5/24/1971MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING MILLS, CALIFORNIA
May 24, 1971
A regul4r.mee.ting of the City Council of the City of Rq�ling
Hills was called to order by Mayor Sauer at the Administrationuilding,
2 Portuguese Bead Road, Rolling Hills, California at 7:30 P.M. Monday,
May 24, 1971.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT; Councilmen Bear, Fay, Hesse, Pearson, Mayor Sauer
ABSENT: Mone
California Water Service Company Replacement Plans
The Manager reported that she had met with Mayor Sauer, Councilman
Bear and representatives of California Water Service Company from San Jose
and representatives of Palos Verdes Water Company at the Administration
Building on Friday, May 21st, Prior to that, she reported, Councilman Bear
and Chief Joseph Rotella of Los Angeles County Fire Department had met and
reviewed the map information submitted by the water company. Councilman
Bear said that after meeting with Fire Department representatives again a
complete report will be prepared and submitted to the Council in the near
future. The matter was held on the agenda.
Fire Prevention.Measures
Mrs. Clifton advised that she planned to attend an all -da Fire-
proofing and Safety Sumposium to -be conducted in Los Angeles on Thursday,
May 27th, and would report to the Council at the next regular meeting.
Members of the Los Angeles County Weed Abatement crew have been
working in the City, Mrs. Clifton said, and will continue to take care of
problem areas until clearing of weeds has been completed by the Fire Dept.
Mayor Sauer ordered the matter held on the.agenda.
Regional Planning Commission Hearing, Special Permit Case 211$-(4)
The Manager reported that she had represented the City of Rolling
Hills at the hearing before the Regional Planning Commission on the appli-
cation.of Dayton Realty Company for a Special Permit for construction of
430 two-story apartments in b, 8 and -12 unit buildings at the intersection
of Hawthorne Boulevard and Highridge Road.
Mrs. Clifton reported that she had expressed the objection of the
City Council to certain aspects of the development as proposed, and spe-
cifically questioned the representation by the developer as a good planning
concept. Although a condominium development is not unacceptable in the
location presented, Mrs. Clifton said, the density is unacceptable, and
ALSO PRESENT:
Teena Clifton
City Manager
.William Kinley
City Attorney
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Marion Welch
City Treasurer
CD
June Cunningham
Secretary
0
firs. Marilyn Ryan
League of Women Vopers
Q
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the minutes of
the meeting of May 1Q, 1971 as
corrected was made by
Councilman Pearson,
seconded by Councilman Bear and
carried unanimously.
CITY MANAGER
California Water Service Company Replacement Plans
The Manager reported that she had met with Mayor Sauer, Councilman
Bear and representatives of California Water Service Company from San Jose
and representatives of Palos Verdes Water Company at the Administration
Building on Friday, May 21st, Prior to that, she reported, Councilman Bear
and Chief Joseph Rotella of Los Angeles County Fire Department had met and
reviewed the map information submitted by the water company. Councilman
Bear said that after meeting with Fire Department representatives again a
complete report will be prepared and submitted to the Council in the near
future. The matter was held on the agenda.
Fire Prevention.Measures
Mrs. Clifton advised that she planned to attend an all -da Fire-
proofing and Safety Sumposium to -be conducted in Los Angeles on Thursday,
May 27th, and would report to the Council at the next regular meeting.
Members of the Los Angeles County Weed Abatement crew have been
working in the City, Mrs. Clifton said, and will continue to take care of
problem areas until clearing of weeds has been completed by the Fire Dept.
Mayor Sauer ordered the matter held on the.agenda.
Regional Planning Commission Hearing, Special Permit Case 211$-(4)
The Manager reported that she had represented the City of Rolling
Hills at the hearing before the Regional Planning Commission on the appli-
cation.of Dayton Realty Company for a Special Permit for construction of
430 two-story apartments in b, 8 and -12 unit buildings at the intersection
of Hawthorne Boulevard and Highridge Road.
