RPVCCA_DM_2011_01_18_02_Draft_Mins_20101207DRAFT
MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 7,2010
The meeting was called to order at 7:07 P.M.by Mayor Wolowicz at Fred Hesse
Community Park,29301 Hawthorne Boulevard..
City Council roll call was answered as follows:
PRESENT:Campbell,Long,Misetich,Stern,and Mayor Wolowicz
ABSENT:None
Also present were Carolyn Lehr,City Manager;Carolynn Petru,Deputy City Manager;
Carol Lynch,City Attorney;Dennis McLean,Director of Finance/Information Technology
(IT);Joel Rojas,Community Development Director;Tom Odom,Interim Recreation and
Parks Director/Deputy Director of Public Works;Paul Christman,Building Official;Judy
Huey,Senior Administrative Analyst;Abigail Harwell,Assistant Planner;Katie Howe,
Administrative Analyst II,and Carla Morreale,City Clerk.
Also present:Diana Cho,Community Development Block Grant Consultant.
FLAG SALUTE:
The Flag Salute was led by RPV TV Channel 33 Station Manager Liz Brown-Swanson.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Wolowicz announced that Santa Claus will be visiting Rancho Palos Verdes
neighborhoods in his sleigh in the upcoming weeks,courtesy of the Lomita Sheriffs
Station.
Deputy Brandon Epp announced that the Lomita Sheriff's Station recently updated its
website and highlighted areas that may be of interest to the community.
Mayor Wolowicz highlighted the Gifts for Parks donations and expressed the City's
thanks for Gifts for Parks donations that have been received by the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes since March 2010.Mayor Wolowicz expressed his thanks to Council
Members,staff and the community for the past year while he served as Mayor of the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes;and,he announced the recent passing of Jack Kyser,
Chief Economic Advisor for the Southern California Association of Governments.
Draft City Council Minutes
December 7,2010
Page 1 of 10
2-1
RECYCLE DRAWING:
Mayor Wolowicz announced Recyclers of the Month from the November 16,2010 City
Council meeting:David Zahniser and Catherine Fresch.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.
COUNCIL REORGANIZATION:
Selection of Mayor:
City Clerk Morreale declared the floor open for nominations for Mayor.
Councilman Campbell nominated Mayor Pro Tem Long for Mayor.The nomination was
seconded by Councilman Stern.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Campbell,Long,Misetich,Stern,and Mayor Wolowicz
None
None
Selection of Mayor Pro Tern:
Mayor Long called for nominations for Mayor Pro Tem.
Councilman Wolowicz nominated Councilman Misetich for Mayor Pro Tem.The
nomination was seconded by Councilman Campbell.
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Campbell,Misetich,Stern,Wolowicz,and Mayor Long
None
None
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Long called a recess for a brief celebratory reception from 7:29 P.M.to 7:43 P.M.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Councilman Stern moved,seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Misetich,to approve the
agenda.
Draft City Council Minutes
December 7,2010
Page 2 of 10
2-2
Councilman Wolowicz noted a correction to be made to the public hearing information
sheets which incorrectly state that he is the Mayor.
Councilman Stern moved,seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Misetich,to approve the
agenda,as amended.
Without objection,Mayor Long so moved.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Dennis Cross,Battalion Chief,Los Angeles County Fire Department,introduced himself
as the new Battalion Chief for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,noting that he is a
Public Information Officer for the Fire Department and that he looks forward to working
with the City and community.
Joe Farlo.M.D.,Watermen's Alliance,Manhattan Beach,thanked the City for its
involvement in the Marine Life Protection Act over the last several months;and noted
that he would continue to address the Fish and Game Commission for shore-based
fishing access and spear fishing at Pt.Vicente along the Fishing Access Trail for the
City.He requested that the City continue to be engaged with the Fish and Game
Commission regarding shore-based angling,spear fishing for pelagic fish and white sea
bass,and kelp restoration efforts by the Santa Monica Bay Keepers inside the Pt.
Vicente Fishing Access area.
