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CC MINS 19910617 ADJM I N U T E S RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL /PLANNING COMMISSION PRESCREENING WORKSHOP ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JUNE 17, 1991 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. at Hesse Park Community Center, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard by Mayor Hinchliffe. Notice having been given with affidavit thereto on file. meeting. PRESENT: BACHARACH, HUGHES, McTAGGART AND MAYOR HINCHLIFFE ABSENT: RYAN PLANNING COMMISSION: PRESENT: BROOKS, KATHERMAN, HOTCHKISS, McNULTY AND CHAIR VON HAGEN Staff members present were Environmental Director Robert Benard, City Manager Paul Bussey, and City Clerk Jo Purcell. DELINQUENT REFUSE ACCOUNTS COLLECTION (1301) City Manager Bussey presented the June 17th staff memorandum which summarized the June 13, 1991 meeting of the Solid Waste Committee (Ryan /Bacharach) where the overall issues relating to the June 5th Public Hearing on Delinquent Refuse Billings where reviewed. Because this was a relatively new program, and because there was some misunderstanding and miscommunication about the start -up of the mandatory collection program, the sub - committee recommended waiving $50 (approximately 3 months) of any past due bill which occurred prior to February 1990. Delinquencies prior to February 1990 would only be placed on the Tax Rolls if Waste Management agreed to enter into an agreement indemnifying and holding the City harmless. Council concern was expressed because some of the Waste Management bills had indeed indicated a zero balance; another concern expressed was the -inequity of giving relief to those who had not paid while others did pay for the service rendered. Council inquired if there would be a delinquent penalty or an administrative fee; and, whether this billing should be put on the tax roll thus relieving the City of having to hold Public Hearings for collection of delinquent bills. Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Mayor Hinch 1 i f f e to adopt the sub - committee's recommendation. The motion carried on the following roll call vote: 1 AYES: BACHARACH, HINCHLIFFE NOES: McTAGGART, ABSTAIN: HUGHES ABSENT: RYAN RESOLUTION NO. 91 -35 ORDERING THE PLACEMENT OF LIENS ON REAL PROPERTY AND THE PLACEMENT OF CHARGES ON THE PROPERTY TAX BILL FOR COLLECTION AND SETTLEMENT OF DELINQUENT REFUSE ACCOUNTS was presented by title. Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Mayor Hinchliffe to adopt the resolution. The motion failed on the following roll call vote: AYES: BACHARACH, HINCHLIFFE NOES: HUGHES & McTAGGART ABSENT: RYAN Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Mayor Hughes and carried to close the public hearing and continue discussion of the proposed resolution to the June 181 1991 meeting. At 7:25 P. M. the Planning Commission joined the Council for a joint work session. Chairman Von Hagen called the Planning Commission to order. SUBREGION 7 & 8 - TRACT MAP NOS. 50666 AND 50667 (701) x (1411) Mayor Hinchliffe gave instructions on how this workshop would be conducted in accordance with the purposes set forth in Resolution No. 89-103: (1) To maximize public review at the earliest feasible time. (2) To focus public review of the issues of greatest significance to the community. (3) To provide early, non - binding preliminary suggestions to encourage economically efficient private decisions. (4) To encourage communication between elected and appointed officials. (5) To implement the General Plan and Development Regulations compliance. Director Benard presented the June 17th memorandum which described this development application for 116 single family residential lots, and 18 hole public golf course and passive open space which was filed with the City on May 3, 1991. The applicants, Palos Verdes Land Holding Company and Zuckerman are the owners of approximately 260 acres of vacant land in Coastal Subregion 7 & 8. They jointly filed applications for two vesting tentative tract maps, two parcel maps, a Conditional Use Permit, grading permit and coastal permit. Previously a re- zoning application had been filed with the City. These applications were an outgrowth of over three years of Planning analysis in Subregion 7 & 8. A Notice of Preparation for an Environmental Impact Report was filed with the State Clearing House on May 7, 1991 and the City determined these 2 JUNE 17, 1991 applications were generally complete on May 17, 1991. On May 29, 1991 the applicants requested a pre- screening workshop. Describing the site and land use zoning designations, Mr. Benard reported that the site consisted of approximately 260 acres of vacant land seaward of Palos Verdes Dr. South between Los Angeles County Shoreline Park (undeveloped) at La Rotonda Drive and Palos Verdes Dr. South and the Portuguese Bend Club and Community Association west of Conqueror Dr. at Palos Verdes Dr. South. The proposed project consisted of the development of approximately of 120 single family custom estate lots on approximately 125 acres of land and an 18 hole, modified "links" year -round public golf course on approximately 100 acres of land, not including a 30,000 square foot club house and 10,000 square foot maintenance f ac i 1 ity . He went on to report that the sea bluff area of approximately 35 acres would remain undisturbed open space and that 52 acres of the golf course would be maintained as "rough ", leaving approximately 45 acres of active (trees, fairways and greens) golf course. Continuing on with his report, Mr. Benard then reviewed some of the major issues of the project: The City's General Plan and Coastal Specific Plan specified the land use designations for the site and the Development Code set forth the means of implementing those uses through the establishment of the development standards; that the Coastal Development and design guidelines for Subregion 1 & 7 established a policy framework for development of vacant coastal