1986 FEB 18 CC MINEi'71
EL SEGUNDO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING- FEBRUARY 18, 1986
CALL TO ORDER by Mayor Armstrong at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers.
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Mr. Ara Avak.
INVOCATION given by Father Rick Chunn, St. Patricks Celtic Church.
PZE S ENTATI OHS -None
ROLL CALL was taken by City Clerk Hart:
Councilman Jacobson - present
Councilman Schuldt - present
Councilman Siadek - present
Mayor Pro Tem Synadinos - present
Mayor Armstrong - present
MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 21, 1986 were
approved as written.
2. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 4, 1986 were
approved as written.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS
1. PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed Zone Text Amendment #84 -2 and Certification of a
Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact EA -065 for proposed
amendments to the City of E1 Segundo Zoning Ordinance for a Special
Commercial District (C -3W) west of Sepulveda boulevard to reduce Maximum
building area ratio from 2:1 to 1:1, to reduce the maximum building
height from 200 feet to 45 ft., to reduce the maximum building height for
C -3 lots adjoining a residential zone from 100 ft. to 40 ft., and require
a landscape buffer in the setback between a C -3 parcel and any
residential zone; petitioned by the City of E1 Segundo.
Mayor Armstrong announced that this was the time and place heretofore fixed
for the hearing on the Proposed Zone Text Amendment #84 -2 and Certification
of a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact EA -065 for proposed
amendments to the City of E1 Segundo Zoning Ordinance for a Special
Commercial District (C -3W) west of Sepulveda to reduce the maximum building
area ratio from 2:1 to 1:1, to reduce the maximum building height from 200
feet to 45 ft., to reduce the maximum building height for C -3 lots
adjoining a residential zone from 100 ft. to 40 ft.,and require a landscape
buffer in the setback between a C -3 parcel and any residential zone;
petitioned by the City of E1 Segundo.
Mayor Armstrong asked the City Clerk if proper notice had been given.
City Clerk Hart stated that proper notice had been published.
Mayor Armstrong stated that those files would become part of the hearing.
City Clerk Hart acknowledged receipt of bhe following written
communication:
1. Myron E. Harpole, President of Hacienda Hotel, 525 North Sepulveda
expressed disapproval of downzoning and requested the consideration
"716
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS (continued)
Director of Planning Lynn Harris gave a brief explanation of the proposed
amendments recommended by the Planning Commission action taken at their
meeting of January 23, 1986. Ms Harris stated the purpose of the
amendments was to minimize traffic concerns and "incompatible" land
developments directly affecting C -3W and adjacent residential properties.
Stating four areas the amendments address: reduction of floor area from a
2:1 ratio to a 1:1 ratio, to reduce the maximum building height from 200
ft. to 45 ft., to reduce the maximum building height for those C -3W
lots that abutt residential zones from 100 ft. to 40 ft. and to require a
landscape buffer in the setback between a C -3 parcel and any residential
zone, Ms. Harris added that the proposed ordinance would not change the
permitted uses of the C -3 zone, the required yard setbacks or to any
other standards of development within the C -3 district east of Sepulveda.
Planning Director Harris concluded the Commissions findings by stating
that the amendments proposed are designed to effectively reduce the
intensity of development on the west side of Sepulveda, thereby reducing
the impact of traffic and retain the compatibility of commercial and
residential districts.
Councilman Schuldt and Councilman Siadek expressed concern regarding the
word "compatible" and asked staff to clarify "incompatibility" and
describe its usage and who might be affected.
Director of Planning, Lynn Harris responded by stating that the use of
"incompatible " in this context was intended to reference the
relationship between residential and commercial districts. After several
Study Sessions it was the findings of the Planning Commission, said Ms.
Harris, that the existing development standards for the C -3 district,
if developed to their potential, could create a range of incompatibility
with the residential zone. That is to say, that both districts could
not effectively live together Ms. Harris concluded.
Councilman Siadek asked if the Planning Commission had considered a
change in the present C -3 zone to make it R -3.
Ms. Harris responded by saying that no consideration had been given.
Councilman Schuldt thought that a study of the whole area east of the high
tension wires should be made to ascertain the potential impact high rise
and various zoning would have on the area.
