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1/12/2004 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA JANUARY 12, 2004 CALL TO ORDER � A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor Hill at 7:35 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills,California. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present: Black, Lay, Pernell, Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer and Mayor Hill. Councilmembers Absent: None. Others Present: Craig Nealis, City Manager. Mike Jenkins, City Attorney. Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director. Nan Huang, Finance 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 November 24, 2003. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. b. Payment of Bills - December 8, 2003, December 22, 2003 and January 12,2004. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. c. Financial Statement for the month of November, 2003. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. d. Budget Calendar for Fiscal Year 2004-2005. RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file. e. Correspondence from California Water Service Company, Advice Letter No. 1592-A filed with the Public Utilities Commission regarding changes in tariff schedules applicable to the Palos Verdes District. RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file. f. Consideration of a continued agreement between the City of Rolling H�lls and Mac Solutions for computer consulting services. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. g. BFI Recycling Tonnage Report for November, 2003. RECOMMENDATION. Receive and file. h. Approval of amendment to agreement between the City of Rolling Hills and the South Bay Center Dispute Resolution. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. Councilmember Black requested that items 3-b and 3-h be considered separately. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that the City Council approve the recommendations for the remainder of the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Lay seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. b. Payment of Bills - December S, 2003, December 22,2003 and January 12, 2004. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. Following brief discussion, this item was approved as presented. h. Approval of amendment to agreement between the City of Rolling Hills and the South Bay Center Dispute Resolution. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. Councilmember Black expressed concern regarding the number of hours that the mediator spent on administrative functions as it relates to the actual time that he had spent on actual mediation services and indicated that he would not be in favor of approving an additional 15 hours unless the mediator can more efficiently allocate time for actual mediation meetings Minutes City Council Meeting Ol/12/04 -1- ' with the parties. Councilmembers discussed the time that was spent by the mediator attempting to schedule meetings with the parties involved and the view impairment process. It was suggested that staff call this to the attention of the mediator and indicated that City staff could assist the mediator with administrative functions. Councilmember Lay suggested that the City Council not change mediators in the middle of the case and suggested that the City Council may wish to approve this proposed amendment with a provision that the City Manager discusses the City Council's concerns with the mediator. Councilmember Black expressed concern that if an additional 15 hours were approved that the mediator would bill the City for that many more hours. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that the City Council approve the amended agreement to include an extension to April 15, 2004 and to include a maximum 15 additional hours of mediation services and that the City Manager be directed to discuss the City Council's concern about the number of hours spent by the mediator for administrative functions. Councilmember Pernell seconded the motion,which carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Lay, Pernell, Heinsheimer and Mayor Hill. NOES: Councilmember Black. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. SPECIAL PRESENTATION PRESENTATION BY SOUTI�RN CALIFORNIA EDISON CONIl'ANY RELA'TIl�TG TO RECENT POWER OUTAGES AND CONCERNS EXI'RESSED BY RESIDENTS RELATIl�iG TO SPECIFIC POWER OUTAGES. Mr. Richard Colyear, 35 Crest Road West, commented on the safety issue related to the concerns expressed by the residents of 35, 37, 39 and 41 Crest Road West relating to a downed power line that occurred in the vicinity of these residences in November,2003. City Manager Nealis presented the staff report providing background regarding Edison equipment failures that had occurred in November that were brought to the attention of the City Council by Mr. Richard Colyear, 35 Crest Road West, Mrs. Christa Hawkins, 37 Crest Road West and Mrs. Kathleen Krauthamer, 41 Crest Road West and the subsequent meeting in the field with Edison Company representatives and correspondence that was sent by the City to the Edison Company requesting a written report regarding this situation. City Manager Nealis indicated that Edison is also prepared to address the issue of the power