Loading...
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 *-� 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 2``2 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. M 22_ 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 -4- 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. -5- .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 sf ! 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 EWA 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 m 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 mm a City' C�.e r