3/26/1973MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
March 26, 1973
A regular meeting.of the City Council was called to order by
Mayor Pearson at the Administration Building, 2'Portuguese Bend Road,
Rolling Hills, California at 7:30 P.M. Monday, March 26, 1973.
ROLL CALL 2
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilmen Battaglia, Bear, Heinsheimer,
Mayor Pearson
Councilman Hesse, City Treasurer Welch
Teena Clifton
William3Kinley'
June Cunningham
Roger Meurer
Richard Friend
Mrs. Betty Stern
4
City Manager
City Attorney
Secretary
Engineer
Resident
League of Women Voters
A motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 12, 1973
as presented was made by Councilman Bear, seconded by Councilman Heins-
heimer and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Battaglia, Bear, Heinsheimer,
Mayor Pearson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilman Hesse
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
RIDING RING AT CITY PARK 9
Councilman Battaglia said he plans to meet with Mr. Clark Leonard
to discuss development of the Johns Canyon area. Further, he said he
had been told that Mr. William Corette had written to him reaffirming
the.wishes of the Caballeros to remain in the "Gap" area and develop
the, area further; however, he had not yet received the letter.
o
Councilman Battaglia reported that in informal discussions with
members of Caballeros, they had expressed an interest in having a
satellite ring in the Johns Canyon area, but wished to keep their main
riding activities in the City park, citing the proximity of any improve-
ment.in Johns Canyon to the exterior boundaries of the City.
Councilman Battaglia asked that the matter be held on the agenda
until after he reviews Mr. Corette's letter and discusses the matter
further with Mr. Clark Leonard and the Board of Directors of the Roll-
ing Hills Community Association. The Mayor.so ordered.
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
The Manager reported that the Public Utilities Commission had
confi-rmed reservation.of the Council Chambers for hearings to be held
on June 1, 2 and 3, 1973 for public hearings on the application of
l California Water,Service for an increase in rates. Councilman Heins-
heimer said he had no additional information on applications before
the Public Utilities Commission by Pacific Telephone Company or the
Southern California Gas Company. Mayor Pearson ordered the matter
held on the agenda.
March 26, 1973
CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING - GENERAL PLAN, LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Mayor Pearson ordered the matter of a hearing held on. March 21st
to discuss proposed amendments to the General Plan'for Los Angeles
County removed from the agenda`until'a further report is made by Coun
cilman Hesse.
CITY MANAGER m NEW BUSINESS °
MIRALESTE SUMMER SWIMMING POOL PROGRAM, 1973 176
Mrs. Clifton, advised the Council that Mrs. Marian Ruth had again
requested that the City of Rolling Hills sponsor the summer swimming
pool program at Miraleste School under the same conditions approved for
the 1972 season, i.e. that use of the pool be extended to persons other
than those residing within the Palos Verdes Peninsula School District.
Mrs. Clifton explained that the Swim Pool Foundation felt the extension
of use was desireable, and that the 1972 season was succesfulo
A motion to approve sponsorship of the summer program by the City..
of Rolling Hills and to extend use of the pool to persons other than
those residing within the Palos Verdes Peninsula School District was
made by Councilman. Battaglia, seconded by Councilman Bear and carried
by the following roll -call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Battaglia, Bear, Heinsheimer
Mayor Pearson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilman Hesse
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT GUIDE 195
The Manager presented a copy of a notice of public hearing before;
the Regional Planning Commission on Friday, March 30, 1973 to receive
testimony as to whether the County's Environmental Development Guide
should be adopted and filed as the Interim Open Space Plan of the County.
Mayor Pearson asked for comments; there being none, he ordered
the correspondence 'received and filed.
REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION, PROPOSED TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 3760 200
Mrs. Clifton presented d proposed tentative parcel map No. 3760'.
The Manager explained that Palos Verdes Properties owns approximately
90 acres on Crest'Road East; outside of'the South Gate of Rolling Hills,
and the request is to approve a'divsion'whereby 60065 acres of the
parcel would be sold. The zoning is currently C-R (Commercial -Recreational)
and no change of zone had beep. •requested. .
Mayor Pearson r�equested'that.the matter be returned to the Council'
when additional information is avrailable o
PUBLIC HEARING, ZONING CASE NO. 223 ".
Mayor Pearson: said that Councilman Hesse would not be able to
attend the public hearing befd.re'.t7e Regional Planning Commission on
Tuesday, March Z7, 1973:on a request fora change of zone from A-1-20,,000
to RPD 10,000-4U on' a 15 08" acre 'parcel south of the junction of Crenshaw"-'
Boulevard and Crest Road. After'discussion by the City Council the Mayor
requested that the City Manager attend the hearing a present testimony
stating the'City Council's opposition to a zone change less than in the
surrounding area.
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March_26, 1973
PALOS VE .DES COOR.DINATINcu C0UINCIL 468
Mayor Pearson advised the Council that he had been invited to a
meeting of the Palos Verdes Coordinating Council on.Thursday, March 29th
to discuss a cultural center anal/car ~ acs. auditorium for the Palos Verdes
Peninsula. The Mayor said he would be unable to attend the meeting, and
Councilman Battaglia said he would go and would report to the Council on
the meeting..
The matter was held on the agendao
TORRANCE AIRPORT m JETS 469
The Manager presented a memorandum dated March 26, 1973, written
after she had discussed the matter with Edward J. Ferraro, Torrance
City Manager.
An article in the South Bay-Centinella section of the Los Angeles
Times on Sunday, March 25th stated that a report made by the Federal
Aviation Administration :indicated that Torrance Airport would be expan-
ded to handle commuter jet traffic. Mr. Ferraro advised Mrs. Clifton
that the article was basically incorrect, with much information offered
by the Public Information Officer of SCAG quoted out of context. The
report was compiled by SCAG, not the FAA, Mr. Ferraro said, and the
final decision rests with the Torrance City Council, not with the FAA.
The City Manager -of Torrance said he would confirm the discussion with
a letter to Rolling Hills
Mayor Pearson ordered the matter held on the agenda until the
letter .from Mr. Ferraro is received.
TENTATIVE TRACT 266529 RICHARD FRIEND 283
Mayor Pearson opened discussion of Tentative Tract 26652, Richard
Friend, held over from a previous meeting. The Manager distributed
copies of the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Commission on
March 20, 1973, approving -the tentative map for the tract. Mrs. Clifton
also said that Chairman Godfrey Pernell was present at the meeting, as
requested by the City Council, to participate in discussion of the tract.
Mr. Roger Meurer, engineer for Mr. Richard Friend, advised the
Council that he and Mr. Friend were agreeable to all conditions imposed
by the Planning Commission with regard to the requirement that future
architectural plans -be designed to preserve the existing trees and con-
tours of the land. Further, Mr. Friend has .agreed to deed the -bridle
trail on the property to the Rolling dills Community Association°Mr.
Meurer said.
Councilman Battaglia asked Chairman Pernell what modifications
of the Subdivision. Ordinance had been requested. Chairman Pernell said
that Modifications of Article V, Width and Depth of Lots, had been re-
quested. however, he explained that on'Lot 2 the modifications were
necessary because in 1967 Mr. Frie d had deeded a portion -of his prop-
erty to Mr. Clark Leonard to accommodate a.Flood Control Project, and
the resulting parcel was of an irregular shape, although it still ex-
ceeded the basic requirements of acreage for subdivision, and modi-
fications were requested under Section 5.04(b), minimum width, and
Section 5.04(4), depth, of lot. Chairman Pernell said, also, that the
subdivision was discussed in depth, and with a wide divergence of
opinion, before the vote was taken. The Manager explained that the
legal notice also stated that a modification under Section 5.04(a)
would be necessary for Lot 1, but after review of the map it was
deter6ined that it would not be necessary.
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March 26, 1973
Councilman, Bear moved that the matter be held on the agenda to
allow the Council to review the minutes of the Planning Commission and
the modifications granted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bat-
taglia. Mayor Pearson asked permission of the owner,, and Mr. Friend
agreed to the request. The motion was carried by the following roll
call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Battaglia, Bear, Heinsheimer
Mayor Pearson
NOES- None
ABSENT: Councilman Hesse
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 264
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that the Statement of Receipts and
Disbursements dated February 28, 1973 and the Treasurer's Report for
the month of February 1973 be approved and accepted. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Bear and carried by the following roll call
vote:
AYES: Councilmen Battaglia, Bear, Heinsheimer
Mayor Pearson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilman Hesse
PAYMENT OF BILLS 271
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that Demands No. 2696 through 2711
be -paid from the General Fund. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Beai-'and carried. by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Battaglia, Bear, Heinsheimer
Mayor Pearson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilman Hesse
CORRESPONDENCE
California Contract Cities Association 252
The official minutes of the California Contract Cities Association
meeting on February 21, 1.973 were received and filed.
