RPVCCA_CC_DM_2014_07_15_B_20140617_CC_MINS_DRAFTDraft City Council Minutes
June 17, 2014
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DRAFT
MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 17, 2014
The meeting was called to order for a Study Session at 6:38 P.M. by Mayor Duhovic at
Fred Hesse Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
ABSENT: Knight (excused)
Also present were Carolynn Petru, Acting City Manager; Carol Lynch, City Attorney;
Dennis McLean, Director of Finance; Joel Rojas, Community Development Director;
Michael Throne, Director of Public Works; Cory Linder, Director of Recreation and
Parks; Kathryn Downs, Deputy Director of Finance; Sean Robinson, Human Resources
Manager; Ron Dragoo, Senior Engineer; Daniel Trautner, Recreation Services
Manager; and, Carla Morreale, City Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS LISTED ON THE AGENDA FOR THE STUDY
SESSION:
None.
DISCUSSION TOPICS:
Review of Tentative Agendas in Light of City Council Goals, Including Questions
of Staff
Discussion ensued among Council Members, City Attorney Lynch, and staff regarding
items on the upcoming Council Meeting agendas as listed on the Tentative Agendas.
Councilman Misetich moved, seconded by Councilwoman Brooks, to approve the
Tentative Agendas, as amended.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
Future Agenda Items Proposed by Council Members to be Prioritized:
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Process for Renewal of the Storm Drain User Fee
Councilman Misetich provided a brief report regarding this item.
City Attorney Lynch provided background information and details regarding the timeline
for placing the renewal of the Storm Drain User Fee on a ballot.
By acclamation, staff was directed to provide the City Council with a report on the
options available to renew the Storm Drain User Fee at the July 29, 2014 meeting.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Duhovic called a brief recess from 6:54 P.M. to 7:02 P.M.
REGULAR SESSION:
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
ABSENT: Knight (excused)
Also present were Carolynn Petru, Acting City Manager; Carol Lynch, City Attorney;
Dennis McLean, Director of Finance; Joel Rojas, Community Development Director;
Michael Throne, Director of Public Works; Cory Linder, Director of Recreation and
Parks; Greg Pfost, Deputy Community Development Director; Kathryn Downs, Deputy
Director of Finance; Sean Robinson, Human Resources Manager; Nicole Jules, Deputy
Director of Public Works; Ron Dragoo, Senior Engineer; Daniel Trautner, Recreation
Services Manager; Mike Gibson, Senior Administrative Analyst; Chris Ortiz,
Maintenance Superintendent; and, Carla Morreale, City Clerk.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Flag Salute was led by Deputy Community Development Director Pfost.
CEREMONIAL:
Mayor Duhovic reported that Deputy Community Development Director Pfost will be
leaving the City to assume the position of Community Development Director with the
City of Laguna Beach. Mayor Duhovic presented a City tile to Deputy Community
Development Director Pfost and thanked him for his 18 years of service as an
exemplary employee of the City.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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Mayor Duhovic announced that July is National Parks and Recreation Month; noted the
value of parks and recreational activities which promote health benefits and add to the
community; and recognized Parks and Recreation staff members for all their efforts.
Acting City Manager Petru provided announcements regarding the following upcoming
Parks and Recreation events: 1) Movie in the Park in the near future; 2) Volunteer Day
on July 26, 2014 at Lower Hesse Park to improve the park site; 3) Shakespeare by the
Sea on July 27, 2014 at Upper Hesse Park; and, 4) Special “Passport to the Parks”
event where participants can visit and explore the different park and Preserve sites.
Mayor Duhovic recognized the following Boys Scouts who were present and working on
earning the following Merit Badges: Ben Grant for his Communication and Citizenship
in the Nation Merit Badges; and Barron Crockett for his Communications Merit Badge.
RECYCLE DRAWING:
Mayor Duhovic announced Recyclers of the Month from the June 3, 2014 City Council
meeting: Keerthi DeSilva and Joanne Carlini. He indicated that all winners receive a
check for $250 representing a year of free refuse service and urged everyone to
participate in the City’s Recycling Program.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Councilwoman Brooks requested that Item No. 8 (2014 Five-Year Financial Model) be
considered prior to Item No. 6 (Proposed FY14-15 Budget).
