9/24/2007MINUTES OF .
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
SEPTEMBER 24, 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: Heinsheimer, Pernell, Lay, Mayor Pro Tem Hill and Mayor
Black.
Councilmembers Absent: None.
Others Present: Anton Dahlerbruch, City Manager.
Mike Jenkins, City Attorney.
Nan Huang, Finance Director.
Marilyn Kern, Deputy City Clerk.
Lt Greg 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 September 10, 2007.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
b. Payment of Bills.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
c. Financial Statement for the month of August, 2007.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
d. Consideration of approval of a Revised and Restated Amendment to Third
Amended Agreement Concerning the Portable Classrooms At The Rancho Del
Mar Site.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
e. Southern California Gas Company Notice of Proposed Rate Increases, Climate
Action Initiative; Application No. A.07-08-031 filed with the Public Utilities
Commission.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
f. Allied Recycling Tonnage Report for, 2007.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
g. Correspondence from Cox Communications regarding additions to channel line-
up.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
Councilmember Heinsheimer moved that the City Council approve the items on the Consent
Calendar. Councilmember Lay seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CITIZENS OPTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS) PUBLIC HEARING.
RESOLUTION NO. 1027: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A RESERVE ACCOUNT WITHIN
THE GENERAL FUND FOR THE CITIZENS OPTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS)
PROGRAM AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS THEREFROM.
Minutes
City Council Meeting
09/24/07
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City Manager Dahlerbruch presented the staff report providing information regarding the
expenditure of COPS Funding in FY 2007-08. Mayor Black opened the public hearing and
called for testimony. Hearing none and no discussion, he closed the public hearing called for a
motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Hill moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 1027. Councilmember
Heinsheimer seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
CONSIDERATION OF THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN
AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH RTK ARCHITECTS, INC. FOR THE
REMODEL OF THE CITY HALL LOBBY AREA.
City Manager Dahlerbruch presented the staff report outlining the proposal to remodel the
lobby area of City Hall and provided information regarding the conceptual drawing of the
proposed new floor plan. He reported that at the last meeting of the City Council staff was
directed to determine whether the remodel would trigger Americans with Disabilities Act
upgrades to the City Hall restrooms. He said that the City Attorney had determined that the
remodel does not necessitate ADA improvements to the restrooms at this time provided that
the construction project does not exceed $116,837.68 and providing that the ADA
improvements to the restrooms would exceed 2070 of the construction cost of the project. City
Manager Dahlerbruch indicated that the restroom portion of the project could possibly be
phased in and completed in the next fiscal year.
Discussion ensued regarding the costs of the work already completed for conceptual drawings
and the costs associated with the proposed work plan outlined in the amended agreement.
Councilmembers discussed the timing of commencement of the project. City Manager
Dahlerbruch explained that he expects that the project would begin after December, 2007. It
was suggested that it might be to the advantage of the City to complete the restroom
improvements at the same time as the remodel of the lobby.
Hearing no further discussion, Mayor Black called for a motion.
Councilmember Heinsheimer moved that the City Council direct the Mayor to execute an
amendment to the existing agreement with RTK Architects in the amount of not -to -exceed
$19,700 plus not -to -exceed $1,200 in reimbursable expenses for design drawings, preparation
of bid specifications and construction administration for the remodel of the City Hall lobby
area per the attached scope of work including the City Hall restrooms for ADA compliancy.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE 307: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS AMENDING
THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF
THE BUILDING OFFICIAL AND CITY ENGINEER.
City Manager Dahlerbruch presented the staff report providing background information
regarding the proposed ordinance. He said that the City has the authority and discretion to
designate whom it deems its Building Official, City Engineer, Chief Plumbing Inspector and
Chief Electrical Inspector for the processing and approval of building and construction plans.
He reported that since the City's incorporation, the City has designated the County of Los
Angeles with this responsibility but that the proposed ordinance would allow residents to
have a choice of either having plans reviewed and permitted by the County or having a
private contractor to review their plans and issue permits. He explained that with the heavy
workload of the County that a private contractor would most likely be more expensive but
would be able to provided review and permitting more rapidly.
The City Attorney explained that following the amendment of the code that now specifically
names the County as the City's Building Official that the designation of more than one entity
to act as the City's Building Official would be made by a resolution of the City Council.
