DISCLAIMER

The following City Council agenda includes text only version of the staff reports associated with the business matters to be brought before for the City Council at its Regular Meeting of this date. Changes to the staff reports may be necessary prior to the actual City Council meeting. The City Council may elect to delete or continue business matters at the beginning of the City Council Meeting. Additionally, staff reports attachments, including but not limited to, pictures, plans, drawings, spreadsheet presentations, financial statements and correspondences are not included. The attachments are available for review with the official agenda package at the Reception area at City Hall as well as the Palos Verdes public libraries.

...end of disclaimer...

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This agenda has been prepared to provide for the orderly progression of City business. Detailed staff reports on specific items are posted in the hallway for public viewing. The City Council wants to hear your comments, however, to run the meeting efficiently, please observe the following rules when you participate in the meeting.

Please try to submit your REQUEST TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL form to the City Clerk prior to the start of the meeting. You will be called at the appropriate time to make your remarks.

For the sake of efficiency, the City Council Agenda is divided into several sections:

Consent Calendar: This section consists of routine items which, unless a request has been received from the public, council or staff to remove a particular item for discussion, are enacted by one motion of the City Council. If you wish to speak to any Consent Calendar items(s) you will be limited to three minutes.

Public Hearings: This section is devoted to noticed hearings. Although the normal time limit is three minutes for each speaker, the Mayor may grant additional time to a representative speaking for an entire group. However, this should not discourage anyone from addressing the City Council individually.

Regular Business: This section contains items of general business and you will be allowed three minutes to speak on any item.

Public Comments: This part of the agenda is reserved for making comments on matters which are NOT on the agenda. If you have submitted a request to speak, you will be called by the City Clerk at the appropriate time and you may speak for up to three minutes. Please limit your comments to matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council. Due to State law, no action can be taken on matters brought up under Audience Comments. If action by the City Council is necessary, the matter may be placed on a future agenda or referred to staff, as determined by Council.

Please make your remarks at the lectern microphone and direct your comments to the City Council and not the staff or the public.

Conduct at the Council Meeting: The City Council has adopted a set of rules for conduct during City Council meeting. The following is an excerpt from those adopted Rules of Procedure:

Section 6.3The Mayor shall order removed from the Council Chambers any person(s) who commit the following acts a regular or special meeting of the City Council:

1.Disorderly, contemptuous or insolent behavior toward the Council or any member thereof, tending to interrupt the due and orderly course of said meeting.

2.A breach of the peace, boisterous conduct or violent disturbance, tending to interrupt the due and orderly course of said meeting.

3.Disobedience of any lawful order of the Mayor which shall include an order to be seated or to refrain from addressing the Council.

4.Any other unlawful interference with the due and orderly course of the meeting.

RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL

FEBRUARY 1, 2000

FRED HESSE COMMUNITY PARK, 29301 HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD

6:00 P.M.CLOSED SESSION. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED BROWN ACT CHECKLIST FOR DETAILS.

7:00 P.M.REGULAR SESSION

CALL TO ORDER:

ROLL CALL:

FLAG SALUTE:

NEXT RESOL. NO. 2000-03

NEXT ORD. NO. 356

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

CEREMONIAL MATTER: PRESENTATION OF THE L. A. COUNTY PROCLAMATION TO THE CITY FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE "SAVE" CAMPAIGN.

RECYCLE DRAWING:

APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:

Recommendation: Approve the minutes.

2. Claim Against the City by Pete Toulios. (Purcell)

Recommendation: Reject the claim and direct the City Clerk to advise the claimant.

3. Multi-family solid waste contract extension with Ivy Rubbish Disposal. (Ramezani)

Recommendation: (1) Approve Amendment No. 2 to the existing residential solid waste contract with Ivy Rubbish Disposal. (2) Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 2 for the residential solid waste services provided by Ivy Rubbish Disposal.

4. Multi-Family Solid Waste Contract Extension with Waste Management of Los Angeles. (Ramezani)

Recommendation: (1) Approve a five-month extension of the existing multi-family residential solid waste contract with USA Waste Management of California, Inc., dab Waste Management of Los Angeles. (2) Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute a contact extension for multi-family solid waste services with USA Waste Management of California, Inc., dba Waste Management of Los Angeles.

5. Partial Reductions of Bonds Associated with the Development of Tract 46651 (Seabreeze). (McBride)

Recommendation: (1) Approve a one-year time extension until June 2000 to complete the improvements specified in the subdivision agreement for Tract 46651 with Rancho Palos Verdes, L.L.C., c/o Pacific Heritage Homes, Inc. (2) Approve partial reductions of the various faithful performance bonds in accordance with subdivision agreement as outlined below. (3) Authorize the Director of Public Works and the City Clerk to inform the bonding company of the partial reduction of these bonds.

6. Household Hazardous Waste Round-Up Siting Liability Agreement with Los Angeles County. (Ramezani)

Recommendation: Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the proposed Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program Siting Liability Agreement with the County of Los Angeles and County Sanitation District No. 2 of Los Angeles County.

7. Purchase of Tax-Defaulted Property. (Petru)

Recommendation: Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to sign an Agreement to Purchase Tax-Defaulted Property for a vacant lot located on Cherry Hill Lane.

8. Contracts for Whale of a Day Special Event. (Rosenfeld)

Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to sign the proposed contracts associated with the City’s 16^th Annual Whale of a Day Celebration.

9. Gifts for Parks. (Rosenfeld)

Recommendation: Accept the Gifts for Parks donations and direct staff to prepare letters for the Mayor’s signature expressing the Council’s thanks and appreciation.

10. December 1999 Treasurer’s Report. (Burton)

Recommendation: Receive and file the December 1999 Treasurer’s Report for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.

11. Lease Extension for Former Cable Studio at City Hall. (Petru)

Recommendation: Authorize the extension of the lease agreement with Cox Communications for the use of the former cable studio building at City Hall until March 15, 2001.

12. Register of Demands. (McLean)

Recommendation: ADOPT RESOL. NO. 2000-__, 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.

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PUBLIC HEARING:

13. Resolutions of Necessity for Abalone Cove sewer and storm drain easement acquisitions. (Allison)

Recommendation: Adopt the proposed resolutions of necessity authorizing the acquisition by eminent domain of easements through, over, or under properties which are owned by the individuals identified on Exhibit "1" attached to this report. The resolutions further authorize and direct that eminent domain proceedings be filed to acquire the parcels to construct and maintain sewer and storm drain systems in the Abalone Cove area.

RECESS: PUBLIC COMMENTS: (at approximately 8:40 P.M.)

(This section of the agenda is for audience comments on items NOT on the agenda.)

REGULAR BUSINESS:

14. Request from the Board of Directors of the Portuguese Bend Community Association. (Evans)

Recommendation: Authorize City staff to return the ballot/proxy for the election of officers for the Portuguese Bend Community Association for the purpose of establishing a quorum only.

15. Residential Solid Waste Contract with Ivy Rubbish Disposal for Area Two. (Ramezani)

Recommendation: (1) Award an exclusive residential solid waste service contract to Ivy Rubbish Disposal for Area Two. (2) Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute an agreement with Ivy Rubbish Disposal as the exclusive residential solid waste service provider for Area Two.

16. Utility Undergrounding Program. (Allison)

Recommendation: (1) Provide staff with direction an Arterial Roadway undergrounding program. (2) Direct staff to prepare guidelines for a residential undergrounding program to assist residential neighborhoods with undergrounding districts.

17. Budget Meeting Schedule for 2000. (Petru)

Recommendation: Select two dates in mid to late May for the City Council budget review sessions (only one date may be necessary).

18. Posting staff reports to the City’s web site. (McLean)

Recommendation: Direct staff to continue to post City Council meeting staff reports to the City’s web site.

