CC MINS 20051220MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 20, 2005
The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. by Mayor Wolowicz at Fred Hesse
Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes.
Roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Long, Gardiner, Clark, Mayor Wolowicz (Mayor Pro Tern Long joined the
meeting in progress at 9:55 p.m.)
ABSENT: Stern (excused absence)
Also present were City Manager Les Evans; City Attorney Carol Lynch; Assistant City
Manager /City Clerk Carolynn Petru; Director of Finance Dennis McLean; Director of
Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Joel Rojas; Interim Director of Public Works
Ray Holland; Deputy Planning Director Greg Pfost; and Senior Planner Ara Mihranian.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Clark.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru advised Council that several items on the
Agenda required a four -fifths (4/5) vote for approval, including Item Nos, 1, 2, 3, 4, and
12 on the Consent Calendar; Public Hearing Item No. 18; and, Regular Business Item
No. 23 due to the proposed urgency ordinance.
Mayor Wolowicz proposed setting aside those items until the arrival or teleconferenced
attendance of Mayor Pro Tern Long.
Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to approve the Agenda
as amended to hold Item Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 18 and 23 until Mayor Pro Tern Long
joined the meeting. Without objection, Mayor Wolowicz so ordered.
CEREMONIAL MATTER:
Mayor Wolowicz presented a Salute to Service honoring the family of First Lieutenant
Miguel A. Lopez and presenting them a Blue Star in recognition of their son's military
service.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
None.
RECYCLE DRAWING:
Mayor Wolowicz announced Daniel Bromley and Petra Nilleo as Recyclers of the
Month, congratulated the winners and encouraged all residents to participate in the
City's recycling program.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Lieutenant Jason Lum, Lomita Sheriff's Station, introduced Lieutenant Christopher
Knox as the City's new dedicated p.m. /weekend traffic deputy.
Deputy Christopher Knox, Lomita Sheriff's Station, pledged to work hard for the City in
his new capacity and to promote traffic safety throughout the community.
Councilman Clark welcomed Deputy Knox, noting that there is already evidence that he
is working hard and doing a tremendous job to signal to motorists that Rancho Palos
Verdes is a city in which speeders will be ticketed.
Mayor Wolowicz, noting that the issue of speed enforcement has been a particular
pledge of this Council, welcomed Deputy Knox and thanked him for his efforts.
Barbara Sattler, representing the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), expressed the
organization's delight that the native plant garden has been replanted at the Pointe
Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC). She reported that a number of outstanding
volunteers joined in that activity and extended special thanks to Holly Starr, of the City's
Parks and Recreation Department, for coordinating many of the activities; Tony Baker,
of CNPS, for donating the plants and providing his expertise; and, Charles Ferraro, of
the Sunset Rotary Club, for gathering a large number of volunteers and .doing much of
the hands -on work himself. She indicated that all of the plants are all in and doing well,
and thanked everyone involved for their participation, adding that more volunteers will
be needed as time passes to assist with maintenance activities.
Mayor Wolowicz indicated that on a recent site visit to PVIC he saw Mr. Baker and Ms.
Sattler working very hard in the native plant garden long before the other volunteers
arrived that morning, saying that a great deal of labor was involved in preparing and
planting of the garden, and that Mr. Baker and Ms. Sattler are very fine examples of
community volunteers. He indicated that future volunteer dates would be announced
soon for those interested in assisting with ongoing maintenance of the native garden.
Marcella Low, Public Affairs Manager for the Southern California Gas Company,
announced that natural gas prices had increased nationwide, saying that customers
would likely be seeing a 45 to 55 percent increase in their gas bills as a result. She
noted the Gas Company's commitment to delivering safe and reliable natural gas and
indicated that in partnership with the City and RPV Channel 33, the Gas Company
would soon be airing some public service information and energy efficiency tips to help
residents offset these price increases.
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December 20, 2005
Page 2 of 43
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
None.
OLD BUSINESS:
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru informed the public that items previously
discussed and continued to a future meeting are available on the City's website at
www.palosverdes.com/
NEW BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
The following five items were previously removed from the Consent Calendar to be
addressed following Public Hearing Item No. 20, Forrestal Nature Preserve - Trails
Repair Project, to allow for a four -fifths (4/5) vote upon Mayor Pro Tern Long's arrival:
1. Repair of the Tarapaca Storm Drain
2. Interim Improvements to Barkentine /Seacove and Other Miscellaneous
Drainage Improvements
3. Repair of Four Storm Drains
4. Pontevedra Storm Drain Emergency Repairs
12. Extension of the Temporary 60-day Moratorium Established on the
Landslide Moratorium Area Outlined in Blue (a portion of the Seaview
Tract)
In addition to the items removed from the Consent Calendar as part of the Approval of
Agenda, Councilman Clark requested that Item No. 13, Resolution Authorizing
Acceptance of Portuguese Bend and Agua Amarga Canyon Properties, also be
removed from the Consent Calendar for comment.
Mayor Wolowicz requested that Item No. 14, Contract for Professional Services, be
removed for questions.
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 Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 3 of 43
Southern California Gas Company Franchise Renewal (605)
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 429, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES GRANTING A FRANCHISE TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS
COMPANY, A CORPORATION, THE RIGHT, PRIVILEGE AND FRANCHISE TO LAY
AND USE PIPES AND APPURTENANCES FOR TRANSMITTING AND
DISTRIBUTING GAS FOR ANY AND ALL PURPOSES UNDER, ALONG, ACROSS OR
UPON THE PUBLIC STREETS, WAYS, AND ALLEYS, AS THE SAME NOW OR MAY
HEREAFTER EXIST, WITHIN THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES.
Revisions to the Purchasing Ordinance (602)
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 431, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.44 GOVERNING THE PURCHASE OF
SERVICES, SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS
VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE.
Point of Sale Software (602)
1) Authorized Staff to purchase point of sale software and hardware from Cougar
Mountain at a cost not to exceed $8,039; and, 2) Authorized the Director of Finance
and Information Technology to execute the attached Software Assurance Agreement
between the City and Cougar Mountain for warranty of software and support.
Amendments to the Competitive Service and Management Personnel Rules —
Medical Examination Procedures (1202)
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -1339 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING RESOLUTION
NO. 2002 -05 AND ADOPTING REVISIONS TO THE COMPETITIVE SERVICE
EMPLOYEE PERSONNEL RULES; 2) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -134, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -06 AND ADOPTING REVISIONS TO THE
MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEE PERSONNEL RULES; and, 3) Authorized Mayor to
execute professional service agreements with Western Medical Group to conduct pre-
employment medical examinations and medical review of positive drug test results.
Annual Agreement Renewal for Non - Exclusive Commercial Refuse Collection and
Disposal Services — 2006 (1301)
1) Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute one -year non - exclusive
commercial refuse collection and disposal services agreements with Advanced Waste
Systems, Inc.; BFI Waste Systems of North America, Inc.; California Waste Services;
CalMet Services, Inc.; Consolidated Disposal Service, LLC; Easy Roll Off Services;
EDCO Disposal Corporation; JJK Roll -Offs, Inc.; Pizzo Masonry dba DP Rolloff Service;
S & H Disposal Company; United Pacific Waste & Recycling Services; Universal Waste
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 4 of 43
Systems, Inc.; and USA Waste of California dba Waste Management; and, West Coast
Waste & Roll Off Service; 2) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -135, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
LIMITING THE NUMBER OF HAULERS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE SOLID WASTE
COLLECTION AND RECYCLING SERVICES FROM COMMERCIAL PREMISES AND
ROLL OFF SERVICES TO RESIDENTIAL PREMISES IN THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES IN CALENDAR YEAR 2006.
Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of the Portuguese Bend and Agua Amarga
Canyon Properties in Connection with Creation of a 1200 -acre Nature Preserve
Under Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) Subarea Plan (103 x 950)
Removed and discussed immediately following approval of the Consent Calendar.
Contract for Professional Services (1404 x 1204)
Removed and discussed immediately following approval of the Consent Calendar.
Approve Design /Professional Services Contract for Arterial Rehabilitation
Program (Overlay Hawthorne Boulevard from Silver Spur Road to City Limit,
Southbound Palos Verdes Drive West from City Limit to Hawthorne Boulevard,
and a short segment of northbound Palos Verdes Drive West from 400 feet south
of Golden Cove Shopping Center to Hawthorne Boulevard, Slurry Seal Palos
Verdes Drive South Westbound from Schooner Drive to 1,340 feet West of
Schooner Drive {West End of Median} and Palos Verdes Drive South Westbound
from 100 Feet East of Narcissa Drive to 400 Feet South of Golden Cove Shopping
Center) (1404 x 1204)
Awarded a professional service contract to Willdan for services related to the City's
Arterial Rehabilitation Program; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute
a professional services agreement contract with Willdan for a not to exceed amount of
$63,700 and authorized the expenditure of up to an additional $6,370 for a total
authorization of $70,070.
Claim Against the City by John Garcia (303)
Rejected the claim and directed staff to notify the claimant.
Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -136, 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.
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, as amended, with Items
No. 13 and No. 14 removed for further discussion.
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December 20, 2005
Page 5 of 43
The motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended carried on the following roll
call vote:
AYES:
Gardiner, Clark, Mayor Wolowicz
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
ABSENT:
Long, Stern
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR:
Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of the Portuguese Bend and Agua Amarga
Canyon Properties in Connection with Creation of a 1,200 -acre Nature Preserve
Under Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) Subarea Plan (103 x 950)
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru indicated that there was one request to speak
on this item.
Barbara Dom, representing the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy (PVPLC), stated she
was pleased to announce that the acquisition of the Portuguese Bend and Agua
Amarga Canyon properties is expected to be finalized on December 22nd, noting this
means the land will become City property, PVPLC will hold a conservation easement on
the property and residents will no longer have to worry about possible future
development in Portuguese Bend. She explained that one more major acquisition
remains but this recent acquisition represents a huge milestone. She thanked everyone
involved for his diligent efforts.
Councilman Clark remarked that the acquisition of these two properties signifies four -
fifths of the realization of the City's dream of creating a 1,200 -acre nature preserve in
the City, which will protect the quality of life on the Peninsula for this generation and
those to come. He stated that through the collaborative work of the Council, City staff,
PVPLC and support from the other sister cities on the Peninsula; a tremendous
milestone has been achieved. He expressed gratitude to all who participated to make
the preservation of this open space a reality, saying that this is truly an example of what
sets Rancho Palos Verdes apart from other communities.
Councilman Gardiner requested an estimate of the percentage of funds contributed by
area residents, noting their generosity was key in making this happen.
Ms. Dye answered that the total purchase price was $17.5 million; with $10 million
coming from the Wildlife Conservation Board, $1.5 million from the California Coastal
Conservancy, $1 million from Los Angeles County via Supervisor Don Knabe, $387,000
from the City; and, $4 million was raised by the PVPLC, with more than a thousand
community members donating funds. She noted that all of the funds coming from the
public agencies were from tax dollars paid by community members on bond measures.
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December 20, 2005
Page 6 of 43
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -137, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF
THE PORTUGUESE BEND AND AGUA AMARGA CANYON PROPERTIES IN
CONNECTION WITH CREATION OF A 1,200 -ACRE NATURE PRESERVE IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE NATURAL COMMUNITIES CONSERVATION PLAN
(NCCP) SUBAREA PLAN.