Mr., & Mrs. -Jack Drown re: -Speed on Crest Road 552
The Manager presented a letter from Mr. and Mrs..Jack Drown,
1 CrestRoad West, requesting that speed limit signs be posted in two
places 6 -n -the stretch of Crest Road between the Crenshaw Gate and
Portuguese Bend Road to remind drivers of. the speed limit on Crest Road.
. After discussion by the City Council the Mayor directed the City
Manager to"' -post additional signs in the area, and to acknowledge the
letter from Mr. and Mrs. Drown, advising them of the Council's action.
League of Calif ornia -Cities- 605
A letter dated March 15, 1973 announcing the Mayors' and Council -
mens' Legislative Conference to be held at the Senator Hotel, Sacramento
on May 14z16, 1973, was presented to the Council. The Manager said that
reservations would be made for any Councilmen who wish to attend. I
- -.-Th-e--correspondence was received and filed.
League of _Ca_l-ifo,rn.i,a- Cities 610
The, Manager advised that a copy of the Digest of Legislation
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March 26, 1973
Affecting Cities, published by the League of California Cities, had
been received, and would be kept in the office for reference by any
who wished to use it.
CITY ATTORNEY
PROPOSED TRAFFIC- ORDINANCE 614
The City Attorney advised that he had reviewed the recommendation
of the Sheriff 's.Department relative to adopting, by reference, the
Motor'Veh�cle Code of the State of California, and after reviewing the
matter"in depth, it is his recommendation that the City adopt its own
Traffic Ordinance.
Councilman Heinsheimer suggested that the Motor Vehicle Code
be adopted as recommended by the Sheriff, and that sections not ap-
plicable to the City of Rolling Hills be stricken. Mr. Kinley said
much of the Vehicle Code is not applicable, because of the private
roads in Rolling Hills, and further, in order to adopt the Motor
Vehicle Code it would be necessary to file with the City and County
a petition requesting such by the majority of the owners of any
privately owned and maintainedroads, and for public hearings to be
held on the petition. All roads in Rolling Hills are private to the
middle and are owned by the owners of the abutting lands Consent of
the majority of the owners would be required., as well as the consent
of the Rolling dills Community Association, which also has an inter-
est in the easement over the top of the roads, and that would require
a major effort to accomplish, Mr. Kinley said. Further, Mr. Kinley
advised the Council that Section 21107 of the Motor Vehicle Code
authorizes the City to adopt its own. code or ordinance, and that
provisiox%s of 'that section do not apply to any City in which there
are publicly maintained roads. Although he wishes to cooperate with
the Sheriff, Mro Kinley said there are thousands of sections in the
Motor Vehicle Code that do not and never will apply to the City of
Rolli•rig 4ills, and likewise the Traffic Ordinance of the Pity of
Los�Angeles contains hundreds of sections that would not be applic-
able; it would be extremely.di.fficult to go through both documents
and e116 nate sections of both that do not apply and adopt sections
of both that dog and to comply, at the same time, with Section 21107
of the -•Vehicle Code. For those reasons, Mr. Kinley recommends -the
adoption of a Traffic Ordinance solely for the City of Rolling Hills.
Following Mr. Kinley's report, Mayor Pearson ordered the matter
held on the agenda for further:study by Councilman Heinsheimer and
the City Attorney.
PROPOSED SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE 775
Mro+Kinley asked that the matter be held on the agenda.
RESOLUTION, CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE, RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT 784
The City Manager presented correspondence from Southern Cali-
fornia Rapid Transit District requesting an updating of appointment
to the City Selection Committee, and advising that a special meeting
of the -Committee will be held on April 5, 1973 at 8:30 P.M. at the
Rodger young Center in .Los Angeles.
