08-10-15 MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
C�TY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY QF ROLLING HILLS,CALIFURNIA
MONDAY,AUGUST 10,2015
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was called#a order by Mayor Pieper
at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Port�xguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills,
California.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Black,Dieringer,Mirsch, Wilson and Mayor Pieper.
Couxicilmembers Absent: None.
Others Present: Raymond R. Cruz, City Manager.
Mike Jenkins, City Attorney.
Yolanta Schwartz,Planning Director.
Heidi Luce, City Clerk.
Ross Bolton,Bolton Engineering.
Nick Tonsich, 40 Eastfield Drive.
7im Aichele, 14 Crest Road West.
CUNSENT CALENDAR
Matters which may be acted upon by the City Council in a sizxgle rr�otian. Any Councilmember may
request removal of any item from the Consent Calendar causing it to be considered under Council
Actions.
A. Minutes -Regu�ar Meeting of July 27, 2015.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve �s presented.
B. Payment of Bills.
RECOMMEND.�TI4N: Approve as presented.
C. A11ied Recycling Tonnage Report far June, 2015.
RECONIlI�NDAT[ON: Receive�nd file.
D. Consideration of a date of December 14, 2015 from 4-7 pm for the 30`" Annual Haliday
Open House
RECOMMEND�TION: Ap�rove as presented.
E. Review and approvaI of the Planning/Traffic Commission Recruitrnent/Appaintment
Tirneline for terms expiring in January 201b.
RECOMNI�NDATION: Approve ss presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS FR�M THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION
CONSIDERATION OF FY 2015-16 BID SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUEST FOR BIDS
FOR REPLACEMENT OF TRAFFIC STRIPING AND PAVEMENT MARKINGS ON
CERTAIN STREETS.
RECOMIVV�NDATION: Approve as presented.
Councilmember Black rnoved that the City Council approve the items on the consent calendar as
presented. Counci�mernber Mirsch seconded the motion, which carried without objection.
Minutes
City Council Meeting
08/10/15 -1-
COMMISSION ITEMS
RE50LUTION NO. 2015-15 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING CONIMFSSION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GR.ANTING APPROVAL OF VARIANCES TQ
ENCROACH WITH AN ADDI'1'�ON INTO THE FRONT SETBACK AND WITH AN
EXISTING POND INTO THE SIDE SETBACK IN ZQNING CASE NO. 883, AT 6
MAVERICK LANE, (LOT 25-SK), ROLLING HILLS, CA, (THOREN-PEDEN}.
Mayor Pieper introduced the itern and asked for staff s comments. Planning Director Schwartz reviewed
the applicant's request for an addition and to retain an existing pond in Zoning Case No. 883 at 6
Maverick Lane which is in the RAS-1 Zone. She stated that the Planning Commission approved the
applicant's request for a bS sq. ft. addition under the existing roof af a the house which is entirely in the
front yard setback because it was can�tructed when the setbacks were 20 ft. She stated that the Planning
Commission also approved an existing pond, which is in the side yard setback. She stated that se�eral
residents attended the filed trip but did not express any objectrons to the request.
Mayor Pieper called for public comment. Hearing nane,he asked far comments from the City Council.
Cour�cilmember Black moved that the City Council receive and file Planning Commission Resolution
No 2015-15 granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 8$3 at 6 Maverick Lane.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer secanded the motion,which carried without objection.
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-16 — 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
STABLE, CORRAL, RIDING R1NG AND TURNOUT AREA IN ZONIlVG CASE NO. 879 AT
1 PINE TREE LANE, (LOT 102-RH), {DELGADO).
Mayor Pieper introduced the item and asked for staffls comments. Planning Director Schwartz reviewed
the applicant's request to construct a stable and othe�r equestrian facilities in Zoning Case No. 879 at 1
Pine Tree Lane. 5he stated that tt�e stable is proposed at 2,970 sq. ft. one story stable and reviewed the
configuration of the stab�e. She further reviewed the applicant's request stating that the applicant
originally proposed a la�rger, two-story stable, which was partially located xn the setback but revised the
request having heard the concern expressed by the Planning Commission. She stated that there were
several neighbors in attendance but none expressed objection to the applicant's request. She further
stated that all of the development standards are being met with this application and the proposed stable
meets the requirements for a stable.
Mayor Pieper called for public comment. Hearing none,he asked for comments from the City Council.
Following brief discussion, Councilmember Black moved tha�the City Council receive and file Planning
Commission Resolution No 2015-1fi granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No.
879 at 1 Pine Tree Lane. Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion,which carried without objectian.
PUBLC HEARINGS
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 1179: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA, FINDING 'I� CITY TO
BE IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CMP)
AND ADOPTING THE CMP LQCAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH
CALIFORIVIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65089.
