HomeMy WebLinkAboutNOVEMBER 22, 1960
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ROLL CALL
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
STATEMENT
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MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 22, 1960
The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session
in the Council Chamber of the City Hall, at 8:00 o'clock P.M.,
November 22, 1960, with Chairman Acker preSiding.
PRESENT: Commissioners Acker, Ferguson, Forman, Golisch, Norton and
Rutherford
ABSENT:
Commissioner Michler
OTHERS
PRESENT:
City Councilman Edward L. Butterworth
City Attorney James A.Nicklin
Director of Public Works C. E. Lortz
Planning Secretary L. M. Talley
Motion was made by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner
Forman and carried unan1rDously to amend paragraph 2 of "Matters from
the City Council", psge 13 of the minutes of November 9, 1960, to read
as follows:
"There was considerable discussion at the City Council level about the
proposed three story apartment house near Baldwin Avenue and Huntington
Drive. It was interesting that this only required City Council action
rather than Planning Commission action, because the property concerned
is zoned C-O. It therefore appeared to be possible to build apartment
units in excess of two stories; as the developers desired to build
apartments of three stories, it appeared to be desirable to pass an
emergency measure to l.imit the building to two stories, while there
was a question as to whether three story apartments should be allowed
within the provisions of the present zoning ordinance relating to Zone
C-Ollfl
City Councilman Edward L. Butterworth addressed the Planning Commission,
stating that he had been directed by the City Council to make a state-
ment regarding a major change in the Planning Department in the City
of Arcadia.
At a personnel .meeting of the City Council the resignation of Merle
Gardner, Planning Technician, who was accepting a position as Planning
Director of Colton, and the future retirement of Leslie M. Talley as
Planning Secretary were reviewed by the City Council in relationship
to the election results on the Master Plan, and in connection with
those portions of the city which will be very substantially affected
by the Foothill Freeway.
The City Council felt unanimously that Arcadia being the city that it
is today certainly did .not arrive out of happenstance, but rather out
of the planning that the devotion of the Planning Commission and its
predecessors and the predecessors of the City Council accomplished.
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November 22, 1960
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City Council is also aware that' planning is an extremely sensitive
area in a community"like Arcadia, and that those who do plan are very
often subjected to personal criticism; however, it was the feeling of
the City Council that planning cannot stand still; and that we have
problem areas; that we will continue to have them, and for that reason
it was the position of the council that this city should take an ag-
gressive approach to planning at a staff level. By planning, we mean,
advance planning, something that we may not have had in that sense in
the community before. We believe that it can be done within the re-
sources of the city, and Mr. Butterworth was instructed to advise the
Planning Commission at. this time that on December 6, 1960, the next
regular meeting of the City Council, it is the intent of the council
to take the following action:
1. Request thePers.onnel Board to initiate action to
abolish the position of Planning Technician and create
in lieu thereof the position of City Planner.
The position of City Planner would be filled by a person
with a degree in planning or related fields, plus a mini-
mum of four years of experience in municipal planning.
The day by day supervision of the City Planner would be
under the direction of the Planning Secretary, and the
City Manager would participate to a greater personal
degree in the planning program of the city; he stated
that he believed some of the commissioners, if not all,
were aware of the fact that our City Manager is a pro-
fessional planner within his own .right, and highly accom-
plished in that field.
The City Planner will devote all of his time to the actual
Job of physical planning, taking an active part in discus-
sions with this body and with the City Council in ourrent
and future planning prob~ems. Together with the Planning
Secretary he will make verbal and written recommendations
to the Planning Commission and the City Council with re-
spect to the planning of the community; something which is
not being done at this time.
The planner would prepare the following with the assistance
of the Planning Secretary and draftsmen presently employed:
a. Base maps of the city.
b. Prepare and maintain an existing land use map
of the city.
c. Submit suggested plans for the redevelopment of
the area affected by the Foothill Freeway.
d. Submit suggested plans for the redevelopment of
other problem areas of the city.
e. Submit suggested plans for utilization of present
city-owned lands for park and recreation ~se,
including beautification plans for certain areas
of the city.
f. Carry out any other miscellaneous duties normally
connected with the responsibilities of a planner.
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November 22, 1960
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2. Such a planner should desire, and the City Council also
desires, that certain phases of this work be rev.iewed
and commented on by an expert in the field. To accom-
plish this the following shall be carried:
a. The staff and Planning Commission are requested
to' prepare guide lines and make a recommenda-
tion to the City Council for the employment
of a Planning Consultant to review and comment
on the work of the Planner on an hourly basis.
b. The number of hours of work by the consultant
will be controlled by the City Manager.
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c. Payment to the consultant shall be made from the
funds provided by the council in the 1960-61
budget.
3. Upon the retirement of .Mr. Talley, the position of Planning
Secretary shall be abolished and the title of City Planner
changed to Planning Director.
