6/23/1986MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
A regular meeting
Hills was called to
Portuguese Bend Road,
at 7:30 p.m. Monday,June
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
CONSENT CALENDAR
June 23, 1986
of the City Council of the City of Rolling
order at the Administration Building, 2
Rolling Hills, California by Mayor Pernell
23, 1986.
Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh
Murdock, Mayor Pernell
Mayor pro tem Swanson
Terrence L. Belanger
June Cunningham
Anne La Jeunesse
Herbert Agid
William Cross
Dr. F. W. Hartwig
Miss Becky Raine
Mrs. Betsy Raine
Bruce Raine
F. W. Ripley
City Manager
Deputy City Clerk
Palos Verdes News
Residents
Items a. through c. on the Consent Calendar were approved
on a motion made by Councilman Heinsheimer, seconded by Councilwoman
Leeuwenburgh and carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of a regular meeting on June 9, 1986 and minutes
of an adjourned meeting were approved and accepted as presented.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Demands No. 1419 through 1445 in the amount of $75,160.05
were approved for payment from the General Fund, and Demand No.
1437 in the amount of $291.35 was approved for payment from the
Municipal Self -Insurance Fund.
PUBLIC HEARING, PROPOSED CITY OF ROLLING HILLS BUDGET, FY 1986-87
Mayor Pernell opened discussion of the proposed budget for
the City of Rolling Hills for fiscal 1986-87, and noted' that the
budget hearing was continued from the previous meeting. The Manager
reported that revenues of $516,200 are anticipated, and expenditures
of $367,400 are projected. The Manager recommended that the proposed
budget be adopted.
Councilman Heinsheimer asked whether there was any provision
for a sewer study during the coming year. The Manager said that
when it is appropriate for the Council to make a decision in the
matter a recommendation will be made that the Council consider
a $25,000 appropriation for that purpose, since two proposals have
been received, and both were for approximately that amount. In
the event the Council wishes to include the appropriation in the
budget prior to adoption, the Manager said the necessary revisions
can be made if a motion to do so is made, and the City can then
retain a consultant to do the work. Councilman Heinsheimer said
he did not mean that the work should proceed, but it was his opinion
that the line item should be included to show the Council's intent
to proceed at the appropriate time. Mayor Pernell said the action
would reduce available reserves, but would not affect the bottom
line, and he asked members of the Council to comment. Councilmembers
Leeuwenburgh and Murdock ageed with the recommendation, and the
budget was amended.
307
June 23, 1986
The budget as amended was adopted on a motion made by
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh, seconded by Councilwoman Murdock and
carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Murdock
Mayor Pernell
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor pro tem Swanson
STATUS OF FLYING TRIANGLE
The City Manager reported that over the past three weeks
representatives of the cities of Rolling Hills and Rancho Palos
Verdes have met to discuss formation of a task force to study the
larger landslide that has now become apparent in the Klondike Canyon
area. The Manager said the City has contracted with James Slosson
and Associates, geologists, for a coring operation and geotechnical
exploration in the Flying Triangle, which is currently taking place.
Mr. Belanger said Arthur Keene, the County Geologist, has advised
LO that he will have a written report to submit to the Council before
0)the next Council meeting.
LL
ED William Cross, 63 Portuguese Bend Road, asked why Slosson
Q and Associates have been retained by the City. The Manager explained
that they were retained to obtain additional information on the
advice of Richards, Watson, Dreyfuss and Gershon, the City's
attorneys.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE ADOPTING L.A. COUNTY UNIFORM FIRE CODE 1695
A proposed ordinance entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING BY REFERENCE PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 50022.2 THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, TITLE 32, FIRE CODE,
AND AMENDING THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE was introduced on
a motion made by Councilman 'Heinsheimer, seconded by Councilwoman
Murdock and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Murdock
Mayor Pernell
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor pro tem Swanson
A public hearing on the proposed ordinance was set for Monday,
July 14, 1986 at 7:30 p.m.
RECESS
The meeting was recessed at 8:45 p.m. and was reconvened at
8:50 p.m.
