HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 18, 2002 v & o a s°
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PI PI RI staff report
karcadia redevelopment agency
•
DATE: June 18, 2002
TO: Chairman and Agency Board
FROM: William R. Kelly, Executive Director
Don Penman, Deputy Exe e DirectorR
Tracey L. Hause, Treasur '
SUBJECT: Resolution No. ARA-203 Adopting A Budget For Fiscal Year 2002/03, and
Approving the City's Investment Policy
SUMMARY
It is recommended the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency annually consider a budget for
the spending year. The recommended actions herein are necessary to implement the
budget for the Redevelopment Agency for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
BACKGROUND
The document presented for the fiscal years 2002-2003 was distributed to the
Redevelopment Agency Board on May 24, 2002. On June 4, 2002, a study session
was held to discuss the budget, respond to questions and receive input.
DISCUSSION
There were no recommendations made for revisions to the budget at the study session.
As a result, staff is recommending adoption of the fiscal year 2002-2003 operating
budget as presented. Additionally, staff is recommending the Agency Board approve
the City's Investment Policy (Attachment "A") as applicable to the Agency. There are no
proposed changes to the policy. The Agency's independent auditors have requested
formal action on the Investment Policy annually. Since the Agency has historically
included the Policy as part of the budget document, action at this time is recommended.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Redevelopment Agency adopt Resolution No. ARA-
203, a Resolution of the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency of the City of Arcadia,
California, adopting a budget for the fiscal year 2002-2003 and appropriating the
amounts specified therein as expenditures from the funds indicated and approve
the City of Arcadia Investment Policy as applicable to the Agency.
Approved (L.tf
William R. Kelly, Executive Director
LASER IMAGED
,v. Act)-
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Attachment "A"
CITY OF ARCADIA
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY
FY 2002-2003
PURPOSE
This statement is intended to provide guidelines for the prudent investment of the City's
Funds and outline the policies for maximizing the efficiency of the City's cash management
system. The ultimate goal is to enhance the economic status of the City while protecting
its funds.
OBJECTIVE
The City's cash management system is designed to accurately monitor and forecast
expenditures and revenues, thus enabling the City to invest funds to the fullest extent
possible. The City Treasurer attempts to obtain the highest yield obtainable as long as
investments meet the criteria established for safety and liquidity.
POLICY
A. The City Treasurer operates the City's cash investment under the prudent man rule.*
This affords the City a broad spectrum of investment opportunities as long as the
investment is deemed prudent and is allowable under current legislation of the State
of California and other imposed legal restrictions.
B. City investments'may be made in, but not limited to, the following instruments:
Certificates of Deposit purchased from banks or savings and loan institutions.
Banker Acceptance
- Treasury Bill and Notes
Government Agency Securities (e.g. Federal National Mortgage Association,
Government National Mortgage Association, Federal Farm Credits)
Commercial Paper.
Repurchase Agreements
State Local Agency Investment Funds
Passbook Savings Account
*The prudent man rule states, in essence, that " in investing property for the
benefit of another, a trustee shall exercise the judgment and care, under the
circumstances then prevailing, which men of prudence, discretion and intelligence
exercise in the management of their own affairs.
C. Criteria for selecting investments and the order of priority are:
1. Safety. The safety and risk associated with an investment refers to the
potential loss of principal, interest or a combination of these amounts. The
City Treasurer only places City funds in those investments that are
considered very safe.
2. Liquidity. This refers to the ability to "cash in" at any moment in time with a
minimal chance of losing some portion of principal or interest. Liquidity is an
important investment quality especially when the need for unexpected funds
occurs occasionally.
3. Yield. Yield is the potential dollar earnings an investment can provide, and
sometimes is described as the rate of return.
D. Safekeeping
Securities purchased from broker/dealers shall be held in a third. party safekeeping
by the trust department of the bank or other designated third party trustee of the
local agency, and shall be under the agency's name and control whenever possible.
