CC MINS 19890807RANCHO PALOS VERDES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND WORKSHOP
AUGUST 7, 1989
PRESENT: Mayor Bacharach, Members Hughes, Ryan, McTaggart and
Hinchliffe
Also present were City Manager Dennis McDuffie, City Attorney
Ariel Calonne, Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard,
and Finance Director Kevin Smith*
The meeting was called to order at 7:34 p.m. by Mayor Bacharach,
who announced that this was a workshop for the City Council for
discussion of three items: view protection measures; development
of subregions 1, 2 , 7 and 8, and report on the status of the golf
course. After discussion, the council would then take public
testimony.
Ariel Calonne discussed his August 5, 1989 letter which included
the final technical revisions of the "Rancho Palos Verdes Council
of Homeowners Associations and City Council Cooperative View
Preservation and Restoration Ordinance.
Councilman Hughes reported that the City Council agreed to hold
harmless and defend the Rancho Palos Verdes Council of Homeowners
from and against any claim or cause of action brought against the
Association as a result of the City's use of the Association's
name in the Cooperative View Preservation and Restoration
Ordinance. Councilman Hughes added that the City Attorney had
made some grammatical changes to the Ordinance, parentheses had
been added to all sub - paragraphs, and the internal text agrees
with the paragraph numbering.
Councilman Hughes also discussed the issue of the City's
liability by entering into a hold harmless agreement, which would
ease the Association's concern about the use of their name on the
ballot. City Attorney Calonne also agreed that there was
essentially no liability in entering into the hold harmless
agreement.
Discussion followed regarding the appropriateness of the word
"cooperative" in the title of the ordinance. Concern was raised
as to whether the second proposition should state that it was a
cooperative measure.
Motion was made by Councilman Hughes and seconded by Councilman
McTaggart to authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement to hold
harmless the Rancho Palos Verdes Council of Homeowners regarding
the use of the Association's name in the Cooperative. View
Preservation and Restoration Ordinance. Motion carried.
-1- August 7f 1989
City Manager McDuffie discussed the objectives of reviewing the
status of building proposals along the coastline, which would
involve recommending a processing procedure, a network of Council
sub-committees and public workshops, and stated that the
Council's direction would be sought throughout the process*
Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard presented a
status of the major pending proposals that are scheduled along
the coastline which the Staff has been considering over the past
several monthse
Mr. Benard reviewed the development alternative proposals for the
following projects in detail: Subregion 1, Long Point, Subregions
7 and 8.
Regarding Subregion 1, Mr. Benard noted that the applicant is
proposing both a residential and a residential/golf design
alternative for this site.) The City Council has authorized the
VMS team to proceed with preparation of the Specific Plan and
EIR. The applicant has submitted an Environmental Assessment,
and a Notice of Preparation for the EIR has been distributed*
The two design alternatives and completion of a screencheck draft
EIR to address the specific plan are being worked on by VMS.
On the Long Point project, Mr. Benard noted that applications
have been submitted for a destination resort hotel and conference
center. The applications submitted are: a conditional use
permit, coastal permit, grading permit, and sub-division and
environmental assessment* An EIR is currently being prepared,
and Staff is reviewing a draft screencheck copy and expects that
the official Draft EIR will be circulated for public comment for
45 days around mid-September. Public hearings will be scheduled
for the EIR and the development applications subsequent to the
completion of the circulation period*
Mr. Benard stated that the proposal for Subregions 7 and 8,
include mixed commercial, recreational and residential use.
Barry Hon was authorized to move forward with preparation of a
specific plan proposal and Draft EIR in the Spring of 1988.
Several preliminary workshops have been held by the City Council,
Planning Commission, Trails Committee and Traffic Committee to
obtain public reaction to the land use proposal submitted by Mr.
Hon. The Zuckermans have also submitted a draft specific plan
proposal. Both proposals were reviewed by Staff and returned to
the proponents for modification prior to public release* It is
anticipated that the EIR will be released around Novembero
Release of this Draft EIR and the draft specific plan proposals
is intended to trigger another round of public review, including
workshops, open houses and public hearings around the beginning
of the year.
