CC MINS 20110301 MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 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 reconvened at 7:01 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; Dennis
McLean, Director of Finance/Information Technology (IT); Ray Holland, Director of
Public Works; Tom Odom, Deputy Director of Public Works/Interim Director of
Recreation and Parks; Ron Dragoo, Senior Engineer; Andy Winje, Associate Engineer;
Eduardo Schonborn, Senior Planner; and Carla Morreale, City Clerk.
Also present: City Geologist James Lancaster, Kling Consulting, Inc.; Alan Braatvedt,
Public Works Consultant/CBM Consulting, and Senior Project Manager, San Ramon
Canyon Project; Lisa Bates, Project Geologist, GMU Geotechnical.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Flag Salute was led by Mark Wells.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Long announced that the 27th Annual Whale of a Day Event was to be held
Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00
P.M. with free parking at City Hall and free shuttle service to the event provided by
Supervisor Knabe's Office.
Camilla Townsend, Chief Executive Officer, San Pedro Peninsula Chamber of
Commerce, presented an overview of the mission of the San Pedro Peninsula Chamber
of Commerce and highlighted the six major initiatives of the organization.
RECYCLE DRAWING:
Mayor Long announced Recyclers of the Month from the February 15, 2011 City
Council meeting: Lawson Deming and Knef Lizaso. 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.
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March 1, 2011
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APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Mayor Long requested that Item No. 12 (Request for Instruction to Staff to Develop a
Policy for Council Members and City Staff to Follow in Responding to Inappropriate or
Threatening Behavior) be removed from the agenda due to a threat of litigation
regarding the item.
City Attorney Lynch suggested that Item No. 11 (Appointment of a Council Member to
Serve as Alternate on the Policy Steering Committee of the Municipal Area Express at
its Meeting on March 7, 2011) was no longer necessary since Mayor Pro Tem Misetich
informed staff that he would be available to attend the Municipal Area Express meeting.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to approve the agenda,
as amended, with Item Nos. 11 and 12 removed from the agenda.
Without objection, Mayor Long so ordered.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Audience comments for items not on the agenda)
Mark Wells, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he would like to volunteer to help with the
upcoming Palos Verdes Marathon. He noted that Janice Hahn is running for the 36th
Congressional District and encouraged the voters to keep that in mind when voting,
because if she is elected she may be able to help secure Federal money for the San
Ramon Canyon Project.
Ken Dyda, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that there were many misconceptions
circulating in the community regarding Measure C. He outlined the major issues being
discussed about Measure C: 1) public notice and discussion of the proposed Charter;
2) protection of local taxes; 3) date selected for the election; 4) increased local control;
5) Federal and Coastal Commission restrictions limiting the transfer of City parkland;
6) the option and flexibility to use prevailing wage or not; 7) Council compensation;
8) a quorum of three votes has been in place since the City's formation; 9) Zoning and
General Plan consistency; 10) the low possibility on enacting election Districts; and,
11) political trust with the Sacramento legislators.
Suzanne Dean, Shakespeare by the Sea, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she was
present to request funding for two performances at Terranea Resort and Hesse Park.
Rebecca Simon, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she was present to speak to the
character of Sharon Yarber. She stated that the Sheriff's investigation concluded that
there was no criminal misconduct, yet the allegations were placed on websites and
constituents spoken to about the matter. She opined that Ms. Yarber stood up for the
citizens and challenged the City Council's decisions regarding the Annenberg Project
and Measure C, and concluded that was the reason behind the recent events.
Sharon Yarber, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that under a Charter the City could be
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March 1, 2011
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divided into districts; and noted that no one can predict what topics are on the minds of
the current or future Council Members. She stated that staff and the Council have
forgotten their roles, and that they do not govern, but serve, the residents. She stated
that on Feb. 14, 2011, she submitted a list of fifteen "frequently asked questions" to be
addressed, for which she has not received answers to date. She provided examples of
the questions which include the following: 1) circumstances that allow the use of design-
build cost savings; 2) an ordinance exempting the payment of prevailing wages and the
possible repeal of that ordinance in the future; 3) a charter limiting or altering the powers
of the City Manager under the Council-Manager form of government, or the possibility of
a change in form of governance; 4) the possibility of the Council to have the power to
require prior service on a committee or commission as a condition of qualification in
order for a candidate to run for Council office; and, 5) the possibility of the Council
having the power to increase the percentage of signatures required for a referenda,
recall or initiative.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
None.
