CC SR 20160802 R - Green Hills ReportRANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA DESCRIPTION:
MEETING DATE: 08/02/2016
AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar
Consideration and possible action to receive and file a report on recent issues regarding
Green Hills Memorial Park.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file a report on recent issues regarding Green Hills Memorial Park.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: So Kim, Senior Planner :;_;" ,
REVIEWED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, Director of Community Development,.
APPROVED BY: Doug Willmore, City Managerv'
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. None
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
At the July 19, 2016, meeting, concerns were raised by members of the public regarding
on-site security; adverse impacts resulting from a recent burial service; and mold and
odor observed at the back of the Pacific Terrace Memorial Mausoleum (facing the Vista
Verde Condominiums) at Green Hills Memorial Park. Staff's responses to these public
concerns are detailed individually below.
On -Site Security
A member of the public commented that, while Green Hills security staff have been
much more responsive recently in addressing noise concerns after 4:00 PM, most of the
noise experienced by the neighbors is generated by visitors during daytime visitations
and park operations. Neighbors recently learned that security is typically not available
during daytime operations. Staff contacted Green Hills and they indicated that they
have one security officer patrolling the site from 4:00 PM to dusk. However, due to the
recent noise complaints, a second security officer has been hired to patrol the site
during peak visitation periods, which are typically from noon to closing on Fridays,
Saturdays, and Sundays. City Staff will continue to monitor the number of complaints
made to the City for the next few weeks and, should they continue, Staff will contact
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Green Hills to encourage the hiring of additional security personnel to patrol during
regular operating hours.
Imaacts Resultina from a Recent Burial Service
A member of the public commented that, over a recent weekend, there was a large
burial service involving alcohol, amplified music, and sporting activity that caused
adverse noise impacts to abutting properties. Staff contacted Green Hills and was
informed that there was a large funeral/burial service with approximately 200 to 250
people, with frequent visitations occurring over the following week. Nearby residents
called both Green Hills' security staff and the Sheriff's Department to complain about
noise, use of alcohol, and amplified music. According to Green Hills, one of their staff
members was present during the service and confirmed that there was no use of
alcohol or amplified music. Additionally, the Sheriff's Deputy who responded to the
complaint did not witness any use of alcohol. When a subsequent complaint was
received about sporting activity, Green Hills' staff found visitors tossing around a
baseball amongst themselves and playing chess on their vehicles. While Green Hills
stopped the baseball throwing, they allowed the chess playing to continue. Although
Green Hills' staff did not observe any use of amplified sound during the funeral or
subsequent visitations, they did hear music from the radios of the vehicles leaving the
cemetery.
Mold at the back of the Pacific Terrace Memorial Mausoleum
A member of the public raised concerns with mold and a stench at the back of the
Pacific Terrace Memorial Mausoleum facing the Vista Verde Condominiums. Green
Hills indicated that a County Health Inspector made a visit based on a similar complaint
they received within the same area in March of this year. Staff contacted the County
Health agency and they found no records of said inspection. Thus, Staff intends to
continue to investigate this alleged complaint and will update the Council in a future
weekly Administrative Report.
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