CC MINS 20020131 ADJMINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING
JANUARY 31, 2002
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor McTaggart at Fred Hesse
Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, and was immediately recessed to a
closed session per the Brown Act Checklist. At 7:07 P.M. the meeting reconvened.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Director Allison, roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Clark, Ferraro, Gardiner, Stern, and Mayor McTaggart
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; Director of Finance Dennis McLean; City
Clerk /Administrative Services Director Jo Purcell; and Recording Secretary Denise
Bothe.
RECYCLE DRAWING:
George J. Gleghorn, 28850 Crestridge Road, was this week's winner.
At this time, Mayor McTaggart announced that those wishing to get rid of old e- waste,
such as old computers, monitors, printers, may drop these items off for disposal at the
Joint Water Pollution Control Plant on Figueroa Street in Wilmington, between
Sepulveda Boulevard and Lomita Boulevard, on February 23, 2002.
On behalf of the City Council and staff, Mayor pro tem Stern congratulated Mayor
McTaggart and his wife on their 50th wedding anniversary, which will be this Saturday.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Mayor pro tem Stern moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to approve the
Agenda as submitted. Motion carried
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, that the amended
Minutes from December 18, 2001, be brought back to the next City Council meeting for
approval. Motion carried.
Councilman Clark requested that staff highlight the changes to the December 18, 2001,
Minutes.
Mayor pro tem Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to approve the Consent
Calendar, with the exception of the December 18, 2001, Minutes, 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 Councilmembers after
the reading of the title.
Minutes of December 18, 2001
Amended Minutes to be brought back to the next City Council meeting in its entirety,
with the amended portions to be highlighted.
January 2, January 14, and January 15, 2002
Approved -as submitted.
Residential Overlay and Slurry Seal Program
(1) Awarded a professional service contract to Willdan for engineering services related
to the implementation of the City's Residential Overlay and Slurry Seal Program. (2)
Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute a contract with Willdan for a not -to-
exceed amount of $48,928, and authorized the additional expenditure of up to $4,000,
for any unanticipated engineering services; and approved a total design budget of
$527928.
Policy for Recruitment and Selection of Members for the City's Advisory Boards
Adopted a policy for the recruitment and selection of City Commission and Committee
Members and Commission and Committee Chairs.
Notice of Completion for Traffic Signal Installation Project at Crest and Highridge
(1) Accepted the work as complete. (2) Authorized the City Clerk to file the Notice of
Completion with the County Recorder; and if no claims are filed 35 days after
recordation, notify the surety company to exonerate the Payment and Performance
Bonds. (3) Authorized the Director of Public Works to release the 10% retention
payment to Dynalectric 35 days after recordation of the Notice of Completion by the
County Recorder contingent on no claims being filed on the project.
City Council Minutes
January 31, 2002
Page 2
Claim Against the City by Christian Cameron
Rejected the claim and directed the City Clerk to notify the claimant of Council's action.
November 2001 Treasurer's Report
Received and filed.
Resol. No. 2002 -03 - Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -037 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, Ferraro, Gardiner, Stern, and Mayor McTaggart
NOES: None
# # # # # # # # # # # #
PUBLIC HEARING:
Resol. No. 2002 -04 - Amendments to the Current Fee Schedule for Specific
Geotechnical Services and Planning Applications
Mayor MCTaggart opened the public hearing on this request to consider amending the
current fee schedule for specific geotechnical services and planning applications.
Senior Planner Mihranian presented the staff report of January 31, 2002 and the
recommendation to adopt the proposed amending Resolution No. 92 -68 (the City's fee
Resolution) to (1) increase the geologic site inspection fee from $150 to $200; (2)
increase the geotechnical report review fee from $1,200 to $1,300; (3) increase the
geologic planning review fee (site inspection and report review fee) from $1,350 to
$1,500; and, (4) change the $240 landscape plan check and inspection fee from a fixed
fee to a trust deposit fee.
Mayor pro tern Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to ADOPT RESOLUTION
NO. 2002 -041 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 92 -68 (THE CITY'S FEE
RESOLUTION) TO (1) INCREASE THE GEOLOGIC SITE INSPECTION FEE FROM
$150 TO $200. (2) INCREASE THE GEOTECHNICAL REPORT REVIEW FEE FROM
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January 31, 2002
Page 3
$1,200 TO $1,300. (3) Increase the Geologic Planning Review Fee (Site Inspection
and Report Review Fee) from $1,350 to $1,500. (4) Change the $240 Landscape Plan
Check and Inspection Fee from a fixed fee to a trust deposit fee.
