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

1. Roll Call

   Present:	Commissioners Beste, DiVirgilio, Lombardo, Marinelli, Winnek (arrived 8:10)
   Also Present:	Richard Morgan, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Michael Flaherty, Public Works Superintendent Rhea Punneo Administrative Assistant, Public Works Department
   Absent:	Winnek

2. Flag Salute

   Commissioner Beste led the flag salute.

3. Approval of Minutes

   March 23, 2005

4. Public Comments

   None

5. Correspondence

   None

6. Items for Commission Consideration

   Please note that while items were presented out of order, they are presented in order for clarity.

   1. Disabled Parking Spaces

      Mr. Morgan presented the item, first updating all on the history of disabled parking spaces for residents in Hermosa and ending with the direction from Council at the March 22, 2005 meeting “to review all current handicapped parking spaces on residential public streets and establish a formal policy for granting these parking spaces taking into consideration such factors as whether the applicant has a garage and/or driveway; the possible requirement for Social Security Administration documentation of permanent disability, and a specific period of time for review of the continued need for a handicapped space at each location, along with consideration for dealing with temporary disabilities.” He noted that staff’s recommendation is a subcommittee of Commissioners be established to look at this more closely and develop new policies for these spaces.

      Mr. Flaherty noted that at this time there are 21 such spaces in Hermosa, including the newest on Monterey. He also noted that he believes many of the existing spaces would not qualify during a new review.

      General discussion among the Commissioners ensued, highlights included:

      • There is much divisiveness over parking among neighbors; this is a very emotional subject.
      • If necessary, ramps could be built on private property to allow for vehicle access on one’s own property.
      • There is a definite need for clear, consistent, fair guidelines.
      • Commissioners Lombardo and DiVirgilio volunteered to be on the subcommittee.
      • Could be embarrassing for some to be put in front of a public hearing to discuss their disabilities; would be good to make the policy so clear that only extreme cases could need to go to the public hearing level.
      • Look at other communities – some similar to Hermosa where parking is so dear, where density of housing is as intense.
      • The policy, once determined and approved by the Commission, would then go to Council for public hearing and final approval/direction to implement.
      • Largest complaint is about perceived misuse.

      The subcommittee consisting of Commissioners Lombardo and DiVirgilio will bring a report to the meeting of June 15, 2005.

   2. Capital Improvement Projects for FY 2005-2006

      Mr. Morgan presented the item noting that they have striven to include a lot of street projects as a result of the recent Pavement Management Study. The streets rated as “Worst” in the study – 0-10 points where 0 is worst and 100 is best.

      He reviewed the CIP spreadsheet noting that the overall higher project cost total since the major portion of the available funding will not be going to the pier renovation. He noted that there will be several utility undergrounding projects. He added that the City would be receiving $1.9 million for their lifeguard station, which is a big part of the pier renovation.

      Highlights of the discussion included:

      • Some of the streets requiring repair will also require sewer work, work more intense than lining
      • The Little League wants to do a new announcer’s booth and snack bar
      • A project for the improvement of lighting on The Strand is included
      • Key to pole replacement in the downtown area fixtures is matching the existing footprint
      • Focusing finally on City Yard – setting stage to demo and redo in order to enhance efficiency
      • More ADA changes are in store for the Community Center
      • Anticipate Pier Renovation to be complete by late August
      • Tree Ordinance to come back to PWC one more time before to Council
      • Date of Budget Workshop to be emailed to Commissioners.

7. Commissioners' Reports

   No reports were presented.

8. Public Works Department Reports

   No questions or comments.

9. Items Requested by Commissioners

   No reports were presented.

10. Other Matters

    Mr. Morgan announced that Public Works Week is this week and said how proud he is of “our men in orange.”

11. Public Comment

    Patty Egerer, 925 15th Place

    Came forward to present concerns about hydrant placement as described in the May 13th issue of the Daily Breeze and noted problems with hydrant at 1734 Prospect – Hermosa View School – wall in right-of-way and is within 5% of fire hydrant – problem of accessibility for Fire Department. Is sure should wall wasn’t done with permit.

    Asked if there’s something in the Municipal Code with regard to distance from a STOP sign to a hydrant and feels that every hydrant should be evaluated but the hydrant next to the school is the most important.

    Discussion with the Commissioners included the following:

    • Could check ADA requirements
    • Hydrant locations are checked out with Fire Chief when there’s a question
    • Mr. Morgan advised that there is a requirement that there be clearance for FD access.

    Mr. Winnek arrived at 8:10 p.m. Mr. Beste reviewed what had been discussed regarding the disabled parking policies and procedures.

12. Adjournment

    Commissioner Beste adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. to the meeting of June 15, 2005.

CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and complete record of the action taken by the Public Works Commission of Hermosa Beach at the regularly scheduled meeting of May 18, 2005.