CC MINS 20030805MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
August 5, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 P.M. by Mayor Pro Tern Ferraro at Fred Hesse
Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. After the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was
answered as follows:
PRESENT: Clark, Gardiner, McTaggart and Mayor Pro Tern Ferraro
ABSENT: Mayor Stern (excused)
Also present were City Manager Les Evans; City Attorney Carol Lynch; Assistant City
Manager Carolynn Petru, Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Joel
Rojas, Director of Public Works Dean Allison; City Clerk/Administrative Services
Director Jo Purcell; Senior Engineer Glen Kau, and Recording Secretary Carla
Morreale.
RECYCLE DRAWING
Mayor Pro Tern Ferraro announced that the recycling drum contained new entry forms
for the drawing and encouraged all residents to enter the monthly drawing by
completing the card included in their trash and recycling bills. Mirko Blasovich was
announced as the winner from the drawing of the last meeting and asked Director of
Public Works Allison to draw two cards for the next month's drawing for recycler of the
month.
Councilman Clark made a public service announcement regarding the increase in
swarms of Africanized bees on the Peninsula and residents to be observant of their
surroundings. He encouraged residents to contact the Los Angeles Vector Control at
(310) 915 -7370 or (800) 825 -3400 if they find bees on their property. He added that the
City's website had additional information regarding the Africanized bees.
APPROVAL O F AGENDA
Councilman McTaggart requested that Item 16 be moved to immediately follow after the
Consent Calendar.
Mayor Pro Tern Ferraro suggested that Item 18 follow immediately after Item 16 since
there were people present to speak about that item.
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart, to approve the
agenda, as amended. Motion carried without objection.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
City Clerk Purcell asked for clarification from the Council regarding the maker and
second for the motions made on the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2003 -52 and 2003 -53,
on pages 8 and 9 respectively, of the minutes of the June 17, 2003.
Councilman Gardiner stated that he seconded Councilman Clark's motion to adopt
Resolution No. 2003 -52. Councilman Clark stated that he remembered Councilman
McTaggart making the motion to adoption Resolution No. 2003 -53, seconded by Mayor
Pro Tern Ferraro.
Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilman Clark to approve the Consent
Calendar as follows:
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.
Minutes of May 10, June 17, and July 1, 2003. (301)
Approved the minutes of May 10 and July 1, 2003. Approved the minutes of June 17,
2003, as amended.
June 2003 Treasurer's Report. (602)
Received and filed the June 2003 Treasurer's Report for the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes.
Ordinance No. 396: Anti -Gang Ordinance. (1206)
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 396 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
PROHIBITING GANG MEMBERS FROM LOITERING WITH THE INTENT TO
INTIMIDATE NEIGHBORHOODS AND CONCEAL ILLEGAL ACTIVITY AND AMENDING
THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE.
On -Call Professional Services Agreement —Limit Increase. (604 x 1204)
Authorized a contract limit increase from $25,000 to $34,000 for contract engineering
services under the On -Call Services Agreement for Merit Civil Engineering.
City Investment Policy for FY 2003 -04. (602)
Adopted the Fiscal Year 2003 -04 investment policy for the City.
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August 5, 2003
Page 2 of 12
Fiscal Year 2003 -04 Grant for Seat Belt Compliance Campaign. (1206)
Authorized the City to act as the pass through agency between the Lomita Sheriff's
Station and the State Office of Traffic Safety for the FY 2003 -04 seat belt Compliance
Campaign Grant.
Resol. No. 2003 -60: Traffic and Engineering Speed Surveys. (1502)
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003 -60, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ESTABLISHING SPEED LIMITS ON
VARIOUS STREETS.
Adoption of a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal for the Federal
Fiscal Year 2002 -03. (601 x 1204)
Adopted the Overall Annual Goal of four percent (4 %) for the Disadvantaged Business
Enterprise (DBE) participation in Federal- Aid - Highway projects during the FY 2002 -03
Federal fiscal year.
Resol. No. 2003 -61: Register of Demands.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003 -61, 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.
