04-09-18 MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY,APRIL 9,2018
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
7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall,2 Portuguese Bend Road,Rolling Hills, California.
2. ROLL CALL
Councilmember's Present: Black,Dieringer, Mirsch,Pieper and Mayor Wilson.
Councilmembers Absent: None.
Others Present: Yolanta Schwartz, Interim City Manager.
Julia Stewart, Acting Planning Director.
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney.
Yvette Hall, City Clerk.
Terry Shea, Finance Director.
Robert Gaudenti, Representative of 11 Saddleback Road.
Kathleen McGowan, Consultant.
John Resich, 8 Outrider 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 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 26, 2018.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
B. Payment of Bills.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
C. City Council Finance/Budget/Audit Committee meeting notes of March 26, 2018.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
D. Consideration and Approval of the 2018/2019 City Council Committee Assignments.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
Mayor Wilson requested that Consent Calendar Item 4-D be pulled for separate consideration.
Councilmember Black inquired regarding check number 25298 in the amount of$39,710 payable to the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes for the Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program (GIMP) Implementation
Memorandum of Understanding Costs.
In response to Councilmember Black's inquiry, Interim City Manager Schwartz stated that this matter is
the annual contribution to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for the CIMP Implementation Program that the
City entered into with all the Peninsula cities for the storm water management program.
Councilmember Pieper moved that the City Council approve items 4-A, 4-B, and 4-C on the Consent
Calendar as presented. Councilmember Black seconded the motion, which carried without objection by a
voice vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Black,Dieringer,Mirsch, Pieper and Wilson.
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
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Mayor Wilson indicated that he spoke to Councilmember Dieringer regarding her City Council Committee
assignments and whether she was satisfied with her assignments. Mayor Wilson explained that there was
a misunderstanding between both of them on whether Councilmember Dieringer was on the Personnel
Committee. Mayor Wilson stated that Councilmember Dieringer expressed to him that she had an interest
in serving on the Personnel Committee this year.
Mayor Black inquired about the representative for the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission
(SMBRC)Watershed Advisory Council.
In response to Mayor Black's inquiry, Interim City Manager Schwartz responded that a revised City
Council Committee Assignment sheet was distributed to the City Council that reflected the correct
representative for the SMBRC Watershed Advisory Council which is Ralph Schmoller not Paul Grubs.
Mayor Wilson re-stated that Councilmember Dieringer expressed an interest in serving on the Personnel
Committee this year and asked if any of the current Councilmembers were interested in stepping down
from their assignment.
Councilmember Dieringer stated that she did express an interest in serving on the Personnel Committee to
Mayor Wilson and that she felt it was instrumental to have diverse opinions on the committee.
Councilmember Dieringer respectfully requested that she be considered to serve on the Personnel
Committee.
Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council consider her to serve on the Personnel Committee.
The motion failed for a lack of a second.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch moved that the City Council approve item 4-D on the Consent Calendar as
presented. Councilmember Black seconded the motion, which carried without objection by a voice vote
as follows:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Black,Dieringer, Pieper,Mirsch and Wilson.
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
5. COMMISSION ITEMS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2018-03 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL FOR VARIANCES TO
CONSTRUCT A NEW RETAINING WALL WITH A MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF UP TO
4 1/2 FEET LOCATED WITHIN A SETBACK AREA, AND ALLOW AN AS-BUILT
PORTION OF A RIDING ARENA WITH A MAXIMUM 10 FOOT ENCROACHMENT
LOCATED IN THE FRONT YARD SETBACK IN ZONING CASE NO. 937 FOR
PROPERTY AT 11 SADDLEBACK ROAD. (LOT 48-1-RH and 48-2-RH). PROJECT
IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER CEQA.
Councilmember Pieper recused himself from this matter due the proximity of his property to the subject
property.
Mayor Wilson introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Acting Planning Director Stewart
stated that the applicant is requesting Variances to construct a new retaining wall with a maximum height
of up to 4 %2 feet located within a setback area, and allow an as-built portion of a riding arena to encroach
at a maximum of 10 feet into the front yard setback. She stated that the request is related to two previous
zoning cases on the site and will allow for completion of those approved projects. Acting Planning
Director Stewart indicated that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act(CEQA).
