HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes - 1979/02/21 - RegularTEMPLE CITY PARKING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 21, 1979
INITIATION:
1. Chairman Millham called to order the regular meeting of the Parking
Commission at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 21, 1979, in the
Council Chamber.
2 The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Commissioner Driver.
3 ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Driver, Graham, Konrad, McVey,
Millham
Also Present: Assistant City Manager Pucci
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Regular Meeting of October 18, 1978
Commissioner McVey moved to approve the minutes of the regular
meeting of October 18, 1978, as written. The motion was seconded
by Commissioner Graham and carried.
Chairman Millham stated he would like to add to the minutes the
Commission's appreciation for Mrs. Graham's direction and service
as chairman for the preceeding year and to thank her for a job
well done. It was moved by Commissioner McVey, seconded by
Commissioner Driver and Commissioner Konrad to include the comment
into the record.
NEW BUSINESS:
5. REQUEST FOR PERMIT PARKING - Public Parking Lots
Assistant City Manager Pucci stated that two requests had been
received from businessmen for a system of issuing permits to
owners and /or employees of businesses to park in public parking lots,
copies of which were made available to the Commission. The requests
were apparently in response to a letter from the Parking Commission
to the business community seeking their cooperation in making
available parking for customers during the holiday season. Staff
has no recommendations but is presenting the matter to the Commis-
sion for their review.
Chairman Millham asked for comments from the Commissioners.
Commissioner Graham said she would like to hear from those in the
audience who wished to speak. The Chairman invited those who wished
to speak to the matter.
Joe Hermes, 9606 Las Tunas Drive, "Tiny Town ", stated he retails
miniature toys and houses and, as a businessman, he understood the
need for convenient parking for customers. However, he has four
employees and when they open business at 9 a.m. they encountered
difficulty many times in finding any parking stalls in the public
parking lot behind his store. He had bought the business property
and would like to see some type of parking permit given to owners
and to employees as he felt it was equally important to have happy
employees as well as customers. He suggested the City might identify
a section for employees with a different color striping and issue
corresponding colored parking stickers for employees. Perhaps each
public parking lot could be so identified with a different color
to denote employee parking. Mr. Hermes described his observations
as to the problems which have caused a shortage of parking in the
public parking lot behind his place of business, i.e. employees
of a nearby business parking their cars all day instead of using
available parking at their place of employment. He said he would
like to see the City issue permits for tenants and /or owners of
a building and would appreciate the Commission's consideration of
this request.
Commissioner Graham pointed out that if permits were issued to one
business, all businesses would have to receive equal treatment.
In the block where Mr. Hermes' business is located, there are 13
places of business (including hers) which means a minimum of one
to seven spaces for owners and /or employees, or a minimum total of
TEMPLE CITY PARKING COMMISSION MINUTES - FEBRUARY 21, 1979 PAGE 2
some 48 spaces which would be taken up with permit parking out of
58 spaces in the lot. This figure does not take into account any
parking for the handicapped (which the Commission will be considering.)
Mrs. Graham said that Mr. Hermes was experiencing the same problems •
as other merchants in the block (south side of Las Tunas Drive,
from Temple City Boulevard easterly to Camellia Avenue.) Commissioner
Graham explained the parking districts were formed to provide for the
parking and convenience of customers, with the exception of Lot No.
7, north of Las Tunas Drive, on Primrose Avenue, which is unrestricted
and where employees are encouraged to park. Mr. Hermes said that
he had tried to comply with posted restrictions in his lot by
having his employees park in the unposted section; however, there
were times when there was no other spaces available other than the
posted section and of course they parked where they could find a
place.
Chairman Millham stated Mr. Hermes' suggestions were appreciated
but the Commission had to consider the number of spaces available for
customers as merchants rely on customers to stay in business. The
Chairman then asked Mr. Hermes if he would object to his employees
parking on Camellia Avenue, south of the alley (south of Las Tunas
Drive) if the existing two hour posted restrictions were rescinded.
Mr. Hermes said that would be helpful but he would like to make
it necessary for employees of the business on Temple City Boulevard
to seek parking elsewhere other than his lot. Couunissioner McVey
stated that he had consulted with the manager of the firm regarding gll
his employees parking behind their own building and had been advised
that parking in public facilities was on a "first come -first serve"
basis.
