6/9/1969MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
June 9, 1969
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling
Hills was called to order by Mayor Hesse at the Administration Build-
ing, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California at 7:30 P.M.
Monday, ,lune 9, 1969.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmen Fay, Klein, Nadal, Sauer, Mayor Hesse
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Teena Clifton City Manager
William Kinley City Attorney
Marion Welch City Treasurer
June Cunningham Secretary
Capt. John Peacock Lennox Sheriff's Station
Miss Jenny Tufeld League of Women Voters
Mrs. Graydon Beeks Resident
MINUTES
Motion to accept the minutes of the meeting of May 26, 1969 as
presented was made by Councilman Fay, seconded by Councilman Nadal and
unanimously carried.
FINAL MAP, Tract 22083, Graydon Beeks
The City Manager presented the final map of Tract 22083, a letter
dated May 14, 1969 from Robert M. Moller, Regional Engineer, Los Angeles
County Department of County Engineer and a letter dated June 3, 1969
from John A. Lambie, City Engineer, Los Angeles County Department of
County Engineer.
Mr. Moller made the rollowing recommendations: 1. Corrective
grading undertaken to provide an acceptable location for a private sewage
disposal area on Parcel 3 has been completed to the satisfaction of the
City Engineer. 2. Restricted use area "A" should be shown on the final
map as Restricted Use Area. The note should read:
"The Restricted Use Area is subject to a geological hazard.
Construction of structures within this area is prohibited
until corrective grading, subject to the approval of the
City Engineer, has been performed to eliminate the hazard."
3. Based on the findings contained in. geology reports submitted by the
consultant geologist and reviewed by the Geology Section of the City
Engineer's office, area "B" is not subject to a geological hazard if
the private disposal systems for new building sites are not located
within the area.
Restricted area "B" should not be shown as a restricte& area.
on the final map, because the location of buildings there is not pro-
hibited. A note on the final map stating "Private sewage disposal
systems are to be located in an area approved by the City Engineer"
could be used but would not be necessary to insure compliance with
the recommendations contained in the reports.
Mr. Lambie advised that the City Engineer recommends:
to Approval of the map. 2. Rejection of the Private Street which is
offered, for dedication on said map. 3. That the Council make a find-
ing as follows: a. The City Council, pursuant to Section 11587 of the
Subdivision Map Act, hereby finds that Graydon. F. Beeks, the subdi-
vider of the subject tract, has in good faith attempted to secure the
signature of Palos Verdes Properties, a partnership, and Palos Verdes
June 9, 1969
Water Company, and has been unable to do so, and a refusal to accept
the map for recording would work an undue hardship on the subdivider.
In the discussion that followed the City Manager advised that
immediately prior to the opening of the meeting of the City Council
she had received a telephone call from Mr. John Freiburg of 21 Saddle-
back Road, and that he requested that the City Council be asked to
delay consideration of the final map, so that he could submit a study
made by a qualified geologist of his choice to the Council. Mayor
Hesse asked whether Mr. Freiburg had previously objected to the sub-
division, and Mrs. Clifton replied that he had objected, both by letter
and by personal appearances, but that he had not presented evidence
that the subdivision would be unsafe. She stated that she explained
to Mr. Freiburg that it was the practice of the City to accept the
advice and recommendations of the C}ty Engineer and the -Engineering
Geology Section acting in the capacity of City Engineer in such tech-
nical matters. Councilman Fay asked whether Mr. Freiburg; had had
sufficient time to make the presentation he requested, and Mrs. Clifton
said that Mr. Freiburg had appeared before the Planning Commission on
January 21, 1969 with reference to his objections to the County Engin-
eer's recommendation for corrective grading in an area 25 x 50 x 10
feet deep, and that Mr. Freiburg was notified in advance of all meet-
ings at which Tract 22083 would be discussed. Councilman Fay said that
in his opinion, Mr. Freiburg had had sufficient time to present a study,
and he was not in favor of granting additional time for evidence, and
further, that County Certified Engineering Geologists had been hired by
Mr. and Mrs. Beeks, and the City of Rolling Hills has the County Engin-
eering Geology Section as its consultants.
