HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/25/196375
SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
July 25, 1963 - 2:00 P. M.
Invocation was given by Mayor Clay P1 Davidson.
' Roll Call
Present: Clay P. Davidson, Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel
Absent: Miss Margaret McNeil, R. L. Graves, Jr.
City Staff ,
Present: P. Chapman, Director of Planning & Building; J. H. Fitzpatrick,
City Clerk; W. Flory, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation; V
;p W. M. Houser, City Attorney; R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer;
U D. F. Romero, City Engineer; L. Schlobohm, Fire Chief; W. Schofield;
Police Chief.
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3:11. At this time, the City Council considered the award of the contract for the Water
System Improvements; bids opened on July 2, 1963.
R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, recommended that the low bid of Fred J. Early,
Jr. Company, Inc., of Torrance, California, in the amount of $1,249,169.20 be accepted.
On Motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, the low bid of
Fred J. Early, Jr. Company, Inc.,•was accepted and the contract awarded. Motion carrie
2. At this time, the City Council discussed the agreement between the City of'San Luis
Obispo and California State Polytechnic College for improvement of that portion of
California Boulevard owned by the State of California and included in the Foothill Boul
vard street widening program, with the State to reimburse the City up to $2,400 to
cover the cost of construction, engineering, and supervision.
W. A. Houser, City Attorney, briefed the conditions and responsibilities of both partie
under the:: agreement.
On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, the following
resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1165, a resolution authorizing execution
of the agreement with Cal Poly.
Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote:
4. Communication from Carpenter's Rexall Drug Store requesting reconsideration by the
Council in regard to their application for a free standing sign at 717 Marsh Street,
in which the rotating action feature of the sign was denied by the City Planning
Commission.
AYES:
Clay P. Davidson, Donald Q.
Miller, Clell Whelchel
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
Miss Margaret McNeil, R. L.
Graves, Jr.
3.
On motion
of Councilman Miller, seconded
by Councilman Whelchel, the following
resolution
was introduced. Resolution No.
1164, a resolution increasing the 1963 -64
budget.
(Account No.
227W, Water- refunds, to be
increased by $750:00)
'
Passed and
adopted on the following roll
call vote:
AYES:
Clay P. Davidson, Donald Q.
Miller, Clell W. Whelchel
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
Miss Margaret McNeil, R. L.
Graves, Jr.
4. Communication from Carpenter's Rexall Drug Store requesting reconsideration by the
Council in regard to their application for a free standing sign at 717 Marsh Street,
in which the rotating action feature of the sign was denied by the City Planning
Commission.
v
76
On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, a public hearing
was set for August 12, 1963.
5. The City Council discussed the proposal to place street trees on Chorro Street
on a temporary basis so that the public might have the opportunity of seeing the
effect of street trees in the downtown area.
Councilman Miller stated that he and Councilman Graves had discussed the proposal t
leave the trees in the tubs as delivered and place them in front of Riley's Depart -�
meet Store and the Central Savings Office. The owners of both firms had been
contacted and._agreed with the placement of these trees in front of their places of
business.
It was moved by Mayor Davidson that these trees be offered to any business operator in
the City at City cost and then placed in front of their businesses under City
specification with the property owner paying for the installation.
The motion died for lack of a second.
Councilman Miller disagreed with the Mayor's proposal, stating that this haphazard
method of planting trees would not add to the beauty.of the downtown area, but would
detract.from the aesthetics.of the downtown district and would further.hurt the
central business district.
The City Council discussed the proposal by Mayor Davidson to allow individual property
owners to plant their own trees and also discussed the overall matter of tree planting.
At this time, R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, presented a letter from Smith &
Williams, Architects designing the Mission Plaza project, stating that they would
complete their tentative plans on August 15, and would be ready to meet with the City
Council to discuss their proposal with them.
Mr. Miller continued that possibly the City Council would like to wait and meet wit
Smith & Williams' representatives before any permanent tree planting is attempted
either by the City or private owners.
He further recommended that if any planting is done, it should be done by the City and
maintained by the City so that adequate care can be given all the trees that are plante
Councilman Whelchel stated that the majority of the City Council had voted for street
trees and that he was not going to change that policy even though he personally was
against the program. Further, he believed that the forty (40) trees the City has on,
hand should be planted somewhere so that the City does.not lose any of the trees.
W. Flory, Superintendent of Parks & Recreations.,s_tated that the trees can only stay
in the present container from two to three months from the time that they were taken
from the ground.
