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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/12/1964ADJOURNED MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL August 12, 1964 - 7:30 P. M. CITY HALL Invocation was given by Mayor Clay P. Davidson. Roll Call Present: Clay P. Davidson, R. L. Graves, Jr., Miss Margaret McNeil, Donald Q. Miller, C1ell W. Whelchel City Staff Present: P. Chapman, Director of Planning & Building; J. H. Fitzpatrick, City Clerk; W. M. Houser, City Attorney; R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer; D. F. Romero, City Engineer; L. Schlobohm, Fire Chief; J. Wdinscott, Fire Battalion Chief. 1. R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, reported on the water line problem on Del Norte Way as follows: When the street work began, it was discovered that as -built plans for sub- division were in error and water lines were 14" from surface instead of 30 ". The street work could not continue until water lines were lowered, and in the meantime, there was a potential health hazard. Administrative Officer Miller requested authority to relocate water lines on an informal bid and force account basis. City Attorney Houser explained the action the Council could take to order ' force account work as requested by Administrative Officer Miller. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Miller, the following resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1326, a resolution declaring the urgent necessity for replacement of a water line without formal bids. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Clay P. Davidson, R. L. Graves, Jr., Miss Margaret McNeil, Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 2. At this time the City Council held a public hearing on the proposed routing of Highway No. 1 through the City of San Luis Obispo. Mayor Davidson declared the public hearing open. Paul Davis, Attorney, representing Broad - Ferrini Property Owners Association, appeared before the City Council on behalf of the association objecting to the proposed routing of Highway No. 1 along Broad Street as he believed this was the poorest route and would hurt the most property owners and urged that the City Council approve another alternate. Mr. Davis stated he did not know how to proceed as he doesn't know if the City Council wishes the entire presentation that had been made at prior hearings by the association or if they wish to hear new evidence.only. The City Council stated that they would appreciate it if only new information was presented as they all had attended one or both State meetings. Harold Wilson presented a map of the Broad alignment showing the actual width to scale of the proposed freeway along Broad Street which denotes the necessary cutting and filling if the Broad Street route were chosen. City Council Minutes August 12, 1964 Page -2- Mr. Datel, District Engineer, explained that the thin lines shown on the Division of Highways maps were not placed there to denote actual taking of land, but are just used to denote a proposed route center line as actual engineering studies have not been made on any route to show cut and fill until a route is selected by the Highway Commission. Mr. Davis continued explaining the objections of his group to the Broad Street alignment. He stated that the Division of Highways had told represent- atives of his group that Santa Rosa Street would soon be widened to a four - lane highway to carry traffic into the City and to Highway No. 101 and that the proposed Broad highway would be a six -lane freeway along Broad Street which was just four blocks away from the Santa Rosa Street route. He continued that he believed that there would be an unfair affect on the residents of the area lying between Santa Rosa and Broad Street route. He further stated that his group felt that as they were going to widen Santa Rosa Street anyway, that the new alignment of No. 101 Highway should follow Santa Rosa Street. He also stated that the selection of Broad Street as a freeway route would deface a beautiful mountain side which is an asset to the City of San Luis Obispo and should not be destroyed. He continued that the Santa Rosa Street alignment would be best for the City and for the downtown business. Another objection that Broad Street route or any other route, would be that it would set land values at 1964 levels and that the property owners would lose when the Division of Highways acquires the property. He claimed that the actual selection of the route would depreciate land values and that the property owners would lose out as no one wished to purchase property with a potential law suite. He felt that Route 1 -A, Broad Street, would do the most damage to the City and the property owners involved and urged that the City Council not adopt Route I -A or Broad Street. Mr. Davis then presented a petition signed by over 2,000 persons urging that the City