Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1975.05.19:lfi1) Burlingame, California May 19, J-975 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Burlingame C j-ty date in the City Ha11 Council Chambers. 8r00 P.M. by Mayor Irving S. Amstrup. MINUTES : suEmfEt.ed Council was held on the Meeting called to order above at PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG: Led by Charles F. Schwalm, City Manager. ROLL CALL Council Members Present: Ams trup-Crosby-Cus ick-Harr ison-Mang i n i Council Members Absent : /None The minutes of the regular meeting of May 5, 1975, geviously to the City Council, were approved and adopted. TRAF.FIC STUDY TROUSDALE DRIVE: PTEP ared by City ' s rraffic/Civil Engineer In introducing the subject, Mayor Amstrup acknowledged the large group in attendance, colunenting that everyone interested in the subject vras probably ahrare of the ba-kground. lle sununarized briefly, recalling that ltop si-gns currently in plice on Trousdale Drive were install-ed in tlovimbei , L973, by unanimous vote of the City Council. At that time, Councilman Harris6n had not yet been elected to the City Council; his predecessor, R.David Martin, voted with the other members for the signs. in l,lovember , 1g74, a citizens' petition was filed requesting the City Council to remove certain signs. Mayor AmstruP stated Councilman Cusick and he voted for the signs; other members declared in favor of with- holding action to al]ow the traffic engineer to be employed by the city sufficient time to submit a report with recommendations. Because this was the will of the majority oi the Council, there was no action on the petition. The City's Tiaffic Engineer has completed hj.s studies an<t iitecl his written ieport. At the last study meeting, the Council agreed to review the report tonight and to hear public input' I,layor ihstrup announced that Thomas l"loore, fraf f ic Engineer will- discuss hi-s report and recommendations, that the council may ask questions of i,tr. Mo;re, the floor will then be opened to the audience' Mr. Moore stated: Fj"rst, the status of Trousdale must be clarified, what kind of a street is it? It is a major arterial. There are no adequate alternatives for traffic traveling east and west other than Trousdale. Its status has been established for many years' (A maP of Trousdale Drive was projected on the screen. ) i"lr. Moore noted that other relatively close alternate and Hillside D!ives. The upPer stretches of Hillside narrow and winding. Murchison is better but still not 'frousd.aLe, which ls 64 feet wide htith relatively good zontal alinements, far superior to the alternates. routes are Murchison are fairly inadequate, of the class of vertical and hori- I"1r. Moore stated he ha<I statistics that might be of interest. He sug- gested for consideration an average daily traffic. flow of 5500 cars ipproaching each one of the T-intersection stop signs; for example, the tiira of siln that exists at Loyola and at Toledo. Assuming that figure is accepta;le, 5500 multiplied by 355 days in a year means that two rnillj.on vehicles stop annually at one of those two intersections. It rneans further that, iounting Lhe five (5) "T' signs proposed for removal, l0 million vehicles stop an;ualIy. He cited from "Midwest Motorist, " issue of August, 1954, Lstimated costs of stopping, idling, starting in hrasted houri, hrasted dollars, wasted gasoline. Mr. Moore pointed out that five,(5) stop.signs on one street, that, perhaps, should not be there' .i" O. vury l*p"i"ivei one might attempt to imagine $rhat the costs would be nation-wide. 1973 and 1974 as indicative of what available data was PrePared on a additional stop signs were installed. Mr. Moore explained he used the years has happened on Trousdale; most of the yearly basis. In mid-November, 1973, SIJU As the result of education, enforcement and engineering, the three (3) big "g's" of traffic engineering, the accident rate was dramatically reduced. other circumstances that could have contributed must be recognized: traffic flow on Trousdale was down due, perhaps, to the energy crisis, high cost. of gasoline and motorists seeking alternate routes. In reviewing accident j.ncidents, Mr. Moore projected a chart on the screen sho\.ring morning, middayT early and late evening experiences. He described types of accidents. He commented on warrants required tojustify installation of traffic signals and mentioned bicycle andpedestrian accidents. I"1r. Moore announced that statistics compiled in preparing the report will be made available for perusal to anyone interested. Mr. Moore summarized his recommendations: (1) Hunt Drj.ve, 4-rray stop signs to remain, left-turn lanes provided on Trousdale, some curb red zones for sight dj.stance improvement,(2) Sebastian Drive, same as Hunt,(3) At Toledo Drive, remove stop sign, stripe left-turn lane for traf f j.c \,restbound on Trousdale and refuge-acce leration lanes for traffic entering Trousdale from Toledo westbound,(4) Loyola Drive, sight distance problems on both corners. Some changesin landscaping on private properties should be negotiated. Left-turn Iane and refuge-acceleration }anes recommended, and stop sign to remain because of sight problems.(5) Martinez-Castenada, 4-way stops removed and signalization implemented. At South Ashton, existing signal and crosswalks removed, pedestrian traffic shunted to Martinez-Castenada i left-turn and refuge-accel-eration lanes installed, curb red zones. "No stopping at any time" shown on the map in this area is the school site where there is very 1itt1e demand for on-street parking.(6) Quesada Way, remove stop siqn. Sight distance is excellent,install dual left-turn and refuge lanes.(7) Sequoia Avenue, 4-\^ray stop to remain, left-turn Lanes to be pro- vided in both directions.(8) Marco Polo way, remove stop sign, refuge-acce leration lane forleft-turn movements entering Trousdale from Marco Polo and left turn from Trousdale to Marco Pol"o.