CC - 08-26-97MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 26, 1997
APPROVED
CITY O ROSEMEAD
DATE_ 9 ~c
T3Y~
The regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council was called to order by Mayor Imperial at 8:00
p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
The Pledge to the Flag was led by Councilmember Taylor
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Jonathon Wu of Evergreen Baptist Church
ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS:
Present: Councilmembers, Taylor, Vasquez, Mayor Pro Tem Bruesch, and Mayor
Imperial
Absent: Clark - excused
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: AUGUST 12, 1997 - REGULAR MEETING
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER TAYLOR, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
VASQUEZ that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 12, 1997, be approved as
submitted. Vote resulted:
Yes:
Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial
No:
None
Absent:
Clark
Abstain:
Bruesch
The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
Mayor Pro Tern Bruesch stated that he abstained as he was not present at that meeting.
PRESENTATIONS:
A plaque was presented to long-time Rosemead residents Ernest and Agnes Herd upon
celebration of their 70th wedding anniversary on April 22, 1997.
Proclamations were presented to Rosemead staff members Rafael Herrera and David
Casas for their heroic effort in administering CPR to a 51 year old unconscious man at the
Rosemead Community Center. The paramedics determined that through their actions, they saved
the life of this man.
1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE - None
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
An explanation of the procedures for the conduct of the public hearing was presented by
the City Attorney. The City Clerk then administered the oath to all those persons wishing to
address the Council on any public hearing item.
A. PUBLIC HEARING - PLANNED DEVELOPMENT 97-01 (GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT 97-01, AND ZONE CHANGE 97-204) - A SELF-STORAGE
FACILITY WITHIN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON RIGHT-OF-
WAY AT 8306 GARVEY AVENUE
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Al. RESOLUTION NO. 97-38 -A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD APPROVING GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT 97-01
A2. ORDINANCE NO. 780 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD APPROVING ZONE CHANGE 97-204
-INTRODUCE
Don Wagner, Assistant City Manager presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Bruesch requested that the 8' wrought iron gate and fence be added to the
Conditions of Approval.
The Mayor opened the Public Hearing for those wishing to speak in favor of the project.
Carl Beckmann, the applicant representing Everest Properties, 199 S. Los Robles,
Pasadena, introduced Terri Gonzales from Southern California Edison to present an overview of
the project.
Terri Gonzales, SCE Regional Manager, stated that SCE has reviewed this project
thoroughly and Mr. Beckman has meet all requirements and that this business will be a plus for
the community. Ms. Gonzales stated that SCE representatives are present to answer any technical
questions.
Mr. Beckmann stated that Everest Properties is developing this project as well as
additional eight other projects elsewhere. Mr. Beckman continued that the site consists of 6.75
acres on the Edison right-of-way. Mr. Beckman then introduced Barry Adnams of CCA
Associates to describe the design elements of this project.
Barry Adnams, CCA Associates, 1535 Monrovia Avenue, Newport Beach, stated that the
facility will have 644 storage units accessible from Garvey Avenue with access for emergency
vehicles at rear driveways; there will be trees planted and an 8' chain link fence with redwood slats
along the easterly property line to protect the neighbors privacy; lights will be shielded to prevent
glare from going beyond property line; there will be 24-hour television monitors at the entrance
and throughout the site; and, access to the site is through a coded keypad that will enable the
manager to identify the tenant and storage location.
Mr. Beckmann explained the managerial aspects of their security system. There will be
two managers on site for most of the day; identification is required and is checked for new
tenants; the managers will continually monitor storage areas. Mr. Beckman stated that this facility
will benefit the City and residents as the project will enhance the frontage on Garvey Avenue, the
site will be secure thus helping to reduce unwanted elements in the area and will provide a gated
service to the homeowners and businesses in the community. Mr. Beckman elaborated that they
will be long-time tenants and will be active in local organizations.
There being no one else wishing to speak, those in opposition were invited to speak.