The item passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Clark, Gardiner, Mayor Wolowicz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Long, Stern
Contract for Professional Services (1404 x 1204)
Mayor Wolowicz requested a brief explanation regarding the necessity of this item.
Interim Director Holland explained that many events occurred in recent months that
have impacted the workload of the Public Works Department. He noted that the storms
in early 2005 caused accelerated movement in the landslide area, requiring additional
analysis; that four emergency storm drain projects have severely impacted staffing
levels; and, that recruitment is currently underway to fill the vacant senior engineer
position left open following former Director Allison's resignation. He concluded that the
increased workload required to deal with these myriad situations is continuing into the
current year, creating staffing needs beyond what was anticipated when the budget was
developed.
Councilman Clark commented that the Terranea resort hotel will have a potentially a
dramatic increase in traffic on Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS), which is one of the
City's main arteries; that he hopes the impact of this construction has been taken into
consideration and that the developer will be required to compensate the City for
continued maintenance of PVDS based on the amount of traffic associated with that
construction. He recalled that one of the conditions for the Trump National Golf Course
was to totally rebuild PVDS near the property, saying that it would be prudent to impose
similar conditions on Terranea.
Interim Director Holland responded that another item on the agenda deals with overlay
for the City's arterials, noting that staff excluded the portion on the eastbound side of
PVDS in front of the Terrenea property in anticipation of exactly the concerns
expressed by Councilman Clark.
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to 1) ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -138, RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -139, AND RESOLUTION NO.
2005 -140, RESOLUTIONS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -53, THE BUDGET
APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005 -06 FOR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS TO
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December 20, 2005
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THE CITY'S GENERAL FUND AND STREET MAINTENANCE - PAVEMENT AND
PROP C FUNDS; 2) Award a contract for Professional Services to Charles Abbott and
Associates to include $45,000 for City Engineering Services, $14,000 for Portuguese
Bend Roadway Maintenance Inspection Services and $47,400 for GPS Monitoring
Services; 3) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the above contract for
Professional Services with Charles Abbott Associates, I nc.; 4) Authorize staff to
negotiate one or more contract(s) for additional Professional Services with one or more
of the following firms: Charles Abbott Associates, Inc.; Harris and Associates; Willdan;
or, CBM Consulting for an amount not to exceed $90,000 in total; and, 5) Authorize the
Mayor and City Clerk to execute one or more contract(s) for Professional Services with
one or more of the following firms: Charles Abbott Associates, Inc.; Harris and
Associates; Willdan; or, CBM Consulting for an amount not to exceed $90,000 in total.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gardiner, Clark, Mayor Wolowicz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Long, Stern
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Consideration of Adoption of a Resolution of Necessity for the Acquisition in
Eminent Domain of Real Property Interests in APN 7573 - 004 -026, located at 6359
Tarragon Road, in Connection with the Emergency Construction, Repair and
Maintenance of Drainage Improvements [Continued from December 6, 2005]. (103
x 950 x 604)
As part of the Approval of Agenda, this item was taken out of order and discussed prior
to City Council Oral Reports.
Trump National Golf Club - Revision "Y" - Request for Temporary Opening of the
Golf Course and Driving Range [Continued from December 6, 2005] (1411)
Deputy Planning Director Pfost provided a summary staff report.
Councilman Clark inquired if Council can interpret from the staff report that the
inclinometer in question is not defective and there is movement occurring; but that this
movement is so slight that it does not represent a public safety concern.
Stan Helenschmidt, Cotton Shires and Associates, the City's geotechnical consultant,
indicated that his firm has reviewed the data on Inclinometer SI -5A located at the rear
of Landslide A and seaward of the driving range near Hole Nos. 10 and 11. He stated
that, although the movement they detected was very slight, they also noticed a
displacement immediately following the recent winter storms and while it was very
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December 20, 2005
Page 8 of 43
minute, it represents the most significant displacement occurring on that inclinometer at
a depth coinciding with the ruptured surface of the landslide. He noted that it occurred
sometime between November 2004 and May 2005. He stated, while they do not
believe that movement is cause for alarm or presents a concern for public safety, they
do believe the prudent and responsible course of action would be to perform more
frequent monitoring of that inclinometer until the movement slows down, stops, or, in
the event some acceleration of movement is detected, see that appropriate action is
taken.
Councilman Clark queried if staff would recommend immediately closing the golf course
if more significant movement is detected.
Mr. Helenschmidt answered that closure of the course may not necessarily be required.
He explained that the first step, if significant acceleration were detected, would be to
map the area around the slide to determine whether other distress features are present
on the margins indicating the existence of a displacement. He further explained that an
inclinometer is usually so sensitive that the first thing detected would be a
displacement, saying that typical causes for alarm would be if that displacement can be
associated with other distress features such as cracking, ground fissures, et cetera or if
a significant change of displacement occurs suddenly.
Councilman Clark requested clarification of staff's finding that Planning's review of the
final as -built and site inspection is substantially in compliance with the exception of the
height of some of the features of the golf course.
Deputy Director Pfost reported that staff discovered that Waterfall No. 1 and the back
tees on Hole No. 2 were built higher than originally approved, saying that the developer
has submitted an amendment to the CUP to address these issues, which staff will
evaluate and bring back to Council.
Mayor Wolowicz requested additional information on the actual height overages and a
response to some comments from residents that shrubbery is blocking views.
Deputy Director Pfost indicated that the top of the rock for the waterfall is approximately
one to three feet higher and the back tee for Hole No. 2 is approximately eight feet taller
than approved. He further indicated that some shrubs planted inside the back tee for
Hole No. 2 are actually higher than the back tees themselves and that, in response to a
resident's comment, staff is including the height of those shrubs as part of the analysis.
Councilman Clark queried if that is the issue staff is referring to in its comments
regarding "minor landscape improvements" on Item No. 6 in the staff report.
Deputy Director Pfost answered that it is more related to maintenance issues. He
noted that some of the plants hydro seeded along Palos Verdes Drive South near the
bike rest stop as well as adjacent to the new intersection at Palos Verdes Drive East
have not taken so those areas will need to be replanted. In addition, he noted that the
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December 20, 2005
Page 9 of 43
Sea Cliff Hills Homeowners Association has informed staff that some of the irrigation
along the roadway is possibly over spraying and leaving the walking paths wet.
Councilman Clark inquired if staff has a sense of how much time it will take the Coastal
Commission to approve the temporary opening of the golf course if Council decides to
authorize it at this evening.
Deputy Planning Director Pfost responded that is difficult to say, noting that City staff
spoke with Coastal Commission staff the previous week and, although it appears they
understand the urgency of the developer's need to open the golf course, they have a
specified plan of action, including a thorough review of certain legal documents, which
may take some time.
City Attorney Lynch stated that staff had suggested some things that might enable the
Coastal Commission to move ahead more quickly, saying that a couple of their staff
members indicated that they need to review some of the underlying documents before
they felt comfortable with proceeding.
In answer to a question from Councilman Clark, Deputy Planning Director Pfost noted
his understanding that the Coastal Commission staff is actually working towards full
compliance with their conditions, which would allow for a permanent opening, adding
that in conversation with them he was advised that a temporary opening request would
have to go back to the full Coastal Commission for approval.
Councilman Gardiner recalled discussion from a recent meeting that the reading from a
measuring device which had detected land movement was actually from several years
earlier and it was concluded that no movement had in fact occurred in the last two to
three years.
Deputy Planning Director Pfost stated that was the developer's geologist's contention at
the November 1, 2005 meeting, noting that the City's geologist was not present at that.
meeting. He reported that, in a subsequent discussion, the City's geologist indicated
there had been movement in the last six months, and concluding that this issue remains
a point of disagreement between the two geologists.
Councilman Gardiner restated his recollection that at the December 6, 2005 meeting, a
conclusion was reached that the inclinometer had not registered any movement in the
last few years.
City Manager Evans stated that without the benefit of the City's consultant in
attendance at the previous meeting, staff did concede that the developer's geologist
was right, but noted that after discussion with the City's geologist subsequent to that
meeting, staff no longer believes that to be the case.
Councilman Gardiner inquired if SI -5A is the same inclinometer discussed previously.
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December 20, 2005
Page 10 of 43
Mr. Helenschmidt answered that SI -5A was the inclinometer being discussed.
Councilman Gardiner queried what readings were reviewed, when they were taken, and
how much movement was detected which now made staff believe that the inclinometer
moved more recently.
0
Mr. Helenschmidt reported that the inclinometer has been monitored consistently since
the failure of Landslide C in 1999, but that different instruments and different operators
have been used to take the readings during that time. He explained that displacement
was observed most recently in readings taken between November 2004 and May 2005
and that the movement amounted to probably less than one -tenth of an inch.
Councilman Gardiner clarified that the .025 movement previously discussed was not
observed.
Mr. Helenschmidt reported that as part of CSA's review, the raw field data going back to
the beginning of Converse Consultant's monitoring of the inclinometer was requested,
saying that a significant portion of that data was missing, so CSA used a set of their
own initial readings from 2000 and plotted them against the most recent readings. He
explained that there is some difficulty in making correlations when using two different
inclinometer probes casing because of electronic drift, et cetera, but that the cumulative
displacement at the top of the casing compared with the old readings indicate there
could have been as much as a quarter to a half inch of movement over a six -year
period. He stated that they are unable to determine exactly when that movement
occurred, noting that there is also displacement at the lower portion of the casing, which
could be contributed to settlement as the developer's consultant has indicated.
Councilman Gardiner inquired as to how much instrument and operator error is involved
and whether less than one -tenth of an inch in six months would be characterized as a
cause for concern.
Mr. Helenschmidt answered that less than one -tenth of an inch over six months is not
worrisome whereas progressive readings indicating that movement is accelerating
would be cause for concern. He reported that in CSA's opinion the movement is likely
related to the rise in ground water after the heavy rains of the previous winter, saying
that he would expect the movement to stop or significantly slow down as those water
levels diminish.
Councilman Gardiner queried if staff knew of any reason from a geotechnical
standpoint that the City should not authorize the temporary opening of the golf course.
Mr. Helenschmidt answered that he could see none.
Mayor Wolowicz, noting CSA's report cited that only 5 of 17 inclinometers were
operational and currently being monitored, requested some history of those
inclinometers as far as what has been observed in the past and what appears to be
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December 20, 2005
Page 11 of 43
happening now.
Mr. Helenschmidt indicated that a condition to monitor ground movement was included
in the project CUP due to the presence of the landslides and other issues related to
bluff stability along the coastline; that four inclinometers were installed as part otf the
initial monitoring; that after the landslides in 1999, additional inclinometers were
installed around Landslide A and Landslide C to help augment previous monitoring
efforts; that many of these inclinometers were installed for construction purposes since
that was the most critical time as far as the stability of the area was concerned; and,
that several of those inclinometers have been destroyed, some are buried along the
bluff top trail, and some are located within Ocean Trails /Founders Park.
Mayor Wolowicz asked if CSA would recommend reinstalling all of the inclinometers.
