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-
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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
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