CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(IN-PERSON AND VIDEO CONFERENCE)
6165 Spring Valley Road
Monday, September 9, 2024
5:30 p.m.
MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Hidden Hills was duly held via teleconference and in person on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the hour of 5:30 p.m. Mayor Eniko Gold called the meeting to order and presided thereover.
ROLL CALL
Council Mayor Eniko Gold
Council Member Joe Loggia
Council Member Laura McCorkindale
Council Member Adam Wasserman
Absent Mayor Pro Tem Larry G. Weber (absence excused)
Staff Interim City Manager Gloria Molleda
Interim City Attorney Michael Jenkins
City Engineer Dirk Lovett
Administrative Analyst Aaron Williams
City Clerk Deana L. Gonzalez
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Las Virgenes Unified School District Candidate Alan Lazar addressed the City Council and audience about his running for school board
3. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member McCorkindale raised several significant concerns regarding demolition practices in Hidden Hills, particularly about public health and community safety during these processes. She addressed the following key points: 1) the need for a 24/7 contact number for contractors on job sites. This number should be publicly posted in case of emergencies like gas leaks or pipe bursts; 2) Residents should be informed ahead City Council Minutes
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of major demolition work to prepare for debris, noise, and potential health impacts; 3) Issues related to air quality and potential exposure to hazardous materials (such as asbestos in homes built before 1992) during demolition and to require verification that no hazardous materials are present before proceeding with demolitions; 4) Implementation of dust control plans to limit airborne particulates and use of watering systems, dust barriers, and air quality monitors during demolition; 5) Consideration for truncated demolition timelines to reduce prolonged disruption to residents; 6) Encouragement for the city and the Hidden Hills Community Association to work together on these issues; 7) A request for staff to propose a plan for implementing these measures swiftly, especially given the ongoing demolitions in the area. Council Member McCorkindale's points illustrate a strong desire to enhance safety and minimize the disruption and potential health hazards associated with demolition in the community. Taking these measures could help foster a more supportive environment for all residents during construction activities.
Council Member Wasserman expressed strong support for Council Member McCorkindale's concerns, highlighting the negative impact that certain construction practices have on community quality of life, such as quality of life concerns, sanitation issues, litter and waste management, difficulty in communication with workers on site. Mr. Wasserman also stated that there should be a reevaluation of building rules established by the Hidden Hills Community Association, that there should be stricter cleanup and maintenance requirements for construction sites, akin to those enforced in other communities. He also expressed strong backing for implementing changes that would enhance the community's standards and ensure that construction activities do not degrade the neighborhood. Council Member Wasserman's remarks underscore a collective frustration regarding the behavior of some developers and the lack of effective oversight. There is a clear call to action for the city and the association to work jointly to address these issues, enforce stricter regulations, and foster a cleaner, more respectful environment for residents.
Council Member McCorkindale's second comment was a positive and celebratory update regarding community engagement and civic participation. Here are the key points of her remarks: 1) announced that Sheriff Luna will participate in the annual "Coffee with the Cop" event, marking the first time he has engaged in such an initiative, and she encouraged residents to attend the event, highlighting the cooler season as a pleasant time for community interaction; 2) she proudly shared that Hidden Hills was the first city in California to support Proposition 36, which has qualified for the upcoming ballot, and she explained that Proposition 36 aims to amend some provisions of Proposition 47, specifically increasing penalties for repeat offenders involved in burglary and retail theft. This measure addresses public safety concerns and has garnered bipartisan support from various law enforcement agencies and political groups due to rising crime rates 3) she highlighted the proactive role that the city played in this ballot measure, including efforts by the mayor to collect signatures to help qualify it, and emphasized that involvement in local government can lead to significant impacts, using the proposition as a concrete example of how a small city council can influence broader state measures.
Mayor Gold's comments highlighted the timely and meaningful choice of "Unity" as the theme for this year's fiesta. The aim is to address the lingering divisions and disconnects exacerbated by the pandemic. By bringing the community together through the spirit of the fiesta, residents have an opportunity to heal, reconnect, and embrace harmony. Mayor Gold emphasized the importance of maintaining love, respect, and kindness despite differing opinions, ensuring that the neighborhood continues to be defined by a spirit of friendliness and City Council Minutes
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mutual respect. Engaging in community events like the fiesta can be a powerful way to renew bonds and reaffirm the shared values that unite everyone.
