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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCity Council_Minutes_1971-02-16_Regular 1971CITY OF TEMPLE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 16, 1971 INITIATION: 1. Mayor Merritt called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:40 p.m. 2. The Invocation was given by the Reverend Walter Fennel, Church of Christ, 5272 N. Sereno Drive, Temple City. 3. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Merritt. 4. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmen - Briggs, Gilbertson, Harker, Tyrell, Merritt ABSENT: Councilmen -None ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Koski, City Attorney, Martin, Planning Director Dragicevich, Parks & Recreation Director Kobett, Civil Engineering Assistant Linares, Regional Engineer Kriegel, Traffic Engineer Envall. Sgt. Price and students from the "Citizen and the Law" class at Oak Avenue School were welcomed by Mayor Merritt. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilman Gilbertson reported errors or omissions to seconding on three motions in the minutes of February 2, 1971 as follows: Page 1, item 6; page 4, item 14; and page 5, item 17E. Councilman Gilbertson moved to approve as corrected from the record, or with Mayor Merritt as a second to the motions which were unanimously carried. Councilman Briggs seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. The record indicated that item 6, page 1, motion by Councilman Briggs to approve assessments was seconded by Councilman Gilbertson and unanimously carried; Item 14, page 4, motion by Councilman Gilbertson to adopt Resolution No. 71-1075 was seconded by Councilman Briggs and unanimously carried; and Item 17E, page 5, motion by Councilman Tyrell to approve attendance at CPRS Conference was seconded by Councilman Briggs and unanimously carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 6. PUBLIC HEARING: 7:30 p.m. Re. Proposed Underground Utility District No. 2. City Manager Koski presented background information relative to Proposed Underground Utility District No. 2, advising that pursuant to Resolution No. 71 -1076 the public hearing had been set and that notices had been provided to all property owners. An engineer's report was presented, outlining district limits, extent of utility participation, cost estimate, time estimate, and Public Utilities Commission criteria, as outlined in memorandum from City Engineer to City Council, dated February 16, 1971. A letter from Robert G. Shepard, property owner, protesting the proposed district, was received for the record. Mayor Merritt declared the public hearing open and invited those present to come forward to speak for or against the matter. Mrs. Flotilla Dobert, owner of 9726 E. Las Tunas Drive, opposed the district because of costs for service connections involved for her properties and inconvenience to tenants during period of construction. Following discussion as to benefits of undergrounding at this time when substantial costs will be borne by the uti 1 ities concerned, Mrs. Dobert reserved consideration as perhaps benefitting her property, however that the costs may cause hardship which could prove too difficult at this time. City Council Minutes, February 16, 1971 - Page 2 Tom Horton, representing Temple City Medical Group, reported on safety advantages of undergrounding, particularly as regards to earthquake problems such as experienced throughout the Los Angeles area this past week, advising that with l/4 of the system for electrical power underground in the San Fernando area, there were only two failures due to the earthquake movement, while overhead, hundreds of transformers had been thrown from poles and other problems of wire tanglement. He felt that the benefit to the City and to the property owner was considerable in reliability of source of power. Al Colombo, tenant at 9726 E. Las Tunas (owner of Temple City Garden Supply), opposed the improvement because of costs involved which would be relayed to him, and also stated that he did not feel beautification was necessary for the alley itself, and that he failed to see how removing three poles would accomplish beautification. He believed increased costs to the businesses involved would be detrimental to their staying in business. Gordon Ross, nephew of Mrs. Doberts, spoke in her behalf stating that the property owners who were being charged for the service connection should not have to bear these costs when the Medical Center was the one who was most benefitted, and that the costs should be borne by that agency. Vladimir Tolmochow, Whitney's Carpet Company, 9718 Las Tunas Drive, stated he did not feel the need for undergrounding of the whole area at this time, that if the Medical Center wanted theirs undergrounded, that the district could be limited to that area. He also discussed poles in other alleys in the vicinity, which would not be included in the improvement. He also discussed a preference for one -way traffic in the alley since he believed there may be an increase in the traffic from the parking lot at the new Medical Center. No one else came forward to speak. Councilman Tyrel1 moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Councilman Gilbertson and unanimously carried. In closed discussion, the need for taking advantage of the opportunity of the proposed improvements, wherein the costs to be borne by the utility companies amounting to approximately $22,000 would enhance the downtown business area and upgrade the properties involved, at much less cost than if undertaken in any other manner, that Public Utilities Commission criteria for underground district were met and the improvement would benefit the general public. However there was concern for the property owners involved to meet the expenses for service connection at the individual. locations. Councilman Gilbertson moved to continue the matter for two weeks, in order