HomeMy Public PortalAbout1990-06-28 TRAFFIC & PARKING COMM.AGENDA ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AT
THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
LINWOOD TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 28, 1990 AT 6:00 P.M.
OPENING CEREMONIES /1
1. CALL FOR ORDER - CHAIRMAN CUNNINGHAM I R EIV EIS
CITY LE KSOFrI
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CITY CLERKS OFFICE
3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POSTING JUN � 51990
AM / PM
4. ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS 7819110111112 6
ROBERT ARCHAMBAULT f /
WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM
JOE DARI'L BATTLE /
RONALD WRIGHT ✓ ✓✓
EDWARD PACHECO
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
SCHEDULED MATTERS
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
COMMISSION ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
ADJOURNMENT
T04 -840
AGENDA ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AT
THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
LYNWOOD TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 28, 1990 AT 6:00 P.M.
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. CALL FOR ORDER - CHAIRMAN CUNNINGHAM
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POSTING
4. ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
ROBERT ARCHAMBAULT
WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM
JOE DAR1L BATTLE
RONALD WRIGHT
EDWARD PACHECO
5. APPROVAL, OF MINUTES
PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
SCHEDULED MATTERS
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
COMMISSION ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
ADJOURNMENT
T04 -MO
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THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD
MAY 24, 1990
A regular meeting of the Traffic and
City of Lynwood was held on the above
City Council Chambers of Lynwood City
the City of Lynwood, California.
CALL TO ORDER
Parking Commission of the
date at 6:00 p.m., in the
Hall, 11330 Bullis Road, in
The meeting was called to order by Chairman William Cunningham.
Commissioners Robert Archambault, Edward Pacheco, Ronald Wright
and Chairman William Cunningham answered roll call. Also present
were Sergeant Sam Silva, Lynwood Sheriff's Department, Jahanshah
Oskoui, Associate Civil Engineer, and Oretha Williams,
Administrative Aide of Public Works. Commissioner Joe Battle
arrived at 6:20 p.m.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Chairman William Cunningham.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF POSTING
Jahanshah Oskoui announced that the Agenda of May 24, 1990, was
duly posted 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting as prescribed
by the Brown's Act.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Wright motioned to accept the minutes
1990. Commissioner Archambault seconded the motion
were approved and carried unanimously.
PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were none.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
There were none.
of April 26,
Minutes
1
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
As part of the informational items, Mr. Oskoui announced, a copy
of the Public Works Monthly Report for the month of April, 1990,
has been included. Mr. Oskoui presented to the Commission a
brief presentation of the current Capital Improvement Projects:
Hulme Avenue Knuckle Project, the Sidewalk Reconstruction
Project, Bateman Hall Decorative Pools, Atlantic Avenue
Reconstruction Project, SAN Project, Long Beach Boulevard
Reconstruction Project, and the Slurry Seal and Street Patching
Project. He also provided information on the Non Capital
Improvement Projects: The Long Beach Boulevard Street Widening
Project at Michigan Avenue, Long Beach Boulevard Trench Repaving
being done by Southern California Gas Company, City Vehicles and
Equipment Auction, Proposed Public Works Yard, the biweekly
Arterial Street Clean Up Operation which was held on May 12,
1990. Included as part of the monthly report were Department of
Public Works reports, Water Quality Reports that were mailed to
Lynwood residents and other articles of interest.
J. Oskoui reported that the Public Works Department received
during the month of April a total of 152 complaints. Out of
the total complaints received, 59% were resolved leaving 41%
unresolved.
COMMISSION ORALS
Sergeant Silva mentioned that at a previous meeting, he had
announced that Mrs. Payton of the Lynwood Unified School District
requested installation of bus loading zone in front of Lugo
Elementary School. He stated that it's been decided that a bus
loading zone will be installed in front of Lugo Elementary School
and all other Lynwood Elementary schools.
Sergeant Silva informed the Commission that the Sheriff's
Department has recently filled a vacant position for a Parking
Control Meter Maid Officer. The position was for an officer who
cited vehicles on Mondays. The Officer will resume to cite
parked vehicles on the street during posted street sweeping days
and hours starting next week. Therefore, anyone wanting to file
a street sweeping parking complaint may contact the Sheriff's
Department.
