RPVCCA_CC_DM_2013_06_18_B_20130521_DRAFT_CC_MINSDraft City Council Minutes
May 21, 2013
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DRAFT
MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 21, 2013
The meeting was called to order at 6:38 P.M. by Mayor Brooks at Fred Hesse
Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard for a City Council Study Session.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Duhovic, Knight, Misetich, and Mayor Brooks
ABSENT: Campbell*
*Mayor Brooks noted that Councilman Campbell had notified staff that he would be
arriving late.
Also present were Carolyn Lehr, City Manager; Carolynn Petru, Deputy City
Manager/Interim Director of Recreation and Parks; Carol Lynch, City Attorney; Dennis
McLean, Director of Finance/Information Technology; Joel Rojas, Community
Development Director; Les Jones, Interim Director of Public Works; Ron Dragoo, Senior
Engineer; 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.
Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to continue the
Draft FY13-14 Budget item (also listed on this evening’s Regular Agenda as Item No. 4)
to the June 1, 2013 Adjourned Regular Meeting listed on the Tentative Agendas.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Duhovic, Knight, Misetich, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: Campbell
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Future Agenda Items Proposed by Council Members to be Prioritized
Amendment to the Notification Section of the View Ordinance related to City
Trees
Mayor Brooks provided a brief report regarding the proposed Code Amendment to
modify the notification section of the View Ordinance related to City trees.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, staff, and City Attorney Lynch.
Councilman Knight moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to: Direct staff to
prepare an item for the Planning Commission’s consideration regarding the proposed
Code Amendment to revise Municipal Code Section 17.76.100G to read: “When the
foliage is located on a city street or easement, a notice of the determination to grant the
application shall be sent to the applicant(s), the appropriate homeowner’s association,
and all property owners within 300’ of each subject tree. In addition, notice of the
determination shall be posted on a conspicuous location on each subject tree.”
Without objection, Mayor Brooks so ordered.
RPV Street Light Acquisition/Retrofit
Councilman Knight provided a brief report regarding the proposed Rancho Palos
Verdes Street Light Acquisition/Retrofit.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and staff.
Councilman Misetich moved, seconded by Mayor Brooks, to direct staff to undertake a
feasibility analysis of acquiring Southern California Edison (SCE) owned street lights,
retrofitting City owned lights with more energy efficient LED bulbs and explore resetting
SCE’s rate structure as well as programs available for rebates and energy cost savings
financing, with staff to return to Council with a Regular Business item on a future
agenda.
Without objection, Mayor Brooks so ordered.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Brooks called a brief recess from 6:54 P.M. to 7:03 P.M.
REGULAR SESSION:
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
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PRESENT: Campbell, Duhovic, Knight, Misetich, and Mayor Brooks
ABSENT: None
Also present were Carolyn Lehr, City Manager; Carolynn Petru, Deputy City
Manager/Interim Director of Recreation and Parks; Carol Lynch, City Attorney; Dennis
McLean, Director of Finance/Information Technology; Joel Rojas, Community
Development Director; Les Jones, Interim Director of Public Works; Greg Pfost, Deputy
Community Development Director; Eduardo Schonborn, Senior Planner; Ron Dragoo,
Senior Engineer; Sean Robinson, Human Resources Manager; Matt Waters, Senior
Administrative Analyst; and, Carla Morreale, City Clerk.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Flag Salute was led by Mayor Brooks. She announced that our thoughts are with
those who have suffered losses in Oklahoma due to the recent tornados .
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Brooks announced that Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic, Councilman Campbell, and she
participated in the Packages for Patriots event which was recently held at Mira Catalina
Elementary School.
Mayor Brooks announced that Governor Brown has appointed former Mayor/
Councilman Douglas Stern to the position of Judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court.
RECYCLE DRAWING:
Mayor Brooks announced Recyclers of the Month from the May 7, 2013 City Council
meeting: Sandi Fuerte and Gary Morrow. She 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:
Councilman Misetich reported that the Council decided during the Study Session to
move Item No. 4 (Draft FY13-14 Budget) to the June 1, 2013 Adjourned Regular
Council Meeting.