to further discuss the possibility of the Medical Center assuming some of the costs related to the project. The motion was seconded by Councilman Briggs. In further discussion it was noted that the proposed resolution to establish an underground utility district, did not concern assessments, and that that portion of the matter could be handled in separate meeting with those involved, and the motion to continue the matter was withdrawn with the consent of the second. Councilman Briggs then moved to adopt Resolution No. 71 -1077 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ESTABLISHING UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 2, and that the matter of assessments be referred to further discussion. The motion was seconded by Councilman Harker and unanimously carried. City Manager Koski advised the Council that there will be an expense to the City for relocating services to 5 street lighting circuits which must also be resolved. City Council Minutes, February 16, 1971- Page 3 7. ORDINANCE N0. 71 -319: 2nd read. Re. Proposed Amendment to Uniform Building Code. City Attorney Martin presented Ordinance No. 71 -319 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ADDING CHAPTER 67 TO ORDINANCE NO. 2225 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE, RELATING TO SECURITY PROVISIONS, for second reading by title only. Councilman Tyrell moved to waive further reading,and adopt, seconded by Mayor Merritt and unanimously carried. NEW BUSINESS: 8. RECOMMENDATION FROM.PARKING COMMISSION - Meeting of February 10, 1971. City Manager Koski presented the recommendation from the Parking Commission wherein certain modifications to Pedestrian Mall No. 3 in Lot No. 5, Parking District No. 3 were recommended to accommodate truck deliveries to and from property located at 9611 Las Tunas Drive. The Council expressed concern as to the 20 foot width involved which was quite substantial, and the future concerns if this is a modification to benefit one business rather than the entire district. Further, that the crossing over of the pedestrian mall could damage the walkway since it was not constructed to withstand continual vehicle use. City Manager Koski advised that one aspect of the problem was that the center ramp and planter area was not adequate for use as a ramp, and that this portion may be considered for converting to parking spaces, which would offset some of the spaces lost if this request were granted. This would be a matter for budget consideration if undertaken. The safety factors involved in crossing over the mall at this location were seriously considered, since it would involve the necessity of posting a guard to assist the driver in clearing the right -of -way prior to any movement of the truck across the pedestrian mall, which may not always be carefully adhered to. The heavier use of the pedestrian mall at this location in comparison to the use at another location, Zager Smith Carpet Comapny in Mall IA, where a temporary permit has been granted to cross over was discussed. It was also noted that at the other location the building itself did not extend to the sidewalk. Councilman Tyrell moved to allow two parking stalls, indicated as stalls 1 and 2 on map provided with memorandum to the City Council dated February 10, 1971, that the removal of the tree which is located in front of the loading door of the property at 9611 Las Tunas Drive be accomplished, and that a commercial loading and unloading zone be permitted at this locat ion.. The motion was seconded by Councilman Gilbertson and unanimously carried. Councilman Tyrell moved to permit ingress and egress across the pedestrian mall, subject to safety precautions and insurance requirements. The motion was seconded by Councilman Harker and was defeated by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen- Harker, Tyrell NOES: Councilmen- Briggs, Gilbertson, Merritt The matter of removal of center planter and concrete ramp located mid block in the pedestrian mall to provide additional parking facilities in the downtown business area was referred to budget consideration. City Council-Minutes, February 16, 1971 - Page 4 9 RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TRAFFIC COMMISSION - Meeting of February 3, 1971 A. UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES - Warrants Traffic Engineer Envall advised that the State Legislature, in 1968, added Sections 21372 and 2.1373 to the California Motor Vehicle Code requiring that local authorities establish traffic safety warrants and policies for the protection of persons attending school. In 1969 the League of California Cities compiled a report on the subject recommending that necessary warrants and policies be adopted by each City of jurisdiction. A joint study of the League document and recommendation was undertaken in 1970 by officials of Los Angeles City, Los Angeles County, and the County Superintendent of Schools Office. Certain revisions were recommended to make the provisions more applicable to the Los Angeles Metropolitan area, which were again studied by the Uniform Traffic Control Committee of the League and recommended for adoption by the cities of Los Angeles County. The Traffic Engineer advised that the Traffic Commission had reviewed all documents and supplemental techniques contained in the report from the Uniform Traffic Control Committee, and recommended that Documents 1, 2 and 3, which are traffic control devices; Document A, which is a statement of policy outlining school district and city responsibility; and Section 1, Adult Crossing Guards., which is a supplemental technique, all of which are in file in the Office of the City Clerk, be adopted by the City of Temple City in compliance with Sections 21373 -3 of the California Motor Vehicle Code, with the understanding that modifications may be made to the documents in the future if necessary. Councilman Gilbertson moved to approve adoption as outlined