RPVCCA_CC_DM_2012_06_05_B_CC_Draft_Mins_20120515Draft City Council Minutes
May 15, 2012
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DRAFT
MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 15, 2012
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor Misetich at Fred Hesse
Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, and was immediately recessed into
Closed Session. The meeting reconvened at 7:03 P.M.
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Knight, and Mayor Misetich
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; Tom Odom, Director of Public Works; Ara Mihranian, Deputy
Community Development Director; Greg Pfost, Deputy Community Development
Director; Kathryn Downs, Deputy Director of Finance/Information Technology; and,
Carla Morreale, City Clerk.
Also present were the following: Danielle Lefer, Conservation Director, Palos Verdes
Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC); Andrea Vona, Executive Director, PVPLC; and
MaLisa Martin, National Park Service.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Flag Salute was led by Ken Dyda.
CEREMONIAL:
Mayor Misetich presented City tiles to the following former Commission and Committee
Members for their service to the City: Jack Curtis, Henry Ott, Jim Knight and Jerry
Duhovic.
Mayor Pro Tem Campbell presented a City tile to Mayor Misetich for his service on the
Finance Advisory Committee.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
None.
RECYCLE DRAWING:
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Mayor Misetich announced Recyclers of the Month from the May 1, 2012 City Council
meeting: I.J. Murray and E. John McGovern. 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:
Councilman Knight moved, seconded by Councilwoman Brooks, to approve the agenda,
as presented.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Knight, and Mayor Misetich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Ken Dyda, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he has concerns regarding the amount of
time the Council has been spending on the discussion of the Rules of Procedure and
Council and Commission/Committee Protocol topics. He also noted concern with the
Council’s recent decision regarding the modifications at Marymount College under the
guise of a minor modification to the parking at that site.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
None.
NEW BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence regarding Item No. A (Abalone
Cove Sewer Pump Station Repairs) was distributed prior to the meeting and there were
no requests to speak regarding the Consent Calendar.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Councilman Knight, to approve the
Consent Calendar, as presented.
City Clerk Morreale reported that the Consent included the REINTRODUCTION OF
ORDINANCE NO. 536, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, PROVIDING A FILM PERMIT EXEMPTION FOR GROUP COMMERCIAL
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY ON CITY PROPERTY, AND AMENDING THE
RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
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AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Knight, and Mayor Misetich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
EMERGENCY SEWER REPAIR PROJECT:
Abalone Cove Sewer Pump Station Repairs
Reviewed and reconfirmed by four/fifths (4/5) vote, the City Council’s previous action
taken on February 21, 2012, authorizing staff to continue with the actions taken to
perform emergency repairs to the Abalone Cove Sewer Pump Station located within the
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park.
OTHER CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS:
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 April 17, 2012 Regular Meeting.
Approve First Amendment to Agreement with Nationwide Environmental
Services, a Division of Joe’s Sweeping Inc., for Street Sweeping Services (In
Support of 2012 City Council Goal No. 5: Review Existing Contracts/Consultants)
Approved and executed the first amendment to the agreement for one fiscal year
effective July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013, with Nationwide Environmental Services, a
Division of Joe’s Sweeping Inc., for Street Sweeping Services.
Approve First Amendment to Agreement with West Coast Arborist Inc., for Tree
Trimming Maintenance (In Support of 2012 City Council Goal No. 5: Review
Existing Contracts/Consultants)
Approved and executed the first amendment to the agreement for one fiscal year
effective July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013, with West Coast Arborist Inc., for Tree
Trimming Maintenance.
Award a Three-Year Maintenance Contract for Public Works Maintenance Labor
for Streets and Rights of Way to Hardy & Harper, Inc. (In Support of 2012 City
Council Goal No. 5: Review Existing Contracts/Consultants)
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1) Awarded a three-year maintenance contract with (3) one-year options to renew by
mutual agreement for Public Works Maintenance Labor for Streets and Rights of Way to
Hardy & Harper, Inc., in the amount of $160,000, for the total base bid and authorized
an additional 15% contingency of $24,000, for unanticipated repairs and emergencies
for a total contract amount of $184,000; and, 2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute a three-year maintenance contract, with (3) one-year options to renew by
mutual agreement, with Hardy & Harper, Inc., for Public Works Maintenance Labor for
Streets and Rights of Way for fiscal-year 2012/2013, 2013/2014, and 2014/2015.
