HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/21/19551
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City Hall, Monday November 21, 1955 - 7:30 P.M.
The City Council met in regular.sessionl Mayor Fred H.Lucksinger presiding.
Present: Nels Beck, Lowell E.Christie, Warren G.Edwards, Kenneth W. Jones,
Fred H.Lucksinger
Absent: None
The minutes of the meeting of November 7th, 1955 were approved.
Claims against the City for the month of November 1955 were ordered paid subjectto the
approval of the Administrative Officer, on motion of Kenneth W.Jones, seconded by Nels Beck,
Mr. J. G. Baldini of Foster and Kleiser appeared before the Council requesting permission
to relocate the two poster panels in the Munidipal Parking Lot No. 2 in the same location
where they were formerly located., The request was denied on motion of Warren G.Edwards,
seconded by Kenneth 'd.Jones.
The recommendation of Mr. Richard Miller, Administrative Officer Re: request of the
Southern Pacific Co. relative to well on right -of -way on Pismo Street was approved and
`-•r." Miller was authorized to write a letter to the Railroad Co. as per his recommendation,
on motion of Kenneth W.Johes, seconded by Lowell E.Christie.
Comm. from the City of Santa Maria Re: The Safety Campaign for S -D Day; The City Council
of the City of San Luis Obispo accepted the challenge of the Mayor of Santa i°Iaria for
contest to see who can have the least amount of accidents on S -D Day -- the dates to be
" midnight, November 27th to Friday, December 2nd, 1955'•
Comm. from the American Assn. of University Women Re: Mission Gardens was ordered received
and filed.
Comm. from S.L.O.Centennial Committee was ordered received and filed.
The offer of John H. Alderson, Chief Engineer of the City Fire Dept. of Los Angeles,
was accepted and the recommendation of the City Administrative Officery Richard Miller,
that Capt. Melvin Jones of the ,San Luis 0y,ispo Fire Dept. is to attend the school for
Drill Master in Los Angeles, starting Dec. 1st, on motionof Kenneth W Jones, seconded
by Lowell E.Christie.
The communications. from Catherine B. Kennedy, Supervisor of the Special Census was ordered
received and filed on motion of Lowell E.Christie seconded by Ke nneth- W.Jones. Also,
letter from Mr. Miller to Mr. C. F. McCoy, Director of Dept. of Public Works, State of
California, and Mr. McCoy's answer of November 18th regarding State subventions and a lette
from Mr. Miller of Nov. 16th to the State Controller regarding vehicle license allocations
was ordered received and filed on motion of Lowell E.Christie, seconded by Kenneth
W.Jones.
The communication from the County Auditor Re: claims against the city for overpayment by
the County on Justice Court apportionment for 1954 -55 was referred to the City Attorney
to investigate the status of limitations, etc.
At this time Mayor Lucksinger announced that the Council would hold a PUBLIC HEARING on
the matter of closing Grade Crossings at Osos Street, Marsh Street, Higuera Street and
Palm Street where they intersect with the Southern Pacific Co. Railroad tracks.
Mayor Lucksinger explained to the people present the reasons for holding the Public
Hearing and explained the background of the city's negotiations with the Southern Pacific
Co. relative to improving the JOHNSON AVE. UNDERPASS. Mr. Lucksinger restated the policy
of the Council relative to this entire matter which were.:
(1)- The City was interested only in improving the Johnson Ave. Underpass at this time.
(2) - The City wanted the Southern Pacific Co. share in the costs of this improvement.
(3) - The City would not consider any other crossing inthe city other than the Johnson
Ave. Underpass.
Mayor Lucksinger stated that the Southern Pacific Co. continually insists on bringing the
matter of the Osos Street crossing into all negotiations and meetings the city has had
relative to this problem.
Mayor Lucksinger explained that as far as fire protection in the area, east of Osos St.
crossing, that when one fire engine was despatched to a fire in this area, the one engine
want to this area by way of Johnson Ave. due to the uncertainty of trains or cars, cross
the crossing at Osos St. but of the fire was of such magnitude as to require two engines
then one engine went up Johnson Ave. and cut back over Ella St. and the other engine
went up Osos St. to the fire.
Pair. Richard Miller presented the following requests of studies made by the city police
dept. in this area:
(1) The difference in time and mileage to arrive at Osos and George Streets from the City
Hall,- one via Osos Street -- onevia Johnson and Ella Streets.
