Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/16/1964REGULAR FETING OF CITY COUNCIL March 16, 1964 - 7:30 P.M. CITY HALL Invocation was given by Mayor Clay P. Davidson. Roll Call Present: Clay P. Davidson, R. L. Graves, Jr., Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. WI.elchel Absent: Miss Margaret McNeil City Staff Present: J. H. Fitzpatrick, City Cleric; W. M. Houser, City Attorney; R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer; D. F. Romero, City Engineer; W. Schofield, Police Chief; E. P. Thompson, Water Superintendent. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman w'helchel, the minutes of the meetings of February 13, March 2 and 9. 1964, were approved as read, and the minutes of February 17, 1964 were corrected as follows: Page 5, Paragraph after Item 3, Third Line Should read: "....property taxes, or request's three (3) year deferred payment plan at 3%....." On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Miller, the claims against the City for the month of March, 1964, were approved subject to the approval of the Administrative Officer. -------------------•------------------------------------------- - - - - -- - 1. R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, announced the appointment of Doris M. Litherland as Stenographer in the Police Department, effective March 16, 19642 at $330 per month. 2. E. P. Thompson, Water Superintendent, presented plans and specifications for installation of chlorination equipment at Reservoir No. 2. Mr. Thomason and R. D. Miller recommended the purchase of equipment. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, the.pldns and specifications were approved and authorization was given to call for bids. Motion carried. 3. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, Ordinance, Ncf ,282, an ordinance amending Part 1, Chapter 5, Article II of the San "Leis ;Obispo Municipal Code, relating to tax procedures, was introduced for final - .passage Finally passed on the following roll call vote: AYES: Clay P. Davidson, R. L. Graves, Jr., Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel 1 NOES: None ABSENT: Miss Margaret McNeil 4. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, Ordinance Nc. 283, an ordinance leasing a portion of Mitchell Park, was introduce:l fo- final passage. Finally passed on the following roll call vote: AYES: Clay P. Davidson, R. L. Graves, Jr., Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: Miss Margaret McNeil City Council Mantes March 16, 1964 Page -2- 5. On motion of Councilman %elchel, seconded by Coun resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1262, a 1963 -64 budget, (Account No. 211.11, City Engine, Fees 63 be increased by $350.00 and the unbudgeted $350.00) Passed and adopted on the following roil call vote: AYES: Clay P. Davidson, R. L. Graves, Jr., Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: Miss Margaret McNeil 6. On motion of Councilman Whelchel, seconded by Coun resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1263, a 1963 -64 budget. (Account No. 950, Sewer Bond Cons $150000.00) Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Clay P. Davidson, R. L. Graves, Jr., Donald Q. Miller, C1ell W. Whelchel NOES: Non ABSENT: Miss Margaret McNeil ilman Graves, the following resolution increasing the - Ann Arbor Inspection reserve be decreased by ves, the following in increasing the be increased by 7. At this time the City Council considered a Grant Deed from I. L. Hoover for street widening on Foothill Boulevard and Agreement for Mayor Davidson to sign on behalf of the City. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Whelchel. the Mayor was authorised to sign the agreement on behalf of the City and execute the Grant Deed. Ebtion carried. S. The City Council considered the proposal from the Security Title Insurance Cow to prepare title search of properties in Block 10, City of San Luis Obispo Mission Plaza for $450.00. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Miller, the proposal was accepted. Motion carried. 9. Traffic Committee Report of March 5, 1964. 10. 64 -2 -7C In regard to the request of the United Meat Market for a loading zone in front of their establishment at 714 Higuera Street and the previous recommendation of the Traffic Committee that a loading zone be established at the corner of Higuers and Broad on the north side of Broad and the existing 12 minute parking zone be moved one space to the east, the Traffic Committee has re- studied this at the request of the Council. One suggestion was to move the loading zone around the corner onto Broad Street. However, the Traffic Committee feels that this would not be nearly as useful to the business: in the area as the corner location on Higuera Street and re- submits its original recommendation. 