Sergeant Silva announced, in response to receipt of a phone call,
the caller complained that there is a traffic visibility problems
at the intersection of Weber Avenue and Santa Fe Avenue, the east
bound lane on the west side of the street. Parkway trees are
obstructing view of vehicular traffic. The caller request that
the trees be removed. Also, on the south side of the street of
Weber Avenue and Santa Fe Avenue, cars park on the street near
the street limit line, thereby obstructing a clear view of
oncoming traffic. He request that the curb at that location be
painted red approximately 12 to 16 feet.
e,31
Commissioner Wright expressed that the signal light on Wright
Road at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard does
not change when cars approach the limit line. He asked Mr.
Oskoui if the signal light will be repaired.
Mr. Oskoui replied that the signal light is on fixed and the loop
system does not work at that particular location.
Commissioner Wright complained that there is excessive amount of
dirt on Fernwood Avenue at Pope Street and Virginia Avenue.
Commissioner Pacheco expressed concern that cars, without special
parking permits, often park in the handicap parking spaces, on
the Alpha Beta parking lot.
Sergeant Silva explained that the Sheriff's Department will not
randomly drive onto private property and cite vehicles but will
respond to call when vehicle is observed parked in a handicap
parking space.
Commissioner Pacheco expressed that the median island on Atlantic
Avenue at the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard is in
need of being maintained.
J. Oskoui explained that Parks and Recreation Department are
responsible for maintaining the median islands and the department
may be notified of the problem.
Commissioner Pacheco expressed concern that the Planning
Commission has considered, as part of the Lynwood General Plan,
increasing existing speed zone limits.
Commissioner Cunningham informed the Sheriff's Department that at
previous meetings, the Traffic and Parking Commission discussed
an existing problem, motorist continue to driving into and out of
private property at the south west corner of Imperial Highway and
Birch Street. The Commission request the Sheriff's Department to
monitor the location for violators.
Commissioner Cunningham announced that there is a problem with
peddlers selling fruit on the street.
Sergeant Silva informed the Commission that the Sheriff's
Department recently started a task force. The task force, during
various days and times will arrest, cite persons, confiscate and
destroy goods.
Sergeant Silva mentioned that children have been hit in the
street by vehicles, as a result of running from and in front of
ice cream vendors. Drivers of the ice cream trucks can be cited
in connection with related pedestrian accidents.
Commissioner Cunningham stated that a peddler driving a donut
truck has been observed to sell goods between the hours of 5:00
p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
3
Commissioner Cunningham expressed concern that dry ice has been
issued to children by peddlers pushing hand carts. He mentioned
one particular case when dry ice was given to a young girl and
she received injuries.
Commissioner Cunningham brought to the Commission's attention
that he has noticed abandoned batteries on private properties and
mentioned the potential hazards the batteries may cause.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Wright to adjourn the meeting
to June 28, 1990, at 6:00 p.m. of the Traffic and Parking
Commission in the City Council Chambers. It was seconded by
Commissioner Battle. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
T04 -870
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DEPARTMENT OK, , . PUBLI , C WORKS
MAY, - 19 9 0
V43-270
- ,BY: "EMILIO MURGA "
a
Hulme Avenue Knuckle Project - Closure at Lyndora Street
5 -5126
The bid opening was held on Jame 1, 1990, and nine bidders
submitted bids. The project was awarded by the City Council
on June 5, 1990, to he Griffith Company based on their low bid
of $50,827.00.
The preconstruction meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 21, 1990.
Construction is scheduled to start by mid July of 1990.
2. Sidewalk Reconstruction Project
5 -5125
The preconstruction meeting for this project was held on May 22, 1990.
The Contractor, B -1 Enterprise, will start the construction phase by the
middle of June, 1990.
As a part of this project, damaged sidewalk, curb and gutters
and pavement at 1,100 throughout the City will be reconstructed.
In order to obtain better bids, the project was set as a one year
contract. For the purpose of completing the reconstructions in an
orderly manner, the City has been divided into 4 areas and each
area has been sub - divided into zones. The contractor will complete
the repairs according to areas and zones.
