CC MINS 20010904MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 4, 2001
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 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: Ferraro, Gardiner, MCTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon
ABSENT: None
Also present were City Manager Les Evans; City Attorney Carol Lynch; Director of
Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Joel Rojas; Director of Public Works Dean
Allison; Director of Finance Dennis McLean; Senior Planner Mihranian; City
Clerk/Administrative Services Director Jo Purcell; and, Deputy City Clerk/Recording
Secretary Jackie Drasco.
RECYCLING DRAWING:
The winner from the last drawing was Albert Weinstein, who will receive a check for
$250, which represents a year of free refuse service. Another card was selected.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
City Clerk Purcell announced that requests had been received from the applicants to
continue two items: the Review of Large Domestic Animal Nonconformity Statement
No. 8 and the Request for Waiver of the Penalty Fee related to Conditional Use Permit
No. 230.
Mayor Lyon announced that a request had been received to hear the following items
immediately after approval of the Consent Calendar: Fencing and Signage at
Inspiration Point and Vallon Drive /Hawthorne Boulevard Signalization.
Councilmember Gardiner asked that the Hawthorne Boulevard Beautification and
Contract Amendments for San Ramon Project items be removed from the Consent
Calendar for discussion.
Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern MCTaggart to approve the
agenda, as amended. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart, to approve the
amended Consent Calendar as follows:
Councilman Stern had submitted written revisions to the Minutes of August 21. Council
consensus was to continue approval of the Minutes to the meeting on September 18,
2001.
Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, expressed her opposition to the type of pipe being
purchased for the two drainage repair projects.
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 August 21, 2001 (301)
Continued to September 18, 2001.
Informal Bid and Pre - Ordering of HDPE Pipe for the Palos Verdes Drive South
Drainage Repair Project (1204 x 604)
Reviewed and reconfirmed by a four -fifths (4/5) vote, the Council's previous action on
August 21 to authorize staff to conduct an informal bid process and pre -order HDPE
drainage pipe for the Palos Verdes Drive South Drainage Repair Project.
Informal Bid and Pre - Ordering of HDPE and RCP Pipe for the San Ramon
Drainage and Landslide Stabilization Project (1101 x 604)
Reviewed and reconfirmed by a four -fifths (4/5) vote, the Council's previous action on
August 21 to authorize staff to conduct an informal bid process and pre -order HDPE
and RCP drainage pipe for the San Ramon Drainage and Landscape Stabilization
Project.
Resol. No. 2001 -65 - Resolution Authorizing the City Manager, the Assistant City
Manager, and the Director of Public Works to Accept Easements for the San
Ramon Landslide Repair and Drainage Project (1101 x 604)
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -65, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, THE
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, AND THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO
ACCEPT EASEMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY FROM PROPERTY OWNERS.
Notice of Completion for Signal Modifications on Hawthorne Boulevard at Granvia
Altamira /Ridgegate Drive (1204 x 1503)
City Council Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 2
(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, 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 Steiny and Company 35 days after recordation of the Notice of Completion
by the County Recorder contingent on no claims being filed on the project.
Comment Letter on Draft EIR/EIS for the Proposed Master Plan Improvements at
Los Angeles International Airport (1101 x 1505)
Approved the comment letter of the Draft EIR /EIS for the proposed master plan
improvements at Los Angeles International Airport and authorize the Mayor to sign the
letter on behalf of the City Council.
June Treasurer's Report (602)
Ordered received and filed.
Resol. Nos. 2001 -66 and 67 - Fiscal Year 2000 -2001 Continuing Appropriations
(602)
(1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -661 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2001-
43, THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 -2002, TO CONTINUE
CERTAIN EXPENDITURE APPROPRIATIONS FROM FISCAL YEAR 2000 -2001. (2)
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -671 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2000 -33,
THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000 -2001, TO REDUCE THE
BUDGET FOR CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS THAT WILL BE REBUDGETED
AND INCLUDED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2001 -2002 BUDGET.
Resol. No. 2001 -68 - Fiscal Year 2000 -2001 Budget Adjustments (602)
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -68, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING RESOLUTION 2000 -33, THE
BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000 -2001, TO INCREASE
BUDGETED APPROPRIATIONS IN THE GENERAL FUND AND RECYCLING FUND.
Resol. No. 2001 -69 - Register of Demands (602)
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -691 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.
