HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/16/1981M I N U T E S
ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16,-1981 - 12:10 P.M.
COUNCIL HEARING ROOM, CITY HALL, 990 PALM STREET
-SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
STUDY SESSION
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers
Present: GlennaDeane Dovey, Ron Dunin, Robert Griffin, Allen'
Settle, and Mayor Melanie C. Billig
Absent: None
City Staff
Present: Bill Hanley, Interim Administrative Officer; Pamela
Voges, City Clerk; Henry Engen, Community Development
Director; Dave Romero, Public Services Director; Wayne
Peterson, City Engineer; Terry Sanville, Senior Planner
E -1. STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD
Henry Engen, Community Development Director, stated that on Thursday he
had received a call from Jim Nicholson, Project Engineer from the State
Water Resources Control Board, asking if the City of San Luis Obispo
would be interested in changing some of the language as a part of the
appeal. The language he was referring to would provide that the.City
provide services to some of the problem areas outside of the City and
within the urban reserve area.
Mayor Billig questioned what the boundaries and what areas would be
delineated that the state was referring to.
Councilman Dunin questioned if the problem areas were those problems
from the past or were they referring to those in the future.
Councilwoman Dovey also questioned what the boundaries would be.
After brief discussion it was agreed that staff members, George Thacher
and Henry Engen, and two Councilmembers (Councilman Griffin and either
Councilman Settle or Mayor Billig) would meet with representatives from
the Water Quality Control Board to discuss this possible change.
1. CIRCULATION ELEMENT
Council considered the draft Circulation Element of the City's General
Plan (continued from 7/14/81, 8/10/81 and 9/22/81).
Terry Sanville, Senior Planner, stated that on September 22 the City
Council talked about the draft Circulation Element focusing on the
questions listed in the discussion guide provided on pages 31 through 34
of the Council report. The Council had completed their action on the
questions in the discussion guide and began reviewing specific street
projects listed in the appendix of the draft Circulation Element. He
recommended that Council resume their review of the specific street
projects beginning with project 4 on page 83 of the Circulation Element
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City Council Minutes
November 16, 1981 - 12:10 p.m.
Page 2
appendix. There were also other issues raised in the planning staff
report that should be addressed.
APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR STREET PROJECTS
3. Council reconsidered Higuera- Pismo -High Street Intersection
Mayor Billig confirmed with the Councilmembers that their prior intent
was to allow Buchon Street to go to a two -way street on a six -month
trial basis with report back from staff within six months.
Upon question, Wayne Peterson stated that the trial period would
probably not begin before the first of year as property owners would
have to be notified, etc.
Terry Sanville explained the proposed High, Higuera, Pismo, Beebee area
modification would have to be redesigned if Buchon changes to a two -way
street.
Upon general consensus, Council requested that staff come back with the
redesign after final action had been taken on the Buchon project.
Upon question, Dave Romero, Public Services Director, affirmed that no
further changes would be made to Buchon Street after six months, only
report back to Council.
Councilman Dunin stated he was concerned as to the amount.of.money this
project would cost.
4. Downtown Intersection Improvements
Terry Sanville explained that the traffic congestion was heavy in the
downtown and there appeared to be need for some of the key streets in
the central business district to work better. Staff was recommending
that the radii of curbs at selected locations should be increased to
allow for cars to make easier right -hand turns. Also, 100 ft. of
curbside parking should be removed on the right side of major inter-
section approaches. This had also been a recommendation from the Wilbur
Smith report.
Dave Romero, Public Services Director, stated that he did not feel it
was necessary to have 100 ft. of curbside parking removed and enlarged
radius provided at every intersection. He drew a diagram showing that
the enlarged radius would severely narrow the:pedestria -,area at inter-
sections. He felt it would be better to use a 20 ft. radius wherever
practical rather than at those intersections shown.
Councilwoman Dovey suggested that this corner not be shown as a part of
the downtown streets as it is further away then what is normally
considered downtown. She felt it might be worthwhile to wait until the
truck routes were established before making a decision.
Mayor Billig agreed with comments made by Councilwoman Dovey and
suggested waiting until staff brought back the report on the truck
routes.
Terry Sanville suggested the Council make a general statement within the
Circulation Element and that staff bring back, as a part of the work
program, identification of three strategies: 1) The need to provide
smoother right turns; 2) bulbed -out intersections; 3) locations of those
sites most feasible.