ORAL CITY COUNCIL REPORTS: (This section designated to oral reports from councilmembers who wish/need to report on Council assignments.)

ADJOURNMENT: Adjourn to a time and place certain only if you wish to meet prior to the next regular meeting.

CLOSED SESSION AGENDA CHECKLIST

Based on Government Code Section 54954.5

(All Statutory References are to California Government Code Sections)

CLOSED SESSION AGENDA CHECKLIST

Based on Government Code Section 54954.5
(All Statutory References are to California Government Code Sections)

CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
G.C. 54956.8

The City Council finds that based on advise from legal counsel, that discussion in open session will prejudice the position of the local agency in the litigation.

City Negotiators: City Manager Les Evans, City Attorney Carol Lynch, and Public Works Director Dean Allison.

Property: APN #7572-017-001, 7572-002-029, 7572-017-019, 7572-017-035, 7572-017-034, and 7572-012-024.

Negotiating Parties: Michael and Jayne Chiles, Sepp Donahower, Patricia Brown, Vicky Pinkham, and York Long Point Associates.

Initiation of Litigation:

G.C. 54956.9(c)

(1) 25 CASES

Potential Eminent Domain proceedings to acquire easements within private streets rights-of-way. Decision on potential eminent domain proceedings to acquire easements within private streets rights-of-way and across a portion of two vacant lots.

(2) 1 CASE

The City Council is meeting whether to decide whether to file a lawsuit regarding a violation of the City’s view restoration ordinance.

Recommendation: Reject the claim and direct the City Clerk to advise the claimant.

TO:HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

FROM:ADMIN. SERVICES DIRECTOR/CITY CLERK

DATE:FEBRUARY 1, 2000

SUBJECT: CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY BY PETE TOULIOS

RECOMMENDATION

Reject the claim and direct the City Clerk to advise the claimant.

BACKGROUND

The claimant in this matter alleges that due to a broken sprinkler sending water onto the northbound lane of Hawthorne Boulevard near Blackhorse Road, his car skidded and hit an embankment and utility pole. Because of this incident, the claimant states that he has sustained certain medical and property damage expenses. No specific amount has been set at this time.

Carl Warren & Co., the City’s claims administrators, have investigated this matter and have advised that the claim should be rejected.

Respectfully submitted:

Jo Purcell

Reviewed:

Les Evans, City Manager

Recommendation: (1) Approve Amendment No. 2 to the existing residential solid waste contract with Ivy Rubbish Disposal. (2) Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 2 for the residential solid waste services provided by Ivy Rubbish Disposal.

TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

FROM: DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 2000

SUBJECT: MULTI-FAMILY SOLID WASTE CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH

IVY RUBBISH DISPOSAL

STAFF COORDINATOR: LAUREN RAMEZANI, SR. ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST

RECOMMENDATION

1. Approve Amendment Number Two to the existing residential solid waste contract with Ivy Rubbish Disposal
2. Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Amendment Number Two regarding residential solid waste services with Ivy Rubbish Disposal

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION

On September 21, 1999, the City Council approved a five-month contract extension with Ivy Rubbish Disposal for solid waste services. The extension provides for single family services from February 1, 2000, when the current contract ends, through June 30, 2000, when the new contract is scheduled to begin. The extension is necessary to avoid an interruption of services.

The September 21, 1999 contract extension did not address multi-family services. This proposed contract extension addresses multi-family services, and assures no interruption of multi-family services in the same manner as the earlier extension did for single family services. This proposed contract extension would not modify the current rates or rate structure.

ALTERNATIVE

The City Council may choose to not approve this contract extension; however, this could result in an interruption of services

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact to the City. There will be no change in the rates for customers and the City will continue to receive the same fees from Ivy.

Respectfully submitted,

Dean E. Allison

Director of Public Works

Reviewed by,

Les Evans

City Manager

  4. Multi-Family Solid Waste Contract Extension with Waste Management of Los Angeles. (Ramezani)

Recommendation: (1) Approve a five-month extension of the existing multi-family residential solid waste contract with USA Waste Management of California, Inc., dab Waste Management of Los Angeles. (2) Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute a contact extension for multi-family solid waste services with USA Waste Management of California, Inc., dba Waste Management of Los Angeles.

TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

FROM: DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 2000

SUBJECT: MULTI-FAMILY SOLID WASTE CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH USA WASTE OF CALIFORNIA, INC.

STAFF COORDINATOR: LAUREN RAMEZANI, SR. ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST

RECOMMENDATION

Approve a five-month extension of the existing multi-family residential solid waste contract with USA Waste of California, Inc., dba Waste Management of Los Angeles.

Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a contract extension for multi-family solid waste services with USA Waste of California, Inc., dba Waste Management of Los Angeles.

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION

On September 21, 1999, the City Council approved a five-month contract extension with USA Waste of California, Inc., dba Waste Management of Los Angeles’ (Waste Management) for solid waste services. The extension provides for single family services from February 1, 2000, when the current contract ends, through June 30, 2000, when the new contract is scheduled to begin. The extension is necessary to avoid an interruption of services.

The September 21, 1999 contract extension did not address multi-family services. This proposed contract extension addresses multi-family services, and assures no interruption of multi-family services in the same manner as the earlier extension did for single family services. This proposed contract extension would not modify the current rates or rate structure.

ALTERNATIVE

The City Council may choose to not approve this contract extension; however, this could result in an interruption of services.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact to the City during the time extension. There will be no change

in the rates for customers and the City will continue to receive the same fees from Waste Management.

Respectfully submitted,

Dean E. Allison, Director of Public Works

Reviewed by,

Les Evans, City Manager

5. Partial Reductions of Bonds Associated with the Development of Tract 46651 (Seabreeze). (McBride)

Recommendation: (1) Approve a one-year time extension until June 2000 to complete the improvements specified in the subdivision agreement for Tract 46651 with Rancho Palos Verdes, L.L.C., c/o Pacific Heritage Homes, Inc. (2) Approve partial reductions of the various faithful performance bonds in accordance with subdivision agreement as outlined below. (3) Authorize the Director of Public Works and the City Clerk to inform the bonding company of the partial reduction of these bonds.

TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

FROM:DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

DATE:FEBRUARY 1, 2000

SUBJECT:PARTIAL REDUCTIONS OF THE VARIOUS BONDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRACT 46651 (SEABREEZE)

Staff Coordinator:David McBride, Senior Engineer

RECOMMENDATION

1.Approve a one-year time extension until June 2000 to complete the improvements specified in the subdivision agreement for Tract 46651 with Rancho Palos Verdes, L.L.C. c/o Pacific Heritage Homes, Inc..

2.Approve partial reductions of the various faithful performance bonds, in accordance with subdivision agreement, as outlined below.

3.Authorize the Director of Public Works Direct and the City Clerk to inform the bonding company of the partial reductions of the various faithful performance bonds.

BACKGROUND

On September 16, 1997, a subdivision agreement was approved between the City and Rancho Palos Verdes, L.L.C. This agreement required the developer to complete all work within a two-year period and to post faithful performance and payment bonds associated with constructing the improvements stipulated in the conditions of approval for Tract 46651.

The developer, Rancho Palos Verdes, L.L.C., has formally requested a partial reduction of the various performance bonds to reflect the progress made to date and in accordance with the subdivision agreement. Since large portions of the improvements have been completed, consideration of partial reductions of the various bonds is appropriate.

DISCUSSION

The subdivision agreement specified the construction period between June 1997 and June 1999 and allows for extensions of time. To provide the developer with adequate time to complete the improvements, one of the recommended actions is to grant a time extension of one-year, until June 2000, for the developer to complete construction.

