CC MINS 20100420 MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 20, 2010
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Wolowicz at Fred Hesse
Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, and was immediately recessed into
Closed Session. The meeting reconvened at 7:07 P.M.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Campbell, Long, Misetich, and Mayor Wolowicz
ABSENT: Stern (excused)
Also present were Carolyn Lehr, City Manager; Carolynn Petru, Deputy City Manager;
Carol Lynch, City Attorney; Dennis McLean, Director of Finance/Information
Technology; Joel Rojas, Director of Community Development; Tom Odom, Interim
Director of Recreation and Parks; Ara Mihranian, Principal Planner; Holly Starr,
Recreation Services Manager; and, Carla Morreale, City Clerk.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Flag Salute was led by Steve South, President of EDCO.
CEREMONIAL: Steve South, President of EDCO, drew the names of five lucky
winners who will receive Free Refuse Service from EDCO for one year. The following
residents were the winners of the drawing: Thelma Chin, Gunnar Bjornstrom, Thomas
English, Tseryeu Lo, and Elemer Zerinvari.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Wolowicz introduced Recreation Services Manager Holly Starr who announced
the Night at the Museum Sleepover Event to be held on April 30, 2010 at Pt. Vicente
Interpretive Center for children ages 7 to 12 years of age.
Mayor Wolowicz announced that the City of Rancho Palos Verdes will be celebrating
Building Safety Week from May 3 through May 7, 2010.
Mayor Wolowicz announced the recent passing of Vincenzo (Vincent) Stellio and
presented a proclamation to Mardo Murillo, Club House Manager/Media Site
Representative of Trump National Golf Course on his behalf, and noted that the meeting
would be adjourned in Mr. Stellio's memory.
RECYCLE DRAWING:
City Council Minutes
April 20, 2010
Page 1 of 9
Mayor Wolowicz announced Recyclers of the Month from the April 6, 2010 City Council
meeting: Mark Scherba and Sharon Hakimi. 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 Misetich moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Long to approve the agenda,
as presented.
Without objection, Mayor Wolowicz so ordered.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Lehr recognized the following City employees for receipt of the following
certifications: Building Official Paul Christman on his recent certification as a
Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner; Melissa Murphy and Mona Dill on their
recent certifications as Certified Playground Safety Inspectors.
NEW BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence regarding Item No. 3 (Award of
Landscape Design Service Contract for Lower Hesse and Grandview Parks) and Item
No. 5 (Register of Demands) was distributed prior to the meeting and there were five
requests to speak on Item No. 3.
Mayor Pro Tem Long moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to approve the
Consent Calendar, with Item No. 3 (Award of Landscape Design Service Contract for
Lower Hesse and Grandview Parks) removed from the Consent Calendar to be heard
immediately after the Consent Calendar.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Long, Misetich, and Mayor Wolowicz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Stern
Motion to Waive Full Reading
City Council Minutes
April 20, 2010
Page 2 of 9
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 Special Meeting of March 30, 2010 and the Minutes of the
Adjourned Regular Meeting of April 6, 2010 (Interviews).
Award of Landscape Design Service Contract for Lower Hesse and Grandview
Parks
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
Resolution Accepting Transfer of the Remainder Parcel at Robert E. Ryan Park
from the County of Los Angeles
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2010-26, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, ACCEPTING THE TRANSFER OF A
REMAINDER PARCEL ASSOCIATED WITH ROBERT E. RYAN PARK FROM THE
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES.
Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2010-27, 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.
# # # # # #
ITEM REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR:
Award of Landscape Design Service Contract for Lower Hesse and Grandview
Parks
Interim Director of Recreation and Parks Odom presented a brief staff report regarding
this item.
Michelle Sullivan, Principal Architect and Project Manager, Mia Lehrer & Associates,
provided an overview of the process involved in the creation of the park designs,
including site analysis, preliminary concept plan, and presentation of the final concept
plan. She emphasized the importance of community involvement and multiple meetings
so that the input of the residents is received regarding the design of the parks.
City Council Minutes
April 20, 2010
Page 3 of 9
Dorothy Weeks, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the Community Center Building and
walking trails at Hesse Park are well used, and noted that there were opportunities for
picnics and ball games at the park. She expressed concerns with traffic and speed on
Locklenna and Hawthorne Drive. She stated that she was in favor of the development
of Lower Hesse Park as a passive park filled with native plants, benches, and other
areas to enjoy the view and the peaceful surroundings, instead of a dog park. She
noted concerns with the funding of cleaning, maintaining and policing Lower Hesse Park
if it is developed as an active park.
Norbert Nastanski, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he has a view of Lower Hesse
Park from his living room window and noted that a dog park was not compatible for the
Lower Hesse Park site, expressing concerns regarding dog urine odors and the
aesthetics of a dog park area.
Les Chapin, Pacific View Homeowners Association (HOA), Rancho Palos Verdes,
stated that his HOA has compiled a list of eighteen concerns associated with the
development of Lower Hesse Park and expressed the desire of the HOA to be involved
with the design reviews of the park.
Noel Park, President, Pacific View HOA, Rancho Palos Verdes, congratulated the City
on its choice of Mia Lehrer and Associates for the landscape design service for the
conceptual plans for the parks, noting that the choice gives him hope that the design
can have a positive outcome since Ms. Lehrer is known for reaching out to the
community to seek input to create projects compatible with the surrounding
neighborhoods. He noted that the concerns of the Pacific View HOA are well
documented including traffic, noise, aesthetics, and impacts. He stated that the HOA
would like to participate in a collaborative effort so that the design of the park is a win-
win for the neighborhood and the community.
Jim Moore, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that there should be an overall budget
established for the final plan for Lower Hesse Park, a prioritization of the features of the
design plan, and commented on the prior history of some of the features being
considered for the plan such as the par course. He noted concerns with the following:
convenience of the picnic areas, the inclusion of a dog park in Lower Hesse Park, the
high maintenance of lawn areas, and the additional expense of a second bridge. He
suggested a miniature arboretum area with native habitat which would be compatible
with existing trails.
Mayor Pro Tem Long moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich to: 1) Award
Landscape Design Service Contract to Mia Lehrer and Associates in the amount of
$49,750 for conceptual designs for the development of Lower Hesse and Grandview
Parks; and, 2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-28, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AMENDING RESOLUTION
NO. 2009-40, THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FY09-10, TO AMEND THE
GENERAL FUND AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FUND BUDGETS.
City Council Minutes
April 20, 2010
Page 4 of 9
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Terranea Resort and Spa Revision `O' to Conditional Use Permit No. 215, et.al. —
Extension of Compliance Date for Two Conditions [Continued from April 6, 2010]
City Clerk Morreale reported that this public hearing was continued from April 6, 2010
and there were two requests to speak on the item only if there are questions from
Council.
Mayor Pro Tern Long moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich to waive the staff
report.
Without objection, Mayor Wolowicz so ordered.
Councilman Misetich moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Long, to approve the staff
recommendation to: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-29, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, APPROVING
REVISION `O' TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 215, GRADING PERMIT NO.
2229, COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 166, VARIANCE NO. 489, AND
TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 26073 BY AMENDING THE CONDITIONS OF
APPROVAL TO EXTEND THE COMPLIANCE DATE TO JUNE 30, 2010, FOR
COMPLETING TWO OUTSTANDING CONDITIONS AND AMENDING THE CRITERIA
TO SATISFY CONDITION NO. 88 (UTILITY POLE UNDERGROUNDING).
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Long, Misetich, and Mayor Wolowicz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Stern
Zone Text Amendment-Appeal Hearing Time Frame (Z0N2009-00375)/Citywide
City Clerk Morreale reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, no
written protests received, and there were no requests to speak on the item.
Mayor Wolowicz declared the public hearing open.
There were no requests to speak regarding the item.
Mayor Wolowicz declared the public hearing closed.
Mayor Pro Tern Long moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to waive the staff
report and adopt the staff recommendation to: INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 508,
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AMENDING
City Council Minutes
April 20, 2010
Page 5 of 9
SECTION 17.80.050(C) AND SECTION 17.80.070 (C) OF CHAPTER 17.80.
(HEARING NOTICE AND APPEAL PROCEDURES) TO ESTABLISH A 90-DAY
DEADLINE TO SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR APPEALS (CASE NO.
ZON2009-00375).
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Long, Misetich, and Mayor Wolowicz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Stern
PAUSE TO CONSIDER THE REMAINDER OF THE AGENDA:
REGULAR NEW BUSINESS:
Authorizing Certain City Officers to Approve and Execute Particular Contracts
City Attorney Lynch provided a brief staff report regarding the ordinance to bring into
alignment the signature authority of certain City officials with the authority currently
granted to them under the City's Municipal Code to award contracts up to a specific
maximum amount.
Mayor Pro Tem Long moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to INTRODUCE
ORDINANCE NO. 509, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, ADDING CHAPTER 2.14 TO TITLE 2 OF THE CITY'S MUNICIPAL CODE
TO ALLOW CERTAIN CITY OFFICERS TO APPROVE AND EXECUTE PARTICULAR
CONTRACTS.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Long, Misetich, and Mayor Wolowicz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Stern
Civic Center Preliminary Schedule
Deputy City Manager Petru presented a brief staff report and PowerPoint presentation
of the Civic Center Preliminary Schedule and concluded that the staff recommendation
was to receive and file the report.
Council and staff discussion ensued regarding the completion of Phase Two of the
Project Schedule; funding options and design parameters for the project; the safety and
integrity of the existing City Hall building; the ambitious nature of the preliminary
schedule; a contingency plan for the next six or seven years, if necessary, for an
alternate site; the cost of maintaining or repairing an older building, such as the existing
City Council Minutes
April 20, 2010
Page 6 of 9
site; and, a proposed City Council Meeting on June 29, 2010 to discuss the New Civic
Center Financing Options.
By acclamation, the report was received and filed.
Without objection, Mayor Wolowicz so ordered.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Wolowicz called a brief recess from 8:36 P.M. to 8:43 P.M.
Marymount Initiative
City Attorney Lynch provided a brief staff report regarding the item, noting that the City
Council has the option of considering whether to order the preparation of a report now,
later, or not at all, regarding the Marymount Initiative that is currently being circulated.
Council and staff discussion ensued regarding the issues that can be addressed in the
report, the primary purpose of the report, and an approximate time that would be
allocated to provide such a report to the Council regarding the petition that is being
circulated.
Mark Wells, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he would like to see a report addressing
the recently distributed Neighborhood Watch Administrative Report; construction time
period; and the costs associated with following items: November 2010 Election if the
Marymount Initiative is placed on the ballot; signalization of the intersection at Miraleste
Drive and Palos Verdes Drive East (PVDE); signage and restriping at Trudie Drive and
Western Avenue; redesign and implementation of mitigation at the intersection of PVDE
and Palos Verdes Drive South; and additional police and fire support with the addition of
residents on the campus.
Mayor Pro Tern Long moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to direct the City
Attorney to prepare a report regarding procedures for the City and Council Members to
respond to questions concerning the initiative; the actions that are permitted or not
permitted under the law; and the discussion and decisions that the Council can make,
with the incorporation of questions from Council Members to be submitted to the City
Attorney within 10 days and then circulated to all Council Members.
Without objection, Mayor Wolowicz so ordered.
View Restoration Height Variation Permits
Mayor Pro Tern Long reported that Councilman Stern has requested that this item be
continued to the next Regular Council Meeting.
City Council Minutes
April 20, 2010
Page 7 of 9
City Clerk Morreale reported that there was one request to speak on this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Long moved, seconded by Mayor Wolowicz, to waive the staff report
and hear the speaker on the item, if the speaker is not able to attend the meeting at
which this item will be continued.
Ken Dyda, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he waived his right to speak at this
meeting and will speak on the item when it is before the City Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Long moved, seconded by Councilman Campbell, to continue this item
to the next Regular Meeting.
Without objection, Mayor Wolowicz so ordered.
Floor Area Ratio
Mayor Pro Tem Long reported that Councilman Stern has requested that this item be
continued to the next Regular Council Meeting.
City Clerk Morreale reported that there was one request to speak on this item.
Ken Dyda, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he waived his right to speak at this
meeting and will speak on the item when it is before the City Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Long moved, seconded by Councilman Campbell, to continue this item
to the next Regular Meeting.
Without objection, Mayor Wolowicz so ordered.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Councilman Misetich moved to waive the City Council Oral Reports. The motion died
for a lack of a second.
Each Council Member present reported on his attendance at various organization and
association meetings since the last City Council Oral Reports were provided on April 6,
2010.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION & SUGGESTION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Council Minutes
April 20, 2010
Page 8 of 9
City Attorney Lynch reported on the following Closed Session items: 1) With respect to
the case of the People of the State of California and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes v.
Guillermo Ramirez, the Council unanimously approved the settlement agreement (4-0),
with Councilman Stern absent; 2) With respect to the Trowbridge/Allman case the
Council unanimously approved dismissal of that action with the City accepting its own
responsibility for the City's costs (4-0), with Councilman Stern absent; 3) With respect to
the potential litigation regarding the Joannou case, a report was provided and no action
taken; and, 4) With respect to the potential initiation from Timi Hallem, Esq. on behalf of
the Portuguese Bend Club Homeowners Association, a report was provided and no
action was taken, with Councilman Stern absent from all items discussed in the Closed
Session.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 9:39 P.M., Mayor Wolowicz adjourned the meeting, in the memory of Vincent Stellio,
to Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 9:00 A.M. at Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center for an
Adjourned Regular Meeting/Community Leaders' Breakfast.
ayor
Attest:
Cin
City Clerk
W:\City Council Minutes\2010\20100420 CC MINS.doc
City Council Minutes
April 20, 2010
Page 9 of 9