CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
VIA TELECONFERENCE IN COMPLIANCE WITH
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953(E)
Monday, May 23, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.
Consistent with Government Code Section 54953(e) (Assembly Bill 361), all members of the Hidden Hills City Council or staff may participate in this meeting via a teleconference and such teleconference locations are not accessible to the public and are not subject to special posting requirements. Members of the public may participate in the meeting electronically as indicated further below. The City Council Chambers will not be open to the public. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable modification or accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") please contact Deana Gonzalez at 818-888-9281 or [email protected]
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Hidden Hills was duly held via teleconference on Monday, May 23, 2022 at the hour of 5:30 p.m. Mayor Laura McCorkindale called the meeting to order and presided thereover.
ROLL CALL
Council: Mayor Laura McCorkindale
Mayor Pro Tem Steve Freedland
Council Member Eniko Gold
Council Member Larry G. Weber
Council Member Stuart E. Siegel
Staff: City Manager Kerry Kallman
City Attorney Roxanne Diaz
City Engineer Dirk Lovett
City Clerk Deana L. Gonzalez
AUDIENCE
Resident and Library Commissioner Britt Aaronson representing Hidden Hills stated that she was available to answer any questions about library policy, programs, services and budget. She also thanked the City Council for their attendance at Community Events, such as the Welcome Party.
City Council Minutes
May 23, 2022
Los Angeles County Sheriff Candidate Cecil Rhambo addressed the City Council gave a brief introduction of himself, his accolades and why he is running for the position of Los Angeles County Sheriff.
Resident Marsha Weidman addressed the City Council about a growing concern about what appears to be Council Members and staff texting and emailing each other during the meetings.
She apologized if that is not the case.
Resident Hugh Gagnier inquired about a letter the residents received from the Hidden Hills Community Association (HHCA) regarding cameras being installed in Hidden Hills and how the rules are generated and how the enforcement takes place, because the letter is unclear.
Mayor McCorkindale answered that to best of her knowledge, the HHCA recently voted to put in speed cameras in eight (8) locations, and these cameras and this program are completely separate from the City and has nothing to do with the City. She suggested that Mr. Gagnier get in contact with the HHCA to get more details and answers to his questions.
City Attorney Diaz added that the program Mr. Gagnier is inquiring about is a HHCA program, not City. The Sheriff's Department, who the City employees, will continue to enforce the vehicle code as normal, and is no way in connection with the HHCA program.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Gold stated that she had the opportunity to join Mayor McCorkindale at a meeting with DA George Gascon, and felt it was very proactive. She also wanted to mention that the City is working on bringing in reclaimed or recycled water into our Community, because of the water shortage, to assist with landscape watering.
Council Member Siegel congratulated the HHCA for a well planned and well attended Welcome Party. He feels it was a huge success.
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City Council Minutes
May 23, 2022
Mayor McCorkindale reiterated that the meeting with DA Gascon was very positive and there will be a follow up meeting with the City's new Captain Seetoo, regarding the City's trespassing issues; she thanked staff for the organization of the Cone with a Cop, and she reminded residents that voting day is June 7' for the primaries, and call City Hall if there are any question, and finally she also thought it was a wonderful event; however, she met a new resident who is a developer, and he was under the impression that the City of Hidden Hills City Council. had encouraged and supported the large development of a City Los Angeles project on the Boething Nursery, and he was under the impression that the City had asked for a number of things in exchange for support the project, which is not in the City of Hidden Hills. Mayor McCorkindale wanted to make clear that no project has ever been brought in front of the City Council, therefore, there can be no support implied or otherwise. I if anyone has any questions, they can feel free to call any of their Council Members or our City Manager.
STAFF COMMENTS
There were no comments.
MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
A. Los Angeles County Fire Department Report- April
Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith presented the following report:
the month of April had 7 medical calls, 3 service calls, and 4 good intent calls for a total of 14 responses. Fire Chief Smith mentioned that the Fire Department started doing brush inspections May 1st. He also spoke about the effects dry brush has on communities and how it's the number one promoter for fires to start and spread, so he encouraged everyone to do brush clearance. Community Services Liaison Megan Currier announced that the CERT classes will be starting July 7 - August 18 from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the Calabasas Founder's Hall. She will send the flyer to staff for distribution to interested residents. She gave an update on the fire service day, which was at Station 89 in Agoura Hills and how well attended it was.