Mrs. Clifton reported that she had expressed the objection of the
City Council to certain aspects of the development as proposed, and spe-
cifically questioned the representation by the developer as a good planning
concept. Although a condominium development is not unacceptable in the
location presented, Mrs. Clifton said, the density is unacceptable, and
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I- May 24, 1971.
she suggested that a limit of density be imposed on the developer.
Further, Mrs. Clifton requested that consideration be given by
the developer to redesigning the -designated recreational area for the
convenience of future residents, the landscaping and decorative walls
for additional privacy of residents, and the ratio of planned parking
from 1 1/2 to 1 to 2/1, because of the lack of public transportation
in the area. The road system of the tract should be re -studied, she
said. A final condition, she suggested, -would be for the subdivider to
file a request for zone change on the property. Since it is a C-4 zone
there would always remain the fear that the portion of the tract that
will not be developed immediately could be used for a commercial purpose.
Mrs. Clifton, advised that she had been mis-quoted by the newspaper;
although she had requested they consider a lower density and a zone change,
shd had not specified either RPDL8 or R-3 as reported by the newspaper.
In the discussion `that followed -Councilman. Pearson. said that he
had discussed the testimony Mrs. Clifton had given, and was satisfied
that the report by the newsmedia,4istorted the position. taken by Mrs.
Clifton for the City Council before Regional Planning Commission Zoning
Board. The City Manager stated That her testimony had been recorded,,
and that she had read from a prepared statement. Mrs. Clifton presented
copies of her testimony to the members of the Council. Councilman Pear-
son said he did--not-feel it was fair to the Manager to have to try to
interpret the position of the City Council on these matters, but should
be given fairly clear directions though he did not wish to indicate by
his suggestion that he was dissatisfied with Mrs. Clifton's testimony.
I Councilman Hesse offered to work with the City Manager on future
presentations before Regional Planning, if the City Council expressed
their feelings at the meetings on matters where testimony is to be given.
Traffic Safety, Blind Driveway Sip,,n
Mayor Sauer opened a discussion of a request by Mr. Fred Fuld,
5 Crest Road East, for a sign adAsing SLOW, BLIND DRIVEWAYS AHEAD to be
installed on the north side of Crest Road, between the Fuld residence and
Portuguese Bend Road.
Councilman Fay said there are many blind driveways in the City,
and,he considered them hazardous. It was his recommendation that such
signs be posted when requested by the residents. Councilman Bear said
he thought the angle, speedandslope in, the area of driveways should
be considered, and foliage should be trimmed before any signs are in-
stalled. He said he did not -think every request for a sign meant that
such a sign was necessary. Councilman Pearson said there are many hazar-
dous driveways in the City, and although in many cases there would be an
improvement if shrubbery were trimmed, the solution is not always so
simple, and consideration should be given to posting warning signs where
necessary.
Mayor Sauer referred the matter to the Traffic Committee, and
asked the Manager to advise Mr. Fuld that his request was being studied
with other streets in Rolling Hills. The matter was held on the agenda.
CITY MANAGER (New Business)
Local Agency Formation Commission
The Manager presented a copy of a notice from the Local Agency
Formation Commission of Los Angeles advising that application for incor-
poration of territory adjacent to Rolling Hills, to be known as San Pedro
Hills, would be heard before the Commission at 9:00 a.m. on July 14, 1971.
James S. Mize, Executive Officer, requested that anyone wishing to appear
May 24, 1971
at the time and place and be heard regarding the proposal advise the of-
fice in writing as soon as possible.
Councilman Hesse advised the Council that the Peninsula Advisory
Council, SOC and City Councils of other Peninsula cities were studying
the proposal, and asked that it be held on the agenda so he could make a
report at the next meeting. Mayor Sauer so ordered.
Assembly Committee on Planning and Land,U.se
-
The Manager presented a notice dated May 14, 1971 from the office
of Assemblyman Paul Priolo, Chairman, Committee on Planning and Land Use,
advising that a special meeting would be held at the State Capitol at
7:30 P.M. May 25, 1971. The purpose of the meting was to take testimony
an coastline protection measures, AB 16 and AB 147 * 1. Mrs. Clifton said
that at her request Assemblyman Robert Beverly had sent copies of the
bills to her, and they had been received on Monday, May 24th.
