PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2001 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1315 VALLEY DRIVE 7:00 P.M. MINUTES

Chairman Koch brought the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

1. Roll Call
Present: Commissioners Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo and Winnek
Absent: None
Also Present:

• Stephen R. Burrell, City Manager
• Harold C. Williams, P.E., Director of Public Works/City Engineer
• Richard Garland, City Traffic Engineer
• Michael Flaherty, Public Works Superintendent
• Kenneth Kim, Assistant Engineer
• Rhea Punneo, Administrative Assistant, Public Works Department

2. Flag Salute

Commissioner Winnek led the Pledge Allegiance.

3. Approval of Minutes

Minutes of the April 4, 2001 meeting were approved as written.

4. Public Comments

Coming forward to speak at this time was:

Geoff Hirsch, Hermosa Beach   Mr. Hirsch presented documents, research and his viewpoint with regard to the number of newsracks in the City and their content. He doesn’t think sub-committee for newsracks is necessary, should only need to alter the Municipal Code and submit it to Council.

Comment by Commissioner Cheatham noting the sub-committee had met and was still in the information gathering stage.

5. Correspondence

• Letter from Barbara Kelley, Horizon Management Co., regarding the proposed removal of parking on Gould Avenue.
• Letter from Dr. Irina Gaal regarding changes to the southwest corner of the intersection of Gould Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway.

Items were received and filed – both relate to item 6a on this meeting’s agenda.

6. Items for Commission Consideration

Item 6b was taken before 6a as representatives of Caltrans and Los Angeles County Department of Public Works had not yet arrived.

a. Sepulveda Boulevard/Pacific Coast Highway Traffic Signal Improvement Project

Mr. John Hill of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works and Mr. Yunus Ghausi of Caltrans presented a revised plan for the project the following issues were addressed.

Mr. Ghausi brought with him a response addressing the following Hermosa Beach issues on Pacific Coast Highway:

Mr. Williams advised that the majority of the issues presented had been responded to at a previous Commission meeting.

Mr. Hill addressed the traffic signal issue at 2 ^nd Street and discussed adding of a south side crosswalk by splitting the phase so that there is simultaneous walk time for both legs and phased lights for vehicular traffic. If no cars coming, it will result in a longer green on PCH. Walk governed by the pedestrian button.

Chairman Koch noted that they had done a great job of alleviating the Commission’s concerns.

Coming forward to speak at this time:

Jim Lissner, 2715 El Oeste    Mr. Lissner asked that Mr. Ghausi’s information be identified as being from Caltrans. He then thanked all for the new design and suggested a minor modification – adding a white stripe between the #2 and #3 lanes. Mr. Ghausi advised that cannot be done but there will be arrows and signs. Also there will be a 60’ section of curb painted red.

Mr. Lissner also noted that the north crosswalk had been there for many years and liked a suggestion he’d heard for pedestrian crossing on demand. Mr. Ghausi responded that the crosswalk was there when the street was narrower – two lanes have been added making the path longer and more unsafe for pedestrians.

Mr. Lissner advised that he’d sent a petition to Senator Debra Bowen’s office regarding the crosswalk. Mr. Ghausi noted that he’d received the inquiry from Senator Bowen’s office and is in the process of responding to it.

Mr. Hill advised at this time that it should be noted that the crosswalk and the traffic signal improvements are separate issues.

Gordon Harvey, Villas Association, President of Board of Governors   Mr. Harvey asked about the location of the red curb – Mr. Ghausi and Mr. Hill advised that they would do what they can to have the red curb extend to their driveway.

Chris Howell, 30th Street   Mr. Howell stated that he supports restoring the crosswalk at Artesia and PCH. He also noted that the City of Manhattan Beach changed the dynamic of the intersection in the ‘90s and that eastbound traffic from the gym and Acapulco’s will be severely restricted when Manhattan Beach’s new signage is posted.

MOTION by Vice Chairman Lombardo to recommend that Council approve the project with the modifications of the striping on the west side of Gould – changes as presented this evening. Seconded by Commissioner Winnek.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None

2. Project No. CIP 00-172 Street Improvements, 21st Street from Valley Drive to Power Street – Review of Plan

Mr. Kenneth Kim of the Public Works Department presented the project and the available options. The first option would include the removal of items that have encroached into the public right-of-way and re-grading of the street by crowning the center and channelling the flow of water to the curb and gutter. The second option would entail resurfacing the existing pavement and allowing the balance of the street to remain status quo.

City Manager Burrell noted that while there was no recommendation other than to review the plans, if there was a clear consensus from the residents present for either Option 1 or 2, could come away knowing which to pursue for the design.

Commissioner discussion brought out the following:

Coming forward to address this issue were:

Lynn Schubert, Hermosa Beach   Mrs. Schubert noted that she carried the petition through the neighborhood – didn’t really discuss the extent of repairs but all agreed the street needed repair. She basically said they basically want the street to be nice looking and safe.

Roy Schubert, 553 - 21st Street   He noted that there is one existing curb and asked about whether or not it would remain or if it met the new standard (it does). He also noted that virtually all the other properties are using the right-of-way for their own use. He stated he wants Option 2.

Larry Heiller, 580 21st Street   Mr. Heiller noted that he understands how Option 1 was developed, but feels that a vote of the residents would probably result in the selection of Option 2 – the cheaper, simpler option. He said is in favor of Option 2 - re-paving and repair of center drain.   He asked for a show of hands, which resulted in a majority of votes of those present in favor of Option 2.

