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CC MINS 19910618M I N U T E S RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JUNE 18, 1991 The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P . M . by Mayor Hinchl i f f e at the Hesse Park Community Center, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard and was immediately recessed to a closed session. The regular meeting convened at 7:30 P.M. Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, roll call was answered as follows: PRESENT: BACHARACH, HUGHES, MCTAGGART, RYAN AND MAYOR HINCHLIFFE Also present were City Manager Paul D. Bussey, Environmental Services Director Robert Benard, Public Works Director George Wentz, City Attorney Carol Lynch, Assistant to the City Manager Pamela Antil, Deputy City Manager Mark Rohloff and City Clerk Jo Purcell. The City Attorney announced that a closed session had been held pursuant to Government Code 54956.(b) and discussed the Horan Settlement Agreement. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR The Consent Calendar was approved on motion of Councilwoman Bacharach, seconded by Councilman Ryan as follows. Adopted a motion to waive full reading of all ordinances and resolutions adopted at the 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 June 5, 1991. RECYCLING GRANTS (1301) Awarded the Recycling Grants to P.V. Park Place Homeowners Association, Sunnyside Ridge Homeowners Association, Seacliff Hilltop Homeowners Association, and Coral Ridge Road Homeowners Association. A.T.E. /RYDER CONTRACTING - PV TRANSIT AND DIAL -A -RIDE (1505' Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign an agreement with Transit Contractors, Inc., to provide PV Transit and Peninsula Dial -A -Ride services for Fiscal Year 1991 -92. ORDINANCE NO. 266 - AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS (101) Adopted ORDINANCE NO. 266 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE USE OF MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEES TO FUND PROGRAMS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION FROM VEHICULAR SOURCES, ESTABLISHING AN AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND, RESTRICTING THE USE OF MONIES DEPOSITED INTO THE AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND, AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE. STREET SWEEPING CONTRACT - CALIFORNIA STREET MAINTENANCE (1405) Authorized extension of the existing contract with California Street Maintenance for an amount not to exceed $84,000. TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE CONTRACT - SUPERIOR SIGNAL SERVICE (1503) Authorized a two year contract with Superior Signal Service with the first year amount not to exceed $70,300 plus provide a contingency of $4,000 for a total amount of $74,300. RIGHT -OF -WAY MAINTENANCE CREW - P.V. MAINTENANCE CONTRACT (1405) Authorized extension of the existing contract with P.V. Maintenance for an amount not to exceed $142,000 plus provide a contingency of $14,000 for a total amount of $156,000. CUSTODIAL SERVICE CONTRACT - LOMITA MAINTENANCE (1204) Awarded the Fiscal year 1991 -92 custodial services contract for City facilities to Lomita Maintenance at a cost not to exceed $58,320. LANDSCAPE SERVICES CONTRACT BENNETT ENTERPRISES (1405) Awarded the Fiscal Year 1991 -92 landscape maintenance contract for parks and medians to Bennett Enterprises at a cost not to exceed $219,90010 LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN CONTRACT - ALDARON, INC. (1505) Awarded the contract to prepare the Long Range Transportation Plan to Aldaron, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $36,830 plus provide a contingency of $3,000. LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES - LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES (306) -2- JUNE 18, 1991 Supported: SB169 (Boatwright) - Repeal of SB2557; Opposed: State Budget Plan to limit authority of Cities to levy utility users tax; AB54 (Friedman) Protection of Planting; and AB1905 (Frazee) Subdivision Map Act. Requested Amendment to AB72 (Cortese) Resources Bond. CITY INVESTMENT POLICY FOR FISCAL YEAR 1991 -92 (602) Adopted the Investment Policy for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for the 1991 -92 Fiscal Year. RESOLUTION NO. 91 -35 - SALARY RANGES FOR FY 1991 -92 (1202) Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 91 -35 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING CERTAIN SALARY RANGES FOR REGULAR FULL -TIME AND PART -TIME EMPLOYEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 1991 -92. RESOLUTION N0. 