12/10/1979MINUTES OF THE 305
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
December 10, 1979
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 Swanson at 7:30 P.M. Monday,
December 10, 1979.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
Councilmen Crocker, Heinsheimer, Pernell, Rose
Mayor Swanson
None
Teena Clifton
William Kimley
June Cunningham
Chief Ray Brunstrom
Chief Earl.Fordham
Fritz Ripley
APPROVAL OF MINUTES 960
City Manager
City Attorney
Deputy City Clerk
Los Angeles County
Fire Department
Resident
The minutes of the meeting of November 13, 1979 were approved and
accepted as amended on a motion made by Councilman Crocker, seconded by
Mayor Swanson and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Crocker, Pernell, Rose, Mayor Swanson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: Councilman Heinsheimer
The minutes of the meeting of November 26, 1979 were approved and
accepted as presented on a motion made by Councilman Crocker, seconded
by Mayor Swanson and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Crocker, Heinsheimer, Pernell,
Mayor Swanson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: Councilman Rose
AUDIT REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1978/79 990
The Audit Report for Fiscal 1978/79, prepared by Cotton and
Francisco, Auditors, was held on the agenda because of the absence
of the City Treasurer.
PAYMENT OF BILLS 1006
Councilman Crocker moved that Demands No. 8460 through 8507 in
the amount of'$17,064.18 be approved for payment from'the General Fund.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Rose and carried by the following
roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Crocker, Heinsheimer, Pernell, Rose
Mayor Swanson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
306
December 10, 1979
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT 1049
The Manager presented a copy of a letter dated November 29, 1979
from the Commander of the Sheriff's Lomita Station advising that the
City's contract for general law enforcement services is due to expire.
Captain Douglas explained that according to the terms of the contract,
each contract city must notify the Board of -Supervisors of its intent
to renew the contract prior to December 31.
RESOLUTION NO. 423
Councilman Pernell moved that Resolution No. 423 entitled A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
NOTIFYING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE CITY COUNCIL'S INTENTION TO
RETAIN LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF SERVICES be adopted, and that reading
in full be waived. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rose and car-
ried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Crocker, Heinsheimer, Pernell, Rose
Mayor Swanson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
SECURITY SYSTEM, ROLLING HILLS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 1062
Councilman Rose reported that he attended a recent meeting of the
Rolling Hills Community Association in connection with his proposal
that a questionnaire which deals broadly with the subject of security
measures be sent to the residents, and the Board rejected his proposal
because they considered it too long, and wished to send a stamped, ad-
dressed postal card with room for brief comments.
Mrs. Clifton reported that at the Board of Directors meeting on
December 6 the staff gave the Board the talley of the number of ques-
tionnaires returned as follows:
No, with comments: 75 Yes, with comments: 138 Undecided: 6
No, no comments: 38 Yes, no comments: 43
The Manager said the time for receiving additional questionnaires will
remain open until at least the next Board meeting, and at that time
there will be a decision on how to evaluate the information received.
In reviewing the questionnaires returned, Mrs. Clifton said the resi-
dents seem to indicate that they would like to have telephone calls
made to their home when their name and address is given as the destination.
Chairman Pernell said that at the last neighborhood meeting there
was an .ndication that residents at the meeting felt that no additional
security is needed.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE, LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CHIEFS 1117
Mayor Swanson welcomed Los Angeles County Fire Chiefs Earl
Fordham and.Ray Brunstrom to the meeting, and reviewed a letter
dated December 5, 1979 from Chiefs Brunstrom and Fordham. The
letter stated that at-a.:meeting on November 14, 1979 at the Rolling
Hills City Hall with representiatives of California Water Services
and the Manager, a program was developed for evaluation of fire
flows within the City.
A list of hydrants to be flow tested, with their locations,
outlined in the letter, and January 31, 1.980 was given as the date the
test flows would be completed, and the Council was.advised that both
the Fire Department and California Water Service Company expected to
submit final reports to the City Manager by March 1, 1980.
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December 10, 1979
Chief Fordham advised the Council that itis the Fire Department's
goal to bring all hydrants in Rolling Hills up to minimum standards,
and he asked Chief Brunstrom to address the specific areas selected to
be flow tested.
