2/27/1984MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
February 27, 1984
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,
February 27, 1984
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmembers Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilman Heinsheimer
Ron Molendyk
Michael Jenkins
June Cunningham
Chief Brunstrom
Capt. Brown
Capt. Emerson
Richard Esposito
W. Howe
L. Lusk
Mrs. V. Doak.
Mrs. E. Pedersen
Mrs. B. Raine
Mrs. M. Wagner
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
L. A. County Fire Dept.
L. A. County Fire Dept.
L. A. County Sheriff Dept.
Palos Verdes Peninsula News
Residents
The minutes of the meeting of February 14, 1984 were approved and
accepted as written on a motion made by -Councilman Pernell, seconded
by Councilwoman Swanson and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilman Heinsheimer
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Councilwoman Swanson moved that Demands No. 11598 through 11615,
No. 11618 through 11621 and 11622 through 11624.in the amount of
$21,817.95 be approved for payment from the General Fund; Demand No.
11600 in the amount of $97.20 .be approved for payment from'the Fire -
and Flood Self -Insurance Fund, and that Demands No. 11616, 11617 and
11622 be voided. The motion was seconded by Councilman Pernell and
carried by the following roll call vote
AYES: Councilmembers Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilman Heinsheimer
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The Financial Statement for January 1984 was held for consider-
ation at the next meeting.
DISCUSSION OF FIRE HYDRANT PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS 60
The City Manager reported that he had met with representatives
of California Water Service Company and Los Angeles County Fire De-
partment in connection with fire flow requirements and existing fire
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February 27, 1984
hydrant pressures on Saddleback Road. A letter from James Cantrell,
District Manager of California Water Service Company, dated February 24,
1984 was distributed, advising that to meet the required fire flows
.for 45 Saddleback Road it would be necessary to install a larger main-
line regulator valve in Saddleback, near Hillside Lane.
The Manager said staff recommends that the City Council appoint a
sub -committee to meet with the City Manager and Fire Chief to evaluate
options available, and he said two representatives of the Fire Depart-
ment were present to address the Council. Chief Brunstrom said there
is a concern about the inadequacy of the fire flow, since the property
which is being developed was part of a subdivision approved in 1978,
and requirements for fire flow for subdivisions is 1250 gallons per
minute. Chief Brunstrom introduced Captain Brown, a member of the
Fire Department's Engineering Section, who works with subdivisions in
cities and unincorporated areas of 'Los Angeles County. Captain Brown
said the County permits approval of fire flows within 10% of the re-
quirements, and he explained that although the pressures vary, on any
given day the flow will be within an acceptable range. When the sub -
()o division was approved in 1978 he said the fire.flow was tested at
0 1120 gpm; the most recent test provided 1170 gpm. Captain Brown said
t i the County -wide requirement is 750 gpm, and the..Department of Building
CD and Safety has been -instructed to advise the Fire Department of less
than 1250 gpm before issuing any building permits in Rolling Hills.
CO Chief Brunstrom explained that there is a downhill flow on one side
Q of Hillside Lane and an uphill flow on the other side, separated :by a
pressure regulator, and since the faire flow on Saddleback Road, which
is adjacent -to Hillside Lane is subject to the uphill and downhill
flow, the land use was considered, because actual land use is consider
ably less than the acreage requirements of the Zoning Ordinance imply.
Councilman Pernell asked about the origin of the. 1250 gpm require-
ment. Chief Brunstrom said it came from the County Water Ordinance,,
which is the authority in the unincorporated area to provide fire
.fighting improvements in terms of fire hydrants and water mains in
subdivisions and parcel maps, ..and the Water Ordinance was noted in
an environmental report prepared for thr.ee'.Peninsula cities by
.Envicom Corporation. Chief Brunstrom explained that there are four
different pressure zones in the Peninsula; three fed by gravity and
the fourth utilizing pumps, and he said a flow test on hydrants can.
give varying results, depending on the length of time of the test,
since regulators open up as the test continues, increasing the flow. -
Councilman Pernell asked what the variations would mean in terms of
fighting a fire. Chief Brunstrom said that when demand is put on a
system it opens up to deliver the needed pressure; and he said the
hydrants in the City are spaced to provide adequate fire flow,. and
.the required 1250 gpm can be delivered by opening more than one hy-
drant.
