11-26-1962 - Regular Meeting - MinutesC�
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA
November 26, 1962
The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order at 7.40
P.M. by Mayor Barnes in the West Covina City Hall, The Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Councilman Snyder withthe invocation given by
Councilman Towner.
ROLL CALL
Present. Mayor Barnes, Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyder
Others Present. Mr, Robert Flotten, City Clerk
Mr. Harry Co Williams, City Attorney
Mr, Thomas Dosh, Public Services Director
Mr. Harold Joseph., Planning Director
Absent. George Aiassa, City Manager
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 29, 1962
Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath,`and carried,
that -the minutes of the October 29, 1962 meeting be approved as sub-
mitted.
CITY CLERK'S REPORTS
TRACT NO, 26108 LOCATION. Wilson Drive, north of
Accept Street Improvements Merced Avenue
Horney Construction Company
APPROVED Accept street improvements and re-
lease United Pacific Insurance Co,
performance bond No. B-95798 in the
amount of $23,000.00. Sewer facilities were accepted November 13, 19620
Inspector°s final report filed. Staff recommends acceptance and release
of bond.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner, and carried,
to accept street improvements on Tract No. 26108 and authorize release
of bond in the amount of $23,000.00.
PROJECT NO. C-83 LOCATION. Thackery Avenue, east
Accept Street Improvements of Lark Ellen Avenue
Martin &.Weisz
APPROVED Accept street improvements and
authorize release of Continental
Casualty Co. performance bond
No. 15 2 9786 in the amount of $7,041.29 subject to Notice of Comple-
tion Procedure., Inspector°s final report filed. Staff recommends ac-
ceptance and release of bond,
Mayor Barnes. We invite comments from the resi-
dents. Is there anyone here from
Thackery Avenue who wishes to .speak
on this matter?
There was no comment from the
audidenceo
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Co Co 11-26-62
PROJECT C-83 - Continued
Page Two
Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath, and carried,
to accept street improvements on Project No. C-83 and authorize release
of bond in the amount of $7,041.39 subject to Notice of Completion Pro-
cedure.
PROJECT NO. C-140 LOCATION.- Montezuma Way, Cortez
Accept Street Improvements Street to Rio Verde
Martin & Weisz Drive
APPROVED
Accept street improvements and
authorize release of Continental
Casualty Co. performance bond No.
15 2 9785 in the amount of $5,479.29 subject to Notice of Completion
Procedure. Inspector's final report filed. Staff recommends accep-
tance and,release of bond.
Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath, and carried,
to accept street improvements on Project No. C-140 and authorize re-
lease of bond in the amount of $5,479.29 subject to Notice of Comple-
tion Procedure
PROJECT NO. C-174 LOCATION: Merced Avenue
Accept Street Improvements (Orangewood Park)
McWilliams Bros., Inc.
Accept street improvements and
authorize release of Fireman°s
Fund Insurance Co. performance bond No. 7 045 039 in the amount of
$1,957.86 subject to Notice of Completion Procedure. Inspector's
final report filed. Staff recommends acceptance and release of bond.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner, to accept
street improvements on Project C-174 and authorize release of bond in
the amount of $1,957.86 subject to Notice of Completion Procedure.
PROJECT NO. C-180 LOCATION.- Northerly side of Merced
Accept Street Improvements Avenue between Valinda
William Kirkland and Gretta Avenue.
APPROVED
Accept street improvements and
authorize release of Hartford
Accident and Indemnity Co. performance bond in the amount of $1,555.10
subject to Notice of Completion Procedure. Inspector°s final report
filed. Staff recommends acceptance and release of bond.
Councilman Heath.- I don't understand this one.
These streets as described are
not parallel, they are perpendicular.
Mayor Barnes.- Is that adjacent to the park? This
location description should be
4 changed to Valinda and Grettao
Mr. Dosh described location on map. In reply to a question by Councilman
Heath, the City Attorney Mr. Williams stated that a performance bond was
not an agreement to pay leins and that there would be no harm in releas-
ing the performance bond.
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PROJECT NO, C-180 - Continued
Page Three
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner, and car-
ried, to accept street improvements on Project C-180 and release bond
in the amount of $1,555.10 subject to Notice of Completion Procedure.
PROJECT NO. C-95-1 LOCATION° Sunset Avenue, Service
Accept Street Improvements Road from Delvale Ave.
William*Kirkland to 497 feet northerly
APPROVED
Accept street improvements and auth-
orize release of Hartford Accident
and Indemnity Co. performance bond in the amount of $3,190.13 subject
to Notice of Completion Procedure. Inspector°s final report filed.
Staff recommends acceptance and release of bond.
At Mayor Barnes request, Mr. Flotten read the staff recommendations.
Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath, and carried,
to accept street improvements on Project No. C-95-1 and release per-
formance bond in the amount of $3,190.13 subject to Notice of Comple-
tion Procedure.
RESOLUTION LOCATION. Southwest side of Merced
Accept Street Improvements between Glendora and
HELD OVER Sandy Hook
Accept corporation grant deed for
widening of Merced Avenue in connection with development of Precise
Plan No. 329. For street and highway purposes to be known as Merced
Avenue. Staff recommends adoption of resolution.
Mayor Barnes.
Mr. Dosh, may we have some comments
relative to Precise Plan No. 329?
Mr. Dosh explained this item was placed on the agenda because the de-
veloper had promised to put up a bond and this bond was not received
as of this date. He said the staff acted on the assumption that the
Council desired all the improvements to be installed at one time. Be-
cause at the present time we have a bond only for the Service Station,
this was brought before the Council tonight in accordance with the
Council's policy of not accepting improvements without bonds. In an-
swer to the question "Do we allow them to build on the Precise Plan
before we approved," Mr. Williams stated that they must either make
the improvements on the plan before they can get a building permit.
A building permit could be issued before approval of the Precise Plan
but we would no longer be able to enforce the improvements requirements.
Councilman Towner advised that we should adhere to the established
policy, and also confirmed the Council's intent for full improvements
being installed at one time.
Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath, and carried,
that this Resolution be held over until the next regular meeting of
the City Council on December 10, 1962.
RESOLUTION NO, 2505
ADOPTED
The City Clerk presented.
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY'OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA
ACCEPTING A CERTAIN WRITTEN INSTRUMENT
AND DIRECTING THE RECORDATION THEREOF
(Harry So Rinker -Precise Plan Noo329)
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Co Co 11-26-62
RESOLUTION NO, 2505 - Continued
Mayor Barnes:
Page Four
Hearing no objections we will
waive further reading of the body
of the resolution.
Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath, that said
resolution be adopted. Motion passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes
Noes: None
Absent: None
Said Resolution was given No. 2505.
RESOLUTION NO. 2506
ADOPTED
Mayor Barnes:
The City Clerk presented:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA ACCEPTING A CERTAIN WRITTEN
INSTRUMENT AND DIRECTING THE RECOR-
DATION THEREOF
(Wesley R. and Edith M. Leeper -
Precise Plan No. 321)
Hearing no objections we will waive
further reading of the body of the
resolution.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner, that said
resolution be adopted. Motion passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes
Noes: None
Absent: None
Said Resolution given No, 2506.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
HEARINGS
VARIANCE NO. 408
Alpha Beta Acme Markets, Inc.
HELD OVER
LOCATION: 600 South Sunset Avenue
Request for non -conforming identi-
fication sign in Zone C-2 approved
by Planning Commission Resolution
No. 1271. Called up by Council on
October 29, 1962.
Mayor Barnes: This is the time and place for the
public hearing on Zone Variance
No. 408. If there is anyone in
the audience wishing to speak for or against this variance, please rise
• and be sworn in by the City Clerk.
Mr. Tim Smoley: On October 17, a meeting on this
sign variance was before the Plan-
ning Commission. At that meeting,
there was no opposition to this particular sign variance. After due
consideration and discussion before the Planning Commission they ap-
proved,the matter unanimously. On October 17, I received notification
that this was accepted unless appealed. On October 23, I met with Mr.
