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09-25-1972 - Regular Meeting - Minutes•4 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA SEPTEMBER 25, 1972 The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m., in the West Covina Council Chambers by Mayor Robert Young. The Pledge of Allegiance was given. The invocation was given by Chief of Police Allen Sill. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Young; Councilmen: Shearer, Lloyd, Nichols. Absent: Councilman Chappell. Others present: George Aiassa, City Manager George Wakefield, City Attorney George Zimmerman, Public Services Director Lela Preston, City Clerk John Lippitt, Ass't. City Engineer Bert Yamasaki, Ass't. Planning Director Allen Sill, Chief of Police. Mayor Young: Councilman Chappell is absent this evening because he is ill. Perhaps Mr. Aiassa would comment a little further on that for us. Mr.'Aiassa: I just received a call before I came to the meeting tonight. It appears that he has either an appendicitis problem or another serious thing and is very uncomfortable and asked to be excused tonight. • Mayor Young: Thank you very much. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Young: At this time, do we have a representative here from the Southern California Automobile Club this evening? Would you step to the microphone, sir, and identify yourself? Mr. Hoffman, let me ask you a question. Do you have an award to make here this evening? Donald D. Hoffman I sure do, sir, and we are very proud to bring Public Safety it to you. I certainly thank you, Mr. Mayor Consultant and Councilmen. It's always a pleasure for me to represent the Auto Club, being an employee, but more than that, it's a mixed feeling that I have because I feel so close to the City of West Covina, and I bring to you an award tonight from the Triple A, the American Automobile Association. For some 30 years now, they have conducted what is known as a pedestrian safety inventory and they have requested the cities throughout the United States to cooperate and report on the kinds of programs they have concerning pedestrian safety. This year there were over 2, 146 cities that reported, and we are so happy to be able to tell you tonight that for the sixth time in a row, the sixth year in a row, that the City of West Covina is nationally recognized for its pedestrian safety programming efforts. I think, more than that, it's the statistics that speak so loudly. For cities of the size of West Covina, and they are all compared in a computer, you had an injury record of 1.5, while all the rest of the cities, the lowest figure was over 3.0. That's -1- • • CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS twice as good as any we think it would be good Chief of Police this year. But more City has cooperated. and if it weren't for accomplished. Page Two 9/25/72 other city. We think it is the programming. But remiss if we didn't give much, much credit to our Allen Sill and his deputy, who have worked so hard than that, it's almost every organization in the We know that you men certainly are interested, your guiding hands there would be:very little It's just been a real pleasure for me to bring this to you because I feel very close to the City of West Covina and I hope that I'll have this privilege many times in my short-lived career. So, Mayor Young, if we could present this to you? Mayor Young: I believe the appropriate recognition should go to the enforcement agency. Chief Sill is here this evening and he indicates that he would like to have Deputy Chief Craig Meacham to receive this award. Mr. Hoffman: Well, I'm glad to hear that,too, because I know the hard work and the wonderful programs they have instituted in town and enforced and I know that it takes that in order to have a record like this. Deputy Craig Meacham: Thanks to the Automobile Club and I accept this on behalf of the City of West Covina and the Police Department and in so doing I would like to also recognize those who have assisted us in achieving this award; persons such as the P.T.A. and representatives of that group, and our own Police Officers' Wives Association who have helped us with our Traffic Safety Town here in the schools. And I think it's such assistance from the community that's helped us achieve this award. Mayor Young: I'm sure I speak for the City of the citizens when I add a the Police Department for its Council and all commendation to fine efforts. Perhaps you've given this Council some undue credit, although we do strive to continue our program of sidewalk construction and safety measures and crossing guards and the like, and we are just very proud we are able to maintain this record. I think we couldn't do it without the dedicated Police Staff that we have. Iwir.. Hoffman: That's what we recognize and thanks for your hospitality. Mayor Young: Thank you, sir: Let's have a hand. APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 28, 1972, Mayor Young: Are there any additions or September 11, 1972 corrections? Can we -handle these collectively? Mr. Wakefield: Yes. Motion made by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Nichols and so carried to approve the minutes of August 28 and September 11, 1972. • Councilman Shearer: If I may, I think in the past we have numerous times -- perhaps not meant as criticism -- but have asked questions as to why the minutes were so late. I think it is well to note they are now current. September 11 was our last meeting, so I would direct a compliment to the City Clerk and whoever else is responsible for preparing minutes, because they will hear it when they are late, so perhaps they ought to hear it when they are on time. Mayor Young: Thank you, Mr. Shearer. Any further comments? -2- CITY COUNCIL Page Three CONSENT CALENDAR - Hollenbeck Underpass 9/25/72 Mayor Young: At this point, we will go to the consent calendar. These are the itmes handled more or less routinely in one motion. These are the items you will find on pages 1, 2, and the first item on page 3 of the Agenda. If there is any comment from the .Public on any of the itmes 1 through 10 of the Agenda, this is the time and place to address those comments to the Councill feel free to step forward, anyone who's especially --concerned with any of these items. Mrs. Gerald Van Abel We have come in regard to --the sidewalks on 2210 East Norma Avenue Hollenbeck Street and we did want to stipulate West Covina, and how important we feel they are and also mention Il2rs. Richard Alexander that the 28 signatures are not complete. There 2211 James Avenue are more that we just did not get and we are Item CC-1 d) sure they are also interested and, also, we want to point out that there are way over 25 children that are using these streets. Another thing we wanted to say is there is going to be construction of the underpass going through there and we feel that with the trucks and everything we are sure are going to be traveling on there, we need the sidewalks for the children to walk these three blocks to school. We feel they are very important and we hope that somebody will go and see what it is like.And right now they are doing some constructing of some sewers for drainage and we were talking to some of the workers and he said, "Well, they are going to be pouring now. See what can be done. Maybe it can be done all together"because it's on the same street that we were interested in. Mayor Young: We appreciate your comments and also your petitions: I think that we all share an • element of regret that apparently the matter was overlooked earlier. I gathered from what I read in the material before us, that you had talked with the City before and we are referring this matter, we intend to refer this matter to Staff for a very prompt report back as to what we can do and when we can do it. Mrs. Van Abel: I had called, as I said in the letter, I had called last.year because we knew that this construction was going to be going on and I was kind of led to believe that it would have taken place before the construction so that the children would have sidewalks to walk on while the construction was going on, and here, school has started already, and nothing. They still have to walk in the middle of the road to get to school. Mrs. Alexander: I was just going to say they can't even walk up on the peoples' yards because it's all either ivy or shrubs and there is no place to walk. And right now they are walking in the center lane of Hollenbeck and that's the only place because they have to go around the work trucks. And my children are five and seven, and I have to walk them to school every day. Mrs. Van Abel: Well,we-walk them to school, but there are • many mothers who either work or just don't take them to school, and we are, more or less, cross -guarding them. And I think we each take care of 10 to 20 children to make sure they get to and from school. Mayor Young: Mr. Aiassa, I take it we could have a very prompt report back on this situation. Mr. Aiassa: Yes, Mr. Zimmerman has received this matter and had someone out in the field today, and Mr. George Zimmerman will be contacting you directly. -3- CITY COUNCIL Page Four CONSENT CALENDAR 9/25/72 Mayor Young: Thank you. Is there anyone else now that would like to address the Council? Are there comments from the Council Members? WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS • TOPICS Funds Councilman Shearer: Mr. Mayor, Item 1-a, a Item CC-1a revision of -deadline for spending of certain. Federal monies. Does this present any problem? I noticed the recommendation -to me-rely•,receive and file, and was merely wondering if they are presenting a problem to the City, being able to obligate these TOPICS funds? Mr. Aiassa: No,-_I..don't believe so, Councilman Shearer, but Mr. Zimmerman -.can outline any items that has certain specifics on any important issues. I think the main thing we want to do is to actually receive the rough draft report as it is outlined. And we have the representative Victor Gruen here tonight to answer any questions, if the Council has any. I think the main thing we were concerned about is that we want to get Council approval so that we can finally get it to the Division of Highways..and down the line to wherever it belongs. We have been delayed for some time. Mr. Zimmerman: Mr. Mayor and Members of the City Council, there are actually two items on the Agenda tonight covering the TOPICS program; one is the proposed TOPICS report which is to be presented to the Division of Highways and the other is the deadline date for the Department of Public Works a reservation of TOPICS funds. The City -of West Covina -is in good shape . regarding the TOPICS funds. We are awarded, at the present time, an interim contract which will -take -care of -any obligations we have to spend funds at this time. And we have upon completion of the TOPICS program or report and acceptance of it, we'll have additional projects to obligate whatever funds are additionally..assigned_to.us. So we feel the City is in good shape regarding the TOPICS funds. Councilman Shearer-: Thank you. Mayor Young: Councilman Lloyd? Councilman Lloyd: I can't do anything about it, but I am (Item CC-7) appalled is a good way to put ' it at the claim of damages in item 7, Susan M. McVay. I read this over, and having had a similar accident myself, and I guess I must have goofed, Mr —City. Manager, I failed to sue the City when a wheel collapsed on me while riding my bicycle. The girl says she's riding her bicycle on Vincent Avenue, and it turns out that the bars of the grating ran parallel to Vincent rather than cross -wise. I just fail to understand how people can live in a City and partake of the advantages and all of the things that it has, and the minute they think there is a chance to make a buck, then somehow we take over the responsibility, and they go • forward with great gusto. I personally am offended by this type of thing. It is a legal action; it has nothing to do with this body. We will refer.it to, I believe, the City Attorney, but I just couldn't not allow -4- CITY COUNCIL Page Five WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - Damage Claim 9/25/72 a comment to come on this type of thing. No wonder our society has the problems it has. Everyone expects the Government to provide everything, I guess. I'm annoyed. Mayor Young: I'd like you to go to lunch with me tomorrow. I have a professional response but I don't want . to make it now. It has been.,suggested that this particular item is at the moment under the auspices of the State of California, not the City of West Covina, and I think that if we go about establishing common hazards that do cause damage, that the one who established such hazards should probably be responsible for it. Councilman Lloyd: I'm sorry, because I repaired my face to the tune of $1,000. Councilman Shearer: I had another question or two, but I would like to comment on the grates. That's not a new issue with the organization for which I work. A few years back many thousands of dollars were spent to upgrade the grates so they would handle the then current width of bicycle tires. As soon as it was completed, then the bicycle manufacturers came out with thinner tires that then fell in between the grates that we had just made smaller. So now we are in the process of going back and surveying and spending more money. Then, I assume the bicycle manufacturers will come out with a 1/8th of an inch in diameter instead of a 1/4 inch. This is not a new situation. 