Bernard Ancheta, 1413 Cuesta Way, Montebello, stated that he owns 14 low to moderate
income houses in Rosemead with 9 of them on the east side of Gladys (2 blocks west of the
proposed facility). Mr. Ancheta stated that this project will cause traffic further congestion on
Garvey, the noise from customers using storage bins will impact homes on Charlotte, especially
those with 5' and 10' setbacks from the property line. Mr. Ancheta stated that he considers this
development a temporary facility; that the facility will house hazardous wastes; that a better use of
this site for the community would be to build another park; that the people using the facility are
not "tenants" as they only rent a storage bin. Mr. Ancheta questioned the areas of the Initial
Environmental Study concerning air quality, noise, and increased traffic congestion and stated that
those areas will be impacted. Mr. Archeta suggested that the Council study this item further
before approval.
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Rosemary Gallagher, 2626 N. Charlotte, Rosemead, stated that her backyard would face
the west side of the facility and objects to the project as she and her neighbors would be impacted
by noise and dust during building and traffic afterwards. Ms. Gallagher expressed her concern
that there would be strange people coming and going at all hours of the night and day regardless
of security lights. Ms. Gallagher presented written affidavits of people who object to the project.
Alberto Espinosa, 2712 N. Charlotte Avenue, Rosemead, stated that the power lines might
present a hazard to the facility.
Juan Nunez, 2702 Del Mar, Rosemead, stated that that area is a problem area for gangs
and this facility will afford gangs more hiding places than the present vacant lot and that the 8'
wall will not hinder anyone.
Maria Carrera, 2708 N. Charlotte Avenue, Rosemead, stated that she objects to the
project as she has only 3' behind her home to the property line and asked why the City cannot give
them extra footage to enable them to park their cars.
Rachel DeLeon, 2620 N. Charlotte Avenue, stated that she objects to the project and
questioned why a facility would be built without any regard for the power lines. Ms. DeLeon also
questioned the necessity for a storage facility in Rosemead as residents probably will not patronize
this business; traffic will increase; the 24-hour security will disturb the neighborhood dogs at
night; that SCE did not maintain the property correctly and that she has weeded Edison property
on occasion in order to prevent rodent infestation and "curb creatures" from living on their
premises. Ms. DeLeon stated that the tenants will disturb the peace. She questioned the ability
of the managers to monitor toxic wastes.
Mr. Beckmann, speaking in rebuttal, stated that there are over 30,000 storage facilities
nationwide and operate near all types of communities and businesses compatibly and these
facilities have the least traffic impact on cities. Mr. Bennet added that a facility of this size might
generate 30 to 40 trips per day and at Garvey, cars would enter and exit on the right. Mr. Bennet
stated that the lease with SCE is for 40 years and does not consider that a temporary use. Mr.
Bennet addressed the issue of storing toxic or hazardous waste and explained that the on-site
managers will monitor what the tenants are storing and that their lease with SCE does not allow
the storage of hazardous waste and that Everet's lease with their tenants will not allow the storage
of hazardous or flammable materials and will result in the immediate removal of items from the
property. He continued that there will be no illegal activity allowed.
Councilmember Taylor asked if there is any electricity in the units.
Mr. Beckmann answered that there is not any electricity. Mr. Bennet stated that their
customers are considered tenants as they sign a lease and many stay for years and years. Statistics
show that many tenants will be within one or two miles of the facility and a percentage will consist
of local businesses storing records, and such to free up office space. Mr. Bennet stated that hours
of operation are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and security measures will be put in place; that the
on-site managers primary concern, in addition to renting space, is security.
Councilmember Taylor requested that the affidavits from Rosemary Gallagher and her
neighbors be included in the Minutes.
The aforementioned affidavits are attached herewith and becomes a part of the Minutes.
There being no one else wishing to speak the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Mayor Pro Tern Bruesch explained that a larger buffer zone between the storage units and
homes could be established by the removal of 81 units at the west fence line to the eastern side by
the fence. Mr. Bruesch suggested that this project be returned to staff to determine a way to
lessen the impact on the neighbors on Charlotte Avenue.
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Councilmember Vasquez agreed with Mr. Bruesch that a larger buffer zone needs to be
established.
Councilmember Taylor agreed also and suggested a small leafed plant be planted on the
chainlink/redwood slat fence to allow more privacy for the neighbors while in their backyards.
Mayor Imperial stated that he uses the other storage facility in Rosemead and has
observed bands practicing there and there may be people sleeping in the vehicles stored there.