(9) Ogden Drive, remove stop sign, provide channelization.(10) Magnolia Avenue, 4-way stop to remain to be replaced with traffic signal, additional left-turn lanes for both directions. Widening is recommended to accornmodate bus stop and to improve general channelizationin this area. Mayor Amstrup asked if Council wished to query Mr. Moore. Councilman Cusick asked (1) Why left-turn lanes are considered necessaryat 4-way stops such as Hunt and Sebastian, motorists are not waiting for a signal and opposite fLow of traffic must stop because of the signs;(2) On most of the places marked "No stopping at any time, " distance appears to be I20 feet. At Hunt, there is one area marked 80 feet. Why the disparity in amount of feet?(3) From Skyline Boulevard to Ilunt, ?rousdale is narrow, a left-turn lanei.s proposed. Hos, r"rill this be done? Mr. Moore responded: (1) Left-turn lanes help to expedite flow of traffic. Once drivers become accustomed to the pattern, they recognize that a driver in that lane intends to turn left; the driver vrho wants to go through can pull out and continue on his way. AIso, traffic coming from the intersecting streets are alerted to impending left- turn movements .(2) In attempting to improve sight distance, an effort was made to accommodate to individual situations, private driveways, school frontages. The intent was to minimize inconvenience to the private property and to take advantage of school frontages where people do not park ordinarily.(3) Here, it will be necessary to squeeze down to tvro Lanes, but they will be adequate. -i, 3ll1 Councilman Cusick asked how the children High if the stop sign is removed at Marco was not familiar with the subdivisions ,area was identified on the maprlMr. i{oorewill have to cross Trousdale Drive. from Ray Park wifl reach Mil1s Polo. lvlr. Moore stated heper se. After the Ray Parkexplained that the children Mayor Amstrup invited comments from the audience in favor of the report. Sergio ZygarewLcz, 3032 Alcazar Drive: Considered promise, endorsed removal of all rrTtr intersection acceleration lanes. Suggested elimination of all Trousdale during the day to increase visibility. Car] LoIIin , 2804 Rivera Drive: Considered it ob jective and based on f acts. Wit'h respect to recommended enforcement of the ordinance that fences on corner lots. it an acceptable eom- signs and the idea of on-street parking on an excellent report, sight distance at LoYoIa, regulates landscaping and p.H. Broaddus, 3208 Hillside Lane: Endorsed recommendations for channeliza- tion in the area of Skyline and Trousdale. Asked if it is necessary to stop traffic on Trousaile at llunt when there has been jqq! one accident, a rlar-end collision; At Magnotia, there should be traffic signals because of heavy traffic aenerated by the shopping center, medical building and convalescent hospital. Numerous left-turn movements here create hazards and cause accidents. Maury Gersh, 1616 Granada: At the time signatures were solicited for removal of rtTrr stop signs, ma{rY people asked which signs would be removed, tf any. tfrey were advised not to sign the petition because it, was impossible to promise anything. If Mr. Moore's report had been available then, the number of signatures could have been doubled. Concerning students comi.ng from Ray Park to l4i11s High. Young people are flexible, they would be intelligent enough to go to the nearest crosswalk. AIl children are important, but they do not go to school every day of the year. Caring about children's safety is commendable, but it appears it would be carrying it too far if that were the grounds for keeping the sign at Marco Polo when there are other places the children can cross safely. M.L. Boling, 2828 Hillside Drive: Complj.mented Mr. Moore's logical report. Referred to Page 2, second paragraPh of the Hillside Drive trltti" study (San Mateo County Engineering & Road Department, 3/25/751 quoting therefrom "The 85th percentite which is normally used to justif speea iones resulted in 35 MPH. " He asked if this means that the speed limit on Hillside may be increased to 35 when the report states in another place that 25 MPII at some locations may not be appropriate. Relative to decreased traffic volume on Trousdalei the reason--traffic moved to Hillside. There are 13 stop signs westbound on Trousdale, none on Hillside. Trousdale was designed for traffic, Hillside was not. Arnold Rodman, 905 Morrell: At the last two hearings on this subject, there was much emot,ionalism from concerned citizens. Hopefully, the City Council will look at the report with a great deal of objectivity in its deliberations. D.A. Riach, 25Og Trousdale Drive: Prior to installation of the multiple signs, he suffered property damage as the result of drivers losing coitrol due to excessive speeds. Signs have improvedthe situation tre- mendously. There are not as many cars and they move slower. He agreed with Mr. Moore that there are too many signsr Do objection to their removal. Objected to signalization at Martinez intersection because traffic is negligible. There were no further speakers in favor. Opponents were invited to comment. Lloyci Lynes , 2665 l"lartinez Drive: Not necessarily against the report but conlerned with Franklin School area. Asked if it is the intent to remove the stop sign going west on Trousdale at the school on Ashton. Mr. Ivloore respondEd "yes." Mr. Lynes considered this a mistake. Children are using the bus that stops there more and rnore. They run across the street to b5ard it. Removal of the sign will create a very dangerous situation if the bus stop remains there. Changing the bus stop might relieve the problem. A suggestion that the children walk a block or thro one way ori , v has 3e2 the other is not the solution. When all of the signs went in, he feltrelief as a staff member at the school; as a resident, he felt "pushed."The signs have stopped drag races and speeders on Trousdale. R.K. Kennedy, L2L0 