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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/10/1967City Council Minutes July 5, 1967 Page 11 the basis of Mr. Schwartz's experience and education he had previously voted to eliminate the Planning consultant. Mayor Whelchel praised Mr. Schwartz's work on the Planning Commission and his dedication to the City of San Luis Obispo. _ .. Councilman Gallagher stated that he also felt that Mr. Schwartz had done a good job on the Commission but he felt that the City's professional planning staff should make the planning studies under general direction of the Planning_ Commission. The City Council then proceeded to vote by ballot for the four vacancies on the Commission on the five candidates nominated. After the tally of the written votes, the following individuals were appointed to four year terms on the Planning Commission: John Evans, Robert Johnson, Francis McNamara and Laverne Schneider. Park and Recreation Commission Councilman Miller nominated Mrs.::Kathleen Bradford. Councilman Blake nominated Mrs. Joan Buckley. Mayor Whelchel nominated Robert Janssen. Councilman Spring nominated Al Moriarity. on motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Gallagher, all nominees-to the Park and Recreation Commission were appointed to four year terms. Motion carried. on motion of Councilman Spring, seconded by Councilman Miller, that the City send . a letter and certificate to each retiring Commissioner. Motion carried. On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded,by Councilman Spring,_fh6 meeting adjourned.. r APPROVED: July 17, 1967 H. PITZPATRICK CITY CLERK Roll Call City Staff MINUTES f SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL July 10, 1967 - 7:30 P.M. CITY HALL Present: Emmons Blake, Frank Gallagher, Arthur F. Spring, Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel Present: R. D. Young, Planning Director; J. H. Fitzpatrick, City Clerk; .­H.: Johnson, City. Attorney; R.. D: Miller, Administrative Officer; D. F. Romero, City Engineer; E. L. Rodgers; Police Chief. 1. Mayor Whelchel declared that-the purpose of the meeting was to receive a report on a new proposal for development of the Mission Plaza area prepared by Walt Conwell, Jack Reineck and Ralph Taylor. Mayor Whelchel read the following prepared statement: City Council Minutes July 10, 1967 Page 2 We would like to welcome you to the first public hearing set by the City Council to hear the presentation of Walt Conwell, Jack Reineck, and Ralph Taylor, on their concepts to implement the "Mission P1aza.Plan." I would like to preface the presentation with a little background material. As you know, the "Mission Plaza" has been studied and discussed for years. There have been many plans and concepts presented with varying degrees of acceptance or rejection. When the present Council was seated slightly over two years ago, we had many requests to do more than just talk about the "Mission Plaza." The people wanted us to accomplish something to get the project started. To accomplish something to show development..in the project, it was necessary to make some decisions. One.of ,those decisions concerned realigning or closing Monterey Street between Chorro and Broad Streets. To reach this decision, it was necessary to consider many factors, such as traffic flow, present and future; financing; effect on the Mission and adjacent shopping area; timing; legal aspects such as purchase of property and access rights; and acceptance by a majority of the citizens of San Luis Obispo. After weighing all these factors, the decision to realign Monterey Street was made. With this decision, we reached agreements with adjacent property owners and others to jointly purchase the necessary property and use gas tax funds to assist in accomplishing the Mission Plaza. Many months after this decision was reached and agreements were made to proceed with the development, I was approached by these gentlemen making the presentation this evening to determine if the City Council would be interested in a study to further the "Mission Plaza Plan." They were accompanied by Mr. Gil Moore who sat in on the discussions. I was .told that these gentlemen were intending to make.the study as a senior project and with City participation, would be eligible for matching funds of $1,000 from the America the Beautiful Foundation. 1 During the discussions, I informed them that the City Council had already reached a: decision regarding closing Monterey Street and that commitments had been made on that basis. In answer to a direct question, I told them that they would not be assisting the "Mission Plaza Plan "Las being followed by the City if they pursued a study showing Monterey Street closed, but if they wished to show an alternate pldn with Monterey Street closed, it might.be useful, if at some time in the future, it was decided that future traffic flows would permit the closing of Monterey Street. Since.then, I found that they were told essentially the same thing by Councilman Miller, R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, and R. D. Young, Director of Planning and Building. When they came before the Council, prior to receiving approval, it was our understanding that our directives would be followed, or we would not have approved the expenditure of City funds. Since we-had no- contact with these gentlemen =for some time after our approval of the study, we asked for a progress report as is customary on City contracts. This was written up as a public hearing in the local press without approval or verification with any member of the Council or City Staff and unfortunately this induced many of you to attend the uncalled meeting. I am truly sorry.and.wish-to apologize if I• displayed a,.loss of temper at that time, but the facts and events which I have just recited did indeed perturb me and that the City Council could be placed in the position in which we found ourselves that.'evening without our approval or knowledge. 