1/9/2006 MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
' OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
JANUARY 9, 2006
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Pernell at 7:34 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road,
Rolling Hills,California.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Black, Heinsheimer, Hill, Mayor Pro Tem Lay and Mayor
Pernell.
Councilmembers Absent: None.
Others Present: Craig Nealis, City Manager.
Mike Jenkins, City Attorney.
Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director.
Marilyn Kern, Deputy City Clerk.
Officer Jacqueline Green, LA County Department of
Animal Care & Control.
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 - (1)Adjourned Regular Meeting of November 28, 2005 and (2)Regular
Meeting of November 28, 2005.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
b. . Payment of Bills - December 12, 2005, December 26, 2005 and January 9, 2006.
RECOMMENDATIOIv: Approve as presented.
c. Financial Statement for the month of November, 2005.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
° d. Budget Calendar for Fiscal Year 2006-07.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
e. Consideration of a continued agreement between the City of Rolling Hills and
Mac Solutions for computer consulting services.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
f. Consideration of approval of co-hosting the June, 2006 local meeting of the
California Contract Cities Association.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented/provide direction.
g. BFI Recycling Tonnage Report for November, 2005.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
Councilmember Black requested to consider items 3B and 3C separately. Councilmember
Heinsheimer moved that the City Council approve the recommendations in the remainder of
the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Hill seconded the motion, which carried unariimously.
b. Payment of Bills - December 12, 2005, December 26, 2005 and January 9, 2006.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
c. Financial Statement for the month of November, 2005.
RECOMMENDATION; Approve as presented.
After a brief discussion and explanation related to the invoices from Mulligan Landscape and �
the Assets and Liabilities portion of the Financial Statement, Councilmember Black moved that
the City Council approve the recommendations related to items 3B and 3C. Councilmember
Heinsheimer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
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PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-35. A RESOLUTTON OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTIl�TG APPROVAL FOR A SITE PLAN REVIEW
FOR GRADING AND CONSTRUCTTON OF RETAINING WALLS TO MEET SLOPE
STABILITY REQUIREMENT AND DISTANCE REQUIREMENT BET'WEEN
STRUCTURES AND TOE OF SLOPES, AND A VARIANCE TO EXCEED TI�
MAXIMUM PERMITTED DISTURBED AREA OF THE LOT AT A PROPERTY WHERE
AN APPROVAL WAS PREVIOUSLY GRANTED FOR GRADING AND
CONSTRUCTION AND WHERE DUE TO EXISTTNG STRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
RESTRICTION THIS PROJECT REQUIRES PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW, IN
ZONING CASE NO. 716,AT 40 EASTFIELD DRIVE, (LOT 91-EF), (TONSICH).
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report outlining the applicant's request and providing
background regarding the property and Plarining Commission action relative to Zoning Case
No. 716.
Councilmember Heinsheimer moved that the City Council receive and file Resolution No.
2005-35. Councilmember Hill seconded the motion.
Discussion ensued regarding the height of the retaining walls and grading associated with the
proposed development. Mayor Pro Tem Lay commented on the City's and RHCA's lighting
regulations. Mr. Nick Tonsich, applicant, indicated that the lighting concern expressed by
Mayor Pro Tem Lay is located on a neighboring property.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Hill, Heinsheimer, Mayor Pro Tem Lay and Mayor Pernell.
NOES: Councilmember Black.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
RESOLUTTON NO. 2005-36. A RESOLUTION OF TI� PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL FOR A VARIANCE TO
RETAIN A PREVIOUSLY CONSTRUCTED STORAGE SHED LOCATED IN THE FRONT
SETBACK AT AN EXISTIl�iG SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE IN ZONING CASE NO.
718,AT 7 QUAIL RIDGE ROAD NORTH (LOT 108-RH), (CHILLINGWORTH).
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report outlining the applicant's request and providing
background regarding the property and Planning Commission action relative to Zoning Case
No. 718.
