CC MINS 19900515M I N U T E S
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 15r 1990
The regular business meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.
by.Mayor Hughes. Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the
flag, roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: McTAGGART, HINCHLIFFE, RYAN, BACHARACH AND
MAYOR HUGHES
Also present were City Manager William F. Cornett, Jr.,
Deputy City Manager Mark Rohloff, Environmental Services
Director Robert Benard, Public Works Director George Wentz,
City Attorney Arrel P. Calonne, Recreation and Parks Director
Mary Thomas and City Clerk Jo Purcell.
CEREMONIAL MATTER Representing the Peninsula
Symphony Association was Mimi
Horowitz who presented Mayor Hughes with that organization's
Baton Award in recognition of the City's continued support of
the symphony
WAIVER OF FULL READINGS Councilman Hinchliffe moved,
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS seconded by Councilwoman
Bacharach and carried 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 reading of the title of
such ordinance or resolution.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved on
motion of Councilwoman
Bacharach, seconded by
Councilman Hinchliffe and
carried.
CONSENT CALENDAR The request from General
Telephone for an Easement on
Civic center grounds adjacent to Hawthorne Boulevard was
postponed until June 6, 1990; the Recycling Grants item was
removed to be heard after the Consent Calendar.
MINUTES Approved the minutes of
April 17, 1990.
ORDINANCE No. 256 - Adopted ORDINANCE No. 256
BURGLAR ALARMS (1204) OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES AMENDING CHAPTER 9.04 OF
TITLE 9 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING
TO BURGLAR ALARMS.
RESOLUTION NO. 90 -31 COASTAL
PERMIT NO. 79 (1804)
DENYING THE APPEAL OF VARIAN+
79, AND EXTREME SLOPE PERMIT
PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL
HARBOR.
Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 90-
31 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OR RANCHO PALOS VERDES
2E NO. 245, COASTAL PERMIT NO.
NO. 18 THEREBY UPHOLDING THE
OF THE PROJECT AT 98 YACHT
RESOLUTION NO. 90 -32 (1) Adopted RESOLUTION NO.
(MAX) BUS PASSES (1505) 90 -32 OF THE CITY OF COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
ESTABLISHING A PETTY CASH FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF MUNICIPAL
AREA EXPRESS (MAX) BUS PASSES. (2) Approved the sale of Max
passes at the Rancho Pains Verdes City Hall. (3) Allocated
$300 to Petty Cash fund of Proposition "A" funds for their
purchase.
CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY - Rejected the claim and directed
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE the City Clerk to notify the
(303) claimant.
SPECIFIC PLAN V - Authorized the Mayor and City
SUBREGION 7 &8) - Clerk to execute a contract
CONTRACT SERVICE (701) with the Keith Companies for
an amount not to exceed
$30,000.
CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY - Rejected the claim and directed
ABDUL ABBASI (303) the City Clerk to notify the.
claimant.
VACATION OF STREET - SEA Referred to the Planning
RAVEN DRIVE (1408) Commission for conformance to
the General Plan.
RESOLUTION NO. 90 -33 - Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 90 -33
AB939 TASK FORCE (1301) OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
CONCURRING WITH THE MEMBERSHIP OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT TASK FORCE.
PV TRANSIT - EXTENDED Approved the extended evening
HOURS (1505) hours on PV transit as a
permanent feature of the
service.
AMICUS PARTICIPATION IN Approved joining in the
SUPREME COURT BRIEFING OF League's friend of Court
CITIZENS OF GOLETA VALLEY VS. Brief.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS (103)
-2- MAY 15, 1990
COUNCIL CHAMBERS AUDIO Directed staff to further re-
SYSTEM (307) view and investigate
alternatives to the proposal
presented and report back in June with final recommendations.
AQUATICS PERSONNEL HOURLY Established the aquatics
RATES (1202) personnel pay ranges as
indicated on the staff report.
(This will be an amendment to Resolution No. 89 -75).
PV TRANSIT - REINSTATEMENT OF Approved reinstating the 24-
A 24 -HOUR ADVANCE RESERVATION hour advance reservation
(1505) service on PV Transit at a cost
not to exceed $5,000 for
FY 90 -91.
REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGREEMENT (1206)
RESOLUTION NO. 90 -34
REGISTER OF DEMANDS
Adopted the agreement as
presented for July 1, 1990
through ,Tune 30, 1995.
Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 90 -34
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: McTAGGART, HINCHLIFFE, RYAN, BACHARACH AND
MAYOR HUGHES
ABSENT: NONE
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PUBLIC HEARING:
RESOLUTION NO. 90 -35 Director Benard presented the
STREET VACATION - TRACT NO* staff memorandum of May 15th
33206 (1408 X 1411) and the recommendation
for denial of the appeal of the
Conditional Use Permit for security gates and approval of the
request to initiate the vacation of the public streets within
the tract, subject to conditions.
Speaking in support of this request to vacate streets. were
the following: Del Freeman, 8 Paseo De Pino; Lawrence Baker
Jr., 10 Paseo De Pino; Florence McTaggart, 6916 Purpleridge
Dr. These speakers requested that the Council allow private
streets and allow a gate to control vehicular access to the
neighborhood. They stressed the issue of crime and referred
specifically to the letter from the Great American Security
which listed the crimes that have occurred in that area since
-3- MAY 15, 1990
December of 1984 when they were hired as security guards
for the tract. (That letter is on file with the City Clerk's
office). Among their other concerns was the adequacy of
parking accommodations in light of the fact that the streets
did not meet the street's standards. They also expressed
their desire for some kind of a traffic control device to aid
the security guard to control incoming traffic and requested
that the Council carry through with their action of November
1982. These speakers stated their preference for a gate but,
at the very minimum felt a horizontal arm would be necessary
to control the flow of traffic.
Speaking on behalf of the Trails Committee was Barbara Dye,
who said that the Committee would like an easement along the
western edge of the tract and suggested an alternative place
would be at the bottom of the open space area along Crest
Road.
Speaking in opposition to the privatization of the streets
was Robert McNulty, (speaking as a private citizen) 19
Mustang Rd., who suggested that perhaps the vandalism was the
result of so many remaining vacant lots. Also speaking in
opposition to this privatization was Marion Smith, 3477
Newridge, who said that she lives very close to the tract and
was not generally in favor of closing streets,
Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman
Hinchliffe to close the public hearing. The motion carried.
Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Mayor Hughes to
deny the request. The motion failed on 3-2 vote with
Councilmembers, Hinchliffe, Ryan and McTaggart voting in
opposition.
Councilman Ryan moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to
adopt the proposed resolution declaring the Council.'s
intention to vacate the street. RESOLUTION NO* 90-35 OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DECLARING ITS
INTENTION TO VACATE STREET RIGHTS OF WAY FOR TRACT 33206 was
read by title and adopted on motion of Councilman Ryan,
seconded by Councilman McTaggart. The motion carried on a
4-1 vote with Councilwoman Bacharach voting in opposition.
Council discussion then focused on several areas of concern
why these streets were not built according to street
standards* the fact that the streets were so narrow that they
could not accommodate intra-traffic; the use of a gate versus
a single arm control devise* if something less unobtrusive
could be used in lieu of the gate- the fact that this area
has a spectacular view and consequently is an attractive
nuisance; and the issue of the increase in crime.
Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Mayor Hughes to
deny the appeal. The motion carried on a 3-2 vote with
Councilmembers Ryan and McTaggart voting in opposition.
-4- MAY 15, 1990
Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Mayor Hughes to
request the Public Works Dept. to determine what it would
take to provide parking adjacent of Crest Road; that staff
negotiate with the homes association the issue of the
location of the Trails Easement; and, that staff investigate
installing a stop sign at the entrance to this development
whether or not the streets are private or public. The motion
carried unanimously.
ITEM REMOVED FROM THE
CONSENT CALENDAR:
RECYCLING GRANTS (1301) Director Wentz
May 15th staff
the recommendation to award $1500 to the Upp
Road Property Owner's Association and reject
applications as submitted by the Pt. Vicente
Strathmore Townhomes Association.
presented the
memorandum and
er Rockinghorse
the grant
P.T.A. and the
Representing the upper Rockinghorse Rd. property owners was
Dory Nance, 51 Rockinghorse Rd., who inquired why her
homeowners group was getting $1500 instead of a $3,000 award.
She explained the beautification project planned for the area
and the fact that this money was going to be used to both
beautify and slurry coat a section of their road.