Council not adopt Route 1 -A. Mr. Datel, District Engineer, explained methods used by the Division of High- ways of acquiring property for highway purposes. He explained that the purchase price is based on fair market value of the property. He also explained the service offered by the Division of Highways in helping to relocate families forced to move by freeway property acquisition. Dr. Mullin, President of the Broad - Ferrini Property Owners Association, object- ed to the Division of Highways contention that properties purchased by the State are paid for by fair market values. He stated he believed the opposite was true as the properties are purchased at depreciated values caused by the prior adoption of a freeway route. Maurice.Cheda appeared before the City Council objecting to the adoption of Broad Street, Route 1 -A, as a freeway route. He listed objections such as unstable side hill, which during heavy rains causes slides and floods. Mr. Cheda listed for the Council some of the past history of the area property for routing during rains, etc., and urged that the Council adopt Route #5, Los Osos Valley route. Mrs. Hiltel appeared before the Council urging that the City Council not adopt a freeway routing that would deface or hurt the beauty of San Luis Obispo as she believed San Luis Mountain was one of the best assets of the City and was one of the many reasons people come to San Luis Obispo, for the beauty and tranquility of the area. She then requested that the City Council not allow San Luis mountain to be defaced and scarred. \. City Council Minutes August 12, 1964 Page -3- She then presented for the Council's information an editorial dated May 14, 1964, of a presentation made by James K. Carr entitled, "Let's Stop Building Monuments to Ugliness." Victor J. Brunelli, President of the Baywood Park Chamber of Commerce, appeared before the City Council urginS that the Council adopt the Los Osos route for the freeway and not a route through the City by either Broad or California Boulevard. He stated that the people in his community strongly desire the freeway to come through Los Osos Valley as it would help the growth of Baywood Park and also allow access to the proposed State recreational development near Baywood Park. Margaret Maxwell appeared before the City Council and presented a sketch showing her estimate of the alignment of Route 1 -A and its impact on San Luis Mountain. Her sketch showed topography and amount of cutting and filling that would be required if the Broad Street route were adopted. Mrs. Maxwell also explained to the City Council some of the existing slide conditions west of the proposed alignment of Route 1 -A. Mr. Ed Rodrigues appeared before the City Council urging that the City Council adopt a freeway within the City and preferably the Broad Street route, Alter- nate 1 -A, and that the Los Osos Vailev route, Alternate 5, not be considered by the City Council. Mr. Rodrigues then listed 23 reasons why the freeway route should come through the City of San Luis Obispo (see E. Rodrigues letter dated August 7, 1964, pages 2, 3, and 4). Tom Jones appeared before the Council urging that the City take care of its own traffic problems and not bring in other agencies to help them take care of local streets and local problems. Further, that Route 1 -A would not help local traffic to thF extent suggested, that the Engineers in the City of San Luis Obispo will still have to take care of their own internal traffic problems regardless of where the Division of Highways puts their route. F. C. Kimball, Superintendent of District No. 3, urged that the City Council not adopt the Broad Street route as the City will lose Five Million Dollars ($5,0009000.00) in assessed valuation in the land taken for the highway and the buildings destroyed. Further, the City Council has no guarantee that the 241 families who would be displaced by the routing will still stay in the City. Therefore, he recommended very strongly that the Los Osos Valley route be chosen. Mrs. Virgil Negranti warned the people not to trust the Division of Highways as they will not pay fair compensation for property acquired for highway purposes and will not treat the property owners fairly in this matter. She then listed her previous experience with the Division of Highways when her property was taken for highway purposes. She also urged the people to remember her words regarding this matter. Al Ferrini, property owner, urged that the City Council should put this important question to a vote of the people and let the ma;ority of the people of the City of San Luis Obispo make the decision. If this was not put to a vote of the people, he urged the City Council to approve a Los Osos route, but not the one proposed by the Division of Highways as Route #5. He further stated that the Los Osos route would still be in the City as the City is growing in that area and the area is partly in