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh asked how long it would take to.deliver
adequate flow in a fire, and Chief Brunstrom briefly explained the
strategy used when fighting major fires. In response to a question
about response time, Chief Brunstrom advised Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh
that given the location of the local fire stations and speed limits,
equipment should be able to reach any location in Rolling Hills in
five to six minutes.
Councilwoman Swanson asked how long it would take to have all
hydrants in Rolling Hills re -tested. Chief Brunstrom said it would
take approximately one month, and he recommended that it be done.
Councilwoman Swanson moved that all hydrants be tested and that the
—City's fire flow map be updated. Mayor Murdock said that should be
part of the charge to the subcommittee. Councilman Pernell asked how
the reduced flow would impact delivery of water from a hose. Chief
nBrunstrom said that if five hoses were used there would be very little
impact, since it would amount to reduction equal to approximately one
.third of one 2 1/2" standard hose stream; however, he said 1250 gpm
is the standard, and the Fire Department will adhere to that standard
;and will exercise individual judgement only if requested to do so.
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February 27, 1984
Captain Brown said swimming pools should be considered as an aid for
fighting fires, and he suggested that an effort be made to educate
the citizens to the benefits of having pumps installed to that water
in swimming pools could be made available during fires. Councilwoman
Leeuwenburgh said Mr. and Mrs. Delpit, owners of 45 Saddleback Road,
also own an adjoining lot, and she asked whether there would be an
additional impact if that property were developed if the current
available fire flow is approved. Chief Brunstrom said one or two
additional residences would not affect the pressure.
Mayor Murdock said that in accepting staff recommendation that
a sub -committee of the City Council be appointed to meet with the
City Manager and Fire Chief to evaluate the options available, she
wished to appoint Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh and Councilman Pernell,
and she asked that a report be made at the earliest opportunity. With
regard to a letter from California Water Service advising that to meet--
required
eetrequired fire flows on Saddleback it would be necessary to install -.a
larger mainline regulator valve near Hillside Lane for fire flows only,
Mayor Murdock said cost information on the recommendation will be pro-
vided at the next meeting.
The City Attorney reported that he had researched the matter of
waiving fire flow requirements, and he reported that the requirements --
are established in Section 15.28.010 of the Municipal Code, and that
Section 15.28.020 of the Code provides that the provisions and require-
ments of Section 15.28.010 may be dispensed with by order of the City
Council upon a proper and sufficient showing that the new residence to
be constructed has an adequate water supply for fire protection pur-
poses from existing mains or other sources. Mr. Jenkins explained
that the Code provides that the Fire Department has no discretion,
but the Council can judge the matter on a case by case basis, and
the Council can reduce the requiremen't.if it can be established that
adequate water is available for fire flow from other sources. Mr.
Jenkins said, further, that in the event such action is taken by the
Council he would recommend that it be done as an agenda item, and
should include a7staff report and a written recommendation by the
Fire Chief.
OPEN AGENDA
BUILDING PERMIT, 45 SADDLEBACK ROAD
Mr. William Howe advised the Council that there is an urgent need
to obtain a building permit for the Delpit property at 45 Saddleback
Road, stating that the lot was created in a subdivision that was ap-
proved in 1978. Mayor Murdock asked the City Attorney what would hap-
pen if it is determined that the tract was approved without meeting
the City's requirements for fire flow. Mr. Jenkins said the Council
can impose a requirement that 1250 gpm fire flow be provided, accord-
ing to the procedure previously outlined. Councilman Pernell asked
whether a pool is planned as part of the development. Mr. Howe said
a swimming pool, with a pump to be used in the event of fire, is part
of the plan. Mr. Howe was advised to meet with the City Manager and
Fire Department, then request a reduction in the requirement as out-
lined by the City Attorney, providing whatever evidence is available
that there is adequate fire flow available from other sources. Mr:
Howe was advised that upon submittal of the required written inform-
ation the matter would be considered at a City Council meeting
ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING BURGLAR ALARM ACTIVATION CHARGE 670
Mayor Murdock opened discussion of a proposal to amend the City's
burglar alarm ordinance by deleting reference to false alarms and
adding wording pertaining to response to the alarm by the Sheriff,
and she invited Captain Emerson, commander of the Sheriff's Lomita
station, to address the subject. Councilwoman Swanson said she wished
to ask whether the Sheriff's Department could bill residents directly
for response to alarms.
