HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/13/1938JMY 13, 1938
THE NEWPORT BEACH CITY PUNNING COMMISSION met in special
session Wednesday, July 13, 1938 at 7 :30 p.m, in the Council
• Chambers, City Hall; Chairman Hopkins presiding.
Wsetift called to order by the Chairman.
EOLLWLL -
Commissioners preseutt Hopkins, Seater, Bindlay, Briggs,
Schnitker, Williams, Patterson.'
Commissioners absent: Whitson.
Secretary stated that this was a special meeting,
rego3arly called and advertised, a copy of the advertisement
being attachedXge explained that the purpose of this
meeting was to hold the first public hearing on the program
of city -wide improvement for which a bond issue will be
submitted to the electorate of the city of Newport Beach.:
This program was submitted to the City Council by•the
Citizens' Committee of 50 and referred to the Planning
Commission by the City Council for their approval or dis-
approval. The law requires that 2 public hearings be hold
by the Planing Commission on any program of this kind. Hb
also explained that any other matters will be considered
as a part of a city -wide improvement program as the commin It
may see fit to add; also that the commission is not bound
in any way as to the substance, content or scope of such
a program which will eventually be submitted to the electo-
rate by the City Council in calling a speeial election for
the purpose of adopting or rejecting this program of the
Planning Commission.
Chairman stated that the program could be divided
sander 6- different headings and suggested that each item ;
be discussed separately. 1. Sewer System. 2. Water System.
3. City Hall and Civic Center. 4. Balboa Improvements.
5. Corona del Mar Improvements. 6. Lighting for West Now -
port and any other matters of interest..
SEWER SYSTEM -
Chairman asked City Engineer Patterson to explain the
proposed improvements to the Sewer System and Water system
to those present.
Com.Patterson discussed the proposed replacement of
sewers along Central Avenue hetween Alvarado Street and the
entrance to Lido Isis. This portion of the sewer system,
constructed in 1922, is in poor condition due to the concret
pipe being deteriorated by the action of sewer gases on the
concrete. He stated that he could not definitely say that
• this sewer will go to pieces this year or neat. However,
there is a need for replacement. Now mains would be vitri-
fied clay pipe which is not effected by sewer gases. The
City has filed an application with the P.W.A. on this pro-
ject, at an estimated cost of $123,000, which is based upm
locating thh sewer under the present pavement. Negotiatim s
for an easement are being carried on with the Pacific Hl
ectric Company to locate the sewer on their right -of -way.
The estimated cost may be reduced $20,000 if the easement
Is secured without cost. However, it is necessary to submit
the mazimuz figure to the P.W.A.
Com.Patterson explained that application is' already
on file with the P.W.A. for improvements to the Water System
at an estimated cost of $140,000, which includes the -boost-
er pumping station and creation tanks to be located at the
site of present wells on city owned property, and a fares
Wain approximately 20,000 feet in lingth to the main res-
ervoir. While this in not an emergency it will have to be
done within the neat two or three years. If this.project
Is not carried out the city will have to expend approzi-
mstely $15,000 to protect approximately 3,000 foot of the
existing force main to the reservoir. The present, arrange-
ment, both as to plant and force main, is inadequate =.for
present and future needs of a safe water supply. Pie 18n
concrete water pipe line two miles in length from the wells
to the present booster station was installed in 1935 as a'
temporary measure... The booster pump station being located`
two miles from the wells results in inefficient operation.
The caet` iron pipe from the booster station to the resor-
voir``orosess swamp land, and acid conditions in the soil
has caused graphitization of the pipe, resulting in numerous
breaks. Under flood conditions repairs could not be made to
this line. At'present i$,000 feet of the line is subject to
flood damages If the now line is constructed, there will
be only three to four thousand feet subject to floods.
This project &190 includes a now 121 main connecting to the
westerly and of Balboa Island, larger mains on the Island.
and approximately 28 new standard fire hydrants, for the
purpose of increased fire protection. Present fire protect-
IOU on the Island is inadequate.
Chairman called for discussion from the floor.
Miss Montgomery: The health and safety of residents of
Newport Beach should be safeguarded in every way. lam inter-
ested as a property owner in Newport Beach going ahead. I
think the water and sewer systems should be taken care of
and am In favor of these improvements to <the water and sew er
systems.
Chairman Hopkins: Would you say, Mr. Patterson, that there
Is not an emergency in replacement of sewers?
