RPVCCA_SR_2010_06_01_14_Beautification_Grant_Program_ModificationCJTYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
REVIEWED:
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM ~
RAY HOLLAND,DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WOR
JUNE 1,2010
BEAUTIFICATION GRANT PROGRAM MODIFICATION
CAROLYN LEHR,CITY MANAGER c!J-.
Project Manager:Lauren Ramezani,Sr.Administrative Analyst .'/..i---'
RECOMMENDATION
To address City Council concerns,while bringing Beautification Grants into compliance
with State law and City purchasing policies,staff recommends that City Council appoint
a Council Subcommittee to work with staff,and seek public input to prioritize
beautification projects to be funded by the Recycling Rebate (CRV)revenue.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the October 21,2008 Council meeting,Councilmembers raised concerns that the
City's Neighborhood Beautification Grant (grant)funds may require further review for
optimal distribution among the RPV community.Staff was directed to research ways to
distribute grant funds to a larger portion of the community,and bring back alternatives
for Council consideration.
Staff's research indicates that the grant program's original intent was to provide City-
wide benefit to the general public.This intent was reflected in the grant guidelines,
which were established in 1989.However,over the course of twenty-one years,the
implementation of these policies changed.These changes,along with the requirements
of State law and municipal codes,necessitate further review and discussion.
Upon reviewing Council minutes and historical record,the City Attorney recommended
several major changes to the current process of recycling grant funding.To assure
compliance with government codes relating to the use of public funds,meeting the test
of providing general public benefit,and avoiding possible City liability issues a re-
alignment of the current process is necessary.This re-alignment of the procedures will
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Beautification Grants
June 1,2010
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affect the types of projects and the administration of the program from how it evolved
over the years.Therefore,this re-alignment will severely limit the number of eligible
grant projects in the future.
BACKGROUND
Currently the Beautification Fund supports two programs:Neighborhood Beautification
Grants (grants)and the median improvement program (medians).The grant program
began in 1989.It is an annual grant program paid directly by the City to approved
grantee groups,including homeowners associations (HOA),schools and neighborhood
groups,for construction of beautification projects including neighborhood entry signs,
landscaping and lighting.The City has paid over 1.6 million dollars over 19 years in
grants.The last grant cycle,Cycle 19 was awarded in October 2008,in the amount of
$157,500.That cycle is now complete and closed out.
The Beautification Fund also provides funding for the City's median program.The goal
of the median program is to also beautify the City.In the past 12 years (between 1997
and 2008/9)the City has spent only $340,000 on median improvements.Although funds
are annually budgeted for median projects,it requires 2-3 years to accumulate adequate
funds for a project.The completed median projects included medians at:PVDE at Crest
(near Marymount College),PVDS at PVDE,and Montemalaga.The last median
projects,at the intersection of Hawthorne and PVDW,and at the southern end of
Hawthorne Boulevard were recently completed.Staff has received many compliments
from residents about the new landscaped medians.
The City's historic Beautification Fund disbursements are approximately as follows:
Total City Grant Annual Average grant Total City Median/Parkway Annual Average City
Payments*funds paid by the Expenditures Median/parkway
(Cycles 1 to 19)City*(FY 97-98 to FY 08-09)Expenditures
$1,606,000 $85,000 $340,000 $28,500
*This includes total City funds paid (base grant amounts and the City paid matching funds).This does not
include additional matching funds paid by the grantee groups.
The table above indicates that over the years,the funds used on City medians are
significantly less than the funds used for grants for private property improvements.The
City has spent three times more on beautification grants than on City medians/parkway
improvements in the City.
Furthermore,last fiscal year,the City adopted a Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP)in conjunction with the development of the two-year budget document.During the
CIP development process,staff facilitated many public outreach opportunities to solicit
input from the public regarding the City's capital needs.Residents expressed the need
for median improvements at the Community Leaders'Breakfast,the RPV Council of
Home Owners Associations (CHOA),the Peninsula Seniors meeting and in various
emaHs received by staff regarding the CIP.
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In response to this highlighted need,staff included three new median projects in the
Five-Year CIP.The first two median projects were included in FY 09-10 for Hawthorne
Blvd.and Palos Verdes Drive West Phase I.The Palos Verdes Drive West Phase II
median improvements are included in FY 10-11.For funding future median projects,the
amount of $250,000 has been budgeted in FY 10-11,$250,000 in FY 12-13 and
$250,000 in FY 14-15.
DISCUSSION
To identify the initial goal of the grant program,staff reviewed the archived City Council
minutes from inception of the grant program in 1989 and a few years following (see
attached).It became apparent that through the years the implementation of the
guidelines has evolved significantly;and the current guidelines are no longer serving the
general public as it was intended to do two decades ago.These changes came about
gradually,either initiated by a councilmember(s),or by grantee groups'requests at City
Councilor other public meetings.
With over $1,600,000 of City funds having been spent on grants,staff verified that some
grantee groups have received substantially more grant funds than other groups.Over
10,700 residential units (67%of the City's total residential units)never received grant
funding in the past because the program designed inherently favors HOA's.The tables
below show RPV's demographics and grant beneficiary groups:
Total #of Units Avg.#of units represented in recent
RPV Population Available*grant cycles **
Single-Family (SF)Sector 13,550 units 3,800 (or 28%of SF units)
Multi-Family (MF)Sector 2,300 units 1,350 (or 60%of MF units)
Total 15,850 units 5,150 (320/0 of all City units)
*Unit data (rounded)IS per the Department of Finance forecasted counts as of 1/1/2009
**Average #of units is based on Cycle 17 and 18 awarded grantee groups
Research also indicated that there are several "frequent applicant"groups.In the past
two decades,16 groups have received more than 10 grants,while 70 groups (or 55%of
the total groups)have received 3 or fewer grants.
Groups Groups Groups Groups Total Groups
Cycles Applied Applied Applied Applied
1-3 times 4-7 times 8-10 times 10+times
Cycles 1-19 70 (or 55%)33 (or 26%)9 (or 7%)16 (or 12.5%)128 (or 100%)
(approx.)*
*The Cycles 1-19 total IS an approximation (and to the best of staff's knowledge).The data IS based on
staff's research of earlier City Council minutes and previously compiled data.
At Council's direction,staff considered various methodologies to distribute the grant
funds to a larger portion of the community for maximum benefit.The issue was
discussed with input from different City department staff and followed by a meeting with
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two representatives from RPV-Council of Homeowners Associations (CHOA).The
CHOA representatives strongly indicated that the grants were important to their
members and that the grantees completed many projects that have beautified the City
entrances and neighborhoods,including some successful mUlti-year projects.
Staff identified new possible guidelines and areas in need of improvements,and
subsequently staff met with the City Attorney.After reviewing the archived City Council
minutes,the City Attorney strongly recommended that several changes be made to the
implementation of any future grant program.
The recommended changes are intended to insure:
•There were no perceived "gifts of public funds",
•Projects were of community-wide general public benefit,
•Projects were located along major streets to be visible to the general public (see
Exhibit A for classification of streets),and
•Projects funded by the City had appropriate fiscal controls
The City Attorney recommended changes for any proposed future grant project include:
•Project must be deemed to benefit the general public (not limited to the interior of
a small neighborhood).
•Project must be in a primary public view corridor so that it is visible by the general
public.
•Projects with safety concerns take priority over projects with only aesthetic
improvements.
•Improve fiscal safeguards:
o Provide no pre-payment to grantees.
o Provide no final payment unless a satisfactory final project inspection is
made.
o Require two competitive bids from all applicants (single and multi-family).
•Require an encroachment permit if the work will be done in the public right-of-way
along with a hold-harmless agreement (form to be prepared by the City Attorney).
•Require contractor hired by grantees to pay prevailing wages.
Staff met with CHOA representatives again,and after further discussions regarding the
significant limitations imposed on future grants as a result of the City Attorney's
guidelines,the formation of a Council Subcommittee was suggested.In addition,it was
suggested seeking public input at a well-publicized workshop.
To address City Council concerns,while complying with State law and City purchasing
policies,staff recommends that City Council appoint a Council Subcommittee to work
with staff and seek public input to prioritize beautification projects to be funded by the
Recycling Rebate (CRV)revenue.
Starting with the new EDCO Disposal Corporation (EDCO)agreement on July 1,2010,
the CRY revenue source will be called the Recycling Rebate,and is the fixed annual
amount of $280,000 from EDCO and $16,000 from Universal Waste Systems (UWS).
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ALTERNATIVE
As an alternative,if Council does not wish to appoint a Council Subcommittee,staff
recommends that Council direct a reprogramming of the Recycling Rebate (CRV)
revenues into:
a.High visibility public corridor projects,such as medians;and in the future
b.Public/Private projects including improvements immediately adjacent to the high
visibility roadways,such as landscaping,and repairing fences and walls.
FISCAL IMPACT
Beginning with FY 10-11,the City will receive fixed annual recycling rebate revenues
from its two residential haulers.EDCO will provide $280,000 and UWS $16,000
annually.The revenues are deposited in the Beautification Fund.
Attachments:Exhibit A-Classification of Streets
Exhibit B-Various archived City Council Minutes from 1989-1993
Exhibit C-E-Mails from residents
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EXHIBIT A
CLASSIFICATION OF STREETS
Staff reviewed the classification of streets per the Federal Highway Administration (FHA)
guidelines and has listed the street groups below:
o RPV's principal/primary arterial streets are:
•PVDS,PVDW,Hawthorne,and Western.
o RPV's minor arterial streets are:
•PVDE,Crest-Westside,Crenshaw,Indian Peak,Silver Spur,and
Miraleste.
o RPV's collector streets are:
•Granvia Altamira,Crest-Eastside,Montemalaga,Crestridge,
Ridgegate and Highridge.
A collector street is a feeder street from a major arterial to a local street.Although a
large portion of the public will not go through a collector street,but a collector street is
accessible and visible by the majority of the general public.
The above streets or intersections appear to fall within the City Attorney's definition of "a
primary public view corridor and visible by the general public".
However,local streets do not meet that definition.Local streets are streets that do not
have a large portion of the public passing through them.Examples are:Golden
Meadow,Whitley Collins,Basswood,Rockinghorse,Berry Hill,La Vista Verde,Mela
Lane,San Ramon,etc.
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/..Exhibit B
Page 1 of 2
MIN UTE S
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 9 I'1989
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.by Mayor Bacharach
at Hesse Park Community Center,29301 Hawthorne Boulevard.Roll
call was answered as follows:
PRESENT:HINCHCLIFFE,HUGHES AND MAYOR BACHARACH
ABSENT:McTAGGERT,RYAN
Also present were City Manager Dennis MCDuffie,and Finance
Director Kevin Smith.
ayor Bacharach clarified that this w~s a meeting of the City
Council to take pUblic input and bra~nstorm ideas on uses of
funds derived from the City I S recycling program,and that no
actions would be taken at this meeting.