91 -36 - REGISTER OF DEMANDS Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 91 -36 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: BACHARACH, HUGHES, McTAGGART, RYAN AND MAYOR HINCHLIFFE NOES: NONE PUBLIC HEARINGS: # LANDSCAPE & OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1 (901) The Mayor declared the public hearing open and the City Clerk reported that notice of the public hearing had been duly published. Director Wentz presented the staff memorandum of June 18th and the recommendation to adopt the proposed resolution. Responding to the Mayor's call for public testimony was Lee Gintz , 6769 Alta Vista Drive, who stated he was representing the Alta Vista Homeowners Association. He explained that the landscaping is not being maintained and described how the appearance of the landscaped areas had deteriorated. He complained that the requested 58% increase was not acceptable. Park Superintendent, Walter Warriner explained the care given to this landscaped area and explained the problems experienced because of certain diseases affecting some of the plants. He went on to describe the anticipated changes to be made in the landscaping, particularly the planting of drought - resistant plants to replace some of the existing vegetation. -3- JUNE 18, 1991 Council briefly discussed whether the Homeowner Association should be encouraged to take over the maintenance of this area and what action would have to be taken to accomplish this change. Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded b Councilman McTa Y ggart and carried to continue this public hearing to July 2, 1991. LANDSCAPE & OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 2 - (901) The Mayor declared the public hearing open and the City Clerk announced that notice of this public hearing had been duly published. Director Wentz presented the staff memorandum of June 18th and the recommendation to adopt the proposed resolution. There being no response to the Mayor's call for public testimony, Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman Ryan to close the public hearing. The motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 91 -37 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES CONFIRMING THE DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT IN CONNECTION WITH LANDSCAPING AND OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 2 was presented by title and adopted on motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilwoman Bacharach and carried. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 136 - LONG POINT HOTEL (1804) The Mayor declared the public hearing on this item opened. The City Clerk reported that notice had been duly published. The staff report of June 18th was presented by Senior Planner Carolynn Petru, who summarized this detailed memorandum which contained a summary background on the hearing process that this C.U.P. had gone through: December 11, 1990 public hearing to receive written and oral comments; Planning Commissions public hearings on February 4, 1991, February 26th March 26th and April 23, 1991. Lastly,, ril 2 y on p 1, 1991 the Planning Commission adopted their resolution F.C. No. 91 -15 certifying the Environmental Impact Report No. 29 and P.C. Resolution No. 91-16 1 16 Conditionally Approving the Hotel Project. Ms, Petru went on to summarize the site and project description as a 390 guest room main core hotel; a 10 guest room unit on the Periera Motel building; 50 Casita units dispersed over the site; 30,000 square foot conference center; 25,000 square foot spa and fitness center; renovation of the Galley West Restaurant Catalina Room, Look -out Bar, theater building and the Baja Reef dressing rooms; and, a 9 hole -golf course. With regard to the appeal, Ms. Petru reported that the appellant's basis for the appeal were as follows: 1. The proposed commercial recreational land use is not consistent with the City's General Plan and Coastal Specific Plan, 2 . The project E . I . R. was alleged _4_ g JUNE 181 1991 to be inadequate since it did not fully describe and discuss the impacts of water usage and the hotel project and require adequate mitigation measures in light of the current California drought. 3. The project E.I.R. was alleged to be inadequate since the impacts of the heliport were not adequately analyzed and mitigated pursuant to the policies of the City's General Plan. Ms. Petru's report continued with a discussion of the General Plan and Coastal Specific Plan Consistency and a discussion of the impact of this project upon the water supply. Further detailed in the report was a discussion of the heliport activities. Staff concluded that the three key issues raised in the appeal letter were carefully examined and compared against the City's land use documents, the information and conclusions contained in the project E.I.R. and the conditions of approval and mitigation measures contained in the Planning Commission Resolutions. Staff concluded that the claim for land use incompatibility was without merit and the subjects of water and noise had been adequately addressed in E.I.R. No . 