storm water exits. His hope is to
have property owners address their own water runoff by implementing drain catch basins. He
would like to start with individual homes then move on to individual canyons until all storm drains
are eliminated.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick replied that he supports his idea but suggested analyzing each site
where catch basins would be placed.
The Planning Commission and the Council both pledged support for storm water runoff, however,
they would like to conduct a study in order to better understand what the catch basins do and the
cost before making it a requirement.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper suggested the Planning Commission take lead on how storm water runoff
should be addressed.
Chair Chelf commented that the subject matter is outside of the Planning Commissions realm and
will need a consultant to guide them on how to control water in order to provide suggestions to the
Council.
City Manager Jeng remarked that she would work with PCS Director Elguira on considerations,
contact consultants to seek more information about storm water, and come up with some measures.
She noted that the Planning Commission is interested in looking at cost while the Council is
interested in eliminating discharge. They will combine the two and put a proposal together to
present to the Planning Commission and then to the Council. She will report on their progress and
come back with a date to hold another joint study session.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Mirsch adjourned the meeting at 07:03
p.m. to the regular City Council meeting. The next meeting of the City Council is scheduled to be
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held on Monday, April 27, 2020 beginning at 7:00 p.m. via teleconference.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Yohana Coronel, MBA
City Clerk
Approved,
_____________________________________
Leah Mirsch
Mayor
48
-1-
MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2020
1.CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Mirsch at 7:05p.m. via teleconference.
2.ROLL CALL
Councilmembers participating via teleconference:
Mayor Mirsch, Pieper Black, Dieringer and Wilson.
Councilmembers Absent:None.
Others participating via teleconference:
Elaine Jeng, P.E., City Manager.
Meredith Elguira, Planning & Community Services Director.
Yohana Coronel, City Clerk.
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney.
Jane Abzug, Assistant City Attorney.
3.OPEN AGENDA
Clint Patterson and Richard Boos (via email) thanked the outgoing Mayor, incoming Mayor, and
commended the City Manager for a job well done. They commented specifically on the
undergrounding projects and expressed appreciation and support.
4.CONSENT CALENDAR
Matters which may be acted upon by the City Council in a single motion. Any Councilmember may
request removal of any item from the Consent Calendar causing it to be considered under Council
Actions.
A.MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 27, 2020.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
B.PAYMENT OF BILLS.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
C. REPUBLIC SERVICES RECYCLING TONNAGE REPORT FOR JANUARY
AND FEBRUARY 2020.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
D. CONSIDER PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2020 AS NATIONAL
DONATE LIFE MONTH.
RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMENDS THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL PROCLAIM THE MONTH OF APRIL 2020 AS NATIONAL
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DONATE LIFE MONTH AND PROMOTE THE NATIONAL DONATE
LIFE MONTH IN THE CITY’S BLUE NEWSLETTER.
Councilmember Dieringer pointed out that she had corrections to the minutes.
Mayor Mirsch requested pulling consent item 4B.
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper moved that the City Council approve all consent items with amendments
to the minutes of January 27, 2019. Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion. The motion
passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mirsch, Pieper, Black, Dieringer, and Wilson.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
Item 4B
Councilmember Wilson pulled item 4B and queried a vendor. He also inquired about potential
reimbursements from Republic Services for the HF&H Consultants charge. He then inquired
about the Michael Baker charge listed and asked if that charge was for the Shen development.
City Manager Jeng replied she could not recall the vendor’s name, however, she did note the
vendor was addressing the gopher problem at City Hall. She added that both charges would be
refunded to the City by each of the parties (Republic Services and Shen’s) as agreed.
Mayor Mirsch requested the payment of bills report provide more detailed information in the
description column.
Councilmember Wilson moved that the City Council approve consent item 4B. Mayor Pro Tem
Pieper Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Mirsch, Pieper, Black, Dieringer, and Wilson.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
5.PRESENTATION OF CITY COUNCIL REORGINIZATION
A.PRESENTAITON OF NEW MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO-TEM.
B.PRESENTATION TO MAYOR MIRSCH IN RECOGNITION OF HER
SERVICE DURING HER 2019-2020 TERM AS MAYOR.
C.COMMENTS FROM OUTGOING MAYOR.
Mayor Mirsch declared that the Council would now reorganize. She called for a nomination for
Mayor.
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Councilmember Wilson nominated Jeff Pieper for Mayor. Councilmember Dieringer seconded the
nomination. Hearing no other nominations, outgoing Mayor Mirschdeclared Jeff Pieper be elected
Mayor by acclamation.
Newly elected Mayor Pieper thanked outgoing Mayor Mirsch for all her hard work and presented
her with a plaque.
Mayor Pieper conducted the remainder of the meeting and proceeded to select a Mayor Pro Tem.
He called for nominations.
Councilmember Mirsch nominated Bea Dieringer for Mayor Pro Tem. Councilmember Wilson
seconded the nomination. Hearing no other nominations, newly elected Mayor Pieperdeclared that
Bea Dieringer be elected Mayor Pro Tem by acclamation.
Outgoing Mayor Mirsch made a statement summarizing issues and accomplishments over the last
year. She thanked the staff for all their hard work and for providing excellent service to the
residents. She also thanked her fellow Councilmembers for their support.
Councilmember Wilson thanked the outgoing Mayor. He stated she did an excellent job.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer thanked the outgoing Mayor for always ensuring everyone’s voice was
heard.
6.CITY COUNCIL AND THE PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION
Please refer to the minutes for the Special Planning Commission meeting.
7.OLD BUSINESS
A.CONSIDER AND APPROVE AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT
FOR RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES WITH
REPUBLIC SERVICES.
City Manager Jeng reported that the Solid Waste franchise agreement would expire June 30, 2020.
The Solid Waste Committee has been working on an amended and restated agreement with
Republic Services. Numerous meetings were held and progress was reported with regard to terms
discussed. The Solid Waste Committee and staff’s recommendation is to approve the amended and
restated agreement with Republic Services for nine years, starting July 1, 2020. She noted the
General Manager Ray Grothaus was available for questions.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment.
Arun Bhumitra asked via email what were the stipulations on cancelling or revising the contract if
issues arise.
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Councilmember Wilson replied there are liquidated damages that can be enforced if there is a
failure to perform.
Councilmember Mirsch moved that the City Council approve the Amended and Restated
agreement for residential solid waste management services with Republic Services and authorize
the Mayor to execute the agreement. Councilmember Black seconded the motion. The motion
passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
B.DICUSS CURRENT CITY SUBSIDY FOR SOLID WASTE SERVICES
RATE INCREASE AND CONSIDER DISCONTINUING THE SUBSIDY
BEGINNING JULY 1, 2020.
City Manager Jeng reported the City kept the resident’s rates at $1100.00 per yearper parcel. Since
there is a new contract with Republic Services, the new rate is $1292.00 per year, per parcel. If the
City continues with the subsidy of the 685 parcels per year, the City would subsidize approximately
$132,000.00. She recommended discontinuing the subsidy and provided options to move forward.
The City could increase the residents’ contributions to the current rate or phase the subsidy over a
couple of years and gradually catch the residents up.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none, he returned to the discussion.
Councilmember Black commented that the City had plenty of money and it continues to grow.
There were two years of funds in the bank. This was one way to give the residents their money
back and added that he was stunned that the Council was considering discontinuing the subsidy.
Councilmember Mirsch stated that she was not stunned at discussing $132,000.00. The reason for
the surplus was because certain projects had not been executed. She expressed concern about what
the City’s revenues will look like in the future. She pointed out that rates increases were not unique
to Rolling Hills and that big changes were happening in the solid waste environment.
Councilmember Wilson asked if Councilmember Black could concede that the Council could not
continue in perpetuity and possibly consider lowering the percentage of the subsidy.
Councilmember Black replied he would not concede.
Councilmember Dieringer mentioned there were different ways in which the residents can benefit.
She does not have a problem with the subsidy but prefers subsidizing a percentage of the fees. She
discussed building projects and a subsidy for reducing fees because the people doing the building
projects are the ones benefiting and the City is paying more for them. She suggested subsidizing a
percentage of the fee so there is some benefit for every resident versus changing fees on building
projects.
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Mayor Pieper advised the Council did not need to make a permanent decision. The discussion is
about making a decision for the fiscal year 2020-2021 subsidy; it will go from $92,000.00 to
$132,000.00 bringing an increase of $40,000.00.
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council continue the subsidies for the residents and
pick up the current increases for FY 2020-2021. Pro Tem Dieringer seconded the motion. The
motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, and Black.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mirsch and Wilson.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
8.NEW BUSINESS
A.CONSIDER AND APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH URBAN FUTURES TO SERVE AS THE FINANCIAL ADVISOR
FOR EASTFIELD UNDERGROUDING UTILITY ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT.
City Manager Jeng clarified that the contract with Urban Futures is only serving the Eastfield
Undergrounding Utility Assessment District. This item is for preparation of the next step. Urban
Futures is a financial advisor. The project is currently waiting for Edison’s construction bid to
inform the assessment district of the cost. The property owners within the assessment will vote to
continue the project after this information is received. If they vote to move forward, the City needs
to provide the assessment district with financing options. The assessment district has the option to
pay cash or finance. If they choose to finance, the group can go through a private bank or sell a
bond. This is where a financial advisor is needed. Like other services the City has provided to the
assessment district, the City engages the service provider with the policy that the Council will only
contribute to design cost and because an exception was made for the Schoettles project, the Council
agreed to pay a partial of the assessment district. The City is not contributing to the financial
adviser services scope of work. The cost of Urban Futures will be funded completely by the
property owners within the district. City Manager Jeng is recommending engaging the services of
Urban Futures, if the project does not go forward then the consultants’ contract expires and there
is not fee and any money collected is returned to the property owners within the district.
Councilmember Wilson asked if the members of the utility district were prepared for the cost the
consultants and the fee that are associated with them.
City Manager Jeng replied that she was not sure what the assessment group understood but she
provided a letter to the property owners within the district to let them know that an assessment
engineer needed to be hired along with assistance for the financing side of the project but she did
not provide a cost.
City Attorney Jenkin explained that the City cannot do a financing without a financial advisor.
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Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none, he returned to the discussion.
Councilmember Dieringer wanted to confirm that the City would collect the money from the
assessment district first before the Council executes the contract.
City Manager Jeng replied in the affirmative.The money collected will be deposited into an escrow
account.
Councilmember Wilson moved that the City Council approve a professional services agreement
with Urban Futures and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. Mayor Pro Tem
Dieringer seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
B.CONSIDER AND APPROVETHE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO PREPARE AN UPDATE TO THE CITY’S
SAFETY ELEMENT.
City Manager Jeng explained the Safety Element is a companion element that serves the General
Plan and that it was last updated in 1990. The City applied for grant funds through CalOES to
update the plan. The City was recently awarded the grant and accepted it. The next step is to hire
a consultant to prepare the update and have staff prepare a Request For Proposal (RFP) to solicit
consultant services. The project will be paid for by the grant.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none, he returned to the discussion.
Councilmember Black inquired about the cost for services.
City Manager Jeng replied the cost is unknown until fees are solicited from consultants through
the RFP process.
Councilmember Wilson asked for a status update on other CalOES grant applications.
City Manager Jeng replied there were no other applications with CalOES regarding grant projects
(i.e. CWPP, vegetation management in the canyons and an undergrounding project along
Eastfield).
Councilmember Mirsch moved that the City Council approve the RFP, advertise the RFP on the
city's website, and other outlets. Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer seconded the motion. The motion
passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson.
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NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
(10A out of order)
10.MATTERS FROM STAFF
A.RECEIVE AND FILE FIRST QUARTER 2020 REPORT ON FIRE FUEL
ABATEMENT ENFORCEMENT CASES.
PCS Director Elguira reported on 2020 first quarter fire fuel abatement enforcement cases. There
was a jump in the report because there are expired permits according to Building and Safety but
some projects were never finalized. Staff is following up on the expired permits to ensure work
is not in progress or if the project was completed, to attain final approval. There are 7 new cases
under vegetation and 12 cases were closed last quarter. There are 81 cases under the
comprehensive list, which includes 61 cases with open permits and 75 cases were closed. She
pointed out that the active cases are now highlighted.
City Manager Jeng added that staff will be reaching out for status with open permit cases. At the
request of Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer, the quarterly report was reconfigured and now one list
shows the streets in alphabetical order and the second list is organized chronologically based on
the date a case was initiated.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none, he returned to the discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer inquired about addressing the expired permit issue. There should be
an incentive for people to finalize their permits.
Mayor Pieper pointed out that this is the first time the City has compiled this sort of list and it
will fall under the Code Enforcement Officer. He suspects 80% of the cases listed have been
finalized or the project never happened.
PCS Director Elguira clarified the incentive for property owners to finalize their projects is the
certificate of occupancy because you cannot occupy a building without the certificate. Staff is
working with the Building and Safety Department to confirm they are following up with expired
permits as well.
Councilmember Wilson inquired about inconsistencies with some of the cases listed. On one
page a cases is shown as closed but on the second page the same case is shown as open.
PCS Director Elguira replied she would follow up and get back to Councilmember Wilson.
Councilmember Mirsch commented that she liked the two separate reports but also requested
that the older open cases list a status.
PCS Director Elguira replied she would add a status column.
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Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council receive and file the report. Councilmember
Mirsch seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
B. UPDATE ON ACTION PLAN WITH CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT (HCD) TO RESPOND TO REVIEW
COMMENTS ON THE CITY’S 5HT CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT.
City Manager Jeng specified this was a report out and no action was needed from the Council. On
May 3, 2019, the City of Rolling Hills provided the California Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD) its plan of action to comply with the City's Regional Housing
Needs Allocation (RHNA) obligations. The City provided milestones that it must meet during the
2019-2020 reporting period. This plan of action shows the City's commitment in finding ways to
meet its housing obligations in a timely manner. She concluded by stating she was open for
questions.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none, he returned to the discussion.
Mayor Pieper received and filed the report on behalf of the Council.
(9A out of order)
9.MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS
A.CONSIDER REQUEST FROM COUNCILMEMBER BLACK THAT THE
MAYOR CALL A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CIYT COUNCIL WITHIN
48 HOURS OF ISSUANCE OF AN ORDER BY THE CITY MANAGER
PERTAINING TO COVID-19 IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR COUNCIL
REVIEW.
Councilmember Black reported that there have been two emergency orders in relation to COVID-
19. The first was to close City Hall and the second was sending City staff home for possible
exposure to a part-time employee who may have had contact with a person with COVID-19. He
suggested that whenever a major decision is being made with relation to COVID-19, the City
Council should review it within forty-eight hours. He feels that non-medical personnel should not
make medical decisions.
Councilmember Mirsch commented she does not think the Council needs to review the City
Manager’s decisions related to COVID-19. She has not found any of the actions taken by the City
Manager inappropriate. Prior to any action taken by the City Manager, Councilmember Mirsch
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thoroughly reviewed the informationavailable to her and the City Manager had procedures in place
to assure that City business would continue. She believes that the actions taken by the City
Manager follow the principle of applying an abundance of caution and she acted appropriately
within her authority. She was not making medical decisions but rather making administrative
decisions on how to best run City Hall.
Mayor Pieper stated now that he is Mayor, he expects to communicate with the City Manager on
a daily basis about COVID-19 issues. Even though he understands Councilmember Black’s point
of view, he will continue to communicate with the City Manager and try to make the best decisions
with the information available to them. City Manager Jeng will continue to send out her written
report and if Councilmember Black notices something in the report he does not agree with, then a
meeting can be scheduled. He does not feel a meeting should be called for everything COVID-19.
Councilmember Black clarified he only wants to call a meeting for any emergency actions relating
to COVID-19. He added it was clearly wrong that staff was sent home for 14 days for presumed
potential exposure.
Mayor Pieper committed he and the City Manager would make the best decisions they can within
a timely manner. If a decision needs to be made by the group, then a meeting will be scheduled.
City Attorney Jenkins clarified that the Mayor was proposing this route rather than establishing a
hard and fast rule that has to be followed in every instance. The Mayor will work closely with the
City Manager on a daily basis with this emergency and if a decision is made and there are concerns
expressed by the Council, he will call a meeting. He can call a special meeting, which can occur
as early as 24 hours or 48 hours. It can be established as needed rather than applying a hard and
fast rule.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none, he returned to the discussion.
Councilmember Mirsch commented that the Coronavirus highlights the necessity for frequent
communication when swift action is needed and information is rapidly changing. She asked if
the Council was interested in having daily briefing calls as a temporary measure for the duration
of the COVID-19 orders. The Council could adjourn their regular meeting to a continued
meeting to discuss possible required actions.
Mayor Pieper advised he understood there are lots of options but that he would like to address
any issues first. If someone is unhappy with his decisions, then a meeting or call could be
scheduled.
City Attorney Jenkins added that the action is aligned with the County Health Officer and the
Governor. They are both coming down with orders and the City is subject to those orders like
every City in the County. City Manager Jeng can continue to provide copies of those orders to
the Council to keep them informed of what is going on at the County and State level. Given the
unique nature of the City, there is not a lot the City can do compared to others. He agrees with
the Mayor that if the City Manager continues to provide her reports and forwards all of the
Governors orders, proclamations, and the County Health Orders, the Council will have a lot of
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information with which the Council unfortunately won’t have control over but which they are
subject to.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Pieper adjourned the meeting at
9:38p.m. to a regularmeeting of the City Council scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2020 beginning
at 7:00p.m. via teleconference.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Yohana Coronel, MBA
City Clerk
Approved,
_____________________________________
Jeff Pieper
Mayor
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-1-
MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020
1.CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Pieper at 7:06p.m. via teleconference.
2.ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmembers participating via teleconference:
Mayor Pieper, Black, Dieringer, Mirsch, and Wilson.
Councilmembers Absent:None.
Others participating via teleconference:
Elaine Jeng, P.E., City Manager.
Meredith Elguira, Planning and Community Services Director
Yohana Coronel, City Clerk.
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney.
Jane Abzug, Assistant City Attorney.
Chris Sarabia, Conservation Director.
Terry Shea, Finance Director.
Jim Walker, Budget Consultant.
3.OPEN AGENDA
Alfred Visco petitioned the City to immediately abate the extreme fire hazard and public nuisance
in Paint Brush Canyon via email. He requested an update on the status of 7 Ranchero Road as well.
He suggested the City reduce the amount of high fire risk vegetation with detailed mapping and a
presentation from the Fire Safe Council representative. He has not noticed any Mustard mowing
as proposed by the Land Conservancy. He recommended the City explore the possibility of canyon
properties transferring ownership to the Nature Preserve or placing an easement on relevant
portions of the property for the Nature Preserve to conduct maintenance.
4.CONSENT CALENDAR
Matters which may be acted upon by the City Council in a single motion. Any Councilmember may
request removal of any item from the Consent Calendar causing it to be considered under Council
Actions.
