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HomeMy WebLinkAbout(HIC)_(Minutes)_(August 1, 1978)i MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HERMOSA IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION, / AUGUST 1, 1978, HELD IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT 7:50 P.M. Meetin_g called to order at 7: 50 P .M. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Also Present: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Hendersen, Grimshaw, Chmn. Foreman Comm. Fridrich (arrived late) Ed King, staff and Lee Alton, Director of Building and Safety APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Commissioners unanimously agreed to hold the approval of the July 18th minutes over until the end of the agenda. IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION ITEMS Chmn. Foreman explained to the audience that the Commission acts as a recommending body to the City Council. The Commission recommends any- thing that needs improvement. Chmn. Foreman encouraged the citizens to participate. She explained the Commission also looks for new or remodeled buildings that merit beautification awards. Beautification Award Nominees Mr. King showed slides of the nominees. Motion by Comm. Grimshaw, seconded by Comm. Shiffer, to present a beautification award to 706 -5th Street (addition of a unit). Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Hendersen, Grimshaw, Chmn. Foreman None Comm. Fridrich Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Grimshaw, to .present a beautification award to 1042 Strand (multi-unit remodel). Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Hendersen, Grimshaw, Chmn. Foreman None Comm. Fridrich Trash Compactors Chmn. Foreman explained that the Commission has recommended that trash compactors be put in the central part of the downtown business area in Lots A, Band C. Mr. King commented on a few problems that need to be solved: practicality, cost, and danger of open containers. Mr. King noted that in reference to cost, prices are according to weight _nat vol- ume. He also suggested that the element of danger may be reduced by a more sophisticated type of container. He explained that Browning Ferris Industries could provide keys for the containers and that roll-out con- tainers are also available. Mr. King additionally noted the problems that could occur if a compactor system broke down mechanically. Chmn. Foreman suggested a committee be formed to make recommendations to the City Council. She expressed concern about the trash containers being in the public right-of-way. She suggested that the committee members go down and look at the situation and make additional sugges- tions. • HIC MINUTES CONTINUED AUGUST 1, 1978 PAGE 2 Mr. King suggested that a representative of BFI may be able to attend a meeting to discuss alternatives in selecting trash compactors. Comm. Grimshaw agreed that a committee was needed to study the prob- lems and bring back suggestions to the Commission for review before making recommendations to the City Council. He also expressed con- cern about the safety factor. Chmn. Foreman noted that the Health Department .had been notified about the problem. She commented that one alternative would be for the Com- mission to request the trash cans be put on the street when commercial design remodels are approved. She said the bu~inesses would be respon- sible for putting the trash in the cans and the City would be respons- ible for emptying them. Mr. King stated that the City has contacted the State about the possi- bility of money being available for a grant to put more containers on public right-of-way. Comm. Freese, Grimshaw and Chmn. Foreman volunteered to serve on the committee. Chmn. Foreman noted a meeting to be held Thursday (August 3rd) morning at State Mutual about improving : ·, the existing commercial zones. She stated that she would like to represent the Commission. She requested another Commissioner to serve as an alternate and to attend the first meeting (Chmn. Foreman out of town). Comm. Fridrich agreed to serve as an alternate. Comm. Grimshaw made the following nominations for Beautification Awards: 1. Cafe Courtney on Pacific Coast Highway (recently completed). 2. Residence on 2420 Hermosa Avenue (remodel) 3. Residence at 1936 Str.and (remodel). DESIGN REVIEW Chmn. Foreman explained that any action that the Commission takes may be appealed to the City Council within ten days. She requested that the applicants come to the podium and state their name and address at the beginning of their review. 