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9/26/1983w 2• MINUTES OF A 433 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA September 26, 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, September 26, 1983. ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmembers Pernell, Swanson, Mayor Murdock Councilmembers Leeuwenburgh, Heinsheimer Ronald Smith L. D. Courtright June Cunningham Richard Esposito John Needham David Bockoff Mr. & Mrs. J..Brogdon Mrs. W etta Virtue City Manager City Treasurer Deputy City Clerk Palos Verdes News Los Angeles Times Residents The minutes of the joint meeting of the City Council and Board of Directors on August 29, 1983 were reviewed, and Councilwoman Swanson asked that the matters discussed be listed. She moved that the minutes be amended to show that the Board and Council discussed the Flying Tri- angle and the antenna tower, and that the minutes as amended be adopted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Pernell and carried by the follow- ing roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Pernell,,Swanson, Mayor P'Iurdock NOES: None ABSENT: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh The minutes of the meeting on September 12, 1983 were approved and accepted as presented on a motion made by Councilman Pernell; seconded by Councilwoman Swanson and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Pernell, Swanson, Mayor Murdock NOES: None ABSENT: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh PAYMENT OF BILLS Councilman Pernell moved that Demands No. 11336 through 11354 in the amount of $12,700.11 be approved for payment from the General Fund. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Swanson and carried by the fol- lowing roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Pernell, Swanson, Mayor Murdock NOES: None ABSENT: Councilmembers Heinsheimer,. Leeuwenburgh FINANCIAL FUNDS AND STATEMENTS The Financial Statements for July 1983 and August 1983 were presen- ted to the Council. The City Treasurer also submitted a computer run of the July 31, 1983 statement, and explained that the neva format provided additional information about the various funds, and showed the status of all funds for the actual month, actual year to date, budget year to date and budget variance. Mr. Courtright asked for comments by members of the Council. ME September 26, 1983 Following review of the computer run, Councilman Pernell said he would like to see a comparison between the expenditures for the current year to date and the previous year to date. Mayor Murdock asked that comments and suggestions be submitted in writing to the City Treasurer for changes to the format, and she thanked the City Treasurer for the presentation. The Financial Statements for July 1983 and August 1983 were approved and accepted on a motion by Councilman Pernell, seconded by Councilwoman Swanson and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Pernell, Swanson, Mayor Murdock NOES: None ABSENT: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh TRANSFER OF FUNDS Transfer of $30,000 from the General Fund to the Fire and Flood Self -Insurance Fund was approved in a motion made by Councilwoman Swanson, seconded by Councilman Pernell and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Pernell, Swanson, Mayor Murdock NOES: None ABSENT: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh The City Manager explained that the transfer of funds will bring the Fire and Flood Self -Insurance fund up to $100,000, and he said some expenditures from the fund can be anticipated during the approach- ing winter months. OPEN AGENDA 1590 Mayor Murdock invited comment from persons present on -items not on the meeting agenda. Mr. Jim Brogdon, 5 Maverick Lane, asked that a report be given on recent arrests in the City of persons burglarizing residences, and he asked further whether a Neighborhood Watch program was being considered. The City Manager reported that there were 11 burglaries in the City in a 47 day period, and the Burglary Apprehension Team (B.A.T.) of the Sheriff's Department was -assigned full time to the City of Rolling Hills, and undercover operations were initiated. In two Newsletters residents.. were advised, and were asked to report any suspicious vehicles or persons. Several calls were made, and one report from a resident resulted in the arrest of two persons and recovery -of some of the stolen property. The investigation is continuing, and Mr. Smith said it is hoped that addit- ional property will be recovered. With regard to a Neighborhood Watch program, Mr. Smith said he has discussed it with police personnel in another City, and has determined that it is a far reaching program which involves more than watchful neighbors, and could be beneficial to the community since such a program consists of meetings, study of many aspects of the reasons behind resi- dential burglaries, also review of types of locking devices and other means of discouraging such activity. Further, the City Manager said it appears the residents of Rolling Hills have had a false sense of securit because of the gates, and he suggested that the City Council and Board of Directors work together to develop an entry system, stating that the Sheriff's Department had expressed surprise at the amount of activity at the gates. Mr. Smith suggested that a committee be formed to study the entry system, reviewing the current system and recommending changes to reinforce the system. He said the matter should be pursued and he urged that it not be dropped. -2- September 26, 1983 435 Mrs. Gladys Black, liaison member of the Rolling Hills Women's Club, said residents are concerned, and members of the Women's Club are