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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