1230 -6th Street (continued from J~ly 18th) Request by Jim Kaplin, owner, for an addition of a unit. Comm. Grimshaw asked the applicant if the trees .an.d landscaping would be taken out. Mr. Kaplan responded that two of the three trees would remain. Comm. Grimshaw ~uestioned the placement of the new addition in relation to the property and the plans for garage. Mr. Kaplan ex- plained the entrance to the new addition will face Reynolds. He added that the existing garage and the covered pitio area will be removed. Comm. Hendersen a·sJ<e.d what color of stucco was proposed. Mr. Kaplin replied that he was considering using cedar shingles, but might use stucco because 0£ the coat. He commented that the front portion of HIC MINUTES CONTINUED AUGUST 1, 1978 PAGE 3 the existing structure is shingles and he agreed to leave the decision open to the Commission. Motion by Comm. Hendersen, seconded by Comm. Shiffer, to approve the request as submitted including the use of shingles. Ayes: Noes: Absent: 159 Montery Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Fridrich, Hendersen, Grimshaw Chmn. Foreman None None Request by Joe Drnek (owner) of 200 Pier Avenue. Mr. King explained that the Planning Commission approved the condominium proposal and referred the landscaping approval to the Improvement Commission. Comm. Grimshaw asked if the applicant was going to use grass in the space with the Eucalyptus trees. Mr. Drnek replied ground cover. Chmn. Foreman asked the applicant what was going . to be put in the planter boxes. Mr. Drnek answered that both plants and ground cover woul~be used. Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by CoJilm. Fridrich, to approve the landscaping. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Fridrich, Hendersen, Grimshaw Chmn. Foreman None None 309½ Bayview Drive Request by Robert Roof, owner, for approval of stucco over wood siding. Comm. Shiffer asked if the stairway would be replaced. The applicant said yes; but because the stairway is metal, the earliest arrangement he could make was in three weeks. Comm. Shiffer asked about the frames on the windows. The appiicant explained they would be like the exist- ing windows on the front (redwood). Motion by Comm. Shiffer, seconded by Comm. Fridrich, to approve the request. Ayes: Noes: Absent: 3133 Strand Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Fridrich, Hendersen, Grimshaw Chmn. Foreman None None Request by Larry Bangert (applicant) for remodel. Chmn. Foreman asked if there: •will :be -any ::1a:ridscaping. : ·Mt. ·:sang-ert replied there will be planters. HIC MINUTES CONTINUED AUGUST 1, 1978 page 4 Comm. Grimshaw questioned the applicant about the type of exterior~ Mr. Bangert explained that beige stucco and shingles were proposed. Comm. Grimshaw asked. if the central section on the eastern elevation would be plaster. Mr. Bangert replied yes. Motion by Comm. Grimshaw, seconded by Comm. Hendersen to approve the remodel. Ayes: Noes: Absent: SIGN REVIEW 68 Pier Avenue Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Fridrich, Hendersen, Grimshaw, Chmn. Foreman None None Request by Elsie Peleras (applicant) for proposed signs. Mrs. Peleras explained that she had talked with the Pepsi people about the possibil- ity of putting up a Pepsi sign, but it has not been decided yet. She s~i~ that she was submitting her own sign just in case Pepsi does not. Chmn. Foreman asked if her sigh would say "Pepsi, please". Mrs. Peleras said that "Pepsi, please" would be blocked off and the coffe cup logo put up. Mr. King stated the additional sign would change the total sign area proposed. He asked if the Commissioners would consider the alley as frontage as a means of increasing the maximum allowable sign area. He said he was not sure if it was still designated an alley or a park- ing area. Comm. Fridrich asked if it was possible to enter from the parking area. The applicant said yes; but the door remains closed. Chmn. Foreman commented that she would like to see the sign on the back without the "Pepsi, please". Mr. Peleras said she would like to add "enterance on Pier Avenue". In answer to questions from Comm. Freese and Comm. Fridrich, Mrs. Peleras stated that the roof sign is an existing can and the copy would be painted on. Chmn. Foreman suggested making a determination as to whether a variance was needed. Mr. King advised that the issue is whether it is still con- sidered City property or if it has been deeded over for parking. He advised that if the Commission interpreted it to still be an alley, then a variance would not be needed. Mr. King said he would research and bring back to the Commission if it was not an alley. Chmn. Foreman suggested that the .Gommission consider it to be a street, and therefore it would not need a variance. Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Shiffer, to accept as submit- ted with the exception of 'Pepsi , please" and the addition of "enterance on Pier Avenue" on the back sign, assuming that a variance is not needed. HIC MINUTES CONTINUED AUGUST 1, 1978 page 5 Ayes: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Fridrich, Hendersen, Grimshaw Chmn. Foreman Noes: None Absent: None The applicant requested that her sign sample be returned. Mr. King advised that she check with the Building Department as to whether a permit would be necessary for the plexiglass. Mr. Alton advised that repainting of plexiglass would not require a permit. Carl Aberjohn, the designer, commented that the plexiglass was to be painted over and the plexiglass would not be thanged. Mr. Alton ad- vised that the plans and renderings be filed with the Building Dept. before being completed. 1100 Pacific Coast Highway Request for approval of Roger Bacon's plan for a monument sign. Mr. King explained the events prior to this request: The Commission had approved the proposed sign in March, subject to mov- ing the sign to Aviation. The matter was appealed by the applicant to City Council to have it put adjacent to Pacific Coast Highway. The City Council granted the appeal, but later recinded because of the possibil- ity of additional signs being proposed in the future. The City Council required that Mr. Bacon submit a comprehensive plan to the Improvement Commission. Mr. Bacon submitted a plan which was rejected by the Com- mission. Mr. Bacon again appealed to the City Council. Mr. King read from the City Council minutes (not yet approved) that the. Council had taken action to grant the appeal subject to referring Mr. Bacon back to the Improvement Commission with a complete sign package. Mr. King said that Mr. Bacon had submitted new material and had met with Mr. Alton (Director of Building and Safety). Mr. King explained that Mr. Bacon was proposing the monument sign on Pacific Coast Highway and had submitted material on the possibility of the Poto Mat sign and the possibility of "liquor" being added on the exterior of the Alpha Beta Building. Chmn. Foreman noted that the measurements were not indicated on the specifications. Mr. King said that the proposed sign measures five feet by eight feet wide and would stand on an 18'' pedestal. Mike Herman, agent for Allstate, locited at 1100 Pacific Coast Highway spoke about the importance of identifying his company and office with a sign. He siad he could not understand why anyone would aeject to putting a sign on Pacific Coast Highway. Comm. Freese commented that a business cannot totally rely on the vis- ual impact on traffic as a means of advertisement. He asked Mr. Herman if there was a sign m his office. Mr. Herman rep lied yes, but added that many people cannot find the office using the addresses a lone. , HIC MINUTES CONTINUED AUGUST 1, 1978 Page 6 Comm. Hendersen clarified the ordinance which states that only one sign (monument or pole) is allowed on one site. She said that she could understand the position of the businesses; but at the same time, the Commission must abide by the City Ordinances. Mr. Bacon presented additional pictures to be included in his plan. He said he felt it was a comprehensive plan as per City Council re- ~uest. He explained the pictures in detail and saitl that all panels on the sign would be dark lettering on light background. Mr. Bacon presented a master plan showing all proposed signs with pictures of all existing and temporary signs and requested they be returned to him. Chmn. Foreman noted that the wind flags were never given permission. to ·be put up. She stated that according to a City Ordinance, flags are not allowed at any time. Mr. Bacon responded that the bank was responsible for putting up the flags and he could not make a statement as to what they would do. Mr. Alton questioned why the documents had to be returned to Mr. Bacon. Chmn. Foreman added that the applicants always leave the plans on file. Mr. Bacon said that he wanted them returned because other documents on file have turned up missing in the past. He suggested that the Commis- sion make copies. Chmn. Foreman asked if all the signs had been included in the total square footage. Mr. King answered that the square footage did not include the temporary signs. He added that even