Mr. Imperial continued that this project needs to give the immediate neighbors more privacy and
suggested that this item be returned to staff.
Councilmember Taylor requested that a clause be added to prohibit bands from practicing
and no productive business operations by tenants, i.e. building cabinets, electrical repairs, etc.
Mr. Beckmann offered to have the access doors facing east instead of west along
Charlotte.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER TAYLOR, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM
BRUESCH that the Public Hearing be re-opened. Vote resulted:
Yes:
Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch
No:
None
Absent:
Clark
Abstain:
None
The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
The Mayor re-opened the Public Hearing.
There being no objection, this item will be continued to September 23, 1997.
A five-minute recess was called at 9:40 p.m. and the meeting was reconvened accordingly.
M. LEGISLATIVE
A. RESOLUTION NO. 97-37 - CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
The following Resolution was presented to the Council for adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. 97-37
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD
ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF
$353,160.24 NUMBERED 20973 THROUGH 21098.
Councilmember Taylor questioned why the amounts differed to the League of California
Cities, check no. 21016 for $1750.00.
Don Wagner, Assistant City Manager, responded that a memo would be forthcoming.
Councilmember Taylor asked what check no. 21067 in the amount of $6529.00 to
reimburse the Redevelopment Agency was for.
Fred Wickman, City Engineer, responded that was for last joint concrete repair project
between the Agency and City.
Mr. Wagner stated that an explanation memo will be prepared.
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MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
VASQUEZ that the Council adopt Resolution No. 97-37. Vote resulted:
Yes:
Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch
No:
None
Absent:
Clark
Abstain:
None
The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 781- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD DELETING EXISTING ROSEMEAD
MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 4142 AND 4167 THROUGH 4167.4, AND
ADDING A NEW SECTION 4142, REGARDING CURFEW
RESTRICTIONS FOR MINORS - INTRODUCE
The following Ordinance was introduced:
ORDINANCE NO. 781
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD
DELETING EXISTING ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 4142
AND 4167 THROUGH 4167.4, AND- ADDING A NEW SECTION 4142,
REGARDING CURFEW RESTRICTIONS FOR MINORS - INTRODUCE
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER TAYLOR, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM
BRUESCH that the Council introduce Ordinance No. 781 on first reading, and schedule the item
for second reading at the meeting of September 9, 1997. Vote resulted:
Yes:
Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch
No:
None
Absent:
Clark
Abstain:
None
Juan Nunez, 2702 Del Mar, Rosemead, asked if this ordinance pertained to minors only.
Mr. Nunez stated that he called the Sheriffs six times last Saturday regarding his on-going
problem with his noisy neighbors making noise until 4:30 a.m and while this is a civil matter,
asked if anything could be done.
Mayor Pro Tern Bruesch responded that this ordinance pertains for 18 and younger only.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR (Item CC-C removed for discussion purposes)
CC-A AUTHORIZATION TO ATTEND 2ND ANNUAL CALIFORNIA JOINT
POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY RISK MANAGEMENT
CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 1-2,1997, SANTA BARBARA, CA
CC-B REQUEST FOR REMOVAL OF RED CURB ON RAMONA BOULEVARD
EAST OF WALNUT GROVE AVENUE
CC-D REQUEST FROM GAS COMPANY FOR BLANKET EXCAVATION
PERMIT
CC-E APPROVAL OF CONCESSION STAND LICENSE AGREEMENT -
AMERICAN YOUTH SOCCER ORGANIZATION
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MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
VASQUEZ that the Council approve the aforementioned items. Vote resulted:
Yes:
Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch
No:
None
Abserit:
Clark
Abstain:
None
The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
CC-C AUTHORIZATION FOR CITY MANAGER AND POLICE CHIEF TO
VISIT KEELUNG, TAIWAN WITH MAYOR AND OTHER
DIGNITARIES, OCTOBER 5-11,1997.
Councilmember Taylor stated that he will vote No on this item as a policy decision and not
a reflection against the City Manager or the Captain.
