CC MINS 20041103 ADJMINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 3, 2004
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Gardiner at Fred Hesse
Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, and was immediately recessed to
closed session. At 7:00 P.M., the meeting was reconvened for regular session.
Roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Clark, Long, Stern, Wolowicz, Mayor Gardiner
ABSENT: None
Also present were City Manager Les Evans; Assistant City Manager Petru; Assistant
City Attorney Lynch; Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Joel Rojas;
Director of Public Works Dean Allison; Finance Director McLean; City
Clerk/Administrative Services Director Jo Purcell; and Recording Secretary Denise
Bothe.
FLAG SALUTE
The flag salute was led by Mayor pro tem Clark.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
RECYCLE DRAWING
Mayor Gardiner announced the names of the two recycler winners for the first Council
meeting in October: Linda Mendelson and Anita Gash, both of these residents will
receive a check for $250, which represents a year of free refuse service.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilman Stern stated that Council had briefly discussed in the closed session which
preceded the meeting Agenda Item No. 14, Approval of Hon Purchase Agreement, and
he suggested that Council recess into closed session again to resume that discussion,
possibly recessing just before regular New Business.
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to approve the Agenda as
amended. Without objection, Mayor Gardiner so ordered.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, referred to Page 6 of the Agenda, stating that this is
the first time the Agenda has reflected the City Attorney will be presenting to Council a
status report on existing litigation. She mentioned that Mike Childs had informed her
that the City was suing him over his property; stated that she is opposed to the City
using her tax dollars to litigate against Mr. Childs; and noted that that purported litigation
is not listed on agenda.
Mayor pro tem Clark highlighted the elections that took place on November 2 and he
stated he was pleased to announce that Proposition No. 1A, protection of local
government revenues, was overwhelmingly approved.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
None.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Gardiner reminded the residents that old business is routinely posted on the
City's website.
NEW BUSINESS:
City Clerk Purcell advised that Councilman Wolowicz had submitted a late change to
the Minutes of September 21, 2004, top of Page 29, insert after the "Noes" section:
"Councilman Wolowicz stated he approved the plan, but would like to see included in it
the traffic enforcement element."
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor pro tem Clark moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to approve the Consent
Calendar as amended. This motion was then withdrawn.
Councilman Wolowicz asked that Agenda Item No. 6, Sidewalk Maintenance Contract,
be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
Motion to Waive Full Reading.
Adopted a motion to waive reading in full of all ordinances presented at this meeting
with consent of the waiver of reading deemed to be given by all Council Members after
the reading of the title.
Approval of the Minutes. (301)
Approved the Minutes of the September 7th Regular Meeting; amended September
21st Regular Meeting, October 16th Adjourned Regular Meeting; and October 19th
Adjourned Regular Meeting.
City Council Minutes
November 3, 2004
Page 2 of 15
Professional Engineering Services for the FY 04 -05, 05 -06 Overlay and Slurry Seal
Programs. (1404 x 1204)
(1) Awarded a Professional Services Agreement to Willdan Associates, Inc., in an
amount of $ 50,776 and authorized staff to spend an additional $5,078, for a total
authorization of $55,854 for the design services for the FY 04 -05 and 05 -06 Overlay and
Slurry Seal Programs; and, (2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a
Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Associates, Inc.
Border Issues Status Report. (310)
Ordered received and filed the status report on border issues.
Treasurer's Report — September 2004. (602)
Ordered received and filed the Treasurer's Report for the month of September 2004.
Resol. No. 2004 -93: Register of Demands.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2004 -93, 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 Long moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to approve the Consent
Calendar as amended, removing Item No. 6. Motion carried as follows:
AYES:
Clark, Long, Stern, Wolowicz, Mayor Gardiner
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
ABSENT:
None
REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR:
Sidewalk Maintenance Contract. (1405 x 1204)
The staff report of November 3, 2004 recommended that Council (1) Award a three -
yon,ar contract for sidewalk maintenance services to Central Coast Surface Grinding,
Inc., and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a contract; and, (2) Authorize
the award of the contract even though it is likely to exceed the $10,000 limit of the
informal bid process.
