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CC MINS 20020311 ADJMINUTES RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2002 The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor McTaggart at Fred Hesse Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, notice having been given with affidavit thereto on file, and was immediately recessed to a closed session per the Brown Act Checklist. At 7:14 P.M. the meeting reconvened. After the Pledge of Allegiance, 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; Finance Director Dennis McLean; Senior Planner Kit Fox; City Clerk/Administrative Services Director Jo Purcell; and, Deputy City Clerk/Recording Secretary Jackie Drasco. League of California Cities Grassroots Representative City Manager Evans introduced Ann Marie Wallace, the South Bay Regional Representative for the new League of California Cities Grass Roots Network. He stated that she has a strong background in legislative advocacy, is a graduate of California State University at Long Beach, lives locally, and has her office at the Torrance Municipal airport. Ms. Wallace explained that she had met with senior City staff who provided background on the City and met with several Councilmembers in January in Sacramento. She thanked the City for supporting Proposition 42, which was important to maintain City revenue. She distributed a packet to the Council with background on the League, services it provides to cities, and information on the annual conference being held October 2 -5 in Long Beach. She said that her first priority was to protect State raids on city funds during the current State deficit situation and that the long term solution was to gain the trust of voters and ask for their protection of local government funds in a state -wide ballot measure. She explained that the League Board of Directors estimated that March 2004 would be a good time to place this measure before voters. Councilman Gardiner, along with Mayor McTaggart, was concerned about loss of City funds in the meantime and asked why this measure could not be placed on the ballot sooner. Ms. Wallace replied that a poll indicated that the voters were not receptive at this time and it was also believed that such a measure would be less successful during a general election. RECYLE DRAWING: The winner from the last drawing was Donald Morton, who will receive a check for $250, which represents a year of free refuse service. Another card was selected. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mayor Pro Tern Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to approve the agenda. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR: City Clerk Purcell stated that a revised Urgency Ordinance, a revised staff report and a resolution regarding the Franchise Tax Board item, changes to minutes from Mayor Pro Tern Stern were presented to the Council at the outset of the meeting. At this time, Councilman Gardiner, Councilman Clark, and Councilwoman Ferraro submitted additional minutes changes orally. Councilman Gardiner asked that the item amending the Competitive Service Employee Personnel Rules regarding the Veterans' Preference System be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Stern, to approve the Consent Calendar as amended. Motion carried. 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 (301) Approved the Minutes of February 9 and March 6 as presented. Approved the Minutes of February 7 and February 23, as amended. Claim Against the City by Howard Mori (301 x 303) Rejected the claim and directed the City Clerk to notify the claimant of the Council's action. Resol. No. 2002 -15 -Used Oil Recycling Block Grant for Fiscal Year 2002 -2003 (1204 x 1301 ) City Council Minutes March 11, 2002 Page 2 (1) Authorized the application of the Fiscal Year 2002 -2003 used oil block grant to continue the used oil and filter recycling program for City of Rancho Palos Verdes residents. (2) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -15, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO EXECUTE ANY AGREEMENTS, CONTRACTS, AND REQUESTS FOR PAYMENT AS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM. Neighborhood Watch — Purchase of Replacement Computer (301 x 1206) Approved the purchase of a CPQ 2710US Notebook Computer and Norton antivirus software at a cost of $1802.60 for use by volunteer Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Gail Lorenzen; said amount to be paid from the Neighborhood Watch Trust Fund. Resol. No. 2002 -16 - Franchise Tax Board Contract for Taxpayer Information (602 x 1501) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -167 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO EXECUTE ANNUAL CONTRACTS WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FRANCHISE TAX BOARD FOR TAXPAYER