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Pledge
Roll Call
Present
City Staff
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
February 22, 1972 - 7:00 P.M.
City Hall
Emmons Blake, John C. Brown, Myron Graham,
T. Keith Gurnee, Kenneth E. Schwartz
Present: J. H. Fitzpatrick, City Clerk; W. Flory,
Director of Parks 8 Recreation; R. D. Miller,
Administrative Officer; J. Quirk, Assistant
Director, Water Department; D. F. Romero,
City Engineer; A. J. Shaw, City Attorney,
R. D. Young, Planning Director.
Mayor Schwartz read a proclamation honoring the Future Farmers of
America and declaring the week of February 19 through 26 as FFA week in
San Luis Obispo.
C -1. The Council approved payment of claims against the ,City subject
to the approval of the Administrative Officer.
C -2. On motion of Councilman Brown, seconded by Councilman Graham,
James A. D'Albro was nominated to fill the vacancy on the Citizens'
Advisory Committee left by the resignation of Robert Newhart whose term
would expire June 30, 1975. Motion carried.
C -3. The minutes of the Council.meetings of February 7 and 14, 1972
were approved as corrected.
C -4. A communication from the Public Utilities Commission regarding
a request of REA Express Company to rearrange its operations in the
Atascadero -San Luis Obispo area was received and filed.
C -5. The Mayor was authorized to accept and record a grant deed of
sewer easement from West Coast, Inc. (D.E.-Stickler and E.N. Oldham), for
property on Southwood Drive.
C -6. The following salary step increases were approved effective
March 1, 1972:
Robert R. Carrasco, Police Officer
From Step 3 or:$824 to Step 4 or $868
Alice E. Dopp, Senior Librarian
From Step 3 or $758 to Step 4 or $796
Melinda J. Kennedy, Dispatcher Clerk
From Step 1 or $484 to Step 2 or $512
Dean L. Treanor, Police Officer
From Step 1 or $734 to Step 2 or $776
City Council Minutes
February 22, 1972
Page 2
C -7. The City Council received a communication from the City Employee's
Association regarding Item 6 of the Memorandum of Understanding, a benefits
pamphlet which was promised but not received.
R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, reported that the pamphlet had been
distributed to all employees. I
C -8. The City Council received a communication from the American
National Red Cross notifying the City Council of a seminar on local
emergency resources to be held February 26.
R. D. Miller; Administrative Officer, reported that Tom Harding, Deputy
Director of Civil Defense, would represent the City at this meeting.
C -9.. A.-�commuh:i.cafl.oh -f.rom :the Fire Department.-regarding a proposed
site for the Laguna Lake area fire station was referred to the City
Attorney.
C -10. The Parks and Recreation Department was authorized to call for
bids for street tree pruning in the Highland Drive area.
C -11. A claim from Everett M. Chandler, 2045 Skylark Lane, for damages
due to blockage of the City sewer main was referred to the City's insur-
ance carrier.
C -12. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Graham,
the following resolution was introduced.. RESOLUTION N0. 2273, a reso-
lution joining the region 1 -A Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Pact and -
approving the region 1 -A Mutual Aid Operational Plan.
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
C -13. Consideration of payment of legal fees for former Councilman
Frank Gallagher, incurred as a result of a legal suit over alleged
remarks made by him while a City Councilman was referred to the execu-
tive session at the end of the meeting.
C -14. The Council accepted with regret the resignation of Rev. George
Aki from the City Housing Authority. The Council subcommittee was asked
to recommend a new appointment.
On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Graham, the consent
items were approved as indicated. Motion carried.
1. At this time the City Council considered the final passage of
Ordinance No. 543, an ordinance amending the Official Zone Map of the
City of San Luis Obispo. (to rezone property at the rear of 401 South
Higuera from C -H to R -H -S).
City Council Minutes
February 22, 1972
Page 3
R. D. Young, Planning Director, explained the recommendations of the
Planning Commission and what was to be accomplished by the rezoning.
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing open.
No one appeared for or against the rezoning.
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing closed.
On motion of Councilman Gurnee•, seconded by Councilman Graham, the
following ordinance was introduced for final passage. ORDINANCE 543, an
ordinance amending the Official Zone Map of the City of San Luis Obispo.