Com.Patterson: From an engineering standpoint there is an
emergency. There are indications on Central Ave. The pave-
ment is cracked in several places. Cracks indicate there is
something wrong underneath. We have an infiltration W from
250 to 300 gallons perday. Infiltration should'not' exceed
50 gallons.
Chairman Hopkins: Is there any further discussion of this
matter? No response.
cFti•
CITY HALL A11D CIVIC CZITR -
Chairman Hopkine: From the standpoint of planning,
the Planning Commission is anxious to group all public
buildings in a Civic Center. We wish to find out if the
public are in accord and if it is their desire to do this.
We urge free discussion of this matter.
Mr. Dennison I believe we should take steps at this
'time so that we can group our public buildings. I would
favor providing as adequate site for them..
Mr. Wallace: I favor the planning of a Civic Center at
this time with the possibility of getting 45% government
aid. I would like to see this put on the ballot as a
separate item since water and sewer improvements are a
necessity, I do not want to see anything interfere with
their passing. Give the electorate a chance to say whether
or not they want a Civic Center. The people should have
the opportunity to vote on this proposition separately.
Miss Montgomery: There are many of our property owners
in Deaport Beach who are not voters hers. We have nothing
to say by voting and no way to show our disapproval of such
a proposal except at this meeting. We have no 'vote. We
want to know if our taxes are going to be higher. They are
high enough now and if they ,are ' going to be raised we will
not favor unnecessary improvements snch as a new City Hall
• and Civic Center. We do not have to have a new city mall.
We want to know if we are going to have to pay for improve-
ments on Balboa Island and Corona del Mar whea,they do not
Increase the value of our property. I'would be in favor
Of spending some money to lout in groins to save our beach
from erosion. I would like to get some return for the taxes
I pay now.
Those concurring with Hiss Montgomery's statement were
Mrs. Stuart, Mrs. Porter and Mr. Lutz.
Mr. Dennison: We need a new city hall. We have no room
for our employees, no place for our records. We should be
a city of one, not-a, city of parts. Any project that comes
up every part of the city should be either against it or for '
it.
Com.Pattersea: There are two ways of financing public
improvements; by special assessment districts, or by geaerat
obligation bonds. A bond issue of $280,000 at 4% interest.
rate, 20 year maturity, would cost $2.00 per $1,000 assessed '
valuation for the first year, or an average cost of $1.60
over a 20 year period. If a grant was secured from the
P.W.A. for the City Hall at an estimated cost of $90,000,
the city's share would be $50,000 and the government's snare
• $40.000.
Com.Seager: This program is submitted- -upon the continpm-
ay of suturing the money through P.W.A. The bonds are voted
contingent upon our receiving government funds. The Planning'
Commission sits with an open mind and it is the reflection
r .;^T "X
6 of the public that-- we ewant,te get; however,' If we do`abt r
veto bonds and receive 45% of the cost of our improvements
we are geiag to pay our share of it anyway;; We should
avail ourselves of some of the money that is going to be
spent.
• Com.Pattereen: We have made a study of beach erosion
is cooperation with the U.S. Beach erosion Beard. All data
has been turned over to the Board and we are waiting their
report. There is a possibility of getting some government
assistance, depending upon the Board's final report which
will be made this fall. The only way the government can
stand all costs for construction of protective works in when
the erosion is caused by or affects harbor improvements.
Chairman asked Mr. Spicer to discuss the question of why .
we need a city hall.
Mr. Spicer: It seems to be generally recognised that the
city of Newport Beach is in for an era of improvement and
needs a -new city ball. The cost.as stated is not all for the
city hall building but includes grounds, landscaping, etc.
The committee hopes the Planning Commission will consider a
civic center. Why do we need a now city hail? Because we
should dress ourselves up a little; also because of the fire
hazard of this old building.
Mr. Wallace: I am in favor of a new city hall because
of the firs hazard. When you think of the replacement of
• records kept in this old building, of the water department
records aloud, you can see the need. The engineering depart -
ment's maps are unprotected. I am thinking of the $35.000'
worth of records accumulated throughthe years. This building
was built in 1904 as a school. According to the cubic coat= is
of this building and the =amber of people employed we would
be required to expand to k time the size of the present build-
ing.
Com.Patterson: We could not replace 75% of the maps is
the engineering department. Roughly I would any the records
are worth $10,000. Those of the underground structure are
the most valuable.
