CC MINS 20110201 MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 1, 2011
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Long at Fred Hesse Community
Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, and was immediately recessed into Closed Session.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:03 P.M.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Campbell, Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
ABSENT: None
Also present were Carolyn Lehr, City Manager; Carolynn Petru, Deputy City Manager;
Carol Lynch, City Attorney; Joel Rojas, Community Development Director; Ray Holland,
Director of Public Works; Tom Odom, Deputy Director of Public Works/Interim Director
of Recreation and Parks; Kathryn Downs, Deputy Director of Finance/Information
Technology (IT); Senior Engineer; Nicole Jules, Senior Engineer; Ron Dragoo, Senior
Engineer; Kit Fox, Associate Planner; Adam Raymond, Senior Administrative Analyst;
So Kim, Assistant Planner; Holly Starr, Recreation Services Manager; and Carla
Morreale, City Clerk.
Also present: Finance Advisory Committee Chair Bill James.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Flag Salute was led by Jeremiah Dobruck, reporter for the Palos Verdes Peninsula
News.
CEREMONIAL:
Mayor Long introduced Recreation Services Manager Starr who announced the Whale
of a Day Poster Contest Winners for 2011. Recreation Services Manager Starr
introduced the winners of the Whale of a Day Poster Contest for 2011, noting that the
posters would be on display in the Sunset Room at Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center
(PVIC). She invited the public to the Whale of a Day event to be held on March 5, 2010
from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at PVIC, and noted that parking would be free at City Hall
with free shuttle service to the event.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Long announced four upcoming dates for forums and debates regarding
Measure C which is on the March 8, 2011 ballot to consider the adoption of a Charter
for the City of Rancho Palos: 1) February 2, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. sponsored by the
Peninsula Seniors at Hesse Park; 2) February 9, 2011 at 7:30 P.M. sponsored by the
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February 1, 2011
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League of Women's Voters; 3) February 16, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. sponsored by Los
Serenos Docents at Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center; and 4) February 16, 2011 at 7:00
P.M. sponsored by the Council of Homeowners' Association at Hesse Park.
Mayor Long presented books to each of the Council Members.
RECYCLE DRAWING:
Mayor Long announced Recyclers of the Month from the January 18, 2011 City Council
meeting: Janet Long and Michelle Horeczko. He indicated that all winners receive a
check for $250 representing a year of free refuse service and urged everyone to
participate in the City's Recycling Program.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Councilman Stern requested that Item No. 14 (FYO9-10 Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report) and Item No. 15 (Report to City Council from Finance Advisory
Committee Regarding Assignment to Consider Financial Aspects of the Charter City
Proposal) be moved up to follow immediately after the Consent Calendar.
Councilman Campbell requested that Item No. 13 (2011 Palos Verdes Marathon) be
moved up on the agenda since there were a number of people present to speak on the
item.
City Manager Lehr requested that Item No. 12 (West Basin Municipal Water District
Water Reliability 2020 Program) be moved up to follow Item No. 15, since it is a very
quick presentation.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Campbell, to approve the agenda,
as amended, with Item Nos. 14, 15, 12, and 13 to follow immediately after the Consent
Calendar.
Without objection, Mayor Long so ordered.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
David Emenhiser, Yes on Measure C RPV, Rancho Palos Verdes, thanked the Council
for its recent action to devote the $2 million Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenue
stream to the Capital Improvement Projects fund for the many infrastructure needs of
the City. He stated that he supported the City's move to become a Charter City
because of recent statements by both the Governor and the State Legislators that they
are looking for any local revenues that are not nailed down to make up their $35 billion
budgetary shortfall. He noted that a bill nearly passed the State Legislature that would
have had the effect of reducing the TOT revenues coming to the cities of California. He
opined that given the recent Sacramento events the placement of Measure C on the
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February 1, 2011
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March 8, 2011 ballot was excellent timing, and hoped that the citizens of Rancho Palos
Verdes would approve the Charter City initiative.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Lehr provided information regarding the upcoming Leadership Academy
to be offered initially to members of the City's Advisory Boards, and in the future for
aspiring and new leaders in the community.
