11-26-2018 MINUTE5 OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS,CALIFORNIA
MONDAY,NOVEMBER 26,2018
1. CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor Wilson at
7:03 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall,2 Portuguese Bend Road,Rolling Hills, California.
2. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Black,Dieringer,Mirsch,Pieper and Mayor Wilson.
Councilmembers Absent: None.
Others Present: Elaine Jeng, P.E., City Manager.
Mike Jenkins, City Attorney.
Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director.
Julia Stewart, Senior Planner.
Yvette Hall, City Clerk.
Jim Aichele, 14 Crest Road West.
Roger Hawkins, 37 Crest Road West.
Leslie Stetson, 71 Saddleback Road.
Sue Breiholz, 6 Upper Blackwater Canyon Road.
Carol Hoffman, 3 Hillside Lane.
Alfred Visco, 15 Cinchring Road.
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 Councilmembe� may
request removad of any item from the Consent Calendar causing it to be considered under Council
Actions.
A. Minutes — 1) Revised Regular Meeting of October 8, 2018 — See page 3 for revised
paragraph; 2) Regular Meeting of October 22, 2018; 3) Regular Meeting of July 9, 2018;
and 4)Regular Meeting of March 12, 2018.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
B. Payment of Bills.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
C. Republic Services Recycling Tonnage Report for October 2018.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
D. List of 2019 City Council Meeting Dates and City Holidays.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
City Clerk Hall informed the City Council that the Payment of Bills for the November 26, 2018 Check
Run under Consent Calendar Item No. 4-B was inadvertently not included in the City Council agenda
packet. She stated that a copy of the Payment of Bills for November 26, 2018 was provided to all City
Councilmembers and the public.
Chair Wilson requested that Item No. 4-C of the Consent Calendar be pulled for separate consideration.
There were no objections.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch requested that Item No. 4-D of the Consent Calendar be pulled for separate
consideration. There were no objections.
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council approve the items on the Consent Calendar, excluding
Item Nos. 4-C and 4-D, as presented. Councilmember Dieringer seconded the motion, which carried
-1-
without objection as follows:
AYES: COLTNCILMEMBERS: Black,Dieringer, Mirsch,Pieper and Wilson.
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COLJNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COLTNCILMEMBERS: None.
Chair Wilson commented on Consent Calendar Item No. 4-C and indicated that the State of California has
mandated that cities divert a certain percentage af waste from the landfills. Mayor Wilson noted that
Republic Services' diversion rate has dropped since January 2018.
In response to Chair Wilson's question, City Manager Jeng indicated that Republic Services has not yet
provided an explanation for the decline in the diversion percentage. She stated she has been in
communication with Republic Services regarding their obligation to meet the diversion percentage per
their contract agreement. She stated the drop may be due to the timing of when Republic Services reports
their numbers and that she did inquire with them. City 1Vlanager Jeng stated she has not received feedback
from l�epublic Services yet.
Chair Wilson requested that information be provided on how Republic Services is addressing this matter.
Discussion ensued concerning the changing recycling market, compliance reporting and diversion rates.
City Manager Jeng stated that she will report back to the City Council regarding why the diversion rate is
low.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch commented on Consent Calendar Item No. 4-D and suggested that the City
Council consider rescheduling the City Council meetings that fall on a holiday.
The City Council discussed rescheduling the May 27, 2019 City Council meeting to May 29, 2019 and the
November 11, 2019 City Council meeting to November 12, 2019.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch moved that the City Council approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4-C and 4-D as
presented and to reschedule the City Council meetings that fall on a holiday to May 29, 2019 and
November 12, 2019. Councilmember Dieringer seconded the motion, which carried without objection as
follows:
AYES: COUNCILMEMB�RS: Black,Dieringer,Mirsch,Pieper and Wilson.
NOES: COIJNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COLJNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COLTNCILMEMBERS: None.
PRESENTATION
Recognition of Captain Dan Beringer
The City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Captain Beringer and thanked him for his
many years of exemplary service.
