CC MINS 20010918MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 18, 2001
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Lyon at Fred Hesse Community
Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard and was immediately recessed to a closed session
per the Brown Act Checklist. At 7:04 P.M. the meeting reconvened.
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 Kit Fox; City
Clerk/Administrative Services Director Jo Purcell; and, Deputy City Clerk/Recording
Secretary Jackie Drasco.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McTaggart to approve the
agenda, with the addition of the presentation by telecommunications providers which
was on a posted agenda addendum. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Purcell announced that staff had requested that the resurfacing of Crenshaw
and Hawthorne Boulevards matter be removed from the Consent Calendar.
Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, commented on the following subjects: the Palos
Verdes Drive South drainage repair project, resurfacing of Crenshaw and Hawthorne
Boulevards, approval of the lease extension between the City and the Montessori
School of Rancho Palos Verdes, and the award of the contract for the Fiscal Year
2001 -2002 Sidewalk Repair Program.
Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart, to approve the
amended Consent Calendar as follows:
Motion to waive full reading
Adopted a motion to waive reading in full of all ordinances presented at this meeting
with consent of the waiver of reading deemed to be given by all councilmembers after
the reading of the title.
Informal Bid and Pre - Ordering of HDPE Pipe and issuance of a Notice of
Exemption 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 action on September
4 to authorize staff to conduct an informal bid process and pre -order HDPE drainage
pipe for the Palos Verdes Drive South Drainage Repair Project., (2) Adopted the Notice
of Exemption for the Palos Verdes Drive South Drainage Repair Project and direct staff
to post notice of this action as required by law.
Resol. No. 2001- 75 - California Law Enforcement Equipment Program (CLEEP)
(1103 X 1206)
Approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Los Angeles County Sheriff
and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes authorizing payment of the City's $115,538 Fiscal
Year 2000 -2001 CLEEP Grant, in two equal installments, to the Los Angeles County
Sheriff for the purpose of designing, building, and adapting the hardware and software
and converting and warehousing the data for the LARCIS data base. (2) ADOPTED
RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -757 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING RESOLUTION 2001 -43, THE BUDGET
APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 -2002, FOR A BUDGET ADJUSMENT TO
THE CITY'S LLESS /COPS. /CLEEP FUND
Approval of Lease Extension Between the City and Montessori School of Rancho
Palos Verdes (1201)
Approved and authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the lease agreement
extension between the City and Montessori School of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Award of Contract for the Fiscal Year 2001 -2002 Sidewalk Repair Program (1204
X 1405)
Awarded a contract to Damon Construction in the amount of $44,175 and authorized
staff to spend up to $5,825 for possible extra work, thereby approving a $50,000
construction budget. (2) Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute a contract
with Damon Construction. (3) Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute a
professional services agreement with SA Associates in the amount of $12,000 to
provide the necessary inspection and contract administration services.
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 2
Resol. No. 2001-76 - Register of Demands (602)
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -761 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: Ferraro, Gardiner, McTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon
NOES: None
# # # # # # # # # # #
Mayor Lyon introduced Jay Zuanich, newly appointed captain of the Lomita Sheriff
Station. Captain Zuanich expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge, appreciated
the confidence which has been placed in him, and said that he is looking forward to
serving the City.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Proposed Amendment to Ocean Trails Development Agreement and Amendment
to Declaration of Restrictions (1203 X 1411 X 602)
Mayor Lyon opened the discussion of this request to consider a proposed amendment
to Ocean Trails Development Agreement and an amendment to Declaration of
Restrictions. City Clerk Purcell announced that was a continued public hearing from the
September 4, 2001 meeting. City Clerk Purcell noted that a revised copy of the
development agreement had been submitted to the Council, with changes to Section 6.
Director McLean presented the staff report of September 18, 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.