29 and mitigated through the conditions of approval and the mitigation monitoring program. Speaking for the appellant in this matter, Save Our Coastline 2000 was Gar Goodson, 1709 Via Zurita, Palos Verdes .Estates, who explained the rationale for the appeal of the Planning Commission decision. John Sharkey, also representing SOC 2000, 30320 Avenida de Calma, read a prepared statement dated June 18, 1991 wherein he questioned the financial viability of the project. (Mr. Sharkey's statement is on file with the City Clerk's Office,) June Lipshutz, 3756 Hightide Drive, also representing SOC 2000, stated her objections to the project based upon the water shortage and the increased demands this project would put on the City's supply. Andrew Sargent, 1 Peppertree Drive, also representing the appellant, read a prepared statement dated June 18, 1991. This statement listed objections to the project and contained an analysis of benefits and detriments on the basis of an increase in revenues, the expected sale and resale of the hotel, the increase in crime resulting from a hotel, the resulting increase in traffic congestion and air pollution. (Mr. Sargent's letter is on file with the City Clerk's office.) Representing the applicant Monaghan Company was Bob Spence, 2897 Woodsorrel Drive, Chino, CA., who stated he felt that the issues of concern expressed by the applicant had been dealt with at the five public hearings. Stating there had been ample opportunity for the community to hear the concerns, he said he agreed with the staff report. He then proceeded to address the following issues: Land Use - that they had complied with every land use issue that had been brought to their attention. Water - that they were working -5- JUNE 18, 1991 on a long range water conservation policy and presented a letter dated June 17th from the West Basin Municipal District. This letter explained the additional water supply anticipated by the MWD in the fall of 1994. (The June 17th letter from the MWD is on file with the City Clerk's office.) With regard to the heliport, Mr. Spence said that they are in concurrence with the staff report and accept the Planning Commission's findings on this project. Also representing the property owner was Ron Wortman, 42 West Port Au Prince, Scottsdale, Az., who explained some of their planned water conservation measures: water retention from surface run-off, reclamation and re -use of water; and, the installation of low-flow toilets, showers and faucets for the hotel. He explained that these anticipated plans had the potential for reducing water consumption by 25 - 30 %. With regard to landscaping irrigation, he said the area would be zoned and monitored for water conservation and that moisture measuring devises would be used. He said they are working with the Water Company on the techniques available to use reclaimed water. Addressing the issue of the heliport, he said that this operates under a grandfathered permit and that it is a proper use of the facility; that it would be used for visiting dignitaries and that the flight pattern over Long Point would be from a westerly direction. RECESS At 8:50 P . M . the Mayor declared a recess, At 9:02 P . M . the meeting reconvened. Speaking in favor of the appeal were the following: Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Rd.; Richard Wempe, 29328 Golden Meadow Dr.; Lincoln Cain, 5630 Ravenspur Dr.; Ilse Oetiker, 6504 Via Baron; Margot Vogel, 6516 Via Baron; Ivan K. Stevenson, 32546 Seahill; Elise J. Gorman, 3675 Vigilance Dr.; Nick Agid, 2062 Trudie Dr.; Marta Houske, 2062 Trudie Dr.; Dr,, Chris Manning, 14 Crest Road, Rolling Hills; Elizabeth M. Kelly, 6611 Vallon Dr. The concerns of these speakers centered on the size of the proposed building; the fact that this project would occupy one of the last remaining vacant coastal areas; the resulting traffic impact; the noise resulting from the permitted use of the heliport; the increase in crime that is generally associated with hotels; the effects this will have on the adjacent neighborhoods insofar as traffic is concerned; the fact that the ocean in that area already suffers from sewage contamination; whether the hotel should be a small luxury type instead of the proposed conference, convention hotel; the total traffic impact in light of the school