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'. . I . . itself was configured to include a much broader area to prevent new above ground poles from coming into that area. ~ In response to Councilman Leipzig's questions, Engineer Gee advised that only the west side of James from EI Camino Real to Hudson was included in the project, and not the entrance to Sequoia Station. Councilman Leipzig said that with the closing of Taco Bell on that corner "it might be an opportunity for us to look at purchasing part or all of the property, lining it up, moving the Sequoia Station sign, it's offto the left, have a couple of lanes so you can get in and out. . .. the whole intersection there, the appearance to me is not as attractive as it can be, and it is not very functional as the main entrance into Sequoia Station." Councilman Ruskin said the Council Streets Committee has already asked staff to include improving the appearance of school properties on James Avenue as part of this overall project and offered to help work with the schools and staff in accomplishing this dual project. Mayor Hartnett called upon members of the audience who wished to speak to this Issue. Judy Serebrin, 420 Arch Street, Redwood City, referred to the diagram of the proposed Underground Utility District and asked if the utility poles in her backyard would be included in the undergrounding project. She added that she felt these poles were a safety hazard. '-- Engineering Manager Patterson advised that only front yard service poles on James A venue will be undergrounded, no backyard poles will be touched. He advised that the larger District is to be created, which includes the 400 block of Arch to prevent any new above ground poles added to front yards in the future. In response to Council questions, Manager Patterson described Rule 20A money from PG&E for undergrounding, and explained that expanding the district to bury any additional poles "would significantly increase the City's cost.... Part of the issue is, the unsightliness stems from what is in the public right of way, not so much what is in people's back yards." He added that the rear yard poles were not situated in the City's public right of way. Margaret Kelley, 429 Birch Street, Redwood City, said the map the neighbors received appeared to be misleading and she had believed her property was scheduled for undergrounding of utility poles. Ms. Kelley asked about what sidewalks would be reconstructed as part of this project. '- ADJOURNED REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 21, 1996 MINUTES MINTTTE BOOK NO. 54 PAGE 19 Page No. 544