3. Atlantic Avenue Reconstruction Project
(from Abbott Road to Beechwood Avenue)
5 -5103
The preconstruction meeting for this project is scheduled for Wednesday,
June 20, 1990, at 10:00 a.m.
The contract was awarded to Excel Paving Company of Long Beach,
California, based on their low bid of $794,774.35. As a part of this
project, the asphalt pavement along Atlantic Avenue, from Beechwood
Avenue to Abbott Road, will either be reconstructed or overlaid,
damaged concrete improvements will be reconstructed, and landscaped
median islands will be constructed. Also, the intersection of Atlantic
Avenue and Imperial Highway will be improved by lowering the crown,
eliminating the cross gutter, constructing a storm drain and widening of
the east side of Atlantic Avenue from Los Flores Avenue to Imperial
Highway to allow for a right turn only lane.
The construction is expected to begin by the end of June of 1990.
contractor will reconstruct pavement along Atlantic Avenue from
Beechwood Avenue to Abbott'Road.
V43 -430
y
1. City Vehicles and Equipment Auction Results
The City raised approximately $52,000 from the Vehicle/
Equipment Auction which was held on Saturday, May 19, 1990,
at the Lynwood Municipal Garage. The proceeds will be used
to defray a portion of the ICLFA loan to purchase new
City equipment which was approved by the City Council.
2. Spring Clean Up Day
The Spring Clean Up Day was held at the Mervyn M. Dymally
Congressional Park on May 12, 1990. 36 roll -up boxes of
40 cubic yard bins were removed equating to 163 tons of
debris /trash.
The next clean up day will be held in the fall of 1990.
This service is provided free to Lynwood residents, per the
City Agreement with Western Waste Industries.
3. Fixed Trolley System
A preliminary route for the third trolley has been tested
by Commuter Bus Lines and is awaiting approval by City
Council and LACTC.
The route length is close to 7 miles and will take
approximately 55 minutes to run. (see attached route map).
4. Sheriff's Department Surveillance Unit
Staff met with representatives of LACTC and the Sheriff's
Department to review the application for $175,000 for
a Sheriff's Officer and car to provide surveillance and
security service at RTD and Lynwood Trolly Bus stops.
The project's original budget of $175,000 has been revised
to $199,000. LACTC is requesting additional back up data
prior to project approval.
V43 -440
SUBJECT: ENGINEERING DIVISION MONTHLY REPORT
Permits:
Inspections:
Plan Checks:
Site Plans:
Complaints:
Parcel Maps:
Traffic and Parking
Commission:
Underground Service
Alert Markings:
15 permits were issued
A total of 25 inspections were performed
17 plan checks completed
8 site plans were reviewed
90 complaints resolved
2 parcel maps, plan checks, were processed
1 monthly meeting, Thursday, May 24, 1990
12 locations marked
Easement and 4 Legal Descriptions and Easement Deeds were
Legal Descriptions: prepared
Traffic Signal Completed weekly Street Wide Survey of
Survey: Traffic Signals
V43 -380
.v
,MONTH: MAY
14
9
DATE:
21
JUNE 5, 1990
79
YEAR: 1990
NUMBER OF
COMPLAINTS:
162
TYPE OF COMPLAINTS
INCOMING
%
RESOLVED
%
UNRESOLVED
%
SIDEWALKS
TRASH PICK UP
14
9
10
71
4
29
CLEAN LOT /CUT WEEDS
7
4
0
0
7
100
STREET SWEEPING
18
11
9
50
9
50
CLEAN ALLEY /STREET
20
12
18
90
2
10
TRIM TREE
14
9
3
21
11
79
CONCRETE REPAIRS/
8
5
1
12
7
88
SIDEWALKS
PONDING WATER
1
1
1
100
0
0
POT HOLES
2
2
1
50
1
50
STREET LIGHTS
12
7
2
17
10
83
TRAFFIC SIGNALS
7
4
6
86
1
14
TRAFFIC SIGNS
11
7
8
73
3
27
SEWER PROBLEMS
4
2
4
100
0
0
