HomeMy WebLinkAboutJANUARY 7,1969
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINCS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
I
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIENCE:
ROLL CALL:
MINUTE
APPROVAL
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK
(Baldwin
Stocker)
Jtlf3
1
18:7403
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 7, 1969
The City Council of the City of Arcadia, California, met in regular
session in the Council Chamber of the Arcadia City Hall on January 7,
1969, at 8:00 P.M.
Rev. H. Warren Anderson, Arcadia Community Church
Mayor Don W. Hage
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Considine, Helms, Hage
None
On MOTION by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Helms and
carried unanimously the minutes of the regular meeting of December 17,
1968, were APPROVED.
The Recreation Commission recommended that a neighborhood park be
constructed on the land adjacent to the Baldwin Stocker Elementary
School. The City Manager explored in chronological order the
general and early background of the subject of parks, which various
studies have indicated a shortage of park areas particularly in the
southern part of the city. He explained that he has met with the
School Superintendent; that recommendations were submitted to the
School Board and City Council in this regard; that both agencies
approved a cooperative agreement concerning the subject site in
February of 1968; that during the entire time of deliberations
reference was made to a park or neighborhood park with no other use
mentioned.
The Recreation Director explored the selection of a park planner
which was made by a committee consisting of the school district
representative, a Planning Commission member and three members of
the city staff. He noted the acceptance by Council of the Committee's
recommendation in the selection and employment of the firm of Ericcson,
Peters and Thorn for the development of preliminary plans which step
received a good deal of publicity. He stated further in part that the
firm received a communication from the West Arcadia Little League
organization asking it to consider the placement of a baseball field
at the Baldwin Stocker facility; that the school and city staffs had
conducted surveys of various sites including Baldwin Stocker, Santa
Anita, Longley Way and Holly Avenue schools. He continued that the
Recreation Commission approved the plan submitted by the architect on
October 29; that shortly thereafter a letter was received from the
Assistant Superintendent of Schools indicating that Santa Anita School
would be a possibility for the little league baseball diamond, however,
approval would be necessary from the School Board. He enumerated
meetings thereafter with Little League representatives and property
owners. He said that the Los Angeles County had offered to continue
services at the County Park. Dimensions were explored which indicated
that the Baldwin Stocker site would not lend itself to the inclusion
of a baseball diamond and that the Commission had recommended the
development of a neighborhood park at that location.
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During the ensuing discussion it was noted that the cooperative agree-
ment is for twenty-five years and if the school district should desire
to terminate before that time the cost of improvements made by the city
would be returned.
Owen Keavney, 184 Walnut, President of the West Arcadia Little League,
urged Council to reject the recommendation of the Commission and asked
that a little league park be included in the proposed development at
Baldwin Stocker; that there is lack of support for the neighborhood
park concept; that in his mind it is inconceivable that the City would
spend between $20 M and $30 M for a park and facilities such as picnic
tables, swings, slides and the like when there is a possibility the 1
School District may need the land within a short period of time. He
referred to the undesirable elements which all public parks seem to ..,
attract; that the park in no way would benefit the school district -
that the Baldwin Stocker school could not even use it as a playground.
Mr. Keavney explored boundaries of the various little leagues and
stated in part that parents are concerned with the declining atmosphere
of the County Park where his league plays. He exhibited a drawing
prepared by a landscape architect employed by the organization which
indicated there is room to accommodate both the little league diamond
and a neighborhood park; that because the future use of the site is
in question the organization is recommending that a baseball field be
constructed and not the park concept. Standard dimensional requirements
were discussed and the proposed placement of the baseball diamond.
Quinton Kern, 2424 Albert Way, stated in part that the Recreation
Commission was aware of the interest of the organization and explained
appearances before the Commission and the Council.
Ted Barnhart, 470 W. Lemon Avenue, stated in part that as an adjacent
property owner, he is not opposed to little league activities, only
against an endeavor to construct a little league baseball diamond in
an area too small.
Councilman Helms, Council liaison to the Recreation Commission, stated
in part that when representatives of the Little League organization con-
tacted him his immediate reaction was that if something could be done
for the youth and the city at the same time he was indeed in favor of
it; however with the assistance of professional planners as to the
best and highest use of the property it had been concluded that it should
be a neighborhood park concept; that he is now convinced that the maximum
use of the property does not lie in the development of a little league
baseball field; the area is just too small; that it is now necessary to
seek with great earnestness and diligence a substitute location for the
little league.
Councilman Butterworth concurred that everything possible should be done
to see that this particular little league has a comfortable, suitable
and adequate home field. That there is ample support for the recommenda-
tion of the Recreation Commission and referred to the Director who has
supported little league to the utmost, the City Manager who supports the
park concept and the homeowners who oppose the baseball field.
1
Councilman Arth stated in substance that if the city favored
league park at that location it had better think in terms of
the properties adjacent thereto in order to have ample room;
the little
acquiring
that in
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I
1
CITY OWNED
LMD S~E
APPROVED
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18:7405
his opinion the area is just too small; that everything possible should
be done to secure facilities at Santa Anita School if this be the best
location, although it is not within the boundaries of the subject
orga~ization.
