5/23/1988um
MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
May 23, 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 Murdock on Monday,
May 23, 1988, at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL I
PRESENT: Councilmembers Leeuwenburgh, Pernell,
Swanson, Mayor Murdock
ABSENT: Councilman Heinsheimer (excused)
ALSO PRESENT:, Terrence L. Belanger City Manager
Betty Volkert Deputy City Clerk
Ann Johnson Los Angeles Times
Anne La Jeunesse Palos Verdes News
Mr. John Bennett Resident
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Brogdon Residents
Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Bundy Residents
Mr. Donald Crocker Resident
Mr. Paul Grubs Resident
Mr. Chester Jenkins Resident
Mr. Wilton Margrave Resident
Mr. Jack Meany Resident
Mr. & Mrs. Garth Moore Residents
Mr. Scott Probst Resident
Mr. Allan Roberts Resident
Dr. & Mrs. Edward Wiater Residents
PRESENTATIONS
APPRECIATION TO CLIFFORD BUNDY
Mayor Murdock presented an engraved City plaque to Mr. Clifford
Bundy in appreciation of his dedicated service to the community as
a member of the Planning Commission from 1982 to 1988.
SCE INFORMATION PRESENTATION BY MIKE SMITH
Mayor Murdock announced that the representative from SCE, Mr.
Mike Smith, was unable to attend the meeting due to a dental problem,
and that this matter would be held on the agenda to the next regular
meeting of the City Council.
CONSENT CALENDAR
At the request of the City Manager, the Mayor ordered that
Demands Nos. 2896 and 2900 be removed from the Consent Calendar.
Councilwoman Swanson moved that the remaining items on the
Consent Calendar be approved and accepted as presented. Councilman
Pernell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of regular meetings of the City Council held on
April 25, 1988, and May 9, 1988, were approved and accepted as
written.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
At the request of the City Manager, the Mayor ordered that
Warrants Nos. 2896 and 2900 be removed from the list of demands,
and that they be held to the next regular meeting.
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Demands Nos. 2876 through 2895, 2897 through 2899, and 2901
through 2905, in the amount of $85,481.26, were approved for payment
from the General Fund.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The Financial Statement for the month of April, 1988, was
accepted as presented.
CVJPIA AGREEMENT
Resolution No. 575, amending the Joint Powers Agreement of the
Coachella Valley Joint Powers Insurance Agency, was adopted
unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old Business on the agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
00 ORDINANCE ABOLISHING THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BOARD
LO The City Manager explained that this proposed ordinance is a
3 result of staff discussions regarding the efficacy of the
Co Environmental Quality Board. At the time the Board was created,
< it had a legitimate role in evaluating environmental applications.
However, presently, the role of the Planning Commission and State
law have made the work of the Environmental Quality Board largely
redundant to that of the Planning Commission. Therefore, staff
recommends that the Environmental Quality Board provision of the
Code be repealed, and that the duties, heretofore ascribed to the
Environmental Quality Board, be combined with those duties of the
Planning Commission. Thus, the Planning Commission would be the
Mprimary advisory agency, as relates to environmental concerns.
Councilman Pernell asked how long it has been since the
Environmental Quality Board last met. The City Manager stated that
the last matter that they considered was an environmental impact
relating to the Farrow subdivision in 1985.
Councilman Pernell commented that the makeup of the Environmental
Quality Board is unique since it is composed of members from a variety
of agencies, i.e., a representative from the Architectural Committee,
a member from the R.H.C.A. Board of Directors, a member of the City
Council, a member of the Planning Commission, and a resident at large.
From that standpoint, it is a vehicle for input from sources,
otherwise not normally heard, which is valuable. However, its value
is diminished if the Board rarely meets. Councilman Pernell said
that he is sorry to see this agency abolished, however, if the
Environmental Quality Board is, for all intents and purposes, inactive
and if their duties are redundant, then, it doesn't make sense to
continue to have a nonfunctional Board.
The City Manager explained that under the regulations of the
California Environmental Quality Act, all residential construction
is categorically exempt. Therefore, the Environmental Quality Board
was mainly concerned with the environmental impact of subdivisions.
Most of the property that is subdividable within the community has
already been subdivided,, which accounts for the lack of activity
of the Environmental Quality Board.