Councilman Wolowicz advised that several neighbors have approached him over the
last,few months asking questions about the City's process for selecting which sidewalks
would be repaired and he requested that Director Allison provide the audience
�"nformation on this process. He asked that the City's website include a description of
City Council Minutes
November 3, 2004
Page 3 of 15
this process.
Director Allison stated that this year approximately 2,000 pieces of sidewalk would be
repaired; noting that on -going repair of the sidewalks is necessary for the safety of the
City's residents and prevention of possible liability issues. He advised there are two
ways to discover a problem with City sidewalks: residents calling in to advise of a
situation or the City's on -going and proactive sidewalk maintenance plan. Director
Allison explained that if there were a minor sidewalk displacement, the City would pay to
have the area ground down to a safe level. He noted, however, that if a sidewalk has a
major displacement, the 4' x 8' panel will be replaced with a new panel and the property
owner will have to pay for that up to a maximum of $500. He advised that the
approximate cost of replacing a sidewalk panel is $375.
Councilman Long advised that the most common complaints he receives from residents
in his neighborhood is the extensive grinding down of the sidewalks and noted that the
homeowners have expressed a preference that they be given the choice to have these
panels ground or replaced when appropriate. He noted his support for offering this
option to the City's residents.
Director Allison stated that providing that option is currently not done, but that staff could
advise the residents of the two options for sidewalk repair or replacement.
Councilman Wolowicz asked that the residents be provided the option, but that staff
also advise the residents of the associated fees.
Councilman Wolowicz moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to approve staff
recommendation; moved that this information and options be placed on the City's
website; and that the residents be informed of the City's expenses versus that of the
residents'. Motion carried as follows:
AYES:
Clark, Long, Stern, Wolowicz, Mayor Gardiner
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
ABSENT:
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Appeal of a Grading Permit (Case No. ZON 2003 - 00088) for property located at
491/4 Rockinghorse Road. (Continued hearing from August 17th Meeting.) (1801 x
1203)
Director Rojas announced that the applicant/appellant needed more time to present this
case and, therefore, was requesting a continuance. He stated staff is recommending to
continue this matter to February 1, 2005.
As a general policy, Councilman Stern stated that the City should never table an item,
that continuing an item is the appropriate action. He explained that tabling an item
City Council Minutes
November 3, 2004
Page 4 of 15
could have the effect of killing an item without it ever being addressed by Council.
Councilman Long questioned if anyone has expressed any opposition or concern about
the proposed continuance. Director Rojas stated that no opposition had been received.
Councilman Wolowicz moved, seconded by Councilman Long, to continue this matter to
the February 1, 2005 meeting. Without objection, Mayor Gardiner so ordered.
ORDINANCE NO. 414, RESOL. NO. 2004-94: NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY
CODE AMENDMENT (Continued from October 19.) (1203)
Mayor Gardiner opened the public hearing. There being no input, Mayor Gardiner
closed the public hearing.
The staff report of November 3, 2004, recommended that Council (1) INTRODUCE
ORDINANCE NO. 4141 A CITY - INITIATED PROPOSAL TO AMEND TITLE 17 OF THE
CITY'S MUNICIPAL CODE, CLARIFYING THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY
TRIGGERS AND ESTABLISHING SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS TO THE
NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY REQUIREMENT; and, (2) ADOPT RESOLUTION
NO. 2004 -94, AMENDING THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY HANDBOOK TO
MAKE THE LANGUAGE CONSISTENT WITH THE PROPOSED CODE
AMENDMENTS.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to approve staff
recommendation. Motion carried as follows:
AYES:
Clark, Long, Stern, Wolowicz, Mayor Gardiner
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
ABSENT:
None
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Councilman Wolowicz advised that he attended the following events:
• October 20th, attended the Annual South Bay Economic Partnership meeting to
discuss South Bay's economic forecast;
• October 21St, attended the Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce mixer at Bistro
767;
• October 24th, attended Upper Basswood Homeowner's Association Block Party,
during which time he had an opportunity to listen to residents' comments and
concerns. He added that the speed humps in this area have settled and that the
speed humps have lost their effectiveness as a result of that settling; and noted
that other residents are seeking to have speed humps installed on their streets in
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November 3, 2004
Page 5 of 15
this neighborhood. He highlighted the importance of attending these informative
association meetings;
• October 28th, advised that there were a number of RPV residents who attended
the dedication ceremony for the Torrance Memorial Medical Center West Tower;
and
• October 30th, along with Mayor Gardiner, attended the Mediterranean
Homeowner's Association Block Party.
