CC MINS 20050405MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5, 2005
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Clark at Fred Hesse Community
Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, and was immediately recessed to closed session.
At 7:19 P.M., the meeting was reconvened for regular session.
Roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Long, Wolowicz, Mayor Clark
ABSENT: Gardiner, Stern
Mayor Clark advised that both Council members Gardiner and Stern were out of town
and not able to attend that evening's meeting.
Also present were City Manager Les Evans; Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Carolynn
Petru; City Attorney Carol Lynch; Director of Public Works Dean Allison; Director of
Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Joel Rojas; Senior Planner Ara Mihranian;
Associate Planner Dave Blumenthal; and Recording Secretary Denise Bothe.
FLAG SALUTE:
City Attorney Lynch led the flag salute.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Clark advised the audience that he would not be presenting any "Did You Know
Facts" that evening; and noted that pets and wildlife would be the subjects of the "Did
You Know Facts" in May.
Mayor Clark advised the public that the City would be hosting a composting workshop at
Hesse Park on Saturday, April 16, 2005, 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., in the Fireside Room;
noting that composting and worm bins would be available for purchase at a discounted
price; and urged those interested to take advantage of the City's composting bin rebate
program. He encouraged the community to recycle and help improve the environment;
and mentioned that April was Earth Day Activities Month.
RECYCLE DRAWING:
Mayor Clark announced that Lawrence Lamb and Robin Figgins were the two recycler
winners from the last Council meeting. He indicated that each of them would receive a
check for $250, which represented a year of free refuse service; and he encouraged
everyone to recycle.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Mayor pro tem Wolowicz moved, seconded by Councilman Long, to approve the
Agenda as submitted. Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Don Shultz, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he was present that evening representing
a resident who was very concerned about illegal fireworks on the peninsula; noting the
resident's suggestion that the City hire an additional Sheriff's Deputy to patrol for illegal
fireworks activities in the community around the 4th of July; and requesting that the City
distribute flyers warning residents of the dangers of fireworks on the peninsula and the
prohibition of those fireworks.
City Manager Evans advised Council that staff had communicated with this resident on
two occasions; and noted that staff would prepare a Council report prior to the 4th of JUly
to discuss some options for Council to consider.
Mayor Clark suggested that prior to the 4th of July, he could devote a "Did You Know
Facts" segment to fireworks safety, code requirements, etc.
Mayor pro tem Wolowicz suggested that an article be placed in the City's quarterly
newsletter.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS:
None.
OLD BUSINESS:
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru advised that Old Business could be found on
the City's website at www.palosverdes.com/
BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilman Long asked that Agenda Item Nos. 4, Border Issues Status Report, and 11,
Traffic Signal Controller, be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
Mayor pro tem Wolowicz asked that Agenda Item No. 10, Storm Drain Rehabilitation, be
pulled from the Consent Calendar.
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.
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 5, 2005
Page 2 of 15
Approval of the Minutes (301)
Approved the Minutes of January 4, 2005.
Repair of the Tarapaca Storm Drain (604 x 1204)
Reviewed and reconfirmed by a four /fifths (4/5) vote the Council's previous action on
December 21, 2004 to authorize staff to conduct an informal bid process to repair the
Tarapaca Storm Drain.
Resol. Nos. 2005 -28, 2005 -29 and 2005 -30: Amendments to the Competitive
Service and Management Personnel Rules (1202)
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -28, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AUTHORIZING CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES TO OBTAIN STATE SUMMARY CRIMINAL HISTORY
INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF SCREENING EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS,
AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS; 2) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -29,
AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2004 -45, THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FY
04 -05, TO INCREASE THE PERSONNEL PROGRAM BUDGET FOR PROFESSIONAL
AND TECHNICAL SERVICES; and, 3) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -30,
AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -05 AND ADOPTING REVISIONS TO THE
COMPETITIVE SERVICE EMPLOYEE PERSONNEL RULES.
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Fabrication and Installation Services for
Interpretive Exhibits for the Point Vicente Interpretive Center Expansion (1201)
Authorized staff to advertise the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to pre - qualify
suppliers for the fabrication and installation of interpretive exhibits for the Point Vicente
Interpretive Center Expansion, in accordance with Municipal Code Section 2.44.140.C.
Resol. No. 2005 -31: Authorization for Council to Award a Contract for Roofing
Replacement Project at City Hall and Ryan Park to Lavey Roofing Services, Inc.
(1201 x 302)
Awarded a contract for the replacement of roofs at City Hall and Ryan Park to Lavey
Roofing Services, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $115,500 and authorized staff to
spend an additional $11,550 for potential change orders which may result from
unforeseen conditions, for a total authorization of $127,050; 2) Authorized the Mayor
and City Clerk to execute a contract with Lavey Roofing Services, Inc.; 3) Authorized
the expenditure of up to $2,000 for inspection services with Charles Abbott Associates,
Inc., under their on -call services contract; 4) Authorized the expenditure of up to $2,000
for containment services with Controlled Environmental Solutions (CES); and, 5)
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -31, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2004 -459
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 5, 2005
Page 3 of 15
THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004 -2005, FOR A BUDGET
ADJUSTMENT TO THE CITY'S BUILDING REPLACEMENT FUND.
Resol. No. 2005 -32: Receipt of Revenue from the Vehicle License Fee Gap Loan
Receivable Sale (602)
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -32, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2004 -459
APPROVING THE CITY'S BUDGET FOR FY04 -05, TO INCREASE GENERAL FUND
REVENUES IN THE AMOUNT OF $661,868.89 FROM THE SALE OF THE CITY'S
FY03 -04 VEHICLE LICENSE FEE GAP LOAN RECEIVABLE.
Resol. No. 2005 -33: El Prado Lighting District Improvement (1405)
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -33, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2004-
45, THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004 -2005, FOR A BUDGET
ADJUSTMENT TO THE CITY'S EL PRADO LIGHTING DISTRICT FUND; and, 2)
Authorized. an expenditure of $9,200 for the repair of existing street light at the entrance
to the El Prado neighborhood (El Prado Lighting District)
Resol. No. 2005 -34: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Three -Year
Cooperation Agreement (601)
1) Authorized the City of Rancho Palos Verdes to continue its participation in the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Federal Fiscal Years 2006-
2008; 2) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -34, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING
AN AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AND
THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM, HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS
PROGRAM; and, 3) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the proposed
Agreement with the County of Los Angeles Community Development Commission
(CDC).
February 2005 Treasurer's Report (602)
Received and filed the February 2005 Treasurer's Report for the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes.
Resol. No. 2005 -35: Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOL. NO. 2005 -35, 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.
Mayor pro tem Wolowicz moved, seconded by Councilman Long, to approve the
Consent Calendar as amended. The motion carried as follows:
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 5, 2005
Page 4 of 15
AYES: Long, Wolowicz, Mayor Clark
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Gardiner, Stern
# # # # # # # # # # # #
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar:
Border Issues Status Report (310)
The staff report of April 5, 2005 recommended that Council review the current status of
border issues and provide staff with direction, as appropriate.
Director Rojas clarified for Councilman Long that the first full paragraph on Circle Page
3, last sentence, should state, "...to establish a maximum lot coverage..."
Councilman Long referring to Circle Page 4, the second paragraph, questioned whether
a different set of hours could be selected for the water company and other utilities to
perform work on the section of Palos Verdes Drive North between Crenshaw Boulevard
and Palos Verdes Drive East in the City of Rolling Hills Estates so as not to have such
an impact on traffic flow.
Director Rojas advised Council that the Initial Study for the project would include a
discussion of the traffic issues associated with those activities; noting that the stated
hours were most likely proposed by the utility company; and advised that staff would
relay this concern at the appropriate time.
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Wolowicz, to approve staff
recommendation. Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
Storm Drain Rehabilitation (604 x 1204)
The staff report of April 5, 2005, recommended that Council 1) Approve the Plans and
Specifications for the construction of the Storm Drain Rehabilitation Project for eleven
storm drains; 2) Award a construction contract to Sancon Technologies, Inc., in the
amount of $332,960 for the Rancho Palos Verdes Storm Drain Rehabilitation Project;
award a contract to Charles Abbott and Associates, Inc., for construction inspection
services in an amount not to exceed $35,000, and authorize staff to spend up to
$67,000 for possible extra work; thereby approving a $434,960 construction budget; 3)
Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a construction contract with Sancon
Technologies, Inc., and execute a contract for construction services with Charles Abbott
and Associates.
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 5, 2005
Page 5 of 15
Mayor pro tem Wolowicz reminded the residents of the huge expense associated with
storm drain rehabilitation; and questioned staff if this project was already included in the
budget or was an addition to it.
Director Allison advised that the project was part of the current budget for storm drain
lining.
Alfred Sattler, Rancho Palos Verdes, commended Council for moving forward on storm
drain issues; and reminded those in the audience that it was much more expensive to
be reactive than proactive in addressing infrastructure issues.
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Wolowicz, to approve the staff
recommendation. Motion carried as follows:
AYES:
Long, Wolowicz, Mayor Clark
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
ABSENT:
Gardiner, Stern
Resol. No. 2005 -36: Traffic Signal Controller (1405)
The staff report of April 5, 2005, recommended that Council 1) Authorize the
expenditure of up to $19,000.00 to Republic Electric for a new traffic signal controller;
and, 2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -36, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2004-
05, THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FY 04 -05, FOR A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
TO THE CITY'S TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM WITHIN THE GENERAL FUND.
Director Allison noted for Councilman Long that the City anticipated that the funds to
repair the traffic signal at the intersection of Palos Verdes Drive West and Hawthorne
Boulevard that was damage in a traffic collision would be reimbursed by the errant
driver's insurance carrier; and stated that the City already had a basis for that
assumption.
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Wolowicz, to approve staff
recommendation. Motion carried as follows:
AYES:
Long, Wolowicz, Mayor Clark
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
ABSENT:
Gardiner, Stern
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of a Height Variation (Case No.
ZON2004- 00087), for property located at 28129 Ella Road (Continued from March
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 5, 2005
Page 6 of 15
1, 2005) [Applicant: Stan Anderson, AEG Architecture, Property Owner: Jaime
Anvaripour, Appellant: David Moss, Moss & Associates, on behalf of Jaime
Anvaripour] (1804)
Director Rojas noted that the appellant had requested a continuance of this item and
that staff was recommending that the matter be continued to the June 21St Council
meeting.
Mayor pro tem Wolowicz asked that Council be advised as soon as possible when an
item was going to be continued, pointing out that early knowledge of a continuance
could save Council members from making unnecessary site visits.
Director Rojas mentioned that a formal request for continuance was not received until
the afternoon of the prior day.
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru advised that there were no requests from the
audience to address this item.
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Wolowicz, to continue this matter
to June 21, 2005. Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Councilman Long advised that he attended the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land
Conservancy's Capitol Campaign Kickoff and he thanked RPV Planning Commissioner
Jack Karp, Rolling Hills Estates Council member Steve Zuckerman, and Palos Verdes
Land Conservancy President Bill Ailor for helping him down the hill, noting his recent
knee surgery. He advised that Mr. Lowe contacted him the day before, reminding him
about the presentation that evening regarding the Long Point project.
Mayor pro tem Wolowicz highlighted the following events /meetings he attended:
• March 16th attended the funeral services for a distinguished member of this
community, Mr. Tom Papadakis;
• March 24th attended the South Bay Council of Governments Board meeting;
• March 25th attended the Crestridge subcommittee meeting, along with Mayor
Clark, Ken Dyda, representing the Peninsula Senior, and the developer;
• April 4th received a phone call from Mr. Lowe reminding him about this evening's
Long Point presentation;
• April 4th had lunch with Rusty Reed, President of Charles Abbott & Associates, a
consulting firm that performed a lot of business in the City and was also a
personal friend of his.
Mayor Clark highlighted the following events /meetings he attended:
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 5, 2005
Page 7 of 15
• Co- hosted the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy Capitol Campaign Kickoff with
Bill Ailor; and noted that other peninsula and neighboring community elected
officials were present to lend their support for this project, including
Assemblywoman Betty Karnett;
• March 21St met with Erin LaMonte, President of the Council of PTA's on the
peninsula, to discuss the PTA task force's aim to involve all cities on the
peninsula in a collaborative effort to address youth sports issues;
• March 22nd, noting that he had already congratulated the City, City staff, and in
particular the City Attorney and counsel in Washington for the United States
Supreme Court ruling (9 -0) in favor of the City in the Abrams matter; and added
that it was a historic decision not only for this community, but also for all
communities throughout the country which were attempting to reasonably
regulate commercial, wireless communications within residential zones. He
commended his colleagues on Council who had the fortitude to continue to fight
and make the decision to pursue this matter to the highest court;
• March 25th he and Councilman Stern met as a subcommittee to discuss open
space negotiations and strategies associated with the acquisition of properties;
• March 25th hosted a Cub Scout and parent tour of City Hall and the new
television station; and stated that he was encouraging a greater
volunteer /leadership presence of Boy and Girl Scouts in the City and the
peninsula as a whole.
Mayor pro tern Wolowicz commended Councilman Stern for the clear explanation he
provided on the episode of RPV CityTalk that was currently airing on cable television
relating to the Supreme Court process; and commended the program's host, Gabriella
Holt, on the questions she put forth to Councilman Stern on this matter. He
underscored the City Council's role in supporting this activity and the need to protect the
City; and he thanked all involved for their efforts.
Mayor Clark thanked both the Peninsula News and the Daily Breeze for accurately
covering the Supreme Court case and its results.
REGULAR NEW BUSINESS:
Long Point Resort Project (Conditional Use Permit No. 215, et. al.) (1804)
Because some changes had been proposed to the Long Point project, Mayor Clark
recommended that Lowe Enterprises provide an update on the plans for the resort hotel
project.
Senior Planner Mihranian briefly presented the staff report and the recommendation to
receive a project status update and visual presentation on the Long Point Resort Hotel
project from the project applicant.
Bob Lowe, President of Lowe Enterprises, advised Council that the project team had
been focused on several things, most importantly completing the financing and closing
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 5, 2005
Page 8 of 15
the purchase of the property — pointing out that they had officially acquired title to this
site and completed the financing, subject to the completion of certain conditions. He
noted that associated with this would be the approvals of the Coastal Commission for
the additional privately owned investor units in the hotel that Council approved several
months earlier; advised they had substantially completed more detailed plans; and
noted that the plans provided everything that was called for in the approved Master
Plan, noting that they had made some significant improvements to the project. He
advised Council that the footprint of the hotel had been slightly reduced in size and
moved a small distance away from the coastal bluff; that they had separated the fine
dining restaurant from the main hotel building, which improved accessibility and views,
making it more pleasant and accessible for customers who were not staying at the
hotel; that they had relocated the spa to a more spectacular ocean view site; and that
they had improved the view corridor through the villa site. He pointed out that they were
considering - but not asking for any immediate reaction from Council - some change in
the use of the golf course; and that they were continuing to work with staff and the
consultants on this issue.
Rob Lowe, Jr., Lowe Enterprises, advised Council that the company had opened an
office on the Long Point site the day before and that 8 people were currently working in
the new office. He highlighted the following anticipated schedule: begin demolition on
August 10, 2005; begin site grading on September 15, 2005, allowing them to start
actual building sometime around the new year and then allow a grand opening around
the end -of -year holiday season two years later, at the end of 2007 or the beginning of
2008. He advised Council that there were a number of hearings before Council that had
been tentatively scheduled, including a substantial conformance review hearing on April
19, 2005; a hearing on the water quality management plan on July 5, 2005; a hearing
on the final parcel map and the demolition plan on July 19, 2005; and a hearing on the
grading and landscaping plans on August 5, 2005. He indicated that they expect to
obtain their Coastal Commission approvals around July or August 2005.
Highlighting this ambitious proposed schedule, Mayor Clark questioned if the team
believed the timeline was obtainable.
Mr. Lowe, Jr., expressed his belief that the schedule could be maintained as long as
they received the cooperation of everyone involved in this process. He introduced the
new project manager, Keith Lamparter, and highlighted his experience and background.
Mr. Keith Lamparter, Lowe Enterprises development manager, noted his appreciation of
staff's assistance thus far; and stated that the new office address was 6610 Palos
Verdes Drive South, Suite A. He noted that Mr. Todd Majcher would also be working
with him on this project, and he highlighted Mr. Majcher's experience and background in
landscape architecture.
With the aid of slides, Mr. Lamparter provided an updated overview of the project;
advised that there were over 225 conditions of approval for the project, with almost an
equal number of mitigation measures; and he highlighted the project design of the 2003
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 5, 2005
Page 9 of 15
approved plan and the update of its design, incorporating all the conditions and
requirements for the project to date. He noted that they were required to redesign the
villas, the golf clubhouse and the casitas to comply with the view corridor elements with
the City's Coastal Specific Plan; required to redesign the golf practice facility to the
satisfaction of the City's Planning Director, incorporating all the golf safety facility
requirements; required to incorporate all the provisions of the Environmental Impact
Report for storm water management; required to eliminate the putting course; required
to demonstrate storm water conveyance through the project site; required to
incorporate all the requirements of the other municipal authorities and jurisdictions,
primarily the Fire Department; and required to provide final engineering of all paths,
roads, and trails.
Mr. Lamparter stated that the first thing they would be doing was recycling as much of
the existing construction materials on site as possible instead of hauling it offsite;
advised Council that asphalt/concrete crushing activities were planned to take place on
site and were expected to be re- incorporated into the building process. He noted that
Mr. Majcher had been working on plans to box up specimen trees and shrubs on site
and that he had also been working with the Land Conversancy representatives on
buying native plant materials to use in landscaping the property. In building this
project, Mr. Lamparter noted that they would start with public access and parking
facilities; advised that the main entry /drive would remain in the same location as was
first proposed, as would all the trails and public access ways. He commented on their
attempts to break up the large mass of public parking spaces at the front entry to the
hotel by adding more landscape buffers within these areas. He advised that the Fire
Department had required that some of the access roads be lengthened, taking them all
the way down to the bluff area for emergency access purposes. Mr. Lamparter stated
that their next step was to overlay all the public parks and amenities, making
improvements to the Point Vicente Fisherman's Access, including the public restrooms,
viewing points, ADA access ramps, and access down to the beach. He added that they
had engaged a team of biologists to survey the site and were working on a habitat
enhancement plan. With respect to water management issues, Mr. Lamparter
commented on the plans to restore, repair and /or reroute the storm drains coming
through the site and over the cliff; and noted that some of this water would be treated in
order to enhance the new wetlands area.
Mr. Lamparter described the hotel, which included a total of 360 guest rooms, a 60,000 -
square -foot ballroom /meeting /and special functions space, and approximately 20,000
square feet of restaurant and dining spaces. He indicated that they had been working
on creating better access to the ballroom areas, improving drop -off areas; making the
building a little sleeker from the old plan by pulling the building back approximately 125
feet from the bluff top and relocating one of the restaurants, which allowed every guest
room to have a direct ocean view, which was not possible with the previous design. He
noted that the restaurant spaces would not change in size, but that the access had been
improved to allow customers to access the restaurants without having to walk through
the hotel and that the ocean views would be greatly enhanced for diners.
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 5, 2005
Page 10 of 15
Mr. Lamparter stated there are five bungalow buildings, 20 units just over 1,500 square
feet each, which have been maintained from the original plans; and noted that these
incorporate a master bedroom connected to a living room and small kitchen. He
advised that the 20,000- square -foot spa has remained the same size as was previously
approved, but that they have modified it into a two -story building where one enters on
the middle level, that the building sits into a natural bowl- shaped depression on the site,
which was created when the site was used as an amusement park. He noted that
public trails would be located throughout the project site. Mr. Lamparter noted that
there were 50 for -sale casitas, which would be developed as stacked fourplex buildings,
all identical with 2,000 square feet each; noted that there would be three keys per unit;
and advised that the Fire Department recommended bringing an access road down
through the complex of buildings for fire fighting purposes, as well as providing access
from the parking lot. He noted that the project site was approved for 32 villa units, all
single -keyed units; that they had been designed as triplex units; mentioning that no
building could be higher than the roadway on Palos Verdes Drive South; and advised
that they had arranged the buildings in order to obtain view corridors through the site,
expressing his belief that the architecture was now more interesting than the original
design and that it allowed a greater opportunity for people traveling by on the roadway
and people staying on site to enjoy the views over the site.
Mr. Lamparter stated that he envisioned the resort would have a world -class golf
academy, with 10 golf holes, each hole having 3 tee locations, a putting and chipping
facility and golf clubhouse; and advised that the golf course would occupy the exact
same acreage as the 2003 approved plans.
Mayor Clark asked for additional input on the issue view impairment for the public
traveling on Palos Verdes Drive South.
Mr. Lamparter explained for Mayor Clark that even after the villas were in place, there
would be no view obstruction from Palos Verdes Drive South because the buildings
would be sited in such a manner and the height of vegetation would be controlled in
order to maintain the view corridors. He added that none of the buildings proposed on
the site would have a roofline that was higher than the roadway; and mentioned that the
views will be enhanced as a result of this project, restoring ocean views that were
presently obstructed.
Mr. Lamparter concluded his presentation by stating that all of the basic components of
the project were unchanged from the City's original approvals in terms of use,
characteristics, number of units, and square footage. He indicated that they had all of
the conceptual information, incorporated any additional requirements and taken the
project to the next engineering level. He then walked through the key components of
the project, as a visitor would experience them entering the property from the main entry
off of Palos Verdes Drive South:
• 32 villas;
• approximately 40 acres of golf area, an 8,000- square -foot golf clubhouse;
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 5, 2005
Page 11 of 15
• 50 casitas units (for sale units);
two tennis courts;
• parking garage (1,075 parking spaces throughout);
• 360 -room hotel;
• 60,000 square feet of meeting and assembly space;
• slightly over 20,000 square feet of restaurant/dining space (two restaurants);
• swimming pool;
• lower beach area, with public restrooms and interpretive center;
• ADA access down to the lower beach, which will be reclaimed /restored;
• 20,000- square -foot spa;
• 20 bungalows;
• restoration of the existing Lookout Bar building;
• network of public trails and access ways throughout the site.
Mayor pro tem Wolowicz asked for clarification on the number of guest units.
Mr. Lamparter stated there were 360 hotel rooms, which was unchanged from the
original plans; that there were 20 bungalow units, but explained that each unit would
have two keys, giving a total key count of 400.
Mayor pro tern Wolowicz asked for further clarification regarding the asphalt grinding
activities.
Mr. Lamparter explained that it was their intent to perform the grinding activities in small
increments, creating less of an impact/nuisance in the area; and noted his expectation
that these activities will require 3 months to complete.
Mayor pro tem Wolowicz cautioned the applicant to be aware of past concerns with dust
and noise associated with grinding activities in the community; and stated that given the
applicant's explanation of this short -term activity, he believed it would be manageable.
Mayor Clark thanked the developer for an excellent presentation.
Bob Filep, Rancho Palos Verdes, noted his delight that this project was finally under
way; and he questioned whether there could be the potential for nonprofit organizations
on the peninsula to have an opportunity to have set aside for nonprofit use some of the
villas, casitas, and /or bungalows. He commented on the potential to link this
development with the community, highlighting the concept of a senior center and
affordable senior housing.
Barbara Sattler, Rancho Palos Verdes, noted some concern with the Fire Department's
recommendation that emergency access be provided all the way to the bluff area and
questioned how close this road would come to the habitat preserve area and the buffer
that would be adjacent to the habitat reserve area.
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 5, 2005
Page 12 of 15
Mr. Lamparter explained that the only vehicular use of the roadway would be by the Fire
Department, but that hikers would be able to access this roadway. He advised that it
wouldn't look like a typical fire lane; and stated it was entirely outside the limits of the
enhancement/habitat area.
Ms. Sattler asked for further clarification on the new spa location.
Mr. Lamparter advised that the spa building would be located outside of the coastal
habitat area and that changing the design to a split -level had reduced the size of the
building footprint.
Senior Planner Mihranian noted that the proposed changes to the project would be
brought back to the City Council for formal action at a later date.
Mr. Lowe, Sr., reiterated his expectation that the grand opening will take place at the
end of 2007 or beginning of 2008.
Mayor Clark noted his appreciation for this evening's presentation and congratulated
Lowe Enterprises on officially acquiring this property and obtaining financing. On behalf
of Council and the City, he presented the Lowe's team members with RPV City pins.
Port Pollution Reduction Senate Bills 764, 763, 762, 761 and 760 (306)
City Manager Evans summarized Senator Alan Lowenthal's port pollution reduction
package of legislative bills; and advised that these bills are designed to address
pollution and traffic being generated by port activities.
Mayor Clark stated that not only were port activities impacting San Pedro, Harbor City,
and Lomita, but were also impacting residents on the Palos Verdes Peninsula; and
noted that this was the reason he had asked that this item be placed on the agenda for
discussion and Council support. He added that Councilman Gardiner had been
involved in briefings associated with some of the port pollution issues and that he was
supportive of these initiatives as well.
Mayor pro tern Wolowicz thanked staff for providing answers to his questions on this
item prior to this evening's meeting. He highlighted some of the responses to his
questions as follows: according to Senator Lowenthal's staff, the governor's veto
message of the previous AB 2042 stated that it did not provide any resources or means
to accomplish the goal of no net increase in pollution; therefore, Senator Lowenthal
created this package of bills to provide the resources and incentives to accomplish the
original goal. He added that the governor had directed the California EPA to improve
the air quality around the ports; and that Senator Lowenthal introduced AB 764 to
ensure that the California EPA will follow up on the governor's direction. With regard to
the question of being burdensome to businesses, he stated Senator Lowenthal's staff
indicated there were no issues identified to date; advised that Senator Lowenthal was
sensitive to the economic issues surrounding the port; and that he believed the
measures would create an overall net benefit for the businesses and port operations.
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April 5, 2005
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He added that Senator Lowenthal's staff believes it was too early in the legislative
process to determine whether the proposed bills would create problems for port
operations and businesses; and advised that the ports and businesses had not formally
commented on these bills. With regard to whether any alternative bills had been
proposed that will accomplish the same objectives and were acceptable to the governor,
he advised that to date no other alternative legislative bills have been proposed; and
added that Senator Lowenthal had made this issue one of his key priorities.
Al Sattler, Rancho Palos Verdes, thanked Council and staff for putting this item on the
agenda; and urged support of this package. He advised that he lived in the Eastview
area and that he and his neighbors were suffering from the port activities, such as
health impacts and traffic impacts; and expressed his belief this was a good first step in
controlling these effects. He added that AB 760 addressed funding for increased
security at the ports, citing newspaper articles which stated that the Federal government
had not provided as much money for security as was needed; and noted his support
that a fee be charged per container to help mitigate these impacts.
Barbara Sattler, Rancho Palos Verdes, echoed Mr. Sattler's comments; and expressed
her belief that it was only fair to require multinational businesses which used these ports
to help mitigate these problems. She urged the Council to support this legislative
package.
Sue Castillo, San Pedro, addressed her concerns with the health impacts associated
with port activities, including diesel trucks traveling to and from the ports; and she
commented on the increased cancer risk to those living in the areas surrounding the
ports.
Mayor Clark stated that it was not his intent to disrupt economic vitality in terms of
imports into the state; but added that while the governor was supporting the importation
of goods to help build economic strength in the state, consideration must also be given
to maintaining a good quality of life for those living near the ports. He complimented
Senator Lowenthal for his efforts.
Mayor Clark moved, seconded by Councilman Long, to support the proposed bills.
Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
Councilman Long commented on the' strength in supporting legislation when there were
large numbers of people who get involved.
Mayor's Campaign against Cancer (306)
City Manager Evans stated that Long Beach Mayor Beverly O'Neil was heading a
Mayor's campaign against cancer and had asked the Mayors from all cities to join in this
effort. He indicated that the City staff was participating in various fund - raising
programs, such as the upcoming Relay for Life event in July. He recommended that
City Council approve a PSA to be shown on the City's cable channel advertising the
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April 5, 2005
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Mayor's Campaign against Cancer and the Relay for Life event. He added that the City
was not collecting money for the Mayor's Campaign against Cancer, only promoting this
important cause.
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Wolowicz, to support staff
recommendation. Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
Mayor Clark commented on the importance of supporting this cause, noting that most
people in this community had been deeply affected by losing loved ones to cancer,
adding that he lost his mother to cancer.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Lynch advised that Council unanimously approved a settlement
agreement with Mr. and Mrs. Chiles, 3 -0 (Gardiner and Stern absent); that Council gave
further direction to the real property negotiators for the purchase of an open space lot;
and that Council was given a status report on the litigation concerning the Water Quality
Control Board.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 8:46 P.M. the meeting was adjourned to 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 16, 2005, at
Fred Hesse Community Park for a Community Leaders' Breakfast.
Attest:
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