REPORTING
The Treasurer shall render a monthly report to the Administrative Services Director, the
City Manager and the City Council within two weeks following the end of the month
covered by the report. The report shall provide the following information:
A. Breakdown of portfolio by type of investment, showing dollar amount and percent of
portfolio invested in each.
B. Weighted average maturity and monthly weighted yield of the portfolio.
C. Detailed listing of current holdings.
1. Shows book values, market value (with source of valuation) and par value as
of the date of the report.
2. Shows coupon or discount rate, yield to maturity and total return.
3. Shows type, issuer, seller.
4. Shows purchase date and maturity date.
D. Comparison of projected receipts, and expenditures for the next month and next six
months demonstrating the adequacy of projected revenues and proceeds from
maturing investments to meet expected expenditures.
E. Treasurer's compliance statement.
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QUALIFICATIONS OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS WHICH SELL THE CITY
INVESTMENTS
The Treasurer will obtain information from qualified financial institutions to determine if the
institution makes markets in securities appropriate to the City's needs and can assign
qualified sales representatives. The Treasurer will recommend to the Administrative
Services Director and City Manager three to six institutions for inclusion on the City's
approved list. Investment accounts with all financial institutions will be standard non-
discretionary accounts and may not be margin accounts.
•
QUALIFICATIONS FOR SAFEKEEPING INSTITUTION
The City will safekeep investments only with institutions that demonstrate financial
soundness and are ranked AA or Aa by Standard and Poor's and Moody's. In addition,
they shall be a trust company or state or national bank located within this state or with the
Federal Reserve Bank or with any state or national bank located in any city designated as a.
reserve city by the Board of.Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
INVESTMENT CONTROLS
The Treasurer, (with review and direction by the Administrative Services. Director) will
implement and maintain a system of internal. investment controls and segregated
responsibilities of the investment function in order to assist in the prevention of fraud,
theft, loss of principal, loss of control, and inaccurate reporting.
POLICY REVIEW
This policy shall be reviewed annually by the City Council, at a public meeting to ensure it
meets the changing needs of the City, is consistent with the overall objectives of
preservation of principal, liquidity, and return and to ensure that the City's ongoing
investment practices and procedures are consistent with the Policy.
DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
As assigned by the Director of Administrative Services, the Financial Services
Manager/Treasurer is responsible for the investment of the City's idle cash subject to
review and approval by the Administrative Services Director and City Manager. In his/her
absence, or incapacity, the Administrative Services Director will assume the duties and
responsibility, for investment of City funds. In his/her absence, or incapacity, the City
Manager will assume the duties and responsibility, for investment of funds.
The City Council's primary responsibilities over the investment function includes
establishing investment policies, annually reviewing such policies, reviewing monthly
investment reports and authorizing any deviations from the City's Investment Policy.
• PROHIBITED INVESTMENTS
State law not withstanding prohibited investments shall include zero coupon bonds, inverse
floaters, collateralized mortgage obligations, interest only strips, reverse repurchase
agreements, futures and options, and derivative securities.
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO GUIDELINES:
A. An average amount of two week's warrants and one payroll to be maintained in
immediately available investments, such as the State Treasurer's Local Agency
Investment Fund or a similar liquid instrument. This may include commercial paper
or repurchase agreements acquired through the City's bank.
Weekly analysis of cash flow will serve as a basis for determining the maturity date
of investments.
B. Investment Transaction. Every investment transaction must be authorized,
documented and reviewed by the City Treasurer.
C. Pooled Cash. Whenever practical, the City's cash will be consolidated into one
bank account and invested on a pooled concept basis. Interest earnings will be
allocated according to fund cash and investment balances.
D. Competitive Bids. Purchase and sale of securities should be made on the basis
of competitive offers and bids when practical.
E. Liquidity. The marketability (salability) of 'a security should be considered at the
time of purchase, as the security may have to be sold at a later date to. meet
unanticipated cash demand.
