HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/20/1971Pledge
Roll Call
Present
City Staff
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
September 20, 1971, 7:00 P. M.
City Hall
Emmons Blake, John C. Brown,.Myron Graham,
T. Keith Gurnee, Kenneth E. Schwartz
Present: R. D. Young, Planning Director; J. H. Fitzpatrick,
City Clerk; W. Flory, Park and Recreation Director;
H. Johnson, City Attorney; R. D. Miller,
Administrative Officer; D. F. Romero, City Engineer;
L. Schlobohm, Fire.Chief; E. P. Thompson, Water
Department Director
Scout Chris Hookie, Troop 331, appeared before the City Council and pre-
sented and American Flag for use by the City in Mission Plaza or in front
of City Hall as this flag had flown over the United States Capitol in
Washington, D.C.
Scout Hookie stated that this presentation was one of the requirements
for his advancement to Eagle Scout.
Mayor Schwartz thanked Scout Hookie on behalf of the City Council for his
presentation and stated that the City Council appreciated his activities
and wished him well as he moved toward the Eagle Scout rating.
On motion of Mayor Schwartz, seconded by Councilman Blake, the following
resolution was introduced: RESOLUTION NO. 2232, a resolution thanking
Scout Chris Hookie for donating a flag from the White House to the City
and accepting said donation on behalf of the citizens.
Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Emmons Blake, John C. Brown, Myron Graham,
T. Keith Gurnee, Kenneth E. Schwartz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
C -1.. The City Council authorized payment of claims against the City
subject to the approval of the Administrative Officer.
C -2. On motion of Councilman Brown, seconded by Councilman Graham,
the following resolution was introduced: RESOLUTION NO. 2234, a reso-
lution adopting an official flag for the City of San Luis Obispo.
Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Emmons Blake, John C. Brown, Myron Graham,
T. Keith Gurnee, Kenneth E. Schwartz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The Council agreed that Mrs. Kay's winning design should be donated to
the County Historical Museum for safe keeping and display.
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City Council Minutes
September 20, 1971
Page 2
C -3. The City Council approved the following salary step increases sub-
ject to freeze restrictions:
M. Joyce Levin, Recreation Supervisor
From Step 2 or $712 to Step 3 or $758
Paul Post, Mechanic I
' From Stpe 4 or $758 to Step 5 or $796
Wi.Idiam N. Ramirez, Maintenance Man II
From Step 3 or $636 to Step 4 or $674
William L. Wilkins, Utility Plant Operator I
From Step 1 or $574 to Step 2 or $608
C -4. The City Council approved an agreement with John C. Prichford,
Ruth Prichford, Harold G. York and Audrey York for street widening on
Higuera Street adjacent to the proposed Chumash Village Mobile Home Park.
The Mayor was authorized to sign the agreement.
C -5. The Mayor was authorized to sign an amended contract with Woods
Animal Shelter for animal control services for the remainder of the
1971/72 fiscal year.
C -6. A communication from E. P. Thompson; Water Director, regarding
water service for the proposed Tract No. 429 (El Cerito Court) was referred
to a future study session.
C -7. Omitted.
C -8. The City Council granted three (3) days leave without pay to
Mrs. Alice Dopp, Senior Librarian.
C -9. The City Council received a recommendation from the Design Review
Board approving the location of metal bicycle racks in the downtown area
and approved the recommendation and authorized funds for construction of
the racks.
On motion of Councilman Brown, seconded by Councilman Graham, the consent
items were approved as indicated. Motion carried.
1. H. Johnson, City Attorney, presented a sample ordinance for the
Council's consideration which difined regulations and provided for in-
spections of cross connections. He recommended that rather than have the
City Council adopt an entire new cross connection.ordinance, he recommended
that the existing City ordinance be amended to incorporate the regulations
of the County ordinance.
On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Gurnee, the follow-
ing ordinance was introduced: ORDINANCE NO. 533, an ordinance defining
regulations and providing for inspections of cross - connections.