NEW BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence regarding Item No. 3 (Border
Issues Status Report) and Item No. 5 (Award of Contract for Hesse and Ryan Parks
Athletic Field Improvements) were distributed prior to the meeting and that Councilman
Wolowicz provided a correction to the December 21, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes;
and there were no requests to speak regarding this item.
City Clerk Morreale reported that the Minutes incorrectly stated that the meeting was
called to order by Mayor Wolowicz, noting that it should state "Mayor Long."
Councilman Stern requested that Item No. 7 (Withdrawal of a Code Amendment
Initiation Request to Revise the Municipal Code's Hedge Height Regulations within the
Front Yard Setback Area (Case No. ZON2010-00293) be removed from the Consent
Calendar to follow after the Regular Business items.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Misetich, to approve the
Consent Calendar, as amended, with Item No. 7 to follow after the Regular Business
items, and the correction to the minutes as read into the record.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Motion to Waive Full Reading
Adopted a motion to waive reading in full of all ordinances presented at this meeting
with consent of the waiver of reading deemed to be given by all Council Members after
the reading of the title.
Approval of the Minutes
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February 1, 2011
Page 3 of 14
Approved the Minutes of the December 21, 2010 Regular Meeting, as amended;
January 10, 2011 Special Meeting; and January 18, 2011 Adjourned Regular Meeting.
Border Issues Status Report
Received and filed the current report on the status of Border Issues.
Acquisition of Vehicles for the Public Works Department
Authorized the Director of Public Works to execute purchase contracts with Villa Ford in
the amount of$34,451.96 for the purchase of two 4X4 Ford Rangers and associated
vehicle accessories.
Award of Contract for Hesse and Ryan Parks Athletic Field Improvements
1) Approved Plans and specifications for the subject project; 2) Awarded a construction
contract for Hesse and Ryan Parks Athletic Field Improvements to America West
Landscape, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $446,784.09 for the total base bid and
authorized staff to spend an additional 10% contingency $44,678.40 for unforeseen
conditions for a total authorization of $491,462.49; and, 3) Authorized the Mayor and
City Clerk to execute the construction contract with America West Landscape, Inc.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to Implement Palos Verdes Peninsula
Coordinated Monitoring Plan for Machado Lake Nutrient Total Maximum Daily
Load (TMDL) Compliance
1) Approved the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the four incorporated cities
of the Palos Verdes Peninsula to carry out the Palos Verdes Peninsula Coordinated
Monitoring Plan in Compliance with the Machado Lake Nutrient Total Maximum Daily
Load (Nutrient Monitoring Plan); and, 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute
the MOA.
Withdrawal of a Code Amendment Initiation Request to Revise the Municipal
Code's Hedge Height Regulations within the Front Yard Setback Area (Case No.
ZON2010-00293)
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
November 2010 Monthly Report of Cash Balances
Received and filed the November 2010 Monthly Report of Cash Balances for the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes.
December 2010 Monthly Report of Cash Balances
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February 1, 2011
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Received and filed the December 2010 Monthly Report of Cash Balances for the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes.
Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2011-02, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND
DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING FUNDS FROM WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID.
# # # # # #
REGULAR NEW BUSINESS:
FYO9-10 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding this item.
Deputy Director of Finance/IT Downs provided a staff report regarding the FYO9-10
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. She noted that the City's Auditor, Bob
Callanan, Partner of Diehl, Evans and Co., LLP was present if Council had any
questions.
Mayor Long stated that the Audit Subcommittee met with the auditor earlier in the day
and noted that there were no items of significance in terms of corrections or departures,
nor areas of concern noted by the auditor.
Discussion ensued between the Council, staff, and Mr. Callanan.