City Council Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 3
The motion to approve the Consent Calendar carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Gardiner, McTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon
NOES: None
# # # # # # # # # # # #
Fencing and Signage at Inspiration Point (1101 x 1201)
Assistant City Manager Petru presented the staff report of September 4, 2001 and the
recommendation to approve the fencing design and signage for Inspiration Point and
direct staff to install said improvements.
Assistant City Manager Petru added that Sarah Key Marer, who had initially requested
this action, was in agreement with the staff recommendation.
Council discussion centered on alternate sources of funding for this project rather than
using the General Fund; the length of the fence; and, changes to the wording on the
warning sign to be posted in the area.
Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, commented on the appearance of the fence.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to approve the fencing
design and amended signage for Inspiration Point and direct staff to install said
improvements.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Gardiner, McTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon
NOES: None
Vallon Drive /Hawthorne Boulevard Signalization (1204 x 1503)
Director Allison presented the staff report of September 4, 2001 and the
recommendation to consider the recommendation from the Traffic Committee to install
a signal at the intersection of Hawthorne Boulevard and Vallon Drive.
Council discussion focused on whether funding would be available from sources other
than the General Fund; whether the Long Point project, if approved, could be required
to pay a portion of the cost for the proposed signal because of increased traffic on
Hawthorne Boulevard; the 11 warrants necessary to justify a signal, all of which were
not satisfied; the possible need for other criteria to consider factors in addition to these
standard warrants; analysis of other signals on Hawthorne for synchronization; the
importance of providing ample warning of a signal as drivers come around the blind
City Council Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 4
curve down the steep hill toward this intersection; the conflict of the current intersection
sign and the flashing beacon; making sure a signal would improve safety, not make it
worse; using definite criteria to make a decision regarding the signal for consistency in
considering future signal requests; a comparison of other signals on other streets in the
City with blind curves on steep slopes just prior to a signal; and, the possibility of
increased rear -end collisions if a signal is installed.
Speaking in support of the recommendation were the following residents: Melvin
Feldman, 6821 Vallon Drive; Tina Bothamley, 30714 Via La Cresta; Loretta Westlund,
6756 Vallon Drive, President of La Crest Homeowners Association; Thomas Cowell,
6780 Vallon Drive; Art Conner, 6729 Vallon Drive; Lilly Wang, 30626 Via La Cresta;
Robert Bell, 6904 Vallon Drive; and, Robert King, 30764 Via La Cresta.
These speakers focused on the following concerns: Fog, rain, the blind curve, and the
steep slope make it difficult to make a safe left turn on Hawthorne from Vallon; the
money spent on a signal would be less than funds spent on a lawsuit if the City is held
liable for a fatal accident; no one wants loss of life like the 12 -year old girl from this
neighborhood was killed at this intersection in 1983; there are more accidents at this
intersection than are reported; delay in making a turn is not the issue but safety is; the
traffic study should have been performed during the school year; there will be more
traffic on Hawthorne because of the new Montessori school at Gold Cove, openings of
other public schools, and possibly the Long Point development; other options to
increase safety would be more speed limit signs along this portion of Hawthorne other
than just the ones at Crest Road and Palos Verdes West and maybe stop signs at Via
Rivera and Los Verdes Drive; approximately 80% of La Cresta Homeowners
Association members are in favor of installation of this signal; the entrance to this tract
was placed in a hazardous location when the County was controlling development.
Speaking in opposition to the recommendation were the following residents: Bill Kelly,
6611 Vallon Drive; Burton Glazer, 30514 Via La Cresta; and, Cathy Khaledi, 30524 Via
La Cresta.
These speakers focused on the following concerns: The Traffic Committee made their
recommendation prior to the traffic study being completed and they should look at this
again now that they have the study; a large number of cars on Hawthorne would be
inconvenienced by a small number of cars on Vallon; there have been no reported
accidents there in the last year; that the most recent accidents would not have been
prevented by a traffic signal; the beacon and cross traffic signs are so close together, it
is hard to know which one. to read and should be relocated; rear -end collisions would be
increased because of long braking distance at speed traveled downhill in this area;
there will always be delays when entering Hawthorne off Vallon in comparison to delays
sometimes when one must wait for cross traffic to clear; a signal would cause an
increase in noise from screeching brakes and diesel engines revving up; the specific 11
warrants are in place for a reason; alternatives were not studied adequately, particularly
the traffic light at Dupre turning red when there was no cross traffic because some
City Council Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 5
residents did feel that this improved the prospect of making a safe left turn onto
Hawthorne from Vallon.
