HomeMy WebLinkAboutOCTOBER 5,1971
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
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PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
HEARING
(Marsh)
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MOTION TO
APPROVE
HEARING
(ZONING)
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19:7923
M I NUT E S
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 5, 1971
The City Council of the City of Arcadia, met in regular session on
Tuesday, October 5, 1971 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the
Arcadia City Hall.
Rev. Walton W. Doering, Our Saviour Lutheran Church
Councilman Edward L. Butterworth
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Councilmen Butterworth, Considine, Helms
Councilmen Arth, Hage
Application of Herbert M. Marsh for a Council Permit to allow the
solicitation of merchants for advertising in coupon books which he
would sell to residents with full money back guarantee. Mayor
Helms declared the hearing open and Melvin Blons, 439 S. Oakhurst,
Beverly Hills, spoke for the applicant who would be willing to
accept a conditional type permit and would cease his operation
within a 24 hour period if situations arose necessitating such
cessation. He noted the past experience of the applicant and
the method of operation.
James Goddard, 5206 N. Halifax Road, Temple City, Arcadia Junior
Chamber of Commerc~ recommended that Council permit this at least
on a trial basis. No one else desiring to be heard the hearing
was CLOSED on MOTION by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by
Councilman Considine and carried unanimously. It was further
MOVED by Councilman Butterworth that a Council Permit be issued
subject to revocation by the City Manager if evidence indicates
the solicitation is annoying to citizens or is being conducted in
an improper manner. A conditional, revocable permit will be
issued for a period of 40 days from the date of commencement of
the solicitation. Motion seconded by Councilman Considine and
carried unanimously.
Recommendation of the Planning Commission (Res. No. 749) that
property at 2632 S. Santa Anita Avenue be reclassified from PR-3
to C-l. The Acting Planning Director explained that the subject
property is currently used as part of a service station site and
the applicant (Mobil Oil Company) proposes to reconstruct and
modernize an existing service station pursuant to a conditional use
permit application which was filed concurrently with this appli-
cation. However it has not been acted upon as yet by the Commission
pending submission of revised service station plans. This area is
designated as a neighborhood convenience center on the proposed
General Plan and a continuation of the existing land use would not
be inappropriate or contrary to the intent of said plan. Pro-
jecturals indicating surrounding improvements were reviewed.
Mayor Helms declared the hearing open and Mr. Goldstein, 9171
Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, advised that the revised plans
are to be submitted Thursday (October 7). No one else desiring
to be heard the hearing was CLOSED on MOTION by Councilman Considine,
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MOTION TO
APPROVE
HEARING
(Conditional
Use Permit)
p;
~ I
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19:7924
seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried unanimously. Dis-
cussion held on the revised plans which must be approved by the
Commission before a conditional use permit may be issued and the
rezoning ordinance could not De adopted'until',such-time. It was then
MOVED by Councilman Considine, seconded by Councilman Butterworth
and carried unanimously that the recommendation be sustained and
that the City Attorney be instructed to prepare the necessary
ordinance changing the classification.
Appeal filed by the Harker Development Corporation from the decision
of the Planning Commission in its denial of an application for a
conditional use permit to allow the construction and operation of
a restaurant and service station at 600 - 618 N. Santa Anita Avenue.
The Acting Planning Director reported chronologically on the matter
stating in part that the site is zoned M-l and occupied by single
and multiple residential uses; that the proposal is to construct the
service station and restaurant on approximately 48,000 sq. ft. He
noted that parking problems were resolved but the setback and signing
do not meet code requirements and that detailed landscaping, irri-
gation and lighting plans need to be submitted should application be
approved. He noted the irregular site configuration which is
adjacent to the on ramp to the freeway. Projecturals were reviewed
indicating improvements surrounding the site and the parking layout.
I
Mayor Helms declared the hearing open and the applicant,Ray Benson,
1006 Katella, Anaheim, stated in part that an endeavor has been in
progress since 1967 to develop something as desirable as the proposed
improvement, a highway oriented commercial use in the M-l zone which
permits this type of development. He exhibited renderings of the two
buildings which he said are unlike anything built so far by the two
businesses (Sambo's restaurant and Shell Service Station). He noted
the receipt of letters endorsing the development, also from the
Chamber of Commerce and from an adjacent owner also endorsing. He
said the site has the most traffic in the city and felt Santa Anita will
carry the most traffic from the freeway interchange. He refe,red
to the proposed General Plan which 'indicates this site for an R-3
use.' He could not understand this type'of zoning for a problem area
and felt his development would help solve some of the problem. He
noted the other commercial uses in the area and explored the endeavor.
of the property owners to improve their land based on the present
M-l zoning. He urged approval of his application.