Councilman Misetich moved, seconded by Councilman Knight, to approve the agenda
with Item No. 4 (Draft FY13-14 Budget) moved to the Adjourned Regular Council
Meeting to be held on June 1, 2013.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
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AYES: Campbell, Duhovic, Knight, Misetich, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Audience Comments regarding Items Not on the Agenda)
Sharon Yarber, stated that she would like a status update regarding the Volunteer Trail
Watch Patrol item which was scheduled for this meeting; commented on the recent
acquisition of vehicles to replace the City’s Prius vehicles; and, commented on a recent
resident inquiry regarding the Gala being treated as a Public Records Act request.
Jabe Kahnke, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the recent Recycling Fee Rebate
provided to each resident was so small and opined the money would have been more
useful as part of the previous Neighborhood Beautification Grant Program.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
None.
NEW BUSINESS:
AP PROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting regarding Item No. G (Gifts for Parks) and Item No. H (Award Value
Engineering Contract Change Order for San Ramon Project) and there was one request
to speak regarding Item H.
Mayor Brooks noted that since there was a request to speak regarding Item H, that item
would be heard immediately after the Consent Calendar.
Councilman Duhovic moved, seconded by Councilman Misetich, to approve the
Consent Calendar, as amended.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Duhovic, Knight, Misetich, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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.
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Approval of Minutes
Approved the Minutes of the April 30, 2013 Regular Meeting.
Authorization to Submit Grant Application to Obtain Consultant Services for
Development of Design Guidelines for the Western Avenue Corridor (Supports
2013 City Council Goal 7 – Western Avenue Corridor Issues)
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2013-22, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, THEREBY AUTHORIZING STAFF TO FILE
A JOINT GRANT APPLICATION WITH THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES THROUGH THE
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS’ (SCAG)
“SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM” TO OBTAIN CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE WESTERN AVENUE
CORRIDOR.
Approve the Second Amendment to Agreement with West Coast Arborist Inc., for
Tree Trimming Maintenance (Supports 2013 City Council Goal – Government
Efficiency, Fiscal Control and Transparenc y)
1) Approved the second amendment to the agreement for one fiscal year, effective July
1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 with West Coast Arborist Inc., for Tree Trimming Maintenance;
and, 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the second amendment to the
agreement with West Coast Arborist Inc., for Tree Trimming Maintenance.
Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District (Supports 2013 City
Council Goal of Government Efficiency, Fiscal Control and Transparency)
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2013-23, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE
LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE CITYWIDE
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR
2013-2014 AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF AN ENGINEER’S REPORT
PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972, PART 2 OF
DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS & HIGHWAYS CODE; 2) ADOPTED
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-24, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT IN
CONNECTION WITH THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN
THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2013-2014; and, 3) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2013-25, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES,
DECLARING THE CITY COUNCIL’S INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT
ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING
MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013-2014 PURSUANT TO THE
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LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972, PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE
CALIFORNIA STREETS & HIGHWAYS CODE, AND APPOINTING A TIME AND
PLACE FOR HEARING OBJECTIONS THERETO.
Authorize Program Supplement Agreement and Resolution to Receive Federal
Reimbursement for the Palos Verdes Drive East Guardrail Repair Project
1) Approved the Program Supplement Agreement No. N014 for the Palos Verdes Drive
East Guardrail Repair Project; and, 2) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2013-26, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, APPROVING PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT AGREEMENT NO. N014 FOR
FEDERAL FUNDING OF THE PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST GUARDRAIL REPAIR
PROJECT.
Gifts for Parks
Accepted Gifts for Parks donations and directed staff to prepare donor letters of
appreciation for the Mayor’s signature.
Award Value Engineering Contract Change Order for San Ramon Project
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2013-27, 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.
# # # # # #
ITEM REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR:
Award Value Engineering Contract Change Order for San Ramon Project
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting and there was one request to speak regarding the item.
