The meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m.

1. Roll Call

   Present:	Commissioners Cheatham, Koch, Winnek, Beste, Lombardo.
   Also Present:	Harold Williams, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Michael Flaherty, Public Works Superintendent Ray Abassi, P.E., City Traffic Engineer Rhea Punneo, Administrative Assistant, Public Works Department

2. Flag Salute

   Mr. Beste led the flag salute.

3. Approval of Minutes

   Motion by Commissioner Lombardo to approve the minutes of the November 20, 2002 meeting as written:

   Ayes: Lombardo, Cheatham, Beste, Winnek
   Noes: None
   Abstain: Koch
   Absent: None

4. Public Comments

   None.

5. Correspondence

   1. Mr. Williams directed the commission's attention to a letter from Mr. David Brubaker requesting that Tennyson Place be repaired.

      MOTION by Ms. Lombardo to place this item on the agenda for the next meeting.

      Ayes: Beste, Cheatham, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
      Noes: None
      Abstain: None
      Absent: None

6. Items for Commission Consideration

   1. Request for speed control on Gould Ave. between Valley Dr. and Sepulveda Boulevard (PDF file)

      Mr. Abassi addressed the request for speed control on Gould Ave. between Valley Dr. and Sepulveda Blvd. by pointing out several strategies for reducing average speeds. One effective way of traffic calming is to cut the sight distance of drivers by installing a median with landscaping. An "open" unimpeded view tends to increase both uphill and downhill speeds.

      Hermosa Beach resident Brian Herzberger of 666 Gould Avenue addressed this issue. Mr. Herzberger indicated that he believes there is a serious problem of excessive speed along Gould Avenue and he is concerned about safety. He pointed out that this is a residential street and children sometimes run out into the street.

      Hermosa Beach resident Jim Lissner said that he believes excessive speed along Gould is a source of noise and air pollution. Mr. Lissner would like to see Gould Avenue designated as a "local" rather than "collector" so that traffic citations could be issued more easily.

      Discussion among the commissioners on this matter focused on several points. Gould Ave. is one of the primary east-west streets connecting the major north-south arteries, and several commissioners were disinclined to impede traffic flow. Mr. Beste raised the question of whether the traffic-calming plan suggested by Mr. Abassi (putting in a landscaped median to reduce sight distances) might increase the rate of accidents. Mr. Abassi replied that the danger associated with reduced visibility is mitigated by lower average speeds (which he would expect to be about 5-8mph lower). Mr. Koch suggested that increased traffic enforcement might be appropriate before making physical changes to the street. Mr. Cheatham pointed out that as a gateway street, there is some argument for beautifying the street.

      MOTION by Ms. Lombardo that the traffic calming option presented by Mr. Abassi be implemented and a median with landscaping placed in the area suggested. Seconded by Mr. Cheatham

      Ayes: Cheatham, Lombardo
      Noes: Winnek, Koch, Beste
      Abstain: None
      Absent: None

      Motion not carried.

      MOTION BY Mr. Koch to direct staff to prepare full evaluation of the area. Seconded by Mr. Beste.

      Ayes: Beste, Cheatham, Koch, Winnek
      Noes: Lombardo
      Abstain: None
      Absent: None

   2. Request for installation of stop signs on Power St. at the intersection of Power and 21st St. (PDF file)

      Hermosa Beach residents Darlene Sowers of 2101 Power Street and Betty Arndt of 2106 Power Street addressed the commission and said that this intersection has become much busier in recent years and visibility is poor.

      Commissioner Winnek suggested that Ms. Sowers and Ms. Arndt circulate a petition among their neighbors so that the commission can have a clear idea of the residents' preferences.

      MOTION by Mr. Winnek to take no action at this time and wait for a petition from the public. Seconded by Ms. Lombardo.

      Ayes: Beste, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
      Noes: None
      Abstain: None
      Absent: None

7. Commissioners' Reports

   Mr. Cheatham briefed the City Council on the infrastructure subcommittee and recommended that staff provide cost estimates for their recommendations. Public Works should take photographs of potential sites for newsracks.

8. Council Agendas/Minutes - November, December

   1. Monthly Activity Report - October

   2. Project Status Reports - October

   These items are presented for information purposes only.

9. Items Requested by Commissioners

   Mr. Williams advised the commissioners that the Manhattan Beach council decided against approving relocation of the traffic signal from the Longfellow Avenue intersection to the Duncan Avenue intersection at Sepulveda Boulevard.

10. Other Matters

    In response to a question about how matters are placed on the agenda for this commission, Mr. Williams said that the agenda is driven by public requests, the CIP schedule, or commissioner's request.

11. Public Comment

    None.

12. Adjournment

    The meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm. The next meeting will be on January 15, 2003 in the Council Chambers.