1/25/1988 ° - .�`/
MINUTES OF A
� REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
January 25, 1988
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 Swanson
at 7: 30 p.m. , Monday, January 25, 1988.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmembers Leeuwenburgh, Murdock,
Pernell, Mayor Swanson
ABSENT: Councilman Heinsheimer (excused)
ALSO PRESENT: Terrence L. Belanger City Manager
� Michael Jenkins City Attorney
� L. D. Courtright City Treasurer
� Betty Volkert Deputy City Clerk
Anna Pulido Administrative Intern
� � Capt. Dennis Gillard Sheriff ' s Department
(n Ann Johnson Los Angeles Times
Q Peter De Haan LACTC Representative
John Bennett Residents
Ann Carley
Bill Cross
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh requested that the Minutes of
the January 11 , 1988, Council meeting be removed from the Consent
Calendar, and Mayor Swanson requested that the Audit Report
be removed. Councilman Pernell moved that the remaining items
on the Consent Calendar, i .e. , the Payment of Bills and the
Financial Statement for December 1987, be approved. Councilwoman
Murdock seconded the motion and it carried unanimously..
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh asked that the paragraph on page
2 under the heading "PRESENTATION BY A REPRESENTATIVE FROM LACTC"
be changed to read "was not present on Rolling Hills ' staff
direction, therefore, . . . ".
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh moved approval of the minutes
as amended, Councilman Pernell seconded the motion and it carried
unanimously.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Demands No. 2599 through 2635 in the amount of $23, 917. 74
were approved for payment from the General Fund.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT . �
The Financial Statement for the month of December, 1987,
was approved and accepted as presented.
ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT
Mayor Swanson explained that she requested that the Annual
Audit Report be removed from the Consent Calendar because of
concern regarding a statement in the letter from the auditor
dated November 25, 1987, in which he states that the City has
not maintained an historical record of its general fixed assets,
which should be included to conform to standard accounting
principles.
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The Mayor asked that in the future the City ' s general fixed
asset group of accounts be included in the audit report, and
that the report conform to generally accepted accounting
principles. The City Treasurer, Larry Courtright, assured the
Mayor that in the future this Would be included in the audit
report. •
Councilwoman Murdock moved that the Annual Audit Report
be approved. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh seconded the motion
and it carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
PRESENTATION BY A REPRESENTATIVE FROM LACTC -
CALL BOX SYSTEM UPGRADE - SAFE
The City Manager introduced Mr. Peter De Haan, a
representative from the Los Angeles County Transportation
Commission, who was in attendance to answer questions that the
Council might have regarding the freeway call box system and
the formation of a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies .
(SAFE) . The City Manager explained that this is a proposal
to complete the Los Angeles County Call Box System, which
currently has approximately 3, 600 freeway call boxes. The
proposed funding source for this program would be provided as
a result of a recently adopted piece of legislation which allows
for a surcharge of $1 . 00 on automobile registrations .
There were a couple of questions raised by the City Council
when this matter was originally proposed: the first question
dealt with the reason for selecting one alternative versus
another alternative; and, the second question was why the CHP
dispatcher costs would now be picked up by this program when
in the past they have been absorbed by the CHP.
Mayor Swanson asked Mr. De Haan why the LACTC was opting
to keep the old system, which may become obsolete a few years
down the line, as opposed to the new system which would cost
less and be the latest in technology. Mr. De �aan explained
that the decision to go with one system over another hasn 't
been made yet. In general, hardwire (the current system) costs
• more to install but the operation cost is relatively inexpensive;
the new system (cellular) is cheaper to install but costs more
to operate. Once the SAFE is approved, the Commission would
hire a consultant with expertise in this area to advise them
and to recommend a system.
Mayor Swanson asked Mr. De Haan to explain why part of
� the revenues would be disbursed to the CHP. Mr. De Haan said
that State law dictates that the Highway Patrol must be
reimbursed for the costs they incumber for answering the call
box calls .
Although the $1 . 00 surcharge seems to be very reasonable,
the Mayor questioned Mr. De Haan as to whether or not this was
only the beginning and if - there were plans to increase this
fee. Mr. De Haan explained that State law limits the surcharge
to $1 . 00, and that the only way to increase this would be through
the State Legislature.
Mayor Swanson asked if her interpretation of the Resolution
that the City is asked to adopt is correct, that is that the
Commission must reimburse the County the pro rated cost of the
present system. Mr. De Haan explained that the Resolution which
the LACTC originally presented to the County Board of Supervisors
did not contain that language; however, when the Board of
Supervisors approved their motion, this was something that they
incorporated into their Resolution and it is something . that
the SAFE would have to abide by. In essence, it is a condition.
