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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCity Council_Minutes_1977-07-05_Regular 1977CITY OF TEMPLE CITY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 5, 1977 INITIATION: 1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Merritt called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 1977, in the Council Chamber of the City Hall. 2. The invocation was given by Councilman Gilbertson. 3. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Merritt. 4. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmen - Gilbertson, Greenberg, Merritt Absent: Councilmen- Dennis, Tyrell Also Present: City Manager Koski, City Attorney Martin, Assistant City Manager Biel, Planning Director Dragicevich, Parks and Recreation Director Kobett Councilman Greenberg moved to excuse Councilman Dennis and Councilman. Tyrell for cause, seconded by Councilman Gilbertson and carried. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilman Gilbertson moved to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting held June 21, 1977, as written, seconded by Councilman Greenberg and carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 6. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR MODIFICATION OF ZONE VARIANCE CASE 69 -283, 5522 GRACEWOOD AVENUE, SANTA ANITA CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL City Manager Koski presented background information, stating the City Council, at their regular meeting of June 21, 1977, held Public Hearing and reviewed the request for modification of Zone Variance No. 69 -283 to increase the proposed facilities from 90 to 100 beds and to eliminate nurses' quarters as originally proposed; because of the testimony given and Council concern about the maintenance of the existing facilities, particularly relating to the laundry, the matter was continued and staff directed to investigate and analyze alternate proposals for improvements of the laundry operation and other facilities. Mayor Merritt declared the public hearing open. Planning Director Dragicevich gave staff report, stating the Building and Safety Depart- ment had reviewed the proposed modifications to the laundry building operation and recommended approval; the architect has advised the laundry will be modernized by installing a new system to replace the water system for drying and will eliminate the lint problem and will build an 8 ft. free standing concrete wall easterly of the laundry building as a sound barrier; they will install cleaning facilities to include a floor drain for cleaning food and equipment carts; and are proposing a drainage system which will include an additional . catch basin at the intersection of the rear driveway and the sidewalk on Daines Drive. In answer to Councilman Gilbertsdn's question, Mr. Dragicevich stated the laundry was built in 1971. In the opinion of the Planning Director, this was not in conflict with the existing Zone Variance. Council Minutes, July 5, 1977 - Page 2 Councilman Greenberg questioned whether in staff's opinion the problems being experienced by the neighbors will be solved by the recommendations made; Planning Director Dragicevich stated staff feels the improved standard of operations of the entire facility will eliminate the problems and it is recommended that drawings for the proposed improvements be submitted to the City Engineer for approval prior to obtaining the necessary permits. Mr. David Heeb, Administrator of Santa Anita Convalescent Hospital, stated he is primarily in attendance to answer any questions Council may have; that he feels the improvements as outlined by staff will eliminate the problems and assured Council that all corrections will be carried out if the modification is approved. Councilman Gilbertson questioned Mr. Heeb as to whether he had seen the recommendations of staff. Mr. Heeb understood the four recom- mendations; that is, 1) a sound barrier wall to be located easterly of the laundry; 2) the system for cleaning of carts; 3) public address system conducted in a manner compatible with the adjacent residential neighborhood; 4) supervisory personnel being on duty at all times, including weekends and holidays; and that drawings will be approved by the City Engineer prior to issuance of permits, and stated the hospital will comply. Mr. Roger Cunningham, 5511 Hallowell, expressed doubts that adding an additional 3 ft. wall will eliminate the noise problem, concern that the laundry equipment will cause damage to his property as a result; of the vibrations. He felt there should be some restrictions on the hours of operation of the laundry facility in view of the fact they operate the laundry every day, stating they perform laundry services for the Baldwin Park Convalescent Home which he considers a commercial enterprise. Mr. Cunningham added that he is considering moving and in his opinion it would result in a downgrading of the neighborhood. In answer to Mayor Merritt's question pertaining to the laundry being brought to Santa Anita from another convalescent home, Mr. Cunningham stated the laundry truck arrives daily to bring in dirty laundry and take clean laundry back to the other hospital, and stated that with an additional 100 beds at Santa Anita the washing period would be extended even further. 