2/10/2014MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor Hill at
7:34 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Black, Dieringer, Pieper and Mayor Hill.
Councilmembers Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Lay.
Others Present: Raymond R. Cruz, City Manager.
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney.
Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director.
Heidi Luce, City Clerk.
Joann Lombardo, Comprehensive Planning Services.
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 27, 2014.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
B. Payment of Bills.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM FROM THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION:
C. Consideration of a Traffic Commission recommendation to install a "No Outlet" sign on
Open Brand Road.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
Councilmember Black asked that Item 3C be removed from the consent calendar for individual
consideration. Mayor Hill so ordered.
Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council approve the remaining items on the consent
calendar as presented. Councilmember Pieper seconded the motion, which carried without opposition.
C. Consideration of a Traffic Commission recommendation to install a "No Outlet" sign on
Open Brand Road.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
Councilmember Black expressed his opposition to installing a "No Outlet" sign on Open Brand Road.
He stated that he does not feel a sign is necessary and he feels that there are already too many signs on
Eastfield Drive. City Manager Cruz stated that the Traffic Engineer assessed the area and there are signs
at the cul-de-sacs above and below Open Brand Road. Following brief discussion, Councilmember
Dieringer moved that the City Council approve the Traffic Commission's recommendation to install a
"No Outlet" sign on Open Brand Road as presented. Councilmember Pieper seconded the motion, which
carried with Councilmember Black opposed.
COMMISSION ITEMS
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-01 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT AND SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR GRADING AND CONSTRUCTION OF A
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STABLE WITH CORRAL AND GRANTING A VARIANCE TO EXCEED THE MAXIMUM
PERMITTED DISTURBANCE OF THE LOT IN ZONING CASE NO. 848 AT 9
CHUCKWAGON ROAD, (LOT 3-CRB), (COOLEY). THE PROJECT HAS BEEN
DETERMINED TO BE EXEMPT PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA).
Mayor Hill introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz reviewed
the applicant's request to construct a stable with a corral in Zoning Case No. 848 at 9 Chuckwagon
Road. She stated that Planning Commission approved the applicant's request and Planning Commission
Resolution No. 2014-01 granting approval is before the City Council for consideration. Following brief
discussion concerning access to the stable, Councilmember Pieper moved that the City Council receive
and file Planning Commission Resolution No. 2014-01 granting approval of the applicant's request in
Zoning Case No. 848 at 9 Chuckwagon Road. Councilmember Dieringer seconded the motion, which
carried without opposition.
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-02 — A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW RESIDENCE, AND VARIANCES TO ENCROACH WITH A
PORTION OF THE RESIDENCE INTO THE REAR SETBACK WITHIN THE FOOTPRINT
OF THE EXISTING ENCROACHMENT AND TO ENCROACH INTO THE SIDE SETBACK
WITH THE SET ASIDE AREA FOR A FUTURE STABLE AND CORRAL IN ZONING
CASE NO. 847, AT 2 MIDDLERIDGE LANE SOUTH, LOT 168-RH, (JOHNSON). THE
PROJECT HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE EXEMPT PURSUANT TO THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA).
Mayor Hill introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz reviewed
the applicant's request to construct a new residence at 2 Middleridge Lane South noting that the property
is constrained by setbacks because it abuts two roadways. She reviewed the location for the set aside
area for a future stable and corral noting that the resident at 4 Middleridge Lane South (Schmoller)
expressed concern regarding the location due to prevailing winds and it was moved to address those
concerns. She stated that Planning Commission approved the applicant's request and Planning
Commission Resolution No. 2014-02 granting approval is before the City Council for consideration.
