City Council Minutes November 25, 2003

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL

of the City of Hermosa Beach, California, held on Tuesday, November 25, 2003, at the hour of 7:18 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

J. C. Agajanian

ROLL CALL

Present: Dunbabin, Edgerton, Reviczky, Mayor Keegan
Absent: Yoon

CANVASS OF VOTES AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

Memorandum from City Clerk Elaine Doerfling dated November 20, 2001. Supplemental memorandum and resolution from City Clerk Elaine Doerfling dated November 25, 2003.

Action: To approve the recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 03-6311, entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, RECITING THE FACT OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2003, DECLARING THE RESULT AND SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS PROVIDED BY LAW."
Motion Reviczky, second Councilmember Dunbabin. The motion carried by a unanimous vote, noting the absence of Yoon.

LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES PRESENTATION:

Ken Blackwood, President of the L.A. Division of the League and Lomita City Councilmember, presented a certificate of appreciation to outgoing Councilmember Dunbabin for her long-term service and dedication to the division.

LOS ANGELES BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PRESENTATION:

Tom Martin, field representative for Supervisor Don Knabe, congratulated the newly elected Council members and presented to outgoing Councilmember Dunbabin a County certificate commending her for her years of service to the community.

STATE ASSEMBLY PRESENTATION:

Dave Fine, representing Assemblyman George Nakano, presented a plaque of appreciation to outgoing Councilmember Dunbabin, congratulating her on her career on the Hermosa Beach City Council and for the tremendous work she performed for the citizens of Hermosa Beach.

STATE SENATE PRESENTATION:

Allen Rubenstein, representing Senator Debra Bowen, presented a certification of recognition to outgoing Councilmember Dunbabin, commending her for her years of dedicated service to the community and a job well done making Hermosa Beach a better place to live and work.

UNITED STATES CONGRESS PRESENTATION:

Mayor Keegan presented a Congressional commendation from Congresswoman Jane Harmon to outgoing Councilmember Dunbabin, stating that Congresswoman would be reading the statement into the Congressional record.

PRESENTATION OF CITY PLAQUES:

Mayor Keegan presented a tile plaque of appreciation to outgoing Councilmember Kathy Dunbabin, commending and thanking her for her years of service on the Council and her integrity and honesty.

Outgoing Councilmember Dunbabin thanked the residents, fellow Councilmembers and staff and spoke of the goals set forth during her campaign and the progress that had been made. She said it had been an honor to serve the City she loves.

OATH OF OFFICE TO INCOMING OFFICIALS

Deputy City Clerk Drasco congratulated, presented the certificates of election and administered the oath of office individually to newly elected City Treasurer John Workman and Council members Sam Edgerton and Pete Tucker. After being sworn in, the elected officials took their seats at the dais.

City Treasurer Workman said it was a pleasure serving a community that was so unique and said he was pleased that the citizens of Hermosa Beach had given him the trust and honor to serve as Treasurer.

Councilmember Edgerton congratulated Councilmember Pete Tucker, City Clerk Elaine Doerfling and Treasurer John Workman; said he would miss Councilmember Dunbabin; and thanked his family and campaign staff, noting that he was happy to be back for a fourth term and looked forward to rebuilding the City's infrastructure, balancing the budget, rebuilding the PCH corridor, and completing the pier project.

Councilmember Tucker thanked Kathy Dunbabin for her dedicated service; thanked his family, campaign staff and voters for making his third campaign a success; said Hermosa Beach had emerged as a city that residents and businesses could be proud of and stressed the importance of residents and businesses working together; spoke of the many challenges ahead, such as finding parking solutions, renovation of the fire and police facilities, and implementation of the PCH/ Aviation Business Association and tree beautification program.

Councilmember Reviczky congratulated newly re-elected City Clerk Elaine Doerfling, who could not be present because of illness, and City Treasurer John Workman; thanked Kathy Dunbabin, saying she was a wonderful person who worked very hard for the City and would be sorely missed; congratulated Councilmember Edgerton on his re-election; and welcomed newly elected Pete Tucker to the Council.

