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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCity Council_Minutes_1984-10-02_Regular 1984CITY OF TEMPLE CITY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 2, 1984 INITIATION: 1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Swain called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:33 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2, 1984, in the Council Chamber of the City Hall. 2. The invocation was given by Reverend Barry Vail, Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5319 N. Halifax Road. 3. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Swain. 4. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmen - Atkins, Dennis, Gillanders, Tyrell, Swain Absent: Councilmen -None Also Present: City Manager Koski, City Attorney Martin, Planning Director Shaw, Parks & Recreation Director Kobett, Public Works Coordinator Peterson, and Julie Estrada of the Temple City Times. PRESENTATION: Mayor Swain presented to Gary Davis, winner of the Sheriff's Department Open House coloring contest,. a $50 savings bond contributed by Councilmembers. 5. CONSENT CALENDAR: Councilman Tyrell requested Item D be removed from the Consent Calendar. On motion by Councilman Tyrell, seconded by Councilman Atkins, all other items on the Consent Calendar were unanimously approved as recommended. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Regular Meeting of September 18, 1984. Approved as written. B. RECOMMENDATION FROM PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 19, 1984 - REQUEST FOR USE OF LIVE OAK PARK AUDITORIUM: ROSEMEAD DANCE CLUB Approved use of Live Oak Park Auditorium on.November 18, 1984, by Rosemead Dance Club to conduct a dance for Senior Citizens; approved $1.00 admission fee; waived established rental fees; subject to the required Certificate of Insurance and payment of appropriate per- sonnel cost. C. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION - MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 25, 1984 Received and filed memo relating to action taken by the Planning Commission at their regular meeting. E. REAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS - LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS FOR MALL PARKING LOTS Approved reappropriation of funds in the amount of $4,644 not ex- pended in FY 1983 -84 for the purchase of high pressure sodium vapor lights to replace existing incandescent fixtures in public mall parking lots and amended the adopted budget accordingly. F. RESOLUTION NO. 84 -2309: EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONNEL Adopted Resolution No. 84 -2309 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY APPOINTING PERSONNEL. G. RESOLUTION NO. 84 -2310: WARRANTS AND DEMANDS Adopted Resolution No. 84 -2310 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ALLOWING CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $235,175.01 DEMAND NOS. 8443 THRU 8515. Council Minutes, October 2, 1984 - Page 2 CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM D DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DRAWINGS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATES - NEW CITY HALL REMODEL Councilman Tyrell moved to continue this matter to the October 8, 1984, Study Session and Adjourned Meeting, seconded by Councilman Atkins and unanimously carried. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: A. PUBLIC HEARING: 7 :30 P.M. - POSSIBLE CHANGES TO THE CIRCULATION ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN IN THE VICINITY OF GOLDEN WEST AVENUE BETWEEN LA ROSA DRIVE AND LOWER AZUSA ROAD City Manager Koski presented background information stating the Planning Commission at their September 25, 1984, meeting acted to maintain the Circulation Element of the General Plan by recommending that Golden West Avenue be extended to Lower Azusa Road as is presently shown on the Gen- eral Plan land use map for several reasons: 1) the extension completes the established and logical circulation pattern for this portion of Temple City; 2) the extension provides improved emergency access to the present and future residents on Golden West and vicinity since a blocked street may result in delayed emergency services; and 3) the extension will reduce the traffic impact on other local streets in the vicinity. Council also has copies of petitions signed by residents that were pre- sented prior to the commencement of this evening's meeting. Councilman Tyrell moved to include all prior records, minutes of the Traffic Commission meeting and minutes of the Planning Commission meet- ing as part of the record, seconded by Councilman Dennis and unanimously carried. Mayor Swain declared the public hearing open and invited anyone wishing to speak to come forward and asked the audience to bear in mind that the Councilmembers have had the opportunity to read the minutes of all preceeding meetings of the Traffic and Planning Commissions. Councilman Tyrell acknowledged the video tape presented to him by. John Best. The tape was viewed by staff and basically consisted of statis- tical information with regards to the widths of various streets in the vicinity which information is in the records of the City Hall and avail- able to anyone interested. Councilman