12-05-1955 - Regular Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALITURNIA
December 59 1955.
The meeting was called to order by Vice -Mayor Sperline at 8:15 p.m. at the
West Covina City Hall.
Present: Vice -Mayor Sperline, Councilmen Kay, Brown.
Absent: Mayor Hurst, Councilman Van Horn.
Others Present: City.Clerk and City Administrator, City Attorney, City
Engineer, M. Gerschler, Planning Department.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None
WRITTEN C014MUNICATIONS None
RESOLUTION NO. 845 City Attorney presented and read Resolution No. 845,
Appointing City Manager "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
and Finance Officer COVINA, CALIFORNIA, EMPLOYING A CITY MANAGER; CREATING
ADOPTED A NEW POSITION OF CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER AND APPOINTING
VAUGHN WALTERS THERETC."
Motion by Councilman Brown, seconded by Councilman Kay, that Resolution No. 845
be adopted. Motion passed on roll Callas follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Kay, Brown, Sperline..
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Hurst, Councilman Van Horn.
PUBLIC HEARING
Precise Plan No. 59
Zone Change No. 54
& Unclassified Use Permit
• No. 11
Sterling Theatre Co.
DENIED
Continued hearing from November 14, 1955. Location:
north side of Garvey Avenue, east of Range Ave. Disapprove
by Planning Commission Resolutions No. 305, 306, and 307..
Request: R-1 to R-A. Request: Use for drive-in theatre.
Decision appealed to City Council.
Communication was presented and read by City Clerk from
Krag and Sweet, per Mr. Donald R. Krag,.Attorneys at Law
for applicant, as follows:
"Please be advised that Sterling Theatre Co. withdraws its pending appe
from the City Planning Commission's recommendations.
"We cannot acquiesce in the finding of the majority of the Plan-"
sion, but we feel that under present conditions it would be �e.
to hold further hearings on the present applications." n rokZ
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Motion by Councilman. Brown,, seconded by Councilman Kay, tom'
placation of Sterling Theatre Company, without prejudicE���
as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Kay, Brown, Sperline.
Noes None
Abse nt: Mayor Hurst, Councilman Van Horn.
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PUBLIC HEARING,
Zone Change
In connection with
.Unclassified Use Permit #10
Precise Plan #44
Sponseller and Sons
HELD OVER
cation be amended -as follows:
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Vice-Mayor Sp'erline stated that this is the time and
place for public hearing on Zone Change No. 38, Unclass-
ified.Use Permit No. 10 and Precise Plan No. 44. Loca-
tion: NE corner of Irwindale Avenue and Garvey Avenue.
Request: C-2 zoning, potential. Denied by Planning
Commission.. Decision appealed to City Council. Mr. M.
Gerschler presented and read ' communication from appli-
cant,,'G. W. SDonseller, requesting that original appli-
"Please be advised we are requesting our Zone Change No-.38 for.Q2,3 zoning
be amended to C-2, potential, Please hold in abeyance our Unclassified Use
Permit and Precise Plan."
Mr. Gerschler stated there had been no Precise Plan or Unclassified Use Permit ac-
companying the C-2, potential request. Resolution No. 314 of the 'Planning Commission,,
denying the request for revised zone change., was read by Mr. Gerschler.
Councilman Kay: Did the Planning Commission feel there was no need for any commercial
in that area?
Mr. Gerschler: I believe their feelings were that some commercial zoning was permisr
sible under the'Master Plan, but they felt perhaps this might be too
large an area.
All those wishing to present testimony on this matter were sworn in by City Clerk.
Mr. G. W. Sponseller of 6422 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, applicant- spo4e in favor.
"Speaking in favor of this piece of property, once again we do.not see how" in any
y
way, this property can be zoned for anything but commercial zoning. We have been
working -very hard this week on something to propose which would be advantageous to
the City of West Covina. the reason we have not submitted a Precise Plan again is
that we had spent a great deal'of funds before, upon recommendation of the City
Council, Planning Commission, and Engineer Department, designing something that would
be thought beneficial to this area. After all the work we found that nobody wanted
the ice arena and bowling alley which we proposed for this area. We do not plan on
going to the expense as we did the last'time, only to.have our zoning turned down.