5. COMMISSION ITEMS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2018-14. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL FOR A SITE PLAN
REVIEW AND VARIANCES TO ALLOW A RESIDENTIAL ADDITION, A NEW
PORTE COCHERE AND NEW ABOVE GRADE DECK TO ENCROACH INTO
SETBACKS, AND WAIVE THE REQUIREMENT OF STABLE AND CORRAL SET
ASIDE AREA IN ZONING CASE NO. 946 AT 2 EL CONCHO LANE, LOT 7-GF,
(RICK BOOS/CLINT PATTERSON).
Mayor Wilson introduced the item and asked for the staff report. Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch recused herself
from consideration of the project due to her personal friendship with the applicant.
Senior Planner Stewart stated that the project at 2 El Concho Lane, Zoning Case No. 946, is for a Site Plan
Review and multiple Variances which were approved by the Planning Commission. She provided an
overview of the applicant's request for a residential addition and remodel, a new porte cochere, a new
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above grade outdoor deck to the rear of the residence, and a waiver to the stable and corral set aside
requirement. She further explained that no grading is proposed for the project. Senior Planner Stewart
indicated one resident attended the field visit and expressed support for the project.
In response to Mayor Wilson's questions, Senior Planner Stewart clazified that the reference to shelter for
local animals in the staffreport was provided by the applicant as their justification for the project.
Mayor Wilson called for public comments
Raymond Medak, Architect, commented that he provided a justification statement for the project that
discussed mitigation measures to encourage more vegetation habitat for animals.
Following discussion, Councilmember Pieper moved that the City Council receive and file Planning
Commission Resolution No. 2018-14 granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 946
at 2 El Concho Lane. Councilmember Black seconded the motion, which carried without objection by a
voice vote as follows:
AYES: COLTNCILMEMBERS: Black, Dieringer, Pieper and Wilson.
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COiJNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mirsch.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch returned to the dais.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2018-15. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL FOR A SITE PLAN
REVIEW, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, AND VARIANCES TO ALLOW GRADING,
WALLS, AND A 5,000 SQUARE FOOT RIDING RING IN THE FRONT SETBACK
AND FRONT YARD AND TO IMPORT DIRT IN ZONING CASE NO. 947 AT 34
SADDLEBACK ROAD, LOT 13-RH, (EDDY DELGADO).
Mayor Wilson introduced the item and asked for the staff report. Senior Planner Stewart stated that the
project at 34 Saddleback Road, Zoning Case No. 947, is for a Site Plan Review, Conditional Use Permit
and Variances which were approved by the Planning Commission. Senior Planner Stewart stated that the
applicant is proposing to construct a 5,000 square foot riding ring in the front yard area of the property and
which also encroaches 30 feet into the front yard setback. She further explained that the project also
includes the import of dirt and construction of two retaining walls in the front yard area that will not
exceed 5 feet in height, and which encroach into the front and side setbacks.
Senior Planner Stewart noted that the project was initially part of a larger project that was approved on the
property; however, the approval expired for the earlier project. She explained that the stable and corral
were proposed to be placed in the front yaxd area and the riding ring was proposed to be in the back. She
stated that the Planning Commission recommended that the stable be placed in the rear of the property and
that the applicant never constructed the riding ring. Senior Planner Stewart reviewed the new proposed
riding ring.
Mayor Wilson called for public comments. Hearing none, Mayor Wilson closed public comments.
Councilmember Pieper moved that the City Council receive and file Planning Commission Resolution No.
2018-15 granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 947 at 34 Saddleback Road.
Councilmember Mirsch seconded the motion.
Councilmember Black expressed concern that the ring will be too visible from the street, as there is very
little room for landscaping that could screen the ring. Councilmember Black stated that with the slope
sloping towards the street and the ring being above it, the landscaping of the slope will not provide
sufficient screening.
Discussion followed among the City Councilmembers and staff regarding landscaping requirements and
landscaping for graded slopes.
The motion carried by the following voice vote:
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AYES: COLTNCILMEMBERS: Dieringer, Mirsch, Pieper and Wilson.