The subdivision agreement required submission of faithful performance and payment bonds covering 100% and 50% of cost of the respective areas of improvement as shown below. Prior to final acceptance of the improvements, the subdivision agreement allows for partial reductions of the performance bonds to 10% of the original value. Staff, after reviewing the developer’s progress, is recommending partial reductions in the performance bonds to the retained percentages/amounts shown below.

Current Recommended

PerformancePercentageAmountPayment

ImprovementBond (100%)RetainedRetainedBond No.Bond (50%)

Grading$1,879,850 10%$187,985446210SN/A

Streets 405,475 25% 101,369446211S$202,738

Storm Drains 341,515 25% 85,379446212S 170,758

Sewers 315,710 25% 78,928446213S 157,855

Detention Basin 115,900 15% 17,385446214S 57,950

Traffic Signal 40,000100% 40,000446215S 20,000

Street Repair 68,000 15% 10,200446216S 34,000

Survey Monumentation 12,000100% 12,000446217SN/A

Common Area Improvements 370,000 25% 92,500446218S 185,000

Total$3,548,450$625,746$828,301

Upon final acceptance of the improvements 10% of the bond amount must be retained, as a warranty, for a period of one-year as specified by the subdivision agreement. We are not recommending final acceptance of any of the areas of improvement at this time. In accordance with the subdivision agreement there are no recommended reductions in the payment bonds since they must be retained for a period of six-months after acceptance of the improvements after which time they can be released in full provided there are no outstanding liens made against the improvements.

A more specific status report on the areas of improvement and the recommended percentage reductions is as follows:

Grading:Grading is complete. A portion (10%) of the bond should remain in place pending until final acceptance, by the City Council, of the improvements and through the subsequent completion of the one-year warranty period.

Streets:Staff is awaiting the final asphalt concrete cap to be placed on all streets in the subdivision that is tentatively scheduled for the end of January. A portion (25%) of the bond amount should be retained to cover the unfinished work. Upon final acceptance of the improvements, by the City Council, the portion retained should be reduced to 10% for the subsequent one-year warranty period.

Storm Drains:A significant amount of work on the storm drain system has been completed and it is currently functioning. Staff is waiting for verification of acceptance by the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. At this time, staff is recommending that none of the security be released until the County accepts the system. Once the County accepts the system, staff will administratively reduce the portion of the security retained to 25% as shown above. Upon final acceptance of the improvements, by the City Council, the portion retained should be reduced to 10% for the subsequent one-year warranty period.

Sewers:A significant amount of work on the sewer system has been completed and it is currently functioning. Staff is waiting for verification of acceptance by the Los Angeles County Sewer Maintenance District. At this time, staff is recommending that none of the security be released until the County accepts the system. Once the County accepts the system, staff will administratively reduce the portion of the security retained to 25% as shown above. Upon final acceptance of the improvements, by the City Council, the portion retained should be reduced to 10% for the subsequent one-year warranty period.

Detention Basin:The detention basin is complete excepting the completion of minor grading of the earthen outlet channel. A portion (15%) of the bond amount should be retained to cover the unfinished work item. Upon final acceptance of the improvements, by the City Council, the portion retained should be reduced to 10% for the subsequent one-year warranty period.

Traffic Signal:The conditions of approval for Tract 46651 require that the developer maintain this bond for a period of five-years after acceptance of the all improvements. The bond may be used to construct a traffic signal at either of two locations on Crest Road adjacent to the development as deemed necessary by the City. Accordingly 100% of the bond amount will be retained.

Street Repair:Staff is awaiting the final asphalt concrete cap to be placed on all streets in the subdivision that is tentatively scheduled for the end of January. A portion (15%) of the bond amount should be retained to cover any repair work needed as a result of their operations. Upon final acceptance of the improvements, by the City Council, the portion retained should be reduced to 10% for the subsequent one-year warranty period.

Survey Monumentation:This bond amount was required to insure the setting and recordation of final lot corners survey monuments and street centerline ties. This work has not yet been completed. Accordingly 100% of this bond will be retained.

Common Area Improvements:The common area improvements are complete except for some minor trail and landscaping work items. A portion (25%) of the bond amount should be retained to cover these unfinished work items. Upon final acceptance of the improvements, by the City Council, the portion retained should be reduced to 10% for the subsequent one-year warranty period.

CONCLUSIONS

Because a significant amount of construction items for which faithful performance bonds were posted have been completed, it is recommended that the various bonds be partially reduced and released as outlined above.

ALTERNATIVE

The Council may wish not to reduce any of the bonds submitted for this development. However, considering that a substantial amount of the improvements are complete, a partial reduction would be appropriate.

FISCAL IMPACT

The recommended actions do not have a fiscal impact. The remaining amounts of the bonds will be sufficient to complete any work that may be required in the future to complete the improvements.

Respectfully submitted,

Dean Allison

Director of Public Works

Reviewed

Les Evans

City Manager

6. Household Hazardous Waste Round-Up Siting Liability Agreement with Los Angeles County. (Ramezani)

Recommendation: Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the proposed Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program Siting Liability Agreement with the County of Los Angeles and County Sanitation District No. 2 of Los Angeles County.

TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

FROM:DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

DATE:FEBRUARY 1, 2000

SUBJECT:HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE ROUND-UP SITING LIABILITY AGREEMENT WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY

STAFF COORDINATOR: LAUREN RAMEZANI, SR. ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST

RECOMMENDATION

Authorize the Mayor to execute the attached Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program Siting Liability Agreement with the County of Los Angeles and County Sanitation District No. 2 of Los Angeles County.

BACKGROUND

On May 20, 2000, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (RPV) will be co-hosting its free annual Household Hazardous Waste Round-Up at the City Hall/City Yards facility with the Los Angeles County Public Works and the County Sanitations District No. 2. Since 1996, these City-held round-ups have been an excellent and convenient opportunity for RPV residents to properly dispose of household hazardous waste material.

DISCUSSION

The attached agreement will hold-harmless the City of Rancho Palos Verdes against any liability claims that may result from the hazardous waste round-up activities taking place on City-owned property, and shifts the liability to the County of Los Angeles. The agreement has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney’s office.

FISCAL IMPACT

There will be a cost of approximately $1,000 of City staff time to organize this event.

Respectfully Submitted:

Dean E. Allison, Director of Public Works

Reviewed by:

Les Evans, City Manager

7. Purchase of Tax-Defaulted Property. (Petru)

Recommendation: Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to sign an Agreement to Purchase Tax-Defaulted Property for a vacant lot located on Cherry Hill Lane.

TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

FROM:ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER

DATE:FEBRUARY 1, 2000

SUBJECT:PURCHASE OF TAX DEFAULTED PROPERTY

RECOMMENDATION

Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign an Agreement to Purchase Tax-Defaulted Property for a vacant lot located Cherry Hill Lane.

BACKGROUND

Pursuant to the State Revenue and Tax Code, properties that are determined to be in default for unpaid property taxes for five years or more are periodically put up for sale at public auction by the Los Angeles County Tax Collector. However, if it is determined that the parcel is needed for public purposes, the City may request to have the parcel removed from the auction and acquire title to the property. The cost of acquisition is the minimum bid for the property as approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. However, parcels may be subject to removal from the auction due to the redemption of the defaulted taxes or a legal process, such as bankruptcy.

DISCUSSION

Staff has received notice that two vacant parcels in the City will be offered at public auction on March 13, 2000. If the City determines that the properties are needed for public purposes, the City must file a written statement setting forth the purpose of the acquisition and the necessary agreement forms prior to February 28, 2000.

