HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/16/1974MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1974'- 7:00 P.M.
CITY..OF SAN.LUIS OBISPO
CITY HALL
' Ro I I . Ca.l I
PRESENT: John C. Brown, Myron Graham, T. Keith Gurnee,
Jesse E. Norris, and Mayor Kenneth E. Schwartz
ABSENT: None
Staff Present
J. H. Fitzpatrick, City Clerk; R. D. Miller, Administrative
Officer; John Quirk, Water Director; Wayne Peterson, Assistant
City Engineer; E. L. Rodgers, Police Chief; D. F. Romero,
City Engineer; A. J. Shaw, Jr., City Attorney; R. Strong,
Planning Director
I. Public Hearing on RESOLUTION NO. 2653, a resolution of the
Council of the City of San Luis Obispo requiring sidewalk improvements
on portions'of various streets in the City of San Luis Obispo and
stating that the City Council has set the time and place on this matter
and that the property shall be improved as stated and the City Engineer
shall proceed to have the work done and the cost thereof made a lien
against'the property in accordance with Section 7350 et seq. of the
San:Luis Obispo Municipal Code.
OWNER LOCATION
R.H. & B.D. Collins 443 High (King St. side)
D.D. & E.M. Law 446 Sandercock (King St. side)
G. Victorino, Etal 463 High (King St. side)
S.S. & F. Kinsey, Etal 2046 King
C.C. & H. Allen 2076 King
E. McDaniels 464 Sandercock (King St. side)
W. & M. Cool 483 Sandercock (Hutton St. side)
K. E.' & L. Little 2119 Hutton
J.S. Estrada, Etal 2135 Hutton
:O.R. & C.G. Davis 480 Branch, also Hutton St. side
H.F. & E.V. Wright 474 Branch
J.C. & L.W. Ritter 466.Branth
D. F. Romero explained the scope of the work to be accomplished under
the Resolution.
City Council Minutes
September 16, 1974
Page 2
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing open
No one appeared before the City Council for or against the proposed improve-
ments.
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing closed. ,
On motion of Councilman Brown, seconded by Councilman Norris the following
resolution was introduced: RESOLUTION NO. 2666, a resolution of the
Council of the City of'San Luis Obispo determining that public convenience
and necessity require construction of certain improvements.
Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Brown, Gurnee, Norris and Mayor Schwartz
NOES: Councilman Graham.'
ABSENT: None
2. Continuation of the August 19, 1974 public hearing to ascertain
whether tree stumps in the creek at 546 Hiquera Street constituted a
public nuisance which should be abated under the provisions of Resolution
No. 2641.
D. F. Romero, City Engineer, reported that bids had been received'to remove
the stumps and that the low bid of $140 was submitted by J. Roza.
On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Brown that .the'
matter be continued to October 7, 1974 meeting and autharize the letting
of the bid to Roza for removal of the tree stumps. Motion carried, all
Ayes.
Consent items C -I, C -2, C -3, C -9, C -II, C -12, C -13, C -14, C -15 were approved
and accepted as.recommended on motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by
Councilman Brown. Motion carried all Ayes.
C -1 Authorized payment of claims against the City of San Luis Obispo
subject to the approval of the Administrative Officer.
C -2 City Council Minutes of June 17 and July 15, 1974 were approved
as submitted.
C -4 On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Gurnee
the request from Jerald L. Webster, Executive Director, EOC, to block
off Mill Street from Grand Avenue to Grove Street on November 23, 1974
from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. for the Second Annual County -wide Senior
Citizens' Fall Festival was approved. Motion carried, all Ayes.
C -5 Request from Tom Brown, President, Downtown Association, for
permission to place Santa's House on the Mission Plaza this 1974 Christmas
Season was discussed by the City Council. Mayor Schwartz suggested
that the request be referred to the Design Review Board.for recommenda-
tion as the Council had given this Board the responsibility for I
Christmas decorations in the Mission Plaza.
_Councilman Norris stated that he objected to referring this request to
the Design Review Board as he felt Santa's House should be placed in.
Mission Plaza for the enjoyment of the children not only of the City
but of the County area and he supported the location of Santa's House
in Mission Plaza.
City. Council Minutes
September 16, 1974
Page 3
C -7 Memorandum from A: J. Shaw, Ci.ty.Attorney;_:stating that the new
draft for Ordinance No. 604 in accordance with the recommendations of
the Ad Hoc Advisory Task Force would.not.be prepared for the meeting of
September 16, 1974 and requested that the matter be continued to the
meeting of October 7, 1974.
On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Gurnee the City
Attorney's request was approved and the matter was continued to the
October 7, 1974 meeting.
C -8 ' : Appeal 'from Murray Warden, representing.Mrs. Bilodeau, on
the Environmental Impact Negative Declaration for.City Plan 2 -72;
Johnson Avenue Widening Project, was set for public hearing for
September 30,1974 on motion of Councilman Norris, seconded by Councilman
Graham. Motion carried, all Ayes.
C -9 Memorandum from William E. Flory, Director of Parks & Recreation
Department, regarding budgeted capital outlay projects was received and
filed. •
C -10 Memorandum from Robert Strong, informing the City Council that
the initial screening of consultant proposals for preparation of the
Laguna Lake Park Master Plan. had been completed and four firms would
be asked to submit further proposal refinements. To facilitate this
Councilman Norris moved that the City Council approve the request of
the Downtown Association to place Santa's House in Mission Plaza.
Motion lost for lack of a second.
On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Gurnee that the
City Council deny the request of the Downtown Association to place
Santa's House on Mission Plaza but let the Downtown Association use the
Murray;Adobe for the Santa's House for the: 1974 Christmas Year. Motion
carried, all Ayes.
C -6 Proposal from John Jenks to conduct the necessary engineering
studies to develop a plan for pretreatment. and source control by January
I, 1975 to be implemented by July I, 1975'which was one'of the require-
ments of the Water Quality Control Board for the local plant.
John Jenks proposed to conduct the work for approximately $900 and the
City Engineer recommended that Jenks be:hired to proceed with the study.
On motion of Mayor Schwartz, seconded by Councilman Graham.that John
Jenks be authorized to'conduct the necessary engineering studies.at
the cost proposed'.
On motion of Mayor Schwartz, seconded by Councilman Graham the following
resolution was introduced: RESOLUTION NO. 2668,:a resolution of the.
Council of the City of San Luis Obispo approving an agreement with
Jenks and Adamson for the development of a plan for pretreatment and
source control of industrial waste water discharged into the City's
sewage system. -
Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote:
'
AYES: Councilmen Graham, Gurnee, Brown, Norris and Mayor'.Schwartz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
C -7 Memorandum from A: J. Shaw, Ci.ty.Attorney;_:stating that the new
draft for Ordinance No. 604 in accordance with the recommendations of
the Ad Hoc Advisory Task Force would.not.be prepared for the meeting of
September 16, 1974 and requested that the matter be continued to the
meeting of October 7, 1974.
On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Gurnee the City
Attorney's request was approved and the matter was continued to the
October 7, 1974 meeting.
C -8 ' : Appeal 'from Murray Warden, representing.Mrs. Bilodeau, on
the Environmental Impact Negative Declaration for.City Plan 2 -72;
Johnson Avenue Widening Project, was set for public hearing for
September 30,1974 on motion of Councilman Norris, seconded by Councilman
Graham. Motion carried, all Ayes.
C -9 Memorandum from William E. Flory, Director of Parks & Recreation
Department, regarding budgeted capital outlay projects was received and
filed. •
C -10 Memorandum from Robert Strong, informing the City Council that
the initial screening of consultant proposals for preparation of the
Laguna Lake Park Master Plan. had been completed and four firms would
be asked to submit further proposal refinements. To facilitate this
City Council Minutes
September 16, 1974
Page 4
response, the Laguna Lake Park Master Plan Committee considered it
appropriate to provide each of the four firms a complete package of
available resource information and suggested scope of work be produced,
collected, prepared and distributed by the staff' with limited consultant
assistance.
The Laguna Lake Park Master Plan Subcommittee requested Council approval
to obtain a proposal from the local firm of Meyer, Merriam & Associates
for this special assistance. It was the committee's feeling that no
other firm was considered capable of performing the proposed assignment.
The proposal for research, data collection, definition of scope and
distribution of information suggested time.and expense compensation not
to exceed $3,400 for these services by Meyer, Merriam & Associates.
The committee, Parks & Recreation Director and the Planning Director
reviewed the proposal and request Council approval utilizing a portion
of the Laguna Lake Master Plan allocation for these services.
Councilman Norris stated that he was opposed to retaining Meyer, Merriam
& Associates to do this particular project as he felt there were other
local firms just as competent to do this work for the City rather than
the City hiring the same.consultant for each project.
Robert Strong repeated his recommendation to hire Meyer, Merriam &
Associates to do the Laguna Lake Park Master Plan preparation kit
listing several of the:advantages of using this particular firm.
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Graham that City
Council accept the recommendation and authorize the retaining of Meyer,
Merriam & Associates to complete the preliminary resource information
contract for Laguna Lake Master Plan. Motion carried, all Ayes, with
Councilman Norris voting No. I
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Graham the
following resolution was introduced: RESOLUTION NO. 2669, a resolution
of the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo approving an agreement
with Meyer, Merriam & Associates, Inc., to provide support consulting
services in preparation of a'Master Plan for Laguna Lake Park.
Passed and adopted on the following roll call:vote:
AYES: Councilmen Brown, Graham, Gurnee and Mayor Schwartz
NOES: Councilman Norris
ABSENT: None
C -II Approved the recommendations from the .City Engineer regarding
FAU_Projects for the City of San Luis Obispo.
C -12 The following step. increases were approved effective October I,
1974:
Charles M. Blackburn - .Police Sgt..
From Step 4 or $1244 to Step:Sor $1312
Jack Della Bitta - Principal Engineering Aide
From Step 3 or $974 to Step 4 or $1,028
M. Joyce Levin - Recreation Supervisor
From Step 4 or $1,028 to Step 5 or $1,086
City Council Minutes
September 16, 1974
Page 5
Douglas: L: Marks - Util-ity Plant:Operator I
From Step 2 or $738.to:Step 3 or $784
Ralph T..Stewart - Police Sgt..
From'. Step.4 or $11,210 to Step 5 or $1,276
C -13 Acknowledge the appointment of Sherri Ripa as Typist Clerk II
for the Police Department, starting at Step I or $574, effective
September 16, 1974, subject to a one -year probationary period.
C -14 Referred a communication from Raymond Arbini regarding unkept
condition of property at 672 Branch Street to staff for investigation.
B -I The City Clerk reported on.the bids received for STREET
RECONSTRUCTION - PROJECT - SERRANO DRIVE.& MISSION STREETS, City Plan 5 -74.
Bids opened September 10,'1974 at 10:00 P.M. and continued from the
September 10, 1974 meeting.
R. Burke Corp.
P.O. Box 957 $47,716.50
SLO, CA..
C.S. Construction Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 24 i. $49,451.00
Pismo Beach, CA
M.J. Hermreck, Inc.
P.O. Box 217 $50,434.50
Nipomo, CA
Madonna Construction
P.O. Box:910 $54,617.60
SLO, CA
Paso Construction Inc.
P:O: Box 773 $54,773:00
Paso Robles, CA
Conco General Eng. Cont.
P.O. Box 511 $62,249.50
SLO, CA
i
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Graham that the
City Council accept the low bid of R. Burke Corp'. in,-the amount of
$47,716.50. Motion carried'.'.
3. At this time the City Council held a public hearing on the
recommendation of the Planning Commission to- rezone 1121 Ella Street
from R -2 to PD R -2 to construct six condominium units (Glick- McKibben).
Robert Strong, Planning Director, presented the recommendation of the
' Planning Commission who voted unanimously (with one commissioner absent)
for this rezoning. The bases for the approval were as follows:
City Council Minutes
September 16; 1974
Page 6
I. The site is a rectangular.100' x 200' hillside lot at
the bottom of Terrace Hill fronting on Ella Street.
The surrounding area is a neighborhood of older single
family homes and new apartments generally northwest of
Ella Street, zoned ' R-Hy R -3 and R =2 and designated on
the General Plan as residential, 20 dwelling units per
acre. The subject property is zoned R -2 and..has an '
average cross'slope of 23 %.-.
2. The applicant requests rezoning from R -2 to PD R -2 to
enable: consideration of a six unit condominium sub-
division.composed of three duplex, two bedroom:units.
and related common parking and open areas. Nine
covered and three uncovered parking spaces are located
on the front portion of the lot providing a ratio of
two spaces per unit, in: accordance with code standards..
A portion of'the carport roof serves as a deck for a
level outdoor landscaped area while the hillside homes,.
located in the central portion of the site,:are
positioned to take advantage of the view.
3. The Commission was of the opinion the'design deserves
designation as a planned development considering the
special design of decked parking to include level
landscaped recreational space on the sloped site,
orientation of units for individual privacy and view,
coordinated and aesthetic architectural designaand the
enhancement of the existing neighborhood quality offered
by this proposal.
Robert Stronq continued that, while the Planning Commission-recommended
approval of this development for six units, it was the Planning ,
Department's Staff feeling that the planned development be reduced
to a total of four "units due to the slope criteria which would
dictate a maximum permissible density of one dwelling unit per 6,750
square feet or a total of three units on the 20,250 square foot site.
At the Planning Commission hearing, the Planning Commission felt that
the proposed six unit density was appropriate for the site:and approved
it as a planned development waiving the slope criteria compensation
factor.
Robert Strong stated that the staff remained concerned that planned
development designation should not be allowed to erode the purposes of
conventional zoning. Thus, the cross slope criteria should be a
major influence on permitted density. If the Council concurred in:..
the staff's recommendation he suggested that the proposal_be'returned..
to the Planning Commission for further report and response regarding.
why the project should contain six units rather than four.
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing opened.
Mr. McKibben, Developer, spoke in support ofihis' requested rezoning
for a planned development of six condominium.units. He presented
arguments for the aesthetic alignment of the buildings and the develop-
ment design.
V. Endres, Chairperson of the Planning Commission, stated.she.was: 1
available to answer questions if the Council had any on the action of
the Planning Commission. She reaffirmed the Planning Commission's
action in approved the rezoning to planned development R -2 to allow
the construction of six condominium units.
City Council Minutes
September 16, 1974
Page 7
Mayor.Schwartz declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Brown stated that he was in support of.the staff recommendation
that only four units.should be allowed due to the slope criteria.
Councilman Graham stated that he was in support of the six units-as
recommended by the Plahning'Commission and further felt that the
design presented was an excellent one.
Councilman Gurnee stated he felt that the development proposed was well
done-and would be an asset but he felt that he must follow the staff's
recommendation of four units due to the slope criteria.'•
Councilman.Norris felt-that six units as.presented would be an asset
to the City. He felt it would upgrade the area and further felt it
would give'the -:City needed Housing units. He felt that he would support
the recommendation of the Planning Commission for six units on the
property.
Mayor Schwartz.stated' that he was impressed by the plan and felt'it is
an excellent design to make.use.of the lot area, but he felt:the
density was too high when considering the slope criteria. He felt he
would support the staff recommendation to allow four units only, but
before.denying the rezoning, he would suggest further study by the .
Developer, Planning Commission and Planning Department to see if the
six unit project might be app ropiiate; and compatible with the
ordinance:
On motion of Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Gurnee-the
proposed rezoning be referred-:back.to the-�Planning.Commission, without
prejudice, for further consideration of-density on.the lot. .Motion
carried with all Ayes, no Noes.
4. At this time the City.Council held a public hearing on ;the
recommendation of the Planning Commission to amend the Zoning Ordinance
to modify Section 9200.31 of the Municipal Code by adding the following
as a conditionally permitted use in the R -H zone: "Communal dining
facilities for student housing and conventional apartment complexes
to be used by'non- resident patrons." .:
A. J. Shy "City Attorney, reviewed for the City Council the discussions
by the Planning Commission at its August 20,'1974, meeting regarding
the amendment submitted for Council consideration. He reviewed the
final action by the Planning Commission adopting Resolution 603 -74
which recommended to the City Council.that they amend the Zoning
Ordinance to permit non - resident dining facilities within the R -H
Zone subject . to -a use permit approval with the exact wording to bed
worked out by staff prior to the Council meeting. This motion was:
adopted by five Commissioners voting "Aye ", one Commissioner voting
"No ", and one Commissioner absent.
Dan Smith, Associate Planner, submitted; a memorandum stating that the
wording of'the pub.lished notice-.was.confusing, and it was his suggestion
that the Council consider the following wording .for the Ordinance:
"Communal dining facilities in student housing complexes shall not
serve hotel meals to non - residents- except ( I ) occasional guests of
'
residents or (2) pursuant to and in conformance with the terms and
conditions of-a use-�permit..granted by the:Ci.ty. "' He further suggested
that the same note should be placed on the zoning sheets for Conditional
Use Permits in the R -3, R -H and R -C Zones and would also apply in the
R -H and R -0 Zones where student housing was permitted by reference to
other zones.
City Council Minutes
September 16., 1974
Page 8
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing open.
Mike Aimola, Manager of Stenner Glen, spoke in support of the ordinance
so that they could continue -to serve Senior Citizens.and non - resident=
students reasonable, wholesome and nutritional meals. He felt that
only organizations such as Stenner Glen could provide the poor and
needy with adequate food.at a cost they could afford.
