CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
VIA TELECONFERENCE IN COMPLIANCE WITH
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953(E)
Monday, June 13, 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, June 13, 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
Accounting Specialist Theresa Folk
City Clerk Deana L. Gonzalez
City Council Minutes
June 13, 2022
AUDIENCE
Mayor McCorkindale introduced Senator Bob Hertzberg, who was joining the meeting from Sacramento from the Legislature. Senator Hertzberg was contacted by Council Member Gold with respect to a measure that’s up before the Governance and Finance Committee, which oversees local government issues and revenue and tax issues. Senator Hertzberg gave a brief overview of AB 1944 and AB 2449 which addresses the issues local jurisdictions are facing in regards to the Brown Act and teleconferencing of City Council meetings. He offered to come back to future City Council meeting to update the City Council and residents of Hidden Hills on these bills, along with other issues that may affect Hidden Hills.
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.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Gold commented that she is serving on the Cities Governance, Transparency and Labor Relations Committee where the Brown Act bills were discussed, and that is how she came to approach Senator Hertzberg regarding those bills affecting cities.
Council Member Freedland commented that he is on the Budget Committee with Council Member Gold and wanted to commend staff’s efforts in bringing forth a budget document that is extremely easy to analyze, and that this process has become so much easier and efficient than ever before.
Council Member Siegel mentioned that the Hidden Hills Summer Camp at the Community Center is starting tomorrow, which would be great for all the children in Hidden Hills, and also that the Hidden Hills summer barbecues and he and his wife Peggi will be hosting the first one on the 30th, and hopes to see everyone there.
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June 13, 2022
Mayor McCorkindale asked Council Member Gold, regarding the two bills mentioned by Senator Hertzberg, if she can check with her Governance Committee and examine any amendments to make sure that they are not taking the cities in the wrong direction. Council Member Gold agreed and would report back to the Council with an update.
Council Member Weber mentioned that the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District is now on a one day a week watering schedule for Hidden Hills residents, due to the severe drought that is happening. He asked that all residents check their sprinkler schedules as there is a lot of run off on Jed Smith from the side streets and that the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District will be sending inspectors to issue violations and possibly put properties on a rationing system.
Mayor McCorkindale did mention in relation to Council Member Weber’s comment that there will be a residential option, with a private business, for people who are interested in having recycled applied to their properties.
STAFF COMMENTS
City Manager Kallman reported that brush clearance that Mountain View Estates is required to do on the City’s western perimeters behind Jim Bridger primarily has been completed. The City has received a grant for the next three years to hire the company that brings the goats to expand brush clearance around the City’s perimeter, and the goats should be here in approximately two weeks to begin the clearance for this year.
City Attorney Diaz reported that the City Council met in closed session at the last meeting of May 23 with respect to conference with labor negotiations for certain unrepresented employees and there is not reportable action from that closed session.
City Council Minutes
June 13, 2022
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Consideration of Approval of Resolution No. 993 Approving a Minor Accommodation for an Alteration and Remodel to an Existing Nonconforming Building at 5565 Jed Smith Road
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 ALTER AN EXISTING NONCONFORMING
RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 5565 JED SMITH ROAD
City Attorney Diaz stated there are three Council Members who live more than 500’, but less than 1000’ from the perimeter of the Jed Smith property that is under consideration for a minor accommodation. When a Council Member lives within 500 to 1000’, this is not an automatic conflict of interest under the FPPC rules. It would only be a conflict if the item would change the Council Member’s property’s development potential, income producing potential, highest and best use, the character of their property with respect to intensity view, parking, view, noise, privacy, or market value. She reached out to the three Council Members, Gold, Freedland and Siegel with respect to this and it was my option that they do not have a conflict of interest in reviewing the FPPC options, however it is up to each Council Member to determine whether or not they wanted to participate of not, and based on that Council Member Gold and Mayor Pro Tem Freedland will not be participating, but Council Member Siegel will be participating. She asked those Council Members who are not participating to turn off their cameras and leave the meeting.
City Engineer Lovett presented the following report:
the Applicant is requesting a Minor Accommodation to either remodel over 50% of the building, or do improvements to a portion of the building that is currently in the setback, , which is considered an existing non-conforming building; the proposed project consists of minor interior remodeling, exterior upgrades, remodel of the pool area, addition to a covered patio, kitchen and fireplace in the backyard and improvements to the portion of the building that currently encroach into the front yard setback; all proposed improvements, 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.