The first property is located at the end of Goldenspur Lane (a private street) and appears to be a landlocked canyon parcel that is approximately 35,930 square feet in size (see attached map). This property is zoned RS-2 (Residential, two units per acre with a minimum 20,000 square foot lot size) with both Urban and Natural Overlay District designations covering the entire lot. The Conceptual Trails Plan does not identify the property for the acquisition or development of public trails. The minimum bid on this parcel is $8,981. Based on the location and characteristics of this parcel, it does not appear to have much value for public purposes.

The second property is located on Cherry Hill Lane (also a private street) within the active Portuguese Bend Landslide area and the City’s Redevelopment Project Area (see attached map). This property is zoned OH (Open Space Hazard) and is approximately 19,510 square feet in size. The City’s Redevelopment Agency owns five other vacant lots on Cherry Hill Lane, one of which abuts the west property line of the subject property (within the private street easement). The minimum bid on this parcel is $2,721. Staff feels that City ownership of this parcel would be of public benefit due to fact that the property would provide the City with access from Cherry Hill Lane to the bottom of Portuguese Canyon where there are existing drainage improvements. The RDA Budget for FY 1999-2000 includes funds for drainage improvements in this canyon. Maintenance of existing and future drainage improvements is critical to the effectiveness of landslide abatement efforts in this area. Acquisition of this property may also assist in the development of the "Bean Field Trail" identified as trail K3 in section Five of the Conceptual Trails Plan (see attached excerpt) at some time in the future.

CONCLUSION

The City has been notified by the Los Angeles County Tax Collector that two vacant properties in the City will be offered for sale at a public auction on March 13, 2000. The City has the opportunity to purchase either or both of these properties prior to the public sale, provided that the City files the necessary paperwork with the County prior to February 28, 2000 to establish that the property is needed for public purposes. Staff feels that the property on Cherry Hill Lane would benefit the City’s landslide abatement efforts in the active Portuguese Bend Landslide area and may have some long-term benefit for the development of public trails in the area. Therefore, staff recommends that the City pursue purchasing the vacant lot on Cherry Hill Lane.

FISCAL IMPACT

The City would be required to purchase the subject parcels for the minimum bid amount. The minimum bid for the lot on Goldenspur Lane is $8,981 and for the lot on Cherry Hill Lane the minimum bid is $2,721. The money for the purchase of either or both of these parcels would come from the General Fund.

Respectfully submitted:

Carolynn Petru

Assistant City Manager

Reviewed,

Les Evans

City Manager

8. Contracts for Whale of a Day Special Event. (Rosenfeld)

Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to sign the proposed contracts associated with the City’s 16^th Annual Whale of a Day Celebration.

TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

FROM: RON ROSENFELD, DIRECTOR, RECREATION AND PARKS

DATE: FEBRUARY 2, 2000

SUBJECT: CONTRACTS FOR WHALE OF A DAY SPECIAL EVENT

RECOMMENDATION:

Authorize the City Manager to sign the attached contracts associated with the City’s 16^th Annual Whale of a Day celebration.

BACKGROUND

The annual Whale of a Day special event, held in celebration of the annual migration of the Pacific Gray whale, has been held on the grounds of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center for the past fifteen years. This year, due to the closure of the Center, an alternate location was needed where this popular Peninsula event could be conducted.

DISCUSSION

Staff contacted the United States Coast Guard to request their permission to hold the 16^th Annual Whale of a Day celebration on the grounds of the Point

Vicente Lighthouse. Permission was granted verbally and the Coast Guard submitted a contract to the City for signature. In addition, since public parking near or at this site is virtually non-existent, staff approached York Long Point Associates requesting permission for parking at the Long Point site. Again, permission was granted and a contract for signature was submitted to the City. Please see the two attached contracts requiring signatures. Both contracts have been reviewed by the City Attorney.

CONCLUSION

Due to the closure of Point Vicente Interpretive Center, an alternate location to hold the annual Whale of a Day Celebration was needed. The U.S. Coast Guard agreed to allow the Point Vicente Lighthouse site to be used for this popular event. In addition, since there is little or no parking available at the Coast Guard site and shuttle service would be required, another location was needed for public parking. York Long Point Associates has agreed that the Long Point site could be used for this purpose. The City Attorney has reviewed the U. S. Coast Guard and York Long Point Associates contracts submitted for signature.

Respectfully Submitted:

Ron Rosenfeld, Director, Recreation and Parks

Reviewed:

Les Evans, City Manager

9. Gifts for Parks. (Rosenfeld)

Recommendation: Accept the Gifts for Parks donations and direct staff to prepare letters for the Mayor’s signature expressing the Council’s thanks and appreciation.

TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

FROM: FINANCE DIRECTOR

DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 2000

SUBJECT: DECEMBER 1999 TREASURER’S REPORT

Staff Coordinator: Matt Burton, Accounting Manager

RECOMMENDATION:

Receive and file the December 1999 Treasurer's Report for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.

BACKGROUND:

Government Code Section 53646 requires the City Treasurer to submit an investment report to the City Council on at least a quarterly basis. The City has elected to submit a treasurer’s report to the Council for review each month. This report summarizes the cash activity associated with all funds of the City. A separate treasurer’s report is prepared monthly for both the Redevelopment Agency and Improvement Authority and is presented under separate cover before their respective governing bodies. The attached treasurer's report includes the cash activities of the City for the month of December 1999.

ANALYSIS:

The City’s overall cash balance decreased by nearly $119,000 during the month, ending with a balance of $20,000,499 at December 31, 1999. While the overall decrease was relatively small, several individual funds experienced large fluctuations in their cash balances during the month. An analysis of these funds follows:

General Fund - The General fund cash balances increased by $660,000 during December. The net increase is largely attributable to the receipt of two large payments ($1,160,000 of property tax revenue and a $200,000 federal advance to fund the NCCP program) while total expenditures for the month were routine in nature.

 

Gas Tax Fund – Expenditures for the month exceeded revenues by nearly $66,500. The month’s expenditures included progress payments on the FY 99-00 slurry seal project and sidewalk repair program, in addition to costs associated with recurring maintenance items.

1972 Act Fund and 1911 Act Fund – Both of these funds received a large installment of annual property tax/assessment monies collected by the County and remitted to the City. Historically, the County remits the two largest installments in December and April. The cash balances of the 1972 Act and the 1911 Act funds increased by $129,000 and $61,400 respectively during the month.

Air Quality Management and Proposition A Funds - These two funds combine to pay the City’s annual contribution to PV Transit for bus services. These contributions are paid semi-annually in July and December. The December 1999 payment resulted in the cash balances of the Air Quality Management and Proposition A funds decreasing by $20,500 and $172,100 respectively.

CIP Fund – Cash in the CIP fund decreased by slightly over $700,000 during the month, despite the receipt of $328,000 in reimbursement for costs associated with the expansion of PVIC. The large decrease was primarily the result of making nearly $1,000,000 in progress payments for the FY 99-00 Overlay project. A substantial amount was also paid in December for the soil remediation efforts at PVIC.

Special Trusts Fund – The cash balance in the Special Trusts fund increased by approximately $58,000 in December. As noted in previous months, it is typical for the cash balances in this fund to vary from month to month. These variances are caused by changes in the timing of payments to and from the City. During December the City received an additional deposit from Ocean Trails, which helped account for the overall cash increase.

Respectfully submitted,

Dennis McLean

Finance Director/Treasurer

Reviewed:

Les Evans

City Manager

10. December 1999 Treasurer’s Report. (Burton)

Recommendation: Receive and file the December 1999 Treasurer’s Report for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.

TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

FROM: FINANCE DIRECTOR

DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 2000

SUBJECT: DECEMBER 1999 TREASURER’S REPORT

Staff Coordinator: Matt Burton, Accounting Manager

RECOMMENDATION:

Receive and file the December 1999 Treasurer's Report for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.

