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CC MINS 19930921 M I N U T E S RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 21, 1993 The meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council was called to order at 6:30 P.M. by Mayor Brooks at Hesse Park Community Center, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard and was immediately recessed to a closed session. The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, roll call was answered as follows: PRESENT: KUYKENDALL, McTAGGART, BACHARACH & MAYOR BROOKS ABSENT: NONE Also present were City Manager Paul Bussey, Assistant City Manager Pamela Antil, City Attorney Carol Lynch, City Clerk Jo Purcell, Planning Director Bret Bernard, Public Works Director Trent Pulliam and Recreation Administrator Ron Rosenfeld. CLOSED SESSION REPORT: City Attorney Lynch reported that the City Council discussed three items of pending litigation: Sierra Club vs. City of Rancho Palos Verdes; People vs. Taylor, et al; Thompson vs. City of Rancho Palos Verdes. (Councilman Kuykendall excused himself from the discussion of People vs. Taylor and Thompson vs. City of Rancho Palos Verdes. ) CEREMONIAL EVENTS (304) Student of the Month - Palos Verdes High School student Lindsey Pei: In recognition of Miss Pei's high academic and athletic achievement, Mayor Brooks presented her with a Certificate of Recognition. L. A. County Fire Department: On behalf of the L. A. County Fire Department, Assistant Fire Chief Hershel Clady presented Mayor Brooks with a plaque in recognition of the City's 20th anniversary. BASSWOOD TRAFFIC Mayor Brooks reported that the City Council had received letters concerning the decision to restrict right turns onto Basswood from Montemalaga Drive during the morning hours. These letters included both support and opposition; however, the impact of this change has not yet been determined. She requested that residents wait and see, and if the decision is found to be unsatisfactory, then the issue can be revisited and perhaps a better solution will be found. Even though this matter was -not on this agenda, Mayor Brooks cited work to be done in that area: the inclusion of Silver Spur in the City's Capital Improvement Program for 1994. A part of that project is to require the Traffic Committee and the staff to study changes to facilitate safe access to the high school, including turn-out drop off areas. Input from the School District, the PTA and the residents will be sought for this project. Concluding her remarks, Mayor Brooks stated that although the Basswood decision will be revisited in four months, staff had been directed to proceed with this study as quickly as possible. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: After removal of the item pertaining to Tract No. 31617, Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR: DALADIER UNDERGROUNDING DISTRICT (901) Relative to the Daladier Undergrounding item, Mayor Brooks stated that she understood that there was a request to remove this matter from the Consent Calendar for discussion. If after her comments anyone still wanted to speak on the item, the Mayor said they could do so before the adoption of the Consent Calendar. If the Council felt that it would be useful to discuss this matter more fully, then it could be removed. She cited the fact that this matter had a long history and had been the subject of differences among residents as well as litigation-for some years. Although the court had decided that the district was legally formed and that the City may continue with it, the delays have resulted in. the need to re-evaluate the design of the utility undergrounding, including the addition of Cable TV and the need to determine the current Costs. While the Council recognized that even though the courts had determined that the district is legal, a number of new residents have moved into the district and in February of this year, the Council instructed the staff to proceed with the necessary steps to determine the present costs so a hearing on the matter could be held, at which time residents could express their opinion about the continuation of the undergrounding. Speaking in opposition to the staff recommendation on the Daladier Undergrounding matter was Lee McGee, 34 Avenida Corona, who read a prepared statement recounting past actions on this undergrounding district. (Mr. McGee's letter is on file with the City Clerk's Office. ) It was the consensus of Council not to remove this item from the Consent Calendar. Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to approve the Calendar as follows: WAIVER OF 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 APPROVED THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 17, 1993. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY BY RAUL C. HENSEN (301 x 303) REJECTED THE CLAIM AND DIRECT THE CITY CLERK TO NOTIFY THE CLAIMANT OF THE CITY COUNCIL'S ACTION. CROSSING GUARD SERVICES AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT (1101 x 1401) AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH ALL CITY MANAGEMENT, INC. , FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $7,r 000 TO PROVIDE CROSSING GUARD SERVICES AT MIRALESTE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL FOR THE 1994-94 SCHOOL YEAR. PALOS VERDES DR, WEST AT GOLDEN COVE CENTER - LEFT TURN POCKET (1204 x 1502) APPROVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TURN POCKET ON PALOS VERDES DRIVE WEST AT THE ENTRANCE TO GOLDEN COVE CENTER TO ACCOMMODATE "U" TURNS. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1993 PAGE 2 RESOL. NO. 93-83 DALADIER DR. IMPROVEMENT DIST. 5A (901 x 1204) (1) ADOPTED RESOL. NO. 93-83 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 5A, DALADIER DRIVE ET AL. AS A LOAN FROM THE RECYCLING FUND. (2) REJECTED ALL BIDS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE CITY'S PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS DATED JANUARY 27, 1989 RELATED TO THE IMPROVEMENTS OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 5A, DALADIER DRIVE, ET AL. , WITHOUT PREJUDICE AND FOR PUBLIC GOOD. (3) AUTHORIZED STAFF TO NEGOTIATE AGREEMENTS WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON, PACIFIC BELL AND TIMES MIRROR CABLEVISION, AS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONVERSION OF OVERHEAD FACILITIES TO UNDERGROUND WITHIN RANCHO PALOS VERDES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 5A, DALADIER DRIVE, ET AL. RESOLUTION NO. 93-84 - REGISTER OF DEMANDS (602) ADOPTED RESOL, NO, 93-84 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 adopt the Consent Calendar carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: KUYKENDALL, McTAGGART, BACHARACH AND MAYOR BROOKS NOES: NONE ORDINANCE NO. 293 - CODE AMENDMENT NO. 36 (EXPANDING INSTITUTIONAL USE) (1203 x 1801 X 1401) Mayor Brooks declared the public hearing open and the City Clerk reported that notice of the hearing had been duly published. Planning Administrator Petru presented the staff memorandum of September 21, 1993 and the following recommendation: INTRODUCE THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 17.2 8 02 0 OF THE DEVELOPMENT CODE AS CODE AMENDMENT NO. 36 TO EXPAND THE USES ALLOWED IN AN INSTITUTIONAL (I) ZONING DISTRICT. Council then made the following inquiries and comments: whether the City had control over proposed uses to determine their compatibility with the neighborhood; if, when a conditional use permit was not issued, what other means of control was available to the City; who would be the responsible agency for inspecting.construction at these sites; whether the appeal fee was too high and should be reviewed; and, that consideration should be given to notifying all homeowner associations when code amendments are considered by the Council. There being no response to the Mayor's call for public testimony, she declared the hearing closed. Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilman Kuykendall to INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO, 293 AMENDING SECTION 17.28.020 OF THE DEVELOPMENT CODE AS CODE AMENDMENT NO. 36 TO EXPAND THE USES ALLOWED IN AN INSTITUTIONAL (I) ZONING DISTRICT. Motion carried. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT N04, 21, AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE STATIONS (701 x 1203) Mayor Brooks declared the public hearing open and the City Clerk reported that notice had been duly published and that all protest letters were contained in the agenda packet. Planning Director Bernard presented the staff memorandum of September 21, 1993 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1993 PAGE 3 and the following recommendations: (1) CONDUCT THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE DRAFT NEGATIVE DECLARATION ASSOCIATED WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. 653. (2) CONSIDER THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 21, ZONE CHANGE NO, 20, AND CODE AMENDMENT 37 TO ESTABLISH AN AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE DISTRICT OVERLAY ZONE FOR THE EIGHT EXISTING SERVICE STATION SITES IN THE CITY. (3) REMAND THE ORDINANCE LANGUAGE TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION. With the use of an overhead projector, Associate Planner Donna Jerex, displayed a map of the proposed Automotive Service Overlay Control District which depicted the location of eight possible service locations. Additionally, Ms. Jerex displayed a chart describing the location, current use and status of the stations. Speaking in favor of the staff recommendation were the following individuals: Lee Byrd, 3663 Vigilance Drive, speaking as vice-chairman of the Planning Commission described the process that the Planning Commission followed in deliberating on this proposed ordinance. Fran Saporito, 5517 Seaside Heights, said that she used the Highridge facility during the past 24 years and enjoyed its convenience. Edward Hall, 48 Cottonwood Circle, Rolling Hills Estates, said he was a 16-year resident of the Terraces which is adjacent to Site No. 7 on Highridge. During that period many of the residents used that station and they had no complaints about undue noise or any other objections. Bob Barker 27604 Longhill Drive, a resident of this area for 27 years introduced Steve Saporito, the owner of the Highridge site, and said that Steve is a lifelong resident of the Peninsula