Joseph to go over the conditions. We went over the location of this
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Page Five
VARIANCE N0, 408 - Continued
Mr. Smoley - Continued:
particular sign and the landscaping and we both agreed as to these
matters. There was no appeal taken 10 days later, and 20 days later
no one appealed. We believed this matter was final, Then I received
the notification saying that the variance was appealed by the City
Council, I investigated this matter and called the City Clerk to ask
why this was appealed after action had been taken to approve the var-
iance and I asked who instituted the appeal. I was given the name of
Councilman Heath. I called him to ask why and he told me he was just
the recorder of the appeal and that the appeal was recommended by
Councilman Towner, I called him to ask why he appealed the variance;
he said he was not the one. He said it came from the meeting of the
Planning Commission and he had no further information on it at that
time. I°d like to find out why this is being recalled after we've
gone to a lot of expense and preparation.
Mayor Barnes: I believe Councilman Heath was
the representative to the Plan-
ning Commission meeting at that
time. I believe there was some discussion among the Councilmen and
it was decided to call this before the City Council. There was oppo-
sition to this sign because they felt that the condition that it was
the intent of the Planning Commission that this be the only detached
perpendicular sign granted for this shopping area might set a prece-
dent. I was going to bring out tonight that it would not set a prec-
edent. Safeway has such a sign. But it was called up before the Coun-
cil for a discussion at this time.
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Councilman Heath:
It was the general concensus
that
they would like to see the
sign.
Mr. Smoley presented a colored
rendering of the proposed signs
He
contended that the center
on Sunset and Puente had two detached
signs,
one 5 ft. x 20 ft, and one
on Puente that was about 50 or 60 sq.
ft.
which is a little larger,
Mayor Barnes:
Is this the same size sign
that
the Broadway has?
Mr. Joseph:
The sign was originally 72
ft.
but was reduced to what the
Broad-
way sign is,
Councilman Heath pointed out that it was not a question of the size as
compared to the Broadway, but whether or not we would be setting a
precedent if we granted a non -conforming detached sign with the name
of an individual establishment. If we did this, would the Wagon Wheel
be entitled to a similar sign. If we granted this sign with the name
of the establishment, are we obligated then to permit a sign of the
same size with establishments name on it for every business establish-
ment on Sunset Avenue.
Mr, Smoley pointed out that one of the reasons brought out for the sign
Is was because the Broadway has a retaining wall approximately 3 or 4 feet
high to prevent through traffic and that the public cannot get close to
the market. He stated it is a problem of location and convenience for
the customers.
Councilman Heath stated that he.did not object to the sign but whether
we are setting a precedent, and if so, we will have signs 25 feet apart.
Co Co 11-26-62 Page Six
VARIANCE NO, 408 - Continued
Mr. Smoley said that this particular property is located in a C-2 zone
and that their competitor Safeway is onelmile up the street located in
C-1 with a residential type area surrounding their establishment and
• yet they have two signs: one 58 x 101 and one 5' x 201. He felt it
wouldbe descriminatory not to grant Alpha Beta the same privilege. He
referred to Section 9211.1 of the West Covina Municipal Code allowing
two detached signs. He contended that Alpha Beta store, with a'105°
front, should under the rule be allowed a 200' detached sign, but that
they were asking for a 501 sign.
Mayor Barnes: Is there anyone in the audience
wishing to speak further, for or
against this variance?
No response from the audience.
Mayor Barnes declared the hearing closed.
Mrs. Van Dame:
Councilman Snyder:
I think Alpha Beta has good mer-
chandize and should have a sign
to tell their customers where they
are located. Besides they give
Green Stamps.
I have a question I would like to
ask this gentleman. Is this ex-
clusively Alpha Beta's parking lot?
• Mr. Smoley: No, the parking lot is shared by
some other stores.
Councilman Towner suggested that since this was a community parking lot
with parking rights shared with the other stores, the sign could share
the names of the other stores under a title of Sunset Parking Center.
Councilman Snyder said he felt perhaps the council was going too far
if they attempted to regulate what the sign says. He thought whether
or not the signs say Alpha Beta or Sunset Shopping Center was something
that should be worked out by the other tenants in that area,
Councilman Towner recalled that when the plan was initially passed it
was called Sunset Shopping Area but since that time the original owners
went bankrupt and the property was split up into separate ownerships
with community parking rights.
Councilman Heath pointed out that the applicant based justification
for the sign on the fact that failure to grant the variance would be
discriminatory. He said by the same token if Wagon Wheel came in for
a similar sign next week it would be discriminatory if we not grant
his application for a detached sign. Mr. Heath felt the applicant
needed this sign to mark his parking lot, but since the Council had
qualms about advertising the business establishment they would want to
know that they were not setting a precedent.
• Councilman Snyder stated that, since the Wagon Wheel was located
closer to the street, they would not be entitled to a detached sign,
Mayor Barnes expressed concern that if we granted a sign to Alpha Beta,
the other stores sharing the same parking lot would probably be in
next week.
Councilman Snyder felt they could legally solve the problem by calling
it the Alpha Beta Shopping Center.
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Co Co 11-26-62
Page Seven
VARIANCE NO, 408 - Continued
Mayor Barnes thought Alpha Beta Customer Parking would be much nicer.
Councilman Towner contended that in order to stop justification fox^
• future variances the Council could consent to Sunset Customer Parking,
He asked if the applicant could see a reason to object to this.
Mr. Smoley said they had been established in that area as Alpha Beta,
referring to the area as Sunset Customer Parking would be tantamount
to moving to a new location. He pointed out that General Tires has
a 101 x 401 sign and that when they applied for their sign they were
denied. However, the City Council felt they needed a customer parking
sign and the Planning Commission approved it.
Councilman Jett did not think this could be compared for a number of
reasons. He agreed with Councilman Towner and Councilman Heath that
it would bedifficult to allow any one individual stoke a detached
sign, whereas a group of stores using the same parking lot could be
permitted a sign with their names on it.
Councilman Towner asked the applicant if he would be willing to hold
this over and discuss this with the other owners sharing the parking
lot.
Mayor Barnes questioned the colors to be used on the sign and Mr.
Flotten read the conditions stipulated by the Planning Commission,
Councilman Towner suggested again that the Council put the matter
up to the applicant and give him time to see if some agreement could
• be effected with the other tenants.
Mr. Smoley said he would like to hold over to the next meeting to
consider this approach and to discuss it. He said he would be willing
to come back next week.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Townera and carried,
that Variance No. 408 be held over to the next regular meeting on Decem-
ber 10.
ZONE CHANGE NO. 237 LOCATION: Between Pacific Lane
Louis & Mary Madott and Freeway and exten-
Laurance and Luella Carlson ding from Pacific Avenue
APPROVED to Orange Avenue.
Request to reclassify from Zone R.-1 and R-A to Zone R-3 approved by
Planning Commission Resolution No. 1282.
Mayor Barnes: This is the time and place for pub-
lic hearing on Zone Change No. 237.
If there is anyone here wishing to
speak for or against this zone change, please rise and be sworn in by
the City Clerk.
. Mr. Robert Hartman: I am here merely to represent the
applicants and to answer any ques-
tions that may come up.
Mayor Barnes; Anyone here that is opposed?
No opposition was heard from the
audience.
Mayor Barnes declared the public hearing closed.
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Co Ca 11-26-62
ZONE CHANGE NO. 237 - Continued
Mayor Barnes -
Mr, Flotten read the resolution.
Mayor Barnes-
Councilman Heath-
Mr, Dosh-
Councilman Jett:
Mayor Barnes -
Page Eight
Mr, Flotten, could you read
Resolution 1282 and recommenda-
tions of the Planning Commission.
Any comments from the Council?
How many acres are there in this
parcel?
About 11 Acres.
This seems to be in order.
I feel it is in orders This seems
to be very good for R-3a
Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Jett, and carried,
that Zone Change No. 237 be approved.
ZONE CHANGE NO. 241 LOCATION- Northeast corner of
Edward Jo La Berge, Jr, Eckerman and Azusa
APPROVED Avenues, between
Puente and Danes Drive.