1 Mr. Heeb responded to the issue, stating that Santa Anita is a member of the Golden State Health Center; that the Baldwin Park Convalescent Home is also a member of the same corporation and the laundry facilities for both homes is located at Santa Anita. Mr. Heeb further stated'the retirement center would not have the same need for laundry facilities as does the hospital and he does not anticipate the need for extending the hours of operation. Mr. George Kirkpatrick, architect, stated the engineers have advised him the construction of an 8 ft. free, standing wall will create a sound barrier and easily bring the decibel below the ordinance; that, they have reviewed the entire physical plant and have discovered holes in the wall, which when repaired will cut down the noise; that he feels the problem is emanating from a large circulating pump located outside which runs continuously, and with their proposal they intend to elimi- nate the need for the circulating pump by use of the new lint system. There being no further testimony, Councilman Greenberg moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Councilman Gilbertson and carried. Council expressed concern with regard to control the City could main- tain if the modification is approved insofar as restricting the hours of operation of the laundry facility, noise and vibration control, and the possibility of relocating the laundry to another location. City Attorney Martin advised the Council could retain jurisdiction over the hours of operation, as well as the number of days of the week, for the laundry facility; Council may wish to provide that at some future date 1 Council Minutes, July 5, 1977 - Page 3 the laundry facility will be phased out of the facility or moved to a new location. In his opinion, laundry brought in from another area is not an accessory to the facility. Councilman Gilbertson moved to reopen the public hearing and continue the matter to July 19, and direct staff to investigate with the operators of the convalescent home the feasibility of restricting the hours of operation, additional means of soundproofing the laundry operations, and the possibility of relocation of the laundry to another location further removed from the residential properties, seconded by Councilman Greenberg and carried. 7. RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT: TEMPLE CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT - July 1, 1977 to June 30, 1978 City Manager Koski presented background information, stating the City Council, at their regular meeting held June 21, 1977 continued this matter to July 5 to give staff an opportunity to discuss requested modifications with the District. The Parks and Recreation Commission, at their adjourned meeting held June 29, 1977 recommended that the Agreement between City and School District be approved as redrafted. Councilman Gilbertson moved to approve renewal of agreement between City and School District for a period of one year commencing July 1 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign, seconded by Council- man Greenberg and carried. NEW BUSINESS: 8. RECOMMENDATION FROM PLANNING COMMISSION - Meeting of June 28, 1977 PARKING OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ON R -ZONED PROPERTIES City Manager Koski presented background information, stating the Plan- ning Commission, at their regular meeting of June 28, 1977, recom- mended that the present ordinance relating to parking of commercial vehicles on residential properties be modified as set forth in proposed ordinance drafted by the City Attorney, allowing a minimum 3 tons gross weight rather than 4 tons to be parked or left standing on any part of an R -zoned property, and allowing a 6- months abatement period for parking the existing commercial vehicles on R -zoned property. Councilman Gilbertson moved to set public hearing August 16, 1977, to consider Planning Commission recommendation, seconded by Councilman Greenberg and carried. 1 9. RECOMMENDATION FROM PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - Meeting of June 29, 1977 - INSTALLATION OF LIGHTING, ATHLETIC FIELD, LIVE OAK PARK City Manager Koski presented background information, stating the Parks and Recreation Commission, at an adjourned meeting held June 29, 1977, recommended to City Council acceptance of offer from American Little League of Temple City, Inc. to install lights on the north ball field at Live Oak Park, with volunteer labor and to make available to the league, through an agreement, the sum of, not to exceed, $12,000 for reimbursement of approved project costs. A work schedule is included with the recommendation providing for completion by July 31, 1977, however, Pacific Telephone has advised that poles will not be avail- able for two months. Councilman Greenberg moved to continue the matter for discussion by a full Council July 19, 1977, seconded by Councilman Gilbertson and carried. . 10. RESOLUTION NO. 77 -1647: EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONNEL Councilman Greenberg moved to adopt Resolution No. 77 -1647 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY APPOINTING PERSONNEL, seconded by Councilman Gilbertson and carried. Council Minutes, July 5, 1977 - Page 4 11. RESOLUTION NO, 77 -1648: WARRANTS & DEMANDS, DEMAND NOS. 6937 THRU 7022 IN THE AMOUNT OF $134,614.54 Councilman Greenberg moved to adopt Resolution No„ 77 -1648 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ALLOWING CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $134,614.54, - DEMAND NOS. 6937 THRU 7022, seconded by Councilman Gilbertson, check number 7016 being deleted. 