Councilman Pernell moved that the proposed ordinance to abolish
the Environmental Quality Board, entitled "An Ordinance of the City
of Rolling Hills Regarding Commissions and Amending the Rolling Hills
Municipal Code," be introduced and that reading in full be waived.
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh seconded the motion, and it carried
unanimously.
Councilwoman Swanson suggested that the members of the
Environmental Quality Board be presented with a City plaque in
appreciation of their service.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
CONTINUED - PROPOSED ORDINANCE FOR THE PRESERVATION OF TREES ON AND,
VIEWS FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY,
The City Manager explained that this is the third public
hearing regarding the proposed View Preservation & View Restoration
ordinance. The City Manager also announced that a letter was
received today from Mr. Ping Shu, 6 Packsaddle Road West, expressing
his opinions and recommendations regarding the proposed ordinance.
Also, as a result of the last public hearing, the City Attorney
incorporated some additional language in paragraph 8.32.070
concerning enforcement of the ordinance. The additional language was
added to clarify the civil prerogatives available to individuals
under this ordinance, beyond the criminal prerogatives which exist
pursuant to the Municipal Code. A violation of the Code is a
misdemeanor, which is addressed in the first paragraph of Section
8.32.070. The second and third paragraphs address the civil aspects.
The City Manager reported that the City Attorney has requested
that the proposed ordinance be continued and that public testimony be
taken on the ordinance this evening. The City Attorney, who plans to
arrive around 8:30 p.m., has also requested that issues related to
the California Environmental Quality Act be discussed in Executive
Session. Mayor Murdock noted that the public hearing would be
continued and asked for input from the audience.
Mr. Edward Wiater, 3 Roundup Road, asked if there would be an
opportunity to give public comment after the City Attorney presents
his counsel in Executive Session. The City Manager explained that
the ordinance would be continued until the June 13 meeting unless the
Council took action tonight to introduce the ordinance.
Mr. Jack Meany, 21 Buggy Whip Road, said that he could speak
to this issue without emotion because he lives on a lot with no
potential for view impairment, either presently or in the future. He
believes the desire for a good view was a primary reason why many
chose to live and buy property in Rolling Hills. He believes it
would be wrong not to preserve the views,and whole heartedly supports
the ordinance or something similar to it.
Councilman Pernell said that he appreciated Mr. Meany's
opinions. He noted that the proposed ordinance, as written,
stipulates that the initial cost would be borne by the persons whose
view is being enhanced, and the subsequent cost, or maintenance of
that enhanced view, would be borne by the property owner whose trees
and shrubs were impairing the view. Councilman Pernell asked Mr.
Meany to address the question of the potential burden of maintaining
the view of others.
Mr. Meany said that as soon as a neighbor made it known that
one of his trees was impairing their view, he would remove it.. He
also said that if his view were impaired, and the offending party did
not want to pay for the view restoration and preservation, he would
certainly be willing to pay for it himself to preserve his view.
Mr. Cliff Bundy, 2 Chuckwagon, informed the Council that he
voted against passing this ordinance onto the City Council because he
feels it is very unfair to put the burden of cleaning up a view onto
the victim and not the perpetrator. Mr. Bundy said that to
completely restore his view would cost him thousands of dollars. He
noted that in the past he has allowed his trees.to be trimmed when
requested, and has maintained them in a trimmed condition. Mr. Bundy
suggested that sharing the cost 50-50 might be more equitable. He
also believes that the ordinance should address the case of a new
owner who inherits existing landscaping that obstructs neighboring
views. He didn't feel that a new owner should be obligated to take
care of something that the previous owner let happen.
Mr. Chester Jenkins, 10 Southfield, asked if the "Committee"
that is to be appointed by the City Council would consist of
residents of Rolling Hills. The City Manager clarified that the
"Committee" and the "Commission" are one and the same; the word
"Commission" in the last paragraph on page 3 is a mistake and should
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read "Committee". Mr. Jenkins suggested that the ordinance be
clarified to specify that the members of the "Committee" *would be
residents of Rolling Hills. Mayor Murdock suggested that in Section
8.32.030, the word "persons"be changed to read "residents".