A.MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2020.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
B.PAYMENT OF BILLS.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
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C. REPUBLIC SERVICES RECYCLING TONNAGE REPORT FOR MARCH
2020.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
D. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2020.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
E.UPDATED CITY COUNCIL BUDGET CALENDART FOR FY 2020-2021.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
F. NEW 2020 SPRING CLEANUP DATES.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer requested to pull item 4A to go the next meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council approve consent items 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and
4F. Councilmember Black seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Black, Dieringer, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
5.COMMISSION ITEMS
NONE.
6.PUBLIC HEARING
NONE.
7.OLD BUSINESS
A.CONSIDER AND APPROVE A PROPOSAL FROM PALOS VERDES
PENINSULA LAND CONSERVANCY FOR ADDITIONAL FIRE FUEL
REMOVAL WORK IN THE PRESERVE IN THE AREAS ADJACENT TO
THE CITY BORDER.
City Manager Jeng reported the City Council approved an agreement with the Palos Verdes
Peninsula Land Conservancy (Land Conservancy) on October 14, 2019 in the amount of $34,200
for fire fuel removal. Two acres of Acacia removal within the northeastern portion of the
Portuguese Bend Reserve along the Rim Trail was $27,000 and $7,200 for removing 16 acres of
invasive mustard plant around Grapevine Trail. The Land Conservancy completed this work in
early March. The agreement included a maintenance article for three years at $12,000 per year for
springtime Mustard mowing and monitoring of Acacia to prevent regrowth. The Land
Conservancy’s work commenced on April 20, 2020. During the February 10, 2020 City Council
meeting, Land Conservancy staff provided a presentation of the fire fuel removal conducted
between November 2019 and February 2020. Per the Council’s request for added fire fuel removal
in the Preserve, Conservation Director Chris Sarabia, attended the teleconference to answer
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questions. City Manager Jenginformed the Council she had asked the Land Conservancy to submit
maps of the 2019 proposal and the current proposal. She highlighted the different areas on maps
#1, page 47, and map #2, page 48, that were worked on in 2019 and how it lines up with the new
proposal of $50,000.00.
Mr. Sarabia provided overview of the maps and pointed out the work underway by the Land
Conservancy. He addressed Mr. Visco’s comment and stated they were working on the accessible
areas of the canyon and noted that Paint Brush Canyon was complicated to access. He explained
part of the proposal includes limbing the Pine trees because they are too expensive to remove but
offered to obtain a quote from a contractor if the Council preferred. He noted communities grow
attached to their Pine trees and are unwilling to remove them. He is working with Cal State Long
Beach Master’s Program of Geographical Information Science who is attempting to map the entire
Peninsula. The mapping will inform the Land Conservancy where the Acacia is located, especially
in tough areas, and hopes to share that information with all the Peninsula Cities.
Councilmember Wilson asked if the Mustard seed is being caught before it drops, how many Pine
trees were being limbed up, and how high was the limbing.
Mr. Sarabia advisedthe Mustard is currently flowering and developing seeds, so they try to remove
it now to cut out the seed bank. The contractor would address the trees on the side of the
conservancy, approximately 3 or 4, and limb up the standard six feet. He warned if a tree trunk is
on private property the Land Conservancy would not touch it.
Councilmember Black asked what was happening with the green between Fire Station Trail and
Crest going west toward the school.
Mr. Sarabia replied that the area is full of native plants, however, the area is very hard to access
and would exceed their budget because of the equipment required.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer asked if the Mustard mowing was needed for the next three years and
what is the cost per year to mow the pink area on the map. She also inquired if Mr. Sarabia knew
about the fire issue and the efficacy of removing the Mustard versus the Acacia.
Mr. Sarabia replied in the affirmative and stated he did not have the cost for the mowing of the
pink area and did not included in the proposal because of budget constraints. He could include it
in the follow-up proposal with a multi-year maintenance plan if that was the Council’s pleasure.
He explained that Acacia is targeted because it is a long-life shrub; the longer it lives, the bigger
it grows. Mustard is an annual plant and only lives one to two years, therefore when it is mowed
it is thinned out.
Mayor Pieper replied that the Council would like a multi-year maintenance plan.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment.
Alfred Visco commented via email that he was in support of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land
Conservancy proposal. He noted no explanation was given why the Pine trees would not be
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removed and only limbed up because Pine trees and Acacia are listed as high fire hazard plants by
the LA County Fire Department Ready!Set!Go! brochure. He recommends that the Pine trees be
removed but if they cannot be removed, then the canopies should be thinned.
Mayor Pieper asked how long it would take to complete the pink area and requested the Land
Conservancy submit the cost for maintaining the area. He also requested the estimated cost to cut
down the three Pine trees.
Mr. Sarabia speculated it would take 37 workdays to mow the Acacia and advised he could obtain
a quote for the removal of the Pine trees and include it in the maintenance proposal.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer commented it is important to know the cost of mowing the pink area
before making a decision because it was not worth mowing if the maintenance could not be kept
in future years.
Mayor Pieper asked how long it would take to finish the blue area.
Mr. Sarabia replied that estimated completion was three and a half weeks.
Mayor Pieper explained that the blue area can be mowed but the pink area is downhill and would
need to be worked on by hand.
Mayor Pieper declared after the blue area is finished, the Council would decide on the pink area.
He requested the cost to cut down the three Pine trees versus limbing them up be provided by the
next meeting so the Council can make a decision.
Councilmember Wilson asked if it would cost less than $22,000.00 to come back the second year.
Mr. Sarabia replied it is typically less but could consult with his field crew. He noted it is a
temporary safety measure that brings peace of mind. Mowing for fuel modifications is a yearly
process. The Conservancy takes an ecological approach and uses science to enhance advantages.
Councilmember Mirsch requested confirmation about the proposed Pine trees not being on private
property.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council postpose the decision until the next meeting
when the total cost of the new proposal is provided by Mr. Sarabia. Councilmember Black
seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Black, Dieringer, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
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B.PRESENTATION ON A POTENTIAL PROJECT TO ELIMINATE
STORMWATER DISCHARGE AT ONE DISCHARGE POINT FROM THE
CITY TO THE RECEIVING WATERS.
City Manager Jeng referenced the City Council Strategic Plan Workshop held on January 25, 2020,
where priorities were identified for the next three years. One of the topics explored was parcel
project polices for individual parcels and capital improvement projects throughout the City to
elevate the requirements from MS4 permits. She conferred with a consultant because all la county
agencies are discharging their stormwater to certain bodies of water. Rolling Hills is divided in
two watersheds on the Peninsula. The southern watershed drains to the Santa Monica Bay. The
other watershed, East of City Hall, drains to the Machado Lake. The Regional Water Quality
Control Board mandates the City monitor the drainage quality entering Santa Monica Bay and
Machado Lake. The Santa Monica Bay reading indicates the City’s water is clean, however, issues
arose with Machado Lake. The Regional Water Quality Control Board specified the City would
not be considered as discharging water if the City can hold the discharge at a certain volume (a 24-
hour rainstorm at the 85% percentile). City Manager Jeng shared a presentation illustrating that
staff could evaluate the discharge points to Machado Lake and deploy a project to be in compliance
with the MS4 permits and approach them for some relief. The proposal includes discharge points
along Bent Spring Canyon at City Hall. The Regional Board advised the City needs to capture 1.1
million gallons in that drainage area, which translates to building a storage catch basin with a
relieve valve in case of recurrent storms. In order to meet that requirement, the City would need to
draw the water down; run a pipe down from that canyon to a nearby sewer facility and discharge
it into the sewer. This would require the Sanitation Districts permission. The cost of the project is
approximately 3.2 million dollars, which could be paid with the local Measure W funds. There is
also Prop 1 money from the State that can be used along with other grant sources.
Mayor Pieper asked how many exits points the City needs to cover to be compliant and how the
City would deal with the exit points on private property.
City Manager Jeng replied all the points that exit to the Machado Lake assumes worst case scenario
and the City would have to get easements rights from property owners or have some agreement in
place. The property owner adjacent to City Hall dedicated half of Bent Spring Canyon and is now
City owned.
Councilmember Wilson asked if the proposed dam would be built on City or private property and
what did the allowance line item mean.
City Manager Jeng replied it would be a combination of the City, Rolling Hills Estates, and private
property. The line item was for permitting with various agencies like the Sanitation District.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer asked if the discharge points south and east could be diverted to one
point and address the collective discharges at one point.
City Manager Jeng advised it might be possible but depends on the terrain, footprint of each point,
and how easy it is to route from one point to another. She explained the Torrance Airport Project
is proposing taking four Peninsula Cities discharge and directing it toward the Torrance Airport
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and retaining that volume.
Councilmember Mirsch asked if there was a deadline for the grants mentioned beforehand.
City Manager Jeng replied the first round of regional money for Measure W application deadline
is mid-July.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment.
Alfred Visco commented via email that he was not familiar with the discharge issue and the
presentation set forth, however, there could be some benefits for the proposed project over and
above the stormwater issues. There could be a substantial amount of stormwater maintained in the
reservoir, which would reduce the fire risk in the canyon.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council request the City Manager to broach the
State Board to confirm if the Council proceeded with the project, would they not be required to
report for the MS4 regarding the Machado Lake water district and if grant money is available.
Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Black, Dieringer, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
C.FY 2020/21 BUDGET PREPARATION DOCUMENTS FY 2019/2020 YEAR-
END REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE PROJECTIONS FY 2020/2021
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) ADJUSTMENT FOR BUDGET.
Budget Consultant, Jim Walker, gave an overview of the 2019-2020-year end projections and the
March 2020 consumer price index that will be used for the 2020-2021 budget.
Staff projects total General Fund Revenues through June 30, 2020 as $1,887,597, which is
$390,703 lower than the amended Budget amount of $2,278,300. The decreased revenues are
primarily Building & Other Permit Fees, which lowered by $346,288 and Variance, Planning &
Zoning Fees, which are projected to be lower by $30,169 due to the effect of COVID-19. For
General Fund Expenditures through June 30, 2020 projections are $1,868,938, which is $364,662
lower than the amended budget amount of $2,233,600. The decrease is primarily due to the
following: City Administration Department projected Salary and Benefit savings associated with
vacant Senior Management Analyst position; Planning & Development Department projected LA
County Building Inspection savings associated with lower volume of building inspections; Law
Enforcement projected savings associated with unspent Wild Life Management & Pest Control
expense; and Non-Department cost savings for peninsula wide preparedness staff member. We
are projecting a deficit of $26,041 before all operating transfers. Prior to this meeting the
Finance/Budget/Audit Committee approved to continue to appropriate funds to CIP projects,
mainly the tennis courts and ADA project for City Hall.
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Mr. Walker continued to review the March 2020 consumer price index, which was 1.9%. That is
what will be used for the COLA adjustment and other contractual budget items for the 2020-2021
budget. Last year the March CIP was 2.7%.
Councilmember Black asked if there was another CIP that could be used instead of March.
Mr. Walker replied that it was agreed last year to use March because the CIP for May is not
released until June after the budget has been adopted.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment.
There was no public comment.
Councilmember Wilson moved that the City Council receive and file the item. Mayor Pro Tem
Dieringer seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Black, Dieringer, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
Councilmember Black requested item 9A be heard next because he would have to leave the meeting
soon.
Item 9A (out of order)
9.MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS
A.CONSIDER REQUEST FROM MAYOR PIEPER TO DISCUSS TIMING
FOR RE-OPENING ROLLING HILLS TO THE PUBLIC.
Mayor Pieper reported that City Manager Jeng provided access to conduct city business in-person
by appointment. Residents can call, email, or make an appointment with staff for service. No other
cities in Los Angeles County are open to the public. He has spoken to other Mayor’s in the
Peninsula and they are trying to figure out when to reopen City Halls. The targeted date is May 1,
2020. He expressed concern about being the first City to reopen to the public and having negative
media attention. Other cities might not be happy with their decision to proceed and may lead to
unfavorable interactions. He also discussed how to staff City Hall when the doors are reopened to
maintain safety and not risk losing the entire department if someone contracts COVID-19. He
concluded if Rolling Hills is the first City to reopen, it would put unnecessary pressure on the City
and cannot see the benefits.
Councilmember Black stated City Hall is considered an essential business and should have never
closed. City Hall is ideal for social distancing. From a medical viewpoint, there is no reason City
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Hall cannot be open if common sense is used. He does not care what other cities are doing and
Rolling Hills needs to show leadership.
Mr. Walker commented that he has contact with JPIA and suggested that the Council consider the
general liability issue.
Councilmember Black replied that workers compensation would take care of the employees.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer commented that the courts are closed, and people have their
Constitutional rights on hold. She noted that all the speedy trail-rights courts are closed until May
15, 2020 and it could be extended. It did not make sense for City Hall to open especially with a
small staff. If someone comes in and does not respect social distance and one employee gets sick
that would lead to the rest of the staff being quarantined. How would business continue?
Councilmember Black argued that courthouses are a dramatically different setting than City Hall
and cannot be compared.
Councilmember Mirsch commented a health order is in effect until May 15th. The County is still
encouraging minimal contact with the public. She does not believe there is any need not met with
the way City Hall is conducting business. She has not received any complaints that services are
not being provided.
Councilmember Black stated that the May 15th date is applicable to non-essential businesses and
City Hall is considered an essential business. He asked how many building permits have been
issued since then beginning of March.
PCS Director Elguira replied half a dozen permits have been issued.
Councilmember Wilson commented that he does not support opening City Hall because he has not
heard of anyone requesting services and not being serviced.
Councilmember Black made a motion to reopen City Hall and stated that he does not care what
other Mayors are doing.
No second followed.
Mayor Pieper notified the Council that City Manager Jeng had a plan ready if City Hall needed to
be reopened on short notice. He expressed concern about the PR value when dealing with other
cities and the topic would be readdressed if anything changed.
Councilmember Black left the City Council meeting at 8:58pm.
Item 8C (out of order)
C. STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP DISCUSSION #3.
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City Manager Jeng reported the Strategic Planning Workshop was held, in addition to regular
meetings, to provide guidance on developing budget items for the next fiscal year. At the
Workshop, the Council developed four priorities for the City: Wildfire Mitigation/Emergency
Preparedness, Utility Undergrounding, Drainage, and Sewer. Under each category is a list of
budget items that support the Council’s priorities, and all are proposed for next year:
Wildfire Mitigation/Emergency Preparedness
1. Block Captain Program
2. Fire Fuel Reduction in the Preserve
3. Fire Fuel Reduction in Rolling Hills
4. CWPP Development/Adoption
5. Arborist to support enforcement of Fire Fuel Abatement Ordinance
Utility Undergrounding
1. Crest Road Undergrounding Cal OES grant
2. Eastfield Drive Undergrounding Cal OES grant
3. Assessment District support continuous workshops for neighborhood groups
4. Pursue grants for projects
Drainage
1. Parcel based hydromodification policy development to minimize impacts to surrounding
canyons and downstream parcels
2. Bent Springs capital improvement project feasibility study to include City Hall campus
stormwater discharge
3. Masterplan to eliminate stormwater discharge from the City
Sewer
1. Investigate extension of existing sewer mains into the City of Rolling Hills
2. Design of 8" sewer main along Portuguese Bend Road/Rolling Hills Road to connect with
County truck line on Crenshaw Boulevard
3. Pursue grants for capital improvement projects
A spreadsheet with high-level cost estimates for the budget items listed above was included. The
dollar amounts are high estimates based on past experiences and industry recommendations. She
was providing information for discussion and feedback.
Councilmember Wilson asked if portions of the mentioned projects were in the current year’s
budget and how much of an increase would this be for next year if approved.
City Manager Jeng replied that $50,000.00 for the Fire Fuel reduction in the Preserve would come
out of the current budget if it were approved in the next meeting. Staff could get started on a portion
of the sewer project if the Council were to move forward with the design this year. A portion of
the $90,000.00 would be taken out of that line item and then moved to the next fiscal year. All the
other expenses get carried over to the next fiscal year.
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Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer asked about the fire fuel reduction for properties that are adjacent to the
preserve. How can money be devoted to fire fuel reduction on private property that would not be
offered to other people in Rolling Hills who would like money to remove fire fuel from their land.
She asked for more details for parcel based hydromodifications policy development. She inquired
about $8,000.00 allocation.
City Manager Jeng said this would be a path to approach those property owners if they are willing
to work with the City on fuel management and make use of the investment on the Preserve. She is
only trying to seek out possible options and is open to suggestions. The line item is a placeholder
for now. Staff is exploring authoring policies that mandate projects look at impacts of stormwater
discharge outside of their property, which would be identified as hydromodifications. The
$8,000.00 was allocated for technical instruction to guide the City on future provisions for
developers to follow and determine if the parameters placed on the development projects were
feasible.
Mr. Walker commented on Fire Fuel reduction and asked if the City reached out to the Fire
Department for weed abatement.
City Manager Jeng explained the Fire Department only evaluates areas 200 feet from a structure
and beyond that is up to the AG Commission. The AG Commission contracted to take care of
some fuel management issues on a parcel-by-parcel basis. The areas of interest do not fall under
the Fire Department purview.
Councilmember Wilson asked what would be constituted a gift of public funds if the City used
money to fund or subsidize removal of weed abetment on private property.
City Attorney Jenkins suggested to fashion a program that addressed a specific issue that could be
argued as a community problem and to a greater extent, is a problemfor the private property owner.
Standards would have to be established and treat every similar situation the same. He advised
thinking it through before committing any public funds to that venture. Generally private property
owners are financially responsible for the condition of their property and the remediation of the
conditions of their property.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council receive, and file item as presented.
Councilmember Mirsch seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: Black.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
8.NEW BUSINESS
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A.UPDATE ON MEASURE W – SAFE CLEAN WATER PROGRAM
TRANSFER AGREEMENT TO RECEIVE LOCAL RETURN
ALLOCATIONS.
City Manager Jeng reported staff presumed local Measure W monies would come in and offset the
cost of MS4 permits but that money is not going to be realized because the City was informed that
the agreement has to be signed before the disbursement would be expected in August. The staff
report is to inform the Council that the agreement has been forwarded to the City Attorney’s office
and the City’s consultant McGowan and Associates reviewed it on the City’s behalf and comments
were sent to the County. No action is needed for this item just informing the Council that staff
needed to appropriate additional general funds for this year and back fill the MS4 compliance cost
for the current year. She also reported that 30% of the W monies could be used toward existing
programs such as paying Ms. McGowan’s fees.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment.
There was no public comment.
Councilmember Mirsch moved that the City Council receive and file the item as presented. Mayor
Pro Tem Dieringer seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: Black.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
B.UPDATE ON LOS ANGELES COUNTY REVIEW OF THE CITY’S
SEWER FEASIBILITY STUDY PHASE II PROJECT.
City Manager Jeng updated the Council on the Sewer Feasibility Study Phase II Project. RHCA
requested permission to proceed with replacing the septic tank near the tennis courts. The Council
requested the Association delay their improvements until they received confirmation on the city’s
sewer feasibility study and the county accepted the study. The feasibility study remains under
review by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW). On April 13, 2020,
Willdan Engineering reported that LACDPW expects to complete the review of the City's sewer
study on the week of April 27, 2020.
