7/24/1995MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
JULY 24,1995
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by
Mayor Pernell at 7:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend
Road, Rolling Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Heinsheimer, Hill, Lay, Mayor Pro Tem Murdock and
Mayor Pernell.
Councilmembers Absent: None.
Others Present: Craig R. Nealis, City Manager.
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney.
Lola Ungar, Principal Planner.
Marilyn L. Kern, Deputy City Clerk.
Captain Beth Dickinson, Los Angeles County Sheriff's
Department, Lomita Station.
Assistant Fire Chief Hershel Clady, Los Angeles County
Fire Department.
Battalion Chief Mark Doliva, Los Angeles County
Fire Department.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF HERSHEL CLADY
REGARDING LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT BENEFIT
ASSESSMENT LEVELS, PROJECTED REVENUE SHORTFALLS AND POSSIBLE
STATION CLOSURES.
Assistant Chief Clady briefed the City Council on the County budget and property tax
shortfalls which may impact the Fire Department's service levels and cause the closure of
certain Fire Stations in Los Angeles County including Station 56 at 12 Crest Road West.
Chief Clady urged the City Council to support an increase in the Fire Suppression Benefit
Assessment level.
Councilmembers discussed the items brought to their attention by Assistant Chief Clady
and expressed concern that Station 56 would be targeted for closure should the County
Board of Supervisors not approve an increase in the Fire Suppression Benefit Assessment.
In response to Councilmember Heinsheimer, Assistant Chief Clady stated that the City of
Rolling Hills could assist the Department by contacting the Board of Supervisors and
expressing support for an increase in the Benefit Assessment level. In response to Mayor
Pernell, Chief Clady presented a brief history and explanation of the Fire Suppression
Benefit Assessment District. Chief Clady also explained that should Station 56 be closed,
service to Rolling Hills would be provided by other Fire Stations located on the Peninsula.
Also in response to Mayor Pernell, Chief Clady stated that the City could augment the costs
of retaining Fire Station 56 in Rolling Hills and explained that there are some cities that
contract with the County Fire Department for a certain level of service.
Further discussion ensued regarding the criteria used to choose the stations which would
be closed. In response to Councilmember Heinsheimer, City Manager Nealis reported that
4th District Supervisor Dean Dana's Field Deputy Lea Jeffries called to advise the City of
the Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman's letter urging support for an increase in the Fire
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Suppression Benefit Assessment level. He stated that Ms. Jeffries indicated that the
Supervisor woule not be in favor of this increase. Ms. Jeffries expressed that he feels that
until property tax revenue estimations are more concrete, nobody can determine what the
proposed shortfall will be. In response, Assistant Chief Clady stated that the Fire
Department is in the process of preparing long term plans and cannot wait until the final
estimations are in.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Murdock, Assistant Chief Clady stated that the increase in
the Benefit Assessment level would carry Fire Department Station 56 for approximately 24
months. Assistant Chief Clady stated that the final decision regarding station closures will
be made by August 8 when the property tax revenue estimations are in and will probably
be implemented in September, 1995.
Councilmember Hill stated that the $20.00 increase in the Fire Suppression Benefit
Assessment would be a small price to pay since the cost of property owners fire insurance
is related to the distance of a fire station from that residence.
Mr. William Hassoldt, 10 Pine Tree Lane, expressed concern regarding the possibility of the
closure of Fire Station 56. Mr. Hassoldt urged the Mayor and the City Council to do all they
can to preserve the level of fire protection in the City.
The City Council concurred that the Mayor and staff be directed to take appropriate action
to support the Fire Department's lobbying efforts for an increase in the Benefit
Assessment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Minutes - Regular Meeting of July 10, 1995.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
b. Payment of Bills.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
C. Financial Statement for the month of June, 1995.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
d. Status report regarding Senate Bill No. 1073 (Costa), Senate Bill No. 936
(Campbell) and Senate Bill No. 11 (Ayala).
