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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/19/19661 C N:INUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL December 19, 1966 - 7:00 PM CITY HALL Roll Call Present: Councilmen Emmons Blake, Frank Gallagher, Donald Q. N:iller, Arthur F. Spring, and Mayor Clell W. Whelchel City Staff Present: City Clerk J. H. Fitzpatrick; City Attorney Harold Johnson; Administrative Officer Richard D. 1Viiller; City Engineer David F. Romero; Police Chief E. L. Rodgers; Fire Chief Lee M. Schlobohm; Director of Water Department Price Thompson; and Acting Planning Director Burton M. Walter On motion of Councilman Gallagher, r seconded by Councilman lVdIler, the minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 5, 1966 and the Special Meeting o ecember 7, 1966, were approved. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Galls er, claims against the City for the month of DecemberW66 were ordered paid, subject to ttle approval of the Adminis- trative Officer. 1. Communication from the Southern Pacific Company notifying the City Council of the con- dition of the Phillips Stmt Bridge and asking that the Council take action under paragraph 4 of the Agreement between the City and the Southern Pacific Company for reconstruction of the Null Street Bridge, the condition that the City assume ownership of the Phillips Street Bridge when repairs reach $1, 000. Harold Johnson, City Attorney, briefed for the City Council the provisions of the Agree- ment referred to and the action the City could take relative to this Bridge. David F. Romero, City Engineer, reported that a preliminary estimate by his Office indicated t it would cost between $20, 000 - $25, 000 for repairs to the Bridge and to rebuild it to its pre - existing condition, or a minimum of $60, 000 to construct a new Bridge. . H. McAllister, Assistant Division Engineer for the Southern Pacific Company, appeared before the City Council, urging that they make some decision as soon as possible, as it was the Railroad's opinion that the Bridge, in its present condition, was a hazard, not only to the Railroad but to adjacent property, and they were afraid of total collapse of the structure. Councilman Spring stated that, basically, he was opposed to closing any streets or rail - road crossings, as the City was being reduced to a minimum number of crossings with the Railroad, but he felt that, in this case, he could see no alternative but to allow the Southern Pacific Company to remove the Bridge. Mayor Whelchel agreed that he did not wish any more crossings closed but, in this case, even after spending up to $25, 000 to repair the Bridge, the City would own a substandard structure which would need major repairs in the future. Councilman Gallagher felt that spending $20,000 - $25,000 to repair the existing Bridge 7voula be a waste of money, as there was no guarantee that this expenditure would keep the Bridge in repair for any definite period of time and, therefore, he could see no alter- , native but to remove the structure. On motion of Councilman lvdUer, seconded by Councilman Sprin the City Council chose to exercise Option A of the ement and request the S , cific Company to re- move the Phillips Street Bridge and authorize the Mayor to notify Southern Pacific of this action. Motion carried. Mr. McAllister agreed to clear with the Public Utilities Commission on permission to demolish, although he believed PUC approval would be automatic in view of the fact that they had approved the original Agreement for reconstruction of the Mill Street Bridge. Minutes - Regular Meeting of City Council December 19, 1966 2. Communication from C. A. Ma.ino, requesting that the paving in Parking Lot *9 be re- paired as it is full of chuck holes and is very difficult for the patrons of the Lot. David F. Romero, C4U En ' eer, explained the original construction made at this pro- ' perry and stated ttiat if Elie Council were to keep this as a parking lot, he would recom - mend that the lot be fully and completely paved. The matter was referred to the City Engineer to prepare cost estimates for paving this property and, also, for a report of revenues from the existing parking. X. David F. Romero, City Engineer, presented the following problem to the City Council regarding sewer service for Nirs. Filipponi, property owner on Edna Road: Mir. Romero explained that Iirs. Filipponi was required by the County Health Department to connect to the City's sewer system, radically modify her sewage disposal system, or to discontinue use of the property. He explained that he had notified Mrs. Filipponi approximately one month ago that her prorated cost for connection to the sewer system would be $1,844.78, exclusive of sewer lateral, but that the staff was not empowered to issue a sewer connection outside the City limits without City Council approval. On motion of Councilman GallaSter , seconded by Councilman Miller, to approve the re- quest of Mrs. Filipponi to connect to the City sewer system, Ito the signing of an Agreement or Covenant, guaranteeing that the property owner would not oppose annex- ation when requested by the City, and that the property owner would pay all costs for connecting to the City sewer system. Motion carried. 3. Communication from Mrs, James E. Rich, requesting a reduction in her water rate due to the poor quality of water and the low pressure from the City. This property lies outside the City of San Luis Obispo and is served by a gravity system. Price Thompson, Director of Water Department, reported to the City Council that in order to adequately serve this property, it Would be necessary for a sand filter to be in- stalled and some method of increasing the pressure. He recommended that the City Council not spend Water Department funds to serve one customer outside the City when other areas inside the City need more adequate service. Mrs. Rich appeared before the City Council and stated that, as renters, they realized e$i property owner did not wish to spend a substantial amount of money putting in the necessary equipment to adequately serve one property, but she felt that the City should reduce the rate, as they are paying a penalty rate outside the City but are receiving a poor quality and quantity of water. Mayor Whelchel stated that he felt the tenant should look to the landlord to either ade- quate y serve this property with water or to reduce the rent to the tenant, rather than requesting the City to reduce the water rate. Councilman Miller stated that he agreed with the Mayor's comments, and then gave ex- amples of cases where property owners inside the City had assessed themselves through an Assessment District proceeding such as the Yoakum District, to supply adequate water and sewer to their tenants. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Spy, that the request of the ' Rich's be denied. Motion carried. 4. Communication from the Acting Planning Director, recommending that the City Council abandon that portion of Motley Street lying northerly of Fredericks Street to the southerly line of Lot 7. B. Iii. Walter, Actin Pla.nning'Director, explained the conditions of the abandonment and Urged t e council procee . Messrs. Richard Shaple and Glenn Rich, and Dr. Ralph Collins, owners of property adjacent to e propos�aban onmcl— ent, appeare ore the City Council urging that the Council proceed as expeditiously as possible with this abandonment so that they could proceed with their plans for development of their property. -2- Minutes - Regular Meeting of City Council December 19, 1966 Upon question by the Mayor, Mr. Rich and Dr. Collins both agreed that once the Motley Street portion was abandoned, they would improve half the street adjacent to their pro- perty with curb, gutter, and sidewalk. Mr. Rich also said he would be glad to deed a strip of land if necessary to improve the curb alignment. ' On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Gallagher, the following Resolution was introduced7-- Resolution No. 1636 (1966 Series), A Resolution. of Intention to Abandon a Portion of Motley Street. asked and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Blake, Gallagher, Miller, Spring, and Mayor Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 5. At this time, the City Council held a public hearing on the recommendation of the Traffic Committee to paint 60' of red zone on.both sides of Lizzie Street east of Johnson Avenue, in an attempt to alleviate congestion at this intersection. J. H. Fitzpatrick, City Clerk, reported that both property owners involved had been notified of the hearing. David F. Romero, City Engineer, explained what would happen if the recommendation of a Tra c Committee was.approved and'stated that he felt this would help the con- gestion at the Lizzie - Johnson intersection. Mayor Whelchel declared the public hearing open. No one appeared before the City Council. ' Mayor Whelchel declared the public hearing closed. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Miller, the following Resolution was introduced: Resolution No. 1637 (1966 Series), A Resolution Establishing Parking Restrictions on Lizzie Street. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Blake, Gallagher, Miller, Spring, and Mayor Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 6. At this time, the City Council held a public auction for lease of approximately 53.3 acres of grazing land at the City Sewer Plant. (Minimum bid of $2.50 per acre.) Richard Tartaglia appeared before the City Council, objecting to the Council, in their call for bids, vviing the Sewer Farm property into two parcels, as he felt it would make it more difficult, not only for the lessees who would be required to move cattle from one field to another, but to the City in attempting to work with two individual renters. He felt that the most advantageous thing for the City would be to lease the entire parcel to one renter. David F. Romero, City Engineer, explained that so far as operation of the Sewage Treat- ment Plant was concerned, it was advantageous to lease the entire Sewer Farm property to one party, since the plant operator then could deal with only one person and would have more flexibility in disposal of effluent water. Richard Tartaglia again asked the Council if the lessees could farm the property or could only use it for grazing. The City Council stated they had never considered the lease for farming, as the crops might hinder periods when the water might be put on various fields, but they had never made a decision on this matter. Ken Jones , Water Pollution Control Board, appeared before the City Council and stated he was sure there were very few crops that could be planted in this area using sewer effluent that could then be harvested and used for human consumption. He said it was his feeling that the conditions would far outweigh any possible advantages and that the City should not allow farming. -3- Minutes - Regular Meeting of City Council December 19, 1966 The City Council agreed that the lease would be just for grazing and not for any type of farming operation. Councilman Gallagher stated that it would be his feeling that the entire parcel be leased to o y one person for Metter control by the City. ' Councilman Spring stated he also felt that one lessee should have the entire Sewer Farm property. Mayor Whelchel stated that he favored putting up the two parcels separately, as he could see no major problems for the City or the operator. Councilman Blake stated that he felt that he would rather see one lessee for all the land, as it would ma a for a better operation of the Sewer Farm, and also for the cattle oper- ation. Councilman Miller stated he felt that there could be problems, having two separate lessees, but fe-rt—ffiat as the two parcels are physically separated by the creek, they should rent it as two separate parcels. It was the consensus that the majority of the Council favored the leasing of the entire acreage under one lease. Mayor Whelchel opened the public auction for the entire 53.3 acres. First Bid: Mr. Ben Connolly, representing Stiefel Brothers, bid $2.50 per acre. Second Bid: Hope Cattle Company, bid $2.75 per acre. ' Final Bid: Tkz. Ben Connolly, representing, Stiefel Brothers, bid $3.50 per acre per month. On motion of Councilman Galls er, seconded by Councilman Spring, the following Ordinance was introduced: Ordinance No. 363 (1966 Series), An Ordinance Approving Lease of Sewer Farm Property to Stiefel Brothers and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Same. Introduced and Passed to Print on the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Blake, Gallagher, Miller, Spring, and Mayor 'V!Ihelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 7. At this time, the City Council held a public hearing on the adoption of Ordinance No. 360, An Ordinance Amending Portions of Article M, Chapter 1, Part 2 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, to Adopt the Uniform Fire Code. Mayor Whelchel declared the public hearing open. Lee M. Schlobohin, Fire Chief, presented a report to the City Council, urging the adop- tion of its Code and answere some of the questions posed by members of the Council. Mayor Whelchel declared the public hearing closed. ' Cn motion of Councilman Galla er, seconded by Councilman Muller, Ordinance No. 360 was Introduced and Passed to erint on the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Blake, Gallagher, Miller, Spring, and Nayor Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 8. At this time, the City Council held a public hearing on the adoption of Ordinance No. 362, An Emergency Ordinance Extending Ordinance No. 354, Defining, Regulating, Requir ng Permits in Certain Zones, Ordering Removal, regulating Maintenance and Construction of Signs and Billboards Within the City of San Luis Obispo. Mayor Whelchel declared the public hearing open. -4- Minutes - Regular Meeting of City Council December 19, 1966 No one appeared before the City Council. Mayor Whelchel declared the public hearing closed. On motion of Councilman Spring. seconded Councilman Gallagher, Ordinance No. 362 was Introduced and Finally ssed on the following roll can vote: AYES: Councilmen Blake, Gallagher, Miller, Spring, and Mayor Vrhelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 9. At this time the City Council considered the adoption of Resolution No. 1631 (1966 Series), A Resolution Requesting the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Fffo Take Neces- sary Steps to make 1% Sales Tax Uniform Within the Cities in Said County. On motion of Councilman Hiller, seconded by Councilman Spring, Resolution No. 1631 was Passed and Adopted onn- a following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Blake, Gallagher, Miller, Spring, and Mayor Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 10. Communication from the Division of Highways notifying the City Council of the level of landscaping that they plan for the 101 Freeway between Los Osos Road and Marsh Street. The communication also clarified for the Council the different levels of landscaping pro- vided by the State. Communication was received and filed. 11. Communication from Senator Donald Grunsky, asking if the City Council was satisfied with the results of their request to the Division of Highways for landscaping on Highway No. 1 between Murray and Boysen. Senator Grunsky stated that, if the Council was not satisfied, he would be very pleased to proceed to see what could be done to get this landscaping put back into an acceptable condition. Communication was received and filed. 