Passed to print on the following roll call vote:
City Council Minutes
September 20, 1971
Page 3
AYES: Emmons Blake, John C. Brown, Myron Graham.,
T. Keith Gurnee, Kenneth E. Schwartz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
2. At this time the City Council considered the adoption of an ordinance
regulating conduct Ln public parks and providing for enforcement of its
provisions.
H. Johnson, City Attorney, stated that when this matter was referred to
his office, he had no idea of exactly what items the.City Council wished
enforced by the ordinance, therefore, he took a model ordinance prepared
by NIMLO with the idea that the Park and Recreation Commission and staff
would go through the ordinance and eliminate or amend sections from the
model. He then reviewed for the City Council some of the general pro-
visions regarding conduct within City parks as suggested by the model
ordinance.
W. Flory, Park and Recreation Director, reviewed for the Council the
studies made by the Park and Recreation Commission of the model ordinance
prepared by the City Attorney and outlined the amendments and changes
recommended by the Commission. He then presented a proposal from the
Park and Recreation Commission to erect barriers at Laguna Lake Park to
restrict unauthorized vehicular traffic on the park land. He estimated
that the cost of the installation for the berm, the necessary signs,
gates, etc. would be approximately $10,000. He presented a sketch
showing the berm and the barrier as suggested by the Park and Recreation
Commission.
The City Council received a communication from the Design Review Board to ,
the Park and Recreation Commission concerning their approval of the.berm
and barrier as proposed by the Park and Recreation Commission and making
other suggestions to improve the visual effect of the barrier.
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing open.
J. Lawrence, resident of the Lagune Lake area, asked what affect the pro-
posed ordinance would have on thbeyoung people using the park daily and
stated he felt that the proposed ordinance was being passed primarily to
control the use of the park by young people using motor cycles and motor
bikes.
Mayor Schwartz explained that the ordinance under consideration dealt
with all types of motor vehicles, two wheel, four wheel, etc.
Mrs. Dillon, Laguna Lake area, asked how the barriers would be used to
control vehicles using Laguna Lake Park. She felt it would be just as
proper to place signs explaining the conditions without this expensive
construction. She also felt that the .conduct of park users was being .
well controlled by the Police Department.
Richard West, Laguna Lake area, questioned the need of the City to re-
move Laguna Lake Park from use by the young people who rode mini bikes
and motorcycles. He felt that the City would better spend its money
to build a motor bike track instead of additional barriers.
Mrs. Lewis, Laguna Lake area, asked if. the proposed ordinance would
control motorcycle noise from the park area.
H. Johnson, City Attorney, explained that the.City. had an additional or-
dinance controlling noises and motor vehicle exhausts, but he felt the
problem was that the Police Department did not have adequate noise
monitoring equipment.
City Council Minutes
September 20, 1971
Page 4
Mrs. Lewis felt the only way to control the noise was to bar all motor-
cycles and motor bikes from the area.
J. Lawrence objected to the City Council considering any ordinance that
would prohibit the use of a City park to any resident of the City.
D. Hines, Laguna Lake area, supported the adoption of this ordinance if it
' would control the use of the park and would eliminate the existing abuses
being committed in the park. He felt that this ordinance, if adopted,
would be a step in the right direction to save Laguna Lake Park from
destruction.
D. Hines further hoped that if the City Council adopted the proposed
ordinance they would see to it that it was enforced rather than just
passed and forgotten.
Councilman Blake stated that while he was not opposed to controlling the
use of the City parks, he was afraid that the proposed ordinance did not
do what Dr: Hines felt should be accomplished to protect the park.
Doug Friend, Laguna Lake area, asked if the City now had equipment that
would adequately measure noise levels of motor. vehicles.
H. Johnson, City Attorney, stated that to the best of his knowledge; the
City did not now own or operate any equipment for measuring noise.
William Alsop, Laguna Lake area, felt that any vehicle that met State laws
regarding mufflers, etc. should be allowed to use City property for
recreation.