Councilman Whelchel asked who would prepare holes in the sidewalk for the planting of
the trees when the City received no bids even though they called for bids on two (2)
separate occasions.
Councilman Miller suggested that the trees should be planted and the holes prepared.
by the City forces.
Citv Engineer, D. F. Romero,pointed out that he would have to pull his concrete man off
other work in order to fabricate the concrete lids for the'trees.
On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, that the City plant
the designated number of trees on both sides of Chorro Street between Pacific and Mars
Streets and in front of the original Riley's Department Store. Also, that one tree be
planted on the narrow portion of the sidewalk as a test.
Mayor Davidson asked that.Councilman Miller.and Councilman Whelchel amend their motion
to remove the tree from being planted in the narrow portion of the sidewalk.
77
After discussion, it was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Whelchel,
the motion was amended as follows: City to plant the designated number of trees on
both sides of Chorro between Pacific Street and Marsh Street and in front of the
original Riley's Department Store.
It was moved by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, that the City plan
one tree in the narrow .portion of the sidewalk on Chorro between Marsh Street and
Higuera Street as a test planting.
' Motion lost on.the following vote:
AYES;.: Donald.Q. Miller, Clell.w. Whelchel
z
NOES:. Clay P. Davidson
ABSENT: Miss Margaret McNeil, R. L. Graves, Jr.
It was moved by Councilman Whelchel that a portion of the trees on hand be granted,
at no cost to property owners, to be planted at their expense.
The City Council discussed various methods of encouraging the business district
property owners to plant trees in front of their places_of business.
Councilman Whelchel's motion was lost for lack of a second.
Mayor Davidson suggested.that the balance of the trees on hand be used in the City.
parking lots, but that the greater need in the City was for off - street parking and
therefore, would not be interested in the loss of any parking spaces.
On motion of Mayor Davidson, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, that the balance of the
trees on hand be used to beautify the City parking lots provided no parking spaces
were lost.
6. D. F. Romero, City Engineer, presented a sketch for the proposed redevelopment of
Parking-Lot #1 located on Morro and Palm Street, which was originally constructed to
minimum standards with no landscaping.
Mr. Romero proposed that by redesigning the parking lot, three (3) additional spaces
could be picked up and by moving the front row along Palm Street back, trees could
be placed which would make a more useable and attractive landscaped parking lot.
Mr. Romero continued that he also proposed to restripe and pave the.lot and install
bumper strips to bring it up to the standards of the other parking lots in the City.
He estimated that the cost of improvement would be approximately $9,500.
Mr. Peter Chapman, Director.of Planning and Building, then presented his proposal to.
improve the design and use of Parking.Lot #1.
Mr. Chapman suggested that the City should improve the circulation of traffic in the
lot and also suggested that it might be possible to break up the two long center isles
by removing several spaces and planting trees to make a better and more beautiful
parking lot.
Councilman Miller stated that he agreed with Mr. Chapman!s suggestion of breaking up
the long double isle in the center of the lot with the planting of trees which would
make the lot very attractive.
Mayor Davidson stated that he disagreed with the suggestion of losing off - street
parking spaces as the-City would only be helping to increase the present shortage of
parking spaces.
The City Council and staff then discussed the proposal of D. F. Romero and P. Chapman.
Councilman Miller suggested that the reconstruction of Parking Lot #1 be authorized wi
the inclusion of several planters in the middle isle for landscaping and with the area
adjacent to the planter strip made available for small cars.
The City Council also suggested that the City Engineer restudy the plans so as to
change the traffic flow on Morro Street so it will avoid any conflict with normal
traffic.
City Engineer, D. F. Romero, pointed out that several spaces would probably be lost
by changing the parking lot circulation.
At this time, the City Council voted on the motion of Mayor Davidson and Councilman
Whelchel that the balance of the trees be used in the parking lots if no parking
spaces were lost. Motion carried.
The City Council then continued their discussion of the redesign and reconstruction
of Parking Lot #1. 1
On motion of Councilman Whelchel, seconded by Councilman Miller, that the Council
approve the Engineer's proposal to reconstruct Parking Lot #1 and change the direction
of traffic in and out of the parking lot and adjust the spaces for the lot to contain
no less than one hundred.and twenty two (122) parking spaces. Motion carried.
7. On motion of Councilman-Miller, seconded by Mayor Davidson, that the Administrative
Officer's request for authorization to purchase a coin changer for Parking Lot #1.
Motion was lost on the following vote:
AYES: Donald Q. Miller, Clay P. Davidson
NOES: Clell W. Whelchel
ABSENT: Miss Margaret McNeil, R. L. Graves, Jr.
8. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, that the request to
advertise for bids for purchase of a 1250 GPM Fire-Truck. Motion carried.
9. Discussion of progress on Pacific -Gas & Electric report of sidewalk, curb, and gutter
damage by them in front of Leitner Home, 1300 block of Johnson Avenue.
Councilman Miller stated that the work had been completed.
10. On motion of Councilman Whelchel, seconded by Councilman Miller, the .following
resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1166, a resolution authorizing the City
clerk to refund erroneous water and/or-sewer charges.
Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Clay P. Davidson, Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel
NOES: None
ABSENT: Miss Margaret McNeil, R. L. Graves, Jr.
11. Communication from Martin Polin appealing.the.decision of the Planning Commission in
denying a request for rezoning a portion of his property on the Southwesterly corner
of North Broad Street and Foothill Boulevard.
On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, the appeal was set
for public hearing on August 12, 1963. •
12. Recommendation of the Council Committee studying cab problems in the City requesting
that the Council set a public hearing on August 5, 1963, to set cab fare rates for
areas annexed to the City since 1957, was approved.
13. Communication from Johnson's Children's Department Store requesting the establishment
for a loading zone on Chorro Street opposite their shipping and receiving entrance,
was referred to the Traffic Committee on motion of Mayor Davidson, seconded by
Councilman Whelchel.
14. -City Council discussed the communication from the Division of Highways regarding place-
ment of signs at the North and South City limits notifying the motoring public of
multiple exits to the City of San Luis Obispo.
On motion of Councilman Whelchel, seconded by Councilman Miller, the Mayor was authorize
to contact the Division of Highways and request that one sign be placed South of the
Prado Road intersection in order to serve business interests in the lower Higuera area.
Motion carried.
15. Traffic-Committee report of July 2, 1963.
63 -7 -9C The Traffic Committee has taken a look at the Madonna Road intersection
with Freeway off -ramp and the Madonna Inn entrance to the road and feels that the
temporary stop sign, stopping South bound motorists out of the Madonna Inn driveway
should be replaced with a more permanent installation, complete with pavement markings.
This recommendation is made subject to clearance with Mr. Madonna to see that he has
no objection, and subject to checking with Mr. Houser to see that there is no legal
' restriction on placing such a sign within the public right -of -way out.at the exit to
a private road. The Police Chief believes there is a Vehicle Code section authorizing
this type of installation.
On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, the following resolutic
was introduced. Resolution No. 1167, a resolution establishing a stop sign at
Madonna Inn driveway.
Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Clay P. Davidson, Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel
C� NOES: None
G^
ABSENT: Miss Margaret McNeil, R. L. Graves, Jr.
63- 7 -10 -T We have had a request from the business manager of the San Luis Medical.
Clinic for removal of two parking meters, one to the left of the Morro Street exit
from their parking lot.and one to the right of the exit. We have checked the recent
accident history and find that the only.accident in recent years was a left hand
turning movement out of the driveway. We feel that the visibility and maneuverability'..:
problem at this•location.is no worse than many others in the City and therefore
recommend that no change be made in the present arrangement of parking meters.
16. The Council Committee studying taxi cab problems in the City requesting that the
Council consider the possibility of setting an additional cab stand in front of the
Greyhound depot to allow each company one cab stand at this location.
On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Mayor Davidson, a second space was
authorized in front - of.the Fremont Theater for a cab stand subject to the approval of
the property owner.
17. Report of the City Council Committee studying off - street parking requirements of the
City was ordered held over.
18. Communication from D. F. Romero and Burt M. Walter regarding a sagging in the second
floor of the Palm Street portion of the Library was ordered held over and Peter
Chapman, Director of Planning & Building, is to look into the matter and report.to
the City Council.
19. Message of appreciation to the City for their sympathy to the family of Cora Lawske,
was ordered received and filed.
20. Communication from Knuthson -Helms Company expressing their appreciation for the
cooperation of the Council in approving their tentative map for Tract No. 317, was.
ordered received and filed.
21. Communication from the San Luis Obispo Land Use and Development Advisory Committee
thanking the City Council for their favorable response to the origination of said
committee, was ordered received and filed.
' 22. Communication from the Division of Highways notifying the City Council that they will
investigate the desirability of traffic signals at the junction of-Madonna Road
and the Westerly freeway ramps as soon as the construction is completed and the
traffic pattern stabilized, was ordered received and filed.
23. Communication from John Barbee commending the City Council for the efficient and
expedient way it resolved the water problem of the McAllen Heights Tract, was
ordered received and filed.