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.
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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
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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.
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ATTEST:
C 'e uty City Clerk
MAYOR