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