Award Three-Year Maintenance Contract for Maintenance Labor for City Program
Activities and Right-of-Way Landscape Maintenance Tasks to Venco Western, Inc.
(In Support of 2012 City Council Goal No. 5: Review Existing Contracts/
Consultants)
1) Awarded a three-year maintenance contract with (3) one-year options to renew by
mutual agreement for Maintenance Labor for City Program Activities and Right of Way
Landscape Maintenance Tasks to Venco Western, Inc., in the amount of $147,680, for
the total base bid and authorized an additional 15% contingency of $22,152, for
unanticipated repairs and emergencies for a total amount of $169,832; and,
2) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a three-year maintenance contract,
with (3) one-year options to renew by mutual agreement, with Venco Western, Inc., for
Maintenance Labor for City Program Activities and Right of Way Landscape
Maintenance Tasks for fiscal-year 2012/2013, 2013/2014, and 2014/2015.
Reintroduce Ordinance No. 536 – Ordinance Providing a Film Permit Exemption
for Group Commercial Photography and Videography on City Property (Supports
2012 City Council Goal in “Support of Local Businesses”)
REINTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 536, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, PROVIDING A FILM PERMIT EXEMPTION FOR GROUP
COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY ON CITY PROPERTY, AND
AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE.
Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2012-32, 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
2012-2013 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. 2012-33, 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
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FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013; and, 3) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2012-34, 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 2012-2013 PURSUANT TO THE
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.
Third Amendment to Agreement for Community Development Block Grant
Administration Services
Approved and executed the Third Amendment to Agreement between the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes and Diana Cho and Associates, to provide Community
Development Block Grant administration services for the period July 1, 2012 to June 30,
2013 for a not-to-exceed amount of $18,500.
Third Amendment to Agreement for Home Improvement Program Administration
Services
Approved and executed the Third Amendment to Agreement between the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes and MDG Associates, Inc., to provide Home Improvement
Program administration services for the period July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 for a not-
to-exceed amount of $30,000.
Award Professional Services Agreement for the Residential Pavement
Rehabilitation Project, FY11-12 (Areas 3 & 5) (Supports 2012 City Council Goal
No. 4, Public Infrastructure – Citywide Street Maintenance)
Awarded a contract for professional services to CBM Consulting for a not-to-exceed
amount of $96,026 for civil engineering services related to the Residential Pavement
Rehabilitation Project, FY 11-12 Areas 3 & 5 and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute the agreement.
Gifts for Parks
Accepted Gifts for Parks donations and directed staff to prepare donor letters of
appreciation for the Mayor’s signature.
Adopt a Resolution Accepting Street Rights-of-Way for Twin Harbors View Drive,
Isthmus View Drive, Emerald View Drive and Cape Point Drive as Identified and
Recorded on Tract Map 50667
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2012-35, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, ACCEPTING RIGHTS-OF-WAY FOR TWIN HARBORS VIEW
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DRIVE, ISTHMUS VIEW DRIVE, EMERALD VIEW DRIVE AND CAPE POINT DRIVE
AS IDENTIFIED AND RECORDED ON TRACT MAP 50667.
Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2012-36, 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.
# # # # # #
REGULAR NEW BUSINESS:
Amendments to the Approved Preserve Trails Plan (PTP) for the Palos Verdes
Nature Preserve (Supports 2012 City Council Goal – Trail System Enhancement)
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting and there were fourteen requests to speak regarding this item.
Community Development Director Rojas provided a brief introduction to the item and
background information regarding the approval of the Natural Community Conservation
Plan (NCCP) in 2004 to protect the natural habitat in the City while allowing public use
of the Preserve.
Danielle Lefer, Conservation Director, PVPLC, provided a brief report regarding the
PVPLC 2011 Preserve Annual Management Report and the work that the PVPLC
performs to preserve the land and restore habitat for the enjoyment of the community in
partnership with the City and many volunteers.
Discussion ensued between Council Members, staff, PVPLC staff members, and City
Attorney Lynch.
MaLisa Martin, National Park Service, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance,
reported on work performed through a grant with the PVPLC in 2009-2011. She
commented on the separation of users on trails in many of the national parks. She
stated that wider trails that are not too steep and have adequate line of sight can be
utilized as multiuse trails, while more narrow trails necessitate separation of users.
