HomeMy WebLinkAboutOCTOBER 16,1990_3
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32:0275
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY
CLERK
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
MINUTES
October 2,
1990
(APPROVED)
ORD. & RES.
READ BY
TITLE ONLY
CLOSED
SESSION
1.
PUBLIC
HEARING
(KBC Project
124 N. 1st)
6(.30-2-'-11
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
and the
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 16, 1990
The City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency convened
in a joint session October 16, 1990, at 7:30 p. m., in the
Arcadia City Hall Council Chamber.
Rabbi David Barnett, Temple Shaarei Tikvah
Finance Director, James Dale
PRESENT: Council/Agency Members Ciraulo, Fasching, Gilb,
Harbicht and Young
ABSENT: None
On MOTION by Councilmember Gilb, seconded by Councilmember
Harbicht, and CARRIED, the Minutes of the City Council
Regular Meeting of October 2, 1990 were APPROVED.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Ciraulo, seconded by Council-
member Harbicht and CARRIED, that Ordinances and Resolutions
be read by title only and that the reading in full be waived.
CITY ATTORNEY
The City Attorney announced that, "the City Council and
Redevelopment Agency met in a CLOSED SESSION this evening
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 to give
instructions to the City's negotiator regarding potential
acquisition related issues of property owned by the Cordova
family at 157 East Wheeler, and property owned by the Franco
family at 156 E. Santa Clara Street".
JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Consideration of a Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA)
between the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency and Robert K. and
Denise A. Brown; and the Negative Declaration of proposed
project at 124 N. First Avenue (KBC Project); sale of former
Indiana Street Property (124 N. First Avenue) by the City of
Arcadia and purchase by the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency. On
May 1, 1990, having selected K. B. Construction's proposal,
the Agency directed staff to begin negotiating with KBC for
development of a 10,044 square foot property located at 124
N. First Avenue. At this date, the property is owned by the
City and is comprised of a vacated portion of Indiana Street
and a landscaped area.
The DDA negotiated by staff and
development of the property by KBC.
KBC provides for the
The City of Arcadia will
1
10/16/90
RESOLUTION
NO. 5552
(ADOPTED)
D&80-'Z-1/7
RESOLUTION
NO. 5553
(ADOPTED)
o &, 8'0- z.. <-;7
RESOLUTION
NO. ARA-162
(ADOPTED)
Oto'iJ'O-Z-'i7
RESOLUTION
NO. ARA-163
(ADOPTED)
o (.., 8' 0 - ~ '/7
2.
RATIFICATION OF
SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT (ARA
vs. Kiewit)
(APPROVED)
0/"(.,5"-.5"0
J.i...UL/U
sell the land to the Agency which will in turn convey it to
the developer for development. The developer will construct
a 3,233 square foot two-story office building, including
parking, landscaping and offsite improvement. The Developer
will pay the Agency $165,000 ($16.43/sq. ft.) for the property
which is above the fair market value as determined by an
appraisal performed at the request of the Agency. A complete
summary of the costs and benefits of the proposed DDA is
contained in the Disposition Report, attached to the staff
report of October 16, 1990. Staff estimates the project will
generate from $4,100 to $4,900 annually upon completion in the
form of tax increment revenue to the Agency and business
license fees and utility user taxes to the City. Under the
schedule, the Developer has until December 1, 1991 to complete
the proposed proj ect. The Agency has received a $3,000
Administrative Fee and $10,000 Good Faith Deposit required in
the DDA from Mr. Brown. Notices of the Joint Public Hearing
to consider the DDA and the related environmental review have
been published in the Arcadia Tribune and made available for
public inspection in the office of the City Clerk, along with
the DDA as required by law.
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Mayor/Chairman Young opened the public hearing. No one
desiring to be heard, the hearing was CLOSED on MOTION by
Member Harbicht, seconded by Member Ciraulo and CARRIED.
The Assistant City Manager for Economic Development then read
the titles of the following resolutions:
Resolution No. 5552, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA APPROVING A CERTAIN DISPOSITION
AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE ARCADIA
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND ROBERT K. AND DENISE A. BROWN (KBC
PROJECT)" .
Resolution No. 5553, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA AGREEING TO SELL THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 124 NO. FIRST AVENUE (FORMER INDIANA STREET) FOR
$165,000 TO THE ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR REDEVELOPMENT
PURPOSES".
Resolution No. ARA-162 , entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE ARCADIA
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION PREPARED
IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED SALE, DISPOSITION AND
DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN PROPERTY AND APPROVING A CERTAIN
DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND ROBERT K. AND DENISE A. BROWN
(KBC PROJECT)".
Resolution No. ARA-163 , entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE ARCADIA
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AGREEING TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 124 NO. FIRST AVENUE (FORMER INDIANA STREET) FOR $165,000
FROM THE CITY OF ARCADIA FOR REDEVELOPMENT PURPOSES".