and described him as a hardworking and conscientious person. Further, he said that this is not a new usage of the location because Mr. Saporito has operated there for many years, and that instead of trying to prevent his return the City should be encouraging it. Vincent Granet, 6911 Peacockridge Rd., said he has lived in the area for three years and supports this station. Steve Saporito, 28004 Ridgebluff Drive, owner of Site No. 7, presented an artist's rendering of the proposed building for the site and explained what he had taken into consideration in rebuilding this site: the appearance of the building, that all work would be done inside of the building, that there would be no outside over-night storage of cars, that certain bays would be used for repair, while others housed automotive testing machinery. Additionally, he expressed concern for the tight schedule he faced in getting financing to buy the site and how the City's approval process might affect his purchase of the property. Responding to Council's inquiry he stated that he would not be doing any painting or body work at this location, that this would be a six bay facility for general automotive repair and realignments. Additionally, he added that he has contacted all of the oil companies and because of the bad economy they were not interested in any new sites at this time. The design of this building he said allows for gas pumps in the future in the event some oil company expresses such an interest. He anticipated housing six to seven cars overnight and again reiterated that none would be stored outside. Responding to Council's question, he said that the installation of a charging system for electric cars presented no problem. Pat Koehler, 4944 Golden Arrow Drive, expressed concerned that the area has lost BO many stations over the past few years and also said that Steve Saporito has been a very honest person to do business with. At 8:30 P.M. the Mayor declared a recess. The meeting reconvened at 8:46 P.M. (Mayor Brooks returned at 8:48 P.M. ) AUDIENCE COMMENTS Responding to the Mayor Pro Tem's Call for audience comments for items not on the agenda was Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Rd.. , who read part of a letter that CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1993 PAGE 4 appeared in L. A. Times, September 16, 1993 written by Martin J. Byhower. Lynn Tabah, 3348 Corinna Drive, described her displeasure with the Planning Commission's conduct during the hearing process on their deck application this past April. Among other things, Ms. Tabah requested that Commissioner Clark return their set of building plans. (Ms. Tabah's letter is on file with the City Clerk's Office. ) Staff responded that they would look into the matter of returning the plans to Mrs. Tabah. However, Mrs. Tabah was reminded that when plans are submitted to the City they become part of the public record. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT N0. 21 (1203 x 701) Public testimony on this matter resumed: Dr. Brad Cords, 26912 Diamondhead Lane, stated that having this station at Site No. 7 was convenient and he described the inconvenience in not having this service station, Kathy Kolb, 29030 Firthridge Rd. , said she has been a resident there for 27 years, and that Mr. Saporito has worked on their cars and that she appreciates the proximity of his station. Speaking in opposition to Site No. 7 was Ken Landau, 2 Hillcrest Meadows, Rolling Hills Estates, who questioned the suitability of having an automotive repair center in an institutional zone and objected to the issuance of a negative declaration for the site. He requested that an EIR be done before any further approvals are issued and said that this site does have the potential for code enforcement problems. Moreover, he disagreed with staff's interpretation of the grandfather clause and the starting date of the timeline for reestablishment of the use. He requested that Council eliminate Site No. 7 and suggested that the City work with City of Rolling Hills Estates on this land use issue. Dale Hanks, 5225 Middlecrest Road, said that personally he would like to see the site be an asset to the neighborhood and that he has been a resident here for 32 years. He, however; voiced the objections of the neighboring LDS Church, and said that the church would prefer that the site to be used for institutional purposes. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine, stated that she felt that the Planning Department doesn't appreciate CEQA, that this project needs an EIR and stated her disagreement with the City Attorney's interpretation; William Howe, 26 Hillcrest Meadows, RHE, representing Hillcrest Meadows Homeowners Association, said that the members of his association are very concerned about Site No. 7 because they felt it would have an impact on them. Also, they thought that auto repair was most inappropriate for this area. He presented photos of other auto repair facilities which he felt represented a typical auto repair site. William Myers, 28103 Hawthorne Boulevard, the owner of the Mobil service station at Hawthorne and Granvia Altamira, spoke in favor of the draft overlay district. He