09-14-15 MINUTES OF
A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CXTY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS,CALIFORIVIA
MONDAY,SEPTEMBER 14,2015
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills was calied to order by Mayor Pieper at
7:43 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Black*, Dieringer,Mirsch, Wilson and Mayor Pieper.
Left at 9:57 p.m.
Councilmembers Absent: Nane.
Others Present: Raymond R. Cruz, City Manager.
Mike Jenkins, City Attorney.
Yolanta Schwartx, Planning Director.
Heidi Luce, City Clerk.
Danielle Valentino, Los Angeles County MTA (Metro).
Dan Baer, 38 Eastfieid Drive.
Nick Tansich, 40 Eastfield Drive.
Chariie Raine,2 Pinto Road.
Gardon and Carmen Schaye, 58 Portuguese Bend Road.
Elroy Kiepke,Willdan Engineering.
Carole Hoffman, 2 Hillside Lane.
COTITSENT CALENDAR
Matters which may be acted upon by the City Council in a single motion. Any Counci�member may
request removal of any item from the Consen.t Calendar causing it to be considered under Council Actions.
A. Minutes -Regular Meeting of August 24, 20�5.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
B. Payment of Bills.
RECOMMENDA'TION: Approve as presented.
Councilmember Wilson moved that the City Council approve the items on the consent calendar as
presented. Cauncilmember Mirsch seconded the mo�ion, which carried vv�thout objection.
Recognizing that Captain Bolin from the Lomita Sheriff's Station was present with an interest in Item 7A
regarding making an appropriatinn for increased Sheriff's Dept. patrol, Mayor Pieper suggested that the
itern would be taker� out of order. Hearing no vbjection,he so ordered.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSIDERATION OF AN APPROPRIATION TO PROVIDE RESOURCES TO THE
VOLUNTEERS ON PATROL PROGRAM AND TO TEMPORARILY AUGMENT THE
CITY'S CONTRACT WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FOR
INCREASED PATROL IN ORDER TO COMBAT BURGLARIES.
Mayor Pieper introduced the item and asked For staffls comments. City Manager Cruz stated that as a
result of the recent burglaries, the City Council Ad Hoc committee recently met with residents to hear
their cancerns and suggestions; and subsequent to that rneeting, came up with the following
recammendations for the City Council's consideration: (1) appropriate funding to augment the SherifPs
Dept. con#ract for extra patrol; (2) appropriate funding far 10 Sheriff 5 Dept. Volunteers on Patrol shirts
for residents that valunteer; (3) utilize reserve deputies to patrol in the City at a reduced hour�y rate; (�4)
advertise in the community news�etter and web site about the flyer on how residents can "harden their
home" and about the Sheriff's Dept. need for an ATV ta be donated; (5) provide residents specifications
when purchasing a security system; and {6) request Captain Bolin to brief the Committee on how the
Sheriff's Dept. deploys its personnel per the contract. City Manager Cruz further reviewed the
-1-
Comrnittee's recommendations and the options before the City Council.
Councilmember Black moved that the City Cauncil appropriate $7,725.08 for #wo months of augmented
patrol for 3 days per week at 4 hours per day; appropriate $846 for Volunteers on Patrol Shirts. He further
moved that the City not utilize reserved Deputies; that the City advertise in the newsletter as
recommended and #hat the City p�ovide residents with specifications regarding security systems. Mayor
Pro Tem Dieringer secanded the motion. Following brief public comment and discussion, the motion
carried witl�out objectian.
COMMISSION ITEMS
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-17. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW AND
VARIANCES TO CONSTRUCT A R.AISED DECK AND A WALL; TO ENCR�ACH WITH A
PORTION OF THE WALL AND WITH THE RAISED DECK INTO THE SIDE SETBACK
AND TO EXCEED THE ALLOWED MAXIMUM STRUCTUR.AL AND TOTAL LOT
COVERAGE IN ZONING CASE NO. 885, AT 15 CABALLEROS ROAD, (LOT 21-SK),
ROLLING HILLS, CA, (SHIPMAI�.
Mayor Pieper introduced the item and asked for staffs comments. Planning Director Schwartz reviewed
the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 885 at 15 Caballeros Road to raise an existing deck to make it
level with the other deck so there will be one functional deck near the pool. She further explained the
applicant's request and stated that the Planning Commission approved this request given that it was not a
significant change from tl�e existing condition on the property.
Councilmember Black moved that the City Council receive and file Planning Commission Resolution No.
2015-17' granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 885 at 15 Caballeros Road.
Councilmember Mirsch seconded the motion. Mayor Pieper called for public comment. Hearing none, he
asked for comrnents from the City Counci�. Hearing none, he called for a vote and the motion carried
without ab�ection.
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-18. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL Ok' A SITE PLAN REVIEW TO
MODIFY A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED DRIVEWAY, WHICH REQUIRES GRADING, TO
RELOCATE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED WALLS ALONG A RIDING RING AND TO
CONSTRUCT A N�T TO EXCEED 5' HIGH RETAIlVING WALL ALONG A PORTION OF
THE DRIVEWAY; AND A VARIANCE TO EXCEED THE PERNIITTED
DISTURBANCE OF THE LOT IN ZONTNG CASE NO. 887 AT 29 CREST ROAD EAST,
{LOT 133-A-MS), (STEVENS).
Mayor Pieper intraduced the item and asked for staffls commen�s. Planning Dir�ctor Schwartz reviewed
the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 887 at 29 Crest Road East. She stated that this is a modificatian
to a previously appro�ed request where the applicant proposes to modify the previously approved
driveway and to relocate the pre�iously approved walls. She fiurther reviewed the applicant's request as
well as the current projects under construction on the praperty. She stated that the proposed driveway will
be rernoved completely out of the Rolling Hills Cornrnunity Association easement and further reviewed
fihe other modifications necessary to accornplish this objecti�e.
Following brief discussion and public comment, Councilinember Black moved that the City Council
receive and file Planning Commission Resolution Na 2015-18 granting approval of tlae applicant's request
in Zoning Case No. 887 at 29 Crest Road East. Mayor Pra Tem Dieringer seconded the mation, which
carried v�rithout objection.
RESOLUTIUN NO. 2015-19. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW TO
RECONSTRUCT AN EXISTING RETAINING WALL AND VARIANCE TO ALLOW
UNPERMIT'TED ACCESSORY AMENITTES WHICH ENCR�ACH INTO THE REQUIRED
SETBACKS, INCLUDING PARTS OF THE WALL, TO REMAIN ON THE PROPERTY IN
ZONING CASE NO. 886, AT 5 BUGGY WHIP DRIVE, (LOT 245-A-MS), ROLLING HILLS,
CA. (NGUYEI�.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer recused herself fronn cansideration of this case due to the proximity of her
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09-14-15 -2-
property to the subject property and left the dais. Mayor Pieper introduced the itern an asked for staf�s
comments. P�anning Director Schwartz reviewed the applicant's request to retain as built and partially
built amenities which are partially located in the setback and to reconstruct an existing retaining watl
which is also partially located in the setback in Zoning Case No. 886 at 5 Buggy Whip Dri�e. She further
reviewed the applicant's request and stated that an adjacen�property owner expressed concern regarding
the drainage from the access path to the stable; and du�ing its de�iberations, the Planning Commission
required that the applicant cozxect that issue as a condition of the approval of this request.
Following brief discussion, Councilmember Black moved that the City Council receive and file Planning
Commission Resolution No 2015-19 granting approval o�the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 886
at 5 Buggy Whip D�ive. Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion. Mayor Pieper called for public
comments. Hearing none, he called for a vote and the rnotion carried without abjection. Mayor Pro Tem
Diertnger rehxrned to the dais.
Recognizing that it was near 8:00 p.m., Mayor Pieper called £ar public comment on items not on the
agenda.
