Minutes 1999 1115 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes -City of San Leandro City Council and Page 14 San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting -November 15, 1999 B. Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications and Calling for Bids fora City- wide Entry Sign at San Leandro Boulevard, Project No. 99-210-33-133 (provides for construction of a City entry monument to be located at San Leandro Boulevard, at the Oakland border, as part of the overall City-wide Entry Sign Program. Bid opening date is December 14, 1999). Uche Udemezue, City Engineer, gave the staff report and urged City Council's approval of the calling for bids on this project. Council Member Lothrop commented she has a problem with spending $149,000 on a monument sign, given the current state of the budget. City Council discussion ensued regarding the need for mare pressing improvements in the same area, such as sidewalks on Park Street. Mr. Udemezue indicated the funding for the landscape improvements and the monument were allocated and approved in the 1997-98 Budget for this project. Discussion continued regarding the importance of improving the entryway at San Leandro Boulevard. Council Member Glaze stated this improvement is long overdue and is a commitment that was made to the residents over many years. He stated his support for the proposal. Council Member Loeiller indicated that, as the Council Member who represents this area of San Leandro, he has not had a large number of requests from residents regarding this signage; but he has had requests for improvements in the sidewalks. He would rather see "people's needs" be met, which he feels is a better use of the City's money rather than constructing a monument in that area. He further indicated, even though the funds were approved two years ago, the current City Council has the right to change the use of these funds. Council Member Grant stated she feels the comdor is ugly and could use some improvement. She suggested perhaps there is some joint Oakland/San Leandro funds that could be used, rather than using $149,000 of Capital Improvement Funds. She suggested, by example, if the costs could be shared, the City could perhaps only have to use $70,000. It was noted this project is east of the Cherrywood Project; and, when the housing development is finished, this area will realize additional screening from the landscaping planned within the project. It was noted people were promised landscaping improvements along San Leandro Boulevard. Discussion regarding past efforts to improve the north entryway ensued, and it was noted the City has facilitated improvements toward the revitalization of the area to date.