The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.

1. Roll Call

   Present: Commissioners Beste, Cheatham, Lombardo, Winnek

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

   Absent: Commissioner Applebaum

2. Flag Salute

   Commissioner Cheatham led flag salute.

3. Approval of Minutes of Apil 21, 2004

   Minutes were approved as published.

4. Public Comments

   Ed Hart, 419 Pier Avenue

   Recommended using the lot located West of the Marineland Mobile Homes for Hermosa Beach employees.

   Commissioner Cheatham advised that the location had been looked at the possibility of utilizing this area for parking.

5. Correspondence

   None

6. Items for Commission Consideration

   1. Pier Avenue Employee Parking (PDF File)

      Mr. Morgan presented the item, advising the Commission that this issue arose as a result of the installation of parking meters on Pier Avenue between Valley Drive and Hermosa Avenue. The new parking meter program will be up and running on Friday, May 21, 2004. Staff determined that it would be beneficial to receive public comments to hear the needs of business owners and their employees. Mr. Morgan noted that Redondo Beach has a program running in Riviera Village wherein parking permits are issued to the employers and permits are tracked as part of an assessment. Pier Plaza near the beach has a parking permit already in place, but this is a different scenario since the entire area is metered and employees do not utilize public parking areas. Mr. Morgan presented a map of the existing un-restricted public parking in the upper Pier Avenue area. Business owners and employees who were present were given a copy of the map. Mr. Morgan reviewed each parking area on the map. It was noted Area 7 - Community Center Parking is not unrestricted but limited to 12 hours. In addition, Mr. Flaherty noted that a sign is posted on the East entrance on 11th Street, which states no parking from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. Mr. Morgan also noted that Ardmore Ave. almost always has parking available in that area.

      Public comments included the following:

      Frank Hallstein, 555 Pier Avenue (Hermosa Lock & Safe)

      • Seal Beach had this program but terminated this program due to public dislike.
      • Cited late receipt or non-receipt of public notices.
      • Redondo Beach employee parking beyond the limit set by the meter. In the silver metered area it is for 2 hours.
      • Took a consensus among affected business owners about starting a Shuttle Service for their employees from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. for upper Pier Avenue. Suggested that the business owners could pay for the service (buy a van) and employees could park along Valley Drive. He also suggested purchasing a cell phone so employees could call for pick-up.
      • Shuttle service could affect Farmers Market, Women Club and Little League.

      Mr. Morgan noted that the shuttle service idea has merit, especially at night. It wouldn't have to be dedicated to a certain lot but could be accessed anywhere.

      Ed Hart, 419 Pier Avenue (Maximus Salon)

      • Is opposed to permit parking for employees, as this would adversely affect customer parking.
      • Reiterated recommendation for utilizing area near Marineland Mobile Homes for parking spaces.

      Mr. Hart asked for clarification regarding this location. Mr. Hart noted that it is located near Area 9 on the parking handout. Mr. Morgan stated that there is excess right-of-way along the alley. Any parking behind the businesses is private property. Mr. Flaherty noted that the hillside is private property. Approximately 12 - 14 feet on the West side is public right-of-way bordering the Loma pave out. Mr. Morgan stated that he would make a point of investigating this area. Commissioner Winnek asked what how many parking spaces this area would yield. Mr. Morgan stated approximately 20 - 30 single parallel spaces.

      Joe Carrillo, 316 Pier (Fritto Misto)

      • Manager of Fritto Misto
      • At this location 3 years, 3 months.
      • Their employees are not allowed to park on Pier Avenue.
      • Opposed to employee permit parking as would further limit customer parking.
      • There are other areas to park.
      • Suggested designating a certain lot for employee parking.
      • Parking is an issue. Is partnering with other business to start a valet service for restaurants in the areas.
      • Suggesting limiting permit parking for the morning hours only.

      Mr. Flaherty asked the business owners present if they knew the total number of employees and vehicles used in order to help match them with available parking. Mr. Beste added schedules would be helpful as well. Mr. Flaherty noted that, as an example, the City of Hermosa has 140 employees but only 60 parking spaces, which works due to employee shift rotations.

      Commissioner Lombardo asked Mr. Carrillo where they envisioned parking cars utilizing their valet service. Mr. Carrillo said they would use an area further out, such as the tennis courts.

      Mr. Morgan again requested that each business owner present take a copy of the handout designating current available parking. This could also be photocopied and handed out to customers.