At this point, Mayor McCorkindale opened the public hearing. The Applicant was in attendance on ZOOM stating that they are basically doing a cosmetic overhaul to the property and nothing structural is being changed and they are not moving any closer to the street.
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June 13, 2022
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 Siegel, and carried on roll call vote (3-0-2), it was resolved to approve Resolution No. 993 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 ALTER AN EXISTING NONCONFORMING RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 5565 JED SMITH ROAD.
B. Consideration of Approval of Resolution No. 994 Approving a Minor Accommodation for an Alteration and Remodel to an Existing Nonconforming Building at 24960 John Fremont Road
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 ALTER AN EXISTING NONCONFORMING
RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 24960 JOHN FREMONT ROAD
At this time, Mayor Pro Tem Freedland had to leave the meeting unexpectedly, so he is absent from this agenda item.
Council Member Siegel’s residence is within the 500’ radius of this project, and therefore under the FPPC rules, there is a conflict and he will need to recuse himself from this item. He recused himself and left the ZOOM meeting.
City Engineer Lovett presented the following report:
the Applicant is requesting a Minor Accommodation to either remodel over 50% of the building, or do improvements to a portion of the building that is currently in the setback, which is considered an existing non-conforming building; the proposed project involves a small addition at the rear of the second floor of the residence, which includes the replacement of existing siding, roofing materials and widows, a new roof section to convert a non-conforming shed roof to a gable on the home’s north side, reconstruction of the existing entry steps and portico, and upgrades to the existing wing walls beside the garage door; the existing home encroaches approximately 24’ into the front yard setback and approximately 6’ into the northerly side yard setback; columns under the existing roof canopy, roof replacement and some cosmetic work is proposed within the front setback, City Council Minutes
June 13, 2022
but will not encroach any further than what already exists, and are in compliance with the Municipal Code; all proposed improvements have been approved by the HHCA, and will not have a material adverse impact on the public welfare or adjacent property.
At this point, Mayor McCorkindale opened the public hearing. The Applicant’s architect, Chris Davis, was in attendance on ZOOM, in case there were 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 carried on roll call vote (3-0-2), it was resolved to approve Resolution No. 994 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 ALTER AN EXISTING NONCONFORMING RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 24960 JOHN FREMONT ROAD.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. City Council Minutes – May 23, 2022 Regular Meeting
B. Demand List
C. Consideration of Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Suite Renovation to Provide Janitorial Services for City Hall D. Reconsideration of the Circumstances of the COVID-19 State of Emergency and Determine that the City will Continue to Hold Meetings Via Teleconferencing Pursuant to the Finding Set Forth in Government Code Section 54953(e)(3) E. Consideration of Approval of Resolution No. 995 to approve a project list for 2022-23 to receive an estimated $42,362 in SB 1, Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Act of 2017 Funds
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017 Upon MOTION of Council Member Gold, seconded by Council Member Siegel, and carried on roll call vote (4-0-1), it was resolved to approve items A, B, C, D, and E of the consent calendar as submitted.
City Council Minutes
June 13, 2022
NEW BUSINESS
A. Review and Discussion of Preliminary Draft City Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 and Proposed Fiscal Reserve Policy
City Manager Kallman presented the following report:
attached for the City Council’s review and consideration is the proposed City budget for FY 2022/23; the City Council’s Budget Ad-hoc Committee consisting of Council Member Gold and Council Member Freedland met on May 19 to review the draft budget; the City receives a majority of its revenue from property taxes, and the total revenue is $3,821,197, other local revenue includes Real Property Transfer taxes and a small amount of sales tax collected and fortunately FY 21/22 saw an increase of nearly 60% more than was anticipated; Building and Safety rebounded significantly in FY 2021/22, and with the fee valuation tables being raised for the first time in nine years, it is anticipated an increase of 30% in FY 22/23; Public Safety and Building and Safety make up over half of the expenditures; the City continues to remain conservative, which has been beneficial to ensure the continued strength of the City’s finance.
Council Member Gold stated that it was a very easy process and thanked staff and as well as budget committee member Mayor Pro Tem Freedland for working so efficiently with her. She did ask City Manager Kallman to explain more about Public Safety and how the Committee came to that number.
City Manager Kallman explained that the City pays the Sheriff’s Department for certain items, including regular patrol, a motor unit, fingerprint technician, and our special assignment deputy.
Following an increase in residential burglaries before the pandemic, the City increased its special assignment deputy from 20% to 100%. The Sheriff’s Department affords their contract cities the opportunity to add services for a discounted growth rate. That reduced rate expires after 18 months. The cost to keep the special assignment deputy at full-time would be significantly higher.