Following the discussion Councilman Sauer moved that the recom-
mendations of the City Engineer be accepted, and that the final map be
approved. Motion was seconded by Councilman Klein and unanimously
carried, and the City.'Clerk signdd the -linen original.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES
Captain John Peacock - Lennox Sheriff Station
Mayor Hesse welcomed Captain John Peacock, new commander of the
Lennox Sheriff's Station, and introduced him to other members of the
Council. He then invited Captain Peacock to discuss with the City
Council the problems of traffic violations and traffic safety'in the'
City- of Rolling' Hills .-
Captain Peacock advised the Council that the problems of traf-
fic safety are becoming worse, and the solutions fewer. However, he
said that there were fewer citations given for traffic violations this
year than last, and a corresponding decrease in the number of accidents;
as enforcement increases accidents decline, Captain Peacock said, and
because of the attention given to traffic safety in Rolling Hills, there
are few reported accidents. He did say, however, that speed citations
have increased during the past month, although the accidents reported
have not increased. Captain Peacock said he wished to bring two things
to the attention of the Council: 1) Accidents are reported only if
bodily injury or property damage result, and because of the unique
characteristics of terrain and winding roads in RollingHills, there are
many accidents in. which cars go off the road into a canyon, and neither
bodily injury nor property damage result, and therefore the accident is
not reported. He stated, however, that a memorandum is made without a
file number on each accident in Rolling Hills, many of which are single
car accidents with no injury or property damage. He said that this was
requested by the City Manager to aid in plotting statistical data for
pinpointing trouble spots in the City. 2) In increasing the number of
citations for speeding, the discretionary powers of the officers is im-
paired, and, the area in which the officer operates is restricted. Many
times, depending on contributing factors, the officers have issued a
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June 9, 1969
warning, or have cautioned drivers about unsafe practices, but in re-
sponse to requests from the -Council, that descretionary action has been
eliminated, and more citations have been given as a result.
Mayor Hesse said that there are three topics of concer in. the
realm of traffic control: philosophy, policy and procedure. Regarding
the first, safety of the citizens of Rolling Hills is the goal of the
City. Regarding the second, the City expects both a) clear communi-
cation of its traffic rules, and b) emphatic but intelligent enforcement
of those rules. Regarding the third, the sheriff, rather, should de-
termine the degree of discretion allowed to enforcement officers in
implementing that policy.
Captain Peacock explained that the posted. speed limits in.
Rolling Hills are a combination. of the California basic speed law and
reasonable speed for the local conditions, terrain, roads, etc. He
advised that clocking speed by radar is more effective than cruising,
but can not be done as we'll in Rolling Hills because of the terrain.
:Mayor nesse commented that he had earlier proposed reduction,
in. the maximum posted limits in the City, but that the Council had not
accepted this. He still felt that posted limits were too high in some
areas, particularly Portuguese Pend Road and Crest Road.
Councilman Klein. stated that people have a tendency to drive
at the maximum posted speed and to ignore other conditions that might
make the maximum posted speed an, un.sa.fe speed, and it is that lack of
judgment that: contributes to traffic problems within the City.
Councilman Fay stated that speeders don't pay attention to
posted speed limits, and because no record is kept of warnings issued
he is in favor of more citations to control chronic. speeders.
Councilman,Sauer said that there are many serious accidents
that the sheriff is not aware of, because if the person involved is
able to leave the scene the accident is not reported, and on Crest Rd.
there is a very limited area safe for walking, and a high incidence_
of speeding cars in that area.
Councilman Klein said that there are more complaints about
speeding on. Crest Road because there.is more opportunity for observ-
ation of speeders, and it was his opinion that there is also much
speeding on. Portuguese Pend Road northbound. He expressed the opinion
that the City must live with these problems or spend more money on law
enforcement and speed control.
Captain Peacock said he had visited the Administration. Office
with. his Administrative Lieutenant, Lt. hays, and Traffic Sergeant
Rentsch, and that Mrs. Clifton toured the City with them and showed
them many of the problem areas, especially on Crest Road and Portuguese
Bend Road.
Councilman Nadal expressed the opinion. that 'residents who enter
the City of Rolling Hills change their driving attitudes after passing
the gates; after driving competitively and defensively on the freeways
and on, streets that they are familiar with, and they tend to relax
their atten.ti.on to speed limits and as a, result 'they exceed safe and
posted speeds.