1 b) OAKDALE Request for pre -zoning and annexation of 215 ESTATES, INC. acres in the South Hills area, southerly of the Villas Annexation. • Councilman Shearer: On Item 1 b), just for my own curiosity, the request for pre -zoning and annexation. Do we have any clue as to what the owner wants in the way of zoning on this 215 acres? Mr. Aiassa: Mr. Shearer, the South Hills area, this is the area that's close to the Villas annexation. The reason we want it to be referred to Staff is that we wanted to make a complete report for the Council before we even proceed with the annexation. It's a question of lot sizes and a few other items. Councilman Shearer: Has the developer given any clue that he is going to want MF 20 or something like that on this 200 acres? Do we have any indication of that or am I jumping the gun in asking? Mr. Aiassa: You are kind of jumping the gun because he's going to meet with the Staff and review. Councilman Shearer: I won't pursue the question. Mayor Young: Any further comments? •TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MINUTES Item 10 Councilman Shearer: On the Traffic Committee Minutes, I'd like to make a comment. With regard to the request, I think this needs to be said to show that the City Council does attempt, sometimes unsuc- cesfully, to respond to what the people want, or at least to what the people think they want. Item 2, with regard to the cul-de-sac on Danes Avenue, a rather small item sometime back, someone came to the Council -5- • CITY COUNCIL Page Six TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MINUTES 9/25/72 reportedly representing, if I'm not mistaken, the people on the street. At the time the cul-de-sac and wall was constructed they said they wanted a hole left in the wall, "So we can walk through." So we graciously, I hope graciously, consented, "Yes, we will leave the hole so that the residents can now walk through." And now, tonight, we are faced with a petition that says, "We don't want that hole in the wall, we want that boarded up so that our children can't go through it because it's a hazard." And the recommendation is, and I'm going to support it, that we go put a gate and a lock so that the hole is no longer accessible. Which I think is fine. I think it does illustrate that sometimes you can't please some of the people or anybody, how does that go. Mayor Young: You've got the key to it, Councilman Shearer. Then we'll issue keys to anyone that wants to walk through the hole and they can unlock the gate, walk through, and lock it. Councilman Shearer: But that's just an illustration of which way to go. Councilman Lloyd: Not only that, Councilman Shearer, I'd like to point out that the gentleman in question approached me. I was the Councilman he spoke to. I believe, if I'm not mistaken, from the time that he called me I called Mr. Zimmerman and I believe Mr. Zimmerman already had a response. Even though the newspaper noted with a certain amount of glee that, boy, the Council will really respond; and it did, as a matter of fact. And I'd like to see that pointed out. We really did respond and the strange part of it was that it wasn't as a result of the complaint but it was a result of an honest endeavor to meet the demands of the citizenry of this City. Councilman Shearer: Mayor Young: Councilman Nichols: Mayor Young: (Item CC=10) Item 10 but sub -item 1, prohibited on the east to the property at 910 That's why the hole was there to begin with, in response to the citizenry. We are not that indifferent. All right. Anything further, Mr. Shearer? Councilman Nichols? No, Mr. Mayor. Anything further, Councilman Lloyd? I have a comment to,make and this is the a request of Doctor Moghtader to get parking side of Sunset, south of the north driveway South Sunset Avenue. That's because his patients find a:traffic hazard getting out to Sunset Avenue during the busy hours of the day. And it is recommended by the Traffic Committee that this restriction be granted, "No Stopping at Any Time," on the 50 feet of the east curb of Sunset Avenue south to the property at 910 South Sunset. Now, what disturbs me is that I made this identical request three months ago on behalf of a citizen who uses Roseway Avenue, and the Traffic Committee investigated the situation and came up with the same data that comes up in support of the Moton•tonight. Namely, that there haven't been any accidents, and that if you have clear windshields and so forth, there really isn't any hazard. So the request that I made was denied from Roseway down past Doctor Moghtader's Clinic. Doctor Moghtader wanted it and it's -6- CITY COUNCIL TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MINUTES - Item 10 recommended. I don't know whether to engage funnel my future requests through him or just bit disturbed and we have the same criteria, same use. Page Seven 9/25/72 Doctor Moghtader to what. But, I'm a little the same factors, the The resident wants it and they don't get it; the professional man in the area wants it for his patients and does. I'd like to see that, "No Parking," extended on down the other 50 feet or so, down to the Roseway intersection so that both our residents in the area and the Doctor's patients can both have a safe exit from that immediate area onto Sunset Avenue. If you will refer back to two or three months ago, you'll find this very thoroughly covered and I'd like to see this treatment extended to the entire area. Councilman Nichols: I had noted that and I thought, well, let it go. But there is some concern in my mind about.painting these red curbs upon request. It follows a little bit along the line of the logic that you have raised but goes to a greater extent than that. You have driveways all over the City that:khave rather considerable traffic going in and out of them, all the school district, school parking lots, and various business establishments and restaurants; and if it's good for one it should be equally good for the other and if we start granting this, I don't know where we are going to stop really. I see a traffic hazard there, but I also see it in a thousand other locations around the City, a hazard to the extent that a person must proceed very cautiously coming out onto the • highway. But what about the next party that comes in and wants 50 feet of red curb adjacent to his business? Mayor Young: If it's a legitimate traffic hazard, he ought to have it. I'm convinced that it's a legiti- mate traffic hazard. I'm convinced because I've had vociferous complaints from the residents on Roseway Avenue about it. Now, I'm exaggerating. I've had it from one and it happens to be a friend of mine who lives down there and some friends of his had spoken to him about it and would he talk to Bob Young about it, so here it comes. In this specific location, the movement at that location is definitely professional as opposed to residential. It so happens that Doctor Moghtader has already purchased a house that fronts Roseway. In other words, he also owns property northerly of his north driveway down to the curb and plans to expand his medical center there and we have already had extensive hearings here in regard to that planned expansion. So the only thing we're doing is taking up Doctor Moghtader -- in essence, is depriving his own patients of a place to park, and I commend him for his concern. I'm certainly not at all resentful of that. I think it's very commendable that he has •this concern, but I'm saying let's take up three or four more parking spaces and satisfy the citizens down there. Councilman Nichols: Well, I certainly agree it would be pretty hard for you to hold your head up among your friends any more if we voted for this one part of it. This same type of problem is why I usually don't speak to my friends any more. -7- CITY COUNCIL Page Eight TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MINUTES 9/25/72 Mayor Young: Well, I'm only in my third year on the Council, so I don't know just what's appropriate here. Councilman Shearer: I would suggest we refer this one item back to Staff to study the whole stretch of street . then determine what is appropriate and what is not appropriate. Mr. Aiassa: May I interject some information. I was cornered at the bank today by Doctor Moghtader and it appears that there is a very large camper, and this man continuously and habitually parks in that one stall and it just blocks out the complete vision of anyone coming out of the parking lot. He saw me today before I even talked to any of the Traffic Committee Members and I think the one that you mentioned, I would suggest it be referred back to the Traffic Committee and have them re-evaluate it, now that you've already established a precedent here. Mayor Young: I don't want to give Doctor Moghtader his deal unless we give the citizens on Roseway their deal. That's the way I feel. Motion was made by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Lloyd, and carried to refer this item back to Staff. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS a) State Department of Public Works re revision of deadline dates for reserving TOPICS funds. (Receive and file) (See discussion on page b) Oakdale Estates, Inc., re request for pre -zoning and 4) annexation of 215 acres in the South Hills area southerly of the Villas Annexation. (Refer to Staff) (See discussion on page 5.) c) Ed Laberge, 1809 East Danes Drive, West Covina, re opening in wall of Cul-de-sac on Danes Drive. (Refer to Item .2 of Traffic Committee Minutes, Agenda Item # CC-10) (See discussion on pa es 5&6 d) Mrs. Gerald Van Abel, 2210 East Norma Avenue, West Covina, including petition with 28 signatures requesting sidewalks to be installed on the E/S/O Hollenbeck Street between Walnut Creek Parkway and James -Avenue.. (Refer to Staff XSee discussion on page 3 & 4) e) West Covina Plaza Merchants Association re Contract with Valley Decorating Company for Christmas decorations in Plaza Area. (Refer to Staff) 2. PLANNING COMMISSION a) Review Summary of Action for September 20, 1972. (Receive and file) 3. RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION. None . 4. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION a) Minutes of September 7, 1972. (Adj.Mtg.) (Receive and file) 5. YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION a) Minutes of August 15, 1972. (Receive and file). -8- CITY COUNCIL Page Nine CONSENT CALENDAR 9/25/72 b) Review Summary of Action of August 22, 1972. (Receive and file) c) Review Summary of Action of September 19, 1972. (Receive and file) 6. ACCEPTANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS AND/OR RELEASE OF BONDS • a) UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT NO. 145 - AMERICAN MOBILEHOME COMPANY. Location: Northeast corner of Valley Boulevard and Sentous Avenue. Accept street improvements and authorize release of American Casualty Company of Reading, Pennsylvania Bond No. 55 4 9678 in the amount of $37,000. (Staff recommends acceptance) b) TRACT NO. 29126 - BRUTOCO DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Location: East.Side of Azusa Avenue, south of Francisquito Avenue. Review Engineer's report and authorize release of the Western Casualty and Surety Company Bond No. 340735 in the amount of $3,000. (Staff recommends release) c) PRECISE PLAN NO. 622, REV. 1 - WALSH-PORKERT CIVIL ENGINEERS, INC. Location: East side of Orange Avenue, north of Garvey Avenue. Accept street and sidewalk improvements and authorize release of cash deposit in the amount of $500. (Staff recommends acceptance) 7. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED WITH CITY CLERK a) Susan M. McVay, 18308 Kirkwall Road, Azusa. Bicycle tire went through drain grate on Vincent Avenue under the freeway overpass. (Deny and refer to Insurance Carrier and City Attorney) (Discussion on Pages 4 and 5) 8. ABC APPLICATIONS a) Robert C. and Mae E. Carroll) dba FRED'S CLUB EAST 2125 South Eadbury ) 4116 South Nogales Street Rowland Heights ) (Chief of Police recommends NO PROTEST) 9. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT - Month of August, 1972. (Receive and file) 10. TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MINUTES - Septemb r 19, 1972. (Receive and file) (See discussion on pages 6,7 & 8) Motion made by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer and carried on roll call vote to approve foregoing Consent Calendar Items 1 through 10, except Item 1 of the Traffic Committee Minutes, CC-10, as follows: AYES: Councilmen: Shearer, Nichols, Lloyd., Young. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. RESOLUTION NO. 4631. • ADOPTED The City Attorney presented: (Precise Plan No. 613) "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA ACCEPTING A GRANT DEED EXECUTED BY SUNSET -PARKWAY MALL ENTERPRISES, A GENERAL PARTNERSHIP; -AND DIRECTING THE RECORDATION THEREOF." Location: Northeast corner of Sunset Avenue and West Covina Parkway, adjacent to the -9- CITY COUNCIL Page Ten RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION 9/25/72 Water Wheel restaurant. (Review Engineer's report) Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer to adopt said resolution. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen: Shearer, Nichols, Lloyd, Young. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. RESOLUTION NO. 4632 The City Attorney presented: ADOPTED "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA APPROVING.PRECISE PLAN OF DESIGN NO. 638. (Thomas M. Yedor)" Location: 2817 E. Valley Boulevard. Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer to adopt said resolution. motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen: Shearer, Nichols, Lloyd , Young. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. RESOLUTION NO. 4633 The City Attorney presented: ADOPTED "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA GRANTING A VARIA14CE (VARIANCE APPLICATION NO. 683 - Leendert Schonewiile)" Location: Northeast corner of Vine and Valinda Avenues. • Mayor Young: I am going to have to vote against this to be consistent with my earlier position on this matter. • Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer, to adopt said resolution. Motion carried'on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen: Shearer, Nichols, Lloyd.:_.. NOES: Mayor Young. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. Councilman Nichols: I'd like to interject a request of the City Manager. Mr. Aiassa, I think it.would be very appropriate if during the course of the meeting you could dispatch one of your assistants to try to determine the nature of Councilman Chappell's difficulty and attempt to inform the Council before adjournment Mr. Aiassa: I was going to do this during the recess. GENERAL AGENDA ITEMS AWARD OF BIDS BID NO. -73-17 FIRE HOSE REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW FIRE DEPARTMENT PUMPER AND REPLACEMENT HOSE FOR MAINTENANCE PURPOSES. (Bids received) (Council reviewed report) Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer, to approve and accept the bid of Halprin Supply Company in the amount of $5,129.00. -10- CITY COUNCIL GENERAL AGENDA ITEMS The motion was carried on a roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen: Shearer, NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. PUBLIC WORKS Nichols, Lloyd, , Young. Page Eleven 9/25/72 STREET NAME CHANGE Mayor Young: The next item is a proposed Center St. to Garvey Ave. street name change, Center Street to Garvey Avenue at the area between California Avenue and State Street. You have before you the Engineer's report and recommendation. May I inquire at this point, are there members of the audience who desire to object to this proposed name change? If so, please step forward, state your name and state your objections. Anyone? Hearing no objections -- Councilman Shearer: Mayor, could I.ask a question in this regard? Since it sounds sort of like a hearing, was there any notification given to people on the street that they'd have an opportunity to come in and object? Mr. Aiassa: I believe, Councilman Shearer, there is only one person that actually fronts on Center Street that is affected by that name, and I think our Staff contacted him. • Mr. Zimmerman: Yes, Mr. City Manager, the people were all contacted and all came back with affirmative suggestions that they were in accord with the name change. The Union Oil Company felt it was too difficult to put their answer in writing -- but the rest of the people have -- because of their large corporate structure, but the rest of the people have all returned a positive answer; they have no objection to it. Mayor Young: I think this is, a matter of the Chamber of Commerce Committee who put a great deal of time as well to bring this about. Any further questions or discussion? RESOLUTION NO. 4634 The City Attorney presented: ADOPTED "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA CHANGING THE NAME OF CENTER STREET WITHIN THE CITY OF WEST COVINA TO GARVEY AVENUE." Motion by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Lloyd to adopt said Resolution. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen: Shearer;, Nichols, Lloyd,, Young. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. • REQUEST FOR ALLOCATION AND PAYMENT OF COUNTY AID TO CITIES (ATC) FUNDS FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF SELECT SYSTEM STREETS. -Location: Select System Streets throughout the City. Reviewed Engineer's report.) -11- ,1 CITY COUNCIL Page Twelve GENERAL AGENDA ITEMS - ATC 9/25/72 RESOLUTION NO. 4635 The City Attorney presented: ADOPTED "A RESOLUTION FOR THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA REQUESTING AN ALLOCATION AND PAYMENT OF COUNTY AID TO CITIES FUNDS FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF SELECT SYSTEM STREETS." Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer, and carried to waive further reading of the body of the foregoing resolution. Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer, to adopt said resolution. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen: Shearer; Nichols, :Lloyd, Young. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. REVISED SELECT SYSTEM OF STREETS AND HIGHWAYS Location: Citywide. Reviewed Engineer's report. RESOLUTION NO. 4636 The City Attorney presented: ADOPTED "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA ADOPTING A REVISED SELECT SYSTEM OF STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by IVIayor Young, and carried to waive further reading of the body of the foregoing resolution. Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer to adopt said resolution. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen: Shearer;; Nichols, i. Lloyd:; Young. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. FIVE YEAR PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAM 1972-1977 Mayor Young: You have before you the report from the Engineer along with a rather extensive review of this program. Councilman Lloyd: Mr. Mayor, I was wondering if I could rise to a point of privilege on this. I really -- although I glanced through this thing and each year in the past I remember briefings and things on it -it does pertain to the Five Year Program. Being handed this on a Friday afternoon, in reality a Sunday morning, which is really when I get around to it, I think. I would like to have a bit more explanation than coming in starting out and adopt the Five Year Plan, because I'm not really sure I understand all that's in it. • Mayor Young: Your point is well taken. Would you like a discussion at this time, or are you asking that the matter be deferred, Councilman Lloyd? Councilman Lloyd: I think it is the kind of thing that could perhaps be scheduled in a briefing. I don't really understand what the difference is -12- • CITY COUNCIL GENERAL AGENDA ITEMS FIVE YEAR PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAM Page Thirteen 9/25/72 between this year and last year and the year before. And I thought, we had a very fine briefing by Mr. Zimmerman, as I recall it, a special meeting about this, what was it, three years ago?. Mr. Zimmerman: Yes. We yearly made some sort of a presentation. Councilman Lloyd: But you really gave a very in-depth one about three years ago. Mr. Zimmerman: I think you are right. Councilman Lloyd: I thought that if the other Councilman feel that they are on top of it, I wouldn't want to burden anyone else with it, but would you mind, a5_:a courtesy to me, to have someone explain it to me in a bit more depth, and I don't think we should hold up the meeting for it. Mayor Young: Could we inquire, is there any urgency to the adoption of this, this particular evening? Mr. Aiassa: Not this evening, but it should be adopted. Mayor Young: May the matter be tabled; would you like to make a motion to table the matter until the next regular meeting, would that be adequate? Mr. Aiassa: I think it might be advisable that we do carry it over to our meeting in October, because on our field tour, two councilmen were not present and this would give them an opportunity to make the field tour. Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer and carried to hold over until October 10, 1972= meeting. Mayor Young: I think your point is well taken and I would like to look at it furthe,r.. myself, as.. a matter of fact. We'll follow through individu- ally then I take it. Mr. Aiassa: We are going to schedule a field trip for the councilmen who were not able to make it. TOPICS STUDY - PRELIMINARY DRAFT Councilman Lloyd: I think that's all really connected, don't you, Mr. Mayor? Mayor Young: I'm inclined to think so. I must confess, I haven't read either one of these booklets I think the motion is very well taken. • If we handle this in similar fashion, does that involve any of your timing, Mr. City Manager, with respect to two projects? Mr. Aiassa: It involves two projects, doesn't it, Mr. Zimmerman? Mr. Zimmerman: Mr. Mayor, Members of the City Council, and Mr. City Manager, the projects are actually -13 • 0 CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC WORKS - TOPICS STUDY Page Fourteen 9/25/72 underway now in a previously approved interim program which covers very nearly half of the TOPICS study items and were previously approved during the study. The consultant who prepared the study, Mr. Marx of Gruen Associates, is here tonight. However, holding this over would not stop any apparent action which is going toward construction. Mayor Young: Well, is it the desire of Mr. Marx to make any formal presentation? Councilman Lloyd: I would like to hear from Mr. Marx. I have read over the report and unfortunately again I fall in an unpleasant situation, I don't fully understand what I'm reading. It's probably because I'm not always so bright or.,bebause I'm not really well informed. So why don't you come forward and enlighten us. Harold Marx Mr. Mayor, Members of the Council, I'd be glad Victor Gruen to answer questions that you may have, but Associates since you haven't read it, I suppose we could start with what the intent of the program was, what the study consisted of and briefly what we concluded. The project was intended to uncover the deficiencies existing from a traffic standpoint in the City of West Covina and this is what the study was all about. It uncovered a series of deficiencies based on a lot of different criteria and based on the deficiencies, we established a set of priorities as to what deficien- cies should be corrected first. Many of these are already under way in the contract, and the remainder of them would be included in your total Five Year TOPICS Program, and we have a series of recommendations. There are nine traffic signal recommendations at nine intersections. You have a series of other recommendations concerning street -name signs, illuminated street -name signs, minor improvements, pavement delineators, that is these little reflector buttons you put in pavement to make it easier for the motorists to see where the alignment of the highway is. And, all in all, we consider this to be a program which will, for some years to come, relieve the most critical deficiencies we were able to uncover as a result of this survey. Councilman Lloyd: Mr. Marx, I appreciate that and I got the feeling you were about ready to quit. I read with some interest that one of the things that was in the report that you had selected Cortez and I forget the street, it's east of here, you are recommending a signal. And I have passed that way several times and I was trying to -- many times in just moving about the City - - how you arrived at that, for instance, for a signal. And I was thinking -of the corner of Cameron and Barranca, where Cameron turns off from Barranca and goes off into the hills and goes wandering until it comes through on Grand, and I note that the traffic is just overwhelming. For instance, on the corner of Barranca and Cameron, flowing both east and west, and then you have the turning in to the south. People who are students at Mt. Sac, you have them going up Barranca turning left on Cameron, and wandering through the hills to hit Grand. People are also coming in down Cameron, for -14- CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC WORKS - TOPICS STUDY Page Fifteen 9/25/72 instance, moving easterly. Students are flowing from Cameron on the east down into South Hills High School. And, as a matter of fact, it was so difficult that I took the liberty of mentioning it to the City Manager today, and I wonder if maybe I missed it; why a signal wasn't picked for that site? Mr. Marx: Well, I'd like to propose that my assistant who is here with me would be more familiar with the specifics of that location. May I intro- duce him? Walter Labs. He probably can answer some of your questions. Walter Labs Mr. Mayor, Members of the City Council, we Victor Gruen did look at five basic areas in our study and Associates one of them was traffic control deficiencies. In traffic control deficiencies we studied where signals might be required. And of course, the criteria we used were that established by the Division of Highways of the Federal Government in the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices. At the particular intersection in discussion, the existing volume did not meet the established warrants. Now, the volumes were obtained from data furnished by the City and that was collected in the early portion of the study. If the volumes have changed materially during the study, we are not aware of it. However, with existing volumes, a signal was not warranted. At Azusa and Cortez, the warrant is a so-called interruption warrant and it is based on the high speeds on Azusa which lower the urban warrant to 70 percent of that established and the so-called rural warrant which is that used in rural areas and on high-speed roadways. Councilman Lloyd: I was not questioning you on the decision on the signal at Azusa and Cortez. I certainly concurred with it, but then what I did was transfer my attention to this other area and the flow is sufficient to, really, I don't know what the period of time was that the decision was made that there is not enough traffic. Mr. Labs: Of course, the warrants are based on the eight highest hours of the traffic day. Councilman Lloyd: But would that have been made in the summertime? Mr. Labs: I would have to look back at our data to see when the actual count was made, sir. Councilman Lloyd: --The summertime is a very low flow situation. But if it begins in September and runs through till June, I think it is a great deal higher. That's trivia. I am asking questions which you don't have the instantaneous answers to and I'm basing my reaction on kind of a gut level situation. But I would appreciate it if Staff would kind of look into that and tell me how they came up with the decision when • my experience has been that there is tremendous traffic in that area and I thought it merited more than just a stop sign. Mayor Young: Are there any other questions of Mr. Marx or Mr. Labs? We appreciate you gentlemen being here tonight. I think that will do it. -15- CITY COUNCIL Page Sixteen PUBLIC HEARINGS - Zone Ch. Ap. No. 463 9/25/72 Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer and carried to hold this item over to the next regular meeting. • PUBLIC HEARINGS SOUTH GLENDORA AVENUE PLAN - AREA II, REVISION 2 (Supplement 1). Mayor Young: I believe that Item 2) is related directly to that; is it not? Zone Change Application No. 463. Can these be handled in a single hearing, Mr. Wakefield? Mr. Wakefield: Yes, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Young: Items 1 and 2, that will conclude the Public Hearings. Do we have a Staff report? We have a report before us, is there anything to add to that report? Mr. Aiassa: Mr. Bert Yamasaki is here to relate the report of the Planning Commission. Mr. Yamasaki: Mr. Mayor, the subject of the first action of the Planning Commission which is Resolution No. 2431 covers a specific plan for the develop- ment of the area from the Toyota dealership on the west side of Glendora Avenue, southerly to the area developed as the Human Resources Building. That whole stretch of the westerly portion of • Glendora was studied and the Planning Commission adopted this Resolution that would require a Precise Plan of development for this entire stretch, and I'll cover more of the particulars in the Resolution for the zone change and Precise Plan. (Slide) Here is the set of the first few houses beginning from the Toyota dealership running southerly. (Slide) And that is the last house in the stretch which is being considered this evening. (Slide) This is the General Plan which calls for Service -Commercial in this area. (Slide) And the South Glendora Avenue Plan also calls for the Service -Commercial type of development for this stretch of Glendora Avenue as well. The object of this first Resolution was to establish a Price Plan of Development which would require building mass and location, circulation and the like, to be uniform so that it would be developed as a single entity. for the general area. (Slide) These are the current configurations • (Slide) And these are the renderings for the proposed development itself, a shed -type with the drainage flowing to the front of the building or to the Glendora frontage. Mayor Young: Isn't there a better term for that than shed -type? -16- CITY COUNCIL Page Seventeen PUBLIC HEARINGS - Zone Ch. Ap. No. 463 9/25/72 Mr. Yamasaki: It is a single -pitched structure. (Slide) And this is a rendering of the proposed development. It will have a tile roof, laminated beams, and indentations for the parking and the protrusions are additional •office spaces. There will be circulation in the front of the building with all of the off-street parking in the front. (Slide) This is the study plan. The area in dark red is the area for the proposed development immediately. The area that is outlined in the light purple is the future phase which is owned by other parties, other than the developer of this development and the associates of the first phase. The Planning Commission also adopted Resolution No. 2432, which did cover the proposed zone change and the Precise Plan. There are a number of waivers that were requested. This is a rather difficult series of parcels to develop because of the lot depth and because of the multitude of ownerships. The lot depth was reduced from 140 feet to 130 feet. The rear yard set -back was reduced from 15 to 10 feet, which included a 5-foot dedication on Glendora Avenue. The waiver of the minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet was also waived because the major property owners own all but one lot, and we felt that if the conditions of approval require the development of the first five lots, this would in fact, serve the same purpose as the minimum lot -size required by ordinance. And also, since this is a single -scheme development, that a reduction of the side yard requirements for each individual property owner would also be acceptable to the Staff and • to the Planning Commission. Therefore, the Planning Commission did adopt that Resol�-ition and, subject to a number of conditions including, for the interest of,the Council, reciprocal easements subject to the approval of the City Attorney, which would assure a uniform and coordinated development between the first phase and the second and third phases as the property owners became able to develop the southern portion of it. Architectural achievements to protect the existing single-family residences to the rear and integrated circu- lation on the front of Glendora as well as including the limited number of driveways, in order to minimize the points of conflict onto Glendora. Those, basically, are the conditions of approval as adopted in the Resolution by the Planning Commission. There are other standards, engineering and Fire Department and building requirements and are also a part of the Resolution. That's the report. Mayor Young: Thank you, Mr. Yamasaki. This is the time and place for the Public • Hearing on this matter. Is there anyone in the audience who would like to testify in favor of this particular area plan and zone change? If so, please step forward, identify yourself by name and address and please be sworn by the City Clerk. -17- CITY COUNCIL - Page Eighteen PUBLIC HEARINGS - Zone Ch. A . No. 463 9/25/72 In Favor Art Pizzo (Mr. Pizzo was sworn in by the City Clerk.) 183 Kenworthy Drive Pasadena As this property stands now, it represents • a definite eyesore for the people that pass by. It's no good for the property owner and it's no good for the City. As you all know today, the cost of building and land have skyrocketed. When you add to this the high quality of development now required by the City of West Covina, all this makes building costs almost prohibitive. Unless the small property owner is allowed some flexibility as to the use of his property, he can't very well survive. As for building small offices, first of all, I don't see any need for this type of development in our City at present. Most of the small office developments have a high rate of vacancy because they are in direct competition with major office buildings where service shops and specialty shops are not in direct competition with general merchandising stores. We need very much to relocate our service shops to a Central Business District; key service shops and speciality stores are very much needed in our City. For this we would like to have the existing OP Zone changed to Service -Commercial, and unanimously develop five lots in a row, or a minimum of four in a row and establish a uniform pattern for the rest of the block, so as to have a modern and eye appealing up-to-date development. West Covina is the Center City of the San Gabriel Valley with aims to become the largest city in the valley. In order to achieve this goal, we need large businesses as well as small •business. No progressive city in the world is made just of big business or big property owners. For the benefit of all concerned, I hope the Staff will unanimously recommend that this parcel of land be zoned for Service -Commercial. Thank you. Mayor Young: Thank you, Mr. Pizzo. Is there anyone else who desires to testify in favor of these two particular requests? If so, please step forward. Is there anyone who desires to speak in opposition? If so, this is your time to voice your opposition. In Opposition Steve Rico (Mr. Rico was sworn in by the City Clerk.) La Mesa Drive As parking is the problem there now, will there be plenty of parking for this new development? Mayor Young: Well, Mr. Rico, I wouldn't purport to answer that except as I just viewed the slides myself indicating a considerable amount of off-street parking. . Mr. Rico: Mr. Mayor, I think that should be considered before it goes on to vote, because the Employment Office is there and then the Shopping Bag, and I think they are going to have a lot of conflication. Councilman Lloyd: Mr. Rico, do I understand that you are in opposition? -18- CITY COUNCIL Page Nineteen PUBLIC HEARINGS - Zone Ch. Ap. No. 463 9/25/72 Mr. Rico: I'm not in opposition, but I'm concerned about the parking, because the Employment Office has had a problem there, also the Shopping Bag area, and I think that should be considered before . we go forward, that's all. Mayor Young: Anything further, Mr. Rico? Mr. Rico: That's all. Mayor Young: Fine, thank you very much,sir. Is there anyone else who,. -would like to speak. Mr. Pizzo, you have the opportunity to respond.to Mr. Rico's comments if you would like, sir. 1!Q!9tUULUJ,1%A Mr. Pizzo: Well, as far as the parking, we have the required parking, whatever the City requires for the zone. So I don't see where it should be any problem. Mayor Young: We'll request further comment from the Staff on that as well. Mr. Rico: They said they had sufficient parking for Human Resources and Development up there. Mayor Young: Yes, sir, I am familiar with that. Mr. Rico: And it never worked out that way. • THERE BEING NO FURTHER PUBLIC TESTIMONY, PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED. COUNCIL DISCUSSION Councilman Lloyd: Mr. Yamasaki, would you comment on the parking? Mr. Yamasaki: Mr. Mayor, the development proposed both for this immediate phase and future phases does include enough off-street parking to meet the needs or meet the requirement for Service -Commercial, for retail and all kinds of uses and service. Councilman Lloyd: You say it meets it; would it exceed it? Mr. Yamasaki: It does not exceed the minimum requirements, it does meet them. Councilman Lloyd: In other words, they have exactly as many parking spots as the City requires with regard to this type of business and all the variables that go into it; is that correct? • Mr. Yamasaki: That's correct. Councilman Lloyd: Although it's not germane to the subject and is not really relevant, would you comment on that Human Resources? I remember the thing and, correct me if I'm wrong Mr. Yamasaki, we were promised some -19- CITY COUNCIL Page Twenty PUBLIC HEARINGS - Council Discussion 9/25/72 Zone Ch. Ap. No. 463 things by the Human Resources and all the rest of it. They were going to open some streets or something and somehow that never materialized; is that correct? . Mr. Yamasaki: One of the factors on the Human Resources Building and the off-street parking is that it does also meet the requirements, but it is an unusual kind of use and a particularly heavy generator. And now, in this particular economic situation we are in. The Staff has worked with the property owners in the shopping center. We've worked with the property owners to the rear for possible expansion of the parking lot to the rear and things have not worked out ideally. The situation still remains rather critical on the Human Resources Building. Councilman Lloyd: And you are still continuing to try to find solutions there? Mr. Yamasaki: That's correct. We haven't done anything in the last six months or so, but there has been some definite action before that. Councilman Lloyd: Thank you. The reason I did this, Mr. Rico, was to give you a response, even though that response has nothing to do whatsoever with the item at hand. I thought you were entitled to that. However, the answer was by Staff and by the people who are represented by Mr. Pizzo. All the people? Mr. Pizzo: Just the part that's going to be off right now. • Councilman Lloyd: Anyhow, they meet the requirements set by the City so we would have to consider that as fulfilling the obligation as far as the City is concerned. I am favorably disposed to this. It is going in the right direction, and I'd like to see Glendora developed in this area. I think it replaces at a considerable expense as indicated by Mr.Pizzo. It is definitely an upgrading and if we can do even in this short area, a small area in comparison to the total area of the street, if we do it here, perhaps we generate an attitude on the part of other merchants that they too would like to participate in this upgrading. And I think this speaks well for the City. Mayor Young: Any further comments? Councilman Nichols? Councilman Nichols: Just as a matter of clarification, we have indicated that parking spaces are provided to meet the minimum requirements of the zone, but do not delve into any of the specifics. Could you just for a moment give us an indication of the numbers of stores that are being built let's say in the first increment, and the number of parking spaces that are being provided? Perhaps this would give us a better picture of what we are talking about. 0 Mr. Yamasaki: Mayor Young: The first phase consists of about five stores and offices, combinations of stores and offices, and there are 43 parking spaces required and 43 are being provided. Are these profesAional-type offices? -20- CITY COUNCIL Page Twenty-one PUBLIC HEARINGS - Zone Ch. Ap. No. 463 9/25/72 Mr. Yamasaki: Yes, they are. I believe Mr. Pizzo will be relocating his jewelry store; there'll be an insurance office, and I believe the others are still tentative and I believe Mr. Pizzo will be looking for other similar kinds of tenants. • Councilman Nichols: One additional question. Since the Service - Commercial Zone has been adopted, have we seen a comparable type -of development come in anywhere in the City? That is, a cluster of smaller units and smaller retail operations? Mr. Yamasaki: No, the Service -Commercial Zone is relatively new and this particular property is also unique in the sense that it is a series of many ownerships on rather shallow lots. So a parallel situation has not occurred recently. Councilman Nichols: Based upon the Staff's analysis of this and I don't recall anything specific was said either in the Staff's report or in the Commission, does Staff feel that the minimum requirement in the S-C Zone would be sufficient to handle the normal expected generation of vehicular traffic and on -site, long-term parking that might be expected? Mr. Yamasaki: In this particular case because of the size and configuration of the offices, it is highly unlikely that the kind of heavy generator, such as the Human Resources Building, would occur in this development. However, it's impossible to assure the Council that the heavy generator could not be located in a building like this. Highly unlikely, however. • NIayor` Young: Any further comments, Mr. Nichols? Councilman Nichols: Well, yes, the only other response that I would have is that at this particular stretch of property has been a concern of the City in terms of development potential for at least eight or nine years that I know of. There have been proposals and specifics and days of anguish and pain trying to come up with programs and joint-useages that would make a sensible pattern of use. I can recall the period when Mr. Jett was attempting to develop one of the buildings down there and it has always failed because of a lack of cooperation between various property owners or their inability to develop a plan that seemed to be a logical and rational use of the property. Although this plan may not be ideal, if one had a choice of areas in the City to locate, in terms of this property, I think it is a very fine effort to make maximum attractive utilization of the property, and I share the concern that has been expressed in terms of traffic. But the alternates are no development at all, and that is a very undesirable alternate for everyone that owns property in that general area. So in terms of that and with the reassurance • that we have been given to the extent it can be given, I certainly join those who say they will approve. Mayor Young: Thank you, Mr. Nichols. Mr. Shearer, do you have anything to add? Councilman Shearer: No. -21- CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Page Twenty-two 9/25/72 Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer to approve South Glendora Avenue Plan - Area II, Revision 2 (Supplement 1) and Zone Change Application Number 463, Precise Plan Application Number 637 - Arturo Pizzo. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: •AYES: Councilmen: Shearer., Nichols, Lloyd-,. : Young. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. Mayor Young: Did that cover it, Mr. Wakefield? Mr. Wakefield: That covers it. PERSONNEL BOARD None. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Young: It is past the hour of 8:30, and if there is anyone at this time in the audience who desires to address this Council on any subject of interest to the City, please step forward; you don't even have to be sworn for this part of it. Just state your name and address. Sheree Wilson 2017 Olin Place West Covina and this has to do with • around the high school. school and the neighbors of spirited::f I am here speaking on behalf of the students and residents of the City of West Covina, and I live right around West Covina High School. They've had a petition up and it's been signed, the band members and the residents that live Now, the band practices around the high don't mind the noise because they are kind Mayor Young: Sheree, we have something on the Agenda a little later on, recommending that some parking be eliminated down on Charlindaaand I suspect that's going to pass; I don't know. Councilman Shearer: Haven't we already passed that in the Traffic Committee meeting? Mayor Young: Then it has already passed. But go ahead, Sheree. Miss Wilson: We just wanted -- I'm a Spartan and I won't deny it, and it's just that our band is really good and they need that room not only to practice, but it eliminates a lot of kids that park their cars out there. You know, they walk out there, it's a lot of trash and stuff and the band will really appreciate it. And the people that live there, it could eliminate the traffic hazard and also eliminate using their front lawns as trash bins. • Mayor Young: It's already passed and I suspect you'll see the signs tomorrow or the next day. I dorit know just how long it will take to get them up, but it has passed this group. Mr. Aiassa: I think Mr. Zimmerman will probably take care of that. -22- CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Page Twenty-three 9/25/72 Mayor Young: Thanks for coming down, Sheree. Sheree, I think, has done a whole bunch for our City. She,".s a member of our Youth Commission as well,as a loyal Spartan. Thanks Sheree. ASTROLOGIST Mr. Gene Hector The Municipal Code 4133 of West Covina refers 832 Cameron Avenue to fortune telling, palmistry, etc., and West Covina basically what it says, you cannot practice many of these arts for a fee, in any manner . whatever. Now specifically, I don't know much about fortune telling and some of these other things on here, but specifically the one I am interested in is astrology. I have been a student of astrology for a number of years and I'm personally convinced that it is a valid activity and many of the acquaintances of mine are quite interested in it. Now the situation here is, it is sort of a hobby with me now, and it gets rather expensive to buy books, .things for absolutely no fee. And with this sort of a law, one cannot do it. What I would like to have the Council enter- tain, if I may, is the possibility of legalizing astrology in this City. I have several things here, if I could hand them to you. (Mayor Young: Hand them to the City Attorney, Mr. Hector.) I only have three copies of that, I'm sorry, gentlemen. I wish I had had a little more time. The number of articles in there showing the, that there's a general acceptance of the subject. We see an article on the cover of some very big -name people, very well publicized; they are getting together. • And those are the friends of the Y.W.C.A. I don't have a copy of it myself. One thing I have in there is a copy of a recent LA Times, which shows a daily astrological forecast, and I might add that no self-respecting astrologer reads this kind of stuff. It's the people who don't know the first thing about it. Mayor Young: Mr. Hector, be careful; my wife reads this to me every morning. Councilman Lloyd: My wife has been known to do the same thing. Mr. Hector: What I'm saying is, in a serious vein, most of your serious astrologers will not. And if you care to talk about it sometime, I'll explain to you why. But the point I was bringing out here, mainly, is that this is in a local newspaper that's sold right here. In addition to that, you can have an astrological forecast made in the very close proximity to this building. And furthermore, there is an awful lot of literature you can purchase throughout the City, and I personally believe it is a very good thing. Here is a book, Understanding Your Child Through Astrology. I think it's just a wonderful little book for someone. I would hope that perhaps you gentlemen would seriously consider the thought to drop that prohibition. I think also, one further remark, if I may. I have in there a note that shows you that the City of E1 Monte permits. it; the City of Pomona permits this. Most places when people start considering the subject, they usually drop this kind of a law. -23- CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Astrology Page Twenty-four 9/25/72 I also have a copy of the Code of Ethics of the American Federation of Astrologers, and if you read that you'll see it is a very serious thing and they are very careful in attempting to do this thing properly. Now, if one doesn't believe and he doesn't •care for it, then he doesn't have to go oto one of these kinds of people. And if one is practicing it and his batting average is very poor, I don't think he'll be in business very long. And I believe with this sort of a thing and the normal laws that one has against people doing things which he shouldn't do, would give more than adequate protection to the citizens. I hope you will give serious consideration to that,gentlemen. Mayor Young: I might say, gentlemen, that Mr. Hector took the trouble to call me today and discussed this matter with me and I suggested that he make this presentation to you, to all of us. I think that perhaps the appropriate thing would be -- this of course is something new to us, this thought -- I think we do not want our City, I speak for myself, I don't want our City lined with these big palms of hands sticking up and all that I see when I drive through Pomona and other localities. And I don't want our citizenry taken by, I don't know what you call it, but I'm speaking for myself. I do feel that what you've brought before us is appropriate for referral to our Staff and to the City Attorney, and perhaps further contact with you personally, Mr. Hector. You could be sure that some of us here, Mr. Wakefield, has your name. u, � 'L, J and address and telephone number. I would suggest that that is the appropriate action this evening on the matter, and it is open to you gentlemen._ Councilman Nichols: I couldn't respond otherwise, but it is certainly a legitimate request and it should be looked into and I would move that this matter be referred to Staff and the City Attorney for an investigation and a report back with a recommendation to the City Council. Motion by Councilman Nichols, seconded by Councilman Lloyd, and carried, to refer this item to Staff. Mayor Young: Mr. Hector, you'll have further contact on this from us. Thank you very much. Is there anyone else who desires to address the Council at this time. This is your opportunity. We are about to de- clare a short recess and we'd like to hear from you now if it's your desire. THE CHAIR CALLED A RECESS AT 8:54 P.M. COUNCIL RECONVENED AT 9:10 P.M. THERE BEING NO FURTHER ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, ORAL COMMUNICATIONS CLOSED. Mayor Young: This brings us to Item E of the Agenda. We have several ordinances for introduction. I believe there will be some testimony relating to Item 3, the increase in speed limits. At that particular time if there are those who desire to address the Council, you will be given the opportunity. So let's proceed with the first item. -24- CITY COUNCIL CITY ATTORNEY - Ordinance Introduction Pap/Twenty-five 9/25/72 ORDINANCE The City Attorney presented: INTRODUCTION "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA AMENDING THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE SO AS TO REZONE CERTAIN PREMISES. (Zone Change Application No. 474 - • Thomas M. Yedor). Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer, and carried to waive further reading of the body of said ordinance. Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer, and carried to introduce said ordinance. ORDINANCE NO. 1205 The City Attorney presented: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA AMENDING SECTIONS 3300 and 3302 OE THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE TAKING OFF OR LANDING OF AIRCRAFT." Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded: by Councilman Shearer, and carried to waive further reading of the body of said ordinance. Motion by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Lloyd, to adopt said ordinance. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen: Shearer;; Nichols, ;.Lloyd,_' Young, NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. ORDINANCE The City Attorney presented: • (NOT ADOPTED) "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA AMENDING SECTION 3190 OF THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE.RELATING TO AN INCREASE IN MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS. IT INCREASES THE MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT ON ORANGE AVENUE TO 35 MILES PER HOUR." Councilman Nichols: A point of privilege, if I may, I would like to clarify something before this matter proceeds any further. When the request came before the Traffic Committee's Meeting, it stated that Mr. John Eastman, West Covina Unified School District, requests, et cetera, et cetera. I concluded that Mr. Eastman must have been speaking for the Administration of the West Covina Unified School District in making the request, and I spoke before on this matter and I think I indicated that conclusion in my comments. I have subsequently been contacted by Mr. Eastman who wanted to assure himself that I would rectify that mistake in that he states that his appearance or request to the Traffic Committee was as an individual resident of the City, who lives in that quadrant of the City. And that h'e'was not in any way speaking for the Unified School District but only as a citizen. • Mayor Young: Thank you, Mr. Nichols. All right. If there's anyone who would like to speak, anytime an ordinance or resolution comes up for adoption, the floor is open to the public and this fact should be realized. We move along rapidly but never with the desire to preclude anyone who feels they should have something pertinent to say, and I'm advised there is some testimony to be given or statements to be made. Anyone -25- CITY COUNCIL Page Twenty-six CITY ATTORNEY - Ordinance Introduction 9/25/72 Speed Limit on Orange Avenue desiring to speak, please step forward and state your name. In Opposition Joe Hernandez I have 37 petitions here opposing this 421 N. Orange Avenue increase in speed limit, sir. These are West Covina more or less form letters, if you'd like to see them, and I have some here that I'd like to read to you and get your.comments on. This is Mr. Michael Durant, 531 North Orange. "I especially do not approve of the change in speed limit for two reasons. I have two school children. I know how fast cars -- I'm trying to read these letters. Mayor Young: Just don't be nervous now, Mr. Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez: No, but it's a little bit, shall we say, hard to read on account of the writing. "My house was hit about one and a half years ago and that was a $1,700 damage, so you see that I, for one, do not approve of this speed limit change. If anything, there should be more patrol cars to check the speeding motorists." Now we have a Mr. and Mrs. Denning, 521 North Orange Avenue: "Already people are going 35 miles per hour .because they feel they can get away with it. By raising the speed limit to 35 miles per hour they feel free to go 40 or 45. Even with 40 the speed limts at 25 miles per hour, it is very dangerous walking on the crosswalks trying to get your children safely to school. Please, let's not risk our children's lives by raising the speed limit. Thank you. Donna Denning." This evidently is her husband, Anthony Denning. "The present speed limit of 25 miles per hour is not being enforced as evidenced by this move to raise the speed limit. What's the difference between two speed limits if neither is enforced. Keep the 25 mile per hour speed limit and enforce it." This is from Mr. William P. Hammond, 1231 North Orange: "Blackhards' Auto Service uses Orange Avenue as a raceway, reaching speeds at times of 60 miles an hour which any resident can attest to. Further, the teenaged drivers use it as a drag strip. The speed limit should remain at 25 miles with more police patrol." (Next letter.) Mrs. Esther Swift, 1807 Swanee Lane: "Blackhards' trucks now do 60. We don't need a speed limit change." Councilman Lloyd: Mr. Mayor, a point of order on that. I don't • think we are here to discuss individual companies, Blackhards' or otherwise. I understand, but I don't think it should be entered into the record. That is your petition and I happen to be favorably disposed to your position, but that you mention somebody's business, if they feel it's -26- • CITY COUNCIL SPEED LIMIT CHANGE Page Twenty-seven 9/25/72 out of line, let them contact the authorities of that City, or otherwise. I feel that's wrong. Mr. Hernandez: riding our bikes. The speed limit. We see no as narrow as it is and 25 mile limit should be Mayor Young: This is Mr. Dan A. Scott, 760 North Foxdale Avenue: "OUr whole family uses Orange Avenue while cars already drive too fast with the 25 mile reason for raising it to 35, with the street the volume of cars traveling, it, we feel the enforced. For years, large trucks..." We got the message, Mr. Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez: These go with those (passing documents to Mr. Wakefield). Now, I'd like to point out a few things here. We've been counting bicycles that have been riding up and down Orange for the past week. An elderly man has been doing this and he counted 73 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 in the evening. This man takes a nap in the afternoon so he misses out on quite a few bicycles. On Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. alone, he counted 30; Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00, 73; Friday from 9:00 a.m, to 6:00 p.m., 63. That's just a rough little figure of 315 bikes in five days, in just the one block in front of my house between Swanee and Padre Drive and this does not count the ones that turn on the bike route. Actually, the bike route is Orange Avenue to Puente, bypassing Workman. Now another thing is, Orange Avenue, the width of that street is 40 feet. Orange Avenue with two cars legally parked, the streetTnarrows down to 25 feet; two cars plus two bicycle - riders, it narrows down to 19 feet. And I for one would like to say one thing and this is final. I had two automobiles, one demolished and one $700 damage, both in one day. They were parked on Orange, by an individual, I can't recall the report, the officers say 25 miles an hour he was driving because there were no skid marks or anything, but I couldn't locate the police report in order to get here in time. Otherwise I would have it exactly. There again, we have some damage. Mayor Young: Mr. Hernandez: Mayor Young: particularly what's been people, obviously. Anything further, Mr. Hernandez? This is sufficient. We really appreciate your coming here very much. Is there anyone else who would care to speak on this issue without repeating said because it's been spoken for many, many Mr. George Austin Mr. Mayor, Members of the Council, I just have 525 North Shelbourne a couple of points to bring out about the West Covina California Vehicle Code, one is 23352 which . sets the prima facia speed in a residential area of 25 miles an hour. Then we go on to 22357 which gives the local authorities permission or the authority to change this prima facia to a speed greater than that of 25 miles per hour to facilitate the orderly movement of vehicular traffic, if it can be done in reasonable and safe manner. Now, with the bicycle route on Orange, -27- • • CITY COUNCIL SPEED LIMIT CHANGE Page Twenty-eight 9/25/72 I cannot see how it can be done in a reasonable and safe manner, for the volume of traffic.that Orange handles, because it's not that great, that I feel it has to be changed to ten miles an hour more. It's been my experience to find that the average driver is going from 5 to 10 to 15 miles over the posted speed limit. Mayor Young: This is in the study that we have been given, too, and is apparently part of the survey. Mr. Austin: And I for one would like to see, and would like to say, that as we heard here this evening from the Auto Club, with an injury rate of 1.5, I think we would be asking to change that to a greater number next year if we increase the speed limit on streets such as Orange. Mayor Young: Thank you, Mr. Austin. We appreciate this very much. Anyone else who desires to speak. Mr. Paul Gettinger I'd just like to point out that there are 521 N. Shelbourne two elementary schools that feed into this West Covina Orange Avenue thoroughfare. In other words, the children are coming from the direction of westerly from there and have to cross Orange Avenue to get to school and there are two elementary schools and there's a high school also down a little further. That's about all I have to say. Mayor Young: Thank you very much, Mr. Gettinger. This is good testimony. No one is repeating here this evening. Mrs. Marcella Geissinger 1729 Glenmeir Street I maintain that the present speed limit also West Covina be kept. Now I live close, just two blocks from Orangewood Elementary and also about two blocks from Edgewood High, and also to the north, we have Wells School, and as you see, we have quite a congestion in our school children after school hours. And I have seen as many as 50 children stopping in the interchange on Glenmeir and Orange and block traffic. Now anything of this nature calling for an increase in speed would be suicide. You don't know how these children carry on and we had a hit and run just this past summer. And, of course, the person was brought to the law over this and the child; although he was in critical condition , carries on. But it's facts of this nature, I think it would be in the best interest of our children to not increase the speed on Orange Avenue. As I understand it we only have one crossing guard in front of Orange Avenue. I just, as I said, I think it is in the best interest not to increase it. Mayor Young: Thank you very much, Mrs. Geissinger. Anyone else who would like to speak, please come forward and do so. Gentelmen, we have a motion and a second. We've had some testimony. Is there Council discussion? COUNCIL DISCUSSION Councilman Shearer: I recognize from the report of the Engineering Staff that, based on subject criteria, that the proper "speed limit" is 35 miles an hour. -26- CITY COUNCIL Page Twenty-nine SPEED LIMIT CHANGE - Council Discussion 9/25/72 I also recall a request for a 4-way stop in the Galaxy tract some time ago. Again, based on warrants that were not warranted. We went ahead and put it in, again on the basis of community desire. And I feel, in the absence of any overwhelming need for the speed limit to be raised, • none has been presented. And in the presence of the, what appears to be overwhelming objection, I will reverse my initial vote and vote to sustain the recommendations of the people over the Engineering Staff and vote "no" on the final adoption. Mayor Young: Thank you, Councilman Shearer. Councilman Lloyd? Councilman Lloyd: Mr. Aiassa, is that a 40-foot street? Mr. Aiassa: Mr. Zimmerman? Mr. Zimmerman: Mr. Mayor, Members of the City Council, yes, Orange is LA 40 feet, curb -to -curb, on a 60-foot right of way. Mr. Aiassa: It has ten -foot parkways? Mr. Zimmerman: It is ten -foot with parkways on each side. It is 40 feet, cub -to -curb; that's correct, because it is normal on a two-lane street in the City. Councilman Lloyd: I'd have to go along with Councilman Shearer, particularly in view of my stand on Virginia Avenue. I'm not going to reverse my view on that so I'll go along, too. • Councilman Nichols: I think I indicated the position that I felt that I would oppose it and I certainly have not changed my mind in the other direction. Mayor Young: I'm in agreement. I compare it with Vine Avenue which I use quite a bit, two-lane traffic at 35 miles street. Talking to Chief Sill, he says we don't have any problem on Vine, but I'm afraid of it. I'm afraid to go 35 miles an hour on it and I rarely do. And if I do, I'm out in the middle of it because I've seen dart -outs and I've almost experienced it a few times. I think it's time for a vote. Let's take a roll call on this. Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Nichols, and carried to waive further reading of the body of the ordinance. idotion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer to adopt said ordinance, . _: ;- ..; �. ? doll call vote as follows' AYES: None. NOES: Councilmen: Shearer; Nichols, .'Lloyd,. Young. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. •ORDINANCE NO. 1206 The City Attorney presented: (ADOPTED) "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA AMENDING SECTIONS 6350 AND 6351 OF, and ADDING SECTIONS 6350.1 AND 6350.2 TO THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING." -29- CITY COUNCIL CITY ATTORNEY - Ordinance No. 1206 Page Thirty 9/25/72 Motion by Councilman Nichols, seconded by Councilman Shearer, and carried to waive further reading of the body of the ordinance. COUNCIL DISCUSSION • Councilman Lloyd: When did we bring this up before, Mr. Wakefield? I don't remember all of the specifics. Mr. Wakefield: The Ordinance was introduced at your last regular Council meeting, based upon a report which I prepared for the City Council in response to an inquiry by Councilman Shearer. Councilman Lloyd: Was this on the door -hanging thing? Mr. Wakefield: Yes. Councilman Lloyd: Thank you very much. Mayor Young: Any further questions? Are you ready for a vote? Motion by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Nichols, to adopt said Ordinance. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen: Shearer,- Nichols, 'Lloyd; , Young. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell.. AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT •WITH WEST COVINA DISPOSAL COMPANY Mayor Young: Item 5 relates to the amendment to the agreement with West Covina Disposal Company. Does that relate to the rates, Mr. Wakefield? Mr. Wakefield: Yes, it does, Mr. Mayor. This amendment to the agreement was approved by the City Council at your last regular meeting. The City Attorney was instructed to prepare the agreement and the Mayor to sign it. It is before you tonight. I think, due primarily to a misunderstanding with reference to the provisions of our Municipal Code. The Code provides that the maximum rates to be charged by the refuse collector may be set either by resolution or by contract. And, traditionally, these rates are affixed in the agreement itself and there is no necessity then for either a change in our ordinance or an adoption of the resolution to accomplish the maximum rate change. Mayor Young: The agreement is not physically in front of us. I take it you have prepared the amendment or approved the amendment which establishes the • rate structure which the Council agreed upon at our last meeting; is that correct? Motion by Councilman Young seconded by Councilman Shearer to approve the amended agreement and authorize the Mayor `arid City Clerk to' -execute said amendment. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: - 30 - CITY COUNCIL Page Thirty-one WEST COVINA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 9/25/72 AYES: Councilman: Shearer, Nichols, : Lloyd,_-. Young. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. •WEST COVINA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND SOCIETY, DIRECTOR CONTRACT Mayor Young: This is in response to an issue raised by Councilman Shearer, I believe, at our last meeting. We have the revised agreement before us; is there anything further, Mr. Wakefield? Mr. Wakefield: No, Mr. Mayor, except that there was one minor change made in the second draft of the agree- ment at the request of the West Covina Symphony Orchestra and Society to provide for the purchase of materials and supplies directly upon the requisition of the Association rather than for the Association to purchase them directly. Mayor Young: Is that amendment in the draft before us? Mr. Wakefield: Yes, that is in the draft. Mayor Young: This is the proposed final draft. Is there any question or discussion from the Council? COUNCIL;: !IDISCUSSION Councilman Shearer: Yes, Mr. Mayor. I would like to make a couple of comments. I'm not going to vote against • this although I think there are some areas I would like to see changed, maybe next year. It has taken me two years to get the contract away from the individual and with the organization. It seems to me that the contract ought to include as a condition on the part of the Orchestra to provide a certain number -of concerts. The way the agreement is written, they're not obligated to give any performances, as I read it. I recall our contract with the Chamber specifically spells out certain things that we expect back from the Chamber in the way of the money that we give to them. This contract does not require even one concert to be performed. However, I will vote "yes" this year because at least it is a step in what I consider to be the right direction. Next year I would certainly like to see a minimum of so many, whatever is considered to be .. reasonable, for $3,700 or $2,500, whatever the figure is. I think we should have a guarantee of a minimum number of concerts. I think that should be put in. Mayor Young: Thank you, Mr. Shearer. Anything further, gentlemen? I'd like to say that I'm concerned about this philosophically. I'd like to see us get out of thisf-ield frankly, and see this organization either • carry itself or phase out. I haven't really kept up to it on a moment -by -moment basis. All of us here contribute to it individually, I know. We like the idea of a symphony orchestra. We do have a matter of priorities in dollars as to where and how we should spend them and the number of people that they affect. -31- CITY COUNCIL WEST COVINA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Page Thirty-two 9/25/72 I am personally taken with the idea of an All -City Band because I've seen a hundred or so youngsters participate in it and I'm advised that this participation can go on on a year- round basis. They are right out of the community and we've been requested to subsidize that to the extent of $1,000 in a year's time. •We don't have the funds to do it with. It's an issue of priorities in my opinion, and I feel somehow that far more people are construc- tively affected by the band than they are by this orchestra. Particu- larly when a performance does come along, as Councilman Shearer suggests. It is my understanding that several professional musicians,.. - have to be brought in to fill out this orchestra. So we are putting in $2,700 or something to that effect here, a substantial sum, about that, 23, 27, for 15, 20, or 30hpeople at the most in this organization. It works along and the people./promote it struggle admirably for it. Meanwhile we have a band a hundred or so strong that goes together with a snap of the fingers and a lot of hard work too, providing an outlet that many of these youngsters don't have; youngsters that go to parochial schools, youngsters that go to intermediate schools that don't have organized marching bands. I think this is an important priority item and that's the way I'd Pike to see our thinking develop and see this agency sustain itself. And this is what I would look forward to. Does anyone want to respond? . Councilman Nichols: I would like to comment. I think the total amount, Mr. Aiassa, is around $3,500 isn't it? Mr. Aiassa: That's awful close. Councilman Nichols: It's a thousand dollars for materials and supplies and $217 for the conductor comes to • somewhere in the neighborhood of $3,600. Mr. Aiassa: We also bought music stands. Councilman Nichols: The Mayor's comments are not at all inconsonant with the original basis for the Council's community participation in the activity. The original presentation before the Council by the former director indicated that within a year or two the expectancy was that the symphony would be self-sufficient. At that time the term was'used `seed -corn, that the Council would endeavor to assist and help the organization along. And. -_,;.then a problem developed in recent times whereby the leadership of the organization changed and the new director took over and this was, and I suppose reasonably so, given as the reason that greater independence inc"terms of funding and development has not occurred. But at no time at the outset was it envisaged that the Council would continue indefinitely to subsidize the activity, let alone increase it over the years. And it has increased since the initial appropriation. Like the Mayor, I too would like to see independence achieved when the Council makes its efforts to nurse these well worth -while activities into being in the community. I would certainly hope that we would