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4/14/1975MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA April 14, 1.975 A regular meeting of the. City Council was called to order by Mayor Heinsheimer at 7:30 P.M. Monday, April 1.4, 1975 at the Adminis- tration Building, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Crocker, Le Conte, Pernell, Rose Mayor Heinsheimer ALSO PRESENT: Teen.a Clifton, City Manager William Kin.ley City Attorney Douglas Rogers City Treasurer June Cunningham Secretary Robert Mohr Advance Electronics Joan. Saffo Resident APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion to approve and accept the minutes of the meeting of March 24, 1975 as corrected was made by Councilman Crocker, seconded by Councilwoman Le Conte and carried, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crocker, Le Conte, Pernell, Rose Mayor Heinsheimer RELEASE OF BOND TO DR. E. J. WEISENHEIMER, TRACT 29394 11 The Manager reported that Dr. E. J. Weisen.heimer, 29 Portuguese Bend Road, had made a cash deposit in, the amount of $9,550 for under - grounding and road widening as a condition of subdivision of his pro- perty in 1972. Subsequently funds were used by the City to pay Dr. Weisenheimer's proportionate share of the un.dergrounding project on Portuguese Bend Road, and Mrs. Clifton. said approximately $1,500 would 'be required for widening Portuguese Bend Road, in the area of Dr. Weis- enheimer's property. Councilman. Rose moved that $1,500.00 be retained by the City for widening Portuguese Bend Road as required as a condition of sub- division, and that the balance of funds deposited with the City be returned to Dr. Weisenheimer. The motion was seconded by Councilman Crocker and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crocker, Le Conte, Pernell, Rose Mayor Heinsheimer Councilman. Pernell suggested that the Planning Commission be asked to study that area of Portuguese Bend Road when considering the possible need for widening roads to provide safe school bus stops. LETTER FROM CAROLE HOFFMAN RE: DELINQUENCY PREVENTION LIAISON 62 A letter dated March 31, 1975 from Mrs. Carole Hoffman, 73 Portuguese Bend Road, thanking the Council for her appointment to the Los Angeles County Delinquency and Crime Commission was presented to the Council. The correspondence was received and filed. SCAG COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP REQUEST 64 Councilwoman, Le Conte reported that she had returned a completed request for membership on a SCAG Committee for 197576, and had speci- fied a preference for Transportation and Utilities. 3 9 1551-- April 14, 1975 SENATE BILL NO. 8 71 Councilwoman Le Conte asked that Councilman Rose be requested to study Senate Bill No. 8 pertaining to direct election of the Board of Directors for the SCRTD and, report on the matter to the Council. Councilman Rose reported that he had reviewed the bill.and ecause of different opinions on the matter it was his recommendation hat members of the Council who wished to should take an individual tand on the matter, and the Council should not act as a body. ADVANCE ELECTRONIC DEMONSTRATION - TRANSCEIVER UNITS 85 Mayor Heinsheimer asked Mr. Robert Mohr, Advance Electronics, to demonstrate operation of a transceiver unit to the Council. Mr. Mohr explained that there are six units in homes in Rolling Hills as part of the operation of the Emergency Action Committee. The units have been modified by addition of a crystal to make them operational with an antenna which had been changed by the FCC, and recent testing indicated that all units are now operational. Mr. Mohr demonstrated use of a transceiver, and explained that a message sent from the communications center would be received simul- taneously on each of the six units. The units are for one-way communi- cation only, and Mr. Mohr explained that they are to be used for interim communication to initiate procedures during an emergency situation. such as fire or earthquake. The Mayor thanked Mr. Mohr for the information and demonstration, and asked the Manager to arrange for an appearance at the next meeting of the Council by the Chairmen of the Emergency Action Committee for tiscussion of additional tests of procedures by the Committee. Mayor einsheimer said he wished to have the units tested monthly. ICHARD FRIEND SUBDIVISION, TRACT 26652 172 A letter from the City Attorney dated March 31, 1975 was presented. Mr. Kinley advised Mayor Heinsheimer that he had researched the duties and obligation of the Council with respect to approving or disapproving the final map for the Richard Friend subdivision, Tract 26652, and it was his opinion that it is the duty and obligation of the Council to approve the final map upon conditions set forth in the Plan- ning Advisor's report, since all conditions of approval had been met by the subdivider. A motion to approve the seconded by Councilman. Crocker vote: Councilmembers Crocker, Le Conte, Pernell, Rose Mayor Heinsheimer final map was made by Councilman Rose, and carried by the following roll call AYES: NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS 203 Mrs. .Joan Saffo said she wished to thank Councilman. Rose and Councilwoman Le donte for their attendance at recent neighborhood meetings -of the Rolling Hills Community Association.. Mrs. Saffo