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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNOVEMBER 10,1976 22: 9l05a OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK t=" ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL HEARING E I R Foothill Boulevard improvement I MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 1976 The City Council of the City of Arcadia, met in adjourned regular session on Wednesday, November 10, 1976 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Arcadia City Hall. Councilman Charles E. Gilb PRESENT: ABSENT: Council Members Gilb, Margett, Parry, Saelid, Lauber None Draft Environmental Impact Report for the proposed improvement of Foothill Boulevard between Michillinda and Santa Anita Avenues. The basic proposal recommended by the EIR involves the construction of an eight foot wide landscaped center median and five foot sidewalks adjacent to curb on both sides of the existing roadway. The Director of Public Works detailed the project which would not require additional right-of-way or street widening. The existing roadway section would remain. Removal of parkway facilities such as trees, shrubs, ground covers, sprinklers, etc., would be required for sidewalk construction. The proposed raised 8' median would include landscaping and irrigation along the entire length of Foothill Boulevard between Michillinda and Santa Anita. Left turn packets would be provided at all street intersections. Sidewalks would be constructed where none exist on both sides of the street adjacent to the curb. Ramps for the handicapped would be constructed at inter- sections. Additional bus turn-outs would be constructed where necessary. Substandard driveway aprons would be reconstructed. The objectives of the project would be to increase vehicular safety by providing a physical separation between opposing directions of traffic; increase pedestrian safety by sidewalks on both sides of the street and provide a more aesthetically pleasing roadway appearance by landscaping the proposed median. The environmental setting was described in part - Foothill is an east-west street in the northeasterly portion of the Los Angeles Basin and is presently known as Route 210 of the State Highway System. It is anticipated that this roadway, which WaS re- placed by the Foothill Freeway, will be relinquished to the City's jurisdiction in 1977. It was further noted by the Director of Public Works that the project would not cause an increase in traffic since no widening is needed to carry the existing or future traffic.. however it probably would have an impact on the noise factor because the oleanders which act as a screen would have to be removed.. this would be within the frontage road on the north side just east of Michillinda. After the sidewalks are installed there would not be room to replant the oleanders. Other areas of impact on the noise were set forth in the extensive report dated November 2. The number and location of trees and shrubs which would have to be removed were also indicated. Trees which would have to be circumvented or welled were indicated and alternatives were also de tailed. 11-10-76 - 1 - 22:9105b Prior to opening the hearing discussion was held on the need for sidewalks on the frontage roads and Council was in agreement that they need not be required for the frontage roads. A show of hands in the audience indicated a vast majority concurred. Mayor Lauber then declared the hearing open and the following communi- cations were made a matter of record. Stephen Ballweber Dorothy L. Elliston Claude A, Ganguin Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd D. Hopf Arthur E. Lamel Eugene G. Lubeshkoff H. .E. Overlock Louis J. Pozza Albert D. Szany 1055 Foothill Blvd. 611 Foothill Blvd. 515 Foothill Blvd. 275 Foothill Blvd. 1041 Foothill Blvd. 501 Foothill Blvd. 1050 Oakdale Lane 965 Foothill 1101 San Carlos Road I Councilman Saelid read his response to questions submitted in a communic~tion from Fred R. Jahnke, 11 Hacienda Drive. The remarks of those addressing Council are set forth IN SUMMARY and are fully recorded on tape as a public record. Frank Love, 1045 Don Robles Drive, spoke in opposition to speed limit noting that bicyclists also use the roadway. like to see the appearance ,of the present median improved to see it lengthened the full length. He was in favor of the present He would and would like sidewalks. Mrs. Lloyd D. Hopf, 275 Foothill, stated in part that the Santa Anita Oaks Homeowners Association waS in support of the 8 foot median, but there are mixed emotions as to whether or not they want sidewalks. David Hopf, 275 Foothill, would like sidewalks on the north side for the safety of the school children. Earl Jirus, 1049 Don Pablo, submitted a petition signed by residents on his street favoring the proposed improvement as well as any of the alternatives... any of which would result in increased safety and would at the Same time enhance the appearance of the street. He felt instal- lation of an asphalt roadway would reduce the noise and asked Council to take steps to reduce the speed of the traffic. Mrs. Albert Szany, 1101 of traffic and commented also concerned about the were constructed there. the south side only. San Carlos Road, was concerned about the speed that the present median is unsightly. Was landscaping on the north side if sidewalks Favored alternative plan 3 with sidewalks on Benny Joseph, 1038 Oakdale Lane, favored sidewalks on both sides. He was advised that property owners maintain the landscaping on the frontage streets and the City maintains the median. I Lynn E. Jackson, 120 W. Sycamore'Avenue, owner of a lot on the north side of Foothill, felt one of the, biggest problems is that of bicycle riders and cited an incident. He referred to the zoning on the south side which he felt has brought mqre children and bicycles into the immediate area. He also submitted that in his opinion the environmental impact report is inadequate and asked Council to consider the total picture now. Clifford C. Peterson, 294 Foothill, would like to see Foothill remain as it is and felt a median would not improve the safety factor. His home is on a frontage road and he was advised that Council is not considering the installation of sidewalks on any such road. Mrs. Richard Griegorian, 251 Foothill, referred to her location which is not on a frontage road, no shrubs in front, just heavy traffic. She 11-10-76 - 2 - ,.: ~! r~ \ ~':i~ .~~; ~;.;'::'-.' .~~: tr,l', 22:9l05c waS in favor of sidewalks on the north side and hoped something could be done about the speed of traffic and noted the increased number of children in the area. She also felt there should be more crosswalks. Mrs. Russ Reid, 1100 Rodeo Road, felt the median would create more traffic hazards and was against sidewalks on the north side. Would not want to remove her landscaping at the corner of Rodeo and Foothill. Would like to see a bike lane on the south side and suggested the striping for the turn-off at that location be investigated. I Dallas Evans, 50 Foothill, reminded Council that Foothill at one time was a highway; that it is now surrounded by single family residences. He felt an educational program should be inaugurated to endeavor to influence drivers to use' the Freeway and that the speed should be reduced to perhaps 25 or 30 mph. ' Mrs. Frank Olson, 1031 Foothill, on a frontage road with planting between the road and Foothill. She felt the traffic is much lighter now with the Freeway and referred to the cost of this improvement in these days of inflation and high taxes., that it would be unfair to the taxpayers regardless of wheri the money comes from. She felt a complete study of all the factors should be made before Council proceeds. Lee Starkey, 152 Foothill, resides on a frontage road and referred to the 99 percent increase in his taxes this year. He could see no reason for the additional cost of the proposed improvement, and referred to the amount of money the City receives from the State for sweeping Foothill. He was assured sidewalks are not being considered for the frontage roads...they are private roads and roads which the City does not maintain. He also hoped the speed could be reduced. Mrs. Dorothy Zibas, 527 Foothill, on a frontage Road, said in part that pedestrians could use the frontage roads where they exist and sidewalks could be installed elsewhere. She felt the traffic moves too fast and noted that some of the traffic going west on Foothill bypass signals and take the frontage roads. Oakley Davis, Jr., 81 Foothill, referred to the speed of the traffic and submitted that the City has done an adequate job in its patrolling the area. He would like to see Foothill a residential street and expressed opposition to the proposed median. He noted some of the landscaping which makes it impossible to observe oncoming traffic. He submitted that lowering the speed limit and making it into a one lane road with a bike lane, and that more stringent enforcement of the traffic ordinances would be helpful. He did not oppose sidewalks. I Adolph L. Antonio, 1019 Foothill; noted the increased population and the increase in children in the area ... that there are safety hazards which should be investigated before Council proceeds with this project. He felt the study made thus far has not had specific objectives or direction. Mrs. Barbara Reiter, 210 W. Orange Grove, was in favor of the median; that it would enhance the street bringing it into the realm of a residential street. She hoped that when State relinquishes the street the City will reduce the speed limit. Was in favor of sidewalks on both sides except where there are frontage roads and submitted that bicycles are permitted on sidewalks except in commercial areas. She advised that there is a bulge in ,the parkway just west of Baldwin on the south side at Old Ranch Road near Katherine Lane. Mrs. P. B. Muench, 1040 Merry Oak Lane, was not in favor of a median... that it would create more traffic problems... and would be an incon- venience to the residents.. She noted that Foothill has always been a residential street until it reaches Michillinda andior Santa Anita.. beyond those points it is commercial. She favored sidewalks on the south side and if bike lanes are installed they should be on the north side. 11-10-76 - 3 - , 22:9l05d Paul Cheney, Pastor of the Emmanual Assembly Church of God, 23 Foothill expressed concern about the proposed median and hoped it would have a direct opening to the Church. He was advised that this would be taken into consideration. Mrs. Richard M. Widney, 741 Katherine Lane, asked if the existing sidewalk width at her location would remain the same. She was advised that changes are not being proposed. Mrs. Richard L. Verkouteren, 881 Foothill, felt crosswalks would help the safety factor and spoke of the danger to the children who must cross Foothill. Dennis Atkins, 1105 Rodeo Road, was advised that it would be the I responsibility of the homeowner to salvage what he could from the landscaping and sprinkler system which would have to be removed from the parkway to make room for sidewalks. Mr. Atkins opposed sidewalks on the north side. Roy Atwater, 1030 Foothill, was of the op1n10n that an 8 foot median strip would not be wide enough and would not leave sufficient room for large trucks or trailers to make safe turns at the openings. John J. Collins, 1140 Singing Wood Drive, Vice President of the Rancho Santa Anita Property Owners Association, stated in part that he and those in the audience from the association were primarily interested in two issues; 1) defoliation and 2) sidewalks on the frontage roads which they did not favor. The greatest need is for a reduction in the speed. They were in favor of sidewalks but not on frontage roads. Herb Fletcher, 175 W. Lemon, was pleased that so many residents were interested in this project but felt they should be interested in all aspects of city government and cited a meeting held on capital im- provements when only eight people were in attendance. Patricia Williamson, 1044 Oakdale Lane, said she attended the meeting alluded to by Mr. Fletcher. She was in favor of sidewalks on both sides and for some provision for bicycles.If Council wanted to save some money the median could be eliminated. Dr. S. G. Slater, 855 Foothill, explained the improvements adjacent to his property and said he had to construct a special area in front of his home to obtain his mail.. they must walk in the street otherwise... He suggested using bumps in the roadway to slow down the traffic. Norman Richards, 1104 Rancho Road, expressed concern about the speed and recommended widening the median strip which would allow more room for the turns. Also a reduction in traffic lanes to only one lane. He also felt the telephone poles do not add to the appearance of the boulevard and that under grounding should be encouraged. Charles E. Dole, 635 Foothill, felt the speed should be reduced and I that traffic lights would help slow the traffic. Safety should be the primary objective and Council should concentrate on the safety factor and forget the project. Thomas D. Clark, 1047 Don Ricardo, referred to the hazardous situations created by the fast traffic and to the children who play in the street. Felt the median as planned is too narrow and would like to see the utilities underground which would enhance the appearance of the street. HEARING CLOSED No one else desiring to be heard the hearing was CLOSED on MOTION by Councilman Gilb, seconded by Councilman Margett and carried unani- mously. The Director of Public Works responded at length to questions pro- pounded by Council IN PART - that the State is investigating the traffic situation in an effort to reduce the amount of traffic on Foothill and that the City is not contemplating doing anything to the existing roadbed. The estimated $8000 is solely for landscape maintenance and 11-10-76 - 4 - 22:9105e watering; that any work the City does at the present time is paid for by the State and upon relinquishment the City will maintain the roadway. He said that with the new development going in on the south side at the Baldwin off-ramp there would be no purpose served to install sidewalks now at that location... developers are required to construct sidewalks. He recommended sidewalks on the north side particularly where residents must walk in the street to obtain their mail and the like. I He confirmed the regulation for bicycles - that they may be ridden on sidewalks in residentail areas. Regarding financing he explained that it will come from State Gas Tax funds which accrue to the City based on population..there is approximately $350,000 from this source now and they aCcrue at a rate of about $414,000 annually.. there is also the possibility of receiving Federal Aid Urban funds, so it would be possible to finance the entire project with a combination of these two funds. The State Gas Tax funds are intended to be used for roadway maintenance and improvements. The law has been relaxed during recent years and currently the City is placing in the General Fund some $60,000 out of these funds to defray the ongoing cost of street mainte- nance. These funds are also used for annual street maintenance projects, the balance accumulates for roadway improvements such as this project.. the funds may also be used for landscaping. Regarding the feasibility of constructing a bike lane on the north side with no median, and striping the street.... The Director of Public Works stated that in contrast to El Monte, which is now operating in this fashion, it must be realized that El Monte carries only about 5000 vehicles per day whereas Foothill carries 15,000. He has not made a study to ascertain if the traffic has decreased on El Monte with, the new traffic pattern and a study has not been made as yet to divert the traffic on Foothill at Michillinda and at Santa Anita. Mayor Lauber stated in part that in her opinion there is no better way to spend gas tax dollars than on the subject project; that this improvement has been a goal for many years. She was in favor of sidewalks on both sides of the street, but not on frontage roads, She felt the north side should not be ignored especially now that it has been brought out that bicycles may use the sidewalks. She recognized that the median is a new concept, but said it has worked out nicely in other areas and it would create a parklike and residential atmosphere. Councilman Parry was in favor of sidewalks on the south side and would like to review the north side locations where they do not now have sidewalks. He would like to have some additional studies made of ways to reduce the speed of traffic, perhaps with signals, crosswalks, etc. As to the proposed median he waS not convinced in his own mind that it would accomplish the desired safety. I Councilman Gilb said in part that the speed must be curtailed by some method. He was more concerned with safety and recommended signalization to slow the traffic. As to the median... he suggested that perhaps it could be narrowed at Michillinda and Santa Anita, thereby leaving more room for the roadway,... or construct some type of monument at each end which would indicate to the motorist that he is entering a residential zone. He did not feel the median would accomplish what is being desired and would like to see a drawing depicting the numerous openings. He was in favor of sidewalks on the south side .. a con- tinuation of those already there and those to be constructed by a subdivider, however he had mixed emotions about sidewalks on the north side. The possibility of the City purchasing a portion of that property at Michillinda and Foothill for a little park was submitted. Staff to look into this. Councilman Margett would like to review some alternatives to the median.. was in favor of sidewalks on both sides and expressed interest 11-10-76 - 5 - HEARING IMPROVEMENT (Continued to January 18) AUTOMATIC VOTING SYSTEM ADJOURNMENT 22: 9l05f in the suggestion about the construction of some type of monument at both Michillinda and Santa Anita...this would indeed give the feeling of entering a residential area. He would like to hold in abeyance any action on the median and have staff prepare some alternatives and sketches therefor. Councilman Saelid submitted that the City is about finished with the sidewalk program except in the most hazardous areas and Foothill is one of the most dangerous. He felt sidewalks are needed because in his opinion traffic cannot be reduced to where sidewalks would not be needed. As far as the median is concerned he did not feel there is nearly the need for a median as for sidewalks. He would like to see a sketch indicating the turn pockets.. Felt strongly about sidewalks but leaned away from a median. I It waS MOVED by Councilman Margett, seconded by Councilman Saelid and carried on roll call vote as follows that Council hereby approves the Draft Environmental Impact Report which was submitted by the Director of Public Works; that all oral and written communications received at this public hearing and prior thereto be made part of the report, including all of the alternatives discussed and any additional projects which may be thought of between now and the time of the final approval and that Council hereby certifies that the Draft Environmental Impact Report is in full compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council Members Gilb, Margett, Parry, Saelid, Lauber None None It waS then MOVED by Councilman Margett, seconded by Councilman Saelid and carried on roll call vote as follows that the Director of Public Works be directed to proceed with design plans and specifications for sidewalks on the south and north sides of Foothill between Santa Anita and Michillinda including Burnell Oaks, except all frontage road,s., AYES: NOES: Council Members Gilb, Margett, Saelid, Lauber Councilman Parry, because he was in favor of sidewalks on the south side only. ABSENT: None Inasmuch as a majority of Council members did not favor the median as proposed, staff will take all of the suggestions into consideration and come back with some alternatives. Staff will also advise on how effective the bike lane has been on El Monte in terms of reducing the speed and will also take a traffic count. In addition staff will prepare some sketches on a suitable type of monument as suggested. Mayor Lauber then declared the hearing open on the project itself and it was MOVED by Councilman Margett, seconded by Councilman Parry and carried unanimously that this hearing be continued to January 18. I Councilman Gilb asked Council to 'give some consideration to installing a voting system in the new Chamber. At 11:00 p.m. the meeting adjourned to Tuesday, November 16, 1976 at at 7 p;m. in the Conference Room. ~)(y~ Mayor ATTE~T: C-/, ~~ City Clerk ~~ - -6 - 11-10-76