Finally passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Emmons Blake, John C. Brown, Myron Graham,
T. Keith Gurnee, Kenneth E. Schwartz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
6. The City Council received a communication from C. F. Richards
and Mrs. C. L. Whitaker of Bullock Lane requesting permission to install
a one -inch water meter to serve their properties outside the City. This
particular service has been in operation since 1943.
John Quirk, Assistant Water Director, recommended that the City Council
allow this installation at the cost of the property owners with the
meter within the City limits. He stated that this particular service
line was completely deteriorated and renewal of the line would be of
great help to the City and the property owners.
On motion of Councilman Brown, seconded by Councilman Gurnee, the City
Attorney and the Assistant Water Director were directed to draw up an
agreement, and the matter was continued to March 6, 1972. Motion carried.
2. At this time the City Council held a public hearing on the report
of the Superintendent of Streets on the cost of the work to construct
sidewalk, curb and gutter under the provisions of the 1911 Improvement Act
for:
A. E. Arthurs 411 Grand Avenue $509.00
The following property owners.requested that they be allowed to pay this
assessment in three annual installments:
A.E. & R.N. Andreoli
R.E. & V.R. Cripe
D. Jr. & A.W. Hill
R.Z. & V.M. Nagy
W.G. Shelton and
R.D. Newell
H.L. Jr.& A.B. Wright
390 Kentucky $1,826.80
1340 Fredericks
2761 Johnson Ave. 1,329.50
1219 Bond Street 164.00
2697 Johnson Ave. 601.60
2795 Johnson Ave. 600.00
2525 Johnson Avenue 494.00
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing open.
No one appeared before the City Council opposing the assessment.
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing closed.
City Council Minutes
February 22, 1972
Page 4
On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Graham, the follow-
ing resolution was introduced. RESOLUTION NO. 2274, a resolution
confirming costs of sidewalks constructed under the 1911 Act.
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
10. D. F. Romero, City Engineer, requested Council determination as
to whether a grading permit fee should be charged for use of a temporary
quarry near the Southwood area, as follows:
In 1958 the City issued a use permit, for a temporary rock quarry for
the Lindero Investment Company property in the Southwood Subdivision on
Orcutt Road. Since there is some question as to whether this use permit
is still valid, Wesley Watkins received permission from the Planning
Commission and the City Engineer for a grading permit to remove 5000
cubic yards of material. The permit was issued with the notation that,
"permit fee is not collected at this time pending Council determination
as to whether a fee should be charged ".
A. J. Shaw, City Attorney, felt that the work authorized by the 1958
temporary permit issued by the Planning Commission may not have been
completed. He suggested that the Watkins Company could be authorized
to proceed with a grading permit with the fee waived, and that the
Council could request the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing
to determine if the 1958 temporary quarry permit was still valid. If
not, the Planning Commission should cancel and void the 1958 permit.
Councilman Blake felt the present request was a continuation of the use
of the quarry and felt that Watkins should get by without paying a fee.
A. J. Shaw, City Attorney, again stated that regardless of the action by
the City Council on this matter, the Planning Commission should hold a
public hearing on the temporary permit and set a time limit for com-
pletion of the work under the original temporary permit, but some
decision should be made.
Mayor Schwartz felt that the conditions of the temporary use permit
granted by the Planning Commission in 1958 were much different from the
conditions as they exist now and he felt that the Planning Commission
should hold a hearing and determine whether the conditions of the use
permit were still valid, for example, with the area built up now, was
this operation detrimental to the health, safety, welfare, morals, etc.
for the people living and working in the area..
Councilman Brown felt that after reading the Planning Commission's
resolution granting the temporary use permit, that the permit had long
been expired as the rock was to be used in the adjacent subdivision
which had been completed for several years.
On motion of Councilman Brown, seconded by Mayor Schwartz, the City
Council found that the Planning Commission Res. 195 -58 granting a use
permit for a temporary quarry terminated many years ago due to the
change in the conditions of the permit. Motion carried.
D. F. Romero, City Engineer, warned the City Council that the attorney
for Morgan Flagg felt the permit was still valid and had stated that he
was willing to test it in court if the Council took any action to cancel
the permit.
1
1
City Council Minutes
February 22, 1972
Page 5
On motion of Councilman Brown, seconded by.Councilman Gurnee, the City
Engineer mas instructed to collect a grading permit fee from the present
applicant. Motion carried with Councilmen Graham and Blake voting no.