City Attorney Lynch discussed changes she made such as reorganizing the agreement
for a better flow, minor changes, and correction of some typographical errors. She
discussed bundling of services including, for example, a promotion with a meal included
with golf. She said that, based on direction from the Council, the amount of the golf tax
would be imputed based on typical golf fee and that in no event could fees charged
separately from golf fees, like golf carts and caddies, exceed 25% of the golf fee. She
added that Mr. Zuckerman indicated that his bankruptcy attorney said that Section 6
would not become effective until the bankruptcy court approves and Ms. Lynch stated
that if the court does not approve the agreement by December 20, the amendment will
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 3
not be binding on either side and that if the Court approved the agreement Ocean Trails
would be required to pay retroactive fees.
Council discussion centered on packages which might be offered in the future to
include a stay in the proposed Long Point Hotel or blocks of tee times which might be
purchased by a business entity. It was understood that the agreement did address
these issues to make sure that the appropriate golf tax was received and also that this
agreement, if approved, would run with the land and would be binding on any future
operator of the golf course; but if the proposed agreement was not approved by the
bankruptcy court, then the original development agreement would remain in place
unless renegotiations took place. Further clarification indicated that any tee times sold
by someone who bought a block of tee times at a discounted rate would require that
golf tax be paid on the actual amount for a round of golf unless the discounted price
was greater.
Barbara Dye, representing Ocean Trails, One Ocean Trails Drive, said that she was
speaking for Ocean Trails since Ken Zuckerman was out of town. She questioned the
procedure that discount golf tickets bought at a discount rate and sold at a different
price would be taxed at the regular rate.
After much discussion between Ms. Dye, the Council, and staff, it was clarified that
Ocean Trails would not pay additional tax but would be merely the pass through for the
tax to be paid by the ultimate user of the tee time, the golfer. An exception noted would
be charitable donations, which were not taxable.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart, 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. Motion carried.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Ordinance No. 370 - Amendment of Municipal Code -Golf Tax (1103 X 1501)
City Attorney Lynch presented the staff report of September 18, 2001 and the
recommendation to introduce the proposed ordinance which makes a few minor
amendments to the City's golf tax. It should be noted that the revisions contained in the
proposed ordinance did not address the amount of the golf tax or the issue of approval
of the tax by the voters; those issues have been addressed in the ordinance that the
City Council directed be submitted to the voters at the upcoming election in November.
She suggested that the ordinance be revised to make it consistent with the suggestions
in the previous item on the agenda, the Proposed Amendment to Ocean Trails
Development Agreement and Amendment to Declaration of Restrictions.
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 4
Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 3707 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE RANCHO PALOS
VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE CITY'S GOLF TAX.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Gardiner, McTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon
NOES: None
Amendment to the August 21St Minutes (301)
City Clerk Purcell presented the staff report of September 18, 2001 and the
recommendation to consider Councilman Stern's amendment to the August 21, 2001
minutes.
Councilman Stern moved to adopt the Minutes of August 21 as amended. He felt that
the Council's decision to delay action in Zone II was based on Council discussion and
not on information in the staff report; consequently, a complete record was needed to
reflect what was said. He added that in general he felt that minutes as currently
prepared deprive the Council and the public of what was learned in discussions.
Council discussion centered on the Council policy which determines the current format
for the Minutes and a quote was given from Roberts Rules of Order which states "If they
[minutes] are to be published, it is often of far more interest to know what was said by
the leading speakers than to know what routine business was done, and what
resolutions adopted. In such cases, the duties of the secretary are arduous, and he
should have at least one assistant ".
Councilman Stern read samples from the current Council minutes and from current
Planning Commission minutes, which actually stated the substance of what each
person said.
Additional Council discussion included comments that the last several City Attorneys
and the League of California Cities have advised the Council to have action minutes
prepared; althought it was also commented by Councilman Stern that the City Attorney
had given him contrary advice to that by Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart and that two
Councilmembers would like to have more detail than action minutes.
Councilman Stern said that sometimes there have been issues that arose from a prior
decision and there was not enough detail to understand why the decision was made
although recollections from Councilmembers were helpful.
The motion died for lack of a second.
