CC MINS 19910716M I N U T E S
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 16, 1991
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P . M. by Mayor Hinchlif fe at
the Hesse Park Community Center, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard.
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, Deputy City Manager
Mark Rohloff, Environmental Services Director Robert Benard, Public
Works Director Catherine Reed, City Attorney Carol Lynch,
Recreation and Parks Director Mary Thomas and City Clerk Jo
Purcell.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to
approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Speaking to the request to waive facility use fees from Congressman
Rohrabacher was Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Rd,, who suggested that
the amount of money being waived for the Congressman be instead
donated to the Community Helpline. The consent calendar was then
approved as follows on motion of Councilwoman Bacharach, seconded
by Coucilman Hughes.
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.
ORDINANCE NO. 267 - REGULATING PARK USAGE BY PROHIBITING MANNED
FLIGHT FROM CITY PARKS (1201)
Adopted ORDINANCE NO. 267 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
REGULATING PARK USAGE AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE.
PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE - VACANCIES (1201)
(1) Accepted the resignation of Nancy Comaford from the City's
Public Art Committee and commended her for her work. (2) Directed
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the City Clerk to begin the recruitment process to fill the two
vacancies that exist on the committee.
MORATORIUM EXEMPTION NO. 44 - 132 SEAWALL (1801)
Approved the applicants' (Mr. & Mrs. Dime) request for a Landslide
Moratorium Exemption subject to conditions.
FEE WAIVER FOR C.U.P. 164 AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. 624
CANYON VERDE COLLEGE (1201)
Authorized the Director of Environmental Services to waive the
application fees related to Conditional Use Permit No. 164 and
Environmental Assessment No, 624,
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES (306)
Joined the League of California Cities in supporting or opposing
the following legislation: Supported: AB 2233 - Development
Project Approval; CEQA. Opposed: SB 959 - Water Utilities;
Surcharge on Urban Water Users; and, AB 531 - Housing;
Discriminatory Practices.
MORATORIUM EXEMPTION #460- 108 SPINDRIFT (1801)
Approved the applicants' (Mr. & Mrs. Gene Summers) request for a
Landslide Moratorium Exemption subject to conditions.
WAIVER OF FACILITY USE FEES (1201)
Approved the request from Congressman Rohrabacher to waive facility
fees in connection with his use of the Ladera Linda Community
Center.
CONCESSION LICENSE (1201)
Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the proposed
concession license providing for food services at the City's Summer
Concert Series.,
RESOLUTION NO. 91 -50 — MATCHING FUNDS FOR R.U.L.E. (602 X 1401)
Approved an increase of $5,000 in the General Fund Appropriations
for Fiscal Year 1991 -92 for a grant to R.U.L.E, for lobbying
efforts and adopted RESOLUTION NO. 91 -50 AMENDING RESOLUTION NO,
91 -331 THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 1991 -92,
RESOLUTION NO. 91 -51 - REGISTER OF DEMANDS
Adopted RESOLUTION N0, 91 -51 ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
AND SPECIFYING FUNDS FROM WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID.
2 JULY 16, 1991
The motion to approve the consent calendar carried on the following
roll call vote:
AYES: BACHARACH, HUGHES, McTAGGART, RYAN AND MAYOR
HINCHLIFFE
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: MAYOR HINCHLIFFE (LANDSLIDE MORATORIUM EXEMPT. NO, 44
AND MORATORIUM EXEMPT. NO 46)
WALLACE RADIO RANCH MUSEUM (12 01)
Parks and Recreation Director Mary Thomas presented the staff memo-
randum of July 16th and the following recommendations: (1) The
parks Master Plan be amended to add the Wallace Radio Ranch Museum
as a "C" priority. (2) Approval of the functionality of the museum
as shown in the report from the Foundation. (3) Council
determination of the extent of any additional planning review
process required and direction to the Foundation to begin that
process. (4) Direct staff to proceed with plans for dedication and
ground- breaking ceremonies in the normal sequence. (5) Provide
direction as to the financial responsibility for building costs in
excess of funds available through the Quimby Act Assessment on the
tract.