consolidation; and, the fact that the builder/operator of the hotel is not yet known. Speaking in favor of the project were the following: Ken McNeill , 6636 Channelview Ct.; Wes Schultz, 32700 Coastsite; David Diestel, 4808 Blackhorse Rd., representing the Palos Verdes Chamber of -6- JUNE 18, 1991 Commerce, Shirley Farley, 6500 Via Colinita; Frank Smetana, 3018 Via Campesina, representing Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce; Eric Allan, 2324 Via Anacapa, representing the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce; John J. McKean, 6876 Los Verdes Dr.; Sally Lawrence, 32735 Seagate Dr.; Cisco Ruth, 40 Cinnamon Lane; Juan Forteza, 4021 Via Largavista; Mary Jane Schoenheider, 28715 Crestridge Rd; Jack Downhill, 20 Vanderlip Dr.; John M. Vanderlip, 99 Vanderlip Dr.; Yung -Cheng Yu, 30010 Via Borica; Susan McNeill, 6636 Channelview Ct.; Erica Stuart, 80 Narcissa Dr.; Sunshine, 6 Limetree; Roy Fulwider, 28219 Hazelridge; Bob Lusian, 32735 Seagate Dr.; James Wharton, 2605 Fisk Lane, Redondo Beach. These speakers cited the employment opportunities at the hotel; the need for a hotel for accommodating certain social functions; the financial benefit to the community; the fact that this would be an ideal use of this location; how this would be an asset to the community; the fact the General Plan allows for such a project; and, that certain equestrian amenities are available. Tom Morone, 515 Camino Real, representing Omni Hotels, cited some of the hotel's amenities and said the economics of the hotel looked good. Speaking in rebuttal to the property owners presentation was Jacki McGuire, 4935 Rolling Meadows Rd., Rolling Hills Estates, who cited the traffic impact along Palos Verdes Dr. North and especially at its intersection with Hawthorne Boulevard. She cited some of the serious accidents that have taken place at the intersection resulting from vehicles coming down hill and losing their brakes the impact this proj ect would have on the roads when combined with the increased traffic because of the school consolidation and other developments that are in various stages of progress. Also speaking in rebuttal was Gar Goodson, the appellant, who emphasized the staff's concern about the traffic impact. Andrew Sargent, 1 Peppertree, directed his rebuttal remarks at the effects of this project on the City's water supply, and the possible increase in crime resulting from a hotel. Lois Larue , quoted from the Local Coastal Plan and what constituted a coastal dependent use. She stated that the staff report was not correct in a number of areas. In rebuttal, speaking for the applicant was Colgate Holmes, Chairman of the Biltmore Corporation, 1116 West Bay Ave., Newport Beach, described the hotels that his company currently has under development in Australia and Hawaii. He said he has met with the Monaghan Company and viewed the property and that this was an outstanding location for development of a world class resort hotel and hoped that his company would be considered to build the hotel. He cited the ocean front location, easy access to the major Los Angeles market and convenience to the Los Angeles International Airport as favorable conditions for the development of the hotel. -7- JUNE 18, 1991 Mr. Spence speaking again in rebuttal, reiterated the fact that they have gone through four and half years of meetings and discussions for this project and have done everything requested of them. He said that presently the location has dilapidated buildings and a parking lot and it is not a pristine location. Since it was private property Mr. Spence said they have the right to develop the property. Council then inquired as foll clarification of the purpose for North within the City of Rolling City had discussed with the Cour of installing an escape lane or inconsistency cited in the Ger insofar as the location of the I a genuine flaw in the General Ple hotel to be consistent whether t alternate choices for the use appellants found the commercial of the City to be inconsistent ows from the various speakers: reconstruction of Palos Verdes Dr . Hills Estates; the fact that the ,ty of Los Angeles the possibility i Crenshaw Boulevard; whether the .eral Plan was inconsistent only .otel was concerned or if this was n; if the appellants had found the ,hey would support it; if they had of this location; whether the area on the Western Avenue portion with the General Plan; and, since the General Plan is being subjected to an appeal based on this project, whether that was a threat to the overall General Plan. Discussion next centered on the opinion of the appellants attorney's, Shute, Miha ley and Weinberger, and if the City Attorney