Mayor McTaggart closed the Public Hearing on this matter.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Proposed Fiscal Year 2002 -2003 Budget Process
City Manager Evans presented staff report of January 31, 2002, and the
recommendation to approve a budget process for review and adoption of the second
year (Fiscal Year 2002 -2003) of the current Two -Year Budget. He explained that rather
than going through a lengthy series of workshops, staff is recommending that the City
Council use the existing Two -Year Budget as a basis — noting that it does have an
operating budget for Fiscal Year 2002 -2003; and mentioned that it is understood City
Council has expressed a desire to look at the Capital Improvement Program and some
policy issues from when the budget was put together. He expressed his belief that the
State will likely pull some of the City's funds, such as the Vehicle License Fees (VLF),
and that the City will have to come up with some contingency budgets. City Manager
Evans suggested that City Council set aside April 30, 2002, for a budget workshop;
stated that at that workshop, staff and City Council will discuss the 2002 -2003 budget,
will discuss pertinent policy issues, and will be provided a five -year financial model that
the Finance Advisory Committee has reviewed, along with some alternative budgets for
City Council's consideration.
Referring to Circle Page 9 of staff report,_ City Manager Evans stated that he took the
Capital Improvement Plan out of the proposed 2001 -2002 Budget; and noted that under
the General Fund Contribution, $6,691,760 of General Funds are set aside for Capital
Improvement Program projects.
Referring to Circle Page 12, the Capital Improvement Budget for FY 2002 -2003, City
Manager Evans stated that over $3 million of General Funds are in the Capital
Improvement Budget; that between the two fiscal years, over $10 million are General
Fund monies which are set aside for Capital Improvement Program projects; stated that
at this point, even though the City is slightly more than half way through the first year of
this two -year program, it has only committed a little over $3 million of that $10 million;
and that the City Council may wish to consider whether it really wants to commit,
possibly making up any contingency in this area — pointing out that the City does not
have a lot of flexibility in making significant operating budget reductions.
Mayor pro tem Stern expressed his opinion that the likely budget cut is from the Capital
Improvement Program (CIP), highlighting some of the exceedingly long -term projects,
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January 31, 2002
Page 4
such as storm drains; stated that it would be advantageous to have the Financial
Advisory Committee (FAC) look into not only the CIP, but some of the other budget
items that would be characterized as long -term capital improvements; that the FAC
investigate and evaluate alternative financing opportunities; and he noted his interest in
discussing at the budget workshop his concern with making the CIP more equitable for
current taxpayers versus future taxpayers.
Councilman Clark stated that before the City Council meets on April 30, the newly
constituted FAC should be directed to investigate potential revenue sources or
alternatives and that these findings be presented to the City Council at the workshop.
Councilman Gardiner expressed his support that the FAC evaluate different financing
mechanisms, such as bonds; and requested that staff provide at the budget workshop a
2 -year and 5 -year projection on an Excel program, using an XY graph, so that trends
can be studied.
Councilwoman Ferraro questioned whether the newly constituted FAC will have enough
time to do in -depth research on the potential funding sources before the April 30 budget
workshop.
Councilman Clark suggested that staff and members of the FAC pair up in researching
and investigating specific areas and a variety of approaches; and expressed his belief
that if properly parceled out and organized, there should be enough time to have
interaction at the workshop.
Mayor McTaggart pointed out that the April 30th workshop wouldn't be the last budget
workshop.
Director McLean noted that in the past five and a half years, the trends he has
witnessed are very predictable /stable in regards to expenditures for ongoing programs,
whether public safety, recreation /parks, planning; that with this environment being a
contract city, the variances are looking out for two years or five years with Capital
Improvement Projects; and that the five -year model does a good job of helping staff go
forward in assessing /predicting the next couple of years.
Councilman Clark stated that the workshop should include discussion regarding the
State revenue stream and the high risk of the City's dependency upon these funds.
Director McLean stated that the FAC is currently scheduled to meet at least twice
before the April 30 budget workshop; and that the FAC will consider strategies for use
of long -term financing to pay for part of the CIP.
City Manager Evans recounted the City Council's suggestions for the FAC to
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January 31, 2002
Page 5
investigate, such as the use of tax anticipation notes, bond financing, and state
infrastructure banking.