City Clerk Morreale reported that twenty seven requests to speak on the matter had
been received.
Mayor Misetich noted that due to the large number of speaker requests, each person
would have two minutes to speak on this topic.
Mary Elwell, Palos Verdes Estates, stated that she has concerns regarding the possible
elimination of trails since there are so few trails available for mountain biking. She
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expressed concern with obesity and noted that she is in favor of the availability of
additional multiuse trails.
Katy Endicott, San Pedro, stated that she bikes and hikes the trails in the Preserve.
She stated that she supported the staff’s recommendations on the Filiorum Trails Plan
except for the Eucalyptus Trail, which she opined should be open for bike use since the
trail is flat and has a good line of sight.
Mark Matthews, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he is in favor of the use of the trails
in the Reserve for exercise and health reasons, encouraged more multiuse of trails, and
opined that the frequency of user conflicts are overstated based on his observations
and data collected in the Trail Users Survey.
Bob Endicott, San Pedro, stated that he has used the trails for hiking and biking for over
20 years. He noted that the trails are not overused and supported the staff
recommendation with one exception, regarding the Eucalyptus Trail. He noted that
bicycles navigate that trail well since it is level and has a good line of sight.
Judy Herman, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the Public Use Master Plan (PUMP)
Committee spent much time determining the best use of the trails for all user groups,
noting that their work should not be overturned. She noted concerns with volunteers
engineering some of the trails for high speed biking uses in the Nature Preserve.
John Wessel, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he was in favor of the PUMP
Committee recommendations and was in favor of the trail designations for the Upper
Filiorum, but was concerned with an increase of usage by aggressive mountain bikers in
the last year and damage to the sensitive native plant areas. He noted that there needs
to be additional signage and a focus on conservation in the Preserve.
Vic Otten, Advocates for the Environment and RIBBOT, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated
that he had concerns regarding the Abalone Cove site and inquired if the Coastal
Commission had been consulted regarding the proposed change in use. He inquired if
there had been a CEQA analysis performed on the proposed changes in the Three
Sisters Reserve and cautioned regarding the potential of accidents with multiuse trails.
Heidi Furer, Palos Verdes Estates, stated that she is impressed with the work on the
project and noted that horses will react abruptly, by fleeing or fighting, when confronted
with mountain bikes at high speeds. She expressed concern with problems regarding
multiuse trails.
Kurt Loheit, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he is the volunteer who trains the
volunteers who work on the trails, who have performed much of the trail work in the
Preserve. He provided information regarding his background and noted that the trails in
the Preserve were inherited and his primary concerns are with the survival and
sustainability of the trails for all of the users.
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Gregory Lash, CORBA, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he has used the trails as a
hiker, runner and mountain biker and that he enjoys the multiuse of the trails and
positive interactions between users. He noted that much of the trail work has been
performed by the CORBA group.
Nancy Wildman, Palos Verdes Peninsula Horsemen’s Association (PVPHA), Rolling
Hills Estates, stated that in general the PVPHA opposes additional bike use of the trails,
especially if there has been a high history of equestrian use on a particular trail. She
noted that there is not as much equestrian use of the trails in the recent past due to
horse and bike encounters.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Misetich called a brief recess from 8:27 P.M. to 8:35 P.M.
Michael Jost, CORBA, Hawthorne, stated that according to a Keeper’s Report in the
Bend Reserve there is grass growing on some trails in the Preserve due to not enough
use and encouraged the permitted use of bikes on additional trails. He commented on
recorded data regarding users on several of the trails contained in the Keeper’s Report.
Lowell Wedemeyer, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he was present to speak about
stewardship of the soil on the trails. He commented on the use of trails by different user
groups which causes erosion on the trails. He encouraged the rerouting of some trails
in order to stop the erosion.
Eva Cicoria, Rancho Palos Verdes, commented on the conflicts between users on the
trails and concern with the accidents, near accidents, and damage to habitat by the
mountain bikers. She expressed concern with the possibility of Ishibashi Trail being
used by mountain bikers.
Wes Prunckle, San Pedro, stated that he was in support of staff’s recommendation
except for the Eucalyptus Trail, which he opined was appropriate for all user groups
since the line of sight was good on that trail. He encouraged opening up more trails for
multiple user groups.
