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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCity Council_Minutes_1960-12-12_Regular 19601, INITIATION :. The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Temple City was called to order by Mayor Fitzjohn who led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Invocation was given by Rev, Roger Hillis of Westminster Pres- byterian Church, 9642 Live Oak, Temple City. ROLL CALL; PRESENT: Councilmen - Buchan, Dickason, Merritt & Fitzjohn ABSENT: Councilmen- Tyre11 ALSO PRESENT: Shatford & Woollett 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 28, 1960. Mr. Woollett corrected No. 19 under MASTER PLAN - 701 REQUEST to read "Administrative Assistant" and not Assistant Manager. Merritt moved to approve the minutes of November 28 as corrected, Dickason seconded and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen- Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen -None ABSENT: Councilmen - Tyrell RESOLUTION NO. 60 -102, At this time Mayor Fitzjohn requested Mr. Robert W. Hitchcock, Jr., to come forward, and read Resolution No. 60 -102 commending Mr. Hitchcock for his fine services in coaching the Varsity Foot- ball team to Championship of their District, and presented a beautifully engraved plaque of the Resolution to Mr. Hitchcock. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: REQUESTED ABATEMENT OF LIGHT & AIR EASEMENT - DEPT. OF REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMEND APPROVAL. Woollett stated since last Council meeting the construction firm has met requirements in respect to additional paving. Merritt had slides showing aerial picture of area involved which . he showed. He felt that the easement should be retained as by by opening area a street could be put through which would be better than small houses on back of these lots, and a street would open up the back lot lines on Olive and Green Streets. Buchan advised he had talked to property owners there and they were interested in holding it open with possibility of putting houses on the back end of their lots on the street. Dickason stated he had looked at this several times and thinks we are all concerned about deep lots in Temple City and three and four houses in the rear and he felt present standards would have to be maintained and to up -grade if possible, Also the Master. Plan is a long.way off and these things cannot wait and we do have 'to guard against future blight areas in the City. This does make a possible street opening up an area not reached by streets. 11e are concerned because these are some of the deep lots with only access from Baldwin in this case. With streets planned in such': a way there would be access and fine homes facing streets and I think this is pretty much the same opinion as other Councilmen and should be kept as it is at the present time. Shatford stated the request received by the .City to abandon the Light 4 Air Easement was given a great number of years ago with expectation that some day someone might want to develop ea street there and therefore it would be up to the property owners. Ease- ment was given to the County and when incorporated became the city's. When the apartment was built it encroached on the Light & Air Easement 'and as the Council have expressed they do not wish to abandon this as it might be developed for a street. He advised the easement stops back of lots on Green St., goes two 2r• CITY OF TEMPLE CITY TEJPLF CITY, CALIFORNIA MINUTES OF REGULAR "MEETING DECEMBER 12, 1960 90 Council Minutes, December 12, 1960, page 2 feet south of Olive, and goes easterly to Arden. Mr. Taylor Fimple, 10161 E. Olive, stated easement crosses back of his lot which he had been wanting to develop into R -1 zone. Shatford explained the developer of the property did not want to spend the money to put in the street which he would be requir, ed to do in 1932 and dedicate to the County of Los Angeles. The map was only approved showing particular area where street would go. In that way it prevented the property from being built on. The property owners would have to pay to put in the street, curbs and gutters, etc., before it could be accepted by the City. This came up before the Council because the big apart- ment builder has built garages over the easement, and they are requesting vacating of easement. The Council has spent many weeks investigating. The aerial picture shows very little built on it. Mr. Fimp said they were not interested in the easement but are interested in streets, and they do not want rear houses;, private streets or such. Buchan said garages will have to be moved to protect street. Vito Bonura, 10420 E. Olive, presented a map of the whole tract and asked it this abandonment were granted would this in any affect the whole tract. Woollett advised the Council is only considering lots 6 and 7 right now on Baldwin, and they feel the easement should be retained for future development. Merritt moved to deny the request to vacate or abandon the Light & Air Easement on Lots 6 and 7, Tract 10558, Buchan seconded, roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen- Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Fitzjohn NOES: Ccunc i l merr ..Norse ABSENT: Councilmen - Tyreli 10.