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

1. Roll Call

   Present: Commissioners Cheatham, Beste, Lombardo and Winnek

   Also Present: Richard Morgan, Director of Public Works/City Engineer
   Michael Flaherty, Public Works Superintendent
   Ray Abassi, P.E., City Traffic Engineer
   Tristan Malabanan, Assistant Engineer
   Rhea Punneo, Administrative Assistant, Public Works Department

2. Flag Salute

   Commissioner Cheatham led the flag salute.

3. Approval of Minutes: February 19, 2003

   Motion by Chairman Cheatham to approve the minutes of the February 19, 2003 meeting as written.

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

4. Public Comments

   Judy English, 57 18th Street

   Ms. English indicated that she and other residents of 18th Street share a concern for the aging elevated planter boxes and streetlights that the City originally installed approximately forty years ago. With age, they have become ragged and she believes they make her street look tacky. The neighborhood would like them fixed up and are looking at it being a joint effort between residents and the City. Ms. English has questions for Public Works and is looking for direction on who to talk to. Chairman Cheatham advised that this issue should be put on the agenda for a future meeting so staff can formally look at the issue and make recommendations to the City Council. It was noted that this would be done once Staff received the work estimates from Ms. English. Commissioner Lombardo asked Ms. English if she could get a petition signed from the neighbors. Ms. English said that was her next step to be completed within the next few weeks. Ms. English then gave her list of questions to Mr. Morgan.

Recess

Chairman Cheatham called a recess at 7:16 to watch President Bush address the nation. The meeting was re-called to order at 7:20.

4. Public Comments (con'td.)

   Al Benson, 1924 Monterey Blvd.

   Mr. Benson met with Ray Abassi and Harold Williams on February 19, 2003 to discuss the intersection of 19th and Loma, which is hard turn when heading east on 19th Street. Mr. Benson has taken digital pictures that Commissioner Cheatham advised be given to Ray Abassi. Mr. Benson said he would e-mail them to Mr. Abassi.

   Celeste Coar Resident

   Ms. Coar noted that she'd brought this issue (19th and Loma) up a long time ago with various members of the Commission. After 4 months, Harold Williams, some of the neighbors and Ms. Coar met to discuss their concerns. She advised that Harold Williams had suggested that she attend the Public Works Commission meeting. She stated the Fire Chief has documented that the Fire Department cannot get its trucks around the corner when there is an emergency.

   Commissioner Cheatham asked Staff how far along this project is. Ray Abassi responded that he has been to the site and made some quick suggestions to bring temporary relief to the situation. However, Mr. Abassi noted that an in depth study with turning templates should be conducted on the site so recommendations can be made how to make it safer.

   Ms. Coar said that the lack of visibility is due to a tall wall owned by St. Cross Church. Commissioner Cheatham suggested that Staff review the issue and make the determination whether or not it should be added to a future agenda.

   Lael Stabler, 66 18th Street

   Ms. Stabler indicated that she is working on the 18th Street beautification project with Ms. English. She noted that in the past eight years the residents have re-surfaced the walkways and put in planters. She'd sent a letter to the former Public Works Director stating what it was the residents wanted to do. On March 5, 2003 Ms. Stabler received a letter back from Steve Burell stating the City would be considering her request under the capital improvement funding. Commissioner Cheatam re-stated that Staff would be looking into the matter and to address questions to Michael Flaherty and Richard Morgan.

5. Correspondence

   None.

6. Items for Commission Consideration

   1. Proposed Speed Hump Policies and Procedures (PDF File).

      Richard Morgan, Interim Public Works Director deferred to Ray Abassi, City Contract Traffic Engineer. Mr. Abassi stated that the Council instructed that this item be brought back to the Commission for review and finalization. He reviewed the policy and thought it to be a good starting point. Mr. Morgan mentioned the three speed humps to be approved for Hillcrest where there was a concern about the approval of property owners. If the policy could be resolved prior to the approval of the Hillcrest humps, Mr. Morgan would be glad to report that back to the Council.

      Commissioner Winnek requested clarification on the document titled "Speed Hump Installation Procedures". Particularly, he wanted to know what Council was concerned with. Commissioner Beste pointed out that speed humps are noisy.

      Recommendation to Council would be 67% of residents and 100% of abutting. Commissioner Winnek would like a time period placed on the $1000 for the removal of the speed hump. Commissioner Cheatham wanted the 67% term in the document to consistently refer to residences (not residents). This was further clarified as one vote per dwelling unit. He then brought up the issue of using speeding as criteria for eligibility. Mr. Morgan noted that it was purposefully removed because residents perception of the residents was that cars are going much faster than in reality. The stealth device used on the Hillcrest speed survey detected the maximum speed over a three day period was 26 miles per hour.

      Motion by Commissioner Lombardo to support the proposed policy and procedure with corrections to the document "Speed Hump Installation Procedures". Correction one under "Determination of Eligibility", second paragraph:

      Upon determination that a street is eligible for further consideration, the representative of the street will be advised to submit a petition (forms provided by the City) from 100% of the abutting residence property owners indicating that a clear majority (67% or more) support the installation of speed humps on their street. The petition forms provided by the City will state:

      Correction two under "Determination of Eligibility", fourth paragraph:

      Petition to be filed along with sufficient funds for the removal of the speed hump (up to a maximum of $1,000 per speed hump) to be held for one year.
      Seconded by Commissioner Cheatham.

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

      Motion carried.

   2. Project No. CIP 02-189 Street Improvements - Myrtle Area Review of Plans (PDF File).

      Tristan Malabanan presented the item. Mr. Malabanan suggested that some street repairs be included in the plan as the budget allowed.

      The presentation and the discussion among the commissioners highlighted the following information:

      • On 26th and Morningside concrete patching will be used for sunken in areas.
      • Asphalt paving streets include Myrtle, Ozone, Manhattan, 26th St. (between Manhattan Ave. and Hermosa Ave.) 25th Street, Park Ave., Silverstrand and Loma Drive.
      • All will include the placement of geotextile fabric to reduce reflective cracking and an asphalt overlay.
      • Installation of concrete swales on Palm Drive.
      • Some streets will only be edge milled.

      Mr. Malabanan noted that this is mostly an overlay project with one tree removal at Myrtle and 26th St. and that the resident had no objection to this removal. Commissioner Beste asked if 26th Street, which is a concrete street, could be overlaid with asphalt to avoid the patchwork appearance that would come about if concrete were used. Mr. Malabanan responded that concrete has a longer life than asphalt overlay, but also stated that Staff will review his request and report back to the Commission. Another concern Commissioner Beste expressed was with regard to coordinating this project with The Gas Company. Mr. Malabanan stated that The Gas Company had been notified and has been given a June deadline to complete any potential projects.

      Commissioner Cheatham asked how long residents would be kept away from their homes and how much notice residents would get. Mr. Malabanan advised that residents would need to be out of their homes by 8:00 a.m. and could return by 5:00 p.m. for a street that is being ground and overlaid. The City notifies the residents of the construction schedule approximately three weeks in advance. Contractors are obligated contractually to notify residents 48 hours before construction begins as well.

      Dency Nelson, 2415 Silverstrand Avenue

      Mr. Nelson stated that he is pleased that this project is moving forward. He shares Commissioner Beste's concerns regarding the patchwork appearance of the asphalt on concrete. He noted that he believes that Manhattan Avenue should have some attention. He also wishes 25th St. and Park had been undergrounded.

      Dean Nota, 2467 Myrtle Avenue

      Mr. Nota said there is now standing water on Myrtle that began happening after Irish re-paved. He feels this is a health hazard. He also noted that Ozone and 24th do not have adequate drainage even though the City has tried numerous remedies over the years to correct the problem. Mr. Flaherty said that cross gutters have been installed and they continue to work on eliminating the standing water. Commissioner Cheatham asked if the City has the liability for a poorly designed street. Mr. Morgan advised that it is important that we do not worsen an existing drainage condition and we will make every effort to correct problems where feasible.

      Eleanor Lyndt, 2432 Park

      Ms. Lyndt stated that she does not want any puddles in her street. She also noted that at 24th St. and Park Ave.` the water is not draining correctly on the east side.

      Commissioner Winnek advised that he would like Mr. Malabanan to pass along these comments to Council about the aesthetics.

      Motion by Commissioner Lombardo to receive and file. Seconded by Commissioner Cheatham.

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

      Motion carried.

   3. Request for Speed Humps on 9th St. between Prospect Ave. and Reynolds Lane (PDF File).

      Mr. Morgan, the Interim Director of Public Works, presented the item noting that it was being presented at the behest of Council at their March 11, 2003 meeting and that both the Fire and Police Chiefs have approved speed humps for that location. Commissioner Winnek mentioned all nine households want it and the proposal looks good.

      Motion by Commissioner Lombardo to support the request so long as the project meets the speed hump guidelines. Seconded by Commissioner Winnek.

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

      Motion carried.

7. Commissioners' Reports

   Commissioner Cheatham asked for reports. Commissioner Lombardo said they are in a holding pattern regarding the Gateway Subcommittee per the City Manager. It was mentioned that funding was the major problem. It was also noted that there was no update at this time regarding the newsracks.

8. Council Agendas - January and February Minutes, March agendas

   No discussion.

9. Items Requested by Commissioners

   Ms. Punneo inquired about former Commissioner Chris Howell's request from May of 2002 concerning parking spaces for motorcycles and sub-compact cars. Chairman Cheatham advised to remove this item from the Action List, as it was not something they would be looking into at this time.

   Commissioner Lombardo asked for an update regarding her request for a green zone parking space for a specific address on Hermosa Ave. Mr. Flaherty advised that traditionally a green zone could not be used for a resident without a garage.

   Commissioner Lombardo noted that she's received complaints of broken glass on Hermosa Avenue in the mornings. Mr. Flaherty said there are crews working at clean up of the City's streets seven days a week starting as early as 4:00 am going until 7:00 am. He also requested that the commissioners refer the calling parties to the Public Works Department so that Service Requests could be written up on a timely basis.

   Commissioner Cheatham asked about the flooding at 18th and Rhodes over the past weekend. Mr. Flaherty explained that concrete had just been poured and the three inches of water caused gravel to flow down to PCH. The Public Works Department put nearly 150 sandbags and alleviated the problem. Commissioner Cheatham also mentioned that, when looking at the Public Works section of the City's website it is not very clear on whom to call in an emergency. Mr. Morgan will look into making sure the website and voice mail will have updated instructions that are clear for residents.

10. Other Matters

    Commissioner Winnek would like to know the status on the signals at Hermosa Avenue and Pier Avenue. Mr. Flaherty advised that he's advised the Police Chief of the availability of the all-way crossing at that intersection and is waiting for his response, as they were the original requestors.

    Commissioner Cheatham thanked Mr. Flaherty for his part in putting together the St. Patrick's Day parade, even though the weather prohibited the Commission's participation.

11. Public Comments

    None.

12. Adjournment

    The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 pm. The next meeting will be April 16, 2003 in Council Chambers.