-
Review of 5TH Street Survey Results
(PDF File)
Mr. Morgan advised that these were the results of the survey done by the 5th Street Committee. He reported that Staff was attempting to have the bus stop at 5th Street relocated and convert that area into a loading/unloading area on PCH for the commercial traffic in the area. Further, the area would be restricted as a loading zone during peak traffic hours of 7-9:00 a.m. He stated that MTA has reservations about moving the current bus stop in either the direction of 4th or 6th Streets due to the preference for stops at traffic signals. Further, the relocation of the 5th Street bus stop would dictate moving the bus stop on the west side of PCH as well.
Mr. Morgan advised that his department is proposing the placement of "No Truck Traffic" signs on 5th Street in an attempt to reduce the number of trucks on the street; this is in conjunction with a Police Department effort to stop trucks and question their routes.
Staff's recommendation, based on the results of the survey, would be to look into speed humps. The safety issue of placement of speed humps remains open.
Mr. Morgan stated he is reluctant to pursue placement of a stop sign on 5th Street. He stated that traffic control measures must meet warrants or they could cause problems.
Commissioner Winnek asked if the MTA might reconsider the request to move the bus stop, based on a compelling City interest, and other cities' examples of bus stops at other than signal-controlled intersections. Mr. Morgan responded that he would confer with the MTA Office of Stops and Zones by looking at records of ridership at that location. If those reports yield a high volume the MTA would likely oppose the relocation
Mr. Morgan stated that if there was a way to have the 7-11 schedule early morning deliveries, the delivery vehicles could use the parking lot provided.
Commissioner Cheatham asked if Staff had spoken to the towing company on PCH about altering their routes. Mr. Morgan stated that Sgt. Thompson is pursuing that issue.
Commissioner Beste asked if Staff had considered allowing parking on both sides of the street. He felt that would be a great deterrent to traffic, and more effective than speed humps, although, he questioned the effect it could cause with traffic backing up on PCH. Mr. Morgan stated that the volume of traffic was over 5,000 vehicles per day, and parking on both sides would reduce the access to 14 feet, causing initial problems, but with possibly a positive outcome. He stated that in previous situations where this issue was addressed, the Fire Department stood firm on fire codes requiring 20-foot clearance.
Commissioner Lombardo asked if posting a 15 mph speed limit due to the grade was possible. Mr. Morgan responded that signage does not change behavior in most cases. He added that Staff observed the speed at less than 25 mph on 5th Street during two separate samplings.
Stepping forward to address the commission at this time were:
Mel Leshowitz, 1022 5th Street
Identified himself as a member of the committee who issued the survey to the residents of 5th Street. He stated that the speed issue is important, and the Police Department recently placed one of their speed indicators on 5th Street. He observed the cars braking reaction when the driver saw the indicator sign, sensing it was effective. He stated he was open to a speed limit sign of under 25 mph; they wanted to pursue the speed humps; they were in favor of pursuing the bus stop being moved; they previously made a recommendation for a loading/unloading zone to the south of the 7-11, which is a standard curb area. He requested the Commission pursue that request should the relocation of the bus stop not be possible. He further submitted an issue that had not yet been addressed by the Commission - the posting of a sign to limit turns during certain hours onto 5th Street. He stated he felt that traffic volume was their largest concern, and limiting the volume would be advantageous. If there were 25% - 33% compliance, it would be significant. He urged the Commission to pursue that request.
Todd Nuber, 833 5th Street
He reminded the Commission that there had been a proposal of making the street one-way. He stated that would reduce traffic by almost half. He stated the current speed indicator was too close to the Stop sign to accurately report speeds on the streets, also of major concern.
Commissioner Beste asked if Staff had experience with whether speeds typically decreased if the street was turned into a one-way. Mr. Morgan stated that the volume would definitely decrease, but the possibility of speeds increasing was realistic. He stated that one-way had the advantage of increased parking on both sides, however, the petition had a 7-10 split for and against one-way. He urged the committee to get a majority on that decision, to present to Council.
