4/9/198422
MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
April 9, 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,
April 9, 1984.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell,
Swanson, Mayor Murdock
None
Ron Molendyk
Michael Jenkins
June Cunningham
Don Bailey
Ted Porter
Douglas McHattie
Richard Esposito
Eden Heinsheimer
Mr. & Mrs. S. M. Kim
Mrs. B. Raine
S. M. Weeks
City Manager
City Attorney
Deputy City Clerk _... _..
Southern California Edison
Southern California.Edison
South Bay Engineering.—
Palos Verdes Peninsula�News
Resident
Q�
ti
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of a regular meeting held on March 26, 1984 were approved
and accepted as presented on a motion made by Councilman Heinsheimer,'-
seconded by Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh and carried by the following roll
call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell,
Swanson, Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The minutes of an adjourned meeting held on March 27, 1984 werel.'
approved and accepted as presented on a motion made by-Councilwoman-
Leeuwenburgh,
y CouncilwomanLeeuwenburgh, seconded by Councilwoman Swanson and carried by the fol=
lowing roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: Councilman Pernell
T.
The minutes of an adjourned meeting held on April 3, 1984 were*'-*
approved and accepted as presented on a motion made by Councilwoman
Swanson, seconded by Councilman Pernell and carried by the following-
roll
ollowing
roll call vote:
'"
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernel-1,
Swanson, Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None �'
23
April 9, 1984
PAYMENT OF BILLS 1428
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that Demands No. 11679 and 11680;
11682 through 11686;.. 11688 and.11689; 11691 through 11704; 11706;
11709 and 11710 in the amount of $25,371.11 be approved for payment
from the General Fund; that Demands No. 11687, 11707 and 11708 in
the amount of $3,049.07 be approved for payment from the Fire & Flood
Self Insurance Fund, and that Demands No. 11681, 11690 and 11705 be
voided. The motion was seconded by Councilman Pernell and carried by
the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell,
Swanson, Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PERSONAL APPEARANCE, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY MANAGERS 1445
Lo Mayor Murdock introduced Mr_. Ted Porter, Area Manager for.Southern
CY) California Edison Company. Mr. Porter displayed a chart which illustra-
LLted delivery of electrical energy from generation through transmission
m and distribution, and he explained that there is automatic equipment to
shut off power if something comes into contact with any of the lines.
Q Mr. Porter said there is an automatic testing of the line, and if it.
shuts down the second time the power remains off. In a recent incident
in Rolling Hills a line dropped and a brush fire resulted. Mr. Porter
said some recent outages had occurred, and sensing devices were in-
stalled, but a partial failure of the:sensing device had caused a prob-
lem. Councilman Pernell asked whether there was a.possibility of re-
currence, and Mr. Porter said the probability is remote.
Mr. Porter advised the Council that he had been assigned contact
duties with the Peninsula cities in addition to responsibilities.in
Torrance and Lomita. An Area Manager -has recently been assigned to
represent the Edison Company on the Peninsula, and Mr. Porter intro-
duced Mr. Don Bailey, Area Manager, who will assume contact between
Edison and the cities on the Peninsula, including Rolling Hills. Mr--.-
Bailey
r=:Bailey addressed the Southern California Edison Company's voluntary
program of energy conservation through electrical load management,
called the Air Conditioner Cycling Program. In a letter dated March 15,
1984 from the Department of County Engineer-Facilities.of Los Angeles
County, the City Manager was advised that the program involves in-
stallation of radio-controlled.relays on privately owned air conditioners
that would enable the utility company to disconnect the appliances as
necessary during peak periods of electrical demand. Mr. Bailey ex-
plained that it is one of the programs instituted by the utility
companies in an effort to reduce consumption during peak hours, to
avoid constructing additional generating facilities. Mr. Bailey
said a pilot program conducted in 1977 was successful, and an effort
is being made to institute the program on a volunteer basis system-
wide. He said the radio controlled device would be controlled from
Edison's headquarters,'and the program would be in effect only from
May 1 through October 31. As an incentive to participation by cus-
tomers, a program of cost reductions to be reflected in the billing
has been developed, to be applied whether or not the recycling..
is. -done. Mr. Bailey said the reduction is based upon a 30 minute
time frame; and the participant has a choice of whether the air
conditioner is shut off for 10, 20 or 30 minute cycles, with the
higher cost reduction being applied for the maximum cycling period".