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 5
Councilmember Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to delay approval of
the August 21 minutes to October 2 when discussion of the Council policy on minutes
would be agendized.
Purchase of Pipe for the San Ramon Drainage and Landslide Stabilization Project
(I 101 x 604)
Assistant City Manager Petru presented the staff report of September 18, 2001 and the
recommendation to (1) Authorize the purchase of RCP pipe from Rialto Concrete Pipe
for a cost of $7,165. (2) Authorize the purchase of HDPE pipe from P &F Distributors for
a cost of $45,557. (3) Authorize an expenditure of $96,862 for P &F to provide fitting
and fabrication of HDPE pipe at the factory in order to reduce the overall cost and
construction time of the project.
Council discussion centered on the pipe prefabrication aspect of the project which
would result in a safer project with an earlier completion date.
Sam Van Wagner, 2763 San Ramon Drive, expressed his appreciation for the Council's
placing a priority on this project, the three community meetings which were held. He
said that completion of this work before the rainy season begins would be very
beneficial to homeowners in the neighborhood.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilmember Gardiner to (1) Authorize the
purchase of RCP pipe from Rialto Concrete Pipe for a cost of $7,165. (2) Authorize the
purchase of HDPE pipe from P &F Distributors for a cost of $45,557. (3) Authorize an
expenditure of $96,862 for P &F to provide fitting and fabrication of HDPE pipe at the
factory in order to reduce the overall cost and construction time of the project.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Gardiner, McTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon
NOES: None
Hawthorne Boulevard Beautification (1204 x 1404)
Director Allison presented the staff report of September 18, 2001 and the
recommendation to (1) Approve the preliminary median and parkway landscape plan for
Hawthorne Boulevard. (2) Authorize 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) Revise the expenditure plan for the Recycling Fund to reprogram funds
from the neighborhood beautification program to Hawthorne Boulevard Beautification
efforts. (4) Request 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.
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 6
Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, expressed her desire that walls along Hawthorne
Boulevard be built of native Palos Verdes stone.
Council discussion centered on the need for beautification, the high cost of the project,
whether enough other options had been pursued, landscaping on public property to
screen unattractive walls on private property; the importance of selecting trees of a type
or location which will not interfere with views; funds set aside in the current budget for
beautification; a request to staff to bring back cost - saving measures and more details of
plants to be selected; the offer from Dawn Henry to provide plants grown in the
Miraleste Parks and Recreation District; the requirement to avoid using invasive plants,
particular near a canyon; whether the proposed plan met the goal of the City to
maintain a semi -rural atmosphere; whether other arterials should be considered for
beautification; the impact of taking recycling funds away from the Homeowners
Associations; the hope that additional funding, maybe donations, etc., will shorten the
time to complete the project; and the need to follow through with a fence /wall program
on private property.
Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor Lyon to adopt the staff
recommendation with the caveat that the Public Works Director report on a regular
basis on the progress of the project, that input be sought from the public, and that
Council will make decisions regarding trees and vegetation as the project moves
forward.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Gardiner, McTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon
NOES: None
RECESS & RECONVENE:
At 8:28 P.M., Mayor Lyon declared a recess. The meeting reconvened at 8:46 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Mary Jane Schoenheider, 3700 Palos Verdes Drive North, Palos Verdes Estates, CA
90274, Chair of Concours D'Elegance, expressed appreciation for allowing the car
show be held at Ocean Trails. She explained that the event had been held annually for
nine years and that usually benefits went to Peninsula groups but that this year the
proceeds would go to disaster relief for New York and Washington, D.C.
Dick Brunner, 1906 Peninsula Verde Drive, spoke about Harbor Hills, a development
which was a border issue. He was concerned that cutting into the toe of a slope might
jeopardize nearby homes in Rancho Palos Verdes and said that it appeared that the
City of Los Angeles was not complying with the uniform building code.
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 7
Council replied that this was a border issue that was being monitored by the ad hoc
committee; that it seemed the cut into the slope might be eliminated; that this project
was on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors agenda for September 25 and
that the Committee would investigate what aspect of the project would be discussed at
that time. It was known that Supervisor Don Knabe was making a motion that
notification to the cities was a necessity.