Commissioner Konrad commented there are a number of employees from
this firm as well as commuters who park all day in the lot; however,
it was her opinion that if the lot was entirely restricted to two
hour parking, it would force these people to park elsewhere resulting
in perpetuating the same problem elsewhere that now exists on this
public parking lot. Further, if the unposted portion of the lot
were to be signed with two parking limits, it would be effective
only with enforcement and she wondered if monies were available
for this service. Mr. Hermes interjected that the present arrange-
ment does not work a hardship on him or his employees, that it would
be more of a hardship were the entire lot to be restricted to two
hour parking. In response to Commissioner McVey's question, Mr.
Hermes said that he did use mail order, that their miniature business
was growing; that he had plans for using more of the front end of
the shop for his customers, that their business is about half retail
and half wholesale. .
Dominic Mortellaro, Dominic's Family Shoe Store, 9629 Las Tunas Drive,
gave background information on his appearance before the City Council
and the Traffic Commission regarding parking problems in the lot
adjacent to his place of business as well as on- street parking demands.
He felt that more all day parking space is needed, that additional
off - street facilities will have to be provided to solve the parking
problems experienced all through the business community.. Re said
he was not suggesting that parking should be free, methods of
assessing property owners and charging for the use of facilities
would have to be explored. It was his suggestion that since parking
problems involve both on- street and off - street facilities, the
overall situation should be reviewed by both the Parking and Traffic
Commissions. He discussed briefly attempts by the business community
several years ago to get AB 103, explaining if it had been successful
there would have been funds to pay for developing off - street parking
facilities in the central business district.
Mr. Pucci advised that an occupancy survey had been made in the
central business district by the Traffic Engineer of all on- street
and off - street parking facilities. Analysis of the findings dis-
closed that parking is available within a reasonable distance of
business. However, the length of time cars were parked was not
considered in the survey. A more extensive survey is required.
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PARKING COMMISSION MINUTES - FEBRUARY 21, 1979 PAGE 3
Mr. Pucci presented a copy of the Traffic Engineer's report, which
was reviewed by the Traffic Commission at their regular meeting in
February, for the Parking Commission's information. The Assistant
City Manager suggested the Commission may wish to consider the
enforcement of existing posted restrictions first to determine
the results before considering any changes in the present posting
of public parking lots. If enforcement is considered, the
Commission may then wish to recommend to the City Council for
its consideration the services of a parking enforcement officer.
With regard to on- street parking, the existing posted restrictions
were established through the Traffic Commission and any recommendations
for changes would have to be referred to that Commission.
Commissioner Ionrad expressed concern about the few spaces avail-
able in public parking lot No.3 due to all day parkers from the
wholesale businesses in the block, the firm on Temple City
Boulevard and commuters into Los Angeles, which has a direct effect
on customer parking. She felt there was some urgency in dealing
with the problem in the immediate. After further Commission
discussion, Commissioner Graham stated the complex problem could not
be resolved at one meeting, suggesting a study session to review
the matter in depth. Chairman Millham concurred, adding that he
would be in favor of meeting with the Traffic Commission to discuss
the matter. Commissioner McVey was in favor but felt the study
session should preceed a meeting with the Traffic Commission.
CommissionersKonrad and Driver were also in favor of a study session.
Mr. Pucci pointed out that with car - pooling being encouraged along
with the use of public transportation by public officials, the
Commission cannot overlook energy and environmental considerations
in the use of parking lots for commuters. The Commissioners agreed
to meet at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 2.8, 1979, for a study
session in the City Hall. Commissioner Graham moved to continue
consideration of Item No. 5; seconded by Commissioner Konrad and
carried.
6. REQUEST FOR DESIGNATION OF HANDICAPPED PARKING STALLS - Public
Parking Lots
Assistant City Manager Pucci stated the City Staff had received a
request from Mr. John Dobson, 10633 Olive Street, for handicapped
parking stalls in the public parking malls and a staff study
on this subject was presented to the Commission for their perusal.
Chairman Millham commented that it would be appropriate to review
this matter along with Item 5 at the study session. Commissioner
Graham moved to refer the request for designation of handicapped
parking stalls in public parking lots to the study session on
February 28. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Driver and
carried.
7. RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT TO CROSS OVER PEDESTRIAN MALL
-A. W. Driver, 9611 Las Tunas Drive
Commissioner Driver stated he would abstain from voting on this
item.