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February 27, 1984
Captain Emerson said that under the Sheriff's contractual rela-
tionship with the City such billing could not be done by the Sheriff,
since such action would constitute a direct contract between the
Sheriff and private citizens. Councilman Pernell asked whether there
is anything characteristic about the false alarms the Sheriff has been
responding to. Captain Emerson said most response is to silent alarms
which are reported to a central reporting agency, and he noted that
there are repeated false alarms from specific residences which waste
a lot of response time.
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE
Councilwoman Swanson moved that a proposed ordinance entitled
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS AMENDING
'CHAPTER 9.36 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING BURGLAR ALARMS AND DE-
LETING REFERENCE TO FALSE ALARMS AND FINDING NECESSITY OF CRIMINAL
ACTIVITY 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 Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
0 Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
m
m ABSENT: Councilman Heinsheimer
Q .FLYING TRIANGLE AREA
Mayor Murdock reported that at the meeting on December 12., 1983 -
the Council discussed a request by the Board of Directors that the
County be asked to provide a cost proposal for conducting further
studies in the Flying Triangle area. At the Board of Directors meet -
on February 16, 1984 the Board voted unanimously to accept the
County's proposal to do the work under contract by the City for the
Association, and..to get the necessary waivers of liability from owners
of certain properties. A map of the area was displayed showing the.
area of proposed borings and installation of slope indicators, and
Mayor Murdock reported that Mr. and Mrs. Tielens, Mr: and Mrs. Watts
and Mr. and Mrs. Field have returned their signed waivers; Mr..and
Mrs. Mokler and Mrs. Wagner have indicated that they will sign and
return their waivers, and Mr..Barth and Dr.Borden are discussing the
waivers with their attorneys. The Mayor said the information was
also provided to Mr. and Mrs. Doak, but no work is proposed to be
-done on their property.
Councilman Pernell asked whether failure to sign a waiver by
any one property owner could nullify th.e.project._ Mayor Murdock said
the work on the original Flying Triangle slide would be done, since* -
Mrs. Wagner has indicated that she will sign the waiver. With re-
.gard to the Paint Brush Canyon landslide; no one has refused to sign
and it is anticipated that the waivers will be signed; however, Mr.
Keene has indicated that there may be some flexibility, should one
or two owners not sign, but the proposal shows the locations where
he wishes to have indicators installed. Councilwoman Swanson asked
how long the work will take. Mayor Murdock said work in Paintbrush
Canyon would take one week for completion of Phase 1; Phase 2 would
extend over a period of six months with interim observations, and
the work to be done after that would depend upon what is determined
during the investigative work.
Councilman Pernell asked the City Attorney to advise on the
City's liability. Mr. Jenkins said there would not be much liability
in connection with investigatory work, since permission must be given
to enter private property to do the work, and if no waiver is signed
-the property will not be enterred. Councilman Pernell said he is of
-the opinion that all waivers should be received before any work is
started, and the Council agreed.
Councilwoman Swanson moved that the County be authorized to
proceed with contractual arrangements so work can be started as soon
as all waivers are received. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Pernell and carried by the following roll call vote:
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February 27, 1984
AYES: Councilmembers Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilman Heinsheimer
Mayor Murdock said she had discussed with Mr. Keene the need
for future waivers, and she said additional waivers will be obtained
if needed, but the names provided by Mr. Keene were*the owners of the
properties on which the work will be done according to the County's
present plan. The City Attorney said he would discuss the matter of
waivers with Mr. Keene, and would rely on the geologist's opinion
with regard to which properties will be affected by the investigative
work.
Mr. Lowell Lusk, president of the Board of Directors, asked
whether waivers would be required of owners of properties near the
location of the borings. Mr. Jenkins said he is concerned that a
waiver be obtained in any instance when a hole is going to be dug
or a trench opened.
Councilman Pernell said that on behalf of the City Council and
the community he wished to thank Mayor Murdock for her efforts in
working with the residents in the Flying Triangle, including.personal
contacts and delivery of the necessary waivers.
PROPOSAL TO REDUCE SPEED.LIMIT, PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD SOUTH .989
The City Manager reported that at the meeting on February 14,
1984 the City Council concurred with the Traffic Commission's
;recommendation that thespeed limit in a portion of Portuguese Bend
Road South be reduced from 15 mph to 10 mph, and directed that an
appropriate ordinance be prepared.
-INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh moved that a proposed ordinance
entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS AMENDING SECTION 10.48.020B OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL
CODE ESTABLISHING A 10 MILE PER HOUR SPEED LIMIT FOR ALL VEHICLES
OPERATED ON PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD SOUTH SOUTHERLY OF THE INTER-
SECTION OF RANCHERO ROAD AND PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD SOUTH be intro-
duced, and that reading in full be waived. The motion was seconded
by Councilwoman Swanson.
In discussing the proposal Mrs. Betsy Raine, 71 Portuguese Bend
Road, said that the road can 'be travelled at normal speed since it,
was improved by the Community Association, and she said that since
the condition of the road regulates the speed, the speed limit should
not be reduced. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh said the Traffic Commis-
sion knew of plans to improve the road when the recommendation was'
made to the City Council. Further, she said the road will remain in
its present condition for a limited period of time, and the speed
limit should be changed because of the condition of other portions
of the road which were not improved. The. City Manager said the road
has deteriorated noticeably since it was improved, and will continue
to do so, and he said he concurred with the recommendation to reduce
the speed limit.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilman Heinsheimer
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February 27, 1984
MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
EMERGENCY DISASTER COMMITTEE
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh reported that she received a call from
a representative at TRW soliciting the disaster needs for the City
of Rolling Hills. Following discussion Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh was
advised to discuss the matter with the Sheriff and City Manager.
PAYMENT - TO RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Councilwoman Swanson noted that a check in the amount of $152.47
was approved for payment to Rancho Palos Verdes for the City's pro-
portionate share of personnel costs for the recreation programs for
developmentally disabled youth and young adults, which was discussed
at the February 14, 1984 Council meeting.
Mayor Murdock said she had discussed the matter with Mayor
Bacharach of Rancho Palos Verdes, who was not aware of the billing,
and she was assured that in the future approval would be obtained
before any bills were sent to the City.
LA CRESTA SCHOOL SITE
The City Attorney reported that he had researched the matter of
purchase of the La Cresta School site with respect to interpretation
of the price at which the land must be offered. Mr. Jenkins explained
that the Naylor Bill requires that cities, which must be offered the
right of first refusal for surplus school district land, must pay at
least 25% of the property's fair market value or the price the school
district.paid for it, whichever is greater. Mr. Jenkins said the
Bill is part of the Education Code of the State of California, and the
purpose of the Bill is for preservation of open space and recreational
areas. Further, he explained that if the City purchased the property
') it would have to be used specifically for recreational and open space
t purposes, and the City could not sell it to a private developer for
residential development..
MATTERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE - LAFCO
The Manager reported that a letter dated February 9, 1984 was
"received, advising that a hearing has been set for April 25, 1984
before the Local Agency Formation Commission to determine spheres
of influence for the island of unincorporated territory lying south-
westerly of Palos Verdes Drive North, along Crenshaw Boulevard. A
map attached to the notice delineated the area known as Academy Hills
and Westfield. Ruth Benell, Executive Officer of LAFCO advised that
the Commission will consider at the hearing the possibility of placing
the area in the sphere of influence of the City of Rolling Hills or
Rolling Hills Estates and asked that she be advised of the City's
position in the matter.
Councilman Pernell suggested that the Community Association be
.,asked to comment on the matter. The City Attorney recommended that
.the Government Code be consulted with regard to spheres of influence
which defines what is considered by LAFCO in determining what sphere
of influence a particular area belongs in, considering compatibility,
and provision of services. The matter was held for discussion at the
Council meeting on March 12, 1984, so that a response can be sent to
LAFCO by March 19, as requested.
HUMAN: SOCIETY CONTRACT 1273
The Manager reported that the contract between the City and the
Humane Society should be re -negotiated in the near future. With the
consent of the Council the City Manager was authorized to proceed
with the negotiations.
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February 27, 1984
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
The meeting was recessed to a closed session for the purpose
of discussing litigation and personnel matters at 9:15 P.M..
MEETING RECONVENED
The meeting was reconvened at 10:00 P.M. and was adjourned by
the Mayor to the next regular meeting on Monday, March 12, 1984 at
7:30 P.M.
y
APPROVED:
6/ Mayor
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City Clerk