- PUBLIC HEARING :PROPOSED ANNEXATION NO, 3 A WEST TEMPLE CITY (Un- inhabited) Mr. Woollett said this annexation was initiated some weeks ago at the request of two or three property owners in the area to be annexed, and we have gone through necessary proceed. ings, and this evening at 7:14 P. M. I received a protest signed by all three owners. It is legal and submitted at a legal time and it is his opinion that the City Council must terminate the proposed annexation which Mr. Shatford said they must do. Dickason moved to terminate proceedings for annexation 3 A, Merritt seconded, roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen- Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen -None ABSENT: Councilmen - Tyrell 7. ORDINANCE N0, 60 -23: ADOPTING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (Second Reading). Shatford read title to Ordinance No. 6023 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY, CALIFORNIA, ,AMENDING ,, AUTOMOBILE PARKING REQUIREMENTS, ACCESS WIDTH TO DWELLING UNITS ON THE SAME LOT AND AREA REQUIREMENTS REGARDING R -1 AND A -1 LOTS BY AMENDING ORDINANCE NO, 1494 OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES (AS AMENDED) AS ADOPTED BY THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ORDINANCE NO. 1, ARTICLE IX, CHAPTER 1, SECTIONS 9100 AND 9101. Merritt moved to waive further reading of Ordinance No. 60 -23, Buchan seconded,1 . roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen - Buchan, Dickason, Merritt & Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen -None ABSENT: Councilmen - Tyreli Buchan moved to adopt Ordinance No. 60 =23, Dickason seconded, roll call vote as' follows: AYES: Councilmen- Buchan, Dickason, Merritt & Fitzjohn NOESi Councilmen -None ABSENT: Councilmen - Tyreli 8. PUBLIC HEARING: ZONE CHANGE CASE NO, 60 -7 FREDERICK N. FREE Mr. Frederick N. Free, 5325 N. Glickman, stated he requested a zone change from A1-1 acre, to R1 -5000 sq. ft. for area north of Olive, West of Zadell, and East of Glickman, south to a spot 91 Council Minutes, December 12, 1960, page 3 designated between this property and Green St. Mr. Ed. Holden, Regional Planning Commission, advised the pre- sent zone is A1-1 acre and the application is for R 1 from A 1 and reduction of 1 acre to 5000 sq. ft. per lot. The Council recommended this entire area 'surrounding this to south of Olive be referred back to the Planning Commission with request zone change request be initiated for entire property in A 1.1 acre zone. A Hearing will come up for the entire area after the firs: of the year. The request was made to hold the final Ordinance until such time as subdivision map has been filed and considered by the Planning Commission and Council, and until a final map is filed with necessary improvements of subdivision. Because this application was made it comes up for public hearing at this time. Mayor Fitzjohn asked if any one wished to speak in favor.. Mr, Reel, 10221 Green St., asked how far east is being consider- ed at present time. Woollett advised rest of area will be con- sidered on Jan. 16 and anyone in the area will receive a letter prior to this meeting. 8 :10 P. M, Councilman Tyrell arrived at this time. Buchan brought out that the Light & Air Easement dissect this map. Woollet said it takes 30 ft. off part of these lots, and makes it 60 ft. wide across east and west and north and south and that the part covered tonight is from Zadell to Glickman. Mrs, Placek, 10111 Green St., was advised this covered Lots 16 through 30 and not lots fronting on Green St. At this time the Mayor declared the Public Hearing closed. Buchan inquired from Shatford procedure about easement on this property which subdivision would not be in line with, and was advised that the easement would have to be vacated in this pars ticular area which can be taken care of in same Ordinance that would take care of changing zone in that entire area, He also advised that this easement does not have the great value you might feel inclined to place upon it. If you can get these lots developed to meet your approval it is questionable what court would do if you went in to put a street in its light & air ease- ment and not a dedicated street easement. Also getting property owners together to put a street in there. The City could con- demn but it would be for the benefit of private property owners and would not be considered. You can withhold final Ordinance until such time as there is a n approved tract map available and until bonds are posted for improvements. When recorded and all taken care of you can then change the zone and until ordinance is finally adopted you have not granted zone change finatly. Merritt felt as the easement runs east and west through this tract and if tract streets were made more in line with easement with access either on Zadell or Glickman or possibly both which would be better than zig -zag road with cul -de -sac. Also there is considerable vacant property in area and as far as condemning property it might be possible to get some of these people on Zadell and Glickman to go along. Harold Stephens, 5310 Zadell, said there were fourteen property owners working on this for a long time and it is the best and only solution they were able to workout. It opens up the area. The majority of people want it, it is good for the City and it if up to the City to do so. Joe Ronstad, 2636 So. Baldwin, stated he was not speaking for or against but he did know property well and there are lots of problems here. One re proposed subdivision no provision for 92 Council Minutes, December 12, 1960. Page 4 flood control so where is the water going to go. Green St. is a private street and is dead end at east end and if you run water off there it would be over private property and you could be in trouble there. The subdivision was approved in 1940 which the County would not approve as of today. This area in Temple City is probably the only area with zoning comparable to Arcadia and only area where you can have the zone over 5000 sq. ft. and where you can control 3, 4, or 5 houses on. When changing to 5000 sq. ft. ybu,have given up any control you may have. Mrs. Placek, 10111 Green St., stated she objected to what Mr. Ronstad said as you cannot do as you please on our property. She is happy the way it is but is not objecting to the subdivision as she likes large lots but is not going to stand in the way of what her neighbors want to do. Long years ago it was Al 5000 and that a group on Green St. had been hindering all these years and she thinks you should give the property owners a right to do as they please with their own property. Mr. Free stated they got together and formed tract. All the people are discouraged with weeds and back of lots ramsheckle and they would look better with nice houses. We have a chance now and everybody in our tract wants this re- zoned, it is to their benefit and 1 do not see how anyone can object. Dickason moved to continue this to the next meeting for necessary study, Tyrell felt Mr. Ronstad had a point. Also that only interests served in change were economic. To develope for the benefit of the community 5000 is far to small. There is just not enough room for a three bedroom home on a 5000 lot which leaves very little back yard for children. 1 think 6000 sq. ft. should be the minimum. Mayor Fitzjohn felt people do not want to take care of a big back yard, and that we should not class ourselves with San Marino and sections of Arcadia, and 1 think it only fair that we have a number of 5000. Mildred Free, 5325 Glickman, stated for about five years we have been trying to get a nice tract. We have a good builder and in our escrow agreement they are to be nice houses, and also many of the lots on the map are 6000 sq. ft. Tyrell seconded the motion made by Mr. Dickason, roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen - Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Tyrell & Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen .None ABSENT: Councilmen -None 9. ZONE VARIANCE CASE NO. 60 -8 J. W. Potter. Mr. Holden stated this request was for reduction of set back of 70 ft. from property line, to 20 ft. from property line in ac- cordance with plot plan as submitted by applicant. This plan shows how this can be developed into three lots with three houses. The Planning Commission did recommend to the Council that they grant modification to 2.0 ft. Facing on Glickman at La Rosa and Glickman is the last lot subject to 70 ft. set -back and the house to the east has a set back of 30 ft. The Commission recommended standard set back of 20 ft. J. W. Potter, 242 Bradoaks, Monrovia, stated he could see no harm that it could do and asked it to be granted at this time. Buchan made the motion to grant the variance, Dickason seconded, Tyrell stated the house across the street set back was 30 ft. and felt this 20 ft. basis would make it stick out further than the house on the east side of the street adjacent to it and 93 Council Minutes, December 12, 1960, page 5 and he felt we should be consistent along the street. Dickason said the legal set back is 20 ft. but believed that they are set back 30 ft. Betty Minnick, 10134 E. La Rosa, stated they were west of the corner lot and they had been waiting for this set back release. and that those on other side of street are not objecting. Also fences are 20 ft. back from street, and they think it would improve the area. Dickason stated this variance was not for all the area but just for requested property. Mrs. Geo. Ethier, 50299 Glickman, said there is not enough property on west side to build more houses, They had built a house on the east corner and had hoped to build on the back of lot but could not because of restrictions. They sold and it has been built upon. She feels that property on east side has nothing to do with what Mr. Potter wants to do, and that they have 5000 sq. ft. and 3 children and they have plenty of room. E. E. Fitzpatrick, 10142 La Rosa, stated he had a lot in back and he wanted to sell the house. The man below him built 4 hous- es just lately on his lot and has 5000 feet to each house. If the footage is raised it is discrimination against me, and they should have thought of it before allowing these new ones up in past few months. Roll Call Vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen- Buchan, Dickason, Merritt & Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen »Tyre11 ABSENT: Councilmen -None 11. RESOLUTION NO. 60 -101 Shatford read title to Resolution No. 60 -101 ADOPTING BUDGET AND APPROVING MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR EXPENDITURE OF GAS TAX ALLOCATION FOR MAJOR CITY STREETS. Merritt moved to waive further reading, Dickason seconded, roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen- Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Tyrell & Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen -None ABSENT: Councilmen -None Merritt moved to adopt Resolution No. 60 -101, Dickason seconded, roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen- Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Tyrell & Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen -None ABSENT: Councilmen -None The Mayor called a five minute recess. 