08-27-2018 MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY,AUGUST 27,2018
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 7:00p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling
Hills, California.
2. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Pieper, and Mirsch
Councilmembers Absent: None
Others Present: Yolanta Schwartz, Interim City Manager
Julia Stewart, Acting Planning Director
Yvette Hall, City Clerk
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney
Debra Mitchell, 23 Georgeff Road
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME
Debra Mitchell, 23 Georgeff Road, expressed a concern regarding coyotes entering backyards:
loss of pets due to the amount of coyotes around properties; suggested that the newsletter be more
detailed; and collaborate with outside cities to raise awareness.
Mayor Wilson stated that the budget for coyote control was increased in order to deal with coyotes.
Councilmember Pieper indicated that there have been efforts by other cities that have been
aggressive in their efforts to prevent coyote attacks, however animal rights organizations have
protested against these efforts. Councilmember Pieper cautioned that the City has to tread lightly
when using coyote traps.
The City Council agendized an item regarding discussions of coyote attacks in the community.
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 August 13, 2018.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED.
B. Payment of Bills.
RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE AS PRESENTED.
C. County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control FY 2018-19
Service Level Request.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
Councilmember Dieringer requested pulling consent item 4C for further discussion.
Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council approve items 4A and 4B on the consent
calendar as presented. Councilmember Black seconded the motion and the motion carried without
objection by voice vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Pieper, and Mirsch
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
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Item 4C.
Councilmember Dieringer asked staff to clarify an expense for animal facility licensing and the
ability to make an exception for Los Angeles County to enforce.
Interim City Manager, Yolanta Schwartz stated that the City uses the County facility and that the
item regarding animal facility licensing is an exception,which means the County is not performing
these services for the City. In this case, County's facilities were used. She further explained that
the County will not charge the City for any services not performed. In the agreement, the line is
meant as a strikeout to the service, it does not indicate that the service is being provided. Upon
further investigation of the staff report, Interim City Manager Schwartz stated that she may have
misunderstood the contract. According to the contract, the County is providing licensing and
inspections. There are services that are mandated by SB945 because when the County takes an
animal to a shelter,they perform inspections, as required.
City Attorney Michael Jenkins explained to the Council that the County charges the City for
services performed. Under this contract, the County is providing this service because it is their
responsibility. He agreed with Councilmember Dieringer that the City does not have facilities to
perform these services therefore the County should provide this responsibility. He also pointed out
that the County will only charge the City when this service is provided.
Councilmember Dieringer also inquired about the enforcement of Title X.
City Attorney Michael Jenkins indicated that the City would prefer the enforcement of Title X
with respect to dangerous dogs, however, the County indicated that that they would enforce other
provisions of the Title but not in respect to dangerous animals and also added that the County will
not charge for that service. He clarified that the City is talking to staff from the City of Long
Beach to retain subcontracting services for the enforcement of Title X with respect to dangerous
animals.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch asked staff to re-evaluate the cost of the Spay and Neuter Trust Fund.
Staff clarified that the fund has not had significant negative impact on the City's reserve.
Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council approve the consent item as presented.
Councilmember Pieper seconded the motion and the motion carried without objection by a voice
vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Pieper, and Mirsch
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
5. COMMISSION ITEMS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2018-05. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING A MAJOR
MODIFICATION IN ZONING CASE NO. 916 AND AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 2017-08 TO ALLOW MODIFICATIONS TO THE
PREVIOUSLY APPROVED BASEMENT AND GRADING QUANTITIES AT 5
EL CONCHO IN ZONING CASE NO. 916, (LOT 10-GF)ROLLING HILLS, CA
(DE MIRANDA).
Acting Planning Director, Julia Stewart provided the City Council with a summary of the request
for a major modification to a previously approved project by PowerPoint presentation. She
explained that the applicant requested a Site Plan Review to add an additional 126 square feet of
basement, with an additional 4 foot 9 inch depth. Even though the basement was located beneath
the footprint of the existing residence, the proposed work would be located partially in the front
setback due to the existing non-conforming status of the house. The removal of a barbeque pad
and restoration of a slope leading up to a remaining patio area,reduced the disturbed area to 46.2%;
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basement excavation increased grading; and the inclusion of additional special conditions ensures
previous conditions are intact. Staff presented an amended resolution, not a new one. Staff did not
receive any concerns from neighbors.
Councilmember Dieringer inquired about the timeline of the project.
Acting Planning Director Stewart explained that the project must be completed within two years
of when the permit was issued. She clarified that a new engineer with experience working with
hillside work was hired; the entrance to the basement is not visible and that the modification does
not restart a two-year extension.
Councilmember Black stated that he was concerned about the project looking like a two-story
home.
