3/28/1977MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
March 28, 1977
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills
was called to order at the Administration Building, 2 Portuguese Bend
Road, Rolling Hills, California by Mayor Crocker at 7:30 P.M. Monday,
March 28, 1977.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Pernell, Rose, Swanson
Mayor Crocker
Teena Clifton
William Kinley
June Cunningham
Dr. David Bray
Tom Ghormley
C. E. Gregory
Alan Krauss
Mrs. Joan Saffo
Mr. & Mrs. Roy Stinnett
City Manager
City Attorney
Deputy City Clerk
Residents
A motion to approve and accept the minutes of the meeting of
March 14, 1977 as corrected was made by Councilman Heinsheimer,
seconded by Councilwoman Swanson and carried unanimously.
ZONING CASE NO. 171, HOWARD SLUSHER 21
A field trip to the Howard Slusher property at 61 Portuguese Bend
Road was scheduled for Sunday, April 24, 1977 at 10:00 A.M. The City
Attorney was instructed to so advise Mr. Slusher and his attorney, Mr.
Frank De Marco. The Manager was asked to contact Mr. Roger Meurer,
engineer for Mr. Slusher, and ask his hourly fee for accompanying the
Council if they wished him to do so, and to report at the next meeting.
APPOINTMENT TO TRAFFIC COMMISSION 46
Mayor Crocker said he wished to appoint Mrs. Kip Goldreyer, 3 Quail
Ridge Road North, to the Traffic Commission, which con§ists of two resi-
dents, a member of the City Council, the City Attorney and the City
Manager. Councilwoman Swanson said she wished to propose that Mrs. Rose
Mary Bernstein, 9 Eastfield Drive, who sent in her resume, also be ap-
pointed, and she moved that the appointments of Mrs. Goldreyer and Mrs.
Bernstein to the Traffic Commission be approved by the Council. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Rose and carried unanimously.
APPOINTMENTS TO CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES 84
Copies of Committee Assignments for members of the Council were
distributed to the Council.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Councilman
exception of No.
in the amount of
Heinsheimer and
AYES:
Rose moved that Demands
6060, which was voided,
$19,000.98. The motion
carried by the following
W
No. 6051 through 6079, with the
be paid from the General Fund
was seconded by Councilman
roll call vote:
Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Pernell, Rose, Swanson
Mayor Crocker
NOES: None
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March 28, 1977
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The Financial Statement for February 1977 was approved on a motion
made by Councilwoman Swanson, seconded by Councilman Heinsheimer and
carried unanimously.
PROPOSED GUIDELINES FOR TENNIS COURTS 119 c
Dr. David Bray, President of the Rolling Hills Tennis Club, pre-
sented the report of the Tennis Club on proposed guidelines for tennis
courts in Rolling Hills. Dr. Bray said it is the opinion of the Tennis
Club that the existing ordinances adequately protect the environment of
private tennis courts. A suggestion was made in the report that a joint
committee should be considered in an effort to eliminate duplication of
effort by committees and agencies which review the applications. The
Tennis Club suggested that any application which met all the existing
ordinances but was subjectively turned down at the highest level should
qualify for a special Open Hearing.
The City Attorney explained that the Planning Commission holds pub-
lic hearings and makes the initial decision on matters presented to it.
The decision can then be appealed to the City Council, and the Council's
decision is final. There is no provision for a Town Hall type meeting;
the decision of the City Council can be appealed through the courts, Mr.
Kinley said. Mayor Crocker said applicants and residents have ample
opportunity to express their opinions, both in favor of or opposed to
the request for a conditional use permit at the public hearing before
the Planning Commission.
With regard to the report presented by Dr. Bray, Mayor Crocker
directed that the first two paragraphs be accepted by the Council and
taken under submission as the Tennis Club's recommendations, with the
comment that the suggestion in paragraph three with reference to an
Open Hearing might not be workable, other than the provisions for public
hearings and appeals which the City already has. Dr. Bray said the
Tennis Club had attempted to find a way that an application for a tennis
court which is denied for subjective rather than legal reasons, after
the applicant met all requirements of the ordinance, could be presented
to the community as an appeal from the decision of the highest ruling
body of City government.
