BOOK 21_1946-09-23 to 1948-08-09

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316 which could be used to illuminate the crossing. Councilman Granger suggested that the City establish set -backs on property near the Fox Shoppe and the Peanut Stand, to anticipate future widening and straightening of El Camino, and other developments at this point. He pointed out that if this is done before buildings are erected on the land, title could be acquired -for a fraction of what the cost would be if the property were to be improved, and then condemned. City Manager Rolison reported that it is his intention, together with City Engineer Jain, -to call on Colonel Skeggs t of the Division of Highways, for a thorough discussion of the problems involved in the E1 Camino Crossings. Councilman Granger moved that the question of the set- backs discussed be referred to the Traffic Study Committee for action. Councilman McNulty seconded the motion, which carried. LIGHTING OF REDWOOD VILLAGE. P. G. & E. would contract to stand expense, and would bill the City on a 1'per lamp" basis for service. The City Manager was authorized to contract with the P. G. & E. for this lighting service in Redwood Village. SEWAGE DISPOSAL PLANT. City Manager advised that before the City* can advertise for bids for the sewage disposal plant, the right-of-way must be cleared up. He further advised that the complete job should be let on contract, putting the entire responsi- bility on the contractor. Also, the City should try to acquire the two parcels of land that are still privately owned, and are necessary to the completion of plans for the plant. The problem was referred to the City Manager and City Attorney, jointly, who will have an appraisal made of the land in question and report back to the Council. COUNCILMAN HOLMQUIST MADE THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS: 1. That a permanent committee of contractors be appointed by the'City Council to give true value appraisals where questions of condemnation proceedings required estimates of value. P. A micro- phone should be provided fbr the use of the public in order that the remarks of a citizen addressing the Council could be heard by the audience. 3. Name plates for all Commissions, Committees, etc., using the Council Chambers as a meeting place should be provided, and the proper name plate displayed whenever a meeting is in progress. This would avoid much confusion now prevalent among those wishing to attend meetings of different groups. MR. J. H. WHITEHEAD REQTIESTED THE CANCELLATION of Tax Bill on American Legion property. Mr. Whitehead contended that according to State law Veteran's Organization were exempt from taxation, and that therefore the City should concel this tax bill. City Attorney Currie reported that the Attorney General and also the consensus of opinion ff among attorneys throughout the State, held the aforementioned law to be unconstitu- tional, and that therefore the City of Redwood City's action in refusing to cancel ttt the.tax bill in question was legally alright. Mr. Diehl also spoke on behalf of the Legion's claim to tax exemption. After much discussion, in which the opinion was expressed that, while the Council and other City officials were desirous of (® exempting the Veterans from these taxes, the question of the legality and of estab- lishing a precedent, prevented a decision being reached. A motion by Councilman Holmquist to exempt the property from taxation did not receive a second, and was dropped. MR. DIAHL REQUESTED information on City owned lots that might be available to purchasers. Councilman Granger moved that a report be made to the City Council of all property