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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPRIL 4,1972 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 19:8035 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA REGULAR MEETING APRIL 4, 1972 I The City Council of the City of Arcadia, met in regular session on Tuesday, April 4, 1972 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Arcadia City Hall. INVOCATION Rev. Ted Cummins, Arcadia Friends Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor James R. Helms, Jr. ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Considine, Rage, Helms None HEARING ZONING Planning Commission Resolution No. 770 changing requirements for improvements to single-family dwellings in the R-3 zone. Council by . its Resolution No. 4230 requested the Commission to consider such P. ~oChange through appropriate procedure. It is now proposed that non- , conforming single-family dwellings aay be structurally altered or added to, provided the additions do not exceed a total of 500 sq. ft., and comply with the regulations which would be applicable if the property were in an R-l zone provided the Modification Committee, pursuant to modification procedures, may permit an additional total of 500 sq. ft. Mayor Helms declared the hearing open. No one desiring to speak the hearingwas CLOSED on MOTION by Councilman Considine, seconded by Councilman Rage and carried unanimously. It was MOVED by Councilman Considine, seconded by Councilman Butterworth that the recommendation be SUSTAINED and that an ordinance be introduced effecting these changes, with alterations in the wording. Motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 1449/ INTRODUCED Whereupon the City Attorney presented for the first time, explained the contents and read the title of Ordinance No. 1449, as amended, entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA AMENDING SECTION 9255.1.10 OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO NON- CONFORMING US ES IN THE R - 3 ZONE." 1 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 the resolution be WAIVED and that the same be INTRODUCED as amended. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Considine, Rage, Helms None None HEARING Planning Commission Resolution No. 766 concerning zoning of both ZONING sides of First Avenue between Foothill Boul.evard and the Freeway {> , ..., . including three irregular parcels on Colo!ado...Boulevard adjacent , ""-0 to and east of the Freeway. It was recom~nded that property 4-4-72 - 1 - . MOTION TO APPROVE 19:8036 presently zoned R-2 remain R-2 because of a substantial amount of the property along the Santa Anita Wash and the type of existing devel- opments; the size and shape of most of the parcels are not ideal for single family or R-3 development. It was recommended that property presently zoned R-3 be rezoned R-2 because parcels are of such size and location that R-2 development is more suitable and such zoning would permit the 9 existing R-l properties to be remodeled, enlarged and maintained in good condition whereas present non-conforming use regulations in the R-3 zone make it difficult to remodel and maintain a single-family residence. The Planning Director outlined the improvements on projecturals, after which Mayor Helms declared the hearing open. 1 John W. Howard, speaking primarily for the American Legion Post No. 247, explored the surroundings of the Legion property at 720 N. First Avenue. He noted traffic on First Avenue from Foothill Boulevard to the Freeway, the commercial zoning south on First Avenue. He felt the recommendation would not be a proper use of the land; that the location is not a good atmosphere for single"family dwellings; that eventually the land will be put to R-3 uses; that the buildings could be sound proofed and referred to construction along the freeways. He then stated in part that the County Assessor had informed him that the Legion property would probably devaluate if rezoned to R-2. He also questioned whether or not the Legion would be allowed to build its type of public use structure under the recommended zoning. The Hall is presently used for public purposes as well as for Legion purposes. He urged Council not to deprive the Legion of its rights and to consider the effect of the recommended zoning for property adjacent to and in the vicinity of the Freeway and the Wash. The City Attorney advised that if the Legion property is under a variance it would continue whether R-2 or R-3. Bruce A. Ault, 802 N. First Avenue, stated in part that it is difficult to understand such a recommendation and noted the commercial area on Foothill Boulevard which is a heavily travelled thoroughfare; south of the Freeway is all commercial, M-l and some high-rise; the church property at Haven