EXCESS COVERAGE, MUNICIPAL LIABILITY INSURANCE 1746
The Manager reported that on June 17, 1986 the Coachella Valley
Joint Powers Insurance Authority adopted an excess municipal
liability insurance program which will provide an additional
$4,000,000 liability insurance coverage over the existing $1,000,000
primary insurance coverage, resulting in a total coverage of
$5,000,000 for the City. The cost of the additional liability
coverage will be $2,500 per year, meaning that the City of Rolling
Hills now has general liability insurance coverage up to $5,000,000
for an annual premium of $22,500. The Manager recommended that
the Council approve payment of the additional $2,500.
Councilwoman Murdock moved that the Manager's recommendation
be approved, and that a warrant in the amount of $2,500 be prepared
for the additional coverage. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Heinsheimer and carried by the following roll call vote:
-2-
308
June 23, 1986
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Murdock
Mayor Pernell
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor pro tem Swanson
OPEN AGENDA
Herbert Agid, 60 Portuguese Bend Road
Mr. Agid advised the Council that in 1977 he advised Teena
Clifton, who was then City Manager of the fragility of Portuguese
Bend Road South near the turn. Mrs. Clifton responded, and they
met to view the areas of his concern. Subsequently Mr. Agid said
he received, assurance from the County that to ensure the safety
of the area building would not be permitted. Shortly thereafter
new residences were approved for construction in the Flying Triangle,
and within a very short time fractures appeared in Portuguese Bend
Road South. When contacted, the County stated that the landslide
was activated by heavy rainfalls, which Mr. Agid said is a theory
not shared by residents in the area. Over the past several years
Mr. Agid said there has been a change from slight movement to
constant rapid movement approaching catastrophe.
Mr. Agid said that at a Council meeting three or four years
ago Mr. Keene, County geologist, said that the way to approach
the slide was to fill in the canyons and alter or slow the flow
of water in Klondike Canyon. Mr. Agid said that in spite of large
sums spent for consultation and study by outside sources, nothing
constructive has been done to this date to stop the slide. Mr.
Agid said, further, that in 1963-64 the Flood Control District
changed a drainage facility on Crest Road East from a 9" pipe to
a 22" pipe, increasing the potential water flow by 1200%. Based
on Mr. Keene's recommendation that water flow into the canyon be
controlled, Mr. Agid asked that consideration be given to
installation of a pipeline from Crest Road East to the ocean, stating
that he has observed that water is no longer flowing down Klondike
Canyon, and he has concluded that the water goes directly
underground, lubricating the slide plane. Mr. Agid said it may
be possible to place a pipe above ground so it can be moved as
needed.
MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
ROLLING HILL WOMEN'S CLUB PROPOSAL FOR REWARD
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh advised the Council that the Rolling
Hills Women's Community Club has offered a cash reward for
information leading to apprehension of persons vandalizing properties
in Rolling Hills. The Manager said he has discussed the offer
with Captain Omohundro, and the Sheriff said he does not think
the offer would be a deterrent, and recommended more vigilance
by neighbors. Mayor Pernell said recommendations have been made
from time to time regarding increased security measures at the
gates, including use of cameras. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh said
the Sheriff has made recommendations for improving security at
the gates, including increased recording of information listing
the color and make of vehicles, license number, and the license
number of the driver. Councilman Heinsheimer said security procedures
at the gates is within the jurisdiction of the Community Association,
and he said increased vigilance by neighbors and a strong
Neighborhood Watch program as recommended by the Sheriff could
be effective. Mayor Pernell said he is not sure residents would
turn in a person known to them for a reward of $500, and he asked
that the opinions expressed by the Council be relayed to the Women's
Club by Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh.