The following uses of recycling funds were presented to the
council and the Public for information and consideration:
1.Median Beautification
2.Street Maintenance
3.Park Development
4.Trail Implementation
5.Upgrade of Public Facilities
6.community Center
7.Uniform Residential Street Signs
8.Marketing
9.Reimbursement:
a.General Reimbursement
b.Direct Reimbursement
c.Homeowner Association Reimbursement
d.Reimbursement to Encourage Recycling
10.Residential Street Signs
11.Plastic Containers
12.Marketing
13.Provide/Replace/Improve Street sweeping
.........
14-7
Page 2 of 2
Speaking in support of the Recycling Program and identifying the
various forms of reimbursement,were the following residents:
John Copley,30061 Grandpoint Lane,representing the Miraleste
Hills Homeowners Association;William Snyder,31003 Ganado Drive,
representing the Mediterranea Homeowners Association;Susan
Brooks,3419 Corinna,representing the Mira Catalina Homeowners'
Association:Barbara Dye,7035 Hartcrest Drive,representing the
Trails committee;Torn Hollingsworth,3648 Vigilance Drive,
representing the Ladera Linda Homeowners;Warren Sweetnam,7 Top
.~:Rail Lane,representing the Council of Homeowners I Association'.'and Rockinghorse Road Association.
;!supporters of the Program recommended that some funds be returned
to the homeowners'associations for uses in their particular
communi ties,and that part of the monies be used for overall
1 community improvements,specifically identified were road
maintenance and improved street sweeping.It was also
_;recommended that part of the funds be used toward the proposed
updated version of the Trails Network Plan.Individual
associations with already existiT;~recycling programs expressed
their interest in joining the City's curbside recycling program
as soon as possible.Many residents commended the City's efforts
regarding recycling efforts.Concerns were raised as to how
A monies would be distributed to individual homeowners not
associated with homeowner associations.The residents also
supported the concept that some of these monies be granted to the
Art Center and individual PTAs.
"The issue of temporary discontinuation of this service,i.e.due
,to travel plans,was addressed in terms of monthly fees.Mayor
Bacharach stated that this issue had not been addressed
previously and that it will be researched by Staff.
In their summary,the city Council expressed their appreciation
,for the residents'support of the program.The Council noted
'that no one had recommended to lower recycling fees,and that
.they were pleased with the overalf concensus or ~n~residents to
,have the monies reimbursed to the individual homeowners'
jassociations,as well as to the community in general.
'Mayor Bacharach concluded that a report will be submitted to the
'City Council at the meeting to be held on April 10,1989,at
1Ridgecrest School.
ADJOURNMENT:
ATTEST:
lSI JO PURC~LL
CITY CLERK
At 8:50 P.M.the meeting adjourned
on motion of Mayor Bacharach.
L§I JACKI BACHARACH
MAYOR
-2-larch 9,1989 14-8
Page 1 of 2
guest the property owner to sign as a conditlon of
approval for Height Variation Application 591.2.
Authorize acceptance of the proposed offer to Dedicate.
3.Desic .ute t·hE'easement in the revised Trails Network Plan
as t!~Tripanl Trail (formerly known as the McDonald's
farm Trail and Isom Trail).
The owner of this property,Mlchael Trapanl,7 Rockinghorse
Road,told the Council he bought this property two years ago
and was advised by the previous property owner that the
lawsuit involving thls trail had been settled.During the
past two years he has had three people request that the Trail
be opened.Mr.Trapani said that everybody on his block has
reguested that the Trail be closed.He questioned the
connection between his height variation and this Trail
easement.
Sunshine,6 Lime Tree,told the Council that she was
available to answer any questions that may arise.
Council then inquired if there were any funds available to
pay for the acquisition of this easement,and questioned the
nexus of this easement to the proposed second story variance
requested by Mr.Trapani.
It was the consensus of Council that the staff should work
with the Trapanis in a cooperative manner and see if
something can be worked out for the acquisition of this
easement.Council commented that perhaps since this easement
is in the area of an existing utility easement this may
reduce the price of the property.
ABALONE COVE SHORELINE
PRESERVE -DEVELOPMENT
(1201)
The City Manager presented the
the staff memorandum of April
18 and the following recommen-
dations:
1)Approve a loan to the Redevelopment Agency of up to
$235,000 to fund improvements at Abalone Cove Shoreline
Preserve,and 2)direct staff to release bid packets.
Councilman Ryan moved,seconded by Mayor Bacharach and
carried to approve the staff recommendation.It was the
consensus that Council should approve the design of the
building to be erected.
TY COUNCIL REPORTS:
RECYCLING REVENUE
UTILIZATION (1301)
for utilization of
voluntary curbside
Referring to the April 14 memo-
randum,the Mayor recommended
that Council approve programs
the revenue received by the City from the
recycling.The programs included
-12-APRIL 18,1989
14-9
Page 2 of 2
eautification grants and a recycling particlpation lottery.
Discusslon then followed on the lottery program and the fact
that as outlined in the staff report it would discrlminate
against those people who did not generate aluminum or glass
and may only have paper to recycle.
Warren Sweetnam,7 Top Rail Lane,President of the Rancho
Palos Verdes Council of Homeowners'Association told the City
Council his organization would like to see the money go back
to the citizens either through homes assoclations or through
a reduction in the cost for the trash collection or be used
for maintenance of streets.Speaking as President of the
Rockinghorse Homes Association he said that they would like
to see the money be used to maintain their private roads.
Councilman Ryan moved,seconded by Mayor Bacharach and
carried to approve the recycling participation lottery
program and anybody who sends in the card and is found to be
recycling will get one years free service.Also,to approve
the beautlfication grants program.
PROTECTION OF VIEWS Referring to the Covenant to
Maintain Property to Protect
Views,Councilman Ryan reported that people in the Seaview
area want to sign these covenants,however,it does not
explicitly state who will pay for cutting the tree.He
stated that he thought it was the intent that the person
requesting the removal of the tree would pay the cost
involved.The City Attorney indicated that it would be
permissible to change this Covenant if that indeed was the
intent of the Council.
Elsa Cortes,Highpoint Road,stated she felt that everybody
should pay for the removal of trees on their own property and
that the problem of trees belonged to those who planted them.
Councilman Ryan moved,seconded by Councilman McTaggart and
carried to provide the Seaview area with a Covenant that
included a statement that the person requesting the tree to
be removed would pay the cost involved.
The Mayor announced that on May 3 there would be a Town Hall
Meeting to discuss the subject of views.She requested that
the tree subcommittee (Hughes/Ryan)work on an agenda for
that meeting.
Warren Sweetnam,7 Top Rail representing the Rancho Palos
Verdes Councll of Homeowners Association said it was the
position of that organization that the trees belonging to the
property owner should be maintained by that person.He
requested that the City Council adopt the Citizens Initiatlve
dealing wlth view protection.
-13-APRIL 18,1989
14-10
Page 1 of 2
matter should be returned to staff for exploration of the
suggestion to integrate this activity into other Parks and
Recreation programs and investigate other land areas,
specifically the RDA property seaward of P.V.Dr.South.
Mayor Bacharach moved,seconded by Councilman Hughes and
carried to remand this appeal to the staff for analysis.
Councilman McTaggart moved to continue the hearing to the
December 5th meeting.Motion carried unanimously.
RECESS
AUDIENCE QUESTIONS:
At 9:00 P.M.the Mayor declared
a recess.At 9:10 P.M.the
meeting reconvened.
Responding the Mayor's call for questions not on the agenda
were the following residents:
Lois Larue,3136 Barkentine Rd.,who expressed her concern
for the DDT contamination in the effluent from the City of
Los Angeles.She also inquired how the City handled toxic
waste pick-up from residences.Roy Fulwider,28219
Hazelridge,requested that council consider the problem of
the maintenance of walls on Hawthorne Blvd.and requested
that the Council consider formation of a architectural review
board.
RECYCLING GRANT AWARD
POLICY (1301)
The City Manager presented the
staff recommendation to adopt
the policy as amended.
Warren Sweetnam,7 Top Rail,President of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Council of Homeowners Associations recommended a
public hearing on the change in policy of the use of these
funds.Speaking on behalf of the Rockinghorse Road
Homeowners Association he inquired about the use of these
funds for private roads.
Speaking in support of using these funds to pay for the use
of a crossing guard near the Vista Grande School were the
following:Barbara Dye,7035 Hartcrest Drive;Pat Wright,
Principal of Vista Grande Elementary School and representing
the Vista Grande Neighborhood Association,7056 Crest Road;
Jan Raymond,6741 Monero;Chris Glassy,6982 Verde Ridge
Road;and President of the Vista Grande P.T.A.;Eleanor Dye,
7035 Hartcrest Dr.;Kesl Keslavan,6902 Verde Ridge Rd.;
Lindy DiNoto,7015 Hedgewood Dr:These speakers stressed the
hazardous traffic conditions in the area of the Vista Grande
School which they felt justified the use of a crossing guard
and they stated their support for use of the recycling funds
to pay for such an expense.
PAGE FIVE OCTOBER 3,1989J~9..
14-11
PPEAL OF C.U.P.NO.23 -
NUISANCE ABATEMENT AT
32525 SEACLIFF DR.
(1701 X 1804)
Page 2 of 2
Council concern was expressed about the appropriateness of
using recycling funds for this project and if another the
source of fundIng could be found for this crossing guard.
Councilman McTaggart moved,seconded by Councilman Hinchliffe
to approve the staff recommendati'on and the policy:(1)Allow
one request annually for an amount up to $3000 to any
homeowners association community group.(2)Funds may not be
used for the maintenance of publ ic street surfaces.(3)All
proposed projects must be of a genera:benefit to the City or
be 0 f d irec t ben e fit tot he 1 0 cal are a.(4)Pro po sed pro j ec t
be cost effective.(5)All requests must include a detailed
cost analysis of the project plan with staff assistance
provided as needed.(6)All proposed projects be reviewed by
the Director of Public Works and submitted to the
Refuse/Franchise subcommittee for review and recommendation
prior to submittal to the City Council.(7)Funding priority
be as follows:(a)new projects;(b)new community areas or
homeowners associations.(c)continuing programs from areas
which previously received grants.(8)Grants may be awarded
to applicants for programs which are not related to
beautification or maintenance if evidence is shown that:(a)
the applicant previously recycled and had direct revenue from
the sale of recycling material and (b)that there is a
general City benefit.(9)Amount awarded should be related
to the number of homes in the proposed grant area.(10)
Public Works Department shall monitor the project completion
and expenditures and payments will be released through the
Finance Department based on invoices.(11)Disbursements may
be made tp advance funds for purchasing materials based on
.the approved requisition.The motion carried on a 3-1 vote
with Councilman Hughes voting in opposition.
