3/10/2014MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY, MARCH 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
7:32 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Black, Dieringer, Lay, Pieper and Mayor Hill.
Councilmembers Absent: None.
Others Present: Raymond R. Cruz, City Manager.
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney.
Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director.
Terry Shea, Finance Director
Heidi Luce, City Clerk.
Marvin Jackmon, Southern California Edison, Region Manager.
Kristen Raig, RHCA Manager.
Richard Colyear, 35 Crest Road West.
Theodore Bennett, 3 Eastfield Drive.
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 February 10, 2014.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
B. Payment of Bills.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
Councilmember Pieper moved that the City Council approve the items on the consent calendar as
presented. Mayor Pro Tem Lay seconded the motion, which carried without objection.
PRESENTATION
Southern California Edison Eastfield 4kV Cutover Project Update
Marvin Jackmon, Region Manager, Public Affairs
Southern California Edison
Mr. Jackmon provided a summary of the Southern California Edison's Eastfield Drive 4kV cutover
project. He stated that the circuit that was replaced and cutover to 16kV was at 126% load prior to the
work and is projected at 94% load on a typical hot summer day. He further stated that 25 transformers,
serving 511 customers on the Eastfield circuit were replaced and the project is 98% complete pending
some final locations for anchors and guard wires. He stated that in the next week, he will meet with City
and RHCA staff to review the 2014 projects but there are no major infrastructure projects like this one
for 2014 but in 2016 SCE plans to eliminate the substation that the circuits come out of. He stated that
going forward, it is their objective to get communication out in front of the projects.
Councilmember Pieper inquired as to the status of removal of the old poles and suggested that when the
SCE does a project they complete all the work related to cleaning up and removing the poles in a timely
manner. In response, Mr. Jackmon stated that calls regarding such matters can be forwarded to him and
he will follow-up.
Mayor Pro Tem Lay inquired as to the coordination between the SCE, Cox and Verizon to connect to
the new poles so that the buddy poles can be removed. In response, Mr. Jackmon stated that according
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to the Joint Pole Agreements (JPA), the last utility off the pole is responsible for removing the old pole
and the City should follow up with the other utilities to ask that they move to the new pole. Mayor Pro
Tem Lay also asked Mr. Jackmon to provide a complete timeline for the upcoming infrastructure
projects scheduled in 2014, 2015 and 2016 well in advance.
Councilmember Black inquired as to the 45 -day limit for removal of the old poles that was mentioned in
the City Council's weekly report. Mr. Jackmon stated that he is not aware of time limit but in response
to Kristen Raig's comment that staff was told it was a PUC rule, Mr. Jackmon responded that it may be
a requirement in the JPA.
Mayor Pro Tem Lay reiterated the importance of advance communication concerning SCE projects and
suggested that a letter be sent to SCE requesting advance notice.
Councilmember Dieringer concurred with Mayor Pro Tem Lay's suggestion. She also asked Mr.
Jackmon to provide information as to the location of all the poles and equipment that was installed
and/or replaced as a part of the Eastfield Cutover project; the contact information for the person within
SCE who can provide information regarding the legal authority for each piece of equipment; and a copy
of the JPA and all such agreements as well as the detailed plans for the Eastfield project. In response,
Mr. Jackmon stated that the JPA information is available online or through SCE's legal council and he
will e-mail the information to the City Manager and will provide the plans although he feels they were
already provided previously.
COMMISSION ITEMS
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-04 — A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR
GRADING AND CONSTRUCTION OF NOT TO EXCEED 5 FOOT WALL AND SOLID
ROOF COVERED PATIO AND A VARIANCE FOR A RETAINING WALL, WHICH ON
THE AVERAGE EXCEEDS 2 '/2 FEET IN HEIGHT IN ZONING CASE NO. 843, 38
PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD, (LOT 118-RH), ROLLING HILLS, CA. THE PROJECT HAS
BEEN DETERMINED TO BE CATEGORICALLY 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 for a site plan review to construct a wall to enlarge an existing pad and to
construct a solid roof covered patio. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Lay inquiry as to a landscaping plan,
Planning Director Schwartz stated that there is a condition in the Resolution requiring that a landscaping
plan be submitted and it was submitted before the Planning Commission approved the Resolution.
Following brief discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Lay moved that the City Council receive and file Planning
Commission Resolution No. 2014-04 granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No.
843 at 38 Portuguese Bend Road. Councilmember Black seconded the motion, which carried without
objection.
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-05 — A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A CERTIFICATE OF
COMPLIANCE FOR A LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT FOR PROPERTIES AT 0 BUGGY
WHIP DRIVE (LOT 175 -A -2 -MS) AND 25 CREST ROAD WEST (LOT 175—A -1 -MS) AND
GRANTING VARIANCES TO ALLOW EXISTING NONCONFORMING CONDITIONS TO
REMAIN FOR WIDTH OF THE LOT, FOR LOTS THAT ARE LESS THAN 2 ACRES NET
IN SIZE AND TO EXCEED STRUCTURAL COVERAGE, IN ZONING CASE NO. 849,
(CZYZYK AND CHANDRAN). PROJECT HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, (CEQA).
Councilmember Dieringer recused herself from consideration of this item due to the proximity of her
property to the subject property and left the dais. Mayor Hill introduced the item and asked for staff's
comments. Planning Director Schwartz reviewed the applicant's request for a lot line adjustment
between the properties at 0 Buggy Whip Drive and 25 Crest Road West to swap a small amount of land
between the two properties.