Mayor Pieper intraduced the item and asked for staff s comments. Planning Director Schwartz stated
that all of the cities and counties in the State are required, by Proposition 111 ta report to the State and
certify what developrnent was for the prior year and how it impacts regional transportation and air
quality. If there is impact, the cities are further required ta mitigate any impacts. She stated that there
was no development in the City that impacts regional transportation or air quality and Resolution No.
1179 certifies that the City is in compliance with the Congestion Management Program.
Mayor Pieper opened the public hearing and called for public comment. Heaxing none, he closed the
pub�ic hearing.
Minutes
City Gouncil Meeting
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Councilmember Black m�o�ed that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 1179 fmding the City to be in
conformance with the Congestian Management Program and adopting the CMP Loca� Development
Report. Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion,which carried without objection.
CONTINUANCE 4F THE PUBLIC HEARING IN ZONING CASE NO. 862, FURTHER
CONSIDERATIQN OF A REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR ADDITIONAL
GRADING AND MODIFICATI�N TO BASEMENT ACCESS AND A VARIANCE TO
RECONSTRUCT THE REAR SLOPES THAT WOULD BE STEEPER THAN THE
PERMITTED SLOPES ("DEFERRED ITEMS"} IN ZONING CASE NO. 862 AT
40 EASTFIELD DRIV� {L�T 91-EF), ROLLING HILLS, CA (TONSICH). THE PROJECT
IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM 'IT� REQUIREMENTS OF THE CALIFORNIA
ENVYRQNMENTAL QUALITY ACT(CEQA).
Mayor Pieper introduced the i�em and asked for staffs comments. P�anning Director Schwartz reviewed
the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 862 at 4Q Eastfield Drive. She stated tl�at this case was taken
under jurisdiction by the City Council earlier this year and in March 2015, the City Council adopted a
Resolution granting approval of same of the modifications to the residence. As part of the request, the
applicant was proposing a s�aircase leading from the upper level around the corner of the house in�o the
electrica.l room and light well; as well as to reconstruct the slope at the rear of th�property at 1.5:1. At
the time the Resolution was adopted, the City Cauncil did :not approve those two items and deferred
consideration of those two items asking#1�e applicant ta revise the request ta elimit�ate the staircase and
make the slope less steep. She stated that the applicant has returned wi�h a request to approve the
staircase and grading to the rear slope, which involves a 2 ft. keystone wall along tt�e length of the house
so that the part of the slope between the wall and the basement is 1.7:1 to 2:1 and the remainder of the
slope is 1.5:1 with 2:1 slopes aIong the path that accesses the septic tank area. She further stated that
applicant also proposes to retain the flat area at the bottom of the property. She stated that the applican#
has submitted historical data with regard to the original condition of the slope, which the applicant will
address. She stated tliat Kit Bagnell, the City's Building Official is present to answer any questions.
She further reviewed a previously approved plan, which indicates that the slopes were ariginally shawn
as greater than 2:1. She passed around a document, which shows a simple graphic illu�tration of wha,t is
� used to illustrate slopes. She fixrther stated that the applicant has also provided a graphic rendering ta
show what the slope will look like from the rear with the wall and with landscaping.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer, Planning Dir�ctor Schwartz stated that the septic tank has
been appraved but has not yet been installed. Following brief discussion cancerning the location of the
septic tank, Mayor Pieper opened the public hearing and ca�led for public comment.
Ross Bolton, Bolton Engir�eering addressed the City Council to furkher explain the historical cla.ta. that
was included in the staff report. He stated that the data indicates that area where Mr. Tonsich's property
is located was originally a steep canyon that was filled in when the area was originally developed. He
stated that the evidence indicates that the slopes were originally steeper than 2:1 as shown when
compared to the neighboring properties at 38 Eastfield Drive and 42 Eastfield Ihive which a�so have
steep slopes at the rear of their praperty. He presented an aerial image tha.t indicated that the flat area at
the bottom of the xear of the property was there when Mr. Tonsich purchased the property; and s#ated
that Mr. Tonsich would like to retain that flat area. Discussion ensued concerning the siope and the flat
area. Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer expressed concern regarding the location of the septic tanlc and asked if
it could be located elsewhere so that the slopes can be reconstructed at 2:1. Further discussion ensued
conceming the location af the septic tank. Further discussian ensued conceming the slope and the
changes that were made to the building pad when the size o�the house was increased.
Nick Tonsich, 40 Eastfieid Drive addxessed the City Council to further expIain the changes that occurred
during the constnxction of the basement resulting in the increased size of the basement. He reiterated tha#
the slope at the rear of the property was not changed and the flat area at �he bottom existed when he
purchas�d the property.
