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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCity Council_Minutes_1975-02-18_Regular 1975INITIATION: CITY OF TEMPLE CITY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1. Mayor Dennis called the regular .meeting .of the City Council to order at 7:37 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 1975, in the Council Chamber of the City Hall. The invocation was given by Reverend David Willett Temple City Grace Brethren Church, 5537 N. Temple .City Boulevard. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Dennis: ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmen- Greenberg, Merritt, Tyrell,.Dennis Absent: Councilmen- Gilbertson Also Present: City Manager Koski, City Attorney Martin, Assistant to the City Manager Biel, Planning Director Dragice -.. vich, Parks and Recreation Director Kobett, Public Works Coordinator Leonetti, Traffic Engineer Envall Councilman Merritt moved to excuse Councilman Gilbertson for cause, seconded by Councilman Greenberg and carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilman Greenberg moved to approve the minutes of the regular .-meeting of the City Council held on Tuesday, February 4, 1975, as written, seconded by Councilman Merritt and carried. RECOGNITION: On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Dennis presented a certificate to Mr. Bryan Jonasen, 10409.E, Olive Street, Temple City, in recogni- tion of his heroic efforts in saving the life of a local man on Satur- day, February 1, 1975. Bryan was driving when he saw a man working in his front yard fall backwards..' He jumped out of his .car, _ jumped over a fence and revived him with heart massage until the paramedics arrived. The man is in the hospital in stable condition. .Mr. Jonasen expressed . his appreciation to the City Council and stated he is looking forward to meeting the man in the near future. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: PUBLIC HEARING: 7:30 p.m, STREET IMPROVEMENTS — GOLDEN WEST AVENUE, WEST SIDE, LEMON AVENUE TO VAL STREET (Curb, Gutter, Driveway Improvements, pursuant to Chapter 27, Streets. and. Highways Code) Manager Koski presented background information; stating City Council, at their regular meeting of.January :21, 1975,: set a pub- lic hearing for February 18, 1975. Mr. Leonetti stated that 66% of the residents have petitioned for curbs and gutters,. and drive- way improvements., An Environmental Impact Report was prepared and the property owners were notified. Estimated cost. of the project. is $9,885. Mayor Dennis .opened the public hearing and invited anyone wishing to speak to come forward.. Mr. Taylor, 6421 Golden West Avenue, inquired as to the approximate: cost per—lineal foot. Mr. Leonetti estimated the .cost for curb and gutter improvements.at $3.50 per lineal foot, and .,85G per square. foot for the driveway apron and connection. Councilman Tyrell moved to close the public: hearing, seconded by • Councilman Greenberg and carried. Council Minutes, February 18, 1975 - Page 1 1 Councilman Merritt moved to certify Environmental Impact Report and find the project in the best public interest and instruct the Superintendent of Streets to cause the work to be done, seconded by Councilman Greenberg and carried.. PUBLIC HEARING: TEMPLE CITY PARTICIPATION IN HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1974 City Manager presented background information stating the Planning Commission held the first of two public hearings as required by. the Housing and Community Development Act on February.11, 1975, relating to the subject . funding, eligibility activities and appli- cation of the Act, with no residents attending Cities under 50,000 population would receive funds through Los Angeles County.. City Council, at their regular meeting held Janu- ary 7, 1975, authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign an agree- ment with the County to enable Temple- City to participate in the program. On February 11, 1975, the Board of Supervisors approved $30,000 for planning funds for each city that executed the supple- mentary agreement with the County. This grant will enable Temple City to complete the preparation of a three -year development plan and proceed with the application requirements. Councilman Gilbertson arrived at 7:50 p.m. Mayor Dennis opened the public hearing and invited anyone wishing to speak to come forward_ Mark Nottingham, 9575 Broadway #8,.inquired..as to the City's proposed use of the funds relating to housing and. if there would be any matching funds by the City. Mr. Dragicevich gave the staff report and stated the 8 titles. In response. to Mr. Nottingham's questions vich stated that the City is dealing only with Title for $8..4 billion over three years for a Community De Block Grant Program, and that a matching of funds is Act contains , Mr. Dragice- 1, which calls velopment not required. Grace Felton, 5476 Temple. City Blvd.., stated that,.in her opinion the residents of Temple City do not need this program -and do not want it. Mayor Dennis explained the City Council is just taking preliminar steps