9/27/1976"�6
MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
September 27, 1976
A regular meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor
Rose at 7030 P.M. Monday, September 13, 1976 at the Administration
Building, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT; Councilmembers Crocker, Heinsheimer, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Rose
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Teena Clifton City Manager
William Kinley City Attorney
June Cunningham Secretary
Ginny Leeuwenburgh League of Women Voters
Roger Meurer Meurer Engineering
Boy Scout Troop 955 Mrs. Goldman, Leader
Harry Gelles Resident
Tom Ghormley Resident
WELCOME TO BOY SCOUTS
Mayor Rose welcomed four members of Boy Scout Troup 955 who, with
their leader Mrs. Goldman, were present to observe the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilman Crocker moved that the minutes of the meeting of
September 13, 1976 be approved and accepted as corrected. The motion
was seconded by Councilwoman Swanson and carried by the following roll
call vote:
AYES; Councilmembers Crocker, Heinsheimer, Pernell, Swanson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: Mayor Rose
CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS 28
In a letter dated September 13, 1976 Councilman William McCann of
the City of Santa Fe Springs advised that he has been appointed to the
Health Systems Agency Interim Governing Body for the Health Systems
Agency for Los Angeles County, and he would represent elected officials.
A summation of Public Law #93-641 was enclosed. TheCity Attorney was
asked to review Public Law 93-641 and make recommendations to the Council.
After reviewing the document, Mr. Kinley advised the Council that
there will be five geographical areas in the Agency, defined by the five
Supervisorial Districts of Los Angeles County, and sub -area Councils
will be formed. The City Attorney recommended that the City Manager be
directed to keep track of the development of the system, and the Mayor
so.:ordered.
ORDINANCE NO. 112, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 33 150
Mayor Rose opened a discussion of Ordinance No. 112 and the public
hearing held to consider the ordinance. The City Attorney advised that
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September 27, 1976
inasmuch as the ordinance was passed and is in effect, no action would
be necessary to keep it effective; action by the Council would be neces-
sary to rescind or amend the ordinance.
Councilman Crocker said he wished to have the ordinance remain in
effect, and he suggested that the Council consider amending Paragraph 3
to read "Non-commercial, (including residential) recreational uses", to
eliminate further confusion about the intent of the ordinance and re-
move any ambiguity. Councilwoman Swanson said she thought the ordinance
should remain in effect, and would be agreeable to the change suggested
by Councilman Crocker. Councilman Heinsheimer said he wished to have
the ordinance remain in effect, and further, he said there could be no
ambiguity if the ordinance were read through, as Section 3.01 clearly
applies to the RA -S zone, and Section 4.01 applies to the C -L zone, and
he suggested that no change be made. Councilman Heinsheimer said that
in applying the ordinance, it should be used in case by case review,
a� rather than being used to establish a policy for improvements such as
tennis courts.
Councilman Crocker asked whether it would be possible to adopt
zoning which would prohibit building tennis courts in certain areas.
Mr. Kinley said he wished time to research the matter, but would at
this time discourage consideration of spot zoning. Councilman Pernell
said the 25% limitation on development, imposed by ordinance, curtails
building of tennis courts in the RAS -1 zone, and he said reasonable
guidelines should be developed regarding construction of all tennis
courts on private property. Councilman Pernell said he was -in -favor
of keeping Ordinance No. 112 in effect.
Mayor Rose said residents are concerned about property rights, and
he has a problem when considering the right of a resident who wishes to
develop his property, and the right of the resident who opposes the
development. Councilman Crocker said that many residents indicate that
they wish to retain the rural atmosphere, and it is one of the vital
issues of any campaign for election to the City Council; proliferation
of tennis courts would change the rural atmosphere to recreational, he
said.
Councilwoman Swanson said she had received many telephone calls
from residents, and several who said they did not wish to stand and
make a statement at a public meeting asked her to speak for them and
advise the Council that they wished a control on construction of tennis
courts. Councilman Pernell suggested that such residents be asked to
write to the Council, since their opinions would then be on record
without a public statement.
Councilman Heinsheimer said there have been many suggestions to
have a set of specifications developed for consideration with regard
to a tennis court, specifically dealing with visibility, noise and
traffic. Councilman Crocker suggested that the Planning Commission or
a sub -committee of the Commission be asked to develop the specifications.