Noting that the FAC will be charged with a challenging assignment, Councilman Clark
expressed his belief that the FAC will need to meet more than twice before the budget
workshop on April 30 in order to provide the City Council with the input/information it is
seeking.
Legislative Guidelines for 2002 W
City Manager Evans presented the staff report of January 31, 2002, and the
recommendation to consider adopting 2002 Legislative Guidelines; he explained that
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes has not been involved nor represented well in the
legislature over the years; commented on the necessity for Rancho Palos Verdes to
adopt legislative agendas which address issues that will affect this region /city; and
stated that staff is proposing that the City adopt a legislative agenda in order to ensure
that the City Council is on record that City Council has authorized a particular
individual(s) to speak on behalf of the City on these matters.
Beginning with Circle Page 3, City Manager Evans commented on the draft legislative
guidelines; noted staff's recommendation that City Council support the Continuation of
Law Enforcement Block Programs, the Continuation of Citizen Option for Public Safety
(COPS) funding, support State legislation that would restore and secure reliable
revenue tax base to cities, oppose any VLF take - aways, support Proposition 40,
support- Proposition 42; and reiterated that if this City is going to have any impact in
Sacramento or Washington, D.C., it needs to be able to respond when the City gets a
call for action without calling a special meeting of the City Council.
Mayor McTaggart suggested a modification to the section entitled "Reform of Disposal
Reporting System procedures to improve its accuracy of identifying the source of
municipal solid waste disposal and diversion" -- stating that this could be interpreted by
some people to mean that the City believes it could be more regimented; and
expressed his belief that the goal the City should be trying to achieve is to have a
reasonable system that acknowledges good -faith efforts.
Mayor pro tem Stern expressed his lack of comfort in giving staff the prerogative to
interpret these general pronouncements and then to decide that the City will be
supporting or opposing legislation.
City Manager Evans noted for Mayor pro tem Stern that staff would prefer to bring a list
of legislative bills every two weeks for the City Council's consideration and vote.
Mayor pro tem Stern noted his concern that the City not lose the VLFs and that support
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January 31, 2002
Page 6
be given to Proposition 40.
Councilman Gardiner expressed his support that staff present a list of four or five issues
every two weeks for the City Council to address; and that the Mayor be given the
authority to speak on behalf of the City when necessary.
Councilman Clark questioned what other cities do for legislative representation, cities
that have a similar makeup to that of Rancho Palos Verdes and its residents.
In response to Councilman Clark's inquiry, City Manager Evans explained that none of
the peninsula cities do this; that this draft legislative agenda is patterned after the cities
of Lakewood, Cerritos, and some of the contract cities that usually have their own
lobbyists and are very active in Sacramento; and mentioned that other City Councils
and staff committees routinely go over legislation that is presented to City Councils
when things change.
Mayor McTaggart stated that this City should have more contact with the California
League of Cities, which has an office in Long Beach -- noting that the contract cities,will
support many of the issues which the California League of Cities supports.
Because of the negative noise impact to the peninsula, Councilman Clark suggested
promoting a regional approach to airport development and usage.
Councilwoman Ferraro, in response to Councilman Clark's comment, noted that the
City is already on record in regard to airport noise.
Highlighting State B -1, Aviation — Promote a regional approach to airport development
and usage, Councilman Clark suggested that added language address the implications
of noise abatement for the peninsula; and he supported this as a reaffirmation.
Mayor pro tem Stern expressed his concern with the broad scope of Federal A -1, Public
Utilities, Preservation and expansion of municipal rights in federal telecommunications
law and regulatory setting deliberations, including cable television re- regulation until
true competition occurs; and noted his preference that Federal A -1 be included as a
focus topic.
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to reaffirm Federal
B -1, Continuation of Law Enforcement Block Grant Programs; State A -2, Continuation
of COPS; State B -1, Aviation, Promote a regional approach to airport development and
usage and include language specifying noise abatement. No objection was noted.
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded Councilwoman Ferraro, to support State A -1,
opposing any loss of VLF. No objection was noted.
City Council Minutes
January 31, 2002
Page 7
City Manager Evans stated that this agenda reflecting the City Council's positions will
be brought back to the City Council for final review.
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to support Proposition
40; to support State 2 -A as a reaffirmation; and to support Parks D -1. No objection was
noted.
City Manager Evans highlighted the three positions taken by the City Council: support
of Proposition 40, support of State B -1, and support the protection of VLFs.
Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to affirm Federal
and State B -1. No opposition was noted.
Mayor pro tem Stern stated that Policy 29 is at odds with the approach the City Council
is taking this evening and that staff should make the necessary change to Policy 29 to
see that it is harmonized with what the Council is now doing.
Responding to Mayor pro tem Stern's comment, City Manager Evans stated that staff
will look at that issue and bring it back for the City Council's review.
Mayor McTaggart requested that staff provide information on Proposition 42 for City
Council. consideration, with the possibility of supporting it. Mayor McTaggart stated that
C -1 and C -2 will be focus issues. No objection was noted.
Councilman Clark reiterated his request that staff research what other similar cities are
doing to provide an effective voice in Sacramento.
Vote was by consensus.
RECESS & RECONVENE:
At 8:30 P.M., Mayor McTaggart declared a recess. The meeting reconvened at
8:46 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, commented on the limited number of parking
spaces at the Abalone Cove scenic turn -out and urged the City to improve the parking
resources in this area.
Dean Garth, 28619 Golden Meadow Drive, noted his concerns with the speeding
vehicles in his neighborhood; and suggested that the City consider the placement of
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January 31, 2002
Page 8
traffic signs or speed humps to slow the vehicles down. In regard to the proposed
under - grounding of utility lines on the west side of Golden Meadow Drive, Mr. Garth
expressed his opinion that it would be extremely unfair for the City to require the parcel
owner to pay for placing the high tension line underground — pointing out that this
distribution line not only supplies the people living in Rancho Palos Verdes and Palos
Verdes, but that it also supplies those people living in Palos Verdes Estates; and urged
the City to investigate other means to pay for this task, that it not be placed on the
backs of the individual parcel owners.
Don Schultz stated that he has brought to the attention of the local Sheriff's Department
the nuisance flyers for curb painting — pointing out that no contact telephone number is
provided; and noted that the Public Works Department will be providing this service free
of charge.
Resol. Nos. 2002 -05 and 06- Proposed Amendments to the Personnel Rules
Assistant City Manager Petru presented -the staff report of January 31, 2002, and the
recommendation to (1) adopt Resolution No. 2002 -05, a Resolution of the City Council
of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, amending the competitive service employee
personnel rules. (2) adopt Resolution No. 2002 -06, a Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, amending the management personnel rules.
Councilman Gardiner noted his preference the Veterans' Preference System only be
applied to those who have been honorably discharged, not to those who have been
dishonorably discharged.
Assistant City Manager Petru explained that the State broadly defines the word
"veteran "; that State legislation is strongly encouraging cities to adopt this personnel
rule; and that should this City decide not to adopt this rule, it would be required to adopt
a resolution stating the reasons.
City Attorney Lynch explained that there is no current mechanism under State law for
distinguishing between honorably and dishonorably discharged veterans; that if this City
is going to adopt this rule, that it should stick with the definition of veterans as specified
in State law so that the City is in accordance with the State's requirements.
Councilman Gardiner requested of staff that more clarification on the requirements in
regard to discharges be provided to City Council; and expressed his preference that a
these veterans not be limited only to entry -level competitive positions.
Responding to Councilman Gardiner's inquiry, Assistant Manager Petru stated that a
management employee would now be permitted to cash out up to 50% of their accrued
vacation time; and advised that at no time will an employee lose their vacation leave
City Council Minutes
January 31, 2002
Page 9
accrual.
Councilman Clark stated that staff should be encouraged to take the vacation leave and
that routine accumulation of vacation leave should not become standard practice.
Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Stern, to concur with staff's
recommendation. No objection was noted.
In response to Councilman Gardiner's comment to amend the motion, City Manager
Evans stated that staff will bring back to City Council for discussion further clarification
in regard to the veterans preference system.
Mayor pro tem Stern requested that when the veterans preference issue is brought
back for City Council consideration, that staff provide some examples so that he can
understand the implications of changing the veterans criteria and how it applies to the
personnel rules.
Proposal to Expand Advisory Board Duties
Mayor pro tem Stern commented on his suggestion to expand the ability of the City's
commissions and committees by allowing them to propose work programs and projects
to the City Council; and explained that this be done as a philosophical policy approach,
not a structured procedure — citing the tremendous talent of those serving on the City's
boards. He expressed his preference that these individuals be encouraged to be as
creative and proactive as they can in providing suggestions on how the City might
improve its current methods of operation; and encouraged not only board members, but
also staff members and residents to come forward with creative suggestions on areas
that will benefit and improve the City.
