7/23/2007MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
JULY 23, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Black at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling
Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Pernell, Lay, Mayor Pro Tem Hill and Mayor Black.
Councilmembers Absent: Heinsheimer (excused).
Others Present: Anton Dahlerbruch, City Manager.
Mike Jenkins, City Attorney.
Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director.
Nan Huang, Finance Director.
Marilyn Kern, Deputy City Clerk.
Captain Ronene Anda, LASD, Lomita Station.
Battalion Chief Frank August, LAFD.
City Manager Dahlerbruch provided an update on a house fire that had occurred earlier in the
day on Rockinghorse Road in Rancho Palos Verdes. He said that the fire .was in close
proximity to the Eastfield Gate and that the Sheriff and Fire Department were fully deployed
and that they did a great job managing this incident.
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 July 9, 2007.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
b. Payment of Bills.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
C. Financial Statement for the month of June, 2007.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
d. Disaster Purchase Agreements: Home Depot and Smart & Final.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
e. Regional Law Enforcement Agreement.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
f. Commission Reappointment Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes of July 9,
2007.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
Councilmember Pernell moved that the City Council approve the items on the Consent
Calendar. Mayor Pro Tem Hill seconded the motion. Following an explanation of the annual
billing from the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, the motion
carried unanimously by those Councilmembers in attendance.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Recognition of Former Palos Verdes Estates City Manager fico Hendrickson
Mayor Black and Councilmember Pernell presented a City Council Commendation to Mr.
Hendrickson, commending him for his 17 years of invaluable services to the citizens of Palos
Verdes Estates and the residents of the Palos Verdes Peninsula as the City Manager of Palos
Verdes Estates. Those in attendance wished Mr. Hendrickson a wonderful retirement.
Minutes
City Council Meeting
07/23/07 -1-
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-12. RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
ALLOW CONVERSION OF A STABLE TO A POOL HOUSE/PLAY ROOM AT AN
EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AT 10 WILLIAMSBURG LANE, (LOT 36-
RH) IN ZONING CASE NO. 742, (LIVIAN).
Planning Director Schwartz presented the staff report outlining the applicants' request and
providing background regarding the property and Planning Commission action relative to
Zoning Case No. 742. Following brief discussion regarding the access to the future stable and
corral area, Mayor Black called for a motion.
Councilmember Lay moved that the City Council receive and file Resolution No. 2007-12.
Councilmember Pernell seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
POPPY TRAIL DRAIN
City Manager Dahlerbruch presented a summary of the staff report providing background
regarding the proposed repair of the Poppy Trail Drain. He highlighted that only one bid had
been received for this project and commented on the negotiations with the bidder to reduce
the cost of the job. He indicated that the extension of the bid will expire soon and that the
contractor may extend the bid for another 30-60 days to allow the City more time to determine
if there would be a change in the area that would affect this job. Following brief discussion,
Mayor Black called for a motion.
Councilmember Lay moved that the City Council direct staff to ask the contractor whether
they would be willing to extend the contract price for 60 days. Councilmember Pennell
seconded the motion which carried unanimously by those Councilmembers in attendance.
101M /:19M I0l_=1
REPORT REGARDING BRUSH CLEARANCE STRATEGIES
DISCUSSION OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
City Manager Dahlerbruch introduced the Fire and Sheriff's Department Personnel that were
in attendance and the Area G Disaster Preparedness Coordinator. He provided the
information and recommendations outlined in the staff report regarding brush clearance
strategies and emergency preparedness in general. He provided brief comments regarding the
proposed emergency notification protocol that will be discussed later in the meeting.
Battalion Chief Frank August, explained the County Fire Department's efforts in emergency
preparedness. He commented on evacuation routes during an emergency and noted that it
would be difficult to specify evacuation routes due to the different circumstances in any given
emergency situation. He said that evacuations and other emergency plans are usually built as
the incident unfolds. Battalion Chief August stated that the Department welcomes a
representative of City personnel to the Incident Command Center so that they may
disseminate accurate information back to their Emergency Operations Center and to assist the
department in making certain decisions regarding the city in an emergency. He indicated that
educating residents regarding brush clearance to help prevent or to minimize brush fires is
essential. He commented on the brush clearance inspections that are conducted by the
Department. It was reported that ham radio operators would be essential to communications
on the peninsula during an emergency.
Minutes
City Council Meeting
07/23/07 -2-
City Manager Dahlerbruch explained the City Councils role as the policy makers at the
Emergency Operations Center during an emergency. He reported that future training of the
Council would be scheduled in this regard.
Councilmembers discussed the Fire Department's familiarity with the unique topography of
Rolling Hills and the Peninsula as well as traffic gridlock concerns related to emergency
vehicles being able to access the peninsula during an emergency as well as be able to access
some of the narrow roadways in Rolling Hills. Discussion also took place regarding the
evacuation of large animals. The County's Equine Response Team's plan for the evacuation of
large animals during an emergency was explained.
Discussion ensued regarding the Fire Department's mutual aid arrangements during an
emergency and the use of helicopters. Battalion Chief August also explained the number of
Fire Stations on the peninsula as well as those located in nearby cities. He encouraged the City
to purchase a satellite phone for use during an emergency. In regard to the homes in Rolling
Hills that are along Palos Verdes Drive North, it was suggested that the Department review
whether they could reach those homes faster from Station 56 in Rolling Hills or from the
Station 6 that is assigned to that area located in Lomita. Battalion Chief August explained the
research the Department has conducted related to this matter.
Further discussion ensued regarding educating residents regarding potential emergencies and
the resource survey and list of emergency equipment owned by residents that could be called
upon during a disaster. The Council concurred that this information should be updated.