1 Therefore, again, I wish to welcome you to this public hearing set by the City Council and assure you that these gentlemen will have the opportunity to make a full and complete presentation. After the presentation, any of you in the audience will have the opportunity to make statements or ask questions. All we ask is that you conduct yourself in proper.order and respect the views of others although they may differ from your :own views. . Thank you for your courtesy in allowing me to.present this introductory statement, :and.now.may we.proceed with the:presentation. . Mr. Jack Reineck introduced his co- workers, Walt Conwell and Ralph Taylor, and then presented their concept for the development of the Mission Plaza in downtown San Luis Obispo. City Council Minutes July 10, 1967 Page 3 He explained in detail the areas studied by the team of students and the depth to which their studies went on such items as pedestrian traffic, auto traffic, the closing or realigning of Monterey Street and the treatment of adjoining buildings. Messers. Reineck; Conwell and Taylor then presented a picture slide program of their proposed Mission Plaza Concept including pictures of existing buildings and of the model for their recommended treatment of these same buildings. They then presented pictures and sketches of the completed Mission Plaza as envision- ' ed by them both with the Monterey Street closed and Monterey Street open and realigned between Broad Street and Chorro Street. Mrs. L. Dart; Curator of the San Luis Obispo County Historical Society, appeared before the City Council urging that every attempt be made to save the Murray adobe and the little mill. She then explained in detail the history of Judge Murray and his impact on the City and County of San Luis Obispo. Col. Boyce, President of the Advisory Council of the Old Mission Church, urged the development of the Mission Plaza concept as presented by the students this evening. Mr. Robert Leitcher presented a petition signed by'52 property owners in the immediate area of the Mission Plaza urging that the City Council reconsider their decision to realign Monterey Street for the better development of the proposed plan. He continued that he personally called on property owners and residents in the area bounded by Monterey Street, Palm Street, Dana Street and Nipomo Street to get their reaction to the closing of Monterey Street and found that the majority favored the closing of Monterey Street between Broad Street and Chorro Street. Mr. Johnson, Johnson's Baby Store, asked that the City Council reconsider their decision to realign Monterey Street and build a large pedestrian oriented Mission Plaza and felt that the closing of Monterey Street would be good for business. Mr. P. Kardel, attorney for the Johnson Trust, stated that his clients are proceeding with the development of their property and are incorporating several of the suggestions for building treatment presented by the students. Mr. Nicholson, past President of the County Hisotrical Society, urged that the City Council take a strong stand on saving the Judge Murray adobe for inclusion in the Mission Plaza development. A. E. Boyle urged the City Council to proceed with the development of a beautiful Mission Plaza area. Mr. Bud Idler, Businessman, stated that he was sure that there were large numbers of people in the City who would be willing to contribute.funds and labor to construct a Mission Plaza. Mr. John Sues, Cigar Factory Restaurant Operator, asked what could be done to get the Mission Plaza development started with some action and not any more plans or meetings as has been going on for, as he understands, 15 years. Mayor Whelchel answered regarding the financial considerations in developing the Mission Plaza and the studies of the past two years that led to the Council's decision for realigning Monterey Street. The City Council discussed with the students various problems in dealing with the handling of traffic in the central business district in relation to the Mission and the Mission Plaza. . Mr. E. Rodrigues urged that the City Council not only.keep Monterey Street open, but realign the street in order to make easier access to the downtown business area. Miss Maxwell urged that the City Council .make . some decisions on the developmert of some type of Mission Plaza plan. City Council Minutes July 10, 1967 Page 4 Mr. R. Leitcher urged the City Council to continue the .present pay -as- you -go program for development of the Mission Plaza project. Mrs. Roberson objected to the realignment of Monterey Street and felt that the street should be closed in order to encourage pedestrian use of the Mission Plaza area. Gene O'Connor, Instructor at Cal Poly, read a statement on marketing relating to ' the encouragement of economic life in the City and urged that some development be made in the downtown City center in order to stop the rush of business to outlying