Loading...
CC MINS 19770201 MINUTES RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING February 1, 1977 The meeting was called to order at 7:55 P.M. by Mayor Buerk at the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Building, 30942 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes. Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, roll call was answered as follows: PRESENT: Councilmen Ruth, Ryan and Mayor Buerk LATE ARRIVAL: Councilman Dyda arrived at 9:10 P.M. ABSENT: NONE Also present were City Manager Leonard Wood, Director of Planning Sharon Hightower, Director of Public Works Dennis Pikus, Administrative Assistant Trish Eby, City Attorney Patrick Coughlan, Community Services Officer Tom Bandy, Administrative Services Officer George Wunderlin and Deputy City Clerk Mary Jo Lofthus. AUDIENCE QUESTIONS: Alan T. Cunningham, 26716 Shorewood Road, requested the Council to investigate the reduction in parking spaces available at the Learning Tree Nursery School. The Director of Public Works responded that after the completion of the work on the bikeway, there would be unlimited parallel parking in the area of the school. AGENDA APPROVAL On motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilman Ruth, and carried, the Agenda was approved as amended, adding discussion of the following: Mayor's foreign travel, South Bay Rapid Transit District, Meeting of South Bay Cities Association, Beach Committee Report, Cullen Bill, Water Conservation and a report on Animal Control. WAIVER OF FULL READING OF Councilman Ryan moved, seconded by Council- ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS man Ruth, and carried, to waive further reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions adopted at this meeting with consent to the waiver of reading to be deemed to be given by all councilmembers after the reading of the title, unless specific request was made at that time for the read- ing of such ordinance or resolution. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilman Ruth moved, seconded by Council,- man Ryan, and carried, that the Consent Calendar be approved. MINUTES Approved,as presented, the minutes of the City Council Meeting of January 18, 1977. RESOL. NO. 77 -10 Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 77-10 - A RESOLUTION INVESTMENT OF INACTIVE FUNDS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO (602 x 1504) PALOS VERDES PROVIDING FOR THE INVESTMENT OF INACTIVE FUNDS IN THE LOCAL AGENCY INVESTMENT FUND OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE TREASURY. APPROVAL OF WATER SYSTEM Approved water system, release of bond and (1409) agreement for Parcel Map No. 1865, # # # # 11 578 ORDINANCE NO. 86 It was moved by Councilman Ryan, seconded by ILLEGAL DUMPING Councilman Ruth, and carried, to waive further (1103) reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 86 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES REQUIRING A $200.00 REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT FOR GRADING PERMITS AND BUILDING PERMITS REQUIRING EXCAVATION, AND PROHIBITING THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH PERMITS FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR TO CONTRACTORS WHO HAVE VIOLATED THIS ORDINANCE, AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE. On roll call vote: AYES: Ryan, Ruth and Buerk NOES: None ABSENT: Dyda STREET SWEEPING CONTRACT The Director of Public Works gave a followr (1405) up report to the Council on his inspection of the new equipment being built by Sweep.- It,Rite, and his discussion with Mr. Robin- son of Sweep-It-Rite of specific problems now being encountered with the street sweeper. Councilman Ryan moved, seconded by Councilman Ruth, and carried, to adopt the staff recommendation to grant Sweep-It-Rite an extension until March 15, 1977 to comply with the contract, and in the interim period the staff will continue to monitor their operations and apply appropriate fines when necessary. There being no objection, the Mayor so ordered. DENSITY TRANSFER The Director of Planning described the concept (701) of density transfer as a means of transferring units of housing between parcels of land. She further explained that the staff was investigat- ing this matter for use in a limited sense, primarily in Area 3. At this point, Council decided to defer discussion of this matter until later in the meeting when Councilman Dyda was expected to be present. There being no objection, the Mayor so ordered. TREE TRIMMING POLICY City Manager Wood briefly discussed the staff (1407) recommendations as presented to the Council at the meeting on January 18, 1977. He recommended that the Council appoint a sub- committee to investigate and study this policy. Mayor Buerk appointed Councilman Ryan and himself to this subcommittee. APPEAL OF NEGATIVE DECLARATION The Mayor apprised the audience that ISSUED ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT discussion of this negative appeal would NO. 310 (MARYMOUNT RACQUET CLUB) be limited to the need for an Environmental (1804) Impact Report for the change in the condi- tional use permit. Director Hightower summarized the background of this appeal on which it was determined that an EIR would not be necessary since the evaluation showed that there would be no significant adverse environmental impact to the subject property or its environs. Representing the appellant, La Cresta Homeowners' Association, was Mr. Russ Schweiger,' 30828 Via La Creata. Mr. Schweiger cited the complaints of residents in the area regarding the lights that were being left on and felt that the club was not living up to the terms of the CUP. He felt that there was sufficient evidence to warrant an EIR and that the club should be restricted to operating as a daytime facility. Council 579 February 1, 1977 Speaking in support of the negative declaration was Mr. Jim Denton, 28511 Meadowmist Drive, and