Mickey Rodich, Ladera Linda Homeowners Association, Rancho Palos Verdes, inquired
as to the total amount and reason for the change order.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and staff with Council noting that the staff
report contained the information referenced by the speaker.
Councilman Misetich moved, seconded by Councilman Campbell, to approve the staff
recommendation to: Authorize the Interim Director of Public Works to execute Change
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Order Number 1 to the San Ramon Canyon Stormwater Flood Reduction Project with L.
H. Woods and Sons, Inc.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Duhovic, Knight, Misetich, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARING:
Revision “CCC” to the Trump National Golf Course Project - A Revision to
Condition K2-B Pertaining to the New Zealand Christmas Tree Hedge on the
Driving Range/Location: One Trump National Drive
City Clerk Morreale reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published, written
protests included in the staff report and late correspondence distributed prior to the
meeting, and there were fourteen requests to speak regarding this item.
Mayor Brooks declared the public hearing open.
Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic recused himself from discussion of this item and left the dais at
7:28 P.M.
Mayor Brooks stated that due to the number of requests to speak, each speaker would
be allowed two minutes on this item.
Deputy Community Development Director Pfost provided a report and PowerPoint
presentation regarding the Trump National Golf Course Project and the applicant’s
request for a revision to Condition K2-B pertaining to the New Zealand Christmas tree
hedge on the Driving Range.
Lili Amini, General Manager, VH Property Corp., stated that the Trump National Golf
Club is requesting a simple change of the removal of the last sentence from K-2b, so
that the planting of the New Zealand Christmas Tree hedge can occur prior to approval
from the California Coastal Commission (CCC). She read the following suggested
language into the record to replace the last sentence from Condition K-2b:
“Furthermore, the City has informed the applicant, and applicant acknowledges
awareness, that the planting of the New Zealand Christmas Tree hedge at the western
edge of the driving range, per the City Council’s approval on January 17, 2012, does not
supplant the applicant’s obligation to obtain approval from the Califo rnia Coastal
Commission for said hedge species to be located on the driving range.”
Milton Rosen, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke in opposition to the staff recommendation,
noting that the New Zealand Christmas Tree hedge will obstruct views, grow very tall,
and has a deep root system which makes it difficult to remove.
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John Fitzpatrick, Rolling Hills Estates, spoke in favor of the staff recommendation,
noting he was in favor of the planting to allow better playing efficiency for the golfers;
allow the golf range to be improved; and keep the Trump Golf Course competitive with
other golf ranges in the area, while bringing in additional revenue to the City.
Jim Sarner, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he and his neighbors are in favor of the
staff recommendation.
Sandhya Patil, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke in opposition to the staff recommendation,
due to concerns regarding view obstruction issues. She stated she was in favor of
Trump National bringing in temporary hedges for special events as needed and noted
the CCC was in favor of the retention of the current language regarding the condition to
avoid any confusion.
Tom DeLuca, spoke in support of the staff recommendation, as the hedge would
provide a line of sight backdrop for the driving range.
James Lang, stated that he was in support of the staff recommendation.
Joey Lewis, Trump National Golf Club, spoke in support of the staff recommendation,
noting the golfers will receive the best visual experience possible with the addition of the
hedge.
Brian Mosich, Rancho Palos Verdes, representing John Colich who lives directly above
the golf course, spoke in support of the staff recommendation, in favor of the Trump
National Golf Course, and the planting of the trees.
Mickey Rodich, Ladera Linda Homeowners Association (HOA), Rancho Palos Verdes,
stated that his HOA has voted in favor of the staff recommendation, noting that the
hedge would beautify the venue.
Sharon Yarber, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she was opposed to the staff
recommendation, opining that the California Coastal Commission (CCC) is not in favor
of the proposal and noting that the CCC should weigh in on the matter prior to the
planting of the hedge. She added that all applicants should be treated consistently.