Councilman Hesse advised the Council that he had a copy of a
letter to Assemblyman Paul Priolo from the Chairmen of Save Our Coastline.
After presenteation to the Council, it was Councilman Hesse's recommend
ation that the Mayor also write a letter to Assemblyman Priolo supporting
the recommendations 'of the Save Our Coastline organization set forth in
their letter. Councilman -Hesse then read the letter in full to the Council.
In, the discussion that followed, Councilman Pearson said he dis-
agreed with the recommendations contained in the letter, specifically
that a commission should be -formed by the State comprising representatives
of the counties of Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange; that a moratorium be
established during the planning phase that would restrict development in
the coastal zones, and that compensation should be made by the State for
loss of property value. Councilman Pearson said he is opposed to state
control of any land that is not state land, and further, did not feel that
a resident of Ventura County or a resident of Santa Monica in Los Angeles
County was qualified to make Tdecisions affecting residents of the Palos
Verdes Peninsula. Further, he asked Councilman Hesse on what basis property
owners could request or expect comppn.gation for loss of property value, and
Councilman Hesse said new ground rules should be created by state law that
would give property owners the opportunity to express opinions on land
development and seek redress. The land bought for development is exploited
under existing rules, he said.
Councilman Fay asked where State control would end and local con-
trol would begin, and Councilman Hesse said at present there exists a
condition of "County non -control". Councilman Bear said that to approve
the concept of state control would jeopardize the position of the City of
Rolling Hills, especially in the matter of preserving the section of Crest
Road within the City limits of Rolling Hills as a private road. Councilman
Fay agreed that, it must not --happen, -and -a-sked Councilman Hes-se if he thought
state control would be preferable to local control. Councilman Hesse said
he considers state control inevitable.
Mr. Finley, City Attorney, said he had not read the bills; 'whidh
advocate enlarging the jurisdiction of the State agency and would eventu-
ally eliminate home rule.
Councilman Bear stated that he is a strong advocate of local con,--,
trol, and would not agree to support a letter favoring or endorsing state
control, or do anything that would dissipate local control. Councilman
Hesse said the present jurisdiction of the County Supervisor does not, in
his opinion., constitute local control.
Councilman Fay said he felt the Council was being asked to endorse
ideas shaped by outside organizations, and he thought the Council as a
unit should formulate its ideas and take a position as a City, rather than
endorse positions or presentations of others.
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May 24, 1971
Councilman Pearson, said he would not support the idea of a mora-
torium on development, because the purpose of zoning is to control the
density. Councilman Hesse said commercial zoning is merely a holding
zone, and such zoning can be developed as multiple units if a conditional
use permit is obtained. Councilman Pearson said he objected to the Coun-
cil's support of a letter with so many references to the 4th City and SOC
And thought the Council should make any requests in the name of and as
representatives of the City of Rolling Hills. Councilman Hesse reminded
Councilman Pearson that the City of Rolling Hills had adopted a resolu-
tion in support of the formation of a 4th City in. November, 1969, and
that he was aware of that when he ran for office. as Councilman of Rolling
Hills. Councilman Pearson said he was aware of the resolution, and al-
though he personally is not in favor of the incorporation, he does nothing
to oppose either proponents of the 4th City or SOC; as a Councilman for
the City of Rolling Hills he forms his opinions on the basis of what is
best for the City. However, he emphasized that he is not in fabor of
State control, and does not wish to approve or endorse another organiz-
ation's recommendation. He said the entire matter needs more study, and
the long letter read by Councilman Hesse contains too much information
to digest in the brief time allotted during the Council meeting.
Councilman Bear recommended that paragraph number three be deleted
from the draft of the letter Councilman Hesse had prepared for Mayor
Sauer's signature so the Council would not `be on record as supporting
the recommendations set forth in the letter from Mrs. LeConte, chairman
of Save Our Coastline.