Further Council discussion centered on the signal being operated on demand: which
meant that a red light would not be triggered on Hawthorne unless there was -a car on
Vallon; the trail period of coordinating the signal at Dupre and Hawthorne (up the hill
from Vallon) to control traffic flow to possibly ease the process of turning onto
Hawthorne from Vallon; the miniature light up the hill mirroring the signal at Vallon not
being recognizing as a valid traffic control measure; the possibility of placing the signal
on a very long mast arm and /or placing the signal on the opposite side of Hawthorne so
that it could be seen as soon as possible traveling down the hill; the conflict of the
flashing beacon being located so close to the intersection warning sign that it almost
obscures it; the discrepancy between the frequency of accidents observed by the
neighborhood versus the number of reported accidents; whether the times of the day
that the traffic engineer took car counts provided the most helpful data; a comparison
of conditions at this intersections with signals at other intersections in- the City where the
warrants were met; whether increased sheriff coverage would improve safety; why the
residents seem to have felt the red light at Hawthorne and Dupre being triggered even
when there was no cross traffic made the HawthorneNallon intersection when the
traffic engineer did not see a significant change; and, complaints received by drivers
who were stopped by a red light at Dupre when there was no cross traffic.
Robert Bell described a near -miss accident that he observed which he believed would
have been avoided if there had been a signal.
Cathy Khaledi felt that the trial period of using the Dupre signal up the hill to break up
the stead flow of traffic down Hawthorne had resulted in safer turns at the
HawthorneNallon intersection.
Additional Council discussion focused on the near miss accidents which might result in
a serious accident; the unfortunate placing of the entrance to this tract of homes which
was allowed by Los Angeles County before the City was incorporated; the need to
follow criteria consistently in installing signals; what new criteria should be included to
take into account specific conditions at this intersection; making sure that safety is the
focus of any action taken; and, the fact that so many residents in the area feel it is
difficult to make a safe turn at the intersection indicates there is a problem even though
the warrants do not show it.
Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro to approve the
signal, direct staff to work with the Traffic Engineer to ensure that action taken will
provide the greatest public safety.
Director Allison stated that two resolutions would be submitted at the next Council M'
meeting, one approving installation of the signal with safety measures suggested by the
City Council Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 6
traffic engineer and another with a budget adjustment.
Councilmember Gardiner suggested that the motion include a revision of the form used
to include indicators that allow for this type of situation in order make consistent
decisions and that staff speak to the residents to determine the best tome of the day to
collect data.
The maker and seconder of the motion agreed to these additions.
Motion carried.
RECESS &RECONVENE:
At 8:55 P.M., Mayor Lyon declared a recess. The meeting reconvened at 9:10 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no requests to speak.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Resol Nos. 2001 -70 and 71 - Tentative Tract Map No. 52666, Grading Permit No.
2282, and Environmental Assessment No. 708 (3200 Palos Verdes Drive West)
(1203 x 1803)
Mayor Lyon opened the public hearing on this request to consider approval of Tentative
Tract Map No. 52666, Grading Permit No. 2282, and Environmental Assessment No.
708. City Clerk Purcell announced that notice had been duly published and that all
written comments were included in the agenda packet.
Senior Planner Mihranian presented the staff report of September 4, 2001 and the
recommendation to adopt the proposed resolution adopting the Mitigated Negative
Declaration and associated Mitigation Monitoring Program. (2) Adopt the proposed
resolution approving, with conditions, Tentative Tract Map No. 52666, Grading Permit
No. 2282 and Environmental Assessment No. 708, thereby allowing the land division of
a 3.92 -acre lot into 13 lots for single - family residential development with approximately
16,500 cubic yards of earth movement.
Councilwoman Ferraro, Mayor Pro Tem McTaggart, Councilmember Gardiner disclosed
that they had met with Steve Kuykendall. Councilman Stern said that he had received a
call from Steve Kuykendall but they did not discuss the project.
David Olin, 1243 Palm Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, said that he was the designer
working with Mr. Esfahani and that he had worked with the neighbors and redesigned
the project to accommodate their concerns. He said that there is not a plan established
to dispose of the material from the existing road to comply with the City's recycling
requirements under AB939.
City Council Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 7
Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, spoke in opposition to the small size of the
proposed lots.