Peter Tucker, 235 34th Street
Signage, as on Herondo and Monterey from 7-9:00 a.m. as no right turn permitted can work. Most of the traffic in the morning is 7-9:00 a.m. He felt that commuters are cutting up 5th Street, and by limiting turns onto 5th during those hours would alleviate traffic. He further recommended conversation with the owner of the shopping center to widen the driveway approach from the highway to give the delivery vehicles better access to the parking lot, as well as to limit the hours of delivery. He further recommended widening the driveway off of 5th to make it a loading zone, moving it over 5 feet toward the sidewalk toward the catch basin.
Commissioner Lombardo asked if the Planning Commission has to limit the hours for deliveries rather than the Public Works Commission. Mr. Morgan stated that approving a new development, you can condition it to mitigate impacts, vs. an existing situation, but we could enforce no parking on 5th Street. He plans to speak to the owner of the 7-11 complex with suggestions and recommendations including changing the driveway, although it may cause them to lose some parking.
Mehrdad Tootoonchr, business owner
He stated he understood the concern was about the 7-11 and where the bus stop was. He has 2 businesses on 5th Street, repair shops, one on the corner of 5th and Ardmore and the other adjacent to it. He commented about the suggestion for a one-way street and stated that would greatly affect his business. He suggested putting speed humps to require slowing of traffic, possibly 175 yards apart.
Phyllis Pennings, 625 5th Street
Stated her concerns are about the towing company trucks' traffic and speed on 5th Street.
Mel Leshowitz, 1022 5th Street
He recommended review of recycling the light at 5th Street and PCH similar to that at 8th Street, due to the offset, not allowing cars to simultaneously cross the street, avoiding confusion of through traffic; perhaps the introduction of turning arrows at the light would help.
Mr. Morgan added that Caltrans is investigating the accident reports and has forwarded the information to their Maintenance Department for review. He'd requested an update to present at this evening's meeting but hadn't received one in time. He reiterated that that option is being pursued.
Commissioner Applebaum asked where the proposed speed humps would be located and asked for an opinion of its effectiveness. Mr. Morgan responded it must be located at a location with a slope of 8% or less. He added that he plans to visit the location with the appropriate tools, and added that the 5th Street committee must have a majority of residents in favor to go forward with the speed hump request.. His perspective is that the speed humps on 9th Street are successful and encouraged the residents to see them; he supports that approach.
Commissioner Cheatham stated he supported the speed hump solution and offered that 76% of the survey results favored that approach. He asked if the residents had a petition for speed humps. He questioned the whether the repaving project was still slated. Mr. Morgan responded that yes, the repaving was still scheduled, but needed to have it rebid.
Commissioner Winnek stated that the Commission had reviewed the petition. He had a concern that only 50% of the residents had responded, and urged greater support prior to going forward to the City Council. He spoke in favor of signage, but expressed concern with restricted turning and its impact on the community. He stated he thought making the street one-way was possible, and wondered if an experiment could go into effect in the near future, by painting a stripe and putting temporary barricades in place.
Commissioner Lombardo suggested an experiment with the turn restrictions, as follows: going north on PCH from 7-9:00 a.m., no turns onto 5th Street, south on Prospect, limit turn signage. Mr. Morgan advised that that wasn't an option on the survey, and further, that the diversion of that many cars involves an environmental process; that test cases can cause large problems. He wants to hear from the residents and understand a majority of their requests.
Commissioner Cheatham restated that Staff is studying the 5th Street concerns with Caltrans and suggested Mr. Morgan add the test case scenarios to those discussions. Mr. Morgan suggested doing the speed survey again and getting more definitive information regarding direction of traffic during specific hours to report to Caltrans.
Receive and file.
-
Mr. Morgan presented the item noting that the City of Hermosa has had an unofficial policy for the past 20 years of granting requests for disabled parking spaces in the public right-of-way on an individual basis. During that time, the City has installed less than 20 spaces, without public outcry.
It has recently become a larger issue with some residents questioning the City's right to grant these spaces and what conditions must be met; as of now, only the disabled parking permit is required. He stated that some residents are questioning spaces that go unused. He felt the situation might have worsened when a second space was added to one street. He felt the first step was to invite everyone who has a "space" as well as those who have been communicating their concerns with his office to address the Commission; he suggested the development of a sub-committee to consider conditions for granting these spaces and determine how to handle those permits currently outstanding.
Commissioner Applebaum asked what percentage overall the spaces are being used. Mr. Morgan stated a study would be very difficult. He stated the majority of calls to his office pertained to the spaces not being used, along with the lack of available parking for non-handicapped. Complaints allege there is driveway parking at the disabled person's house; Mr. Flaherty added that as a result of the initial survey, several disabled spaces were eliminated immediately, since they were no longer required. He felt the permits are not reviewed on a regular basis to determine need. He cited a situation where the sign had been damaged and stolen several times by neighbors in disagreement with the issuance. He stated the department has received both positive and negative comments about the spaces, but that it was not the Public Works responsibility to enforce the issuance of the permits.
Commissioner Beste suggested that a review process would help and the establishment of guidelines should be discussed.
Commissioner Winnek stated his commitment toward the disabled. He requested Staff present the complaints to the Commission for review.
Commissioner Lombardo stated the City of Hermosa was not alone in issuing disabled permits and cited several cities as examples.
Dick Schoonover, 439 Oceanview Ave.
Speaking on behalf of his wife, Barbara, not in attendance. He spoke in favor of a review of verifying legitimate need on an annual basis. He urged the Commission not to penalize the disabled for the benefit of an able bodied person.
Christy Rodenhiser, 7th Street
Spoke in favor of disabled persons, however, stated there was a problem with a neighbor who has attained a disabled permit and does not appear to be disabled. She explained this neighbor is abusing the privilege by parking beyond the boundaries and in essence, takes 2 spaces. She encouraged review of the permits to verify true need.
John Sieckhaus, 625 7th Street
Spoke in favor of disabled spots, and spoke about the abuse of reserved spots on his street by this same neighbor as mentioned by previous speaker.
Margaret Sam, 1228 6th Street
Ms. Sam noted that she is caring for her mother and has a spot at her address, which has been graffitied twice. She also noted that others with disabled placards use it.
Carol James, 60 10th Street
Spoke in favor of disabled permits.
Richard Tuey, 626 7th Street
Stated that a disabled parking space suddenly appeared in front of his next-door neighbor's home. Expressed his concerns about public funds to establish private parking spots for a neighbor who is not disabled.
Jeannie Cramer, 58 10th Street
Spoke of her disabilities and support of disabled parking.
Diane Greenwald, 32 10th Street
Spoke of two spaces on her street, and of her disabilities and support of disabled parking permits.
Imogene James, 60 10th Street
Spoke of her disabilities, and support of disabled parking spaces.
Chris Wachter, 67 10th Street
Spoke in favor of disabled permits, however, requested criteria be set by the City and require disabled to use their driveways and garages when possible, and develop standards to determine why spaces are not being used by the permit holders.
Commissioner Winnek posed a hypothetical question regarding the usability of a driveway or garage not in compliance with ADA standards: Should the City require the resident to rebuild the driveway or garage to become compliant?
Mr. Wachter replied that he did not believe that should be required; however, he did believe the City should be required to determine if that is the case.
Commissioner Applebaum asked if the person applying for the permit has space available, did he recommend the denial of a permit based on those circumstances?
Mr. Wachter replied yes.
Dan Brannan, 1610 Raymond Ave.
Stated his street has single family houses; suggested that perhaps the City should check how many cars belong to renters in the City if they are going to check the viability of granting permits to disabled persons.
Commissioner Winnek spoke of the ease of getting medical reports indicating a person is disabled; he spoke of the State's requirements for the issuance of disabled placards; he suggested the City limit itself to the guidelines of the State DMV when issuing disabled parking spots and recommended the City continue to take cases on a case by case basis and award a spot accordingly based upon their placards, but also a review period every 1 to 2 years due to varying medical conditions. He spoke against forcing someone to park in his or her driveway, not on a public street.
Commissioner Cheatham spoke of a procedure from the DMV for registering complaints against potential fraud regarding permits. He suggested that Staff investigate a referral process for citizen complaints. He spoke in favor of bringing requests before the Commission and validating the requirement. He stated Staff was supportive and cited the handicapped curbs going in around town. Finally, he stated he thought Staff would be able to formulate a policy and that formation of a sub-committee was not necessary.
Commissioner Applebaum spoke in favor of supporting disabled persons in the community and was in favor of reviewing need on a case-by-case basis.
Commissioner Beste stated that he didn't agree that only the DMV criteria should be considered; that because these spaces were in the public right of way, there are other things the Commission could require. In general, he was in support, with the appropriate amount of review for approval of permit requests.
MOTION by Commissioner Winnek that the City of Hermosa Beach continue evaluating approval of providing disabled parking spaces on a case-by-case basis, with an annual or bi-annual review; the review period to be determined at the time of the initial approval.
Seconded by Commissioner Cheatham.
Commissioner Beste amended the motion to include an annual review.
Commissioner Cheatham asked if the current list of permit holders would be evaluated for validity. Mr. Morgan replied those currently holding permits had already been identified and would be validated immediately. He stated that the DMV placard would be the standard and it appeared the policy would be purely administrative. He asked for clarification about where the decision is made: the Public Works Commission? Were the neighbors to receive notices? He used Loma Drive as an example, where there are only 6 spaces in a block and if 2 requests for disabled parking were made, did the Commission want to establish criteria of number of spots available per block, not to exceed 10%?
Commissioner Winnek stated his motion did not involve holding a public hearing; the decision would rest solely with Staff.
Commissioner Winnek seconded the proposed amendment.
Ayes: Commissioners Lombardo, Winnek, Cheatham, Beste
Nays: Commissioner Applebaum
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Motion passed.
At 8:30 Chairman Lombardo suggested a ten-minute break.
At 8:41 the meeting resumed.
-
Plan Review - Project No. CIP 00-140 11th Place On-Street Parking Improvements
Mr. Morgan introduced Frank Senteno, a new Public Works employee, to the Commission. He is the Project Manager for this project.
Mr. Senteno stated that the purpose of the project is to increase public parking around City Hall, specifically 11th Place and Bard Street. He stated his understanding was that options previously presented were: a 16-stall parking lot on 11th Place or 20-parking stalls in a different configuration. In addition to the stalls, the project will also include the reconstruction of Bard St. and 11th Place and undergrounding of facilities on Bard Street. In order to provide for the 20 parking spaces on 11th Place, they will need to widen 11th Place along-side Hermosa Storage and build a 6-foot retaining wall, extending to the City's property line. The wall height is 6 feet from finished grade of Hermosa Storage. Mr. Morgan requested the drawing be modified to depict water being pumped out to Valley Drive.
Referring to the drawing, Mr. Senteno pointed out a wet well that takes on all the drainage from the entire property including the building and the parking lot. Currently the wet well discharges onto 11th Place. It is a forced main discharging onto the street, so the line must be rerouted to discharge onto Valley Drive. There are also overflow drains from Hermosa Storage dumping onto 11th Place that are manageable, discharging onto the parking lot. The undergrounding would put all the electrical and telephone lines underground. There are streetlights, Staff also recommends replacing them with 5 new lights on marble or concrete standards. He pointed out where they would be placed. He referred to a proposed 25-foot steel pole adjacent to a new streetlight, for the Fire Department's traffic notification system. Currently there is only a flashing orange light with a short arm, hidden by a tree.
Panels will need to be upgraded and redesigned in order to provide for the undergrounded utilities. Southern California Edison is in the design process at this time. Critical to the project will be the phasing of construction. First will be the electrical undergrounding and then the reconstruction of the streets.
If all work done at one time, would take approximately three months. Unfortunately, access to these areas is critical so the work will be phased in order to allow access to City Hall, the antique store and most importantly, the safety departments. Ideally, construction would be completed before the start of summer. Mr. Senteno noted the possibility of a temporary driveway to allow police ingress and egress. This will be discussed with the Police Department.
Commissioner Winnek asked if Staff had considered making Bard a one-way street, dumping onto Pier Ave. with diagonal parking to provide for more parking, or creating a staging area for Police or Fire in the event they needed it during festivals or training exercises.
Mr. Senteno responded that the department is considering several options including possibly closing Bard St.; making it accessible only to City vehicles during construction. Mr. Morgan stated he was in support of that option.
Commissioner Cheatham asked if the study included putting a stop sign at Pier and Bard due to Police and crosswalk usage.
Mr. Morgan stated they were in favor of a Stop sign at the intersection, although this would be the third intersection within 100 feet with a 4-way stop. He also felt there would be opposition from the public.
Commissioner Cheatham requested explanation of the funding to be used for the project. Specifically, the Downtown Enhancement Fund and the Parking Fund and how they will be used.
Mr. Morgan explained the major source of funding is the Downtown Enhancement Fund and revenues from the parking structure and meters. The benefit to the community is 20 more parking stalls. The City Manager and Finance Director have assigned the funds for the project in the current budget.
Coming forward to address the Commission were:
Steve Ashla, no address given
Stated he was there on behalf of the current leaseholder at Stars Antiques. He referred to Staff's drawings and requested more information regarding the blockage of parking caused by the project.
Mr. Morgan welcomed Mr. Ashla's comments and concerns and offered to meet with him to discuss the issues further. He stated further, he did not consider the elimination of parking for a 6-month period.
Peter Tucker, 235 34th Street
He suggested postponement of the project due to the Planning Commission's project of new streets and sidewalks and isn't clear how to tie the two projects together to avoid redundant work. He asked for consideration of the Police and Fire Departments' needs, and the Civic Center in whole, and to develop a master plan for the project, prior to undergrounding.
Commissioner Applebaum stated he thought the idea was good, however, asked who was evaluating this and how long would it take before plans come in.
Commissioner Cheatham stated he wasn't clear how a simple street repaving with some undergrounding was going to impact the Pier Ave. development and enhancement. He questioned the costs of the undergrounding. He felt the sooner 20 parking spaces could be added the better. He is also in favor of studying the addition of a stop sign at Pier and Bard.
Mr. Morgan stated he estimated the costs to be between $75,000 and $100,000, or about a third of the total cost.
Commissioner Cheatham added that he likes the idea of adding 20 spaces and also likes the ides of studying the addition of a Stop sign at Pier and Bard.
Mr. Morgan noted that he agrees with Commissioner Cheatham and thinks we can do a lot of site changes. He also noted that this project is part of the approved budget for FY 03-04. He added that capital improvement projects are approved each year and come from the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program. The much thought goes into the selection of each year's project.
-
Tree Subcommittee Report
(PDF File)
Chairman Lombardo turned the gavel over to Vice Chairman Beste and joined the presentation of this item.
Peter Tucker, Jean Lombardo, Michael Flaherty presented the Tree Committee Report. Mr. Tucker referred to the beginnings of the committee with a report previously prepared by Chris Howell, a former member of the Public Works Commission. He noted that Mr. Howell deserves a lot of credit for getting this project underway.
Mr. Tucker made reference to sections of the printed report. He explained how he had done research comparing others cities' development for tree policies. He explained the report included four quadrants of the City and recommendations for tree plantings in those areas, ultimately Staff would make the final decision based on sidewalk width dictating the size of tree, tree grates, including uniformity throughout the City.
He explained a recommendation included in the report regarding sidewalk repair, where the resident can utilize City Staff to repair a sidewalk and pay a reduced cost, or pay for the repairs from an independent source, pointing out they are responsible for the repairs.
He explained a pilot program was planned from Harper to Prospect of 14 trees, perhaps palms.
Ms. Lombardo explained the subcommittee had presented the report to the Planning Commission on October 21st. She stated that Mr. Flaherty had evaluated the recommended plantings after careful analysis of their impact.
Mr. Flaherty stated this was the first time representatives of all three commissions had joined together to make a proposal. He stated he writes up to 100 letters per year to property owners in Hermosa to mitigate issues involving their trees, mainly involving trimming. He stated the proposal includes a sidewalk as well as a tree ordinance. Further, the letter campaign has been successful to a point. This proposal will address the problems specifically, where hundreds of trees have been planted in the City right of way, there are two permits on file. This proposal will give the City a guide as to what type of tree is acceptable and should help to save $10,000 plus annually for sidewalk repairs, insurance claims, and people are being injured. The proposal will also coordinate well with the building department, where new construction occurs, the contractor will be provided with a list of acceptable trees. The list is a "living document" that can be modified over time. Once Council approves the ordinance, it leads into the Gateway Project, developed by Mr. Tucker and Ms. Lombardo, for development by Aviation and Prospect. He is comfortable due to the involvement of several Commissions.
Mr. Flaherty stated this ordinance would support the fiscal and financial responsibility of a property owner to maintain their trees, even though they are planted on City property.
Commissioner Lombardo asked for the Commission's approval prior to presenting the proposal to City Council soon.
Mr. Tucker stated the Planning Commission requires 2 36" box trees. He discovered that your required tree could be planted in the public right of way. Therefore, it was a needed item. The trees were selected for longevity as well.
Coming forth to address the Commission was:
Jeff Ginsberg, 403-417 Hermosa Ave.
He stated that he owns the apartment building, which has broken concrete in front of the building. For the past year, he has been requesting permits to plant trees in front, and has not received approval. He requested guidance to gain approval to plant trees.
Mr. Morgan explained that once Council adopts the proposed tree list, it will be available and Mr. Ginsberg can go forward. The estimated timeframe is two months.
Carla Merriman, Executive Director Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce
Stated that there are several Chamber members, who would, at their own expense, help defray the costs of a beautification program here. Further, several Chamber members are members of Mr. Tucker's Gateway beautification program to provide another entry to the City, palms would echo the palms on Hermosa Avenue and Pier Plaza, also it would be beneficial to the neighborhoods, making them very supportive.
Commissioner Winnek questioned the approved tree list, once it becomes an ordinance, calling it a suggested tree list.
Ms. Lombardo stated that because this was public property, the proposal discussed public plantings, therefore, it wasn't necessary to suggest to the Public Works Department versus tell them what should be planted. Mr. Flaherty stated that consultation would be required, for example, with contractors for plantings.
Commissioner Winnek questioned what the punishment would be for the mutilation of said trees. He also questioned the assignment of zones in regard to plantings. Ms. Lombardo explained the necessity of zone creation due to environmental conditions in those zones. Mr. Flaherty said they were very concerned about the width of the tree and creating uniformity in planting for both commercial and residential areas.
Commissioner Cheatham clarified that once the ordinance was in place, tree planting could occur on Hermosa Ave. He also inquired about the replacement of trees in certain areas. Mr. Flaherty explained there was no plan to replace those trees currently, however the sidewalks are being replaced. Mr. Cheatham inquired about the trimming of trees on City property and Mr. Flaherty explained the current ordinance provides for residential responsibility for trimming of those trees. He further explained there is no budget for trimming of residential trees planted on public property, however, will do so on request.
Commissioner Applebaum inquired about safety issues and how trimming affects visibility of stop signs. Mr. Flaherty stated they immediately trim the bush/tree to expose the stop sign using minimal labor, following up with a letter to the owner. He stated a high degree of success with this approach. Routinely, only trees are trimmed where the department has total responsibility for the tree. Mr. Applebaum clarified that the policy now called for a ticket to be issued after the letters are written. Mr. Flaherty will readdress the enforcement issue prior to submitting the proposal for approval. He further stated that the department has not had enforceable policy in the past and it has inhibited their actions. Ms. Lombardo cited the benefit of the plan to the department.
Commissioner Beste stated he is in favor of coordinating the type of plantings, and considering ADA compliance, ensures certain issues are avoided.
MOTION by Commissioner Lombardo to accept the tree report from the committee and support it going to City Council for approval. Seconded by Commissioner Applebaum.
Ayes: Beste, Applebaum, Cheatham, Lombardo
Nays: Winnek
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Motion passed.