Mayor Hesse requested. that Mrs. Clifton, City Manager, Council-
man Klein., Chairman. of the Traffic Safety Committee and Captain Peacock
meet in an effort to review further traffic enforcement :in the City.
Mayor Hesse asked Captain Peacock whether budgetinL time of the patrol
vehicles was a factor, and Captain Peacock stated that traffic control
and speed control depend a great deal. on. the impressive impact of the
presence of a black and white car, and to accomplish an appreciably
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June 9, 1969
better safety record the only alternative is more man -power.
Councilman Nadal asked whether a record is kept of warnings
issued, and Captain Peacock said no such record was kept. Council-
man Nadal asked the ratio of warnings vs. citations, and Captain
Peacock said it would not be possible to say without records to sub-
stantiate the figures. Mayor Hesse asked that a record of warnings
be kept, if reasonably possible, for reporting to the City Council,
and agreed with Captain Peacock that more and better enforcement
will lead to more and better safety.
City Attorney Kinley advised the Council and Captain Peacock
that he is in the process of preparing a new traffic ordinance for
presentation to the Council and the Sheriff's office by the en.d of
the month.
Councilman Nadal suggested that guards at the gates should
remind all who enter the City to -observe rules for safety, and Mayor
Hesse said that consideration may be given to re -instituting a printed
greeting reminding visitors to observe the speed limits, as was done
during a safety program several years ago.
Mayor Hesse then thanked Captain Peacock for his appearance
before the Council, and for the hel�ful, meaningful discussion. He
said he appreciated Captain Peacock s approact to the problem of
traffic safety in Rolling Hills, and hoped that with continued
cooperation between the City Council and the Sheriff's Department
the desired safety can be achieved.
CORRESPONDENCE
Hafif & Shernoff re: Proposed Resolution for Additional Superior Court
judges
A letter dated May 27, 1969 from the law offices of Hafif
and Shernoff, and a resolution endorsing efforts to increase the
number of judges for Los Angeles County by a minimum of twenty
additional judges for Los Angeles County by a minimum of twenty
additional Superior Court judges was presented by the City Manager.
City Attorney William Kinley recommended that the proposed
resolution be adopted.
Mayor Hesse ordered the matter held on the agenda until
sufficient time could be given to a report on the matter by the City
Attorney.
Los Angeles County Department of County Engineer
Approval of Water System, Tract 2731.6, Clark Leonard
The City Manager presented a letter dated March 12, 1969 from
the County of Los Angeles, Department of County Engineer.
Mr. john A. Lambie, City Engineer, advised that the instal-
lation of the water main system and appurtenances for Tract 27316
has been. completed in, accordance with plans and specifications ap-
proved by and in a manner satisfactory to the City Engineer, and he
recommends that the City Council find that all work has been completed
as required, and notify the subdivider of the Council's action.
Motion to accept Mr. Lambie's recommendations and approve re-
lease of the Subdivision Water System Agreement was made by Councilman
Klein, seconded by Councilman Pay and unanimously carried.
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June 9, 1969
TENTATIVE TRACT NO.. 304409 Joseph T. Abdo
Mayor Hesse opened discussion of the tentative map of Tract
No. 30440, Joseph T. Abdo, which had been held on the agenda to allow
members of the Council to make a field trip. Councilman Fay advised
the Council that he had visited the site, and approved of the proposed
drive. Although in two locations the grade of the drive is 20%, the
maximum allowed, Councilman Fay said that the building site and the
drive have been planned to give the most benefit to the eventual build-
er, and would not be objectionable to surrounding properties.
Following the discussion, motion to approve the tentative map
subject to conditions imposed by the City Council at the meeting of
May 12, 1969 was made by Councilman Fay, seconded by Councilman Sauer
and unanimously carried.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Councilman Sauer moved that Demands No. 1139 through 1153
be paid from the General Fund.
DEMAND NO.
PAYEE
AMOUNT
1139
Addressograph Mul.tigraph
33.68
1140
Gateway National Bank
165.40
1141
County of Los Angeles
1.73.51
1142
General Telephone Company
148.23
1143
Klinger Retirement Dinner
20.00
1144
The Jack Kramer Club
1.2.60
1145
Lomita Maintenance Service
100.00
1146
L. A. County Road Dept.
20.37
(to be reimbursed)
1147
Walter Parker Painting
65.00
1148
Palos Verdes Water Co.
