5/8/1989297
MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA
May 8, 1989
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling
Hills was called to order at 7:34 p.m., in the Council Chamber at the
Administration Building/City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling
Hills, California, by Mayor Leeuwenburgh on Monday, May 8, 1989.
ROLL CALL
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Leeuwenburgh requested that the minutes of April 24, 1989,
be removed from the Consent Calendar.
Councilman Pernell moved that the remaining items on the Consent
Calendar be approved as presented. Councilman Heinsheimer seconded
the motion, and it carried unanimously.
APPROVAL'OF MINUTES
Mayor Leeuwenburgh noted that Mr. Harold Murdock, Jr., and Mr.
Kenneth Leeuwenburgh should be added to the list of those that were
present at the meeting on April 24, 1989. In addition, on page 2, the
first paragraph under "New Driveway at 60 Crest Road East", the second
sentence should read "... be kept trimmed to ensure adequate sight
distance."
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that the minutes of a regular
meeting of the City Council, held on April 24, 1989, be approved and
accepted as corrected. Councilman Pernell seconded the motion, and it
carried unanimously.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Demands Nos. 3669 through 3701, in the amount of $91,786.87, were
approved for payment from the General Fund.
RENEWAL OF CITY -COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT
The City Council unanimously approved the renewal of the
City -County Law Enforcement _ Services Agreement for a term of five
years, beginning July 1, 1989 and expiring June 30, 1994.
RESOLUTION NO. 589: REQUESTING ADDITIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
Resolution No. 589, entitled "A RESOLUTION REQUESTING ADDITIONAL
LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S
DEPARTMENT UNDER THE CITY -COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT",
was unanimously approved and adopted.
PRESENT: Councilman Heinsheimer, Councilman Pernell,
Councilwoman Swanson,
Mayor Leeuwenburgh
ABSENT: Councilwoman Murdock
(excused)
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ALSO PRESENT: Terrence L. Belanger
City Manager
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Michael Jenkins
City Attorney
LO
L. D. Courtright
City Treasurer
Betty Volkert
Deputy City Clerk
cc
Chief James Corbett
L. A. Co. Fire Dept.
Capt. Dennis Gillard
Lomita Sheriff's Stn.
Q
Ann Johnson
Los Angeles Times
Frank Hill
Resident
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Leeuwenburgh requested that the minutes of April 24, 1989,
be removed from the Consent Calendar.
Councilman Pernell moved that the remaining items on the Consent
Calendar be approved as presented. Councilman Heinsheimer seconded
the motion, and it carried unanimously.
APPROVAL'OF MINUTES
Mayor Leeuwenburgh noted that Mr. Harold Murdock, Jr., and Mr.
Kenneth Leeuwenburgh should be added to the list of those that were
present at the meeting on April 24, 1989. In addition, on page 2, the
first paragraph under "New Driveway at 60 Crest Road East", the second
sentence should read "... be kept trimmed to ensure adequate sight
distance."
Councilman Heinsheimer moved that the minutes of a regular
meeting of the City Council, held on April 24, 1989, be approved and
accepted as corrected. Councilman Pernell seconded the motion, and it
carried unanimously.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Demands Nos. 3669 through 3701, in the amount of $91,786.87, were
approved for payment from the General Fund.
RENEWAL OF CITY -COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT
The City Council unanimously approved the renewal of the
City -County Law Enforcement _ Services Agreement for a term of five
years, beginning July 1, 1989 and expiring June 30, 1994.
RESOLUTION NO. 589: REQUESTING ADDITIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
Resolution No. 589, entitled "A RESOLUTION REQUESTING ADDITIONAL
LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S
DEPARTMENT UNDER THE CITY -COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT",
was unanimously approved and adopted.
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RESOLUTION NO. 590: DESIGNATING AN ALTERNATE AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD,
OF DIRECTORS OF COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT NO. 5.
Resolution No. 590, entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF, ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING AN ALTERNATE
DIRECTOR TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT NO. 5
OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY", was unanimously approved and adopted by the
Members of the City Council.