Jabe Kahnke, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke in opposition to the staff recommendation,
opining that the impetus is that there will be several high profile events in the coming
months. He stated the CCC should be able to hear the issue as currently conditioned
as this is a trust issue; commented on the unattractive nature of much of the trail areas
on the Trump National Golf Course property; and added there was foliage protruding
above an ocean-side berm on the golf course which may be caused from the boxed
ficus trees stored in that area.
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Ted Alston, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke in favor of the staff recommendation, noting
that the relationship with Trump National has improved over the years and he was in
favor of the requested modification by Trump National.
Chip Zelt, Community Association of Tract No. 16540, Rancho Palos Verdes, spoke in
opposition to the staff recommendation, noting he and his HOA are opposed to the
proposed request for a modification to the condition. He stated that the trees should not
be planted before the CCC has the opportunity to review the matter and issue a coastal
permit; New Zealand Christmas Tree hedges are not on the golf course plant palette;
the CCC was in favor of the retention of the current language regarding the condition to
avoid confusion; and the hedge will obstruct views of those on the public trails. He
opined that the Council should rescind the original approval of the hedge.
Ms. Amini declined the opportunity for a rebuttal.
Mayor Brooks declared the public hearing closed.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and staff.
City Attorney Lynch stated that Condition K2-B would remain except for the last
sentence which would be stricken and replaced with the following language:
“Furthermore, the City has informed the applicant, and applicant acknowledges
awareness, that the planting of the New Zealand Christmas Tree hedge at the western
edge of the driving range, per the City Council’s approval on January 17, 2012, does not
eliminate the applicant’s obligation to obtain approval from the California Coastal
Commission for said hedge species to be located on the driving range.”
Councilman Knight moved, seconded by Mayor Brooks, to: 1) ADOPT RESOLUTION
NO. 2013-28, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, ADOPTING ADDENDUM NO. 2 TO A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION FOR THE DRIVING RANGE; and, 2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.
2013-29, AS AMENDED, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CONDITIONALLY APPROVING REVISION “CCC” TO
THE TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF COURSE PROJECT, REVISING CONDITION K2-B
OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 163 TO DELETE THE REFERENCE OF THE
APPLICANT HAVING TO OBTAIN COASTAL COMMISSION APPROVAL OF THE
NEW ZEALAND CHRISTMAS TREE SPECIES FOR THE PROPOSED HEDGE ON
THE DRIVING RANGE.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Knight, Misetich, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: Duhovic (recused)
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RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Brooks called a brief recess from 8:13 P.M. to 8:29 P.M.
Crestridge Senior Condominium Housing Project (ZON2012-00067 & SUB2012-
00001) / 5601 Crestridge Road [Continued from April 2, 2013]
City Clerk Morreale reported that this public hearing was continued from the April 2,
2013 Council Meeting, late correspondence was distributed prior to the meeting, and
there were six requests to speak regarding this item.
Senior Planner Schonborn provided a brief report and PowerPoint presentation
regarding the proposed Crestridge Senior Condominium Housing Project located at
5601 Crestridge Road.
James O’Malley, Executive Vice President, Trumark, stated that the application process
was progressive and as straightforward as possible and complimented staff regarding
the detailed presentation. He noted that input from the citizens in the community and
Planning Commission has been very helpful, allowing the applicant to resolve the
concerns that were raised.
Robert Rockoff, Mesa Palos Verdes HOA, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that his
neighbors are concerned with view issues and thanked staff for their assistance in
addressing these matters.
Linda Davis, stated that less is more in this development and she has concerns
regarding the views, height and density of the buildings, light and open space. She
requested lowering of the building pads. She expressed concern regarding the
landscaping, heights of foliage and trees, requested adjustment to the silhouette flags
for the project, and requested the age requirement of the occupants be increased from
55 to 62 years of age.
Luella Wike, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she has one concern with the project,
which is that the Development Code zoning at the project location was designated as
institutional. She noted concern with residential housing in an institutionally zoned area
with the age requirement being at 55 years of age, and suggested the increase of the
age requirement to 62 years of age to avoid couples in the 55 year old age range with
teenage dependents.