Acting Planning Director Stewart explained that one of the ways that this issue is being addressed
was by looking at the elevations. She stated that the wall of the basement will look like the outside
of the house. She highlighted via a PowerPoint presentation how the elevation would look from
across the canyon and proceeded to show the Council the different vantage points of different
elevations.
Councilmember Dieringer asked if there would be screening for the out of grade issue and whether
it was part of the plan.
Acting Planning Director Stewart explained that there already is an out of grade condition permit
and it is consistent with the rest of the house. She informed the Council they could take the project
under their jurisdiction if they wish to require additional screening.
Councilmember Pieper moved that the City Council receive and file the item as presented. Mayor
Pro Tern Mirsch seconded the motion and the motion carried without objection by a voice vote as
follows:
AYES: COUNC1LMEMBERS: Mayor Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Pieper, and Mirsch
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE.
7. OLD BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
EDISON RULE 20A FUND EXCHANGE RATE WITH THE CITY OF PALOS
VERDES ESTATES.
Interim City Manager Yolanta Schwartz explained that the City of Rolling Hills previously made
an offer of$0.60 for$1.00 of Rule 20A credits from the City of Palos Verdes Estates(PVE). Palos
Verdes Estates requested that the offer be improved upon to reflect an increase between $0.65 to
$0.75.
The City Council directed staff to maintain the offer amount at$0.60 but requested that the amount
of credits to be purchased be 1,200,000 rather than the original 1,000,000 credits.
Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council direct staff to purchase 1,200,000 credits
in the amount of $0.60 per credit. Councilmember Black seconded the motion and the motion
carried without objection by a voice vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Pieper, and Mirsch
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
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ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. FIRST AMENDMENT TO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING —
COORDINATED INTEGRATED MONITORING PROGRAM (CIMP).
Interim City Manager Schwartz provided a brief report regarding a review of the First Amendment
to the Memorandum of Understanding(MOU)between the LA County Flood Control District,the
County of Los Angeles and the Cities of Rancho Palos Verdes,Palos Verdes Estates,Rolling Hills,
and Rolling Hills Estates regarding the Administration and Cost Sharing for Implementing the
Coordinated Intergraded Monitoring Program(CIMP)for the Peninsula CIMP Agencies.After the
approval of a professional services agreement for Geosyntec Consultants to carry out weekly
shoreline monitoring and reporting, the additional cost is being distributed between the four
incorporated Peninsula CIMP agencies according to the percent of land shown in a graph.
Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council make an amendment to the MOU to
include an additional increase in annual share of monitoring by $11,435. Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch
seconded the motion and the motion carried without objection by a voice vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Pieper, and Mirsch
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
9. MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
' PORTS
A. UPDATE ON THE PALOS VERDES PENINSULA REGIONAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 16, 2018
(ORAL).
Mayor Wilson provided an update on the Palos Verdes Peninsula Regional Law Enforcement
Committee meeting that was held on August 16, 2018. Mayor Wilson referred to a spreadsheet
indicating that the City of Rolling Hills had zeros in every category of the law enforcement
evaluation. Emergency response analysis indicated compliance with response times.
Interim City Manager Schwartz shared that coordination efforts are being made with the School
District, Police Department, and other City Managers to develop a protocol for emergency
communication.
Councilmember Dieringer provided an update on the Domestic Abuse Response Team; she
discussed the various forms of communication that each agency uses in case of emergencies; and
that the City has the least amount of communication channels to disseminate information.
Interim City Manager Schwartz clarified that the only communication used in cases of emergency
is the reverse 9-11 system and listserv. She pointed out that listsery is only available for residents
that have opted to subscribe to it.
Councilmember Dieringer requested that the item be agenized for further discussion.
The City Council directed staff to conduct research on other means of communications that other
cities use, including text messages, emails, and social media; provide further information and a
report back to the City Council.
The City Council directed staff to request Edison to provide further information with regard to the
utility pole that caught fire on Portuguese Bend Road and also provide measures as to how to
minimize damages in the future.
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Mayor Pro Tern Councilmember Mirsch requested a follow up regarding the vector control matter
discussed at the last City Council meeting by Mary Drummer because she did not fully understand
the issue presented to the Council.
City Attorney Jenkins shared details relating to discussions about vector control and prevention of
diseases. Mr. Jenkins indicated that the Vector Control District has a big team dedicated to
responding to constituents and invited the City Council to attend one of the meetings to learn about
mosquito abatements. He also mentioned that Hermosa Beach and other cities are looking at
assigning Vector Control Representatives.
Mayor Wilson discussed the Active Shooter Drill held at the local high school and shared that
1200 teachers, district representatives, and other district staff were present and enjoyed the
debriefing.He also mentioned that he will be visiting the City of Hidden Hills during the upcoming
time the City does not have scheduled council meetings.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch shared that the Sheriff's Substation is now open at the Peninsula Center.