3. At this time the City Council held a public hearing on
Resolution No. 2246, a resolution of intention to abandon'a portion of
Foothill Boulevard.
D. F. Romero, City Engineer, presented a sketch showing what was being
recommended for abandonment and gave some of the history involved in
the other abandonments in this area.
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing open.
No one appeared for or against the abandonment.
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing closed.
On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Brown, the follow-
ing resolution was introduced confirming the abandonment. RESOLUTION 2275
a resolution finding and determining that a portion of Foothill Boulevard
is unnecessary for present or propsective street purposes and ordering
the abandonment of same..
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
11. The City Council received a communication from the Parks and
Recreation Commission regarding Senate Bill No. 3027 to form the Lopez
Canyon Wilderness Area. It was the feeling of the Commission that if
the City owned property in Lopez Canyon were included, in the wilderness
area, it would limit the City's ability to develop meaningful recreation
on this property. They also felt that allowing the City property to be
included would jeopardize the deed to the property due to restrictions
placed by the Sinsheime� Brothers Corporation when donating the property
to the City. Therefore, the Commission recommended support of the .
wilderness act for the Lopez Canyon Area but recommended that the City
Council-take appropriate action to amend their resolution and request
exclusion of the City property due to possible loss of control, deed
restrictions and the plans the City has would actually enhance the
wilderness area by developing an entrance to it..
On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Gurnee, that the
City Council accept the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation
Commission and that a letter be sent to Senators Cranston and Tunney on
the City's position relative to the Lopez Wilderness Area. Motion
carried.
12. Communication from the Parks and Recreation Department request-
ing Council authority to proceed with the refurbishing of the Senior
Citizens' Center at Mitchell Park.
W. Flory, Parks and Recreation. Director, submitted an estimated cost for
the refurbishing including painting, equipment, furnishing, etc. neces-
sary to meet all requirements of the Fire and Health Departments. The
estimated cost of labor and materials would be $10,411.27..
R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, stated that the Council had pre-
viously added $10,000 to the 1971/72 Budget under Capital Outlay for this
renovation.
City Council Minutes
February 22, 1972
Page 6
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Council.man Graham, the request
was approved and the Park and Recreation Department was authorized to
proceed. Motion carried.
13. Communication from the Park and Recreation Department regarding
short range goals and the need for additional personnel and facilities
to keep the present program moving ahead without any increase in the
program.
W. Flory, Director, stated that the Park and Recreation Commission recom-
mended that the City Council make available immediatley additional funds
for hiring recreation leaders for the remainder of the 1971/72 fiscal
year in the amount of $1,000 and that an additional $1,638 be added to
keep maintenance of parks areas at an acceptable level for the balance
of the fiscal year. He also briefly reviewed the other elements of the
report prepared by his department showing the needs of the department
and the lack of funds to accomplish goals.
Mayor Schwartz spoke in favor of the request stating that the money could
be taken out of General Funds for the completion of this fiscal year.
On motion of Mayor Schwartz, seconded by Councilman Gurnee, the follow-
ing resolution was introduced. RESOLUTION NO. 2272, a resolution
increasing the 1971/72 Budget..
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
14. Communication from the Park and Recreation Commission stating
that the Commission had held hearings with the staff showing that under
existing financial limitations curtailment of the program would take
place and park maintenance standards would not be met due to inability
to hire sufficient personnel to carry the program desired by the commun=
ity. The Commission continued that for the 1972/73 fiscal year they
would need additional personnel and funds for additional materials and
supplies to carry on an accellerated recreation and parks program. They
recommended that the City Council take immediate steps to initiate pro-
cedures to levy a 5% utility users tax on the citizens of San Luis
Obispo with a fair share ear - marked for maintenance and operation of
the Parks and Recreation Department.
The City Council agreed that the Park and Recreation Department was
working under a financial handicap due to the limitations of the City
Charter but referred the request to the City's budget study sessions
later in the year.
4. At this time the City Council held a public hearing on the
consideration of the final passage of ORDINANCE NO. 537, an ordinance for
the regulation of assemblies in residential areas (T.G.I.F. ordinance).