Council discussion focused on the City of Palos Verdes Estates charge for trucks
hauling dirt traveling their streets and their requirement that the truck to make a u -turn
within a certain distance within their City.
Marshall Esfahani, 1460 Via Arco, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, said that he would
work with the City of Palos Verdes Estates to obtain their permission to bring the tucks
through their City.
There being no further public testimony, Mayor Lyon closed the public hearing.
Director Allison said that he had spoken with the Public Works Director for the City of
Palos Verdes Estates that afternoon and that he believed a reasonable solution could
be worked out.
Further Council discussion centered on consideration of preserving views by the
applicant and the fact that none of the neighbors were opposing the project.
Councilmember Gardiner moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart to ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -70, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION AND ASSOCIATED MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM. (2)
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -717 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING, WITH CONDITIONS,
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 52666, GRADING PERMIT NO. 2282 AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. 708, THEREBY ALLOWING THE LAND
DIVISION OF A 3.92 -ACRE LOT INTO 13 LOTS FOR SINGLE - FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT WITH APPROXIMATELY 16,500 CUBIC YARDS OF EARTH
MOVEMENT and (3) make sure conditions are added which provide for dust control; to
reduce the working hours to 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Saturday and to allow no work to
be performed on Sunday; and, to make sure disposal of the material from the existing
road complies with AB939. Motion carried
Resol Nos. 2001 -72, 73, and 74 - Revision to the Conditions of Approval - Vesting
Tentative Tract Maps 50666 and 50667. Location: Ocean Trails (1204 x 1411)
Mayor Lyon opened the public hearing on this request to consider approval of a revision
to the conditions of approval for Vesting Tentative Tract Maps 50666 and 50667. City
Clerk Purcell announced that notice had been duly published and that that all written
comments were included in the agenda packet and that correspondence from Ray
Green was included in material distributed to the Council before the meeting began.
Director Allison presented the staff report of September 4, 2001 and the
City Council Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 8
recommendation to (1) Adopt the proposed resolution approving Addendum 13 to
Environmental Impact Report 36 For Revision "R ". (2) Adopt the proposed resolution
approving Revision "R" to Vesting Tentative Tract Map 50666. (3) Adopt the proposed
resolution approving Revision "R" to Vesting Tentative Tract Map 50667, revising the
Conditions of Approval to revise a deadline for reconstructing La Rotonda Drive, adding
a new deadline for re- paving portions of La Rotonda Drive, and placing a new deadline
on the reconstruction of Palos Verdes Drive South.
Council discussion focused on correspondence from Ray Green which indicated that he
was opposed to the staff recommendation even though it appeared that his concerns
were being addressed and concern for land stability because the dirt stockpile on
Ocean Trails property had become higher than allowed.
Ken Zuckerman, One Ocean Trails Drive, said that geologists from Cotton Shires were
not concerned that the higher stockpile would create unstable land but he said that he
had instructed the contractor not to add any additional dirt and to lower the height. He
said that he had reported this to the City geologist when he became aware of the
problem.
City Manager Evans said that when a report was received from the City geologist he
would provide this to the Council.
Lois Wickham, 3200 La Rotondo Drive said that she had moved to Ocean Terraces
seven months ago and was pleased with the peacefulness of the area but wondered
when La Rotondo would be repaired because the road was very bumpy and she asked
when the large hill of earth would be removed and where it was going.
Council advised Ms. Wickham that the earth was being used for the landslide repair.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to (1) ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -721 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES A APPROVING ADDENDUM 13 TO
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 36 FOR REVISION "R ". (2) ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -73, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING REVISION "R" TO VESTING
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 50666. (3) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -74, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
APPROVING REVISION "R" TO VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 506671
REVISING THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO REVISE A DEADLINE FOR
RECONSTRUCTING LA ROTONDA DRIVE, ADDING A NEW DEADLINE FOR RE-
PAVING PORTIONS OF LA ROTONDA DRIVE, AND PLACING A NEW DEADLINE
ON THE RECONSTRUCTION OF PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH. Motion carried
Proposed Amendment to Ocean Trails Development Agreement and Amendment
to Declaration of Restrictions (602 x 1411)
City Council Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 9
Mayor Lyon opened the public hearing on-this request to consider approval of a
proposed amendment to Ocean Trails Development Agreement and amendment to
Declaration of Restrictions. City Clerk Purcell announced that notice had been duly
published and that all written comments had been made a part of agenda package.
