PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2001
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1315 VALLEY DRIVE
7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
Chairman Koch brought the meeting
to order at 7:05 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
-
Rhea Punneo, Administrative Assistant,
Public Works Department
-
Sol Blumenfeld, Director of Community
Development
-
Bob Goldin, Community Development Project
Manager
-
Ken Kim, Assistant Engineer, Public Works
Department
2.
Flag Salute
Commissioner Keegan led the Pledge
Allegiance.
3.
Approval of Minutes
Minutes of the June 13, 2001, meeting were
approved as written.
4.
Public Comments
-
Larry Danlasky
came forward requesting that item 6c be discussed before
items 6a and 6b.
-
At the same time Chairman Koch noted that
Director Blumenfeld of the Community
Development Department would like
to make his presentation of item 9a earlier as well.
It was agreed that the items would be
presented out of order. Items will be shown in agenda order for
clarity.
5.
Correspondence
a. City Manager Burrell’s report on the
potential effects of the repeal of the UUT – made available
for the Commissioners’ information.
b. Dr. Dan Rudin’s request for paving on 4th Street between
PCH and Ardmore
Dr. Rudin, 677 - 4th Street
came forward and spoke to his request, noting that there
have been injury accidents and neighbors have expressed their
concerns as well. Wanted to know what they can do to expedite
re-paving of his street.
General discussion presented the following
points:
- A review of the infrastructure and Capital Improvement
Program projects by sub-committee – looking at all
streets and setting priorities, matching with priorities
- Suggestion that they attend the next meeting to see what
determination had been made for their street
- 4th Street will be examined as will all the streets of the
City
- It was requested that 4th Street be put on the agenda as an
item for review at the next Commission meeting.
Lance Lubiano, 534 Gravely Court
came forward to ask about letter he’d submitted addressing
parking concerns at his residence. He was advised by Mr. Williams
that he’d seen the letter and that more time was needed for
investigation as this was a unique situation. May be resolved
without bringing to the Commission.
Jean Lombardo, Vice Chairman Public Works Commission
announced there will be an Afternoon of Youth Fine Arts on
Thursday, August 2 at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse.
6.
Items for Commission Consideration
a.
Presentation of the TyCom Transpacific Fiber Optic Cable
Project
Mr. Bob Goldin, Project Manager led the
presentation, noting that the City is initiating its own
environmental review project in connection with this project.
Here to present overview and potential impacts with regard to a
fiber optic cable project within the City that will be used for
communication – voice, data, internet traffic, etc. Noted
that a similar project was being considered in Manhattan Beach
– Global West. The reports will go before the Planning
Commission and the City Council for final approval. Here tonight
to give Commission opportunity to voice concerns early in the
project noting there will be a Public Hearing the following
evening.
TyCom representatives and Mr. Goldin provided
an overview of the project, and a question and answer session
followed.
No action is necessary by the Commission at
this time.
b.
CIP 00-172 -- 21st St. Street Improvements – Valley
Drive to Power Street
Mr. Kim made the presentation noting this was
a follow-up to the May 2 meeting. The Commission decision at the
May meeting was to leave the street as it is, which the designer
incorporated into the new plans.
Mr. Williams noted that the new plans maintain
the existing width of the roadway while improving the riding
surface.
8:35 – Recess
8:49 – Meeting Resumed
The plans for the project were reviewed by the
public during the break.
Public Comment included the following:
Larry Heiller
-- Mr. Heiller suggested that he could take 3 copies of the
plan back to the residents of this area so they would be able
to make some embellishments to the plans that will make them
happier with the project. He noted there would be a two-week
turn around and he would meet with Mr. Kim so that the item
could be brought back before the Commission at the August
meeting.
Mr. Williams noted that he would be
comfortable with that.
Lynne Schubert
-- Ms. Schubert noted that she was here at the last meeting.
Tonight she read the original petition for the Commissioners
highlighting that they wanted the street repaired and re-paved in
a way best suited to achieving long-lasting results. She feels
the whole street, whole neighborhood needs to be thought about
– children, SUVs parked along the street. She recommended
sidewalks and curbs. She noted that the appearance of the street
affects property values.
Mr. Cogswell, 575 -- 21st Street, north side
--
Mr. Cogswell stated he believes that
the 2% grade should be continued to the property line; that curbs
and sidewalks will push SUVs into the 30’ roadway; and that
he likes the plan as it stands now.
Discussion ensued making the following
observations:
-
Waiting until the next meeting
will not unduly delay the project
- Possible to have sidewalk, curb and gutter on the north
side only
MOTION
by Vice Chairman Lombardo to continue the item until the
August meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Cheatham.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
c.
Warrant Analysis for Pedestrian Signal – Valley Drive at
11th Street
Mr. Garland presented the item, recommending
denial of a proposal to install a pedestrian operated signal at
Valley Drive and 11th Street.
Mr. Larry Danlasky, 519 - 11th Street
, -- stepped forward to comment on the issue reiterating his
feelings about the need for a stop signal of some type for this
location. He also suggested that the minutes for the proceeding
were incorrect, that the speed limit change had not been
denied.
Discussion of the item highlighted the
following:
- It was noted that the minutes of the June 13 meeting are
correct, the speed limit change was denied.