John Gascoyne, 610 N. Santa Anita Avenue, owner of one of the involved
properties, asked Council to approve the proposed development and
explored previous attempts to put something together. In the main
they were all economically unfeasible until the subject development
Was brought forth. He noted the discussion on September 17 when
this area was studied by Council and when it was agreed that it is
a problem area. Due to freeway generated traffic he felt Santa Anita
Avenue iq no longer suitable for residential use. He asked for
approval.
I
Emmanuel Vorrath, 308 Oxford Drive, owner of an apartment directly
across the street from the subject site lodged opposition to the
application and noted the residential properties north of the freeway;
that to grant the request would be setting a precedent whereby owners
On the other side of the freeway would also ask for permission to
construct more gas stations which in his opinion are not needed. He
asked Council to sustain the Commission1s recommendation for denial.
Robin De Pry, 6 E. Newman Avenue, owner of an apartment in the area,
objected to more service stations along with an objection to the
proposed 24 hour service which the restaurant and the station would
provide to customers; that the tenants in his apartment would be
disturbed.
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I
AGENDA ITEMS
POSTPONED
COLORADO
BOULEVARD
SIDEWALKS
j'/1 ~ ?
I
,
19:7925
Arnold Marks, owner of 46 E. Newman Avenue, supported the Commission
and stated in part that a piecemeal development is not the anSwer to
the problem of the entire area.
No one else desiring to be heard the hearing was CLOSED on MOTION by
Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Considine and carried
unanimously. Discussion ensued on the fact that the site is zoned
M-l (permitted use) that the proposed development appears most
attractive and meets the requirements of the City, howeveriit was the
consensus that to approve would make the parcels to the rear between
the freeway and Newman Avenue difficult if not impossible to develop;
some of the property would be landlocked with no access and that it
would be more desirable for the entire property north of the freeway
to be developed a~ one parcel. It was acknowledged that to deny the
application the subject land would probably be sterilized for an
indefinite period of time, but to permit the development would in effect
sterilize the balance, ~f the land and make it practically undevelopable.
Mayor Helms read the section in the Arcadia Municipal Code relating to
issuance of a conditional use permit and based on the reasons for the
Planning Commission denial it was MOVED by Councilman Considine,
seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried on roll call vote as
follows that the recommendation set forth in the Planning Commission
Resolution No. 739 be SUSTAINED and that the appeal be DENIED.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmen Butterworth, Considine, Helms
None
Councilmen Arth, Hage
Recommendations of the Arcadia Beautiful Commission were postponed
until the next regular meeting (October 19).
Although not an agenda item Mayor Helms a~nounced that persons desiring
to speak to the Colorado Boulevard sidewalk matter would be heard at
this time.
//
Hugh Myers, 264 San Luis Rey Road, Chairman of the newly formed Santa
Anita Homeowners Association, stated,that meetings had been held with
city officials and proceeded with information which he hoped would
alter the plans for sidewalk construction on Colorado Boulevard.
A petition with 186 signatures was presented requesting Council to
reconsider the project and reference was made to the State Code Sections
which liberalizes the use of state gas tax funds -cities are solely
responsible for deciding where and how the funds are to be used.
Traffic counts taken by residents were noted by Mr. Myers. They ranged
between 2,069 and 2,779 vehicles on separate days. He asked that the
existing plans be modified in order to locate all improvements in the
two rows of deodar trees as outlined in a plan previously submitted
by the residents.
Robert Scott, 618 San Luis Rey Road, stated in part that he had
discussed the matter with officials outside the city and with several
traffic engineers who pointed out hazards. He referred to the
experience of other cities in widening methods and felt the subject
process is sound, but that the street does not have to be as wide as
planned.
Karl Lowry, 501 San Luis Rey Road, read from the State Environmental
Quality Act of 1970. In part - that every citizen has a responsibility
to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the environment..
that the Office of the Attorney General has jurisdiction over all
areas concerning pollution - and can bring any action necessary to
enforce the laws including the environmental quality act.
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19:7925A
Edward Passmore, 501 Santa Cruz Road, stated in part that the City of
Monrovia does not have any knowledge of any plan or any contemplation
to widen Colorado Boulevard in its city. This would be under the Select
System of Streets. He then read additional sections of the Public
Resources Code concerning public agency responsibility in contributing
to the preservation of the environment. He referred to a tree which
had recently fallen and,was propped up .. pictures were shown. He was
advised that the crew in the picture was a city force not the con-
tractor's.
