CC MINS 19941206M I N U T E S
REGULAR MEETING
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 61 1994
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Pro Tem Lee Byrd at the
Hesse Park Community Center, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, and immediately recessed
to a closed session per the closed session agenda checklist. The meeting was
reconvened at 7:00 P.M. by the Mayor and following the Pledge of Allegiance to
the flag, roll call was answered as follows:
Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, roll call was answered as
follows*
PRESENT: BROOKS, McTAGGART, LYON & MAYOR PRO TEM BYRD
ABSENT: NONE
Also present were City Manager Paul Bussey, Assistant City Manager Pamela Antil,
Planning Director Bret Bernard, Public Works Director Trent Pulliam, Finance
Director Brent Mattingly, City Clerk Jo Purcell, City Attorney Carol Lynch and
Project Engineer Cathy Rosen.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart
to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
RESIGNATION OF MAYOR KUYKENDALL (106 x 301 x 306)
City Clerk Purcell read Mayor Kuykendall's letter of resignation stating that
with his election to the California State Assembly, his resignation from the City
Council was effective at noon on December 5, 1994. (This letter is on file with
the City Clerk's Office.) Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilwoman
Brooks to accept Mayor Kuykendall's resignation. Motion carried.
COUNCIL REORGANIZATION (106 x 306)
Councilwoman Lyon moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to appoint Mayor Pro
Tem Byrd as Mayor. Motion carried.
Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilwoman Brooks to appoint
Councilwoman Lyon as Mayor Pro Tem. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR: Councilwoman brooks moved, seconded by Councilman
McTaggart to approve the Consent Calendar as follows:
WAIVER OF FULL READING
ADOPTED A MOTION TO WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
ADOPTED AT THIS MEETING WITH CONSENT TO THE WAIVER OF READING DEEMED TO BE GIVEN
BY ALL COUNCILMEMBERS AFTER THE READING OF THE TITLE.
MINUTES (301)
APPROVED THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 15, 1994.
RESOL. NO. 94 -93 - FIVE -YEAR NPDES STORMWATER PERMIT (1204 x 1402)
(1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 94 -93 ACKNOWLEDGING THE INTENTION OF PARTICIPATING
IN THE NEW NDPES STORMWATER PERMIT; (2) AUTHORIZED THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
TO SIGN A LETTER OF INTENT TO PARTICIPATE AS CO- PERMITTEE IN THE NEW PERMIT, AND
ACT AS THE CITY'S CONTACT FOR SUBMITTED CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THIS PERMIT;
AND, (3) AUTHORIZED STAFF TO SEND CERTIFIED COPIES OF RESOLUTION NO. 94 -93 AND
THE LETTER OF INTENT TO THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES.
CONTRACT - OVERLAY OF PV DRIVE SO. (1204 x 1404)
(1) AWARDED A CONTRACT TO SILVIA CONSTRUCTION, INC., FOR BID ALTERNATE "A" FOR
$ 55,720 AND AUTHORIZED STAFF TO SPEND UP TO AN ADDITIONAL, $ 4,280 FOR
CONTINGENCIES FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION NOT TO EXCEED $60,000; (2) AUTHORIZED
THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH SILVIA CONSTRUCTION, INC.,
FOR THE RESURFACING OF PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH FROM THE EAST CITY LIMIT TO
CONQUEROR.
VACATION OF ALLEYS - PORTO VERDE APARTMENTS (1204 x 1408)
DIRECTED STAFF TO BEGIN THE STREET VACATION PROCESS AND BRING THIS MATTER BACK
TO THE CITY COUNCIL AT A FUTURE MEETING.
CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY - JAMES McMAHON (301 x 303).
REJECTED THE CLAIM AND DIRECTED THE CITY CLERK TO NOTIFY THE CLAIMANT OF
COUNCIL'S ACTION.
M.O.U. WITH MTA (1204 x 1505)
(1) ADOPTED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS THROUGH THE
COORDINATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEMS ALONG FOUR MAJOR ARTERIALS AND SUPPORTING
ROUTES IN THE SAN DIEGO FREEWAY (ROUTE 405) CORRIDOR; AND, (2) AUTHORIZED THE
MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON BEHALF OF THE
CITY.