-2- August 7, 1989
Mr. Benard also reviewed the processes that are undertaken in
order to refine the issues involving the major coastal
development projects, and he requested Council guidance and
involvement in areas of land use, environmental and f iscal
impacts, financial feasibility, and in particular, Council
reaction to the concept of allowing the environmental
review /documentation for each project to lead the review process
to identify impacts, thresholds of significance, and public
concerns prior to finalization of project plans and formal
project review.
Regarding the golf course proposal, Mr. Benard presented a
memorandum from Economics Research Associates which outlined the
policies of several resort hotels in establishing tee times at
adjacent golf courses. ERA has determined that there is no
specific policy or procedure in establishing a reservation
policy. Mr. Benard informed the Council that information
provided by Robert Trent Jones also indicates that there is no
standardized formula for establishing guaranteed tee times for
resort hotels.
Mr. Calonne then discussed the City's authority to impose a
specific plan on the landowners and the requirements for
landowner consent on a specific plan. He noted that the time
frames as presented are feasible and well intended, but he did
not want to put too much weight on a specific schedule. Mr.
Calonne added the advantages of separating Subregion 1 from
Subregions 7 and 8, and stated that he was in favor of
cooperating with the project proponents to get project extensions
should this become necessary. He also stated he was in favor of
structuring the EIR process to include advance environmental
review that would allow the community the opportunity to discuss
what they would deem to be significant impacts , and of a phasing
program of land use regulation to meet the community's demands
and which would meet the community's ability to handle the
developments.
City Attorney Calonne recommended the formation of sub - committees
that would have the responsibility for coastal issues.
Director of Environmental Services Benard noted that Staff has
had communication with the Coastal Commission regarding the
coastal specific plan for Sub - regions 7 and 8.
Council members discussed Mr. Calonne' s proposal regarding the
EIR process, land use intensity, and changes to the projects
before triggering revision of the EIRs.
Mayor Bacharach stated that if the Council was agreeable to the
idea of sub- committees, she would welcome comments from the
Council regarding the choice of these committees and would make
appointments to them at a subsequent meeting.
-3- August 7, 1989
City Manager McDuffie noted that the Council had directed him to
review the City Hall site to determine its feasibility as a golf
course. As a result, it was determined that one , could be placed
on the site.
Mr. McDuf f ie stated that the Council also asked for an
independent review of the financial and economic viability of the
proposed golf course. Staff met with the developers and received
a positive reaction from the developers; also, the County has
been contacted for their ideas on the golf course.
Director of Environmental Services Benard pointed out that the
amount of grading and earth moving would be minimized and the
area would be kept as natural as possible to maintain the natural
habitat and to maintain the ecology of the area adjacent to the
fairway. Mr . Benard added that four vertical access points could
be incorporated within the conceptual proposals. He also
discussed the parking plans that have been developed.
Diane O'Brien of Economic Research Associates, reviewed the
priority of uses that the Coastal Commission reviews and
clarified that the golf course would be considered public access.
Mr. Kirkorian of Economic Research Associates announced that tax
exemptions may be used and the City would issue those bonds. The
report from ERA was predicated on those assumptions.
City Attorney Calonne referred to his August 7, 1989 memorandum
to the City Council which summarized his inquiries into both the
feasibility of, and processing requirements for, modification of
the existing Point Vicente /City Hall Site program of utilization
to include a municipal golf course. The application instructions
for federal real property, which was prepared by the National
Park Service, was included with the memorandum. He recommended
initiation of a process to develop environmental documentation
procedures associated with the City Hall golf course site in
order to control the process the Council can use in managing
these development projects*
In discussing the federal level of detail required, Mr. Calonne
suggested starting the environmental process, but holding off
with the application on the City Hall site until a better concept
is obtained on the applications for Long Point and Subregion 10
Council members then discussed holding developers VMS /Anden to
their commitments, and getting environmental and financial
details resolved with the various parties in an expeditious
manner.
A recess was taken from 9:30 p.m. until 9:37 p.m.
