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CC MINS 19981117 MINUTES RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 17, 1998 The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. by Mayor Ferraro at the Fred Hesse Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, and was immediately recessed to a closed session per the Brown Act Checklist attached to the agenda. The meeting was reconvened at 7:10 P.M. After the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was answered as fo I l ows PRESENT: Byrd, Lyon, McTaggart, Hollingsworth, and Mayor Ferraro ABSENT: None Also present were City Manager Les Evans; Assistant City Manager Carolynn Petru; City Attorney Carol Lynch; Director of Planning, Building & Code Enforcement Joel Rojas; Acting Director of Public Works Dean Allison; Director of Finance Dennis McLean; Director of Administrative Services/City Clerk Jo Purcell; Senior Planner Greg Pfost; Assistant Planner Lisa Louie; Sr. Administrative Analyst Gina Park; and, Recording Secretary Jackie Drasco. Mayor Ferraro thanked the 25th Anniversary Committee for the wonderful gala, and expressed appreciation to the pioneers and their vision in making the City a reality. She then reiterated appreciation to Councilman John McTaggart for his continuous twenty-five years of service to the City, beginning with his tenure on the Planning Advisory Council, then on the Planning Commission, and now as a Councilmember. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The minutes of August 31 were removed at the request of staff. The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed separately: Lease Extension for PV on the Net; Designation of Authorized Agents for FEMA Funding; and, Increase in Authorization for"On Call" Services. Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilman Byrd, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR: Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, objected to the contract extension for geotechnical services and opposed rent-free of City Hall facilities for PV on the Net. John Freeman, 6850 Faircove Drive, suggested that the computer consulting contract with PV on the Net be amended to clarify that volunteers and interns would be provided at no charge. City Council Minutes November 17, 1998 Page 1 With a clarification from staff that there would be expenses for supplies, City Attorney Lynch indicated that such a change would make the contract clearer. Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hollingsworth, to approve the Consent Calendar as follows: Minutes (301) Approved the minutes of October 20 and October 31, 1998. Claim against the City by Enzo Giobbe (301 x 303) Rejected the claim and directed the City Clerk to notify the claimant. Claim against the City by Sara Gonzales (301 x 303) Rejected the claim and directed the City Clerk to notify the claimant. Resols. No. 98- 95 and 98-96 -Adoption of OES Forms 89 and 130 (1101x401) (1) Adopted Resol. No. 98-95 ADOPTING OES FORM 89, PRE-DESIGNATING CERTAIN CIN STAFF POSITIONS TO BE AUTHORIZED TO SIGN DISASTER- RELATED DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY; AND (2)Adopted Resol. No. 98- 96 ADOPTING OES FORM 130, AGREEING TO COMPLY WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL REGULATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF DISASTER ASSISTANCE FUNDS. Revision to Area G - Office of Emergency Preparedness Joint Powers Agreement (I 101 x 401) Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the revised Joint Powers Agreement for Area G with the Office of Emergency Preparedness. Professional Services Agreement - Home Improvement (1204) (1)Approved a professional services agreement with MDG Associates to provide services to establish a HOME Improvement Program and administer the program for the period November 17, 1998 to June 30, 1999 for snot-to-exceed amount of$20,000 for FY 1998-99. (2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement. Contract Extension for Geotechnical Consulting Services (1203) Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the proposed agreements with Zeiser Kling Consultants, Inc. and Bing Yen and Associates, Inc. to provide geology City Council Minutes November 17, 1998 Page 2 and geotechnical engineering consulting services on an as-needed basis to the City. Request to Waive Appeal Fee (1203 x 1801) Granted the $700 appeal fee waiver for Site Plan Review No. 8311, Grading Permit No. 2048 and Sign Permit No. 961 as requested. Project contingencies (1204) (1) Ordered received and filed the report on project contingencies for public works construction projects. (2) Approved the proposed project contingency schedule for future Public Works construction projects. Resol No. 98-97 - Register of Demands (602) Adopted Resol. No. 98-97, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CIN OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING FUNDS FROM WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID. Computer Network Services Agreement with Palos Verdes on the Net (602) Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to sign the Computer Network Services Agreement between the City and Palos Verdes on the Net. Purchase of the HTE CitySoft Accounting System (602) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Software License & Services Agreement with H.T.E., Inc. regarding the purchase of the HTE "CitySoft" accounting software and related hardware at a cost of approximately $96,200. Resol . 