Request to reclassify from Zone R=1 to highest and best use approved
for Zone R-P use by Planning Commission Resolution No, 1286.
Mayor Barnes- This is the time and place for pub-
lic hearing on Zone Change No. 241.
If there is anyone here who wishes
to speak for or against this Zone Change, please rise and be sworn in
by the City Clerk,
Edward La Berge, applicant for the Zone Change, stated that this prop-
erty on Azusa had been gone over very thoroughly, and that he planned
to put up the same type of building to be used for dentist or real es-
tate offices. He pointed that the property for which he was requesting
the zone change was right across the street from existing R-P, that his
property is immediately south of the Suburban Water Company, and that a
buffer lot existed behind the property.
Mayor Barnes:
Mr. Flotten read Resolution 1286;
no conditions recommended.
Mayor Barnes:
Do we hear any objections on this
zone Change?
Hearing no objections I declare
the public hearing closed.'
this being a Zone Change, there were
Is there any discussion from the
Council in regard to Zone Change
No. 241?
Councilman Towner- I understand this property is prac-
tically identical with the Danes pro-
perty including the sign. It is
practically duplicate except for the plants and shrubbery instead of
the black top,
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Co Co 11-26-62
ZONE CHANGE NO. 241 - Continued
Page Nine
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner, and carried,
that Zone Change No. 241 be approved.
VARIANCE NO. 413 LOCATION: North of Puente Avenue,
James L. Allen & west of Sunset Avenue,
Albert L. Snell, Jr, Between Sunset and Yale -
APPROVED ton Avenues.
Request to reduce number of parking stalls in Zone C-1, Denied by
Planning Commission Resolution No. 1281. Appealed by Applicant on
November 8, 1962.
Mayor Barnes: This is the time and place for pub-
lic hearing. If there is anyone
Mere to speak for or against this
variance, please rise and be sworn in by the City Clerk.
Mr. Snell, Jr., 1160 South Lark Ellen, said he was here tonight to
appeal to the logic and reasoning of the Council on the basis of the
fact that this property is a neighborhood shopping center• development
and not a regional development, and that on the basis of the old stan-
dard parking stall ratio of 1 to 300, there are 30 stalls above the
required amount of parking stalls. Mr. Snell requested the Safeway
Store Precise Plan and this was put up on the blackboard. He pointed
out that in his application he was asking for the same ratio of par-
king that was used for a Safeway store across the street. He pointed
out also he had never seen this parking area when it was more than one-
half filled and therefore that shopping center was only using 50 per-
cent of the parking requirements that had been imposed on them at the
time of their development. He stated that if that shopping center de-
velopment had gone under the new code they would be required to have
32 more spaces that would not be filled.
Mayor Barnes: Are there any objections to be
heard from anyone in the audience?
Hearing no objections I declare
the Public Hearing Closed.
Mr. Flotten read Planning Commission Resolution No. 1281 and stated
that 33 notices of this hearing had been mailed to property owners in
the area and notice had been published in the Tribune to date.
Mayor Barnes requested a clarification of the actual number of parking
stalls required by the Safeway shopping center. The Mayor recalled
that a middle area of the center had not been marked for parking spaces
and requested that Mr. Joseph check on this.
Councilman Heath stated that he had been observing this shopping cen-
ter for over a month and would concede that he had never seen the par-
king area filled by more than 75 percent, and that he had made this ob-
servation at the busiest hours of the day and evening.
Councilman Snyder contended that the high requirements of the old ordin-
ance were imposed in anticipation of the new ordinance.
Mr. Joseph stated that he and Mr. Snell had gone over the old Precise
Plan, the testimony, and the discussions in the 1959 Minutes concerning
that center development, and that they were unable to find any parking
ratio that would work. He said he could find no formula that would have
required 164 spaces. Mr. Joseph explained a formula for computing par-
king requirements.
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Co Co 11-26-62
VARIANCE_.N0,__413 - Continued
Councilman Towner:
• maximum use of parking stalls.
the Precise Plan tonight,
Councilman Heath:
Mayor Barnes:
Councilman Towner:
Page Ten
We have pending a Precise Plan which
is being held up until action is
taken on the variance requesting
We can act on both the Variance and
give them parking requirements under
Councilman Heath:
felt that the parking requirements
for neighborhood shopping centers,
requirements should be restudied.
the Planning Commission,
Didn't I hear that they were 30-
stalls above the requirement under
the old standard?
Under the old ordinance they would
be 30 stalls over. Under the pres-
ent ordinance they are 30 stalls
under the requirement.
He would like to come in and effect
the argument that they like the old
ordinance. I do not see how we can
the old ordinance.
I believe we had a discussion before
on parking requirements under the
present ordinance and some of us
under this ordinance were excessive
and that the ordinance and parking
We have a move to that effect before
. Councilman Towner: I believe we are being asked to act
upon the matter before us tonight.
I think the question here tonight
is fairly simple; we have a law specifying the provision of 115 stalls
as adequate parking, plus adequate landscaping; they are asking for a
variance offering no other justification other than they like the old
law.. They are requesting a reduction in the number of parking stalls
to 87, if they install adequate landscaping it may cut it down even more.
The question is, have they presented sufficient facts to warrant granting
a variance, to cut the parking requirements to the extent that they request?
Councilman Heath:
correct than the present ratio. We
ratio and I think it is the general
does not look right, therefore, the
have had other centers zoned to that
old ratio has worked. This gives 30
a neighborhood shopping center and I
I feel, as I have stated in previous
meetings, that the old ratio for
parking requirements was more nearly
have made an analysis of the new
concensus that the new ratio just
old ratio is a better ratio. We
ratio and they have shown that the
stalls above the old standard for
think this is high enough.
Councilman Snyder: I think making a comparison of shop-
ping centers is being arbitrary on
which ratio is working the best. I
can show you several instances where I think the parking requirements
under the old ratio are inadequate. I think we have an ordinance and we
cannot continue to arbitrate against this ordinance. As Councilman Towner
stated the law requires 115 parking spaces and until a comprehensive
study shows the ordinance is wrong, I am inclined to agree it is right.
I would be willing to hold over until a study is completed. The study
may prove the old ratio is correct; but it may take 6 months.
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Co Co 11-26-62
VARIANCE NO, 413 - Continued
Page Eleven
Councilman Heath: From a personal observation from
the property across the street;
I have watched this everyday, four
hours a day, and I have never seen that parking lot 3/4 filled in the
front, let alone at the side, or let alone the complete lot. In fact,
what I have observed as a general condition would lead me to believe
that Safeway is overstocked with parking spaces. Even under the old
ratio I would say we have penalized Safeway.
Mayor aArnes:
dinance and asked for an addition
required to give it to them. Mr.
be in a case of this type. What
Mr. Williams!
Mayor Barnes:
Mr, Williams:
I too think they are penalized
under the present ordinance. If
,they came in under the present or -
to their store, I think we would be
Williams, what would your opinion
is the law regarding this?
Councilman Snyder pointed out that
had only 1/2 of the tenants and yet
was more than 1/2 filled.
If they came in to add on to their
store the existing ordinance would
apply.
Let me ask the question a different
way. Would the existing stores then
apply to the new ordinance or only
the portion added under the new or-
dinance?
Only the portion added.
the Shopping Center at Pacific Lane
on Saturdays and Sundays their lot
Councilman Towner said perhaps the shopping center at Safeway was over -
zoned commercially. He pointed out that Hubby's Haven had been before
the Planning Commission recently, asking for a detached sign, because
evidently they were not getting too many Hubbies in their restaurant.
He reported that they tried to justify a variance by claiming a distress
situation and if this were,the case you could infer that perhaps the
area was over -zoned commercially.
Councilman Jett: I think we are over looking an im-
portant factor and that is that this
is a small neighborhood business.
They will be drawing their business not from large areas but from people
who live just around the little business. I think the type of store that
would go in here would be those who would depend upon local business and
I think a lot of people would be walking to little stores like this. If
we try to hold up this small shopping area and try to compell them to put
in parking at the same ratio as a regional shopping center, I don't think
it would be fair. I don't see any comparison, I have watched this City
develop under the old ordinance and I think it has helped different busi-
nesses. I had the opportunity to watch these developments first hand
and I have had dealings with them everyday. In my opinion a small shop-
ping area like this would require less than 50 percent of the parking
required of a regional center, and yet we make no distinction,
Mayor Barnes: I shop at this store every week.