18.37
1149
Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
15.00
1150
Philp's Tractor Service
50.00
1151
voided'
1152
South Bay Daily Breeze
115.70
- 1.153
Southern Calif. Gas Co.
6.56
$ 944.42
Motion was seconded by Councilman Fay and carried by the follow-
ing roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Fay, Klein, Nadal, Sauer, Mayor Hesse
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
AGENDA ITEMS HELD OVER
Highway Plan Amendment No. 707
Mayor Hesse stated that he wished to confer with. City Attorney
Kinley and City Manager Clifton about proposed Highway Plan Amendment
No. 707, and ordered the matter held on the agenda until a meeting
could be scheduled.
Palos Verdes Water Company Replacement Plans
Councilman Sauer reported that representatives of the Palos
Verdes Water Company had attended a meeting with representatives of
the City, and although they did not present a replacement schedule,
they did make a verbal commitment.
Mr. Charles Nollenberger advised that financing had been obtained
by the Water Company, and work within the City could commence within
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June 9, 1969
30 - 45 days on an additional line on lower Portuguese Bend Road South.
Mr. Nollenberger stated it would improve conditions for all in the area.
Mayor Hesse requested that the City Manager send a letter to
Mr. Nollenberger thanking him for his attention to the problems of
Rolling Hills, and emphasizing that the City Council appreciates his
cooperation, but the answer has not yet been presented, and the City
Council will not support any request for rate increases without a sched-
ule of completion for the entire city for bringing the service to
present fire flow requirements. The Mayor then ordered the matter held
on the agenda.
Councilman Fay requested that Councilman Klein replace him as
alternate on the Utilities and Related Services Committee, inasmuch
as Councilman Klein, had been attending the meetings
Joint Meeting_ re: Green Areas, City of Rolling Hills
The matter was ordered removed from the agenda.
West Basin Water Association
The City Manager advised the Council that she had been ad-
vised that a resolution presented by the South Bay Councilmen's
Association entitled RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WEST
BASIN WATER ASSOCIATION APPROVING AND SUPPORTING THE DETERMINATION
OF LOS ANGELES REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD THAT ONLY CLASS
III INERT NON -DECOMPOSABLE WASTES SHALL BE DEPOSITED IN CHANDLER'S
PALOS VERDES SAND AND GRAVEL PITS UNDER AN APPLICATION FOR A WASTE
DISPOSAL OPERATION FILED BY COMMERCIAL LANDFILL, INC. had been pre-
sented at the meeting of the West Basin Water Association on May 29,
1969 and was adopted.
MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
Intercom -'6,9-
Mayor
69Mayor Hesse read a letter advising the Intercom '69 would
be held at Rolling Hills High School on June 28, 1969. He then invited
comment about the event from members of the Council.
Councilman Nadal advised that he had spent several hours at
the exhibit last year, and found it very worth while. He did say,
however, that there were many more people from Watts in attendance
than residents from the Peninsula, and expressed the belief that more
people from the Peninsula area should try to visit and discuss the
project with the interested people from Watts and other areas.
Mrs. Clifton said that she also attended last year, and felt
that it was a very worthwhile exhibit.
Miss Jenny Tufeld, representative of the League of Women
Voters reported that many 'Members of the League are working on the
Human Relations Council as representatives of the League, which is
one of the sponsors of the event.
Mayor Hesse advised the Council that he would write a letter
expressing the Council's view on the project.
MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICERS
Proposed Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 33
The City Attorney presented a proposed ordinance, Ordinance
No. 82 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 33 PROVIDING FOR ZONING IN SAID CITY, for first
reading.
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June 9, 1969.
reading.
Motion to introduce the ordinance and waive reading in full
was made by Councilman. Nadal, seconded by Councilman Klein and adopted
by the .following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Fay, Klein., Nadal, Sauer, Mayor Hesse
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City of Torrance - ZC 69-18
The City Manager advised that notice of application for a change
of zone from A-1 to C-3 on a parcel of land on. Rolling Hills Road near
Crenshaw Boulevard in the City of Torrance.