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Norris stated he was opposed to allowing commercial restaurant
operations in residential zones as.he felt that without parking
restrictions for the additional guests attending these facilities for
meals, more problems would evolve than would.be solved.by.this action.
Councilman Brown stated he Joo.was opposed to-the amendment as he
felt this amendment would open up residential areas to public
restaurants without complying with all zoning laws.
Councilman Graham agreed as he was opposed to public restaurants.. in
residential areas except for Senior Citizens! programs and non: res.idents
purchasing monthly meal tickets.
Councilman Gurnee stated he supported the concept of supplying good,.
wholesome food to Senior Citizens'who.normally did not partake-of a
good diet, but he was opposed to rezoning and putting commerc•i:al.
operations in residential zones unless a conditional use permit would;
limit it to social programs for the poor, for Senior Citizens, etc.
Mayor Schwartz felt that the recommended action as modified did not
give blanket-authority to a.11 student housing complexes without Use
Permits to allow non - residents to partake of.food in.their dining halls,
and he felt that the Use Permit conditions should be very clearly
established and defined before being allowed by the Planning Commission.
He felt that some of those conditions should be:
1. Strict time limit so that the conditions could be .
reviewed by the.Planning Commission;
2. Conditions of the neighborhood should be reviewed;
3. Availability of parking for the transient guests;
4. There should be no advertising to non - residents of
the food availability; and
5. There should be a true' need for social service by
non-profit-corporations.
Councilman Norris - stated that he was still opposed even;with;these
conditions as;he felt the-ordinance and the conditions of the Use
Permit would be unenforceable.
On motion of Councilman Norris, seconded by Councilman Brown., that
the City Council deny the recommendation of the Planning Commission to
allow communal dining facilities for'student housing.and conventional
apartment complexes'to be used by non - resident patrons. Motion lost,
on the following roll-call vote:.
AYES: Councilmen Norris and Brown
NOES:, Councilmen Graham, Gurnee and Mayor Schwartz
ABSENT: None
1
1
1
City Council Minutes
September 16, 1974
Page 9
On motion of Councilman - Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Graham that the
City Attorney be authorized to prepare a final ordinance for consideration
by the City Council requiring; a'Use Permit.granted by the Planning -
Commission for dining facilities at student housing complexes for:
non- resident patrons. The Planning Commission was also directed by
the Council to consider the following items before granting any such
Use Permit:
I. .The.Plahning Commission to make strict time limits on
duration of the permit;
2. Neighborhood studies should be-made, including
parking; traffic, etc.;
3. That the Planning Commission should determine that the
residents of the complex not be inconvenienced;
4. That no advertising of :the facility be allowed;
5: Groups using the facilities must be of a non - profit
corporation, social or poverty type..
Motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Graham, Gurnee and Mayor Schwartz
- NOES: Councilmen Brown and Norris
ABSENT: None
5'r. -At this time the City Council.again considered the Chorro
Street traffic problem which was continued from the August 5, 1974
meeting. The Traffic Committee made the followingirecommendation:
"In accordance with the Council's wishes, the Traffic Committee
had reviewed a report prepared by Mr. Romero. in response to the
request of residents -on Chorro. Street: for remedial measures to
solve the problems of speed and congestion on.that street. A
.copy of Mr. Romero's report is attached.' The Traffic'Committee
discussed this report in detail, along with Mac Smith, the designated
spokesman for the Chorro Street community. Unanimous agreement.
was reached by the voting members of the committee on the purchase
of radar equipment for selected.police traffic patrol vehicles.
There was also majority support for not installing stop signs .
on Chorro,'for. modifying Mr::Romero's recommendations. to remove
stop signs.on Broad at Mission and Center only,.rather than all
four intersections, to revise the speed limit on Chorro.to
30 mph and to reconsider setback lines : on - Chorro, although
support for the latter was lukewarm considering the,iiength of.
time it would probably take to accomplish the widening."
A petition signed by-214 resi.dents.of Chorro.•Street-from:Monterey to
Foothill Boulevard petitioning!the:0ity Council to take immediate,
effective and permanent action correcting the current dangerous
traffic hazard on residentially-.zoned Chorro Street. The petition
continued that.since the recent installation of:the four stop.signs
on North Broad Street,.-traffic and speeding on already overburdened:
Chorro had nearly doub-led:and-was.now a deplorable.-and intolerable.
situation. Numerous complaints and'.reports of violations to.the
San-Luis Obispo Police-Depai-tment - had provedito be totally ineffective
in remedying the situation. Therefore;-:the only. acceptable solution
was the installation of Stop signs at a minimum of four intersections
on Chorrb Street,-. thereby eliminating the current thoroughfare conditions.
City Council Minutes
September 16; 1974 -
Page 10
Communication from- Elsie. ;Schmidt, resident of: Broad Street, hoping
that the Ci -ty Council in an- attempt-to:correct - the problem on:Chorroi
Street of high speed, over - burdened traffic,'not remove the Stop signs
recently installed on Broad Street which had made that area much more
pleasant place to live.
Memorandum from Joseph A. Johnson, 200 Lincoln Street, recommending the
City Council place a traffic signal at the corner of Lincol.n and Chorro
Streets -to slow down the-high speed traffic on this block. ..
D. F. Romero, City Engineer, submitted a lengthy report on the history
of traffic planning on North Broad Street and Chorro Streets between
Foothill Boulevard and U.S. 101. His.report stated-that Broad Street
has been shown-as a• collector and Chorro as a major street on all City
planning studies and streets -and highways plans since 1953 and he made
the following recommendations for the City Council's consideration at
this time in support of the Traffic.Committee's recommendation:
I. Removal of Stop signs on North Broad Street
2. Stop signs NOT be installed on Chorro Street
3. Adoption of a 30-,mph speed limit on:Chorro Street
with strict, continuous and long time enforcement by
the Police Department
4. Purchase of a radar unit for police speeding enforcement
5. Reconsideration of adoption of'.set back'lines,:on Chorro
Street
Councilman Gurnee stated that as a member of the:Traf.fic Committee he
voted against thelrecommendation of.the Traffic Committee dealing with
Chorro Street except that.he would support the acquisition of radar
units for police vehicles if they would be used for traffic control.