Barry Wettlaufer, Laguna Lake area, felt that some control should be
' placed on motor bikes and motorcycles in the Laguna Lake Park area not
only for their own safety but for that of hikers, picnickers, etc. He
felt that an area away from the residential area should be developed for
a motor bike and.motorcycle track.
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing closed.
W. Flory, Park and Recreation Director, stated that the Park and Recreation
Commission supported the enactment of the ordinance as amended and also
supported the proposal to place barriers on the perimeter of Laguna Lake
Park for two reasons: (1) for the safety of the people using the park and
(2) for the protection of the ecology of the park and the trees and plants.
Councilman Brown felt the ordinance was most comprehensive and was in favor
of its passage. He felt motor bikes should not be allowed in public parks
but did feel that some area away from residences should be established for
minibikes and motorcycles.
Councilman Graham was in favor of the ordinance and the barriers, but he
felt that some area away from the residences should be found for minibikes
and motorcycles. He felt that barriers were needed in order to protect the
land and plantings.
Councilman Gurnee did not feel that any City park should be used by mini
bikes and motorcycles except on roads designated for use by all motor
vehicles. He felt the prohibition of motor bikes and motorcycles was
needed to protect the people using the park and also to save the natural
growth in the park. He felt that the City should not subsidize a motor
bike course in City parks but that some areas away from residences should
be developed for use by these motor vehicles. He then reviewed what he
felt were ambiguous and confusing sections in the proposed ordinance.
He suggested that the City Council spend more time to purge the ordinance
of unnecessary provisions.
City Council Minutes
September 20, 1971
Page 5
Councilman Blake felt that the ordinance was all- encompassing and too re_,
strictive to allow proper use of the City parks. He felt he could not support
the ordinance as presented for Council consideration.
Mayor Schwartz felt the ordinance was basically sound and was an attempt to
protect the natural and planted growth in the City parks from damage by
two and four wheel vehicles. He stated he was basically in accord with
the provisions of the proposed ordinance but he questioned some of the
wording in the ordinance and hoped it could be cleared up to the satis-
faction of the City Council before adoption. He suggested that the
matter be continued for consideration at a study session and have the
staff advise the Council of changes that should be made, or have a`?
Council sub - committee review the ordinance and recommend changes to the
full Council.
It was,the consensus of the Council that the Mayor appoint a committee
to study the ordinance and make recommendations to the Council.
Mayor Schwartz appointed Councilmen Graham and Gurnee to review the
ordinance and make recommendations to the Council.
On motion of Mayor Schwartz,.seconded by Councilman Gurnee, the appoint-
ments were confirmed and the matter was continued to October 18, 1971.
Motion carried.
Mayor Schwartz declared a recess at 8:50 P. M.
The meeting reconvened at 9:00 P. M. with all Council members present.
At this time the City Council discussed the recommendation to install a
berm and barrier at Laguna Lake Park to prevent motorcycles and mini
bikes from entering on the actual park property.
Charles Dills, Laguna Lake area, stated it was his opinion that the pre-
sent access road to Laguna Lake Park was in the wrong place and should
be moved easterly between the power lines and the foothills which he
felt would reduce noise to the residents across the lake and would help
eliminate the occasional flooding at high water times.
Robert Barrows, 870 Meinecke, agreed with the suggestion of Charles Dills
to move the access road easterly to the foothills and thought this was an
excellent suggestion.
Councilman Gurnee agreed with the need for the berms and barriers.to pro-
tect the City's park and he urged the Council to proceed. He also felt
that the access road in the park should be moved easterly in order to
protect the lake shore.
Councilman Graham felt that before the berms and barriers were constructed
that the City first try posting signs in the park to control) access to
the park area.
Councilman Brown felt that the berms and barriers fit into the rural
character of the park and he felt that the City should proceed in. calling
for bids for their installation.
