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CC MINS 19900122 ADJM I N U T E S RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 22, 1990 The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. by Mayor Pro Tem McTaggart at Miraleste High School Theater Arts Building, 29323 Palos Verdes Dr. East. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, roll call was answered as follows: PRESENT: McTAGGART, HINCHLIFFE AND BACHARACH ABSENT: RYAN AND MAYOR HUGHES Also present were City Manager Dennis McDuffie, Deputy City Manager Mark Rohloff, Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Recreation and Parks Director Mary Thomas and City Clerk Jo Purcell. Barbara Dye, Chairwoman of the Trails Committee, presented the following members of the Committee: Sunshine, Jean Longacre, Andrew Bonacich, Anke Rau and Judy Schnerk. Ms. Dye said that the revised plan guarantees that;the current trails will not be lost in the future, but that the plan is not a guide to the existing trails. Ms. Dye explained that the trails in the Plan are addressed individually, and are described with respect to: (1) route (2) status (3) standards (4) uses (5) access. Ms. Dye stressed the fact that, all trails are conceptual. Ms. Dye then reviewed: (1) actions that are included in the trails implementation; (2) the procedures for requesting an amendment to the Trails Network Plan; (3) the annual public workshop on trails, and (4) the "Trails Action Plan" for trail development in succeeding years. She then summarized the trails issues which have been identified in the course of the Trails Committee's efforts to prepare the recommendation for a conceptual trails network. The first issue addressed in the trails issues document is whether the City should have a trails system. Ms. Dye noted that the pros and cons of this and other key issues have been summarized in the trails issues document, along with comments from the Public Works and Environmental Services Department reviews, copies of all written testimony received, and minutes of the Public Workshops held. Motion was made by Councilwoman Bacharach, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McTaggart and carried to allow speakers on general issues. Daniel Bence, 27533 Longhill, expressed his admiration for the amount of work that was conducted by the Trails Committee. He was of the opinion that the idea of deve'oping a trail system throughout the City was a very progressive one. Joseph Slap, 42 Cresta Verde Drive, pointed out that he has spent a lot of time in area schools lecturing on related issues and the young people are impressed with the idea of learning about nature via the use of trails. Mr. Slap also noted the therapeutic benefits of taking walks along trails by improving one's health and outlook, and added that as a resident of Rolling Hills Estates, he would be willing to lend financial support so the residents of Rancho Palos Verdes would not have to bear the cost of trails alone. Barbara Ailor, 1052 Via Palesta, expressed support for the Trails Committee's recommendations. Jeane Burke, 2821 Via Segovia, representing the Palos Verdes Peninsula Coordinating Council and the PVP Bikeways Program, was in support of bicycle paths for both recreation and utility uses. She commended the Trails Committee for the bicycle system, but felt it was not extensive enough, and recommended planning for lanes, paths and an interlocking system. Barbara Gleghorn, representing the League of Women Voters, commended the trails Committee, the City Council and the City staff for the thorough review of the possibilities delineated in the report for implementation of a system of trails and bikeways. On behalf of the League, Ms. Gleghorn urged the Council to adopt the proposed resolution. Ed Kennedy, 2713 Vista Mesa Drive, representing E1 Prado Estates Homeowners Association, commended the Trails Committee, but felt that the majority of existing trails are illegal off-road vehicle tracts. He urged maintenance of Pedestrian and Category V trails only. Brad Veek, 30523 Santa Luna Drive, representing E1 Prado Estates Homeowners Association, joined Mr. Kennedy in commending the Trails Committee and in expressing disfavor for trails that invade the privacy of residents. Don Ferrera, 6301 Via Ciega, was concerned about trails impinging on the rights of property owners. -2- JANUARY 22, 1990 Ken Slade, 2334 Sparta, representing an informal group of Sparta Drive homeowners, addressed the fact that the trails concept does not fit in all areas because of the differing topography. He was concerned that some trails would provide access for burglars, and requested that the issue of fire insurance be investigated as a potential expense. Lawrence Horan, 28 Narcissa Drive, expressed his appreciation to the Trails Committee, and hoped that off-road bicycle paths would be included in the Plan. BIKEWAYS ELEMENT At this point, Ms. Dye reviewed the conceptual recommendation for bikeways, the first phase to revise the City's Trails Network Plan. She noted that each bikeway in the "Conceptual Recommendation" is addressed in terms of street segment, and each recommended bikeway is described with respect to route, type, status and access. She then presented an explanation of each. Caroline Jenney, 5905 Ironwood, discussed bikeways in the coastal zone, off-road bikeways, and specifically, the bikeway in the Agua Amarga area. Bernard Kenner, 26711 Fond Du Lac Road, representing the Palos Verdes Hostel Club, supported the general work done by the Trails Committee, but added that he would like more additions to both on and off-road bicycle paths. He also urged the inclusion of a bluff -top bicycle trail. Tara McGuinness, 1363 Summerland, representing the PVP Bikeways Committee, commended the Trails Committee's bikeways proposal for meeting the functional needs of the community. She also briefly reviewed the California legislative regulations for establishment of bikeways. Fran Wielen, 16 Seaview Drive South, representing the PV Hostel Club, hoped that the City of Rolling Hills Estates would assist Rancho Palos Verdes in the bikeways issue. She also asked for inclusion of a bluff top bicycle path, if possible, including implementation of striping and signage. Director of Environmental Services Benard then addressed the geology of the coastal setback and reviewed the guidelines for the development standards in Subregions 1 and 2. Kurt Loheit, 744 36th Street, representing COBRA, addressed the concern that off-road bicycles cause considerable trail erosion, and pointed out that off -road bikes do not cause anymore erosion than normal usage bikes, and he stressed through education most of the situation can be controlled. -3- JANUARY 22, 1990 He added that already designated bicycle paths and limiting off-road bicycle users to pavements negates the use of off- road bikes. Mr. Loheit also said the Trails Committee recommendation was distressing to him, but he was willing to help with any issues the committee wished. EQUESTRIAN ACCESS TO COASTAL ZONES Ms. Dye briefly addressed the issue of equestrian access to coastal zones, and reviewed proposals for trails south and west of Palos Verdes Drive South. She added that the Palos Verdes Peninsula has a long history of equestrian trails which provide access to every section of the Peninsula, and listed all the equestrian trails which intersect eight non - equestrian zones, grouped by general categories. Ms. Dye noted that the Trails Committee recommended continued equestrian access to the beach at Sacred Cove. In several cases, the designation of the trails as equestrian may be dependent upon safe access from other equestrian trails. Lee Argabright, 2289 Sparta Drive, expressed concern about the Category V trails, particularly where private properties would be affected. He was opposed to bringing equestrian trails into certain areas where the terrain is fairly steep and rugged. He also said several of his neighbors have expressed opposition to trails through their backyards. His prime opposition was the manner in which the City acquired title for some of the equestrian trails. Dan Blatt, 29225 Stonecrest road, was opposed to the Trails Committee's recommendations and also noted his opposition to bringing an equestrian trail across Crenshaw Boulevard, Indian Peak and Crestridge to link with trails in Rolling Hills Estates because safe crossings cannot be achieved. A five minute recess was taken at 9:35 P.M. Dale Rodman, 12 San Clemente Drive, representing Island View Homeowners Association, presented a letter which expressed the Association's opposition to the G2 and H3 proposals for equestrian trails. TRAIT. STREET INTERSECTIONS Ms. Dye reviewed the Trails Committee's recommendations for trails which must cross streets. She said that whenever possible, trails have been routed so they cross streets at intersections or controlled crossings. In cases where this has not been practical, the committee has recommended that provision be made for designated crossing points. The Planning and Public Works Departments have both recommended rerouting trails so they cross streets at existing crossing points. -4- JANUARY 22, 1990 T.R. Thompson, 28043 Santona Drive, representing the PV Hostel Club, recommended the addition of appropriate bicycle trails. He was also in favor of paved, maintained bicycle lanes that will be used by most categories of bikers. Alfred Sattler, 2235 W. 25th Street, commended the Trails Committee for its recommendations and trails plan. Mr. Sattler asked that care be taken that trails are not established in landslide areas, and the recommendation that any bluff top trails be well maintained. David Pierson, 4 Lariat Lane, representing the Rolling Hills Estates P & R Committee, felt that the trail system was an important asset in the community because of its contributions to the rural ambience. Bernard Rosenbaum, 27137 Woodbrook Road, said any decisions on this issue should be made by the residents. He was also concerned about invasion of privacy and fire hazards by having trails near backyards, and was concerned about animals leaving the area. SECTION 2 TRAILS FLAMBEAU 'TRAIL - Donald Drews, 5826 Flambeau Road, excused himself from speaking because his comments had already been made by other speakers. Philip Snyder, 27102 Woodbrook, stated that he was vehemently opposed to Category 5 trails. Dennis McIntyre, 27111 Woodbrook, representing Woodbrook road Homeowners Association, was also opposed to the Category 5 trail and questioned to what extent does Section 831.4 immunize the City from liability. He urged the Council to delete this trail from the plan. Corrine Anderson, 26605 Grayslake, compared the trail with her easement, which she said, is currently filled with debris left by strangers and represents a danger to children in the neighborhood. She then asked that the Council remove this trail from the conceptual plans. Mark Payne, 26608 Lightfoot Place, read a prepared statement which clarified his opposition to the Category 5 trail. Mr. Payne was in favor of limited access to the H5 area and urged the Council not to approve the Grayslake trail. -5- JANUARY 22, 1990 SECTION 3 Ms. Dye described Trail B3 and noted that the intent of this trail is to minimize any impacts on residents. Joellen Alflen, 24 Misty Acres road, representing Ranch homeowners (Equestrian Trails) Committee, asked for a trail that would provide access across Crest Road. SECTION 4 Ms. Dye discussed the trails contained in this section, which include trails which form a loop around Shoreline Park, trails linking Portuguese Bend with the trail along Palos Verdes Drive South, and the Shoreline Park loop. Ed Kennedy, 2713 Vista Mesa Drive, representing E1 Prado Estates Homeowners Association, noted that none of the property owners he has talked to would favor a trail going through their backyards. Paula Moore, 30339 Kingsridge Drive, registered her opposition to the F6, Section 4 trail and noted that she was never notified of these trails having such potential impact on the homeowners. She urged the Council to carefully weight the impact of this trail. Keith Reynolds, 30745 Tarapaca Road, was in general agreement with the goals of the Trails Committee, but he was opposed to trails F5, G4 and F6 and asked that they be deleted entirely from the conceptual plan because they are of no benefit to the public trails network in the area. Daniel Zuliani, 30517 Santa Luna Drive, was not against trails in principle, but he felt that the residents should make the final dec i s ions . Holly Cain, 52 Avenida Corona, representing La Vista Verde Homeowners Association, was also opposed to trail G5, Section 4. Joe Sheridan, said he was originally in favor of trails, but did not realize that trails would be going through his backyard. Brad Veek, 30523 Santa Luna Drive, President of E1 Prado Estates Homeowners Association, noted his opposition to the backyard trail and the confusion between Category 4 and Category 5 trail. He asked the Council to delete the G4, F5, F6 and G5 trails from the conceptual plans. -6- JANUARY 22, 1990 Bob Kerwin, had no objection to the trails plan as proposed, but he was confused about the G4 trail being in Category 4 or Category 5. He was also concerned that clearing the under- brush and about fire danger. He recommended that trail G4 in Section 4 be removed from the conceptual plans. Don Ferrera, 6301 Via Ciega, commended the Trails Committee for the work in preparing the plan, but voiced his opposition to the point to point trail and asked that the trail be removed from the recommendations. Winnie Brtis, 4101 Lorraine Road, Director of Miraleste Parks and Recreations, was not in favor of trails other than the ones that already exist. SECTION 5 Ms. Dye explained that a meeting with residents of the area through which this portion of the Palos Verdes Loop Trail passes has led to the recommendation for three alternate routes for the trail. John Croll, 24 Rockinghorse Road, noted the financial impact of this trail on the residents, and expressed concern about potential fire damage and crime. He was in favor of preserving the rural atmosphere of the area, and he was opposed to opening the area to public trails. U.E. Schuback, 15 Golden Spur Lane, agreed with Mr. Croll and also expressed concern about liability, crime, privacy for the residents, and monitoring of the trails. Charlene O'Neill, was in favor of the Headland Drive trail and thanked the Trails Committee for its work over the past few years. Motion was made by Councilwoman Bacharach, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McTaggart to recommend removal of the H1 Section 2 trail. Motion carried. Motion was made by Councilwoman Bacharach, seconded by Councilman Hinchliffe to place all trails on Miraleste Park and Recreations property in Category 5. Motion carried. Motion was made by Councilman Hinchliffe, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McTaggart to remove Trails G4, G5 and F5 in Section 4 from the conceptual plans. Motion carried. Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem McTaggart to remove the Crestridge Trail -- B2: Section 2. Motion failed for lack of a second. -7- JANUARY 22, 1990 Motion was made by Councilman Hinchliffe, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McTaggart to. change trail E4 to Pedestrian./Equestrian use. Motion carried. Motion was made by Councilwoman Bacharach, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McTaggart to adopt Resolution No. 90-03 A RESOLUTION OF -THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO* 597 AND ADOPTING PHASE ONE OF THE CITY'S TRAILS NETWORK PLAN., Motion carried. ADJOURNNENT There being no further business., adjourned as amended to January 0 ATTEST* the meeting was duly 30, 1990 at 5,30 P.M. AAY16R 812298 -8- JANUARY 22, 1998