Adjourned City Council Minutes March 4, 2002 - Hermosa Beach

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MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Hermosa Beach, California, held on Monday, March 4, 2002, at the hour of 7:14 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Councilmember Michael Keegan

ROLL CALL

Present: Edgerton, Keegan, Reviczky, Yoon, Mayor Dunbabin
Absent: None

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Mayor Dunbabin said she threw the first ball at the Hermosa Beach Little League opening ceremony on March 1. She announced that the next Economic Development Committee meeting would take place at 7 P.M. Wednesday, March 6, at Hermosa View School, 1800 Prospect Avenue.

Councilmember Edgerton noted an article in today's Daily Breeze newspaper citing statistics for all violent crimes over the last 10 years, which showed a 39.3 percent decrease in violent crime in Hermosa Beach.

Councilmember Yoon announced that his weekly office hours at Java Man would exclude Mondays that fall on national holidays or City Council meeting nights. He then referenced a letter that Community Development Director Sol Blumenfeld wrote regarding the proposed communication facility on Monterey Boulevard and asked the status of that project, which appeared to be at a standstill. City Manager Burrell said the letter returned a set of plans that would have changed what was approved before the ordinance went into effect, as the modifications could not be considered. He said he would keep the Council apprised on developments as they occur.

Action: To conduct the scheduled closed session prior to the goal session. Motion Reviczky, second Yoon. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

ANNOUNCEMENT IN OPEN SESSION OF ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION AS FOLLOWS:

  1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

    1. Closed Session meeting held on January 22, 2002; and,
    2. Closed Session meeting held on February 12, 2002.

  2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL

    The City Council finds, based on advice from legal counsel, that discussion in open session will prejudice the position of the City in the litigation.

    Initiation of Litigation: Government Code Section 54956.9(c)

    Number of Potential Cases: 1

ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

The Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Hermosa Beach adjourned on Monday, March 4, 2002, at the hour of 7:24 P.M. to a closed session.

RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

The Closed Session convened at the hour of 7:25 P.M. At the hour of 8:15 P.M., the Closed Session adjourned to the Adjourned Regular Meeting, which resumed at 8:17 P.M.

ORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Assistant City Attorney Christi Hogin announced that during the closed session the City Council gave direction to the City Attorney to engage a law firm to prepare to file a law suit against the City of Redondo Beach challenging their decision on the downtown project, noting the direction included getting a traffic analysis done as part of the preparation for the law suit.

DISCUSSION OF ISSUES, IDEAS AND GOALS (PDF File)

Because he had to leave the meeting early, Councilmember Edgerton discussed at this time his four items of interest: (1) better coordination with utility companies and the new construction of homes, which require tearing up streets, for City street repavement and sewer repair projects; (2) the reduction of noise impacts to maintain the high quality of life that residents enjoy; (3) funding the Chamber of Commerce to eliminate one fiesta, so that the Chamber can focus on its mission statement and the economic development of the City; and (4) having two-hour puppet shows on the sand prior to the sunset concerts or as separate events.

City Manager Burrell said a public hearing on the Mervyns Beach Bash and other upcoming commercial events would take place at the March 12 Council meeting, noting that options concerning the agenda category of "written communications" would also be presented at that meeting for Council consideration. He said Mayor Dunbabin had coordinated with the Schumachers on the plaque dedication for their generous donation and that the proposed date was Saturday, April 20. With Council concurrence, he said staff would organize the dedication ceremony for that date.

(Councilmember Edgerton left the meeting at 8:37 P.M.)

The Council then reviewed the Fiscal Year 2000-2001 goals.

Goal 1 (aesthetic improvement of barricades on closed streets) was retained, with the suggestion that the issue be referred to the Public Works Commission for the development of a standardized design for barricades, perhaps using the 14th Street barricade as an example once it is built.

Goal 2 (restroom refurbishment at foot of Pier) and Goal 3 (Strand improvements) were removed from the list since they had been completed.

Goal 4 (repair of all beach and park restrooms), Goal 5 (CIP project development for the swift repavement of as many streets as possible), Goal 6 (development of more parking), Goal 7 (Fire Department remodel), and Goal 8 (development of master plans for future CIP projects) were retained on the list.

Goal 9 (City Hall remodel) was deleted from the list since it was nearing completion.

Goal 10 (development of CIP project for Greenbelt) was retained on the list since it was still ongoing.

Goal 11 (alternate ideas for the end of the Pier) was retained on the list, and it was suggested that the issue of what, if anything, should be built at the end of the Pier might be a good one to include in a survey for public input.

Goal 12 (comprehensive citywide sign program) was retained on the list, as it was still ongoing, with direction to staff to refer the design to the Parks, Recreation and Community Resources Commission.

Mayor Dunbabin requested adding "City of Hermosa Beach" to the bottom of the green and white signs on Pacific Coast Highway as those signs are replaced.

