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CC MINS 20010605MINUTES RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL JUNE 51 2001 The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Mayor Lyon at Fred Hesse Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. After the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was answered as follows: PRESENT: Byrd, Ferraro, MCTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon 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; Deputy Director of Planning Dave Snow; Senior Planner Greg Pfost; Planner Schonborn; Deputy City Clerk Jackie Drasco; and, Recording Secretary Arlene Jaentsch. CEREMONIAL MATTERS: RECYCLING DRAWING: The winner from the last drawing was Camille Jasmine who will receive a check for $250, which represents a year of free refuse service. Another card was drawn. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart, to approve the agenda. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR: Councilman Byrd moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro to approve the Consent Calendar as follows: APPROVAL OF MINUTES (301) Approved the Minutes of May 15, 2001. Fiscal Year 2000 -2001 Recycling Revenue Grant Awards (1204 x 1301) Awarded 30 recycling grants totaling $72,134 for Recycling Grant Cycle 12. Notice of Completion for the Hesse Park Playground Equipment (1204 x 1201) (1) Accepted the work as complete. (2) Authorized the City Clerk to record a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder; and if no claims are filed 35 days after recordation, and upon the contractor posting an acceptable warranty bond, notify the surety company of the exoneration of the Payment and performance bonds. (3) Authorized the Finance Director to release the 10% retention payment 35 days after recordation of the Notice of Completion by the County Recorder contingent upon no claims being filed on the project and the contractor posting an acceptable warranty bond. Professional Services Agreement — Community Development Block Grant Program Administration (1204 x 601) (1) Approved a professional services agreement with Diana Cho and Associates to administer the Community Development Block Grant Program for a not to exceed amount of $25,000 for Fiscal Year 2001 -2002 and a not to exceed amount of $25,000 for Fiscal Year 2002 -2003. (2) Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the proposed agreement with Diana Cho and Associates. Award Professional Services Agreement for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Clean Water Act Implementation Fiscal Year 2001 -2002 and Fiscal Year 2002 -2003 (1204 x 1402) (1) Awarded a professional services agreement to John L. Hunter and Associates, Inc. for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Clean Water Act Implementation for Fiscal Year 2001 -2002 and Fiscal Year 2002 -2003 in amounts not to exceed $47,150 and $51,950, respectively. (2) Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute an agreement with John L. Hunter and Associates, Inc. for NPDES Clean Water Act implementation for Fiscal Year 2001 -2002 and Fiscal Year 2002 -2003. Claim Against the City by Cameron Brown (303 x 301) Rejected the claim and directed the City Clerk to notify the claimant of Council's action. Resol. No. 2001 -41 - Annual Appropriation Limit for Fiscal Year 2001 -2002 (602) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -417 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ESTABLISHING THE CITY'S APPROPRIATION LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 -2002. City Council Minutes June 5, 2001 Page 2 Resol. No. 2001 -42 - Register of Demands (602) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -42, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING. FUNDS FROM WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID. Councilman Byrd moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion to approve the consent calendar carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Byrd, Ferraro, McTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon NOES: None # # # # # # # # # # # # PUBLIC HEARINGS: Resol. Nos. 2001 -43 and 44 - Fiscal Year 2001 -2002 City Budget and Salary Range Adjustments (1101 x 1202 x 602) Mayor Lyon opened the public hearing on this request to approve the recommendation to adopt the Fiscal Year 2001 -2002 City Budget and Salary Range Adjustments. Deputy City Clerk Drasco announced that notice had been duly published and that there were no written comments received by the City. Assistant City Manager Petru presented the staff report of June 5, 2001 and the recommendation to adopt the Fiscal Year 2001 -2002 City Budget and Salary Range Adjustments. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, drew attention to the difference in part -time wages paid to Rancho Palos Verdes City employees and amounts paid to those in similar occupations employed by the City of Santa Monica. She encouraged the Council to increase starting wages for Rancho Palos Verdes part -time employees to exceed the minimum wage. City Manager Evans responded to Council inquiry regarding amounts set aside for certain special items in the budget explaining that the money is not spent until the Council approves the expenditure. Council consensus was that they would be alert to amounts in the General Fund and the costs of projects such as the storm drains and other capital improvement items which the public has indicated are of great importance. City Council Minutes June 5, 2001 Page 3 Request For Donation For Palos Verdes Peninsula High School Track Replacement Fund (602 x 1401) Nikolaos Cangemi, 30130 Avenida Tranquila; Brendan Richart, 5016 Rockvalley Road; and Adam Cohu, 6917 Abbottswood Drive, students of Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, asked the City Council to donate funds toward the replacement of the Track. They told the Council of the enhanced benefits for the track team and to the community since the track will be open for the public to use. These contributions will be matched dollar for dollar by an anonymous Peninsula High School parent. Council consensus was to contribute $2,000 and direct the City Manager to determine the funding source account. Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilman Stern to approve the contribution. The motion carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Ferraro, Byrd, McTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon NOES: None Councilman Byrd moved, seconded by Councilman Stern to (1) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -43 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING A BUDGET APPROPRIATION AND ADOPTING THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 -2002. (2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -44 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ESTABLISHING SALARY AND HOURLY RANGES FOR COMPETITIVE AND MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEE JOB CLASSIFICATIONS. The motion carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Ferraro, Byrd, McTaggart, Stern and Mayor Lyon. NOES: None Resol. No. 2001 -45 - Conditional Large Domestic Animal Permit No. 5 (Applicant: Gordon Leon, representing Portuguese Bend Pony Club; Landowner: Patricia M. Brown; address: 2 West Pomegranate Road.) (1203 x 1801) Planner Schonborn presented the staff report of June 5, 2001 and the recommendation to adopt Conditional Large Domestic Animal Permit No. 5. Deputy City Clerk Drasco announced that notice had been duly published and that written comments received by the City had been distributed to the Council. Council discussion focused on clarifying that, if this resolution were adopted, the permit would be issued to the Portuguese Bend Pony Club, not to the property City Council Minutes June 5, 2001 Page 4 owner. Council asked to be kept informed as to any changes in the organization's leadership. Robert Maxwell, 7 East Pomegranate Road, summarized a letter to the Council opposing the permit and the premise of grandfathering to allow horse boarding He expressed concerns that the Pony Club might expand to adjoining properties and felt that the Portuguese Bend Riding Club stables would be a better place for such activities. (A copy of Mr. Maxwell's letter is on file with the City Clerk's Office.) Sepp Donahower, 3 West Pomegranate Road, said that he owns two parcels that border the Pony Club site. He informed the Council of grading /work activity conducted at the site on a recent Sunday and described his past experiences with the Pony Club manure bin. He also expressed concern about the zoning of his parcels; the effect of the Pony Club's proximity to his home and its effect on his property value; and, said that he agreed that Pony Club camp should not be allowed. Claudia Gutierrez, 3 Clovetree Place, said that she considered all aspects of the permit because she is a Portuguese Bend board member and a Pony Club parent. She asked the Council to grant the request to adopt the resolution. Kay Bara, 1 Peppertree Drive, said that her property has bordered the Pony Club property for 22 years; that she had no problems with them; and, she urged the Council to adopt the staff recommendation. Charlene O'Neill, 38 Headland Drive, Chairman of the Equestrian Committee, explained the meeting at which their committee, Pony Club representatives, and the neighbors developed the resolution and urged the Council to adopt the resolution. She described the site topography and the distance between the Donahower house and the Pony Club. Gordon Leon, 38 Narcissa, Joint District Commissioner of the Portuguese Bend Pony Club, described the Portuguese Bend Pony Club's activities. Mr. Leon stated that Pony Club had been asked to move from their previous site, which involved a number of meetings with the neighbors in the area. He said that concerns raised in these meetings were the basis of the conditions in the Large Domestic Animal Permit No. 5. He stated that Pony Club participants do their best to be good neighbors to the community and he asked the Council to adopt the resolution. Haley Stern, 2731 Coral Ridge Road; Ashley Mahaffey, 29605 Grandpoint Lane, stated that Pony Club was a great way to learn about the care of horses and team work and she said they try to be good neighbors and keep the area clean. City Council Minutes June 5, 2001 Page 5 Lauren Tuck, 6 Vanderlip Drive; Courtney Mahaffey, 29605 Grandpoint Lane; Haley Rexwell, 900 Camino Real, Redondo Beach, said that they had learned team spirit, the value of hard work and responsibility at Pony Club and have tried to be good neighbors. Sandra James, 1068 Via Cordova, San Pedro; a five -year member of Pony Club, stated that Pony Club helped her conquer major depression and increased the quality of her life. She referred to Olympic Team member Kathleen Raine who was a member of the Portuguese Bend Pony Club. Christina Smith, 38 Pony Lane, Rolling Hills Estates, a member of Pony