12. RECOMMENDATIONS PLANNING COMMISSION: a. ZONE VARIANCE CASE NO. 60 -9 Voegeli- Recommend denial. Request for reduction in area as they are short 400 ft., lot is on E. Freer west of Welland, and when new Ordinance goes into effect would be short 900 sq. ft. Planning Commission recommend denial. Mr. Holden stated a possible way to develop would be to possibly work it out with adjoining property and make it possible to develop rear of lots to minimum size as required by Ordinance. Mayor asked if anyone wished to speak. Dickason moved to approve recommendation of the Planning Commission and deny request for variance, Buchan seconded, roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen - Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Tyrell & Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen -None ABSENT: Councilmen -None b. ZONE VARIANCE CASE NO. 60 -10 Mathews. Recommend approval. Requests P zone in order to erect structure on rear of manu- facturing building on Rosemead south of Las Tunas. Front is in 94 Council Minutes, December 12, 1960, page 6 M 1 zone and rear in P'zone. The front is now developed with parking area which will park 6 cars in front. They prefer to build in back in P zone exchanging front parking for rear park- ing which is quite sound from planning point of view per Mr. Holden, and it appears he can meet requirements as provided in ordinance, with 2% of parking area to be land - scaped, and the Commission requires the revised Plot Plan be approved by the Chairman of the Planning Commission which shall provide 10 parking spaces and 2% with parking planting. Mr. Mathews stated these two conditions will be met, building put up by licensed contractor and as approved by Commission cannot see any objection to it. Merritt moved the Variance be granted with approved re- quirements of the Planning Commission, Dickason seconded, roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen - Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Tyrell & Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen -None ABSENT: Councilmen -None 13. TRAFFIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS: a. LOADING ZONE: 9426 LAS TUNAS DR. Recommended removal. Woollett stated this was on the south side of Las Tunas and was about a 22 ft. loading zone which the property owner requested removed. Dickason moved to accept recommendation of Traffic Commission and remove the loading zone at 9426 Las Tunas Dr., Buchan seconded, roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen- Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Tyrell & Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen -None ABSENT: Councilmen -None b.FINES FOR ON & OFF STREET PARKING VIOLATIONS: Woollett stated the recemmendation from the Traffic Commission was to change off - street parking fine to $1.00 to be equal to fine on on- street parking. There was a county ordinance when the city was incorporated providing a $2.00 fine on off street parking which we approved by adopting County ordinances and which now should be changed to be same as on street parking. Buchan moved the City Attorney be instructed to draw an ordinance equalizing fines for parking on the off street and on street parking to be the same at $1.00, Merritt seconded, roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen - Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Tyrell & Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen -None ABSENT: Councilmen -None c. TRAFFIC HAZARD - DOUBLE DRIVE Area involved is Double Drive from Live Oak to City boundary north of Lower Azusa where there is a high volume of traffic at a higher speed than posted and intereections at Freer and Daines crossings used by children, also street is narrow and is a problem for property owners getting out of driveways. The widening of Double Drive is not budgeted, and never has been in the budget, and will not be for next year. Traffic recommenda- tions are as follows: 1.. That the City Council request the County's assistance and support for the widening of Double Drive from Live Oak Ave. to the southerly limits of this City 2. A resurvey be made to determine warrants for signaliza- tion at Freer and Double Drive after January 2, 1961, 3. That .the speed limit on Double Drive be changed to 35 miles per hour. Tyrell moved to approve recommendations 1 and 2, Dickason se- conded. Dickason thinks the Traffic and Safety Commission should explain their recommendations regarding increase of speed to 35.. There followed considerable discussion on this recommendation with Dickason requesting further information from the Commission. Roll Call Vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen- Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Tyrell & Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen -None ABSENT: Councilmen -None 95 Council Minutes, December 12, 1960, page 7 Tyrell moved to table recommendation no. 3, Dickason seconded roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen- Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Tyrell & Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen -None ABSENT: Councilmen -None d. TRAFFIC HAZARD - TEMPLE CITY BLVD. SOUTH OF LOWER AZUSA Woollett stated the Traffic Commission recommended the follow- ing for above hazard: a. Sight posts be posted at 30 ft. center - tocenter intervals commencing at the north line of Ellis Lane through the vacant or hard property northerly; b. Post a "Curve" sign on the east side of Temple City Blvd. 500 feet south of the curve approach, with a "Slow to 25 MPH" sign; c. "30MPH" pavement markings be placed at quarter -mile inter- vals, preferrably between Valley Blvd., "under Rosemead jurisdiction, and north of the tracks under Temple City jurisdiction. Following discussion Merritt moved to approve item D of the Traffic Commission, Dickason seconded, roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen- Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Tyrell & Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen -None ABSENT: Councilmen -None 