Mr. John Bennett, 3 Eastfield Drive, asked if there has been
any thought given to future planting in the City. The Mayor stated
that this issue is addressed in Section 8.32.090, Desirable and
Undesirable Trees. Mr. Bennett also asked if a height standard had
been determined, and the Mayor indicated that it was discussed in
Section 8.32.060 (D).
Mr. Jim Brogdon, 5 Maverick
more cooperation is required among
of the courts. He feels that if
were placed on the owner of the
more incentive for cooperation.
Lane, expressed his opinion that
neighbors to avoid the involvement
the burden of trimming the trees
obstructing trees, there would be
Mr. Paul Grubs, 1 Hackamore Lane, addressed the Council, and
feels very strongly that an issue as significant as this one should
be brought to a vote of the residents. He expressed concern with
CO the enforcement procedures of the ordinance. The City Manager
explained that violation of any of the Codes is a misdemeanor.
Lo Councilman Pernell explained to Mr. Grubs that there has to be
something that is compelling enough to encourage compliance.
Councilman Pernell said that there are many steps prior to criminal
prosecution.
Mayor Murdock also noted that there are standard procedures
for considering and adopting an ordinance, and that Council is simply
following those procedures.
CITY ATTORNEY ARRIVED AT 8:20 P.M.
Mr. Don Crocker, 14 Cinchring Road, said that he hopes that
the City Council has the courage to follow through with the ordinance,
but noted that if everyone were to cooperate the issue would be
academic. Mr. Crocker pointed out that if the City Council finds
that the ordinance is unworkable, it can always be modified. He
suggested that the City Council enact the ordinance and then fine-
tune it if necessary. With regard to the penalty in the case of
noncompliance, Mr. Crocker said that there must be some enforcement
mechanism.
Mayor Murdock invited further comments but there were none.
The public hearing was continued to the City Council meeting on June
13.
Mayor Murdock informed the audience that Mr. Crocker is a former
Councilmember and Mayor, and that he made the stained glass window
that hangs in the lobby window of the Administration Building.
•EX"*HM,-
Mayor Murdock invited members of the audience to address the
City Council on any matter which was not on the agenda. There were
no comments from the audience.
ZONING CASE NO. 353, SCOTT PROBST, 33 CREST ROAD EAST
The City Manager gave a brief history of this application.
Zoning Case No. 353 was considered by the Planning Commission earlier
this winter and spring. The matter came before the City Council,
at which time the City Council took jurisdiction and a public hearing
was scheduled. At the time of that public hearing, the applicant
submitted a. significantly revised plan and, as a result, the City
Council remanded the matter back to the Planning Commission for their
further consideration and recommendation. The Planning Commission
approved the revised plan for Zoning Case No. 353 on April 19, 1988,
and referred the matter back to the City Council. At the previous
City Council meeting, the Council took jurisdiction of this matter
and scheduled a public hearing. The matter is, therefore, before
the City Council this evening.
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The revised plan proposes that the driveway remain in the
existing location and that the driveway width be narrowed somewhat.
But, the driveway location will remain substantially in the position
that it currently exists. The proposed encroachment into the minimum
front yard setback has been reduced from 35 feet to 26 feet. The
Planning Commission was concerned about the lot coverage, indicated
to be 35% of the net acreage, which is the absolute maximum allowed.
The Planning Commission approved this request by a vote of 3-1.
Mr. Probst displayed a sketch of the property with overlays
indicating the proposed additions, encroachments, and landscaping.
He explained that there are physical limitations of the property
which necessitate this variance request. Although his property is
in the RAS -2 zone and is 2.0 acres gross, it is only approximately
1.5 acres net. At the time that the house was built, the front yard
setback was 30 feet. Due to the slope both to the west and to the
south of the property, there is no practical way to extend the house
except to the north, which was previously the front yard. They are
trying to add living space to the house by converting the existing
garage into living space and thereby necessitating the construction
of a garage, as configured on the current plan. They are also
proposing to construct a porte-couchere to provide a sheltered
entrance to the house for visitors and guests. In light of feedback
from the Planning Commission's visit to the site and in meeting with
members of Caballeros and the Landscape Committee, the plan was
revised to address the issues that were raised. Thus, the location
of the driveway was not changed, it was only narrowed, the reason
being that, currently, the view of the property is straight down
the driveway into the garage area. The proposed garage addition
is positioned in such a way that the roof line of the garage would
be at right angles. Therefore, the affected view would be minimal.
