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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1970-03-23ADJOURNED REGULAR ME£TING OF TH~ CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO H6LD MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1970 TIME: PLAC£: CALL TO ORDER: PLEDG2 OF ALLEGIANCe: ROLL CALL~ DISCUSSION CONCERNING STUDY OF OVERPASS AT ;",'. OP.&NGE AND CAMARITAS AV~.~JES: 8:00 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hal!. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Bertucelli at 8:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited. ;~ayor Bertucelli explained that the Planning Commission was meeting ~n the Conference Room and this meeting would be conducted in the Council Chambers this evening. Present: Absent: Counci]men Fz, ank J. Bertucel!i, Patrick 2. Ahem, F. Frank Mammini, Andrew Rocca and ~Varren Steinkamp None ~ayor Bertucelli. stated that the representatives of the engineering firm of De!euw Cather and Company were present this evening to explain their report. Councilman Ahem at this time requested that Council consider the safety of its people who have to cross this road to facilities and moved that the road be installed to include the overpass as it was originally designed and passed unanimously two years a9o~ Mayor Bertucelli seconded the motion. Roll call vote was as follows: Ayes, Councilmen Frank J. Bertucelli, Patrick,. = Ahern. Noes, Councilmen F. Frank Mammini, Andrew Rocca and Warren Steinkamp. Absent, none. Councilman Ahem stated that he had been analyzing this report and moved that this matter be studied further, seconded by Mayor Bertucelli. Roll call vote was as follows: Ayes, Councilmen Frank J. Bertucelli, Patrick £. Ahem, Noes, Councilmen F. Frank Mammini, Andrew Rocca and ~arren Steinkamp. Absent, none. Councilman Mammini at this time moved that Council hear the evidence presented, seconded by Councilman Steinkamp. Roll call vote was as follows: Ayes, Councilmen Frank J. Bertucell~, Patrick ?.. Ahem, F. Frank .Mamminl, Andrew Rocca and ~¥arren Steinkamp. Noes, none. Absent, none. ~r. Charles E. Deleuw of the engineering firm of Deleuw Cather and Company explained in detail the background to this study and the determination to be made regarding pedestrian overcrossings in the locations of Ge!left and Callan Boulevards on Westborough Boulevard and the intersection of Camaritas and ~est Orange Avenues, and the approaches made in this study. He explained the sources from which information was gathered and the amount of time and days spent in counting pedestrian traffic at these sites and the directions of such pedestrian usage. Director of Public Works Louis Goss displayed the maps of the areas and explained the sites and traffic and proposed signalization after which lengthy discussion followed regarding proposed medium islands and turning lanes. ~r. John Drago, member of the Citizens' Pedestrian Safety Committee, inquired as to the number of overcrossings Nit. Deleuw's engineering firm has recommended and by what criteria his recommendation is based upon for the City of South San Francisco. ~. Deleuw stated that they had designed and constructed one in Redwood City and have surveyed three recent ones in the last i~o years. Mr. Drago continued by stating that this study was not recommended by his group and remarked about the growth of 416 people, one-fourth under thirteen years of age, on a February count from the !8-per day count in the report of former Chief of Police John Fabbrt, requesting Council to reconsider before voting in favor of the report. In answer to ~ayor Bertucelli's inquiry, i~r. De!euw explained that an ideal example of an overpass was when there is no other way to cross a freeway to allow access to both sides and the reason why this site was not recommended for an overcros~in9 was because it did not alleviate the hazard to everyone crossing and that whatever is in- stalled, s~gnalizat~on or pedestrian overcressing, "Education" is the key to its us~. Further discussion followed concerning car defects and the safeguarding of pedestrians and the study resulting in a negative recommendation because the construction of an overcross~ng in this location would not significantly increase the safety factor. Lengthy discussion followed concerning the necessity of the proposed overcrossing and its usage during which time Director of Public ~orks explained the width of the roads considered and the explanation v;as presented by Mr. Deleuw that they believed a pedestr}.an overcrosslng would not solve the problem in this area. In answer to Councilman Mammini's inquiry concerning the interpretation of "Freeway" and "~xpressway," Captain Terragno of the Police Department explained the governing codes and speed limits enforced. DISCUSSION CONCERNING STUDY OF OVERPASS AT W. ORANG~ AND CAMARITAS AVENUES: (CONTINUED) Mr. Deleuw explained in detail the study made of pedestrian traffic in the area of Callan and Ge!left Boulevards and the information received from the Division of Highways after which discussion followed concerning safety devices and accidents occurring be- cause of failure of pedestrians to use the safety protection of either overcrossings or signals. Police Chief Rosario, in answer to