Loading...
2/23/1976MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA February 23, 1976 A regular meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Heinsheimer at 7.-30 P.M. Monday, February 23, 1976 at the Administration Building, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California. ROLL CALL PRESENT - RESENT: ABSENT: ABSENT.- ALSO ALSO PRESENT. - Councilmen Crocker, Pernell, Mayor Heinsheimer Councilman Rose Teena Clifton William Kinley Douglas Rogers June Cunningham Dr. & Mrs. W. D. Basque Mrs. R. Hansen Mrs. W. J. Hines Mrs, C. Hoffman Mrs. L. Jensen Mrs. V. Matthews Dr. K. Miller Dr. P. Rubenstein Mrs. S. Tyndall Mrs. P. Willburn APPROVAL OF MINUTES 827 City Manager City Attorney City Treasurer Secretary Residents ►► ► A motion to approve and accept the minutes of the meeting of February 9, 1976 as corrected was made by Councilman Crocker, seconded by Councilman Pernell and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Crocker, Pernell, Mayor Heinsheimer ABSENT.- Councilman Rose PUBLIC HEARING --ELECTRICAL CODE, ORDINANCE NO. 142 850 Mayor Heinsheimer opened a public hearing on Ordinance No. 142, entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 5 ENTITLED "ELECTRICAL CODE" AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE OF 1975 AND MAKING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS THERETO, introduced at the meeting of February 9, and asked for comments in favor of or opposed to adoption of the Electrical Code. There were none, and the Mayor closed the public hearing. Councilman Crocker moved that the ordinance be adopted, and that reading in full be waived. The motion was seconded by Councilman Pernell and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES.- Councilmen Crocker, Pernell, Mayor Heinsheimer ABSENT.- Councilman Rose TRAFFIC ON EASTFIELD DRIVE 865 Counci an Crocker reported that he and the City Manager had met with resi ents on Eastfield Drive who are concerned about speed on Eastfield PTIive, and it was determined that the options available for control are increased enforcement of speed limits, and/or con- sideration of methods to alert motorists to the speed limits for voluntary compliance. Further, Councilman Crocker said it was his February 23, 1976 understanding that the Sheriff has increased the time he spends in that area and has determined that the problem is caused by unsafe speed for conditions in that particular area rather than high speed. At the meeting it was agreed that speed bumps should not be con- idered further, based on the strong recommendations of law enforcement gencies and emergency services against speed bumps, and the inappro- riateness of speed bumps in that particular area because of danger to edestrians and residents from cars which might go out of control. A ethod under consideration is "rumble strips", a series of round de- flectors installed in a manner to alert drivers to a danger which they should be aware of. One disadvantage of rumble strips is noise, Coun- cilman Crocker said, and he said the committee has recommended install- ation of strips in one location on Eastfield in order to evaluate their impact on speed, and to determine to what extent noise is a factor to be considered. A report on rumble strips on Eastfield Drive prepared by Mr. Tom Broha.rd, Traffic Advisor for Los Angeles County Road Depart- �ent, was distributed to the Council. rr: Councilman Pernell asked whether Councilman Crocker felt that any _of the previous road study reports which he had reviewed should be up- r1.dated. Councilman Crocker said he had read a study on road bumps pre- pared in England, and all the reports prepared for the City of Rolling Hills by the Los Angeles County Road Department, and in conclusion, he felt that the speed bumps recommended in the English report would not be adaptable to Eastfield Drive because of drainage problems they would cause in that area. Further, damage can be caused to cars travelling in excess of 15 mph, and the Road Department feels that 25 mph is a safe speed for Eastfield Drive. Further, Councilman Crocker said that all recommendations made by the Road Department for installation of igns on Eastfield Road have been implemented. Mrs. Clifton said the report prepared by the Road Department 'ndicated that seven accidents have been reported on Eastfield Drive since 1973. Dr. Ken Miller, 27 Eastfield Drive, advised the Council that many animals have been killed and there have been many near -misses; it was his opinion that the number of accidents reported does not give an accurate picture of the situation. Further, Dr. Miller said 