-4- August 7, 1989
Phil Robinson, 3205 Barkentine Road, requested that the Council
adopt the credo for coastal development in Rancho Palos Verdes
which he presented.
Kay Conrad, 28649 Crestridge Road, representing the League of
Women Voters, noted that the League has always advocated the
preservation of open space, in particular space for public use.
She pointed out that those who would benefit the most from the
golf course would be only one small segment of the recreation
population, that joggers and bicyclists should also be allowed to
use the facility.
Maude Landon, 34 Santa Barbara Drive, expressed concern about the
golf course as it is presently proposed because it lacks public
access and coastal open space areas. She cited sections of the
Coastal Specific Plan which define the coastline as a locally
defined public resource. She stated she was in favor of a -
blu f f top road and headlands, because not enough of the
population would be allowed views of the coast.
David Roche, 1884 Peninsula Verde drive, inquired whether the
City had ever considered having an open air swimming pool.
Paul Conrad, 28649 Crestridge, discussed the issue of open space
and noted that the best and most effective way to use open space
land would be to use it as a golf course because it satisfies the
development criteria economically.
Kay Bara, 1 Peppertree Drive, disagreed that the golf course
would be a good idea, with the recommended financial proposal,
and did not think that the City should become venture
capitalists.
Ruth Carter, 7344 Via Lorado, agreed with Mr. Robinson's credo,
and asked about undercrossings and overpasses for residents. She
also addressed the issue of over - development and growth on the
peninsula.
Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, read a letter to the editor of
the Peninsula News which was written by Gar Goodson, which
expressed disagreement with the golf course proposal.
Cathy Manning, 29438
protect as much open
Chris Manning, .29438
should there be cost
course. He was also
profound impacts upo;
environment.
Qua ilwood, requested that the Council
space as possible.
Quailwood, questioned who will bear the risk
overruns in the development of the golf
concerned that the EIR does not address the
n the land as well as on the natural
-5- August 7, 1989
Alan Carlan, 4951 Rock Valley Road, was concerned about the
deteriorating quality of life for the community because of
development in the City, and stated that a golf course would not
be suitable for the average resident of Rancho Palos Verdes. He
proposed that the proposal be submitted to a ballot and that
approval by the residents should precede federal approval.
Joel King, 6919 Maycrof t , strongly cautioned the Council in
proceeding with the golf course proposal.
Roy Fulwider, , stated his approval of the golf course proposal.
Muriel Titzler, 3 Ginger Root Lane, also approved of the golf
course proposal, but she was in favor of adding community
resources that would be available to teenagers and young adults.
Larry Clark, 3354 Corinna Drive, representing the Council of
Homeowners Association, announced that the Council of Homeowners
have formed a focus sub - committee to address the use of open
space with respect to golf course development in the city. The
City Council will be informed of sub - committee's developments and
findings.
Upon conclusion of the public testimony, Mayor Bacharach
summarized the situation as it currently stands with regard to
development. She stressed that there has only been one specific
application for Long Point, the others are for specific plans.
Mayor Bacharach asked the audience to share their views with the
City Council and with the Staff, and reviewed the major issues
that will follow.
Mayor Bacharach announced that the golf course section of the
meeting was concluded.
Attention was again focused on the view initiative, and City
Attorney Calonne reviewed Resolution No. 89 -81 and amended
Section 1 of the Resolution to read as follows:
A. Shall the ordinance entitled view
protection and preservation ordinance
be adopted?
B. Shall the ordinance entitled Rancho Palos
Verdes Council of Homeowner Associations and
Cooperative City Council View Preservation
Ordinance be adopted?
Motion was made by Mayor Bacharach and seconded by Councilman
Hughes to adopt Resolution 89 -81 as amended. Motion carried.
-6- August. 7, 1989
A"DJ'OURTMENT
The meeting was duly adjourned at 11:10 p.m. to August 15, 1989,
7:30 p.m., Dodson Junior High School.
ATTEST:
A- -4 1-2 C16/-
(7 MAYO
-7- August 7, 1989