TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS
FROM: CITY MANAGER
DATE: OCTOBER 7, 2003
SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF QUALIFIED PERSONS TO THE BOARD OF THE KLONDIKE CANYON GEOLOGIC HAZARD ABATEMENT DISTRICT
RECOMMENDATION:

Consider making one or more appointments of qualified persons to the Board of the Klondike Canyon Geologic Hazard Abatement District.

BACKGROUND:

The City has two landslide abatement districts, both of which are governed by an elected five-member board. One of these districts (Klondike Canyon Geologic Hazard Abatement District) had no candidates who filed for the three seats for the terms that have expired. The incumbents, whose terms have expired, have indicated that they do not wish to continue on the Board.

Presently the Board of the Klondike Canyon GHAD consists of the following members:

MEMBER	TERM OF OFFICE
Gamsgaard, Paul	September 2003
Lovrich, Gail	September 2005
McCarthy, John	September 2003
McCoy, Tyler	September 2003
Downey, Chris	September 2005

In accordance with State laws governing the creation of these Districts, the City Council is required to make appointments of qualified individuals to the Board vacancies. A qualified individual is one who owns property in the District. A map of the District boundaries is attached.

DISCUSSION:

The terms of the incumbents will continue until new Board members are appointed by the City Council, or until they resign. It is our understanding that Board members Gamsgaard and McCoy will resign. Board member McCarthy has indicated a willingness to remain on the Board until a replacement for his position can be appointed so that a quorum can be maintained and business can be conducted.

The District makes annual property assessments of approximately $45,000 and has a fund balance of about $125,000. During the 1980s, the RDA participated with the District in installing some drainage facilities, the purpose of which is to keep water out of the Klondike Canyon Landslide. The District maintains those drainage facilities, including a storm drain that carries drainage under Palos Verdes Drive South. There is some deferred maintenance of drainage facilities that should be accomplished by the District this year. Therefore, the Board must be able to continue to conduct business meetings. The Board meets the fourth Monday of each month at Ladera Linda Community Center at 7:00 PM.

Options that may be considered by the City Council include:

1. Appointing a Councilmember or City staff member to fill one of the seats on the Board as a representative of the City, since the City does own property in the District.
2. Advertising and sending individual letters to property owners in the District to determine if there are qualified persons who are interested in serving on the Board who have not previously stepped forward.
3. Continuing with less than a full Board until other members can be appointed.
4. All of the above.

Respectfully submitted,

Les Evans

City Manager

Attachment: District Boundary Map