said any of the problems discussed at the last meeting were referred to he City through Councilwoman Le Conte. Councilwoman Le Conte said that subjects receiving most atten- tion were traffic safety, especially for children in the Eastfield area, and sheriff's services. Residents supported requests for a 1 1/2 - 2 foot wide footpath in the easement along Eastfield Drive for use by school children, and consideration of a left turn lane on Palos Verdes Drive East northbound in the area of the entrance to the Eastfield -2- 396 April, 14, 1975 Gate. There were inquiries about allocation of the sheriff's time, with observation by some residents that there is traffic control during the day, but insufficient patrol during evening hours to deter vandalism. Mrs. Saffo said the next neighborhood meeting would be in the Upper Blackwater area on. May 8. ENVICOM CORPORATION 269 Mrs. Clifton advised the Council that a representative of Envicom Corporation will be present at the next meeting of the Council to discuss Phase II of the Seismic and Seismic Safety Elements of the General Plan. SOUTH COAST REGIONAL COMMISSION 270 Councilwoman Le Conte reported that the South Coast Regional Commission had recommended a Powers, Funding and Government provision. which would leave little power to the local governments such as City Councils. The Commission has been requested to leave more power with City Councils, with a proviso for appeal, since commissions set up above the local level would dictate the policies, without giving the local governments an opportunity to set policy. The League of California Cities has recommended an alternative which would assure implementation of the Coastal plan, by local governments, with a process of appeal available, and the concept has been endorsed by the cities of Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills Estates, and opposed by Palos 'Verdes Estates, Councilwoman Le Conte said. Councilwoman Le Conte suggested that the City of Rolling Hills support, in general, the recommendation of the League of California Cities. Mayor Heinsheimer asked her to draft a communication on behalf of the City Council for consideration at the next Council meeting. REDONDO BEACH RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES 275 A resolution of the City of Redondo Beach supporting the League of California Cities alternative to the implementation of strategies set forth in the South Coast Regional Coastal Commission's Powers, Funding and Government Element, adopted March 31, 1975, was received and filed. SOUTH BAY CORRIDOR STUDY STEERING COMMITTEE 377 Councilwoman Le Conte reported that a request for proposal for Phase II has been completed and has been sent out. Date for return of proposals is May 15. Councilwoman Le Conte said she would continue to advise the Council on. progress of the proposal. PAYMENT OF BILLS 331 A motion to approve payment of Demands No. 4399 through 4447 in the amount of $14,656.78 from the General Fund was made by Council- man Crocker, seconded by Councilman Rose and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crocker, Le Conte, Pernell, Rose Mayor Heinsheimer ORDINANCE NO. 128, LICENSING OF DOGS 386 Councilman Rose moved that Ordinance No. 128 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 79 ENTITLED "'AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FOR THE CONTROL OF ANIMALS AND THE LICENSING OF DOGS' be -3- April 14, 1975 adopted, and that reading in. full be waived. The motion was seconded by Councilman Crocker and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crocker, Le Conte, Pernell, Rose Mayor Heinsheimer MEMORANDUM RE: COLLECTION OF GARBAGE BY CITY 390 In a memorandum to the City Council the City Attorney advised the Council that under the present franchise fees for collection of garbage have been collected by the Rolling Hills Community Association on their assessment bills and paid by the Association to the contractor having the franchise for collection of garbage. Recent amendments to the Health and Safety Code now make it possible to pay for garbage col- lection as part of the City tax bill if the Council adopts an ordinance by a two-thirds vote of members of the Council to have the charges for the collection of garbage or rubbish made a part of the tax roll, to= e• gether with the general taxes levied by the City. Mr. Kinley said it 00 was his opinion that there would be no net impact on the contract if r-4 the responsibility for the collection of fees were transferred from the Association to the City, and that terms and conditions of the con- tract would not be affected. Further, he said it was his understanding that the transition could be made either at the end of the current fis- cal year, or at the end of the franchise agreement time, two years from now. Following discussion of the matter, Councilwoman Le Conte said she thought the change should be made in time to be included in the 1975/76 Budget, and moved that the City Attorney be directed to contact the contractor to determine whether the cost of collection of fees for garbage collection could be transferred from the jurisdiction of the Association to the jurisdiction of the City without affecting terms of the contract, and to report to the Council at the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Crocker