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10/25/1982 ��� - 2'IINUiES OF A �GULAR 1`1EEiING OF THE CIiY COiJNCIL. CIiY OF ROLT�IPdG HILLS, CALIFOR:JIA October 25, 1932 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, P�olling Hills, California by rZayor Pernell: at 7:30 P.P�'!. P�onday, October 25, 1932. ROLL CALL PRESENi: Councilmembers Leeuwenburgh, P�urdock, Swanson Mayor Pernell Councilman Heinsheir.ier arrived at 7 : ,40 p.tq. ABSETdT: PZone AL50 PP•ESEi11: Ron Smith City Manager June Cunningham Deputy City Clerk R. Bolton South Bay Engineering Corp, _ D. 27cHattie� South Bay Engineering Corp� D. 0'Leary Lowry and Associates D. Phinney Lowry and Associates F. Politeo Architect A. Silva Attorney Dr. & t�Zrs. M. Giaconi Residents Dr. R. Hoffman Resident � Mr. & Mrs. W. King Residents P�'Irs. C. MacNaughton Resident 1`irs. G. Sollima Resident , Mrs. P�4. Wagner Res ident t'irs . E. Warmbier Resident Dr. R. Ullrich Resident L. De Courtright City Treasurer APPROVAL OF Z4INUTES 1060 The minutes of the meeting of October 11, 1982 were approved and accepted on a motion made by Councilwoman Murdock, seconded by Council- woman Leeuwenburgh and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Leeuwenburgh, P�urdock, Swanson PZayor Pernell P10�S e None ABSENT: Councilman Heinsheimer PAYMEYJT OF BILLS Councilwoman Psurdock moved that Demands Tdo. 10751 through 10765; 10767; 10769 through 10772, and 10774 in the amount of $14, 279.04 be approved for gayment from the General Fund; that Demand No. 10773 in the amount of $98.92 be approved for nay�ent from the Transportation Fund; that Demand t1o. 10775 in the anount of $704.00 be approved for payment from the Fire and Flood Self Insurance Fund, and that Demands No. 10766 and 10768 be voided. �he notion was seconded by Councilman Heinsheimer and carried by the following roll call vote: AYESa Councilmembers Heinsheimer, . Leeuwenburgh,� PZurdock, Swanson, Mayor Pernell NOES: None AB5ENT: None FINANCIAI, SiATET�NT . � The P4onthly Financial Statement was presented by the City r4anager. Mr, Smith noted thaz it was also the statement for the first quarter of the Fiscal Year. On the recommendation of the City Treasurer the Financial Statement was approved and accepted. � 2�9 October 25, 1982 DR. MIP.KO GIACONI, 92 SADDLEBACK ROAD, ZOTdING CASE N0. 278 1115 Mayor Pernell opened discussion of an appeal filed by Dr, and Mrs . r7irko Giaconi, 92 Saddleback Road in the decision of the Plan- ning Commission on August 17, 1982 denying a Variance and Conditional Use Permit for construction of a tennis court in the front yard of Lot 73B-P.H. The PTayor said the Public Hearing was closed and tlie matter was held on the agenda so r.►embers of the Council could visit the property. � Councilwoman Swanson said that some circumstances permit excep- tions , but when she visited the property it was her opinion that the pxoposed court would be too close to the street in spite of attempts to screen .it from. view, and it was her feeling that :approval would. establish a precedent. Councilwor.�an Leeuwenburgh said a north/south orientation is preferable for a tennis court, and it was her opinion that if the position and/or location of the propos=ed swir:lming pool was changed, the tennis court could be constructed in a different . � location than proposed. Counciltvoman Plurdock said the pro:posed tennis caurt does not. meet the standards required for a variance. � Councilman Heinsheimer said he has read the minutes , but would not 0 cor.iment, since he was not present during the pr.esentation and dis- _ � cussion. � I4r. Alban Silva advised the Council that he is an attorney m representino the Giaconis, and he asked that the hearing be reopened Q for additional testimony. *Zay.or Pernell said that to do so would require additional public notice, �vith additional charges paid by the applicant, jJith the concurrence of the Council the Mayor set � the public hearing for �Psonday, Ilover.it�er 22, . 1982 at 8 :�Q F.M. .. .. SEtiJER STUDY P.EPORTS 1210 Councilwor_ian S��anson, Chair�an of the Sewer Study Committee, reported that the amendment to the report prepared by Lowry and � - Associates has been sub�itted to the Council, and that a proposal , for a gravity flow sewer system has been submitted by South Bay Engineering Corporation. Representatives of both organizations were present at the meeting to discuss the proposals and ans�aer questions . Councilwor.lan Swanson said the addendum to the Lowry report was prepared at no additional cost, since the City had paid $6,000 for the initial study and had requested additional infor�- ation, particularly. with regard to .alternative methods of sewage disposal, and compliance with County Sanitation District r.equirements . She said the committee