F. Long Term Maturities. Longer term maturities having a remaining term to
maturity of four (4) to five (5) years will not represent a significant percentage of
the total portfolio (60%), as the principal risk involved can outweigh the potential
for higher earnings.
G. Diversification. The portfolio should consist of a mix of various types of securities,
issuers and maturities.
H. State Investment Limitations. Security purchases and holdings shall be
maintained within statutory limits imposed by the State of California Government
Code.
•
Current limits are: Bankers Acceptance — 40%, Section 53601 (f); Commercial Paper
• — 30%, Section 53601 (g); .and Negotiable Certificate of Deposit — 30%, Section
53601 (h); Repurchase Agreement — the term shall be one year or less, Section
53601 (i); Medium Term Corporate Note — 30%, Section 53601 (j); Shares of
Beneficial Interest .— 15%, Section 53601 (k) Mortgage Securities — 20%, Section
53601 (n).
I. Arcadia Guidelines by Type of Investment.
In addition to the general investment limitations imposed by the State, the following
more specific, and in some cases more conservative, guidelines by type of
investment will be followed:
1. Certificate of Deposit. Cash will be invested only in FDIC or FSLIC insured
certificates, with institutions having a branch located within the City's
boundaries.
The City will not invest in any institution less than five years old.
The institution must maintain a net worth asset ratio of at least 3%, and a
positive earning record.
2. Bankers Acceptances. A Banker Acceptance is a time draft which has been
drawn on and accepted by a bank. It is considered more secure than a
Certificate of Deposit but less secure than a Government Agency instrument.
The City will only invest through the 15 largest banks in the United States or
the 100 largest banks in the world (in terms of assets). The maximum
investment with any one institution will not exceed $3 million.
3. Treasury Bills, Notes and Bonds. The City will require safekeeping
documentation of the treasury instrument in an acceptable safekeeping
account in the City's name..
4. Government Agency Securities. The City will require physical delivery of
these securities to an acceptable safekeeping account in the City's name.
Examples of these •securities include Government National Mortgage
Association, Federal. National Mortgage Association, Federal Land Bank and
Federal Farm Credit Banks.
5: Commercial Paper. Commercial paper is an unsecured loan made by the
City to an institution. The City will require safekeeping documentation of the
security in an acceptable safekeeping account in the City's name.
Commercial paper will be used solely as a short-term investment not to
exceed 15 days. It is anticipated that this type of investment will be used
only a few times during the year when other short-term investments are not
available. A rating of Standard and Poors A-1 or Moodys P-1 is required.
The City will only invest in the largest 15 banks (in terms of total assets) in
the United States. The investment in any one institution will not exceed.
$1,000,000.
6. Repurchase Agreements (Repos). Repurchase Agreements are loans made
by the City to financial institutions secured by collateral posted by the
borrowing institution. The City will require physical delivery of the securities
backing the repo or safekeeping documentation in an acceptable
safekeeping account in the City's name, depending on the type of security.
Repos will be used solely as a short-term investment not to exceed 30 days.
The institution from which the City purchases a repo must transfer on an
ongoing basis sufficient securities to compensate for changing market
conditions and insure that adequate collateral is maintained in the City's
safekeeping account to cover the principal invested. Repos will only be
purchased through the 15 largest banks in the United States. The
investment in any one institution will not exceed $1,000,000.
7. State Local Agency Investment Fund. LAIF is an investment fund established
by the State of California to assist smaller cities in increasing their
investment earnings. Cities deposit funds with the State Treasurer's office
which are then pooled with the State's fund and'inVested. The investment
with LAIF may not, by State regulation, exceed $40 million per agency.
8. Passbook Savings Accounts. Saving account shall be maintained for accounts
under $100,000 that are received too late in the day to invest in other
instruments.
William R. Kelly
City Manager
• City of Arcadia
Tracey L. Hause
Administrative Services Director
City of Arcadia
JP 110
Gerald A. Parker
City Treasurer/Fin. Services Mgr.