and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crocker, Le Conte, Pernell, Rose Mayor Hein.sheimer Mayor Hein.sheimer said that.change from the jurisdiction.of the Association to the jurisdiction of the City would require four affirmative votes of the Council, and the motion to authorize the City Attorney to initiate preliminary procedures pertaining to such change received only three affirmative votes; therefore, it was his recom- mendation that Mr. Kinley not devote a great deal of time to the matter, but attempt to find out informally whether the contract would be affec- ted by such a change. On that informal basis, the Council could decide whether to pursue the matter at the end of the current fiscal year or whether to postpone the change for two more years, since the Council members agree that the change should be made, but have differing opinions on when the change should be made. PROPOSED ORDINANCE REQUIRING REFLECTORIZED HOUSE NUMBERS 618 The Mayor asked the Manager to report on her attempts to obtain sufficient reflectorized numbers to provide two sets per residence, as requested by the Fire Department. Mrs. Clifton said she'had made many inquiries, and learned that most house numbers of the size recommended are of the adhesive type . that can be peeled off easily. She will continue to pursue the matter, Mrs. Clifton said, and she estimated that the cost for sufficient num- bers will be in excess of $1,000. Mayor Heinsheimer ordered the matter held on the agenda for additional information. -4- 399 April 14, 1975 CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER RE: ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICE AGREEMENT 627 A letter dated March 27, 1975 from the Chief Administrative Officer regarding renewal of animal control service agreements was received and filed. Councilman Rose reported that a representative of the Animal Control Division attended a recent meeting of the committee studying dog related problems in the City, and advised the Committee that under some of the federally funded employment programs, the Division now has sufficient personnel to provide an animal control truck for a limited period of time if requested to do so. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED BUDGET, FISCAL 1975/76 660 Mayor Heinsheimer opened discussion of the proposed budget for Fiscal 1975/76. Councilman. Crocker, Finance officer, said there are a few major policy decisions which the Committee needs direction on, and he asked th City Treasurer to participate actively in the discussion with the Council. One assumption on which the budget is based is that the City will again pay one quarter of the gate operation expense, the same as last year, and Councilman Crocker asked that the policy decision be resolved for realistic computation of the budget. Councilman Crocker said it is his opinion that additional traffic control and law enforce- ment would be required if gates were not operated full time at the en- trances to the City, and paying a portion of the operating expense is a justified City expense. Councilman Rose said he is not in favor of any participation by the City, as he would object to using public funds to maintain the private status of the roads, and he would vote against it. Councilwoman Le Conte said she had attended the budget committee meetings, and she reported that members of the committee favor keeping the allocation the way it is, 75% paid by the Association and 25% by the City. Councilman Crocker asked Mr. Kinley to comment on whether payment of a portion of the costs would jeopardize the private status of the roads, and Mr. Kinley said 25% or whatever portion the City agreed to pay could be substantiated as a reasonable expense for pro- tection of the residents of the City, and the privacy of the roads would remain intact. After discussion of the matter, Mayor Heinsheimer said the consensus of the Council seems to be that three members were in favor of keeping the item as it is presently shown with 25% paid by the City and 75% paid by the Association; two -members think the item should be paid entirely by the Association. Based on this, Mayor Heinsheimer suggested that the item remain in the preliminary budget as shown. Councilman Crocker said $500 had been included for contributions and he stated that he would vote against any allocation for contributions. In the absence of further objections, the Mayor said the allocation would remain in the budget. The City Treasurer stated that during Fiscal 1974/75 the salaries under General Administration were paid as follows: 75% by the City and 25% by the Association, and Area Maintenance was paid as follows: 90% by the City and 10% by the Association. Allocation tests performed by the City Manager and Treasurer indicate that a more realistic allocation of funds would be 50% paid by both the City and Association. Mr. Rogers said the proposed budget is based on last year's allocation, and it was his recommendation that the item be changed. Councilman Crocker moved that the recommendation of the City Treasurer be accepted, and that the allocations be changed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rose and carried unanimously. Councilman Crocker said that under Capital Outlays a sum of -5- 7_J April 14, 1975 $20,000 for Improvements has been included under Riding Ring. The allocation was intended for Recreation, and should not be specified as riding ring improvement, as it was the recommendation of the Budget Committee that the allocation should be used for any recreate tional purpose chosen by the Council, and that a specific amount should be allocated every year for recreational purposes. Councilman Crocker explained that $40,000 — $50,000 would be needed to complete the new ring in the Gap area, and funds would have to be accumulated over a period of time. Further, he said he had been advised that a satellite ring could be constructed on the land given to the City by Mr. Walter Storm at minimum expense of approximately $1,000 for grading, plus the cost of material for an enclosure. Councilwoman. Le Conte said the Budget Committee had recommended formation of a joint committee to study long range plans for improvement. Following discussion of the item, Mayor Heinsheimer observed that the consensus of the Council is three members in favor of keeping the $20,000 allocation in the budget under General Recreation; two members opposed, therefore the -allocat:iQn would E.. remain and the heading would be changed. �0 Councilman Crocker said that $12,000 had been included in the preliminary budet for Underground Utilities, based on last year's expenditure of 11,750, and would be sufficient for removing two to five poles and installing the required undergrounding of utilities. Councilman Crocker suggested that the City Council consider matching funds with residents who wish to install underground utilities, and he suggested that the City reimburse residents $250 for every pole removed. Councilman Rose said $250 would not provide enough incentive, and sug- gested that the figure be increased to $500 for each pole removed. Councilman Pernell said a maximum should be established for reimburse- ment per fiscal year. Councilman Rose sugested that the a7:location for underground utilities be increased to U5,000 and Councilman Crocker and Councilwoman Le Conte said the figure was more realistic. The al- location. was changed at the direction of Mayor Heinsheimer. Councilman Rose said the matching of funds should be limited to voluntary under- ground projects, and should not apply to subdivision which requires undergrounding as a condition of approval, and members of the Council agreed. Councilman Crocker said the following items had been included in the preliminary budget: $500 for Transportation Studies, requested 15y Cbbncilwoman "Le Conte„ and $5-000. for non=budgeyted expense, based on last year's expenditure of $3,533 on non -budgeted items, Councilman Crocker asked Mr. Roger's to explain the purchase of the maintenance building from the Association by the City. Mr. Rogers said the figure was developed `using the $56,000 cost of construction paid by the Community Association, plus improvements of $5,000, payable at 6% interest over a twenty year period. A rental price based on capital tmprovemen.ts and purchase price has been computed as a price for rental of a portion of the building by the Association. Councilman Pernell asked whether there was an allocation for continuing education for the staff, and he said he felt continuing education is something that should be encouraged and expected of the staff at all levels. If made a requirement, Councilman Pernell said compensation should be offered in time off and financial reimbursement, and he suggested that $1,000 be allocated. .Councilwoman Le Conte agreed and Councilwoman Crocker said he thought $1,000 was too much. The Mayor directed that $1,000 be included in the preliminary budget for contin- uing education, and asked Councilman Pernell to administer the program and report to the Council. Councilwoman Le Conte said she noted that no allocation had been included in the preliminary budget for Emergency Action Committee and Mayor Heinsheimer said the committee had not requested an alloca- tion or submitted a plan for the coming year; however there is enough 4 0`0 April 14, 1975 latitude in the non -budgeted expense category to cover an allocation if necessary. Mrs. Clifton reported that she has been advised by the County that the CETA employee currently working for the City would probably be retained under the funded program, and if so, Mrs. Clifton said it would be necessary to provide her with a typewriter, in addition to the secretarial desk and chair included in the budget. The Mayor said the item could be included on the Manager's,recommendation. Mayor Heins- heimer asked Mr. Rogers -to investigate the possibility of using a com- puter service to eliminate repetitive typing and preparation of recur- ring reports, and for accounting procedures. Councilman Pernell asked Mr. Rogers what impact the over-all changes in the City and Association budgets will have on the community. Mr. Rogers said the aggregate increase would be $15,000 - $20,000, primarily in the area cif increased salaries for guards and staff, as well as items that have been added during the discussion. Mayor Heinsheimer said the major changes,in the City's budget are additions of $20,000 for recreation, $5,000 for miscellaneous, $15,000 for under - grounding utilities, $10,000+ for the contingency fund, which, in addition to anticipated increases in salaries, will