After analyzing the position and costs with Mayor McCorkindale and Council Member Siegel, it was recommended to return the special assignment deputy to its previous number of hours. This change also gave staff the opportunity to increase the amount of allocated funds in the budget for “as needed services”, should a situation require additional law enforcement support.
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June 13, 2022
Council Member Siegel confirmed with the Accounting Specialist the numbers under restricted funds and what projects those are designated for.
Resident Britt Aaronson thanked staff and the City Council for all the work that is used to research and apply for grants for City projects.
Mayor McCorkindale directed staff to place the budget and the fiscal reserve policy on the next agenda for formal approval.
B. Consideration of Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Charles Abbott Associates for an Electronic Plan Check System and Customer Portal for Building and Safety, Planning, and Engineering Applications and Permits; and to Establish City Credit Card Services with Atlantic Pacific Processing System City Engineer Lovett presented the following report:
Currently, applications for plan checks and permits are tracked and issued by a cloud based system developed by CAA, but which requires applicants to physically submit paper plans, receive permits at the Building and Safety counter and all payments to the City are by check or cash; the City and CAA have been looking into an improved system that could provide for the on-line submittal of applications, permit issuance, and online credit/debit card payments; CAA launched an on-line plan check, on-line permit, and customer portal system, which has been successfully implemented in several of CAA’s client cities across the country; convenience to customers and increased productivity has been proven; the cost to set up and this program for the first year is $27,500, and $20,000 per year thereafter; the City has the option of charging a “technology” fee to help offset costs associated with the annual licensing and maintenance fee associated with the software, which would be 4%; should the City Council wish to implement this fee, a separate public hearing would need to be scheduled; credit Card capability is necessary to implement an online system; and staff recommends Atlantic Pacific Processing System (APPS), to provide credit card services to the City which requires a usage fee of approximately 2.46% of all purchases and would need to be absorbed by the City; the first year costs would be offset by a grant of $18,000 and the balance of $9,000 funded by the General Fund.
After some discussion among the Council and staff, and upon MOTION by Council Member Weber, seconded by Council Member Gold, and unanimously carried on a roll call vote, it was City Council Minutes
June 13, 2022
resolved to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Charles Abbott Associates for electronic plan check and permit services, and customer portal, via CityTech Solutions Pro Software in the amount of $27,000 for the first year and $20,000 for subsequent years. The form and terms of the agreement are to be approved by CAA, the City Manager, and the City Attorney, establish City credit card services with Atlantic Pacific Processing System, and direct staff to agendize a Public Hearing to establish a technology fee that will make the program cost neutral to the City.
C. Consideration of Approval of Resolution No. 996 Calling the City’s November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election, Requesting the County to Consolidate the City’s General Municipal Election with the Statewide Election and Adopting Regulations for Candidates and Candidate Statements
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS
CALLING FOR AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY ON TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 8, 2022 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING THREE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL; REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CONSOLIDATE THE CITY’S GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE SAME DAY; AND ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR
CANDIDATES AND CANDIDATE STATEMENTS
City Clerk Gonzalez presented the following report:
November 8 is the upcoming election for three seats on the Hidden Hills City Council; every election cycle, the City is required by the State elections codes to approve and establish certain procedures for the conduct of the election; in addition to calling and giving notice of holding of the election in the City on November 8, the proposed resolution authorizes, instructs, and directs the City Clerk to coordinate with the County of Los Angeles Register-Recorder’s office to procure and furnish any and all official ballots, notices, printed matter, and all supplies, equipment and paraphernalia that may be necessary to properly unlawfully conduct the election; so we do this every time and we have in the proposed budget $30,000 for election costs and so when the Council approves this resolution, staff will submit it to the Los Angeles County Register-Recorder of Voters and get the City started with our consolidation with the county.
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June 13, 2022
As there was no further discussion, upon MOTION of Council Member Siegel, seconded by Council Member Gold and unanimously carried on a roll call vote, it was resolved to approve Resolution No. 996 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HIDDEN HILLS CALLING FOR AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING THREE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL; REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CONSOLIDATE THE CITY’S GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE SAME DAY; AND ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES AND CANDIDATE STATEMENTS.
CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Labor Negotiator
Government Code Section 54957.6
City Negotiator: Roxanne Diaz, City Attorney
Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
B. Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Manager
The City Council resolved to take a five-minute recess and adjourn to close session at 6:55 p.m. at address the items listed above.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
_____________________________
Laura McCorkindale, Mayor
ATTEST:
Deana L. Gonzalez, CMC, City Clerk