HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/24/1972MINUTES
ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
October 24, 1972 - 7:00 P. M.
City Hall
Pledge
Roll Call
Present: Emmons Blake, John C. Brown, Myron Graham,
T. Keith Gurnee, Kenneth E. Schwartz
Citv Staff
Present: J. H. Fitzpatrick, City Clerk; W. Flory,
Director of Parks $ Recreation; R. D. Miller,
Administrative Officer; R. A. Paul, Director
of Water Services; E. L. Rodgers, Police Chief;
D. F. Romero, City Engineer; L. Schlobohm,
Fire Chief; A. J. Shaw, City Attorney;
R. D. Young, Planning Director.
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A. Mayor Schwartz thanked the San Luis Obispo Exchange Club for pre-
senting the City with a Freedom Shrine which had just been installed in
the Council chambers. The Shrine consisted of reproductions of historic
documents starting with the Declaration of Independence through- the
surrender documents of World War II.
B. Mayor Schwartz announced that at the recent League of California
Cities Conference, the City of San Luis Obispo had received first
' place award in the California Cities' Employees Safety Conference,
Group 8 (cities having 141 to 200 employees). He stated this was the
fifth time in six years that the City of San Luis Obispo had received
this award. On behalf of the City Council, the Mayor congratulated the
City's employees for maintaining'a safe work record which resulted in
fewer injuries to individual employees and savings to the taxpayers of
the City.
C. Councilman Blake nominated Mrs. Lee Hagen to fill the vacancy on the
Promotiohal Coordinating Committee as recommended by the Council sub-
committee for selection of a new member. Councilman Gurnee seconded the
nomination and the Council confirmed the appointment.
C -1. The City Council authorized payment of claims against the City
subject to the approval of the Administrative Officer.
C -2. The following salary step increases were approved effective
November 1, 1972:
Bobby J. Gentry - Maintenance Man II
From Step 3 or $674 to Step 4 or $710
Roberta l.Goddard - Accountant
From Step 2 or $886 to Step 3 or $936
Delbert D. Heading - Maintenance Man II
From Step 3 or $674 to Step 4 or $710
James R. Nicklas - Building Inspector
From Step 3 or $862 to Step 4 or $910
City Council Minutes
OCtober 24, 1972
Page 2
Louis J. Schwiebert, II - Police Officer
From Step 3 or $886 to Step 4 or $936
Charles Blackburn - Police Officer
From Step 4 or $910 to Step 5 or $960
C -3. The City Clerk reported the following bids were received for 1
Parking Lot No. 9 Improvement, City Plan 37 -72. Bids were received
October 13, 1972 at 2:30 P. M.
Engineer's Estimate $10$15.50
Conco General Engineering Cont. 9,433.00
Walter Brothers Construction 9,677.00
R. Burke Corporation 10,033.00
Madonna Construction Co. 10,700.00
Ted Watkins 11,382.00
The City Council awarded the contract to Conco General Engineering
Contractors.
C -4. The City Council approved an extra work order for Mission Plaza
Development Phase 3, City Plan 9 -72 in the amount of $620.00, to be
added to the contract with Madonna Construction Company.
C -5. The City Council approved the request of Linnaea Phillips and
her group to sponsor an "Old Fashioned Christmas" event in Mission
Plaza on December 9 and 10 which would be similar to their "Old
Fashioned Fourth of July ".
C -6. A letter from University Square Bank of America supporting the
idea of a singing Christmas tree for installation at University Square
was received and filed.
C -7. A communication from Leonard Blaser regarding consideration of
Orcutt Road No. 1 Annexation was referred to the Planning Commission.
C -8. The City Council approved the request of the Cal Poly Women's
Physical Education Department for permission to use Mission Plaza on
November 11 for a folk dance event.
C -9. The City Council considered the request of ECOSLO to extend
the agreement for use of City property for their recycling operation.
D..F. Romero, City Engineer, stated the individual citizens often left
trash and papers outside the fence when ECOSLO was not in operation.
He also pointed out that the houskeeping at the site left something to
be desired. Both of these conditions detracted from the entrance to
the Sewage Treatment Plant. He requested that some requirement be
included in the agreement to correct these discrepancies.
The City Council approved continued use of the City property by ECOSLO
and the City Clerk was asked to write to ECOSLO regarding their house-
keeping practices.
C -10. The City Council denied a claim of Joseph Betschart of
1429 Slack STreet for Roto- Rooter Service which he claimed was
necessary due to blockage in the City sewer line.
City Council Minutes
October. 24, 1972
Page, 3"
C -11. The City Council received and filed a report from the Planning
Commission on the denial of a requested rezoning of 291, 301 and 321
Hathway Avenue from R -1 to R -2.
