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.
- Parking both east and west of the intersection will be
retained and still provides for the planned traffic
improvements
- The two left turn lanes plans will be adjusted so only 3
parking spots will be eliminated.
- A request had been received from the City of Manhattan
Beach to create a 2
nd
westbound lane on Artesia to increase the number of right
turns during peak traffic hours. Traffic study concluded not
possible but they will be extending the length of the right
turn lane
Mr. Ghausi brought with him a response addressing the
following Hermosa Beach issues on Pacific Coast Highway:
- U-turns on PCH – safety, vehicular conflict
blocking through movement
- Elimination of parking on south side of Gould –
will be re-striping eastbound approach thereby maintaining
18’ width of the #3 lane
- Absence of the crosswalk at north side of Artesia/PCH
intersection.- removal was due to high right turn volume from
Artesia onto Sepulveda, high left turn volume from Gould into
northbound traffic, addition of lanes when intersection
redone widened roadway making this unsafe for pedestrian
traffic – longer path
- No raised, landscaped medians in Hermosa Beach – it
is designated as a conventional highway with painted
channelization
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
-
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:
- It appeared that more properties in the area would be
able to conform to the requirements than not.
- It is not known exactly how many residents are currently
encroaching into the public right-of-way.
- The petition originally requested that the street be
re-paved.
- The petition included signatures from the majority of
residents.
- Council added the project during a budget session last
year.
- Standards have changed within the City.
- It would take specific Council action to put sidewalks in
this area as it is an area that is exempt from putting in
sidewalks.
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.
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