HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/14/83"THE MAN WHO INSISTS UPON SEEING WITH PERFECT CLEARNESS
BEFORE HE DECIDES, NEVER DECIDES." -
- Henri -Frederic Amiel
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE HERMOSA BEACH CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, June 14, 1983 - Council Chamber, City Hall
Closed-S.s.i.o
Regular Session 7:30 p.m'
All Council meetings are open to the public. PLEASE ATTEND
It is requested that anyone who wishes to speak on any matter, please
give their name and address for the record.
Any complaints against the -City Council, City Management, or depart-
mental operation will be submitted in writing to the City Manager for
evaluation by the appropriate department head prior to submission to
the City Council.
Complete agenda materials are available for public inspection in the
Police Department, Public Library and the office of the City Clerk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PROCLAMATION: Burglary Prevention Month - June, 1983
1. CONSENT CALENDAR: The following routine matters will be acted
upon by one motion to approve with the majority consent of the
City Council. There will be no separate discussion of these
items unless good cause is shown by a member prior to the roll
call vote. (Items removed will be considered after Municipal
Matters).
(a) Approval of Minutes: Regular meeting of the City Council held
May 10, 1983 (submitted to Council on 5/1`A/83).
Recommended Action: To approve minutes.
(b) Approval of Minutes: Regular meeting of the City Council held
May 17, 1983.
Recommended Action: To approve minutes.
(c) Approval of Minutes: Regular Adjourned meeting of the City
Council held May 18, 1983.
Recommended Action: To approve minutes.
(d) Approval of Minutes: Regular Adjourned meeting of the City
Council held June 6, 1983.
Recommended Action: To approve minutes.
City Council Agenda. June 14,-1983
Consent Calendar (Continued-)
(e) Approval oflMinutes: Regular Adjourned meeting of the City.
Council held June 8, 1983.
Recommended Action: To approve minutes.
(f) Demands & Warrants: June 14, 1983
Recommended Action: To approve Demands & Warrants Nos.
through inclusive.
(g) Award of Bid: .Publication of City Advertising (Legal Notices)
and Display Advertising.
Recommended Action: To award contracts to Easy Reader.
(h) Resignation: Jack Revoyr, Community Resources Commission.
Letter dated May 26/ 1983.
Recommended Action: To accept resignation and authorize
appropriate recognition.
(1) Summons & Complaint: Orse L. Biggs, represented by Chuck
Walker, Happy Trails Law Office, filed June 8, 1983.
Recommended Action: To refer to this City's insurance carrier.
(Note: This claim was denied and referred on 2/22/82).
(j) Application for Permit to keep more than two household pets
at 1051 Tenth Street.
Recommended Action: To grant the application, with conditions
1 thru 7 of Hermosa Beach Municipal Code, Section 4-4.
(k) Free Clinic Contract for Services: Memorandum from Gregory
T. Meyer, City Manager, dated June 8, 1983.
Recommended Action: To authorize -the Mayor --to execute the
agreement.
(1) NOON- _
(m) Resolution re -Authorization for Minutes of Council Closed
Sessions pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.2. Memorandum
from Gregory T. Meyer, City Manager dated June 9; 1983.
Recommended Action: To enact resolution as being pursuant to
Council discussions in closed sessions of April 26 & May 17, 1983.
2. PUBLIC HEARING RE. EXAMINATION OF CIVIL SERVICE TESTING.
Memorandum from Gregory T. Meyer, City Manager dated June 8, 1983.
3. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
(a) Letter from Jim Rosenberger, 1123 Bayview Drive, requesting
information re. Affordable Housing Fund.
(b) Letter from Sandi Lott, Olguin Rutherford Realty., Inc.
requesting City to sell property east of 654 - 1st Place.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4. PROPOSED USE FOR GENERAL REVENUE SHARING FUND FOR 1983-84.
Memorandum from Gregory: T. Meyer, Ci-ty Manager dated June 102 1983.
Pr6
City Council Agenda - June 14, 1983
5. REPROGRAMMING OF 8TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. BLOCK
FUNDS OF $265,288. Memorandum from Planning Director
Sapetto dated June,9, 1983.
R-3 PROPERTIES USED AS PARKING LOTS. Memorandum from Planning
Director Pamela Sapetto dated - June 7,,1983.
6b. 1ST. HEARING 'RE. 190-84 BUDGET.
6a.
GRANT
Pamela
MUNICIPAL MATTERS
7. A RESOLUTION AMENDING SECTION 1 OF RESOLUTION 83-4572 TO.
ALLOW LEGAL OWNERS OF RENTAL PROPERTY. IN THE 'IMPACTED AREA
-THE OPTION TO PURCHASE ONE GUEST PERMIT PER UNIT. Memorandum
from General Services Director Joan Noon dated May,31, 1983.
•ti • '
8. REQUEST TO POSTPONE THE JUNE 28TH HEARING ON STORER CABLE
T.V. TOWER TO MEETING OF JULY 26TH. Memorandum from General
Services Director Joan. Noon dated June 8, 1983.
ON -STREET PARKING IN THE VICINITY. .OF THE 'HERMOSA BEACH COMMUNITY
CENTER. Memorandum from Moneca Vance, Chairperson, Community •
Center Advisory Commission,..and Community Resources Director
Alana Mastrian datedne 2;'1983.
10. IDENTIFICATION OF CHANGES GOVERNING THE
ALONG PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY. Memorandum
Pamela Sapetto dated May 31, 1983.
11.
PROPOSED BALLOT MEASURES RE. NOVEMBER 8,
a. Biltmore Site - Hotel Use
b. Crossing Guard Maintenance Distri
c. NS 211 - Modification re. marital
for system
d. Modification of Section 21-10
- hydrocarbon recovery
C -POTENTIAL PROPERTIES
from Planning Director
1983 GENERAL ELECTION:
et.
status on eligibility
of City Code to allow
on city -owned land.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS PULLED—FOR--SEPARATE-DISCUSSION.
13. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS AND REPORTS - CITY MANAGER
(a) Activity Report
(b) Tentative Future Agenda Items
(c) Hermosa Beach citizens who died in military service
(d) Police Department Informational Report; Target
Crime Statistics, January thru April, 1983
(e) Police Department Informational Report; First
Quarter Traffic Accident Review
(f) Business License Computer Programming.iVorkload
(g) Street Sanitation Expenses for Fiscal Year 1982-83.
14. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS AND
REPORTS - CITY COUNCIL
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
League of Cities Executive Forum
Upcoming Commission Vacancies
Status Report from Sub -committee re. Schools.
Status Report from Sub -Committee re. Railroad right-of-way
15. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM PUBLIC - MATTERS OF AN URGENCY NATURE
16. OTHER MATTERS —CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNMENT
"THE MAN WHO INSISTS UPON SEEING WITH PERFECT CLEARNESS
BEFORE HE DECIDES, NEVER DECIDES.?? -
- Henri Frederic Amiel
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE HERMOSA BEACH .CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, June 14, 1983 - Council Chamber, City Hall
Closed Session - 6:00 p.m.
Regular Session - 7:30 p.m.
All Council meetings are open to the public. PLEASE ATTEND
It is requested that:; anyone who wishes to speak on any matter, please
give their name and address for the record.
Any complaints against the -City Council, City Management, or depart-
mental operation ,will be submitted in writing to the City Manager for
evaluation by the appropriate department head prior to submission to
the City Council.
Complete agenda materials are available for public inspection in the
Police Department, Public Library and the office of the City Clerk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PROCLAMATION: Burglary Prevention Month - June, 1983
1. CONSENT CALENDAR: The following routine matters will be acted
upon by one motion to approve with the majority consent of the
City Council. There will be no separate discussion of these
items unless good cause is shown by a member prior to the roll
call vote. (Items removed will be considered after Municipal
Matters).
(a) Approval of Minutes: Regular meeting of the City Council held
May 10, 1983 (submitted to Council on 5/18/83).
Recommended Action:
To approve minutes.
(b) Approval of Minutes: Regular meeting of the City Council held
May 17, 1983.
Recommended Action: To approve minutes.
(c) Approval.of.Minutes: Regular Adjourned meeting of the City
Council held May 18, 1983.
Recommended Action: To approve minutes.
(d) ,Approval of Minutes: Regular Adjourned meeting of the City
-
Council held June 6, 1983.
(Recommended Action: To approve minutes.
City Council Agenda -- June 14, 1983
Consent Calendar (continued)
(e) Approval of Minutes: Regular Adjourned meeting of the City
Council held. June 8, 1983.
Recommended Action: To approve minutes.
(f) Demands & Warrants: June 14, 1983
Recommended Action: To approve Demands & Warrants Nos.
through inclusive.
(g) Award of Bid: Publication of City Advertising (Legal Notices)
and Display Advertising.
Recommended Action: To award contracts to Easy Reader.
(h) Resignation:. Jack Revoyr, Community Resources Commission.
Letter dated May 26/ 1983.
Recommended Action: To accept resignation and authorize
appropriate recognition.
(1) Summons & Complaint: Orse L. Biggs, represented by Chuck
Walker, Happy Trails Law Office, filed June 8, 1983.
Recommended Action: To refer to this City's insurance carrier.
(Note: This claim was denied and referred on 2/22/82).
(j) Application for Permit to keep more than two household pets
at 1051 Tenth Street.
Recommended Action: To grant the application, with conditions
11thru 7 of Hermosa Beach Municipal Code, Section 4-4.
