The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor McTaggart at Fred Hesse Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, and was immediately recessed to a closed session per the Brown Act Checklist. At 7:32 P.M., the meeting was reconvened.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was answered as follows:

PRESENT:Clark, Ferraro, Gardiner, Stern, and Mayor McTaggart

ABSENT:None

Also present were City Manager Les Evans; Assistant City Manager Carolynn Petru; City Attorney Carol Lynch; Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Joel Rojas; Director of Public Works Dean Allison; Director of Finance Dennis McLean; Deputy Director of Planning Greg Pfost; City Clerk/Administrative Services Director Jo Purcell; Senior Planner Kit Fox; and, Dianne McGivern.

There were two cards drawn to receive a check for $250.00, representing a year of free refuse service. Last month, there were no winners.

Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to approve the Agenda as amended. No objections were noted.

Councilman Clark moved for removal of items 3, 4 and 8 from the consent calendar. Mayor McTaggart indicated discussion of these items after the approval of the Consent Calendar.

Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by , for approval of the Consent Calendar as follows:

Approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 2^nd and the Adjourned Regular Meeting of May 6^th with minor corrections.

Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 10 to the agreement with All City Management Services, Inc. (All City), for an amount not to exceed $8,376.00 to provide crossing guard services at Miraleste Intermediate School for the 2002-2003 School Year.

(1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION 2002-35, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT TO ACCEPT A TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE OF THE STORM DRAIN FACILITIES KNOWN AS MTD 1353 IN THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES FOR FUTURE OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND IMPROVEMENT AND AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE THEREOF. (2) Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute a Quitclaim of Easements for the subject storm drain improvements to the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. (3) Authorized Staff to notify the surety company to exonerate, or reduce as appropriate, the Payment and Performance bonds upon confirmation from the Los Angeles County Sanitation Department and Los Angeles Flood Control District that the storm drain and sewer facilities have been accepted and that maintenance has been transferred to the County.

Accepted the parkland dedication in-lieu fee for Final Parcel Map No. 19062 in the amount of $4,943.05.

(1) Authorized the City of Rancho Palos Verdes to continue its participation in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Federal Fiscal Years 2003-2005. (2) ADOPTED RESOLUTION 2002-36, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AND THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM, HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM, AND ASSISTED HOUSING PROGRAMS. (3) Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the proposed Agreement with the County of Los Angeles Community Development Commission (CDC).

ADOPTED RESOLUTION 2002-37, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING A $10,000 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR FY 01-02 TO THE RECREATION & PARKS – SPECIAL EVENTS PROGRAM FOR EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACT CITIES ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

ADOPTED RESOLUTION 2002-38, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES REQUESTING THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CALPERS) TO APPROVE AN EXTENSION OF ALLOWED EMPLOYMENT FOR A RETIRED EMPLOYEE PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE; AND, RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2002-21.

Staff recommendation was to reject all bids for the maintenance of City owned parks/trails and authorize staff to re-advertise.

Director Allison introduced reasons as to why the bids were rejected, indicating the surplus of work over and above keeping grounds neat, i.e., any extra labor for special projects or special tasks, was not addressed, nor a bid sought for, in the original requisition of bids. The proposed solution was to declare a place on the applications for contractors bidding to indicate the price of labor for such undefined items.

Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by , to adopt staff recommendation. Motion carried.

Staff recommendation was to authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute a Nonexclusive Franchise Agreement for Commercial Refuse Collection and Disposal Services with United Pacific Waste to be effective through December 31, 2002, with amendment to include the five-year notice.

Director Allison responded to inquiry by Councilman Clark regarding the addition of another waste hauler, with 13 being the current number, as to why there are 13 haulers currently.

Director Allison pointed out that the City has a history of maintaining a non-exclusive franchise for solid waste contracts. The indication that anyone possessing a valid business license and the requisite insurance is permitted to provide commercial solid waste service.

Director Allison iterated the previous decision by the Council to allow a five-year period in which commercial solid waste service is provided on a non-exclusive basis. He said we are two years into this period regarding commercial hauling.

