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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/21/19551 1 1 1 1 77 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 " " " 27 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. 1 1 7 1 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 28 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. r­7 Ij 1 1