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4/27/19701 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA April 27, 1970 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of -Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor Hesse at the Administration Building 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California at 7:30 P..M..Monday, April 27, 1970. ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT-. ALSO PRESENT-. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmen Bear, Pearson, Sauer, Mayor Hesse Councilman Fay Teena Clifton William Kinley Marion. Welch June Cunningham Comm. Louis.Kanaster Chief Wm . - Ware Al Crosby Bob Clark Marion Ruth T. Heinsheimer Mr.& Mrs. S. Morse City Manager City Attorney City Treasurer Secretary Regional Planning L.A. Cty.Fire Dept. Miraleste High School Swimming Pool Membership Committee Resident Residents Mayor Hesse ordered the minutes of April 13 and.April 21, 1970 held until the next regular meeting of the Council. PERSONAL APPEARANCES Commissioner° Louis Kanaster, Regional Planning Commission Mayor Hesse introduced Commissioner Louis Kanaster, a member of the Regional Planning Commission, and Commissioner Kanaster thanked the City Council for their invitation to appear before them and explain the policies and procedures of Regional Planning. Mr. Kanaster explained that the County of Los Angeles, 4,000 square miles in area, had been divided into three geographical areas; the Antelope Valley (high desert) region, the Santa Monica -San Gabriel (inountain) region, and the Coastal Plain, of which the Palos Verdes Peninsula is a part. The Coastal Plain consists of 1,300 square miles, and there are 7,000,000 people living in the area. Mr. Kanaster said that the seven largest cities in the United States combined could fit in the 1,300 square mile area, and they have a total population of over 37,000,000. Because Los Angeles County comprises such a vast area and has an ever increasing population, the State of California designated it as a "Region", and the Regional Planning Commission controls land use, secondary highways, school acquisitions, drainage, zone changes, etc. for 77 cities in Los Angeles County. The responsibility extends to surrounding areas as well, he said. Regional Planning has a staff of 125, and a budget of $2,000,000. Mr. Kanaster stated that most dissent by the public is a result of "uninformed" interpretation and application of decisions by Regional Planning. He then explained that ZONE CHANGES are approved where ma- jor changes have occurred, such as freeways, airports, etc. which change local conditions, and as a result the zone can be changed to accommodate multiple residences,.commercial, light manufacturing, etc. Zone dhange to accomplish additional lots is considered a minor change, and is usual- ly granted unless an island is created by the reduction. April 27, 1970 ZONE EXCEPTIONS apply to specific cases where because of hardship the applicant eannot comply with existing zoning regulations because of topography; drainage, etc. If the applicant cannot comply, and if the relief sought is considered reasonable, Regional Planning Commission usually grants the zone change. SPECIAL PERMITS pertain to particular zones where -certain specified rises are pe fitted with certain controls imposed to regulate the use of the property. Mr. Kanaster stated that 40-50 changes had been granted in the Palos Verdes Peninsula, all of which appeared contrary to the wishes of the people in the area, but all fit one of the above cate- gories, and were considered to be reasonable requests by Regional Planning Commission. Mr. Kanaster explained that the Peninsula was zoned about 15 years ago, and a Master Plan adopted for the entire Peninsula, although most homes at that time were in the City of Palos Verdes Estates. '.He then presented the following facts: Economics made it easy to buy single family residences, and all land that was bought and developed contained single family homes. There was very little demand for multiple residences. As the economic picture altered there was an increased demand for multiple dwellings, and large property owners now wish to satisfy the .demand by developing the remaining property in that manner. :however, this has caused great dissent among residents on the Peninsula, many of whom are not aware of the existing