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

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Ak 36 then made an amendment to the motion to delay this.for one week and the City Engineer to bring in a report next week. Councilman Royer seconded the motion if Councilman Stout would change his amendment'to have the City Engineer check the petition for percentage of the total area. Councilman Stout agreed to , this amendment. Councilman Granger was of the opinion that estimated cost should be given by the City Engineer. City Engineer Jain stated that, if it is necessary, they can make an estimate but it will pro- bably take three days to do so. He explained further that a tentative figure had been prepared and was j included on the petition. Councilman Granger sopke further on this subject and he stated that hewanted the people to have a rough estimate as to the cost. The City Engineer said a year ago they had estimated a figure at $P13.50 per front foot for street construction and sidewalks, and the drainage and storm sewer would run approximately $.1.60 per 100 square feet. Councilman Spillers was of the opinion that $17.00 would propbably be closer to the figure of the completed job. Mr. W. R. Sherwood, 1742 Kentfield, wanted to know what would happen if there were not 51% of the property owners in favor of the improvements. This was again explained by the City Attorney. Councilman Spillers was in favor of the work being done and p p he questioned the City Engineer in regard to spending gas tax money in regard to Valota Road, City Engineer Jain explained that gas tax would cover only certain 61 sections, the balance of the surface assessed against the property owners. Mr. Louis Querantes, 1516 Union, and Mr. Don Oldag, 1664 Kentfield, spoke in favor of the improvements. This was again followed by a lengthy discussion after which Council- man Britschgi again amended the motion that if the City Attorney states that this is legal, then the City Engineer will bring back a report, the City Manager to concur in the report, seconded by Councilman Royer, City Attorney Currie stated that this will be a 1911 Act Bond, the people will have a chance to pay,cash and the unpaid assessments will go to bond, 15 years to pay an equal amount each year on the principal and 6% interest on the balance. There`will.be two noticesp one by post card and one in the newspaper. There will be two public hearings before the work can be done after the plans have been prepared. Councilman Granger stated that any statement he made was for, the good of the people in the area. Motion carried. Mayor Herkner explained to the people present what Council action had just taken place, and he welcomed the people back next week. CITY MANAGER REPORT ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT OF EL CAMINO REAL AND WHIPPLE AVENUE INTERSECTION. The Clerk read the following report submitted by the City Manager: At a regular meeting of the City Council on January 3, 19562 this office was requested to submit an early report indicating the Plan Lines which were established in 19118, together with other proposed improvements, in order to relieve traffic conditions at the above intersection. Uner date of December 21, 1955., the City Engineer forwarded the attached sketch to the State Highway Department, requesting approval of the proposed improvements, and whether this project would qualify for the use of gas tax funds. Under date of December 30, 1955, a letter was received from Mr. L. A.,Wymouth, District Engineer, stating that in their opinion the Plan Lines as established should be maintained, and that any effort by the City to give teporary relief for this intersection by the straightening of Whipple Avenue, would be a step in the right direction. Also, that since Whipple Avenue is a major city street,,any work done at this intersection would qualify for the expenditure of gas tax funds. Unfortunately, however, since the City's limited allocation of gas tax funds has been budgeted for other important street improvements, such funds are not available for the immediate financing of this project. On the assumption that an appraisal is to be made by a competent appraiser, I am requesting'that the City Engineer provide the City Attorney with a description of the property necessary to be acquired, for such action as he may deem approoriate. It is therefore recommendedp when a fair purchase price has been determined, that the acquisition of necessary property be financed from the Capital Project Fundp with the understanding that improvements may be made at a later date when gas tax funds become available. Incidentally., as suggested by the City Council, an effort has been made to F