Chief Brunstrom showed the ten areas on a map posted on the wall,
and explained that they were selected jointly .by the Manager, the Water
Company and the Fire Department. Chief Brunstrom said that although
1250 gpm has been established as the. minimum acceptable in Rolling Hills,
there are a few cases where the individual flow is slightly over or under
1250 gpm, and a slight variance is reasonable, since the flow in the
community is important. In response to a question from the Council,
Chief Brunstrom said water pressure did not fail during the fire in
Rolling Hills in June 1973. Chief Brunstrom said that a subdivision
under construction just outside of the South Gate will be of some
residual benefit to certain areas of Rolling Hills, and fire flows in
some areas of the City have been improved as a result of subdivision.
Mayor Swanson asked when".the Council can expect the improvements
completed after the report is submitted. Chief Fordham explained that
after completing the flow tests, the Fire Department will.make their
CO recommendations to the Water Company, based on a priority system. The
Q work will be done by the Water Company, out of their budget, and it is
Q not possible at this time to give a definite date.
Q Mr. Kinley said he noted that there is a fire.hydrant on the map
Q showing a flow of 440 gpm, and he asked that it be added to the list;
Chief Fordham agreed to do so.
Councilman Rose asked whether submersible swimming pool pumps
should be considered for use in Rolling Hills in case of a fire.
Chief Fordham said the fire trucks can use swimming pool water if they
can get close enough to the pool, within 15 feet of the water. In
addition the Fire Department has some pumps in a warehouse in Pacoima
that can be delivered by helicopter to the areas in which they are
needed. Chief Brunstrom said the most recent use of such pumps was to
pump flood waters in Malibu, and he explained that brush fires move too
fast -'for such pumps to be effective.
Councilman Crocker asked whether a pump donated to the f'ire'.
station on Crest Road would be kept at that location, and Chief Ford-
ham said it. would. Councilman Rose said it was his opinion that a
pump could be used in Rolling Hills if pressure was down during a fire,
and Chief Brunstrom said it would depend on the type of fire, and it
was his opinion that a pump using water from a swimming pool would not
be effective against a brush fire, since they pump only 500 gpm at 80
or 90 pounds pressure.
Mrs. Clifton .said a hydrant on Middleridge formerly delivered only
70 gpm, but was improved through subdivision, and a new main is to be
installed in Johns Canyon Road to tie in with the main near Storms Hill
in connection with subdivisions; in addition a new hydrant will be in-
stalled in the Crest/Flying Mane section. Mrs. Clifton said the City
is in.good condition with respect to ability to respond to a fire.
Councilman Pernell said he appreciates the good relationship that exists
between the City of Rolling Hills and the Fire Department.
Mayor Swanson thanked Chiefs Brunstrom and Fordham, and said the
matter will be placed on the agenda when the Manager is advised that
the report.is ready for presentation to the Council.
FIRE HYDRANT SERVICE AGREEMENTS 1372
In a letter dated November 29, 1979 Fire Chief Clyde Bragdon ad-
vised the Manager that legislation recently signed by the Governor
prohibits water purveyors from charging any type of fee for water ser-
vices for fire protection purposes.
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December 10, 1979
Mrs. Clifton explained that the City of Rolling Hills has been
paying $2.00 per month for a hydrant the City had installed outside
of the City Boundaries beyond the Flying Triangle Extension near the
Burma Road, and under the provisions of the recently passed Assembly
Bill the water service cost for fire protection will be transferred
to the Water Company. Chief Fordham said a notice of cancellation of
payment by the City will be sent to the Water Company, and he does not
anticipate any problem for the City.
SUBDIVISION PROCEDURES ON GEOLOGY REPORTS 1434
A letter dated November 27, 1979 from Arthur Keene, County Geologis
was presented to the Council. Mr. Keene reported that he had reviewed
Rolling Hills Ordinance No. 70 Establishing a Geology Appeals Board,
and it was his opinion that certain aspects of the ordinance are now
obsolete. Mr. Keene returned a copy of the ordinance, marked by him
to make it comparable to the County's membership qualifications for
a geology appeals board.
Councilman Crocker said it was his opinion that the City.Council
should be the Appeals Board for the City of Rolling Hills, and should
have authority to hire independent geologists.