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Black.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COiJNCILMEMBERS: None.
Mayor Wilson requested that Agenda Item No. 9.A. be reordered and considered at this time. There were
no objections.
9. MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS
A. CONSIDER AND APPROVE A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE PILOT
PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S
DEPARTMENT AND APPROPRIATE $900 PER YEAR TO FUND THE PROGRAM.
City Manager Jeng presented an overview of the domestic violence response pilot program. She indicated
that this item was requested by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Regional Law Enforcement (Regional Law)
Committee at their November 8, 2018 meeting. She stated that members of the Regional Law Committee
discussed the feasibility of implementing a domestic violence response pilot program that was
recommended by Councilmember Dieringer, who is a member of the committee. City Manager Jeng
stated that Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's (LASD) Captain Beringer researched the viability
of implementing a domestic violence pilot program similar to Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD)
program which pairs an officer with a domestic violence advocate when a domestic call is received. She
explained the proposal is to have LASD model LAPD's program. She discussed the personnel shortages
that are currently being experienced by the LASD and the Lomita Station, and that based on this issue, it is
not possible to staff full-time deputies for this program. City Manager Jeng indicated that Captain
Beringer recommended the use of detectives on a volunteered overtime basis.
Councilmember Black questioned whether there were major differences with the current process for
handling domestic violence cases.
Captain Beringer explained the domestic violence response program and indicated that it is more in depth.
He stated that the victim works with an advocate to start the prosecution and restraining order process to
aid in the prosecution of the case because the victim will recant many times.
Councilmember Dieringer explained the process for handling domestic violence cases. She stated the idea
is to provide the victim with an advocate who can guide the victim through the process in order to get the
victim out of a recurring situation. -
Discussion followed among the City Council regarding the domestic violence case process, LASD's
Detectives' function in a domestic violence case and cost.
Councilmember Dieringer moved to allocate $900 per year to fixnd a Domestic Violence Response Pilot
Program administered by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Councilmember Pieper seconded
the motion,which carried without objection by the following voice vote:
AYES: COiJNCILMEMBERS: Black, Dieringer,Mirsch,Pieper and Wilson.
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COiJNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COiJNCILMEMBERS: None.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
7. OLD BUSINESS
None.
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8. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS PERTAINING TO SUBMISSION OF A
BALLOT MEASURE TO THE VOTERS AT THE TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2019
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION iN THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS IN LIGHT
OF EXECUTED AND RECEIVED NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL:
(1) RESOLUTION NO. 1232: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA CALLING FOR THE SUBMISSION OF
A BALLOT MEASURE TO THE VOTERS AT THE TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2019
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION.
(2) RESOLUTION NO. 1233: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA SETTING PRIORITIES FOR FILING
WRITTEN ARGUMENTS REGARDING A CITY MEASURE AND DIRECTING
THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS.
(3) RESOLUTION NO. 1234: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF
REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS REGARDING A CITY MEASURE.
(4) EXECUTED NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF LOCAL INITIATIVE "MEASURE
2017".
Mayor Wilson introduced the item and asked for the staff report. City Manager Jeng stated that this item
was considered at the last City Council meeting and was postponed to allow the City Attorney additionai
time to develop the question in the view preservation measure to be placed on the March 5, 2019 General
Municipal Election and to research whether the view preservation measure could be withdrawn from the
ballot.
City Attorney Jenkins advised that at the last Council meeting both of the proponents of the view
preservation measure were in attendance and both indicated that they would like to withdraw the measure
in order to avoid having an election to vote on the measure. City Attorney Jenkins stated that both
proponents submitted a written withdrawal of the measure pursuant to the Elections Code. City Attorney
Jenkins indicated that the law did change this year after he conducted research at the Council's direction.