Councilman Wolowicz moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to: Receive and file the
FY09-10 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) of the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes, and the Independent Auditors' Report on Internal Control.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Report to City Council from Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) Regarding
Assignment to Consider Financial Aspects of the Charter City Proposal
City Clerk Morreale reported that there was one request to speak regarding this item.
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February 1, 2011
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Finance Advisory Committee Chair James provided an oral report and the FAC's
statement regarding the financial aspects of becoming a charter city.
Discussion ensued between Council, Chair James and staff.
Shari Pence, Construction Industry Force Account Council (CIFAC), Riverside, stated
that the organization represents the construction industry as a whole. She noted that
they have concerns that when a city becomes a Charter City the bidding process be
followed for a transparent, open, fair and competitive bidding environment for new
construction projects.
Discussion ensued between Council, speaker and staff.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Misetich, to receive and file the
report.
Without objection, Mayor Long so ordered.
West Basin Municipal Water District Water Reliability 2020 Program
Deputy City Manager Petru introduced the following West Basin Municipal Water District
staff members in the audience: Ronald Smith, Director; E.J. Caldwell, Legislative and
Government Affairs Manager; and Alexis Tate, Public Information Officer who will be
making the presentation.
Director Ronald Smith, West Basin Municipal Water District, provided introductory
remarks regarding the education and support for the West Basin Municipal Water
District's plan to continue to provide local sustainable supplies of water to the area.
Alexis Tate, Public Information Officer, West Basin Municipal Water District, provided a
report and PowerPoint presentation of the West Basin Municipal Water District Water
Reliability 2020 Program.
Discussion ensued between Council and speaker.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, as a result of the
presentation regarding the West Basin Municipal Water District's Water Reliability 2020
Program, to authorize the Mayor to sign the draft letter of support for the program.
Without objection, Mayor Long so ordered.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Long called a brief recess from 8:22 P.M. to 8:34 P.M.
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February 1, 2011
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REGULAR NEW BUSINESS:
2011 Palos Verdes Marathon
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting and there were nine requests to speak on the item.
City Manager Lehr provided an overview of the 2011 Palos Verdes Marathon proposed
for Saturday, May 14, 2011 and the particular issues for Council's consideration based
on the full staging of the marathon in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Interim Director of Recreation and Parks Odom provided a summary of the marathon
route used in 2010 in comparison to the proposed route for the 2011 Palos Verdes
Marathon; the need for 2500 parking spots for the event; anticipated traffic delays;
impacts to residents and businesses; impact on City facilities; the required permits; and
the need for a large increase in Sheriff support.
Senior Engineer Jules provided a detailed staff report and PowerPoint presentation
regarding the 2011 Palos Verdes Marathon, highlighting the issues and impacts as a
result of the change to the marathon route.
Discussion ensued between Council, City Attorney Lynch, and staff.
John Williams, Palos Verdes Marathon, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the Kiwanis
Club is present to get the approval of the 45th Annual Palos Verdes Marathon. He
provided an overview of the history and the route used over the years for the Palos
Verdes Marathon. He reported that after last year's marathon, the City of Los Angeles
notified the Kiwanis that the charge for the 2011 event would be $25,000. He explained
that as a result of the new fee, the Kiwanis Club began working with Terranea Resort for
the 2011 Palos Verdes Marathon and noted the following: the run begins and ends at
the Fisherman's Access Lot; there will be no traffic interruptions, but there will be some
delays up to two to three minutes; parking is proposed at nine different locations with
shuttles provided; and shuttling and registration is to begin at 6:00 a.m. He reported
that the half marathoners will be done by approximately 9:30-10:00 a.m. and most other
runners will be done by noon which would open up parking. He stated that the profit
from the Palos Verdes Marathon is given to local charities.
Gaye Vancans, Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that Terranea has
agreed to participate in this marathon as part of its commitment to be involved with the
community. She noted that this was a charitable donation with an investment for the
future for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, as the publicity for the marathon is far
reaching and hoped that in future years it would continue to bring business to the area.