Mayor McTaggart expressed his belief that board members routinely provide
suggestions on various issues; noted his concern that soliciting and encouraging all
members to come up with suggestions may create some budget implications that city
management will have to deal with; and stressed the importance of subcommittees,
which historically meet to confer on specific issues, not involve a lot of staff time. Mayor
McTaggart commended Mayor pro tem Stern for bringing this issue up, but reiterated
his belief that individuals freely provide suggestions which they believe can benefit the
City.
Mayor pro tern Stern expressed his belief that there are some individuals who feel
inhibited in providing suggestions for City Council consideration; and that he is not
looking at expending a lot of staff time, but that he is setting a tone and philosophy for
bringing forth this creativity which may benefit the City.
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January 31, 2002
Page 10
Mayor McTaggart mentioned that at the monthly Mayor's breakfast meeting, the chairs
of various boards will be present; stated that they traditionally have not been shy about
passing on plenty of information and /or suggestions; he expressed his belief that it
would be beneficial for the other councilmembers to hear the input from these
committees; and, that these breakfast meetings would provide an opportunity for every
councilmember to hear this input a couple times a year.
Councilman Clark, echoed by Councilman Gardiner, noted his support for Mayor pro
tem Stern's suggestion, stating that it would be a tangible signal to the volunteers that
City Council is interested in partnering with them and interested in establishing
collaboration in this creative endeavor.
Tom Redfield, 31273 Ganada Drive, stated that in his experience working with a large
corporation, some individuals do feel constrained in coming forward with ideas; and
expressed his support that the City take advantage of the talent of staff and volunteers
in this City.
Mayor pro tem Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, that the various
commissions and committees be encouraged to bring issues forth that they believe
should be addressed by them and then on to City Council for consideration. No
objection was noted.
Agreement for Design Services
City Clerk Purcell presented the staff report of January 31, 2002, and the
recommendation to approve the agreement with Tom Hollingsworth for design services
to ensure graphic continuity in the use of the City's logo and custom typeface at a cost
of $200 per month.
Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to concur with
staffs recommendation. Motion carried.
Councilman Clark suggested that one of the projects to be considered by Tom
Hollingsworth would be design a new City lapel pin and a redesign of the City business
cards.
Award a contract for services to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report for proposed project revisions to the approved BelmontCorp's Belmont
Village Senior Living Facility (formerly known as Marriott's Brighton Gardens
project)
Senior Planner Mihranian presented the staff report of January 31, 2002, and noted the
recommendation to authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to sign a professional
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January 31, 2002
Page 11
services agreement in an amount not to exceed $38,000 with Peri Muretta, to prepare a
Supplement to Final Environmental Impact Report No. 27 for project revisions to the
approved BelmontCorp's Belmont Village Senior Living project. Senior Planner
Mihranian pointed out that these funds are not City funds.
Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Stern, to concur with staff's
recommendation. Motion carried.
Request to extend the current entitlements for the BelmontCorp's Belmont
Village Senior Living Project (formerly known as Marriott's Brighton Garden
project)
Senior Planner Mihranian presented the staff report of January 31, 2002, and the
recommendation to approve the Applicant's one -year time extension request from the
date of expiration (February 2, 2002), setting the expiration date as February 2, 2003,
to allow additional time to review proposed revisions to the existing project entitlements
(Conditional Use Permit No. 195, et. al) for the BelmontCorp's Belmont Village Senior
Living project.
Staff noted for Mayor pro tem Stern the purpose in the Applicant's request for an
extension.
Mayor McTaggart advised that he recently had a discussion with the developer's
representative in regard to this matter; stated that one of the issues which he believes
should go before the Planning Commission for consideration is the proposed export of
evacuated earth — highlighting the difficult situation with using the proposed truck route
on Crenshaw Boulevard; and noted that he had suggested to Belmont's representatives
that they should attempt to balance the earth materials on -site.
Director Rojas noted for Councilwoman Ferraro that once the supplemental EIR is
completed, the Conditions of Approval, based on any revisions, would have to be
reviewed by the City Council for final approval.
City Attorney Lynch stated that if it is the preference of the City Council, these proposed
changes could go before the Planning Commission first and then on to City Council for
final approval.
Councilwoman Ferraro mentioned that she had visited one of the existing Belmont
Village Assisted Living facilities in Houston; stated that she was very impressed with the
fine q uality of the facility; and expressed her belief that this company will provide a
quality facility that people in this community would desire. Councilwoman Ferraro
stated that she is in support of the extension; that any proposed changes that need to
be made should first go before the Planning Commission for consideration and then on
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January 31, 2002
Page 12
to the City Council for final approval.
Director Rojas stated that the meetings in regard to any proposed changes would be
properly noticed.
Mayor McTaggart noted the community need for this type of facility; and expressed his
desire that the City find a way to accommodate what the Applicant would like to do.
Councilman Gardiner stated that he met with the developer's representative some time
ago; that the developer had explained that they had been surprised to discover a large
amount of rock/concrete which has hampered the Applicant's efforts; noted his support
of granting an extension; and added that City Council consider the proposed changes.
Councilman Clark mentioned that the applicant is also looking at making some project
improvements.
David Hail, representing Belmontcorp, owner, operator and developer of the assisted
living communities, explained that during the company's due diligence investigations,
geotechnical studies surprisingly discovered a WWII bunker and a massive amount of
rock — pointing out that nothing can be done with the rock except to export it from. the
site. Mr. Hail explained that because of the requirement to export materials, the
Applicant has to go back to the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report process
and make a revision to the CUP; advised that they'd like to make improvements by
adding larger rooms and adding more amenities; reported that they are moving forward
with this project; that the Notice of Preparation has been sent out; that the supplemental
to the EI R is being prepared; and that they anticipate coming before the City Council for
review of the application sometime this spring.
Mr. Hail noted for Mayor pro tem Stern that he is amenable to the revisions going
before the Planning Commission prior to City Council consideration.
Mayor McTaggart addressed his concerns with how the change in staffing shifts would
be made at this facility and how the shift changes might impact the neighbors across
the road /ridge; and he questioned whether adequate parking is being proposed.
Responding to Mayor McTaggart's concerns, Mr. Hail noted that these issues are
currently being studied by the engineers — pointing out the Applicant's desire to be as
accommodating as possible; and he offered to provide the City Council members a tour
of some of its local facilities.
Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Stern, to grant the
extension for one year, with the understanding that the changes will go back to the
Planning Commission and then on to City Council for final consideration. No objection
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January 31, 2002
Page 13
was noted.
Mayor pro tem Stern advised that he had not met with the Applicant or any of the
Applicant's representatives.
City Council and Staff Team Building Workshop
Councilman Clark commented on his desire to schedule a City Council and staff
workshop for the purpose of team - building, looking at how City Council and staff
operate together; noted that the focus of the workshop will apply to specific areas, such
as communication, concept of operation, philosophy, etc.; and highlighted his
expectation that this workshop will assist the new Council and the current leadership of
City staff in interacting effectively. He noted his anticipation that the workshop should
only take a few hours.
Councilwoman Ferraro noted that a similar workshop had been conducted in the past
and that it was beneficial to all involved.
Mayor McTaggart suggested hiring Len Wood as the workshop facilitator.
Mayor pro tem Stern noted his support of the workshop.
At this time, Saturday, March 9, 20021 9:00 A.M., was selected to conduct the
interviews for the Recreation and Parks Commission.
Following discussion with regard to proposed workshop dates, it was the consensus of
the City Council to table selecting a workshop date until the next meeting, wherein staff
will present to City Council some alternative dates that fit staff's schedules.
Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Stern, that staff present at the
next meeting some alternative dates for the City Council and Staff Team Building
Workshop. No objection was noted.
Code Enforcement Case No. COD 001 -00025 Status Report on a Code
Enforcement Case Regarding Non - Permitted Commercial Antennae at 5905
Mossbank Drive
Director Rojas presented staff report of January 31, 2002, and the recommendation to
receive and file and provide further direction to staff as deemed appropriate.
Mayor McTaggart advised that he had received a complaint about the commercial
antennae from a resident living in this neighborhood; that no one has lived at this
address for a couple of years; and stated that a determination has to be made as to
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January 31, 2002
Page 14
whether this type of nonresidential facility is permitted in a residential neighborhood —
pointing out that the antennae farm is making it difficult for the neighbors to use their
telephones and televisions.
Councilwoman Ferraro requested that a status report in regard to this matter be
provided to City Council at its next meeting.
Quarterly "Off- Site" City Council Meetings
Councilman Clark expressed his desire that the City Council meetings be conducted'at
other locations within the City on a quarterly basis — noting that this will benefit
community outreach efforts.
Mayor pro tem Stern expressed his support of Councilman Clark's suggestion.
Highlighting some problems with ample meeting notice, Mayor McTaggart suggested
that the meetings be placed on the City's website, in a newsletter, and City
readerboards, for instance.
Councilwoman Ferraro noted that many people rely on the set locations, times and
dates; and that if ample notice could be given so as not to confuse the residents, she
would be in support of Councilman Clark's suggestion.
City Attorney Lynch mentioned that it could be done with an Adjourned Meeting /Notice
of Adjournment, thereby complying with the Brown Act.
Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, that City Council conduct
its meetings offsite once a quarter and that these offsite meetings be held at different
geographic areas within the City. No objection was noted.
Councilwoman Ferraro stated that if scheduling or site selection becomes a problem,
that the meetings be located /scheduled at staff direction.
Councilman Clark suggested that City Council work with staff and that this not become
site specific.
City Manager Evans advised that staff will, start working on some potential sites to
conduct the quarterly City Council meetings and suggested that these sites be
scheduled for the entire year.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Council Minutes
January 31, 2002
Page 15
City Attorney Lynch reported: (1) that no action was taken on the potential purchase of
open space; (2) that the Council unanimously directed that a counter offer be made to
Chandler's Palos Verdes Sand and Gravel, Inc. to resolve that claim; (3) that the
Council voted 4 -1 (Councilmember Gardiner voted no) to direct the City Attorney to
make an offer to acquire an easement for a drainage project; and, (4) that on the
Abrams case, the Council took no action.
ORAL CITY COUNCIL REPORTS: ,
Councilman Gardiner briefly commented on the interesting voting structure of the Palos
Verdes Transit Authority — noting that if only one person from a particular city holds their
hand up, regardless of how the other person from the same city votes, that one
person's vote counts.
Councilwoman Ferraro noted the importance of at least one person from this City being
present at the Palos Verdes Transit Authority meetings.
Mayor pro tern Stern stated that with the exception of Councilman Gardiner, the
Councilmembers went to the legislative meetings in Sacramento two weeks ago; noted
that budget concerns were discussed, as well as potential loss of the vehicle license
fees; mentioned that they met with Assemblyman Lowenthal and State Senator Karnett;
that both were very supportive of the City's initiative to get the State funding for its open
space acquisition; and expressed his belief that it helped to advance some of this City's
agenda and gave him a lot of insight on what's going on from some of the leadership in
the legislature.
Councilwoman Ferraro commented on the same visit to Sacramento and noted that
they met other legislators, not just the ones who represent this district; and that the City.
Council members kept emphasizing not to take any funds away — pointing out to the
legislators that this City is not asking for more funding. Councilwoman Ferraro
expressed her belief that they received a good response from most of the legislators;
and mentioned that the budget deficit is expected by some to exceed the Governor's
estimate by several billion dollars — noting that cities may have to be more conservative
with budgeting for a while.
Councilman Clark advised that he had been contacted by the Board of Directors for the
Palos Verdes Girls Softball League to discuss some preliminary concepts the League
has for additional girls softball facilities in the community. Councilman Clark advised
that he would provide City Council with some written material which the League had
provided him.
Mayor McTaggart encouraged the residents to read the bill inserts which come with
their utility bills, highlighting some interesting information.
City Council Minutes
January 31, 2002
Page 16
Referring to the February 5, 20027 City Council meeting, Mayor McTaggart stated that
due to out -of -town guests, it will be difficult for him to attend the meeting; and asked if
there would be any objection to conducting the meeting on the 7th of February.
Director Alison mentioned that a public hearing regarding traffic calming has been duly
noticed for the 5th which is expected to affect 400 residents along Vera Riviera.
City Manager Evans stated that staff will do all it can to get the word out to the residents
for the rescheduled meeting; suggested that the traffic calming matter be continued to
the 19th but that public input also be taken on the 7th for those who may not be able to
attend the 19th meeting. No objection was noted.
McTaggart expressed his appreciation for rescheduling the meeting to the 7th of
February.
Councilman Gardiner advised of some scheduling difficulties with March 4th through the
7th and asked that this issue be placed on the next Agenda for discussion purposes.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was formally adjourned at 10:40 P.1
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
WA2002 City Council Minutes \01312002 cc min.doc
City Council Minutes
January 31, 2002
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