C -12. The City Council approved the request of Theta Chi Fraternity
for permission to close one block of Upham Street between Chorro and
Santa Barbara Streets on October 31 for their annual haunted house,
and referred the matter to the Police Department for coordination.
C -13. The City Council approved the recommendation of the Advisory
Committee on Joint Recreational Use of School District Property on
priorities in the 1973 scheduling of the baseball stadium.
C -14. The minutes of the Design Review Board meeting of September 20,
1972 were received and filed.
C -15. The minutes of the Des:.gn Review Board meeting of October 3,..
1972 were received and filed.
C -16. The City Council approved the request of the Downtown Association
for permission to decorate parking meters and light standards during the
Christmas season and to place Santa's House in Mission Plaza, subject to
review by the Police and Planning Departments.
C -17. The City Council
at the Vidar Corporation
C -18. The City Council
on weed abatement charge
The City Clerk was asked
charges must be paid.
approved the request for a driveway modification
plant, 2950 Southwood Drive.
denied the appeal of Pauline Dubin and Gary Cully
s after receiving a report from the Fire Chief.
to notify the property owner and tenant that the
C -19. The City Council received a petition from the residents of Long-
view Lane concerning parking in the alley.
On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Brown, the following
resolution was introduced: RESOLUTION NO. 2391, a resolution restricting
parking in Longview Alley.
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 -20., The City Council considered extension of Highland Drive to meet a
new entrance to Cal Poly.
On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Brown, the following
resolution was introduced: RESOLUTION NO. 2380, a resolution approving an
agreement with the Department of General Services and the Division of
Highways for the extension of Highland Drive to State Route 1, and author-
izing the Mayor to execute same.
City Counci I hiinutes
October 24, 1972
Page 4
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 -21. The City Council referred consideration of the final mao and
subdivision agreemetn for Tract 429, Johnson Highlands, to the
Planning Commission for an environmental impact report.
C -22. The City Council received a letter from Repri?s6ntative Talcott
providing a map of the proposed HR 16171 designating Lopez Canyon
Wilderness Area and continued discussion to the November 13, 1972 study
session.
On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Brown, the
consent items were approved as indicated. Motion carried.
1. D.i,.scussion of proposed advertising program of the Promotional
Coordinating Committee for the balance of 1972/73.
L. MacDonald, member of the Committee, reviewed for the City Council
the proposed advertising program prepared for use in Sunset Magazine
and over radio in the San Joaquin Valley. He explained that the media
selected was done so on the least cost per thousand listeners. He
stated that the theme of the advertising should be the quality of life
in San Luis Obispo and the efforts which were being made to preserve
that environment for residents and visitors. He continued that four
four -inch ads and five one -inch ads would be placed in Sunset Magazine
plus three specific event ads for La Fiesta, Poly Royal and the Mozart
Festival. The total cost of the magazine campaign would be $2,491.50,
and the radio campaign would be delivered over KFRE, Fresno, at a
quarterly cost of $2,376.00.
R. Dunin, Promotional Coordinating Committee Chairman, submitted a
letter from the Motel -Hotel Association supporting the past efforts of
the Promotional Coordinating Committee and endorsing the proposed
program.
Councilman Graham felt that the reverse type of advertising, asking
people not to come to San Luis Obispo, had been overdone and he hoped
that a more positive advertising campaign would be followed in the
future.
H. Odom, Promotional Committee member, presented proposed radio adver-
tising campaign and played several sample ads for the Council's
information.
Councilman Gurnee hoped that the City Council would postpone action on
the advertising campaign until the Council could review his letter and
the Ivlayor's letter to the Promotional Coordinating Committee.
Councilman Blake felt the Council had approved the promotional budget
for 1972/73 and in so doing had already approved the program presented
by the Committee for this year. He urged the City Council to proceed
with the approved program.
City Council Minwtes
October 24, 1972
Page 5
Mavor Schwartz felt this item was before the City Council because of a
complaint lodged by a member of the City Council regarding the type of
advertising placed by the Promotional Coordi'nating Committee. He felt
the Promotional Coordinating Committee was carrying out the charge given
them by the City Council and approved in the 1972/73 budget which in-
cluded media advertising. He felt the City Council should continue with
the program until such time as they decided to completely revise or
change the program.
Councilman Brown agreed with the program as presented and hoped that the
Council would support the program as included in the 1972/73 budget.
Councilman Gurnee agreed that the Promotional Coordinating Committee was
doing a good job as charged by the City Council but he felt the real
question to be answered was the amount to be spent for media advertising
for the City.
