Loading...
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. 1-7-69 - 1 - 18:7404 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 1-7-69 - 2 - I 1 CITY OWNED LMD S~E APPROVED ~~~\ 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 1-7-69 - 3 - P.' EQUIPMENT PURCHASE (Police) CONTRACT AWARD ,/ "11':' TAXICAB l' LICENSES (San Gabriel Valley Cab Co) APPROVED PLANNING DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL rP.(AA~ ,,~,..........i:.. .~". .1' - ,.,k,.;;(.-'..; FREEWAY SURPLUS PROPERTY :??-7/ 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 1-7-69 - 4 -