Mr. Helenschmidt answered that they would not necessarily recommend reinstalling all
of them, but that they have requested the developer's consultant to justify why specific
inclinometers are not being reinstalled.
Mayor Wolowicz requested further information about those other inclinometers and
what staff expects will transpire.
Deputy Planning Director Pfost advised that the developer currently submits quarterly
reports, which include data from ground movement and water monitoring devices. He
stated that over the last couple months the developer's geologist has been working on
reinstalling some of the inclinometers in question, noting that, while he is uncertain
exactly how many are now working, the City's geologist is currently reviewing a letter
submitted on December 12, 2005 addressing some of the inclinometers that are not
operational and what is being done to remedy the situation
Mayor Wolowicz, noting that there are still issues to be resolved, inquired if staff
reasonably believes the required items can be addressed within a 90 -day period.
Deputy Director Pfost responded that he believes so, noting that, if not, the developer
would have to return to Council to request an additional 90 -day period to allow the golf
course to remain open on a temporary basis.
Mayor Wolowicz expressed concern about Council being faced with successive 90 -day
extension requests, saying that he would like some assurance that what the developer
is being required to do is reasonable and possible to accomplish within that time frame.
Councilman Gardiner suggested that it would be logical to begin the 90 -day period once
the Coastal Commission has given its approval and, while that is implied in the staff
report, he would like to make certain that it is expressed.
City Attorney Lynch indicated that a provision relating to the public trails would need to
come before Council after some of the Coastal Commission issues have been worked
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December 20, 2005
Page 12 of 43
out. She explained that staff did not want to delay everything else while attempting to
resolve this last item with Coastal Commission staff since the developer has worked so
diligently to address all of the other details.
Councilman Clark stated that he would like to ascertain that, in the event the temporary
opening is approved, all the elements contained in the CUP will remain open for
Council's review until the permanent opening of the course, including the approval of an
as -built report.
Deputy Planning Director Pfost reported that there are other conditions of the CUP that
relate to the development of the remainder of the project and would follow the opening
of the golf course and noted that other conditions ran with the use of the property and
would remain open.
Councilman Clark reiterated his concern that all conditions must be met and come back
for Council's final review prior to the permanent opening of the golf course.
Deputy Planning Director Pfost reported that the developer is allowed to open the golf
course without further Council approval if they abide by all the conditions of approval.
Councilman Clark queried how Council would be apprised that the permanent opening
has occurred.
Deputy Planning Director Pfost replied that staff could inform Council at the time that
occurs.
Mayor Wolowicz stated that he agrees with his colleagues that the Council should have
a role in acknowledging the completion of all conditions prior to the permanent opening
of the golf course.
Councilman Gardiner inquired if there was some mechanism to reserve the right to
Council to declare the final approval.
City Attorney Lynch responded that there is currently no condition giving Council the
authority to say whether or not the course can permanently open, noting that such a
provision could have been included in the conditions when the project was first
approved, but indicated that a new condition could not be imposed at this time. She
suggested that, if the developer amends the CUP to address the as -built height issues,
Council could provide final approval based on their certification of that issue.
Councilman Clark asked when the overarching conditions of approval for the project
were determined.
City Attorney Lynch reported that it occurred in 1993.
Mayor Wolowicz inquired if the disagreement between the two geologists had been
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December 20, 2005
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turned over to the Geologic Review Board and if that was anticipated to be resolved
prior to the sunset of this 90 -day period.
Deputy Director Pfost remarked that it is unlikely based on past experience of the
operation of geologic peer review panels, noting that it takes the geotechnical
consultants a great deal of time to prepare and review all the relevant reports.
Mayor Wolowicz asked if staff anticipates that this particular issue will make an
additional period beyond the 90 days necessary.
City Attorney Lynch indicated that the issue regarding Landslide A relates to the
location of the geologic setback line for constructing residential or other types of
structures, saying that it does not bear on the opening and operation of the golf course.
Deputy Director Pfost advised that the final determination regarding Landslide A does,
however, bear on final approval of the driving range. He explained that the golf course
and driving range could be segmented out sometime in the future and, if everything was
completed for the golf course, but if the driving range's geology was still outstanding,
the applicant might request another temporary opening of the driving range. He noted
that the Coastal Commission requires approved geology reports before it will approve
the driving range, so it is incumbent on the developer to move quickly to complete the
geology related to Landslide A.
Councilman Clark suggested hearing from the applicant.
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru reported that, in addition to the applicant, there
was one additional request to speak on this item.
Vincent Stellio, Trump National Golf Course, stated that the majority of issues have
been addressed and that approximately 12 of the 14 inclinometers are operational. He
explained that some of the suggestions made by Cotton Shires subsequently went to
peer review panel where they were determined to be unnecessary, which is why some
of the inclinometers have not been repaired. He advised that, in addition to quarterly
monitoring of ground water levels, inclinometers, and surface conditions, their geologist
has been monitoring the entire site in response to the recent appearance of surface
cracks, saying that they will continue to do so if that would satisfy the City's geologist.
He remarked that he began this process in September, knowing that it would take a
tremendous amount of time just to reach this point. He stated that he does not believe
issues that have spanned six years can necessarily all be resolved in a 90 -day period,
but he would be willing to provide monthly updates as things move forward if Council
approves the temporary opening.
Mr. Stellio reported that they have made a concerted effort to address the habitat and
trails issues, saying that staff is very satisfied with the results. He noted that Coastal
Commission requires a metes and bounds survey of all of the public trails, saying that
this is an extremely time consuming task, and that he has requested that Coastal
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 14 of 43
Commission staff consider allowing the course to be open while that survey is being
completed. He concluded by saying that they have worked extremely hard to address
the outstanding issues as quickly as possibly, but that the issues with the peer review
panel and the additional layer of Coastal Commission requirements has made it very
difficult to finalize all aspects of the project.
Councilman Gardiner inquired if Mr. Stellio believes he can complete the remaining
items during the 90 -day time period.
Mr. Stellio answered that he anticipates completing everything with the exception of
receiving the final decision of the peer review plan. He stated that the trails and the
park can be finalized in another week; adding that the City's acceptance of Founders
Park and the other open space areas is a component of the project's Coastal
Commission approval, putting it high on the priority list. He indicated that a few
additional things may take longer than expected, but he believes they are moving in the
right direction and that being allowed to open the course for play while continuing to
work on the remaining issues would be greatly appreciated.
Councilman Clark asked about the status of the signage required by the Coastal
Commission.
Mr. Stellio indicated that beach access signs with the Coastal Commission's standard
symbol have been ordered and installed. He also stated that the base for the
dedication plaque for Founders Park has been installed at the entrance to the park,
while the plaque itself is currently being worked on.
Commissioner Clark stated that he believes there might be a requirement for additional
signage indicating the presence of a public park at the main entrance to the property
and recommended that Mr. Stellio double check with the Coastal Commission to ensure
all of its signage conditions are being met.
Mayor Wolowicz asked again if Mr. Stellio was confident that the list of things that need
to be completed could be addressed within the 90 -day period.
Mr. Stellio reiterated that he anticipates being able to complete everything with the
possible exception of the final decision of the peer review panel. He indicated that is a
very critical point since some of the as -built plans, the clay cap under the golf course
and the water features rely on this determination. He stated that they are submitting
the as -built driving range plan to the City's geologist but if Cotton Shires does not
approve it, they will have to take it to peer review panel as well. He commented that
they recognized from the beginning that this would be a very complicated project,
saying that they have done everything possible to address the issues in a timely
manner. He acknowledged that they needed to reach closure on these open items,
saying that, otherwise, he will be forced to return to Council every three months to
request an extension of the temporary opening. He noted that another delay of six or
nine months would mean that the golf course will sit empty while still costing a great
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 15 of 43
deal of money to maintain which will hurt not only the Trump Organization but the City
as well by depriving it of the revenue that could be gained from the continued operation
of the facility.
Mayor Wolowicz inquired whose responsibility it is to maintain the beach and beach
trails.
Deputy Director Pfost answered that there is a condition in the Development Agreement
which requires the developer to maintain all open space lots including those the City will
accept which encompasses the beach areas out to the mean high tide line.
Mr. Stellio assured Council that they will treat that property as their own, saying that
they have dedicated staff whose sole duty it is to maintain the habitats and trails and
that they will include the beach areas in their maintenance program. He noted that
Deputy Director Pfost had contacted him several times about residents reporting water
on the road and trails from the irrigation system in the road median and parkways. He
explained that problem stems from the fact that their water meter is tied into a City
water and electrical meter, which means that they are unable to install a timing program
and are forced to manually turn on each valve. He requested staff's assistance to
resolve the situation, saying that a separate meter would put an end to the soggy trail
and wet road as well as produce better vegetation on the hillside because they will have
better control of the watering schedule.
Deputy Director Pfost indicated that he would gladly meet with Mr. Stellio to correct the
situation.
Councilman Clark inquired if they have plans to provide discounts for local residents.
Mr. Stellio indicated they would be delighted to implement a discounted rate for local
residents, as many other courses do, but noted that it is considered to be preferential
treatment and that it is prohibited by a Coastal Commission condition. He suggested
that perhaps Councilman Clark in his official capacity on the Coastal Commission could
speak with his colleagues to determine if it might be possible to amend that condition or
obtain some other type of relief.
Chip Zelt, Rancho Palos Verdes, urged Council to vote in favor of the temporary
opening. He noted that the Trump Organization is a great neighbor, saying that it has
done an excellent job with the public trails and the design and maintenance of the
facility. He added that as a golfer he would certainly appreciate some discount being
provided to local residents.
Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -141, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, APPROVING ADDENDUM NO. 19 TO
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NO. 36 FOR REVISION "Y"; 2) ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -1429 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 16 of 43
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AMENDING GRADING PERMIT NO. 1541 FOR
REVISION "Y"; 3) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -143, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AMENDING VESTING
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 50666 FOR REVISION "Y", TO PERMIT A
TEMPORARY 3 -MONTH PUBLIC OPENING OF THE GOLF COURSE AND DRIVING
RANGE as amended to state that the temporary opening shall begin after the
outstanding California Coastal Commission conditions have been satisfied; and, 4)
Continue the Indemnity Agreement and Easement Deed between the City and V.H.
Property Corporation pertaining to the City's acceptance of "Public Trail Easements"
and the resolution accepting said public trail easements to January 17, 2006.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
Gardiner, Clark, Mayor Wolowicz
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
ABSENT:
Long, Stern
Councilman Clark complimented the Trump Organization on its overall progress on the
project, noting that it is turning into a beautiful asset to both the developer and the
community.
Mayor Wolowicz inquired if his colleagues believed it would be appropriate to direct that
periodic reports be provided to Council as the developer completed the remaining
conditions of approval.
Councilman Clark said that he did not find that necessary during the 90 days, noting his
concern is that Council be kept abreast of the total set of conditions required for the
final and permanent opening of the golf course and driving range.
Councilman Gardiner suggested that staff provide periodic exceptions reports to
Council in the event problems occur.
Mayor Wolowicz declared the Public Hearing to be closed.
Recess and Reconvene:
Mayor Wolowicz recessed the meeting at 9:07 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at
9:17 p.m.