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
e. Southern California Gas Company Notice of Proposed Rate Increase,
Application No. 95-06-143.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file/provide direction.
f. Consideration of flyer from the Wildlife Preservation Committee pertaining
to Raccoons in the City of Rolling Hills.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
g. Correspondence from Browning-Ferris Industries regarding recovered
recyclable material.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
h. Report regarding purchase of computer equipment for Clerk
Typist/ Receptionist work station and City Manager's Office.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
Mayor Pro Tem Murdock moved approval of the recommendations contained in the
Consent Calendar. Councilmember Heinsheimer seconded the motion which carried
unanimously.
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 250: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, APPENDIX J (GRAYWATER STANDARDS)
OF THE STATE PLUMBING CODE, 1994 EDITION, AND AMENDMENTS
THERETO, ADOPTING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY PLUMBING CODE, TITLE 28,
AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND AMENDING PORTIONS OF CHAPTER
15.08 OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report. Mayor Pernell opened the public hearing
and called for testimony. Hearing none, Mayor Pernell called for a motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Murdock moved that the City Council waive. further reading and
introduce Ordinance No. 250. Councilmember Heinsheimer seconded ,the motion which
carried unanimously. Hearing no objection, Mayor Pernell continued the public hearing
to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Monday, August
14, 1995.
Councilmembers discussed the graywater standards as it relates to discharge from
dishwashers and laundry water.
City Manager Nealis expressed appreciation to Principal Planner Ungar for the outstanding
job done in preparing the staff materials related to this Ordinance.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 254: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS ESTABLISHING REVISED STANDARDS FOR MAXIMUM DISTURBED
AREA AND AMENDING TITLE 17 OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report.
Councilmembers discussed various aspects of the proposed Ordinance. Principal Planner
Ungar explained that the text of this Code Section has been ammended to include the
phrase "on any remedial grading (temporary disturbance) and any graded slopes.....".
Mayor Pernell opened the public hearing and called for testimony.
Councilmember Hill expressed concern that this Ordinance would preclude a particular
property from land stabilization at the developers expense. Councilmember Lay explained
that there are processes within the City to adequately handle remedial grading for safety or
other reasons. He further stated that this Ordinance will allow the City to more closely
conform to its Site Plan Review process and the policy of the City to encourage a rural,
minimal grading environment in the City.
Hearing no further discussion, Mayor Pernell called for a motion.
Councilmember Lay moved that the City Council waive further reading and introduce
Ordinance No. 254. Councilmember Heinsheimer seconded the motion which carried
unanimously. Hearing no objection, Mayor Pernell continued the public hearing to the
next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Monday, August 14,
1995.
RESOLUTION NO. 768: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA, FINDING THE CITY TO BE IN CONFORMANCE
WITH THE CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CMP) AND ADOPTING
THE CMP LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION REPORT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65089.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report. Mayor Pernell opened the public hearing
and called for testimony.
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Councilmember Heinsheimer expressed concern that the City must comply with this type
of program.
Mayor Pernell opened the public hearing and called for testimony. Hearing no further
discussion, Mayor Pernell closed the public hearing and called for a motion.
Councilmember Heinsheimer moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 768.
Councilmember Lay seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA - APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME
None.
OLD BUSINESS
CONSIDERATION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS AND GS BROTHERS, INC. FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES.
(1) RESOLUTION NO. 769: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY AND GS BROTHERS, INC. FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE OF THE
CITY ADMINISTRATION FACILITY AND TENNIS COURT AREA.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report. Hearing no discussion, Mayor Pernell
called for a motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Murdock moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 769.
Councilmember Hill seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF A REPORT FROM CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE
COMPANY REGARDING RATE INCREASES.
California Water Service Company Palos Verdes District General Manager Don Jensen
explained that the rate increases were necessary due to an increase in the cost of purchasing
water from the Metropolitan Water District as well as an increase in the cost of power from
the Southern California Edison Company. Councilmembers concurred that they will
continue to monitor such rate increases.
Mr. Jensen briefed the City Council on various projects that the Water Company has been
working on in the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Hearing no further discussion, Mayor Pernell
thanked Mr. Jensen for his presentation.
CONSIDERATION OF MEMBERSHIPS ON THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report. Councilmembers concurred that the City
should encourage residents to participate on the City's Commissions and Committees.