12. At this time the City Council considered the Agreement, Deed of Trust, and Promissory Note from Young Brothers Investment Company, Inc., providing for extension of sewer and water transmission lines to their property on Edna Road and the payment therefor. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman.Gallagher, the following Reso- lution was introduced: Resolution No. 1629 (1966 Series), A Resolution Authorizing Execution of Agreement Between the City—o-f-San Luis Obispo and Young Brothers Investment Company, Inc. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Blake, Gallagher, Miller, Spring, and Mayor Whelchel NOES: None 1 ABSENT: None On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Gallagher, the following Reso- lution was introduced: Resolution No. 1635 (1966 Series), A Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Quitclaim Deed from Young r -others Investment Company, Inc. Passed and adopted on the follow- ing roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Blake, Gallagher, X ller, Spring, and Via.yor Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None -5- Minutes - Regular Meeting of City Council December 19, 1966 13. Communication from the Human Relations Commission requesting that the Council trans- mit the factual data on the Housing Attitude Study to the Governor's Commission to Study the Rumford Act. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Gallagher, the request was ' approved and the report was authorized to be forwarded to a vernor's Commission to Study the Rumford Act. Motion carried. 14. Communication from the Human Relations Commission requesting approval of appoint- ments to fill vacancies and appointments of officers. The Human Relations Commission requests approval of the following appointments to fill vacant positions on the Commission: Ivr. Gilbert Bruce, Nr. James Duenow, and Mr. David Humphers. The Commission also requests approval of the appointment of the following officers for the ensuing term: Chairman Rev. Bruce Tjaden 1st Vice - Chairman Nir. Garnett Hopkins 2nd Vice - Chairman Mrs. Ruth Wirshup On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman Blake; the appointments, as recommended by the Human TeNt5ons Commission, were approved. 15. Memorandum from David F. Romero, City Engineer, and E. L. Rodgers, Police Chief, regarding the parking situation in the vicinity of the Post Office. Communication ordered received and filed. ' 16. Communication from David F. Romero, City Engineer, requesting that the City require a saw cut when necessary to excavate through concrete streets or sidewalks. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Galls er, the following Reso- lution was introduced. Resolution No. 1638 (1966 Series), A Resolution Requiring Saw Cuts for Excavations in Concrete Streets or idewalks. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Blake, Gallagher, Miller, Spring, and Mayor Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 17. Report from David F. Romero, City Engineer, on 'a cost estimate for the widening of Pismo Street between Osos and Santa Rosa Streets. David F. Romero, City Engineer, said that this request had been made by the Traffic Committee and that two proposals would be feasible: 1. Widening equally on both sides of Pismo Street, which would remove and replace the curb, gutter, sidewalk, and driveway ramps, and would widen the street to 40 feet. 2. To take the widening on the City Park side, removing the curb, gutter, 1 and sidewalk, and placing the sidewalk on the Park side of the trees, with the trees in the parkway. Ivor. Romero estimated that the first proposal would cost $18,000; the second, $16,000. The City Council discussed the benefits of widening one block of Pismo Street, when they feel that the entire length of Pismo is too narrow to adequately handle the traffic contem- plated for this loop street. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Spring, the City Engineer was requested to prepare a stulk-aln-a cost estimate to make Pismo and Buchon Streets a one- way street pair. Motion carried. Minutes - Regular Meeting of City Council December 19, 1966 18. Communication from David F. Romero, City Engineer, relative to the highway deficien- cies for both State Highways and County Roads in the vicinity of San Luis Obispo. Communication was received and filed, and ordered held over to a study session. 19. Communication from the Acting Planning Director regarding the annexation of property in the Johnson - Orcutt Road area. The City Council discussed the recommendation of the Planning Commission but felt that, in order to make it a more logical annexation, the PG &E plant on Johnson Avenue should be included in the annexation. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by'CounciIman Galls er, the City Staff was requested to proceed with a annexation as approved. Motion carried. 20. Communication from Lee M. Schlobohm, Fire Chief, relative to Fire Safety Inspection of the City Hall, listing deficiencies to be corrected. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Gallagher, the City was in- structed to have their fire safety deficiencies cleared by January , 1967, and the Rifle Clubs were given sixty (60) days to comply with correcting the deficiencies listed. Motion carried. 