Mayor Schwartz opened the.discussion.to the public.
Mac Smith, 487 Chorro Street, representing the petitioners and property
owners of'Chorro Street, stated that the excess:speed of autos did not
allow for pedestrians to cross Chorro Street; including children who
must cross at two locations going to Teach School at least twice a day.
He also stated that the excess speed of autos on Chorro Street made it
difficult for residents to even get into or.out of their property,
requiring in many-instances the removal of the car from the garage
early in the morning and replacement late at night in order to make the
turns into the driveways. He felt that this portion of Chorro Street
was still a very nice residential area; people kept up their properties,
tax revenues had increased but he was afraid if something was not done.
to protect the area, it would deteriorate as had occurred on South Broad
Street due to the excessive speed and tremendous number.of cars using.
the street. The excessive speed caused by autos on Chorro Street caused
a high level of noise night and day which is annoying to the residents.
He urged the City Council-to put in at .least four Stop signs to slow
down the traffic andimake the area liveable and safe for the residents.
He suggested a sign at Murray and Chorro; Mission and Chorro; Stenner ,
and Chorro; and Lincoln and Chorro.
In closing; he begged the-:City Council to help the residents of-:Chorro
Street by reducing the speed on Chorro Street in order to protect the
people living there and he begged that some police patrolling be done,
if nothing else, to just slow down the traffic. He stated the major
concern of the residents and property owners of Chorro Street was not
City Council Minutes
September 16, 1974
Page 11
the number of autos using the street but the excessive noise and
attendant noise caused by these speeding cars.
Walter Crawford; 297 Chorro Street, spoke in support of Stop signs at
Lincoln and Murray Streets at Chorro and hoped :that, if would not take
the death of a:ch.ild to get the Ci.ty.Council to take some action.
Fred Schott, 520 Chorro Street,. En support 'of any proposal to slow
down speeding cars on Chorro Street. He felt that the volume of
traffic was important to property owners as they could not get in or
out of their properties or even to cross Chorro Street on foot or
by car. He strongly supported traffic signals on Murray & Chorro and
at Lincoln & Chorro.
Lloyd Dietrich, .954 MontaIban -Street,:Fr support of traffic controls
on Chorro Street, either by arterial signs or traffic signals.
Richard Schmidt,. Broad Street, in support of Chorro Street residents'
request for Stop' signs. . He felt, that since the Stop 'signs were placed
on Broad Street they.had slowed down the cars' and had made Broad Street
a safe place to live. Richard Schmidt then read a detailed statement
supporting the control of traffic on Chorro Street and Broad Street.
Ed Mayo, Murray Street, stated that the City of San Luis Obispo just
had to slow down its traffic as we were trying to put too-many cars
on too small and narrow streets. He stated that the Stop signs on Broad
Street were improving the quality of life on Broad and he felt that
the City should provide for the same improved quali -ty of life for the
residents of Chorro-Street. "PI'ease put some Stop signs or:Stop lights
on Chorro Street."
Gary Cully, Broad Street, thanked the City Council:for.the'Stop signs
on Broad Street and -urged the isame consideration of-the residents of
Chorro Street to make life a little more pleasant and safe..
!Donald Sverchek, 374.N. Broad Street, in support of the request of
the residents of Chorro Street for Stop signs to control traffic and
slow down the excess speed..
Jack Foster stated he did.not.use Broad Street due
signs and while he was sympathetic to the resident
owners on Chorro Street, he-did not feel that Stop
were the answer to the traffic problems.
Henry: Rible, Mariner's Cove, urged the citizens bf
to use the Cit.y.bus system and:help reduce traffic
streets. He said that he'woul'd support Stop si.gns
Broad Streets.
to the-new Stop
a and property
signs on Chorro
San Luis Obispo
congestion on City
.on both Chorro and
Ed Salas, Pismo Street, spoke in support of placing Stop signs on
Chorro Street to control. traffic.
Joyce Evans', Ramona Street, felt four stop signs 'for Chorro Street.
were much :too much but feIt.that two stop signs would be great and
would help with the problem.
Mayor Schwartz declared the public hearing closed.
9:55 P.M.. Mayor Schwartz. declared a recess.
10:05 P.M. Meeting 'reconvened .w,ith al l CouncFlmen :present.
City Council Minutes
September 16, 1974
Page 12
Councilman Gurnee stated that he:was opposed t
on Broad Street and that he would also support
signs on Murray & Chorro; Center & Chorro; and
was also opposed to raising.the speed -limit on
and he ,would support:the purchase` of -.radar for
D removal. of Stop signs
the installation of Stop
LIricoIn &.Chorro.. He'
Chorro Street to 30 mph
pol1ice lunits.-
Councilman.Norr.is felt the-City, Council. should.sort out the alternatives
and take action one by,one ;.
A.- Put Stop .signs•on Chorro-:Street,
B. Take out some Stop signs on Broad Street;
C. Increase speed limits on Chorro' Street;
D. Purchase radar equipment for the Police Department.
He felt that the City Council-had over - reacted and-put in Stop signs:on
Broad Street when the people: came-before them. He felt: the Council
should remove some of the s.igns:on Broad Street and eq'ual.ize traffic
by putting. some more s i gns on Chorro and 'he would 'support a sign - ..
at Lincoln & Chorro if they would remove two stop signs on Broad at
Mission and at Center and purchase the radar. equi.pmen:t. He:; too,: . -.
agreed that the speed limit should be maintained at.25 mph on Chorro
Street.
Councilman Brown felt. that!two stop signs should be removed from Broad;
Street and try to.equalize traffic by placing two.stop signs on Chorro
Street. He was opposed to raising the speed limit on Chorro to get
cars through the area faster. He, too, would support purchase of radar
equipment if the Police Department could make i.t work. Finally, he
felt that two-Stop signs:should be installed on Chorro Street at the
most dangerous intersections:.'.