She clarified that the race will not start and finish at Terranea Resort, but instead at the
Fisherman's Access Parking Lot, which is a City-owned property adjacent to the
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February 1, 2011
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Terranea property. She added that the Expo space is located on the Terranea property
for which a permit application has been submitted.
Tor Hovind, Palos Verdes Marathon, San Pedro, stated that he is the brand specialist
for this event. He provided an overview of the brand equity of the event to make the
Palos Verdes Marathon a successful event for all and highlighted the images for the
website advertising of the event including the following: photographs of the Palos
Verdes Peninsula; new course photos; sponsors of the marathon; charitable
organizations to benefit from the event; advertising; maps and parking for the event; and
posters and T-shirts.
Derek Gable, Kiwanis, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he has been with the Kiwanis
for forty years. He noted that 100 percent of the money raised by the Kiwanis
organization helps primarily the young and old in the community and listed a number of
organizations that the Kiwanis support.
Walt Walston, W2 Promotions and Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates, Santa Monica,
stated that the Palos Verdes Marathon has been noted as the most beautiful marathon
in the United States and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. He explained the
logistics of the marathon and half-marathon, including the start time, route, anticipated
spacing of the runners which allows for the ease of traffic flow, projected 2-5 minute
traffic delays. He summarized that the marathon will bring a tremendous amount of
business and fine reflection on the community as a result of the 2500 people
participating in the event and encouraged support of the event.
Cynthia Johnson, Kiwanis, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that two of her children have
benefited from Kiwanis scholarships and noted that her daughters who both attend MIT
have participated in some of the charitable events sponsored by the Kiwanis, which
encourages young people to give back to the community. She encouraged the Council
to support the Palos Verdes Marathon for the many benefits that it brings to the
community.
Flavio Posse, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the Kiwanis organization has provided
much benefit to the community, noting that his daughter at Stanford has been a
recipient of scholarships from the Kiwanis. He requested that the City Council consider
waiving the fees for the Palos Verdes Marathon.
Kay Finer, Palos Verdes Peninsula, stated that she has supported the Kiwanis for years
and their cause to support charitable events for the community. She requested that the
Council consider a partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates and
Terranea Resort to play a significant role in paving the way for the country's second
oldest marathon to continue, noting that the event was good for business and the
community. She suggested waiving the fees for the event.
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Robert Medawar, stated that he has been a local businessman for thirty years and has
supported this event as a sponsor for years. He highlighted the benefits to the
community and businesses from the participants in the event and noted that this event
has always been a positive tool in promoting the Peninsula. He noted that there have
been no fees associated with the event in the past and requested that the Council
reconsider its position regarding the support of the Palos Verdes Marathon to keep it a
profitable community event.
Discussion ensued between Council Members, staff, and public speakers.
Councilman Stern moved to adopt Alternate No. 2 to deny permission for the event to
be based in Rancho Palos Verdes, including the use of City-owned facilities for staging
and parking, and direct staff to notify the event organizers of the Council's decision.
The motion died for a lack of a second.
Councilman Wolowicz moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Misetich, to direct staff to
proceed to work with the event promoter with a public hearing as early as possible to
occur by February 15, 2011.
Council discussion ensued.
Councilman Campbell moved a substitute motion to hold a public hearing with the
understanding that the purpose of the public hearing is to develop mitigation measures
for any problems that occur during the Palos Verdes Marathon event, with the decision
that the Palos Verdes Marathon will be held.
The motion died for a lack of a second.
Council and staff discussion continued.
Councilman Campbell renewed his substitute motion to hold a public hearing with the
understanding that the purpose of the public hearing is to develop mitigation measures
for any problems that occur during the Palos Verdes Marathon event, with the decision
that the Palos Verdes Marathon will be held.
The motion died for a lack of a second.
Discussion continued between Council, staff and Mr. Williams, representative for the
Kiwanis.
