3/12/19841
MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
March 12, 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,
March 12, 1984.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
APPROVAL OF.MINUTES
Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell
Mayor Murdock
Councilwoman Swanson
Ron Molendyk
Michael Jenkins
June Cunningham
Chief Ray Brunstrom
Richard Esposito
William Howe
Marta Abel
Debby Adkins
Julie Roberts
Maria Vargas
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Delpit
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
L. A. County Fire Dept.
Palos Verdes News
Building Contractor
Student Observers
Government Class
Miraleste
High School
Residents
The minutes of the meeting on February 27, 1984 were approved
and accepted as presented on a motion made by Councilman Pernell,
seconded by Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh and carried by the following
roll call vote:
AYES:' Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Swanson
PAYMENT OF BILLS 1298
Councilman Pernell moved that Demands No. 11625 through 11640
and 11642 through 11657 in the amount of $25,094.95 be approved for
payment from the General Fund;.that Demands No. 11628 and 11637 in
,the amount of $1,007.31 be approved.for payment from the Fire and .
.Flood Self Insurance Fund, and that Demand No.11641 be voided. The
motion was seconded by Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh and carried by the
following roll call vote:
.AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Swanson
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Financial Statement for January 1984 was approved and accep-
ted as presented on a motion made by Councilman Heinsheimer, seconded
by Councilman Pernell and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Swanson
2
March 12, 1984
The Financial Statement for February 1984 was approved and accep-
ted as presented on a motion made by Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh, secon-
ded by Councilman Pernell and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Swanson
PRESENTATION OF OLYMPIAD ROSE BUSH:
Mrs. Jeannette Nassimbene, Recording Secretary of the Rolling
Hills Estates Woman's Club, advised the Council that she was present
at the meeting to present the Olympiad, the official Olympic rose .'
bush to the City of Rolling Hills in honor of the 1984 Summer Olympics
in Los Angeles County, explaining that the Club will present a rose
bush to each City on the Peninsula with a request that it be planted
near the City offices. Mayor Murdock thanked Mrs. Nassimbene on behalf
of the City Council, and asked that a letter be prepared to be sent'to
Betty Marler, President, expressing the City's appreciation.to the
Rolling Hills Estates Woman's Club.
REQUEST FOR RELIEF FROM REQUIREMENT FOR 1250 GPM FIRE FLOW
The City Manager reported that as directed by the City Council,
a sub -committee consisting of Councilmembers Leeuwenburgh and Pernell
met with Chief Brunstrom and Captain Brown of the Los Angeles County
Fire Department and the City Manager in connection with a request by
Mr. William Howe, Building Contractor, that the available fire flow
of 1170 gpm on the Delpit property at 45 Saddleback Road be accepted
by the City Council and that the requirement for 1250 gpm be waived.
Councilman Pernell said that fire flow conditions throughout the
-entire community were discussed at the meeting and it was agreed.that
the shortfalls in the city should be located, and a determination
made as to what would be necessary to upgrade the deficiencies to°the
required fire flow specified in the City's General Plan. Establish-
ment of a fund to cover the expenses of such an undertaking was also
discussed. With regard to the matter before the Council, Councilman
Pernell said he does not wish to delay issuance of a building permit
for the Delpit'property; and he suggested that if possible it be made
part of the program being considered, and he said one alternative -to
be considered would be deposit by Mr. Delpit in such a fund, with the
money to be designated for the improvement suggested by both California
Water Company and the County Fire Department for installation of a
larger mainline regulator valve to upgrade the fire hydrant at Hillside
Lane and Saddleback Road at a cost of $4,521. Chief Brunstrom stated
in a letter dated March 9, 1984 that a fire hydrant immediately north
of the Delpit property indicates an available flow of slightly less
than 1200 gpm, and if added...to the'__ .flow from an existing fire hydrant
at Hillside Lane and Saddleback immediately south of the Delpit property
the combined flow would meet the Municipal Code standard. To do this
would require upgrading the fire hydrant at Hillside and Saddleback at
the cost provided by California Water Service Company. Chief Brunstrom
said the upgrode would provide for maximum initial attack on any poten-
tial fire from either fire hydrant, and is in the best interest of
overall fire protection in the Saddleback Road area.