Director McLean presented the staff report of September 4, 2001 and the
recommendation to approve the proposed Amendment to Ocean Trails Development
Agreement and the Amendment to Declaration of Restrictions regarding the
determination of Ocean Trail's golf tax liability and authorize the Mayor and the City
Clerk to execute the documents on behalf of the City.
Council discussion centered on the breaking out of non - taxable fees, such as golf carts, low
from taxable fees for rounds of golf and the amounts of these fees; and, the change in
the fee from year to year for a round of golf and the maintaining of the ratio between
cart and golf fees even with these changes in fees.
City Attorney Lynch provided changes to the language in the development agreement
and advised the Council that this agreement had to be approved by the Bankruptcy
Court handling Ocean Trails' bankruptcy.
Ken Zuckerman, One Ocean Trails Drive, said that he not had an opportunity to review
the bankruptcy approval language and wished to have his attorney review it as well.
There being no response to the Mayor's call for public testimony, she declared the
hearing closed.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilmember Gardiner, to approve the
proposed amendment with City Attorney Lynch's language changes.
City Attorney Lynch suggested that rather than approve the amendment at this time,
continue the item to provide time for Ken Zuckerman to review the changes..
Councilman Stern withdrew his motion.
Council consensus was to continue the item to September 18, 2001.
U -Turn Restriction at Hawthorne Boulevard and Highridge Road (1204 x 1503)
Director Allison presented the staff report of September 4, 2001 and the
recommendation to remove the U -Turn restriction at the intersection of Hawthorne
Boulevard and Highridge Road.
Council discussion focused on easier access to the car wash at Hawthorne and
Highridge which would be accomplished with the removal of this U -turn restriction; the
City's wish to be "business friendly "; the recent U -turn prohibition at the first opportunity
to make a U -turn on Highridge to enter the car wash from that street; the redesign of
City Council Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 10
the car wash to allow access from Hawthorne as well as from Highridge and to place
the facility closer to the street which made a sharper turn necessary to drive onto the
property; the possibility of a green arrow on Hawthorne and a no right turn on red
restriction on Highridge to allow safer U -turns if the restriction were to be lifted; the
recommendation from the Traffic Committee which recommended maintaining the U-
turn restriction even though the traffic engineer recommended that U -turn should be
allowed; a fatal accident which originally out the U -turn restriction in place; the
possibility of cutting through the median to make possible a left turn off Hawthorne; the
dangerous situation created if a U -turn was made from Hawthorne and then
immediately a sharp right turn into the car wash; the need for a traffic study, during the
school year, to provide more accurate information; a discussion of other intersections
on Hawthorne where U -turns are allowed; the need to make a decision based on data
in order to make consistent decisions in the future; a direction to staff to provide specific
information to be gathered in an additional traffic study;
City Attorney Lynch clarified that the owner of the car wash could not be asked to bear
all or a portion of the cost to make modifications at the intersection because he did not
have an application submitted to the City for changes to his property or business.
(Mayor Lyon, who was ill, left the meeting at 10:55 P.M.)
Shiraz Govani, 6945 Alta Vista Drive, owner of the car wash at this intersection, said
that the Council approved the redesign of his business and noted that he had 53
signatures from his customers supporting the approval of a U -turn off Hawthorne.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart, to continue this
item to September 18 and directed staff to provide criteria for an additional traffic study
at that time.
The motion carried (3 -1 -1) on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gardiner, McTaggart, and Stern
NOES: Ferraro
ABSENT: Mayor Lyon
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Amendment of Municipal Code -Golf Tax (1103 x 1501)
City Attorney Lynch presented the staff report of September 4, 2001 and the
recommendation to introduce the proposed ordinance amending certain provisions of
the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code regarding the City's golf tax.
Council discussion centered on the monthly payment of golf tax, the addition of a
provision to make bundling golf fees with other charges clear so there is no avoidance
of paying tax; and, whether Los Verdes County Golf Course should continue to be
City Council Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 11
exempt from golf tax.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart, to continue this
item to September 18 to provide time for City Attorney Lynch to look into the issues
raised. Motion carried.