Mark Wells,Rancho Palos Verdes,thanked staff members and Council Members for
governing in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes where more than 68 percent of the
registered voters participated in the November 2010 Election,which was not a General
Election nor a Presidential Election.He stated that it was remarkable that the voters of
the City decided to use the democratic process to state their opinions by their votes.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
City Manager Lehr announced that Breakfast with Santa will be held on Saturday,
December 11,2010 at 9:00 a.m.at Fred Hesse Community Park.
Interim Director of Recreation and Parks Odom announced that the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes Recreation and Parks 2010-2011 Winter Activity Guide is now online,
which highlights upcoming events and classes offered by the City.
NEW BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence regarding Item NO.2 (Approval of
the Minutes)was distributed prior to the meeting.
Draft City Council Minutes
December 7,2010
Page 3 of 10
2-3
Councilman Stern moved,seconded by Councilman Wolowicz,to approve the Consent
Calendar with Item NO.2 (Approval of the Minutes),as amended.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Campbell,Misetich,Stern,Wolowicz,and Mayor Long
None
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.
Approval of the Minutes
Approved the Minutes of the November 16,2010 Regular Meeting,as amended.
Approval of Annual Commercial Hauler Agreements for 2011
1)Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute one-year non-exclusive
commercial refuse collection and disposal services agreements for 2011 with ten
companies:California Waste Services LLC;CalMet Services,Inc.;Consolidated
Disposal Service,LLC;Easy Roll Off Services;EDCO Disposal Corporation;JJK RolI-
Offs,Inc.;S & H Disposal Company &Recycling Services;Universal Waste Systems,
Inc.;USA Waste of California,Inc.,dba Waste Management of Los Angeles;and West
Coast Waste &Roll Off Service;and,2)ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO.2010-104,A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES,
LIMITING THE NUMBER OF HAULERS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE SOLID WASTE
COLLECTION AND RECYCLING SERVICES FROM COMMERCIAL PREMISES,AND
ROLL OFF SERVICES TO RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PREMISES IN THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES IN CALENDAR YEAR 2011.
Gifts for Parks
Accepted Gifts for Parks donations and directed staff to prepare donor letters of
appreciation for the Mayor's signature.
October 2010 Monthly Report of Cash Balances
Received and filed the October 2010 Monthly Report of Cash Balances for the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes.
Draft City Council Minutes
December 7,2010
Page 4 of 10
2-4
Register of Demands
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO.2010-105,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.
######
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Proposed 2011·2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)Program
City Clerk Morreale reported that notice of the public hearing was duly published,no
written protests received,and there were no requests to speak on the item.
Councilman Stern moved,seconded by Mayor Long,to waive the staff report and go
directly to questions.
Without objection,Mayor Long so ordered.
Mayor Long declared the public hearing open.
As there were no requests to speak on the item,Mayor Long declared the public
hearing closed.
Councilman Wolowicz moved,seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Misetich,to adopt the staff
recommendation to:1)Approve the proposed CDBG projects and budget;2)Authorize
the Director of Public Works to execute agreements for CDBG projects with the Los
Angeles County Community Development Commission;and,3)Authorize the Director
of Public Works to adjust the program budget as necessary to take into account the final
CDBG allocation and any amounts unexpended at the close of the fiscal year.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Campbell,Misetich,Stern,Wolowicz,and Mayor Long
None
None
Adoption of Ordinance for New LA County 2011 Fire Code and New 2010 State
Building Codes
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting,notice of the public hearing was duly published,no written protests were
received,and there were no requests to speak regarding the item.
Draft City Council Minutes
December 7,2010
Page 5 of 10
2-5
Mayor Long declared the public hearing open.
Building Official Christman provided a staff report regarding the adoption of an
ordinance for the new County Fire Code and new State Building Codes.
Council and staff discussion ensued.
Roy Dull,Assistant Fire Chief &Fire Marshall,Los Angeles County Fire Department,
stated that the Fire Department does not collect fees for the review of sprinkler plans for
commercial buildings,which results in a deficit to the Fire Department.He noted that
the new residential sprinkler code that is going into effect January 1,2011 is a new
plumbing code requirement,and that it should be more efficient and alleviate
redundancy for the City building inspectors to perform the sprinkler plumbing
inspections since they will be performing other related inspections.