Master Plan, and has resulted in attempts to create a fourth city to control local zoning. A study of the Master Plan was made with regard to modi- fying the plan, and results of the study indicate that the balance of the Peninsula probably never will be used for commercial purposes, and that the best use, as judged by the study group, would be for multiple high density dwellings. Because. of the opposition of residents of the Peninsula to the revised Master Plan, the Board of Supervisors dis- carded it, and Mr. Kanaster expressed the opinion that the attempt to compromise had alienated everyone. Mayor Hesse thanked Mr. Kanaster for his appearance before the Rolling Hills City Council and asked whether he would be willing to appear at a joint meeting of the three peninsula cities and the public to make the same presentation. Commissioner Kanaster said he would welcome the opportunity. Mayor Hesse then invited questions .from mem- bers of the City Council and others in.the audience. Councilman Pearson asked whether the township system common in other areas of the Country would be successful in -the Los Angeles area. In that system, he.&xplained, the township acts as the intermediate step between'the di`ties or towns within its borders and the county in matters pertaining to planning and zoning. Mayor Hesse said it was his understanding that the "borough" system is legal in California. Mr. Kanaster ex lained that the Southern California Association of Govern- ments (SCAG� serves that purpose in this area, and that in the Los An- geles County area there are nine areas for planning purposes only. He said the borough system would be beneficial if the people affected were less selfish, and added that in the majority of cases the courts have upheld decisions of Regional Planning Commission on zoning. Mayor Hesse commented that the fourteen cities in the South Bay area differ in their needs, objectives and problems from the other 53 cities in Los Angeles County. Councilman Sauer asked whether the geography as well as the geology of an area is considered when decisions on zoning are made, and cited landslides and construction over sloughs resulting in major damage to homes in those areas. Mr. Kanaster explained that for many years no geology report was required, but after many homes had been -Z® April 27, 1970 lost, all new construction requires rigid checks on geology,'especially in the -Palos Verdes and Malibu areas. He said that other factors con- sidered in zoning matters are ingress, egress, fire protection, and land use.._ s Chief.William Ware, Los Angeles County Fire Department, asked whether the assessor is advised of geology problems that would affect the value of the property. Mr.-Kanaster said the assessor does not consider these problems, and the evaluation of all surrounding proper- ties is affected when adjoining property is sold or rezoned. Mr. Kanaster stated that this practice has had a disastrous effect on the citrus industry, because when surrounding areas are re -zoned and sub- divisions developed, all land in the area becomes more valuable, and .it is an economic necessity for the owner of agriculture to sell his land to a developer because of the escalated tax rate. Mrs. Cunningham, Deputy City Clerk, said she had been advised .-4 by a staff member of Regional Planning that a request for a change- of CD zone from R -A-12 to R -A-20,000 on Vie Campesina near the Palos Verdes Estates City boundary had been granted, and that in addition, other property in the area had been similarly re -zoned, although not included in the application for zone change. She asked whether the information Q was correct, and whether such blanket approval was a common practice. Mr. Kanaster said it was a fairly connon practice, and was often done to avoid the necessity of individuals making application for re -zoning when it would be beneficial to all properties in a specific area to be re -zoned. Mrs. Clifton, City Manager, questioned the practice of re- zoning without application by property owners, especially in view of the general opposition to re -zoning on the Peninsula, and the influence re -zoning has on property taxes.because of re-evaluation by the County Assessor. Mr. Kinley, City Attorney, commented that Mr.,Kanaster is stating that Regional Planning is willing to re -zone properties without application, and when residents