Goal 13 (initiation of studies for a bike path west of the Strand wall) was retained, with the suggestion that the issue be a public survey item.

Goal 14 (establishment of a Public Works Commission) was removed from the list as it had been carried out.

With regard to Goal 15 (set-up of annual Council/Commission meetings), there was agreement to continue with the joint meetings.

Goal 16 (set-up of task force to work on Pacific Coast Highway and Aviation Boulevard improvements) and Goal 17 (set-up of Upper Pier Avenue task force to review 1995 conceptually approved plans) were kept on the list.

Goal 18 (RFP preparation for trash and recycling) was removed from the list as it had been completed.

Goal 19 (encouragement of the implementation of measures to ensure that storm waters do not degrade the Bay) and Goal 20 (consideration of Utility User Tax reduction) were retained.

Goal 21 (CIM proposal to building downtown theaters) was removed from the list.

Goal 22 (drop the WAVE program and provide service through taxi-based system) was retained. City Manager Burrell said he would bring back the WAVE contract with some options, noting a one-year notice was required.

Goal 23 (State-required revision of Housing Element) was retained. City Manager Burrell said the Element was still under review but had not yet been accepted.

Goal 24 (development of program to reduce or eliminate through traffic in residential areas) was retained on the list. Noting that the north end traffic study was currently underway, Councilmember Reviczky requested a cost proposal to do the entire city. City Manager Burrell said the cost of the north end traffic study was $35,000, and that it would take a minimum of four studies to do the whole city. He said another approach would be to identify impacted areas and install traffic counters to gather data for future analysis, and said he would bring back information.

Goal 25 (involvement with statewide/regional issues that would impact the City) was retained on the list.

City Manager Burrell said Goal 26 (development of program to prepare the City for e-government) was completed, and that the City was in the process of recruiting a software person. He said the remodel includes the installation of new equipment, which will allow many services to be handled online.

City Manager Burrell said Goal 27 (implementation of AB939 directives) was nearly completed. He suggested staying with a manual system for trash, with 32-gallon covered cans for recycling purposes, noting that people may wish to keep the boxes indoors to collect items for transfer into the covered cans. He also said the currently used boxes, or taller ones with a larger capacity, would be available for properties with smaller spaces that could not accommodate the covered cans.

City Manager Burrell said Goal 28 (CERT volunteer program for Fire Department) had been developed but not yet implemented.

With regard to Goal 29 (policy to repave streets when an area is undergrounded by assessment districts), City Manager Burrell said staff was doing that.

Goal 30 (increased Municipal Code enforcement with dedicated staff) was removed from the list since it had been accomplished.

Discussion then ensued on the potential items listed in the staff report.

Community Survey. City Manager Burrell referred to information in the packet for The National Citizen Survey, which at about $10,000 was less costly than most others but provided only general information, noting that he also had information on local companies that other cities have used for more detailed surveys. He said a survey such as that used by Manhattan Beach for its bond issue would cost about $25,000 to $30,000. He said the more questions asked, the more costly the survey, and said the price might be lower if the survey was done during the off-season (non-election) time. In response to Council questions, City Manager Burrell said it might make sense to share the cost of a survey with the School District only if they were seeking general information, but not for a bond issue. He said he could provide the Council with a proposal and examples of what other cities have done.

Council discussion ensued, with concerns about the integrity of a survey, the cost of a detailed survey, and the accuracy of using a sample size of 300 to 400 people. It was the consensus of the Council that there was no interest in a survey for $25,000 at this time.

Project Approval Process. City Manager Burrell said this issue has been handled, that staff provides notices, inviting people to come at the beginning of the process to give input, and provides information throughout the process.

Staffing Needs/Studies by Department. City Manager Burrell referred to the computer master plan study, noting that staff was now in the process of hiring a software person. He said he would now like to go through each of the departments to analyze current staffing levels and services and determine future staffing needs, saying he would deal first with the Fire Department and Public Works.

Trash Cans - Keeping Out of Public View. In addition to the issue of enclosing public trash cans expressed by Mayor Dunbabin, City Manager Burrell suggested changing the Code to include a fine for residents who do not put their trash cans away by 6 P.M. on the day of pick-up, as is currently required. He said he also would like to eliminate the $13 fee charged to allow the trash service to be placed in the name of a tenant rather than the property owner, who is ultimately responsible and who would end up with a lien on the property if the bill is unpaid. There was Council consensus for staff to proceed with the proposals to eliminate the $13 fee and to fine residents who leave their trashcans out, with further direction that the enclosure of public trashcans be made a capital improvement project.

Valley/Ardmore/Pier Avenue Intersection. In response to Council questions, City Manager Burrell said a traffic signal would cause people to move more quickly down Pier Avenue, saying he preferred that cars queue up at the stop signs as they now must do. It was the consensus of the Council to drop the issue.