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council receive and file Planning Commission Resolution No.
2018-03 granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 937 at 11 Saddleback Road.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch seconded the motion.
Councilmember Dieringer asked if the same engineering company that provided the previous information
with regard to the location of the retaining wall and maintaining 2:1 slope between the ring and the wall is
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the same company that is now indicating that the slope cannot be maintained as 2:1 without relocating the
wall.
Acting Planning Director Stewart responded that when the engineering company started the actual grading
they discovered that there were slight variations to what they anticipated in the field. She stated that it is
not entirely unusual to encounter new conditions in the field. Acting Planning Director Stewart further
stated that sometimes staff can process a minor modification, in which case the modification would not
come back before the Planning Commission(PC) or the City Council; however, because the modifications
they are requesting require variances, staff had to bring the modification back before the PC and City
Council.
Councilmember Dieringer inquired what provisions, if any, does the City legally have to ensure that when
plans are received and approved by staff based on engineering studies and estimates, that these plans are
in fact true and accurate in order to avoid the applicant coming back and requesting a modification
because they could no longer comply with the original approval and are now requesting the City to
approve something different.
City Attorney Jenkins stated that he believed the applicant encountered some field conditions that were
unanticipated and this resulted in a change. He stated that if this was the case, he did not know how you
can protect against this. City Attorney Jenkins further stated that apparently after the applicant did
encounter these field conditions, they did come back for approval of a revision of the project, which is
what they are supposed to do.
Acting Planning Director Stewart indicated that the engineer does sign the certification of the plans stating
that to the best of their knowledge the plans are accurate.
In response to Mayor Wilson's questions, Acting Planning Director Stewart indicated that the tree species
is a pepper tree and that there are restrictions in the Resolution to the height of the trees not to block the
neighbors' view.
Mayor Wilson opened public comments.
Robert Guadenti, Representative of 11 Saddleback Road, stated that he is the contractor for the project.
He stated that the reason the riding ring was moved forward into the setback was because originally there
was proposed a 5 foot high long retaining wall along the trail, which would have resulted in a steep slope
between the riding ring and the wall. He stated that he found while grading for the riding ring that if he
were to move the wall towards the front and the riding ring towards the front it would result in a better
layout, shorter wall and the wall would not be located along a trail, and the slope where the original wall
was proposed would be less steep. He stated that the stable structure is well within the setbacks.
Hearing no further comments,Mayor Wilson closed public comments.
The aforementioned motion carried without objection by a voice vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Black,Dieringer,Mirsch and Wilson.
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Pieper(recused).
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
Councilmember Pieper returned to the dais at this time.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
7. OLD BUSINESS
None.
8. NEW BUSINESS
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A. PENDING REGIONAL DECISION REGARDING RESIDENTIAL ONSITE
WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS (OWTS) FOR LOS ANGELES COUNTY
AND REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION.
Mayor Wilson introduced the item and asked for staffs comments. Interim City Manager Schwartz stated
that this matter is regarding a comment letter for City Council's consideration on a pending decision and
urging the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) to issue an extension of the current
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
(LACDPH) to continue issuing permits for septic tanks until the new Local Agency Management Plan
(LAMP) takes effect and cities have an opportunity to adopt it. Interim City Manager Schwartz
introduced consultant Kathleen McGowan of McGowan Consulting to provide an update on this matter.
Councilmember Black stated that he did not support the RWQCB's delay in approving the LAMP and that
the City Council should receive and file the report from McGowan Consulting and approve the comment
letter.
Kathleen McGowan, presented an overview of the staff report as follows: 1) Ms. McGowan explained
that the permit requirement that the RWQCB rather than the LACDPH review cases would only apply to
any septic systems that are either new or a replacement, or a failed system that has to be replaced during
the gap period between May 13, 2018 and when the LAMP becomes effective; 2) May 13, 2018 is the
expiration date of the MOU to allow the LACDPH to regulate residential septic systems until the
LACDPH's LAMP can be replaced which will take a few months; 3) Ms. McGowan is not aware of how
many septic systems will come up for review in the interim; and 4) Ms. McGowan believes the City will
be significantly impacted by this situation.