QPEN AGENDA-APPROXIMATELY 8:00 P.M. -PUBLIC COMNIENT WELCOME
Danielle Valentino, Community Relations Manger, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation
Authority {Metro), addressed the City Council to introduce herself as the co�ununity rela�ions liaison
between the South Bay Cities and Metro. Councilmernber Black inquired as to Metro's relarianship with
PV Transit and asked Ms. Valentino if Metro could encourage PV Transit to utilize ifs fleet to trar�sport
student athletes and band members to off carnpus schoal events.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING IN ZONING CASE NO. 862 - FURTHER
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR ADDITIONAL
GRADING AND MODIFICATION TO BASEMENT ACCESS AND A VARIANCE TO
RECONSTRUCT THE REAR SL4PES THAT WOULD BE STEEPER THAN THE
PERMITTED SLOPES {"DEFERRED FTEMS") IN ZONING CASE NO. 862 AT 4Q
EASTFIELD DRIVE (LOT 91-EF), ROLLING HILLS, CA (TONSICH). THE PROJECT IS
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM T'HE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CALiFORIVIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT(CEQA).
AND CONSIDERATION OF:
RES4LU'TION NO. 1180 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS DEFERRED FROM CITY COUNCIL
RESOLLTTION NO. 1172 PARTIALLY APPROVING A SITE PLAN REVIEW AND
VARIANCE MODIFYING PREVIOUSLY APPROVED CONSTRUCTION IN ZONING CASE
NO. 862 AT 40 EASTFIELD DRIVE{LQT 91-EF),ROLLING HILLS CA, {TONSICH}.
Mayar Pieper introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz stated that
at its last meeting, the City Council considered two items related ta an ongoing project at 40 Eastfield
Drive that were deferred from the previous approval when this case was taken under jurisdiction after
being appraved by the Planning Commission. She reviewed the deferred items which include the slopes
behind the house and access to an electrical roam and stated that after s�veral public hearing and field
trips,the City Council directed staff to prepare a Resolution granting approval of the deferred items with a
caveat that the applicant provide a landscaping plan to scr�en the project from view from the streets. She
stated that the applicant submitted a revised landscap�ing plan which has been placed on the dais. She
clarified that the most recent plan submitted is dkfferent from the one included with the agenda packet in
that it includes further modificadons to comply the City Council's original direction. She fiu-�her stated
that the Resolution includes a condition that a landscaping t�and be submitted to the City to be kept a total
of five years with a portion to be returned in two years if satisfactory implementation has been achieved
thus far.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer expressed concern that City Council received revised plans at such a lat� date
and that the trees may not be large enough to provide proper screening. Mayor Pieper suggested that the
pZan be reviewed by a third party expert to determine it if ineets the intent of the Council's direction.
Planning Di�ector Schwarkz commented that the plan could be sent to the City's landscape consultant for
review. Mayor Fto Tem Dieringer suggested that the applicant provide a more accurate rendering to
indica#e what the planting wi11 look like. Discussion ensued concerning fhe candition regarding
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landscaping bond and the process for determining the amount to be returned to the resident after two
years.
Mayor Pieper called for public comment.
Dari Baer, 38 Eastfield Drive addressed the City Councii regarding the landscaping plan ar�d expressed
concern that there are existing Eucal�+ptus trees that impair �heir view and requested tha� the trees be
rem�oved. He also expressed concern regarding the existing Ficus trees.
Nick Tonsich,40 Eastfield Drive addressed the City Council to further explain the landscaping plan and to
clarify the only change in#he last submitted plan was to call out 15 gallon trees instead of 5 gallon trees.
He stated that he feels the proposed condition regarding the landscaping bond provides staff with the
appropriate level of flexibility.
Discussion ensued about the Eucalyptus trees referred to by Mr. Baer. Mr. Tonsich commented that he
would not be opposed to removing the Eucalyptus �ees eventually, but they provide screening so the
neighbor doesn't have to see the construction.
Mayor Pro Te�ri Dieringer suggested that the applicant provide a 3D rendering to show what the
�andscaping will loak like. Mayor Pieper suggested that it may be more effective to have a landscape
design professionai review the plans. Further discussion ensued concerning the landscaping bond.