willing to work in any coordinated effort to prevent future bur- glaries. Commissioner Swanson suggested that information be obtained from Rancho Palos Verdes and Palos Verdes Estates, which have Community Watch programs, and that the matter be scheduled for discussion at a future Council meeting. Councilman Pernell said the Sheriff is the nucleus for such activity, and he suggested that an open informational meeting with the Sheriff and the community be scheduled. The Mayor said a member of the Sheriff's Department was expected at the Council meeting and the Manager explained that unexpected activity at the Sheriff's station prevented such attendance. Councilman Pernell asked that the Sheriff be congratulated on the recent apprehension of burglars in the City, and the appreciation of the community be conveyed.. Mayor Murdock asked the City Manager to work with the Sheriff and attempt to schedule an appearance at a future Council meeting, so members of the community can be advised. Further, the Mayor said she would discuss with members of the Board the Manager's recommendation that the matter of security and entry at the gates be reviewed by the Board and Council. 00 REPORT OF TRAFFIC COMMISSION ACTIONS AT SEPTEMBER 14, 1983 MEETING 1715 0 The City Manager reported that at a meeting on September 14, 1983 N -i the Traffic Commission recommended that the roadway in Middleridge Lane m South be restriped from a double to a single yellow line, and that place - CD ment of delineators be changed, with installation _at spaces varying from Q 4 to 48 feet, and additional delineators at curved portions of the road. The Manager explained that the re-evaluation of road marking was done in response to a petition from residents of Middleridge Lane South. The Traffic Commission recommended that a member of the Sheriff's Department be stationed at the Crest gate for a period of time to warn joggers entering the City of the need to run single file and to stay out of traffic lanes, and after discussion of the recommendation with the Association Manager it was determined that the best time for such activity would be 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. every morning for a two week period, and from 6 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and Sundays during that time. The cost for such service, which would be overtime for the Sheriff, would be approximately $1500 for 39 hours of staff time, the Manager said. Councilman Pernell said.he questions whether such an expenditure could be justified, and Councilwoman Swanson agreed, asking whether a one time project as described would be sufficient to end a long standing practice of joggers running abreast. The.Manager said it is his opin- ion that it should be done, since many complaints are received and there is a high level of concern in the community about the unsafe practices of joggers using the roads. Councilman Pernell suggested that the matter be referred back to the Traffic Commission for further study and re-evaluation of the problem, working with staff. In a demonstration of Stop sign reflectivity the Manager asked that members of the Council approach the meeting by driving along Portuguese Bend Road to view two stop signs at the intersection of Portuguese Bend Road and Saddleback Road at the southeast corner, for .a comparison of visibility and reflectivity. Mayor Murdock said she considered the new sign superior with regard to visibility, and other members of the Council agreed. With respect to the Traffic Commission's recommendation that the signs currently installed in the City be re- placed by the high intensity reflective signs which were viewed by the Traffic Commission and City Council, the Manager said there�dre 54 signs in the City and replacement would cost $25 each plus installation, which would probably equal the cost of the signs. The Manager said approxi- mately five to ten signs are replaced each year at a cost of $12.50 each. To replace the signs now in use would cost approximatey $2700, including installation. Councilman Pernell suggested that for a period of two months all replacements be made with the new type sign, with completion of install- ation to proceed after that time. The Manager said there is'a cost ad- vantage to purchasing all signs at one time.- Councilwoman Swanson said she would be opposed to phasing in the new signs, and would be in favor of having all signs replaced as recommended by the Traffic Commission. -3- �36 September 26, 1983 Mayor Murdock said she thought a two month transition period would be reasonable, and she asked Mrs. V'Etta Virtue, a member of the Traffic Commission who was present at the meeting, to comment. Mrs. Virtue said the Traffic Commission considered the new sign superior, and a concern was expressed about possible liability if an accident was al- leged to have occurred because of low visibility of a stop sign when compared to other highly visible signs in other parts of the City. The Mayor asked the City Manager to discuss that point with the City Attorney, and to proceed based on. the Attorney's comments. Councilwoman Swanson said the installation of blue delineators to define the location of fire hydrants in the community was done in an unconventional manner, since they are usually installed in the lane closest to the hydrant, but in Rolling Hills they are in the middle of the road. The Manager said this type of installation was done be- cause of the narrowness of the roads, and to prevent having them dis- lodged. Members of the Council agreed that the markers are desireable since they will be of value in an emergency. Mr. Brogdon said joggers are a problem in the community, and he said that shortly after the close of