Councilman Pernell said the Planning Commission has available to them
the services of a professional Planning Advisor, contracted by the
City with Los Angeles County Regional Planning, and he suggested that
the comments of the Council be forwarded to the Planning Commission
with a request that with the assistance of Mr. Richard Anderson, Plan-
ning Advisor, they develop a set of specifications for construction of
a tennis court, taking into consideration such matters as set -back,
proximity to neighbors, visibility, parking, etc.
Councilman Heinsheimer said specifications for tennis court con-
struction could form the basis for amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.
Councilman Pernell said that although the'discus§ion"has empha§izdd
tennis courts, the Council should consider whether the specifications
would apply to other recreational uses included in the ordinance. The
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September 27, 1976
City Attorney said the City Council and Planning Commission should
avoid being limited by a set of guidelines, and he recommended that
after receiving the specifications from the Planning Commission, the
Council should consider amending the Zoning Ordinance which is subject
to variance, and should cconsider each case individually. A large area
of discretion should be observed by the City Council and Planning Com-
mission, Mr. Kinley said, and members should avoid potential abuse of
power.
Mr. Harry Gelles asked whether Ordinance No. 112 would be needed
if a set of standard specifications were adopted as amendments to the
Zoning Ordinance. Tom Ghormley suggested that the Planning Commission
attempt to develop a set of specifications for each individual property
in Rolling Hills. Mr. Roger Meurer said he would oppose an ordinance
which would delineate exactly what could be done on each property, and
he would favor keeping Ordinance No. 112 in its present form.
Following the discussion the Council agreed to ask the Planning
Commission to develop a set of specifications and guidelines with the
assistance of the Planning Advisor, to be presented to the Council by
December 1, 1976, with a recommendation that they hold extra meetings
if necessary to meet the date, and if unable to complete the assignment
by December 1, they request a time extension to accomplish the project.
The secretary was directed to send the appropriate excerpts from the
minutes to members of the Planning Commission and Planning Advisor.
Councilman Crocker said he wished the record to show the Council's
wishes with regard to Ordinance No. 112, and he suggested that they
act to clarify their intent by stating their wish to keep Ordinance
No. 112 in effect, and indicate that residential recreational use should
be included in the section pertaining to -non-commercial recreational use.
Councilman Pernell suggested that the record state that the Council is
attempting to develop guidelines for tennis court construction, and
that in the interim Ordinance No. 112 would remain in effect, and would
apply to all residential property. Councilman Crocker said nothing in
the record should indicate that Ordinance No. 112 is being kept as a
temporary measure, and he moved that Ordinance No. 112 remain in effect,
and that this Council interpret non-commercial recreational uses to
include residential. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Swanson
and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Crocker, Pernell, Swanson
NOES: Councilman Heinsheimer, Mayor Rose
ABSENT: None
EASEMENT MARKERS 485
Excerpts from the minutes of the Planning Commission meeting on
Tuesday, September 21, 1976, relating to the requirement for easement
markers, were discussed by the Council.
Councilman Heinsheimer noted that the Planning Commission had
voted to retain the requirement that '4" x 4" easement markers, 54"
high be placed in certain locations in subdivisions, and he said he
wished to recommend that the Council go along with the Board of Direc-
tors, and in line with wishes of the Council as demonstrated in previous
discussion, specify that the easement markers be flush with the ground.
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that easement markers be required
only where specified, and that all markers installed be flush with
the ground. The motion was seconded by Councilman Crocker and carried
by the following roll call vote:
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September 27, 1976
AYES: Councilmembers-._Crrocker, Heinsheimer, Pernell
NOES: Councilwoman Swanson, Mayor Rose
TENTATIVE TRACT 31437, WALTER STORM, JOHNS CANYON ROAD 494
Mayor Rose opened dis.cussion,of, Tentative Tract 31437, which had
een referred -to the Planning Commission after discussion by the City
a
tCouncil at their meeting on September 13. Excerpts from the minutes
of the Planning Commission meeting on September 21 were distributed.