Tyrell also requested, for his purposes, if the witnesses could address three issues: 1) that the street. goes through; 2) the street goes through but has metal fingers at the end of the street for south bound traffic only; and 3) location of a cul -de -sac - either at its present location or at Lower Azusa Road so the new dwellings could become part of the City. Tricia Bogle, 5120 Golden West, stated the residents had brought up this issue to combat traffic problems 10 years ago. Mrs. Bogle read from City Council minutes dated August 20, 1974, to the effect that the Traffic Commission had recommended to construct a cul -de -sac 460' south of Hallwood Drive and referred the issue to the Planning Com- mission for hearing to amend the General Plan. In subsequent hearings three obstacles were noted: 1) acquisition of right of way; 2) cost of $36,000; and 3) the hinderence of future development of property. The solution was a temporary barricade which still exists today. Her solu- tion to the obstacles have been answered as follows: 1) the right of way was acquired by home owners dedication of the required property; 2) part of the cost would be absorbed by the developer; and 3) quoting from Planning Commission minutes of August 14, 1984, "the developer was impartial as to whether Golden West would become a through street or remain a cul -de- sac." At that meeting the Planning Commission ap- proved the tentative tract and changed the conditions to reflect the cul -de -sac. At the September 25, 1984, meeting the Planning Commission reversed their previous decision and voted to extend Golden West Avenue to Lower Azusa Road, Mrs. Bogle submitted petitions with 443 signatures opposing the extension on the basis that: 1) the proposed development contains homes on lots half the'size of those designated by R -1 zoning; 2) traffic is a main concern not only from the race track since the ex- tension of Golden West would make it the only residential street to Council Minutes, October 2, 1984 - P Iv 3 extend between Lower Azusa Road and Huntington Drive, but also poten- tial traffic resulting from the developments at the end of Golden West and future developments either manufacturing or commercial which is available for development on Lower Azusa Road, and 3) the safety of their children since there are five public schools west of Golden West. Mrs. Bogle concluded they found that a large cross section of Temple City does not feel the need for another north -south thoroughfare in this City. David Manning, 5728 Golden West, expressed concern with the overall im- pact of traffic on Golden West Avenue and the unknown element regarding property on Lower Azusa Road; with the huge increase in property value it is only a matter of time before the theater area is developed along with other commercial property along Lower Azusa; traffic fingers at the corner of Golden West and Lower Azusa would not affect the south bound traffic which is of major concern; felt the cul -de -sac should re- main where it is; and the development should have access to Lower Azusa only. Phil Miranda, 5303 Golden West, felt emergency vehicles were familiar with routes in the City and would not have a problem locating new developments. James Day, 5703 Golden West, noticed an increase in traffic and acci- dents when Golden West was opened to a side street and felt those problems would only be compounded if it became a through street. D. Sheenh, 5612 Golden West, did not feel Golden West qualified by definition as a collector street since the width of the street varies and is more appropriately a secondary street. Opening up Golden West will only invite outside traffic and place an additional burden on the adjoining streets. Glenn Sleight, 5003 Golden West, expressed his concern that there would be an increase in the type of persons coming into the area that would create a public nuisance if the street was extended. He concurred with Mr. Sheenh that it is not wide enough to be a collector street and that the cost of widening it would be prohibitive. Also felt traffic fingers a poor alternative. Council recessed at 9:00 P.M. and reconvened at 9:15 p.m. Tricia Bogle stated during recess the residents held discussion and concluded that they felt overwhelmingly that the cul -de -sac should remain where it is.which would afford the040 plus homes'that will be built to be in a more exclusive area; however, they would be in.favor of a cul -de -sac at Lower Azusa as opposed to opening up the street. Seth Carson, 4913 Agnes, stated the residents who want to maintain a cul -de -sac on Golden West have given no thought to the benefit they will receive by opening the street or to the effect that maintaining it closed will have on the neighborhood. Golden West stretches three miles from Huntington Drive to Lower Azusa; the first mile is in Arcadia; portions of the street are uncurbed; it is only a two lane street which has 10 stop signs, 3 more lighted signals, two dips as well as a dog leg making it a classic obstacle course which would not be patronized by race track traffic. Luella Carson (continued for Mr. Carson) The opposition raises the issue of traffic hazards to children, criminal element, speeding and motor bikes which are common hazards to all the streets and the blocking of Golden