Mrs. Parodi's question, explained a freeway's free flow of traffic and that Westborough Boulevard would not be a freeway and would be governed by traffic control devices. Hrs. Parodi, 120 Cuesta Drive, called Council's attention to the Minutes of the Council meeting of July 8, 1968 as recorded in Volume 12 and the resolution adopted concerning the overpass and asked why Council had voted on this location. Discussion followed at which time the meetings wi~the Westborough residents and their requested overpass and the later petition from the residents of the Buri Buri Subdivision requesting this overpass and its consideration were explained. City Manager McKenzie read the Petition as requested. Mr. Deleuw explained to Mr. Robert Graves, resident of the area, the number of vehicles using the expressway in daily traffic and in peak hours aathe controlling traffic devices on pedestrian demand. He further e×plained the installation of signals by the State to meet demands for turning phases and time settings. ~r. Mario Cutrufelli, !0 Clover Court, requested to know the sources from which the recommendation was derived. Mr. Deleuw explained the sources as being from the County of San Mateo count of 1968, the projected count of !990 from the Division of Highways, the neighboring schools and school board and the circulation slips from the West Orange Public Library. ~rs. Judy Capurro, 246 Alta Mesa, expressed her concern of her children and others crossing this intersection. Councilman Steinkamp mentioned that the General Plan of ten years ago called for Oak Street as an expressway with an overpass at E1Camino Real an~ felt this should have been the plan adopted. Councilman Rocca at this time explained the purpose of the lateral crossing between Pacifica and Bayshore Freeway and expressed Council's concern for the safety of the citizens. He stated that at the time he voted for the overpass, a study by experts had not been made and since that time, this study had been made which he felt was com- plete with all information recited therein and that education was necessary for complete safety. He suggested that a si~e be purchased and study made in the meantime which could prove an overpass unnecessary. Lengthy discussion followed between Mayor Bertucelli and Nlr. Robert Sans, San Mateo County 2ngineer, concerning the original plans without the overpass and cost of the site for the proposed overcrossing, and the type of construction of an overpass. At this time, Director of Public Works Goss explained his recommendation which was ~.ncluded in the Inter-Office Memorandum dated January 1, 1968 from former Police Chief Fabbri, and at the request of Mr. Drago, ~[r. Goss read the mentioned memorandum. Further discussion followed at which time Director of Public Works Goss explained the matter of relative importance of locations for the overpass, matter of financing, and he concurred in former Police Chief Fabbrt's recommendation. Councilman Mammini at this time stated that he concurred with the recommendation of Director of Public ~orks Goss and moved that the City proceed with the acquisition of property and when the road is completed, a study be made whether or not an overpass is needed in this location or if needed at all. Councilman Steinkamp seconded the motion. On the ~uestion," Mayor Bertucelli read from a newspaper clipping from the Burlingame Advance Star dated December 8, 1967 concerning the overpass and inquired if the money was budgeted in the present budget to which City ~anager McKenzie replied that the money was in the present Capital Improvement Budget but could not speak for the projected one. Mr. William Borba, 524 Spruce Avenue, requested that Council vote on this after the Municipal £1ection of April 14th. Councilman Mammini stressed the point that there is no price on a life but the point to be considered was that an overpass, if needed, would be placed in a site which would be serving the best interest of safety. Mrs. Claire Damico, 136 San Felipe Avenue, quoted excerpts from the Minutes of March 6, ~967 in Volume 12, page 117, concerning the ratio of accidents at certain intersections. .~[rs. Nancy Hale, 123 Cuesta Drive, spoke concerning the direction of traffic after the construction of the ~Vestborough Boulevard. Mrs. Damico spoke ~n opposition to the "2ducation" recommendation on page 1~ of the report and remarked about her son's question concerning stairs or ramp to accommodate bicycles on the proposed overcrossing. She expressed her concern that Council not vote out the overpass. Lengthy discussion followed at which time City Manager McKenzie explained that Council- man Mammini's motion wa~ to delete the overpas at th~s time and continue studying the need for an overpas~ or whatever alternate traffic safety device was required more in the area. 20 DISCUS$ION CONCSRNING STUDY OF OVERPASS AT ',7. 