The proposed hip -roof design is flexible, and they would use whatever
design the Architectural Committee prefers. The height of the
proposed new garage would be no higher than the existing garage.
The vertical line of the roof will protrude perpendicular to the
existing garage. Mr. Probst believes that there will be no impact
whatsoever to the existing views. He proposes planting mature
landscaping immediately upon completion of the new garage, i.e.,
Brazilian Pepper trees which are approximately 17' x 17'. Mr. Probst
proposes to plant them along the narrow driveway so as to create
an arched effect over the driveway. The purpose of the mature
landscaping will be to completely screen the visibility of the new
garage addition. The new addition will allow the cars to be parked
in the garage, whereas, this is not possible with the existing garage
because there isn't sufficient space to accommodate their cars.
Mr. Probst reported that he has previously submitted letters from
his neighbors in support of this proposed plan. He has reviewed
the plans with each of his neighbors, and they support the proposed
changes.
Councilwoman Swanson asked Mr. Probst which neighbors had been
contacted and had seen the current proposed plan.
Mr. Probst said that he had met with Mr. and Mrs. Occipinti,
whose view could be affected, and with Mr. and Mrs. Norris, whose
view could also be affected. Both have sent letters to the City
indicating their support. He also met with Linda Severy, who also
wrote a letter to the City supporting the proposed additions, although
this proposed project would not have a potential impact on her view.
Mr. Probst also stated that he has assured Caballeros that the
driveway will be properly scored to provide sure footing for the
horses.
Councilwoman Swanson recommended that a field trip to the site
be scheduled. Mayor Murdock reminded the applicant to have the.
boundaries of the proposed additions staked and to also have the
height of the proposed hip -roof flaged.
Councilman Pernell complimented Mr. Probst on his presentation.
Mayor Murdock asked Mr. Probst if all of the figures in the
calculations are based on a current survey. Mr. Probst said that
they were, as far as he knows. He is working with the architectural
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14'�7
firm of Black -O'Dowd. They have come to the property and taken all
the measurements, and have assured Mr. Probst, based on the Code,
that the proposed project complies with lot coverage in all aspects.
Mr. Probst said that he is relying upon their interpretation of the
Code and their accuracy in biose measurements. Mayor Murdock asked
Mr. Probst if Black -O'Dowd was using a certified engineer, and Mr.
Probst said that he believes so. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh asked
Mr. Probst to have that information for the Council when they make
their field trip, and he said that he would. A field trip to
investigate the site and the proposed project was scheduled for
Tuesday, June 7, at 7:30 a.m.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
The meeting was recessed to closed session at 8:40 p.m. for
the purpose of discussing legal aspects of the proposed View Ordinance
with respect to CEQA.
MEETING RECONVENED
Mayor Murdock reconvened the meeting at 8:58 p.m.
00
MATTERS VROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Prop. A Allocation
m Mayor Murdock reported that the City Manager has recommended
Q a couple of options for disposal of the Prop. A funds. The City
has until June 30, 1988, to earmark these funds, some $8,000 that
is available and that is at risk of being recaptured.
Councilwoman Swanson suggested that the Council instruct the
City Manager to ask the LACTC to grant an extension of 30 days, in
which to make a decision on the disposition of these funds, and
request that the City Manager return with a more defined
recommendation on the options.
Several options were offered to the City Manager, that he might
research.
Councilman Pernell asked if the LACTC has been inclined to grant
extensions. The City Manager said that the LACTC does have discretion
with these monies, and that they have granted extensions previously,
especially with larger amounts of money where the community involved
stands to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars.
After much discussion, it was decided to hold this matter on
the agenda, and ask the City Manager to request an extension and
to explore various alternatives.
E. Del Smith & Company Agreement
The City Manager explained that, originally, E. Del Smith and
Company was retained to assist the City in securing language in the
Omnibus Water Resources Bill (HR -6). That effort was successful.
The City of Rolling Hills joined with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
in funding E. Del Smith and Company in this legislative advocacy.
