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CC MINS 19900531 ADJ JNTMINUTES ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION JOINT MEETING MAY 31, 1990 The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Mayor Melvin W. Hughes at Fred Hesse Park Community Building, notice having been given with affidavit thereto on file. PRESENT* BACHARACHr HINCHLIFFEy RYAN, AND MAYOR HUGHES ABSENT: McTAGGART Also present were Planning Commission members Robert McNulty, Peter Von Hagen, Susan Brooks, and Robert Katherman. Staff members present were City Manager William F. Cornett, Deputy City Manager Mark Rohloff, City Clerk Jo Purcell, City Attorney Ariel P. Calonne, Environmental Services Director Robert Benard and Public Works Director George Wentz. TRACT NO* 49067 The Mayor commented that this pre-screening workshop hearing was being held to maximize public review of the project at the earliest feasible time; to focus public review of the issues of greatest significance to the community- provide early, non-binding preliminary suggestions to encourage economically efficient private decisions; encourage communications between elected and appointed officials- and, to implement the General Plan and development regulation compliance. Associate Planner Laurie Jester presented the May 31, 1990 staff report which contained two scenarios for the development of this proposed 24 lot residential planned development. In her overview of the project she described the land use, and major issues such as coastal setback line, density, zoning, lot size, setbacks, grading and geology, views, traffic and circulation, archaeology, drainage, and agriculture. Council inquiries focused on the following: how the coastal setback line was established- clarification of what is allowed in the setback zone; the ratio of lot size versus lot coverage; whether a staff analysis comparing a conventional F tract versus a residential planned development had been prepared; whether there was a correlation between the open If space hazard zone and the coastal setback zone; and, the intended use of the proposed parking lots. Representing Transamerica Realty Services, the developer of this project, was Donald [try, who told the Council that Scheme "B" was the preferred plan because of the improved circulation which they felt was consistent with the intention of the Coastal Plan. He further explained the parking lot location would control runoff which he described as being a positive feature; that the footprints of the proposed homes in the worksheet packet were conceptual- that each of the homes would be individually designed, would be split level. two to four thousand sq. ft. homes and that Transamerica would be developing all of the homes* Further inquiries from the Council dealt with how the design of these homes assured privacy since they were adjacent to Palos Verdes Drive- if various designs had been considered to avoid a privacy problem- and, what amenities existed in this RPD as a trade-off against a conventional subdivision. Also representing Transamerica was their Civil Engineer Ronald Kendricks, 616 W. Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, who addressed the issue of the drainage course near Schooner Drive; the slope of certain lots; access to Palos Verdes Drive South; and, explained how these homes would be located to enhance the view. Bruce Arita, architect for Transamerica, addressed the issue of protection of archaeological sites and artifacts and referred to a 1986 report submitted to the City which reported no evidence of archaeological finds at the project site. He did report, howeverr, that the grading would be monitored for identification of any finds that might be made. Edward Pearson, 4184 Maritime, stated that he lives in close proximity to the project and is a member of the board of directors of the homes association* He explained how Transamerica has kept the neighbors informed of their development plans by conducting two seminars. He said that most of the people attending those seminars were in favor of the project, particularly Scheme "B". He felt that this plan solved the ingress and egress problems of the project and that he would rather see small homes on small lots* John McCarthy, 105 Spindrift, President of the Portuguese Bend Homes Association reported that he has been working with Transamerica and kept abreast of this development and that the homes association was in favor of Scheme "B". He did not agree with the 5 ft. fences adjacent to Palos Verdes Drive South and thought they should be higher- he agreed with the density of the project, however disagreed with any change which would have to go before the Coastal Commission and felt that the moratorium line should be moved. -2- MAY 31, 1990 In response to Council inquiries, Mr. McCarthy stated that the association was concerned about the parking, and gates, and that they preferred single family homes. During additional Council and Planning Commission discussion, the suggestion was made that Transamerica should consider providing the sizes and layout of the footprints of the homes. Concern was expressed about traffic patterns in this area and staff was requested to investigate any concern. Apropos to the issue of traffic, Council inquired about the intersection of the proposed scheme and the benefit in staggering it with the existing intersection. Relative to the guidelines discussed at the RPD workshop, the suggestion was made that this project might be an opportunity to experiment with the guidelines developed at that workshop. Continuing with discussion, concern and inquiries focused on the following: the proximity of the homes and the dense appearance of the project; privacy for the homes that backed up to Palos Verdes Drive South; if a frontage road had been considered to ameliorate the privacy issue- if more information was needed about the archaeological and geological conditions at the site; the fact that the project looked more like a regular subdivision and not an RPD, if staff had taken into account that portion of Proposition 1IM11 that dealt with neighborhood compatibility and how that might affect the house size. Expressing their opinions about this project were the following residents: Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine, stated that she thought this project was not a true RPD, that the landslide in the area was growing and requested that the geology of the area be kept in mind. Chip Zelt, 4100 Sea Horse Lane, stated his support for scheme "B" and single family homes. Barbara Dye, Chair of the Trails Committee, said that the Trails Network Plan calls for a trail along Palos Verdes Drive South. Responding to some of the concerns expressed by the Council and the public, Lyman Lokken, representing Transamerica, explained the construction features used to mitigate the noise for these homes and also stated that-his company has spent three years and over one million dollars on geology studies of the area. He said that it was not their intention to build giant houses and overbuild on the lots; the homes would be custom; that they have not considered building townhouses; that a 7' wide trail adjacent to Palos Verdes Drive South was proposed; and, that he recommended that there be no left turn lane into the existing entrance. Council then continued with discussion of various elements of the proposed project including the setback lines and the fact -3- MAY 31, 1990 that staff should look at a.planned development with zero lot lines in exchange for providing larger setbacks and more usable setbacks especially in considering the houses that back on to Palos Verdes Drive South. With regard to the Coastal setback line, Council stressed the importance of staff identifying inconsistencies that may exist in the code; the importance of preserving the view from Palos Verdes Drive South- and the fact that staff should be sensitive to the issue of view and visual aspects of the project from the road and views from homes across Palos Verdes Drive South. On the issue of traffic circulation, and adding additional conflicts on Palos Verdes Drive South, Council expressed concern that it be examined by the Traffic Committee prior to being brought to Council. Concern was expressed that nothing be done to exacerbate the existing drainage conditions. Alternative layouts using a frontage road should be explored and maintenance and access to isolates slopes on the lots needs to be addressed. Discussion of this project concluded with staff reporting that this matter would now go to the Planning Commission for their review. RECESS & RECONVENE At 10-055 P.M. the Mayor declared a recess. At 11:10 P.M. the meeting reconvened. FISCAL YEAR 1990-91 BUDGET Captain Dennis Gillard from the Lomita Sheriff's station summarized the background on the Multi- jurisdictional Criminal Apprehension Program which was developed in 1977. Based upon the cost of the program and benefits derived from it, he recommended that the City not continue to participate in this program. City Attorney Budget -Deputy City Manager Rohloff reviewed the legal services budget and reported that based on the City's demand for legal services in previous years, a 10% increase in charges for legal services is expected for the forthcoming year. Council discussion focused on the pros and cons of whether to have an in-house attorney or to continue with the present arrangement; and, if billing for the attorney services should be spread over the departments. City Clerk Purcell clarified various areas of her budget in response to Council questions. Neighborhood Watch - In their review of this budget Council recommended that the City should get somebody from the community to provide this service. -4- MAY 31, 1990 Salary Survey - Council made inquiries regarding the implementation of a cost of living increase and whether it should be done at the start of the fiscal year or delayed until the completion of the suggested salary survey. It was the consensus that staff should prepare an RFP for such a survey. Council Compensation - Council discussed benefits and salary for councilmembers and the cost for such items. It was the consensus that this item be placed on the July 3rd agenda* 4 ADJOURNMENT# ATTEST* At 11-030 P.M. the meeting adjourned on motion of Councilman Ryan and carried., F PF '*-MAYOR /F 0 -5- MAY 31, 1990