BOOK 26_1955-11-28 to 1957-06-17

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174 dictate who the Council retains for such work; but the Planning Commission does wish to point out that many thousands of dollars could be saved by waiting until the present survey now underway by Larry Wise can be completed, particularly traffic counts and origin and destination studies. Councilman Weiss read the following report: For the benefit of the people and the Planning Commission, and not forgetting Councilman Britschgi, who advised the council that it would be well for Weiss to attend the Mayors' and Councilmen's Institute so he may learn something, let me say that I attended the institute, but not because of Mr. Britschgi's statement, nor because of Councilman Grangers remarks, but because I feel that no man has reached or should ever reach that stage in life that he can not absorb new ideas and knowledge. , Believe me gentlemen, I was much impressed by"the caliber and quality of leadership present and conducting the institue and the affairs of the League of California Citiesy I sincerely believe that Councilman Britschgi would have benefited as much or more than I. had he taken the time and trouble to attend, as a matter of fact it would not have hurt any other of my colleagues to have been in attendance. I went and came away Hilly realizing that I did not and do not yet know all the answers, but I am more than ever convinced that neither do my colleagues, nor the member of the Planning Commission, or their advisors, To the specific subject of the planning commissions letter, let me remark that one of the thipgs I learned at the institute was that the Council is supposed to be the key in all planning, that planning should be with a long range point of view, that the primary and final responsibility is upon the council, it is with that principle in mind that we provide for a planning commission to which body the council assigns and delegates certain duties and authority and responsibility and upon which body we rely to explore, analyze and organize all facts bearing on any specific, general or overall problem. It is the facts that they gather organize and submit to us that enables the council to perform its proper function and act in consonance with its responsibility. M Incidentally the proceedings of the institute is being compiled and will be reproduced and made available to all councilmen who registered at the institute, I would suggest that the city manager be instructed to obtain through purchase if necessary, sufficient number of copies so -that all councilmen, planners and other officials may peruse them and the better understand the true concept of our role in government. Incidentally, I would be remiss if I did not take cognizance of the editorial in the Redwood City Tribune of May 24th entitled "Redwood City Needs Some Positive Action". It is my belief that if a copy of the proceedings of the institute was made available to them for their guidance and for disemination of much valuable information therein con— tained for the guidance of the general public, it would obviate .the press going off the deep end. They would not take the council to task for performing their duty in accordance with their conscience and the best interests of all the people of the community, nor would they chide the council for not letting any subordinate body dictate or improse its will upon the council. Mayor Royer stated that he also attended the meeting and he agreed that the Council would have gathered some information which would have helped them. Councilman Stout commented on the letter from the Planning Commission and stated his thinking on the action of the Council in regard to the subject. Councilman Weiss suggested that, in the interest of harmony, that they should arrange for a monthly or a ql4arterly meeting where all City commissions and boards and Department Heads could meet in order to beter under— stand each other. This was followed by discussion. Councilman Granger congratulated the Planning Commission for the action they have taken even though the Council does not always agree with them. Councilman Britschgi stated that the Memorial Building sits back from the street and he was of the opinion that the City Manager should look into the possibility of a neon sign pointing to the building. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM AN UNPROTECTED SWER DITCH LEADING INTO HAWES PARK WITHOUT ANY FLARES OR BARRIERS OF ANY KING was filed by Fred Hamilton, 514 E1 Camino Real, Redwood City. Damages were in the amount of $63.38. Councilman Granger moved that the claim be denied and referred to the insurance carrier, seconded by Councilman Stout and carried. CITY ENGINEER REPORT REGARDING PAINTING OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS. The City Engineer reported that the signals are being painted as suggested by Councilman Granger, Councilman Granger stated, after having been through the Memorial Building, that Birge Clark should be congratulated for his work on this building. The Council has never heard one word against this man for the work he did for the City. Councilman Granger moved to have the City Attorney prepare the appropre— ate resolution commending Mr. Clark for his work, seconded by Councilman Herkner and carried. Councilman Granger wanted to know what has happened in regard to the lighting around the new Justice Building, �a