the City at the present time. City Council Minutes August 12, 1964 Page -4- He stated that the proposed Route Y6 is wrong as the freeway should come down O'Connor Way from the Army Camp, then through the City owned property east of the Laguna Lake and then meet highway No. 101 either at Idadonna Road or along the routing where.the Highway Patrol Station is presently located. In this way the City might get Laguna Lake Park developed, with some help from the Division of Highways and further, that by using public land very little private property would be taken and no homes would be hurt. He then added that route i -A or Broad Street would be the poorest routing for the City and urged that the City Council disapprove this route. Evelyn Sharp stated that the majority of the people that she had talked to objected to the Broad Street or Route 1 -A for the No. 1 Freeway. She stated that the women that she had talked to objected particularly to the loss of 243 homes if Broad Street were adopted. Mayor Davidson suggested that at this point the City staff and Planning Commission should make their reports tc the City Council and to the public. Peter Chapman, Planning Director, read the Planning Commission recommendation of August 12, 1964 urging that a route through the City of San Luis Obispo be selected and that of the two routes in the City, Broad Street would be the first choice and the railroad or California Boulevard route would be the second choice and further, that the Los Osos Valley route be disapproved. But, that if the Council is unable to recommend the Broad Street route they would then ask the Division of Highways to prepare another study of a second route in Los Osos Valley which would be more favorable to the future needs and transient traffic of the City. Peter Chapman then read his report dated July 13, 1964 in which he recommended the Broad Street route as the most beneficial to the City of San Luis Obispo. D. F. Romero. City Engineer, then read his report dated July 13, 1964 urging the adoption of the Broad Street route as the freeway alignment as the only route supplying substantial benefits to the City. J. H. Fitzpatrick, City Clerk, then read a communication from L. M. Schlobohm, Fire Chief, dated August 12, 1964 recommending the Broad Street route as the most desirable for the future interests to the City as regards to the efficient fire protection and that the California route would be his second choice. R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, upon question, stated that based upon the recommendation of the City Engineer, Planning Director, and Fire Chief, he would recommend Route 1 -A or Broad Street as the best alignment for the City of San Luis Obispo. Planning Director Chapman then read a letter from Jost Flooring Company dated August 12, 1964 recommending the City Council to consider adoption of the route parallel to Broad Street to encourage the development of 1 business in the south end of the City. Harold Wilson again appeared before the Council urging that the City Council vote at this meeting opposing Route 1 -A or Broad Street and approve Route #5 or Los Osos Valley for the new Route No. 1. Mr. Wilson then read from an editorial dated August 5, 1964, from a Pasadena newspaper regarding the problems the City of Pasadena is having with the high handed tactics of the Division of Highways in developing a new alignment of the Long Beach Freeway through Pasadena and urged that the City Council go on record as opposing Route 1 -A. City Council Minutes August 12, 1964 Page -5- Norman Sharp, Registered Engineer #2973, presented to the Council rebuttal to statements made by W. Chipuari, Air Pollution Expert of the State Motor Vehicle Department, at the public hearing held by the Division of Highways on July 16, 1964. Mr. Sharp then went on to explain smog problems and smog conditions which could be included in proposed Route 1 -A. Al Bonin objected to the Route 1 -A as it actually only added one more street to the City's system which he does not believe helps the traffic problems in the northwest portion of the City. He urged that the City approve Foothill Boulevard to four -lanes and reject Route 1 -A. Dorothy, Wright objected to Route 1 -A as she did not believe it would be of any help to the local City traffic and could be dangerous to any local resident using this route. Herman Fisher, Santa Rosa Street; read a lengthy report regarding sign problems on freeways in the State. Supervisor Kimball again appeared before the City Council urging that Route 1 -A not be adopted and agreed with Mr. Fisher that the highway signs are inadequate. Mrs. Emma Hill appeared before the Council urging that they adopt Route 1 -P. as she believed it would do the most good for the City of dan Luis Obispo. She continued that any property owner affected by this route would be properly compensated by the State if their land is taken. She