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Mr. De Haan went on to explain that since the current system
is quite old, the Director. of Public Works for the County has
estimated the current value� of' ��the system to be approximately
$60, 000. 00. The LACTC didn 't feel that this was much of an
issue, given the age and depreciated value of the current system.
However, Mayor Swanson pointed out that the taxpayers have more
than paid for this system already and that, in essence, this
would be double taxation. The Mayor asked how determined the
County is on this issue.
Mr. De Haan said that since this is what was approved by
the Board of Supervisors, it most likely can 't be changed at
this point. As far as the County is concerned, it is an
insignificant amount of money.
Mr. Courtright stated that according to the list of items
and services that the one dollar ( $1 . 00) yearly SAFE fee would
provide, attached to the letter from the LACTC dated November
9, 1987, it appears that $2. 4 million currently going into the
� call box system would be released to be used for other purposes.
� Mr. De Haan verified that indeed this would be the case. He
explained that currently, funding for the system comes from
� two separate agencies, the County and the Highway Patrol . One
� of the advantages of forming the SAFE is to bring the call box
m system under one authority. Thus, the $1 . 2 million from CHP
a revenues and the $1 . 2 million from gas tax, currently being
used for the call box system, would no longer be needed.
Therefore, of the $6. 1 million which would be generated by the
$1 . 00 surcharge, $2. 4 million would actually be provided for
these other functions, leaving $3 . 7 million that would be
available for the call box system.
Councilman Pernell explained that it is the responsibility
of the Council to see that this type of thing doesn 't happen;
that too much money sis generated and the agency is looking for
places to put it, ra`ther than having a need and fulfilling that
need. Having the funding operate under the auspices of the
emergency call box system, which in reality is a replacement
funding, is objectionable.
Mayor Swanson explained that, in principle, the City ,
supports the idea of having an efficient emergency call box
system; however, there is concern that perhaps the proposed
plan hasn 't been given enough thought. If the LACTC collects
money before knowing whether a hardwire or cellular system is
going to be used (therefore, the cost of the system is unknown) ,
and yet, it is known up front that these other functions will
be receiving $2. 4 million, it appears that these other functions
are being given priority instead of the purpose for which the
money is intended. Although the $1 . 00 surcharge seems very
reasonable, it would seem that there should be a more cost
effective way of accomplishing the goals of the SAFE.
Councilman Pernell said it 's his feeling that before the
County and the CHP receive any money back, the system should
be fully operational.
Mayor Swanson explained that this program is an investment
in the future, and the City wants to make a wise investment.
However, the proposed project doesn 't appear to have been well
thought out. The City would like to find a way by which it
can be instrumental in affecting some changes in the project
as it currently is proposed.
Mayor Swanson directed the staff to work with the LACTC
and the Board of Supervisors to make them aware of the Council 's
`concerns, and Councilman Pernell recommended that the item be
held on the agenda.
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OPEN AGENDA
Mayor Swanson opened the meeting to comment from any person
in the audience who wished to address the Council on any item
not on the agenda. She explained that presentations are limited
to five minutes, and that no action would be taken at the meeting
on the matter presented to the Council .
Ann Carley, President of the Rolling Hills Women ' s Club,
thanked the Council and the City staff for their courtesy to ,
the Women ' s Club. They appreciate being included on the monthly �
City calendar and occasionally in the Newsletter. The Rolling
Hills Women 's Club wished to publicly acknowledge the tremendous
support given last year by Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh who was
an advisor, and extended a warm welcome to Councilwoman Murdock
as this year 's advisor.
NEW BIISINESS
TRAFFIC COMMISSION REPORTS - January 15, 1988 .
The City Manager reported on the recommendation by the
Traffic Commission to install a "Stop" sign on Morgan Lane at
Johns Canyon Road. The Commission undertook a site investigation
of this request, and the traffic engineer has prepared a report
and also undertaken a site investigation. The Traffic Commission
recommends that a "Stop" sign be erected at the northeast corner
of Morgan Lane at Johns Canyon.
Councilman Pernell asked what brought this to the attention
of the Traffic Commission. City Manager Belanger explained
that several residents that live on Johns Canyon Road brought
this to the attention of the Traffic Commission. Several
families in the area have small children. Councilman Pernell
asked if there have been any accidents in this area. The City
Manager stated that there have not been any . accidents in the
area, however, seven of the eight lots in that area are now
under development and traffic has increased dramatically. The
City would like to prevent rather than react to future problems .
