MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 24, 2016

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1 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills Estates was called to order at 7:03 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 4045 Palos Verdes Drive North, by COUNCILWOMAN HUFF. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL City Council Members Present: Huff, Mitchell, Schmitz City Council Members Absent: Zerunyan, Zuckerman City Staff Present: Others Present: City Manager Doug Prichard City Attorney Don Davis Assistant City Manager Greg Grammer Community Services Direct Andy Clark Assistant to the City Manager Alexa Davis Tim Zigrang, Planning Commission COUNCILWOMAN HUFF announced that MAYOR ZUCKERMAN was involved in a bicycle accident. On behalf of the COUNCIL, she extended best wishes for a speedy recovery. COUNCILWOMAN HUFF introduced Maheen Surani, the City s Intern who will be working at City Hall over the summer. 4. CEREMONIAL ITEMS 5. ROUTINE MATTERS A. OF MAY 10, 2016 TO APPROVE THE OF MAY 10, 2016 AS PRESENTED. B. DEMANDS AND WARRANTS MAY TO APPROVE WARRANTS THROUGH FOR A GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT OF $137, WITH PROPER AUDIT. AYES: ABSENT: Huff, Mitchell, Schmitz Zerunyan, Zuckerman

2 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: The following routine matters will be acted upon by one vote to approve with the majority consent of the City Council. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless good cause is shown by a member prior to the roll call vote. (Items removed will be considered under New Business.)\ TO APPROVE ITEMS A-E A. READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions presented for consideration to the City Council will be waived and all such ordinances and resolutions will be read by title only. B. APRIL MONTHLY REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT RECEIVED AND FILED. C. APRIL 2016 SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS RECEIVED AND FILED. D. BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS FY APPROVED FOR FISCAL YEAR THE BUDGET AMENDMENTS. E. EXCHANGE OF FEDERAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM LOCAL FUNDS (STP-L) FOR LACMTA STP-L LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS Recommendation: That the City Council Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Exchange Agreement and Assignment of Federal Surface Transportation Program - Local Funds in the amount of $142, with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) and direct the City Manager to execute the Agreement. APPROVED THE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT AND ASSIGNMENT OF FEDERAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM LOCAL FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $142, WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) AND DIRECTED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT. 7. AUDIENCE ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA/WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 9. NEW BUSINESS (Taken out of order) A. SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF MAY 9, 2016 TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF MAY 9, B. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION MINUTES OF MAY 16, 2016 COUNCILWOMAN SCHMITZ noted a minor correction on the minutes. 2

3 COUNCILWOMAN SCHMITZ moved, seconded by COUNCILWOMAN MITCHELL TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION MINUTES OF MAY 16, 2016 AS AMENDED. COUNCILWOMAN MITCHELL commented about the landscape proposal and noted that some drought restrictions are now back in the hands of local government. City Attorney Davis noted that COUNCILWOMAN MITCHELL is correct in that the state did amend the emergency drought regulations, some of which have been extended through January of next year. He further noted that the conservation goals have changed, a self-certification program will be available and that the baseline and savings data should come from Cal Water as the area s water purveyor. COUNCILWOMAN MITCHELL inquired if the Environmental Advisory Committee needs to review this matter. City Attorney Davis noted that working with Cal Water will guide the City in terms of what stages to follow. City Attorney Davis noted that watering of median turf is still prohibited. C. PARK AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION ACTION ITEM FROM MEETING OF MAY 16, 2016 STREET MEDIANS LANDSCAPING Recommendation: That the City Council direct staff to issue a Request for Qualifications for the selection of a landscape architect or landscape design firm, with the amendment that priority be put on the most urgent sites that are not currently landscaped. Community Services Director Clark provided a staff report (as per agenda material). In response to COUNCILWOMAN HUFF, Community Services Director Clark noted that funding has not been included in the budget. City Manager Prichard noted that, depending on COUNCIL direction, staff will create a budget and identify funding sources as needed. COUNCILWOMAN HUFF noted that she thought the idea was to let the natural look take over the medians and inquired if there was a commitment to move to a new look. City Manager Prichard noted that there is no consensus on whether there should be a uniform theme along the length of Palos Verdes Drive North. He further noted that there may be a desire to have as much greenery as possible although, given the conditions that were imposed by the Governor, he did not see turf as a viable alternative. He also noted that the major medians along Hawthorne Boulevard are in need of landscape improvements. COUNCILWOMAN HUFF noted that the median issue was brought up to the Park and Activities Commission by residents on the west end of town wishing to see the landscaping improved. City Manager Prichard noted that the COUNCIL can choose to consider all of the medians or decide to address them by sections. In response to COUNCILWOMAN HUFF, City Manager Prichard noted that the COUNCIL can direct the scope of services the architect will undertake. COUNCILWOMAN SCHMITZ inquired if the proposed action will move the project forward for the next fiscal year. City Manager Prichard noted that an estimated amount would be included in the budget for consultant services. If a capital project is ultimately approved by the COUNCIL, a budget amendment would then be required. 3

4 COUNCILWOMAN MITCHELL noted that the medians on the east side of Palos Verdes Drive East are much wider and the look is very different from other medians along Palos Verdes Drive North. She concurred that the priority at this time should be the west side. TO DIRECT STAFF TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE SELECTION OF A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT OR LANDSCAPE DESIGN FIRM, WITH THE AMENDMENT THAT PRIORITY BE PUT ON THE MOST URGENT SITES THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY LANDSCAPED. 10. OLD BUSINESS 11. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS A. City Attorney Davis commented on his appreciation to his co-worker, Katy Suttorp, and Assistant to the City Manager Davis, for their efforts in putting together the Personnel Rules for the public hearing. 12. CITY COUNCIL/REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS: This item provides the opportunity for Members of the City Council to provide information and reports to other Members of the City Council and/or the public on any issues or activities of currently active Council Committees, ad hoc committees, regional or state-wide governmental associations, special districts and/or joint powers authorities and their various committees on which Members of the City Council might serve or have an interest, which are not otherwise agendized. A. COUNCILWOMAN MITCHELL reported on the California Contract Cities Annual Municipal Seminar that she attended along with MAYOR PRO TEM ZERUNYAN and City Manager Prichard. She noted that one of the interesting sessions she attended was for economic development. City Manager Prichard reported that another session included discussion of the Metro Measure R2 sales tax proposal. He further noted that a meeting is scheduled with the Metro CEO and staff next week. City Manager Prichard reported that other topics included El Nino and an automated parking garage in the City of West Hollywood. COUNCILWOMAN MITCHELL noted that cities are requesting a 25% local return from the Metro Measure R2. She further noted that those funds could possibly be used for improving streets and roads. B. COUNCILWOMAN HUFF reported that she attended a South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) meeting also regarding the Metro Measure R2 sales tax proposal and that their plan is to work with the Harbor Gateway COG to lobby on some of these matters. City Manager Prichard noted that staff is preparing a position to consolidate many of the issues, and that a letter will be sent out shortly. COUNCILWOMAN HUFF noted that she would like to see the Green Line Project extension. City Manager Prichard noted that the broader South Bay community transportation projects should be supported by the City. C. COUNCILWOMAN SCHMITZ noted that she served on the host committee for Senator Allen regarding honoring Amy Ziering, award-winning film producer, as Woman of the Year. She announced the ceremony which will take place on Friday, May 27 at 5:00 p.m. at the Santa Monica Bay Woman s Club. 4

5 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS/MEETINGS A. PUBLIC HEARING INTRODUCING ORDINANCE NO. 705 AMENDING CHAPTER 2.40 OF THE ROLLING HILLS ESTATES MUNICIPAL CODE AND REVIEWING RESOLUTION NO AMENDING THE CITY S PERSONNEL RULES Recommendation: That the City Council Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Open the public hearing; 2) Introduce Ordinance No. 705 Amending Chapter 2.40; 3) Review Resolution No Amending Personnel Rules; and 4) Continue the public hearing to the next meeting. Assistant to the City Manager Davis provided a staff report (as per agenda material). TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING. No public testimony was offered. COUNCILWOMAN MITCHELL thanked Assistant to the City Manager Davis and City Attorney Davis for their extensive work on this item. She noted her concern regarding the length of allowed unpaid pregnancy, disability and family leave which could significantly impact City Hall business. She suggested the possibility of further discussion on whether these types of benefits are commensurate with other cities. Assistant to the City Manager Davis noted that the ordinance and resolution under consideration by the COUNCIL reflect existing terms and conditions of employment and that any changes from previous policies and practices have been made in order to bring the City into compliance with changes in state or federal law. In response to COUNCILWOMAN SCHMITZ, City Manager Prichard clarified that the Employee Rules and Personnel Handbook reflect the existing terms and conditions of employment so that there is an easy point of reference for supervisors and employees. These documents include many matters of interest to protect both the City and employee such as recruitment, promotion, discipline, grooming and appearance, leave and harassment policies, workplace practices, etc. He noted that salary, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment are negotiated with the Employees Association annually. COUNCILWOMAN HUFF suggested including the attachments in the Table of Contents of the Resolution. COUNCILWOMAN SCHMITZ moved, seconded by COUNCILWOMAN MITCHELL TO INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 704, FURTHER REVIEW RESOLUTION NO AND CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING TO THE NEXT MEETING. 13. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ITEMS: This item provides the opportunity for Members of the City Council to request information on currently pending projects and/or issues of public concern, direct that an item be agendized for future consideration and/or make announcements of interest to the public. 5

6 14. CLOSED SESSION 15. ADJOURNMENT At 7:55 p.m. COUNCILWOMAN HUFF formally adjourned the City Council meeting. Submitted by, Approved by, Hope J. Nolan Deputy City Clerk Douglas R. Prichard City Clerk 6