Subsequent to the incorporation of language in the Omnibus Water
Resources Bill, Mr. Smith was asked to assist the two cities in
securing funding for the purpose of having a reconnaissance study
done by the Corps of Engineers. This was also a successful effort.
An allocation of $250,000.00 has been included in the Corps of
Engineers' budget for Fiscal Year 1988-89.
At the present time, the cities of Rolling Hills and Rancho
Palos Verdes have had occasion to reconsider or reflect upon Mr.
Smith's activities and the level at which those activities are
currently being funded. Between the two cities, Mr. Smith is being
paid $2,500 per month. Recently, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
took action to retain Mr. Smith on a yearly basis with an annual
retainer of $5,000 being split between the two cities, $2,500 being
paid by the City of Rolling Hills and $2,500 being paid by the City
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of Rancho Palos Verdes, with the agreement that if, during the annual
period, it becomes necessary for Mr. Smith to get involved in
legislation on a more intensive basis, then, the City would have
the oportunity to retain him on a month-to-month basis, thereby,
using the retainer as a way of keeping him in the employ of the two
cities.
Councilman Pernell asked what benefit the City of Rolling Hills
would receive for this retainer. The City Manager said that it will
assure Mr. Smith's continued services, or the availability of his
continued services. It will also assure very minimal services in
Washington, D.C.; probably no more than just keeping the City abreast
of where legislation is and where legislation is going, without Mr.
Smith actively being involved in the legislative process on the City's
behalf. Mayor Murdock expressed her opinion that the City might
be able to obtain this type of information at a lesser cost.
City Manager Belanger also reported that a significant change
has taken place in Washington, D.C. A local congressman, Mr. Glen
Anderson, is now the chairman of the committee that is responsible
for all the public works and, ultimately, all the appropriations
for public works that come out of the House of Representatives.
The City has a well established and very good relationship with
Congressman Anderson.
The City Manager stated that Mr. Smith has been informed that
the cities wish to change their relationship with E. Del Smith and
Company, the exact nature of which has not been articulated.
Councilwoman Swanson asked if the City of Rancho Palos Verdes'
relationship to Mr. Smith is tied with us, and if it is contingent
upon our approval. The City Manager indicated that their relationship
with Mr. Smith is independent of our relationship with Mr. Smith,
and that the City of Rancho Palos Verdes would proceed whether or
not Rolling Hills decides to continue their relationship.
Councilman Pernell remarked that, presently, it appears that
the City no longer has a need for Mr. Smith's services. Councilwoman
Swanson noted that she senses the reluctance of all the Councilmembers
to continue with the agreement with E. Del Smith and Company, and
yet is concerned about not having any coverage in Washington, D.C.
Mayor Murdock reiterated that she has great difficulty with paying
for a service where there is no longer a need. The Mayor said that
when a need arises, then, the City can look for someone to assist
with that need. Mayor Murdock recommended that the City thank Mr.
Smith for his services in the past, and aprise him of the fact that
we no longer have a need for his services.
Councilman Pernell moved that the agreement with E. Del Smith
and Company be terminated. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh seconded the
motion, and it carried unanimously.
Council Committee Assignments
Mayor Murdock asked for input from the Councilmembers, however,
they wished to deliberate further on their assignments. Therefore,
this matter was held on the agenda to the next regular meeting.
West Basin Water District Meeting
Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh reported that she would be unable
to attend the West Basin Water District 'meeting on Thursday, May
26. Since no one else on the Council was available to attend, the
Mayor said that the City would send regrets.
League of California Cities Meeting - June 2
Mayor Murdock said that she would be unable to attend the League
of California Cities meeting on June 2. The Mayor said that it is
very important to have a representative in attendance since Nell
Mirels will be a candidate for a seat on the Local Agency Formation
Commission (LAFCO). The Mayor asked Councilwoman Swanson, who was
the delegate last year, to go in her place. Councilwoman Swanson
was not sure if she would be able to attend. It was decided that,
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if possible, Councilwoman Swanson would attend, in which case a
letter authorizing her to act in the Mayor's absence would not be
necessary since she was the' -delegate last year. However, if
Councilwoman Swanson cannot --attend,- , Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh or
Councilman Pernell would attend' and a letter would be prepared
authorizing whoever attends to act as the representative for the
Mayor.