Councilman Pernell said he thought the major difference is the
level of publicity at the high appeal level, He explained that notice
of the public hearing before the Planning Commission is given to all
residents within 500 feet of the exterior boundaries of the property
being considered. When the decision of the Planning Commission is
appealed, a hearing before the City Council is set, and those same
residents are notified as required by ordinances In addition, all
residents in the community are notified of the hearing date by way of
the City Council agenda, which is published in the Newsletter,
Councilman Heinsheimer suggested that the Council accept the recom-
mendations of the Planning Commission and Tennis Club, and continue to
operate under the ordinances of the City, since there is a procedure
for open hearings in the public hearing process.
Mayor Crocker thanked Dr. Bray for his presentation, and said he
wished to have guidelines for tennis courts carried as an agenda item
for the next meeting, so the Council can take an action on the guide-
lines prepared by the Planning Commission and the recommendations of
the Tennis Club.
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March 28, 1977
DRAINAGE, DR. SAM WOLINSKY PROPERTY, REATA LANE 226
Mayor Crocker reported that Mr. John Whittington had written a
letter advising that Dr. Wolinsky is out of town, and asking that the
subject be postponed until the next meeting.
Mr. Kinley reported that he discussed the matter with Mr, Clark
Leonard of Lanco Engineering. Mr. Leonard said he would visit the site
and inspect the erosion and call Mr. Kinley, but has not called him to
date. Mr. Kinley said he had visited the property following the recent
rain, and there seems to be very little erosion as a result of the rain.
The matter was held on the agenda.
TENTATIVE TRACT 31714, RANCHO PALOS VERDES
230
Mrs. Clifton displayed a tract map for Tentative Tract 31714 in
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. The Manager explained that the property
ot,is adjacent to St. John Fisher Church on Crenshaw Boulevard, and the
C°l.''easterly boundary is adjacent to the Palos Verdes Unified School District
property, which is in the -City of Rolling Hills.
~" The Manager reported that the zoning for the property is single
"family, two per acre, and the map indicates that there will be 31 homes
on 17 acres. Under the zoning, 30% of the land must be in open space.
To accomplish this, one parcel containing 60,000 square feet has been
reserved at the front of the development near Crenshaw Boulevard, and
the remaining lots are below the standard of two per acre. Mrs. Clifton
said the lots will be approximately 15,000 square feet each. Other
larger lots will consist of areas of unbuildable cannon to constitute
the required open space. Councilman Rose asked whether other property
owners in the area had commented on density. Mrs. Clifton said the Del
Cerro Homeowners Association had been very active in opposing previous
efforts to develop the property, but had not commented on this proposal,
although a map was sent to them, Further, she said she attempted to
reach the Association but was not successful. Mrs. Clifton said she
would continue to try to contact the Del Cerro group to make sure that
they were aware of the proposed development. The Manager reported, also,
that the map was reviewed at a meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes Plan-
ning Commission on March 22, and Rolling Hills was not advised in advance
of the meeting. Another meeting to approve the tentative map and revi-
sions of open space criteria is scheduled for April 12, and Mrs. Clifton
requested that a notice of the meeting be sent to Rolling Hills.
Following the discussion Councilwoman Swanson moved that the Rolling
Hills City Council protest the density to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Councilman Rose seconded the motion. Councilman Heinsheimer said he did
not agree that the Council should protest the density, since it has not
been approved by Rancho Palos Verdes, and he suggested that instead an
offer be made to work with Rancho Palos Verdes in an effort to arrive at
a development which would be compatible with surrounding properties, and
that following a letter to that effect, the Mayor designate a member of
the City Council to work with the Manager on the matters Mayor Crocker
said further that open space should be consistent with development of the
property, and not unusable land which is being called open space. Council-
woman Swanson withdrew her motion and Councilman Rose withdrew his second.
The Mayor designated Councilman Rose to work with the Manager, and he
said he would write a letter to Rancho Palos Verdes. Councilman Rose said
he would attend the April 12 meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes Planning
Commission. Councilman Pernell suggested that the City of Rolling Hills
provide maps showing surrounding properties, illustrating the abrupt
change of zoning proposed. The Mayor so ordered.
