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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCity Council_Minutes_1978-09-05_Regular 1978CITY OF TEMPLE CITY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 5, 1978 INITIATION: 1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Tyrell called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:35 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 1978, in the Council Chamber of the City Hall. 2. INVOCATION: The invocation was given by Councilman Dennis. 3. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Tyrell. 4. ROLL CALL: Present: Absent: Also Present: Councilmen - Atkins, Councilmen -None City Manager Koski, City Manager Pucci, Parks & Recreation 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Dennis, Gillanders, Merritt, Tyrell City Attorney Martin, Assistant Planning Director Dragicevich, Director Kobett Councilman Merritt moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council held August 15, 1978, as written, seconded by Councilman Atkins and carried. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: On motion by Councilman Atkins, seconded by Councilman Gillanders, Items A through E were approved as recommended. A. RESOLUTION NO. 78 -1751: EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONNEL (Budgeted) Adopted Resolution No. 78 -1751 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY APPOINTING PERSONNEL. B. RESOLUTION NO. 78 -1752: WARRANTS & DEMANDS Adopted Resolution No. 78 -1752 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ALLOWING CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $100,910.72, DEMAND NOS. 10249 THRU 10374. C. PROPERTY NUISANCE CASE 78 -43: 6004 -18 ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD Adopted Resolution No. 78 -1753 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY DETERMINING THE EXISTENCE OF A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING ABATEMENT THEREOF. D. PROPERTY NUISANCE CASE 78 -44: 5607 WELLAND AVENUE Adopted Resolution No. 78 -1754 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY DETERMINING THE EXISTENCE OF A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING ABATEMENT THEREOF. E. SET PUBLIC HEARING: TENTATIVE TRACT 35397, 5607 WELLAND AVENUE Set Public Hearing September 19, 1978 to consider Planning Commission recommendation to approve Tentative Tract 35397. Council Minutes, September 5, 1978 - Page 2 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 7 PUBLIC HEARING: 7:30 p.m. TEMPLE CITY BOULEVARD, LEFT TURN POCKETS City Manager Koski presented background information stating City Council, at their regular meeting held August 15, 1978, received Traffic Commission recommendation to install left turn pockets at various intersections on Temple City Boulevard and a continuous left turn lane from Camino Real southerly to Lemon Avenue, and set public hearing for September 5, 1978 and instructed staff to advise those property owners who would be affected by restricted parking resulting from such installation. The Traffic Commission reviewed Traffic Engineer's report giving data for the period January 1974 to 1978 which disclosed the number of left turn and rear -end type accidents at Live Oak, Broadway and Olive Street; and statistics showing the reduction in similar type accidents at Longden and Lemon Avenues after the installation of left turn pockets at those intersections. Traffic Commission concurred with Traffic Engineer's recommendation for installation at those intersections and in addition, recommend left.turn pockets at Garibaldi and La Rosa Drive. The left turn pockets are proposed to be 100 feet in length with 150 -foot transitions. City Manager Koski advised that two petitions and one letter opposing the proposed left turn pockets were received this evening. Councilman Atkins moved to make the petitions and letter a part of the record, seconded by Councilman Dennis and carried. Mark Schrock, Chairman, Temple City Traffic Commission, advised the Traffic Commission concurred with the Traffic Engineer's recom- mendation for the safety of individuals driving Temple City Boulevard. In reviewing the data over the last few years, left turn and rear -end type accidents have increased, while accidents have decreased at those intersections where left turn lanes were installed, and the Traffic Commission felt that while there may be some inconvenience to property owners fronting on Temple City Boulevard, if just one serious accident were prevented, it would be worth the inconvenience Traffic Sgt. Terry Bonyea, Temple Station, stated that in addition to the Traffic Engineer's report for the period January 1974 to January 1978, he has updated that information to June 1, 1978 which indicates there have been numerous accidents at the intersections at Broadway and Olive Street involving injury or property damage. The survey revealed the primary cause of the accidents were left turn violations and following too close causing rear -end collisions. In answer to questions from Council, Sgt. Bonyear stated from the point of traffic safety, the safe movement of traffic should be sufficient to override the inconvenience of parking space loss. Mayor Tyrell declared the public hearing open and invited anyone wishing to speak to come forward. Joe Crowley, 6244 Hart Avenue, spoke in favor of the left turn pockets, suggesting Council should listen to the expert advice of the Traffic Engineer and the Sheriff's Department. He stated he realized it could be an inconvenience for the affected property owners, however he has noticed that not many people park on Temple City Boulevard with the exception of the residents of the condominiums at Broadway, and the Council should recognize left turn pockets are a safety device giving north and south bound traffic maximum visibility of through traffic before making left turns. In answer to Councilman Gillanders question, Mr. Crowley stated there would be a much smoother traffic flow with the installation of left turn pockets and would certainly eliminate the unreported accidents resulting from an attempt to jockey for position in the free flowing lanes when motorists are stopped to make left turns. Robert Harris, Assistant Principal, Temple City High School, stated the School District is concerned with motorist travelling north and making a left turn into the student parking lot, but also concerned with the possibility of no stopping on the west side of Temple City Council ?