HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/19/1989, 8 - CONSIDERATION OF VARIOUS TIMING ALTERNATIVES TO RECONSTRUCT SIDEWALKS IN THE DOWNTOWN TO MISSION ST ypp�pp (p IIII`l �y� - MEETING DATE
17�h��Nl�Iy�IIII��II �UIII city of sa luis o6ispO Sept. 19, 1989
-- COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT MM NUMBER: Q
FROM: David Romero, Public Works Director C,702
SUBJECT, Consideration of various ti.i�iing alternatives to reconstruct sidewalks
in the downtown to 1�iission style
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
By motion approve staff recommendation to follow alternative #5 at a
$200,000 funding level
BACKGROUND:
During budget discussions the City Council directed staff to investigate the possibility
of speeding up the reconstruction of sidewalks in downtown to Mission Style. Staff
was also directed to solicit input from both BIA and the Chamber prior to bringing the
matter for Council consideration. In anticipation of some increase in the program, staff
placed a total of $200,000/year in the 1989-91 budget submittal and this was approved by
the Council.
DISCUSSION:
Currently the City has in place two programs for reconstruction of sidewalks in the
downtown core.
A. Policy Resolution 4183 (1980 Series) (Exhibit A), which states that the intent is to
require that all new sidewalks in the core area be of Mission Plaza style, and sets up
a cost sharing formula for the City to pay for the extra cost attributed to the
Mission Plaza style. This is funded from $60,000/year designated for "sidewalk
improvements" and is administered by the Public Works Department.
B. A systematic program of converting downtown sidewalks to Mission Plaza style and
constructing bulbouts and special crosswalks. This is done on a block-by-block basis
following recommendations in the Charles Hall Page report (1981) and the Downtown
Improvement Manual (1982). This is administered by the Community Development
Department and has been funded at the rate of $100,000/year in 1987-89.
Few property owners downtown willingly remove existing gray sidewalk to reconstruct with
Mission Plaza style, consequently program A moves very slowly, primarily under City ARC
requirements at the time of remodeling. Average conversion rate is approximately 2 blocks
per year.
Because of high cost and the complications involved with bulbouts and desired improvements
to crosswalks, program B progresses at a rate of approximately 1 block every 2 years.
There are 71 blocks in the core area of downtown, 3 have been partially converted, leaving
68 in some partial state. At the current rate of progress, it might well be 30 years
before all sidewalks in downtown are converted.
On the other hand, the entire conversion (exclusive of bulbouts and crosswalks) could be
accomplished within the next few years at a cost of approximately $4.0 million.
When an entire block is constructed at one time, there is severe disruption of the
businesses in that block for approximately a 6 week period. When the sidewalk replacement
is done in connection with an ARC requirement, the building adjacent to the improvement is
in the process of remodel and there is generally no business operation to be affected.
���h�,► ��illii�IlPn'�'glUlll MY Of San LUIS OBI SPO
WalmlA COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Downtown Sidewalk
Page Two
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Continuation of present gradual program.
Advantages:
a) Allows City cost to be spread over a number of years.
b) Minimizes disruption to businesses.
c) Allows property owner cost to be expended at time of remodel.
d) Minimizes City cost because of cost-sharing.
Disadvantages:
a) Spreads improvement period over many years, thus giving patchwork appearance.
b) Delay in change-over results in higher costs for the property owners.
c) Spreads disruption of downtown over many years.
2. Acceleration of conversion so as to complete program in 10 years at City cost (not
considering bulbouts and crosswalks). This implies conversion of approximately 7
blocks per year.
Advantages:
a) Will speed conversion of downtown sidewalks compared to current program.
b) Downtown disruption will be spread over 10 years at a medium rate as opposed to
30 years at a low rate.
Disadvantages:
a) Budget for sidewalk conversion would have to be increased to approximately
$400,000/year (exclusive of bulbout and crosswalk cost).
b) There will be relatively heavy disruption of downtown businesses for several
months every year.
3. Convert downtown sidewalks in 3 years at sole City cost.
Advantages:
a) Will complete conversion in a limited time.
b) Will avoid patchwork appearance caused by past long term approach.
Disadvantages:
a) Will cost $4,000,000 - budget problem.
b) Will bera eatly disruptive of downtown during the construction period,
approximately I year.
c) Will severely impact City design and inspection staff (unless all engineering
work is contracted out).