again urged that Route 1 -A be adopted. J. H. Fitzpatrick, City Clerk, then read a letter from M. H. Cheves, 1184 Islay Street, urging the freeway adoption within the City of San Luis Obispo. Letter from C. McBride was then read urging that the freeway routing come into the City of San Luis Obispo. W. E. Stuart, 595 Patricia Drive, recommending that the route be brought through the City of San Luis Obispo via Broad Street. Communication from C. A. 14aino urging that Broad Street route be adopted for Highway No. 1 through the City of San Luis Obispo. Communication from Dorman Signs, 252 Parker Street, urging that a route through the City by way of Broad Street be adopted by the City Council. Communication from Dennis B. Wheeler urging that Highway No. 1 be routed through the City,of San Luis Obispo. Communication from Lelia B. Alston, 2146 Broad Street, urging that the new Highway No. 1 route be placed through the City of San Luis Obispo. Communication from Dr. Bramwell and Doris Anthony urging that the City Council not adopt Route 1 -A as its approved choice for the City of San Luis Obispo for esthetic reasons and for health reasons. Mrs. Hiltel again appeared before the Council objecting to the methods employed by the Council in handling of the public hearing as it appears that the Council is allowing only the letters in favor of Broad Street or Route 1 -A to be read into the record. Mayor Davidson explained that the City Council had received copies of all communications on this subject and that only letters received on this date and prior to this meeting that had not been mailed to the Council were being read for their information. City Council Minutes August 12, 1964 Page -6- Archie Lux appeared before the Council objecting to the Broad Street route as he felt that it would displace 1,000 people and felt that the City Council should listen to public opinion represented by 2,000 signatures on a petition and the people present at this Council meeting. He felt that the Council should listed to the people present and oppose the Route 1 -A. Mr. Lux then critized the philosophy of representative government and further, critized the action of the Planning Commission regarding approval of shopping center construction on the edges of the City and did not agree with their philosophy of protecting the central business district. He urged that the City Council adopt the Los Osos Valley route for the Highway No. 1 alignment. Virgil Horner urged that the freeway be placed in Los Osos Valley and not bring any more traffic into the City of San Luis Obispo. Robert Adamson, Civil Engineer, objected to the City using the freeway as a local street and that the Division of Highways will design these streets. He objected to the Broad Street routing for Highway No. 1. Al Ferrini again appeared before the Council and objected to the City Council having the Division of Highways plan City streets which he believed should be done by the City. For example, he asked why has not the City opened Highland Drive from Cuesta to Ferrini Road and how about opening Westmont Drive connecting his tract to the Flagg parcel. He also urged that the City Council take care of City traffic problems and not expect the Division of Highways to take care of City streets and City traffic. He again urged that the Los Osos route should be constructed, but on the east side of the lake so that would help the City develop their park land which looks now like this would be the only way it would ever be developed. Mayor Davidson answered Mr. Ferrini stating that the City has attempted to acquire the property for Highland Drive extension to Ferrini Road, but has been unable to acquire the land from Cal Poly. Mr. Ferrini stated he did not believe this as he is a graduate of Cal Poly and he was sure that Cal Poly would cooperate with the City on this matter. Councilman Miller explained to Mr. Ferrini that the City had decided the Westmont Street matter in favor of the Ferrini interests as requested by his son,. Felton Ferrini, and that the City hoped that someday Mr. Ferrini and Mr. Flagg, the adjacent property owner, would come to some agreement so that Westmont Street could be opened for traffic. Paul Davis asked if the City Council would not take a vote on the proposed routes before them. Martin Polin, developer, stated he was appearing before the City Council on. behalf of a large group of businessmen, urging that Santa Rosa Street be maintained as the main business route to the downtown area and suggested that the Los Osos route be selected to allow the through traffic to by -pass the City but still allow traffic along Santa Rosa if they so desired. Mr. Polin continued that in his discussion with the staff of the Division of Highways they have not considered Santa Rosa Street as a freeway access to the City and further, that upon studies he has made, he believed that Santa Rosa Street could be made