The City Manager presented the
staff recommendation to dismiss
the appeal thereby upholding
the Planning Commission's
action and establish a 30 day
time limit for completing the conditions of approval.Also,
to table the nuisance abatement proceedings to November 21,
1989 at which time staff is to report to Council whether the
conditions approved by the Planning Commission for C.U;P.No.
23-Revision "HH"have been satisfied by the property owner.
Councilman Hinchliffe moved,seconded by Councilman Hughes to
deny the appeal and table the nuisance abatement until
November 21,1989 at which time staff will report back
on the status of the conditions of the property.
A brief Council discussion ensued about how the natural
contour of the area could be restored;the fact that the
PAGE SIX OCTOBER 3,1989
14-12
.';~"-
~r~
ECYCLING GRANT
GUIDELINES (1301)T'~
Councilwoman Bacharach moved,seconded by Councilman
McTaggart and carried to adopt the recommendations.
Public Works Director Wentz
presented the September 18th
memorandum and the staff
recommendation to adopt the revisions to the recycling grant
guidelines as proposed by the Refuse Subcommittee and
outlined in Exhibit "A"which,among other things,required
the following:runds are not intended to be used for the
malntenance of public street surfaces;the proposed project
is to be cost effective;landscape projects must propose
drought tolerant plant materials;all proposed projects
shall be reviewed by the Director of Public Works and,when
necessary,the Department of Environmental Services for
Municipal Code consistency and permits;grants may be
awarded to applicants for programs which are not related to
beautification or maintenance if certain evidence is
presented;the grant amount awarded should be related to the
number of homes in the proposed grant area;the Applicant is
responsible for obtaining any necessary City permits or
approvals before starting an awarded project;and Project
completion and expenditures shall be monitored by the
:Department of Public Works and payments released through the
"Finance Department based on invoices.
GRANT AWARDS -Assistant to the City Manager
Pam Weaver presented the
September 18th memorandum and
the staff recommendation to award the grant applications to
the following:Mira Catalina Homeowners Association for
$1,530;Monte Verde Estates Homeowners Association for $3,000
and Palos Verdes Panorama Homeowners Association for $1,500,
and Island View Homeowners Association for $3,000.
Additionally,staff recommended that the applications
from the Hill Community Association,and the Vista Grande
P.T.A.be denied.
Discussion then centered on various products that were
recyclable but could not be deposited in the City's curbside
recycling program.Staff was requested to find out whether
plastic bags are recyclable and what items could be added to
the City's program.Additionally,staff was requested to
prepare an article for the Newsletter informing City's
residents of where they could deposit old batteries.
PALOS VERDES DRIVE BAST
REALIGNMENT PROJECT -
HAZARD ELIMINATION PROJECT
(1404)
The Director of Public Works
presented a revised staff re-
port requesting that Council
reject all bids.
-5-SEPTEMBER 18,1990
14-13
RESOLUTION NO.91-72 -REGISTER OF DEMANDS
Adopted RESOLUTION NO.91-72 ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
AND SPECIFYING FUNDS FROM WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID.
AUTHORIZATION OF IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS UTILIZING RECYCLING FUNDS
(1301)
(1)Authorized staff to design a Landscape Improvement Project
for the crib wall on Palos Verdes Drive South.(2)Authorized
staff to secure bids for the Landscape Improvement Project for
the crib wall on Palos Verdes Drive South and the Fencing Re-
placement Project on Montemalaga Drive utilizing Recycling Funds.
CITY TILE PLAQUES FOR RETIRING COUNCIL MEMBERS OF RHE (304)
~uthorized the staff to order engraved City tile plaques for
retiring City Council Members from the City of Rolling Hills Es-
tates for a cost not to exceed $75 from the Non-Departmental
Fund.
The motion to approve the Consent Calendar carried on the follow-
ing roll call vote:
AYES:
;-";OES:
".;BSENT:
BACHARACH,HUGHES,MC TAGGART AND
MAYOR HINCHLIFFE.
HUGHES (CITY TILE PLAQUES FOR RETIRING
COUNCIL MEMBERS OF RHE).
RYAN.
:I:**
PALOS VERDES 2000 PRESENTATION
~lr.Ron Stankey provided a status report on the acti\"ities of
Palos Verdes 2000.Distributing related information to Council
me mbe r s ,~1 r.S tan key not e dan LI p com i n g Pa los Ve r des :2 000 me e tin g
designed to identify the emerging issues affecting the Peninsula
in the 21st Century.
~lr.Tim Burrell,57 ~Iarguerite Dri\"e,presented a pertinent let-
ter to Council members.
J OCTOBER 15,1991 14-14
DOG LICENSE FEES -
INCREASE (104)
TITLE 9 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
BURGLAR ALARMS.
Administrative Analyst Ken
Blaire,presented the staff
memorandum of May 1st and the
recommendation (1)that the Mayor and City Clerk be
authorized to sign the amended agreement with the Humane
Society for services during 1990-91 in the amount of $93,206.
(2)That the City Council increase the dog license fees to
$11 and $22 beginning July 1,1990 and that the proposed
resolution establishing these rates by adopted.
cil inquired about the length of time these rates have
in effect;why the penalty fees were not being
eased;and,of particular concern was the amount of
idy that the City would be willing to commit for this
ram.It was the consensus that staff should review
~asing the subsidy and consider a rate of $12 to $24;
·t to Council on the level of subsidy that would be
.red,and,what could be recovered in late fees.It was
'onsensus that this item would be placed on the May 15th
.a.
