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 City of Hermosa Beach --- 03-14-01
PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION
MINUTES
Chairman Koch brought the meeting to order at 7:01.
Roll Call
Chairman Winnek led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes Minutes of the January 10, 2001, meeting were approved as written.
Public Comment Howard Longacre, resident, Hermosa Beach -- Mr. Longacre addressed the Commission regarding the lighting problems at the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Aviation Boulevard and the steps he has taken to have them corrected. He presented some misinformation regarding the maintenance responsibilities of the lighting system . Mr. Williams corrected the information presented to accurately reflect that the Public Works Department maintains the traffic signals and is responsible for maintenance and extraordinary maintenance (knock-down) when required. The department is not, however, responsible for providing power to run the signals and safety lights. The circuit that runs the signals is fine. The circuit that runs the power for the safety lights and the street name signs is out, however, and that is an Edison issue – they have indicated that because of their current situation, they won’t be able to make that correction. At the time the matter was discussed at the City Council meeting, it was noted that it would be at least 12 weeks until they would be able to effect repairs. The department will provide an update of the situation at the next Commission meeting. Chairman Koch then asked for additional public comment. Jim Lissner, 2715 El Oeste, Hermosa Beach -- Mr. Lissner noted that he is pleased there is a Public Works Commission as they can bring more attention to an issue than the City Council can. He asked if he could address item 6 (Sepulveda Boulevard/Pacific Coast Highway Traffic Signal Improvement Project) on the agenda when it is discussed. Further, he stated that he would like to see that anything affecting traffic citywide is noticed extensively throughout the City. A discussion of noticing policy within the City followed and the basics for noticing the public are as follows:
Correspondence -- None
Items for Commission Consideration Sepulveda Boulevard/Pacific Coast Highway Traffic Signal Improvement Project This project is part of the South Bay COG project to improve the movement of goods and people along PCH through several of the cities in the South Bay. The item was presented to introduce the project to the Commission so that they may become familiar with it. A discussion of the existing traffic signals on PCH ensued. This included clarification of how the signals at 2nd Street and PCH will be improved and Mr. Williams advised that the improvements would not add delay to PCH. He stated that the goal is to minimize delay along PCH. Items discussed:
Public Comments Item 6 Mr. Longacre indicated he does not like the idea of eliminating a traffic signal along PCH. He said he would rather see the addition of a signal at 16th and PCH – Advised by Mr. Williams that during his tenure with the City two requests for a signal at this location were denied. Mr. Lissner advised he was averse to the changes at Gould and PCH indicated in the Sepulveda/Pacific Coast Highway Traffic Improvement Plans. Chairman Koch asked if the comments this evening could be addressed. Staff advised that these comments could be addressed and that the department will write a letter of inquiry to Caltrans. Chairman Koch noted that the department prefers to have written comments from the public and Mr. Williams responded that it is always better to have comments in writing. Mr. Longacre noted that this is a workshop body – that all comments should be presented. Commissioners’ Reports Commissioner Keegan said he went to a Pier Project meeting and would like to attend another. Mr. Williams presented the results of the January 30th Workshop with Council and the sub-committee. The issues discussed were: making 10th through 14th on the Strand a walk only zone – how would it be policed; should the pavement on the Strand match Pier Plaza (postponed) and should the proposed access ramp from the Plaza platform to the Pier – eliminated ramp, will have steps. Will be looking at another workshop tentatively scheduled for March 5, 2001. The sub-committee, full Council, Staff and design firm members attend the workshops.
Council Agenda Items Staff advised that items are presented here to keep the Commission informed as to status of the department and the projects that were in the mix before the Commission was formed. Commissioner Keegan asked when the poles along Pier Avenue would be coming down. Staff advised that it probably would not happen until July – the anticipated completion date for both current undergrounding projects. Commissioner Cheatham noted that CIP 95-507 Valley Park Improvements wasn’t brought to the Commission this month and Mr. Williams advised that it would be brought to the next meeting for Commission review but that it would be for information only as Parks & Recreation is the lead Commission for that project. Commissioner Cheatham inquired about the necessity of the foghorn at the end of the pier. Mr. Williams responded that the foghorn is on all area navigational charts and removing it would be a major problem. Commissioner Cheatham noted that the foghorn has speakers pointed inland and asked if it would be possible to reduce the noise coming towards the City. Mr. Williams responded that the department would find out if that were possible.
Items Requested By Commissioners Infrastructural Management Program This item was presented at the Request of Commissioner Cheatham who had asked for an update at the last Commission meeting. This report lists what was recommended and what has been done with regard to the Pavement Management Program, Sanitary Sewer Management Program and the Stormdrain Management Program. Mr. Williams noted that they need to add the notation "prior to FY 99-00" on page 4 because, as they will note in the 5-Year Plan, a great deal is to be spent on street improvements in the coming years. Commissioner Cheatham suggested that misinformation has been circulated about the street improvements within the City and asked his fellow Commissioners if they had any argument with his pursuing some positive publicity. There were no arguments. Commissioner Cheatham then asked which of the priority projects had been started and Mr. Williams responded that these were the priority projects and that he’d be happy to review it with the Commissioner.
Other Matters A joint meeting with the City Council is being planned for May 29th at 7:00 in Council Chambers to review the Commission/Council relationship. Chairman Koch asked about discussions with Edison and Mr. Williams advised that this would be coming out of the Mayor’s office or the City Manager’s office. He noted that if the Commission wished to become involved, they should ask Staff to submit a request to Council to direct the Public Works Commission to research and evaluate the possibility of cities buying power. Commissioner Keegan requested that Council be requested to instruct the Commission to review Sen. Alarcon’s bill permitting cities to buy their own power.
Public Comment Mr. Longacre commented on item 9 of the agenda asking about the status of the infrastructure and adding his thoughts that not much street work has been done and not much was planned. He also commented on the condition of water lines in the City. Mr. Williams reminded the Commissioners that they have the Five-Year Plan that was approved by Council last year and if they review the Sewer and Street Improvement sections they will see they are the centerpiece of the program. He also noted that the City is still playing catch-up from the Proposition 13 era.
Adjournment At 8:14 p.m. Chairman Koch adjourned the meeting noting the next meeting will be March 14, 2001.
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