by the Traffic Engineer and memorandum from the City Manager dated February 12, 1971, seconded by Councilman Harker and unanimously carried. B. TEMPLE CITY BOULEVARD AND CAMINO REAL - Additional Regulations Traffic Engineer Envall advised that the Traffic Commission recommended placement of 45 feet of red curb markings on the west side of Temple City Boulevard, commencing 161 feet south of the south curb line of Camino Real Avenue, to a point 206 feet south of the south curb line, which is adjacent to the ticket office and pedestrian gates of the high school football field to relieve congestion at this location. Councilman Harker moved to approve as recommended, seconded by Councilman Briggs and unanimously carried. C. OLIVE STREET AT EL MONTE AVENUE - Red Curb Markings Traffic Engineer Envall advised that field investigation disclosed a visibility problem for eastbound to southbound traffic at the intersection of Olive Street at El Monte Avenue, and that the Traffic Commission recommended an additional. 8 feet of red curb markings in the curb radius, from the southerly line of the cross- walk to the curb return on the north side of Olive. He advised that this restriction will provide proper visibility for eastbound traffic on Olive, and southbound traffic on El Monte Avenue. Councilman Gilbertson moved to approve, as recommended, seconded by Mayor Merritt and unanimously carried. Councilman Gilbertson asked for a review of policy whereby red curb markings involving less than 50 feet may be under the discretion of the Traffic Commission not requiring Council approval. City Council Minutes, February 16, 1971 - Page 5 D. OVERNIGHT PARKING ORDINANCE. Traffic Engineer Envall advised that the Traffic Commission recommended consideration of modification of Ordinance No. 63 -105, to provide for charging a $5 fee for reissuance of overnight parking permit when the original sticker or a portion thereof is not returned. Council discussed alternatives for control in this area, and considered the implementation of an affidavit by the applicant, together with additional surveillance by the Sheriff's Department as may be necessary for sufficient control. Councilman Briggs moved to deny the additional fee as recommended, seconded by Councilman Harker and unanimously carried. Mr. John Stacey, 5626 Gracewood inquired as to the need for keeping cars off the street in a l l areas. 10. APPOINTMENT OF PERSONNEL: City Manager Koski introduced Resolution No. 71 -1078 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY APPOINTING TEMPORARY PERSONNEL, and Resolution No. 71 -1080 entitled, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY APPOINTING PERSONNEL, Councilman Tyrell moved to adopt, seconded by Councilman Gilbertson and unanimously carried. 11. RESOLUTION NO. 71 -1079: WARRANTS & DEMANDS. Demand Nos. 3550 thru 3622 in the amount of $1.9,802.62.. Councilman Briggs moved to adopt Resolution No. 71 -1079 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ALLOWING CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $19,802.62 DEMAND NOS. 3550 THRU 3622, seconded by Councilmen Harker and unanimously carried. 12. COMMUNICATIONS: A. City Manager Koski read a letter from the City of Duarte together with a resolution adopted by that City Council regarding Welfare reform. After discussion Councilman Gilbertson moved to adopt Resolution No. 71 -1081 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY SEEKING WELFARE REFORM AND RELIEF TO THE OVER BURDENED PROPERTY TAXPAYERS, seconded by Councilman Tyrell and unanimously carried. B. City Manager Koski presented a check in the amount of $123.63 which had been received from the Junior Women's Club of Temple City, earned by collecting cans and bottles to assist in the cost of landscaping around the remodeled maintenance building at Live Oak Park. Councilman Briggs moved that the Council accept the gift with appreciation, seconded by Councilman Gilbertson and unanimously carried. Mayor Merritt commended all who had helped in the project. C. City Manager Koski read a communication from the City of San Mateo urging that communications be directed to legislators to effect legislation which would bring about meaningful property tax relief by means of a different assessment ratio for single family dwellings. Mayor Merritt will direct a letter to legislators concerning this matter. 1 1 City Council Minute., February 16, 1971 - Page 6 13. TIME FOR THOSE IN AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO SPEAK: Charles Oakley, 6164 Rosemead,stated he felt there was an illegal business operating in the vicinity of his residence and complained about junk in the yard next to him, which is zoned R -1. Staff was directed to investigate problem and issue proper complaint. 14 MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS: A. Councilman Gilbertson reported on a Public Hearing to be held on March 2, 1971, at 7:30 p.m, San Gabriel High School, regarding a rapid transit routeway. The estimated cost is $51' —z million, and approximately 140 plus families and a number of businesses would be displaced. Written statements can be received until March 12, 1971. City Attorney Martin was instructed to draw up a letter from the City Council in opposition to this project. B. Councilman Briggs discussed a letter of complaint from Mr. Lukacs regarding McDonalds. His main complaint was the noise, particularly early in the morning. Staff was directed to investigate this problem. C. Councilman Tyrell discussed the need for reflectors on city streets. Staff was directed to prepare an estimate of cost. 15 ADJOURNMENT: Councilman Briggs moved to adjourn to a study session, seconded by Councilman Gilbertson and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m. The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 1971, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the City Hall. ATTEST: CH F DEPUTY CITY CLERK F- c.c -`.%I "/l) MAYOR