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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/19/1973MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA JANUARY 19, 1973 - 4:00 p.m. City Hall Pledge Roll Call Present: Emmons Blake, John C. Brown, Myron Graham, T. Keith Gurnee, Kenneth E. Schwartz City Staff Present: J. H. Fitzpatrick, City Clerk; D. Englert, Police Captain; R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer; R. A. Paul, Director of the Water Department; E. L. Rodgers, Police Chief; D. F. Romero, City Engineer; L. Schlobohm, Fire Chief; A. J. Shaw, Jr., City Attorney; R. Young, Planning Director The City Council met in a special called session. Mayor Schwartz introduced the purpose of the special called meeting which was to review the flood conditions in San Luis Obispo and to ratify the action of the Mayor pro tem, Emmons Blake, in proclaiming a state of emergency in the City of San Luis .Obispo due to the flooding caused by heavy rains on January 18, 1973, and requesting that the Governor declare a state of extreme emergency so that funds could be made available for rehabilitation of public and private property. Councilman Blake reviewed the reasons he took the action as Acting Director of Civil Defense for the City of San Luis Obispo in order to minimize personal and private damage caused by heavy rains and flooding. He explained that the advantage of having this type of proclamation regarding the situation was that it allowed the immediate contracting for machinery, men and equipment without going through normal bidding procedures. He suggested that the emergency conditions be in effect for at least eight days or until the major work of cleaning up had been completed. Mayor Schwartz asked each department head to briefly review the effects of the flooding on their respective facilities and the existing conditions. R. A. Paul, Director of the Water Department, reported that all water department facilities were in full operation and the water quality had been maintained. No major water facilities were damaged during the storm. He stated that his department was keeping a close watch on all water storage tanks and equipment. D. F. Romero, City Engineer, reported that four sewer breaks had occurred, all of which were being repaired under emergency contracts with private contractors. He reported that the storm drainage facilities had been completely overtaxed by the intensity of the storm, resulting in flood- ing throughout the community. There was very little damage to public facilities, but considerable damage to private properties. Street ' damage was limited to only several blocks, which have been barricaded. Traffic.is passable now on all streets. E. L.' Rodgers, Police Chief, commented that there were no injuries or deaths known to the Police Department. His department was operating with full staff with no vacations or days off for personnel. Three police vehicles were damaged during the height of the storm, and one might not be repairable. He stated that his department had received reports of looting but they had not been able to verify the complaints but were kleeping an extra patrol throughout the City both night and day. City Council Minutes January 19, 1973 Page 2 L. Schlobohm, Fire Chief, stated his department was on rescue operations until noon helping evacuate people and moving the ill and infirm. When the fire started in the Tower Building a major effort by both men and equipment were needed to suppress the fire. He reported that all units were now back in normal service and that extra help had been released. D. F. Romero, City Engineer, stated the prime problem on the streets of the City was the dirt and debris caused by the flooding and that the major effort now was cleaning and picking up in order that the streets become passable. He had not fully assessed damages but there were several streets which would require partial reconstruction due to the flood damage. He stated all streets in the City would be cleared and operative by the weekend. A. J. Shaw, City Attorney, presented.a resolution ratifying the action of the Mayor pro tem in declaring an emergency, for the Council's considera- tion. R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, then reported on the latest weather report which was for all clear weather for the weekend, and reported that help was available from the County if needed. Mr. Miller also reported that, on request of the chairman of the Housing Authority, Mr. Young had polled Council members by telephone and secured three votes in favor of allowing occupancy of six units on Leff Street because of flooding on Orcutt Road. Councilman Brown agreed with the adoption of a resolution as he.felt a definite emergency existed and that the City should take whatever steps were necessary to get help for the citizens of San Luis Obispo. Councilman Graham agreed, stating he too felt that the City should. take whatever steps were necessary to help clean up and rebuild damaged properties. Councilman Gurnee agreed that the City should declare an emergency in order to get private and public properties repaired as rapidly as possible. Councilman Blake urged the adoption of the resolution as he felt this was the first step to getting help for rehabilitating private and public property within the City. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Gurnee, the following resolution was introduced. RESOLUTION NO. 2410, a resolution of the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo ratifying the proclamation dated January 13, 1973, declaring the existence of a local emergency due to flood damage. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Emmons Blake, John C. Brown, Myron Graham, T. Keith Gurnee, Kenneth E. Schwartz NOES: None ABSENT: None Mayor Schwartz felt that all efforts of the City employees and citizens should be to close ranks and clean up and put the City back in order. He asked that all citizens stay away from the areas heavily damaged during the floods as sightseers only complicated the clean -up operations. He set Monday, January 29, 1973 at 7:30.p.m. for a full discussion of the storm, flooding and effects on the City. The meeting was adjourned by the Mayor. APPROVED: %PATRICK, CITY CLERK f 1 1