and First; the Legion Hall with its Quonset huts and parking lots. He felt that the area is no longer appropriate or desirable for single family homes. He supported the Legion in its appeal. He also explored the rising taxes and those which have doubled in the area and his endeavor to sell his property to no avail due to its present zoning of R-2. He urged Council not to rezone as recommended and to give serious consideration to the larger parcels which are now R-2 - they should be rezoned R-3. During his presentation Mr. Ault mentioned that when he purchased the property he was under the impression that it would be rezoned R-3 and he feared he might lose the property. No one else desiting to be heard the hearing was CLOSED on MOTION by Councilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried unanimously. 1 Councilman Butterworth indicated he would be inclined to retain the R-2 zoning - the area being predominantly R-l and R-2. He realized the owners would probably not make the money they would like but they did purchase the property with its present zoning and MOVED to SUSTAIN the Planning Commission recommendation as set forth in its Resolution No. 766 and that the City Attorney prepare the appropriate ordinance - also that staff study the status of the Legion property to see that there will be no material change. Councilman Rage was not in favor of the zone change, preferring that it remain as it is at the present time. He noted that some of the owners purchased their property under a certain zone with the thought that it would so remain, and he was also concerned that existing apartments would become non-conforming under the new zoning. Discussion held on the possibility of some of the parcels being 4-4-72 - 2 - .. : I' 19:8037 combined in a Planned Unit Development. The MOTION made by Councilman Butterworth was then seconded by Councilman Arth and carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Considine Co~ncilmen Rage, Helms None HUGO REID TRAFFIC Mayor Helms announced that Council would now hear from those in the audience who desired to speak to traffic control on Hugo Reid Drive. I John Barnes, 22 Corto Road, speaking for William Gleason President of the Rancho Santa Anita Residents Association, stated in part that the problem of traffic on Hugo Reid Drive is a long standing issue and of great concern to the residents and the recent tragic fatal accident has only brought the problem into focus once again. He presented petitions which had been signed by over a thousand residents asking for immediate action to provide adequate traffic control and other protective measures necessary for the safety of residents and their children in the Hugo Reid Drive area and in order to prevent the future occurrence of such accidents and tragic injuries to persons as have resulted from the present control on Hugo Reid Drive. He said Hugo Reid was never intended to carry traffic from Michillinda or Baldwin Avenues. He noted that at one time barricades were used during the racing season, but this had been discontinued. He noted the number of small children residing in the area. He felt the issue is one for the subject area residents to decide, not for the persons who just drive through the area for convenience. He asked for a permanent solution, not one to be abandoned at a later date, and favored the closing of Hugo Reid Drive as a through street. Judge John J. Saunders, 841 San Simeon Road, speaking as a concerned parent and long time resident of the area, recited in chronological order the history of Hugo Reid Drive; that it was a dead-end street at approximately Old Ranch Road and was never intended to be used as a through street. He recognized there are other streets in the city which are also burdened with congestible traffic during certain times of the year, however, he felt Hugo Reid Drive is a special case inasmuch as it was originally designed as a cul de sac, and the City opened it up, defaulting the protection the residents had previously been afforded. He asked Council to determine some permanent protective solution. 1 Robert Cheney, 412 Cabrillo Road, President of the Santa Anit~ Village Association, concurred with statements made thus far, and stated in part that the situation is not new but the tragic accident has motivated the residents to action. He felt the only permanent solution would be to close Hugo Reid Drive at Baldwin Avenue and offered the assistance of the associations in working out the problem. Robert Peckham, 942 Hugo Reid Drive, suggested prohibiting left turns during certain hours during the racing season, that is, no left turns on California at Michillinda or at Hugo Reid and Michillinda which would force traffic to take Huntington Drive to the race track during the 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. period. Then block off Hugo Reid at Baldwin between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Robert Monroe, 408 Cabrillo Road, asked Council to seriously consider closing Hugo Reid Drive at Baldwin Avenue, reverting to the original intent. Mr. Barnes addressed Council again stating in part that at one time the race track had agreed not to open the track onto Baldwin Avenue. 