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council receive and file the report from McGowan Consulting
and approve the submittal of the comment letter as presented, with the Mayor's signature, to the RWQCB
commenting on the pending regional decision and urging the RWQCB to issue an extension of the current
MOU to allow LACDPH to continue issuing permits for septic tanks until the new plan takes effect and
cities have an opportunity to adopt it. Councilmember Pieper seconded the motion.
Ms. McGowan further stated that the issue is that there is going to be a gap when the MOU expires and
residents will be impacted. She indicated that at the workshop attended by the RWQCB and LACDPH the
question was asked if LACDPH had taken any action to try to extend the existing MOU that allows them
to issue permits and that a vague answer was received from LACDPH staff. Ms. McGowan recommended
that the comment letter be submitted sooner rather than later as the comment deadline is April 28, 2018.
She stated that if the letter is submitted sooner that RWQCB staff can review it and potentially discuss the
matter with the state board to determine what can be done to extend the MOU. Ms. McGowan's alternate
recommendation is to have the Mayor or other Councilmember attend the Regional Board meeting
because having an elected official at the meeting will have more of an impact than a consultant. Ms.
McGowan stated that often the Regional Board will direct their staff to take action on a matter not
agendized.
In response to Mayor Wilson's question, Ms. McGowan clarified that the public hearing is scheduled for
May 10, 2018.
In response to Mayor Wilson's question, Interim City Manager Schwartz stated that there are 16
properties in the City that are not on a septic system.
In response Mayor Wilson's questions, Ms. McGowan stated that active projects with a permit will not be
affected by the expiration of the MOU.
Discussion ensued among the Councilmembers and staff on the timing of the LAMP review by RWQCB.
In response to Councilmember Dieringer's question, Ms. McGowan stated that a non-conventional onsite
wastewater treatment system (OWTS) requires advanced treatment.
Councilmember Dieringer expressed concern with the first paragraph of the comment letter, that states
"The City Council of Rolling Hills supports approval of the proposed LAMP", due to the LAMP being in
draft form and not finalized or approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. She stated that
the City Council would need to provide any comments at the public hearing on May 10, 2018.
Councilmember Dieringer recommended that the City Council not make any comment about the approval
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of a document that has not been finalized as the City Council may have some disagreement with the
document. She would like to review the draft LAMP and noted a section in the LAMP, for example, that
is phasing out cesspool usage and how this would affect homeowners.
Councilmember Dieringer expressed concern with the Prohibition Section, Item 5, of the draft LAMP
pertaining to leach lines and deeming a property with a cesspool unusable for residential use and the
impacts that would have on the residents.
Ms. McGowan responded that she is not an expert on septic systems and that she can only provide the
City Council with regulatory advice on the current situation. She recommended that the City Council
retain a consulting firm to review the technical aspects of the LACDPH's LAMP.
Discussion followed among Councilmembers and the consultant concerning the review of the draft
LAMP, a revision or removal of the statement related to the draft LAMP in the comment letter, adding
additional language to the comment letter stating that the current LACDPH requirements are equivalent to
the proposed LAMP.
City Attorney Jenkins suggested that it would add value to the comment letter if it opened with a
statement that the City Council of Rolling Hills "urges the extension of the existing waste discharge until
the LAMP is put into effect" and that this avoids explicitly stating that the City Council supports the draft
LAMP, and at the same time it states the purpose of the letter. City Attorney Jenkins also recommended
stating in the letter that"maintaining the status quo will not create any health hazards."
Councilmember Black amended his aforementioned motion to include the changes proposed by City
Attorney Jenkins. Councilmember Pieper accepted the amended motion and seconded the motion.
Interim City Manager Schwartz recommended an additional change to extend the existing MOUs for
waivers of WDRs from six months to ten months.
Ms. McGowan recommended that instead of requesting a timeframe that language be included that states
"the City Council of Rolling Hills urges the extension of existing waivers of waste discharge requirements
in effect since 2004 until the LAMP can be put into effect with the individual municipalities of Los
Angeles County."
Discussion followed among the Councilmembers regarding the timeframe for the extension of existing
waivers of WDRs.
City Attorney Jenkins advised that the City Council direct staff to draft the comment letter taking into
consideration the concerns and recommendations of the City Council.
