CC MINS 19970107MINUTES
RANCH PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 7, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM by Mayor John McTaggart at the Hesse
Park Community Center, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. Following the Pledge of
Allegiance, roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Hollingsworth, Lyon, Byrd, Ferraro, and Mayor McTaggart
ABSENT: None
Also present were City Manager Paul Bussey, Assistant City Manager Brent Mattingly,
Planning, Building and Safety Director Carolynn Petru, Principal Planner Joel Rojas,
City Attorney Carol Lynch, Director of Public Works Les Evans, Senior Engineer Dean
Allison, Senior Engineer Richard Schlesinger, Finance Director Dennis McLean, City
Clerk Jo Purcell, and Recording Secretary Jennifer Baum.
RECYCLING DRAWING: (1204 X 1301)
Mayor McTaggart announced that the Mrs. Linda Lee family, 7011 Calle Quieta, was
the recycling winner for the month of December.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Mayor Pro Tem Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilwoman Lyon to approve the
Agenda. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR:
It was the consensus to remove Item No. 3 (City Council policy regarding
encroachment in the public right -of -way) from the Consent Calendar and present it on
the January 21, 1997 agenda.
Councilman Hollingsworth moved, seconded by Councilman Byrd to approve the
Consent Calendar as follows:
Waiver of Full Reading of Resolutions and Ordinances
Adopted a motion to waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions
presented at this meeting with consent of the waiver of reading deemed to be given by
all councilmembers after the reading of the title.
Establishment of a Parking Permit Program on La Rotunda (1204 X
1502)
1) Established a parking permit program on La Rotunda, 2) Authorized staff to work
with the Ocean Terraces Homeowner Association.
ORDINANCE NO. 319 ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSITION "M"
(1203 X 1806)
ADOPTED ORDINANCE N0. 319. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCH PALOS
VERDES ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 17.02.040 OF THE CITY OF
RANCH PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE.
Resol. No. 97 -01 - Register of Demands (602)
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 97 -01 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCH 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: Lyons, Hollingsworth, Byrd, Ferraro and Mayor McTaggart
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Hollingsworth on minutes of November 25, 1996
PUBLIC HEARING
Equestrian Overlay District - Grandfathering (1203 X 1801)
Mayor McTaggart announced that this was a continued public hearing on the issue of
grandfathering in the Equestrian Overlay District:
Director Petru started this hearing by responding to statements that she understood
were made by a member of the public regarding the anticipated adoption of the
Ordinance. She said that she had discussed a number of options with this person, but
had indicated no preference, since it was up to the Council to decide when and how to
adopt the Ordinance on the Overlay District.
City Council Minutes
January 7, 1997
Page 2
Principal Planner Rojas presented the staff memorandum of January 7, 1997 and the
recommendation to review and discuss any outstanding issues regarding the proposed
draft nonconformity language of draft Chapter 17.46.
Speaking on this matter were the following persons: Jeanne Smolley, 56 Limetree
Lane;* Robert Maxwell, 7 E. Pomegranate Road; Madeline Ryan, 28328 Palos Verdes
Drive East;* Toni Deeble, 3 E. Pomegranate Road; Sherry Greenwood, 2543
Sunnyside Ridge Road; Kay Bara, 1 Peppertree Drive; Richard Bara, 1 Peppertree
Drive; and Joe Deeble, 3 E. Pomegranate Road.(* Written statement presented by this
speaker is on file with the City Clerk's Office.)
The concerns and opinions of the speakers favoring grandfathering were as follows:
that some of the proposed changes would eliminate or reduce the ability to keep horses
and consequently reduce property values; that the only use for some of the landslide
area lots was horsekeeping; that the CC &Rs for the Portuguese Bend area allowed for
the keeping of three horses on vacant lots and that this is one of the few ways that lots
in the landslide area could appreciate in value; that since the RDA was created to
eliminate blight in the area that one of the ways to do it was to allow horsekeeping on
vacant property and at the same time reduce the brush and fire hazard; that it was
difficult to determine what structures were legal and if the City could help residents
make that determination; that grandfathering the conditions that existed on the October
291 1996 date described in the most current draft version was unfair because some
residents who had the right to have animals on their property may not have had them
on that date; that grandfathering be granted in perpetuity and that the date for
implementation of the conditions should be the date on which the Council adopts the
ordinance. Concern was also voiced that perhaps the Council was trying to minimize
the equestrian culture in the area.