A. J. Shaw, City Attorney, reviewed the reasons behind the Council re-
ceiving proposed Ordinance No. 537, based on complaints caused by
certain so- called T.G.I.F. parties in residential areas. He also
reviewed the recommendations presented by the Human Relations Commission
which would authorized the regulation of these assemblies by the spon-
sors with volunteers acting as monitors or as a controlling committee.
City Council Minutes
February 22, 1972
Page 7
Mr. Shaw felt that now the City Council should consider which way it
wished to go - -the strict regulation of Ordinance No. 537 or the self -
regulation proposed by the Human Relations Commission? As far as the
Human Relations Commission recommendation was concerned, he still felt
the City Council should be aware that if a City representative served on
the T.G.I.F. permit board, the City could be exposed to extensive
liability as a sponsor or abserver of these activities. Or the City
' might compromise its ability to enforce existing laws for the protection
of the neighborhood. He stated that if the Council desired to adopt the
self - regulation proposal of the Human Relations Commission, he would
recommend the following:
1. Recognition of the proposed plan for self - regulation.
2. Notification that the City will not participate in the Plan,
but that the City is hopeful the Plan will work.
3. Directive to all City employees and representatives that their
participation in TG's or on the Governing Board is in private
capacity and not as an agent of the City.
4. Notification that the City intends to vigorously enforce any
and all existing laws for the protection of the peace and property
of City residents.
Mr. Shaw then presented for the Council's consideration an amended
Ordinance 537 for the abatement of assemblages constituting a public
nuisance in residential areas and for assessment of cost of abatement.
H. Woolpert, Chairman of the Human Relations Commission, reveiwed for the
Council the recommendation of the T.G.I.F. Committee in attempting to
inaugurate self - regulation of the parties by the persons involved. He
continued that the HRC and the subcommittee felt that Ordinance 537 was
too restrictive and prohibitive and would cause more problems than it
would solve. He hoped that the City Council would at least allow the
self - regulation proposal to be tried between now and the end of the
academic year. He also hoped that the City Council would ask the Park
and Recreation Department and Commission and the Police Department to
see if something could be worked out to again use parks for this type
of party.
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing open.
Wally Geed Chairman of the Inter Fraternity Council at Cal Poly, spoke
to the Council on behalf of the proposed self - regulation rules concerning
TG's and other parties in the community. He stated that the IFC and
other housing groups in the City had reviewed the regulations and felt
they could comply with them and would try to do so. He then reviewed with
the Council the proposed self - regulation rules which had been corrected
by the Inter Fraternity Council to eliminate any reference to approval,
support or sponsorship of the TGIF parties.
The City Council discussed the type of things that could occur under the
self - regulation rules and how they would be handled by the sponsors.
Councilman Gurnee felt the best way would be for the members of the house
to contact their neighbors who might be affected by the party and explain
to them what they were going to do and ask them to call if they had any
complaints and allow the house representatives to take care of the problem.
Mayor Schwartz stated that options open to the Council at this time were
(1) to adopt Ordinance No. 537 as advertised; (2) to modify Ordinance 537;
(3) to continue final passage and allow-self-regulation rules prepared by
the Human Relations Commission a chance to operate; and (4) to rescind
Ordinance No. 537 with no substitute.
City Council Minutes
February 22,•1972
Page 8
Councilman Gurnee felt that the proposed self - regulation rules prepared
by the Human Relations Commission was an excellent approach in an attempt
to solve a very trying problem, but he felt that the solution might be to
again allow TGIF parties in the City parks.
Councilman Blake felt that in all the discussions of self - regulation and
others involving parties in residential areas, no mention had been made
of allowing under -age drinking at the parties. He felt this was one of
the main problems involved with TG's and any action by the City Council
to adopt self - regulation of these parties must also recognize the prob-
lem of under -age drinking and its attendant problems. He reminded the
City Council that drinking for those under the age of 21 was still
illegal in California and the City could not allow the laws to be
broken. He felt that the self - regulation by -laws should be amended to
recognize that only those over 21 were allowed to drink.
Councilman Brown felt the by -laws as proposed were only statements of
good intentions by the sponsors and really had no force in law. He
felt that the amended ordinance presented by the City Attorney would
be more satisfactory to him.
Councilman Graham stated he felt he could support a trial period of
self - regulation as proposed by the Human Relations Commission and Inter
Fraternity Council. He felt they should hold Ordinance No. 537 in
abeyance.
