PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2001
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1315 VALLEY DRIVE
7:00 P.M.

MINUTES

Chairman Koch brought the meeting to order at 7:04 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
Michael Flaherty, Public Works Superintendent
Rhea Punneo, Administrative Assistant, Public Works Department
Homayoun Behboodi
Ken Kim, Assistant Engineer, Public Works Department

2. Flag Salute    Chairman Koch led the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Cheatham noted amendments he would like added to the July 11, 2001, meeting minutes.

4. Public Comments

A member of the audience requested that item 6f be heard out of order; the request was granted.

It was agreed that the item would be presented out of order. Item will be shown in agenda order for clarity.

5. Correspondence

Fax from Chris Howell regarding the Northeast Hermosa Traffic Study – Mr. Williams noted that Mr. Howell’s requests would be included in the scope of work for the traffic study.

6. Items for Commission Consideration

a. Request for a concrete swale at 520 - 24th Place for Street Improvements

Mr. Williams presented this item with the recommendation that the Commission deny Mr. Peha’s request to be exempt from having to put in curb and gutter at his development.

Discussion of this item presented the following information:

• Per the City Code, curbs and gutters are required in this area but not sidewalks
• This would be the only home on 24th Place with curb and gutter – until the others are redeveloped.

    Larry Peha, Hermosa Beach -- Mr. Peha stated that he is building his personal residence at this location and would like to point out the following:

• Not putting in curb and gutter would be aesthetically appropriate for this area
• The harmonious nature of the flow line would be destroyed if curb and gutter were installed.
• Curb would be at only one location; 20’ out of 1000’ would be curb – disagrees with the curb setting precedent. Would be the only curb on the block.
• Pulling the flow line in 3.5’ would create a problem with his neighbor’s flow line.
• If this is being done for the future, he thinks it would take 100 years for the change to happen.

    Andy Clifton, Hermosa Beach -- Mr. Clifton stated he doesn’t feel the curb and gutter would be in keeping with the rural character of the neighborhood.

    Pete Tucker, Hermosa Beach -- Believes the area would lose its character and charm if curb and gutter are put in. He stated he feels that until the City has a plan, swale would be fine. He noted that Manhattan Village has swales only and it looks fine. Suggested that the City step back and let the neighborhood keep its charm.

Further discussion brought out the following:

• To determine the location of Mr. Peha’s proposed swale, Staff would ask him to have his engineers provide the design to Staff could see how it would provide drainage, proving how it would work.
• Several commissioners like the idea of not adding curb and gutter to the area, keeping the rural feel. Others feel that residents should meet the City standards, allowing for maintainable streets, which means putting in curbs and gutters.
• Other remodels on 24th Place received exemptions from curb and gutter requirements.
• Recommendation for denial of the exemption based on City Standards and enforcement of same. Staff enforces policy; Staff does not make policy.
• Storm drains put in as part of plan to put curbs and gutters.

MOTION by Commissioner Keegan to grant Mr. Peha’s request for exemption from the City’s requirement of curb and gutter subject to his bringing plan to Staff on how and where he plans on putting the swale. Seconded by Vice Chairman Lombardo.
Ayes: Cheatham, Lombardo, Keegan
Noes: Koch, Winnek
Absent: None
Abstain: None

b. Modification of Current Street Sweeping Restrictions and Practices

Mr. Flaherty presented this with the recommendation that the Commission support Staff’s proposed street sweeping schedule modifications for commercial and residential areas.

• This modification is an attempt to reduce the sweeping window from 4 hours to 2 hours.
• This program has been successful in the southern portion of the City.
• discussions with the Police Department indicated they would be willing to bring in a person to assist with enforcement.
• The cost of new signs would be $7,000 - $8,000, which has been budgeted in FY 01-02.
• parking stalls on 11th Street would be swept as well as behind the Bijou.
• PCH, Artesia and Aviation are swept at 5:30 a.m.
• Adding any other 2-hour areas would need adding a sweeper at an annual cost of $200,000, which would also require a parking enforcement officer out in front of or behind the sweeper.

MOTION by Vice Chairman Lombardo to support Staff’s request for modifications of the current street sweeping restrictions and practices. Seconded by Commissioner Cheatham.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None

c. Request for Vacation of the corner of Corona and Prospect Avenues

Staff recommended that this item be referred back to Staff for investigation, findings and recommendations.

    Brian Wilcox, 1401 Corona -- Mr. Wilcox stated that he owns the corner lot and that he’d like to suggest that two of the property owners buy the area in question or that the City vacate the area and offer it to the two property owners.

The item was tabled until the next meeting with a notation that the vacation suggestion will be taken into consideration when reviewing the entire project.

8:33 Meeting recessed.
8:48 Meeting resumed.

d. Development of Construction Standards for Street Improvements and Street Repairs

Mr. Williams introduced the item, reminding the Commission that Council charged them with the development of construction standards that could be applied throughout the City. The Commission was provided copies of the existing documentation for the street development.

The following points were among those made during the presentation:

• Most of the issues presented to the Commission have to do with the development of street improvement projects.
• Quite a bit of information had been provided, possibly too much to review at this meeting.
• Material was provided so that the Commissioners could become familiar with the information.
• The variations in the roadways and parking areas were described.
• It was noted that it isn’t that there are no standards, it is believed that the City Council wants the Commission to develop what will be the ultimate rights-of-way.
• Criteria should be developed so there is consistency throughout the City.
• There are 43 miles of streets in the City.
• General review of current status of streets, roadway size, aesthetic wants of residents –values, of residents.
• Cities don’t usually widen streets with City funds – usually use developer (resident) funds to put in improvements – City is then responsible for maintaining streets.