Councilman Wolowicz stated that he was saddened to hear about the recent passing of
one of his neighbors, Jeffrey Cumbragh, a 28 -year resident of RPV.
Mayor pro tem Clark stated that he was in Washington, D.C., on business between the
last meeting and this week; advised that he had the opportunity to visit the new National
WWII Memorial; and he encouraged everyone to visit this new memorial should they get
the opportunity. He stated that the memorial is an excellent and moving tribute to those
who died while serving this country. He mentioned that not far from the new National
WWII Memorial are the Korean War Memorial and the Viet Nam Memorial, once again
encouraging everyone to visit these moving memorials.
Councilman Stern stated that he had participated in the weekly telephonic conference
calls regarding the land and open space acquisitions, noting that this matter is on
tonight's agenda for consideration.
Mayor Gardiner advised that he attended the Mediterranean Homeowner's Association
event; and he thanked the Fire Department personnel for bringing the fire truck, noting
that the children had a lot of fun.
Mayor pro tem Clark mentioned that he, Mayor Gardiner and City Manager Evans met
to discuss the scope of the Traffic Committee's work, noting that this item is on this
evening's agenda for consideration.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE
Mayor Gardiner recessed the meeting to a closed session at 7:40 P.M. and reconvened
the meeting at 8:16 P.M.
City Attorney Lynch advised that before the meeting convened, Council met briefly in
closed session to discuss the litigation as listed on the agenda and that no action had
been taken on those matters. She advised that a status report had been given and that
some questions were answered. City Attorney Lynch stated that Council had briefly
discussed in closed session the price and terms of payment for the real property
acquisition as listed on the agenda for Portuguese Bend and Aqua Amarga Canyon;
and that Council returned to closed session during break to again discuss that issue.
She advised that no action was taken and that Council is now back in open session.
City Council Minutes
November 3, 2004
Page 6 of 15
REGULAR NEW BUSINESS:
Resol. No. 2004 -95: Approval of Hon Purchase Agreement. (1101 X 1203)
The November 3, 2004, staff report recommended that Council (1) Approve the
agreement to purchase approximately 39 acres of land in Agua Amarga Canyon and
approximately 424 acres of land within the Portuguese Bend Area of the City from Palos
Verdes Portuguese Bend, LLC. (2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2004 -95, AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 2004 -45, THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FY 04 -05, TO
INCREASE THE ENVIRONMENTAL EXCISE TAX (EET) BUDGET.
Councilman Stern commended everyone involved in this long and difficult process,
giving special thanks to Barbara Dye, Michael Kilroy, Bill Swank, other representatives
of the Land Conservancy, Joel Rojas, Les Evans, and Carol Lynch and other staff
members who have done a superb job of working on this exceedingly complex
transaction. He noted that he participated in numerous telephonic conference calls and
expressed his pleasure in the good teamwork by all involved.
Mayor pro tem Clark echoed Councilman Stern's praises and added that this is a
milestone and an historic initiative by the City that spans several City Councils, which
predates this Council by four, an initiative to potentially preserve the quality of life and
the semi -rural open space nature of this City and peninsula for generations to come.
He added that this acquisition agreement with one of the major property owners is
another major milestone that has enabled RPV to see this vision come to reality.
Councilman Long stated that this is one of the finest proposals he had ever put before
him; commended everyone involved for the high quality of work that was undertaken to
bring this process to this stage; and explained that this is an opportunity to lock up the
reserve for a period of time which, in all likelihood, the City will be able to piece together
the funding and help to complete this arrangement. He explained that should this deal
not go through and the City not be able to have the majority of land set aside due to any
reason -- such as not being able to obtain the necessary funding -- at a minimum, in
exchange for the commitment that has been made, this City would end up losing
$50,000 but gaining approximately 3 acres of land, which currently has an appraised
value of $100,000 -- pointing out that the City would still be ahead financially.
Barbara Dye stated that on behalf of the Land Conservancy and herself, it has been a
pleasure working with staff in putting this agreement together, and she noted her
commitment to making the reserve a reality.
Jim Knight noted that this was a momentous occasion and an ideal situation where
there is a willing seller; and explained that the major funding will come from a state
measure that was passed by the voters of California for the specific purpose of
acquiring open space. He expressed his desire that the City and the property owner to
the west of the reserve come to an agreement in the same regard. He thanked and
commended everyone involved in this long process.
City Council Minutes
November 3, 2004
Page 7 of 15
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Clark, to approve staff
recommendation.
Councilman Long stated that he was disappointed in continuing to hear inaccurate
comments related to this acquisition; and highlighted some of these inaccuracies: 1)
using the funds will make sufficient funds unavailable for recreational needs — pointing
out that this is not true; that these grant funds are dedicated only for the acquisition of
open space; 2) pushing for the NCCP will tie up lands needed for recreational needs --
also not true; advised that no one has identified any portion of the existing proposed
dedication of land to the NCCP that is suitable for recreational fields; and 3) that
somehow putting through the NCCP will deny public access to land by cutting off trails --
also not true. He expressed his hope that the people who are promulgating this
misleading information throughout the community will take the time to become better
informed; and that they will involve themselves in the on -going process, which will
include establishing the terms and conditions of public access as the City goes forward
with establishing the reserve. He noted that in supporting this proposal /acquisition and
the NCCP, he is not supporting any of the things that people criticize because those are
not truly associated with the NCCP.
Mayor Gardiner asked that this clarification be placed on the City's website under
Frequently Asked Questions, dispelling some of the misinformation on this acquisition,
and to include information regarding the financial impact of this purchase.
Councilman Wolowicz complimented everyone involved in this process; and
complimented staff on taking the steps necessary to meet the deadlines for this
acquisition.
Motion carried as follows:
AYES:
Clark, Long, Stern,
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
ABSENT:
None
Wolowicz, Mayor Gardiner
Appointment of Member to the Traffic Committee. (106 X 1502)
City Manager Evans stated that last week he, Mayor Gardiner and Mayor pro tem Clark
discussed the possibility of reformatting the Traffic Committee's scope of work;
discussed whether the Traffic Committee, as presently chartered, has adequate
authority and resources to address one of Council's tactical roles, which is to develop a
citywide neighborhood traffic calming plan and to address parking issues. He explained
that they discussed whether the Traffic Committee's scope of work was too narrow and
whether it could be more effective if the scope was broadened and whether it had the
tools needed to effectively do its job. He advised that the conclusion among the three of
them was that there would be a better way for the Traffic Committee to do its work. He
noted that at the last meeting, Council requested that an ad hoc committee be formed to
City Council Minutes
November 3, 2004
Page 8 of 15
discuss the possibility of developing a new charter for the Traffic Committee; he advised
that he had provided a draft copy of this new charter to Mayor Gardiner and Mayor pro
tem Clark; and advised that following receipt of their comments on this draft, he would
be bringing a report to the full Council for discussion.
Mayor Gardiner stated that the draft fully reflected the conversations of the ad hoc
committee and noted his belief that it was ready to be brought to full Council for
consideration at the next meeting.
Councilman Long stated that he had requested consideration be given to making the
Traffic Committee a Commission.
Mayor Gardiner noted for Councilman Long that his suggestion regarding the Traffic
Committee becoming a Commission had been addressed in the documents that will be
presented to Council.
Councilman Stern complimented Mayor Gardiner, Mayor pro tem Clark and City
Manager Evans on addressing this matter in a very timely manner; and expressed his
belief that appointment to this body should be continued to a future meeting wherein the
ad hoc committee's item is considered.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Long, to delay the appointment to
the Traffic Committee until the City Manager presents a revised Traffic Committee
charter to City Council for consideration. Without objection, Mayor Gardiner so ordered.
Approval of Agreement with View Restoration Mediator. (1806)
Director Rojas presented staff report and the recommendation to (1) Authorize the City
Manager to execute an agreement with Ms. Coleen Berg for professional mediation
services not to exceed $14,000 annually for the View Restoration Pre - application
process; and, (2) Discontinue use of the existing volunteer mediators (former View
Restoration Commissioners). He noted that the City saves approximately $3,000 to
$4,000 per application with this process.
Coleen Berg explained that she had been successful in her mediator role because she
has been trained to take notice of various things going on in negotiations, such as body
language, taking into account personal issues and acknowledging the history of each
particular case. She stated that all those issues must be acknowledged and dealt with
in order to have a successful resolution. She stated that professional mediators are
specifically trained to communicate with people and to see between the lines. Ms. Berg
expressed her belief that the use of a professional mediator has a positive effect on
cases because those involved come to the meeting with a bit more respect for the
process.
Councilman Stern stated that he was pleased with the negotiated rate and Ms. Berg's
success in mediating the City's cases; and noted that the best thing the City can do is
solve these problems in an efficient and inexpensive manner.
City Council Minutes
November 3, 2004
Page 9 of 15
On behalf of the City and the seven cases mediated thus far, Mayor Gardiner thanked
Ms. Berg for her work.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Wolowicz, to approve staff
recommendation. Motion carried as follows:
AYES:
Clark, Long, Stern, Wolowicz, Mayor Gardiner
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
ABSENT:
None
Forrestal Management Plan. (1201)
The November 3, 2004 staff report recommended that Council select a date to conduct
a public hearing to review and approve the proposed amendments to the Forrestal
Management Plan.
Barbara Dye briefly commented on the multiple meetings and workshops; thanked
those community members who worked very hard on this plan; and stated that on this
date, the final revised trails plan had been approved by the committee.
City Manager Evans stated that a Council field trip would be scheduled so that the
members can familiarize themselves with the area.
Ms. Dye expressed her belief that Council and the public could get a good sense of the
area by walking down Forrestal Drive and Intrepid, noting that the walk should take no
longer than a half hour. She advised that the current plan included every trail; and
stated that the main issues that still need to be resolved are which trails should be
equestrian and how much bicycle use there should be. She reiterated that the routes
are not a conflict at this point, but that it is mostly the uses that are in question.
Councilman Long briefly noted the conflict with major issues and compatibility with
some of the trails for joint use, in particular, compatibility of certain trails for joint use
with mountain bikers and pedestrians; and he stated that safety for all is a major
concern. He stated that he would like to receive at some point expert opinions as to the
suitability of certain trails for joint use and how to address any issues or concerns that
may come up regarding joint use.
Ms. Dye noted that a trails workshop had been conducted wherein experts from other
jurisdictions were brought in to talk about multi -use trails. She added that this meeting
was very informative and mentioned that it was also televised.
Mayor Gardiner questioned what percentage of the overall trail system is in dispute.
In response to Mayor Gardiner's inquiry, Ms. Dye explained that the controversial issue
is which trails will be proposed for bicycle usage.
City Council Minutes
November 3, 2004
Page 10 of 15
Mayor Gardiner expressed his preference to have an expert advise Council on the
suitability of multi -use trails and bicycle usage.
Ms. Dye mentioned that there is no standard for trail usage, that it is more a preference
on the City's part.
Councilman Long asked that the report include the rationale for whatever decisions are
being recommended.
Council selected December 4, 2004, as the date to conduct a public hearing to review
and approve the proposed amendments to the Forrestal Management Plan. Council
agreed to meet at Ladera Linda Park at 10:00 A.M. to tour some of the trails, with a
meeting following at 11:00 A.M. in the Ladera Linda Community Room.
Resol. No. 2004 -96: Grant Application for Girls' Softball Fields at Upper Hesse
Park. (1201)
Assistant City Manager Petru presented staff the November 3 staff report and the
recommendation to ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2004 -96, APPROVING THE
APPLICATION FOR FUNDS FROM THE CALIFORNIA STATE URBAN PARKS AND
HEALTH COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TWO
GIRLS' SOFTBALL FIELDS AT UPPER HESSE PARK.
Councilman Wolowicz noted that Page 2 reflected that the grant required a one -third
match of the total awarded grant amount, but stated that it should reflect a one - fourth
match.
Assistant City Manager Petru stated that it was true both ways; explained that the match
the City is requesting would be one - fourth percent of the total project cost, but one -third
of the grant request; and pointed out that the numerical number in staff report is correct.
She indicated that although both Ryan Park and Upper Hesse Park are currently
proposed for girls' softball, staff prepared the grant application only for Upper Hesse
Park because this site had the fewest development issues associated with it. She
added that it is a policy issue for Council to decide whether it wants to provide more
than just the two fields at Upper Hesse Park that are part of this specific application.
Councilman Wolowicz expressed his desire for the state to understand that this City is
committed to providing more girls' softball fields than just those at Hesse Park,
questioning whether this would cast the City in a better position for receiving the grant
funding.
Assistant City Manager Petru advised that there was nothing specific in the grant criteria
that staff saw which would gain the City more points for proposing an additional
commitment.
City Council Minutes
November 3, 2004
Page 11 of 15
Councilman Wolowicz encouraged staff to continue to search for various grants the City
can use for the benefit of its residents and thanked staff for finding this grant.
Mayor pro tem Clark asked who discovered this grant source.
Assistant City Manager Petru credited Erin LeMonte with prompting staff to apply for
this grant. She explained that staff has kept an eye on state grants for a couple years
now, but that up until this point, the City had no project that would qualify for the grants.
Ms. LeMonte's inquiry caused staff to reexamine the status of the girls' softball project
and determine that it was probably far enough along to warrant the grant application.
Mayor pro tem Clark asked that Council express in writing its appreciation for Ms.
LeMonte's role in identifying this potential grant. He highlighted the importance of
searching for creative financing.
Councilman Long stated that he would place increased emphasis in the introductory
portion of the application that RPV is a community wherein its athletic fields were
designed at a time when girls' athletics was a very low priority and that now, existing
fields are pretty much entirely designed for boys athletics and that the City is doing its
part in addressing that sort of discrimination. He added that it should reflect there is not
a level playing field right now and that the City is trying to create a level playing field.
Councilman Wolowicz moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to approve staff
recommendation; moved to send a letter of appreciation to Ms. LeMonte for her role in
finding this grant; and moved to modify the application to reflect that the City's current
sports facilities are not designed for girls' softball. Without objection, Mayor Gardiner so
ordered.
Consider the Scheduling of Future Agenda Items. (1101)
Mayor Gardiner stated that the purpose for this item was to help City Manager Evans
decide the sense of urgency for putting various items on the agenda. He pointed out
that some of the listed items in the staff report could be routed to other bodies for initial
work.
Councilman Stern noted his preference that City Council candidates be required to post
their financial disclosure statements on the City's website and asked that this be added
to the list.
City Manager Evans stated that staff is seeking direction on which items Council would
choose to tackle first.
Councilman Long ranked his preference in the following order:
Medium -- Hear Chamber Presentation for Promoting Business
Medium -- Consider an Economic Development Strategy
Medium -- Develop a Plan for Protection of City Property /Rights of Way
City Council Minutes
November 3, 2004
Page 12 of 15
Low -- Consider Forming a Peninsula Cities Development Code Committee
Low -- Consider Re- establishing the View Restoration Commission
High -- Consider Establishing a Board of Administrative Appeals
High -- Consider an Automatic Emergency Phone Dialing System
High -- Consider a Feasibility Study for Wireless Internet
Low -- Consider No Smoking Ordinance for Beach Areas
Low -- Consider a Policy for Awarding and Presenting Proclamations
Councilman Wolowicz suggested that each
priority and that they forward their lists to
returned to Council at a future meeting.
Council Member rate the items in order of
City Manager Evans for compilation and
City Attorney Lynch stated that the compiled lists would be brought back at another
meeting.
Councilman Wolowicz questioned bringing back old items and questioned what
timetable the old items will be placed.
Councilman Long suggested that Council rank "high" those items they wish to address
in this next quarter, "medium" in the next year, and "low" when time permits.
Mayor Gardiner suggested forwarding "Hear Chamber Presentation for Promoting
Business" and "Consider an Economic Development Strategy" to the Finance Advisory
Committee (FAC); suggested forwarding "Consider an Automatic Emergency Phone
Dialing System" to the Emergency Preparedness Committee for consideration; and that
he, Mayor pro tem Clark and City Manager Evans work on prioritizing the rest of the
items.
Councilman Long moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to adopt staff
recommendations on Page 2; to leave out the item which says "no recommendation
that the first two items be referred to FAC, subject to the same timing; to add to the list
that City Council candidates be required to post their financial disclosure statements on
the City's website; that each Council member forward a prioritization list to City Manager
Evans for compilation as expeditiously as possible; that at a future meeting, the tally
sheet will be brought back to Council for consideration; to direct staff to prepare a
preliminary feasibility study for wireless internet; and that the priority rankings be as
follows: "high" to be considered within the next quarter, "medium" to be considered
within a year, and "low" to be considered whenever it gets done. Without objection,
Mayor Gardiner so ordered.
City Manager Evans stated that he would compile a super list for Council's review and
input and that this matter will be placed on a future agenda when input from Council
Members has been received and compiled.
Agenda Format and Procedures Issues. (307)
Because of the upcoming Mayor's rotation process, Mayor Gardiner suggested that this
City Council Minutes
November 3, 2004
Page 13 of 15
matter be continued until that time, pointing out that the new Mayor may wish to tinker
with the format/procedures.
With regard to Circle Page 16, Councilman Long expressed his belief that the rules
should not be casually suspended by a majority vote.
Councilman Stern suggested Council adopt the modified rules on Circle Page 12.
City Attorney Lynch explained that the highlighted wording on Circle Page 12 should be
deleted because it has the potential of violating a person's rights and expressed her
belief that a case would not stand under judicial decision. She stated that if a person
repeatedly disrupts a meeting, the meeting should be recessed, the person is asked to
cease, and leave and /or a sergeant in arms remove that person from the venue. With
regard to the bottom of Circle Page 13, she explained that state law now requires
resolutions have to be adopted with a minimum of three Council votes. She briefly
highlighted the change on Circle Page 14, waiving staff reports, and Circle Page 7,
altering Council scheduling of regular meetings due to certain elections.
Councilman Wolowicz suggested adding the word "federal" or "national."
Councilman Long stated that he votes in all elections when he is permitted; and noted
that because he is usually not able to vote in the mornings and is not amenable to
absentee ballots, he would have to miss part of a meeting in order to vote after he gets
off wo rk.
Councilman Stern suggested that the matter concerning voting and meetings be
considered at a future meeting.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Long, to adopt modified Rule Nos.
6.2, 6.3 and 7.4 and that this matter be placed on an Agenda when a new Mayor is
seated. Without objection, Mayor Gardiner so ordered.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS & SUGGESTION OF FUTURE
AGENDA ITEMS:
None.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
No action taken.
City Council Minutes
November 3, 2004
Page 14 of 15
ADJOURNMENT:
At 10:00 P.M., Council meeting adjourned to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 13 for a
site visit at 28531 Palos Verdes Drive East and 1 Bronco Drive regarding the matter of
view restoration. Motion made by Councilman Stern.
Attest:
City Clerk
WA2004 City Council Minutes \11032004 CC MINS.doc
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Mayor
City Council Minutes
November 3, 2004
Page 15 of 15