Fo�lowing discussion, sfaff was directed to send the landscaping plan to the City's volunteer landscape
designer for her re�iew�o determine i�the proposed plan meets the intent of the City Council's directian
in screening the project. Consideratian of this item was continued.
CONTINUED PiJBLIC HEARING IN ZONING CASE NO. 869 SUBDTVISION NO. 94
VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 72775 — A REQUEST TO SUBDNIDE AN
EXISTING LOT TOTALING 7.05 ACRES GROSS INTO 2 PARCELS OF LAND AS
FOLLOWS: PARCEL 1: 3.70 GROSS ACRES, 3.0 NET ACRES; PARCEL 2: 3.34 GROSS
ACRES, 2.67 NET ACRES. THE PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY VACANT AND IS KNOWN
AS 23 CREST ROAD EAST, {LOT 32-A-MS), PARCEL NO.: 7567-011-020 IN THE RA-S-2
ZONE, RESIDENTrAL AGRICULTURAL-SUBURBAN 2-ACRE MINrMUM NET L�T
AREA, TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY MR. JIM HYNES. PURSUANT TO CEQA
REQUIREMENT, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE PROJECT WILL NOT HAVE A
SIGI�TIFICANT EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT WITH APPLICABLE MI'TdGATION
MEASURES AND THEREFORE, A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION HAS BEEN
PREPARED.
Mayor Pieper introduced the item and asked for staff's camments. Planning Director Schwartz reviewed
the applicant's request to subdivide a 7-acre parcel at 23 Crest Road East into two parcels with Parcel 1
being 3 acres net and Parcel2 being 2.67 acres net. She stated that the City Council visited the parcels
today as well as visited the residences below where concern regarding drainage and land movement have
been expressed.
Planning Director Schwartz fi�rther reviewed the applicant's request stating that this subdivision rneets the
design standards as specified in the Subdivision Ordinance with the exceprion of the condition that the
resulting parcels be a minimum 150 ft. in width. She stated that at the bottam th.ese two parcels do not
meet that condition and the applicant is requesting a modification to that requirement. She further stated
that the applicants have submitted so�ls, geology, hydrology and percolation studies to the City enginee�s
and the project has been deemed feasible for future development. She further reviewed the concerns
regarding drainage and land movement raised by the property owners below and explained the biological
sfizdies that have been done as well as the requirements of those studies that will be imposed upon
development. She further addressed the issues raised regarding the drainage and stated that the applicant
proposes to develop a cistern system �o retain on site any new water created by the construction. She
stated that the City engineer has re�iewed the plan and agrees that he proposal will address any new water
an the property. She further stated that the Klondike Canyon Geologic Hazard Abatement Distric�
(GHAD)has submitted a letter expressing concern and requesting that no water from this development be
allawed ta enter the Klondike Canyan.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer, Planning Director Schwartz stated that the City's engineers at
Willdan Engineering have reviewed the soils, geolagy and hydrology studies. Discussion ensued
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concerning who is at fault when a slide occurs. City Attorney Jenkins commented that the lia.bility issues
should be addressed on a case-by-case basis; and entities are typically only liable for facilitzes which they
own, operate and maintain control. Further discussion ensued concerning liabiiity.
Discussion ensued regarding the applicarn's request for modi�icatian to the requirement that the minimtim
width of the lot be 150 f�. Mayar Pieper commented that the applicant could meet that requirement but it
would result in one of the lots being shaped like an "L," which may be less desirable. Further discussion
ensued concerning the modification request, the liability issues and the letter submitted by the Klondike
Ca�yon GHAD.
Mayor Pieper called for public comment.
Charlie Raine, 2 Pinto Road addressed the City Council to express concern that any additional water that
goes into the drain that drains into Little Klondike Canyon will cause issues for the properties below. He
commented that he feels the City daes have liability in issues such as this. He further expressed concern
regarding the water that wi11 go into the soil as a re�ult of the septic tanks being installed. He commented
that he feels the drainage plan should be based on a 100-year storm and that there should be a stipulation
that no added callected water shauld be allawed to go down the canyons. Lastly,he stated that he does not
feel two houses should be allowed.