Councilman Siadek expressed concern as to the possible litigation that
these zoning amendments might create.
Councilman Schuldt thought that the market would correct itself if traffic
became a problem as a result of high rise on Sepulveda boulevard;
buildings would stand idle.
Mayor Armstrong requested Public input in favor or in opposition of the
Proposed Zone Text Amendment.
Jon Baldwin, 331 No. Sepulveda - Owner New Pacific Lumber expressed his
disfavor of downzoning. Mr. Baldwin felt this measure would
significantly affect his property and create a tremendous loss of value.
6717
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS (continued)
Richard Knickerbocker, 4720 Lincoln Blvd. Marina Del Rey, representing
Kilroy Industries stated that consideraton might be given to the fact
that a tremendous amount of the property in question has already been
developed and conforms with a code that has been in existence for a long
period of time. Attorney Knickerbocker stressed that if these amendments
should pass then a 20% reduction in property value would result, thus
creating potential litigation for the entire C -3 district. Mr.
Knickerbocker urged the City Council to reconsider this matter and
suggested that a complete Environmental Impact Report including an
Economic Impact report be submitted. Mr. Knickerbocker concluded by
again urging Council to reject this proposal.
Roger Hudson, President of R. J. Hudson Associates, representing Bank of
America expressed disapproval of downzoning and urged the City Council
to retain the existing development standards. In reference to a letter
submitted, Mr Hudson stated that those property owners on the west side
of Sepulveda would be penalized by virtue of being on the "wrong side of
the street ". Representative Hudson further touched on a potential
devaluation of 50 million dollars for the banks property and concluded by
stating that the City might consider other alternatives to the existing
sewer and traffic problems.
Myron E. Harpole, President of Hacienda Hotel urged Council to modify the
ordinance to allow the reconstruction of the Hacienda should a major
disaster occur. Mr. Harpole stated that the hotel represents some 200
jobs and revenue for the City and without a modification to the ordinance,
the Hacienda might not be permitted ro reconstruct its existing site.
Ron Stenlake, 331 and 337 No. Sepulveda spoke on behalf of his parents
stating that he was against the downzoning and would consider legal
action if the proposed amendments were accepted.
Michael Davis, 3218 W. 111th Street, Inglewood (Mayor Armstrong granted
Mr. Davis permission to speak out of order) announced his candidacy for
the State Assembly.
Jim Clutter, 441 Kansas Street expressed his approval of downzoning.
Tony Motta, Motta Brothers stated his disapproval of downzoning and will
litigate if the amendments are accepted.
Tina Edwards, 612 Illinois Court was in favor of downzoning.
Paula Crane, 1568 E. Palm Avenue also in favor of the downzoning.
Gertie Faas, 428 Kansas Street was in agreement with Paula Crane.
Frank Wong, E1 Segundo was in favor of the downzoning and expressed
concern regarding the T. V. signals that might not be received if the
amendments are not accepted. Mr. Wong urged Council to take the vote to
the people.
At the hour of 8:47 P.M., Council took a 6 minute recess.
At the hour of 8:53 P.M., Council reconvened in the Council Chambers with
all members answering roll call.
bit R
SPECIAL OYDER OF BUSINESS (continued)
Dennis Martin, 422 Indiana Court was in favor of downzoning.
Oscar Robison, 311 W. Acacia Street wanted justice for all concerned and
urged Council to further deliberate the issue.
Roger Siegel, 1022 Mariposa urged Council to consider a decision based
on the welfare of all.
Mayor Armstrong closed the public input.
Mayor Pro Tem Synadinos asked City Attorney Dolley for elaboration on a
the legalities of the Environmental Impact Report Process and "inverse
condemnation ".
City Attorney Dolley responded by stating that zoning is a legislative
act implemented through ordinances becoming law and consequently subject
to referendum. Council addresses problems as they are understood and
decisions are made based upon evidence of these problems. The need for an
an Environmental Impact Report, explained City Attorney Dolley, is based
upon a physical impact which might result from the implementations of such
ordinances, however there is no case to date that requires such a report
based on pure economics because of the downzoning of property. Mr.