-3-
309
June 23, 1986
COMMITTEE FOR EVALUATION PURPOSES
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh said that in discussions with members
of other Commissions and Boards she has perceived a need for improved
communication and an evaluation of the past five years and goals
for the next five years. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh proposed that
a committee be formed consisting of members of the City Council,
Planning Commission, Board of Directors, Architectural Committee
and staff to meet wand discuss areas of mutual concern in an effort
to improve communication. Mayor Pernell said the Environmental
Review Board has a representative of each of the organizations,
in addition to a resident at large, and he asked whether that
Board could act in the capacity described by Councilwoman
Leeuwenburgh. Councilman Heinsheimer said that a sub -committee
of members of the various bodies should not be created without
having a specific matter to address. Mayor Pernell said that in
an attempt to eliminate a communication gap informal meetings are
held on a semi -regular basis and are attended by the President
of the Board of Directors and the Manager of the Rolling Hills
Lo Community Association, the Mayor and the City Manager and they
plan to meet bi-monthly. The Mayor said the meetings are informal,
without a fixed agenda, and items of mutual interest and concern
LL are discussed. Councilwoman Murdock said that if there are problems
Co of communication between various organizations they should be
Q discussed by the Chairmen of the specific organizations, and if
it is determined that there is a long-term evaluation needed they
could proceed on that basis.
SHERIFF'S WEEKLY CRIME REPORTS
Councilman Heinsheimer said that the Sheriff's Weekly Crime
Report in the Peninsula News regularly reports problems at 550
Deep Valley Drive, which he said is the parking structure at the
Peninsula Center. Councilman Heinsheimer suggested the Sheriff
be asked to inform the Council of the type of activity requiring
repeated attention from the Sheriff, so residents can be advised
if it is an area that should be avoided.
LITTER ON CREST ROAD WEST BETWEEN GATE AND CRENSHAW BLVD.
Councilman Heinsheimer said the bushes along the north side
of Crest Road between Crenshaw Boulevard and the Crenshaw Gate
to Rolling Hills have been trimmed, revealing litter and debris
along the side of the road. He suggested that the area be cleared
of unsightly materials by Rancho Palos Verdes or Rolling Hills.
The Manager was directed to take the appropriate action.
REPAIRS ON PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH 1999
Mayor Pernell said he was advised by Mayor Peter Weber of
Rolling Hills Estates that repairs on Palos Verdes Drive North
east of the Main Gate were delayed until after the close of school.
The Mayor said it is his understanding that the roadway will be
closed for only a short period of time. The City Manager said
he has discussed the road closure with Rolling Hills Estates City
Manager Ray Taylor, and he was told that the slope will be rebuilt
before the roadway will be closed for paving, and that Rolling
Hills will be advised in advance so that residents of the City
can be informed. Mr. Belanger said the road will be closed for
only a short time during off-peak hours.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
GEOTECHNICAL EXPLORATION AND STUDY POLICY
The City Manager said the Council has been given a draft policy
statement regarding geological exploration and study. He said
the primary purpose of the suggested policy is to articulate the
City Council's position relative to engaging professional experts,
undertaking geological exploration and developing reports as a
result. The focus is the proposed geotechnical task force that
-4-
M
June 23, 1986
would be formed between the cities of Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling
Hills, but it addresses a larger issue; specifically, how the City
Council wishes to utilize the information gained through study,
reports and geological exploration. Mr. Belanger said the draft
statement suggests a policy position that the Council may wish
to take, and it is his recommendation that the policy statement
be adopted by the Council.
Mayor Pernell said the policy statement was developed as a
result of mis-statemgnts about the position of the City of Rolling
Hills as regards discussions with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,
explaining that Rolling Hills has consistently maintained the posture
of wanting to know what is going on in exclusively private property.
The Mayor said the Council has been advised by legal counsel that
the City, in the absence of any direct jeopardy to health and/or
safety in the area, should stay out, and has heeded that advice.
Now that the City has become involved in a wider scope of exploration
some expectations have been aroused, and a statement re -affirming
the City's position has been prepared. Mayor Pernell said the
statement is in draft form, and is confidential at the present
time, but he said in essence it states that the City will look
at the slide, get information, and will make it available to
interested parties.
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that for purposes of discussion
the policy statement be adopted as amended on the final page by
removing qualifying terms and making the statement more emphatic,
as discussed by the Council, and that the policy statement be amended
and released. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Murdock.