`Minutes, September 5, 1973 - Page 3 Boulevard for parents dropping off students, which they feel would create an entirely different traffic flow around the school and create increased problems on Lemon an`d Oak Avenues. In answer to questions from Council,-Mr. Harris stated the School Board would like to have the issued studied more thoroughly with the idea some other course of action would help the left turn problems, keeping the same pattern of traffic. Joanne .Behem, 6600 Temple City Boulevard, Arcadia, suggested an alternative to a continuous left turn lane, such as allowing only right turns into the student parking lot, changing the entrance to the parking lot from Camino Real, or just waiting to see whether the new signal at Camino Real will assist those turning left into the parking lot. Answering question from Council, Mrs. Behem stated she has a narrow driveway and with the eliminating of •a parking lane on the east side of Temple City Boulevard a new hazard will be created for residents and motorists when backing cars,out into the lane of traffic. Commissioner Schrock advised the configuration of the traffic lanes and left turn pocket will be offset to the west and it is not pro- posed to eliminate the parking lane on the east side of Temple City Boulevard. Sgt. Bonyea, answering questions from Council, stated he has no statistics relating to benefits of continuous left turn lanes; however, he would weigh favorably the Traffic Engineer's report that the continuous left turn lane will provide protection for motorists entering and exiting the school parking lot. Sgt. Bonyea also stated it was his opinion the elimination of parking would improve visibility for vehicles entering and exiting driveways. Cissy VanHastaart, 5411 Temple City Boulevard, stated her property has a narrow driveway which was installed at the time Temple City Boulevard was widened, and there is no way they can enter the driveway from a parking lane which necessitates their swinging into the traffic lane to make the turn; also there is a ridge where concrete and asphalt meet which pulls the steering wheel to the right which will be a hazard to the motorist. Mark Nottingham, 9575 Broadway, submitted a petition with 110 signatures opposing the left turn pocket at Broadway, stating speed will increase with two open lanes; 250 ft. north of Broadway and 250 ft. south of Live Oak Avenue'will leave approximately 100 feet for parking which is not sufficient for residents of the condominium and requested Council protect their investment. Bernard Cook, 5736 Rowland Avenue, owner of apartments at 5630 -36 Temple City Boulevard, stated his apartments are occupied by elderly tenants who have visitors who would be handicapped by no parking on Temple City Boulevard. He further stated eliminating the parking lane will create a hazard to bicyclists and encourage the race track crowd to drive Temple City Boulevard. Kenneth Vett, 5476 Temple City Boulevard, stated the 6 ft. wall on north side of his property creates a hazard because he can't see pedestrians on the sidewalk until he is almost completely out of his driveway and he feels traffic driving closer to the curb will create an additional hazard. Lisa Short, 5475 Temple City Boulevard, stated ale is concerned with the possibility of increased noise level with cars travelling so much closer to the curb, explaining her bedroom is in the front of her house. Ralph Phillip, 5416 Temple City Boulevard, stated the statistics given by the Sheriff do not mention the time of day, and wondered if the majority of the accidents recorded where after signals went to blinking lights. He also advised his driveway is narrow and he would have a difficult time entering the driveway. Councilman Gillanders stated the time of day indicated on the Traffic Engineer's survey was at various times, however most of them were Council Minutes, September 5, 1978 - Page 4 prior to activating the blinking lights. He pointed out that the survey has proven that traffic accidents have declined at those intersections where left turn pockets were installed, while at the same time, accidents have increased at those intersections that do not have left turn pockets. George Nicholas, 5722 Temple City Boulevard, stated there would be no place for visitors to park near his property, he feels there will be anincrease of speed which will be too close to the curb, and that the pockets may eliminate rear end accidents, but create other pro- blems. Susan Maxwell, 6119 Temple City Boulevard, stated her driveway was shortened resulting in loss of parking space when Temple City Boulev was widened and she does not feel its fair to ask residents to give their parking spaces for the convenience of motorists travelling the street. She stated she had taken the entire morning to count the number of cars travelling; 1400 cars travelled past her