On motion of Councilman Brown, seconded,by Mayor Schwartz, that the City
Council accept the recommendation of the Park and Recreation Commission
and the Design Review Board and prepare the plans and specifications for
installation of berms and barriers and call for bids. Motion carried
with Councilmen Graham and Blake voting no.
City Council Minutes
September 20, 1971
Page 6
3. Communication from the Promotional Coordinating Committee requesting
Council guidance as to the relationship of the Committee with the Chamber
of Commerce in areas of promotion, advertising and long -range programs for
the City of San Luis Obispo. The Committee asked for Council guidance as
the funds granted the Chamber of Commerce came from the City's promotion-
al budget, yet the responsibility for reviewing the use of the funds by
the Chamber had not been clearly assigned.
Mayor Schwartz explained the existing contractual arrangements between the
City and the Chamber of Commerce and the relationship with the Promotional
Coordinating Committee and the City Council. He suggested that a Council
sub - committee be appointed to meet with the Chamber of Commerce and Pro-
motional Committee to arrange a meeting to settle the apparent differences
between the two groups or the City Council could decide the matter right
now.
Councilman Brown felt that a sub committee could look into the matter and
make a recommendation rather than make the relationship between the
Chamber and the Promotion Committee any worse.
Councilman Graham felt that as the Chamber of Commerce was receiving funds
from the City taxpayers and the Promotional Coordinating Committee was an
advisory committee appointed by the Council, the Chamber of Commerce
should cooperate with the Promotional Committee.
R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, stated that since the City had a
contract with the Chamber and the Promotional Coordinating Committee was
an advisory to the Council, perhaps suggestions of.the advisory committee
regarding Chamber operations should be screened.by the Council and if
ideas of merit were advanced, the Council could ask that they be implimented.
Councilman Gurnee felt that the sub committee suggestion was a good one and
' that they could arrive at some solution to reduce friction.between the
Promotional Coofdinating Committee and the Chamber of Commerce.
Councilman Blake felt the Chamber of Commerce could at least submit finan-
cial statements of promotional activities but he also felt that the City
Council had taken the Chamber of Commerce grant and contract out of the
hands of the Promotional Coordinating Committee during the budget sessions
and had decided to control it themselves.
Counc.ilman Brown felt that the Promotional Coordinating Committee was an
advisory committee to the City Council and as such, was under their control
while the Chamber of Commerce contract with the City to provide certain
promotional services over which the City Council had no direct control.
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Brown, the Mayor
was authorized to appoint a Council sub - committee to review the request of
the Promotional Coordinating Committee regarding the Chamber of Commerce
and report recommendations or solutions to the City.Council. Motion
carried with Councilman Graham voting no.
Mayor Schwartz appointed Councilman Brown and himself as the sub - committee
on this matter.
4. Communication from the City Council sub - committee on proposed sewer
rate changes which recommended as fol'lows:
a. That a rate of $2.50 per month per household is a reasonable sewer
rate for the community.
b. That other sewer rates now existing in the Ordinance be adjusted
to reflect current cost.
c. That the sewer rate structure be analyzed on a regular basis, at
perhaps five -year intervals, to assure that the relationship of
sewer cost and sewer rate reflect in a self- supporting system.
City Council Minutes
September 20, 1971
Page 7
d. That the outside -City rate for sewer collection be two (2) times
the inside rate, as has been past practice, and which is in
conformity with the majority of the western cities.
The City Council discussed the report of the sub - committee and ways to
implement the recommendations.
R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, stated that the sewer fund revenue
now equalled $166,000 per year, and that a 150% increase as recommended
would result in approximately $415,000 per year or an $18 per year in-
crease to each householder.
Mayor Schwartz suggested that the total 150% increase as recommended need
not be initiated immediately but could be increased over a period of years.
He suggested that consideration of this matter be continued until the City
Council study session in December 1971 due to the present freeze on in-
creasing rates for existing services.
The Council agreed with this suggestion.
5. The Council received a communication from Grant Davies requesting
that the City Council appoint an ecological advisory commission which
would be an advisory body to the City Council. It was his feeling that
if the City Council appointed this committee, or commission, it would
be a first in City government and would give prominence to the City of
San Luis Obispo. In addition, the other positive aspects would be (1)
to put at the Council's disposal technical expertise on ecology and
environmental problems; (2) act as a buffer between the Council and the
general public on ecology matters; (3) better communications on environ-
mental and ecological subjects; (4) it would be the City's official
clearing house for ecological information and recommendation for.the
City Council.
He continued that he felt the best way this could be handled would be
as an official arm of the City government which he felt would be more
effective in achieving cooperation from the citizens of the community
in arriving at the objectives of the City Council. Finally, he stated
the purpose of the ecological advisory body would be to integrate
ecological ideas and consideration into community planning. Another
reason for asking to be an official City committee was that securing
the support of the'City for the sting in getting the job done by using
the legal organization of the City and also the need for staff and
financing.
Councilman Gurnee felt that this proposal was a good idea and had always
supported the idea of appointment of an ecology committee.
Councilman Graham asked how Grant Davies saw this committee working with
the other city committees.
Grant Davies stated he felt all matters or proposals before other City
committees or departments should go to the ecology advisory group for
their recommendation first.
Councilman Brown stated that if this committee were appointed, they
should meet with the Subdivision Review Board and advise on all planned
developments in order to make ecological recommendations.
Councilman Blake felt that every matter before the City Council, or one
of its commissions had some ecological consideration. He felt that
rather than appoint a new commission,- someone with the necessary back-
ground should be appointed to the various boards and commissions to
make this knowledge available. He felt the City Council had eroded its
authority and control of the City by appointing new-groups to do what
the City Council should be doing. He then listed the various boards
and commissions that a developer. must now negotiate with before re-
ceiving a final decision on his proposal.
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City Council Minutes
September 20, 1971
Page 8
Douglas Donaldson supported the ecology advisory commission and felt that
more committees should be appointed by the City.to fully study every pro-
posal before the City and each proposal should be probed deeply before a
Council decision is made in order to look into every possible problem.
Jim Fox was opposed to a new committee being appointed to advise the City
Council on ecological matters and he recommended that anyone with an
ecological or environmental interest in some matter before the City Council
appear and make his opinion known to the various boards, commissions and
to the City Council.
The various members of the existing Ecology Steering Committee explained
why they felt the City should appoint their organization as an official
ecology study group to study ecological problems in the community with
all that went with official recognition by the City Council.
Councilman Gurnee felt the City Council should take immediate action to
appoint an ecology advisory committee. He felt there was a need for this
type of study group in the city.
Mayor Schwartz again reviewed the number of boards and commissions that
now serve as advisory groups to the City Council and outlined how they
were appointed. He felt that if any group of citizens had a problem or
suggestion they had a right to appear before the Council or any other
commission and make their opinions known on the matter. He reviewed what
he felt were advantages and disadvantages of the formation of another
advisory group.
Grant Davies felt there were many problems that needed to be looked into
and felt that to date no City group had tackled them and made reports.
Councilman Graham felt there was a need for some sort of advisory group
on the environment to make recommendations to the City Council.
Councilman Gurnee suggested that the City Council proceed in defining the
organization, membership and duties for the appointment of an ecology
committee.
Dr. Kre.isa read a statement on the destruction of the local environment by
the City of San Luis Obispo which he felt provedethe need of an ecological
committee to protect the environment from City government.
Charles Dills supported the concept being proposed by the citizens committee
and hoped that the City Council would appoint some sort of environmental or
ecological advisory committee.
Councilman Brown felt that this type of committee could well be appointed
as an advisory group to the Planning Commission and could advise them on
subdivisions, use permits, and planned developments, etc.
Councilman Graham suggested that the City Council appoint a sub - committee
to establish the organization, duties and membership of such a committee.
