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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/16/1964REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL November 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. Whelchel Absent: Miss Margaret McNeil City Staff P. Chapman, Director of Planning & Building; J. H. Fitzpatrick, City Clerk; W. M. Houser, City Attorney; R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer; D. F. Romero, City Engineer; L. Schlobohm, Fire Chief; W. Schofield, Police Chief; E. P. Thompson, Water Superintendent. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Miller, the minutes of November 2, 1964, were approved as amended. They were amended as follows: Page 3, Item R1, after the first statement of Mayor Davidson: Should read as follows: "Councilman Whelchel declined the appointment on the Fair Committee." Page 4, Item 21B, after second paragraph: Should read as follows: "Councilman Whelchel suggested that the name be changed to Higuera Road." On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, the claims against the City for the month of November, 1964, were approved subject to the ' approval ofthe Administrative Officer- - - - - -------------- --------- - -------- -------- 1. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, the following resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1348, a resolution increasing the 1964 -65 Budget. (Account No. 159 increased by $3,000.00; Account No. 250.2 increased by $508.98) 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 2. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, the following was approved: A. Grant Deed from Martin Polin for street widening on Foothill Blvd. B. Grant Deed from William H. Woodward and Velma S. Woodward for street widening on Johnson Avenue. C. Covenant from James S. and Jane Wilkinson regarding improvements on Williams Street. The Mayor was also authorized to record said documents on behalf of the City. Motion carried. 3. Traffic Committee report of November 10 and 12, 1964. 64 -11 -1T The P. G. & E. Company has requested that the City prepare a priority schedule for the conversion of incandescent lighting to mercury vapor. Mr. Romero has suggested the following order of precedence, and if the Council has no objection, we will ask the electrical company to use this order: Downtown, artery streets in order of importance, collector streets, and local streets. City Council Minutes November 16, 1964 Page -2- 64 -11 -2T The City has received a request for an additional driveway into the College Square Shopping Center from Foothill Boulevard westerly of the present driveway ramps. However, the Traffic Committee has suggested that Mr. Romero deny this application because such a driveway would be too close to the Chorro Street intersection, in our opinion. 64 -11 -3T It has been reported to the Traffic Committee that the motorists using the drive -up mail box at the College Square Shopping Center interfere with other motorists trying to enter the Shopping Center. It is therefore suggested that this mail box be placed somewhere in the vicinity of the Shell Station and the Sizzler Steak House on the south side of Foothill, west of Broad 'Street, at a location to be specified by the City Engineer. This will require a one car space white loading zone. 64 -11 -4T In response to a request from the Superintendent of Schools that crosswalks be installed at the Foothill- Chorro intersection, the Traffic Committee recommends that crosswalks be placed at all four legs of the intersection. 64 -11 -5T The Police Chief has suggested that some type of traffic control be instituted for east bound motorists on Foothill approaching the Southern Pacific railroad tracks. The City Engineer plans to install a slow marking on the pavement for the through lane. 64 -11 -6T The Traffic Committee has taken another look at the parking and traffic situation in the vicinity of Carpenter and Foothill, and recommends that parking be eliminated on both sides of Foothill from Carpenter to Crandall. We feel that this will make for safer traffic ' flows in this area. 64 -11 -7T The suggestion was made that a crosswalk be installed on California somewhere between Hathway and the 101 Freeway, and when the Traffic Committee could not arrive at any preferred location or could not ,determine the real need for such a crosswalk, the matter was dropped. Since that time the Traffic Committee has again studied the matter and recommended that a crosswalk be installed at the prolongation of the northerly sidewalk on Taft Street. 64 -11 -8T The City has received a request from 17 residents in the neighborhood of Peach and Nipomo, requesting the traffic be stopped on Nipomo at Peach. Since this is a through street, the Traffic Committee is hesitant to recommend such an installation, but has asked the City Engineer to paint the curb at the turn with white paint which glows in the dark. City Engineer Romero explained that there is no curb at this intersection, however he plans to install a curve sign, some reflectorized posts, and to repaint the street markings. 64 -11 -9T Father Steiger of the Old Mission has written a letter to the City objecting to the two hour parking limits on North Broad and Palm Streets because he indicates the high school faculty and students have no other place to park within a reasonable distance. Although the Traffic Committee recalls that some of these signs were placed at the request of the Catholic School, we have no objection to removal of the parking restrictions if this is the wish of the Church. We so recommend. 