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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAUGUST 24,1972 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK I PLEDGE OF . ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL HUGH REID DRIVE p'. ~ ~L I 19:8136 a M. I NUT' E S CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 24, 1972 The City Council of the City of Arcadia, California, met in adjourned regular session on Thursday, August 24, 1972 at 8:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Arcadia City Hall. Mayor Don Hage PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Hage None The City Clerk submitted the tabulation of the votes cast in the matter of Hugo Reid Drive. Close Hugo Reid Drive permanently at Baldwin Avenue One way out at Baldwin Avenue and at Michillinda Leave Hugo Reid open at all times 574 103 363 1,040 It was c~xplained that 1,690 card ballots were mailed from the office of the City Manager and 1,040 voted cards returned to the City Clerk. A communication from the Santa Anita Village Association was read expressing appreciation to the Council for its time and consideration in this matter and the hope that Hugo Reid Drive will be closed permanently as a result of the vote. Robert Cheney, 412 Cabrillo Road, referred to the 62 percent vote turnout and the 574 votes in favor of permanently closing Hugo Reid Drive. He submitted that in his opinion each issue should be judged on its own merit and not what it might do to the City as a whole; that the same problem could come up in another section of the City and Council would then have to make a determination on that issue. Robert Monroe, 408 Cabrillo Road, stated in part that from the results the vast majority of the residents want the street closed and urged Council to take this step. James Hanrahan, 423 Oxford,Drive, spoke on behalf of the Rancho Santa Anita Residents' Association, and favored the closure solution. John R. Barnes, 22 Corto Road, supported the statements made heretofore and urged the closing of the street. He felt. the attitude - if the street were closed it could lead to additional petitions for closing of other streets - was not realistic as in his opinion Hugo Reid Drive is distinct- ive because of characteristics of the road with problems greater than any other in the City. He enumerated some of the problems and felt action should be taken in favor of the majority of votes for closure. He stressed urgency as the Oak Tree Race Meet is drawing near. William G. Furst, 527 Magellan Road, expressed concern for those residing on Baldwin Avenue in their endeavors to make turns into their driveways on the west side of Baldwin. He suggested postponing any decision until after the traffic signals have been installed. - 1- 19:8137 Gordon Anderson, 503 So. Baldwin Ave., referred to the endeavors for closure made by the members of the two associations in the subject area and called Council's attention to the proposed median strip for Baldwin Avenue once it is widened to accommodate', Fa'shion Park traffic; also the proposed signalization. He felt to close Hugh Reid at this time would be creating a further traffic hazard. In his presentation he referred to other residential streets with similar problems, such as Holly Avenue. Alvin H. Burdick, 854 Hugo Reid Drive, favored closure and stated in part that Hugo' Reid is not.-M. wide:3as:'Baldw[n;': that-, some. 'of the problems of Baldwin Avenue is perpetuated by the vehicles parked at the west curb which also blocks the view of the residents endeavoring to back out of their driveways. It is a four lane street, but the parked cars reduce this. I Extensive discussion then ensued - with Councilman Arth referring to the vote of the majority for closure and submitted that on a personal basis his family would be inconvenienced as much as anyone by the closing, but he agreed with the others, that closing Hugo Reid is the only safe solution. He recognized the problem of those residing on Baldwin and made suggestions therefor. He felt there has been a clear cut consensus for closure and he would vote that way at this time. Councilman Butterworth stated in part that he felt constrained to respect the wishes of the majority as safety for the residents is his primary concern and would vote for closure as in his opinion this would make the area better for the residents and it appears the majority are willing to put up with any inconvenience. He felt the street was not designed to carry heavy traffic to and from the race track and the future Fashion Park. Some discussion held on constructing the closure by some method which would permit ingress and egress for the fire and police vehicles during emergencies. Councilman Helms broke down the percentages of the votes and sub- mitted there is less than an overwhelming majority who are in favor of closure. Referring to the charazteristics of Hugo Reid he felt there are other streets in the City with the same and some peculiar to themselves. He noted in particular the residential Holly Avenue which passes three elementary schools and is used by a great number of students every day. He felt the burden of heavy traffic on this street is almost intolerable to its residents. He continued in part that during the last 19 years he has become exactingly aware of the traffic generated from the race track at the intersection of Hunt- ington and Baldwin.... delays to the emergency vehicles and the like. He expressed extreme concern if Hugo Reid were closed and felt the results of the vote do not indicate a clear cut mandate. Councilman Scott then noted that there are 2,456 registered voters in the subject area, not including the so-called College section. He felt the 574 vote for closure is far from a decisive vote and agreed in part with the position taken by Councilman Helms. He then suggested that whatever is done by Council be tried on a one year basis, without construction of permanent structures and then reviewed. It was his understanding that the vote was only to serve as a guide and not to be considered a mandate. I Mayor Hage then made the concluding remarks - in part - that he realized the residents and all concerned have worked hard to resolve this problem, which is great during the race season. He recited traffic counts taken at Hugo Reid and other streets which are traveled heavily during that time. He felt to permanently close Hugo Reid at this time would seriously jeopardize the safety of those living on Baldwin and suggested closing Hugo Reid one way now, allowing traffic to come out at Baldwin and as soon as the traffic l'at.t.erns ,are ,s,tructura.l.ly completed the matter could again be reviewed. -2- I (MOTION CARRIED) GENERAL / CITY, TAX V RATE FIXED AT $.94 I " .