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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCity Council_Minutes_1968-07-16_Regular 1968C O U N C I L M I N U T E S CITY OF TEMPLE CITY TEMPLE CITY, CALIFORNIA JULY 16, 1968 INITIATION: 1. Mayor Briggs called the regular meeting of the City Council to 2. order at 7:30 p.m. on July 16, 1968. Fr. Holland of St. Luke's Catholic Church, 9451 Broadway, Temple City, gave the invocation, 3. following which the Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 4. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmen - Beckley, Harker, Merritt, Tyrell, Briggs ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Koski, Planning Director Dragicevich, Public Works Director Pizzorno, Director of Recreation Kobett, City Attorney Martin APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular meeting of July 2, 1968. Councilman Harker moved to approve the Minutes of July 2, 1968, as written and mailed, Councilman Beckley seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: PUBLIC HEARING: 7:30 p.m. RE ZONE CHANGE FROM R -1 TO R -3, 9619 THROUGH 9633 BROADWAY; JAMES LAWYER & ELLEN D. BANGS Mayor Briggs declared the public hearing opened, City Manager Koski reported that notices had been given as required, and Planning Director Dragicevich presented pertinent facts regard- ing the location of the two subject lots in relation to surround- ing or adjacent properties, stating that one of the lots is 53 ft. wide and the other is 118.65 ft. wide, the two contigious parcels having a total area of 35,830 sq. ft. The Planning Director stated there were two or more residences on the subject proper- ties, which are older structures, and the requested change of zoning would be compatible with the existing zoning in that area. The Planning Director also briefly outlined the proceedings and action taken by the Planning Commission, which recommended the proposed change because they felt that it had been an error to fail to rezone this property to R -3 at the same time when the surrounding areas were rezoned. City Attorney Martin explained the purpose of a public hearing and how it would be conducted so that each one would have a fair opportunity to present his views. Mr. James Lawyer, 9621 Broadway, spoke in behalf of himself and Mrs. Ellen Bangs, his co- petitioner for the zoning change, stating that when the adjacent properties had been rezoned four years ago, he was not living on his property and was not aware of the proposed changes; therefore, he did not ask that his property be changed to R -3 at that time. Councilman Tyrell asked Mr. Lawyer if he and Mrs. Bangs were planning a joint development, to which Mr. Lawyer answered that they had no pres- ent plans but it was not an entirely improbable prospect. Mr. Lawyer mentioned the impossibility of obtaining loans to improve the properties because of their age and condition. Mrs. Ervina Graham, 5430 Temple City Blvd., stated that about five years ago those in the area were told that all of this property would be R -3 within five years. She also mentioned that since the houses on Mrs. Bangs' property were all old, it seemed to her that a new development would be better and she was in favor of the rezoning. Mr. James Moran, 5524 Temple City Blvd., spoke against the re- zoning, stating that when he had first heard about this rezoning request, he had not been aware that many of the properties in his area were already R -3, including his own. He was opposed Council Minutes, July 16, 1968, page 2 to the building of more apartment buildings because he had moved to Temple City so his three children could grow up where they could still see trees and open space and have an uncrowded view, and he feared that two -story or high -rise structures might be put within five feet of his property line, with a fence between. Mayor Briggs pointed out that it was now legal for anyone to build a two -story house within five feet of his property line. Mr. A. H. Knowlton, 9657 Broadway, was opposed to the zone change because he did not want to see "another place like on the - west side of Temple City Blvd." Councilman Merritt called atten- tion to the fact that the southeast corner of Temple City Blvd. and Broadway was already zoned R -3, and Mr. Knowlton admitted that he had not been aware of this previously. Mr. Lee Lightner, 9644 Nadine, said his chief concern was the density in the area and he felt that the charm of Temple City was in its being uncrowded. He said he considered the condo- minium on Temple City Blvd. a beautiful building, but that cramming 44 families into it made other problems, one of which was traffic, and he would not want to see Temple City "eroded" as many neighborhoods in Los Angeles have been by overcrowding. In answer to Mayor Briggs' question, Mr. Lightner said he was not opposed to apartments in their proper place. The Mayor sug- gested that he talk with the Planning Director and City Manager, examine the total plan for the City, and attend meetings of the Planning Commission so that he would understand