The City Manager informed the Council that, at this meeting,
the League of California Cities will also be considering a new League
Director from the Los Angeles Division.
Santa Monica Bay Estuary
Councilwoman Swanson said that at the last City Council meeting
the Council approved designating Santa Monica Bay in the National
Estuary Program, and there was supposed to have been a resolution
prepared stating such. Since this is an urgent matter, it was the
desire of the Council to have this resolution prepared and sent to
the appropriate persons prior to the next City Council meeting.
00 After some discussion, it was decided that since this action
N-4 was approved at the last City Council meeting, the appropriate
resolution could be prepared and sent to Congressman Mel Levine as
soon as possible.
co California Contract Cities Association Seminar - May 19-21
Councilman Pernell reported that he attended the California
Contract Cities Association Seminar which was held in Palm Springs,
May 19-21. The following issues were discussed: (1) transportation;
(2) air quality; and, (3) disaster response plans. Of particular
interest and concern was a disaster preparedness plan. Therefore,
Councilman Pernell has taken the liberty of discussing with the City
Manager the possibility of updating the City's plan. This matter
will also be discussed with the neighboring cities in an effort to
develop an integrated plan.
Status of Weed Abatement
Councilwoman Swanson said that it appears that the City's Weed
Abatement Ordinance is not being enforced. There are many properties
with weeds and brush close to homes. Councilwoman Swanson said that
it is imperative that the City have the cooperation of the Fire
Department and the residents, and asked if the Fire Department has
been conducting their inspections.
The City Manager assured the Council that the Fire Department
has been conducting inspections, however, they probably have not
completed their inspections at this time. The City Manager said
that he would check with the Fire Department on the status of the
inspections.
Councilwoman Swanson also asked if there is a new Captain at
Station 56. The City Manager reported that there is a new Captain,
and that former Captain Thomasic recently retired on disability.
The City Manager has asked Chief Brunstrom to provide some information
,on Captain Thomasic so that the Council could present him with an
appropriate recognition of his service to the community.
Water Quality
Councilman Pernell reported to the Council that also discussed
at the California Contract Cities Seminar was the issue of water
quality, and that the City of Bellflower introduced a resolution
regarding the disclosure of water quality. The City of Bellflower
discovered that when the quality enforcement agencies either had
to close a well or found some pollutants, the agency was not required
to notify the recipients of the water of that fact. Councilman
Pernell asked if there is any such requirement of the water supplier
for the City of Rolling Hills. He expressed his feeling that the
City should be informed as to the water quality and if it deteriorates
at all.
Also, Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh asked what kind of improvements
the City might expect as a result of the delays being experienced
along Palos Verdes Drive East, caused by the installation of new
water lines. The City Manager reported that the water company is
installing larger lines, and is replacing the old lines with new
lines of a more tenuous material. The water company is using
galvanized pipe for the new lines; some of the old lines were made
of clay. The new lines will also have a larger capacity. There
probably won't be a noticeable change in the quality of water service
unless there was a problem to begin with.
Candidates' Night
Mayor Murdock announced that there would be a Candidates' Night
for Congressional candidates, on Wednesday, May 25, at 7:30 p.m.,
at the Norris Theater, sponsored by the League of Women Voters.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
Building, Zoning, Planning, and Subdivision Procedure Charts
The City Manager reported that the City Council had received in
their packets revised charts for Property Improvement, for Variances
and Conditional Use Permits, and for Subdivisions which schematically
and graphically illustrate the process that a resident would go
through to have these various kinds of requests reviewed and,
ultimately, acted upon. The boxes will be numbered for clarification
purposes. The charts will have the more expansive code sections
attached to them.
Councilwoman Swanson asked if the Rolling Hills Community
Association has had an opportunity to review the charts. The City
Manager explained that the Association had not yet reviewed the charts
to allow staff the opportunity to incorporate comments from the City
Attorney. Staff felt it would be more desirable to finalize the
charts before forwarding them to the Association for their review.
After receiving comments from the Association, the charts will be
printed in final form and,, thereafter, will be included with any
request for a Variance or Conditional Use Permit, etc. Councilman
Pernell commented that the charts do not reflect what happens when
one body approves and the other disapproves. The Mayor suggested
that perhaps that information could be provided in a cover letter.
