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1968-04-16 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING APRIL 16, 1968 The meeting convened at 7:30 ofclock p.m. with President McCall presiding. The Pledge of Alle- giance was led by Councilman Fore and was followed by an inspiring Invocation delivered by The Reverend Father Patrick J. O1Brien, Pastor of St. Philip Neri Church. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Fore and La Croix, Jr., and President McCall, (3), were noted present. Absent: Councilmen Bartley and Levy, (2). President McCall stated that Councilman Bartley was recovering very satisfactorily from his recent major surgery. He also announced that Councilman Levy was on a trip to the Orient. MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held April 2, 1968, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2.v From Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Giorgi, 545 Haight Avenue, indicating their support of any efforts to provide facilities in Alameda for youth recreation and entertainment. This letter was referred to the file on the subject, pending determination of possible action after a meeting of a Committee comprised of certain representatives of high school students. 3. V( From Stahl-Wooldridge Construction, signed by Mr. Robert Stahl, concerning patroling and protec- tion of commercial buildings. A report on this situation had been furnished the Councilmen by William A. Tulloh, Chief of Police. It was pointed up that his Department received numerous requests all over the City to patrol private apartment and office building parking lot areas and it was not reasonable to assume that his officers could satisfy all concerned. He said he would continue to work with Mr. Stahl to reasonably correct his protection problem. The Council concurred with the manner in which this matter had been handled. 4. From Messrs. Richard Austin, President of "Housing Opportunities Provided Equally", and Ashley Jones, President of "Alamedans for a Better Community", requesting an opportunity for Concerned Citizens of Alameda to speak under °Oral Communications, Agenda". ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, AGENDA: 5. Mr. Austin stated there world be several speakers and introduced Mr. Bernard Chalip, who expressed his concern about the lack of low-cost housing in Alameda. He urged that action be taken - specifically, that the City make available some one million dollars from residuals of the 1-lousing Authority of Alameda with which to construct such housing which would purge Alamedafs disgrace, "Estuary Housing" as it presently existed. A lengthy discourse ensued on the subjects of low-cost housing and open housing - with the plea being made that the City Council assume leadership and give guidance in the efforts to procure these for the minority groups. The following addressed the Council in grea t detail: Rabbi Gunther Gates - who said he was ashamed of the living conditions he had seen in Estuary Housing Project. He believed this problem could no longer be ignored. Mr. Robert Marder, Vice Chairman of Alamedans for a Better Community, 3006 Bayview Drive, referred to "Section 23, Leased Housing Program", which was working successfully in the City of Oakland and suggested serious consideration be given this method to better house the low-income citizens. He al so asked that appointees be made to the Housing Authority who could revitalize this Body to act on behalf of the people who needed adequate housing. Mr. Floyd Hudson, a resident of Estuary Project, asked that the City "produce" and not just make more promises. He contended that "open housing" in Alameda should be promoted. Mr. Richard Austin, 453 Buena Vista Avenue, representative of "HOPE", a fair housing organization which, he said, had been created because housing opportunities were not provided equally in Alameda. He claimed the fair housing laws were ignored by the white community which forced the negroes to "lie and cheat" in trying to obtain decent living quarters. Mrs. Katherine Tate, 1845 Poggi Street, related her distressing experiences in trying to rent the apart- ment in which, finally, she and her husband had been living for the past year. Mrs. Dorothy Allen, Coordinating Secretary of "HOPE", 1020 Pacific Avenue, reviewed the steps taken by her in helping negro families obtain adequate housing. She contended that white racism was prevalent in this community. Mr. Cleveland Smith, a resident of Estuary Project, issued a tirade against the City Council for its procrastination in demanding that the Estuary Housing conditions be improved and also that these resi- dents be assisted in finding suitable living quarters somewhere in Alameda. Mr. Clarence Gilmore, 1853 Eighth Street, too, stressed the lack of availability of proper housing for minority groups. He said he definitely believed the Estuary Project could not possibly "survive" another winter. Mr. Gilmore spoke of the apathy of the Housing Authority members in supporting any suggestions or efforts me had made in attempting to initiate some beneficial action. He pointed up the fact that there were some "Estuary" residents who could '"economically" move out of this area if they could find a place elsewhere in the City. He urged the Council to take some