4/25/1983364
MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
April 25, 1983
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 Murdock at 7:30 P.M. Monday,
April 25, 1983.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Perriell,
Swanson, Mayor Murdock
ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None
Ronald L. Smith
L. D. Courtright
June Cunningham
Robert Baird
Marvin Galyan
K. S. Avera
Douglas McHattie
Mrs. G. Becker
Mr. & Mrs. B. Cutler
Mrs. E. Lohn
Dr. & Mrs. R. Norcross
Mrs. M. Weinstein
1725
City Manager
City Treasurer
Deputy City Clerk
General Telephone Co.
General Telephone Co.
Southern California Edison
South Bay Engineering Corp.
Residents
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh asked that the minutes of the meeting on
April 11, 1983 be amended to state thatprior to adoption of anew con-
tract for animal care and control services by the Southern California
Humane Society she and the City Manager visited both the Humane Society
and the County Animal Control Department to inspect the facilities. The
minutes of the meeting of April 11, 1983 were approved and accepted as
amended on a"motion made by Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh, seconded by
Councilman Heinsheimer and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell,
Swanson, Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Councilwoman Swanson moved that Demands No. 11083 through 11102 in
the amount of $24,537.80 be approved for payment from the General Fund.
The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh and carried by the
following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell,
Swanson, Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The Financial Statement for March 1983 was presented for review.
The City Treasurer noted that on page 6 the budgeted allocation for
the Fire and Flood Self Insurance Fund was $10,000 and expenses to date
total $14,169. It was the Treasurer's recommendation that the budget
for the fund be increased to $15,000. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh moved
that the fund be increased to $15,000 as recommended by the City Treas-
urer. The motion was seconded by Councilman Heinsheimer and carried by
the following roll call vote:
April 25, 1983
365
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The Financial Statement for March 1983 was approved and accepted as
presented on a motion made by Councilwoman Swanson, seconded by Council-
man Pernell and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT:. None
PUBLIC HEARING, PROPOSED UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO.. 2 1850
Mayor Murdock opened a public hearing to consider an underground
0 utility district for a portion of Middleridge Lane South, including
residences numbered.9, 11 and 17, and the frontage of .properties known
as 8 and 10 Middleridge Lane South. The City Manager displayed a map
m of the proposed district, and advised that the utility companies,
m General Telephone Company of California and Southern California Edison,
Q have been contacted about use of funds which have been allocated to the
City for undergrounding pur .ses. Mr. Smith said the estimated cost.to
underground three poles is 42,500, and he explained that.the allocation
from Edison to the City through 1984 is approximately $25,000; the funds
available from General Telephone total $9.,000, leaving a short fall of
$8,500 which the Community Association has agreed to fund. The Manager
explained that the Association plans to resurface Middleridge Lane, and
wishes to haveas much of the preliminary work in connection with under -
grounding utilities completed before the paving is done, to result in a
minimum disruption.of the paving when the project is completed. Corres-
pondence between the utility companies and the'City, excerpts from the
Municipal Code relative to undergrounding and correspondence from resi-
dents was also provided for:the Council. The Manager described the
boundaries of the proposed district, and said the only cost to residents
within the district would be the cost of undergrounding an overhead
telephone line to the.residence of Dr. Norcross, since all utilities to.
the .remaining homes are underground between the poles and residences;
Mr. Smith said Dr. Norcross has been made aware of the obligation. Mr.
Smith said Underground Utility District No. 1, using the allocated funds
from the utility companies, was put in several years ago in the vicinity
of Portuguese Bend Road and Upper Blackwater Canyon Road. No funds have
been used in the eight years since the first district was established,
and at present the City of Rolling Hills has accumulated approximately
$22,500 in funding, and at the.end of 1984 the total will be $25,000.
The Manager presented a proposed ordinance establishing an underground
utility district for a portion of Middleridge Lane South,.and he reviewed
the findings in the proposed ordinance, which are necessary to the action
of establishing a district.
Mayor Murdock opened the hearing to discussion. Mr. Stuart Avera
of Southern California Edison Company said there were two poles on Lot 10
which will not be removed, and he recommended that the map be revised to
eliminate that portion of Lot 10 which will not be in the proposed dis-
trict. The Manager displayed the map of the district, which does not
include those two poles, and in response to a question by Councilman
Pernell about why the.two poles were not included in the proposed dis-
trict, the Manager explained that there is not sufficient funding to
include their removal,. and further, they do not meet the criteria which
is established in the findings set forth in the proposed ordinance.