West makes the other streets bear their share of the burden. By definition a cul -de -sac is a relatively short street constructed to provide development of property not otherwise accessible and ending in an impasse because of an existing development blocking the way. Golden West does not fit that description and there is no basis infact for maintaining it barricaded. Any change in the General Plan would be a decision detrimental to the public at large for the benefit of a few; progress is something we all have to live with and adapt to. In review- ing the history of the area since approximately 1955, Mrs. Carson noted that since only the west half of that portion is dedicated as a public street, it apparently has been economically and developmentally unfeas- ible for incorporated Temple City to improve the street. Now at long Council Minutes, October 2, 1984 - Page 4 last with no cost to the City the opportunity to properly open Golden West for public use is possible. The barricade was not placed there through due process but remained over the years for the benefit of a few. She questioned if the City can arbitrarily barricade a portion of a proposed street that was dedicated for public use by creating a so- called cul -de -sac where none was planned or intended when it was dedi- cated. No permanent closing was ever santioned and it should right- fully be opened. Griffith Jones, 4943 Kauffman, felt that the 40 plus residential units that will be built causing increased traffic on Kauffman and Camellia should be shared by their Golden West neighbors. Arthur Van Veen, 9416 Blackiey, representing the First Southern Baptist Church, felt the opening of the street would help their ministry by easing accessibility. Mrs. Cutler, 4900 Kauffman, stated 10 years ago when the cul -de -sac was implemented on Golden West, Kauffman also was to be a cul -de -sac but with the growth of the City it is now an open street and felt Golden West should also share in this growth by opening their street. Responding to inquiry by Mr. Carson, Planning Director Shaw stated, according to Code, a public hearing on the General Plan requires only notices of the hearing published in newspapers, however, the City did also notice residents pertinent to that area. There being no one else that came forward to speak, Councilman Gillanders moved to close public hearing, seconded by Councilman Atkins, and unan- imously carried. Councilman Dennis stated that although his initial reaction was to maintain the cul -de -sac, after looking at the issue from the standpoint of good traffic management; good traffic flow and equity positions to all the surrounding residents; feels opening up Golden West will bene fit the City. Councilman Gillanders agreed the street should be opened as the`streets belong to the public as a whole and everyone has a right to use them and did not feel we had a right to keep a street closed which would benefit only a specific group of people. Councilman Tyrell stated due to the unknown factors of the various developments that can materialize on Lower Azusa Road felt the south bound traffic would be of concern to Golden West and therefore was in favor of maintaining the cul -de -sac for the time being. In the alter- native he felt thought should be given to opening Golden West, south bound only, with use of traffic fingers. Councilman Atkins stated he was on the Planning Commission several years ago when a great deal of discussion was held as to whether or not Golden West should be indicated as an opened or closed off street. It was the unanimous consensus of the Planning Commission at that time that the street should be open but funds were not available to do so. Now that a developer is willing to expend the cost of the opening, fairness dic- tates everyone should have a little traffic on their streets. Mayor Swain commended everyone for the patience they have had through this long process and for their concise and intelligent statements which has helped the Council sort the issues out in their minds. The Mayor did not feel we can put in a new neighborhood and tell them they do not belong to Temple City and that they must go through another co munity to get their children to school. We must handle the traffic and growth of the City in a logical and reasonable manner and all of the streets must take their fair share of the burden and, therefore, was in favor of opening the street. Councilman Atkins moved to concur with the Planning Commission recom- mendation to make no change to the General Plan thereby extending Golden West to Lower Azusa Road, seconded by Councilman Dennis and carried on a roll call vote: Council Minutes, October 2, 1984 - Pp e 5 ROLL CALL: AYES: Councilman Atkins, Dennis, Gillanders, Swain NOES: Councilman Tyrell B. PUBLIC HEARING: 7:30 P.M. - REQUESTS FOR CHANGE OF ZONE FROM R -1 TO RPD AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 43136 TO ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF AN 18 -UNIT SUBDIVISION OF DETACHED SINGLE - FAMILY HOMES (9809 Lower Azusa Road) City Manager Koski presented background information stating the Plan- ning Commission at their August 14, 1984, meeting approved and recom- mended that City Council approve requests for change of zone. from R -1 to RPD and Tentative Tract Map