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March 28, 1977
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES LANDFILL HEARING 311
Mayor Crocker reported that he had attended the hearing before the
Rolling Hills Estates City Council on March 22 on a proposal to limit
cities of over 205 million population from using the Palos Verdes land-
fill, Copies of clippings from the Los Angeles Times and Palos Verdes
Peninsula News were distributed to members of the Council. The matter
was held until April 26 for a staff study to determine if an impact
report or negative declaration should be made. Mayor Crocker recommen-
ded that the Rolling Hills City Council indicate to the Rolling Hills
Estates Council an interest in the deliberations and request progress
reports. A large number of cities have supported the proposed action
in letters, the Mayor said.
Councilman Heinsheimer said the basic cause of the problem should
be remedied at the Sanitation District level, which has the basic
responsibility in the matter, since the district is not objecting to
the proposal. Mayor Crocker said he concurs with Councilman Heinshei-
mer, and further, he said the District has a number of options. Mayor
Crocker said he will attend all Sanitation District meetings, and will
urge, at a meeting of Mayors of Peninsula Cities, that all cities be
represented at the Sanitation District meetings.
Councilwoman Swanson moved that the Rolling Hills City Council
support the City of Rolling Hills Estates. The motion died for lack
of a second.
NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
377
Mrs. ,loan Saffo announced that the next neighborhood meeting would
be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Gibbons, 48 Saddleback Road.
Additional information will be in the Newsletter. Mrs. Saffo urged
members of the Council to attend the meetings.
LOS ANGELES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 379
Mrs. Saffo said nominations for the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce
Salute to Youth are due this week. She offered to obtain the appropri-
ate form if nominations were to be made by the City of Rolling Hills.
EUCALYPTUS TREES 382
Councilman Heinsheimer said that in connection with information
provided by Mrs. Saffo on the aleppo pines in Rolling Hills, he wished
to ask for her assistance in determining which eucalyptus trees in the
City are dead and must be removed. He suggested that dead trees be
taken down before the fire season, and suggested that such trees be
marked and property owners advised.
Councilman Pernell asked whether the Council would have a legal
right to act for public safety if the Fire Department declared such
trees a fire hazard, Mr. Finley said that if they were declared a
hazard the City could order their removal for safety reasons, similar
to action taken on weed and brush control.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 112 406
Mayor Crocker opened discussion of an ordinance proposed to amend
Ordinance No. 112, which was held over from the previous meeting.
In the discussion which followed, the City Attorney was directed
to make the following changes: Add: A. 6) Barns and/or stables;
Section 2, D9 2) Specify commercial uses only; 3(b): Delete entire
paragraph. The City Attorney was directed to prepare the ordinance in
accordance with the discussion and present it at the next meeting show-
ing the areas deleted and additions.
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March 28, 1977
ORDINANCE NO. 149 540
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that Ordinance No. 149 entitled AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS PROHIBITING UNLAWFUL ENTRY OF
PERSONS OVER AND UPON THE PRIVATE ROADS OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
be adopted, and that reading in full be waived. The motion was secon-
ded by Councilman Rose and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES. Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Pernell, Rose, Swanson
Mayor Crocker
NOES.- None
RESOLUTION NO. 382
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that Resolution No. 382 entitled
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS AUTHOR-
oc,IZING ITS GRANT UNDER THE STATE BEACH, PARK, RECREATIONAL AND HISTOR-
CC ICAL FACILITIES BOND ACT OF 1974 TO BE UTILIZED BY THE CITY OF ROLLING
C1 HILLS ESTATES 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 Heinsheimer, Pernell, Rose, Swanson
Mayor Crocker
NOES: None
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES POLICY 568
Councilman Pernell reported that he attended a presentation spon-
sored by the Architectural Committee on solar energy. There are pres-
ently no policies regarding alternative energy sources, and Councilman
Pernell said it is his opinion that the Council should adopt a policy
that would be aggressive and affirmative in furthering the exploration
and use of alternative energy sources. Councilman Heinsheimer suggested
that primary attention be given to solar energy and wind energy as al-
ternative energy sources. Councilwoman Swanson said she agreed that
an energy policy should originate at the Council level, and the Council
can work jointly with other governmental bodies to implement the policy.
Mrs. Saffo said energy conservation is more important than an
alternate energy source. Councilman Pernell said it is not his intent
to urge any specific use, but he recommends vocalizations of intent to
encourage both conservation and utilization of alternative sources.
Councilman Rose moved that the City Council support efforts by
residents in remodeling and making new installations to attempt to
utilize alternative energy sources such as solar energy. Councilwoman
Swanson seconded the motion. Councilman Pernell said the staff should
be instructed and encouraged to conserve energy in the City buildings.
Councilman Heinsheimer said the Council should not imply that all plans
using alternative energy sources will be approved, He suggested that
the motion be amended to compliment and support the Architectural
Committee in their efforts to find alternative sources of energy. The
Mayor so ordered, with the consent of the Council.
ACCESSIBILITY TO HANDICAPPED 663
Councilman Rose reported that in addition to a tax credit available
to persons who make solar energy installations, additional legislation
provides for an exemption up to $25,000 per year for three years for
business which remodel, their facilities to make them accessible to
handicapped persons.
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March 28, 1977
SMOKE DETECTORS
-*
Councilman Rose asked whether there is presently a requirement for
smoke detectors for new construction, and was advised that it is a re-
quirement under the County code. Mayor Crocker asked the City Attorney
to check to see whether there is a similar requirement for remodeling or
residence additions- The Mayor directed that the matter be placed on the
next agenda for a discussion of whether smoke detectors should be made
mandatory, to be checked by inspection similar to spark arrestors.
WELLS 694
Councilman Heinsheimer asked whether consideration has been given
to permitting wells for non -potable water. Mr. Kinley explained that
wells are prohibited by City ordinance; the Rolling Hills Community
Association prohibits them under the declaration of restrictions, and
may be condemned by the Water Replenishing District.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT #10, RANCHO PALOS VERDES 704
The Manager presented a report to the Council dated March 24, 1977,
summarizing action at the meeting of the Environmental Committee in
Rancho Palos Verdes on March 23. Mrs. Clifton said she made recommend-
ations for changes in the EIR, based on Council discussions at a previous
meeting, and also reported major points discussed by others.
Councilwoman Swanson said she has had many telephone calls about
the proposed development, and she expressed a concern about the fact
that land designated in the report as open land is currently zoned as
buildable land. She said a restriction against future building should
be shown in writing. Mayor Crocker asked Councilwoman Swanson to attend
the next hearing in Rancho Palos Verdes on April 12, and she agreed.
PALOS VERDES BREEZE PANORAMA ISSUE 724
Councilwoman Swanson asked that the Council approve participation
by Rolling Hills in the annual Panorama Issue of the Palos Verdes Breeze,
which is included in the Budget.
A motion to approve participation was made by Councilman Rose,
seconded by Councilman Heinsheimer and carried unanimously. Mayor
Crocker asked Councilman Pernell to work on the composition of the
article to be included.
STOP SIGN AT EASTFIELD GATE
734
In a memorandum to the Council dated March 28 the Manager reported
that she and Mr. Gary Hein reviewed the request by Councilwoman Swanson
to remove the STOP sign at the Eastfield Gate in the area of the gate
mechanism. Since there is a STOP sign for Palos Verdes Drive East, it
is recommended that the sign at the gate be removed, and that a sign
be considered which would caution motorists about the gate mechanism
and the need to slow for it to open properly. The Mayor directed that
the sign be removed.
NOTICE OF APPEAL, HOWARD SLUSHER 760
The City Attorney advised the Council that he had prepared the
following information to be included in the hearing notice to be sent
to residents regarding the hearing before the Council on April 25 on
the appeal by Howard Slusher from the decision of the Planning Com-
mission: "There will be no new evidence taken at the hearing; therefore,
residents who attend will not be permitted to speak either for or
against the granting of a conditional use permit, as Ordinance No. 33
provides that the appeal must be decided on the same evidence that was
1
March 28 1977
presented to the Planning Commission." The Council approved the wording,
and the Mayor directed that the same information be included in the
Newsletter, to inform residents that they will not be permitted to speak
at the hearing before the City Council.
Mr, Kinley distributed copies of a letter to the Council concerning
conduct of the hearing, and also copies of a letter to Mr. Slusher and
his attorney, Mr. Frank De Marco, requesting that they advise him how
much time they will require for their presentation.
Mayor Crocker asked that a map be prepared of the Flying Triangle
area, showing in red and green those residents who have expressed
opinions against or in favor of a tennis court on the Slusher property,
so the Council can consider the proximity of those people when consid-
ering the matter.
CABLE TV 777
®G
CC.. Councilman Rose asked about the availability and feasibility of
Cable TV in Rolling Hills. Mrs. Clifton said she is preparing a report
r
to the Board of Directors, and would make copies available to the Council.
' LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
785
The Manager reported that she had received correspondence dated
March 24, 1977 from the League advising that Senator Robert Beverly
had supported the League's position on binding arbitration, and with-
stood substantial pressures applied•;by police and fire employee organ-
izations and unions when he voted "no" on SB164, which would mandate
compulsory and binding arbitration on local government. The League
suggested that Senator Beverly be thanked for his support of local
government on the issue.
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that a letter signed by the Mayor be
sent to Senator Beverly. Councilwoman Swanson seconded the motion.
Councilman Rose said he thought it was a matter which, should be act.eA
on by the Council and residents as individuals. The motion carried
on the following roll call vote:
AYES. Councilmembers Heinsheiemer, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Crocker
NOES- Councilman Rose
TRAFFIC SIGNAL TIMING - PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH 801
A copy of a memorandum dated March 25, 1977 from Tom Brohard,
Traffic Engineering Advisor, to Mr. Harry Peacock, City Manager of
Rolling Hills Estates regarding traffic signal timing at Palos Verdes
Drive North at Rolling Hills Road and Portuguese Bend Road was pre-
sented to the Council. Mayor Crocker directed that the matter be
placed on the "hold agenda" unless members of the Council wished to
discuss it further.
BULLETIN FROM ARBORETUM
Mayor Crocker requested that
Good Watering Habits" sent to the
and Botanic Gardens be obtained in
available to residents.
HEALTH SERVICES AGENCY
812
copies of "Water Conservation Through
City by the Department of Arboreta
sufficient quantity to make them
•
A notice of a meeting to be held on Thursday, March 31, 1977 at
the Torrance Recreation Center was presented to the Council. The
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March 28, 1977
Executive Director of HSA advised that it would be the last meeting in
District 4 at which residents can register for the purpose of voting
and being nominated as a candidate for area council.
The Manager was directed to send a Newsletter to residents urging
that they be aware of the opportunity to have a voice in the future
planning for health care.
JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT - INSURANCE 860
Mrs. Clifton reported that a meeting to discuss the Joint Powers
Agreement for Insurance would be held on Tuesday, March 29 in Torrance.
Mayor Crocker said he planned to attend, and would report to the Council.
LOS ANGELES HARBOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE REQUEST FOR RESOLUTION 874
Mayor Crocker said he had received a request from Los Angeles
Harbor Community College for a Resolution of the Council regarding
opening of a music building for which funds have been raised. The
Mayor said he wished to send a letter congratulating Harbor College on
the effort.
SYMPOSIUM RE., COPING WITH VANDALISM 880
Mayor Crocker said Mayor Weber of Rolling Hills Estates has put
together a symposium on how to cope with vandalism. The panel includes
an attorney, a psychotherapist, a community relations officer. The
Mayor asked that Gary Hein, Chief Security Officer, attend on behalf of
the City Council and Community Association.
MASTER PLAN, PENINSULA CENTER AREA 885
The Mayor reported that the Master Plan for the Peninsula Center
area is being reviewed by Rolling Hills Estates. Mayor Crocker said
he would discuss the matter with other Peninsula mayors.
CLOCK IN COUNCIL CHAMBER 890
Mayor Crocker asked that the hands of the clock in the Council
Chamber be painted to make them visible to members of the Council.
ADJOURNMENT 894
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 10010 P.M.
APPROVED -
Mayor -
o