City Council Minutes
May 23, 2022
B. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Report - April Deputy Mason DeMatteo presented the following report:
during the month of April there were zero Part I crimes, zero domestic violence misdemeanors and five trespassing calls, which were the following: on the 5", there was a vehicle that would not leave the Round Meadow gate so Covered 6 security called deputies, but before deputies got there, that individual gained permission to enter the City School and were asked to leave by deputies, for which they did; on the 15"*, there was a deputies and left without further action; on the 17", there was a male adult who was contacted by security near the Ahmanson ranch area of Long Valley and deputies made contact with this individual which determined he was hiking and he was warned not to come on the City property, for which he complied; finally, on the 28th, there was a resident on Jed Smith, who alleged someone came on or near their property and pointed a laser into his home. Deputies searched the area for any possible trespassers and determined there was no crime; There were no noteworthy incidents for the month.
Lt. Watters added that Deputy DeMatteo has been doing weekly briefings with deputies of all shifts to explain how to handle the trespassing calls in the City. He thanked the Council for the Cone with the Cop event and thought that it was very successful. He also warned residents to always be cautious with the upswing in follow home and smash and grab robberies.
Resident Liz Moses asked Lt. Watters about the uptick in ticket writing in the City of Hidden Hills by the motor deputy, and the complaints she is receiving.
Mayor McCorkindale stated that before Lt. Watters responds to Ms. Moses, she would like to make it clear that the City Council does not give direction to the motor deputy.
Lt. Watters responded to Ms. Moses with the following: Hidden Hills has one of the most experienced motor officers and traffic investigators that the station has seen in decades; he spent several years as a traffic detective investigating fatalities and major incidents within the city area; he became a motor officer several years ago; he's not malicious about what he does and he is very City Council Minutes
May 23, 2022
professional; he's not directed by anything other than knowing where the problem areas are because of people making complaints about speeding, people who are driving around the school buses, people who are distracted driving; these are the issues that the station gets complaints on, and these are the things that he responds to; he's just enforcing the law. Lt. Watters volunteered to attend a HHCA meeting to have a discussion, for which Ms. Moses agreed that that would be a good idea.
C. City Engineer Report
City Engineer Lovett presented the following report:
Long Valley Entrance Improvement Project - Measure R - the final design components for the Long Valley project are about completed. There are a few aesthetic items that we are still working on. However, the drought has raised some serious concerns regarding the project, specifically the amount of water needed for new plantings. In response to this, stall is evaluation options including: drought resistant planting, consideration of constructing the hardscape first and plantings at a later time, and extension of recycled water purple pipe to this area. 2) 24314 Long Valley Road - Construction commenced in April. Drill rigs are currently on the site drilling for caissons/piles, and 3) Reclaimed Water - in response to the current drought situation, City staff has been working with Las Virgenes Municipal Water District the Hidden Hills Community Association (HHCA) in the use of reclaimed water for irrigation within the City, which the Water District has committed to install, and keep full of reclaimed water, a 10,000 gallon tank in the upper City Hall parking lot, and will be provided at no cost to the City and will be primarily for City and HHCA use in the watering of arenas, trees and shrubs.
PUBLIC HEARING
Minor Accommodation
6051 Spring Valley Road
Remodel
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS SITTING
AS THE PLANNING AGENCY, APPROVING A REQUEST FOR A MINOR
ACCOMMODATION TO REMODEL AN EXISTING NONCONFORMING RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 6051 SPRING VALLEY ROAD
City Council Minutes
May 23, 2022
City Engineer Lovett presented the following report:
the Applicant is requesting, after the fact, a Minor Accommodation to remodel over 50% of the house, without having to remove the existing encroachments from the setbacks; the existing single-family residence encroaches 5' into the required 50' front setback (approximately 45' from the road right away to the south); all other proposed improvements are out of the setbacks. All proposed improvements, including the 5' encroachment, have been approved by the Hidden Hills Community Association; staff has determined that the finding can be met and there will be no material adverse impact on the public welfare or adjacent property.
Council Member Weber asked Mr. Lovett that looking at the map, it appears that the original 1950's house encroached into the setback far more than this minor encroachment does today. Mr.
Lovett agreed.
At this point, Mayor McCorkindale opened the public hearing. the Applicant was in attendance on ZOOM in case the City Council had any questions.
As there were no more comments or objections, Mayor McCorkindale then closed the hearing.
