PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 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: Harold C. Williams, P.E., Director of Public Works/City Engineer
                        Richard Garland, City Traffic Engineer
                        Michael Flaherty, Public Works Superintendent
                        Homayoun Behboodi, Associate Engineer
                        Rhea Punneo, Administrative Assistant, Public Works Department

2. Flag Salute

Commissioner Keegan led the Pledge Allegiance.

3. Approval of Minutes

Minutes of the May 2, 2001, meeting were approved as written.

4. Public Comments - No one came forward at this time.

5. Correspondence - None

6. Items for Commission Consideration

1. Presentation of the Adopt-A-Storm-Drain Program

Mr. Paul Polizzotti of the Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program presented an overview of the non-profit program aimed at bringing corporations and municipalities together to help fund the meeting of the City’s clean water goals.

The ensuing discussion highlighted the following:

• No City funds would be involved – program would be supported by private funding only
• Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach City Councils have voted to move forward with this program
• Adopt-A-Storm-Drain will raise the funds; City will determine how funds will be spent
• Signage is a major concern; it was noted that no signs would be posted until specific projects were determined
• Program is along the same lines as Adopt-A-Highway, which currently has a 3-year waiting list
• More information about the program will be obtained, then program will be brought to Council for their approval

Further discussion resulted in the following motion:

MOTION by Commissioner Winnek to support the Adopt-A-Storm-Drain Program and send back to Staff to be sent on to City Council. Seconded by Vice Chairman Lombardo.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None

2. Request to install T’s & L’s with Red Curb Between Spaces on the 600 Block of Gould Avenue

Responding to the request of Mrs. Betty Schultz of 670 Gould Avenue, a field review was done to confirm the need for marked parking spaces with red curb between spaces as a traffic safety measure – in order to eliminate the possibility of high-profile vehicles parking at or near the entrance to the driveway thereby effectively blocking her view when exiting. After the field study and a review of the California Vehicle code, Staff determined that the request situation should remain status quo.

Coming forward to speak at this time was:

Mrs. Betty Schultz, 670 Gould Avenue - Mrs. Schultz noted that she’s been a resident for 40 years; that this is a very important safety issue as the safety coming out of her driveway is impeded; that the recreational vehicles (RVs) were a continuing problem; that she hopes the Commission will consider some solution.

Discussion brought out the following:

• The RVs were not owned by residents or neighbors
• There’d been more than one RV
• People were actually living in the RVs
• There is an ordinance regarding 72-hour parking
• Staff will speak to the appropriate department regarding stepped up enforcement
• A licensed vehicle may park anywhere unless prohibited
• By law, large vehicles are permitted to use two parking spaces
• Red curb can be painted at Mrs. Schultz’s driveway

Further discussion resulted in the following motion:

MOTION by Commissioner Winnek to support Staff’s recommendation to deny the request to install T’s & L’s with red curb between spaces on the 600 block of Gould Avenue. Seconded by Chairman Koch.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None 

3. Request for creation of 3-way stop on Valley Drive at 11th Street

Mr. Garland presented the item noting that a technical analysis of the intersection indicated that a stop sign at subject location was not warranted using Caltrans criteria as a guideline – that the results were below state recommended guidelines. Included with the request for a 3-way stop at this intersection was a request for a reduction of the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph. Staff’s recommendation was to deny the request for the 3-way stop and send the request for reduced speed back to Staff for a special speed survey.

Discussion following the presentation brought out the following:

• Addition of a stop sign can subject the area to both economical and environment impact which would include dramatically increased air emissions, noise, fuel consumption and risk of rear-end collisions
• A survey is done every 5 years in most cities with regard to speed limits – reduction of speed limits can only be done if justified by the survey
• Speed limit could be lowered by an action of Council but, if not a result of the survey, could not be enforced by radar – would be considered a speed trap (has been done on Gould Avenue)
• Could be a problem with enforcement
• Posting of a temporary lower speed limit (during Farmers Market) could lull people into a false sense of security

Coming forward to speak on this issue:

Larry Danlasky, 519 - 11th Street : Mr. Danlasky noted that he is the originator of the request; that Valley is a heavily walked street; that there are often many children on the very narrow sidewalk; the Farmers Market creates difficulties every Friday; that the crosswalk sign on 11th is covered by a tree; vehicles turn right at high speeds; noted that request for no parking on corner of 11th Street was not addressed; that the crosswalk was not painted correctly.

Donald Collier, 448 - 11th Street : Mr. Collier noted that he has been investigating accidents for 5 years; that people need more time to see the intersection; that this is a unique situation.

Brian Powell, 531 - 11th Street : Mr. Powell asked why the stop was installed at Valley and 6th

The ensuing discussion resulted in the following highlights:

• The crosswalk at subject intersection is painted correctly
• Council will make the final decision as to whether or not a stop sign goes in
• Can’t speed when Farmers Market in operation
• Traffic will slow at the new stop sign but will speed up to make up the time lost
• Safety of pedestrians should be paramount
• Trees on the corner are on private property
• A sight/distance problem for City vehicles leaving the City Yard predicated the installation of the stop sign at Valley and 6th
• There is a signal at Prospect and 16th that is a solid green until a pedestrian pushes the button
• Staff will request stepped up enforcement of speed limit
• Staff didn’t ignore Mr. Danlasky’s request for red curb on 11th (Public Works Department has authority to paint red curb) – waiting for the results of this meeting before proceeding.

Discussion led to the following motions:

MOTION by Vice Chairman Lombardo to direct Staff to look into alternative crossing stoplight be used when button pushed (and bring information back to the Commission at the July 11, 2001, meeting. Seconded by Chairman Koch.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo
Noes: Winnek
Absent: None
Abstain: None

MOTION by Commissioner Winnek to leave speed limit as is and do not direct Staff to do a new survey. Seconded by Vice Chairman Lombardo.
Ayes: Cheatham, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: Keegan
Absent: None
Abstain: None

8:30 – Recess
8:48 – Meeting Resumed

d. Request for 120’ of red curb south side of Gould Avenue, west of Porter Lane

Mr. Richard Garland presented the item, recommending that the request to install 120’ of red curb on the south side of Gould Avenue west of Porter Lane be denied, that Staff be directed to install 20’ of red curb on the south side of Gould west of Porter Land; and that Staff be directed to research the feasibility of adopting an ordinance or resolution to prohibit the parking of vehicles 6’ or higher within 100’ of an intersection.

Discussion highlighted the following:

• 20’ is one vehicle
• Moving 1st parking space back 20’ is standard at non-signalized intersections
• Restricting high profile vehicles could make things difficult for movers, residents purchasing these vehicles
• 120’ of red curb would result in the elimination of 6-7 parking spaces

Stepping forward to address this item was:

Gordon Harvey, 736 Gould Avenue, #7 - Mr. Harvey, president of the board of directors of Sea View Villas, noted that high profile vehicles are restricted in Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach but not in Hermosa Beach; the issue is heightened when more than one is parked in this area; that he feels there is a real problem with near misses; that the issue is clearly one of safety; that high profile vehicles are the real problem but any vehicle does impede exiting that driveway.

Discussion resulted in the following motion:

MOTION by Commissioner Keegan to paint 60’ of red curb. Not seconded.

Further discussion resulted in the following motion:

MOTION by Commissioner Winnek that no red curb be painted on Gould Ave. Seconded by Chairman Koch.
Ayes: Koch, Winnek
Noes: Cheatham, Keegan, Lombardo
Absent: None
Abstain: None

MOTION by Commissioner Keegan to paint 20’ of red curb on Gould Avenue west of Porter Lane. Seconded by Vice Chair
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Lombardo
Noes: Koch, Winnek
Absent: None
Abstain: None

MOTION by Commissioner Cheatham that Staff be directed to look into the potential for a high profile vehicle restriction ordinance – examining what the City’s two neighboring cities are doing. Seconded by Vice Chairman Lombardo.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo
Noes: Winnek
Absent: None
Abstain: None

e. Northeast Hermosa Beach Neighborhood Traffic Study Draft Scope of Work

Mr. Garland made the presentation noting that Staff is looking for the Commission’s comments, which could be molded into the scope of work before sending to Council for approval.

Discussion resulted in the following points of information:

• Staff should obtain Manhattan Beach’s data on areas bordering Hermosa Beach (added to the scope of work)
• Final scope of the study will determine cost, time
• Shouldn’t wait to proceed with process for study, not starting too soon

Coming forward to address the Commission:

Chris Howell, 2966 La Carlita - Mr. Howell stated he wanted to thank Staff for the scope in it’s current form; that he believes that Skechers would make a great corporate neighbor; Manhattan Beach has not been very neighborly when looking at the various traffic flow changes they have made.

MOTION by Commissioner Keegan approve the draft of the scope of work as amended to include analysis of existing reports on file in Manhattan Beach regarding areas bordering the City. Seconded by Commissioner Winnek.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None

f. Proposed 5-Year Capital Improvement Program – Fiscal Years 2001-02 Through 2005-06

Mr. Williams stated that this report is for Commission’s review the plan and provide comments noting that Council has approved the 2001-2002 budget year projects and that the remaining four years are to be approved as a plan while not funded.

Discussion brought out the following:

• Subcommittee hasn’t had the opportunity to review the later portion of the plan and would be premature to approve it at this time
• Some projects were added to the current year – CIP’s 00-166 and 00-167 – by City Council and the City Manager
• Good idea for subcommittee to review the proposed projects for the next four years
• Make commitment to go to Council with a 5-year plan in October and recommending the projects for Council to review in March for the new year’s budget (2002-03)
• 4% UUT is the balance of funds available from the rescinded 10% UUT
• Map maintenance hasn’t been a high priority in the City

MOTION by Commissioner Keegan to send the Five-Year Plan to the Subcommittee (Cheatham, Keegan) to return to the Commission at the August meeting then forwarding to Council subject to Commission approval. Seconded by Commissioner Winnek.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None

7. Commissioners’ Reports

Newsrack Subcommittee

Commissioners Winnek and Cheatham presented a report on the current status indicating that the subcommittee was looking into the possibility of standardized racks, possible ADA exceptions for the racks, obtaining manufacturers’ information on pricing and availability.

8. Council Agenda Items

9. Items Requested by Commissioners

1. Department of Transportation, Stephen Leung – Response to request for information regarding status of missing crosswalk at Artesia and Sepulveda.
2. City’s letter to the City of Redondo Beach: Scoping comments for the Heart of the City Specific Plan EIR – Source: Sol Blumenfeld, Director of Community Development

Discussion resulted in an invitation to Mr. Blumenfeld to address the Commission at the next meeting. Staff will contact Mr. Blumenfeld on behalf of the Commission.

10. Other Matters

Commissioner Cheatham inquired about the trees being removed due to the construction at the corner of Ardmore and 2nd – is the tree removal part of the contract? are they on City property? Staff will bring the answers to the next Commission meeting.

11. Public Comment:   None.

Adjournment - At 9:55 p.m. Chairman Koch adjourned to the next Commission meeting, July 11, 2001.