Mr. Pucci reviewed the conditions established by the City Council
in the agreement permitting A. W. Driver to cross over the pedestrian
mall located behind 9611 Las Tunas Drive in pursuit of normal
business activity. He suggested that each member of the Commission
be familiar with the location and the requirements to be met by
the permittee. In acting on the matter, Chairman Millham called
for a roll call vote. Commissioner. Konrad moved to-recommend to
the City Council renewal of the agreement to permit A. W. Driver,
9611 Las Tunas Drive, to cross over Pedestrian Mall #3, Parking
District #3, subject to conditions as set forth by the City Council
in the original agreement dated March 8, 1972, and renewed each
year subsequently. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graham
and carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioners Graham, Konrad, McVey, Millham
NOES: None
ABSTAINING: Commissioner Driver
TEMPLE CITY PARKING COMMISSION MINUTES, FEBRUARY 21, 1979 PAGE 4
Chairman Millham requested that Item No. 9 be taken as the next
item of business since Commissioner Driver had indicated he had
another meeting to attend at 4:30 p.m. There were no objections
by the Commissioners or the Staff.
9. ZAGER SMITH, 9510 LAS TUNAS DRIVE - RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT TO CROSS
OVER PEDESTRIAN MALL lA
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Assistant City Manager Pucci presented a copy to each Commissioner
of the proposed renewal agreement between the City and Zager -Smith
enabling Mr. Zager to cross over the pedestrian mall in pursuit of
normal business activity. Mr. Pucci pointed out the modification
to Item No. 4 of the terms and provisions of the agreement and
compared the modification with the original agreement. Staff was
recommending the modification on the basis of approaching the
maintenance of the area to the rear mall entrance on more
realistic terms. All other conditions in the renewal agreement
remain unchanged.
In response to Commissioners' questions, Mr. Pucci stated that
the area behind 9510 Las Tunas Drive is in similar condition to
areas behind other buildings in the block; and the weeds have now been
removed. Following a brief discussion of the number of parking
spaces taken up by the ramp adjacent to the pedestrian mall, the
Commissioners concurred in recommending the provisions of the
modified renewal agreement.
Chairman Millham moved to recommend to the City Council renewal
of the agreement, as prepared by staff, enabling Melvin B. Zager,
9510 Las Tunas Drive, to cross over pedestrian Mall 1A, Parking
District No. 1, subject to the applicant meeting the terms set
forth, for the period of September 1, 1979 to September 1, 1980.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Driver and carried
unanimously.
Commissioner Driver asked to be excused from the meeting at this
time due to a previous commitment to another meeting. He was
excused at 4:22 p.m.
8. BUDGET ITEMS - FY 1979 -80
Mr. Pucci advised that Staff was in the process of preparing the
budget for the fiscal year 1979 -80 and invited the Cohunission to
present items for consideration.
The Commission discussed the services of a parking enforcement
officer from the Sheriff's Department as well as the feasibility
of the City hiring its own enforcement officer which would require
the purchase of a vehicle. In response to Commissioner Graham's
question regarding costs of a vehicle purchased by the City, Mr.
Pucci said it would depend upon the type of vehicle used. Couunis --
sioner Graham requested estimates for the services of a city
enforcement officer and a vehicle to compare with estimates given
by Mr. Pucci for Sheriff personnel.
Commissioner Graham moved to recommend to the City Council for
budget consideration the services of a parking enforcement officer.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner McVey and carried.
10. COMMUNICATION: There were no communications.
11. TIME FOR THOSE IN AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO SPEAK: No one came forward.
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TFIMPLE CITY PARKING COMMISSION MINUTES, FEBRUARY 21, 1979 PAGE 5
12. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
A. Commissioner Graham asked for clarification of the different coded
parking lots shown on the map of the central business district.
Mr. Pucci explained those shown with a brown border are city -owned
lots, those lots in green are public parking lots within the
parking district which were paid for by property owners and are
part of the parking districts, those in red are private lots.
Mrs. Graham then noted Lot No. 5 now has 32 parking spaces instead
of 28 as shown on the map, and the appropriate correction was
made by staff. Commissioner Graham then asked that the map show
the locations of the posted two hour signs and Mr. Pucci stated
the map would be updated.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Commissioner Graham
moved to adjourn to an adjourned meeting on Wednesday, February 28,
1979, 7:30 a.m. in Council Chamber at City Hall. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner McVey and carried. The meeting was
adjourned at 4:42 p.m.
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ATTEST:
Secretary
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Chairman