After clarifying that the report had been prepared by both the
Recreation and Parks Committee and the staff, the Committee
Chairman Eric Randall summarized the report which contained a brief
history of the action taken to -date on the museum: On March 6, 1990
Council directed staff to send this matter to the Parks and
Recreation Committee for their recommendation and review of the
function of the museum vis -a -vis the Foundation. Reviewing even
.earlier action the museum, Mr. Randall reported that in early 1987
the Council had approved the concept of the formation of a non-
profit foundation organized jointly by the Rancho de Los Palos
Verdes Historical Society and the Palos Verdes Amateur Radio Club
for the purpose of securing funding for the construction, operation
and maintenance of the Wallace Radio Ranch Museum. Reporting on
the financing, Mr. Randall said that the developer would build a
2,400 square foot building with completed exterior and dry -wall
interior, and that the electrical and plumbing would be stubbed in.
The City, on the other hand, would provide 25,000 square feet of
=land acquired from the developer of the Wallace Tract through the
provisions of the Quimby Act. Also, the City would provide the
parking lot, the open space, restrooms and the office. The
Foundation would finish the interior walls and provide the exhibit
designs, fabrication and install the exhibits.
Continuing his report, Mr. Randall said that funding for the
operation and maintenance of the museum would be provided on the
3 JULY 16, 1991
following basis: the City would provide exterior maintenance and
the Foundation would provide interior maintenance, minor repairs
and operating and staff costs.
His report continued with the following conditions for development
placed upon the Foundation: the Foundation had to secure donations
and or written confirmation of grants thereby showing the
Foundation's ability to fund construction, operation and
maintenance cost; and, that the Foundation prepare a valid
operating plan.
Mr. Randall said that the Parks and Recreation Committee had
conducted several public meetings including a fully noticed public
workshop on April 25, 1991. To -date the Foundation had received
$46,986.00 in contributions and Corporate representatives had
indicated their support for the plan and interest in participating
by funding various exhibits and equipment. He reported, however,
that until the City had demonstrated a full commitment to the
facility by means of a dedication or ground- breaking, financial
support from corporate interests would not be forthcoming.
According to the Parks Master Planning Program Mr. Randall said
it would now be appropriate for the City Council to schedule a
dedication and ground- breaking ceremony.
Continuing with the report, Mr. Randall stated that the Committee
felt that the Wallace Foundation had presented a viable operating
plan and had moved ahead in acquiring the needed financial backing.
He said that the Committee was now recommending that this museum be
placed in the Class "C" category.
Added to the Parks Master Plan and regard to the review process,
Mr. Randall reported that after discussions with the Environmental
Services Dept. that the most comprehensive review by the Planning
Commission would come through the Conditional Use Permit process
for the building and any accessory uses such as antennas. The
Committee, however, felt that since the Wallace Tract is
conditioned to provide a museum, review and approval of the museum
and accessory uses could be accomplished through Administrative
Review.
Finally, Chairman Randall reviewed the fiscal impact and the
estimated cost for construction to include the completed exterior,
completion of the office and restrooms, and stubbed in electrical
outlets. He then continued on to list the cost for various other
elements of construction: water meter, black -flow devices,
irrigation system, clearing the grade, soil preparation,
groundcover, shrubs and trees, and administration for a total
estimated cost of approximately $404,820.
Council then made the following -inquires of staff and the committee
chair: clarification of the size of the existing parking lot and
the size of the building for the museum; whether the City had
4 JULY 16, 1991
received Quimby fees for the Wallace Tract; and, generally, the
accuracy of the estimated cost contained in the staff report.
Ken Dyda, 5715 Capeswood, representing the Wallace Foundation, told
the Council that the Foundation has raised in excess of $42,000 to-
date and urged the City Council to give the project an affirmative
decision. With regard to the estimated construction cost, Mr. Dyda
agreed that there were areas where costs could be reduced. He said
that the Foundation was willing to enter into discussion with
respect to what the Foundation would be responsible for and that it
was his understanding that the City would pay for the museum shell
and then lease it to the Foundation to operate.