Councilmember Pieper clarified the aforementioned amended motion made by Councilmember Black as
follows: Councilmember Black moved that the City Council receive and file the report from McGowan
Consulting and approve the expeditious submittal of the comment letter, taking into consideration the City
Council's concerns and comments as discussed, with the Mayor's signature, to the RWQCB on the
pending regional decision and urging the Regional Board to issue an extension of the current MOU to
allow LACDPH to continue issuing permits for septic tanks. Councilmember Pieper accepted the
amended motion and seconded the motion.
The aforementioned motion carried without objection by a voice vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Black,Dieringer, Mirsch,Pieper and Wilson.
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
B. REPORT ON FINANCE/BUDGET/AUDIT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ON
FINANCIAL AND INVESTMENT POLICIES AND SCHEDULE OF FEES AND
CHARGES AND DISCUSSION OF FISCAL YEAR 2018/19 BUDGET PRIORITIES.
Mayor Wilson introduced the item and asked for staff s comments. Interim City Manager Schwartz stated
the report and discussion of the budget will be presented in two parts, part A is the Finance/Budget/Audit
Committee recommendations and part B is the Fiscal Year 2018/19 Budget Priorities. Interim City
Manager Schwartz stated that the Finance/Budget/Audit Committee (Committee) met on March 26, 2018
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and reviewed the Investment Policy, the Financial, Budget and Debt Policies, Resolution No. 953 —Asset
Capitalization Policies and Schedule of Fees and Charges. She stated that the Committee agreed on the
following items: 1) The Committee did not recommend any changes to the Investment Policy or the Asset
Capitalization Policy; 2) The Committee recommended the following changes to the Financial, Budget
and Debt policies: a. Section 1 - Financial Reporting Entity next to Planning and Zoning add: Building
and Safety, b. Section 7 - Budget Policies, Subparagraph A. Categories of Funds add: Transit Fund —
Measure M to the list of funds; and 3) The Committee recommended the following changes to the
Schedule of Fees and Charges: a. Reduce the LA County Building and Safety Permit fee multiplier of 2.5
times the cost of the permit to 2.25 times for Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Permits, as
applicable. A change in the multiplier from 2.5 to 2.25 times for the previous fiscal years would be a
reduction in revenues as follows: FY 2014-15 - $41,846, FY 2015-16 - $46,966, FY 2016-17 - $56,027,
FY 2017-18 - $35,233 -This is through November for this year.
Councilmember Black stated that the City needs to determine a legal way to return monies to the residents
and that the only way he knows how to do this legally is through the fees.
Mayor Wilson stated that he did a calculation and determined there would be a reduction in the collection
of fees of approximately$48,000.
In response to Mayor Wilson's comment, Finance Director Shea responded that his calculation was
accurate.
Councilmember Pieper expressed support of reducing the fee multiplier.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch commented that this is the first time she has reviewed the Fiscal Year 2018/19
Budget Priorities and that some expenditures listed have been deferred for many years. Mayor Pro Tern
Mirsch stated that the Committee came to a compromise by proposing the 2.25 fee multiplier.
Discussion followed among the Councilmembers regarding the change in multiplier from 2.5 to 2.25 times
and other methods to reduce fees for residents.
Councilmember Dieringer commented that there are items that should be considered such as the Tax
Fairness, Transparency and Accountability Act that may qualify for the ballot which would restrict local
fee authority, limited staff resources, limited revenue sources, increasing storm water management costs,
increased staff workload due to the processing of view complaint cases and proactive enforcement of the
dead vegetation ordinance before the fee multiplier is reduced.
Mayor Pro Tern Mirsch moved that the City Council approve the reduction of the Los Angeles County
Building and Safety Permit fee multiplier of 2.5 times the cost of the permit to 2.25 times for Building,
Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Permits for Fiscal Year 2018/19. Councilmember Pieper seconded
the motion.
Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council maintain the fee multiplier as is at 2.5 for Fiscal
Year 2018/19 and bring this matter back for discussion at a future date. The motion failed due to a lack of
a second.
The aforementioned motion made by Mayor Pro Tern Mirsch carried by a voice vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Black,Mirsch, Pieper and Wilson.