RESOLUTION NO. 591: DESIGNATING MAYOR AS DELEGATE AND CITY MANAGER AS,
ALTERNATE TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY,
Resolution No. 591, entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING THE MAYOR OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS AS THE DELEGATE AND THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY
OF ROLLING HILLS AS THE ALTERNATE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
COACHELLA VALLEY JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY", was unanimously
approved and adopted by the Councilmembers.
RESOLUTION NO. 592: DENIAL OF ZONING CASE NO. 374
The City Council unanimously approved and adopted Resolution No.
592, entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS DENYING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IN ZONING CASE NO. 374".
RESOLUTION NO. 593: DENIAL OF APPEAL OF ZONING CASE NO. 377
Resolution No. 593, entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DENYING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IN ZONING
CASE NO. 377", was unanimously approved and adopted by the City
Council.
OLD BUSINESS
REOUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR GENERAL PLAN REVISIONS
The City Manager reported that four consulting firms had
submitted proposals in response to the City's request for proposals
regarding proposed revisions to the City's General Plan and Zoning
Ordinance. The four firms and their estimated fees are as follows:
Castenada & Takata Associates, $95,750; Cotton/Beland Associates,
$96,820; The Keith Companies, $150,000; and, POD Incorporated,
$205,250. Also, the City Manager indicated that the originally
proposed schedule for interviewing would need to be moved back about a
week. Staff proposed that the interviews be conducted on Monday,
May 15.
Discussion of the various proposals followed. The City Manager
explained that he had evaluated the proposals with respect to the
kinds of services being provided and the incremental fees or charges.
Councilman Pernell remarked that the proposal from Castenada &
Takata seemed to indicate a lack of understanding of the elements of
the General Plan, particularly the Housing Element. Their proposal
seemed to be a standard boilerplate style and they did not seem to be
familiar with the character or objectives of the City of Rolling
Hills.
The City Manager indicated that all of the proposals that had
been submitted were negotiable, and that the bids are flexible. The
City Manager also noted that three of the firms had visited the City
personally, however, Castenada & Takata had not had an opportunity to
visit the City before submitting their proposal. _
Councilman Pernell commented that it appeared that approximately
30 percent to 40 percent of the total cost is for the overview and
management of the project. He questioned if it would be possible for
the project to be managed differently, i.e., if the City could act as
a general contractor and subcontract out the various elements.
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The City Manager commented that, basically, the General Plan
consultants act as general contractors, i.e., they usually retain the
land use element and subcontract for the other elements, such as
noise, circulation, seismic safety, etc. Then, these other elements
are incorporated into one complete report by the consulting firms.
The City Manager indicated that the proposals are flexible, and that
the Council could, if they so desired, identify elements which they
may wish to retain management control over.
Councilman Heinsheimer commented that, in his opinion, the only
proposals worth considering are the ones from the consultants that
took the time and initiative to get specific information about Rolling
Hills. Furthermore, he suggested that the list of references that
were included with each proposal, be checked by Members of the
Council, who may know some of the references personally. Councilman
Heinsheimer also felt that the cost differentials may be due to
different interpretations of the project, and suggested that each firm
define their work plan specifically so that the proposals could be
compared accurately.
00 Councilman Pernell requested that staff prepare a spreadsheet
t -'i that would allow for the various elements to be compared against each
Lo other.
Councilwoman Swanson expressed an interest in seeking additional
m proposals. In her opinion, The Keith Companies past performance was
Q inadequate and she would not consider them as a viable candidate.
However, Councilman Pernell commented that since The Keith
Companies has experience in the City, it gives them an advantage since
there would be a learning curve involved with a new consultant.
Councilman Heinsheimer suggested interviewing each consulting
firm at their individual facilities.
The Council agreed that all four firms should be interviewed, and
Mayor Leeuwenburgh directed staff to schedule the interviews and
inform the appropriate Councilmembers of the dates and times.
NEW BUSINESS
REPORT OF TRAFFIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION - APRIL 21, 1989
TURNOUTS ON PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD. SOUTHBOUND
The City Manager reviewed the report from the Traffic Engineer
regarding the striping on Portuguese Bend Road that eliminated the
broken yellow line for southbound traffic, between Poppy Trail and
Pine Tree Lane, which permitted passing. The City Manager explained
that the Traffic Engineer, after viewing the site, recommended to the
Traffic Commission that the no -passing zone which was created as a
result of the re -paving and re -striping of Portuguese Bend Road,
remain in place. In addition, the Traffic Engineer suggested to the
Traffic Commission that turnouts be considered as an alternative. The
Traffic Commission accepted the Traffic Engineer's recommendation
regarding elimination of the striping which allowed passing, and the
Commission so recommended to the City Council. Furthermore, the
Traffic Commission, without making a recommendation, transmitted the
Traffic Engineer's report regarding turnouts on Portuguese Bend Road
to the City Council for their consideration and direction.
Councilwoman Swanson commented that the previous striping which
allowed for passing in this location served a very useful purpose.
She noted that there are other areas in the City which have a broken
yellow line to allow for passing, and was surprised that the Traffic
Engineer did not use consistency throughout the City. Mayor
Leeuwenburgh explained that the Traffic Engineer only studied this
location and had not looked at other streets in the City with regard
to this issue.
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There was some discussion regarding the location of the proposed
turnouts. Councilman Pernell felt that the proposed turnout as
described in Figure 2 of the Traffic Engineer's report, at about 13
Portuguese Bend Road, was not necessary.
Councilman Pernell asked why the Traffic Commission had not made
a recommendation to the City Council regarding the proposed turnouts.
Mayor Leeuwenburgh explained that the Commission hadn't made a
recommendation because of the fiscal issues. Councilman Pernell
commented that the Council can decide the fiscal issues, but that he
would like input from the Traffic Commission regarding the
desirability of the project.
Mayor Leeuwenburgh indicated that the Traffic Commission was
mildly in favor of the proposed turnouts located on Portuguese Bend
Road, southbound, between Upper Blackwater Canyon and Pine Tree Lane,
and at 21/23 Portuguese Bend Road, as they would require little in the
way of preparation with the exception of signing.
Councilman Heinsheimer indicated that he would like this matter
referred back to the Traffic Commission for a recommendation. There
being no objections, the Mayor so ordered.
PUBLIC HEARING
PROPOSED BUDGET - FISCAL YEAR 1989/90
The City Manager explained that this is the first public hearing
in a series of three, to discuss the proposed budget for Fiscal Year
1989/90.
The budget document is substantially in the same form and format
as the budgets that have been presented in the recent past. For the
most part, the revenue items and expenditure items have remained the
same in terms of identification and, in many cases, the proposed
amounts in each of the cost centers have changed very little.
Typically, the amounts have not changed at all or have changed only to
reflect a certain adjustment for other adjustments in the economy.
The City Manager explained that the variation between the
projected and actual revenues for FY 89 is as a result of planning
activities in the areas of building permits, variance and conditional
use permit fees.
The total projected expenditures from the General Fund for Fiscal
Year 1990 is $566,435, which is an increase of approximately 21
percent over the budgeted amount for last year. This differential is
as a result of the following three significant proposals:
1. The adjustment of attorneys' fees as a result of litigation
filed against the City, where the City has the
responsibility of undertaking the cost of defense.
2. The proposed remodelling and architectural enhancements to
the City Hall.
3. A request for an increase in traffic enforcement.
Mayor Leeuwenburgh opened the public hearing, and invited
comments from the audience. No one spoke on this matter, and the
public hearing was continued to the next meeting.
The City Manager pointed out that line item number 219, $8,500
for equipment, is being budgeted for a facsimile machine, desks and
chairs for the proposed lobby remodelling, and for a large display
board for the Council Chambers.
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Councilwoman Swanson asked if the proposed figure for equipment
would include the cost of a new wall map.
The City Manager explained that, as a part of the bidding for
revisions to the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, the zoning map
will be amended as a by-product of the revisions to the General Plan
and Zoning Ordinance.
