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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. -2- 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. -3- 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 -4- 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 -5- 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. -6- ell 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 -7- u 0 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 U