Don Shults, 2129 Velez Drive, discussed vendors offering to paint house numbers on
curbs. He said that Neighborhood Watch said that homeowners should call the sheriff.
He questioned whether these painters had permission to provide this service and
whether they had business licenses and said that he planned the question the man who
was going to be in his neighborhood the next day.
City Manager Evans replied that the problem seemed to be intimidation, rather than the
lack of a license and a permit. He said that the City was no longer issuing permits to
these type of vendors and that the Public Works Department was looking for an
alternative.
Gloria Anderson, 6818 Los Verdes, Member of the Executive Board of the Peninsula
Seniors invited the Council to a presentation on September 24 at the Senior Center by
California State University at Long Beach at which results of a Senior Needs
Assessment Survey would be discussed.
Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, described her experience attending the Zone II
geologists' meetings.
Resol. No. 2001- 77 - Resolution Approving the Installation of a Traffic Signal at
Hawthorne Boulevard and Vallon Drive (1204 x 1503)
Director Allison presented the staff report of September 18, 2001 and the
recommendation to adopt the proposed resolution directing staff to install a traffic
signal, with design features recommended by the City's Traffic Engineer, at the
intersection of Hawthorne Boulevard and Vallon Drive.
Council discussion focused on no mention of the additional criteria for installing signals
which was requested by Council at the last meeting and staff's reply that this subject
was being placed on the Traffic Committee's next agenda; whether Long Point could be
required to pay a portion of the cost of this traffic signal installation because of
increased traffic should their project be approved and City Attorney Lynch's reply that
this would have to be made a part of the development agreement but there were no
findings at this time; whether a light which changed from amber /red /green during the
day could be changed to a blinking amber or red light in the evening; the demand only
feature of this signal which meant that the signal would not turn red on Hawthorne
Boulevard unless there was cross traffic; and, the need to keep the traffic signal simple
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 8
and predictable and the potential nuisance of having a blinking light shining into
someone's home.
Cathy Khaledi, 30524 Via La Cresta, spoke in opposition to installation of a traffic signal
and asked that this item be continued because she felt there was inadequate notice.
She was interested in safety and said that she felt compassion to those who had been
victims of accidents at this intersection; however, she felt that alternatives have not
been fully investigated. She believed that the three -week experiment involving the
signal up the hill on Hawthorne Boulevard at Dupre turning red occasionally even
though there was no cross traffic was too short and that the current flashing light was
too close to the warning sign of an upcoming intersection to be helpful. Ms. Khaledi
hoped that other methods would be tried short of a traffic signal and was opposed to
flashing lights which might shine into her bedroom views. She expressed concerned
about view impact and distributed photographs to the Council to illustrate that concern.
The Council discussed possibly making the signal pole more attractive and limiting the
length of the mast arm, perhaps seeking advice from the company working with the City
to beautify Hawthorne Boulevard.
Director Allison replied that there was very little flexibility in the length of the mast arm.
He said that that possibly the metal pole could be painted or the pole could be made of
wood painted white and that perhaps the illuminated street sign which was usually
affixed to the mast arm could be eliminated.
Additional Council comments were that the traffic engineer report served a legal
purpose in protecting the City; that it might be possible to place the taller signal pole a
little further up the hill and put a shorter post at the intersection; and, the need to avoid
unusual aspects of this traffic signal to eliminate driver confusion.
Robert King, 30764 Via La Cresta, spoke in favor of installation of the traffic signal and
estimated that an informal poll indicated that 90 out of 104 homeowners in the La
Cresta area were in favor also. He described a possible solution he observed in Reno,
Nevada, which included installation of a warning light placed approximately 200 yards
up the hill from this intersection which would flash when the signal below was yellow,
would be a solid light when the signal was red and which would not be on at all when
the signal was green. He said that the reasons the signal was needed were discussed
at the last Council meeting and he believed installation would improve safety.
Christina Bothamley, 30714 Via La Cresta, said that he concern was safety and she
urged the Council to listen to the Traffic Committee and the Homeowners Association.
She was in favor of installation of the traffic signal and suggested the Council work with
Tom Luckett of Land Images for suggestions in improving the aesthetics of the signal.
Thomas Cowell, 6780 Vallon Drive, spoke in favor of installation of the traffic signal
because he felt it would prevent another tragic accident.
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 9
Council discussion centered on traffic devices which might be installed such as the one
observed in Reno Nevada and the reply from staff that it was unlikely this would be
recognized as an approved traffic device in California; relocation of the flashing beacon
and intersection warning sign for better notification of the signal ahead; the possibility of
a training program for speeders; appropriate placement of a speed board; and
installation of different devices to alert drivers to slow down as they approach the signal.
Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem McTaggart to ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -771 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DIRECTING STAFF TO INSTALL A TRAFFIC
SIGNAL, WITH DESIGN FEATURES RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY'S TRAFFIC
ENGINEER, AT THE. INTERSECTION OF HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD AND VALLON
DRIVE AND TO CONSIDER VIEWS OF NEARBY RESIDENTS.
Resol. No. 2001 -78 - Resolution Approving Funding for the Hawthorne Boulevard/
Vallon Drive Signal (1204 x 1503)
Director Allison presented the staff report of September 18, 2001 and the
recommendation to adopt the proposed resolution amending Resolution 2001 -43, the
Budget Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2001 -2002 for a budget adjustment to the City's
Capital Improvement Project Fund.
Councilmember Gardiner moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart to ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -787 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING RESOLUTION 2001 -43, THE BUDGET
APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 -2002 FOR A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
TO THE CITY'S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FUND.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Ferraro, Gardiner, McTaggart, Stern, and Mayor Lyon
NOES: None
Request for Waiver of the Penalty Fee related to Conditional Use Permit No. 230
(1203 x 1804)
Senior Planner Fox presented the staff report of September 18, 2001 and the
recommendation to deny the requested fee waiver.
Council noted that it seemed odd that the installer of the antenna had asserted under
oath in a legal brief provided to the City that the applicant Mr. Kay had confined his
commercial transmissions to the use of interior antennas but that Mr. Kay had not
submitted this in writing to the City.
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 10
Carmen Trutanich, 407 North Harbor Boulevard, San Pedro, CA 90731, Trutanich and
Michael, speaking for Bruce Bartram of his firm, stated that the question just posed was
addressed in the California v. Kay lawsuit regarding an alleged 1999 violation of the
municipal code and that the lawsuit was resolved in Mr. Kay's favor. He said that the
issue in question at this time was rooftop antennas, not interior, and that the allegation
by Mr. Richter in 1999 that he had monitored transmission from Mr. Kay's residence
which he concluded was commercial transmission from a rooftop antenna was because
Mr. Richter was unaware that the, interior antennas were commercial. Mr. Trutanich
stated that the City's code dealt with aesthetics and safety but not frequencies, which
were regulated by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC).
City Attorney Lynch stated that there has not been a ruling in the case in Mr. Kay's
favor, as indicated by his attorney. The case is set for trial in November. She said that
if a CUP were granted, there would be no need for the City to go to trial to obtain a
permanent injunction. She indicated that Mr. Kay has applied for a CUP and was now
making this request for a fee waiver. She clarified that the municipal code regulates
the use of commercial antennas whether they are exterior or interior, although an
interior antenna would have no visual impact to neighbors and would be more likely to
be approved. She closed by saying that there was evidence, according to FCC
licenses that had been issued for this property, that there were commercial uses at this
site prior to installation of the interior antenna in 1998, and that the City believed that
exterior antennas were being used.
Carmen Trutanich said that originally there were exterior antennas only and the CUP
was to allow commercial use. When it was discovered that were interior commercial
antennas, City staff changed the focus and required a CUP for the interior as well as
the exterior antennas. He said that he felt the municipal code was not intended to
address interior antennas.
City Attorney Lynch emphasized that Mr. Kay has no CUP at all.
Council noted that even though an interior antenna would not impact neighbors' news,
there was still a requirement for a CUP.
Carmen Trutanich stated that the City had the power to regulate certain aspects of
antennas but he felt that regulations did not apply to an interior antennas based on
what Mr. Richter was detecting as transmission from an exterior antenna. He said that
Mr. Kay had applied for a CUP on June 21, 2001 and probably would have been
granted the CUP if he had not delayed the process to request a fee waiver.
City Attorney Lynch said that this matter was on the Planning Commission's agenda in
October and it was presumptuous to say what its decision would be.
When Council asked if Mr. Kay had broadcast commercially using his interior antennas
during the time period of 1995 -1999, Mr. Trutanich replied that that Mr. Kay had been
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 11
granted a license in 1995 but there was no evidence that he had transmitting until 1999
and that Mr. Kay had to be considered innocent until proven guilty. He reiterated that
the City interpreted the municipal code differently and he and his client felt that the
municipal code regulated mostly aesthetic aspects of antennas. He emphasized that
that the fee waiver was the issue before the City Council.
Council discussion focused on the absence of a statement from the applicant regarding
the use of his antennas; the requirement for a CUP for interior antennas; the lack of a
CUP for an interior antenna, which would mean that neighbors' experiencing
interference for which the source was unknown; and, the after - the -fact application of a
CUP which requires additional fees.
Mr. Trutanich argued that there was no evidence that Mr. Kay had transmitted using an
exterior antenna and felt that the additional fee was unjust because the initial complaint
was based on use of external antennas.
Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilman Stern, to deny the requested
fee waiver. Motion Carried.
Traffic Study — Highridge Road at Hawthorne Boulevard (1204 x 1503)
Director Allison presented the staff report of September 18, 2001 and the
recommendation to provide direction regarding the scope of the traffic study to be
conducted at the intersection of Highridge Road at Hawthorne Boulevard.
Director Allison explained that up until a few months ago, a U -turn was never allowed at
the first opportunity on Highridge Road at Ridgegate to come back down Highridge
Road to enter the car wash from that street but it had been determined that this was an
unsafe U -turn because of the single lane of traffic on Highridge Road. He said that the
issue was brought to the attention of the Public Works Department and then to the
Traffic Engineer, who investigated and suggested this action.
Council discussion focused on a Councilmember site visit which produced the
suggestion that a scaled drawing and perhaps a PowerPoint presentation be provided
at a future Council meeting to give a sense of the site and the surrounding area; a
suggestion to pose the question to be answered by the Traffic study, such as would
allowing a U -turn make the intersection less safe, more safe, or the same; an opinion
that the U -turn at Ridgegate was unsafe because it sometimes required stopping and
backing up in order to execute the U -turn; and, whether it would possible to require Mr.
Govani, the owner of the car wash, to bear all or part of the expense of the additional
traffic study.
City Attorney Lynch clarified that there was no vehicle for this requirement since Mr.
Govani had no application to make any changes at his site.
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 12
Christian Faulk, 22497 Kent Avenue, Torrance, CA 90505, spoke in support of allowing
a U -turn at this intersection when traveling up the hill on Hawthorne Boulevard, stating
that he found it inconvenient to gain access when he came to the location for business
purposes in his capacity as a consultant. He said that U -turns were allowed on
Hawthorne Boulevard in both directions at Palos Verdes Drive North as well as in both
directions at the Mobil station on Hawthorne Boulevard at Granvia Altamira. He stated
that Mr. Govani's business would probably not increase by allowing a U -turn but his
customers and the residents at the apartments /condominiums directly up the hill would
benefit by easier access.