Henry Wind,California Water Service Company (Cal Water),noted that Cal Water
Service will be charging the full fee for a 1-inch meter for those properties that have a
1-inch meter until the fees are adjusted.He reported on the monthly fees charged by
the Cal Water based on size of the water meter.
Mayor Long declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Campbell moved,seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Misetich,to approve the
staff recommendation to:ADOPT ORDINANCE NO.516,AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES,ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2010
EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING,RESIDENTIAL,GREEN BUILDING,
PLUMBING,ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CODES,WHICH ARE CODIFIED IN
TITLE 24 OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS,THE 2011 LOS ANGELES
COUNTY FIRE CODE,WHICH IS TITLE 32 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE,
CHAPTER 7A OF TITLE 26 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE,THE UNIFORM
CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS 1997 EDITION,THE
UNIFORM HOUSING CODE 1997 EDITION,AND THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE CODE,2006 EDITION,WITH APPENDICES AND AMENDMENTS
THERETO;AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Campbell,Misetich,Stern,Wolowicz,and Mayor Long
None
None
REGULAR NEW BUSINESS:
Draft City Council Minutes
December 7,2010
Page 6 of 10
2-6
Conceptual Designs for Grandview Park
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed prior to the
meeting and there were two requests to speak regarding the item.
Interim Director of Recreation and Parks adom provided a brief staff report regarding
the Conceptual Designs for Grandview Park.He noted that one adjacent property
owner,who was unable to be present for the meeting,reported concerns regarding the
privacy of his property and requested a wall in addition to the buffer landscaping.
Mia Lehrer,Landscape Architect and Design Consultant,Mia Lehrer &Associates,
provided a detailed report and PowerPoint presentation of the two proposed park design
plans for Grandview Park.She provided an overview of the design components of the
Oak Plan and the Sycamore Plan to address the needs of the community,such as the
activity lawn and meadow,walking trails,picnic areas,parking lot,outdoor activity and
day camp areas,playground,small park office and restroom building,viewing nodes,
fitness stations,flexible cycling area and nature discovery area.She discussed
landscape buffer zones around the perimeter of Grandview Park to provide privacy to
the neighbors without blocking views.
Discussion ensued between Council,Ms.Lehrer,and staff members.
Jim Juneau,Rancho Palos Verdes,stated that he is an adjacent property owner to the
park and stated that the improvements to Grandview Park will be an asset to the
community,noting that he appreciated the changes to the plan after input from the
community and neighbors.
Candy Fletcher,Rancho Palos Verdes,stated that the immediate neighbors are
discouraged that the community's input does not count.She stated that she objects to
the construction of an office building/public restroom facility and parking lot at the site.
Bernie Slotnick,Rancho Palos Verdes,stated he argued and debated with staff
regarding the park and reported that Mia Lehrer and staff have done an exceptionally
nice job creating the conceptual designs for the park.He offered insight as to the
history regarding the Chopra residence.
Discussion ensued between Council,Ms.Lehrer,and staff members.
Councilman Wolowicz moved,seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Misetich,to:1)Select the
Sycamore Plan for Grandview Park with proposed phasing of construction;2)Direct
staff to construct a silhouette of the proposed building during the environmental review
to assess impacts;and,3)Direct staff to work with Mr.Chopra to address issues
regarding privacy and views.
Draft City Council Minutes
December 7,2010
Page 7 of 10
2-7
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Campbell,Misetich,Stern,Wolowicz,and Mayor Long
None
None
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Mayor Long called a brief recess from 9:25 P.M.to 9:37 P.M.
PAUSE TO CONSIDER THE REMAINDER OF THE AGENDA:
Code Amendment Initiation to Eliminate or Amend the Current Program that
Allows Non-Commercial Organizations to Place Temporary Special Event Signs
or Other Temporary Signs in the City's Rights-of-Way
City Clerk Morreale reported that there were two requests to speak regarding this item.