12. COMMUNICATIONS: A. Chamber of Commerce - Request for Sidewalk Sale, July 30, 1977 City Manager Koski presented communication from Temple City Chamber of Commerce requesting permission to conduct a sidewalk sale Saturday, July 30, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and permission to hang a banner July 22 across Las Tunas Drive east of Temple City Boulevard and to post street; placards, Monday, July 25. Councilman Gilbertson moved to approve request for sidewalk sale July 30, 1977, subject to the required certificate of insurance naming the City additionally insured, seconded by Councilman Greenberg and carried. 13°': TIME FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO SPEAK: Mrs. William Tolman, 5033 Sultana, inquired what action had been taken on Item 8 and was advised the matter has been set for public hearing August 16, 1977, 7:30 p.m. RECESS TO CRA: The City Council recessed at 8:10 p.m. to meet as the Community Redevelop - ment Agency, Mr. Dennis and Mr. Tyrell being absent; approved the minutes of the regular meeting held June 21, 1977; adopted resolution approving warrants and demands; and approved commission payment to Coldwell Banker. The minutes will be set forth in full in the records of the Agency. RECONVENE AS CITY COUNCIL: 14. ACTION ON REQUEST BY CRA: There was no action to be taken. 15. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS: A. Personnel Councilman Gilbertson moved to adopt Resolution No. 77 -1649 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ADOPTING A SALARY SCHEDULE AND PAY PLAN, Resolution No, 77 -1650 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ADOPTING A SALARY SCHEDULE AND PAY PLAN FOR CETA PERSONNEL, and Resolution No. 77 -1651 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ESTABLISHING HOLIDAYS, seconded by Councilman Greenberg and carried, B. League of California Cities: 1977 -78 Dues Assessment Councilman Gilbertson moved to approve dues assessment for fiscal year 1977 -78, League of California Cities, Los Angeles County Division, and authorize payment in the amount of $275, seconded by Councilman Green- berg and carried. C. Land Use Plan for San Gabriel Valley Planning Unit - Angeles National Forest :City Manager Koski advised the Parks and Recreation Commission has reviewed the draft Environmental Statement for the Land Use Plan of the Angeles National Forest and has recommended alternative "E" which Council Minutes, July 5, 1977 - Page 5 continues to offer the greatest opportunity for a mixture of facilities and services, while maintaining strong emphasis on the preservation of the natural landscape, natural resources and wildlife. Councilman Greenberg moved to approve the Parks and Recreation Com- mission comments be forwarded to the Forest Service, seconded by Councilman Gilbertson and carried. D. Councilman Gilbertson distributed copies of a letter he had for- warded to President of the San Gabriel Valley Association of Cities expressing some concerns he has regarding that organization. E. Councilman Greenberg expressed his feelings to Councilman Gilbertson, stating it has been a tremendous experience to have served on the Council with him, and also having been a member of the City family together over the years. Mayor Merritt also expressed his feelings, stating he has enjoyed his association with Councilman Gilbertson on the Council, and although he will miss the immediate association, he will look for- ward to his other activities in the community and wished him well. City Manager Koski expressed, on behalf of the staff, their appreciation for Councilman Gilbertson's assistance and cooperation, stating Council- man Gilbertson is a dedicated individual who has always had the best' interests of the City at heart. F. Councilman Gilbertson stated he would like to have his statement of resignation on record and proceeded to read as follows: Second only to my family and Church affiliation, the privilege these past 11 years to have been actively involved with the City of Temple City has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my life. Personal and business considerations this past year have . strongly dictated such association, however pleasant, should be terminated. It had been hoped the situation might change sub- stantially to negate such necessity. However, I have determined that I must regretfully submit my resignation from the City Council effective July 15,1977. Reflecting upon these past years I find much gratification in the many opportunities afforded me to hopefully assist in creating a better community. The City Seminars initiated during my first term as Mayor have helped to foster a continuing awareness of citizen communication. The conversion, to a Charter status for our City gives our residents the maximum rights of self - determination over their local government. The several years devoted to the development of the Rosemead Boule- vard Shopping Complex have been fruitful and should provide lasting fiscal benefits. The strong program of property maintenance enforce- ment, though misunderstood by some, provides the best hope of re- taining the single family residential character of our community desired by the majority. Most importantly, too, Temple City enjoys a truly sound financial condition while so many other cities are having difficult times. Looking back upon such achievements while a Member of the City Council does provide great compensation for the time and effort expended. Too, it has been most gratifying to have been a member of a Council which has constantly stood in the forefront of the fight against oppressive County bureacracy proving so burdensome to our citizen taxpayers. To a major degree the Temple City Council leader- ship when so many elected officials were fearful has brought about the current emphasis toward County reform. Also, this Council has been a leader in defending local autonomy against federal, regional Council Minutes, July 5, 1977 - Page 6 and other threats to our rights of self determination. Conse- quently, one cannot help but derive much satisfaction in having been associated with such men, not only the current membership but others in the past such as Ken Briggs and Bill Harker. With Councilmen of such stature, as well as equally dedicated com- missioners and staff, one can find ample reason for the fine pro- gress made by our City. With all that is favorable there remain serious challenges for those who would continue to lead our City. The continuing threat of higher jurisdictions to ultimately strip local govern- ment of all self - determination is the most serious of all. Each year the thrust has been of more and more dictations from higher authorities. Coupled with growing concepts of funding more and more local program costs from the federal government, such can lead only to the virtual and total destruction of local govern- ment as we have known it in the past. It shall take increasing courage to withstand and actively oppose such threat. The ultimate achievement of county reform and with it the hopeful opportunity to participate in the drafting of a new county . which will avoid the existent duplications of service as well as other county government deficiencies will present a real challenge. The still fledgling San Gabriel Valley Association of Cities which began under the initial thrust of this City Council has not progressed well in the past year organizationally. It shall need strong leadership direction if it is to achieve its great potential. At home too, much remains to retain our current favorable atmosphere. It shall take continuing courage to resist the pressures to enter areas of public social service. The mounting costs of safety services and insurance demand serious attention and intel- ligent evaluation. The need continues to work very closely in a supportive role with the business community to maintain a favorable economic climate. The complexity of leadership even at the local level constantly increases and will demand much of those who would serve with any degree of effectiveness. I am confident that the citizens of Temple City will continue to elect leaders of the high quality as those with whom I have been privileged to serve. To maintain our favorable past progress demands that such leaders will not permit our City to fall into the fiscal pitfalls encountered by so many others. Also, if our City is to avoid the conditions of deterioration where economics demand conversion from single family owner- occupied dwellings to multiple rental units, we must reject those who would support or permit abuse of property ownership responsibilities, under whatever rationale. Some years ago I learned that in any public service one is likely to make as many enemies as friends. Such is particularly true if one by nature is inclined to be quite forthright in their opinions. Too often, regrettably, the most popular elected officials are those who do little but affect a pleasing personality and who try to respond sympathetically to all requests of citizen groups, whether or not it is prudent or even justifiable to do so. Consequently, I long ago adopted as my guide of public service . two specific criteria. The first was based upon a Winston Churchill statement that doing one's best just isn't enough - what is required is to succeed in doing what is necessary. While not always possible, such tends to keep the accomplishment of one's objectives in focus. The, second, of Abraham Lincoln, indicated his desire to conduct his public life in such a manner that upon leaving office even if he managed to lose all of his friends he should have at least one left - himself. Council Minutes, July 5, 1977 - Page 7 Since I now leave my local public service unable to satisfy the criteria of Churchill but to comply with that of Lincoln, perhaps the honest self - evaluation has to be that it was a "50/50 proposition ". While I do not plan to ever again seek public office I must acknowledge that personal and other considerations being satisfactory and should compelling reasons dictate such, I might again do so. For the present it is my hope to utilize such released time to other personal needs and interests. I wish to extend, on behalf of both Carol and myself, my deepest gratitude to all of the Councilmen, Commissioners, Mr. Koski and all of the City staff for their kind friendship, en- couragement and support over these many years. We shall deeply miss the close association with all of them. I desire to add also one final, personal comment. There is one man particularly - often misunderstood because of his direct personal integrity - who has done more than anyone else in my opinion to make this Temple City which I love the fine place it is today.. That man is Councilman Jack Tyrell. It is most essential that I publicly acknowledge such for his great talents and devoted integrity have been a source of much inspiration personally to me - even in times of disagreement. Such deserves acknowledgement. 16. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Councilman Gilbertson, seconded by Councilman Greenberg, meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m. Next regular meeting of the City Council will be held Tuesday, July 19, 1977, 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the City Hall. 1 ATTEST: C 'e uty City Clerk MAYOR