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh asked whether the Delpits would have
a similar problem with fire flow if they develop their second lot -'in
the same area. Mr. Howe said the combined flow from the two hydrants
as described by the Fire Chief would provide a fire flow'in excess of
2000 gpm, but would not change the current flow of 1170 gpm from the
one hydrant closest to the Delpit property. Mr. Howe explained that
the Delpit property-is':served by two water systems, and the fire flow
problem is the only thing delaying issuance of a building permit, and
is creating a hardship. He asked that the building permit be approved,
subject to an agreement to participate in the upgrading when it is"de-
veloped.
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3
March 12, 1984
Mr. Larry.Delpit addressed the Council and said he is not in
agreement with the recommendation for upgrading the hydrant, stating
that neither hydrant serving his property will reach the required
flow, and the combined flow already exceeds the requirement. Further,
Mr. Delpit said his property is being developed with a very low den-
sity, the roof will.be fire retardant as required, and the swimming
pool will have a pump to provide additional water for fire emergen-
cies. Mr. Howe suggested that the improved fire flow be required as
3 a condition of the Certificate of Occupancy following final inspec-
tion, rather than as a condition of issuing a building permit.
In response to a question about the adequacy of fire flow for
the Delpit property, Chief Brunstrom explained that it is in the
unique position of being served by two water systems, stating that
.the hydrant immediately north of the property is the last hydrant on .
an uphill section of the water system, and the fire hydrant at Hill-
-.side Lane and Saddleback Road immediately south of the property is
-the last hydrant on the downhill section of the water system. Chief
(D Brunstrom said that since the Delpits own two lots served by the two
Lo systems and the old hydrant does not meet standards, it was his opin-
ion that it should be upgraded. Chief'Brunstrom said the hydrant at
Hillside Lane and Saddleback has not beentested, since it is known
LL- that it is below the required fire flow.
m
Q Councilman Pernell said it is evident that the needs in other
areas of the City are more urgent, since the combined fire flow is
available to the Delpit property, and he suggested that the Council
consider establishing a fund for the necessary upgrading, and require
a deposit from Mr. Delpit and others to be put in a special fund or
improvement district for upgrading fire flow systems. throughout the
City. Councilman Heinsheimer asked what level of fire flow would be
acceptable to the Fire Department. Chief Brunstrom said the minimum
flow accepted is 750 gpm. Councilman Pernell said if the ordinance
were amended it would mean a 60 day delay. Chief Brunstrom said it
is not recommended that the ordinance be amended. He said the request
before the Council is to waive the requirements for 1250 gpm, since
the 1170 gpm available is within 10% of the requirement, and well
above the 750 mpg. He said that the upgrade of the system is recom-
mended, since the hydrant at Hillside Lane and Saddleback is sub-
standard. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh said she wished the record to
show that she has received phone calls from residents on Saddleback
Road who asked that the Council not compromise on the matter, but
.,adhere to the requirements for fire flow.
Councilman Pernell asked about the proximity of the hydrants to
-the Delpit property. Mr. Howe said one is 13 feet north.of the pro- _
,perty, the other is 192 feet south; they are less than 250 feet apart.
Councilman Pernell asked whether the applicant would be required to
upgrade the system before a building permit is issued. The Manager
,said a permit could be issued upon deposit of the money with the_Cal.i-
..fornia Water Service Company for the work. Councilman Pernell asked
.the City Attorney whether the Council could establish an account.for
such improvements, to be held while the study goes on. The City
Attorney said there, would be no objection from a legal point of view.
.Mr. Jenkins said a district for future improvements of water systems
with regard to fire flow could be set up, and the amount of deposit
required of applicants for building permits whose properties do not
meet the required flows should have a.reasonable basis. He said
that it will be difficult to.establish an equitable fee. Councilman
Heinsheimer said the Council should consider the matter on a case by
,case basis. Mr. Delpit said many people will have similar problems,
.and the City should upgrade all hydrants. He said he would deposit
-some money to get the system started.
Councilman Pernell moved that N
q,,$5,000 for fire hydrant improvement,
,,.tinue, and that the building permit
money. Councilman Heinsheimer said
posited by Mr. Delpit may be used tc
section of the City; he then seconde
Fire Department is going to continue
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r. Delpit be requested to deposit
with study of the matter to con -
be issued upon deposit of the
that as discussed, the money de -
upgrade a hydrant in another
d the motion, and asked if the
to study the matter. Councilman
91
March 12, 1984
Pernell said the Fire Department would continue to study the Delpit
property. Mr. Jenkins said that to clarify the matter, the fire
flow requirements are established by code, and no building permit
can be issued unless the Council grants an exception to the require-
ment on the advice of the Fire Department. Mr. Jenkins said the
Fire Department has indicated that an exception would be accept-
able as long as one fire hydrant was upgraded. He suggested that
the Council ask if the Fire Department would make the same recommend-
ation if the money is not used to upgrade that hydrant in the near
future. Councilman Pernell said statistics indicate that there are
other hydrants in the City that produce less fire flow. Councilman
Heinsheimer said the use of funds should be left to the discretion
of the Committee, as long as the applicant for a building permit who
makes a deposit to the fund is not delayed in obtaining a building
permit or moving in. Following the discussion Councilman Pernell
withdrew his motion. Councilman Heinsheimer withdrew the second.'
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that the recommendation of the :.
Fire Department that the hydrant at Hillside Lane and Saddleback
Road south of the Delpit property be upgraded to provide a maximum-,
flowof approximately 1200 gpm at a cost of $4,521 be accepted;
that it apply to approval of building permits for both lots owned
by Mr. and Mrs. Delpit known as Lots 2 and 3 of Tract 25943; that "
staff expedite the matter by advising the County to issue a permit
upon deposit of a check with the Water Company and receipt of a
letter from James Cantrell, Manager of the Water Company, advising -
that the check has been received for upgrading the hydrant. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Pernell and carried by the follow-
ing roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell,.::
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Swanson
Mayor Murdock asked that the sub -committee continue its study
of fire flows in the City and report to the Council at the earliest
opportunity.
WELCOME TO STUDENT OBSERVERS
Mayor Murdock welcomed four students from a Government Class at
Miraleste High School and asked that they provide -their addresses to
the clerk so copies of the minutes of the meeting can be sent to them.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE, STAFF REPORT 1995
The Manager reported that as requested by the City Council he
discussed a request from LAFCO regarding determination of spheres>
of influence for the island of unincorporated territory lying south-
westerly of Palos Verdes Drive North along Crenshaw Boulevard with
the Manager of the Rolling Hills Community Association. Mrs. Minor
stated that she considered inclusion of the area of unincorporated
territory, consisting of Academy Hills and Westfield, in a sphere_
of influence of Rolling Hills geographically unfeasible, architectur-
ally unworkable, and impractical because all roads in that area are
public roads. The City Attorney suggested that the response of the
City of Rolling Hills Estates be obtained, and that the LAFCO staff
report be requested. The City Manager was requested to attend the
public hearing conducted by LAFCO on April 25, 1984.
ORDINANCE NO. 206 - BURGLAR ALARMS 2010
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that Ordinance No. 206 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 DELETING REFERENCE TO FALSE ALARMS AND FINDING NECES-
SITY OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY be adopted, and that reading in full be
waived. The motion was seconded by Councilman Pernell and carried
by the following roll call vote:
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5
March 12, 1984
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilman Swanson
ORDINANCE NO. 207.- SPEED LIMIT, PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD SOUTH 2020
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh, Chairwoman of the Traffic Commission,
reported that Dr. Richard Hoffman, 73 Portuguese Bend Road, called
her with reference to the Traffic Commission's recommendation that
the speed limit on Portuguese Bend Road be reduced to 10 miles per
hour from the intersection of Ranchero Road to the terminus of the
road, suggesting that the reduction be effective only between Ran—
chero Road and Wrangler Road. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh said the
speed limit is now 15 miles per hour on Portuguese Bend Road South,
and residents in the area wish to retain that speed limit. Mayor
Murdock said the road is most affected between Ranchero and Wran-
gler Roads. Following discussion the Council agreed to defer the
second reading of the ordinance, to ask the Traffic Commission to
monitor the condition of the road and advise the Council when it is
LJL considered necessary to further reduce the speed limit, and to re-
tain the current speed limit of 15 miles per hour until such time.
Q The Mayor so ordered.
RESOLUTION NO. 525 2147
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that Resolution No. 525 entitled
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
ESTABLISHING A SERVICE CHARGE FOR ACTIVATED ALARMS PURSUANT TO
SECTION 9.36.060 OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE AND AMENDING
RESOLUTION N0. 515 be adopted, 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
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Swanson
Councilman.Pernell suggested that staff be asked to prepare a
;:special notice for the Newsletter advising residents that it is the
intent of the.City Council to enforce the service charge, and --ask ng
that residents"who have security systems take -the necessary -.steps to
prevent activation of unwarranted alarms.
RESOLUTION NO.. 526
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that Resolution No. 526 entitled
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
AMENDING THE PROCEDURES IMPLEMENTING THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT AND THE GUIDELINES OF THE SECRETARY OF RESOURCES AND
At�NDING RESOLUTION NO. 516 be adopted, 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
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Swanson o
Mayor Murdock said adoption of the resolution brings the City
into conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
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March 12, 1984
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION, FEBRUARY 211, 1984 -ZONING CASE NO. 289 2164
Mayor Murdock reported that at a regular meeting on Tuesday,
February 21, 1984 the Planning Commission approved a Conditional
Use Permit for a paddle tennis court on the S. M. Kim property at
8 Buggy Whip. Because the approval was conditioned upon submittal,.,
of a plan of the paddle tennis court in a location approved in con-
cept by the Architectural Committee at a meeting held on the same,::
date, the applicant was requested to present a correct plan for the
Chairman's signature. The Mayor explained that the plan was delivered
to the office on Monday, March 12, and the Planning Commission Char-
man had advised that it would be signed on Tuesday, March 13, 1984.
In reviewing the plan, it was noted that it did not comply with re-
quirements of the Planning Commission that retaining walls incorpor-
ated as a part of the overall plan of the court shall not be greater
than four feet in height, since the plan shows a wall five feet in
height. The matter was held on the agenda, pending review by the
Planning Commission, and resolution of the wall height.
MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
FLYING TRIANGLE GEOLOGY
Councilman Heinsheimer asked that the City Attorney advise the
Council with regard to a request by the Rolling Hills Community Asso-
ciation that information pertaining to the work being done in the.::
Flying Triangle by Los Angeles County for the Association under con-
tract with the City be released only by the Association.
CONTRACT CITIES ELECTION MEETING
Mayor Murdock reported that Councilman Heinsheimer will not be
able to attend the meeting of the Contract Cities on March 21, 19843%
and the alternate, Councilman Pernell, said he would not be able:to
attend. The Mayor said that if a member of the Council can attend"_
a letter authorizing that person to vote will be prepared.,
LETTER FROM L. D. COURTRIGHT, FORMER CITY TREASURER Y
A letter dated February 7, 1984 from L. D. Courtright, former..:
City Treasurer regarding the status of the 1983-84 Budget was held
on the agenda for comment by the Finance Officer, who was not present
at the meeting.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh reported that an organizational meeting
for the Neighborhood Watch Program will be held at the City Hall at
7:00 P.M. Monday, April 2, 1984.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
The meeting was recessed to a closed session at 9:20 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was reconvened at 10:40 P.M. and was adjourned by
Mayor Murdock.
APPROVED:
d Mayor
n
City Clerk