RECYCLING GRANTS -
(1301)
Public Works Director Wentz
presented the staff memorandum
of May 1st and the
recommendation to award the grant applications as outlined on
Exhibit "A"of the staff report.Council inquired of the
Council sub-committee (Bacharach &Ryan)the criteria used In
determining if a homeowners association would get $1,500 or
$3,000.Discussion ensued about projects that would have
Citywide benefits and that were on major arterials.
Barbara Shen,7105 Via Del Mar,representing the Sunset Ridge
Homeowners Association,requested that the Council consider
awarding $3,000 to that association to complete the strip of
land contiguous to Hawthorne Boulevard and the Sunset Ridge
common areas.She presented pictures of the area and told
the Council that it was their intention to plant low
maintenance,drought tolerant plants.
Council expressed concern about landscaping the bus stop
area;inquired if bonds were outstanding on this tract;that
could cover the cost of this landscaping.It was the
consensus that staff should prepare a recommendation for
building ~bus bench pad In the area.
Also speaking in support of this 'request for $3,000 was
Jeffrey Cameron,30963 Via La Cresta,representing the Sunset
Ridge Homeowners Association,who repoted that bonds
were being released on certain items,however the area In
question had not been covered by any of these bonds.
-7-MAY 1,1990
14-15
ALTERNATIVE USES FOR THE RECYCLING FUND (1301)
Mayor Brooks opened the pUblic hearing on the consideration of
alternative uses for the Recycling Fund and the City Clerk reported
that notice of the public hearing had been duly pUblished and that
wr i tten protests had been received and were part of the agenda
packet.
Assistant city Manager Antil presented the February 16th staff
memorandum and the recommendation to consider alternate uses of
recycling fund monies and instruct staff to prepare any necessary
documentation if changes are made to the current recycling program
and bUdget,
During Council discussion the suggestion was made that disposition
of this fund should be determined by the Long Range Finance
Committee but then concern was expressed about the appropriateness
of this inasmuch as the method of expenditure of these funds was
a City council policy decision and not one to be made by a
committee.
Speaking in favor of using the recycling funds for beautification
projects were the following:Rene Cartwright,30630 Calle de
Suenos,representing the Palos Verdes Panorama Owners Association
and Elizabeth Kelly,6611 Vallon Dr.
council then resumed its the discussion of the use of these funds
and comments focused on the amount of money that had been paid out
to homeowner associations for these beautification projects,the
cost of the "Recycler"of the month program,and the marketing
effort to-date for the whole recycling program.Additional
comments concerned how residents who were members of homeowners
associations benefitted from the program whereas those not
belonging to an association did not derive any benefits.
Council then proceeded to discuss the condition of Hawthorne
Boulevard and in particular the poor appearance of the fences and
walls along that street and the fact that it had been intended that
some of the recycle money would be used to beautify that main
corridor.The suggestion was the made that perhaps a certain
amount of this money should be set aside in the capital Improvement;
Program and be used for beautification proj ects.Addi tional
comments next centered on getting feedback from the Long Range
Finance Committee on the use of these funds and how beautification
projects could be identified and spread throughout the City.
ouncilwoman Bacharach moved,seconded by Councilman McTaggart to
continue the public hearing on'this matter until after receipt of
the report from the Long Range Finance Committee and that a summary
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
FEBRUARY 16,1993
PAGE 4
14-16
.•----,_----=-0"""""".-;~
that presently obtained from Earl Weinstein,and that this City
pays him more for the service than the othe;r peninsula cities,
Councilman McTaggart moved,seconded by CouncIlwoman Bacharach to
keep the services of Mr.wei,nstein b~t renegotiate the contract:
Motion carried on a 4 -I,wIth CouncIlman Kuykendall voting no.
Betsey Kelley,6611 Vallon Drive,spoke in favor of the present
system.
(3051 ,
City council C~blecast -CouncIl requested ,a presentation by Steve
Fowler of Dimens~on Cable Services ~o explaIn the kind of equipment
necessary to Improve the qualIty of the council meeting
transmission.
Councilman Kuykendall moved,seconded by Mayor Brooks to combine
the public information program together with the sUbcategories of
the Reader Board,Newsletter and Public Information program on the
next review of the budget.Motion carried.
(305 )
Increased Public Informa.tion Effort -It was the consensus to
issue quarterly Newsletters,to get contract help for writing
articles,to consider a Public Information Plan and to use more of
the 30 second public announcements on the public access channel.
(1301)'1 . 1 d'dRecycleFund-Councl brIef y Iscusse several areas related to
the use of these fund:the advantage that neighborhoods with
homeowner organi zations have over those that don I t have them
insofar as the use of the recycle funds for beautification projects
are concerned,and the cost and extent of beautifying Hawthorne
Boulevard.Councilman Kuykendall moved,seconded by Councilman
McTaggart to transfer the fund balance of $233,000 in the recycle
fund to road maintenance.Motion carried.
with regard to the use of the $100,000 annual revenue in this fund,
councilman McTaggart moved,seconded by councilwoman Bacharach to
pay 50%of the for co~e enforcement ~o~ts and the balance to pay
for beautification proJects and graffItI removal.Motion carried.
Recess:At 8:30 P.M.Mayor Brooks declared a recess.The meeting
reconvened at 8:45 P.M.
(1505),
Lighting of Bus Shelters -CouncIlman KU~kendall moved,seconded by
Councilman McTaggart to approve approxImately $10,000 to $15,000
for lighting for the bus shelters.Motion carried.The suggestion
was made to install trash receptacles with recyclable sections at
these shelters;also,that recyclable containers be installed at
city parks.