Council explained that this was the second grant for that
homeowners group in the current fiscal year and that the
funds should be used for the beautification of the entry way.
Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman Ryan to
approve the staff recommendation. The motion carried on the
following roll call vote:
AYES: McTAGGART, HINCHLIFFE, RYAN, BACHARACH AND MAYOR
HUGHES
LEFT TURN PROHIBITIONS Public Works Director Wentz
ON HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD presented the staff memorandum
(1502) of May 15th and recommendation
to deny the request to prohibit
left turns from Hawthorne Boulevard to Shorewood and
Woodbrook Roads.
Expressing concern about the impact this would cause at the
intersection of Silver Spur and Hawthorne was the Mayor Pro
Tem of Rolling Hills Estates Hugh Muller. He expressed
concern for the cost that this would have on the
signalization of that intersection. Traffic Consultant for
the City of Rolling Hills Estates Terry Rodriguez agreed with
the traffic assessment prepared by staff and said that the
major problem would be the stacking distance for the left
-5- MAY 15, 1990
turn lane which could be as much as 11,000 feet during the
peak hours* because of the entrance into Peninsula Center
01
there was no room to extend the left turn pocket. He said
the only way to accommodate additional left turning space
would be to remove the median and modify the traffic signal
and perhaps widen the east side of Hawthorne Boulevard*
The Council suggested that the City of Rolling Hills Estates
lengthen the timing of the signal for traffic going down
Hawthorne Boulevard in the'peak hours. It was the consensus
that the Public Works Director should work with Rolling Hills
Estates Traffic Department to explore this possibility.
Speaking in support of left turn prohibition was Robert
Gibson, 26727 Basswood, who told the Council that the
citizens of upper Basswood were requesting that these left
turn signs be installed. He briefed the Council on the
history of this request back on March 1, 1989. Also speaking
in support of these left turn signs was Eleanor Curry, 26732
Basswood, who told the Council that the real issue was that
residential streets were being used to relieve the traffic
from Hawthorne Boulevard and from the Peninsula Center,
Council inquired if the Traffic Committee had discussed the
possibility of changing the timing on the signal at Silver
Spur and Hawthorne* how difficult it would be to give
priority to north bound traffic on Hawthorne Boulevard during
the morning peak hours; if the control at that intersection
was modern enough to accommodate this kind of signalization;
and, the cost for a- control.
Councilman Ryan moved, seconded by Councilwoman Bacharach to
install left turn prohibition signs effective September 1,
1990 only if the timing of the traffic signal at the
intersection of Silver Spur and Hawthorne cannot be solved.
Additional discussion ensued over whether accommodation could
be reached prior to that date; the practicality of giving
priority to northbound traffic; and, if the modification
of timing on the signal would remove the objection of the
City of Rolling Hills Estates to the left turn prohibitions.
City Attorney Calonne alluded to CEQA requirements and the
possibility that an Environmental Impact Report may be
necessary.
Councilwoman Bacharach withdrew the second and presented a
sutstitute motion that the staff work with the City of
Rolling Hills Estates regarding this signalization issue;
Jr
prepare the necessary E.I.R. prior to September 1, 1990.
Motion carried,
-6- MAY 15 y 1990
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
At 9:32 P.M. the Mayor declared
a recess. At 9-046 P.M. the
meeting reconvened.
AUDIENCE QUESTIONS: Responding to the Mayor's call
for audience questions was
Warren Sweetnam, 7 Top Rail Lane, who suggested that in an
effort to conserve water the City consider using gray
water for irrigation.. A brief Council discussion ensued and
it was debated whether the County Health Dept. would allow
such usage of grey water. It was the consensus that the
staff write a letter to the County Health Dept. and inquire
about these restrictions and why they exist.
Winifred Brtis, 4101 Lorraine Rd., explained to the Council
the conditions that exist at a new home being built at 4100
Lorraine Road* neighbors are concerned because the lot has
been filled and consequently the home will now be at street
level and consequently will block views.
Director Benard gave a brief report on this matter: an
application was received for a single family house on a down
sloping lot, the amount of material involved was less than a
1,000 cubic yards, and there was some cut material removed
from the site. This house is being constructed under the
old rules of the height variation standards, the street
elevation is approximately 100 and the house and the garage
will be built at essentially the street level.