BACKGROUND:

Government Code Section 53646 requires the City Treasurer to submit an investment report to the City Council on at least a quarterly basis. The City has elected to submit a treasurer’s report to the Council for review each month. This report summarizes the cash activity associated with all funds of the City. A separate treasurer’s report is prepared monthly for both the Redevelopment Agency and Improvement Authority and is presented under separate cover before their respective governing bodies. The attached treasurer's report includes the cash activities of the City for the month of December 1999.

ANALYSIS:

The City’s overall cash balance decreased by nearly $119,000 during the month, ending with a balance of $20,000,499 at December 31, 1999. While the overall decrease was relatively small, several individual funds experienced large fluctuations in their cash balances during the month. An analysis of these funds follows:

General Fund - The General fund cash balances increased by $660,000 during December. The net increase is largely attributable to the receipt of two large payments ($1,160,000 of property tax revenue and a $200,000 federal advance to fund the NCCP program) while total expenditures for the month were routine in nature.

 

Gas Tax Fund – Expenditures for the month exceeded revenues by nearly $66,500. The month’s expenditures included progress payments on the FY 99-00 slurry seal project and sidewalk repair program, in addition to costs associated with recurring maintenance items.

1972 Act Fund and 1911 Act Fund – Both of these funds received a large installment of annual property tax/assessment monies collected by the County and remitted to the City. Historically, the County remits the two largest installments in December and April. The cash balances of the 1972 Act and the 1911 Act funds increased by $129,000 and $61,400 respectively during the month.

Air Quality Management and Proposition A Funds - These two funds combine to pay the City’s annual contribution to PV Transit for bus services. These contributions are paid semi-annually in July and December. The December 1999 payment resulted in the cash balances of the Air Quality Management and Proposition A funds decreasing by $20,500 and $172,100 respectively.

CIP Fund – Cash in the CIP fund decreased by slightly over $700,000 during the month, despite the receipt of $328,000 in reimbursement for costs associated with the expansion of PVIC. The large decrease was primarily the result of making nearly $1,000,000 in progress payments for the FY 99-00 Overlay project. A substantial amount was also paid in December for the soil remediation efforts at PVIC.

Special Trusts Fund – The cash balance in the Special Trusts fund increased by approximately $58,000 in December. As noted in previous months, it is typical for the cash balances in this fund to vary from month to month. These variances are caused by changes in the timing of payments to and from the City. During December the City received an additional deposit from Ocean Trails, which helped account for the overall cash increase.

Respectfully submitted,

Dennis McLean

Finance Director/Treasurer

Reviewed:

Les Evans

City Manager

11. Lease Extension for Former Cable Studio at City Hall. (Petru)

Recommendation: Authorize the extension of the lease agreement with Cox Communications for the use of the former cable studio building at City Hall until March 15, 2001.

TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

FROM:ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER

DATE:FEBRUARY 1, 2000

SUBJECT:LEASE EXTENSION FOR FORMER CABLE STUDIO BUILDING AT CITY HALL

RECOMMENDATION

Authorize the extension of the lease agreement with Cox Communications for the use of the former cable studio building at City Hall until March 15, 2001.

BACKGROUND

In January 1994, the City Council approved a two-year lease agreement with Dimension Cable (now known as Cox Communications) for its use of the former cable studio building and adjacent storage area located at City Hall. Cox Communications uses this location as its construction offices as well as a storage site for the installation of a new fiber optic cable system. The lease has been extended three times: in January 1996 for an additional two-year period; in February 1998 for an additional year; and in March 1999 for another year. Unless the City Council grants a further extension, the lease will expire on March 15, 2000.

Dimension Cable began the process of installing a fiber optic cable system throughout the Peninsula in 1994. However, construction stopped when Dimension Cable was acquired by Cox Communications in 1995. Construction activity did not resume until late 1997. The build-out of the new system in Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates was completed in 1999. However, Cox has not completed construction in the City of Palos Verdes Estates. Therefore, Cox has requested an additional on year extension to the lease in order to complete the fiber optic cable installation in the neighboring city.

DISCUSSION

As previously indicated, the current lease agreement is due to expire on March 15, 2000. On December 13, 1999, Cox Communications submitted a request to extend the lease for an additional period of one year (see attached letter). The discussion below explores the various issues associated with this extension request:

Annual Rent Increase

The lease agreement allows the rent to be adjusted annually to the amount equal to the twelve month Consumer Price Index (CPI). The current lease rate is $1,619.00 per month and was last adjusted in March 1998. The CPI for the twelve month period ending in November 1999 is equal to 2.3%. Therefore, if the Council extends the lease agreement, staff will notify Cox Communications that, effective March 15, 2000, the adjusted rent for the site will be $1,656.00 per month.

Appearance of the Storage Yard

In 1998, Cox Communications was storing large quantities of construction materials in the outside storage area. Although the materials were there for only a short period of time, they were stacked on top of one another such that the materials well exceeded the height of the fence surrounding the storage area. Staff was concerned about the unsightly appearance of the storage yard in this condition, particularly from the residences that overlook the property from above. Therefore, when the lease was extended last year, provisions were added to require Cox Communications to maintain the appearance of the storage, as directed by the Director of Public Works. Over the past year, Cox has been responsive to requests from the City to clean up and reorganize the storage yard. Therefore, Cox has complied with the terms of the lease and staff does not feel that any modification for the extension request is required.

Palos Verdes Amateur Radio Club

In October 1999, staff was contacted by the Don Wallace Museum Committee regarding the future use of the former Cable Television Studio building. The Council may recall that the Amateur Radio Club operates an emergency ham radio facility in a portion of the building. The Committee has expressed a desire to use the entire building as the site for the Don Wallace Museum. The original site for the museum was intended to be on three lots that are part of the Wallace Ranch residential development at the southwest corner of Highridge Road and Armaga Springs Road. Use of this site was later abandoned due to financial constraints and potential opposition from the adjacent residents. The Committee has shown staff a conceptual model for the possible reuse of the Cable Television Studio building as a museum, community room and classroom space. Staff suggested that the Don Wallace Museum Committee might wish to present their ides to the City Council at a public meeting. Staff has provided the club with notice of this hearing and a copy of the staff report.

FISCAL IMPACT

An extended lease agreement with Cox Cable for the former cable studio building will generate approximately $19,872.00 in General Fund revenue during the term of the lease extension.

Respectfully submitted:

Carolynn Petru

Assistant City Manager

Reviewed,

Les Evans

City Manager

12. Register of Demands. (McLean)

Recommendation: ADOPT RESOL. NO. 2000-__, 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.

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PUBLIC HEARING:

13. Resolutions of Necessity for Abalone Cove sewer and storm drain easement acquisitions. (Allison)

Recommendation: Adopt the proposed resolutions of necessity authorizing the acquisition by eminent domain of easements through, over, or under properties which are owned by the individuals identified on Exhibit "1" attached to this report. The resolutions further authorize and direct that eminent domain proceedings be filed to acquire the parcels to construct and maintain sewer and storm drain systems in the Abalone Cove area.

NOTE: STAFF REPORT FOR THIS ITEM WILL BE AVAILABLE AT CITY HALL.

RECESS: PUBLIC COMMENTS: (at approximately 8:40 P.M.)

(This section of the agenda is for audience comments on items NOT on the agenda.)

REGULAR BUSINESS:

14. Request from the Board of Directors of the Portuguese Bend Community Association. (Evans)

Recommendation: Authorize City staff to return the ballot/proxy for the election of officers for the Portuguese Bend Community Association for the purpose of establishing a quorum only.

TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

FROM:CITY MANAGER

DATE:FEBRUARY 1, 2000

SUBJECT:BOARD OF DIRECTORS - PORTUGUESE BEND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

RECOMMENDATION

Authorize City Staff to return the ballot/proxy for the election of officers for the Portuguese Bend Community Association for the purpose of establishing a quorum only

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION

Each year the City receives a notice of the annual meeting of the Portuguese Bend Homeowners Association by virtue of lots the City owns within the Association jurisdiction. Over the years the City (RDA) has acquired six parcels in order to improve access to RDA facilities, promote landslide stabilization efforts or simply resolve land ownership and access issues. This ownership allows the City to participate in Homeowner Association matters including voting at their annual meeting. There is no policy on how the annual ballot/proxy received by the City is to be handled. However, at a City Council meeting of February 4, 1997, the City Council directed staff to continue to send in the ballot/proxy for the purpose of establishing a quorum. Staff has followed this procedure for the past three years. This year Mayor Byrd has asked that the matter be placed on the agenda for discussion.

ANALYSIS

This year there is an election of Board members for the Association. Three seats are open and there are five candidates. Attached is a copy of the Notice of Meeting, the Annual Report and the ballot/proxy. Also attached is a memorandum from Councilmember Stern who asked that it be attached to the staff report.

Respectively submitted:

Les Evans, City Manager

15. Residential Solid Waste Contract with Ivy Rubbish Disposal for Area Two. (Ramezani)

Recommendation: (1) Award an exclusive residential solid waste service contract to Ivy Rubbish Disposal for Area Two. (2) Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute an agreement with Ivy Rubbish Disposal as the exclusive residential solid waste service provider for Area Two.

TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

FROM: DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 2000

SUBJECT: RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE CONTRACT WITH IVY RUBBISH DISPOSAL FOR AREA TWO

STAFF COORDINATOR: LAUREN RAMEZANI, SR. ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Award an exclusive residential solid waste service contract to Ivy Rubbish Disposal for Area 2.
2. Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an agreement with Ivy Rubbish Disposal as the exclusive residential solid waste service provider for Area 2.

BACKGROUND

On October 5, 1999, the City Council selected Ivy Rubbish Disposal (Ivy) as the City’s exclusive residential solid waste provider for Area 2 and authorized staff to negotiate a final agreement. On December 21, 1999 staff recommended to the City Council that an exclusive residential solid waste contract be awarded to Ivy Disposal for Area 2. During deliberations the City Council requested staff to investigate the possibility revising the contract to increase the requirement for automobile liability to $5,000,000.

DISCUSSION

Ivy Rubbish has agreed to provide $5,000,000 in automobile liability (combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage) as part of their new contract without changes to the rate structure as originally proposed.

Ivy Rubbish has requested one final contract modification that has not previously been presented to the City Council. Under the new contract Ivy Rubbish is required to post a performance bond in the amount of $60,000. This bond guarantees waste services in the event that Ivy Rubbish Disposal is unable to perform. The current contract requires a bond in the amount of $25,000, which Ivy has posted, which has an expiration date of November 20, 2000. Ivy Rubbish requests that the new contract be modified to allow a lower bonding requirement of $25,000 through November 20, 2000 and a $60,000 bonding requirement thereafter. Ivy makes this request to avoid the expense of having to acquire a new bond.

In light of the number of years that Ivy Rubbish Disposal has provided good services to the residents of the City, staff recommends that the City Council accept this contract revision.

The attached agreement has been forwarded to Ivy for signature. A signed agreement is expected to be presented at the City Council meeting. With the exception of the increased automobile insurance and the revised bonding requirements this contract is substantially the same contract as that presented to the City Council on December 21, 1999.

ALTERNATIVE

The City Council may choose to not execute an agreement with Ivy Rubbish, or wish to not approve the lower bonding requirements.

FISCAL IMPACT

Under the terms of the new contract, customers will experience a rate increase of approximately 5%. The City will receive a lump sum "Collector Fee" in the amount of $12,000 which is paid on a quarterly basis. The Collector Fee is divided into three Funds: General Fund, Solid Waste Fund, and Recycling Fund. The Collector Fee will increase whenever rates are adjusted and will change at the same percentage.

Respectfully submitted,

Dean E. Allison, Director of Public Works

Reviewed by,

Les Evans, City Manager

16. Utility Undergrounding Program. (Allison)

Recommendation: (1) Provide staff with direction an Arterial Roadway undergrounding program. (2) Direct staff to prepare guidelines for a residential undergrounding program to assist residential neighborhoods with undergrounding districts.

TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

FROM:DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

DATE:FEBRUARY 1, 2000

SUBJECT:UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING PROGRAM

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Provide staff with direction regarding an Arterial Roadway Undergrounding Program.

2. Request staff to bring back to the City Council for consideration, draft program guidelines, and a list of policy issues for a Residential Undergrounding Program.

BACKGROUND

At last year’s budget workshop the City Council requested staff to investigate the feasibility of a utility undergrounding program in which overhead utility lines are removed in an effort to beautify the City. This report presents various aspects of an undergrounding program, and outlines potential future steps.

DISCUSSION

Overhead utility lines along the City’s roadways take away from the natural beauty of the City. This is particularly true along the coastal roadways where the overhead lines impact spectacular ocean views. In addition, the appearance of many of our residential neighborhoods could be improved if the overhead utility lines were removed. The General Plan recognizes this when it states "overhead wires are an unsightly vestige of a necessary infrastructure component, and cause considerable disturbance to views". The General Plan goes further and states it should be a City policy to "Underground all new power lines and communication cables and implement programs to place existing lines and cables underground". Attached are photographs of several roadways impacted by overhead utility lines, as well as a computer rendering illustrating the dramatic impact of removing overhead utility lines.

The overhead utility lines along the City’s public rights of way are typically electrical and communication facilities owned and operated by various utility companies. The lines are on utility poles owned by a utility company that permits other companies to use the poles through a joint use agreement regulated by the Public Utilities Commission. The City has virtually no authority over the use of existing poles. Another factor to consider is that the current growth in the telecommunications industry has increased the number of overhead facilities, and will likely continue to do so.

Virtually all of the City’s arterial roadways are impacted in some manner by overhead lines, and it is estimated that approximately 60% percent of the City’s residential neighborhoods have overhead utility lines. There are, however, some portions of the City where the electrical and communications facilities are underground for one of two reasons:

1. The facilities were installed after the mid 1970’s. The Public Utilities Commission has required utility lines installed after the mid 1970’s to be installed underground.
2. The facilities have been reconstructed underground as a result of an undergrounding district.

There have been a number of successful undergrounding districts in Rancho Palos Verdes. The two most recent districts removed overhead utilities along Silver Spur Road and along Hawthorne Boulevard. Each of these projects had a dramatic impact on the appearance of the roadway.

It has generally been the practice of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes as well as most California communities to divide undergrounding districts into two categories based on how they are funded. The first type is an arterial roadway district, which has citywide benefits; the second type is a residential neighborhood district, which primarily benefits the adjacent properties.

A summary of the characteristics of the two types of districts is as follows:

 

Arterial Roadway Districts

Rule 20A funds are monies set aside by the utility industry from consumer’s payments for the purpose of undergrounding districts. The monies are allocated annually to cities on a per capita basis. While these funds may be used for any type of district, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, and nearly all communities, have utilized these funds exclusively for projects along the arterial roadways which have Citywide benefit. At this time there are no Rule 20A funds available to the city. This is because the city’s past projects consumed the city’s Rule 20A funds through Fiscal Year 2005 - 06. The City will begin receiving its annual allocation of approximately $ 150,000 in Rule 20A funds in FY 2006 – 07.