Mr. Myers concluded the presentation by stating in part that they would
like to see the entire development placed within the two rows of deodar
trees and that with the sound technical and engineering work on the part
of city staff it would be an adequate and fine improvement. I
In response to questions the Director of Public Works stated in part
that Colorado Boulevard east of Fifth Avenue is 58' curb to curb width;
that it continues to a point where it becomes 40' wide within the limits
of the 60' right of way. That he has no information as to future plans
of Monrovia; that it does have a serious right of way problem. He noted
traffic counts taken by the city at the subject site indicating a
directional traffic volume of 4700 vehicles and a non directional count
of 5,060 vehicles.
Warren Seike of Lampman and Associates, 300 Pomona Mall West, Pomona,
engineering consultants, stated in part that his firm had done the
Traffic Operations Program for the city on the Select System of Streets;
that traffic counts had been taken along with speed and delay surveys;
that the results of the survey are in report form and in the hands of
the city. He referred to his first reaction in reviewing the plans for
the subject area.... why was not the County master plan being followed
in which the secondary highway would have a 64' curb to curb width.
From the plans it was obvious that the City had realized the importance
of saving the deodar trees and had compromised by calling for a 56' wide
street. In his opinion this was a good choice as it provides for future
traffic volumes. Projections for 1980 on Colorado Boulevard are from
10 to 12 thousand vehicles. He also felt the proposed property line
sidewalks are an important safety factor. It keeps children as far
away as possible from the street and moving traffic. He would not
suggest using the parking lane as a bicycle lane, but it does provide
space.
Mr. Seike further explored the hazards connected with a 46' street;
that there would be irregular curblines adjoining existing curbs for
instance; pedestrians would be forced to use the sidewalk which would
be adjacent to the curb and too close to traffic; the possibility of
having left-turn channelization would have to be eliminated; parking
would not be possible. He commended the city staff in trying to preserve
the trees and still provide for future traffic and pedestrian safety.
Jack Nixon, 625 Santa Maria Road, m ~de reference to provisions for
safety of the children and bicycle riders at the underpass; which
section also needs widening. Council concurred in this observation.
I
Discussion ensued with Mr. Passmore participating along with Julian
Crosby of 429 Santa Rosa Road concerning driveway parking and instances
where roots have uprooted the cement which had to be replaced; that
this does not appear to be safe for the children. Mr. Crosby felt that
inasmuch as the area is posted 30 mph and with proper policing there
should not be excessive speed which would endanger the children on the
sidewalk if it were placed at the curb line.
James Marshall, 631 N. Santa Rosa Road, propounded questions of
Mr. Seike --- when were the traffic counts taken, during the race
season? Would not two 12' lanes with 8' parking adequately carry 8 to
12 thousand vehicles per day? Mr. Sieke replied in part that he has
toured the area, has observed children all along Colorado Boulevard;
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19 :7925B
that the referred-to width is not in keeping with the Select System of
Streets; that the 40' width with 8' parking would carry the present vehicles,
b~t traffic projections go higher than that and may increase; that when a
major street is being designed one must make the best judgement he can on
anticipating future needs.
I
Concerning the driveway parking the Director of Public Works stated in part
that this would be a major concern if there were a high pedestrian vol~me;
that it is illegal to park a car in a manner that blocks the p~blic parkway
but with the proposed width and adequate street parking he could not foresee
problems. He noted the gutter installation will vary from tree to tree
and noted some of the locations. He continued that the sub-contractor has
concl~ded that he wo~ld prefer not to do heater remix under the deodar trees
and a standard type coat and res~rfacing will be done instead. He also
stated that in discussions with Arboretum officials relating to damage which
may be done to surface feeder roots it was recommended that they be cut off
square and sealed which the City intends to do in further efforts to preserve
the trees. They also reviewed the plans and have investigated the trees on
the site. Traffic counts will again be taken during race track peak hours~
which is in accord with the state premise for design purposes. That the
traffic projection on a normal day is approximately 10 tho~sand vehicles
per day, which may be low or it may prove to be high.
Mayor Helms explored where the situation rests procedurely; that Council had
previously voted with a full Co~ncil present to instruct the Director of
Public Works to proceed on the 56' wide street premise and the contract was
awarded on that basis. That a communication has been received from the con-
tractor stating in part that any further delay will result in additional
costs and damage to him. He asked Council if it desired to modify or change
the program.
Councilman Considine stated in part that he had met with some of the residents
and had heard their suggestions and concerns; that Council in his mind has
not been unmindful of their apprehensions. That ,from the testimony he did
not see where it would be in the best interests of public health and safety
to reduce the .street width or to eliminate the parking; that he would not
modify the program at this time; that he would not want to jeopardize the
safety being created for the citizens nOw because of temporary concern of
the width of the street.
Councilman Butterworth observed in part that Council would be less than
human if it didn't want to agree with a group of citizens who feel as strongly
about a situation as these residents do. However, he was convinced that a
56' street is not going to injure or destroy the trees; that Council has
been cognizant of trees in this community for years - long before the ecology
attitude developed; that this has been evidenced by the City when it reduced
the width from 64' to 56'; that there is reasonable relationship to the need
for a 56' street for the safety of children and adult pedestrians. If there
were any reasonable belief that the trees would be destroyed that would be
something else again. Of course Council has an obligation to contribute to
the quality environment, however, based on the need for giving tho~ght to a
select system that contemplates the fut~re, he would not be willing to
modify a motion which was considered by the full Council.
I
Mayor Helms stated in part that at the time Council voted to go ahead with
the 56' width he was convinced that the need existed; that he too had met
with some of the residents and after discussing their problems with them he
was still openminded as he came to this meeting. That bearing the responsi-
bility of decision in matters concerning your friends and neighbors is
difficult, however, he is convinced plans for the future must be made and
altho~gh it is a type of decision Council does not like to make it must be
recognized that the fact of the future must be faced and that the best
j~dgment must be accepted; that in his opinion the only thing to do is to
proceed with the program as it is presently constituted.
Councilman Considine added that Co~ncil appreciates all the evidence
presented; that although Council did not agree it has listened and considered
all the evidence and sincerely hopes that the association will continue its
activities in civic affairs and take an interest in all city programs. Mr.
Myers also expressed appreciation to Council for its consideration and
co~rtesy. The Association will receive the agenda henceforth and forth-
coming items of interest were explored.
10-5-71
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CENS~/ (:
-joD
ADVERTISE
FOR BIDS
(Li br ary)
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AGENDA ITEM
POSTPONED
v'
HAULING DEBRIS
FLOOD CONTROL
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/VA"! ,',.'
f
STREET
CLOSING
P' ,,';,
. ,/
WATER MAIN
REPLACEMENT
l' /;J ,-I(
,
NATIONAL
LEAGUE OF
C ITIE S ,.c:;
?/-.. ('.
TOWNE CENTRE
(Parking)
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19: 7926
Council received information from the U. S. Department of Commerce
that the city population should be 43,237 instead of the prior published
figure of 42,868.
On recommendation of the City Manager and the Director of Public Works
it was MOVED by Councilman Considine, seconded by Councilman Butterworth
and carried unanimously that the plans and specifications for the
lighting of the west parking lot at the library be approved that that
the City Clerk be AUTHORIZED to advertise for bids to be returned
October 18 with recommendation to Council thereafter.
The request for permission to advertise for bids for Phase VI of the I
Sidewalk Program was continued until the next regular meeting (October
19) .
On MOTION by Councilman Considine, seconded by Councilman Butterworth
and carried unanimously the request of the Flood Control District for
a two-week extension of the hauling permit granted by Council at its
September 7 meeting was APPROVED subject to all previous conditions
of approval.
On MOTION by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Considine
and carried unanimously the request of Gerald D. Zaslaw for permission
to temporarily close Santa Cruz Road for a n'eighborhood block party on
October 10 between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., was APPROVED subject to con-
ditions set forth in the report of the Director of Public Works dated
October 1, 1971.
On MOTION by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Considine
and carried on roll call vote as follows the retention of Consulting
Engineer Kenneth I. Mullen for the preparation of plans and specifi-
cations for the replacement of a 14 inch water main in Longden
Avenue with a 20 inch main and the extension of the Baldwin Avenue
24 inch transmission main was AUTHORIZED. Council submitted that the
work in Baldwin Avenue be completed at one time to eliminate the
street being torn up again. Funds are provided in the Water Department
Budget, Major Projects, 470.70.1 and 470-71.1.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmen Butterworth, Considine, Helms
None
Councilmen Arth, Hage
On MOTION by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Considine
and carried unanimously Mayor Helms and Mayor Pro Tempore Hage were
designated as voting delegates to the annual business meeting of the
National League of Cities. This meeting will be held November 28 -
December 1, 1971 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
I
Request of Union Realco to have that portion of the Towne Centre
property located between the vacated alley and Santa Clara Street
annexed to the Vehicle Parking District No.2. This was a condition
of the sale of the property. The remainder of the property between
the vacated alley and Wheeler Street is already within the District.
It was noted that pursuant to the Parking District Law of 1943 Union
Realco must pay to the City an amount the property would have been
assessed and taxed under all prior assessments and special ad valorem
tax levies in the District if the property had been a part of the
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I
HOLD-HARMLESS
AGREEMENT WITH
SCHOOL DISTRICT
./ i7S~,f
AGENDA ITEM
POSTPONED
---
ORDINANCE
NO. 1439
ADOPTED
P. <1 -
. ")-, '''''-'/1
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/:&1
ORDINANCE
NO. 1440
ADOPTED
p.Jn~j
I
RESOLUTION
NO. 4221
ADOPTED
,./
19:7927
District when formed. The Engineer's estimate together with the
Finance Director's estimate is a total of $11,750.91 which must be
paid to the City prior to Council approving the annexation request.
The Parking Place Commission must approve the request prior to it
being granted, whereupon it was MOVED by Councilman Considine,
seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried unanimously that the
request be ref~rred to the Parking Place Commission for recom-
mendation!
Communication fro~ the Arcadia Unified School District requesting
a hold-harmless agreement with theCity as a condition to the continued
use of the football field at the high school by the model rocket club
sponsored by the 'City Recreation Department. Following considerable
discussion on the safety measures in connection with this activity it
was MOVED by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Considine
and carried unanimously that the City Attorney prepare an agreement
indemnifying the School District against any liability arising out
of said use; and that in th~ event of any mishap same shall be re-
ported promptly to the Council.
Traffic report on Duarte Road at El Monte and Santa Anita Avenues
continued until the next regular meeting (October 19).
The City'Attorney presented for the second tLme, explained the content
and read the tit le of Ordinance No. 1439, entit led: "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY KNOWN
AS 515 WEST DUARTE ROAD AND 1103 LA CADENA AVENUE FROM R-l TO R-3,
AND RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY AT 33 MORLAN PLACE FROM C-l & D TO C-2 & D,
AND RECLASSIFYING ALL PROPERTY WEST OF BALDWIN AVENUE AND NORTH OF
FOOTHILL BOULEVARD FROM R-O TO R-O & D."
It was MOVED by Councilman Butterworth, seconde~ by Councilman
Cons.i dine and carried on roll call vote as follows, that the reading
of the full body of Ordinance No. 1439 be WAIVED and that the same
be ADOPTED.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmen Butterworth, Considine, Helms
None
Councilmen Arth, Hage
The City Attorney presented for the second time, explained the content
and read the title of Ordinance No. 1440, entitled: "AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA,RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY AT
117-165 EAST DUARTE ROAD FROM C-l TO C-2 ZONE."
It was MOVED by Councilman Considine, seconded by Councilman
Butterworth and carried on roll call vote as follows, that the reading
of the full body of Ordinance No. 1440 be WAIVED and that the same
be ADOPTED.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmen Butterworth, Considine, Helms
None
Councilmen Arth, Hage
The City Attorney presented, explained the content and read the title
of Resolution No. 4221, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, HONORING THE TELEPHONE PIONEERS
OF AMERICA." '
It was MOVED by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman
10-5-71
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SISTER CITY
APPOINTMENT
/'
RESOLUTION
Sister City
invitation
-/..-/' Q
'/ .,
SISTER CITY
Officials
to vis,it #
f);...,.r r.
ADJOURNMENT
19: 7923
Considine and carried on roll call vote as follows that the full
reading of the resolution be WAIVED and that the same be ADOPTED.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmen Butterworth, Considine, Helms
None
Councilmen Arth, Hage
Councilman Butterworth advised that Patrick Randolph was unable to
serve on the Sister City Commission due to business reasons and on
MOTION by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Considine
and carried unanimously Mrs. Harold (Jane) Shepherd was appointed.
This term is for four years and will expire June 30, 1975.
I
The Resolution of Invitation tendered by Mayor Helms to the City of
Jogjacarta, Republic of Indonesia, to become a Sister-City, was
RATIFIED on MOTION by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman
Considine and carried unanimously.
Councilman Butterworth advised that word has been received that the
Tripolis, Greece officials are definitely to visit, however, the date
is unknown at this time and arrangements will await the definite time.
At 10:20 p.m., the meeting was ADJOURNED SINE DIE.
ATTEST:
~~!,~
City Clerk
I
10c5-71
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