21. The City Council discussed the conditions for the call for bids to lease a portion of the Reservoir #2 site for storage of equipment. The City Council discussed several complaints relative to the operation in the past and felt that the bid notice and lease should contain some provision that the lessees would con- trol the sand used in sandblasting to protect adjacent properties and the City Reservoir. ' After discussion, the City Council also felt that the minimum bid of $7.00 per acre per month should be. established. Price Thompson, Director of Water Department, was requested to prepare a plot plan of e entire parcel, owing wnat could be leased and what would be operated by the City. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Galls er, the notice was approved as amended. 22. On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman Miller, the following Ordi- nance was introduced for ffia passage: Ordinance No. 359, An Ordinance Regulating Vehicles Illegally Parked on Private or Public Property in lie City of San Luis Obispo. Finally Passed on the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Blake, Gallagher, Miller, Spring, and Mayor 17Jhelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 23. On motion of Councilman SpM�ii�nn , seconded by Councilman Gallagher, the following Crdi- nance was introduced for final passage: Ordinance No. 361, An Ordinance Confirming the Sale and Authorizing Execution of the Deed to Certainoperty Adjacent to Buena Vista Street. Finally Passed on the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Blake, Gallagher, Miller, Spring, and Mayor v7helchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 24. Communication from the Department of Housing and Urban Development denying our re- quest for Federal financial assistance under the 'Water and Sewer Facilities Grant Pro- gram. Communication was received and filed. -7- Minutes - Regular kleeting of City Council December 19, 1966 25. Communication from O. J. Gullickson, Deputy Director of Civil Defense, regarding emergency generator for the EBS. Communication was received and filed. 26. List of properties lacking improvements where 50% of the block is already improved was considered by the City Council. The City Engineer was authorized to set a hearing on this matter for January 16, 1967. 9 :50 P.M. - Mayor Whelchel declared a recess. 10 :00 P.M. - Meeting reconvened - All Councilmen present. -------- - - - --- 27. A. Communication from the City Attorney relative to appraisals of property to be ac- quired by the City for public purposes. Harold Johnson, City Attorney, explained that it was important that the City Attorney nave contidence in me appraiser selected to set a value on property to be acquired by the City and that considerable time could be saved if the Council would authorize the City Attorney to obtain any and all appraisals required in connection with property presently planned for acquisition by the City, and those properties which may be approved for ac - quisition in the future. On motion of Mayor Whelchel, seconded by Councilman Gallagher, the City Attorney was authorized to retain appraisers for future projects, rep6i g back to the City Council only after the appraisals had been completed. Motion carried. ' B. Harold Johnson, CLtZ Attorney, asked the City Council for a clarification on the exist- ing policy for contact with property owners on street widening acquisitions, so that the policy would authorize the City Engineer's Office to obtain a current appraisal from the City Clerk's Office, rather than applying the fixed formula of four (4) times the assessed value. The City Council authorized the City Engineer's Office to obtain such appraisals in the future, but the City Engineer requested that this authorization take the form of a formal Resolution, since there was a previous policy in Resolution form now in effect. The matter was referred to the City Attorney and City Engineer for preparation of a Resolution amending existing policy, for Council consideration at the next regular meeting. 28. Communication from Lyle F. Carpenter regarding the retirement of Muriel Porter. On motion of Councilman Spring, seconded by Councilman Blake, the following Resolution was introduced: Resolution No. 1639, (1966 Series), A Resolution Commending Muriel Porter and Express- ing Appreciation her Service to San Luis Obispo City and County Residents and their State Senators. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmen Blake, Gallagher, Miller, Spring, and Mayor Whelchel ' NOES: None ABSENT: None 29. On motion of Councilman Galla er, seconded by Councilman Spy, the Mayor was authorized to accept and record, on behalf of the City, a Covenantt rom the San Luis Auto Park and Peram Corporations, guaranteeing not to oppose annexation to the City when re- quested by the Council. Motion carried. 