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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/11/1970MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA May 11, 1970 - 7:30 P.M. City . Hall . .Pledge Roll'Call Present: Emmons Blake, Myron Graham, Arthur F. Spring, Donald Q. Miller, Kenneth E. Schwartz City-Staff Present: R. D. Young, Planning Director; M. Austin, Secretary to City Clerk; W. Flory; Director of Parks and Recreation; H. Johnson, City Attorney; R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer; D. F. Romero, City Engineer; L. Schlobohm, Fire Chief; E. Rodgers, Police Chief; E. P. Thompson, Water Department Director. A. Mayor Schwartz brought to the Council's attention a communication from W. J. Watson, County Superintendent of Schools, regarding recommendations for the Young American Bravery Medal. The City Clerk was asked to write Mr. Watson informing him that this Council has no knowledge of a qualified candidate for this award from the City of San Luis Obispo. 1. E. P. Thompson, Director of Water Department, explained in detail his letter report of April 27, 1970 regarding water service for the South Street area. The Council inquired as to the cost estimate. Mr. Thompson explained that no cost estimate had been made at this time. One point which was brought out in Mr. Thompson's report and briefing was that the park property recently acquired by the City was adequately served by a six inch main which presently exists on South Street. Councilman Miller stated he felt scheme 3 would best serve the area and would also provide additional back up fire protection for the downtown area and the Laguna Lake area. Mayor Schwartz agreed that scheme 3 would be the best plan for the area and would benefit.the Laguna Lake and downtown area in fire protection. After further discussion of Mr.. Thompson's report, it was agreed, on the suggestion of Mayor Schwartz, that the report be received and filed and that copies of the report be furnished to the Planning Commission. 2. D. F. Romero, City Engineer, presented plans and specifications for the West Street Storm Drainage Improvements. He estimated the cost of the project to be $4,500. This project had been included in the present budget and was also in- cluded in the proposed budget for 1970 -71. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Graham, that plans and speci- fications be approved and the.City Engineer authorized.to call for bids. Motion carried. 3. D. F. Romero, City Engineer, presented plans and specifications for traffic signals at the intersection of Johnson Avenue and Bishop Street. He estimated the cost of the project to be $10,000. This project was included in the proposed budget for 1970 -71. Mr. Romero explained that the signal would remain green on Johnson Avenue until activated by traffic on Bishop Street. On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Miller, the City Engineer was authorized to call for bids. Motion carried. City Council Minutes May 11, 1970 Page 2 4. D. F. Romero, City Engineer, presented plans and specifications and a proposed assessment spread for the Yoakum No. 2 Assessment District. He stated that his cost estimates were generally higher than originally anticipated and that two property owners who had formerly been in favor of the district were now opposed. Another problem was that three of the property owners who opposed the district had property which would have to be acquired by the City for sewer easements. The total sign -up of those in favor of the district was now substantially below the 73.7% sign -up originally. Mr. Romero stated that the assessments for•property owners ranged from $1100.to $3000. He:estimated the cost for the sewer assess- ment to be $16.42 per foot, and the assessment for the water spread to be $4.80 per lineal foot for water mains. The total cost of the project was estimated to be $31,700. The Council discussed Mr. Romero's presentation and felt that in view of the facts brought out, it would be best to hold an informal public hearing on the proposed assessment district. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Spring, that an informal public hearing be held on June 15, 1970 in order to discuss the assessment dis- trict with the property owners involved. Motion-carried. 5. Monterey -Santa Rosa Street Storm Drain: D. F. Romero; City Engineer, informed the Council that it was likely that Shell Oil Company would not proceed on its new service station until at least January 1, 1971. He recommended that all bids be rejected. On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Miller, the City Engineer's recommendation was accepted and all bids for the Monterey -Santa Rosa Storm Drain were rejected. The City Clerk was asked to return all bid checks and bidder's bonds. 6. Reconsideration of the TO The City Engineer and Council allocation of TOPICS funds to question as to whether or not other cities in the County in the TOPICS moneys. PICS resolution. held a considerable amount of discussion on the the City of San Luis Obispo. There was some it would be advisable for the City to work . with formulating an elaborate master plan for use of Councilman Miller stated that this matter had been discussed at a recent - meeting he had attended of the.League of California Cities Transportation Committee. 