98-98 -Appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of Grading Permit No. 1933(1203 x 1801) Adopted Resol. No. 98-98 UPHOLDING THE APPEAL, OVERTURNING THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S DECISION AND DENYING GRADING PERMIT NO. 1933 WITHOUT PREJUDICE. The motion to approve the Consent Calendar carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Lyon, McTaggart, Byrd, Hollingsworth and Mayor Ferraro NOES: None Lease extension for Palos Verdes on the Net City Council Minutes November 17, 1998 __ Page 3 The staff report recommended extension of the lease agreement with Palos Verdes on the Net for the use of the former Recreation Building at City Hall until December 31, 2000. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, was opposed to the City providing space to PV on the Net and said that the City could use the revenue from renting to another tenant. She specifically questioned the adequacy of the $200 per month charge to PV on the Net for utilities. Council discussion focused on the reciprocation of PV on the Net providing a T1 internet connection (a value of about $2500 per month) and training services provided to the City free of charge. Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilman Byrd, to authorize the extension of the lease agreement with Palos Verdes on the Net for the use of the former Recreation Building at City Hall until December 31, 2000. Council discussion continued as to how the $200 per month electric utility fee was determined. After discussion of whether to install a meter so that PV on the Net would pay actual charges for electricity, or directing staff to research the City's utility expenses to determine if the $200 per month figure was still adequate, the motion was withdrawn. Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hollingsworth, to continue this item to December 1, 1998, and directed staff to obtain information regarding the actual cost of utilities. Motion carried. Resol. 98-99 - Designation of Authorized Agents for FEMA Funding Purposes (11204 x 401) Adopt Resol. No. 98-99 DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED AGENTS OF THE CITY TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING CERTAIN FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND/OR STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR STORM RELATED DAMAGES RESULTING.FROM THE FEBRUARY/MARCH 1995 WINTER STORMS. Director Allison presented the staff report of November 17 and the recommendation to adopt the proposed resolution Designating Authorized Agents of the City to Execute Documents for the Purpose of Obtaining Certain Federal Financial Assistance And/Or State Financial Assistance for Storm Related Damages Resulting from the February/March 1995 Winter Storms. He then reported an amendment to the proposed resolution, to list the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager, and the Director of Public Works as the three staff members authorized to sign such applications. Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to adopt as City Council Minutes November 17, 1998 Page 4 amended RESOL. 98-99 DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED AGENTS OF THE CITY TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING CERTAIN FEDERAL FINANCIAL.ASSISTANCE AND/OR STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR STORM RELATED DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE FEBRUARY/MARCH 1995 WINTER STORMS. Motion carried. Increase in authorization for"On Call" Services for FY 1998-99 (1204) Director Allison presented the November 17 staff report and the recommendation to (1) Increase the authorization limit for"On Call" Fiscal Year 1998-99 Professional Service with SA Associates from $15,000 to $45,000; (2) Increase the maximum contract authorization for "On Call" Fiscal Year 1998-99 Professional Services Agreement with Merit Civil Engineering from $35,000 to $60,000; (3) Increase the maximum contract authorization for"On Call" Fiscal Year 1998-99 Professional Services Agreement with CBM Consultants from $20,000 to $45,000; and, (4) Authorize staff to further increase contract limits for "On Call" engineering firms for Fiscal Year 1998-99 such that the aggregate contract limit for all "On Call"firms does not exceed $210,000. After clarification that these contracts were in their second year and that they would go out to bid next year, Councilwoman Lyon moved, seconded by Councilman Byrd, adopt the staff recommendation. The motion carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Byrd, Lyon, McTaggart, Hollingsworth, and Mayor Ferraro NOES: None PUBLIC HEARING: Appeal of the Planning Commission Approval of site Plan Review No. 8311 - Highridge Car Wash (1203 x 1801) Mayor Ferraro opened the public hearing on this request for Appeal of the Planning Commission Approval of Site Plan Review No. 8311, Grading Permit No. 2048 and Sign Permit No. 961 for Highridge Car Wash, 27774 Hawthorne Boulevard (Applicant: Mr. Shiraz Govani; Appellant: Councilman John McTaggart). City Clerk Purcell announced that notice had been duly published and that all protest letters had been included in the agenda packet and/or distributed to Council just prior to the meeting. Assistant Planner Lisa Louie presented the staff report of November 17,1998 and the recommendation to adopt the proposed Resolution approving the appeal of Councilman John McTaggart and thereby modifying the Planning Commission's Approval for Site Plan Review No. 8311, Grading Permit No. 2048 and Sign Permit No. 961, subject to conditions. City Attorney Lynch noted that Councilman McTaggart left the dais and moved to the City Council Minutes November 17, 1998 Page 5 back of the room since he was the appellant in this matter. Council's concerns centered on whether this gas station has been or will be a full and self service station, and whether the proposed changes to increase the sale of gas without a car wash could be considered a change of use. City Attorney Lynch opined that the Code was unclear about this or even if a CUP would be required. Council discussion next focused on the reasons for the increased size and height of the canopy as well as the urgency in approving the project because of a federal deadline to replace and update the gas tanks by December 22, 1998. John McTaggart, 6916 Purpleridge, the appellant, said that with the possible exception of the extended hours of operation, he supported the changes that had been suggested since the appeal was filed. He said it was important that the neighbors be noticed so they could provide input, particularly about the proposed lighting. He believed that the traffic circulation had been improved; and, that moving the canopy further away from Hawthorne would provide more space for customers driving onto the property. Speakers in opposition to the Staff recommendation were the following residents Altaf Hudani, 27781 Hawthorne Blvd.; Kurt Johnson, 6002 Flambeau Road; Maureen Smith, 27811 Hawthorne Blvd.; Juvenal Jovet, 27773 Hawthorne Blvd. The concerns of these residents focused on a number of the features of the project: that lighting from the canopy structure might shine into homes; the noise from thep ublic address system; the late operating hours; the possible increase in traffic congestion; the inadequacy of the initial noticing of the neighbors; whether there would be increased parking on the service streets; and, the increased size of the structure. Representing the applicant Shiraz Govani was his attorney Curtis Coleman, 6601 Center Drive W., #500, Los Angeles, CA 90045, who stated that the delay in approval of this project had created a problem for his client in meeting the December 22 federal deadline. He agreed with the solution for the traffic issues and explained that the size of the canopy was required by the City to meet storm water collection criteria. He explained that two pump islands were removed so that all pumps are under one canopy and as far as away from Hawthorne Boulevard as possible. The driveways were also moved as far as possible from the intersection to improve traffic circulation. He said that Mr. Govani would eliminate the public address system and instead use walkie- talkies. He said a petition that had been signed by over 500 people supporting the project and that other letters of support had also been submitted. He added that the December 22 deadline was not negotiable; that Mr. Govani had been attempting to gain approval for this renovation since last July. Speakers in support of the staff recommendation were the following residents: City Council Minutes November 17, 1998 Page 6 Ken DeLong, 6940 Maycroft; Patrick Fiedler, 2322 West Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057-1906; Robert Orr, 26333 Silver Spur Road; John Willd, 2821 Va Sola, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274; Craig Knickerbocker, 28 Hidden Valley Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274: Dr. Rick Wilson, 1901 Via Coronel, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274; Julie Rajay, Palos Verdes Estates; Gene Fisher, 4233 Don Ortega Place, Los Angeles, CA 90008; and, Karen Seth, 6568 Eddinghill Drive. These speakers commented on the