school, at about 4 p.m., he has observed four to six members of a track team running abreast on roads in the community, and he suggested that the coaches at the local high schools be contacted and advised. Mayor Murdock asked the Manager to write to the coaches; Councilman Pernell said telephone calls to the Administration Office have been most effective. MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT FOR SOUTH BAY CORRIDOR STUDY PHASE III 1856 Councilwoman Swanson reported that in her absence Councilwoman Leeu,,venburgh attended a meeting of South Bay Cities, and has given her a copy of an.agreement for an additional extension of term of the Joint Powers Agreement for the South Bay Corridor Study which would require approval of the participating cities, but no additional funds. Councilwoman Swanson asked .that the matter be placed on the agenda of a future City Council meeting. LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES MEETING IN SAN FRANCISCO Councilwoman Swanson said she is concerned about resolutions to be presented at the League of California Cities meeting in San Francisco, since no member of the Rolling Hills City Council will be present to vote. Of special concern, she said,.is proposed legislation regarding absentee votes, stating that she would like Rolling Hills to be on record as op- posing the proposed resolution. Mayor Murdock said she would contact City Council members of other Peninsula cities and convey to them the comments made by Councilwoman Swanson; however, there is no provision for a vote by proxy and Rolling Hills will not be represented at the meeting. 38 CREST ROAD EAST - CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL 1915 Councilwoman Swanson asked whether the City Manager's recommendation to continue the matter of completion of conditions of approval of the final map will delay the close of escrow on the property located at. 38 Crest Road East, which was recently subdivided. Mr. Smith said a Notice of Intent to file a Notice of Violation has been continued, but he has been advised that the poles will be removed and underground utility installation will be completed by Southern California Edison Company in a few weeks. Further, the Manager said funds have been - deposited in an escrow account for undergrounding of telephone lines and for completion of fencing requirements. Mr. Smith said he has been in contact with the realtors for the sale of the house and the vacant property, and they are aware that the Notice of Intent is a cloud on the title. The Manager was directed to ask the City Attorney to write a letter to the:.escrow companies advising them of the Notice and the matter was held for consideration at the October 24 meeting. IVE September 26, 1983 437 RANCHO PALOS VERDES RE: PENINSULA TRANSIT SERVICE 1950 In a letter dated September 6, 1983 Mayor Robert Ryan of Rancho Palos Verdes invited participation by the.City of Rolling.Hills in a demand/response transit system serving the Peninsula. Mayor Murdock invited comment from members of the Council. Councilwoman Swanson asked whether it is planned to have vans circulating throughout the City, or whether it would be service from the homes directly in re- sponse to calls. Mayor Murdock said it is her understanding that vans will pick up residents of Rancho Palos Verdes at their homes and take them to -any point within that city, or to any one of five satellite locations, which are the intermediate and high schools, and the Penin- sula Center Library. Councilwoman Swanson said a demand/response ser- vice would be attractive to some residents of Rolling Hills, and she suggested that the cost of participation be investigated. Mayor Murdock said after the service has been in operation in Rancho Palos Verdes the City of Rolling Hills could ask for an evaluation of'the service, and the cost of participation, stating that any city which joins in the service will be expected to pay a start up cost. Councilman Pernell said an article in the Palos Verdes News stated that the demographics of the Peninsula is changing, and a dramatic increase in the number of 0 senior citizens is predicted, making it possible that the service would be attractive to Rolling Hills. Councilwoman Swanson said the Rancho m Palos Verdes transit system will be available to all residents, and will not be limited to elderly and handicapped persons, which may increase m --use of the system. Q FAREWELL DINNER, PALOS VERDES SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER Mayor Murdock said she has been advised by the'..PTA Council °.Pres.i- dent.that a farewell dinner is being planned for Board Member Steve' Heller, who is not seeking re-election, and the Peninsula cities were asked to prepare resolutions to be'included in a scrap book. Mayor. :Zurdock said that since the City of Rolling Hills does not issue such resolution, she wished to suggest that an appropriate letter and a City plaque be presented to Mr. Heller. A motion to do so was made by Councilman Pernell, seconded by Councilwoman Swanson and carried b.y:.the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Pernell, Swanson, Mayor Murdock NOES: None ABSENT: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh DEDICATION OF HISTORICAL MONUMENT Mayor Murdock said'the site of the original gatehouse to the City of Rolling Hills will be designated a historical monument by the Historical Society on Saturday, October 1, 1983, and she will attend the ceremony. Councilwoman Swanson said she will be present; Councilman Pernell said he will not be able to attend due to a national dental convention. MATTERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 2012 RAFAEL TORRES PROPERTY, 10 BOWIE ROAD The Manager reported that he has been concerned about property located at 10 Bowie Road, since failure to repair the hillside slope and grading violations on the property emanating from last winter's rains constitute a potential safety hazard involving the roadway. The Manager said he has had the water to the property turned off because of leaking, and the owner has been out of the country for several months. The property is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Torres, and their daughter contacted the City Manager and advised him that her parents will be returning late this week, and immediate steps will be taken to correct the conditions. The Manager suggested that the matter be held for thirty days to give the owner an opportunity to take the appropriate actions. The Mayor so ordered, and Council- man Pernell said he agreed with the action. -5- September 26, 1983 CANVASS OF CITY - UNLICENSED DOGS The Manager reported that he has been advised by the Humane Society that 111 fewer dogs have been licensed this year than last year, and a canvass of the City by licensed personnel has been scheduled for Saturday October 8, 1983. The Manager said residents will be advised of the canvass in the Newsletter. Councilwoman Swanson asked whether an effort would be made to de- termine whether any of the unlicensed dogs are no longer in the City. The Manager said only homes which licensed dogs last year and did not obtain any licenses this year would be contacted, since it can be as- sumed that if a resident licensed fewer or different dogs this year, those that were not included are no longer in the City. Councilman Pernell asked what the canvass will cost, and the Manager said it will cost approximately $200, which will be recovered through penalties. for failure to license within the legal time limit. INTERFERENCE WITH TV RECEPTION IN CITY The Manager reported that he has received several complaints about interference with TV reception in the vicinity of Crest Road, between the Saffo residence and Eastfield Drive, and along Eastfield Drive to Chuckwagon Road, and he recommended that this matter should be pursued, and brought to the attention of the leaseholder on the property, which is the FAA, also the Congressional and Senatorial representatives. Mr. Smith said he has received eleven complaints in the past month. Coun- cilwoman Swanson said she has observed that the number of dish antennae on. the towers adjacent to the�City has increased. Mayor Murdock said the FAA had indicated a willingness to pursue any complaints, and she suggested they be contacted and asked to monitor the situation. BUILDING BOARD OF APPEAL The City Manager reported that the County Building Appeals Board has reviewed the property at 2 Pinto Road and has found it to be un- safe and the room addition to the property owned by Dr. and Mrs. Larry Kelly must be demolished within thirty days or the property must be secured. PUBLIC HEARING - HEIGHT LIMITATIONS 2116 The Manager reported that a public hearing on a recommendation by the Planning Commission that the Municipal Code be amended with regard to height limitations has been set for the next City Council meeting on October 10, 1983. The Manager said that at the same time he will present "clean-up" ordinan-ces which will amend various. sections of the Code for Council consideration. PHOTOGRAPHS OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS The Manager reported t black and white photographs which has been displayed at Sheriff has requested that The City Manager said a gro needed, and will be schedul hat the Sheriff's Department has delivered of members of the City Council in a frame the Sheriff's station in Lomita, and the current colored photographs be supplied. up picture of the current Council is also ed to be taken when all members are present. RESIGNATION OF CITY TREASURER 2133 Mr. L. D. Courtright submitted his resignation as City Treasurer, effective October 1, 1983. Mr. Courtright said he wished to express his pleasure and appreciation of the opportunity to serve the City as Treasurer, and he said -he would continue to be available to assist the City as an accountant, and will assist the Council in finding a replacement. Mr. Courtright said he would be available to work on accounting records, policies, financial statements and participate in budget preparation, and would be willing to attend meetings, but would not be responsible for any Treasurer duties including custody of cash and investments or long term financing in compliance with Proposition 13 and related state laws. 439 September 26, 1983 Mayor Murdock said she understands that commitments to time away from the City have made it necessary for Mr. Courtright to resign, and she said she appreciates his offer to assist the City in many ways other than as Treasurer. The Mayor thanked Mr. Courtright for his service to the City while he served as City Treasurer. Councilwoman Swanson said that as Finance Officer for the City she has worked with Mr. Courtright and only in working with him can his dedication be appreciated. Coun- cilman Pernell said he wished to express his offical and personal thanks to Mr. Courtright for the guidance and assistance given to the City. Mr. Courtright said he has had wide experience working with government financing, and his relations with the current and past City Councils in Rolling Hills have been the very best possible. RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION 2180 Mayor Murdock recessed the meeting to closed session at 9:15 P.M. ADJOURNMENT 00 The meeting reconvened at 9:45 P.M. and was immediately adjourned 0 to the next regular meeting on Monday, October 10, 1983 at 7:30 P.M. m _ m Q .City .Clerk . APPROVED: Mayo -7-