'He stated it was the consensus of the Committee that in cities such as San Luis Obispo, where a master plan already exists, it is best not to join the other cities in a master plan. Instead they should submit a separate plan for their city in order to get their allocation without delay. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that the resolutions previously passed regarding TOPICS funds should be rescinded. The City Engineer cautioned the Council that the apportionment might be lost if not reassigned by June 30, 1970. On.motion of Councilman Miller., seconded by Councilman Graham, the following reso- lution was introduced. Resolution No 2041, a Resolution Rescinding Resolutions No. 2016 and 2037 Regarding TOPICS.' Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Emmons Blake, Myron Graham, Arthur F. Spring, Donald Q. Miller, Kenneth E. Schwartz NOES: None ABSENT: None f �: 1 1 City Council Minutes May 11, 1970 Page 3 D. F. Romero was asked to take immediate action to contact the League of California Cities regarding an alternate method of applying for the City's allocation, and pass this information on to the City Attorney so that.a new resolution could be prepared for the June 1, 1970 meeting. 7. W. E. Flory, Director of Parks and Recreation, reported on available moneys apportioned by the Federal Government and administered by the State Department of Parks and Recreation. He stated he had brought a previous application up to date which would provide for permanent road improvements at Laguna Lake Park, ;fishing piers, turfing, sprinkler systems, etc. The City had previously applied for a grant, hoping to use State moneys as the local matching funds, but this had been` _rejected by the State on a technicality. If the Council authorized this new application the Federal Government would still cooperate on a matching 50/50 basis. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Spring, the Mayor.was authorized to sign a new application for matching funds. Mr. Flory was asked to conduct further investigation on the possibility of receiving other open space money for acquisition of scenic easements and /or other methods of controlling our natural resources. 8. Mayor Schwartz, representing Councilman Graham and himself, reported on their investigation regarding the request of the County Flood Control District for in- formation on future water needs of the City. Mayor Schwartz reported that they had met with Price Thompson, Water Department Director, and felt that it would be in order for the Council to authorize the Mayor to write the County stating that the City would be interested in being considered in future County water projects. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Graham, the Mayor was authorized to write the County Hydraulic Engineer notifying him the City.is inter- ested in future County water projects. Motion carried. 9. Councilman Blake reported on behalf of Councilman Spring and himself on the pennant problem. It was the recommendation.of this committee that the use of pennants be restricted to outdoor retail sales uses and that the area of all pennants be counted against the total sign area permitted. In regard to Fiesta banners, Christmas decorations and special promotions, it was stated that these could be.approvedby the Planning Commission on a temporary basis for thirty (30) days. H. Johnson, City Attorney, was instructed to include the contents of this report in a- resolution to be presented at the next meeting, with the material to be eventually included in the sign ordinance. 10. Progress report on sign enforcements. R. D. Young, Planning Director, reported on the progress his department is making in enforcement of the sign ordinance. The report was accepted by the Council, but the Council asked Mr. Young to consider revising the tone of the form letter sent to offenders. 11. Request from the Underground Utilities Coordinating Committee that the Council conduct a public hearing to establish whether public health, welfare, and safety require removal of overhead facilities within the proposed underground districts. Existing districts would be enlarged to include both sides of the street foiming the perimeter boundary. The schedule would be accelerated to be accomplished by 1872. The definition of affected property owners would read "Property owners who own property within or adjacent to an underground district or otherwise affected by the underground project ". Removal.of overhead facilities used exclusively for police and fire alarm boxes or any similar municipal equipment would be required as would poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures used exclusively for street lighting. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Spring, a'-.'Public hearing on this matter was set for June 15, 1970. Motion carried. City Council Minutes May 11, 1970 Page 4 At this time R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, asked that the Council ack- nowledge receipt of the proposed budget for 1970 -71 and set an official public hearing for June 15, 1970. On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Spring, receipt of the budget was acknowledged and the City Clerk was-instructed to advertise•the_ public hearing for June 15, 1970. 