- The speed limit on PCH is 30 mph, 35 mph on Valley
Drive
MOTION
by Commissioner Cheatham to accept Staff’s
recommendation to deny the request to install a stop sign at
Valley Drive and 11
th
Street. Seconded by Commissioner Winnek.
Ayes: Cheatham, Koch, Winnek
Noes: Keegan, Lombardo
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Further discussion noted the following:
- The request for a stop sign was now ripe for appeal as was
the request for reduced speed at the previous meeting
- The Commission should consider feasibility of the
pedestrian activated signal without thinking about the
cost
MOTION
by Commissioner Winnek to support Staff’s recommendation
to deny the request for a pedestrian activated signal at Valley
Drive at 11th Street. Seconded by Chairman Koch.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Additional comments included:
- That the addition of red curb at the stop sign on 11th St.
would encourage drivers to take the corner faster, therefore
Staff recommended against the red curb
- Adding the red curb would eliminate at least 2 parking
spaces
d.
Sepulveda Boulevard/Pacific Coast Highway Traffic Signal
Improvement Project – Revised Striping Plan – Gould
Avenue/Artesia Boulevard at Pacific Coast Highway
Mr. Williams presented the item, noting the
City had been granted the requested changes.
MOTION
by Vice Chairman Lombardo to support the Sepulveda
Boulevard/Pacific Coast Highway Traffic Signal Improvement
Project. Seconded by Commissioner Winnek.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
e.
Parking restrictions for High-Profile Vehicles near
intersections – Proposal to Adopt Ordinance
The item, which proposes the adoption of an
ordinance or resolution prohibiting the parking of vehicles
6’ and taller within 100’ of an intersection, was
presented by Mr. Garland noting that if the Commission approved
in concept, Staff would go forward to Council for approval.
Gordon Harvey, 736 Gould Avenue
-- Said he was very pleased with this and sees it as a
solution to the problem he’d brought to the Commission
previously. He suggested the restriction be enforced 24 hours
per day, 7 days per week.
Discussion brought out the following:
- This appeared to be a reasonable compromise – could
also be used at the Valley Drive and 11th Street
intersection.
- This appears to have the specific intent to legislate
against specific vehicles and may be short sighted.
- It appears Hermosa may be a "dumping ground" between the
two neighboring cities that enforce their versions of this
restriction.
- The purpose of the restriction is to improve visibility
thereby improving the safety of our streets.
- If adopted, would be applicable citywide but would be
posted on a case by case basis.
MOTION
by Commissioner Keegan that the Commission support the
adoption of a resolution or ordinance restricting the parking
of vehicles over 6’ high within 100’ of an
intersection. Seconded by Vice Chairman Lombardo.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo
Noes: Winnek
Absent: None
Abstain: None
7. Commissioners’ Reports
Commissioner Winnek advised that the
subcommittee was waiting for additional information from Staff.
Staff and the subcommittee will meet again before the next
Commission meeting. Commissioner Cheatham noted he’d like
to be sure local papers get adequate space. He also noted that
Manhattan Beach has the publications pay for the newsracks;
suggested there is space for advertising – perhaps likely
location for the adopt-a-storm drain advertising.
Commissioner Keegan advised that the
subcommittee met on July 2, reviewed the plan, drove the streets
up for consideration in fiscal year 2002-03 and advised they will
present their suggestions and changes at the August meeting. And
met with Harold regarding presentation earlier in the
evening.
8. Council Agenda Items
Mr. Williams noted for the Commission that
Council had accepted the Bike Path CIP with some minor
adjustments.
9. Items Requested by Commissioners
a.
Information regarding Redondo Beach’s Heart of the City
Plan
Mr. Blumenfeld reported that Redondo has
initiated the Environmental Review process – the Scoping
Session – the first step in implementing their plan and
provided a copy of the report that’s been submitted.
The following items were noted:
- The Scoping Session was necessary to set the framework for
the Environmental Review
- The Environmental Quality Act required the review of land
use, planning, transportation, aesthetics
- Under land use and planning it is necessary to provide an
evaluation equal to Redondo Beach’s since the cities
share a border
- Transportation and Circulation reviewed the impact on
Monterey Boulevard
- Community Develop and Public Works monitor the intersection
of Hermosa and Herondo for impact
- The bike path may be impacted by the project
- Hermosa Beach has 14,000 residents per square mile –
one of the highest in the state
- Redondo’s plan will have a tremendous impact on the
streets and the bike path
- A draft of the Environmental Review will be available after
the Scoping Session and the Planning Commission, the Public
Works Commission and residents will all be able to respond to
the report.
- A copy of the schedule for the EIR will be made available
to the Commission – will take several months to
complete
- If City’s input ignored, will be possible to lodge a
protest or start litigation
- The Environmental Impact Review process is a means to
mitigate problems
- Traffic impact is regularly reviewed with Mr. Williams and
Mr. Garland for technical support
b. Memo regarding requested information
regarding the removal of trees at Ardmore Avenue
and 2nd Street.
10. Other Matters
11.
Public Comment:
-- None.
Adjournment
At 9:55 p.m. Chairman Koch adjourned to the
next Commission meeting, August 8, 2001.