The Mayor noted that the Planning Commission had voted to reaffirm
.approval of the tentative map with confirmation of the requirement
for easement markers in certain easements, modification of street
grades and approval of the road design required by the Subdivision
Ordinance. He asked for a summary of the discussion of the tract by
the Council at the last meeting, which he did not attend.
Councilman Heinsheimer advised the Mayor that following discussion
'—Oof road profiles submitted by Mr. Meurer, engineer for Mr. Storm, the
°.Council was split 2/2 on which road design should be approved. Because
�1-4the Planning,Commission had inadvertently omitted acting on road grade,
although the item had been included in the legal notice of Public
Hearing on the tract, the plan had been returned to the Commission for
appropriate action.
Councilman Crocker advised the Council that he had reviewed the
Public Safety and Seismic Safety Elements of the General Plan for the
City, and read into the record two sections pertaining to requirements
for access. Mr. Kinley said it is his opinion that the Council is
required to -approve the road design which conforms to requirements
stated in the General Plan.
Mr. Meurer distributed copies of a hydrology study he had prepared
and advised that Case C road, consisting of 10' paving a 2' berm on
each side would be adequate to handle the amount of water which would
result from a 25 year storm. Mr. Kinley recommended that the study
be made part of the subdivision file.
Following discussion Councilman Crocker moved that a road with
24' of paved surface exclusive of berms be approved. The motion was
seconded by Councilwoman Swanson and carried by the following roll
call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Crocker, Swanson, Mayor Rose
NOES: Councilmen Heinsheimer, Pernell
ABSENT: None
Mr. Meurer asked that the record show that the requirement ap-
proved -by the Council specified 24' of paving with adequate berms
fro drainage.
Councilman Pernell said he failed to see the need for a 3.7'
turning area at the cul de sac. Councilman Heinsheimer moved that the
requirement for turning area be reduced to 32', which is compatible with
safety requirements and the subdivision ordinance. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Pernell and carried by the following roll call:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Rose
NOES: Councilman Crocker
ABSENT: None
IX41
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September 27, 1976
In discussing trail easements, Councilwoman Swanson said she
thought a trail should be graded on both sides of the road, and she
thought a 6' wide trail would be adequate. Councilman Heinsheimer
suggested that the full 10' trail be graded completely on one side
of the road to provide access to the cul de sac. Councilwoman Swanson
said she would be satisfied with one 10' wide easement, but would
recommend reduction of the width to 6' if there was a trail on both
sides of the road. Following the discussion Councilman Heinsheimer
moved that a 10' graded easement for horse trail be required on the
easterly up -hill side of the road. The motion was seconded by Coun-
cilman Pernell and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Crocker, Heinsheimer, Pernell
NOES: Councilwoman Swanson, Mayor Rose
ABSENT: None
Mr. Meurer was asked to comment on the proposed grade of the road.
Mr. Meurer said the steepest grade on the new road will be 20%; the
grade will range from 3% to 20%, and will average 8%. Many roads' in
Rolling Hills exceed 20% grade, Mr. Meurer said, and he cited Portu-
guese Bend Road, both north and south of Crest Road, and Buggy Whip,
which at one time had a section 38%, which has now been corrected to
20%. Mr. Meurer said few roads in Rolling Hills conform to the re-
quirements of the Subdivision Ordinance with regard to road grade.
Mr. Meurer presented an exhibit showing an 8% grade for the entire
road, and advised the Council that the plan was rejected because of
the excessive grading which would have been required.
Councilman Crocker moved that the road grade bp apprpyed,
subject to approval of grading. Councilwoman Swanson seconded the
motion. Following discussion Councilman Crocker withdrew his motion,
stating that if the recommendations of the PlanningCommission with
regard to the road grade were accepted, the motion would not be
necessary. Councilwoman Swanson withdrew the second.
Councilman Crocker suggested that as a further condition of approval
the trail on the Storm tract be tied in with a trail leading to the
riding ring on the Hix property, and that a water line be installed
leading to the park area at the end of the Storm tract, so that both
recreational areas which were given to the City could be utilized.
Mr. Meurer said 1000 feet of 1 1/2" PVC water line would cost approxi-
mately $2500 to install. Councilman Crocker said further that the
water mater should -be -installed at the cul de`sat oh Johns Canyon Road,
a valve should, be installed at the meter to the water could be turned
off and on at that location, the subdivider should be required to pay
for the installation, and the City should agree.to pay_for the water.