was contacted by South Bay Enginering Corpor- �= ation, who had developed the gravity flow sewer systems for the cities of Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills �states, Her�osa Beach and other cornmunities, and they agreed to share their expertise by providing a study of Rolling Hills at no cost. Councilwoman Swanson said that when the com�►ittee met with with representatives of South Bay Engineering they learned that a gravity flow system would require deeper trenching than the low pressure system proposed by Lowry, and she said the committee considers this a vital issue because of the geological problems in the area being considered for sewers . Councilwoman Swanson said that after a presentation by the representatives she wished to discuss the conclusions of the commit- tee with the Council. Councilman Heinsheimer said that rather than consider the technical aspects, he thought the .Council should focus attention on what problems would be solved by. installation of sewers and how it would be paid for. Councilwoman Swanson sai.d the Council authorized the study by Lowry and Associates , and South Bay �ngineer- ing Corporation offered to make a study; it is the Cor_mmittee's intent to provide the information, rather than make a decision at this time. Council�aoman Swanson then asked that the representatives of Lowry and Associates be permitted to make a presentation which would be an expansion of information contained in their original re�ort. P�r. Dennis 0'Leary advised the Council that he is one of the principals of Lowry and Associates located in Irvine, California, and he is present with r4r. Dennis Phinney, who is the author of the �; report and the addendum, and the engineer in charge of the study. -2- ��� October 25, 1982 Mr. 0'Leary presente� maps which show the homes intended to be served by the proposed low pressure sewer system in the Flying Tria�gle, and he said the area to be served could be expanded to include homes on Crest Road above the Flying Triangle, and could handle approximately forty more homes than �vere included in the study. Mr. 0'Leary said that the study was prepared in response to a request by Dr. Richard Hoff�an, 73 Portuguese Bend Road, for a system which would be suit- � able for the area at the most economical price possible, and the study addresses a modified pressure system using small pipes close to the surface which can be readily repaired in the event of earth movement which could damage the installation. The City Manager posted the maps presented by tZr. 0'Leary. Mayor Pernell asked Mr. 0'Leary to address the concerns of the County Sanitation District. P�r. 0'Leary said the Sanitation District is accustomed to gravity sewers buried at conventional depths, with manholes and clay pipe; another concern is the sulfide concentration limitation, which has been addressed in the addendum to the report. Mr. 0'Leary said the system proposed by Lowry will perform the job just as adequately as a gravity system, at less cost. He said the original proposal and the addendum were pre- pared in conformance with Dr. Hoffman' s request for a system which would be as safe and reliable as a conventional sewer system, while keeping the costs as low as possible. r�r. 0'Leary asked Mr. Dennis Phinney to indicate on the maps where the lines would be installed. P•ir. Phinney said it has been calculated that a gravity system would cost approximately $240,000 mor.e than a pressure pipe system, which is approxi�ately $6,000 more per home, based on the number of homes included in the study. Mr. Phinney said there are seven homes in the area studied which could not be served effectively by a��.con- ventional gravity lateral, and to avoid deep trenching in the geolo- �. gically sensitive area, it has been recommended that those homes be pumped to minimize the geological risk, either by individual pumps on the homes, or by a central pumping station. P1r. Phinney said this .syste�, including construction, legal and administrative costs, fees pertaining to an assessment district, would cost apgroximately $560,000. On another map Mr. Phinney showed the proposed installa- tion of a proposed pressure sewer system, using smaller pipeline which could be installed more economically than the 6" or 8" gipe in a three foot trench, at a total cost of approximately $320,000, including assessment district formation and other costs associa ted with the job. Councilwoman r�urdock asked whether the County would . service a 4" pipe system. Mr. Phinney said he would recommend hiring a private plumber to service such a system. Mayor Pernell said he understood the question to mean acceptance by the County of effluent using such a system, and it is his understanding that .the main prob- lem with the County is