Mrs. Halderman: I have talked with many of the property
owners in my neighborhood on the South Bay Pront, Balboa Is.
and they all realize the need and are much in favor of a new
City Hall and Civic Center.
Miss Truxaw: I think improvements in any part of the city
will help all other parts of the city. The people here should..
not object to making these needed improvements. I am sepeci-
ally is favor of the replacement of sowers and water system.
Chairman Hopkins: As regards the City Ball, Mr. _Kirby.
•what area do you think it advisable to construct? Chairman
Hopkins explained that Mr. Kirby is a resident and architect
employed to develop preliminary plans for a city hall.`
Mr. Kirby: We have been making a study of the city halls
In other cities of about this size. 10,000 sq.ft. for the'
city hall proper not including the police station should
be the minimum at the present time. I should think we would
require about 2} times the present area to house the`differeat "
departments adeV ately.
Mr. Days Have they made any estimate of the cost?
Mr. Kirby: $5 per sq:ft, is the basis we are figuring
on. The $500000 estimate includes furnishings and police
station and furnishings.
Mr. Day: Is there enough ground here to house the City
Hall?
General opinion of those, present was that there war not,
and that high priced land would have to be purchased.
Mr. Spicer read the sub- oommittee of the Citizens' Cam-
mittee of Fifty report on the city hall:
" Coumittee on motion of Mrs. Halls. Norton, seconded by
Mrs. Ida Baylor, recommends construction of a now City Hall'
as a city -wide project. To be erected in a new and central
location, preferably on land now owned by the city or on
land which the city might acquire on a favorable and reason-
able basis. The committee believes this amount required to esr
act a building of sufficient area to accommodate the setivi-
ties which should be centralised is the city hall."
Son Meyer: We need a City Hall. I should think any of
this commission could determine that for themselves.
Mr. Johnson: I am in favor of a civic center and I think`.
we need a new city hall.
•Mr. Byer: I am in favor of what the pablic want. The
water and surer repair and replacements are necessities. I-
would favor having those 2 issues placed by themselves on the
ballot, 'where I am sure they would carry.
Mr. Kirby_ explained that the cost of $5 per sq.ft. incl-
uded fireproof walls and floors. Be believed the composite
type of construction would be the proper type for this job. -'
that is a combination of'A,B and C construction.
Chairman called upon Mr. Beek for his opinion.
Mr. Book: From personal observation I believe the prog-
ram should include a new city hall.
Com.Seager suggested that each member of the comnission
express their opinion on the City Hall.
Com.Schnitker: From personal observation I think a new
City Ball is an absolute necessity. It should be located with
enough territory surrounding it to hens* all the buildings
connected with it. We have a 15 million dollar corporation .
doing:business in a dump. It is necessary that any eorpora:tio
house their business Be that their records are safe. It should
be placed where we have sufficient grounds for future develop
mant.
Com.Fiadlay: I feel as Mr. Schnitker does about the
matter. I think the present city hall is a disgrace to a city
of this size.
Com.Brigge: Ibelieve this program represents nothing
more or less than good planning. The present building is
entirely inadequate. Be need a civic center along with a
first class city hall to be constructed immediately.
r
Com.Seager: I favor a civic center with the location of
the city hall in that civic center. The present city, hall is
Inadequate. The structure itself, the location, the all0catsd
spaces for the different departments are a joke. The efficiency
of service rendered is greatly d#iprociated because of the crowd-
ed space. As to a drafting room where draftsmen can work in
comfort, it is non- eaistant. The so- called drafting room is
the basement of this building. There is no ventilation. Besids
consideration of the idealistic and the aesthetic and our civic <
pride, which is of some value, if we can build a city ball for
55¢ on the dollar we would be very foolish not to do it. We
should not expend a lot of money for s site.
Com.Patterson pointed out the-7 suggested sites on a map
for the information of those present.
I- Present location. 2- 15th Stand Central Ave.
3- 20th St, Central Ave, and Coast Blvd.
4- City owned 4} acres at entrance to Lido Isle.
5- San Bernardino Ave and Coast Blvd.
6- Property owned by city on Coast Highway east of Arches.
. sh promontory tThe city hall should be be kept in he-
city
bir. Ashbaugh:
and not moved out into the country. We have 4 business centers
now and do not need another one. The Huntington Beach civic
center contains 100,000 sq.ft. I suggest that the building
be pat on a site adequate to allow addition of other buildings.
•Mr. Wallace. Selfishly, from a property - owner's stand -
point, -I own property is this neighborhood I would like to
see the new city hall in the present location; however, I want
to see it placed where our people could park their cars and
where we would have plenty of room. The Lido Isle location
could be reached readily. If we construct as artistic build-
ing, it is a good advertisement for the city. I favor site
No. 4 es we own that property now.
Mr. Dennison: I am in favor of site Ho. 4. The 10003440
is as near the center of the community as we can get. I
favor leaving the 15th Bt- site for public use. We should 'sot
use water frontage. It is too valuable and acarce.
Mr. Spicer: We should consider the value of these lots
when thin - building is demolished. They would pay for any ad-
ditional property purchased. I am in favor of the Lido Isle
site. The city ball should be a separate item on the ballot.
Com.Patterson: of all th$ projects mentioned, in my opin-
ion, only 3 qualify under P.W.A. They do favor water, sewer,
and public buildings. They do not favor lighting and recon-
struction. The Balboa improvement would be a W.P.A. project
• rather than P.W.A. we have to have separate applications for
each one.
Mr. Byer: I favor site H0- 4 or the San Bernardino and
Coast Highway site. There is going to be much more develop-
ment is the San Bernardino district in the nest few years.
Mr. Dennison; The rapidly moving traffic on the Highwsy
would be an objectioa to that site.
Mr. Kirby: When speaking of a civic center we are not
speaking of a site for only l bolding. We slight not need
the other buildings for 10 years but that they should be
. - grouped in an orderly plan and be as convenient &a possible
should be born in mind. Buildings such as the telephone
aompsay and gas company are semi - public buildings. .It is
possible that a fraternal order aright wish to build in the
civic center. A Federal building and Chamber of Commerce
might be added. We must keep this in mind so that the
buildings can be properly grouped.
Chairman Hopkins: Is anyone against site No. 4? Anyone
who can present a negative viewpoint?
Mr. Johnson: I have no particular objection to site Ne.4
however, my opinion Is that the real place for the civic center
is 15th St. I would favor using that property now used as 'a
camp ground. If a nice civic center was located at this
point it would be a great thing for Newport Beach. The gas .
and electric company plants and the Standard Oil company
should be eliminated from this location.
Chairman Hopkins: Comparing those 2 sites, which do you
think more central?
Mr. Johnson: There is very little difference.
Mr. Hopkins: is the 15th St. site larger?
Mr. Johnson I think it in larger.
• Chairman Hopkins: While you are inclined toward the 15th
St. site, you do not oppose the site No. 4.?
Mr. Johnson: No, I do not.
Chairman Hopkins: Than there is no opposition to the
selection of site Bo.4 as a civic center represented at this
hearing.
Com.Patterson: The City Hall should be located so that
the street, water, electricla and other departments warehouse`
could be located in connection with a central garage as near
the city hell as possible. This would not be practical at
the 15th 'Street location. Ian opposed to the City Hall bslag,;
constructed on valuable bay frontage. However, I do believe`
that sufficient frontage should be provided for public dust
accessible to the City Hall.
No further discussion.
LIGHTIN0 IN WEST NEW1'OHT -
Mr. Dennison: I consider the sum of $10,000 &lotted
inadequate for the amount of work to be done. The items ehm id
be placed on the ballot separately.
Chairman Hopkins: I would like to ask the floor if they
•think this city should have a definite policy as concerns the
outside public. Does this city have any obligation to the
outside public?
?[r. Wallace:: We have 6 miles of ocean frontage for the
use of the public, We have gone as far as we am for the am.-
v e:of the outside public. Nine ant of ten who come
0
is
down here do not spend one coat in the town. It costs from
12 to $15,000 a year for the upkeep of the beach. We should
develop this city more and more as a residential section fore
the citizens of Newport Beach.
Mr. Meyer: Would you take our beach and sell it to
private parties?
Mr. Ropkina2 Do you feel that the city has no obliptica
to the public at large?
Mr. Wallace: I think the city has no obligation at all
to the public at large.
Chairman asked Mr. Greeley wat his choice of a site for
the city ball would be.
Mr. Greeley: On account of the traffic conditions, the
area called site Mo. 4 is the proper site and the only one
that can be considered. The area is large enough for the
building of a civic center. It might be a matter of good
judgement to purchase the 2 acres adjoining.
There was no further discussion.
ADJOURNUM
On motion of Com.Seager, seconded by Com.Bindlay and duly '
carried, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,