Mr. Bailey said the program is strictly voluntary, and brochures will
be mailed to all consumers. In a letter to the City Manager dated
March 15, 1984 the Superintendent of Building for Los Angeles County
advised that the L. A. County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance
exempting the devices from permit requirements, and explained -that if
the Council wishes to provide for participation in the program by
Rolling Hills residents, a similar ordinance would have to be adopted
by the Council.
The matter was held on the agenda for additional information to
be supplied by Southern California Edison Company in brochures.
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24
April 9, 1984
UPDATE ON FLYING TRIANGLE AREA STUDY REGARDING GEOLOGY 1660
The City Manager reported that the drilling in the Flying Triangle
area for slope indicator sites is progressing, and that the method has
been changed from a compressor system to use of a mud drilling process
because.of soil problems. Mr. Molendyk reported that a water line
break had occurred at the rear of 2 Ranchero Road. He said the drill-
ing is expected to be completed by Thursday, April 12. Councilwoman
Swanson asked about the City's liability in contracting with the County
on behalf of the Community Association. Mr. Jenkins said'the.contractor-
are covered by the Assumption of Liability which covers all contract
services performed by the County for cities, and by which the County is
responsible for its contractors and workers and the City is responsible
for its own employees. Mr. Jenkins said it is his opinion that the
County is responsible for the actions of its contractors and workers,
and is liable for any negligence on their part or any damage or injur-
ies to those persons to the extent that they do not adequately secure
areas where holes are being dug.. The City Attorney said the City Mana-
ger has taken the necessary measures to ensure that the holes are being
properly secured, as a protection for anyone entering on the properties
where the work is being done. Mr. Jenkins said he would research the
insurance policies to ensure that there is adequate coverage, in the
event that there is negligence which could result in liability.
ZONING CASE NO. 289, S.M. KIM, 8 BUGGY WHIP, PADDLE TENNIS COURT 1710
Mayor Murdock opened discussion of Zoning Case No. 289, a request
by Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Kim for construction of a paddle tennis court on
property owned by them which is located at 8 Buggy Whip. The Mayor
said jurisdiction over the.approval by the Planning Commission was taken
by the Council at a special meeting, and four members of the Council
made a field trip to the site to view the proposed location of the court.
Councilman Heinsheimer, who did not attend the field trip, said he,wished
to abstain from the discussion of the matter, since his property is ad-
jacent to the Kim property.
The City Manager explained that at the field trip it was deter-'
mined that there was a discrepancy between the information on the,plan
and the location of the actual staking of the proposed court; further,
two windows had been installed in the second story of an existing barn,
and were inviolation of the Municipal Code, which requires that there
be no glazed windows in the loft, which is intended for storage of --food
and tack only. Mr. Molendyk said a new map has been submitted, along
with snapshots of progressive removal of the windows. He said the --
windows -were being removed when he visited the site earlier in the day,
and the final picture showed the roof returned to the original state.
Mr. Douglas McHattie, South Bay. Engineering Corporation, explained
that when he staked the property he used a topo which was prepared by
another engineering firm, and which was purported to be correct. He..'
said he checked the information, and all horizontal computations were
correct, and he proceeded to stake the property without verifying the
vertical computations, which were not correct. Mr. McHattie said a.,'..'
survey crew has re -shot the corners and the plans have been corrected.
The resulting elevation is lower, and the toe of the fill will extend
into the existing riding ring, and a portion of the ring will be re-
located accordingly. In response to questions from -the Council, Mr,:;
McHattie said the drainage area in the center of the ring will be re-
duced slightly, but not enough to affect drainage.
Councilman Pernell said that since the plan has been corrected-:-.,
and is not the same plan approved by the Planning Commission, and be-
cause the de -silting basin.will be reduced in size, it was his opinion
that the plan should again be reviewed by the Planning Commission.