Oak Grove Avenue: Crossing guard at Franklin School. Opposect removal of sign at Quesada because of heavy concentration ofchildren in the area going to Intermediate School and Mil1s High. School buses turning left at Quesada on to Trousdale have difficulty at that intersecti.on. George Vennemeyer, 2733 Trousdale Drive: Serious concerns about the report. Sectioning of Trousdale to provide left-turn and acceleration lanes will bring the traffic that much closer to the sidewalk. Trous-dale is a residential street. The police said they could not clock motorist,s on the street, this was one of the reasons the signs $rereinstalled, Signs have had the effect of slowing the flow of traffic about 10 MPII. Felt that people would be willing to drive at lower speeds if the end results were less accidents, less bodily injurv, Iess property damage. Turn-out lanes in the middle of Trousdale, especialllz at, Franklin School, will not work. Robert Giltespy, 2995 Trousdale Drive: In L973, there was a unanimous vot,e by the City Council for the stop signs. At that time there was heavy concern, and heavy concern since, on traffic control and safety. There has always been a problem on Trcusdale. Several years ago during the dirt haul on Trousdale:-trucks one after another--residents were finally successful in obtaining a stop sign at Sebastian. Possibly stop signs are not the cure-aII. Mr. Moore prepared a professional report, but he is not familiar with the area. There are no overtones to "people" traffic. l{e has not offered a solution to traffic as it affects children on their way to schoolr or traffic from the convalescent hospitals or the medical building at the foot of Trousdale. At Quesada, a child was hit while crossing the street. Properties have been damaged by out- of-control vehicles. If the signs are removed, will injury and damage accidents revert to pre-sign level? Mr. Moore stat,ed that Trousdale must be recognized as a major arterial., Does this mean traffic lights at every corner, commercial establish- ments, will Trousdale become another San Bruno Avenue or }gth Avenue? WiIl there be an overpass from Trousdale to the industrial area east of t,he freeway? The comment was made that traffic has increased on Murchison and on Hillside. What traffic is this? Anyone using Hillside from 280 does not show good judgment. Mr. i,loore says the stop signs must go, there are no alternatives. Isi the City Council going to do what is right for the peoole and keep Trousdale a residential street? I^Iith respect to education, enforcement, engineerirg, stop signs were installed and traffic reduced through engineerirg; it is doubtful that enforcement had an appreciable effect in reducing accidents. Accidents were reduced because motorists hlere forced to slow down. The issu€ of wasted gasoline: Does the amount, of saved gasoline justify removal of stop signs thereby converting a residential street to a speedway? Removal of stop signs will involve more radar, more man hours of policing. Removal of the sign at Quesada means that people will literally take their lives in their hands attempting to move out into the traffic. If the sign is removed at Marco Polo, people in that area will not have a chance. Acceleration lanes will create problems. Hopefully, the City Council will not overthrow its unanimous decision of a year and a half ago because some people are frustrated at having to stop Sarkis S. Sarkisian, 2955 Trousdale Drive: As a registered engineer in the State of California, commented that any engineering report starts with a set of assumptions and ends with conclusions. He considered several of Mr. Moore's assumptions incorrect and conclusions that faII from those assumptions incorrect. The statement that, Trousdale is an east-west arterial i3, of itself, correct. But the report does not cliscuss residences, churches, schools on that street. Trousdale is the hub of a community in a residential city. An engineer attacking a problem from engineering viewpoints and engineering design criteria could possibly come up with the wrong conclusion for a city. Ehere are many*.. 393 aspects to be considered: In this community, one-child injured because . itop sign was removed would offset any amount of savings in gasoline by reason of that sign's removal. Witf, respect to comriuter's problems, does Burlingame owe commuters a fast tiirough llne on a resiclential street? For the most part, people who Iive on Trousdale are willing to accept a degree of inconvenience to pre- serve safety and the residenlial character of their neighborhoo{. In a residential area, can the city teIl people they cannot park in front of their homes. Because of the stop signs, the accident level is down, traffj,c has slowed. The stop signs fiave done the job. A better situation exists now than existed before the stop signs. Myron l,Ioskowitz, 1805 Loyola Drive: Resided there for L2 years, second h6use from the corner where Loyola intersects Trousdale. Felt that the report failed to stress the severity of problems. facing residents -whoattempt to enter Trousdale at that location. Prior to signs, traffic east lnrl west on Trousdale traveled at a terrific pace. Because of the curve in the alinement of Trousdale, it is impossible to see a full half block down the hill from Loyola. Drivers must pull out into the street to see traffic. If that iign is removed, there will be increased spee6 and the resiclents will have the same problem of trying to enter Trousdale. RECONVENE:Following a at 9'.47 P.M. recess at 9:30 P.M., Mayor Amstrup reconvened e mee TROUSDALE TRAFFIC STUDY (cont. ) that Mr. Broaddus, Hillside Lane, asked for anMayor Amstrup announced opportunity to rebut. rvlr. Broaddus: Felt that the matter of the signs should be <lecided on facts not emotionalism. Recalled that the Police Department opposed their instal,lation, as do the traffic experts. He discussed problems at Skyline and t{illside Lane where