Leo Kopsombut, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he had concern with the control of
the height of foliage and requested clarification regarding the proposed foliage height
line.
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John Fitzpatrick, Rolling Hills Estates, stated that he is in full support of the project,
noting that it will improve the area and help fill a need of the aging population of 55
years of age and older on the Peninsula.
Mr. O’Malley, in rebuttal, stated that Trumark is in concurrence with the staff
recommendation and conditions as set forth by staff and the Planning Commission,
adding that the proposed line regarding the height of structures and foliage is accepted
by the applicant.
The Public Hearing was held on this matter and at the conclusion of the public hearing
the following motions were made.
Discussion ensued among Council Members, staff, City Attorney Lynch and the
applicant.
Councilman Misetich moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic, to approve the staff
recommendation to: 1) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-30, A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CERTIFYING THE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT, MAKING CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL
FINDINGS PURSUANT TO CEQA, ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING
CONSIDERATIONS, AND ADOPTING A MITIGATION MONITORING AND
REPORTING PROGRAM; and, 2) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-31, A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES,
CONDITIONALLY APPROVING CASE NOS. SUB2012-00001 AND ZON2012-00067
FOR A PROPOSED 60-UNIT CONDOMINIUM SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS THE
CRESTRIDGE SENIOR CONDOMINIUM HOUSING PROJECT.
Councilman Knight made an amendment to the motion, directing staff to consider the
evaluation of Indian Peak Road as an alternate truck hauling route subject to any
necessary amendments to the project approvals and the environmental assessment
documents.
Councilman Misetich and Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic, as the maker and seconder of the
motion, accepted the amendment.
The amended motion was to approve the staff recommendation to: 1) ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-30, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CERTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT, MAKING CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS PURSUANT TO CEQA,
ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS, AND ADOPTING
A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM; 2) ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-31, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CONDITIONALLY APPROVING CASE NOS.
SUB2012-00001 AND ZON2012-00067 FOR A PROPOSED 60-UNIT CONDOMINIUM
SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS THE CRESTRIDGE SENIOR CONDOMINIUM HOUSING
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PROJECT; and, 3) Direct staff to consider the evaluation of Indian Peak Road as an
alternate truck hauling route subject to any necessary amendments to the project
approvals and the environmental assessment documents.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Duhovic, Knight, Misetich, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Brooks called a brief recess from 9:31 P.M. to 9:45 P.M.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Fiscal Year 2013-14 City Grant Requests
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting and there were 10 requests to speak regarding this item.
Mayor Brooks provided an introduction to this item.
Ken Dyda, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he was glad to see acknowledged in the
staff report that there are other cities that are donating grant funds to non-profit
organizations, noting that the City of Torrance grants an annual amount for the Torrance
Air Fair Association.
Bruce Merchant, Treasurer, Los Serenos de Pt. Vicente Docents, stated the purpose of
the Docent organization, described the two educational programs offered as a result of
the City’s grant, and requested continued support.
Herb Stark, Los Serenos de Pt. Vicente Docents, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the
programs that the Docents run are quality of life programs which add to the education of
children and are similar to programs managed by City staff. He requested continued
grant funding.
Richard Sherman, President, Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates, requested continued
grant support as their organization supports the needs of children, provides 20
scholarships, and helps to defray the cost of the Palos Verdes Marathon.
Robert Miller, Founder and President, Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay, Palos
Verdes Estates, stated that his organization is the only professional orchestra in the
area working in cooperation with the Norris Theater for 30 years. He noted the
organization’s receipt of a recent award for its contributions to the cultural life of the
community on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
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John Williams, President, Peninsula Symphony Association, Rancho Palos Verdes,
stated that the Peninsula Symphony Association provides five free classical concerts on
the Peninsula each year and provides the Mozart program for Peninsula School
elementary youth and has started a youth orchestra at Harbor College.
John Merryman, South Bay Family Health Care, stated that their organization takes
care of 50-60 residents in the Rancho Palos Verdes area who do not have any or
enough health insurance. He requested continued grant support.