house and only 43 turned left. Mrs. Maxwell also stated she thinks speed is the problem. Lillian Cook, 5736 Temple City Boulevard, stated she does not feel the intersection of Lemon Avenue can be compared with other inter- sections because of the school traffic; that there is more through traffic on Lemon Avenue than on the other east /west bound streets. Eric Gilben, 5619 Temple City Boulevard, stated that eliminating parking on Temple City Boulevard will cause other hazards in that people will park on one side of the street and cross midblock. He felt it would create an increase in U -turns in midblock also. He suggested "no left turn" signs may he an alternative. Les Kovacs, 5936 Temple City Boulevard, stated the left turn pockets at Longden and Lemon Avenues are possible because of the greater width of Temple City Boulevard north of Las Tunas. George Nicholas spoke again and inquired why the east side of Temple City Boulevard south of Las Tunas has red curb all the way to the exit driveway to the parking mall and only about 50 ft. of red curb on the west side of the street. City Manager Koski advised the left turn pocket is offset to the east to allow for parking on the west for the businesses located there. Joe Crowley spoke again to suggest the left turn pockets he offset to allow parking on one side of the boulevard and also suggested the City may consider shortening the length of the proposed turn lanes. Georgian Seaman, 9575 Temple City Boulevard, stated activities at St. Luke's and Cloverly Schools created parking problems on Broadway and if the left turn pockets are installed, the residents of the condominiums would be forced to park on Broadway and create a traffic hazard on that street. Cissy VanHastaart spoke again and stated the possibility of shorter left turn pockets which would provide less restricted parking may be more agreeable to the residents. She also wished to compliment the Traffic Commission for initiating the delayed timing in the traffic signals, stating it has improved traffic at the Olive Street inter- section. Sgt. Bonyea stated he personally believed shorter pockets was not th answer; that the vehicle waiting to enter the transition to the pock creates the same problem; he feels reducing injury accidents is of a higher priority than convenience. Commissioner Schrock stated he discussed a shorter pocket with the Traffic Engineer and he personally would be willing to compromise to reduce the left turn pocket to 70 ft. which would allow for three vehicles with reasonably safe space. There being no one else come forward to speak, Councilman Merritt moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Councilman Atkins. Council Minutes, September 5, 1 ')73 - Page 5 City Manager I:oski advised that sufficient issues have been raised, it would seem reasonable to suggest Council continue this matter td give. staff opportunity to addresss'themselves to the questions and report to the Traffic Commission for their review and recommendation. Councilman Atkins stated he is more than willing to work toward a compromise by minimizing the length of the pockets and still provide some protection for left turning motorists in view of the fact that the majority of the testimony showed a concern by the residents only for convenience. Councilman Gillanders stated he is convinced the left turn pockets are necessary for public safety; however, he feels staff should study the matter and make additional recommendations to arrive at a practical length. He agreed with Councilman Atkins that the majority of arguments against the pockets were concerned with convenience and feels you cannot trade off convenience for the safety of the general public. Councilman Dennis disagreed to some extent, stating that in many instances convenience to Temple City Boulevard residents translates into potential hazards on other streets. Traffic close to the curb when talking about children riding bicycles to school is a real potential hazard. Eliminating traffic accidents is of major importance and if we can come to some compromise with a minimum of inconvenience and minimum traffic hazards on other streets it would be the ideal situation. Councilman Merritt stated when you eliminate parking you create problems for service oriented businesses. He also expressed concern with those residents you can't get on or off the street with some amount of safety due to the amount of traffic, and he felt more information is needed. Mayor Tyrell stated his concern that buses could not pull out of the flow of traffic for their stops; children riding bicycles; residents getting in and out of their driveways; and the fact the left turn pockets may only be needed a few hours a day during peak hours. The answer may be to reduce the speed limit and resolve the problem to allow the residents to utilize parking in front of their homes. Councilman Gillanders moved to continue the matter to October 17, 1978, and instruct staff to investigate further addressing themselves to some of the questions that have been brought up during the public testimony to be presented to the Traffic Commission for their review and comment October 4, 1978, seconded by Mayor Tyrell and carried. 