CC MINS 19990518MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
May 18, 1999
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Hollingsworth at 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 7:02 P.M. After the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was answered as
follows:
PRESENT: Byrd, Ferraro, Lyon, McTaggart, and Mayor Hollingsworth
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; Director of Public Works Dean Allison; Director of Finance Dennis McLean; City
Clerk/Administrative Services Director Jo Purcell; Senior Planner Greg Pfost; Senior
Administrative Analyst Gina Park; Project Coordinator Trayci Nelson; Recreation
Program Supervisor Holly Starr and, Recording Secretary Jackie Drasco.
RECYCLE DRAWING: (1204 X 1301) The Sherman Lee family was declared the
winner for the month of April and will receive a year of free refuse service. Anew name
was selected for May.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The animal control item was removed from the consent calendar for discussion. Mayor
pro tem Byrd moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart, to approve the agenda as
amended.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine spoke about the City Council Policy on Travel and
Meetings.
Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to approve the
consent calendar as follows:
Minutes (301)
Approved the minutes of May 4, May 8, and May 10, 1999.
Revisions to City Council Policy No. 16 (Travel & Meetings)(306 X 1101)
Adopted the revisions to City Council Policy No. 16.
Resol. 99 -32 - Revision of Penalties for Parking Violations (301 X 1206)
Adopted RESOL. NO. 99 -32, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ESTABLISHING PENALTIES FOR PARKING
VIOLATIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES.
Request to join League of California Cities Amicus Brief regarding Haggis v. City
of Los Angeles (306 X 1107)
Authorized the City Attorney to add the City of Rancho Palos Verdes to the friend -of-
the -court brief being prepared for the case of Haggis v. City of Los Angeles. .
Professional Services Agreement for Pavement Management System Update
(1204 X 1404)
(1) Awarded a professional services contract in an amount not to exceed $12,040 to
Berryman & Henigar, Inc., for professional engineering services to perform the FY 99 —
00 update to the Pavement Management System and authorize staff to spend up to an
additional $2,500 for a total authorization of $14,540. (2) Authorized the Mayor and the
City Clerk to execute said agreement.
Municipal Area Express (MAX) Inter - agency Agreement (1204 X 1505)
(1) Authorized the City of Rancho Palos Verdes to continue its participation in the
commuter transportation transit service known as Municipal Area Express (MAX) for the
period of July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2002. (2) Authorized the Mayor and the City
Clerk to execute the agreement for MAX commuter bus service on behalf of the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes.
Amendment to Project Agreement for Abalone Cove Shoreline Park (1101 X 1201)
Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to sign the Amendment to Project Agreement
for Abalone Cove Shoreline Park.
Gifts for Parks (1201)
City Council Minutes
May 18, 1999
Page 2
Accepted the gifts for parks donations ons for Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center, the July 4th
Celebration, and the REACH program and directed staff to prepare letters for the
Mayor's signature expressing the Council's thanks and appreciation.
Resol. No. 99 -33 - Register of Demands (602)
ADOPTED RESOL. NO. 99 -33. 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: Byrd, Ferraro, Lyon, McTaggart, and Mayor Hollingsworth
NOES: None
Animal Control Service Contract Renewal (104 X 1101)
The staff recommendation was to authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to sign the
five -year service contract with the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control
Department.
Kathy Snell, spoke in opposition to the contract and said that she understood the
shelter was undermanned, unsanitary, and that sometimes the animals did not receive
fresh water, even when the weather was very warm. She asked that if the contract was
approved, a City Code Enforcement Officer perform spot checks, particularly during
summer, and report to the City Council. She was particularly concerned about the
extermination of wild animals, urging the practice of relocating the animals within the
City as an alternative. Citing figures given in the staff report, she questioned
particularly high numbers of exterminated wild animals in the early fall, and suggested
a volunteer program to take photographs of stray animals picked up to be shown on
cable TV to facilitate returning pets to their homes.
Council discussion centered on the search for a newer and more convenient site and
the fact that the County was the only feasible option for an animal care provider. There
was not enough interest in forming a joint powers authority to provide such service.
Representing L.A. County Animal Control was Fred Randolph, who concurred that
there was a larger number of wild animals euthanized in September and October; this,
however, was not an unusual seasonal occurrence. He also explained that State Law
City Council Minutes
May 18, 1999
Page 3
required extermination rather than relocation of wild animals.
Mayor pro tem Byrd moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro to authorize the
Mayor and the City Clerk to sign the five -year service contract with the Los Angeles
County Animal Care and Control Department and provide to the Council a report of
regular inspections by City staff.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Byrd, Ferraro, Lyon, McTaggart, and Mayor Hollingsworth
NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
An Interpretative Review of View Restoration Permit No. 37, Resolution No. 98 -8.
(1203 X 1806)
Mayor Hollingsworth opened the public hearing on this request for an interpretative
review of View Restoration Permit No. 37, Resolution No. 98 -8. City Clerk Purcell
announced that notice had been duly published, that protest letters were a part of the
agenda, and that a letter from Mr. Lorenz had been submitted prior to the start of the
meeting.
Project Coordinator Nelson presented the staff report of May 19, 1999 and the
recommendation that the Council p rovide an interpretation of whether a pine tree that is
the focus of VPR No. 13 was intended by them to be included in the original approval
for View Restoration Permit No. 37, Resolution No. 98 -8.
Ms. Nelson distributed a photo board of the tree and color photographs of the copies
included in the staff report for the Council's review.
Council discussion focused on the current height of the tree, which is about 30 to 35
feet high, or 6 to 8 feet above the Daponte's pad; the potential height, which was
expected to be about 50 to 60 feet; the fact that staff's recommendation of lacing the
tree was rejected by both parties; and, view impairment versus privacy issues.
City Attorney Lynch clarified that there was no written documentation regarding this
tree for the original hearing before the View Restoration Commission or the appeal
before the City Council.
Further Council discussion clarified that staff's policy regarding trees which might be
City Council Minutes
May 18, 1999
Page 4
hidden until other foliage was removed had been reviewed and that the new guidelines
required a one -year review after the initial trimming and a report to the View
Restoration Commission.
Roy Lorenz, 30419 Ganado Drive, read from his prepared statement, which
summarized the history of the View Restoration Commission hearing and decision
regarding the removal and replacement of his trees, and requested that his privacy be
considered.
Kenneth Daponte, 3662 Greve Drive, distributed photographs and explained that he
realized a few days before the tree removal process was complete that this tree had not
been addressed and mentioned it to staff. He felt, in spirit of the Council's resolution to
restore his view, an amendment should be made to include this tree in the original
decision.
Staff confirmed that if the tree was included with View Restoration Permit No. 37 (the
original application), Mr. Daponte would be responsible for the cost of removing and
replacing the tree and that if it were considered under the current application for View
Preservation Permit No. 13, Mr. Lorenz would be responsible for the cost of any action
taken.
City Attorney Lynch opined that Option No. 2 preserved the integrity of the original
decision and suggested that the Council make a decision rather than remand the
matter back to the View Restoration Commission.
Mr. Daponte confirmed that he was willing to pay for removal and replacement of the
tree.
Mr. Lorenz indicated that he would accept removal as long as any replacement foliage
would grow to a height that would assure his privacy.
Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to continue the
item to June 1, 1999, to allow time to make a privacy analysis and make a
recommendation for a replacement tree that will not exceed the pad height and provide
privacy for Mr. Lorenz, and to have the City arborist provide additional information.
City Attorney Lynch suggested that there be parallel consideration of a view restoration
application filed by a neighboring property owner regarding this tree and the issue of
privacy.
Motion carried.
City Council Minutes
May 18, 1999
Page 5
Appeal of Issuance of "Notice and Order to Abate a Public Nuisance."
(1203 X 1701)
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Mayor Hollingsworth opened the public hearing on this request for appeal of issuance
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Of "Notice and Order to Abate a Public Nuisance" at 2611 Colt Rd. City Clerk Purcell
announced that notice had been duly published and that no protest letters were
received.
Director Rojas resented the staff report of May 18, 1999 and the recommendation to
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continue the public hearing to the June 15 th meeting.
Councilwoman Ferraro so moved seconded by Councilman McTaggart. Motion carried.