Lois Messer, Valley & 21st Street   A 36-year resident and asked if they are still in a flood zone. Installation of the handicap ramps made the flooding worse. She wanted to know if the improvements take this into consideration. Mr. Burrell advised that minor flooding would be addressed but she would still be in a flood zone. A very large storm drain under the sand hill to the beach would be the only solution that could remove the area as a federal flood area.

Jim Lissner, Hermosa Beach   Requested that the show of hands be entered into the record.

Further discussion among the Commissioners resulted in the following motion:

MOTION by Commissioner Winnek to follow the wishes of the majority of residents present and go with Option 2 of CIP 00-172 - 21st Street Improvements, from Valley to Power. Seconded by Vice Chairman Lombardo.
Ayes: Cheatham, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: Keegan
Absent: None
Abstain: None

c. Non-CIP Project o. 005-01 Corona Street & Prospect Avenue Street improvements – Street Barrier

Mr. Williams explained that this item is being presented for your review and support for the preliminary design of this project. The project was a result of a request by the residents to close Corona, at Prospect to eliminate shortcut traffic intrusion into neighborhood and reduces speed and potential accidents.

Mr. Ken Kim reviewed the plans for the Commission noting the current temporary barricade will be removed and a sidewalk will be built joining the existing sidewalk in effect providing a barrier for through traffic. One question received inquired about making the turn onto 14th Street from Prospect Ave. easier to which Mr. Richard Garland, City Traffic Engineer, responded that the objective of the changes had been to make the utilization of this area as a shortcut more difficult to deter usage as a shortcut. The other request received asked that the planters be done using bricks similar to those used at 14th and Prospect rather than what had been proposed by the design team.

Coming forward to address this issue:

Patricia Scelza, 1415 Corona   Has three comments to be addressed – safety, aesthetics, parking. Says that the turn is fine the way it is and the residents are happy with what’s being done. She noted that there needs to be an opening so that people will be able to walk through the green area. People are crossing regardless of the protection. If no opening or pathway, people will walk in the street and over the grass. Her driveway is right at the edge of the area and they need 21’ to back car out of driveway. If the plan stays as it is, they will be going into the grass every time they leave their driveway.

Further discussion resulted in the following motion:

MOTION by Commissioner Keegan that project be sent back to Staff for further study. Seconded by Commissioner Winnek.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None

d. Proposed Modification of Traffic Signal at Pier and Hermosa Avenues to Provide All-Pedestrian Phase

Mr. Garland stated that this item is being presented to determine the feasibility of the introduction of an all-pedestrian phase to the traffic signal at Pier and Hermosa Avenues.

Mr. Flaherty added that, if approved, they would like to include NO RIGHT TURN ON RED signage at right-turn corners.

Discussion revealed the following:

• The signals along Hermosa Avenue are not synchronized.
• Several of the commissioners would prefer there be no right turn restriction.
• Could not synchronize signals due to the STOP sign/traffic signal mix.
• Could work without right turn restrictions since is illegal to make a right turn if pedestrians are in crosswalk.
• If pedestrian button not pushed, light won’t change to pedestrian phase.
• Addition of arrows will add to equipment costs.
• Change to all-pedestrian phase would be an adjustment to the to existing equipment.

MOTION by Commissioner Keegan to pursue the all-pedestrian phasing of the traffic signals at Hermosa and Pier Avenues without the NO RIGHT TURN ON RED restriction. Seconded by Commissioner Winnek.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None

7. Commissioners’ Reports

Commissioner Cheatham asked if anyone was planning on attending Redondo Beach’s "Heart of the City" Meeting on May 3, 2001 – the harbor redevelop plan. He will be attending. Mr. Williams advised that the Director of Community Development would be attending with some of his staff.

Commissioner Winnek noted that he and Commissioner Cheatham met as the newsrack Sub-Committee. They feel that both representatives from Public Works and Finance should be added to the committee.

8. Council Agenda Items

Commissioner Keegan asked about the agenda item requesting additional funding for CIP 99-144 Bikeway & Pedestrian Path inspection services, asked if it was typical percentage. Mr. Williams responded that each project is different. In this case there was additional time involved.

Mr. Williams brought to the attention of the Commissioners the two grant applications that went to the City Council for approval all part of the department’s efforts to improve the environment and keep contaminants off the beach and out of the ocean.

9. Items Requested by Commissioners

Sepulveda Boulevard and Artesia Boulevard crosswalk was discussed earlier in the evening – see item 6a.

10. Other Matters

Mr. Williams noted that when dealing traffic issues, you should follow the three E’s of Traffic Safety - Engineering, Education and Enforcement. Can’t have traffic safety without these three things.

11. Public Comment:

Geoff Hirsch, Hermosa Beach   Mr. Hirsch re-emphasized his objections to the newsracks – location as well as content.

Commissioner Winnek commented that they are looking at what does and does not conform to code, need to revamp code. He also noted that it is not within the scope of the sub-committee to legislate or regulate content and it will not address the newsracks from a First Amendment standpoint. He suggested that Mr. Hirsch bring the subject of content to the City Council if he wishes to pursue that topic. They are working the time frame and have to develop a more definitive code.

Adjournment

At 9:08 p.m. Chairman Koch adjourned to the Workshop with City Council May 29, 2001.

Agendas / Minutes Menu     Agenda