if the temporary signs were included, the total square footage would still be below the maximum allowable. Chmn. Foreman asked Mr. Bacon if the Fingernail Express sign would still be up. Mr. Bacon said that their banner was down. Chmn. Foreman commented that the Alpha Beta hours should be included as a temporary sign or made a permanent sign in order to comply with City Ordinance. Mr. Bacon commented that Alpha Beta's hours sometimes change. He said that he had no control over signs in reference to opening and closing hours. Chmn. Foreman noted a letter on record stating that Mr. Bacon is the only one to deal with on signing. She said the Commission had to deal with whether it was a te~po~ary or permanent sign. Mr. Bacon said that it appeared to be a temporary sign. Comm. Freese suggested that Alpha Beta be questioned about the sign. Mr. Bacon agreed. Mr. Alton asked it to be included .in the record that the Building Department has the Qwner's permission to approach Alpha Beta about the sign. Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Fridrich to accept it as a comprehensive plan. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Fridrich, Hendersen~ Grimshaw Chmn. Foreman None None , HERMOSA IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION AUGUST 1, 1978 Page 7 Chmn. Foreman questioned whether the Foto Mat sign could be approved without an existing building. Mr. King responded that a sign and de- sign review could simultaneously be conducted, in that elevations had been provided. Comm. Fridrich stated that there were many illegal signs in the plan. Mr. Alton advised that the Commission point out those illegal signs. Chmn. Foreman stated that the Commission was not giving blanket approval to all signs by accepting it as a comprehensive plan. Mr. Alton said that it was important that the applicant accept that this was not an approval of -each sign, but an approval of a comprehensive plan. Reg~rding the illegal sidewalk signs, Mr. Bacon responded that if he could get approval of the monument sign, that his tenants would be in favor of taking down the window signs. Mr. Alton stated that the Building Department needed some dir~ction as to the banners. Chmn~ Foreman ~aid that they must come down. She said that the Commission had no authority ~ver those that had been approved by the administration; they must come dowrr when the permit expires. She said the Commission had not ~ppToved the banners, pen- nants or sandwich signs. Chmn. Foreman suggested that the Commission deal with the monument sign. Mr. Bacon described the sign in detail. He said that each individual teooant would be represented on the monument sign. He explained that reduction of the sign's dimensions as directed by the City Council would brtng the total square footage to half of the max- imum allowable. He stressed the importance of putting the sign on Pacific Coast Highway. He requested that the Commission hear the ten- nants who had come to the meeting to speak. • Dorothy Huntsinger, owner of Burgerworld, spoke about the importance of a monument sign on Pacific Coast Highway to her business. She felt that the proceedings had been prolonged and it was detrimental tp the small businesses. Comm. Freese commented that the Commission had been the ones to suggest a monument sign; but that Mr. Bacon had felt the pole sign to be better at that time. Mr. Bacon replied that he could only get Alpha Beta to approve State Mutual and Security eacific to be included on the pole sign. In response to Mrs. Huntsinger's comments about the amount of time that had lapsed since the sign was first proposed, Comm. Freese explained that the sign had been approved on Aviation. Mr. Bacon commented that the traffic was not as heavy as on Pacific Coast Highway. He also said the sign would not be viewed from traffic going westbount on Aviation because of a brick wall. He added that it would create a visual inter- ,: ;':ference for the bank. Comm. Grimshaw asked Mrs. Huntsinger if any commitment was made to her regarding signs at the time she signed her lease. Mrs. Huntsinger answ- ered no, she was only given infbrmation about allowable squate footage. HERMOSA IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION AUGUST 1, 1978 Page 8 Comm. Grimshaw assured Mrs. Huntsinger that the Commission was trying to get a sign that would benefit both the community and the development. Comm. Hendersen explained to Mr. Huntsinger that the Commi ·ssion had first asked Mr. Bacon for a comprehensive plan one year ago. She said the Commission could have approved all