He stated that the Elections Code now specifically allows for the proponent of an initiative to withdraw at
any time before the 88th day before the election. He stated that the only issue is that the legislation does
not take effect until January 1, 2019; therefore, the City is in an odd dilemma as the City is on the cusp of
the legislation. He noted that the 88th day before the election is December 7, 2018. He explained that the
City would not be able to withdraw the measure after December 7, 2018 if the City waited until January 2,
2019; however, the election itself is scheduled after the effective date of the legislation. City Attorney
Jenkins stated that this was not a situation that was contemplated by the legislature and there is no case
law. He stated that at this point he can only provide an educated guess as to the result if the matter were to
be challenged. He further stated that he feels the legislative intent is clear and is intended to avoid
elections where issues are worked out between the agency and proponents. City Attorney Jenkins believes
this case is a classic example of the intent of the law. He stated that from the time the measure qualified in
2016 to the time it became eligible to be placed on the ballot, a substantial amount of activity occurred
which resulted in another ballot measure and, subsequently, a new ordinance being adopted. He indicated
the existing ordinance is substantially the same as the proposed ordinance and that holding an election
would be wasteful. City Attorney Jenkins stated the risk is very low and recommended that the City
Council withdraw the view preservation measure from the March 5, 2019 General Municipal Election.
In response to Mayor Wilson's question, City Attorney Jenkins stated that the decision to withdraw the
measure from the ballot could be challenged; however, he opined that it would have to be challenged
before December 7, 2018 in order to place it back on the ballot.
Mayor Wilson called for public comments. Hearing none,Mayor Wilson closed public comments.
Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council receive and file the view preservation measure
proponents' notice of withdrawal from the March 5, 2019 General Municipal Election ballot.
Councilmernber Pieper seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following roll call vote:
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AYES: COLTNCILMEMBERS: Dieringer, Mirsch, Pieper and Wilson.
NOES: CDUNCILMEMBERS: Black.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COLTNCILMEMBERS: None.
B. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS AMENDING CHAPTER 8.04
(HEALTH CODE) OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE TO
ADOPT THE MOST RECENT VERSION OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH
AND SAFETY CODE AND CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE LOCAL
AREA MANAGEMENT PROGRAM MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH
LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH.
Mayor Wilson introduced the item and asked for the staff report. City Manager Jeng stated this itein
originated from the discussion on the sewer project. She indicated that the state passed a policy to govern
onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) or septic tanks. She indicated that the state is interested in
overseeing any septic tanks that are within the state to minimize the degradation of water quality. She
explained that the state's OWTS policy states that owners of septic tanks need to engage with the State
Water Resources Control Board (State Board) in order to obtain a state permit because potentially an
owner is a discharger into the receiving waters. She stated that the Los Angeles County Department of
Public Health (LACDPH) requested to prepare a local area management plan to alleviate owners from
engaging with the State Board to obtain a license for a septic tank. City Manager Jeng stated that a Los
Angeles Local Area Management Program (LAMP) was prepared by LACDPH and approved by the Los
Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. She indicated tha.t approval of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the LACDPH and the adoption of Title 11 of the amended Los Angeles
County Health and Safety Code be considered in order to be a part of the LAMP and to allow the City to
contract with the LACDPH for the regulation of OWTS within the City.
In response to Mayor Wilson's question, City Manager Jeng stated that the 200 feet public sewer location
is measured from the centerline of a mainline sewer to the property. City Manager Jeng further clarified
that if a public sewer is available within 200 feet of a residence, the repair or replacement of a septic tank
will not be approved.
Councilmember Pieper indicated that the availability of a public sewer within 200 feet of a residence
along Palos Verdes Drive North is a problem for these residents.
City Manager Jeng stated that if residents have an existing septic tank that is operating well without any
issues, then the residents will not be affected by the 200 foot public sewer connection requirement. She
further stated that if a resident has called a pumper out twice within a 180-day period, then the pumper is
obligated to report to the LACDPH that the property has an issue.
Discussion ensued concerning the fee schedule, identification of properties with septic tanks and
provisions of the MOU.
Mayor Wilson opened public comments.
Jim Aichele, 14 Crest Road West, expressed concern on the impacts of the availability of a public sewer
within 200 feet of a residence and discussed his neighbor's sewer connection.