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to approve the
agenda, as amended.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Audience Comments regarding Items Not on the Agenda)
April Sandell, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated she had concerns regarding notifications
that she did not receive pertaining to changes in fences and walls along Western
Avenue; referenced missing emails of notification; and, spoke in opposition to the
Common Core curriculum to be taught in the local schools.
The following members of the public spoke in opposition to the Common Core
curriculum that is being introduced in the Palos Verdes Unified School District and
encouraged the Council to discuss this item in the future: Barry Hildebrand, Rancho
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Palos Verdes; Desiree Myers, Palos Verdes Estates; Joan Davidson; and Camille
Feldman, Palos Verdes Estates.
Sharon Yarber, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated she was disappointed in Council’s action
taken at the last meeting regarding the proposed amendments to the Municipal Code
regarding more clearly defining the roles of the City Manager and City Council. She
noted that the proposed changes would not have changed the Council-Manager form of
government; there was no hidden agenda; the recent hiring of the Director of Public
Works should have been confirmed by the Council; and, she encouraged the Council to
reconsider amendments to that section of the Municipal Code.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
Acting City Manager Petru provided an announcement and invited the community to
attend the July 4th Celebration to be held at the Civic Center from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00
P.M.
Acting City Manager Petru reported that Executive Director Smith of the West Basin
Water District called today to notify staff that he was not able to attend the meeting due
to an emergency and he would be contacting staff in the future to reschedule his
presentation.
NEW BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding Item H (Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Contract
Renewal) and Item J (Review and Approval of Revised Plans and Specifications –
Shoulder Widening to Preserve Palos Verdes Drive East Street Trees); and there were
three requests to speak regarding Item H.
Councilman Campbell requested that Item K (City Hall Air Conditioning System) be
removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to approve the
Consent Calendar, as amended, with Item H (Mountains Recreation and Conservation
Authority Contract Renewal) to follow immediately after the Consent Calendar; and Item
K (City Hall Air Conditioning System) to be placed after Regular Business.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
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Motion to Waive Full Reading
Adopted a motion to waive reading in full of all ordinances presented at this meeting
with consent of the waiver of reading deemed to be given by all Council Members after
the reading of the title.
Approval of Minutes
Approved the Minutes of the May 20, 2014 Regular Meeting.
Annual Appropriation Limit for FY14-15
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2014-36, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, ESTABLISHING THE CITY'S
APPROPRIATION LIMIT FOR FY14-15.
City Council Meeting Schedule
Cancelled the July 1, 2014 City Council Meeting.
One-Year Agreement with Blais & Associates, Inc. for Grant Management and
Support Services
Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the agreement with Blais & Associates, Inc.
for a 1-year Professional Services Agreement through FY 2014-15.
Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2014-37, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND
DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING FUNDS FROM WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID.
Enhanced Watershed Management Program Work Plan and Coordinated
Integrated Monitoring Plan
Directed Staff to submit the Draft Enhanced Watershed Management Program Work
Plan and Draft Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Plan on behalf of the Peninsula Water
Management Group in accordance with the MS4 permitting schedule.
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Contract Renewal
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
2014 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
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Approved the 2014 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan.
Review and Approval of Revised Plans and Specifications - Shoulder Widening to
Preserve Palos Verdes Drive East Street Trees (Supports 2014 City Council Goal
No. 2, Public Infrastructure)
Approved the revised plans and specifications to delete shoulder widening in specific
locations in the Arterial Rehabilitation – Palos Verdes Drive East Project.
City Hall Air Conditioning System (Supports 2014 City Council Goal –
Infrastructure)
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
First Amended and Restated Professional Services Agreement with Steven A.
Larson for Human Resources Management Services
Approved the First Amended and Restated Professional Services Agreement with
Steven A. Larson to assist the City’s lead labor negotiator (Mr. Peter Brown), in an
amount not to exceed $20,000.
Approve the Second Amendment to the Agreement with the Los Angeles
Conservation Corps for As-Needed Maintenance
1) Approved the Second Amendment to the agreement for one fiscal year effective
July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, with Los Angeles Conservation Corps, for As-
Needed Maintenance in an amount not to exceed $85,000; and, 2) Authorized the
Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Second Amendment to the agreement with Los
Angeles Conservation Corps for As-Needed Maintenance.