Also, he said the poles serve residences which do not have underground
utilities between the homes and the poles, and the cost of that portion
of undergrounding would have to be borne by the owners of those homes.
Mr. Marvin Galyan, Division Manager for General Telephone Company, said
he wished to state for the record that his company is willing to parti-
cipate with Southern California Edison Company in funding the project.
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April 25, 1983
Mr. Burt Cutler, 10 Middleridge Lane South, asked whether there was
an investigation into why the cost had escalated so rapidly from the 1981
estimate of $22,820. The Manager explained that the original estimate
was a rough estimate only; the figures being used now are absolute. Mr.
Avera said the cost of trenching and labor costs have escalated drama-
tically since the original estimate and he said it is possible to give
a good estimate on the cost of materials, but not the cost of labor.
Councilwoman Swanson said she wished to state for the record that she
wished to ask that Southern California Edison use all available means
to stay within the estimates and not have to draw on future allocations
to the City. Mr. Avera said that would be done.
The Manager said the Community Association is anxious to proceed
with the paving on Middleridge Lane, which is in tenuous condition
following the prolonged winter rains, and the Los Angeles County Sher-
iff has expressed a concern about the location of a pole immediately
adjacent to the paved portion of the road, which creates a traffic
safety hazard and should be removed; Mr. Smith said that in the event
undergrounding cannot be effected in time for the road paving project
the pole will have to be moved temporarily to remove it from the road.
Councilman Pernell asked Mr. Avera to advise the Council of the
proposed time schedule. Mr. Avera said it appears the completion date
for preliminary plans for design would be about July 10; approval by
Engineering Division about August 1; development of General Telephone
plans in coordination with Edison and ready for bid by October 1; and
if bids are awarded by November 1 construction could start about the
15th of November. Mr. Avera said the time could be shortened by elim-
inating the bid procedure and place it on a firm contract or cost plus
basis He said this is for placement of the sub -structures only; no
cabling would be done until the first quarter of 1984, and since the
underground installation must be energized before overhead service can
be terminated, Mr. Avera said it would not be -possible to meet the time
limit for paving the road. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh asked how much
time could be saved by eliminating the bidding process; Mr. Avera
said about six weeks. He said construction could be completed by mid
October, which would permit time for paving the road before the next
rainy season. The City Manager said paving the road is under the
jurisdiction of the Community Association, and it is his understanding
that their plan is to pave the roadway in the immediate future, within
the next sixty days. Mr. Avera said it would not be possible for Edi-
son to meet that schedule, since planning time is not available before
July. He said the time needed for the work is not extensive, but it is
a matter of scheduling.
Mrs. Gerry Becker, 5 Middleridge Lane, said there are three poles
on her property; two in front and one closer to the house; she asked
that the City consider including removal of those poles as part of
the project. Mrs. Becker said the pole is unsightly, is in the way of
the trail and parking areas, and there is a.disruption of power in the
area which she thought could be eliminated if utilities were underground.
Councilwoman Swanson asked Mrs.; Becker if she would be willing to pay
for the underground and she said she does not wish to, and has no idea
what the cost would be, but she considers the poles a hazard to the
people who use the street. Mrs. Becker asked Mr. Avera if there is
less disruption of service in underground installations. Mr. Avera
said there is, if all installations are underground, but in cases
where an underground installation rises to meet an overhead install
ation, the entire installation is.affected by any disruption to the
overhead portion. and it was his opinion that service in the Middle -
ridge area would not necessarily be improved by expansion of the under-
ground installation, since there are problems in the lines before they
reach the area of service. Mrs. Becker said she would be willing to
have the pole near her home remain, but she asked that the City con-
sider removing the two poles on her property which are near the road.
She asked that costs for undergrounding the poles be determined. Mr. -
Avera said he would look at the poles, but he advised that the City
does not have allocated funds available for their removal, and the
cost would have to be paid by the City or the affected resident. The
Mayor said it is her understanding the the use of the allocated funds
is controlled by tariff rules, and removal of poles must be done in a
way to serve the public interest. The Manager said approximately
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April 25, 1983
367
$3500 is allocated to the City each year for pole removal; however he
said residents can form a utility district if they wish to have poles
on private properties removed. Councilman Heinsheimer said it costs
approximately $10,000 to remove one pole, so as a rule of thumb suf-
ficient funds are accrued every three yeast to remove one pole, and
by accruing funds over several years the Council can form districts
for pole removal, with the intention of eventually undergrounding the
entire City. Commissioner Swanson said that at one time the City had
a fund for assisting residents who wished to pay the largest portion
of the cost of undergrounding individual poles; however, as the finan-
cial picture changed the fund was eliminated.