Tina Harris, South Bay Children’s Health Center, stated that the funding provided by the
City helps support a licensed counselor at the three Peninsula high schools, comprised
of several hundred students who receive counseling care on a weekly basis. She
requested continued grant support.
Ann Shaw, President, Peninsula Seniors, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the
Peninsula Seniors organization provides services to the public that are often provided
by municipal government, but is not currently provided by the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes. She requested consideration of continued grant support.
Jan Simon, President, South Bay Chamber Music Society, Rancho Palos Verdes,
stated the organization has completed 50 years of providing free classical chamber
music for the students and community members on the Peninsula.
Dora de la Rosa, Chair, Finance Advisory Committee (FAC), stated that the FAC
recently discussed the Social Services element in the City’s General Plan and the
practices of other cities regarding the granting of funds to non-profit organizations. She
noted that the FAC considered all of the issues and voted unanimously once again to
reiterate their prior recommendation not to support the provision of City grants to non-
profit organizations in light of the significant infrastructure needs of the City in the future.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and staff.
Mayor Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Knight, to reduce the City Grant
funding amount for FY13-14 from $50,000 to $35,000; recommend ending the program
after FY13-14; and incorporate the Peninsula Seniors and Los Serenos Docent
programs into the Recreation and Parks Department budget.
Discussion continued among Council Members and staff.
Mayor Brooks withdrew her motion.
Each Council Member provided his/her proposed Grant Program funding amounts for
the individual non-profit organizations.
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Councilman Campbell left the meeting at 11:07 P.M. and returned at 11:10 P.M.
At 11:10 P.M., Mayor Brooks moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic, to continue
the meeting for another 30 minutes, to end at 11:40 P.M.
Without objection, Mayor Brooks so ordered.
Discussion ensued among Council Members and staff, and a column was created
denoting the average of the grant amounts suggested by each Council Member.
Councilman Campbell moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic, to accept the
amounts in the average column as the grant contributions for FY13-14.
Councilman Knight offered an amendment to modify the amounts for Los Serenos de
Pt. Vicente Docents and Peninsula Seniors to $10,000 for each of these two
organizations.
Councilman Campbell and Mayor Pro Tem Duhovic, as the maker and seconder of the
motion, accepted the amendment.
The motion, as amended, was for the following amounts to be granted to individual non-
profit organizations for a Total Grant Funding amount of $44,774:
Animal Lovers of South Bay $420
Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay $500
Freedom 4 U $1,600
Harbor Community Clinic $1,662
Helpline Youth Counseling $632
Kiwanis Club of RHE $2,728
Los Serenos de Point Vicente $10,000
Norris Center for the Performing Arts $1,264
Peninsula Friends of the Library $4,722
Peninsula Seniors $10,000
Peninsula Symphony Assoc. $500
Pet Protector's League $998
South Bay Chamber Music Society $500
South Bay Children's Health Center $5,722
South Bay Family Healthcare $2,528
SHAWL $998
Total Grant Funding Amount $44,774
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Campbell, Duhovic, Knight, Misetich, and Mayor Brooks
NOES: None
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ABSENT: None
Discussion continued among Council Members and staff, with the Council deciding to
consider discontinuing the Grant Program at a future Council meeting.
Draft FY13-14 Budget
This item was continued to the Saturday, June 1, 2013 Adjourned Regular Council
Meeting.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
This item was deferred to the next regular meeting.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION:
At 11:26 P.M., the meeting was recessed to Closed Session to meet with the City’s
Labor Negotiators, Labor Counsel Peter Brown and Steve Larson, regarding
negotiations with the Rancho Palos Verdes Employee Association.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION:
At 11:44 P.M., the meeting was reconvened to Open Session.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
Labor Attorney Brown reported that the Council gave direction to its Labor Attorney and
there was no reportable action taken.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 11:46 P.M., Mayor Brooks adjourned the meeting to Saturday, June 1, 2013 for an
Adjourned Regular Meeting to be held at Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center.
___________________
Mayor
Attest:
___________________
City Clerk
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