Councilman Campbell moved an amendment to the motion, that in addition to the
pending motion the City grant the Kiwanis conditional approval for the Palos Verdes
Marathon, while waiving the cost of half of the City's fees.
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The amendment died for a lack of a second.
Discussion continued between Council and staff.
Mayor Long moved a substitute amendment to the motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Misetich, to direct staff to proceed to work with the event promoter with a public hearing
as early as possible, provided the application is complete to the satisfaction of staff by
Feb. 7, 2011, and the City will not object to the continued active marketing as long as
the application is proceeding suitability toward a public hearing on or before March 1,
2011, and the trust deposit fee be reduced to $7,500 and be submitted by Feb. 7, 2011.
The substitute amendment to the motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Misetich, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: Stern
ABSENT: None
The motion, as amended, passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Misetich, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: Stern
ABSENT: None
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Long called a brief recess from 11:11 P.M. to 11:22 P.M.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Scoping Session for the Environmental Impact Report for the Proposed Zone 2
Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions (Planning Case No. ZON2009-00409)
City Clerk Morreale reported that notice of the public hearing was duly noticed and
written protests received and included in the staff report and late correspondence; late
correspondence was distributed prior to the meeting regarding this item; and there were
seven requests to speak regarding this item.
Mayor Long declared the public hearing open.
Associate Planner Fox provided a brief staff report regarding the scope of the
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) which would encompass all 47 lots in the Zone 2
area of the landslide moratorium area.
Matthew Maddox, Environmental Planner, Rincon Consultants, provided a report and
PowerPoint presentation of the EIR and CEQA review process and significant
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February 1, 2011
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environmental issues to be analyzed as outlined in the initial study that was released
last month. He concluded with an overview of the EIR schedule with a projected date of
the Final EIR to be submitted to Council in late summer 2011.
Stuart Miller, attorney for the Monks plaintiffs, Laguna Hills, commended Associate
Planner Fox in his competency in handling the Monks plaintiffs' applications. He
clarified that his firm would be submitting their comments by tomorrow which will be
delivered to the City on the following day. He stated that he had concerns that the
City's consultant has not been provided with all of the information necessary to
complete the EIR, including reports from 27 consultants and three separate previous
environmental studies in the Zone 2 area. He urged the consultant to review the
documents he will be submitting to the City and consult with his attorneys regarding the
binding judicial decision of the Monks' case.
City Clerk Morreale called the next speaker, Mr. Maxwell, and reported distribution of a
handout he provided prior to the meeting.
Robert Maxwell, Portuguese Bend Community Association (PBCA), Rancho Palos
Verdes, stated that the Zone 2 area is still moving and highlighted the concerns of the
PBCA in regard to the Monks' case and the earth movement, including block gliding.
He noted that the following are concerns of the PBCA: Del Cerro Park water runoff; the
State's threat to Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD) funds; Zone 2 as
a high fire hazard area; water runoff in the Altamira Canyon, which is dangerous and
moving; the unproven theory of block gliding; and potential future litigation.
Marianne Hunter, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she lives in a house that was at
one time torn apart by the landslide. She noted that although her house is not in Zone
2, it is affected by movement in Zone 2, as one part of the landslide cannot be
separated from another portion of the landslide. She stated that the following factors
affect the landslide area: the water coming into the area from upslope; the effect of
water going through the area; and what goes into the ocean. She noted that the scope
and focus of the EIR should not be small, but broad, for the safety of the community and
the City.
Tim Kelly,, President, PBCA, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the PBCA's duty is to
respect and protect the interests of all members of the association. He noted deep
concerns with the scope of the EIR to include the following: water runoff from the 47
lots as there are no storm drains and minimal ability to handle surface water; impact of
water on the adjacent uphill properties such as the Plumtree property; and, the burden
on Alta Mira Canyon resulting in additional erosion, flooding and further soil movement
in Alta Mira Canyon. He urged the Council to broaden the scope of the EIR to include
the 47 lots in Zone 2, the adjacent properties within and outside of the Portuguese Bend
area.