(k) Free Clinic Contract for Services: Memorandum from Gregory
WOOD ABSTAIN T. Meyer, City Manager, dated June 8, 1983.
Recommended Action: To authorize the Mayor to execute the
agreement.
(1) triP.Wal
(m) Resolution re. Authorization for Minutes of Council Closed
Sessions pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.2. Memorandum
from Gregory T. Meyer, City Manager dated June 9, 1983.
Recommended Action: To enact resolution as being pursuant to
Council discussions in closed sessions of April 26 & May 17, 1983.
CONSENT CALENDAR APPROVED 5-0
2. PUBLIC HEARING RE. EXAMINATION OF CIVIL SERVICE TESTING.
Memorandum from Gregory T. Meyer City Manager dated June 8 1983.
RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT &'.IN FUTURE FOLLOW CIVIL "SERVICE RULES TO THE ,LETTER
3. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
(a) Letter from Jim Rosenberger, 1123 Bayview Drive, requesting
information re. Affordable Housing Fund.
(b) Letter from Sandi Lott, Olguin Rutherford Realty, Inc.
requesting City to sell property east of 654 - 1st Place.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4. PROPOSED USE FOR GENERAL REVENUE SHARING FUND FOR 1983-84.
Memorandum from Gregory T. Meyer, City Manager dated June 10, 1983.
CONT. TO 6/28 FOR 2ND PUBLIC HEARING
-2-
.,i ty
Council Agenda - June 14, 1983
REPROGRAMMING OF 8TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
FUNDS OF $265,288. Memorandum from Planning Director Pamela
Sapetto dated June 9, 1983. APPROVED
6a. R-3 PROPERTIES USED AS PARKING LOTS. Memorandum from Planning
Director Pamela Sapetto dated June 7, 1983. RES. #83-4602 TO P.C.
TO HAVE COMPLETE DETAILED REPORT .ON VIABILITY OF CUP PROCESS ADDED TO RES.
6b. 1ST HEARING RE. 1983-84 BUDGET.
6/21 BUDGET MEETING 6:00 P.M. - ALSO BALLOT MEASURES
6/22 BUDGET MEETING 7:30 P.M.
6/28 PUBLIC HEARING ON BUDGET
MUNICIPAL MATTERS
7. A RESOLUTION AMENDING SECTION 1 OF RESOLUTION 83-4572 TO
ALLOW LEGAL OWNERS OF RENTAL PROPERTY IN THE IMPACTED AREA
THE OPTION TO PURCHASE ONE GUEST PERMIT PER UNIT. Memorandum
from General Services Director Joan Noon dated May 31, 1983.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION AS WRITTEN
8. REQUEST TU POSTPONETHE JUNE 28TH HEARING ON STOKER CABLE
T.V. TOWER TO MEETING OF JULY 26TH. Memorandum from General
Services Director Joan Noon dated June 8, 1983.
POSTPONE HEARING TO 7/26
9. ON -STREET PARKING IN THE VICINITY OF THE HERMOSA BEACH COMMUNITY
cip CENTER. Memorandum from Moneca Vance, Chairperson, Community
'Center Advisory Commission, and Community Resources Director
A'lana Mastrian dated June 2, 1983. OPTION #2
CONTINUE ;TI60 DAYS STAFF-' INVESTIGATE:IMPACT; OF 'METER ;PROGRAM, 'SUGGEST :MI'I'•IGATIOI
10. 1DElrTIFICATION OF CHANGES GOVERNING THE C -POTENTIAL PROPERTIES
ALONG PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY. Memorandum from Planning Director
Pamela Sapetto dated May 31, 1983.
RES. 8344577 PROJECT #1 FOR•EIR & P.C. STUDY
11. PROPOSED BALLOT MEASURES RE. NOVEMBER 8, 1983 GENERAL ELECTION:
a. Biltmore Site - Hotel Use CONT. TO 6/21 W/REVISIONS
b. Crossing Guard Maintenance DistrictCONT. TO 6/21
c. NS 211 - Modification re. marital status on eligibility
for system APPROVED FOR BALLOT
d. Modification of Section 21-10 of City Code to allow
hydrocarbon recovery on city -owned land.
11d. C.M. TO COME BACK WITH SPECIFICS NEXT MEETING
12. CONSENT CALENDAR"ITEMS PULLED"FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION.
13. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS AND REPORTS - CITY MANAGER
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1 )
(g)
14. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS AND REPORTS - CITY COUNCIL
(a) League of Cities Executive Forum BARKS TO ATTEND
(b) Upcoming Commission Vacancies CONT. TO 6/28
(c) Status Report from Sub -committee re. Schools. FORUM SET 7/19
(TdR) StatusRRTTReport from Sub -Committee re. Railroad right-of-way
BAY 1CITIES ORAL COIAnuNICATIONSH FRM DELEGATES - MATTERS AS BOOF AN URGENCY NATURE
16. OTHER MATTERS - CITY COUNCIL
Activity Report R & F
Tentative Future Agenda Items R & F.
Hermosa Beach citizens who died in military. service
Police Department Informational Report; Target
Crime Statistics, January thru April, 1983 R & F
Police Department Informational Report; First
Quarter Traffic Accident Review R & F
Business License Computer Programming.Workload IMPLEMENT
Street Sanitation Expenses. for Fiscal Year 1982-83. R & F
**
ADJOURNMENT
DELEGATE - SCHMELTZER
1st ALTERNATE WOOD
2nd ALTERNATE BARKS
3rd ALTERNATE WEBBER
4th ALTERNATE BRUTSCH
-3-
** 13c - CITY.ADVERTISE FOR VOLUNTEER
HELP WITH APPROPRIATE CLUBS
IN ORDER TO HAND SEARCH LISTS
/4/- ~ -@tom. 77
r Beat/4
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mamas OF THE REGULAR.MEETINOF THE CITY COUNCIL of the City
of Hermosa Beach, California, held on Tuesday, lune 14, 1983.in
the Council Chamber, City Hall at the hour of 7:37 P.M.
Closed Session: Council met at 6:08 P.M. and adjourned to a
Closed Session.'
Present: Brutsch, Webber, Mayor Schmeltzer
Absent: ! Barks, Wood (excused absences)
Wood arrived at 6:10 P.M., Barks at 6:25 P.M.
1
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - led, by Co u ncilmember Brutsch
ROLLC ALL . . ..
• 1 • - . .
Present:. Barks, Brutsch, Webber, Wood, Mayor Schmeltzer
Absent: None
PROCLAMATIONS - Burglary Prevention Month - 3 une 1983 - presented
to Police Chief Frank Beeson.
• -1 .
City Manager Greg Meyer was presented with a birthday gift from
the Council and was wished a melodious happy birthday from the
Council and audience..
•
Councihmember Barks was excused from the meeting at 7:42 P.M. to
address the eighth grade graduating class at Valley School having
himself graduated 27 years ago from that -school.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
ACTION - To approve the Consent -Calendar.
Motion Webber, second Wood -
Ayes - Webber, Brutsch, Mayor Schmeltzer, Wood who abstained
• on item K
Noes - None
'Absent - Barks
(a) APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Regular meeting of the City.
Council held May 10, 1983.
ACTION - To approve minutes.
• •
(b)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Regular meeting of the City
Council held May 17, 1983.
ACTION - To approve minutes.
•
(c) APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Regular Adjourned meeting of the
City Council held May 18, 1983.
ACTION --To approve minutes.
_1_
Minutes 6-14-83 4
(d) APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Regular Adjourned meeting of the
City Council held June 6, 1983.
ACTION - To approve minutes.
(e) APPROVAL OF MINUTES- Regular Adjourned meeting of the
City Council held June 8,1983..
ACTION - To approve minutes.
Demands & Warrants - lune 14,1983
ACTION -'To approve Demands and Warrants Nos..
through .010749 inclusiye.
010533'
AWARD OF BID..- Publication of City Advertising (Legal =-
Notices) and Display Advertising.
ACTION - To award contract for: City Advertising (Legal)
and Display Advertising to the EASY READER for the
period of July 1, 1983 through June 30, 1984..
RESIGNATION. - Jack' Revoyr, Corrmun i ty 'Resources
Commission. Letter dated May 26,. 1983.
•
ACTION -..To accept resignation and authorize appro-
priate recognition.
(i) SIMMONS & COMPLAINTS - Orse L. Biggs, represented by
Chuck Walker, Happy Trails Law Office, filed
June 8, 1983.
ACTION - To refer to this City's insurance carrier.
(j) APPLICATION FOR PERMIT- To keep more -than two house --
hold pets at 1051 Tenth Street.
ACTION - To grant the application, with conditions
1 thru 7 of Hermosa Beach Municipal Code, ` Section 4-4.
(k) FREE CLINIC CONTRACT FOR SERVICES - Memorandum from
Gregory T. Meyer, City Manager, dated June 8, 1983.
ACTION - To authorize the Mayor to execute the
agreementwith the South Bay Free Clinic for the
calendar year 1983 not to exceed $3,000.. Council -
member Wood•.abstained.
Withdrawn.
RESOLUTION RE AUTHORIZATION FOR MINUTES OF COUNCIL
CLOSED SESSIONS PURSUANT TO GOVERt' ENT (ODE'SECTION
54957.2... Memorandum from Gregory T. Meyer, City
Manager, dated 3une'9, 1983.
4 Minutes.6-14-83
ACTION - To adopt Resolution No. 83-4601 entitled
"Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Hermosa Beach to Authorize Minutes for Council Closed
Sessions Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.2.