Council inquired if illegal dumping had taken place on this
lot and as a consequence the house was now being built at a
higher elevation.
The consensus was that staff should perform a complete
evaluation of this property and make that information
available to the neighbors and to the City Council
in the weekly status report.
John Beringer, 3412 Seaglen, representing the Rancho Palos
Verdes Council of Homeowners Associations alluded to his
request that Planning Commission meetings be televised and
inquired the status of that request.
Council responded that this item was under consideration
during the budget process.
PROPOSITION "M" IMPLEMENTATION View Restoration Committee
(1801) members Warren Sweetnam and
committee chairman Larry Clark
summarized the draft guidelines and procedures approved by
that Committee on May 3, 1990, and as contained in the
-7- MAY 15, 1990
guidelines and draft procedures dated May 15, 1990. Staff
recommended providing direction regarding the remaining
issues of concern and direction to prepare the appropriate
resolution to adopt view restoration and height variation
guidelines at the June 6, 1990 meeting,
Ed Kennedy, 2713 Vista Mesa Drive, representing the El Prado
Homeowners Association, told the Council that the association
was very pleased with the Committee's guidelines.
Discussion ensued between the Council and the Committee
members and concern focused on the source of information in
determining when foliage originated and if objective
witnesses should prepare written testimony; the adequacy of
written statements by neighbors* if the committee considered
a settlement opportunity between the staff visit and the
committee hearing on the matter; the pros and cons of the
committee members-visiting the site,; whether the property
owner would be responsible for taking pictures of the trimmed
foliage to record its height; the necessity of the applicant
keeping that on record* the view restoration permit process*
if the summary of decision should be sent to the committee
chairman and the City Attorney or to the committee at large;
if the application fee would be adequate to cover the cost of
City Attorney time spent on these applications* and,
clarification of the process whereby the applications would
go from the public hearing process to the decision making
process.
More discussion followed regarding the varying decisions
the committee will be required to address and how each of
these issues will require a different resolution.
The next items discussed were whether, in addition to a
committee recommendation, there should be a staff
recommendation; if there was a definition of a principal
viewing area; and whether there was a limitation on the
number of views that could be taken from a property.
Concern was expressed if the fee structure addressed this
multiple view possibility,
Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman
Hinchliffe to adopt the committee's recommendation for
viewing area and also to require a staff recommendation.
Motion carried unanimously.
The next issue to be discussed was Early Neighbor
Consultation and whether it could be handled the same way
that notification for two-story height variations are
processed* the method of notifying the neighbors and what
would be a reasonable expectation of early neighbor
-8- MAY 15, 1990
notification. Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by
Mayor Hughes to approve the early neighbor consultation as
proposed in the staff report with the addition that the
notice could be mailed by City staff, however, if there is
another way to treat this mailing, staff should try it to see
how it works. Motion carried unanimously.
Neighborhood compatibility was the next issue of
consideration and in particular who would determine the
neighborhood character; who would have the burden of proof on
what would be considered compatible; and, if it should be
presumed that a house of so many square feet would be de
facto compatibility. It was the consensus that the final
version of these guidelines would come back to the Council
for adoption in the form of two resolutions.
ORDINANCE NO* 257 - Director of Recreation and
PUBLIC ART PROGRAM (1201) Parks Mary Thomas presented
the staff memorandum of May
15th and the recommendation to waive further reading and
introduce the Public Art Ordinance and to review the Public
Art Guidelines contained in the draft resolution.
Council inquired-about the adequacy of the threshold of one
million dollars for construction projects that this public
arts program would apply to; the cost that this program would
add to each home; and,; the prohibition on the use of
reproduction of original art works,
Vincent Beggs, representing the Palos Verdes Arts Center,
spoke in support of the adoption of this ordinance.
Council then resumed discussion of the proposed ordinance
and, in particular, clarification of its prohibition on the
use of reproduction of original art works. The consensus
was to amend the ordinance allow reproductions when-approved.
ORDINANCE NO* 257 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING
THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING CHAPTER
15*30 TO ESTABLISH A PUBLIC ART PROGRAM was presented by
title and introduced on motion by Councilwoman Bacharach
seconded by Councilman Ryan with the revision to the use of
reproductions. The motion carried on a 4-1 vote with
Councilman McTaggart voting in opposition.
TRANSPORTATION NEEDS - Director Wentz presented
ASSESSMENT STUDY (1505) the staff memorandum of May
4 - 15th and the recommendation
that the Council authorize a,city-wide transportation
assessment survey and allocation of a total of $19,000 of
Prop. "A" funds.
-9- MAY 15, 1990
Representing Community Transportation Services (CTS) was
Laurie Hunter, who explained that this would be a program to
determine the transportation needs of City residents. She
also said that this assessment will help the City adher to
the mandates of the Air Quality Management District to reduce
the number of vehicles arriving at the work site.
Councilman Hinchliffe moved, seconded by Councilwoman
Bacharach to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion
carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES. McTAGGART, HINCHLIFFEY RYAN, BACHARACH AND
MAYOR HUGHES
DOG LICENSE FEES The City Manager presented
FY 1990-91 (104) the May 15th staff memorandum
and the recommendation (1) That
the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the amended
agreement with the Humane Society for services during FY
1990-91 in the amount of $93,206; and, (2) That the City
Council increase the-dog license fees to $12 and $24 and
increase the late charges to $10 and the impound rates to
$10, $15 and $20 and the boarding rate to $4.
A brief discussion ensued on the amount of subsidy that the
City would be paying. Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded
by Councilman Ryan and carried to increase the subsidy to
10%. Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman
McTaggart and carried to approve this matter for a public
hearing.
WALLACE RADIO RANCH PARK Director Thomas presented the
(1201) staff memorandum of May 15th
and the recommendation of the
Recreation and Parks Committee that the Wallace Radio ranch
Park be added to the Parks Master Plan (Revised October 19,
1989) as an "immediate" priority; and that 1) staff be
directed to work with the Foundation to develop language for
an agreement which would specify the responsibilities of the
City and the Foundation in a joint funding, construction and
operation format, and 2) staff be directed to expedite the
trade of the existing Armaga Springs Park site for-the Mohr
property and the southeastern lot of the Wallace Tract.
Council discussion focused on whether Quimby Funds could be
used for this park in light of the fact there would be
commercial use of the project* if the Mohr property would be
a good location for the antenna,- the fact that if the lot is
sold, the City is back with the original 3 lots* if the lots
are not swapped, the difficulty in public acceptance of
-10- MAY 15, 1990
an antenna on that location; and, if the priority should be
for staff to work on the land swap before anything else.
Councilwoman Bacharach moved, seconded by Councilman
Hinchliffe that the Wallace Radio Ranch be added to the Parks
Master Plan as an immediate priority with the understanding
that the staff be directed to expedite the trade of the
property and come back to the City Council with the results
of their efforts. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 258 - City Attorney Calonne presented
PARTY ORDINANCE (1206) the proposed ordinance.
ORDINANCE NO. 258 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING
THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING CHAPTER 9.24
To ESTABLISH A REIMBURSEMENT MECHANISM FOR EXTRAORDINARY LAW
ENFORCEMENT EXPENSES CAUSED BY UNRULY PARTIES AND GATHERINGS
was presented by title and introduced on motion of
Councilwoman Bacharach, seconded by Councilman Ryan and
carried.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS;
MAX UPDATE (1505) Councilwoman Bacharach
presented a chart showing the
daily ridership of the new MAX line. The suggestion was made
that perhaps the use of jitneys could be used for people who
worked off the current route.
SHORELINE PARK Councilman Ryan requested the
(1201) status of the Recreation and
Parks Committee deliberation of
the acquisition of this park. After discussion of the issue,
Councilman Ryan moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart to
ask the County of Los Angeles for that land; and state that
the City would like to have it either free or under the same
conditions that the City acquired the rifle range. The
motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: McTAGGART, RYAN, BACHARACH AND MAYOR HUGHES
NOES: HINCHLIFFE
It was the consensus that a letter would be sent to
Supervisor Dean Dana under the Mayor's signature.
-11- MAY 15, 1990
ADJOURNMENT, At 1:35 P.M. the meeting
adjourned on motion of
Councilman McTaggart. Said meeting adjourned to Monday,
May 21, 1990. at 6:30 P . M. to interview City Counc i l
candidates.
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ATTEST:
515902 -12- MAY 15, 1990