14. RESOLUTION NO. 60 -100 WARRAMTS & DEMANDS MOS. 307 through 329 in amount of $55,399.70. Woollett stated this figure included the $25,000. put on inactive account, and the three month bill from the Sheriffs Dept., as well as 3 month charges for three - wheeler, and also 3 month bill for roadside tree services. Tyrell moved to approve Resolution No. 60 -100, Merritt seconded and carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen- Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Tyrell & Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen -None ABSENT: Cci . Ct tmeri -None COMMUNICATIONS: a. Woollett'read a letter from the Bench Ad Co. requesting per- mission to continue maintenance of benches within the City. It is being paid for by the merchants name on bench and this Company is responsible for maintenance. Fitzjohn said some are in very poor condition. Buchan moved this request be referred back to the City Manager for proper action, Dickason seconded and carried. b. A letter from W. R. Tummel representing the Kiwanis Club and requesting following: 1. permission to conduct a line of dimes on the public side- walk principally in front of the First Western Bank and Security First National Bank between 2 P. M. and 6 P. M. on Friday, Jan. 20, and to use loud speaker in this area only. 2. permission to set up a "toll road" block at intersection of Las Tunas and Temple City Blvd. between hours of 2 :00 and 6 P. M. on Friday, January 20, to be manned by adults and high school students. Contributions would be request- ed. Permission requested to place No left turn sign" at intersection by City. Left turn lanes would provide space for workers to stand. 3. Permission to use P A system from vehicle between 6 :30 and 8 P. M., Tuesday, Jan. 31, to assist "Mothers March" system to be used on all streets by Jacob Gunst. Following considerable discussion it was decided that the toll road should be manned by adults and Dickason moved to instruct the City Attorney to draw up an urgency ordinance covering re- quest with exception that the toll road by manned by adults only and prohibiting left turns at intersection of Las Tunas and Temple City for Friday, Jan. 20, from 2 to 6 P.. M. on Las Tunas in islands. Merritt seconded, roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen- Buchan, Dickason, Merritt, Fitzjohn NOES: Councilmen - Tyrell ABSENT: Councilmen -None 96y 1 Council Minutes, December 12, 1960, page 8 15. No one from the audience desired to speak at this time. 16. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS: Woollett read in full a communication from the Public Library District, County of Los Angeles, re- Regional Library site, West San Gabriel Valley, inclosing a copy of his recommendation to Mr. Bonelli in which he recommended the City of Rosemead. t1,..t Reh- Tyrell moved to file, 9e -r seconded and carried. aceen,(o zn Woollett read in full a letter from the County of Los Angeles Parks & Recreation Department regarding the swim pool at the Temple City High School stating intention of the County to transfer to local authorities of the City of Temple City and requesting the City Council to consider this. Shatford stated the School has a contract with the County for 25 years and the County is already obligated to this responsi- bility. The School Board in this area is also faced with a problem as they would be derelect in their duty if they termina- ted this contract. Mr. Beckner has refused to permit the County to discharge their obligation to the School Board by shuffling off to Temple City. The County omitted in the contract the pro., vision that the County could terminate if the City incorporated. The legal staff of the County represents the County and also the School Board but believes Mr. Beckner will seek independent legal advice to resolve.as the Board will be criticized if they agree to give up the services that the County has agreed to. Advise you to refer to the Parks & Recreation Commission and let them study it. He also said 40% of use is outside of the City which the City would be paying for. Dickason said the City is not in a receptive mood. Merritt moved to refer to the Parks & Recreation Commission, Buchan seconded and carried. Woollett read a letter from the County Boundary Commission re San Gabriel Annexation which if completed would annex from Broadway south to Hermosa and over to Edison right of way. There is some question about this as they recently terminated an annexation which contained a great deal of this area. Tyrell moved to file, Dickason seconded and carried. Woollett referred to his memo and requested the Council to con- sider for adoption the appointment procedure recommended. Shatford recommended procedure. Tyrell moved to have the City Attorney draw an ordinance establishing this method as manner in which appointments should be made. Merritt seconded and carried. Shatford asked the Council to authorize the City Manager to hay= the County make a study of situations in Temple City similar to the Arden Drive problem. This is one of the streets that something could be done and the City should take some action. He has talked to people in area and they are not pushing but appreciate any action that the City can take. Shatford recommen' ed having the County Road Dept. study this as the City should have a program to remedy these, and have their survey referred to the Traffic Commission. Tyrell moved to so do, Buchan se- conded and carried. Buchan moved to adjourn, Dickason seconded and carried, adjourn ed at 10:15 P. M. until next regular meeting to be held on Dec. 27, 1960. ATTEST: 6 ). a City Cleric 11 /Mayor' 97