4/27/19701
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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