properties and a definition of buildable area which was used to determine the maximum number of residential units permitted in the area; that within subregion 7 the buildable area for the project site was 194 acres and consequently the maximum number of units which could be allowed and be consistent with the City's code would be 194. He said that the proposal for 116 residential lots equated to a net density of .60 dwelling units per acre. With regard to the 18 hole public golf course, Mr. Benard stated that while the General Plan and the Coastal Specific Plan make no specific reference to golf course, it did encourage new recreational uses are contained in the General Plan and the Coastal Specific Plan. On the issue of open space, Mr. Benard reported that within the 125 acres of residential land use, approximately 35 acres where proposed as common area open space; the golf course occupied 100 acres and the area along the bluff face was a total of 35 acres, all of which gave a total amount of 170 acres of open space. Trails and the coastal bluff road were the next issues to be reviewed and from a cursory review Mr. Benard reported that the majority of trails previously incorporated in the Trails Network did not appear in this proposal. He stated that the proposal to incorporate Paseo Del Mar as the bluff road through the central 3 JUNE 17, .1991 portion of the site with only the public golf course trails and open space seaward of the road. The next features to be reviewed were geology and grading: extensive geotechnical investigations have been conducted on the site by Leighton & Associates and Converse Consultants West. These studies have been receiving ongoing review by Robert Stone and Associates, the City's geotechnical consultant, and have resulted in revisions to the coastal setback line and the structure setback line. Detailed field testing is continuing in order to precisely locate these lines. "View" was the next issue to be covered in the staff memorandum and Mr. Benard went on to explain that the General Plan and Coastal Specific Plan identify visual corridors over this site. These corridors were described in terms of vistas and views and two principal corridors of view exist over the site: viewing west to Long Point and south to Catalina. Additionally, specific view corridors were designated which established horizontal and vertical limitations to protect views. He reported that it appeared there would not be any view impairment in this area because much of it had been cut for geotechnical and development purposes. Additionally, other proposed development areas, which have lesser development restrictions, have proposed grades and subdivision designs which are designed to not impair views. He reported, however, that further visual analysis would have to be conducted. Water was the next area of discussion and Mr. Benard reported that presently the utilities which provide water have not implemented any form of moratorium on development. He said that all proposed development within the City was conditioned in such a manner as to limit the consumption of water by requiring low-flow/low flush toilet fixtures, xeroscape and drought tolerant landscaping preservation of natural plant materials, minimization of lawn areas and the installation of sophisticated water management systems including ground sensors and recirculation equipment. Mr. Benard concluded his report by reiterating the issue areas identified in the report: Land use and density, open space, trails and coastal bluff road, geology and grading, views, and water. Representing Palos Verdes Land Holding Company and the Zuckerman Family was Michael Mohler, 25200 La Paz, Laguna Hills, CA., who addressed each of the issues presented in the staff report citing the number of acres, the number of custom homes to be built on the site, the fact that they were planning a championship golf course, and a club house with a restaurant and other commercial uses. He said that they were willing to work with the School District to acquire or lease the 8.5 acres presently owned by the District: He also reported that they would work with the City and the County of Los Angeles to acquire for the City the greater portion of Shoreline Park with the upper remainder of the park near Palos 4 JUNE 17, 1991 Verdes Drive South being used for the golf course. He described some of the improvements to Palos Verdes Drive South from the San Pedro hill area to the Portuguese Bend Club, and, with regard to open space, he said that 65.4% of the site was planned for open space which was in excess of the required acreage. On the issue of views, he said that they have worked very hard to protect the views of the residents in the area, and on the matter of the trails and coastal bluff roads, he said that this is an area covered by the requirements of CEQA. He said they have met certain community needs for views, particularly in the coastal area; that this design did not have a road on the bluff but has a road in back of the bluffs and described where the houses would be located vis -a -vis the bluff road. He said that they felt that the bluff road as originally contemplated was not feasible from a geologic stand point and, he explained where the original bluff road was located and how it reduced the amount of open space. He said they have tried to balance the requirements of the Coastal Plan. With regard to the use of water, he said they are proposing a golf course that has 50 -60 acres and that between the playing area and the rough area this would create more wildlife habitat than presently existed. He said that the water usage for the golf course would be only 60% of the water already used in the three golf courses existing in the area and that the rough area of the course would not be irrigated. Peter Dye, Golf Course Architect, spoke on behalf of the applicants and summarized the projects that he has worked on and also presented a U.S.P.G.A. video presentation of his. most recent project. He explained how