had adequate time to review that opinion. Councilman Ryan moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart and carried to close the oral public testimony hearing and accept only written testimony and continue the item until July 2, 19910 The motion carried unanimously. Council then proceeded with further discussion and requested clarification of the amount of area covered by the proposed project; that staff find out some of the classic coastal dependent uses; investigate other types of visitor - serving uses of the coast; and, determine what the Saturday peak hour is as discussed in the Environmental Impact Report. Additionally, staff was requested to determine if improvements and widening would be necessary to the intersection of Hawthorne Boulevard at Palos Verdes Dr. North; how the neighboring jurisdictions would handle such improvements of Hawthorne Boulevard; if the City had any projections about the revenue the City could expect from this project; and, whether any changes in air pollution laws were anticipated which would affect the heliport use. RECESS AND RECONVENE At 11:40 P.M. the Mayor declared a recess. At 11:50 P.M. the meeting reconvened. RESOLUTION NO. 91 -38 - DELINQUENT REFUSE ACCOUNTS (1301) The City Manager reviewed the action taken on this matter at the -8- JUNE 18, 1991 June 17th meeting and presented the resolution for adoption. RESOLUTION NO. 91 -38 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES 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 Councilman Ryan to waive further reading and adopt the resolution. Discussion ensued about the possibility of placing these delinquent billings on the tax roll rather than having the City act as the collecting agency. The motion to adopt the resolution carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: BACHARACH, RYAN AND MAYOR HINCHLIFFE NOES: HUGHES AND McTAGGART Councilman Hughes moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to direct the subcommittee (Bacharach/ Ryan) to begin to investigate placement of the refuse delinquent bills on the property tax roll. Motion carried. 82 NARCISSA DRIVE - CONVERSION TO HABITABLE SPACE (1801) Director Benard presented the staff memorandum of June 18, 1991 and the recommendation to deny the request to permit conversion of storage area to habitable space. The applicant, Mr. Frank, told the Council that he had apprised them of his intentions back on July 17, 1990 to make this area a habitable space and that he had now followed all of the steps to make arrangements for this conversion. Responding to Council's questions, Mr. Frank described his intended use of the space should permission be granted. Councilman Hinchl i f f e moved, seconded by Councilman Hughes to adopt the staff recommendation to deny the request. The motion carried on a 4 -1 vote, with Councilman Ryan dissenting. AUDIENCE QUESTIONS: Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Rd., referring to the pre- screening workshop held on June 17th, told the Council that there was not adequate space for a golf course in the Subregion 7 Area because eight acres are required per hole. PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL TRAFFIC The subcommittee (Hinchliffe/Bacharach) reported on the meeting of June 17th where the issue of the Peninsula High School traffic was discussed amongst representative of the four Peninsula cities and -9- JUNE 180, 1991 I the School District, At that meeting it was decided that a traffic study costing $15,000 was needed to determine the ways and means of handling the traffic impact resulting from the school consolidation. The discussion next focused on the widening of Silver Spur Road near Hawthorne Blvd., and the effects of the increased traffic on the surrounding residential streets in the area. Councilman Ryan moved, seconded by Councilwoman Bacharach and carried that staff prepare a cost estimate of the widening of Silver Spur, said cost estimate would be presented at the next meeting. Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to authorize participation up to $15,000 in a traffic study. The motion carried. METRO GREEN LINE IN SOUTH BAY Referring to the memorandum in the agenda regarding the Metro Green Line in South Bay Councilman McTaggart moved, seconded by Councilman Hughes to adopt the recommendation to write a letter to the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission (LACTC), expressing dissatisfaction with LACTC's proposal to wait until 2014 to build a southern extension of the Metro Green Rail Line in the South Bay area. ADJOURNMENT At 12:35 P.M. the meeting adjourned to 6:00 P. n YOB' ATTEST! 2nd . MIN61891 -10- JUNE 18, 1991