64 -3 -1T The Traffic Committee has made a study of the loading zones on the north side of Higuera in the 700 block and feels that one of these zones coup; be eliminated and replaced with two metered spaces. It is recom andee, that the zone to the east of the crosswalk in the vicinity of Woolworth's be eliminated. Police Department studies indicate that in one week's time only 9 trucks used one of the loading zones and 10 the other. 64 -3-_2C So Traffic Committee bas reviewed the intersection of High. Pisces and Higurra Streets, and is unable to arrive at a aolutioa mhieh will completr1'.:,r solve the problem without a major modification and large expense. It is our opinion, however, that some temporary chaffielization using sand bags would 'fie useful. Therefore, if the Council has no objection, the Public Works Department will experiment with the temporary channelization. 64 -3-4C The Traffic Committee has looked at the parking situation at the extreme easterly end of Foothill Boulevard and agrees that a No Parking Zone should be established at the dead -end of the street. City Council Minutes March 16, 1964 Page -3- 64 -3 -SC The Traffic Committee has looked at the traffic conditions at Foothill and Patricia Drive, and if the Council has no objection, the City Engineer will take steps to have the obstructing pepper tree trimmed or removed and the mail box moved. . 64 -34T The Traffic Committee has received a letter from the C. L. Smith School area asking for a school crossing and a speed limit designation for the corner of Madonna Road and Oceanaire Drive as well as traffic signals. The Committee feels that this is too far away from the C. L. Smith School to justify a speed limit marking, but if the Council has no objection, the Public Works Department will have signs erected reading " School Crossing." 64 -3 -7T For a number of years, the Traffic Committee has been concerned wit; traffic accidents which are occurring on Sandercock Street and on Islay Strer:, We feel these accidents would be reduced somewhat by the installation of stn. signs in order to clearly designate Sandercock and Islay Streets as being through streets. To complete the protected system, the Traffic Committee recommends stop signs on Sandercock Street, stopping traffic on Price, Har;n :: and King Streets, and on Islay, stopping Carmel and Peach Streets. In a&5.•:,,.: the Traffic Committee has noted high hedges on the corner of Harris and Sandercock and on the corner of King and Sandercock. If the Council has n,- objection, the Public Works Department will take steps to trim these hedg down to three feet above the top of the curb within the 35 fost corner cl.: :. 64 -3 -8T The Traffic Committee has received a request from Kelly -Moore Home Improvement Center for red zones for either side of their parking lot entrance on Santa Barbara Avenue. The Traffic Committee realizes that there is a problem in approach to the fast traffic on a major street but feels the situation at Kelly -Moore does not differ from many other driveways throughout the community. Therefore, red zones would not be warranted unless the City is willing to provide similar red zones in numerous other locations. The Traffic Committee feels that Kelly -Moore could help their own problem by proper channelization of their driveway and has instructed the City Engineer to request Kelly -Moore to take this step. 64 -3 -9T The Traffic Committee has received a letter from H. C. Allen requestir,; a short time limit parking in front of his barber shop at 1226 Osos Street. Tad Traffic Committee noted that this block and blocks nearby contained a two hour parking restriction and that ample parking was available. Therefore, the Traffic Committee recommends this request be denied. 64 -3 -10T The Traffic Committee has received a complaint concerning a hedge on the southerly corner of Johnson and Sydney Streets. It was the opinion of the Committee that the stop sign on Sydney provides a good measure of safety and that the terrain would make the trimming of the nsatisfactory in improving visibility. 64 -3 -11T The Traffic Committee discussed the possibility of making Mill Street a one way street but was of the opinion that traffic conditions did no:: warrant this step at this time 64 -3 -12T The Traffic Committee has been informed of hazardous traffic conditions at Lincoln and Chorro, with a specific request for stop signs stopping Chorro Street. The Traffic Committee feels that this would 5e an undesirable restriction to traffic and that the primary problem is r,.aed, which• will be better controlled after the additional police officers have Oeen hired. Traffic Committee Report of March 11, 1964. 