4. Convert downtown sidewalks in 4 years under an assessment district proceeding.
Advantages:
a) Hearings will enable the City Council to receive public input as to whether this
is a high priority.
b) Will enable a cost sharing between the City and the property owners.
c) Will complete conversion in a limited time.
d) Will avoid patchwork appearance.
i
���n,��►►���IIIII�pn pf IlU city of san iui s OBISPO
60 ACOUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Downtown Sidewe'le
Page Three
Disadvantages:
a) Assessment district proceedings are lenghty and add approximately 25% to the
cost.
b) Costs may well exceed $4,000,000, however City share will be somewhat less.
c) Will be greatly disruptive of downtown during the construction period,
approximately 1 year.
d) Will severely impact City inspection staff, unless inspection is contracted out
or additional inspectors are hired.
5. Speed up gradual program, by directing that sidewalk conversion (separate from
bulbouts and crosswalks) be carried out on a systematic basis by Public Works staff.
Advantages
a) Will allow total conversion in approximately 20 years, rather than 30.
b) Finds a middle ground on disruption of businesses.
c) Finds a middle ground on City expenditure at say $100,000/year additional.
Disadvantages:
a) Additional City cost $100,000/year.
b) Disruption of businesses in downtown is spread over many years.
c) Patchwork appearance problem will not be solved.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION:
Information included in the discussion portion of this agenda report was presented to the
Chamber on July 25, 1989 and to the BIA on August 8, 1989. Their minutes/comments are
attached (Exhibits B and Q.
Staff notes taken at the Chamber meeting were that individual members were much more
concerned with cleanliness of the downtown sidewalks than the patchwork appearance or lack
of uniformity. BIA members indicate that there were many things in downtown more
important than a speeded up sidewalk conversion program. Members of both agencies
expressed concern with the disruption to businesses implied with an accelerated program.
There was some sentiment that a slightly speeded up program would be acceptable.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Alternatives ranged from a continuation of the current $60,000/year to a maximum of $4
million expended within 3 years. Program is now budgeted (1989-91) at $200,000/year.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff concurs with the BIA and the Chamber that there is not a pressing need for a greatly
accelerated program. Staff feels that the slightly accelerated program now budgeted
(closely approximating alternative #5) represents a reasonable approach. This higher
level of funding will give staff some additional flexibility to complete blocks which are
substantially converted, but will avoid major disruption of downtown implied with a very
- rapid conversion project.
1
Attachments: Exhibits
dwntnsid/dfr#18 0 �J
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RESOLUTION NO. ,4181980 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SAN LUIS OBISPO REQUIRING CONSTRUCTION
OF .MISSION STYLE SIDEWALKS IN THE CORE OF
DOWNTOWN, AND AUTHORIZING CONTRIBUTION OF
CITY FUNDS TO SUCH CONSTRUCTION.
WHEREAS., the City intends to require that all new sidewalks in the core of
downtown be constructed as Mission-style sidewalks; and
WHEREAS, this Council finds that both a public purpose and a municipal
purpose would be seryed by the contribution of City funds to encourage the
construction of Mission-style sidewalks in said area.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
as follows:
1 . All new or reconstructed sidewalks in the core of downtown as set
forth graphically upon Exhibit "A" map, attached hereto and thereby incorporated
herein, shall be constructed to the City's specifications for Mission-style
sidewalks. Copies of said specifications shall be maintained on file for public
use in the. Offices of Public Services and Community Development.
2. To encourage new sidewalk : construction in said area, the City will
contribute to said construction at a rate per square foot as determined by the
Director of Public Services. Said contribution shall be based on the increased
cost between a standard sidewalk installation and the mission Plaza-style installa-
tion as determined by a survey or bids obtained by the Public Services Director.
3. Resolution No. 2715 (1975 Series) and Resolution No. 3933 (1979 Series)
hereby are rescinded.
On motion of Councilman Bondseconded by Councilwoman Billig
and on the following roll call vote:
APES: Councilmembers Bond, -Billig, Dunin , Munger and Mayor Cooper
NOES : None
,ABSENT: None
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MINUTES
'BIA BOARD MEETING
AUGUST 8,1989
7 : 30-9: 3.0 A.M.
