The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.

1. Roll Call

   Present: Commissioners, Applebaum, Beste, Cheatham, Lombardo, Winnek

   Also Present: Richard Morgan, Director of Public Works/City Engineer

   Absent: Michael Flaherty, Public Works Superintendent
   Rhea Punneo, Administrative Assistant, Public Works Department

2. Flag Salute

   Commissioner Lombardo led the flag salute.

3. Approval of Minutes of March 24, 2004

   Minutes were approved as corrected: Item 6a, Page 3, Motion 2: '...for a 60 day trial period to ...'

4. Public Comment

   None.

5. Correspondence

   In response to the letter from Mrs. Sandy Canter and the residents of 2nd Street, Mr. Morgan stated that there was increased police enforcement with two officers for 8 hours over a 10 - 12 day period issuing five tickets to drivers who illegally enter this one-way street. Also, an electric sign was in place with additional permanent signs to be put in place. The residents have expressed appreciation to the Public Works and Police Departments for its efforts.

   Discussion among the Commissioners included:

   • Did the Police Department feel this was an issue on other one-way streets? Not known at this time.
   • There have been 5 potentially dangerous incidents, one of which was a motorist driving 40 mph in reverse.
   • What is the fine amount for these citations?

   Ms. Canter arrived towards the end of the meeting; her comments are presented here for clarity.

   • Ms. Canter thanked the Commission, Staff and Police Department for timely response to this serious situation, which made it unnecessary for other residents to attend this meeting.
   • Has spoken with law enforcement and they have issued 5 tickets to date.
   • The current signage has decreased wrong-way traffic on 2nd Street.
   • As this is a small narrow street, the danger is increased. Has witnessed near-accidents in the past and was in a near-accident on Saturday night.
   • Has noticed that moving vans and commercial vehicles are often utilizing 2nd Street as a short cut.
   • Digital sign lost its solar power and was blank for three days.
   • This issue should be brought up at Council to address signage and two businesses located on the corner.
   • Believes that ticketing is the best deterrent.
   • Feels that larger signs are needed.
   • Residents have thrown newspapers and apples and have used their cars to block entry to the street.
   • License plates have been recorded and reported to the Police Department. The Police Department stated they would send letters to those drivers.
   • She believes businesses should be made aware of this situation, as some employees are believed to be wrong-way drivers.

   Mr. Morgan discussed the current signage. There is currently one on the right and the left. Mr. Morgan believes that the key to this problem is enforcement and not a lack of signage. Mr. Morgan also informed Mrs. Canter that the sign is moved around the City but if there is still a problem, she shouldn't hesitate to contact Public Works and the issue would be revisited.

6. Items for Commission Consideration

   1. Pier Ave. Business Employee Permit Parking (PDF File)

      Mr. Morgan presented this item for consideration advising holding a public hearing. The installation of metered parking on Pier Avenue between Valley Drive and Hermosa Avenue prompted business owners to express concern for a lack of available parking for their employees. Staff has been directed by Council to investigate employee parking programs similar to the one used in Redondo Beach's Riviera Village where one out of every four meters is designated for permit parking (and/or public use) for 9 hours/day at a charge of $50 per year. Mr. Morgan believes that some business owners may prefer that their employees walk since Ardmore Ave., some City Hall parking areas, and the alley are currently available for no-cost employee parking. Additional availability would be on 22nd Street and Bard Street. All meters will be silver, none will be yellow. Mr. Morgan encouraged Commissioners to bring up ideas and the focus should remain on employee parking.

      Discussion among the Commissioners included:

      • The inclusion of business owners and residents in the employee parking permit process, possibly determined by a certain radius.
      • Increased expansion continuing to limit parking.
      • Parking on Valley Dr. is currently 12 hours/day, could be expanded to allow residents access.
      • Metering of Bard St. has not yet been determined.
      • Promoting an alternate means of transportation for employees.
      • Review current parking at Vons' parking structure; potentially could contract for parking on weekends and at night.

      MOTION by Commissioner Lombardo to schedule this matter for a public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Applebaum.

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

   2. Replacement of Community Center Marquee (PDF File)

      Mr. Morgan presented the item, noting that the City Manager has asked that and the Public Works Commission look into replacing the current Community Center marquee as well as determining a source of funding. At the present time, changing the marquee requires 2 men 4 - 6 hours. Mr. Morgan presented a picture of a basic marquee (a black background with amber digital lettering), which would cost approximately $50,000 for the electronic signboard alone, not including the support structure. This would mean that the cost would be approximately $100,000 for a two-sided marquee plus the support structure.

      Discussion of this item highlighted the following:

      • Need for obtaining a sponsor
      • Layout of the sign where two lines scroll independent of each other
      • Talk with Mira Costa regarding their marquee
      • Enlist the assistance of the Chamber of Commerce
      • Investigate bonds/grants for Amber Alerts.
      • Possible alternative of installing signboard on PCH side of Community Center eliminating need for support structure.

      The Commission determined the necessity of a sub-committee to potential financing other than using City funding. The sub-committee, consisting of Mr. Applebaum and Mr. Winnek, will report back to the Commission.

7. Commissioners' Reports

   Commissioner Lombardo:

   • Status of trees policy? Mr. Morgan will speak with Mr. Flaherty to expedite this process.
   • Thanked the City for its quick response to residents. Commissioner Lombardo recently had a need to contact Animal Control and the response was immediate.

8. Council Minutes and/or Agendas: 2/24/04, 3/9/04, 3/23/04; Minutes: 4/13/04 Agenda

   Receive and file all.

9. Items Requested by Commissioners

   Commissioner Applebaum inquired about status of the Pavement Management Study. Mr. Morgan advised that the Capital Improvement Program has been drastically slashed; most projects are currently on hold for this year and next. The sub-committee will remain in place to meet prior to May 18th. The scenarios have not yet been run due to a lack of budget. Commissioner Beste suggested that a scenario be run to show what a delay will cost the City should it wait. Commissioner Lombardo suggested a show of unity at the upcoming Budget Hearing. Overall, it was determined that the entire Commission should attend the upcoming Council meeting to address this issue and show support. It was suggested that only two Commissioners speak to this issue.

10. Other Matters

    None.

11. Public Comment

    Commissioner Lombardo acknowledged Mrs. Canter's presence and invited her to speak at this time.

12. Adjournment

    Chairman Lombardo adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m. to the meeting of May 19, 2004.