City Attorney Lynch pointed to the law regarding a five-year requirement notice be given to all commercial haulers advising that said haulers will no longer be able to do business in the subject area. City Attorney Lynch also indicated that in the contract with this hauler, United Pacific Waste, provision for those five years to end concurrent with all other haulers was included, effectively giving this hauler less than a five-year notice.

Councilman Clark inquired as to when in time the Council would be able to consider inviting new haulers. City Attorney Lynch responded in December 2005, which is four years after the original notification. A new contract is prohibited until this five-year period is concluded; however, negotiations taking up to nine months to fulfill, can take place in the last year of that contract.

Mayor pro tem Stern voiced concern over the fiscal impact, pointing out that the five percent of the franchise fees; however, indicating that it’s the same regardless of which hauler is involved. Director Allison indicated in the affirmative. Mayor pro tem Stern indicated that the five percent would end up being lower as a result of the bidders competitively pricing their service, often only to have the fees for service being lower.

Mayor McTaggart indicated that it would be a positive cash flow, and requesting the proper reporting desperately needed to get the percentage up.

Mayor pro tem Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to adopt the staff recommendation. Motion carried.

Staff recommendation was to approve a one-year extension to an existing contract for street sweeping services with R.F. Dickson and Company. (2) Approve a five percent cost increase for the street sweeping services contract for Fiscal Year 2002-2003.

Councilman Clark made inquiry to Director Allison with respect to granting an unusually long contract. Director Allison explained that there are very few companies performing street sweeping activities and also his approval of their services. Reporting is also very positive. His indication was that there would be a re-advertising of a new contract in July 2003.

Mayor pro tem Stern moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro to adopt the staff recommendation.

The motion carried on the following roll call vote:

NOES: None

Mayor McTaggart opened the public hearing on this request to hear the appeal of View Restoration Permit No. 118. City Clerk Purcell announced that notice had been duly published and that written comment letters were distributed to the Council.

Project Coordinator Nelson presented the staff report of May 21, 2002 and the recommendation to adopt the proposed resolution affirming the decision of the View Restoration Commission and approving View Restoration Permit No. 118 upon finding that all applicable findings have been correctly made and all provisions of Section 17.02.040(c)(2) have been complied with.

Ms. Nelson reported the View Restoration Permit No. 118 was presented to the City in August of last year, there being a stipulation that the meeting was held. At that meeting, essentially the parties were trying to negotiate in an attempt to reach a settlement regarding the removal of trees without a formal filing with the city. The indication was that Ms. Doran was currently re-landscaping her back yard in an attempt to appease this issue.

Despite their attempts, an agreement was not reached and a formal application was filed, bringing this issue before the VRC in March of this year. When the application was originally filed, it was six trees that were creating a problem. She believed that Ms. Doran removed three trees, indicating that five trees remained. One of the five trees is an Italian Stone Pine. Pictures were shown to indicate subject tree.

This Italian Stone Pine it was determined was the greatest in terms of view impairment. However, tree no. 5, the holly tree, was also shown as creating a significant impairment, and it was ordered that the tree be lowered to the ridge line or the lowest point of the residence which was indicated in the resolution as the garage.

The foliage owner subsequently appealed its decision, outlining the reasons contained in the appeal. Without addressing each one individually, Ms. Nelson indicated the staff contended that there was no basis in support of the appeal and recommended the Council uphold the VRC’s decision.

Mayor pro tem Stern indicated a concern regarding the cost of removal of trees borne by the foliage owner, suggesting that the applicant perhaps pay for the restoration of their view. He also addressed the city attorney regarding reimbursement to the foliage owner by the applicant. City Attorney Lynch indicated that there was nothing that would require reimbursement for foliage that was "voluntarily" removed.

Councilman Clark disclosed his visit to the site, where he met with both the foliage owner and applicant. He was informed by the applicant that there had been attempted informal mediation settlement which fell through, when the number and size of replacement trees could not be agreed upon.