With the concurrence of the Council, Mayor Swanson ordered the
matter held on the agenda until the next regular meeting.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 1504
A letter dated November 23, 1979 from the State Department of
Transportation advised that a meeting will be held at the Caltrans
District Office on December 18, 1979 to discuss the type and scope
of studies to be undertaken relative to the development of a Freeway
Transit Project on the Harbor Freeway between San Pedro and the Santa
Monica Freeway.
Mayor Swanson said she will be out of town at that time, and she
asked that any member of the Council who will be able to go advise the
staff.
CAL-SURANCE 1509
A letter dated November 30, 1979 from Mike Bush, Cal-Surance,
was presented to the Council. Mr. Bush said he wished to clarify
two exclusions about which the Council expressed a concern when a
presentation was made to them on the City's insurance program.
After review of the letter Councilman Crocker said he was satis-
fied, and the letter was received for the file. Mrs. Clifton said
she wishes to discuss in more detail with Mr. Kinley the matter of
preparation of bid specifications, and that would be presented to the
Council at a future meeting.
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION RE: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY 1538
A notice from the Public Utilities Commission of the State of
California of the filing of an application and advice letter by Southern
California Gas Company requesting authority to increase rates was
presented to the Council.
The Manager explained that the request for an increase of 10.4%
beginning January 1, 1980 is in addition to the increase of 45% - 6076
granted between April 1 and October 1, 1979, and will total 55% - 7076
increase, depending on rates for certain usages.
Councilman Rose asked whether there has been any effort to use
solar energy in Rolling Hills. Mrs. Clifton said the Architectural
Committee considers all applications submitted to them. Further, the
Manager said she would obtain sample ordinances from the League of
California Cities on solar energy.
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December 10, 1979
1644
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE - ADJUSTMENT OF'LOT LINES, MABELLE ROATH AMBLER
Mr. Kinley advised the Council that Mrs. Mabelle Roath Ambler
is the owner -of Lots 23 -SF and 24 -SF; located at 1 Packsaddle Road West
which was subdivided in 1951, and under regulations effective.at that.
time she has two separate lots, with two separate building sites. When
the.property was developed a residence was built on the property line
between the two parcels, with most of the construction and the drive-
way located on Lot 24, and a covenant was placed on Lot 23 restricting
the height of buildings and trees to preserve the view from Lot 24.
Mrs. Ambler now wishes to sell Lot 23 -SF, and has presented a map
showing a modification of the lot line between the two parcels, with a
request that a Certificate of Compliance be issued to legalize the two
parcels. Mr. Kinley explained that Mrs. Ambler has two parcels for tax
purposes, but the lot split was not recorded because it was not required
when the land was divided: Councilman Heinsheimer asked what the result
would be if the Council denied the request for a certificate of compli
ance, and Mr. Kinley said Mrs. Ambler would in effect have only one
parcel, since the Title Company would not pass title, although in the
Association records Mrs. Ambler owns two parcels and two building sites.
Councilman Crocker moved that the request be approved and a
Certificate of Compliance be issued. The motion was seconded by Council-
man Pernell.
Following discussion.Councilman Heinsheimer offered a substitute
motion that the Council take no action in the matter. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Rose for purposes of discussion.
The substitute motion to take no,action failed to carry on the
following roll call vote:
AYES: . Councilmen Heinsheimer, Rose
NOES: Councilmen Crocker, Pernell, Mayor Swanson
ABSENT: None
The motion to approve the request carried on the following roll
call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Crocker, Heinsheimer, Pernell, Mayor Swanson
NOES: Councilman Rose
ABSENT: None
PROPOSED ORDINANCE RE: PRELIMINARY SOIL REPORT AND INVESTIGATIONS 1864
Mr. Kinley distributed copies of a proposed ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA REQUIRING PRE-
LIMINARY SOIL REPORT AND SOIL INVESTIGATIONS IN THE .SUBDIVIDING OF
LANDS LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, and he explained that
under provisions of the proposed ordinance the Council could demand
more detailed geological reports in addition'to the present provisions
and requirements of the Subdivision Ordinance.