RESOLUTION NO. 296
Cou-5ci.lman Battaglia moved that Resolution No.296 entitled
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING DILLS,
CALIFORNIA APPOINTING A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE CITY SELECTION COM-
MITTEE FOR THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT, naming
Mayor Pearson as delegate and Councilman Bear as alternate be
adopted, and that reading in full be waived. The motion was seconded
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March 26, 1.973
by Councilman Heinsheimer and, carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Battaglia, Bear, Heinsheimer
Mayor Pearson
NOES: Name
ABSENT: Councilman. Hesse
CITY DEPARTMENTS
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT 1440
A motion to approve an expenditure in the amount of $165.00
for a member -of the Sheriff's Department from the Lennox Station
to attend the Contract Cities Association Meeting in Palm Springs
in April was made by Councilman Bear,,.seconded by Councilman Bat-
taglia and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Battaglia, Bear, Heinsheimer
Mayor Pearson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilman Hesse
MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE
CABALLEROS MEETING 942
Mr. Robert Fortney, Caballeros President, advised that at
the next meeting of Caballeros on Tuesday, April 10th, new residents
will be invited to meet with the Caballeros Board and learn about
the Caballeros, and he invited members of the City Council to attend
and meet the new residents.
Mrs. Clifton called the Council's attention to the fact that
in April there will be 'three successive meetings:, the regular City
-Council meeting on Monday, April 9th; a special meeting of Caballeros
on Tuesday, April 10th at 7:30 P,.M. and a special evening meeting of
the Board of Directors of the Rolling Hills Community Association
on Wednesday, April 11th. Councilman Battaglia, who is president of
the Rolling Hills Community Association Bo-ar-d, stated that the evening
meeting of the Board had been scheduled at the request of Caballeros,
and he considered it unfortunate that all three meetings would be
held the same week.
MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICERS
LETTER FROM. MASON ROSE 836
The Manager presented a letter dated March 23, 1973 from Mr.
Mason Rose V, 37 Crest Road West, written on behalf of the Rolling
Hills Women's Club.
Mr. Rose advised that the Club has decided to take on a major
beautification project in the City, and requested that his letter
be submitted to the City Council with a request that the Council
direct the City Attorney to render an opinion in a letter as to
what legal steps are necessary to obtain the authority to plant
trees in roadway easements and/or trail easements, with particular
emphasis an Crest Road.
Councilman Battaglia requested that the letter be held on the
agenda for an, opinion from the City Attorney. The Mayor so ordered.
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March 26, '1973
MATTERS FROM .THE COUNCIL,
RATTLESNAKES 32
Councilman Heinsheimer presented a memorandum dated March 269
1973, advising that the rattlesnake infestation in the Johns Canyon
Road area has become acute, and since moving into the City he has
�een.13 rat lesnaes on his pro
perty° Coun.cilman.Heinsheimer re-
quested that immediate action be taken to alleviate the problem,
and suggested two methods: that a number of king snares be purchased
by the City and distributed in problem area, and that a firm which
'spe&ializes in snake hunts be hired. The City Manager -reported that
the staff had found a firm in -Hermosa Beach that would conduct a
snake hunt using four nen for $100.
Following discussion Councilman Battaglia moved that an ex-
penditure of funds not to exceed $300 be authorized for a snake
hunt, with a judgment of the success made following each expenditure
of $100 per day. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bear and
carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Battaglia, Bear, Heinsheimer
Mayor Pearson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilman Hesse
Mr. Richard Friend, Public Information Officer for Los Angeles
County Fire Department, advised the Council that the fire department
should be contacted by residents when snakes are -sighted, because
they have equipment for catching snakes, they have an agreement with
USC to collect venom for serum, and the Fire Department has a para-
medic group trained in treatment of snakebite. Mr. Friend asked
that residents be given this information
"POLICY ON SUBDIVISIONS, T. F. HEINSHEIMER 965
Mayor Pearson opened a discussion of a memorandum dated
March 5, 1973 to the City Council and Board of Directors from Coun-
cilman Heinsheimer regarding subdivision policy, particularly gross
:versus net acreage.
' Councilman Battaglia advised that the memorandum had been dis-
cussed at the March 15th meeting of the Board of Directhrs, and it
was the sense of the Board that a redefinition of gross vs. net
acreage in considering subdivisions was desireable, particularly if
a proposed subdivision is marginal. Councilman Bear asked whether
the proposed revision would apply to the two acre zone as well as
the one acre zone; Councilman Battaglia said it would.
The Mayor asked the City•At-Corney whether acreage is consid-
ered by the Association,, and Mr. Kinley explained that the Associ-
ation is primarily concerned with the esthetics of creating an
additional building site that will conform to the deed restrictions
for the area to be modified; zoning is a City Matter, Mr. Kinley said.