Comments were offered about the proposed ordinance and it was suggested that since either
the County or a private contractor would be a choice for residents that the word entity be
changed to entities and the word person be changed to persons.
Hearing no further discussion, Mayor Black called for a motion.
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City Council Meeting
09/24/07 -2-
Councilmember Lay moved that the City Council waive further reading and introduce
Ordinance No. 307 as amended to reflect that where it states person, persons shall be used and
where it states entity, entities shall be used. , Councilmember Heinsheimer seconded the
motion which carried unanimously. This item was continued to the next regular meeting of
the City Council scheduled to be held on Monday, October 8, 2007 for consideration of second
reading and adoption.
OPEN AGENDA - APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME
Mr. Scott Gobble, Southern California Edison, addressed the City Council regarding concerns
raised by residents of Eastfield Drive about Edison's handling of a recent power outage during
extreme heat over the Labor Day weekend. He reported that on the day in question that
numerous transformers failed and because it was a holiday weekend that many employees
were away and unavailable to respond in a timely manner. He explained that it is Edison's
goal to respond to customers in a timely manner and that critical customers such as hospitals
are serviced first. He explained that the confusion over the miscommunication regarding the
time that the residents' electric power would be* restored may have been caused by the
overwhelming volume of calls that had been received by Edison that day. He also explained
that the transformer on Eastfield Drive had been repaired the next day. Mr. Gobble stated that
it is important for customers to call the Edison Company when there is a power failure.
Following discussion, Mr. Gobble was requested to respond to the concerns outlining what
occurred and the timeline to affect the repairs. It was suggested that he also outline Edison's
service standards and protocols.
Dr. Ralph Black addressed the City Council regarding the remodel of the City Hall Lobby area.
He suggested that audio/visual improvements be made to the Council Chambers at the same
time.
MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Lay reported that the easement in front of 44 Eastfield Drive had been cleared.
Staff reported that the delineators would be relocated at this location by the City's sign
maintenance contractor.
Mayor Pro Tem Hill reported on increases over the next few years for solid waste disposal
costs at the landfills. He was asked to find out whether this will have an effect on green waste
disposal. Mayor Pro Tem Hill also provided information regarding squirrels to the members
of the City Council.
Mayor Black commented on an increase in coyote activity. Staff explained efforts to manage
coyotes being conducted by the Los Angeles County Agriculture Department. Mayor Black
also commented on a recent incident involving a child who had been bitten by a rattlesnake.
He asked that an article be placed in the Citywide Newsletter regarding snakes and asked that
the article also state that children should not try to control a snake.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
DRAFT INVESTMENT AND FINANCIAL POLICIES.
City Manager Dahlerbruch presented the draft policies. He stated that they have been
prepared by staff and reviewed by the City Auditor and City Attorney and that they were
prepared to provide staff with direction and guidance for implementing the City Council's
policies as well as for the purpose of documenting the City Council's policies. City Manager
Dahlerbruch reported that the documents were provided to the City Council Finance/Budget
Committee for review and that they are now being provided to the City Council for
consideration and approval.
Mr. Alan Smith, Auditor, explained that he has been the City's auditor for many years and that
he would be happy to answer any questions the City Council may have. He explained that
over they years he has reviewed the City's financial policies. It was explained that an audit
Committee has been established consisting of the City Council's Budget/Finance
Subcommittee Members to review the City's investment and financial policies.
Following the discussion,. the City Council unanimously approved the Investment Policy and
Financial, Budget and Debt Policy and asked that staff provide an appendix regarding current
investments.
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City Council Meeting
09/24/07 -3-
City Manager Dahlerbruch reported on a letter received from the League of Women Voters
requesting the City Council nominate a woman for recognition at their upcoming annual
elected officials event. He also reported that the City is working with the PVPUSD disabled
student worker program and stated that a student is assisting staff once a week for three
hours. City Manager Dahlerbruch indicated that three responses were received by staff
relative to the newsletter article regarding the forming of a focus group.
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)
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.
ADTOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Black adjourned the meeting at
8:30 p.m. to the next regular meeting of the City Council scheduled to be held on Monday,
October 8, 2007 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2 Portuguese
Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Approved,
Frank E. Hill
Mayor Pro Tem
Minutes
City Council Meeting
09/24/07
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Kern
Deputy City Clerk
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