oppose, the change of zone is granted anyway, so the wishes of the people expressed at public hearings have little effect on the decision. Mr..Kinley then cited the re -zoning' of property owned by Congregation Ner Tamid on _Crenshaw Boulevard, south of Crest Road. He said the property was re -zoned in spite of opposi- tion of residents in the surrounding areas, and questioned whether a body of five people should make decisions that determine the future -of an area without considering the wishes of the people. Mr. Kanaster said the decision to grant the zone change was based.on planning cirteria, and not on the wishes of the people. He said the action must be defensible in Court, and to date actions on zoning tried in Court have been won by the County Counsel. Mayor Hesse said that Supervisor Chace had announced that he recommended that the,Master Plan be tabled and filed to allow the people to chose, he then asked what the policy is with regard to zoning while the decision is pending. Mr. Kanaster stated that from the date of filing the application for a fourth city with LAFCO on April 22, 1970, no applications for zone changes within the delineated areas would be considered, but will be held -under submission. He emphasized that this would apply to zone changes only. When a zone exception is requested a decision can be made, provided the applicant can prove hardship and the relief sought is.reasonable. Mr. Kanaster said that it is his understanding the application before LAFCO will be heard late in the summer of 1970. Mayor Hesse thanked Commission er Kanaster for his appearance, and said he would contact him when arrangements had been completed for a joint meeting with representatives of the three cities. Ma April 279 1970 CORRESPONDENCE Californians for YES on 7 A letter dated March 9, 1970 from Preston Hotchkiss, Chairman of "Californians for YES on 7" was presented by the City Manager, to- gether with a copy of a Resolution endorsing Proposition 7 on the June 2nd ballot changing the 5% limit on interest the State can pay on general obligation bonds to 7%. Motion to adopt the resolution and write to Mr. Hotchkiss ad- vising him of the Council's action was made by Councilman Sauer, seconded by Councilman Bear and unanimously carried. RESOLUTION N0. 251 'Motion to introduce and adopt Resolution No..251 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL, OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ENDORS- ING PROPOSITION 7 ON THE JUNE 2ND BALLOT CHANGING 5% LIMIT ON INTEREST THE STATE CAN PAY ON GENERAL; OBLIGATION BONDS TO 7% AND URGING ALL CITIZENS TO VOTE "YES" AT THE ELECTION ON JUNE 2ND was made by Councilman Sauer, seconded by Councilman Bear and unanimously carried. Los_Angeles County Flood Control District A letter dated March 26, 1970 from C. J. Wilt, Division Engineer, Project Planning Division of Los Angeles County Flood Control District was presented by the City Manager. Mr. Wilt requested a preliminary plan, profile, cross section and a cost estimate for the facilities to be included for the City of Rolling Hills in the 1970 Storm Drain Bond Issue. Mrs. Clifton advised the Council that she had requested that Project No. 6601, Line B constructed following approval of the 1964 Bond Issue be extended as part of the 1970 Bond Issue Program, and she asked the Council to approve the expenditure of funds for the County Engineer to prepare the information requested by the Flood Control District. She stated further that if the Bond Issue asses, the money for the preliminary work will be included in the city s allocation, but if it does not pass the city will simply absorb these preliminary costs. A motion to approve expenditure of funds not to exceed $400.00 was made by Councilman Sauer, seconded by Councilman Pearson and carried by the following roll call votes AYES: Councilmen Bear, Sauer, Pearson, Mayor Hesse NOES: None ABSENT: Councilman Fay Los Angeles County Engineer: Geologic Review of Tentative Tracts Mayor Hesse ordered the matter held on the agenda. Lanco Civil Engineers° Geology Requirements for Subdivision Mayor Hesse ordered the matter held on the agenda. L.A. Counter Fire Department: In Lieu Pavment, District Property Tax Mayor Hesse ordered the matter held on the agenda. California. State Senate: Distribution of Gas Tax Funds,. Mayor Hesse ordered the -matter held on the agenda. -4- 