outages that occurred over the recent holidays and concerns expressed by Dr. Ralph Black, 36 Saddleback Road and other residents. City Manager Nealis reported that correspondence from Mr. Gobble addressing the concerns raised by Mr. Colyear had been received earlier in the day and that it had been placed before the City Council this evening. Mr. Gobble presented a report regarding the Edison Company's response to the power outages over the holidays in Rolling Hills as well as other areas in the South Bay and how repair crews were disbursed to these locations. Mr. Gobble also explained failures in underground equipment that caused other outages on the Peninsula. He indicated that Edison was not prepared or adequately staffed to handle repairs caused by the high winds that occurred over the holidays. In response to Mayor Hill, Mr. Gobble explained that Edison was also short staffed in their phone center for the volume of calls what were received. Mr. Gobble provided statistics related to the number of calls received and the waiting times of the customers who called. He indicated that Edison learns valuable information to trouble shoot problems by hearing from the customers. Mr. Gobble reported that a meeting was held in the field with the affected property owners and staff. He explained the technical attributes of electricity as well as the mitigation measures which include tree removal and tree trimming on the Liu's property and line separation, that Edison Company will complete to alleviate the safety concerns of area residents and indicated that these measures will improve the service to these homes. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer commented on the steps that Edison is taking to mitigate the safety concerns. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer, Mr. Gobble reported that the mitigation measures should be completed by the end of the month. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer commented on the possibility of the individual property owners to privately underground the utilities in that area and indicated that if the residents wished to privately underground their utilities that the City may provide technical and administrative assistance. Discussion ensued regarding the costs associated with the undergrounding of utilities. Mr. Gobble indicated that engineering costs that need to be provided for Edison to estimate the Minutes City Council Meeting 01/12/04 -2- job cost may be approximately 5% since this project would probably cost a little more that $100,000 to underground the entire span. In response to Councilmember Pernell, Mr. Gobble further explained the mitigation measures being implemented to alleviate the safety concerns raised by the affected property owners on Crest Road West. He stated that he has discussed with the affected property owners that they can pay to have the wires in the area undergrounded. Also in response to Councilmember Pernell, Mr. Gobble explained that underground service is not necessarily more reliable than overhead service. He explained that roots sometimes interfere with underground facilities. Councilmember Pernell commented on the wires that became disconnected from the pole and landed in a swimming pool. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer suggested that the City Council revisit this issue at the next meeting to receive a report from the Edison Company on the status of the implementation of the mitigation measures on the affected properties on Crest Road. In response to Councilmember Black, City Manager Nealis explained that the nine utility poles along Crest Road are scheduled to be undergrounded by June, 2004. He explained that an engineering meeting will be held on January 13, 2004 to discuss this project. Mrs. Christa Hawkins, 37 Crest Road West, queried as to whether any other power lines in Rolling Hills have fallen as many times as those in her area. Mr. Gobble responded that similar instances have occurred on the Peninsula however, that he did not immediately know about the number in Rolling Hills,but that he would investigate this matter. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer stated that the Crest Road area residents might wish to submit any questions to staff about this situation in writing so that these questions could be forwarded to Edison. City Manager Nealis reported on a notification that he had received last week from the Sheriff's Department regarding a downed power line in the vicinity of 4 Chuckwagon Road. Councilmember Pernell suggested that the Edison Company provide a report to the City on the number of downed power lines that have occurred in the City. OPEN AGENDA-APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME Further discussion ensued regarding the presentation by Edison. Mr. Richard Colyear, 35 Crest Road West, indicated that he and .the other Crest Road neighbors in attendance are concerned about the safety issue of the Edison facilities on their properties. Mrs. Kathleen Krauthamer,41 Crest Road West, explained the circumstances and location of a downed power line that fell into her swimming pool and also caused a fire in her ivy in November, 2003. She also explained that on two other occasions she has noticed the same type of surge in these lines. She stated that she feels that undergrounding these wires will improve the safety in the area. In response to Councilmember Pernell, Mr. Gobble stated that he would research with the Edison engineering department whether or not these lines could be anchored in some way to prevent them from being disconnected from the pole. Mr. Gobble explained that tree limbs or bark as well as an animal could cause this situation. Councilmember Black queried as to whether the concerned residents wished to underground their lines. Mr. Colyear responded that they want to know what the problem is in this area. He explained the super heating of the wires in the area, which he feels, causes them to fall. He indicated that he feels that the Edison facilities in this area act as a safety valve for excess electricity. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer suggested that the City Council conduct a field trip to the area to view the issues being brought up by the area property owners after Edison has made the corrections. Dr. Richard Krauthamer, commented on the suggested changes to the configuration of the wires and the trimming and removal of trees in the area made by Edison. In response to Dr. Krauthamer, Mr. Gobble explained the problems he identified in the area when he visited the site and stated that the proposed mitigation measures may lessen the occurrence of the lines falling but that they cannot guarantee that the wires will never come down. In response to Mr. Colyear's concern about the wires in the area serving as a safety valve to excess electricity, Mr. Gobble explained that Edison electrical system does not have an energy outlet system. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer summarized that Edison will make these corrections, the City Council will review the corrections in the field and after more information is received from Edison, the residents may make an informed decision as to whether they are satisfied with the mitigation measures implemented by Edison or would rather proceed with and underground Minutes City Council Meeting Ol/12/04 -3- utility project. Mr. Gobble stated that if the residents wish to underground that as the requesting parties, they must provide the funds for the underground utility project. After discussion, the following actions were summarized: Councilmembers requested that the residents in the vicinity of 35, 37, 39 and 41 Crest Road West submit any questions for Edison to City Hall and directed staff to present them to Mr. Gobble; requested that Mr. Gobble provide a report regarding instances where Edison lines have fallen in the City; requested that Mr. Gobble research if there is any way to trap or "double anchor" the utility lines in the Crest Road area; requested a written status report regarding the implementation of the mitigating measures that Mr. Gobble had described in his January 8, 2004 correspondence for presentation at the January 26, 2004 City Council meeting; and scheduled a field trip to review the location and the mitigation measures implemented by Edison for Thursday, February 5, 2004 beginning at 7:30 a.m., in the vicinity of the trail adjacent to 35 and 37 Crest Road West. Mrs. Evie Hankins, 4 Spur Lane, commented on the power outage that occurred over the holidays on Spur Lane. In response to Mrs. Hankins, Mr. Gobble explained that the outage occurred on Spur Lane due an equipment failure on Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS RESOLUTTON NO. 2003-25. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTIl�TG APPROVAL OF A STTE PLAN REVIEW AND A CONDITTONAL USE PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A DETACHED GARAGE, AND A VARIANCE TO PERMIT ENCROACHMENT WTTH TI� GARAGE INTO TI� FRONT YARD SETBACK AT AN EXISTIlVG SINGLE FANIILY RESIDENCE IN ZONING CASE NO. 672 AT 1 PINTO ROAD (LOT 36-FT), (LADEMAN). City Manager Nealis presented the staff report outlining the applicant's request and providing background regarding the property the Planning Commission's action relative to Zoning Case No. 672. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that the City Council receive and file Resolution No. 2003-25. Councilmember Lay seconded the motion. Councilmember Black expressed concern about the projects' encroachment into the setbacks. He also expressed concern about a concrete slab, a barn and sports court on the property and suggested that the City Council take this case under jurisdiction. Councilmember Pernell commented that he is satisfied with the project since the Planning Commission was unanimous in their approval. Planning Director Schwartz indicated that only the shed, the swimming pool and one-half of the sports court are in the front yard setback and are pre-existing non-conforming. She pointed out the location of the setback lines on the plan and stated that the existing house is not located in the setback. She further explained that the Planning Commission had reviewed other locations on the property where the garage could be placed, however, one alternative location would have been in conflict with the septic tank and would have placed the garage in the view of the adjoining property owner. Councilmember Black further stated that he wishes to view the property. City Attorney Jenkins commented