HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_1967_07_24MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION held at the City
of Hermosa Beach, California, in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 8:00
p.m. on Monday, July 24, 1967.
ROLL CALL -Present: Comm. Armer, Reeves, Noble, Boice, Hamilton, Chairman Viault;
Bud M. Trott, Building and Planning Director
Absent: None
PROPOSED SIGN ORDINANCE
At the request of the City Council, the Planning Commission held this public
hearing to consider and study the proposed sign ordinance for the City of Hermosa
Beach. All businessmen in the community, as well as other interested citizens,
were forwarded invitations to attend this meeting. Present were a dozen or so
local residents and merchants.
Copies of recommended modifications to the proposed ordinance were presented
to the Commission by California Electric Sign Association, represented by Mr.
Jerry Jacksoni Mr. Jackson said that he would be happy to go over these
recommendations with the Planning Commission, and at their request to
present some movies on the subject of signs. Mr. Art Nash, local sign
businessman, accompanied Mr. Jackson. Mr. Nash said that Hermosa Beach enjoys
a large percentage of transient traffic, and sign provide the drawing card which
attracts such traffic, and brings business into the community.
Mr. Ray Glass, of 226 30th Street, spoke to those present about proper zoning
which would help upgrade Hermosa Beach, by attracting the type of resident who
would contribute the most to the City. Mr. Glass felt this ~as more important
than working on the Sign Ordinance, at this time.
Jim Edgerton, of the Hermosa Music Center, spoke. Mr. Edgerton explained that
Hs establishment handled the mutual ticket agency, locally. A result of providing
this unique service, was that many people from surrounding cities come to Hermosa
to Mr. Edgerton's store. Mr. Edgerton therefore felt it was necessary that
these people have an awareness of the location of his store, as well as other
shops, in order that they do not have to drive up and down the streets. Signs
provide the visual direction which is necessary.
Mr. Fred Reese, of Coast Drugs, spoke to the audience and explained that he
felt much as Mr. Edgerton did, and signs did attract business to the cormiunity.
He also felt, that the business decline in Hermosa Beach, would not be
helped by the passage of a sign ordinance.
Chairman Viault questioned whether local merchants were dependent mainly upon
local residents, or whether business was coming in from other areas to any degree.
Comm. Reeves said that he felt signs were a particular benefit to new people
moving into the cormiunity.
Mr. Chahal, owner of a local tavern, stated that he felt the Planning Commission
should not be passing ordinances, but should do everything possible to encourage
business, and he was against the proposed sign ordinance.
Planning·commission Page 2 July 24, 1967
Mrs. Jones of the Southbay Pie and Awning Company spoke, and said that she
felt the Commission should be concerned with the aesthetic values of the town,
and that perhaps they should encourage the more imaginative merchant. Mrs.
Jones mentioned the theme which theyCity had discussed, ibe wondered if
this could be followed, and elaborated on some of the signs occuring in parts
of Europe.
Mr. John Gardner, local resident and artist, also spoke. Mr. Gardner stated
that we should not restrict business. A fear of the so called 11 long haired 1
crowd, did not mean that all artists were of this group. He said there are
many fine local artists, and towns such as Laguna Beach have capitalized
on these artists, and a great deal of revenue has been brought to the City
as a result of their arts and crafts.
The Commission discussed the aspects of the proposed ordinance, and
explained to the people present, that it was the intention of the Commission
to upgrade the community and to create the kind of environment which would
best benefit all. They further explained that they had forwarded this
invitation, and were holding this meeting in order to secure the i~eas of
the merchants and residents.
Motion was made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Boice, that the proposed
sign ordinance be submitted to the board of the Chamber of Commerce, and
a request made that they analyze it and forward their recommendations
concerning the entities involved, at their earliest convenience, so that
the Planning Commission can take the necessary action. Motion carried by
unanimous vote.
Motion was made by Comm, Noble, seconded by Comm. Hamilton to adjourn the
meet Ing, and motion carried by enan i mous vote:. / .
ADJOURN/MENT: 9:30 p.m. ~------""'---=~----------------rri1.fmer, Secretary