Also, the 24 hour traffic count at Osos St. and Southern Pacific R.R.tracks:
Higuera Street_ and Southern Pacific Co. R.R.- tracks
Palm Street " 11 " " "
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Ar. Elmer Moody, County Director of Civil Defense, presented a letter from his office
protesting the closing of Osos Street as this crossing was needed in the civil defehse
plans of the county. Mr. Moody also stated that -as-- chairman of the civil defense affairs
committee of the Chamber' of Commerce, that they were protesting the closing of Osos Street
for business reasons and he further stated that the Chamber of Commerce strongly supports
the City Council's plans to improve Johnson Ave. Underpass and urged them to get this
job done as soon as possible.
Mr. C.A.Maino , chairman of the Chamber of Com. erce Highway committee presented a letter from
that group protesting the closing of Osos Street.
Mr. Chas. Mazza and Wm. F. Calloway, presented a sketch of -the vicinity of the Osos Street
crossing, showing the fire hazards east of the crossing and requested that the crossing
not be closed, also, letter from Wm. F. Calloway regatding this same matter.
Mr. Earl Bernard presented a petition signed with 90 names requesting that the City Council
do all in their power to keep Osos St. open because of the great number of people who live
across the tracks,- and their only way out is over the Osos St. crossing, without having to
walk an additional li miles by way of Johnson Ave. route..
Mr. L.W. Leeman presented a letter to the City Council protesting the closing of Osos
Street due to the additional distance for people who did not own cars and have to walk
to town. He also believed that the present crossing is satisfactory and is safe enough.
Mrz German requested the Council to do all in their power to keep Osos Street open as she
is afraid that the closing of this street would depreciate property values to such an
extent that they could not afford to keep them and she does not believe that the overhead
pedestrian walkway would be of any value due to the height that this bridge would have to
be over the railroad.
Mr. H. Dalessi suggested to the Council that instead of improving the Johnson Ave. Under-
pass that they consider construction of overpass over the Railroad at Santa Rosa St. into
Terrace Hill area. He also urged that Osos St. be kept open, if his suggestion was
not followed.
Mr. Zenan Talbot asked if there was any agreement with the Railroad to build a pedestrian
crossing at Osos St. He• further stated that as a locomotive engineer, he believed that a
human signalman was ,necessary tohandle the Osos Street crossing.
Mr. Anderson, Realtor,_ protested the closing of Osos St. stating that this would detract
from property values east of the crossing in Terrace Hill.
Mrs. Carroll Kennedy stated that an overpass or underpass should be constructed at
Osos Street instead of a GradeCrossing as at present.
Mr. Timothy I. O'Reilly appeared before the Council stating his opposition to the closing
of Osos St. and said that both the Railroad and the City of San Luis Obispo had been
remiss in n ®t meeting the problem head on in D14eing a crossing guard at this crossing.
Mr_ O'Reilly further suggested that possibly an electronic device could be installed at the
crossing toinform the fire dept. when a train was in the crossing and they would be required
to use the longer Johnson Ave. route. This device could also inform the Railroad crews
that a fire truck was coming so that the crossing could be cleared. Mr. O'Reilly urged
the Council to fight this matter before the Public Utilities Commission and through all the
courts of appeal in the State to a satisfactory conclusidn
"Ir.O'Reilly then thanked the Council on behalf of the people of San Luis Obispo for the fin
presentation of the facts in this matter and also forhold•ing hearings to the people could
be informed as to the job being done by their elected officials.
Communication from Mrs. Grace Bernard protesting the closing of Osos St.
CommunicatiDri from LelandA.Shankland protesting the closingof Osos St. on behalf of the
business houses in the area.
Communication from Bella Cantrell protesting the closingof Osos Street.
Communication from Mrs. S.T.Sharp protesting the closingof Osos Street.
Mrs. Bruce a resident of Swazev Street protested the closing of Osos Street as this would be
t ie n7yway that she could go to town.
Mr. Barry Barker asked the Council when they would stop the railroad from closing all grade '
crossings as they already have closed High Street and Santa Rosa Street. He believed a
pedestrian overpass should be built anyway for the convenience of the children and pedes-
trians.
Mr R. J.Phillips, a resident of this area for
44 years stated that
the Railroad, at the
present time, has an emplouee to protect this
crossing; he further
suggested that the city
and the railroad should make the yard limits
south of the Osos St.
crossing so that the
railroad would not keep the crossing closed.
He did not believe that
the pedestrian walkway
would be .worth while. He further suggested th.�;t
the city take this
up with the Utilities
Comnissi on
Frank Truchan protested the closing of Osos St. because of the loss of business to
hant s in this area.
Jerry Evans asked the Council not to appease the railroad and close Osos St. but to
t to keep it open.
Mr. John Cheda suggested that if Johhson Ave. Underpass was so unsafe for both autos and
pedestrians, why not close it for autos and only allow pedestrians to use this crossing.
He further urged the Council not to close Osos Street.
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Mrs. Young ,.a resident of Ella St. protested the blosing of Osos St. as she must walk
to town.
Mrs. Grace Mulky , reported that when.they had a fire a year ago at her home, that the
fire department used the Osos St. crossing and saved her home;- where they used Johnson
Ave.she believed her house would have been a total loss. She further stated she thought
the Osos St. crossing was safe and was of no particular problem.
Ellen Lindesmith reported that Osos St. be kept open.
Mr.R.G.Phillips asked the Council, if the P.U.C. would close the Osos Street crossing
over the protest of the Council? The City Attorney, Wm. Houser informed him that the
P.U.C. Eommission did not even have to notify theCit y Council.
At this time the Mayor asked if anyone had any comments to make regarding the Palm Street
Crossing.
Zenan Talbot stated that as a resident of Palm Street and also as a locomotive engineer,
he believed that the Palm Street grade crossing was mot dangerous of all those considered
and urged that the city close this street crossing.
Fir. H. Barker asked the Council why th,e City of San Luis Obispo could not build -an under-
pass or overpass at Palm, Higuera , Marsh and Osos Streets and keep up with other cities
in this ratter and there would be no problem with theRailroad.
Mr. Earl Bernard asked the Council why could not the Southern Pacific Co. be forced to
pave the full 60 ft. width of the street at the crossing at Osos St.
Mayor Lucksinger thanked everyone for being present and for taking part in the discussion.
He then again stated the present Council policy:
(1) to construct Johnson Ave. Underpass
(2) to have the Southern Pacific Co. pay a portion of the cost and not to consider the
closing of any other grade crossing as part of this issue.,
The City Clerk reported on the following bids received and opened for the con-
struction of REST ROOMS at Santa Rosa Park:
1 - P. J. Zuiderweg $ 11 600.00
2 - Harald N. Nielsen 9,2$0.00
3 - O.R. Ochs & Son 91297.0.0
4 - Schmid and Wiswell 10,998.14
5 - Eugene-Jackson 11,786.00
Upon recommendation of Richard Miller, Adrinistrative Officer, that the bid be awarded to
Harald Nielsen for $ 9280.00 and on motion. of Nels Beck, seconded by Kenneth W.Jones, the
Council awarded the bid to Harald Nielsen.
The City Clerk reported the following bids were received for the LIABILITY INSURANCE
for the City of San Luis Obispo for the year 1956:
1 - Wm. A. Nelson _ $ 7,136.60 ( excluding false arrest)
2 - Farmers Ins. Group 61011.74
3 - Maryland Casualty Co. 10,394.49 IT It "
The City Clerk reported that after investigation and study of the three bids received
with the City Attorney, that he recommended that the bid be awarded to the Farmers Ins.
Group in the amount of $ 6011.74, including false arrest.
On motion of Kenneth W.Jones, seconded by Lowell E.Christie, the recommendation of the City
Clerk was accepted and the bid was awarded td Farmers Ins, Group.
The City Administrative Officer was authorized to advertise for ,bids for Veterinarian's
services for the City of San Luis Obispo for the year 1956, and on motion of Kenneth W.
Jones, seconded by Nels Beck -- bids_ to be opened at 3 ).M. on December 5th, 1955.
On motion of Kenneth W.Jones, seconded by Nels Beck'.; the -City Administrative Officer,
nichard Miller, was authorized to advertise for bids for the following' items:
Item 1 - One 5 KW Electric Generating Plant
Item 2 - One-15 KW Electric Generating Plant
Ordinance No. 13 ( 1955 Series) was ordered received and filed, without Final
3ssage on motion of Warren G.Edwards, seconded by Kenneth W.Jones.
The minutes of the Laguna Lake Committee of Nov. 8, 1955 were ordered received and filed.
The application of R.T.Dealy Co. for registration as class I'D" contractor together with
bond in the amount of 1000 and registration fee of $;25.00 received and on motion of
Kenneth W.Jones, seconded by Lowell E.Christie it was ordered that the, surety be accepted,
bond approved and registration granted.
On motion of Kenneth W.Jones, seconded by Lowell E.Christie, the following contract payment
were authorized paid:
VALLEY PAVING AND CONSTRUCTION CO. -- Howard and Kentucky St. Imp. Proj. 355 -1
Estimate No. 3 - $ 1,048.62
rr rr FINAL PAYMENT- 472.85
'79
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VING CO.- Phillips Street Imp. Proj. S 54 -1
Estimate 11o. 6 - 6,603.04
FINAL PAYMENT
8,724.22
VALLEY PAVING AND CONSTR. CO. - Ramona Drive et al Imp. Proj. S -55 -1 Unit 'TAT'
Estimate No. 5-
FINAL PA`34ENT
'ALLEY PAVING AND CONSTR
Estimate No. 3
FINAL PAYMENT
2,831.25
4,487.09
- Street Repair Program F & G
6,546.10
2,396.75
he City Engineer reported that he was filing " Certificate of Completion" on RAMONA
RIVE ET ALI.:PROJECT NO. S 55 -1.
RESOLUTION N0. 27_t 1955 Series) - Authorizing the City-Engineer to accept Work
file Notice of Completion was passed and adopted on motion of Kenneth, W. Jones, seconded
Lowell E,.Christie on the following vote:
yes: Nels Beck, Lowell E.Christie, Warren G.Edwards, Kenneth W. Jones, Fred H.Lucksinger
oes: None
bsent: None
e City Engineer reported that he was filing TT Certificate of Completion" on PHILLIPS
REET IMP. Proj. S 54 -1
Resolution No. 28 (19 5 5 Series) - Authorizing theCity Engineer to accept Work
nd file Notice of Completion was passed and adopted on motion of Kenneth W.Jones, seconded
y Nels Beck upon the following vote:
yes: Nels Beck, Lowell E.Christie, Warren G.Edwards, Kenneth W.Jones, Fred H.Lucksinger
oes : None
bsent: None
: Report of the Traffic Committee:
Old Business
55- 11 -2T -- Re: Traffic condition on Broad St. and Mill St. near Mission School; the com-
mittee suggested that walkway be painted yellow;
I55- 11 -3T -- Re: condition at the intersection of Sydney and Augusta Street; recommendation
lof the committee that 2 crosswalks be installed;
On motion of Nels Beck, seconded by Kenneth W. Jones, the recommendation of the Traffic
Committee was approved.
The request of W.M.Lyles Co. for extension of time was ordered received and filed.
The matter of the Augusta Street entrace to the Sinsheimer School Re:.safety for the
children was ordered received and filed and the matter held over for study session with
theCity Council.
On motion of Kenneth W.Jones, seconded by Lowell E.Christie, the request of the Maino
Construction Co. for reimbursement for water connections in' the Mira Monte Tract was
approved.
1he matter of the proposed standby engine at Cuesta Booster Pumping Plant was ordered held
over for furtherinformation.
The matter of request of R.R.Duncan for a portion of Third and Toro Street owned by.the
City, to be deeded to the city,- theCity nttorney requested authority to advertise for
bids for transfer of said property. Request granted on motion of Kenneth W. Jones,
seconded by Nel.s Beck.
Communication from Senator A.A.Erhart regarding his support of the construction of Mission
Gardens park was ordered received andfiled.
The report of the Citizens Advisory Committee was ordered received and filed.
Communication fromMrs. Evelyn Rothberg Flory tendering her resignation was accented with
regrets.
Mr. Richard Miller announced that.Mrs. Sally Vernon was to replace Mrs. Flory -- Range #16
at $ 254. per month, and Mrs. Carolee Lyons-to be transferred from the' City Administrator'
office to the City Clerks office at the same. range and the same step.
Mrs. Carol Seward was appointed as Secretary to Mr. Richard Miller in range # 16 at
the first step at $ 227 per month.
Mr. Wm Houser, City Attorney, announced that he had filed a brief for reconsideration of
the Civil Aeronautics Board decision of allowing the Southwest Airways to decide which
airport to use between San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles.
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