Mayor Schwartz felt he would give self - regulation a chance subject to
the concurrence of the Human Relations Commission monitors overseeing
the TGs. He further felt that Ordinance 537 should be continued and
agreed that the City should try to open the parks to TG's. He also felt
the amended ordinance should be sent to the Human Relations Commission
for evaluation. He continued that the City Council by ordinance or
agreement could not condone the violation of state or city laws such as
under -age drinking, he hoped the proposed house group by -laws would
reflect this position.
N. Southerland, Manager of Tropicana Village, informed the Council that
his neighbors, Delta Chi, had now controlled their parties since the
self - regulation proposal had been considered. He• stated that in the past
problems had occurred, but felt the men of Delta Chi were trying to
cooperate and hoped the City Council would allow self - regulation without
the adoption of new laws.
Jim Hensley, Wilson Street, felt that under the so- called self - regulation
rules for TG's problems would still exist. He felt the main problem was
the giving or selling of alcoholic beverages to minors, the danger was
not while they were at the parties but when they left and were driving
under the influence. He cited the three auto accidents in his neighbor-
hood after the last TG at the fraternity house on Phillips Lane on
February 18. He also felt that the Council should give the self -
regulation proposal a chance to see if the young people really wished
to control the parties and keep having them. He urged the City Council
to keep Ordinance 537 in the background in case it was needed.
Councilman.Brown felt he could agree with a continuance of Ordinance 537
for thirty days or so but felt that the City Council must take some
action on these activities in residential areas.
Councilman Graham agreed with the Mayor's statement that the Human
Relations Commission should be asked to look into the amended ordinance
and give their comments and meanwhile allow a trial period on self -
regulation.
City Council Minutes
February 22, 1972
.Page 9
Councilman Gurnee was opposed to the adoption of Ordinance 537 as he felt
it was too restrictive and abrasive to the citizens of the City. He felt
the ordinance, as amended, he could.support as it was more palatable to
control the type.of activities, but felt the City Council should allow
self - regulation to be tried at least until the end of the school year in
June. He suggested that an area away from residences should be provided
for these parties.
Councilman Blake felt Ordinance 537 should not be enacted as he felt it
was prepared in anger at a time when the City was facing major problems
and felt the ordinance should be cancelled. He also felt.that the amended
ordinance would be more palatable to him. He felt continuance of this
matter without some action by the"City would allow uncontroled.TG's. He
still felt that teenage drinking was the.main.problem at these parties
and until this issue was faced, the City.would continue to have.problems.
He felt that the original Ordinance 537 should be voted down.and also
felt that the self - regulation was impractical as it did not face up to
the issue of teenage drinking.
Mayor Schwartz felt that the tabling of Ordinance 537 by the Council
would not mean adoption of the self - regulation rules but meant continued
non-control-of TG's.except in whatever laws now exist. He felt that the
amehded ordinance should be studied by the Human Relations Commission
during the last three months of the academic year for further consider-
ation by the Council..
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing closed.
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Graham, the follow-
ing was put forth: (1) scrap Ordinance 537; (2) send amended ordinance to
the Human Relations Commission for.consideration; (3) accept Human Relations
Commission recommendations of by -laws for self - regulation; (4) ask the
Human Relations Commission to work with the Park and Recreation Department
and the Police Department to see if the parks could again be used for
these activities until the end of the academic year. Motion lost with
Councilmen Blake, Brown and Mayor Schwartz voting no.
It was moved by Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Graham, that
(1) the Council table Ordinance No. 537; (2) the amended ordinance be
sent to the Human Relations Commission for consideration;-(3) accept the
Human Relation Commission's recommended by -laws for self - regulation; (4)
ask the Human Relations Commission to work with the Park and Recreation
Department and the Police Department to see if parks could be used for
these activities until the end of the academic year.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Myron Graham,.T. Keith Gurnee, Kenneth E. Schwartz
NOES: Emmons Blake, John C. Brown
ABSENT: None
10:00 P. M. Mayor Schwartz called a recess.
10:15 P:. M. the Council reconvened with all members present.
5. The Council considered a communication from Alva C. Williamson,
protesting a high water bill for July and August 1971 for 775 Santa Rosa.
The amount of the bill was paid under protest and subsequent bills have
not been paid.
