RDA MINS 19940418 ADJ M I N U T E S
RANCHO PALOS VERDES REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
I/ ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 18, 1994
The meeting of the Rancho Palos Verdes Redevelopment Agency was
called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairman Steven T. Kuykendall at
Ladera Linda Community Center, 32201 Forrestal Drive. Following
the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, roll call was answered as
follows:
PRESENT: BYRD, LYON AND CHAIRMAN KUYKENDALL
ABSENT: NONE
LATE ARRIVAL: BROOKS AND McTAGGART AT 7: 10 p.m.
Also present were Executive Director Paul Bussey, City Attorney
Carol Lynch, City Clerk Jo Purcell, and Public Works Director Trent
Pulliam.
PRESSURE SEWER SYSTEM DESIGN FOR ABALONE COVE AND PORTUGUESE BEND
Executive Director Bussey presented the staff memorandum of April
18, 1994 and the following recommendations: Confirm the findings
that the pressure sewer system with grinder pumps is the best
alternative in the Abalone Cove and Portuguese Bend areas and
direct staff to prepare the necessary environmental documentation
for the sewer systems.
Dr. Perry Ehlig, City Geologist and member of the Technical Panel
of Experts, explained the need for sewers in the landslide areas
and why the panel has recommended the pressure sewer system with
grinder pumps. Displaying a large map of the area, Dr. Ehlig
pointed out specific subareas of concern.
Advising that Dr. James Slosson was unable to attend the meeting,
Executive Director Bussey read a letter from Dr. Slosson stating
his opinion that the conversion to sewers is imperative to the
success of the attempted abatement of the landslide activity. His
professional recommendation is to construct a modern, cost-
effective sewer system and abandon the ineffective private sewage
disposal or septic system.
Mr. John Barnes, Vice President of Consoer Townsend Associates,
described the firm's background and capabilities for performing
this type of study.
Mr. Richard Foss, Consoer Townsend Senior Associate, described the
approach used in the study. The five types of sewers available for
consideration were identified and compared, selection criteria
analyzed in relation to the terrain and characteristics of the
area, pipe materials and discharge location alternatives compared.
Preliminary designs for 19 subareas were developed and combined
into a full service area preliminary design. A cost-effectiveness
analysis was performed, resulting in findings that all systems were
virtually equal in cost. Based on its suitability to hilly
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terrain, adaptability to a slide area, environmental issues,
operational reliability, and maintenance history, a system of
pressure sewers with grinder pumps throughout the area was
recommended, with discharge to the County pump station via force
main. The location of each pump would be discussed with the
homeowners, and probably would be near existing septic tanks, which
would be retained. Disposal pits would be abandoned and filled.
Shallow buried PVC pipe would be used in stable areas, with above-
ground steel pipe in the slide areas. Sewer diameters would be 2-
inch to 4-inch.
In reply to Member McTaggart's inquiry regarding the use of plastic
lining to extend the life of the steel pipes, Mr. Foss explained
that the lining is not necessary with a pressure system, and the
overriding reason for steel pipes is mechanical protection. The
steel pipes cannot be vandalized or damaged by cars.
In response to a question from the Board regarding a loss of power,
Mr. Foss replied that there are 30 gallons of storage in the tank
of each residence, which would last for a while. However,
residents would not be able to use their dishwashers and washing
machines, in case of a prolonged power outage, the County provides
emergency pumping services.
Executive Director Bussey stated that the City had hired the firm
of Floyd Browne & Associates to review the Consoer Townsend
proposal and provide an opinion as to the recommended system. He
introduced Mr. Dave Stuart, Manager of Environmental Engineering
for FBA, who provided the background of his firm and reported that
after some revisions were made to the cost estimate, the firm
basically agreed with the system proposed. He added that the use
of a pressure system rather than a gravity system is much less
disruptive to the environment. The Floyd Browne Associates report
entitled "Review of the Pressure Sewer Design for Abalone Cove and
Portuguese Bend, " dated February 2, 1994, is on file with the City
Clerk's office.
Ms. Sharon Hegetschweiler, speaking as President of the Portuguese
Bend Community Association, testified that the PBCA hired the firm
of D.T.R. to review the Consoer Townsend design and the Floyd
Browne & Associates opinion. She said that Steve Thompson of DTR
came up with 11 pages of comments on the plan.
Mr. Steve Thompson identified DTR as a civil engineering firm in
Ventura. Expressing basic concurrence with the predesign report
recommendations, he said their only concerns were regarding the
clarity of the document, the cost of the system and how to fund it.