shopping centers and leave a dead end dying central City. He urged that the civic and business leaders of the community encourage the development of the City's most unique attraction, the Mission and its surroundings. H. Fryer, Sr., stated that the first consideration in a project of this type should be where is the money coming from to develop a Mission Plaza. Mrs. A. Brown was in favor of closing Monterey Street in order to develop an exciting Plaza for the City and urged that no interim plan be accepted because if the street is realigned it would be a long time before the street could be closed. She suggested that the City Council experiment in closing Monterey Street with barricades for one month to see its effect on traffic. Mr. Warden, property owner, stated that contrary to a newspaper article that he was opposed to the closing of Monterey Street which would take access rights away from him from his property. Further he stated that he did not feel that the development of a Mission Plaza would save the downtown business district but urged that the City Council adopt some plan for development and proceed with its conclusion. ' Mr. George Andre urged that the City Council-approve and proceed with the develop- ment of a.Mission Plaza for the benefit of the citizens of the City and urged the City Council to reconsider all the facets of the Mission Plaza plan and then move ahead as rapidly as possible. Ron Dunin, Chairman of the Chamber Motel and Hotel Committee, stated that he was in favor of the Mission Plaza and also agreed with the closing of Monterey Street and urged that the City Council begin development in order to encourage tourists spending in the- City. He felt that the Mission Plaza would attract many new tourist's dollars. Gary Glassmeyer, student, stated that he felt the main problem was whether Monterey Street should be closed or realigned and agreed that the City should try an experi- ment by closing Monterey Street for a given period of time to see what develops in the overall traffic problems downtown. Mr. J. McDonald, President of -the Downtown Association, stated that he liked the student's presentation and urged that the City proceed as they are presently doing on a pay -as- you -go basis until some one comes up with a financing plan for the full development of the Mission Plaza. Mr. Hanrahan stated the issues as he sees it are as follows: (1) Where is the money coming from to develop the plan; (1) should or should not Monterey Street be closed. 1 He urged that the City use bed tax money for the development of the Mission Plaza. He stated this money was col•lected'for the tourists and apparently the Mission Plaza was to entice more tourists to the City therefore the use of this tax would be fairer to all concerned. John Augsberger urged the City Council to develop the Mission Plaza with volunteer help and contribution of funds from the public. Robert Leitcher asked the City Council what action by the citizens it would take to have the City Council change its mind and close Monterey Street. City Council Minutes July 10, 1967 Page S Mayor Whelchel stated that he felt he had an open mind and that he would consider all the comments made by the public.this evening. Councilman Gallagher stated he would go along with the students' plan if the whole package of cost and the issue of Monterey Street were presented to the citizens for a vote and with a bond issue to pay for and settle this matter. Further, he stated he felt one of the key issues on this development was the private property on the east side of the Creek. Councilman Blake stated that he felt the key to the overall development of the Mission Plaza was what actions would the property owners take on the east side of the Creek. He continued that he was in favor of closing the street as he felt that it was .a necessary part of the full development. Councilman Spring stated that he felt that more had been done in the past few years to acquire land and develop the Mission Plaza than had been done in the previous 10 years and urged that the citizens allow the City Council to proceed with the Plaza development on a pay -as- you -go basis. Councilman Miller stated that he wished the citizens of the City to know that the City Council was aware of the Mission Plaza problem and had been struggling with this matter over a period of years. He stated that he also felt that the key to the Mission Plaza development as presented by the students would be how would the private property east of the Creek be developed. He then listed actions to date by the City Council in acquiring property for the Mission Plaza development. 1 He then listed all the studies that have been made and paid for to date for the development of a Mission Plaza plan. • • I He continued that the main problem always seems to be a way to finance this development without raising taxes, etc. He continued that he felt he had an open mind on the closing of Monterey Street but that he would have to be convinced of its merits. Mayor Whelchel thanked everyone for attending and taking part in this, discussion and for the courtesy shown to each speaker. 1 On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Gallagher, the meeting was adjourned. Motion carried. APPROVED: August 7, 1967 . H. FIT PATRICK CITY CLERK MINUTES 1 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL July 17, 1967 - 7:00 P.M. CITY HALL Invocation was given by the Reverend Tim Roehrs, Zion Lutheran Church.