RESOL. N09 94 -94 - USED OIL RECYCLING BLOCK GRANT (1204 x 1301)
(1) AUTHORIZED APPLICATIONS FOR A GRANT TO CONTINUE THE USED OIL RECYCLING
PROGRAM; AND (2) ADOPTED RESOL, NO, 94 -94 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE
CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE ANY AGREEMENTS, CONTRACTS AND REQUESTS FOR PAYMENT AS
NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT TO PROGRAM.
RESOL. NO. 94 -95 - REGISTER OF DEMANDS (602)
ADOPTED RESOL. NO. 94 -950
The motion to approve the Consent Calendar carried on the following roll call
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
#
BROOKS, LYON, McTAGGART, & MAYOR BYRD
NONE
NONE
BROOKS ON THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 15, 1994.
#
RECYCLE DRAWING: (1301) Mayor Byrd reported that the recycle winner for the
month of November was Stuart Cole. This winning entitled the Cole Family to one
year's worth of free refuse pick -up. The Mayor also announced that the City
would be conducting a curbside Christmas Tree Recycling Program starting December
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 61 1994
PAGE 2
26 through the month of January 19950 These trees will be processed for
composting and as fuel at a waste -to- energy facility.
DALADIER UNDERGROUNDING DISTRICT (901 x 1204)
Project Engineer Cathy Rosen presented the staff report of December 6 and the
recommendations to. (1) CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND RECEIVE TESTIMONY
REGARDING THE PROPOSED CHANGES AND THE SUPPLEMENTAL ASSESSMENT IN CONNECTION WITH
RANCHO PALOS VERDES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 5A, DALADIER DRIVE, ET AL; (2)
DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF PROTESTS THAT HAVE BEEN FILED AGAINST THE PROPOSED
CHANGES AND THE SUPPLEMENTAL ASSESSMENT; (3) APPROVE AGREEMENTS WITH SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA EDISON, PACIFIC BELL AND TIMES- MIRROR CABLE TELEVISION IN CONNECTION
WITH RANCHO PALOS VERDES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO, 5A, DALADIER DRIVE, ET AL; (4)
AWARD THE CONSTRUCTION BID TO MEL SMITH ELECTRIC, INC., SUBJECT TO RECEIPT OF
BOND PROCEEDS AND THE ACQUISITION OF NECESSARY EASEMENTS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $789r371, PLUS A CONTINGENCY OF $78,900, FOR A TOTAL OF $868,271; AND , ( 5 )
ADOPT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION OVERRULING PROTESTS, ORDERING PROPOSED CHANGES TO
BE MADE, AND CONFIRMING A SUPPLEMENTAL ASSESSMENT IN CONNECTION WITH RANCHO PALOS
VERDES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 5A, DALADIER DRIVE ET AL.
Continuing with her report, Ms. Rosen summarized the most recent action taken on
this undergrounding district: at the September 20 meeting, Council adopted Resol.
No. 94 -83 which declared their intention to order a supplemental assessment in
connection with Improvement District No. 5A, Daladier Drive, et al. Also adopted
was Resol. No. 94 -84 which proposed certain changes in the improvement district,
approved the Engineer's Report regarding the levying of the supplemental
assessment and scheduled the December 6th hearing.
She continued that this hearing was being held to receive public testimony
concerning the proposed supplemental assessment and to determine the amount of
protest to the project. She said that the Council could order changes in the
supplemental assessment provided there was no increase in the assessment.
She then listed the following cost increases which had occurred since 1989:
construction went from $670,900 to $789,371 plus a 10% contingency for a total
of $868.721; work to be done by the utility companies increased from $135,016 to
be $185,957. Increases were also experienced for easements: there were 31
separate easements that were required to construct this project and in 1989 the
utility companies were going to prepare and obtain those easements; at this time,
however, they were no longer going to obtain the easements and the City must now
obtain the easements. The current cost estimate included $1000 per easement for
the services of a right -of -way engineer to prepare the easement documents and to
negotiate with the property owners. The estimate also included $ 8000 for an
appraisal report and $62,000 for eminent domain proceedings should it become
necessary. These changes amounted to a net increase of approximately $113,000.
In the area of financing, costs had also increased: in 1989 the City negotiated
with a single buyer and was also contemplating purchasing the bonds. Based on
input from a financial consultant and bond counsel, six months capitalized
interest and a reserve fund was now added. Financial expenses had increased by
approximately $169,000 over 1989 estimates. Other incidental costs increased by
$54,000.
Based upon revised cost estimates, the range of the assessments would be from
$12,109.91 to approximately $18,000 not including assessments for improvements
on private property. The supplemental assessments ranged from $4926.00 to $73900
Speaking to the amount of opposition received for this project, she said that her
office had received 61 protest letters which amounted to 61.61% protest by land
areas. Additionally, the City had received four additional protest letters,
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 6, 1994
PAGE 3
however the ownership of these lots was in question and additional information
was being sought to verify their validity.
Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilwoman Brooks to waive reading of
the protest list. Motion carried.
Speaking in favor of this district were the following persons: Elaine
Shallenberger, 2214 Daladier Drive, representing the Kings View Homeowner
Association; Lillian Witzerman, 2031 Daladier Drive; Patricia McKenzie; Frieda
Sliskovich, 2041 Daladier Drive; Al Nakazawa, 2320 Daladier Drive; and, Robert
Young, 2364 Daladier Drive. Their reasons for support were as follows: the
utility poles disrupted the magnificent views in the area, the City's General
Plan called for the undergrounding of utility lines, the proposed assessment
amounted to only three percent of the sale price of the average home in that
neighborhood, undergrounding the utility lines would improve safety in the area
and, finally, that further delay would only increase the project cost even more.
Speaking in opposition were the following persons: Dr. John Rosental, 2410
Daladier Drive; Violet Parkhurst, 2300 Daladier Drive; Karlen G. Shepak, 2111
Chandeleur Drive; Joyce Smith, 58 Avenida Corona; Jere K. Morgan, 29 Avenida
Corona; Lee McGee, 34 Avenida Corona; William Mathisen, 2404 Daladier Drive;
Edward Schneider, 2017 Suana Drive; Julian Foley, 2025 Suana Drive; Phyllis
Engeln, 2251 Daladier Drive; and, Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road. Their
reasons for opposition were as follows: the undergrounding would benefit some
more than others; the cost was so high it would work a hardship on a lot of
people, especially those who lived on a fixed income; concern was expressed about
the stability of the land in certain areas, especially those properties with
slopes; and, concern that the bid was not certain and that cost would be even
higher.
Scott Gobble, representing the So. California Edison Company explained the
possible alternatives such as undergrounding small pockets in the area.
Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilwoman Brooks to close the public
hearing. Motion carried.
Council discussion centered on the support that councilmembers had given this
project over the past several years, yet concern was expressed about the increase
in the assessment which had occurred as a result of the protracted litigation of
this district.
Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Mayor Byrd to not take any action on this
matter. The motion carried.
Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilwoman Lyon to abandon the district
and prepare the appropriate documents to remove the property liens and prepare
to refund the money deposited with the City. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilwoman Lyon that staff be accessable
to individuals who are interested in working with their neighbors in
undergrounding certain pockets in the district. Motion carried.
Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilwoman Lyon to rescind Resolution
No. 89 -31 ORDERING PROPOSED CHANGES TO BE MADE, CONFIRMING A PROPOSED ASSESSMENT,
CONFIRMING A PROPOSED MAXIMUM ANNUAL ASSESSMENT, ORDERING PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
TO BE MADE AND DECLARING ITS ACTION UPON THE ENGINEER'S REPORT, AS MODIFIED, AND
THE ASSESSMENT IN CONNECTION WITH RANCHO PALOS VERDES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO.
5A, DALADIER DRIVE, ET AL. Motion carried.
Staff was directed to prepare a resolution memorializing the abandonment of the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 6, 1994
PAGE 4
district.
Recess and Reconvene: At 8:25 P.M. Mayor Byrd declared a recess. The meeting
reconvened at 8:32 P.M.
Audience Comments: Responding to the Mayor' s call for Public Comments for items
not on the agenda were the following persons: Representing the Ladera Linda
Homeowners Association was Bob Mucha, 32460 Searaven Drive, who stated that his
association had supported the recycling program but were concerned about the fast
turn - around time on the City's grant application. He requested that for the 1995-
96 budget the Council consider a broader program of planning and distribution of
the recycling fund and get full disclosure about distribution for all
neighborhoods in the community.