8 EUCALYPTUS TREE REMOVAL: 6500 BLOCK OAK AVENUE City Manager Koski presented background information stating the City Council, at their regular meeting held August 15, 1978, received . a petition from property owners on Oak Avenue between Lemon and Emperor Avenues, requesting the removal of six Eucalyptus trees. City Council continued the matter to September 5, 1978 and directed the property owners be notified. Staff received a letter from one of the property owners indicating a willingness on the part of the property owners to help pay for the cost of removal in the amount of $600. Three quotations have been received, the lowest of which is $940. Staff recommends, if the trees are removed, they be replaced with six Oak trees in accordance with the Master Tree Guide. A negative declaration of environmental impact was prepared by the Planning Director pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. Councilman Dennis moved to make the petition a part of the record, seconded by Councilman Gillanders and carried. Councilman Gillanders moved to certify the Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact, seconded by Councilman Atkins and carried. Councilman Gillanders moved to approve request for removal of six Eucalyptus trees and accept the participation of the property owners in the amount of $600 and authorize replacement with six Oak trees at an approximate cost of $50 per tree, seconded by Mayor Tyrell and carried. Council Minutes, September 5, 1978 - Page 6 NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business. 9. CO ?1'.'1UNICATIONS : A. Request to Paint House Numbers on Curbs City Manager Koski presented a request from Jenny Showalter, Regina Redman, and Moira Sullivan, for a permit to paint house numbers on curbs. By policy the City Council has required a permit for this activity, as well as following certain procedures. Councilman Atkins moved to approve request subject to the required procedures and authorize a fee of $2 for such service, seconded by Councilman Gillanders and carried. B. Request for Reimbursement - American Little League City Manager Koski presented request from American Little League for reimbursement in the amount of $7,137.07 for authorized expenses incurred in the construction of the athletic field lights at Live Oak Park in accordance with the agreement between the City and Little League. Councilman Dennis moved to authorize payment in the amount of $7,137.07, seconded by Councilman Gillanders and carried. 10. TIME FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO SPEAK: No one came forward. RECESS TO CRA: City Council recessed at 10:22 p.m. to meet as the Community Redevelopment Agency, all members being present; approved the minutes of the regular meeting held August 15, 1973; approved plans for construction of Alphy's Restaurant; approved proposed sign located at 5526 Rosemead Boulevard; and adopted resolution approving warrants and demands. The minutes are set forth in full in the records of the Agency. RECONVENE AS.CITY COUNCIL: 11. ACTION ON REQUEST BY CRA: There was no action to be taken. 12. NATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS: A. City Manager Koski presented communication from Kenneth Chappell, President, Los Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities, requesting the City adopt a resolution urging the Board of Supervisors to retain their present formula for allocation of Aid - to- Cities monies. Councilman Atkins moved to adopt Resolution No. 78 -1755 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY URGTNG THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY TO RETAIN THE PREVIOUS SYSTEM FOR ALLOCATING AID TO CITIES FUNDS, seconded by Councilman Merritt and carried. B. Accept Street Improvements - Tract 29825 City Manager Koski presented a recommendation from the Superintenden of Streets to accept the street improvements for Tract 29325 and release Surety Bond in the amount. of $2,300. Councilman Dennis moved to accept the street improvements and release Bond B- 642901 in the amount of $2,300 for Tract 29825, seconded by Councilman Atkins and carried. 1 1 Council Minutes,. September 5, 1978 - Page 7 C. Ceta Contract - Extension Amendment City Manager Koski advised the Ceta program has been extended for a three -month period to December 31, 1978; the County has forwarded the contract forms for renewal and staff has completed for Council review Councilman Atkins moved to approve City's participation for a three month period from October 1 to December 31, 1978 and authorize the Mayor to sign, seconded by Councilman Dennis and carried. D. League of California Cities Conference - Anaheim, September 24 -26 City Manager Koski advised six city officials have indicated their desire to attend the League of California Cities Conference to be held in Anaheim, September 24 -26, 1978 and requested authorization to pay registration fee in the amount of $50, and also necessary expenses incurred for the six officials, as well'as additional Commissioners who will be attending part of the conference. Councilman Atkins moved to authorize registration for six city officials attending the full conference and travel expenses and per diem for additional officials' part time attendance, seconded by Councilman Merritt and carried. E. Councilman Atkins directed Council's attendance to the Parks and Recreation minutes of August 16, 1978 with regard to the Commission's desire to meet with City Council to discuss tennis court rules and nuisance complaints at Live Oak Park. F. City Manager Koski introduced Mark Kaiser, Administrative Assistant, who was in the audience. Mayor Merritt stated that all City employees should know the Councilmen, a park employee having been approached by someone who claimed to be a Councilmember. 13. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Councilman Atkins, seconded by Councilman Dennis, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Next regular meeting of the City Council will be held Tuesday, September 19, 1978, 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the City Hall. ATTEST: G��v�YCr1� ctJ. 69W_, Ch of Deputy City Clerk