OTHER DEPARTMENTS
13
8
4
23
9
77
OTHER TYPES
OF COMPLAINTS
TOTALS
31 19 6 19 25 81
162 1007 73 45% 89 55%
TOFU
Cit of LY NWOOD �
11330 BULLIS ROAD
LYNWOOD, CALIFORNIA 90262
(213) 603 -0220
INTER - OFFICE MEMO
DATE: 1114Y 31
TO: EMILIO MURGA - ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
FROM: SAM FORT, STREET MAINTENANCE SUPRRVISORI
SUBJECT: STREET DIVISION ACTIVITIES lkk5l 19 r f0
SIGN MAINTENANCE - REPLACED DUR TO DAMAGE OR BEING FADED
SiG.o 16 ,?„
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.S. R�LT ,vx�ME 1
ALLEY CLEANUP - PICKED UP TRASII AND DEBRIS
blocks 9/
BIJS STOPS - CLEANED TRASH AND DEBRIS
80 locations weekly
TREES
Trimmed /
Restacked
Serviced broken limbs
Removed dead or damaged trees /
Watered new trees- weekly
LOT CLEANING - CLEANED OF TRASH AND DEBRIS
City owned parcels Q
BOULEVARDS CLEANED - PICKED UP TRASH AND DEBRIS -
SWEPT SIDEWALKS AND GUTTERS
Imperial - Atlantic to Duncan //
Imperi -al - Fernwood•to Duncan
M.L.K. - Alameda to Wright
Atlantic - Abbott to McMillan /
Long Beach - Tweedy to Orchard I/
wj=
REFUSE BINS - LOADED BY STREET DIVISION AND HAULED BY
WESTERN WASTF
Loads ;(S
Tons
ASPHALT �7 TANS
1 .vvcE .floTt biirJ! 1, /i6 = 9
1P 4MI 11Me -), L f f z 6
vw &/Z(,W 41 .47 Ae2 1* e IAIG c,6'7 — 91 Tocls
MISCELLANEOUS
Picked up discarded mattresses S
throughout City
Picked up discarded sofas
throughout City
Miscellaneous trash picked up locations $
/1V710STx ,gL wnsTt- SOi'C� �T 118'65" /1L, -aA
11A,a !,, 'OFC H14167
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City of LYNWOOD
�A City Aeeting NAenges
11330 BULLIS ROAD
LYNWOOD, CALIFORNIA 90262
(213) 603 -0220
INTER - OFFICE MEMO
DATE: JUNE 4, 1990
TO: EMILIO MURGA, ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
FROM: JOHN C. LEICHTY, ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR
SUBJECT: ACTIVITY OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND STREET LIGHTING
DIVISION: MONTH OF MAY, 1990
I. Traffic Signals
mom
A.
Inspections and preventive maintenance of traffic
30
signal controlled intersections.
B.
Signal lamps replaced /repaired from lists and other
28
inspections.
C.
Trouble calls to signal controlled intersections
4
1. Alameda Street and Industry Way, on flash.
Bad railroad preempt controls (5/7/90).
2. Bullis Road and Imperial Highway - Inoperative
pedestrian signals, two upgraded, N/E corner
(5/10/90)
3. Abbott Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard -
Broken and hanging pedestrian signals in island
(5/24/90).
4. Santa Fe and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
on flash, power problems (5/29/90)
D.
Damaged by Auto - Traffic Signal
1
1. Imperial Highway and Bullis Road - Changed
damaged 170/332 traffic control cabinet (5/9/90)
E.
Abbott Road and Atlantic Avenue - Changed over to
new meter service cabinet (go to underground system)
worked with SCE and Engineering Division.
F.
Review Changes to Time Base Coordination of Signals
1. Changed Imperial Highway (Long Beach Boulevard and
N/W Atlantic Avenue in progress) as directed by
City Engineer.
II. Street Lighting
A. Street light systems tested 4
B. Street light lamps replaced 6
C. Complete fixture replaced 1
D. Components, ballasts, etc., replaced 2
E. Damaged by Auto - Street Lighting 1
1. Power /service cabinet, N/E State Street and
Los Flores (repairs done)
2. Power /service cabinet, south side of Imperial
Highway near Wright Road (repaired).
0 0
III. Related and Other Activities
A. Installed two data communication cables from City Hall to
the Anne: Building.