Mayor Keegan congratulated City Treasurer John Workman and City Clerk Elaine Doerfling on their re-elections, with appreciation for all that they do; thanked Kathy Dunbabin for her years of service, saying she was a team player who could be counted on and that her methodical way of approaching things would be missed; congratulated Councilmember Sam Edgerton on his re-election; and congratulated newly elected Councilmember Pete Tucker on his victory, noting that his opposition to the Redondo Beach "Heart of the City" project was appreciated by voters and proved that he could go "outside the box."

Deputy City Clerk Drasco read written remarks from Mayor pro Tempore Yoon who apologized for his absence; said farewell to Councilmember Kathy Dunbabin, whose class and dignity would be missed; welcomed Councilmember Pete Tucker, whose election proved that a lifetime of community service gets noticed; welcomed back Councilman Sam Edgerton, whose historic fourth term made him arguably the most popular politician in the City's history; and said he hoped the success of first-time candidate Commissioner Howard Fishman encourages him to try again since, as Pete Tucker has proven, the citizens respect a commitment to serve.

Deputy City Clerk Drasco said City Clerk Doerfling had been sworn in that afternoon at City Hall and read the written remarks she had provided in her absence, saying farewell and many thanks to Kathy Dunbabin for her hard work and years of excellent service; congratulating and extending best wishes to Pete Tucker, Sam Edgerton and John Workman on their election; and thanking the citizens for their votes of confidence with regard to her re-election as City Clerk, noting she was honored to have the opportunity to continue serving the community.

The meeting recessed at 8:02 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 8:24 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

- Councilmember Reviczky announced that donations for the annual Beach Cities Holiday Toy Drive were being collected at the Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach Fire Departments and urged everyone to donate a toy to this worthwhile cause, which benefits underprivileged children, noting that the wrapping party would take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 20, at the Clark building; announced the annual sand snowman contest on the north side of the Pier from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, December 6; and provided a phone number for direct access to emergency public safety services in Hermosa Beach (310-524-2750) to be used when calling from a cell phone instead of 911, which routes calls through the Highway Patrol, delaying requests to the Hermosa Beach emergency personnel.

Councilmember Tucker spoke of the successful fashion show fundraiser that took place at Sangria on November 16, and thanked everyone at High Five Boutique, noting that all proceeds benefit the 11th annual Beach Cities Toy Drive.

Mayor Keegan announced the annual holiday tree lighting event, with Santa and snow, on the Pier Plaza from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, December 4; and the Last Saturday Puppet Show on November 29, at the Second Story Theater, with performances at 10:00 a.m., 1130 a.m., and 1:00 p.m.

PROCLAMATION:

WORLD AIDS DAY
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2003

Mayor Keegan read the proclamation and proclaimed Monday, December 1, 2003 as "World Aids Day" in Hermosa Beach, noting that the day's events would conclude with a candlelight ceremony.

CLOSED SESSION REPORT FOR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 2003:

NO REPORTABLE ACTIONS.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

  1. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

    There were no written communications.

    Coming forward to address the Council at this time were:

    Harold Cohen
    - Hermosa Beach, spoke of bicyclists speeding on the Strand and not walking their bikes when the red lights are on; urged the Council to form a volunteer public safety group, with members wearing official shirts and carrying walky-talkies, to advise people of safety laws and report violations to the Police Department; suggested that neighboring communities with similar programs be consulted for guidance; and
    Jack Janken
    - Hermosa Beach, concurred with the above suggestion and agreed that enforcement on the Strand was important, noting that the topic has been discussed a lot, even at Council meetings, but no action has been taken.
  2. CONSENT CALENDAR:

    Action: To approve the consent calendar recommendations (a) through (k), with the exception of the following items, which were removed for discussion in item 4, but are shown in order for clarity: (d) and (h) Edgerton, (f) Reviczky, and (i) Mayor Keegan
    Motion Reviczky, second Edgerton. The motion carried by a unanimous vote, noting the absence of Yoon.

    1. Recommendation to approve minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council held on November 12, 2003.

      Action: To approve as presented the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council held on November 12, 2003. (Yoon absent)

    2. RECOMMENDATION TO RATIFY CHECK REGISTER NOS. 34808 THROUGH 34948, AND TO APPROVE THE CANCELLATION OF CHECK NO. 34839, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY TREASURER.

      Action: To ratify the check register as presented. (Yoon absent)

    3. Recommendation to receive and file Tentative Future Agenda Items (PDF File).

      Action: To receive and file the tentative future agenda items as presented. (Yoon absent)

    4. Recommendation to receive and file the October 2003 financial reports:

      1. Revenue and expenditure report (PDF File);
      2. City Treasurer's report (PDF File); and,
      3. Investment report (PDF File).

      This item was removed from the consent calendar by Councilmember Edgerton for separate discussion later in the meeting,

      City Manager Burrell responded to Council questions.

      Action: To receive and file the October 2003 financial reports, as recommended by staff.
      Motion Edgerton, second Reviczky. The motion carried by a unanimous vote, noting the absence of Yoon.

    5. Recommendation to receive and file Project Status Report. Memorandum from Public Works Director Richard Morgan dated November 12, 2003.

      Action: To receive and file the status report of capital improvement projects that are either under design or construction, as recommended by staff. (Yoon absent)

    6. Recommendation to accept donation of $300 from Woman's Club of Hermosa Beach to be used for the Sand Snowman and Tree Lighting events. Memorandum from Finance Director Viki Copeland dated November 17, 2003 (PDF File).

      This item was removed from the consent calendar by Councilmember Reviczky for separate discussion later in the meeting in order to acknowledge and thank the donor.

      Action: To accept the donation of $300 from the Woman's Club of Hermosa Beach to be used for the Sand Snowman and Tree Lighting events.
      Motion Reviczky, second Edgerton. The motion carried by a unanimous vote, noting the absence of Yoon.

    7. Recommendation to appropriate $5,030.63 for a grant awarded to the City of Hermosa Beach through the Homeland Security Grant Program (2003-05, OES #037-00000) and authorize a budgeted revenue amount of $5,030.63 for reimbursed expenditures associated with this grant. Memorandum from Police Chief Michael Lavin dated November 18, 2003 (PDF File).

      Action: To approve the staff recommendation to appropriate $5,030.63 for a grant awarded to the City of Hermosa Beach through the Homeland Security Grant Program (2003-05, OES #037-00000), and authorize a budgeted revenue amount of $5,030.63 for reimbursed expenditures associated with this grant. (Yoon absent)

    8. Recommendation to adopt resolution declaring intention to vacate and abandon for public purposes a portion of 22nd Street, between the Strand and Beach Drive, and setting a public hearing for January 13, 2004. Memorandum from Public Works Director Richard Morgan dated November 17, 2003 (PDF File).

      This item was removed from the consent calendar by Councilmember Edgerton for separate discussion later in the meeting.

      City Manager Burrell responded to Council questions.

      Action: To approve the staff recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 03-6312, entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO VACATE AND ABANDON, FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES, A PORTION OF 22nd STREET, BETWEEN THE STRAND AND BEACH DRIVE, AS SHOWN ON THE TRACT OF HERMOSA BEACH AS PER RECORDED LOT 7, MAP BOOK 1, PAGES 25 & 26, IN THE OFFICE OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER."
      Motion Edgerton, second Tucker. The motion carried by a unanimous vote, noting the absence of Yoon.

    9. Recommendation to receive and file the action minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of November 18, 2003.

      This item was removed from the consent calendar by Mayor Keegan for separate discussion later in the meeting.