4. STAFF COMMENTS
Interim City Manager Molleda provided several updates regarding upcoming events and projects:
1) the Fiesta is scheduled for this Saturday. Tickets are available both online and at City Hall, with the deadline for purchases being Wednesday, September 11th at 5 PM; 2) T-Mobile is expanding coverage in the neighborhood, and for the first time, the city will offer free public Wi-Fi during the Fiesta, with no password needed. Signage will guide users on how to access this service. Additionally, FirstNet is providing a COLT (satellite antenna on a truck) to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for police and fire services; 3) a "Coffee with the Sheriff" event is planned for October 5th, from 3 PM to 5 PM. This change aims to provide residents an opportunity to engage with local law enforcement in a casual setting; 4) the city is progressing on the library project. A consultant is collecting data and interviewing key stakeholders, with a report expected by November 12"; 5) Council Members Loggja and McCorkindale are working to refine the housing programs to align with community needs before submitting to the Housing and Community Development Department; and finally, 6) City Hall has been confirmed as a voting center for the November 5th election, available on October 26th and November 4th, with the possibility of an additional day on October 27th.
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. Low Water Alternatives for Landscaping, Lynne Burns, Seed Landcare Ms. Burns from Seed Landcare shared insights from a seminar focused on sustainable lawn management. The seminar introduced new approaches to maintaining lawns while conserving water. Traditionally, rebates were offered for lawn removal, but now, efforts are shifting towards developing drought-tolerant grass varieties. These new hybrids, including types of Bermuda and tall fescue, offer the benefits of traditional lawns, such as stormwater filtration and atmospheric cooling, without the high-water demand. Testing has shown that some of these grass varieties can remain green even without watering for up to 10 weeks. This research, which has been ongoing for over 20 years, suggests that homeowners can overseed their existing lawns with these new varieties to maintain their lawns and reduce water usage. The initiative may even include continued turf rebates for using these new, water-saving grass types. Ms. Burns highlighted the support from the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, emphasizing that providing residents with the option to keep their lawns while conserving water is likely to be well-received. The innovative grass varieties could significantly benefit homeowners who prefer maintaining traditional lawns but are conscious of water conservation.
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B. Public Safety and Emergency Services Report
Public Safety and Emergency Services Manager Grant provided the following report:
the combined report for July and August provides updates on local law enforcement and emergency services activities. Notably, in August, the number of citations issued increased to 57 from 31 the previous year and 44 the year before that. Despite this rise in citations, no significant incidents in the area required a response from the sheriff's department, which is positive news, especially when considering rising crime statistics, such as burglaries in neighboring LAPD areas; emergency services updates highlighted a successful turnout for the kickoff CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) meeting in July, with training that included an overview of a fire engine. In August, this training was furthered with a detailed demonstration of the fire equipment by the fire department, enhancing familiarity with emergency apparatus. An interesting note was the announcement of driving the fire engine during the upcoming fiesta, a unique task for someone with a law enforcement background; and CERT participants also engaged in radio communications training, covering critical aspects like broadcasting call signs, response procedures, and effective radio transmissions, vital for emergency scenarios.
Overall, the community is encouraged by the lower local crime rates compared to nearby areas and anticipates a successful fiesta event with strong participation from CERT volunteers.
C. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Report - July Sgt. Jason Arens provided the July report and noted that there were a couple errors in the report and would provide a revised report to the Interim City Manager.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of the City Council Minutes for August 12, 2024 B. Approval of the Register of Demands for September 9, 2024 C. Approval of the Disbursement List for July 2024
D. Receive and File the Financial/Treasurer's Report for July 2024 E. Receive and File the Investment Statement for July 2024 F. Receive and File the City Engineering and Community Development Report G. Designation of Voting Delegate for the League of California Cities 2024 Annual Conference H. Appointment of Alternate to the Board of Directors of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA)
Upon MOTION by Council Member McCorkindale, seconded by Council Member Loggia, and carried on roll call vote (4-0-1), the City Council approved items A-H on the Consent Calendar.