Mrs. Mary Weinstein, 17 Middleridge Lane South, said her husband
had written a letter stating that he would.not be responsible for any
liability resulting from the unsafe location of a pole in the roadway
in front of the Weinstein residence, and she asked what will be done
about the pole in the, interim period. The Manager said that since
the Sheriff has notified the City in writing that the pole is a
potential hazard something must be done from a traffic safety aspect.
Mr. Avera said he would meet with the City Manager to discuss the
00 matter. Mayor Murdock thereafter closed the public hearing.
O
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 2125
m Councilman Pernell moved that a proposed ordinance entitled AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTABLISH-
ING AN UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 2 FOR A PORTION OF PROPERTIES
ADJOINING MIDDLERIDGE LANE SOUTH be introduced, and that reading in
full be waived. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh
and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Pernell said he wished to thank the representatives of.the
utility companies for their effort in working with the City to develop
the proposed underground district. Mayor Murdock ordered the matter
held for additional.discussion and adoption of the ordinance at the
next Council meeting.
OPEN AGENDA
Mr. Avera was invited to address the Council on interruptions in
service, and what can be done to reduce or eliminate them. Mr. Avera
said the single largest factor is tree trimming and he emphasized the
need for property owners to permit radical tree trimming near high
voltage lines, in spite of the unfavorable esthetic impact on trees.
Further Mr. Avera said there is protective equipment on lines that
activate under certain weather conditions, especially in high fire
areas that cause interruptions in service, and must be reported by
consumers. Finally, he said it is difficult in emergency situations
to communicate with utility companies, and he said telephone trunk
lines have been increased by 50%, but in severe weather conditions
telephone communication cannot always be relied on.. Mrs. Becker
asked whether underground installations are more problem free in bad
weather, and Mr. Avera said they suffer different kinds of damage,
mostly from innundation; and when underground installations rise to
overhead installation they are subject to the same problems as the
overhead lines. Mayor Murdock thanked Mr. Avera for his comments and
said information about the need for tree trimming to keep utility lines
clear will be put in the Newsletter.
SEWER STUDY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 2267
Councilwoman Swanson, Chairwoman of the Sewer Study Committee,
said a recommendation has been made in a memorandum report regarding
selection of a financial underwriting firm for sanitary sewers south-
erly of Crest Road, and she wished the report to be made part of the
record. Chairwoman Swanson said Merrill Lynch has been recommended
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April 25, 1983
as underwriter, and Mr. John Fitzgerald of that firm has been notified.
Chairwoman Swanson said 84 letters were sent to residents and owners
of property in the area under consideration, and to date three posi-
tive responses have been received, and copies of all letters have been
given to the Council. She said, further, that Larry Courtright, City
Treasurer, has been of great help as a volunteer member of the Com-
mittee, and she thanked him.
Mr. Courtright said the sole purpose of an assessment district is
to provide a method for financing an improvement, and he said the
sewer committee interviewed a banker who suggested other possible means
to provide the necessary funds, and methods including tax exempt bank
financing were considered, in addition to an assessment district. Mr.
Courtright said the City's letter dated April 18 to the residents and
a letter written that same date to the City by the.City Attorney both
refer to a sewer assessment district, and Mr. Courtright said he is
concerned about the impression that a sewer assessment has been selec-
ted as the best financing method, or that it has been approved. Mr.
Courtright said the Council needs advice from a financial underwriter
about how to proceed, and he said he wished to go on record as being
irrevocably opposed to specifying any financial method until all alter-
natives have been explored, relying on the recommendations of a finan-
cial expert.
Chairwoman Swanson asked that a follow-up letter be prepared for
her signature, clarifying that financial methods will be considered
and requesting input from residents in the affected area, and she
asked that the matter be held for the next meeting. The Mayor so ordered.
TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP OF PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD SOUTH 2350
Mr. Douglas McHattie advised the Council that a new topographical
map of Portuguese Bend Road South has been prepared by South Bay
Engineering Corporation.