B. Removed remains of Entry Marker on Imperial Highway hit, by
auto. New one on order.
C. For Parks - Installed new irrigation controller, State Street
and Flower Street (old one vandalized).
D. Attended drivers education /training class (Council Chambers)
E. Finalized and reviewed purchase orders for end of fiscal year
by division needs).
V43 -150
MONTHLY PRODUCTION REPORT
PUBLIC WORKS /WATER DIVISION
MONTH: I i I ri /
Water
Turn Ons
Water
Turn Offs
Water
Meters Read
Water
Meter Rereads
Sewer
Backups
Pumps
Checked
Leaks
Checked
(Per
Customer Complaint)
Water Main Leaks 10
Locations:
z�
( //O Books)
Red Tags Posted
Lock /Pull Meters
Water Meters Replaced 35
General Complaints ((,
PREPARED BY: ID
REVIEWED B
D:MONTHLY
0 9
2 of 2
May . 1990
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (OTHER)
1. Repaired and submitted a council item for the sale of 600
A.F. of ground water. This quantity of water is the part, of
our A.P.A. which we will not be able to extract during the
remainder of the fiscal year.
2. Attended a demonstration of the Bristol Babcock/Genesis
Telemetry Control System. The demonstration was presented by
Jim Byrd of Byrd Electronics, Telemetry repair and mainte-
nance specialist. This proposed system will enable staff to
effectively and efficiently control the active wells and
booster pumps in our water system. The system will also
enable staff I,o optimize the benifits and remotely monitor
and regulate the MWD imported water. A field observation of
an operating system is scheduled for June 7,1990.
3. Relocated the telemetry power backup unit away from vehicle
parking areas.
4. Lowered the booster pump light conduit to be flush with the
roof and parapet. Also scheduled a contractor to replace the
roof on the booster pump house. The work is scheduled to be
started on June 12, 1990.
5. Obtained prices and submitted a purchase order to install
razor ribbon around the Public Works .yards.
To , . MU G A
SIR. OF PUBLIC IRKS
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City of LYNWOOD
�A City J CC1111g C6aQQenges
11330 BULLIS ROAD
LYNWOOD, CALIFORNIA 90262
(213) 603 -0220
INTER- OFFICE MEMO
DATE.
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT
1!
JUNE 5, 1990
EMILIO M. MURGA, ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORK'S
BILL SHAFFER, BUILDING MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOr' s
MONTHLY REPORT FOR MAY, 1990
Bateman Hall
1. Had entry and patio painted.
2. Repaired kitchen exhaust fans.
3. Had electrical conduit painted.
4. Reinforced cooling tower pipes.
5. Repaired lighting in kitchen.
6. Repaired water supply to cooling tower.
7. Repaired water leaks in kitchen and N.E.
corner of building.
8. Worked on fountains.
9. Reworked fresh air intake for HVAC system.
10. Working on roof bids for entry.
II. City Hall
1. Reset thermostats in Accounting, Copier room,
Lunch room and Human Resources.
2. Removed furniture from Human Resources.
3. Replaced drawer handles for the Clerks office counter.
4. Repaired lighting in Administrative Services.
5. Reworked new cabinetry in Administrative Services.
6. Drilled holes and installed covers for wireing in
new cabinets in Administrative Services.
7. Repaired door closer in Payroll.
8. Repaired HVAC drip pan drains for Administrative
Services and Clerks's office.
9. Install energy saving bulbs.
10. Obtained bids and submitted P.O. to paint City Hall
hallways and bathrooms.
11. Replaced door stops in Human Resources
12. Worked on door closers in Administrative Services
and Clerks office.
13. Strung coaxial cable from Phone Room to Administra-
tive Services
14. Moved furniture for Administrative Services.
III. City Hall Annex
1. Removed furniture.
2. Repaired entry light on trailer.
3. Repaired electrical in Trailer.
4. Reset thermostats.
5. Repaired electric door latch on counter.
6. Repaired non - working HVAC for east side of building.
7. Helped pull coaxial cable between the Annex and City
Hall.