She reviewed the comments received from the County. Back in November 2019, staff informed
the Council that there is a segment of the pipe that needed to be upgraded from the proposed 8-
inch pipe to a 10-inch pipe to accommodate the additional discharge from the City. The estimated
project cost, with the pipe upgrade, was approximately $1,087,000. The review comment received
in early 2020 called for the methodology of estimating sewer flow to be changed from occupancy
to land use/zoning requiring the proposed 10-inch pipe to be upgraded to a 12-inch pipe in three
segments of the existing sewer system. Increasing the sizes in the lower segments will place the
sewer under design capacity. The new estimated project cost, with the proposed size increase, is
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approximately $1,098,000; of that $84,000.00 is for engineering cost. The next phase would be to
hire an engineering company to do the design.
Mayor Pieper asked when the best time is to approach an engineering company to get a cheaper
rate.
City Manager Jeng replied it would be in the interest of the city to construct the sewer line in the
next three years. Engineering fees will remain the same due to the fact it is a different industry that
has multipliers for benefits, staff, and other charges from other people. It was her belief that the
savings will come from the construction side. If the economy slows down, the City might get good
pricing for labor and material cost.
Councilmember Wilson commented that the contingency line item is high and does not like it.
She clarified the line item was an engineer’s estimate at a very high level.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment.
There was no public comment.
Councilmember Wilson moved that the City Council receive and file the item as presented. Mayor
Pro Tem Dieringer Councilmember Black seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote
as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: Black.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
10.MATTERS FROM STAFF
NONE.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Mirsch adjourned the meeting at
9:34p.m. The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2020
beginning at 7:00p.m. via teleconference.
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Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Yohana Coronel, MBA
City Clerk
Approved,
_____________________________________
Jeff Pieper
Mayor
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-1-
MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY, MAY 11, 2020
1.CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Pieper at 7:02p.m. via teleconference.
2.ROLL CALL
Councilmembers participating via teleconference:
Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson.
Councilmembers Absent:None.
Others participating via teleconference:
Elaine Jeng, P.E., City Manager.
Meredith Elguira, Planning & Community Services Director.
Yohana Coronel, City Clerk.
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney.
Francesca Wach, 52 Portuguese Bend Road.
John Resich.
Chris Sarabia, Conservation Director for Palos Verdes Peninsula
Land Conservancy.
3.OPEN AGENDA
Alfred Visco thanked the City via email for following up with the owner of 17 Cinchring Road
about the abatement of dead vegetation. He inquired if Mr. Sarabia knew when the detailed
mapping of dead vegetation would be available. He concluded with suggesting the Land
Conservancy prepare a proposal to clear the dead vegetation and remove the Acacia in Paint Brush
Canyon on the Rolling Hills and Nature Preserve side of the border.
4.CONSENT CALENDAR
Matters which may be acted upon by the City Council in a single motion. Any Councilmember may
request removal of any item from the Consent Calendar causing it to be considered under Council
Actions.
A.MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2020, REGULAR
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 24, 2020, REGULAR MEETINF OF MARCH 09,
2020, REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2020, SPECIAL MEETING OF
MARCH 30, 2020, JOINT STUDY SESSION WITH THE PLANNING
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COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL APRIL 13, 2020 AND REGULAR
MEETING OF APRIL 27, 2020.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
B.PAYMENT OF BILLS.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
C. CONSIDER AND APPROVE UPDATED CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
ASSIGNMENTS.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
D. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON ROLLING HILLS 2020 RELIABILITY
REPORT.
RECOMMENDATION: STAFF RECOMENDS THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
EDISON ROLLING HILLS 2020 CIRCUIT RELIABILITY REPORT.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer requested to pull consent item 4A and 4C.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council approve consent items 4B and 4D as
presented. Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as
follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor, Pieper, Dieringer, Mirsch, and Wilson.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: *Black.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
*Councilmember Black reported to the meeting at 7:12 p.m. due to technical difficulties.
Item 4A
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer requested to move the minutes submitted for approval to the May 26,
2020 City Council meeting to allow time for review.
Item 4C
Mayor Pieper advised the only modification made to committee assignments was moving
Councilmember Wilson to the Personnel Committee because he has not previously served. Mayor
Pro Tem Dieringer requested to be an alternate on select committees and he therefore removed
himself and assigned Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer as the alternate member of the following
committees: Los Angeles Sanitation District No. 5, Los Angeles County City Selection Committee
and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).
Mayor Pro Dieringer stated that there are five committees that address policy and present to the
Council and she is not assigned to any of them. She stated that she would like to be appointed to
one of the five committees and that her preference was the Fire Fuel Reduction Ad Hoc
Subcommittee. She previously served on the Fire Fuel Reduction Ad Hoc Subcommittee and was
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inclined to continue but was removed because the Mayor at the time, Mayor Mirsch, wanted the
seat.
Councilmember Wilson was happy to step aside and allow Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer to serve.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council approve consent item 4C as amended.
Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Mirsch and Wilson.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: *Black.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
*Councilmember Black reported to the meeting at 7:12 p.m. due to technical difficulties.
5.COMMISSION ITEMS
A.CONSIDERATION TO RECEIVE AND FILE RESOLUTION NO. 2020-03
FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION GRANTING APPROVAL FOR A
VARIANCE REQUEST TO CONSTRUCT A 400 SQUARE-FOOT LAP
SWIMMING POOL WITH SPA IN THE FRONT YARD OF AN EXISTING
RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 52 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD.
PCS Director Elguira gave an overview of the project via PowerPoint presentation. The applicant
requested approval to construct a 400 square-foot lap pool with spa in the front yard of an existing
residence at 52 Portuguese Bend Road. Due to the irregular shape of the subject lot and geometry
of Portuguese Bend Road, the backyard of the parcel functions as the main entrance to the property.
The front façade of the existing residence faces the back courtyard. The residence's front entry,
garage doors, and driveway that lead up to the main residence is located in the rear courtyard,
which functions as the receiving area on the parcel. The proposed pool and spa are technically
located behind the residence;however,the back of the residence faces the front yard.The proposed
project cannot be seen from the surrounding streets or canyons. The proposed pool elevation is
above Portuguese Bend Road and several hundred feet away from adjacent properties. The
proposed project will result in minimal lot disturbance because the lot is already developed with a
residence, attached garage, barn, and hardscape. The project has been determined categorically
exempt pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and was approved on
February 19, 2020 by Rolling Hills Community Association.
Mrs. Luna submitted a letter of opposition on April 20, 2020 aboutthe proposed project concerning
potential view impact and the lack of public notification for the Planning Commission meeting.
The item was subsequently rescheduled to May 1, 2020 to meet public noticing requirements. Mrs.
Luna and her son, the property owner's representative, and Chair Chelf met with staff on the field
trip to survey the area and take pictures. Mrs. Luna's property is located to the rear of the subject
property at a much higher elevation than the pool pad. The proposed pool will not be visible from
her property and her view of the Pacific Ocean will not be impacted. Mrs. Luna sent an email after
the field trip to inform the City she no longer objects to the proposed project.
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PCS Director Elguira reported that Mr. Charlie Raine submitted a letter on May 11, 2020, which
stated there was improper noticing for the proposed project. He clarified that he was not opposed
to theprojectat 52 Portuguese Bend Road but rather disturbed byincreased runoff into the canyons
generated by adding impermeable surfaces that impose danger to southern properties. The City
and RHC should have a plan in place to deal with the runoff and subsequent consequences caused
by approved projects. He has voiced his concerns at past Planning Commission and City Council
meetings about this issue and urged the City and RHCA not to continue ignoring the matter.
PCS Director Elguira clarified that the Planning Commission meeting held on Tuesday, April 21,
2020 was adjourned to Friday, May 1, 2020 to address the notification issue for this item. She
informed the Council that the property owner and applicant were present (via teleconference) and
available for questions.
PCS Director Elguira reminded Councilmember Mirsch of the need to recuse herself due to her
residence’s proximity from the subject parcel.
Councilmember Black commented that he was inclined to receive and file the item but questioned
whether proper notification had been provided.
PCS Director Elguira replied that the Planning Commission had adjourned its regular meeting on
April 21st 2020 to May 1st 2020 because the public hearing mailers were not sent to the residents
within the 500-foot radius of the subject parcel. The Planning Commission met on May 1
st, 2020
at 7:30 a.m. via teleconference to allow the residents enough time to submit their comments.
Mayor Pieper asked counsel if the City was in compliance with public notifications with regard to
this project.
City Attorney Jenkins responded that legal obligations were met. The Planning Department
consulted with Assistant City Attorney Jane Abzug. The regular Planning Commission meeting
was adjourned to May 1st and it was his understanding that appropriate notice was given.
Councilmember Wilson asked why Mr. Raine stated that a notice had been provided with a wrong
date.
PCS Director Elguira explained the public was properly noticed and clarified the mailers sent to
the residents within the subject parcel radius had a typographical error on the day listed not the
date.
Councilmember Black recommended postponing the item to the next City Council meeting in
order to have the item properly notified without errors.
Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion because Mr. Raine did not attend the meeting
because of the mistake on the notification.
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City Attorney Jenkins highlighted the Council had three options. 1) Remand the item back to the
Planning Commission, 2) take jurisdiction over the item or 3) receive and file the item.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment.
John Resich, stated that proper notice did go out to the surrounding area with regards to the special
meeting.
PCS Director Elguira reiterated a typographical error was made on the mailers sent to residents
within the subject parcel radius.
City Attorney Jenkins withdrew his earlier comment and stated the benefit of moving the item to
the next Council meeting would be for him to review all the notices that were sent out. It was his
recommendation that the Council continue the item for further examination of the notices and that
the Council could then make a recommendation.
Mayor Pieper highlighted the Council did not have a problem with the project. He asked counsel
for the quickest way to expedite the process.
City Attorney Jenkins replied the Council could take jurisdiction over the item or remand the item
to the Planning Commission for a new hearing. If the Council took jurisdiction over the item, the
project could be expedited if staff has enough time to notice the public hearing.
PCS Director replied notices could be sent the following day.
Mayor Pieper stated that the Council would take jurisdiction over the item. He thanked John Resich
for his comments and closed the item from public comment.
*Councilmember Black disconnected from the meeting at 7:43pm due to technical difficulties.
Councilmember Wilson withdrew his support for Councilmember Blacks motion.
Mayor Pieper made a substitute motion that the City Council direct staff to immediately send
public hearing notices and theCouncil schedule a meeting as soon as possible to review the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: *Black.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mirsch.
6.PUBLIC HEARING
NONE.
7.OLD BUSINESS
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A.CONSIDER AND APPROVE AN ENHANCED PROPOSAL FROM PALOS
VERDES PENINSULA LAND CONSERVANCY FOR ADDITIONAL FIRE
FUEL ABATEMENT IN THE PRESERVE IN THE AREAS ADJACENT TO
THE CITY BORDER.
City Manager Jeng announced that this item carried over from the last City Council meeting on
April 27, 2020. The Council requested an updated proposal from the Conservancy to include
annual mowing to eradicate Acacia and Mustard. That cost comes to $20,800.00 per year for the
spring mowing. The second element was the removal of Pine trees. The first proposal included
only limbing up the Pine trees. The cost for removal of the Pine trees is $19,250.00. She announced
Chris Sarabia, Conservation Director for Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy was present
via teleconference to answer questions.
Mayor Pieper asked if there were other Pine trees on the Rolling Hills side of the border.
Mr. Sarabia replied there is a continuation of Pine trees that move on to private property. He
elaborated that the contractor estimated the cost based on a week of work to remove the Pine.
Mayor Pieper clarified that if the Council went back to the original proposal they would be at
$50,000.00 and the ongoing maintenance for the ongoing work is $21,000.00 on top of the
$12,000.00. The $12,000.00 was the annual work from the previous portion.
City Manager Jeng asked Mr. Sarabia for the number of the proposed Pine trees to be removed
under the proposed cost.
Mr. Sarabia believed that cost was for 4 or 5 Pine trees.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment.
Alfred Visco commented via email that there was an error in the updated proposal from the Land
Conservancy. It should state “removing” instead of “limbing” Pine trees. Removing Pine trees is
far superior to limbing for several reasons but it primarily eliminates the need for future
maintenance. He supports the Land Conservancy’s proposal.
Mayor Pieper closed the item for public comment and continued with the discussion.
Mayor Pieper commented he was not inclined to spend money on limbing the Pine trees on the
Conservancy side until the Pine trees on the Rolling Hills side are maintained.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer asked what portion of the remaining $28,000.00 is dedicated to limbing
the Pine trees.
Mr. Sarabia replied the Land Conservancy would be mowing all the dry brush in an attempt to
prevent ladder fuel fire from moving up the Preserve side. Limbing was the recommended
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treatment for the Pine so the branches are not touching the ground. The standard limbing for a Pine
tree is 6 feet.
Councilmember Mirsch agreed with Mayor Pieper’s suggestion but also agrees with Mr. Sarabia
that the Pine trees need to be limbed up. She believes that the City needs to limb up the trees and
determine what is happening with the Pine trees on private property before spending any resources
on removing the Pine trees on the Conservancy’s property.
*Councilmember Black rejoined the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
Councilmember Black commented that he was in favor of removing the Pine trees completely
rather than limbing them up.
Councilmember Mirsch moved that the City Council approve the Land Conservancy’s proposal of
$50,000.00 onetime work including limbing up the Pine trees and approve the annual work for
three years. Revisit the issue of removing the Pine trees once there is a plan for the trees on the
Rolling Hills side. Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice
vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
Mayor Pieper requested from Mr. Sarabia and City Manager Jeng schedule a site visit to see the
progress and talk about the other side of Rim Trail.
Item 8B (out of order)
B.CONSIDER AND APPROVE FINANCE/BUDGET/AUDIT COMMITTEE’S
RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO INVESTMENT, FINANCIAL, BUDGET,
DEBT AND ASSET CAPITALIZATION POLICIES, AND SCHEDULE OF
FEE AND CHARGES.
Finance Director Terry Shea gave a summary of the Finance/Budget/Audit Committee’s
recommended changes to investment, financial, budget, debt and asset capitalization policies and
schedule of fee charges. All policies were approved by the auditors which were then reviewed by
the Finance/Budget/Audit Committee. One recommendation was to change the cash reserve and
the refuse fund to the amount of the service fee subsidy. The subsidy for FY 20/21 will be
approximately $132,000.00. The PARS Pension Rate stabilization program was set up and the
liability is about $239,000.00 It was recommended to pay half in the FY 20/21 budget and the
other half in the FY 21/22 budget. A new fund needs to be set up for Measure W monies and it
needs to be added to the City’s policies. Every year the City has capital improvement projects
(CIPs) that are ongoing. A recommendation was made to add a section to carry over the
appropriations from the capital policies to the next fiscal year. With decreased Building permit
revenues, staff recommends increasing the multiplier from 2.25% to 2.5%. The proposal was
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discussed with the Committee members and they suggested changing the cash reserve amount for
the refuse fund to the amount of the service fee subsidy absorbed by the general fund. This would
fluctuate every year depending on what the rates and the differences were and it would be approved
as a budgeted transfer each year. The Committee is in favor of increasing the PARS Pension Rate
stabilization fund to $50,000.00 per year until the City is caught up and each year after the yearly
audit, review the reserve fund balance available and make a transfer in order to keep the rate
stabilization fund up to the liability. The Committee proposed adding a fund section for Measure
W monies and a section to approve CIPs carryovers for unexpended budget appropriations and
review it annually with the Finance/Budget/Audit Committee. The Committee did not recommend
any changes to the schedule of fees or the multiplier.
Councilmember Mirsch wanted to confirm the Committee recommended paying $50,000.00 per
fiscal year with an understanding that the liability curve increases every year. She asked if the City
prepares annual expenditure forecast with a 4-year outlook. She also inquired if the City had any
other City approved consultants besides Willdan.
Councilmember Black replied that the City is committed to paying $50,000.00 every fiscal year
with the hope of paying off the debt in two years.
City Manager Jeng advised the City only has Willdan to help expedite building permit reviews.
Finance Director Shea replied the Finance department does a 5-year cash forecast as part of the
budget process, which includes the current year plus 4 years and it is updated every year.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer asked about the Finance Director’s reason for increasing the multiplier.
She also requested the Council revisit the issue mid-year and the Finance Director produce a mid-
year report to show how much the City is recovering in terms of cost with staff doing an individual
permit.
Finance Director Shea explained his reasoning was strictly based on the level of activity since
permit revenues were down compared to this time last year.
Councilmember Wilson summarized that the multiplier was being used to recover the City’s cost
and not to profit.
Finance Director Shea concurred.
Councilmember Wilson moved that the City Council approve the Finance/Budget/Audit
Committee recommendations. Councilmember Mirsch seconded the motion. The motion passed
by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
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Item 7B (out of order)
7.OLD BUSINESS
B.ACCEPT THE SEWER FEASIBILITY STUDY PHASE II AS COMPLETE
AND DIRECT STAFF TO PROCEED WITH THE DESIGN OF THE 8"
SEWER MAIN ALONG PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD/ROLLING HILLS
ROAD.
City Manager Jeng reported this item was still under review by Los Angeles County when it was
previously presented to the Council. The County has since accepted the Sewer Feasibility Study
and the City can proceed with the next step. As part of the submittal, the City achieved two Will-
Serve letters. The first letter accepts discharge from the City Hall campus; the second is to receive
discharge from 235 homes within the City of Rolling Hills. The Council waited for acceptance by
the County before responding to the Associations request to replace the septic tank near the main
gate. She pointed out that the final study was attached to the staff report. The overall cost estimate
for the project, which included the design, construction, and management, was $1.1 million dollars.
Of that, $85,000.00 is estimated for engineering design which is the next step for the project if the
Council proceeds.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none he returned to the discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council accept the Sewer Feasibility Study Phase
II as complete and direct staff to procure engineering services to proceed with design of the 8"
sewer main along Portuguese Bend Road/Rolling Hills Road. Councilmember Wilson seconded
the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor, Pieper, Dieringer, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Black.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
Item 8A & 8C (out of order)
8.NEW BUSINESS
A.ACCEPT THE FY 2019-2020 TRAFFIC SIGNING, STRIPING, AND
PAVEMENT MARKING PROJECT AS COMPLETE AND IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THECONTRACT PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
AND AUTHORIZE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION TO BE FILED
WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER'S OFFICE.
City Manager Jeng indicated on January 13, 2020 City Council awarded a construction contract to
PCI for signing and striping of horse crossings, four streets (Middleridge Lane North, Middleridge
Lane South, Williamsburg Lane and Lower Blackwater Canyon Road), Crest Road East, and the
proposed all-way stop control at Williamsburg Lane and Lower Blackwater Canyon Road. The
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final project construction cost was $75,384.50. Staff recommends that the Council accept the FY
2019-2020 Traffic Signing, Striping, and Pavement Marking Project as complete and in
accordance with the contract plans and specifications, file Notice of Completion with the Los
Angeles County Recorder's office,and release retention as final payment to PCI after the expiration
of the lien period.
Councilmember Wilson asked how many traffic markers (bumpers) were replaced.
