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