64-3-1 The Traffic Committee has met vitb Mr. Baletti from the Telephone Company at the request of Covneileen Craves and Miller, regarding the propos 'Rd open house on May 20-220 1964. Rather than interfere with normal operations of the City Hall parking lot which involve official car spaces, visitor parking and monthly rentals, it was felt that the erection of a tent and exhibition space could better be accommodated in the Library parking area alongside the Telephone Company building. This has been discussed with Miss Clark, and she feels that arrangements can be worked out for the use of the Library lot. The Telephone Company has been asked to contact the City Attorney in the preparation of a document holding the City harmless during the event. City Council Minutes March 16, 1964 Page -4- 64 -3 -14T For some time, the Traffic Committee has been concerned about the prevalence of employees and merchants on Higuera Street feeding parking meters and thus pre - empting spaces which would otherwise be available for customers. The possibility of short time limit parking has been mentioned as a way of avoiding this, but it has been felt that 12 minutes was too short a time. It recommended that at least on a trial basis, five 24 minute time limit spaces be placed on the north side of Higuera Street, extending in a westerly directior from the first green zone west of Chorro. These zones would be marked green r:I1 . each parking meter post would be equipped with a metallic sign reading "24 Minute Time Limit." 64 -3 -1ST With the closing of Sauer's Market, the Traffic Committee feels ti there is no longer a need for a loading zone at the location and recommends that this zone be eliminated and two 12 minute parking meter zones substitut 64 -3 -16T The Traffic Committee has been making a s':udy of the snorkel mail- box locations and feels that the following changes would be very desirable: (a) It is recommended that a snorkel box be placed at the exit of Parking .......... = Lot A servicing north bound traffic onto Monterey Street. The bdx would F:: placed just south of the planter box and would accommodate motorists from driver's side. (b) It is likewise recommended that a snorkel box be placed in the other raw of traffic leading to Higuera Street in a similar location and that the existing box on Higuera Street be eliminated. It is likewise recommended 1-ba -.t the present white zone at that location be replaced with a red zone. (c) It is recommended that the box in front of the Chamber of Commerce be relocated and the white zone at that location be replaced with a 12 minute green parking meter zone. It is recommended that the box be placed just east of the driveway ramp behind Riley's Department Store on the north side of P2arsh and that the two parking meters at tbst location be replaced with a white loading zone. This matter was referred to the Traffic Committee for re- study. (d) It is recommended that the existing white zone in front of the City Ball on the north side of Palm, west of Osos, be enlarged by one car space an' green zone to the west be decreased to accommodate this larger white zk.; <... The snorkel box would then be moved further to the west and would avoid a bit of congestion at the intersection. 64 -3 -17T For some time the Traffic Committee has been plagued with the �:•:xjy .wolved in trimming hedges and other obstructions to visibility within the '`5 foot corner cut -offs. This has been particularly confusing where there arm Ufferent zonings involved, since there is a difference in the building setba;? allowed and the fact that buildings obstruct visibility in the same manner as other obstructions. It is recommended that on a trial basis the Council autho;..'.� the City Engineer's Office to enforce the ordinance as follows: measure the 3 feet at the curb rather than along the property line. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Miller, the f^ ;.owing resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1267, a resolution establ-••_'Ung tratL.--: and parking restrictions. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Clay P. Davidson, R. L. Graves, Jr., Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: Miss Margaret McNeil 11. At this time the City Council held a continuation of public hearing on Resolution No. 1246, a resolution abandoning a portion of Bishop Street. Communication from William Fredman requesting that the Council again defer action on this matter until April 20, 1964 so that he can meet with the responsible County officials regarding this abandonment on behalf of his clients. City Co+mcil x1=tes areb 1610 1964 Page -5. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Biller, the public hearing was continued to April 20, 1964. Notion carried. 12. At this time the City Council held a public hearing on the report of the Superintendent of Streets for sidewalk installed under the provisions of Ordinance No. 257, an ordinance regulating construction and repair of sidewaik6, 1,. Mayor Davidson declared the public hearing opened. The following is a list of persons having sidewalk installed under this ordinance: C. R. & J. E. Bowden 1508 M9-Xl St. $413.50 Daniel C. Chase 1501 Mill St. $323.00 R. 0. & C. E. Pearman 1504 Palm St. $512.00 J. H. & H. Sutter 1439 Phillips Lane $304.00 S. & S. E. Zegar 900 block Calif. Blvd. $625.00 Mr. & Mrs. Bowden and Mr. & Mrs. Zegar have requested the three (3) year payment plan with three percent (39.) interest. Mayor Davidson declared the public hearing closed. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Miller, the resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1266, a resolution confirming coats of sidewalk constructed under the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Clay P. Davidson, R. L. Graves, Jr., Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: Miss Margerec McNeil R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, announced the appointment of Curtis A. Roth and William D. Anderson as Poli =e Officers, effective April 1, 1964, at $435 per month. 13. At this time the City Council held a public hearing on the report of the Superintendent of Streets for sidewalk installed under the provisions of tbq provisions of the 1911 Act. Mayor Davidson declared the public hearing opened. The following persons are having sidewalk installed under the provisoes o' the 1911 Act: -tudolph & Elizabeth Estrada 1636 Garden St. $172.00 K. J. & M. H. Green 639 Church St. $55.00 Florence W. Griswold 649 Church St. $120.00 Charles P. Porter 844 Upham St. also Chorro St. side $692.65 Mr. & Mrs. Estrada and Charles P. Porter requested the three year payment plan with three percent (3 %) interest. Mayor Davidson declared the public hearing closed. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Miller, the following resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1265, a resolution confirming costs of sidewalk constructed under the 1911 Act. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Clay P. Davidson, R. L. Graves, Jr., Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: Miss Margaret McNeil City CMMCIi Mutes March 16, 1964 B -v- 15. The City Council considered a petition from the property owners on Cuesta and Felton Way requesting permission to install 4 foot integral sidewalk on Cuesta Drive. Councilman Miller stated that the City should stay to a standard and that the adopted standard was a 6 foot sidewalk when located integrally with the curb. D. F. Romero, City Engineer, explained previous Council action in adhering to either a standard 4 foot detached or 6 foot integral sidewalk in the bloc! Mr. Romero recommended that the City stick to the standards previously adopted by the City Council and Planning Commission. He pointed out that deviation would set a precedent making enforcement of the adopted standards much more difficult. Was McGregor appeared before the Council on behalf of the appeal for a 4 foot integral sidewalk. Mayor Davidson and Councilman Graves agreed that a 4 foot Integral sidewnl', satisfactory. On motion of Mayor Davidson, seconded by Councilman Graves, that 4 foot integral sidewalk be installed on Cuesta between Felton Way and Cerro Romauldo. Motion carded, Councilman Miller voting no. 14. Mayor Davidson introduced the subject of a possible reduction in the City tax rate. The Mayor explained the condition of the City's financial system in ' 1961, due to overcoat on the Whale Rock Project. He also explained the addition of a sewer service charge for the upkeep and construction for the sewer system. He explained that prior to the addition of the sewer service charge, the sewer operation was supported from the property tax and for this reason, Mayor Davidson believed the City should reduce the taxes by the amount of revenue due to the sewer service charges. He stated this was actually an addition to the tax burden of the public. He also explained that the Council increased the water rates in order to build the new water filtration plant, again that resulted in a tax increase to the property owners. For this reason, he believed that a reduction in tax rate is In order to equalize the tax burden of the City's citizens and for t..^ r•.