City Council Minutes
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8. PUBLIC HEARING
Approval of a Lot Merger of Contiguous Parcels Located at 24895 Long Valley Road and 24878 Eldorado Meadow Road - APN Numbers 2049-007-028 and 2049-007-027; and adoption of Resolution No. 1034 - (Applicant - Look at God RE, LLC)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS SITTING AS THE
PLANNING AGENCY APPROVING A REQUEST FOR A MERGER OF CONTIGUOUS PARCELS LOCATED AT 24895 ELDORADO MEADOW ROAD AND 24878 ELDORADO MEADOW ROAD City Engineer Lovett's report outlines the application process for merging two properties into a single lot, requiring a public hearing. Residents within 500 feet were notified, and the notice was posted online. No public comments were received. The merger involves properties at 24895 Long Valley Road (containing a single- family residence) and a vacant lot at 24878 Eldorado Meadow Road, both under the same ownership. The purpose of the merger is to remove the lot lines between them, creating a single property approximately 4.5 acres in size with the address 24895 Long Valley Road. The City Council, acting as the planning agency, must review and confirm that the merger complies with relevant Government Code provisions. Staff has determined that the merger aligns with the city's general plan and zoning regulations, and the necessary recordable document and a resolution for approval are provided. Furthermore, the Homeowners Association (HHCA) has already approved the merger, and the applicant is available via Zoom for any questions. The staff recommends that the Council approve the merger, confirming compliance with Government Code section 66499.16.
As there were no technical questions from the City Council, Mayor Gold opened the public hearing. No public comments were received, so Mayor Gold closed the public hearing.
Upon MOTION of Council Member McCorkindale, seconded by Council Member Loggia and approved on a roll call vote (4-0-1), the Council adopted Resolution No. 1034 approving a lot merger contiguous parcels located at 24895 Long Valley Road and 24878 Eldorado Meadow Road.
OLD BUSINESS
Award the Construction Bid for the Little Hollow Utility Undergrounding Project City Engineer Lovett provided the following report:
In December 2021, the Council authorized staff to design the removal of four utility poles along Little Hollow Road (also referred to as Little Hollow Lane) and the adjacent equestrian trail. This project was initiated in response to requests from local residents and was recommended for approval by the city's Utility Undergrounding Ad Hoc Committee; plans were prepared by Southern California Edison, AT&T, and Charter, and shared with the Community Association and affected residents, all of whom have expressed their support; all necessary easements for the project have been secured; two bids were submitted, with the lowest bid from Tidwell Excavating Inc. at amount of $388,980 on August 21, City Council Minutes
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2024; Tidwell Excavating Inc. has completed several projects for the city, including two successful undergrounding projects. They have a strong track record with private developments and are the preferred contractor for many of Edison's undergrounding projects. Their references are positive, affirming their qualifications and capability to complete the work; the anticipated duration for project completion is approximately 45 days; staff recommends that the Council award the contract to Tidwell Excavating Inc. for the Little Hollow Road utility underground project, along with authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement for the bid amount of $388,980. Additionally, a construction contingency of 15% should be authorized to cover any unforeseen costs.
There was some discussion about previous underground projects and their costs. As there was no more discussion, upon MOTION by Council Member Loggia, seconded by Council Member Wasserman, and carried on a roll call vote (4-0-1), it was resolved to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Tidwell Excavating in the bid amount of $388,980, with a 15% contingency.