Approve the Second Amendment to the Agreement with Fire Grazers Inc., for Fuel
Modification by Grazing Animals (In Support of 2014 City Council Goal regarding
Government Efficiency, Fiscal Control and Transparency)
1) Approved the Second Amendment to the agreement for one fiscal year effective July
1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, with Fire Grazers, Inc., for Fuel Modification by Grazing
Animals in an amount not to exceed $89,645; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor and City
Clerk to execute the Second Amendment to the agreement with Fire Grazers, Inc. for
Fuel Modification by Grazing Animals.
Approve two One-Year Contract Extensions with Marina Landscape Services, Inc,
for: 1) Landscape Maintenance Services for Parks, and 2) Landscape
Maintenance Services for Medians, Corridor Improvements, and Weed Abatement
for Rights-of-Way
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Approved and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute one year extensions of
the following agreements with Marina Landscape Services: 1) The First Amendment to
the Agreement for Landscape Maintenance Services for Parks; and 2) The First
Amendment to the Agreement for Landscape Maintenance Services for Medians,
Corridor Improvements, and Weed Abatement for City Rights-of-Way.
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ITEM REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mountains Recreation Conservation Authority (MRCA) Contract Renewal
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting and there were three requests to speak regarding this item.
Director of Recreation and Parks Linder stated that he had no staff presentation
prepared but was available for questions.
Bill Swank, President, Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC), Rancho
Palos Verdes, stated that PVPLC was not taking a position on the extension of the
contract, but noted concerns with the need for additional enforcement in the Preserve,
particularly with respect to spur trails. He reported on the costs associated with the
closing of spur trails and additional enforcement of the Preserve rules.
Barbara Ailor, Volunteer Trail Watch, Palos Verdes Estates, stated that she is thankful
for the commitment of the Volunteer Trail Watch volunteers whose role is to educate,
observe and report activities in the Preserve. She noted the rangers are excellent
educators, but noted there needs to be more enforcement of the Preserve rules. She
suggested that the City consider the use of the Sheriff’s Department to assist with
periodic patrols of the Preserve for effective enforcement and protection of the habitat,
signage, and safety of trail users.
Eva Cicoria, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the rangers are providing a much
needed service, but highlighted concerns with trail spurs and reckless activity in the
Preserve that damages the native habitat and landscape. She provided photographic
evidence of the damage occurring in the Preserve. She asked the Council to consider
the renewal of the ranger contract for one year with possible additional in-house or other
effective trail enforcement.
Kurt Loheit, stated that there are many variables to consider with the Preserve. He
stated that it is important to manage public use of the Preserve effectively. He noted
that he was in favor of the extension of the contract; noted the rangers sole purpose is
not enforcement, as they are responsible for education and interpretation of nature. He
stated that when designing a trail, the designer looks at behavior patterns, statistics,
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and the physical make-up of the area. He added that spur trails are a problem, but
noted that spur trails are extremely prevalent throughout the entire Preserve. He stated
an evaluation of the root cause of the problem is needed so that something sustainable
is achieved; there is a need for enforcement; and he was in favor of the extension of the
contract. He noted that all parties should work together cooperatively to solve the
problems in the Preserve and there is the need for a comprehensive system review.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and Mr. Loheit.
Councilwoman Brooks moved to: Approve a 1-year agreement in the approximate
amount of $185,000 with the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA)
for park ranger services; and, Direct Recreation and Parks staff to work with Mountains
Conservation Recreation Authority, PVPLC, and Volunteer Trail Watch organization to
address the problems raised regarding the Preserve and come up with viable solutions.
Councilman Misetich seconded the motion with an amendment to the motion, to offer a
one year renewal of the contract with two one-year extension options. Councilwoman
Brooks accepted the amendment.
The motion as amended was the following to: 1) Approve a 1-year agreement in the
approximate amount of $185,000 with the Mountains Recreation and Conservation
Authority (MRCA) for park ranger services, with two one-year extension options; and,
2) Direct Recreation and Parks staff to work with the MRCA, Palos Verdes Peninsula
Land Conservancy, and other groups, as appropriate, to address the concerns raised
regarding the Preserve, including viable solutions for enforcement.