Assistant Planner Harwell provided a brief report and PowerPoint presentation
regarding the current program allowing non-commercial organizations to place
temporary special event signs and banners in the City's Rights-of-Way.
John Freeman,Rancho Palos Verdes,stated that the proliferation of signs is an
important issue for many residents,since the City has evolved from having many open
spaces to limited locations for the placement of signs.He reported on his two concerns
regarding the placement of signs at Hesse Park:1)the park is for the enjoyment of the
natural environment;and,2)the numerous signs advertising events that are not in the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes.He concluded that when one drives by a park,he wants
to see the park,trees and beautiful ocean,not numerous signs.
Norbert Nastanski,Rancho Palos Verdes,stated that he concurs with staff's
recommendation and noted his concerns with the large and out of place signs at Hesse
Park.He suggested that the City discontinue the use of two side-by-side signs at the
corner of Hawthorne and Locklenna.
Councilman Stern moved,seconded by Councilman Wolowicz,to approve the staff
recommendation to suspend the approval of any new temporary banner sign
applications and initiate a code amendment process involving fully noticed public
hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council to eliminate the program
that allows non-commercial organizations to place temporary special event signs or
other signs in the City's rights-of-way.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
Draft City Council Minutes
December 7,2010
Page 8 of 10
2-8
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Campbell,Misetich,Stern,Wolowicz,and Mayor Long
None
None
Certification of Election
Councilman Wolowicz moved,seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Misetich,to waive the staff
report and second the staff recommendation to:ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.2010-106,
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES,RECITING THE FACTS OF THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD IN
SAID CITY ON NOVEMBER 2,2010,DECLARING THE RESULTS THEREOF AND
SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS PROVIDED BY LAW.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Campbell,Misetich,Stern,Wolowicz,and Mayor Long
None
None
Marymount College Response Regarding Commitment to Election Cost
Reimbursement
City Clerk Morreale reported that late correspondence was distributed regarding this
item.
City Manager Lehr provided an update regarding the Marymount College response
regarding its commitment to reimburse the City for Election expenses,and read into the
record a letter received that day from Dr.Brophy.She noted that City staff has provided
invoices to the College of the expenses incurred to date regarding the November 2,
2010 Election.
Mark Wells,Rancho Palos Verdes,stated that he had a conversation with Dr.Brophy
regarding the Marymount Plan initiative,where he noted that elections are paid for by
the taxpayers.Mr.Wells reported that he was not surprised when Dr.Brophy later
offered to pay for the election and suggested an option of an alternate arrangement
such as the College's consideration of a donation to the building of the new Civic
Center,since the College advertised that they would pay for the election as a marketing
tool.
Councilman Stern moved,seconded by Councilman Wolowicz,to reaffirm the City
Council's prior acceptance of Marymount College's gift as stated in the College's letter
dated May 25,2010.
Council and staff discussion ensued.
Draft City Council Minutes
December 7,2010
Page 9 of 10
2-9
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Campbell,Misetich,Stern,Wolowicz,and Mayor Long
None
None
CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:
Councilman Stern stated that he had no report to provide.Each of the other Council
Members reported on his attendance at various organization and association meetings
since the last City Council Oral Reports were provided on November 4,2010.
ADJOURNMENT:
Councilman Stern noted that this evening's meeting would be adjourning to Saturday,
December 18,2010 at Hesse Park.Discussion ensued regarding the time to begin that
meeting as there were 28 applicants to be interviewed for openings on three of the
City's Advisory Boards.
At 10:27 P.M.,Mayor Long adjourned the meeting to Saturday,December 18,2010 at
8:00 A.M.to Hesse Park (the Fireside Room)to conduct interviews of applicants for the
Finance Advisory Committee,Traffic Safety Commission,and Emergency
Preparedness Committee.He adjourned the meeting in the memory of those who
served and lost their lives at Pearl Harbor on December 7,1941,and in the memory of
Mr.Jack Kyser.
Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
W:\City Council Minutes\2010\20101207 DRAFT CC MINS.doc
Draft City Council Minutes
December 7,2010
Page 10 of 10
2-10