Councilmember Dieringer stated that she doesn't have any objection to the new house, but she is not
comfortable granting a variance for a stable for demonstration purposes when there are no plans to build
the stable in that area. She stated that her preference would be to locate the stable on the other side of the
house in the triangle area but noted that Planning Director Schwartz mentioned that the applicant may
later propose a pool in that area. In response to Councilmember Black's concern that there isn't an area
on the property for a pool, Planning Director Schwartz confirmed that there is an area where a pool
could be located. Councilmember Black further stated that he feels the proposed location for the stable
is a good location. Following brief discussion concerning the location of the future stable and corral,
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council receive and file Planning Commission Resolution
No. 2014-02 granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 847 at 2 Middleridge Lane
South. Councilmember Pieper seconded the motion, which carried with Councilmember Dieringer
opposed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCE NO. 337-U — AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS ADOPTING BY REFERENCE TITLE 26 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
BUILDING CODE, INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, 2013
EDITION; TITLE 27 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING THE
CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2013 EDITION; TITLE 28 OF THE LOS ANGELES
COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2013
EDITION; TITLE 29 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING THE
CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, 2013 EDITION; TITLE 30 OF THE LOS ANGELES
COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE; 2013
EDITION, TITLE 31 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING THE
CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, 2013 EDITION; AND
AMENDING TITLE 15, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROLLING HILLS
MUNICIPAL CODE; AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF. THE ORDINANCE IS
EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061(B)(3).
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Mayor Hill introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz stated that
present in the audience tonight are the City's Building Officials, Kit Bagnell, District Engineer and Mike
Dorta, Plan Check Engineer. She stated that this is a public hearing to consider an Urgency Ordinance
adopting by reference the Los Angeles County 'Building Code. She stated that the County adopted the
State Building Code with a few minor changes and historically, the City adopts the County Code with
additional changes specific to the City. She stated that counties and cities are allowed to make changes
as long as the changes result in more strict provisions,and staff is recommending that the City adopt the
County code with a few minor changes primarily related to required roofing material, approval of
grading; and making reference to the City's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and Low Impact
Development Standard Ordinance. In response to Councilmember Dieringer regarding which code
controls, City Attorney Jenkins stated that Rolling Hills Municipal Code is always the controlling
document, then the County Code, then the California Building Code. He sated that if the County or
State were to make changes after the City adopts the code, they would not be effective in the City until
the City adopted those changes. He stated, for example, that the City is not adopting the Fire Code
tonight because the County has not yet adopted it and it will be brought back for adoption at a later time
once the County adopts it.
Mayor Hill called for public comment. Hearing none, he closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council introduce Ordinance No. 337-U, waive full reading
and adopt the Ordinance as presented. Councilmember Pieper seconded the motion which carried
without objection.
CONSIDERATION OF THE 2014-21 HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS AND THE ANNUAL REPORT ON GENERAL PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION AND AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN, GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO. 2014-01; AND
RESOLUTION NO. 1158 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING THE 2014-2021 HOUSING ELEMENT AND GENERAL
PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2014-01, OF THE GENERAL PLAN OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS. A NEGATIVE ENVIRONMETAL DECLARATION HAS BEEN
PREPARED FOR THIS PROJECT; AND ACCEPTING AND FILING THE 2014 REPORT ON
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN.
Mayor Hill introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz stated that
this is a public hearing to consider an update to the City's Housing Element as required by State law.
She stated that the Housing Element is a part of the General Plan and its purpose is to define the City's
housing policies to comply with the State requirement that cities make a good faith effort to allow for
the construction of lower income housing. She stated that the City's Housing Element identifies the
constraints the City faces and why the City cannot comply with the State requirements. She introduced
Joann Lombardo with Comprehensive Planning Services who was the City's consultant in preparing the
2008 Housing Element as well as the current Housing Element.
Ms. Lombardo reviewed the background and requirements of the Housing Element law which was
adopted in 1969 stating that the original intent of the law was to encourage more housing and it has
become more complex over the years. She stated that this is the 5th cycle of the Housing Element and
there is a very short cycle to adopt it with the State requiring that it be adopted and sent to the California
Department of Housing and Community Development by February 15th. She reviewed the process, the
challenges faced by the City and the penalties for non-compliance. She further reviewed the
demographics taken from the 2010 census and the number of housing units allocated to the City as
determined by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). In response to
Councilmember Black, Ms. Lombardo reviewed the process for determining the numbers for housing
units and City Attorney Jenkins stated that the SCAG has the legal authority to impose these numbers on
cities. Ms. Lombardo further reviewed the constraints and challenges that the City faces in meeting the
requirements and stated that the next step for the City is to self -certify the Housing Element because the
California Department of Housing and Community Development will not certify it.