Dolley also commented on the issue of "vested rights," stating that a City
Council can enact an ordinance which further restricts the development of
property. This enactment is not a "taking of property" or inverse
condemnation. The recourse available to a "disgruntled" property owner
would be a writ of mandate or an "undoing" of the decisive action taken by
the City Council explained Mr. Dolley. Mr. Dolley concluded by saying
there are no vested rights which are compensable in money damages.
Mayor Pro Tem Synadinos MOVED to accept the recommendations of the
Planning Commission, Councilman Jacobson SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED BY
THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE:
AYES: Councilman Jacobson, Mayor Pro Tem Synadinos, and Mayor
Armstrong.
NOES: Councilman Siadek, and Councilman Schuldt.
Councilman Jacobson MOVED, Mayor Pro Tem Synadinos SECONDED to waive
further reading. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE:
AYES: Councilman Jacobson, Councilman Siadek, Mayor Pro Tem
Synadinos and Mayor Armstrong.
NOES: Councilman Schuldt.
City Attorney Dolley read the title of the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA, CHAPTER 20.35
(SPECIAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C -3) ZONE) OF TITLE 20 (THE
COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE) OF THE EL SEGUNDO MUNICIPAL CODE.
iI_ - 671
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS (continued)
Mayor Pro Tem Synadinos MOVED, Councilman Jacobson SECONDED to adopt the
subject ordinance. MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOICE VOTE:
AYES: Councilman Jacobson, Mayor Pro Tem Synadinos and Mayor
Armstrong.
NOES: Councilman Siadek, and Councilman Schuldt.
2. PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed Precise Plan 4485 -1 and Certification of a
Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact EA -075 for a
proposed two - story, 38,135 sq. ft. retail office complex at the southwest
corner of Sepulveda Boulevard and Palm Avenue, Special Commercial
District (C -3); petitioned by A.L. Siegel.
Mayor Armstrong announced that this was the time and place heretofore
fixed for a public hearing on a Precise Plan 485 -1 and Certification of a
Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact EA -075 for a
proposed two - story, 38,135 sq. ft. retail office complex at the southwest
corner of Sepulveda Boulevard and Palm Avenue, Special Commercial
District (C -3); petitioned by A.L. Siegel.
The Mayor asked if proper notice had been given. City Clerk Hart
stated that proper notice had been published.
The Mayor announced that those files would become part of the hearing.
Mayor Armstrong inquired if any written communication had been received.
City Clerk Hart stated that a letter was received from a Mr. A. L.
Siegel, requesting a continuance.
Mayor Armstrong acknowledged a letter on file received by A.L. Siegel
requesting a continuance.
Mayor Armstrong asked if anyone in the audience wished to address the
subject.
Seeing no one, Mayor Armstrong asked for a motion to continue this public
hearing on March 4, 1986.
Councilman Jacobson MOVED, Councilman Siadek SECONDED to continue this
hearing to the next City Council meeting of March 4, 1986. MOTION
CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE.
3. PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed Precise Plan #85 -4 and Certification of a
Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact EA -098 for a
proposed new patio dining structure at 145 -147 Richmond Street to be used
in conjunction with an existing restaurant at 145 Richmond Street;
petitioned by David Bryant.
Mayor Armstrong announced that this was the time and place heretofore
fixed for a public hearing on the Proposed Precise Plan 4185 -4 and
Certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact
EA -098 for a proposed new dining structure at 145 -147 Richmond Street to
be used in conjunction with an existing restaurant at 145 Richmond
Street.
Mayor Armstrong asked the City Clerk if proper notice had been given.
City Clerk Hart acknowledged that proper notice had been published
under the direction of the Planning Department. The Mayor announced that
those files would become part of the hearing.
Mayor Armstrong inquired if any written communication had been received.
City Clerk Hart stated that no written communication had been received
6 720
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS (continued)
Councilman Schuldt expressed concern regarding the footage between the
two buildings involved.
City Manager Nicholas Romaniello interjected by stating that this
proposal was made by the applicant and these recommendations for distance
between buildings was not made by the City. Mr. Romaniello also stated
that if the buildings were physically tied together, a different set of
building codes would be required.
Councilman Jacobson asked that the record show only one rendering
correct. The Precise Plan did not call for a second building as shown in
one of the architects rendering.