Gardon Schaye, 58 Portuguese Bend Road addressed the City Council regarding �he Septeinber S, 20�5
letter received from the Klondike Canyon HGAD and supported the contentions presented in t1�at letter.
Dan Balton, Civil Engineer, Bolton Engineering addressed the City Cout�cil on behalf of the applicant.
He stated that the cistern system currently proposed has near capacity to contain a i 00 year stortn, but in
consultation with the applicant, they are willing to modify it so that it would. Regarding issue raised
regarding the septic system, he stated that it is his understanding that they are installed in such a way that
the effluent is dispersed in such a way as to mitigate concerns r�garding the potential lubrication of the
slide planes. He further addressed the run off issues raised stating that he believes his client is acting very
responsibly in their proposal to contain the water and they are small fraction of the watershed irnpacting
the Klondike Canyon watercourse. He suggested that an "in lieu of' fee be collected to address the
drainage issues z�aised by the property owners below.
Discussion ensued concerning septic systems, the barings done for geologic purposes and �the suggestion
regarding an"in lieu of' fee.
Elroy Kiepke, Wi�ldan Engineering addressed the City Council stating that the geoZogy reports have been
reviewed by the Geotechnical Engineer who determined that based on the reports submitted, the proposed
subdivision would not adversely affect the property in question or the adjacent properties. He stated that
znore detailed reports wil�be reviewed when the project goes to grading and fi.�rther determinations will be
made at that time. He further explained how the septic system works. In response to Cotzncilmember
Mirsch, Mr. Kiepke stated that diversians, as suggested by Mr. Ra,ine, are prablematic from a civil
engineering standpoint. In response to Ma.yor Pro Tem Dieringer regardiulg Willdan's ability to evalua.te
the effect of the proposed develapment on the adjacent landslide areas, Mx. Kiepke sta,ted that Willdan's
function is to review reports submitted as a.technical expert; however,fhey do have the technical�abiiity to
perform such studies but would usually do so pursuant to an agreement with the City and at the City's
expense.
Carole Hoffman, 3 Hitlside Lane addressed the City Co�xncil regarding her experience with a landslide in
the Klondike Canyon area below Crest Road. She cautioned the City against allowing developrnent in a
landslide area and putting additional water in a lanc�slide area.
Carmen Schaye, 58 Portuguese Bend Road addressed the City Council to express concem for the stabi�ity
of the slopes in the area and recommended that the City Council be very diligent in their assessment a�the
predicta.bxlity of what could happen.
Discussion ensued concerning what options are before the City Counczl in its considera�ion of�his request
for subdivision. Mayar Pro Tem Dieringer suggested that the matter be fiuther analyzed to determine if it
is reasanable to have two developments for this one piece of land and if it is, what conditions shauld be
applied to make it geologically sound. Councilmember Black suggested that the City have the County
engineers give their opinion af the destabilization due to water.
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09-14-15 _5_
Following further discussion, staff was directed to have the County review the geology reports to assess
this project's effect on nearby landslide areas; and, based on the County's recommendations, prepare a
request for proposal for a third-party independent consultant to provide an opinion on the feasibility of
construction on the lots at the applicant's expense. Staff was further directed to provide an oral update as
to the status af this directive at the next meeting of the City Council.Mayor Pieper moved that this item be
continued far 60 days. Councilmember Black seconded the motion which ca�ried without objection. The
public hearing was continued to Novernber 9,2Q15.
Councilmember B�ack stated that due to an early morning surgery,he wil�need to excuse himself from the
rest af the meeting, but added that he did want to make a comment perta.ining to Itern l0A regaxding the
letter of support requested for the Los Angeles County's gran� application. Mayor Pieper stated that if
there are na objections, Item l0A item will be taken out of order so that Councilmember Black can malce
his comments. Hearing none,he so ordered.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUE�T FROM THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR A
LETTER IN SUPPORT OF TI�IR SUBMfSSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO
PREPARE GEOLOGICAL AND ENGINEERING STUDIES F'OR LAKE AND STREAM
REVITALIZATION RELATING TO THE STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT AT
THE SOUTH COAST BOT.ANIC GARDEN.