City Attorney Lynch read into the record the amendment to the agreement.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Duhovic called a brief recess from 8:23 P.M. to 8:33 P.M.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Appeal of the Planning Commission’s Approval of a Conditional Use Permit
Revision to Allow a New Roof-Mounted Antenna Structure on the Commercial 7-
11 Building at 28041 Hawthorne Blvd. (Case No. ZON2013-00111) [Continued from
May 20, 2014]
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City Clerk Morreale reported that this public hearing was continued from the May 20,
2014 Council Meeting and there were no requests to speak regarding this item,
although the applicant was available if the Council had questions.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to approve the staff
recommendation to: At the applicant’s request, continue the public hearing to an
unspecified date, to provide the applicant additional time to investigate the feasibility of
an alternative antenna roof location and prepare revised plans and construct the
silhouette of said alternate location.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) and Code Amendment for the Zone
2 Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revisions (Case No. ZON2009-00409);
Location: “Zone 2” of the City’s Landslide Moratorium Area [Continued from May
6, 2014]
City Clerk Morreale reported that this public hearing was continued from the May 6,
2014 Council Meeting and there were no requests to speak regarding this item.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to approve the staff
recommendation to: Continue the public hearing to the August 5, 2014 City Council
meeting to allow additional time for the City’s consultant to work on the responses to the
additional comments received on the Final EIR for the proposed Zone 2 Landslide
Moratorium Ordinance Revisions.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
Water Quality and Flood Protection Program – Annual User Fee Rate – FY14-15
(Supports 2014 City Council Goal for Public Infrastructure)
City Clerk Morreale reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, no
written protests received, and there were two requests to speak regarding this item.
Mayor Duhovic declared the public hearing open.
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Director of Finance McLean provided a staff report and PowerPoint presentation
regarding this item.
Lowell Wedemeyer, Chair, Storm Drain User Fee Oversight Committee, Rancho Palos
Verdes, congratulated the Council for the completion of the San Ramon Canyon
Drainage Project. He noted that the storm drain work in the City is not yet complete.
He added that the Storm Drain User Fee Oversight Committee unanimously endorsed
the proposed fee increase.
Elizabeth Sala, Vice Chair, Storm Drain User Fee Oversight Committee, Rancho Palos
Verdes, spoke in favor of the increase in the Storm Drain User Fee to $96.75, noting
that the funds collected have been well spent on necessary storm drain projects.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, staff and City Attorney Lynch.
Mayor Duhovic declared the public hearing closed.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to approve the staff
recommendation to: 1) Receive, review and file the independent 2014 Annual Report on
the Water Quality and Flood Protection Program prepared by the Oversight Committee
for the storm drain program, dated May 29, 2014; 2) At the conclusion of the Public
Hearing determine the absence of a majority protest; and, 3) In the absence of a
majority protest, determine that the rate per ERU for FY14-15 shall be $96.75 as set
forth in the Annual Report, ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2014-38, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, FINALLY
ADOPTING A REPORT, AS FILED, IN CONNECTION WITH THE STORM DRAIN
USER FEE ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 3.44 OF THE RANCHO
PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE; DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF SUCH FEE
FOR FY14-15; AND ORDERING THAT SUCH FEE BE COLLECTED ON THE
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TAX ROLL FOR FY14-15.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District (Supports 2014 City
Council Goal of Government Efficiency, Accountability, Fiscal Control,
Transparency and Oversight)
City Clerk Morreale reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, no
written protests received, and there were no requests to speak regarding this item.
Mayor Duhovic declared the public hearing open.
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Senior Administrative Analyst Gibson provided a brief overview and PowerPoint
presentation regarding this item.
The public hearing was conducted regarding the proposed levy and collection of
assessments within the Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District for
Fiscal Year 2014-2015 and the Engineer’s Report prepared in connection therewith.
Mayor Duhovic declared the public hearing closed.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to approve the staff
recommendation to: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2014-39, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, MAKING CERTAIN
FINDINGS AND CONFIRMING A DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENTS FOR THE 2014-15
FISCAL YEAR IN CONNECTION WITH THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING AND
LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT, PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPING AND
LIGHTING ACT OF 1972, PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS
AND HIGHWAYS CODE.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
Abalone Cove Sewer Service Charge
City Clerk Morreale reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, no
written protests received, and there were no requests to speak regarding this item.
Mayor Duhovic declared the public hearing open.
Councilman Misetich moved, seconded by Councilwoman Brooks, to waive the staff
report.
The public hearing was conducted regarding the proposed levy of the annual sewer
service charge for the Abalone Cove Sewer System for Fiscal Year 2014/15, which
provides for an increase of 1% in the fees collected.
Mayor Duhovic declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Misetich moved, seconded by Councilwoman Brooks, to approve the staff
recommendation to: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2014-40, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, APPROVING A
REPORT IN CONNECTION WITH THE SEWER SERVICE CHARGE ESTABLISHED
PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 13.06 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL
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CODE, DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF SUCH CHARGE FOR FISCAL YEAR
2014/15, AND ORDERING THAT SUCH CHARGE BE COLLECTED ON THE TAX
ROLL.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
REORDER OF AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk Morreale reported that the Council would be considering Regular Business
Item No. 8 (2014 Five-Year Financial Model) and Public Hearing Item No. 6 (Proposed
FY14-15 Budget) concurrently, as the agenda was previously reordered.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
2014 Five-Year Financial Model
Deputy Director of Finance Downs provided a brief report and PowerPoint regarding this
item.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, staff and City Attorney Lynch.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to approve the staff
recommendation to: 1) Approve the 2014 Five-Year Financial Model (2014 Model);
and, 2) Determine that the utility users’ tax (UUT) rate of 3% continues to be a
necessary General Fund revenue source, and that the current rate of 3% should be
maintained.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
Proposed FY14-15 Budget
City Clerk Morreale reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, no
written protests received, and there were no requests to speak regarding this item.
Mayor Duhovic declared the public hearing open.
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Deputy Director of Finance Downs provided a brief report and PowerPoint regarding this
item.
Mayor Duhovic declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Misetich moved, seconded by Councilwoman Brooks, to approve the staff
recommendation to: 1) Determine that the utility users’ tax (UUT) rate of 3% continues
to be a necessary General Fund revenue source, and that the current rate of 3% should
be maintained; and, 2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2014-41, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, APPROVING A
BUDGET APPROPRIATION AND ADOPTING THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
Ordinance No. 557 - An Ordinance of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Adopting
by Reference Title 10, Animals, of the Los Angeles County Code, and Amending
Chapter 6.04 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code
City Clerk Morreale reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, no
written protests received, and there were no requests to speak regarding this item.
Mayor Duhovic declared the public hearing open.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to waive the staff
report.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to approve the staff
recommendation to: 1) REINTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 557, AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, ADOPTING BY REFERENCE TITLE 10,
ANIMALS, OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, AMENDING CERTAIN
SECTIONS THEREOF AND AMENDING CHAPTER 6.04 OF THE RANCHO PALOS
VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE; and, 2) Continue the Public Hearing to July 15, 2014.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
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REGULAR BUSINESS: (Continued)
Street Tree Maintenance Practices and Contract Amendment (Supports 2014 City
Council Goal No. 2, Public Infrastructure)
City Clerk Morreale reported that there were 3 requests to speak regarding this item.
Deputy Director of Public Works Jules provided a brief staff report and PowerPoint
presentation regarding the City’s current Street Tree Maintenance Practices.
Maintenance Superintendent Ortiz provided a report and PowerPoint presentation
regarding proper tree trimming practices to address the health of the tree while
performing necessary tree maintenance.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and staff.
Ann Marinovich, provided a handout and stated that she had concerns and/or
suggestions regarding the following issues: view restoration process; the consolidation
of all tree issues to be addressed in the Public Works Department; a quick and easy
tree adoption process, outside of the view restoration process; necessary modifications
to the City tree planting and maintenance procedures to address issues proactively; and
revisions to the view restoration and preservation process, so that trees are trimmed to
the height of the horizon.
Jim Morrison, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he supported the comments of the
previous speaker and noted problems having his view restored and sidewalk repaired
as the New Zealand Christmas trees have grown on his street over the years. He
spoke in support of street trees being trimmed to the height of 16 feet just as trees on
private property are to be maintained.
Jody Wiggins, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated the following: one thing that was certain in
life was change, and that when the City considers replacing trees they should consider
the changing environment and drought conditions; typically drought resistant trees grow
slower; and, tree issues have caused much animosity over the years between
neighbors. She encouraged the Council to create a Master Plan for more active
trimming of street trees.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and staff.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to adopt the staff
recommendation to: 1) Receive and file a presentation on street tree maintenance
practices and provide direction to staff; 2) Approve the Third Amendment to the
agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc. for one fiscal year effective July 1, 2014
through June 30, 2015, for tree maintenance services; and, 3) Authorize the Mayor and
City Clerk to execute the Third Amendment to the agreement with West Coast Arborists,
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Inc., for tree trimming maintenance; and, 3) Direct staff to conduct public outreach to
evaluate the Street Tree process and bring forward a proposal to the Council in 90
days.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
Councilman Misetich moved, seconded by Councilwoman Brooks, to allow the meeting
to continue until 11:00 P.M. to consider additional business.