1 April 27, 1970 Lanco Civil Engineers: Bond.Estimate for Tract 27352 Mayor Hesse ordered the matter held on the agenda. Wegener & Mirassou: Kiwanis Club Marathon The City Manager presented a letter dated April 27, 1970 from Stiles Wegener, Secretary of the Palos Verdes Kiwanis Club announcing the fourth annual Palos Verdes Peninsula Marathon on.May 24, 1970, and requesting the support and assistance provided last year. Mrs.. Clifton explained that -Crest Road in Rolling Hills is included in the proposed route. Mayor Hesse directed that a letter be sent to-Mr..Wegener advising him that use of Crest Road in Rolling Hills for the marathon had been approved by the Council. Re�aort and Recommendations: Sheriff's Costs Mayor Hesse requested Councilman Bear to contact Mayor Howlett of the City of Rolling Hills.Estates and. Mr. Gordon Curtis of Palo`s Verdes Peninsula Advisory Council to arrange for study of details re- lative to formation of a Palos Verdes Peninsula Law Enforcement District. The matter was held on the agenda. Senate Bill 294: Statement on Soil Conditions Mayor Nesse ordered the matter held on the agenda. TRANSFER OF FUNDS Motion to authorize transfer of.$103.00 from Motor Vehicle in Lieu Fund to the General Fund was made by Councilman Sauer, seconded by Councilman Bear and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen NOES: None ABSENT: Councilman PAYMENT -OF BILLS Bear, Pearson, Sauer, Mayor Hesse Fay .. Councilman Pearson moved that Demands No. 1499 through 1532 -be paid from the General Fund, and Demand No. 1533 be paid from the Motor Vehicle Act in Lieu Fund. DEMAND NO.. PAYEE AMOUNT 1499 Louis F. Almstadt 3.14 1500 James D. Brennan 45..24 1501 Calif. Contract Cities Assn. 198.00 1502 The Corinth Company 70.00 1503 County of Los Angeles 257.47 1504 County of Los Angeles 210.00 1505 Davis Decor Design 170.10 1506 Irvin H. Davis 409.00 1507 Gateway National Bank 159.60 1508 General Telephone Company 164.90 1509 Harbor Office Supply 3.68 1510 Hoover Company 243.00 1511 Lomita Maintenance Service 120.00 1512 Martin & Chapman Co. 339..83 1513 Miller Desk 338.94 1514 Palos Verdes Newspapers 6.76 1515 Palos Verdes Water Company 17.67 -5- April 279 1970 DEMAND NO. PAYEE - AMOUNT 1516 Public -Employees Retirement 354054 1517 Ray Rothman 18.00 1518 Southern Calif. Edison Co. 103.37 1519 Spencer's Carpet Care 243.55 1520 Tyler Printing Company 61.95 1521 Xerox Corporation 71.70 1522 Zellerbach Paper Co. 18.84 1523 Mrs. -Lois `M. - C . -Gray 29.00 1524 Mrs. Myrtle S. Breitenstein 24.00 1525 Mrs. Delia A. Wright 24.00 1526 Mrs. Katharine S. Thornbury 24.00 1527 Ben L. Bear Jr. 16.69 1.528 Edward L. Pearson 16.69 1529 Alma C. Clifton 442.07 1530 June C. Cunninghem 461.30 1531 Patricia O'Connell 77.81 1532 William Kinl.ey 525.00 $5,269.84 1533 Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department 8,696.00 Motion was seconded by Councilman.Sauer and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen.Bear, Pearson, Sauer, Mayor Hesse NOES: None ABSENT: Councilman Fay --- PROPOSED ORDINANCE - Stabling of Animals Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Morse advised the Council that they were present for clarification of the proposed ordinance for stabling animals, stating that their property is 1.87 acres, and they wish to have a stable for six horses built with box stalls rather than corral space. Mr. Morse stated that he owns seven horses, and was advised to attend the meeting at which the proposed ordinance would be dis- cussed; he questioned the wisdom of allowing an ordinance that might or might not be passed to influence decisions affecting construction of the stable. The Manager stated that she had_ advised Mr. Morse that the proposed ordinance was under study by the City Council. She stated further that she advised him that she planned to make recommendations to the City Council for revision of the section of the proposed ordi- nance, Section 2B, that limits the number of horses on a parcel, using the formula of one horse per 10,000 square feet of property, and in- stead will use a formula based on the square footage of the corral space per horse, as well as the total property size. Councilman Pearson stated that as a member of the Board of Directors of the Rolling Hills Community Association, he had inspected the site with respect to Mr. Morse's request for reduction of easements