Councilmember Hill suggested that the Council approve a seventeen member Disaster
Preparedness Committee.
Mayor Pernell directed staff to prepare a Resolution of Appointment for City Council
consideration at the next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Monday, August 14,
1995.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM THE ROLLING HILLS TENNIS CLUB
FOR TREE TRIMMING/REMOVAL ADJACENT TO TENNIS COURT NO. 1.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report. Discussion ensued regarding whether the
trees should be trimmed or removed. In response to Mayor Pernell, City Manager Nealis
stated that the trees may serve as a buffer between the tennis courts and the neighboring
property.
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Mayor Pernell suggested that a Council representative, member of the Tennis Club and
staff meet with the adjoining neighbor to view the trees and surrounding shrubbery,
discuss this matter and receive their input.
Councilmember Hill expressed concern regarding damage to the tennis court surface that
may occur due to these trees. City Manager Nealis reported that the courts were resurfaced
in November, 1992.
The City Council concurred that Tennis Club Liaison/Mayor Pernell and staff be directed to
conduct a meeting with representatives of the Tennis Club and the neighboring property
owner to determine whether the trees should be removed or trimmed.
CONSIDERATION OF A STAFF REPORT REGARDING A NEW AERIAL
PHOTOGRAPH FOR THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report. In response to Mayor Pernell, City Manager
Nealis stated that he would query Herb Agid regarding his ability to produce an aerial
photograph.
Councilmember Hill discussed the Lung & Associates proposal to provide the photo
mounted on 1/2 inch thick Gator foam board and the fact that the photo would be
trimmed down, cutting approximately 200 feet of the aerial view of the ocean and
surrounding cities. City Manager Nealis stated that staff would clarify the dimensions of
the aerial photo and that it is his understanding that the finished product would be similar
to the photograph in the Council Chambers.
Councilmember Heinsheimer discussed the scale of the proposed photograph and the
present photograph and reported that this type of photograph can be taken by high
resolution satellites. City Manager Nealis reported that the companies that provided
proposals for the aerial photograph each came out and viewed the present photograph and
were advised that the City would like for the new photograph to be the same.
Mayor Pro Tem Murdock requested that the present photograph be saved for the City's
historic records. Discussion ensued regarding what would be done with the present
photograph. It was suggested that the two photographs be placed side by side.
The City Council concurred that this item be continued. Staff was directed to determine
the scale of the proposed new aerial photograph and to investigate whether local resident
and photographer Mr. Herb Agid could provide this photograph.
MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
None.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
• City Manager Nealis reported that he has arranged to meet with representatives of the
School District and PV Transit Authority on Wednesday, July 26, 1995, to discuss the
School District's request to store PV Transit vehicles at the School District Maintenance
Facility on Crest Road. Mayor Pernell reported that he was queried on this subject at a
recent Peninsula Mayors' luncheon. Mayor Pernell reported that he advised the
Peninsula Mayors that to date, the City has not received a formal request from the
School District.
MATTERS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY
CONSIDERATION OF AN ORAL REPORT REGARDING MAINTENANCE OF
PRIVATE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM IN THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS.
City Attorney Mike Jenkins provided the City Council with a brief history of the privately
constructed sanitary sewer system in the Johns Canyon Road/Chestnut Lane area. City
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Attorney Jenkins reported on the City's options to ensure the maintenance of this
privately funded and constructed sewer.
Dr. Richard Henke, Member, Rolling Hills Community Association Board of Directors,
reported on discussions regarding this matter at the Rolling Hills Community Association
Board of Directors meeting. He stated that it is his understanding that the property owners
are anxious to have this matter resolved.
Councilmembers discussed the County's position regarding this matter and the options
outlined by City Attorney Jenkins and concurred that staff be directed to work out the
details to accomplish the maintenance of this sewer system under public ownership and
County Maintenance.
ADTOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Pernell adjourned the meeting
at 9:07 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on
Monday, August 14, 1995, in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend
Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Respectfully submitted,
n-\Ia9- ,k
Marilynn
Deputy City Clerk
Approved,
greyy �Pernell, D.S.
Mayor
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