30. Notice from Gerald E. Omoth of filing on Bond of Development Associates for work done in Tract 292 for work performed but not paid for. Communication was received and filed. IM 1 Minutes - Regular Meeting of City Council December 19, 1966 31. Council consideration of the following salary step increases, effective January 1, 1967. On motion of Councilman Galla er, seconded by Councilman Blake, the following salary step increases were approved, all to be effective January 1, lT67-7 Name Carmack, N. Wayne Dittman, Larry K. Eddy, Vivian Freer, Susan L. Hayes, Janet Hoerntlein, John L.Jr. Love, Mary Bell Pinedo, Paul Position Police Officer Police Cfficer Stenographer Dispatcher Clerk Parking Enforcement Officer Police Officer Stenographer janitor From To $521, Step 2 $550, Step 3 550, Step 3 582, Step 4 375, Step 1 395, Step 2 355, Step 1 375, Step 2 405, Step 1 430, Step 2 521, Step 2 550, Step 3 442, Step 4 467, Step 5 355, Step 1 375, Step 2 On motion of Councilman ring, 'seconded by Councilman Gallagher, the present $835 Sp monthly salary of Acting nnmg Director Burton M. Walter is to continued until Mr. Walter's retirement. Motion carried. 32. Richard D. Miller, Administrative Officer, announced the promotion of Duane Musgrave from Police Officer to Police Sergeant, effective December 16, 1966, at Step 4, $635 per month, subject to a probationary period of one year. 33. David F. Romero, City Engineer, made the following progress report on street widening acquisitions: Foothill Boulevard between Broad and Chorro: A Union Oil Company engineer was in ' during the- week of December 12th to review the possibilities. No further action. West Side of Santa Rosa Street between Palm and Monterey Streets: Construction work on ff- e rc os wi ening is appr matey completed. esign on the Standard Station widening is delayed pending receipt of information from Standard Oil Company regarding underground utilities. No further action was taken on acquisition of additional street widening pending Council action regarding Mr. Johnson's suggestions in his letter of December 2nd pertaining to valuations used for property acquisition. Communication was received and filed. 34. Paul E. Landell, Jr., President, City Employees' Association, appeared before the City Council to discuss the request of e mp oyees Association for adjustments to the City Employees' Fringe Benefit Program. Mr. Landell asked the City Council to reconsider its action relative to vacation policy for City emp oyees. He stated that a study made of nine (9) agencies showed that the City of San Luis Obispo granted its employees less vacation time than any of the other agencies studied. Mir. Landell then listed the agencies reviewed and the vacation policies of each. Mr. Landell stated that his organization felt an adjusted vacation period should be adopted by the City, in conjunction with the cities surveyed. He suggested that the employees be given 10 days of vacation for up to 5 years of employment; 12 days of vacation between the 5th and 10th year of employment; 15 days of vacation after 10 years of employment; and 18 days of vacation after 15 years of employment. Mr. Landell also wished the City Council to reconsider its action relative to the allowable accu Lion of sick leave, as the City again, of all the agencies reviewed, allowed the least accumulation. He felt that unlimited accumulation was the fairest approach, but felt that he and the Association would be willing to consider an average of the agencies surveyed, or 120 days. Mr. Landell also asked the City Council to reconsider the advanced payment of an employees employeesw heck which will be paid while he is on vacation. He felt this would make it easier and provide for a better vacation for some of the employees who would be on vacation when a particular paycheck was issued. ME Minutes - Regular Meeting of City Council December 19, 1966 j. H. Fitzpatrick, City Clerk, upon question, stated that this could be worked out as far as preparing the checks, if the City Council so desired. The City Council asked Ivir. Landell if he had reviewed the vacation policies of the utilities and private companies in the immediate San Luis Obispo area and, if not, could he do so and return to the first meeting in January, with the Council then discussing the vacation policy with him. Mr. Landell said he would be more than pleased to obtain additional information for the Council.. - As far as sick leave was concerned, the City Council agreed to increase the allowable accumulation to 120 days for each employee. On the matter of vacation pay, the Council stated that, for the time being, rather than prepare an extra pay check, the Finance Department would be asked to either deposit the check to the bank of the employees' choice or mail the check to wherever he would be on vacation. On motion of Councilman Galla er, seconded by Councilman Blake, the following changes were made to employees benefits, effective January 1, 1967: 1. Sick Leave - accumulation up to a maximum of 120 days. 2. 5 days vacation hol d over, with approval of the Department head. 3. Pay for all vacation earned at time of separation from City employment. 4. Deposit of employee's pay check while on vacation. Motion carried. 35. Communication from the San Luis Obispo City Firemen's Association regarding adjust meats to the salary for City Firemen. Communication was referred to a future budget session. 36. Councilman Spring brought to the Council's attention the fact that the Cornet Store was available for purchase and that the existing operator was moving out and suggested that the City purchase this property for construction of a City Parking Lot at this location, as he felt this was an area in the City needing customer parking and this lot could be used advantageously by shoppers. David F. Romero, City Engineer, presented a sketch showing the design of the lot. He Rplainect tnat J6 spaces could be provided with a loss of 2 on the curb, to give a net of 34 spaces at approximately $300 per space improvement cost. He pointedout, however, that the property lent itself only to a design that would require entrance and exit from Higuera Street and that this situation would create serious traffic congestion on Higuera Street, numerous conflicts with pedestrians in the sidewalk, and would present difficul- ties in providing a turn- around within the parking lot in cases where all stalls were occupied. He suggested an alternate layout which would allow an exit across the Warden Bridge onto Monterey Street. He suggested that if a parking lot is developed at this site, it will be necessary to construct a traffic signal at the intersection of Garden and Higuera in order to allow for a partial solution to the traffic congestion which will be created. Mayor Whelchel stated he was opposed to the construction of a parking lot in this block as he felt it would cause congestion on Higuera Street by cars entering and exiting the lot. He agreed that the City should buy the property, but felt it should be purchased to be in- corporated into the Mission Plaza Development. He was opposed to a parking lot in this block. Councilman Blake stated that he felt this was a good use of the land and, by putting a park- ing lot in s lock, it would be an asset to the merchants and, further, that the purchase price would be paid for by the Parking District. He felt this would also be an asset to the future Mission Plaza. Development. -10- 1 1 1 Minutes - Regular Meeting of City Council December 19, 1966 j. B. McDonald, President of the Downtown Association, agreed that the proposal for a parking lot on Higuera Street was a good one and was needed now, as the merchants in this particular block were having a difficult time providing parking for their customers. He also felt that, probably, the City could condemn the adjacent Vollmer property, which would make this parking lot much more adequate and would also provide a walkway to the Mission Plaza area. Mr. McDonald congratulated the City Council for its farsightedness, as he felt the parking lot at this location would encourage adjacent merchants and property owners to proceed with development of their properties as a step toward completion of the Mission Plaza Project. Councilman Gallagher stated he felt this would be a good development for parking and felt that a par a g ioi in uus area would open up the creek area and allow walking from Broad Street to the lot and open up the area for further Mission Plaza development. Councilman Blake stated he felt that a parking lot in this area would be the salvation of the downtown area and would help hold the core together. Councilman Miller agreed that the acquisition of this parcel and construction of a parking of w a -good thing for the City and, further, that this would be a first step to open- ing up the entire Mission Plaza area to Higuera Street. On motion of Councilman S tin , seconded by Councilman Gallagher, that the City proceed with the purchase of the ornet property, using off - street p-ar-En-g-Tunds. Motion carried. 37. E. L. Rodgers, Police Chief, presented a report to the City Council regarding the activi- ties of the Police Department, the salary problems, working conditions, and the question of maximum age for patrolmen. Chief Rodgers stated he felt very strongly that the minimum age of 21 - 30 for police recruits not be changed, as the police operation in the nation is changing and younger, brighter, more alert officers are needed to cope with the day to day problems. The City Council stated that it would consider the communication relative to salaries and other working conditions at the time next year's budget is discussed. It was the majority consensus of the Council that the minimum age requirements be changed from a maximum of 30 years to 35 years, with the Police Chief and the Personnel Officer to still be selective in their appointments. 11:00 PM - the City Council adjourned to Executive Session to discuss pending litigation. 11 :50 PM - the Council reconvened - All Councilmen present. 38. Richard D. Miller, Administrative Officer, brought to the Council's attention the problem of Manuel Car oza, lessee of grazing ]an2rat the Whale flock Reservoir, that due to bad weather he has been unable to get his cattle out to sell and asked if he could make the annual rental payment by paying $2, 000 at this time and the balance within a week. The City Council stated they had no objection to this arrangement. The meeting adjourned at 12 :00 P. M. on motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Gallaghe r, and carried. Approved: January 3, 1967 m -11- H. FI� TRICK CITY CLERK