Mayor Sauer directed that the draft of the letter be changed to
incorporate a portion of the third paragraph and the entire fourth para-
graph, as corrected, of the letter to Assemblyman Priolo from the Chair-
men of SOC, paragraph number three of the draft letter from the Mayor to
Assemblyman Priolo be deleted, and the composite be sent 'as a night let-
ter to Assemblyman Priolo from Mayor Sauer. In answer to a question from
the Mayor about the content of the resulting letter, Councilman Pearson
said he would have no objection to it. The following night letter was sent:
Assemblyman Paul Priolo, Chairman
Assembly Committee on Planning and Land Use
State Capitol
Sacramento, California 95814
Dear Assemblyman Priolo:
This refers to your letter of May 14th inviting this city's comments in
connection with your committee's hearings regarding AB 16 and AB 1471.
This city embraces the central part of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, close
to the shoreline. For many years we have worked cooperatively with our
neighboring cities and with the citizens groups in the unincorporated
neighboring territory to take all necessary steps to preserve the rural,
environment in the open spaces of this part of California, while endorsing
orderly development which would be consistent with careful land use plan-
ning and preservation of natural amenities of the area.
At this time there is little state or federal legislation which can effect-
ively assist.us with this problem. We are, addordingly, not only inter-
ested in but vitally affected by the legislation which has been proposed
for coastal conservation. and control of shoreline development, particular
AB16 and AB1471 which are the subjects of the hearing by your Committee o
May 25. Both offer important improvements over the ckitical void which
now exists. From our experience, we, put our confidence in two factors:
(1) effective local government by which we mean city government, and (2)
clear state criteria for land use and development which will then be
implemented by the cities.
We appreciate and value highly this opportunity to express our thoughts
to your committee in this significant program. /s/ Fred Sauer, Mayor
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May 24, 1971
League of California Cities
A copy of a letter dated May 18, 1971 from the League of Califor-
nia Cities., and copies of AB2402 and AB2159, Provision of Law Enforcement
Services by Sheriff was presented to the Council.
The Mayor ordered the matter held on the agenda to give Mr. Kin -
ley, City Attorney, time to study the bills and report to the Council.
Special Permit Case No. 2116-(4)
The City Manager advised the Council that she had received notice
that a public hearing will be held before the Zoning Board in the Region-
al Planning Commission on Thursday, June 3, 1971 at 9:30 a.m. on the re-
quest for a special permit in the C-1 (Restricted Business) Zone. The,
request is to establish, operate and maintain a residential development
with appurtenant facilities, consisting of 478 two-story, cluster type
townhouses, recreation areas, off-street parking areas and open green
space on approximately 55 acres on the westerly side of Palos Verdes
Drive West,, between West Berry Hill Drive and West Rue Beaupre±in the
Palos Verdes Peninsula area. Mrs. Clifton displayed a map of the pro-
posed development sent to her by Regional Planning Commission,
In the discussion that followed Councilman Hesse said he is
opposed to all aspects of the proposed development as submitted because
it denies access and use of the beach to the public, and because the
proposed density provides inadequate open space.
Councilman Bear said he does not approve of the lay -out as sub-
mitted, although he feels that with proper planning an area can support
a high density and maintain sufficient green, area, Councilman Hesse
asked if he thought three or four story development should be consid-
ered for shoreline areas, or whether all construction should be limited
to one story. Councilman Bear said if an area could be developed with
multi -stories, maintain large green areas and not obstruct the view or
access 'of other residents it would be preferable to a more rambling two
story development or two story private residences. Councilman Fay said
he is opposed to all multiple level, multiple dwelling development along
the coastline. Councilman Pearson said the.proposed development is for
two-story dwellings, but the height factor is not part of the special
permit application.
Councilman Hesse moved that the City Council oppose the proposed
development as undesireable and urge the Regional Planning Commission to
deny the application for a special use permit for the following reasons:
1. The proposed development denies public access and use of the
beach where public records indicate a history of use by the
public for a long period.of time.