better the amount of time and study that goes into their recommendations. Councilman Harker said that the Planning Commission and the City Council members were concerned with the problems of growth, which are more than just cramming, and that they all wanted growth to be orderly. He also felt that an R -3 zone does not necessarily mean density of population;': Councilman Tyrell added his suggestion that Mr. Lightner should attend zoning hearings, and Councilman Merritt pointed out that under the old County zoning regulations this area was R -A -5000 but now it is R -1 -7200. Mrs. Grace Vett, 5476 Temple City Blvd., opposed the rezoning because she felt "a high -rise could go in their front yard." Mr. Francis Peterson, 9624 Broadway, spoke in favor of the zone change, stating that there have always been those who oppose progress, whether it were streets, sewers, sidewalks, or apart- ments, and he would like to see Temple City be progressive. Mrs. Betty Grant, 5466 Temple City Blvd., was in favor of the change, stating that she owned a large piece of property and would probably be asking for the same rezoning herself in a few years. There being no others who desired to speak, Councilman Harker moved to close the public hearing, Councilman Beckley seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. Councilman Merritt said he sympathized with Mr. Moran and others in regard to the density matter but the Planning Commission in past years has recommended trying to have the proper "density" on certain streets and not get it mixed up in all areas, and he felt that the density is comparative in this area since it is surrounded on three sides by R -3 properties. Councilman Beckley said that, in examining the present applica- tion, he felt it had been a mistake not to have rezoned this particular property to R -3 at the same time the adjacent parcels had been made R -3, and Councilman Harker agreed that it should have been "squared off." Council Minutes, July 16, 1968, page 3 Councilman Tyrell was most concerned that one of the lots was only 55 feet, or less, wide, and felt that it was impossible to develop it singly as R -3 and that both parcels should be developed as one. He said further that if they were permitted to develop individually, then there was no assurance that "we would not have the same problem again" with the smaller one incompatible with the rest of the neighborhood. There was considerable discussion regarding indiscriminate de- velopment, and Councilman Tyrell moved that the City Attorney prepare a Resolution of Intention to re -zone at such time as the two parcels are planned for mutual development within .a time limit of one year. Councilman Merritt seconded, and the motion was passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING: 7:30 p.m. RE AMENDING BUILDING CODE, MECHANICAL CODE, ELECTRICAL CODE, AND PLUMBING CODE TO BRING INTO CONFORMITY WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODES PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY BY REFERENCE, Mayor Briggs declared the public hearing opened, and City Attor- ney Martin presented the above - entitled amendments, explaining that the County up -dates its codes from time -to -time and the City adopts such amendments by reference. Director of Public Works Pizzorno stated that Mr. Pres Harrell was present to answer any questions regarding these codes, but no one came forward to speak for or against their adoption. Councilman Tyrell moved to close the hearing, Councilman Merritt seconded, and the motion was unanimously passed. City Attorney Martin presented, for second reading, four ordi- nances entitled as follows: 6.v ORDINANCE NO. 68 -267, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 65 -170 OF THE CITY OF'TEMPLE CITY BY ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE AS CONTAINED IN THE 1968 EDITION OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING LAWS AND PUBLISHED BY THE - BUILDING NEWS, INC., AND INCLUDING CHAPTERS6.8,69,98 AND 99 INCLU- DED IN THE SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAID LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE FOR AND INSTEAD OF THE PRESENT BUILDING CODE AND MAKING OTHER AMENDMENTS. 7. ORDINANCE NO. 68 -268, AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY MECHANICAL CODE AS CONTAINED IN THE 1968 EDITION OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING LAWS AND PUBLISHED BY THE BUILDING NEWS, INC., AND INCLUDING THE APPENDIX THERETO AND MAKING OTHER AMENDMENTS, ORDINANCE N0. 