12. Council discussion of City promotion /City advertising. Mayor Schwartz presented a letter report making certain recommendations in re- gard to the advertising and promotion program. He suggested a lump sum of money be budgeted from sales tax, bed tax and business license revenues. The Council would appoint a new coordinating committee to recommend basic items of expen- diture. The committee would be asked to meet at least four times per year and to keep the Council informed. The Council held considerable discussion of the Mayor's proposal without a final decision being made. Mayor Schwartz suggested that the Council take the matter under advisement and that the matter be continued until June 1, 1970. The Mayor's suggestion was accepted and the matter was continued for further discussion until the June 1 meeting. 9:35 P.M. Mayor Schwartz declared a recess. 9:45 P.M. the meeting reconvened with all Councilmen present. 13. By common consent of the Council, the matter of a questionaire on the municipal bus system was removed from the agenda. In this regard, Councilman. Miller indicated it was up to the Council to make a °.decision whether or not they wished such a program. 14. Communication from the Street Tree Committee was discussed in detail. It was reported that the report had been approved by all members of the Committee with the exception of Councilman Miller. The report included estimates for staff and equipment and added up to a first year cost of $50,000. Councilman Blake reported that, while he felt the program was desirable--he, realized it was too costly to include in this year's budget. He did feel that the City should consider the purchase-of a chipper, which would cost approxi- matley $5,000. This chipper could be used by both.the Park Department and Public Works Department. Mayor Schwartz agreed that the street tree program would be an asset for the City but he felt that this year's budget was too tight for the proposed funds. Mayor Schwartz suggested that the matter of purchasing the brush chipper be referred to the budget study. 15. Communication from the California Peace Officers Association regarding Assembly Bill 1562, Mutual Aid Assistance. It was explained that this bill would require the State to reimburse local police agencies for costs of ..rendering assistance during campus disorders on any State university or college or local junior college campus: On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Spring, the City Attorney was asked to send a wire or telephone the Education Committee and State legis- lators of the City's support of this bill. 16. Report of the City Engineer on proposed installation of curb and gutter along Serrano Drive. D. F. Romero, City Engineer, discussed his plans for placing curb and gutter along Serrano Drive. During the discussion the Council indicated it was anxious to save trees wherever possible. It was indicated that the City's portion of this project included $18,600 for road work. 1 1 I City Council Minutes May 11, 1970 Page 5 After thorough discussion by the Council, it was moved by Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Graham, that the City Engineer be instructed to submit a detailed preliminary report on the curb and gutter improvements for a public convenience and necessity hearing. The City Engineer was also instructed to set stakes and flags along the curb lines so that the property owners and Council could see where the proposed curb and gutter would be installed. 17. At this time the City Council set its first budget study session for 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, May 19, 1970 in the Conference Room, City Hall. 18. The Fiesta Association submitted a request for use of a portion of Laguna Lake Park for the burning of Zozobra. They also requested the closing of Morro Street between Higuera and Monterey on Friday, May 22 between the hours of 10:30 A.M. and 11:30 A.M. for a musical performance. On motion of Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Graham, the requests were approved subject to the working out of details with the Police and Fire Depart- ments. Motion carried. 19. Traffic Committee Report of May 11, 1970. 70 -5 -1T. The manager of the Stenner Glen student housing complex has requested additional red zone east of their parking.lot exit on the north side of Foothill over and above the present 15 feet. He feels that this would improve visibility and help to prevent accidetns. We concur in his request and recommend that the present red zone be extended two car spaces or 40 feet. 70 -5 -4T. In the meantime, however, the traffic committee has received A request for red zone on the east side of Santa Rosa between the driveways in front of Campbell's Shell Service, a distance of approximately 65 feet. The traffic com- mittee concurs and recommends that this red zone be installed and that the present mail box be removed, or as an alternative'�suggestad;by Mr. Campbell, perhaps we could ask the Post Office to install a snorkel attachment and leave the mail box where it is. 70 -5 -ST. The City Engineer has requested that a no- parking zone be installed on the north side of Walnut east of Santa Rosa to facilitate right hand turning movements on Walnut for motorists heading for the north coastal area. We concur in this recommendation and suggest that the Council authorize a no- parking zone extending 90 feet in an easterly direction from Santa Rosa. 70 -5 -6T. Mr. Romero has suggested that parking alongside the American Cleaners establishment at the corner of Monterey and Johnson be eliminated•.'