10. NEW BUSINESS
A. Adoption of an Updated Policy on the Undergrounding Project Selection Process, to Better Evaluate and Prioritize Future Undergrounding Projects
City Engineer Lovett presented the following report:
Mr. Lovett first addressed the error in his previous report regarding the number of poles counted in the city. The correct number is 423, not 679; as we move forward, the primary focus of today's meeting is to update the city's undergrounding project selection process; the city first adopted a project selection policy in 2021, which is detailed in the attached report; historically, projects were typically selected by the Council based on various criteria recommended by the city's undergrounding and ad- hoc committee, aiming to benefit the city and address project readiness or resident requests, especially during roadway improvements such as the recent widening of Round Meadow Road; at the Council meeting in April of this year, it was directed that staff update the policy to better evaluate and prioritize future undergrounding projects. In collaboration with the City Attorney, staff has drafted an Acceptance - the city will accept applications from property owners for city-financed undergrounding projects, 2) Eligibility Requirements - to qualify, all properties in the project area must be included, and all overhead services must be previously undergrounded. Additionally, a written commitment from property owners to provide necessary easements is required, 3) Project Selection Priority - applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, with the city reserving the right to reprioritize based on safety issues, availability of funding, and aesthetics, 4) Project Approval Procedures - clear procedures have been established for project approval, 5) Assessment Districts - information regarding the option of assessment districts, which are funded by property owners instead of city funding, has been included, 6) Definition of Project Readiness - this entails that all service lines must be undergrounded, easements must be obtained, and there should be a commitment from the City Council Minutes
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property owners in the project area. In conclusion, he recommends that the Council adopt the updated Undergrounding Project Selection Policy, designated as Policy 2024-01 Mayor Gold took the opportunity to open the floor for discussion among the City Council, inviting technical questions regarding the ongoing project. A lively dialogue commenced, with Council Members and staff diving deep into the nuances of the report provided by the consultant. They explored various avenues, considering how to approach the undergrounding of utilities in Hidden Hills from fresh perspectives in hopes of expediting progress. Amidst the discussion, Council Member Loggia stepped forward, expressing a willingness to collaborate. He volunteered to meet with the consultant and staff to further dissect the report and strategize on next steps.
The Council agreed to publicize the new Undergrounding Selection Policy in hopes of generating interest from the residents and motivate them to work with their neighbors to submit a completed application for a project on their street.
After discussing funding and grants the City has, and possible grants in the future, it was suggested to reach out to the City lobbyists and keep apprised of any grants that can be utilized by the City for these types of projects.
Upon MOTION of Council Member McCorkindale, seconded by Council Member Loggia and approved on a roll call vote (4-0-1), the Council resolved to adopt Undergrounding Project Selection Policy 2023-01.
B. Recommendation to Approve Purchase of Public Safety Emergency Services Vehicle Administrative Analyst Williams presented a report on the need for a new public safety emergency services vehicle to serve as a backup for first responders during emergencies and disasters. He highlighted that the city's current fire truck, manufactured in 2001, was inadequate for modern demands and lacked the necessary capabilities. City staff researched an all-electric vehicle to complement the existing fire truck and identified the Ford Lightning as the optimal choice. Mr. Williams emphasized the vehicle's advanced communication features, including a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that supports up to ten devices, facilitating real-time coordination with emergency services. The Ford Lightning's SYNC 4 system offers easy access to navigation and critical communication applications, making it far superior to the existing fire truck, which would require significant upgrades. Mr. Williams also recommended several aftermarket upgrades, estimated at $5,500, including a power cable for emergency generator use at City Hall, an equipment rack, and an emergency light kit. The best quote for the Ford Lightning was $75,000 from Vista Ford Lincoln, with the total expenditure (including upgrades) not exceeding $80,500. Funding would come from the city's AQMD Fund and general fund.
Council Member McCorkindale moved to approve the vehicle purchase, contingent on verifying that it can be charged during a power outage and confirming if the grant requires it to be new. If not, she suggested bringing it back to the council.
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Council Member Loggia amended the motion to ensure compliance with all grant requirements, emphasizing the importance of considering used vehicle options and securing generator components. He pointed out the benefits of an electric vehicle, such as not needing gas during power outages, to maximize its utility for the community.
Upon MOTION of Council Member Loggia, seconded by Council Member McCorkindale, and carried on roll call vote (4-0-1), it was resolved to approve the amended motions as stated above.
11. CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL:
Anticipated Litigation; Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): Number of Potential Cases: 1
B. Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Government Code Section 54957
Title: Interim City Manager
Mayor Gold reported that the next item was Closed Session and that the Council would be moving item 11B to the next City Council meeting.
12. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned Eniko Gold, Mayor