the signs at one time, before the building was even staTted, but the Commission did not get a com- prehensive plan. Mrs. Huntsinger asked how a comprehensive sign plan could be submitted before the ten~a~ts were known. Comm. Freese ex- plained that the Commission only needed the sign plan including spaces for all tennants. Comm. Hendersen added that the copy could have been approved as the tennants submitted requests .. Mr. Bacon said he would rather have done without a monument.sign but expertence proved it was needed. He said he requested ft on Pacific Coast Highway, but the Commission approved it on Aviation~ Chmn. Fore- man noted that when the Commission received the plan, the sign was proposed on Aviation. Mr~ Bacon replied that was due to an error by Heath Sign Company and that he had changed it before the meeting. Chmn. Foreman said the change was not made in time to be included in the Commissioner's packets. Chmn. Foreman stated that the monument sign would require a variance. Mrs. Huntsinger said she could not understand the time delay. Mr. King explained that after the Commission approved the sign on Aviation, there was a three-month period before an appea] was made. Comm. Gr imshaw noted that the Commission's actions should be appealed in 10 days. Mr. Bacon said that he did not rec~ive notice from Heath Sign Company that the Commission had moved the proposed sign to Aviation and that he never received communication from the City. Barry Barber, owner of Super Fine Cleaners, spoke about the importance of a monument sign. He said it seemed that everyone was in favor of the monument sign and all that was needed was a variance. Comm. Freese said that he had been in favor of the monument sig~, but was against both monument and pole signs on one•.site·~ John Kline, Allstate a~ent, said that people looking for address on Pacific Coast Highwat would not look for a sign on Aviation. Comm. Freese suggested putting the address on the building. Mr. Kline safd it would not be vdsable from the street. Chmn. Foreman commented that a new concept in signing was to put the address on the sign. Jim Rosenberger of 515 Hollowell fe l t that the big compani es were try- ing to force the Commission into approving a monument sign by refusing space on the pole sign to smaller tenna nts. He presented a slide show of other centers and types of signing. He said he wanted the Commis- sion to be aware that there are other options in signing. Mr. Bacon pointed out the difference between the shopping centers shown in Mr. Rosenberger's slides and his own shopping center. He stressed that Park Pacific Center is 300 feet from the street. '-Comm. Shiffer asked Mr. Bacon if Alpha Beta, State Mutual, and Allstate had been approached about the possibility of removing the pole sign and including them on the monument sign. Mr. Bacon said they were opposed. HERMOSA IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION AUGUST 1, 1978 Page 9 Chmn~ Foreman called the meeting to order. Chmn. Foreman expressed concern about the close proximity of the pole sign to the proposed monument sign., She added that it appeared the proposed monument sign would be within the City easement. Mr. King advised that the City Attorney would have to make a ruling on that. Mr. Bacon said that the license agreement does not preempt putting signs on planters. He added that the City Council had approved the sign at a previous meeting and had r£cinded only because he would not meet their requirements that no additional signing be put up (which his attorney had advised~im was an illegal requirement.) Chmn. Foreman suggested putting the pole sign back to its original placement and ·then incorporating the monument sign aroun~th~_base of the pole sign in the planter, because she was eonc~rned about the close proximity. Mr. Bacon said that would be very hard-and expensive. Chmn. Foreman commented that there was not enough time to read the license agreement now. Mr. King advjsed her tu refer the matter to the City Attorney for a ruling on the easement. Mr. Alton advised that the Commission could take action contingent upon the City Attorney ruling. He suggested making more than one choice of location in the event the City Attorney ruled the proposed location illegal. Motion by Chmn. Foreman, seconded by Comm. Hendersen, to approve the sign, contingent on the City Attorney ruling on the easement, as indi- cated on the plan. Ayes: Noes: Absent: None Comm. Freese, Shiffer-, Fridrich, Hendersen, Grimshaw Chmn. Foreman None Mr. King advised making a separate motion on an alternate location. Mr. Bacon asked for drawings and plans to be returned. He said he would appeal to the City Council. He requested to withdraw from any further consideration. He said he would take legal action if the Council turned down his appeal. He threatened to sue the Commission and each Commis- sioner personally. Motion by Comm. Shiffer, seconded by Chmn. Foreman to approve the sign on the condition it be incorporated into one sign, making a two-sided entity around, but not attached to the pole sign. Chmn. Foreman expres- sed concern about safety factor for cars coming out of driveway. She felt combining the signs would be better. Mr. Bacon said there was not enough room. it would block part of the driveway, and would be damaged from automobiles. Comm. Shiffer stated that acco~aing to the plans, there• ~ho~Jd 0 be enough room. Mr. Bacon said that the plans were not correct becau£e the par~ing area ·ha~-been changed. Comm. Grimshaw suggested sacrificing one parking space for the sign. Mr. Bacon said it would be settled in court and then he left. HIC MINUTES CONTINUED AUGUST 1, 1978 Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Shiffer, Fridrich, Hendersen Comm. Freese, Grimshaw, Chmn. Foreman None Page 10 Chmn. Foreman commented on the expertise of the Commissioners relative to signing. She again st.ressed con.cern about the monument sign as a traffic hazard. Mr. Alton suggested the Commission approve one alternative location. He felt it was desirable to include the number of the address on the sig111. He discussed the f,im:l .ing; that the Commission was required to ma k e i n o rd e r to g ran t a v-a-ri a n c e : 1. 11 A variance authorized is not a grant of a special privilige inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the vicinity" 2. "Special conditions and extradorinary circumstances apply to the property and do not apply to other properties in the vicinity so that strict application of this chapter works a demonstrated hardship on the particular property". 3. The variance will not adversely affect the public safety and the design and appearance of the signing and structures of the surrounding area. 11 He said that according to his measurements, the buildings were only 200 feet from the street. He felt the Commission should consider the small tennants who are still being hurt (without sign). Comm. Shiffer said the Commission would be remiss if they ignored the safety factor. Comm. Fridrich commented that Mr. Bacon keeps asking for more and more signs. Chmn. Foreman agreed that there are too many signs. She noted that it all started with a request for can signs on the building with the understanding that there would not be any pole sign. Motion by Comm. Shiffer, seconded by Chmn. Foreman to move the sign to the north, expand the existing pole sign planter by four feet and vut- ting the monument sign around the base of the pole sign. Comm. Shiffer explained that there would be no loss of parking spaces if the spaces were moved four feet to the north, and the traffic hazard problem would be eliminated. Ayes: Noes: Absent: STAFF REPORTS Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Hendersen, Chmn. Foreman Comm. Fridrich, Grimshaw None Mr. King reported on a communication from the City Attorney relating to the copy on the proposed ordinance changes. Chmn. Foreman indi- cated that the City Attorney had requested to attend a meeting to dis- cuss this matter with the Commission. So ordered. Mr. King noted that he forwarded the recommendations modifying design review criteria to the City Council. Mr. King called attention to the items in the Commissioner's backets about trash problems and notices. ; HIC MINUTES CONTINUED AUGUST 1, 1978 Page 11 COMMISSIONER ITEMS Comm. Hendersen asked about the status of the sign districts. Mr. King replied that he was not at that meeting, but understood that it dealt with signing by district rathan than zoning. He said he would have material for the next meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Comm. Hendersen, seconded by Chmn. Foreman to hold over the approval of the July 18th minutes until the next meeting. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Fridrich, Hendersen, Grimshaw Chmn. Foreman None None Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Shiffer, to adjourn the meeting. So ordered. The meeting adjourned at 11:25 P.M. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes were approved by the Hermosa Improvement Commission at their regular meeting of August 15, 1978. PAMELA HENDERSEN, SECRETARY -· -_..., . -