Mayor Schwartz felt that this type of committee could serve the City well
if properly organized in relation to other boards and commissions in the
City. He felt that one job a committee'of this type could do would be
' prepare the conservation element of the General Plan. He suggested that
at first this committee could be an ad hoc committee with a definite
assignment and definite term of office.to see.its performance and how
the group coordinates with other City commissions and boards.
Councilman Gurnee suggested that the City Council appoint a seven member
ad hoc committee on conservation, ecology, environment, etc.
Mayor Schwartz suggested that before appointing a committee, the Council
should answer the following questions: How many members? How long a term
of office? Charge the committee's duties, make staff assignments, determine
funding.
City Council Minutes
September 20, 1971
Page 9
Based on the consensus of
Councilmen Brown and Gurn
membership and assignment
hoc advisory committee on
clude recommendations on
study.
the Council, Mayor Schwartz appointed
ae as a subcommittee to study the organization,
of duties for the possible formation of an ad
ecology, environment and conservation to in-
staff assignments, budget and scope of their
6. Councilman Gurnee--again brought to the Council's attention his re-
quest for the Council to adopt a policy opposing channelization of creeks
and drainage channels in the City of San Luis Obispo. He continued that
in the face of mounting esthetic and ecological evidence, that the Council
had continued to endorse the destructive concept of channelization, there-
fore, he requested that the City Council consider an immediate ban on any
further creek channelization within the City.
Communication from the League of Women Voters notifying the City Council
that they support the proposed ban on creek channelization. They felt
that channelizing creeks was not an acceptable method of handling flood
problems and they were opposed to any channelization because of
deleterious effects upon the entire water shed as well as for esthetic
reasons. They strongly urged that creek channelization be prohibited.
Councilman Gurnee then presented a study that he made on the effects of
creek channelization within the City of San Luis Obispo.
D. F. Romero, City Engineer, explained that the City, in the past, had
conducted drainage channel improvements only when there was no reasonable
alternative, in order to protect the properties from flooding. This work
had been conducted only within City easements or rights -of =.way where
the City had an obligation to provide adequate drainage capacities.
He continued he felt it would be a serious mistake for the City Council
to tie the hands of the Public Works Department in taking whatever steps
were.necessary to protect lives, homes and properties from floods..
Councilman Brown felt Councilman Gurnee's report was well done but he
did not feel the Council should tie their hands on future problems but
felt that each matter of drainage or channelization should be considered
by the Council as they arose.
Councilman Graham felt that he was not ready to discuss the ban of
channelization without getting some time to study Councilman Gurnee's
report in detail. It was his feeling that the City had not been heavy
handed in channelizing creeks but had only done what was necessary..
Councilman Blake did not feel that the City had! been over - zealous in
concreting the creeks in the City and did not feel a ban on channeli-
zation was the answer to the problem.
Dr. Kres.ja appeared before the City Council stating he would support any
effort by the City or any group trying.to save the creeks of San Luis
Obispo and also would support any ban on channelization of water courses.
He read a statement on stream channelization prepared by the Citizens
Committee Against Channelization, Washington, D.C. He listed the follow-
ing as adverse environmental effects of channelization:
1. Elimination of fish habitat and lowered production of aquatic life.
2. Destruction of wildlife habitat.
3. Degradation of water quality, increased erosion and siltation.
4. ;Tncreased floods and damages downstream.
5. Lowered water table.
6. Destruction of valuable hardwood trees.
7. Destruction of archeological sites.
8. Complete loss of aesthetic values.
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City Council Minutes
September 20, 1971
Page 10
9. Destruction of the habitat for rare and interesting creatures.
10. Lowered producation in Estuarine rearing grounds.
He also provided each Councilman with a reprint of an article from
Readers' Digest entitled, "Crisis on Our Rivers ".
Councilman Gurnee's report included an inventory of adverse environmental
and aesthetic effects of channelization:
1. Elimination of fish and wildlife habitats
2. Increased floods and damages downstream
a. Natural streams are unable to handle the increased
runoff magnified by channelized sections.
b. With the advent of concrete, no water can percolate
into the soil, thereby lowering the rate of ground
water recharging, as well as multiplying the runoff
factor.