• We -feel that we can'do an outstanding service to the community and West Covina on
this corner property. It is a valuable piece of ground, too Much so for housing.
It is not a good site. for rental housing as it would cause concentration of too many
people in one area, and we do not believe that the City is ready to handle such a a
project, as yet anyway. We think the City Council should make a decision tonight in
favor for a C-2 potential zoning. We have done quite a bit of building in West
Covina., and.I think we have certainly benefited -the City in the past. We have tried
to add to the communityandnot hurt it in any way. We have always done something
to'help the people in everything we have.built. We have several ideas for the pro-
tection of the residential property around this area and we will do everything pos-
sible to protect.the people and their homes'9 and cause no detriment to their property
in any way. I feel it is about time for a.decision on the part of the Council
regarding this matter, and if approved we would come up with a Precise Plan which I
am sure would satisfy the Council -in every way.
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Mr. A. Jett, President of the Chamber of Commerce., spoke in favor and presented
drawings of a possible hard -top theatre development of Fox West Coast. Theatres in
this area. "I believe that such a development would be acceptable to everyone here.
We do not have a Precise Plan to present tonight as we did not have sufficient time
(to.prepare one). This proposed project would fit into a C-2 area and it is the
type of a project that could.be arranged in a way to be acceptable to everyone. -.It
would certainly be a definite asset to the City. There are several innovations
which.would go into this theatre which would be entirely new. It would have an en -
,closed play area for children., which would have accredit ' ed supervision, so that
parents may leave their children in the play area to go in to see the movie and get
them when they come out. There will also be a complete restaurant area inside of
• the building housing the theatre. The theatre will seat 3200 people and have a park-
ing area for about 1200 cars., or one car for every twoand one-half chairs in the
theatre.. It would be completely shielded from the residential area by screening of
whatever was asked for. I'believe we should give serious consideration to the prob-
lem of taxes and look forward to some.help on taxes on our homes, which we can get
only by some (large) commercial and industrial development. This type of development
is'the only way that I -can see for getting relief
ief on taxes in the, future. The
building will cost $750,000 and tax -wise it would be extremely beneficial to the City.
-Councilman Kay- We have always heard the story that under potential.zoning it is
impossible to get leases.
�Mr,.Sponseller: It would be, an outright sale of ground. They will not purchase or
. . spend money until we havepotential C-2 and then willworkon
,Precise Plan. If we could put this (theatre) through it would be fine, but -we still
have not dropped the Sav-On Drug Company and market we originally planned for this
property after dropping the matter of the recreational center of skating arena and
bowling alley. This theatre plan has just come to light in the last few days, but I
honestly believe that something on this order would be good to have in the City. It
.would certainly be outstanding from the point of both beauty and engineering. Fox
West Coast Theatres are good people to do business with as they believe in planning
for., and keeping,,beauV in their theatres.
Mr. E. R. West of 205 N. Shadydale spoke in opposition. "This proposed new building
that is before the Council tonight looks better.than the bowling alley but there are
still many.thing5that we do not know on. .the proposed building. If he (Sponseller)
• sells t ' 0 Fox Theatres what assurance do we have that they will meet the requirements
that Mr. Sponseller gives use We have a 3.01 street. .,Are these streets going -to be
cut through., are they going to dead-end, or -what will happen to them? I believe
there would be a traffic problem created,.,and we want to be assured we have proper
protection. We have saved for our homes and why should we 'run them down the drain'
now
Mr. N. Douglas'of 210 N. Shadydale spoke in opposition. "We like the idea of a Sav-On
Drug Store and market, we can use these things in this area,, but we cannot use a
theatre. I agree with Mr. West in that .this .proposal 'would create a great traffic
hazard."
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Sponseller hearing--contd.
Mr. R. V. Browning of 234 Broadmoor spoke in opposition. "On 300 and 400 block I
contacted 3.2 property owners and secured a petition urging denial for C-3 zoning in
,this when it was originally presented. Since then I have talked to these same
property owners and they have not changed their ideas at all and they still have the
same feelings against this particular type of,thing going into this area. I think
that I can represent these people tonight and I would like to say I can see little
difference between the formerly proposed recreational center and this (theatre) plan
now presented., as it would still produce the concentration of parked cars and cause
congestion against R-1 property. C-2 would allow him (Sponseller) to go ahead with
• his original 'plan. In view of this I am opposed to C-2, Potential. We do not like
the term 'potential' as we feel there are other things that could be involved here.