Additional Council discussion centered on the location of the driveway off Hawthorne
Boulevard which necessitates a very quick right turn immediately after a U -turn going up
the hill on Hawthorne Boulevard at Highridge Road; a suggestion to provide to the
Traffic Committee scaled diagrams and traffic data, including visibility, of other
intersections to compare conditions;
Shiraz Govani, 6945 Alta Vista Drive, owner of the car wash at the corner of Hawthorne
Boulevard and Highridge Road, stated that he had signatures from over 50 of his
customers who wished to have a U -turn allowed for easier access to the car wash.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to perform a traffic study
incorporating Council comments. Motion carried.
Status of Review of Geologic and Geotechnical Data for Zone II (1101 x 1801)
City Manager Evans presented the staff report of September 18, 2001 and the
recommendation to receive a draft report from Cotton, Shires & Associates. He
indicated that the peer review consultants had not had an opportunity to review Mr.
Cotton's report and suggested that the final report with the peer group's input might be
available in about a month.
Bill Cotton, Cotton, Shires & Associates, 300 Village Lane, Los Gatos, CA 95030, said
that his firm was retained to review the large variety of documents and technical
information on the Abalone Cove region and the area directly upslope known as Zone
Il. He explained that they were studying information developed by other groups to
determine if there was sufficient information to make a judgment of the stability of Zone
II and the feasibility of adding additional residential structures. Mr. Cotton felt there was
insufficient information to judge the stability of the land but he did not believe that by
adding individual homes with tight restrictions on grading, construction, drainage, etc,
the equilibrium would be upset. However, he clarified that the land might move on its
own. He emphasized that the best course of action to maintain stability was to prevent
water from entering the ground and using dewatering wells to remove water.
Responding to Council queries, Mr. Cotton stated that the risk of land movement was
the same to homeowners currently residing in Zone II as it would be to owners of newly
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 13
constructed homes in Zone II; that any or all of the land might move but he could not
predict; that more subsurface information obtained by drilling might provide a
characterization of the slide; that water was the most important factor in a landslide;
that whether there was additional building or not, the land might move or not; and, that
the best approach to dealing with a landslide was to follow through with suggestions
made by Dr. Perry Ehlig.
Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, disagreed with action being taken on Palos Verdes
Drive South.
Christopher Smith, 1236 Via Landeta, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, a lot owner in
Zone II, urged the Council to absorb the information being provided to them and act on
it. He said that Mr. Cotton said that additional homes would not cause destabilization
and Mr. Smith asked that the Council keep the decision regarding allowing additional
homes in Zone II as a priority since the property owners who wished to build had been
waiting for so long.
Jack Monks, 32200 Schooner Drive, a lot owner in Zone II, said that he had hoped his
children would have been able to grow up in a home in this area and when he bought
the land seven years ago, he believed from his discussions with Perry Ehlig that he
would be able to build within a reasonable time. He said that the City had been aware
of the geological problems for some time and he felt that the property owners deserved
an answer.
Chris Haber, 8720 Bleriot Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045, a lot owner in Zone Il, said that
he too had hoped his children could have grown up in a home in this area and he
described conversations at the time he purchased his lot with the Public Works staff
regarding installation of sewers which are finally being installed seven years later. He
said that the property owners were willing to accept the level of risk of the current
homeowners in Zone II and was reassured by Mr. Cotton's statement that new homes
would not increase the possibility of land movement.
Council discussion centered on the Council hearing schedule to be followed to allow
review by the peer review group and a final report to be prepared with those comments
as well as comments by the public. It was reiterated that geologists who had not
previously been involved in the geology be consulted.
Councilman Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to receive the report;
direct staff to provide the peer group report and provide information on disinterested
geologists; and, continue this item to a fifth Tuesday meeting on October 30. Motion
carried.
Presentation by Telecommunications Providers Regarding Placement of Facilities
in the Public Right -of -Way (1601)
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 14
Director Allison reported that he and City Attorney Lynch had been working with Sprint,
who was giving tonight's presentation, and three other companies which have
applications before the City. He said that the City has no policy right now regarding
telecommunications facilities being installed in the right -of -way and that tonight the
Council would hear from Sprint, staff, and residents in order to work toward the
formulation of a policy. Mr. Allison provided a computer generated visual presentation
which showed typical current installations and proposed sites.
Councilman Stern disclosed that he had received a notice from Miraleste Intermediate
School with indicated that an entity desired to install such a facility near their property.
Rob Searcy, Terra Firma Services, 5757 Century Boulevard, #604, Los Angeles, CA
90045, representing Sprint, gave a computer generated visual presentation showing
statistics about the growth in wireless communication, the facilities require for coverage,
the types of sites required, aesthetics, and examples of underground and above ground
facilities.
Councilwoman Ferraro left the meeting at 12:15 A.M.
A question and answer with Council ensued with the following information being
obtained: Director Allison has a map with all the proposed sites on the Peninsula. The
other providers besides Sprint who have applied to the City are Nextel, AT & T, Verizon,
and Cingular. Sprint has approached all the Cities on the Peninsula and has had
applications in to Rancho Palos Verdes since October 2000. Sprint may need a few
more sites over the years but mostly will be able to increase capacity at the currently
proposed sites.
Charles Hillinger, 3131 Dianora, representing the Mira Catalina Homeowners
Association, stated that a pole was placed in cement without warning near his back
yard and near two other neighbors for whom he was speaking. He said that he had
spoken with the City and was told that the pole would be removed and that another
would not take its place.
Director Allison replied that the pole would be removed within two weeks.
Greg Sanders, 18101 von Karmann, Suite 1800, Irvine, 92612, attorney representing
Spring PCS, said that Sprint wished to cooperate with the City as much as possible
according to the Federal Communications Act to provide facilities for users of wireless
communication.
Council discussion focused on the need for City guidelines to install these facilities in
the most efficient, aesthetically pleasing .way given the limitation of the City's powers
per the Federal Communications Act. Council consensus was to direct staff to provide
at the next meeting demands, restrictions, and issues on which the City could make
decisions.
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 15
City Council Assignments (306)
City Clerk Purcell presented the staff report of September 18, 2001 and the
recommendation to make Council assignments to certain delegate and alternate
positions previously held by former Councilman Byrd.
Councilman Gardiner agreed to take all Council assignments to certain delegate and
alternate positions previously held by former Councilman Byrd, as follows: Delegate for
Palos Verdes Transit. Alternate for California Joint Powers Authority, Contract Cities,
and West Basin Water District.
Resurfacing of Crenshaw and Hawthorne Boulevards (1204 x 1404)
Staff recommendation was to (1) Award a $634,534 construction contract to Sully - Miller
Contracting Company for the resurfacing of Crenshaw and Hawthorne Boulevards and
authorize staff to spend an additional $63,453 for possible extra work, thereby
approving a $697,987 construction budget. (2) Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk
to execute a contract with Sully - Miller Contracting Company. (3) Award a $43,600
professional services agreement to DMc for construction management and inspection
services. (4) Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute a contract for a
professional services agreement with DMc Engineering.
Council consensus was to continue this item to October 2, 2001.
2001 Progress Report on the Implementation of the General Plan (1203 x 701)
Staff recommendation to Direct staff to forward the City's Annual Progress Report on
the General Plan to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research and to the
Department of Housing and Community Development regarding the current status of
the General Plan and the progress on its implementation during Calendar Year 2000
and through June 30, 2001.
Council consensus was to continue this item to October 2, 2001.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Lynch reported that no action was taken on either item.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS:
Mayor Pro Tern McTaggart described an interdenominational meeting he had attended
at the South Bay Islamic Center in Lomita which was well attended by members of the
Christian, Jewish and other faiths and intended to show support for Islamic people in
the area.
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 16
ADJOURNMENT: Adjourned at 12:47 A.M. on motion of Mayor Lyon to Saturday,
September 29, at 9:00 A.M. for the Community Leaders' Breakfast at Hesse Park.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
WA2001 City Council Minutes \09182001 cc min.doc
MA <(d
City Council Minutes
September 18, 2001
Page 17