This is one of my favorite stores.
Even on Saturdays on the busiest
day I would say that I have never seen their lot over 2/3 full. As
Councilman Jett pointed out, people walk to the store in this area and
there are homes all around here. A car is not required for many people
in the area. There is an area to the north that is zoned R-3 and I
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Co Co 11-26-62
VARIANCE NO. 413 - Continued
Mayor Barnes - Continued
Page Twelve
believe those people would walk to do their shopping rather than by
driving a car. I do know this is on the Planning Commission agenda,
I believe it was on their agenda for the 21 of,December to study the
parking ratio. I too think this would be a long, drawn -out study.
I think this can be studied by counts of parking in both types of
areas and I think we will find that regional and neighborhood does
not require the same ratio of parking that we think it does. I think
we are wasting a lot of good available land._ As far as Safeway is
concerned, I don't think we can do much about it other than to make a
move to develop a new ration They have never seen the need to mark
off the easterly portion in that area for parking spaces. Only the
spaces adjacent to the store have been marked off. I would be wil-
ling to hold over but I think we will find this unrealistic.
Councilman Snyder: I don't know how they could make
a parking study in a short time.
They could study the economical
success of the center, in fact I think they should check into the
economical success. I don't see how they can get a comprehensive
study of parking in a short time.
Councilman Heath thought a study of 3 to 6 months in duration would
be too long. He agreed with Mayor Barnes that if Safeway requested
additions to their building, they should be allowed to go to the_or-
iginal plane
• Councilman Snyder: I think this is going a long way
to justify a variance. We have
to look at the facts that are here
now, We are setting them up ahead
of time
Councilman Heath: Ifthink we should use the old stan-
dard. They have 30 stalls above
the requirement and therefore there
is ample parking.
Councilman Snyder: You have observed one shopping
center. I pointed out a new
shopping center that was over
50 percent filled with cars on a Saturday afternoon with only 1/2
of the tenants.
Councilman Towner: One indication of the economical
situation is the fact that we have
had several pleas for hugh signs.
Hubby's Haven can't attract business and Hubby's is part of that shop
ping center. This would infer that the spaces are unfilled because
the center is unsuccessful.
Mayor Barnes: Any other comments. I think they
are asking for parking that would
be adequate for the type of center
it is.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Jett, that Variance
No. 413 be approved subject to the condition that the use of the prop-
erty conform to the Precise Plan of Design 231 Revision 10
-12-
Co Co 11-26-62
VARIANCE NO. 413 - Continued
Before the motion was called to roll call
that there was no justification shown for
cilman Heath qualified his motion on the
• tion on Irwindale Avenue for 4 hours a da
of the entire building, outside of the 30
qualified the seconding of this motion on
experience in the development of shopping
Motion passed on roll call as follows:
Page Thirteen
Councilman Snyder contended
granting this variance. Coun-
basis of his personal observa-
y for one month within eyesight
0 ft. radius. Councilman Jett
the basis of his professional
areas
Ayes: Councilmen Jett, Heath, Mayor Barnes
Noes: Councilmen Towner, Snyder
Absent: None
Mayor Barnes qualified his vote on the basis of actual experience in
shopping in this area since it opened. He felt that the parking for
this type of shopping center in this area where shoppers walk to the
store has too many parking spaces for the amount of floor space. He
stated that he had made comments on this on different occassions and
that the reason Safeway did not mark off parking spaces on their lot
was because they did not find a need for it. One store in the area
went out of business but he felt this was due to a problem of manage-
ment; and he felt the restaurant in the area was doing well. He con-
tended further that a study is before the Planning Commission to con-
sider regional shopping centers and neighborhood shopping centers be-
cause it was felt that a great difference existed in the actual need
for parking.
aMotion. by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Jett, to approve
Precise Plan No. 231 Revision 1 subject to the conditions of the
Planning Department with the exception of Item #1 and Item #2,'and
that the required landscaping be installed and maintained; and State-
ment 3 that upon commencement of any building or occupancy thereon
the parking be installed, and Statement 4 that the 6 ft. block wall 15
ft. back of property line be reduced to 42 in.; when any one increment
of the building begins the entire parking lot be approved at that time.
Motion passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Jett, Heath, Mayor Barnes
Noes: Councilmen.Towner, Snyder
Absent: None
ZONE CHANGE NO. 240
PRECISE PLAN NO, 336
UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT NO. 68
Edward and William._E. Houston
HOLD OVER
Commission Resolutions No. 1283,
on November 9, 1962.
LOCATION: 206-18 North Vincent
Avenue between Garvey
and Workman Avenues.
Request for service station in
Zone C-1 and adoption of Precise
Plan of Design denied by Planning
1284, and 1285. Appealed by applicant
. Mayor Barnes informed the audience that the Municipal Code allows the
proponent to speak first, then the opponents would be permitted. to ex-
press their objections, and the proponents would then be permitted re-
buttal,
Mayor Barnes: If there is anyone here who wishes
to speak in favor or in opposition
of this application, please rise
and be sworn in by the City Clerk.
-13-
Co Co 11-26-62 Page Fourteen
ZONE CHANGE NO. 240 - Continued
IN FAVOR
Mr. Edward Houston, 315 West Lomita Street, Glendale, stated he was
• representing a major oil company with 150 neighborhood community ser-
vice stations. He stated that the proposed station under application
will be a pilot station on the West Coast and that 40 such stations
are contemplated throughout California. He presented renderings of
the proposed station. He said the proposed location was selected'be-
cause of its nearness to the Freeway and that they were interested in
serving people travelling across the country, He gave the locations
of this company's service stations in various cities throughout the
country. He pointed out that the station will be located in a zone
where studies have shown unsuitability for the present R-1 use because
of noise and traffic conditions. He also pointed out that he had heard
that the city was planning to put in sidewalks for the benefit of school
children at this location, and that the plan they were presenting shows
sidewalks around the entire front. He said that their stations were
unique in that these stations sell only gas and oil, and that they do
not fix flats or make repairs of any kind. He pointed out that the
rest rooms were air-conditioned and that the planter boxes on the walls
would be compatible with surrounding area. He said that the studies
show the site to be an ideal location for their emergency type of oper-
ation with excellent potential of getting back their investment.
Mayor Barnes:
IN OPPOSITION
Is there anyone else in favor
or opposed?
• Ken Kisselbert, 1237 East Mardina, stated that he was the spokesman
for four home owners. He said that he had attended meetings of the
Planning Commission and could appreciate that eventual zone change
would be necessary in this area due to increased traffic and noise
but he did not see that a gas station in this location would decrease
noise but would probably increase noise. He said that from a health
standpoint the important consideration was that this property is en-
tirely bounded by R-1 and that fumes from the gas station would be a
health hazard. He said the gas station property line was located 12
ft. from his garage, and pointed out that there were no other commer-
cial uses in the entire area. He stated that the large map does not
have commercial development shown for this area and that he would like
to see it stay that way, because he felt a gas station would devaluate
his property.
As far as the need for a station he felt that the emergency need
claimed by the applicant was outlandish. He pointed out that there
were 13 gas stations just south of the Freeway and 3 stations north
within four blocks.
As far as the sidewalks around the station were concerned, he felt
that these would be a hazard to children rather than a help because
the children would"be walking across the gas station outlets. He
felt that any tax revenue to the City derived from this station would
be offset by the devaluation of the surrounding property. Mr. Kissel -
berg contended that he was not a property owner who opposed new growth
in the City. He said that he realized the area was no longer residen-
tial property, but that he thought a service station use was illogical
and incompatible with the area. Mr. Kisselberg said he would be willing
to help any developer who had a use compatible with residential zoning.