25 mph is too fast at some of the curves. Mr. Kinley explained that 25 mph is the absolute speed limit, and 15 and 20 mph at the curves is an advisory speed limit. Mayor Heinsheimer said that if amending the ordinance to make all speeds absolute would aid the Sheriff in enforce- ment, the.Council should consider such an amendment, and Dr. Miller agreed. Mrs. W. J. Hines, 73 Eastfield Drive, suggested that a printed statement giving Rolling Hills speed limits should be given to persons who purchase commercial road use permits. Mrs. R. Tyndall, 65 East- field, said she has observed that 80% of the speeders are teenagers, and she also said she has observed school buses travelling at speeds in excess of the posted limit and crossing the center line on curves. Mrs. Tyndall urged that the Council appeal to residents to set a good example by observing the speed limits. Mayor Heinsheimer said if rumble strips are installed, he thought they should be across the entire road, to deter drivers who might be inclined to cross to the wrong side of the road to avoid the rumble strips, increasing the possibility of head-on collision. Mrs. Pearl Willburn, 60 Eastfield Drive, said there is a problem of excessive speed uphill as well as downhill, and she urged that whatever measure is used to control speed be used uphill as well as downhill. Council- man Crocker said rumble strips will not prevent speeding, but will remind drivers of speed limits. Dr. Miller said the fact that several residents from Eastfield have appeared at the Council meeting and all have urged that some action be taken to control excessive speed is an indication of the severity of the problem and the concern of residents. -2- February 23, 1976 Following the discussion Mayor Heinsheimer asked Councilman Crocker to make recommendations at the next meeting for a location where rumble strips should be installed on Eastfield Drive to observe the impact on speed as well as on residents in the area, and he said further consider- ation would be given to updating the ordinance by changing some of the signs to make the ordinance more meaningful and easier for the Sheriff to enforce. Councilman Crocker said he is concerned about drivers crossing the center line and he wished to also make a recommendation for some type of installation which would deter drivers who cross the linea The matter was held for further discussion at the next meeting. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1185 Mr. Rogers said he had reviewed the Financial Statements for the month of January 1976, and had noted a few minor errors which would be corrected for the next meeting. It was his recommendation that the Council approve the year to date figures and request that the budget figures be amended. Councilman Crocker moved that the .January actual and Year to Date figures in the Financial Statements be approved as recommended by the City Treasurer, and that the statements be held for correction of budget figures. The motion was seconded by Councilman Pernell and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES.- Councilmen Crocker, Pernell, Mayor Heinsheimer ABSENT. - PAYMENT OF BILLS Councilman Rose 1211 Councilman Crocker moved that Demands No. 5138 through 5167, with the exception of Demand No, 5150 which was voided, be approved for pay- ment in the amount of $30,208.36 from the General Fund. The motion was seconded by Councilman Pernell and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES- Councilmen Crocker, Pernell, Mayor Heinsheimer ABSENT.- Councilman Rose PALOS VERDES SWITCHBOARD 1228 Mrs. Carole Hoffman, 73 Portuguese Bend Road, advised the Council that as a probation officer for Los Angeles County, she considers the Palos Verdes Switchboard a resource that should be supported by the City of Rolling Hills and the entire Peninsula community, and the pur- pose of her appearance before the Council was to make a strong endorse- ment for support for the Switchboard. Councilman Crocker said he had reviewed the prospectus on the Switchboard prepared by Bourne/Kirbach Public Relations, and he agreed that the Switchboard is the type of community resource that should be supported by the Council, and he recommended that a financial contri- bution be made. Councilman Pernell suggested that an evaluation com- mittee consisting of managers of local cities and/or Council represent- atives of those cities be established to evaluate requests for funds from Community organizations. Councilman Pernell moved that the City contribute $250 to the Palos Verdes Switchboard. The motion was seconded by Councilman Crocker and carried by the following roll call vote.