HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/28/19811
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M I N U T E S
ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1981 - 7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 990.PALM STREET
Pledge
Roll Call
Councilmembers
Present: Alan Bond, GlennaDeane Dovey, Ron Dunin, Allen Settle
and Mayor Billig
Absent: None
City Staff
Present: Lee Walton, Administrative Officer; Pamela Voges, Acting
City Clerk; Rudy Muravez, Finance Director; Richard Minor,
Fire Chief; Geoff Grote, Legal Assistant; Dave Romero,
Public Services Director; Ann McKibbin, Personnel Director;
Henry Engen, Community Development Director; and Olivia
Grande, Recording Secretary
E -1. On motion of Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilman Dunin,
the following ordinance was introduced: Ordinance No. 885 (1981 Series), an
interim urgency ordinance of the City of San Luis Obispo modifying the requirements
of the city's tent permit regulations to (1) shorten the permit application period
and (2) delegate the Council's responsibilities thereunder to the Board of
Adjustments. Motion carried.
Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Settle, Dunin, Bond, Dovey, and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSNET: None
1. Consideration of request by SLO County Arts Council for Council
approval of Preliminary Arts Proposal.
Ellen Blum stated that San Luis Obispo County is participating, along with sixty
other counties and cities, in a State /Local Partnership Program sponsored by the
California Arts Council. She said.that the goal of the program is to coordinate
and promote arts organizations and aid the California Arts Council in providing more
equitable funding at the local level. She listed some of the proposed activities
as follows: 1) establish a centralized office; 2) act as a clearinghouse for arts
information; 3) develop a comprehensive county -wide arts mailing list, newsletter
and calendar; 4) provide a library of funding information; 5) provide advisory
personnel and technical assistance for arts organizations; 6) development of artists
in- residence programs to increase employment of local artists; 7) develop and
coordinate an extensive volunteer effort; 8) promote support of the arts from the
private sector and the business community; 9) act as a liaison between government
agencies and arts organizations; and 10) develop an index of arts resources in the
county... She stated that the California Arts Council requires.-that-local governing
bodies approve the recommendations to validate that the proposal is not slanted
toward any particular region or group.
Councilwoman Dovey felt that the program was not slanted toward any particular
group. She suggested that Cuesta College Community Services be included under
resources since 60 percent of their budget comes from non - taxable funds, and
thought that the County Museum should be mentioned.
Councilman Dunin had no problems with the Arts Council report, but felt that the
City should not get involved to a great extent in that kind of activity.
Councilman Settle supported the Arts Council report and didn't think that the City
would get that involved with the program as long as it just hinges on the approval.
Mayor Billig thought the idea was good but that there should be some kind of
coordination, and would support the proposal as long as the Arts Council wasn't
City Council Minutes
April 28, 1981 — 7:00 p.m.
Page 2
expecting an ongoing commitment from the city in terms of funding. She stated
that the arts don't really need to be fostered in this county because they are
thriving on their own.
On motion of Councilman Dunin, seconded by Councilman Settle, to endorse the
preliminary San Luis Obispo County Arts Proposal as submitted. Motion-carried.
AYES: Councilmembers Dunin, Settle, Dovey, Bond and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
2. Consideration of need to require $5,000 bond by City Councilmembers
Geoff Grote, Legal Assistant, stated that it is customary in San Luis Obispo to
require a "Public Official Bond" of elected officials for their terms of office.
He said that the requirement is likely a holdover from a now repealed Government
Code provision for such bonds and that there exists no regulations (city, state,
etc.) presently requiring this bond. He continued that the bond itself is of
questionable value given its vague language. The City is "protected" ($5,000 limit)
against the Councilmember who does not "well and truly perform all duties ". He
recommended that the Council either formalize the requirement or drop it.
After a short discussion, the Council was in consensus that the bonding requirement
should be repealed.
On motion of Councilman Dunin, seconded by Councilman Settle, that the bonding
requirement should be repealed.
AYES: Councilmembers Dunin, Settle, Dovey, Bond, and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
3. _Presentation by Phil Ellsworth and Donna Falcinella regarding
proposed City Hall bus shelter.
