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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/03/1969City Council Minutes January 20, 1969 Page 12 36. On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman Miller "the meeting adjourned to Tuesday, January 28, 1969 at 7:30 P.M. for a joint meeting with the City Planning Commission. - . FITZPATRICK, CITY CLERK ' APPROVED: February 17, 1969 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING "OF THE CITY COUNCIL February 3, 1969 - 7:00 P.M. City Hall Invocation: Rev. Ray, First Baptist Church Pledge Roll Call City Staff 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; J. Stockton, Park and Recreation Supervisor; H. Johnson, City Attorney; R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer; D. F. Romero, City Engineer; E. Rodgers, Police Chief; L. Scholobhm,.Fire.Chief. On motion of Councilman Gallagher, 'seconded by Councilman Miller, the minutes of the meeting of January 6, 1969, were approved. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Spring, claims against the City for the month of February, 1969, were approved subject to the approval of the Administrative Officer. 1. Communication from Mel Matteson, Chairman of the Retail Merchants Committee, requesting Council approval to close Higuera Street from Broad to Morro Street so that they can carry on the 2nd annual Flea Market on July 26, 1969. M. Matteson appeared before the City Council on behalf of his request stating that the first Flea Market put on by the Chamber of Commerce was extremely successful and they felt that with an early start it would be even.more successful this year. He continued that his committee had met with the Fire Chief and the Police Chief and they felt there would be no particular problems involved in closing Higuera Street. L. Schlobohm, Fire Chief,' stated that during the last Flea Market they had taken a test run with the fire truck to see how it could negotiate the street while it was closed for the Flea Market and there seemed to be no particular, problem in fighting fires in this area. 1 I I City Council Minutes February 3, 1969 Page 2 E. Rodgers, Police Chief, presented a sketch to the City Council of the proposed traffic control for downtown streets if the request of the Retail Merchants Com- mittee is approved and Higuera Street is closed. He continued that last year traffic control was not enforced early enough in the day and they had a problem, but once the traffic was properly diverted, no pro-- blems arose, and he would not.object to closing Higuera Street. B. Idler, Chairman of the 1969 Flea Market, stated that he had contacted most of the merchants in the downtown area and they all would support the request to have another Flea Market during the summer of 1969. Councilman•Gallagher suggested that the committee make an informal petition of the merchants on Higuera Street between Broad and Morro stating that they approve the closing of Higuera Street in July for the Flea Market. Mayor Whelchel stated he was opposed to closing Higuera Street on a Saturday as this 0as.d-good business day, and because Higuera is a one -way street, he anti- cipates much confusion to people trying to get through San Luis Obispo who are not familiar with the streets. M. Matteson stated that the merchants he had talked with were for the Flea Market, as it introduced many out -of -town customers to downtown San Luis Obispo, and gave as an example people who have returned to his shop after first being introduced to it during the Flea Market. Councilman Blake asked how the Police Department-felt as far as the problem of traffic flow was concerned. E. Rodgers stated that after last year's experience he felt that good traffic control could be maintained even though Higuera was closed. Councilman Blake asked the Fire Chief if he could foresee any problems for his department if Higuera Street were closed.i L. Schlobohm, Fire Chief, stated that there would be no problem to his job of fighting fires if Higuera Street were closed. Mayor Whelchel again stated that he felt the closing of Higuera Street would be confusing to people going through the City who were not aware of adjacent one -way streets.. He suggested that the merchants committee look into the possibility of using a City parking.lot or some other street -in town. M. Matteson stated that the-thinking behind closing Higuera Street was to bring people to both the Flea Market and downtown San Luis Obispo. R. Porche, Charles Shoes, stated that he objected to the closing of Higuera Street in front7of his store as he was opposed to the Flea Market promotion. He did not feel it would help his business, but would give-the town a rag -tag rummage sale appearance and he was opposed to the idea. B. West objected to the closing of Higuera Street for the Flea Market promotion as.-he felt it would be a detriment to his business. While it is true the street would not be closed in front of his business, it would be closed up the street and no one could come to his place of business. Councilman Spring stated that he agreed with the suggestion of Councilman Gallagher that a survey be made of-the downtown merchants'to see how many approved of the closing of Higuera Street in front of their stores. Mayor Whelchel asked the committee if they would consider using Monterey Street between Broad and Chorro in the Mission Plaza area for the Flea Market, including the use of the City parking lot for the establishment of stands. He continued that Broad Street could also be closed. City Council Minutes February 3, 1969 Page 3 Mel Matteson stated he would take the Council's suggestions back to.the committee for their views and would report to the City Council on his findings. The matter was continued to February 17, 1969. 