Mayor Pro Tem Synadinos also noted that the Precise Plan should indicate
the use of a building behind 145 Richmond Street as utilized for office
space only.
Mayor Pro Tem Synadinos asked for an explanation for the difference in
building height between 145 and 147 Richmond Street.
Brad Anderson, Architect for Design Associates addressed Mayor Pro Tem
Synadinos by stating that the reason for the difference is due to a ramp
that is required for the use of the handicapped. Mr. Anderson further
stated that should the existing owners split, a covenant has been signed
by both parties rendering this precise plan null and void. This covenant
would require the new building to be brought to current standards for the
use of a retail establishment and the existing restaurant would remain.
Lynn Harris expressed to Council that the Planning Commissions
recommendations were to include both 145 and 147 Richmond Street in the
precise plan and should any changes be made to either location, an
amendment to the precise plan would be required.
Mayor Armstrong asked if anyone in the audience wished to address this
subject. Seeing none, Mayor Armstrong closed public input and the public
hearing.
City Attorney Dolley read the title of the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO,
CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT EA -098 AND ADOPTING PRECISE PLAN 85 -4, WITH
CONDITIONS FOR A PROPOSED NEW PATIO DINING STRUCTURE AT 147
RICHMOND STREET TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN EXISTING
RESTAURANT AT 145 RICHMOND STREET WITHIN SAID CITY.
Councilman Siadek MOVED, Councilman Schuldt SECONDED to waive further
reading and adopt the proposal for the precise plan. MOTION CARRIED BY
UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. Councilman Siadek introduced the ordinance.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS -None
t4, t 6"72.1
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS WRITTEN
City Clerk Hart acknowledged receipt of two written communications:
Mr. and Mrs. John Cruikshank, 1509 E. Elm Avenue were unsatisfied with
the barricades on Maple and Walnut Streets; street closure at California
and Washington.
Residents of Washington, E. Palm and Sycamore Streets expressed
displeasure over the barricades at Walnut and Maple and the increase in
traffic.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS - ORAL
Robert Anderson, 848 Pepper Street would like Council to rename Nash
Street in honor of Gregory Jarvis, member of the ill -fated Challenger
Crew.
Council directed staff to investigate possibilities, contact industry and
report back at the next Council meeting on March 4, 1986.
CONSENT AGENDA
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda will be enacted by one
motion unless a request is made for discussion, in which case, the
item(s) will be considered separately following this portion of the
Consent Agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem Synadinos requested that item number 8 be considered
separately. Thereafter, MOTION was made by Councilman Siadek, and
SECONDED by Councilman Schuldt to approve the remaining items on the
consent Agenda. MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE.
1. Warrant Nos. 0480 -0746 on Demand Register Summary No. 18 in total
amount of $518,017.53.
Ratified and approved.
2. Warrant Nos. 10694 -10698 on Demand Register Summary No. 19 in total
amount of $2,317.97.
Ratified and approved.
3. Request to Approve Renewal of Audit Agreement with Peat, Marwick,
Mitchell & Company for Fiscal Years 1985/1986, 1986/1987 and
1987/1988.
Renewal approved.
4. Request to Award Bid to Only Bidder for a Portable Communication
System to be Used by the Police Department.
Awarded to Audio Intelligence Devices for $3,887.25.
5. Request to Reject Alternate Bids for Moore Recreation and Parks
Equipment, Inc. (for not Meeting Specifications on Playground
Equipment for Sycamore Park) and Award to the Lowest Bidder,
b721. or
CONSENT AGENDA (continued)
6. Request to Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Staff to
Advertise for Bids for Additions and Modifications to Fire Station
No. 1 (Main Street) PW 84 -5.
Approved plans and specifications and authorized staff to
advertise for bids.
7. Request Authority to Issue Additional Purchase Order to BCL
Associates, Inc. in Connection with Chevron Hydrocarbon Migration
Monitoring Program.
Authorization granted.
9. Request Approval of Agreement with Daniel Freeman Hospital for
Provision of Home - Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels).
Agreement approved.
CALL ITEMS FROM CONSENT AGENDA
8. Request to Approve Agreement with Charles Walton Associates AIA
Inc. for Architectural Design Services in Connection with
Addition and Modifications to City Library.