a member of the Peninsula Racquet Club. Mr. Denton said that the requested hours of operation for the club was until 10:00 p.m. and not 11:00 p.m. as reported earlier. He stated that for the record he wished to amend the application to show 10:00 p.m. as the closing time for the Marymount Racquet Club and not 11:00 p.m. Mr. Denton presented to the Council a report which outlined the Club's position relative to an EIR, the reasons why the club felt an EIR was unnecessary and the effect of denying the negative declaration. Also speaking in support of the negative declaration were the following residents of Rancho Palos Verdes and members of the Marymount Racquet Club: Mike Magee, 6219 Scotmist Drive; Tim Hurley, 7206 Avenida Altisma; Deri Casler, 3324 Narino Drive; Nick Moulds, 6532 Verde Ridge Road; Philip Cressor, 6415 Seabring; Arthur Shapiro, 28113 Hazelridge Drive; Dick Meng, 6601 Lautrec. Mr. Schweiger rebutted the proponents comments by questioning the fact that the courts were heavily used and that the lack of lighting reduced the value of memberships. Mr. Barney Nelson, 30756 Via La Cresta, spoke in favor of the appeal, and requested another review of the matter to see if residents were being affected negatively. At 9:10 p.m. Councilman Dyda arrived and was present for the remainder of the meeting. Mr. Denton rebutted by stating that the courts were not in use later in the day because it was difficult for people who worked to get there in time to play during the daylight hours, and turning the lights off at 9:00 p.m. was too early. Councilman Ryan stated that he felt an EIR was unnecessary and suggested the club members try to resolve this with the homeowners. Mayor Buerk stated that because there were mcre representatives present opposing the appeal than supporters, the Council's responsibility was to consider this matter strictly on its merits. He further stated that an EIR should not be used to make more difficult the application process, or to generate more red tape than was necessary. He further reminded the audience that the lack of an EIR had no bearing on the decision as to the application for modification of the CUP and that the Council was only concerned with the decision of the appeal of the negative declaration. Councilman Ryan moved, seconded by Councilman Ruth, and carried to deny the appeal of the negative declaration. On roll call vote: AYES: Ruth, Ryan and Buerk NOES: None ABSTAIN: Dyda Councilman Dyda declared that he would abstain from voting on this matter since he had been absent for most of the discussion. RECESS At 9:25 p.m. Mayor Buerk declared a ten minute recess. At 9:44 p.m. the meeting reconvened with the same members present. VERDE RIDGE BARRIER The Director of Public Works reported (1503) that landscaping bids had been presented to improve the appearance of the barrier at the bottom of Verde Ridge Road. He stated that due to vandalism and the heavy rains which occurred just after planting, the landscaping that was initially put in had been damaged. Mr. Keith Ferguson, 6975 Verde Ridge Road stated that the barrier was unsightly and requested the Council to remedy the situation. Mayor Buerk cited the City's responsibility to install a barrier that would both prevent a runaway car from going into a house, as well as protect the driver of a runaway vehicle. Mrs. Pat Pruitt, 6981 Verde Ridge Road, told the Council that her home had been hit twice by a runaway vehicle. She stated that the residents of the area had not been given the opportunity to get involved in the design of the barrier. Council 580 February 1, 1977 John Gale, Sylvia Rampino, Robert Hsu and Nick Moulds, all residents of Verde Ridge Road, appeared before the Council and stated their dislike of the design and appear- ance of the barrier that was installed. It was the consensus among the residents that they had not been given an opportunity to review its design. Since it was brought out during the discussion that it was possible for children to get between the barrels, Councilman Dyda urged the homeowners to keep their children out of the area until the problem had been resolved. Councilman Dyda then moved, seconded by Councilman Ryan, and carried, that the Mayor appoint a subcommittee of the Council to meet with the homeowners and staff to explore alternatives and report back to the Council. Councilman Ryan suggested that the subcommittee had two jobs: to study the technical soundness of the barrier's design; and, develop a design that was not an eyesore. Mayor Buerk appointed Councilmen Ryan and Dyda to serve on this subcommittee. On roll call vote: AYES: Ruth, Ryan, Dyda & Buerk NOES: None ABSENT: None There being no objection, the Mayor so ordered. Mr. Gale, 6976 Verde Ridge Road volunteered to be the residents' contact with the Council on this matter. CETA TITLE II PROGRAM Administrative Services Officer George (601) Wunderlin reported to the Council that the City's participation in the CETA Title II Program had been extended two months to March 31, 1977. Councilman Ruth moved, seconded by Councilman Dyda, and carried, to approve the amend- ment of the current CETA Title II contract. DENSITY TRANSFER Councilman Dyda thanked the Council for (701) deferring discussion of this matter until his arrival. Councilman Dyda expressed concern that density transfer could be used to circumvent zone changing and the General Plan and felt that the Council should take the responsibility to be specific and provide alternatives as deemed necessary. Councilman Ruth recommended that an ordinance be proposed for density transfer to be approved by the Planning Commission and Council. Such an ordinance with adequate safeguards could be drawn up by the City Attornedy at least for their consideration since it could possible be a beneficial tool to both the Planning Commission and the Council. Mayor Buerk stated that he was not in favor of density transfer across