The following item was heard later in the evening but
appears here in sequence.
2. PUB4IC HEARING RE EXAMINATION OF CIVIL SERVICE TESTING.
Memorandum from Gregory T. Meyer,.City Manager dated
June 8, 1983. • .
Present were Mr. Lee Paterson and Ms. Teresa Tracy, members
of the .legal firm retained by .Council to prepare an opinion
.on the subject. ..
W. Paterson reviewed Altenatives 1 through 3 appearing on
pages 11 and 12 of his report of April 19, 1983 entitled:
"Civil Service Positions."
Public Hearing was opened.
Coming forward were..:
Roger Creighton, 1101 2nd Street, who, at .various times
during the hearing, posed a series of detailed questions
of Mr. -Paterson (pages 8, 9, 11 and 12 of the report,
among others).
BoblVogel, Labor Attorney representing City employee
members of Teamsters Local 911,, expressed the views of his
clients urging Council to follow the third alternative.
Wilma Burt, 1152 7th Street, questioned the "city's
potential liability re wrongful termination suits."
Rollie Murray gave background on the subject.
The Public Hearing was closed.
City Manager Meyer commented on the April 28, 1983 memoran-
dum, from Personnel Administrator Smith to the effect that as
of March 23, 1983 there has been full compliance with
civil service testing procedures on the part of the City.
There was lengthy councilmanic discussion on the first
alternative re a "friendly • suit" for declaratory relief and
other aspects of the opinion.
ACTION - To thank Mr. Paterson and to direct the City
Manager, in all employee dealings, to meet to the Letter the
provision of the City's Civil Service Ordinance; and to
continue in the future to conduct our hiring, firing and
--3-
Minutes 6-14-83
employee relations in conformance with People's Ordinance
'NS 211.
Motion Mayor Schmeltzer, second Webber
Ayes: Barks, Brutsch, Webber, Wood, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: None
FURTHER ACTION - To receive and file the report.
Motion Wood, second Webber
Ayes: Barks, Brutsch, Webber, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: Wood
PROPOSED ACTION To direct the City Manager and the City
Attorney to prepare'a list of all employees who have been
legitimately hired by the City throughan open, competitive
examination initially and promoted by competitive
examinations.
Motion Wood, second Brutsch
The City Manager expressed grave concern on the spirit and
intent of the motion, dealing as it does with a possible
issue of privacy and creating a non -constructive, divisive
list of .employees, requesting.a comment of the City
Attorney.
I.
--PROPOSED AMENDMENT- That the list be prepared and submitted
to the City Council in Closed Session.
Motion Wood, second Brutsch did not concur. Amendment not
accepted.
In the opinion of the City Attorney regarding the possible
violation of privacy, although the proposed action above
may not technically be a violation of privacy, the principal
function of the civil service system is toinsulate the
employees from the political 'process. Given the highly '
politicized nature of this issue, City Attorney Post felt
that lists of affected employees would tend to havethe
effect of defeating the civil service purpose.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT - That the list of all current City
employees be prepared, indicating the date of their open
and competitive examination, and the date of all subsequent
competitive examinations.
Motion Wood, second Brutsch did not. concur. Amendment not
accepted.
VOTE ON PROPOSED ACTION ABOVE;
Ayes: Wood
Noes: Barks, Brutsch, Webber, Mayor Schmeltzer
Motion fails
MITTEN Oa MUNICATIONS PROVi THE PUBLIC
Minutes 6-14-S3
(a) ;Letter from Jinn Rosenberger,: E123 B yvi,e« Drive,
jrequesting information re Affordable Housing Fund.
it o Rosenberger addressed the; Council regarding the,
!intent and application of a recently adopted Ctounc i. 1.
(Resolution (No.- 83-4589) whlch. abolished the
Affordable Housing Fund and replaced Ttwith, .a. fund.
called Conversion Fees. Council requested Mr`.
Rosenberger to submit his, questions in writing, and to
set up a meeting with the City Manager and City
Attorney to pursue those questions Council will
then ask staff -for a recon ariendatioti;r
(b) Letter from Sandi Lott, tt., lgui:n Ru4:hr rford l<ea1tys TricG,
requesting City to sell property east. of 654 .�-. 1st
Place
ACTION -.TO receive and file, -
Motion Mayor 5chmeltzers second Wood.
Sor ordered
ACTION m To authorize the City Manager to reply as
fol Tows g .That the property has long been in the
ownership of the City, it is leased to -a business
interest and the intent is to continue: this relat;i.on
_._.. _ship in the. future the City Manager to insure that the
price that the City is receiving for, this property
is relative to the value of : the -lease.
._.
Motion Wood second Mayor Schweitzer. Sct ordered,-
PUBLIC HEARINGS-
4.
INGS4. PROPOSED USE Fat GENERAL REVENUE SHARING PIM FM1983-34,.
Memorandum from Gregory Te Meyer, City Manager Mated
Junei4 1983. Supplemental information Memorandum from
City Manager Gregory T. Meyer dated June: 132, 1983.'
First of two Public Hearings..
City Manager Meyer presented the staff report which r,-ecorn
mended allocations .totalling $120,000. Council members
questioned the City Manager regarding the Police Pistol
Range refurbishment and the possible funding of the
range by local companies desiring to use the range,
Public hearing opened
No one came forward.
Public Hearing continued to Council rrre>et;ing of: Jirrr:e 28�
1983,
ACTION To continue the Public Hearing on- the Proposed Use
for ;General Revenue Sharing Fund for 19a3 -m,
Minutes 6-I4-83
Motion Mayor Schmeltzer, second Brutsch
Ayes: Brutsch,. Webber, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: None
Abstains:` Wood
Absent: Barks
NOTE: ITEMS 5, 8 AND 9 WERE VOTED UPON LATER IN THE EVENNING
UNDER ITEM 12. IN THE INTEREST OF CONTINUITY, THE, ACTIONS
APPEAR IN CONSECUTIVE ORDER.
5. REPROGRAMING OF 8TH YEAR C MJNITY DEVELOPMENT Bim. GRANT
FUNDS OF $265,288. Memorandum from Planning Director
Pamela Sapetto dated. 3une 9, 1983. `
City -Manager Meyer presented the staff report.
Public Hearing opened.:
Comingforward was Wilma. Burt, 1152 7th Street objecting to
the bid for the auditorium restoration.
Public Hearing elosed.
PROPOSED ACTION To approve the staff recommendation , for
the reprogramming of the 8th year.funds as follows:
(1) The purchase of school district property located
at 702 Eleventh Place; adjacent to the"ConTnunity
Center: $174,000.00.
(2) Completion of the auditorium restoration project:
$91,288.00.
Motion Mayor Schmeltzer, second Brutsch
Ayes: Brutsch
Noes: Webber,.Wood, Mayor Schmeltzer
Absent:. .-Barks Motion fails
ACTION To use $174,000 of the 8th Year Community Develop-
ment Block Grant Funds to purchase the School District
property located at 702 Eleventh Place adjacent to .the
Community Center.
Motion Brutsch, second Webber
Ayes: Brutsch, Webber, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: Wood
Absent: Barks
ACTION To bring Recommendation 2 of the Reprogramming.
of the 8th Year Community Development Block Grant Funds back
later in the meeting.
Motion Mayor Schmeltzer, second Brutsch
ACTION - To reconsider the previous action on Recommendation
2 as.stated above.
Motion Mayor Schmeltzer, second Barks
Ayes: Barks, Brutsch, Webber, Mayor SchmeItzer
Noes: Wood
RAI tic§ G _ 1 It _ 4 'x
ACTION - To reprogram $91,288.00 or .40% of the Corrrriun i ty
Development Block Grant Funds to the Auditorium Restora-
tion project.
Motion Mayor Schmeltzer, second Brutsch
Ayes: Barks, Brutsch, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: Webber, Wood.
6.a. R-3 1PROPI.RTIES USED AS PARKING LOTS. Memorandum from
Planning Director Pamela Sapetto dated June 7, 1983.
Supplemental information Letter from Edna Lehman dated
June 13, 1983..
Planning Director Sapetto presented the staff report and
answered questions of the Council regarding sign size, R3
and'R-P zones and intent of the parking ordinance for the
Multi -Use Corridor.
Public Hearing opened.
Speaking. was Wilma Burt, 1152 7th Street drawing attention
to the fact that there are houses along the highway even
though itis a multi -use corridor and feels this ordinance
should not be the entire multi -use corridor but only lots
that are adjacent to a business:.•
Public Hearing closed.
ACTION
- To draft='-'a.,Resolution ...of Intention (83=4602)a to
send back to the Planning Commission for a complete and
detailed report regarding the advisability of extending
thejConditional Use Permit process to the allowing of
parking on residential parcels in all zones in the City.
Motion Wood, second Mayor Schmeltzer (discussion)
Ayes: Brutsch, Webber, Wood, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: None
Absent: Barks
6. b. 1ST' HEARING RE 1983-84 . BUDGET.
City Manager Meyer stated that the'. Budget is not available
this evening but will be available for the following
meetings:
Tuesday, June 21, 1983 - Meeting on Budget at 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday, June 22, 1983 - " " " at 7:30 P.M.
Tuesday, June 28, 1983 - Budget will be Agenda item at
City_Council Meeting - 7:30 P.M.
ACTION - To continue the first and only hearing of the
Budget for 1983-84 to the regular City Council meeting
of June 28, 1983.
Motion Mayor Schmeltzer, second Brutsch. So ordered.