stated that he has received a notice of non-renewal from Mobil Oil and that he does have first right of refusal to purchase the property. However, there will have to be substantial improvements made to the station if he is going to keep it, e.g. , a car wash and more pumps. He said he would need to know if this district will be approved within a reasonable length of time. There being no further speakers on the item, Mayor Brooks declared the public hearing closed. Council then discussed and inquired about the following: what kind of restriction could be placed on this district to prohibit body and paint work; if studies had been done relative to the successful conversion of gas stations to automotive repair shops; and, the fact that the real concern was that while the present owner of Site No. 7 would take good care of the site, perhaps future owners would CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1993 PAGE 5 not be so reliable. Continued Council discussion made it plain that excessive parking of cars would be prohibited by the proposed ordinance and that any code enforcement problems would be dealt with by the code enforcement program in effect at the time of the violation. Concern was expressed about the request from the City of Rolling Hills Estates to delay a decision on this pending their review of residents' concerns. Mayor Brooks' motion to continue this matter for two weeks died for lack of a second. Additional discussion centered on Site No. 7 and if indeed this use was appropriate in an Institutional Zone, the fact that the issue was not just Site No. 7 but the larger issue of keeping automotive service sites on the Peninsula and, finally, that the Planning Commission should consider the C.U.P. process for all uses in the overlay zone. Councilman Kuykendall moved, seconded by Councilwoman Bacharach to adopt the staff recommendation but require that all uses be subject to the Conditional Use Permit process. Motion carried. To allow further public testimony, Mayor Brooks re-opened the public hearing. Steve Saporito reminded Council that because the oil companies would no longer own these sites, that operators wouldn't have to fill required quotas, however, the increase in the property values would require the owners to make enough income to pay for these properties. It was the consensus of Council that staff prepare a letter to send to the City of Rolling Hills Estates explaining the status of this matter, and requesting that they follow the process and attend the public hearings. Bill Myers, explained that the service stations on the peninsula need to be updated, that they pay into a fund to pay the cost of toxic clean-up, that he had no problem with a conditional use permit process, however, in order to make the property pay for itself, the stations need to be modernized. He requested that a decision be made on this so the owners would know where they stood. Ken Landau agreed that the C.U.P. process was a good idea because this would give the opportunity to look at projects on a case-by-case basis. Staff reported that the Planning Commission hearing on this matter would be renoticed. RECESS & RECONVENE: At 10:13 P.M. the Mayor declared a recess. The meeting reconvened at 10:30 P.M. REPORT ON JULY FOURTH CELEBRATION (1201) Recreation Administrator Rosenfeld presented the memorandum of September 21 and the recommendation to receive and file the report. Mark Conte, of Conte Productions, explained the advantage in having a two day July Fourth celebration for the year 1994 and said he would explore the idea further and report back to the City. He suggested reporting to the Council in May and June 1994. Council stated their agreement with extending the contract to include the July Fourth Celebration in 1995, however, not at a cost of $6,000. Council further requested that Mr. Conte consider developing a theme and that he solicit crafters from not only the City, but from the Peninsula at large. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1993 PAGE 6 Councilman Kuykendall moved, seconded by Mayor Brooks to receive and file the report. Motion carried. REVENUE RAISING MEASURES - ORDINANCE NOS* 291 (GOLF TAX) & 292 (UTILITY USER TAX) & RESOLUTION NO. 93-85 (1101 X 1501) City Manager Bussey presented the staff memorandum of September 21 and the following recommendations: (1) ADOPT ORDINANCE NO, 291 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING CHAPTER 3.40 TO ESTABLISH A GOLF TAX. (THIS ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED AT THE SEPTEMBER 7 MEETING. ) (2) ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 292 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING CHAPTER 3.30 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE, AND IMPOSING A UTILITY USER TAX ON USERS OF TELEPHONE, ELECTRIC, GAS AND WATER SERVICES IN THE CITY. (THIS ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED AT THE SEPTEMBER 7 MEETING. ) (3) ADOPT THE PROPOSED RESOL. MEMORIALIZING THE CITY COUNCIL'S INTENT TO CONDUCT A PERIODIC LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT. (4) ADOPT THE CITY COUNCIL POLICY ESTABLISHING A POLICY THAT WILL REQUIRE THAT THE FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL MODEL BE ANALYZED, UPDATED AND REVIEWED ANNUALLY AS PART OF THE CITY BUDGET PROCESS. As a result of Council's inquiry relative to the section on "Reporting and Remitting" of the golf tax it was the consensus that this section should include the requirement that the tax be submitted monthly and on a specific date. The City Attorney opined that such an amendment would require that this ordinance be re-introduced. Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilman Kuykendall to re-introduce Ordinance No. 291 as amended. The motion carried with Councilwoman Bacharach restating her opposition to the imposition of a 10% golf tax. Later in the discussion of these revenue raising measures, City Attorney Lynch opined that the amendment to Section 3.40.050 (Reporting & Remitting) would require that Ordinance No. 291 be reintroduced. Councilman Kuykendall so moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart. The motion carried on a three - one vote with Councilwoman Bacharach opposed stating her opposition to charging what she felt was an exorbitant tax. Relative to Ordinance No. 292, Council requested that staff devise a process for notifying residents of the expiration of the two year exemption. Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 292 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING CHAPTER 3.30 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE, AND IMPOSING A UTILITY USER TAX ON USERS OF TELEPHONE, ELECTRIC, GAS AND WATER SERVICES IN THE CITY. Motion carried on a three - one vote with Mayor Brooks voting in opposition and restating her position that this matter should require a vote of the people. Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to adopt RESOL. 93-85 MEMORIALIZING THE CITY COUNCIL'S INTENT TO CONDUCT A PERIODIC LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT. The motion carried on a three - one vote with Mayor Brooks voting in opposition. City Manager Bussey stated that the requirement in Resolution No. 93-82 for the not less than $2 million allocation in General Fund revenues for public safety and road/street maintenance beginning in the 1994-95 fiscal year budget may now have to be amended since it was not known if the newly elected Council would continue this assessment. He then explained that if this assessment was not cont inued, *approximately $800,000 in revenue would be lost beginning in fiscal year 1994-95. If this were to occur, the City may not be able to meet the CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1993 PAGE 7 obligations outlined in Resolution No. 93-82 and consequently it would have to be amended to reflect that revenue loss. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, requested clarification of Paragraph 3.40.130 (Exemptions) contained in the ordinance establishing a golf tax. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES (306) Assistant City Manager Antil presented the staff memorandum of September 21 and the following recommendations: (1) adopt the Mission and Core Value Statements for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes: and, (2) confirm the series of goals, objectives and strategies as determined at the August 21, 1993 City Council workshop. Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman Kuykendall to adopt the following Vision Statement: After an extensive community outreach program, the City Council hereby affirms that the City's vision for Rancho Palos Verdes is to have a community that has the following qualities: (1) A safe community where citizens can enjoy their property and community amenities without fear for their safety; (2) Both public and private property will be maintained in a manner that will be compatible with the aesthetic setting of the Peninsula; (3) A sound community economic base will be developed and maintained; (4) As part of the economic base, the City will provide an opportunity for the development of quality recreation facilities; (5) There will be high 'customer satisfaction' level among users of City services; and, (6) A commitment to maintaining open space and public access in a manner that will not harm critical resources." Motion carried. Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Mayor Brooks to adopt the following Core Values Statement: "The primary purpose of City government is to provide service. As your City government, our commitment is to wisely use our resources to provide competent, responsive and reliable services in an atmosphere which demonstrates our commitment to accessibility, customer service, honesty and integrity. In all that we do and in every decision that we make, we will ask ourselves, "Is this the best for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes?" Motion carried. Mayor Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to adopt the following goals and strategies: CITY COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMPETENT WORKFORCE GOALS & OBJECTIVES GOAL: A well-informed, educated public with regard to City issues, problems and services. OBJECTIVE: To make more effective use of existing programs and consider, when possible, the expansion of other programs to educate the public regarding City issues and services. STRATEGIES: • Develop and update on a regular basis a series of department "fact" sheets that outline and explain services that are provided by the City. • Produce the quarterly City newsletter in a more user-friendly way by shortening articles, including more photos and publishing on regular intervals. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1993 PAGE 8 • Avoid technical jargon when speaking with the public regarding City business. • Continue with an on-going schedule of producing City public service announcements (PSA's) and special video programs on topics to educate the residents regarding City issues, services and programs. • Make efficient use of telecommunications technology to improve communication with residents and the business community. OBJECTIVE: To establish more opportunities for two-way communication between the City and its residents. STRATEGIES: • Establish a regular schedule of quarterly townhall meetings to be held throughout.the community for the public with the City Council and staff to address issues of concern to the participating residents. • Continue scheduling and conducting twice yearly community leaders' meetings. • Solicit opportunities for the City Council and the staff to speak before community and business groups regarding City issues and services. • Promote, encourage and assist in the establishment of homeowners associations for continued and future communication opportunities. GOAL: A friendly, responsive and competent City government. OBJECTIVE: To effectively measure how we're doing and what improvements in the way we do business are necessary. STRATEGIES: • Establish a formal customer service program incorporating customer feedback surveys, employee training and a data base to measure improvements over time. • Incorporate the use of telecommunications technology such as fax machines and computer modems to allow the City's customers flexibility in submitting applications, permits and other documents, where feasible, to the City. • Participate in programs established by realtor associations and other organizations to welcome new residents in the community by creating a welcome packet of information on City services, as well as response cards for ideas and suggestions. OBJECTIVE: To maintain and effectively utilize City staff. STRATEGIES: • Pursue the establishment of a general volunteer program in the City to augment various staff functions, as well as recruit persons from the community to serve as volunteers. • Establish an employee recognition program to acknowledge outstanding service in the City. • Continue as a budget priority the effective training of staff in various CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1993 PAGE 9 subject areas including customer service. • Compensate employees based upon approved schedules as adopted and amended by the City Council and occasional surveys in the market of both public and private entities, when and where appropriate. CITY PUBLIC SAFETY GOALS & OBJECTIVES GOAL: A safe community in which to live and work. OBJECTIVE: To eliminate the perception that the City is on the decline with regard to public safety. STRATEGIES: • Continue to support and enhance the Neighborhood Watch program. • Continue to provide safety information in the Neighborhood Watch and City newsletters, public service announcements (PSA's) , press releases and other public information sources. • Provide-briefing updates to newly appointed Lomita Sheriff Station Commanders to sensitize them to on-going events and issues in the community. • Encourage participation by the Lomita Sheriff Station Commander in City sponsored communications with the public including townhall, homeowners association and Neighborhood Watch meetings. OBJECTIVE: To reduce the number of traffic speed violations in the City. STRATEGY: • Implement new traffic enforcement programs offered by the Sheriff's Department such as motorcycle patrols and traffic monitoring by video where possible. OBJECTIVE To eradicate graffiti within the City. STRATEGIES: • Actively publicize the Graffiti Tip Reward Program. • Continue to support legislation that seeks to eradicate graffiti. • Work closely with the school district to educate students regarding the effects of graffiti vandalism and to identify potential school-age vandals. • Pursue the establishment and recruitment of persons and/or community groups as volunteers to identify and remove graffiti from various locations throughout the City. OBJECTIVE: To fully implement an emergency preparedness program in the City. STRATEGIES: • Conduct regular emergency preparedness drills at City Hall, in addition to participating in drills sponsored by Los Angeles County agencies and Area G Disaster Council, CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1993 PAGE 10 • Pursue the establishment and recruitment of a formal emergency preparedness volunteer team, including participants from the Palos Verdes Amateur Radio Club, to augment various staff emergency preparedness functions. • Complete City Emergency Preparedness Plan. CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES GOAL: A community