Hawthorne Boulevard Beautification (1204 x 1404)
(1) Approved the preliminary median and parkway landscape plan for Hawthorne
Boulevard. (2) Authorized a contract amendment with Land Images, Inc., to provide
professional services in an amount of up to $53,500 to prepare final construction plans
for the first phase of landscape improvements for Hawthorne Boulevard. (3) Revised
the expenditure plan for the Recycling Fund, to reprogram funds from the neighborhood
beautification program to Hawthorne Boulevard Beautification efforts. (4) Requested
staff to prepare afence /wall improvement program for Hawthorne Boulevard that
establishes afence /wall standard for Hawthorne Boulevard, and provides City funding
for a portion of the cost of private fence /wall replacement.
Council consensus was to continue this item to September 18 because Mayor Lyon had
left meeting because of illness.
(Councilwoman Ferraro left the meeting at 11:20 P.M.)
Contract Amendments for San Ramon Project (110'1 x 604)
Assistant City Manager Petru presented the staff report of September 4, 2001 and the
recommendation to authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to amend the Professional
Service Agreements associated with the San Ramon Project as follows: (1) Increase
AMEC Earth and Environmental Inc. contract by $39,857 for a total contract amount of
$84,107. (2) Increase DMc Engineering contract by $70,220 for a total contract amount
of $124,610. (3) Increase Helix Environmental Planning Inc. contract by $14,500 for a
total contract amount of $48,200.
Staff answered Council concerns regarding the procedure for requesting additional
funds for projects already approved and noted that the scope of this particular project
had changed drastically but that change orders were considered on a case by case
basis to make sure that contractors did not offer a low price and then seek ways to
obtain additional funds.
Councilmember Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to authorize the
Mayor and the City Clerk to amend the Professional Service Agreements associated
with the San Ramon Project as follows: (1) Increase AMEC Earth and Environmental
Inc. contract by $39,857 for a total contract amount of $84,107. (2) Increase DMc
Engineering contract by $70,220 for a total contract amount of $124,610. (3) Increase
Helix Environmental Planning Inc. contract by $14,500 for a total contract amount of
$48,200.
City Council Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 12
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Gardiner, McTaggart, and Stern
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ferraro and Mayor Lyon
Adoption of City Council Policy on Border Issues (1203 x 306
Director Rojas presented the staff report of September 4, 2001 and the
recommendation to review and adopt City Council Policy No. 34, which establishes a
policy for handling "Border Issues."
Council discussion focused on how long a project is tracked and when would it be
removed from the list of border issues being tracked.
Staff felt that an issue would be tracked until there was nothing more that the City could
do to influence its resolution.
Council consensus was to incorporate this concept into the flow chart.
Councilmember Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilman Stern to adopt City Council
Policy No. 34, as amended, which establishes a policy for handling "Border Issues."
Motion carried.
Border Issues Status Report (I 101 x 306)
City Manager Evans presented the staff report of September 4, 2001 and the
recommendation to review the current status of border issues and provide direction to
the City Council Committee and staff.
City Attorney Lynch reported that the time period has passed to comment on
environmental issues for the Garden Village shopping center and that there was a
possibility that the project could be challenged on a nuisance basis, depending on
analysis of Bill Cotton's geology report which has just been received by the City.
Staff felt that analysis of Mr. Cotton's report might bring forth issues which could be
discussed with the developer.
Council consensus was to add this project to a future agenda when there is new
information to report.
Mobile Food Vendor Controls (1101 x 403)
City Manager Evans presented the staff report of September 4, 2001 and the
City Council Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 13
recommendation to direct staff to prepare an amended ordinance imposing additional
restrictions on mobile food vendor parking.
Council discussion centered on the concerns associated with the operation of mobile
food vendors such as noise and litter. It was noted that these businesses have City
business licenses, have a legal right to operate, and that the City could not put
restrictions on them merely to avoid competition with existing stationary businesses.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilmember Gardiner, to direct staff to
prepare an ordinance based on consistency with other local cities.
City Council Assignments (306)
City Clerk Purcell presented the staff report of September 4, 2001 and the
recommendation to make Council assignments to certain delegate and alternate
positions previously held by former Councilman Byrd.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilmember Gardiner, to continue this item
to September 18 since Mayor Lyon had left the meeting because of illness and the
Mayor makes these assignments.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Lynch reported that no action was taken on either of the two items.
ADJOURNMENT: Adjourned at11:52 P.M. on motion of Councilman Stern.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
WA2001 City Council Minutes \09042001 cc min.doc
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City Council Minutes
September 4, 2001
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