-14-
0
CJ
Co Co 11-26-62
ZONE CHANGE NO, 240 - Continued
Page Fifteen
Pat Williams, President of the Vincent School PTA, 1033 West Green -
dale pointed out that they had not asked for sidewalks below Work-
man, and that they did not have school children going along that
area. Mrs. Williams said that she did not feel that this would be a
proper development because boys from the Grammar School would congre-
gate around the station's coke machines. As far as the station's claim
to emergency service, she was unable to correlate this because by their
own admission they made no repairs of any kind and could not therefore
handle any emergency situation. She said her primary concern was that
she did not feel this development would be good for the children.
Mayor Barnes: Is anyone else against this zone
change.
No further opposition was heard
from the audience.
REBUTTAL
Mr. Houston stated that there would be no reason for this station to
draw children and that they had ample manpower to keep them out, as
well as a 6 ft. or 8 ft. wall on two sides of the station. He con-
ceded that there were 13 stations on the other side of the freeway,
but that on North Vincent side it was one mile to the first service
station, and that their station was 1/2 mile by speedometer count.
Mr. Houston felt that the facts he had presented should be considered,
in the forementioned appeal, and that he believed they had presented
a good case,
Mayor Barnes declared the public hearing closed.
Mr. Flotten read Planning Commission Resolution No. 1283 and stated
that he had also received a letter of opposition from Carl F. Ward
and a petition with 50 signatures which had been presented to the
Planning Commission, Mr, Flotten presented the petition for the
Council's perusuale
Councilman Heath: Mr. Mayor were there any traf-
fic counts brought out? What
is the traffic count?
Mr, Dosh:
In excess of I6,000
Mayor Barnes: What is it on the off ramp?
Mr. Dosh: I believe it is between 6,000 and
8,000 on the off and on ramps.
Mayor Barnes requested traffic
counts be made available for the off -ramp and Vincent Avenue. Mr.
Dosh explained proposed sidewalk conditions on Vincent, and Mr. Joseph
explained site locations on the zoning map. The Council discussed
pictures including an aerial photograph in an effort determine a
structure on the property.
Councilman Towner asked if there was anything in the ordinance with
respect to operation on gas station uses and to storage tanks in a
residential area, Mr. Joseph and Mr. Williams said to their knowledge
there was nothing, Mr. Joseph pointed out that if approved the fire
chief would make recommendations with respect to operating equipment,
but in regard to activities on a filling station there was very little
definition. Councilman Towner and Councilman Snyder agreed that they
should have more time to study the various aspects of the service station.
-15-
•
Co Ca 11-26-62
ZONE CHANGE NO, -240 - Continued
Mayor Barnes:
Mr. Houston:
Page Sixteen
The indication that I get is that
we hold this over until we can
look at the property and get addi-
tional information. Is the Appli-
cant agreeable?
Absolutely.
Councilman Towner requested that the Planning Commission be consulted -
for what restrictions they would recommend. Mayor Barnes requested the
traffic count on the off ramp, and Vincent Avenue and also requested
information on the proposed signal for that intersection.
Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Jett, and carried,
that Zone Change No. 240, Precise Plan No. 336 and Unclassified Use
Permit No. 68 be held over until the next regular meeting on Decem-
ber 10, 1962.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Mayor Barnes announced that Mr. Paul McCann had been selected from
prospective applicants to fill the position vacated on the Planning
Commission by Edward Thompson who had resigned to take a position
in Long Beach. Mayor Barnes described Mr. McCann's background and
his previous experience with the Planning Commission, Mayor Barnes
welcomed Mr. McCann,
• Motion by Councilman Snyder, seconded by Councilman Heath, and carried,
to approve appointment of Paul McCann to the position of Planning Com-
missioner for the balance of the term to June 30, 1963.
SIDEWALK INSTALLATION PLAN
Mayor Barnes:, We have people in the audience
tonight who are interested in
the sidewalk program on North
Vincent Avenue. I would like
Mr. Dosh to present the maps.
Mr. Dosh presented the sidewalk maps and gave a detailed explanation
of the sidewalk plan.
Mayor Barnes: Do you have sets of costs on
both plans?
Mr. Dosh stated that one plan would run approximately $9,300.00 and
the other was the same except that the tree replacement would run
an additional $300.00 or $400.00.
Councilman`He'ath: I think the top plan is odd ball
all the way around.
• Mayor Barnes: I think you're right. I thought
our plan was to have sidewalks
only to Rowland. As stated in
the adjourned meeting, we decided to go to Puente, at least on the
west side of the street.
Councilman Heath: How is the survey coming on this?
-16-
0
0
Co Co 11-26-62
SIDEWALK PLAN - Continued
Mr. Flotten:
Russel Pollack:
I was advised we would be informed.
until we got the card in the mail.
Mayor Barnes:
Councilman Heath:
Page Seventeen
On November 21, we sent out 52
cards requesting an answer as
soon as possible. We have re-
ceived three cards back,
We have no way of knowing when a
discussion or hearing on the side-'
walks is going to be on the agenda°
I didn't know about the last meeting
You may call Mr. Flotten here or
call the City Hall and we can tell
you when it is going to be on the
agenda
I understood that the City Manager,
Mr, Aiassa was to notify these
people when the Council will have
a hearing. I am surprised to hear
we are just now getting the cards
out
Mr. Flotten and Mr. Dosh explained the reason for the delay.
Mr. Pollack: Was a decision made on this or
was there to be a discussion?
Mayor Barnes: A decision was made. The only
decision remaining now is which
plan we want.
Mr, Henry Vaght, 328 North Vincent, stated that since this was a com-
munity project for the benefit of the entire community that no contri-
bution other than normal citizen participation should be required of
them. He felt that there will be an overwhelming opposition.
Mayor Barnes: Would it be possible for someone
on the city staff to go out and
contact these people personally
and let these people know before the next meeting on December 10?
If we called, Mr. Vaght, could you get in touch with the people that
are interested in the hearing?
Mr. Vaght: Yes.
Councilman Snyder said it should be stated here that even considering
this as a community project, it has not been the policy of any City
to put in sidewalks.
Mr. Henry Vaght asked how the City proposed to finance the home
owners' portion.
Mr. Williams stated that this sidewalk installation could be done by
the 1911 Act. He said there was no legal precedent that we know of,
and that the question as to whether you can go against the home owners
taking a side against street improvements, the Council has the power
to override a protest of 100 percent.
-17-
Co Co 11-26-62
Page Eighteen
SIDEWALK PLAN - Continued
Me Ferber stated that she did not believe there would.be more than
twelve to twenty-four children who would be using these sidewalks.
She contended that there just were not enough children to constitute
a safety hazard and that she was heartily in favor of working out a
City plan, She stated she was opposed to sidewalks and did not feel
we were starting on the right principles.
Mrs. Main wanted clarification on whether we planned to widen Vincent
and if we were going to put in the sidewalks and then tear them out
to widen the street. She felt she was being asked to pay for something
the City intended to tear out. She felt that she was being triple -
taxed, once on her regular tax, then again on the 50 percent parti-
cipation, and again when they tear the sidewalks out to widen the street.
In answer to her question on the landscaping, Mayor Barnes explained
the plan for replacement of shrubs and plants, and Councilman Towner
explained the tree replacement program. He also pointed out that the
PTA brought out that a safety hazard did in fact exist, and after an-
alysis the Council decided the PTA was right and that action needed
to be taken, Mayor Barnes concurred that they felt an emergency sit-
uation existed and that they would like to get the sidewalks installed,
before the situation was worsened by the bad whether.
Mrs. Martha Sampson asked "if we agreed to the sidewalks, would we be
permitted to put them in on our own?"
Mr. Dosh informed that this would be possible if her husband had a
contractor's license and a West Covina business license. Or it
40 could be done by a friend who has the proper licenses.
Councilman Jett said that if they did it themselves the City would pay
50 percent of the building material.
Mrs. Kassnetsis complained that her main objection was that if the
sidewalks were set back they would have no privacy.
Mr. Dosh indicated the areas to be widened, and answered the question
with regard to wider sidewalks at the underpass.
Mayor Barnes:
Councilman Heath:
Councilman Snyder:
Councilman Towner pointed
back, and he felt further
said that if they put the
would give more protection
• Councilman Snyder:
We should decide tonight which plan
we want to undertake. Then when we
get the cards back we will have an-
other hearing.
I vote for the bottom plan on the
board.
I agree°
out that one small area would require a set -
that the people should have some say. He
sidewalk out at the street the landscaping
of privacy.
If it were put out
five-foot sidewalk
essary to take care
to move the poles.
at the curb a
would be nec-
of not having
I":
Co Co 11-26-62
SIDEWALK PLAN - Continued
Page Nineteen
Councilman Jett stated that, as it was brought up by the PTA, the
major concern was the safety of the children. He said a traffic
count showed 350 children a day and that in itself was indicative
• of the need for sidewalks, and that because it was a serious situ-
ation, expedient action was necessary. He stated his original
thought was that the sidewalk should go along the curb, but he felt
now that the second plan would be the least objectionable.
Mayor Barnes felt that the plan on the bottom presented a better over-
all plan and that if we developed properly now it would be better for
the property owners and better for the City. He said he felt the
second plan would help the value of the homes, and that the curb plan
would entail difficulty with the gas and water meter boxes. He said
the second plan had the best possibility for saving the trees. He
expressed a desire to put in the sidewalks at the lowest possible price.
Mr. Dosh stated that the second plan was the cheapest method.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Snyder, that the
Council adopt the No. 2 Plan for sidewalks on Vincent Avenue consisting
of sidewalks set back in standard position, and that the cost does not
exceed $2.75 a running foot for which the City will pay 1/,2 and the home
owners will pay 1/2 if the home owners agree. Motion passed on roll
call as follows.
Ayes. Councilmen Jett, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes
Noes. Councilman Towner
Absent. None
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Mr. Joseph read the report from the Planning Commission,
Councilman Jett stated that he believed the Council could avoid con-
siderable trouble in the future if they could have the actions of the
Planning Commission brought before the Council automatically.' He said
he felt a lot of things, which should be reviewed, slip by the time
limit before they can legally call up the actions of the Planning Com-
mission. Mayor Barnes thought an automatic review was a good idea but
the Council had made a rule that the applicant would have 20 days.
Councilman Towner felt that the Planning Commission could work more
effectively when they were not overburdened or harnessed. He said the
ordinance of the Council provided that they could call up anything they
felt necessary to call up, and that the ordinance also provided that
the Council would be notified within the time required for them to call
up an action. He felt perhaps one aspect that could be corrected was
the procedure for notifying people involved that an action was final
within 10 days unless appealed and the notice should say that the City
Council had the right to call this action up. He thought the Council
ought to notify that on an additional modification, the Council had a
right to call up an action within 20 days.
Councilman Heath felt that there was a need to sit down to set up
a procedure to cut the time limit.
Mr. Joseph explained the number of days needed to get back the
minutes of a Planning Commission meeting.
Councilman Heath requested the Reliable Savings sign be called before
the Council on December 10, 1962 and that the applicant be notified.
ova
•
Co Co 11-26-62
RECREATION AND PARKS
Page Twenty
CONFIRM NAME OF PARK AT MERCED AND WALNUT
Councilman Towner announced that the official name selected for the
park at Walnut and Merced was taken from the combination submitted
by 12 year old, Bill Tucker. He said the name officially selected
by the judges was Walmerado Park.
Mayor Barnes commented that the names submitted in the contest were
some of the cleverest combinations he had ever seen. He gave the de-
tails of the contest and said there were several who had submitted
the name, Walmerado so that it was necessary to judge the selections
on the neatness of the paper and the date of submittal. He congratu-
lated Bill Tucker on his paper,
Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath, and carried,
that the name selected for the park as Walmerado be approved.
APPROVAL OF CONCESSION STAND AT MERCED AND WALNUT PARK
Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath, and carried,
that the comession stand be approved subject to conditions and consid-
erations of the Building Department and that the Building Permit be
issued.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
ZODYS TRAFFIC CIRCULATION PROBLEM
Mr, Joseph read a letter from Zodys of which the Council had copies,
requesting permission to either allow trucks to make a left turn at
the first entrance going north on Azusa, or to permit the trucks to
use the alley behind Zodys.
Mr. Dosh explained locations on the map and gave a brief explanation
of the traffic situation and gave the staff's recommendations.
Councilman Heath: I agree with the staff's recom-
mendations. I feel a left turn
would create a traffic hazard,
Councilman Snyder:
Councilman Towner.
I agree too; although I feel
they could make another modi-
fication which would be perfect-
ly alright, but it would increase
the traffic hazard.
I think they brought about their
own problem. I can't let them
get by with the left turn,
Councilman Jett: I believe this would be starting
a problem°
Mayor Barn es.
I agree with the staff. I think
the staff should notify Zodys of
the denials They may be antici-
pating this answer.
-20-
Co Co 11-26-62
Page Twenty -One
CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS - Continued
TRAFFIC PROBLEM - ZODYS - Continued -
Motion by Councilman Snyder, seconded by Councilman Jett, and carried,
to deny application for a left turn lane, and that Zodys be notified
t by Acting City Manager of the Council's action and the Staff's recom-
mendation on the turn slot plus added suggestions.
VALINDA-WALNUT CREEK PARKWAY
HELD OVER
Following a discussion by the Council, it was decided to hold this
over until.Mro Dosh could get an opinion from Mr, Cox.
SIDEWALK INSTALLATIONS
GLENDORA AVENUE
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Snyder, to transfer
$117.00 out of the Street Maintenance Fund to the Sidewalk Fund on
South Glendora Avenue Commercial Area, with work to be done by Daniels
Cement Company at $039 a foot in accordance with their bid and that a
purchase order be issued. Motion passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Jett,
Noes- None
Absent- None
0 VINCENT AVENUE
Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Snyder, that side-
walks be 4 feet wide and set back from the curb line. Motion passed
on roll call as follows;
Ayes- Councilmen Jett, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes
Noes- Councilman Towner
Absent- None
CAPITOL OUTLAY BUDGET
HELD OVER
Following a discussion by the Council, it was decided that the-'
Capitol'•Budget be held oveir',for a Study Session on December 3, 1962.
GENERAL PLAN
ADOPTED
Mr. Flotten read a letter to City Council dated November 20, from
Mr, Olin Darby in opposition to the General Plan:
"I am the owner of some 13 acres of land in the easterly
portion of this City, including our home at 3928 Garvey
Avenue. As you will recall, I work toward inclusion of
this property in the City because I felt West Covina was
a forward -looking City and would recognize the problems
of its taxpayers.
-21-
Ca Co 11-26-62 Page Twenty -Two
GENERAL PLAN - Continued
Letter from Mr, Olin Darby - Continued:
"The proposed master plan which is presently under consid-
eration, does not make adequate provision for the develop-
ment of my land. Unfortunately, it has been my experience
that many times a master plan is considered to fix zoning
for a substantial period after its adoption. If the plan
is adopted in.its present form, it would appear I would be
confronted with the problem of a freezing of the zoning as
proposed, whereas that zoning is not adequate for devel-
opment of the land or of the city.
"My two acre parcel of ground, which is an island totally
enclosed by Holt Avenue, Monte Verde, Garvey and the Free-
way, should obviously be zoned for commercial use and the
balance of my land, which is located on the south side of
Garvey and north of Toencita, should be zoned for multiple
residential use at least of the density of garden apart-
ments, under the ordinance which may be proposed. Unless
such zoning occurs now, I feel certain that I will be blocked
from obtaining zoning for a substantial period of time and I
ask therefore that the master plan, unless amended to so
provide, be rejected by you."
Signed,
Olin K. Darby
• Mr. Flotten circulated among the Council a petition headed by Mr.