Councilmember Pieper stated that a lot of dead plants and bushes were left along Blackwater
Canyon trail and would like the City to remind the HOA to clean up the trail.
10. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. UPDATE, SIGNATURE AUTHORIZATIONS, AND CONSIDERATION OF
CHANGES TO CONSULTANT SCOPE OF SERVICES FOR CALIFORNIA
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES GRANT APPLICATIONS.
Acting Planning Director Stewart provided an update of changes made to the consultant scope of
services for California Office of Emergency Services Grant Applications (CalOES). Acting
Planning Director Stewart stated that three of the four grant applications (the Safety Update
Element,the Wildfire Outreach and Educational Programs and Power Undergrounding along Crest
Road East) are 75% complete. What was discovered was that the $35,000 requested for the dead
vegetation clearance grant application, was insufficient for the work needing to be done. The
consultant suggested to City staff that they discontinue preparation of the full grant application
and instead resubmit a Notice of Interest (NOI) for a more comprehensive project for an award
from a funding pool meant primarily for fire prevention projects. It was clarified that property
owners would indeed have to allow the City to conduct fire prevention projects on their properties
(for example dead brush clearance and modifications to live vegetation);and that the change to the
scope of services would allow the consultant to formulate the newly needed NOI for the new pool
of funds. It was also clarified that staff looked at two specific streets (Caballeros and Georgeff)
because unlike other streets, these two only have one way in or out and because the power lines
on those streets are woven through trees.Acting Planning Director Stewart stated that staff focused
on locations that would give the City the strongest case for funding.
Councilmember Black stated that it was his understanding that the funds had to be used on major
thoroughfares. He stated that when he voted for this project it was his desire to underground
Eastfield and thought that was the desire of the Council as well, and not Crest Road East, as it is
written in the application along with Georgeff.
Acting Planning Director Stewart clarified that the power line undergrounding item that mentions
Crest Road East is already part of the Hazard Mitigation Plan, and therefore, when applying for
grants, this information needs to be cohesive. She indicated that the application for grants already
includes Crest Road East and those funds can no longer be changed to provide undergrounding for
Eastfield. She also noted that new application deadlines for CalOES would be in October and if
City Council desired funds for Eastfield, staff would have to submit new NOIs that would include
Eastfield in particular.
Mayor Pro Tem Mirsch stated that she was not aware that when the Council discussed the Hazard
Mitigation Plan,that specific streets were discussed.
Councilmember Dieringer and Councilmember Black concurred.
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Acting Planning Director Stewart stated that it would be easy for the Council not to be aware,
unless the Council read through every single page of the plan. She also pointed out that at the very
end of the report there was a very thick matrix that listed all the potential implementations, and
this list was very long.
Councilmember Pieper asked to clarify that if the City pays 25%, would CalOES pay 75%. He
further inquired how the City could use Rule 20A funds ($4.8 million) to add Eastfield.
Acting Planning Director Stewart responded yes and informed the Council that they could add a
new street with the"new money"but that they cannot change the project because CalOES's offer
is contingent upon consistency with the existing application. She reminded the Council, it is not
an application they have to accept. The Council has a choice, if they are awarded the grant, they
can choose to say that they do not want to continue with Crest but instead choose to move forward
with Eastfield, but she again reminded the Council that an NOI must be submitted for Eastfield.
Interim City Manager Schwartz stated that no specific streets were discussed when it was presented
to the Council,and that it was a staff decision based on the Hazard Mitigation Plan. She stated that
she and staff rushed the decision and were trying to draft the best application with the information
they had.
Councilmember Black suggested that the Council make it very clear to staff that the desire of the
City Council is to underground Eastfield.
The City Council directed staff to submit three new Notices of Interest to CalOES.
Councilmember Pieper moved that the City Council approve staff recommendations and submit
three additional NOIs to CalOES. Councilmember Dieringer seconded the motion and the motion
carried without objection by a voice vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Pieper, and Mirsch
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
Councilmember Pieper moved that the City Council delegate the Mayor as signatory for all
necessary documentation required by Cal OES for the three grant applications being submitted on
September 4, 2018. Councilmember Black seconded the motion and the motion carried without
objection by a voice vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Pieper, and Mirsch
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None.
B. DISCUSSION OF 33RD ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND
CONSIDE' TION OF A DATE OF DECEMBER 10, 2018, 4-7 PM.
The City Council directed staff to have the caterer for this event be fully in charge of all food
service and coordination; change invitations to only include address and not the names of those
residents.
11. CLOSED SESSION
NONE.
12. ADJOU " MENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at
09:07p.m. The next meeting: Monday, September 10, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber,
Rolling Hills, City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
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Respectfully submitted,
a 1�
'o' a Coronet
(sty;r:jerk
Approved,
Patrick IN isot
Mayor
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