Councilman Considine observed in part that he has been concerned with
the size and proximity to residences; that in his mind Council has
an obligation to assist in locating a suitable facility and that
Baldwin Stocker site just oould not accommodate the field.
Mayor Rage stated in part that there would be no hesitation on the part
of any Council member to overrule the Commission if it felt it was in
the wrong, however, he felt it is right in this instance. That a great
deal of time and effort has gone into the matter.
Quinton Kern commented that he understands that anything at the Santa
Anita School would be quite limited and not suited to good and proper
little league; that he would like to see the suggestion of Councilman
Arth pursued (acquisition of additional property at Baldwin Stocker
school site).
Robert Margett, 145 W. Wistaria, suggested ways in which adjacent
property owners would not be disturbed by the activities of a little
league park at the Baldwin Stocker location.
Mayor Rage, with the concurrence of the City Council, commended the
Little League representatives on their interest, devotion and diligence
in endeavoring to meet the needs of its youth.
As liaison to the Recreation Commi'ssion and with personal reluctance,
Councilman Helms MOVED that the recommendation of the Commission be
ACCEPTED and that the matter be henceforth referred to the School
Board for its action; that a written expression be obtained from the
school authorities that it does not wish to use the land at the Baldwin
Stocker school site in the foreseeable future. Motion seconded by
Councilman Arth and carried unanimously.
Councilman Butterworth then MOVED that the Recreation Commission be
requested to proceed forthwith toward the establishment of a suitable
location for the little league in question at the Santa Anita school,
assuming this location is acceptable and desirable to the little league
organization. Motion seconded by Councilman Relms and carried unanimously.
Mr. Keavney addressed Council once more stating in part that without
giving it too much thought the Santa Anita School site would not be
acceptable; that it is outside the boundaries and queried whether or
not this is the only possible available location.
Mayor Rage assured Mr. Keavney that everything possible would be done.
The recommendation of the Land Committee was ACCEPTED and it was MOVED
by Councilman Considine, seconded by Councilman Arth and carried on
roll call vote as follows, that the City enter into a transaction to
sell to the Pacific Southwestern Properties city owned land at the
southeast corner of Baldwin and Naomi Avenues in the amount of $37,500
net to the city. Buyer to meet requirements for a conditional use
permit for the proposed building, including parking.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Considine, Helms, Hage.
None
None
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P.'
EQUIPMENT
PURCHASE
(Police)
CONTRACT
AWARD
,/
"11':' TAXICAB
l' LICENSES
(San Gabriel
Valley Cab
Co)
APPROVED
PLANNING
DEPARTMENT
PERSONNEL
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FREEWAY
SURPLUS
PROPERTY
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CONSIDINE
BUTTERWORTH
PLANNING
COMMISSION
APPOINTMENT
ADJOURNMENT
9:50 P.M.
18:7406
It was MOVED by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Arth
and carried on roll call vote as follows, that the low bid of F. Morton
Pitt in the amount of $4,467.54 be ACCEPTED for the purchase of eleven
light and siren assemblies for the police department; that all other
bids be rejected; that any informalities or irregularities in the bids
or bidding process be waived and that the Mayor and City Clerk be and
they are hereby authorized to execute the contract in form approved by
the City Attorney. Funds available in Account No. 421-71.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Considine, Helms, Hage
None
None
1
It was MOVED by Councilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Butterworth and
carried unanimously that the San Gabriel Valley Cab Company be permitted
to renew licenses for 25 cabs including three new substitutions for old
cabs, and the adding of 24 additional cabs over the number it has had
in the past. (Total of licenses for 49 cabs). Staff was directed to
review the rate structure and recommend on possible changes due to the
change in the operation of the cab company.
It was MOVED by Councilman Considine, seconded by Councilman Arth and
carried unanimously that the recommendation of the City Manager be
accepted and that Council authorize two Associate Planners for the
Planning Department - instead of the current one Zoning Officer and one
Assistant Planner.
It was MOVED by Councilman Helms, seconded by Councilman Butterworth
and carried unanimously that the City Council indicate a strong preference
for two parcels of surplus property acquired for the freeway at Second
and La Porte Streets to be acquired by the City for development by
industry or the School Board.
Mr. Considine made suggestions on the proposed sign ordinance, currently
under consideration, which will be distributed to the Council members
prior to a forthcoming study session on the matter.
The City Council concurred in the suggestion of Councilman Butterworth
and the City Attorney will prepare a resolution for submission to the
State Legislature seeking legislation which would make it mandatory for
all cities to maintain records of all City Council and Planning
Commission meetings so that citizens could be protected from the absence
of a record they are entitled to have when they undertake subsequent
judicial proceedings.
Mayor Rage advised that he and Mr. Considine are working toward the
appointment to the vacancy on the Planning Commission and will present
the names in a forthcoming executive session.
1
There being no further business, the meeting was ADJOURNED by MOTION
by Councilman Consid~ne, seconded by Councilman Helms and carried
unanimously.
Aw,~~
Mayor
ClLTEST: '2 ~
- xi:t?/::1:,,p' '0? ~/.l<......
City Clerk
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