- AYES.- Councilmen Crocker, Pernell, Mayor Heinsheimer ABSENT.- Councilman Rose 5915 February 23 , ..1976 LETTER OF RESIGNATION - MRS. BETTY HESSE 1329 A letter dated February 18, 1976 from Mrs. Betty Hesse was pre- sented to the Council. Mrs. Hesse advised that she regretfully submit- ted her resignation as Rolling Hills representative to the South Bay uvenile Diversion Project. Mayor Heinsheimer asked that a letter be ent to Mrs. Hesse, reluctantly -accepting her resignation, and thanking er for her service. Mayor Heinsheimer asked Mrs. Hoffman if she would be willing to accept the appointment. She agreed, and it was so ordered. RELEASE OF GRADING BOND, TRACT 30605 1340 In a letter dated January 15, 1976, Mr. Gordon W. Shultz asked that a grading bond in the amount of $2,000 posted to guarantee grading of Johns Canyon Road and Lot 1 of Tract 30605 be released. cc Mayor Heinsheimer asked for the recommendation of the staff, and `Mrs. Clifton said the bond was a legal requirement as a condition of ►subdividing, and it was her recommendation that the bond not be released. "The Mayor directed that the bond be held until the recommendation to release it be made by the City Attorney and the City Manager. UNDERGROUND UTILITIES 1388 Councilman Crocker said funds had been reserved in the current budget for the purpose of matching funds in a specified amount with residents who are interested in removing poles from their properties and installing underground utilities. Since the last quarter of the fiscal year is approaching and nothing has been done to date, Council - an Crocker asked that the matter be placed on the agenda for discussion nd implementation within 30 days, if possible. Mrs.' Clifton advised that as directed by the Council, the matter had been referred to the Planning Commission for review and recommend- ation, with a request that a formula be recommended for financial cooperation between the City and residents who wish to participate. The matter was assigned to Commissioner Jody Murdock for a report at the next meeting of the Planning Commission. CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE COMPANY 1421 The Manager reported that she had given the Annual Report of the California Water Service Company to the City Treasurer for review, and Mr. Rogers had given her a number of questions about the rate structures to be presented to the company. Further, Mrs. Clifton reported that her letter to the Public Utilities Commission, with copies to the California Water Service Company corporate office in San Jose and the local office in Rolling Hills Estates offering the Rolling Hills Administration Building for public hearings on proposed rate increases has not been acknowledged. Mrs. Clifton said it is her understanding that the hearings have not yet been scheduled. RESOLUTION - CITY OF INGLEWOOD 1433 A resolution from the City of Inglewood, opposing information charges and Centrex fee increases applied for by Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company was received and filed. SOUTH BAY BURGLARY TEAM 1473 The January 1976 monthly activity report of the South Bay Burglary Team was preserit°ed to the Council. Mrs. Clifton explained -4- To February 23, 1976 that Rolling Hills, which participates in the program, was not listed because there has been no activity by the burglary team in the City. However, the Manager said she had asked that future reports show Rolling Hills, even if there is no activity to report. The report was received and filed. CALIFORNIA CONTRACT CITIES ASSOCIATION 1486 In a letter dated February 12, 1976, the Selection Committee Chairman of California Contract Cities advised that the Committee is seeking_ candidates for nomination to serve on the Los Angeles County Grand Jury and he suggested that if the Council has a candidate, the name should be submitted to a Superior Court Judge, or application should be submitted to the Superior Court Jury Commissioner. HOLLYWOOD/BURBANK AIRPORT 1502 Mayor Heinsheimer circulated a letter from the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, acknowledging his letter on behalf of the City of Rolling Hills in support of maintaining the Hollywood/Burbank Airport, and advising that public hearings on a feasibility and master plan study and an environmental study would be scheduled, and that the dates would be announced. The letter was received and filed. ORDINANCE N0. 