4
Minutes 6-14.83
MUNICIPAL MATTERS
7. A RESOLUTION AMENDiNG" SECTION 1 OF RESOLUTION 83-4572 TO
ALLOW LEGAL ClifNERS OF RENTAL PROPERTY IN THE IMPACTED AREA.
THE OPTION TO PURCHASE ONE GUEST PERMIT PER UNIT..
Memorandum from General Services Director Joan Noon dated
May 31, 1983.
ACTION - To adopt Resolution 83-4603 entitled: A Resolution
of the City Council of the City of Hermosa Beach, California
Amending Section 1 of Resolution 83-4572 by Adding Paragraph.
(b)Al lowing the 'Legal' Owners of Rental Property, in the
Impacted Area, . the. Option to. Purchase, One Guest Permit per -
Unit:
Motion Wood, second Brutsch
Ayes: Brutsch, Webber, Wood, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: None
Absent:.. Barks
PROPOSED ACTION - Staff to identify the potential problem
of issuing permits to both owners and residents` and prepare a
.resolutionthat .addresses that problem. _
Motion Wood,. nosecond.
8. REQUEST TO POSTPONE THE JUNE 28Th HEARING ON STORER CABLE
T.V. TOMER TO MEETING OF- JULY 26Th. Memorandum from General
Services Director 3oan'Noon dated June .8, 1983.. ,
ACTION - To continue this item to 12.a..'•
Motion Wood, second Mayor Schmeltzer. So ordered..
ACTION To postpone the hearing on the Storer Cable T.V.
Tower to the regular City Council meeting of July 26, 1983.
Motion Mayor Schmeltzer, second Barks
Ayes: Barks, Brutsch, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: Webber, Wood
. ON -STREET PARKING IN THE VICINITY OF THE I
COMMUNITY .CENTER. . Memorandum f rom
Chairperson, Community Center Advisory Comni
M
Community Resources Director Alana astrian
June 2, 1983..
City Manager Meyer presented the staff repor
questioned regarding the impact this parking
would have on the tennis program and-busines
vicinity of the Community Center due to lack
.IIMDSA BEACH
Moneca Vance,
ssion, and
dated
t and was
system
ses in the
of parking.
PROPOSED ACTION - To send_back to staff for an overall
parking planfor thearea to be made available within
30 days.
Motion Brutsch, second Mayor Schmeltzer
Withdrawn with concurrence of second
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Minutes 6-14-83
ACTION - To continue this item to 12.b.
Motion Wood, second Mayor Schmeltzer. So ordered.
ACTION - Within the next 60 days, staff to investigate
thelimplications of the parking meter program at the
Community Center and report back to the City Council the
effects and possible detrimental results and suggest
mitigating measures.
Motion Mayor Schmeltzer, second Brutsch
Ayes: Barks, Brutsch, Webber, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: Wood
10. IDENTIFICATION OF CQ-IWNGES GOVERNING THE C -POTENTIAL PRO-
PERTIES ALONG PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY. Memorandum Pram
Planning Director. Pamela Sapetto dated May 31, 1983.
Planning Aide Mercado presented the staff report and
responded to questions from Council regarding non -conforming
building use, approval process and definition of C -potential.
properties.
ACTION - To return to the staff with special emphasis on
Possible project (1) under Analysis to modify the C-
__ potential process, redefine C -potential properties.
potential properties adjacent to C-3 would automatically
have right to rezone to C-3, but project itself would
require submittal of specific plan and approval by the
Planning Commission. Once the project is approved by the
City Council, the next step would be an environmental
review by,the Board of Zoning Adjustments.
Motion Wood, second Webber
Ayes: Brutsch, Webber, Wood, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: None
Absent: Barks
11. PROPOSED BALLOT MEASURES RE NOVEMBER 8, 1983 SPECIAL
ELECTIi
City Attorney Post presented the staff report and discussed
the proposed ballot measures delivered to Council members
this date as follows:
•a. Biltmore Site - Hotel Use
ACTION To continue this item to the meeting of
June 21, 1983 at 6:00 P.M.
Motion Wood, second Webber. So ordered.
b. Crossing Guard Maintenance District
ACTION - To continue this item to'the meeting of
June 21, 1983 at 6:00 P.M.
Motion Wood, second Webber. So ordered.
Minutes 6-14-83
Councilmember Barks returned to the dais at 9:15 P.M. after an.
excused absence.
c. NS 211 - Modification re marital statuson
eligibility for system.
City Attorney Post presented the staff report.
ACTION - To approve "An Ordinance of the City of
Hermosa Beach Submitted to the Voters by the City.
Council Amending Section 2-25 of Article III, Civil
Service, to Provide for Personnel Rules to Reasonably
Regulate the Working of Spouses in the Same Department,
Division, .or'.Facility" as to form and instruct the
.City Clerk to place .it- on the ballotas written with
the exception of line 11 to read. "...periodic revision
of personnel rules..." and instruct the City Clerk to
take appropriate, action to put the measure before the.
electorate.
Motion Wood, second Mayor Schmeltzer
Ayes: -Barks, Brutsch, Webber, Wood, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: None
•
Prior to the vote, Wilma Burt reiterated her contention
that N.S. 211 .should not be amended'.' -
"
-Alter the vote; Roger Creighton questioned the concept
of "reasonable rules and regulations.":
City Attorney. Post noted that the nepotism rule is
formulated by the Personnel Officer and Civil Service
Commission under this proposed ordinance.
•
Modification of Section 21-10 of City Code to allow
hydrocarbon recovery on city -owned land.
City Attorney Post' made the staff presentation.
Council questioned safeguards as to limiting areas of
drillsites, encroachment on property rights, status of
drilling at maintenance yard (City does not have oil
rights), lack of controls and specificity in proposed
ordinance, acceptability to electorate, relationship to
railroad right-of-way and allowable use of funds for
potential drilling.
City Manager Meyer noted that the City owns three
parcels adjacent to current drilling sites (Bi
Centennial Park, 1st. Street•. and 4th Street).
PROPOSED ACTION To.approve asto form the proposed
ordinance with the following changes starting at
line 13 to read: "for wells in actual operation or
Minutes' 6-14-$3
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upon city -owned land within the City only in a manner
consistent with the General Plan of the City and
located at least 100' (150') from any residence.
Motion Wood, second Webber. This motion was later
withdrawn by maker with the concurrence of the
second.
City Attorney Post commented on the Redondo Beach Oil
Ordinance. This legislation createdan exception to
the ban on oil drilling in the form of a specific con-
tract which was submitted to the voters for approval
of a particular area.
PROPOSED ACTION - To direct that staff, with some out-
side assistance,address the questions raised tonight.
A potential ordinance is to be drafted that seeks to do
something to maximize the general revenues of the City..
Ordinance to have clearly stated purpose on how to
achieve, where. best to achieve (with report) and
suggested language for an oil ordinance to be submitted
to the Council at the earliest possible .time. An
:.amount. not to exceed $5,000 is to be allocated to
j that end..
Motion Schmeltzer, second Barks.
PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE MOTION To approve as to form the
proposed ordinance with the following changes starting_
at line 13 to read: "for wells in actual operation
or upon city -owned land within the city only in a
manner consistent with the General Plan of the City and
located at least 100' (150') from any residence, with
the added requirement that the oil developer file a
full EIR and CUP. (Underlining denotes amendment to
proposed action above.)
Motion Wood, second Webber
Ayes: Webber, Wood
Noes: Barks, Brutsch, Mayor
Motion fails.
Schmeltzer-
ACTION - To direct the City Manager to come back with
a report addressing the questions raised by Council
this evening - rules and regulations limiting oil well
drilling, size of city -owned parcels, two or three
alternative ordinances, site specific and further
restrictions, oil field rights and royalties. Report
to come back next meeting of City Council.
Motion Brutsch, second Webber
Ayes: Brutsch, Webber, Wood
Noes: Barks, Mayor Schmeltzer°
:A recess !was declared at 10:.18 'P.M.
Reconvened at 10:30 P.M.
•
Minutes 6-14-83
12. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION
None
13. MISCELLANiOUSMI ITEMS.AND REPORTS - CITY MANAGER
(a) Activity Report - dated June 10, 1983
ACTION - To receive and file.
Motion Wood, second Webber. So ordered.
(b) Tentative Future Agenda Items
ACTION - To receive and file.
Motion Wood, second Webber.: So ordered..
Hermosa Beach citizens who died in military service.
ACTION (1) That the City of Hermosa Beach advertise
for help from appropriate groups to establish the names
of all veterans who may have died in conflicts prior
to Korea in the service of their country. (2) That
the City of Hermosa Beach establish, a• memorial fund
to be kept by the Treasurer to receive donations for
the creation ofa memorial. (3) That the City Council
forma subcommittee to begin' activities for the
creation of a memorial for said veterans from the City.
of Hermosa Beach who have given their lives in the
service oftheir country. Purview of said committee
to include but not be limited to the creation of a
memorial sketch or design contest in contact with the
Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce for initial funds
and support of the program._.
Motion Wood, second Webber
Ayes: Barks, Brutsch, Webber
Noes: None
Wood, Mayor Schmeltzer
ACTION - To appoint Councilmember Jack Wood to serve
as a committee of one to shepherd this project to its
completion.
Motion Mayor Schmeltzer, second Webber. So ordered.
(d). Police Department Informational Report; Target Crime
Statistics, January thru April, 1983. Memorandum from
Frank Beeson, Chief of Police dated June 3, 1983.