INITIAL EVALUATION OF ORDINANCE 2347
The City Manager presented a proposed ordinance developed to take
care of various items, including adopting the 1981 National Electrical
Code for application in the City; authorizing the Planning Commission
to review deviations from grading provisions; and permitting the City
Council to review actions of the Building Board of Appeals. Mr. Smith
said adoption of the ordinance for inclusion in the Municipal Code
would take care of various items that have been before the Council.
Mr. McHattie said he is present at the meeting with regard to the
grading provision, which is required to be 2:1, unless the Building
Official determines that stability and safety require a different per
centage, such as 1 1/2:1. Mr. McHattie said permitting 1 1/2:1 grading
could eliminate geology problems, and he displayed a model which illus-
trated the comparative slopes of 2:1 and 1 1/2:1 grading. The Manager
explained that the intent of the proposed ordinance would be to require
that the Planning Commission review any such deviations recommended by
the Building Official. Mr. Smith said the,offi•ce of the Building Offi-
cial would still have to submit a report recommending the deviation, but
the ultimate decision would be made locally by the Planning Commission
following study of the Building Official's report and recommendation.
Mr. McHattie said his objection is to the additional layer of review by
lay people, and the undue burden it imposes on the property owner who
should be able to rely on the Building and Safety Department. Mr.
McHattie said the County requires a geology report for any cut steeper
than 1 1/2:1, but considers 1 1/2:1' grading safe enough to be approved
without a geology report. He said, further, that in a specific case on
Chuckwagon Road now being processed the County Engineer has determined
that 1 1/2:1.. grading would be safer than the required 2:1 grading.
Mayor Murdock said the matter currently before the Council is whether to
leave such decisions solely to the Building Official, or whether to
retain local jurisdiction by requiring that the matter be approved by
the Planning Commission if so recommended by the Building Official.
Mr. McHattie said Mr. Bob Smith, a geologist with the County Engineer,
has offered to write a report to the City Manager when a recommenda-
tion is made to deviate from the grading standards. The City Manager
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369
April 25, 1983
said such a report would not have much meaning if the jurisdiction is
solely with the Building Department, and the City of Rolling Hills is
without any power to intervene in the decision.
Councilman Heinsheimer said the decision by a previous Council
to require 2:1 grading was an esthetic issue and an attempt to elim-
inate development of marginal subdivisions and building sites while
resulting in more pleasant grades visually. He said the power of the
Building Official to grant approval for a deviation without the need
to confer with the City is not in keeping with the intent of the 2:1
grading restriction. Councilman Pernell said that in some cases a
property owner is required to reduce the size of a proposed improve-
ment in order to comply with the requirements of the City ordinances,
and he would favor keeping the decision with the City.
The City Manager reviewed the other items in the proposed ordi-
nance including provisions for a Review Hearing as part of the Build-
ing Code; exceptions to the installation of electric services as part
of the Electrical Code; and addition of two provisions to the Municipal
Code in Section 16, Subdivisions pertaining to notice of hearing and
Advisory Agency Action.
T.� INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE
m Councilwoman Swanson moved that the proposed ordinance entitled
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING
Q THE 1982 EDITION OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY ELECTRICAL CODE AND ESTAB-
LISHING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF ROLLING HILLS MAY REVIEW ACTIONS OF
THE BOARD OF APPEALS AS ESTABLISHED BY THE BUILDING CODE AND AMENDING
SECTION 9906 OF THE BUILDING CODE AND GRADING STANDARDS AND VARIANCE
PROCEDURES FOR MAXIMUM SLOPES AND PERMIT REQUESTS AND FURTHER REVISING
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCEDURES FOR SUBDIVISIONS be introduced 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, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ACTIONS OF CITY TRAFFIC COMMISSION 268/2
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh, Chairwoman of the Traffic Commission,
reviewed the actions by the Traffic Commission at a meeting held on
April 13, 1983, including appointment of Mrs. Kim Sawyer as Chairman
_pro tem; acceptance of the City-wide Traffic Survey conducted by the
Los Angeles County Road Department, and retention of the current
absolute speed limits. Chairwoman Leeuwenburgh said a discussion by
members of the Traffic Commission indicated general dissatisfaction
over the management of the roadway construction project on Palos Verdes
Drive North adjacent to the City of Rolling Hills, and she was author-
ized to send a letter to Rolling Hills Estates on behalf of the Traffic
Commission. The Traffic Commission approved installation of blue road-
way reflector delineators to identify fire hydrant locations in the City
subject to approval by the City Council, and recommended that members of
Caballeros make the installation. Chairwoman Leeuwenburgh said Traffic
Commissioner Betty Bathgate presented the recommendation to the Board
of Directors, and installation on the roads was approved by the Board.
