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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/23/1965ADJOURNED FETING OF CITY COUNCIL August 23, 1965 - 7:30 P. M. CITY HALL Roll Call Present: Emmons Blake, Frank Gallagher, Donald Q. Miller, Arthur F. Spring, Clell W. Whelchel City Staff Present: P. Chapman, Director of Planning & Building; J. H. Fitzpatrick, City Clerk; W. Flory, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation; R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer; D. F. Romero, City Engineer; W. Schofield, Police Chief; E. P. Thompson, Water Superintendent. 1. The City Council discussed the advisability of eliminating all truck routes in the City by introduction of Resolution No. 1469. City Engineer Romero presented a map showing existing truck routes and routes he proposes to be added to the truck routes system. Police Chief Schofield explained the purpose and uses of truck routes in the City's traffic pattern. Clay P. Davidson appeared before the Council stating that the unenforced truck traffic on the downtown streets was causing the merchants problems and is the major cause of traffic problems in the downtown area. ' The City Council discussed the problem of trucks making deliveries in town and double parking adjacent to vacant meter spaces. On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman Miller, the following resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1469, a resolution eliminating truck routes within the City of San Luis Obispo. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Frank Gallagher, Donald Q. Miller, Emmons Blake, Arthur F. Spring, Clell W. Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 2. & Board Order from the Board of Supervisors regarding negotiations with City 10A. of San Luis Obispo regarding Salinas Dam, stating that Supervisors Kimball & 10B.and Gates are continuing negotiations with the City of San Luis Obispo on the County acquiring the Salinas Dam to protect them for their water rights at the Salinas Dam. Board Order from the Board of Supervisors relative to the County's desire to acquire Salinas Dam, stating that the Board has gone on record for the County Flood Control District to notify the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers of the County Flood Control District's wishes to acquire the Salinas Dam. Mayor Whelchel presented to the Council the discussions between the Supervisors' Committee and the Council Committee on acquisition of Salinas Dam. The City Council discussed the best approach and strategy for the City's acquisition of Salinas Dam. Water Superintendent Thompson urged that the City Council acquire the Salinas Dam as the County has no logical place in the operation of facilities for the storage and conveyance of water used solely by the City. Operation by the City Council Minutes August 23, 1965 Page -2- places control in the hands of a group that is not constituted to defend the interests of the City. Operation of the dam and related facilities should be controlled by the City and /or Army by virtue of their joint permit for use of the water; the County has no such permit. Such a change would place operating responsibility in the hands of the agency which has been paying all the bills. City operation would eliminate a great deal of com- plication and red tape by removing the County as an intermediary and would allow the City to coordinate the dam and pumping facilities with City water requirements. In addition, the City would have a direct means of protecting the quality of the water it furnishes to its citizens. On motion of Mayor Whelchel, seconded by Councilman Spring, that a Council Committee consisting of Mayor Whelchel, Councilman Miller, Administrative-_ Officer Miller and City Attorney Houser be authroized to write to the AiW Engineers for the City to take steps to acquire the Salinas Dam for the City. However, the letter was to be cleared with the Council before it is sent. Clay P. Davidson again appeared before the Council and reminded the Council that he is a member of a County -wide Committee to form a County Water District so that all water in the County can be controlled by.a separate County group, and felt that the actions of the Council in trying to acquire the Salinas Dam may hurt the formation of the County -wide plan. Councilman Gallagher stated they were aware of this County -wide proposal, but that San Luis Obispo is the only entity that has made any attempt to supply itself with water and that the Council must protect the people of the City. Mayor Whelchel stated that the Council has studied this matter very care- fully and that they felt that with the City ownership, the City would be in a better position to cooperate with the County -wide District. Motion carried. 3. At this time the City Council considered approval of plans and speci- fications for widening Johnson Avenue between Lizze St. and County property. The City Engineer estimated that the project would cost approximately $53,000. City Engineer Romero presented the plans showing the scope of work to com- plete the widening. On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman Miller, the plans and specifications were approved and authorization was given to call for bids, to include curb, gutter and sidewalk in front of the County Hospital parking lot and in front of Anderson property. Motion carried. Select Road Funds are to be used. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Spring, that Donald Q. Miller be forgiven $42.00 for improvements not installed in front of the Anderson property. Motion carried. 4. At this time the City Council discussed expenditure of transient occupancy tax receipts. Mayor Whelchel stated that he felt the City Council should discuss the proper expenditure of the transient occupancy tax receipt in view of the denial by the Council of the request for $35.00 from the Chamber of Commerce for reservation forms for motels and hotels in the City. Administrative Officer Miller read for the Council the preamble to the transient occupancy tax ordinance as to the intent for the expenditure of these tax funds. The Council discussed the Chamber's role in spending the tas money of the City for promotion and advertising. 1 1 1 City Council Minutes August 23, 1965 Page -3- Councilman Blake stated he felt that in.this specific case, the hotel and motel reservation form did not include all the hotels and motels in the City, and he felt that all the motels and hotels should be included on any stationery printed out of bed tax money. Ed Davin appeared before the Council asking the Council for guidance as to whether his Fiesta Corporation would be entitled to some of the bed tax money to development his program and he stated that the first year was the most important and that financing was extremely important. Mayor Whelchel stated that he felt the Chamber should come to the City Council with a complete program for spending City funds and not come to the Council with each small purchase. After discussion, it was decided that the Council policy will be that the Council will approve a complete program prior to any expenditure being made by the Chamber. Ed Davin reminded the Council that the seventeen (17) members of the Chamber. Board of Directors are as dedicated to the City as are the members of the City Council and that they would not ask for anything out of line for City expenditures. 