The deed restrictions apply to gross acreage only, and modification
of any declaration of restrictions would require approval of the
membership. A change of gross vs. net acreage could be accomplished
by amending the subdivision ordinance of the City, he explained.
Councilman Bear said he felt that eliminating easements, including
bridle trail easements, from the gross acreage might penalize a
resident who had cooperated with both the City and Association by
deeding a portion of his property for a bridle trail or storm drain
easement thereby jeopardizing a building site. Councilman Heinsheimer
said it was his intent that certain easements should be included and
others excluded. Mayor Pearson said increasing the acreage would im-
pose an additional regulation; it was his opinion that individual
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March 26, 1973
judgments should be made about how good a proposed subdivision is,
and topography of an individual property should be considered,
Councilman Heinsheimer said he is less sympathetic to the "rights"
of a property owner to divide large parcels, and is -more interested
in keeping the population, density of Rolling Hills as low as possible,
and it is his opinion that both the large and small properties should
have equivalent restrictions placed on them regarding subdivision of
property to limit potential density.
Councilman Battaglia recommended that the memo be referred to
the Planning Commission, inasmuch as that body considers subdivisions
before they come before the City Council. Mayor Pearson said it is
necessary to determine what is to be accomplished: better building
sites or reduced density. If the goal is better sites, the Planning
Commission should be instructed to look for better sites when con-
sidering a subdivision; reduced density could be accomplished by
changing acreage requirements. The Mayor then referred the matter
to the Planning Commission and directed the Manager to convey to them
the discussions and opinions of the Board of Directors and the City
Council with regard to creating better building sites, especially
in the one acre` zone.
NEW RULES OF GATE 1296
Councilman Heinsheimer expressed his appreciation for the in-
creased security checks at the gates, and'asked that the appreciation
of the Council be conveyed to the Rolling Hills Community Association.
The Council concurred with Councilman Heinsheimer.
LETTER TO MAJOR TALLEY 1322
Councilman Bear suggested that a letter be sent to ex -POW
Major Bernard Talley, welcoming him home, and inviting him to Rolling
Hills to see the freedom tree dedicated to him last November.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE PROHIBITING MOTORCYCLES 1326
Councilman Battaglia requested that
hibiting the operation of motorcycles and
the City of Rolling Hills prepared by Mr.
agenda of the City Council.
REQUESTS FOR PROCLAMATIONS 1356
the draft ordinance pro®
motor driven cycles in
Kinley be put on the next
Mayor Pearson said he has received requests from several organ-
izations requesting proclamations supporting their projects. The
Mayor suggested that a letter be sent to all who request proclamations
advising them of Council policy to support them, but not endorse them
by proclamation.
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA 1365
. The Mayor presented a letter dated March 15, 1973 advising
that the Boy Scouts of America, for the third year are conducting
PROTECT SOAR, an ecology and conservation good turn, nationwide.
Mayor_Pearson asked the City Manager to contact the Boy Scouts if
there are any projects that can be done for the City.
The correspondence was received and filed.
REORGANIZATION OF COUNCIL 1388
Mayor Pearson said he had been advised of impending absences
from the Council by several Councilmen in the next several meetings,
and it was his wish to reorganize the Council during a meeting at
mg®
March 26, 1973
which all members were present°
from the meeting, had advised t
at the April meetings, or the f
the possibility that, other Coun
subsequent meetings, the Mayor
or ganized, the reorganization
meeting of the Council on April
Councilman Hesse, who was absent
he Mayor that he will not be present
irst meeting in May and because of
cilmen might also be absent from
suggested that the Council be re�,,'
to become effective at the next
9, 19730
Councilman Battaglia nominated Councilman Ted Bear for the
office of Mayor, to take office at the first meeting in April. The
n�bmination was seconded by Councilman Heinsheimer and carried -unani-
mously° Councilman Bear thanked Mayor Pearson for his service to
the City during his term as Mayor, and for the insight, leadership
and guidelines he had established for his successor, Mayor Pearson
'said he had enjoyed serving as Mayor of the City. Councilman Bear
then nominated Councilman Battaglia Mayor pro tempore. The nomin-
ation was seconded 'by Councilman Heinsheimer and carried. unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT 141.0
There being no further business to come before the meeting,
a motion for adjournment was made at 11:30 R.M. by Councilman Bear,
seconded by Councilman. Battaglia and carried unanimously.
APPROVED:
a yor
City C1`er
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