INFORMATION SHARING SERVICES. January Treasurer's Report (602) Ordered received and filed. Resol. No. 2002 -17 - Register of Demands (602) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -171 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 # # # # # # # # # # # # Amendment to the Veterans' Preference System in the Personnel Rules (1101 x 1202) Assistant City Manager Petru presented the staff report of March 11, 2002 and the recommendation to adopt the proposed Resolution amending the Competitive Service Employee Personnel Rules regarding the Veterans' Preference System. Councilman Gardiner asked that the veterans' preference be restricted to veterans who received an honorable discharge. City Council Minutes March 11, 2002 Page 3 Assistant City Manager Petru replied that this could be added. Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -187 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING THE COMPETITIVE SERVICE EMPLOYEE PERSONNEL RULES REGARDING THE VETERANS' PREFERENCE SYSTEM, as amended. Motion carried. REGULAR BUSINESS: Appointment of Planning Commission &Finance Advisory Committee Members (301 x 106) City Clerk Purcell presented the staff report of March 11, 2002 and the recommendation to make the following appointments: Planning Commission: (1) Appoint four members to a four year term of office to serve until March 7, 2006; (2) Appoint three members to a two year term of office to serve until March 2, 2004. Finance Advisory Committee: (1) Appoint four members to a four -year term of office to serve until March 7, 2006; (2) Appoint three members to a two -year term of office to serve until March 2, 2004. Chairs: (1) Set a time and place to interview those appointees who have expressed a desire to serve as chair of these boards. (2) Authorize the Mayor to appoint an interim chair to each of these boards to serve until Council has conducted the interview for chairs. The votes cast for the candidates for Planning Commission were as follows: Mayor McTaggart - Heidi Assigal, Jon Cartwright, Thomas Long, Frank Lyon, Craig Mueller, James Slayden and David Tomblin. Mayor Pro Tern Stern - John Cartwright, Susan Cote, Luis DeMoraes, Thomas Long, Craig Mueller, Clara Duran Reed, Sam Van Wagner. Councilman Clark - Jon Cartwright, Susan Cote, Thomas Long, Frank Lyon, Craig Mueller, Clara Duran Reed, Sam Van Wagner. Councilwoman Ferraro - Heidi Assigal, Jon Cartwright, Luis DeMoraes, Frank Lyon, James Slayden, David Tomblin, John Waldron Councilman Gardiner - John Cartwright, Susan Cote, Gordon Leon, Thomas Long, Frank Lyon, Craig Mueller, Clara Duran Reed. A second ballot was taken with the votes cast as follows: Mayor McTaggart - David Tomblin. Mayor Pro Tern Stern - Luis DeMoraes. Councilman Clark - Sam Van Wagner. Councilwoman Ferraro - David Tomblin. Councilman Gardiner - Gordon Leon. A third balloting was required to fill the seventh seat. The votes cast were as follows: Mayor McTaggart - David Tomblin. Mayor Pro Tern Stern - Gordon Leon. Councilman Clark - Sam Van Wagner. City Council Minutes March 11, 2002 Page 4 Councilwoman Ferraro - David Tomblin. Councilman Gardiner - David Tomblin. Council voting by written, open ballot appointed the following to serve on the Planning Commission: Jon Cartwright, Frank Lyon, Tom Long, Craig Mueller, Clara Duran Reed, and Susan Cote. A second and third ballot was necessary to select David Tomblin. Councilman Clark moved that commissioners who have served the longest be appointed to two -year terms. Mayor Pro Tern Stern agreed and added that the third commissioner with a two -year term should be the person selected on the third ballot. Mayor McTaggart disagreed, stating that commissioners who received the most votes should serve the four -year term. Councilman Clark pointed out that the only commissioner who received five votes had specifically requested a two -year term. He amended his motion to include a two -year term for the last person chosen and said that the selection of a term did not reflect on the quality of the applicant, but merely was intended to begin the staggered terms. Mayor Pro Tern Stern seconded the motion. Motion carried. Council consensus was that Jon Cartwright, Frank Lyon, and David Tomblin would serve two -year terms until March 2, 2004; and, that Susan Cote, Tom Long, Craig Mueller, and Clara Duran Reed would serve four -year terms until March 7, 2006. For the Finance Advisory Comm. The votes cast for the candidates were as follows: Mayor McTaggart - Derrick Au, Earl Butler, Becky Clark, John Curtis, William Smith, Stefan Wolowicz, Richard Wallace. Mayor Pro Tern Stern - Jean Beasley, Earl Butler, Becky Clark, Robert Martin, Gina McLeod, William Smith, Stefan Wolowicz. Councilman Clark - Jean Beasley, Becky Clark, Gina McLeod, William Smith, Stefan Wolowicz, Richard