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8/11/2008MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2008 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: Anton Dahlerbruch, City Manager. Mike Jenkins, City Attorney. Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director. Nan Huang, Finance Director. Marilyn Kern, Deputy City Clerk. Vanessa Munoz, Traffic Engineer. 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 July 28, 2008. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. b. Payment of Bills. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. C. Financial Statement for the month of June, 2008. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. d. Correspondence from the City of Redondo Beach regarding the transfer of South Bay Youth Project to the South Bay Children's Health Center effective July 1, 2008. RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file. e. Southern California Gas Company notice of filing energy efficiency programs with the Public Utilities Commission. RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file. f. LA Co. Sheriff's Department Traffic Enforcement Overtime — June 2008 RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file. g. Amendment to Mediation Services Agreement. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. h. FY 2008-09 Extra Traffic Enforcement Proposal. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. i. Recommendation from the Traffic Commission regarding award of FY 2008-09 City of Rolling Hills Replacement of Traffic Striping and Pavement Markings Project. RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented. j. Correspondence from 'Cox Communications regarding additions to channel lineup effective September 1, 2008. RECOMMENDATION. Receive and file. Councilmember Black moved that the City Council approve the items ori the consent calendar. Councilmember Lay seconded the motion. Following an explanation regarding the corrected date on the minutes of July 28, 2008 and an explanation of the motion in the minutes by the City Manager related to the discussions regarding 17 and 18 Portuguese Bend Road, the motion carried unanimously by those Councilmembers in attendance. Minutes City Council Meeting 08/11/08 -1- PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS RESOLUTION NO. 2008-14. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR GRADING AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN ATTACHED GARAGE AT 6 SADDLEBACK ROAD, (LOT 100-18-RH) IN ZONING CASE NO. 747, (REITER). Planning Director Schwartz presented the staff report outlining the applicant's request and providing background regarding the property and the Planning Commission's action relative to Zoning Case No. 747 Following a brief discussion and an explanation from the applicant's architect regarding the garage doors and proposed use of the existing garage as livable space, Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that the City Council receive and file Resolution No. 2008-14. Councilmember Black seconded the motion which carried unanimously by those Councilmembers in attendance. TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEMS CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION REGARDING TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES ON MIDDLERIDGE LANE NORTH. CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION REGARDING CONDUCTING A SPEED SURVEY ON MIDDLERIDGE LANE NORTH. City Manager Dahlerbruch presented the staff report providing background regarding the concerns raised by Middleridge Lane North residents about speeding vehicles on their street and the previous action by the City Council to authorize a survey for the installation of speed humps if all residents on the street agreed to them. He also explained a neighborhood meeting held recently at City Hall with the Sheriff's Department, residents of Middleridge Lane North and staff to discuss the concerns of the residents about speeding on their street. He reported that the notes from the neighborhood meeting are attached to the staff report and he outlined the suggestions to deter speeding that were discussed at the meeting. The City Manager outlined the recommendations made by the Traffic Commission which include additional signage, pavement markings and a speed survey. Discussion ensued regarding the previous authorization for a survey for the installation of speed humps on Middleridge Lane North. It was reported that the residents would like to pursue traffic calming measures that would have less of an impact on the neighborhood at this time. Ms. Vanessa Munoz, Traffic Engineer, explained that pavement markings must match the signage on the roadway and therefore the only pavement marking that could be considered would be to mark the 20 miles per hour speed limit on the roadway. She also explained her recommendations outlined in a memo to the Traffic Commission. Discussion ensued regarding the suggested speed survey. The Traffic Engineer explained that the speed could be lowered to 15 miles per hour if 85% of the vehicles surveyed during the test period were traveling at 15 miles per hour. She also explained that speed humps work as a traffic -calming device however, they can create noise and are less aesthetically pleasing to a neighborhood such as Middleridge Lane North. The Traffic Engineer explained a previous survey conducted which showed that the roadway did not warrant a lower than 20 miles per hour speed limit. She indicated that she feels that a new survey would most likely end with the same results. Councilmembers concurred that the pavement marking of 20 miles per hour would not be necessary at this time. The Council discussed the proposed signage. Ms. Munoz further explained the roadway conditions on Middleridge Lane North and the recommended "Narrow Road" and "Curve Warning" signs. Hearing no further discussion, Mayor Hill called for a motion. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that the City Council direct staff to conduct a vehicular speed study for Middleridge Lane North and install additional signage on the street. Councilmember Lay seconded the motion which carried unanimously by those Councilmembers in attendance. Minutes City Council Meeting 08/11/08 -2- CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION REGARDING THE CONSISTENCY OF THE STRIPING ON PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD AT UPPER BLACKWATER CANYON ROAD. City Manager Dahlerbruch presented :the .staff report outlining the Traffic Commission's discussion regarding the centerline striping on Portuguese Bend Road at Poppy Trail and Saddleback Road. He reported that during the discussion, it was noted that the centerline striping on Portuguese Bend Road at Upper Blackwater Canyon Road is inconsistent with the striping at Poppy Trail and Saddleback Road intersection and outlined the Traffic Engineer's recommendation that the Portuguese Bend Road at Upper Blackwater Canyon Road intersection be modified. Hearing no discussion, Mayor Hill called for a motion. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer moved that the City Council direct staff to modify the striping on Portuguese Bend Road at Upper Blackwater Canyon Road to be consistent with California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Councilmember Black seconded the .motion which carried unanimously by those Councilmembers in attendance. CONSIDERATION OF A SURVEY TO DETERMINE THE CONSISTENCY OF HORSE CROSSING SIGNAGE AND MARKING IN THE CITY. City Manager Dahlerbruch presented the staff report providing background regarding a request from the RHCA for the Traffic Commission to review the installation of equestrian crossing signage and pavement markings at Upper Blackwater Canyon Road and Appaloosa Lane and at Upper Blackwater Canyon Road and Sagebrush Lane. He indicated that as a result of this discussion that the Traffic Commission suggested that it would be beneficial to have information on signage, pavement markings and pavement treatment of horse crossings throughout the City and to be able to determine the consistency of the horse crossings as well. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed horse crossing inventory and the number of locations in the City where a trail meets a roadway. Concerns were expressed about the scope of the work and the possible proliferation of horse crossings and signage as ,a result of the inventory. It was suggested that Caballeros could be helpful in advising the City of the major horse crossings in the City so that the City could verify that they are' appropriately and accurately identified. The City Manager explained that the Traffic Commission was hesitant to make a decision on the request for equestrian crossing signage and pavement markings at Upper Backwater Canyon Road and Appaloosa Lane and at Upper Blackwater Canyon Road and Sagebrush Lane until they knew how other horse crossings are handled throughout the City. The Traffic Engineer explained that most cities designate horse crossings with pavement markings and signage and that they are usually installed where there would be a lot of traffic and a possible conflict between vehicles and equestrians. She also explained that some of the crossings in Rolling Hills are on minor roadways that do not handle a high volume of traffic. She also explained that a driver as well as an equestrian are responsible to be aware of oncoming traffic. The City Attorney explained the private nature of the roadways in Rolling Hills and the City Council's review of traffic safety situations. Hearing no further discussion, Mayor Hill called for a motion. Councilmember Lay moved that the City Council refer this matter back to Traffic Commission for further consideration and consultation with Caballeros in order to better define the objective and scope of the work. Commissioner Heinsheimer seconded the motion which carried unanimously by those Councilmembers in attendance. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. OLD BUSINESS None. Minutes City Council Meeting 08/11/08 -3- NEW BUSINESS CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE MOVING OR UNDERGROUNDING OF THE UTILITY POLE IN THE VICINITY OF 10 MIDDLERIDGE LANE SOUTH. City Manager Dahlerbruch presented the staff report providing background regarding the Traffic Commission's previous review and recommendations of traffic safety measures in the vicinity of the subject utility pole and the request from Mr. Burt Cutler, 10 Middleridge Lane South, that the City Council consider paying for or having Edison pay for the relocation or undergrounding of the pole. He also explained Southern California Edison's installation of bollards to protect the pole from being knocked down. He indicated that the pole had been knocked down twice in recent years. The City Manager reported that Edison representatives have indicated that the pole could be moved but that