2. The proposed development is too dense and intense for the
coastline, which should be developed for open space by pro-
viding more green belts.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Fay and carried by the
following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Bear, Fay,_Hesse, Mayor Sauer
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: Councilman Pearson
Councilman Hesse asked to be excused from the meeting at 9:55 P,M.
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.2`2,.x,, 2`2,6 -
May 24, 1971
Board of Supervisors, Los Angeles County
A copy of a letter dated May 5, 1971 from the Board of Supervisors,
Los Angeles County, and a copy of Assembly Bill No. 1709 were presented to
the Council by the City Manager.
James S. Mize advised that at its meeting on May 4, 1971 on the
motion of Supervisor Burton Chace, the Board of Supervisors of Los'Angel-
es County went on record in opposition to Assembly Bill 1709 which would
automatically assign the City of Los Angeles approximately 39 percent of
the Gas Tax Funds of the County.
The correspondence was received and filed.
SUBDIVISION NO. 47, Tract 30932
The Manager advised that Mr. Thomas Moran had requested that
Tract 30932, Subdivision No. 47, 10 Packsaddle Road West be held on the
agenda. The Mayor so ordered.
COMMUNICATIONS
California Contract Cities Association
A letter dated May 6, 1971 from California Contract Cities
Association was presented to the Council.
At the Association's annual business session. on April 24th a
resolution was adopted stating concern over certain aspects of annexa-
tion bill AB813,-and a copy of the resolution opposing provisions of
AB813 which permit forced annexations to cities and urging amendments
thereto was enclosed.
Mayor Sauer ordered the matter held on the agenda until presen-
tation of a report by Councilman Hesse.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Councilman Bear moved that the Report of the City Treasurer for
the month of April, 1971 and the Statement of Receipts and Expenditures
for April 1971 be accepted and approved. The motion was seconded by
Councilman. Fay and carried unanimously.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Councilman Bear moved that Demands No
from the Genera 1, Fund .
DEMAND NO. PAYEE
1905
June Cunningham
1906
Alma Clifton
1907
LilliAnn Hyller
1908
William Kinley
1909
Ben L. Bear
1-910
County of Los Angeles
1911
R.H.C.A.
1912
R.H.C.A.
1913
Southern. Calif. Edison.
1914
William Finley
191.5
County of Los Angeles
1916
Teena Clifton
1917
State Educational Agency
1918
Xerox
1919
General Telephone Co.
1920
Los Angeles County Road Dept.
1921
Tosh Sakata
1922
L. A. County Sheriff's Dept.
1905.through 1922 be paid
AMOUNT
494.99
515.27
94.80
551.25
11.00
11.73
1,920.80
10,052.70
91.62
246.60
72.08
15.00
54.00
63.00
5.35
1,131.25
50.00
7,188.00
22,569.44
1
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May 24, 1971
The motion was seconded by Councilman Fay and carried by the
following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Bear, Fay, Pearson, Mayor Sauer
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilman Hesse
CITY ATTORNEY
ORDINANCE NO. 91 - Health and Safetv
Mr. Kinley distributed copies of proposed additions to Ordi-
nance No. 91, Health and Safety, introduced at the meeting of March 22,
1971 for review by the Council.
Mayor Sauer ordered the .matter held on the agenda until members
of the Council have had an opportunity to review the material.
O
ORDINANCE NO. 96 - Traffic Ordinance
.� Councilman Pearson moved that Ordinance No. 96, entitled "AN
Q ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 16 ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS, CALIFORNIA REGULATING TRAFFIC WITHIN SAID CITY AND REPEALING
ORDINANCE NO. 1 AND ALL OTHER ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH" be
introduced, and that reading in full be waived.
Mr. Kinley advised that the ordinance provided for installation
of stop.signs on Eastfield Drive at the intersection. with Hackamore Road
as requested by Mr. Paul Grubs of 1 Hackamore Road at the meeting of the
City Council on May 10, 1971. _
The motion was seconded by Councilman Bear and carried unanimously.
