5/15/2002MINUTES OF
A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MAY 15, 2002
CALL TO ORDER
A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Murdock at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road,
Rolling Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Heinsheimer, Hill, Pernell, Mayor Pro Tem Lay, and Mayor
Murdock.
Councilmembers Absent: None.
Others Present: Craig Nealis, City Manager.
Mike Jenkins, City Attorney.
Nan Huang, Finance Director.
Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director.
Marilyn Kern, Deputy City Clerk.
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 April 8, 2002.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
b. Payment of Bills April 22, 2002 and May 13, 2002.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
C. Financial Statement for the month of March, 2002.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
d. Consideration of correspondence from Cox Communications regarding a rate
adjustment.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented/provide direction.
e. BFI Recycling Tonnage Report for March, 2002.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
f. Southern California Gas Company Notice of Application to Decrease Rates,
Application No. 02-04-036 filed with the Public Utilities Commission.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
Councilmember Hill requested that the Minutes be considered off the Consent Calendar and
moved that the City Council approve. the remainder of the recommendations in the Consent
Calendar. Councilmember Pernell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Minutes -Regular Meeting of April 8, 2002.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
Councilmember Hill requested that page three, second paragraph, third sentence of the draft
minutes be amended to read, "Councilmember Hill stated that he does not object to a backup
system, however, in his opinion, four hours is not a reasonable amount of time for the backup
system to operate during an emergency." Councilmembers unanimously approved the
minutes of April 8, 2002 as amended.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
RECOGNITION OF RETIRING LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ENGINEER LATA
THAKAR IN APPRECIATION FOR HER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COUNTY
AND THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS.
Mayor Murdock presented a watercolor painting of a local scene to Ms. Thakar in appreciation
for her many years of service to the County and the City.
Ms. Thakar introduced her family members in attendance and provided brief comments
regarding her tenure with the County. She thanked the City Council and staff for the
cooperation and support over the years.
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CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
Mayor Murdock opened nominations for Mayor and nominated Mayor Pro Tem Allen Lay to
serve as Mayor for 2002-2003. Councilmember Hill seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously. Councilmembers and those in attendance congratulated Mayor Lay on his
selection to serve as Mayor for 2002-2003.
PRESENTATION TO MAYOR TODY MURDOCK RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING
SERVICE DURING 2001-2002 TERM AS MAYOR
Mayor Lay presented a plaque and a watercolor painting of the Caballeros Riding Ring at
Hesse's Gap to Jody Murdock in recognition of her outstanding service as Mayor for 2001-
2002. Councilmembers and those in attendance congratulated Councilmember Murdock for
her service as Mayor of Rolling Hills for 2001-2002.
Mr. Broc Coward, representing California State Assembly Member Alan Lowenthal and State
Senator Betty Karnette, presented a certificate to Councilmember Murdock in appreciation of
her year of service as Mayor of the City of Rolling Hills.
COMMENTS FROM 2001-2002 MAYOR TODY MURDOCK
Councilmember Murdock presented a recap of the City Council accomplishments during her
term as Mayor and thanked the City Council, staff and residents for their cooperation and
support during her term.
COMMENTS FROM 2002-2003 MAYOR
Mayor Lay indicated that he is looking forward to serving as Mayor and thanked the City
Councilmembers for their confidence in him.
Mayor Lay recessed the meeting at 7:48 p.m. for a reception honoring Jody Murdock for her
Service as 2001-2002 Mayor.
Mayor Lay reconvened the meeting at 7:55 p.m. and nominated Councilmember Frank Hill to
serve as Mayor Pro Tem. Councilmember Pernell seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously. Councilmembers and those in attendance congratulated Frank Hill on his
selection to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for 2002-2003.
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE PLANNING
COMMISSION REGARDING A VIEW PRESERVATION GUIDELINE PAMPHLET.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report providing background regarding the
recommendation from the Planning Commission. Mayor Lay reported that the Community
Association had just recently closed their public hearings to review and revise their view
procedures and suggested the Planning Commission re -review this document for possible
modifications after the Rolling Hills Community Association has completed deliberations on
their view guidelines. Councilmembers unanimously concurred with Mayor Lay's suggestion.
CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE PLANNING
COMMISSION RELATING TO FIRE SAFETY OF BUILDING MATERIALS IN
CONSTRUCTION.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report providing background regarding the Planning
Commission recommendation. He stated that the Commission felt that using exterior
building construction materials other than wood, and requiring the enclosing of eaves on
residential structures, may serve to reduce the likelihood of residential structures becoming
involved in fires and that it should be forwarded to the Rolling Hills Community Association
for discussion because it involves an architectural aspect of development.
Councilmember Pennell commented on the safety issue of this subject and the Community
Association's concern for safety and aesthetic issues as well. Mayor Lay suggested that the
City/RHCA Liaison should present this subject to the RHCA. Hearing no further discussion
or objection, this was so ordered by Mayor Lay.
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TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEMS
CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION
REGARDING THE INSTALLATION OF DELINEATORS ON EASTFIELD DRIVE
ADJACENT TO 1 HACKAMORE ROAD.
City Manager Nealis reported that Mr. and Mrs. Grubbs have requested that this item be
continued so that they may be in attendance when it is considered. Hearing no objection,
Mayor Lay continued this item to the City Council meeting scheduled to be held on Tuesday,
May 28, 2002.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
CONSIDERATION OF CORRESPONDENCE PROPOSED BY MR. CHARLES
AYLESBURY AS AMENDED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY REGARDING DISASTER
PREPAREDNESS.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report providing background regarding this subject.
Councilmember Pernell stated that he would like to discuss this item in conjunction with
Agenda Item No. 15-A regarding a meeting with County Health Department representatives
regarding disaster preparedness. Councilmember Pernell commented on Mr. Aylesbury's
desire to have this letter sent to all residents in the City. He reported that he attended a
meeting which included the City Manager, Mr. Aylesbury, the Area G Disaster Preparedness
Coordinator and representatives of the Emergency Medical Services Agency of the
Department of Health Services of the County of Los Angeles and indicated that County
responses to various emergency situations were discussed at the meeting.
Councilmember Pernell commented on the materials that had previously been distributed to
Rolling Hills residents regarding disaster preparedness and the need for residents to be
prepared to sustain themselves for a period of time in the event of a local disaster.
Councilmember Pernell reported that he shared this information with Mr. Aylesbury and
proposed that Mr. Alyesbury and Mr. Boyd review the City's Disaster Preparedness Needs,
Equipment and Expertise Survey for future review by the City Council for consideration of
dissemination to residents. He also suggested that Mr. Alyesbury's letter be revised as a cover
letter to the revised survey when it is mailed out.
After a brief discussion regarding the types of supplies that residents should maintain and to
raise the awareness of residents on disaster preparedness, Councilmembers concurred with
Councilmember Pernell's suggestion that Mr. Alyesbury and Mr. Boyd review the City's
Disaster Preparedness Survey for review by the City Council for consideration of
dissemination to residents and that Mr. Alyesbury's letter be revised as a cover letter to the
survey when it is mailed out.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSIDERATION OF A REPORT REGARDING A MEDIA PRESENTATION CENTER
FOR THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report providing background and cost estimates
related to this subject.
Councilmember Heinsheimer commented on the ever-changing technology related to this
type of equipment and explained the large flat screens that are being used in presentation
centers that he has seen.
In response to Councilmember Pernell, Councilmember Heinsheimer explained that
previously it was considered that this type of equipment would be used for the City's
emergency operations as well as it would be used by the Planning Commission, staff and
other organizations that conduct meetings in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Lay
commented on power -point presentations that he had observed. In response to Mayor Lay,
City Manager Nealis indicated that representatives he has spoken with have indicated that
they are fearful of a 3-D development plan presentation requirement. He indicated that he
feels that the representatives would use the equipment when presenting views, photographs
or graphic information to the Planning Commission.
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After a brief discussion regarding the suggestion of a flat wall mounted screen, the City
Council concurred that staff proceed with the project with revisions suggested by the City
Council during discussion that may include a flat wall mounted screen. City Manager Nealis
stated that he will report the outcome of the research on suggested revisions as a Consent
Calendar item at an upcoming City Council meeting. .
CONSIDERATION OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES REVISED COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM. RESOLUTION NO. 914: A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A REVISED REIMBURSABLE CONTRACT BETWEEN
THE CITY AND THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report and Resolution No. 914. Hearing no
discussion, Mayor Lay called for a motion.
Councilmember Heinsheimer moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 914.
Councilmember Pernell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA - APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME
Mr. Bertram Balch, 6 Hackamore Road, commented on the request for funding from the Palos
Verdes Peninsula Symphony and thanked the City Council for their past support for the
Symphony.
Mr. Fred Ripley, 91 Crest Road East, expressed concern about the plan check process, building
permit process and special assessment fees he encountered with the City and the County of
Los Angeles Building and Safety Department. Mr. Ripley requested that the City Council
assist him through the red tape with the County with his permits and building fees and in
return he would add to his project a horse and hiking trail, and additional animal habitat. City
Manager Nealis commented on Mr. Ripley's request for a waiver of the development fees and
indicated that staff would research this request. Mayor Lay commented on Mr. Ripley's
comments and requested that Mr. Ripley submit his concerns to staff in writing.
At 7:30 p.m., Councilmember Pernell requested to be excused from the meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS.
Mayor Lay indicated that a worksheet was provided with their agenda materials and
requested that the City Councilmembers indicate their committee assignment preferences and
return them to staff.
CONSIDERATION OF LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM PLANNING COMMISSION
CHAIRMAN ALLAN ROBERTS.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report and the letter of resignation from Allan
Roberts.
The City Council regretfully accepted Allan Roberts resignation and directed staff to proceed
with legal notification required for this vacancy, publish this vacancy in the Citywide
Newsletter, and, then provide the list of interested residents to the Personnel Subcommittee
for interviews. Mayor Lay suggested that at an appropriate time, that Allan Roberts be
recognized by the City Council.
MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REPORT FROM COUNCILMEMBER GODFREY PERNELL REGARDING MEETING
WITH COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS.
Councilmember Pernell reported on this subject with consideration of Agenda Item No. 12-A
Councilmember Hill, commented on the Regional Law Committee's comments on
Councilmember Pernell's suggestion regarding a Disaster Preparedness Program for
Peninsula residents.
Councilmember Hill commended
reporting errors and commended
insurance costs for the City.
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City Council Meeting
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the City Manager for his efforts in correcting solid waste
Finance Director Nan Huang for her efforts in reducing
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MATTERS FROM STAFF
City Manager Nealis reported on survey markers being placed in the City by Sprint PCS
subcontractors. He indicated that Trillium has reported that these are not necessarily locations
where underground vaults will be placed, but represent engineering points. City Manager
Nealis also reported that Trillium has agreed to place all of their facilities underground and
that the battery backup is proposed to operate for 24 hours rather than the 4 hours that was
reported during their presentation. He further reported that Trillium has requested that the
City assist them in their efforts with the Edison Company to gain permission to place meters
on existing Edison poles.
MATTERS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY
None.
ADIOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Lay adjourned the meeting at
7:35 p.m. to the next regular meeting of the City Council to be held on Monday, May 27, 2002,
beginning at 7:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road,
Rolling Hills, California. It was announced that May 27, 2002 falls on the Memorial Day
Holiday, therefore an adjourned regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2002.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn L. K9
Deputy City Clerk
Approved,
Allen Lay
Mayor
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