~.~... ~. :-, . rf ~." I. _ , 19:8138 Councilman Arth MOVED to close Hugo Reid Drive at Baldwin Avenue prior to the Oak Tree Race Meet with the understanding that it will be temporary until the flood control project is completed and then made permanent. Councilman Butterworth seconded the motion which did not carryon the following roll call vote. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen A~th, Butterworth Councilmen Helms, Scott, Hage None (MOTION'DID NOT CARRY) The dissenting Councilmen agreed, however, that something should be done and Councilman Scott MOVED that Hugo Reid Drive be closed at Baldwin Avenue on a one year basis and at that time the residents be polled again. Councilman Arth seconded this motion. (No vO,te was taken on this motion as it was later withdrawn.) The Director of Public Works advised that the improvement of Baldwin Avenue with a median strip and signalization along with the flood control project is scheduled for completion in 1973. A compromise was agreed upon and it was MOVED by Councilman Butter- worth, seconded by Councilman Helms and carried on roll call vote as follows: THAT HUGO REID DRIVE BE MADE ONE WAY OUT AT BAl.DWIN AND AT MICHILLINDA PENDING THE COMPLETION IN 1973 OF THE MEDIAN STRIP IN BALDWIN AVENUE, AND ITS SIGNALIZATION;, THAT HUGO REID DRIVE THEN BE PERMANENTLY CLOSED AT BALDWIN AVENUE. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Hag€ None None COUNCIL RECEIVED THE City Manager's report concerning the assessed valuation of city properities as certified to by the County Assessor - $143,838,843. Councilman Scott referred to the staff report which indicates a balance in the Capital Improvement Account of $538,891.53 after all projected 1972-73 Capital projects have been funded. He continued in part that to add to this the estimated revenue from the Admissions tax of $389, 000 there would be a balance of approximately $925,000. He felt that a portion of the monies which have been accumulating over the years could be used to reduce the tax rate which he would like to do if only for one year. He then MOVED to fix the tax rate for 1972-73 at $.96 affecting a reduction of $.04 and an amount of about $65,000 be transferred from the Capital Improvement Account to the General Fund. (No second on this motion.) Councilman Butterworth submitted in part that a surplus is necessary to meet emergency matters but, in view of the amount of the surplus, the City is in the unique position of being able to place some of the money back into the pockets of the taxpayer and suggested a tax rate of $.90 for this year and if it is found necessary it could be in- creased next year; that this has been done before. He favored a reserve but submitted that beyond a stable reserve good public administra- tion indicates that government be operated under the lowest possible tax rate; that citizens expect it and Council has the responsibility to return it when possible. Mayor Hage noted in part that some of the surplus has been brought about by the sale of city-owned properties and enumerated projects which are scheduled - parks among others. He expressed concern that the so-called Watson Tax Initiative may be approved by the electorate at the November election and this would freeze any future tax increase. He stated -3- CONSOLIDATED LIGHTING ./ DISTRICTS TAX RATES FIXED PARKING , DISTRICT TAX RATE FIXED ./ CITY AMBULANCE / PROGRAM (CONTINUED) 19: 8139 ~ further in part that the figures for the last few years indicate the City has had a declining tax revenue-and increasing expendi- tures. He would prefer to leave the tax at its present rate and opposed any reduction at this time. Councilman Arth commented that during his six year tenure on Council there h'ave always been propositions before the Legislature similar to the one referred to by Mayor Hage; that all Council can do is to see that it has a surplus with which it can live and in his opinion it is incumbent on Council to make reductions whenever possible. Councilman Helms agreed with the position taken by Mayor H.age and 'I submitted that the savings would not amount to that much in the over- all tax rate;that the City now has one of the lowest tax rates in San. Gabriel Valley and is in a very favorable financial position now and felt to reduce the tax rate could only lead to trouble and agony in' the future. He referred to comments made to him concerning the re- duction of the tax rate from $1.05 to $1.00 and felt it would bring abo~t a: reaucn'on',:iri the.'standard'.of,-living' which would be' what' the City, "o'uld be..going ,in"lowering the tax rate. He could not support such a move. Councilman Scott then restated his motion and MOVED that the budget as! submitted be APPROVED and funded with a tax rate of $.94 per one hundred dollars assessed valuation, and the remaining funds to balance the budget be transferred from the Capital Improvement Fund :to the General Fund. Motion seconded by Councilman Arth and carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Scott Councilmen Helms, Hage None On MOTION by Councilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Scott and carried on roll call vote as follows the tax rates for the Consolidated Lighting District Zones were fixed as follows: ZONE A ZONE B ZONE C ZONE D $.255 .202 .280 .077 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Hage None None On MOTION by Councilman Scott, seconded by Councilman on roll call vote as follows the tax rate for Parking and 2 were fixed as follows: Arth and carried District Nos. 1 I Tax for maintenance, operation, repair and improvement Tax for acquisition of additional parking places $.15 .25 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Hage None None (Ordinance No. 1463 was later adopted.) The staff report concerning bids received for the purchase of an ambulance for the proposed City service was CONTINUED until the next regular meeting (September 5th.) It was the consensus of Council that it would like to receive and assess the material to be submitted by the President of the Professional Ambulance Services. -4- COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (report) 1-t~7 I fARK (Orange Grove Site) 5/ ;t-(o 2-- ORDINANCE NO. 1461 (SERS) ffS,l5 ADOPTED :!r )q 3 ORDINANCE / NO. 1463 V I (Tax Rates) Adopted RESOLUTION , NO.- 4288 (M W D) AdciPte~ tf tg5 19:8140 --,-. . --~~- ~ " . Council received a summarization of the remarks made by Eugene B. Jacobs at the adjourned regular meeting of July 27th concerning community redevelopment procedures. The preliminary step was re- viewed by staff and it was MOVED by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Scott and carried on roll call vote as follows that Mr. Jacobs be retained at a fee not to exceed $500.00 for the purpose of recommending a survey area boundary and conducting a reconnaissance of the material and staff capabilities available for preparation of the redevelopment plan. AES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Hage None None Councilman Arth stated in part that in voting AYE he was doing so with the hope that before Council makes any final commitment a full public hearing be held. He recalled opposition to CRA when it was introduced as a possibility about six years ago. On recommendation of the City Manager it was MOVED by Councilman Helms, seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried on roll call vote as follows that a ceiling of $25,000.00 be AUTHORIZED for the undergrounding of all overhead lines in connection with the proposed Orange Grove Park. This motion will provide for an additional $10,000 in the budget for this project. ($15,000.00 was originally provided.) AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Hage None None The City Attorney presented for the second time, explained the content and read the title of Ordinance No. 1461, entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM." It was MOVED by Councilman Helms, seconded py Councilman A~~h and carried on roll call vote as follows that the reading of the full body of Ordinance No. 1461 be WAIVED and that the same be adopted. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, . Butterworth, Helms, Sco~t, Rage None None The City Attorney presented, explained the content and read the title of Ordinance No. 1463, entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF -THE CITY OF ARCADIA FIXING THE RATES OF TAXES AND LEVYING TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1972-1973." It was MOVED by Councilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Scott and carried on roll call vote as follows that the reading of the full body of Ordinance No. 1463 be WAIVED and that the same be adopted. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Scott, Helms, Hage None The City Attorney presented, explained the content and read the title of Resolution No. 4288, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA ELECTING TO PAY 50% OF THE 1972-1973 TAXES LEVIED UPON PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY BY THE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA." -5- RESOLUTION NO. 4289 /(Firemen special pay) ADOPTED RESOLUTION I'NO. 4290 ( Goodwill Visit) ADOPTED i/EXECUTIVE SESSION ftECONVENE APPOINTMENTS V'(PLANNING) ~(LIBRARY BOARD) V(SISTER CITY) ~E~SONNEL) ADJOURNED 19:8141 It was MOVED by Councilman Helms, seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried on roll call vote as follows that the reading of the full body of Resolution No. 4288 be WAIVED and that the same be adopted. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Hage None None The City Attorney presented, explained the content and read the title of Resolution No. 4289, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA ESTABLISHING THE RATE OF PAY FOR CERTAIN SPECIALI ASSIGNMENTS IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT." It was MOVED by Councilman Scot~ seconded by Councilman Arth and carried on roll call vote as follows that the reading of the full body of Resolution No. 4289 be WAIVED and that the same be adopted. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Rage None None The City Attorney presented, explained the content and read the title of Resolution No. 4290, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING 80 CITIZENS OF ARCADIA AS AMBASSADORS OF GOOD WILL ON THE OCCASION OF ARCADIA'S FIRST GOOD WILL VISIT TO ASIA AND THE PACIFIC." It was MOVED by Gouncilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried on roll call vote as follows that the reading of the full body of Resolution No. 4290 be WAIVED and that the same be adopted. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Hage None None At 10:15 p.m., Council adjourned to an executive session in the Conference Room. At 10:55 p.m., Council reconvened in the Council Chamber. On MOTION by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Arth and carried unanimously R. Redmond Coghlan was appointed to the Planning Commission for a term to expire June 30, 1976. On MOTION by Councilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Helms and carried unanimously;Dr. Robert Puckett was appointed to the Library Board for a term to expire June 30, 1976. On MOTION by Councilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Helms and carried I unanimously Mrs. Robert Johnson was appointed to the Sister City Commission for a term to expire June 30, 1976. On MOTION by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Scott and carried unanimously Charles E. Gilb was appointed to the Personnel Board for a term to expire June 30, ~. Iq"JU fi At 11:IS p.m., the meeting ADJOURNED sine die. . ..,iit.j[rlLy ~?k~ City Clerk . . -6-