9/26/1983w
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.City .Clerk .
APPROVED:
Mayo
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