Club for three years described its positive impact on her life. Brittany Umanoff, 2420 Via, emphasized the importance of Pony Club to its members. Kathryn Peterka, 7208 Hartcrest Drive, explained that Pony Club was a place to escape everyday stress and she said they would continue to be good neighbors. Shannon Peterka, 7208 Hartcrest Drive, explained that she loved Pony Club because of the opportunity to be outdoors with the other girls, to take care of horses, and to have a place to go after school. She said it was hard work but a good change from the hard work of school. Rachel Gutierrez, 3 Clove Tree Place, a one -year member, described her positive experience at Pony Club and the friends she has made. Torie Dye, 7035 Hartcrest, a six -year member, expressed her enjoyment and learning of responsibility. Meghan Leon, 38 Narcissa, expressed the importance of Pony Club to her and told the Council that she and Torie Dye would be representing the Portuguese Bend Pony Club at the Nationals in Kentucky. Toni Deeble, Three East Pomegranate, commended the Pony Club members for speaking. She recognized Pony Club's importance but suggested a few changes to the current permit such as: a two -year review period; a no -camp rule clearly specified; and, written club policies and procedures available for review. She stated that the present leadership of the club is helpful and as leadership changes, the neighbors want to be kept informed. Ed Sutton, One West Pomegranate, a contiguous neighbor of Pony Club, said leaders Jack Smith and Gordon Leon seemed to be dedicated fathers and qualified managers and that Pony Club members were polite and respectful. He urged Council to approve the permit. City Council Minutes June 5, 2001 Page 6 Betty Strauss, 10 West Pomegranate, spoke in support of Pony Club but wanted a prohibition of Pony Club camp. Jack Smith, District Commissioner, 38 Pony Lane, Rolling Hills Estates, spoke in support of the staff recommendation and suggested that the camp item be removed from the conditions. He explained that the Portuguese Bend Pony Club is part of the United States Pony Club; teaches all the good tenets of this organization, and that the United States Equestrian Team members for the last Olympics were former Pony Club members. He felt that adopting the resolution would (1) give the Pony Club a legal right to continue what they have been doing for the last 25 years and (2) allow them to concentrate all of their activities at the new Pony Club area. Council discussion focused on the open space hazard zoning and how it applied to Pony Club structures, and on the watering system and the proposed use of a sensor device to turn off water to eliminate the possibility of flooding. Mayor Lyon closed the public hearing. RECESS & RECONVENE: At 8:50 p.m. Mayor Lyon declared a recess. The meeting was reconvened at 9:00 P.M. Council woman Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilman Byrd to ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -45, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ACCEPTING THE EQUESTRIAN COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION AND CONDITIONALLY APPROVING CONDITIONAL LARGE DOMESTIC ANIMAL PERMIT NO. 5 AS AMENDED, 1) TO REQUIRE A REVIEW EVERY 2 YEARS, 2) ANNUALLY SUBMIT TO THE CITY A WRITTEN MANUAL OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES CONCURRENT WITH SUBMISSION OF THE PROOF OF REGISTERED NON- PROFIT 501 (C) (3) STATUS 3) INSTALLATION OF AN AUTOMATIC WATER SHUT -OFF SYSTEM SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF CITY STAFF. 4) NO PONY CLUB CAMP, HORSE SHOWS, OR SPECIAL EVENTS TO BE HELD WITHOUT A SPECIAL PERMIT FROM THE CITY. Motion carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Ferraro, Byrd, McTaggart, and Mayor Lyon. NOES: None ABSTAIN: Stern Councilman Stern abstained because his daughter is a member of Pony Club. City Council Minutes June 5, 2001 Page 7 PUBLIC COMMENTS: Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, spoke to the Council about a rhinoceros iguana in her neighborhood, which she referred to as a dinosaur. REGULAR BUSINESS: Feasibility y ibili Stud for a Girls' Softball Complex at Lower Point Vicente Park (1101 x 1201) City Manager Evans gave the Staff report of June 5, 2001 and the recommendation to (1) Authorize the preparation of a feasibility study for the construction of a Girls' Softball Complex at Lower Point Vicente Park. (2) Direct staff to include $10,000 in the Capital Improvement budget for Fiscal Year 2001- 2002 to fund the study.. Council discussion centered on the funding sources for this study and the possibility of reviewing other areas for this proposed complex if the Lower Point Vicente site is not suitable. Dave Tamblin, 30105 Avenida Esplendida, thanked the Council for considering this proposal and stated that he felt that there is shortage of recreational fields for the 400 girls in the league, with a threat of the loss of three fields. He reported that Supervisor Knabe has agreed to meet with him to discuss the subject. Juan Torres, 27600 Warrior Drive, President of Palos Verdes Peninsula Softball League, thanked the Council for considering this proposal and urged their approval of the feasibility study. Jo Woods, 28721 King Arthur Woods, Los Serrenos Pt. Vicente, thanked the Council for their support of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center and described the many uses of the Center as a whale watching site and other benefits to the