Further action by the Traffic Commission included acknowledgement of
the need to underground overhead utility poles along Middleridge Lane
South to avoid continued safety problems, but the Commission declined
to approve installation of paddle boards along Quail Ridge Road South
in order to retain the rural character of the area. Chairwoman Leeu-
wenburgh explained that on a field trip to the site the Commission
noted that there are a number of signs on the road, which is a cul de
sac, including a No Parking sign on one side, a 15 mph speed limit
with a curve advisory, and a sign advising Not a Through Street; to
approve paddle boards for installation on the road which has had one,
accident would detract from the esthetic impact. A Stop sign was
approved for the northeast corner of the intersection of Crest Road
East and Eastfield Drive, and Chairwoman Leeuwenburgh said it was
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370 April 25, 1983
recommended primarily for non-residents who fail to follow the curve
from Crest Road to Eastfield Drive and instead enter the dead end
portion of Crest Road in -front of the King residence at 92 Crest East.
A stop sign on Crest Road at that location would assist persons who
attempt to re-enter the intersection to do so safely.
Following the presentation by Chairwoman Leeuwenburgh Council-
woman Swanson said she was concerned about the severity of the letter
to Rolling Hills Estates. With regard to the recommendation that
paddle boards not be installed on Quail Ridge Road South, Councilwoman
Swanson said she did not think the impact on rural character should be
given as a reason for the denial; rather she had been to the area and
it was her opinion that there are sufficient signs to ensure safety.
With regard to the recommendation for installation of a stop sign on
Crest Road East, Councilwoman Swanson said she agrees that something
is needed, but she thought a Yield sign would be sufficient, and
preferable to a Stop sign, since only one resident lives on that
portion of the road beyond Eastfield Drive. Chairwoman Leeuwenburgh
said the Traffic Commission discussed the matter in depth and it was
the consensus of the Commission that a Yield sign was not strong
enough; further, she said the Kings do not object to a Stop sign,
since all drivers in their family do make a full stop at that inter-
section.
Councilman Heinsheimer said the Traffic Commission is an advisory
Commission to the City Council, and he felt that the letter -about
Palos Verdes Drive North was a very good letter and would have had a
greater impact if it was sent by the Mayor. With regard to the Stop
sign on Crest -Road, Councilman Heinsheimer said he thought the access
to the closed South Gate should be retained to serve the King home
only, and he was in favor of making that portion of Crest Road look
like an abandoned driveway to discourage use by any persons other
than the residents of the King property. Since the Kings make it a
practice to stop before entering the intersection, Councilman Heins-
heimer said he would be opposed to installation of a stop sign, since
it is not an intersection.
Councilman Pernell said he thought a policy should be developed
with regard to Traffic Commission actions; stating that if a recom-
mendation is made to the Council, it can be acted on or not at the
Council's discretion but if the Traffic Commission takes an action
that the Council does.not agree with, the Council is required to
overturn the action of the Commission to void the action. He said it
is healthier to act on a recommendation than to overturn an action.
Further, he said some recommendations should be cleared with a Traf-
fic Engineer or the Sheriff's Department. The Manager said that in
this presentation, all but the last two items were discussed with
experts. Councilwoman Swanson said she would favor the advisory
process rather than a report of the actions taken. Mayor Murdock
said the actions of the Traffic Commission are subject to a motion
of the City Council, similar to the Planning Commission.
