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