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CC MINS 20030107MINUTES RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 7, 2003 The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Stern at Fred Hesse Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, and was immediately recessed to a closed session per the Brown Act Checklist. At 7:11 P.M., the meeting was reconvened. Roll call was answered as follows: PRESENT: Clark, Ferraro, Gardiner, McTaggart and Mayor Stern ABSENT: None Also present were City Manager Les Evans; Assistant City Manager Carolynn Petru; City Attorney Carol Lynch; Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Joel Rojas; Director of Public Works Dean Allison; Senior Planner Kit Fox; Senior Engineer Nicole Jules; Administrative Analyst Matt Waters; City Clerk/Administrative Services Director Jo Purcell; and Recording Secretary Bothe. Director McLean led the Salute to the Flag. RECYCLE DRAWING Mayor Stern announced the December recycle winner, John Long, who will receive a check for $250, which represents a year of free refuse service. He encouraged everyone to recycle. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to approve the Agenda as submitted. Without objection, Mayor Stern so ordered. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR: City Clerk Purcell advised that Consent Calendar Item No. 2, Claim against the City by Henry Martinez, would be removed and brought back at a later date. 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 Councilmembers after the reading of the title. City Council Meeting January 7, 2003 Page 1 of 13 November 2002 Treasurer's Report. (602) Received and filed. Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for FY 2001 -2002. (602) Received and filed the following: (1) the FY 2001 -2002 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, and (2) Independent Auditors' Report on Compliance and on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. ORDINANCE NO. 386: Disbanding the View Restoration Commission. (1806) ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 386, FORMALLY DISBANDING THE VIEW RESTORATION COMMISSION AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE TO TRANSFER ITS WORKLOAD AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION. (This ordinance was introduced at the December 17tH meeting.) ORDINANCE NO. 387: Establishing Disclosure Requirements For Geological Conditions. (1203) ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 387, ESTABLISHING DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN CONNECTION WITH APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS. (This ordinance was introduced at the December 17th meeting.) Resol. No. 2003 -01: Register of Demands. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003 -011 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 McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to approve the Consent Calendar as amended. The motion to approve the Consent Calendar carried as reflected by the following roll call vote: AYES: Clark, Ferraro, Gardiner, McTaggart and Mayor Stern NOES: None # # # # # # # # # # # REGULAR BUSINESS: Appointment of Chairs for the Planning Commission, Traffic Committee, Financial Advisory Committee and the Equestrian Committee. (106) City Clerk Purcell briefly presented staff report and the recommendation to appoint a Chair to each of these advisory boards for the year 2003. It was the consensus of the City Council to continue the appointment of the Chairman for the Finance Advisory Committee and the Equestrian Committee to the next meeting, allowing additional time to conduct interviews for those two positions. City Council Meeting January 7, 2003 Page 2 of 13 Councilman Clark nominated, seconded by Councilman McTaggart, Tom Long to serve as the Chairman of the Planning Commission. There being no objection, Tom Long was appointed as the Chairman of the Planning Commission. Councilman MCTaggart nominated, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, Barry Hildebrand to serve as the Chairman of the Traffic Commission. There being no objection, Barry Hildebrand was appointed as the Chairman of the Traffic Committee. Resol. No. 2003 -02: Traffic Calming on Via Rivera: Enforced Speed Display Boards - Pilot Program. (1502) Senior Engineer Jules presented staff report and the recommendation to (1) Approve the implementation of the Enforced. Speed Display Board Pilot Program along Via Rivera between Rue de la Pierre and Via Del Mar; (2) Authorize the expenditure of $17,530 for implementation of the Enforced Speed Display Board Pilot Program along Via Rivera between Rue de la Pierre and Via Del Mar; (3) ADOPT RESOL. NO. 2003 — 02, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING RESOL. NO. 2002 -45, THE BUDGET RESOLUTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002 -2003, FOR A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO THE CITY'S GENERAL FUND AND GAS TAX FUND. Senior Engineer Jules noted for Councilman Gardiner that no grant opportunities have been identified at this point as possible resources for this program and stated that staff will continue to investigate potential grant funding. Lieutenant Herrera explained that the random enforcement will be implemented at various peak hours of the day; that the officers will alter their checkpoints; and stated that radar technology will be used to cite the speeding motorists. City Attorney Lynch advised that the 25- mile - per -hour speed limit for the school zone extends 500 feet from the