to allow development of an 18 -unit sub- division of detached single family homes taking access from two private drives onto Golden West, located at the northeast corner of Lower Azusa Road and the extension of Golden West. In conjunction with the pro- posed development Golden West is shown to be extended to Lower Azusa Road which is consistent with the General Plan and with staff's recom- mended conditions of approval. Responding to inquiry, City Manager Koski stated the recent changes to the General Plan were in lowering the density thereby restricting some development. Presently Golden West is zoned R -1 or low density which allows up to 6 units per acre. R -2 or medium density allows up to 12 units per acre. The General Plan on Golden West is designated medium density which allows the density as requested in the zone change, the request being approximatelyA .units'.perlacre. Mayor Swain declared the public hearing opened and invited anyone wish- ing to speak to come forward George Weigand, 1425 Melrose Lane, Arcadia, representing Fairhaven De- velopment stated he was basically here to answer questions anyone might have. Tricia Bogle, 5120 Golden West, stated at the outset she brought up the question of the substandard lots as opposed to the other lot sizes on Golden West and was told that Lower Azusa Road was zoned for medium density and this development met those requirements which was basically one of the reasons for the cul -de -sac at the north end. If Lower Azusa is zoned for medium density then the medium density development should open only on to Lower Azusa and the cul -de -sac would preserve the R -1 zone on Golden West. She stated further people are not happy with the condominiums on Agnes; felt they do not add to the neighborhood; and the private street for this development would be an unfair burden on the owners to maintain. Planning Director Shaw stated the private streets and landscaped areas are required to be maintained by the Homeowners Association and if they are not, the City has the ability to take care of it and bill the pro- perty owners. When the property changes ownership the new owner is aware of the requirements. David Manning, 5728 Golden West, stated he was opposed to the develop- ment as it is not consistent with the single family homes presently on the street. D. Sheenh, 5612 Golden West, was opposed to the development; felt the public hearing was merely a formality; and regardless of what the people want the development will be approved. Glenn Sleight, 5003 Golden West, was opposed to the concentrated devel- opment on substandard lots which he feels will lower the value of the R -1 homes and hoped the voice of the people could be heard. Clement Dover, 4943 Agnes, was in favor of the development stating many people prefer new homes with small yards so they can be properly taken care of. Luella Carson, 4913 Agnes, felt the new development was similar to the one at the end of Agnes and was in keeping with that area. Council Minutes, October 2 - Page 6 There being no one else that came forward to speak, Councilman Gillanders moved to close public hearing, seconded by Councilman Atkins and unanimously carried. Councilman Atkins stated at one time he would have considered it un- thinkable to allow a lot under 7200 square feet, however, in the last 5 to 10 years he has seen a growing need and demand by people that want a nice home but with less yard to maintain and felt this develop- ment met those needs; was a good use of the property; is consistent with the General Plan and was in favor of the project. Councilman Tyrell agreed and additionally felt the project creates a buffer zone to protect the R -1 area which would not otherwise be pro- tected from future developments on Lower Azusa Road. Councilman Gillanders felt the project was well done and would have no objection to the project, just its location. He felt it was illogical to change the R -1 complexion of the neighborhood to allow minimum size lots. Mayor Swain and Councilman Dennis concurred with Councilmembers in favor of the project. Councilman Atkins moved to certify the Environmental Impact Report and adopt Resolution No. 84 -2311 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY CONFIRMING WITH MODIFICATIONS RESOLUTION NO. 84- 1138PC approving Tentative Tract Map 43136, seconded by Councilman Dennis and carried on a roll call vote: ROLL CALL: AYES: Councilmen - Atkins, Dennis, Tyrell, Swain NOES: Councilmen - Gillanders City Attorney Martin introduced Ordinance No. 84 -553 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY PROVIDING FOR A CHANGE OF ZONE FROM R -1 TO RPD (RPD 84 -709) for first reading by title only. Councilman Tyrell moved to waive further reading, seconded by Council man Atkins and unanimously carried. (Councilman Gillanders reserved his right to say no on 2nd reading.) City Attorney Martin informed the developer that all the matters con - tained in the resolution will not become effective until this Ordinance becomes effective which is 30 days following the second reading. C. RECOMMENDATION FROM TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 5, 1984, REQUEST FOR 4 -WAY STOP AT GOLDEN WEST AND LIVE OAK AVENUE (continued from meeting of September 18, 1984) City Manager Koski presented background