10C. Board Order from the Board of Supervisors regarding request for abandonment of Reservoir Canyon Road, was received and filed. 11. Board Order from the Board of Supervisors forwarding their Resolution ' No. 369 -65, a resolution of intention to grant an easement over County real property to the City of San Luis Obispo, was received and filed. S. At this time the City Council considered amendment to Ordinance No. 303, an ordinance requiring right -of -way dedication and improvement on major streets that will need widening. Councilman Gallagher, representative for the Council Committee on Street Widening, recommended the following amendment be made.to Ordinance No. 303: 115. Upon completion of the widening and improvements set forth above, City shall pay to applicant a sum of money determined by multiplying the assessed value of the parcel as shown on the last assessment roll by four (4), and dividing this amount by the number of square feet in said parcel, then multiplying the result by the square feet involved in.the dedication." City Engineer Romero explained the changes proposed in the ordinance and street widening policy. After discussion by the City Council of the implications of the amendments to Ordinance No. 3039 the matter was set for-public hearing on September 7, 1965 on motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Miller. Lotion carried. 5. The City Council discussed financial problems in connection with the major street widening program. City Engineer Romero presented the following projects for Council considera- tion as his recommendations of the most critical street needs of the City. 1. Foothill Broad to Santa Rosa $809000 2. Santa Rosa Marsh to Walnut 2679000 3. Monterey Santa Rosa to Pepper 227,000 4. Monterey Pepper to Grove 95,000 5. South Higuera Madonna to Marsh 4122000 6. Johnson Ella to San Luis Drive 37,000 7. California San Luis Drive to Phillips Lane 1039000 8. Foothill Tassajara to Broad 349000 9. Highland Drive 28,000 $1,283,000 City Council Minutes August 23, 1965 Page -4- The City Council discussed the priorities of critical streets as presented by City Engineer Romero. Councilman Gallagher suggested that each Councilman submit his list of priorities for Council consideration. 6. City Engineer Romero presented the study by D. Jackson Faustman of the ' Orcutt Road Grade Separation. Mr. Romero explained the scope of the studies prepared by Dr. Faustman, the evaluation of the alternate proposals and detailed comparison of over- pass vs. underpass with reference to cost, traffic services, and right of way requirements. Mr. Romero stated that Dr. Faustman's report recommended that after all the studies have been made, he recommended construction of an overpass rather than an underpass for the following reasons; Cost is less than an under- pass construction there is less interference with existing water and sewer facilities, there would be no interference with railroad traffic, which would require bypass for railroad during construction, there would be no ground water problems during construction and no storm water problems after construction. City Engineer Romero analyzed the benefits to the City in both underpass and overpass and also the problems to the City in each. City Engineer Romero stated that the final recommendation of Dr. Faustman is almost the same as the recommendation of Mr. Adamson, for an overpass south of the present Orcutt Road. The City Council discussed the reports of Dr. Faustman and Mr. Adamson as I presented by the City Engineer. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Gallagher, that the overcrossing development for Orcutt Road be adopted in principal, Adamson Plan 0-2. Motion carried, Mayor Whelchel voting no. 7. Report of the Superintendent of Streets on properties lacking standard improvements where more than 50% of the block is already improved. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Blake, the City Engineer was authorized to proceed under the 1911 Act. Motion carried, Councilman Gallagher voting no. 10:05 P. M. - Mayor Whelchel called a recess 10:15 P. M. - The Council reconvened, all members present. 9. The City Council discussed existing City policy of acquiring park land for park development and whether the Council would accept parcels from sub- dividers for parks and whether the City would purchase land for park develop- ' ment in new subdivisions and areas annexed to the City. Planning Director Chapman presented as an example the proposed development of Lamoro Corporation with small public access areas to the lake being deeded to the City. Superintendent of Parks & Recreation Flory explained the Park & Recreation Commission's policy on parks, etc. They were reluctant to assume respon- sibility for small neighborhood parks, which were difficult to supervise, expensive to maintain and also limited benefit to the citizenry at large. City Council Minutes August 23, 1965 Page -5- X. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Gallagher. that permission be granted to Mrs. Grosshauser to remove existing tree and City to give her a tree to be planted behind the sidewalk. Motion carried. ' Y. Supt. of Parks & Recreation Flory suggested that in the future no trees should be placed in parking strip between the curb and the sidewalk and that all trees be placed on public right -of -way behind the sidewalk and with the Council's permission he will submit a written report on this problem at a later date. 12. The City Council discussed with the Administrative Officer and Police Chief the activities of the City Police Department. The City Council members presented complaints received from the citizens of the City against the Police Department and also suggestions from the Council to the Police Chief to give the people a more adequate police service for the City of San lads Obispo. 13. The City Council discussed with the Administrative Officer and Planning 6 Building Director, complaints against certain personnel in the Building Division of this department. On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman Spring, that Frank Skiles be removed from his position as Building Inspector and that he not be replaced and the position not be filled. Mayor Whelchel stated that he was against the motion as he did not feel that it had gotten to this point as he felt the employee should be given an opportunity to defend himself before he is let go. ' Councilman Miller stated he felt that the proper approach was to request the Administrative Officer to study the problem and make a recommendation to the Council on staffing in the Building Inspection Division of the City. Councilman Gallagher withdrew his motion. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Gallagher, the Administrative Officer was instructed to make a study of the staff in the Building & Planning Department and make a recommendation to the City Council on September 7, 1965. Motion carried. Z. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Miller, that a moratorium be placed on all flashing signs within the City for ninety (90) days and that the Planning Commission be requested to study this matter and make a recommendation to the City Council on flashing signs. Motion carried. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Spring, the meeting adjourned at 12 :20 A. M. APPROVED: September 7, 1965 1 ld: H. FIT2PATRICK, CITY CLERK