2. Communication from J. Strasser, 530 Serrano Drive,.requesting a time extension on a bond guarantee to pave his driveway to July 20, 1969. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Spring, the request was approved. 3. Communication from Malcolm W. Wilson, 336 Tolosa Way, requesting an exception to Code Section 7330.6 to allow an- additional driveway to his property. D. F. Romero stated that he did not object to.this request but that he was not empowered to grant this approval. On- motion of Councilman Miller, seconded.by Councilman Gallagher,. the request was approved subject to the installation of.a 6 foot integral sidewalk on the boundary of the Wilson property. Motion carried, Mayor Whelchel and Councilman Blake voting no. 4. Traffic Committee Report of January 31, 1969 69 -2 -1T In considering a use permit application by Peter Rardel for student. housing at 607 Grand Avenue, the Planning Commission asked the Traffic Committee to look at the problem of cars:parking•across the berm on Grand Avenue between the freeway off ramp and Wilson. According to the Planning Commission minutes, Mr. Rardel indicated he had no objection to having the rolled curb painted red. We have looked at this and feel that it would improve congestion and .a. traffic . hazard if parking were.eliminated at this location. We so recommend: 69 -2 -4T The Public Works Department has called to our attention the fact that the Pismo -Santa Rosa Intersection is experiencing frequent right -of -way accidents and it is felt that traffic signals for this location should be included in next year's budget. In the meantime, we feel that right hand turning movements for west bound motorists on Pismo would be facilitated if fifty -eight feet -of red zone were installed on the north side of Pismo running easterly from Santa Rosa intersection. We so recommend.. 69 -2 -7T The Public Works.Department. >has suggested that the green space in front of the Grass Roots office be changed to a regular two -hour time limit,.as the Grass Roots office is moving. The space is very close to a furniture store which would probably receive more use from a two -hour space. We recommend this change. 69 -2 -9T The Traffic Committee has noticed that many motorists have a difficult time exiting from the Security Pacific parking lot and feel that the problem would be lessened if the first parking meter space east of the driveway ramp were replaced with a red zone. We so recommend. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Spring, the following reso- lution was introduced. Resolution No. 1908, a resolution establishing red zones. on Grand Avenue, Pismo Street and Marsh Street and rescinding a green zone on South Riguera Street.. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Emmons Blake, Frank Gallagher, Arthur F. Spring, Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 69 -2 -2T For some time, the Traffic Committee has been studying the matter of im- proved lighting for the Foothill Boulevard area between the west City limits and Chorro Street in response to many requests and the recognition that this area is handling more and more traffic. We recommend that three lights be.added and that City Council Minutes February 3, 1969 Page 4 69 -2 -3C In accordance with the Council's request, the Traffic Committee has been studying an improved lighting lay -out for Santa Rosa north of the 101 Freeway. An initial plan prepared by P.G.&E. has been revised and we are now prepared to recom- mend a plan which would add three lights between the freeway and Oak Street and upgrade three others. It would also add eight center island aluminum electroliers with two lights each between the creek south of-Murray and a point just south of Boysen Avenue. The initial cost would be $1,316.00 and the additional yearly cost, $1,264.80. 69 -2 -8T The City Engineer has prepared a proposed lighting layout for the Faulstich area recently annexed to the City. It involves four lights on Orcutt Road and Orcutt Avenue at an annual-cost of $170.40. We so recommend. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Spring, the City Engineer was authorized to proceed with the recommendations of the Traffic Committee, with the exception that the two lights on Orcutt Road are to be 250 watt. 69 -2 -5T The Traffic Committee has received a request that the City consider renting a limited number of decals for unlimited parking privileges in lot 4. (Corner of Chorro and Pacific) This is done in the other two all -day lots. Since the average meter earnings in this lot last year were $5.18 and since we understand that pri- vate enterprise in this area is charging much higher rates than our normal $4.00, we feel that if decals were issued; the rate should be $6.00 per month. We suggest making ten permits available on a one -year trial basis. The recommendation of the Traffic Committee was accepted. 69 -2 -6T The Traffic Committee has received a request from Locke Tailoring, 730 Pacific for two green spaces or one green space and one loading zone space in front of the tailor shop. After looking at this area, we do not feel there is great enough-need for this type of zone and recommend that the request be denied. 1 The recommendation of-the Traffic Committee was accepted. 