ACTION - To receive and file.
Motion Webber, second Mayor Schmeltzer. So ordered.
(e) Police Department Informational Report; First Quarter
Traffic Accident Review. Memorandum from Frank
Beeson, Chief of Police dated June 3, 1983.
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Minutes 6-l4-83
(f)
ACTION - To receive and file.
Motion Webber, second Mayor Schmeltzer. o ordered.
Business License Computer Programming Workload.
Memorandum from Ronald D. Simmons, Fire Chief, dated.
3une 3, 1983.
PROPOSED ACTION - To receive and file.
Motion Wood. Motion withdrawn due to lack of second.
ACTION - To implement staff recommendation that the
business license renewals be programmed for renewal
at a rate of 8.3%.of our total volume, each month of
the year.
Motion Mayor.Schmeltzer, second Barks.
Ayes: -Barks, Brutsch, Webber, Wood, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: None
Street Sanitation Expenses for Fiscal Year 1982-83.
Memorandum from Charlie Clark, Director of Public
Works dated June 8, 1983.
ACTION - To. receive and file.
1 Motion Wood, second Mayor Schmeltzer•» So ordered.
14. -MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS AND REPORTS , -- CITY COUNCIL
(a) League of Cities Executive Forum. Memorandum from
(b)
City:Manager Gregory T. Meyer dated May 26,-1983.
ACTION - To authorize attendance of Councilmember•
Barks at the League of Cities Executive Forum
July 20-22 at the Hyatt Del Monte, Monterey, the
cost to be borne by the City.
Motion Mayor Schmeltzer, second Barks
Ayes: Barks, Brutsch, Webber, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: Wood
Upcoming Commission Vacancies. Memorandum from City
Clerk Charlotte Malone dated June 1, 19831.
PROPOSED ACTIONN - City Attorney Post to prepare an
ordinance to modify the number',of City Planning
Commissioners from seven to five, effective as soon
as possible
Motion Wood, second Webber (discussion).
Ayes: Wood
Noes: Barks, Brutsch, Webber, Mayor Schmeltzer -
Motion fails
Nomination - Leslie Newton to fill the Loosli
vacancy on the Planning Commission
Councilmember Brutsch
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Minutes 6-14-83
Following lengthy discussion on the absence of appIi.-
cations for upcoming vacancies on said commissions,
the action below was taken:
ACTION - To defer to City Council meeting of
3une 28, 1983.
Motion Webber, second Brutsch. So ordered.
•
(c) Status Report from Subcommittee re Schools - Memoran-
dum from City Manager Gregory Meyer. dated June 14, 1983
- Mayor Schmeltzer
Mayor Schmeltzer reported on the Saturday meeting of
the Subcommittee when the concept of zoning and re-
zoning of properties was discussed in addition to the
conceptual plan.
yd
(d)
ACTION - To authorize the Subcommittee to conduct a
public forum on the concept of the master plan for
school properties, as embodied. in the lune 14 memo,
on July 19 at the Kiwanis Building. The public will.
be invited and in addition, special mailings area
to be made to people in the community who have
expressed an interest or concernand public leaders,
plus advertising in the public newspapers to insure
a good turnout. Expenditures to be authorized in
cooperation with the School District.not to exceed
$500.00 toprepare materials for that meeting, the
materials to be prepared in a timely fashion so that
they can be distributed two weeks prior to this.
meeting. Mayor Schmeltzer stressed that the Public
Forum is for informational purposes only and no action
will be taken at that time.
Motion Mayor Schmeltzer, second Brutsch
Ayes: Barks, Brutsch, Webber, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: Wood
Prior to the vote, City Attorney Post was asked for an
opinion by.Councilmember Wood regarding his possible
attendance at the subcommittee meeting with regard
to the Brown Act. He was advised that the Brown Act
was still in effect but since he would be there
as an observer and a private c'i'tizen and since the
public would be invited, he saw no problem.
Status Report from Subcommittee re Railroad Right -of -
Way - Memorandum from Director of Public Works Charlie
Clark dated 'June 10, 1983 - Counci lmemb.er Wood
Councilmember Wood reported'on`the subcommittee meeting
which was deemed unsuccessful because of the absence of
a representative from the City of El Segundo. He
expressed the need to appoint a delegate tothe Bay
Cities Transportation Authority.
4 Minutes 6-14-83
-14-.
ACTION - To appoint Mayor Schmeltzer as the delegate
to the Bay Cities Transportation Authority with the
following noted as alternates:
1st Alternate - Wood
2nd Alternate - Barks
3rd Alternate - Webber`
4th Alternate - Brutsch
Motion Mayor Schmeltzer, second Wood
Ayes: Barks, Brutsch, Webber, Wood, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: None
ACTION To approve the following guidelines which are
suggested to serve as an outline for the delegate's
responsibilities (items 1-3 and 6-7 of the Director of
Public Works memo dated June 10, 1983) as follows:
1.The delegate and alternate shall be current service
members of the City Council, and will serve at the
Council's pleasure.
2. The delegate shall represent the City in all
matters related to the Authority. It will be the
delegate's responsibility to represent the con- -
sensus,of
on-
sensus•.of the City Council at all Authority
functions. Delegate to advise Council regarding
all policy decisions that would commit the City
in all time or monetary matters so that a consensus
can be provided.
3. Following each Authority meeting, delegate to
provide progress report -and update on all items
discussed.
6. All monthly Authority correspondence including
agendas, reports, and monthly treasurer's reports
shall be submitted to the City Council.
7. Delegate and alternate to be elected or removed
• by a majority vote of the City Council.
Motion Mayor Schmeltzer, second Barks
Ayes: Barks, Brutsch, Webber, Wood, Mayor Schmeltzer
Noes: None
15. ORAL C OMUN I CAT IONS FROM PUBLIC - MAT "ERS OF AN URGENCY
NATURE
Robert Currie, 1509 Monterey Boulevard - Spoke regarding
school closings and the time allocated for discussion of
specific agenda items.
16. OTHER, MATTERS - CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Schmeltzer issued a challenge to the City staff to
play a game of softball. The staff was requested to select
Minutes 6-14-83
.15-
a delegate to meet with Counciirnember Brutsch at a con-
venient time to set up rules and regulations, time and
date. It was suggested that Charlie Clark be appointed
the staff delegate.
AD3 - On the order of the Chair,this meeting was
adjourned on Rine 15, 1983 at the hour of 1:02 A.M. to a regular
adjourned meeting at 6:00 P.M. on 3une 21, 1983 for a closed
session, ballot measures and budget workshop session.'
4
Minutes 6-I4-83
Honorable Mayor and Members City Council Meeting of
of the City Council 'June 14, 1983
TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
June 28, 1983
General Revenue Sharing - 2nd hearing
Plan of action for outside assistance to Finance Administrator
Award of Bid Auditorium Rehabilitation
Budget Hearing
Condominium conversion project
July 12, 1983
Conversion standards update - Appletree
Report on computerization of City Treasurer
VPD implementation
trust funds,
including
Report...onicomputerization of investment accounts, time certificates
of deposit, savings accounts and special bank accounts
July 26, 1983
Storer Public Hearing Regarding Tower
September .27, 1983
Data on Land Use Element Work Program including housing element
modification
Gregor�/T.Ieyer
City
036
Honorable Mayor and Members
of the City Council
ACTIVITY REPORT
June 10, 1983
City Council Meeting
of June 14, 1983
The City sponsored Recycling program commenced
on June 4. Volume was greater than usual and
the operation's logistics were satisfactory.
The Memorial Day Weekend Fiesta went well under
the revised traffic pattern. The Jazz Festival
was well received and may become an annual event.
o The Big Brother 5K Run will be held in Hermosa
Beach on. June 19; the Summer Recreation program
commences July 5 and the Friends of the Arts will
hold their first Weekend Market at the Community
Center on July 15 and 16.
Greg
Meyer
City Manager
GTM/ld
IF Q
l
June 8, 1983
Honorable Mayor and Members City Council Meeting
of the City Council of June 14, 1983
FREE CLINIC CONTRACT FOR SERVICES
At your meeting of May 17. 1983, your Honorable Body agreed
to the establishment of a contract with the South Bay Free
Clinic for calendar year 1983 not to exceed $3,000. That
document has now been prepared and is ready for approval.
It is recommended that your Honorable Body authorize the
Mayor to execute the above agreement.
GTM/ld
Attachment
OxO'�c�":11&124
GrePanagz
y T.e er
Cit
4K
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A G R E E M E N T
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 14th
day of ,T,,,,,, 1983, in the City of Hermosa Beach, California
by and between the CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, a municipal corporatio.
hereinafter referred to as "CITY" and SOUTH BAY FREE CLINIC, a
non-profit organization, hereinafter referred to as "CLINIC":
.a T m w, v o O a m v
WHEREAS, CLINIC is a non-profit organization which
provides a wide range of health care and legal services.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
p
That the CITY agrees to fund CLINIC for calendar year
1983 in an amount not to exceed $3,000.
II
CLINIC agrees, in consideration.of the aforesaid
covenants, that CLINIC shall
A) Match the $3,000 on a dollar for dollar basis by
new donors.
B) Give preferential priority assistance to Hermosa
Beach residents in the areas of general medical care, family
planning counseling and treatment, podiatry, dentistry, legal
advisement, community health education and short-term psycholog-
ical counseling.
C) Report quarterly to CITY on monies raised and
services performed.