meeting an acceptable sulfide concentration level. �r. Phinney said Lowry is attempting to work with the County on the sulfide standard, and he said the standard under discussion is an industrial standard, and he explained that the sulfides are � generated as the waste beeomes septic, and could result in any system if it remains in the system long enough to become septic.. Mr. 0'Leary said the standard specified by the County is very rigid, and he said he would question whether the Sanitation District meets the standard at their own pumping stations when decomposition occurs and sulfides are formed. P�r. 0'Leary said that homes with individual pumps would be adapted to a flushing system for off-flow times such as nighttime, so the system would be cleared occasionally to keep the sulfide levels do�ano Councilwoman Murdock asked whether the flush would be audible, and Mr. 0'Leary said the pump would be in a pit outside of the house; �e said it could be compared to a swimming pool pump. Mr. Courtright asked how many homes the system is designed to serve using the costs quoted. Mr. Phinney said there are forty lots in the .Flying Triangle with thirty five homes ; it is anticipated that those homes would be serviced, and there is capacity in the proposed system to handle the homes on Cinchring Road and on Southfield, if those areas wish to be connec�ed. Mr. Phinney said the initial cost includes cost of con- struction other than hook-up of the homes to the system. �ro Court- right said the committee should consider the cost per home for the initial system, also the cost per home for future hook-up to the system. Mr. Phinney said the proposed system could handle eighty homes. -3- . _ 4,� 291 Octob�r 25, 1982 Councilwoman Swanson said both the report and the addendum mention continuing maintenance of the system, and she asked that Mr, Phinney advise the cost of maintenance. Mr. Phinney said there would be a monthly cost for electricity to operate the pumps, which would be a cost to the individual home owner. r4r. Phinney said it is not possible to predict the cost of maintenance; however, it appears that the problems ; •if any, are minor during the first fi.ve years ; after that time it may be necessary to cio_ a major overhaul� �f pumps . Mr. 0'Leary said maintenance of a pressure systeri is more costly than �aintenance of piPes iri .a gravi�� system. _ P�ayor Pernell thanked PZr. 0'Leary and IZr. Phinney for their presentation. Council- woman Swanson aslced that the record show that the presentation was made for the City of Rolling ��ills , and not at the request of the Flying Triangle Homeowners ' Conmittee.. , P�ayor Pernell asked t�r. Douglas P�cHattie and P4r. Ross Bolton of South Bay Engineering Corporation to address the Council .on a proposal for a gravity system. Mr. McHattie said a need for a sewer systers in Rolling Hills has been established '. b;� the County � Geologist, who stated that a sewer system should be installed in � the entire Flying lriangle to eliminate the daily introducti.oiz of se�aage effluent into the active and ancient slide mass and �o help � the stability of the area from potential deterioration. r�r. P4c- m Hattie said he had discussed �ahether the depth of the trenches would m be significant, and in talking with the County Geologists they said Q it would not, that the difference in a 2, 4, 8 or 10 foot trench cvould not make any difference geologically, He said the only �iiffer- ence is that a trench over 6 feet in depth requires shoring to meet OSHA standards during the construction period. Mr. Mc�Iattie said South Bay has tried to include all costs , including survey, construc- tion, writing easements and cost of naterials in their proposal. He said he has discussed easements with the Association attorney, and � Mr. Kinley feeTs that special easements will have to be written for the purpose of carrying sewage, even thou�h they �o through an ease- - mente�d: area, since the existing easements are pertinent easenents , and are for general use� In response to t�ayor Pernell's question about whether these would be voluntary easements, Mr. Bolton said there could be a problem if an individual property owner refused to grant an ease�ent, but this would be true in any system where ease- ments are required. He said the success of the entire process will depend on cooperation of the homeowners involved. PSr. r7cHattie said an easement would have to be granted by Palos Verdes Properties , owners of the property south of the City, for. the sewer lines� .to . reach an existing sewer in Rancho Palos Verdes , and the plans have • been presented .to Palos Verdes Properties for review. The City . Manager said Palos Verdes Properties has a tentative subdivision_ in that area and it is possible that an agreement