69 -2 -1OT The Traffic Committee has received a request-from the National Stores asking that the four twenty -four minute time limit spaces on the north side of Higuera west of Chorro be replaced with two -hour time spaces. The committee has mixed feelings on this but suggests that a hearing be-scheduled-on the matter with all merchants on both sides of Higuera between Chorro and Broad Street invited to comment on their proposal. The City Clerk was instructed to follow the recommendation of the Traffic Committee with a survey of the merchants in this block. 69 -2 -11T The C. L. Smith PTA has written to the Traffic Committee asking for a meeting with the Committee to discuss speed and crossing problems on Madonna Road. Before a meeting with the PTA, the Traffic Committee has asked the Police Depart- ment to make a study of the area and bring back a�set of recommendations within a month. The recommendation of the Traffic Committee was accepted. 69 -2 -12T Indirectly, the Traffic Committee has received -a request from a resident backing onto an alley for additional lighting. There is already one light in this alley which connects Nipomo and Broad Streets and runs parallel to Buchon and Islay. We do not feel that the City could justify a second light but suggest that the property owner install some flood lighting of his own if he feels it is needed. The recommendation of the Traffic Committee was accepted. 5. At this time the City Council was scheduled to hold a discussion between the City Council and the Chamber of .Commerce Executive Board regarding alleged City/ Chamber problems. Communication from the Chamber of Commerce stating•that•no one would appear before the Council as they feel that the contract between the City and the Chamber was explicit in that any questions of policy or operation or criticism of the Chamber should be made in writing by the City Council. City Council Minutes February 3, 1969 Page 5 Communication from the Chamber of Commerce.notifying; the City Council that the Chamber's Executive Board did not feel that there was any - failure on their part. to provide the services in the Chamber-contract and further that the Chamber's- Board of Directors proposed to retain the Executive Manager at their pleasure. The Chamber did not feel that the.existing contract between the City and,the: Chamber was in the best interest of the community and that they would not con- tinue the contract in its present form after July.l, 1969. Mayor Whelchel explained that under State law, any alleged problems between the City and the Chamber must be heard at a public meeting in order for the Council to act. The only way the City Council could legally meet and discuss problems or criticisms with the Chamber was at a public meeting. Mayor Whelchel suggested that the matter of continuing or amending the Chamber contract be considered by the new Council taking office in May. As no one appeared for the Chamber to discuss this matter he suggested that the individual Councilmen could write their comments on dissatisfaction with the- - Chamber and give them to the Administrative Officer who could see-they are turned over to the Chamber officers. Councilman Gallagher again explained the action of the Council Committee who met with the Executive Board of the Chamber of Commerce relative to the Executive Manager of the Chamber. Councilman Gallagher stated that the committee met with the Chamber of Commerce Executive Board at the request of the Chamber who stated that they were dissat- isfied with the services of the Executive.Manager and wished to release him.. Councilman Gallagher.continued that it was the Council Committee's action to con- cur with the request of the Chamber of Commerce Executive Board to fire Mr. - Wallace. The only other action by the Committee was to suggest giving Mr. Wallace 60 to 90 days to find a new job. At no time during this meeting was the•Chamber threatened.witb the release of .. their funds from the City or any other action by the City. The only other com- ment made was to suggest that any other problems could be considered when•the• new contract was negotiated. Councilman Gallagher felt that the Chasb er of Commerce should appear before City Council and explain their turn about and their subsequent action since this meeting with the Council Committee. Councilman Spring agreed with the comments of Councilman Gallagher regarding the meeting held with the Chamber of Commerce officers relative to•the.firing of Fran Wallace. He continued that it was the Council Committee's action to concur with the action of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to release Mr. Wallace, but to allow him to resign rather:- than being fired. Councilman Spring stated that at no time were any threats made to the Chamber of Commerce that the City would be cutting off their funds. Councilman Blake presented a copy of a notice recently released by the officers of the Chamber of Commerce and felt that the information given out by the Chamber was not in line with the facts relative to.the firing of Fran Wallace and the alleged threats of cutting funds from the Chamber of Commerce. Councilman Miller stated that he was still opposed to giving any City funds to the Chamber of Commerce as he felt that it was indirect opposition to the City's operation. On motion of Mayor Whelchel, seconded by Councilman Gallagher, the City Clerk was instructed to write the Chamber of Commerce notifying them that the City would continue their contract as it. exists at this time, to be renegotiated is July. 1 1 City Council Minutes February 3, 1969 Page 6 Also