Ms. Nelson, referencing the staff report, indicated there was discussion regarding those trees. She mentioned the fact that the trees that are currently not a view imposition will have to be maintained in order to prevent this type of claim from arising again.

Councilman Clark was also interested in the definition of the "ridge line of the house." There was discussion of the differences between the ridgeline of the garage and the ridgeline of the house, which was variable by two feet.

City Attorney Lynch allayed concerns regarding the limitations placed by Prop M when she suggested that the City Council be allowed to make amendments to the ordinances. The suggestion was to add the word "significant" to the ordinance. It was determined that adding the word "significant" was too vague, and invited numerous requests for small amounts of foliage to be ordered removed.

City Attorney Lynch offered that in disputes regarding privacy versus view restoration, it is often not the privacy that is the issue, but that of the significant view.

Mayor McTaggart added that the reason "significant" was added was so that the VRC would have a tool to work with. Councilman Gardiner suggested discussing the issue of "significant" on another day, with Councilman Clark in agreement.

There was discussion regarding the removal of various trees and what would be left vis-à-vis the view.

Councilman Gardiner and Ms. Nelson debated the meaning of the word "ridgeline of the house." There was discussion of the attached garage, which is two feet taller than the house, being the ridgeline. Mayor McTaggart suggested this be clarified at a subsequent time.

Mayor pro tem Stern raised a question with regard to the entry of Mr. Alberio not reviewing the materials that had been presented by the foliage owner as a result of not having his glasses. Ms. Nelson indicated that while the staff exercised their right not to have the information read again, they did read it independently. Although Chairman Alberio did not read the information, he participated in the hearing.

Jim Beck, 4110 Maritime Drive, presented slides of the obstructed view from his dining room as well as his kitchen.

His presentation was interrupted by the Council’s discussion regarding removal of Tree No. 2 becoming a "blocker."

Mr. Beck continued his presentation of slides, pointing out the view of the shoreline in question, the view referred to as the "white water" view. He then moved on to slides of the view taken from his living room. There was more discussion between Councilman Clark, and Mayor McTaggart regarding the issue of the ridgeline of the house vis-à-vis the roof.

Mr. Beck proceeded to address the ridgeline. He quoted from Proposition M, spurring discussion regarding the ridgeline, and was it applicable to the entire structure or just the main residence.

Mr. Beck continued his remarks by stating that both his wife and himself applaud the passing of Proposition M. He encouraged the Council to deny the appeal, as there was a unanimous decision. He stated their application is clear in its request and fulfills every point of the law and guidelines. He indicated that the appeal is unfounded, contending that the VCR made mistakes in finding views and viewing areas, the viewing area has already been established on some multicomponent view, and that the VRC abused its discretion in establishing a remedy that was within the law.

Mr. Beck further addressed the replacement of the trees with three 24-inch box trees, indicating that that will provide more privacy than the current trees. He again provoked discussion regarding the ridge line, and that the two-foot difference between the garage and the main residence, assuming the Council allowed the ridge line to be the garage at 15 feet, would impair his white water view.

Mr. Beck finally, in answer to Councilwoman Ferraro, indicated that he would like the Council to uphold their decision with two conditions; first, to approve the ridge line definition as that of the primary residence; secondly, that Item No. 2 on Exhibit "A" of VRC Resolution No. 2002-04 should include all of the trees.

Mayor pro tem Stern inquired of Ms. Nelson what was done with Trees 2, 3 and 4. Ms. Nelson pointed out that they were insignificant as long as they were maintained.

Mr. Beck, in opposition, explained that Tree 2 is only two feet shorter than Tree 1, and that it poses a threat as well.

Peggi Collins, 5411 Manitowoc, Rancho Palos Verdes, counsel for Ms. Doran, spoke in her behalf, indicating that the reason for the appeal is that Ms. Doran did not feel she received a fair hearing. Indicating that Mr. Alberio did not have his glasses on for the reading of the information submitted by Ms. Doran; also that they believe there are some ambiguities in the interpretations of the language that are in the guidelines as opposed to the ordinance. Ms. Collins opined that the obstruction being claimed by the Becks is only on one end of a 180-degree view; that, in fact, it is only a small amount of impairment.

To Mayor pro tem Stern’s question as to whether they should decide based on a person’s total view as a percentage, the response by Ms. Collins was that the only view impairment that the Becks suffered was that of one only enjoyed while standing up in the kitchen. She compared that to an illustration of protecting 180-degree views; that the Council will have to contend with someone who has a four-sided home hoping to protect their 360-degree view. She pointed out that the Italian Stone Pine was a protector of Ms. Doran’s privacy.

Ms. Collins indicated that a portion of the package for the Council’s review was omitted until shortly before this meeting commenced and would not oppose a continuance in that regard.

Lynn Doran, 4115 Maritime Drive, owner of the foliage, indicated that the Italian Stone Pine was 30 to 40 years old; that it is an integral part of her landscaping which provides privacy and shade for her front yard and home, and also beauty for the neighborhood. She outlined the different trees that were sacrificed at her expense for the sake of the Italian Stone Pine.

Ms. Doran requested that if the appeal should be denied and the Beck’s application upheld, that she be allowed to replace the Italian Stone Pine with two 36" box trees to replace the Italian Stone Pine and one 24" box tree to replace the holly.

Inquiry from Mayor McTaggart revealed that the Italian Stone Pine has never accomplished any damage, with the Mayor indicating the contrary; that is, his Italian Stone Pine had done considerable damage to his home. Again, Ms. Doran affirmed that she has had no problems.

Councilman Clark moved, to continue the matter until all council members have an opportunity to visit the site, visually assessing it, and then pick up the decision process on June 18^th at Miraleste. Mayor pro tem Stern seconded the motion.

Councilman Gardiner added to the motion that the word "significant" is revisited before the decision is made. Mayor pro tem Stern pointed out that amending the ordinance was not agendized, only the appeal pending. Councilman Gardiner proposed to add it as a second agenda item to which there was no objection. Motion carried.

Albert Roman of Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Amy Lynn from Rancho Palos Verdes, invited everyone to watch a free demonstration of Chinese Falun Gong techniques at the Memorial Day Celebration in Hermosa Beach.

Mayor pro tem Stern described the meeting that he and Councilman Clark attended that morning. He indicated that the Council will be receiving a copy of the package of materials that were distributed at that meeting, and should be included in the weekly report submitted by City Manager Les Evans.

The information contained references to the contractor being contacted and given permission to resume work on the remediation of the landslide. Also discussed at that morning’s meeting was the rebuilding of Palos Verdes Drive South. Without delving into detail, indicated that it was to be a long and drawn out process. He encouraged various types of communication so as to keep the residents informed, e.g., a dial in number, for people to receive updates on the construction. A Web page was suggested for residents to keep updated.

Councilman Clark indicated that the team of peoples now serving this project are eager and have "hit the ground running."

Mayor McTaggart shared that he attended a meeting last week on the subject of using landfill for a golf course. The gist was that everything done there would be consistent with safety. Another issue brought up at that meeting was the equestrian emergency response team training that takes place up in Calabasas. It is a two-hour ride, and the equestrians that are interested in being involved would like to see the trainers brought down here since 17 of them commute to Calabasas. Mayor McTaggart indicated that a fee was paid to County Animal Control and also for liability insurance, the money staying with the county, so they ought to be able to find the funding to do that.

Councilman Gardiner reported that Jim Stahl, Sanitation Chief Engineer, was kind enough to have himself and two members of his staff available. Councilman Gardiner went over and exchanged information, things that have been reported to him as areas of concern he passed along. Mr. Stahl wanted from an engineering perspective to get as much factual information and address as many of the factual concerns that he could.

Councilman Gardiner expressed concern over the kids in Rancho Vista and their safety.

Councilman Clark briefly reported on his trip to Sacramento to attend the League of California Cities Technology Committee, of which he is a member. It was formed basically to look at how to bring the cities of California into leveraging the electronic and information technology across the state being utilized by various cities to the various other cities. The committee about a month and a half ago put out a technology survey to all the county and city managers in the state receiving an impressive return rate of city managers and council members. Councilman Clark encouraged the Council members that have not yet had a chance to respond to please take time to return their surveys, indicating that the cut-off date was extended until the end of May.

Councilman Clark indicated an exhibition at the Forum of this information technology. He suggested or proposed that this Council showcase the video streaming of council meetings on the website. He indicated excitement was expressed.

Moving on, May 15^th and 16^th were legislative action days, where city, county and special districts made a collective presence to the May Revised Governor’s Budget and the concern that the local officials have elected officials over the potentiality of taking from the municipalities and counties to resolve the deficit. He pointed out the deficit of 23.6 billion dollars this year, and as such the City’s interests will be at stake. There was a group of elected officials from South Bay that attended; three from Rolling Hills Estates were included.

Although Senator Vincent was not present, his Chief of Staff was, and an invitation was extended for them to visit our city soon. There was mention of acquisition of open space in the Portuguese Bend. There was also indication that this was a focused area that would be of regional interest to the Senator.

Mayor McTaggart ordered that a letter prepared by the City Clerk with an invitation to the 4^th of July festivities is forwarded.

Mayor McTaggart announced that the Independent Cities had invited him as incoming President of the Contract Cities Association to their conference to be held on July 11-14 in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego County. The Contract Cities will be paying for his hotel room, and the $650.00 cost of the conference is also waived. The only cost incurred will be mileage.

City Clerk Purcell presented the May 21 staff report and the recommendation: (1) Appoint seven members to the Recreation & Parks Committee: Four members with a term of office until March 7, 2006; and, three members with a term of office until March 2, 2004; and (2) Set 6:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 4^th as the date to interview appointees for the position of chair for this board. (3) Appoint a chair for the Equestrian Committee.

Discussion was held as to the induction of a task force, to be voted on this evening, and for such task force to have a tenure of one year. Decision was made to appoint Carol Hildreth as Interim Chair.

The votes cast for the candidates as members to the Equestrian Committee were as follows:

Charlene O’Neil introduced Don Burt, outlining his various accomplishments and appointments among the equestrian community.

Mr. Burt acknowledged all members of Council, and indicated that he has lived in Portuguese Bend for 40 years. Mr. Burt advised that there are about 200 horses living in the Portuguese area alone. With the help of the handout submitted, the proposal in Mr. Burt’s opinion is viable.

The cost to the City will be limited to donating land and providing necessary insurance for the City’s protection.

Mayor pro tem Stern inquired about the availability of land, to which Mr. Burt responded that there are parcels that have been chosen as possible locations.

Mr. Burt asked the Council if there was interest in the project and should he research in more detail what is required. All Councilmembers indicated an interest.

Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to waive the staff report. Motion carried.

Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro to adopt the staff recommendation: (1) Award a three-year contract for roadside maintenance services to U.S. Landscape, Inc, in an amount equal to $156,000. (2) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a contract with U.S. Landscape, Inc. (3) Authorize the expenditure of up to $194,200. for Fiscal Year 2002-2003.

Motion carried on the following roll call vote:

Ayes:Ferraro, Stern, Gardiner, Clark & Mayor McTaggart

Noes:None

Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to waive the staff report. Motion carried.

Councilwoman Ferraro moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Stern, to adopt the staff recommendation: (1) Maintain the current monthly residential solid waste and recycling rates for Waste Management of Los Angeles and Ivy Rubbish Disposal during FY 02-03. (2) Apply the estimated $18,480 excess collection due from the Waste Management of Los Angeles contract for the period of July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003, to offset any future rate increases. (3) Request the Director of Finance to establish a new account in the Solid Waste Fund to deposit excess collection from the Waste Management of Los Angeles contract.

Director Rojas presented the staff report of May 21 and the recommendation to provide staff with direction as whether to initiate any code amendments to address the issues associated with RV parking and storage on public streets and private property. He reported that the genesis of this agenda item was the result of letters that were received by staff early this year, complaining about R.V. parking on the streets and R.V. parking on private property. He outlined two issues.