0 RANG?. AND C;~VU\RI TAS AVE,~.S: (CO.T~U~D) City Attorney Noonan in detail explained the acquisition procedure for future over- crossing sites and reques~ted that the negotiations for rights of way be concluded before overcrossing deletion. Discussion followed concerning the acquisition of rights of way by agreement with option in order to eliminate severance damages at a later date. Councilman Ahern inquired if Councilman Mammini's motion included the City Attorney be authorized to draw up the necessary legal documents so that the City would be pro- tected fully to which Councilman Mammini replied that this would be part of his motion and that upon the establishment of rights of way, deletion may be made. Further discussion continued concerning proposed deletion of the overpass, acquisitions of rights of way, costs involved and the possibility of inverse condemnation suits. The discussion concerning time for work commencement and time element involved for construction material needed for the overpass and the inclusion in the moLttbn? of the right to either delete or not the overcrossin9 followed. Mr. Borba requested Council to continue the matter for further study by the City staff. Mrs. Robert Bergero, 36 2scanyo Drive, spoke concerning the golf club property and this was explained by the City Attorney as County's obligation to acquire this right after which discussion followed concerning the County's obligation to acquire property site in order to be part of this construction. City Attorney Noonan requested that, since there were so many factors such as time for performance of the construction, the establishment of rights of way, the election to delete, Council consider referring this proposal to the City Manager and City Staff so that safeguards could be developed On the rights of way to accommodate Council's desires in this matter and come back with this proposal. Councilman Mammlni stated that he would accept this as part of his motion. Mayor Bartucelli stated that he~ould like to have the report in a written form from the City Manager as soon as it is completed. Mrs. Bergero commented on the City's projects of Oyster Point Marina, Muncipal Swimming Pool and the matter of the 21Camino Real Widening monies. A member of the audience reiterated Councilman Mammini's motion and requested to know if this is what was moved. Councilman Mammini restated his motion, moving that in view of the report of both the City and the 2ngineering firm that the overpass should not be constructed at this time and as recommended in the City Engineer and Police Chief's Eeport~ a study be made after the road is completed to make a determination as to whether or not an overpass is needed at that point in question or in some other location, or if it is actually needed at alii and that the City should proceed with the acquisition of land needed for the anchors in the construction of the overpass and that no deletion be made until the anchor easements are established and that the matter be referred to the City Manager and City Staff and report be submitted to Council by the City Manager. Mayor Bertucelli stated that he wished the report from the City Manager as soon as possible. Councilman Mammini included this in his motion. Mrs. Parodi commented on the matter of resale of property if the overpass was deleted and was advised by City Manager McKenzie that this property would not be a valuable piece of land, only to the adjoining property owner. Mrs. Damico spoke, urging Council not to delete this overcrossing after which discussion followed concerting the usage of the presently constructed overcrossing over Hickey Boulevard and the location of the proposed overpass. Further discussion followed concez~ng a time limit for the study of the proposed over- pass after completion of the road at which time Councilman Mammini included in his motion the time limit of four months after the road is completed for the finalization of the study A resident of Buri Burl Subdivision requested to know the method by which the need for the overpass would be decided to which Captain Terragno explained the governing procedures for vehicular traffic. Mr. John ietty, resident, requested information concerning the direction of pedestrian traffic and was answered by Councilman Steinkamp from the report. Mrs. Judy Capurro spoke concerning the volume of traffic on the 2xpressway. Councilman Steinkamp seconded the motion. Mayor Bertucelli called for a roll call vote on Councilman Mammini's motion which additions had been accepted by Councilman Steinkamp in his second. Mr. Robert Kennedy briefly spoke concerning the usage of ~est Orange Avenue Public Library by his children. Roll call vote was as follows: Ayes, Councilmen F. Frank Mammini, Andrew Rocca and ~arren Steinkamp. Councilman Ahem in voting "No," remarked that he had voted in favor of the overpass previously and would not change his vote now. Mayor Bertucelli voted "No" and stated that he concurred in Councilman Ahern's recommendation. Absent, none. Councilman Ahem moved that the overpass be constructed at this time, seconded by Mayor Bertucelli. '20 ADJOURN,~ENT: Roll call vote was as follows: Ayes, Councilmen Frank J. Bertucelli, and Patrick E. Ahem. Noes, Councilmen F. Frank Mammin~., Andrew Rocca and %','arren Steinkamp. Noes, node. Councilman Rocca moved, seconded by Councilman $teinkamp and regularly carried, that the meeting be adjourned. Time of adjournment: 1!.'33 p.m. APPROVED: ~ayor R~.~.P-CTFUL~Y SUB:~ITT£D, *The remarks contained ~n these Minutes are excerpts and not verbatim. The proceedings of ~h~s meeting 9;ere taped and all d~cussion.~ are con%al, ned there~.n.