City Council Minutes
February 22, 1972
Page JO
Mr. Williamson appeared before the City Council asking relief from this
extremely high bill for a two month period. He stated.that all bills be-
fore and after this period had been minimum amounts. He could not
understand why or how a $79 water bill could be.accumulated in such a
short period of time. He questioned the attitude of the City staff in
constantly supporting the infallibility of the water meter and felt
that something had gone wrong with the meter to indicate.such high
consumption. He asked the City Council to make some adjustment as in
all the years he had been in the building the bill was never over $15.40.
John Quirk, Assistant Water Director, reported on his investigation of
the high reading on this account. He stated that 242 cubic feet was
used in the period of July and August. The meter had been checked and
was working properly. There was no error.in.the reading but he did
find that during that period (July 26 -30) construction took place in
renovating a portion of the building including plastering which could
have explained this use of water. He recommended that the existing
outstanding bills be paid and if not, the water.service should be
discontinued.
On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Mayor Schwartz, that the
City Council deny the appeal of Williamson for an adjustment on the
water bill and that the current bills be paid. Motion carried.
7. A request from the Promotional Coordinating Committee for
Council authorization to spend the funds previously budgeted to the
County Development Association for production of a City map /brochure
was continued to March 6, 1972.
8. At this time the City Council considered the contract between
the City of San Luis Obispo and Carl F. Mansfield to serve as the ,
Promotional Coordinator for the Promotional Coordinating Committee.
R. Dunin, Chairman of the Promotional Coordinating Committee, stated
his committee had met earlier in the day and reviewed the contract
and found it in order except that Section 5 should be rewritten to
change from:
"City agrees to pay Coordinator $500.00 per month, plus expenses
not to exceed $100.00 in any one month. Payments shall be made
in accordance with normal City procedures after receipt of the
report from the Coordinator for his activities of the previous
month."
To:
"City agrees to pay Coordinator $500 per month plus expenses
not.to exceed $300 in any one quarter or $1,000 for the period
of the contract with any unspent balances to. be carried over to
future quarters. Travel expenses to be approved by the
Committee. Payment shall be made in accordance with normal
City procedures after receipt of the report from the Coordinator
of his activities during the previous month."
The Chairman also requested that Item 6 of Exhibit A be amended to add
the words "promotional and publicity" as follows:.
....he will perform such other promotional and publicity duties
as the Committee may direct."
Donald Q. Miller appeared before the Council objecting to the Council
considering spending this amount of money on this program which he
felt was unnecessary and that this money could be used for the good of
the citizens of the community and should be so spent.
City Council Minutes
February 22, 1972
Page 11
Councilman Graham stated he was opposed to retaining Mr. Mansfield as the
Promotional Coordinator.
On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Brown, the City
Council approved the contract with Carl F. Mansfield as amended. Motion
carried with Councilman Graham voting no.
9. The City Council received a communication from the Planning
Commission recommending that Cucaracha Court in Tract 408 be changed to
Los Padres Court.
R. D. Young, Planning Director, stated that this request was made by the
Planning Commission on behalf of prospective purchasers of lots in the
tract who felt Cucaracha Court was a label that would downgrade their
property.
Ron Benzer, developer of Tract 408, objected to the proposed street
name change as he felt it was distinctive and would be an asset to the
property owners. He further objected as it would require a $50 /lot
expenditure by him to change the street address on each application in
the two FHA offices and he hoped that someone else would pay this cost
which he felt was unnecessary.
Pat Gerety, Planning Associate, suggested that the City Council might
approve the Planning Commission's recommendation at this time but make
it effective 18 months from now in order to avoid extra costs to the
developer. By that time, the new owners would be in charge.
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Graham, that the
name Cucaracha Court not be changed in Tract 408. Motion carried.
15. The following recommendations were received from the
Design Review Board.
15A.' The Design Review Board recommended'that a redesign and recon-
struction of Parking Lot No. 9 adjacent to the County Museum be
incorporated into Phase III of Mission Plaza.
It is suggested that the Engineering Department staff meet with the
Design Review Board to discuss design and then prepare plans for Design
Review Board approval. Upon approval, the plan and a cost estimate could
be prepared and forwarded to the Council for approval.
The Design Review Board felt that a design should be prepared immediately
for inclusion on the total Phase III plan. Other recommendations for
Phase III concerning benches, planters, flags, etc. would be forthcoming.
