9/9/2002MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
SEPTEMBER 9, 2002
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Pro Tem Hill 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, Murdock, Pernell, and Mayor Pro Tem Hill.
Councilmembers Absent: Mayor Lay (excused).
Others Present: Craig Nealis, City Manager.
Mike Jenkins, City Attorney.
Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director.
Marilyn Kern, Deputy City Clerk.
Lt. Gregg Ahn, LASD, Lomita Station.
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 26, 2002.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
b. Payment of Bills.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
C. Confirmation of appointment to the PV Library District Community Planning
Task Force.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
Councilmember Murdock moved that the City Council approve the recommendations in the
Consent Calendar. Councilmember Heinsheimer seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously by those Councilmembers in attendance.
OBSERVANCE OF A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN HONOR OF THOSE WHO LOST THEIR
LIVES AND THE BRAVERY OF THOSE WHO RESPONDED
ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001.
Mayor Pro Tem' Hill commented on the need to observe a moment of silence in honor of
those who lost their lives in the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and to recognize the
bravery of the heroes that responded on that tragic morning. He also urged residents to
attend the Memorial Flag Ceremony at LA County Fire Station 56 on Crest Road at 8:46 a.m.
on September 11'. Councilmembers and those in attendance observed a moment of silence in
respect to those that lost their lives, the heroes and all that have been touched so deeply by the
events of one year ago.
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ZONING CASE NO. 645
MR. AND MRS. AARON DYER, 20 EASTFIELD DRIVE, (LOT 83 -EF). SITE PLAN
REVIEW REQUEST FOR GRADING AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE-
FAMILY RESIDENCE WITH A GARAGE AND A NEW DRIVEWAY TO REPLACE AN
EXISTING RESIDENCE, A REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO EXCEED THE MAXIMUM
PERMITTED DISTURBED AREA OF THE LOT AND A VARIANCE TO CONSTRUCT A
RETAINING WALL IN THE REAR YARD SETBACK.
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Councilmember Murdock abstained from consideration of Zoning Case No. 645 due to the
proximity of her residence to the subject property.
Planning Director Schwartz presented the staff report outlining the applicants' request and
providing background regarding the property and Planning Commission action relative to the
subject Zoning Case. Mayor Pro Tem Hill opened the public hearing.
Mr. Doug McHattie, Bolton Engineering, commented on the length of time that this Zoning
Case was reviewed by the Planning Commission. He stated that he feels that the Planning
Commission did a thorough job in reviewing the aspects of this case. Mr. McHattie explained
the reduction in the size of the residence that occurred during the Commission review of this
request. He pointed out the size of the existing residence and the size of the proposed
residence on an overlay on an aerial photograph of the property. Mr. McHattie then pointed
out the property lines and setbacks on the exhibit. He also pointed out the disturbed area on
the plan as well as presented a cross section of the property showing the cut and fill areas. He
further commented on the Planning Commission review of the plan and the Commission's
concern for the pad coverage calculation. In response to Councilmember Pernell, he explained
that a larger pad was created and the size of the house reduced to alleviate Commission
concerns regarding pad coverage. Mr. McHattie indicated that a basement was added to the
plan to provide the soil to create a larger pad.
Mr. Cole Shoemaker, 18 Eastfield Drive, commented on the proposed improvements and
indicated that he feels that these improvements would be an attractive addition to the
neighborhood.
Mrs. Suzanne Dyer, applicant, commented on the revisions to the plan that occurred during
Planning Commission review and indicated that they revised the plan to alleviate the
Commission's concerns regarding the size of the proposed improvements and pad coverage.
She indicated that they have a large and growing family and that the size of their proposed
residence is comparable to other homes in the area. Mrs. Dyer commented on the size of the
property and the amount of open space around the proposed residence and indicated that the
lawn will be temporarily disturbed until they complete their project. She also commented on
the guidelines and regulations of the City and explained how the calculations for the project
were affected by the fact that Eastfield Drive and Outrider Road surround their property on
two sides. Mrs. Dyer commented on the number of neighbors who provided correspondence
supporting the project.
Hearing no further testimony or discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Hill closed the public hearing and
called for a motion. Councilmember Heinsheimer moved that staff prepare a resolution
approving the requests in Zoning Case No. 645. Councilmember Pernell seconded the
motion.
Councilmember Pernell commented on the guidelines and regulations of the City and
indicated that they assist in maintaining the special characteristics of the City. He indicated
that his concerns regarding the disturbed area have been alleviated given the two roadway
frontages and excessive setbacks. In response to City Manager Nealis, Councilmembers
concurred that a landscape plan and bond be included in the resolution of approval.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers: Heinsheimer, Pernell and Mayor Pro Tem Hill.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Mayor Lay.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Murdock.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FOR FUNDS BY THE TENNIS CLUB FOR AN AWNING
ON TENNIS COURT NO. 1.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report outlining the request for funds by the Tennis
Club.
Mr. Zaffar Hassanally, President of the Rolling Hills Tennis Club, indicated that the awning
would be used as shade for tennis players and spectators.
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Councilmember Pernell moved that the City Council approve the request for funds by the
Tennis Club. Councilmember Heinsheimer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously
by those Councilmembers in attendance.
OPEN AGENDA - APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME
Mayor Hill welcomed Lt. Gregg Ahn of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Lomita
Station. In response to Councilmember Pernell Lt. Ahn provided brief comments regarding
the Departments readiness in case of emergencies on September 11, 2002.
MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Pernell offered comments regarding emergency preparedness. Staff was
directed to place an article in the Citywide Newsletter regarding what residents need to do to
be prepared for an emergency.
On behalf of Mayor Lay, City Manager Nealis commented on a letter from Supervisor Don
Knabe requesting support for continued funding for the County Health Care Clinic system.
He indicated that if there were no objections, Mayor Lay would like to send a letter in support
of continuing that funding. There was no objection by the City Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Hill reported that Mayor Lay has appointed Michael Gray to serve as the
City's representative to the PV Library District Community Planning Task Force.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
None.
MATTERS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council finds, based on advice from legal counsel, that discussion in open
session will prejudice the position of the local agency in the litigation.
Existing Litigation:
G.C. 54956.9(a)
Judith Hassoldt and William Hassoldt, Individuals, Plaintiffs, vs City of Rolling Hills, et.
al., Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC275012.
No closed session was held. City Attorney Jenkins commented on the demurer that is
currently being heard by the court. He indicated that more information should be available
on this subject within the next couple of weeks.
ADIOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Pro Tem Hill adjourned the
meeting at 8:10 p.m. to the next regular meeting of the City Council to be held on Monday,
September 23, 2002, beginning at 7:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, at City Hall, 2
Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn L. Am -
Deputy City Clerk
Approved,
Frank E. Hill
Mayor Pro Tem
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