      Action: To request review and reconsideration of Item No. 6 in the Planning Commission, denial of a variance at 1427 Monterey Boulevard.
      Motion Mayor Keegan, second Edgerton

      Further Action: To receive and file the action minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of November 18, 2003.
      Motion Mayor Keegan, second Edgerton. The motion carried, noting the absence of Yoon.

    10. Recommendation to authorize the sole source purchase of two (2) Scott Air-Pak Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA "Buddy Breather" upgrade) from Allstar Fire Equipment of Arcadia, California. Memorandum from Fire Chief Russell Tingley dated November 18, 2003.

      Action: To authorize the sole source purchase of two Scott Air-Pak Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA "Buddy Breather" upgrade) from Allstar Fire Equipment of Arcadia, California, as recommended by staff. (Yoon absent)

    11. Recommendation to adopt resolution sustaining the Planning Commission decision to deny a Precise Development Plan, Nonconforming Remodel and Parking Plan - 238 Pier Ave. Memorandum from Community Development Director Sol Blumenfeld dated November 25, 2003 (PDF File).

      Action: To adopt Resolution No. 03-6313, entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, SUSTAINING THE DECISION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO DENY A REQUEST FOR A PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN, NONCONFORMING REMODEL, AND PARKING PLAN TO ALLOW AN ADDITION AND REMODEL TO AN EXISTING COMMERCIAL BUILDING AT 238 PIER AVENUE, LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS LOT 19, BLOCK 48, FIRST ADDITION TO HERMOSA BEACH," which reflects the action of the City Council at its November 12, 2003 meeting. (Yoon absent)

    12. Recommendation to adopt resolution approving final map #26791 for a 2?unit condo at 1111 Monterey Avenue/1110 Palm Drive. Memorandum from Community Development Director Sol Blumenfeld dated November 13, 2003 (PDF File).

      Action: To approve the staff recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 03-6314, entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, GRANTING APPROVAL OF FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 26791 FOR A TWO-UNIT CONDOMINIUM PROJECT LOCATED AT 1111 MANHATTAN AVENUE AND 1110 PALM DRIVE, HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA." (Yoon absent)

    13. Recommendation to approve request from the Hermosa Arts Foundation/Gallery C Fundraiser to use seven (7) parking spaces in Lot B on Friday, December 5, 2003 and waive fees. Memorandum from City Manager Stephen Burrell dated November 20, 2003.

      Action: To approve the request from the Hermosa Arts Foundation/Gallery C Fundraiser and waive fees for the use of seven parking spaces in Lot B on Friday, December 5, 2003 for the fundraising event, as recommended by staff. (Yoon absent)

  3. CONSENT ORDINANCES

    NONE

  4. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION

    Items 2(d), (f), (h), and (i) were heard at this time but are shown in order for clarity.

    Public comments on items removed from the consent calendar are shown under the appropriate item.

  5. PUBLIC HEARINGS

    NONE

  6. MUNICIPAL MATTERS

    1. TEXT AMENDMENT TO AMEND SECTION 17.46.010 TO CHANGE THE ALLOWABLE SIZE AND HEIGHT OF CHIMNEYS. Memorandum from Community Development Director Sol Blumenfeld dated November 25, 2003.

      Community Development Director Blumenfeld presented the staff report and responded to Council questions.

      Action: To continue the item for further clarification of the ordinance. Motion Edgerton, second Mayor Keegan. The motion carried by a unanimous vote, noting the absence of Yoon.

  7. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS AND REPORTS - CITY MANAGER

    NONE

  8. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS AND REPORTS - CITY COUNCIL

    NONE

  9. OTHER MATTERS - CITY COUNCIL

    NONE

ADJOURNMENT

The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Hermosa Beach adjourned on Tuesday, November 25, 2003, at the hour of 9:02 p.m. to the Regular Meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2003, at the hour of 7:10 p.m.