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III
The office of the City Manager shall be administra-
tively responsible for all CITY obligations. CLINIC is an
independent non-profit organization and shall have no right or
authority to bind or obligate the CITY in any manner whatsoever.
IV
CLINIC shall hold the CITY free and harmless from
any and all liability and claims for damages by reason of any
injury to any person or persons, including but not limited to,
the CLINIC, or to property of any kind whatsoever and to whom-
soever belonging, including, but not limited to the CLINIC,
from any causes whatsoever in connection with the activities
of CLINIC.
IN FATNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed
this Agreement the /3 _xZ day of , 1983.
ATTEST: CITY OF qERMOSA BEACH,
a municipal corporation
.,
VIVO 7-
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY ATTORNEY
CLINIC
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Ile -
b-
' June 81, 1983
Honorable Mayor and Members City Council Meeting
of the City Council of June 14, 1983
EXAMINATION OF CIVIL SERVICE TESTING.
Recommendation
It is recommended that your Honorable Body, after consideration
of the public hearing, reaffirm the propriety of the City's
several actions in it's recent extensive testing program to
fully examine for all permanent City positions.
Background
Over the last several years Hermosa Beach citizen Roger Creighton
and several others have questioned the propriety of the City's
actions regarding civil service testing or lack thereof. Attached
is a copy of several documents delineating this matter.
The City Council has thoroughly examined this matter in consulta-
tion with the City Manager/Personnel Officer. In addition, a
formal analysis has been made by:
City Attorney Charles J. Post
Attorney Lee Patterson of Richards, Watson, Dreyfuss
and Gershon
Richard P. Raymond, Chief, Appeals Division, Los
Angeles County Personnel Department
Analysis
The City has long acknowledged that for a period of time in the
1970's there were not adequate civ4-1 service tests. -In particular
this occurred in other than public safety positions. Commencing
in 1980, this deficiency was "cured" through the administration
of testing under the auspices of the Los Angeles County Personnel
Department. The results of each such examination were then certi-
fied by the Hermosa Beach Civil Service Board. As of March 23,
1983, all full time City employees have been civil service tested
and appointments made from certified eligible lists.
Petitioner Creighton urges that a new series of examinations be
conducted in which there would be open examinations requiring '
County -wide recruitment. In the opinion of staff this is unnec-
essary, unwarranted and could result in extensive employee gener-
ated litigation at considerable expense to the City. It is
estimated that duplicate testing would cost in excess of $25,000.
All permanent positioned employees have been professionally tested
by an outside agency. We are not aware of any challenge of the
integrity of the examinations themselves. Rather, petitioner
urges that the results of promotional competitive examinations be
rendered null and void. The facts, as described in the attached
documents, do not support such a proposed action.
GTM/ld Grego Tjlleire, Cit Ma -ager
cc: All Department Heads
APRIL 28, 2983
TO: Gregory T. Meyer, City Manager
FROM: Carolyn Smith, Personnel Administrator
RE: Civil Service Testing
As of 3/23/83 all of our full time employees have been given a Civil
Service test and have been appointed from a certified eligibility
list.
Respectfully submitted
r1 '
Carolyn SbaTth
Personnel Administrator
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Page 2
Civil Service Status
2/17/82
The Civil Service ordinance (HBMC Sec. 2-23 et seq) was enacted
in 1960 by initiative. Its purpose is, first, to establish an
equitable and uniform system for the selection and promotion of
employees on the basis of merit, experience and record, and,
second, to provide worthy officials and employees reasonable
security in the retention of their respective positions and
offer them an opportunity for advancement according to merit.
These purposes are implemented through the development of Civil
Service rules by the personnel officer and a Civil Service
Commission.
The testing process being utilized now for all employees whose
method of hiring is suspected of being defective promotes the
purposes.of Civil Service better than simply terminating the
employees and hiring a new city work force. The validating
process is uniform and equitable to the employees who should be
presumed to be blameless in relation to any defects in their own
original selection. The principal tool of the selection, testing,
is being developed and applied by an independent Los Angeles
County Civil Service Board. The city may now also measure actual
work performance. In addition, the validating process obviously
promotes the other principal purpose of the Civil Service ordinance,
that of security and opportunity for advancement, by validating the
Civil Service status of existing employees.
On the other hand, morale, productivity, and continuity would un-
doubtedly all suffer if the affected employees were simply term-
inated. It is unlikely that employees of greater merit, experience
or record would be selected, and the affected employees would --suffer
loss of security and an opportunity for advancement. It is also
reasonable to assume that some of the -terminated employees would seek
to regain their jobs through litigation.
It is my opinion the validating process being utilized by the city
is the more defensible technique for restoring or establishing
Civil Service status for existing employees.
Respectfully Submitted,
c_ ��llt CGS J-
Charles J. Post
City Attorney
RICHARDS, WATSON, DREYFUSS & GERSHON
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
THIRTY-EIGHTH FLOOR
333 SOUTH NOPE STREET
LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA GOOTI
12131 626y6184
CABLE ADDRESS
RICMWAT
O. COVni4
Ap r i l 19, 1983 DIESER} DRCYFUSS. INC.
RONALD ".GREENBERG
•RRIO�pRbIPPW10�
.TAMES N. HERBERT
Members of the City Council
City of Hermosa Beach
Civic Center
1315 Valley Drive
Hermosa Beach, California 90254
Re: Civil Service Positions
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council:
You have requested our opinion regarding the
validity of removing department heads from the City's civil
service system, and appointing approximately 80 other
employees without complying with civil service requirements.
These issues are the sublect.of considerable
concern on the part of several residents, who have indicated
that they intend to challenge the City's actions in court
and to ask the court to impose personal liability on members
of the City Council for reimbursement to the City of compensa-
tion paid to employees found to have been appointed in
violation of the City's civil service rules and regulations.
The residents are.not only questioning the status of the
department heads but also that of many other employees
including police officers, clerical staff, and maintenance
workers.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
Our opinion is based on the following facts
provided by the City:
TRT27-2B
Members of the City Council
April 19, 1983
Page Two
On June 7, 1960, through the initiative process,
the electorate of the City approved the creation of a civil
service system to cover all City employees, excluding only
elected officials, appointed commissioners, volunteers,
emergency, and part-time employees. This ordinance contains
no provisions for the withdrawal of department heads or for
the amendment of the ordinance.
In 1970, the State Legislature amended Government
Code Section 45007 to allow positions to be removed from
civil service by either a 2/3 vote of the electorate or by a
majority vote of the City Council by adding a clause which
provided: . . regular full-time city department heads
may be withdrawn by a majority vote of the City Council."
Thereafter, the City Attorney forwarded a memorandum to the
City Manager stating that in his opinion the City Council
could not remove positions from the civil service system
because the system was adopted by initiative. The City
Attorney concluded that the removal of such positions could
only be done by submitting the matter to the voters.
Nevertheless, in January 1974 the City Council
passed Resolution No. N.S. 3280, which retained then -current
department heads in the civil service system but gave those
who might be appointed in the future the option of being --
employed under the City's civil service system or under a
Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU"1 with.the Hermosa.Beach
Management and Middle Management Employees' Association. In
addition, several employees who had been hired on a temporary,
non -civil service basis were promoted to civil service
positions after successfully completing a closed examination.
Following the adoption of this resolution several new
department heads were appointed and chose to be governed by
the MOU.
In early 1975, the City's actions were considered
by the Office of the Attorney General, which' reached the
same conclusion as the City Attorney, i.e., because the
civil service system had been adopted by initiative, positions
could only be removed from that system pursuant to a vote of
the electorate.
In the meantime, department head positions
continued to be filled by appointment and many if not all
of the appointees signed a waiver of any civil service
rights.
,.
TRT27-3B
Members of the City Council
April 19, 1983
Page Three
In January 1979 the City Council received an
opinion from the City Attorney stating that if the Council
wished to return future department heads to the civil
service system, it should exempt the then -current depart-
ment heads who were not civil service employees, or allow
them to choose whether to return to the system.
In May 1981 the City received an opinion from
the Office of the Legislative Counsel, which concluded that
the City Council was not able to remove department heads
from the civil service system without receiving the 2/3 vote
of the electorate specified in Government Code Section
45007.
In February 1982 the City Council received an
opinion from the City Attorney, who noted that all new
employees, including the department heads, were being hired
according to the civil service rules, and that each existing
employee whose method of hiring was suspect was being tested
through the Los Angeles County Civil Service Board to ensure
that he or she met civil service standards.
DISCUSSION
This matter raises numerous procedural and sub-
stantive issues. Each issue must be analyzed before deciding
on a course of action.
1. Standing to bring lawsuit.
The first question is whether the taxpayers would
have the standing, or the legal ability, to bring a suit
against the City. In order to have standing, the courts
have required plaintiffs to have a legally sufficient
interest in the outcome of the action. When reviewing the
standing of taxpayers to bring suit against a local public
agency, the courts are lenient, generally holding that
taxpayers have a legally sufficient interest in ensuring
that elected and appointed officials carry out local laws,
especially where, as here, the matter involves efficient
government service through the choice of well-qualified
public employees who are paid with tax -derived funds. Thus,
the taxpayers have standing to challenge the City's modifica-
tion of the civil service system and its method of appointing
and promoting civil service employees.
TRT27-4B
Members of the City Council
April 19, 1983
Page Four
2. Statute of Limitations.
The second question is whether the taxpayers' suit
would be barred by the statute of limitations. Under the
statute of limitations, the courts will not hear a case if
too long a time has elapsed since the alleged wrong occurred.
