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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/13/1959App 1 1 '" ADJOURNED COUNCIL MEETING - April 13,.1959 7:30 P.M. The City Council met in adjourned session with Mayor Fred Lucksinger presiding. Roll Call: Present - Nels Beck, Kenneth W. Jones, Richard G. Sleight, Fred H. Lucksinger .Absent - J. Barry Smith. COMMUNICATIONS 1. Communication from Dr. Chalmer W. Ferris; submitting his resignation from the City Planning Commission, effective May 1, 1959 -- received and filed. Resig- nation was accepted on motion.of. Richard G. Sleight, seconded-by Kenneth W. Jones. City Clerk to write letter thanking Dr. Ferris for his service. 2. Communication from 0. J. Gullickson, Assistant Director of Civil Defense, requesting the attendance of city officials at a conference on Civil Defense and disaster planning to be held on May 1 to 3;.1959 -- received and filed. 3. Communication from the Libarary Board announcing a special meeting to be held in conjunction with National Library Week and.inviting the City Council to attend- - received and filed. 4. Communication from the Division of Highways, notifying the City of San Luis Obispo of their acceptance of the new estimated polulation figure, as presented by the Department of Finance -- received and filed. 5. Communication from C. A. Maino, protesting the installation of utilities under the sidewalks in downtown San Luis Obispo -- referred to the City Engineer for investigation and report. 6. RESOLUTION NO. 534 (1959 Series), "A Resolution Urging Additional Gas Tax to Correct City and County Road Deficiencies ". was passed and adopted on motion of Kenneth W. Jones, seconded by Nels Beck on the following roll call vote: AYES: Nels Beck, Kenneth W. Jones, Richard G. Sleight, Fred. H. Lucksinger NOES: None ABSENT: J. Barry Smith 7. RESOLUTION NO. 535 (1959 Series), "A Resolution Increasing the 1958 -59 Budget" was introduced and passed on motion of Nels Beck, seconded by Kenneth W. Jones on the following roll call vote: (Police Materials & Supplies) AYES:. Nels Beck, Kenneth W. Jones, Richard G. Sleight, Fre&H—. ;.Lucksinger, NOE S : None ABSENT: J. Barry Smith 8. RESOLUTION NO. 536 (1959 Series),'% Resolution Transferring Funds" was introduced and passed on motion of Kenneth W. Jones, seconded by Richard G. Sleight.on the following roll call vote: (Off- Street Parking to General Reserve) AYES: .Nels Beck, Kenneth W..'Jdnes, Richard G. Sleight, Fred H. Lucksinger NOES: None ABSENT: J. Barry Smith 9. Report of The Traffic Committee: 59 -4 -1C. At the Council's request, the Traffic Committee has studied the suggestion of the PTA group that an adult crossing guard be stationed hear the Johnson underpass. The Committee has studied the accidents referred to at that location and does not feel that a crossing guard could have prevented the accidents or that the accidents were in themselves dangerous to the stu- dents crossing at that location. The Committee also feels that the students crossing near the Johnson Underpass are older children attending high school and junior High school and that the need for crossing protection.is not as great as for elementary school students. It is the recommendation of the Traffic Cbmmittee that a crossing guard not be authorized at the Johnson Under- pass. �g7 APR 13 1959 Referred back to the Traffic Committee to study street markings and street signs at this intersection. 59 -4 -2T. A Dangerous traffic condition has been noted on Murray Street just east of its intersection with Santa Rosa. The pavement width curb to curb is 34 feet and cars have been parking on both sides of the street making a pas - sageway of less than 18 feet for vehicles. Several gasoline and beet trucks use this street and have difficulty in passing eachother. There will also be an additional hazard when the new community hospital opens and traffic increases. The Traffic Committee feels that a 72 foot red zone on the north side of Murray Street extending in an easterly direction would be of great help in alleviat- ing the hazard and facilitating right -hand turns and recommends that such a zone be authorized. RESOLUTION NO. 537 (1959 Series), "A Resolution Establishing a No Parking Zone onMurray Street was introduced and passed on motion of Richard G. Sleight seconded by Kenneth W. Jones on the following roll call vote:-. AYES: Nels Beck, Kenneth W. Jones, Richard G. Sleight, Fred H. Lueksinger NOES: None ABSENT: J. Barry Smith 59 -4 -3T. -An obstructing hedge has been noted at the northwest corner of Harris and - Sandercock Streets and, if the Council has no objection, the City Engineer will take steps to have it reduced to three feet in height. No objection by the Council. 10. Communication from the State Board of Equalization regarding accelerated transmittal of la al sales tax transmission. RESOLUTION NO. 538 (1959 Series), "A Resolution Authorizing Execution of Accel- erated Tax Transmissions" was passed and adopted on motion of Kenneth W. Jones, seconded by Richard G. Sleight on the following roll cal 1 vote: AYES: Nels Beck, Kenneth W. Jones, Richard G. Sleight, Fred H. Lucksinger NOES: None ABSENT: J. Barry Smith 11. Copies of the communication from San Luis Obispo County Flood-Control and Water Conservation District listing the members of the Committee representing the downstream users in conjunctionwith the Whale Rock Project was received and filed. 