There being no discussion or objection, Mayor Pernell ordered that Resolution No. 2005-36 be
received and filed.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEMS
CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATTON FROM THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION
REGARDING TI-� CROSSWALK COMPONENT OF THE PORTUGUESE BEND MAIN
GATE AREA IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PROPOSEI�BY THE WOMEN'S COMMUNITY
CLUB OF ROLLING HILLS AND A REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report providing background regarding the Traffic
Commission review and recommendations relative to the crosswalk component of,the
Women's Community Club's Portuguese Bend Main Gate Area Improvement Project. He
also indicated that the Women's Community Club is also requesting financial support for the
project.
Mrs. Beth Howell, Chairman, Women's Community Club of Rolling Hills Beautification
Committee, explained the changes to the crosswalk component to the plan that were
recommended by the Traffic Commission and pointed them out on the plan. She also
explained the other components of the beautification project and indicated that it is the desire
of the Women's Community Club to increase the beauty and pedestrian safety of the Main
Gate area. She commented on the number of children who pass through this area to and from
school. Mrs. Howell further explained the parts of the project that are in the City of Rolling
Hills Estates and the Rolling Hills Estates' Park and Activities Commission review of those
proposed plans. She explained the partial funding offered by the City of Rolling Hills Estates
for a portion of the project.
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Mrs. Howell explained the costs associated with the crosswalk component and indicated that
the proposed brick crosswalk may be too costly. She commented on the other costs
associated with the project and indicated that the project could possibly be accomplished in
two phases.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposal. Councilmember'Heinshiemer indicated that he
might abstain from consideration of the beautification portion of the project due to his wife's
involvement with the company that designed the landscaping portion of the project. Mayor
Pro Tem Lay commented on his wife's involvement with the Women's Community Club's
Beautification Committee. City Attorney Jenkins indicated that the landscape portion of the
project could be separated from the hardscape details to allow Councilmember Heinsheimer's
participation in the non-landscape related portions of the project.
Following the discussion, a majority of the City Councilmembers felt that they would like to
view the proposed improvements in the field. Councilmember Black indicated that he is very
, familiar with the area since he walks this area frequently with his children and did not need to
attend a field trip. A field trip was scheduled for Monday, February 13, 2006 beginning at 3:00
p.m.
OPEN AGENDA-APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME
None. -
CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM TI� TRAFFIC COMMISSION
REGARDING A REQUEST FROM DR. LYNN E. GILL,31 CHUCKWAGON ROAD, FOR
A TRAIL CROSSING MARKING AT 77 EASTFIELD DRIVE.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report providing background regarding the Traffic
Commission review and recommendations relative to the trail crossing and marking at 77
Eastfield Drive.
Mayor Pro Tem Lay moved that the City Council approve the recommendation of the Traffic
Commission to establish an equestrian crossing on Eastfield Drive at Open Brand Road.
Councilmember Heinsheimer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM TI� TRAFFIC COMMISSION
REGARDING A REQUEST FROM MRS. JOEANN GORDON, 15 EASTFIELD DRIVE,
FOR A TRAIL CROSSING MARKING AND SIGNAGE ADJACENT TO 20 EASTFIELD
DRIVE.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report providing background regarding the Traffic
Commission review and recommendations relative to the trail crossing, marking and signage
at 20 Eastfield Drive.
Mayor Pro Tem Lay moved that the City Council approve the recommendation of the Traffic
Commission to establish an equestrian crossing adjacent to 20 Eastfield Drive.
Councilmember Black seconded the motion,which carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS �
None.
OLD BUSINESS
CONSIDERATION OF APPEAL FILED BY MR. FRANK ROBINSON, 1 GEORGEFF
ROAD, PURSUANT TO ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 6.24.040,
REGARDING AN ORDER TO PERMANENTLY REMOVE A DOG FROM THE CITY.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report providing background regarding Mr.
Robinson's appeal and the City Council's previous review of the appeal as well as the City and
RHCA fence regulations. He reported that Mr. Robinson had completed the request of the
City Council to have his dog undergo behavior training and that the Animal Control
Department had evaluated the training as well as the fences that have been installed on the
property to confine the dog. City Manager Nealis reported that Mr. Robinson had obtained
approval from the RHCA for the chain link fence.
Officer Jackie Green, Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control reported
that she had visited Mr. Robinson's property and inspected the electronic fence, which she
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found to be working property as well as the chain link fence that she feels is sufficient to
confine the dog to the property. She said that she had also met with the dog trainer and
witnessed improvements to the dog's behavior. She reported that both of Mr. Robinson's
dogs are now licensed. She stated that she feels that Mr. Robinson has taken every precaution
to ensure that the dog remains confined to the property.