The City Treasurer suggested that the Council consider, before
the budget is adopted, the first page, which would change the City's
policy from a 1 -year budget to a 2 -year budget; a 2 -year budget would
indicate that the rates are frozen for 2 years. Mr. Courtright
remarked that the term "budget" needs to be carefully defined. The
City Treasurer believes that the intent is to have a 1 -year budget and
a 1 -year plan.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding this issue. It was the
consensus of the Council that the City adopt a 1 -year budget and a
1 -year advance plan. Thus, each year the proposed plan would be
adopted as the budget, with modifications, afterwhich, another plan
Co for the subsequent year would be projected.
Councilman Heinsheimer pointed out some inaccuracies in the
U) "variation" column figures.
7
m Mayor Leeuwenburgh directed staff to make the appropriate
Q corrections, and to present a corrected budget with the new figures to
the Council for their next meeting. Also, the Mayor requested that
the budget subcommittee, consisting of staff, Councilwoman Murdock,
and Councilwoman Swanson, meet and report back to the Council at their
next meeting on May 22. Although Councilwoman Murdock is out of town,
the budget subcommittee will meet and brief Councilwoman Murdock upon
her return.
OPEN AGENDA
No one addressed the Council on any matter not on the agenda.
MATTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AERIAL PHOTOS
Councilman Heinsheimer requested that staff research the
possibility of displaying, on sliding panels, aerial photos of
sections of the City, including contours. He feels that this.would be
very beneficial for the Planning Commission, as well as for the City
Council.
WILDLIFE COMMITTEE VACANCY
Councilman Pernell noted that the recent appointment of Steven
Shultz to the Wildlife Preservation Committee had not been presented
to the Council, and reminded staff that any committee appointments
need to be made by the Council. The City Manager commented that he
had explained this to the Wildlife Committee, and that this matter
will be coming before the Council.
Councilman Pernell also .asked that staff work with the Wildlife
Committee on the agenda for the June 5 community meeting, to be held
at the South Coast Botanic Gardens.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Mayor Leeuwenburgh distributed copies of proposed Council
committee assignments for 1989. The Mayor noted that one committee
has been added, a committee on "Policy - Goals - Objectives", which
will be concerned with items from the Council's retreat. The CEQA
Committee and the Bicentennial Committee for the Peninsula have been
deleted from the list of committees. There were no objections or
changes to the proposed committee assignments.
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MATTERS FROM STAFF
ALLOCATION OF PROP "A" MONIES
The City Manager reported that the City had received official
notice that the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission (LACTC)
has converted the Prop A monies to FAU monies for the purpose of
allocating them to the City of Rolling Hills Estates for improvements
to Palos Verdes Drive North.
This kind of change in designation of allocation, from Prop A to
FAU, is one that the County tends to do infrequently. The City
currently has in excess of $20,000 in Prop A monies which needs to be
.allocated. Therefore, staff requested that the Council consider ways
in which they would like to see those funds allocated.
Councilwoman Swanson suggested that some of the monies could be
used to cleanup graffiti and repair vandalism of the RTD buses.
Councilman Pernell asked if this would be an appropriate
expenditure of Prop A monies. The City Manager explained that this
may not be one of the permitted expenditures, but it would be a
conditional expenditure.
Councilman Pernell indicated that he would support this type of
expenditure for a portion of the funds.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTIVITIES
The City Manager noted that there has been a significant increase
in the number of zoning cases. This month the Planning Commission
will be considering 18 zoning cases, last month they considered 11
cases, and the month prior to that they had 15 zoning cases on their
agenda.
The Council discussed possible solutions to the increased
workload to staff as well as to the Commission. After much
discussion, a subcommittee was formed and asked to meet with the City
Manager and the Planning Commission Chairman, Mr. Allan Roberts, to
discuss possible solutions and make recommendations to the Council.
Councilman Pernell and Councilwoman Murdock were appointed to this
subcommittee.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Leeuwenburgh recessed the meeting at 9:39 p.m. to a closed
session.
CLOSED SESSION
The City Attorney requested a closed session for the purpose of
discussing pending litigation.
MEETING RECONVENED
The meeting was reconvened at 10:10 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at
at 7:30 p.m.
APPROVED:
Mayor
10:11 p.m., to Monday, May 22, 1989,
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City Clerk