action. Upon invitation, Councilman La Croix expressed his sympathy with the thinking of those who had to live in Estuary Project. He pointed out the City had °goaded" the owner of this five -acres area to have new roofs put on these units. Councilman La Croix also commented that the City Council had recently adopted a resolution recognizing the need for low -cost housing and supporting the program whereby the City could provide land which might be acquired by the City from the Housing Authority for the pos- sible construction of such housing. He pointed out that, subsequently, a Committee had been appointed which was to investigate this situation and it was hoped it would have some "answers" as soon as pos- sible. He named the members of said Committee and felt they shared the concern of many in the com- munity with regard to this problem. Councilman La Croix emphasized the fact that the citizens of the entire City must voluntarily accept the open housing concept. The City Council or "legislation" could not make this happen. He concluded with the remark that he hoped the citizens of Alameda would recognize their responsibility and property owners would see fit to rent or sell to any of those who were economically able. He was hopeful that this Committee could take some definite steps in the months ahead and that the City Council was at least moving in the right direction for the creation of low -cost housing. President McCall explained the fact that the parcel of land on which these dilapidated living units were located was privately owned by a Mr. Ralph Gomez. He had paid for the recent re- roofing of these buildings. The President said he felt sufficient time had been devoted to these issues under this category on the Agenda. If desired, the discussion could continue under "Oral Communications, General" - toward the end of the meeting. At this point, the President called on Mr. Carl Payne, Principal of Porter School. Mr. Payne intro- duced his Eighth Grade Civics Class which was in attendance at this meeting. He also introduced two of his teachers: Gladys Rizzi and Charles Wolf. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: 6. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Asphalt Surfacing Company, low bidder, for the project of Pavement Extension and Resurfacing at the Fire Department Drill Tower at the total cost of 57,411.51. Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to the designated Company for the specified project at the price quoted. Councilman Fore seconded the motion which carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Bartley and Levy, (2). 7. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to West Coast Machinery, Inc., low bidder, for furnishing one Three Wheel Gasoline Vehicle for the Park Department at the total cost of 51,240. Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be followed; that contract be awarded to said firm for furnishing the vehicle indicated. The motion was seconded by Councilman Fore and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Bartley and Levy, (2). 5 From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Cavanaugh Motors, low bidder, for furnish- ing three Sedans for the Police Department at the total cost of $6,079.68. Councilman Fore moved the recommendation be accepted; that contract be awarded to the firm indicated for furnishing the three described automobiles for said Department at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman La Croix and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Bartley and Levy, (2). 94.. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Dictaphone Corporation, low bidder, for furnishing Communications Recording Equipment for the Fire Department at the total cost of 53,560.57. Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to the designated firm for furnishing the specified equipment at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Fore and carried on the following vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Bartley and Levy, (2). UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 101 Councilman La Croix stated that a final report and recommendation was anticipated by the end of this month concerning the Hospital First Aid Station. RESOLUTIONS: 11. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7308 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Construction of Cart Paths at the Alameda Municipal Golf Course, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Fore and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Bartley and Levy, (2). 12. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Fore, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7309 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Construction of Improvements, Including Storm Drains and Pavement Construction, on Mecartney Road Between County Road and Melrose Avenue, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman La Croix and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Bartley and Levy, (2). 13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7310 Ordering Vacation of Unused Public Service Easement (Sanitary Sewer -- North End Webster Street)." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Fore and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Bartley and Levy, (2). The President then declared all of the foregoing Resolutions adopted. BILLS: 14. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of 34,614.69, was presented to the Council at this meeting. The List was accompanied by certification from the City Manager that the Claims shown were correct. Councilman La Croix moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on April 16, 1968, and presented to the City Clerk at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Fore and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Councilmen Bartley and Levy, (2). ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, GENERAL: 15. Mrs. Ashley Jones (Lynn), 1040 Fair Oaks Avenue, pointed up her understanding that the Housing Authority had the power to spend its funds to relocate these Estuary residents and take other definite steps to resolve the several related problems of furnishing low cost housing where needed. Mr. Richard Austin again addressed the Council with the plea that it take leadership in this area in the community and issue a public policy statement, supporting open housing. During the course of the prolonged discussion of these questions, a printed statement had been passed to the Councilmen as follows: "PROPOSALS OF CONCERNED CITIZENS OF ALAMEDA We propose that: "(1) The City Council direct the Alameda Housing Authority to apply immediately for Section 23 Leased Housing. Section 23 provides for the lease of privately owned dwellings by the City for occupancy by low-income families at rents within their means. The Federal Housing Assistance Administration pays the difference between a percentage of the person's income and the actual economic rent of the property. The City Council should take the initiative in informing land- lords of the economic advantage of such a program. "(2) The City Council relocate Estuary residents. This effort should relocate families through- out Alameda. "(3) The City Council take the leadership in the area of open housing by issuing a public policy statement supporting open housing. In addition the City Council should exercise leader- ship in this area and provide for enforcement of the open housing laws on the local level, either by the creation of a Human Relations Commission or, by using the Alameda County Human Relations Commission to handle complaints, investigate and educate." The following also addressed the Council on this suggested issuance of a policy statement by the City Council: Mrs. Graham Tattersall (Eleanor), 1520 Central Avenue; Mr. Chris Sandholdt, 223 Central Avenue; Mr. Lesley Forden, 1448 Page Street; Kathleen Millard, 3115 Otis Drive; The Reverend Mr. Gary Weatherly, 2233 Central Avenue, representing the Alameda Ministerial Council, who stressed the point that all of these people were looking to the City Council for guidance and leadership. Also Messrs. Howard Palmer, 1260 St. Charles Street; C. W. Moore, 1105 Buena Vista Avenue, President of the N. A. A. C. P., Alameda Chapter; Bernard Chalip and Richard Austin. Following advice from the City Attorney, Councilman La Croix said he believed the Council should con- sider the adoption of a resolution in accordance with the thinking which had been expressed this evening. He asked that the City Attorney draft such a resolution for presentation to the City Council at its meeting on May 7. The President assured all interested parties that he would consult with the City Attorney and would, indeed, "get the answers" to some of the questions broached this evening. He said he believed they would have certain pertinent information available by the next Council meeting. FILING: 16. Auditor's Financial Statement - City of Alameda, as at March 31, 1968 - Verified by Hackleman, Larzelere, McKenna & von Kaschnitz. 17. Specifications No. PW 4-68-9 - Construction of Cart Paths at Alameda Municipal Golf Course. 18. Specifications No. PW 4-68-10 - Construction of Improvements Including Storm Drains and. Pavement Construction on Mecartney Road Between County Road and Melrose Avenue. ADJOURNMENT: 19. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, May 7, 1968, at 7:30 o'clock. Respectful l y submitted, SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD MONDAY EVENING MAY 6, 1968 The meeting convened at 8:00 o'clock p.m. with President McCall presiding. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Bartley, Fore, La Croix, Jr., and President McCall, (4), were noted present. Absent: Councilman Levy, (1). NEW BUSINESS: y/ 1. Receipt of the Notice and Agenda for this special meeting had been acknowledged by each of the Councilmen and was on file. The purpose of said meeting was to give consideration to prospective appointees to various Boards, Commissions and Committees of the City - and to take action thereon, if so desired. Councilman Bartley moved the Council go into executive session for said deliberations. The motion was seconded by Councilman La Croix and carried. A detailed discussion ensued concerning this subject and related matters in general. It was subse- quently determined that no definite action would be taken at this time, pending contact by the President with several possible appointees to ascertain their acceptance. ADJOURNMENT: 2. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned. Respectfully submitted,