Plaza Encroachment - Enforcement. City Manager Burrell said there was an ongoing problem with illegal enclosures and signs, and suggested having a City inspector work at night to enforce the rules. There was Council consensus for staff to bring back the Plaza Encroachment Guidelines for Council review and changes, such as adding windscreens, and for consideration of a Code Enforcement Inspector to work at night to enforce the rules. City Manager Burrell said he would return with one agenda item on the issues of enforcement and guidelines, at which time the Council, if desired, could refer the design standards for windscreens to the Public Works Commission.

Library Operation. Councilmember Reviczky noted that the residents pay more in taxes than what it costs the County to operate the Library. Councilmember Keegan said he would want to ensure quick access to all of the books available through the County system. City Manager Burrell said this was a request of Friends of the Library and responded to questions, saying the process must start soon, as official notice must be given to the County by the first of December in order to withdraw at the end of June. It was the Council consensus that the Library Subcommittee, comprised of Mayor Dunbabin and Councilmember Reviczky, meet with the Friends of the Library to discuss the issue of pulling out of the County system.

Setbacks in the Valley - Nearest Public Improvement. Councilmember Keegan expressed concern about the granting of encroachment permits for walls and fences, often extending to the curb, particularly on access roads to the beach, such as Eighth Street and 16th Street, where pedestrians are forced to walk in the street. City Manager Burrell responded to Council questions. By Council consensus, staff was directed to bring back the encroachment ordinance for review with staff recommendations, relating to setbacks in the Valley and encroachments in general.

Funding for the Chamber. It was noted that this issue would be coming back.

Gym at Valley School. Councilmember Yoon said the outstanding questions of this important issue were where to place the gym and how to finance it. He said he would support a bond measure to finance the gym. Councilmember Reviczky said it would be premature at this time to do anything until the School Board has made a decision on whether or not they want it. Councilmember Yoon said as a member of the subcommittee, he would continue to make reports to the Council.

AB939 Recycling Coordinator. City Manager Burrell said there was dedicated funding with two uses - one to buy all the cans, and the other to cover the 10 to 15 hours a week required to do the reports and coordinate the program, which he currently does himself, but suggested using a contract person, who specializes in this and works for other cities.

Building Needs Study - Police Station, Community Center, City Yard. City Manager Burrell said the City Yard study would be easier to do, while the Community Center study would be more difficult. In response to Council questions and comments, City Manager Burrell agreed it would make sense for the three beach cities (Hermosa, Manhattan and Redondo) to work together to build and share the operation of one jail facility. By Council consensus, staff was directed to come back with what needed to be done and a process to hire a person to perform a space needs assessment for only the Police Station at this time, excluding a structural analysis since the structure would not be built on the current site (Keegan dissented).

Rewrite Planning & Zone Code. City Manager Burrell said the City Attorney and Planning Director were currently working on the Code to remove inconsistencies and make changes such as moving parking to its own section.

Workers' Compensation. It was the consensus of the Council to keep this as a goal and to come up with new ways to get the costs down. Councilmember Keegan said he was able to lower the premiums at his business by about 18 percent through an HCO, which is a form of workers' compensation where employees must designate their doctor upfront or use a default doctor should one be needed.

Review Awning Fees to Encourage Awnings. Mayor Dunbabin expressed concern about the high fees. In response to Council questions, City Manager Burrell said the issue involved encroachment permits for commercial buildings to install awnings that extend over public sidewalks, and noted that the Economic Committee would bring something back on this issue. Mayor Dunbabin suggested waiting for that report.

Council Items of Interest

Councilmember Keegan discussed the following items:

  1. A five-day work schedule for all City employees or perhaps just certain departments, such as Building and Public Works. Councilmember Yoon and Mayor Dunbabin supported exploring the issue. City Manager Burrell said the 4/10 work schedule had been in effect for at least 16 years, noting that this was a meet and confer issue involving labor agreements. He said, as a first step, he would find out if other cities had reverted back from a 4/10 schedule to a five-day workweek.
  2. The installation of medians on Pacific Coast Highway, from Aviation Boulevard to the northerly City limits. He submitted an article to the City Manager to make copies for Council members about the MTA matching funds, which perhaps could be raised through the banner program. There was Council consensus for staff to look into the issue.
  3. The creation of 80 to 100 parking spaces on City-owned land north of the alley that runs behind Thai Top and other upper Pier Avenue businesses, which he said could be an incentive for those businesses to build second story offices, whose employees would support the other businesses during the day. He suggested making this be a Public Works capital improvement project and working with the Economic Development Committee to create standards for space allotment and incentives for office development.
  4. The strict enforcement of all City laws.
  5. An examination of high traffic areas and the completion of sidewalk access on major routes to the beach. Mayor Dunbabin suggested handicap ramps as well at needed locations for beach access.
  6. An attempt to spend the money budgeted annually for capital projects, with the suggestion to set $2 to $3 million per year for street work.

The meeting recessed at 11:20 P.M.
The meeting reconvened at 11:28 P.M.

Councilmember Yoon discussed the following items:

  1. The establishment of a "three-strikes, you're out" rule, sharing with downtown businesses information on anyone arrested three times, if deemed legal to do so by the City Attorney. Councilmember Reviczky suggested another crime analysis to determine where the increase is coming from and other ways to control any problems, including prosecuting for assaults even if no one presses charges, and he asked that the Police Chief explore all issues and options. City Manager Burrell said he and Police Chief Lavin would be attending a three-day conference and that this would be a good topic.
  2. The establishment of citizen advisory committees for various issues including seniors, undergrounding, pet owners, and parking, noting that residents east of the highway do not go downtown because of the inconvenience of parking and suggesting that parking permits be available to all Hermosa residents.
  3. The feasibility of redevelopment as a funding source. City Manager Burrell said the rules changed in 1995 and he did not know if the City could meet the definition of blight, but agreed it was a wonderful long-term funding tool and said he would look into it to determine its viability.
  4. The possibility of having sunset movies.
  5. Consideration of a water fountain in the middle of the Plaza. Councilmember Keegan said he would rather see a French style kiosk in the center, which could be moved for events, and suggested surveying residents on the issue.
  6. Construction of a second parking structure on Lot A, which would alleviate noise considerations in the area. Councilmember Reviczky suggested that perhaps the Economic Development Committee could look at the issue. Councilmember Keegan suggested any parking proposals for that site should be part of a large master plan development in that area.

Councilmember Reviczky discussed the following items:

  1. The need to be realistic about how many Public Works projects could be accomplished at one time, not only for staffing reasons, but also to limit how much of the town is torn up at any one time.
  2. Concern about delaying sewer repair and/or street repavement in order to do the undergrounding first; said residents should be given the option or at least be made aware of how long the delay may be. City Manager Burrell suggested having the street and/or sewer work done first, and cited examples of streets in good shape that looked fine after the work was completed.
  3. Asked about the undergrounding timeline he requested; said there was no reason for Edison to do the engineering and wanted to look at ways to have the work done more quickly. City Manager Burrell said the timeline will help and the City now has more experience, but spoke of the need for the City to have an underground coordinator.
  4. Said pursuant to the Cable TV franchise agreement, the City is supposed to get cable drops at a number of locations, and requested one in the Clark Building and another in the announcer's booth at Clark Field to televise Little League games. There was Council consensus to do so.
  5. Said he hoped the subcommittee would meet soon on the issue of noise, said his concern was not only in the downtown, that he wanted to address the blatant party issues, and did not know if the current mechanisms were the most effective. City Manager Burrell said the City would continue with what was done for the 4th of July, which worked very well, and said an ordinance change would be appropriate for dealing with the loud party issue. By consensus, City Manager Burrell was directed to prepare an amendment to the Code to effectively handle those people who continuously have loud parties, and to bring the matter back as quickly as possible so the law can be in place before summer.
  6. The need to re-analyze the equipment replacement fund to see if the schedule is working. City Manager Burrell said it would be helpful to look at that fund when doing the budget, as well as the insurance fund.

Mayor Dunbabin discussed the following items:

  1. The need to establish a repair and maintenance program, noting it was more of a beautification issue; requested that Public Works employees look for and identify any problems observed while out in the field, such as missing or broken bricks in planters, wooden slats missing from benches, etc.
  2. Suggested using A-frame signs such as those used in Manhattan Beach to prohibit bicycle riding through downtown Hermosa on congested weekends. Councilmember Reviczky supported removing the existing lights but said he wanted to be sure this did not create the same liability issue. By Council consensus, City Manager Burrell was directed to agendize the removal of the lights and the consideration of using A-frames.
  3. Identify streets that do not have curbs and gutters that may create problems with street paving. Commissioner Keegan said the Public Works Commission should know that a Council goal is to have the roads straight, paved to the width of the road.
  4. Suggested more activities for seniors.
  5. Asked about the inclusion of paid events in the City's Local Coastal Plan. City Manager Burrell said the coastal plan will be brought back to the Council.

City Manager Burrell said staff would put the 2002-2003 goals together in a format like last year for the budget meeting.

CITIZEN COMMENTS - None

ADJOURNMENT - The Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Hermosa Beach adjourned on Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at the hour of 12:44 A.M. to the Regular Meeting of Tuesday, March 12, 2002, at the hour of 7:10 P.M.

NOTE: THIS MEETING WILL BE TELEVISED LIVE ON ADELPHIA CABLE

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