NEW BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Morreale reported that there was one request to speak regarding Item No. 6
(Approve Change Order - Professional Services Contract KOA Corporation/CBM
Consulting).
Mayor Pro Tem Misetich moved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to approve the
Consent Calendar with Item No. 6 to follow immediately after the Consent Calendar.
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
Approved the Minutes of the February 15, 2011 Regular Meeting.
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March 1, 2011
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Trails Master Plan Grant Application
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2011-08, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING FUNDS FOR THE CITY'S TRAILS MASTER PLAN
FROM THE COMMUNITY-BASED TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT
PROGRAM OF THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
Request to File a Conditional Use Permit Revision Application from T-Mobile USA
Authorized the City Manager to sign the Conditional Use Permit Revision application,
allowing T-Mobile USA to seek approval to install a new wireless facility on the
monopole at City Hall.
Household Hazardous Waste/Electronics Waste Collection Program Siting
Liability Agreement with County of Los Angeles
Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Household Hazardous Waste and
Electronic Waste Collection Program Siting Liability Agreement with the County of Los
Angeles and County Sanitation District No. 2 of Los Angeles County.
Approve Change Order - Professional Services Contract KOA Corporation/
CBM Consulting
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
January 2011 Monthly Report of Cash Balances
Received and filed the January 2011 Monthly Report of Cash Balances for the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes.
Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2011-09, 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.
# # # # # #
Approve Change Order - Professional Services Contract KOA Corporation/
CBM Consulting
As there was no request for a staff report, Mayor Long requested that the speaker be
heard regarding the item.
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March 1, 2011
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Ken Goldman, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that his comments would be more
appropriate under Item No. 9 (Workshop — San Ramon Canyon — Project Study Report).
Councilman Stern moved, seconded Councilman Wolowicz, to approve the staff
recommendation to: Approve Change Order Number 1 to the contract for Professional
Services with KOA Corporation/CBM Consulting increasing the original contract in the
not to exceed amount of $20,000 for Project Management services for the San Ramon
Canyon Storm Drain Project.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
REGULAR NEW BUSINESS:
Workshop - San Ramon Canyon — Project Study Report
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding this item.
Director of Public Works Holland provided a detailed staff report and PowerPoint
presentation regarding the drainage problems at San Ramon Canyon Project. He
outlined the challenges of the project and itemized the following goals to: safeguard
lives and property; protect the Palos Verdes Drive East (PVDE) switchbacks; provide
all-weather access along Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS) and 25th Street; minimize
system maintenance; minimize environmental impacts; and, improve the quality of the
water going into the ocean. He provided an overview of the steps taken in the Project
Study Report including topographical study; geological investigations, environmental
impacts, cost assessments, five preliminary designs; design evaluations; identification
of the two most suitable alternatives identified; and, design of the switchback
stabilization early action project.
Director Holland presented an overview of Alternative 1A - Tunnel Alignment at a cost of
$19.2 million, which is a system totally contained within Rancho Palos Verdes with few
easement issues, no existing system limitations, and a shorter project timeline.
Director Holland presented an overview of the Alternative 2A - Canyon Alignment at a
cost of$17.9 million, which is a multi jurisdictional project, utilizes existing Los Angeles
storm drains with easement issues, increased environmental impacts, and a longer
project timeline. He outlined the key criteria evaluated in selecting the most suitable
alternatives to be considered and described the early action projects that are currently
being designed and the next steps in preparation for the project.
Discussion ensued between Council, staff, and City Geologist Lancaster.
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RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Long called a brief recess from 8:29 P.M. to 8:41 P.M.
Discussion ensued between Council, staff, and Consultant Braatvedt.
Sandy Esposito, President, Federal Advocates, introduced himself and Michael
Esposito, Managing Partner, and provided a background on his years in Washington,
D.C. and the recent work his firm has undertaken with staff regarding the San Ramon
Canyon Project. He outlined the next steps in the process and strategies the firm is
concentrating on regarding possible legislation and funding for the San Ramon Canyon
Project.
Discussion ensued between Council and Mr. Esposito.
Mark Wells, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the topic of the San Ramon Canyon
Project has been discussed since 2002, noted that he has studied and prefers
Alternative 1A as being the ultimate fix, and supported the implementation of the Early
Action Project (EAP) with the addition of the relocation of the sewer line as soon as
possible. He added that he did not want to see the EAP delay the implementation of the
design and construction of the San Ramon Canyon Project.
Robert Maxwell, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that with all of the experts present, he
would like the City to consider some attention be directed to the drainage problems at
Altamira Canyon.
Ken Goldman, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the San Ramon study project
addresses the initial concern of overflow and debris affecting PVDS and threatening the
stability of the PVDE switchbacks, but expressed concern for the threat of landslides
which would affect the safety of the homes at the southern end of Tarapaca Road. He
stated that although the tunneling is necessary, steps must be taken for the stabilization
of Tarapaca Canyon which is the source of landslides and debris flowing down to
PVDS, including providing concrete spillways within Tarapaca Canyon to stabilize the
canyon walls and minimize the effects of further landslides and debris flows.
Sharon Yarber, Rancho Palos Verdes, inquired if there have been discussions yet with
the property owners regarding attaining easements, and noted she did not understand
the contingency components of the project costs.
Lowell Wedemeyer, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he had technical questions about
risk analysis and inquired if the canyon wall is at heightened seismic risk for collapse of
a catastrophic nature with essentially no warning. He also inquired if the City of Los
Angeles has a monitoring, warning, and evacuation plan along 25th Street in case of an
emergency.
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March 1, 2011
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Discussion continued between Council, staff, Geotechnical Consultant Bates, City
Geologist Lancaster, and Gordon Teuber, Councilwoman Hahn's representative, City of
Los Angeles.
Councilman Wolowicz moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Misetich, to: 1) Identify
Alternative 1A as the Preferred Alternative; 2) Authorize Staff to solicit professional
services for the preferred alternative design; 3) Authorize Staff to proceed with the
sewer relocation design; 4) Direct Staff to provide regular land movement monitoring
reports; and, 5) Direct Staff to continue pursuit of funding opportunities.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Long called a brief recess from 10:05 P.M. to 10:10 P.M.
California Department of Water Resources Stormwater Flood Management Grant
Councilman Wolowicz moved, seconded by Mayor Long, to waive the staff report and
move to questions from the Council.
Discussion ensued between Council and staff.
Councilman Wolowicz moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to: 1) Authorize staff to
pursue State Stormwater Flood Management Grant Funding for San Ramon Canyon
Stabilization Project; and, 2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2011-10, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AUTHORIZING
STAFF TO PURSUE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES
STORMWATER FLOOD MANAGEMENT GRANT FUNDING FOR THE SAN RAMON
CANYON STABILIZATION PROJECT.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Misetich, Stern, Wolowicz, and Mayor Long
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Appointment of a Council Member to Serve as Alternate on the Policy Steering
Committee of the Municipal Area Express at its Meeting on March 7, 2011
This item was removed from the agenda.
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March 1, 2011
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Request for Instruction to Staff to Develop a Policy for Council Members and City
Staff to Follow in Responding to Inappropriate or Threatening Behavior
This item was removed from the agenda.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Council Member reported on his attendance at various organization and
association meetings since the last City Council Oral Reports were provided on
February 15, 2011.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Lynch reported on the following Closed Session items: 1) With respect to
the Monks and Enstedt litigation, a report was provided and the Council unanimously
approved a revised covenant, and staff was directed to continue the processing of
permits for the owners of the 16 lots; and, 2) With respect to the Conference with Real
Property Negotiators regarding the Ladera Linda Community Center, the Council
unanimously provided direction to the negotiating parties for the City regarding the
termination of the lease agreement, with all Council Members present for both Closed
Session items.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 10:22 P.M., Mayor Long adjourned the meeting.
4110.-
11
Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
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