Cheesebrough and containing 20 signatures of the property owners
in opposition to the General Plano
Councilman Towner stated that the public hearings on the General Plan
had been held. He pointed out that the General Plan is not a master
plan and that these people were entitled to apply for a specific
zoning whenever they wish. He stated that if the plan were held up
pending solution of every problem, it would be necessary to move a-
head without the General Plano
Councilman Snyder concurred stating that the General Plan does not
"fix" zoning but acts as a guide toward the goals for which we are
striving. He said that if we were going to act on the General Plan
after the problems on Glendora Avenue had been settled or if each in-
dividual took up each area, for example there was some opposition at
the corner of Cameron and Azusa, he said we would never have a General
Plan,. He said there existed no proof that the General Plan at present
should be revised. He said there may be some points with respect to
some property but that he did not think these would be continued to
be used as a tool to stop the General Plana He said problems would
be solved with or without the plan but with the Plan we will have
more tools to solve problems than without a plan. He felt that we
must have the courage to adopt the plan and live with it and change
it as necessary. He said if we did not adopt a General Plan,.we would
• have to give reasons for not adopting it and that there would have to
be many reasons given for not adopting it.
Councilman Heath stated there were discussions on the General Plan by
the Council as well as the Planning Commission but in no case had it
been stated by anyone that the Plan was to be used as a Precise Plano
He said if it were he would not be in favor of the plan, but he stated,
in general terms he was all for the plan.
-22-
Co Co 11-26-62
GENERAL PLAN - Continued
Page Twenty -Three
Councilman Towner suggested that the General Plan could be adopted
by a Resolution which can ,be flexible as the.need arises.
• Councilman Snyder agreed and said statements he heard particularly
relating to the whole City were that the General Plan was only a -guide
as to what possibly should go into a particular area. He felt that some
things could be enlarged and some things made smaller. He said the plan
could be used both ways but in reality it is just a General Plano
i
0
Councilman Jett desagreed in that the Glendora Problem was far from
being solved. He said we have approved Variances without zoning and
that the zoning has not yet come before the Council. He said we ap-
proved another parcel subject to approval of a Precise Plan and that -
there was no proof that the Precise Plan would be approved by the fact
that we had a 3 to 2 vote in opposition to developing to commercial or
professional uses. He said there were at least 50 percent that had
not been considered at all and that there was no discussion whatever
on remaining portion. He said that the General Plan had been used
from time to time to deny zoning based on remarks made that it did not
show on the Master Plan, He felt that the Plan was going to be used
in this manner and he felt that the plan is not ready for approval un-
til there is a definite agreement in this Council as to how it is going
to be used. He said the Council should start voting on the things they
are talking about,
Councilman Heath:
Councilman Towner:
Councilman Jett:
Councilman Heath:
1 agree with Councilman Jett that
the Glendora problem is not solved
by any means.
This reference to areas not solved.
What areas are you talking about?
We approved Variance and approved
zoning for 8 acres of land which
is south of Service Avenue. The
entire street from one end to an-
other for that matter.
There is still a problem on all
the south length of. Glendora.
Mayor Barnes said he felt the General Plan was good and that he would
like to see the Council in full agreement as to its use because if
there was not full agreement with the Council, some would use it one
way and some would use it another way. He said he was in favor of the
General Plan as it was outlined in a previous meeting. He said he
suggested it be used not as a master plan but only as a General Plan
that was flexible on areas that could be developed, and that the Plan-
ning Commission would study the Plan at the request of the Council when
it was felt that something was wrong in order to study the area and make
recommendations. He said that if we adopted the General Plan with this
feeling in mind it would not be used as a tool but as a guide. He felt
the General Plan is a guide for a better city and that it is flexible
and if it was used this way, it would be a big help to the City. To be
used as a tool to defeat something he felt the Plan would be a harm
rather than a help to the City. He said he would like to see it used
right so that it would always be of assistance to use
Councilman Snyder said a General Plan is only as good as the men
who implement'.ito,. To prove it he called for a motion to see whether
we are for it or against it.
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Co Co 11-26-62
GENERAL PLAN - Continued
Page Twenty -Four
Councilman Heath- Each Councilman should take a
stand, and clarify how he in-
tends to use the General Plano
• I feel we have the Plan basically right and we could build on it.
While we have it, we might as well adopt it and build on it as nec-
essary, and make changes as needed. I would not like to see it used
as it has been in the past,
Mayor Barnes -
The General Plan cannot be used
as a master plan.
Councilman Snyder said he would bring in some proposals in a short
time.
Mr. Williams:
We will need a resolution appro-
ving the General Plano
Mr. John Hyatt, 322 Campana Flores Drive, said that the provision
that the Council would send the plans before the Planning Commission
does not indicate what they can do with the property. He said they
had been in asking for Garden Apartments, R-3, and high rise. He
thought the Planning Commission was showing partiality to Home Savings
and Loan, and he thought the Planning Commission would set against
their area. He did not believe it was fair to be unable to get their
property zoned. He said these people had cried for zoning and the
Council was doing the people an injustice by zoning for some but not
for others.
Councilman Snyder said he believed the zoning of Pass and Covina Road
and another by the wash were not decided on the General Plano He
stated that actually if under the General Plan their property was
apartment zoning and under the General Plan concept it is very possible
that is the way it.could go, then the General Plan would not work against
them but rather for them.
Councilman Heath said it was the general concensus of the Council
that other zoning could be added to the General Plano
Councilman Towner stated that the General Plan is a guide, and that
if someone wanted zoning other than what was shown on the plan, and
applied for it, and gave justification for a zone change, he could
get it.
Mr. Hyatt said that from an economical standpoint applying for zone
change does not work. He stated they had been in five times on every-
thing from a medical building to garden apartments. Each time they
came back it cost $250.00 to come before the Planning Commission and
an additional $25.00 to come before the Council. He said they were
looking for somewhere else they can go because the people are thor-
oughly disgusted with it.
Councilman Towner pointed out that a high rise ordinance is in the
making and that after it is adopted we ought to look into areas or
determine in what areas we ought to amend the General Plano
Mro Hyatt pointed out that they put in for a fire station on some
property. He said whatever the City wants they get and these people
don't get what they want.
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Co Co 11-26-62
GENERAL PLAN - Continued
Page Twenty -Five
Mr. John Zsennuk, 3033 Virginia, stated he had been here five times
for zoning on a piece of land that he owns, He said he had been
promised zone R-3. The property across the street got R-3-and he
. was promised that they would get R-3 zoning too. He said he -does
not pay taxes on his property just to look at it. He said that
he had paid $2,200 in taxes this year and had paid taxes on the
property for 9 years.
Mr. Olin Darby, 3928 Garvey Avenue, said he appreciated the attitude
of the Council with regard to the plan even though he had turned a
letter into the office the other day. He said he came to this City
because he hoped and expected to get fair treatment and he just hoped
the Council would not use the General Plan as a tool against them as
,had often been done in the past. He said they were losing money on
their property, and consequently so was the City of West Covina. He
felt..they would be putting in something that would be a credit to the
City of West Covina, and he hoped that when they did come back in the
Council would look at their applications with an open mind.
RESOLUTION NO. 2507 The City Clerk presented:
ADOPTED "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA ADOPTING THE GENERAL PLAN"
Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Snyder, that the
General Plan be adopted. Motion passed on roll call as follows:
• Ayes: Councilmen Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes
Noes: Councilman Jett
Absent: None
Said Resolution given No. 2507.
Councilman Jett qualified his vote-on.the basis that he felt there
were too many things wrong with the General Plan for him to vote yes.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Snyder, and carried,
that the entire transcript concerning the General Plan be forwarded to
the Planning Commission, in order that they might understand the thin-
king of the City Council, and use it in accordance with the ideas ek-
pressed by the City Council. Motion passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes
Noes: None
Absent: None
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
FIRE STATION
Mr, Dosh said they were sending a letter of the revised estimate.
• He said the last estimate was for $134,OOO.00 and that the last
letter would be approximately $150,OOO.00. He said this was to be
considered in the Capital Outlay and that he was to receive a letter
in the mail this week.
Councilman Heath: When are we going to put this out
to bid?
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Co Co 11-26-62
FIRE STATION - Continued
Mr. Dosh.
•
Mayor Barnes.
Councilman Towner.
Councilman Heath.
Mayor Barnes.
Page Twenty -Six
They are making the last changes
today and tomorrow. He said
they were hoping to get it signed
by tomorrow.