on a concern about attaching conditions to other existing structures on a property that do not have a connection to the original request. He further commented on the geologic conditions of the area and indicated that the properties in the Flying Triangle are not typical properties in the City. Discussion ensued regarding the distressed conditions of the Flying Triangle area due to landsliding. Following discussion, the motion carried by a 4-0-1 vote (Councilmember Black abstained). TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEMS None. PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF A PLANNIlVG COMNIISSION DECISION TO DENY A REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO ENCROACH INTO THE NORTH SIDE YARD SETBACK WITH A PARTIALLY CONSTRUCTED BLOCK WALL AT AN EXISTIl�TG SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE IN ZONING CASE NO. 671 AT 6 PACKSADDLE ROAD EAST. (LOT 31-SF) (MURRELL). City Manager Nealis reported that this item is recommended for continuance at the applicants' request. Minutes City Council Meeting 01/12/04 -4- Hearing no objection, Mayor Hill continued the public hearing to the February 23, 2004 City Council meeting at the applicants' request. OLD BUSINESS RESOLUTION NO. 947: A RESOLUTION OF TI� CTTY COUNCIL OF 'TI� CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTIlVG APPROVAL OF VESTIl�TG TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 22333,SUBDIVISION NO. 85,A REQUEST TO SUBDIVIDE A 5.15 ACRE EXISTIl�IG LOT INTO TWO SINGLE-FANIlLY RESIDENTIAL LOTS LOCATED ALONG PINE TREE � LANE,WHERE THERE IS ONE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AT 5 PINE TREE LANE IN ZONI1�iG CASE NO. 665, (ULLRICH). City Manager Nealis reported that Resolution No. 947 had been prepared as directed by the City Council at their meeting on November 24,2003. Hearing no discussion, Mayor Hill called for a motion. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 947. Councilmember Pernell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. CONSIDERATTON OF AWARD OF BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEDIA PRESENTATION SYSTEM. City Manager Nealis presented the staff report providing background regarding the proposed media presentation system and the sole bidder for this project and the options outlined in the proposal. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer suggested that this item be held on the agenda. Mayor Hill suggested that staff investigate the possibility of using a plasma screen with the system. After brief discussion, this item was continued to the City Council meeting to be held on February 23, 2004. Staff was directed to discuss potential modifications of this project with the computer consultant and the sole bidder. NEW BUSINESS CONSIDERATION OF APPEAL FILED BY DR. NA AND DR. VICKI ANAKWENZE, 77 - SADDLEBACK ROAD,PURSUANT TO ROLLING HILLS MUNICII'AL CODE SECTION 6.24.040, REGARDING AN ORDER TO PERMANENTLY REMOVE DOGS FROM TI� CI'TY. City Manager Nealis presented the staff report outlining the Anakwenzes' appeal of the order that their dogs be permanently removed from the City and provided background regarding the circumstances which caused him, based upon recommendations from the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care arid Control, to order that the subject dogs to be removed from the City. In response to Councilmember Black, City Manager Nealis reported that joggers have expressed concern about the behavior of these dogs but that formal complaints had not been filed by joggers. Dr. Nwachiukwu Anakwenze, 77 Saddleback Road,provided photographs of the two dogs for viewing by the City Council. He outlined the reasons for their appeal as stated in his letter dated November 26, 2003. Dr. Anakwenze described the playfulness of the dogs and indicated that they alert the family when coyotes and strangers approach the residence. He explained the dog run that was constructed on the property to keep the dogs confined and indicated that since he has confined the dogs that there have been no further incidents involving the dogs. Dr. Anakwenze further explained that he learned from the mistake of letting his dogs roam and that he has corrected this situation. He stated that this has been a learning experience for the family and asked for a second chance. He reported that the dog's licenses are now current. He explained that his children love their pets and find comfort in the security that the dogs provide. He reported that he would enroll the dogs in obedience training. He commented on the letter supporting the dogs that was included in the staff report. He stated that they will send a letter of apology to the Heindls and Mrs. Jacobowitz and will offer to replace their pets. Mr. Marc Jacobowitz,20 Portuguese Bend Road, reported that his wife is very upset over the incident and stated that they loved their cat. He commented on the method used by the Anakwenzes to confine them to their property by chaining them to a tree and that the dogs escaped that confinement and stated that he feels that the proper solution would have been to build the dog run when their dogs were first confined after killing a goose. Mr. Jacobowitz commented on the letters received by residents who had expressed concern about the behavior of the dogs that were included with the staff report. He expressed concern that the dogs came onto his property and killed the cat while his wife witnessed the attack. Mr. Minutes City Council Meeting 01/12/04 -5- Jacobowitz stated that he feels that these dogs are dangerous and that a second chance has already been given to them. He stated that they should be removed from the City. Dr. Ralph Black, 36 Saddleback Road, stated that he had been nipped by one of these dogs recently. He explained the barking and charging that occurs when he jogs by. Dr. Black reported that he did not choose to file a formal complaint but that he had personally explained the incident to the Anakwenzes. Mrs. Elizabeth Jacobowitz,20 Portuguese Bend Road, explained the incident and the injuries to her cat. She showed a photograph of the cat to those in attendance. Mrs. Jacabowitz reported_ that Mrs. Leslie Stetson had witnessed the dogs roaming the City three days after her cat had been killed. She expressed concern that the dogs had been out after they had been confined to their property. She explained that she volunteers with the City of Los Angeles Mobile Pet Adoptions and that she is experienced in recognizing problem dogs. Miss Lisa Anakwenze, 77 Saddleback Road, expressed that she feels that if a person saw dogs on their property that they should take their cat inside. She also indicated that if a person knows that there are dogs at a particular residence that she feels that they should avoid that area when walking,jogging or riding their bicycle in the vicinity. Mayor Hill explained that we must respect other peoples' property and that owners of small pets should not fear outside animals coming onto their property and damaging their property or pets and that residents should not fear domestic animals when walking, jogging or riding bicycles on roadways in Rolling Hills. In response to Councilmember Pernell, Miss Anakwenze confirmed that she felt that her dogs could have been involved in this incident. Councilmember Pernell commented on the responsibility of dog owners in the City because there is no leash law. Officer Eric Moser, Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, commented on his investigation of this incident. He stated that based upon the investigation and the fact that the dogs were involved in two incidents in which other animals were killed or injured that he recommended that the dogs be removed from the City. He stated that it is his experience that once dogs become aggressive in this manner that they may initiate similar or more severe incidents. He stated that the dogs seem to be friendly to humans,however not when it comes to other animals. In response to Councilmember Penrell, Officer Moser commented on dogs that have exhibited aggressive behavior that have bitten humans after they had attacked another animal. Dr. Vicki Anakwenze, 77 Saddleback Road, explained the measures she took when the City Manager telephoned on November 7, 2004 to inform her that the dogs killed Mrs. Jacobowitz's cat. She stated that she had thought that the dogs were chained and confined to the property. She commented on the installation of a dog run on the property as suggested by Animal Control. She indicated that she feels that the dogs could not have been seen loose 3 days after the incident with Mrs. Jacobowitz's cat because they were confined to the property. She commented on the incident involving the dogs and the Heindl's geese. She explained the playfulness of the dogs and their interaction with children and adults. She said that they do bark when joggers pass their property and that they have playfully chased walkers and equestrians on the trail. She stated that she feels that they are not vicious dogs. Dr. Anakwenze explained that she does not deny that her dogs killed Mrs. Jacobowitz's cat but they are friendly, family pets. Mayor Hills commented on the severity of the two incidents involving the dogs and the fact that they had not been confined as directed. Mrs. Jacobowitz further commented on the fact that the dogs had been seen out three days after they had killed her cat. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer commented on the appeal process. He stated that he feels that, unless there was a technical or procedural error that the City Council should uphold the determination that the two dogs be permanently removed from the City. He stated that he feels that the dogs would not be happy in a pen and that if they escaped again that another, more severe incident may occur. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that the City Council uphold the City Manager's determination that the two dogs be permanently removed from the City. Councilmember Lay seconded the motion,which carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Black, Lay, Pernell, Heinsheimer and Mayor Hill. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Minutes City Council Meeting 01/12/04 -6- CONSIDERATION OF RE-APPOINTMENTS TO TI�PLANNING COMIVIISSION. City Manager Nealis presented the staff report and letters from Commissioners Hankins and Margeta indicating that they both wish to be re-appointed. In response to Mayor Hill, City Manager explained that the expiration of terms had been posted pursuant to the Maddy Act and that there had not been any response to this posting. Councilmember Pernell moved that the City Council re-appoint Evie Hankins and John Margeta to'three year terms on the Planning Commission which will expire on January 1, 2007. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer seconded the motion,which carried unanimously. CONSIDERATION OF RE-APPOINTMENTS TO TI�TRAFFIC COMMISSION. City Manager Nealis presented the staff report and letters from Commissioners Margeta and Virtue indicating that they both wish to be re-appointed. City Manager Nealis explained the requirement that one member of the Traffic Commission must be a member of the RHCA Board of Directors and that the RHCA will be appointing a member of the Board to replace outgoing RHCA Board of Director Moen after the RHCA's annual election in January since Commissioner Moen was not seeking re-election to the RHCA Board. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that.the City Council re-appoint Val Margeta and V'Etta Virtue to two year terms on the Traffic Commission which will expire on January 1, 2006. Councilmember Lay seconded the motion,which carried unanimously. CONSIDERATTON OF RE-APPOINTMENTS TO TI� WILDLIFE PRESERVATTON COMNIITTEE. City Manager Nealis presented the staff report and letters from Committee Members Crane, Foye, Gales, Shultz and Sommer indicating that they all wish to be re-appointed. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that the City Council re-appoint Pam Crane, Inez Foye, Don Gales, Steve Shultz and Roger Sommer to four year terms on the Wildlife Preservation Committee,which will expire on January 1, 2008. Councilmember Lay seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Councilmember Pernell expressed thanks and support to all Commissioners and Committee Members for their efforts. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO TI� CIVIC CENTER LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT. City Manager presented the staff report providing background regarding the landscape maintenance services provided to the City Hall/RHCA campus area and tennis courts and the proposal from G.S. Brothers to continue providing these services to the City at a cost of $930 per month. City Manager Nealis stated that he contacted representatives of G.S. Brothers and inquired as to whether they wish to re-evaluate their proposal. He indicated that the materials provided to the City Council contains the reasons why G.S. Brothers proposed monthly cost is higher and that they did not wish to re-consider their proposal. City Manager Nealis reported that G.S. Brothers consistently provides more service than directed. Councilmembers discussed the proposal. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer indicated that the City Manager could determine the level of service that is being provided and that the costs could be adjusted accordingly. Councilmember Black expressed concern about the amount of the new proposal. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer suggested that the work could be adjusted to decrease the costs. Councilmember Lay expressed concern about the increased cost. Councilmember Black commented on the basic services offered and stated that he would be in favor of competitive bidding. � After the discussion, this item was continued to the January 26, 2004 City Council meeting. Staff was directed to further discuss the proposed costs with G.S. Brothers and provide an update at the next City Council meeting. . MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL EMERGENCY SERVICES/DISASTER PREPAREDNESS SUBCONIlVITITEE. � Councilmembers Godfrey Pernell and James Black reported that the Subcommittee had met on two occasions with the LA County Fire Department to review information to be presented by the Subcommittee and the Fire Department at the RHCA Annual meeting on January 21, Minutes City Council Meeting Ol/12/04 -7- 2004. Councilmember Black explained the approach that the Subcommittee has taken in this presentation relating to buildings and structures and fuel load and landscaping. He outlined the presentation and explained that the presentation will provide recommendations on what voluntary measures residents can initiate now to protect their homes from a wildfire. He reported that the Committee will ask the City Council at a later date to review legislation that may be initiated to protect the residences from becoming involved in a fire. MATTERS FROM STAFF City Manager Nealis reported that it is estimated that the Governor's proposed Property Tax shift in the FY 2004-05 State Budget would divert approximately $9,000 from the City of Rolling Hills. He reported that staff would monitor the State Budget process and provide ,_ reports to the City Council as necessary. 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 conducted. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Hill adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m. to the next regular meeting of the City Council to be held on Monday, January 26, 2004, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills,California. Respectfully submitted, _ �. k..�. Marilyn Kern Deputy City Clerk Appro , ( � . Frank E. Hill Mayor Minutes City Council Meeting Ol/12/04 -8-