1968-06-05 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING JUNE 5, 1968
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President McCall presiding. The Pledge of Alle-
giance was led by Councilman Bartley and was followed by an inspiring Invocation delivered by The
Reverend Mr. Wilfred H. Hodgkin, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church. A special plea was offered for
the complete recovery of The Honorable Robert F. Kennedy, Senator from the State of New York, and a
Presidential Candidate in the California State Primary, who had been shot and seriously wounded fol-
lowing his "victory" speech in Los Angeles.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Bartley, Fore, La Croix, Jr., Levy and President McCall, (5),
were noted present. Absent: None.
MINUTES:
1. The minutes of the regular meeting held May 21, 1968, were approved as transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2. From Bay Farm Island Reclamation District No. 2105, signed by Mr. Bruce T. Mitchell, Secretary,
requesting the Council's approval of Warrants Nos. 143 and 144 in the amounts of $456,765.02 and
211,111.11 for payment, respectively, of certain dredging work and to replenish its Revolving Fund.
The request was referred to "Resolutions".
3. From the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda, signed by Mr. William S. Godfrey, Chairman,
requesting the Council's adoption of a Resolution approving the application of the provisions of Sec-
tion 23 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended, to the City of Alameda.
This matter was to be given consideration following "Oral Communications".
4'../ From the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda, signed by Mr. William S. Godfrey, Chairman,
requesting permission to address the Council under "Oral Communications, Agenda" to give a progress
report of its activities.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, AGENDA:
5. President McCall announced that Mr. Godfrey was suffering from an impacted tooth and was unable
to appear. Mr. Theodore Craig, Attorney for the "Authority", addressed the Council as representative
of Mr. Godfrey and read a brief report covering its activities since the recent appointment of the
newly constituted Housing Authority.
It was stressed that it was absolutely necessary to close Estuary Housing Project so that when a
family was relocated, a new family could not move in - and the immediate aid of the City was solicited
in this endeavor.
Upon request, City Attorney Cunningham explained the legal steps which could be taken and suggested
the City Council direct the Building Department Inspectors, the City Manager and the City Attorney to
inquire into the aspect of the matter with a view toward the possible condemnation of the living units
from the health standpoint.
There being no objections, the matter was referred to these officials. The order of business was then
revised and the meeting referred to "Resolutions".
RESOLUTIONS:
6. Councilman La Croix read the following resolution for the information of all concerned parties in
the audience and then introduced and moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 7325
Resolution Approving Application of the Provisions of Section 23 of the
United States Housing Act of 1937, as Amended, by the Housing and Urban
Development Act of 1965, to the City of Alameda."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Levy and on roll call carried by the
following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
President McCall expressed the Council's appreciation and thanks to Mr. Craig for the report of the
Housing Authority.
The meeting then reverted back to the regular order of business.
HEARINGS:
7! Called up at this time was the matter of the requested reclassification of that certain property
known as 2400 Otis Drive - from "R-1", One-Family Residence District to "AP-H-15", Administrative-
Professional District. The petition was filed by Messrs. Sigurd M. Gudal and William H. Wilson.
The Clerk stated there was on file the Affidavit of Publication of the Notice of Hearing on this
question. Also, copies of the minutes of the Planning Board meeting at which this matter was con-
sidered had been sent to the Councilmen for their information.
Mr. Cunningham stated the issue before the City Council was whether or not the findings and recom-
mendations of the Planning Board in its advisory report based on Section 11 -175 of the Alameda Muni-
cipal Code should be approved, modified or disapproved.
Planning Director Donald Johnson was then called upon and reviewed the history of this case. He
referred to the letter from the Board dated May 15, 1968, which set forth the details involved. Mr.
Johnson pointed out the proposed use would agree with the existing zone of the properties to the south
and both the Planning Staff and the Board had recommended said reclassification.
The President called for the proponents of the question and Mr. William Baughman spoke in favor of
the rezoning in order to convert the residence into an office building. This would encourage better
maintenance of the property and was merely extending the abutting "AP" Zone along Park Street, south
of Otis Drive.
Upon inquiry for opponents to the question, there was no response. The President then declared the
Hearing closed.
Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation of the Planning Board be approved and the specified prop-
erty be reclassified as requested. The motion was seconded by Councilman Levy and carried on the fol-
lowing roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
The matter was then referred to "Introduction of Ordinances ".
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
8)7 From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Alameda Times -Star for Legal Advertising
during fiscal year 1968 -1969.
Councilman Levy moved the recommendation be approved and the contract be awarded to the Times -Star
for said purpose during the ensuing fiscal year. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley and
carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
9. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Lino Lorenzetti, sole bidder, for the proj-
ect of Repairing Cement Concrete Sidewalk, Driveway, Curb and Gutter during 1968 -1969 at the estimated
cost of 6,660.
Councilman Bartley moved the recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to the designated
bidder for the specified project during 1968 -69. Councilman Fore seconded the motion which carried on
the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
101 From City Manager, recommending contracts be awarded to Meg Engineers, low bidder, for the proj-
ects of Minor Street Patching and the Installing of House Sewer Laterals during fiscal year 1968 -69,
at the costs of .7367 cents per square foot and an estimated sum of 016,522.50, respectively.
Councilman Bartley moved the recommendations be followed; that contracts be awarded to the designated
firm for the two projects as indicated, at the prices quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Levy and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
111 From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Gallagher & Burk, Inc., low bidder, for
the project of Resurfacing Park Street from San Jose Avenue to Buena Vista Avenue, at the cost of
533, 804.20 .
Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be accepted; that contract be awarded to the designated
firm for the specified project at the price quoted. Councilman Fore seconded the motion which carried
on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
12. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Rhodes & Jamieson, Ltd., low bidder, for
furnishing Transit Mix during fiscal year 1968 -69, at a cost of 513.70 per cubic yard.
Councilman Levy moved the recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to said firm for supply-
ing the material designated at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman La Croix and
carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
13. From City Manager, transmitting City of Alameda Budget for fiscal year 1968 -1969.
The President stated the official Budget presentation would probably be made at the Council meeting
to be held June 18. He complimented City Manager Weller: and his Staff for the preparation of said
Budget. He pointed up the fact that the final revenue figures depended upon the passage of certain
legislation by the State Legislature with regard to the method of allocation of the Cigarette Tax to
cities.
14' From Civil Service Board, concerning salaries and fringe benefits for City of Alameda Employees
during fiscal year 1968 -1969.
It was stated this matter would be given further consideration in connection with the presentation of
the City Budget at the next regular Council meeting.
15N From City Manager, recommending an additional extension of time of nineteen working days be
granted to the Contractor in which to complete the Installation of a Storm Drainage System on Fernside
Boulevard, Central Avenue and East Shore Drive. It was pointed out that, in view of the circumstances
involved, the granting of said extension of time should be subject to the condition that the Contractor
be charged for all costs of engineering, inspection, supervision and other overhead expenses which were
directly chargeable to the contract and would accrue during the period of extension.
Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be adopted; that a further extension of time of nineteen
working days be granted to the Contractor performing said project, subject to charges for all overhead
expenses as set forth in the City Managers letter dated June 3, 1968. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Levy and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
RESOLUTIONS:
16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Bartley, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 7326
Approving Warrants Nos. 143 and 144 of Board of Trustees of Reclamation
District No. 2105."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Levy and on roll call carried by the
following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman La Croix, Jr., (1). Absent: None.
17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 7327
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Elevated Bleachers
at Washington and Lincoln Parks, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk
to Advertise Same."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Levy and on roll call carried by the
following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Bartley, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 7328
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Chain Link Fence
Improvements at Krusi Park, 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: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 7329
Requesting Cancellation of County Taxes on Real Property Acquired by the
City of Alameda for Municipal Purposes (Wood, Schmidt, Gravatt --- Tri-
angular Parcel of Land at the Intersection of Market Street with Otis Drive)."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the
following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
The President declared all of the foregoing resolutions adopted.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
20. Councilman La Croix moved the following ordinance be introduced - after which it would be laid
over under provision of law and the Charter. Councilman Levy seconded the motion which carried on
the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
"Ordinance No.
New Series
An Ordinance Reclassifying and Rezoning Certain Property Within the City of
Alameda by Amending Zoning Ordinance No. 1277, New Series." (2400 Otis Drive)
21. Councilman La Croix moved the following ordinance be introduced - after which it would be laid
over under provision of law and the Charter. Councilman Levy seconded the motion which carried on
the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
BILLS:
"Ordinance No.
New Series
An Ordinance Amending Certain Portions of the Alameda Municipal Code Relating
to Traffic Regulations."
22. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total
amount of 363,429.08, 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 Bartley moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on
June 5, 1968, and presented to the City Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion
was seconded by Councilman Levy and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes:
None. Absent: None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, GENERAL:
23. Mr. Charles A. Tillman, 2415 Otis Drive, stated he would like to have a resolution adopted
encouraging the citizens of Alameda to fly the American Flag at half staff when any Alameda Service-
man was killed in the service of his Country. He felt this would be a gesture of recognition and
honor on behalf of the family involved. The City Attorney was instructed to prepare an appropriate
resolution.
24t' Mr. Frank A. Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, again registered complaint about the excessive noise
created in the City Parking Lot on Haight Avenue near Webster Street.
25. The Reverend Mr. Hodgkin, 1718 Santa Clara Avenue, thanked the City Council for its recent
actions in the area of public low -cost housing. He said these several steps showed wisdom, courage
and charity on the part of the Council and he urged its continued efforts in this direction and con-
gratulated the Council for its forward thinking.
26. Dr. Neylan A. Vedros, 2625 San Jose Avenue, referred to the notices of increased property assess-
ments which had gone out recently to all property owners. He felt most of them were greatly out of
line. He stated some City Councils had taken an affirmative and aggressive approach with County
Assessor Hutchinson. Dr. Vedros inquired if the Alameda City Council could take some steps to alle-
viate the inequities. He pointed out this was really a serious question and many people were being
forced to sell their homes because they simply could not pay the increased taxes which would result
from these revised assessments.
City Attorney Cunningham pointed out the usual procedure for protesting against assessments. He men-
tioned certain action planned by the City Manager and the Mayor of Piedmont and offered to discuss
with Mr. Weller the matter of setting up a similar meeting with Mr. Hutchinson concerning the situa-
tion. It was determined this would be advisable.
President McCall asked that the City of Piedmont be contacted to ascertain just what approach was
being taken with regard to this matter. Mr. Goss, Assistant City Manager, was to consult with the
City Administrator of Piedmont.
27. At this time, President McCall read a letter from Councilman William M. Bartley, dated June 3,
1968, tendering his resignation from the City Council, effective as of midnight, June 5, 1968. It
was stated this was necessary due to a required extended convalescent period following his recent
major surgery. The President stated everyone on the City Council was aware of how much time and
knowledge Councilman Bartley had given to the several important Committees and civic activities in
which he had been involved. Councilmen La Croix, Levy and Fore each expressed his admiration and
respect for Councilman Bartley's reliability, sincerity and cooperation in all phases of the City's
legislative and policy-making actions.
Councilman Bartley thanked his colleagues for their kind remarks and indicated his appreciation. He
said it was with great reluctance and regret that he had to reach this decision - but it was upon
his doctor's orders. He stated he had hoped to finish certain projects about which he felt responsible
and in which he had definite interest.
Councilman Bartley remarked that he believed Alameda had a great future and he thought the foundation
for this would be found in the proposed Master Plan, as it covered all aspects of the City both in
land use and solutions to its social problems. He offered his assistance in any way his experience
might be of value and stated that his resignation from the City Council did not lessen at all his
interest in Alameda.
President McCall then announced that he would call a special meeting of the Council for next Tuesday
evening, June 11, 1968, at which time the Council would consider potential appointees for the selection
of one to fill the vacancy due to this resignation.
FILING:
28. Specifications No. PW 6 -68 -18 - Elevated Bleachers at Washington and Lincoln Parks.
29. Specifications No. PW 6 -68 -19 - Chain Link Fence Improvements at Krusi Park.
30. Financial Statement - Bureau of Electricity as at April 30, 1968 - Verified by Hackleman,
Larzelere, McKenna & von Kaschnitz.
ADJOURNMENT:
31. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble
in regular session on Tuesday evening, June 18, 1968, at 7:30 o'clock.
Respectfully submitted,