2/22/198867
MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
February 22, 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
7:35 p.m., Monday, February 22, 1988.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
F.1 1-32)z9W
r -i ALSO PRESENT:
Q
U
V
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmembers Leeuwenburgh, Murdock,
Pernell, Mayor Swanson
Councilman Heinsheimer (excused)
Terrence L. Belanger
L. D. Courtright
Betty Volkert
Anna Pulido
Ann Johnson
Anne La Jeunesse
Dr. Leonard Swanson
Dr. J. M. Divic
City Manager
City Treasurer
Deputy City Clerk
Administrative Intern
Los Angeles Times
Palos Verdes News
Resident
Observer
Councilman Pernell moved that items on the Consent Calendar be
approved as presented. Councilwoman Murdock seconded the motion and
it carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of a regular meeting that was held on February 8,
1988, were approved and accepted as written.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Demand No. 2677 was voided. Demands No. 2678 through 2711, in
the amount of $89,796.23, were approved for payment from the General
Fund.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The Financial Statement for the month of January, 1988, was
approved and accepted as written.
OLD BUSINESS
FINAL REPORT - SANITARY SEWER FEASIBILITY STUDY
The City Manager reported that the Final Report on the
Sanitary Sewer Feasibility has been received, and will be subject to
a Public Hearing on February 29, at Miraleste High School. At this
meeting, the residents of the community will have the opportunity to
present testimony, ask questions, and make comments regarding the
study. There will be a panel of consultants in attendance to make a
presentation and answer questions.
Councilman Pernell suggested that the Councilmembers meet with
the consultants prior to the public hearing, fora briefing session
to discuss any questions or concerns that any of the Councilmembers
may have.
Mayor Swanson agreed that a briefing session prior to the
public hearing would be beneficial, and recommended that when this
Council meeting is adjourned it be adjourned to 6:30 p.m., February
29, 1988.
Mayor Swanson explained that the meeting on February 29 is
intended to be an informational meeting only, and that no decisions
would be made. Technical information will be presented by a
geology/soils engineer, a financial expert, and legal counsel.
Councilman Pernell concurred that the residents as well as the
Councilmembers need to be fully informed of the results of the
Sanitary Sewer Feasibility Study.
Mayor Swanson informed the Members of the Council that she has
asked the City Manager to request the ASL Consultants to do a
comparative study between the usage of water in our community versus
the surrounding communities, and that this information be included in
the Final Report of the Sanitary Sewer Feasibility Study.
This matter was ordered held on the agenda until the
information requested has been provided and the report finaled.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 570
The City Managerexplained that this is a resolution
appointing two individuals to the offices of City Council Member,
which were to have been elected on Tuesday, April 12, 1988. Pursuant
to Sections 22843.5 and 22844 of the Elections Code, which provides
that where there are not more candidates nominated for an office than
there are offices to be elected, the Council may appoint to the
office the person who has been nominated; thus, staff recommends that
Thomas F. Heinsheimer and Godfrey Pernell be appointed to the offices
of Member of the City Council for a four (4) year term, and that the
election scheduled to be held on Tuesday, April 12, 1988, be
cancelled. Furthermore, the persons appointed shall qualify and take
office and serve exactly as if elected at a municipal election for
the office.
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh moved that Resolution No. 570,
entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Rolling
Hills, California, Providing for the Appointment to the Offices of
this City that were to be Elected on Tuesday, April 12, 198811, be
approved and adopted. Councilwoman Murdock seconded the motion and
it carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 571
City Manager Belanger explained that Resolution No. 571 is a
resolution assigning to the City of Rolling Hills Estates a part of
the City of Rolling Hills' available Federal -Aid Urban funds.
Currently, there are $7,100.00 available in Fiscal Year 1988, which
are unassigned. It was staff's recommendation that he City assign
those funds to the City of Rolling Hills Estates to be used for
street improvements on Palos Verdes Drive North, between Strawberry
Lane and Crenshaw Boulevard.
Councilman Pernell asked the City Manager why this alternative
was chosen. The City Manager explained that for the past 3 years,
the City of Rolling Hills has worked cooperatively with the City of
Rolling Hills Estates to accumulate enough monies to undertake an
extensive renovation project of Palos Verdes Drive North, between
Rolling Hills Road and Crenshaw Boulevard. This is the third year in
what will be a four year program to accumulate funds for improvements
on Palos Verdes Drive North.