Councilman Crocker said he has suggestions for a name_for'the new
street, and he asked that names be submitted for consideration'.
Councilman Crocker moved that the tentative map for Tract 31437,
Walter Storm, be approved subject to findings of the Planning Advisor
in a report dated August 17, 1976; action by the Planning Commission
on September 21, 1976, and action of the City Council on September 27,
1976, which required the following: 1) that a trail on the tract be
tied in with a trail leading to the riding ring on the adjacent property;
2) that a water line be installed leading to the park area at the end
of the tract, so that the recreational areas donated to the City could
be utilized; 3) that approximately 1,000 feet of 1 1/2" PVC water line
be installed and paid for by the subdivider, and further that a water
meter and valve, paid for by the City should be installed at the cul
de sac so that water could be turned off and on at that location; and
4) that water for the recreation area should be paid for by the City.
The engineer agreed, on behalf of the subdivider, to the conditions of
approval. The motion was seconded by Councilman Pernell and carried
by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Crocker, Heinsheimer, Pernell, Swanson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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September 27, 1976
DRIVEWAY RELOCATION, CURTISS SCARRITT, 2 EUCALYPTUS LANE
The Council was advised that Mr.Scarritt had requested that a
request for relocation of his driveway from Eucalyptus Lane to Portu-
guese Bend Road be held on the agenda, as he would)hot be,able to
attend the meeting to discuss the request with the, Council. Councilman
Crocker said he had viewed the location of the Scarritt home, and asked
that other members of the Council drive by prior to the discussion.
UNAUTHORIZED GRADING, 7 PACKSADDLE ROAD WEST,_THOMAS ROBA 1513
Copies of a letter from the Los Angeles County Engineer to the
District Attorney requesting an office conference with Mr. Thomas Roba
regarding unauthorized grading on his property prior to filing a crim-
inal complaint were presented to the Council. The matter was received
and noted.
OC UNAUTHORIZED CONSTRUCTION, MR. ROBERT ARCHER, 77 EASTFIELD DRIVE 1515
Copies of a letter from the Los Angeles County Engineer to the
District Attorney regarding unauthorized construction by Mr. Robert
,Archer, 77 Eastfield Drive, and a'letter from the Manager to the
Department of County Engineer advising that Mr. Archer has removed
the violation and that no further action on the part of the City of
Rolling Hills or the District Attorney is necessary were presented
to the Council. The correspondence was received for the file, and
the matter was removed from the agenda.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE 1520
Notice of the regular meeting of the City Selection Committee to
be held.Thursday, October 7, 1976 at Rodger Young Center was presented
to the Council. The secretary was instructed to advise the Committee
that Councilwoman Gordana Swanson had been designated voting repre-
sentative, and would attend the meeting.
MRSo F. B. ANDRANIGIAN, 5 PACKSADDLE ROAD EAST 1525
A letter dated September 20, 1976 from Mrs. Fannie Belle Andran-
igian regarding commercial use of a private residential tennis court
was presented to the Council.
The matter was referred to the City Manager for investigation
and the Mayor directed that it be placed on the agenda for discussion
at the next Council meeting after Mrs. Clifton has discussed the
matter with Mrs. Andranigian.
PROPOSED SOUTH BAY -COUNTY 1616
Mayor Rose said he had been informed that Rancho Palos Verdes and
Rolling Hills Estates would participate in a study on the''feasibility
of a proposed new South Bay County, and since he was not present at
the last meeting of the Council, he asked for a summary of the discussion.
Councilman Heinsheimer and Councilman Crocker explained that Councilwoman
Swanson was authorized to use her discretion as Council representative at
the South Bay Cities meeting, and to agree to participate in the study,
providing it would be an unbiased study conducted by an objective, non-
partisan source, at reasonable cost. Councilwoman Swanson said she
would contact Mayor Gunther Buerk of Rancho Palos Verdes and advise him
of the Council's discussion.
ADJOURNMENT 1714
Mayor Rose adjourned the meeting at 11:55 P.M ,
APPROVED: City Clerk
Mayor