.to aid in channelization. 50 feet of red zone would replace two green spaces which exist at the present time. We agree with Mr. Romero that this would expedite traffic flows and recommend approval. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Graham, the following reso- lution was introduced. Resolution No. 2039, a resolution restricting parking on Foothill Boulevard, on Santa Rosa Street, on Walnut Street and on Johnson Avenue; rescinding a green zone on Johnson Avenue;'and establishing a green zone on Johnson Avenue. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Emmons Blake, Myron Graham, Arthur F. Spring, Donald Q. Miller, Kenneth E. Schwartz NOES: None ABSENT: None City Council Minutes May 11, 1970 Page 6 70- 5 -2C.. Recently, a suggestion of the ad hoc citizens committee on parking was referred to the traffic committee for .study and report. It was suggested.that the present all day meters on Pacific Street be extended to include that area between Osos and Morro and between Garden and Broad, except where green zones or loading zones presently exist. This would involve 39 spaces and a cost of about $900 to convert that number of present two hour meters ($22.50 each). While the.traffic committee feels that this would be a good move.and would help to relieve the pre- valence of all day parking in the downtown area, we feel that a hearing should be held on the proposal should the Council wish to give this recommendation ser- ious consideration. one problem would be the church services at the Seventh Day Adventitst Church which is located on the corner of Osos and Pacific. Since these services are held'on Saturday morning, the Council might wish to have enforcement suspended on Saturdays. In any event, we feel that a hearing should be held on the matter. 70 -5 -3T. Mr. Romero has received a letter from the Division of Highways agree- ing to install traffic signals at Olive and Santa Rosa'on a sharing bisis - with the City and to pay for certain widening on Santa Rosa south of Olive with State funds. As a condition, they would insist on eliminating all parking from Olive to a point north of Oak Street which might be somewhat controversial in the minds of some businessmen in the area. However, we feel•that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and suggest that the Council schedule a hearing on the matter. • On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Graham,.these matters were held for public hearing. Also, the City would ask the State to landscape the west side of Santa Rosa Street in connection with the widening on that street. Motion carried. 70 -5 -7T. On a carry over item concerning a complaint that parked cars on the. west side of Santa Barbara between Leff and Church force pedestrians to walk in the street, the traffic committee has given this more study.and. recommends that as a matter of public convenience and necessity, the City Engineer be instructed to proceed with curb, gutter and sidewalk installation. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Graham, the City Engineer was asked to proceed with curb, gutter and sidewalk at this location. Motion carried. 70 -5 -8T. The traffic committee has received a request from Mrs. Dawn Griffin, 103 Santa Barbara for the placement of a stop sign or stop signs on Osos- at.Leff. We feel that this request has no merit and recommend disapproval. 70 -5 -9T. The traffic committee has received a request from Jim Peacock, 623_, Perkins:: °Lane, for "reduce speed" signs at the corner.of.Perkins Lane and Rockview Place. We feel that such signs would not accomplish anything and recommend dis- approval:. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Graham, the City Clerk was asked to write these persons reporting the adverse recommendation of the Traffic Committee and confirmation by the City Council. .Motion carried. 70- 5 -10T. A hazardous concrete block wall has been called to the attention of the traffic committee at the rear of_McCracken's Richfield Station at the corner of Marsh and Osos. This wall which is six feet high separates the rear of the service station and an adjacent.alley..and extends to the.sidewalk line. .We re- commend that the Atlantic Richfield Company be contacted and requested to cut this wall down to three feet in height for.a,distance of twenty (20) feet back from the sidewalk line. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Graham, that the Planning Director be asked to write the Atlantic Richfield Company asking that the wall be cut down. Motion carried. 70- 5 -11T. Yx. Romero has presented to the traffic committee a suggested plan for channelization of traffic on Johnson south of San Luis Drive which would provide for a turning pocket for southbound motorists on Johnson turning left on to Lizzie and would provide for a four foot pedestrian walkway alongside the east side of