Mayor Pieper introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. City Manager Cruz presented the staff
report stating that the County of Los Angeles is applying for an $800,000 Proposition 1 grant for planning
and design of a storm water management project at the South Coast Botanic Garden and has requested a
letter in support of that applicatian. He stated that the project's goal is to revitalize the existing manmade
lake at the Botanic Garden and construct a wetland that will treat both stormwater and non-stormwater
run-off by removing nutrients and sedin�ent that will ultimately benefit Machado Lake.
Councilmernber Black sta#ed that he is in favor of supportiaig the grant application, but he disagrees that
the water runaff goes to Machado Lake. Mayor Pieper suggested that the support letter be amended to
elirninate the references to improving water quality at Machada Lake.
Fallowing brief discussian, Councilmember Black moved that the City Cauncil authorize the City
Manager to send a letter af support as requested,but eliminate the references to improving water quality at
Machada Lake. Councilmember Mirsch seconded the modon,which carried without objection.
Councilmember Black excused himself frorri the meeting and left the dais.
PUBYC HEARINGS continued
WAIVE FULL READING AND INTRODUCE ON FIRST READING ORDINANCE NO. 344.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING BY REFERENCE
CHAPTER 68 - EXPEDITED PERMITTING FOR SMALL RESIDENTiAL ROOFTOP S�LAR
ENERGY SYSTEMS TO TITLE 26 — BUILDIl�TG CODE OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
CODES AND AMENDING TITLE 15, BUTLDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY
OF R�LLING HII..LS MUNICIPAL CODE. THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE
PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 15061(B}{3).
Mayor Pieper introduced the itern and asked far staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz stated that
this Ordinance is }�resented far introduction and first reading; and it is recommended that full reading be
waived. She presented the staff report sta.ting that in August 2014, the California State Assembly passed a
bill which required all cites and counties to adopt ordinances by September 30, 2015 to create expedited
and streamlined permitting processes for small residential rooftop solar energy systems. She stated that an
Ord'utance was adopted by the County of Los Angeles on Septernber 1, 2015. The County's Ordinance
adds Chapter 68 to their code and in order for the City to have the County implement this provision for
small residential moftop solar energy systems in the City of Rolling Hills, the City needs to adopt this
Ordinance which adopts by reference LA County's Chapter 6$ of Title 26 af the Los Angeles County
Cade.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer moved that the City Council introduce Ordinance No. 344 for first reading and
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waive full reading. Councilmernber Mirsch seconded the motion. Mayor Pieper called £or public
comment.
Carole Hoffman, 3 Hillside Lane addressed the City Council to express concern regarding a glare issue
she has with a raaftop solax panel installation at a property across the street fram her hause. She suggested
that City implement a process whereby an applicant requesting to install solar panels is required to show
that the installation wi11 nat negatively impact the neighbors before the application is approved.
In response to Ms. Hoffrnan's comments, Pianning Director Schwartz responded that the State requires
Cities to adminis�atively approve so�ar panels through an expedited process. She clarified that this
proposed Ordinance does not have any bearing on City approval; it is solely related to expediting the
issuance of building permits. She further clarified that the Rolling Hi11s Coriununity Association may be
able to addxess these types of issues.
Following brief discussion and public comment, the motion to introduce Ordinance No. 344 for first
reading and waive full reading carried without objection.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS,[contin�ed)
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM THE ROLLING HILLS CONIlVIUNITY
ASSOCIATION FOR COST SHARING WITH REGARD TO THE INSTALLAT��N OF
VERiZON AND COX COMMUNICATIONS CONDUIT ASSOCIATED WITH THE
SOUTHERN CALIFOItNIA EDISON PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD CIRCUIT TIE-IlV
PROJECT AND AN APPROPRIATION THEREFOR.