3. Complete loss of aesthetic values.
and his recommendations to alieviate the effects listed above:
1.
Put an immediate ban on any further creek channelization
within the city.
2.
Pursue different methods of erosion control
a. Use a more natural solution whenever possible, i.e.
plant vegetation with strong soil - holding root
structures to retain the earth banks wherever is
feared.
b. Wherever severe erosion occurs, build a retaining
wall, only of materials more compatible with the
aesthetic value of the stream.
3.
Use bridges rather than culverts as a solution to crossings
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over the creeks.
4.
Treat the cause: seriously consider limiting upstream develop-
ment - use runoff factors as one of our prime planning
criteria in analyzing upstream development.
5.
Treat the effect: pursue the maximum use of flood plain zoning.
Where flooding may occur, limit or halt development, according
to the insidence and magnitude of flooding.
6.
Dictate that this or another channelization policy become
part of the creek system plan being evolved by our
Planning Department.
Dr. Kresia presented slides of what he felt were violations to the controls
established by the Fish and Game Commission for the construction of Mission
Plaza, Phase II. He continued that the major violation was in not keeping
San Luis Creek clear and flowing during construction which raised the water
temperature and eliminated whatever fish habitat had been in the area. He
urged the City Council to stand up to protect the streams and creeks of
San Luis Obispo. He stated that in the two years he had been in San Luis
Obispo studying the creeks, they had deteriorated and that the life in
the streams had decreased. He recommended that the City Council place a
moratorium on all creek channelization, amend the erosion control sections
of the building code to protect the streams and creeks in the City.
D. F. Romero, City Engineer, explained that all work in the Mission Plaza
area had been conducted under Fish and Game permit with the full knowledge
of the construction by the Game Warden, who had registered no complaint.
H. Johnson, City Attorney, stated that at no time was he-aware of the
conditions of construction on Mission Plaza established by the .Fish and
Game Commission. He stated that if he had been, he would have included
them in the basic contract documents.
D. F. Romero stated that the requirements had been included in the contract
documents.
City Council Minutes
September 20, 1971
Page 11
Mayor Schwartz felt that any changes in the City either in building homes
or building streets was going to change the environment. Further, he felt
that rather than criticize what had been done, why did not the outside ex-
perts, citizens, etc. submit a report to the City Council on what streams
to keep natural, improve, leave alone, or.what. All they seemed to be
presenting was a negative approach and criticism of the Council for in-
activity. He reviewed actions that he tried to encourage with citizen
participation in protecting the creeks.of San Luis Obispo and for two
years how he tried to work with the Chamber of Commerce Ecology Committee
to delineate the stream problems and the recommendations to the City
Council for code changes to protect the creeks but to date no reports
had been forthcoming.
Mayor Schwartz suggested that the staff was now preparing a creek plan
for the community and the Council was to follow to keep the creeks in
as natural a form as possible taking all conditions into consideration.
7. The City Council adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel
matters.
8. On motion of Councilman Blake,.seconded by Councilman Brown, the
City Council adjourned to 12:00 Noon, Friday, September 24, 1971, to
the Laguna Village Inn for a farewell luncheon for City Attorney Harold
Johnson. Motion.carried.
F TZPATRICK, CITY CLERK
APPROVED: November 15, 1971
MINUTES
ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
September.24, 1971 - 12:00 Noon
Laguna Village Inn
Roll Call
Present: Emmons Blake, John C. Brown, Myron Graham,
.T. Keith Gurnee, Kenneth E. Schwartz
City Staff
Present: J. H. Fitzpatrick,.City Clerk;.R. D. Miller,
Administrative Officer.; H. Johnson, City Attorney
The City Council met.for a 'farewell .luncheon for Harold Johnson,.City
Attorney.
On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Graham, the
meeting was adjourned. Motion carried.
-
. F1. I ZPATRICK, CITY CLERK
APPROVED: November 15, 1971
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