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
VASQUEZ that the Council authorize the City Manager and Police Chief to attend the Taiwan
Independence Day celebration in Keelung on October 5-11, 1997 and authorize payment for all
travel related expenses. Vote resulted:
Yes:
Vasquez, Imperial, Bruesch
No:
Taylor
Absent:
Clark
Abstain:
None
The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
V. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION AND ACTION
A. REQUEST FOR THREE-WAY STOP SIGN AT WELLS STREET AND
EARLE AVENUE
Councilmember Taylor stated that he favors stop signs installed on Wells Street as there
are no stop signs between Walnut Grove and the City of San Gabriel limits which leaves the
students crossing Wells and Earle unprotected.
Mayor Pro Tern Bruesch suggested placing a crossing guard at those intersections instead,
as according to neighbors, the area does not bear much traffic except for twice a day to drop off
and pick up school children.
Councilmember Taylor stated that placing stop signs at that intersection will provide
children year-round security while crossing the street.
MOTION BY COUNCII.MEMBER TAYLOR, SECOND BY MAYOR IMPERIAL that
the Council uphold the Traffic Commission's recommendation to install a Multi-way STOP
control at the intersection of Wells Street and Earle Avenue. Vote resulted:
Yes:
Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial
No:
Bruesch
Absent:
Clark
Abstain:
None
The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
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Mayor Pro Tem Bruesch stated that he would like the record to show that he prefers
having a crossing guard where it is needed there.
B. REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT MISSION DRIVE AND EARLE
AVENUE
Wayne Doolen, 4825 Earle Avenue, Rosemead, stated that he is the current president of
the Resident Council of the California Christian Home and stated that he and the residents of the
home support the installation of a traffic signal. Mr. Doolen continued that many of the residents
like to take walks, but are fearful of crossing Mission Drive and many children cross the street.
Anthony Fierro, 4738 N. Willard, Rosemead, stated that there is a need for a traffic signal
at that intersection and that the people's requests are being ignored. Mr. Fierro then challenged
the Traffic Engineer's recommendation and traffic volume survey as being slanted, incomplete and
erroneous. Mr. Fierro referred to the staff report dated May 26, 1993, regarding installation of a
traffic signal at Temple City Boulevard and Marshall which cites limited visibility, delays for
vehicle crossing as reasons for installing a signal, and compared it to the situation on Mission
Drive and Earle and asked why those concerns were omitted from this staff report. Mr. Fierro
then asked why, according to his report, the traffic survey only goes to 5:00 p.m., therefore,
making it untruthful. Mr. Fierro referred to a staff report dated July 13, 1995, regarding
installation of a signal at Mission and Encinitas and stated that that traffic survey went until 9:00
p.m., making this request slanted, selective and biased. Mr. Fierro asked why this request was not
given the same consideration as the two he referred to.
Councilmember Taylor asked Mr. Fierro if he had the staff report for tonight's meeting.
Mr. Fierro responded that he had it once, but gave it to someone else.
Councilmember Taylor referred to the Exhibit "C" referring to 24-hour AM and PM Peak
hour traffic counts on Mission Drive and Earle Street which goes beyond 5:00 p.m. as stated by
Mr. Fierro.
Mr. Fierro admitted that his staff report upon which he based his study, was much smaller
in comparison to tonight's staff report, and may have been erroneous.
Councilmember Taylor explained that the signal installed at Mission and Encinita was due
to the high school students backing up traffic while they crossed those streets. Mr. Taylor stated
that this situation does not exist at Mission and Earle.
Mr. Fierro stated that many near accidents occur on Mission, especially while trying to
make left-hand turns. Mr. Fierro then apologized to the Council for his erroneous information.
Dolly Leong, 9554 Ralph Street, Rosemead, stated that she had turned in petitions in
favor of the signal.
Councilmember Taylor asked Ms. Leong if she had read the entire staff report and does
she reside at 9554 Ralph Street.
Ms. Leong responded that she had not read it entirely and that she spends time at both
Ralph Street and at Mission Drive as her son lives there. Ms. Leong stated that the traffic on
Mission Drive meets the required minimum while traffic on Earle does not. Ms. Leong then
named businesses and number of employees that are on Earle.
Councilmember Taylor stated that if those businesses are north of Grand Avenue, then
many of those employees would use Grand Avenue to San Gabriel Boulevard or Walnut Grove,
rather than Earle Avenue.