The motion to approve the Consent Calendar carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Clark, Gardiner, McTaggart, and Mayor Pro Tern Ferraro
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Stern
# # # # # # # # # # # #
ORDINANCE NO. 397 AND RESOLUTION NO. 2003-62: REGULATING THE
UNAUTHORIZED PARKING OF VEHICLES ON PROPERTY. (1502)
City Attorney Lynch introduced Ordinance No. 397 that resulted from an inquiry and
request made by the Palos Verdes Library District to prohibit individuals from parking in
spaces or areas designated for use by the patrons of a particular business. She stated
that a section of the County Code was also included which would prohibit anyone from
parking on private or public property without permission of the owner. She stated that
this ordinance gives the owner or the operator of the particular property who has posted
signs in plain view the tools necessary to eliminate unauthorized use of their parking
area and also complied with the noticing provisions of California Vehicle Code Section
22658. She further stated that included with the ordinance is the adoption of a
resolution to amend the City's Parking Penalty Schedule to add new Exhibit "C" which
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August 5, 2003
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establishes a base penalty of $45.00 for each of the violations, which is the same
penalty charged by the County and surrounding jurisdictions.
Jane Jones, Rancho Palos Verdes, thanked the Council for the ordinance which
thoroughly covered the issue the Library District had raised.
Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart, to approve the staff
recommendation to INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 397, REGULATING THE
UNAUTHORIZED PARKING OF VEHICLES ON PROPERTY WHEN SIGNS ARE
POSTED THAT ESTABLISH PARKING RESTRICTIONS UPON THE PROPERTY
AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE; and to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 2003 -62, ESTABLISHING PENALTIES FOR PARKING
VIOLATIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES.
The motion carried without objection on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Clark, McTaggart, and Gardiner
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Stern
National Airspace Redesign and excessive aircraft noise associated with LAX
over flights. (306)
Mayor Pro Tern Ferraro introduced this item dealing with excessive aircraft noise
associated with LAX overflights, which was requested by Beverly Ackerson representing
Peninsula Aircraft Noise /Safety Information Committee (P.A.N.I.C.).
Beverly Ackerson, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke regarding the air traffic over the
Peninsula and stated that PANIC was attempting to get the air traffic (both jets and
turboprops) monitored so that the noise level and pollution could be addressed and
included in the National re- engineering of the use of airspace. She requested that
several letters be written by city staff on the behalf of the Mayor and City Council to
Marion Blakey, the FAA Administrator in Washington, D.C. and William Withycombe,
the FAA Western- Pacific Regional Administrator, requesting answers to the specific
problems that the residents of Rancho Palos Verdes and the entire peninsula are
experiencing.
Councilman McTaggart responded to a question raised by Councilman Clark regarding
requirements for all Class B turboprops to have quieter engines by a certain date. He
stated that the requirement was for jets, not turboprops to have quieter engines. He
stated that since 1997 the public had been told that there would be a change to regional
jets which would be flying higher and in the same slot as large jets, but that the fleet
had not been changed due to the economic downturn for airlines since 9/11.
Councilman McTaggart stated that aircraft were flying over the Peninsula for two
reasons: 1) the jets were heavily laden and there was a 2 percent grade at the LAX
airport towards the ocean, and 2) there was a tailwind present. He stated that there
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August 5, 2003
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was hope that there would be a reduction in flights over the peninsula because China
Air had agreed to cooperate with the LAX round table.
Councilman Clark expressed concern that Mr. Withycombe's letter stated that he did
not believe that there was a solution to the situation without transferring the problem to
another community.
Councilman Clark moved to have all City Council members sign letters to be sent to the
FAA Administrators, seconded by Councilman McTaggart. The motion carried without
objection.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Sewer System Master Plan Study: Award of professional services agreement.
(1900)
City Clerk Purcell stated that staff handed out the contract for this item before the
meeting.
Councilman McTaggart made a motion to waive the presentation of the staff report,
seconded by Councilman Clark. Motion carried without objection.
Councilman Clark asked why a study of the sewer system had not been performed
previously.
Director Allison stated that the driving force behind the study of the sewer system is that
the Federal regulations are becoming more stringent on sewer maintenance, and the
receipt of a letter of notification from the County of Los Angeles approximately 2 years
ago to absolve themselves of any responsibilities with respect to the sewer system.
Councilman Clark asked how staff decided to perform video inspections on 12 -15
percent of the sewer collection system to be inspected on an annual basis.
Senior Engineer Glen Kau responded that the figure was derived from the fact that
video inspecting 10 percent of the sewer system typically gives a good representation
of the condition of the sewer system.
Councilman Clark stated that the long -range plan includes the filming of 12,000 to
15,000 lineal feet per year, so that the entire system would be videotaped in seven
years. He stated that he felt we could not wait seven years to understand the condition
of the City's complete sewer system.
Director Allison stated that staff had constraints due to the budget and did not want to
end up with a drawer full of meaningless videotapes.
Councilman Clark asked if the City were going to rely on a sampling video coupled with
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August 5, 2003
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a comprehensive citywide model analysis.
Director Allison replied that a model analysis would be done to afford staff the ability to
make sound decisions. He stated that a videotape sample of 10 to 12 percent of the
sewer system would give staff an indication as to the overall problems that exist within
the entire system.
Councilman McTaggart suggested that the City attempt to attain videotapes previously
made by the County Engineer's office to reduce the videotaping cost to the City.
Councilman Gardiner asked what amount of deterioration might occur over the seven -
year period required to videotape the City's entire sewer system.
Senior Engineer Kau stated that there are many factors to take into consideration in
determining the state of the City sewer system. He stated that the Master Plan would
give the City the ability to understand the state of the sewer system and the ability to
devise a plan for the necessary replacement and repairs to the system.
Councilman McTaggart stated that lining the inside of the sewer system with a plastic
liner actually helps attain a better flow. He asked if staff intended to upgrade the
system with complete sewer replacement or refurbishment.
Senior Engineer Kau stated that the phrase "upgrading the system" would mean full
pipe replacement, refurbishment, or the combination of both, depending on what is
necessary. He stated that there would be opportunities to combine the project with a
pavement restoration project, in which case the full section of pipe underneath the
street would be replaced as required.
There was discussion of the hydraulic flow capacity of the sewer pipes and the methods
at which the capacities were originally derived and the methods that will be used in the
proposed hydraulic models.
Councilman Clark asked if staff had confidence that Dudek & Associates would be able
to achieve Task 9 of the staff report, which is to prepare a five —year Capital
Improvement Program, so that the Council could have a basis to discuss the financial
demands of the entire project.
Senior Engineer Kau stated that he felt confident that with the video inspections,
hydraulic studies, and model data, staff would have an accurate assessment of the
state of the sewer system citywide.
Councilman Gardiner suggested that the word "validate" be used instead of the word
"calibrate" in Task Four regarding the computer model used to calculate sewage flows.
Director Allison said he felt comfortable making the suggested change.
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August 5, 2003
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Councilman Gardiner moved that either the words "calibrate and validate" or the word
"validate" be substituted for the word "calibrate" in the staff report, seconded by
Councilman Clark.
Councilman Clark asked if the reason for not discussing the financing mechanisms of
this project is that the Finance Department and Finance Committee have been
discussing the infrastructure needs of the City.
City Manager Evans stated that discussion of the financing methods will take place after
the information is attained from the Sewer Master Plan Study and the Storm Drain
Master Plan Study.
The motion to approve carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Clark, McTaggart,
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Stern
Gardiner, and Mayor Pro Tern Ferraro
ORDINANCE NO. 390: PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS, INCLUDING RV
PARKING AND STORAGE RESTRICTIONS. (1801)
Councilman Clark moved to waive the presentation of the staff report, seconded by
Councilman Gardiner. Motion carried without objection.
Ernie Giannioses, Rancho Palos Verdes, representing the Good Sam and FMCA clubs,
extended thanks to the Planning Commission, Director Rojas, and Code Enforcement
Officer Neth for allowing him to participate in the drafting of the ordinance. He thanked
the City Attorney for repeatedly drafting language to address the minor changes and the
City Council for their hard work and fair approach to the complicated issue.
Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to accept the staff
recommendation to ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 390 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES REVISING SECTION 8.24 060 (PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
STANDARDS) TO INCLUDE RV PARKING AND STORAGE RESTRICTIONS ON
PRIVATE PROPERTY.
The motion to approve carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Clark, McTaggart,
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Stern
Gardiner, and Mayor Pro Tern Ferraro
Contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (1206)
Assistant City Manager Petru presented the staff report and the recommendation to
authorize the Mayor to sign the Fiscal Year 2003 -04 Regional Cities Law Enforcement
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August 5, 2003
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Contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The formula used by the
Sheriff's Department to spread the cost among the three regional cities is based on the
number of service calls received in each city during the prior year. She stated that the
cost for the Sheriff's contract actually went down from the previous year, based on the
calls received in the previous year. Assistant City Manager Petru pointed out that the
level of service in the contract presented to the Council was exactly the same as the
previous year with the same number of deputies on the street and the same amount of
technical support.
Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart, to accept the staff
recommendation.
The motion to approve carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Clark, McTaggart,
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Stern
Gardiner, and Mayor Pro Tem Ferraro
Councilman McTaggart stated that although the cost for the Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Contract have risen slightly over the years, the annual cost is approximately
$70.00 per resident compared to an annual cost of $500.00 per resident in a
neighboring city. He thanked the Sheriff's Department for keeping the costs down and
the residents for not creating too many calls.
Lt. Herrera, representing the Sheriff's Department, stated that because of the formula
used to calculate costs, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes saved about $43,000. He
stated that the Sheriff's Department will keep up the good work in serving the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes.
Border Issues Status Report. (310)
Director Rojas presented the staff report and recommendation to review the current
status of border issues and provide direction to the City Council Committee. He stated
that there were no new border issues to report on, but gave brief progress updates on
two continuing issues: the Rolling Hills Covenant Church Expansion, in Rolling Hills
Estates; and the Harbor -South Bay Water Recycling Project (Army Corps of
Engineers/West Basin MWD). He stated that the City of Rolling Hills Estates decided at
their July 22, 2003 City Council meeting to hire a mediator to help resolve issues
associated with the Rolling Hills Covenant Church Expansion project. On the issue of
the Harbor -South Bay Water Recycling Project, Director Rojas reported that per
Councilman McTaggart's request at the last City Council meeting, staff drafted and sent
a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the inclusion of a system lateral to
serve the Ocean Trails Golf Course. He stated that they are awaiting a reply to the
letter.
Director Rojas reported that staff is still waiting for the receipt of the Draft EIR regarding
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August 5, 2003
Page 8 of 12
the proposed South Coast County Golf Course on the Palos Verdes Landfill Site. He
stated that staff received information regarding letters that were sent by Joan Davidson
to the Director of the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department and the
State of California, Department of Toxic Substance Control, regarding an incident that
was termed by the Los Angeles County of Sanitation as a " liquid discharge ". He stated
that he was not aware of any responses to the letters to this date.
Mayor Pro Tern Ferraro stated that according to the information received, there were
two discharges in May.
Director Rojas stated that the letter written by the Los Angeles County Sanitation
Department wrote to the Regional Water Quality Control Board described the details of
the incident on May 12, 2003.
Councilman Gardiner stated that he understood that there were two incidents and
stated that he asked that these be added to the minutes of the Golf Course proposal for
the landfill because this is a case of approximately 200 gallons overflowing out of the
landfill into the public drains and evidently there are no waste discharge requirements
on the Palos Verdes. Landfill. He stated that there are no landfills on the globe that
are worse than a Class I Toxic Landfill, yet there are no waste discharge requirements.
Director Rojas responded to a question Councilman Clark raised regarding the length of
time it has taken for the public to receive the EIR. He stated that the City does not have
any information regarding that matter from the City of Rolling Hills Estates.
Councilman Clark inquired if August 7, 2003, is the date when HUD will make their final
determination regarding the disposal of the property involved in the border issue of San
Pedro Facility Restoration Advisory Board (Department of Defense and City of Los
Angeles).
Director Rojas stated that staff will keep City Council apprised of the updates on this
border issue.
ORDINANCE NO. 398: REPEALING CITY MANAGER RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT.
(1101)
City Attorney Lynch presented the staff report and recommendation TO INTRODUCE
ORDINANCE NO. 398 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING
CHAPTER 2.08 (CITY MANAGER) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL
CODE BY REPEALING SECTION 2.08.020 OF CHAPTER 2.08 OF TITLE 2. She
stated that this is a clean -up ordinance that was suggested by Mayor Stern because the
existing section of the City code now conflicts with State law.
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ferraro, to accept the staff
recommendation.
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August 5, 2003
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The motion to approve carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Clark, McTaggart,
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Stern
Gardiner, and Mayor Pro Tern Ferraro
Recess and Reconvene: Mayor Pro Tern Ferraro recessed the meeting for five
minutes at 8:36 P.M. and reconvened the meeting at 8:42 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Councilman Clark reported that he attended the California League of Cities Mayors' and
Councilmembers' Executive Forum in Monterey and stated that it was a productive
forum where the State budget was discussed and he encouraged other
Councilmembers to attend in the future. Councilman Clark presented an article from
the August issue of Los Angeles Golf Magazine to the Council regarding an article
written by Eric Tracy, regarding Ocean Trails. He stated that of particular interest was
the statement that Donald Trump wanted to change the name of Ocean Trails to Trump
National Los Angeles. Councilman Clark stated that the subcommittee would talk to Mr.
Trump regarding any proposed names changes for Ocean Trails, which might reflect
Los Angeles instead of Palos Verdes or Rancho Palos Verdes.
Councilman McTaggart presented pictures that he requested from Director of Public
Works Allison of the pressure regulator at the scenic overlook of Ocean Trails to
Councilman Clark to present at the next meeting with Ocean Trails suggesting a
remedy to the unsightly situation. Councilman McTaggart reported that he had become
aware of another problem that was beginning to surface involving limbs breaking off of
mature trees. He stated that recently he saw members of the Fire Department cutting
up an old tree on Golden Meadow that had fallen blocking the crosswalk and a
driveway. He stated that the City needs to be aware of the aging trees that could
potentially damage cars or pedestrians and stated that the tree service did an excellent
job in cleaning up after the Fire Department had provided access to the public right -of-
way. Councilman McTaggart reported that he attended the Los Angeles County
Integrated and Solid Waste where there was discussion of a bill to hold cities
responsible for monitoring pollution caused by waste hauling trucks which operate in
their city. He stated that it was not a well thought out issue and questioned how the
issue would be reinforced. He stated that on July 23, 2003 he attended a joint meeting
of the SCAG Policy Committees; on July 24, 2003, he attended a PV Transit meeting
with Mayor Pro Tern Ferraro where one of the issues raised was the discontinuance of
Lines 225 and 226 by the MTA in October 2003. He stated this would essentially leave
the peninsula without transportation to the downtown area. He stated that as a result of
that meeting, he set up a meeting with the MTA, South Bay Sector and Gateway
Sector, PV Transit, where a commitment was made to continue to service the schools
lines during the school hours. He stated that he also contacted MAX Transit to set up a
meeting to help solve the school transportation issue. He announced that there will be
a public hearing on September 9, 2003, at 6:00 p.m. regarding the public transportation
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August 5, 2003
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line cuts that are proposed at Carson City Hall and he encouraged representation by
the residents of Rancho Palos Verdes. He stated that on July 26, 2003, the AMR
ambulance was turned over to Dr. Collins and the Fire Chief of Loreto, Mexico. He
stated that he showed his prize Mustang at Ruby's in Redondo Beach on July 27, 2003,
where he received another trophy; he attended a Boy Scouts of America Executive
Selection Committee Meeting on July 28, 2003; he attended the unveiling of the future
Senior Center at the Hesse Park Seniors Meeting on July 30, 2003; he attended the
SCAG Housing Committee where the State budget problems were discussed which has
delayed the 2004 Regional Transportation Plan Inclusion Date and the Regional
Housing Needs Assessment; he attended the Contract Cities Goal Setting Session at
the San Pedro Hilton on August 1 and 2, 2003.
Mayor Pro Tern Ferraro reported that she attended the Mayor's Luncheon and the
Sanitation District Meeting in the absence of the Mayor._ She reported that on July 23,
2003, she attended the Director's Facility Tour of the Puente Hills Landfill and San Jose
Creek Water Reclamation Plant where the science of the project was discussed. She
reported that she attended the PV Transit Board meeting where they decided to put off
electing new officers until the first of the year; she and the Mayor attended the Ocean
inspection boat trip with the Sanitation District on July 26, 2003 which was a very
interesting trip that she encouraged other Councilmembers and staff to attend; she
attended the Peninsula Senior's presentation on July 30, 2003; she attended one of the
two meetings since the last Council meeting of the City's 30th Anniversary Celebration
committee meeting and she reminded everyone to save the date of September 6, 2003,
for the family- oriented barbecue scheduled on City Hall property and the dinner /dance
scheduled for October 17, 2003; and, she stated she was interviewed by Cox Cable
regarding the 30th Anniversary Celebration in a public service announcement recently.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: (at approximately 8:40 P.M.)
(This section of the agenda is for audience comments on items NOT on the agenda.)
Lois Larue, Rancho Palos. Verdes, spoke regarding the minutes that were on the
agenda for approval this meeting and that the City Clerk should be commended. She
commented on the Budget in Brief brochure and information she picked up regarding
the City's 30th Anniversary barbecue.
California Water Service Company application for rate increase. (1601)
Councilman McTaggart presented a report regarding the need for an additional
reservoir on the East side of the City due to the problems residents are experiencing
due to water usage by Ocean Trails. He reported that there will be a public hearing on
August 12, 2003, at 1:00 p.m. in the City Hall at the City of Palos Verdes Estates.
Councilman Gardiner stated that if his memory was correct he remembered that when
California Water Service wanted to build houses on top the reservoir on Crest Road
they had stated that they did not need that reservoir any longer. He inquired as to the
sudden need for new infrastructure.
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August 5, 2003
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Councilman McTaggart suggested that we need to see the proposed plans that
California Water Service has, and an explanation for the increase in operating
expenses. He stated that this water shortage is one of the reasons he suggested that
the Army Corps project using recycled water incorporate a lateral to Ocean Trails to
remove some of the burden on the water usage.
Councilman Clark stated that he believes he recalls Rolling Hills Estates was discussing
a request for another reservoir site for their city, and he stated that he is not receiving
the water pressure that he used to at his personal residence due to the demand on the
water supply by Ocean Trails.
Don Norton, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke regarding a specific matter with California
Water Service regarding the proposed rate increases to residents who have fire
sprinklers installed. He stated that there is a connection charge which is a permanent
fee that is $24 .00 per month more than the standard fee for residents who do not have
fire sprinklers. He stated that the proposed rate increase is $38.00 per month for those
who have fire sprinklers. He stated that this is not for water usage, but for the potential
of water usage and that there appears to be an established mechanism in place
whereby municipalities can request a rate relief for residents who are penalized in this
way. He stated that he understood that the City of Redondo Beach and other
neighboring cities have requested and received this rate relief and he requested that
our City pursue the same rate relief.
Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, that a letter be sent
to the California Public Utilities Commission to object to the proposed rate increase until
the City receives justification for the rate increase by the California Water Service; and,
secondly that there be a request for a relief in rates for our residents who are required
to have larger connections for fire safety sprinklers. Motion carried without objection.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Lynch reported on the Closed Session and stated that the Council voted
unanimously, (4 -0 -1, with Mayor Stern absent) to retain outside counsel to assist in the
negotiations to amend the Franchise Agreement with Cox Cable for a not to exceed
amount of $25,000. No further action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT: Adjourned at 9:26 P.M.
Wj
Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
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August 5, 2003
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