Following the discussion Councilwoman Swanson moved that items
a, c, d and e of the report of the Traffic Commission be approved,
which included acceptance of the Traffic Survey with retention of
speed limits, installation of blue roadway reflector delineators to
identify fire hydrant locations, acknowledgment of the need for an
underground utility district on Middleridge Lane South, denial of
recommendation for installation of paddle boards on Quail Ridge Road
South. Councilman Pernell said that since the letter was sent to
Rolling Hills Estates the action should be approved. Councilwoman
Swanson included item b in the approval. The motion was carried by
the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Pernell, Swanson,
Mayor Murdock
NOES: Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh
ABSENT: None
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371
April 25, 1983
A motion to return item f, approval of a Stop Sign at Crest Road
at Eastfield Drive to the Traffic Commission for review based on the
Council's discussion was made by Councilman Pernell, seconded by Coun-
cilman Heinsheimer and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Pernell, Swanson,
Mayor Murdock
NOES: Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION NO. 506
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that Resolution No. 506 entitled
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
APPROVING THE CITYWIDE TRAFFIC AND ENGINEERING SURVEY FOR 1983 AND
RETAINING ALL CURRENT SPEED LIMITS AND THE ABSOLUTE SPEEDS IN ROLLING
HILLS be adopted, and that reading in full be waived. The motion was
seconded -by Councilwoman Swanson and carried by the following roll
00
0 call vote:
ti'i AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
m Mayor Murdock
m NOES: None
Q
ABSENT: None
REQUEST FOR AD, DAILY BREEZE 605
The Manager presented a letter dated March 22, 1983 from the
Advertising Manager of the Daily Breeze requesting the City's parti-
cipation in the 17th Annual Palos Verdes Peninsula Panorama Tabloid
Magazine on May 26, 1983, and providing the cost for participation.
The request was denied in a motion made by Councilwoman Swanson,
seconded by Councilman Pernell and carried by the following roll call
vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE RE: SECOND UNITS ON RESIDENTIAL LOTS 612
The City Manager advised that Senate Bill 1534.allows second units
on a single family zoned residential lot unless a local jurisdiction
enacts an ordinance prohibiting second units based on adverse impacts,
and he presented a proposed ordinance prepared by the City Attorney
which contains findings which would preclude such housing in Rolling
Hills. The Manager said the City of Rolling Hills participates in a
regional housing program through designation of block grant funds to
the City of Lomita, in addition to the following findings set forth
by the City Attorney in the proposed ordinance: A. Lack of Sewers;
B. Geologic Setting; C. Rural Design and Community Roadway Character;
D. Fire Flow Requirements.
In discussing the matter Councilman Pernell said there is a slim
margin of safety with regard to fire protection in the community and
addition of second units would tax that marginal protection with regard
to weed abatement, roofing requirements and spark arrestors; further,
he said one reason given for the instability of the land mass is intro-
duction of effluent into the ground. Construction of second units on
residential lots would increase that condition. Councilwoman Swanson
said additional units would tax traffic capacity and increase congest-
ion, since there is no transportation system in the City. She said
one of the reasons for the legislation is to provide housing closer to
work, but in a non-commercial community such as Rolling Hills it would
not apply. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh said narrow roads, lack of street
lights, equestrian and jogger traffic, lack of a leash law, were all
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372
April 25, 1983
cited as potential safety hazards in discussions with the Road Depart-
ment regarding speed limits in Rolling Hills, and it was her opinion
that the same criteria could be applied to the findings in opposition
to permitting second units. Councilman Heinsheimer said the legis-
lature has not provided the resources for such an increase in the
City's population, and the City's limited tax base would make it
impossible to meet the needs of the increased population without
increased funding, especially in providing adequate roads, sheriff's
protection and other essential services.
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE
Councilwoman Swanson moved that the proposed ordinance entitled
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS REGULATING SECOND UNITS ON
LOTS IN ROLLING HILLS AND AMENDING THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE
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: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MATTERS FROM THE COUNCIL
PT. VICENTE PARK IMPROVEMENT
Councilman Heinsheimer said he noted that there was a check in
the list of demands approved by the City Council to the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes in the amount of $8,599 for improvements to Pt.
Vicente Park, and he said he would be interested in knowing the extent
of_the commitment by the City of Rolling Hills, and whether there is a
project closer to the City for which grant funds could be allocated.
The Manager explained that the funds are from a Coastal Commission al-
location and must be used for park purposes only, on projects. which
meet criteria including accessibility to the public. The Manager said
the funds for which Rolling Hills was eligible were allocated to the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes through an agreement with that City. Mr.
Smith said the allocation is for that particular project only. Coun-
cilman Heinsheimer said he thought the funds should be directed to a
project which is more accessible to the residents of Rolling Hills.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL, PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH AT PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
Councilman Heinsheimer asked whether the pole in the intersection
will be removed. The Manager said it is his understanding that the sig-
nal on the pole will be relocated and the pole will be removed. Coun-
cilwoma Swanson noted that the City of Rolling Hills allocated $59,000
in FAU funds to the City of Rolling Hills Estates for the project.