City Manager Jeng provided clarification on the availability of a public sewer within 200 feet of a
residence as it relates to the repair of an existing OWTS.
Discussion ensued among staff and the City Council regarding sewer connection options, if required, due
to a failing septic system.
Mr. Aichele further stated that he supports sewers. He commented on pumping up hill on Crest Road and
expressed concern with pumping his neighbor's affluent up hill if his neighbor's have a failure.
Discussion ensued concerning the various conditions that would require a connection to a sewer line.
Roger Hawkins, 37 Crest Road West, inquired if there was a sewer line on Crest Road.
Planning Director Schwartz stated that there is no sewer line on Crest Road and that the closest sewer line
is on Crenshaw Boulevard and one in Rancho Palos Verdes behind Rancho Del Mar School.
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Mayor Wilson closed public comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch moved that the City Council waive full reading and introduce for first reading
Ordinance No. 359 amending Chapter 8.04 (Health Code) of the City of Rolling Hills Municipal Code to
adopt the most recent version of the Los Angeles County Health and Safety Code and authorize the Mayor
to sign the MOU between LACDPH and the City for the regulation of OWTS within the City.
Councilmember Black seconded the motion. The motion carried by the following voice vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Black,Dieringer,Mirsch,Pieper and Wilson.
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COITNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
9. MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS
B. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORIVIA, AMENDING
CHAPTER 8.30 FIRE FUEL ABATEMENT OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
MUNCIPAL CODE TO REQUIRE CERTAIN LEVELS OF CLEARANCE BASED ON
DIFFERENT ZONES EXTENDING FROM RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES WITHIN
THE CITY.
Mayor Wilson introduced the item and asked for the staff report. City Manager Jeng provided an
overview of the enforcement of Chapter 8.30, Fire Fuel Abatement, of the City's municipal code. She
indicated that the City Council requested that guidelines be prepared on how to enforce the removal of
dead vegetation. City Manager Jeng provided a summary of the current enforcement requirements of the
Los Angeles County Fire Department (LCFD) and the Los Angeles County Department of Agriculture
Commissioner/Weights and Measures. She noted that both agencies have no outstanding brush clearance
cases in the City. She stated that eight brush clearance cases were reported by residents and that of those
eight cases, only one remains open. She indicated that staff also worked on brush clearance cases
identified by the Rolling Hills Community Association (RHCA) and provided a status summary of the 31
RHCA cases. City Manager Jeng reviewed the proposed ordinance and discussed the three zones of
defensible space, degree of slope and enforcement guidelines. She noted that the City Council requested
to include tumbleweeds and only dead vegetation removal in the ordinance verbiage.
City Manager Jeng noted that comment letters were received from residents Alfred Visco and Roger
Hawkins.
Mayor Wilson opened public comments.
Roger Hawkins, 37 Crest Road West, commented that all properties will be affected in some way if the
proposed ordinance is adopted and expressed concern with the cost of hiring a part-time code enforcement
officer. He suggested that tax dollars should be spent on assisting residents with clearing their properties.
Leslie Stetson, 71 Saddleback Road, expressed support of the brush clearance program. Ms. Stetson
stated that fire fuel should be eliminated.
Sue Breiholz, 6 Upper Blackwater Canyon Road, commented that she felt it was the City Council's
obligation to reduce fire fuel as much as possible. She expressed support of the proposed ordinance.
Jim Aichele, 14 Crest Road West, commented that residents will be upset with vegetation that is removed.
He expressed concern with losing privacy due to the removal of vegetation, clearing of canyons and
enforcement.
Carol Hoffman, 3 Hillside Lane, commented that she believed that residents will support the proposed
ordinance.
Mr. Hawkins spoke on the causes of fire,which include people and Southern California Edison.
Alfred Visco, 15 Cinchring Road, read his comment letter. He stated that the proposed ordinance will
achieve the reduction of fire fuel in the City.
Mayor Wilson closed public comments.