Here, the applicable statute of limitations would be three
years, because the lawsuit is based on a statute, i.e.,
Government Code Section 45007. Furthermore, it is likely
that the taxpayers would challenge the City through a writ
of mandate. If the City has adopted an ordinance incorpora-
ting the 90 -day limitations of Code of Civil Procedure
Section 1094.6, such an action would have to be filed within
nine t da s after the challen ed action. The original
remova of epartment head from t e civil service system,
and most of the challenged appointments and promotions
occurred more than three years ago. Therefore it super-
ficially appears that the action would largely be barred by
the statute of limitations.
However, the courts will disregard this time
bar if the violation is "continuing," that is, the wrongful
act renews itself periodically. We believe that the
courts would find such a continuing violation here, on the
theory that if an individual was not properly appointed to a
position in the first place, he or she improperly occupies
that position each day of employment. Despite the continuing
violation theory, however, the statute of limitations would
serve to limit any liability on the part of the City, its
officers, or employees based on anNlogous cases for recovery
of improperly withheld wages. In those cases, the courts
have held that any wages accrued beyond the statutory period
cannot be recovered.
3. Doctrine of Laches.
Laches is an equitable policy which bars an action
due to the plaintiff's tardiness in initiating an action,
even if it is not barred by the statute of limitations. The
numerous letters from the citizens to the Council indicate
that they have been questioning the Council's action and
threatening to bring a lawsuit for several years. While an
argument does exist that they would be barred by laches, it
is a disfavored defense when asserted by a governmental
agency, and we do not believe a court would preclude the
lawsuit on this ground.
TRT27-5B
Members of the City Council
April 19, 1983
Page Five
4. The validity of the Council's removal of
Department Heads from the System.
A. Relationship between the initiative power
and Government Code Section 45007.
In order to determine whether the Council had the
ability in 1970 to remove department heads from the civil
service system, the court would interpret the 1970 amendment
to Government Code Section 45007, and its relationship to
other state laws.
The most important of these other laws is Elections
Code Section 4013, which states in pertinent part:
"No ordinance proposed by initiative petition
and . adopted by the voters, shall be repealed or
amended except by a vote of the people, unless provision
is otherwise made in the original ordinance."
In the case under consideration, it is undisputed that N.S.
211 was proposed by initiative, that it included department
heads within the civil service system, that it was adopted
by the voters, that it did not include within its terms a
provision allowing an alternate method of revision, and that
the removal of department heads from the civil service
system was not done pursuant to a vote of the people.
Prior to 1970, Government -Code Section -45007
provided:
"After inclusion in the system, any depart-
ments or appointive officers or employees shall not be
withdrawn, either by an outright repeal of the civil
service ordinance or otherwise, unless the withdrawal
has been submitted to the city electors at a special
or regular municipal election and approved by 2/3 of
those voting on the proposition."
Thus, prior to 1970, it made no difference whether
the City's civil service system was adopted through an
initiative or solely through Council action; either way, the
withdrawal of any position from the system required approval
by a vote of the people.
However, in 1970 Government Code Section 45007 was
amended by adding the following language:
TRT27-6B
Members of the City Council
April 19, 1983
Page Six
". . . except that regular full-time city department
heads may be withdrawn by a majority vote of the city
council."
The following analysis of the relationship between
these statutes supports the City Council's action:
The amendment to Section 45007 by its express
language provides an alternate method for removing department
heads from the system without requiring voter approval.
Although giving the Council this power impinges to some
extent on the initiative process, it does not do so in an
unconstitutional way. While the power of local initiative
undeniably has its origin in the California Constitution, it
is not necessarily coextensive with the statewide initiative
power. Indeed, the legislature reserved the right to
regulate the local initiative right in Article 2, §11 of the
California Constitution, which states:
"Initiative and referendum powers may be exercised by
the electors of each city or county under procedures
that the Legislative shall provide ."
Under this argument, Elections Code Section 4013
is merely a procedural enactment by the legislature, and its
limitation on the Council's ability to amend an initiative
is therefore statutory rather than constitutional. This
being the case, the local initiative power can further be
regulated by the state legislature -,-even if such -a regulation
encroaches to some extent on the initiative power. In the
City's case, the legislature designated a specific manner by
which the City Council could remove department heads from
the civil service system. This argument would continue that
the above interpretation of the relationship between the
statutes should be favored for two reasons. First, the 1970
amendment to Government Code Section 45007 specifically
deals with department heads, and in interpreting statutes,
the courts have held that such specific language controls
general language, such as the general language found in
Elections Code Section 4015. Second, the 1970 amendment to
Section 45007 is subsequent to the adoption of both the
original language of that section as well as the language of
Elections Code Section 4013, and the courts have held that a
more recent statutory provision will control an older,
conflicting provision.
TRT27-7B
Members of the City Council
April 19, 1983
Page Seven
There is, however, a second possible interpre-
tation of the 1970 amendment, and it is this one which forms
the basis of the taxpayers' allegations that the Council
acted in excess of its authority. This interpretation is
based on the following analysis:
The initiative power reserved to the people is
based on the California Constitution and is a power which is
of historic importance. Therefore, the courts will favor an
interpretation of a statute which protects this power over
one which diminishes or destroys it. Furthermore, the
courts will, whenever possible, interpret apparently con-
flicting statutory provisions in order to harmonize and give
effect to each. Based on the above principles, the court
should harmonize these two sections and protect the initiative
power by interpreting Government Code Section 45007 to mean
that (a) if a system had originally been adopted by the
Council, the Council could subsequently modify that system
to remove department heads without requiring a vote of the
people; (b) if the system were initially adopted by initiative,
any removal of employees, including department heads, would
still require a vote of the people.
This second interpretation is supported by the
opinions from the Office of the Attorney General, and
the Legislative Counsel of California mentioned earlier.
Both of these opinions were based on the City's facts and
both concluded that the applicable statutes must be inter-
preted in the manner urged by the taxpayers. We believe
that a court would undoubtedly give these two opinions
substantial weight, although it would not be bound to reach
the same conclusion.
From the above discussion, it is apparent that
there are persuasive arguments to support either the City
Council's or the taxpayer's position. There is a substantial
possibility that a court would adopt the taxpayers' inter-
pretation.
B. The obligation to meet and 4ponfer.
If the Council had the power to remove the depart-
ment heads by a majority vote, a subsequent memorandum of
understanding and employee agreements waiving civil service
rights would be effective. If, however, the City Council
did not have the power to unilaterally remove the department
heads, their removal is non-negotiable and conflicting
sections of the memorandums of understanding and employee
waivers are ineffective.
TRT27-8B
Members of the City Council
April 19, 1983
Page Eight
C. The length of time in position.
As noted previously, the courts have held that the
mere passage of time will not make an invalid appointment
valid. For example, in Alfred v. County of Los Angeles, 101
Cal.App.3d 260 (1980), an employee sued for additional
compensation on the ground that he had been working out of
grade in a higher position for a substantial period of time
and was entitled to be paid at the rate of the higher
position. The court rejected the employee's argument
because the applicable civil service rules required that an
appointment to the higher position be made only from an
eligibility list of applicants who had passed the necessary
examinations with scores ranking them among the three
highest on the list. The court found that the employee had
never been certified for appointment from such a list to the
higher position, and thus that he could not qualify for
appointment to that position. Based on this and similar
judicial rulings, it is clear that, in the absence of other
factors, any unlawful appointments could not be transformed
into lawful ones just because the appointees have been good
employees for a substantial period of time.
D. The effect of closed examinations.
In recent years the City has taken remedial action
by appointing all new department heads under applicable --
civil service provisions and giving all incumbent employees
closed examinations under the civil, service provisions.
The question of whether any defect in the initial appointment
process has been subsequently cured through this procedure
is very important in weighing the alternatives open to the
City and in assessing any possible liability. If the
closing examinations effectively brought the appointments
into compliance with the civil service requirements, not
only are those appointments now lawful but any liability on
the part of the City has been substantially reduced, if not
eliminated. If, however, those examinations did not cure
any initial defect, the employees are still'not lawfully
appointed, and any liability would continue to accrue.
Under the City's personnel rules, if a vacancy
exists in the civil service, and there is no certified
eligible list, the personnel officer shall conduct an
examination to fill that vacancy. The rules are silent as
to whether the examination should be "open," i.e., available
to all applicants, or "closed," i.e., available only to
TRT27-9B
Members of the City Council
April 19, 1983
Page Nine
incumbent personnel. Under both the civil service ordinance
and the personnel rules, the personnel officer is given the
discretion to determine the manner and method in which
examinations shall be prepared and administered. The only
limitation is contained in Section 2-33 of the civil service
ordinance, which states:
"No special credit shall be allowed in meeting any
qualification, or in the giving of any test, or the
establishment of any employment or promotional lists
for employment rendered under temporary appointment."
This provision probably precludes the City from giving a
closed examination to a temporary, incumbent employee,
because allowing that employee to qualify for the exam as an
"incumbent" is a "special credit." Under this interpretation,
we believe that employees who were unlawfully appointed
cannot be validated by such an exam.
This does not mean, however, that this remedial
action would not be persuasive to a court on equitable
grounds. First, we have been unable to find any California
precedent on this issue which is either beneficial or
adverse to the City's position that this action cured any
defects. Thus, it appears to be a case of first impression
in which facts can often play a substantial part. We
believe that the fact that all appointees have now taken a
civil service examination may weigh very heavily in the
City's favor, as it insures that a-11- appointees-have'met at
least the minimum requirements for the position.