8:00 P M - PUBLIC HEARING - Shopping Center ORDINANCE NO. 111 (1959 Series), "An Ordinance Rezoning Property on Johnson Avenue From R -1 to C -1 -S" At this time-the Mayor declared the public hearing open on the final adoption of Ordinance No. 111. Mr. Romero, City Engineer, at the request of the Council, explained to the people present the area proposed to be rezoned, using a large map of the_Southwood subdivision. City Clerk presented a letter from Don Sarten, 3133 Johnson Avenue, urging the Council to approve the .rezoning to C1 as a shopping center is needed in this area. Timothy I. O'Reilly, Attorney, appeared before the Council on behalf of the Pro- testants to the rezoning. Mr.- O'Reilly explained his doubt as to the legality of the notice announcing the public hearing by the Planning Commission. He urged the Council to refer the matter of the rezoning back to the Planning Commission so that a public hearing could be held before that body. Mr. L. Somoevi appeared before the Council on behalf of the subdivider. He referred the Council to the various sections of the municipal code having to do with zoning, stating that the Council had already had two study sessions and two public hearings, and by this time had enough information on this matter and did not see any reason it dnuld be referred to the Planning Commission. PVT 1 C-r D W 1 (� APR 15 1:.z)y Mayor LucksinRer explained the background involved in the proposed sale of property - -also the fact that there-were areas in the City that should be developed for recreational use, and that by selling a portion of the Laguna property, areas that now need recreation can be developed. Also, some start could be made on developing the balance of the 200 acres which would still be owned by the City after the sale. Dr. Loveall 9, 1959, plan of surplus, ' Mr. Houser, would be presented the minutes of the Laguna Lake Project-Committee of April at which time the committee requested that the Council have.a master the entire lake development made and then if any property is deemed that it be sold. City Attorney, stated that road pipeline and tank site as shown retained by the City for use. Mr. Bonaio asked if he-could show some slides and movies of the Laguna Lake area for the information of the people present. Mr. Hambly appeared before the City Council protesting the proposed sale of property until a comprehensive land use plan had been made.for the entire city owned property, and that consideration should be given for all phases of rec- reation for all ages. He stated further that money is available from the M Wildlife Conservation Board for the development of the lake area as a warm �i water fisheries project. He also wanted to know what the reason was in sell - ax ing the property at this time, as the proposed sale is selling two of the o'J finest springs in the area which would be needed for development. Mr. Robert Knight appeared before the Council stating that he believed there was too much property in the Laguna area for development and that there axe areas within thecity which should be developed now and not ten years from now. Further, the city does not have enough money at the present time or in the foreseeable future to develop over 300 acres in the Laguna area. In order to develop this property, additional moneys will have to be raised. R. L. Graves stated he was very interested in developing the small park in the vicinity of the Sinsheimer school and he hoped the development of this little park was not tied in tothe Laguna sale. Mr. Bfazil wondered why the Laguna .Tea was not developed in the past and was it :due to the expense of the development which would be extensive. Also, why doesn't someone start plantingtrees so as to get started in developing the property that would be left after the sale. Mr. Vollmer agreed with the Council's proposal to sell a portion of the property as the balance of the land left would make an adequate park for a city many times the size of San Luis Obispo. Also, "financially, the city could not afford to support a park of this size for many years to come. Mr. Gil Babcock asked how were parks and recreation developed in the city at the present time. Mr. Miller, City Administrative Officer, explained the plan of park development at'the present time, listing the loans to the Santa Rosa Park development, etc. Mr. Hambly stated that they do not object to selling any land at Laguna, but only that a master plan be developed first and then sell any land that is not needed. Mr. Proud stated if the city only owns 80 acres and the balance of the lake is - privately owned, how can it be developed when the city only owns a portion of ft. Mr.