      Discussion among the Commissioners noted the following:

      • More time needed to study this issue in order to effectively allocate parking without upsetting residents.
      • Investigate private property and possibly rent or lease spaces.
      • Do not wish to extend employee parking into residential areas.
      • Determine if Conditional Use Permits for businesses on Pier Avenue provide for employee parking.
      • Was suggested during recent election that could look into Hope Chapel parking lot and provide a shuttle service.
      • Parking on Pier Avenue should be reserved for customers.
      • Remote employee parking lots should allow for greater than 8 hour parking limits.
      • Civic Center parking not encouraged as an employee parking lot.
      • In remote parking areas, lighting should be determined to be adequate for security reasons.
      • Establish a way for Public Works to work with businesses in order to create a shuttle service.
      • There may be interest in creating a permit-parking program within the Vons parking structure. The lot management firm would not want to be responsible for collecting fees and would want to be sure that there is flexibility within the agreement to decrease permits should their demand increase for parking. The morning hours are currently being under-utilized.
      • Consensus to not put employee permit parking on Pier Avenue.
      • Community Center parking is under-utilized in the evening hours.
      • Suggested that businesses team together to solve parking issues. For example, exchanging parking for those businesses that have opposite hours of operations.
      • Need for a sub-committee is not needed at this time.

      Mr. Morgan noted that he'd been in touch with the representative of the property management firm running the Vons shopping area and had so far received a positive response. He also noted that the permits would be collected through the City but they did not want to stifle any growth potential for the property. He also said that there are many spaces in that parking structure.

      Mr. Morgan offered his assistance to work with business owners in establishing a shuttle service. Also, will follow-up with change machines for parking meters.

      No motion was necessary on this issue.

   2. Removal of Eucalyptus Tree from Prospect Avenue between 4th & 5th Sts., west side (PDF File)

      This item was presented in response to request from a property owner who is building a home on the east side of the tree. He requested that this 100-foot tree be removed as it would obstruct the view of the ocean. The property owner said it would be replaced with three agreed-upon trees at his own expense. The neighbor immediately adjacent to this tree was contacted and agreed that he would like this tree removed as it is causing damage to his property (concrete walkway, fence, branches in yard, etc.) Over the years, the City and the adjacent property owner have spent considerable amounts of money trimming the tree and removing branches that have fallen into the street or into the property owner's yard. Staff supports removal of this tree.

      Currently, City policy is that no tree that will grow to this size would be permitted to be planted in the public right-of-way. After investigation, Staff received correspondence from several residents opposing removal. Staff, therefore, invited the public to speak on this matter.

      Mr. Morgan noted that the department always considers the adjacent property owner's wishes. He also said that he believes the tree should be pruned back for safety purposes.

      Public comments included the following:

      Lee Metzenbaum, 436 Gentry

      • In favor of removing this tree.
      • Moved into the area in 1983 and at that time there were two trees at that location.. Subsequently, one was removed.
      • Feels the tree is a hazard - that it will fall over and injure some people and/or buildings.
      • Residence is one block away.
      • Lives adjacent to Park and likes the trees that are planted in there.
      • Something more reasonable should be planted in that spot.

      Bill Belton, 1038 5th St.

      • In favor of removing this tree.
      • Has lived on adjacent property since 1974.
      • Tree limbs and branches have dropped onto his property, have hit his home.
      • Tree is a constant source of aggravation.
      • Trimming has only recently taken place and has helped somewhat with falling branches.
      • One of the trees was on his property and leaned out over Prospect, which dropped a large branch into the street. He paid to have removed.
      • Twice he has had fallen branches removed from his yard.
      • Large amount of debris in his yard from this tree.
      • Damage to property - knocked down a retaining wall, lifted pavement, which damaged fence.
      • Since being trimmed, it no longer drops branches.
      • Unable to plant a garden, since roots from tree draw out all of the moisture from the soil.
      • Not against trees.

      Bob Sencer, 1041 4th

      • Opposed to removal of this tree.
      • Referenced his letter sent April 7th with signature of his neighbors.
      • Sympathetic to adjacent neighbor's plight.
      • Believes a balanced equity of benefits versus negatives should be considered.
      • Benefit includes shade and noise reduction.
      • Purchased his home in 1999 and the tree was key in consideration to purchase.

      Gloria Freeze, 444 & 446 Prospect Ave.

      • Opposed to removal of this tree.
      • Believes it was careless of City to allow tree to grow to this height.
      • Requested this tree been topped and pruned.
      • Moved into current residence in 1973 (446 resident also).

      Monica Riggs, 1035 4th

      • Opposed to removal of this tree.
      • Believes the beauty of this tree adds to the neighborhood.
      • Noted that neighbors at 1040 - Holmans and 1036 - Alonsos asked that their opposition also be voiced - noted letters sent to Staff.

      Toni Borunda, 444 Prospect Ave.

      • Opposed to removal of this tree.
      • What would replace the tree after removal? (Mr. Morgan - it will be replaced with three (3) trees from a list of approved trees.)
      • Likes that the trees obstruct views into yards of particular homes.

      Terry Bowes, 1045 4th St.

      • Opposes the removal of this tree for the view.
      • Tree is beautiful. Needs to be topped, trimmed and maintained.
      • Feels bad for neighbor.
      • Tree is a good sound barrier.
      • Purchased current property in 1970.
      • Does not want a precedence started with removing trees for views.

      Discussion among the Commission highlighted the following:

      • Trees have a certain lifespan, too large and need to remove.
      • Health of tree.
      • Who pays for the maintenance of this tree? Mr. Morgan - codes stated that unless planted by City, the adjacent property owner bears responsibility.
      • Sound absorption benefit and home for birds, etc.
      • Replacement of this tree with mature trees with foliage, not Queen Palms.
      • Eucalyptus trees are problematic.
      • Clarification of permit needed to alter/cut down a tree in the public right-of-way.
      • Site abatement issue.
      • Concern with nuisance at 1038 and cost to continue to maintain.
      • Question of where jurisdiction lies with this issue.
      • There is no budget for continual trimming and maintenance of this tree. Trimming only spurs growth.
      • Topping a tree is very expensive.
      • Explore issues to have developer (initiator of the request to remove the tree) to absorb the cost of topping.
      • Topping not resolving the issue of damage to adjacent property.

      MOTION by Commissioner Winnek to not take any action to remove the tree at this time. Seconded by Commissioner Lombardo.

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

      It was noted that this motion does not preclude Staff from further investigations and that this decision may be appealed at the City Council level.

   3. Request for Stop Sign on 8th Place at Ocean Drive (PDF File)

      A resident requested via letter that stop signs be installed on 8th Place where it intersects Ocean Drive, converting the intersection from a two-way stop to a four-way stop. Sgt. Thompson of the HBPD concurs that this intersection should be a 4-way stop. The stop signs would be installed to slow down traffic in this area where the street slopes steeply. The residents also requested speed humps but the grade is too steep for the humps.

      It was also noted that the location would not meet a warrant analysis for the four-way stop, which would include: Accidents - no accidents were recorded at this location; although residents have stated that there were accidents and near-accidents. Volume of traffic - is not significant enough to warrant a stop sign. Pending recommendation of the Commission, this item would then be submitted to Council for approval based on safety. Mr. Morgan explained that with the installation of traffic slowing devices, accidents might increase. With increased liability, warrants ensure that the City is on solid footing. However, Staff believes that conversion to a 4-way stop would be a calming measure in this instance.

      Commissioner Lombardo cited instructions for public comment and opened the floor.

      David Kephart, 929 8th Place

      • Has been a resident since 1999 and initiated this request.
      • Speeding is a problem.
      • There are a lot of children on this block and safety is a concern.
      • Two residents in attendance have had accidents.
      • Collected signatures of residents from Ocean to Pacific Coast Highway and they are in agreement to the installation of this 4-way stop sign.
      • Cited traffic traveling at speeds of 60 - 70 mph.
      • Have collected license plate numbers have not been very effective.
      • How soon can this measure be implemented?

      Greg Tucker, 850 8th Place

      • A resident on this street since 1982.
      • This is a small street off of Pacific Coast Highway.
      • Lots of small kids on this block.
      • A major safety issue for motorists and children.
      • Willing to pay for the stop sign.
      • Invited Commission to visit this area.

      Eric Rayl, 920 8th Place

      • Has lived on this street for 7 years.
      • Someone hit the curb and knocked bricks from a wall in front of his home. Did not report accident as insurance covered repairs costs and there were no injuries.
      • Believes that the stop sign would be a start.
      • Suggested placing red at the corner to remove increase visibility at the intersection.
      • Suggested speed bumps.

      Ellie Castro-Bordano, 940 8th Place

      • A resident since 1978.
      • Also involved in an accident. Believes if there had been a stop sign it could have been avoided.
      • Believes people ignore the existing stop signs on Ocean Drive.

      Patty Wegener, 945 8th Place

      • Works in the auto claims industry for last 24 years.
      • Has lived on this street for 10 years and over the last 3 years have seen a dramatic increase in speeders.
      • Concerned for her safety in her yard with the reckless speeding on this street.
      • Requested that stop signs be installed to bring a peace of mind to the residents.

      Betty Tucker

      • Has children and will not allow them to play in the front yard due to safety concerns.
      • Would like to be able to use front yard.
      • Believes that used car businesses nearby speed while test-driving vehicles in the area.
      • Believes a stop sign would be helpful.

      Lorena Duarte, 929 8th Place

      • Concerned about the safety of children on this street.
      • Please consider implementation of stop sign.

      Discussion among the Commission included the following:

      • Noted that they want this to be a four-way (all-way) stop.
      • A speed survey wouldn't help to determine the need - the perception of speed is greater than actual - one commissioner not comfortable that this location doesn't meet warrant criteria.
      • Could take out parking space to enhance visibility - not a popular option.

      MOTION by Commissioner Beste to support Staff's recommendation to install stop signs on 8th Place where it intersects with Ocean Drive. Seconded by Commissioner Winnek.

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

      Mr. Morgan noted that the installation of speed humps had been investigated but the steepness of the street precluded this action. Mr. Flaherty noted that parking is second only to trees as far as residents are concerned and suggested that the support of the those owning the corner properties be obtained before any action is taken.

      Mr. Morgan reiterated that since this request does not meet warrant analysis, it requires Council approval. Residents may be notified to attend Council meeting to speak to this issue should this become necessary.

7. Commissioners' Reports

   Marquee Sub-Committee report by Commissioner Winnek.

   1. . The Marquee Sub-Committee has had discussions and following up on tracking down current owners in different cities with regard to cost, size, etc.
   2. . Suggestions for location of a new marquee include: facing east or moving to middle of Community Center.
   3. . Funding is being researched for a dual-purpose marquee. Department of Energy and Homeland Security have funds available. Department of Transportation also has some funds available. Department of Energy seems the best source as they have grants that continually review. Can't locate any state grants.
   4. . May bring this issue before Commission again for more time and help in bringing in businesses and Fire and Police Departments to assist in getting funds.

8. Council Minutes - 4/13/04, 4/27/04; Agenda - 5/11/04

   Receive and file all.

9. Items Requested by Commissioners

   Commissioner Cheatham inquired as to status of capital improvement projects for the next fiscal year. Mr. Morgan advised they are waiting for council direction. Mr. Morgan tanked Mr. Beste for his attendance at the Budget Workshop the previous evening. Commissioner Beste encouraged his fellow Commissioners to get involved in this area. He noted that they need to take this on and show support for Council developing additional funding sources.

   Mr. Morgan reported on the Final Pavement Study, which states that $14 million would have to be spent over 5 years to bring the streets to the critical PCI level. Staff believes this can be done for less than the recommended amount due to the uniqueness of the sand base under our streets. Mr. Morgan noted that they've had good results with overlays since sand provides sub-surface drainage and he believes that spending approximately $2 million/year over 5 years to improve the streets then approximately $1 million a year to maintain that condition. Mr. Morgan explained that breaking the City into five (5) zones is a plan of attack that would best solve Hermosa Beach's street repair. Each year we would rehabilitate all the streets in a zone.

   Commissioner Cheatham asked if the zones took into consideration the underground work to be done on most streets. Mr. Morgan answered yes, that will be a consideration.

   Commissioner Cheatham also wanted to alleviate the perception that streets were paved not solely due to resident's requests but that the Pavement Management Study and field investigation are used to make the final decisions.

10. Other Matters

    Mr. Flaherty announced that it is National Public Works Week. Congratulated Commission and invited them to attend the BBQ Pot Luck on the 20th at 11:30. It was noted that the Commission had received the official invitation.

    Commissioner Lombardo expressed that she is extremely proud of the Public Works Department.

11. Public Comment

    None

12. Adjournment

    Chairman Lombardo adjourned the meeting at 8:56 p.m. to the meeting of June 16, 2004.