Councilman Pernell remarked that applicants should be informed that
one agency is not beholden to the other. The Mayor suggested that
perhaps each chart could have a statement to the effect that the
two agencies act independently of one another and that approval by
one does not necessarily guarantee approval by the other. Also,
Councilwoman Swanson suggested that the procedure chart for Variances
and Conditional Use Permits be labeled "City of Rolling Hills" to
indicate that these are City functions and are not under the
jurisdiction of the Association. Councilwoman Swanson also suggested
that each agency's functions be illustrated by designated colors.
The City Manager said that once the charts are finalized they would
be color coded with an appropriate legend indicating which colors
mean what.
BF( -T Agreement
A copy of the proposal from BFI was included in the Council
packets. The City Manager will be discussing this proposal with
the BFI representative on Thursday, May 26. Councilman Pernell
commented that, according to their proposal, it appears that there
would be a rate increase of approximately 11%. Mayor Murdock stated
that, in actuality, it would be an increase of about 25%. The current
rate is $31.97, and BFI is proposing to increase the rate to $39.95.
The City Manager said that a more complete report will follow after
the negotiations on Thursday.
Los Angeles County Building and Safety Codes
The County of Los Angeles has adopted the 1985 Uniform Building
Code and the 1985 Uniform Plumbing & Mechanical Code. These codes
have been adopted and, thus, become the 1987 Building Code and the
1987 Plumbing & Mechanical Code.
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The County has asked the City of Rolling Hills to review the
codes and to adopt the codes by reference, so that we are using the
same standards as other communities that they serve, as well as the
County itself. In order to moyeit,this process along,, a public hearing
must be held. It will also be necessary to adopt an ordinance
indicating the City's intention to adopt the codes. A second public'
hearing must be held a minimum of 15 days after the first public
hearing, afterwhich, the Council may consider the adoption of the
codes. It is not mandatory that the Council adopt these codes; they
may keep the existing codes if they desire. Councilman Pernell asked
if the differences in the proposed and existing codes will be noted.
The City Manager said that that information will be included in the
staff report at the time that the Council considers these codes for
adoption. It was the City Manager's understanding that the changes
are not overwhelmingly significant as they relate to the City of
Rolling Hills. Councilman Pernell remarked that in some instances
the City Codes are more stringent than the Uniform Building Codes,
particularly in the area of roofing. The City Manager stated that
the City would reincorporate referencing the new code sections, where
applicable. The exact same exceptions would be made that were
previously made to the code.
Crenshaw Gatehouse Improvements
Councilman Pernell asked the City Manager to report on the status
of the proposed building at the Crenshaw Gatehouse. The City Manager
reported that the City has not seen any plans to date. The only
approval that the Association needs from the City is a building and
safety plan check approval. The City Manager explained that the
City does not have any discretionary approval of the gates since
they are built within the easement. Coucilwoman Swanson asked if
there should be a traffic engineering study, and the City Manager
commented that there probably should be one presented to the Traffic
Commission. City Manager Belanger remarked that he believes that
the plans are still in the preliminary stage and that a final plan
has not been approved as of yet.
Letter from Mr. Weeks
The City Manager explained that Mr. Weeks had submitted a letter
last Friday, May 20, regarding Zoning Case No. 348, which the Council
approved at their last meeting. However, staff has no reason to
believe or to recommend to the City Council that they do anything
to affect Zoning Case No. 348. If there are, in fact, some problems
in the manner that Mr. Weeks mentions they, in all likelihood, would
not have a significant impact on the placement of the tennis court
in Zoning Case No. 348.
City Council Finance Sub -Committee
The City Manager requested that the City Council Sub -committee
on Finance be available to meet on Wednesday morning, May 25. it
was decided that the Sub -committee would meet at 9:00 a.m. on
Wednesday, May 25.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Murdock
June 7, 1988, at
33 Crest Road East,
APPROVED:
Mayor
adjourned the meeting at 10:04 p.m., to Tuesday,
7:30 a.m., at the residence of Mr. Scott Probst,
Rolling Hills.
City Clerk