Roger Marshall, Chairman of the Design Review Board, explained to the
City Council the background and reason for their recommendation regarding
the design of Parking Lot No. 9.
Following discussion of the recommendation, the Planning Department was
authorized to prepare preliminary plans for improvement to Parking.Lot 9,
including cost estimate, for discussion at the Council Budget Study
Session.
15B. It was recommended that the following elements be included in
Phase III of Mission Plaza:
a. South bank: Landscaping and mission style lighting.
J. Broad St.: Mission tile sidewalk, mission style
lighting, and mission railing along bridge.
c. Parking Lot 9: Parking lot designed in the manner of
Parking Lot 10 with a display of historical
flags.
d. Broad - Monterey St. "L ": This street to be eliminated
with public parking at each end. Crosswalks
City Council Minutes
February 22, 1972
Page 12
at museum to be reconstructed in Mission.
tile.
e. Sculpture in Plaza: Investigation by DRB being con -
ducted at this time.
f. Completion of Murray Adobe.
Roger Marshall, Design Review Board Chairman, reviewed the recommendation
of the Board regarding Phasell.l.; of the Mission Plaza.
a & b. On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Gurnee,
the Planning Department was authorized to prepare plans and specifi-
cations for bidding purposes on phases a & b. Motion carried.
c. See item 15A.
d. A lengthly discussion was held on the recommendation with Mayor
Schwartz and Councilman Gurnee in support and Councilmen Blake and
Graham questioning the timing of even considering the closing of these
two streets. The matter was referred to the City Traffic Committee
for study.
e. No action.
f. No action.
15C. The Design Review Board had reconsidered the design of street
sign standards in the downtown area. It was felt that the double pole
standard first presented to the City Council was most desirable. We
believe that encroachment into the sidewalk is not a major problem. To
redesign the standard in another manner will increase the cost, reduce
simplicity, and limit esthetics. All standards should be the same
height. It appears that anodized aluminum is the most economical in
the long run. Cor -ten is not available.
A standard has been designed to centralize traffic signals, directional
signs, street name signs, trash receptacles, and other street furniture.
The attached design shows a generalized concept of our idea. It is
recommended this item be included.in the capital improvement program
and completed over a ten year period.
A new one -way sign has been resolved and it is our understanding that
this design is acceptable to the City Engineer.
The City Council held a long discussion on this recommendation, particu-
larly on the size of the sign and on material for signs and standards.
Councilman Graham questioned the action taken by the Council at their
meeting of February 7, 1972, in adopting the recommendation to eliminate
motel signs downtown and also the Chamber of Commerce directional signs.
He felt this was a mistake and they should be maintained.
On motion of Mayor Schwartz, seconded by Councilman Graham, authorization
was given to prepare plans and specifications for new signs as recom-
mended by the Design Review Board with steel tube standards and to proceed
with the call for bids.
Councilman Blake questioned whether the City Council was ready to go to
bid on this project as he did not feel that the decision on the signs
had been made.
D. F. Romero, City Engineer, objected to a proposal which would call for
City forces.to manufacture the signs, as it .would require him to
reschedule personnel to an even greater degree than is already necessary
due to removal of old signs and installation of new ones.
City Council Minutes
February 22, 1972
Page 13
P. Gerety, Planning Assistant, stated that the cost estimate adopted by
the Council on February 7, 1972 of $10,000 was for sign blanks only, with
the sign faces to be fabricated by the City.
Mayor Schwartz spoke on behalf of the motion, stating that if the Council
wished to get this job done in time for the Bicentennial, it must not be
delayed much longer.
On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Gurnee, the motion
was withdrawn with approval of the makers.
The City Council asked the City Engineer to obtain cost estimates on the
required number of steel tube standards, sign blanks with new signs put
on by City personnel, and cost of the complete signs by manufacturer, and
to estimate the cost for City personnel to manufacture signs and conduct
the installation in the field. The Design Review Board was directed to
restudy the deletion of the Motel and Chamber of Commerce signs. -
16. Minutes of the Design Review Board were received and filed.
Councilman Gurnee left the meeting at 12:00 midnight.