Forrestal Nature Preserve — Trails Repair Project (1201)
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru advised Council that written protests were
received and were included in the distribution of late correspondence and that there
were three requests to speak on the item.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 17 of 43
Mayor Wolowicz requested staff to comment briefly on why a timing issue limited the
ability of contractors to respond to the Request for Proposals (RFP) on this project.
Director Rojas responded that, in order to complete the trail repairs without impacting
the California Gnatcatcher, the RFP specified that the projects had to occur before
February 15th, noting that the five vendors who initially made inquiries did not believe
they could complete the work within that time constraint.
Mayor Wolowicz, noting that some storm damage repairs had been done but were not
fully completed, inquired if the extent of damage could be exacerbated and ultimately
increase the cost should there be an ongoing deferral of work.
Senior Planner Mihranian responded affirmatively.
Mayor Wolowicz asked what the likely incremental and aggregate costs would be if an
effort was made to address all the trails rather than only the two staff is recommending.
Senior Planner Mihranian answered that four trail repairs are eligible for FEMA funding
and subtracting those from the overall list of ten would leave six projects with a total
estimated cost of approximately $20,500. He noted that this estimate was on the high
end and might be adjusted downward depending on the availability of volunteers to do
some of the work.
Mayor Wolowicz commented that one of his greatest concerns is being penny wise and
pound - foolish. He requested a summary of the two public meetings held to discuss the
repair work and the extent of public participation at those meetings.
Senior Planner Mihranian indicated that two public meetings were held on June 8th and
July 20th; that notice of those meetings was posted in three separate locations and sent
by email to list serve subscribers; that the agendas for those meetings indicated that
the trail repair project list was being considered by the Forrestal Advisory Board; and,
that there was no public participation at either meeting.
Mayor Wolowicz underscored that those meetings were duly noticed and provided an
opportunity for concerned individuals to participate and discuss their issues with the
advisory board and the PVP Land Conservancy. He remarked that several rather
extensive and detailed letters were received by Council prior to this evening's meeting
and inquired if the Advisory Board members or the PVPLC had received those letters or
been apprised of the concerns expressed therein at either of their previous meetings.
Senior Planner Mihranian noted that the Forrestal Advisory Board was not aware of any
of these comments at the time the trails repair project list was being considered.
Mayor Wolowicz declared that he found it very disturbing that instead of participating in
the public hearings and working to resolve issues early in the process, certain
individuals prefer to ignore that opportunity and bring these matters directly to Council.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 18 of 43
Mayor Wolowicz declared the Public Hearing open.
Barbara Dye, representing the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, briefly
recapped matters by noting that the Forrestal Management Plan was adopted by the
Council in March; that the joint City /Land Conservancy Forrestal Steering Committee
was dissolved at that time and an advisory board was appointed comprised exclusively
of community members who provided a wide range of viewpoints but did not represent
specific organizations; that the board members include Barry Bonickson, Sierra Club
walk leader; Jess Morton, well known local environmentalist; Kurt Loheit, trail expert;
Troy Braswell, founder of CORBA PV - an off road bicyclist group; Dick Bara, from the
Palos Verdes Horsemen's Association; Bob Mucha, of the Ladera Linda neighborhood
association; John Nieto, from the PVIC Docents' education program, and, Allen Francis,
board liaison; and, that at Council's direction, this advisory board compiled a project list
of trail - related projects proposed to be addressed in the coming year.
Ms. Dye indicated that Council is currently being requested to take three actions: 1)
approve the list of trail projects; 2) approve the mitigated negative declaration on those
projects; and, 3) approve contracts for at least the first two projects. She explained
that, due to issues with sensitive habitat and the endangered California gnatcatcher,
they worked very diligently to complete a comprehensive review, including a full
biological report, in a very short period of time. She responded to issues raised in some
of the comment letters by noting that, while it would have been preferable to perform
the biological survey when all the sensitive plants were in bloom, the actual covered
species included in the NCCP can be recognized in the off season; and, that the
biological consultant, Dudek & Associates, used a very detailed biological map provided
by Angelika Brinkmann -Busi to prepare its report. She clarified that, while that does not
mean Ms. Brinkmann -Busi agrees with their conclusions, their goal was to complete a
very conservative biological report that would not underestimate the impacts of the
proposed projects. She further clarified that they analyzed these impacts not because
their intent is to widen entire lengths of the trails but because certain trail areas will
need to be widened to accommodate drainage and tread improvements. She
concluded that their goal is to manage the trails by improving them, to keep people on
the trails, and to eliminate much of the crisscrossing and redundant trails thereby
creating much larger blocks of uninterrupted habitat.
Barbara Sattler, representing the South Coast Chapter of California Native Plant
Society (CNPS), stated that, due to the sensitive nature of the habitat, they would like:
1) the trail map to be revised to depict actual point -to -point trails rather than the current
hypothetical trail routings; 2) a table accounting for the acreage set aside to mitigate the
impacts of the project, 3) additional mitigation provided for impacts to specific sensitive
plant species, and, 4) propagation of those sensitive plants species for restoration in
the Forrestal Preserve. She reminded Council that CEQA dictates that the most
preferred method of mitigation is to avoid environmental impacts in the first place.
Ms. Sattler stated that some sensitive plant species are not easily propagated which
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 19 of 43
means destruction of individual plants could equate to considerable losses and should
be avoided. She indicated that the CNPS strongly opposes any unnecessary widening
of the trails particularly where these plants occur, noting that they do occur on some of
the trail segments proposed as part of this project. She reported that one of their
primary concerns is the widening of the Pirate Trail, where a number of sensitive
species occur, saying that, while they understand there are drainage issues that need
to be addressed, they are not certain what is meant by "re- routing it slightly east" and
what impacts that might create. She indicated that they are also very concerned about
the proposal for the Cristo Que Viento Trail, which is surrounded by one of the most
pristine habitat areas in the NCCP preserve and contains a number of sensitive and
rare species. She noted that those species have likely flourished in these locations
because the trail is very narrow, natural, and lightly used, saying that widening this trail
to three feet would create a huge loss. She noted that they are also concerned about a
patch of native wildflowers located at the site of the proposed bridge footing for the
Mariposa Trail and would like some effort made to ensure that those species are not
completely lost. She commented that the proposed widening of the Packsaddle Trail to
three - and -a -half to four feet seems unnecessary.
Ms. Sattler indicated that they do not have any major concerns about the work
proposed for the Crystal and Red Tail Trails; that they support the work proposed on
the Flying Mane Trail as soon as possible and the closure of the redundant trail at the
vista point; that they are not convinced of the necessity for a new trail at Intrepid Drive;
and, that they would prefer to see the steeper trail design for the Dauntless Trail
because it would cause fewer impacts and because many hikers prefer that trail
precisely for the challenge created by its steepness.
Councilman Gardiner requested that Ms. Sattler identify which specific projects the
CNPS is most concerned about.
Ms. Sattler responded that they are most troubled by the Cristo Que Viento Trail, saying
that they are also concerned about the widening of the Packsaddle Trail, which seems
unnecessary and will impact coastal sage scrub. She reported that a number of very
sensitive and relatively uncommon wildflowers exist along both of these trails.
Councilman Gardiner inquired if staff could find some way to address CNPS's concerns
related to these fairly unique plants.
Senior Planner Mihranian replied that the only solution would be to not move forward
with the trail repair projects.
Councilman Gardiner asked what percentage of the trail is really at issue, noting that it
is unlikely these plants cover the entire trail length.
Ms. Sattler stated that she could not provide an exact number, but that a large
percentage of the trail contains a number of sensitive species. She explained that the
Cristo Que Viento Trail is in a prime habitat location because it has been very lightly
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 20 of 43
used and therefore does not have an influx of weeds.
Councilman Gardiner asked staff what percentage of the trail was needed for the
proposed erosion and flood control.
Senior Planner Mihranian stated that he was unable to estimate a percentage, saying
that the entire length of the trail is approximately 1,300 linear feet and that a nominal
amount of that, perhaps five to ten percent, is all that will be needed for the repairs.
Councilman Gardiner, remarking that 5 percent amounts to about 65 feet, noted his
difficulty in understanding why 65 feet out of 1,300 linear feet would create a problem.
Ms. Sattler stated that she was quite surprised to hear that number. She remarked that
no reference to 65 linear feet was made anywhere in the project description or in the
consultant's report, saying that both only mentioned a three -foot increase in trail width.
Senior Planner Mihranian explained that the biological survey was very conservative in
estimating the potential impacts, saying that the methodology included a study of 25
feet on either side of the trail for a total project area of 50 feet. He reiterated that the
repair area is actually very minimal and that the plan does not anticipate going beyond
the existing trail width by more than one to two feet. Therefore, in terms of mitigation,
he explained what is reflected in the report applies to a much larger project area than
what will actually be constructed.
Councilman Gardiner inquired if Ms. Sattler would be satisfied with a total of 65 feet
linear feet of the trail being impacted by the widening.
Ms. Sattler remarked that she would prefer to see the actual plan, reiterating that 65
feet was not mentioned previously and noted that the extent of the impact depends on
the precise physical location. She said that she would prefer to see a biological survey
identifying the locations of sensitive species performed in the spring with those species
then being avoided, saying that she has legitimate concerns with the vague trail project
description as presented.
Councilman Gardiner asked if staff could allay Ms. Sattler's concerns by providing a
better project description.
Senior Planner Mihranian said that he would defer the question to the advisory board's
trail expert, Kurt Loheit.
Mayor Wolowicz commented that it seems to him that everyone would embrace the
installation of these water erosion control devices.
Ms. Sattler responded that they are not opposed to controlling erosion, but they are
concerned about widening trails beyond what is needed which is a separate issue.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 21 of 43
Kurt Loheit, Forrestal advisory board, reported that there have been several minor
assessments of the trails related to alignment, erosion and stability. He agreed that a
comprehensive plan is still needed to address mitigation issues, noting that what is
currently being presented represents an initial step in that process. He stated that he
has indicated on multiple occasions that his goal is not to widen the trails but that it may
be necessary to shift certain areas slightly to one side or the other to accommodate the
erosion control devices. He said that steps must be taken to mitigate existing problems,
saying that the whole idea behind studying a larger study area around the trails is to
determine the potential impacts to a much wider section than will ultimately be used.
Noting that the project appears to be still at the conceptual stage, Councilman Gardiner
indicated that he found it extremely difficult to address the issues raised without a more
detailed plan. He questioned exactly what Council is being requested to authorize.
Senior Planner Mihranian stated that staff is asking Council to approve the ten
proposed trail repair projects. He explained that the potential impacts were considered
quite broadly, with the actual impacts expected to be much less severe.
City Attorney Lynch clarified that, in terms of environmental impacts and mitigation,
Council was being asked to approve a worst -case scenario.
Councilman Gardiner maintained that it is unclear exactly what is involved in the
proposed repairs, reiterating that without that information Council cannot adequately
address the concerns being voiced by the CNPS
Mayor Wolowicz declared that Council hired the PVP Land Conservancy to manage the
public trails in the Forrestal Preserve; that public meetings were held to address various
concerns; and, that CNPS and the Sierra Club, while they have sent very detailed
letters to Council, failed to participate in those meetings to discuss and resolve their
concerns at that level. He pointed to the City's slurry seal program as an analogy,
asking if Council should become involved in every little detail, i.e., whether the slurry
seal goes over the curb, whether it impacts someone's driveway, or whether it is three
inches thick in one place and four in another, opining that this is not Council's job and
that Council's job is to trust its advisors which in this instance are the City staff and the
PVP Land Conservancy.