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Ms. Leong stated that many employees of the California Christian Home use Earle Avenue
going south to Mission Drive. Ms. Leong added that students cross Mission. She then recited
numerous accidents that occurred at that intersection.
Janice Dooley, 4647 N. Earle Avenue, Rosemead, stated that she and Claudia Zelaya, her
roommate are not in favor of a traffic signal at that intersection and explained that the timing of
the traffic signal at Walnut Grove and Mission has been changed which results in the red light on
Mission staying red for 45-50 seconds. Ms. Dooley stated that she observed vehicles making
turns at the intersection of Mission Boulevard and Earle Avenue on three different occasions. On
August I Ith, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., of the 98 vehicles making lefthand turns on August 13th,
only 11 of those had to only wait 5 seconds for the cluster of traffic to clear from the signal at
Walnut Grove and Mission. On August 20, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., of the 35 vehicles only 4
vehicles had to wait. Ms. Dooley continued that she also observed morning rush hour traffic from
6:45 to 9:00 a.m., and of the 64 vehicles, only 5 had to wait to make a turn. Ms. Dooley added
that during her traffic observations, there was minimal pedestrian activity at the crosswalks, only 4
adults and 2 children, none of which experienced any difficulty in crossing the street. Ms. Dooley
stated that there are not hundreds of children crossing the street, that the California Christian
Home has sidewalks all around the area, plus Sally Tanner Park for the seniors to walk on, and
does not see a reason why the seniors would want to cross Mission, especially since the south side
of Earle does not have sidewalks. Ms. Dooley continued that of the businesses along Earle,
vehicles have an easier access onto Grand Avenue rather than coming to Mission Drive; and of
the 15 to 20 years she and her roommate have lived there, they have only observed two major
accidents.
Councilmember Taylor requested that that area be monitored.
Don Wagner, Assistant City Manager, stated that the Sheriffs motorcycle officer was at
that location today and during a three hour period issued 6 speeding citations and 8 seat belt
violations and that area will be monitored.
Mayor Imperial stated that he has observed that intersection during the mornings,
afternoons and evenings and traffic flow does not warrant a traffic signal at this time. Mr.
Imperial requested that the Sheriffs traffic units consistently work that area to prevent excessive
speeding.
Mayor Pro Tem Bruesch agreed that the motorcycle units enforce speeding limits in that
area and one of the problems on Mission Drive is the lack of a left turn phasing at San Gabriel
Boulevard and Mission Drive in the City of San Gabriel.
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
VASQUEZ that the Council deny the Traffic Commission's recommendation to install a traffic
signal at the intersection of Mission Drive and Earle Avenue, and to continue enforcement of the
speed limits and staff contact the City of San Gabriel regarding a left turn phasing at San Gabriel
Boulevard and Mission Drive. Vote resulted:
Yes:
Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch
No:
None
Absent:
Clark
Abstain:
None
The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
Councilmember Taylor requested a traffic report on accidents in that area for the past
three years.
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VI. STATUS REPORTS
A. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CLAIM FILED - MR.
GUNARATANA, 7831 EMERSON PLACE
Don Wagner, Assistant City Manager, requested the Council approve settlement of this
claim with the claimant by staff.
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
TAYLOR authorizing staff to settle the claim with the claimant. Vote resulted:
Yes:
Vasquez, Taylor, Imperial, Bruesch
No:
None
Absent:
Clark
Abstain:
None
The Mayor declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
VII. MATTERS FROM OFFICIALS
A. COUNCILMEMBER VASQUEZ
Thanked staff for working such long hours.
VERBATIM DIALOGUE STARTS:
B. MAYOR PRO TEM BRUESCH
I would like to reiterate on that, and also say that having read about two cities in
bankruptcies and one almost in bankruptcy over the last three weeks, I think we have to really
hand it to our staff that we have yet, in my tenure on this Council, had to go into the red, ever.
It's just because we have good management within our staff. I want that to be written into the
minutes verbatim.
VERBATIM DIALOGUE ENDS.
VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE - None
IX. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action to be taken at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30
p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 1997, at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
City Clerk
APPROVED:
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