into an adequate freeway with a small amount of expense, which he believed would be of benefit for access to the central business district. Mr. Polin then listed each street interchange for the proposed alignment of Broad Street and each interchange on the Santa Rosa Street alignment, listing advantages and disadvantages of each interchange to the central business district. City Council Minutes August 12, 1964 Page -7- He stated that his studies show that Santa Rosa Street would best serve the business interests of the community. R. Malone, Engineer for the Division of Highways, corrected Mr. Polin's statement regarding information given him by the Division of Highways on his presentation of the use of Santa Rosa Street. Mr. Polin then argued with Mr. Malone's statements regarding Santa Rosa Street. Ray Hearne appeared before the Council suggesting that the Council adopt a freeway route in Los Osos Valley along O'Connor Road east of Laguna Lake to Highway No. 101. He then stated he also objected to parking meters in downtown San Luis Obispo and the tickets given out by the meter patrol. John Sharp stated that the petition presented and persons present at all hearings had been unswervingly against Route 1 -A, and that the people of the City should be considered and not only the businessmen and merchants. Carl Weaver objected to the apparent consensus of opinion of the Council that Highway 1 -A would be accepted for the freeway route. Councilman Miller made a presentation to the Council as he sees the route of Highway No. 1 through the City. He explained the philosophy of public transportation and its affect an highways and freeways in California and that he believed the Division of Highways will have to someday restudy their roll in the transportation field. He questioned the present policy of constructing freeways to handle in -city local traffic. This is the concern of experts. He stated that his Economics Professor at U. C. L. A. voiced these questions. Dr. Pegrem, his Economics Professor, claimed freeways were originally designed to carry through traffic. Councilman Miller stated that he was unequivocally opposed to the Broad Street route through the City, and that the cost of the route is not justified when compared to the benefits to the City. Councilman Miller then presented a study that he made personally in the Foothill area to determine what the actual origin and destination of the people in the Foothill area was. About 40% of the people living in this area work in other sections of the City than the central business district. He stated that the majority of the people he interviewed favored alignment of Highway No. 1 along California Boulevard or Alternate #3. He stated that he further found that a large number of people interviewed objected to Alternate 1 -A or Broad Street. He also stated that after his interviews he came to the conclusion to oppose the Broad Street alignment. Councilman Miller stated that after all his interviews, several meetings with college officials, he feels that the best alternate to serve the area is California Boulevard or Alternate #3. He then listed the reasons why he supported California Route: 1. Direct service to Poly - Direct service to City from Coast. 2. Adequate service to Foothill area interchange with Foothill or Higland Drive. 3. Railroad creates barrier - new freeway would share common right of way. 4. Relocation of oil batch plants 5. Elimination of Foothill - Railroad grade crossing. 6. Landscaping of right of way. 7. Interchange in area of auto club - and proposed Highway Patrol Department Motor Vehicles. 8. Tie into street system and cross town traffic by way of Johnson Avenue and the tie in with Monterey, Palm one -way couplets. 9. Advantage of tourist business. City Council Minutes August 12, 1964 Page -8- 10. Lastly we are at a junction point. Much has been said of by- passing the City. This is indeed logical where two routes do not have a junction. Our community is a junction point. Councilman Miller continued that he would recommend to the Council that Alternate 03 be accepted, and that the Division of Highways be asked to make a study of connecting the present No. 1 alignment along the south side of Radio Hill then across the field with a sweeping "S" curb to align with the railroad so as not to destroy the agricultural land of Cal Poly. Councilman Graves stated that he also was opposed to Route 1 -A as he believed the Los Osos or Alternate #5 would benefit the City and was the best for the entire City including the central business district. He stated that he had investigated the gross income of adjoining cities that have been by- passed by freeway and his studies showed that in all cases retail sales were up and he was sure that the same could be expected here. Councilman Graves presented comparative figures before and after the freeway by -pass in the cities of Pismo, Ventura, Santa