8. Removed door closer iM Public Works.
IV. Community Center
1. Replace a broken window.
IV. Fire Station No. 1
1. Repaired flush valve on urinal.
2. Replaced packing in shower hot water supply.
V. Parks
1. Submitted P.O. for stainless steel bathroom fixtures.
VI. Street Yard
I. Replaced broken window.
2. Installed two metal doors.
3. Replaced hasps on storage rooms.
4. Repair leaking toilet.
5. Installed one interior door
VII. Miscellaneous
1. Did monthly HVAC maintenance.
2. Started moving furniture from Medical office on San-
born.
Rail System'Gets Dead Start on Security
record first."
The arrests were made by the
rail security force since the sys,
tem was begun in March and
provided an early test for the
network of roving patrol cars,
plainclothes officers, closed -cir-
cuit televisions and telephone hot
lines that feed into a command
post in Willowbrook.
Suspects taken into custody
along the rail line's vacant plat-
forms, stations and train tracks
have been charged with crimes
ranging from possession of nar-
cotics and vandalism to malicious
mischief and theft.
"Of course, the gangs will view
this system as part of their turf,"
said Sheriff Sherman Block,
whose department oversees the
rail line's security force. "We
■ Transportation: Nearly 300 arrests already have
been made with.use of sophisticated network. Line
linking Long Beach to downtown L.A. doesn't open
for three weeks.
By LOUIS SAHAGUN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
The opening of the $877- million
Blue Line light -rail system
linking Long Beach and down-
town Los Angeles is still three
weeks away, but a sophisticated
security network designed to pro-
tect passengers and prevent van-
dalism has already led to the
arrest of nearly 300 people.
The electronic surveillance
equipment and a 118 - member rail
security force are being deployed
because of concerns by law en-
forcement and transportation of-
ficials about gang activity along
the 22 -mile line.
"We've got about 15,000, or
22%, of all the gang members in
Los Angeles County, residing
within a mile of either side of the
. line," said Los Angeles Coun-
ty Sheriff's Capt. Frank Vadurro,
who commands security for the
Blue Line. "If I were bent on
criminal behavior along this line,
I would look at our enforcement
intend to keep that from translat-
ing into vandalism, assault, graf-
fiti and anything else against
passengers."
T he Sheriff's Department won
the job of policing the rail
system in March when Rapid
Transit District directors, under
pressure from county supervisors
and Mayor Tom Bradley, voted to
have deputies — instead of the
RTD's own police force— protect
the line. The sheriff's involve-
ment will cost the county Trans-
portation Commission $9.9 million
a year
A spokesman for RTD officers
has expressed reservations about
the Sheriff Department's ability
to handle crimes along the rail
line. Transit officers said their
greatest worry is a stretch be-
tween Slauson Avenue and Mar-
tin Luther King Jr Bou yard.
During the mid- 1980s, 1) ere
boarded by armed gan who'-_
robbed passengers in incidents
that became known as "stage
coach robberies," said Kyle Ram-
sey, president of the Southern
California Transit Police Officers'
Assn.
Sheriff's officials downplay
these concerns, saying a recent
study showed that their force and
equipment were adequate.
RTD and sheriff's officials will
direct the security system from a
high -tech nerve center that they
call the "USS Enterprise," housed
in a two -story concrete -and-
glass structure guarded by a six -
Please see RAIL LINE, B3
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Train operator Lowell Lewis demonstrates how he can keep in touch by radio with command post.
RAIL LINE: High -Tech Security System
Continued from B1
foot -high fence.
The centerpiece of the command
post is a 30 -foot -long color coded
map that shows stations, platforms
and the exact location of every
train on the line. The map faces an
array of computer terminals
manned by RTD personnel. Emer-
gencies will show up on the screen
as blinking red or yellow lights —
depending on the severity of the
problem.
On an adjacent wall are 64 tele-
vision screens linked to video sur-
veillance cameras installed at each
of the transit system's 22 station
platforms. In the trains, passengers
will be able to press an intercom
button and forward emergency
calls to train operators. The opera-
tors, safe behind locked doors and
shatter -proof windows, can radio
deputies at the command post.
Deputies can even be shuttled to
an emergency aboard a special
maintenance car capable of catch-
ing up to a passenger train still in
motion.
Response time, said Dan Ibarra,
RTD superintendent of light rail
operations, "will be immediate."