City of Arcadia
•
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staff report
id, • arcadia redevelopment agency
DATE: June 18, 2002
TO: Chairperson and Agency Board
'p!
FROM: Don Penman, Deputy Executive Director
fLBy: Peter P. Kinnahan, Economic Development Administrator
Prepared by: Brian Saeki, Redevelopment Project Analyst g
SUBJECT: Request for a waiver from ARA 172
SUMMARY
The owner of the Chevron service station at 102 E. Huntington Drive is requesting a
waiver from Agency Resolution ARA 172 to allow for the conversion of his existing
facility to a larger convenience food mart.
Staff recommends approval of this request for a waiver from ARA 172.
DISCUSSION,
The Chevron gas station is currently providing fuel, a small convenience food mart and
auto mechanic services. The owner is proposing to convert the service bays into a
larger convenience food mart which is proposed to include a fast food element (no drive
through). Although these types of uses are not permitted under ARA 172, the gas
station is a "grandfathered" use. That means the gas station, since it is an existing non-
conforming use that has not been abandoned or discontinued for a period of 90 days, it
is continued to be permitted. Other similar types of food marts can be found in the City
(north east corner of Santa Anita and Colorado and north east corner of Santa Anita
and Live Oak, both Chevron operated). The owner has submitted his request for the
waiver from ARA 172 which includes his rationale (Attachment 1).
If the waiver is approved, the applicant will be required to seek additional approvals —
zoning text amendment, Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Architectural Design Review
and Agency Design Review.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive an increase in sales tax from the sales generated by the
convenience food mart and the Agency would receive an increase in tax increment from
the improvements made to the building.
LASER IMAGED
Waiver—ARA 172
Page 2
06/18/02
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RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council approve the waiver from ARA 172 for the Chevron service
station at 102 E. Huntington Drive approving the conversion of the existing
station, closing the existing service bays to provide a larger convenience food
mart with a fast food element (no drive through).
Approved By: U4�
William R. Kelly, City Manager
Attachment 1 — Request letter for the waiver from ARA 172 .
_'6. Z
I
LEON E. FELUS,ARCHITECT
14000 PALAWAN WAY, SUITE D
• • a 00292
Tel:310.821.2725 Fax:310.306.2443 Email:leonefelus@thegrid.net
Date: May 21, 2002 Received r
To: City of Arcadia 4-
Architectural Redevelopment Agency t1( 22 202
240 West Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 60021 Development Services
Economic Deveiopmont
Attn: Mr. William Kelley
Executive Director
Re: Waiver of Resolution 172
.Dear Mr. Kelley:
On behalf of Cirrus LLC, the developers of the proposed conversion of the Chevron
service station at 102 E. Huntington Avenue, I am herewith requesting a waiver of City
of-Arcadia Resolution 172. We have enclosed preliminary drawings of our proposed
project for your review. •
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The site is currently developed as an automobile fueling station with service bays.
Fueling marketing trends are moving away from automobile service profit centers
towards those providing convenience foods. Chevron, USA has been at the forefront of
this marketing shift. Our proposed conversion would retain the fueling use as it exists
today. The existing building would be added to and converted from service bays to a
convenience food mart.
Both the existing fueling and the proposed convenience food mart uses are currently
non-appropriate uses in the Central Business District. For this reason we are mandated
to request a waiver of Resolution 172.
I would like to make two salient points for your consideration. First, this site currently
provides the fueling use within the Central Business District. Second, a precedent
exists within the City of Arcadia for our use request. Although not within the Central
Business District, the Chevron facility at Colorado Blvd. and Santa Anita Avenue
combines these two uses compatibly with'its neighbors.
I would further point out that the City of Arcadia will benefit from the change of use in
the following ways:
• Increased sales of goods will help to foster economic growth in the Central
Business District and in turn will increase the City's sales tax revenues.
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• The site is within a att � o a ict. Conversion of the use from
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service bays to convenience food mart wil mandate a $500,000 complete
renovation of the existing 'structure. This project will contribute to the City's
redevelopment goals.
• The proposed conversion will utilize materials more consistent with the
Guidelines for the Central Business District(i.e. stucco, stone wainscot and
slate roofing).
• The convenience foodrrart use is more closely aligned with the permitted
uses of the Central Business District than the existing service bays.
• The convenience food mart use will be housed completely within.the proposed
structure. Conversely, the present condition affords direct views into the open
service bays. The conversion will eliminate the visual clutter that currently
exists.
In the interest of time, we are concurrently filing with the Planning Department for a Text.
Amendment to the City Code Section 9264.2.9 to allow these uses within the Central
Business District. Furthermore, within the next two weeks we will be making
concurrent submittal for our Conditional Use Permit. We would appreciate your timely
review of our request.
•
Sincerely,
Leon E. Felus, Architect
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SITE PLAN
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N Received
MAY 2 2 2002
Development Services
Economic Development Division
SITE PLAN, SUMMARY DATA
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NEW CHEVRON FOODMART
i wi Chevron PLAZA FRANCHISE GROUP, INC.
• 102 E. HUNTINGTON DRIVE
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA 91006
Revisions SCALE: 1" = 10' DATE: 5/10/02
—0DR. LEF CH. LEF APP. LEF
I SHEET
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PLOT: 5/10/02
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Received
MAY 2 2 2002
Development Services
Economic Development Division
SUMMARY DATA
SITE ADDRESS: 102 E. HUNTINGTON DRIVE
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA 91006
ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NO: XXXX—XX—XXX
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: XX LOT, XX BLOCK, XX TRACT
EXISTING USE: SERVICE STATION WITH FUELING ISLANDS
PROPOSED USE: FOODMART WITH FUELING ISLANDS
ZONING: CDB-1 (CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT)
CONSTRUCTION TYPE: BUILDING = V—N
CANOPY = II—N
wf OCCUPANCY GROUP: BUILDING = M
CANOPY = S--1
LOT AREA: 145' X 185' = 26,774 SQUARE FEET
LANDSCAPE AREA: 1,966 SQUARE FEET (7.3% OF SITE)
BUILDING AREA: 3,260 SQUARE FEET (12.2% OF SITE)
CANOPY AREA: 23' X 52' = 1,196 SQUARE FEET (4.5% OF SITE)
PARKING REQUIRED: 3 SPACES PER 1000 GROSS SQUARE FEET OF BUILDING
3,260 S.F. X .333 = 10 SPACES
PARKING PROVIDED: 13 SPACES (1 VAN ACCESSIBLE HANDICAPPED)
VICINITY MAP
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staff report
, P11111 j im j areadla redevelopment agency-
DATE: June 18, 2002
TO: Chairperson and Agency Board
FROM: Don Penman, Deputy Executive Director*
[By: Peter P. Kinnahan, Economic Development Administrator
(/Prepared by: Brian Saeki, Redevelopment Project Analyst +i
SUBJECT: Design review for 25 E. Huntington Drive (Remax).
SUMMARY
In February, the applicant, Mr. Mike Soo, submitted plans to the Development Services
Department for an architectural design review for a 1,470 square foot expansion of his
existing 4,000 square foot building at 25 E. Huntington Drive (Remax -Attachment 1).
Although the proposed plans were architecturally compatible with the existing building,
the Development Services Department denied the proposed expansion because of a
significant reduction in parking.
Mr. Soo appealed the Development Services Department's denial of the architectural
design review to the Planning Commission. He also submitted a modification
application requesting four (4) parking spaces in lieu of twenty-two (22) parking spaces
as required by Code. The Planning Commission approved the applicants architectural
design review and parking modification at their May 14, 2002 meeting (Attachment 2 -
Planning Commission Minutes- May 14, 2002).
Per the Planning Commission's decision at their May 14, 2002 meeting, recommend
approval.
,-'BACKGROUND
WORK
• PROPOSED: Addition of 1,470 square feet to an existing business at 151 East
Alta Street.
APPLICANT: Mr. Mike Soo
1108 S. Baldwin Avenue#206
/, Arcadia, CA 91007
LOCATION: 25 E. Huntington Drive (Location Map, Attachment No. 1)
;�_ lam. /1 ie 4 X71.
Design Review
Page 2
06/18/2002
•
EXISTING
LAND USE: Remax currently occupies the 4,000 s.f. building
EXISTING
ZONING: CBD (Central Business District)
GENERAL PLAN
DESIGNATION: Commercial
LAND USE: Commercial
SURROUNDING LAND USES: North: Public— Parking District No. 2 and
U.S. Post Office
South: Huntington Drive & Commercial Uses
East: Medical Office/Retail Dental Office & Retail
West: Retail — Decroupet's
SITE AREA: 6996 s.f.
PARKING PROVIDED: 4 total spaces (3 standard — 1 handicap)
PARKING REQUIRED: 22 total spaces (21 standard — 1 handicap)
PURPOSE OF USE AND DESIGN REVIEW
The purpose of the Agency's Design Review is to ensure that proposed projects meet
adopted City and Agency standards and design guidelines based upon the following
criteria:
1. The general use and design considerations, including the character, scale, and
quality of design are consistent with the Redevelopment Plan, the Zoning Ordinance,
and adopted use and design guidelines;
2. The use and architectural design of structures and their materials and colors are
visually compatible with surrounding development and improvements on the site,
and design elements (i.e., screening of equipment, exterior lighting, signs, awnings,
etc.) have been incorporated to further ensure the compatibility of the structures with
the character and uses of adjacent development;
Design Review
Page 3
06/18/2002
3. The location and configuration of structures are compatible with their site and with
surrounding sites and. structures, and do not dominate their surroundings to an
extent inappropriate to their use; and
4. The use, design and layout of the proposed project will not unreasonably interfere
with the use and enjoyment of neighboring existing or future development, and will
not result in vehicular and/or pedestrian hazards.
ANALYSIS
A. DESIGN FEATURES
Pacific Design Group (Mr. Soo's architect) has prepared and provided a color board
and elevations of the building for staffs review. They are available for review in the
Economic Development Office and will be on display at the Agency meeting.
The existing building has recently been through a major interior and exterior
renovation. The addition is proposed in the. rear portion of the existing building
(Attachment 3). Six suites and 1 bathroom will be added. The front façade of the
building will remain the same. The new design mirrors the architectural style of the
recent renovation providing building articulation through the use of a variety of
materials (off-white stucco, new door and black doorframe, window openings, a
landscaping planter, blue awnings and cornice molding).
The owner has applied for reimbursement (for the previous renovation) of some of
the costs as part of the Agency's Commercial Façade Rehabilitation Program
(CFRP). Per the CFRP Guidelines, new construction does not qualify for the
program. However, portions of the newly renovated front façade, rear landscaping,
parking lot, trash enclosure and signage may be eligible. Any new renovation work
in the rear would require payment of prevailing wages. The CFRP program would
not reimburse for previous work done on the first renovation but which would have to
be removed during the second or rear renovation.
S. PARKING
Currently, the site provides 8 parking spaces (7 standard and 1 handicap). This
project proposes to add 1,470 square feet to the existing building while removing 4
existing parking spaces. Under normal circumstances, the addition of any new
square footage would require the applicant to meet the existing parking
requirements as stated in the City's Zoning Code. 'However, as previously stated,
the Planning Commission granted the applicant a parking modification to provide 4
parking spaces (3 standard and 1 handicap) in lieu of 22 parking spaces (21
Design Review
Page 4
06/18/2002
standard and 1. handicap) as required by code. This is a net loss of 18 spaces that
will be absorbed by Parking District Two.
C. STAFF CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
• The building colors and materials shall conform to the exhibits as presented to the
Agency Board, and as shown on Attachment 2.
• The Arcadia Redevelopment Agency approval is valid for a period of one (1) year as
per ARA 126 adopted by the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency on December 2, 1986.
• The Applicant shall comply with all other conditions of approval required by the
Development Services Department, Public Works Services, and the Arcadia Fire
Department.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This project is categorically exempt from the requirement of the California
Environmental Quality Act per Section 15305.
RECOMMENDATION
THAT THE ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVE THE DESIGN
REVIEW FOR 25 EAST HUNTINGTON DRIVE PER THE MAY 14, 2002 ACTION OF
THE PLANNING COMMISSION, SUBJECT TO THE DEPARTMENTAL CONDITIONS
LISTED ABOVE.
Approved:
William R. Kelly, Executive Director
Attachments: 1. Location Map
2. Planning Commission Minutes-- May 14, 2002
. 3. Plans for 25 E. Huntington Drive
06/03/02 .
ATTACHMENT 1
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I I MORLAN PLACE
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I� Q 25 E. Huntington Drive
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Q HUNTINGTON DRIVE HUNTINGTON DRIVE
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1. 1- 7 T
ALTA STREET ALTA STREET
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NO SCALE Location Map - 25 E. Huntington Drive
PLANNING `'OMMISSION MINUTES May 14, 2002
Excel on 25 E. Huntington. Dr. (...max)
des that were adopted by the City recently address the issues of large homes and have helped scaling
the •own.
Ms. Butle .'d that if they comply with code there would not be any more public hearings. Staff tries to
preserve as .•, trees as possible and within reason.
In rebuttal, Mr. C s. s►_ said that they are aware of code requirements.
No one else spoke in favor • or in opposition to this item.
•
Chairman Kalemkiarian closed the : blic hearing.
In response to comments by Commissio z Olson, regarding requiring a larger setback on Magna Vista,
Ms. Butler said that the Planning Commis-.•n would have to show cause as to why they would be
imposing a special setback. They would haves to comply with the setback of the average of the two
adjacent developed lots.
Commissioner Olson said that he liked what they have no ' It is a natural lot split.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commis 's ner Baderian to approve TPM
2002-007, file the Negative Declaration, subject to the conditions ed in the staff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Huang, Murphy, Olson, Kalemkiarian
NOES: None
Chairman Kalemkiarian noted that there is a ten day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by May =.1.
3. PUBLIC HEARING MP 2002-010 & ADR 2002-006
25 E. Huntington Dr.
Hong Ming Soo
Consideration of an appeal of the Development Services Department's denial of the ADR for
a proposed 1,470 sq. ft. expansion to an existing office building and requesting a parking
modification for 4 parking spaces in lieu of 22 for the proposed expansion for a total building
area of 5,390 sq. ft.
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
Robert Ritner, 25501 Ferraro Dr., Mission Viejo, said,they have just completed improving the facade of
the building. The business is growing and they would like to remain in the existing building and do not
want to move to another location. Recently, there were two properties that.were improved; an office
building to the east and a dental office with retail stores in the front. One provides zero parking spaces
and the other was approved a reduction from 4 required spaces down to 2 spaces. The real estate office
is a less intense use than a retail store. Many of their clients come during the evening hours and
Arcadia City Planning Commission 3 5/14/02
ATTACHMENT 2
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weekends to sign documents. Many of the agents are not there during the day. The traffic generated by
this site is much less than the adjacent uses. They conducted a parking count on two days with counts
being taken at various times of the day. They counted a total of 300 parking spaces. The maximum cars
parked were 158 and the least was 143. He went on to say the parking is not stretched to the limit. In
fact, there is an office with no parking spaces and a retail use with only 2 spaces, yet it generates much
more traffic than this use.
In response to a question by Commissioner Huang, Mr. Ritner replied that it would be too costly to build
a second story office building. The tenant would have to move out during construction and it would
disturb the business. They are attempting to meet the current needs of the tenant.
The Denny's parking was discussed briefly and Ms. Butler noted that these parking spaces were counted
by Mr. Ritner and they are not part of the City parking lot. Ms. Butler said that the City recently
conducted a parking study and the figures are pretty close to what Mr. Ritner stated.