On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Brown, that the
program presented by the Promotional Coordinating Committee be approved
and that they proceed with it. Motion carried with Councilman Gurnee
voting no.
2 and 4. Robert A. Paul, Director of Water Services, submitted his
report to the City Council on water supply deficiencies in Los Osos
Valley and Lower Higuera areas. He stated the results of tests indicated
that water supply deficiencies in the subject areas exceeded previous
expectations. In fact, the lack of adequate fire protection and the
potential health hazard during periods of high water demand resulting in
a critical situation. He explained methods used in the performance of
the tests and the results of each test. Based on these tests, he
recommended that the City Council formally adopt the following as City
policy:
1. Imposition of a total, but temporary, moratorium on new
development of any description within the Los Osos `!alley
and Lower Higuera area.
2. Consideration and immediate implementation of major water
works improvements within these areas with due consideration
to providing sufficient excess capacity to support a pre-
determined level of future development.
3. Adoption of restrictions limiting future developments
within these areas to those types that will not impose upon
the improved supply system potential fire flow demands in
excess of the improved systems capacity.
Tim Gannon, State Department of Public Health, felt the health problem
was of importance and the water system should keep sufficient pressure
in the water lines to avoid a vacuum which would cause a public health
hazard by suction in the water system which could cause a toxic
situation in the City lines and he hoped that the City Council would
adopt a policy as recommended by Mr. Paul in order to protect the
citizens from public health dangers.
Don Kaye, Fire Marshal, stated that the Los Osos Valley and Lower
Higuera areas had become a dangerous situation with no water for fire
emergencies. He urged the City Council to hold up development
temporarily until fire protection reached adequate supply.
Dean S. Kinqman, consulting water engineer, again reviewed for the
Council's information the 1972 report on interim municipal water work
improvements to alleviate water supply problems in Los Osos Valley. He
stated that as a result of the tests made by Robert Paul, he too agreed
with the recommendation for a temporary halt in development in Los Osos
Valley and the Lower Higuera areas.
City Council Minutes
Ocotber 24, 1972
Page 6
Mr. Kingman felt that if
ments for Alternate Stage
for pipe lines and a tank
tank could be constructed
which time adequate water
no further development be
he City Council gave a go -ahead for improve -
2 which was the acquisition of a right of way
site and the necessary engineering, that the
and completed within a two year period, at
flows would be available but he too urged that
permitted in the subject areas during that time
Robert A. Paul outlined the alternative solutions to the water problems
in Los Osos Valley, including the installation of a large diameter
pipeline loop from Santa Rosa and Foothill along Foothill to Los Osos
Valley Road and back to 101 Freeway. He felt the loop in combination
with a Valley storage facility would relieve the problems in the entire
area, but due to the present discussion of the General Plan, there was
to be no development planned for the area northwesterly of the existing
City limits and therefore, this large pipeline would not be economically
desireable. Another alternative would be to extend mains throught the
City to Los Osos Valley Road to complete the tie -in. The suggested
alignments included a proposal to serve the Edna Valley with a water
main and tie across the southern City limits to the Los Osos Valley.
The third alternative would be to construct a storage tank in Los Osos
Valley with a capacity of 3 to 5 million gallons at an approximate cost
of $555,000, based on the Kingman Report, to alleviate the problems in
Los Osos Valley.
Councilman Brown asked how .long it would take to.put such a tank into
operation in Los Osos Valley.
Robert A. Paul stated that considering the time to acquire the right -
of -way, engineering design, bidding and construction, it would take
approximatley two years.
Councilman Brown asked how long it would take to put in the Foothill
Main as suggested.
R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer,. stated. that .it would take years,
due to required right -of -way, etc.
R. D. Miller suggested that possibly the City should consider the lease
of a water tank for up to two years to help relieve the problems and
also allow no additional development. He stated that rental for a
3,000 gallon tank would cost $10,000 to $15,000 for the period discussed.
Councilman Graham asked what was meant by a temporary ban on develop-
ment, and what about projects that had been approved and were not yet
under construction.
R. D. Young, Planning Director, stated all building.•.permits would be
held in abeyance until water improvements were made and all subdivisions
would be held up until water improvements had been made.
Mayor Schwartz asked why the City could not operate the former wells it
used on Madonna Road to help improve the water supply in this area.
R. A. Paul replied that present information indicates that the quality
of the water from the wells did not meet health requirements for use in
domestic supply. In addition, studies by the engineer for Rybar Assoc.
indicate that a very low yield could be expected.
A. J. Shaw, City Attorney, explained legal steps involved if a moratorium
was declared on all development. The reasons necessitating the
moratorium should be set forth in detail, and the City should demonstrate
its concern by taking all actions reasonably necessary to correct the
situation in the least possible period of time.