Dave Romero, Public Services Director, stated that students Phil Ellsworth and
Donna Falcinella, together with their advisor, John Piercy, have been working with
the Design Review Board since last fall to arrive at a concept and detailed design
for the City Hall Bus Shelter. He said that all parties are now finally in agreement
and that the students wish to commence construction of the facility as soon as
possible. Dave Romero stated that his arrangement with the students has been that
the City will furnish materials and minor help regarding equipment and trucking,
with the students to provide all design and labor to construct the shelter.
Donna Flacinella described the bus shelter as having a handicap ramp, benches,
stairs that will step down into the bus..stop to compensate for the slope, and
a telephone in the corner. She added that there would be a drinking fountain,
trash facilities, and lighting designed so it cannot be easily vandalized. She
said the bus shelter would be located directly beneath Dave Romero's window which
is central to the bus operations on that side of the street. She concluded that the
students hope to begin construction on the project this week and to finish it by
June 10.
Councilman Bond questioned the feasibility of the bus shelter at that location,
stated that it would be a good way to get people off the lawns,.and hoped that
it could be salvages and put to good use.
Councilman Dunin supported the project and also thought it could be dismantled
with some of the materials saved.
Mayor Billig complimented the students on the creative thought and the work that
they have put into the project and did not want to see the bus terminal dismantled.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 1981 - 7:00 p.m.
Page 3
On motion of Councilman Settle, seconded by Councilman Dunin, to approve the plans
for the City Hall bus shelter as submitted. Motion carried.
AYES: Councilmembers Settle, Dunin, Bond, Dovey, and Mayor Billig
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4. Council discussion of the 1981 -1982 Capital Improvement Program.
Mayor Billig stated that this was just a preliminary review of the CIP in order to
get comments from the staff on particular items, and that there would be a more
formalized public.review at a later date.
Geoff Grote, Legal Assistant, reported that all the city departments have had input
into the draft CIP and reiterated Mayor Billig's comments that it is just a concensu
document. He stated that the costs and sums for expenditures are estimates and
that further refinement of the preliminary figures will be an ongoing process.
Geoff Grote noted that a primary change in the document is the elimination of the
general fund contribution for public facilities and equipment. He said the list of
figures were self - explanatory and drew attention to the large figures in the 82 -83
sale of revenue bonds which are not traditional sources of city revenue. He explain
those funds were set aside for the parking structure and were just for planning
purposes at this stage. He noted that Item 10 (Laguna Lake Improvements) should
read Laguna Lake and Park Improvements; that it was the consensus of the CAO that
it would be possible to add the park development contingent upon what the Council
decides to do with the lake development. On Item 15 - Police Station Expansion -
he noted that this project is not combined with the parking lot and storage building
as had been projected in last year's CIP. He referred to the appendix which
includes deficiency lists, and stated that there will be a further update from the
Public Services Department.
Following are the Council's comments on the draft CIP.
C.I.P. #
1) Downtown Parking Facility
Councilman Settle supported the concept of a downtown parking facility but felt
that the question of finance would make the determination on-the project.
Councilman Dunin was in full support of the parking facility.
Mayor Billig stated that she has always been supportive of the parking structure,
but that the success of the project would depend on the sale of the bonds and the
economic commitment.
2) Mission Plaza - Nipomo Phase
Councilman Dunin was supportive of the long -range program for Mission Plaza, but
thought that the Council should be addressing leases to acquiring the property
rather than getting into the design and detail at this time. He felt the entire
block should be rezoned as P.F.
Councilwoman Dovey agreed that the city should consider acquiring the property as
soon as possible and should evaluate the various funds that are available for that
purpose.
Councilman Settle stated that he has always supported Mission Plaza, thought it
should be tied with the issue of the library and that the entire block should be
considered as a.possible rezoning because of the cost - effectiveness.
Councilman Bond felt that the acquisition of the property should be discussed with
the property owners before any of the design is done.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 1981 - 7:00 p.m.
Page 4
Mayor Billig stated that the city should be looking not only at the creek and the
expansion of the Plaza but in terms of the entire block, rather than simply easements
With staff's cost figures, she felt it would be more beneficial for the city to
consider acquiring the entire piece of property. Also with the county's support of
the city- county library this year she said the city should be taking advantage of
the situation while the funds are still available.
Ken Schwartz liked projects 1 and 2, but did not favor the system the city was
using in terms of the dollar figures. He felt that priorities should be set
before moving forward on any of the large items. He said that the creek expansion
would help keep the downtown a vital element in our community, and that the city
should be looking at the economics of it rather than stablizing the property values
at this time. He felt that the commitment by the county was a plus, would improve
the commercial attractiveness, and would give the needed impetus to move forward.
3) Corporation Yard
Councilman Settle felt that the city should move forward with its decision for
Prado Road.
Councilman Dunin agreed with Councilman Settle that the property across the street
could be connected with this project.
Councilwoman Dovey felt that the city should go ahead with the Prado Road site, but
wanted to see some cost figures. She said that if the city comes to agreement on the
property that the Gudel property would be income for the Corporation Yard.
Mayor Billig felt that this project was needed by the city, that it should be
phased, and made into a well - landscaped and camouflaged place. She did not support
putting the Corporation Yard on Prado Road unless it were put on ECOSLO's site,
and thought that the properties could be consolidated. She also questioned
whether $950,000 was an adequate figure to work with.
Councilman Settle agreed that screening at that location would mitigate the visual
impact.
4) Flood Control Deficiency Correction
Councilman-Bond recommended putting as much money into this project as needed to
get the flood problems corrected.
Councilman Dunin recommended adding another $50,000 to this project.
Mayor Billig had no.problems with Councilman Dunin's recommendation.
5) 1500 GPM Pumper
The council was in general support of this item.
6) Computer -Aided Dispatch System
Council supported this item.
7) Community Center Building Fund
Councilman Bond thought that this could be considered in the near future.
Councilman Settle was supportive of the library.
Councilman Dunin supported the recommendation.
Councilman Dovey supported the Meadow Park improvements.
Consensus of the Council was to list the library and community center project
(#7) with No. 2 Mission Plaza - Nipomo Phase.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 1981 - 7:00 p.m.
Page 5
8) Meadow Park Improvements
Jim Stockton, Parks Superintendent, reviewed the redevelopment plans for Meadow
Park Expansion which includes relocation of the softball to a useable standard.
The Councilmembers were in general support of the recommendation.
9) Golf Course Irrigation System
The Councilmembers supported the recommendation.
The Council took a 15- minute recess at 8:55 p.m. The meeting resumed at 9:10 p.m.
5. Council consideration of policy regarding E.M.T. I and II program
Mayor Billig stated that the county is pursuing an over -all program for emergency
medical services and wanted some comments from the City Council. She said that
tonight's discussion would be a preliminary review and that the matter would come
back to the Council for formal consideration prior to budget time.
Dr. Larry Newman, a physician in San Luis.Obispo and.Executive Directory of
Emergency Services for the past three years, appointed by Dr. Mitchell, stated
that they have been looking into a program to train some EMT.I's to provide better
pre - hospital care. After some consideration and investigation, they felt that an
EMT II program would be the better program. He said that they had a problem with
who to train in this county - fire department staff, ambulance personnel, etc.
He said that the administration of the program is under the auspices of the Health
Director but needed some feedback from the City Council on their interest in getting
the Fire.Department involved. He explained the need for the program in that people
who have sustained cirtical injuries would arrive at the hospital in better shape,
' and it could also save about 30 lives a year for cardiac arrest patients. With
regard to the funding, he said that the Health Department said they would support
the program to a small degree for a couple of years but that a permanent staff was
needed to assure that proper care is provided. He stated that the training staff
would need about $50,000 per year, and that the Board of Supervisors would support
them partially. He needed a commitment from the City Council to consider sub-
sidizing the program. He alaborated that the EMT II program does not use telemetry.
Kenneth Allen Gesting, San Francisco Trauma Center, stated that he was speaking
as a private citizen who has been involved in emergency medical services. He
said that this community could be prioritized as a unique community for a life-
saving program, and felt that the program would be cost beneficial to the city.
He stated that under Senate Bill 125 you can not establish an EMT II program in
California without telemetry, and added that you woudl have to hire clerks in every
instance. He urged the city to go along with the fire and ambulance personnel,
reiterating that the programs that have been successful are-the ones that have
community fund - raising efforts.
Gerry Gecker, 1385 Fairway, stated that it was extremely important that the Council
consider the full ramifications of having both fire and ambulance people trained.
He felt that if there is a situation where the patient is trapped or requires
ambulance or Fire Department personnel it would be beneficial to have the EMT II
level, and in the cases of a major disaster simply having one department or the
other may not be adequate whereas having both would be.
Sally Johnson, registered nurse and an EMT instructor at Cuesta College, stated
that the program should be done right if done at all and that a response should be
within two or three minutes if at all possible. She felt that the Fire Department
and the ambulance companies should both be involved. She wanted to see both EMT I's
and II's trained; in this county she sees the need for having both.
Carmen Johnson stated that she has been a paramedic in Orange County for about four
years. She said there had been many instances where it would have been very
beneficial to have the ambulance companies also being trained as paramedics so they
would be able to carry on the I.V. therapy. She felt that if the ambulance and
fire departments don't work together on major disasters it would be a.detriment to
the community. With the combination of the two she said there would be a viable
well - trained work force.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 1981 - 7:00 p.m.
Page 6
Frank Kelton, owner of San Luis Ambulance, stated that one of the concerns seems to
be the response time and that the average response time is 4 -.6 minutes. He
commented about the need for fire service with accidents, that the total of our
business accidents are few and far between. Whenever there is an extrication,
one of his problems is looking between fire and ambulance and its cost
effectiveness. He said.if his people are not able to provide the added
skills they are not going to be able to charge for them. He said that EMT I's
and II's work hand in hand; that if they are combined in both agencies there
will be difficulties. On a question from Councilman Dunin, he said that they
would provide two 24 -hour units for the city and the.:areas they serve and respond
on a call -back basis. Response time would be from four to six minutes.
Jack McKeen, 1359 Oak View Court, was interested in seeing the dollars spent to the
most effective and best use, and was concerned about what the money was going to be
spent for.
Dr. Newman replied that it was just for training, and that the equipment would be
supplied by the Fire Department via the City Council.
Richard Minor, Fire Chief, felt that it would be advantageous to the city to increas
the level of service. He stated that ambulance and fire department combined as a
partnership would provide an increased level of service at a minimal cost. He said
that there would be firefighters doing double duty and that if the prograa doesn't
go into effect they would still be responding to emergencies.
Phyllis Cogman, San Luis Obispo, thought that the Fire Department should have a
better response time, and felt that the Fire Department should be trained equally
as well as the ambulance companies. She thought that $16,000 was not too much to
spend to save one of her daughter's lives.
Blake Wideman, a private citizen of EMT status, spoke in support of both the::
fire department and ambulance companies being trained.
Joyce McKeen, 1359 Oak View Court, was concerned that the city have a paramedic
type program.. She thought that the finances could be worked out between the fire
departments.and the ambulance.company.
Councilman Dunin did not think that a final decision should be made until more
data was submitted from Dr. Newman and from the Fire Department. He wanted some
long -range projections from Dr. Newman as to the commitment he expected from the
county and the cities. He also requested that the Fire Department specify what
type of agreement they would want with respect to financing, including the legal
ramifications and insurance.
Mayor Billig agreed that the cost information should be submitted as soon as
possible, in order to get this item scheduled on the agenda at the earliest
possible date.
Councilman Bond felt that the program was necessary for the city, and wanted to see
what the cost figures would be if they did their own program.
Councilwoman Dovey recommended that Dr. Newman continue with his survey and bring
back to the Council any other data regarding a hospital willing to serve as a base
hospital, the other ambulance companies willing to participate, and the training
coordinators.
Councilman Bond left the meeting at 11:30 p.m.
