CC MINS 20050802MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 2, 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 7:01 P.M., the meeting was reconvened for regular session.
Roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Gardiner, Long, Stern, Mayor Clark
ABSENT: Wolowicz
Also present were City Manager Evans; Assistant City Attorney Snow; Assistant City
Manager /City Clerk Petru; Director of Public Works Allison; Director of Planning,
Building and Code Enforcement Rojas; Director of Finance McLean; Associate Planner
Schonborn; and Recording Secretary Bothe.
FLAG SALUTE:
A group of cancer survivors jointly led the Salute to the Flag.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS:
Award of Tiles to Outgoing Committee Members
Mayor Clark highlighted the talented pool of Emergency Preparedness Committee
members that volunteered their time and services to the City; and noted that three of
those members had finished their terms and were departing from this Committee. On
behalf of the City and Council, Mayor Clark presented each with a plaque of
appreciation for their dedication and service to the City: Maureen Ford, Shirley Borks
and Stuart Salot.
RECYCLE DRAWING:
Mayor Clark announced the names of the two recycling winners from the meeting of
July 19, 2005 — Daniel Capps and Kenneth Coughlin; stated that each winner would
receive a check for $250, which represented a year of free refuse service; and he
encouraged everyone to recycle.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Clark advised the audience that the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
was having an informational community event at the Peninsula's Main Library on
Sunday, August 14, 2005, from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Mayor Clark noted that an appreciation breakfast would be given for the fire fighters and
Sheriff's deputies that responded to the July 19th fire at Del Cerro Park on Saturday,
August 6, 2005, between 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M.; noted that many residents wished
to express their appreciation of those heroic members of the Fire and Sheriff's
Departments who assisted in fighting this fire and safeguarding their lives and property.
For this evening's Did You Know Facts, Mayor Clark highlighted the American Cancer
Society's Relay for Life event which was held on July 23, 2005; stated that RPV was an
active participant in this second annual event that benefited cancer research; and
explained that participants raised funds by walking or running the track at Peninsula
High School during a 24 -hour period. Mayor Clark advised the audience that he and
Councilman Long were honored in being asked to kick off the event; and stated that the
cancer survivors shared their tremendous stories of courage, perseverance, and
triumphs in fighting and beating cancer in its many forms. He added that RPV had a
team of 21 participants, more than any other team in this relay; stated that each City
volunteer walked the track for an hour or more; noted that the City's team raised $3,170
in donations; and that the entire event raised close to $30,000. Mayor Clark proudly
announced that RPV's team captain, City Hall employee Alberta Gray, stayed for the
entire 24 -hour period to assist the event's participants.
Ms. Gray introduced the cancer survivors who participated in this event and were
present at this evening's meeting: Rosie Beuhler /Kolin, Sean Moghadan, Betty
Broughton, Tina Bothamley, Miranda Boren and Carolyn Crowder.
Mayor Clark encouraged everyone to embrace this annual charity event.
Ms. Gray thanked and commended the peninsula's Relay for Life advisor, Jessica Love.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilman Stern advised his colleagues that there was an emergency item that arose
after the publishing of the Agenda related to Mr. Kay having filed an appeal; and
suggested that this matter be included as an emergency item for the Council to discuss
during a closed session later in the evening.
Councilman Stern asked that Item No. 7 be pulled from the Consent Calendar -- Height
Variation Revision and Tract Map Amendment (ZON2004- 00409) for Property located at
6270 Ocean Terrace Drive.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to approve the Agenda
as amended and to discuss in closed session Mr. Kay's filing of an appeal. Motion
carried as follows:
AYES: Gardiner, Long, Stern, Mayor Clark
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Wolowicz
City Council Minutes
August 2, 2005
Page 2 of 17
Councilman Long mentioned that the deadline to respond to the appeal was prior to the
next Council meeting, thus creating the urgent need to address this item.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Clark recessed the meeting to closed session at 7:23 P.M., and reconvened the
meeting at 7:43 P.M.
Assistant City Attorney Snow stated that Council met in closed session to discuss the
matter of Kay versus the City of Rancho Palos Verdes; and advised that Council gave
the City Attorney's Office direction to file a cross - appeal.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Lois Larue, Rancho Palos Verdes, expressed her appreciation of City Manager Evans
and Director of Public Works Allison for securing the fence along Palos Verdes Drive
South (PVDS) in the landslide area.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS:
City Manager Evans reminded everyone that Channel 33 would broadcast its first live
telecast on Saturday, August 27, 2005; and at 1:30 P.M. that same afternoon, the City
would dedicate its new park near the Trump National Golf Course. He added that the
park dedication would honor the City's founders.
OLD BUSINESS:
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru reminded the audience that they could view a
list of previously discussed and continued agenda items on the City's website at
www.palosverdes.com/ rpv.
NEW BUSINESS:
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru advised Council that she received and
distributed late correspondence related to Item Nos. 4 and 6; and noted that she had
requests to speak on Agenda Item Nos. 4, Border Issues Status Report, and 7, Height
Variation Revision and Tract Map Amendment (ZON2004- 00409) for Property Located
at 6270 Ocean Terrace Drive.
Councilman Long asked to remove from the Consent Calendar Item No. 12, Channel 33
Cable TV Building.
Mayor Clark asked that Item No. 10, Notice of Completion - Western Avenue Sinkhole
Repair, also be removed from the Consent Calendar.
City Council Minutes
August 2, 2005
Page 3 of 17
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Long, to approve the Consent
Calendar, with the exception of Item Nos. 4, 7, 10, and 12. Motion carried as follows:
AYES: Gardiner, Long, Stern, Mayor Clark
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Wolowicz
APPROVAL OF 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.
Approval of the Minutes (301)
Approved the Minutes from the Special Meeting of July 13, 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.
Accept Grant from the City of Rolling Hills for Acquisition of Open Space and
Approve Applying for Grant Funds (602)
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -809 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES ACCEPTING THE TRANSFER OF ROBERTI- Z'BERG-
HARRIS BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA CLEAN
WATER, CLEAN AIR, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, AND COASTAL
PROTECTION ACT OF 2002 FROM THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS; 2) Approved the
application for grant funds from the State of California, Department of Parks and
Recreation, Bond Act of 2002 (Proposition 40) for Roberti- Z'Berg- Harris Block Grant
funds in the amount of $5,199 toward the acquisition of critical natural lands and wildlife
habitat in the Portuguese Bend area and Agua Amarga Canyon for preservation as
open space.
Height Variation (Case No. ZON2004- 00087) for Property Located at 28129 Ella
Road (1804)
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -81, OVERTURNING AN APPEAL OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION'S DENIAL OF A HEIGHT VARIATION (CASE NO.
ZON2004- 00087), THEREBY APPROVING A 1,246- SQUARE -FOOT TWO -STORY
ADDITION TO AN EXISTING 2,282- SQUARE -FOOT SINGLE - FAMILY RESIDENCE.
City Council Minutes
August 2, 2005
Page 4 of 17
Notice of Completion of Roofing Replacement Project at City Hall and Ryan Park
(1201 x 1204)
1) Accepted the work done- by Lavey Roofing Services, Inc., on the replacement of roofs
at City Hall and Ryan Park, as completed; 2) Authorized the City Clerk to file the
attached Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Recorder; and if no claims
are filed within 35 days of recordation of the Notice, City Clerk shall notify Safeco
Insurance Company of America (Lavey's Surety Company) to exonerate both the
Payment and Performance Bonds; and, 3) Authorized the Director of Public Works to
release the 10- percent retention payment to Lavey Roofing Services after recordation of
the Notice of Completion by the City Clerk at the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office,
contingent on no claims being filed against the project.
Adoption of Ordinance No. 423 - Prohibiting vehicles parked on public property
from being used as dwelling units and allowing the City to establish a fee to
reimburse the City for having vehicles removed, impounded or stored (1502 x
1801)
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 4237 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES ESTABLISHING THE AUTHORITY TO ADOPT A FEE TO
REIMBURSE THE CITY FOR THE COSTS INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE
REMOVAL, IMPOUNDMENT AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES AND PROHIBITING THE
PARKING OF VEHICLES THAT ARE USED AS DWELLINGS ON CITY STREETS
AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE.
On -Call Professional Services Agreement for KEC, Inc. - Limit Increase (1204)
Authorized the contract limit increase from $60,000 to $90,000 and the task limit from
$25,000 to $40,000 for on -call engineering services with KEC Engineers, Inc.
Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -82, 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.
ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
Border Issues Status Report (310)
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Long, to waive review of the staff
report. Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
Bernie Slotnick, Rancho Palos Verdes, provided a handout to Council which was written
by Helen Connelly, noting that Ms. Connelly was unable to attend this evening's
meeting and that he would be speaking on her behalf. He thanked Council for sending
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August 2, 2005
Page 5 of 17
a Council representative to the Palos Verdes Estates (PVE) Planning Commission
meeting, believing that it was a successful meeting; and advised Council that the
applicant was sent back to further refinement the plans for the massive house, which
was twice as large as any house in the surrounding neighborhood. He noted that the
square footage for the 12 -car garage was not included in the proposed square footage
of the house; highlighted the interest of those living in the Grandview Park area to
maintain their views; and suggested that the applicant provide a lower fence to minimize
the view impact from the park. He advised Council that the RPV residents did have a
representative at that meeting and expressed concern with the loss of views and its
incompatibility with the neighborhood; and expressed his desire that the Grandview
Park representatives' comments be included in the negotiations with PVE. He
highlighted the importance of limiting the view impacts from the fence and shrubbery.
Mayor Clark questioned whether the residents' suggestions had been presented to the
PVE Planning Commission and staff and suggested that the residents continue to share
their concerns with the PVE Planning Commission and their staff.
Mr. Slotnick advised that they had sent letters to PVE and would provide those
materials a second time.
Mayor Clark stated that RPV Council and staff would continue to monitor this situation.
Councilman Long stated that he lived very close to the border of Rolling Hills Estates
(RHE) and advised that his view was largely obstructed by trees in RHE; and
commented on his lack of leverage to negotiate with that city in keeping the vegetation
to a minimum. He noted that the only thing RPV staff and Council could do at this point
was to keep the residents informed, offer the power of persuasion and help the
residents to present their case to PVE. He expressed his desire to see a view
ordinance extended beyond RPV's borders.
Mr. Slotnick thanked Council for its support.
By acclamation, Council received and filed this item.
Height Variation Revision and Tract Map Amendment (ZON2004- 00409) for
Property Located at 6270 Ocean Terrace Drive (1804 x 1411)
The staff report of August 2, 2005, recommended that Council ADOPT RESOLUTION
NO. 2005 -83, CONDITIONALLY APPROVING CASE NO. ZON2004 -00409 FOR
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO TRACT 31617, A REVISION TO HEIGHT VARIATION NO.
8841 AND THE REVISED TRAIL AGREEMENT.
Councilman Stern highlighted page 8, Condition 5, relating to foliage being planted
along the east side property line to ensure privacy between the neighbors, questioned
whether this condition was still necessary due to the property owner being required to
cut 10 feet from the balcony at the July 19th Council meeting.
City Council Minutes
August 2, 2005
Page 6 of 17
Director Rojas stated that this condition might not be necessary, as the Planning
Commission's remedy for the privacy issue was to cut back the balcony.
Councilman Gardiner recalled that Council supported two actions: one was to adopt the
Planning Commission's recommendation and the other was to require frosted windows,
but stated that the shrubbery was not required.
Mayor Clark stated that it was his recollection Council included a condition for foliage to
add to the privacy when Council had originally decided to leave the deck intact, as
opposed to following the Planning Commission's decision.
Councilman Stern stated that if this condition were no longer necessary, he would prefer
that it be deleted from the conditions.
Mayor Clark, echoed by Councilman Gardiner, expressed his belief this condition was
no longer necessary.
Sultan Ahamed, Rancho Palos Verdes, applicant at 6270 Ocean Terrace Drive,
indicated that since Council made its decision, he had contacted Mr. York and they had
come to an agreement for Mr. Ahamed to purchase the extra land he needed from Mr.
York; and stated that his understanding at the last meeting was that Council's biggest
concern was the fact that the balcony was encroaching into the setback area. He
explained that by purchasing this land, which was 30 feet wide, this would provide for a
15 -foot easement and a 15 -foot setback area. He requested that Council reconsider
this situation and re -open this matter for a public hearing.
Highlighting Mr. S. Ahamed's letter included in Council's packet, Councilman Stern
noted that it referenced the fact that Mr. S. Ahamed had agreed in principle with Mr.
York to purchase this land; pointed out that while Mr. York had agreed to sell this land,
there was nothing in the letter indicating what the terms were; and noted that Mr. S.
Ahamed's proposed solution gave him a year to acquire the property. Councilman
Stern questioned why this process should take up to a year if they had recently come to
an agreement.
Mr. S. Ahamed stated that he did not request a year, that it was only a suggestion; and
noted that, at the most, he would require 90 days to complete the necessary paperwork.
Again referring to Mr. S. Ahamed's letter, Councilman Stern expressed his belief that
Mr. S. Ahamed seemed to be of the opinion if he took down the balcony, that this would
solve everything and that the other conditions in the resolution would no longer apply.
He expressed his belief that taking down the balcony did not eliminate the entire
problem and that the problem with the house being built 15 feet too close to the rear
property line was still an issue; and noted that if the balcony was taken down, all of the
conditions in the resolution still must be met.
Minaz Ahamed, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the reason they were again before
Council was to request that this matter be re- opened for a public hearing; and
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August 2, 2005
Page 7 of 17
expressed his concern that the proposed resolution did not address all of the issues that
were present on the subject property, such as the trail, the balcony, and Mr.
Butterworth's property. He noted his desire to work with Council to help the City resolve
the issue of the trail and to help Mr. Butterworth with his improvements that were
located within the easement. He stated that because of the new negotiations with Mr.
York to purchase some of his property, another public hearing was necessary; and that
in light of those facts, they believed Council should re- evaluate the entire situation and
come up with a resolution that would not only resolve the trail issues, but also help
resolve Mr. Butterworth's issues and their issues as well. He stated that two hearings
prior, Council reached a resolution that left the existing balcony in place; that the public
hearing wasn't closed on that date; that at the next hearing, Council changed its
decision and required the balcony to be removed — noting that nothing had changed
from the first meeting to the second and that the same set of issues were before
Council. He reiterated that because of the complexity of the issues involved, he
believed another public hearing was necessary, especially in light of the recent
negotiations the Mr. York and the ability to leave the trail in its current position, stating
that leaving the trail in its current location would be the ideal solution.
Mr. M. Ahamed stated that Council's resolution required them to enter into an
agreement to fix the trail; and explained that the whole purpose of being here this
evening was to ask Council to allow them to keep the balcony and add foliage to protect
the neighbor's privacy. He stated that if they remove the balcony and remove the
concrete pad beneath, their house would be outside the setback; that if they were
outside the setback, they would no longer need a variance from the setback and no
longer need an agreement to purchase Mr. York's property; and stated that this was
why they are seeking to re -open the public hearing, to develop a resolution that
resolved all parties' issues.
Councilman Stern asked Mr. M. Ahamed if he or anyone else on his behalf had
approached Mr. Butterworth with this proposed solution.
Mr. M. Ahamed stated that no one had approached Mr. Butterworth on this proposed
solution, stating that all prior remediation efforts had failed.
Director Rojas advised Council that there were three issues triggering a Tract
Amendment: 1) the fact that there was a balcony encroaching into the required setback
from the trail easement; 2) that the rear balcony extended beyond the tract's
building /grading restriction (BGR) line, wherein there should be no support columns;
and 3) grading had taken place within that BGR zone. He advised Council that if those
three conditions were removed -- the grading, the deck, the balcony supports -- the
applicant would no longer need a tract amendment; but pointed out that the house was
still in the wrong location and that it would still need a revision to the Height Variation
Permit.
Councilman Long requested input on the rationale behind the condition for the Height
Variation Permit and for requiring the glazing of the windows on the second floor.
City Council Minutes
August 2, 2005
Page 8 of 17
Director Rojas explained that one of the conditions for granting the Height Variation
Permit was protecting privacy, and that Council could still look at a privacy remedy.
Councilman Long questioned if the issue of privacy would still have been a
consideration if there had been a balcony at this location, rather than a portion of the
second story residence.
Director Rojas stated no, it would still be an issue regardless if the area was a balcony
or part of the structure; and he added that the translucent windows would address the
privacy issue.
Mr. M. Ahamed stated that the Planning Commission's original finding related to existing
foliage prior to their project being built providing the privacy required to shield these two
properties; and noted that the Planning Commission discussed the installation of
additional foliage. He stated that privacy was currently addressed with the existing
foliage and that glazing the windows on the two southeast windows was not warranted.
Director Rojas confirmed that the Planning Commission relied on previously existing
foliage, but expressed his belief that at the last hearing, the Planning Commission
added the requirement for translucent windows.
Associate Planner Schonborn stated that the Planning Commission initially discussed
the existing foliage in terms of how well it provided privacy; and noted that the
Commission determined that the existing foliage was sufficient to provide for an
adequate privacy buffer. Forwarding to the year 2005, he advised Council that the
Planning Commission determined that upon further review, the foliage did not provide
the needed level of privacy, which was reiterated by the Butterworths; and that the
Planning Commission, therefore, required the frosted glass.
Councilman Gardiner expressed his belief that at the last meeting, the Planning
Commission Chairman provided Council with helpful information; and that he did not
see any basis for revisiting the prior decision. He stated that the solution adopted
solved the issues of concern.
Bill Butterworth, 6264 Ocean Terrace Drive, stated that he was still willing to take on the
responsibility for the foliage, noting that he was the one with the privacy concerns.
Councilman Stern asked Mr. Butterworth if he was amenable to Council deleting this
condition.
Mr. Butterworth stated that he was in agreement with deleting Condition No. 5. He
stated that the key issue was that the Ahamed's house was built 15 feet from the
approved location; that this one action caused two separate problems, both of which
needed to be mitigated: one was the location of the trail and the second was the impact
on the neighbors; and stated that resolving one of those issues would not necessarily
resolve the other problem. He noted his hope that the agreement reached in principle
between Mr. Ahamed and Mr. York since the last Council meeting would resolve this 4-
City Council Minutes
August 2, 2005
Page 9 of 17
year long negotiation and stated that subject to confirmation by staff, it sounded as
though these issues could soon be resolved. He stated that he would agree to Mr.
Ahamed's choosing one of the two options regarding the trail; noted that what this
agreement did not require was the house to comply with the approved plans, that it only
required it to meet the minimum setback, noting that this compromise should be
accepted. He reiterated that the trail and privacy matters needed to be mitigated; and
he urged Council to affirm its motion from July 19th and approve the resolution before it
this evening. He added that the windows in their current configuration created a privacy
matter for them and that the frosted windows required in the resolution would provide
them with more privacy. He clarified for Councilman Stern that he was referring to the
southernmost windows that would have been the balcony had the house been built in
the proper location.
Councilman Stern stated his understanding that the same privacy issue which existed
today with the windows would have existed if the balcony built in the approved location,
noting that someone could have stood on the balcony, seeing the same view as they
now will be seeing standing by the window.
Mr. Butterworth indicated that this understanding was correct.
Going back to the original plan, Councilman Stern questioned what in the original
approvals would have provided privacy from this location, recognizing it would have
been a balcony and not an interior window.
Associate Planner Schonborn indicated that the existing foliage in place at that time
would have provided privacy, noting that this foliage was still in place but that it
appeared to have deteriorated over this time; and mentioned that the Planning
Commission, in its most recent review, believed it could be reviewed again.
Councilman Stern questioned if a requirement was included for maintenance of the
foliage in that area to preserve privacy.
Associate Planner Schonborn indicated that there was no condition required for foliage
maintenance because the foliage was not located on the subject property.
Councilman Stern asked if it was routine for staff to not include a condition for foliage
maintenance when privacy was at issue.
Director Rojas responded that an obligation for foliage maintenance was not routine and
that it would be included only if the issue was raised by the affected residents.
Councilman Stern asked that when the foliage was used for privacy, that staff include a
standard condition for foliage maintenance.
Councilman Long stated that he was inclined to approve staff's recommendation and
the proposed resolution since Mr. Butterworth had indicated that he was not in favor of
the foliage condition; noted that he was not persuaded that the frosted window condition
City Council Minutes
August 2, 2005
Page 10 of 17
would add to the neighbor's privacy and therefore, he would be inclined to remove
Condition Nos. 4 and 5.
Councilman Gardiner noted his preference to maintain the condition for the frosted
windows.
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor Clark, to approve the resolution, but to
remove Condition Nos. 4 and 5, and to renumber the remaining conditions accordingly.
(This motion was ultimately withdrawn.)
Mayor Clark noted his understanding that the applicant contended that the balcony
would have been at this location and that frosted windows should not come in to play
because the balcony would have been at this location.
In response to Mayor Clark, Associate Planner Schonborn indicated that his
understanding was correct - the balcony would have been at that location and that the
Butterworths agreed with that statement.
Councilman Stern noted his concurrence with deleting the foliage condition; stated that
the view out of the side windows was essentially the same had the balcony been built in
the correct location; but by the same token, he noted the probability that someone
would be out on a balcony would likely create a different privacy intrusion and that he
would prefer to keep the condition for the frosted windows.
Councilman Long withdrew the pending motion and moved to adopt the resolution,
deleting Condition No. 5 regarding the foliage. Councilman Gardiner seconded the
motion to adopt Resolution No. 2005 -83, deleting Condition No. 5 and accordingly
renumbering the conditions of approval. Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
It was the consensus of Council that this has been a difficult case to decide; that
Council was sympathetic with everyone's position, but that Council felt this was the right
solution for all parties concerned.
Notice of Completion - Western Avenue Sinkhole Repair (1204)
The staff report of August 2, 2005, recommended Council 1) Accept the work as
complete; 2) Authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles
County Recorder; and, 3) Authorize the Director of Public Works to release the 10%
retention payment 35 days after recordation of the Notice of Completion by the City
Clerk at the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office, contingent on no claims being filed
against the project.
Mayor Clark requested input on the City's attempts to pursue reimbursement from
Caltrans for the sinkhole repair.
City Manager Evans advised Council that the City was pursuing reimbursement on all
fronts; stated that the City had received a check for $559,000 from the Federal
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August 2, 2005
Page 11 of 17
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); however, he stated that on the advice of the
City's consultant who specializes in these matters, the City had not yet cashed that
check pending reimbursement from the Federal Highway Administration — noting that if
the City were to cash the FEMA check, it would foreclose on what might be a better
option. He stated he was very hopeful the City would be reimbursed the full $750,000
cost to repair this sinkhole.
Mayor Clark moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to accept staff recommendation.
Motion carried as follows:
AYES: Gardiner, Long, Stern, Mayor Clark
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Wolowicz
Channel 33 Cable TV Building (305)
The staff report of August 2, 2005, recommended that Council 1) ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -84, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AMENDING RESOLUTION 2005 -53, THE BUDGET
APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005 -06, FOR A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO
THE CITY'S BUILDING REPLACEMENT FUND; and, 2) Authorize the City Manager to
execute a purchase order in an amount up to $24,000 for the needed services and
equipment.
Councilman Long stated that while he supported this expenditure, he was not pleased
with the City spending more money than it was taking in, thereby adding $24,000 to the
City's current deficit. He explained that he supported this expenditure because the
proposed funding source for this action was coming from the Building Replacement
Fund; and that this was a classic example of how the City should deal with the
maintenance and repair of its infrastructure.
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to accept staff
recommendation, thus adopting Resolution No. 2005 -84.
City Manager Evans mentioned that the Building Replacement Fund was originally
established to replace any structure that either needed replacement or repair that would
extend its useful life; and mentioned that $100,000 a year went into this fund.
Motion carried as follows:
AYES: Gardiner, Long, Stern, Mayor Clark
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Wolowicz
City Council Minutes
August 2, 2005
Page 12 of 17
RECESS AND RECONVENE
Mayor Clark recessed the meeting at 8:35 P.M. and reconvened the meeting at 8:40
P.M.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Conformance with the 2004 L.A. County Congestion Management Program (CMP)
(1505)
The staff report of August 2, 2005, recommended that Council ADOPT RESOLUTION
NO. 2005 -85, THEREBY ADOPTING THE CITY'S 2005 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
REPORT (LDR) AND SELF - CERTIFYING THE CITY'S CONFORMANCE WITH THE
2004 CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CMP) FOR LOS ANGELES
COUNTY.
Mayor Clark opened the public hearing. There being no requests to address Council,
Mayor Clark closed the public hearing.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to accept staff
recommendation, thus adopting Resolution No. 2005 -85. Without objection, Mayor
Clark so ordered.
Consideration of a Resolution that will Establish an Administrative Fee to
Reimburse the City for the Costs it Incurs in having Vehicles Removed,
Impounded or Stored (1502 x 1801)
The staff report of August 2, 2005, recommended that Council 1) Conduct the public
hearing and 2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -86, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ESTABLISHING A FEE TO
REIMBURSE THE CITY FOR THE COSTS INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE
REMOVAL, IMPOUNDMENT AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES.
Mayor Clark opened the public hearing. There being no requests to address Council,
Mayor Clark closed the public hearing.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to accept staff
recommendation, thus adopting Resolution No. 2005 -86. Without objection, Mayor
Clark so ordered.
Adoption of California Electrical Code (CEC) (201)
The staff report of August 2, 2005, recommended that Council ADOPT ORDINANCE
NO. 422, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING
BY REFERENCE PART 3 OF TITLE 24 OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF
REGULATIONS, COMPRISING THE 2004 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, AND
AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE.
City Council Minutes
August 2, 2005
Page 13 of 17
Mayor Clark opened the public hearing. There being no requests to address Council,
Mayor Clark closed the public hearing.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to accept staff
recommendation, thus adopting Ordinance No. 422. Without objection, Mayor Clark so
ordered.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Councilman Gardiner advised his colleagues that the Channel 33 Subcommittee would
be meeting that Friday and noted a report of that meeting would be provided to Council
at its next meeting. He mentioned that Council would be meeting at the studio for the
Channel 33 grand opening on August 27tH.
Councilman Long highlighted the following events he attended:
• In late July, attended the Residential Standards Development Committee, which
continued to work on possible amendments to the City's Development Code;
• Jul y 20th , attended the meetin g of the California Joint Powers Insurance
Authority; and,
• July 23rd, attended the American Cancer Relay for Life event.
Mayor Clark highlighted the following events he attended:
• July 22nd, chaired the monthly Mayor's breakfast meeting with the Commission
Chairs, and later met with Assemblywoman Betty Karnette and staff to discuss
the 212 -acre fire in RPV, taking her on a tour of the scene. He stated that
Assemblywoman Karnette was appreciative of the efforts by the City and County
Fire and Sheriff's Departments, noting that she would be attending the
appreciation breakfast that coming Saturday.
• July 23rd, stated that he was honored to start the Peninsula Cancer Relay for Life
event;
• July 27th through the 29th, attended the League of California Cities Mayors and
Council Members Executive Forum, noting that he would forward copies of his
conference notes to Council Members and staff;
• That afternoon, prior to the Council meeting, he, Councilman Gardiner and
members of staff visited the new park site to discuss the upcoming the park
dedication ceremony on Saturday, August 27th; pointed out that this was the first
park in over 30 years to be dedicated in the City, that it would be dedicated to the
City's founders; and he encouraged everyone to attend the festivities.
• Mayor Clark advised Council that since the last meeting, he received a
correspondence from Claudia Gutierrez, requesting that her husband, Carl
Gutierrez, be recognized in the City's local servicemen recognition program. He
noted that Carl Gutierrez served one assignment in Iraq; that he remained in the
Reserves and that he continues to be subject to serving abroad.
City Council Minutes
August 2, 2005
Page 14 of 17
REGULAR NEW BUSINESS:
Site Plan Review (Case No. ZON2005- 00355) for Property Located at 491/4
Rockinghorse (1801 x 1203)
The staff report of August 2, 2005, recommended that Council ADOPT RESOLUTION
NO. 2005 -87, APPROVING, WITH CONDITIONS, A SITE PLAN REVIEW (Case No.
ZON2005- 00355) TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESS DRIVEWAY
THROUGH OPEN SPACE HAZARD (OH) ZONED PROPERTY.
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru advised Council that late correspondence had
been distributed to Council and that there was one request from the audience to speak
on this item.
City Manager Evans noted for Councilman Gardiner that staff had confirmed that his
house was more than 500 feet away from the subject property and that he did not need
to recuse himself from participating in this matter.
Councilman Stern urged staff to make sure the proposed easement was as ironclad as
possible, noting that the City had an interest in ensuring that access would always be
available across the subject lot.
Assistant City Attorney Snow proposed adding the following sentence at the end of
Condition No. 7: "The applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the City
Engineer and the City Attorney that the easement is sufficient to guarantee legal access
at all times and, among other things, is not subject to termination so long as is
necessary for access to 49 1/4 Rockinghorse Road, Assessor's Parcel Number 7556-
011- 033."
Councilman Stern stated that he was informed that the Fire Department had reviewed
this project and that access was adequate for fire protection purposes.
Stan Rinehart, noted his concurrence with the staff recommendation and stated that he
concurred with the additional language added by the Assistant City Attorney this
evening. He mentioned that there was a water main at the bottom of the adjacent
canyon and that the water department would also have access to that water main
through the proposed easement.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Long, to accept staff
recommendation, including the additional language to Condition No. 7 presented this
evening, thus adopting Resolution No. 2005 -87.
Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
Casting of Ballots on Behalf of City -Owned Parcels and Agency -Owned Parcels
within the City Subject to the Proposed Storm Drain User Fee and Discussion of
City Council Minutes
August 2, 2005
Page 15 of 17
Concerns Raised by Councilmember Gardiner Regarding the Ballot Materials (602
x 604)
The staff report of August 2, 2005, recommended that Council convene the meeting of
the Redevelopment Agency so that its meeting could be held concurrently with the City
Council meeting regarding the issue of the voting of the mail ballots for properties that
were owned by the City or the Redevelopment Agency and: 1) Determine whether to
cast ballots on behalf of City -owned parcels and Agency -owned parcels that were
subject to the proposed Storm Drain User Fee and, if so, how to cast the ballots (i.e., all
yes; all no; some yes and some no); and, 2) If the City Council or the RDA Board
determined to cast ballots on behalf of their respective parcels, direct the City Manager,
for and on behalf of the City, and the Executive Director, for and on behalf of the
Redevelopment Agency, to cast ballots for their respective parcels in the manner
determined by the City Council and RDA Board.
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru advised Council that late correspondence had
been distributed to Council and that there was one request from the audience to speak
on this item.
Assistant City Attorney Snow advised that Council could simultaneously convene as the
Redevelopment Agency to consider this matter.
Councilman Long suggested waiving the staff report and continuing this item to the next
meeting where the full Council was expected to be in attendance.
City Manager Evans advised Council that there was no pressing need for Council to
consider the item this evening.
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor Clark, to continue this matter to the
August 16, 2005, meeting. Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
City Council Workshop (307 x 1101)
The staff report of August 2, 2005 recommended that Council set a date and time for a
Joint Workshop with the Traffic Safety Commission and the Lomita Sheriffs Station
senior staff.
City Manager Evans asked that Council consider the following two dates for a joint
workshop: Saturday, September 10, 2005 or Saturday, September 17, 2005. He noted
that both dates were acceptable to the Traffic Safety Commission and the Sheriff's
Department staff. He stated that the Sheriff's Department would prefer the 17th, but
noted that the multipurpose room at Hesse Park was not available on the 17th, thereby
requiring another venue to be selected for the workshop.
Mayor Clark noted his preference to meet on September 10th.
City Council Minutes
August 2, 2005
Page 16 of 17
Councilman Gardiner advised his colleagues that he would be out of town on both of the
proposed dates, but did not want to delay the workshop.
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Mayor Clark, to schedule the Joint Workshop
with the Traffic Safety Commission and the Lomita Sheriffs Station Senior Staff on
September 10, 2005, starting at 9:30 A.M. Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
Support for the Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal
Protection Bond of 2006 (SB 153) (1203 x 306)
The staff report of August 2, 2005, recommended that Council authorize the Mayor to
sign a letter of support for the proposed Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood
Parks and Coastal Protection Bond of 2006.
Mayor Clark moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to approve staff
recommendation. Without objection, Mayor Clark so ordered.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 9:04 P.M. Mayor Clark declared the meeting adjourned.
Attest:
Mayor
City Council Minutes
August 2, 2005
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