This is quite an indefinite and undecided matter, and to approve.C-2 on the requested
basis would not be good, as the matter could.be dropped and then go back, when right
time arrive, to restore C-3.
Mr. J. B. Pinto of 1235 E. Eckerman spoke in opposition. "I do not reside in adjacent
area but I do -not feel it is fair for something of this nature to pass without ade-
quate advertisement. I do not feel it should be passed on the basis of this theatre
plan brought in here tonight. This is a speculative idea, there is nothing concrete
to go on."
City Clerk stated that proper publication had been given.to this Zone Change.
Mr. Odekirk of 229 N. Shadydale spoke in opposition. "Most people were in opposition
to the bowling alley because of congestion of traffic, and feel this proposed idea
would be no better for a traffic situation."
No further testimony, hearing was declared closed.
Councilman Kay: It seems to me that the people represented here this evening have
spoken mostly in opposition to a recreational type of development.
Do you oppose any commercial in this area, or just recreational?
Mr. Browning: I believe we are mostly opposed to recreational. We are not opposed
to everything but we do not want something that would be an outright
• nuisance. I do not think there would be opposition for a service station on the
corner, with C-2 such as in the West Covina Shopping Center. I do not believe that
proposal of recreational facilities is so much for the welfare of the people but for
the amount of profit to take out of a certain number of square areas.
Councilman Kay: Councilman Kay stated that he thought a firm zoning of C-2, with
Precise Plan, would be better.. The Precise ?lan would only necessi-
tate showing protective features for surrounding property, ingress:.and egress, and
ratio of parking, but without internal details of structure and with this believe
there would be no problem from a'firm C-2 zoning point of view.
Mr. Sponseller: If we did submit a Precise Plan to the Council showing building and
Plot Plan as to various protective features -would this satisf the
Council? We are not going to put in a bowling alley or recreational center. here
will be either a shopping center or.this theatre group, with service station on the
corner, in this area, We could submit a plan of layouts of the grounds.
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Sponseller hearing--contd.
Councilman Kay: You could submit a Precise Plan to cover either of these potential
uses and I believe you would have little trouble before the Council.
It should contain parking, ingress and egress, and protective features to property.
Mr. Sponseller: �If we bring in such a plan, going to this expense, will. -Council
consider C-2 zone?
Councilman Kay: Believe this is out of order at this time as -you are asking something
regarding what we have not seen.
• Councilman Brown: This particular area is potentially C-1 zone now and I would not
want to pass this tonight with only three men represented on the
Council, and I would not pass this without a Plot Plan, at the least, on it.
Councilman Sperline: As Mr. Kay point out the feeling of the Council is that we
would like to see some kind of plot plan showing layout as to where
buildings will go and protective features to surrounding residential area. The
streets are an engineering problem that should be taken into consideration on any
Precise Plan brought in. Mr. Sponseller has stated that he would not put in a bowl-
ing alley or, recreation center. C-2 zoning ordinance very definitely states certain.
things that are permissible or not permissible in a zoning of this type and I do not
believe that a recreational center, consisting of bowling alley and skating arena,
is permitted in this type of zoning.
Motion by Councilman Kay, seconded by Councilman Brown, and carried, that Zone Change
No. 38 (Unclassified Use Permit No. 10 and Precise Plan No. 44) be held over until
meeting of December 19, 1955, at 8:00 p.m.
MODIFICATION OF OVERALL Recommended for approval by Planning Commission Resolution
PRECISE PLAN IN C-3 No. 313. Held over from Council meeting of November 28,
CENTRAL BUSINESS AREA 1955. Mr. Gerschler stated that this matter was held over
HELD OVER for street alignments and recommendations from the Planning
Committee.,. Mr. Gerschler presented and read recommendations
from the Planning Committee as follows:
• 1) That the area for the widening of Glendora Avenue, Garvey and Vincent Avenues
along with service roads adjacent thereto and all future streets be deeded to the
City of West Covina.