Maria, Paso Robles, and Salinas. He then presented an editorial regarding a City of Colorado recommend- ing the removal of through traffic in the central business district. He stated that this report had increased the retail sales in the area by removing through traffic and getting shoppers out of their cars. Further, that in accordance with the General Plan adopted by the City, that the future growth will be in the Los Osos Valley and that adequate freeway routes should be placed there now to avoid congestion and disruption after the area has been developed. He also felt that in the case of a disaster, it would be better for the freeway to by -pass the City and built up areas and go through open areas. He continued that although he approved the Loa Osos route he suggested that a better route would be east of the Alternate #5 proposed by the Division of Highways with access at either Madonna Road or the Marsh Street inter- change. Councilwoman McNeil stated that she was opposed to the Broad Street route and that she would prefer the Los Osos route east of Laguna Lake. Councilman Whelchei listed his experience in the highway transportation business and stated that at first he had favored the Route 1 -A above Broad Street, but that after attending the two prior hearings he stated that he believed this was the poorest selection of the three. He stated that after visiting the area and studying the routes indicated, that the best solution for the City was the route along California Boulevard as he believed that the best interests of the City would be served by this alignment. He also believed that this alignment would help local traffic attempting to get to the south end of the City. Further, he hoped that someday a route could be built from Marsh Street interchange to the Los Osos Valley. He stated he opposed the Los Osos Valley route as he does not believe that enough people would use this route to justify the cost. Therefore, he would recommend the California Boulevard or railroad route for Highway No. 1. Mayor Davidson stated that he was sure that no one in the Council was intimidated by the phone calls and unsigned letters on this matter, but that each member would vote their own conscience and the route as they saw it regardless of threats of some of the people on this matter. He stated that he still hoped that the people in the City would realize that the Planning Commission and department reads are well qualified and are dedicated to their jobs and that their recommendations to the Council as to route selections were made in all honesty without fear or favor. As far as the route for Highway No. 1 is concerned, he felt that the studies made by the professionals should be considered by the Council and that regardless of the location, decide upon the route which would best serve the traffic needs of the City, and on that basis he cannot vote for California Boulevard or Los Osos routes. City Council Minutes August 12, 1964 Page -9- The Mayor continued that possible additional studies can be made on the California alignment which are still serving the central City, but that he was afraid this route would destroy much of the specialized crop land at Cal Poly which is the number one industry of the City and if another alignment could be prepared which would protect Cal Poly, he might change his opinion. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Miller, that the Council go on record opposing the Broad Street, Route 1 -A, and that the Division of Highways be requested to prepare an additional study of an alternate Los Osos Route for Highway No. 1 along O'Connor Way east of Laguna Lake with connection at Madonna interchange or Marsh interchange. Also, request that additional studies of the California Route be made that would not damage Cal Poly agricultural land along the route, and oppose Route 1 -A or Broad Street. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: R. L. Graves, Jr., Miss Margaret McNeil, Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel NOES: Clay P. Davidson ABSENT: None The following communications were ordered received and filed. ' Robert E. Barrows, 870 Meinecke Street, opposing Broad Street or Alternate 1 -A. Mr. & Mrs. Melvin H. Souza, 228 La Canada, opposing freeway route through the City of San Luis Obispo. Jacquelyn & Donald E. Gallock, favoring the Broad Street route. Dorothy M. Cook, favoring the Los Osos Valley Road. Robert J. Rodin, 237 Del Mar Court, supporting the Broad Street route. Melvin Hahn, opposing Los Osos route and favoring any route through the City of San Luis Obispo. Phyllis & John Applegarth, 165 Penman Way, objecting to the Broad Street route. Rosalyn Mertz, opposing Los Osos and recommending any route through the City. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Miller, the meeting adjourned at 12 :00 Midnight. Motion carried. Approved: August 31, 1964 J. -H. FITZ ATRICK, CITY CLERK LJ