I definitely want this to go out
to bid.
We made some changes, if I recall,
which made it considerably more
than the initial bid.
We approved the plan; I think it
is being stalled.
I am going to call Neptune and
Thomas, and find out why.
Mr. Dosh explained the dates on which they expected the bids.
Councilman Jett said they had O.K.1d the bids for 30 days, and felt
that this was being deliberately stalled.
Mayor Barnes said he wanted the bids just as soon as possible. He
said he felt this was very necessary and that he had tried to get
this through.
Councilman Towner pointed out that after the Council had approved the
• plans, Councilman Jett took copies home and reviewed them and suggested
changes, and that in view of the fact that the changes in the.plans,
requested by Councilman Jett and taken into consideration by the Coun-
cil, had a bearing on the action by the staff, he did not feel he
could say that the staff had caused the delay,
Councilman Heath said that after the Council had given explicit
instructions to do a certain thing no one had the right to make the
Council an instrument as a whole to do something else.
Councilman Jett said he had taken the plans home to check them and
in doing so felt that additions were in order and so brought before
the Council for recommended changes. Recommending changes was a
common procedure. He said the Council acted on plans and from time
to time made changes, additions or omissions. He said this had no
bearing on the receipt of bids on the plans and that there was no
reason why this should not have been back here.
Mayor Barnes stated that after the plans are checked in three days
they could have gone to bids.
Mr. Williams said that most specifications preserve the right of the
City to make alterations of a minor nature but that major changes
would take the consent of the contractor. Minor changes could be
made without the consent of the contractor,
• Mayor Barnes said the changes consisted of. whether there were to be
two or three wash basins.
Mr. Dosh said that it takes time to check the particulars,
Councilman Heath asked why the plans were not checked by the
guy who designed them,
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C • 1
,C. C. 11-26-62
Page Twenty -Seven
FIRE STATION -- Continued
Mayor Barnes emphasized that when the Council approves something
it is something that they want to go out to bid if they say they
want it. He felt the Council definitely want these plans to go
• to bid.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Jett and carried,
that the changes be sent to Neptune and Thomas; and that the Engin-
eering Department would develop advertisements for the newspaper
for the building of the,fire station; and that the advertisements
would go in the papers on December 6 and December 13; and that the
bids be open on January 3; and that the bids be awarded on January 7.
TRAFFIC ENGINEER
A request was made to establish date to interview Traffic Engineers
for the proposed Traffic Study.
GLENDORA & CAMERON WIDENING
This problem appears to be more complicated than anticipated. We
hope to have a report at the December loth meeting.
PROJECT C-145
Final report received from County Road Department. City to receive
• 50% participation soon.
FINAL INSPECTION
ANNOUNCEMENT
It was announced that the dinner for Cameron, Soto, Flournoy, and
Johnson would be held on December 4, 1962 at 6:30 P.M. at Starks
Restaurant at Hollenbeck and the Freeway.
CITY ATTORNEY
ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION The City Attorney presented:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA AMEN-
DING THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE
SO AS TO REZONE CERTAIN PREMISES"
(Zone Change No. 236, Don Kay Corp)
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Jett, and carried,
to waive further reading of the body of said ordinance.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman .Towner, that said
ordinance be introduced. Motion passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes
Noes: None
Absent: None
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C'. C . 11-26-62
Page Twenty -Eight
ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION The City Attorney presented:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WEST COVINA AMENDING THE WEST COVINA
MUNICIPAL CODE SO AS TO REZONE CERTAIN PREMI-
SES" (Zone Change No. 228 - Sade, et al.)
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Jett, and carried,
that we waive further reading of the body of said ordinance.
• Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Jett, that said ordin-
ance be introduced. Motion passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilman Jett, Heath, Mayor Barnes
Noes: Councilmen Towner, Snyder
Absent: None
ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION The City Attorney presented:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WEST COVINA AMENDING THE WEST COVINA
MUNICIPAL CODE SO AS TO REZONE CERTAIN PREMI-
SES" (Zone Change No. 238 —Santiago)
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Jett, and carried,
that we waive further reading of the body of said ordinance.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Snyder, that said
ordinance be introduced. Motion passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes
Noes: None
Absent: None
ORDINANCE NO. 769 The City Attorney presented:
ADOPTED "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY •
OF WEST COVINA AMENDING THE WEST COVINA
MUNICIPAL CODE TO PRESCRIBE A BUSINESS LICENSE
FEE FOR ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH SERVE LIQUOR
AND PERMIT DANCING"
Mr. Williams read the ordinance in full and asked that it be spread in
the Minutes:
"The City Council of the City of West Covina does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. The West Covina Municipal Code is hereby amended by
the addition thereto of a new section 6235.20 reading as follows:
'6235.20. BAR OR RESTAURANT SERVING LIQUOR. DANCING.
For every person conducting or operating any bar or
restaurant wherein intoxicating liquor is served or
dispensed for consumption on the premises and in
which dancing is permitted or provided for, the sum
of $150.00 per year.'
SECTION 2. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this
ordinance and shall cause the same to be published as required by law.
Passed and approved this 26th day of November, 1962."
Councilman Jett asked f Jim's, who had a little program after hours
from 2 A.M. to 5 A.M., would be permitted to dance. Mr. Williams replied
that the ordinance applied only to places where liquor was sold. Since
Jim's did not serve liquor after hours, the ordinance would not affect
them one way or the other.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner, that said
ordinance be introduced and adopted. Motion passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes
Noes: None
Absent: None
Said Ordinance was given No. 769.
Councilman Snyder left the meeting at 1:3 0 A.M.
-28-
•
0
•
Co Co 11-26-62
CITY CLERK
Page Twenty -Nine
Temporary Use Permit request by James A. Ferguson and F. A. McArthur
to sell Christmas Trees at West Covina Plaza Parking Lot by the big
Plaza Sign.
Motion by Councilman Heath; seconded by Councilman Jett and carried,
to grant permit.
Mr. F.lotte.n<. I have a request for a temporary
use permit applied for by Don
Kleckner, Big Tree Ranch for two
Christmas tree lots; one lot on the northeast corner of Francisquito-
and Sunset and the other on the southeast corner of Glendora and Wal-
nut Creek Parkway.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Jett, and carried,
that temporary use permit be granted,
Mr. Flotten;
I have a request from Disabled
American Veterans to sell for-get-
me-nots in the City on November 29,
1962.
Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Jett, and carried,
that request to sell for-get-me-nots be approved.
Mr. Flotteno
I have a request from the Salvation
Army to place Christmas Kettles in
the Plaza Shopping Center from
November 24 to December 24, 1962.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner that permission
be granted to Salvation Army to place Christmas`°Kettles in P1aza'Shopping
Center from November 24 to December 24, 1962.
Mr, Flotten announced that the Covina Christmas Parade would be held
on November 29, 1962 at 7;00 P.M. Mayor Barnes said he would let the
City'Clerk know if he would ride in'the West Covina Fire Wagon,
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner, that the
City Council award $25.00 to the West Covina Most Attractive Christmas
Light Display Contest. Motion passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Jett,
Noes; None
Absent; Councilman Snyder
COUNCIL.'COMMITTEE REPORTS
Towner, Heath; Mayor Barnes
Councilman Heath said the City has anew seal and asked that they
now abandon the old seal.
Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Jett, and carried,
that the old seal of the City of West Covina which says "City of
Beautiful Homes" be abandoned.
Councilman Jett requested.a discussion of the City Manager's Ordinance
On November 28, 1962.
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Co Co 11-26-62
APPROVE DEMANDS
Page Thirty
Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Jett, to approve
demands totaling $88,355.58 as listed on Demand Sheets Numbers B'115,
C-274, and C-275o This total includes fund transfers of $64,424.29.
• Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner, and carried,
that there being no further business, this meeting be adjourned at 1:45
A. M. until the next regular meeting on December 10, 1962 at 7:30 P.M.
ATTEST:
n
U
•
City, Clerk
APPROVED �� -1- �j / 9 &/-I
Mayor
-30-