17. Traffic Committee Report of February 15, 1972.
72 -2 -8T. The Columbo Construction Company who are building 22 low rent
housing units at Leff and High Street have requested that they be
allowed to close off Leff Street between Beach and High Streets during
the construction period. They state that construction will occur on
both sides of Leff and closing of that street would eliminate many
hazards. We recommend their request be granted.
The recommendation was approved.
72 -2 -9T. For some months the Traffic Committee has been studying
traffic conditions along Los Osos Valley Road in the vicinity of the
junior high school. As .a result, crosswalks have been painted at
Madonna and Prefumo Canyon Roads and the speed limit reduced from 50
to 45 miles per hour. According to state law, the speed limit as 25
miles per hour during school hours, and in a conference with John Dodge,
Junior High School principal, it was agreed that we would recommend to
the City Council that consideration be given to intallation of lighted
signs on a time clock indicating the lower speed limit during school
hours. Mr. Romero is looking into the cost.
Mr. Dodge also called to our attention another problem which seems to
have no solution which is practical and at the same time acceptable to
him. Students riding bicycles and travelling south on Los Osos Road
tend to use the east side against oncoming traffic rather than cross
Los Osos Road twice. This,is contrary to state law. One solution might
be to construct an asphalt berm twelve feet into the roadway designating
a two way bike lane. The twelve feet would be necessary to allow the
street sweeper to operate. Another suggestion was to designate a
portion of the six foot sidewalk for a bike lane, but it was decided
that the sidewalk was too narrow to accommodate both pedestrians and
bicycles, and Mr. Dodge doubted that bicyclists would use the sidewalk
anyway because of the necessity of getting off the bike to negotiate
the concrete curb. The Traffic Committee agreed to study this further.
On still another suggestion, the Traffic Committee rejected Mr. Dodge's
request for another crosswalk in mid -block near the school.
The recommendation was approved.
City Council Minutes
February 22, 1972
Page 14
72- 2 -10T. The Traffic Committee has received a request from Robert G.
Walker, 1476 Foothill Boulevard, for a red zone three car spaces in
length on the south side of Foothill east of Crandall Way extended.
The problem seems to.be one of visibility for westbound motorists on
Foothill approaching the Crandall Way .intersection. It is our recom-
mendation that this request be given favorable consideration but that
it be combined with the public hearing in May on the elimination of
parking on the south side of Foothill from California to Carpenter.
The matter was continued for public hearing in May.
72- 2 -11T. The Committee has. received a request from the Seventh Day
Adventist Church for a. loading zone in front of the sanctuary on Osos
Street to facilitate unloading of parishioners, particularly of the
elderly type. Rather than tie up traffic at all times, it is suggested
that the church be authorized to purchase a couple of portable free
standing signs and put them out on church days similar to the arrange-
ments previously authorized for the Presbyterian Church and the Sutcliffe
Mortuary.
The recommendation was approved.
71- 11 -3C. You will recall the Public Utilities Commission wrote us
November 19, 1971 asking that we reconsider our objection to crossing
arms at Marsh Street and the railroad. We indicated we would wait
until we had cost estimates before making a definite reply. We now
have the cost estimate. Our share would be $10,000. We have dis-
cussed the proposal again and our conclusion is that there is no
demonstrated need for the crossing arms, and we believe that they
would create more problems than they would solve. We therefore
recommend that the Council once more go on record as opposing the
installation of automatic crossing arms.
The recommendation was approved. The City Clerk was asked to write to
the Public Utilities Commission.
72- 2 -12T. The Traffic Committee has received a request from Sebastian's
Restaurant for a passenger loading zone south of their new driveway.and
and freight loading zone in the vicinity of their kitchen service door.
We recommend against both. In the first place, we don't think the
freight loading zone would be used. Secondly, we don't feel the
passenger loading zone is needed, particularly.at. night. The City has
ample off - street parking facilities in the near vicinity, and we also
feel that granting of these requests would lead to many similar requests
by other restaurants in the downtown area.
The recommendation was approved with Councilman Graham voting no.
18. The Council adjourned to executive session.
The City Council reconvened.
C -13. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Graham,
the City Council agreed to pay legal fees for Frank Gallagher. Motion
carried.
19. On motion of Councilman Blake., seconded by Councilman Brown, the
meeting adjourned at 12:45 A. M, February 23. Motion carried.
APPROVED: March 6, 1972
. H. i zpatrick, City Clerk