4. Continuation of the Council discussion of the 1981 -1982
Capital Improvement Program.
Dr. Carl Lutrin, speaking on behalf of the Citizens Advisory Committee, stated that
they had not had an opportunity to review the CIP in detail. He said that all the
members questioned placing one -third of the budget for the expansion of the Police
Station and recommended deferring the project and looking at alternatives to
utilizing other facilities in the city and the county. On CIP Item 419, the members
questioned the high priority of the irrigation system at the golf course. They
questioned the practicality of purchasing the necessary land to complete the
Mission Plaza Phase, did not think the signals were needed at Higuera /Penney's
City Council Minutes
April 28, 1981 - 7:00.p.m.
Page 7
and S. Higuera and Prado Road. They recommended that a stop sign be put up
at Del Rio and Descanso. He said that one member disagreed with moving the
softball field and disagreed with the philosophy behind a new downtown parking
structure.
10) Laguna Lake Improvements
Councilman Settle supported the Laguna Lake Improvements and the park development.
Councilwoman Dovey did not think that the dredging should be included in the park
improvements. She did not support putting money aside when the Council doesn't
know what it's going to be spent for.
Councilman Dunin supported the recommendation and wanted to see the Master Park Plar
updated including priorities.
Mayor Billig had no problems with putting money aside for park development. She
agreed with Councilwoman Dovey that unless there is some idea of what they money is
going to be spent for, it shouldn't be put away in reserves.
11) Sinsheimer Pool Complex
The Councilmembers were in support of the recommendation.
12) City Hall Modifications
Dave Romero stated that the City Hall modifications would include renovating,
remodeling and upgrading City Hall. Projects include modification.of walls to
create additional offices, repairs in the administrative wing and new seating
in the Council Chambers.
The Councilmembers were in support of the recommendations.
' 13) Fire Station 412 Parking Lot
The councilmembers were in support of the recommendation.
14) Jack Residence Rehabilitation
Councilman Dunin supported the project, and urged the Jack House Committee to raise
money as a civic project because it builds pride in the community.
Councilwoman Dovey supported the project.
15) Police Station Expansion
Councilman Settle supported the recommendation..
Councilman Dunin was supportive of the Police Station expansion.
16) Police Station HVAC Modification
The Councilmembers supported this item.
17) Recreation Center Building Fund
The City Council favored removing this item.
18) Sinsheimer Park Development
After discussion, the City Council favored considering all parks.development as
one complete package with one lump sum, deciding what the important projects are
for that year and the money available for those projects, and determining what
parks need attention and prioritize them. CIP Items 418, 4118, and 4119 to be
considered as one item; "parks development" in CIP item 4110 to be considered
separately from lake improvements.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 1981 - 7:00 p.m.
Page 8
19) Neighborhood Park Development
To be combined with items 8 and 18.
20) Capital Contingencies
The Council accepted the recommendation.
21) Cigar Factory Bridge
The Council accepted the recommendation.
22) Soccer Field
The Council accepted the recommendation.
F,
23). Fire Department Training Facility
The Council accepted the recommendation.
24) 1250 GPM Pumper - Fire Department
The Council accepted the recommendation.
25) Mitchell Park Bandstand
To-be considered with parks development items.
26) Grand Avenue Median Landscaping
Mayor Billig felt that Santa Rosa Street was in more need of landscaping than
Grand Avenue.
Councilman Settle agreed with Mayor Billig that Santa Rosa Street is more
deserving of the landscaping.
This item to be considered with all -tree improvement projects.
27) Word Processing - Police Department
The Council accepted the recommendation.
28) Headquarter Fire Station Renovation
The Council accepted the recommendation.
29) Reservoir Canyon Improvements
The Council accepted the recommendation.
30) Golf Course Shop Rehabilitation
The Council accepted the recommendation.
31) Hiking and Riding Trails
To be included in the Parks Master Plan.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was
adjourned at 1:10 a.m. to May 4, 1981 at 12:00 noon.
Pamela Voges, Acting City Clerk
i
By 0 ivia GrdTOe, Recording Secretary