2/10/2003MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
FEBRUARY 10, 2003
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Lay 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, Pernell, Murdock, Mayor Pro Tem Hill and
Mayor Lay.
Councilmembers Absent: None.
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 January 27, 2003.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
b. Payment of Bills.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
c. Consideration of extension of the Civic Center Landscape Maintenance Contract.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
Councilmember Murdock moved that the City Council approve the recommendations in the
Consent Calendar. Mayor Pro Tem Hill seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEMS
CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION
RELATIVE TO A REQUEST BY MRS. LESLIE STETSON, PRESIDENT, CABALLEROS
DEL RANCHO PALOS VERDES, INC. PROPOSING ADDITIONAL HORSE CROSSING
MARKINGS ON SADDLEBACK ROAD.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report outlining the Traffic Commission
recommendation. He indicated that after considering the concerns expressed by Mrs. Stetson
and the report by the Traffic Engineer, the Traffic Commission recommended that the City
Council approve the installation of "Horse Crossing Equestrian Symbol" and "Next Mile"
signs at both entrances to Saddleback Road.
Hearing no discussion, Mayor Lay called for a motion.
i, Councilmember Heinsheimer moved that the City Council approve the recommendation of
R the Traffic Commission for the installation of two "Horse Crossing Equestrian Symbol" and
"Next Mile" signs at both entrances to Saddleback Road. Councilmembers concurred that the
recommended signs are a good solution to this request. Mayor Pro Tem Hill described
comments offered by the Traffic Commission regarding their hesitation to place more signs in
the City. He indicated that after deliberation, the Traffic Commission felt that the
recommended signs were a good alternative to pavement markings on the roadway. Mayor
Lay called for a second to the motion. Mayor Pro Tem Hill seconded the motion, which
carried unanimously.
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City Council Meeting
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CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION
RELATIVE TO A REQUEST BY MR. JOE HUMMEL, TENNIS CLUB FACILITIES
CHAIRMAN, PROPOSING RELOCATION OF THE VISITOR STOP SIGN AND A
"KEEP CLEAR" PAVEMENT MARKING BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATION GATE GUARD HOUSE AND THE TENNIS COURT PATHWAY.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report outlining the Traffic Commission
recommendation. He indicated that after reviewing the correspondence from Mr. Hummel
and the report provided by the Traffic Engineer, the Traffic Commission recommended that
the pavement marking "Keep Clear" be installed on the visitor traffic lane adjacent to the gate
guard house as depicted in the report prepared by the Traffic Engineer. He reported that the
Traffic Commission also recommended that a stop sign be installed that is consistent with the
stop legend pavement marking that is currently on the paved roadway surface in the visitor's
entrance travel lane.
In response to Councilmember Pernell, City Manager Nealis explained the standard size
lettering that the Traffic Engineer recommended for the "Keep Clear" pavement marking. He
indicated this size lettering is recommended because of its readability by motorists.
Discussion ensued regarding the 31 feet of space required for the "Keep Clear" pavement
marking and the impact on traffic in the area while visiting vehicles are waiting to enter the
City. Mr. Joe Hummel, Tennis Club Facilities Chairman, reported that he has observed
congestion and a backup during the morning rush hour. He further explained the difficulty
that tennis players experience crossing the roadway at this time and indicated that he feels that
a lesser amount of room would be adequate for pedestrian passage to the tennis courts.
Councilmembers and Mr. Hummel discussed other alternatives. Councilmembers
unanimously concurred that this subject should be referred back to the Traffic Commission for
further consideration.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - CONTINUED
ZONING CASE NO. 653, REQUEST FOR A SITE PLAN REVIEW AND A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A DETACHED GARAGE; REQUEST
FOR A SITE PLAN REVIEW AND A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A
GUESTHOUSE; REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO PERMIT ENCROACHMENT OF THE
PROPOSED DETACHED GARAGE INTO THE SIDE YARD SETBACK; AND REQUEST
FOR A VARIANCE TO LOCATE THE GUESTHOUSE IN THE REAR YARD AREA ON
A THROUGH LOT AT AN EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AT 40 EASTFIELD
DRIVE, (LOT 91 -EF), ROLLING HILLS, CA. AN ADDITION TO THE MAIN
RESIDENCE, WHICH DOES NOT REQUIRE DISCRETIONARY APPROVAL IS ALSO
PROPOSED. (TONSICH)
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report indicating that a letter had been received from
the applicant's representative requesting a continuance and that a copy had been placed before
the City Council this evening. Hearing no objection, Mayor Lay continued the public hearing
to the next regular meeting of the City Council to be held on Monday, February 24, 2003 at
the applicant's request.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
OPEN AGENDA - APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME
Dr. N.A. Anakwenze, 77 Saddleback Road, inquired about the City Council action relative to
Horse Crossing Signs on Saddleback Road. Mayor Lay explained that the City Council
approved the installation of two "Horse Crossing Equestrian Symbol/Next Mile Signs" at
both entrances to Saddleback Road.
MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Murdock reported on concerns that she had heard from residents recently
regarding walkers/joggers not walking in single file along Crest Road. City Manager Nealis
indicated that he will alert the Sheriff's Department to this concern and will place an article in
the Citywide Newsletter.
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Councilmember Pernell announced that the City will be conducting a Disaster Preparedness
Block Captain meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 beginning at 7:00 p.m. and invited
Councilmembers to attend. He reported that the RHCA Manager, Architectural Inspector and
the Lead Gate Guard had also been invited.
Mayor Lay thanked Councilmembers and staff for the get well wishes that were sent to him
after his surgery. Mayor Lay commented on the "Woman of the Year" from the 27r' Senate
District and the City Council's search for a nominee. He suggested that the City Council
nominate Sara Hoover for this recognition. He stated that Mrs. Hoover has been active in the
Women's Club, Tennis Club and other local community groups. There being no objection,
Mayor Lay indicated that he would contact Mrs. Mrs. Hoover and make her aware of the City
Council's desire to nominate her for the recognition.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
City Manager Nealis reported that he is required to report for Jury Duty on February 11'h.
MATTERS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY
At 8:05 a.m., Mayor Lay adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session
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)
City of Arcadia, et al. v. Regional Water Quality Board, et al. Los Angeles
County Superior Court Case Nos. BS080807, BS080548, SO80753, BS080758,
BS080791.
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 action was taken during closed session.
At 8:15 p.m., City Attorney Jenkins summarized the reports that he presented in closed
session.
ADIOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Lay adjourned the meeting at
8:16 p.m. to the next regular meeting of the City Council to be held on Monday, February 24,
2003, beginning at 7:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend
Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Approved,
B. Allen Lay
Mayor
Minutes
City Council Meeting
02/10/03
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn L. Kern
Deputy City Clerk
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