community, specifically children. She expressed concern about the proximity of the proposed fields to the Point Vicente Interpretative Center and their potential impact to its proposed expansion. Todd Anderson, 2 Masongate Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, stressed that the fields could be used for many events. He said that this site was isolated from residential areas, had adequate parking, and had easy access with roads already in place. He felt sure resources to develop the project would be available once a location was approved. City Council Minutes June 5, 2001 Page 8 Feasibility Study — Girl's Softball Barbara Gleghorn, 28850 Crestridge Road, felt that this item should be reviewed by the Recreation and Parks Committee. She spoke of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center as a jewel of the Peninsula and that the needs of the Center should be considered along with the importance of children's playing fields. Ann Shaw, 30036 Via Borica, stated that she was not opposed to the needs of other groups on the Peninsula. should be considered along with the girls' softball league needs. She urged the Council not to spend the money for the study and instead authorize the Recreation & Parks Committee to review this project. Jim Knight, 5 Cinnamon Lane, was concerned about lead contamination as well as the problem of considering the needs of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. He felt that the Upper Pt. Vicente Park would be a better location for the softball fields. Richard Ferguson, 26745 Nokomis Road, stated he is not a board member of the softball league, but has coached in the league for six years and he noted the shortage of playing fields for girls' sports on the Peninsula. Council discussion centered on the need for more recreational facilities in the community. Councilman Stern suggested that Council should not focus on only one need or one site and that it should consider a plan to meet the needs of the community as a whole. Councilman Byrd moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to (1) Authorize the preparation of a feasibility study for the construction of a Girls' Softball Complex at Lower Point Vicente Park. (2) Direct staff to include $10,000 in the Capital Improvement budget for Fiscal Year 2001 -2002 to fund the study. Motion carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: McTaggart, Ferraro, Byrd, and Mayor Lyon. NOES: Stern RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION: At 10:15 p.m. Mayor Lyon moved to recess the meeting to a closed session. The meeting reconvened at 10:35 P.M. City Attorney Lynch stated that no action had been taken on the closed session items. Purchase of the Portuguese Bend, Agua Armaga Canyon and Upper Filiorum Open Space Properties (1101 x 305 x 1203) City Council Minutes June 5, 2001 Page 9 Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, referred to past owners of the Filiorum property and her concerns about the Long Point project and land stability. Jim Knight, 5 Cinnamon Lane, commended the Council on the purchase of property for open space and encouraged the Council to pursue purchase of the lower Filiorum property. Councilman Byrd moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro to (1) Approve the Purchase Agreement between the City and Palos Verdes Portuguese Bend LLC for the purchase of approximately 463 acres of open space land known as the Portuguese Bend property (423.95 acres) and Agua Armaga Canyon (38.94 acres). (2) Approve the Purchase Agreement between the City and York Long Point Associates for the purchase of approximately 163 acres of open space known as the Upper Filiorum property. (3) Authorize staff to spend up to $70,000 during the first 87 days of the Purchase Agreement to survey and complete the City's "due diligence" examination of the subject properties. Motion carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Stern, Ferraro, Byrd, McTaggart and Mayor Lyon. NOES: None Forrestal Management Agreement with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy City Attorney Lynch presented the staff report. Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro to review and approve the proposed Draft Forrestal Management Plan Agreement between the City and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy for management activities at the City -owned Forrestal property as amended. Motion carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Ferraro, Byrd, McTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon. NOES: None League of California Cities Proposed Bylaws Amendment to Increase Dues to Implement a Grassroots Network Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilman Stern to approve the League bylaws amendment, which will implement a statewide Grassroots Network to protect local control and reduce the likelihood of city revenues being taken by the State. The City's share of this effort will mean an increase in City Council Minutes June 5, 2001 Page 10 League dues paid by the City of $7,382. Mayor Lyon encouraged Council members to apply to all councils in the league Motion carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Ferraro, Byrd, McTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon. NOES: None ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Lyon moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:57 p.m. ATTEST: WA2001 City Council Minutes\06052001 cc min.doc City Council Minutes June 5, 2001 Page 11