Uniformed deputies and plain-
`Of course, the gangs will
view this system as part
of their turf. We intend to
keep that from
translating into
vandalism, assault,
graffiti and anything else
against passengers.'
SHERIFF SHERMAN BLOCK
clothes officers will ride trains and
roam stations, platforms and six
park- and -ride locations along the
route. "Our deployment strategy
calls for increased presence during
peak hours, but I won't say there
will be an officer on every train,"
Vadurro said.
"But the chances are great that
there will be a deputy riding with
you," Vadurro said, "and the
chances are also great that there
will be a plainclothes officer on
board that you will never know
about."
These officers also will be in
charge of ensuring that passengers
have paid to ride the line Those
caught on board without tickets
will be subject to fines.
When the trains begin running,
some Guardian Angels may be
along for the ride. A spokesman for
the volunteer anti -crime organiza-
tion said the group hopes to put as
many as 100 members aboard the
trains.
"The Guardian Angels are as
welcome as any other citizen to
ride these trains," said Sheriff's
Administrative Sgt. Joe Anda. "In
the public's eye, I'm sure they will
enhance a sense of security "
AKILI- CASUNDRIA RAMSF /FWIM1)."
Y.-_
Los Angeles parking enforce-
ment officials are testing 275
high -tech digital parking meters
with circuits thatcan be repro-
grammed quickly and cheaply by
an infrared beam whenever rates
are raised; said:
Workers installed 170 of the
new parking meters Wednesday
on two streets in Westwood-Vil-
lage and another dozen of the de-
vices will be installed Monday in
Reseda, said'John Delianedis,
Los Angeles parking meter pro-
gram manager.
'The, way we'see it, there's
nothing to wea'r out," Delianedis
said. "Keep replacing the battery
every two years and they'll keep
running forever." `
The newly acquired units will
lance and near Los Angeles
beaches for resistance to mois-
ture and salt'air; Delianedis said.
The meters use the same metal
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housing and coin- handling mech-
anism as traditional meters.
Most current models of meters
must be dismantled on a work-
bench to raise parking rates or to
change the maximum allotted
parkingjime. But the new units
can be reset in a few seconds
without disassembly by a hand-
held computer that emits an in-
frared signal, officials said.
An official of a city employees'
union was concerned whether the
$150 meters will be as economi-
cal as older, $50 models that
have mechanical clocks which
must be periodically cleaned, lu-
bricated and adjusted by techni-
cians. .
That reminds me that a few
years ago the city tried automat-
ed refuse trucks, and that was a
real nightmare," said Julie Butch-
er, a spokeswoman for Service
Employees' International Union
Local 347. "If you've got some-
thing that why fix it ?"
Each of the meters uses a nine -
volt battery, such as the ones
commonly used in smoke detect
meters
tors, to power a printed- circuit
board and a liquid-crystal display
(LCD) unit, according to the
manufacturer, Duncan Industries
of Harrison, Ark., the world's
largest builder of parking meters.
The digital LCD replaces the
mechanical arrow showing the
time remaining on the meter,
said John Van Horn, Duncan's
director of engineering.
"The biggest single mainte-
nance item in the life of a meter
is maintaining the clock unit —
cleaning and oiling it and making
sure it's accurate," Van Horn
said. "This has a quartz crystal
timer that's deadly accurate."
The, portable hand -held com-
puter used 'to reset the new
meters also can perform an addit
of the coin box.
"A supervisor can take an au-
dit of how much money has gone
through the meter," Van Horn
said. "The meter also records the
timerand date of maintenance„
work,.proving that the worker
made his rounds."
Two Westwood Village streets are the testing sites for t
digital parking meters that will be maintained with infrared
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a
Daily News Staff e nd Wire Servlces
WASHINGTON — The Su-
preme Court upheld the constitu-
tionality of- roadblocks to check
for drunkeii.`driv'ers.Thursday,.
saying that ,sucli checkpoints-do
not violate ttie'Fourth Amend-
ment's bantonstinreasonable
search and seizure.