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Dieringer.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
Interim City Manager Schwartz reviewed the Fiscal Year 2018/19 Budget Priorities as follows: 1)
Construction of Sewer Line to serve City Hall/Rolling Hills Community Association Complex- $935,000;
2) Grant Consultant for implementation of the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) - $15,000; 3) Update of the
Safety Element of the General Plan - $35,000; 4) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) Permit - $185,000; 5) Retain a Contract Project Manager for the Tennis Court Improvement
Project and sewer line construction project - $85,000; 6) Professional Engineering Services - $30,000; 7)
Various upgrades to the City's computers, purchase of new recording systems, purchase of computer
software and purchase of new computer and/or laptop for the City Manager, City Clerk and for meetings -
$12,000; 8) Purchase color copier and scanner - $17,000; 9) Purchase printer for printing newsletters -
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$3,000; 10) Plotter for producing plans, exhibits and tracking incidents, GIS subscription, various
technology upgrades for Planning and Administration; maps for property addresses and zoning - $9,000;
11) New IT services — Cost unknown; 12) Office furniture for City Manager's office - $5,000; 13)
Emergency Preparedness Peninsula Prepared Expo and emergency preparedness course for employees -
$8,000; 14) Peafowl control - $12,000; 15) Part-time Planning Commission meeting secretary to prepare
minutes and provide clerical assistance - $25,000; 16) Contract Part-time Forester to enforce the removal
of dead vegetation - $14,500; 17)Re-landscape areas surrounding City Hall campus - $18,000; 18) Repair
broken up walkways around City Hall campus - $5,000; 19) Minimal City Hall Americans with
Disabilities (ADA) compliance — Cost unknown; and 20) City Attorney's cost will be similar to the
current year and no more than budgeted will be expended in FY 2017-18.
Interim City Manager Schwartz reviewed the following projects for consideration in the future as follows:
1) Hire additional staff such as an Assistant to the City Manager, Public Works Director or Engineer and
Clerical Staff; 2) Set aside funds for City Hall renovation and addition; 3) Global municipal code
amendment; 4) Repair the drainage, repave the driveway and restripe City Hall campus parking area; and
5)General Plan update—Estimated cost$700,000 over a two year period.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch's question, Interim City Manager Schwartz responded that because
the City is a smaller scale city with only residential uses, the cost of updating the General Plan might be
less than other cities with more varied uses.
Councilmember Pieper suggested that a temporary clerical employee be hired immediately to provide
assistance to staff.
Councilmember Dieringer indicated that she added up all the projects that had a figure affixed to it and the
total is just under $2 million dollars; however, this total does not include the large projects such as the
City Hall ADA compliance, City Attorney's costs, City Manager laptop, or the future items for
consideration except for $30,000 for the Housing Element and $700,000 for the General Plan. She
considers that most of these items are important to complete and that the City Council should devote funds
to the projects.
Finance Director Shea noted that some of the items are one time costs and some are ongoing costs.
Councilmember Pieper commented that some of the items are already included in the budget such as the
NPDES Permit. Councilmember Pieper stated that he would like to ensure that staff has enough help to
complete the tasks that need to get done.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch concurred with Councilmember Pieper's above-mentioned comment and
expressed support for hiring clerical and project management assistance and the purchase of office
furniture for the City Manager's office. Mayor Pro Tern Mirsch stated that funds should have been
continued to be set aside for the computer upgrades, color copier and plotter and that the peafowl budget
should be increased to $15,000.
Councilmember Black concurred with the majority of the comments made by the Councilmembers but
believes that the City should put off the elements of the General Plan that are not due for an amendent as
well as the ADA improvements, except for minor changes.
Discussion ensued among the Councilmembers concering the construction of the sewer line to service
City Hall and the estimated cost of$935,000.
Councilmember Dieringer commented that she feels that the HMP and Safety Element of the General Plan
are important documents to consider funding.
Councilmember Black stated that he would like to know how much the City could receive in grant funds
for the HMP and Safety Element.
Finance Director Shea stated that the City can accept grant funds; however, there is a new law regarding
federal uniform guidance, which is a purchasing ordinance, that would have to be adopted by July 1, 2018
that requires a federal section in the City's purchasing ordinance to receive a federal grant.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch inquired if it would help to have a Councilmember attend a meeting with the
Regional Water Board to discuss the trash monitoring issue in order to save the City$9,000.
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Interim City Manager Schwartz stated that a meeting could be arranged with the Regional Water Board to
discuss the trash monitoring issue.
