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CC MINS 20091017 ADJ MINUTES RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING/COMMUNITY LEADERS' BREAKFAST SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009 The meeting was called to order at 9:25 A.M. by Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz at Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC), 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West, notice having been given with affidavit on file. City Council roll call was answered as follows: PRESENT: Dyda, Long, Stern, and Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz ABSENT: Clark (excused) Also present were Carolyn Lehr, City Manager; Carolynn Petru, Deputy City Manager; Dennis McLean, Director of Finance/Information Technology; Joel Rojas, Director of Community Development; Ron Rosenfeld, Director of Recreation and Parks; Ara Mihranian, Principal Planner; Holly Starr, Recreation Services Manager; Toni Harris, Administrative Staff Assistant; and, Carla Morreale, City Clerk. Also present were the following: Leonard Aube, Executive Director of the Annenberg Foundation; and, Jackie Ott Jaakola, General Manager, The Annenberg Foundation Project at Lower Point Vicente. FLAG SALUTE: The Flag Salute was led by Councilman Stern. MAYOR'S WELCOME: Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz welcomed all attendees to the Community Leaders' Breakfast, introduced past City Council Members, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) Board Members, and Palos Verdes Library District Board Members. He invited each person in the audience to introduce himself. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Dyda, to approve the agenda as presented. Without objection, Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz so ordered. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Sunshine, Rancho Palos Verdes, former member of the Trails Committee and Open Space Task Force and reported that she brought the model that the Task Force created for the Lower Point Vicente Park for the public to view. City Council Minutes October 17, 2009 Page 1 of 4 REGULAR NEW BUSINESS: The Annenberg Project at Lower Point Vicente Park Director of Community Development Rojas provided an overview of the Annenberg Project at Lower Point Vicente Park which emerged from the City's work with consultants on the Rancho Palos Verdes Coast Vision Plan. He stated that the application for the Annenberg Project was anticipated to be submitted to the Planning Department in the next few weeks. Director Rojas reported that the Annenberg Foundation, as a separate project and as a charitable gift to the City, will be constructing the parking lot improvements at Lower Point Vicente that were not completed as part of the PVIC Expansion Project. Director Rojas introduced Leonard Aube of the Annenberg Foundation. Leonard Aube, Executive Director of the Annenberg Project, introduced Jackie Ott Jaakola, General Manager of the Annenberg Project at Lower Point Vicente, and provided a brief history of the Annenberg Foundation and its mission of awarding charitable contributions, grants, and community projects to qualified non-profit organizations around the world. Mr. Aube provided a PowerPoint presentation of the proposed Annenberg Project at Lower Point Vicente Park. He highlighted the strategic vision and mission of the Annenberg Foundation in the creation of a "Discovery Park" for the site. His presentation focused on the following topics: the native habitat (flora and fauna); improved drainage and watershed management; improved site accessibility and additional parking to enhance public access; the balanced use of open space; and, the educational aspect regarding the Peninsula region. Mr. Aube stated that the "Discovery Park" would include the following amenities: an improved entry way into Lower Pt. Vicente Park; enhanced green space and open space to improve the vista areas; a centralized area for formal hardscape of the Discovery Park; enhanced pathways and picnic areas; outdoor gathering spaces for community events; design and installation of remaining exhibits; and, improvements to drop-off and parking areas. Mr. Aube reported that the Outdoor Exhibition area would provide the following: a central hub for the outdoor exhibit area; a base for docents and volunteers in support of volunteer- led activities and programs; public restrooms; an outdoor local archaeology and paleontology study area; the creation of a replica of a Tongva village and Tongva people; a local history aspect; and, nature discovery trails with native flora and fauna. Mr. Aube explained that Annenberg building would consist of the following: spaces for classes and community meetings; a green planted living roof for beauty and sustainability; and, outdoor terraces to preserve views. He noted that the building would be cut into the hillside with the first floor underground and the resulting height of the roof essentially at the existing grade so that the net impact to the site is minimal with the project sensitive to height restrictions and view corridors. Mr. Aube stated that the Annenberg building would contain a high-tech media curtain wall for art and video displays; a community center living room area with natural lighting from skylights; and, a multimedia theater for classes and workshops, which would be able to open up to an outdoor amphitheater to incorporate visiting educational programs and City Council Minutes October 17, 2009 Page 2 of 4 community events. He highlighted the use of interactive educational spaces with vistas of the outdoor beauty; exhibits regarding the sensory world of animals and obedience training techniques; and, an adoption infrastructure for dogs and cats in a home-like environment to improve the adoption transition for animals. He noted that there would be two dedicated classroom spaces with curriculum in alignment with California standards and coordinated with the PVPUSD; possible summer camps for kids; animal care internships for secondary students; and, service learning and volunteer opportunities. Mr. Aube reported that the project would be designed to incorporate sustainable and green technology in the areas of lighting, energy use, ventilation, and water conservation. He stated that the project would spotlight Rancho Palos Verdes as a model in public programming to enhance community life, architecture, and landscape design. Mr. Aube stated that the strategic plan would incorporate the following aspects: the establishment of an Advisory Committee to offer feedback and guidance; partnership with the PVPUSD; input from the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control; and, coordination with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's and Fire Departments. Mr. Aube provided information regarding the Design Team which would incorporate the following disciplines: building architecture, landscape architecture and planning; exhibition design; construction management; research and business planning; brand identity and graphic design; project management; and philanthropy. Mr. Aube noted that the Annenberg Foundation had participated in local outreach with the following groups: City Council Members; Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy; Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center docents; Cabrillo Marine Aquarium; local veterinarians and trainers; the Emergency Preparedness Committee; numerous Homeowners Associations; Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control; Palos Verdes Rotary Club; Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce; previous City Council Members; Peninsula Seniors; PVPUSD; and, the local 4-H clubs. Mr. Aube reviewed the next steps to be taken including the need for an Environmental Impact Report, submittal of a formal application, and the public hearing process. He stated that once approval is obtained, the project would take approximately 18-24 months to complete. He reported that the Annenberg Foundation's Mission is to improve the quality of life for other people and that the Annenberg Project is a gift to the community estimated to cost approximately $40 million. Mr. Aube stated that the latest material regarding the Annenberg Project is on the City and Annenberg Foundation websites and that the public can join a Listserve to stay apprised of the project. Councilman Dyda, Rancho Palos Verdes, inquired regarding the types of native plants that will be used in the land landscaping of the area, including "palos Verdes" for which the Peninsula was named. Lynn Swank, Rancho Palos Verdes, inquired as to the plans for maintenance of the Annenberg Project in perpetuity and inquired if there was a proposal to rename the Pt. Vicente site. Mr. Aube stated that it was the Annenberg Foundation's intention to have a combination of a direct investment and endowment to fund the project in perpetuity and that there was no proposal to change the name of the site. City Council Minutes October 17, 2009 Page 3 of 4 Paul Tetreault, Rancho Palos Verdes, inquired if the City would retain ownership of the site. Mr. Aube responded in the affirmative. Ann Shaw, Rancho Palos Verdes, asked to what degree indigenous animals would be featured in the exhibits at the site. Mr. Aube stated that part of the permanent exhibits will focus on the indigenous plant and animal life of the Peninsula; and he stated that there is a proposal for a temporary exhibit area would feature spotlights on land and marine life. Jim Knight, Rancho Palos Verdes, inquired who would control what flora and fauna would be displayed in the exhibits in the Annenberg facility. Mr. Aube responded that the design consultants for the Annenberg Foundation would decide the types of flora and fauna to be displayed with input and feedback from the community. Diane Robinson, inquired what history, genealogy, or workshops regarding the history of the Peninsula area might be included in the Annenberg Project. Tony Lewis, Los Angeles County Fire Department, inquired about the living roof material. Deputy City Manager Petru, on behalf of Barbara Ferraro, reported that Ms. Ferraro was very supportive of Annenberg Project. Vic Quirarte, PVIC Docent, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke in support of the Annenberg Project and reported that the Annenberg Foundation has offered to fund the outdoor history museum comprised of a Tongva Village. He noted that the Annenberg Foundation has listened to the community, asked for input, and improved the Annenberg Project based on community comments. Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz thanked Mr. Aube for his presentation and expressed appreciation for each of the community leaders and volunteers present. ADJOURNMENT: At 10:59 A.M., Mayor Pro Tem Wolowicz adjourned the meeting. i Attest: Mayor _1 4 if City Clerk W:\City Council Minutes\2009\200901017 CC MINS ADJ MTG.doc City Council Minutes October 17, 2009 Page 4of4