BOOK 20_1945-05-21 to 1946-09-03

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'1I City Attorney McCarthy reported on action of Public Utilities Commission of San Francisco which by a vote of 3 to 2, a week ago, acted to raise water rates on Peninsula. 15%. On Monday, August 20th, the Board as a. whole voted 9 to 2 to confirm the recommendation of the Commission. These rates will go into effect, and water users will be given notice in due time. Attorney McCarthy suggested that it would be well for the City Engineer to make a study as to the effect on the water rates in Redwood City because some change may be necessary in order to avoid having the ;'Yater Department 9p - erate at a deficit, necessitating Redwood City. a new schedule of water rates in Replying to Councilman Britschgi's inquiry regarding agreement made with Hetch Hetchy some years ago, Attorney McCarthy stated that in 1922, in consideration of Redwood City's granting a right of way to Hetch Hetchy, this city was to be furnished water whenever it requested it, the rates to be determined by mutual agreement between San Francisco and Redwood City; further, that if they were unable to agree on the rates, the mat- ter could be referred to the Railroad Commission. Attorney McCarthy stated that it was difficult to determine whether Redwood City had an absolute right to the water, but felt the city could insist that it be sold at a rate that is reasonable as long as there is a surplus of Hetch Hetchy water over San Francisco's needs. After some discussion in which Councilman Armstrong called attention to the fact that the increase would amount to approximately $14,000 a year, Councilman Granger moved, seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously passed, that the necessary steps be taken to protest to the proper authori- ties in San Francisco, and if no satisfaction is secured, to carry it further to the Railroad Commission, City Clerk Dodge read report of Acting City Engineer Clarke on the matter of sidewalks on Jefferson Avenue between quartz Street and the southwest city limits. On motion of Councilman Anderson, seconded by Councilman Armstrong and unanimously passed, the Engineer was instructed to prepare necessary papers to form a district as outlined, including St. Francis, Quartz, Ruby Sapphire and Madison Streets, providing for construction of curbs, gutters and sidewalks. City Clerk Dodge read report of Acting, City Engineer Clarke on the matter of drainage at I'estga.te and Hillview. Mr. Clarke explained that temporary measures involving construction of a ditch would cost $500. On inquiries from Councilman Britschgi and Armstrong, he stated that the permanent solution would be to pave Westgate and Stanley Streets, put in curbs, gutters and sidewalks, including the drainage system. This would cost. the property owner between $7.00 and $9,00 a front foot. It would carry the water down to the catch basin on Brewster, and would cost about $15,000. On motion of Councilman Anderson, seconded by Councilman Britschgi, motion was passed, that the City Engineer's office be insturcted to inform the property owners of the existing water way, end the city's elm