Councilman Pernell expressed concern that Morgan Lane
intersects with Johns Canyon Road on an incline; however, the
City Manager reassured Councilman Pernell that this is not the
case. The intersection is on a relatively flat surface with
good sight distance.
Councilman Pernell asked what the traffic enforcement
procedures are when new traffic controls are installed. The
City Manager explained that the Sheriff is advised of the new
device, given background information regarding the reasons why
the device was installed, and requested to provide specific
enforcement in the area of the new device.
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh moved that the request be
approved. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Murdock,
and it carried unanimously.
The second report from the Traffic Commission was regarding
a request to relocate the driveway at 33 Crest Road East. The
City Manager reported that the Council members had received
in their packets a map of the proposed relocation and a report
from the traffic engineer. After reviewing the site, reviewing
the plan, and reviewing the traffic engineer 's report, the
Traffic Commission decided to recommend to the City Council
that they not approve the relocation of the driveway due to
concerns regarding traffic safety, and that the existing driveway
remain where it currently is . The City Manager pointed out
that there are planning issues which are also related to this
request, and suggested that the Council might wish to defer
any action on this request until the Planning Commission's
actions have been reported to them at their first meeting in
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February. Councilman Pernell asked if there is a statutory limit
as to when the Council must take action. City Manager Belanger
explained that the statutory limit applies only to zoning actions
not to Traffic Commission actions.r+
Mayor Swanson asked the City Attorney, Michael Jenkins,
� for his opinion regarding the deferrment of action on this request,
and he stated that he didn't feel it would be a problem.
The City Manager explained that the applicant has the
opportunity to appeal the Planning Commission' s decision. By taking
action at the same time that the Planning Commission' s actions
are reported to the Council, the applicant is afforded the
opportunity of being able to appeal and the Council can consider
the request in its entirety.
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh pointed out that the correct wording
of the request should read "to relocate driveway cut at . . . " , thereby
falling under the jurisdiction of the Traffic Commission. The
City Manager explained that the purpose of the Traffic Commission ' s
action was to recommend the passage of judgement on where the
� driveway cut is proposed to be as it relates to Crest Road.
� Mayor Swanson suggested that this item be held on the agenda
� to the Council' s , first meeting in February. There being no
7 objections, the Mayor so ordered.
m ALLOCATION OF CDBG 'FUNDS TO THE C�ITY OF LOMITA
Q
The City Manager explained that for the past several years,
the City of Rolling Hills has allocated its Community Development
Block Grant funds to the City of Lomita for their Senior Citizen
Housing Program. The use of the CDBG funds to create housing for
seniors of low and moderate income has provided a method by which
the City of Rolling Hills can comply with objectives of its housing
element and housing assistance plan. For this reason, the City
Manager recommended that the City Council allocate its Fiscal Year
1988-1989 Community Development Block Grant funds, in the amount
of $9 , 223 . 00 , to the City of Lomita for utilization in their Senior
Citizen Housing Program. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh moved approval
of the allocation of Rolling Hills ' CDBG funds to the City of Lomita,
in the amount of $9 , 223 . 00 . Councilwoman Murdock seconded the
motion and it carried unanimously.
CONSOLIDATION OF THE BURGLARY APPREHENSION TEAM (BAT) WITH THE
MULTIJURISDICTIONAL CRIMINAL APPREHENSION DETAIL (MCAD)
The City Manager reported on a proposal to consolidate the
Burglary Apprehension Team (BAT) with the Multijurisdictional
Criminal Apprehension Detail (MCAD) . The intent of the proposal
is to consolidate the resources of the Burglary Apprehension Team
with the Multijurisdictional Criminal Apprehension Detail, which
would expand our resources over a seventeen ( 17 ) jurisdiction area
as opposed to our current five ( 5 ) jurisdiction area. Furthermore,
this reduces the need in our area for one detective position,
resulting in a cost reduction of $2 , 255 to the City of Rolling
Hills. The Regional Law Enforcement Committee, consisting of the
cities of Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and Rancho Palos
Verdes, considered this proposal at their December meeting and
recommended approval of the consolidation.