Mr. Ritner said their parking is usually well utilized. They would like to add 4 more agents, so they
would only be using 4 of the public parking.
Ms. Butler confirmed the reduction of the parking spaces for the uses that were cited by Mr. Ritner.
Robert Battike, owner of Remax, 637 Sycamore Dr, said they have very high volume agents. They'd
like to add 4-5 more agents and would like to provide offices for them. Most of the agents and clients
come in through the back of the office and the front door is rarely utilized. Because of that, they would
like to create a nice reception area at the rear. They have decided to staff this office with only their top
agents. Their agents are attracted to them because of the ease and the abundance of parking and that the
site is centrally located in the City. They have a waiting list of interested agents who would like to join
them but they currently do not have the space for them. The plans that have been submitted are based
upon providing 6 more additional agents which would increase them to between 25-26 agents. Most of
their agents come in the morning and are not there all day. There is plenty of parking available on the
weekends and they have never experienced any parking problems. Their hours of operation is from 9:00
a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 6-days a week, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 on Sundays. They do not hold staff meetings at
this location. They rent a room in a church where all of their offices meet.
Shelly Rubin, 274 Sharon Rd., said that she is the beneficiary of their property which is in trust at 20 E.
Huntington Dr. She asked that this request be denied because she felt that they should be abiding by
code requirements. She did not want overbuilding and creating an odd assortment of structures. This
would be unfair to the citizens. Her property is in full compliance. If the City continues to allow over
development, there will be a parking shortage. Businesses come and go but once parking spaces are lost
they are gone forever.
Mr. Ritner said that when a new business comes in it would have to meet code requirement and they
would have to prove that there is no negative impact. Parking spaces are not necessarily lost forever.
Their branch is sought by agents because of all the amenities that they offer such as the abundance of
parking spaces as well as each agent having their own enclosed office and not cubicles.
No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item.
Chairman Kalemkiarian closed the public hearing.
Arcadia City Planning Commission 4 5/14/02 .
Ms. Butler said there are some time limits imposed on certain parking spaces. There are a few with 20
or 30 minute limits. It is difficult to determine share of parking spaces for all the uses downtown. A
formula was used in the 60's to aid with the parking district. The south side of Huntington Dr. also uses
the parking district. There have been additions throughout the years to the businesses. One of the two
most recent additions, did reduce parking from 6 spaces down to 4. There was a project that was
recently approved with no parking spaces. The Agency staff recommended denial of this proposed
expansion.
Commissioner Baderian said the City is looking at ways to bring in business and revitalize the area and
he was confused how on the one hand the City is trying to encourage business to come into the area and
then throwing stumbling blocks out in front of them.
Commissioner Olson said that real estate offices create a lot of traffic. He wondered if the site is too
small for a growing business. He could not comprehend how they could allow them to increase square
footage and reduce parking spaces at the same time.
Chairman Kalemkiarian did not think that parking is a problem. Based upon the figures provided by the
applicant, only 60% of the parking is utilized. He thought it is underutilized. He did not think that 6
agents would adversely impact traffic, after all, this is a business district.
Commissioner Murphy agreed. The parking is there for people to use. It is underutilized now.
Commissioner Huang said that he works with the ARA in Los Angeles. They provide incentives to
bring in business to revitalize an area. In this case, he felt that the City should encourage development
and waive parking.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Huang to approve MP
2002-010 & ADR 2002-006 based upon the findings that it will secure an appropriate
improvement.
ROLL CALL:
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AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Huang, Murphy,Kalemkiarian
NOES: Commissioner Olson
Chairman Kalemkiarian noted that there is a five working day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed
by May 22nd
NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
4. REPORT REGARDING THE MODIFICATION COMMITTEE
Report on proposed Ordinance pertaining to the composition of the Modification Committee.
The staff report was presented.
Arcadia City Planning Commission 5 5/14/02