Councilman Gardiner offered another comparison, saying that the City could not apply
the same level of inaccuracy to its slurry seal program as is being applied to this trail
repair project without upsetting a lot of residents. He indicated that in this instance
there is a trail; that a worst -case analysis has been provided for that trail which allows
for a certain amount of area to be used on either side of the trail to complete the
repairs; and, that individuals with expertise in native plant shave expressed concern
because there are very rare plants located within this potential construction zone. He
opined that a very simple question is being asked and Council should be provided with
enough information to be able to answer the question.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 22 of 43
Mayor Wolowicz remarked that the "Reserve Management" section of the plan
encompasses habitat management and is one of the reasons the Land Conservancy
was retained to assist the City with the management of the Forrestal Preserve.
Councilman Gardiner maintained that he would have no problem if a statement could
be made indicating no more than 100 feet of the 1,300 -foot trail would be disturbed.
Ms. Dye explained that the trail repairs are designed in the field, saying that a more
detailed plan of each individual repair could be provided using GPS mapping, but that
this effort would take another year to complete. She noted that the general principals
they are trying to achieve are good drainage control, making certain the trails are safe,
and minimizing the impacts to habitat.
Councilman Gardiner, noting the statement that a year would be necessary to provide a
detailed plan, queried if it would be possible for staff and Ms. Sattler to walk the 1,300 -
foot trail in order to determine exactly where drainage improvements are needed and
where they are in relation to the sensitive plants in question. He opined that this could
probably be done in an afternoon and the matter could be put to rest.
Mr. Loheit indicated that he would prefer not to be bound by the scenario described by
Councilman Gardiner, saying that, while he could point out where the key elements to
stabilize the trail are needed, allowances for certain variances encountered during
construction would still have to be taken into consideration. He explained that the
process typically used by the California State Parks system for trail development is to
first identify a corridor in an open piece of land where the trail will be built. He noted
that the corridor is usually 25 to 50 feet wide, which allows for the identification of all
potential impacts and, once those impacts have been identified and mitigated, provide
enough room to accommodate work on the trail. He explained that trail construction is
very dynamic, requiring site decisions and judgments to respond to grades and sub
grades. He noted that the process begins wide and ends narrow because if things start
narrow and need to be widened, the whole process must start over again. He
emphasized that trails are built to enhance the environment not destroy it.
Councilman Clark commented that he would be comfortable proceeding as long as the
proper experts, the CNPS, the PVP Land Conservancy, California Conservation Corps
and staff, have the ability to interact continuously throughout the trail repair process.
Councilman Gardiner voiced support for that approach.
Mayor Wolowicz asked Ms. Sattler to explain why CNPS's comments were not
delivered to the advisory group and /or the Land Conservancy when meetings on this
subject were previously held.
Ms. Sattler stated that certain issues are involved which she would prefer not to discuss
at this time. She explained that CNPS was aware that trails were going to be improved
on the property for drainage and erosion control, saying that, although she was
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 23 of 43
somewhat familiar with the general construction plans as a former Forrestal Steering
Committee member, no detailed plans were ever provided, therefore the CNPS was
quite surprised to see the Dudek & Associates report indicating the trail would be
dramatically widened which was very different from what they understood Council had
approved in March 2005.
Mayor Wolowicz requested staff to comment on the meeting process.
Councilman Clark requested staff comment on the purported change in trail width.
Senior Planner Mihranian responded that the trail descriptions were basically derived
from the Trail Status Report contained in the Forrestal Management Plan.
Director Rojas indicated that early discussions of the trails were much broader, saying
that they were subsequently refined with the Forrestal Management Plan at the
advisory committee level.
Councilman Clark redirected the discussion to staff's request that Council approve a
mitigated negative declaration of the trails repair project and the service agreement with
the California Conservation Corps to proceed with the repairs of the Pirate and Flying
Mane trails being reimbursed by FEMA. He stated that he would like to proceed with
the caveat that staff be directed to have continued interaction with CNPS and the Sierra
Club with respect to their concerns on the actual repair of those two trails.
Sunshine, Rancho Palos Verdes, distributed an updated matrix of the City's Conceptual
Trails Plan as proposed to both the Forrestal Steering Committee and the Open Space
Planning, and Recreation & Parks Task Force. She pointed out that the Forrestal
Management Plan does not address trail widths, noting that the Steering Committee
spent a great deal of time discussing who would have access to the trails rather than
how wide they should be. She urged Council to approve the negative declaration and
allow work to proceed on the trails. She reported that the equestrian community is not
happy with the steep sections illustrated in the matrix, saying that it is still -in the draft
stage and she is awaiting comments from various people including staff. She strongly
recommended updating the Trails Network Plan using the information in the Forrestal
Management Plan as a foundation for planning the trails in the remainder of the City.
Sunshine asserted that the CNPS argued previously that there should not be a trail on
the eastern ridge of Forrestal Canyon because that area contained the most pristine
habitat and should not be impacted; that there is no trail proposed there as a result;
and, that now they are saying the next ridge over has the most pristine habitat and that
area should not be impacted by a trail. She stated that the fact that a trail exists there
has already been discussed, noting that she is positive the PVP Land Conservancy will
not create a major impact on the habitat by improving that trail, and that she would
strongly encourage Council to proceed with the proposed trail repair projects.
Mayor Pro Tern Long joined the meeting in progress at 9:55 P.M.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 24 of 43
Mayor Pro Tern Long apologized for his late arrival, noting that he attempted to prepare
for this item but, since he was absent for much of the discussion, he would abstain from
voting on this item. He remarked that he recently had an opportunity to visit the trails in
the Forrestal Preserve and observe some repair work being done, saying that, while it is
not directly pertinent to the item under consideration, he was very disturbed to see
evidence of vandalism of the trails which he surmised had been carried out by residents
who are unhappy and have chosen to impose their own decision on everyone else in
spite of the collective decision of the City. He urged anyone learning of or observing
vandalism on any of the City's trails to report that to the City, adding that he is hopeful
there will be no future occurrences.
Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to approve staff's
recommendation.
Councilman Gardiner offered a friendly amendment to the motion to provide additional
funding from the General fund to ensure that all ten projects are accomplished, saying
that the City has a responsibility to maintain the trails; that it is a nominal amount, and
that the trails will continue to deteriorate unless quick action is taken to address them.
Councilman Clark asked about the status of the FEMA funding.
Senior Planner Mihranian explained that FEMA identified that four of the trails suffered
major storm damage in 2005 for which it would provide funding, noting that two of those
trails are now being addressed and the other two will go through FEMA's required
bidding process and subsequently return to Council for award of the contract.
Councilman Gardiner stated that he would still like to make a commitment to repair all
ten trails and suggested authorizing a not -to- exceed amount and then determining to
what degree FEMA funding and volunteer efforts can defray the cost.
Mayor Wolowicz expressed concern about deferring the work and then finding the cost
has significantly increased because the repairs were not dealt with in a timely manner.
Councilman Clark stated that he would prefer not to forego the City's opportunity to
receive federal funding in a zealous effort to complete this project quickly. He indicated
that he would accept a friendly amendment to his motion if it conveys that the additional
two trails FEMA has offered to repair will return to Council with the other six trails as
quickly as possible.
Councilman Gardiner inquired if his colleague would accept providing funding for the six
trails and deferring decision on the other two.
Councilman Clark accepted that friendly amendment to his motion.
City Attorney Lynch recommended clarifying that the final decision regarding trail design
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 25 of 43
would be made by the PVP Land Conservancy. She explained that, in the event there
is a stalemate between CNPS and /or the Sierra Club regarding the trails, the Land
Conservancy should have the ultimate authority to make the decision.
Mayor Wolowicz closed the Public Hearing. He commented that he remains very
troubled by the fact that two significant groups failed to participate in the process. He
asserted that engaging in discussions at that level is essential to maintaining credibility
and opined that bypassing the decision - making process by deliberately not participating
in meetings each time managerial decisions are at stake and instead bringing those
issues directly to the Council is highly inappropriate.
Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to 1) ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -1449 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION AND APPROVING THE PROPOSED TRAIL REPAIR PROJECT
INVOLVING TEN TRAILS WITHIN THE FORRESTAL NATURE PRESERVE; 2)
Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute a service agreement with the
California Conservation Corps in an amount not to exceed $7,700 to repair the Pirate
and Flying Mane Trails at the Forrestal Nature Preserve that were damaged by the
winter storms and thus covered by FEMA funding; 3) Direct staff to continue to work
with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, the California Native Plant Society
and the Sierra Club in designing the trail repairs with the final design to be determined
by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy; and, 4) Direct staff to return with a
budget adjustment to fund the six additional trail projects and to defer the decision on
the two remaining trails proposed to be funded by FEMA to a future date.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
Gardiner, Clark, Mayor Wolowicz
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
Long
ABSENT:
Stern
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued):
Councilman Gardiner suggested proceeding to Part A of the Consent Calendar, which
included items requiring a four -fifths (4/5) vote, since Mayor Pro Tern Long was now
present at the meeting.
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru reminded Council that Consent Calendar Item
No's. 1, 21 31 4, and 12 were deferred, noting that late correspondence had been
distributed on the first four items and there was one request to speak on Item No. 2
(Interim Improvements to Barkentine /Seacove and Other Miscellaneous Drainage
Improvements) and also on Item No. 15 (Approve Design /Professional Services
Contract for Arterial Rehabilitation Program), which she had inadvertently overlooked
earlier.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 26 of 43
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to reopen Item No. 15.
Without objection, Mayor Wolowicz so ordered and called for the speaker.
Rudy Maus, Pacific Palisades, stated that as the owner of several properties in Rancho
Palos Verdes, he requested 1,000 sand bags be placed in the Barkentine /Seacove
area for water control; installation of a traffic signal at PV Drive South and Barkentine
Road; and, tree and bush trimming along PV Drive South at Barkentine Road and
Clipper Drive near St. Peters By- the -Sea Church.
City Manager Evans indicated that he would arrange a meeting with Mr. Maus to
discuss these matters.
Mayor Pro Tem Long recommended placing a warning sign along the section of PV
Drive South scheduled to be re- slurried alerting bicyclists to the possibility of variances
in the pavement surface.
Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Long, to approve Consent
Calendar Item No's. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 12.
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.
Interim Improvements to Barkentine /Seacove and Other Miscellaneous Drainage
Improvements (604 x 1204)
Reviewed and reconfirmed by a four /fifths (4/5) vote, the Council's previous actions on
October 18, 2005 to authorize staff to conduct an informal bid process to construct
interim improvements to Barkentine /Sea Cove and other miscellaneous drainage
improvements.
Repair of Four Storm Drains (604 x 1204)
Reviewed and reconfirmed by a four /fifths (4/5) vote, the Council's previous action on
November 15, 2005 to authorize staff to conduct an informal bid process to repair storm
drains on Palos Verdes Drive South, Silver Arrow, Crest Road, and Pontevedra.