boundary of the school property. City Manager Evans stated that the City receives a large percentage of the traffic fines that are collected for this City. Mayor Stern commented on the possibility of utilizing those traffic fines to help fund the program for additional enforcement. Councilman Clark stated that he would support significantly increasing the traffic fines in the school zones. James Sweeney, 30903 Via Rivera, noted his support for speed humps; and commented on the success of the speed humps in slowing traffic down on Basswood. Ken Denzel, 30802 Via Rivera, urged the City Council to approve the installation of the speed humps. City Council Meeting January 7, 2003 Page 3 of 13 Director Allison explained that staff will gather the data results from the enforcement activities and provide those statistics to the City Council on a periodic basis; and stated that the random enforcement activities will be appropriately adjusted to target speeding motorists within this area. Kathy Anderson, 30219 Via Rivera, suggested that the residents be provided notices of the plans to enforce the speed limit in this area; and stated that the school should hand out notices to the students so that the parents will be advised of the speed monitoring efforts that are planned. She stated that it would be helpful to remind the public of the importance of adhering to the speed laws. Director Allison stated that staff will work with the schools and the school board to publicize the enforcement efforts to reduce the speeding in the school zones and that staff will encourage the schools to send letters home to the parents that will address the speeding problems and the City's efforts to get motorists to obey the speed laws. The City Council requested that staff provide periodic progress reports on the enforcement activities. Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to (1) Approve the implementation of the Enforced Speed Display Board Pilot Program along Via Rivera between Rue de la Pierre and Via Del Mar; (2) Authorize the expenditure of $17,530 for implementation of the Enforced Speed Display Board Pilot Program along Via Rivera between Rue de la Pierre and Via Del Mar; (3) ADOPT RESOL. NO. 2003 -02, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING RESOL. NO. 2002 -45, THE BUDGET RESOLUTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002 -2003, FOR A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO THE CITY'S GENERAL FUND AND GAS TAX FUND; and moved that the City Council be provided periodic progress reports on these enforcement activities. The motion to approve carried as reflected by the following roll call vote: AYES: Clark, Ferraro, Gardiner, McTaggart and Mayor Stern NOES: None First System Performance Audit of 2000 Cable Television Franchise Agreement with Cox Communications. (605 x 1101) Assistant City Manager Petru presented the staff report and the recommendation to provide staff and Cox Communications with feedback regarding the first scheduled system performance audit of the 2000 Cable Television Franchise Agreement. Councilman Gardiner questioned if Cox had surveyed its prior customers to determine why they discontinued service. He suggested that consideration be given to bringing back live camera operators for the City Council meetings; and suggested that staff investigate the use of cameras that can be routinely disconnected from a retractable arm and stored in a secure room when not in use. Assistant City Manager Petru expressed her belief that the survey conducted by Cox was based on customer requests for service and included both current and former City Council Meeting January 7, 2003 Page 4 of 13 subscribers. Councilman Clark questioned the appropriateness of the 10 -year franchise renewal agreement. Assistant City Manager Petru, in response to Councilman Clark's inquiry, explained that the 10 -year franchise renewal agreement was given due to the tremendous infrastructure investment that the cable company must expend to upgrade its network to provide digital services in the City; and advised that this term of agreement is consistent with other municipalities. Councilman Clark requested that Cox conduct various live demonstrations for the placement/angles of the cameras. He questioned whether Cox can provide justification for its rate increases. In response to Councilman Clark's inquiry regarding rate increases, Ms. Petru explained that there are certain cable rate benchmarks that are established by the FCC; advised that cable companies must work within those benchmarks; and advised that the rate increases for Cox programming are below the FCC's established benchmark. Mayor pro tem Ferraro indicated her concerns that the customer call center is now located in San Diego and questioned if Cox will be able to adequately handle the calls from its customers in RPV. She noted that there are mechanisms available to raise and lower cameras. Mayor Stern stated that on a prior occasion he was not able to view a City program on Channel 3 due to what Cox indicated was a computer failure; and stated that it would be helpful to the residents of RPV for Cox to put in place a special monitoring system to address in a timely manner the residents' calls when they have problems with their cable programming. Councilman McTaggart requested input concerning why Channels 17, 18, 19 and 20 are routinely fuzzy in his home, expressing his belief that it is an internal problem on Cox's end. Jim Leach, Vice - President of Government Affairs for Cox Communications advised that Cox provides a centralized customer call center that serves the areas north of San Diego and south of Santa Barbara; and explained for Councilman McTaggart that signals can be improved if residents maintain a tight connection among all of the television components, including VCR's, DVD's, etc. He stated that he is not aware of any internal problems with those channels cited by Councilman McTaggart. Councilman Gardiner questioned whether Cox conducts exit interviews when a customer stops cable service. Mr. Leach noted for Councilman Gardiner that when a customer calls to disconnect services, that customer is asked why they are stopping service; and advised that the largest percentage of those customers who disconnect cable service are going to an City Council Meeting January 7, 2003 Page 5 of 13 alternative service, such as satellite providers. He added that Cox does conduct sample surveys for current customers, former customers and potential customers; and he stated that the survey results reflect high customer satisfaction. Councilman Clark expressed his belief that Cox may not be able to provide timely and adequate service to RPV residents due to distance of the San Diego customer call center facility; and he requested that staff obtain periodic information from Cox that monitors this service to the residents in order to assure that the residents are well served. Mr. Leach advised that Cox monitors all its statistics on a weekly basis in order to assure adherence to its customer service standards and stated that the San Diego facility is well staffed to monitor customer service requirements. He highlighted the importance to satisfy customer needs in this competitive market. City Manager Evans commented on his numerous interactions with Mr. Leach and noted his belief that Mr. Leach will make sure that all complaints are immediately addressed and solved. Mayor Stern urged Cox to have a backup plan to address the residents' calls about missed broadcasts in a timely fashion, stating that a technician should be locally available to manually handle a computer failure. Recess And Reconvene: Mayor Stern recessed the meeting at 8:40 P.M. and reconvened the meeting at 8:50 P.M. (Mayor pro tem Ferraro departed the meeting during the break.) City Council Reports Councilman Clark stated that he and Mayor Stern attended the Ocean Trails subcommittee meeting that morning; commented on the progress of the landslide repairs; and noted that some work time was lost due to the recent rainy weather. He advised that no storm drain activity has taken place on this project at this time; stated that the off -road bike trail on Palos Verdes Drive South should soon be available for use; that the affordable housing units on site are progressing; and that the large pile of soil is now anticipated for removal by March /April. He added that Trump's proposed changes to the Ocean Trails facility is expected to be submitted to staff within the next couple of weeks. Councilman McTaggart stated that he attended the Contract Cities dinner meeting on December 18, 2002; that he and Mayor Stern met with other peninsula municipality representatives to discuss regional law issues on the peninsula, particularly to address the statistics on enforcement in this 3 -city region; stated that he and Mayor Stern attended a meeting with Congressman Rohrabacher to address Palos Verdes Land Conservancy issues; and noted that the Congressman had stated that he will help and support the City's efforts to obtain Federal funding for land conservancy activities. City Council Meeting January 7, 2003 Page 6 of 13 Public Comments Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, advised that San Pedro residents are able to view this City's City Council meetings on cable television; thanked City Manager Evans for going to her home on a Friday night to give her an Agenda of the meeting. First System Performance Audit of 2000 Cable Television Franchise Agreement with Cox Communications (continued). (605 x 1101) Assistant City Manager Petru advised that City staff will proactively work with the cable operator to assure that customer service standards are met; and stated that staff will develop a method to measure the adherence to these standards in the future and provide those statistics to the City Council on a periodic basis. Mayor Stern requested that Cox prepare sample videos taken from different positions and angles. Paul Fornelli, Production Manager for Cox Communications explained that Cox has researched the use of a non - retractable arm assembly that would be put in place to lower the cameras to a specific level; explained that the non - retractable arm assembly could hang down from the ceiling well 18 inches to 24 inches; and advised that this non - retractable assembly would be permanently in place. He mentioned that as of this date, he has not found any arm assemblies that are adjustable; and noted that Cox will continue its search for hinged assemblies and other alternatives for disconnecting the cameras after every meeting. Mr. Fornelli explained for Mayor Stern that Cox has not yet addressed placing the cameras on the back wall of the meeting room and briefly commented on the limitations of the cameras. Councilman Gardiner suggested that Cox research the entertainment industry and expos to find relatively inexpensive camera assembly alternatives. Mr. Fornelli stated that Cox would provide sample videos filmed from various positions and heights for the Council's consideration. He stated that Cox does not have local 24- hour -a -day staffing, but indicated that he would provide his cell phone number to City staff so that he can be contacted for emergency purposes during the hours that Cox is closed for business. Mayor Stern urged Cox to have a local technician available should the need arise. Mr. Fornelli expressed his assurance that Cox will do everything possible to provide the best service. Resol. No. 2003 -03; Open Space Planning, and Recreation and Parks Task Force Work Plan and Consultant Selection. (1201 x 602) Administrative Analyst Matt Waters presented staff report and the recommendation to (1) Approve the work plan for the Open Space Planning, and Recreation and Parks Task Force; (2) Award a professional services contract to RRM Design Group to assist City Council Meeting January 7, 2003 Page 7 of 13 the Open Space Planning, and Recreation and Parks Task Force; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a professional services agreement with RRM Consultants; (3) Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2003 -03, AMENDING RESOLUTION 2002- 45, THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FY 02 -03, AUTHORIZING A BUDGET INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,000 FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE OPEN SPACE PLANNING, AND RECREATION AND PARKS TASK FORCE; (4) Authorize staff to work with RRM Design Group Consultants to conduct an umbrella needs assessment. Kevin Yourman, Chairman of the Open Space Planning, and Recreation and Parks Task Force, explained that the Open Space Planning and Recreation and Parks Task Force subcommittees are in constant interaction with each other to discuss issues of interest to various subcommittees; and addressed the need for the Council's input to set the direction and desires for the conceptual plans. Mr. Yourman explained that the consultant will be able to assist the Task Force in determining prioritization, the conceptual drawings, and financing plans for various projects. Councilman Clark expressed his belief that the Open Space Planning and Recreation and Parks Task Force Land Acquisition Subcommittee is not necessary because of the existing City Council subcommittee that addresses these matters. He urged the Task Force to be proactive in its outreach efforts to obtain input from the community. Mr. Yourman assured the Council that the Task Force is gaining input from the residents and that it will continue to gain input from various public sectors. Councilman Clark noted his support for the global /umbrella needs assessment; and suggested that a City Councilmember periodically interact on an informational basis with the Task Force and provide feedback to the City Council. Councilman Gardiner commended the Task Force members for their efforts and progress thus far. Mayor Stern expressed his belief that the Land Acquisition subcommittee would provide an additional resource /opportunity for open space ideas. Councilman Gardiner stated that it would be helpful for the subcommittee to focus on what the City may acquire as opposed to how to acquire. Jim Knight, Open Space Subcommittee Chairman, advised that the Land Acquisition subcommittee is looking at any land in the City that might be available for potential acquisition, not just the Portuguese Bend area; and commented on the subcommittees' coordinated efforts as they go along in this process. Councilman Gardiner noted his support to allow the Task Force the latitude to bring the conceptual plans to fruition, noting that the City Council has expressed its desires. Councilman Clark reiterated his suggestion for a volunteer City Council liaison to the City Council Meeting January 7, 2003 Page 8 of 13 Open Space Planning and Recreation and Parks Task Force. Mayor Stern and Councilman Gardiner expressed their intent that the City Council liaison to the Task Force should serve in an informational role rather than that of a directional role. Mayor Stern expressed his appreciation of the Task Force for its efforts. Keith Gurnee, RRM Design Group Consultants, addressed the need for maximum flexibility for structure and focus; and explained that with the use of a subconsultant, a scientific needs assessment survey will be conducted, . along with community workshops, to obtain the most comprehensive community feedback. He advised that the needs assessment survey will include a random 20- minute telephone survey of approximately 5 percent of the households in RPV; and stated that this type of survey will produce very accurate survey results. Councilman Gardiner suggested that the survey include an open -ended technique as opposed to one that suggests various topics of concern and input, something that allows the resident to identify a concern /idea of their own. Mr. Gurnee explained that the comprehensive needs assessment is extremely objective and accurate. City Manager Evans noted the necessity to make sure the survey addresses all the issues that need to be addressed; and stated that it would be important for the City Council, as well as other groups, to be involved in how to put the survey together so that everyone is satisfied with the survey itself. Mayor Stern suggested that he, City Manager Evans and other staff members meet with the survey consultant to discuss who should participate in drafting the survey; and suggested that a working group be formed to assure that the survey addresses all issues of concern. Councilman Gardiner requested that the City Council review the survey prior to the survey being taken to the community. Councilman McTaggart suggested that the proposed final survey be reviewed by the Open Space Planning and Recreation and Parks Task Force before coming to the City Council for review. Mr. Yourman suggested that a global needs assessment committee be formed and that all subcommittees should be represented. The City Council noted its support for the umbrella needs assessment. Mayor Stern requested that staff work with the consultant on this matter. Councilman Clark requested periodic feedback from the Task Force on its progress with this venture. Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to approve the work City Council Meeting January 7, 2003 Page 9 of 13 plan for the Open Space Planning, and Recreation and Parks Task Force; (2) Award a professional services contract to RRM Design Group to assist the Open Space Planning, and Recreation and Parks Task Force; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a professional services agreement with RRM Consultants; (3) Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2003 -03, AMENDING RESOLUTION 2002 -45, THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FY 02 -03, AUTHORIZING A BUDGET INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,000 FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE OPEN SPACE PLANNING, AND RECREATION AND PARKS TASK FORCE; (4) Authorize staff to work with RRM Design Group Consultants to conduct an umbrella needs assessment. The motion to approve carried as reflected by the following roll call vote: AYES: Clark, Gardiner, McTaggart and Mayor Stern NOES: None ABSENT: Ferraro (departed the meeting during the break) Border Issues Status Report. (310) Senior Planner Fox presented staff report and the recommendation to review the current status of border issues and provide direction to the City Council Committee and Staff. Engineering Services for City Hall Elevator. (1204 x 1201) Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to waive staff report. No objection was noted. Staff recommendations were as follows: (1) Award an engineering contract to John Cruickshank, Inc., for preliminary engineering services for the design of an elevator at City Hall in an amount not to exceed $6,400; (2) Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute a contract with John Cruickshank, Inc. Councilman Gardiner moved to approve staff recommendation. (This motion was ultimately withdrawn.) Councilman Clark addressed his concern with appropriating this sum of money to install an elevator at City Hall and the possibility of the City Hall facility being moved to another site in the foreseeable future. Mayor Stern noted his concurrence with Councilman Clark's concern and stated that it may be more feasible to make ADA improvements at other public facilities /parks. City Manager Evans explained that the installation of an elevator at the City Hall facility has been at the top of the priority list for some time. City Attorney Lynch explained that the City must make its facilities available to the entire public community; advised that if an individual is not able to maneuver the stairs, that the City must accommodate that individual by transporting any and all materials downstairs that are requested; and addressed the need for the City to assure that all employees can adequately perform their duties. She stated that the lack of an elevator at City Hall presents an employment and public access issue. City Manager Evans explained that nearly every day someone struggles with hauling City Council Meeting January 7, 2003 Page 10 of 13 various items /materials up and down the City Hall stairs. Councilman McTaggart reiterated his concern with liability issues and the lack of an elevator at City Hall. Councilman Gardiner stated that due to the possible future relocation of the City Hall facilities, he may prefer that the ADA improvements be made to other facilities. City Attorney Lynch explained that the City has been systematically going through its list of priority projects for ADA improvements for the past several years; and reiterated the City's obligation to pursue complete ADA compliance at all facilities. She briefly addressed budgetary constraints and the impact it has upon making various ADA improvements. Councilman McTaggart reiterated his concern for City employees, volunteers and customers who are not able to go up and down the City Hall stairs and the potential for liability. Mayor Stern highlighted Mayor pro tem Ferraro's strong feelings with regard to this issue and suggested that since she was not present to discuss this matter, that this matter be continued to a meeting wherein Mayor pro tern Ferraro will be present. Councilman Gardiner withdrew his motion to accept staff recommendation. Councilman Clark reiterated his support for ADA improvements and compliance, but highlighted the need for ADA compliance at other facilities within the City. 30TH Anniversary Celebration. (1101) Cit Manager Evans presented staff report and the recommendation to establish the X 30 Anniversary Celebration Committee and appoint City Council representative(s) to the Committee. Councilman Clark suggested that Mayor pro tem Ferraro serve on the 30th Anniversary Celebration Committee, stating that she did a wonderful job with helping to plan the 25th Anniversary celebration. Mayor Stern suggested that he and Mayor pro tern Ferraro serve on the 30th Anniversary Celebration Committee. No objection was noted. Policy for Naming of Public Facilities and Placing of Monuments and Other Memorials. (306 x 1201) City Manager Evans presented staff report and the recommendation to adopt a policy for the naming of public facilities and placing of monuments and other memorials on City property. It was the consensus of the City Council to delete Item No. 2 ( Benches or Trees) which stated "No plaque, inscription or other written memorial information may be placed on or near the bench or tree." City Council Meeting January 7, 2003 Page 11 of 13 Mayor Stern stated that he would support the placement of small plaque no larger than 5 by 8 inches. Les Chapin, 6710 Verde Ridge Road, representing the Pacific View Homeowners Association, commented on members of his homeowner association's involvement with the development of lower Hesse Park and the homeowner association's interest in erecting a plaque to recognize the three individuals who gave tirelessly to the efforts of developing the lower Hesse Park area. He stated that the homeowner's association would purchase and mount the plaque, suggesting that the plaque measure 12 by 16 inches, and noted their interest in having a small ceremony to mount the plaque. He expressed his belief that the plaque should be larger than 5 by 8 inches. Councilman McTaggart addressed the City's efforts to develop Hesse Park; and he stated that the park had already been designed and the building plans had been altered to alleviate the concerns of the neighbors. Councilman Clark noted his support for the homeowner's association to work with the Public Works Department in planning a tasteful plaque to recognize these efforts. He addressed Councilman McTaggart's comments with regard to the development of this park and the City's part in that development and stated that he would support a background search to determine the responsible party(s) for the construction of this park. Councilman Gardiner questioned where the City would draw its boundary for recognition plaques, pointing out that there are many individuals in this community deserving of recognition. He suggested that staff investigate how other cities recognize its residents for their contributions to their cities. Ms. Sunshine, 6 Limetree Lane, advised that the California Coastal Conversancy Board will soon be addressing this same topic for coastal zones; expressed her belief that various trails within the City were named for no specific persons or entities — pointing out that some trails are known by different names; and suggested that the Open Space Planning, and Recreation and Parks Task Force be given the task of clarifying one consistent names for each of the trails to clear up any misidentification. With regard to the memorial rock located at Inspiration Point, she requested that the rock be removed or relocated to a different site, stating that it does not look natural at its current location. She added that the rock is a memorial to a child who lost their life in this area, but that the rock is not located where the unfortunate incident happened. It was the consensus of the City Council to allow plaques on benches. Mayor Stern addressed his concern that there not be a proliferation of recognition or memorial plaques all over the City; and stated that for this reason, he would be favorable to a wall of honor for those who have made contributions to this City. Councilman Clark stated that where appropriate, it would be acceptable to consider on a case -by -case basis those who have made a significant contribution to the City. It was the consensus of the City Council to support recognition plaques for both those City Council Meeting January 7, 2003 Page 12 of 13 individuals living and deceased and that the plaques be permitted on benches and trees. Councilman Clark noted his support for recognizing those individuals who have made significant contributions to the City. Linda LoConte, 6814 Kings Harbor Drive, treasurer of Pacific View Homeowner's Association, advised that it has taken the homeowners association three years to get this issue before the City Council; and stated that the members worked very hard with staff to address the placement of a plaque of recognition for those who tirelessly worked on bringing lower Hesse Park into development. Mayor Stern explained for Ms. LoConte that their plans to erect a plaque for their association members is not on the Agenda and stated that they will need to work with staff to get this on the City Council Agenda for consideration. Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to permit plaques on trees and benches for those individuals who have made significant contributions to the City. There being no objection, Mayor Stern so ordered. Recess And Reconvene Mayor Stern recessed the meeting at 11:12 P.M. and reconvened the meeting at 11:20 P.M. City Attorney Closed Session Report: City Attorney Lynch advised that no action was taken on the Agenda item; and requested that the City Council go back into closed session to discuss the upcoming expiration period for the City to file a lawsuit against the State Water Quality Control Board, challenging the Board's denial of the City's appeals. Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, that the City Council go back into closed session in order to discuss this matter. The motion carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Clark, Gardiner, McTaggart, Stern NOES: None ABSENT: Ferraro (departed the meeting during the first break) ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned 11:23 P.M. on mo ion f Counc an McTaggart. Attest: City Clerk 3 City Council Minutes \01072003 cc mins.doc Mayor City Council Meeting January 7, 2003 Page 13 of 13