following: that the car wash provides revenue for the City; that it will give the residents good service and competitive gas prices; and, the renovation will improve the appearance of the site. It was noted that the car wash, the only one in the City, has been there 20 years. Speakers stated that the owner is ethical and wants to be a good neighbor; that he has a good track record refurbishing old car washes for the benefit of the community and customers; that he has cooperated with City staff, the Planning Commission, and the Traffic Committee; and, is supporting high school booster clubs and other community groups. It was felt that the longer hours will be convenient for customers who work late hours and that the potential light problem was being addressed. Planning Commissioner Gil Alberio, 2177 Rocking horse Road, said that he had voted against this project for the same reasons expressed by Councilman McTaggart. He objected to the applicant waiting until the last minute to use the replacement of the gas tanks to comply with federal law as a reason to rush approval of the project. He stated that he was not against the project but that there were problems with the height and the lighting of the canopy. He felt the change in use from a car wash with gasoline service to the emphasis on gasoline sales warranted a CUP. Recess and Reconvene: At 8:40 P.M., Mayor Ferraro declared a recess. The meeting reconvened at 8:52 P.M. Mayor Ferraro closed the public hearing. Councilmember Lyon moved, seconded by Mayor Ferraro, to adopt RESOL. NO. 98-98, AS AMENDED, APPROVING THE APPEAL OF COUNCILMAN JOHN MCTAGGART AND THEREBY MODIFYING THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S APPROVAL FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 8311, GRADING PERMIT NO. 2048 AND SIGN PERMIT NO. 9611 SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS. There was further Council discussion about the changes at the site which may or may not require a CUP. It was the consensus that there be a 45-day review of the lights, and a six-month review of the operating hours, and, that a public hearing be held for public input rather than just staff review. Additional Council discussion centered again on the dimensions of the canopy which was to be raised from 16' to 23' and the possibility that the lights could be recessed for further shielding. City Council Minutes November 17, 1998 Page 7 Mayor Ferraro re-opened the public hearing. Patrick Fiedler explained that the canopy was required to be at least 14' to accommodate large vehicles and the extra height was required by a 3'3" fascia band and 3 1/2' of tile to match the architecture of the existing structure. Mayor Ferraro closed the public hearing. The motion carried 4-0-1, with Councilman McTaggart abstaining. REGULAR BUSINESS: Negotiation of the Cable Television Franchise Renewal Agreement (605 x 1101) Assistant City Manager Petru presented the staff report of November 17,1998 and the recommendation to direct staff and the City Attorney to initiate informal franchise renewal negotiations with Cox Communications, which will include: 1) a review of the City's future cable television needs; 2) the City Council providing general guidance on the major issues to be addressed in the renewal agreement; 3) staff and the City Attorney negotiating directly with the cable television operator on the franchise renewal agreement; and, 4) the City Council receiving periodic updates and providing additional input, as necessary. Eric Paris, 29234 Stadia Hill Lane, was opposed to the bundling of channels and the increase of basic service from $11.40 in 1986 to the current cost of$33.00 with no change in service. He acknowledged that there were additional channels added for that cost but he had not requested an upgrade and he believed that the cost to Cox for these additional channels was minimal. He believed that surveys to determine which channels the public wanted were used against"the subscribers to increase the cost of the popular channels. He stated that ads for offensive adult channels were run on family channels during family viewing hours. He listed further complaints as Cox's stifling consumer complaints by providing incorrect phone numbers for the channels, printing consumer rights-in small print, and divulging subscribers' personal information unless they specifically ask Cox not to do so. Council discussion focused on whether the City could make an issue of this disclosure of personal information, if Cox received money for this disclosure, the ability of a subscriber to delete some channels even though they were included in a bundle, Cox providing incorrect City phone numbers to subscribers, the possibility of the City regulating rates and participating in the choices of channels for bundling, and the seemingly outdated necessity to rent a cable box to receive some channels. After further discussion, Council consensus was to name Councilman Byrd and Councilman McTaggart to serve on an ad hoc committee to work with staff, the City Attorney's office and Rolling Hills Estates on the franchise renewal negotiations, to include a questionnaire in the City newsletter, and to hold public hearings to obtain City Council Minutes November 17, 1998 Page 8 public input. Resol. 98-100 - Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District Senior Center and Recreation Facilities Competitive Grant Program (I 101 x 1201) Sr. Administrative Analyst Park presented the staff report of November 17,1998 and the recommendation to adopt the proposed resolution approving a joint application with the City of Rolling Hills Estates and the Peninsula Seniors for grant funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District Senior Centers and Recreation Facilities Competitive Grant Program. Eugene Hollander, 27100 Sunnyridge Road, Palos Verdes Peninsula, First Vice President of the Peninsula Seniors, expressed thanks to the cities of Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills Estates for preparing the application for the grant to provide a permanent location for the Peninsula Seniors. He also thanked Rancho Palos Verdes for providing space at Hesse Park for some of their programs. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, spoke on the difficulty of change for everyone, including senior citizens. Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to Adopt Resol. No. 98-1001 A RESOLUTION OF THE CIN COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING A JOINT APPLICATION WITH THE CIN OF ROLLING HILLS ESTATES AND THE PENINSULA SENIORS FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT SENIOR CENTERS AND RECREATION FACILITIES COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM. Motion carried. Los Angeles County Regional Park & Open Space District Competitive Grant Program for Natural Lands Restoration (I 101 x 1201) Sr. Administrative Analyst Park presented the staff report of November 17,1998 and the recommendation to adopt the proposed resolution approving the Application for Grant Funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District Natural Lands Restoration Competitive Grant Program. Council discussion centered on the feasibility of submitting the revegetation of Shoreline Park and the consensus was that the plans and data already prepared for this project would make it an ideal choice. Councilman Byrd moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hollingsworth, to Adopt Resol. No. 98-101, as amended, APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT NATURAL LANDS RESTORATION COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM. Motion carried. City Council Minutes November 17, 1998 Page 9 Recess and Reconvene: At 9:45 P.M., Mayor Ferraro declared a recess. The meeting reconvened at 10:02 P.M. Ocean Trails - Review of the East and West Vista Parks (1203 x 1411) Associate Planner Greg Pfost presented the staff report of November 17, 1998 and the recommendation to approve the design of the Ocean Trails' East and West Vista Parks. Ken Zuckerman, 1 Ocean Trails Drive, explained their efforts to provide an acceptable design, keeping view preservation in mind, and said that the grading at East Vista Park was complete to the level of the approved grading plan. Rob Pressman, the project landscape architect, said that the highest elevation of the wall in the East Vista Park was 318 feet for a 15-16' portion of wall but that most of the wall was at 316 feet. He described that the design intent of the parks was to work with existing conditions, protect views by building low walls and signs, by using indigenous rock material, including the context of the ocean with the crescent walls; and, to provide a feeling of expansiveness for the entrance to the golf course, as well as a functional public park for limited activity. Barbara Dye, One Ocean Trails, stressed that the landscape architect was advised that protecting views was a primary concern. She listed the goals of the park as providing a functioning public park that would also serve as an entry and would incorporate appropriate themes into the design. She stated that this was the fourth design, that two previous designs approved in 1992 and 1993, included trees. She believed that the current design was preferable and that possibly the west monument and the crescent walls could be reduced further. She asked that a commitment for some trees be made because shade would be essential to the functionality of the park. David Pallinger, One Ocean Trails, stated that they had attempted to be good neighbors and met with nearby residents in their homes and that a beautiful public park was being provided at no cost to the City. Michael Scribney, 32415 Nautilus Drive, speaking also for his neighbor James Ruby at 32448 Conqueror, said that he lived across from the proposed West Vista Park and was in favor of the parks but had some concerns regarding view impact. He said that he had moved into his home in 1995 after the elevation of the affordable housing was approved and hoped that there would be no further view loss. He also objected to trees in the park which would impair views and saw no need for picnic tables which would require shade. He felt the monuments and the parking lot were too large. Craig Douglas, 32420 Nautilus Drive, indicated that he had written a letter regarding his view impairment and circulated a photo to illustrate the problem. He had calculated that he would lose 86% of his ocean view if the project was approved as submitted. He understood that the walls and other amenities were for aesthetics but he suggested that the wall in East Vista Park be eliminated except where it would hide the affordable City Council Minutes November 17, 1998 Page 10 housing. Ally Derrick for his father Moe Derrick, 32430 Nautilus Drive, said that he would prefer to keep the wide expansive ocean view and eliminate in West Vista Park, the monument and the wall where it did not hide the affordable housing. He believed that the view from the home above was different from the view of passersby because they were not moving. Council asked Mr. Douglas to return to the podium and asked him if the section of wall not hiding the affordable housing could be lowered rather than eliminated. Indicating on the photo he had provided, he replied that only a small sliver of the ocean would be showing if the wall were not eliminated completely and that tiny sliver of ocean could easily be masked by a slightly overcast day, which was common. Council discussion centered on the following: that the walls should be present to hide the affordable housing, not the ocean view; that they should not be built until after houses were built; and, that placement of trees should be delayed until the final topography of the parks was known. The Council then considered staff recommendations and the consensus was to eliminate the monument sign in the West Vista Park and require a silhouette when the grading is complete and that trees should be discussed when the topography is final. In East Vista Park, the elevation of the wall would be reduced to 316 feet, with nothing higher than ridge height of the affordable housing. Ken Zuckerman stressed the urgency for Council direction for East Vista Park and suggested that staff s recommendation be modified to relocate the wall farther to the east after the housing is built, proposing that the elevation of the wall be no higher than 312 feet, which is the current grade. To accomplish this, he would need to remove additional dirt from the site, that access and the grading equipment was now available and that it would be difficult if this process is delayed. Council agreed to use Mr. Douglas' photo as evidence to restrict the height of the wall. Ken Zuckerman suggested that the height should be the same as the existing approved grade according to the grading plan, which is 312 feet. Council consensus was to: 1) Amend Condition No. 1 so that the monument wall and monument wall landscaping within East Vista Park shall be no higher than an elevation of 316 feet where the wall shields the affordable housing structures from staff determined public and private viewing areas, and where the affordable housing structures are not shielded by the wall, the monument wall shall be reduced in height to the approved grade on the Phase 1 Grading Plan, which is estimated at an elevation of 312 feet. 2) Amend Condition No. 4 to indicate that the East and West Vista Park's trees are not approved at this time. Once grading has been completed for East and West Vista Parks, a landscape plan that includes trees that will consider the view from City Council Minutes November 17, 1998 Page 11 the public right of way and private residences located u slo a from the park shall be p p reviewed and approved by the City Council. 3) Amend Condition Nos. 2 and 3 so that the monument wall and crescent rock walls within West Vista Park are not approved at this time. Once grading has been completed for East and West Vista Parks, the developer may.submit a plan for the monument wall and crescent rock walls that considers the view from the public right of way and private residences located upslo e P from the park, to be reviewed and approved by the City Council. Point Vicente Interpretive Center(1201 x 1204) Director Allison presented the staff report of November 17,1998 and the recommendation to (1) Award a professional services contract to Harris and Associates, Inc. for construction management services for the Point Vicente Interpretive Center for a not-to-exceed amount of$141,802.50, and authorize staff to spend up to an additional $5,000 for potential extra work and reimbursable expenses for a total authorization of$146,802.50; and, (2) Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute an agreement with Harris and Associates, Inc. Discussion clarified that services would include both construction management and value engineering. Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to (1)Award a professional services contract to Harris and Associates, Inc. for construction management services for the Point Vicente Interpretive Center for a not-to-exceed amount of$15,000; and, (2) Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute an agreement with Harris and Associates, Inc. The motion carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Byrd, Lyon, McTaggart, Hollingsworth, and Mayor Ferraro NOES: None Recess and Reconvene: At 11:47 P.M., Mayor Ferraro declared a recess. The meeting reconvened at 11:50 P.M. Fiscal Year 1997-98 Financial Audit (602) The staff recommendation was to receive and file the 1997-98 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Councilmember Lyon so moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart and carried. Revegetation and Operations and Maintenance Plan for the Forrestal Property (305 x 1101 x 1201) City Manager Evans presented the staff report of November 17,1998 and the recommendation to direct the Recreation & Parks Committee to work with the Palos City Council Minutes November 17, 1998 Page 12 Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy to Develop Revegetation and Operations and Maintenance Plans for the Forrestal Property and Shoreline Park. Council discussion clarified that the funds and the elements of the plan had been set aside during the last budget process for afive-year schedule to study trails, drainage, signage, and revegetation. Improved access had not been addressed adequately and it was felt that assistance from the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy would be beneficial. Representing the Land Conservancy was Jim Moore, who explained that the Conservancy had suggestions regarding habitat and was offering to share their experience with revegetation. Council agreed that the Conservancy had the needed expertise, particularly in removing non-native plants prior to revegetation but that the Recreation and Parks Committee would also need advice from the Public Works Department regarding drainage. Jim Moore explained that the first step would be to take an inventory of the plants, animals, and terrain. He believed that involving the Conservancy might take a little longer than using an outside consultant but would reduce costs for the City. Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to direct the Recreation & Parks Committee to work with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy to Develop Revegetation and Operations and Maintenance Plans for the Forrestal Property and Shoreline Park. Motion carried. View Preservation and Restoration Ordinance Revisions (306 x 1203 x 1806) The recommendation was to appoint a City Council Ad Hoc Committee for the purpose of developing recommendations for: (1) possible amendments to the ordinance and guidelines, and (2) methods to reduce costs of enforcement. Councilmember Lyon and Councilman Byrd were appointed to the committee. ORAL CIN COUNCIL REPORTS: Councilman McTaggart made the following comments: He announced that Deane Dana Friendship Park had become a reality and expressed appreciation to Supervisor Don Knabe who supported the project. Gail Tierney, from the Supervisor's office, reported that development of the park had been accomplished in conjunction with the residents' wishes. Councilman McTaggart stated that Frank O'Brien, who was in charge of Friendship Park, called him to express thanks for the City's participation in the project. City Council Minutes November 17, 1998 Page 13 He had learned from serving on the School Facilities Committee that the Peninsula District was sending a postcard to each Eastview family to determine the number and grade of children who would be attending Peninsula schools and he suggested that an article be included in the City Newsletter to assist the District in obtaining this information. He commented on his tour of the LAX tower and also announced that Africanized bees had been discovered at the Arco refinery in Carson. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, discussed an L. A. Times article regarding an organization called SOAR, which is involved with zoning changes, and the artist who inspired her joining the ACLU in 1977. Closed session report: Council unanimously directed the City Attorney to send a letter to the attorney of the party on whose property the foliage is located. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 A.M. on the motion of Mayor Ferraro to 3:00 P.M. on November 30, 1998 at City Hall for a Tidemark software demonstration. MAYOR ATTEST: f' j CITY CLERK n: ityclerklminutes\111798cc.min City Council Minutes November 17, 1998 Page 14