Kit Bagnell, Los Angeles County Building and Safety addressed the City Coucil to further explain the
background of the project stating that the 1.5:1 slope was always shown on the plans as existing. He
stated that he and his staff have reviewed the historical records and they feel that the slope as proposed
1.5:1 as existing is a reasonable conclusion whex� co�npared to the slopes on either side. In response to
Mayar Pro Tem Dieringer,Mr. Bagnell explained the construction methods for 1.5:1 slopes as compared
to 2:1 slopes. Further discussion ensued concerning the constYuction methods and Mr, Bolton explair�ed
the construction methods. Further discussion ensued concerning the access to the electrical roo�n.
Minutes
City Council Meeting
osno�ts -3-
Further discussion ensued cancerning the location of the septic tank and the seepage pits. In respanse to
Mayor Pieper, Mr. Balton stated that seepage pits could be lacated in a sloped area. Mayor Pieper
suggested that the sepnc tank be relocated closer to the sparts court so that the slope in the area where it
is currently proposed can be rebuxlt with less steep slopes. Mr. Bolton indicated that it would be costly ta
rebuild the slopes. Mayor Pieper expressed concern that from the rear the house looks like it is hanging
off the edge. Further discussion ensued concerning relocating the septic tank and saftening the slopes.
Councilmexnber Mirsch expressed concem that having a portion of the area for the sta.ble set aside in a
sloped a�ea is not ideal far anyone who would desire to have an equestrian facility. In response to
Councilmember Wilson, Planning Director Schwartz explained that the original plan was appro�ed in
2007 and the revised plan was submitted and approved in 2011. She further explained that the issue
surrounding the slope at the rear af the property was jttst brought to the City's attention recently. Also in
response to Mr. Bolton further explained the reason for the wall.
Discussion ensued concerning the aptions before the City Council. Mr. Tonsich expressed concern that
it would be a great expense far him to change the s1o�e and daing so would not benefit the City in any
way. Councilmember B�ack expressed concern that the project, as currently proposed, does not look
good aesthetically from Outrider Road. He sugg�sted that the applicant flag the proposed slope so �hat
the City Council can view the proposed slopes from Outrider Road to see what it will laok like visually.
Following disc�xssion, the applicant was asked to flag the proposed grading at the rear of the property
including the alternate option as suggested by Mayor Pieper so that the City Council can see visua�ly,
what is proposed. A field trip was scheduled for Manday, August 24, 2015 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer asked that the City be provided with the plans and percolation tests relative to
the septic system. The public hearing was continued.
OLD BUSINESS
Nane.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
OPEN AGENDA-APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M.� PUBLIC COMMENT WELCUME
None.
MATTERS FROM THE CITY C�UNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS
DISCUSSTON AND CON�IDERATION OF TAKING A POSITION TQ OPPOSE AB 57
(QUIltK)WIRELE�S TELECOMMUr]ICATION FACILIT�ES.
Mayor Pieper intraduced the item and asked for sta�s comments. City Manager Cruz presented the
staff report stating that AB 57, if adopted in its current form would "deem
appraved" an application for new wireless #owers and facilities as well as ca-locatians if a City fa.ils to
act on the application within the established time periods providing that the application was properly
noticed. He stated that if adopted,AB 57 would unnecessarily and significantly in�pact a city's authority
to regulate the placement of certain wireless telecommunication facilities in the City. He stated that staff
recommends that the City authorize the Mayar to sign the letter that was provided in with the staff report
and direct staffto send the lettex to Senator Ben Allen.
Mayor Pz�o Te�Dieringer spoke in support of sending a letter stating that if adopted,AB 57 would limit
local cantrol and put the wireless carrier in control.
Mayor Pieper called for public comment.
Jim Aichele, 14 Crest Raad West addressed the City Council in support of sending a letter and
expressing concern regarding wireless facilities in the City.
Following brief discussian, Mayor Pra Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council direct staff to
prepare and authorize the Mayor to sign the letter in oppasition to AB 57. Councilmember Black
seconded the motion, which carried without objection.
Minutes
City Council Meeting
OS/10/15 -4-
Councilmember Mirsch asked that a report/update on the burglaries be scheduled regularly on the next
few City Councii agendas.
Brief discussion ensued conceming Cal Water's rate structixre.
Councilmember Mirsch suggested that the citywide water usage information be published in the
newsletter.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
None.
PUBLIC COMN�NT ON CL�5ED SESSION AGENDA
None.
CLOSED SESSIQN
None.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Pieper adjourned the meeting at 9:54 p.m.
An adjourned regular meeting of the City Couticii is scheduled to be held on Monday, August 24, 2015
beginning at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of conducting a field trip to 40 Eastfield Drive. The next xegular
meeting of the City Council is scheduled to be held on Monday, August 24, 2Q15 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, Caiifomia.
Respectfully submitted,
Is/Heidi Luce
Heidi Luce
City Clerk
Approved,
Isl JeffPieper
Jeff Pieper
Mayor
Minutes
City Council Meeting
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