The Public Works Department conducted a ‘windshield’ survey to gain an understanding of the city’s total need for undergrounding. Staff identified more than 40 overhead lines along the City’s arterial roadways. Staff estimates the cost to reconstruct each at $150,000 to $ 300,000, with some as much as $500,000, for a total of more than $10 million.

Option One

Given the status of the City’s Rule 20A funds, if the City wishes to proceed with a program to underground utilities along the City’s arterial roadways a funding source must be identified. Potential sources include the Environmental Impact Fund and the General Fund. The first step in the process is to identify a project and to authorize the expenditure of engineering cost to prepare construction plans, and an estimate of costs. If this is the desire of the Council, staff recommends that the matter be sent to the Council’s ad hoc committee on beautification for selection of a project. Once a project is selected, staff would bring the item back to the full council for consideration of project funding. Staff estimates engineering costs at $30,000, and construction costs as much as $500,000.

Option Two

Conversely the City Council may not wish to proceed on an arterial roadway district project at this time and wait until Rule 20A funds are once again available in FY 2006 – 07.

Staff Recommendation number one requests direction from the City Council on what the next step should be for the arterial roadway program.

Staff considers the following roadways arterials:

 

Residential Neighborhood Districts

With respect to residential neighborhoods, staff estimates a total citywide cost to underground all overhead facilities at more than $50 million. Since residential neighborhood districts are not funded by Rule 20A funds they are not impacted by the lack of Rule 20A funds. At this time a neighborhood can approach the City and begin the process to underground utilities. However the process is not user-friendly and the City has no guidelines to assist residents through the lengthy process. Moreover there are some policy issues related to residential neighborhood districts that in the past were handled on a case by case basis, but may better be considered on a citywide basis. These issues relate to the percent of property owners that must sign a petition requesting district formation before any action is taken, and should the City encourage undergrounding by advancing the neighborhood funds for engineering.

The Public Works Department has contacted neighboring Cities and found that those with successful residential undergrounding programs have Council approved procedures, and have user-friendly informational handouts for their residents.

Some characteristics of the successful programs are:

Staff recommendation number two recommends that the City Council authorize staff to propose guidelines for a residential undergrounding program and a list of policy issues for consideration by the City Council.

CONCLUSIONS

The removal of overhead utility lines and power poles is one step a City can take to beautify its appearance. Undergrounding utility lines are generally accomplished by one of two types of districts, an Arterial Roadway District, and a Residential Neighborhood District.

Due to lack of funding, staff requests direction from the City Council regarding what the City’s next step should be regarding the arterial roadway program.

Staff does recommend that the City Council authorize staff to bring back to the Council proposed guidelines for a residential neighborhood program, and policy issues regarding the City’s participation. This recommendation is made to make the undergrounding program more user- friendly, and to encourage residential neighborhoods to consider undergrounding.

FISCAL IMPACT

If the City Council ultimately funds an arterial project, a funding source will need to be identified. Staff estimates engineering costs at $30,000 and construction costs could be as high as $500,000. These expenses were not anticipated in the adopted budget, and would require a budget adjustment at the time funds are appropriated. Likely funding sources are the General Fund and the Environmental Excise Tax (EET) fund. The anticipated June 30, 2000 EET fund balance is $540,000.

Staff recommendation number two will require staff time and consultant time to prepare a program. Staff estimates the cost of a consultant for these services at approximately $3,000 - $5,000. Funding is available in the approved budget for ‘on-call’ services.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS

With respect to the arterial roadway program the staff report presents two options and requests direction from the City Council. Option One is to move forward and send the item to the City Council’s ad hoc committee for beautification for selection of a project. Option Two is to not proceed on an arterial project, and wait until Rule 20A becomes available in 2006.

With Respect to the residential neighborhood program, an alternative action to the staff recommendation is to take no action at this time.

Respectfully submitted,

Dean Allison

Director of Public Works

Reviewed

Les Evans

City Manager

17. Budget Meeting Schedule for 2000. (Petru)

Recommendation: Select two dates in mid to late May for the City Council budget review sessions (only one date may be necessary).

TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

FROM: ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER

DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 2000

SUBJECT: BUDGET MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2000

RECOMMENDATION

Select two dates in mid to late May for the City Council budget review sessions (only one date may be necessary).

BACKGROUND

Last year, the City Council conducted an extensive series of public budget policy workshops and budget review sessions in the course of preparing the City’s first two-year budget document, which covers FY 99-00 & FY 00-01. During the second year of the budget cycle, only minor adjustments are expected to be made to the document through the preparation of a budget addendum. While the existing budget document includes estimated revenues and proposed expenditures for both Fiscal Years 99-00 and 00-01, the Council has only adopted the budget for the current fiscal year (FY 99-00). The budget for FY 00-01 is shown as "proposed" in the two-year budget document.

During the first year of the budget cycle, the Council usually holds one budget policy workshop in late March or early April to discuss budget policy items and then holds one or two public budget review sessions in May to review the draft budget document. Then, as required by the Municipal Code, the Council holds one or two (only one may be necessary) public hearings in June, prior to adopting the budget for the next fiscal year. The second year of the budget cycle is intended to be more abbreviated than the first year. Therefore, since staff anticipates only a few budget policy items, the Council may wish to discuss them at a budget work session, rather than conduct a separate workshop.

DISCUSSION

The City Council may wish to schedule two budget review sessions to provide the Council with an opportunity to review and comment on any budget policy issues and the proposed amendments to the FY 00-01 budget prior to the formal public hearing(s) in June. If the Council completes its review of the draft amendments at the first budget review session, a second session will not be necessary. Below are proposed dates for the budget review sessions (please select two dates):

Monday, May 8^th

Tuesday, May 9^th

Monday, May 15^th

Thursday, May 18^th

Monday, May 22^nd

Wednesday, May 24^th

The proposed final public hearing date for the adoption of the FY 00-01 budget is tentatively scheduled for the June 6 or June 20, 1998 City Council meetings, depending on when the budget review session(s) are conducted.

Respectfully submitted,Reviewed:

Carolynn PetruLes Evans

Assistant City ManagerCity Manager

18. Posting staff reports to the City’s web site. (McLean)

Recommendation: Direct staff to continue to post City Council meeting staff reports to the City’s web site.

TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

FROM: FINANCE DIRECTOR

DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 2000

SUBJECT: POSTING STAFF REPORTS TO THE CITY’S WEB SITE

RECOMMENDATION:

To direct staff to continue to post staff reports prepared for City Council meetings to the City’s web site.

BACKGROUND:

During its regular meeting on January 4^th, the City Council discussed the possibility of posting staff reports to the City’s Internet web site prior to each meeting. At the conclusion of its discussion, the City Council directed staff to investigate the technical issues and costs associated with posting staff reports to the City’s web site prior to City council meetings.

Staff and Palos Verdes on the Net (PVNET) conducted a "pilot test" during the week beginning January 10^th. At the conclusion of the pilot test, the staff reports for the January 18^th City Council meeting were posted to the City’s web site at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Friday, January 14^th. Staff and PVNET have continued the pilot test to post the staff reports to the City’s web site for this February 1^st City Council meeting as well.

DISCUSSION:

Web Site Services Currently Provided by Palos Verdes on the Net (PVNET)

The City’s web site was developed and is completely maintained by PVNET. The web site services provided to the City by PVNET include:

• providing the web server hardware and web site software;
• adding, modifying and deleting informational content as directed by staff;
• converting data files to the "HTML" program language prior to posting informational content to the City’s web site;
• adding, modifying and deleting hyperlinks between information within the site (i.e. when the user clicks on "Email your City Council", the web site link directs them to the directory containing the names and email addresses of each City Council member);
• adding, modifying and deleting links to other web sites affiliated with the City as directed by staff;
• graphic design of visual elements, photos, and logos; and
• programming of on-line database related information and dynamic Web pages;
• page layout and design

The design of the City’s current web site is basic. The informational content is limited compared with web sites of other California cities and most private enterprises. Hence, the time required by PVNET to maintain the current site is fairly limited. As you already know, PVNET and staff are currently overhauling the City’s web site. The new web site should be ready later this month or during the month of March.