Wallace, Sam Van Wagner. Councilwoman Ferraro - Derrick Au, Earl Butler, Becky Clark, John Curtis, William Smith, Stefan Wolowicz, Richard Wallace. Councilman Gardiner - Earl Butler, Becky Clark, John Curtis, Robert Martin, Gina McLeod, William Smith, Stefan Wolowicz. Council voting by written, open ballot appointed the following to serve on the Finance Advisory Committee: Earl Butler, Betsy Clark, John Curtis, Gina McLeod, William Smith, Steve Wolowicz, and Richard Wallace. Based on the previous process and requests from applicants, the Council appointed Earl Butler, William Smith, and John Curtis to serve two -year terms until March 2, 2004; and, City Council Minutes March 11, 2002 Page 5 Becky Clark, Gina McLeod, Stefan Wolowicz, and Richard Wallace to a four -year term of office to serve until March 7, 2006. City Clerk Purcell asked about selection of an interim chair and mentioned that the Planning Commission was meeting the following evening. City Manager Evans indicated that the current chairs could serve until the Council selected new chairs. There was no objection. He asked the Council to select a date to interview interested Commissioner and Committee members to appoint chairs. Council consensus was to interview chair candidates prior to the regular Council meeting on April 2, at 5:30 P.M and to change that time to 6:00 P.M. if there is a light Closed Session. Ordinance No. 374U - Amateur Antenna Ordinance (1801 x 1103) Senior Planner Fox presented the staff report of March 11, 2002 and the recommendation to adopt the proposed Urgency Ordinance regarding amateur antennas and amending the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code and declaring the urgency thereof. City Attorney Lynch explained that the ordinance submitted with the staff report had been revised and distributed to the Council and interested audience members. City Attorney Lynch described events leading to the introduction of the urgency ordinance. Not to exclude any from the local amateur radio community but to expedite submission of this ordinance to Council, she said that Dale Hanks and Herb Clarkson had been asked to provide input over the last few days and that their latest suggestions from the afternoon of this meeting were included in the revised ordinance submitted at the outset of the meeting. She suggested that the non - urgency ordinance be reviewed by the Planning Commission for other possible revisions and agendized at a later Council meeting and that a moratorium not be established. Councilman Clark asked if the ordinance included a definition of building mounted antenna assembly. He felt that the use of precise terminology was critical. City Attorney Lynch replied that antenna assembly was defined on a handout from Senior Planner Fox distributed to the Council at the outset of the meeting as the totality of equipment used to support reception by or transmission from an antenna. It includes the antenna(s), including antennas used in connection with amateur repeaters, antenna support structure(s), and any radiating elements, cables, parabolic dishes and mechanical rotators. Dale Hanks, 5225 Middlecrest, stated that he was a member of the group that worked in 1998 and 1999 to clarify the antenna ordinance and make it compatible with PRB1 and the Telecommunications Act of 1996. He said that he had been working with Carol Lynch and Joel Rojas for the last several days and that he was in agreement with the revised ordinance submitted to the Council this evening. City Council Minutes March 11, 2002 Page 6 Councilman Gardiner spoke in support of the staff recommendation and support and described his background in telecommunication. He felt it would be useful to review terms and definitions and to give examples of types of antennas. City Attorney Lynch felt it would be helpful to take advantage of Councilman Gardiner's expertise and agreed that it would be a good idea to review terms and definitions. Mayor McTaggart suggested an ad hoc subcommittee to work with Director Rojas. Councilman Clark suggested that Councilman Gardiner be appointed to this subcommittee and Councilman Gardiner agreed to take this assignment. Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to (1) Adopt urgency Ordinance No. 374U regarding amateur antennas and amending the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code and declaring the urgency thereof. (2) Refer the non - urgency ordinance to the Planning Commission for their review and to obtain public input. (3) Establish an ad hoc subcommittee made up of Councilman Gardiner Mayor McTaggart volunteered to work with Councilman Gardiner. City Attorney Lynch suggested that Councilman Gardiner act as liaison, rather than forming an ad hoc subcommittee, to avoid Brown Act noticing requirements and to expedite the process. City Clerk Purcell clarified that the motion would include adoption of the urgency Ordinance No. 3740 only and she read the title. The motion carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Clark, Ferraro, Gardiner, Stern, and Mayor McTaggart NOES: None Amateur Antenna Ordinance (1801 x 1103) Staff recommendation was to introduce the proposed ordinance regarding amateur antennas and amending the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code. Council consensus was to refer this non - urgency ordinance to the Planning Commission for their review and to obtain public input. Joint meeting with the Planning Commission and Finance Advisory Committee to discuss the Crestridge Property (1203 x 602) Director Rojas presented the staff report of March 11, 2002 and the recommendation to schedule a date for a joint meeting between the City Council, Planning Commission and Finance Advisory Committee to discuss the two Crestridge Properties. City Council Minutes March 11, 2002 Page 7 Council consensus was to select the regular Council meeting of May 7 as the joint meeting date. Mayor McTaggart asked if the meeting should begin at 6:00 P.M. City Manager Evans replied that the regular agenda would be kept light. Councilman Gardiner felt it was important to identify specific questions and issues to keep the group focused. City Manager Evans replied that staff would bring issues to the Council before May 7. RECESS & RECONVENE: At 8:25 P.M., Mayor McTaggart declared a recess. The meeting reconvened at 8:42 P.M. At this time, the Council allowed a speaker on the Antenna Ordinance heard earlier in the agenda. Demitrius Hatezon, 6542 Ocean Crest Drive, thanked the Council for its support of antennas; relayed a personal anecdote illustrating the importance of amateur radio; described his experience and organization membership as an amateur radio operator himself; explained that the Peninsula was vulnerable to attack because of its position between LAX and the L.A. Harbor and oil field and the importance of amateur radio, and specifically repeaters, during a disaster. In reference to establishment of a subcommittee during the antenna ordinance discussion, City Attorney Lynch clarified that if the Council wanted to establish a simple ad hoc committee made up of Councilman Gardiner and Mayor McTaggart, there would be no Brown Act issue and Mayor McTaggart had been involved in the 9 -month process to revise the antenna ordinance when changes were last made. There was no objection. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Frank Lyon, 15 Oceancrest Court, referring to his work with the City as a private citizen, as a member of the Finance Advisory Committee and as a Planning Commissioner, commented on the high quality of the City staff, stating that they were competent, friendly, and professional in interfacing with the public. He felt that this outstanding performance reflected the wonderful leadership of Les Evans as City Manager. He thanked the Council for his re- appointment to the Planning Commission. Members of the Council echoed Mr. Lyon's sentiments. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, spoke to several items: agreed that Les Evans performed well; recommended an office supplies business in San Pedro whose employees City Council Minutes March 11, 2002 Page 8 watch RPV City Council meetings; described how she became active in the ACLU; and expressed her support of a moratorium on capital punishment in California. Border Issues Status Report (1203 x 310) Senior Planner Fox presented the staff report of March 11, 2002 and the recommendation to Review the current status of border issues, and provide direction to the City Council Committee and staff. Regarding Section 7 of the draft letter to the County regarding the proposed South Coast County Golf Course, Councilman Gardiner and Mayor McTaggart suggested that the language be strengthened to increase control of fugitive dust. In reply to Councilman Gardiner's inquiry about progress by the project's environmental consultant, City Manager replied that preliminary work conducted by the consultant has been submitted. City Attorney Lynch added that the main Torrance Library was the repository of all environmental documents and comments submitted. In response to a question from Mayor pro tem Stern, City Manager Evans replied that information will be submitted to the Council at its meeting on April 2. Councilman Clark raised the issue of relocation of the existing equestrian center on the property and possible environmental impact to Rancho Palos Verdes. Mayor McTaggart agreed there were potential NPDES problems and that the horses should remain at that site. Council consensus was to direct staff to revise the draft comment letter on the South Coast County Golf Course EIR by