COATES PROPERTY, 3 SOUTHFIELD DRIVE 810
Councilman Heinsheimer said the residence at 3 Southfield Drive
appears to be completed and is for sale, but the property has not been
landscaped; he asked whd.ther the owner of the property could be con-
tacted and asked to bring the property into conformance with the area.
The Manager said he had received a call from a resident who lives in
the vicinity of the property, and he will investigate the matter and
contact the owner. Mr. Smith said the owner, Mr. Len Coates, had
stated that work on the outside of the property had been delayed by
bad weather and winter rains.
REQUEST FOR CLOSED SESSION
Councilwoman Swanson requested that the meeting be adjourned to
a closed session after completion of regular business for the purpose
of discussing personnel matters.
373
April 25, 1983
EMMANUEL DAVID PROPERTY, 38 CREST ROAD EAST
Councilwoman Swanson said that as a condition of approval of the
David subdivision the City required installation of a three rail white
fence to delineate the horse trail and correction of a.drainage problem
on the property.. None of the work has been done and Councilwoman
Swanson asked that the engineer, Doug McHattie, be contacted regarding
completion of the projects.
PALOS VERDES PENINSULA TRANSPORTATION MEETING
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh reported that she attended a meeting of
the Palos Verdes Peninsula Transportation Committee in Councilwoman
Swanson's absence. Use of Proposition A funding was discussed, and it
was announced that Wilmington Cab has been chosen as the traffic con-
tractor, which is the same contractor used for the Dial A Ride program.
Another meeting has been scheduled for 7:30 P.M. Wednesday, May 4 at
the Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall and is open to the public.
The City Manager requested permission to move $5,00 from Propo-
O sition A funding to the City's General Fund, leaving a balance of
$2,700 in the Proposition A account, to which monthly deposits will
T -i be added. Mr. Smith said transfer of funds not to exceed $5,000 for
m set up costs for the City is authorized in the program. Members of
the Council stated no objection to the request, and the Manager said
Q the transfer would be made.
LETTER FROM LEAGUE,OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh said she wished to referia letter from
the League of California Cities regarding liability to the Traffic
Commission. There was no objection to the request.
COOPERATION BY UTILITY COMPANIES
Councilman Pernell said he wished to comment on the reversal of
attitudes by utility company personnel with regard to the proposed
undergrounding of utilities on Middleridge Lane South, stating that
it was his impression that they were opposed to the proposal. The
City Manager said he had met with the representatives previously and
they expressed opposition to the use of the funds for the purpose the
City chose; however, after a meeting with the Mayor and the Mayor pro
tem they reversed their position and agreed to work with the City and
to release the accrued funds for the project.
INCREASED BICYCLE TRAFFIC ON CREST ROAD 895
Councilman Pernell said he has noticed an increase in bicycle
traffic on Crest Road and he asked whether it had been brought to the
Manager's attention. Mr. Smith said the Board of Directors have given
approval to a request to use roads in Rolling Hills as part of the
bicycle portion of a triathlon in August, and some of the participants
are using the roads in preparation for participation.in the event.
The Manager said there was congestion in the vicinity of the Fire
Station on Crest Road West during the preceding weekend, and Council-
man Pernell said the Community Association should be made aware of
it, since they granted permission. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh said
bikers do not observe the traffic rules, and there is.a potential for
a serious accident.
SPEECH BY MAYOR AT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON 935
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh said she wished to commend Mayor Murdock
on her presentation at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon on April 22.
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Mayor Murdock distributed sheets showing committee assignments for
members of the Council. Councilwoman Swanson suggested that delegates
and alternates be chosen for the City Selection Committees. Council-
man Heinsheimer suggested that the Mayor be appointed Delegate, and
Councilwoman Swanson be appointed Alternate.
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374 April 25, 1983
RESOLUTION NO. 507
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that Resolution No. 507 entitled
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILL.S APPOINTING
A DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE TO THE CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE FOR THE
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT be approved, and that
reading in full be waived. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman
Swanson and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Perriell, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION NO. 508
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that Resolution No. 508 entitled
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
ESTABLISHING A DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE TO THE CITY SELECTION COMMIT-
TEE OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY be introduced, and that reading in full
be waived. The motion was seconded by Councilman Swanson and carried
by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Councilman Pernell said the same designation should be made for
delegate and alternate to the League of California Cities; other
members of the Council concurred.