(Recommendation: Approve Agreement).
Mayor Pro Tem Synadinos expressed concern regarding the cost overruns.
Mayor Pro Tem Synadinos MOVED, Councilman Jacobson SECONDED to approve
agreement. MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE.
At 10:35 P.M. Mayor Armstrong left the dais.
At 10:38 P.M. Mayor Armstrong returned to the dais.
NEW BUSINESS - CITY NANAGEB
1. Report on Six Month Study of Traffic Diverters in Northeast Area of
Residential Portion of the City.
George C. Villegas, Joint -City Transportation Engineer, gave a brief
update on the six -month study of the traffic diverters in use in the
northeast residential section of the City. Engineer Villegas reported
that traffic had decreased overall by four percent but the traffic flow on
other streets, primarily Sycamore, Center, Palm and Washington, had
increased. He stated the following staff recommendations:
1. Retain and make permanent the closure on California
Street.
2. Retain the temporary diverter on Walnut Avenue.
3. Remove the temporary diverter on Maple Avenue.
Villegas, urged Council to retain the Walnut Street diverter on Walnut
Avenue until the New Walnut Plaza is completed. This would appropriate a
thorough traffic count.
o `1 7 ? 3
NEW BUSINESS - CITY MANAGER (continued)
Jim Helvey, 1502 E. Walnut strongly stressed that in his opinion the
California Street closure has solved the main traffic problems in his
neighborhood.
Ed Helvey, 1504 E. Walnut was in complete agreement with his son, Jim
Helvey.
Scott Dannen, 1120 E. Acacia stated his family was in favor of the
California Street closure.
Jim Clutter, 441 Kansas Street requested Council to consider placing stop
signs at the Pine and Kansas Street intersection.
Bill Ehrhart, 1406 E. Walnut stated he was not in favor of accepting
staff recommendations. He felt that all barricades should be maintained
according to the implementations presented by the original report
submitted by Greer Associates.
Walter Baynes, 1432 E. Sycamore disagreed with Mr. Ehrhart's statement.
Jack Neil, 1729 Washington Street stated that the traffic problems were
getting worse, but that he had no suggestions to make to Council.
Gordon Lenz, 730 California Street referring to Oak Street, stated that
traffic had increased since the diverters were installed.
Jeff Siadek, 421 Washington Street stated that driving within the
barricades is like being in a "maze ".
Councilman Siadek MOVED, Councilman Jacobson SECONDED, to accept staff
recomendations and requested a report on the possible implementation of
speed undulations. MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE.
Council also directed staff to implement a thorough traffic counts before
the opening of the Walnut Plaza on the following streets:
- Acacia
- Walnut
- Sycamore
-Maple
-Oak
- Mariposa
-Palm
NEV BUSINESS - CITY ATTORNEY
Attorney Dolley requested Closed Session on the following matters:
54956.9 (a) Johnson vs City of E1 Segundo
E1 Segundo vs Shelter Media
Winthrop vs E1 Segundo
Dorsey vs E1 Segundo
El Segundo vs Homtel
FURTHER NEW BUSINESS - NONE
GOOD OF THE ORDER - NONE
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS - ORAL
Oscar Robison, 711 E. Acacia was concerned with a newspaper
publication regarding cash contributions from developers in the
City.
City Manager Romaniello addressed Mr. Robison stating that the
monies received from a developer are in direct relation to the
impact that his development creates.
Mr. Robison stated he had spoken with the City of Carson and they
do not accept cash contributions.
City Manager Romaniello disagreed with Mr. Robison.
CLOSED SESSION
At 12:03 A.M. Council adjourned to the Mayor's office for Closed
Session.
Councilman Siadek left at 1:00 A.M.
At 1:35 A.M. Council reconvened in the Council Chambers with all
members answering roll call with the exception of Councilman
Siadek.
The Mayor announced that no decisions were made in Closed Session.
ADJOURNMENT
No other businees appearing to come before Council at this session
the meeting was adjourned to Thursday, February 20, 1986 at 7:00
P.M. for an Adjourned Regular Meeting with the Planning Commission.
i u"eLL L. n&Ki,
APPROVED:
i
rCHARLES K. ARMSTRONG, MAYO
ERK
. 0. 724