The figures have since been updated, and he feels the latest costs
are reasonable.
City Clerk Jo Purcell reported that the Redevelopment Agency had
received letters from Charles and Enrica Stuart, Kathy Snell, and
Jack Downhill protesting their inclusion in the sewer district,
based largely upon cost. An additional letter was handed to her by
Jeanne Smolley.
Ms. Jeanne Smolley, 56 Limetree Lane, distributed copies of a
letter signed by the residents of Tract 14118, which she asserted
is the slowest moving portion of the landslide area. She said it
is not within the area affected by the Abalone Cove slide and was
not involved in the lawsuit. The residents are requesting that
Tract 14118 be excluded from the sewer design under consideration.
Mr. Jesus Gutierrez, 44 Cinnamon Lane, urged the RDA to act
promptly to implement the proposed sewer system to help protect the
residents' investment in the area.
Mr. Michael Agahee, 23222 So. Vermont Ave. , Torrance, asked the RDA
to follow the staff recommendations for the sewer system.
Mr. Don Fraser, 26 Peppertree, reminded members that serious
miscalculations in attempts to stop or slow the landslides have
been made in the past by well meaning professionals, including the
use of landfill at the ocean to act as a buttress, and the planting
of wildflowers in the slide area. He predicted maintenance
problems in the future.
Mr. Jack Downhill, 20 Vanderlip Drive, stating he supports the
installation of a pressure system in the landslide area, asked if
this was being done to facilitate development in the area or for
landslide abatement. Member McTaggart replied that it is
definitely for slide abatement.
Mr. Neil Siegel, 38 Cinnamon, said he is strongly in favor of the
pressure system, especially for the northwest area, and would like
to see it move forward as soon as possible.
Ms. Sharon Hegetschweiler, 6 Clovetree Place, stated she is in
favor of the proposed system and asked if the pumps make noise.
Mr. Foss advised that there would be very minor, insignificant
noise, and homeowners would be able to specify where on their
property they want the pumps located.
Mr. Michael Barth, 29 Sweetbay Road, expressed his approval of the
sewer system but stated his concern that residents should not have
to pay twice (referring to the liens) .
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April 18, 1994
Page 3
Ms. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine, cited the 1913 Act requiring a
vote of the people before City installation of sewers. She said a
homeowner in upper Portuguese Bend, who had not been notified of
the meeting, asked Ms. Larue to convey her support for a gravity
system for her neighborhood at the top of the landslide area, with
pipes running across the top of the ground rather than buried. Ms.
Larue agreed with Don Fraser's comments.
Mr. Bill Ruth, 4 Thyme Place, stated he is not in opposition to the
sewer system but would like to keep the septic tanks in place as a
backup. He asked how long the pressure system could be expected to
last. Assuring him that the septic tanks will stay, Mr. Barnes
said he expects the proposed systems to last 30 to 50 years with
proper maintenance, and expects the pumps to last at least 15
years, with very little maintenance.
RECESS AND RECONVENE
At 8:45 p.m. Chairman Kuykendall declared a recess; the meeting
reconvened at 8:55 p.m.
Addressing Ms. Larue's comments, Executive Director Bussey advised
that 10 days notice of the RDA meeting was mailed to all residents
from the County Assessor's rolls.
Discussion of the long history of landslide abatement attempts
followed. It was pointed out that the City is now working on a
storm drainage system in the area which should take care of surface
water runoff from storms and lawn watering. City Attorney Lynch
read the Technical Panel of Experts' list of priorities: drill
additional wells, construct drainage facilities, construct shore
protection, install domestic sewer system, construct toe berm and
shore protection. Much of this work has been done or is currently
being worked on.
Member McTaggart moved, seconded by Member Brooks, to adopt the
staff recommendation. Motion carried 5-0.
FUNDING FOR PRESSURE SEWER SYSTEM DESIGN FOR ABALONE COVE AND
PORTUGUESE BEND
Executive Director Bussey summarized the staff report of April 18,
1994 and the recommendations: ABALONE COVE: Direct staff to begin
proceedings for the formation of an assessment district for the
purpose of funding sewer improvements in Abalone Cove in which the
RDA contributes Landslide Settlement Agreement monies for the cost
of the mainline improvements and the property owners pay the
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April 18, 1994
Page 4
remainder of the costs. PORTUGUESE BEND: Direct staff to begin
proceedings for the formation of an assessment district for the
purpose of funding the sewer improvements in Portuguese Bend with
the total cost to be borne by the property owners.