find some way to help the All -City • Band,and I would like the record to reflect that this absolutely will be the last year that I will support a full and growing appropriation for the symphony orchestra without very clear indications that significant progress has been made toward independence and self -funding. -32- CITY COUNCIL Page Thirty-three WEST COVINA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 9/25/72 Councilman Lloyd: Well, I think that we are all in agreement and my reaction to the whole thing is maybe we have arrived at that point where we just take off about $500 and send it to someone else. We don't have an awful lot of money this year; it's an austerity year. And we have other activities •which are beginning to demand. And while I am saddened by the fact that a symphony orchestra or this type of culture is not doing as well as I would like to see it do, nevertheless because I desire to see this type of activity to prosper and grow, if it doesn't have a viable quality to it then the answer is we sort of step aside and if it isn't now, it will be at a later time. Maybe we ought to take some of this money and renegotiate a contract. I don't feel any compelling reason to go forward with this. I don't see, frankly, if I were to interpret the attitude of the Council, this Council really doesn't want to go into it. I think that we can go forward and assert ourselves and give the money over to somebody else that can make it work for the City of West Covina. I don't see because it's recommended, Mr. Stevens is just kind of going along with what's been done. The remarks that Councilman Nichols made were certainly appropriate. We all stood here and said with solemn faces that we are willing to help; we want it to go. But maybe we have arrived at the point where we have gone as far as we can go. I think these monies represent in the face of a $7.5 million budget, $3,500 doesn't sound like very much. But in the face of a bunch of youngsters who want to have uniforms and music and all the rest of it, it's a considerable outlay. And I think at this point, gentlemen, what we ought to do)andI'd like to hear some comment on this, is to re-evaluate and go another direction. And I think the time is now. • Mayor Young: Well, I'll respond, if I may, just briefly. I am certainly not unsupportive of your ideas in principle, Councilman Lloyd. I do feel this, that we have gone through this thing in the budget hearings and we have budgeted accordingly and adopted a budget. It is true that specific items then are to be adopted one by one as we move along through the year. I think that we do have community people working in good faith in reliance upon action we have taken in some weeks past. And I think a justifiable reliance in terms of, let's say, predictability. I believe there is some requirement of predicta- bility on the part of a legislative body. I think that we're committed frankly, morally at least, to this program for the current fiscal year. I think I rather prefer Councilman Nichols' thoughts. I'm willing to join him and put the organization on notice, without in any manner intending to be critical or anything like that, because it's to the contrary. I admire the efforts that are being made by these people to sustain and promote this activity. But, there comes a time when we have to face the facts and the fact is that if an organization does not sustain itself or makes long strides toward sustaining itself, then this Council is forced into the position of • priorities. This is what I'm talking about initially. I feel that it would be more disruptive then the priorities dictate to just jerk the rug out right at this particular moment, this far into the year and into the season of activity. But I think it is the time to serve notice that we are re-evaluating these priorities. But I intend to vote in favor of this contract, but my vote is going to be very much in accord with rather strong notice addressed by Councilman Nichols. -33- CITY COUNCIL WEST COVINA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Page Thirty-four 9/25/72 Councilman Nichols: I'm inclined to think that you are correct. More than that, I believe that I've made what would constitute a commitment to support the::appropriation for this current year. I think this will be the third full year of the organization's activity and I think it is • reasonable that the Council give a year's notice that it's not going to be prepared to continue its--- support at this level for the future, and that the organization should in fact either demonstrate a significant degree of capability to replace these funds, perhaps not in totality, but certainly significantly. And so, because of the comments I've made in the past and because I've taken a supportive position, and it's been a sincere one, I feel obligated to confirm that by supporting the budget this year, but with the notice that I will turn to other priorities where great needs exist next year around. Mayor Young: Do you care to respond, Councilman Shearer? Councilman Shearer: Other than what I said initially, all I can say is "yes," I pretty well go on record, too, but I didn't want to be the first to say it. This is it)gentlemen. next year it goes down, it doesn't even stay level, it goes down. How much? Whether it goes all .the way down the drain or not, that remains to be seen. I think the point is well taken and it is one I've thought for quite some time. When you have an organization that involves ten or fifteen at most of our own citizens, and whether it is worth the $3,604 we have allocated in our budget, you figure that on a per capita basis it comes up pretty high in the area of recreation. I doubt that we spend that much for basketball. • Councilman Lloyd: It is truly regrettable. Councilman Shearer: If we could spend that much for basketball, we might have a pavillion. Councilman Lloyd: You know, Mr. Shearer, I'm glad you brought that up. Mayor Young: Gentlemen, are we ready for the question? Motion by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Mayor -Young, to approve aforementioned agreement -and- authorize. the;_Mayor_-afid'> City -Clerk-to-execute Ahe= agreement with the West Covina Symphony Orchestra and Society. AYES: Councilmen: Shearer,, Nichols, -_Lloyd--': Young. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS RECESSED AT 9:50 P.M., IN ORDER TO CONVENE FOR A REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING. . AFTER 'THE ..ADJOURNMENT OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING, THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECONVENED AT 10:25 P.M. • CITY MANAGER FREEWAY PROGRESS REPORT Mayor Young: The City Manager has the Freeway Progress Report; is that before us,gentlemen? -34- CITY COUNCIL Page Thirty-five CITY MANAGER - Freeway Progress Report 9/25/72 Mr. Aiassa: Yes, there is a Freeway Progress Report; Mr. John Lippett brought it for us tonight. Councilman Shearer: Councilman Nichols: • Mayor Young: Move to receive and file. Seconded. Do we have a question? Councilman Lloyd: Mr. Aiassa, is this the time for a discussion on some of the problems we are now experiencing on this freeway? Mr. Aiassa: I think it would be a very opportune time. Councilman Lloyd: Gentlemen, I was approached by Mr. Ted Block, not because of any great prowess that I may have individually, but merely as an investigatory approach to the Council. He invited me over to his shop to take a look at the problems that he is facing. And I am appalled at the, I think the term is "cavalier action' that this Kasler-Ball outfit, and I say that with a certain tone in my voice which indicates disapproval, has treated a very viable businessman in the City of West Covina. We have plenty of problems, not the least of which is we've got to encourage and keep our business community going, and with what is going on with this Kasler-Ball outfit, first of all, it looks like a junk pile. You will all, those of you who were on the tour we had -- Mayor Young: The Public Works tour. Councilman Lloyd: There is debris, there are cartons, and just • an appalling amount of dust, and I understand from Mr. Block that he did approach the people saying that it was hurting his business, not only from the point of view)completely, almost totally blocking his accessibility to the freeway by sight, but also by a pall of dust which seems to be delivered every day at roughly around 4:00 'and in the morning when they pull their equipment out. Not only does this stop him from doing the business that he had done in the past, which he has had a definite decline in sales which, of course, is not our concern; I recognize that. Except that we want our businessmen to prosper in our town so wherein they can. But in addition to that, he has additional expenses because he's had to put on a man and wash cars,,. -,-a great deal more often than he had done before. All of which, of course, places him in a less favorable position. He approached the people, they apparently) one manager was very agreeable and said, "Yeah, we'll work it out for you:;." and promptly disappeared. And another guy came in and they doubled the load. They brought in additional equipment and their attitude is "We don't have to worry about you, we work with the State." And, I don't know, Mr. Wakefield, but is there • any possibility -- I'm really kind of up -tight about this. Is there any way of seeking an injunction or making these people protect the :uterus? I'm prepared to go to the wall on it. I think that they have a responsibility, certainly to their contractor who is the State, but darn it, it is still in this City. And I think something ought to be done about it, and I'm prepared to look at it. What can we do? -35- CITY COUNCIL Page Thirty-six CITY MANAGER - Freeway Progress Report 9/25/72 Mr. Wakefield: Mr. Mayor and Members of the City Council, the property in question as I understand it, is property which is owned by the State and which has been made available by the State to the contractor as a service and construction yard. • Councilman Lloyd: But not to the detriment of the people of West Covina, because we don't allow other businesses to do that; is that correct? Mr. Wakefield: The legal point arises from the fact that the State is not subject to the City's zoning or police power regulations. There is no case in California which really gets down to the issue as to whether or not an activity which the State itself could carry on can also be carried on on State property by a contractor. The rule in the other states in which the question has arisen is that the contractor is entitled to the same immunities as the State. In other words, if the State can carry on the activity, it can permit its contractor to carry on the same activity. Now, as I say, there is no cited case in California of which I am aware, which treats this issue. I think it would be much more satisfactory from the standpoint of resolving this question, if the representatives of the City Staff and the State and the contractor were to get together and see if there is not some area of agreement which would at least alleviate the problem. Councilman Lloyd: Well, I like that at least as an immediate action and I so move that the City Staff, the business in question, and the State get together to see if there is some way of alleviating this problem. • Mayor Young: I'll second your motion. Councilman Lloyd: The City Staff, in this case I presume Mr. Wakefield, that the representatives of Kasler-Ball, and that the State Division of Highways get together to take a look at the problem. Councilman Nichols: Have there been no efforts on the part of Staff to contact appropriate responsible State officials on this matter? Mr. Aiassa: Yes. Councilman Nichols: Well, then isn't this motion redundant? Mr. Aiassa: No, I think ::,"prefer -the ' motion, rom the Council because we've been doing/s rictly on an administrative basis. Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Mayor Young, and carried, to have representatives of the City, Kasler-Ball, and the State Division of Highways meet and discuss these problems. CITY CLERK None. -36- CITY COUNCIL Page Thirty-seven MAYOR'S REPORTS 9/25/72 APPOINTMENT OF A UNITED NATIONS CHAIRMAN FOR THE CITY OF WEST COVINA Mayor Young: The first item is a request for an appointment • of a United Nations Chairman for the City of West Covina. I have been contacted by the honorary chairman for the San Gabriel Valley. With your permission, gentlemen, I would like to place in nomination the name of Mr. Robert Harper. Mr. Harper is a counsellor at Cameron Intermediate School. He and his wife and family are all quite active in United Nations activities. I think he would be very appropriate representative for this function; with your permission. Councilman Nichols: Mr. Mayor, you utilized the term, "place in nomination." It is my understanding that this is an honorary type of function that doesn't really bear on the City's legislative functions. I deem it within your prerogative as Mayor, unless overruled by your Council, to make such an appointment, and certainly I would defer to your right to make that appointment. Mayor Young: COUNCIL COMMISSION LIAISON APPOINTMENTS For September, October, November and December, 1972. • Mayor Young: Mr. Aiassa: Councilman Lloyd: nonetheless, this is a be done which might be Council as to what they Thank you. Any further comment? That will be the appointment. The next item is Council Liaison Appointments. Mr. Aiassa, you were going to give me some suggestions on that? I haven't finished that. I think that something that has come up on the Commission Liaison, not that I'm not impressed with the wisdom and all of the City Manager, Council function and something maybe which could a bit more productive is to perhaps poll the really want to do. And I find no fault if two Councilmen wish to attend,, for instance, a Planning Commission. I don't think that we have debilitated or lost sight of the legislative processes. And I think that it might even encourage for those of us who serve and put in a goodly number of hours, to be in attendance. I may be completely out of line, I'm just suggesting that to you as a possibility instead of this arbitrary decision -making process, and we try to make it work out and then we end up we can't do a lot of it anyhow. Mayor Young: I think it's a very worthy suggestion, Councilman Lloyd, and I would suggest that • since we are not ready to move on it this evening that perhaps, Mr. Aiassa, you could have Ray Silver or someone call each one of us, and get two or three alternatives perhaps, and we could put it together from that. That would be more effective than what we have done up to now. -37- 0 CITY COUNCIL Page Thirty-eight MAYOR'S REPORTS - Youth Advisory Commission 9/25/72 Councilman Lloyd: I hope I'm not violating any ordinances on that, am I? Mr. Aiassa: Mayor Young: Mr. Wakefield: Mayor Young: YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION No. Do you concur,Mr. Wakefield, that Mr. Lloyd didn't violate any ordinances? Not as far as I know. Then if you'll proceed along that line, we can take this up at the next meeting. Mayor Young: About a week ago, I sent personal letters to each of the school principals involved among the high schools that we would look to as feeder high schools for the Youth Advisory Commission. I have had no response whatsoever at this moment to those letters. Now, a year ago, when this thing started, we had, of course, a lot of response. We had a very active committee with Mr. Seth Reiner spearheading that committee's efforts. As I recall, Seth is, as you know, on the staff of the Probation Department and, I believe, is now headquartered in this building in property leased by them from the City. And it has been suggested, I think I concur with that suggestion, that we ask Mr. Reiner very quickly to reactivate his committee and assist the Council in getting new appointments to the Youth Advisory Commission. • tomorrow. Councilman Nichols: Mayor Young: If you concur we will proceed on that forthwith Excellent idea. Excellent, good. I'm sorry we didn't do that up to now. Councilman Lloyd: I'm really kind of, I think the word is "stunned" that a letter from the Mayor of West Covina to these districts which reside in the City, got no greater response than "nothing" on this thing. As a matter of fact, because I was involved in getting the letter in the first place and urging you to do this, and in view of the fact that I did indeed call some of the school officials, I don't really understand how -- Mayor Young: Well, let's face it. They've got their start-up problems and they've each got several thousand fresh headaches as the students come back. Councilman Lloyd: I think the opportunity to serve in Legislative affairs in the City, which is certainly a._ . basic element of government, requires, not requires, demands is a better word, more attention than that which has .been given to it. And I'm really kind of disappointed, frankly. So I'll keep my mouth shut. Mayor Young: So be it. We'll proceed in that direction, with your permission. Mr. Aiassa, I think that would be like 8:00 in the morning. -38- CITY COUNCIL Page Thirty-nine MAYOR'S REPORTS - Revenue Sharing 9/25/72 PROCLAMATION Mayor Young: There are two other items I have; one is, with your permission, I would like to proclaim the 30th day of September, 1972, as San Dimas • Mountain Rescue Day. This is in honor of the gentlemen who go out and haul our kids off of cliffs, and up canyons when they have their week- end accidents; they rescue and treat snake bite and all kinds of wonderful things that they do. Hearing no objection, I so proclaim. I do have a formal proclamation here and I've been instructed to give it to the Tribune, Jeff. (Mayor presents proclamation to reporter.) REVENUE SHARING Mayor Young: The other item I'd like to call to your attention which may bear some discussion, Councilman Lloyd and I went on a little field trip last week and had a good chance to talk. You'll recall that I had previously constituted the two of us as a sub -committee of the Council regarding broader citizen participation in some of the decision making processes. Any point that I misrepresent in your thinking, Councilman Lloyd, dive right in. A lot of our discussion centered about the fact that it does appear we are on the verge of receiving some 300 to $500,000 in Federal funds as a result of the Revenue Sharing Bill. I might say parenthetically the little field trip we went on • was to view an all-purpose center over at the city of Culver City, an auditorium, basketball court, handball courts, senior citizen facilities, weight lifting facilities, swimming pool, tennis courts all in one center, convention center and what have you, if that gives you any thoughts. But what weighs heavily on my mind, and I'm sure it does yours, we are faced with the prospect of receiving this money, like "pie in the sky," so to speak. Frankly, philosophically, it bothers me a great deal, certainly to the point that I would like to see, and I think Councilman Lloyd agrees; a'broader.input than just the wisdom of this body and our able Staff ,consultants in this regard. To this extent, initially, I would suggest that we get in operation very quickly on a timetable of perhaps a month or two, for a final report back, and we can use a lot of input on this, a committee representative of our entire City from Galaxy to San Bernardino Road and from the east to the west, to consider this specific problem and other specific problems we might bring before the committee. We tossed this around, Mr. Lloyd and I, somewhat. I think we came to the conclusion that each Councilman • could nominate two, possibly three, I kind of lean to three, to get the broader geographic representation. And to assure it, nominate three individuals each to serve in this capacity. Our own Council will serve as liaison and seek Staff participation where resource material is needed and might be immediately available to the Staff and seek that through the Council liaison group. -39- CITY COUNCIL Page Forty MAYOR'S REPORT - Revenue Sharing 9/25/72 This is something that should be moved on immediately or rejected immediately. The problem is upon us and I think that it needs to be handled with the utmost responsibility, just as every problem must be. Councilman Nichols: What problem are you talking about? I'm • a little lost. Mayor Young: I'm talking about the wise, appropriate expenditure of subs tantial.'f:ederal funds which will be coming our way over the next five years. I can foresee $10 worth of demands for every penny that comes in. Councilman Nichols: Won't there be certain stipulated limits on the use of those funds, and do we have that information? Mayor Young: We don't have that information. Councilman Lloyd: One -thing, and I think that's a very valid question. But what we are talking about, which reflects involvement of the total community in recreational and social programs would, to all intents and purposes, as nearly as we can tell from what has already been presented,fill the requirements that could be projected. Mayor Young: It would be a major fulfillment, certainly, if there are requirements placed on it. Councilman Nichols: The only question I raised is, it seems that we should certainly know specifically what those requirements might be before we urge people on to make specific recommendations and then find they are prescribed right out of the picture. Mayor Young: Well, I think those answers will be forthcoming very quickly. I think any requirements that are made, I think the background that I've gotten which has been largely from what I have read in the newspaper and what I have heard Congressman Wiggins state at a couple of meetings -- I think you were at those meetings,too -- apart from those, I think there's going to be some latitude and a good deal of it.in the use of these funds. And I don't know, it could be the ultimate wisdom to just chunk it into the General Fund and reduce the tax rate accordingly. But, you know, I'm not prepared to say and I doubt if anyone is. Councilman Nichols: Well, I think your suggestion is viable and we should keep it that way and implement it. . Mayor Young: I think we could implement it further by not limiting it to just that area. I think we could use some input of a specific nature, a re -assessment of community goals. It's been some four or five years now, or six even, since the Blue Ribbon Committees functioned and I • think those reports can be reexamined and up -dated and a list of priorities brought before us. That might answer some of our questions that we were discussing earlier in connection with the symphony orchestra. -40- CITY COUNCIL Page Forty-one MAYOR'S REPORTS - Revenue Sharing 9/25/72 Councilman Nichols: I think though, if I may respond, you do run the danger of asking too much of a body of people. You run the danger of asking them to go into depth in too many areas. They will be unable to do so and they may tend to treat superficially areas that really should be treated in greater depth. Better to prescribe the areas and insist upon in-depth study in those areas. Mayor Young: I think your point is well taken, and it gives rise to a thought of a committee on committees for that matter. Well, listen, that's the proposal; what's the consensus? Do you have any comments, Councilman Shearer? Councilman Shearer: Well, you can't be against motherhood. I'm very skeptical. If the product is a good one then it was a good choice. But I go back to the Blue Ribbon Committee reports I was handed about three years ago after a certain April in 1970. This was the material that was developed and in it were recommendations that were so far beyond the capabilities of this City or any city, for that matter, having to do with all the medians in the City should be landscaped; we ought to have four swimming pools, we ought to have an auditorium, you ought to have this and this and this. On the basis of that, the City would have been bankrupt in six months if we had embarked on such a program. I'm afraid that that's the kind of things we might come up with in the way of recommendations. Everybody is going to put in their special thing,.they would like to see and all of these would be nice to have. But I seriously question whether or not the product that we get will be that helpful; but, as I said, who can be against it? Councilman Lloyd: One of the things that we have to be particularly careful of, while we are talking about this, is not to project another body onto the adminis- trative people of the City, thereby stealing the time that's already committed to things such as the redevelopment and all of that, which frankly, in the area of priorities takes greater priority. But we thought about this and we discussed this very problem. Obviously, I think that Bob has presented a broader picture than what we really were talking about. We were talking about a recreational center which would serve the total of the City. You and I have talked about this. I know that -it has been in discussion before, and that's really the area that we are talking about. The impelling force is, of course, this money which is going to be forthcoming. And if we do nothing, then, of course, it just sort of wanders around and we do have an obligation to the citizens in view of the fact that we raised our taxes 20percent, 20C on the $100, to be very cautious in what we do. And in trying to do this, Bob came up with idea of involving more of the citizenry, and I think it's an excellent idea. Mayor Young: All right. Anything further? With these • thoughts in mind I wonder if we could be prepared to nominate at our next regular meeting. What do you think? Councilman Nichols: Nominate for what? The committee to organize committees? To consider what? -41- ' a V" IN N, CITY COUNCIL Page Forty-two MAYOR'S REPORTS - Revenue Sharing 9/25/72 Mayor Young: I would say the committee to consider the use and expenditure of Federal grants, specifically the revenue -sharing grant. Councilman Nichols: I will be ready. • Mayor Young: what's your thinking in terms of numbers on that committee? Five Councilmen times three, that's 15; is that too many? Councilman Nichols: No, I don't think so. Councilman Lloyd: I think that's very good. Councilman Shearer: That sounds fine; it's an awful big committee, though. Right now I'm on a committee of four and sometimes that's about three too many. You are talking about area -wide representation. If we each come in two weeks from tonight at our next regular meeting with three names, how do we guarantee any one of us is going to have somebody from Galaxy, north of the freeway? Mayor Young: I think we sit down and have a personnel session and see what we come up with. Councilman Shearer: In other words, I think we'd better all be prepared to come in with more than three. Because if we only come in with three, then that's it and we may not get the area -wide coverage that you're talking about. Mayor Young: I would think it's incumbent upon each of us • to have alternate names in mind and I think we could possibly have a personnel session and finalize our thinking on it. This would certainly be my idea. Councilman Shearer, do you have any report or further comments? COUNCILMEN'S REPORTS/COMMENTS Councilman Shearer: I've got a comment for Mr. Duvall, but he left and I was wondering if Mr. Aiassa could pass on to him that the reason for my absence at the next Personnel Board Meeting is I won't be in town. Mayor Young: Councilman Nichols: Councilman Lloyd: APPROVAL OF DEMANDS Anything further, Councilman Shearer? Councilman Nichols? No, sir. No, sir. • Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Shearer, to approve Demands of $587.,219.79; B5-42 through B5-44 and B5-44A, C 839A and C 840. Motion was carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen: Slieardi..,, Nichols, Lloyd, Young. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. -42- CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE PERSONNEL SESSION Page Forty-three 9/25/72 Mayor Young: Is there anything further before we have an executive session? This will relate solely to the salary of the minutes clerk, •I believe is the only item that is before us. The only further action then would be to announce whatever happens to act on it and adjourn. COUNCIL RECESSED AT lOi58 P.M., FOR AN EXECUTIVE PERSONNEL SESSION. COUNCIL RECONVENED AT 11:08 P.M. MINUTES CLERK CONTRACT Motion by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Lloyd, to renew the contract with the minutes clerk at the rate of $815 per month, effective October 1, 1972. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen: Shearer,', Nichols, Llo.yd,r,, Young. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilman Chappell. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Lloyd, and carried, to adjournthis meeting at 11:10 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting is October 10, 1972. • APPROVED: MAYOR • ATTEST: M0CITY CLE�K cr -43-