4-4-72 - 3 - MOTION MOTION to BARRICADE at present TRACT NO. 30441 Tentative map APPROVED./! 1 ~ '0;.1).. , 19:8038 Also it would be possible to close Hugo Reid with a gate for emergency vehicles which would enable police and fire equipment to enter. He observed that there are about 1500 homes in the area with about 4500 population with more young families moving in all the time. Alvin Burdick, 854 Hugo Reid Drive, preferred a permanent closing and spoke to the speed generated on the street and the traffic violations he notices in the subject area. He felt there was not sufficient police surveillance. He also felt Michillinda Avenue has not improved with its widening. In answer to some questions he responded in part that the fire trucks would probably have to take Old Ranch Road and during the racing season there could be police officers on duty to assist the emergency equipment. That the proposed solution of closing Hugo Reid would increase traffic on feeder streets, however, he felt the residents are prepared for this. 1 Jeff Bowen, 320 Cabrillo Road, disagreed in part with the suggestion of closing Hugo Reid, and primarily'because of emergency vehicular traffic and explained an alternative using Old Ranch Road which he felt would eliminate the problem. Barbara Ann Coleman, 828 Hugo Reid Drive, felt Hugo Reid should be closed; that any other solution would only compound the problem. Mrs. Harry Russell, 840 Hugo Reid Drive, referred to the traffic generated on a street where there are so many children and asked Council for assistance. The informal hearing was concluded at this point. During the ensuing discussion Council concurred completely with the residents that a permanent solution be determined and Councilman Arth MOVED that the City Council recognizes the serious traffic problem existing on Hugo Reid Drive during racing season which has now resulted in the loss of life; that Council hereby directs staff to present two or more positive permanent solutions to bar racing traffic and traffic generated by Fashion Park from this residential street. These solutions will be reviewed by the City Council and will then be presented to the two resident associations involved, the Rancho Santa Anita Residents' Association and the Santa Anita Village Association, for their consideration and recommendations as to the most desirable alternative which will solve the problem with the least inconvenience to the residents. The proposed solutions with recommendations to be returned to the City Council no later than July 1, 1972 - for consideration and acti.illE;on It is Council's intent d 1 d h. . h permanent . . . 11 b an p e ge to t e c~t~zens t at ~eF~eR~ c rect~ve act~on w~ e taken prior to the start of the next Oak Tree racing season in the fall of 1972. Motion seconded by Mayor Helms and carried on roll call vote as fo llows : 1 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Considine, Hage, Helms None None Discussion ensued on the immediate need for protective measures and it was MOVED by Councilman Considine, seconded by Councilman Hage and carried unanimously that during the balance of the racing season barricades be placed across both entrances to Hugo Reid Drive, (Michillinda and Baldwin) between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Planning of Tract proposed Commission recommendation for approval of the tentative map No. 30441 located at 1210 and 1220 S. Fourth Avenue. It is to construct a six lot subdivision. It was MOVED by 4-4-72 - 4 - TRACT NO. 25139 Final map APPROVED ~~ l~hITIONAL SE PERMIT o ACTION ECESSARY p; CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RATIFIED p; CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RATIFIED ~ CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RATIFIED ~ AGENDA ITEM DEFERRED III'~"'"C' 19:8039 Councilman Hage, seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried unanimously that said tentative map be APPROVED subject to conditions imposed by the Planning Commission, the Department of Public Works and the Water Department. Planning Commission recommendation for approval of the final map of Tract No. 25139 located at 1214 - 1218 Temple City Boulevard. It was MOVED by Councilman Considine, seconded by Councilman Hage and carried unanimously that the final map of said tract be APPROVED subject to continued' compliance with all conditions: Planning Commission Resolution ~o. 771 denying an application for a conditional use permit for a child care center at 55 E. Live Oak Avenue. No action necessary in this matter. Planning Commission Resolution No. 772 granted a conditional use permit to the Union Realco for a drive-in bank at 100 N. Santa Anita Avenue, subject to compliance with all applicable regulations of the Arcadia Municipal Code and the conditions specified in said reso- lution. On MOTION by Councilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Considine and carried unanimously the action of the Commission was RATIFIED. Planning Commission Resolution No. 773 granted a conditional use permit to the Shell Oil Company for an automobile service station at 916 S. Santa Anita Avenue subject to compliance with all applicable regulations of the Arcadia Municipal Code and the conditions specified in said resolution. On MOTION by Councilman Hage, seconded by Councilman Considine and carried the action of the Commission was RATIFIED. Councilman Arth ABSTAINED due to his business affiliation. Planning Commission Resolution No. 774 granted a conditional use permit to Gerald F. Henry for a restaurant at 30 E. Live Oak Avenue subject to compliance with all applicable regulations of the Arcadia Municipal Code and all conditions specified in said reso- lution. On MOTION by Councilman Hage, seconded by Councilman Arth and carried unanimously the action of the Commission was RATIFIED. The City Manager explained that the final Library site (southwest corner of Wheeler be finalized until plans are redesigned. deferred. disposition of the old and First Avenue) cannot Therefore the matter was PARTICIPATION John Clark, 301 E. Winnie Way, representing interested citizens, spoke to the proposed development_of a park on the southeast corner of Camino Real and Second Avenue. He read and filed a communication setting forth reasons for opposing the development. (Letter on file in the office of the City Clerk.) He was advised by Mayor Helms that questions propounded in the communication will be answered directly. Some discussion held on the manner in which the property was acquired and this will also be explained to Mr. Clark by letter. Leonard Henkey, 230 E. Camino Real, expressed opposition to the proposed park development and agreed with what was submitted by Mr. Clark. He also felt the recent two elections should have been 4-4-72 - 5 - 'P " STREET LIGHTING REPORT .s " POST OFFICE CROSSWALK REPORT TRACT NO. 25207 Trust Lot d-: 1(!)4-~ LAND APPRAISAL AUTHORIZED .::3-1 ;rG~ ADVERTISE "'FOR BIDS FREEWAY NOISE +5;)7/ 19:8040 combined. Also that the press was not giving sufficient publicity to matters of city government. In conclusion he asked that consideration be given to constructing a way for handicapped persons to reach the lower annex to City Hall and noted the help from the police officers to him in reaching the Council Chamber through use of the ramp. Mayor Helms explained the weekly press conferences to which all citizens are welcome and reasons for not combining both elections. Council received an extensive report concerning improved street intersection lighting, modernization of several antiquated systems and new mercury vapor lighting on portions of Baldwin and Live Oak Avenues. This report is dated March 31, 1972 and on file in the office of the City Clerk. Council will consider holding a study session on this. I Council received an extensive report on a recent request by a resident for a crosswalk mid block between Wheeler and Santa Anita in front of the post office. It was noted that the area is now under study by an engineering consultant for complete redesign of the parking and circulation pattern. This report is due in about 30 days. The City Manager and Director of Public Works advised that a one-foot control strip known as Lot 14 of Tract No. 25207 was inadvertently deeded to thp City when the tract map was recorded and hence the lot was not placed in trust by the developer as originally intended. A recent sale of adjacent property brought this matter to the attention of the developer and he is now requesting that the City deed the lot to a Title Company to allow the trust to be established. It was MOVED by Councilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Considine and carried unanimously that the Mayor and City Clerk be and they are hereby AUTHORIZED to transfer the title to said lot to a Title Company and AUTHORIZE the developer to establish the trust in form approved by the City Attorney. On recommendation of the City Manager and the Director of Public Works it was MOVED by Councilman Hage, seconded by Councilman Considine and carried on roll call vote as follows that Howard S. Martin and Associates be employed to appraise 23 parcels involved in the Colorado Boulevard improvement project (Santa Anita to Fifth Avenue - right of way) in conformance with its proposal. Appraisal fee of $4800 to be charged to available State Gas Tax Funds budgeted for said project. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Considine, Hage, Helms None None On MOTION by Councilman Considine, seconded by Councilman Hage and carried unanimously the plans and specifications for the improvement of Santa Clara Street from Santa Anita to Second Avenue were APPROVED and the City Clerk was AUTHORIZED to advertise for bids to be returned April 17. This project will be financed with State Gas Tax funds with the exception of the sidewalk. 1 Council received a communication from Frank J. Walton, Secretary to the State Business and Transportation Agency, concerning the noise problem emanating from the Foothill Freeway. It was the consensus that the information therein is of a positive note. 4- 4- 7 2 - 6 - M D S Assessment APPROVED :J /;<;5.4- 1 i/COMMENDATION DOWNTOWN VPARKING ORDINANCE VNO. 1448 ADOPTED 1 MICHILLINDA vAVENUE RECREATION vACTIVITY 19: 8041 The City Manager advised that Councilman Considine and he had attended meetings concerning the financial problems of the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Data System and had incorporated reasons therefor in a report dated March 31, 1972. All member cities are now being assessed $24,321. Most of the cities have indicated willingness to pay this amount. Rising costs were discussed and Councilman Considine was reluctant to vote for the assessment until the System reflected a more financial responsibility. He was joined in this observation by Councilman Hage, however he would not like to see the concept abandoned after all that has gone into it. However, due to the emergency nature of the request the assessment was APPROVED on MOTION by Councilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Considine and carried on roll call vote as follows that the $24,321 be AUTHORIZED with the stipulation that an austerity budget be adopted by the System so a similar situation does not arise next year. A closer working relation- ship will henceforth be maintained between either the City Manager or the Finance Director with the System. Funds will be from the Council Contingency Account. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Considine, Hage, Helms None None Council received and expressed appreciation for the commendation to two members of the Recreation Department staff, Jerry Collins and Marc Mueller, for the manner in which the City track meet was recently conducted. On recommendation of the City Manager and the Economic Coordinator it was MOVED by Councilman Hage, seconded by Councilman Considine and carried on roll call vote as follows that the Design Consultant for improvement of Parking District No. 2 be retained at a total cost not to exceed $1,500 to also prepare plans for the improvement of Parking District No.1. AYES; NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Considine, Hage, Helms None None Tre City Attorney presented for the second time, explained the content and read the title of Ordinance No. 1448, entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA AMENDING SECTION 9262.4.12 OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO AUXILIARY SIGNS." It was MOVED by Councilman Hage, seconded by Butterworth and carried on roll call vote as follows that the reading of the full body of Ordinance No. 1448 be WAIVED and that the same be ADOPTED. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Considine, Hage, Helms None None The results from the widening of Michillinda Avenue were explored and Councilman Arth referred to protection of residents on Volante. A communication will be submitted to the new County Supervisor acquainting him with this type of problem. Councilman Butterworth asked that the Recreation Department be contacted with regard to Frank Muche who has been in charge of a 4-4-72 - 7 - CENSUS DRIVEWAY ACCESS EXECUTIVE SESSION RECONVENE and ADJOURNMENT 19:8042 successful boxing program in the city for many years. The need for adequate facilities for the program was noted. .'-' . . .The City Manager advised that the. new census figure is 46,100 which will result in a substantial increase in the State apportioned revenue to the city. The.City Manager also advised that a resident on Baldwin Avenue is concerned about the problems of backing out of a driveway between Hugo Reid and Huntington Due to a large mobile trailer parking at the curbside. The resident had asked for a stop sign for southbound traffic, however, another means of solving the problem will be explored. At 10:25 p.m. Council entered an executive session. 1 At 10:45 p.m. Council reconvened and adjourned sine die immediately thereafter. / OY6~ ATTEST: . ~~/h~ " 1 4-4-72 - 8 -