big parcels because this could change the General Plan significantly. He felt that this would make it too easy to change the General Plan, but would like to see it considered in a cluster concept. Councilman Dyda said that he felt it was something that did not have to be considered at this time, but could be considered at a later date. Since Council had no specific desire to consider density transfer at the meeting, staff was directed to put top priority on the completion of the Coastal Specific Plan, including work already done on transfer concepts. PALOS VERDES PENINSULA After Council discussion of participation COORDINATING COUNCIL in April 27th forum being conducted by the (306) Coordinating Council, Mayor Buerk moved, seconded by Councilman Ryan, and carried, to respond to the Council informing them that the City Council would send a represen- tative, but would designate who would be attending at a later time. Council 581 February 1, 1977 REGISTER OF DEMANDS Approved RESOLUTION NO, 77 .9 - A RESOLUTION RESOLUTION NO. 77-9 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $186,479.87, DEMAND NUMBERS 3074 THROUGH 3117. On roll call vote: AYES: Ryan, Ruth, Dyda & Buerk NOES: None ABSENT: None MAYOR'S FOREIGN TRAVEL Mayor Buerk reported on his presentation of the proclamations to the cities of Royan, France and Traunstein, Germany. The City Council of Royan, France will be sending a resolution to the City, and the City Council of Traunstein, Germany presented the Mayor with a proclamation of friendship for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. The Mayor stated that his travel was done at no expense to the City and that hopefully his visit to these countries would contribute to international understanding. SOUTH BAY CITIES ASSOCIATION The Mayor reported that at the last meeting (310) of the South Bay Cities Association, the formation of a separate county was discussed. The cities of Gardena and Lawndale were interested in soliciting a study of this formation by one of the local colleges. El Camino College has quoted a cost of between $6,000.00 and $9,000.00 to conduct an indepth study to determine the economics and look at the appropriate size of county government. At the next meeting of the Association, the members will try to assess what cities want to participate in the study. Since the cost of this study will be shared by the thirteen cities, it was felt that this figure was within the range of possible funding. Mayor Buerk moved, seconded by Councilman Ryan, and carried, that the City use up to $1,000.00 of the previously allocated funds, to have the study done by El Camino College. On roll call vote: AYES: Ryan, Ruth, Dyda & Buerk NOES: None ABSENT: None FORMATION OF SOUTH BAY Mayor Buerk reported on the resolution from RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT the City of Gardena endorsing the formation (1505) of a separate South Bay Rapid Transit District. Such a district would be eligible for funding from UMTA. With expected cutbacks in RTD service, it was felt that the Peninsula and the City would have a better guarantee of service. Councilman Ryan moved, seconded by Councilman Ruth, and carried, that the staff should prepare a resolution to coincide with the resolution from the City of Gardena. There being no objection, the Mayor so ordered, BEACH COMMITTEE Councilman Ryan reported on his meeting (109) with Assemblywoman Ryan and representatives from the State Department of Fish & Game regarding Abalone Cove. The State has provided that Abalone Cove will be set aside as an ecological preserve. Councilman Ryan expressed hope that the preserve would be expanded to consider a wider area, however, an area must be considered "unique" before it can be set aside as a preserve, Assemblywoman Ryan has asked the Department of Fish & Game for the definition of what they consider unique, Council 582 February 1, 1977 CULLEN BILL Councilman Ryan reported on the draft of the (310) Cullen Bill which calls for the breaking up of Los Angeles County into five new counties. WATER CONSERVATION Council discussed the current shortage of water in the State and the possible start of a con- servation program within the City. It was determined that Council should follow the situation and see how it develops. Councilman Dyda suggested that perhaps we could alert the residents to this matter in the next issue of the NEWSLETTER. RAINS' BILL Councilman Ryan reported that Senator Rains (306) had suggested sending letters to Governor Brown and other senators in support of his Bottle Bill legislation. ANIMAL CONTROL Community Services Officer Tom Bandy (104) reported on his attendance at an animal control meeting in Torrance where consider- ation was given to contracting with the Humane Society to provide Animal Control services for the City. Since the City will be renew- ing its animal control contract with the County within the next six months, a decision has to be made on this shortly. A subcommittee is studying the alternatives available and will report their findings to the Council in April or May. REVISED SCHEDULE FOR The Director of Planning reported that the COASTAL SPECIFIC PLAN Planning Department was approximately two (701) weeks behind schedule on the development of this plan. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 11:40 P.M. it was moved by Councilman Dyda, seconded by Councilman Ryan, and carried, to recess to executive session. Council reconvened at 12:45 A.M. with the same members present. PARK CONSULTANT Council authorized the City Manager to (1201) spend up to $1,000 for a parks' consultant. On roll call vote: AYES: Ruth, Ryan, Dyda & Buerk NOES: None ABSENT: None ADJOURNMENT At 12:50 A.M. Councilman Dyda moved, seconded by Councilman Ryan, and carried, to adjourn the meeting. 41. 4( MAYOR 4( LEONARD G. WOOD, CITY CLERK AND EX OFFICIO CLERK OF THE COUNCIL BY O( Or DEP Council 583 February 1, 1977