Following brief discussion concerning the process and cost for such an application, Councilmember
Black moved that the City Council receive and file Planning Commission Resolution No. 2014-05
granting approval of the applicant's request for a lot line adjustment in Zoning Case No. 849 at 0 Buggy
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Whip Drive and 25 Crest Road West. Mayor Pro Tem Lay seconded the motion, which carried without
objection. Councilmember Dieringer returned to the dais.
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-06 — A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL FOR VARIANCES TO BE
RELIEVED FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO SET ASIDE AN AREA FOR A FUTURE
STABLE AND CORRAL AND TO ALLOW A PORTION OF AN ADDITION TO THE
RESIDENCE TO ENCROACH INTO THE REAR AND SIDE SETBACKS IN ZONING
CASE NO. 850, AT 85 EASTFIELD DRIVE, (LOT 10 -A -EF), (SMITH). THE PROJECT
HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, (CEQA).
Mayor Hill introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz reviewed
the unique configuration of the lot and explained the applicant's request. She stated that the applicant is
proposing to add on to the front of the existing house as well as the rear and side of the house both of
which encroach into the setback. She further stated that the applicant is also asking to waive the
requirement for a set aside area for a stable and corral given the unique characteristics of the lot. She
stated that the Planning Commission felt that due to the size and location of the existing house and the
topography, it is appropriate to waive the requirement and it is not the addition causing there to be no
room for a stable.
Councilmember Dieringer stated that she does not feel it is a necessity to use the setback for the addition
on the north side of the property and that another existing area could be used instead. In response to
Councilmember Black, Planning Director Schwartz stated that there are no plans that show a previous
set aside area for a stable and corral.
Following brief discussion, Councilmember Black moved that the City Council receive and file Planning
Commission Resolution No. 2014-06 granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No.
850 at 85 Eastfield Drive. Councilmember Pieper seconded the motion, which carried with
Councilmember Dieringer opposed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSIDERATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2013-2014 MID -YEAR REVIEW AND
APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR 2013-2014 BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS.
Finance Director Shea presented the 2013-2014 mid -year review and proposed budget adjustments. He
stated that at mid -year, revenues are approximately $76,000 above projections and expenditures are
approximately $45,000 less than budgeted. In response to Councilmembers Dieringer and Black,
Finance Director Shea stated that fees will be discussed as a part of the budget planning process.
Following brief discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Lay moved that the City Council receive and file the FY
2013-2014 mid -year budget review and approve the budget adjustments as presented. Councilmember
Dieringer seconded the motion, which carried without objection.
CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR CITY OF ROLLING HILLS TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON (SCE) DIRECT INSTALL
PROGRAM.
City Manager Cruz presented the staff report stating that at the recommendation of the South Bay Cities
Council of Governments the City underwent an assessment through Southern California Edison's Direct
Install Program to determine what energy efficiency upgrades could be implemented to reduce the City's
electrical costs. The result of the audit identified several upgrades that qualify for installation through
the program at no cost to the City that could result in an electrical cost saving of $1,187. Following
brief discussion, Councilmember Dieringer moved that the City Council approve the City's participation
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in the Southern California Edison direct install program and authorize the City Manager to execute the
agreement. Councilmember Pieper seconded the motion, which carried without objection.
OPEN AGENDA - APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC COMMENT WELCOME
Theodore Bennett, 3 Eastfield Drive addressed the City Council to express his appreciation for the
condolence the City offered upon his Mother's passing and offered to donate several Torrey Pine trees
that he seeded over 20 years ago to the City. Staff was directed to follow-up with Mr. Bennett with
regard to the donation.
MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS
UPDATE ON THE PALOS VERDES PENINSULA REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
COMMITTEE MEETING (ORAL).
Councilmember Dieringer provided an update on the discussions from the February 13, 2014 Palos
Verdes Peninsula Regional Law Committee Meeting stating that crime in the City is relatively low and
that the Sheriff's Dept. is still monitoring the situation regarding the most recent residential burglaries.
Councilmember Dieringer mentioned that Southern California Gas Company is planning to install new
Advanced Meters and explained some of the concerns individuals have regarding the new meters. She
suggested that the City provide the information to residents and that the City purse its legal rights with
regard to installation of new equipment. Following brief discussion, the City Council directed the City
Manager to work with City Attorney's office to research a utilities authority to install equipment and to
investigate franchise related issues.
Councilmember Black suggested that e-mails sent to the City Council be forwarded via e-mail to the
City Council rather than being provided as hard copies as has been past practice. Hearing no objection,
staff was directed to proceed with forwarding the e-mails.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
STATUS REPORT ON A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PROJECT FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A SEWER MAINLINE EXTENSION ALONG JOHNS CANYON
ROAD.
City Manager Cruz provided a status report update on the Johns Canyon Road sewer mainline extension
project. He stated that staff is continuing to work with the County and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
to resolve the issues but in the meantime, Mr. Colyear has suggested that the City issue the permits for
the construction of the extension without being connected to the County system until the issues have
been resolved. City Manager Cruz stated that staff is investigating that option.
Mr. Colyear addressed the City Council to further explain his suggestion that the City issue the permits
for the mainline extension and the laterals and suggested that that staff question the County as to what
liability the City of Rancho Palos Verdes has in approving the project. Mr. Colyear further commented
that his current extension will be expiring in June.
Following brief discussion, the City Council directed staff to report back on the status of the project and
to place on the consent calendar for the City Council's approval, a one-year time extension from the
time the previous extension expires, for construction of the sewer mainline extension.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
None.
CLOSED SESSION
None.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
None.
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Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Hill adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. in
memory of long time resident Curtis Reis. The next:regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled to
be held on Monday, March 24, 2014 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2
Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Approved,
YrE.l
Mayor
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Respectfully submitted,
Heidi Luce
City Clerk
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