Councilwoman Murdock moved approval of the consolidation
of the Burglary Apprehension Team with the Multijurisdictional
Criminal Apprehension Detail, Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh seconded,
and the motion carried unanimously.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
League of California Cities Meeting
The City Manager reported that the League of California
Cities meeting is scheduled for February 4 , and the speaker will
be Congressman Dan Lungren.
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South Bay Corridor Steerinq Committee
The South Bay Corridor Steering Committee will meet, precedent
to the South Bay Cities meeting, on Thursday, January 28 , at 6 : 00
p.m. , at Filippone ' s Restaurant.
Reconnaissance Study
The City Manager reported that he has talked to the Corps
of Engineers regarding the reconnaissance study. As of yet, the
timetable has not been determined, due to the fact that the Corps •
of Engineers has been overloaded as a result of the devastation
in Redondo Beach caused by the recent storm.
They are working very diligently to prepare a work program
so that they will be ready to begin when the authorization from
Washington D.C. is received. The reconnaissance study must be
completed within one year of its beginning, therefore, it is
important to do as much of the preplanning as possible, before
the authorization takes place.
MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Congratulations to Christopher Mitchell, Junior Resident
Councilwoman Murdock announced that Christopher Mitchell,
a junior resident of the City, recently won the United States Figure
Skating Association' s National Jr. Men' s title. It was suggested
that a letter of congratulations be sent to this young man
recognizing this accomplishment. There being no objections, the
Mayor so ordered.
Driving-Under-The-Influence (DUI ) Report
After reviewing the report from the Lomita Sheriff ' s Station
on the Driving-Under-The-Influence Program, Councilman Pernell
reported that there were no alcohol related traffic accidents in
the Peninsula region during the holiday coverage period. The team
and commander were congratulated on a job well done. Captain Gillard
said that the positive results of the program are largely due to
public awareness.
On the issue of traffic enforcement, Mayor Swanson noted
that according to the weekly report from the Sheriff ' s Department,
for the week of January 11 - 17, there were only two ( 2 ) hazardous
citations issued, which seems rather low, and asked Captain Gillard
if there was any particular reason for this. Captain Gillard
explained that it is really a matter of timing and being in the
right place at the right time. There is just no way of predicting
when or where violations will occur. Mayor Swanson said that the
Council just wants to be assured that sufficient coverage is being
provided.
Legislative Activities
Mayor Swanson reported that in the Legislative Bulletin
dated January 15, 1988 , there is mentioned a proposed bill regarding
the Brown Act which would require the recording of closed sessions .
The City Attorney reported that AB2624 requires the City, County,
or other local agency to tape record all closed sessions of its
legislative bodies and to release the recordings after one year,
unless the Council or other legislative body votes by a 4/5 ' s vote
to keep the recordings confidential. Any recording not released
would have to be voted on annually thereafter until released. The
League of California Cities strongly opposes this proposed
legislation. The City Manager reported that the most recent
Legislative Bulletin indicates that this proposed legislation is
no longer being considered.
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Mayor Swanson asked for a status report on the proposed
legislation regarding the property tax shift from cities to counties
(SB 1023 ) , and City Manager Be'1'anger reported that at this time
the implementation of this proposed bill is being studied and
negotiated. The League of California Cities is opposing this
legislation, and Mayor Swanson suggested that if any Members of
the Council are acquainted with members of the Senate Appropriations
Committee, they write letters, on behalf of the City, opposing
this legislation.
Mayor Swanson presented another proposed bill ( SB 275)
relating to an increase in PERS, and suggested that �the Members
of the City Council study this proposed legislation and support
the League in their opposition to this proposed bill.
Preliminary Sewer Feasibility Study Presentation
Mayor� Swanson reported that the Rolling Hills Community
Association, at its annual meeting, was unable to accommodate the
City to allow a presentation on the Sewer Feasibility Study.
� Therefore, a presentation to the community on the findings of the
� Preliminary Sewer Feasibility Study should be scheduled and to
� encourage a large turnout, a room larger than the Council Chambers
� is needed. There should be a geologist, soils engineer, financial
� analyst, and ASL consultants in attendance to answer questions
and to give as much information as possible. The proposed date
• Q for this informational meeting is Monday, February 29, at 7 :30
' p.m. , at Miraleste High School. The Mayor said that the City Manager
will be preparing a brief synopsis of the ASL study, which would
be mailed to the residents of the community so that they can
formulate their questions prior to the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8 : 45 p.m. to Monday, February
8, 1988 , at 7 : 30 p.m. , by Mayor Swanson.
J
City Clerk
APPROVED:
- Mayor
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