Council then inquired about the amount of pledges received by the
Foundation; whether the $6,000 listed in donations were equipment
or cash donations; the number of corporate memberships that the
Foundations had received; the cost of corporate and individual
memberships in the Foundation; clarification of the schematics of
the interior of the museum; the types of arrays to be placed on
certain antennas; whether these would be antenna masts; and, the
necessity for two antenna systems. With regard to the appearance
of the antennas, Council inquired if similar antennas existed in
the City so an example could be viewed; how these antennas compared
with the original antennas on the property; whether the pole
antenna structures would be in the range of 100 feet in height; the
appearance of the high frequency antennas; and, the height needed
for antennas that would be used for emergency and disaster
communications.
DeDe Hicks, 6120 Scottwood, stated that the report did not address
the issue of antennas, that the approval of this project came from
the Committee on a 3 -2 vote, and that the report did not say who
would pay for the insurance on the building. Additionally, Ms.
Hicks inquired why a feasibility study was not done and why ground-
breaking ceremonies were being requested prior to such a study.
She said this study would examine such items as operating costs and
the on -going funding. She questioned the number of antennas that
were planned for the site, the array of those antennas, and
requested that this project be reviewed though the C.U.P. process.
She said she did not object to the museum but inquired if the
antennas could be placed off site. She stressed the necessity of
on -going funding for the Foundation.
Ed Miller, 32015 Searidge, the developer of the Wallace Ranch,
stated that he felt the review process should be required so the
public would know more about the museum, that he had not seen the
construction or the operating budget and suggested there be a five
year plan for the museum. This, he said could be done by the
museum or an outside company. The placement of the structure and
the antennas he felt should go through the full planning process
so people could see the whole project and be aware of the full use
of the museum.
5 JULY 16, 1991
Roy Fulwider, 28219 Hazelridge Dr., questioned the source of the
funding for this project.
Chairman Randall said that a feasibility study had not been done,
however, meetings had been held with the Foundation Board and he
felt that adequate information had been gathered to address the
concerns of the Committee. He said that other locations had been
considered for the antennas but none had been practical for various
reasons.
Ken Dyda, Chairman of the Wallace Ranch Foundation, stated that the
operating funds had not been based on grants but were based on
funds coming from the American Aerial Relay League for a
significant period of time. He said the Foundation had memberships
across the nation and not only in the local community and cited the
museum's use as a disaster communication center for the City. He
said that the Foundation was very conservative in estimating the
operating funds for the first year.
RECESS AND RECONVENE
At 9:20 P . M. the Mayor declared a recess. At 9:30 P . M. the meeting
reconvened.
Lois Larue, .3136 Barkentine Rd,,, stated her objection to the use of
Quimby Funds for this museum and requested that those
Councilmembers who are members of the Radio Operators Association
declare their conflict of interest and not vote on this issue.
Council then discussed the issue of whether this project should be
in the "C" category; if the museum could exist without the
antennas; if space could. be leased at the St. John Fisher Church
site for placement of the antennas and linkage with the museum; the
fact that there are antenna sites leased in the City to provide
services outside of the City; the use of the Amateur Radio Club for
communications during disaster situations; and, the feasibility and
practicality of placing the antennas elsewhere. Concerns next
centered on the financing for the museum and if the City should pay
for some portion of the on -going maintenance cost; and, revision of
the construction costs presented in the staff report. Council then
proceeded to discuss the mechanism whereby this project would be
placed in the Parks Master Plan as a category "C" project and if
the project should be sent to the Planning Commission for a
Conditional Use Permit hearing for the purposes of developing an
institutional use in a residential zone.
Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman Ryan that this
project be added as a Category "C" item to the Parks Master Plan,
to approve in concept the museum as shown in the drawings from the
Foundation, to refer this matter to the Planning Commission for a
hearing and recommendation on the entire use of the museum as well
as the accessory uses; and, that the Planning Commission receive
6 JULY 16, 1991
and consider testimony on potential alternative sites for antennas
and that recommendation be brought back to the Council. The motion
carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: BACHARACH, HUGHES, McTAGGART, RYAN, AND MAYOR
HINCHLIFFE
Staff was requested to prepare a tentative schedule of the hearing
dates of this item before the Planning Commission.
AUDIENCE QUESTIONS:
Roy Fulwider, 28219 Hazelridge Dr., complained about the inadequacy
of roof inspections and the attitude of the inspector.
Parker Herriott, Hermosa Beach, talked about some of the activities
he observed during the signature collection procedure on the recall
petition. He suggested that the City Council attempt to develop
guidelines to control what could be done during the circulation of
petitions.
MORATORIUM EXEMPTION'NO. 45 - 96 YACHT HARBOR (1801)
Mayor Hinchliffe excused himself from deliberations on this matter
since he lives in the vicinity of the exemption request.
The staff report was presented by Director Benard and the
recommendation was to deny the request for Moratorium Exemption No.
45 for an 1,137 square foot addition to a home within the Landslide
Moratorium area.
Assistant Planner Donna Jerex , explained that this project would be
an entirely new structure.
Tor Petterson, 96 Yacht Harbor Dr., the applicant in this matter,
told the Council that he has lived in that area for 25 years and
explained that the floor is not level and it would take a lot of
work to bring it up to code. With the completion of this project
he :said there would still have 62% open space on his property. He
said there would be no additional plumbing fixtures or usage of
water; that he circulated drawings to his neighbors within a 500
foot radius and that nobody is objected to the project; and, that
he will sign a liability waiver.
Speaking in favor of granting this request was Lois Larue, 3136
Barkentine Rd.
Councilman Ryan moved, seconded by Councilman Hughes to approve the
application provided that the applicant submit Variance and Coastal
Permit Applications to the Planning Commission, if the variance is
approved then the applicant's request would be subject to the
conditions listed in Exhibit "A" of the staff report. The motion
7 JULY 16, 1991
carried unanimously.
Staff was requested to prepare a report for the Council listing the
number of exemptions in this area.
LETTER FROM THE CITY OF LAWNDALE REGARDING REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM
(1505 )
The City Manager presented the staff memorandum of July 16th and
the recommendation to review the request from Lawndale regarding a
regional transit system and, if the City was interested in pursuing
the concept, to request that LACTC conduct a marketing study to
determine public interest and demand.
Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman Ryan that this
issue be sent to the South Bay Steering Committee along with a
letter expressing interest in regional cooperation. The motion
carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS:
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Councilwoman Bacharach summarized her meetings with Kay Finer of
the Neighborhood Watch Program for the City of Palos Verdes Estates
and Capt . Mangan of the Sheriff's Dept, After those meetings it
was the general agreement to implement the program in selective
areas of this City and then expand upon those areas.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
At 10:58 P.M. the Mayor declared a recess. At 11:00 P.M. the
meeting reconvened.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS:
GENERAL FUND REVENUE ENHANCEMENT (602)
The City Manager presented his July 16th memorandum and the
recommendation that Council consider the various revenue sources
included in the body of the memorandum and direct staff to begin
the process necessary to have one or more formally.considered by
the City Council and the general public.
Discussion centered on the preparation of a revised budget and the
length of time it would take to prepare such a revision; the impact
of the census cuts on the City revenue; whether a transit occupancy
tax should be placed on the November ballot; if the City could
actively pursue supporting a measure to be placed on the ballot for
revenue raising; when a Parcel Tax would need to take affect and
when the City would start receiving the revenue; and, the need for
speaking to homeowner associations regarding revenue raising
8 JULY 16, 1991
measures.
Councilman Ryan moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to put a
Transit Occupancy Tax on the November ballot. The motion failed on
the following roll call vote:
AYES: RYAN AND McTAGGART
NOES: BACHARACH, HUGHES AND MAYOR HINCHLIFFE
John Sharkey, 30320 Avenida de Calma, read a prepared statement
dated July 16th. (This statement is on file with the City Clerk's
Office.) This statement contained Mr. Sharkey's remarks regarding
what he felt were the issues affecting the City's finances.
Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Rd., cited the cost involved in the
Public Works' Programs.
Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman Hughes to have
staff prepare the two alternative budgets and to schedule a
breakfast meeting for community leaders for sometime in September;
and, that the sole purpose of the discussion at that meeting be the
fiscal situation and solutions.
STATUS OF DIRECTIVES:
Council requested that an item regarding the School Transportation
Progress be added to this report.
Mayor Hinchliffe reported on the approval of the Silver Spur
Widening Project by the School District and their agreement to fund
that widening and also to pay for their share of the Transit Study,
ADJOURNMENT:
At 12:10 P.M. the meeting adjourned on motion of Councilw n
Bacharach, seconded by Councilman McTaggart and carried.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
MIN71691
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9 JULY 16, 1991