Mayor Pieper in�oduced the item and asked for staff's comments. City Mariger Cruz reviewed the
background on this issue and sta.ted that since the matter was originally discussed and the original
— appropriation in the amount of $15,500 was made, the Rolling Hills Community Associat�on was
informed that Cox Communications will not install the conduit associated with the SCE Portuguese Bend
circuit tie in project at their expense as oz�ginally promised. He sta.ted that as a result of this recent
development, the RHCA is requesting that the city increase its cos#-sharing amount for installation of the
conduit by $9,299.50 so that when the time comes to undergraund, the Cox and Verizan lines can be
placed underground because the conduit is already installed. He stated that this appmpriation could be
funded through the Utility Fund.
Following brief discussion, Councilmember Mirsch moved that the City Councii appropriate$9,299.50 for
the puipase of cost sharing the installatian costs of the Verizon and Cox conduit associated with the SCE
Portuguese Bend Road circuit tie-in projec#. Councilmember Wilsan seconded the motion, which carried
without abjection.
MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS
CONSIDERATION OF A PROCEDURE WI�N CITY COUNCILMEMBERS PROVIDE
DIRECTION TO STAFF FOR A CITY COUNCIL INITIATED AGENDA ITEM THAT NEEDS
ASSOCIATED STAFF TIME TO DEVELOP A STAFF REPORT AND/OR WHEN QTHER
EXPENDITURES ARE NECESSARY TO PROVIDE OTI�R ANALYSIS. (ORAL REPORT)
Mayor Pieper suggested that a process be implemented whereby any Councilmember rnay request that an
item be added to the agenda under Matters from the City Cauncil, but no staff research time or resources
wi11 be allocated to that item unless directed by a major�ity of the City CounciL He commented that his
objec�ive with this suggestion is to make it easier for Councilmembe:r to put something on an agenda but
to have step before stafF spends time researching an issue. He further stated that if it is determined that this
process doesn't wark, it could be changed in the fut�are.
Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer suggested that staff should be allowed to do some research when a discussion
item is first presented to the City Council so that there is sufficient information to determine whether or
not the matter should be presented for further consideration.
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Following discussion and brief public comment, Ca�ncilmember Wilson moved that the City Council
implement a process whereby any Councilmember may re�ues�that an item be added to the agenda under
Matters from the City Council, but no staff research time or resources will be allocated to that item unless
directed by a majority of the City Council. Councilmember Mirsch seconded the rno�ion, which carried
with Mayor Pro Tem Dieringer opposed.
STATUS REPORT CONCERNING CALIFORI�TIA WATER SERVICE COMPANY'S
IMPLEMENTATION�F ITS WATER C�NSERVATION PLAN. (�RAL REPORT}
Mayor Pieper reported that Ca�ifornia Water Service Company is reviewing thei� process for assigning
water budgets to new residents so that every nevv resident doesn't have to go through the appeal process to
get that number adjusted. No action was taken.
Mayor Pieper also reported that at his request, the Sanitation District is doing a study at no charge
regarding the possibility of adding sewers on Middleridge Lane.
DISCUSSION OF LETTER SENT BY THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CHIEF TO
ROLLING HILLS RESIDENTS CONCERNING THE UPCOMING FALL F'IRE SEASON.
(ORAL REPORI�
Mayor Pieper expressed dismay regarding the letter frorn the Fire Dept. in that it encouraged residents ta
increase their water usage. He also expressed concern regarding dead trees in the community and the
effec�that the Bark Beetle infestations may ha�e on trees in the community. No action was taken.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
Taken out of order see above.
City Manger Cruz stated that the September 28, 2015 meeting of the City Council may be cancelled for a
lack of agenda items.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
None.
CLOSED SESSION
None.
RETURN TO OPEN SESS�ON
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the City Council, Mayar Pieper adjaurned the meeting at 10:32 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled to be held on Monday, Septernber 28, 2015
beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills,
California.
Respectfully submitted,
Heidi Luce
City Clerk
Approved,
Je ieper
Mayor
Minutes
City Council Meeting
09-14-15 -8-