Following discussion Mayor Swanson asked that a copy of the pro-
posed ordinance be sent to Mr. Arthur Keene, County Geologist, with
a request that he comment on it, and that it be placed on the agenda
when Mr. Keene returns it.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION REPORT
24-1
Mayor Swanson reported that at a recent meeting of the Traffic
Commission the recommendations of the Traffic Consultant and the staff
were reviewed, and the comments and recommendations were referred to
the City Council with a request that they be approved and that expend-
itures of approximately $1200 for implementation of the recommendations
be approved.
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December 10, 1979
Councilman Crocker said the Mayor and staff should be thanked
for the time spent on the project; Councilman Pernell said the most
dangerous conditions should be taken care of first, and he asked
that a timetable for completion be presented to the Council. A
motion to approve the necessary expenditure was made by Councilman
Heinsheimer, seconded by Councilman Crocker and carried by the fol-
lowing roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Crocker, Heinsheimer,.Pernell, Rose
Mayor Swanson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTIONS FOR MUNICIPAL ELECTION 90
Mrs. Clifton reported that at a recent seminar on the approaching
municipal election conducted.:'for City Clerks by the election supplier
sample resolutions required for the Municipal Election to be held on
Tuesday, April 8, 1979 were provided, with a time table for adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. 424
Councilman Crocker moved that Resolution No. 424 entitled A RESO-
LUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO
RENDER SPECIFIED SERVICES TO SAID CITY RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF A
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN SAID CITY ON TUESDAY, APRIL 8,
1980 be introduced, and that reading in full be waived. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Heinsheimer and carried by the following roll
call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Crocker, Heinsheimer, Pernell, Rose
. Mayor Swanson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION NO. 425
Councilman Crocker moved that Resolution No. 425 entitled A RESO-
LUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO
MATERIALS SUBMITTED TO THE ELECTORATE AND THE COSTS THEREOF FOR THE
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN SAID CITY ON TUESDAY, APRIL 8,
1980 be introduced, and that reading in full be waived. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Heinsheimer and carried by the following roll
call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Crocker, Heinsheimer, Pernell, Rose
Mayor Swanson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PROPOSED RESOLUTION RELATING TO GENERAL LAW CITIES
The Manager presented two versions of a resolution calling and
giving notice of the holding of a general municipal election for the
election of certain officers as required by laws relating to General
Law Cities, and she explained that there is a provision in one version
of the resolution for submission of a question on the ballot relating
to an advisory proposition on distribution of State sales tax revenue.
Mrs. Clifton explained that the measure, if placed on the ballot, would
be to determine whether to request the allotment of a portion of the
State sales tax to cities be increased from 1� to 2¢.
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December 10, 1979
Mayor Swanson moved that the City Council approve the version of
the resolution which submits the question relating to an advisory prop-
osition on distribution of State sales tax revenue to the qualified
electors of the City. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rose for
purposes of discussion and failed to carry on the following roll call
vote:
AYES: Councilman Rose, Mayor Swanson
NOES: Councilmen Crocker, Heinsheimer, Pernell
ABSENT: None
The Manager was requested to present the version of the resolu-
tion without provisions for any measures, also amended to eliminate
provisions for election of City Clerk or City Treasurer, for adoption
by the City Council at the meeting on January 14.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION 158
In a memorandum to the City Council Planning Commission Chairman
co Murdock advised that members of the Planning Commission wished to meet
0 with the.City Council as soon as possible to discuss matters of mutual
Q interest and concern..
Q Following discussion the Council agreed to schedule the joint
Q meeting at.8:30 P.M. Monday, January 28, 1980, the second January
meeting date for the Council, and they directed that the Planning
Commission be advised.
PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT, COUNCILMAN ROSE 182
Councilman Rose advised the Council that he has been appointed
to the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
by President Carter, and he thanked the Council for their support in
seeking the appointment. Members of the Council congratulated Council-
man Rose.
PERSONNEL SESSION 210
The meeting was adjourned to a Personnel Session at 10:05 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was reconvened at 11:00 P.M. and Mayor Swanson said
the Council discussed compensation for the City Manager and asked Mrs.
Clifton to present a recommendation on the matter at the next meeting.
The separation of the City and Community Association, and maintaining
liaison between the City Council and the Board of Directors through a
committee consisting ofmembers of both bodies were discussed. Mayor
Swanson adjourned the meeting at 11:10 P.M.
APPROVED*
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