141, PLUMBING CODE 1512 Councilman Crocker moved that Ordinance No. 141 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 7 ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A PLUMBING CODE TO REGULATE SANITARY, PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, HOUSE SEWERS AND PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS IN THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALI- FORNIA" RELATING TO FEES be adopted and that reading in full be waived. The motion was seconded by Councilman Pernell and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Crocker, Pernell, Mayor Heinsheimer ABSENT: Councilman Rose TIME EXTENSION, TRACT 31437, WALTER STORM 1525 Copies of a letter dated February 17, 1976 from R. A. Meurer, Consulting Engineering Inc. to Regional Planning Commission, requesting a three month extension of time to consider the tentative map of Tract 31437 were presented to the Council. A motion to approve the request was made by Councilman Pernell and seconded by Councilman Crocker. Mayor Heinsheimer stated that since the letter was addressed to the Regional Planning Commission and not to the Rolling Hills City Council, he did not think it was appropriate for the Council to act on the request. Councilman Pernell moved that his motion for approval be tabled, and Councilman Crocker seconded the motion to table. CORRESPONDENCE THOMAS ROBA, 7 PACKSADDLE WEST 1580 A letter dated February'8, 1975 from Mr. Thomas Roba was presented. The Manager was directed to advise Mr. Roba that the City Council has no jurisdiciton over the matters contained in his letter, and the correspondence was received and filed. -5- February 23, 1976 PHILIP M. BATTAGLIA, 63 CREST ROAD EAST 1604 A letter dated February 23, 1976 from Mr. Philip M. Battaglia regarding traffic and speeding problems in Rolling Hills was held for consideration at the next meeting. OUTHWEST AREA PLANNING COUNCIL 1609 Councilman Pernell reported that he had attended a recent meeting of the Southwest Area Planning Council. Mr. Norman Murdoch, Director of Regional Planning, addressed the meeting and advised that the General Plan for Los Angeles County had been rejected as being too vague in a number of areas, and must be re -done. Mr. Murdoch has asked that cities review and up -date their plans, and correct any deficiencies or dis- crepancies in their plans, ,,,LA CRESTA PTA 1629 `` The Mana er resented a letter from La Cresta School Parent-Teacher �: g P Association dated February 17, 1976, with recommendations for improving " the safety of school children who are dropped off at theetop of the stairs leading from Crest Road West to the school. The Mayor said he had received a copy of the letter, and the Manager said a copy -had also been sent to the president of the Board of Directors. Among the recommendations were requests for a clearly marked cross- walk, a guard to function as a crossing guard, and more stringent en- forcement of laws against U-turns. Mrs. Clifton said she had attempted to reach Mrs. Kip Goldreyer, PTA president, and she said she would re- port on the matter at the next meeting. JEFLECTORIZED NUMBERS 1689 Councilman Crocker asked about the reflectorized numbers approved by the Council for identification of homes; he said approval had been given to installation of a few numbers in a specific area, so residents' reaction could be evaluated. Mrs. Clifton said the numbers and a letter of explanation would be given to Mr. Vink for distribution to the resi- dents. Councilman Crocker said there are a few homes on Portuguese Bend Road that now have reflectorized numbers posted, and he asked if anyone has ever complained about them; the Manager said she had not received any complaints. RECOGNITION OF RESIDENTS 1698 Councilman Crocker said certain residents should be recognized for their service to the City, and asked that time be reserved at the next meeting, which will be the last meeting of the present Council. PERSONNEL SESSION 1722 The Mayor recessed the meeting at 9:30 P.M. to a Personnel Session. The meeting was reconvened at 10:15 P.M. to conduct further business. RESOLUTION NO. 355 1725 Councilman Crocker moved that Resolution No. 355 entitled A RESOL- UTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE CANVASS OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE 2ND DAY OF MARCH, 1976 TO BE MADE BY THE CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA be adopted, and that reading in full be waived. The motion was seconded by Councilman Pernell, and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crocker, Pernell, Mayor Heinsheimer ABSENT: Councilman Rose February 23, 1976 ADJOURNMENT 1275 There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Heinsheimer adjourned the meeting at 10025 P.M. APPROVEI -7- Cft-y�ierk L