Councilman Settle agreed to go with staff recommendations.
Councilwoman Dovey re- emphasized that the Circulation Element was only a
general policy plan and not cast in concrete.
Terry Sanville explained the transportation projects are the most
important design to be used as a guide for people to know what the City
City Council Minutes
November 16, 1981 - 12:10 p.m.
Page 3
intends to do at some point later down the road. He felt these goals
were needed, but he suggested that throughout the document. the words
may consider could be used.
Councilman Griffin agreed that it was important to have a clear strategy
but would also want it understood that this was a "may consider" and not
"firm commitment ".
Upon general consensus staff was directed to report back on the three
areas as outlined by Terry Sanville. 1
Councilman Dunin wanted to be sure that both engineering and planning
departments evaluate and have agreement between them before this comes
back to the City Council. He felt that the Council was beginning to get
into too much detail.
Councilman Griffin would like to see the recommended solutions tie back
in with the goals and objectives.
5. MARSH STREET BRIDGE
The recommended solution was that the Marsh Street Bridge over the creek
be replaced. When it is replaced, the creek should be slightly widened
in the area to handle water from the 100 -year storm (50 yr. for San Luis
Creek and 100 yr. for Stenner Creek). Cal Trans should be responsible
for the project. The project does not include a major redesign of the
Marsh Street interchange.
Wayne Peterson, City Engineer, gave a brief status report on where Cal
Trans was on this project. He stated the State was looking at two
alternatives: 1) raising the existing bridge, or 2) modify the existing
creek westerly and building a new bridge.
Upon general consensus City Council agreed to go ahead with bridge
replacement and some flood control but not specified yet due to Nolte
and creek policies being incomplete.
6. LOS OSOS VALLEY ROAD EXTENSION
The Problem Statement reads,- "It is inconvenient to drive from the
Laguna neighborhood to the South Higuera Street area. There is only one
direct crossing of the freeway at Madonna Road. Los Osos Valley Road
does not connect with Higuera Street. Because of the missing link, it
takes fire trucks from Station #4 at Los Osos Road and Madonna Road more
than 4 minutes to reach housing and commercial areas on South Higuera
Street south of Prado Road.
Recommended Solution: A bridge should be built over San Luis Creek to
connect the two parts of Los Osos Valley Road. Part of the freeway
interchange will also have to be redesigned.
Wayne Peterson, City Engineer, explained that the City would handle the
crossing of Los Osos over the creek to the Cal Trans right -of -way and
then Cal Trans would continue with it from that point.
Terry Sanville explained that the extension would allow fire response
time to be ,increased. Also from a general circulation standpoint,'the
Prado Road area and Higuera Commerce Park would have an increased access
to Highway 101. He felt that this intersection would provide a more
convenient entrance and exit to the city. The neighborhood was con-
cerned,-not only with the amount of traffic, but the type of traffic in
this area.
Councilman Settle agreed but suggested reversing the problem statement
to put the last sentence first, stressing the importance of the emer-
gency vehicles as opposed to the inconvenience of driving from the
Laguna neighborhood to the South Higuera Street area.
City Council Minutes
November 16, 1981 - 12:10 p.m.
Page 4
Upon question, Wayne Peterson explained that the State is using the
Federal guidelines for EIR, which are very inclusive. He explained that
the state's negative declarations were very similar to what the City's
EIR covers.
Mayor Billig stated she would like to see EIR material as soon as
possible on this project. She suggested leaving the project as is and
considering this project later down the line, knowing that there would
be an EIR and plenty of opportunities to discuss this later. She would
agree to have the problem statement clarified. There was much discus-
sion on whether recommended solutions should include the word should be,
may be, will be, etc.
After considerable discussion and upon general consensus, to include an
opening statement that would cover "based upon the environmental
impact ".
Upon general consensus the Council agreed to reword the problem state -
ment.as recommended by Councilman Settle with the emphasis on the last
sentence being first, and the recommended solution to read, " A bridge
should be j641 f considered over San Luis Creek to connect the two parts
of Los Osos Valley Road. Part of the freeway interchange will also have
to be redesigned."
1:25 p.m. Councilman Settle left the meeting.
7. ORCUTT ROAD OVERPASS
Problem Statement: Cars.cross the railroad tracks at Orcutt Road on
numerous occasions, a train is stopped on the tracks and blocks traffic.
Orcutt Road is one of the two streets that connect.the Johnson neighbor-
hood with the rest of the City. When it is blocked by a train, fire
trucks from Station #3 on Laurel Lane cannot get to the southern part of
the City..
Proposed Solution: An overpass should be built across the railroad
tracks on Orcutt Road.
Terry Sanville explained that this project hasn't happened because of
lack of funds. He stated that it was a low- priority item.
Wayne Peterson then explained that the Council would be having a public
hearing in the near future on the setback ordinance, which would allow
for right -of -way needs.
Councilwoman Dovey suggested that the statement "cars cross the railroad
tracks at Orcutt Road" be left out and insert the words after "Johnson
neighborhood with the rest of the City and once in a while when it is
blocked by a train,..."
Mayor Billig explained that she had been talking with Southern Pacific
representatives in an effort to get the PUC to move this project up as a_
higher priority.
8. TANK FARM ROAD EXTENSION
Terry Sanville suggested that this project, as it is already tentatively
approved through the Edna -Islay Specific Plan, be reworded so that the
Circulation Element reads the same.
Upon general consensus the Council agreed to reword it-to tie in with
the Edna -Islay Specific Plan tentative decision.
9. MONTEREY STREET WIDENING
Terry Sanville explained that the recommended solution - includes a
minimum widening of five feet. He felt that this would help for traffic
control and would suggest restricting parking on this street.
City Council Minutes
November 16, 1981 - 12:10 p.m.
Page 5
Dave Romero stated that he was in agreement with planning staff and that
the street should ultimately be widened. Traffic continues to increase,
therefore, the City should be providing some help for this.area in the
future.
Mayor Billig stated she would prefer to see street design that would
allow for more traffic but would also have.a pedestrian orientation due
to the tourists in upper Monterey.
There was considerable discussion at this point.
Councilman Griffin suggested that the recommended solution be, amended to
read, "Should Monterey Street become overloaded, it should be widened in
the future between Santa Rosa Street and the freeway. This will
increase traffic capacity in this corridor. Preliminary plans show the
future right -of -way for Monterey Street as 80 feet. Further design
studies may change the width."
Upon general consensus the Council agreed with'the recommended rewording
by Councilman Griffin.
10. SANTA ROSA STREET WIDENING
Mayor Billig stated that the Council had received today a copy of a
letter from Rob Rossi who was concerned with the removal of parking on
Santa Rosa Street as he felt it would increase the traffic speed creat-
ing a freeway atmosphere due to wide lanes and no parked automobiles on
the street sides. He was requesting that Council reconsider allowing
parking to be left along Santa.Rosa Street.
Terry Sanville explained that based on projections in County
Wilbur Smith project, etc., the changes were warranted and.t
with item #11 for the design of freeway interchange at Santa
Street, would be able to accommodate it. This would require
of some buildings. The minimal widening project would be an
attempt to help alleviate the problem.
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Rosa .
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Dave Romero stated his opinion that a widening of Santa Rosa north of
U.S. 101 would not solve the problem since most of the traffic conges-
tion was caused by the traffic signals on the street. He felt that the
recommended solution was an interim solution only, not permanent. He
also was not sure that this was a City problem, but rather a State
problem.- In either case neither agency has the money to go ahead with
improvements for many years.
Mayor Billig felt that a statement might be added that would recognize
that this should be shown as a shared responsibility between the City
and the State.
Councilman Dunin cautioned that this be handled very delicately, as we
made the State mad originally when the City went against the suggested
bypass.
Dave Romero stated that as a practical matter, he felt that the City
lost its chance 14 or 15 years ago when it disapproved the Highway 1
bypass.
Bill Hanley, Interim Administrative Officer, suggested that with another
2�2 billion dollars being generated by the additional gas tax, etc., over
the next five years, it might be possible that the State would still be
thinking in terms of reinvestigating the bypass solution. He felt that
given the new economic financing, this project might be worthwhile.
Terry Sanville cautioned that he did not feel that any clear statement
of intent should be based on financial impact, but rather traffic
circulation. He felt that the bypass would never be cost - effective
compared to benefit ratio.
City Council Minutes
November.16, 1981 — 12:10 p.m.
Page 6
Councilwoman Dovey felt that the real problem was getting in and out of
the driveways on Santa Rosa and suggested that the side streets be used
for ingress and egress, and tourist use, rather than office use, be
encouraged on Santa Rosa Street.
Mayor Billig asked the question what do we want fronting the major
arterial streets?
Councilman Dunin felt that Councilwoman Dovey's approach would destroy
existing businesses.
Upon general consensus Council agreed with recommended solution.
Dave Romero, Public Services Director, reported that with regard to Rob
Rossi's letter, the property owners and residents had been notified in
April of 1981. At the public hearings'at that time, the =e had been no
public input. He stated that the contractor is now ready to put in the
permanent striping. Staff felt that the present design would be better
and safer.
Mayor Billig explained that this kind of letter was the kind that the
Council will be faced over and over again in the future, and she wanted
them to be aware of it.
Henry Engen, Community Development Director,.reminded the Council, too,
that the Police Chief agreed strongly with staff's position.
Mayor Billig suggested that staff be directed to write a letter to Rob
Rossi explaining why the City was doing this project.
Council discussed the pros and cons on what was more important, thru
lanes or parking.
1 12. SANTA BARBARA STREET - SANTA.ROSA STREET CONNECTION
This item was removed from the draft.
13. MADONNA ROAD WIDENING
Councilwoman Dovey questioned why the trees had been removed on the
City's property fronting Calle Joaquin and Madonna by the new Post
Office site.
After brief discussion staff was directed to- indestigate the . tree- femoval
and report back to Council.
After brief discussion Council reworded the recommended solution to
read, "Madonna Road J��JJ4 may be widened between the freeway inter -
dhange bridge and Oceanaire Drive should it become overloaded. This
would allow six lanes for future traffic. Madonna Road would remain a
4 -lane street between Oceanaire Drive and Los Osos Valley Road.
14. DOWNTOWN BYPASS ROUTE
This item was discussed at a previous meeting.
15. SOUTH STREET- BISHOP STREET CONNECTION
Terry Sanville explained that the recommended solution would be that the
City may want to extend South Street over the railroad tracks to connect
with Bishop Street. The City has already selected a preliminary align-
ment. It would be a 2 -lane road with bike lanes.
There was considerable discussion on the chances of this project ever
being completed. It was a low priority item because of the cost versus
benefit ratio and the small traffic flows anticipated.
After brief discussion and upon general consensus, this item was deleted
from the draft.
City Council Minutes
November 16, 1981 - 12:10 p.m.
Page 7
Dave Romero cautioned the Council that if this connection is removed
from the plan, the City is closing off its option to ever construct the
improvement. I ..
2:40 p.m. Councilman Settle returned to the meeting.
16. DOWNTOWN STREET CLOSURES
Problem. Statement: There is a need to improve pedestrian circulation in
the central business district. This should make the downtown a nicer
place to shop and visit. Closing some streets may achieve this goal.
However, if a significant amount of new development happens downtown and
the City continues to grow, all the downtown streets may be needed to
handle traffic.
Recommended Solution: In the future, the City may consider closing
non - essential streets in the downtown. Candidate streets include: 1)
Morro Street between Monterey and Palm, 2) Monterey Street between Osos
and Chorro, 3) Broad Street between Monterey and Higuera, 4) Monterey
between Broad and Nipomo Streets.
Dave Romero, Public Services Director, stated that the possible closure
of Morro between Monterey and Palm would block a primary access to the
proposed parking structure.
Councilwoman Dovey suggested it could provide a private drive to the
parking structure.
Councilman Settle suggested that this could be done on a trial basis
with no commitment at this time.
Mayor Billig suggested using planters as the barricades to see how
possible street closures might work on an experimental basis before we
commit to something permanent.
Councilman Dunin was concerned about what would happen to the traffic if
these streets were closed. These people needed some place to go.
Councilman Settle suggested removing the parking on both sides of the
street, but leaving the traffic go through.
Dave Romero suggested adding additional possible street closures, such
as: 5) Broad Street between Monterey and Palm Streets; and 6) Garden
Street between Marsh and Higuera.
Wayne Peterson, City Engineer, suggested adding item 7) Morro Street
between Monterey and Higuera Streets.
Councilman Dunin suggested that a copy of these proposed street closures
be sent to the Downtown Business Improvement Area'and Chamber of
Commerce for their information.
17. FREEWAY INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS
Problem Statement: The Highway 101 freeway divides the City of San Luis
Obispo in two. It was built in 1954. Many of the on and off -ramps do
not meet today's design standards; some of the interchanges are to close
together and require drivers to make dangerous weaving movements.
Recommended Solution: The City should ask Cal Trans to consider
redesigning the freeway ramp system in the San Luis Obispo area. Two
projects had already been mentioned.in the report (Santa Rosa Street and
Los Osos Road interchanges). Other interchanges that need to be studied
include: 1) Prado Road, 2) Madonna Road, 3) Marsh Street, 4) Broad
Street, 5) Osos Street and 6) Monterey Street.
Dave Romero, Public Services Director, suggested that Cal Trans consider
all interchanges.
Wayne Peterson, City Engineer, agreed.
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City Council Minutes
November 16, 1981 - 12:10 p.m.
Page 8
Upon brief discussion and general consensus, Council agreed that all on
and off -ramps be looked at.
2:50 p.m. Mayor Billig declared a recess. 3:00 p.m. City Council
reconvened, Councilman Griffin absent.
Mayor Billig then outlined other key concerns that the Council should
address relating to the Circulation Element: 1) direct staff to avoid
access to major arterial streets wherever possible; 2) the Circulation
Element be consistent with the subdivision ordinance in all possible
areas; 3) City to work with the County to develop uniform street stan-
dards within the urban reserves; 4) develop a transportation work
program to be looked at once a year to determine the bus needs, street
needs, anything from the Public Works Department, to be used as an
overall planning tool.
Terry Sanville then went over the Transportation Work Program outlined
on pages 16 and 17 of the Circulation Element City Council Report.
With regard to bicycle routes, Councilman Dunin cautioned that staff
approach this carefully. He stated he was not against bike lanes but
there were numerous situations that bike lanes are counter - productive
because of the accidents they create. He felt it was imperative that
there be strong cooperation between the Planning and Engineering staff.
3:05 p.m. Councilman settle left the meeting.
Wayne Peterson, City Engineer, stated.that with regard to bike paths, he
felt feelings that class 2 were okay for arterial streets, but he would
not recommend class 1; and he felt that class 3 was worthless.
Terry Sanville explained that he doesn't see the possibility of putting
separated bike paths in existing development. The issue comes up for
' new developments. He also felt there were certain problems inherent
with the class 2, especially if the bike paths are put to the left of
the parking on the street. He felt that this was an extremely dangerous
situation.
3:15 p.m. Councilman Griffin returned to the meeting.
Mayor Billig also raised the issue of a centralized bus terminal and
suggestions were made as to appropriate places that staff might inves-
tigate.
Upon general consensus staff was directed to look at alternatives and
report back to the City Council with a preliminary report within 60 to
90 days.
Mayor Billig also brought up the issue of official setbacks.
Terry Sanville outlined on page 20 and 21 of the City Council Report,
item "c" and item "d ", policies for establishing official setback lines
and monitoring traffic conditions.
After brief discussion Council generally agreed to approve staff's
recommended wording with minor amendments as follows:
d. Monitoring Traffic Conditions
"The Circulation Element promotes the per capita reduction and auto-
' mobile use. However, if the City's population continues to grow and
people continue to use cars as much as they do presently, some parts of
the community street system may have to change." On page 21, strike in
the second paragraph the words "(generally priority groups 2 and 3) ".
Mayor Billig then raised the issue of collector streets in residential
neighborhoods and whether they should or should not be used as arterial
streets.
City Council Minutes
November 16, 1981 - 12:10 p.m.
Page 9
Upon general consensus Council agreed that they should be used to help
disperse traffic.
The City Council then began discussing goals and objectives.
Councilwoman Dovey submitted a list of six suggested goals for the
Circulation Element. The Council agreed they would want to avoid
arterial streets traversing the residential areas, keeping them quiet
and safety orientated and, further, to encourage multi -modes of trans-
portation.
After brief discussion it was generally agreed that all Councilmembers
would give the Mayor their individual concerns and list of goals that
they felt important. She in turn, would get together with staff to
synthesize all concerns.
Councilwoman Dovey to work.with Terry Sanville on setting up.goals and
general policy statements.
4:00 p.m. Mayor Billig adjourned.the meeting to Closed Session to
discuss Litigation and Personnel Matters.
5:10 p.m. City Council reconvened.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Billig
adjourned the meeting.
//Pamela Vo es, C Clerk
APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 12/15/81
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