64- 11 -1OT The Traffic Committee has studied the suggestion of the City Engineer that parking be eliminated on the east side of Higuera from High Street to the driveway ramp into Williams Brothers Market. We agree with his contention that this should improve visibility at the congested intersection of High, Pismo and Higuera. Councilman Whelchel objected due to the lack of parking in the area. He stated that this was a detriment to the business in the area and suggested the installation of a traffic signal. City Council Minutes November 16, 1964 Page -3- Councilman Miller urged that the Council follow the recommendation of the Traffic Committee. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Graves, the following resolution was introduced. Resol+ation No. 1353, a resolution prohibiting parking on a portion of Higuera Street. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Clay P. Davidson, R. L. Graves, Jr., Donald Q. Miller NOES: Clell W. Whelchel ABSENT: Miss Margaret McNeil 64- 11 -11C The Traffic Committee has studied the request of the First American Title Company that certain all day parking meters in their block be changed to two hour and 24 minute meters. We are reluctant to mix up the block in this way, as we feel that it would be confusing to motorists. However, we do recommend that the two meters on the south side of Pacific west of Morro, namely meters 825 and 823, be changed to 24 minute meters. 64- 11 -12T At the suggestion of the City Engineer, the Traffic Committee has again studied the proposal that two unmetered spaces be marked as a red zone on the easterly side of Broad Street south of Marsh to facilitate right hand turning movements for north bound motorists on Broad turning onto Marsh. (Vicinity of Rexall Drug Store.) We feel that such a zone is warranted and so recommend. ' 64- 11 -13T At the request of the Nativity School on Daly, the Traffic Committee recommends that school crosswalks be painted across Jeffrey south of Daly and across Patricia south of Daly. Traffic Committee report of November 12, 1964. 64- 11 -14C The Traffic Committee has held a thorough discussion on Mr. Romero's letter of October 14, 1964 in which he suggests raising the speed limits on certain streets. Our recommendations are as follows: Orcutt Road from Broad to Johnson - lower from 65 MPH to 35 MPH. (Un- posted at present) Foothill Boulevard from Broad to the west City limits - raise from 25 MPH to 35 MPH (Note: The Traffic Committee was not unanimous on this recommenda- tion at this time) Leave Grand Avenue as is. Leave Chorro Street as is. Elks Lane from Prado Road to Higuera Street to 35 MPH California Boulevard between Phillips Lane and Foothill Boulevard - raise from 25 MPH to 35 MPH Madonna Road from 1,000 feet westerly of the 101 Freeway intersection to Los Osos Road - raise from 40 MPH to 45 MPH On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Mayor Davidson, a public hearing was set for December 7, 1964. Motion carried. 64- 11 -15T The City has received a request from several residents in the vicinity of South Tassajara Street, requesting the installation of side- walks on both sides of that street between Ramona and Foothill. The Traffic Committee feels that sidewalks are needed on both sides of the street from a point north of Luneta commencing with the Deeter Tract boundary and extending in a northerly direction to Foothill, and recommends that the City Council Minutes November 16, 1964 Page -4- Council authorize the City Engineer to make a feasibility study. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Graves, the City Engineer was authorized to make a feasibility study of the above mentioned matter. Motion carried. On motion of Mayor Davidson, seconded by Councilman Miller, the following resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1354, a resolution establishing parking restrictions on Foothill, North Broad, Palm, Pacific and Broad. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Clay P. Davidson, R. L. Graves, Jr., Donald Q. Miller, Ciell W. Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: Miss Margaret McNeil 4. At this time the Council appointed committee (W. M. Houser, E. P. Thompson, and Mr. Edmonson) reported on the request from the County of San Luis Obispo to purchase water from Army Corps of Engineers for Water Works District No. 6, Santa Margarita. W. M. Houser, City Attorney, reported that the Committee's unanimous recommendations were that the City sell the requested 200 acre feet per year to San Luis Obispo County Water Works District No. 6 on an interim basis. The reasons for the recommendation were that the City had the ' right, under California State Water Rights Law,. to the full yield of the Santa Margarita Dam and that if the City consented to the present request of the District, they would lose this 200 acre feet per year water supply. He further stated that the City would need additional water in the future, and to replace this 200 acre feet would probably cost at least $4,000 per year additional expense. The Committee also recommended that the City consider a firm comtitment for at least tenyears in order to enable the District to amortize the improvements and that the Council reaffirm their policy of the City's willingness to negotiate interim sales of the City's water rights to the various Districts that required such water, but to retain the right to terminate such use when the City would need all of its water supply. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Mayor Davidson, that the recommendations be accepted. Motion.carried. 5. At this time the City Council discussed the wording of the proposed agree- ment with the Prices' on Bond Street driveway ramp. Councilman Miller questioned the conditions placed on the Covenant for signature by the Prices' as he believed the conditions were too strict for the property owners to sign. 1 City Attorney Houser explained the provisions and reasons for the wording. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Graves, that the Covenant be rewritten to clarify the wording and submitted to the Council before sending it out to the Prices' for their signature. Motion carried. 6.9 D. F. Romero, City Engineer, presented two alternate bridge plans, one a 9., GLU -LAM wooden bridge and a second Lin -tee reinforced concrete bridge. & 14. The estimate of-e ;ach including a 25% contingency was as follows: GLU -LAM $89430.00 Lin -tee $10,606.00 1 City Council Minutes November 16, 1964 Page -5- He stated that due to maintenance cost over the life of the bridge, the reinforced concrete structure would probably prove to be cheaper in the long run. Burt Fugate stated that he has personally contacted many managers and owners on the south side of the creek in the Mission Plaza Project and stated it was his impression that they are fully in accord with the revised Mission Plaza Plan and was sure that they will give all the land necessary for walkways, etc. The following letter was received from Peter M. Rardel: "We understand that the booklets are or will shortly be available for distribution. Therefore, in order to move this urgent redevelopment program along, we suggest that one or more conferences be arranged with the property owners and businessmen who are most directly concerned. This firm represents the Johnson Trust which owns in general, the property on which Woolworth's is located, to the corner of Chorro and Higuera and thence to and including the parking lot near the corner of Chorro and Monterey. The Trust does not own the property on which Berkemeyer's Market is located. The Trust is concerned that unless prudent and prompt action is taken, the downtown San Luis Obispo core area will become a blighted area. We await hearing from you suggesting a time and place for such a meeting." On motion of Councilman Graves seconded by Mayor Davidson, that the City approve the Lin -tee reinforced concrete bridge for the Mission Plaza area as designed by the City Engineer. Motion carried. Joe Warnagieris asked what protection do the property owners and taxpayers have in this project. With a great expenditure of City tax money, this should be put to a vote of the people and so requested. Councilman Miller urged that the City Council set up a meeting with the property owners to go over the City's plan for development of the Mission Plaza Project, and that individual property owners be contacted to get their feelings on this matter. Mayor Davidson suggested that the property owners be notified on steps taken to date by the City and solicit support from their group if they are basically in accord with City proposal. Mayor Davidson continued that the City has prepared the tools needed to develop the Mission Plaza Plan and now felt that the information is available for use by the property owners in developing their own property and felt now the property owners should lead out on this development. The following communication was received from the Planning Director regard- ing notes on the meeting of the 5th of November on the committee establish- ed to study the feasibility of architectural control in the Mission Plaza: "The Committee felt that the plan for where it was necessary that merchants in the implementation of the plan. the Mission Plaza had reached a stage in the block actively participate It was suggested that the proposed Retail Merehants Association would be the best group to encourage this cooperation. Alternatively, property owners who had expressed an interest in the Plan might be encouraged to remodel their own buildings in the expectations that this would encourage others in the block to follow suit. It was agreed that a restrictive ordinance similar to that which had been adopted in New Orleans should not be recommended at this time, but that an Advisory Board be set up to review building plans and assist property owners to coordinate their proposals with the Mission Plaza theme. An ordinance could be considered in the future if it was requested by the Merchants Association. City Council Minutes November 16, 1964 Page -6- It was agreed that the Board initially.should consist of an architect, a landscape architect, and a downtown merchant and that the Mayor should recommend a list of names to the next meeting of the City Council." Mr. Seaeker urged that the City not give up leadership. Mr. Rardel urged that the City not let this program get away from their control as it would most likely never get off the ground as they need the leadership of the City Government to proceed. Councilman Miller moved that a committee of two (2) Councilman be appointed to meet with the property owners with the staff to move this plan along. Motion died for the lack of a second. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Mayor Davidson, that the City Staff be encouraged to cooperate with the property owners on acquisition of easements by preparing descriptions, etc. Motion carried, Councilman Miller voting no. 7. At this time the City Council considered the petition from the residents of Beebee Street requesting relief from the flood problems in their area. City Engineer Romero reported that he had prepared construction plans for a solution of the drainage problem during 1961 and had included funds in his budget request each year since that date, but that the Council had been unable to appropriate these funds for the construction of the facilities. He explained that he could update the plans and be ready for bid in the spring, after the rainy season. Administrative Officer Miller said that at budget time it was more or less a matter of which project came first, the Beebee Street job at $30,000 or the Murray -Broad Street job at $95,000. It was decided to do the big job this year and get it out of the way. Money would be available in the spring to do the smaller job, and it was scheduled in the capital improvement program for 1965 -66. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Mayor Davidson, that the City Engineer prepare a report on interim measures to protect this property. On motion of Mayor Davidson, seconded by Councilman Graves, that the City Engineer be requested to update plans and specifications for Council approval. Motion carried. 8. Communication from the Agriculture Council at Cal Poly asking permission to display farm equipment on November 21, 1964. On motion of Councilman Graves, seconded by Councilman Miller, the request was approved. Mayor Davidson challenged all the Mayors of cities in the county to a milking contest. 10. Discussion by the City Council of the procedure to follow in order to widen Foothill Boulevard from Santa Rosa to Chorro Street, was referred to the Council Committee studying City Street Widening Policy. 11. Discussion of City policy on inspection of large Public Works project. Councilman Miller brought up the matter of the City's responsibility on inspection of large Public Works projects under construction for the City. Mr. Miller brought up particularly the fiasco on the project on the Murray and Broad Culvert and hoped that the City would make provisions for protection of adjacent properties and the public. City Council Minutes November 16, 1964 Page -7- City Engineer Romero explained the reasons for the delay in the completion of the Broad - Murray Project and discussed items in the specifications protecting the property owners, and steps taken by his department and the contractor in providing access and safety for residents in the neighbor- hood. 12. Communication from Fire Chief Schlobohm regarding possible purchase of site for Fire Station from the Lamoro Corporation if and when the City purchases land to trade with the School District. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, that a Council Committee be appointed to study the request and make recommendations to the City Council. Motion carried. Councilmen Whelchel and Miller were appointed to this committee. 13. Communication from the Planning Director regarding the landscaping of City Parking Lots 29 3, and 6. Mr. Chapman presented a plan for landscaping the three (3) parking lots. He also requested that the signs in parking lot #6 be removed. On motion of Mayor Davidson, seconded by Councilman Miller, that the request be approved and authorization be given to call for bids. Motion carried, Councilman Graves voting no. On motion of Councilman Whelchel, seconded by Councilman Graves, that planters be designed to be used for planting in Lot No. 3. Motion carried, Councilman Miller voting no. ' On motion of Councilman Whelchel, seconded by Councilman Miller, authoriza- tion was given to Planning Director Chapman to negotiate for a phone installation in Parking Lot No. 6, and report to the City Council. Motion carried. 15. Financial statement for the Chamber of Commerce for the month of October, 1964, was ordered received and filed. 16. Communication from Charles R. Buck thanking the City Fire Department for their efficient handling of an emergency at his home on October 24, 1964, was ordered received and filed. 17. Dates that the World Affairs Council will be using the Council Chambers, was ordered received and filed. 18. Communication from Ross Humphrey, Chairman of the Santa Sleighs Program, sponsored by the Retail Merchants Division of the Chamber of Commerce, referred to the Traffic Committee to coordinate. 19. Communication from the County of San Luis Obispo regarding the proposed ordinance imposing 4% hotel -motel room occupancy tax and enclosing a copy of their ordinance relating to same. On motion of Mayor Davidson, seconded by Councilman Whelchel, that City Attorney Houser prepare an ordinance to become effective April 1, 1965, and write a letter informing the Board of Supervisors of the effective date. Motion carried. 20. A public hearing was set for December 7, 1964, to discuss the taxi rates for the two (2) taxi cab companies in the City of San Luis Obispo. 21. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Graves, the meeting adjourned at 11:10 P. M. to November 24, 1964 at 7:30 P. M. Approved: December 21, 1964 �. H. FITZPATRICK9 CITY CLERK