Second, we believe that this remedial action, in
addition to,other equitable arguments which may not by
themselves be persuasive, could be the basis of a judicial
decision in favor of the City. These other equitable
factors include (a) the detrimental reliance upon the
validity of their appointments by approximately one-half the
City's staff, many of whom undoubtedly left other employment
and made important financial and family decisions in the
belief their appointments were proper; (b) the substantial
detriment to the community which relies upon the expertise
and familiarity with the City's pending matters acquired by
the present staff to ensure City functions progress in a
smooth and timely manner; (c) the lengthy delay on the part
of the concerned taxpayers before formally challenging in
the court the ever-increasing number of appointments, (d)
the City's potential liability in wrongful termination suits
which any one of the affected employees could file.
TRT27-IOB
Members of the City Council
April 19, 1983
Page Ten
Similar equitable arguments were apparently very
influential to a judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court in
Santa Monica. In that case, the plaintiff challenged the
selection process used to appoint approximately 50 employees
of the Santa Monica Rent Control Board on the ground it did
not comply with civil service requirements. In that case,
Judge Rittenband stated that the employees should not be
penalized because the Agency had not hired them properly,
that current appointments were being processed in accordance
with civil service requirements that a mass firing, which
would ultimately result should the plaintiff prevail, would
cause "chaos" at the Agency, that the City could face 50
lawsuits for wrongful termination, and that the board member
who brought the action had known about the problems for
about three years before he brought the lawsuit. The
judge reached this conclusion despite an opinion written by
the Santa Monica City Attorney which stated the rent board
employees should be subject to civil service regulations.
The attorney for the plaintiff in that action has stated
that in liaht of the judge's ruling at this stage of the
lawsuit, the plaintiff will probably not pursue the case any
further.
The similarities between the facts of the Santa
Monica case and those of the City are striking, and we
believe the same arguments could influence another judge.
E. Personal liability of employees.
With respect to the liability of the individual
employees whose status is being challenged to repay the City
for wages paid to them, we have found no California case
which has required such a repayment. Those courts that have
reviewed invalid appointments or promotions have required
the city or public agency to comply with applicable rules
and regulations to fill the position, and in the absence of
such compliance have denied the employees their requested
promotion or permanent status. However, •we are aware of
no case in which the court has required the individual who
performed services for the public agency to repay all
compensation to the agency. Based on this, we do not
believe the court would impose such a penalty on the
individual employees.
TRT27-13A
Members of the City Council
April 19, 1983
Page Eleven .
F. Personal liability of City Council members.
Regarding the possible imposition on the City
Council members of personal liability for past compensation
paid to any employee whose appointment or promotion was not
in compliance with the civil service rules, we have been
unable to find any case in California in which the court has
imposed such a draconian penalty on elected officials who
had a good faith basis for taking the disputed action. To
the contrary, Government Code Section 820.6 specifically
provides that if a public employee, including a public
elected official such as a member of the City Council, acts
in good faith, without malice, and under the apparent
authority of an enactment which is later held to be unconsti-
tutional, invalid, or inappicable, he is not liable except
to the extent he would have been liable had the enactment
been constitutional, valid, and applicable. This section,
in addition to the indemnific.iation provisions of Government
Code Section 825, cause us to conclude that the court would
not impose personal liability.
Should a City Council member be named in a lawsuit
regarding this matter, he or she should immediately make a
written request to the City to defend him or her against
that claim or action, pursuant to Government Code Section
825. That section also provides that if the employee
reasonably cooperates in good faith in the defense of the
claim or action, the City shall pay -any -judgment or settle-
ment as well as conduct the defense of the action. This
section does not protect the City Council members from
punitive damages.
However, we believe it is highly unlikely that the
court would impose such damages for good faith actions. We
also believe that wage payments would not be held to be
gifts of public funds. In any event, any liability would be
limited by the statute of limitations, both as to any
liability of the employees and the Council for reimburse-
ment of salaries received and paid.
ALTERNATIVES
Based on the foregoing, we believe that the only
way the matter can be ultimately resolved is through a court
review of the issues. This could be initiated by the City
TRT27-14A
Members of the City Council
April 19, 1983
Page Twelve
in a "friendly" suit for declaratory relief in which the
City would effectively bring suit against itself as a method
of obtaining a judicial opinion. This alternative would be
costly because the City would pay all legal expenses incurred
by both sides. The only advantage is that a final decision
would be reached. We would not recommend this alternative.
The second alternative is to closely review the
City's personnel files to determine which positions are
indeed involved, keeping in mind that the taxpayers are
expanding their contentions to include approximately 80
employees. After advising the affected employees of the
reason for its actions, the City could open these positions
for an open examination, in effect treating the incumbents
as if they had always been temporary and were now terminated.
This course of action would probably satisfy the concerned
taxpayers that the final appointees were selected in con-
formance with civil service requirements. The disadvantages
associated with this alternative include the prospect
of reducing efficiency should new appointees be selected and
trained, an adverse effect on employee morale, and the
likelihood that the terminated employees would challenge the
City's action in a lawsuit. As noted earlier, the judge
found the disadvantages of such a course of action so
persuasive that he declined to require such a drastic
remedy. We do not recommend this action.
The third alternative is to treat all previous
actions as valid and do nothing further until the threatened
taxpayers' suit actually materializes. This would retain
the City's low profile approach to this matter and for the
present avoid the costs associated with litigation. The
obvious disadvantage is the continuing nonresolution of the
matter.
We believe that the first step which must be taken
in order to fully evaluate these alternatives is to review
all personnel files to determine which employees might be
affected. This would allow an objective assessment of the
magnitude of the problem and balancing of the advantages and
disadvantages of each of the alternatives.
If you have any further questions or wish to
discuss this matter, please do not hesitate to contact
me.
:e;
e o rs,
a erso
TRT27:1B
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
PETER F SCriASARUM
KENNETH HAHN
EDMUND D EDELMAN
DEANE DANA
MICHAEL D ANTONOVICH
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF PERSONNEL'
222 NORTH GRAND AVENUE LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA 90012
HARRY L. HUFFORD
DIRECTOR OF PERSONNEL
(2+3) 914-2406
April 18, 1983
Mr. .Gregory T. Meyer
City Manager
Hermosa Beach City Hall
1315 Valley Drive
i:ermosa Beach, California 90254
Dear Mr. Meyer:
In response to your request we are providing the following
information regarding the personnel services provided to
the City of Hermosa Beach.
Since 1960 the County of Los Angeles has provided to the City
personnel testing services in the following manner:
1. As the responsible agent the City's Personnel
Officer or his designate, the Personnel Administrate:,
establishes employment. standards and qualifications
for position classifications.
2. At such time as he wishes to create an eligible
list from which a position may be filled, the
Personnel Officer makes a request to the County
to conduct a selection examination and designates
whether it is to be open to the public or given
on a promotional basis.
3. Upon receipt of such a request the County, in
consultation with the City, deteri:gines the specific
knowledges, skills and abilities necessary to perform
the duties of the position in a competent manner and
the appropriate type of test(s) to measure these.
7
Mr. Gregory T. Meyer
April 18, 1983
Page Two
On the basis of this information the County
selects/develops appropriate test material;
publicizes, schedules, administers and scores
the examination; and ultimately provides the
City with a list of eligible candidates from
which appointments can be made.
This process is carried out in conformity with
the City's Civil Service Ordinance and the
implementing Rules and Regulations.
5. In the event of appeals or complaints on issues
not specifically addressed in the City's Ordinance
or Rules they are dealt with under applicable
Civil Service Rules of the County of Los Angeles.
Over the last several years these services have been provided
to the City intermittently and on position classifications alsost
entirely in, or closely related to, the Law Enforcement and Fire
Protection functions.
In 1980 the then interim City Manager, Mr. Jerome Scharfman,
informed us of a problem he had identified arising from a lacy
of competitive examinations having been given in prior years
for a number of positions. As a result there were a number c--
individuals
:individuals employed by the City on a non -eligible basis.
Subsequently at the City's request we began an extensive and_
accelerated testing program to remedy this situation, which
project is at present almost entisely..completed. _
As some of these examinations were requested on a promotional
basis (competition limited to those employed by the City) we
reviewed in detail the City's governing Ordinance (N -S211) and
the accompanying Rules and Regulations and can find no language
addressing the question of whether, and under what conditions,
promotional examinations may be given. In the absence of any.,
criteria we would conclude that this decision is discretionary
with the Citv Manager who is established as the ex -officio
Personnel Officer.
Under these conditions the decision to hold certain of the
examinations in this special project on a promotional basis
was, in our estimation, appropriate.
Mr. Gregory T. Meyer
April 18, 1983
Page Three
Many of the individuals affected have worked for the City for
a number of years, apparently performing their duties in a
competent manner. The alternative of opening the examinations
for their positions to the general public might well have
resulted in their loss of employment for reasons not of
their making.
Obligating the individuals to compete in examinations to achieve
permanent status we believe meets the objective of a merit systen
while serving the best interests of the City by avoiding the less
of capable staff, the expense of training their replacements and
the consequent di::ruption to the continuity and efficiency of
City .services.
I'hope this information is of use to you and if there is any
way we can be of help, please let us know.
Very truly yours,
HARPY L. HUFFORD
CAO/Director of Personnel
(�i cQr1 an d P qac.{ rn Cn
RICHARD P. RAYMOND, Chief
Appeals Division
RPR/rs
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