Captain Ronene Anda, LA Co. Sheriff's Department -Lomita Station, explained the Sheriff's
Departments role as a first responder during an emergency. She also explained the
Community Emergency Response Team's role in an emergency and the evacuation of large
animals by the Equine Response Team as well as the Sheriff's Department Posse. Captain
Anda reported that the Department has prepared a presentation regarding the Department's
emergency response for Councilmembers. She explained the department's role in directing
traffic and managing evacuations during an emergency. Captain Anda also explained the
Department's coordination with the Fire Department and other Sheriff's Stations for coverage
in the area of an emergency. She mentioned that the Sheriff's Department uses satellite
phones.
Forrester J. Lopez, commented on the importance of brush clearance. He commented on the
Proposed Potential Brush Clearance / Fire Education Strategies and Options outlined in the
staff report and expressed his support for the document. He offered the LA Co. Forestry
Department's assistance to the City in forming a Fire Safe Council and with educational
materials as well as with the County'building standards related to the fire hazard severity
zones.
Mr. Mike Martinet, Area G Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, expressed support for the
recommendations outlined in the staff reports.
Mr. Robert Jonas, 3 Poppy Trail, commented on information he had received regarding the
Sheriff's Departments proposal to purchase 4 -wheel drive off road vehicles to use during
emergencies and to patrol local trails. He reported on young persons who have been hanging
around a canyon near his home and on the possibility that they may be smoking. He said that
this has been reported to the Sheriff's Department. Mr. Jonas indicated that the proposed off
road vehicle could be very helpful to the department for these type of incidents as well as in
emergencies.
Councilmembers thanked the emergency personnel and staff for the excellent briefing and
expressed support for the staff recommendations regarding brush clearance strategies and
emergency preparedness including the purchase of satellite phones. The Council concurred
that a Disaster Preparedness Committee under the Chairmanship of Mayor Pro Tem Hill
should study these issues and provide a report to the City Council.
City Manager Dahlerbruch explained the emergency preparedness coordination efforts
between the City and the RHCA. He commented on meetings that have been conducted
between City and RHCA staff and he thanked Mrs. Kristen Raig and her staff for their efforts
in this regard.
Minutes
City Council Meeting
07/23/07 -3-
OPEN AGENDA - APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME
Mr. Richard Colyear, 35 Crest Road West, suggested that the City contact the Palos Verdes
Land Conservancy regarding brush clearance on their property that is adjacent to Rolling
Hills. He also commented on the enforcement of the outdoor lighting ordinance.
MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A REPORT FROM THE PERSONNEL SUBCOMMITTEE
REGARDING AN APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION (ORAL)
Councilmemer Lay reported on the interviews of six applicants for the vacancy on the
Planning Commission. He said that they were all very qualified and that it was a very difficult
decision. He reported that the Committee is recommending that the City Council appoint Mrs.
Jill Smith to fill the unexpired term on the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Lay moved that the City Council appoint Mrs. Jill Smith to fill the unexpired
vacancy on the Planning Commission. Councilmember Pernell seconded the motion which
carried unanimously by those Councilmembers in attendance. It was suggested that the other
five candidates be engaged in other community activities and perhaps serve as a focus group
for topics identified by the City Manager.
Councilmember Pernell commented on responses from the City regarding underground
utilities. City Manager Dahlerbruch reported that an article had been placed in the citywide
newsletter regarding the value of underground utilities. He reported that ten residents had
responded and that a meeting with interested parties and a utility consultant is being planned
to address underground utility questions. He said that this meeting would be advertised in
the citywide newsletter.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
PROPOSED CITY COUNCIL EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION PROTOCOL
City Manager Dahlerbruch provided the staff report outlining the draft policy to the City
Council. He noted that it is helpful for staff to know when and for what instances to contact
the Council. Councilmembers concurred with staff's recommendations relative to emergency
notification.
PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE POLICY
City Manager Dahlerbruch presented the staff report outlining the proposed legislative policy.
Councilmembers approved the legislative policy with an amendment that staff receives the
concurrence of the City Council prior to lending support to other agencies.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING — ENFORCEMENT ACTION PLAN
City Manager Dahlerbruch presented the staff report outlining the proposed exterior lighting
enforcement action plan. He suggested that this item be continued to a future City Council
meeting when Councilmember Heinsheimer could be in attendance. Discussion ensued
regarding the ordinance relative to the Councils intent to reduce the amount of light that
spilled out onto the roadway and to enforce the absence of up -lighting of trees and shrubs.
Comments were offered that the intent of the ordinance's emphasis was to be on new or
remodel construction and it was not the intent to go back and have all homes retrofitted but
rather that existing lights be toned down. It was suggested that the Council re -review the
intent of the ordinance.
Councilmembers briefly discussed the policy of enforcement of the City's ordinances on a
complaint basis.
Councilmembers directed that this item be further studied at an upcoming City Council
meeting.
Minutes
City Council Meeting
07/23/07 -4-
1
1
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.
Hui -Tse Sheen, Individual, Plaintiff, vs City of Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Community
Association, et. al., Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. YC051963.
G.C. 54956.9(a)
Jonas, et al. v. City of Rolling Hills, et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No.
YC033955.
G.C. 54956.9(a)
Freeman v. City of Rolling Hills, et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No.
YC054015.
Conference with Real Property Negotiator
Government Code Section 54956.8
Property Address: Los Angeles Assessors Parcel # 7574-020-900
City Negotiator: City Manager
Negotiating Parties: County of Los Angeles
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
No closed session was held.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Black adjourned the meeting at
9:50 p.m. to the next regular meeting of the City Council scheduled to be held on Monday,
August 13, 2007 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2
Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Appr ,
James Bl/ck
Mayor
Minutes
City Council Meeting
07/23/07
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Ker
Deputy City Clerk
-5-