•Euiene Needham stated that the city should open the lake for the public at the present time because it is unfair for the few private owners to use it for themselves. Mr. Needham then explained the proposed development of the area for a Warm Water Fishery. Mr. Clensos stated that the city should begin now to plan for recreational devel- opment- -that once the land was sold, there would be no control by the city of the development of the area adjacent to the park front. The city should pro- 4. c ., APR 13 1959 tett any open area it may now have for future ground. He further commended the city for its stand on smog control in the development of the city and its surround- ing area. Ralph Falk asked would not the area increase in value as the years passed and as the surrounding area developed, so that if the property were sold, then more money would be realized by the sale. Don Q. Miller recommended to the Council that this matter be held over as there was no rush to sell this property and it would no doubt increase in value the longer the city waited to sell it. Mr. Atkinson stated that everyone should give a little thought to the matter of the rock hill which is proposed to be sold and also to the fact that there will be more land left to develop than the city can afford as a park. He believed any area not used by a public agency should be sold. Mr. Bongio asked why was the arbitrary line of 1200 feet used, and hw would the city declare the land surplus. Also, he asked why couldn't some homes be built on this land. Mr. Wells asked why does the city plan new parks by selling other park property, as this appears to be poor park planning. He also urged that nothing be done until a master plan of the whole area be made. Mr. Hambly again appeared before the Council stating he does not object to the sale of the property, but requested that a master plan be made before the sale is made, as he doesn't know whether it should be sold or not. Mr. McDonald "stated that this property should not be sold until a long look at 'this area has been made. Mr. E.,..Boh&io stated he would object to the sale of the strip along French Road as this is extremely expensive land and he did not understand why 1200 feet along the road was declared surplus. Mr.W. Wall stated he could not see how any club or gm up could raise enough money to develop 80 acres of lake and 120 acres of flat land for a park. Also, he could not see any objection to the sale of this hill with all its rocks. Councilman Jones stated that the 1200 feet was an arbitrary line planned so that if the property were sold, it would go along the foot of the hill in order that none of the flat land would be sold in this sale. Mr. Romero, City Engineer, stated that none of the proposed area could be con- sidered flat as most of it would be about 7 to 10% grade. Mr. Clensos stated that people should be proud to live in San.Luis Obispo - -that it has the best air, and that if the taxes were double it would still be cheap living compared'to soft hern California. Mr. Needham requested the city make a master plan of the area. He stated that the Federal Government and County Government make master plans, and why doesn't the city make a master plan for recreation. Alex Madonna appeared before the City Council and asked how much land can.be con- sidered for keeping two springs when the lake itself is so close. He would like to see the area sold as it would be a tax asset to the city. He also urged that the lake be developed as soon as possible. He further urged that the Council keep in mind the 19,000 people of the city who should be considered in the development of other recreational areas of the city.. Mr.. Hambly again asked that the city make a master plan of .the entire area and then sell what land is surplus. Mr. Hiltel urged that the city not sell any property until more people in the city have been notified of the matter. 1 APR 13 19bU X27 It was moved by Nels Beck and seconded by Kenneth W. Jones, that the City immedi- ately prepare a master plan for the entire area and then decide what prop- erty is surplus and could be sold as soon as possible. Also, that a com- mittee be formed to coordinate the master plan. Motion carried. Dr. Loveall, Chairman of the Laguna Lake Project Committee was to include in his committee members.of the Recreation Commission, Sportsmen's Association and the public so that an over -all development of the area can be.made. NEW BUSINESS 1 1. Mr,- Houser, City Attorney, reported to the Council regarding the air service renewal case for San Luis Obispo. 2. Mr. Houser reported regarding the retention of Bowen And Scoutt as consultants for the City of San Luis Obispo in Washington D. C., and request that the City-Council authorize their hiring. RESOLUTION NO. 539 (1959 Series), "A Resolution Hiring Bowen and Scoutt" was '-� passed and adopted on motion of Kenneth W. Jones, seconded by Nels Beck on the following roll call vote: a�•J AYES: Nels Beck, Kenneth W. Jones, Richard G. Sleight, Fred H. Lucksinger NOES: None ABSENT: J. Barry Smith 3. Mr. Houser then reported on expenses to date in the air service renewal case and estimated what additional funds would be needed. RESOLUTION NO. 540 (1959 Series), "A Resolution Increasing the 1958 -59 Budget was passed and adopted on motion of Kenneth W. Jones, seconded by Richard Sleight on the following roll call vote: AYES: Nels Beck, Kenneth W. Jones, Richard G. Sleight, Fred h. Lucksinger ' NOES: None ABSENT: J. Barry Smith 4. On motion of Kenneth W. Jones,. seconded by Richard G. Sleight, Mr. Houser and Mr. Carr were authorized to go to Washington D. C. on May 4 and appeare before the C.A.B.- -City to pay their expenses. 5. Mr. Jones was to represent the City of San Luis Obispo at the Small Harbor Committee meeting in the Supervisor's Chambers in April, 1959. Meeting was adjourned on motion of Nels Beck, seconded by Richard G. Sleight. Approved this 29 day of May, 1959. 1 Cler