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City Council Minutes
October-24, 1972
Page 7
Mayor Schwartz asked the Water Director how long this temporary moratorium
should continue and how long it would take to put in a temporary system.
R. A. Paul stated it would take one to two months to install the tank
but he did not feel this would serve additional building or development
in Los Osos Valley.
Councilman Blake asked where the City planned to stop with building
presently under construction such as Kimball Motor Company, Motel Six,
.the Auto Club, etc.
R. A. Paul felt that buildings with legal permits should be allowed to
continue but no more permits should be issued until complete improve-
ments to the water system had been made.
Councilman Gurnee felt the Council had no alternative but to go along
with the recommendation of the Water Director. He wondered how the
City got into this situation. He felt this was caused by past policies
and blunders in not properly planning for many years. He stated this
was one of the reasons he had always voted against subdivisions and
development in this area of the City, because he was aware of the water
problem.
R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, said another way of putting it
was that the Council had delayed approving annexations and /or further
water facilities until certain decisions were made regarding land use,
growth policies, etc.
Councilman Blake agreed that the City Council should put in the temporary
tank to at least protect the existing development.
Councilman Brown also felt the City should protect the citizens and that
the City Council should authorize R. A. Paul to prepare plans and speci-
fications for the temporary tank and to work with the Planning
Department to see where the final improvement should go.
Councilman Graham felt the Water Director's report was timely and he
agreed with the recommendations. He stated he knew there was a water
problem but did not realize it was of the magnitude presented by the
Water Director.
Mayor Schwartz felt this was not the time to point fingers at who was to
blame for the problem�but the Council should proceed with the necessary
improvements to conform to the General Plan so that proper planning
could be combined with future water needs. He agreed that a moratorium
was needed and that the Water Director should proceed with plans and
specifications for construction of the temporary tank to serve the
existing development.
Mr. Strong, representing Pacific Western Mobile Home Estates, stated he
was still planning to move ahead with his development on Los Osos Valley
Road and Foothill Boulevard, and that if the installation of a trans-
mission main from the City limits along Foothill Boulevard to the
existing connection on Los Osos Valley Road would solve the water
problem and eliminate the moratorium, his firm would be most happy to
finance th = project and place the phasel water line subject to the
following conditions:
1. Allow property owners along Foothill Blvd. to connect
to the water line and pay a pro -rata share of the cost
2. Reimbursement of cost as Foothill Blvd. develops
3. No advance of funds by Pacific Western for other water
costs.
4. That the City cooperate and allow the use of condemnation
for the right of way.
City Council Minutes
October 24, 1972
Page 8
Robert Born, hydraulic engineer representing the developers of Madonna
Road Plaza extension, stated he agreed with the report of Mr. Paul and
his review of the water system and problems in Los Osos Valley. He
felt the City should proceed with a large 3 to 5 million gallon tank
which would boost the entire southeast quadrant of the City and would
allow continued development in the area. He agreed that there was a
limited amount of potable water available through wells in the area and
that it was of poor quality for domestic purposes. He felt the City
should cooperate with existing property owners to develop adequate water
to serve the entire area. He suggested that the City of San Luis Obispo
look into a Federal grant for help with the financing.
',ales Lind, engineer for Garden Homes, Ltd., asked the City Council for
special consideration for his principals as they were planning to spend
barge amounts of money to improve the water system for the City by
extending the water lines from Higuera to Los Osos Valley Road and
Calle Joaquin. He felt the development of Garden Homes would be an
advantage to the City as this development would not require further
extension of existing facilities but would link two major water mains.
He agreed that a large tank on the hill south of San Luis Obispo would
do the job adequately and would guarantee fire flows.
0. Donley, attorney for the Reeder Development Company, felt that if
the City Council went along with the recommendation for a moratorium
on development, they would wipe out many developers who could not
wait until the improvernents were made by the City to the water system
and would have to let their plans sit. He urged the City Council not
to declare a moratorium without further study of the problem. He
concluded stating that the Reeder Development Company had a well on
its property pumping 1400 gallons per minute and if it would help the
City, they would be glad to let the City use it at no cost.
Mayor Schwartz asked if the developer could use a well for domestic
purposes.
R. A. Paul, water Director, stated he doubted if sufficient water
would be available to even serve the Reeder development. Further, if
they supplied their development with water, they would come under the
state requirements of a purveyor with the attendant legal restrictions
and responsibilities.
A. J. Shaw, City Attorney, made the following comments regarding private
development of water. The water supplier would actually be a water
purveyor under the Water Code, subject to licensing and permit require-
ments of the State Department of Health.
Warren Dolezal, Garden Homes. Ltd:, felt the City had an opportunity to
work with individual developers and effect improvements to the City's
water system which in his case would extend water lines to Los Osos
Valley Road from Higuera Street. He concluded that if he could not get
permits at this time, he would lose the option on the land and he did
not know if he could get it again at a later date.
Mrs. Dorothy Rible reminded the City Council of her warnings over the
years of the lack of water and low pressures in the Los Osos Valley
area and now what she had predicted has come about with the need for
large expenditures to correct errors and blunders made by past Councils
and administration. Further, the,citizens of the City would have to
make large expenditures from tax'monies to bail out the new develop-
ments which had caused the P rdb`. She wished the City Council to be
_
aware of the feeling of the ml si :. nits of the area who had been opposed
to this development and the a Q!..:Eost to serve them.
A. J. Shaw, City Attorney, explained the legal steps the Council should
now take to alleviate the present problem and stop development in the
area. First the Council should adopt a resolution declaring an emergency
and authorize the City staff to prepare plans and specifications for a
temporary tank on a lease basis without bidding procedures and get the
tank installed.
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City Council Minutes
October 24, 1972
Page 9
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Brown, the follow-
ing resolution was introduced; RESOLUTION NO. 2385, a resolution of the
City of San Luis Obispo declaring the existence of a water supply
situation dangerous to the health, safety, and welfare of the residents
of the Los Osos Valley and authorizing emergency expenditures without
formal bidding procedures to correct said situation.
' 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
A. J. Shaw stated that secondly, the City Council should order the City
staff not to issue building, grading or other development permits in the
Los Osos Valley or Lower Higuera areas, from the intersection of South
Higuera and South Street and they--.should consider adopting an ordinance
declaring a moratorium at the November 6, 1972 meeting.
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Brown, the City
staff was instructed not to issue any further building, grading, or
other development permits for the Los Osos•Valley /Lowe r:Higuer•a area; a
public hearing was ordered for November 6, 1972, on the question of the
adoption of a moratorium ordinance.
Thirdly, A. J. Shaw stated the Council should require that prior to
granting occupancy of the Deeter condominiums, Tract 410, the developer
should be required to install two hydrants near the swimming pool, to
' be used by the Fire Department in case of an emergency in the tract.
The Council agreed to incorporate this condition in the resolution.
A. Stornetta, property owner, Lower Higuera, reminded the City Council
that he had a fine well on his property at Prado Road and Higuera, and
he was sure the developer would be willing to let the City use the well
if it would help alleviate the problem.
3. The City Council considered a communication from R. A. Paul,
Director of Water Services, asking that the City Council approve a
policy of no temporary water service connections in the Los Osos Valley
and Lower Higuera Areas except for use by the Fire Department for fire
suppression, for use by the Water Department for sanitary flushing and
pressure recordation, and for other uses approved by the City Council.
P. A. Paul, stated he had requested
any individual using a fire hydrant
the purposes outlined in his letter.
the City Police Department to cite
within the affected area except for
On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Gurnee, the
recommendation of the Water Director was adopted as City policy.
Motion carried.
5. The City Council considered the. Traffic Committee Report of
September 29, 1972.
72- 8 -6T.. On July 20, 1972 the Traffic Committee wrote to the Council
discussing the problems connected with Post Office requirements for
installation of rural type mail receptacles in sidewalk areas in
residential zones. We mentioned hazards occurring when cars became
entangled with the boxes and the danger to pedestrians who might inad-
vertently bump into these obstructions, plus a general unsightly
appearance.
Clty Council Minutes
October 24, 1972
Page 10
At that time, we recommended that the City bar such boxes from the
public right of way even if they were located back of the sidewalk.
At this time, we would like to modify this recommendation to read
that, where there is a sidewalk, we would like to have an ordinance
passed which would require that any such boxes be placed back of the
sidewalk.
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Graham, the
following ordinance was introduced. ORDINANCE NO. 572, an ordinance
of the City of San Luis Obispo prohibiting the placement of mail boxes
or other receptacles within the sidewalk areas of residential zones.
Passed to print on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Emmons Blake, John C. Brown, Myron Graham,
T. Keith Gurnee
NOES: Mayor Kenneth E. Schwartz
ABSENT: None
72- 10 -1C. The Traffic Committee has met with Mrs. Hilda Roza, 704
Mission Street, regarding her request that the red zone alongside her
house on Broad Street be eliminated and that the street centerline be
moved to the west. After talking with her, it. appears that she is
more concerned about the amount of red paint than the parking
restriction, since the parking restriction actually helps her visibility
in getting out of her driveway. She is agreeable to the posting of no
parking signs and the removal of the red painting, and Mr. Romero is
planning on making this change i.•f the Council does not object.
The City Council had no objection to this recommendation. On motion
of Councilman Brown, seconded by Councilman Blake, the action
recommended by the City Engineer was approved. Motion carried.
72- 10 -2T. The Traffic Committee has received a rather comprehensive
set of suggestions by E. C. Glover, 1328 Foothill Boulevard regarding
traffic congestion and conflicting vehicle movements in his block of
Foothill which is to the east of Crandall Way. Much of the confusion
is evidently caused by motorists who do not realize that this is a
dead end street. A new post type sign has been posted which is
considered to be more visible than the previous sign. The suggestion
that the "not a thru street" designation also be painted on the
street surface seems to be impractical. Other suggestions likewise
seem impractical or unconstitutional. However, we would like to
suggest that parking be eliminated at the extreme easterly end of
Foothill as well as both sides of the street on Foothill. We feel
this would facilitate "U" turns for motorists who have inadvertently
driven too far east on Foothill, but since this is a residential area,
we suggest a public hearing.
On motion of Mayor Schwartz, seconded by Councilman Graham, the
recommendation was rejected. Motion carried.
72- 10 -3T. The Traffic Committee and Police Department have received
many complaints about noise, speeding and general congestion in the
vicinity of the Stafford Garden apartments. Berms have been suggested
for the alleys to slow traffic, we are opposed to this in principle
but recommend that all parking be eliminated in both alleys which run
parallel to Stafford and which run into Kentucky. This should ease
some of the congestion and we feel that the short length of the
alleys does not real.ly allow much speeding.
On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Brown, the
following resolution was introduced: RESOLUTION NO. 2392, a
resolution of the City of San Luis Obispo restricting parking in
alleys near Stafford Street.
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City Council Minutes
October 24., 1972
Page 11
Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Emmons Blake, John C. Brown, T. Keith Gurnee,
Kenneth E. Schwartz
NOES: Myron Graham
1 ABSENT: None
72- 10 -4T. The Police Department has reported a hazardous condition
at Funston and Lawton where no stop signs exist. We have looked at
this and recommend that stop signs be installed on Funston stopping
traffic at Lawton.
On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Brown, the
following resolution was introduced: RESOLUTION NO. 2393, a
resolution establishing stop sign on Lawton Street.
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
72- 10 -5T. We feel there is a visibility problem for eastbound
motorists on Ella entering Johnson and feel that this problem would
be alleviated if thirty feet of red zone were placed in front of the
first residence north of Ella on the west side of Johnson, 1985 Johnson.
A double driveway ramp to the north would also serve the same purpose.
If the Council concurs, we suggest a public hearing.
The City Council agreed with this recommendation to set a public
hearing.
The City Council concurred in the following negative recommendations:
72- 10 -6T. I•legative recommendations:
(a) Request by resident on Kentucky Street that special
parking stickers be issued allowing residents abutting two hour
time limit zones to park freely in front of their own home.
Councilman Gurnee is contacting the resident to advise him that,
if he were to circulate a petition in his neighborhood to reverse
the process of some years standing and remove the two hour parking
restrictions completely, this could be entertained.
(b) Request for crosswalk across Augusta connecting Judson
Terrace and Cabrillo Convalescent Hospital. We feel this would offer
a false sense of security.
(c) Request for another crosswalk across Laurel west of
Southwood Drive. There are three adult crossing guards in this
generalized area, and we feel that installation of another cross-
walk might lead to a request for a fourth guard. Without a guard
1 the crosswalk would probably represent a greater hazard than if no
marked crosswalk were present. Furthermore, we feel that youngsters
should be encouraged to cross at Augusta where an adult guard is
present during peak hours when shcool is in session.
(d) Mr. Romero's suggestion that advance warning signs be
installed at such locations as Tank Farm Road to alert westbound
motorists to the South Higuera Street intersection.
(e) Suggestion of Albert Eglash that "mirror system" be
installed at Grand and Garfield.
City Council Minutes
October 24, 1972
Page 12
6. At this time the City Council continued discussion of the reduction
of the height of the hedge at 390 Islay in accordance with the provisions
of Section 3200.36 of the Municipal Code.
A. J. Shaw, City Attorney,
stating that the Municipal
the height of hedges, etc.
that the City could expose
to enforce the design safe
had actual or constructive
submitted an opinion to the City Council
Code had no provisions to grant exceptions tc
within the limited area of the ordinance, and
itself to liability if it deliberately failed
fy standards in the ordinance after the City
notice of a violation.
D. F. Romero, City Engineer, submitted a report to the City Council of
the number of times this particular property had been cited for height
of the hedge and the fact that several times the property owners had
cut back the height of the hedge and trimmed it.
The City Clerk presented a letter received from the Rev. W. D. Martin,
the pastor of the church across the street from 390 Islay, supporting
the request of the property owners and tenants to leave the hedge as
is as he felt it was an asset to the Tickell property and to the
neighborhood.
The City Clerk then presented a letter received from W. E. Tickell
requesting special consideration of the City Council to leave the
hedge as it was presently growing but he state he would trim it back
and was sure there would be no hazard to the safety of people at the
intersection.
Ken Bruce, tenant at 390 Islay, appeared before the Council to ask for
special consideration to allow this hedge to remain as it is presently.
He stated the hedge had been at this location for over 40 years and it
is used to protect the living area of the property so that the tenants
take advantage of the front and rear yards.
Rev. Martin appeared in support of allowing the hedge to remain as it
presently existed.
Councilman Gurnee was opposed to cutting down the hedge as he felt it
was an asset to the neighborhood and to the people living on the
property.
Councilman Blake felt the ordinance should be enforced in accordance
with the opinion of the City Attorney as no exceptions could be
granted under the present ordinance.
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Graham, that
the matter be continued for further study by the Traffic Committee
with a recommendation to the City Council, and that the City Engineer
be requested not to enforce the matter until the Traffic Committee
made its report. Motion carried. with Councilmen Blake and Brown
voting no.
The City Council appointed Councilmen Blake and Gurnee, Attorney Shaw,
and City Engineer Romero to study the matter further in the form of
a "HEDGE COMMITTEE'.
7. Councilman Gurnee requested that the City Council reconsider
their action in appropriating funds for Grassroots II as at one time
he was helping the organization and while he no longer took an active
part in Grassroots Il, he felt there might have been a conflict of
interest in his having voted aye with the rest of the Council.
Mayor Schwartz asked the Council if they felt there was any reason to
reopen the consideration of the Grassroots II grant and if they would
change their minds on the matter.
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City Council Minutes
October 24, 1972
Page 13
The City Council felt they wished the action to stand as this revelation
made no difference since Mr. Gurnee's involvement did not constitute a
conflict of interest.
The matter was received and filed.
6. R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, submitted the first quarterly
progress report on the Capital Improvement Program for 1972/73. He stated
the progress report showed eight completed projects, eighteen in progress
and seven were inactive. Several of the items to get under -way soon were
University Square and Madonna Road Widenings, including traffic signals;
Phase II of Meadow Park; the Johnson Avenue- Lizzie Street signal. One
project had been returned to the active status since Cal Poly and the
Division of Highways expressed interest in pursuing the extension of
Highland Drive. He then reviewed individual projects carried over from
the 1971/72 list to the current fiscal year.
The report was ordered received and filed.
9. The Council subcommittee (Councilmen Graham and Gurnee) presented
the following reocmmendations for the composition of and charge to a City
transportation commission or study committee.
1. COMPOSITION - The recommended size of the body is seven persons,
drawn from and representative of the following areas:
a. Cal Poly student body - 1 person
b. Transportation & planning expertise - 2 to 3 persons
c. Business community - 1 to 2 persons
d. Citizens' Advisory Commission - 2 persons representative of
' low income groups and the elderly community.
2. CHARGES - Investigate the following areas and make recommendations to
the City Council:
a. The need of the community for public transportation
b. Develop a system of evaluation for use in comparing
possible courses of action open to the City.
c. Develop a comprehensive morphology of possible approaches
d. Detail the characteristics of several particularly
promising proposals
e. Make specific recommendations as to quality and frequency
of service, routing, revenue sources, quality of equipment,
and the marketing and promotion of a system.
f. Describe potential sources of financing, both internal
and external.
g. Carry out the above tasks within 60 days from the time
that the Council consititutes the body.
The Council also received a memorandum from R. D. Miller, Administrative
Officer, offering his comments on the recommendations of the Sub - Committee.
The Council received a letter from Dorothy E. Payne urging the adoption
of a transit commission in the City of San Luis Obispo.
' The League of Women Voters approved the recommendations of the Sub - Committee
for the charge and the composition of a transportation study committee.
Mayor Schwartz presented a substitute to the proposal made by the Council
Sub - Committee for the formation of the Committee to study the City's
public transportation needs. He felt that the proposal should be
formalized through a resolution so there would be no question as to the
official intent of the City Council. The only difference between the
Mayor's proposal and that of the subcommi.teee was in the areas from which
the committee's members would be drawn. The Mayor proposed the following
make -up of the committee:
City Council Minutes
October 24, 1972
Page 14
a. One person from the Cal Poly student body.
b. One person from the Senior Citizens Organization
c. One person from the Citizens Advisory Committee
who can articulate the needs of low income families
d. One person from the business community.
e. One member of the Planning Commission
f. Two persons with technical transportation /planning
expertise
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Brown, the
following resolution was introduced; RESOLUTION NO. 2382, a resoltuion
regarding formation of an ad hoc transportation committee.
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
10 8 11. The City Council considered a draft ordinance prohibiting
construction work in subdivisions or planned developments prior to City
approval of final map or precise plan.
The Council also considered a draft ordinance prohibiting the issuance
of permits for grading which threatens irreparable harm to the City's
scenic and ecological resources except pursuant to an approved plan of
development.
The City Council discussed these proposed ordinances controlling grading
and set the matter for public hearing on November 6, 1972.
D. F. Romero, City Engineer, pointed out that the proposed ordinance
would require all surplus materials from grading or trench excavation
to be hauled out of the City, and that materials needed for development
would have to be hauled into the City, thus creating an excessive amount
of trucking and increasing the cost of development with no benefit
gained.
12. The Director of the Water Department reported that as indicated
by attendance at the study session held to discuss the problems in the
Swazey Street area, those property owners apparently did not wish to
form an assessment district to improve the water supply system in the
area. Therefore, he recommended that the City Council adopt a
resolution of policy requiring that all proposed improvement plans for
projects within the Swazey Street area be submitted to the City Fire and
Water Departments for review prior to the issuance of building permits.
When such review indicated a need, issuance of the building permit should
be conditioned on construction by the permittee of adequate water mains
and fire hydrants.
On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Brown, the follow-
ing resolution was introduced; RESOLUTION NO. 2394, a resolution of the
Council of the City of San Luis Obispo requiring the installation of
adequate water mains and fire hydrants for new construction in the
Swazey Street area.
Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Emmons Blake, John C. Brown, Myron Graham,
T. Keith Gurnee, Kenneth E. Schwartz
iJOES: None
ABSENT: None
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City Council Minutes
October 24, 1972
Page 15
13. The City Council received a communication from John Deeter,
developer, requesting Council permission to grade and compact the
existing stock pile of dirt located west of Descanso and south of Los
Osos Valley Road in lieu of stock- piling,.grading not to exceed a
depth of six inches (6 ").
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Brown, that the
City Council grant permission for Deeter to plow and plant with an
indigenoes grass after removing the concrete, distributing the soil
T evenly with the contours of the land and with no further stock- piling
of dirt on the site. Motion carried.
14. Consideration of plans and specifications for the Madonna Inn
Force Main, City Plan 8 -73 was continued to November 6, 1972.
15. Consideration of plans and specifications for Stan Cole Drainage
Improvements, City Plan 6 -73 was continued to November 6, 1972.
16. On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Graham,
that the request of the Chamber of Commerce for a sign on the sign
standard on Chorro Street.in front of their office to indicate their
location be granted. Motion carried.
17. The City Council considered a letter from the League of California
Cities regarding endorsement of ballot propositions.
It was the feeling of the Mayor that the City Council should make some
recommendation for the guidance of the public.
On motion of Mayor Schwartz, seconded by Councilman Graham, the follow-
ing resolution was introduced; RESOLUTION NO. 2383, a resolution of the
Council of the City of San Luis Obispo supporting and opposing certain
propositions on the ballot for the General Election, November 7, 1972.
Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote:
AYES: John C. Brown, Myron Graham, T. Keith Gurnee,
Kenneth E. Schwartz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
::ABSTAINS: Emmons Blake
18. Discussion of the Legislative Bulletin from the League of
California Cities concerning open space planning and subdivision map act
revision was continued to November 13, 1972. A report on this subject
was requested from the Planning Commission.
19. The City Council received a communication from the Division of
Highways notifying them that a small parcel of surplus land located
southeasterly of the intersection of Freeway 101 and Lower Higuera Street
was available for acquisition by the City subject to no development, as
this was a flood area for San Luis Creek.
Mayor Schwartz urged the City Council to purchase this small parcel of
land as it was in the area of the entrance to the Cityand would be
better controlled by the City than by private owners.
City Council Minutes
October 24, 1972
Page 16
On motion of Mayor Schwartz, seconded by Councilman Brown, the following
resolution was introduced; RESOLUTION NO. 2397, A resolution of the
Council of the City of San Luis Obispo authorizing the acquisition of a
parcel of surplus flood plain land from the Division of Highways.
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
Councilman Gurnee left the meeting.
20. The City Council adjourned to executive session.
21. The meeting adjourned at 12:30 A. M. on October 25, 1972.
APPROVED: December 4, 1972 AWINCRig
ZPATRICK, CITY CLERK
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