with a sound economic base. OBJECTIVE: To improve the business climate of the existing business districts (Western Avenue & Golden Cove). STRATEGIES: • Jointly pursue with the City of Los Angeles, the design and implementation of an appropriate streetscape plan along Western Avenue. • Pursue the steps necessary to identify and investigate the possibility of establishing a redevelopment project area along Western Avenue. OBJECTIVE: To improve the business climate for new business operators to encourage more businesses to locate within the City. STRATEGIES: • Develop a general Economic Development Plan for the City. • Assist with the development of Long Point in conjunction with City property to facilitate the construction of an 18 hole golf course. • Assist with the development of Ocean Trails. CITY FINANCE GOALS & OBJECTIVES GOAL: A sound financial base to support and maintain vital City services. OBJECTIVE: To develop and maintain multiple revenue sources. STRATEGIES: • Adopt and retain new revenue measures until the economic development plans produce a reliable source of revenue from within the community. • Continue to lobby state and federal representatives to protect local revenue sources, including property taxes and state subventions. • Pursue other goals and objectives that would contribute to the City's financial base such as those outlined under the Economic Development section. • Pursue opportunities for public and private grant funding for appropriate City programs. CITY INFRASTRUCTURE GOALS & OBJECTIVES GOAL: Reduce long term public infrastructure costs in the City. OBJECTIVE: To provide for adequate public streets. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1993 PAGE 11 STRATEGIES: • Complete and implement Pavement Management Study. • Complete and implement Capital Improvement Program Plan (streets & highways) . • Analyze current Development Impact Fee Schedule to assure that new developments pay the appropriate costs associated with development impacts. OBJECTIVE: To extend the life of existing public facilities and replace where necessary. STRATEGIES: • Conduct Needs Assessment Study. • Complete and implement Capital Improvement Plan (public buildings) . OBJECTIVE: To make more effective use of existing park facilities and consider expansion of these facilities where appropriate. STRATEGIES: • Adopt and implement the Los Angeles County Safe Neighborhood Parks Act ("Measure A") Expenditure Plan. • Explore other funding sources which may be available for park acquisition and/or development (Portuguese Bend Playing Fields) . • Continue to maintain the existing park system LAND USE GOALS & OBJECTIVES GOAL: A well maintained, balanced and aesthetically pleasing community. OBJECTIVE: - To maintain property values. STRATEGIES: • Adopt appropriate revisions to Chapter 17 of the Development Code to assure neighborhood compatibility with regard to new development and remodels. • Continue to support and enhance, where necessary, the City's proactive Code Enforcement Program, OBJECTIVE: To maintain existing public open space and acquire additional public open space when feasible. STRATEGIES: • Continue to work with conservancy groups to develop plans for the maintenance and acquisition of open space. • Continue to work with developer and County to secure Shoreline Park as permanent open space. • Identify areas to preserve as natural habitats. OBJECTIVE: A General Plan that is compatible with City resources. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1993 PAGE 12 STRATEGY: • Revise and update the General Plan on a regular basis. Motion carried on a 3 - 0 - 1 vote with Councilman Kuykendall abstaining and stating that because of the lateness of the hour he could not discuss this item at this meeting. (At 11:25 P.M. Councilman Kuykendall was excused from the meeting. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, voiced her disagreement with the syntax of the Vision Statement, Core Values and Goals and Strategies. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - NAME CHANGE (1203) Director of Environmental Services Bernard presented the staff memorandum of September 21 and the recommendation to consider changing the department's name and direct staff accordingly. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, said, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to change the name to Planning, Building and Code Enforcement. Motion carried. CITY MANAGER REPORTS: COMMUNITY LEADERS' BREAKFAST (305 x 1101) City Manager Paul Bussey presented his report to establish Saturday, October 23 (Hesse Park); Saturday, October 30 (Hesse Park) ; or, Saturday, November 13 (Ladera Linda) as the date for the next community leaders' breakfast. It was the consensus of Council to have the next Community Leaders' Breakfast meeting at 8:30 A.M. , October 30 at Hesse Park. At 11:30 P.M. the meeting adjourned to 7:30 P.M., September 27 at Hesse Park for a work session with the Planning Commission to be followed at 8:30 P.M. for a work session with the View Restoration Committee. Motion made by Councilwoman Bacharach. yor Att st: Ci y Clerk CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 1993 PAGE 13