1/28/2008 MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
JANUARY 28, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor
Black at 7:31 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling
Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Heinsheimer, Lay, Pernell, Mayor Pro Tem Hill and Mayor
Black.
Councilmembers Absent: None.
Others Present: � Anton Dahlerbruch, City Manager.
Mike Jenkins, City Attorney.
Yolanta Schwartz, Planning 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 January 14, 2008.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
b. Payment of Bills.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
c. Financial Statement with Investment Report for the month of December, 2007.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
d. Fiscal Year 2008/09 Budget Preparation Calendar.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
e. Correspondence from California Water Service Company regarding changes in
its tariff schedules applicable to its Palos Verdes District filed with the Public
Utilities Commission, Advice Letter No. 1849.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
f. Allied Recycling Tonnage Report for December 2007.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
Mayor Pro Tem Hill moved that the City Council approve the items on the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Lay seconded the motion which carried unanimously. The City Manager
explained the formal noticing and public hearing required for an anticipated increase in solid
waste collection fees outlined in the budget calendar.
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
RESOLUTION NO. 200&Ol. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR GRADING
AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE WITH BASEMENT
TO REPLACE AN EXISTING RESIDENCE; GRANTING A MINOR VARIANCE TO
ENCROACH WITH BASEMENT LIGHT WELLS INTO SIDE YARD SETBACKS;
GRANTING A VARIAIVCE TO LOCATE THE FUTURE STABLE AND CORRAL IN
THE FRONT YARD; AND GRANTING A VARIANCE TO EXPORT SOIL IN ZONING
CASE NO. 746, LOCATED AT 3 PACKSADDLE ROAD EAST, (LOT 25-SF), (LIN).
Planning Director Schwartz presented the staff report outlining the applicants' request and
providing background regarding the property and the Planning Commissiori s action relative
to Zoning Case No. 746.
Councilmember Lay moved that the City Council receive and file Resolution No. 2008-01.
Mayor Pro Tem Hill seconded the motion. In response to questions from the Council,
Planning Director Schwartz explained how the drainage for the property would be handled.
She also explained a previous location for a future stable and corral on the property that was
approved in 2002 and the concerns raised about a future stable location during the current
Planning Commission review expressed by neighboring property owners. She said that the
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neighbors expressed concern that the proposed stable location would block the view from
their properties. She indicated that due to the concerns expressed that any future stable and
corral location on the property must be reviewed by the Planning Commission.
Concerns were expressed regarding a 10 ft. high hedge located along Packsaddle Road East
that is noted on the plan. It was explained that the City Council discourages hedge fiype
landscaping. Planning Director Schwartz explained the condition related to landscaping in the
resolution adopted by the Planning Commission which states that the property shall be
landscaped and screened from adjacent properties and that shrubs shall be planted in an offset
manner as not to create a hedge but a see through screen. The Council also discussed the
landscaping required at the rear of the property to mitigate concerns expressed by the
neighboring property owner regarding privacy. Concerns were expressed that due to the
hedge shown on the plan that the plan is in conflict with the Resolution. The City Attorney
explained that if a specific condition is contained in the resolution that the resolution would be
the controlling factor but the City should make sure that the plan corresponds. The Planning
Director explained that when a landscape plan is presented that staff and the landscape
consultant review the plan to assure that it meets the conditions in the resolution of approval.
Mr. Criss Gunderson, applicants' representative, explained the existing landscaping in the
front yard, which he said includes at 10 ft. deep offset pattern of a series of tall shrubs. He
indicated that he could change the terminology on the plan.
Discussion ensued regarding the landscape condition in the resolution which was described
by the Planning Director. Staff was directed to review the landscape plan required to be
submitted for this proposed development to assure that the landscaping in front along
Packsaddle Road East is not a 10-foot high hedge.
Following discussion the motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Lay, Pernell, and Mayor Pro Tem Hill.
NOES: Mayor Black.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
NIGHTTIME DELINEATION OF THE TRIANGLES AT SADDLEBACK
ROAD/POPPY TRAIL/PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD AND UPPER BLACKWATER
CANYON ROAD /PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
City Manager Dahlerbruch presented the staff report providing background regarding the
nighttime delineation of the two triangles located in the City.
Concern was expressed regarding the number and brightness of the reflectorized bots dots
installed at the Saddleback Road/Poppy Trail/Portuguese Bend Road triangle. It was
explained that this triangle was previously outlined with wood and that following several
accidents at the location that reflectors were added to them. It was suggested that fewer
reflectorized bots dots be installed at the triangle on Upper Blackwater Canyon
Road/Portuguese Bend Road.
Hearing no further discussion, Mayor Black called for a motion.
Councilmember Lay moved that the City Council authorize the installation of reflectorized
bots dots at the appropriate corners of the Saddleback Road/Poppy Trail/Portuguese Bend
Road and Upper Blackwater Canyon Road/Portuguese Bend Road triangles. Councilmember
Heinsheimer seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Staff was directed to minimize
the number of reflectorized bots dots installed at the triangle at Upper Blackwater Canyon
Road/Portuguese Bend Road.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSIDERATION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH BOLTON ENGINEERING FOR AS-
NEEDED CONSULTING
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City Manager Dahlerbruch presented the staff report outlining the agreement which would be
used for projects such as the geological consultant's recommendation for the redesign of a
drainage pipe at 1 Poppy Trail. He said that other needs such as this may arise in the future
and that it would be good to have an agreement with Bolton to cover the work.