Recess and Reconvene: At 8:18 P.M., Mayor Hollingsworth declared a recess. The
meeting reconvened at 8:29 P.M.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Evaluation of the Preliminary Regional Housing Needs Assessment Provided by
SCAG (305 X 1203)
Senior Planner Pfost presented the staff report of May 18, 1999 and the
recommendation to review the draft of the letter to be sent to SCAG and to make any
additional comments to be incorporated into said letter.
Council discussion focused on the State's requirements and SCAG's involvement; the
difficult in reaching the goal set for the City and the need to attempt to attain the goal;
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and, the fact that other cities might also have this difficulty.
It was suggested that a letter be written to Joseph Carreras at SCAG, with a copy to
Assemblyman Alan Lowenthal and Senator Betty Karnette, informing them of the City's
dilemma. City Y Lynch nch recommended that an analysis of available land within
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the City be included, describing the building moratorium in the landslide area.
Lois Larue 3136 Barkentine, asked for a definition to the "bottom -up" approach
mentioned in the staff report
Senior Planner Pfost explained that SCAG was now seeking input from the cities rather
than simply dictating the requirements.
City Council Minutes
May 18, 1999
Page 6
Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to send a letter to
Joseph Carreras at SCAG, with copies to Assemblyman Alan Lowenthal and Senator
Betty Karnette, to describe the City's potential difficulty in meeting the goal set by the
State and include an analysis of the City's buildable land. Motion carried.
Resol. No. 99 -34 -Palos Verdes Drive East & Montemalaga Street Rehabilitation
Projects - Amendment to Service Contract Agreements (1204 X 1404)
Director Allison presented the staff report of May 18, 1999 and the recommendation to
(1) Amend the Robert Bein, William Frost &Associates (RBF) professional services
agreements for design, contract administration, and construction management of Palos
Verdes Drive East from Miraleste Drive to Colt Road (9720) and Palos Verdes Drive
East from Miraleste Drive to Ganado Drive (9721) and Montemalaga Drive from Silver
Spur Road to the West City Limit (9722) by $ 26,705 for a total authorization under
these contract agreements of $271,892; and (2). Authorize staff to apply for future year
of STP program funding allocations in the amount of $373,000 to achieve maximum
reimbursement rate of 88.5% on City projects 9721 and 9722; and (3) Adopt the
proposed resolution a budget adjustment to appropriate the additional funding of
$373,000 from ISTEA to the capital improvement project fund and increasing the
Proposition C Fund by $346,000 for a prior period adjustment to put monies in the
Proposition C Fund which had previously been transferred to the capital improvement
project fund and increase professional /technical services in the City's Capital
Improvement Project Fund Account (330 -930- 560- 00 -35) by $27,000.
Mayor pro tem Byrd moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to adopt staff
recommendation.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Byrd, Ferraro, Lyon, McTaggart, and Mayor Hollingsworth
NOES: None
Seabreeze — Construction Activity Occurring Outside of Permitted Construction
(1203 X 1411)
Senior Planner Pfost presented the staff report of May 18, 1999 and the
recommendation to place a stop work order on Warmington Homes for a period of
seven calendar days as a result of their violating the conditions of approval regarding
permitted hours of construction activity.
Council discussion centered on action taken by the City under similar circumstances. It
City Council Minutes
May 18, 1999
Page 7
' ' construction was being performed by two different developers and the
was clarified that constr g p
warning letter was sent to both since it was not known which developer was violating
the Code.
Warming Homes was Jim Warmington, 3090 Pullman Street, Suite A,
Representing W g .
CA 92626 who apologized for violating the Code but explained that it
Costa Mesa,
was
their first offense. He explained that the final warning letter was sent in response
violation b the other developer. He described actions taken to prevent a re-
to aviol y p
confirming that eve subcontractor was aware of the restricted
occurrence, namely, g every
constructions ho urs locking he construction gate, and providing a security guard
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seven days a week.
Lois Larue 3136 Barkentine, spoke in favor of Warmington Homes.
moved, seconded b Councilmember Lyon, to reject staff
Mayor pro tem Byrd m Y .
recommendation
' to lace stop work order on Warmington Homes for a period of
p a p
y
seven calendar
days as a result of their violating the conditions of approval regarding
permitted hours of construction activity. Motion carried.
Ordnance No. 347 - Proposition 208 — Suspension of Local Voluntary Campaign
Expenditure Limitation (301 X 501)
resented the staff report of May 18, 1999 and the recommendation
City Clerk Purcell p p
ordinance suspending enforcement of Chapter 2.30 of the
to introduce the proposed p
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Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code, The City's local voluntary campaign expenditure
limit for the November 2, 1999, general municipal election.
• expressed concern that developers Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine, expre would try to influence p
candidates with campaign contributions.
City Attorney Lynch exp reporting lained re ortin requirements for campaign contributions, which
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were not affected by adoption of this ordinance.
seconded b staff
Mayor pro tem Byrd moved, y Councilwoman Ferraro, to adopt sta
recommendation.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Byrd, Ferraro, and McTaggart
NOES: Lyon
ABSTAIN: Mayor Hollingsworth
City Council Minutes
May 18, 1999
Page 8
Resol. No. 99- 35 -Award of Contract for the Pt. Vicente Center Expansion
(1204 X 1204)
Director Allison presented the staff report of May 18, 1999 and the recommendation to
(1) Approve a revised project budget for the Point Vicente Interpretive Center
Expansion, which includes $175,000 for the Sea Cave Exhibit. (2) Authorize staff to
transfer $ 276,244 of EET funds and $282,862 of Quimby Funds to the CIP fund for the
Point Vicente Interpretive Center Project. (3) Award a construction contract to BF
Construction Inc., in an amount of $ 2,408,614, and authorize the Director of Public
Works to spend up to an additional $ 145,919 for possible change orders or extra work
for a total authorization of $2,554,533. (4) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute a contract with BF Construction, Inc. (5) Authorize the expenditure of $12,000
with Charles Abbott Associates, Inc., for building inspection services during
construction. (6) Adopt the proposed resolution amending Resolution No. 98-47, the
budget appropriation for fiscal year 1998 -99, for a budget adjustment to the Capital
Improvement Fund.
Council discussion focused on the budget in the event there are changes; clarification
of the requirement for Council approval of change orders; and, penalties included in the
contract for failing to meet construction deadlines.
Paul Marshall, Vice President, BF Construction, Inc., 310 -A McArthur Way, Upland, CA
91786, discussed the high quality of the plans and the concept of their providing value
engineering to reduce the costs.
Council discussion focused on the desire for a quality project and regular reports
regarding construction progress.
Mayor pro tem Byrd moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to (1) Approve a
revised project budget for the Point Vicente Interpretive Center Expansion, which
includes $175,000 for the Sea Cave Exhibit. (2) Authorize staff to transfer $ 276,244
of EET funds and $282,862 of Quimby Funds to the CIP fund for the Point Vicente
Interpretive Center Project. (3) Award a construction contract to BF Construction Inc., in
an amount of $408,614, and authorize the Director of Public Works to spend up to an
additional $145,919 for possible change orders or extra work for a total authorization of
$2,554,533. (4) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a contract with BF
Construction, Inc. (5) Authorize the expenditure of $12,000 with Charles Abbott
Associates, Inc., for building inspection services during construction. (6) ADOPT
RESOL. NO. 99 -351 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 98-47, THE BUDGET
City Council Minutes
May 18, 1999
Page 9
APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998 -99, FOR A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO
THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Byrd, Ferraro, Lyon, McTaggart, and Mayor Hollingsworth
NOES: None
ORAL CITY COUNCIL REPORTS:
Councilman McTaggart reported that SAFER had been abandoned and that a
memorandum of understanding had been negotiated between the County and Contract
Cities. He said that the new arrangement was working well to protect Cities.
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Lynch reported that the City Manager evaluation had been completed and
no action was taken. Apropos of the two Code Enforcement issues, the Council
unanimously deferred the tree matter, and a status report was given on the antenna
issue. No action was taken.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS:
Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine, spoke about animal control and cleanup on her street by
Public Works.
ADJOURNMENT:
Adjourned at 9:40 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 1, 1999, for a budget Workshop
at Hesse Park on the motion of Mayor Hollingsworth.
ATTEST:
I � i 2.t
CITY CLERK
0 899CCMINS
City Council Minutes
May 18, 1999
Page 10