Pontevedra Storm Drain Emergency Repairs (604 x 1204)
Reviewed and reconfirmed by a four /fifths (4/5) vote, the Council's previous action on
December 6, 2005 to authorize staff to conduct an informal bid process to repair the
Pontevedra storm drain line.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 27 of 43
Extension of the Temporary 60 -day Moratorium Established on the Landslide
Moratorium Area Outlined in Blue (a portion of the Seaview Tract) (1801 x 1203)
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 432U, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES EXTENDING URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 427U, ESTABLISHING A
MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF CERTAIN PERMITS AND THE
PROCESSING OF PLANNING APPROVALS AND SUSPENDING CERTAIN
PREVIOUSLY ISSUED BUILDING PERMITS AND APPROVALS IN THE PORTION OF
THE LANDSLIDE MORATORIUM AREA OUTLINED IN BLUE ON THE LANDSLIDE
MORATORIUM MAP ON FILE IN THE CITY'S PLANNING, BUILDING AND CODE
ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT, WHICH INCLUDES PORTIONS OF DAUNTLESS
DRIVE, EXULTANT DRIVE, ADMIRABLE DRIVE AND PALOS VERDES DRIVE
SOUTH, AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF.
The motion to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 12 carried on the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
Clark, Gardiner, Long, Mayor Wolowicz
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
ABSENT:
Stern
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
Consideration of Adoption of a Resolution of Necessity for the Acquisition in
Eminent Domain of Real Property Interests in APN 7573 - 004 -026, located at 6359
Tarragon Road, in Connection with the Emergency Construction, Repair and
Maintenance of Drainage Improvements [Continued from December 6, 2005] (103
x 950 x 604)
City Attorney Lynch presented the oral staff report.
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru reported that there were no requests to speak
on the item.
Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Long, to 1) Conduct a hearing
on the adoption of the proposed Resolution of Necessity, receive from staff the
evidence stated and referred to in this Report, take testimony from any person wishing
to be heard on this matter; 2) find, based upon the evidence contained in and referred
to in this Report and the testimony and comments received in this hearing, that the
evidence supports the necessary findings with respect to the Resolution of Necessity;
3) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -145, A RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, DECLARING CERTAIN
REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES AND
AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION THEREOF IN CONNECTION WITH AN
EMERGENCY DRAINAGE PROJECT, and authorize City staff and the City Attorney's
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 28 of 43
office to take all necessary steps to file and prosecute an eminent domain proceeding
to acquire the fee simple interest in real property commonly known as 6359 Tarragon
Road, identified as Assessor's Parcel Number 7573 - 004 -026 (referred to hereafter as
"Subject Property "). The Subject Property was more fully described in the legal
description attached as Exhibit "A" and depicted on the diagram attached as Exhibit "B"
to the Resolution of Necessity. Exhibits "A" and "B" were incorporated herein by this
reference; and, 4) Authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute all necessary
documents.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
Long, Clark, Gardiner, Mayor Wolowicz
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
ABSENT:
Stern
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Mayor Wolowicz declared that he views City Council Oral Reports as a valuable part of
the agenda since Council members devote a great deal of time to a variety of tasks and
it is important for the public to understand where some of that time is spent; and,
secondly, because there are times when it is in the public interest to know and
understand the types of discussions that lead to some of Council's decisions.
Mayor Pro Tem Long noted that it had been two months since City Council Oral
Reports had been presented and that he did not bring his notes but remembered a
couple recent items of importance. One was his visit to the Forrestal Preserve where
100 volunteers organized by CORBA PV and supported by the PVP Land Conservancy
where planting, removing metal fencing, and working on a number of trails. He thanked
them all on behalf of the City for their dedication and hard work. Second, was a
meeting with the Director of the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute near the
Harbor UCLA Hospital. He reported that a great deal of very interesting things are
going on there, including a computerized method of training cardiologists to recognize a
variety of problems and complications; a long -term study of HIV patients who have not
developed AIDS to find clues that might result in new treatments for the disease; and,
research on new classes of antibiotics, which have largely been overlooked by the
pharmaceutical industry in recent years. He reported that the facility is in need of
additional funding and urged anyone interested in making a charitable donation to
consider lending his or her support to this worthwhile institution.
Councilman Gardiner reported that RPV Channel 33 is currently broadcasting in a test
mode with programming scheduled in half -hour segments from approximately 6:00 a.m.
until midnight. He thanked Ms. Holt and Director McLean and his staff for their efforts
to get the cable channel up and running. He indicated that a program guide would soon
be published; that calls regarding sponsorships are coming in; that several interns have
expressed an interest in helping out; and, that the City is very close to having a fully
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 29 of 43
operational educational access cable channel.
Councilman Clark reported on the last Coastal Commission meeting, indicating that a
diverse array of issues came before that body. He summarized a few of the topics
presented which he believes are of interest to members of the community as follows:
the Montrose Mitigation Plan to address DDT off the Palos Verdes coastline; the
continued funding of a ten -year program to reintroduce bald eagles to Catalina Island;
the prospect of building potentially 10 to 20 desalinization plants on the California coast
to enhance water efficiency and conservation efforts; and, the effects of acoustic
pollution on marine mammals. He stated that an important future item for consideration
by the Coastal Commission is the potential siting of an LNG plant at the Port of Los
Angeles. He indicated that a briefing disclosed significant risks associated with that
plan, adding that it is scheduled to come back to the Coastal Commission in 2006 as
part of the Port of Long Beach Master Plan Amendment and that he will keep the
community apprised of any updated information.
Mayor Wolowicz reported that he attended the following meetings and events:
• October 19th - Chamber of Commerce mixer in Torrance where the new COG
South Bay Energy Center was discussed; adding that former Mayor Marilyn Lyon
would be providing a presentation to Council regarding energy saving devices;
• October 20th - PV Transit Authority where he was selected as the new Chairman;
• October 20th - PV Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award banquet with
Mayor Pro Tern Long;
• October 24th- Residential Development Standards Committee, noting the hard
work of the Planning Commission and other City leaders thoroughly examining
the City's development standards has brought the completion of their charter
much closer to being realized;
• October 27th - South Bay Council of Governments meeting;
• October 28th - the annual Mayors' Luncheon co- sponsored by the PV Chamber
of Commerce and the PV Rotary Club;
• October 29th - observed the RPV CERT drills, noting the City and its residents
owe a debt of gratitude to those individuals who have volunteered to serve as
first responders in the event of a serious emergency and encouraging others
who are interested to participate;
• October 29th - Mediterrania Homeowners block party, noting that Council
member attendance at homeowners association events is an excellent way for
members of the community to get to know their elected representatives and
present opinions regarding items they believe Council should address;
• October 30th — attended the first in a series of walking tours of the coastline
below Trump National Golf Course;
• November 9th - attended the swearing in of his colleague Larry Clark as a
member of the Coastal Commission as well as a farewell luncheon for
Lieutenant John Herrera at the Lomita Sheriff's Station;
• November 10th - the Palos Verdes Peninsula Regional Law Enforcement
Committee meeting where the City's new traffic deputy was discussed and a
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 30 of 43
presentation on traffic - monitoring cameras at intersections was provided. He
stated that he requested a presentation of these traffic- monitoring devices to the
City's Traffic Safety Commission;
• November 14th - Residential Development Standards Committee meeting;
• November 16th - Mayors' Luncheon where interest was expressed by the other
cities in sharing a traffic deputy and their participation in funding for the PVIC
was discussed;
• November 16th - RPV Council of Homeowners Association annual holiday party;
• November 17th - lunch with Interim Public Works Director Ray Holland;
• November 17th — met with Councilman Gardiner and Mr. Carmiel Cohen
regarding negotiations for the property necessary to perform the McCarrell
Canyon drainage repair work;
• November 17th - South Bay Council of Governments meeting;
• November 21St - special City Council meeting regarding the McCarrell Canyon
property;
• November 28th - lunch with Director McLean and Deputy Director Downs of the
Finance Department to discuss purchasing policy changes;
• December 1St - attended the Palos Verdes Estates holiday reception;
• December 2nd - met with Marcella Low of the Southern California Gas Company
to discuss the proposed franchise agreement;
• December 3rd - Rolling Hills Estates annual holiday parade;
• December 5th - joined the ad hoc committee to do some fund raising for PVIC;
December 12th - the Rolling Hills holiday party and the Residential Standards
Steering Committee meeting;
• December 13th - met with Mayor Pro Tern Long and Assistant City Manager /City
Clerk Petru regarding City Council meeting agenda planning;
• December 13th - a joint meeting of the Planning Commission and Traffic Safety
Commission regarding Marymount College;
• December 15th - met with the PVIC docents regarding their fund - raising
campaign;
• December 15th - the regional Chamber of Commerce holiday reception and the
South San Pedro YMCA holiday party; and,
• December 20th - the PV Transit Authority to discuss the relocation of bus parking.
REGULAR NEW BUSINESS:
Application to the Annenberg Foundation for Planning Grant Funds (602 x 1203)
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru reported that late correspondence on this item
was received and distributed to Council and that there were two requests to speak.
Councilman Gardiner moved to waive the staff report and hear from the speakers.
Barbara Dye, representing PVP Land Conservancy, explained that the Annenberg
Foundation's generous donation was being put forward as a challenge grant in
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 31 of 43
conjunction with the community campaign to preserve Portuguese Bend. She stated
that the Foundation recently moved to the West Coast and has become the number
one philanthropic agency in Los Angeles County in the last three years. She reported
that the Foundation is broadening its areas of interest to include environmental and
quality of life issues; that it donated a $1 million grant to the Catalina Island Land
Conservancy; and, that it has become involved in land conservation efforts on the
Peninsula. She noted that this grant would provide a wonderful opportunity to expand
the planning for the preserve, saying that the Land Conservancy is interested in
Council's thoughts on having a joint City Council /PVPLC subcommittee to work on
putting together the grant application to the Annenberg Foundation to fund the study
that would include the NCCP and the City's coastal open space areas.
Mayor Wolowicz complimented Ms. Dye on bringing the Annenberg Foundation to the
City's attention, noting that it offers a tremendous opportunity to continue forward with a
planning effort that could prove extremely beneficial to the entire community.
Ms. Dye reported that Council members Clark and Stern deserve much of the credit for
bringing the Annenberg Foundation on board.
Vic Quirarte, President of Los Serenos de Point Vicente, reported that the docent board
unanimously supports this concept and urges Council to approve the grant application.
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to authorize staff to
coordinate with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC) and prepare a
joint City /PVPLC grant application for future City Council review and approval to the
Annenberg Foundation for funding of a public use planning study that would cover the
NCCP Preserve and the coastal open space areas.
Without objection, Mayor Wolowicz so ordered.
Recess and Reconvene:
Mayor Wolowicz recessed the meeting at 10:58 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at
11:03 p.m.