Mayor Wilson indicated that he would be willing to meet with the Regional Water Board to discuss the
trash monitoring issue.
Mayor Wilson stated that he would attend the May 10, 2018 public hearing on the LACDPH's LAMP
matter as recommended by Consultant McGowan as previously discussed this evening.
9. MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS
Councilmember Pieper requested that additional coyote control be considered in the City.
Interim City Manager Schwartz responded that the County trapper is working in the City.
Mayor Wilson requested consideration to recite the pledge of allegiance at future City Council meetings.
There was no objection.
Mayor Pro Tern Mirsch noted that in May 2018 there is a City Council meeting that falls on Memorial
Day.
Interim City Manager Schwartz stated that staff is trying to work around the second City Council meeting
in May 2018 in order to possibly cancel the meeting.
Finance Director Shea noted that a Finance/Budget/Audit Committee meeting will be needed in May
2018.
Councilmember Black reported that there is a Peninsula-wide coyote control coordinated effort being
discussed among the cities and indicated that he would be willing to participate in this committee.
Councilmember Black reported that the Peninsula Cities discussed how to make employee benefits more
uniform among the cities and suggested that a Personnel Committee meeting be held to discuss this
matter.
Mayor Wilson suggested that the City Manager contact the City Manager of City of Rolling Hills Estates
to obtain more information on the employee benefits matter.
John Resich, 8 Outrider Road, commented that the City of Torrance is experiencing a high number of
coyote issues.
10. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. FUTURE COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN SEMINARS -
ADVERTISEMENT(ORAL).
Interim City Manager Schwartz presented the report. She stated that this was a request for larger size
posters to advertise the Community Wildfire Protection Plan seminars at an estimated cost of between
$200 to $475. Interim City Manager Schwartz stated that the posters that were previously used were too
small.
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council allocate a not to exceed amount of $475 to print
posters to advertise future Community Wildfire Protection Plan seminars. Councilmember Pieper
seconded the motion, which carried without objection by a voice vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Black,Dieringer, Mirsch,Pieper and Wilson.
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
At this time other matters from staff were discussed.
City Attorney Jenkins provided an update on the implementation of the California Water Service
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(CalWater) settlement case. He stated that the number of residents who had their water budget set by
reference to the district averages as opposed to the historic use was 105 residents. He stated that CalWater
determined that 66 of these residents had paid drought surcharges and the rest did not; as a result
CalWater on February 22, 2018 sent letters to each of the 66 residents to inform them that they may
qualify for a rebate. He indicated that as of March 30, 2018 CalWater has received 22 appeals from
among those 66 residents. He stated that CalWater recalculated the drought surcharges from 17 of the 22
appeals as of today and they are continuing to process the rest. He stated that the results fall into three
categories as follows: 1) There are some residents who will not qualify for a refund because they had
previously participated in the appeal process by which their water budgets were recalculated using a
Geographic Information System (GIS) and where that turned out to be more favorable the GIS measure
was retained; 2) Partial refunds — after recalculation based on the property's historic use these residents
still exceeded their water budgets but they were entitled to a partial refund; and 3) Full refund of their
drought surcharges. He stated that with respect to the 17 residents who have been fully processed, the
total amount credited to them is $17,606.42, which is an average of$1,035.67 per resident. City Attorney
Jenkins indicated that CalWater will be issuing the credits this month and that City staff is sending letters
to the 105 residents to remind them that they still have time to file an appeal if they have not already done
so. City Attorney Jenkins further stated that the City has an agreement with CalWater that the City would
dismiss the complaint in mid-April 2018. He noted that the appeal period ends on June 22, 2018.
Councilmembers Pieper and Dieringer requested a list of the 105 residents.
Interim City Manager Schwartz stated that all Councilmembers would be provided with a list of the 105
residents.
City Clerk Hall informed the City Council that the California Contract Cities Association's Executive
Director sent an email requesting the attendance of up to four Councilmembers to attend the Los Angeles
County Board of Supervisors' meeting tomorrow morning to speak on the staffing issues within the Los
Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 9:24 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled to be held on Monday, April 23, 2018
beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills,
California.
Respectfully submitted,
Yv e Hall
City Clerk
Approved,
Mayor
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