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTS CITY ANNUAL MEETING
Mayor Murdock announced that Councilman Pernell will represent the
City in the tennis tournament at the Contract Cities annual meeting in
Palm Springs.
SOUTH COAST REGIONAL COUNTY PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS 1092
Mayor Murdock reported that she has received a letter from
Supervisor Deane Dana asking that two members of the community be
proposed for appointment to the South Coast Regional County Park
Advisory Committee, and she said she would send copies of the letter
to the Council.
With the concurrence of the Council, Mrs. Joan Saffo and Mrs.
Julie Heinsheimer were proposed.
JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1119
Mayor Murdock reported that a joint meeting of the City Council
and the Board of Directors of the Rolling Hills Community Association
has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, 1983 at 7:30 P.M. at the City
Hall.
DISTRIBUTION OF PROPOSITION "A" FUNDS 1172
The Manager reported that several cities have joined together to
protest the restrictions on use*of Proposition.A funds and committees
are being formed to develop guidelines for usage. Mayor Murdock
asked that the Manager request the minutes of meetings of the committee.
CALIFORNIA CONTRACT CITIES COMMITTEES 1191
Mayor Murdock said California Contract Cities President-elect
Nell Mirels had requested and expression of interest from any Council
member who wishes to serve on committees including Audit, Budget, By -
Laws, County -City Contracts, Resolutions or Legislative.
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375
375
April 25, 1983
MATTERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 1197
COUNTY GEOLOGIST AT NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
The Manager reported that he has asked Arthur Keene, Supervising
Engineering Geologist for Los Angeles County to attend the Council
meeting on May 9, 1983 to give a full update and report on activities
by his staff with regard to the Flying Triangle area.
OLYMPIC ROSE BUSHES
- The Manager said a number of rose bushes known as the Olympic Rose
were given to the City by Supervisor Deane Dana. and have been planted
across from the City Hall. Mr. Smith said they should bloom in Septem-
ber or October..
APPRECIATION TO MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM
The City Manager said he wished to express his appreciation to
094 Mayor Murdock and Mayor protem Leeuwenburgh for their soundness,
firmness and professionalism in meeting with representatives of the
utility companies to discuss release of funds to the City for install-
ation of underground utilities on Middleridge Lane South_.
UPDATES TO MUNICIPAL CODE
The Manager reported that the Municipal Code has been updated by
insertion of two new ordinances, and copies of the updates have been
received and will be inserted into copies of the Code returned to him.
The Manager said, further, that a "catch-all" ordinance was introduced
earlier in the meeting, and such ordinances will be presented from time
to time to take care of matters before the Council which should be in
ordinance form for inclusion in the Municipal Code.
FIRE AND BRUSH CLEARANCE NEWSLETTER
Manager said a Newsletter has been mailed to all residents
giving information regarding fire hazards and requirements for brush
clearance, and that inspections by Fire Department personnel will be
initiated on May 1, 1983.
REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM 1232
The Manager reported that he has been advised that there will be
an increase of approximately $40,000, which is nearly 50% increase, in
the cost to Rolling Hills for participation in the Regional Law Enforce-
ment Program, and the alternative would be to buy time as desired to
control costs. Councilman Pernell asked*that the.Mayor discuss this
with Mayors of other Peninsula cities at the monthly meeting of Mayors.
Councilwoman Swanson said it should be scheduled as an agenda item for
a City Council meeting, with a report from the City Manager, prior to
discussion with the other Mayors.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION 1300
Mayor Murdock recessed the meeting to a closed session at 10:45 P.M.
MEETING RECONVENED
The meeting was reconvened at 12:45 A.M. Tuesday, April 26, 1983
and Mayor Murdock reported that the Council had discussed matters of
litigation and personnel: The Mayor said the Council would meet to
discuss personnel matters at 6:30 P.M. Monday, May 9, 1983, -prior to
the regular meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Murdock adjourned the meeting at 12:50 A.M., to meet next
on Tuesday, May 3, 1983 in a joint meeting with the Board of Directors
of the Rolling Hills Community Association at 7:30 P.M.
APPROVED: