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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFEBRUARY 5,1985 I I ,~. ,. 25 :1144 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK ROLL CALL o~ ","i '\' ~ ~\ PRESENTATION M I NUT E S CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA AND THE ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY I STUDY SESSION FEBRUARY 5, 19B5 The City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met in a Study Session at 5:15 p. m. February 5, 19B5 in the Arcadia City Hall 'Council Chamber. The primary purpose of this meeting was to permit Willdan & Associates to present a public summary of the scope and content of the Downtown Revitalization Strategy Report. PRESENT: Councilmembers Gilb, Lojeski, Pellegrino and Young ABSENT: Mayor Hannah On MOTION by Councilmember Lojeski, seconded by Councilmember Young and 'CARRIED Mayor Hannah was excused. (NOTE: Mayor Hannah arrived at 6:30 p. m.) Mayor Pro Tempore Pellegrino presided. Staff advised on the steps taken to notify persons interested in this presentation -- including the Arcadia Business Association (downtown), the ,Chamber of Commerce and owners of property within the downtown qreq. It was stated that all in all about 600 notices had been mailed, and that notices had been published. It was also noted that a public hearing on the Report will be held before the Planning Commission on February 26 and following that the matter will be before the City Council for public input. The Report may be reviewed in the Planning Department and the City Library. Jeff Kudlac, Willdan Associates, then explained just what the status of the revitalization project is at the present time. Projecturals were shown depicting objectives and goals of the revitalization strategy, design and land use concepts with the areas and an imple- mentation strategy. The objective of the study is to improve the physical and economic environment of the study area and .to reorient both the citizens and the business community to the City's central business district. To accomplish this, certain goals will be collectively jmplemented to meet the needs of the community. Mr. Kudlac explored details of these goals as set forth in the Report. ~Cline, Traffic and Parking Section, spoke to the traffic circulation program which is to provide safe, efficient and effective vehicular access to and from the downtown area from residential property, other commercial areas and freeway interchanges on normal days as well as racing days. Reference was made to Table 15 of the Report indicating estimated volume of additional traffic which can be generated within the downtown revitalization area before intersection capacity is signifi~antly impacted. 2/5/85 ~l~ , ,.' . .....> 25 :1145 During this consideration, the following persons spoke -- in part: Gordon Penharlow, 301 Sharon Road, was advised on the variety of land uses within the area including office use, commercial and retail. William Vanderbur, owner of 162 and 164 E. Huntington Drive, stated, in part, that he would like to improve his properties if the City would provide adequate parking. Herb Fletcher, 175 W. Lemon Avenue, said, in part, that the Study is a good one ... that he had originally objected to spending the money for a study of a limited area. He said that as long as Council has I gone this far, why not carry it on and include the area from Foothill south to Duarte Road and from Santa Anita, to the Monrovia border... to be improved into a modern Century City type which would be surround- ed by residential areas. Bruce Low, 333 E. Huntington Drive, asked what is the thinking for his area now that the Target Stores is no longer being considered. The City Manager said, in part, that the consultants, Willdan & Associates have finished their project and explained what the consultant has accomplished ... that what happens in the future is in the hands of the Redevelopment Agency and Mr. Low's property is not specifically a part of the subject program. John Manavian of Neil Stanton Palmer, Architect, explained why the Target Stores were included in the report --, at the time the study was being prepared, it was still being considered. Mr. Low said further, in part, that he was concerned ,about zone changes. Rand.)l Wolveck, 17 E. Huntington Drive expressed concern abQut the crosswalks on Huntington Drive ... Mr. Cline responded in detail. Mr. Wolveck also asked that the absentee landlords be considered. David Robinson, 144 Alta Street, was concerned about the south side of Alta Street -- the parking problem is increasing. Bob Kieckner, 218 E. Huntington'Drive, was interested in developing nTS property and asked if the owners were going to be permitted to participate in the redevelopment or revitalization program. The City Manager explained that the consultant has recommended to the City Council as to the uses and that property owners are encouraged to participate ;.. that Mr. Kleckner's property is in the transitional areil -- redevelopment and/or revitalization. ' Gordon Penharlow was advised that there are no plans for changing the Parking District north of Huntington and there is need for additional' parking in that particular area.,. " In response to a questionbyCouncllmember Gilb, Mr. Kleckner said,ilil part, that he would be will ing to participate, in aevelopment of his property. He would also be willing to be rel'ocated depending on, the location. , . " " '~ ' Charles Chivetta~ 101 E. Huntington,Drive, explained that, the Arcadia Business Association has 126 business members and they issue a Newsletter with information and data on development o(thearea. ' (Mayor Hannah arrived at. 6;30 p.m.) In summary, the City Manager ,stated, in part, ,that the City Council or staff have no intention of endeavoring'to force anything on the , downtown businesses ... this is only a point of discussion. He felt it is an opportuni ty for the merchants and it waul d be appreci ated H 2/5/85 -2- I I CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS ORANGE GROVE .; AVENUE CAL TRANS / FIRE TRAINING TOWER (EL MONTE) DISCONTINUED BOARDjCOMSN. HANDBOOK ~"SISTER CITY COMSN. ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE ATTEST: . 25:1146 those in attendance at this meeting would spread the word about the report and the forthcoming hearings. However, notices will go forward again and,efforts will be made to circulate the information. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a), Council entered a CLOSED SESSION to confer with Legal Counsel regarding the existing' personal injury case of STRANGIO v. City of Arcadia. COUNCIL RECONVENED AND ENTERED AN ADJOURNED REGULAR SESSION AT 7:00 p. m. in the Arcadia City Hall Conference Room. The City Attorney explained that, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b), the City Council had entered the Closed Session to discuss an issue, based on advice of the City Attorney, premised on existing facts and circumstances. The City Council believes there is a sig- nificant exposure to litigation against the City. Councilmember Lojeski referred to an item on the agenda for the regular meeting to convene this date relating to Water Rights Lease Agreement to the City of Sierra Madre. He felt inasmuch as the City assists that City with its water problems, that perhaps Sierra Madre could reciprocate by improving Orange Grove Avenue on the north side which is in that City. Staff will see what can be done. Council concurred in the letter prepared for submittal to Caltrans. In response to an inquiry by Councilmember Lojeski, the Fire Chief explained reasons for cancelling the agreement with El Monte for the use of its fire training tower. The tower may not be used hence- . forth for live fire fighting practice due to complaints from surround- ing businesses. And with these restrictions, it is felt that the use would be extremely limited and would no longer be beneficial to continue paying the annual payment of $500. (This item considered in the regular meeting to convene this date.) Councilmember Gilb referred to the wording in the Commissioner's Handbook concerning absenteeism and, following discussion, it was agreed that the wording on Page 5 (Attendance) be changed to read, "If a member is absent or unexcused from three meetings during the calendar year (based on nine meetings per year) his office shall be declared vacant by the City Council." It was noted that some of the Commissioners have mislaid their Handbooks. It was MOVED by Councilmember Gilb, seconded by Councilmember Pellegrino and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that the office he~d by Sister City Comm~ssioner, Philip Scott;,be declared vacant. ThlS term would' have explred June 30, 1987. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Gilb, Lojeski, Pellegrino, Young and Hannah None None The meeting adjourned sine die at 7:30 p. m. ~~, ,,/ ~ . _..;~: V5/85 ..... , -ii, " -, ,---:-._.