Councilman Graham stated he would support any action of the City Council
to slow down traffic in the-City. He was strongly opposed to increasing
the speed limit on Chorro Street and felt thatea Stop s.ign at Lincoln'
and.Chorro and Murray and Chorro Streets would help the problem. He was
also opposed ,to removing Stop-signs -from. Broad _St.reet.
Mayor Schwartz felt the City. should take action to:p:rotect:the neighbor-
hoods from through traffic and also should slow: down traffic going
through residential areas. He would support Stop signs on Chorro
Street. He also supported the proposal not to increase the speed ..limit.
Also; not to remove Stop signs from Broad Street until more time passed
and the City had more experience with their effect:; He,:.too, suggested
that Stop signs be placed at Lincoln & Chorro and Murray & Chorro
intersections.
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by.Counci.lman Graham that the
following conditions be established: (1) No change on Broad Street
traffic:signa.ls and (2):Place two stop s'igns.on Chorro Streets-at
Lincoln and at Murray and-(3) Retain.the 25 mph -speed limit on Chorro
Street.
Councilman Norris stated that he was opposed to the motion as he would
like to remove two stop signs presently installed on Broad Street.
Councilman Brown also urged that the Council remove two stop signs from
Broad Street to equalize 'the .Broad-Chorro traffic w.ith two signs each..:
City Council Minutes
September 1.6, 1974
Page 13
On the previous motion by Councilman Gurnee, seconded by,Councilman .
Graham, -the following resolution was introduced: RESOLUTION N0: 2667,
a resolution of the Council of the City of.San Luis Obispo establishing
Stop signs on Chorro Street.
Resolution passed and adopted on the. - following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Gurnee, Brown, Graham, Norris and Mayor Schwartz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
6. A memorandum from David Williamson, Assistant Administrative
Officer, regarding personnel-and staffing aspects to .implement Exhibit "C"
City Reorganization as approved by.the City.Council on August 12, 1974.
He stated that under the .proposed reorganization three departments
proposed could be functionally categorized as (A), :Human Services,
providing recreation and social need programs: (B) Community Services,
providing maintenance and operation.servi'ces; (C) Develdpment.Services,
providing technical services: He then submitted a report placing personnel
in the various departments.as proposed in three functional groupings
from the present City operation.- Included in the Williamson report
were comprehensive discussions, proposals in addition to manning of
the various departments, asignment of various personnel and the type
of work to be.accomplished under the:functional organization...
Councilman.Jesse Norris submitted a memorandum to the City Council. .
relative to the reorganization proposal submitted by David Williamson.
stating that his observations were correct, that he felt the conclusions
arrived at by Willi:amson were totally wrong for San Luis Obispo as he
did not feel they represented the best interest of the ;people:
Councilman Norris then attached, for the Council's consideration, a
reorganization plan called.Plan "F". which would establish a'one -stop
counter for contractors and developers. He .felt that Plan "F" truly
separated the City staff into aligning functions but the major
change was as follows:
Police & Fire No Change
He also submitted letters from Emmons Blake., Andrew Jones and Pat Barlow
relative to supporting the Plan "F ".concept for.the City of San Luis Obispo.
2. Recreation Should not include the social services
such as Hotline, Grassroots and others
3.. Transportation: ..He felt the function.-should be in
the Community Service Department
4: Engineering & Planning Under Plan "F" separates the present
staff into two like functions. Under
Plan "F ", Planning would have a one-
stop counter for contractors and
developers. They would answer all
questions relative to the private
sector of our community and the
Community Service Department would
operate City facilities and since there
was a need for public projects such as
streets, water, sewer and so forth,
'
they would plan and administer contracts
and maintain these facilities.
He also submitted letters from Emmons Blake., Andrew Jones and Pat Barlow
relative to supporting the Plan "F ".concept for.the City of San Luis Obispo.
City Council Minutes
September 16,. 1974
Page 14
The major change in Plan "F" over the so- called "G" was that in
Community Services,: the public sector engineering would,be under the
Community Services Department-which wound have supervision of
encroachment permits, traffic engineering, design, plan, prepare for
City projects related to Community Services, administer construction
contracts for City projects; make engineering studies related to
community services and inspect public works projects of the City of
San Luis. Obispo.'-
A communication from M. W. Beckstead and H. W. Filiponi, Professional
Engineers in California government, objecting to the proposed reorgani-
zation of the City staff of the City of San Luis Obispo which might
result in endangering life, health, property and public welfare by
assigning engineering work to be performed and /or approved by
unlicensed persons. They felt that the citizens and taxpayers of the
City had a right to expect all services to be performed by 'professionals
in the appropriate discip:l`.ines. They felt a City engineer should be
in charge of design, inspection-and supervision of engineering programs.
They also agreed:that it would be unacceptable in'any' organization
that would provide for professional engineers to approve work of
others in which'he did not have a meaningful input.
Communication from Robert S. Garinq : Jr. .State Director of the Cali-
fornia Society of Professional Engineers,. opposing.that'portion of the
proposed Williamson reorganization of the City organization which would
place engineering responsibilities under a person 'n'ot qualified to
perform engineering as defined by State law. He felt that in the
interest of the public health and safety of the community that engineering
should be'under supervision of a professional engineer.
Communication from Sam L.:Taylor, Jr., President;California Society of
Professional Engineers, opposing the reorganization of the City staff
that would allow a professional engineer's work to be supervised by
non - professionals and untrained people of engineering projects within
the City of San :Luis Obispo.