In discussing the policy statement Councilman Heinsheimer
said there is an on-going exploratory activity being conducted,
and as information becomes available it may be necessary to take
some action. Rolling Hills has an opportunity to do some joint
exploration with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes without
consideration of the boundaries of the respective cities, and the
purpose of the task force is to create a structure that allows
joint investigation of the larger than previously understood
landslide, but it is not a mechanization for stabilization or
mitigation of the landslide. The policy statement, after adoption
by the Rolling Hills City Council, will be forwarded to the City
Council of Rancho Palos Verdes for consideration and adoption so
that funds that were made available for the work can be administered.
Mr. William Cross, 63 Portuguese Bend Road, asked that residents
in the Flying Triangle be kept informed of the status of the activity
in the area, and he suggested that a weekly newsletter be sent
to the residents, especially when a drilling rig is brought in
or markings are made the residents will be prepared for the activity.
Mr. Cross said technical people and members of the Council are
often seen in the area, giving residents hope that some action
will be taken. Mayor Pernell and members of the Council agreed
that there should be a sensitivity to the needs of the residents
in the Flying Triangle, and they should be kept informed of all
developments so they will not develop unreal hopes for mitigation
of the slide.
Dr. Fritz Hartwig, 3 Pinto Road, said he has attended meetings
of the Board of Directors and written letters to the Rolling Hills
Community Association in an effort to encourage the Association
to take some action, and he received a letter from the Community
Association's attorney advising that the Association did not think
the Board could approve expenditures in one area of the commuinity
out of fairness to all residents. Dr. Hartwig asked why the City
was planning to spend money for information if there is no plan
to do anything. Mayor Pernell said some of the information may
assist the Council in determining whether any measures, such as
requiring that all sewage disposal be above ground, should be
enforced, and may enable the Council to know what is going on,
and what may take place in the future in the slide area.
-5-
311
June 23, 1986
Councilman Heinsheimer explained that the City must work within
the legal constraints of health and safety considerations, including
ingress and egress, not the protection of private properties and
preservation of property values. Mr. Hartwig asked when the
expenditure for the task force was approved. Councilman Heinsheimer
said approval of an appropriate expenditure will be part of the
approval of the policy statement. The Manager said the City Council
approved expenditures for an aerial survey for mapping at the last
meeting, and the balance of monies for the technological
investigation will be provided by the City's insurance carrier
who is defending the City in litigation pertaining to the landslide.
Mr. Belanger said one core 400 feet deep is being drilled on an
easement across from the Slusher property.
F. W. Ripley, 91 Crest Road East, said he purchased his property
in 1946, and he moved into Rolling Hills in 1949. Mr. Ripley said
that more than 40 years ago geologists knew that the Flying Triangle
was moving. Bruce Raine, 71 Portuguese Bend Road, said it appears
that the core is being taken from a relatively stable area, and
he asked whether it would not be more feasible to drill into the
active slide area. The City Manager explained that the location
LO was selected by the geologists, and at least one factor in
M determining the site was that it is a stable areas close to but
LL not in the slide. The Manager said that in the past drilling sites
m were damaged or eliminated by movement that covered the excavation
Q before all information could be obtained. Mr.Cross asked whether
the task force meetings will be public. Mayor Pernell said the
task force meets as a committee, and that results of the meetings
will be made public.
The motion to amend the policy statement as discussed, to
adopt the statement and to release it was carried by the following
roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Heinsheimer, Leeuwenburgh, Murdock
Mayor Pernell
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor pro tem Swanson
LETTER FROM PALOS VERDES ESTATES
Mayor Pernell said he received a letter from the City of Palos
Verdes Estates expressing appreciation for the City's participation
in a special Peninsula -wide Neighborhood Watch Meeting. Councilwoman
Leeuwenburgh asked that letters be sent to Mayor Ruth Gralow and
Neighborhood Watch President Kay Finer of Palos Verdes Estates
thanking them for organizing and hosting the special meeting.
RECESS TO PERSONNEL SESSION
2320
The meeting was recessed to a personnel session at 8:55 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened at 9:55 p.m. and adjourned at 10:00
p.m. to Monday, July 14, 1986 at 7:30 p.m.
APPROVED:
Mayor
jpmet �S_,t
t City Clerk V