2) Sanitary sewer easements be provided. That sanitary sewers be provided and
meet the approval of the City Engineer.
3) That parking requirements conform to Ordinance No. 325.
4) All street improvements outlined in Section 49 of Ordinance No. 225, including
utilities, be installed accordingly and meet the approval of City Engineer and
including street lights along service roads along with sidewalks.
5) That parking areas be lighted and surfaced with pavement.
6) That adequate water supply and.fire protection be provided.
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Mod. of P-P,- C-3 Bus. Area--contd.,
7) All bonds, fees and deposits be posted before building permits are issued.
8) All excavation and grading work to'conform to Ordinance-No.'3M.
Motion by Councilman Brown, seconded by Councilman Kay,
and carried, that Modification
of Overall Precise Plan ' in C-3 Central Business Area be adopted on area north of
future street which leads into Vincent Avenue; to San Bernardino Freeway; to Glendora
Avenue subject to recommendations of the Planning Commission.- That alternate sexes ice
drives on the southeasterly section be included.
Motion by Councilman Kay, seconded by Councilman Brown, and carried, that.motion to
adopt section of Precise Planbewithdrawn and that this Precise.Plan be held over
until meeting of December 12, 1957; be -cause of indefiniteness regarding what is'to
be done on a future street shown on plan. It was feeling of the -,Council that further'.
study of this future street should be made by Council.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
PROMOTIONS
CAPTAIN & ENGINEER
APPROVED
Motion by Councilman'Kay,, seconded by Councilman Brown,
that promotion be approved, as per recommendation of the
Fire.Chief, on the following men effective December l., 1955.
Robert Co Wolfe - Captain
Ralph A.,,Hardin - Engineer
Motion passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Kay, Brown, Sperline.
Noes: None
Absent. Mayor Hurst, Councilman Van Horn.
POLICE DEPARTMENT Mo ' tion by Councilman Brown., seconded by Councilman Kay., that
EMPLOYING RESERVE approval.be given on the following reserve officers hired to
OFFICERS fill vacancies in the -police reserves as submitted by the
APPROVED Chief of Police, dates effective as shown.
Thomas Allen Still 5110155
John William Mutz 11/4/55
Arnold Ankrim Ervin 1111155
Byron Andrews Jolley 11/7/55
Richard Perez Raugi 11/14/55
Phil -lip -Antony"Umbrello 12/5/55,
Motion passed on roll call as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Kay, Brown Sperline.,
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Hurst, Councilman Van Horn.
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POLICE DEPARTMENT Councilman Sperline presented request to City Attorney,
REQUEST from the Chief of Police, for an Ordinance to be drawn up
making it unlawful for any persons to willfully give any
false or unfounded information to the Police Department for the purpose of hindering
or delaying'an investigation and making a violation of this ordinance a misdemeanor.
BUDGET RE ' PORT & Motion by Councilman 'Brown., seconded by Councilman Kay9and
BUILDING DEPIT. REPORT carried,, that copy.of Budget dated September 13, 1955, and
Building Dept. report for the month of November be accepted
and f iled for the record.
BARRICADES City Administrator stated that we are now barricading and
lighting all. excavations and charging the developer $5.00
per light. We are checking barricades more closely and we are now developing an
overall.excavation and barricade ordinance for -better protection.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING City -Administrator stated that hewishedto remind Council
12/26/55 that the regular meeting of the City Council would fall on
a legal holiday, 12/26/55, and that a change of meeting
date would be necessary. City Attorney advised the Courril that since Dec. 26 was
considered a holiday that regular meeting date would be the next day after, on Tuesday.,
December 27.'
MEETING REGARDING City Administrator stated that there would be a meeting
BURNING ORDINANCE held at the Hall -of Records at 10 a.m. December 6, 1955,
regarding burning andperhaps it should be attended by
Mayor Hurst andFire Chief Hardin,, This meeting would be concerned particularly
with the cities having the problem of the necessity for burning trees cut down on
future subdivisions.
No further business, meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
ROBERT FLOTTEN
JOE HURST, MAYOR