Communication from the San Luis Obispo County Building Contractors'
Association objecting to the proposed reorganization of City departments
as it was their feeling that any reorganization as massive as that
proposed by Mr. Williamson should be predicated on a real and substantial
need for such change and reorganization and a study of the documents
presented to the City Council by Williamson did not visibly demonstrate
or forceably articulate the need for such a reorganization. While
the Contractors Association would support a one -step counter. concept
which would be of benefit to .their members, they felt that it was most
important that any organization be based on need and not by whim of
any employee. They concluded that there might be a need for better
organization of existing City departmentsbut after looking at the
proposals presented, it would be :their recommendation that each depart-
ment official take a long look at the proposals presented andlat other
suggestions offered by the public and then scrap the whole idea and
hire a professional systems man to come in and spend some time and
organize the departments in a professional manner to better serve the
people of San Luis Obispo rather than a hurriedly adopted proposal by
one individual. They hoped the City Council would take this in the
spirit of cooperation in trying to make San Luis Obispo just a little
bit better than it was at thi.s time.
R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, reviewed the City organizational
status to date and the input placed by the various staff members. He
stated that he had been close to Mr. Williamson through alf the steps
on these studies on reorganization and he would support the reorgani-.
zation as proposed by David Williamson without any reservation.
1
1
City Council.Minutes
September, 16, 1974
Page 15 '
A. J.. Shaw, City Attorney, submitted .a.report to the City Council
regarding.the.statements'made by various engineers about the need.of'
a licensed engi.neer. to. approve projects. and he stated that'he did'not
feel that the proposed reorganization in any way.violated.State laws
in this respect: .
R. D. Mille r, Administrative Officer, again reviewed.for the City
Counci I.the organ.i.zational,_ concept.in Exhibit "G'.'. He also reviewed
in detail the chart of provisions dealing with organization "of City
departments and the power of the Administrative.-Officer in this area.
He stated.th.at he fully supported the concept of City reorganization
and would do all in his'power.and.authcrity to.inake a'successful City
department organization, but he concluded that without full Council
support or of the majority of the Ci.ty;Council members, thi.s matter
would. not be successful.
D. Williamson, Assistant Administrative Officer, again reviewed in
detail Exhibit "G" Which was a clean= up..of the approved concept "C ".
He reviewed in detail the following areas in the Community Development
Department: Development Services, Community Services, and Human
.Services.
Fred. Schott, Professional Engineer,_ questioned the concept of placing
engineering services under the Planning Department unless the Director
of Development Services.was an engineer'which would still be a
difficult operation due' to the.complexity of the engineering design
Problems in a'city the'size of'San Luis Obispo.
Fred'Schbtt "continued he .felt that in public works programs 'the one
paying the bill was the taxpayer and.the work shoul.d.be properly
designed, inspected and controlled. He'felt that the City should
continue with the present Public Works Department' in handling the
City's public works.
Rick May, member of the Human. Relations Commission, in support of the
one -stop. service counter concept and concurred:'
I. in the remodeling of City Hall;
2. In support of the. Human Servi ces Department
but was opposed to_.Human.Resources.being placed under.the Park &
Recreation Commission. He felt the plan should be re- submitted for
consideration,by the Human Rel.ations.Commission_who.were responsible to
the City Council for..the Social Services Program of the community.
Rose McKeen, Realtor., opposed.to the proposed'reorgani.zation felt there
should be someone in responsi.bility to be'responsible.to the citizens
for any action.of City departments. She felt that the City Manager
or Admihistrative Officer was bad for the City as there was no one
responsible to.the.voters for their action. She felt that all policy
makers should be elected so that taxpayers. know who was doing what to
whom. She cohcluded her statements that at the p.resent time, most of
the ,so- called professional.staff at City Hall did not treat the .
citizens_and ".taxpayers: in a nice manner but were arrogant and dis-
respectful to.the public knowing that their jobs were secure as they
did not have to go to the people for support.'
Fired .Strong :,.CEBES,'Presented a further modification of. the City
organizatioh plan for Council consideration and reviewed.the various
elements for them. He asked the Council to keep in mind that no "
matter what they did to reorganize .the City, that services to the
people was the purpose of the. City being in operation.at all.
City Council Minutes
September 16, 1974.
Page 16
Dr. Andrew D. Jones, Professional Engineer, appeared before the City
Council - stating that..he believed that a type of organizational structure
was immaterial and.that people determined the effectiveness of an
organization irrespective of type. Specifically, with respect to.the
proposals presented to the City Council, he made the following obser-
vation: .
I. It was his understanding that.the Assistant Administrative
Officer., at the time of hiring, was to improve coordination
of the.City'efforts; however, it appeared now that an
additional major.step'.Was considered necessary to be able
to effect the desired coordination.'.
2'. The proposed'org'anization, unless'the Development
Service Director is an engineer, would leave the City
Council withou.t.an engineer sitting in.a staff position.
He felt to eliminate-formal engineering input at Council
meetings, except through '.a third party, was a regressive
move.
3. Although he stated that he had been assured that engineering
input on all matters would continue, he felt in. reviewing
the proposed organization; they would have two additional
levels of authority imposed within one year between
engineering and Council and he felt there were some'.
doubts 'about the possibility and/or probability.of'input.
4.. The proposed organization splits traditional engineering
function into separate areas. That is, engineering, .
.construction regulations, - utilities, and streets and':
parking.
5. He felt that to satisfy both the law and common sense,'
the new Williamson reorganization should require an
engineer.' for the engineering section, the construction
section and utilities section and the new Community Service
and Development positions.
6. He did not feel that the titles . indicated the .required
qualifications of th-e indi.4iduaIs to fi.l_1 the' new positions
and did 'not see any.indicstion they would have'to be an
engineer. The old titles of.Public Works.Director of,
City Engineer in City organizations' were historically'
occupied by 'engineers ..or'at least technically oriented
people capable of'understanding the technical aspects
of the.City.. He felt the City Council should be very
careful in removing the engineering function too far .
away from their own control and felt the City Council .
should.reconsider portions of this reorganization-
He concluded his remarks stating that the City organization.in the last
year had not been very effective or very good to serving the needs of
the City of .San Luis Obi.spo.as he. 'felt there had been too many layers of
supervision in. the planning and engineering functions which had proved
poor for the citizens as now,.no'one was resodhsible for any action as
everyone pointed upward or downward when. there was ,a complaint.
Robert Garinq again appeared before the City Council emphasizing his
feelings.regarding the,downgrading of the engineering function within'
the City organization.'
Maritha Huqhes, Secretary= Manager. of the San Luis Obispo Contractors'
Association, stated that many of her p'rbple were worried over the effects
1
LI
11
City Council Minutes
September 16, 1974
Page 17
the reorganization would have on the City of San Luis Obispo.. She felt
that the job was'not professionally done and if the*City Council was .
really interested in having an analysis of their staff, it.should be done
by someone professionally trained in.the field and;not just by someone
on-the City's staff. _.
Ken Bruce supported.Mrs. Hughes comments and he also asked if any other
cities: had this type-of organization. He, .too, ..agreed that the concept
of a one-stop counter was' good.but -why .tear aII.City departments apart
to get a one -stop counter? He:-felt the concept was good. but .felt the
City Council shou.ld get more suppo rt.frbm.the citizens and then refine
the plan for good organization.within the community.
Jack Foster, Developer, and' Contractor, opposed Community Development
organizational plan which would separate engineering. from the public
engineer. He-was opposed to :Rlanning Department managing and making
engineering decisions.
Henry`Rible, Mariners Cove, was.in. support of the.concept in Plan "G"
and felt its; would be an asset to the community to implement the plan
as soon as possible.
L. Blaser; Developer, questioned the concept of one- stop.counter as
he could not.see.that much wisdom.or expertise could'be located at
one counter or one desk by one or.two individuals. He felt, as a
developer, that the present system -was.now working and was successful
but could be improved as could any system...He suggested that the.
Council keep the present.organization but strengthen: what,-.we had and:
work with.it and build strength and not tear down and destroy an
acceptab I e: department. organization.
Mayor'Schwartz.closed the public discussion of the.meeting and asked
1
for Council and staff comments.
Councilman Brown felt that the City.Council.and. staff should.lbok.into
this proposal more deeply as he questioned the entire concept of the
staff proposal. He did not like the combining of the planning and
engineering-staffs :Into one department. He:felt:that the present .
organization had worked.well.and hoped-.that what the City had could be
i mp roved' Upon rather than to tea r.it down.
Councilman Graham agreed that this was a big step and the Council should
be.-sure-before they approve: this proposal: He. would support .imp'lementa-
tion of a one -stop counter to see:if it worked, and he would be interested
in more information on this proposal and.its effect on the employees
and on the citizens of San Luis Obispo.
Councilman Gurnee felt that some action.shoiuld be taken.on this proposal.
He felt that the reports presented were not too well done but he felt
;that the'conclusions'Were good ones. He.felt that:the:one -stop desk
concept was good and.should be. tried. He also fe.lt.that the-community
development agency concept was good to do.a job for the City and its
citizens. -He felt that engineering should be included with the
Community Development Section. He felt the Human Services area in the
report was -not too well thought out and :could be continued until.some
more information were received. He also felt that the role of the
Assistant Administrative Officer in the organization was not too well
defined. Is he anew fourth level manager or is he a new mutual manager
with the Administrative Officer in a dual managing role? He also felt
that a Council committee should be appointed to define the duties and
responsibilities of the Administrative Officer and the Assistant
Administrative Officer. He also felt the City Council should consider
evaluation ratings for all management and administrative personnel on
an annual basis.
City Council'Minutes.
September 16, 1974
Page 18
Councilman Norris stated that he:was opposed to the adoption of this
plan. He stated that the'Council had only spent ten minutes on the
proposal and, in.fact, Plan "G" that.is being supported by.the staff
at this time, was.only delivered to the City Couhcil'at 4:45 P.M.:that.
evening. He felt that the two Administrative Officers were pushing this
thing too fast and they were trying to ram rod this proposal down the
City Council. He felt that the plan was.not acceptable.by the citizens,
he felt that the one -stop counter could be implemented without all this
reorganization. He felt that any reorganization of a setup like the
City of San Luis Obispo should be put.into effect on a step -by -step
basis and not try to tear everything. down at one time.. He felt that
Williamson's plan was bad for the City'and the public and he felti
that the public he had spoken to had agreed with his feelings and that
this program should not be.adopted. He:concluded that in all these
plans the englneeringi function was downgraded in some cases to be .
practically non - existent in'the upper.levels of the City organization.
Mayor Schwartz felt that the present City organization was not a viable
function'as it did.not hold the feelings of the public.. He felt that
the present department. heads did not cooperate on projects that affect
the City and its citizens. He gave examples of lack of cooperation
with matters before the City Council when individual problems had not
even been discussed between Department heads and top management prior.
to coming to the City Council for decision. He did not know how.long
the City Council could continue to operate on the present basis. He
felt that if the City Council was not aware of what was[go ni on at
City Hall, they had better find out because they would then see 'a need
for a functional organization of the City departments. He felt there
was no team work between the City departments and that the losers were
the voters and citizens and taxpayers of the City. '.He felt that the
staff recommendation for reorganization was a good one and he urged
the City Council to really look into the.proposal and move ahead into
a more compatible organization with some.team work required amongst the
departments of the City. He felt that the one -stop desk could be imple-
mented within 24 hours if someone would just take the lead and put it
into effect.
On motion of Councilman Norris, seconded by Councilman: Gurnee that the
City staff implement the one -stop counter immediately and that.the
staff continue with their study for the.remodeling of City Hall..
Motion carried, all Ayes.
Councilman Gurnee moved that the City Council accept the organizational
concept of the Community Development and Community Services. Departments
as presented in Plan. "G ".. Motion lost for lack:of a.second..
The matter of reorganization of City departments was continued for
further discussion by the City Council.
On motion of Councilman Gurnee, seconded by Councilman`Grah!am_ the meet_inq'
adjourned to 7:30 P.M. Tuesday, September 17,'1974.
APPROVED: December 16, 1974
o�
F ATRICK, CITY CLERK