The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m.

1. Roll Call

   Present: Commissioners, Applebaum, Beste, Cheatham, Lombardo

   Also Present: Richard Morgan, Director of Public Works/City Engineer
   Rhea Punneo, Administrative Assistant, Public Works Department

   Absent: Commissioner Winnek

2. Flag Salute

   Commissioner Lombardo led the flag salute.

3. Approval of Minutes of January 21, 2004

   Minutes were approved as written.

4. Public Comments

   None.

5. Correspondence

   None.

6. Items for Commission Consideration

   1. Update - Signal modification at 2nd St. and Hermosa Ave. (PDF File)

      Mr. Morgan updated the Commission on this item noting that Sgt. Thompson was unable to attend. In August 2003, the Commission approved a four-way stop with flashing lights be installed at 2nd Street and Hermosa Avenue, replacing the traffic signal, due to the high accident rate at this location. Sgt. Thompson's current reports indicate that since last January there have been no accidents. The Public Works Commission members have received calls of appreciation from the public for this course of action.

      Discussion among the Commissioners included the following:

      • Has heard only one complaint - pedestrians liked the green light because they did not feel rushed. Main concern was to create an accident-free zone.
      • Agreement with flashing lights as the best course of action.
      • No queues have been noted at this location.

      MOTION by Commissioner Beste to receive and file as recommended. Seconded by Commissioner Lombardo.

      AYES: Applebaum, Beste, Cheatham, Lombardo
      NAYS: None
      ABSENT: Winnek
      ABSTAIN: None

   2. Aviation Boulevard left turn lanes onto Ocean Drive (PDF File)

      This item is in response to a letter dated February 4, 2004 from Roger Bacon (who was not in attendance due to a previous engagement), a Hermosa Beach business owner, requesting that the left turn lanes on Aviation Boulevard at Ocean Drive be eliminated. Mr. Morgan stated that Staff did not feel an investigation was warranted at this time after speaking with police who felt an increase in rear-end collisions would occur should this course of action be taken. History of this location shows that the addition of a traffic light was privately funded and, with the potential onset of rear-end collisions, a left-turn lane was created as a safety measure.

      Discussion of this item highlighted the following:

      • The possibility of tabling this item for a later date to allow Mr. Bacon and others to present their request.
      • Review of fax sent to Mr. Bacon from Chief Michael Lavin. Nature of accidents does not appear to be due to the left-turn lane.
      • Shared concern over safety of this area of Aviation - from PCH to Ocean, which includes high speeds of right turns at Eastbound Aviation.
      • Traffic study, realignment and redesign of this area are warranted for safety reasons.
      • Elimination of left-turn lane would not be a viable option to promote safety at this location.
      • Removal of the left-turn lane at this location would be a safety hazard.
      • This would be a major disruption for residents who live in this area.
      • Possibly including this area in the pending study/redesign of Aviation/PCH to be done with Caltrans.

      MOTION by Commissioner Cheatham to accept Staff recommendation to deny request to do traffic study and remove left-turn lane at this time, but to revise the pending Aviation/PCH traffic study to be done by Caltrans, to include Ocean Drive location. Seconded by Commissioner Beste.

      AYES: Applebaum, Beste, Cheatham, Lombardo
      NAYS: None
      ABSENT: Winnek
      ABSTAIN: None

   3. Public Works Private Development/Plan Check Procedure Manual (PDF File)

      Mr. Morgan explained that this document has been prepared to assist applicants with Public Works approval of new developments. Six months ago a new policy was implemented requiring applicants to submit a second set of plans, which are referred to as "C" (civil) sheets, be submitted for Public Works which can be reviewed concurrently with plans in the Building & Safety Department in order to reduce the review/approval time for applicants.

      Mr. Morgan believes that 90% of the questions, requirements and standards are addressed in this document and it should assist in the production of better quality submittals. Also, it addresses the issue of consistency and uniformity in application of the Municipal Code, explanation of fees, required permits, and provides sample plans. This document is also available in digital format, soon to be published on-line for applicant use and reference and will be available to the public tomorrow. This document will also be presented next month at a quarterly meeting with architects and developers. Mr. Morgan then proceeded to give the Commissioners an overview and discuss specific areas of the document.

      Discussion among the Commissioners included the following:

      • Clarification that this document does not need City Council approval since there is no policy involved, but is an information packet only.
      • Whether all streets exempt from sidewalks are addressed within the manual - referred to Page 106, 4 of 4. Mr. Morgan to double-check this issue.
      • Clarified that streets that are asphalt over concrete streets are to be treated as asphalt.
      • Trench standards are included on Page 117, 1 of 1, but have not yet achieved the ultimate goal of addressing the uniqueness of Hermosa Beach. Mr. Morgan will double-check that the trench width is included in the document.
      • Whether cement slurry should be the required standard for trenching.
      • Clarification that other departments handle utility contacts so they are not included in this document.
      • Agreed that this document is a good communication tool to assist residents.

      MOTION by Commissioner Cheatham to Receive and File as recommended. Seconded by Commissioner Lombardo.

      AYES: Applebaum, Beste, Cheatham, Lombardo
      NAYS: None
      ABSENT: Winnek
      ABSTAIN: None

7. Commissioners' Reports

   Commissioner Cheatham requested an update on the newsracks:

   • Council directed Staff to enforce existing ordinance rather than changing and installing new racks.
   • Staff is enforcing the existing ordinance, which requires a $15 permit for each newsrack location and meet all standards such as being in good condition, not blocking ADA access, etc.
   • Limits have been set to limit the number of newsracks at each location. The top limit has been established at 18 (at the Post Office). At the Post Office, the racks were moved to the back of walk, facing the street thereby allowing people to open their car doors without banging them on the newsracks.
   • Grace period extended to end of February 2004 for permits or newsracks will be removed.
   • Ordinance standard allows 30" maximum width, which will be enforced.
   • Most newsracks have been replaced with newer, modular racks.
   • 90% have been permitted to date.
   • Most commercial establishments would like to have them removed, but they are in the public right-of-way.

   Commissioner Lombardo advised that the Tree Sub-Committee is still on going. Staff is in the process of working with the City Attorney for the proper language of the ordinance. The standard within this ordinance is being utilized.

   Commissioner Lombardo informed everyone that the Dewey Memorial Project is still alive and well. Mr. Morgan indicated that the fund-raising continues. It was mentioned in the Spring catalog and we will look forward to a larger layout in the Summer catalog.

8. Council Minutes - 12/9/03 and 1/13/04; Agendas - 1/27/04, 2/10/04

   Receive and file all.

9. Items Requested by Commissioners

   Commissioner Beste requested agenda items for:

   • Parkway standards.
   • Temporary encroachment permits - need standards.

   Commissioner Lombardo requested that the March Commission meeting be postponed until March 24, 2004, as Mr. Morgan will be unavailable. The Commissioners agreed to the changed meeting date.

10. Other Matters

    Commissioner Cheatham asked that Mr. Morgan give thought to the plans for the parade route for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day parade.

    Commissioner Lombardo informed everyone that next month is Women's History Month and Youth Art Month.

    Mr. Cheatham inquired about the markings on the street being included in the pavement management study currently being conducted. This will be a part of the pavement management study and the first draft should be received at the end of the month along with digital photos.

11. Public Comment: Anyone wishing to address the Commission on other items pertaining to Public Works may do so at this time.

    None.

12. Adjournment

    Chairman Lombardo adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m. to the meeting of March 24, 2004.