Mr. Robinson, 1 Georgeff Road, explained the operation of the electronic fence and the
installation of extra chain link fencing along western and southern boundary of his property.
He indicated that he is continuing with the dog training and that he feels that it has been very
effective. He further explained landscaping that would provide screening of the chain link
fence. Mr. Robinson indicated that he would do anything necessary to ensure that his dog
would not be involved in another incident.
Councilmembers discussed the efforts of Mr. Robinson to ensure that the dog remains
confined on the property. City Manager Nealis explained the options available to the City
Council regarding the appeal and the Municipal Code Section relating to the procedure when a
dog that is confined to property escapes confinement.
Hearing no further discussion, Mayor Pernell called for a motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Lay inoved that the City Council amend the City Manager's order that the
dog be removed from the City and order that the dog be confined to the property at 1
Georgeff Road, or under the control of a leash with someone capable of managing the dog,
when it is off the property. Councilmember Heinsheimer seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously. City Manager Nealis reported that a resolution memorializing this action would
be placed on the next City Council agenda for consideration.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSIDERATTON OF EXEMP'TION FROM REFUSE COLLECTION CHARGES FOR
RESIDENTS OF POPPY TRAIL.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report providing background regarding the land
movement event that blocked access to Poppy Trail, which interrupted backyard trash
collection service for the residents. He reported that Poppy Trail residents have been self-
hauling their trash to bins located near Portuguese Bend Road.
Councilmembers discussed how trash collection fees are collected, monthly costs for collection
and the amount of time that the Poppy Trail residents have been self-hauling their refuse.
Councilmembers also discussed options for refunding the refuse collection fees for Poppy Trail
residents. Hearing no further discussion, Mayor Pernell called for a motion.
Councilmember Heinsheimer moved that the City Council direct that the charges for refuse
collection services for Poppy Trail residents be reduced by $50.00 per month for the months
that the residents of Poppy Trail have not been receiving backyard refuse collection services
from BFI. Mayor Pro Tem Lay seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Councilmember Black expressed that perhaps the entire monthly bill should have been
eliminated.
CONSIDERATTON OF RE-APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
City Manager Nealis presented the staff report and letter from Planning Commissioner Roger
Sommer indicating that he would like to continue to serve on the Commission. Hearing no
discussion, Mayor Pernell called for a motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Lay moved that the City Council re-appoint Roger Sommer to a 3-year term
on the Planning Commission. Councilmember Black seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF A DATE FOR A CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION
JOINT MEETIl�TG. `
After a brief report from the City Manager regarding the previous time the City Council and
Planning Commission jointly met, the City Council selected Monday, March 13, 2006 at 6:30
p.m. to conduct this joint meeting. Mayor Pernell requested that Councilmembers provide
any agenda topics to the City Manager for inclusion on that agenda.
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i
MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Pro Tem Lay reported that he would be absent from the next City Council meeting.
Mayor Pernell commented on the installation of an autom.atic defibrillator near the Main Gate
and requested staff place an article in the Citywide Newsletter announcing that the
defibrillator has been installed. He also commented on an article in the Daily Breeze recently
related to the response time by the Sheriff's Department in other areas of the County. He
indicated that the response times on the Peninsula have not increased.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
None.
At 8:40 p.m., the meeting was recessed into 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.G 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. .
G.G 54956.9(a)
Hui-Tse Sheen, Individual, Plaintiff, vs City of Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Community
Association, et. al., Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. YC051963.
In the matter of the City of Rolling Hills Application for Abatement Order, Los Angeles
County Superior Court.
At 9:23 p.m., Councilmembers returned to open session. No reportable action was taken in
closed session.
ADjOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Pernell adjourned the meeting at
9:24 p.m. to the regular meeting of the City Council scheduled to be held on Monday, January
23, 2006,beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend
Road, Rolling Hills,California.
� Respectfully submitted,
' �„``-J
Marilyn Ke n�
Deputy City Clerk
Approved, � -----�� --`
Go �ernei -�
Mayor
.
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