Councilmember Heinsheimer moved that the City Council approve the agreement between
the City and Bolton Engineering for as-needed consulting. Councilmember Lay seconded the
motion. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed agreement and associated costs. The City
Attorney explained that the City's Purchasing Ordinance sets certain spending limits that the
City Manager can authorize as long as there are funds in the budget to cover the costs and that
the City Council must approve funds that are above this limit.
Following the discussion, the motion carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA- APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME
None.
MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
� CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE PERSONNEL
SUBCOMMTTTEE REGARDING APPOINTMENTS TO THE ROLLING HILLS
PLANNING COMMISSION AND TRAFFIC COMMISSION (ORAL)
Personnel Subcommittee Member Councilmember Allen Lay reported that the Committee had
met to interview candidates and consider appointments to the Planning Commission and
Traffic Commission per the city's policy which requires incumbent members of the
Commissions to apply for their position along with members of the community expressing a
desire to serve. He stated that the Personnel Subcommittee recommends the reappointment of
Loren DeRoy and Arvel Witte to the Planning Commission for a new term of 4-years. He
stated that all candidates were very well qualified and that each was considered on his or her
merits considering their experience, motivation, and interests along with the chemistry of the
Commission members. He indicated that the Committee felt that the incumbents were well
focused on the activities of the planning Commission and that the Commission is currently
working well together therefore the Committee felt that this is not the time to disrupt this
process. He stated that the Committee requests that the appointments to the Traffic
Commission be held on the agenda.
Hearing no further discussion, Mayor Black called for a motion.
Councilmember Lay moved that the City Council re-appoint Planning Commissioners Loren
DeRoy and Arvel Witte to a 4-year term on the Planning Commission. Councilmember
Heinsheimer seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
There being no objection Mayor Black continued the appointments to the Traffic Commission
to the next meeting of the City Council to be held on Monday, February 11, 2008.
Mayor Pro Tem Hill reported that longtime resident and one of the first presidents of the
Women's Community Club of Rolling Hills Mrs. Virgina Doak is moving away and suggested
that the Council recognize her. Councilmembers supported the recognition of Mrs. Doak,
providing Mayor Pro Tem Hill with the authority to decide the form and format of the
recognition.
Councilmember Pernell commented of the upcoming public hearing relative to the exterior
lighting ordinance recommended by the Planning Commission. He suggested that the City
Council discuss up-lighting and lighting of tennis courts during the public hearing.
Councilmember Pernell commented on the Planning Commission January, 2008 Meeting
Action Memorandum and a condition to a resolution of approval that prior to submittal of
final plans to the Building Department for issuance of building permits, the plans for the
project shall be submitted to staff for verification that the final plans are in compliance with the
plans approved by the Planning Commission. Planning Director Schwartz explained that this
is a standard procedure but that the Commission felt that it should be formalized in writing.
Mayor Black commented on the $400,000 Proposition 1B funds to be used for traffic
improvements and the suggested use of the funds for the relocation of the brown signal
control box off of the southeast corner of Portuguese Bend Road/Rolling Hills Road/Palos
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Verdes Drive North. He suggested that there might be other traffic related projects that would
benefit Rolling Hills residents.
Mayor Black commented on the undergrounding of utilities at 17 and 18 Portuguese Bend
Road. The City Manager explained that the parties are working toward a solution and should
be reporting their findings at an upcoming City Council meeting. He stated that a certificate of
occupancy would not be issued until the.undergrounding of utilities has occurred.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
City Manager Dahlerbruch provided a copy of a draft letter to the Rancho Palos Verdes City
Manager regarding brush clearance in the Canyons Ecological Reserve areas immediately
bordering Rolling Hills. He also reported that the draft letter from the Rolling Hills City
Council to Rancho Palos Verdes City Council regarding the pedestrian and equestrian use of
trails in the Ecological Reserve that are adjacent to Rolling Hills would be amended based on
feedback he has received. He provided the Council with an updated schedule for the low-
pressure sewer feasibility study.
City Manager Dahlerbruch reported that the City had received the Distinguished Budget
Award presented by the Government Finance Officers Association. Councilmembers thanked
and commended the Finance Director Nan Huang for her efforts.
City Manager Dahlerbruch reported that the League of California Cities has indicted that the
Governor has not yet exercised the option to declare a fiscal state of emergency per
Proposition 1A and therefore the state, at this time, does not appear to be borrowing property
tax monies from cities.
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.
No closed session was held.
ADTOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Black adjourned the meeting at
8:18 p.m. in memory of long time Rolling Hills resident Mrs. Nora Ullrich and former long
time resident Mrs. Marilyn A. Lund. The meeting was adjourned to the next regular meeting
of the City Council scheduled to be held on Monday, February 11, 2008 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Ker
Deputy City Clerk
Ap ed,
james ack �
Mayor
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