Those residents speaking against grandfathering current conditions suggested that
home occupation licenses be required; questioned how the City could grandfather
conditions that were in violation of the City code; and cited the advertising of certain
boarding facilities as evidence that some of the boarding was indeed commercial and
for profit. Some, however, felt that even though some of the conditions of the corrals
were poor, that reducing the number of horses allowed would be punitive.
Charlene O'Neil, 28 Headland Drive, presented a petition containing the signatures of
approximately 160 persons objecting to the draft language directions given to staff by
the Council at the October 29, 1996 meeting. They requested that the Council not
reduce future horsekeeping options. (This petition is on file, with the City Clerk's
Office.)
City Council Minutes
January 7, 1997
Page 3
A good deal of Council discussion focused on the Rolling Hills Estates Code (Chapter
17.361 "H" District) and how appropriate a similar ordinance would be for the City.
Concern was expressed, however, that because RHE allows four horses per parcel
regardless of the number of parcels owned that eventually such boarding facilities
would be too big for a residential area. This possibility was seen as the reason why
the number of horses on a lot should be capped and that anything beyond that cap
require approval of the Equestrian Committee.
Council continued with their discussion and the suggestion was made to allow four
horses per developed parcel; that horse owners must get Committee approval for each
additional horse; and, that owners be required to keep 25 foot clearance at adjacent
vacant lots. The discussion concluded with Mayor McTaggart appointing a
subcommittee of Councilmembers Lyon and Hollingsworth to work on this issue and
report back to the Council with their resolution of the matter.
It was the consensus of Council to continue this public hearing until the February 4,
1997 meeting.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Portuguese Bend Club Sewage Collection System (1204 X 1801)
Public Works Director Evans presented the staff memorandum of January 7, 1997 and
the recommendation to authorize the Mayor to work with the County Sanitation Districts
of Los Angeles County to provide a sewage pump station and force main to serve the
Portuguese Bend Club property at 4100 Palos Verdes Drive South.
Speaking to this matter was Steve Cummins, 81 Yacht Harbor Drive, who stated his
agreement with staff recommendations. He commented on the importance of installing
sewers because the seepage from septic tanks may cause future sliding in the area.
It was the consensus of Council that this was an important project for that area, and
suggested that a volunteer representative from the Portuguese Bend Beach Club be
available to assist in these meetings with the County.
councilwoman Lyon moved, seconded by Councilman Byrd to adopt staff
recommendations. Motion carried.
Recess and Reconvene: At 8:55 P.M. Mayor McTaggart declared a recess; the
meeting reconvened at 9:09 P.M., with the Council having conducted the business of
the Redevelopment Agency and the Maintenance Authority.
City Council Minutes
January 7, 1997
Page 4
Professional Service Agreement to prepare aCity -Wide Master Plan of Drainage
(604 X 1204 1405)
Director Evans presented the staff memorandum for January 7, 1997 and the
recommendation to award a professional Service Agreement to AKM Consulting
Engineers for the preparation of a City -Wide Master Plan of Drainage for an amount
not to exceed $99,018.00.
Director Evans summarized the Request for Proposal and evaluation process staff
used in selecting AKM as the recommended firm for this project.
During Council discussion of the evaluation process used for this selection, the
suggestion was made that in the future the Council be given the resumes of the
company principals bidding on such a project. Council inquired how staff determined
the cost of this project; why AKM did not make inspection a part of their bid; and, if the
software programs used by AKM would be compatible with programs already in- house.
Lois Larue questioned why we don't already have a record of our storm drains.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferraro, moved to adopt staff recommendation, seconded by
Councilwoman Lyon. Motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Hollingsworth, Ferraro, Lyon, Byrd, -and Mayor McTaggart
NOES: None
Approval of non - exclusive Attachment Permit Agreement with Metricom, Inc.
(I 101 X 1601)
Assistant City Manager Mattingly presented the staff memorandum of January 7, and
the recommendation to approve the Attachment Permit Agreement to allow Metricom,
Inc. to install wireless data service in the City.
Lois Larue questioned why the City was not imposing a franchise and utility user fee on
this service.
Council discussion focused on where the antennas would be installed; the amount, if
any, interference these devices would cause; what happens in the event of
undergrounding utilities; the visual impact of these antennas; and, their range.
Richard Bartoccini, representing Metricom, Inc. stated that they will comply to all codes
and requirements and that they would also get the proper permits to do any work on
City Council Minutes
January 7, 1997
Page 5
p rivate property. He continued by confirming the City has total control of each location
and that the antennas would be less obtrusive than a tower.. Also, the antennas could
moved with no cabling n or trenching n required; and, that the modem plugs into any
be m g 9
source and would require only one phone line.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferraro moved to adopt staff recommendation, seconded by
Councilwoman Lyon. Motion carried.
Impact of Proposition 218 on Landscaping and Lighting District
(901 X 1204)
Senior Engineer Allison presented the staff memorandum on January 7, 1997 and the
recommendations to 1) Authorize staff to modify the current Landscaping and Lighting
District by deleting Park and Trails facilities in accordance with the provisions of
Proposition 218. 2) Authorize staff to begin the annual review .proceedings for the
modified District.
A brief discussion then followed relative to the effects that Proposition 218 would have
on this District since it eliminated the maintenance budget for all parks which are
considered a general benefit and not within -the public right -of -way.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilwoman Lyon to adopt staff
recommendations. Motion carried.
Landscaping and Lighting District - Professional Services Agreement
901 X 1204)
Senior Engineer Allison presented the staff memorandum of January 7, 1997 and the
recommendations to 1) Award a professional services contract with Berryman &
Heni g ar, Inc. for the preparation of the Engineer's Report for the Landscaping and
Lighting District, for a not to exceed amount of $8,700. 2) Authorize the Mayor and the
City Clerk to execute a professional services agreement with Berryman & Henigar, Inc.
Councilman Byrd moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ferraro to adopt staff
recommendation. Motion carried.
Appointment of Councilmembers to Committee and Organizations
(301 X 306)
City Clerk Purcell presented the staff memorandum of January 7, 1997 and the
recommendation to select delegates and alternates to the various committees and
City Council Minutes
January 7, 1997
Page 6
organizations.
Mayor McTaggart then referred to his schedule of Council assignments and it was the
consensus to approve those assignments which would be effective until December 17,
1997. City Selection Committee - McTaggart/Ferraro; League of Cities -
McTaggart/Ferraro; Scag - Ferraro /Lyon; SBCCOG - McTaggart/Ferraro; Sanitation
District - McTaggart/Ferraro; SCJPIA - McTaggart/Ferraro; Contract Cities -
McTaggart/Byrd; South Bay Juvenile Diversion - Ferraro /Hollingsworth; Chamber of
Commerce - Entire Council; Palos Verdes Transit Authority - Byrd /Lyon, Ferraro -
Secondary Alternate; Max Policy Steering Committee - McTaggart/Ferraro; Peninsula
Law Enforcement - Lyon /Hollingsworth; League of Legislative Delegates - Lyon; West
Basin Water District - Ferraro /Byrd; Santa Monica Bay Restoration - McTaggart/Byrd;
C -MANC /Geology - McTaggart/Byrd; Long Point Development - Ferraro /Hollingsworth;
Abalone Cove Park Renovation - Byrd /Lyon; Ocean Trails - Byrd /Lyon; Rolling Hills
Estates Economic Development - Hollingsworth /Lyon; Western Avenue Corridor -
Ferraro /Lyon; Redevelopment Agency Settlement Committee -
McTaggart/Hol I ingsworth;
Discussion of Tentative Agenda for January 21, 1997
(301 X 307)
City Clerk Purcell presented the staff memorandum of January 7, 1997 and the
recommendation to review the proposed agendas for January 21, and February 4, 1997
and determine if any changes are necessary.
It was the consensus to address the "Q" Zone and Animal permits to the February 4,
1997 meeting and the remainder of the Code on January 21, 1997.
In conclusion the tentative agendas were set as follows:
January 21, 1997: Code Amendment No. 34; Height Variation No. 750 (Gantz);
Moratorium exception; Kelvin Canyon EIR certification; Ten Year Tree Trimming
contract.
February 4, 1997: Whitley Collins Street Vacation; Minor Exception Permit No. 500;
Mid Year Budget Review; Special Animal Perm it/Grandfathering; Master Calendar;
Lower Hesse Park Development; Appointment of Committee Chairs; Planning
Commission /Equestrian Committee Appointments.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
City Council Minutes
January 7, 1997
Page 7
Richard Bara, 1 Peppertree Road, agreed with Council decision to move the discussion
regarding the proposed draft nonconformity language of draft Chapter 17.46 until the
February 4, 1997 meeting.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Lynch reported that the Council discussed the case of Earl and Sharon
Gantz vs. City of Ranch Palos Verdes. No action was taken on the matter.
Council voted 4 -0 -1 (Councilwoman Lyon absent) to add discussion of the negotiations
with Los Angeles County to the Redevelopment Agency Agenda.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 P.M. on the motion of Mayor
Pro Tem Ferraro.
MAYOR
Attest:
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City Clerk
n:\ CLERKWIINUTES \CCMINW10797.CCM
January 7, 1997
City Council Minutes
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