Brad House, Rolling Hills Estates, stated that he has used the trails for years and
encouraged the use of Gary’s Gulch Trail and Eucalyptus Trail as multiuse trails, noting
he was in support of staff’s recommendation for the remainder of the Preserve.
Donna McLaughlin, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she has hiked the trails for years
and expressed concern regarding some of the aggressive bikers on the trails. She
reported that the Ishibashi Farm Trail and the Landslide Scarp Trail are being used by
aggressive bikers, noting these trails are very steep with a poor line of sight.
Ruth Braswell, CORBA, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she runs, hikes and
mountain bikes in the Preserve, noting that 99 percent of the open space is dedicated to
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natural habitat. She stated that most people are in compliance with the rules regarding
the trails, but some users from every user group create problems. She recommended
the creation of a Trails Committee comprised of representatives from each user group
to address issues that arise in the Preserve.
Craig Ellis, Palos Verdes Estates, stated that the Reserve is a very special area and is
pleased to see the multiuse of the trails and was in agreement with the plan except for
the use of Eucalyptus Trail and Gary’s Gulch Trail, noting it should be reevaluated for
use by mountain bikes. He encouraged the use of a bell on mountain bikes as a safety
feature to be used when approaching areas where there is
Alfred Sattler, Chair, Palos Verdes/South Bay Sierra Club, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated
that the Preserve was established to preserve natural habitat and species in the area.
He noted the Sierra Club was in support of the establishment of the Preserve, was in
favor of healthy outdoor exercise which encourages good health. He encouraged the
use of all trails, but noted that all trails should not be used by all users.
Ann Vierson, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she has hiked for years and expressed
concern with high speeds of mountain bikers and the unruly nature of a minority of
bikers who tear down the “No Biking” signs in the Preserve. She recommended less
use of multiuse trails based on safety concerns for all user groups.
Sharon Yarber, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she would like to see written
comments from the National Park Service, if any were provided. She noted she was in
support of the use of trails, but noted that the use of bells by mountain bikers could
frighten horses. She was in favor of multiuse trails for the wider trails, but not on the
narrow trails for safety reasons.
Ian Bisco, CORBA, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he treasures the Preserve area
and enjoys it on foot and on bike, noting that the regular exercise has improved his
health. He encouraged the education of all users and noted that he supported the
recommendation for additional multiuse trails.
Troy Braswell, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he is a member of the group that
performs much of the trail work under Keith Loheit’s guidance. He noted that he was in
favor of the CORBA/PV recommendations and some of the staff recommendations. He
noted the reasons for the elimination of Jack’s Rim Trail were not valid and the
Eucalyptus Trail should be multiuse. In addition, he opined the Grapevine Trail should
be multiuse since it has a great line of sight, and recommended reopening of some of
the trails since there is a need by the different user groups for redundant trails. He
added that he supported the use of a Trails Committee Advisory Board.
Sunshine, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the proposed changes to the Preserve
Trails Plan are not compliant with the City’s previous trails criteria, noting that the Trails
Plan has some flaws. She noted the concerns should be focused on the design and
engineering of the trails throughout the City.
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Peter Barrett, M.D., Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that he moved to the area Peninsula
for the excellent schools and wonderful open space in the area. He noted seeing
wildlife on the trails and only one accident in the time he has used the trails. He noted
the importance of safety on the trails and encouraged the City to strive for multiuse
trails.
Jennifer Ise, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she is concerned for the natural habitat
in the area needed for the Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly and the Gnatcatcher. She stated
that she hikes and rides horseback and reported on her personal experience with near
misses with bikers, but noted that all bikers are not inconsiderate.
Jessica Leeds, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that when she hikes she is seeking peace
and tranquility, noting that the experience changes when shared with bikers and
equestrians. She stated that mountain bikers are racing, due to the nature of their
sport, and encouraged separate trails for as many user groups as possible.
Additional discussion ensued among Council Members, staff, City Attorney Lynch, and
PVPLC staff members.
Councilman Duhovic moved, seconded by Councilman Campbell, to approve the
following: 1) Name the Preserve area encompassed by the acquired Upper Filiorum
property the “Filiorum Reserve”; 2) Receive and file the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land
Conservancy’s (PVPLC) 2011 Preserve Annual Management Report; 3) Receive and
file the 2012 Preserve Trails Project List; and 4) Create a Trails Subcommittee to work
with Staff, Park Rangers, PVPLC and the community regarding trails issues.