--..,......
voice Mail Telephone (602 )System -Councilwoman Bacharach moved,
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
lP..A:RCH 30,1993
PAGE 3
14-17
EXHIBIT C
Lauren Ramezani
From:
Sent:
To:
SUbject:
FYI
Thank you,
Carolyn Lehr
City Manager
Carolyn Lehr [clehr@rpv.com]
Sunday,April 25,20102:07 PM
'Lauren Ramezani'
FW:Beautification Funds
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275
clehr@rpv.com -(310)544-5202
This e-mail message contains information belonging to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,which may
be privileged,confidential and/or protected from disclosure.The information is intended only for use
of the individual or entity named.Unauthorized dissemination,distribution,or copying is strictly
prohibited.If you received this email in error,or are not an intended recipient,please notify the sender
immediately.Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.
-----Original Message-----
From:LYNN SWANK [mailto:_.]
Sent:Sunday,April 25,2010 2:06 PM
To:CC@rpv.com
Cc:Carolyn Lehr;Ray Holland;Nicole Jules
SUbject:Beautification Funds
RPV Council Members,
The newly landscaped median on Hawthorne Blvd.and PV Drive West looks great!The use of native
plants is a wonderful model for residents seeking plantings that are low maintenance and require no
water once established.I have been told by many residents in adjacent cities that RPV is clearly
welcoming visitors to our City and they are proud that RPV is showcasing this entrance to our City in
such a beautiful way.I should also add that RPV residents really approve of this landscaping!
Thank you!
I would like to suggest that you continue this successful median planting program along the non-
landscaped portion of PVD South and Hawthorne Blvd.
Please consider diverting beautification funds used for neighborhood entries to start a program for
city-wide medians enjoyed by all residents.The beautification of neighborhood entries has existed for
a long time,and is used almost exclusively by those neighborhoods with HOAs.In fact,some HOAs
are even asking for funds to redo projects already funded once.A majority of residents do not belong
to HOAs and do not benefit from the existing program.
1 14-18
Why don't we start to beautify city-wide medians?The timing for this proposed change is good
because the City will have a new trash collector and the improvements now made in the medians are
readily visible and understood by the entire community.
You might also consider stopping the recycle drawing and instead use this money for landscaping the
medians.I believe the purpose of this program was to change the behavior of residents by
encouraging them to recycle.It has been successful in this regard and I think recycling is now second
nature to most.I will continue to recycle and would prefer my efforts be used for purposes other than
payments to those who recycle and who by luck have their name drawn from the drum.I have not
won in 16 years but I still recycle!
Please place this item on a future agenda for input from other residents and discussion by staff and
the City Council.
Again,thanks for your vision.
Lynn Swank
2 14-19
Lauren Ramezani
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Thank you,
Carolyn Lehr
City Manager
Carolyn Lehr [clehr@rpv.com]
Wednesday,JUly 01,20098:01 AM
'Jim Bell';'Lauren Ramezani';'Ray Holland'
FW:The look of our city
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275
clehr@rpv.com -(310)544-5202
This e-mail message contains information belonging to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,which may
be privileged,confidential and/or protected from disclosure.The information is intended only for use
of the individual or entity named.Unauthorized dissemination,distribution,or copying is strictly
prohibited.If you received this email in error,or are not an intended recipient,please notify the sender
immediately.Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.
-----Original Message-----
From:EDWARD JORDAN [maHto:_
Sent:Wednesday,July 01,2009 6:56 AM
To:cc@rpv.com
Subject:The look of our city
.J
I emailed the Counsel members many months ago regarding the visible esthetics of RPV.As much as
I do not mean to seem unaware of the state of our economy,I still have questions about the upkeep of
our wonderful Rancho Palos Verdes.In the email prior,Mayor Clark replied with a very clear position
that the city was not likely to take actual and noticeable steps to beautify at this time.Mayor Clark
floated a question of me about the possibility of donating time and funding,along with other citizens
of RPV to take on such an action.I am actually writing once again because in the passed many
months I'd spoken with two people,new to the community,who with no previous knowledge of my
concerns,gripped about the same topic.It caught on actually to other people standing nearby and
subsequently blossomed into a pretty interesting conversation...
It seems that many citizens of our community loath the dated and unkept fencing,center medians,
shrubs and so on of RPV.The embarrassing aspect of the conversation was that a member of RHE
added her two cents by stating "that's one of the reason we decided on RHE instead."This
conversation took place at the festival a few months back.I have to say,I felt better knowing it was
not just me being an idiot.I asked my wife if I should gripe about it before I sent the first email the to
Counsel and she did not seem to think I would be alone on this issue.But she's my wife,so I was not
all too sure if I was being overly dramatic.Now,I know it s not just me.It's people within our city and
neighboring our city.When I purchased my home,the Realtor mentioned our city as being formerly
joked about as "hamburger hill."I'd never heard the expression before and do not wish to feel that
1 14-20
Icurrently and accurately depicts how RPV looks.The sad part of it is that when driving our major
streets,that expression unfortunately seems fitting today.
I know our city is not one that is overflowing with rich people and that actually would not be the point.
The point would be as one drives through many other cities with homes selling at only half the prices
of RPV homes,many of them clearly take pride in the cityscape.It would seem RPV is happy with the
idea that being near the ocean and having great schools is good enough.The reality is that even when
the economy was good,and that's when I purchased my home,the city still seemed to be happy with
the rundown chain link
fences,faded paint center medians and the lack of trees and so on.
My best friend has been an RPV resident since 1978,and has seen great economies and bad
economies,but has never seen the city take advantage of the good economies to take care of this
issue.