children must cross Skyline to reach Hillsicle on their way home from school. Residents in that area - i=f."a for a stop sign but were told they cause more accidents than they prevent. On Uilfsiae, there are the same problems of attempting to back out of one,s garage", as on Trousdale; there are speeders, houses damaged by cars oul of control. Because of the signs on Trousdale, trafiic has increased on Hi11side. The signs should be removed and more police officers hired to enforce the speed laws. Mrs. Edith penton, }OOL Trousdale Drive: Traffic engineers may consider Trousdale a "Rube Goldberg" street; perhaps it is, but it is important to remember that the stop signs work, they have slowed the traffic- One must woncler who, in his iignt mind, would move over a thousand more cars down a resiclential street because of an engineering study. Most of the I'Trr intersect,i-ons are at. the lower end of the street where there are bus routes, bicycle routes, elderly people and school children. Chilclren cannot be iegimented. The streets must be made as safe as possible for them. S6cause of the convalescent hospitals, rehabilitation center, peninsula llospital, medical building, there is a constant stream of traffic over the rr['rr intersection streets. On El Camino Rea1, traffic j.s controlled by signals; there are more accidents there than on Trous- c1ale, ancl as muLh waste of gas and dollars as on Trousdale. There were no further speakers. The hearing was declared closed- Ii U.yor Amstrup invited comments from the City Council. Councilman Harrison stated he was one of the three members who voted Iast November to wait for the recommendations of the City's traffic engineer. Mr. Moore's report $ras prepared without any specific direction from the Council other than to recommend on methods of resolving the problems. As an engineer, Mr. Moore applied the techniques necessary to sustain traffic ilow and satisfied the acute problem on Trousdale, but this does not solve ped.estrian or residential problems. Extensive use of red curb zones, aiminishing of certain lanes of traffic, removal of five (5) ,,Tx signs, tends to solve the issue by "throwing the baby out with the bath witer." Councilman Harrison commented that the solutions are too extensive. In his opinion, other than professional recommenda- 3u+ tions should be considered. There is the concern of the people fortheir residential area. If the City Council is confronted with mattersof expediency and of safety, the safety factor is the more important. Councilman Harrison stated that, other than removal of the sign at South Ashton going west, and relocation of the bus stop to Martinez- Castenada 4-way stop intersection, he opposed adoption of the report. Councilman l4angini advised that he, too, voted to wait for the professional mernber of staff to submit recommendaLions without direction of the ICouncil. Councilman Mangini stated he has felt from the beginning, andstill feeIs, that there is need for compromise, but not compromise forthe sake of saving gas and time. He was more concerned with compromise between the equal number of people who opposed the signs and those infavor. He was primarily concerned with the safety factor and wasinclined to doubt that five (5) out of 16 signs would actually make that much difference. He favored ret.ention of the stop sign on Trousdale at South Ashton and considered the report acceptable with some modifications. Councilman Crosby commented that the Council will be 508 wrong whateverthe decision. Pub1ic reaction appears to be almost equally dividedpro and con. He stated there were some statements to which he musttake exception: the gentleman who identified himself as a civil engineer suggested that the Council took Mr. Moorers assumptions; on the contrary,this is about the third professional study the Council has received, all have been almost identical. Mr. Gillespy referred to a unanimous action of the City Council approving the signs; this action was taken with the understanding the signs would be *ustalled on a trial basis for one year. Subsequent to that, the issue was again brought to the Council as the result of a petition reguesting removal of the trTrr stops and a decision was delayed pending a report from the traffic engineer to be employed by the City. With respect to the sign at Loyola, Mr. Moore recommends it should remain because of faulty sight distance. Councilman Crosby eoncurred. He indicated mixed emotions about South Ashton but felt that Mr. Moore probably was right that the pedestrian crossing be moved to Martinez- Castenada and that intersection signalized in the,:future. Council- man Crosby stated that Mr. Moore has done a fine job, offering what he believes is a workabl.e compromise. Councilman Cusick pointed out that statistics show that the accident rate on'l'rousdale is down 498 since the signs were inst.alled. This would appear to prove that the City Council is right even though not doing what the experts recommend. A 492 change in accident experience is impressive when the overall accident experience for the City is down 222. At South Ashton, because of inherent hazards in the existing signal, where part of the time it is flashing yellow and times is red, and because motorists become immune to its existence, but children depend upon it to cross, she would prefer that the crosswalk be removed to Martinez-Castenada, a crossing guard stationed there, and the signal dismant,]ed and removed. She approved Mr. Moore's recommendation of signals at Magnolia and asked that channelization be implemented there beiause of recurring accidents. Also, channelization should be implemented at Trousdale and Skyline if space is there. Further, it has been brought to her attention there is no crosswalk at Hunt Drive. She requested that one be provided for the children in that area who must cross Trousdale to reach Cuernavaca Park. AIso, eastbound on Trousdale, a sign should be posted alerting motorists to use 1ow gear to prevent brake damage. This, also, has been one of the complaints from people who drive Trous- dale. - Mayor Amstrup stated that the last time the subject of Trousdale was dilcussed a statement was made that he had exerted undue influence on cerLain people in the City. He announced he had no contact with Mr. Moore for the reason he wished to protect hira from insinuations of influence.