Without objection, Mayor Duhovic so ordered.
Formation of Infrastructure Management Advisory Committee (Supports 2014 City
Council Goal No. 2, Public Infrastructure)
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting and there was one request to speak regarding this item.
Director of Public Works Throne provided a brief staff report and PowerPoint
presentation regarding this item.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, staff, and City Attorney Lynch.
Lowell Wedemeyer, Rancho Palos Verdes, suggested that some consideration should
be given to how the Infrastructure Management Advisory Committee will integrate with
the budget and Capital Improvement Projects Program, and with the work of the
Finance Advisory Committee and how the priorities will be accessed for the capital
improvements. He suggested providing the committee with a specific scope and
direction, and consider the manner in which the funding will be integrated with the
prioritization of projects.
Additional discussion ensued among Council Members and staff.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Mayor Duhovic to: 1) Receive and file the
review by the Finance Advisory Committee of the Infrastructure Management Plan
proposal; and, 2) Directed staff to return with a resolution regarding the establishment of
the seven member Infrastructure Management Advisory Committee, with four-year
staggered terms, while staff prepares to conduct the recruitment.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
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NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
FY 14-15 Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Service Agreement and Regional Cities
Deployment Survey (Supports 2014 City Council Goal for Public Safety and
Traffic Control)
City Clerk Morreale reported that there was one request to speak regarding this item.
Councilwoman Brooks suggested waiving the staff report. Without objection, Mayor
Duhovic so ordered.
Sandra Sandoval, opined that the approval of this item would be giving the City
Manager too much power, and that the Council should review this item before the City
Manager is authorized to sign the Agreement.
Mayor Duhovic clarified that the Council had reviewed the information provided by staff
regarding this item.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and staff.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to: Authorize the
City Manager to sign the FY14-15 Law Enforcement Services Agreement for the
Peninsula Region (Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, and Rolling Hills Estates) and
the FY14-15 Rancho Palos Verdes Deployment Survey with the Los Angeles County
Sheriff’s Department.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
Adoption of Urgency Ordinance and Introduction of Non-Urgency Ordinance to
Establish a Procedure for the Repair/Replacement of Certain Private Walls and
Fences along the City’s Major Arterial Streets
Community Development Director Rojas provided a brief report regarding this item.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and staff.
Councilman Misetich moved, seconded by Councilman Campbell, to: 1) ADOPT
URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 559U, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, REQUIRING APPROVAL BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR OF PRIVATELY OWNED FENCES OR WALLS ALONG CERTAIN
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ARTERIAL STREETS WITHIN THE CITY, AND DECLARING THE URGENCY
THEREOF; AND, 2) INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 560, AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, REQUIRING APPROVAL BY THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR OF PRIVATELY OWNED FENCES OR WALLS ALONG
CERTAIN ARTERIAL STREETS WITHIN THE CITY.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Misetich, and Mayor Duhovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: Knight
ITEM REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Hall Air Conditioning System (Supports 2014 City Council Goal –
Infrastructure)
City Clerk Morreale reported that this item was removed from the Consent Calendar by
Councilman Campbell.
Councilman Campbell raised concerns regarding the possible issues that may arise as
a project of this nature is undertaken, due to the age of the City Hall building.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and staff.
Councilman Misetich moved, seconded by Councilman Campbell, to direct staff to
research the issues and possible solutions for creating a more comfortable work
environment at City Hall on hot and cold days and return with a report to Council.
Without objection, Mayor Duhovic so ordered.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Each Council Member present reported on his/her attendance at various organization
and association meetings since the last City Council Oral Reports were provided on
June 3, 2014.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 11:02 P.M., Mayor Duhovic adjourned the meeting to an Adjourned Regular
Meeting/Joint Meeting with the Emergency Preparedness Committee at 7:00 P.M. on
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Thursday, June 19, 2014 at Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center, which will be preceded by a
Special Meeting at 6:30 P.M. for a Closed Session.
___________________
Mayor
Attest:
___________________
City Clerk
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