information stating the Traffic Commission at its August 1, 1984, meeting reviewed the subject inter- section and recommended to City Council the installation of "Watch Thru Traffic" signs as the three accidents that had occurred were caused by violation of the right -of -way. Following two subsequent accidents in August and additional requests from residents, the Traffic Commission recommended to City Council installation of 4 -way stop signs. At its September 18 meeting Council requested further analysis of the acci- dents that occurred along with additional specifics which information has been submitted to Council. A video tape was presented showing the visability obstruction and the layout of the intersection. Councilman Gillanders stated he had investigated and personally viewed the intersection and noted that there was substantial visability ob- struction due to tree overgrowth below five feet; parking of vehicles close to the intersection which makes it impossible to see traffic until you are in the intersection; and the crest south of the inter- section creates the additional problem from the glare of headlights of north bound vehicles. He was in favor of the installation of the 4 -way stop signs, the removal of visability obstruction, and felt the removal of the crest should be explored. 1 1 Council Minutes, October 2 -,Page Responding to inquiry fromrCouncilman: yrell, Traffic Engineer Envall stated in his opinion the intersection does have sufficient traffic to warrant a 4 -way stop along with the advance marking signs. The 40 to 50 feet of red curbing should provide sufficient visability for a 4 -way stop. Councilman Atkins concurred the stop signs were warranted but felt the cost of removing the hump would be prohibitive. Mayor Swain and Councilmen Dennis and Tyrell concurred. Councilman Atkins moved to approve the installation of a 4 -way stop with all appropriate signs and pavement markings at the intersection of Golden West Avenue and Live Oak, seconded by Councilman Dennis and unanimously carried. 7 NEW BUSINESS: A. RECOMMENDATION FROM PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 19, 1984 - PAY 'N PLAY RAQUETBALL Councilman Atkins felt the complexity of this item warranted a study session and moved to continue this matter to the Adjourned Meeting of October 8, 1984, 7:30 p.m., seconded by Councilman Tyrell and unani- mously carried. 8 COMMUNICATIONS: None. 9 TIME FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO SPEAK: David Manning, 5728 Golden. West, stated he would like to publicly voice his request for consideration of a 4 -way stop at Workman and Golden West. Mayor Swain directed Traffic Engineer Envall to present this matter to the Traffic Commission and report back to Council. Tricia Bole, 5120 Golden West, inquired of City Attorney Martin if the residents-have any recourse to the decision taken by Council this evening, basically the opening of Golden West. City Attorney Martin stated they haveycitizens rights which all citizens always have which is an initiatve. and referendum. RECESS TO CRA: At this time Council recessed to meet as the Conmiunity Redevelopment Agency; approved the minutes of the regular meeting of September 18, 1984; and adopted resolution approving warrants and demands. The minutes are set forth in full in the records of the agency. RECONVENE AS CITY COUNCIL: 10. ACTION ON REQUEST BY CRA: There was no action to be taken. 11. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS: A. CALIFORNIA CONTRACT CITIES FALL FIESTA AND SEMINAR CATALINA ISLAND - OCTOBER 19 -21, 1984 Councilman Gillanders moved to approve City Manager's attendance and authroize necessary expenditures; authorize hotel and travel expenses for those Councilmembers whose registrations for subject seminar were previously approved; and amend the adopted budget accordingly, seconded by Councilman Atkins and unanimously carried. Council Minutes, October 2, 1984 - Page 8 B. Councilman Tyrell stated courtesy notification was received from Sheriff Sherman Block regarding the death of Deputy Briscoe's father. Deputy Briscoe had been assigned to Temple City for many years. C. Councilman Tyrell referred to a letter from a resident regarding the overgrowth of vegetation at the intersection of Agnes and Lower Azusa Road. City Manager Koski stated staff is checking the intersection and if the property owner is in violation of our ordinance, he will be informed. D. Councilman Tyrell inquired of City Attorney Martin if a more ex- peditious procedure could be implemented regarding repeated violators of inappropriate signs and broken windows. City Attorney Martin stated he would explore and discuss this matter with the City Manager. 12. ADJOURNMENT: On motion by Councilman Dennis, seconded by Councilman Gillanders, meeting adjourned at 10:53 p.m. to October 8, 1984, 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall to act on: Pay N' Play Raquetball; Design Development Draw- ings, Specifications, and Cost Estimates - New City Hall Remodel; In- stallation of fire sprinkler systems in new developments; and CRA proposed development of property located in the Rosemead Boulevard Project Area. The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held on October 16, 1984, in the Council Chamber of the City Hall. ATTEST: