HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/14/1979City Council Minutes
August 14, 1979, 7:30 p.m.
Page 4
3. Community Development staff to work with Richard Taylor, Public
Services Department, and Design Review Board to refine project
description consistent with council- approved conceptual plan.
Work to be completed ty October.
4. Advance planning section to prepare a focused environmental impact
report (EIR). Richard Taylor to prepare an itemized cost estimate.
' Both reports to be ready for the council in February of 1980.
5. Council to receive the refined project description, EIR, and authorize
preparation of working plans and specifications in February, 1980.
6. Richard Taylor to prepare plans and specifications by May, 1980.
7. Contingent on property acquisition, council to authorize building
on the project in June, 1980.
8. Construction on initial phase would begin in July or August, if
significant progress and bank protection could be achieved before
start of rains in late October or early November.
Glenn Matteson, Community Development Department, then reviewed the conceptual
plan with the City Council. He also stated that the Design Review Board
recommended that the council proceed with the Taylor contract for preparation
of plans and specifications.
Robert Corcoran, BIA Administrative Officer, submitted a letter on behalf of
the board of directors supporting the extension of Mission-Plaza to Nipomo
Street.
Bob Leitcher, property owner on Monterey Street, stated that he is opposed
to the concept of extending the plaza through to Nipomo Street. He felt
' there were greater needs before the City Council for funds rather than
spending money on more parks. He felt the City was in dire need of flood
protection. He felt the city was injuring property owners along San Luis
Creek due to the city not protecting private property from the annual flood
damage. He also stated he would not give his land for Mission Plaza exten-
sion and would fight any attempt to purchase it by the city. He then
presented a history of the flooding on this stretch of San Luis Creek over
the last 50 years. He felt that any development in this area would require
constant, remedial treatment after each rain and flood.
Mel Porche supported the Mission Plaza extension as recommended.
Councilman Dunin stated he felt that the Mission Plaza extension should
not be approved as a separate item, but should be discussed when the
entire Downtown Specific Plan is approved by the council.
Councilwoman Billig stated she supported the proposed extension of Mission
Plaza, but she would hope the area would remain as natural as possible and
not a formal development as in the present plaza. She felt the trails in
the area were satisfactory, but questioned the extensive removal of vegeta-
tion in this section of the proposed plaza.
Councilman.Jorgensen stated he would support and confirm the council action
in the C.I.P. and would support the.staff and Design Review Board recommenda-
tions to proceed with the plans and specifications and the EIR.
1 Councilman Bond stated he would support the plan.
Mayor Cooper stated he would support the proposal for the extension of Mission
Plaza, as it was needed. He felt the city should acquire any land that is
needed in fee title and not accept easements which always become future problems.
On motion of Councilman Bond, seconded by Councilman Jorgensen, that the
City Council accept the staff recommendation and the eight point scheduling
and authorize them to proceed in accordance with the schedule.
City Council Minutes
August 14, 1979,' 7:30 p.m.
Page 5
Motion carried on-the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Bond, Jorgensen, Billig; Dunin, and Mayor Cooper
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
At 9:00 p.m., Mayor Cooper declared a recess. '
At 9:15 p.m., the City Council reconvened with all councilmembers present.
4. At this time the City Council considered the master plan for the
Corporation Yard prepared by SUA Incorporated Management Consultants.
Dave Romero, Public Services Director, reviewed, for the City Council, some
of the key areas in the lengthy report prepared by SUA. He continued that
field operations of the Public Services Department were housed in three
separate yard facilities. These facilities were located some distance from
one another, vary in physical condition and size, and each could be charac-
terized as inadequate to meet current city requirements. Each yard has
specific liabilities which are compounded by the fact that the present yard
configuration limits the ability of the department to fully benefit from
the recent consolidation of all city maintenance and construction activities
into one department.
He continued that the need for improved facilities was apparent and had
been recognized by the city. As a step in achieving this, the Public Services
Dept. suggested a site adjacent to the city sewer treatment plan as the potential
location for the corporation yard. Prior to developing this site, it was
determined that a comprehensive plan for service yard facilities be prepared.
SAU, Inc. was retained to conduct an evaluation of facility needs for main-
tenance and construction activities, and develop a specific plan implementation I
which would include an evaluation of the proposed. SAU's specific assignment
was:
1. Determine and specify the amount, type, and relative location of
space required by various units of the Public Services Department
through the year 2000.
2. Determine and identify the effects in space requirements during the
planning period in departmental operations due to changes in commun-
ity population, service responsibility, operation procedures, and
technology.
3. Project personnel requirements within each division within the
department by appropriate increments to the year 2000.
4. Determine the type and amount of space required by each division
of the department and a consolidated corporation yard to be built
on the site already owned by the city.
5. Determine the time period during which new buildings should be
constructed at the consolidated yard, and recommend occupancy
plans for their use.
SUA submitted the following findings and recommendations:
1. The population of the City of San Luis Obispo is expected to increase ,
from the 1976 level of 33,500 to an ultimate population of 64,000.
This is an increase of 91 percent.
2. Full time public service employees are projected to increase from
51 at present to 92 by the time the city reaches its ultimate level.
3. Existing public service yard facilities are inadequately sized and
are poorly designed to insure implementation of preventative mainten-
ance and repair programs necessary to extend vehicle life and main-
tain efficient utilization of staff.
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City Council Minutes
August 14, 1979,.7:30 p.m.
Page 2
City Staff
PRESENT: Leland Walton, City Administrative Officer; J.H. Fitzpatrick,
City Clerk; Henry Engen, Community Development Director;
Wayne Peterson, City Engineer; Roger Neuman, Police Chief;
D.F. Romero, Public Services Director.
1. The City Council members reported on activities of the standing
council subcommittees which they represent.
A. Area Council of Governments Councilwoman Billig
B. C.C.C.J.C. Councilman Bond
C. County Water Advisory Board Mayor Cooper
D. Whale Rock Commission Mayor Cooper
E. Zone 9 Advisory Committee Councilman Dunin
Comments by the various councilmembers were noted by the council.
2. Revised traffic signal designs.
Wayne Peterson, City Engineer, submitted a complete report on designs pro-
posed for three intersections:
Santa Rosa Street and Higuera Street
Johnson Avenue and Monterey Street
California and Monterey Streets
Mr. Peterson reviewed, in detail, the traffic accident surveys for each inter-
section and also complex engineer studies for design standards at each inter-
section showing sight distance, etc. He also presented an engineering design
for each intersection giving the following:.
A. recommended design
B. minimum design
C. state standard design
He continued by reviewing the design requirements for traffic signals. He stated
that these requirements were established by state and federal laws, basically,
the Motor Vehicle Code of the State of California requires Cal Trans to estab-
lish standards and the local agencies to conform to these standards. The
standards are similar to those adopted by the Federal Highway Administration.
He recommended that the City Council adopt these standards and direct the staff
to follow them in the design of all future traffic signals. He then analyzed
each intersection of the three recommended for sign changes, explaining the
reasons for the design changes and reviewing sight distance, accidents, etc.
Wayne Peterson then introduced Mr. Al Billings, representing Crouse -Hinds
Company, a company which developes street modules with a complete line of
street furniture for all types of vehicular and pedestrian functions.
Dick Gordon, Associate Engineer, then reviewed individual sketches of
the proposed installations at the three intersections in San Luis Obispo,
showing the minimum design changes, the state standard changes, and the use
of the Crouse -Hinds modules. He also listed cost estimates for each inter-
section as proposed for correction. .It was his estimate that the cost of
remodeling would be approximately $22,000 per intersection, with a 20 -year
life expectancy and a 10 percent interest rate, .this would come to about
$2,600 per year. They felt that this.would cut the accidents at these inter-
sections in half, which would be a substantial savings to the public.
Wayne Peterson, City Engineer, Dick Gordon, Associate Engineer, and
Al Billings, Crouse -Hinds representative, discussed in general with the City
Council, the various elements of the traffic signal design program which
included the possibility of larger lights, extending the mast arms over the
street so the various traffic lanes could see the signals, and other improve-
ments such as the trimming back of poles, trees, etc.
City Council Minutes
August 14, 1979; 7:30 p.m.
Page 3
Councilman Jorgensen stated that he was not pleased with the information
presented. He felt that he needed more information to make a decision
and something with a more simple design rather than the complex ones presented.
Councilwoman Billig agreed and stated that she was not pleased with the pro-
posal as presented. She would consider minor "relocations to clarify sight
distance to signal lights, but she was not supportive of large mast arms
over the street, she felt they were not really needed for good safety.
Councilman Bond stated that some traffic signal improvements should be made.
He felt that simply by changing to 12 inch or 8 inch lights might help, and
also by relocating some of the standards for safety sake.
Councilman Dunin felt he needed more competitive cost information. He
needed much more information in order to make'a'decision on the extend of the
sign construction. He would support a clean -up of the area near the signs
and signals in order to avoid any confusion for motorists.
Wayne Peterson, City Engineer, stated that he felt it would be impossible
to bring back accurate cost information as it was unavailable until the
city went to bid, at which time the suppliers would go on record with costs.
After further discussion, the City Council authorized the staff to prepare
plans and specifications for traffic signals at the three intersections
mentioned and which would contain three alternatives:
1. minimum relocation of existing facilities
2. the short mast arm, state standard
3. the Crouse -Hinds modules system
Councilwoman Billig stated that she was intrigued by the Crouse -Hinds method
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of handling trash and litter cans as part of the traffic signal installation.
She urged that the city look into getting more trash and litter containers I
downtown as they are needed. She felt that with additional litter cans,
possibly people would make better use of them.
Councilman Dunin agreed with Councilwoman Billig's comments. He also felt
that additional litter cans were needed in the downtown area. He felt that
if they were provided, they would be used by the public.
The City Council directed Dave Romero, Public Services Director, to prepare
a cost estimate to increase the number of litter cans in the downtown area.
3. Mission Plaza extension.
Henry Engen, Community Development Director, presented a staff report dealing
with the Mission Plaza extension'aad stated that the'City Council -had approved
the general concept of extending Mission Plaza into the block downstream from
the existing plaza. Money has been included in the Capital Improvement Program
for land purchases and additional design work. He stated that the staff is
now asking the council for additional conceptual direction so detailed planning
and environmental review could be carried out. He asked that the City Council
tentatively endorse the master site plan prepared by Richard Taylor and recom-
mended by the Design Review Board and instruct the staff to proceed in accor-
dance with the recommendations.
Henry Engen asked that the City Council focus on basic features, for example,
Are the types of facilities proposed desirable? Are there others which should ,
be included? Is the overall extent of the project and general location of
the major features acceptable? Are any basic changes needed to complement
other facilities the city may choose to locate in the area? He stated that
the staff and architect had tried to provide maximum public enjoyment with
minimum interference with existing private properties. He suggested that the
City Council endorse the master site plan and approve the following program:
1. City Council authorize the program - August, 1979.
2. Council authorize contract with Richard Taylor late August or early
September.
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City Council Minutes
August 14, 1979, 7:30 p.m.
Page 6
4. The city should develop a central - corporation yard complex to meet the
service requirements of an ultimate population ranging from 55,000
to 65,000 persons.
5. The facility should contain all yard related operations of the
Public Services Department.
6. The site requirements for the ultimate central corporation yard
complex is estimated at 5.97 acres. The recommended first stage
development would require 5.2 acres of this total. The site proposed
for the new yard contains approximately 7 useable acres.
7. The estimated total cost of development of a corporation site to
meet the projected requirements of a city of approximately 64,000
residents, including buildings, on- ground parking, site improvements,
and landscaping, equipments costs, professional fees and contingencies
was estimated by SUA in 1976 at 2,692,682.
D.F. Romero then presented the proposed site plan for the corporation yard
which was to be located at the corner of Prado Road and Highway 101 at the
sewer plant property and an alternate site on Higuera Street, an expansion
of the sewer farm property called the Gudel property.
Councilman Jorgensen stated he could accept, for general information, the
SUA report on the corporation master plan; but he felt the city should put
the plan aside as it was too expensive for the city and was a little too
rich for consideration. He also felt that the most appropriate site for
development was the Gudel property on Higuera Street and not the sewer plant
property on Highway 101 and Prado Road. He continued that if this decision
were made by the council, he felt the staff should be allowed to develop a
master plan, a phasing schedule, and various department needs on a priority
basis.
D.F. Romero, Public Services Director, stated that, in his opinion, thb`Prado
Road site best served the City's interests because it is closer to the heart
of the City, thus saving time and cost in getting to and from City jobs. It
is a better shape than the Gudel property, thus allowing a more flexible yard
layout, it is closer to the sewer plant, thus allowing better correlation
with plant operations, and is more remote from residential properties, thus
providing for fewer conflicts. Although the Gudel property is less subject
to flooding and will require little or no fill, in Mr. Romero's opinion, it
is a pooer location for the yard.
On motion of Councilman Jorgensen, seconded by Councilman Bond, that the
City Council determine that the sewer plant property, Gudel site, be the
location of the city's consolidated corporation yard.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Jorgensen, Bond, Billig, Dunin, and Mayor Cooper
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
On motion of Councilman Jorgensen, seconded by Councilman Bond, that the city
staff was to initiate a general plan amendment and zoning amendment as required
in order for the city to use the Gudel site for a corporation yard.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Jorgensen, Bond, Billig, Dunin, and Mayor Cooper
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Council Minutes
August•14, 1979 - 7:30 p.m.
Page 7
On motion of Councilman Jorgensen, seconded by Councilman Dunin, that the
city staff be authorized to prepare a master plan, including the EIR, for
developing a corporation yard site on the Gudel property with phasing of
development and consideration of future disposal of the three existing
corporation sites.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Jorgensen, Dunin, Billig, Bond, and Mayor Cooper
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
5. Roger Neuman, Chief of Police, presented to the City Council a proposal
from the Office of Traffic Safety to transfer a solo motorcycle to the City
of San Luis Obispo to aid in traffic enforcement. This motorcycle would be
a fully equipped, 1977 Harley Davidson police motorcycle, at no cost to the
city. He felt that this was an opportunity for the city, at no capital
cost, to see if a motorcycle traffic program would be effective in reducing
traffic problems in the City of San Luis Obispo.
