10-04-1971 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 236 The Mayor requested a staff report on the status of Assessment District 236 sidewalk repairs. The Director of Public Works stated that the project was completed in July 1970; that the first communication between the parties involved concerning deterioration of the sidewalks was in January 1971; that the City suggested a three-way division of costs for repair; 1/3, or approximately $8,000, to be borne by the City, 1/3 by the contractor, and 1/3 by the supplier; that the offer was rejected; and that the City Center Association is quite concerned, since the coating on the sidewalk continues to erode and deteriorate rapidly. In response to questions from Councilman Patterson, Mr. Wolford also stated that at the time the decision was made to use this type of coating rather than tear up and replace the old sidewalks, it was believed that the coating would be satisfactory. He stated that additional reasons for using the coating were (1) that many basements in the downtown area on 4th Street use the sidewalks for a roof, and to tear the old sidewalk out in order to replace it would have caused costly structural problems; and (2) that to tear up the old sidewalk and replace it would have taken from one to two weeks, with considerable inconvenience to the public, whereas the method used minimized the inconvenience to one day. Councilman Markel stated he believed the problem would be better solved by teliacing the sidewalks now, rather than trying to repair the present coating. Councilman Patterson's motion to authorize the City Attorney to bring immediate legal action against all parties responsible was seconded by Councilman Villa, and carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Patterson, Villa, Evans, Griset, Yamamoto, None He rrin Markel In further discussion, it was determined that approximately $25, 000 would be needed to repair the sidewalks and to provide a finish to prevent further deterioration; and that the money could come from the Council's contingency fund. Councilman Patterson moved that the City should make the sidewalk improve- ments on 4th Street, and attempt to recover costs through the legal action already authorized. Motion was seconded by Councilman Villa, and carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Patterson, Villa, Evans, Griset~ Yamamoto Markel Herrin Prior to voting on the matter, there was considerable discussion as to the responsibility of the City in repairing the walks, and the consensus was that the City provided specifications~ inspections, etc., and an Assessment District was formed and the property owners taxed for this purpose; that, regardless of where the fault lies, the City has an obligation to the t3roperty owners to bring the sidewalks up to grade, and to determine the responsibility for costs through legal action. CITY COUNCIL -323 - October 4, 1971