4. Upon the employment of the City Planner; or earlier if in
the opinion of the City Manager it is feasible, the enforce-
ment of the Zoning Ordinance shall be the responsibility of
the Building and Safety Division. Councilman Butterworth
added that a major part of the time of the Planning Secretary
and Planning Technician is devoted to checking plans with
respect to side, front and rear setbacks, square footage
of buildings, and general enforcement of the Zoning
Ordinance. This will hereafter be divorced from the Plan-
ning Department.
Councilman Butterworth concluded that no immediate miracles are to be
expected, but there is every reason to believe that this program will
assure the citizens continued long range planning goals.
The Chairman stated that the Planning Commission would extend its full
cooperation to the City Council and the staff to carry out the best
planning for the City of Arcadia.
ZOO ING
Duarte Rd.
The Planning Commission considered an informal petition requesting Zone
R-3-& on the north side of Duarte Road from Holly Avenue to La Cadena
Avenue and Zone R-3 on the south side of Duarte Road from the Methodist
Church to Lovell Avenue.
The Planning Secretary explained that this matter was held over pending
the outcome of the election in regards to the Master Plan. The owners
are quite anxious that some action be taken. The Planning Secretary
then displayed a map showing the present zoning and what is requested.
He discussed the zoning surrounding the area, namely the R-3 zone on
Fairview to the north, the commercial along Baldwin Avenue at Duarte
Road to some distance east of Baldwin Avenue.
The greater portion of the properties on both sides of Duarte Road are
zoned R-l, with the exception of the churches, the mortuary, etc.
Commisstoner Forman stated that this area has been under consideration
for a number of years now; with the abandonment of the opening of
Arcadia Avenue, and the apparent reluctance of the property owners on
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November 22, 1960
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the south side of Duarte Road to consider the bringing of a street
through to the rear of their properties; he felt that since some study
has been made on this area (and it is quite a large area surrounded by
both commercial and R-3) that the commission should give this request
serious consideration by instituting proceedings to come up with a
plan for the area.
Commissioner Golisch asked Commissioner Forman to please explain his
reference to "relief" during his discussion.
Commissioner Forman explained that he referred to the heavily traveled
road involved; the pushing of R-3 from the north and the older homes which
exist on the street, some of which are still very good, but which in the
future, with the heavy traffic, would be less desirable as single family
res idences. .
The Planning Secretary explained that in this case no fee has been paid;
this is an informal petition; some two or three years ago when the origi-
nal petition was submitted there was a considerable fee paid, and no
definite action has been realized.
Commissioner Norton stated that he would be in favor of studying this
area to evaluate the necessity of this request.
The City Attorney advised the commission that the normal method of initiat-
ing proceedings is by the petition of an interested person or persons;
however, the Planning Commission has the authority to initiate proceedings
upon its own motion, and shall do so upon the direction of the City
Council.
The City Council has for some time been interested in the settlement of
the problems in this particular area, and other problem areas in the city.
There was filed some time ago a petition to reclassify that entire area;
as I recall, the petition did not cover the entire area that the commis-
sion itself undertook to study. There were certain tentative decisions
made by the Planning Commission which went to the City Council. But be-
cause of related problems in the whole area the matter has been left in
a state of hiatus. One or two reclassifications have occurred, but that
is all. It would certainly seem to be a proper exercise of the Plan-
ning Commission's judgement to initiate proceedings of this kind in view
of the fact that interested parties have paid to initiate proceedings
including a major portion of this, and due largely through no fault of
the property owners or the.ir interest in the matter, the problems have
not been settled. Furthermore, it is the duty of the Planning Commission
to initiate proceedings on their own, and particularly to expand the
area of consideration beyond the area that particular property owners
might petition to have them consider. So that the commission can plan
an area and not make decisions as to particular lots, he believed that
this area certainly warranted the consideration requested.
The City Attorney continued that the commission cannot properly make a
recommendation in excess of the scope of the study as indicated in its
initiating resolution, and the notices that are sent out thereunder.
Sometimes, it is advisable to make some sort ofa preliminary determin-
ation particularly as to the extent of the area that you want to study;
and sometimes also as to the maximum relief or downgrading zoningwise of
the various classifications you might want to consider.
Motion by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Forman and unan-
imously carried to instruct the City Attorney to draw up a resolution
instituting proceedings to hold a public hearing on the rezoning of the
properties on the north side of Duarte Road from Holly Avenue to the com-
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November 22, 1960
TENTATIVE
TRACT 26295
LOT SPLITS
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mercial area east of Baldwin Avenue and on the south side of Duarte
from. the Methodist Church to the commercial area west of Lovell Avenue.
The date was set by the commission for January 10, 1961.
The Planning Commission considered the tentative map of Tract 26295 lo-
cated between Foothill Boulevard and the AT & SF railroad west of San
Carlos Road, containing 34 lots.
The Planning Secretary read a communication from Treadwell Engineering
Company, which granted permission to the City of Arcadia to extend the
time in which to make a decision on Tract No. 26295 until January 3,
1961.
Commissioner Forman stated that in going over this tentative proposal
with the Subdivision Committee there were several itema of consideration.
There appears to be an extensive cul de sac which is way beyond the ma~
imum normally permitted, with no outlet.to the east, although it is pos-
sible that an outlet can be realized. There is a drainage problem, which
is primarily up to the subdividers, although the commission and staff
should be certain that the drainage into the Santa Fe right of way is
properly investigated. The present plan for the future freeway, which
has been in existence in the city for a number of years, indicates the
opening of Baldwin Avenue. Its location would eliminate the west tier
of lots of this tract. He believed that by carrying over through to
December 27, 1960 this will give the commission and staff ample time to
study the problems involved.
Motion by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Golisch and
unanimously carried to continue the study of this tentative Tract No.
26295 to December 27, 1960.
No. 316 - Orlando Clarizio, 1601-161:1 S. Ba'ldwin Avenue, which would
create 3 lots facing an extension of Call ita Street. .The Planning
Secretary read the engineer's report.
Commissioner Golisch stated that except for the desirability of enlarg-
ing the cul de sac giving a larger frontage to the lots, it would be
a good separation of property.
After considerable discussion motion was made by Commissioner Golisch
seconded by Commissioner Forman and unanimously carried to recommend
lot split No. 316 for approval, subject to the foliowing conditions:
1. File a final map with the City Engineer.
2. Install sewer main and laterals for all three parcels.
3. Dedicate 20 feet for the widening of Baldwin Avenue. Dedi-
cate for the widening and cuI de sac on Call ita Street;
the alignment to be subject to the approval of the City
Engineer.
4. Improve Call ita Street extension as required by the sub-
division code, including curb and gutter, paving, sewer
main and laterals, water main and laterals, street trees
and street name signs.
5. Provide rear or side line utility easements as required.
6. Pay $75.00 recreation fee.
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November 22, 1960
MODIFICATION
APPEAL
FOOTHILL
FREEWAY
PLAN
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No. 317 - Joe J. Natale, 1416 S. First Avenue
The Planning Secretary read the engineer's report which stated that
the horse barn and horses should be removed from parcel 2. Although
parcel 1 is slightly over 24,000 square feet it is questionable as
to whether the horses could be placed on parcel No. 1 and still
meet all of the minimum code requirements as they pertain to horses.
Parcel 1 contains a dwelling that will be 18 feet from the rear pro.
perty line as submitted. If the proposed rear line were moved ea~
12 feet the dwelling would clear the new line by 30 feet. The line
would aiso conform with the general alignment of Tract No. 21618
along the west side of Greenfield .Avenue.
Motion by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Golisch and
carried unanimously to recommend the approval of lot split No. 317,
subject to the' following conditions:
1. File a final map with the City Engineer.
2. Remove the horses and the barn from parcel 2.
3. Remove the 6 foot chain link fence from parcel 2, or
reduce the height to code requirements.
4. Provide any necessary rear line utility easements.
5. Make the new lot 120 feet deep.
6.. Pay $25.00 recreation fee.
The Planning Commission continued consideration of a Modification
Committee decision as appealed by W. D. Jones, 202 E. Camino Real.
The Director of Public Works advised the commission that he visited
Mr. Jones on the site, and it was his opinion that there is no way
possible that they can convert the proposed carport into a structure
which will not violate our municipal code. He continued that he
recommended to Mr. Jones he do some remodeling to his existing
garage so the present day automobile would fit. It is possible with-
out too much work to extend the garage and perhaps even build a
workroom; there is plenty of rear yard,and it would be his recom-
mendation if it met with the commission's approval to continue this
request for a period of about 30 days giving the applicant an oppor-
tunity to study the matter.
Motion by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Norton and
carried unanimously to continue the modification appeal of Mr. W.
D. Jones of 202 E. Camino Real until the regular meeting of January
10, 1961.
The Planning Commission held a discussion on the proposed Foothill
Freeway Plan.
requested
The Director of Public Works displayed a map he had! of District 7
of the State Division of Highways. He explained that the proposed
right of way is located immediately north of the Santa Fe, north of
Colorado, along the rear of properties fronting on Foothill Boule-
vard.
He continued, wishing to emphasize two items of particular importance,
namely the interchange at Baldwin Avenue and the treatment thus far
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November 22, 1960
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given the proposed interchange at Santa Anita Avenue. He pointed out
the on and off ramps. Baldwin Avenue is on the Master Plan of major
city highways adopted by the County of Los Angeles. and by the City
of Arcadia on two different occasions.