City Manager Jeng replied she did not know because the City put down signing and markers where
they were needed based on the Uniform Traffic Device code. There was disparity between how
much was removed and how much was replaced. It was her belief more were placed because code
calls for longer center lane markers as confirmed by the City’s Traffic Engineer.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none, he returned to the discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council accept the FY 2019-2020 Traffic Signing,
Striping, and Pavement Marking Project as complete and in accordance with the contract plans
and specifications, file Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Recorder's office, and
release retention as final payment to PCI after the expiration of the lien period. Councilmember
Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
C.CONSIDER LAYOUT OPTIONS TO BRING EXISTING RESTROOMS AT
CITY HALL TO COMPLY WITH ADA CODES, AND SELECT AN
OPTION TO CONTINUE THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONSTRUCTION
PLANS.
City Manager Jeng presented all of the layout options prepared by Pacific Architecture and
Engineering Inc. (PAE) via PowerPoint. On January 27, 2020, the City Council engaged PAE to
prepare construction plans to bring City Hall into compliance with Americans with Disabilities
(ADA) codes. The focus of PAE’s work are restrooms as they require major work due to space
constraints. Improvements needed for restrooms will dictate the manner in which the other
improvements are constructed at City Hall. PAE worked with staff to develop several options to
be in full compliance with ADA codes, functionality, budgetary constraints, and impact to City
Hall operations during construction. PAE was asked to keep all necessary improvements within
the existing footprint of the building. Attached to the staff report were five options for
consideration with high level construction cost ranking by PAE. She described and compared each
option:
Option 1 (Cost #1, #1 being the most cost effective)
This option would create three separate All Gender restrooms in the existing restroom
locations. One of the three restrooms has to be ADA compliant. This option would eliminate the
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closet space holding the water heater, refrigerator, the telephone box/wires, cables and switches
for the City's computer network, and the small kitchenette. The uses eliminated by the new
restrooms would need to be replaced elsewhere in City Hall.
Option 2 (Cost #2)
This option would keep the men and women's restrooms in the current locations but both sets of
restrooms would need to be converted into single use. The entry way into the restrooms would
need to be widened to meet building code. This option would create an ADA restroom in the
current copy room. To access the ADA restroom, the public counter would need to be rotated 90
degrees. This option would diminish the footprint of the existing copy room.
Option 3 (Cost #3)
The restrooms would be moved to the copy room. The public counter would be rotated 90 degrees
to allow a walkway from the front door to the new restrooms. There would be a women's restroom
and an All Gender restroom. Both sets of restrooms would be ADA compliant. In place of the
existing restrooms, a copy room, a meeting room and additional storage room would be
created. This option separates the public part of the house from the staff side of the house but
diminishes considerably the existing office space that needs to house three employees.
Option 3.5 (Cost #3.5)
This option is a variation of Option 3 with the All Gender restroom placed in portions of the lobby
rather than the office space. As with Option 3, this layout would allow the creation of a meeting
room and preserve the office space for three employees.
Option 4 (Cost #4 most expensive)
This option plots ADA compliant restrooms in the existing location. As with Option 1, this layout
would displace a number of existing uses that need replacement elsewhere in City Hall and would
require the widening of the existing hallway by shrinking the offices located across the restrooms.
City Manager Jeng would like for the Council to review, discuss, and choose an option in order to
continue with engineering plans and bring City Hall up to ADA codes.
Mayor Pieper reviewed the project and his concern was how many people can fit in City Hall. He
expressed that the City Manager did a great job in providing the most cost effective plans with
variations. He inquired if there was a way to measure if the cost between Option 1 and 3.5 is worth
the layout change.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer stated that using Option 1 as a base point could be problematic since
the cost is not available. Rewiring City Hall and moving the water heater along with the pipes can
be expensive. She was concerned about reducing lobby space because it is occasionally used for
special events.
Councilmember Wilson commented there was a lot of potential unintended cost. He noticed that
attic access might no longer be accessible with some of the options presented. He agreed that
pricing must be clearer before a decision can be made.
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Councilmember Black asked why City Hall required 3 restrooms and what were the required
dimensions for an ADA restroom.
Mayor Pieper stated there were already 3 restrooms in City Hall.
City Manager Jeng explained that if there is a male and female restroom then there must be an
ADA restroom for each sex.
Councilmember Black commented that it was his understanding that there could be a unisex
restroom. He suggested having 2 stalls in the female restroom and converting the male restroom
to a unisex ADA compliant restroom.
City Manager Jeng referred to was Option 1 as resembling that idea. There are several possible
combinations but the fixture count is required by Building Code and is not related to ADA
compliance.
Mayor Pieper suggested tabling the item for two weeks to work with the City Manager and consult
the architect about ADA rules.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none, he returned to the discussion.
*Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer did not vote on the item because she disconnected from the meeting
due to technical difficulties.
Mayor Pieper moved that the City Council table the item for two weeks until more information is
available about ADA requirements. Councilmember Mirsch seconded the motion. The motion
passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: *Dieringer.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
9 & 10 (out of order)
9.MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS
Councilmember Mirsch statedshe attended a webinar that discussed funding issues due to COVID-
19. She was shocked at the investment types and strategies that CalPERS uses. She suggested the
Council consider designating someone to actively monitor the issue with the League.
Mayor Pieper replied that he would discuss the matter with City Manager Jeng. He then asked
counsel if the City could recruit a representative and participate on the phone calls to better
understand the issue.
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City Attorney Jenkins asked for clarity. He questioned Mayor Pieper in what capacity would the
person be recruited. He wondered if the person would be a consultant, lobbyist or a volunteer. He
stated that the Council could have a volunteer attend the Council meeting and confer with the
Council.
Councilmember Black inquired when City Hall was going to reopen.
Mayor Pieper replied that City Hall was reopening on Monday, May 18, 2020. The delay has been
partly due to unresolved liability issues.
10.MATTERS FROM STAFF
NONE.
*Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer rejoined the meeting at 9:14 p.m.
8D (out of order)
8.NEW BUSINESS
D. CONSIDER AND APPROVE A THREE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PLAN.
City Manager Jeng discussed the City’s three year capital improvement plans. Annually in June,
the City Council adopts an operating budget with General Fund transfers to capital improvement
projects. Because of the one-yearcycle, the adopted budget resets at the end of the year and capital
improvement projects that are not completed within the year are reevaluated for funding the
following year. Typical capital improvement projects span multiple years because they require
planning, design, public bidding, and construction. To make provisions for all phases of the
project, a complete expenditure plan is necessary. She highlighted the different projects via
PowerPoint and how they will span over three years: 1) 8-inch sewer main, 2) tennis courts 3) City
Hall ADA Improvements and 4) City Hall Parking Lot and explained it is possible to complete all
four projects in three years. A chart displayed the schedule and coordination of projects. For
example, instead of replacing the septic tank at the tennis courts, the City would connect to the 8-
inch main sewer line, but the sewer line project needs to be scheduled first. Consequently, the
roadway must be dug upin order to place pipe underground, which leads us to the City Hall parking
lot improvement. She concluded this was her 3-year proposal to the Council and based it on in-
progress projects while taking the Council’s priorities under advisement. If the Council approves
the CIP plan, it does not mean the Council is obligated to the amount or the schedule proposed.
The plan is to help the Council and staff visualize the undertaking of a phase, of a particular project
with the timeframe and cost. Her recommendation is to approve a 3-year CIP plan. She will work
with the Finance Department to include it in the budget if approved and revisit the plan yearly to
adjust it accordingly.
Mayor Pieper commented the CIP plan was a really good list of things that are feasible and can be
accomplished. He advised that if the Council approves the CIP plan, they are approving a concept
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and these projects are pending and to be included in the yearly review of the budget.
City Manager Jeng replied in the affirmative and added the plan is a tool to help the Council figure
out their expenditures.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none, he returned to the discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council approve the item as a concept and in the
order in which the project should be completed. Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion. The
motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Mirsch, and Wilson.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Black.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Pieper adjourned the meeting at
9:33p.m. to a regular meeting of the City Council scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2020 beginning
at 7:00p.m. via teleconference.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Yohana Coronel, MBA
City Clerk
Approved,
_____________________________________
Jeff Pieper
Mayor
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-1-
MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY, MAY 26, 2020
1.CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Pieper at 7:01p.m. via teleconference.
2.ROLL CALL
Councilmembers participating via teleconference:
Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson.
Councilmembers Absent:None.
Others participating via teleconference:
Elaine Jeng, P.E., City Manager.
Meredith Elguira, Planning & Community Services Director.
Yohana Coronel, City Clerk.
Jane Abzug, Assistant City Attorney.
Terry Shea, Finance Director.
John Resich.
Charlie Raine.
Ronald Sommer.
Alfred Visco.
3.OPEN AGENDA
NONE.
4.CONSENT CALENDAR
Matters which may be acted upon by the City Council in a single motion. Any Councilmember may
request removal of any item from the Consent Calendar causing it to be considered under Council
Actions.
A.MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2020, REGULAR
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 24, 2020, REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 09,
2020, REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2020, SPECIAL MEETING OF
MARCH 30, 2020, JOINT STUDY SESSION WITH THE PLANNING
COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL APRIL 13, 2020, REGULAR MEETING
OF APRIL 27, 2020 AND REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 11, 2020.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
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B.PAYMENT OF BILLS.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
C. CONSIDER AND APPROVE PARTICIPATION IN SUPPORT LOCAL
RECOVERY COALITION ENCOURAGED BY THE LEAGUE OF
CALIFORNIA CITIES.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
Councilmember Black requested to pull consent item 4C.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer requested to pull consent item 4A, except for the corrected minutes of
the Regular City Council meeting of February 10, 2020 and the Regular City Council meeting of
February 24, 2020.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council approve the minutes for the Regular City
Council meeting of February10, 2020 and the Regular City Council meeting for February 24, 2020
with amendments and consent item 4B as presented. Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion.
The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor, Pieper, Dieringer, Mirsch, Black, and Wilson.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
Item 4C
Councilmember Black asked for clarification on whether the report reflected an accurate funding
of $500 billion for direct and flexible funding for all cities nationwide to support critical local
services.
City Manager Jeng responded that her source of information came from the League of California
Cities (LCC) and that was the information they provided.
Mayor Pieper commented that it was his understanding that the letter was to be supportive of the
League so they could go and try to secure funding for all cities nationwide.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer confirmed that the $500 million was to fund cities nationwide, as it was
stated on page 113, in the proposed letter, in the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council approve consent item 4C. Councilmember
Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, and Wilson.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Black and Mirsch.
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ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
5.COMMISSION ITEMS
A.CONSIDERATION TO RECEIVE AND FILE RESOLUTION NO. 2020-03
FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION GRANTING APPROVAL FOR A
VARIANCE REQUEST TO CONSTRUCT A 400 SQUARE-FOOT LAP
SWIMMING POOL WITH SPA IN THE FRONT YARD OF AN EXISTING
RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 52 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD.
PCS Director Elguira gave an overview of the project. The item was presented to the Council on
May 11, 2020 but due to an error in publication the item was republished and re-notified. Since
then, the applicant had taken the risk and pulled permits with Building and Safety Department
before having official approval for the project from the Council. Two letters were received by staff
from adjacent neighbors which have been discussed and resolved during previous meetings. The
applicant was requesting approval to construct a 400 square-foot lap pool with spa in the front yard
of an existing residence at 52 Portuguese Bend Road. Due to the irregular shape of the subject lot
and geometry of Portuguese Bend Road, the backyard of the parcel functions as the main entrance
to the property. The front façade of the existing residence faces the back courtyard. The residence's
front entry, garage doors, and driveway that lead up to the main residence is in the rear courtyard,
which functions as the receiving area on the parcel. The proposed pool and spa are technically
located behind the residence; however, the back of the residence faces the front yard.
PCS Director Elguira stated that no further emails, comments, letters or phones calls had been
received with regards to the proposed project. Staff is recommending the Council approve the
project as presented. She concluded by stating that the representative for the project was available
online to answer any questions.
Councilmember Mirsch recused herself due to her residence’s proximity from the subject parcel.
She stated she would drop off the conference call for the duration of this item’s discussion.
Councilmember Wilson asked PCS Director Elguira to confirm that she had addressed Mr. Charlie
Raine’s concern about the proposed project.
PCS Director Elguira replied that Mr. Raine’s concern were about potential drainage and erosion
problems on the proposed project. She stated Mr. Raine was not concerned with the proposed pool
at 52 Portuguese Bend Road but rather, most of his concern revolved around 17 Crest Road East.
She confirmed that Mr. Raine’s concerns regarding the proposed project on 52 Portuguese Bend
Road were addressed and specified that Mr. Raine did not have an issue with this project. She
repeated that Mr. Raine’s concerns were more general and had to do with increasing permeability
in the area. She did address that issue with him regarding future projects, policies and addressing
hydromodifications throughout the entire City.
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Councilmember Wilson believes Mr. Raine’s concerns have to do with other projects that are
planned/proposed that might cause impermeable surfaces that will lead to runoff. He inquired
where the rainfall that develops on the site of the proposed project go.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment.
John Resich replied that the residence had a pool in the front yard with concrete surfaces around
the pool. He explained that the amount of surface areas would decrease based on the square footage
of the pool and that the drainage was previously approved by the County. He suggested that the
PCS Director show the images, via PowerPoint, of the pool area now and compare it to what is
being proposed. He answered that the water would drain into the canyon and into a drainage ditch
located in the rear yard of the property, to a storm drain at the bottom. He unfortunately did not
know the name of the canyon. He concluded by stating that the water would drain in the same
place the previous pool had drained and that there would be no increase in volume.
Councilmember Wilson stated he was inquiring about drainage because that area is a landslide
area and residents are concerned about additional drainage, which makes it a sensitive subject. He
felt his question was not being properly answered.
Mayor Pieper closed the item for public comment.
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council approve Resolution No. 1252 granting
approval for a Variance request to construct a 400 square-foot lap swimming pool with spa in the
front yard of a residence located at 52 Portuguese Bend Road. Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer seconded
the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, and Black.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Wilson.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mirsch.
Let the record reflect that Mr. Charlie Raine submitted a public comment via email at 7:18 p.m.
after the public hearing was closed. He stated that the proposed pool is fine, however his continued
concerns have to do with any project that does not address the effects of generated runoff and
impermeable surfaces. It was his understanding that nobody cares what happens to the runoff once
it leaves the property. The county has made mistakes in the past and that is why previous lawsuits
from residents below were successful.
6.PUBLIC HEARING
NONE.
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7.OLD BUSINESS
A.CONSIDER ROLLING HILLS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S
REQUEST TO REPLACE THE EXISTING SEPTIC TANK SERVING THE
RESTROOM AT MAIN GATE.
City Manager Jeng reported that this request has been previously brought to the Council. The
previous time the Rolling Hills Community Association (RHCA) request was presented, the
Council decided to hold off on making a decision until the City had heard from the Los Angeles
County regarding the Sewer Feasibility Study. The County has since approved the City’s Sewer
Feasibility Study, leading the Council to also approve moving forward with the design of an 8-
inch sewer main along Portuguese Bend Road. Previously the RHCA had requested the Council’s
permission to replace the existing septic tank, however, the RHCA is now amending their request.
Given the progress that the City is making with the sewer main line, the RHCA is now asking the
Council’s permission to replace the septic tank only for an emergency. Meaning, if the septic tank
were to fail between now and when the sewer main is in place, the RHCA would like the ability
to replace it. According to the RHCA Manager Kristen Raig, this would eliminate the possibility
of the main gate house having to use porta-pottys for an extended amount of time. City Manager
Jeng concluded that the RHCA’s request is to replace the septic tank only if needed and only for
an emergency situation in which the existing tank fails and cannot operate any longer between now
and the time the City decides to put in the 8-inch sewer main.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer inquired if the RHCA gave a definition of what constitutes an
emergency.
Mayor Pieper commented that the reasons for the 8-inch sewer line was to avoid having three new
septic tanks. He asked if the Association is required to receive a permit from the City before they
can replace the septic tank.
City Manager Jeng explained that if the Council were to grant the Associations request, the City
would have to fill out the permit request through the Department of Public Health. She stated that
Assistant City Attorney Jane Abzug helped draft some specifics to the recommendation that
provides more directive of what needs to be done if the Council were to grant the RHCA’s
permission. The recommendations were as follows:
1) Direct the City Manager to provide authorization to the Association in writing, that the
Association is authorized to proceed with the replacement of the septic tank at the main
gate subject to the plans dated, on the condition that the Association pays for the
construction and permit fees, or
2) Direct the City Manager to carry out any necessary steps to fulfill such approval, which
would include completing the LA County of Public Health permit application for the
replacement work.
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City Manager Jeng indicated that if the Council were to approve the RHCA’s request based of
these recommendations, the City would then comply.
Mayor Pieper noted that his concern was that the Association was potentially going to spend
$450,000.000 on septic tanks that will not be needed once the sewer line is in place.
Councilmember Black asked if the City could require the Association to tie in the sink and the new
restrooms at the tennis courts if a new septic tank is brought in.
Mayor Pieper suggested having a discussion with the RHCA President in order to figure out what
their intent is.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer commented that her concern was there was no definition of what
constitutes an “emergency.” Who decides what is considered an emergency? She does not believe
this is something the Council has to put in place because it is not an item the Council can turn
around quickly. It was her opinion that there is not enough definition of what would be considered
an emergency and how does one verify that emergency.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none he returned to the discussion.
Mayor Pieper informed the Council that he was going to push the item off for two weeks in order
to be able to speak to the RHCA President about the issue.
(8D Out of Order)
D.RECOMMENDATION FROM FINANCE/BUDGET/AUDIT COMMITTEE
ON PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/2021.
City Manager Jeng reported that on May 18, 2020 the City Council Finance/Budget/Audit
Committee reviewed the completed and in progress budget items programmed for FY 2019/2020
and reviewed the proposed FY 2020/2021 budget.
Finance Director Terry Shea reported that he would provide the Council with brief overview of
what was discussed with the Finance/Budget/Audit Committee. The General Fund proposed
revenues are $2,060,400 and proposed expenditures are $2,385,718 resulting in a deficit of $325,318, and
after transfers out to the other funds a proposed deficit of $478,845. For Property Taxes, he is projecting
a 4% increase over the prior year budget in the amount of $45,800. For Building Permits and Other Fees,
he is projecting a 51.76% decrease under the prior year’s budget in the amount of $301,750.Staff went
over the Proposed Budget in detail for each of the General Fund Departments and all the City's
other Funds. Apart from the Utility Fund, there were no major changes in the other Funds. For
the Utility Fund Budget there were two projects. (1) Under grounding the Utility Poles on Crest
Road for $1,100,000, of which $880,000 stood to be reimbursed by a grant and the City's match
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of $220,000 using Rule 20A funds.(2) Sewer Design of $85,000 and Sewer Construction of a
Mainline Extension of $315,000.
The Committee recommended the following changes to the Fiscal Year 2020/21 Budget. In the
Utility Fund, remove the Crest Road Utility Pole Under-grounding Project and bring the project
back to the Council when the grant is approved.Also, from the Utility Fund, remove the $315,000
for construction costs for the Sewer Mainline Extension Project for Fiscal Year 2020/21, as the
project would probably not be ready for construction during Fiscal Year 2020/21.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none he returned to the discussion.