Roy Fulwider, 28219 Hazelridge Road, inquired about the City's support for public
ownership of electric power producing entities.
TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 21392 (1203 x 1410)
Assistant Planner Klopfenstein presented the staff memorandum of December 6 and
the recommendations to: 1) Conduct a Public Hearing and Deny the appeal , thereby
Upholding the Planning Commission's denial of the subdivision; and, 2) Direct
staff to prepare and return with appropriate Resolutions at the next regular
meeting.
The City Clerk reported that notice of the public hearing had been duly published
and that all protest letters were contained in the Council's agenda packet.
Speaking for the property owners was their planner and designer Jim Marquez, 1860
So. Elena Avenue, Redondo Beach, who told the Council that it was his intent to
work with the Palos Verdes Homes Association and the Planning Commission to
arrive at a compromise.
With no objection being voiced, Mayor Byrd ordered the public hearing closed.
Councilwoman Lyon announced that she lives on Via Colinita, however her home was
located more than 300 ft. away from the project site and consequently presented
no conflict of interest for her to participate in discussion of this matter.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilwoman Lyon that the applicant
consider Alternative No. 2 (remand the project to the Planning Commission for
'consideration of subsequent project design concepts) and that they work closely
with both the Palos Verdes Art Jury and the Planning Commission. Motion carried.
STREET VACATION - SEACLIFF DR. & PALO VISTA DR. (1204 x 1408)
Associate Engineer Dean Allison presented the staff report of December 6 and the
recommendation to conduct a public hearing and adopt the proposed resolution of
intention to vacate Seacliff Drive and Palos Vista Drive.
Representing the Seaclif f Hills Homeowners Association was Kevin Sears, who said
that they now had obtained the signatures of 34 of the 36 property owners; that
this represented a 90% approval of the proposed street vacation. He said that
the residents are not doing this to increase their property values but for their
security and comfort.
Speaking in opposition to this proposed street vacation was Lois Larue.
There being no objection, Mayor Byrd ordered the public hearing closed.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 6, 1994
PAGE 5
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilwoman Lyon to adopt RESOLUTION NO.
94 -96 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DECLARING ITS
INTENTION TO VACATE SEACLIFF DRIVE AND PALO VISTA DRIVE. Motion carried.
FISCAL YEAR 1993 -94 - FINANCIAL AUDIT (602)
Accounting Manager Linda Boer presented the staff memorandum of December 6 and
the recommendation to receive and file the 1993 -94 Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and the corresponding audit management
letter.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilwoman Lyon to ORDER RECEIVED AND
FILED THE 1993 -94 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE CITY AND THE
CORRESPONDING AUDIT MANAGEMENT LETTER.
Motion carried.
CYCLE SEVEN - RECYCLING BEAUTIFICATION GRANT AWARDS (1204 x 1301)
Senior Administrative Analyst Dolleschel presented the December 6 staff
memorandum and the recommendation that $21,600 in Recycling Beautification Grants
be awarded to the eight applicants listed in Exhibit "A" who have received no
prior recycling grants.
Ken Holt, 6201 Picardie Road, representing the Miraleste Homes Association,
suggested that these grants be reviewed to take into consideration the number of
members in the association and the merit and usefulness of the project. He said
his organization is trying to refurbish the tennis courts at Miraleste which used
to be maintained by the City but was returned to the jurisdiction of the School
District. His added that his association had a fundraiser for this cause and he
felt that this project deserved special consideration.
Gerri Soffa, 265276 Hawkhurst, representing the Blackhorse Homeowners Association
which has 450 members said that in the late 1960s her association paid for the
beautification of their entrance but that the letters identifying the area have
since fallen off and hence the reason for their grant application.
Although not present at the meeting, Sharon Solari from the Seaview Homeowners
Association submitted a -letter requesting Council I's approval for Recycling Grant
#7 for her association. ( Said letter is on file with the City Clerk's Office.)
Council discussion centered on the process used to determine the worth of
proposed projects, the accuracy of project costs, and generally what criteria has
been used to judge these projects.
The suggestions made that consideration be given to the comments made by Mr.
Mucha made under Audience Comments.
Mayor Byrd appointed Councilmembers Brooks and Lyon to serve as an ad hoc
committee to review the grant applications and return to Council with their
recommendations.
ACQUISITION OF TENNIS COURTS FROM THE SALVATION ARMY (602 x 1201)
City Manager Bussey presented the staff memorandum of December 6 and the
recommendation to authorize the Mayor and staff to formally communicate with the
Salvation Army requesting that they consider transferring ownership of their
tennis facilities to the City upon expiration of their current lease with ARC
management.
Council discussion of this matter focused on the issue of the gift of public
funds for this facility which would be used by a small portion of the population;
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 6, 1994
PAGE 6
whether the City wanted to get involved in the operation of a tennis court; and,
that the best approach might be to have a private organization operate the tennis
club.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilwoman Lyon to adopt the staff
recommendation. Motion carried.
FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL MODEL (602)
City Manager Bussey presented the staff memorandum of December 6 and the
recommendation that if Council wished to maintain City services and programs at
the current level, that a reduction in the utility user tax of between one -half
and one percent to one percent be considered. Reviewing past discussion of this
subject, Mr. Bussey stated that Council had directed staff to prepare a five year
financial model once it had been learned how the State's budget would impact the
City.
With the use of an overhead projector, Finance Director Mattingly explained four
financial models ( also contained in the staff report) which projected the City's
revenue for the next five years in the event of continuation of a 3% Utility User
Tax (UUT) and the effects on revenue if it was reduced to 2%, 2.5%, or
eliminated. Director Mattingly reminded Council that the City had very little
experience with these models, that certain assumptions had to be made in their
preparation and there was no guarantee of the projections made in the models.
Recess & Reconvene: At 9 :50 P.M. Mayor Byrd declared a recess; the meeting
reconvened at 10:00 P.M.
Representing the Peninsula Seniors was F. I Thrift, 29402 Quailwood Drive, who
spoke in favor of retaining the present tax base to allow the use of
discretionary funds to build a senior facility.
Edith Mayerson, 28815 Trailriders Drive, also representing the Peninsula Seniors,
said that the imposition of the utility tax allowed the City to build a reserve
and restore some services that had been cut.
Council discussion focused on the fact that during the budget process the Council
had realized that the City was not spending all of the revenue being collected
with this tax, but it was argued that keeping it at its present level reduced the
need of increasing it in the near future and having to go through the public
hearing process in the event additional revenue was needed. Moreover, concern
was expressed about the revenue "flat spots" projected in the financial models.
Lastly, it was agreed that since this tax would have to go through the review
process in January 1996 anyway, and that this additional year would give the City
one more year of experience with this financial model.
Mayor Byrd moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to continue the three percent
Utility User Tax and review the matter again in January 1996. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION REORGANIZATION
Councilwoman Lyon moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to continue this matter
until the next meeting. Motion carried.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS (301 x 306)
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to approve
appointment of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to the Sanitation Districts and to the
City Selection Committee. Motion carried.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 6, 1994
PAGE 7
It was the consensus to make the remainder of these appointments at the December
20 meeting.
CITY COUNCIL VACANCY (301 x 306)
City Clerk Purcell presented the staff memorandum of December 20 and the
recommendation that within 30 days Council consider either filling the City
Council vacancy by appointment or calling a special election.
Councilwoman Lyon moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to fill the council
vacancy by appointment. Motion carried. It was the consensus that staff should
advertise this vacancy and that interviews would take place December 19 and that
appointment could take place at the December 20 meeting.
LEAGUE OF CA. CITIES -CITY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATE PROGRAM (306 x 1102)
City Manager Bussey presented the staff memorandum of December 6 and the
recommendation to appoint a member of the Council to serve as the City's
legislative delegate to the League of California Cities.
Mayor Byrd moved, seconded by Councilwoman Brooks to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Lyon
to be the City's legislative delegate to the League of California Cities. Motion
carried.
BEACH CURFEW ORDINANCE (1201 x 1203)
Code Enforcement Officer Rodericks presented the staff report of December 6 which
stated that the Recreat ion & Parks Committee had decided against recommending a
curfew at this time.
A brief Council discussion ensued which clarified that a curfew does exist and
simply needed to be enforced. With regard to the fire hazard in the beach area,
staff was requested to get the latest information from the Fire Department about
activity in Abalone Cove beach area.
Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Mayor Byrd to order receive and file the
report. Motion carried.
NEW PROJECT AREA DEBT TIME LIMITS (1101 x 1900)
City Attorney Lynch summarized the background on the Community Redevelopment Act
of 1993 as outlined in the October 11, 1994 letter from Assistant City Attorney
Robin D. Harris. Ms Lynch recommended that Council introduce the proposed
ordinance.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to INTRODUCE
ORDINANCE NO. 305 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING THE REDEVELOPMENT
PLAN FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 1 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES REDEVELOPMENT PLAN BY
CHANGING TIME LIMITS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS the motion carried on
the following roll call vote:
AYES: BROOKS, LYON, McTAGGART & MAYOR BYRD
NOES: NONE
COUNTY LIGHTING DISTRICTS (1101 x 1405)
City Manager Bussey presented the December 6 staff report and the recommendation
that if Council wished to consider the feasibility of acquiring the County Street
Lighting Districts located within the City's boundaries, that staff be instructed
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 6, 1994
PAGE 8
to have a comprehensive analysis of the issues and costs related to such
acquisition prepared for Council consideration.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to
do feasibility study for acquiring street lighting district.
Speaking in favor of the City acquiring the lighting districts was Svein Fougner,
32506 Seahill Drive, who read from a prepared statement. Mr. Fougner felt that
the plans of Southern California and the County were well intentioned but not
very suitable for his area. Continuing, he explained that some of the townhomes
in his complex have a direct view to the west and south; that they enjoy the view
of the Marineland Tower and of Santa Catalina Island and that the sunsets are
terrific. He went on to explain the plans for increased lighting standards in
his area and objected to them because he felt they were not necessarily what
local residents wanted for residential areas in this City. He urged the Council
to take over administration of the lighting districts. (Mr. Fougner's letter is
on file with the City Clerk's Office.)
Also speaking against the proposed light standards was John Alden, 30099 Avenida
Tranquila, who presented petitions signed by residents of the Monte Verde area.
He stated his surprise when he learned of the new lights to be installed,
particularly since they were being installed by the County and not the City. He
said that there are 153 homes in his neighborhood and that residents were
surprised that the County had adopted standards which would have twice the amount
of illumination that presently exists. He then described the County's proposed
fixture as a 25 ft. tall standards with a 6 ft. arm that was directed over the
street.
Eugene Carver, 30032 Avenida Esplendida, said the issue was one of control and
whether the City wanted to control the lighting districts within the City.
Frank O'Brien, 30085 Avenida Elegante, complained about the poor aesthetics that
the 25 ft. standard would present for the neighborhood, and objected to the
increased illumination. He said that the City involvement was important in order
to get something other than what the County proposed. He suggested the present
lights be left in place.
Council then briefly discussed how other city lighting standards compared with
county standards, the number of cities that are part of the County lighting
District, if this was an issue of local control, and if there were alternative
standards that would meet the requirements.
Joe Gadosh, representing the Street Lighting Division of L. A. County Public
Works, said that these standards were a nationally accepted standard that take
into consideration residential and commercial areas and set various lighting
levels. He stated that there are presently 23 cities under the County Lighting
District.
Representing Southern California Edison was Scott Gobble, who said there are ten
to fifteen styles of poles and that some are shorter than 20 ft. He then
described the area of illumination by these various poles.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to consider the
feasibility of acquiring such street lighting districts. Motion carried.
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Lynch announced that the Council had met in Closed Session and
considered the matter of Baer vs. J. R. Development and that the City Attorney
was directed to prepare an agreement with Charles Abbott Associates regarding the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 61 1994
PAGE 9
defense of the case. Council also discussed parcels 10 and 13 in the moratorium
area and Council directed staff to prepare a response letter to Mr. Hempel,
Attorney for Palos Verdes land Holding Co. Also discussed was whether to
initiate litigation against an individual who has been harassing members of the
City Council. The City Attorney was directed to send a letter to the individual
and her attorney.
ADJOURNMENT: At 11:18 P.M. Council adjourned to a Town Hall meeting on December
8 at 7:00 P.M. in the Community Room at City Hall on motion of Councilwoman Lyon.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITYCLERX
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