Mayor Misetich offered an amendment for the creation of an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to
focus on the manner in which multiple user groups can coexist on the trails.
The maker and seconder of the motion accepted the amendment.
Councilman Knight moved a substitute motion, seconded by Mayor Misetich, to:
1) Name the Preserve area encompassed by the acquired Upper Filiorum property the
“Filiorum Reserve”; 2) Receive and file the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy’s
(PVPLC) 2011 Preserve Annual Management Report; 3) Receive and file the 2012
Preserve Trails Project List; and, 4) Instead of the creation of an Ad Hoc Subcommittee,
to instruct staff and the PVPLC to seek public input regarding specific trails with the
multiuse issues and line of sight problems, and return to Council with specific
recommendations.
MaLisa Martin, National Park Service, suggested the use of focus groups from all user
groups to achieve more balance in input obtained to address the array of issues. She
noted that the City needs to establish trail standards to give guidelines to the user
communities as the City moves from acquisition to long-term management of the
Preserves.
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Mayor Pro Tem Campbell moved a substitute motion, seconded by Councilwoman
Brooks, to: 1) Name the Preserve area encompassed by the acquired Upper Filiorum
property the “Filiorum Reserve”; 2) Receive and file the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land
Conservancy’s (PVPLC) 2011 Preserve Annual Management Report; 3) Receive and
file the 2012 Preserve Trails Project List; and, 4) Direct that the Council revisit the next
steps at a future date regarding the new Trails Plan for the Filiorum Preserve and
amendments to the 2008 Preserve Trails Plan after additional input has been received
from community members.
Councilman Knight withdrew his substitute motion and Mayor Misetich withdrew his
second to that motion.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Knight, and Mayor Misetich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Misetich called a brief recess from 10:06 P.M. to 10:14 P.M.
Mayor Misetich moved, seconded by Councilman Knight, to continue the meeting until
midnight.
Without objection, Mayor Misetich so ordered.
Introduction of Performance Audit (Supports City Council Goal to “Improve
Organizational Efficiency”)
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting and there was one request to speak regarding this item.
Councilwoman Brooks provided a brief report and noted that she had recently received
a cost estimate for a Performance Audit in the amount of approximately $30,000.
Council discussion ensued.
Sharon Yarber, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that she was in favor of a Council directed
process to decide that items to be included in the scope of the project for the consultant.
Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Campbell, to allocate up to
$50,000 in the budget to solicit three bids for a Performance Audit of organizational
workload, productivity and resources of all City departments, in accordance with the
approved 2012 City Council Goals and Priorities.
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Campbell offered an amendment that this item be placed on a Council agenda no later
than July.
The maker of the motion accepted the amendment.
The motion was reiterated as the following: Councilwoman Brooks moved, seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Campbell, to allocate up to $50,000 in the budget to solicit three bids
for a Performance Audit of organizational workload, productivity and resources of all
City departments, in accordance with approved 2012 City Council Goals and Priorities,
with the item to come back to the Council no later than July.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Campbell, Duhovic, Knight, and Mayor Misetich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Fiscal Year 2012-13 Budget Meeting No. 2
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting and there were two requests to speak regarding this item.
City Manager Lehr introduced the item.
Deputy Director of Finance/IT Downs provided a brief staff report and PowerPoint
presentation regarding this item.
Robert Douglas, Chair of the Board of Directors, Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement
District (ACLAD), Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that ACLAD was requesting funding for
the re-drilling of one of the most critical wells in the active landslide area in ACLAD. He
noted that this was one of the nine original wells in the ACLAD area and without this
well the buildup of groundwater in this area will jeopardize Palos Verdes Drive South.
Sunshine, Rancho Palos Verdes, stated that the Council should consider budgeting for
engineering, design, and development of trails in the City. She noted that funding for
Public Works and Community Development Department projects should take into
consideration trail design and connections of existing trails and the development of new
trails when projects are proposed.
Discussion ensued between Council Members and staff regarding public trails; and the
specific individual expense line items on the menu presented by staff in the Hybrid Zero-
Based Budgeting exercise.