Mrs. Clifton. said that when, the notice was received a telephone
call was made to the. City of Torrance, and Mr. Besse., planner assigned
to ZC 69-18 stated that no plans were submitted with the petition for
change of zone from A-1 (Light agricultural district) to R-3 (Limited
multiple family residential district.)
Following discussion Councilman Klein moved that a letter be
sent to the City of Torrance expressing disapproval of the requested
zone change because multiple residential development would add to the
traffic congestion in the area, and would add to the tax obligations
of the City without adding to the tax base. Motion was seconded by
Councilman Nadal and unanimously carried.
Regional Planning Commission - Zone Exception Case #9140-4
Mrs. Clifton presented copies of a notice of public hearing
before the Zoning Board, Regional Planning Commission scheduled for
Wednesday June 18, 1969.
The request is for an exception to the A-1-20,000 (Light
Agriculture -20,000 sq. ft. minimum required area) Zone in order to
develop and construct 25 single family residences on lots with an
average area of 7,000 square feet on property located on the east
side of Crenshaw Boulevard and south of Crest Road in the Rolling
Hills Zoned District. Mrs. Clifton explained that the land in ques-
tion is owned by Congregation Ner Tamid, and is situated between St.
John Fisher Catholic Church and Del Cerro homes, on Crenshaw Blvd.
The City Manager said that the land under consideration was
the subject of Zone Exception Case 8922(4) heard by Regional Plan-
ning on September 26, 1968. The request at that time was for an
exception in order to establish, operate and maintain a residential
planned development on an approximately eleven acre site; said devel-
opment to consist of 102 single family detached residences and two-
family duplexes, a maximum of three stories in height, a recreation
building and facilities, open space areas, tot lots, parking, etc.
Mrs. Clifton attended the hearing and presented to Regional Planning
Commission the objections of the City Council. Subsequently, the
exception was denied by the Board of Supervisors.
The City Manager presented letters from Mr. Louis Hribar,
president of Del. Cerro Homeowner's Association and advised that the
plan submitted to Regional Planning by Congregation Ner Tamid was
not acceptable to Del Cerro, an -.d a revised plan for 29 lots instead
of 102 was subsequently submitted to Del Cerro. The second plan was
unacceptable on several points, and Del Cerro Homeowner's Association
enlisted the services of Mr. Hai C. Tan, a professional architect and
land planner, for the purpose of developing a plot plan that would be
satisfactory to Congregation Ner Tamid and the community of Del Cerro.
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June 9, 1969
After receipt of the latest notice Mr. Hirbar advised Mrs.
Clifton that the Del Cerro Homeowners were planning to meet on
June 9, 1969 to consider the latest request for zone exception, and
it is his feeling that they will oppose the plan for 25 lots, but
will consider an alternate plan with 21 lots as a compromise, because
other details such as road location and access are more satisfactory
than any of the other plans submitted.
After general discussion Mayor Hesse stated that he is opposed
to the progressive exacerbation of Land, and directed that a letter be
sent to Regional Planning Commission opposing any change of zone that
would result in greater density than Del Cerro as undes:ireable, unnec-
essary, and an. additional burden to the entire Peninsula and its
facilities.
The Mayor directed the City Manager to attend the Regional
Planning Commission meeting on June 18th and present the views of the
Council.
Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Mrs. Clifton advised that a telephone call to the Palos Verdes
Peninsula Chamber of Commerce provided the following information:
The City of Rolling Hills Estates contributed $1,000.00 to the
Chamber in 1967-68; $2,000.00 in 1968-69. An allocation of $4,000.00
has been included in the Rolling Hills Estates budget for 1969-70, but
the budget had not yet been approved.
The City of Palos Verdes Estates has not made any contribution,
and none is expected this year.
Mayor Hesse stated that he applauds the actions and purposes
of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerct, but said the City of Rolling
Hills is without any commercial area, and a contribution could not be
justified. He then directed the City Manager to send a letter respond-
ing to the Chamber's letter dated May 6, 1969 requesting a contribution.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the meeting,
Mayor Hesse recessed the meeting to a personnel session at 10:30 P.M.
The meeting reconvened at 11:40, and was adjourned at 11:45 P.M. on
the motion of Councilman Fay, seconded by Councilman Nadal and unani-
mously carried.
APPROVED:
Mayor
City C'
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