° he again urged City Council to substantially reduce the tax r=te in araer t encourage new businesses and industry to come to this area. The Mayor that in discussion with president of a large industry in San Luis Obisp -:, that he told him that their company will not add to their present.facilit:±as In San Luis Obispo division due to the unhealthy assessment system in the City and also to the high cost of City tax rate, water rates and sewer rate.. The Mayor noted that the City of Santa Maria, because of better assessment procedures and lower tax rates, is getting expansion while San Luis Obispo i.: not. Mayor Davidson urged that the Council start a program of tax rate reduction starting with a substantial reduction at this time and with antics.; zted increase of the City revenue from other sources, the City program -;ill still move ahead. He stated that now is the time to start a program of :,ax reduction. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Graves, that Council- men Miller and Graves be appointed as a committee to study the matter and bring back a report to the Council within thirty (30) days. (April 3, 1964) Councilman Whelchel stated that this matter is important to all Councilmen and they should study this matter as a group. Councilman Graves stated he would be pleased to work with Councilman Miller and make recommendations to the City Council at their study session. City Council Minutes March 16, 1964 Page -7- Motion lost on the following roll call vote: AYES: R. L. Graves, Jr,,, Donald Q. Miller NOES: Clay P. Davidson, Clell W. Whelchel ABSENT: Miss Margaret McNeil R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, reported as follows: He stated that the decision on tax rates was up to the Council, but an alternate was suggested inasmuch as he knew planners would be coming in for tax allocation to finance capital outlay program. Tax rate had been stabilized at $1.50 for 13 years. There was something to be said for such planning as contracted with a tax reduction this year and perhaps an increa:;: next year. Councilman Miller stated that he believed chat the City is operating on a sound financial basis. An example of this is the low rate received for sz: of City bonds. He then gave examples of differer :ies between the City of Santa Maria and the City of Sar_ Luir Obispo. For example, Santa Maria ha- volunteer Fire Department with a class 5 rating, where San Luis Obispo full time department with three (3) stations, etc., and a class 4 ratir.: He also mentioned that Santa Maria will collect two times the amount of tax for this fiscal year than will the City of San Luis Obispo. Mayor Davidson stacp.d that the full Council should study this matter and not have recommendations from a committee. Councilman Whelchel star;:; he believed enough information was available now to make a decision. A study session was set for Furth 23, 1 °54, at 7:30 P. M. 24. Communication from the Christian De�Jchool, 2790 South Broad Street, brirginf to the Council's attention a hazardous condition brought about by the installation of curb, gutter and 'dewalk and by the addition of steps to rear. the property and requested that the City Council. look irto a remedy of this problem. D. F. Romero, Cicy Engineer, e.ipla£ned that the original agreement be'. :..cn the church and the City did not tail for handrails down the steps. _rffo•. a modification to include handrails would require Council action. Cn motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Mayor Davidson, that the install handrails as requested by the Church of Christ, subject to an agreement worked out by the City attorney and the Church. Motion carried :.�. Communication from D. F. Romero, City Engineer, regarding negotiations for acquisition of property for street widening on the north side of Foothill Boulevard. D, F. Romero, City Engineer, pointed out several troublesome areas in the present policy and suggested s Council committee review of the policy. The City Council discussed the policy. 1 On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, that the Committee be reactivated and meet with D. F. Romero, City Engineer. Motion carried. Communication from San Luis Obispo City School District notifying the City Council that they have read the Police Department Man Power Study preparec+ by Griffenhagen- Rroeger and that they do not wish to enter into any school safety patrol arrangement. Communication ordered received and filed on motion of Councilman Mille:-, seconded by Mayor Davidson. Motion carried, Councilman Whelchel voting City Council Minutes March 169 1964 Page -8- The meeting recessed at 9:50 P. M. and reconvened at 10:20 P. M. to discuss possible lease of property. Councilman Miller left the meeting. 