One of the questions arising before us in the treatment of this inter-
change is to provide sufficient capacities for vehicular traffic over
the next 20 or 30 years. It was his recommendation that this particu-
lar matter be referred to a. committee appointed by the Chairman, or
possibly the commission as a. whole to carefully scrutinize, not only
from the available maps and literature, but also from the field.
The Director of Public Works continued that as the terrain now exists
the possibility of installing Baldwin Avenue as an undercrossing or
an overcorssing is economically feasible; however, he believed that
after viewing the site in the field, from the aesthetics and for the
good of the entire city, that an undercorssing will be by far the
superior structure. He discussed in detail the points of conflict
which might arise from the plan as submitted by the Division of High-
wayS. He cited as an example Valley Boulevard through the City of
Alhambra in connection with the San Bernardino Freeway. At one time
when the plans were first brought into the City of Alhambra, it was
thought that Valley Boulevard would be used, but never as it is being
used today. Now, Valley Boulevard is a major route, and carries more
traffic than it carried before.
The Director of Public Works pointed out that this proposed route is
tentative, subject to change. He then displayed the area involving
the proposed interchange at Santa Anita Avenue. It is proposed to
be a grade separation with the freeway going overhead, continuing
overhead until it reaches Huntington Drive in the City of Monrovia. He
directed the commission's attention to the treatment submitted by the
Division of Highways, which is a modification of the design originally
proposed; they have shown what is called a partial cloverleaf in that
traffic northbound on Santa Anita may go westbound on the freeway with-
out necessitating a lefthand turn, which is very desirable. The ques-
tion which arises before us, is whether or not it will be necessary,
economically and practically to provide more cloverleaf treatment to
this interchange in the .interest of, creating a greater capacity for
vehicular traffic, and to eliminate lefthand turn vehicular conflict.
The Director of Public Works then answered queries from the commission-
ers, regarding right of way acquisition; he stated that the problem
is becoming acute, and as time passes will continue to grow more acute
to the point where the state would be wise certainly to adopt a pol-
icy attempting to earmark funds for right of way purchase. The speed
with which this may be realized depends largely on income, and of course
it must be remembered this is a federal secondary route; a great portion
of the cost of this development will come from federal sources rather
than from gas tax.
Discussion continued. The Chairman declared that the Subdivision Co~
mittee and the Zoning Committee, representing the Planning Commission
as 9 whole should make the study of the freeway in the field as well
as reviewing the plans.
Commissioner Norton added as a suggestion, that in accordance with the
advice of the Director of Public Works it would be wise to study
cloverleafs of interchanges located nearby as part of the field study.
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November 22, 1960
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APPLICATION
ZONE CHANGE
Sycamore Ave.
APPROVAL OF
PLANS--623
W. Duarte
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The Planning Secretary advised the Planning Commission of an applica-
tion which had been placed on file for a zone change on Sycamore Ave-
nue east of Second Avenue. He compared this application with the in-
formal application for a zone change now pending on Duarte Road, in
that it is not a unanimous request.
The Planning Secretary displayed a map showing the properties repre-
senting signers of the petition, Regardless of the outcome of the
application the Planning Secretary wished to know if the Planning Com-
mission would desire to include the other territory not included in
the application.
The City Attorney stated that when a petition is filed by individually
interested owners, the Planning Commission is required to proceed with
it. If in the commission's opinion, there should be other properties
considered at the same time, the Planning Commission should augment the
application by instituting proceedings to include certain other proper-
ties.
Motion by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and
carried unanimously to instruct the City Attorney to draw a resolution
instituting proceedings to hold a public hearing on the rezoning or pro-
perty outlined on Sycamore Avenue.
The Planning Secretary displayed a set of plans proposed for the medi-
cal building at 623 W. Duarte Road. One of the oonditions of the D
overlay in the zone change was the approval of plans by the Planning
Commission before issuance of a building permit.
The building is a two story, concrete and brick construction, and a
driveway to serve the parking area was shown as 9' 4" wide. There was
some question as to whether the Planning Commission had the authority
to question the width of the drive since the zoning ordinance does not
require more for CoO zone.
The Director of Public Works suggested to the City Attorney that the
condition requiring Planning Commission approval of all plans should
give them authority to require ~ wider drive to provide access for fire
trucks.
The City Attorney after checking the applicable resolution stated that
"all plans shall be submitted to .the Planning Commission for approval as
to plot plan, architectural treatment:, wall, landscaping and signs before
the issuance of a building permit." He advised that the word plot plan
should certainly apply in this case.
The Director of Public Works advised that the Planning Commission might
well refer these plans back to staff to secure the comments from the fire
chief .
The Chairman declared the plans would be referred back to staff as
suggested by the Director of Public Works.
There being no further business presented to the Planning Commission the
meeting adjourned at 9:50 P.M.
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L. M. TALLEY
Planning Secretary
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November 22, 1960