VRC MINS 19980219 • APPROVED
• APRIL 2, 1998
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
VIEW RESTORATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 19, 1998
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Long at 7:15 P.M. at Hesse Park
Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. The Pledge of Allegiance followed,
led by Vice Chair Sweetnam.
PRESENT: Commissioners Black, Drages, A. Green, Kipper, McBride, Mehlman,
Mueller, Sweetnam, Chair Long
ABSENT Commissioner R. Green was excused
Also present were Acting Director of Planning Building and Code Enforcement Rojas,
Project Coordinator Nelson, City Attorney Carol Lynch and Recording Secretary
Peterson.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Long noted that a representative of the City Clerk's office was present to give the
oath of office to the Commission. He also noted that the Commission needed to elect a
Vice Chair, and these two items should be added to the Agenda.
Commissioner Sweetnam moved to approve the agenda, as amended, seconded
by Commissioner A. Green. Approved, (9-0).
OATH OF OFFICE
Sara Ferdman, a representative of the City Clerk's Office, administered the Oath of
Office to the Commission.
ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR
Commissioner Black moved to elect Commissioner Sweetnam as Vice Chair,
seconded by Commissioner A. Green. Approved, (9-0).
COMMUNICATIONS
Acting Director Rojas introduced himself and the City Attorney to the new members of
the Commission. He also handed out to the Commissioners the newly adopted VRC
Guidelines.
• •
Vice Chair Sweetnam mentioned that he had received a letter from J.D. Melara
regarding a View Restoration Permit obtained in 1991.
The City Attorney updated the Commission on the status of older applications heard by
the Commission, including the Melara application, where the foliage owners had failed
to comply with the orders of the Commission.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. MINUTES OF JANUARY 8, 1998
Vice Chair Sweetnam noted a change on page 2 regarding the word "only".
Vice Chair Sweetnam moved to adopt the minutes as amended, seconded by
Commissioner A. Green. Approved, (4-0-5) with Commissioners Kipper, McBride,
Drages, Mehlman, and Mueller abstaining since they were not at that meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. VIEW RESTORATION PERMIT NO. 36: Mr. and Mrs. David Wyte, 28417
Covecrest Drive (TN)
Commissioner A. Green moved to continue the item to March 5, 1998, seconded
by Vice Chair Sweetnam. Approved, (9-0).
3. VIEW RESTORATION PERMIT NO. 48: Mr. Nick Papadakis, 3228 Parkhurst
Drive (TN)
Vice Chair Sweetnam requested a new map reflecting trees at the school site not
shown, specifically the large pines located between classroom buildings.
Acting Director Rojas commented that the City Manager had informed him that
afternoon that there had been a verbal request from a representative of the school
district to continue the item to a date beyond the recommended March 5 continuance.
Chair Long responded that since there was nothing in writing, and since the applicant
was not present to respond, it would be appropriate to continue the item to March 5,
1998, as recommended by Staff, with the understanding that if a written request for
continuance is submitted the Commission will rule on that request at the March 5
meeting.
VIES RESTORATION COMMISSION MINUTES
FEBRUARY 19, 1998
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Commissioner A. Green moved to continue the item to March 5, 1998, seconded
by Vice Chair Sweetnam. Approved, (9-0).
4. VIEW RESTORATION PERMIT NO. 50: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Cangemi,
30130 Avenida Tranquila (EU)
Commissioner A. Green moved to continue the item to March 5, 1998, seconded
by Vice Chair Sweetnam. Approved, (9-0).
5. VIEW RESTORATION PERMIT NO. 53: Mr. Robert Smith, 31205 Ganado
Drive (EU)
Vice Chair Sweetnam moved to accept the withdraw) of the application, seconded
by Commissioner A. Green. Approved, (9-0).
6. VIEW RESTORATION PERMIT NO. 54: Mr. and Mrs. Russo, 2051 Daladier
Drive (EU)
Vice Chair Sweetnam moved to accept the withdraw) of the application, seconded
by Commissioner A. Green. Approved, (9-0).
NEW BUSINESS
7. NEW COMMISSIONER ORIENTATION (TN)
Project Coordinator Nelson gave a brief summary of the materials included in the View
Restoration Handbook focusing mainly on the new VRC Guidelines
Chair Long discussed the role of the alternate members on the Commission and
stressed how important it was for them to do all of the site visits.
City Attorney Lynch discussed the Brown Act and it's provisions with the Commission
as well as the principles of due process. She also discussed conflict of interest issues.
RECESS AND RECONVENE
At 8:45 P.M. there was a brief recess until 8:55 when the meeting reconvened.
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FEBRUARY 19,1998
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8. DISCUSSION OF VRC GUIDELINES (JR)
Acting Director Rojas began by stating the new Guidelines only apply to decisions that
have not been made final. He then gave a brief overview of the Guidelines.
Commissioner Mehlman asked staff to clarify replacement foliage and when it was
required.
Acting Director Rojas explained to the Commission when, according to the Guidelines,
replacement foliage could be ordered by the Commission.
Acting Director Rojas continued his overview of the Guidelines and the view restoration
process. He also discussed view preservation.
ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS
Commissioner A. Green requested Staff add to an upcoming agenda a discussion on
the early neighborhood consultation process.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chair Sweetnam moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner
A. Green. The meeting was duly adjourned at 10:32 P.M. to Thursday, March 5,
1998 at Hesse Park, 7:00 P.M.
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