Mr. Ron Beck, 43 Santa Barbara Drive, the attorney representing the
Horan litigants, contended that the best solution at this time is
to construct the additional dewatering wells recommended by the
Technical Panel of Experts (at an estimated cost of $300, 000) , and
build the drainage facilities ($1.5 million) , and see what effect
they will have on the slide before proceeding with the sewer
system. He said there is still money in the settlement for the
sewer system but not for the shoreline protection.
Ms. Jeanne Smolley, 56 Limetree, asked if development was going to
be allowed on the undeveloped lots, and whether the undeveloped
property was going to be assessed.
Mr. Mark Guerrero, 1324 West 35th Street, San Pedro, agreed with
the proposed system.
Ms. Mary Sheridan, 21 Sweetbay Road, commented that money is being
spent monthly by the RDA with nothing to show for it, and
recommended that the funds be spent now on the sewer system.
Mr. Bill Griffin, 5 Ginger Root Lane, voiced concern about the cost
of maintenance and possible other costs that have not been
considered.
In response to a question about cathodic (electrolytic) protection,
Mr. Foss stated it was not necessary for pipes which are above
ground. He added that backflow protection is built into the
system.
Mr. Roy Good, 15 Cinnamon Lane, expressed concern about a lack of
details regarding reliability, maintenance costs, and how costs
will be split between the RDA and homeowners. He felt homeowners
in the area were being asked to pay an inordinate share of the
costs. He asked if refinancing of the bonds to obtain a lower rate
of interest had been considered, and urged that any assumptions
made by the RDA and the City be cleared in writing with the County.
Executive Director Bussey summarized various financing and
refinancing options for the County issued bonds.
Mr. Charlie Shriver, 21 Pomegranate Road, agreed with the comments
of Jeanne Smolley and pointed out that a review of the detailed
plans revealed that his house is shown in the Portuguese Bend sewer
system although it is located in the Abalone Cove Landslide
Abatement District.
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April 18, 1994
Page 5
Ms. Sharon Hegetschweiler, 6 Clovetree Place, noted that dewatering
wells have slowed the slide. She urged the completion of the
wells, the storm drains and the sewer system for the entire area.
Mr. Don Fraser, 26 Peppertree, asked that the RDA consider not
constructing the Portuguese Bend sewer system now, but waiting
until there is positive proof that the slide will be slowed down or
stopped.
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Ms. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine, objected to allowing development
in Zone 2 due to cracking of the road and evidence of another
landslide in the area, and also objected to the $.75 million spent
from the Horan settlement on PV Drive South.
Mr. Jack Downhill, 20 Vanderlip Drive, felt residents should not
have to pay anything additional for sewers on top of the liens on
their homes.
Explaining the process by which assessment districts are formed,
Executive Director Bussey advised that residents may protest their
formation at public hearings, but the City Council could vote to
override the protests. Regarding the financial impact on
individual homeowners, Mr. Bussey said that staff could ask an
assessment engineer to provide an estimate.
Member Byrd moved, seconded by Chairman Kuykendall, to ask for a
preliminary review by an assessment engineer to determine the
likely cost for the residents and property owners of the Portuguese
Bend area and continue the matter for at least a month. Motion
carried.
Member Brooks moved, seconded by Member Lyon, that the Horan
settlement money cover the sewers in the Abalone Cove area (staff
funding alternative #2) . Motion carried.
Member McTaggart moved, seconded by Member Byrd, that those houses
in Abalone Cove that were shown on the sewer design as being
sewered from Portuguese Bend, be sewered in Abalone Cove and be
funded by the Landslide Settlement Agreement funds. Motion
carried.
Adding to Member Byrd's suggestion that there should be a procedure
for handling the contributions of undeveloped lots, Executive
Director Bussey said the procedure should include how the RDA
should use that money that is repaid, e.g. , if it should be applied
to reducing the total amount of the liens. This will be discussed
further after receipt of the requested staff report.
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April 18, 1994
Page 6
Member McTaggart also requested staff to work on a mechanism to
maintain the sewer system, including provision of maintenance on an
emergency basis.
ADJOURNMENT
I/ At 10:22 p.m. the meeting adjourned to April 19 at Hesse Park for
a meeting following the regular City Council meeting.
54r(COV
Chairman
ATTEST:
401
Age . y Secretary
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April 18, 1994
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