Mayor Swanson asked about the possibility of having left turn
lanes provided for the Rolling Hills residents on Palos Verdes Drive
North, and Councilman Pernell pointed out that it probably isn't
desirable to have too many cuts in the median along this particular
section of roadway.
The City Manager stated that the City of Rolling Hills Estates
will be forming a sub -committee and when the final plans are formed,
a sub -committee from the City of Rolling Hills will be invited to sit
- 2 -
I
r
M
on their sub -committee so that the plans for the improvements are
done jointly between the two communities, as part of the
understanding with the Rolling Hills, contribution.
Councilman Pernell commented that in all the history of the
improvement of Palos Verdes Drive North, our neighboring city,
Rolling Hills Estates, has been excellent in communicating their
intent and listening to our City's input, and are continuing to do
SO.
Councilwoman Murdock moved to approve and adopt Resolution No.
571, as read by the City Manager, and that further reading be
waived. Councilman Pernell seconded the motion and it carried
unanimously.
Mr. Courtright, City -Treasurer, asked if a budget resolution
was necessary. The City Manager said it isn't required because this
money is disbursed by the 'Los Angeles County Transportation
Commission; the City of Rolling Hills hasn't taken possession of any
00 of these funds and they aren't included in the City's revenues.
T -i MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Lo
3 REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MEETING
co Councilwoman Murdock reported that there would be a Regional
< Law Enforcement meeting on Wednesday, February 24, at 8:30 a.m. in
the Council Chamber at City Hall.
DEATH OF FORMER MAYOR. VERNON FAY
Councilman Pernell announced that a former Mayor of Rolling
Hills, Vernon Fay, past away last week and the funeral was today,
February 22, He was a very involved and caring person and
contributed a great deal to the community, and will be missed
greatly. Councilman Pernell asked that the meeting be adjourned in
memory of Mr. Vernon Fay.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR ANNUAL AWARD
Mayor Swanson reported that she and Councilwoman Murdock
attended the Annual Citizen of the Year Award Banquet and presented
the Citizen of the Year, De De Hicks, with a City plaque.
There was another function, Black Heritage Month, combined
with the Annual Citizen of the Year Award. The Palos Verdes
Peninsula Black Heritage Organization had sponsored a jazz concert at
the Norris Theater. cities were represented and the Mayor
appropriately commended this organization for the event, which was
excellent.*
1987 YOUNG AMERICAN MEDALS FOR BRAVERY AND SERVICE
Mayor Swanson announced that she has received a letter from
the Governor, inviting our participation in the selection *of
candidates for the 1987 Young American Medals for Bravery and
Service. If anyone knows of a deserving young person in the
community, they should contact the City staff for the nomination
procedures and requirements. Candidates must be under the age of 19,
and have performed outstanding acts of courage or service during the
previous calendar year.
Councilman Pernell suggested that an article be put in the
newsletter regarding this matter.
THREE MILE WALK
Mayor Swanson has received a letter from the Mayor of Torrance
requesting that the Mayors participate in a 3 mile walk to benefit
the Family Center For Blind Children, to be held in Torrance on
Sunday, March 13.
Mayor Swanson feels that the event would be well worthwhile
attending.
3
70
RTD FARE AND SERVICE PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Swanson announced that the Southern California Rapid
Transit District held a public hearing on February 20, to discuss the
possible increase in fares.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
FINANCE AND GEOLOGY/SOILS CONSULTANTS
The City Manager explained that to facilitate forming a panel
of consultants to provide meaningful information for the meeting on
February 29, staff is requesting that a "Not to Exceed" sum of money
be appropriated for the purpose of retaining a financial consultant
and a geology/soils consultant for this particular meeting. The
other individuals who will be participating in the meeting will be
compensated in the following manner: (1) in the case of the legal
counsel, from funds budgeted for legal services; and, (2) in the case
of the ASL Consultants, this service is provided as a part of their
responsibility under the study.
Council Pernell asked for specifics on what services would be
provided. City Manager Belanger said that in the case of the
financial consultant, aside from attendance at the meeting, the
consultant will present an analysis of various methods for funding a
system of this kind, and the costs for each method with runs
indicating the amounts on 20 or 30 year bonds, the cost for general
obligation bonds, for assessment districts and for other kinds of
financing mechanisms. Councilman Pernell questioned whether one week
would be enough time to provide all this information. The City
Manager sated that he had received assurances from the consultant
that they would be able to provide the information requested and be
prepared on February 29. In the case of the geology/soils
consultant, similar services would be provided, i.e., a presentation
and participation in the response panel. The City Manager commented
that it would be unlikely that the "Not to Exceed" figure would be
reached.