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Councilmember Pieper commented that the point of the program was to start with dead vegetation
removal and make residents aware of the fire fuel issues. He felt the proposed ordinance was wide-
ranging and would like to keep it narrow.
Discussion followed among staff and City Council regarding the status of the properties identified by the
RHCA.
Councilmember Black commented that the City Council wanted residents to become aware of the fire fuel
issue. He indicated that adding tumbleweeds to the ordinance was a good suggestion. Councilmember
Black inquired if the City has any non-covered insurance liability issues related to enforcement of dead
vegetation. He stated that he would support a program to assist residents with a financial need because it
would benefit the whole city.
City Attorney Jenkins advised that he believed there is no basis for liability associated with imposing a
requirement to clear dead vegetation on a property. He further explained that there is a way to structure
the use of public funds for a property owner in financial need given the catastrophic effect that a wildfire
could have on the city. City Attorney Jenkins advised that there are objective financial criteria that could
be developed, such as a loan program or lien program, where the current owner would not be obligated to
pay; however, once the property is sold a future buyer might be obligated to pay off the loan.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch commented that she is pleased with the awareness and discussion among residents
that has come about and the work that is being done to clear dead vegetation. She thanked staff f�r
developing the guidelines. She stated that the scope of work proposed in the ordinance is broader;
however, she appreciates the work that staff completed. She would like to limit the code enforcement
efforts to dead vegetation only. She indicated that the existing ordinance does not need to be revised.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch suggested to incorporate into the existing ordinance the removal of dead Palm
fronds from living trees and tumbleweeds, live or dead. She noted that the community agreed to proactive
enforcement with the existing ordinance. She stated that the issue concerning hillsides not being cleared
was brought up by residents. She indicated that the degree of slope should be determined to make it clear
and consistent for residerits. Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch further stated that if the vegetation is dead, it needs
to be removed. She stated she was not aware of the scope of the proposed ordinance and does not support
it. She expressed support of adding the two items, tumbleweeds and dead Palm fronds, to the existing
ordinance and to find a way to address inaccessible areas. Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch commented, for the
record, that she feels that the City is assuming the LCFD's burden by including zones that are under the
LCFD's purview in the proposed ordinance. She indicated that she is not supportive of codifying the
areas that the LCFD should be enforcing. Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch noted that the existing ordinance covers
the whole property.
Discussion ensued among the City Council regarding procedures to make enforcement consistent and
objective, not enforcing the removal of live vegetation, using a simple strategy for brush clearance
enforcement and establishing a slope criteria.
Councilmember Black indicated that he does not want to stop the code enforcement efforts that have
already been implemented.
Further discussion followed regarding the possibility of having LACFD's conduct inspections more than
once a year on a case-by-case basis,postponement of the guidelines, developing a consistent slope degree,
and continuing with the current brush clearance program.
There was consensus among the City Council not to implement the proposed ordinance.
Further discussion followed among staff and the City Council on clearing dead vegetation on large
properties.
Following discussion, the City Council, by consensus, directed staff to continue enforcement of the City's
existing ordinance and review Chapter 8.30 of the municipal.code to add the following items: 1) Removal
of tumbleweeds, dead or living; 2) Removal of dead 1'alm fronds from dead or living trees; and 3) Add a
slope measure that can be applied generally among all properties.
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10. MATTERS FROM STAFF
None.
11. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6
CITY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE: CITY MANAGER
UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEE: PLANNING DIRECTOR
The City Council convened into closed session at 9:28 p.m. and City Clerk Hall left the Council Chamber.
12. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
A. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTIONS FROM CLOSED SESSION (ORAL REPORT).
The meeting reconvened in open session with all Councilmembers in attendance.
City Attorney Jenkins announced that there was no reportable action from the Closed Session.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no fiirther business before the City Council, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 10:05 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled to be held on Monday, January 14, 2019
beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Porhzguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills,
California.
Respectfully submitted,
- ��'�`--�
Yve �e Hall
.�
City Clerk
Approvs�d, .^ � ,� _
,
f.y �"�"'�
i
P• ` .on
1Vlayor
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