6/28/1993MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
JUNE 28, 1993
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Murdock at 7:37 p.m. on Monday, June 28, 1993, in the City Council Chambers at the City
Hall/Administration Building, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Pernell, Swanson, Mayor Pro Tem Leeuwenburgh and Mayor
Murdock.
Councilmembers Absent: Councilmember Heinsheimer.
Others Present: Craig R. Nealis, City Manager.
Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney.
Larry Courtright, City Treasurer.
Nan Huang, Senior Accountant.
Lola Ungar, Principal Planner.
Marilyn Kern, Deputy City Clerk.
Gordon Pearson, Battalion Chief,
Fire Department.
Los Angeles County
Leah Jeffries, Deputy, Los Angeles County 4th District
Supervisor Deane Dana.
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 - Meeting of June 14, 1993.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
b. Payment of Bills.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
C. Financial Statement for the month of May.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
d. Correspondence from Browning-Ferris Industries regarding recovered recyclable
material.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
e. Southern California Gas Company Notice to Customers of Proposed Rate Increase.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
Councilmember Swanson moved approval of the recommendations contained in the Consent
Calendar and Councilmember Pernell seconded the motion. Hearing no objection, Mayor Murdock
so ordered.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A. PRESENTATION TO JOAN SAFFO FROM THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICES.
Mayor Murdock introduced Leah Jeffries, Deputy to Los Angeles County 4th District Supervisor
Deane Dana and Battalion Chief Gordon Pearson who presented a commendation to Rolling Hills
resident Joan Saffo for volunteer assistance to the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the
South Coast Botanic Gardens.
Mayor Murdock then announced others in attendance at the meeting. Attending were Marcella
Lowe the City's new representative from the Southern California Gas Company, Scott Gobble,
representing the Edison Company, Dr. James Roberts, Community Association Vice Chair, and Mr.
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Tom Boyd, former Community Association Board Member and students from Palos Verdes
Peninsula High School, Stephan Hong and Kailine Liang.
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEMS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MODIFICATION OF THE ROAD EASEMENT AT 1
SPUR LANE.
City Manager Nealis presented the''staff re' g"" ' Mayor.' rdock asked if' anyone in the audience
wished to speak on this item.
• Mr. George M. Sweeney, representative for the' applicant, provided the City Council with
a brief history regarding this case and reasons which prompted the applicants to request this
road easement modification.
In response to questions from the City Council, Mr. Sweeney explained that the vacated portion
of the easement would be landscaped and provide an area for guest parking. He further indicated
that the drainage facilities and paving of the road would be completed by the Community
Association.
• Mr. Michael Garcia, 8 Quailridge Road South, expressed his concern about access to the
upper portion of his property from this proposed modification.
• Dr. James Roberts, Vice Chair of the Rolling Hills Community Association, indicated to the
Council that the Rolling Hills Community Association has not yet approved the plans for
this modification.
After discussion and hearing no objection, Mayor Murdock ordered that this item be held on the
agenda until such time as the applicant submits the following to the City: grading plan, landscape
plan, an access agreement with the Garcias (adjoining property owner) and approval from the
Rolling Hills Community Association for drainage improvements.
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MODIFICATION OF DRIVEWAY AT 17
SOUTHFIELD DRIVE.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report. Mayor Pro Tem Leeuwenburgh then expressed
her concern that the proposed new driveway entrance at 17 Southfield Drive was not offset enough
from the driveway at 16 Southfield Drive (Horn) and suggested that the conditions be amended
to indicate that the proposed new driveway be offset 10 feet to the north of the northerly driveway
line of the Horn driveway located across the street.
After discussion, Councilmember Leeuwenburgh moved that the City Council approve the
modification to the driveway at 17 Southfield Drive with the condition that the start of the driveway
shall be offset 10 feet in a northerly direction from the Horn driveway across the street.