One, the Code currently requires that no vehicle remain on the street beyond 72 hours. The residents have shown that the other cities on the Peninsula maintain stricter requirements, e.g., Rolling Hills Estates prohibits overnight parking of R.V.’s on the streets.

The Code allows R.V. parking on private drives providing it is on a legally paved surface. They also have prohibition vis-à-vis the distance an R.V. must be from an easement, and that parking will only be allowed in the front yard if the back yard lacks sufficient space.

Mr. Rojas indicated that the City of Costa Mesa recently attempted stricter regulations for R.V.’s. Mayor McTaggart offered that it would result in a room filled with people who use R.V.’s as their only means of transportation. This concern especially is relevant to those living in condominiums where parking is limited.

Councilwoman Ferraro expressed concern over R.V.’s being parked around curves and indicated an inherent danger in that children playing cannot be seen when driving around an R.V.

Tom Dosdall, 3534 Hightide Drive, discusses a new type of view impairment. His indication that he lives next door to a 31-foot camper permanently parked in the front yard is an imposition on his view. Mr. Dosdall circulated pictures showing the camper.

Mr. Dosdall indicated that the owner of the camper merely moves it every 72 hours just a couple of feet to avoid an infraction. He also pointed out that a petition was circulated around the neighborhood that gathered numerous signatures. The petition was then sent to the Sheriff’s office. Unfortunately, there were loopholes that the owner of the camper was able to assert.

Mr. Dosdall indicated that the owner has the camper plugged into electrical outlets and is currently using it for an office.

Councilwoman Ferraro inquired into changing the Code. City Attorney Lynch indicated that the Code can be changed, or rewritten, to reflect different ways of dealing with this issue.

Tom Redfield, 31273 Granada Drive, encouraged the Council to get homeowners involved. He also supported active participation on the part of the city to strictly enforce new ordinances referencing either R.V.’s or unwanted, parked cars.

Mayor McTaggart brought to the attention of the Council that among these unwanted parked cars are gardeners who park their trucks in one place, fill them with debris, which could take up to three weeks, and then empty them once they are full. He indicated getting the Sheriff involved, after which he has not observed those gardeners again.

Mayor McTaggart proposed a parking permit, to which Councilman Gardiner agreed there would be some control in that the permit could be revoked in the absence of compliance with the code.

Don Shults, 212 Velez Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, introduced the idea of using unoccupied land to house R.V.’s that have no legal parking.

Mayor McTaggart supported the idea, that it would be a viable business.

Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, that this area of review be remanded to the Planning Commission as an area to explore possible revisions to the code. Motion carried.

Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to waive reading the staff report and adopt the recommendation to support the request for $750,000 in the FY02-03 transportation appropriation bill for the South Bay I-405 arterial improvements initiative. Motion carried.

City Manager Evans presented the staff report of May 21, 2002 and the recommendation to consider the Palos Verdes Peninsula Transit Authority program to install surveillance cameras in certain buses and advise the City Council representatives to the Transit Authority on whether or not to support the practice when consideration of the issue is before the Authority Board.

Councilman Gardiner addressed surveillance cameras on buses. There was an indication that the cameras were installed on Bus No. 1022 after they had experienced several acts of vandalism. It being a large bus, it was difficult to monitor the passengers’ activity in the rear of the vehicle. The system is installed next to the driver and faces the rear of the vehicle, and includes an audio recording. The system was installed in September 2001 and has been in operation since then. Videotapes are changed every day and kept in the Authority’s office, where they may be reviewed. The law firm of Richards, Watson & Gershon advised that the system is allowable under state and federal law, with a recommendation of appropriate signage to be installed on transit vehicles.

Council also recommended against publicly showing any videotapes as it would invade the public’s right to privacy.

There currently is a request to install surveillance cameras on three more buses.