Mayor Hill called for public comment. Hearing none, he closed the public hearing.
Following brief discussion, Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council adopt Resolution
No. 1158 self -certifying the 2014-2021 Housing Element and adopting the Negative Environmental
Declaration; and that the City Council receive and file the General Plan implementation report.
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Councilmember Pieper seconded the motion. Following a public hearing and discussion the motion
carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmember Black, Dieringer, Pieper and Mayor Hill.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Lay.
ABSTAIN: None.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
OPEN AGENDA - APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME
None.
MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS
Councilmember Dieringer reported that she attended the League of California Cites meeting last week
where the discussion topic was emergency management. She distributed the PowerPoint presentation
and flyers on the matter. She further informed the City Council that there is a Resolution before the
State Legislature (Resolution No. 29) that proposes that the Legislature adopt legislation based on the
principals in the Resolution urging local official to move away from contracting for City services. She
stated that the League is monitoring the issue and she will keep the City Council apprised on the matter.
Councilmember Dieringer further reported that she also attended the South Bay Cities Council of
Governments meeting at which a letter from several Mayors in the San Diego area expressing concerns
regarding Metropolitan Water District was discussed. Following brief discussion, staff was directed to
follow up with the League of California Cites with regard to their position on the letter.
Councilmember Dieringer suggested that information such as SBCCOG events or the HERO Program
be included in the Citywide newsletter and on the City's web site. Brief discussion ensued concerning
the mailing process for citywide newsletter. City Clerk Luce stated that staff is looking into mailing the
newsletter first class rather than bulk mail as a part of the 2014-15 budget preparation process.
In response to Councilmember Dieringer's inquiry regarding the status of the City's Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan, City Manager Cruz stated that he would follow up on the matter.
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE A LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS CITY COUNCIL TO BE SENT TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE MEMBERS
ON THE COMMITTEE ON RULES ENDORSING ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
COUNCILMEMBER JUDY MITCHELL TO BE CONFIRMED TO A SEAT ON THE
CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD.
Mayor Hill introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. City Manager Cruz stated that these
proposed support letters were requested by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and agendized
at the request of Coucilmember Dieringer.
He stated that the first letter is in support of Rolling Hills Estates Council Member Judy Mitchell's
appointment to the California Air Resources Board. Following brief discussion, Councilmember
Dieringer moved that the City Council direct staff to draft a letter for the Mayor's signature to be sent to
the California State Senate Members on the Committee on Rules in support of appointing Rolling Hills
Estates Councilmember Judy Mitchell as a member of the California Air Resources Board.
Councilmember Black seconded the motion, which carried without opposition.
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE A LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS CITY COUNCIL TO BE SENT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE LOS ANGELES
COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY REQUESTING THAT
THEY PERMANENTLY WAIVE THE MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE FOR ALL
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EXPRESSLANES TRANSPONDERS AND TO KEEP EXPRESSLANES SURPLUS
REVENUES WITHIN THE CORRIDOR.; `
City Manager Cruz stated that the second , lette'r ' is ::n support of permanently waiving the monthly
maintenance fee for ExpressLane transponders and to keep surplus revenue within the corridor.
Following brief discussion, Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council direct staff to draft a
letter for the Mayor's signature to be sent to Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
in support of the effort to permanently waive the monthly maintenance fees for all ExpressLanes
transponders for individuals who work or live in Los Angeles County and to keep the surplus revenues
raised from Los Angeles County ExpressLanes in the corridor. Councilmember Pieper seconded the
motion, which carried without opposition.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
None.
CLOSED SESSION
None.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Hill adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. The
next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled to be held on Monday, February 24, 2014
beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling
Hills, California at which time a joint study session will be held with the Rolling Hills Community
Association Board of Directors for the purpose of discussing undergrounding overhead utility lines.
Approved,
Frank E. Hill
Mayor
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Respectfully submitted,
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Heidi Luce
City Clerk
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