CITY DEPARTMENTS
Fire Department Activity Report
The Fire Department Activity Report for the month of April 1971
was presented by the City Manager. The report was received and filed.
MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Mrs. Marilyn Ryan advised the Council that she was present as a
representative of the League of Women Voters to present a booklet entitled
"A Guide to Government and Growth on the Palos Verdes Peninsula" compiled
by the League of Women Voters of Palos Verdes Peninsula to members of the
Council.
Mayor Sauer thanked Mrs. Ryan on behalf of the Council.
MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Tennis Court
Councilman Fay advised the Council that he had requested that all
Councilmen be given a copy of the current tennis court schedule for
standing reservations to be reviewed in, connection with the current in-
vestigation of the need for additional tennis facilities in the City.
Councilman Fay said he is not opposed to additional tennis courts if the
need can be demonstrated; however, duplication. of names on the present
schedule suggest that the present court may not be -getting maximum use.
Further, Councilman Fay stated, many residents of the City are unable to
play because of the difficulty of obtaining reservations, and in many
cases a resident who has a reservation is playing with non-residents. It
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May 24, 1971
was Councilman Fay's suggestion. that residents of the City be polled in
an effort to establish the need for additional facilities, and that other
steps be taken, including limiting or eliminating duplication of reser-
vations, and consideration of a charge for non-residents who are invited
to play by residents.
Mrs. Clifton advised the Council that a preliminary estimate of
costs for additional tennis facilities in. the vicinity of the Main Gate
House had been submitted by South Bay Engineering Corporation. Copies
of the estimate were distributed to the Council. Mayor Sauer ordered
the matter held on the agenda.
MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICERS
City Manager
'telegram, Mayor William F. Czueleger, Redondo Beach
Mrs. Clifton advised that a telegram had been received from
Mayor William F. Czueleger of Redondo Beach, who is chairman of the
Committee of Mayors, Cities of Los Angeles County, asking that the city
join in a protest against the proposed 50 million dollar county salary
ordinance by having a representative at the Board of Supervisors meeting
on. Tuesday, May 25th at 2 p.m. when the ordinance is considered.
The correspondence was received and filed.
Lewis Roland, Bicycles on Peninsula
The Manager advised that Lewis Rowland, a member of the City
Council of the City of Rolling Hills Estates had written urging devel-
opment of bicycle pathways on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. She said the
matter had also been presented at a recent meeting of the Palos Verdes
Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Clifton said that all information
pertaining to bicycle trails had been forwarded to Councilman Bear.
Trip to Big Creek - Southern California Edison Co.
Mrs. Clifton said she had been invited to participate in a trip
to the Big Creek Area on June 2nd to 5th by the Southern California
Edison Company to view their installation. She stated that she had
asked and received permission from the Board of Directors of the Rolling
Hills Community Association.
Approval was given by the City Council.
Amendment to Building Code, Los Angeles County
Mr. K:inley advised the Council that Chapter 67 of the Los Angeles
County Building Code had been amended, and asked whether it was the wish
of the Council to amend the ordinance.
Councilman Pearson said that because 'the City of Rolling Hills
has adopted the Building Code by reference, all amendments should be
adopted as a policy.
Abandoned Vehicles
Mr. Kinley advised that he had received a sample ordinance requir
in.g removal of abandoned vehicles, and asked whether the Council wished
to consider such an. ordinance. Mayor Sauer asked him to prepare an ordi-
nance for study and consideration by the Council.
Mayor Sauer - :youth Hight
Mayor Sauer advised the Council that he planned to invite all
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May 24, 1971
students in the Intermediate and High Schools who are residents of
Rolling Hills to attend the next regular meeting of the City Council
on June 14th. Before the meeting the students will be the guest of
the Mayor at a dinner at the Red Onion.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the meeting, a
motion for adjournment was made at 11 p.m. by Councilman Bear, seconded
by Councilman Pearson and carried unanimously.
Mayor
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