Councilmember Pernell seconded the motion and hearing no objection, Mayor Murdock so
ordered.
PUBLIC HEARINGS -CONTINUED
A. CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DRAFT BUDGET
FISCAL YEAR 1993-94.
RESOLUTION NO. 704: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTABLISHING THE 1993-94 FISCAL YEAR
APPROPRIATION LIMIT FOR THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report. Mayor Murdock opened the public hearing and
called for testimony.
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• Mr. Tom Boyd, 7 Middleridge Lane South, questioned Council on several comparisons in
the budget.
After discussion, Councilmember Swanson moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 704
and Councilmember Pernell seconded the -motion. . Hearing no objection, Mayor Murdock so
ordered.
et ;.
RESOLUTION NO. 707: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING THE FY 1993-94 CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS BUDGET INCLUDING THE ANNUAL REPORT ON: GENERAL
FUND, COMMUNITY FACILITIES FUND, MUNICIPAL SELF INSURANCE
FUND, REFUSE COLLECTION FUND, SOLID WASTE CHARGES, TRAFFIC
SAFETY FUND, TRANSIT FUND -PROP. A, TRANSIT FUND -PROP. C FOR
FISCAL YEAR 1993-94.
Councilmembers commended staff for the thought and work that went into the preparation of the
FY 93-94 Budget. After discussion, Councilmember Swanson moved that the City Council adopt
Resolution No. 707 and the motion was seconded by Councilmember Pernell. Hearing no
objection, Mayor Murdock so ordered.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 241: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
ADOPTING A STORM WATER RUNOFF CONTROL ORDINANCE FOR THE
REDUCTION OF RUNOFF AND POLLUTANTS LEAVING A PROPERTY OR
PROPERTIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT
DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PERMIT NO. CA0061654-
CI6948 ISSUED BY THE CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER QUALITY
CONTROL BOARD, LOS ANGELES REGION (CRWQCB), AND AMENDING
THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE.
Mayor Murdock opened the public hearing and called for testimony. Hearing none and hearing
no objection, Mayor Murdock ordered that the public hearing be continued to the next regularly
scheduled meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF BID FOR PROCUREMENT OF
PLANNING DEPARTMENT COMPUTER EQUIPMENT.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report. Mayor Murdock then asked if anyone in the
audience wished to speak regarding this item.
• Mr. Tom Boyd, 7 Middleridge Lane South, indicated that he objects to this expense stating
that the computer system may not operate as expected and that this type of equipment tends
to become outdated with new technology. He further stated that he feels training and data
gathering would be a disruption to staff and an added expense.
• Mr. Frank Hill, 11 Cinchring Road, voiced his support for Mr. Boyd's position.
• Mr. Ron Osborne, Mac Solutions, the City's consultant for this project, countered the
comments by Mr. Boyd and Mr. Hill stating that this state of the art system would enhance
the efficiency of the Planning Department. He indicated that projects have been designed
and proven on equipment that is older than the system proposed. He further indicated that
being able to view plans three dimensionally would enable staff and the Planning
Commission to better visualize a project, reduce mistakes and the time involved in
processing cases.
Mr. Osborne further reported that a great deal of productivity is built into this system and
a good portion of the data base has already been collected in the form of aerial photographs
done for the previous sewer study. Also, database information from TRW 'Ready Division"
regarding property information is ready to go as well as map and topographic information
from U.S. Geological Service.
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Mr. Osborne indicated that training expenses will not be significant because the City is a
member of Los Angeles Macintosh Group enabling the City to receive training at a reduced
cost. He also stated that there would be no additional training costs for CAD and 3-D
system since they are part of his existing consulting contract with the City. In closing, Mr.
Osborne stated that sees this project as a complete system and does not anticipate added
expenses.