Mayor Swanson reported that she and the City Manager met with
a representative from Evensen-Dodge, a financial consulting firm, who
indicated that his firm would require some preparation time to
provide the comparative figures, handout material for the public,
overhead projections, and a professional presentation. The
representative estimated that their fee would be between $200 and
$500.
The purpose of the geologist and soils engineer is to provide
a professional resource that can specifically address questions of
soils mechanics and geology as it relates to septic systems, and the
general geology of the Rolling Hills area on the Peninsula from the
geotechnical and soils data that exists.
In the case of the geologist/soils engineer, the City has a
choice of either utilizing the County Geologist, or using a private
geologist. Although the County Geologist could be paid with public
works appropriations in the budget, there is no means of paying for a
private geologist; that is the reason for the request for
authorization. At this time, the decision to use the County
Geologist or a private geologist has not been made. Councilman
Pernell asked why the use of a private geologist was being
considered. The City Manager stated that the reason for having a
choice is a matter of style with respect to presentations. The way
that the information is presented is as important as what the
information says.
The Mayor also commented that it was felt that a private
geologist might provide a new perspective. However, Councilman
Pernell expressed his feeling that it is important that Council know
ahead of time what opinion a private geologist might intend to
present. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh agreed with Councilman Pernell.
- 4 -
Councilman Pernell explained that he wants to be sure.that
whichever geologist is chosen:,.,',that the Council is comfortable with
the choice in terns of his/her background, capability, experience,
training, and communication skills.
Mayor Swanson suggested separating the two issues: that of
retaining a financial consultant, and that of retaining a
geology/soils consultant.
Councilman Pernell asked for Mr. Courtright's input regarding
the choice of financial consultant, Evensen-Dodge. Although Mr.
Courtright had not heard of that firm, he expressed his confidence in
staff's review and recommendation. Mr. Courtright also stated that
although the presentation would be confined to general methods, it
would be beneficial to provide a professional computation of the
approximate cost of various methods of financing, which is always of
concern to the residents. The Mayor stated that one area that
concerns the residents the most is the cost of the project, how it
would be paid for, and whether or not such a project is cost
00 effective.
r�
LO The City Manager reported that Evensen-Dodge is headquartered
in the Mid -West and have recently located an office in Southern
California. They are strictly a financial analysis firm, and are not
Go associated with any kind of bonding company. It is understood that
< there are no preconditions, no assumptions into the future; they
would be hired strictly to crunch numbers as it relates to this Sewer
Feasibility Study.
Councilman Pernell moved that the firm of Evensen-Dodge be
engaged, for an amount not to exceed $500, to evaluate financing
methods and costs for a project of this type. Councilwoman Murdock
seconded the motion and it carried unanimously,
Mayor Swanson asked if there were further discussion regarding
the hiring of a geology/soils consultant. Councilwoman Murdock
commented ' that the Council has spent 2 years in getting the Sewer
Feasibility Study to the point where it is ready to be presented to
the residents and, given the expense that has gone into the study
and the fact that Council is asking the residents to attend a meeting
to hear the findings, the Council should present them with as much
information as possible and provide them with the kinds of
consultants that can answer their questions.
Councilwoman Murdock moved that the decision regarding
retaining a geology/soils consultant be left to the City Manager.
Councilman Pernell seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA
No one spoke on any item which was not on the agenda.
MEETING RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
The meeting was recessed to a closed session at 8:16 p.m. for
the purpose of discussing pending litigation.
MEETING RECONVENED
The meeting was reconvened at 9:06 p.m. Radiocall versus
Mohr, a recent complaint which was filed, was discussed. There was
no action taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Swanson adjourned the meeting
former mayor, Mr. Vernon Fay, who pasted away
fortunate to have had him in the community.
- 5 -
at 9:07 p.m. in honor of
last week. The City is
72
The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., Monday, February 29,
1988, in the Theater Arts Building at Miraleste High School.
APPROVED:
Mayor
- 6 -
City Clerk
0