As there was no further discussion, upon MOTION of Council Member Weber, seconded by Council Member Gold, and unanimously carried on roll call vote, it was resolved to approve Resolution No. 991 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HIDDEN HILLS SITTING AS THE PLANNING AGENCY, APPROVING A REQUEST FOR A MINOR ACCOMMODATION TO REMODEL AN EXISȚING NONCONFORMING RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 6051 SPRING VALLEY ROAD.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. City Council Minutes - May 9, 2022 Regular Meeting
B. Demand List
C. Disbursement List - April
D Financial/Treasurer's Report - April
E. Investment Statement - April
City Council Minutes
May 23, 2022
Upon MOTION of Council Member Siegel, seconded by Council Member Weber, and unanimously carried on roll call vote, it was resolved to approve items A, B, C, D, and E of the consent calendar as submitted.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Conion eteripatin to bad and i Garo dogrounding Project on Jed City Attorney Diaz stated that Council Member Siegel and Council Member Weber's residences are within the 500' radius of this project, and therefore under the FPPC rules, there is a conflict and they will need to recuse themselves from this item. They recused themselves and left the ZOOM meeting.
City Engineer Lovett presented the following report:
the City of Hidden Hills has a long-established program of promoting the undergrounding of utilities within the City, and sets aside surplus general funds at the end of each fiscal year for the purpose of funding utility undergrounding; the City was awarded two grants, totaling $850,000, from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SSMC) specifically for a potential undergrounding project along Jed Smith Road between Fitzpatrick and Kit Carson Roads; the project would remove 8 poles, and the project must be completed, and funds expended by June 30, 2025.
Resident Hugh Gagnier inquired about the selection of areas and how does the City Council and staff determine where the next undergrounding project will be proposed.
City Manager Kallman replied that this project was selected because the City received a large grant that pertains to just that area; however, the City Council recently entered into an agreement with a consulting firm to establish an Underground Assessment District program, which would provide another pathway for residents to underground their utility lines and remove poles.
City Council Minutes
May 23, 2022
Upon MOTION of Mayor Pro Tem Freedland, seconded by Council Member Gold, and unanimously carried on roll call vote, it was resolved to authorize staff to to Initiate an Utility Undergrounding Project on Jed Smith Road between Fitzpatrick Road and Kit Carson Road B. Consideration of Approval of Resolution No. 992 Approving Parcel Map 82703 for a 2-Lot Subdivision at the End of Walker Road and Jim Bridger Road
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS APPROVING PARCEL MAP 82703
City Engineer Lovett presented the following report:
in January 2020, the City Council adopted a resolution approving Tentative Parcel Map 82703 (TPM) for a 2 lot subdivision at the end of Walker and Jim Bridger Roads, which would subdivide a 6.68 acre lot into two (2) residential lots of 3.17 acres and 3.51 acres; the resolution required that a parcel map (official subdivision document) be filed with the County Recorder within 2 years; however, with the passing of the owner/applicant tollowing the January 13, 2020 approval, the new property owner requested a one year extension, which was granted by the City Council; a parcel map 82703 has been received, and all requirements for a parcel map have been met and the developer has complied with the City Council's conditions of approval.
As there was no further discussion, upon MOTION of Council Member Siegel, seconded by Council Gold and carried on 4-0-1 roll call vote (Council Member Weber absent), it was resolved to approve Resolution No. 992 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS APPROVING PARCEL MAP 82703.
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Report from the 5/17/22 Hidden Hills Community Association Board of Directors Meeting
HHCA Board Member Liz Moses presented the following report:
the Board of Directors received a presentation from the cell phone company, AT&T, for the application of putting a cell tree tower at the Community Center; HHCA technology and phone systems are being upgraded; all residents should have received a copy of the speed camera rules; Spring Valley improvements were discussed but are not ready to be submitted to the City Council as of yet, and more vehicle storage was discussed.
City Council Minutes
May 23, 2022
Resident Marsha Weidman had questions about the new speed camera and ticket project being installed by the HHCA, for which it was suggested that Ms. Weidman contact Ms. Moses at a different time to discuss this subject as it is not an item on the City Council agenda.
D. Report from the 5/17/22 Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments Meeting Council Member Gold and LVMCOG Board Member presented the following report:
the COG approved a one-year contract for a part time homeless and administrative assistant, which will provide assistance to the Executive Director with homeless related items and the COG voted to continue to conduct their meetings via ZOOM for the foreseeable future.
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR:
Government Code Section 54957.6
Roxanne Diaz, City Attorney
Unrepresented Employees: City Manager, City Clerk, Administrative Analyst and
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Imelokindal
aura McCorkindale, Mayor
ATTEST:
Lean Jennaly
Deana L. Gonzalez, QMC, City Clerk