Posting Staff Reports for the January 18^th City Council Meeting to the City’s Web Site – Pilot Project Findings

The Staff Report File Posted on the City’s Web Site

An announcement describing the pilot project leading to the posting of the January 18^th staff reports to the City’s web site appears at the top of the Main Page of the site. A link is provided the Internet reader. Once clicked, it will direct the reader to the top of the page of the January 18^th staff report web site.

A disclaimer appears at the top of the page informing the reader that only staff reports are posted to the City’s web site. Attachments, including correspondences, plans, pictures, spreadsheets and previous staff reports are not posted to the web site.

A link is provided at the end of the disclaimer to direct the reader to choose either the City, Redevelopment Agency or Improvement Agency agendas. Once the choice is made by clicking the link, the reader sees the top of the agenda. The agenda is identical to the paper copy distributed to each City Council member, staff and the Palos Verdes libraries for public inspection. When the reader clicks the agenda item description (presented in blue and underlined in red), they will be automatically directed to the related staff report. If the reader clicks on the link titled "return to top of the page" presented immediately to the right of the staff report, they will be automatically returned to the agenda.

Conversion of Staff Reports Using Microsoft "Word" to "HTML" Program Language

HTML (hypertext mark-up language) is the program language used over the "World Wide Web" (the Internet). Web browsers interpret the HTML language contained in web files and present the content for viewing. Microsoft "Word" uses the Visual Basic programming language. The program languages of both Word and the Internet are not compatible with each other, therefore, large and complicated Word files do not convert well to HTML.

Some of the standard program symbols ("tags") found in Word files (i.e. <B>, </B>, <li>,<P>) have a different meaning when used to write HTML program code. Therefore, symbols used to create Word commands like flush left, space, tab and other common keyboard commands will create different commands when converted to the HTML program language. To correct the faulty code, every incorrect entry must be manually converted to the correct program-code in HTML. The manual HTML changes took about 8 hours during the conversion of the January 18^th City Council agenda. Several examples of the conversion errors discovered in the salutation section of a staff reports are attached to this report. The invalid HTML mark-up errors are shaded.

Staff does not have the technical proficiency to perform the conversion to HTML. In the event the City Council elects to post the staff reports to the City’s web site, PVNET should be retained to perform the conversion.

 

Establishing Links to Agenda Descriptions and Providing Color Contrasting

PVNET spent 4 hours establishing links throughout the HTML web site file containing the January 18^th staff reports. The links enable the Internet reader to click on the Agenda item at the top of the web site file and automatically be directed to the top of the related staff report. PVNET donated additional time to provided color contrast throughout the web site file to help separate the agenda, staff reports and the agenda item description.

The Process Required By Staff to Prepare the Staff Reports for HTML Conversion

Staff saved the staff report "Word" files in a designated folder of a dedicated directory on the network file server. All of the staff reports were completed by noon, Thursday, January 13^th. All of the individual Word files were copied into one "master file" by the City Clerk. The City Clerk inserted the reference "AGENDA ITEM" and "STAFF REPORT BEGINS HERE" before each staff report for easier reading by PVNET and the public. The master file was completed by 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Upon completion, the master file was emailed as an attachment to PVNET. After the preparation of the master file is streamlined, staff estimates that it will take approximately four hours to prepare the master file for the HTML conversion by PVNET.

Estimated Cost to Post Staff Reports to the City’s Web Site

The conversion of the Word files to HTML took about 8 hours. After the conversion was completed, PVNET spent an additional 4 hours establishing links throughout the HTML web site file containing the January 18^th staff reports. Some of the time included first-time trials and tests, design of reusable graphics and development of page navigation and layout. PVNET estimates that the work could be performed in about an average of 8 hours per agenda once the process is fine-tuned. The time to post the staff reports to the forthcoming overhaul of the web site will be no different than the current web site.

PVNET performs network administration services to the City at a rate of $65 per hour. It has offered to charge a reduced rate of $40 per hour to post the staff reports to the City’s web site. Both staff and PVNET estimate that a normal agenda will require 8 hours of services by PVNET. If the staff reports are posted to the City’s web site for 16 meetings between January 18, 2000 and June 30, 2000, the estimated additional cost will be $5,120 during FY 99-00 (16 meetings x 8 hours @ $40 per hour).

 

FISCAL IMPACT

In the event the City Council elects to retain PVNET to post the staff reports to the City’s web site, sufficient funds are available in the FY 99-00 budget for the Community Outreach program of the General fund to pay for the proposed web site services. No budget adjustment will be necessary.

Respectfully submitted:

Dennis McLean

Finance Director

Reviewed by:

Les Evans

City Manager

ORAL CITY COUNCIL REPORTS: (This section designated to oral reports from councilmembers who wish/need to report on Council assignments.)

ADJOURNMENT: Adjourn to a time and place certain only if you wish to meet prior to the next regular meeting.

CLOSED SESSION AGENDA CHECKLIST

Based on Government Code Section 54954.5

(All Statutory References are to California Government

Code Sections)

CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR

The City Council finds based on advise from legal counsel, that discussion in open session will prejudice the position of the local agency in the litigation.

Initiation of Litigation:
G.C. 54956.9(c)

(1)25 CASES

Potential Eminent Domain proceedings to acquire easements within private streets rights-of-way. Decision on potential eminent domain proceedings to acquire easements within private streets rights-of-way and across a portion of two vacant lots.

(2) 1 CASE

The City Council is meeting whether to decide whether to file a lawsuit regarding a violation of the City’s view restoration ordinance.

RDA AGENDA

FEBRUARY 1, 2000

FRED HESSE COMMUNITY PARK, 29301 HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD

6:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION. SEE ATTACHED BROWN ACT CHECKLIST FOR DETAILS.

CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR:

A. Minutes of December 7, 1999. (Purcell)

Recommendation: Approve the minutes.

B. December 1999 Treasurer’s Report. (Burton)

1999 Treasurer’s Report for the Rancho Palos Verdes Redevelopment Agency.

C. Register of Demands. (McLean)

Recommendation: ADOPT RESOLUTION No. RDA 2000-__, A RESOLUTION OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING FUNDS FROM WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID.

# # # # # # # # # # # # #

PUBLIC COMMENTS: This section of the agenda is for audience comments on items NOT on the agenda: each speaker is limited to three minutes.

ADJOURNMENT: Adjourn to a time and place certain only if you wish to meet prior to the next regular Redevelopment Agency meeting.

CLOSED SESSION AGENDA CHECKLIST

Based on Government Code Section 54954.5

(All Statutory References are to California Government

Code Sections)

CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR

G.C. 54956.8

(1) Acquisition of six lots for easements for the Abalone Cove Storm Drain Project.

Property: APN#7572-012-028, 7572-012-029, 7572-002-029, 20 Vanderlip Drive, 10 Vanderlip Drive, 10 Pomegranate Rd., 21 West Pomegranate Rd., APN# 7572-016-024.

Negotiating

Parties: York Long Point Associates, John Vanderlip, Jack Downhill; Michael & Sheri Hastings and William and Elizabeth Rogers; Betty Strauss; Charles and Jean Shriver, Trustees; and the Tokiye Yamaguchi Trust.

Under Negotiation: Price