He continued that motorcycle enforcement programs had been used in neigh-
boring cities such as Santa Maria and Santa Barbara with a high degree of
success and minimal problems. Such programs, he said, had proven to be a
logical alternative to the use of the standard patrol sedan which had limited
mobility in highly congested areas. He felt the City of San Luis Obispo was
becoming more and more congested during peak traffic periods, particularly
in the downtown core district and those arterials leading to and from Cal Poly
Campus and the main arterial and collector streets. He stated that many
violations of a hazardous nature occur where the driver should be warned or
cited, but many times traffic conditions preclude an officer in a patrol
sedan from safely getting into a position to stop the violator.
Chief Neuman continued that he realized that considerable controversy surrounds
the use of two -wheel motorcycles by police agencies, however, the agencies
they had contacted had had very few serious injuries over the long run. The
key to minimize an additional risk seemed to be the proper selection of
personnel, proper training, and well defined policies on proper use. He
stated it would be his intent and that of his staff to use the motorcycle
as a traffic enforcement vehicle and not in high speed pursuit situations,
and would not be used during inclement weather. Also, the program would be
analyzed for one year to see the effect the motorcycle enforcement would
have on the city traffic probelms. He felt the only cost to the city would
be the approximate $1,000 for protective clothing and personal equipment for
the motorcycle officers. The training would be through a P.O.S.T. reimbursed
program. He stated that while he also has reservations regarding safety, he
felt this might be an opportunity to expand and test the effectiveness of
such an approach to the ever increasing traffic problems of our community.
Lee Walton, City Administrative Officer, stated that like the police chief,
he had serious misgivings about bikes for the safety factor. At the same
time, he was rather intrigued about the feasibility of substituting an
inexpensive bike for a large vehicle in certain situations such as downtown
traffic control. He stated that the police chief would probably limit its
use to daylight hours and clear weather, but nevertheless it is something
about which the staff needs the council's input.
The City Council discussed with the police chief primarily the safety aspects
of a motorcycle traffic enforcement program in the city. They were not
particularly worried about the cost but primarily the safety of not only the
officers on the motorcycle, but of other citizens.
After discussion, it was moved by Councilman Bond, seconded by Councilman
Jorgensen, that the City Council deny the request for motorcycle traffic
enforcement at this time.
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City Council Minutes
August 14, 1979 - 7:30 p.m.
Page 8
Motion lost on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Bond and Jorgensen
NOES: Councilmembers Dunin and Billig and Mayor Cooper
ABSENT: None
On motion of Councilwoman Billig, seconded by Councilman Dunin, that the
City Council accept the recommendation of the administrative officer and
police chief and authorize the motorcycle program with a one -year analysis
period.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Billig and Dunin and Mayor Cooper
NOES: Councilmembers Jorgensen and Bond
ABSENT: None
6. Glenn Matteson, Assistant Planner, reviewed prior action by the City
Council in applying for and receiving designation as an eligible mortgage
assistance area by the California Housing Finance Agency. He stated that a
new funding cycle was about to begin and he felt the City Council should review
the program and decide whether it wants to continue. He felt it was a
worthwhile program which required minimal city involvement.
He continued that CHFA has operated this program throughout the state for
several years. Last year, for the first time, it became available to non -
metropolitan areas. He stated that CHFA sells tax - exempt bonds and in turn
uses the money to buy loans from private lenders who participate in the
program. The tax- exempt status of the bonds allows mortgage interest rates
two or three percent below the revailing institutional rate. Lending insti-
tutions service the loans. He stated that through July of 1979, the lenders
had originated 18 loans in the City of San Luis Obispo for a total value of
$676,000. This amounted to 67 percent of their overall loan potential and
100percent of that targeted for purchase only. Unfortunately, nearly all the
loans were for converted condominiums (in the Southwood Chalet, apparently
the city's lowest cost owner housing). None of the rehabilitation potential
had been used.
Glenn Matteson recommended that the staff should be authorized to continue
consultations with CHFA and local lenders who are or might want to partici-
pate in the program, including advocacy of program changes that would make
it more workable.
On motion of Councilman Jorgensen, seconded by Councilwoman Billig, that the
City Council continue the program in the mortgage assistance area.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Jorgensen, Billig, Bond, Dunin, and Mayor Cooper
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
' 7. The City Clerk was asked to follow through on having "pro" arguments
prepared for the special election to be held on November 6, 1979, involving
City Council salary increases.
8. On motion of Councilman Bond, seconded by Councilman Jorgensen,
Mayor Cooper and Vice -Mayor Dunin were designated voting delegate and
alternate for the Annual League of California Cities Conference Business
Session.