- Mayor Amstrup stated that 1,1r. Moore was given an assign- ment ancl clid an excellent job. With respect to elimination of parking on Trousdale, the Mayor explained he would be the last one to deprive an owner of the right to park in front of his home. He would prefer that Hi]lsirle not 6e intei-mingled with Trousdale, but he would be willing to assist the people on Hillside in any way possible to resolve their problems. In L973, there was discussion concerning traffic controls at rtagnolia. The entire Plaza area is under study and has been for some )ime 395 in an effort to improve circulation and provide suitable traffic controls. Probleins exist on Magnolia, l4urchison and Trousdale. He shares the general opinion to install signals. He supported removal of the sign at South Ashton, explaining that the Council had reached an understanding some time ago that the sign would be removed eventually and pedestrian traffic diverted to the 4-way stop intersection. At Skyline-Trousdale there is a bad situation, channelization should be implemented. Councilman Mangini asked about the flashing signal at South Ashton if the stop sign is removed. The City Engineer reported the signal could be removecl to llartinez-Castenada and incorporated in fuIl signalization wnnn that occurs. It was not intended to relocate the existing equipment at South Ashton to Martinez-Castenada. A mot,ion by Councilman Cusick directing removal of the existing at South Ashton and requesting that legislation be prepared for Council's consideration providing for removal of the stop sign Trousdale at South Ashton was seconded by Councilman Ilarrison, on following roll call: AYES: COUNCILMEN: Amstrup-Crosby-Cusick-Harrison l.lOES : COUNCILMEN: Mangini ABSENT COUNCILMEN: NONC signal the on carried RECONVENE:Following a recess at 10:20 P.M., the meeting was reconvened at I0:30 P.M. by Mayor tunstrup. TROUSDALE TRATFIC STUDY (CONI.) Mayor Amstrup announced a question has been raised about procedure and Councilman Harrison has asked to be heard. Councilman Harrison noted that action has been taken on just one aspect of the report. Earlier, he commended the efforts of the Traffic Engineer but dir.t not support the report as such. If it is the Council's position that nothing beyond South Ashton sign removal be authorized, he would move to not accept the report beyond that one item. There followed a period of discussion between the Council and staff to establish the wishes of the Council. Thereafter, Councilman Cusick moved that the City Council authorize (1) channelization at Skyline Boulevard and Trousdale, (21 as part of overall improvements in the Burlingame Plaza area, channelization to be provi<led west of Magnolia as considered necessary and from Magnolia east io gl Camino ReaI; Lraffic signals to be installed at, Trousdale-Magnolia. The City Engineer stated he understood that the City Council did not wish to channel at Hunt Drive; therefore, whatever modifications are necessary to channel only at Skyline Boulevard will be made. The motion was seconded by Councilman Harrison and unanimously carried on voice vote. HEARINGS 1. PUTNAM DODGE INC.,APPEAL: KOHLENBERG FORD SIGN i,layor Amstrup announced this was the time hearing on the appeal filed by J.D. Putnam approval of an existing ground sign on the Kohlenberg Bord at 90 California Drive. IUr. Putnam's letter of March L4, L975, stated that the appeal was based on the following: ".{A) A commitment was made by both the Planning Com- mission and the City Council that if Putnam Dodge, Inc. l agreed to a rectucecl height for I pole sign at 925 Bayswater Avenue, the sign, fence or billboard at Kohlenberg Ford would be made to conform to City codes. (B) The Kohlenberg sign, fence or billboard is non-conforming by City codes as it now stands and the building permit conditions were violated." The City Planner, dt the request of Mayor Amstrup, reviewed the history scheduled to conduct a public from Planning Commissionproperty occupied by Seri of the Kohlenberg sign, explaining that a building permit was issued in L972 for a ground sign 11 feet, 6 inches. The fence was erected to that, height and a sign four (4) feet higher identifying Kohlenberg Ford was placed on top of the fence to a total height in excess of 15 feet, On October 30, L974, the Planning Commission considered the application of Putnam Dodge for a sign variance to permit a pole sign to a height of approximately 33 feet, 9 inches at the Bayswater Avenue location. Putnam occupies a site on Bayswater almost directly behind Kohlenberg. At the time of the hearing before the Planning Commission, l,Ir. Putnam maintaine<i that the pole sign of the height proposed was considered necessary to overcome sight interference created by Kohlenberg' sign. In approving Putnam's application, the Planning Commission instructed staff to gain enforcement of the sign ordinance which permits ground signs to a maximum height of L2 feet. Kohlenberg was advised their sign appeared to exceed the 11 feet, 6 inches approved by buitding per- mit. Subsequently, Kohlenberg submitted a variance application for a sign 15 feet, 6 inches in height. On March 10, L975, that variance was approved by the Planning Commission. Mr. Putnam appealed. That appeal is the subject of the hearing before the City Council. i,layor Amstrup then clarified that the Council will be considering the Kohlenberg ground sign, not Putnamrs pole sign. Councilman Cusick recalled that Councilman Harrison appealed Planning Commission approval of the Putnam pole sign. The appeal came to the City Council for hearing but was wi.thdrawn by Councilman Harrison because Mr. Putnam, in the meantime, agreed to reduce his sign to 31 feet pro- vided the City required Kohlenberg to make his sign conform. It was Councilman Cusick's position that the two (2) signs were related. Councilman Ivlangini read from the City Council minutes of November 18, L974, (letter from Mr. Putnam): "In regard to our request for a Sign Permit to erect a pole sign at 925 Bayswater in the City of Burlingame, Putnam Dodge, Inc., agrees to a height not to exceed 31 feet, with the unclerstanding the City of Burlingame will initiate an action to have Kohlenberg F'ord lower their fence on the rear of the Used Car Lot to LZ feet or less. " Declaring the hearing open, Mayor Amstrup recognized Joseph Putnam, appellant. Ivlr. Putnam stated it is not his desire to construct taII signs, but he must have visibility as a matter of economics. As the situation exists, visibility to the Bayswater plant from California Drive is totally blocked because of Kohlenberg's sign. The problem is self-evident. Kohlenberg's sign, whether billboard or ground sign, is illegaI. t{orman Book, attorney for Kohlenberg Ford was recognized. i,Ir. Book pointed out that Kohlenberg was issued a building permit for the sign which was constructed in accordance with that permit. There was no intent to ignore the ordinance. Neither the architect nor the sign contractor were aware of the L2 foot height limitation. Also, it must be recognized that the City Council's decision on the Putnam sign assumed Kohlenberg would lower his sign. Mr. Kohlenberg never had an opportunity to discuss this with the Council. Under the circumstances, there would appear to be some doubt as to a commitment by the Council -jwith respect to Kohlenberg's sign. Mr. ilook distributed pbotographs of the ground sign. He explainecl that the sign across the rear is a portion of a continuous sign, the other portion extends along the southerly boundary of the property and on top of the sales office. The architect was concerned with creating a unit, a contj-nuous sign. Aesthetically, the sign is more pleasing as a con- Linuous unit than if a portion were lowered. As illustrated in the photographs, Iowering three (3) feet at the rear will make it impossible to move vans or other high-bodied vehicles in and out of the lot, thus substantially impairing use of the lot. Mr. Kohlenberg respectfully reguests the City Council's favorable consideration . ?. 397 Councilman Cusick asked about lowering the fence and splitting the sign, one section on each side of the driveway. Mr. Book felt this would clestroy the aesthetic value of the sign. Councilman Crosby asked the City Planner if Mr. Kohlenberg had been granted a varianle. The City Planner responded he had by action of the Flanning Commission on l4arch 10, L975. Councilman Crosby referred to comments indicating some form of commitment on the City Council's part. ile asked why Putnam was granted the variance in the first p1ace, and then decide& to lower hi; sign; it would aPpear that the entire matter shoulcl have been resolved between the two dealers. Councilman Crosby stated there had been no commitment as far as he was concerned. the City Attorney stated he was not certain how legally binding the commitment is. et the time the appeal of Putnamrs sign was dropPed, it was done so on the basis that the City Council would Pursue the Kohlen- berg sign. Putnam gave up his opportunity to pursue any appeal. Councilman Mangini commented that if the City Council votes to deny the exception to the Sign Ordinance, this will be costly to Kohlenberg. If the City Council recommends to Putnam to raise his sign back to 33 feet, 9 inches, this will be costly to him; either wdY, it will be expensive. Councilman Cusick stated that Mt. Putnam received a variance from the planning Commission. ile relinquished his chance of appeal. There have been tw5 variances granted. tt was her position that the City Council has a commitment because it agreed to accept Mr. Putnam's offer to Iower his sign on the condition the City initiate action against Koh1en- berg. Councilman Harrison stated he appealed the Putnam variance because he felt the sign would be too high and create a nuisance to nearby resi- dences because of light reflection. Additionally, the height limita- tion of signs on "AuLo Row" has been established at a 31 foot level. The sign w5u1d have exceeded that leve}. As a regult of his appeal, the Xollenberg sign was brought to the City's attention. When Mr. Put- nam agreed to lower his sign, the City Council directed the City Attorney to puisue abatement of t,he Kohlenberg illegal sign. This action rvas tot;l1y within the purview of the City Council even though lt4r. Kohlen- berg was not present. tlr. Kohlenberg addressed the Council, explaining he had no desire to inconvenience his neighbor, nor was he aware the sign was in violation until notified by the City. When he assumed operation of the agency 3-L/2 years agor he was concerned with the general appearance_of-!h" sorroo-nding aiea. The f ence was intended more as a background ef f ect t,han a sign structure. The question of dollars and cents is not germane, it is a qlestion of aesthetics. His intent was to create a pleasing atmospheie around an automobile parking lot. Ile would be amenable to compromise to help Putnam wj.th his sign but reluctant to cut down or chop off the rear portion of t,he sign on his property-' 'I'here were no f urther comments. The hearing was declared closed. Councilman Mangini referred to a statement in the Planning Commission nrinutes of March 10. L975, "...,rthe Kohlenberg sign was erected as a result of staff error three years ago." The City Attorney stated the statement is not correct. The Building Inspector visited the site, approvecl the sign, but did not measure it; staff error is not a conscious error. Councilman Mangini asked I1r. Putnam if he would be willing to apply for a variance. the latter stated he would consider this if all else fails. He would much prefer that the "bi1lboard" and fence be brought to con- formity. Councilman ilarrison expressed his position ment on the part of the City Council based the Putnam sign was held to a height' of 31 pursue abatement of the Kohlenberg sign. that there was a moral commit- on the conditions whereby feet and staff directed to 3 39S Councilman Harrison moved that the exception from the sign ordinance tc>allow the existing Kohlenberg ground sign be denied. Motion secondedby Councilman Cusick, carried on following ro11 call: AYES: COUNCILMEN: Amstrup-Crosby-Cusick-Harrison I,IOES: COUNCILMAN: Mangini ABSENT COUNCILMEN: None 2. WEED ABATEMENT PROGRAM Mayor Amstrup announced this was the time and place scheduled to hearobjections to removal of noxious and dangerous weeds in accordance witfr 1975-L976 Weed Abatement Program. Declaring the hearing open, theChair invited comments from the floor. There were none. The hearing was declared closed. RESOLUTION NO. 34-75 "Ordering Destruction Of Noxious And Dangerous WeedsIn The City Of Burlingame" was introduced byAnd Rubbish, A Nuisance Councilman Harrison, who moved its adoption, second by Councilman Cusick and unanimously carried on ro11 call. APPLICATIONS FOR AMUSEMENT PERMITS I. ruN HOUSE, 224 CALIFORNIA DRIVE.(continued from meeting of 5/5/75) . Victor J. Feldman, J.V. Vending Corporation, San Bruno, submitted anapplication for a permit in his name to operate the above establishment. The application r,.ras discussed at the last City Council meeting butaction delayed until Police and Fire Departments reports were received. i'layor Amstrup announced that the Department of PoIice report dated ivlay 13, 1975, finds no reason to withhold issuance of the permit. The Fire Department, under date of May B, &975, reported that certainstructural repairs are in progress at 224 Calj.fornia Drive as theresult of a recent, fire. When these repairs have been completed and approved by the City, the Fire Department will have no objection toj-ssuance of the arnusement permit. Councilman Mangini asked Mr. Feldman to discuss hours of operation. I{e proposed 2:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. on school days; 11:00 A.},1. opening on school holidays and during summer vacation. If summer session is held at Burlingame rligh School, premises will remain closed until school is dismi-ssed. He requested permission to remain open until midnight on!'riday, Saturday and school holiday eves, as many of the customers that time of night are over 18. Councilman Harrison requested the City Council to consider denying thepermit.. He stated he did not wish to, nor did he intend to repeat the objections he has made on prior occasions:to the establishment. He mentioned lack of enforcement of curfew at 10:00 o'clock-,as one area of concern. Mayor Amstrup asked about supervision.are in the building and he is there aday. When he is not there day or even on duty. advised his officesthe time during thea competent manager Mr. Feldmangreat deal of ing, there is Councilman Mangini moved that the amusement permit, be issued and that Mr. f'eldrnan be allowed to remain open until midnightr &s requested, on Friday, Sat,urday and school holiday eves. Motion seconded by Councilman Crosby, and declared defeated on following ro11 call: AYES: COUNCILMEN: Crosby-Mangini NOES: COUNCILMEN: Amstrup-Cusick-Harrison Councilman Mangini then moved to grant the amusement permit to ltlr. Feld- man for the current operating hours,2:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. daily, fot a period of six (6) months, renewal subject, to review. Motion seconded by Councilman Crosby, carried on following ro11 call: AYES: COUNCILMEN: Amstrup-Crosby-Mangini NOES: COUNCILMBN: Cusick-I{arrison /o 399 2. ROBERT 'TWOHY REQUEST TO PRESENT WESTERN COMEDY AT BEARDSLEY'S. considerat,ion of the application filed by Mr. Twohy was meeting of June 2, Lg75-, when it was determined that Mr. present or rePresented. COMMUNICATIONS 1. continued to the Twohy was not BURLINGAI,IE BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE PROPOSED BUDGET L975-76. The communication dated MaY 15, Co-Chairmen, vras referred to the CONSENT CALENDAR 1975 from Dale study meeting Perkins and William Hauser, in June. I fuUUSEMENT PERMIT: PRIMROSE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION DBA LANES,1340 HOWARD AVENUE. Acknowledgment was made of the Department of Police report dated May L2, Lg75, .orr6*rning the above. The ieport concluded "It is suggested that tire iouncit appiove the amusement pLrmit on a continued temporary basis for six (6) montfr= so that the Police Department can further observe the premises. " Certain statements in the report concerning minors on the premises- were discussed by the council. there appeared to be a consensus that the peimit sfrouicl not be renewed at this time, since the operator was not lresent to respond to Council inquiry, but continued to the next regular meeting. There waq a report from chief of Police Nordstrom that the management has discontirr,..La dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. At the present time, there is no entertainment, P€f, S€r other than large TV Screens' The manager indicated the dancing may be resumed in October' On the basis of Chief Nordstromrs report, renewal of the amusement license was withheld pending an application from the licensee. 2. Nolsg ELEMENT oF THE GENERAL PLAN: UNdET dAtC Of MAY 15, 1975, thc [igr from the City Planner requesting tfrul tfre 6ity Council consider t,he proposal from Earth Metrics, Inc., to prepare tfr:-s document at a cost of $7,960.00. In an addendum to the communication, the City i'.lanager reconrmended. an agreement be authorized for the work to meet deadlines and requirements of the Government Code. The City Manager also advised that another quote for this service appears much higher than Earth Metricsr. RENEWAL OF PRIMROSE In response to Council inquiry, the City Attorney advised that will not have a valicl General Plan and may be open to question of the elements required by statute are not included. A motion by councilman crosby authorizing the city Manager to execute the proper agreement with Uaith Metrics, Inc., cost of the services not to eicceLa g7',960, was seconded by Councilman Mangini and unanimously car- ried, voice vote. 3. MERCHANTS' SIDEWALK SALE:In a memorandum dated May 15, L975, the Citylaan-ger advised that permission for the annual Doug Beet Iestone of Levy Bros. , has requested merchants sidewalk sale on Saturday, August 23 , L97 5. There $rere no objections from the City Council. CITY TYANAGER RBPORTS the City if all Communi Devel nt Funds: i'{anager orw a commun cat Chairman of the League of Wome recommending that the CitY of Development Funds for L976'77 benefit Iow to moderate income The City Council accePted the program be investigated. Under date of MaY 15, L975, the CitY ion from the President and the llousing n Voters of Central San I'lateo County, Burlingame use ilousing and Community in a rehabilitation loan program to I people in making home improvements. City Managerts recommendation that the li 4U0 Meeting with City of San Mateo City Council: The City Manager's recom- esdaY, MaY 28, to discuss matters of mutual interest htas accepted. I. RESOLUTIoN NO. 35-75 "Accepting Grant Deed from Arthur Samuel, AYES : COUNCILMEN : Ams trup-Crosby-Ilarrison-Mangini NOES: COUNCILMEN: None ABSTAIN COUNCILI4AN: Cusick* ABSENT COUNCILMEN: None*Councilman Cusick explained she was not satisfied with some of the cost figures furnished the Council, that she would like to know the options of expanding the existing Police station site toward Lorton Avenue. Trustee, Ra)rmon R, Kliewer, Joa Doris M. Mi1ler, Dated May 14, who moved its adoption, second following roll calf: In responsepro or con. In responsepro or con. n N. Kliewer, Ronald A. Miller and 1975',t was introduced by Councilman Mangini, by Councilman Harrison, carried on terr@ing on Page 2, sub-paragraph (d), "five feet four inches" before '5-nto the fifteen-foot front r.ras introduced by Councilman Harrison, who moved its adoption, second by Councilman Crosby, unanimously carried on ro11 cal1. ORDINANCES 2. RESOLUTION NO. 36-?5 "sustaining Approval Of Variance Second readin I. ORDINAN E t'lo .0 "Amending Section 13.36.030B And Section 13.36.040c C oncern]. ng Par king On Primrose Road From Douglas Avenue To Floribunda Avenue" was given its second reading. 2 Zones" was Requiring Removal- of introduced for f irst - charles L. Last line, setback , " cusick, said adopted on ro]1 Off-S ite read i ng to Mayor Amstrup, there were no conrments from the floor to Mayor Amstsrup, there were no comments from the floor on motion of Councilman Crosby, second by Councilman Harrison, said ordinance passed its second reading and was unanimously adopted on roIL ca}1. 2. oRDINANCE NO.1O4I: "Determining Violalions of ordinance Code To Be Infractions" was given its second reading. on motion of Councilrnan Harrison, second by Councilman ordinance passed its second reading and was unanimously ca11. Introduction: l. oRDINANCE NO. 1042: An Ordinance Amending The Municipal code of The City of Burlingame By Adding Providing For An Intersection Mariposa Drive And Sebastian Councilman Mangini. 2. oRDINANCE NO. I043: "An ordinance SubparagraPh 63 To Section 13.20.010 And Stop ror tehicles At The Intersection of Drive" rvas introduced for first reading by Advertising Signs From C- by Councilman Cus ick . NEW BUS INESS 1. Assembl Constitutional Amendment No. 22: that eC ty Counc supPort t eg 1s at ion Councilman Cusick askecl which will freeze a of the original Purchase more information be Iy before final confirmation. s. from Councilman Mangini, rf l- homeowner's residence assessment at the leve1 price. There appeared to be a consensus that 6btainecl because the language changes frequent Staff was requested to determine present statu 2. Office Condominiums: In response to an inquiry iI,ESOLUT I ONS .+01 the City Attorney reported that staff is considering preparation of an ordinance at the request of the Planning Commj.ssion for the City Council's consideration. A member of the Planning Commission feels that current legislation may not be inclusive enough. The City Planner reported the subject will be discussed further at the Commissionrs June study meeting . 2. Senior Citizens Property Tax Assistance: Councilman Cusick askedthat the Burlingame Senior Citizens' organization be informed of this program whereby persons over 65 can qualify, under certain conditions,for reduced property taxes. APPROVALS WARRANTS Nos. 9319 through 9632, duly audited, in the amount of w-6iE-ffiroverl f or payment on motion of Councilman Cusick, second Councilman Harrison, unanimously carried. $514,717 .99 by PT].YROLL Apri1, 1975, Checks Nos. 8806 through 9526, in the amount of 8, were approved on motion of Councilman Cusick, second bys318,703.9 Councilman Harrison, unanimously carried. ADDENDUi'I To MINUTES oF MAY 5, 1975 (omitted from draft): RESOLUTIOTI NO. 32-75 "Fixing And Establishing C las s ifications ,Salaries And Rates of Pay Of Safety Employees In The C ity Service of Tire City of Burlingame" was introduced by Councilman Crosby, who moved its adoption, second by Councilman Mangini, unanimously carried on rol] cal1. ADJOURI'{I.1ENT Prior to adjournment, Mayor Amstrup announced that Mrs. Rina Mangini, Councilman Manginj.'s wife is confined to the hospital . IIe asked theCily l'lanager to extend the Council's good wishes to her. The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 P.M., in respect to the memory of Stanley Nordstrom, brother of Chief of Police Gerald Nordstrom. nespectfully submitted, HERBERT K. WHITE, CITY CLERK BY E ve yn It H Deputy City Clerk6-*z-.,, -il,2,/k