It was then MOVED by Member Harbicht, seconded by Member Gilb I
and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Resolution No.
5552; Resolution No. 5553; Resolution No. ARA-162; and
Resolution No. ARA-163 be and they are hereby ADOPTED.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Members Ciraulo, Fasching, Gilb, Harbicht and Young
None
None
MOTION by Member Harbicht, second by Member Ciraulo to APPROVE
the Settlement Agreement and Mutual General Release; and
AUTHORIZE the City and Arcadia Redevelopment Agency to execute
said agreement regarding the case of the Arcadia Redevelopment
Agency vs. Kiewit.
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10/16/90
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3.
4.
5.
Sa.
MINUTES
(October 2,1990)
(APPROVED)
5b.
DESIGN REVIEW
(124 N. 1st)
(APPROVED)
Ofn80-Z-L/7
5c.
CONTRACT -
REMOVE/DISPOSE
OF ASBESTOS
(NW & SW 2nd
Htg. Projects)
(APPROVED)
0(,,8'0- 2.'1~
0(",8'0- Z-<!Ib
32:0277
The settlement to be final in 90 days subject to satisfaction
of all payment requirements. Member Harbicht commended staff
for their negotiations of this case; also the Agency and
Council for standing strong on this matter, and noted that he
is very pleased with the settlement.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Members Ciraulo, Fasching, Gilb, Harbicht and Young
None
None
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Debbie Hamilton, Regional Director for the Mental Health
Association, stated, in part, the Association is facing a $60
million dollar cutback in November if Proposition 134 is not
passed other groups will be affected also. Council
support was solicited in support of Proposition 134 and asked
to consider also a resolution in behalf of same.
CITY COUNCIL RECESSED IN ORDER TO ACT AS THE
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
On MOTION by Member Harbicht, seconded by Member Ciraulo and
CARRIED, the Minutes of the Meeting of October 2, 1990 were
APPROVED.
Design Review for construction of a two-story, 3,223 ~quare
foot commercial office building at 124 North First Avenue, K.
B. Construction Company project. The design features are set
forth in staff report dated October 16, 1990. Member Harbicht
commented that this is an excellent design, it will enhance
that area.
It was then MOVED by Member Harbicht, seconded by Chairman
Young and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that the Design
Review for 124 N. First Avenue be APPROVED as conditioned by
City and Agency staff set forth in staff report dated October
16, 1990 and further, FIND that the approval shall be in
effect for a period of one year consistent with Resolution No.
ARA-126.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Members Ciraulo, Fasching, Gilb, Harbicht and Young
None
None
Prior to proceeding with the demolition of buildings,
asbestos-containing construction materials must be removed
from seven properties within the Northwest and Southwest
Proj ect sites (NW and SW corners of Huntington and Second
Ave.). Tri-Angle Core of Consultants, Inc., have been
retained by the Agency to monitor the asbestos removal. Four
abatement companies returned bids in response to the Notice
to Bidders, as listed in the October 16, 1990 staff report.
The Bid Notice also appeared in the Arcadia Tribune. The
consultant, Tri-Angle Core, and staff recommend the bid be
awarded to the low bidder, Environmental Control Systems,
Inc., of Brea, California.
It was MOVED by Member Gilb, seconded by Chairman Young and
CARRIED on roll call vote; to AWARD the contract for the
removal and disposal' of asbestos-containing materials to
Environmental Control Systems, Inc., in the amount of
$36,787.98 plus 10% contingency for a total of $40,500.00.
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10/16/90
5d.
TIME EXTENSION
OLIVE GARDEN
REST. (South-
side Projectl
Gribble Dev.)
(APPROVED)
o&, 'if 0 -)( 3
Oil v e GtJrd-c I'l
32:0278
Member Gilb inquired if this Notice to Bidders had only been
published in the Arcadia Tribune, how did we get companies
from Brea, Burbank and Orange to bid? Staff responded that
a list of six asbestos removal firms had been compiled from
numerous sources, such as consultants who had experience with
asbestos firms. Further, if staff had not had this list, the
advertising would have been widened.
The roll was then called:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Members Ciraulo, Fasching, Gilb, Harbicht and Young
None
None
On November 7, 1989 the developer of the Souths ide Project,
Stanley W. Gribble & Associates, was granted a one year time
extension for the completion of the Olive Garden Restaurant,
Parcel D of the Southside Project, Amendment No.2 to the DDA.
As required under Amendment No.2, the developer submitted to
the Agency a Time Certificate of Deposit for $25,000 to be
drawn-down in the event the developer has not substantially
completed the construction by November 10, 1990. Additionally,
Amendment No.2 stipulated that $15,000 in liquidated damages
be assessed the developer for each additional six month period
after November 10, 1990, during which the developer has not
substantially completed construction of parcel D. On October
9, 1990, the developer requested a further extension of 180
days for the substantial completion of same, citing the
following reasons: No.1 - General Mills, Inc. (owner of the
Olive Garden Restaurants) had to design a new two-story
prototype restaurant to accommodate the Arcadia. site;
therefore the plans took considerably longer to complete.
And, No. 2 - The plans were submitted in June 1990, and
General Mills is currently waiting for a building permit. The
October 16, 1990 staff report indicates that the Olive Garden
plans contained an unusually large number of items that
required correction by the architect. And the length of time
that has passed is average for processing of this type of
building permit application. Mr. Grosso of the Gribble
organization was present to address the Agency.
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George Grosso, representing the Arcadia Gateway Associates,
Irvine, California, stated, in part, that the time extension
is necessary to reach the point of "substantial completion"
since they have not begun construction of the building as
stated in their request. The design for this particular site
is unique since it is not an Olive Garden prototype... it
will be a two-story building and will meet the seating
requirements as per code. He stated they cannot get more than
a 6,200 square foot building on the site pad area and maintain
the parking requirements. They have considered other
restaurants for the site similar to other restaurants in the
area, but the sales-tax increment would not be as great. I
Arcadia Gateway Associates signed the lease with Olive Garden
Restaurants in February, 1990. They have let their contract
and they are ready to get under construction when the permit
is issued. He was informed that the building could be built
in 120 days considering any delays the approaching
holidays may bring, the restaurant should be open in four and
one-half to five months. In response to the Agency, Mr.
Grosso stated that the general exterior appearance of the
restaurant is identical to that which the Agency had seen
previously, except for minor corrections; the plans are
finished and have been resubmitted to the Agency. Within seven
to ten days they hope to have the building permits. Member
Gilb inquired of the status of Bennigan's Restaurant. Mr.
Grosso responded that the Bennigan property is owned by
Arcadia Gateway Associates; Bennigan's holds a 20 year lease
with extensions. Bennigan's sales were at approximately
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10/16/90
32:0279
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$200,000 per month when they first opened. They are
substantially below that figure now, but there has been
improvement and the sales are rising, according to Mr. Grosso.
Referring again to the Olive Garden site, Mr. Grosso said, if
they are granted the time extension, as requested, they would
like to discuss a "force maj eura clause". which would grant
them an automatic extension to complete the project for
certain situations I such as I earthquakes, the discovery of
toxic material... something above and beyond their control.
This clause was not included in Amendment No. 2 to the DDA.
Staff responded that this was included in the Disposition and
Development Agreement. The discussion turned to' the other
buildings completed in the Souths ide proj ect area. Member
Gilb complimented Mr. Grosso on the beautiful office building
at the rear of the project site. A discussion followed of the
quality of the tenants in that particular building. Mr.
Grosso reported that the fact that the parking is free has
helped market the tenant space since parking in Pasadena is
$50 a month per stall, and downtown Los Angeles is at $250 to
$300 a month per stall. In reference to the retail
establishments in the proj ect, Mr. Grosso commented that,
without a major tenant to anchor this retail area, it has been
difficult to lease the 27,000 square feet of retail space.
The businesses who have located there are doing well. Arcadia
Gateway has made the rents conducive to the business ... they
work with the tenants. Currently, there are only two empty
spaces in the retail building.
At this point, staff reminded the Agency that the question
still remains of what the Agency wishes to do relative to the
Letter of Credit (Certificates of Deposit). Agency Member
Fasching then MOVED that the Agency exercise Option D, to
require the developer to extend the $25,000 Certificate of
Deposit for 180 days with no penalties, seconded by Member
Ciraulo and CARRIED on roll call vote following.
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Member Harbicht stated, in part, that while he can sympathize
with the developer and they have made a good faith effort,
this matter has dragged on and it has cost the City and Agency
money. The expected tax increment has not been realized. At
the time the Agency gave them the last extension, the $25,000
Time Certificate of Deposit was specifically added just in
case this situation were to happen. The building is not
finished. Further, Member Harbicht added, to forgive this debt
is akin to a gift of public funds. The City and Agency should
be compensated if the restaurant had been in and
generating sales tax and generating tax increment, monies
would have come to the City. He would rather see the Agency
draw down $15,000 on this and require that another $25,000 be
put in a Certificate of Deposit and go forward just as before
with the $15,000 for six months. Member Fasching commented,
in part, that he had considered where they are with their
plans, also that the special design of the building had held
them up. Moreover, the Agency has other development projects
in the area such as the SW Corner project, which is in need
of an anchor and is not proceeding too fast. Further, in view
of the developments, the developer has completed in the past,
he believes they have used their best effort to get this
project off the ground and they should not be penalized.
Chairman Young noted that this is the second extension they
have requested. Member Harbicht said he did not see this
action as penalizing them. The Agency has worked with them
in good faith; relief was given on the parking requirements'
on two occasions; ,the Agency is not being unreasonable; this
is a multi-million dollar development; why should the Agency
be "penalized" for the delays? He pointed out that the time
period for the extension that they are working on has run out
and we're now talking about a new extension.
5
10/16/90
5e.
ADJOURNMENT
6.
7.
7a.
O.>.....O,.;l~HEARING
tnP90-o1/ SCHEDULED
(Nov.6.l990)
7b.
o ll'70-S-.3HEARING
Urb41] k/rrSCHEDULED
/I1gc PI (Nov.6,1990)
7c.
65{"O- ["OTRACT 48268
FINAL MAP
.,-,... "'/?;'?'bZ' (752 W. Htg.)
7d.
D~("O-!)iJ LA SIERRA DR.
L) I C; ~ ::.>.::"CUL-DE-SAC
rll] ~ (P.M.19235-
accp'd for
maint. by City)
7e.
o 5'"bD-S1) P.M. 21189
PM :;i,/lX9 MELANIE LN.
(TPM 89-009-
Drainage Esmt.
& Street R/W)
32:0280
Staff requested clarification of the MOTION which Member
Fasching agreed would cover Option D, and B, C and D of the
staff recommendations. Member Ciraulo said his second to the
motion would cover the recommendations also, therefore for
clarification.
MOTION by Member Fasching, second by Member Ciraulo and
CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to GRANT the Oeveloper,
Stanley W. Gribble & Associates, a one-hundred-eighty (180)
day extension from November 10, 1990 to May 10, 1991 to
substantially complete construction of the Parcel D, Olive
Garden Restaurant; and Option D, REQUIRE the Developer to
extend the $25,000 Certificate of Deposit for one -hundred-
eighty (180) days with no penalties incurred; and DIRECT
Agency Special Counsel to draft Amendment No. 3 to the DDA in
a form and substance similar to Amendment No.2; and REQUIRE
the Developer to execute said Amendment No.3 and provide the
required Good Faith Deposit in the amount as determined by the
Agency no later then November 10, 1990; and in the event said
amendment is not executed by the Developer and the Good Faith
Deposit not provided as set forth above and in Amendment No.
2, AUTHORIZE and DIRECT the Executive Director to cash the
existing $25,000 Certificate of Deposit as soon as reasonably
possible after November 10, 1990; and AUTHORIZE the Executive
Director to execute Amendment No.3 in form approved by Agency
General Counsel.
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AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Members Ciraulo, Fasching, Gilb and Young
Member Harbicht (for reasons as stated)
None
The meeting ADJOURNED to 7:00 p.m., November 6, 1990.
CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED
CONSENT ITEMS
SCHEDULED a public hearing for November 6, 1990 for
consideration of Modification MP 90-011, a 3-unit residential
condominium project at 143 Genoa Street.
SCHEDULED a public hearing for November 6, 1990 for
consideration of the Revised City of Arcadia Wate, Division
Urban Water Management Plan.
APPROVED Final Map 48268 for a proposed six-unit condominium
subdivision at 752 W. Huntington Drive, subject to all
outstanding conditions of approval as set forth in the Public
Works Department staff report of November 15, 1989, shall be
complied with to the satisfaction of the Director of Public
Works.
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ACCEPTED street, sewer and water systems for maintenance by
the City in Parcel Map No. 19235, La Sierra Drive cul-de-sac
located on the east side of Second Avenue, south of Magna
Vista Avenue.
APPROVED Parcel Map 21189 (TPM 89-009), a one-sided cul-de-
sac known as Melanie Lane, and ACCEPT for public use the
street right-of-way dedication and drainage easement, subject
to satisfaction of all outstanding conditions of approval
prior to the recordation of the map.
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10/16/90
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7f.
EMPLOYMENT
TRAINING AGREE'T
(Liebert,
Cassidy &
Frierson)
0;).';;"'0- 80
7g.
CHRISTMAS
TREE STORAGE
& SALES
03S-0- ~.s-
7h.
LEAVE/ABSENCE
EXTENDED
(Police Dept.)
O~~O~ :l ~
PD
8.
SPEED HUMPS
PORTOLA DR.
0'1'10-70
32:0281
APPROVED agreement for continued participation in the San
Gabriel Valley Employment Training Consortium with the law
firm of Liebert, Cassidy Ii< Frierson for FY 1990-91. The
proposed cost is $1,495 (3.5% higher than the 1989-90
agreement). Funds budgeted in 1990-91 General City budget.
APPROVED requests for Christmas tree storage tents for Anthony
Miali, Tahoe Christmas Tree Co. at 16 W. Live Oak Avenue; Doug
Launchbaugh, Thee Christmas Tree Co. at 1001 N. Santa Anita
Avenue; Sav-On-Drug Store parking lot at 1401 S. Baldwin
Avenue. The tents will be erected in late November and
December and will be subject to Fire Department regulations
and approval prior to opening for business.
APPROVED extension of leave of absence to November 19, 1990
for Police Department employee, Nancy Sexton, Parking Control
Specialist.
CITY MANAGER
On September 11, 1990 the City Council received a letter and
petition from residents of Portola Drive between Golden West
Avenue and Cortez Drive, requesting a speed management program
on Portola Drive. The residents specifically request that
speed humps be installed on Portola Drive. The Director of
Public Works submitted a report, October 16, 1990, which
addressed the following: No. 1 - Evaluation of speed. humps
on public roadways and response to the specific request for
speed humps, and No. 2 - A review of warrants for installation
of stop signs at the intersection of Portola Drive and Cortez
Road. The October 16, 1990 staff report sets forth a
comprehensive study and evaluation of the physical conditions
and on-site analysis of traffic patterns of the subject
locations. The typical speed bumps, as installed in many
apartment complexes and shopping center parking lots, are
usually 3 to 4 inches high and constructed of asphalt concrete
and are constructed across the roadway. This type of speed
bump may be effective in reducing speed in these locations,
however, if they are placed in a public roadway, it is abrupt
and could create a hazardous condition. A few California
ci ties have experimented wi th speed humps as compared to speed
bumps as speed controlling devices on residential streets
only. The speed humps differ from speed bumps in that they
are less abrupt, they are typically 3 to 4 inches in height,
but they extend 12 feet in length, measured in the direction
of vehicle travel. While speed humps appear effective in
reducing speeds, in certain jurisdictions, their fire,
paramedic and service departments have expressed concern about
the possible proliferation of speed humps and the long-term
effects these devices may have on their operations.
Particularly the increased response time for fire and
paramedics. It is felt that speed humps, even properly
constructed and with advance warning signs, could present a
hazard to vehicles and would be especially dangerous to
bicyclists, motorcycle riders, emergency vehicles, fire
fighters and any inattentive motorist. The City of Santa Rosa
has had, and is now, the subject of several claims that
involve the legality of the installation and damage to
property because of these devices. This type of device is
experimental only and is not accepted as a traffic control
, method in the State of California. Because of the increased
liability exposure the City would incur by 'installing
unimproved traffic control devices, the use of speed humps is
not recommended. The Engineering Division of the Public Works
Department also conducted a study at the intersection of
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10/16/90
32:0282
Portola and Cortez to determine whether or not stop signs were
justified or warranted according to the State of California
Traffic Manual for justification of stop signs. This
intersection does not qualify under the provisions set forth
in the Traffic Manual. The City has previously considered
requests for installation of speed humps and pursuant to the
policy set forth in the staff report, has denied such
requests. It is the opinion of the staff that the City should
not increase its liability exposure by installing these
devices. It is staff's recommendation that the request for
the installation of speed humps on Portola Drive be denied,
and that the Police Department provide selective enforcement
and periodic use of the speed monitoring radar trailer.
In response to a question from Councilmember Gilb, the
Director of Public Works replied that a traffic study was
conducted on Portola Drive. Traffic counts were taken on
October 4, 5, 6, 7 and 12. The average westbound traffic was
130 vehicles, with the average eastbound vehicles at 310
during a 24 hour period. The devices to take the traffic
counts were the type that could measure speeds. The average
vehicular speed for eastbound traffic was 34 mph; westbound
was 29 mph. As far as the stop sign criteria is concerned,
the number of accidents reported was two ... one in 1986 and
one in 1989. One accident was a rear end, the other was a
head-on collision after stopping at eastbound Portola, where
there is a stop sign. The average vehicles per hour, then,
taking the highest 8 hours on an average day, was 88 vehicles
per hour ... that was for all approaches to the intersections
on an average. The average for Cortez, which is a minor
street, was 8 vehicles per hour for the same highest 8 hours.
On October 12 the traffic count was retaken, there were 140
vehicles per hour for the busiest hour of the day, between
4: 00 p. m. and 5: 00 p. m. The warrants, as far as the
accidents, are 5 reported accidents of types susceptible to
correction by stop signs within a 12 month period, according
to the Traffic Manual. There were only 2 accidents from 1986
to 1990. The volume requirement to warrant a stop sign is 500
vehicles per hour as an average from all approaches for any
8 hours of the average day. The Engineering Division took the
count at the highest 8 hours which was 88 vehicles per hour
as an average, which is quite different from the 500 vehicles
per hour to warrant a stop sign. Although it is not indicated
on the map attached to the staff report, Council noted that
there is a stop sign at the eastbound intersection of Portola
and Golden West as well as the eastbound intersection of
Portola and Cortez.
Mayor Young invited those in the audience who wished to
address the Council on this matter to corne to the podium.
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Shirlev Rundell, 1020 Portola Drive, stated in part, that she
is very concerned about the speed of the traffic on Portola.
Her home is on the corner of Portola and Cortez. On many I
occasions other cars have almost hit her car while she was
backing out of her driveway; she is afraid of an accident.
She and her husband chose the Village area for their home in
1987 because of its charm and peacefulness; since that time
she has seen just the opposite. She is deeply concerned for
the small children who walk to school, and adults who use the
.str~et to walk to Hughes Market since there are no sidewalks
on the street. Photographs of the traffic on Portola have
been taken and the skid marks on the pavement. After hearing
the staff report on the traffic study conducted on Portola,
she commented that a negative response from the Council would
not be a surprise since staff found, according to the report,
that there was not an excessive amount of traffic on the
street. The people who live on Portola know that there is a
problem... they need, she said, the City's cooperation in
trying to solve this problem.
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10/16/90
32:0283
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Councilmember Gilb related that he was on Portola at 2:43 p.m.
today, at the long curve of the corner of Portola and Cortez.
He observed one car on the street and then a young man in a
grey and white pickup truck came down the street and ran the
stop sign ... just slowing down a little. He believes this
young man may have pulled out of one of the homes nearby.
Councilmember Gilb came back again at 3:30 p. m. and did not
see any cars on the street. At 4:45 p. m. he came back again'
and observed one car on the street ... this driver did stop
at the stop sign. He noted that employees from Von's new
office building could possibly cut across Cortez and use
Portola as a shortcut to Huntington Drive at Golden West and
avoid the stop signal at Sunset. Mrs. Rundell agreed that
this is what is happening also the stop signal at
Huntington and Michillinda . .. Mrs. Rundell mentioned that the
busiest traffic hours on Portola are between 4 to 7:00 p.m.
and 7 to 9:00 in the morning. Councilmember Gilb stated, in
part, that while he appreciates Mrs. Rundell's letter
(attached to the staff report), he could not support speed
bumps on Portola. In the evening after 5:00 p. m., when the
traffic lets out at Von's, ,Portola should get more traffic
enforcement. The closing of Hugo Reid from incoming traffic
was mentioned. .. this does create other problems in the area,
but there is not much traffic there now. However, with Von's
locating there he could see where there would be a problem
with Portola being used as a shortcut. People in this area,
he noted, do not pay any attention to the stop signs ... they
just sort of roll through.
Councilmember Fasching suggested that in view of the traffic
produced by Von's, instead of speed humps, which he is ~eally
not in favor of, a solid yellow line on Sunset southbound to
Huntington would prevent the traffic from Von's from turning
onto Portola; while a broken yellow line on Sunset northbound
would permit the traffic to turn into the shopping center and
Von's parking. This would eliminate the through traffic on
Portola over to Golden West. Mrs. Rundell agreed this would
help reduce the through traffic eastbound, especially in the
early evening hours. Mrs. Rundell claimed also that people
have also found Portola to be a shortcut in the early morning
hours ... they come north on Golden West and turn left onto
Portola westbound. Councilmember Fasching noted also that
the Colorado Oaks area, in particular, the corners of Baldwin
and Harvard, and Baldwin and Stanford, have "No Through
Traffic" signs posted. Possibly if "No Through Traffic" signs
were posted on Portola they would be a deterrent.
I
Steve Rundell, 1020 Portola Drive, stated in part, that the
traffic study was conducted on race track days when the police
were controlling the flow of traffic on Huntington which flows
freely when the traffic lights are controlled. For 364 days
out of the year the traffic is heavier on Portola than the
study indicated. He has video taped the stop sign at Cortez
and portola where during a typical rush hour between 4 to 5:00
p. m" 75 cars have run that stop sign and 85% of those cars
reached a maximum speed of 35 to 40 mph traveling eastbound
on Portola ... the speed limit on Portola is posted at 25 mph.
The petition signers have indicated that speed humps are the
way to go. As drivers become aware of the speed humps around
the corner of Cortez and Portola their speed will be reduced
down to the 25 mph limit. They also thought a center island
might help. The primary problem is going east and west on
Portola, but north and south traffic traveling at excessive
speeds is a problem as well. Mr. Rundell went on to relate a
near fatal accident that occurred at the intersection of
Cortez and Portola.
ROEer Williams, 1026 Portola Drive, stated in part, that he
has lived on Portola for 10 years. The traffic problem on
,
"
.,;'
9
10/16/90
32:0284
this street did not begin when Von's opened a busness office.
This has been a growing concern, perhaps for the last five
years. Portola, he stated, was planned as a residential
street ... not an arterial street. He questioned the study
report which states the average automobile speed at 34 mph.
Is this figure an average; a high speed; or a low speed?
Averages are misleading. The Director of Public Works
responded that the high speed was 35 or 36 mph. He also
questioned the police report of the activity at the stop sign
at the corner of Cortez and Portola; and the possible
liability to the City if speed humps were installed. The dips
in Golden West were referred to as reverse speed humps ...
crossing these depressions at 25 mph is very jarring also.
The residents on Portola have a safety problem; the people in
that area realize this and have contacted the City and are
saying, "we have a serious safety situation; we demand that I
something be done" . Mr. Williams suggested another
alternative to speed humps or a double yellow line might be
to simply erect a "No Left Turn Between the Hours of 4 to 7: 00
p. m." sign, and have it policed. Eventually quite a few
people would be caught. Further, considering that the study
indicated that 310 cars traveled eastbound on Portola, 140 of
them in one hour's time, this is a car every 30 seconds ...
this, for a residential street... something has to be done.
Councilmember Ciraulo asked how would tha, stop the traffic
coming through in the morning off of Golden West? Mr.
Williams said that the report stated the westbound traffic
was only 130 cars traveling westbound on Portola for a 24 hour
period, which really is not many cars. The biggest problem is
the eastbound traffic in the evening. Reflectors or buttons
in the pavement, he responded to Councilmember Ciraulo, would
not slow cars down either. As for emergency vehicles~ they
are very heavy and would have to slow down anyway to make the
curve from Portola to Cortez; the speed humps would not really
affect them. Mr. Williams mentioned the accident on Hugo Reid
before the street was closed off to through traffic and stated
that it is up to Council to see that this doesn't happen on
Portola.
Roger Ragan, 1017 Portola Drive, stated in part, that he is
really concerned about both safety and preserving the quiet
nature of this residential neighborhood. He is afraid that
they are really going to have a bad accident at the corner of
Cortez and Portola. He hopes very much that Council can help
them with this speed management problem.
At the request of Mayor Young, Chief of Police Johnson came
forward to clarify some of the issues raised by the preceding
speakers. Chief Johnson stated in part, that the intersection
of Sunset/Huntington and Golden West/Huntington during the Oak
Tree Meet is not manned during the week days. It is manned
on weekends only, therefore, there are no officers at those
locations working the traffic. Also, to work traffic in a
vehicle, it has to be a marked vehicle as the Traffic Code I
requires ... plain units cannot be deployed to work actual
traffic. The Police Department makes radar surveys, etcetera
in plain units but not traffic management. Like other City
streets, there are certain periods of the day when the best
thing the police can do is try to do extra enforcement and try
to slow the traffic down.
Council then explored possible measures to undertake to
relieve the traffic situation in the area. Councilmember Gilb
mentioned that the waiting time at the signal at Huntington
and Sunset to make a left turn onto Huntington is really
excessive. The traffic backs up maybe a quarter of the way
up the block on Sunset while waiting for the light to change.
A lot of malfunctions have been found in that signal in the
past the people waiting on Sunset to get through that
signal get a little impatient so they make a left turn onto
10
10/16/90
32:0285
I
Portola to get out of there. If the City could make it easier
to get the traffic off of Sunset onto Huntington, people would
not be so inclined to turn onto Portola. Councilmember Gilb
drives down Sunset many times at night; he does not think the
traffic is coming from Von's, or necessarily coming during the
racing season. People are coming down Michillinda from
Pasadena, Sierra Madre and other places to the south part of
Arcadia. Huntington and Sunset is a busy corner. Certain
times during the day more time is not needed to make a left
turn onto Huntington or to proceed ahead to Temple City...
but in the afternoon more time is needed. If the traffic were
to back up on Huntington Drive for an extra 12 seconds and try
to clear the traffic on Sunset, then people would not be
inclined to make a left turn onto Portola. The Director of
Public Works said he would check into this to see if the
timing of the signal could be improved ... and also mentioned
that this signal is a "split phase" signal which takes a
longer time for the whole process.
Mayor Young asked if it would be possible to post a "No
Through Traffic" sign such as the sign at Baldwin and Harvard.
The Director of Public Works responded that it is possible to
do so, but he did not know how legal it would be or how
effective. Mayor Young commented that between posting a sign;
having more police in the area and changing the timing on the
signal, maybe this would start to slow people down and deter
some.
Councilmember Fasching commented that if the City were to
prevent a left turn lane onto Portola from Sunset this would
certainly ease the traffic situation through that street, or
eliminate a lot of it ... although this could possibly send
the traffic onto Balboa and over to Golden West. If the
neighbors who live in the area were restricted access onto
Portola they would then have to use Balboa ... so this may not
accomplish anything there.
Councilmember Gilb noted that if a "No Left Turn" sign was
posted coming southbound on Sunset onto Portola, it would not
stop the cars from coming out of the shopping center and Von's
which is straight across from Portola. It is his thinking
that the flow of traffic on southbound Sunset is the problem,
the traffic just sits there ... and then people make a left
turn and start moving...
Councilmember Fasching suggested posting a "Not a Through
Street" sign at Portola and Sunset; and write a letter to
Von's requesting that they submit a letter to their employees
that they not traverse through the residential area at night
when they leave work unless they live there. Councilmember
Fasching stated further, that some measures could be
implemented now to reduce traffic on Portola, but the matter
needs further study.
I
The City Manager suggested that Council direct staff to look
into all the alternatives the Council had explored and bring
back some specific recommendations, specifically with the use
of a "Not a Through Street" sign; also more intense selective
enforcement by the Police Department, as well as the portable
unit, could be provided. Councilrnember Harbicht agreed, and
he likes also Councilmember Fasching's idea of a letter from
the Mayor to Bill Davila at Von's asking them to please ask
their employees not to drive through the residential streets
and see if Council can get them to stay on the arterial
streets where they belong.
11
10/16/90
9.
9a.
RESOLUTION
NO. 5551
(ADOPTED)
05W()-;;<~ ,
7 J 7 COl't'e....../I?,./
9b.
RESOLUTION
NO. 5554
(ADOPTED)
Di;;J-.O-&1J
9c.
CLAIM OF
C.A.PAYNE
(DENIED)
IOt/o-lI7)
Ptdyn e.
10.
11.
FASCHING
(St.Light
Report)
32:0286
CITY ATTORNEY
The City Attorney presented and read the title of Resolution
No. 5551: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, DENYING AN APPEAL AND SUSTAINING THE
PLANNING COMMISSION AND THE SANTA ANITA VILLAGE HOMEOWNERS
ASSOCIATION'S DENIAL OF A PROPOSED TWO- STORY DWELLING WITH
ATTACHED GARAGE AT 717 CORTEZ ROAD (MP 90-009)".
It was MOVED by Councilmember Fasching, seconded by
Councilmember Harbicht and CARRIED on roll call vote as
follows that Resolution No. 5551 be and it is hereby ADOPTED.
AYES:
Councilmembers Ciraulo, Fasching, Gilb, Harbicht and
Young
None
None
I
NOES:
ABSENT:
The City Attorney presented and read the title of Resolution
No. 5554: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING PROPOSITION 149 REGARDING THE
CALIFORNIA PARK, RECREATION, AND WILDLIFE ENHANCEMENT ACT OF
1990".
It was MOVED by Councilmenber Gilb, seconded by Councilmember
Harbicht and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that
Resolution No. 5554 be and it is hereby ADOPTED.
AYES:
Councilmembers Ciraulo, Fasching, Gilb, Harbicht and
Young
None
None
NOES:
ABSENT
On recommendation of the City Attorney, the claim of C. A.
Payne was'DENIED on MOTION by Councilmember Gilb, seconded by
Councilmember Harbicht and CARRIED on roll call vote as
follows:
AYES:
Councilmembers Ciraulo, Fasching, Gilb, Harbicht and
Young
None
None
NOES:
ABSENT:
MATTERS FROM STAFF
None
MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
I
Requested a report from staff regarding street lights in
residential areas which would include:
1. The percentage of residential areas in Arcadia that do
not have street lights, and
2. The possibility of installation of street lights in all
residential areas not now having them, and
3. Participation of homeowner's estimated costs, and
4. How long to accomplish this.
Councilmember Fasching felt that the time has come that
Council should take a strong look at all the areas in the City
that do not have street lights ... and there are considerable
of these. The City Manager requested that six weeks be
allowed for staff to complete this because they would like to
12
10/16/90
I
I
GILB
(Mental
Health
Request)
12.
ADJOURNMENT
(Nov. 6, 1990
7:00 p.m.)
ATTEST:
-,~~/.IJ
e D. Alford,
32:0287
provide a rather comprehensive report.
some changes they would like to suggest
Fasching agreed to the six weeks.
Further, staff have
also. Councilmember
Referring to the request from the Mental Health Association
to support Proposition No. 134 on the November ballot, and
oppose Proposition No. 128, Councilmember Gilb asked his
colleagues if they wished to do anything about this request?
It was determined that each Councilmember could study the
Propositions and then vote as they each see fit on November
6.
At 8:47 p. m., the City Council ADJOURNED to 7:00 p. m.,
November 6, 1990 in the Conference Room of the Council
Chambers to conduct the business of the Council and Agency
and any Closed Session, if any, necessary to discuss
personnel, litigation and evaluation of properties.
7.?:?'iA~i 1t:{r
13
10/16/90