8/20/2012MINUTES OF
AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2012
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. at 1 Wagon Lane, 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.
Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director.
Heidi Luce, Deputy City Clerk.
Tina Greenberg, 32 Portuguese Bend Road.
Curtis & Pamela Reis, 1 Wagon Lane.
Hal Light, Attorney (representing Greenberg).
Sue Breiholz, 6 Upper Blackwater Canyon Road.
Bea Dieringer, 7 Buggy Whip Drive.
Marcia Schoettle, 24 Eastfield Drive.
X13 ev I I a 1 go 1 1 C r I_ _ VOI IllCl3
VIEW IMPAIRMENT APPEAL OF RESOLUTION 2012-03-CTV BY MRS. CHRISTINE
GREENBERG, 32 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD REGARDING THE REMEDIATION OF A
VIEW IMPAIRMENT COMPLAINT FILED BY MR. AND MRS. CURITS REIS, 1 WAGON
LANE.
FOLLOWING A MEETING AT 1 WAGON LANE, COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL VISIT 32
PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD.
The group assembled in the breezeway between the garage and house at 1 Wagon Lane and Mayor
Black called the meeting to order. Mrs. Reis asked that the group walk through the house to familiarize
themselves with the way the house was oriented to point out that all of the rooms face toward the north.
After walking through the house, the group assembled on the patio on the north side of the house. City
Manager Dahlerbruch presented the staff report. He stated that the purpose of the filed trip is to identify
the view site and assess if there is a significant view impairment. He reminded those in attendance that
this is not the place for testimony because the meeting is not being recorded although both parties may
want to make brief statements when appropriate. He reviewed two site plans which identify the trees
and stated one is a black and white plan which identifies the trees; and the second is color -coded to
correspond with the arborist's report. He also provided an aerial photograph showing an overhead view
of the properties with a line of site from the patio at 1 Wagon Lane, over 32 Portuguese Bend Road to
the Marina Del Rey area.
City Manager Dahlerbruch stated at the conclusion of the field trip today, the public hearing will be
continued to the August 27th meeting of the City Council at which time staff will provide a detailed
response to the appeal, all of the submissions received by the City since the July 23rd City Council
meeting and responses to the public comments from the July 23rd meeting; and further public testimony
will be taken.
Mrs. Reis distributed a photograph taken previously showing a view of snow-covered mountains to the
north and stated that the photograph was taken from the patio. Mrs. Greenberg stated that the
photograph was probably taken after she removed several trees.
Following brief discussion, Mayor Black asked if the City Council concurred that the patio on the north
side of the house is the appropriate view site. The members of the Council concurred.
Minutes - City Council
Adjourned Regular Meeting
08/20/12 -1-
Mr. Light commented that if Mrs. Greenberg's trees are trimmed there may be other trees past them
creating a view impairment and suggested that the issue be investigated before requiring any action on
Mrs. Greenberg's trees.
At Mrs. Reis' request, the group assembled in the area in front of the garage to obtain their perspective
of ocean view and other trees that may be in the view. Mrs. Reis commented that the trees which can be
seen from this view are on the Honbo property and they have agreed to trim them. Mr. Light spoke
about there never being a view from the property and in response was advised that the topic isn't
relevant to the case under the existing ordinance.
The group proceeded to the Greenberg property and assembled near the driveway off Wagon Lane. The
group then walked along the driveway in front of the home to view the Ficus trees along the front of the
house. At Mrs. Greenberg's request, the group walked through Mrs. Greenberg's home and assembled
on the north patio to view the Maple tree and trees along the northerly property line. Mr. Light stated
that trees number 80 and 81 depicted in the arborist's photo are not on Mrs. Greenberg's property. Mr.
Light asked that all present walk toward the rear property line to view those trees.
The group then proceeded to the front of the property along Portuguese Bend Road. Mr. Light called to
their attention a spot in the grouping of trees labeled #30-35 and pointed out two large Eucalyptus trees
outside Mrs. Greenberg's property, which in his opinion would block the Reis' view should Mrs.
Greenberg be required to implement the Commission on Trees and Views resolution.
Mrs. Greenberg pointed out tree #24 and stated that if the crown of the tree was reduced by 20 to 25 feet
a toothpick would remain.
Mr. Light called to the City Council's attention a newly planted tree in the vicinity of tree grouping #26-
30 commenting that it was a 24" box tree that does not compare in size to the existing trees. Mayor
Black pointed and Mrs. Greenberg subsequently concurred that it is much smaller than a 24" box tree
and more likely a 15 gallon tree.
Mrs. Greenberg stated that she hired an arborist and landscape designer and submitted a plan of action to
the Committee on Trees and Views, which involved removing some trees, planting new trees and
relocating the existing Ficus trees into the lower area of the easement outside her fence along Portuguese
Bend Road. Mayor Black stated that neither the Committee nor City Council may approve landscaping
in the easement as easements are under the RHCA jurisdiction. Mrs. Greenberg stated that she spoke to
the RHCA Manager and was informed that under certain circumstances the RHCA Board approves
landscaping in easements.
The group proceeded into the sitting room on the south side of the house to view a wall mural depicting
the Eucalyptus trees outside the window.
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Black continued the public hearing and
adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled to be held
on Monday, August 27, 2012 beginning at 7:30 " p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2
Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Appr �1
James luck, M.D.
Mayor
Minutes - City Council
Adjourned Regular Meeting
08/20/12
Respectfully submitted,
YP
k..land Schwartanning Direct
-2-
IAO&D
Heidi Luce
Deputy City Clerk
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