could be reached for permitting the laterals for that development _ to tie into the eight inch line proposed to go through to the sewer .in.'Rancho Palos. Verdes. : - P�r. Bolton said County requirements mus.t be met, and in dis- cussing the matter with .County Sanitation District representatives , they understand that this is not a typical installation for a sub- division with rigid requirements, and the County has indicated that , they can be less adament with their requirements by reducing, where possihle, the depths of trenches whicYi would conflict �aith other utilities . Mr. Bolton said the pressure sewer system requires a smaller diameter pipe, which initially is rnore economical to install, but there is adequate fall in the area being considered for a gravity systenl, for which the County requires 8" pipe, and they would pre- fer that it be buried below water lines , at a depth of six feet if possible. PZr. Bolton said water lines are traditionally installed at five feet, and there could be a potential health problem if the sewer lines were at four feet, over the water lines . Mr. Bolton said that traditionally, from a civil engineering standpoint, a pressure system is avoided if possible, but in the City of Palos Verdes �states for which South Bay Engineering serves as City En- gineer, some individual homes have pressure systems , and there are problems with odors in the area of those installations. The City Treasurer said the estimated cost by South Bay was $547,400 for 31 houses, and he asked what the capacity of the proposed system -4- ��2 . - October 25, 1982 would be. Mr. Bolton said it could handle at least 30 houses, and perhaps more. He said that in addition to the residences in the Flying Triangle, there will be approximately 50 in the subdivision in Rancho Palos Verdes which the City Manager referred to. Mayor Pernell said there is an estimate of 5500 per house hook-up charge. Mr. Bolton said that has been included to cover instances where a special circumstance such as location of a patio or an existing septic tank would require modification of the hook-up. The Mayor asked whether the $250 charge by the Sanitation District for hook- up to the system �vas included in the estimate, and iZr. McHattie said it was ; further, he explained that the $250 per house does not apply to houses more than 12 years old, and charges for older houses are on a pro rata basiso Councilwoman Swanson asked that Mr. Bolton �ake a. statement for the record about whether any of the pipes would be above ground. Mr. Bolton said that it is pos- sible that in crucial areas of the landslide laterals may be above ground, and in that case he would recommend that they be placed in a pit. He said installation would depend on the amount of movement in the area, and if the pipes were placed in a pit they would not really be above ground. Councilwoman Swanson asked whether the estimated cost could be reduced. The City P7anager said South Bay has estimated $547,400, and Lowry has estiMated $563,000 for total construction of a gravity system; he said the two figures are fairly close. Couneilwoman Swanson said Lowry had estimated $395,000 for a conventional system. Mr. Smith said that figure was for construction only. Mr., McHattie said costs which are necessary to the project were not included in the Lowry estimate, but had been included by South Bay, and their proposal and cost estimate was reviewed by a contractor, who �.agreed with the figure. Dr. �Hoffman said the proposal made by South Bay Engineering seems to present the least complicated and most feasible solution to sewers, and he said he thought the homes on Crest Road above the slide area should be included in the study. Mr, Bolton said there was a limited amount of time in �ahich to do the study;. � and prepare the report within the tims constraints ; it could be expanded as required, if .requested by the Council. Mayor Pernell thanked PZr. t�cHattie and �r. Bolton for their presentation. . Councilwoman Swanson advised the Council that the Sewer Study Committee met prior to the Council meeting to review and discuss the two proposals, and she said the questions asked at the Council meeting reflect some of the Committee' s concerns, which include compliance with County standards, specifically with regard to odor caused by generation of sulfides, impact on geology in the area by � trenching, possible expansion of the proposed system, and the con- ditions proposed by Palos Verdes Properties. It was the consensus . of the Committee that after the presentation to the Council the costs should be turned over to the staff for study and development of a plan for financing. Councilwoman Swanson said that the City Attorney will be represented at the next Council meeting by a member of