the Council would be happy to meet with the Chamber of Commerce at any time to discuss the problems between the City and the Chamber. Motion carried, Councilman Miller voting no. 6. Communication from the California Highway Commission forwarding a resolution restating procedure relative to adoption of freeway locations by the California Highway Commission. H. Johnson, City Attorney, stated that he had researched this resolution by the California Highway Commission and that there were no changes except to grant local agencies and individuals the right to appear before them requesting a public hearing on Freeway locations. H. Johnson said there was no action to be taken on this matter at this time: 7. Communication from the Central Coastal Regional Water Quality Control Board forwarding a proposed resolution relative to the use of sewerage facilities and septic tanks in urbanizing areas in the Central Coastal Region. D. F. Romero stated that this particular action being considered by the Board did not affect the City of San Luis Obispo, but did.affect the area immediately adjacent to-.the-City, which would sometime be annexed to the City.. He stated that any effec- tive action that would be taken on this matter should be taken by the County Board of Supervisors. He explained some of the problems occurring under past administration: On motion.of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Spring, that Mayor Whelchel appoint a Council Committee to meet with the County Board of Supervisors to consider this proposal of controlling septic tanks in the 'urbanizing area. Motion carried. Mayor Whelchel appointed Councilman Miller and Councilman Spring to the committee. 8. The Administrative Officer, R. D. Miller, announced the promotion of Fireman Gerald Arnett to Fire Engineer effective.February 1, 1969.. 9. The City Clerk reported that no bids were received by the City for repairs to the City Hall boiler and heating system. R. D. Miller suggested that the matter be continued and that bids be readvertized later in the summer. The matter was ordered received and filed. 10. D. F. Romero, City Engineer, reported to the City Council that•the telephone charges for the traffic signal interconnect system in downtown San Luis Obispo have been raised over a period of years from $7.00.to $125.00 per month effective January.- 1969. He continued that in his opinion this increase brings the cost of the service beyond the benefit received and suggested that the City discontinue the phone system and make arrangements to install a City owned and maintained system. The matter was continued <:so that Mr. Romero could make a study of having the City owned system installed. 11. Discussion of the revision of street construction standards was taken off ' the agenda until a report from the E.G.C.A. is received. 12. Communication from R. Taylor, Landscape Architect for the Mis §ion Plaza Project, stating that the estimated cost for the revision of the Mission Plaza Project to include that portion of Monterey Street closed from Chorro to the Warden Bridge would be approximately $35,000, of which his fee would be 8% of the estimated cost. R. D. Young, Planning Director, urged the City Council to proceed with the revision of the Mission Plaza Project so that the full development plan would be available to any civic groups who wished to proceed with any phase of the plan. City Council Minutes February 3, 1969 Page 7 On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman Blake, that R. Taylor be authorized to proceed-with the revision of the Mission Plaza Project-and the City Attorney proceed with the necessary contract documents. Motion carried. 13. Communication from the Planning Commission forwarding a tentative map of Tract No: 385, Fremont Heights Professional Center, a condominium type development. R. D. Young, Planning Director, explained the proposed project and stated that it had been approved by the Planning Commission. The City Council had no objection to the tentative map. 14. Communication from the Planning Commission recommending to the City Council that the zoning ordinance be amended to reduce density requirements of the R -2 - District from 1 unit per 3,000 sq. ft. of land area, to one dwelling unit for each 2,700 sq. ft. of land area plus one dwelling unit'for each remaining aiea of less than 2,700 sq. ft. and more than 1,3500 sq. ft. A public hearing was set for February 17, 1969. 5 15. Communication from the Planning Commission recommending that the City Council amend the subdivision ordinance to require all public utilities to be -put underground. The matter was set for public hearing on February 17, 1969. 16. On motion of Councilman Blake,.seconded by Councilman Spring, the following resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1907, a resolution approving the con- solidation of the elections of the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, -San Luis Obispo County Junior College District and the San Luis Obispo•County Board of Education with the April 15, 1969, municipal election. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Emmons Blake, Frank Gallagher, Arthur F. Spring, ' Donald Q: Miller, Clell W. Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 17. Communication from the City of Grover City forwarding a resolution'of the City Council of the City of Grover City requesting the installation by Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company of extended direct dialing service between the San Luis Obispo exchange and the exchange serving the southern portion of San Luis Obispo County. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Spring, the following reso- lution was introduced. Resolution No. 1909, a resolution requesting the installa- tion by Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co. of extended direct dialing service between the San Luis Obispo exchange and the exchange serving the southern'portion of San Luis Obispo: Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Emmons Blake, Frank Gallagher, Arthur F. Spring, Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 18. Communication from the City of Daly City forwarding a resolution.requesting legislation of the State of California to provide for effective relief and tax reform for the property owners of the State of California. 1 City Council Minutes February 3, 1969 Page 8 On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman Spring, the following resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1910, a resolution•requesting legisla= tion by the State of California to provide for effective relief and tax reform for the property owners, particularly homeowners, of the State of California. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Emmons Blake, Frank Gallagher, Arthur F. Spring, Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None 19. Communication from the City of Indio forwarding a resolution of the City Council of the City of Indio, California, requesting the initiation of new leg- islation to revise or amend existing inequities in the laws of the State of California pertaining to assessing and taxing of real property. On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman Spring, the following resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1911, a resolution requesting the ini- tiation of new legislation to revise or amend existing inequities in the laws of the State of California pertaining to assessing and taxing of real propety. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Emmons Blake, Frank Gallagher, Arthur F. Spring, Donald Q. Miller, C1ell W. Whelchel NOES: None ABSENT: None ' 20. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Gallagher, the Mayor was authorized to accept and record on behalf of the City a Grant Deed from A..& T. M. Lalande for street widening on Toro Street. Motion carried. 21. On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman Blake, the following contract payments were approved and ordered paid on February 10, 1969. Motion. carried. Burke Construction Company Est. #3 $69462.00 Laguna Lake Park 867. complete City Plan No. 1 -69 J. A. O'Kelley & Son Est. #2 49500.36 Santa Rosa Widening 707. complete City Plan No. 10 -69 J. A. O'Kelley & Son Est. #2 1,553.85 Foothill Boulevard Widening 717. complete City Plan No. 10 -69 McKnight Construction Co. Est.- #6 19443.43• Waterline Improvement 987. complete, City Plan No. 2 -68 ' McKnight Construction Co. Change Order #1 414.35 Waterline Improvement City Plan No. 2 -68 22. On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman Spring, the follow- ing contract payment was approved and ordered paid on February 10, 1969. Motion carried. Maino Construction Company Payment No. 5 $149967.90 Police Facility City Council Minutes February 3, 1969 Page 9 23. On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman Spring, the,follow- ing salary step increase was approved, effective February 1, 1969. Motion.carried. Quinn, Stephen T. - Police Officer From Step 2 or $617 to Step 3 or $652 24. On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded bx Councilman Miller, the follow- ing resolution was introduced. - Resolution No. 1905, a resolution of the City of San Luis Obispo requesting emergency disaster assistance. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Frank Gallagher, Arthur F. Spring, Donald Q. Miller,. Clell W. Whelchel NOES: Emmons Blake ABSENT: None 25. On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman Miller, the follow- ing resolution was introduced. Resolution No: 1906, a resolution-requesting-that' the disaster assistance needs of the City of San Luis Obispo be included with ap- plication of San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation:District for assistance under Public Law 875. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Frank Gallagher, Arthur F. Spring, Donald Q. Miller, Clell W. Whelchel NOES: Emmons Blake ABSENT: None ' 26.. R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, announced the appointment of Mrs. Teri Dana Ann Gabrels as dispatcher -clerk in the Police Department at Step 1 or $375 per month, subject to a one year probationary period. 27. H. Johnson, City Attorney, reported that he had received from a representative of the Nelson Estate a figure of $114,000 for acquisition of the estate for the proposed South Street Park. He continued that he had not talked about the reasons for the discrepancy,between the City's and the Estate's appraisal with the representative, but wished to report the figure to the City Council. He suggested that a member of the City Council might wish to sit in when this.talk took place. Mayor Whelchel stated he would be happy to meet with the representative and discuss the acquisition of the Nelson Estate property for the park. 28. At this time the City Council adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel matters. 29. On motion of Councilman Gallagher, seconded by Councilman Spring, the meeting adjourned to Thursday, February 6, 1969, at 12:00 Noon. FITZPATRICK, CITY CLERK APPROVED: