Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout(HIC)_(Minutes)_(October 3, 1978)MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HERMOSA IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION HELD IN CITY CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, ON OCTOBER 3, 1978. ( 'I .,eeting called to order by Chmn. Foreman at 8:00 p. m. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Also Present: Comm. Freese,Shiffer, Grimshaw, Freeland, Chmn. Foreman Comm. Hen\ersen (arrived late} Ed King, Staff and Lee Alton. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chmn. Foreman said she had some corrections to make and suggested holding over approval of the minutes until the end of the meeting. All the Commissioners agreed. So Ordered. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION HIC 78-4 Motion by Comm. Shiffer, seconded by Comm. Freeland, to approve Resolution HIC 78-4. Ayes: Noes: Abstain: Absent: Comm. Shiffer, Freeland Comm. Freese, Chmn. Foreman Comm. Grimshaw Comm. Hendersen The motion did not pass. Comm. Freeland questioned the vote. Mr. King explained that the Commission was only voting on the wording of this resolution as to accuracy. Chmn. Fpreman noted that everyone voted exactly as they voted in the previous meeting. She ( lded that she was appealing the action to the City Council. Comm Freeland asked what was the purpose of voting on the resolution. Mr. Alton commented that the purpose was to vote as to whether the resolution properly reflects the intent of the variance that was passed. Chmn. Foreman commented that she had not changed her vote from the previous meeting and was still opposed to the variance. She added that she would vote yes on the resolution so that the meeting could continue, adding that in no way should her affirmative vote be interpreted that she was in favor of granting the variance. Ayes: Noes: Abstain: Absent: Comm. Shiffer, Freeland, Chmn. Foreman Comm. Freese Comm. Grimshaw Conm. Hendersen SECTION II -Improvement Commission Items Chmn. Foreman explained the functions of the Improvement Commission. She said that in addition to sign and design review, the Commission acts as a recommending body to the City Council on anything that the Commissioners or citizens feel needs improvement. She added that the Commission selects outstanding signs and designs for awards. Beautification Award Nominees: Chmn. Foreman noted that the two award nominations she had made at the last meeting were not listed on the agenda. Mr. King replied that the nominations had been left off the agenda in error. He added that he did have slides to show of Cafe Hermosa for the ~,mmissioner's consideration. Chmn. Foreman noted that she had nominated Cafe Hermosa HERMOSA IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MINUTES -October 3, 1978 Page 2 (------..,_r both sign and design. Mr. King commented that there had ~een a problem with a temporary ~,gn, but it had been resolved. Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Grimshaw to present a beautification award to Cafe Hermosa for design. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Grimshaw, Freeland, Chmn. Foreman None Comm. Hendersen Comm. Henderson arrived. Motion by Comm. Grimshaw, seconded by Comm. Shiffer, to present a beautification award to Cafe Hermosa for sign. Ayes: Noes: Abstain: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Grimshaw, Freeland, Chmn. Foreman None Comm.Hendersen Trash Subcommittee Report Mr. King noted that the subcommittee, composed of members of the Improvement Commission, the City Council, the Chamber of Commerce and Browning Ferris Industries, has been meeting every two weeks. Mr. King felt that the September 14th meeting was successful. He said that BFI provided data on the number of containers,necessary dimensions to house r~ntainers, type of housing and cost. Mr. King said this data would be expanded on, at .e next meeting. He said he hoped to have some business representatives at the next meeting. Mr. King said that a formula for the approximate cost per business had been computed based upon all the businesses in the area, their location and how much trash each business generates. He said that the next step, after the next meeting, would be to expand to a wider group of businesses. He felt the subcommittee can accomplish something that has been discussed for a long time, the establishment of centralized trash areas. He noted that the next meeting would be held on Thursday, October 12th. Chmn. Foreman suggested continuing the rest of the Improvement Commission items after Sign Review because an applicant had requested to speak early. She added that if there were no objections the Commission would review the applicant's project first. So ordered. SECTION III -Design Review 236 -27th Street Request by James Orland of 660 -18th Street, Manhattan Beach, for a single family dwelling. Mr. King noted that the landscaping was not indicated on the plan. Mr. Orland requested to supply the landscaping plans at a later date because the owner is in Europe and would like to review the plans before they are submitted. Comm. Freese asked if there would be enough room for trash containers. Mr. Orland said yes. Chmn. Foreman asked if that would take away from the parking. Mr. Orland assured her there was sufficient room. HERMOSA IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MINUTES -October 3, 1978 Page 3 ,-~~m. Grimshaw asked the applicant about the exterior finish. Mr. Orland replied that he _,a not know what the owner wanted. Comm. Grimshaw asked why design approval was being requested at this point. Mr. Orland explained that the project has to be reviewed by the Coastal Commission. Chmn. Foreman said that ·if the Commission approves the project so it can be presented to the Coastal Commission, then it has to be a finished plan. Mr. King suggested that the Commission could conceptually approve the plan on the condition that the texture finish and landscaping plans be brought back for review. Mr. Orland requested conceptual approval. He also asked to be allowed one month to finalize the plan. Motion by Comm. Freeland, seconded by Comm. Shiffer to conceptually approve the request on the condition that the applicant present final plans for the texture finish and landscaping at the November 9th meeting. AYes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Grimshaw, Freeland Comm. Hendersen, Chmn. Foreman None Chmn. Foreman explained that she voted no because the policy of the Commission in the past~• has been not to approve conceptually. Comm. Grimshaw expressed concern that an applicant could conceivably not come back for final approval. Mr. King commented that in a case like this, the applicant would not be issued a building permit without final approval by the Improvement Commission. 30 STRAND Speaker, Jack Wood of 803 Loma Drive, Hermosa Beach. Chmn. Foreman asked what type of tile was planned. The applicant answered an unglazed clay ti'l:e. He explained that the exterior of the entire building would be Spanish style stucco and that a minor addition was planned for the front of the second story with tile replacing that portion of the roof. Mr. Wood was asked why the whole roof was not being redone with tile. Mr. Wood explained that a tile roof would be twice as heavy (presenting construction problems) and it would be a financial hardship. Comm. Freese asked about the existing shingles. Mr. Wood said that the shingles could not be seen from the street and would remain. Chmn. Foreman asked if the windows in the west elevation would be stationary. Mr. Wood said they would be sliding. Comm. Hendersen expressed concern about the roof. Mr. Wood assured her that the shingles could not be seen from the street. Comm. Freese noted that the apartments behind would see them. Chmn. Foreman commented that the apartments may not always be there. Comm. Hendersen said that if the roof was only partially being tiled because of economic reasons, then she felt the facade was a poor cho~ce. She suggested more continuity. Mr. Skebe, applicant/owner, said that the garage door would be done in Spanish decor. He added that as much as possible would be done to give the structure continuity. Comm. Hendersen asked if tile trim would be installed on all four sides. Mr. Skebe agreed. HERMOSA IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MINUTES -October 3, 1978 Page 4 J tion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Shiffer, to accept the request with the improvements mentioned. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Grimshaw, Freeland, Chmn. Foreman Comm. Hendersen None Chmn. Foreman asked Mr. Wood why more roof gardens are not used. He explained that the only good way to water proof is hot mopping. He added that 5 layers. might last 10-15 years. He said that drainage is also difficult to provide. Chmn. Foreman said that she had been thinking about encouraging roof gardens because of the small lots in Hermosa Beach. Mr. Alton commented that a roof garden on a third level would be required to have two exits. He felt it would be a good idea to encourage roof gardens. 3122 Hermosa Avenue Request by John Berrardo of 2652 Strand, Hermosa Beach. Mr. Berrardo noted that the stairway and entryway on the north elevation would be removed because of the property line. Chmn. Foreman asked about the landscaping. Mr. Berrardo replied that there would be landscaping on the front, but not on the sides. Comm. Freeland felt the project area was somewhat barren in landscaping. He asked about the City policy regarding trees. Mr. King advised that the City has put in trees in ·ie past. Comm.Freeland suggested that trees be put in the City right of way. Chmn. Jreman felt that it was a good idea, but thought it should be discussed under ColTMTlissioner's items. Mr. Berrardo cited instances where trees have been planted in the past but not maintained. Motion by'Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Freeland to approve the request as submitted. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Shiffer,Hendersen, Grimshaw, Freeland,Chmn. Foreman None None 1781 Valley Park Avenue Request by Barney Kersulis, owner for addition and remodel. Mr. Kersulis noted that grass and shrubs will be planted in the front elevation. Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Grimshaw, to approve the request as submitted. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Grimshaw, Hendersen, Freeland, Chmn. Foreman None None 125 -21st Street Request by Gary Lehman of 22745 Date Avenue, Torrance for remodel and addition. Jay evenson of 587 -29th Street, representing the architect. HERMOSA IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MINUTES -October 3, 1978 Page 5 /-•..,\lln. Foreman asked about the existing landscaping in the front. Mr. Stevenson said _,(at the Oleander bushes will be removed but everything else will remain. He added that the front entry way will be remodled and low shrubs will be planted around the front. Motion by Comm. Shiffer, seconded by Comm. Hendersen, to accept the plan as submitted. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Grimshaw, Hendersen, Freeland, Chmn. Foreman None None 735 Manhattan Avenue Jay Stevenson of 587 -29th Street representing the architect presented the precise land- scaping plan. He noted that grass with low plants and low ground cover, shru~s and trees would be used. Corrnn. Freese commented on the lack of flowering plants used by landscape architects. Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Shiffer to approve the plan as requested. AYes: Noes: Absent: 65 Pier Avenue Corrnn. Freese, Shiffer, Grimshaw, Hendersen, Freeland, Chmn~ Foreman None None Request by Paul Engle, owner for a roof sign. Chmn. Foreman questioned the size of the sign. Mr. Engle explained that the sign is only 65 square feet and consists of freestanding letters measuring 2 feet by 18 inches. He added that if the sign was any smaller then it might break because of the design of the letters. He noted that the letters would be stacked and the sign would measure 5 feet by 13 feet. Comm. Freese also expressed cone ern about the size of the sign. Mr. Engle felt it was the right size for the roof. He said that they were trying for a 11 Cape Cod 11 effect by using white lettering and a white ban around the window. Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Grimshaw to approve the request. Ayes: Noes: Absent: MARCH BEAUTIFUL Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Grimshaw, Hendersen, Freeland, Chmn. Foreman None None Chmn. Foreman suggested a March Beautiful program in conjunction with the mandatory trash enclosure ordinance. She suggested also making the annual award for outstanding design and sign. Comm. Grimshaw asked if the Chamber of Corrnnerce would be involved in the March Beautiful Program. Chmn. Foreman said the Chamber of Commerce is usually involved but the time and wark is the responsibility of the Commissioners. HERMOSA IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MINUTES -October 3, 1978 Page 6 .-·-)ln. Foreman described a sidewalk scrub done in the past as a promotional 11 kick-off11 ,or March Beautiful. The Commissioners discussed the possibility of painting poles and taking out weeds. Chmn. Foreman said that it would have to be a group effort. She suggested voting on it at the next meeting. Comm. Freeland said he would rather donate his time to the promotional aspect of the campaign. Councilwoman Tyson spoke about revitalizing the Merchant's Association. Chmn Foreman said she also had been trying to get it started again. Councilwoman Tyson said she was trying to get Rudy Guiterrez to sponsor the meetings. Chmn. Foreman suggested the Improvement Commission be the sponsor if Mr. Gutterrez could not. Comm. Grimshaw suggested sending letters to the merchants. Councilwoman Tyson felt it would be better to have morning meetings. She added that she would set up a meeting with Mr. Guiterrez and inform the Commission. Chmn Foreman noted that based on past experience, merchants seem to prefer 7:30 a.m. morning meetings. REGULATORY ORDINANCE Chmn. Foreman explained that there had been several complaints by residents about the direction the downtown area is taki_ng. She said this proposed ordinance would regulate business use in C-1, C-2 and C-3 zones. CormJ. Shiffer asked if this would affect existing businesses. Chmn. Foreman said no. Comm. Freeland expressed concern for ligitimate businesses. Chmn. Foreman explained that the ordinance would not prevent businesses from establishing in the City but would prevent concentrations of specific businesses in a given area . . . Alton commented on the huge problem with the cost of police work being way out of line with other areas. • • Co1T111. Freeland felt there was a conflict with state laws controlling places that serve liquor. Comm. Shiffer stated that there is no alcohol control by state or enforcement by city. He added that no more liquor licenses are betng issued. Councilwoman Tyson noted that licenses are still being issued with conditional use permits. She said that the laws control when there is a change of ownership. She said the problem is the climate of use that is being created. She felt that this kind of regulatory ordinance is needed. Comm. Freeland felt that it is a radical ways of regulating. ord1nince, and that there might be other Motion by Comn. Freese, seconded by Comm. Shiffer to recommend sending the proposed ord i na nee to the City Counc i 1,. Mr. Alton suggested recommending that the City Council consider it an emergency ordinance. The motion was modified to reflect the 11 emergency 11 nature of the recommended ordinance. Chmn. Foreman suggested meeting with police and department heads. She felt the urgency was to get started. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Grimshaw, Hendersen, Chmn. Foreman Comm. Freeland None HERMOSA IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MINUTES -October 3, 1978 Page 7 .,~"'11m. Foreman noted that the next meeting was scheduled for November 7th, which is also t:1ection night. Motion by Chmn. Foreman, seconded by Comm. Hendersen to change the next Improvement Commission meeting to Thursday November 9th. So ordered. Chmn. Foreman asked Mr. King to inform Mr. Orland (applicant for 236 -27th Street) of the change. Mr. King reported on a communication from the City Council regarding proposed changes in notification of sign violations. He added that the City Council agreed with the idea of printing each agenda in the newspaper. Mr. King spoke about complaints from residents about improper noticing especially in regard to corner property. Councilwoman Tyson said the Council felt that publication was a good idea but she said they were appealing to newspapers to do the printing as a public service. She felt that adjacent neighbors could also be notified and signs could be posted in different places. She mentioned that noticing requirements are becoming very expensive. Mr. King reported on a memo he sent to the City Council relating to appeals on the 4th can for the sign at Pacific Park Plaza. Mr. King said that he tried to give the City Council some idea of past events. He noted that the applicant has appealed the Commission's decision on allowable sign area. Mr. King spoke about sign enforcement. He said that no citations had been issued. He explained that 15 letters were sent out today about violations. reference to the project at 236 -27th Street, Mr. Alton noted that the roof deck is a third floor~nd the applicant will be required to provide an additional exit. Comm. Shiffer askedAthe applicant could put in a fire escape to meet the requirement. Mr. Alton commented that sometimes the Board of Appeals allows alternate methods if the roof deck is small. COMMISSIONER ITEMS Comm. Freeland commented that someone had appealed the Improvement Commission's decision to grant a variance for the fourth can. He felt that the Commissioners should go along with majority vote and hoped that no one on the Commission had made the appeal. Chmn. Foreman advised him that she had made the appeal after checking with staff to make sure that it was appropriate for her to do so. She felt that there were many inconsistancies that should be brought to the attention of the City Council. She said that she had requested an ordinance change to require that comprehensive plans be submitted for shopping center developments. She added that in this case signs were presented in a piece meal fashion. She felt the Commission must look at complete, consistant plans. She noted that the address which was a main cone ern of the tenants is not included in the Park Pacific Plaza plan. Comm. Shiffer added that Mr. Bacon also wanted a Fata Mat sign, which also is not included in the plan. Chmn. Foreman commented that there are other large projects coming up. She felt that it was necessary to make everyone aware of what would be required in the future. Chmn. Foreman asked staff for a definition of frontage, Mr. King recommended the Webster • :tionary's definition. Chmn. Foreman felt that it should be included in the ordinance. tTifnn. Foreman said that it would be helpful to have the lot size included in the analyses. "" • I ~· HERMOSA IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MINUTES -October 3, 1978 -;PROVAL OF MINUTES Chmn. Foreman made the following corrections to the minutes of September 19, 1978: 1. Page 4, Paragraph 1 -to read Chmn. Foreman asked Mr. King to send a letter to the Public Works Department recommending sign removal and relocation so as not be in front of any property. 2. Page 4, 426 -31st Street -Paragraph 2 to read, Chmn. Foreman asked the applicant if he would consider a facia beam between the 1st and 2nd story, or the west side elevation. 3. Page 6, Sign Review -Paragraph 1 to read, She added that additional temporary signs may be applied for a period of 30 days. 4. Page 7, Motion -Number 2 finding to read, There is an expressed hardship without signing on Pacific Coast Highway, on tenants of the shoppin center. Page 8 Motion by Comm. Freeland, seconded by Conm. Shiffer, to approve the September 19, 1978 minutes as corrected. AYes: Noes: Comm. Freese, Shiffer, Hendersen, Freeland, Chmn. Foreman None Abstained: Absent: Comm. Grimshaw None 1t ion by Comm. Freese, seconded by c'omm. Grims haw, to adj oun the meeting. So ordered. The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p. m. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes were approved by the Hermosa Improvement Cammi ss i o.) on OctoJ~g 17, 1978 ",:-cgJ,,nM~t. -t:?2.t&?a7✓J ROSEMARY FOREMAN, CHAIRMAN ~ /~-/f -7F DATE