1966 395-408 _ 12-12 cont to 12-20-1966

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MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND SERVICES, TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTION OF STREETS AND OTHER PUBLIC PROPERTY, seconded by Councilman Henderson. Councilman Rosselli asked that City Manager make a full report on this subject for benefit of citizens of Redwood City, clarifying City's actions during this emer- gency period. City Manager reported the Governor had been requested to declare the hillslide area a disaster because it was the feeling of Staff, concurred in by Council mem- bers, that it was necessary in order to protect public property and public interests and it still being the conviction of both Staff and consulting engineers that if City had not mobilized for immediate action into the hillslide area, earth movement and homes would have moved down onto public property, constituting a menace to public property and public welfare. He reported on work that had been done in removal of dirt from slide area and stated he felt houses on Farm Hill Blvd. no longer in peril from this slide; that attempts were still being made to sta- bilize hill by boring for sub -surface drains. He stated next determination to be made must be point when it was decided everything had been done that was necessary to do to protect public interests, at which time the City would disengage from the activities. He advised Governor had declared the area to be a disaster but as yet no word had been received from Washington, D.C., as to whether the President had signed the necessary papers to complete action. He stated City committed to approximately $23,000 to this point, which didn't include overtime for fire and police personnel. Paul Tessendorff questioned status of two homes in peril at top of slide. City Manager advised this point referred to in his reference to protection of public interests and facilities and determination which must be made as to whether homes on private property endangered public interests; at this point these two homes are responsibility of respective owners. City Attorney advised homes could be of public concern if endangering public interests, then City could proceed with abatement proceedings. Councilman Granger asked whether City Attorney had reviewed emergency actions taken by City Manager with respect to legality and if he con- curred action was necessary and legal. City Attorney advised City Charter and City Ordinance did provide for emergency situations, of which this would be considered one, and actions taken proclaiming disaster, and contract documents authorized by City Manager, were legal and legi- timate procedures under the circumstances. Mrs. Fred Gates, 3871 Vineyard, stressed importance of community being advised as to why disaster happened when facts known, and also suggested proposed Grading Ordinance might include references to underground springs and slide areas. Councilman Keckley moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 5238 FINDING EXISTENCE OF STATE OF DISASTER, RATIFYING CERTAIN ACTIONS TAKEN IN CONNECTION THEREWITH AND AUTHORIZING APPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FUNDS, seconded by Councilman Henderson.