total approximately $60,000 additional. Mr. Rogers said the out-of-pocket cost to the tax payers of the two budgets combined would show an increase of approxi mately $20,000, or a 10� tax rate increase, since his study has shown that a 10(� change in the tax rate impacts revenue approximately $20,000. Mr. Rogers said he would prepare a composite of the tax rates of the City and Association, using last year's rates and the proposed rates for the next fiscal year. Mayor Heinsheimer directed that the recommended changes be incorporated in the proposed budget, and ordered the matter held on the agenda. LANDSCAPING, DR. MICHAEL BARNETT, 19 EASTFIELD DRIVE 1340 Councilman Pernell reported that he had investigated the com- plaints about inadequate landscaping of the tennis court at the Barnett property on Eastfield Drive, and had determined that the landscaping was done according to a plan approved by the Landscape Committee, and that the Committee concurs that the area is over planted. Mrs. Barnett has advised Mrs. Clifton that nine 5 gallon juniper prostrata which were omitted will be planted, but she stated that there are too many low plants that will not hide the court. Councilman Pernell read a letter from Mrs. Barnett assuring the Council and the Manager that the planting will be completed according to the approved plan. MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL COUNCILWOMAN LE CONTE GRADING CONTROL 1378 Councilwoman Le Conte asked about grading limit controls, and Mrs. Clifton explained that pre -grading is not permitted, and no permits for grading are issued until a building permit has been obtained. The City Attorney said the amount of grading is controlled by the City through its ordinances, and if not considered adequate, the ordinance should be amended. 'Councilwoman Le Conte asked that information on the subject be sent to her from the City and County for her review. TRAFFIC SAFETY 1460 Councilwoman Le Conte suggested that Councilman Crocker be requested to review the request for a left turn lane on Palos Verdes -7- 1 1 240 1. April 14, 1975 Drive East in the vicinity of the Eastfield Gate and the request for a foot path along; Eastfield Drive as matters of traffic safety. The Mayor so ordered. The Manager reported that a representative of Caballeros had stated that a horse trail could be cleared along one side of Eastfield Drive that would eliminate the need to cross the road repeatedly, and she suggested that Mr. Forrest Riegel, Trails Chairman, be consulted on the matter. Councilman Rose said more traffic enforcement is needed in the Eastfield area to control speeders. FLOOD INSURANCE 1560 Councilwoman Le Conte asked that the matter of Flood Insurance be returned to the agenda. The City Attorney said he had prepared a resolution which is ready for adoption by the Council. The Mayor ordered the matter held for the next meeting, and directed that members of the Council be sent copies of a Mailgram sent to'him by the Federal Insurance Administration and maps of the flood areas in the City. FEDERAL AID URBAN FUND 1593 Councilwoman Le Conte reported that she had been told that although the City of Rolling Hills cannot accept funds from the Federal Aid Urban Fund because of the private status of the roads in the City, Rolling Hills allocation of approximately $26,000 can be assigned by the City Council to aid neighboring cities with signalization, or to adapting buses for handicapped persons. Mr. Kinley said he had inves- tigated the possibility of assigning the funds, but at the time he inquired it was not possible. He said he would again inquire whether the requirements had been amended. Mrs. Clifton said she had received additional correspondence and would forward it to Mr. Kinley. GRADE SEPARATION, BAWTHORNE' BOULEVARD & 190TH STREET 1626 Councilwoman Le Conte said she had been contacted by persons in the cities of Redondo Beach and Torrance about the grade separation at the intersection of Hawthorne Boulevard and 190th Street. Improve- ments have been approved by the County and funds are available, but the project must be approved by the Public Utilities Commission. Councilwoman Le Conte said she was asked for support of the project by the Rolling Hills Council to be sent to the PUC. Following discussion of the matter the Mayor directed Councilwoman Le Conte to on behalf of the Council, and asked that :. minute order 'of . the Council. COUNCILMAN CROCKER REQUEST FOR SIGN ON CREST ROAD EAST and agreement by the Council, send an appropriate letter the action be recorded as a Councilman Crocker said he had been directed to inspect the driveway at 5 Crest Road East and make a recommendation regarding a request for a Blind Driveway sign in the area. After viewing the area, Councilman Crocker said he would recommend that no sign be installed, since the driveway is no more hazardous than many others in the City. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICERS STATEMENTS OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS 1664 The Manager advised the Council that additional forms would be sent to members of the Council regarding statements of economic interest and urged that they file them as soon as possible. April 14, 1975 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 11:55 P,M. APPROVED: Mayor City Clerk FA