Discussion brought out the following:

• It was noted that streets being torn up due to cuts made by new developments.
• There is a lack of consistency in requiring street improvements at construction being brought out to the centerline.
• Difficult to determine why some locations were required to put in street improvements and others not required to do so.
• One thing about Hermosa that is so well liked is that the City is so eclectic.
• Public Works always sticks to standards unless instructed to do otherwise.
• Code says if pavement is damaged or missing improvement developer has to go out to the centerline or if curb and gutter and sidewalk are missing.
• Commission is to develop the standards to be brought out for discussion.
• Could add a section indicating which streets are exempt from curb and gutter.
• City has many alleys named like streets.

MOTION by Commissioner Keegan saying the Commission should take the time to review and bring it back to the Commission at the September meeting. Seconded by Vice Chairman Lombardo.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None

e. Project No. CIP 00-172  21st St. Street Improvements between Valley Drive and Power Street

Not enough comments received to date. Staff asking that the Commission receive and file this report. A complete report will be presented at the September meeting.

MOTION by Vice Chairman Lombardo that the report be received and filed. Seconded by Commissioner Cheatham.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None

f. Project No. CIP 191 145h Street Landscaped Planters

Mr. Ken Kim presented the project noting that the intention of the project is to reduce nuisance traffic in the area of the northwest corner of Ocean and 14th and to make the existing barricade at 14th and PCH more aesthetically pleasing – to include planters and new barricades.

A brief history of the area included that:

• The planters were put in to discourage/deter people trying to go through to PCH on 14th Street since it is not a through street.
• Many make 3-point or U-turns at the end, using residents’ driveways.
• The gate has been there for 20-25 years.
• Many complaints from residents and businesses.
• Fire Department likes the new gates.

Public comments included the following:

    Jeff Pieper, Bonnie Brae -- With regard to the top barricade, Mr. Pieper asked if the new barricade would take up another parking space. If so, would they be able to park along the diagonal? Parking is available on only one side of the street at this time. He also asked that something be put in that won’t grow to obstruct the view. Can NOT A THROUGH STREET sign be put further into street?

Mr. Williams advised that island size could be reduced to allow more space but feels parking on diagonal will not be a problem, Staff will look at it.

    Larry Hoskinson, 938 - 14th Street -- Mr. Hoskinson asked about elimination of 2 limit lines have been marked out on plan. Mr. Kim advised that stop signs are not proposed for 14th Street. He believes that the if the sign is placed where the palm tree is indicated it would be more visible to traffic.
Mr. Hoskinson later noted that someone will probably run through the new barricades at some point – can concrete posts be put into the barricades to give them more substance? Something nice to put sign on.
    Aslam Amlani, 833 - 14th Street -- Mr. Amlani has looked at the City’s tree list – feels it is pathetic. He suggested the City find a tree that looks good, is full and green all year long.
    Don Lorenzen, 830 - 14th Street -- Mr. Lorenzen advised that he and his neighbors feel that the NOT A THROUGH STREET signs don’t seem to work. He does understand that putting the center in the center will provide stop people coming down and put them in the drivers’ line of vision. But, he asked, is that the only sign that will keep drivers from jetting down the street?

Mr. Williams explained that these signs are traffic control devices for this type of street – advising drivers there is a barricade at the bottom. In addition, placing planters as shown will aid in blocking view of green light on PCH just beyond the barricade. This, along with the trees at bottom of hill at barricade will also be blocking the view of the traffic signal.

    Mr. Lorenzen inquired about the use of DEAD END signs. He also noted that the City of Manhattan Beach puts that in the street itself. In addition, he complained about the taxicabs coming down the street on weekends and holidays.
    Mr. Lorenzen advised that his company will be happy to donate the foliage for the barricades. Mr. Williams thanked him and advised that Staff will be happy to bring his suggested donation to Council.
    Mr. Lorenzen made several suggestions for the foliage – including slow-growing plants with no root problems, which would be low maintenance drought tolerant and still be attractive.
    Lauren Amlani, 833 - 14th Street -- Ms. Amlani advised that she was a participant in the group that initially brought up the situation in August of 1999. She reiterated that they want something safe, aesthetically pleasing and something the will keep people from wanting to drive down the street. She is pleased with the plans and would like nice trees at the bottom.
    Steve Strayly, 939 - 14th Street -- Mr. Strayly asked about the height of the planters – 6". He asked if the plants could be 36" or something a bit higher to get the attention of the drivers. He also asked about irrigation – suggesting that drought resistant plants be put in. He noted that he’d really like it if no parking spaces were lost.

Item was sent back to Staff for presentation at September meeting and it will then go to Council for approval to advertise.

7. Commissioners’ Reports

Five-Year CIP Plan Subcommittee

• Commissioners Keegan and Cheatham presented their comprehensive report for balance of the Five-Year Plan (post FY 2001-2002) presenting new and revised projects for fiscal years 2002-2006. The noted that one of the biggest problems within the city is road degradation. When asked for comments, Staff stated that this was a very good presentation.

MOTION by Chairman Koch to approve subcommittee’s report and direct Staff to come back to the Commission with cost estimates for the proposed new projects. Seconded by Vice Chairman Lombardo.
Ayes: Cheatham, Keegan, Koch, Lombardo, Winnek
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None

• Newsrack Subcommittee

Commissioner Winnek advised that the subcommittee was still in the process of working on logistics and locations.

8. Council Agenda Items:  Items a-d were not discussed.

9. Items Requested by Commissioners

10. Other Matters

11. Public Comment:    None.

Adjournment

At 10:06 p.m. Chairman Koch adjourned to the next Commission meeting, September 12, 2001.