CITY COUNCIL HEARING ROOM
Present: Pierre Rademaker, Karen Tacket, Forrest Watts, Jim
Delmore, Robert Holley, Joan Heitz, Ruth Nimeh,
Ken Frommelt, Mike Spangler, Julia Foster, Laura
Patton
Absent: Tom Donat, Tom Brown, Dodie Williams
Guests: John Dunn, Dave Romero, Frank Warren, Don Koberg,
Chad Noland
The meeting was called to order at 7: 35 a.m. The July
minutes were reviewed and approved. Expenses for July_ and
projected August expenses were reviewed and approved.
Administrative report: Pending recommendation/opinioa from
City Attorney it was moved, seconded and passed unanimously
to approve Soroptomist Club "Gum Alley Tour" certificates.
Committee reports:
Beautification. The City rejected using fire hydrants as a
possible source of water. A meter is now in place to measure
water used for steamcleaning. The flower basket project has
been discontinued, and its $900 budget will be reallocated:
$500 for reimbursing .merchants for water usage and $400 for
miscellaneous. The Committee has requested, via a memo to
Robert Holley, funds from Thursday Night for additional
steamcleaning. Ted Elder will be a judge for the
Beautification awards, and will also recruit additional
judges. Shawna Nicholson, from County Bank, is coordinating
holiday light work parties.
Parking reported that Paul Crawford addressed pending growth
ordinances in terms of future county planning. Twenty-two
new parking meters have been installed on lower Higuera.
Positive feedback was received from merchants in that
vicinity. The city is spending $10,000 on advertising for
Higuera Street businesses affected by the storm drain
project. Site selection for the third parking structure is
being reviewed, with no time line at present. An appraiser
is on board. A flier for those who park on the street
before 10:00 a.m. will be circulated, suggesting they park
in the parking structure, out of the downtown core, or use
alternative transportation. Dodie Williams is to drat` the
flier. An ordinance was passed to charge Thursday night
patrons 50 cents to use the structure. A suggestion was
made to have patrons' tickets validated by merchants who are
open. Steve Nukes will be addressing downtown issues at the
September 7 meeting.
EXHIBIT B S-4
C, o
Chad Noland, of Noland' s Carriage, asked for BIA support in
having a horse drawn trolley in the downtown. Guests from
upper Monterey hotels and motels would .be shuttled to and
from the downtown area. Round trips would be approximately
every 30 minutes. Mr. Noland has met with councilmember
Pinard, who is supportive of the idea. John Dunn reported
that funds have been set aside to do a feasibility study on
trolley shuttles. David Romero said there would be traffic
problems. The board was supportive of the concept, but is
aware there are problems which will have to :be addressed.
Dave Romero reported that the city will be paying for
additional porta-potties which will be used for Thursday
Night Activities. They have looked into having units built,
which could be used for Thursday night and other special
activities, however, at this time nothing is pending. It was
suggested they speak with SLO Metal Works re building units.
Meeting adjourned 9:.30 a.m.
•
*07
San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce
1039 Chorro Street • San Luis Obispo, California 93401 • (805) 5431323
David E. Ganh • Executive Manager
August 29, 1989
Dave Romero
City of San Luis Obispo
PO Box 8100
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100
Dear Dave:
After much discussion and review, the Chamber's Board of
Directors supports continuation of the sidewalk improvement
program at its current rate. We feel that the costs of an
expedited program to create Mission style sidewalks downtown
outweigh the benefits of such improvements.
We do not believe that the change to Mission style sidewalks
in itself changes the ambiance and aesthetic character of.
downtown. While Mission style sidewalks throughout the ,
downtown would be attractive, they are not critical to the
success and health of downtown.
Conversely, an expedited program which is both costly and
disruptive would most certainly threaten our downtown' s
success. We do appreciate the City's sensitivity to the
dynamics of downtown, and the Council 's commitment to
protecting its vitality. In light of tremendous retail
competition pressures; pending seismic improvements and the
possibility of a retrofit for fire sprinklers, we sincerely
believe our downtown is facing significant challenges to
simply staying in business. Drastic sidewalk improvements
are simply not perceived as necessary or manageable at this
time.
We appreciate your interest in our opinion and look forward
to continuing to work together on these issues.
Lynn Cooper �?
iv d
Chamber President
ACCREDITED
CMIYBEN 0.COMMEPC!
EXHIBIT C S(
�M �� V city of so..-qlues OBISpo
990 Palm Street/Box 8100 a San Luis Obispo,CA 93403-8100
GTO Council
FROM Pam Voges
SUBJECT Item #8 - 9/19/89 agenda = Mission Style Sidewalks DATE 9/19/89
Attached is page 8-6-B from Item #8 inadvertently left out oftonight's
agenda. Dave Romero wanted to besureyou had this page as it reflects
the staff's position to the BIA Board and the action they took supporting
the conversion program.
If you have any questions, please call extension 104.
Thanks.
cc: D. Romero
M. Dolder
C'
-1.MEETING AGENDA
DATE _ ITEM #
Promotions reported that prizes are being collected for the
CSeptember 10 Family Fun Day, and the food is being donated
by Hudson's Grill. Restaurant owners will be contacted to
help barbecue. On September 11, Chocolate Soup Restaurant
will host a mixer from 5: 30 to 7: 30 p.m. The Senior Days
promotion is scheduled for October 5 and 6.
Thursday Night reported that the. 7th annual Rib Cook-Off was
a success. The Recreation Department has scheduled a
Downtown Fair and Casino Night for August. Tina Metzger,
from the Water Conservation Department, feels the city will
be amenable .to making considerations for merchant water
allocation for steamcleaning. Steve Carnes, Health
Department, states non-potable water may be used for
steamcleaning, if heated to 210 degrees. Resolution 1-89,
requesting subsidy from the city to bear costs incurred by
the BIA for routinely provided city services, was discussed.
It was moved, seconded and unanimously passed to approve and
forward the resolution to council.
Two merchants have obtained signatures from 35 businesses
who agreed to stay open late Friday nights. The consensus
is that timing is right to begin staying open late on a
night other than Thursday. A suggestion was made to make
co-op advertising available to those who participate.
Frank Warren, Cal Poly WOW, reported that SLO Day is Monday,
September 11, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. They are working with
Antelope buses to bring the WOwies downtown, and would like
financial support from the BIA. It was moved, seconded and
passed unanimously to approve $500 for buses pending Dodie's
recommendation as to which budget the money will be taken
from. Frank requested that merchants planning to use WOW in
their advertising first contact the W.O.W. committee.
Dave Romero reviewed the sidewalk conversion special report.
Presently the conversion will take approximately 30 years;
alternate programs range in a time span of 3 to 20 years.
Speeding up the process will increase the budget, and cause
more disruption in the downtown. It was moved, seconded and
passed unanimously to approve staff recommendation to
continue with present plan.
Don Koberg, representing Mardi Gras, requested financial and
staff assistance from the BIA to administer the event. The
Ball will no longer be held at the Vets building. An all-day
festival is planned, which would end with dancing in a tent
pavilion after the parade. Garden Street would be closed,
continuing down Garden Alley into parking lot #2. The
parking lot would house a "pavilion" with vendors and
entertainment. While the board is basically supportive of
the idea, it felt the current plan would be too difficult to
administer.
-A
DOWNTOWN SAN LUIS OBISPO Ganotes action by Lead Person
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
Respond by-
September 18, 1989 Llv_(�CoUncil
&QA0
. Atty-
Mayor Ron Dunin and Council Members
P. O. Box 8100 19
San Luis Obispo, California 93403
Dear Mayor Dunn and Council Members:
At its last two meetings, the BIA board reviewed the
proposal to speed up the Mission style sidewalk project.
There was considerable discussion relating to the advantages
and disadvantages described under the various alternatives
presented by City staff.
The downtown has gone through a year of constant traffic
congestion, due to the number of public and private projects
recently completed and in process. There is already serious
concern about the ability of many of the downtown businesses
to survive in the face of imminent seismic and fire
sprinkler requirements, both of which involve significant
costs. Since these requirements will entail considerable
street and sidewalk disruption, any accelerated program to
complete Mission style sidewalks might be premature.
While there is aesthetic value. to the sidewalks, it is the
board's opinion that the advantages of expediting the
program are outweighed by the above factors. After thorough
review, the board voted to support completion of the Mission
style sidewalks in a twenty-year period or less, provided no
assessment district is proposed, and there is minimal
financial impact to merchants.
The council' s concerns for the health of the downtown are
greatly appreciated by the BIA board. We sincerely 'welcome
the opportunity to offer our views on matters such as this
that affect the well-being of the downtown.
Sincerely,
lea��
Pierre Rademaker !D'/720A*
President SEP 19 1989
CM CLERK
P.O. Box 1402, Son Luis Obispo, CA 93406 (805) 541 -0286