Councilman Gardiner proposed alternative solutions. One would be to offer a reward to those who find people vandalizing buses. Another is to inspect the seats at the end of every workday. A third is to issue seat assignments.

Mayor McTaggart expressed grave concern over taking pictures of people without their permission, and the accompanying liability should the system fail.

Councilwoman Ferraro advocated the use of surveillance cameras indicating that all those who ride the bus will know that it is there; including, but not limited to, the parents of children who ride the bus. She also pointed out the decline in vandalism since the video surveillance was installed; that it acts as a deterrent.

Councilman Gardiner, together with Mayor McTaggart, expressed that video surveillance should be employed as a last resort. Mayor pro tem Stern and Councilman Clark agreed that we live in a world of surveillance; that it is present at City Council meetings, banks, convenience stores, and that we are even being watched from space.

Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner to request information from the Transit Authority about alternatives they have evaluated to the use of cameras so that these studies may be evaluated by the council and a subsequent decision about the suitability of using surveillance cameras in PV Transit busses. Motion carried.

City Manager Evans presented the staff report of May 21, 2002 and the recommendation to consider the appointment of a City Council liaison committee to meet with a similar committee representing the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District or select some potential dates in July and August for a joint meeting of the City Council and the School Board.

Mr. Evans relayed the desire of the school district to meet with the council to discuss items of mutual interest. At this point, they are otherwise engaged as it is near the end of the school year. They also proposed forming a committee, with two members from each entity. Mayor pro tem Stern suggested that given the importance of the issues it would be better to conduct a meeting involving all members of the City Council. Councilman Clark agreed.

Mayor pro tem Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to bring everyone’s calendars to the next meeting to schedule time with the school district.

City Manager Evans presented the staff report of May 21, 2002 and the recommendation to consider Councilmember Gardiner’s proposal to withdraw from membership in the League of California Cities.

Councilman Clark proposed that the Council remain in the League of California Cities, claiming that having a collective voice with the neighboring cities would be more effective than dropping out of the League. Councilman Clark also opined that getting appointments on meaningful committees is significant in changing policy.

Mayor pro tem Stern concurred with Councilman Clark that an aggressive role is more effective, as the league is the most influential entity in representing cities.

Mayor McTaggart offered an experience he had with the League supporting him and his belief that it is important to stay allied with the League.

Councilman Gardiner maintained his position.

Councilwoman Ferraro advised that withdrawal from the League will not stop the State of California from taking our money. She expressed that you can’t change organizations from the outside; rather, being involved from the inside is the way to make changes.

Tom Redfield, 31273 Granada Drive, complimented the Council on their excellent work. He continued by pointing to problems with sister cities. He also expressed his communion with Councilman Gardiner and warned about putting effort into organizations that aren’t fruitful. However, he agreed that you cannot change things from the outside and proposed to allow Councilman Clark a chance to become involved and see where we are a year from now.

City Manager Evans presented the staff report of May 21, 2002 and the recommendation to consider Councilmember Clark’s proposal to submit a resolution to the League of California Cites for consideration at the annual conference in October.

Councilman Clark spoke on the issue of undergrounding the whole city, by allowing the League of California Cities to negotiate with the utility companies in terms of paying the costs for underground utilities.

Mayor McTaggart expressed agreement with Councilman Clark.

Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Councilwoman Ferraro, to approach the League regarding this agenda item. No objections noted.

City Clerk Purcell presented the staff report of May 21, 2002 and the recommendation to determine who is to be the City’s representative to the Vector Control District Board for the new term of office beginning June 26, 2002.

Mayor pro tem Stern queried Mayor McTaggart regarding the position and what it involves. Mayor McTaggart explained that the various pests, including mosquitoes, black flies, Africanized bees, and imported fire ants, etc. The Mayor indicated that L.A. County is looking for a way to deal with these pests. He is willing to fill the position again.

Mayor pro tem Stern, indicating all due respect to the Mayor, indicated that there has been a lack of information brought back to the Council regarding this issue. The Mayor outlined several things, including brochures and a website, that he has shared with the Council. There was discussion about the various terms of offices.