Amended Management Agreement between the City and the Palos Verdes
Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC) (1203 x 1201)
Councilman Gardiner, recognizing that being inclusive and efficient often works in
opposite directions, urged the PVP Land Conservancy to follow the Council's lead in
being as inclusive as possible of the myriad of interested stakeholders. He noted that
there are obviously going to be different viewpoints about what should and should not
be done in managing the NCCP Preserve, adding that he would strongly advise
exercising patience as the process moves forward.
Mayor Wolowicz noted that his colleague's points are very well made. He inquired how
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 32 of 43
public involvement would be accomplished in the development of the Public Use and
Management Plan (PUMP).
Director Rojas explained that the PUMP was basically a larger version of the Forrestal
Management Plan and will encompass the entire NCCP Preserve. He commented that
because several very controversial issues are at stake and a number of different parties
will be involved, before the process is initiated as part of the NCCP, a determination will
be made on how best to develop the PUMP in terms of committees and public input
and that the approach will then be presented to Council for its review and approval.
Mayor Wolowicz noted that there are some very complex restrictions included in the
NCCP and stated that it might to difficult to activate the early adoption of the entire
document. He requested that staff briefly comment on how this one component can be
done separately from the rest of the NCCP.
Director Rojas stated that staff devised this alternate agreement as a method to get the
process started for a very limited amount of time and scope of work while the document
is being reviewed and awaiting approval from the resource agencies.
Councilman Gardiner voiced support of the proposed agreement with the PVPLC. He
emphasized that the City is moving into uncharted territory, believing that the better
policy guidance Council provides at this stage, the better staff and the PVPLC will be
able to manage the Preserve. He recommended that the agreement include a
feedback mechanism in the event something is inadvertently forgotten or neglected.
Barbara Dye, representing the PVP Land Conservancy, stated that they are looking
forward to beginning the biological monitoring and some of the planning required for the
targeted removal of exotic plants and restoration of the native habitat. She indicated,
however, that the PVPLC is not interested in participating in the development of the
PUMP, saying that the Annenberg Foundation would like to assist the City with that
process and that it might be able to bring in some independent overseers to enable
things to work more efficiently if an agreement is negotiated with them.
Director Rojas explained that the Annenberg Foundation grant provides the potential to
fund the hiring of someone to help prepare the PUMP.
Mayor Pro Tern Long moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to approve an
amendment to the existing Forrestal Management Agreement between the City and the
Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC) that authorizes the PVPLC to
begin habitat management on January 1, 2006 of the City properties that are awaiting
formal dedication to the NCCP Preserve.
Without objection, Mayor Wolowicz so ordered.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 33 of 43
Ordinance Regulating Peddling and Massage Establishments in the City (103 x
1801)
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru reported that late correspondence on this item
was received and distributed to Council and that there were three requests to speak.
City Attorney Lynch presented the oral staff report.
Councilman Gardiner inquired if it would be possible to exempt organizations such as
the Girl Scouts or children selling lemonade at a stand outside their homes from this
ordinance.
City Attorney Lynch responded that someone selling lemonade in front of his property
would not be covered by the ordinance. She indicated that the Girl Scouts would be
covered and suggested that the organization's service unit could apply to the City for a
blanket permit covering all Girl Scouts, noting that a provision has been included in the
ordinance to exempt 501(c)(3) organizations from paying permit fees.
Councilman Gardiner inquired if the ordinance would apply to the "snack shacks"
located on sports fields that are operated during the games.
City Attorney Lynch answered that the ordinance would not apply if the point of sale
were located in a fixed place but would apply if it were portable and moved from field to
field.
Mayor Pro Tern Long noted that the definition used to define "peddler" and "peddling"
indicates an individual traveling by foot ... conveying or transporting goods, wares,
merchandise, or food and concurrently offering or exposing the same for sale, saying
that his understanding is the Girl Scouts would not be peddlers nor engaged in peddling
if someone ordered cookies from them and they returned at a later time to deliver them
because they did not have sufficient stock on hand when the order was placed.
City Attorney Lynch agreed that the situation described by Mayor Pro Tern Long is
probably not covered unless there is concurrent distribution of the item for sale, noting
that the Girl Scouts also engage in sales at supermarkets and would also be covered in
that situation. She opined that the organization would be better of obtaining a permit, if,
for example, there are 16 various locations throughout the City where cookies are being
distributed because distinguishing and exempting certain types of activities could prove
very problematic for the City in the long run.
Mayor Wolowicz inquired if the Girl Scouts would automatically be covered by the 501
(c)(3) exemption.
City Attorney Lynch indicated that the exemption applies specifically to not having to
pay the permit fee.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 34 of 43
Mayor Pro Tern Long inquired why the ordinance is being expanded so broadly if the
primary issue the City is attempting to address is catering trucks.
City Attorney Lynch explained that in her opinion the City is required by law to deal with
similar types of businesses in a similar manner.
Mayor Pro Tern Long, using the example of fund - raising organizations that go door -to-
door selling items, such as gift wrap, observed that the members often bring exemplars
because they cannot bring the volume of goods they might need for sale. He opined
that, unlike the Girl Scouts, this type of operation would be covered by the ordinance.
City Attorney Lynch explained that she believes the Girl Scouts would also be covered.
She stated that she believes the City is better positioned if it treats everyone the same,
noting that issuing a blanket permit to cover all the business activities of a particular
service in the area would eliminate the possibility of claims being made that the City is
making distinctions based upon a particular type of commercial speech.
Mayor Pro Tern Long asked if the City Attorney would consider rewriting the ordinance
to cover the Girl Scouts.
City Attorney Lynch restated her opinion that they already are covered by the ordinance
as written.
Councilman Gardiner stated that he fundamentally objects to such broad measures
being used to address a very specific problem and inquired why the ordinance cannot
be restricted specifically to caterers or that class of businesses, saying that he fears
legitimate non - profit activities will be inadvertently impacted.
City Attorney Lynch said that she would research the possibility of exempting
organizations that are not concurrently selling goods, but reiterated that the City could
place itself on treacherous ground by distinguishing catering trucks from other
businesses.
Councilman Gardiner suggested making the distinction between for - profit and non - profit
entities.
City Attorney Lynch responded that door -to -door magazine sales are a good example of
the type of business where it is difficult to ascertain whether the company actually
receiving the money is a non - profit business or not, saying that excluding all 501(c)(3)'s
from the ordinance might be a legitimate distinction.
Mayor Pro Tern Long suggested focusing specifically on motorized vehicles if the real
problem is catering trucks.
City Attorney Lynch agreed that might be a possibility.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 35 of 43
Mayor Wolowicz requested that the City Attorney investigate whether there is some
mechanism to specifically identify catering trucks, saying it appears that the proposed
ordinance may negatively impact a number of legitimate community activities in an
attempt to address this very specific problem, which could create a much larger
problem than the catering trucks themselves in the end.
City Attorney Lynch repeated that an exemption for 501 (c)(3)s could be included
initially, subject to further determination as the process evolves.
Rose Barlock, Santona Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, voiced support for the proposed
ordinance, saying that it will end the chaos her Los Verdes neighborhood has endured
for over two years as the result of two catering truck vendors. She reported that the
neighborhood organized themselves to combat the problem in September 2005, noting
that over 40 residents signed a letter sent to Sheriff's Captain Zuanich and various City
personnel requesting assistance with the problem. She said that she was subsequently
introduced to Deputy John Despot who informed her that the Sheriff's Department
estimated that these two vendors earn at least $1,000 a week selling meals at the
corner of Granvia Altamira and Monero Drive; that nearly 50 citations had been issued
in the past year primarily for violating City traffic codes; and, that the vendors have
continued to engage in this illegal activity, considering the fines to be "a cost of doing
business." She concluded by saying that the Los Verdes residents signed a second
letter in December 2005, urging the City not to renew the 2006 business licenses for
these two vendors because of their many violations of the City's Municipal Code.
Councilman Gardiner inquired if the City has the authority to set the amount of parking
violation fines.
City Attorney Lynch answered that the City does have that authority as long as the fines
are reasonably consistent with those in surrounding areas.
Mayor Wolowicz indicated that he resides in the neighborhood in question, which is
immediately adjacent to the City of Palos Verdes Estates, and observed that these
same trucks parked in PVE for a number of years until that city took action to force
them out, at which time they moved into Rancho Palos Verdes. He inquired what that
city did to successfully eliminate the problem from its jurisdiction.
Ms. Barlock stated that Palos Verdes Estates strengthened its Municipal Code and
made its fines much more stringent, starting with a $250 fine and moving up to a $500
and a $1,000 fine for subsequent violations. She reported that a secondary issue is the
fact that the customers of the catering trucks are also violating the parking code.
Councilman Gardiner stated that, if the problem is catering trucks in this neighborhood,
rather than implementing a complicated ordinance, he would prefer to paint the curb
green and cite the vendors and their customers, adding $50.00 to each of the fines
imposed by PVE for repeat offenses, saying that he believes that will eliminate the
problem.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 36 of 43
Mahima, Rancho Palos Verdes, reported that the situation is not only inconvenient but
also compromises the safety of residents and passing motorists by obscuring
pedestrians and traffic signs from approaching vehicles.
Larry Barlock, Rancho Palos Verdes, briefly addressed the resultant traffic conditions,
noting that pedestrians are darting across Granvia Altamira and Monero Drive and that
vehicles are making quick maneuvers in and out of traffic, which compounds the level
of activity in the area and causes numerous unsafe conditions. He explained that the
area is also a major bicycle route particularly on weekends, saying that U -turns and
jaywalking create the very real potential of a pedestrian or cyclist being hit. He said that
there are multiple safety issues at stake that Council should take into consideration.
Councilman Clark inquired what action has been taken to review the business licenses
of these two vendors who continually ignore and violate the City's codes.
City Attorney Lynch replied that the City's current business license ordinance is revenue
raising only which is why staff has suggested the business permit approach which
would allow the City to revoke the permit of anyone not in compliance with the
provisions of either the permit or code. She noted that cities are not permitted by law to
revoke business licenses unless they have a regulatory permit provision in place.
Director McLean added that the City is on the verge of issuing business license
applications for 2006 and, if Council adopts this urgency ordinance, the vendors being
discussed would have to apply for business permits and, once those permits are
issued, the City would have an enforcement mechanism to address the resident's
complaints. He agreed the situation could perhaps be dealt with by increasing parking
violation fees as suggested but observed that this alternative would involve at least one
additional meeting, whereas staff's proposal would allow immediate enforcement at the
beginning of 2006.
Mayor Pro Tern Long said that while it is obviously a serious problem, in many respects
it is not truly a matter that requires an urgency ordinance, in that the situation has
existed for sometime and that further problems could be created if Council treats it as
something that needs an immediate decision rather than exploring all the other viable
alternatives. He assumed that time would still be needed to issue and subsequently
revoke the business permits in order to remove the trucks from the neighborhood,
adding that he would prefer to take more time now to explore significantly increasing
parking fines before implementing an ordinance with which he finds a number of flaws.
He noted that apparently Palos Verdes Estates used that method and it appears to
have been very effective for that city.
Councilman Clark asked how changing the parking restrictions in that area might impact
the residents and their ability to park on the streets.
City Attorney Lynch responded that would depend on the actual changes implemented.
City Council Minutes
December 20, 2005
Page 37 of 43
She reported that a permit parking process was explored, but that the residents on
Monero Drive voiced opposition to the concept and staff is concerned that imposing it
on Granvia Altamira might result in pushing the problem further into the residential area.
Councilman Clark stated that he remained unconvinced that inhibiting parking and
increasing fines would be a perfect solution, saying that it appears the affected
residents and staff have worked on this for sometime and while some details might
need to be worked out, he was willing to support the recommendation as proposed.
Mayor Wolowicz stated that he could see benefits in both prospects and noted that in
the coming year he would be bringing before Council the issue of requiring permits for
unlicensed tradesmen working in the city. He stated that his intention is not to raise
revenue but to regulate unqualified individuals who might be preying upon the City's
residents. He indicated that he does see merit in licensing peddlers but would like to
see an exclusion provided for non - profit organizations, saying that he agrees the most
effective and immediate solution appears to be raising parking fines, but he would not
object to implementing both ideas if the City Attorney determined no conflict existed.
City Attorney Lynch commented that both options could be implemented although she
would recommend pursuing one or the other as the most logical way to proceed.
Councilman Gardiner maintained that he favors restricting the parking as a first step,
saying that he understands the essential problem is catering trucks; that his main
interest is solving that particular problem; that there is strong evidence that PVE solved
the very same problem by implementing strict parking fines; and, that his first inclination
would be to replicate that approach.
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Long, to direct staff to
return with a proposal similar to the one implemented by the City of Palos Verdes
Estates focusing on increasing parking fines to the point they could be sustained if
challenged; direct staff to explore the possibility of shifting from a revenue only
business license program to an approach that includes a business permit process; and
to approve the staff recommendation regarding the regulation of massage
establishments.
City Attorney Lynch stated that she would like to completely reframe the ordinance to
address only the regulation of massage establishments and recommended that staff
return with a revised ordinance after the first of the year.
Councilman Clark cautioned that implementing a prohibitive parking fine structure might
only serve to move the problem from one neighborhood to another.
City Attorney Lynch indicated that any increase in parking fines would apply citywide.
She noted that a legitimate catering truck moving from location to location, staying for
only ten minutes and then moving 500 feet or more, would not be in violation of the
proposed ordinance. She indicated that she would need time to refine the ordinance to
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December 20, 2005
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deal with the situation of a catering truck trying to return to the same location on the
same day.
Mayor Wolowicz reiterated that he found merit in both proposals, saying that he would
like to address the issue of parking fines as well as that of business licenses and
permits. He declared that there is some immediacy needed in resolving the issue and
providing relief for this particular neighborhood and stated that he would like to see the
item on the agenda for the following meeting, understanding Director McLean's concern
regarding timeliness.
City Attorney Lynch indicated that she would check state law to ascertain whether the
same time constraints for noticing apply to fines as they do for other fee impositions.
Mayor Pro Tern Long remarked that Council usually knows the outcome when a motion
is made, saying that he finds it rather baffling that direction is being given to staff based
on an informal discussion. He opined that, if there is a desire to address the issue of
business permits, it should be brought up under the discussion of future agenda items,
adding that he would be interested in hearing from Deputy Despot or someone else
from the Sheriff's Department best able to provide Council with additional input.
Councilman Gardiner stated that he would withdraw his motion if the same goal could
be achieved in a different manner.
Councilman Clark said that he was left rather perplexed by the discussion as it relates
to staff's proposal to move from business licenses to business permits as a regulatory
mechanism within the City.
City Attorney Lynch noted the importance of leaving in place the City's revenue - raising
business licenses, saying that staff is proposing to add a business permit ordinance to
regulate certain problematic businesses, i.e. massage establishments, not because
they are currently a problem but to avoid the development of one in the future. She
explained that staff could explore ways to regulate whatever other businesses Council
believes are appropriate to consider.
Councilman Gardiner commented that he regards that as an entirely different subject,
saying that any business or entity the City licenses should be subject to the rules and
procedures of the City, and the City should have the authority to revoke their ability to
do business in the City if they violate those rules and procedures.
Mayor Pro Tern Long endorsed Councilman Gardiner's position, noting that he does not
view the issues as linked or the fortuity of two catering trucks being parked in a
particular location as necessarily being a catalyst for making such a broad change in
the City's code. He remarked that, while the two items should be kept on the same
agenda, he views them as totally separate items: how the City deals with the specific
problem a particular neighborhood has with catering trucks; and, more generally, does
the City want to implement a mechanism to enforce regulations of licensed businesses
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December 20, 2005
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by imposing a business permit procedure.
Mayor Wolowicz moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Long, to 1) Continue the item to
January 17, 2006 with direction to staff to return with a proposal to increase parking
fines similar to the City of Palos Verdes Estates and to tighten parking restrictions; and,
2) Direct staff to bring back the massage establishments ordinance at a future date.
Without objection, Mayor Wolowicz so ordered.
Letter to the Developer of the Ponte Vista Project regarding the Role and Function
of the Advisory Board (310)
Councilman Gardner moved to waive the staff report and approve staff's
recommendation.
Mayor Pro Tem Long seconded the motion for purposes of discussion, opining that it
would be much more appropriate to address a letter expressing the City's concerns to
Los Angeles Councilwoman Hahn with a courtesy copy to the developer; and that it
should be rephrased to illustrate the City's concern that a development within her
jurisdiction may not be obtaining public input in an optimal manner and specifying the
bases for those concerns. He contended that, faced with an analogous situation, he
would feel much more comfortable if a letter from another jurisdiction regarding a
developer within the City's jurisdiction were addressed to the Council as the appropriate
body to supervise the process of obtaining public input.
Councilman Gardiner commented that his interpretation of the letter was more as a
reprimand to the developer for placing one of the City's residents on an advisory board
then proceeding to ignore his input.
Councilman Clark agreed with both perspectives, saying that he believes two letters
would be appropriate, with one letter sent to Councilwoman Hahn indicating some of
the City's concerns about the project; that Council has taken action to appoint one of its
members as a project liaison; that the City would appreciate her engaging with that
liaison to the benefit of both jurisdictions; and that a separate letter be sent to the
developer indicating that the City does not appreciate his mischaracterization of the role
of its community members in relation to his project.
Councilman Gardiner remarked that Mayor Pro Tem Long's point is well taken and
agreed that the issues should be treated separately. He suggested sending a letter to
the City of Los Angeles indicating that Rancho Palos Verdes has designated a Council
liaison to work with them as the project moves forward and sending a separate letter to
the developer advising him that the City has received a complaint from a community
member serving on his project's advisory board.
Mayor Pro Tem Long commented that he does not view the letter reprimanding the
developer as particularly important, noting that Ken Dyda is quite capable of protecting
himself against being misused in any way. He stated that the more important issue is to
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communicate to the City of Los Angeles that Rancho Palos Verdes is greatly concerned
that the project advisory board appears to be functioning only as public relations tactic
rather than as a vehicle for frank and constructive discussion and resolution of project
issues.
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Long, to direct staff to
revise the draft letter to be sent to Los Angeles Councilwoman Hahn with a copy to the
Ponte Vista developer for the Mayor's signature.
Without objection, Mayor Wolowicz so ordered.
Potential Disaster Preparedness Action Items (401)
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to direct the Emergency
Preparedness Committee to review all the potential action item and select high - priority
items for staff to investigate further and prepare cost estimates for City Council
consideration during the next fiscal year's budget policy workshop.
Without objection, Mayor Wolowicz so ordered.
Mayor's Appointment of City Council Members to Intergovernmental
Organizations and Associations (306)
Assistant City Manager /City Clerk Petru noted that late correspondence had been
distributed to Council regarding this item.
Mayor Wolowicz referred to chart of Council assignments that he had asked to be
including in this evening's late correspondence, called the Council's attention to the fact
that the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and California
Contract Cities were currently without Council representation and requested his
colleagues' input regarding the proposed delegate list provided.
Councilman Gardiner suggested that it would be appropriate for Councilman Stern to
participate in these decisions.
Mayor Wolowicz agreed.
Councilman Clark requested his removal from the LAX Community Noise Round Table
and suggested that he remain on the Trump and Terranea Standing Committees, both
for continuity and given his role on the California Coastal Commission. He suggested
creating a Council subcommittee to work with staff on preparation of the next residential
trash hauling contract and an ad hoc committee to deal with succession planning for the
City Manager's position.
Councilman Gardiner volunteered for the Contract Cities opening. He recommended
putting together a subcommittee to address the next renewal of the Cox cable franchise
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December 20, 2005
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agreement, suggesting that it be folding into the RPV Channel 33 assignment which
would soon be winding down, allowing more time to be devoted to the franchise.
Mayor Pro Tern Long suggested creating an ad hoc committee to assist with health
insurance issues and renewed his request to be assigned a standing committee and
liaison assignment. He stated that, while he values and understands the issue of
maintaining continuity, he believes the idea of splitting the Terranea and Trump
Standing Committee assignments has some merit and requested an assignment to one
or the other. He also remarked it that would be a propitious time for him to resign his
position as School District Liaison.
Mayor Wolowicz stated that his inclination on Trump and Terrenea Standing
Committees is to leave them to the two delegates already assigned, noting that he
would be happy to include the Mayor Pro Tern if either Councilman Clark or Councilman
Stern elects to relinquish their position, but he agrees with Councilman Clark regarding
the issue of maintaining continuity. He suggested that Mayor Pro Tern Long might take
his place as liaison on the Crestwood /Seniors Project.
Mayor Pro Tern Long agreed.
Councilman Gardiner requested a rough estimate of how much each ad hoc and
standing liaison committee costs in staff time and other expenses on a yearly basis.
City Manager Evans estimated approximately $5,000.
Councilman Gardiner inquired if creating these new positions would require additional
funding or if current resources could simply be rerouted. He stated that Council could
very easily include a number of new things but, since only a limited amount can
realistically be accomplished, it would be more prudent to focus on the most pressing
and important issues.
Councilman Gardiner volunteered to work on Residential Trash/Waste Hauling ad hoc
committee.
Mayor Wolowicz assigned Councilman Stern to the succession planning committee and
noted for the record that the Council assignment to SCAG remained open.
By acclamation, this item was continued to January 17, 2006.
Membership on the Finance Advisory Committee and Planning Commission (106
x 602 x 1203)
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Long, to 1) Direct staff to
conduct a recruitment for the Finance Advisory Committee and the Planning
Commission in January 2006; and, 2) to conduct interviews during the 6:00 p.m. to 7:00
p.m. time frame before the February 7, 21 and March 7, 2006 City Council meetings.
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Without objection, Mayor Wolowicz so ordered.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS & SUGGESTION OF FUTURE
AGENDA ITEMS:
Mayor Pro Tern Long requested discussion of: 1) the charters for new Council ad hoc
committees and standing committees; and, 2) a resolution to the Regional Law
Enforcement Committee regarding sharing the cost of a new traffic deputy.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Lynch reported that Council members Long and Stern were not present
during the Closed Session; that no action was taken on either item dealing with
Conferences With Real Property Negotiators; and, that there was a 3 -0 approval of the
proposed settlement agreement regarding the Ho litigation with that matter to be
disclosed after all parties have finally approved the settlement.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Wolowicz adjourned the meeting at 12:40 a.m.
Attest:
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