he intended to protect the environment and stated that he felt the proposed golf course should be a "sea- side" golf course and did not envision it as a lush landscaped golf course. The Council and Commission then inquired about various aspects of the golf course: the definition of a championship golf course; the amount of acreage required for the proposed course; the amount of grading along the coastline, both minimum and maximum; how certain houses might be affected by balls that may come flying from the golf course; the type of grass to be used on the course; how the drainage from the golf course would be controlled; how long it would take to construct the golf course; the green fees for membership in such a golf course club; the amount of water used to irrigate the golf course; whether it was possible to recapture the run off in the area; and, if golf courses like this attracted more wildlife. Additional inquiries centered on the effects this golf course would have on property values; the affect on the homes in the project if the golf course was not built; the effect on views putting homes 5 JUNE 17, 1991 seaward of the coastal bluff road; how the public view would be affected if buildings are seaward of the coastal road; whether the applicant had considered taking the water from the dewatering wells and treating it to irrigate the area; and, the effect this project will have on the realignment of Palos Verdes Dr.. South. RECESS AND RECONVENE At 9:00 P . M. the Mayor declared a recess. At 9:10 P.M. the meeting reconvened. The next portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comment on this item and the following speakers presented their remarks and concerns: Lawrence Burke, 3437 Palo Vista Road, who presented a letter dated June 16th. (This letter is on file with the City Clerk' s of f ice . ) ; Robert Traver, 3 2 00 La Rotonda Dr . , representing the Ocean Terrace Condominium Association; Bill Ailor, 1052 Via Palomino, Palos Verdes Est., representing the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy (Mr. Ailor presented a written statement dated June 17th which is on file with the City Clerk's off ice .) ; Ellen Frank, 4035 West 242nd St., Torrance, representing the California Native Plant Society; Lois Knight Larue, 3136 Barkentine Rd., Barbara Walch, 34 Oceanaire Dr., Alan Franz, 1336 26th Place, San Pedro; James Campeau, 660 33rd St., San Pedro; Toshika Nakamura, 4020 Palos Verdes Dr. South; Diane Smith, 2704 San Ramon Dr.; Kay Bara, 1 Peppertree; Donna Russell (no address submitted), and J.J. D. McLaren, 3923 Palos Verde Dr. South. Their comments centered on the following: the modification of Palos Verdes Dr. South and whether the relocation of Palos Verdes Dr. South and East intersection was necessary; the impact of this project on the condominiums located at La Rotonda Dr. and the request that the residents of that area wished to be informed about the project; the preservation of Shoreline Park as a permanently preserved natural open space; the protection of certain native plants such as the Calandrinia Maritima and Dudleya Virens; opposition to the dedication of a certain portion of Shoreline Park as a golf course; the preservation of open space areas such as the arroyo area of Shoreline Park; whether lots as big as two or three acres should be considered for the homes; if the Palos Verdes Unified School District would be prevented from submitting a tract map for their adjacent property; the desirability of having a bluff top road; _and, the water usage of the proposed golf course. During the course of ensuing Council discussion, the recommendation was made that no homes be built seaward of the coastal road and Councilman Hughes moved, seconded by Mayor Hinchliffe that a video tape of this meeting be provided to the developer. The motion carried. Council continued discussion of the project and dwelt on the following: the safety aspect of having trails in and around the 6 JUNE 17, 1991 golf course; the amount of grading that would be done for this golf course and if grading was being done to create views; if the open space should be further defined as bluff space; and if the general public access to the bluff area was a high prioty. Additional discussion then ensued and focused on the potential resultant traffic; how the trails should be phased around and through the golf course; the future use of the property owned by the School District; if this plan had been taken to the Traffic Committee for their review of safety elements; the approval of the golf course in light of the existing long term drought conditions; if the applicants should be devising alternative systems for watering; access for the public parking area; how desirable it would be for the applicant to obtain the school site and leave the Shoreline Park area as is; and , if grading should be done to create more buildable area. Council summarized their concerns as follows: that the proposal did not meet the coastal bluff road requirements; densities and grading were to be reasonable or as necessary to resolve some local geology problem. With regard to views it was the consensus that grading would be acceptable to preserve views within the project; that the applicant should. look at some source of water other then tapping into the City's potable water; the element of trails needed to be strengthened in the proposed project. A brief discussion ensued regarding the buildable area on the lots and how that issue could be addressed in the CC &R's; if the applicant could later request a change in foot print on these lots; and, if some kind of architectural style could be imposed for the area. Mike Mohler said that the CC &R's would be submitted to the City Attorney so that they run with the land and that the CC &R' s will incorporate design guidelines. ADJOURNMENT: At 10:45 P.M. the meeting adjourned on motion of Co ilman McTaggart, seconded by Councilman Hughes and carried. ATTEST: LCL, CITY CLERK MIN61791 AM res V,6 vo \�.) MAY 7 JUNE 17, 1991