to allow for multiple property improvements, including a tennis court, riding ring and recreation building., -,and -it was his opinion that if all the improvements Mr. Morse wished"to make were approved, the property might not accommodate the number of horses heywished to keep. Mr. Morse stated that his plans had changed, and he advised the Council that he no longer plans to build a tennis court or riding ring, and that the Architectural Committee has approved plans submitted for a stable and an addition to his home including a recreation room. 1 April 27, 1970 Mr. Kinley, City Attorney, advised Mr. Morse that the ordinance being considered by the City Council would very likely contain a section which would require his compliance with the conditions set forth in the ordinance for the maintenance of horses or cattle on his property. Mayor Hesse ordered the Ordinance held on the agenda for further discussion. MIRALESTE HIGH SCHOOL POOL PROPOSAL 'Mrs. Marion Ruth of the Mi�.leste Swim Pool Committee presented copies of a contract between the City of Rolling Hills and the Mira- leste High School Swim Pool Foundation, and a contract between the City, of Rolling Hills and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified.School District for the operation of a summer recreation program. After review by the City.Attorney, Mr. Kinley, a motion to ap- r-4 prove and accept the contracts subject to approval by legal counsel CD was made by Councilman Sauer, seconded by Councilman Bear and unani- C) mously carried. Mrs. Ruth then introduced Mr. Bob Clark, head of the Athletic Department of Miraleste High School and Mr. Al Crosby, swim coach at the San Pedro YMCA and Miraleste High.School. She explained that they would be in charge of hiring -necessary personnel for the summer recreation program, but that there would not be a program unless funds were available. The responsibilities of the city would be minimal, she said. A membership drive is now in progress and Mrs. Ruth provided a poster and membership applications for city use. Mayor Hesse directed the City Manager to prepare a news release to be sent to the local newspapers, giving the necessary details for membership, and emphasizing that membership is open to all residents living within the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District. AGENDA ITEMS HELD OVER Mayor Hesse directed that all items held on the agenda from the previous meeting be held on the agenda for the next meeting. APPOINTMENT TO PLANNING COMMISSION Mayor Hesse announced that following,his election to the City Council, Mr. Edward L. Pearson had submitted his resignation from -the Planning Commission, _Mayor Hesse stated -that he wished to appoint Dr. Thomas Heinsheimer to fill the vacancy, and Dr. Heinsheimer, who was present at the meeting, said he would be pleased to serve as a member of the Planning Commission. Mayor Hesse then confirmed the appointment and advised Dr. Heinsheimer that the next regular meeting of that body is scheduled for May 19, 1970. MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL 1 Mayor Hesse announced the following City Council Appointments for the Council year 1970-71: FUNCTION Personnel Officer Finance Officer Utilities & Related Services (Water, Gas, Electricity, Telephone) PRIMARY DELEGATE Mr. Fay Mr. Pearson Mr. Sauer Mfg ALTERNATE -DEPUTY Mr. Bear Mr. Sauer Mr. Bear April 27, 1970 FUNCTION PRIMARY DELEGATE ALTERNATE -DEPUTY Rubbish Collection Mr. Pearson Mr. Bear Lai,., Enforcement & Traffic Safety Mr. Bear Mr. Sauer Fire Protection Mr. Sauer Mr. Pearson Equestrian Activities (Including Caballeros) Mr. Pearson Mr. Sauer Youth Activities (Including Narcotics Mr. Bear Mr. Pearson Administrative Committee) _ Flood Control District Mr. Bear Mr. Pearson "Sanitation District Mr. Hesse Mr. Fay SCAG Liaison Officer Mr. Fay Mr. Hesse Peninsula Planning Mr. Hesse Mr. Fay South Bay Councilmen's Association Mr. Sauer Mr. Pearson League of Calif. Cities Mr. Hesse Mr. Fay Contract Cities Assn. Mr. Hesse Mr. Bear Mayor Mr. Hesse Mr. Fay ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the meeting, Mayor Hesse adjourned the meeting to a personnel session at 10:35 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 10:55 and was adjourned at 11:00 P.M. on motion of Councilman.Sauer, seconded by Councilman Bear and unanimously carried. APPROVED: Mayor City 1