Loading...
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. -2- 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 -3- 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 -4- 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 -5- 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 0 370 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 -7- 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 -8- 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. -10- 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. -11- 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: