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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNOVEMBER 4,1977 I I 22:9359 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK ROLL CALL HEARING (ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 76-1) ..:J- /3 0 ".2-- M I NUT E S CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 4, 1977 The City Council of the City of Arcadia, met in adjourned regular session on November 4, 1977 at 3:30 p.m. in the Arcadia City Hall Council Chamber. PRESENT: ABSENT: Council Members Gilb, Lauber, Margett, Parry, Saelid None Mayor Saelid announced that this meeting was called to study and clarify some of the ramifications relating to Assessment District 76-1 (Central Area Street and Parking Improvements). The Economic Coordinator explained at some length the physical configurations of the proposed parking district and'indicated locations on a displayed map. The concept plan was reviewed by the Parking Place Commission, the Planning Commission and adopted by the City Council in October of 1976. At that time an alternate plan was also submitted - one that would encompass the alley and some work behind the stores on the north side of HuntingtonDrive, however, this did not materialize due to the inability to obtain the necessary easements from some of the property owners. In the essence of time and the need for improvement and additional parking spaces staff proceeded on the plan before Council at this time. Wheeler Street would be narrowed and the existing mail boxes would be relocated behind the post office Ion Santa Clara. Andrew Krappman, explored the number of spaces he counted which was difficult and was based on judgment because the striping is so diffused at the present time. He reiterated his request that a spread of the assessment be made available and referred to what he thought was an excellent report, that prepared by Wilsey Ham. He said this information would be helpful to all concerned. In response to an inquiry the Postmaster of Arcadia advised that the mail drops will be moved to Santa Clara (rear of the post office) and could be done immediately if the curbs could be cut and the aprons constructed. A light would have to be installed also. The Director of Public Works said this could be accomplished. Whereupon it was MOVED by Council Member Lauber, seconded by Council Member Gilb and carried on roll call vote as follows that staff be directed to cut the curb and construct aprono for the rear side of the post office on Santa Clara Street - along with the light. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council Member Gilb, Lauber, Margett, Parry, Saelid None None During his presentation the Postmaster expressed opposition to making Wheeler Street into an alleyway. He felt it would be unfair to the residents not to have a street in front of their post office and noted the situation in West Arcadia which he said is chaotic. Dennis Lojeski, Chairman of the Parking Place Commission, stated in part that the Commission is at a loss to understand the delay in proceeding with this matter and submitted that the Commission has worked long, and hard and supports the plan before Council at this time. He noted the disappearance of much of ,the parking area with the advent of the medical building and the modular building for a savings and loan company, although the latter is temporary still it 11-4-77 - 1 - 22:9360 has usurped some of the spaces. He suggested for consideration that an area be designated for parking smaller cars and limited parking for the post office customers and in closing submitted that perhaps some of the funds earmarked for other projects could be diverted to this improvement. Considerable discussion held on the employees of the various businesses who park in the subject area and how 'this removes the space availability for those who visit the area to do business. Some thought given to just restriping and resurfacing in lieu of spending the proposed monies for so few extra spaces. The possibility of acquiring other property for parking was explored, although it was felt that people will not walk across a street. Bill Connelly, made reference to the confusion on the part of some of I the merchants.. as to cost ... additional spaces to be available... what would happen to the bonds if in the future a parking structure were to be erected. The representative from Stone and Youngberg spoke to this and noted in particular that the bonds for the project would be 25 year bonds and could be retired at any time with a 5 percent penalty. William Beckwith, acknowledged the fact that parking is most important for without it there would be no business but expressed his concern and that of others that the project would be temporary.. He did not feel it would solve the problem and suggested other avenues.... acquire more property which he felt would be utilized.. install parking meters... place a time limit and noted the expense of the project, $241,000, and objected to such an expense which would add so few spaces. Roy Long, stated in part that he was in favor of what is being proposed and with reference to the formation of a district on the south side of Huntington he felt the merchants on the north side could also benefit. To him the initial problem now is the Cars which are parking in the lot all day. He said the entire process has gone on too long and something should be done now. He said he would be willing to payoff his share in cash but would not be willing to grant an easement and would do everything he could to help get the project under way. During his presentation he offered to sell his property to the City. Robert Huddy, member of the City Planning Commission, said in part that if the district is brough up to code 15 spaces would be lost; that if the City forces the public to come to Code the City should also. He was not in favor of the plan but felt it would be adequate for five years.. and during the interim plans could be formulated for expanding District 1 to its full potential. He was not in favor of forming another district on the south side of Huntington. And as to a structure he did not feel the merchants would be willing to pay such a price and suggested Council consider another plan which would be an east/west orientation. Extensive consideration by the City Council and it was the consensus I that the entire matter has dragged on far too long and that the proposal before Council at this time would improve the circulation, the parking, safety aspect and with the landscaping the aesthetic value would be improved with the lighting and drainage and with 467 total spaces it would make a world of difference when one compares it to what is there now. It was also felt that a definite location should be designated for employee parking and some discussion held on the possibility of using policemen for control. Some discussion held on possible condemnation proceedings to acquire properties involved in order to acquire 20 more parking spaces. In discussing the next step for this project it was agreed that new bids should b~ called as Council was not in favor of accepting the one bid which was submitted. Council Member Lauber MOVED that Council accept the plan proposed by the Parking Place Commission and before Council at this time; that the one bid for the work be rejected and 11-4-77 - 2 - I I HEARING (cont'd) ONE WAY ALLEY f~~r COMMUNICATIONS ADJOURNMENT TO DATE CERTAIN 22:9361 that staff be AUTHORIZED to readvertise for bids. Motion seconded by Council Member Gilb and carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council Members Gilb, Lauber, Margett, Parry, Saelid None None Mayor Saelid announced that only the spreading of the assessment will be considered at the next meeting on this matter which will be held on December 6. All figures will be made available at that time. In response to a request that the alley between Huntington Drive and Wheeler Street east of First Avenue be made one-way Council received the staff report and recommendation. It was noted that this can be accomplished however appropriate signs must be posted prior to the one-way going into effect. During this consideration Bill Connelly suggested that a traffic-tripper be installed at First and Wheeler to facilitate the movement of traffic entering First Avenue. No one else desiring to be heard the hearing was CLOSED on MOTION by Council Membe~ Gilb, seconded by Council Member Lauber and carried unanimously. It was further MOVED by Council Member Gilb, seconded by Council Member Lauber and carried on roll call vote as follows that Council finds the one way traffic is necessary in the interest of improving public safety, welfare, and traffic flow; that Council approve the Negative Declaration and instruct the City Attorney to prepare a resolution authorizing the City Traffic Engineer to place and maintain signs giving notice of the one-way operation at this location. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council Members Gilb, Lauber, Margett, Parry, Saelid None None Staff will submit a report on the communication from the Independent Cities of Los Angeles County concerning support for two cities relating to Community Redevelopment Agencies. Communication from the City of Palos Verdes Estates concerning the purchase by the Independent Cities of Los Angeles County of dinner tickets to a campaign fund raising dinner for Supervisor Edmund Edelman. Council Member Gilb submitted that when this issue was first brought up at a Board of Directors Meeting he was the only one to vote against it. It was MOVED by Council Member Parry, seconded by Council Member Margett and carried unanimously that Council go on record as being opposed to using taxpayer's money for campaign contributions. Mayor Saelid will direct a letter to ICLAC. At 6:50 p.m. the meeting adjourned to 8 a.m. November 11, 1977 in the Conference Room. ATTEST: ~7~~ City Clerk , eJ~ 11-4-77 - 3 -