strengthening the sections regarding fugitive dust and the relocation of the Rolling Hills Estates equestrian center and incorporating the comments of the City's environmental consultant and the City Attorney. Western Avenue Boundary Issues (1203 x 310) Senior Planner Fox presented the staff report of March 11, 2002 and the recommendation to receive and file, and provide direction to staff. Senior Planner referred to an exhibit on the wall which illustrated the boundary along Western Avenue. Mayor McTaggart speculated that the areas on which the RPV business signs are in Los Angeles would be less than a square mile and too small to annex and this would be merely a boundary issue. Senior Planner indicated that the area was about one -half acre. City Council Minutes March 11, 2002 Page 9 Raising another type of border issue, Councilman Clark reported that he had been approached by an RPV resident who lives on Rue Le Charlene and his is the only home which is in RPV; the other three on the street are in the City of Los Angeles. Mayor pro tem Stern discussed three boundary issues mentioned in the staff report. He felt that the signs for RPV businesses which have signs in the City of Los Angeles should be relatively simple to correct, made sense and there had been previous attempts in 1985- 1986 to make this adjustment. He stated that the boundary issue with the Terraces condominiums was more difficult since there could be property tax implications and possibly money due RPV. He wondered if the boundary should be adjusted to make this development entirely in Los Angeles since that city issued the building permits and the structures were built under the L.A. City code regulations. City Manager said that the property tax issue could be researched. In reference to the boundary running down the center of Western Avenue or not, he felt that more information — the pros and cons of the choices - and how CalTrans was involved. He felt if all things were equal, the border should run down the middle of Western Avenue. City Manager Evans said that CalTrans has jurisdiction over the roadway itself and is responsible for maintaining the paved surface, but the cities maintain the sidewalks and landscaping. City Manager Evans then suggested that Councilwoman Hahn's office be informally approached to determine the contact person within the City of Los Angeles with whom to negotiate these boundary issues. Council consensus was to direct staff to bring back an analysis of the pros and cons of each of the three possible boundary adjustments, and to contact LA Councilmember Hahn's office to begin a dialogue regarding these possible adjustments. Peninsula -Wide Issues Committee (I 101 x 310) Mayor McTaggart presented the staff report of March 11, 2002 and the recommendation to receive a report from Mayor McTaggart regarding the formation of a Peninsula -Wide Issues Committee and consider the appointment of representatives to that Committee, if formed. Mayor McTaggart indicated that the Mayor and Mayor pro tem of Rolling Hills Estates were interested in meeting regularly but the other cities declined. City Manager Evans stated that he received a call from the Rolling Hills Estates City Manager that afternoon and he reported that the majority of the City Council decided not to participate. City Manager Evans suggested that possibly the School District might be interested. Mayor Pro Tern Stern expressed his disappointment because he felt many issues impacted neighboring cities and suggested that if the School District wanted to join Rancho Palos Verdes, possibly other Peninsula entities would follow. City Council Minutes March 11, 2002 Page 10 Mayor McTaggart explained that the Mayors of Palos Verdes Estates and Rolling Hills felt that the monthly Mayor's Luncheon served the purpose of discussing peninsula -wide issues but that the representative from the School District seemed interested. Mayor Pro Tem Stern felt that a more formal structure would be more productive. Councilman Clark agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Stern and said he had hoped to see two representatives from each Peninsula city attend a formal meeting and he wondered if the residents of those cities might not question why their City Councils did not want to join with Rancho Palos Verdes. He thought the body should be established and hoped that others would become interested. Mayor McTaggart thought it would be appropriate to approach L.A. Councilwoman Janice Hahn to participate since there were issues between Rancho Palos Verdes and the City of Los Angeles. Councilman Gardiner wondered if the meetings could be combined with the PV Transit meetings which were attended by representatives from the four Peninsula cities. City Attorney Lynch thought the two groups should remain separate. Councilman Gardiner noted that Rancho Palos Verdes has a 7- member Traffic Committee and only one of the other cities had such a committee and it consisted of one staff member. Mayor McTaggart felt the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council should make its presence known when a border issue affects its residents and let the other cities know that representatives would attend hearings and be involved with EIR's. Councilman Clark agreed it was important to send a positive message that Rancho Palos Verdes would be proactive in working through issues which affect the entire Peninsula. Councilman Gardiner noted that youth sports were handled on a Peninsula -wide basis. Councilman Clark commented that the other cities have expressed an interest in the Long Point project. Mayor Pro Tem Stern moved to form a Peninsula -Wide Committee and that Rancho Palos Verdes would be represented by Councilman Gardiner and Councilman Clark. Councilman Gardiner suggested that it might be more appropriate for the committee to consist of the Mayor and Mayor pro tem. Mayor McTaggart agreed that maybe one of the members could be the Mayor or Mayor pro tem. Mayor Pro Tem Stern amended his motion to form the Peninsula -Wide Committee with the Mayor and Mayor pro tem serving as Rancho Palos Verdes' representatives and invite City Council Minutes March 11, 2002 Page 11 other cities to participate, including the City of Los Angeles through Councilwoman Janice Hahn's office. Mayor McTaggart suggested that a letter be written to the School Board and to Councilwoman Hahn. Mayor Pro Tern Stern suggested that the Library be invited also. City Manager Evans said that the letter would be sent and he asked what the next step would be if they did not want to participate. Councilman Clark felt it was appropriate to establish the committee at this time and wait until later to set a date for the first meeting until there has been time for a response. Mayor Pro Tern Stern felt that staff should give some thought to ideas which might be on the first agenda. City Manager Evans suggested that, in order to be fair to each entity, the responsibility for hosting the meeting and preparing the agenda should rotate. Councilman Clark said that this should not be viewed as a Rancho Palos Verdes dominated body. Mayor Pro Tern Stern hoped this was not the perception when it is really an effort to work cooperatively. Councilman Gardiner seconded the motion. The motion carried. Roof Repair for City -Owned Buildings (1204) Director Allison presented the staff report of March 11, 2002 and the recommendation to accept the Roof Inspection Report prepared by the Garland Company and authorize staff to implement the proposed Five -Year Roof Repair and Replacement Plan. Director Allison added that there are seven buildings, not six as indicated in the staff report. Councilman Clark asked why roof repair was not budgeted and asked the method of estimating $20,000 per year. Director Allison said that the program for maintaining City structures has been more reactive and that the $20,000 per year was an estimate without inventory. The inventory has indicated that repairs are now critical. Councilman Clark wondered if it made sense to do extensive repairs or replacement to the City Hall roof with the possibility of a new City Hall in the future. City Council Minutes March 11, 2002 Page 12 Director Allison replied that money would be budgeted but no decision made until engineering plans are requested and that possibly by that time more information will be available about the master plan for City Hall. Mayor pro tem Stern felt that a reactive approach to these types of repairs was troublesome and hope that there could be more anticipation of large expense such as these. City Manager Evans said that the goal was planning ahead but sometimes there were circumstances which complicated that planning and said that money has been set aside for building replacement. He indicated that the City Hall roof had been leaking for some time but there was always a reason to put off repairs, such as that possibly a new City Hall might be built. He indicated that stopping the leaks at City Hall had become more critical because of expensive computer equipment which is housed there and he expected that a new roof would be needed before a new City Hall would be built. Councilman Gardiner stated that this agenda item indicates a move toward being proactive and that he was in favor of moving forward and he felt it was also important to discuss the issue of a future City Hall complex. Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Stern, to accept staff recommendation. Motion carried. City Council Rules of Procedure (1101 x 306) Assistant City Manager Petru presented the staff report of March 11, 2002 and the recommendation to adopt the proposed resolution amending rule 8.2 of the City Council Rules Of Procedure regarding the acceptance of public testimony. Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -191 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING RULE 8.2 OF THE CITY COUNCIL RULES OF PROCEDURE REGARDING THE ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC TESTIMONY. Motion carried. CLOSED SESSION REPORT: City Attorney Lynch reported that regarding the purchase of open space, the Council took no action but gave direction about price and terms of payment for purchase agreements that are being negotiated. Regarding the Kay lawsuit, the Council took no action. Regarding the Abrams lawsuit, the Council took no action, and though the issue did not come up in the Closed Session, City Attorney Lynch indicated that the Council might wish to clarify publicly for concerned residents that the the City Council has not yet decided whether to appeal the District Court's decision. Regarding the Chandler's case, the Council gave direction to provide one last counter offer to Chandler's CITY COUNCIL REPORTS: City Council Minutes March 11, 2002 Page 13 Councilman Clark reported on a meeting he and Mayor McTaggart had with representatives from JCC Homes and California Water Service during which those representatives described revisions to their project. Councilman Clark stated that he and Mayor McTaggart suggested that they seek input from the residents near the proposed project regarding the revisions so that they have time to make changes based on this input before it comes back to the Council on April 2. Mayor McTaggart echoed Councilman Clark's comments and emphasized that he and Councilman Clark did not indicate whether or not they would support the project but they did request that they provide engineering data regarding the water tank. Councilman Clark also described the South Bay Council of Government (COG Third Annual General Assembly that he and Mayor McTaggart attended on February 28. He said that the focus was on Livable Communities in the South Bay; that the program was excellent; and that the meeting was attended by Planning Commissioners Jon Cartwright and Tom Long and Planning Director Joel Rojas and one of his new planners. He learned at the meeting that it is expected that the South Bay will have double the population of Chicago by 2020. Councilman Gardiner asked the definition of the South Bay and Mayor McTaggart said it was from Inglewood to Long Beach. Councilman Clark added that Rick Cole, Azusa City Manager, moderated the discussion and that useful information was provided to help cities in the South Bay maintain the quality of life and Planning Director Joel Rojas gave a report on the City's efforts to expand open space with the acquisition of land for .the Portuguese Bend Reserve. Councilman Clark reported his attendance at a Coastal Commission with...Planning Department staff at which an Ocean Trails amendment was approved, providing a lot line adjustment. Mayor Pro Tern Stern stated that he attended a League of California Cities the preceding Thursday night and the speaker was Dallas Jones, from the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. Mr., Jones stressed the importance of cities being prepared; provided an update on the State's activities; and described the critical need for cooperation between agencies. Mayor Pro Tern Stern stated that Rancho Palos Verdes is one of the first cities to be proactive on a local level. Councilwoman Ferraro described the West Basin Water meeting she attended at which a presentation was given on the construction of Hollywood reservoir with one of the key elements being security. Mayor McTaggart reported that he and Senior Administrative Analyst Gina Park had attended a training session on aircraft noise data retrieval for a tracking system about to come on line. Mayor McTaggart also mentioned that there was a brochure for housing compliance in the Council office at City Hall and reminded the Council that Rancho Palos Verdes has an City Council Minutes March 11, 2002 Page 14 approved housing element when many cities do not. He said that the challenge was keeping current on information regarding requirements. Mayor McTaggart said he attended a Southern California Association of Government (SCAG) meeting at which the topic of livable communities was discussed and he made reference to the city's goal to preserve as much open space as possible and that the most serious density problem facing the South Bay was the proposed expansion of LAX. ADJOURNMENT: Adjourned at 10:14 P.M. on motion of Mayor Pro Tem Stern in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. ATTEST: CITY CLERK WA2002 City Council Minutes \03112002 cc min adj.doc City Council Minutes March 11, 2002 Page 15