HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPRIL 4,1972
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
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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
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.
MOTION
TO APPROVE
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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
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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.
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MOTION
MOTION to
BARRICADE
at present
TRACT
NO. 30441
Tentative map
APPROVED./! 1 ~
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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
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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
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'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
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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.
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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
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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
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