to see if we want to get involved in the program. Applying for a grant does not require us to proceed with it.. Councilman Greenberg stated there are items in the program that . would fit in the future plans of the City, such as public work projects, street lighting and code enforcement. Mrs. McLaughlin, 5928 Rowland, indicated there are many things Temple City needs, such as a youth center or a senior citizens center. She feels if there is any opportunity to help the resi- dents of Temple City, she wishes the City Council would consider it Mayor Dennis stated the City would hold future public hearings if the decision to go ahead with the project were made.. Councilman Merritt referred to the process by which the Federal Government takes money from the community in the form of taxes, and he was of the opinion that we should try to get some of it back for community projects. Councilman Gilbertson moved to close by Councilman Greenberg and.carried... the public hearin seconded y Council Minutes, February 18, 1975 Page Councilman Gilbertson stated there has been a heavy emphasis on housing; however, there are many other potential areas for the money to be used. In Councilman Greenberg's opinion, some of these . funds would free General Fund revenues for other things in our community., such as parks, and feels the City should take advantage of it. Councilman Tyrell moved to authorize staff to submit records to be included in the application to the Department of Urban Affairs of Los Angeles County, for City planning participation in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, seconded by Coun- cilman Greenberg and carried_ ACCEPTANCE OF BID: IMPROVEMENTS TO CITY -OWNED BUILDINGS City Manager Koski presented background information stating the City CJuncil has approved plans and specifications and authorized staff to solicit bids for sandblasting, restuccoing and painting .. of City Hall and buildings at Live Oak Park. Ten bids were received, with the low bid from Dee Gee Painting Contractors, 401 E. Mission Drive, San Gabriel, in the amount of $6,177.. In the FY 74 -75 budget, $2,450 was budgeted for painting of Live Oak Park buildings.. However, due to the higher inflationary costs and the fact that staff is recommending sandblasting and restucco- ing, an additional appropriation is required for the project in the amount of $2,660 Councilman_ Tyrell moved to accept low bid from Dee Gee Painting Contractors, authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the agreement, and appropriate additional funds in the amount of $2,660 and amend the budget as outlined in the Budget Revision Form, seconded by Councilman Merritt and carried. NEW BUSINESS: 9. RESOLUTION NO. 74 -1429: APPROVING ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN UNINHABITED TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY (ANNEXATION NO. 74 -1) City Manager Koski presented background information stating on June 18, 1974, City Council adopted Resolution No. 74-1372 approving the annexation of certain uninhabited property (Church of the Nazarene) relating to deannexation of their property located at. 9953 Las Tunas Drive, from the City of Arcadia. The Resolution was.' submitted to LAFCO and approved on October 9, 1974, and the City of Arcadia has completed adoption of the required Resolution authorizing detachment from their City. 1 Councilman Tyrell moved to authorize staff to proceed with the recordings of action taken with the County Recorder, Secretary of State, and the Board of Equalization, seconded by Councilman Gil. bertsonand carried. 10. RECOMMENDATION FROM PLANNING COMMISSION - ZONE CHANGE FROM R -3 AND C -3 TO C -2 8850 to 8872 East Las Tunas Drive (south :side) -8836 to 8912 East Live Oak Avenue.(north and south side) 8851 to 8911 East Wedgewood: Street (north 'side) City Manager Koski presented background information stating the .Planning Commission, at their regular meeting of January 14, 1975„ held public hearing and adopted-Resolution-:No. 75 -604PC recommend- ing to the City Council a change. of zone from R -3 and C -3 to C-2 in the subject areas, which are located :in Parcel "B" of the Rose mead Boulevard Redevelopment Project. An Environmental Impact Report for the entire CRA area was prepared and adopted by the Agency on March 28, 1974. The proposed change of 'zone is compat- ible with the General Plan 'of the City and the Redevelopment Plan as adopted by the Community Redevelopment Agency. Councilman Greenberg moved to set public hearing to.corisider the`. proposed zone change for March 4, 19.75, seconded by Councilman Merritt and carried. 11. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TRAFFIC COMMISSION - Meeting of ,February 5, HALIFAX ROAD. AND FREER STREET - Passenger Loading Zones City Manager Koski presented background information stating the Traffic Commission, at their regular meeting held February 5, 1975, considered request of Pastor Howell of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5319 Halifax Road, for passenger loading zones at entrances to the church on the west side of Halifax Road and on the north side of Freer Street.: Two churches hold services at this location and present parking practices create a problem for parishioners using the walkways into the buildings. The Traffic Commission approved the recommendation of the Traffic Engineer that a 35 foot passenger loading zone be placed on the west side of Halifax Road, which would be located next to the main entrance to the church and school, and a 30 foot loading zone be placed on the north side of Fred Street adjacent to the auditorium. In response to Councilman Tyrell's question regarding the need for such a zone when the church is used only for Sunday services, Mr. Envall stated there are meetings held there during the week, and it is general policy to place a loading zone for weekly use. Councilman Gilbertson moved to accept Traffic Conn uissionrecom- mendation to place a 35 foot passenger loading zone on the west side of Halifax Road, and a 30 foot passenger loading zone on the north side of Freet Street as outlined in the memo dated February 2, 1975, and on file in the City Clerk's office, seconded by Council- man Merritt and carried. B. SULTANA AVENUE: LONGDEN AVENUE TO HERMOS.A DRIVE - Additional Traffic Regulations City Manager Koski advised the Council that Traffic Engineer Envall had made an investigation of the subject location at the request of a concerned resident for the safety of the children who live on Sultana Avenue between Garibaldi and Hermosa Drive, due to the speed of traffic on the street. Cursory speed checks of the locale indicated that posted 25 mph speed limit signs would be in the best public interest due to the frontage development, which is primarily residential. At their regular meeting held February 5, 1975, Traffic Commission recom- mended speed limit signs would be more effective as an enforcement . tool rather than the "Slow, Children at Play" signs requested by the resident Councilman Merritt moved to approve Traffic Commission recommenda- tion that a 25 mph speed limit regulation be established on Sultana Avenue from Longden Avenue to Hermosa Drive, with speed limit signs posted on the east side of Sultana at the north line of Her- mosa Drive, both sides of Sultana Avenue at Garibaldi Avenue, and on the west side of Sultana Avenue at the south line of Longden Avenue, seconded by Councilman Greenberg and carried. C. TEMPLE CITY BOULEVARD — Proposed Left Turn Pocket Intersections City Manager Koski presented background information stating the Traffic Commission, at their special meeting held February 12, 1975, recommended the installation of left turn pockets on Temple City Boulevard at the intersections of La Rosa, Olive, Broadway, and Live Oak. This action would require prohibited parking for approximately 250 feet north and south of each intersection on both sides of Temple City Boulevard. Traffic Engineer Envall stated the Traffic Commission's primary concern was due to the number of left turn .and rear end accidents Council Minutes, February 18, 1975 - Page 5 that have occurred during the past four years at the subject inter- sections. It was Mr. Envall's opinion that a motorist has more time to execute a left turn when a special lane is provided, thus . causing him to pay closer attention to oncoming traffic. He further stated studies confirmed that left turn accidents can be reduced by 79% and rear end accidents by 83% with the installation of left turn pockets. Lt. Wallace, Sheriff's Department, stated the protection afforded . the driver does not lessen the hazard, but it does afford him security by not having to hurry and therefore, he will not make an error in judgment. Mark Nottingham, presented a petition with 190 signatures from persons living on Temple City Boulevard and adjacent streets who are against the Traffic Commission recommendation to install left turn pockets at the subject intersections. He felt the proposed project would deprive property owners and residents of providing parking for their guests, for ingress and egress, and that it would . increase the flow of traffic on Temple City Boulevard. Bernard Koch, 5736 Rowland, owner of Palms Manor Apartments located at the southeast corner of Live Oak and Temple City Boulevard, indicated the occupants of this building are mainly senior citizens and the parking restrictions would create a hardship for them, as well as their visitors. He estimated his apartments would depre- ciate in value due to the parking restrictions. In his opinion, sidewalks would have to be installed 250 feet from all corners or the City will be liable for the death or injury of any pedestrian walking in the gutter, which would then be a traffic lane. Susan Penhouster, 5411 Temple City. Boulevard, stated most of the homes on Temple City Boulevard are older and have very narrow driveway aprons. She felt it would be difficult for the residents to enter their driveways through a. traffic lane. George Nicholas, 5722': Temple City Boulevard, said although his driveway apron is wider, he cannot turn into his driveway without going into the traffic lane_ He felt eliminating the parking lane would create more accidents than the proposed project would prevent. • Edwin Johnston, 9600 Broadway, agreed with the views of the other speakers and presented a petition he collected on Sunday, Febru- ary 16, 1975, containing 20 signatures. He expressed his objec- tions to the Traffic Commission's recommendation after they received such a negative response from the residents and referred to the Traffic Commission meeting as a "Kangaroo Court ". Councilman Tyrell expressed concern over derogatory testimony regarding the decision of the Traffic Commission given by some of those residents who spoke against the recommendation. Mayor Dennis stated the purpose of the Traffic Commission is to recommend procedures it feels is in the best public interest. It is then the job of the City Council to review the recommenda- tions and adopt or reject them. Ralph Phillips, 5416 Temple City Boulevard, inquired as to what action would be taken if the project was approved and later found that the accident rate had not decreased. He also stated that due to the paving of Temple City Boulevard residents had parked on side streets and were ticketed by the Sheriff's Department. Mayor Dennis indicated the Council is always looking for ways to improve a given situation, even if it means changing something that was changed before. Lt. Wallace said that as a rule, when street construction is ready to begin, the Sheriff's Department is advised by the City Manager not to ticket the cars. To his knowledge, such a memo was not received.. Council Minutes, February 18, 1975 - Page Mr. Leonetti informed Lt. Wallace that a letter had been sent to Captain Hansen advising him of the construction work. Steve Johnson, 9569 Broadway, spoke in response to the remark concerning "Kangaroo Court ". He stated most of the people who . had attended the Traffic Commission . meeting felt as if a decision had been made prior to the meeting and the views of the residents were not taken into consideration. Councilman Greenberg stated that some decisions are difficult to make and the concerns of all citizens must be considered, not just those who are directly affected. In his opinion, 32 acci- dents in four years were not an excessive amount, and he could not agree with the Traffic Commission recommendation.. Councilman Merritt advised that he drives Temple City Boulevard at least eight times a day.. He feels the biggest problem is failure to yield in making left hand turns and a large aiicunt of restricted parking would cause greater problems than it would solve and therefore, he disagrees with the recommendation of the Traf- fic Commission. It was Councilman Tyrell's opinion that the logic of installing left turn pockets is outweighed by the hazard of pedestrian travel . and he does not think it is practical to have them. Councilman. Gilbertson stated that while street parking is a con- venience,' it is not a property right; however, he feels taking away 250 feet of parking north and south of each subject inter -.. section in exchange for a small number of accidents does not justify the situation: Mayor Dennis was of the opinion that in view of the fact that the subject area is R -1, residential, eliminating street parking would not improve the situation, only create a potential hazard regard- ing right hand turns: ": He further stated he appreciated the effort of the Traffic Commission to eliminate potential hazards. . Councilman Merritt moved to deny Traffic Commission recommendation requesting installation of left turn pockets at the intersections of La Rosa, Olive, Broadway, and Live Oak, and requested the Traf- fic Commission, with the assistance of staff, consider other alter - natives which would assist traffic movements on Temple City Boule- vard at the subject locations, seconded by Councilman. Greenberg and carried. 12. TREE PLANTING ON LOWER AZUSA ROAD - Street. Construction Project City Manager Koski stated this project is a follow -up to the recent . curb and gutter project on Lower Azusa Road from Eaton Wash to Camellia Avenue and budgeted funds are available for the planting of 46 trees. The Maintenance Superintendent has reviewed the entire project and recommended that Callistemon citrinus, Bottle Brush trees, be planted due to its tolerance to heat and cold, and minimal main- tenance requirements. Mrs.. Dorothy Critchfield, 9543 Broadway, stated her experience with Bottle Brush Trees has been that they are very messy and not aes- thetically pleasing. She suggested that Council find a tree with more greenery. Mr. Koski suggested the matter be held over to allow staff to evaluate other possible types of trees.that would add more greenery and contribute to the overall aesthetics of the area. • Council Minutes, February.18, 1975 .13. RESOLUTION NO. 75- 143(h WARRANTS &DEMANDS, Demand Nos. 1480 thru. 1585 in the amount of $107,514.29. Councilman Merritt moved to adopt Resolution. No, 75- 1430.A RESOLU- TION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ALLOWING CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUMHOF$107,514.29,DEMAND NOS. -.1480 THRU 1585,.seconded by Councilman Gilbertson and carried. 14. COMMUNICATIONS: B. Liability Claim —Pete Clxistopulos, 11.4.14 Fairview, El Monte City Manager Koski presented claim by Pete Christopulos for alleged damages to his vehicle by a City vehicle at the intersec- tion of Baldwin Avenue. and Lower Azusa Road on January 23, 1975. Councilman Tyrell moved to deny claim and refer to City's insur- ance carrier, seconded by Councilman Greenberg and carried. C... Temple City Camellia Festival - Request to block off Golden West (between .Las Tunas and Woodruff) February 22, 1975 City Manager Koski presented a.request from the Camellia Festival Committee to block off Golden West, from Las Tunas to. Woodruff, on Saturday, February 22, 1975, from 7'a.m. until 2 p.m.., as well as parking restrictions on both sides of the street for the same . time period, to allow for the parking and easy movement of NBC television cameras that are to be used in covering the parade. Staff contacted the Sheriff's. Department, who felt that no prob- lems were foreseen and that reserves .would man the closure from 9 a..m.. until 2.p.m. Councilman Merritt moved to approve request to close Golden West from Las Tunas to Woodruff from 7 a.m., to 2 p.m., Saturday. February 22, 1975, and restrict parking within the same limits and time period on both sides of the street, seconded by Councilman Greenberg and carried. 15. TIME FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO SPEAK: Laurie Phillips, 5416 Temple City Boulevard, a sixth grade student, stated she had circulated a petition at her school and collected 61 signatures in opposition to left turn pockets on Temple City. Boulevard. C. Ray Johnston, 5325 -29 Zadell, complimented City Council on their decision to deny left turn pockets on Temple City Boulevard. He was disappointed to hear a motorist had to exceed the speed limit by 11 mph in order to be cited by the Sheriff's Department and felt that speed and control are the important factors in pre - venting accidents. Harlos Gross, 6424 Golden West, representing the Chamber of Com- merce, thanked the Council for doing'a fine job and that he hoped to see them at the Camellia Festival on Saturday. RECESS TO CRA:, The City Council recessed at 9:50 a.m. to meet as the Community Redevel- opment Agency, all members being present., and approved the minutes of the regular meeting of February 4, 1975; adopted resolution for Warrants & Demands; continued the proposed Commission agreement between the Community Redevelopment Agency and Coldwell Banker until March 4, 1975; and received copies of proposed agreement for sale and off -site reloca- tion of structures. Minutes are set forth in full in the minutes of the Agency. RECONVENE AS CITY COUNCIL: Council'Minutes, February 18,'1975 - Page 8. 1 16. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS A. Resurfacing of Temple.City Boulevard.- Additional'Work Authorization City Manager Koski stated the County Road Department has requested an additional 125 tons of .asphalt concrete to allow the warped areas to be leveled.. This would necessitate.. an authorization of an additional ,$1,538.75.. Councilman Tyrell moved to approve request for additional 125 tons.. of asphalt concrete in the amount of $1.538.75 for resurfacing of Temple City Boulevard, seconded by Councilman Gilbertson and carried. B. .Abatement of Outdoor Advertising Structures City Manager Koski presented background information stating City. Council adopted Ordinance No. 71 -334 on August 3, 1971, calling for removal of all outdoor advertising structures in the C -2 zone within three years of the date of adoption. The August 3, 1974 deadline came and passed without voluntary compliance with the provisions of said Ordinance. To date, there are still seven . structures located in the C -2 zone. Councilman Merritt moved to instruct staff to initiate abatement proceedings for removal of outdoor advertising structures in C -2 and C -3 zones in Temple City, seconded by Councilman Tyrell and carried. C. Loan Request From Community Redevelopment Agency Councilman Merritt moved to approve an advance of additional funds in the amount of $49,050 as a loan to the Agency and amend the agreement with the Agency accordingly, seconded by Councilman Greenberg and carried_ :_ D. Mr.. Koski stated he had talked with Councilman Greenberg regarding the visiting delegates from Magdalena de Kino, Temple City's Sister City. We will know for sure by 3:00 p.m. on Febru- ary 19, if they will be able to attend. If so, a dinner will be held in their honor at 7:00 p.m. Saturday,. February 22, at the American Legion Hall. E. Councilman Merritt expressed concern with the great number of people who do not come to a stop when making a right hand turn, especially on Woodruff between Temple City Boulevard and Oak, and Garibaldi at Golden West.. F. Mayor Dennis directed Council's attention to the dates of the City Council /Legislator meetings. On motion by Councilman Tyrell, seconded by Councilman Greenberg and carried, the meeting adjourned at 10 :00 p.m. The next regular . meeting of the City Council will be held Tuesday, March 4, 1975, 7:30 p.m.. in the Council Chamber of the. City Hall. lam.! Deputy City Clerk