Councilmember Wilson moved that the City Council receive and file the report as presented.
Mayor Pieper seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
(8E Out of Order)
E.BUDGET WORKSHOP.
Finance Director Shea presented the Council with an overview of the proposed budget for FY
2020/21, as follows, the proposed budget projects revenues to be approximately $2,060,400.00
and expenditures approximately $2,385,718.00, resulting in a deficit of $325,318.00 before
transfers and a deficit of $478,845 after transfers. The projected FY 2020/21revenues are based on
the following: expected property taxes are projected to be $45,800 or 4.0%, building activity is
projected to generate approximately $301,750, a decrease of about 52% from FY 2019/20. This
fiscal year the City will not impose the annual Refuse Collection increase due Jul y 1st to all its
residents. This will result in an annual savings of $193.64 for each resident. Instead, the City will
incur this cost of approximately $132,643.00 from the Refuse Collection Fund. FY 2019/20
proposed expenditures before transfers are $32,118 or 1.04% higher than the FY 2019/20 adjusted
budget. The highlights of each Department are listed below:
City Administration Department has a difference of $30,000 for the cost of the upcoming
election, and increased PERS unfunded liability costs of $9,300.
Finance Department is projected to increase by $3,433.
Planning and Development’s main differences are a decrease of $61,000 for Storm Water
Management, a decrease of $45,000 for LA County Building Inspection as there is a
projected decrease in related revenues. There is an increase of $91,400 in Special Project
Study and Consultants for the required updates to the Housing Element.
Law Enforcement is projected to increase 5%, but an overall decrease of $5K as the
additional costs will be offset by the COPS Fund.
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Non-Department Fund has a decrease in proposed expenditures of $7,300.
City Properties Department has a decrease in proposed expenditures of $12,000 for
Repairs and Maintenance.
Councilmember Mirsch asked for an explanation of the Law Enforcement projected increase of
5%, and the overall decrease of $5K.
Finance Director Shea explained that in the Cops Fund, the minimal allotment was $100,000.00,
but it grows each year due to inflation as well as on the state level. This next year the City will
receive $155,000.00 as opposed to the prior year, the City received less. There is money available
in the Cops Fund from the prior year that was not spent, plus the City is expected to receive an
increase in revenues this year, so the City will be able to offset more of the Sheriffs contract (the
5% increase) by using the Cops Fund, which is a source of revenue from the State of California
each year.
Finance Director Shea discussed the City’s funds. From the Community Facilities Fund, the City
sends letters to the local clubs informing them that that City has budgeted $5,000.00 for each
club. $5,000 (Caballeros), $5,000 (Women’s Club) for programs and $5,000 for annual Tennis
Maintenance Expense. The Refuse Fund includes a transfer to the General Fund of ($24,000).
This transfer includes ($12,000) for the administration of refuse services and ($12,000) to cover
staff time and costs associated with administering the storm water management program. Also,
the City will be providing its residents a reprieve from the annual increase it imposes each July
1st for its Refuse Collection. This will equate to a $193.64 savings for each resident in its annual
rate and cost the City $132,643. The City changed the FY 2020/21 Cash Reserve Policy from
$66,200 to the annual General Fund subsidy less the cash available at June 30, 2020, the projected
transfer is $57,528.
Councilmember Mirsch asked if the $132,000.00 subsidy cost was included in the projected deficit
of $478,845.00.
Finance Director Shea stated that the City had to transfer $57,000.00 since there was money
available, that $57,000.00 is included in the projected deficit of $478,000.00.
Finance Director Shea reported that the Traffic Safety Fund includes $20,000 for other work
outside of the annual striping budget. The General Fund will be budgeting a transfer of $20,000
to the Traffic Safety Fund in FY 2020/21. The COPS Fund revenues are projected to increase
by $15,000, to $155,000. Fiscal Year 2020/21 proposed expenditures will increase to $164,898
to cover the 2020/21 LA County Sheriff’s Department increase of 5.0% and will cover the 275
supplemental hours for Traffic Enforcement estimated to be $25,800 in FY 2020/21. The
Utility Fund includes $85,000 for the design of the 8” Sewer Main along Rolling Hills Road
(Mainline). The General Fund will not transfer monies to the Utility Fund. The Capital Projects
Fund will budget an additional $50,000 for Tennis Court Improvements, $7,000 for City Hall
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ADA Design and $32,000 for Acacia Removal. The General Fund will transfer $89,000 to the
Capital Projects Fund. The Transit Funds for Proposition A will have an exchange of $75,000
and for Proposition C a gifting of $60,000. For Measure M and Measure R there are no
proposed expenditures or gifting as the City is accumulating these funds for the future parking
lot project. For the Measure W Fund the City is projecting income of $110,000 and we are
proposing an expenditure for Storm Water Management of $38,750. For the new Measure A
Fund the City is projecting income of $26,100 with no proposed expenditures for Fiscal Year
2020/21 which will also be used for the parking lot project.
Councilmember Mirsch asked for confirmation that Measure A, a state fund for parks, money
can also be used for the parking lot project.
City Manager Jeng explained that Measure A is a parks bond distributed by LA County and
every City receives an allotment each year that is dedicated to purchasing anything that is
related to a public open space. When Finance Director Shea mentioned that Measure A money
would be used for the parking lot project, staff looked into landscape changes, and purchases of
improvements that would shape the City Hall to a more open space than what it currently is.
Finance Director Shea proceeded to go over the General Fund graph via PowerPoint. He
concluded that based on the numbers, the City is still in good shape and should be able to
absorb the projected deficit for the year.
Councilmember Wilson requested that in the future, could the Council receive the graphs in
color. He found it hard to follow the key.
City Manager Jeng replied in the affirmative.
Finance Director Shea gave an overview of the City’s preliminary proposed budget highlights.
He covered the revenues accounts (property taxes, motor vehicle in lieu, real estate transfer tax,
building and other permits, variance, planning and zoning, proposition A exchange, City Hall
Lease RHCA, interest income and miscellaneous revenue). He reported no changes to the
revenue structure.
Councilmember Mirsch pointed out that the last column on the chart should read FY 20/21 and
not FY 19/20. Finance Director Shea thanked her for the correction. She also wanted to confirm
that the interest income line referred to revenues coming from Lathe.
Finance Director Shea replied that the City has three main investments: Lathe, interest checking
account and approximately four million in negotiable certificates of deposit. Currently the City
has three CD’s paying about 2.5% -3%.
Finance Director Shea continued to report on the expenditures and highlighted that the general
fund is broken up into departments (City Administration, Finance, Planning Department, Law
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Enforcement, Non-Department, City Properties, Community Facilities Fund, Municipal Self
Insurance Fund, Refuse Collection Fund, Traffic Safety Fund, Proposition A ,C, R, and M, Cops
Fund, Cleep Fund, Utility Fund and Measure W and A). He proceeded to list the line items per
department and provide a brief description of each fund.
Councilmember Mirsch inquired if the County continued to fund the City’s trapper.
City Manager Jeng replied in the affirmative and stated the Supervisor’s Hahn’s office will
continue to fund the City’s trapper at the level that it is now for the next fiscal year.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none he returned to the discussion.
Councilmember Mirsch moved that the City Council approve the Committees recommendation on
the proposed budget. Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice
vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
7.OLD BUSINESS
B.CONSIDER LAYOUT OPTIONS TO BRING EXISTING RESTROOMS AT
CITY HALL TO COMPLY WITH ADA AND RELATED CODES AND
SELECT AN OPTION TO CONTINUE THE DEVELOPMENT OF
CONSTRUCTION PLANS.
City Manager Jeng reminded the Council that the item has been presented to them at the previous
City Council meeting. She proceeded to share her screen, via Zoom, to display the different
upgraded restroom layouts at City Hall which would bring them up to ADA standards. One of the
comments that came out of the last discussion was if City Hall needed the number of plumbing
fixtures that it currently has. She referred the Council to the staff report which had excerpts from
the building and plumbing code. She stated that City Hall is comprised of two uses, a community
hall and business group b for offices. Taking those designations, City Hall goes to the maximum
full area allowances for occupants, which sets the number of people that can occupy the facility.
Using the occupancy and plumbing code and based on its usage, she figured out the number of
fixtures needed. It was determined that City Hall needs 3 toilets, 1 urinal, 2 laboratory, 1 drinking
fountain, and a separate sink per code.
Councilmember Black clarified that his question was how many ADA restrooms were required.
City Manager Jeng replied that first, the fixture count must be fulfilled and then it depends on how
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the restroom facilities are positioned.
City Manager Jeng gave an overview of the existing layout and compared it to the layout options
presented to the Council from the last Council meeting. She highlighted that the first option splits
the existing stalls between the men and women, creating three all gender restrooms. In this option
some of the other uses will have to be moved (IT closet, refrigerator, the coffee station and the
water heater). With this option the sizing of the restroom allows for an all gender ADA restroom
with a urinal. The second option keeps the existing restroom as they are, making the female
restroom single use however this leads to the City having to create an ADA compliant all gender
restroom. The all gender restroom is proposed to occupy the copy/workroom. To access this
restroom the lobby would have to be turned 90 degrees. Making the reception area go from facing
the Council Chamber doors to facing the front door. Option three moves all three restrooms over
to the copy/workroom area and occupying some of the office space. The reception area would also
have to be turned but in its place the storage closet, the IT closet, the coffee station is kept and it
also provides space to create a meeting room and replace the copy room in the corridor that goes
to the Council Chamber from internal offices. In this option there are two woman’s restrooms, one
of which is ADA compliant. The other restroom would be all gender ADA with a urinal. Option
3.5 is a variation of option three. Instead of having all gender ADA restrooms taking away space
from the office area, this option takes space from the lobby and reorients the restroom there. She
reminded the Council that Councilmember Black had asked what the compliant dimension of an
ADA restroom are. She noted that she wrote down what would be ADA compliant for the
women’s restroom in its existing condition with two stalls. One stall being ADA compliant and
the other being all gender. Option four, the restrooms breach through the hallway and that would
not meet building code in terms of the width of the hallway. Option four would require moving
the common wall between the City Manager and the Bookkeeper office to be able to widen the
walkway. She concluded by stating that staff tried to stay within the footprint of City Hall as
advised by the architect who said that the moving of any external wall would be costly. The
restrooms are being presented to the Council without any other ADA improvements because the
restroom will dictate other changes that may impact other elements of improvements. She felt it
was critical to have Council review the options before staff moves forward and spends any of the
design fee monies. The Council is being asked to review the options and ask question of staff, and
if possible, select an option so staff can develop design plans. She stated that the architect has a
set budget for design options but that is not to say that staff cannot ask the architect to spend more
time developing one or more of the presented options, but she warned there may be a budget
impact.
Mayor Pieper commented that it is hard to decide without knowing what the actual cost will be.
Option one seems to be the most cost effective but not the best design. He would like the architect
to provide a budget range for option one to make it the base line in order to better understand if
the cost-effective way is the way to go. He wondered what the cost difference would be if the
Council choose the cheapest way versus the best deign (option 3.5). Ideally, he would like to know
the dollar difference between the two designs.
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Councilmember Black expressed concern about cost rising if the architect is asked to do more
work.
Mayor Pieper requested that the City Manager ask the architect to provide a rough cost estimate
of option 1 and option 3.5.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer expressed concern about the Council choosing option 3.5 which requires
downsizing the lobby. She stated that between the Association and City Hall there is only one large
conference room to host big meetings, which is the Council Chamber overflow to the lobby. She
does not feel the City should incur the cost of renting a room from another location in order to host
a large meeting. She felt the Council should have some layout options that will not sacrifice the
space in the lobby.
Mayor Pieper agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer but stated that the Council first needed to
find out how feasible the project is.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment.
Ronald Sommer commented, via email, that the Council should consider the weak economy and
delay ADA remodel at City Hall. He feels that existing buildings should be “grandfathered” as
existing business with limited parking have been. If the Council allows for unfettered
implementation of the ADA act, many additional government interdictions are likely to follow. It
is inappropriate to Americans to be coerced to modify their lifestyles, and for the government
authorities to force businesses and institutions to comply with draconian rules or face unreasonable
fines or jail. He concluded by stating that he would like to see more emphasis on permitting
buildings to claim their grandfathering privileges and apply the ADA act to new construction.
Mayor Pieper closed the item for public comment.
Councilmember Mirsch asked Councilmember Black for his opinion on whether the existing floor
plan could accommodate social distancing.
Councilmember Black replied that the lobby and reception area works for social distancing as it
stands.
Mayor Pieper moved that the City Council push the item to a later time in order to provide the City
Manager more time to gather additional information. Councilmember Mirsch seconded the motion.
The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
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8.NEW BUSINESS
A.CONSIDER AND APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC. TO PREPARE THE
GENERAL PLAN SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE.
City Manager Jeng informed the Council that the City was in receipt of the CalOES grant to update
the Safety Element of the General Plan.
PCS Director Elguira informed the Council that back in 2019 the City was awarded a grant from
CalOES for approximately $64,000.00 to be used towards preparing and updating the Safety
Element of the General Plan. The General Plan is a document that provides the City with guidance
for physical growth and development for the next fifteen to twenty years. The City went out for a
Request For Proposal (RFP) on April 13th, 2020. The City received two proposals, Rincon
Consultants and CSG. Staff reviewed both proposals and choose Rincon Consultants. She
informed the Council that CSG is currently a City vendor that helped prepare the grant application
and appeal process for SB2 and are also the City’s current planning consultant to help augment
staff. Rincon, however, has not worked with the City directly but staff has come across some of
their work with other projects in the City. PCS Director Elguira believes that Rincon is more
qualified based on the proposal they submitted. She concluded by stating that she believes the
Rincon team will be able to prepare a successful Safety Element update. Rincon has met all their
CalOES and FEMA deliverable requirements and their cost is $1000.00 lower than CSG.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer compared both proposals and noticed that CSG made a specific
reference that the City was looking to expedite the project to meet grant deadlines and will
implement a catch-up plan to meet funding requirements for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
System which is approximately 15 months behind. She did not notice that reference in the Rincon
proposal except for a calendar highlighting deadline dates. CSG also had a specific department for
Fire Services teams, which helps with the proposed Fire Mitigation Plan, which is something the
City must do, since the City is in a high fire zone. She commented that she did not see any
information in Rincon’s proposal that indicating knowledge in this area and wondered if they
would be able to deliver an expeditious product. She also questioned what the City would do if
Rincon does not have someone to address the fire component that the City requires. She also
inquired about CSG’s quality of work.
PCS Director Elguira replied that Rincon is required to provide a schedule, as part of the grant, to
show methods as to how they will make up the time. A schedule overview will also be part of the
kick-off meeting where she will make sure the consultant meets the FEMA and CalOES deadlines.
She spoke to Rincon about the missing fire component. Rincon has since submitted a revised
proposal which also includes a line item for a Wildfire Specialist, to meet the City’s requirements.
It was her understanding that Rincon hired a Wildfire Specialist based Santa Barbara with
experience in preparing CWPPs and Hazard Mitigation Plans for other cities. She assured Mayor
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Pro Tem Dieringer that meeting the deadlines will be emphasized in the contract.
PCS Director Elguira replied that CSG’s work product was satisfactory however she was hoping
to add a new team to help with the Safety Element report to further ensure the City meets its
deadlines.
Councilmember Wilson commented on page 174 of the staff report. The report read that “all the
homes were rebuilt, with a signed waiver to ensure that the owners were aware that this is a slide
area…” He felt that Rincon is assuming that fire damage and landslides are one issue, and he is
not sure that is correct. He inquired where the information came from. He also asked why Rincon
was laser focused on EMF. And asked if the City had a Safety Element Advisory Committee as
mentioned in the staff report on page 177.
PCS Director Elguira replied that the information came from the existing General Plan, Safety
Element. She went on to say that EMF is a new feature a lot of cities are including in their Safety
Element. It was also a deliverable requirement with CalOES and FEMA. PCS Director Elguira
replied that City did not have a Safety Element Committee and therefore would have to form one.
Councilmember Wilson asked for clarification as to what Rincon meant when referencing the
Rolling Hills News. He also asked to confirm that the City was exempt from Costal Commission
Policy directives as mentioned on page 189 of the staff report.
PCS Director Elguira replied that Rincon meant to say local newspapers instead of Rolling Hills
News. She also confirmed that the City was exempt from Costal Commission Policy directives.
Councilmember Black wondered why the City was considering a new consultant.
PCS Director Elguira replied that City has a good relationship with CSG, however, she feels it is
time for the City explore other consultants.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none he returned to the discussion.
Councilmember Wilson moved that the City Council approve the selection of Rincon to prepare
the General Plan Safety Element Update. Councilmember Mirsch seconded the motion. The
motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
B.CONSIDER AND APPROVE SUBSCRIPTION TO IWORQ PERMIT
TRACKING SOFTWARE.
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PCS Director Elguira informed the Council that currently most of the Planning and Community
Services Department's transactions are conducted in person and manually. Applicants come in to
pick up applications, inquire about property history, research zoning requirements, submit
applications over the counter and pick up approved plans at City Hall. All these steps are time
consuming and inefficient. Automating these steps would save time, money and improve the
applicant and staff's productivity. It will also make the process more efficient, consistent and
transparent. Staff will be able to accomplish more with better tools. Implementing a permit
tracking program will allow applicants to file applications electronically. They can fill out
applications and submit plans online, check on their project status and access project history from
their computers at home and even City Hall if they do not have access to a computer. Applicants
will also be able to submit applications and receive approvals electronically from anywhere in
the world. The iWorQ software will help improve processes which typically add time to plan
reviews and approvals. It will improve the City's record keeping and management and thus, staff
will be able to respond to inquiries more quickly and with more accurate information. She
informed the Council that the planning department is currently in the process of scanning old
planning files and will be able to upload the older files to the new system allowing residents,
applicants, realtors and developers to access older planning files from home or City Hall.
Councilmember Wilson asked if staff has worked with iWorQs. He also asked to what degree
would the software be available to the residents and would it be retroactive to prior projects.
PCS Director Elguira stated that staff has no experience working with iWorQs but that the
software is intuitive and iWorQs will be providing unlimited training to staff. Older files are
available to anyone that request to see a file per the Public Records Request Act. If new
applicants choose not to share their information, then they will be given a passcode so they can
access only their information. She added the staff would not be able to add older projects but
would be able to attach a file to a specific address however it would not be accessible whereas a
new application would be.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer requested that going forward, the Council should be provided with all
the vendor submittals so they can determine how they are being evaluated. She would have like
to have the option to compare vendors and their capabilities. She asked PCS Director Elguira to
provide an explanation as to why she chose iWorQs.
PCS Director Elguira stated that going forward she would provide the Council with all the vendor
submittals. She explained that she selected iWorQs because it was cost effective while providing
the same information that the City would receive from other providers. The main reason why
iWorQs was chosen was because they provide the capability of tracking permits once they are
submitted online, it is accessible to the public and they have the capacity to store a lot of
information within its program. And lastly, their focus is on smaller cities (for example Signal
Hills).
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Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment.
Alfred Visco asked, via email, how would the system be used for code enforcement. Will the
property owners in the City be able to use the system?
PCS Director Elguira replied that iWorQs will be used for code enforcement as it is a great way
to track cases. Code enforcement personnel will be able to use the software while out in the field
via a wireless tablet or phone. For reminders and letters that need to be sent, an automatic
reminder can be sent to the Planner and Code Enforcement Officer. The Code Enforcement
Officer and Planner will also be able to generate quarterly and/or monthly reports, however, when
a case is active, the specifics of a violation will be limited.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer asked if staff had reached out to other cities that currently use the
system.
PCS Director Elguira replied that she had not however she did test the system herself and was
satisfied with the results.
Councilmember Mirsch pointed out the expiration date on the proposal that read May 29, 2020
and wondered if the City would be able to meet that deadline. She wondered if iWorQs was
willing to grant an extension and if counsel would have time to review the agreement.
PCS Director Elguira replied that iWorQs was made aware that the item was being brought to the
Council. If the Council approves the subscription, iWorQ had agreed to honor their proposal.
Assistant City Attorney Jane Abzug added that there was no agreement in place yet. This proposal
was just a scope for work and if the scope of work is approved by the Council, the City will then
prepare an agreement.
Mayor Pieper closed the item for public comment.
Councilmember Mirsch moved that the City Council approve the subscription to iWorQ permit
tracking software. Councilmember Black seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote
as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
C.CONSIDER AND APPROVE SUBSCRIPTION TO LOS ANGELES
COUNTY’S GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS).
PCS Director Elguira reported that Geographic Information System (GIS) is another tool that
staff can use to process applications and provide information to the public. GIS is a mapping
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system that is used by numerous cities throughout LA County. City staff is currently using a paper
zoning map (20X18) with very limited information. The map produced years ago, does not reflect
any of the recent adopted lot line adjustments or subdivision. The map's scale, font size, and font
type make it very difficult to find parcels, address numbers, streets, overlay zones, and land use
designations. If additional information is needed with regards to lot size, parcel number, and
existing development, staff would have to access the LA County's Parcel Viewer webpage to get
more information or search through paper files. The current practice is time consuming,
inefficient and sometimes inaccurate. The desire is that staff will be able to provide updated maps
internally and externally. The public will also have access to GIS and staff will be able to populate
a map with as much information as desired. GIS will be great tool not only for the City but also
for the other organization within the City and the City’s sister agencies. The City will also have
access to the LARIAC system which provides the latest aerial view of the City, building envelop
that is measurable, measuring tools, contour lines and drainage patterns. Staff will be able to put
together a fire hazard map that the Fire Department, Block Captains and RHCA can use. The
Caballeros Club could also use GIS to map the trails. The LARIAC subscription cost is
$16,660.00 that can be paid over a 2 fiscal year period. In the past LARIAC consisted of 2 years
cycles, which means they would take aerial maps every 2 years. But recently they have chosen
to conduct aerial mapping to every 3 years, increasing the cycle to every 3 years, so the map
information will be available for the next 3 years. The City does not have to subscribe after the
third year but can choose to wait until additional information is added.
Councilmember Wilson asked if the system is available for anyone to use at any location, why
would not staff go to a City where the system is already in place and use the system there.
PCS Director Elguira answered that if staff were to do so, they would not have the capability to
manipulate the system or have the City’s information on the maps, for example zoning
requirements for the City of Rolling Hills. She added that the system will also be able to generate
mailing labels for projects in the City that have discretionary approvals that require 1000-foot
radius. Councilmember Wilson then asked if any resident will be able to generate their own
mailing list.
PCS Director Elguira replied that the mailing labels would have to be generated through the City.
Councilmember Black stated that he does not believe that the City can provide mailing lists. He
deferred to counsel to confirm.
Assistant City Attorney Abzug replied that it was her belief that GIS has a private and public
feature. The City’s address list for public hearings can be accessed through a public records
request.
Councilmember Black asked if GIS used a combination of photographic imaging along with
LARIAC imaging. It was his understanding that a 4-inch resolution was being used and asked if
that was correct. He stated he did not feel comfortable having that information available to the
public.
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City Manager Jeng replied in the affirmative. She added that the Council could direct staff not to
share any of the information with the public. If a public records request was submitted, then the
City would provide whatever elements are required.
Councilmember Mirsch commented that she has had two separate conversations with Fire Station
56 regarding horse rescues and accidents of riders. In each discussion the Fire Station staff had
indicated to her that the City should have GIS and LARIAC because it helps them locate persons
in areas, they are not familiar with.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment.
Alfred Visco commented, via email, that he was in support of the City subscribing to GIS. He
asked if property owners would be able to use the system.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council approve the expenditure for the LA County
GIS program for the $24,000 annually, the onetime set up fee and the membership for LARIAC.
Councilmember Mirsch seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
9.MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS
Councilmember Black indicated he was not satisfied with the striping on Lower Blackwater
Canyon. He understands that is what the Council was informed was the correct design and
expressed that the company should not be used again. The City should ask them to strip and re-
strip the street because the street is curvy and feels that the strip in the middle of the road is needed.
Mayor Pieper commented that he had conversations with residents that live on Lower Blackwater
Canyon and they expressed to him that they prefer the street without the strip in the middle because
it gave the street a country feel. He queried the City Manager if the striping is required.
City Manager Jeng replied that the work done by the contractor was dictated by the Traffic
Engineer and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) code requirements. Even
though Rolling’s Hills is comprised of private roads, the City is still required to follow the Manual
Uniform code.
Councilmember Wilson stated that his issue was that the streets were striped differently than they
were previously.
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Councilmember Black requested the item be agendized for a future meeting. Mayor Pieper
concurred.
Councilmember Mirsch commented she attended a League webinar regarding the 70 bills that are
going before the Legislature. There are some housing issues that will affect the City and inquired
if the Council would like to provide their residents with more in-depth information by agendizing
the item. Mayor Pieper concurred.
10.MATTERS FROM STAFF
NONE.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Pieper adjourned the meeting at
9:25p.m. to a regular meeting of the City Council scheduled for Monday, June 08, 2020 beginning
at 7:00p.m. via teleconference.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Yohana Coronel, MBA
City Clerk
Approved,
_____________________________________
Jeff Pieper
Mayor
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-1-
MINUTES OF
A SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
THURSDAY, JUNE 04, 2020
1.CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Pieper at 5:04 p.m. via teleconference.
2.ROLL CALL
Councilmembers participating via teleconference:
Mayor Pieper, Dieringer*, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson.
Councilmembers Absent:None.
Others participating via teleconference:
Elaine Jeng, P.E., City Manager.
Meredith Elguira, Planning & Community Services Director.
Yohana Coronel, City Clerk.
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney.
Arlene & Gene Honbo.
Fred Lorig.
Captain James Powers, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
**City Attorney Jenkins suggested that all public comments be read into the record after the
agenda item is discussed due to the meeting being a Special City Council meeting. Mayor Pieper
concurred.
*Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer joined the meeting at 5:06 p.m., after the roll call had been conducted.
4.MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS
A.CONSIDER ADDITIONAL SECURITY MEASURES AT EACH OF THE
THREE GATES IN RESPONSE TO CIVIL UNREST ARISING FROM
PROTESTS AND DEMONSTRATIONS.
Mayor Pieper provided an update of the item. He shared that there were a lot of developments
since he requested the item be agendized. He called for a special meeting of the City Council to
make sure that the Council was aware of potential decisions being made regarding security
measures at each of the City’s three gates in response to the civil unrest prompted by the death of
George Floyd. He wanted to avoid the confusion that occurred when COVID-19 decisions were
made. He was in constant communication with the City Manager when the looting and riots began.
City Manager Jeng was in contact with Los Angeles County Sheriff Captain James Powers who
provided her with updated threat level reports. He and the City Manager were trying to come up
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with a plan for the City and avoid being caught unprepared. They discussed various contingency
plans and also reached out to the Sheriff’s Department. Mayor Pieper asked Captain Powers to
assign patrol cars or mobilize the National Guard to stand guard at each gate entrance but those
resources were unfortunately not available. He understood that City Manager Jeng could declare
an emergency and make decisions on behalf of the City, however, he preferred to have a discussion
with the Council’s input and therefore called a special meeting. It was his opinion that no action
was currently needed and the meeting was a recap of the event’s developments. He informed the
Council that he had received numerous calls over the weekend from residents requesting that the
City hire armed guards for the gates. He explored the option since there were a lot of reports of
protests possibly entering residential areas. Since then, the threat subsided. He then deferred to
Captain James Powers to provide the City Council with an update.
Captain Powers of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department reported that he had implemented a 12
hour shift beginning Monday, May 31st, 2020 at 6 p.m. There were protests scheduled for May 31
st
at the Trump golf course and it remained peaceful, however, there were other protests throughout
Los Angeles County that were not and understood the Council’s concerns. He has been in constant
contact with the peninsula’s City Managers and can report that things have quieteddown and hopes
that it will remain that way. He stated that the Sheriff’s Emergency Operating Center (EOC),
Information Bureau, and other entities of the Sheriff’s Department operate 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week to monitor social media and stay well-informed of the latest developments. He is also
receiving updates on the federal level of any threats or incidents that may arise. He understood the
Council’s concern and added that he had identified a number of critical facilities throughout his
jurisdiction and assessed their threat level. He continued that Rolling Hills City Hall and the three
entrance gates were a part of his assessment with regard to acts of violence, looting, or vandalism.
A lot of social media posts were either inaccurate or fictional but his department took each of them
seriously and prepared for them. The implementation of the 12 hour shift allowed for additional
squad personnel, which amounted to six two-person patrol cars (11 Deputies and 1 Sergeant). This
squad plus an additional squad was used for the event at the Trump golf course. He informed the
Council that he had the ability to request additional units if necessary and assured the Council that
the City of Rolling Hills was not neglected in any way.
(Public Comment Out of Order**)
3.OPEN AGENDA
Arlene and Gene Hondo commented via email that recent events of civil disorder put all cities on
alert to protect their constituencies. The City relies on Los Angeles County Sheriff and Fire
Department for safety services and they have a history of protection during prior civil disorders
(Watts and Rodney King riots). They agree that the City Council should be mindful of the current
civil unrest because the city is not isolated from potential problems. They want the City Council
to work with law enforcement to determine what is needed for Rolling Hills to protect the residents
and their property. They do support the increase of law enforcement patrol but do not support
hiring armed guards as a primary solution. They recommend establishing an ad-hoc team of 2 to 3
residents to monitor Los Angeles County and nearby communities to determine if the unrest is a
threat to Rolling Hills.
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Fred Lorig inquired via email if any gated community in Southern California, similar to Rolling
Hills, had any riots or looting issues? Had Hidden Hills, Bradbury or Fremont Place posted armed
guards at their entries? Were there any specific known threats to Rolling Hills?
City Manager Jeng replied that she has been in constant contact with the City Managers from
Bradbury and Hidden Hills and there were no reports of any civil unrest in their communities. She
is not sure if they have posted armed guards at their entrances since she last spoke with them.
Captain Powers confirmed there were no threat levels to the City of Rollin Hills.
5. ADJOURNMENT
THE MEETING WILL BE ADJOURNED IN MEMORY OF STEVE BURRELL, FORMER
ROLLING HILLS CITY MANAGER. HE PASSED AWAY ON MAY 26, 2020.
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Pieper adjourned the meeting at
5:21p.m. to aregularmeeting of the City Council scheduled for June 8, 2020beginning at 7:00p.m.
via teleconference.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Yohana Coronel, MBA
City Clerk
Approved,
_____________________________________
Jeff Pieper
Mayor
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-1-
MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY, JUNE 08, 2020
1.CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Pieper at 7:03p.m. via teleconference.
2.ROLL CALL
Councilmembers participating via teleconference:
Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson.
Councilmembers Absent:None.
Others participating via teleconference:
Elaine Jeng, P.E., City Manager.
Meredith Elguira, Planning & Community Services Director.
Yohana Coronel, City Clerk.
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney.
Terry Shea, Finance Director.
Roger Hawkins.
Alfred Visco.
3.OPEN AGENDA
Roger Hawkins commented via email on the safety measures at the three gates. He stated that the
City’s, June 2nd, Blue Newsletter arrived at his residence after the special meeting took place,
therefore was not able to submit his comments. He suggested that the City partner with the RHCA
to alert the residents of such meetings via dwellingLIVE. In 2019, a break-in at a resident’s home
prompted the Association to hire Covered Six to prepare a security assessment report to provide
insight as to how to mitigate risk and increase security in the community. After the report, many
residents requested hosting a presentation with Covered Six to ask questions. The Board denied
the request and stated they would instead rely on the Association staff for security advice, which
they are not qualified nor licensed to do. It is his opinion that the Council should not deprive the
residents of the benefit of a “no cost” advice offered by Covered Six. The City should be looking
towards experts, like Covered Six, with respect to security and not rely on the current gate staff
that according to the Association, “are not trained security officers…” It is best if the City prepares
before violence erupts, not afterwards.
4.CONSENT CALENDAR
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Matters which may be acted upon by the City Council in a single motion. Any Councilmember may
request removal of any item from the Consent Calendar causing it to be considered under Council
Actions.
A.MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 09, 2020, REGULAR
MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2020, SPECIAL MEETING OF MARCH 30, 2020,
JOINT STUDY SESSION WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY
COUNCIL APRIL 13, 2020, REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 27, 2020 AND
REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 11, 2020.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
B.PAYMENT OF BILLS.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
C. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ON-CALL INDUSTRIAL
HYGIENISTS TO SET UP COVID-19 DEEP CLEANING PROTOCOLS AND
MONITOR DISINFECTING EFFORTS.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
D. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH RINCON TO
UPDATE THE GENERAL PLAN'S SAFETY ELEMENT.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
E. APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TRACKING
SOFTWARE.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer requested to pull consent item 4A and 4C.
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council approve consent items 4B, 4D and 4E as
presented. Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as
follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor, Pieper, Dieringer, Mirsch, Black, and Wilson.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
Item 4A
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer asked for consent item 4A to be brought back for the next Council
meeting in order to make corrections with the City Manager.
Item 4C
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer suggested approving the vendor that cost less and that staff search for
an alternate vendor. Once the alternate has been found, have the item brought back to the Council.
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Councilmember Black commented that the item was completely unnecessary. The initial study
from the New England Journal was not peer reviewed and was inaccurate. He mentioned that the
editors are in trouble because they published that the virus could live for days on a surface and, as
it turns out, it is only a matter of minutes. Regular cleaning applications can be used to wipe down
surfaces, no special cleaning is needed.
Councilmember Mirsch stated that she understood why the City was trying to be preemptive about
the issue and have a vendor on call and welcomed more discussion.
Mayor Pieper commented that he understood the City would like to have a vendor on standby just
in case City Hall has a COVID-19 case and needs to be sanitized.
City Manager Jeng stated that there were levels of concern the City was trying to address. The first
is making people aware that additional cleaning measures are being taken, in addition to social
distancing and masking. If there is a COVID case, the City needs to have provisions in place in
order to ensure that the public and employees are safe to return to City Hall. If City Hall hires
cleaners to come in after the fact, it is difficult to demonstrate that City Hall has been sanitized to
a standard. Determining that standard is the reason why she is recommending hiring a hygienist.
A hygienist would set up cleaning protocols and monitor disinfecting efforts.
Mayor Pieper asked which vendor was most cost effective.
City Manager Jeng replied Ellis Environmental.
Councilmember Black inquired what the $18,000.00 was for.
City Manager Jeng answered that the cost covered establishing cleaning standards and inspection
of the facility after the cleaning is done. This proposal does not include the physical cleaning; that
element is covered by a third party.
Mayor Pieper suggested finding a vendor that conducts the actual cleaning and discussing the item
at a later time.
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council identify a cleaning service that can provide
cleaning services if the office requires sanitization. Councilmember Mirsch seconded the motion.
The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Black, Mirsch, and Wilson.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
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5.COMMISSION ITEMS
NONE.
6.PUBLIC HEARING
A.PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO.
1253 ADOPTING THE 2020/2021 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET AND
RESOLUTION NO. 1254 ESTABLISHING THE ANNUAL
APPROPRIATIONS GANN LIMIT FOR THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS.
Finance Director Terry Shea reported that On May 26, 2020 the City Council held a Budget
Workshop to review the Draft Proposed Fiscal Year 2020/21 Budget approved by the City
Council Finance/Budget/Audit committee on May 18, 2020. The Proposed FY 2020/21 Budget
Highlights were reviewed in detail with changes from the FY 2019/20 Budget Highlights. City
Council reviewed and approved General Fund FY 2020/21 draft proposed budget and Other
Funds. The budget serves as the City’s roadmap for allocating resources. The budget is a resource
allocation plan for providing city services and achieving the priorities and goals that serve the
residents and the public. There are few steps the City follows for this process and they are as
follows:
1. January 13, 2020 – City Council received, reviewed and approved the FY 2020/21 budget
calendar.
2. March 23, 2020 – City Council received and reviewed the FY 2020/21 mid-year budget
report and approved the recommended budget adjustments.
3. April 27, 2020 – City Council Finance/Budget/Audit Committee reviewed Financial and
Investment Policies; and reviewed and discussed the Schedule of Fees and Charges.
4. May 11, 2020 – City Council reviewed and approved Financial and Investment Policies,
Schedule of Fees and Charges, and a three-year capital improvement plan.
5. May 18, 2020 - City Council Finance/Budget/Audit Committee reviewed the FY 2020/21
staff proposed budget.
6. May 26, 2020 – City Council Budget Workshop reviewed Finance/Audit Committee
approved FY 2020/21 staff proposed budget.
7. June 8, 2020 City Council had a public hearing, adopted the FY 2020/21 budget, and
approved the GANN Limit.
Projecting revenues for FY 2020/21 using conservative revenue forecasting, staff anticipates the
continued resurgence of property values and is proposing a 4% increase in Property Taxes. Staff
is projecting a decrease in building permit and other fees of over 50% of the Fiscal Year 2019-20
Budget. Total projected revenues are down $274,150 from the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget, but
include a projected amount of $56,250 in Prop A Exchange Revenues for a net decrease of
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$217,900. The proposed expenditures are projected to be $42,118 higher than the Fiscal Year
2019/20 Adjusted Budget, as a result of a one-time expense for the Housing Element and the
upcoming election.
He proceeded to provide highlights of the General Fund. The FY 2020/21 budget projects
$2,060,400 in revenues in relation to $2,385,718 in expenditures resulting in a deficit of $325,318
before transfers and a deficit of $478,845 after transfers. Salaries are budgeted to include up to a
5% salary increase of $25,014 including an estimated cost of living adjustment (COLA), of 1.9%
($11,737) and a 3.10% ($13,277) for Exceptional Performance Salary Bonus Pool in accordance
with the approved Personnel Manual. City Administration increased by $67,800, including
$28,700 for salaries and benefits and $30,000 for the cost of the upcoming election. Finance
increased by $3,433, which includes an increase of 1.95% to the RAMS Contract. Planning &
Development had an overall decrease of $4,400, which includes an increase of $ 91,400 in Special
Project Study and Consultants for the required updates to the Housing Element, offset by decreases
of $45,000 for LA County Building Inspection and $61,000 for Storm Water Management. Law
Enforcement had a projected increase of 5% in LA County Sheriff’s contract which is being offset
by an increase in the costs being charged to the COPS Fund and a decrease in Wild Life
Management and Pest Control of $11,500, for an overall decrease to the General Fund of $5,415.
In Non-Department Fund there is a decrease of $7,300 for Insurance expenditures. City Properties
had a decrease of $12,000 for Repairs and Maintenance expenditures.
Other Funds include Community Facilities Funds which the City will be giving $5,000.00 each to
the Caballeros, the Tennis Club and the Women’s Club. The General Fund will transfer $11,000
to the Community Facilities Fund in FY 2020/21. The Refuse Fund includes a transfer to the
General Fund of ($24,000). This transfer includes ($12,000) for the administration of refuse
services and ($12,000) to cover staff time and costs associated with administering the storm water
management program. Also, the City will be providing its residents a reprieve from the annual
Refuse Collection COLA it imposes annually on July 1st. This will equate to a $193.64 savings for
each residence in its annual rate and cost the City $132,643. Also, the City changed FY 2020/21
Cash Reserve Policy from $66,200 to the annual General Fund subsidy less the cash available at
June 30, 2020, the projected transfer is $57,528. The Traffic Safety Fund includes $20,000 for
other work outside of the annual striping. The General Fund will be budgeting a transfer of $24,000
to the Traffic Safety Fund in FY 2020/21. The COPS Fund revenues are projected to increase by
$15,000 to $155,000. 2019/20 Program Expenditures will increase to $164,898 to cover the
2020/21 LA County Sheriff’s Department increase of 5.00% for LA County Sheriff’s for Law
Enforcement Services and will cover the 275 supplemental hours for Traffic Enforcement
estimated to be $25,800 in FY 2020/21. The Utility Fund includes $85,000 for the design of the
Sewer Mainline along Portuguese Bend Road. The General Fund will not transfer monies to the
Utility Fund. The Capital Projects Fund will budget $50,000 for Tennis Court Improvements. Also,
$7,000 for City Hall ADA Design and $32,000 for Acacia removal. The General Fund will be
transferring $89,000 to the Capital Projects Fund in FY 2020/21.
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The Transit Funds for Proposition A will have an exchange of $75,000 and for Proposition C a
gifting of $60,000. For Measure M and Measure R there are no proposed expenditures or gifting
as the City is accumulating these funds for the future parking lot project. For the Measure W Fund
the City is projecting income of $110,000 and proposing an expenditure for Storm Water
Management of $38,750. There is a new Measure A Fund the City is projecting income of $26,100
with no proposed expenditures for Fiscal Year 2020/21. He concluded by stating that the overall
financial position of the City’s General Fund remains strong with a projected year-end Unassigned
Fund Balance of $4,854,000.00 at June 30, 2021. The City is looking at a net deficit of $759,000.00
if everything is spent from the proposed budget, which includes all the funds.
Finance Director Shea proceeded to share the appropriations loan. The base year for the
appropriations limit was $256,941.00. California's per capital income went up 3.7% this year and
the population in LA County went down .11% and when you take those two percentage changes
and multiply it by the prior year, it will provide a new limit of $1,784,681.00. The City’s proposed
expenditures are below that by about $250,000.00.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment.
Alfred Visco commented, via email, that it was his understanding that there was approximately
$4.8 million in unassigned fund balance as of 6/30/21. He suggested a study should be conducted
to determine what should be done with said funds (insurance reductions, rainy day fund, wildfire
mitigation or have it returned to the taxpayers). He raised the same issue with the Association,
which predicted approximately $5.8 million undesignated fund balance as of 6/30/21. He
concluded by asking if the City was self-insured.
Mayor Pieper replied that that City is not self-insured and that the amount the City currently has
would not survive a major lawsuit. A lot of the money being spent is for upcoming capital
improvement projects that have been put off for a long time that are finally making their way
through, for example, the ADA project. He stated the City likes to proceed with caution because
when there is downturn, like the present, the City does not have to change their fees and still be
able to give back some money, like with the trash subsidy and annual contributions to the
community clubs (Women’s Club, Tennis Club and the Caballeros).
Councilmember Black added that it is not easy returning money to the taxpayer, and it is why the
City absorbs the trash increase every year. Gifting of public funds is a major concern the Council
must contend with; however, the Council is open to hearing any other suggestions as to how best
use the unassigned funds.
Councilmember Mirsch moved that the City Council approve to adopt the Fiscal Year 2020-2021
Budget for all the City’s Funds and the Annual Appropriations Limit as presented. Councilmember
Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pieper, Dieringer, Mirsch, Black, and Wilson.
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NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
7.OLD BUSINESS
A.CONSIDER AND APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH RACE
TELECOMMUNICATION INC. TO PROVIDE BROADBAND SERVICES
THROUGH THE SOUTHBAY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (SBCCOG)
FIBER NETWORK PROJECT.
City Manager Jeng reported that in August 2019 the City Council committed to joining the
Southbay Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Fiber Network and authorized her to submit a letter
of commitment. The Southbay Fiber Network is a set of fiber lines built in the Southbay to serve
agencies like the City of Rolling Hills. Ever since, the SBCCOG had selected American Dark Fiber
as its vendor. The system is built by a team led by American Dark Fiber (ADF). The ADF team
includes HP Communications to manage new construction and Race Telecommunication Inc. to
provide customer service. The item was brought before the Council to request that the City agree
to approve an agreement with Race Telecommunications Inc. to provide broadband services to the
City through the SBCCOG Fiber Network Project. The cost for 1 gigabit (Gb) of service is
$1,000.00 per month for a term of three years.
Mayor Pieper opened the item for public comment. Hearing none he returned to the discussion.
Councilmember Mirsch moved that the City Council approve an agreement with Race
Telecommunications Inc. to provide broadband services for a minimum period of three years.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote as follows:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor, Pieper, Dieringer, Mirsch, Black, and Wilson.
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
8.NEW BUSINESS
NONE.
9.MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS
A.CONSIDER PLACING CENTERLINE STRIPING ON LOWER
BLACKWATER CANYON ROAD BETWEEN PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
AND WILLIAMSBURG LANE.
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City Manager Jeng conveyed that her understanding from the last meeting that there were some
concerns that the contractor did not fulfill their obligations as part of the striping project. She
proceeded to explain how public projects are conducted. The City puts out a scope of work and
then an inspector is hired to make sure the contractor performs that scope of work. Staff does not
present the project to the Council for acceptance until the contractor produces everything listed
under the scope of work. The centerline striping along Lower Blackwater Canyon, between
Portuguese Bend Road and Williamsburg Lane, was not part of this projects scope of work and
therefore the contractor did not place the centerline. This work was based on an assessment by the
Traffic Engineer.
Councilmember Black inquired if the entire Council was aware of that because he was not. It was
his belief that there should be a centerline down the whole street, not just Williamsburg. He
recalled Councilmember Wilson raising the same concerns.
City Manager Jeng replied that all bidders had responded to the same scope of work. She confirmed
that the scope of work in the bid did not call for a centerline. She added that bids are based on a
list of quantities and they are included and listed in the plans that were advertised. She further
explained that Councilmember Wilson had asked about striping on Crest Road East and whether
it was different striping; his concern was not about a lack of striping.
Councilmember Wilson commented that he had noticed that the striping was different and recalled
having more double yellow lines before. He asked who was the Traffic Engineer that monitored
the project.
City Manager Jeng replied that Charles Abbot & Associates was used as the Traffic Engineer.
Mayor Pieper pointed out that there were two topics being discussed. Crest Road West, which has
not been worked on, and has a centerline and double yellow lines the entire way. It was his opinion
that unless the current striping on Crest Road West is legally needed, it is a negative to him
compared to the dotted yellow lines and a sub divider on Crest Road East. To him, the dotted
yellow lines felt more country and have a small city feel. He preferred the new striping on Crest
Road East, so long as it is legal.
Councilmember Black disagreed and felt no one should be allowed to pass on Crest Road. There
are too many curves, the speed limit is too low and there are blind driveways. Double yellow lines
signify no passing on the road and broken lines do. Councilmember Wilson concurred.
Councilmember Mirsch commented that maybe the previous striping had been done as an extra
precaution, even though it may not have been legally required. She agreed that there should be a
double yellow line on Crest Road East. Since the striping responsibility now falls under the
responsibilities of the RHCA, she suggested requesting their thoughts on the matter.
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Mayor Pieper stated he had spoken to residents on Middleridge. He asked them if they wanted
striping and they all replied no because it did not feel right. It was his understanding that the City
put out a scope of work, the contractor delivered, and that the matter was done. If the Council
wanted to change the scope of work, then a discussion needs to occur like the one they are having
now. He added that he would be talking to the RHCA President the following day and that he
would be happy to bring up the subject matter. However, he stressed that whatever decisions the
Council makes, it should be consistent for all the striping within the City.
Councilmember Mirsch asked if Crest Road East and Lower Blackwater could be considered as
separate items.
City Attorney Jenkins suggested the Council make a motion to clarify what they would like to do.
The Council has not approved the lease amendment with RHCA, so technically the City is still
responsible for striping.
Mayor Pieper suggested that once the Association takes over the striping, the City should provide
the specifications of what they would like to see.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer asked counsel if the Council could discuss other streets besides Lower
Blackwater Canyon.
City Attorney Jenkins replied that the Council can only discuss the streets that are listed on the
agenda.
Councilmember Black requested to agendize Crest Road for the next City Council meeting and
proposed to have double yellow lines placed on Crest Road East and West.
Mayor Pieper asked City Manager Jeng to reach out to the engineer and request pictures of the
road before it was striped.
City Manager Jeng replied that she did not have pictures of previous conditions but she have an
inventory done by the Traffic Engineer that can be reviewed.
Mayor Pieper indicated that the agreement with the Association would be moved to a later time,
between now and the next meeting the Council will agendize striping for Crest Road East, Lower
Blackwater, Williamsburg, Middleridge South and North and figure out what striping was there
before and what striping is there now.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer asked if Republic Services still offers a free, once a year, greenwaste
dumpster for residents. Additionally, she asked for clarification about what direction staff was
given regarding the ADA improvements at City Hall.
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City Manager Jeng replied that residents are offered a 40-yard, roll-off bin once a year, free of
charge.
Mayor Pieper replied that the Council had chosen the cheapest and the most expensive layout and
directed the City Manager to get pricing for both in order to determine how to best proceed and
whether it is worth moving the restrooms.
Councilmember Mirsch inquired about the School Resource Officers (SRO) and whether they
were armed. She recalled that when the Council agreed to fund the SRO, it was with an
understanding that they would be armed. It was her understanding that the City is currently
reviewing the SRO’s next contract and wanted to make the Regional Law members on the Council
were made aware of the issue and verified that the SRO’s are armed.
City Manager Jeng reported that the School District recognized that in the beginning of the school
year, they had issues with the security company securing permits from the State to be able to allow
the SRO’s to carry firearms, that issue has since been resolved. She added that the SRO’s have
changed their duties since the school’s closures due to COVID. The School District has decided
not to bill participating cities for half of March, April and May. Going forward the Superintendent
is asking for 3-year term, same cost and terms as the existing MOU. The new MOU is currently
being discussed.
10.MATTERS FROM STAFF
NONE.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Pieper adjourned the meeting at 8:09
p.m. to a regular meeting of the City Council scheduled for Monday, July 13, 2020 beginning at
7:00p.m. via teleconference.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Yohana Coronel, MBA
City Clerk
Approved,
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_____________________________________
Jeff Pieper
Mayor
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Agenda Item No.: 4.B
Mtg. Date: 06/22/2020
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CONNIE VIRAMONTES , ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
THRU:ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:PAYMENT OF BILLS
DATE:June 22, 2020
BACKGROUND:
NONE.
DISCUSSION:
NONE.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NONE.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
06-22-2020Payment of Bills.pdf
Supplemental Agenda Page Relating to Item 4B
20-06-22__Payment of Billsv1
119
120
Supplemental
Agenda Packet
Relating to Item 4B
Posted June 22, 2020
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122
Agenda Item No.: 4.C
Mtg. Date: 06/22/2020
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CONNIE VIRAMONTES , ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
THRU:ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:REPUBLIC SERVICES RECYCLING TONNAGE REPORT FOR MAY
2020.
DATE:June 22, 2020
BACKGROUND:
NONE.
DISCUSSION:
NONE.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NONE.
RECOMMENDATION:
NONE.
ATTACHMENTS:
06-22-2020 MAY TONNAGE REPORT.pdf
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124
Agenda Item No.: 4.D
Mtg. Date: 06/22/2020
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:TERRY SHEA, FINANCE DIRECTOR
THRU:ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:FINANCIAL REPORTS AS OF MAY 31 ,2020.
DATE:June 22, 2020
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
Budget to actual Financial Statements as of May 31, 2020.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and File.
ATTACHMENTS:
Budget Comparative 05-31-20.pdf
125
Approved
Cumulative Total % Total
Year-to-Date Adjusted of Budget
Actual Budget Used
REVENUES
Taxes 1,340,555$ 1,417,800$ 94.55%
License and Permits 154,923 624,300 24.82%
Fines 11,678 14,300 81.67%
Franchise Fees 12,599 19,000 66.31%
Investment Earnigs 96,202 100,000 96.20%
Other Income 79,018 102,900 76.79%
Total Revenues 1,694,976 2,278,300 74.40%
EXPENDITURES
DEPARTMENTS
Administration
Salaries and Benefits 438,783 596,400 73.57%
Materials and Supplies 91,479 141,000 64.88%
Contractual Services 126,979 176,600 71.90%
Finance
Contractual Services 96,576 119,450 80.85%
Planning & Development
Salaries and Benefits 261,632 288,200 90.78%
Materials and Supplies 2,464 12,600 19.55%
Contractual Services 257,098 418,000 61.51%
Public Safety
Contractual Services 178,865 297,200 60.18%
Non-Departmental
Materials and Supplies - 25,000 0.00%
Contractual Services 17,740 34,900 50.83%
Community Promotion 19,326 44,750 43.19%
City Properties
Contractual Services 55,941 79,500 70.37%
Total Expenditures 1,546,883 2,233,600 69.26%
Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures 148,093 44,700 331.30%
Transfers
Transfers In 22,000 24,000 91.67%
Transfers Out (107,704) (398,000) 27.06%
Total Transfers (85,704) (374,000) 22.92%
Excess (Deficit) 62,389 (329,300) -18.95%
Fund Balance - Beginning of Year (Audited) 5,795,780 5,795,780
Fund Balance - May 31, 2020 (Before Closing) 5,858,169$ 5,466,480$
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE
GENERAL FUND
FOR THE ELEVEN MONTHS ENDED MAY 31 ,2020
126
Approved
Cumulative Total % Total
Year-to-Date Adjusted of Budget
Actual Budget Used
REVENUES
COPS Allocation 155,948$ 140,000$ 111.39%
Investment Earnigs - 50 0.00%
Total Revenues 155,948 140,050 111.35%
EXPENDITURES
Contractual Services 148,069 160,000 92.54%
Total Expenditures 148,069 160,000 92.54%
Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures 7,879 (19,950) -39.49%
Fund Balance - Beginning of Year (Audited) 56,098 56,098
Fund Balance - May 31, 2020 (Before Closing) 63,977$ 36,148$
Approved
Cumulative Total % Total
Year-to-Date Adjusted of Budget
Actual Budget Used
REVENUES
Fines & Forfeitures -$ 50$ 0.00%
Total Revenues - 50 0.00%
EXPENDITURES
Contractual Services 88,946 54,550 163.05%
Total Expenditures 88,946 54,550 163.05%
Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures (88,946) (54,500) 163.20%
Transfers
Transfers in 88,946 54,500 163.20%
Excess (Deficit) - -
Fund Balance - Beginning of Year (Audited) - -
Fund Balance - May 31, 2020 (Before Closing) -$ -$
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE
TRAFFIC SAFETY FUND
FOR THE ELEVEN MONTHS ENDED MAY 31 ,2020
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE
COPS FUND
FOR THE ELEVEN MONTHS ENDED MAY 31 ,2020
127
Approved
Cumulative Total % Total
Year-to-Date Adjusted of Budget
Actual Budget Used
REVENUES
Prop A Revenues 34,961$ 39,300$ 88.96%
Investment Earnigs - 150 0.00%
Total Revenues 34,961 39,450 88.62%
EXPENDITURES
Materials and Supplies - - #DIV/0!
Contractual Services - - #DIV/0!
Total Expenditures - - #DIV/0!
Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures 34,961 39,450 88.62%
Fund Balance - Beginning of Year (Audited) 17,366 17,366
Fund Balance - May 31, 2020 (Before Closing) 52,327$ 56,816$
Approved
Cumulative Total % Total
Year-to-Date Adjusted of Budget
Actual Budget Used
REVENUES
Prop C Revenues 29,000$ 32,600$ 88.96%
Investment Earnigs - 150 0.00%
Total Revenues 29,000 32,750 88.55%
EXPENDITURES
Materials and Supplies - - #DIV/0!
Contractual Services - - #DIV/0!
Total Expenditures - - #DIV/0!
Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures 29,000 32,750 88.55%
Fund Balance - Beginning of Year (Audited) 9,045 9,045
Fund Balance - May 31, 2020 (Before Closing) 38,045$ 41,795$
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE
PROP C TRANSPORTATION FUND
FOR THE ELEVEN MONTHS ENDED MAY 31 ,2020
PROP A TRANSPORTATION FUND
FOR THE ELEVEN MONTHS ENDED MAY 31 ,2020
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE
128
Approved
Cumulative Total % Total
Year-to-Date Adjusted of Budget
Actual Budget Used
REVENUES
Measure R Revenues 21,726$ 24,450$ 88.86%
Investment Earnigs - 150 0.00%
Total Revenues 21,726 24,600 88.32%
EXPENDITURES
Materials and Supplies - - #DIV/0!
Contractual Services - - #DIV/0!
Total Expenditures - - #DIV/0!
Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures 21,726 24,600 88.32%
Fund Balance - Beginning of Year (Audited) 57,294 57,294
Fund Balance - May 31, 2020 (Before Closing) 79,020$ 81,894$
Approved
Cumulative Total % Total
Year-to-Date Adjusted of Budget
Actual Budget Used
REVENUES
Measure M Revenues 24,416$ 27,700$ 88.14%
Investment Earnigs - 150 0.00%
Total Revenues 24,416 27,850 87.67%
EXPENDITURES
Materials and Supplies - - #DIV/0!
Contractual Services - - #DIV/0!
Total Expenditures - - #DIV/0!
Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures 24,416 27,850 87.67%
Fund Balance - Beginning of Year (Audited) 48,387 48,387
Fund Balance - May 31, 2020 (Before Closing) 72,803$ 76,237$
TRANSIT MEASURE M
FOR THE ELEVEN MONTHS ENDED MAY 31 ,2020
TRANSIT MEASURE R
FOR THE ELEVEN MONTHS ENDED MAY 31 ,2020
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE
129
Approved
Cumulative Total % Total
Year-to-Date Adjusted of Budget
Actual Budget Used
REVENUES
Other Revenues -$ 10,000$ 0.00%
Total Revenues - 10,000 0.00%
EXPENDITURES
Non-Building Improvements 7,960 320,000 2.49%
City Hall Improvements 10,798 30,000 35.99%
Total Expenditures 18,758 350,000 5.36%
Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures (18,758) (340,000) 5.52%
Transfers
Transfers in 18,758 340,000 5.52%
Excess (Deficit) - -
Fund Balance - Beginning of Year (Audited) - -
Fund Balance - May 31, 2020 (Before Closing) -$ -$
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
FOR THE ELEVEN MONTHS ENDED MAY 31 ,2020
130
Approved
Cumulative Total % Total
Year-to-Date Adjusted of Budget
Actual Budget Used
OPERATING REVENUES
Service Charges 698,775$ 768,900$ 90.88%
Miscellaneous Revenue - 65,000 0.00%
Construction & Demo Permits 24,985 7,000 356.93%
Total Revenues 723,760 840,900 86.07%
OPERATING EXPENSES
Refuse Service Contract 756,327 825,089 91.67%
Miscellaneous Expense 28,640 65,000 44.06%
Total Expenditures 784,967 890,089 88.19%
Operating Loss Before Transfers (61,207) (49,189) 124.43%
Transfers Out (22,000) (24,000) 91.67%
Change in Net Position (83,207) (73,189) 113.69%
Net Position - Beginning of Year (Audited) 177,521 177,521
Net Position - May 31, 2020 (Before Closing) 116,314$ 128,332$
REFUSE COLLECTION FUND
FOR THE ELEVEN MONTHS ENDED MAY 31 ,2020
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE
131
Agenda Item No.: 8.A
Mtg. Date: 06/22/2020
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:YOHANA CORONEL, CITY CLERK
THRU:ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS PERTAINING TO A GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION CONSOLIDATED WITH THE STATEWIDE
GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3,
2020.
DATE:June 22, 2020
BACKGROUND:
The California Voter Participation Rights Act prohibits a political subdivision, such as the City of
Rolling Hills, from holding an election other than on a statewide election date if holding an election on a
nonconcurrent date has previously resulted in a significant decrease in voter turnout, being at least 25%
less than its average voter turnout in the previous 4 statewide general elections.
The City of Rolling Hills did not meet the qualifying criteria to continue to conduct stand-alone elections on
a nonconcurrent date and therefore moved its elections to coincide with the date of the statewide election. On
October 24, 2016 the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills adopted Ordinance No. 347 moving the date
of the City’s General Municipal Election from the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March of odd-
numbered years to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years beginning
in November 2020.
The City’s next General Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 for the purpose of
electing two members of the City Council to four-year terms. The seats are currently held by Mayor Jeff
Pieper and Mayor Pro Tem Beatriz Dieringer.
DISCUSSION:
Enclosed with this staff report are two Resolutions that are routine in nature relating to the General
Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. The first resolution is required to call
and give notice of an election for November 3, 2020, and to request that the Los Angeles County Board
of Supervisors direct the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk to provide full services. The second
resolution establishes the regulations for candidates for elective office. The Resolutions are as follows:
132
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills requesting the Board of Supervisors
of the County of Los Angeles to order the consolidation of a General Municipal Election to be
held on November 3, 2020 with the Statewide General Election to be held in the County of Los
Angeles the same day; to authorize the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to
canvass the returns of said General Municipal Election; and to request that the Registrar-
Recorder/County Clerk of said County be permitted to render full services to the City of Rolling
Hills relating to the conduct of said General Municipal Election pursuant to California Elections
Code Section 10403; and
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills, California, adopting regulations for
candidates for elective office pertaining to candidate statements submitted to the voters at an
election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
The City Clerk’s Office would still handle all candidate filings and publishing of notices as usual, but
all other elements of the election would be administered by the Los Angeles County Registrar-
Recorder/County Clerk’s office.
Due to COVID-19, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to provide a Vote-by-Mail
ballot to all registered voters in Los Angeles County for the November General Election. Voting by
mail provides voters an alternative to voting in person and alleviates concerns surrounding social
distancing at Vote Centers during a pandemic.
FISCAL IMPACT:
It was previously estimated that the cost to conduct a standalone election administered by the County
would amount to $23,000. The $23,000 is included in the General Fund Account for FY 2020/21. To
date, the County has not provided an updated estimated cost for the November 3, 2020 General
Election.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that members of the City Council adopt Resolution Nos. 1255 and 1256 pertaining to
the General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2020 as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
Ordinance No. 347-CouncilElectionDateNov2020.pdf
1. Resolution No. 1255__ Calling Election and County Services-c1.DOC
2. Resolution No. 1256__ Establishing Regulations for Candidate Statements-c1.DOCX
133
134
135
Resolution No. 1255 1
RESOLUTION NO. 1255
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF
THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO ORDER THE
CONSOLIDATION OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE
HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2020 WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES THE
SAME DAY; TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF
THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CANVASS THE RETURNS OF
SAID GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION; AND TO REQUEST THAT
THE REGISTRAR-RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK OF SAID COUNTY
BE PERMITTED TO RENDER FULL SERVICES TO THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF SAID
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA
ELECTIONS CODE SECTION 10403
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE AND
ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. RECITALS.
A. A General Municipal Election has been called by the City of Rolling Hills to
be held in the City of Rolling Hills on November 3, 2020.
B. A Statewide General Election to be held in the County of Los Angeles has
been or will be called to be held on November 3, 2020.
C. It is desired, pursuant to the authority found in California Elections Code
section 10403, to consolidate said General Municipal Election with said Statewide
General Election to be held in the County of Los Angeles.
Section 2. The Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles is hereby respectfully
requested to order the consolidation of said General Municipal Election to be held on
November 3, 2020, with the Statewide General Election to be held in the County of Los
Angeles on November 3, 2020.
Section 3. The Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles is hereby further
respectfully requested to place upon the same ballot as that provided for said Statewide
General Election to be held in the County of Los Angeles on November 3, 2020, the
names of the candidates for the offices of two (2) Councilmembers for the full term of
four years, to be submitted to the electors of the City of Rolling Hills at said General
Municipal Election.
136
Resolution No. 1255 2
Section 4. The City of Rolling Hills acknowledges that the consolidated election will be
held and conducted in the manner prescribed in Section 10418 of the California Elections
Code.
Section 5. The Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles is hereby authorized
and respectfully requested to canvass the returns of said General Municipal Election.
Section 6. The Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles is hereby authorized
and respectfully requested to authorize and permit the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
of the County of Los Angeles to:
a)Print and supply ballots for said City of Rolling Hills General Municipal
Election;
b)Mail the City’s sample ballots and candidate statements of qualifications
to the electors of the City of Rolling Hills as part of the same material that
will be mailed to the voters of the Statewide General Election to be held in
the County of Los Angeles;
c)Perform such other services as may be required for the consolidation and
conduct of said City of Rolling Hills General Municipal Election with said
Statewide General Election to be held in the County of Los Angeles.
Section 7. The vote centers for the election shall be open as required during the identified
voting period pursuant to California Elections Code sections 4007 and 14401.
Section 8. The City shall reimburse the County of Los Angeles in full for the services
performed on behalf of the City upon the presentation of a bill by the County.
Section 9. The City Clerk is hereby directed to deliver a certified copy of this resolution
to the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles and to transmit an electronic
copy to the Board of Supervisors and the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk of the County
of Los Angeles.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 22ndday of June, 2020.
____________________________________
JEFF PIEPER
MAYOR
ATTEST:
____________________________________
YOHANA CORONEL
CITY CLERK
137
Resolution No. 1255 3
The foregoing Resolution No. 1255 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS REQUESTING THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO
ORDER THE CONSOLIDATION OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2020 WITH THE
STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES THE SAME DAY; TO AUTHORIZE
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS
ANGELES TO CANVASS THE RETURNS OF SAID GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION; AND TO REQUEST THAT THE
REGISTRAR-RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK OF SAID COUNTY
BE PERMITTED TO RENDER FULL SERVICES TO THE CITY
OF ROLLING HILLS RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF SAID
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION PURSUANT TO
CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE SECTION 10403
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 22nd day of
June, 2020, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
____________________________________
YOHANA CORONEL
CITY CLERK
138
Resolution No. 1256 -1-
RESOLUTION NO. 1256
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR
CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN
ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS,
CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. RECITALS. Section 13307 of the Elections Code of the State of California provides
that the governing body of any local agency adopt regulations pertaining to materials prepared by any
candidate for a municipal election, including costs of the candidate’s statement.
Section 2. GENERAL PROVISIONS. Pursuant to §13307 of the Elections Code of the State of
California, each candidate for elective office to be voted for at an Election to be held in the City of Rolling
Hills on November 3, 2020, may prepare a candidate’s statement on an appropriate form provided by the
City Clerk. The statement may include the name, age and occupation of the candidate and a brief
description of no more than 400 words of the candidate's education and qualifications expressed by the
candidate. The statement shall not include party affiliation of the candidate, nor membership or activity
in partisan political organizations. The statement shall be filed in typewritten form in the office of the
City Clerk at the time the candidate's nomination papers are filed. The statement may be withdrawn, but
not changed, during the period for filing nomination papers and until 5:00 p.m. of the next working day
after the close of the nomination period.
Section 3. FOREIGN LANGUAGE POLICY
A. Pursuant to the Federal Voting Rights Act, candidate statements will be translated into all
languages required by the County of Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. The County is
required to translate candidate’s statements into the following languages: Armenian, Chinese Farsi, Hindi,
Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog/Filipino, Vietnamese, and other required languages
as identified.
B. The County will mail sample ballots and candidate statements in a particular language to only
those voters who are on the county voter file as having requested a sample ballot in a particular language.
The County will make the sample ballot and candidate statements in the required languages available at
all vote centers, on the County’s website, and in the Election Official’s office.
Section 4. PAYMENT
A. Translations
1. The candidate shall not be required to pay for the cost of translating the candidate statement
into anyrequiredforeign language as specified in (A) of Section 2 above pursuant to Federal
and\or State law.
2. The candidate shall be required to pay for the cost of translating the candidate statement
into any foreign language that is not required as specified in (A) and/or (B) of Section 2
above, pursuant to Federal and\or State law, but is requested as an option by the candidate.
B. Printing
1. The candidate shall be required to pay for the cost of printing the candidate statement in
English in the main voter pamphlet.
2. The candidate shall be required to pay for the cost of printing the candidate statement in a
foreign language requested by the candidate per (B) of Section 2 above, in the main voter
pamphlet.
The City Clerk shall estimate the total cost of printing, handling, translating, and mailing the
candidate’s statements filed pursuant to this section, including costs incurred as a result of complying with
the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (as amended), and require each candidate filing a statement to pay in
advance to the local agency his or her estimated pro rata share as a condition of having his or her statement
included in the voter’s pamphlet. In the event the estimated payment is required, the estimate is just an
approximation of the actual cost that varies from one election to another election and may be significantly
more or less than the estimate, depending on the actual number of candidates filing statements.
139
Resolution No. 1256 -2-
Accordingly, the City Clerk is not bound by the estimate and may, on a pro rata basis, bill the candidate
for additional actual expense or refund any excess paid depending on the final actual cost. In the event of
underpayment, the City Clerk may require the candidate to pay the balance of the cost incurred. In the
event of overpayment, the City Clerk shall prorate the excess amount among the candidates and refund
the excess amount paid within 30 days of the election.
Section 5. MISCELLANEOUS.
A. All translations shall be provided by professionally-certified translators.
B. The City Clerk shall not allow bold type, underlining, capitalization, indentations, bullets,
leading hyphens to the same extent and manner as in previous City elections.
C. The City Clerk shall comply with all recommendations and standards set forth by the California
Secretary of State regarding occupational designations and other matters relating to elections.
Section 6. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS. No candidate will be permitted to include additional
materials in the sample ballot package.
Section 7. That the City Clerk shall provide each candidate or the candidate's representative a copy
of this Resolution at the time nominating petitions are issued.
Section 8. That all previous Resolutions establishing City Council policy on payment for
candidate’s statements are repealed.
Section 9. That this Resolution shall apply only to the election to be held on November 3, 2020
and shall then be repealed.
Section 10. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and
enter it into the book of original Resolutions.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 22ndday of June, 2020.
____________________________________
JEFF PIEPER
MAYOR
ATTEST:
____________________________________
YOHANA CORONEL
CITY CLERK
140
Resolution No. 1256 -3-
The foregoing Resolution No. 1256 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR
CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN
ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020.
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 22nd day of June, 2020, by the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
____________________________________
YOHANA CORONEL
CITY CLERK
141
Agenda Item No.: 8.B
Mtg. Date: 06/22/2020
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:MEREDITH ELGUIRA, PLANNING DIRECTOR
THRU:ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 1257
AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR, AND RECEIPT OF, LOCAL
GOVERNMENT PLANNING SUPPORT PROGRAM FUNDS.
DATE:June 22, 2020
BACKGROUND:
In an effort to increase the availability of affordable homes statewide and ending homelessness,
Governor Gavin Newsom allocated $250 million for all regions, cities, and counties to do their part of
prioritizing planning services that accelerate housing production to meet the needs of every community.
With this allocation, the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) established the
Local Early Action Planning Grant Program (LEAP) with $119 million for cities and counties. LEAP
provides one-time grant funding to cities and counties to update their planning documents and
implement process improvements that will facilitate the acceleration of housing production and help
local governments prepare for their 6th cycle RHNA much like the SB2 Planning Grants.
DISCUSSION:
As the City continues its efforts to comply with the 5th Cycle Housing Element and prepares for the 6th
Cycle, LEAP allocations could help fund eligible planning activities comprising of: identifying suitable
sites to rezone for multi-family use, environmental clearance, rezoning process, establishing design and
development standards, and revamping project review process. Grant funds may also cover the costs of
temporary staffing or consultant needs associated with eligible activities.
Grants are available to eligible applicants on a non-competitive, Over-the-Counter basis. Applications
are due on July 1, 2020 and the attached Resolution is required to be submitted with the application.
Maximum awards are based on population estimates. The minimum award amount is $25,000. The
maximum amount for jurisdictions with less than 20,000 population is $65,000. HCD will inform
jurisdictions of award deision 60 days from July 1, 2020.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact. Staff time spent preparing the grant is covered under the Planning and Community
142
Services FY 19/20 budget. The Local Early Action Planning Grants Program (LEAP) does not require a
local match.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution No. 1257 authorizing application for, and
receipt of LEAP program funds.
ATTACHMENTS:
LEAP_Resolution_No._1257
Supplemental Agenda item Relating to Item 8B.docx
LEAP Resolution No. 1257v1
143
RESOLUTION NO. 1257
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR, AND
RECEIPT OF, LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANNING SUPPORT
GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS
WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code 50515 et. Seq, the Department of
Housing and Community Development (Department) is authorized to issue a Notice of
Funding Availability (NOFA) as part of the Local Government Planning Support Grants
Program (hereinafter referred to by the Department as the Local Early Action Planning
Grants program or LEAP); and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills desires to submit a LEAP grant
application package (“Application”), on the forms provided by the Department, for
approval of grant funding for projects that assist in the preparation and adoption of
planning documents and process improvements that accelerate housing production and
facilitate compliance to implement the sixth cycle of the regional housing need
assessment; and
WHEREAS, the Department has issued a NOFA and Application on January 27, 2020 in
the amount of $119,040,000 for assistance to all California Jurisdictions;
Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills (“Applicant”) resolves as
follows:
SECTION 1. The City Manager and/or her designee is hereby authorized and directed to
apply for and submit to the Department the Application package;
SECTION 2. In connection with the LEAP grant, if the Application is approved by the
Department, the City Manager and/or her designee of the City of Rolling Hills is
authorized to submit the Application, enter into, execute, and deliver on behalf of the
Applicant, a State of California Agreement (Standard Agreement) for the amount of
$65,000, and any and all other documents required or deemed necessary or appropriate to
evidence and secure the LEAP grant, the Applicant’s obligations related thereto, and all
amendments thereto; and
SECTION 3. The Applicant shall be subject to the terms and conditions as specified in
the NOFA, and the Standard Agreement provided by the Department after approval. The
Application and any and all accompanying documents are incorporated in full as part of
the Standard Agreement. Any and all activities funded, information provided, and
timelines represented in the Application will be enforceable through the fully executed
Standard Agreement. Pursuant to the NOFA and in conjunction with the terms of the
Standard Agreement, the Applicant hereby agrees to use the funds for eligible uses and
allowable expenditures in the manner presented and specifically identified in the
approved Application.
144
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on June 22, 2020, by the City Council of the
City of Rolling Hills by the following vote count:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
____________________________________
JEFF PIEPER
MAYOR
ATTEST:
____________________________________
YOHANA CORONEL
CITY CLERK
145
Supplemental
Agenda Packet
Relating to Item 8B
Posted June 22, 2020
146
RESOLUTION NO. 1257
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR, AND
RECEIPT OF, LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANNING SUPPORT
GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS
WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code 50515 et. seq, the Department of
Housing and Community Development (Department) is authorized to issue a Notice of
Funding Availability (NOFA) as part of the Local Government Planning Support Grants
Program (hereinafter referred to by the Department as the Local Early Action Planning
Grants program or LEAP); and
WHEREAS, the Department issued a NOFA and the LEAP grant application package on
January 27, 2020 in the amount of $119,040,000 for assistance to all California
Jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills desires to submit a LEAP grant
application package (“Application”), on the forms provided by the Department, for
approval of grant funding for projects that assist in the preparation and adoption of
planning documents and process improvements that accelerate housing production and
facilitate compliance to implement the sixth cycle of the regional housing need
assessment.
Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills (“Applicant”) resolves as
follows:
SECTION 1. The City Manager and/or her designee is hereby authorized and directed to
apply for and submit to the Department the Application;
SECTION 2. In connection with the LEAP grant, if the Application is approved by the
Department, the City Manager and/or her designee of the City of Rolling Hills is
authorized to enter into, execute, and deliver on behalf of the Applicant, a State of
California Agreement (Standard Agreement) for the amount of up to $65,000 and any and
all other documents required or deemed necessary or appropriate to evidence and secure
the LEAP grant, the Applicant’s obligations related thereto, and all amendments thereto;
and
SECTION 3. The Applicant shall be subject to the terms and conditions as specified in
the NOFA and the Standard Agreement provided by the Department after approval. The
Application and any and all accompanying documents are incorporated in full as part of
the Standard Agreement. Any and all activities funded, information provided, and
timelines represented in the Application will be enforceable through the fully executed
Standard Agreement. Pursuant to the NOFA and in conjunction with the terms of the
Standard Agreement, the Applicant hereby agrees to use the funds for eligible uses and
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allowable expenditures in the manner presented and specifically identified in the
approved Application.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on June 22, 2020, by the City Council of the
City of Rolling Hills by the following vote count:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
____________________________________
JEFF PIEPER
MAYOR
ATTEST:
____________________________________
YOHANA CORONEL
CITY CLERK
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