the issue is who will fund the project. Mr. Burt Cutler, 10 Middleridge Lane South, provided photographs of the subject utility pole and bollards. He reported on the accidents that have occurred involving this subject utility pole. He stated that the accidents involved young visitors to the neighborhood and a pizza delivery person and occurred at night. He reported on the number of young drivers in the neighborhood and noted that there are a few elderly residents as well and expressed concern that another accident may occur. Mr. Cutler also indicated that he drove on Eastfield Drive and could not find any utility poles that are as close to the roadway with the same roadway conditions as the subject pole and again mentioned that the subject pole has been hit three times, twice of which it was completely knocked down. He indicated that he feels that the view from the location may distract a driver and that it is often foggy in the area. Mr. Cutler discussed the costs associated with the relocation or undergrounding of the utility pole. He indicated that he and his neighbors feel that the pole should be relocated or undergrounded at the Edison Company's or the City's expense because it is for safety reasons rather than a neighborhood beautification project. He further expressed concern about the yellow bollards installed by the Edison Company to protect the pole. He urged the City Council to apply pressure on the Edison Company to relocate or underground the utility pole. Discussion ensued regarding the City Council's desire to encourage undergrounding of utility poles in the City. Mr. Scott Gobble, Southern California Edison Company, reported that he had met with Mr. Cutler and the City Manager in the field regarding the utility pole and explained what would be involved in undergrounding the subject pole. He also reported that the cost of doing the actual work would be estimated at $275 to $375 a foot however, this amount does not include Assessment District or engineering costs. He also explained what would be involved in relocating the pole further away from the edge of the road and the private property owner's need to provide an easement to Edison to complete the work on the property. He indicted that the estimated cost for relocating the pole would be approximately $40,000 to $50,000. Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to investigate/ evaluate and report at a future meeting the undergrounding of the subject pole and others in the vicinity to determine how many poles could be undergrounded, cost, and whether property owners would participate. OPEN AGENDA - APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME None. MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Lay reported on the PV Land Conservancy's planned acquisition of the 218 acres of the Upper Filiorum and Plum Tree parcels and indicated that if there were no objections he would like for staff to work with the Mayor to send a letter of support. Councilmembers supported Councilmembers Lay's request and it was suggested that the letter contain comments about the City's contribution to the previous Land Conservancy project. Mayor Pro Tem Heinsheimer reported that the Low Pressure Sewer System Subcommittee met earlier in the evening with the consultant and that a report would be provided to the City Council at a future meeting. Minutes City Council Meeting 08/11/08 -4- 1 1 MATTERS FROM STAFF City Manager Dahlerbruch provided an update regarding brush clearance efforts of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes in the Nature Reserve adjacent to properties in Rolling Hills. City Manager Dahlerbruch reported on the alternative building plan review process. He indicated that to date no residents have opted to have their projects reviewed by the contractor. He indicated that staff would continue to make residents aware of this process. UPDATE ON FLYING MANE NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING AND REPORTING CRIMES IN THE CITY NEWSLETTER (ORAL) The City Manager provided an update on the neighborhood meeting held last week regarding recent thefts that occurred in the City. Following discussion, staff was asked to include articles in the Citywide Newsletter when crimes occur in the City. The City Council supported the idea of an, email chain if there is a trained community volunteer to. share info with the community and to use the website when it is up and running for sharing information. The Council also supported neighborhood meetings hosted by residents to discuss the concept of neighborhood watch programs and what neighbors can do to promote safety in their neighborhoods. 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 Labor Negotiator: G.C. 54957.6 City Negotiator: Anton Dahlerbruch, City Manager Unrepresented Employees: Finance Director, Planning Director, Deputy City Clerk / Executive Assistant and Administrative Assistant. No closed session was held. ADIOURNMENT Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Hill adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. in memory of long time Rolling Hills resident Dr. Rachel Jenkins Sass. The meeting was adjourned to the next regular meeting of the City Council scheduled to be held on Monday, August 25, 2008 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California. Approv , Frank E. Hill - Mayor Minutes City Council Meeting 08/11/08 Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Kern Deputy City Clerk �-1