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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