The court's' 6.3 ruling ih a�
Michigan case settles a dispute in
lower courts, which were split on
the legitimacy of such plans
around the country
California officials said that
the Supreme Court decision vin-
dicates the controversial tactic
but kill''not lead to increased use
of checkpoints in:the stale. -
- The Michigan case was closely
watched' because of the'height-
ened concern in recent years over
road accidents involving alcohol,
but also because it is part of a
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Justices clear way for Mddicaid
y ...... .
Daily Neese Stall and Wire Services
WASHINGTON In a de=
cision likely to fuel the growing
debate °over how to pay for
ntedieal� care for poor people,
the Supreme Court ruled that
hospitals and nursing homes
can sue states for higher Medic-
aid reimbursement rates.
The court, ruled Thursday
that hospital`s can go to federal
court to enforce their legal,right
to "reasonable ana.aaegUa
reimbursement fdrlhe cos
treating patients eovered by
Medicaid program.' -
The 54'decision is likel7
further,strain the troubled, I
gram 6&Iitt new finam
oressures on state governmt
at a time whewmany are trytng,-
to conirol, Medicaid, costa;
which they share with the fed =;
See MEDICAID / Pg. 15 "
„r
shift in;tlie court's approach to
criminal law: For the ' purpose of
fighting drunken driving, police
have been given constitutional
clearance to and search citi-
zens.without any suspicion of
wrongdoing. .,
'No one can seriously dispute
the magnitude of the drunken
driving problem or the states;jn`-
`31
See CHECKP / Pg. •15 ^,
terest in eradicating it," wrote
Chief Justice William H. Rehn-
quist for the majority in the case,
Michigan Police vs. Sitz.
"Conversely, the weight bear-
ing on the other scale — the mea-
sure of the Intrusion on motorists
stopped briefly at sobriety check-
points — is slight."
The opinion instantly was
hailed by organizations dedicated
to reducing drunken driving.
"1'm extremely pleased to
learn of the court's decision,"
said California Highway Patrol
. Maury Hannigan
in a statement.- "(The ruling) af-
firms my belief that any minor
inconvenience produced by a
brief stop at a sobriety check-
point is a small price to pay for
helping to prevent the tragedy of
(drunken driving - related) acci-
dents."
Tomorrow we must begin to
assure that every community will
make checkpoints a key element
of an all-out campaign to finally
rid our roads of the menace
posed by drinking drivers," said
Micky Sadoff, national president
of Mothers Against Drunk Driv-
ing.
Brit Burt Neuborne, a special-
ist in civil liberties at New York
University Law School, said that
the decision "alters the funda-
mental guidelines" of Fourth
Amendment law. '
Until now, police had to have
probable cause for suspicion, and
the legal questions were how
probable and who decides, he
said: Now the court has upheld
police search and seizure when
there are no grounds for suspi-
cion of the individual, a practice
that could be expanded to other
purposes in future.
This was a key concern of the
three dissenters, John Paul Ste-
vens, William J Brennan Jr. and
Thurgood Marshall.
"The court overvalues ._ aw
enforcement interest in using so-
briety checkpoints, undervalues
the citizen's interest in freedom
from random, unannounced in-
vestigatory seizures and mista-
kenly assumes that there is 'vir-
tually no difference' between a
routine stop at a permanent,
fixed checkpoint add a surprise
stop at a sobriety checkpoint,"
Stevens wrote. • o'
Michigan police began using°
sobriety checkpoints in 1986—
At an unannounced check
point site, usually set up late . at
night, police directed all traffic to ,.
a roadside area where officers;,
talked to drivers.
If any signs of intoxi n .
were detected, a drives .
directed to another area fbFfui•
ther questioning. ' fr "; `
The nation's highest court 're•-
fused to hear a December 1988'
challenge of a 4 -3 California'Su%C
preme Court ruling suppprtiiig'`
checkpoints.
"We felt we were satisfied that
the California Supreme Court;;
ruling was constitutionel;'''said
Sam Haynes, spokesman`•for.therr
California Highway Patrol."r , :r
Haynes said that the state ha`d t
filed a brief supporting'the Mich => 1
igan law to•the high court ;JTheft
state conducts an average of,100;,�
sobriety checkpoints a year, lead -•t;
ing to a yearly total of aboutr750rr,
arrests for drunken drivingii%
Haynes said. i A '