The Mayor said the plan submitted to the Commission which incorporated
the revised orientation for a north/south court, rather than one which
ran east/west was a partial plan and did not show all improvements on
the property, and she agreed that the Commission should have an oppor-
tunity to consider the corrected plan, with full development of the,�.,;
property shown. Councilwoman Swanson said there are important hors;e1:
trails in the area, and drainage is extremely important.
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25
April 9, 1984
Following the discussion Councilman Pernell moved that the plan
for a proposed paddle tennis court be remanded to the Planning Commis-
sion for review and further action... The motion was seconded-.by..Council-
woman Leeuwenburgh and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Leeuwenburgh, Pernell, Swanson
Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: Councilman Heinsheimer
FISCAL YEAR 1984-85 REGIONAL CRIME ANALYSIS UNIT FUNDING 1840
In a letter dated March 20, 1984 Roger M: Moulton, Chief of
Police of Redondo Beach, advised that the Crime Analysis Unit and
South Bay Burglary Team need the city's continued participation to
(.0successfully continue regional operation, and he advised that the
Lo assessed share for Rolling Hills for the Fiscal Year 1984-85 budget
is $414.33. A motion to approve continued participation for the
(J) stated sum was made by Councilman Heinsheimer, seconded by Council-
LjL woman Swanson and carried by the following roll call vote:
�.. AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell,
Q Swanson, Mayor. Murdock
NOES: None .
ABSENT: None
REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF PERMIT FEES, SAM WEEKS, 10 POSSUM RIDGE ROAD 1855
The City Manager advised the Council that.Mr. Sam Weeks, 10 Possum
Ridge Road, has planted avocado trees on approximately four acres of
land. behind his residence, and as a result of heavy rains in 1983 a
portion of the property has failed, affecting canyon flow. Geologic,
soil and engineering plans have been completed as required, and Mr.
Weeks has been advised that plan check and inspections fees must be
paid and would total approximately $2,000. Because he has already
spent $150,000 to do corrective grading which will restore his property
and will benefit other residents, Mr. Weeks has asked that the plan
check and inspection fees be waived..
Mr. Weeks addressed the Council and advised that because he
suffered a property loss, no permit fee was required by the Community
Association. Mr. Weeks showed cross sections of the corrections,.and
he said the problem occurred when an ancient.slide was accelerated
by massive rainfall in a concentrated period of time in March, 1983.
He,,said the County would waive the fees if.authorized by the Council
to � do -so. COuri6.ilwoman..Leeuwenburgh'-.m6ved.that the fees be waived. `
The "Mo -t -ion',. died:`for_ lack -.of a�::..second..:::-.:In discussion Councilman Heins-
heimer said the fees are charged to cover the cost of doing business,
and it was his.opinion that the City should not intervene.
ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN=UP WEEK
The Manager reported that the annual Spring Clean-up will take
place from April 9 - 14, and residents are taking advantage of the
opportunity for curbside pick up of material.
MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh reported that a large number of residents
attended the orientation meeting for the Neighborhood Watch on April 2,
and the first neighborhood meeting will be held on April 26 at the home
of -Mildred Bell, 18 Cinchring Road for residents of the Portuguese Bend
Road South/Cinchring Road area. Additional meetings will be scheduled,
and signs will be posted when they arrive.
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26
April 9, 1984
BUDGET PRESENTATION
Councilwoman Swanson reported that the budget for Fiscal 1984-85
is being prepared, and will be presented to the Council at the first
City Council meeting in May.
RECOGNITION OF RETIRING TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
Councilwoman Swanson reported that City Councilman Dick Rossberg
of the City of Torrance is retiring from the Council, and will -be
honored at a dinner by South Bay Cities on April 26, 1984. She sug-
gested that an appropriate plaque be prepared from the City of Rolling
Hills, and asked that a member of the Council present it, since she
will be out of the country and will not be able to attend the dinner.
With the concurrence of the Council the Mayor so ordered.
REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP
Councilwoman Swanson said the Regional Planning Commission has
scheduled a workshop to be .held on April 27, 1984 to consider land'
use decisions, and she suggested that if possible a member of the..''.
City Council, Planning Commission or staff should attend.
RECENT COURT DECISION CONCERNING THE SALE OF FIREWORKS
2010
In a letter dated April 3, 1984 from the Los Angeles County'Fire
Department Mayor Murdock was advised that on February 16, 1984 the
California Court of Appeals found that State law preempts a city
ordinance which imposed a total ban on the sale of "Safe and Sane"
fireworks. Acting Fire Chief John Englund advised that in Los Angeles
County there are 34 cities in which the sale of such fireworks are
prohibited, and sales are prohibited in the unincorporated area of`the
County. The Mayor was advised that the Assistant Fire Chief and Fire
Prevention staff will coordinate with City staff any actions that will
beUnecessary.
Councilman Pernell asked the City Attorney to comment. Mr: Jen-
kins said the prohibition is against sale, not discharge, and Rolling
Hills does not have any zoning for commercial purposes, so sale, as-
well as discharge, is prohibited in Rolling Hills, making the recent
decision inapplicable to the City of Rolling Hills.
CALIFORNIA CONTRACT CITIES MEETING
Mayor Murdock advised the Council that a plaque and resolution
of appreciation have been prepared for presentation to Nell Mirel.s
at the meeting of California Contract Cities to be held on Wednesday,
April 18, 1984 at South Coast Botanic Gardens. A resolution -of -.appre-
ciation was adopted on a motion.made by Councilman Pernell, seconded
by Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh and carried unanimously, and the Clerk'
was asked to make reservations for members of the Council and their
spouses and staff to attend the dinner.
EXPANDED BRICKWORK NEAR TENNIS COURT 2050
The Mayor reported that the Tennis Club has approved expenditure
of funds for expansion of the brick area near the tennis court and
installation of additional picnic tables and benches to match the
existing, to enlarge use of the barbecue and picnic area. Mr. Allan
Roberts, Tennis Club President, asked that the Council be advised -of
the plan, with all funds to be allocated by the Tennis Club. Council-
man Pernell moved that the project be approved by the Council, at no
cost to the City. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh
and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Pernell,
Swanson, Mayor Murdock
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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April 9, 1984
LAFCO RE: SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
27
The City Manager reported that he contacted LAFCO andwas advised
that the staff report regarding the island of unincorporated territory
lying southwesterly of Palos Verdes Drive North along Crenshaw Boule-
vard will be ready approximately one week before the hearing. The City
Manager of Rolling Hills Estatesadvised that in 1979 it was determined
that the area was in the sphere of influence of that'city, so no action
was contemplated by Rolling Hills Estates. Mr. Molendyk said he and
the CityAttorneyare working on an appropriate letter to be submitted
by the City of Rolling Hills.
CREST ROAD WEST, BETWEEN CRENSHAW BOULEVARD AND ROLLING HILLS GATE 2067
Mayor Murdock said that in a recent discussion with Mayor Bacharach
of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes about the landscaping on the portion
of Crest Road in Rancho Palos Verdes between the gate and Crenshaw
Boulevard, Mayor Bacharach suggested that the City of Rolling Hills
consider acquiring that portion of the road, since it does not serve
any residences in Rancho Palos Verdes and .provides ,access to properties
in Rolling Hills. Mayor Murdock asked the City Attorney to research
the matter and prepare a propo.sal to be submitted to the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes.
CANVASS OF ELECTION RESULTS
The Mayor advised that the Government Code requires that the Coun-
cil meet for a canvass of election results, even though the election
was not held and incumbent candidates were appointed by resolution
adopted on February 14, 1984. Mayor Murdock said the Oath ofOffice
would.be administered to Councilmen Heinsheimer and Pernell to signify
the,official start of their new terms of office on Tuesday, April 17,.
1984, pursuant to Government Code. Councilman Pernell said he would.
be out of town. It was determined that a quorum of the Council will be
present, and the meeting was.scheduled for Tuesday, April 17 at 7.t00 PM
because of a meeting of the Planning Commission at 7:30 P.M.
RE -PORT AND PROPOSAL FROM CITY MANAGER 2100
Councilman Pernell, personnel officer, advised the Council that he
has received a report and proposal from the City Manager following his
first month of employment by the City. Councilman Pernell said he will
discuss the proposal with the City Manager and will make.a report to
the Council at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
I
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M. to Tuesday, April 1.7, 1984
at.7:00 P.M.
APPROVED:
Mayor
M
CLty Clerks'