his firm who will advise the Council on methods of financing, Mayor Pernell agreed that Councilman Heinsheimer's concern expressed earlier in the meeting about how to finance a sewer system should be addressed, and he suggested that the information be turned over to the City Manager for an evaluation, based on his experience in planning and engineering, r2r. Smith said the key issue now is cost and how it can be financed, also acceptability to residents in the Flying Triangle area of the financial burden to achieve sewers. The Mayor said he considers the pressure system attractive, but untested locally, and he asked the City Manager to evaluate the reports for the Council. Councilman Heinsheimer said it appears that both systems are fundamentally feasible and he said there seem to be answers to each of the concerns expressed. He suggested that the Council focus on the basic questions , including questions raised by Dr. Hoffman about properties above the actual landslide that nay be contributing to the problem, and whether they should be included in the projec�, and whether the people who are considered to be within the defined area are willing to participate. Further, Councilman Heinsheimer said the Council should determine the relationship, from a legal and technical aspect, of the sewer project with any mitigation of -5- . . . . �� ... FA ' . � � . .. .. . - - . r L��;1 ; . •' _ , �.,;.-„.. . .:. , _ _ . ' . � . . - . .. , . . ... � . ? �� .. �. . . . , . . ' .. . ' � . � ' Y' 293 October 25, 1982 the active slide, since both are major. projects , and are separate from the question of whether to proceed with a pressure or gravity system. Dr. Hoffman said the sewer system and landslide control are intimately connected and he considers them inseparable, and he said it is appropriate to investigate both sewer systems , then investigate financing possibilities . He said it is his opinion that residents above and on the perimeter of the Flying Triangle should be given an opportunity to participate in a sewer district � and he urged that the City continue to work on developing a method for controlling the slide and pursue financing for a sewer system, so the complete picture can be presented to the affected residents . Councilwoman Swanson said the Committee had asked the City Manager, as a member of the Committee, to investigate financing and make a report to the Council on November 8, the next regular Council meeting. The City Treasurer said a determination should be made if possible as � to how many homes will be included initially, the fixed cost for the installation should be developed, and the engineer should be asked to advise the incremental cost of adding houses to the system. P4r. Courtright said the financing methods will not change, but the number � of houses served by the system will impact the individual costs. O Councilman Heinsheimer said the Committee should try to determine what conditions Palos Verdes Properties intends to impose in return � for grant of easement, since that could impact the Council's decision m about cahether it is possible to continue to consider the project. � rlayor Pernell ordered the matter held for additional discussion at Q the next Council. meeting. � OPEN AGENDA 2028 WILLIAM KING, 92 CP.EST ROAD EAST RE: ANTENNA TOWER DECISION I�Ir. William King inquired about the status of the appeal heard by the Council on August 9, 1982. Mayor PernelT said there have been meetings ainong the parties involved, and the Council has been kepti advised. ..Mr. King said he is willing to meet with any of the parties at any time to try to work .something out, but it is his opinion that the matter is not close to resolution. Mayor Pernell said he will discuss the matter with the _President of the Board of Directors of the � Rolling Hills Community Association. MATTERS FROM THE COUNCIL 2053 RE-NUMBERING, PINE TREE LANE The Manager reported that Dr. Reinhold Ullrich, 5 Pine Tree Lane, had to leave the meeting, but he requested that he be advised if the Council reconsiders the numbering of Pine Tree Lane. Mayor PerneTl said Pine Tree Lane was renumbered after public hearings were held, and the new numbering system will become effective on November 1, 1982. , � RESIGNATION FROM PLANNING COMMISSION 2102 Mayor Pernell read into the record a letter from Mrs.. Carol Hanscom, submitting her resignation from the Planning Comm'ission because of personal commitments and a desire to pursue othe.r interests. Councilwoman Murdock moved that the resignation be accepted, and that an appropriate plaque and letter of appreciation be prepared for presentation to Mrs. Hanscom. The motion was second- ed by Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh and carried unanimously. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS 2118 � Mayor Pernell said he had. asked the City Manager to research the procedure for making appointments and he asked Mr. Smith to address the Council. Nfr. Smith said a procedure �aas initiated sev- eral years ago by which appointments would be made for staggered terms, but after the initial appointments no new appointments were made, and the terms of all but one of the Planning Commissioners have expired. The City Manager was requested to prepare an ordi- nance specifying the terms of office for consideration a.t the next , meeting. -6- �,�;_. "s� a,'�`t� ��4 - October 25, 1982 MATTERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 2165 RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION - � The Manager reported that at the request of Councilwoman Swanson a sample resolution of appreciation had been prepared for approval. Councilwoman Swanson said she ��ould work with staff on the matter. ELECTION .AT CITY HALL Mr. Smith said the City Hall would be used as a polling place on Election Day, November 2, 198�2. PAVING AT IPdTERSECTI011 2190 The City P�anager reported that he is attempting to get a firm date on the paving of the intersection of Palos Verdes Drive North and Portuguese Bend Road, but has not yet received the information. P�Iayor Pernell said he had discussed the matter with P�ayor Schwarz- mann of Rolling Hills Estates . CHANGE OF PNNICIPAL ELECTIOid DATE 2193 The City P�ianager reported that at the request of the City Council a surve,� is being conducted among residents in an effort to determine . whether the date of the P�unicipal Election should be changed from April of even numbered years to November of odd numbered years to coincide with School District elections .. To do so would require the extension of present terms of office by seventeen raonths . P4r. Smith saici that a new law has been passed whicli limits the extension of office to ten months, so in order to change the election date if it is the wish of the Council to do so, an ordinance would have to be introduced at the next Council meetin� and ado�ted at the tollowing meeting in order to be effective by January 1, 1983, the date speci- fied in the new legislation. The Manager reported that a number of questionriaires have been returned, and present figures indicate that of those who have replied 86 voters are in favor of the consolidation and 41 are opposed. Councilwoman Leeuraenburgh reported that a number of residents have indicated that they e�ere reluctant to return the questionnaire, since their address was printed on the oPposite side, and theJ would prefer a secret balTot. Mayor Pernell said the mailing was intended to serve as a public hearing,. and he asked that the mat- ter be placed on the next regular agenda of the City Council. PARTIES IN COl�NNITY 2220 The City .Zanagcr reported that there were conplaints of vandalism in connection with a large party in the community during the past week- end, and b�ecause several parties are scheduled for the coming weekend in addition to Hallo�ve'en, two uniformed security guards employed b y t�ie Rolling Hills Community Association �aill be on duty driving through the C.ity during tfie ��eekend, r�r. Smith said the Association PZanager has asked that the �heriff be advised of the situation because of the large number of teenagers involved, and the vandalism that has resulted. SUP.PLUS PP.OPERTY, SALE OF TRUCK 2227 The PZanager reported that six bids �aere received for the 1966 Chevy truck which was advertised as surplus property, and it was sold to the hi�hest bidder for $8�0 and title has been transferred. I�IAILING BY ROLLING HILLS �JOT1E?1'S CLUB 2229 ihe P7anager reported that a recent mailing on emergency pre- paredness sent to all residents by the Women's Community Club of Rolling Hills �vas done completely by volunteers of that organization, without staff time. Mayor Pernell said he �aould write a letter to the club president on behalf of the City Council expressing appreci- ation for the effort. CLOSED SESSIOid 2248 Mayor Pernell recessed the meeting to a closed session at 9:45 PM. . ��� . . . .. ..' sr ��� �,,�s s.c ; mv�Sli , ,,., �.,;. . r�,.�;"' , ., °� ., .: . :' , „,, , . , _ _ . . _ ...:.... ...... . . _ ._.. ... . .�. .. . , . .. ,n� I, .. G- " � � 29 � October 25, 1982 The meeting was reconvened; and i�ayor Pernell reported that in the closed session personnel relationships were discussed.. ADJOUItP1?'TENT � There beirig no further business to come before the Council, P'fayor Pernell adjourned the meetin� at 10: 30 P.M. to reconvene on Monday, I�tover�ber 8, 1982 at 7:30 P.PZ. . � � ' . City C er � APPROVED: � � 0 � �. � � m m � Mayor t-� . 3 . _ � , s ' � ..., ' � . . . 4 . . �� . . r. � . ' , ^�� , � � . . . ' .. � � ' . � .. � .. �. . '"=;��,;'