68 -269, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 65- 170 OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY BY ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY PLUMBING CODE AS CONTAINED IN THE 1968 EDITION OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING LAWS AND PUBLISHED BY THE BUILDING NEWS, INC., AND INCLUDING APPENDICES A, B, C, F AND G, AND MAKING OTHER AMENDMENTS, 9. ORDINANCE NO. 68 -270, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 65- 170 OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY BY ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY ELECTRICAL CODE AS CONTAINED IN THE 1968 EDITION OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY: BUILD'INGAAWS AND PUBLISHED BY THE BUILDING NEWS, INC., AND MAKING OTHER AMENDMENTS. Councilman Harker moved to waive further reading and to adopt the foregoing ordinances, Councilman Merritt seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: 10. RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY AND TEMPLE CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR COMMUNITY RECREATION. PROGRAM. Director of Recrea- tion Kobett presented an agreement to renew the original Council Minutes, July 16, 1968, page 4 agreement dated July 19, 1966, between the City and the School District for an additional one -year period of time to June 30, 1969. Councilman Beckley moved to approve the renewal agree - ment and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign on behalf of the City, Councilman Harker seconded, and the motion was passed unanimously. 11. RESOLUTION NO. 68 -839: Adopting 1968 Supplement to Uniform Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction. The Director of Public Works explained the adoption of the sup- plement to uniform standard specifications would effect savings in certain phases of public works construction. He then pre - sented Resolution No. 68 -839, A RESOLUTION OF CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF TEMPLE CITY, ADOPTING THE 1968 SUPPLEMENT TO THE UNIFORM STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION, 1967 EDITION. Councilman Harker moved to adopt, Councilman Merritt seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. 12. RESOLUTION NO. 68 -840: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY REQUESTING AN ALLOCATION OF COUNTY AID -TO- CITIES FUNDS FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF SELECT SYSTEM STREETS. Director of Public Works Pizzorno presented the request to the County of Los Angeles to allocate $35,805 of Aid -to- Cities funds which have accrued to the City for maintenance of streets on the approved Select System. Councilman Harker moved to adopt Reso- lution No. 68 -840, Councilman Merritt seconded, and the motion was unanimously passed. 13. RESOLUTION NO. 68 -841: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST, CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY REQUIRE THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN. REAL PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC STREET PURPOSES AND ALL USES APPURTENANT THERETO (SULTANA AVE. WIDENING PROJECT). Director of Public Works Pizzorno explained that it would be necessary to condemn a portion of certain property to acquire the right -of -way to widen Sultana. It was moved by Councilman Merritt that Resolution No. 68 -841 be adopted and the City Attorney authorized to act as special attorney. Councilman Beckley seconded the motion which was passed unanimously. 14. RESOLUTION NO. 68 -838: Warrants and Demands City Manager Koski presented Resolution No. 68 -838, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ALLOWING CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $42,243.39, DEMAND NOS. 11352 THROUGH 11423. Councilman Merritt inquired whether item No. 11356 was correct as shown, and upon being informed that it was, he moved to adopt Resolution No. 68 -838. Councilman Beckley seconded and the motion carried unanimously. 15. COMMUNICATIONS: City Manager Koski read a letter from the Chamber of Commerce, Merchants' Division, requesting permission to use three Klieg lights and to set up Coco Cola stands to dispense free cokes during the Moonlight Sale on July 29th. Councilman Tyrell was concerned that people might be endangered by traffic if the stands faced the street and was assured that the stands would be open only to the sidewalk area. Councilman Harker moved to grant the request, Councilman Tyrell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 16. TIME FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO SPEAK: Mrs. Grace Vett, 5476 Temple City Blvd., inquired concerning the lack of sidewalk on the southwest corner of Temple City Blvd. and Broadway since there are walks along both streets right up Council Minutes, July 16, 1968, page 5 to the corner. The Director of Public Works explained that it was a matter of right -of -way and that the owner was in process of dedicating the necessary portion and the City would move his fence and put in the walk as soon as practicable after dedication. Mr. Brant Dixon, 9560 Olive Ave., was concerned about two palm trees which obstructed the view so as to cause a traffic hazard. Also, he said these trees were harboring rats. City Manager Koski stated that photos of the subject trees would be available for study by the Councilmen, and as to the rats, this problem would be referred to the Rodent Control Section of the County Health Department. Mr. Leiland Shaw, 8951 Pentland, came forward and stated that he wished to speak concerning his building project at 6329 N. Sultana. Mr. Shaw explained that he had failed to meet his anticipated completion date due to the hot weather and being ill for a week, but he had attempted to do so in all sincerity and good faith. Mr. Shaw requested a further extension of time to September 30, 1968, stating that he expected to work approxi- mately 40 hours per week on this project. He mentioned that he had spent considerable time on improving the outside of the property so that the neighbors should have no cause for complaint. Upon questioning, Mr. Shaw explained that the house would not be painted but that the redwood would be treated with a chemical which would make it silver -gray in color. He also outlined his plans for landscaping. Councilman Tyrell moved to grant Mr. Shaw until September 30, 1968, to complete his house. Council- man Harker seconded the motion which was unanimously passed. 17. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS: City Manager Koski presented Resolution No. 68 -842, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY RELATING TO THE SALARY OF THE CITY ATTORNEY. The City Manager stated that the City Council could amend the employment conditions at any time by subsequent resolution. After discussion, Councilman Merritt moved to approve and Councilman Beckley seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. ORDINANCE NO. 68 -272: 1st reading. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ADDING SECTIONS 4277, ET SEQ., TO THE TEMPLE CITY MUNICIPAL CODE PROVIDING FOR THE ABATEMENT AND REMOVAL AS PUBLIC NUISANCES OF ABANDONED, WRECKED, DISMANTLED OR INOPERATIVE VE- HICLES OR PARTS THEREOF FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY OR PUBLIC PROPERTY (NOT INCLUDING HIGHWAYS) AND FOR RECOVERY OF COSTS OF ADMINIS- TRATION THEREOF AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 22660 OF THE VEHICLE CODE. City Manager Koski presented Ordinance No. 68 -272. Councilman Tyrell moved to waive further reading, Councilman Harker seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. City Manager Koski read a letter from the Standard Oil Co. re- questing permission to conduct a "Vibroseis" seismic survey along Temple City Blvd. between the north and south City limits. Mr. Al Bauman, of Standard Oil Co., answered questions concern- ing the proposed work, particularly regarding the time during which the survey would be conducted, how the narrow portion of the street north of Garibaldi would affect traffic flow, and public relations. Mr. Bauman mentioned that Standard Oil would provide the City with adequate insurance, and would have some- one stationed at the City Hall or Sheriff's Station to receive any complaints and relay them by radio to the work crews or others. Mayor Briggs mentioned that the Union Oil was going to ask to make another survey, and Councilman Merritt wondered why the oil companies couldn't cooperate and run their tests together. Mr. Bauman stated that sometimes they do but this has not been done in this area. Councilman Merritt moved to approve the re- quest, Councilman Harker seconded, and the motion passed unani;- mously. 1 1 Council Minutes, July 16, 1968, page 6 Councilman Harker presented a status report on Sister City affairs. He attended a recent meeting of the Sister City group and reported that they had appointed a committee to provide a group of Mexican- Americans dressed in costume to march in the Americanism Day parade in September. He also mentioned the Mardi Gras de Mexico to be held on the Universal Studios lot from July 19 through September 2, with August 4 being Temple City Sister City Day. He also discussed the plans fora trip to Magdalena, a visit from the Magdalena Little League, and the garbage truck which a committee of the Sister City group had located for purchase by Magdalena. Mr. George Koumachian discussed the purchase and "refurbishment" of the truck and plans for its delivery. After reading the proclamation which had been requested by the Kiwanis International, Mayor Briggs proclaimed August 11 as "Family Reunion Day ". Mayor Briggs brought up the matter of the recently increased assessments on real property, which are up approximately 37 %. All of the Councilmen felt that this was excessive and that the Council should take a stand on tax assessments. Councilman Beckley suggested a resolution stating the disfavor of the Coun- cil should be sent to the Tax Assessor, Board of Supervisors, and other cities. Councilman Tyrell added that it should also go to the League and Contract Cities, and he thought that the Coun- cil ought to give serious consideration to what Tax Assessor Watson is proposing. Councilman Beckley moved that the City Attorney be requested to prepare, for next meeting, a resolu- tion stating the Council's objections to the excessively high increase in valuation and asking some relief. Seconded by Councilman Tyrell, the motion carried unanimously. Councilman Tyrell moved to adjourn to next Council meeting on August 6, 1968, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the City Hall, 5938 Kauffman Ave. Council adjourned at 9:17 p.m.