Discussion continued between Council and staff regarding Public Safety/Law
Enforcement line items. Council directed staff to add the following Public Safety/Law
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Enforcement item expenditures in the Draft Budget: 1) Crime Prevention Deputy (one
dedicated deputy at a growth rate of $178,000 for one and one-half years, with a
commitment to continue the position for at least one additional year, at the future annual
rate of approximately $240,000); 2) Traffic Enforcement Deputy Reallocation - $74,000;
3) Bike Patrol on Western Avenue & Palos Verdes Drive South - $30,500; and, 4) Public
Safety Outreach to Residents and Businesses - $2,500. Further discussion ensued
regarding additional Public Safety Program options in support of the City Council 2012
Goals that can be provided to the City at no additional cost.
Sgt. Dave Rozas, Lomita Sheriff’s Station, in response to a question from the City
Council, stated that Volunteers on Patrol are an important asset to the Sheriff’s
Department, in that they contribute hundreds of hours of service as they patrol the
neighborhoods in the community and serve as an extension of the Sheriff’s Department.
Council directed the following additional modifications to the expenditure line items:
1) Elimination of the Federal Lobbyist expenditure of $48,000; 2) Inclusion of the
Portuguese Bend Dewatering Well expenditure of $75,000; 3) Inclusion of the
Organizational Performance Audit expenditure of $50,000; 4) Inclusion of the General
Liability & Other Insurance expenditure of $602,000; 5) Inclusion of the City Attorney
Legal Services expenditure of $880,000; 6) Inclusion of the Sheriff General Law
Enforcement Services expenditure of $4,200,000; 7) Inclusion of the Information
Technology Services expenditure of $332,000; 8) Inclusion of the Landscape
Maintenance at City Parks expenditure of $250,000; 9) Inclusion of the Open Space
Fuel Modification expenditure of $281,000; and, 10) Inclusion of the Residential Street
Paving Project (transfer to CIP) expenditure of $1,575,000.
Each Council Member selected budget items they desired to include, eliminate, or
reduce in the budget, thus providing direction for the preparation of the draft FY12-13
budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Campbell chose to retain all of the listed expenditures. He opined that
City staff budgets conservatively and noted that he had confidence there would be
savings in areas allowing for sufficient funding for all of the listed expenditures.
Mayor Pro Tem Campbell left the dais at 11:45 P.M.
Mayor Misetich chose to eliminate the expenditure of $15,000 for the Aircraft Noise
Consultant; reduced the City Grants to Non-Profit Entities to $20,000; and, eliminated
the expenditure of $2,000 for the Community Leaders’ Breakfast.
Mayor Pro Tem Campbell returned the dais at 11:48 P.M.
Councilman Duhovic chose to reduce the expenditure for the City Attorney Legal
Services to $650,000; and, eliminated the expenditure of $15,000 for the Aircraft Noise
Consultant.
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Councilwoman Brooks stated that she was in favor of retaining the Aircraft Noise
Consultant expenditure due to the effective results; and noted she was in agreement
with Mayor Pro Tem Campbell and chose to retain the remainder of the listed
expenditures.
Councilman Knight inquired if the work being performed by the County of Los Angeles
for catch basin maintenance was in fulfillment of their contract with the City.
Director of Public Works Odom stated that there is not a contract in place with the
County, and the City will be seeking a new contract for the catch basin maintenance
service.
Councilman Knight inquired if the budget included the new legal service fees for Labor
Negotiations to deal with issues related to the Employee Association.
City Attorney Lynch and staff clarified that the expenditure for additional legal services
for Labor Negotiations issues related to the Employee Association was not included in
this expenditure list.
Councilman Knight stated that he agreed with much of the discussion regarding budget
items; noted that the Aircraft Noise Consultant expenditure was important to retain; and
noted he would be interested in possible reductions in the expenditures for the RPV TV.
City Manager Lehr stated that the feedback from the Council Members has provided
sufficient information for staff to prepare a proposal for a balance Draft Budget, which
will be brought back to the Council on June 5, 2012.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
This item was deferred to a future meeting.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney Lynch reported that with respect to the Public Employee Performance
Evaluation, the City Council conducted the City Attorney’s Performance Review.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 12:09 A.M. on May 16, 2012, Mayor Misetich adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, May
29, 2012, at 7:00 P.M. at Hesse Park for an Adjourned Regular Meeting.
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May 15, 2012
Page 15 of 15
___________________
Mayor
Attest:
___________________
City Clerk
W:\City Council Minutes\2012\20120515 CC MINS DRAFT.doc
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