18. Resolution from the Local Agency Formation Commission approving annexation of territory to the City of San Luis Obispo, was referred to the City Attorney. 19. Communication from Kenneth Schwartz, Chairman of the Plai ing Commission, regarding Planned Development procedures for the Planning` ssion, was ordered received and filed. 20. Communication from Price Thompson, Water Superintendent, regarding the grazi of the livestock at Whale Rock, was ordered received and-filed on motion of Councilman Whelchel, seconded by Councilman Miller. 21. Council discussion of anima'. control service rendered by Woods Animal Sheltc was held over. 22. Communication from D. F. Romero, CitX Engineer, notifying the City Council of the traffic counts to be taken at various intersections in the City for traffic signal justification, and asking if the Council had any additional Intersections they wished counts to be taken.on. Councilman Whelchel suggested Madonna Road and Higuera Street and the Cou,.i:il requested that the Palm St. and Santa Rosa Street intersection be eliminated until the Court House addition is completed. 23. Progress report from Miss Patricia Clark, City Librarian, on the Black Gold Cooperative.Library System, was ordered received and filed. 25. Notice from the State Employees Retirement System establishing the administrative cost of the syste:a for the 1964 -65 fiscal year, was ordered received and filed. 26. Communication from Mrs. Vernon R=n s of the Blue Bell Motel requesting additional street lights on Lower K %guera Street. The Traffic Committee recommended no action as they felt lighting was adequate. The City Clerk was to notify Mrs. Emmons of the Traffic Committee's recammend.- tion. 7. Communication from the Union Oil Company requesting permission from the Cii; to move their cathodic protection system onto City property which is regn?.:•-.a because of the improvements of the sewer farm field, was referred to the City Attorney for investigation and report. °R. Communication from Councilman Solomon of the City of Redondo Beach, California. requesting cooperation of the City Council of San Luis Obispo in passing a resolution prohibiting the use of tobacco by minors, was ordered received and filed on motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Whelchel. 29. Communication from the City Planning Commission recommending the rezoning of the J. J. Wolosz property at the southwest corner of South and H::.guera Streets, from M to C -1. On motion of Councilman Whelchel, seconded by Mayor Davidson. that �:►e matter be deferred with permission of the applicant until the Planning Commission ha,- completed their zoning studies in the area. Motion carried. Communication from the Public Utilities Commission notifying the City Council that the PUC has approved the contract for joint use of poles between the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph and the Central California Communications Corporation, was ordered received and filed. Communication from the Division of Highways notifying the City Council nt studies being made in developing freeway and expressway systems in Caliro-- .,i._. and asking cooperation of the City Staff in arriving at their studies, was ordered received and filed. City Council Minutes March 16, 1964 Page -9- 32. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, the following resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1264, a resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo adopting and submitting a budget for expenditure of funds allocated from the State Highway Fund to Cities. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Clay P. Davidson, R. L. Graves, Jr., Clell W. Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: Miss Margaret McNeil, Donald Q. Miller D. F. Romero, City Engineer, presented the gas tax budget for 1964 -65. He explained that the proposed budget lumped all available gas tax funds ir:. the Foothill Boulevard Bridge project budget. He estimated $115,000 total cost for construction of Foothill Bridge and Foothill from Casa to Santa Rosa. R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, made the following recommendation regarding the gas'tas. It was recommended that 60% of the 5/81; gas tax money be budgeted for maintenance and that the difference between 40% and 60% be allocated for major maintenance work by contract. This would give the Council more flexibility in the use of gas tax moneys than the old system of budgeting 407. for maintenance. 1 On motion of Councilman. Graves, seconded by Councilman.Whelchel, the meeting adjourned at 11:20 P. h. to the Motel In••,, 12 :00 Noon, Wednesday, March 18, 1964. Motion carried. Approved: April 6, 1964 ��iC � J• H. FITZPATRICK, CITY CLERK 1