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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 497 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. -2- 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. -3- I I l- .lFi..d.cte W 1—— 1, iJ lig .. 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: -4- 5®® 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 -5- 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. 2.2 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 -7- City Clerk