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Jim Knight, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the scope of the EIR should include areas
outside of Zone 2. He reported that the City divided the landslide area into zones for
administrative purposes to have ordinances that can be enforced. He stated that Alta
Mira Canyon and the streets function as the storm drains for the area, which is currently
deficient. He stated that the runoff that will be created by the development in Zone 2
will exacerbate the existing deficient storm drain system. He reported that the ACLAD
well water records indicate that water is infusing directly into fissures on City-owned
land which go directly into the sub-surface areas, which is the toe of the landslide. He
noted this would also create additional beach erosion. He shared a short video of water
damage during the 2005 storm season in Portuguese Bend as it bypasses the area
storm drain since it is deficient; the water flowing down Alta Mira Canyon; and the
erosion of the Pinkham property by the water in Alta Mira Canyon.
Dan Pinkham, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the scope of the EIR should be
expanded to include the area outside of Zone 2 since those areas are heavily impacted,
noting that they have lost 60 feet of property due to water erosion in two heavy
rainstorms in 2005. He noted that Altamira Canyon cannot handle any additional water
runoff.
Vicki Pinkham, Rancho Palos Verdes, added that she has a concern regarding the
entrance of Portuguese Bend at Narcissa Drive. She reported that during the fire in the
Portuguese Bend area in 2005 the large fire earthmoving equipment could not enter the
community at Narcissa Drive or Peppertree Drive. She stated that the scope of the EIR
should also definitely include Zone 5 since every bit of traffic, pollutant, and noise
affects their home, as well as other adjacent zones.
Discussion ensued between Council, staff and the consultant regarding the public
comments.
Mayor Long declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Misetich, to receive the
comments and direct appropriate action with the respect to comments received from the
public regarding the scope of the EIR.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR:
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February 1, 2011
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Withdrawal of a Code Amendment Initiation Request to Revise the Municipal
Code's Hedge Height Regulations within the Front Yard Setback Area (Case No.
ZON2010-00293)
City Clerk Morreale reported that this item was removed from the Consent Calendar for
separate consideration by Councilman Stern.
Councilman Stern inquired as to the initial reason that staff placed the initiation of a
request for a Code Amendment to revise the Municipal Code's hedge height regulations
within the front yard setback area and the possibility to explore something to allow a
little flexibility for exceptions or exclusions that might be a possibility.
Community Development Director Rojas reported that when staff initially brought the
issue of heights of hedges in the front yard setback to.the Council it was from a
perspective of regulating hedge heights for aesthetics and uniformity. He stated that
after discussing the issue with the Public Works Department staff, he became aware
that the Public Works Department could not support any hedges over 42 inches in the
front setback area because of traffic and pedestrian visibility issues. He continued that
based on Councilman Stern's suggestion, Director Rojas discussed with the Public
Works Department staff the possibility of a specific permit process to address possible
exceptions to the rule based on the particular circumstances of the street and visibility.
Public Works Department staff noted that such a process was a possibility.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to direct staff to develop
a permit process to specifically allow certain hedge heights in excess of 42 inches in the
front yard setback if visibility issues can be addressed to the satisfaction of the Public
Works Department.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each of the Council Members reported on his attendance at various organization and
association meetings since the last City Council Oral Reports were provided on January
18, 2011.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Lynch reported that with respect to the VH Property Corp. and VHPS LLC
v. City of Rancho Palos Verdes, et al., the Council discussed the case and unanimous
direction was given to the City Attorney to respond to the latest letter written by Mr.
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February 1, 2011
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Trump's attorneys and advise them that neither the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council
nor staff will pre-commit to approving or supporting any revision to the project and that
the applicant or property owner should file applications to go through the usual process.
She noted that she would be preparing a letter accordingly.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 12:10 A.M., Mayor Long adjourned the meeting.
4
Mayor
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