Councilmembers discussed the objections voiced during public comment and the comments made
by Mr. Osborne. They concurred that this computer system would enhance the Planning process
and the City's service to the community. Councilmembers then discussed how this expense, if
approved, would be recorded and the future training costs involved. City Treasurer Courtright
indicated that these funds would be recorded as an encumbrance in the FY 93/94 Budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Leeuwenburgh moved that the City Council award the bid for the procurement
of the Planning Department computer equipment to Creative Computers and authorize the
additional expenditure for additional computer equipment not in the original bid specifications.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Pernell and hearing no objection, Mayor Murdock
so ordered.
B. REPORT ON CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE COMPANY PROPOSED
CHANGES IN ITS TARIFF SCHEDULES APPLICABLE TO ITS PALOS
VERDES DISTRICT.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report. Mayor Murdock reported that she has discussed
this rate increase with the other Peninsula Mayors and they support the City of Rolling Hills in this
matter. Councilmember Swanson reported that she will continue to monitor these types of tariff
increases.
NEW BUSINESS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 708: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTABLISHING THE FISCAL YEAR 1993-94
MERIT PAY PLAN.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report indicating that a standard merit increase of 2.5%,
which translates to an employee being eligible for between 0% and a 5% merit adjustment per the
Employee Personnel Rules, is proposed. He further reported that this is reduced from a standard
merit increase of 4% las year.. Councilmembers then discussed the salary pool which is used as
the basis from which merit increases, based on employee performance, are granted. City Treasurer
Courtright questioned that the budget figures show an ability for salary to increase 6.25% and felt
this was too much. Mayor Murdock asked if there were any further comments and
Councilmembers discussed the comments made by Mr. Courtright and the overtime required for
the Deputy City Clerk to take the minutes. City Manager Nealis indicated that staff is operating
to complete all assignments in a more efficient manner than in previous years and in no case can
an employee receive more than a 5% increase during FY 93-94. City Treasurer further discussed
that the budget is a control document. Councilmembers concurred that they are comfortable with
their relationship with the City Manager and his ability to control expenses.
After discussion, Councilmember Pernell moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 708
and the motion was seconded by Councilmember Swanson. Hearing no objection, Mayor Murdock
so ordered.
OPEN AGENDA APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME
None.
MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
• Mayor Pro Tem Leeuwenburgh reported on her attendance at the Rancho Del Mar High
School graduation ceremonies.
• Mayor Pro Tem Leeuwenburgh requested that an item be placed on a future agenda
outlining guidelines for the use of public facilities for private parties.
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MATTERS FROM STAFF
• City Manager Nealis reported on a request by Mr. and Mrs. Grubs, 1 Hackamore Lane for
the placement of a storage container on their property during the reconstruction of their
home which was destroyed by a fire �in�December, 1992. He reported that Mr. and Mrs.
Grubs have already placed this storage container on their property. After discussion, the
City Council concurred that in addition to the items outlined in the letter to Mr. and Mrs.
Grubs, that the letter be amended to include the size of the storage container and a
provision that it shall be removed once the garage is reconstructed.
• City Manager Nealis reported on the status of the State Budget. He noted that the latest
figures indicate that the State property tax shift will have a $2,000 negative impact on the
City of Rolling Hills. He further reported that a memorandum has been received by Fire
Chief P. Michael Freeman indicating that with the exemption of Fire Districts from the
State property tax shift, the County fire and emergency medical services would continue to
be maintained..
• City Manager Nealis announced the birth of his daughter Rebecca Nicole Nealis, born
Friday, June 18, 1993 at 12:39 p.m. He reported that Rebecca weighed 71bs. 15 oz. and was
21-1/2 inches.
MATTERS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY
None.
CLOSED SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Murdock adjourned the meeting in
honor of Rebecca Nicole Nealis at 10:00 P.M. to the next regularly scheduled meeting to be held
on July 12, 1993 in the City Council Chambers at the City Hall/Administration Building, 2
Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Approved,
Jody k, XMa�or
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Marilyn L. Kern, Deputy City Clerk