The city has many older people who certainly are on fixed incomes and so on.I heard many of the
schools were closed at one.particular time in this cltyas well.However,many of these schools have
reopened because younger people have moved-in with families and are excited about living in RPV.It
would be nice to have a city that also reflects the kind of money we pay to live here.Please maintain
and update our main streets.I walk everyday for one hour and during this walk I am trying my best to
stay alert so as to avoid getting cut by one of these rusty broken and bent chain fences.These fences
are also bulging-out at the bottoms with sliding dirt due to the lack of shrubs holding hillsides
together.Along Silver Spur Road,certain trees are heavily tilted and uncomfortable to walk near in
fear of a tree breaking.
Now that we have a new hotel,and Trump facilities,more and more people will be visiting our city and
undoubtedly will be surprised at the ap·parent years in lack of attention.When I'm asked what city I
live in by people I meet,I say RPV with pride because it costs a lot to be here and to have such great
schools and so on.Please allow the city to look modestly impressive which is the way people look at
me
when I tell them I live in the city of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Moreover,let us not have neighboring city residence squawking about how they avoided buying a
home in RPV because it lacks the unkeptfeel and charm andRHE and PVE.I hope we can do more
than tell our residence that "thQse cities have a parcel tax"or some like reason for having what they
seem to believe is a more charming city.We have a charming city too and that;s why I'm here.It
would be nice to 2009,charm and not still holding on to 1978,charm because we wont spend the
money.In-fact,if neighboring city residents have admitted they did not purchase in RPVafter
comparing the way these cities look and feel then that is affecting our values to a degree.
I am currently drafting a letter to obtain a group sampling of residents throughout various parts of
RPV who would be interested enough to settle on a pre-planned date to attend a Counsel meeting to
openly discuss the look of our city.In mentioning it to a neighbor I was met with eager comments like
"I'm in",so I feel encouraged you will hear loud voices on this topic.It may not seem important to you
en-light of the economy but I still believe residents will still want some movement on this topic.
Thank You,
Edward Jordan
2 14-21
Lauren Ramezani
From:
<Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Dear Ms.Gordillo -
Carolynn Petru [carolynn@rpv.com]
Monday,March 01,20105:57 PM
I@hotmail.com
'Lauren Ramezani';citymanager@rpv.com
RE:Your comments were submitted to Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall.
Thank you very much for your email.It's very well timed!The City staff is preparing to take an item to
the City Council in the next month or so to discuss the very issues you have raised regarding
revitalization and beautification of the City's center medians and parksways (the areas along each side
of the road).I have copied Lauren Ramezani in the Public Works Department on this reply so that she
can let you know when the item is scheduled to be discussed at a City Council meeting and to include
your email as part of the public correspondence attached to the staff report that will be prepared on
this item.Staff is hoping that the median improvements currently under construction at Palos Verdes
Drive West and Hawthorne Boulevard can become a standard for improving other areas along the
City's main arterials.We very much appreciate your input and hope that you will continue to
participate in the discussion as we move forward.
Sincerely,
Carolynn Petru
Deputy City Manager
(310)544-5203
-----Original Message-----
From:i I@hotmail.com [mailto:I]
Sent:Friday,February 26,20109:57 PM
To:citymanager@rpv.com
SUbject:Your comments were submitted to Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall.
============================================
Confirmation of Your Service Request,Inquiry or Comment
============================================
The following Information was submitted to Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall:
============
Your Information
------------------------
Name:
Tracy
Address:
City:
RPV
Home Phone Number:
310-'
Office/Other Phone Number:
E-mail Address:
1 14-22
tracygordillo@hotmail.com
===============
Contact Instructions
------------------------------
Where we can contact you should questions arise:
Home
Should we inform you of the action taken?:
Yes Contact me through e-mail
============================================
Information about Your Service Request,Inquiry or Comment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location or Address of Service Request,Inquiry or Comment:
Inquiry/Comment
Describe the Service Request,Inquiry or Comment:
I've noticed some new hardscape/flagstone going into the medians at
PV Drive and Hawthorne Blvd.I'm happy to see some improvements but was
wondering does the city have a landscape plan -there are now four different
surfaces on our medians.Smooth cement,aggregate cement (painted green),
pavers (near Golden Cove),and now flagstone.I'm also concerned that
Hawthorne Blvd is starting to look really run down with dilapidated chain
link fence,broken and mismatched block walls and overgrowth of plants.The
new bushes planted in front of the block walls last year seemed like a good
idea but I don't think they are all taking off.Some already look like they
are dying.It's also really evident when you enter RPV from PVE on PV Drive
south.The landscaping of the RPV medians is sorely lacking.A nice city
like RPV shouldn't look like the poor cousin to RH and PVE.I'm afraid if we
don't do something it's only going to get worse.I know we might not have
the money to tackle it all now but the city should have a plan that contains
a specific "look"that can be phased in over time.Hawthorne Blvd is one of
the main thoroughfares of our city.The portion that I'm referring to is
between Granvia Altamira all the way to PV Drive at Golden Cov.I'm not the
only resident concerned about it's appearance.I've heard others make
similar remarks.Does the city have an improvement plan in mind?
----------------------------------------------
Thank You for your Comments.
=======================
We have received your email and thank you for taking time to contact us.If
you have requested City staff to contact you,we will do so within 24
business hours of receiving your message.The exact timing of our reply will
depend on the nature of your email,as well as how you have asked us to
reply.If you have additional questions or concerns,please feel free to
contact us again.Your input and feedback is important to us and helps us
to improve our service to the community.
2 14-23