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4/12/2004MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA APRIL 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 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present: Black, Lay, Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer and Mayor Hill. Councilmembers Absent: Pernell (excused). Others Present: Craig Nealis, City Manager. Mike Jenkins, City Attorney. Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director. Marilyn Kern, Deputy City Clerk. Lt. Greg Ahn, LACSD, Lomita Station. Lt. Jenny Bethune, LACSD, 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 March 22, 2004. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. b. Payment of Bills. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. C. Correspondence from California Water Service Company regarding Advice Letter No. 1624 filed with the Public Utilities Commission regarding filing changes in its tariff schedules applicable to its Palos Verdes District. RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that the City Council approve the recommendations in the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Lay seconded the motion. In response to Councilmember Black regarding Check No. 16633 (PERMA), City Manager Nealis explained that this payment involves prior litigation involving the City's previous insurance provider, PERMA, and that these payments will most likely require two more installments. After the explanation, the motion carried unanimously by those Councilmembers in attendance. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS None. TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEMS CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION RELATIVE TO A REQUEST FROM THE SOUTH COAST CHAPTER OF THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY FOR A GARDEN TOUR AT 4 APPALOOSA LANE AND 20 CINCHRING ROAD. City Manager Nealis presented the staff report outlining the request from the South Coast Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and the Traffic Commission's recommended approval. Hearing no discussion, Mayor Hill called for a motion. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that the City Council approve the recommendation of the Traffic Commission for the South Coast Chapter of the Native Plant Society to conduct a Garden Tour at 4 Appaloosa Lane and 20 Cinchring Road on May 1, 2004. Councilmember Black seconded the motion, which carried unanimously by those Councilmembers 11 in attendance. Minutes City Council Meeting 04/12/04 -1- CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION RELATIVE TO A REQUEST FROM THE PALOS VERDES WOMAN'S CLUB FOR A GARDEN TOUR AT 24 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD. City Manager Nealis presented the staff report outlining the request from the Palos Verdes Woman's Club and the Traffic Commission's recommended approval. Hearing no discussion, Mayor Hill called for a motion. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that the City Council approve the recommendation of the Traffic Commission for the Palos Verdes Woman's Club to conduct a Garden Tour at 24 Portuguese Bend Road on May 1, 2004. Councilmember Black seconded the motion, which carried unanimously by those Councilmembers in attendance. CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION RELATIVE TO THE INSTALLATION OF A SIGN INDICATING "IMPAIRED VERTICAL CLEARANCE" ON PINE TREE LANE. City Manager Nealis presented the staff report providing background regarding a request from the Rolling Hills Community Association that the Traffic Commission review a tree that is located in the easement adjacent to 10 Pine Tree Lane that was reported to the Association by Mr. Robert Ruth, 7 Pine Tree Lane, and described by Mr. Ruth as a safety hazard. City Manager Nealis explained the Traffic Commission recommendation to install a sign indicating "Impaired Vertical Clearance" for uphill traffic due to this situation. A motion was made by Councilmember Black, which was seconded by Councilmember Lay, for the City Council to take jurisdiction of this recommendation of the Traffic Commission and that it be considered at a future meeting after notice is given to all parties. Councilmembers discussed the original request from the Association and the Traffic Engineers initial recommendation. Councilmember Black indicated that this tree had been struck by vehicles twice and expressed concern about a potential liability of the City. Mayor Hill commented on the Traffic Commission's review of the information that was submitted by Mr. Ruth, 7 Pine Tree Lane, in his correspondence and the oral testimony offered by Mr. and Mrs. Hassoldt, 10 Pine Tree Lane and their engineer Mr. Gary Wynn. He also commented on the Traffic Engineer's measurements and recommendation. After discussion it was determined that the City Council could consider this matter without formally taking jurisdiction of the matter since the Traffic Commission is a recommending body to the City Council. Therefore, Councilmember Black withdrew his motion and Councilmember Lay withdrew his second and the City Council continued consideration of this matter to its April 26, 2004 regular meeting for consideration of safety issues, the Traffic Commission's recommendation and any other possible alternative courses of action. Staff was directed to give notice to the affected parties and to obtain additional information regarding vehicular vertical clearance from the Traffic Engineer. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM CABALLEROS FOR PERMISSION TO COMPLETE TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE STORM HILL PROPERTY. City Manager Nealis presented the staff report outlining the request from Caballeros to complete the trail improvements to the Storm Hill property. Hearing no discussion, Mayor Hill called for a motion. Councilmember Black moved that the City Council approve the request from Caballeros for permission to complete trail improvements to the Storm Hill property. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously by those Councilmembers in attendance. Minutes City Council Meeting 04/12/04 -2- 1 CONSIDERATION OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES REVISED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM ANNUAL CONTRACT. RESOLUTION NO. 950: 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. 950. He indicated that this contract would maintain the existing relationship between the City and the County of Los Angeles for the Community Development Block Grant Fund Program. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 950. Councilmember Lay seconded the motion. In response to Councilmember Black, City Manager Nealis explained that in the past, these funds have been allocated to the cities of Lomita and Rancho Palos Verdes for low and moderate income housing and residential improvement programs as part of the advancement of the City's Housing Element. The motion carried unanimously by those Councilmembers in attendance. CONSIDERATION OF PREPARATION OF A LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN PURSUANT TO THE DISASTER MITIGATION ACT OF 2000 AND CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE PREPARATION OF A LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN. City Manager Nealis presented the staff report outlining the City's requirement to develop a Hazard Mitigation Plan pursuant to the adoption of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 by the U.S. Congress. He reported that a plan to identify local hazards is necessary in order for the City to receive disaster relief funds in the future should a disaster occur in the City. He further reported that FEMA is trying to minimize the likelihood of having to fund rebuilding efforts in areas where repetitive similar hazards occur. He commented on the research completed with other local cities and the Area G Coordinator to identify a contractor to complete the City's plan. He indicated that due to the uniqueness of the City it would be difficult to join in a cooperative effort with other cities to complete a plan for Rolling Hills. He explained the difficulties that may be encountered in preparing a plan for Rolling Hills due to the private status and nature of the City. Councilmembers discussed the plan requirement. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer, City Manager Nealis explained that if the City were to not develop a plan and a disaster occurred, the City would not be able to apply for disaster mitigation funds for the repairs. He also said that not having a plan might limit the private residents' ability to apply for low interest loans following a disaster. Councilmember Black commented on the example of work on terrorism hazard mitigation completed by the contractor cited in the staff report and expressed concern about the costs association with the preparation of a plan. In response to Councilmember Black, City Manager Nealis explained that a complete plan has not been completed yet because the guidelines for plan requirements are new. Planning Director Schwartz indicated that the guidelines for the preparation of a Hazard Mitigation Plan had only been created a few months ago. Councilmember Black expressed concern about the costs associated with these plans and indicated that he would like to see an example of a plan before hiring the consultant. City Manager Nealis indicated that staff had researched ways for the City to be entirely exempt from the requirements for a plan and explained that having a plan may serve as an insurance policy if a disaster were to occur in the future. Further discussion ensued regarding the development of a plan, the single bidder and the costs associated with completion of a basic plan for Rolling Hills. Councilmembers also discussed the deadline of November 2004 for the completion of a plan. City Attorney Jenkins stated that in his experience with other municipalities relative to this subject that the cost for Rolling Hills is relatively low. Hearing no further discussion, Mayor Hill called for a motion. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that the City Council authorize staff to proceed and hire Emergency Planning Consultants to prepare the Hazard Mitigation Plan at a cost not to exceed $10,000. Councilmember Lay seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Minutes City Council Meeting 04/12/04 -3- AYES: Councilmember Lay, Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer and Mayor Hill. NOES: Councilmember Black. ABSENT: Councilmember Pernell. ABSTAIN: None. OPEN AGENDA - APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME Mr. Lon Clearwaters, 4 Cinchring Road, expressed appreciation for the City Council approving the trail improvements by Caballeros and thanked them for their support of Caballeros' efforts in the Community. Mr. Gerry Routt, 1 Southfield Drive, expressed appreciation for the hard work that the City Council does on behalf of Rolling Hills' residents. MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL Mayor Hill commented on the Women's Community Club's recent Neighborhood Meeting and indicated that it was well attended. MATTERS FROM STAFF None. At 7:56 p.m., the City Council recessed to a closed session. 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. At 8:05 p.m. the meeting reconvened in open session and City Attorney Jenkins reported that no reportable action was taken in closed session. ADIOURNMENT Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Hill adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Monday, April 26, 2004, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California. Approv , Fran E. Hill Mayor Minutes City Council Meeting 04/12/04 Respectfully submitted, inaA,, .e� Y- k� Lrh Marilyn Kern Deputy City Clerk -4- 1