1965-06-01 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING JUNE 1, 1965
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President Godfrey presiding. The Pledge of Alle-
giance was led by Councilman La Croix and was followed by an inspiring Invocation delivered by The
Reverend Mr. Wilfred H. Hodgkin, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Bartley, La Croix, Jr., McCall, Rose and President Godfrey,
(5), were noted present. Absent: None.
MINUTES:
1. The minutes of the regular meeting held May 18, and the special meeting held May 25, 1985, were
approved as transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2.v~—From Hersh & Hadfield, signed by Mr. James D. Hadfield, reporting on the progress to date concern-
ing the development of Estuary Apartments on the site of the former Estuary Housing Project.
The letter was to be acknowledged with an expression of the Council's appreciation for being kept
informed with regard to this development.
3.k~ From Davis & Craig, Attorneys for Bay Farm Island Reclamation District No. 2105, signed by Mr.
James B. Davis, requesting approval of a Warrant in the amount of $154,000,
The matter was referred to "Resolutions".
4. From Mrs. Miriam Drake, extending her thanks to the Mayor, the Council and the City employees
for the tribute and donation in memory of her late husband, Floyd, then Chief of Police.
The communication was to be posted on the Bulletin Board for the information of the employees who had
participated.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
5. Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, spoke of the situation where traffic from Broadway in
Oakland merges with other traffic coming through Posey Tube. Be felt this created confusion with
regard to rights-of-way and suggested a stop sign be installed to obviate accidents.
There was also some discussion of the possibility of proposed landscaping of this area obscuring ade-
quate visibility. City Engineer Hanna was to investigate the matter.
Mr, Lupe Apodaca, 1915 Minturn Street, Cement Contractor, inquired about certain bid-procedure
requirements. City Attorney Cunningham explained that he could not waive any of the provisions of the
City specifications and he had to rule on the sufficiency thereof.
HEARINGS:
7.« The matter was called up with regard to the requested reclassification of certain properties in
the 1300`block of High Street from "C-1", Neighborhood Business District, to the "R-5/', General Apart-
ment District. G. A. Sturtevant No, 2, Inc., Applicant, owned the lot known as 1311 High Street.
The Clerk stated there was on file the Affidavit of Publication of the Notice of Hearing of said case.
Also, copies of the minutes of the Planning Board meeting at which this petition was considered had
been sent to the Councilmen for their information. Further, the Planning Board had recommended denial
of the application to rezone.
Upon request, Planning Director Johnson reviewed in detail the history of this area and the matter
under consideration. He pointed out Mr. Sturtevant desired to erect an eight or nine-unit apartment
house on his property.
The City Attorney then stated the legal issue before the Council was whether the finding and recom-
mendation of the Planning Board under Section 11-175 of the Zoning Ordinance Section of the Alameda
Municipal Code should be approved, modified or disapproved.
In response to the call for proponents, Mr. Wendell Mew, representing the owners of the property known
as 1323~25 High Street, spoke in favor of the Board's recommendation to deny the requested rezoning.
He emphasized that the existing commercial zone was more desirable for their property.
The President then called for the opponents to the Board's recommendation and Mr. G. A. Sturtevant,
2815 Santa Clara Avenue, addressed the Council. He gave a very complete history of his ownership of
the High Street property and his development of the Encinal Market. Mr. Sturtevant also submitted his
plans for the proposed improvement of the large lot on the west side of High Street, the property in
question. Be urged the Council to reclassify his property to allow his contemplated upgrading of the
neighborhood by the new structure.
The President then declared the Hearing closed and the Council entered into considerable discussion of
the several phases of this case and the area involved. Reference was made to the bad situation and
the circumstances involved in the property known as "The 19th Hole", located on the northwest corner
of High Street and Encinal Avenue. Councilman McCall requested the Council be furnished with a
complete survey and full report from the Building Inspector covering every aspect of this particular
building and the operation thereof.
Upon inquiry, Mr. Hanna remarked that his department already had a great deal of information about
this building and he felt sure Mr. Brummer, Chief of the Inspections Division, could submit a report
within a couple of weeks.
Mr. Sturtevant agreed the delay would not be disadvantageous to him. In fact, he felt more parcels
in the block might ultimately be improved if other owners could be persuaded to cooperate.
It was explained by Mr. Cunningham that, in the event the two lots at the southerly end of this block
were to be included eventually in this rezoning action, the matter would have to be referred back to
the Planning Board because of the enlarged area to be considered. The procedure would then start
over with the posting of notices for a Hearing before said Body.
The President then declared that the present Hearing would be continued to the Council meeting of
June 15.
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8. Continued from the last meeting was the Matter of the Council discussion of the Hearing on an
Appeal by Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur D. George from the decision of the Planning Board to grant a variance,
to Barron & Hartley, Inc., to allow construction of a certain apartment dwelling at 1612-1616 Santa
Clara Avenue.
The President stated this Hearing had been continued for the purpose of giving Mr. Hartley an oppor-
tunity to discuss with the Planning Department some method of handling his proposed improvement which
would obviate the possibility of selling off one or other of the lots in gueatiou. The neighbors
had protested against the development on the grounds that one of the lots might be sold and thus the
parking problem in the vicinity would be aggravated.
Mr. Johnson stated he had discussed the situation with Mr. Hartley but, under the terms of the Zon-
ing Ordinance, there was no further action the City could require of the petitioner. He pointed out
Mr. Hartley was combining properties for a single development, which was rather a common occurrence.
The question of the Appeal was for Council decision.
Following further clarification of the circumstances by Mr. Johnson and discussion by the Councilmen,
Councilman La Croix moved the Appeal be granted - that the decision of the Planning Board be reversed
and the application for a variance be denied. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley and
carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Councilmen Bartley, La Croix, Jr., McCall and Rose,
(4). Noes: President Godfrey, (l). Absent: None.
Councilman Rose stated he voted to deny this variance because it was the only way he had to record
his concern as to what might happen to this property. He said he was not anxious as long as Mr.
Hartley owned the parcel but a new owner could legally divide the property into two lots and thus
create problems for the neighborhood.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, ETCETERA: .
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9. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to ,Manuel C. Jardim for the Reconstruction of
a Sanitary Sewer on Yosemite Avenue between Cambridge and Moreland Drives, at the total cost of $2,119.
Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be approved; that contract be awarded to the designated
bidder for the specified project at the total price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Bartley and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
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lU. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Meg Engineers for the project of Minor
Street Patching for fiscal year 1905-66, at the estimated amount of $4,912.80,
Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to said firm for
the project indicated at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Fiva, Noes: None. Absent: None.
ll. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to A-1 Able Cement & Concrete for the project
of Repairing Portland Cement Concrete Sidewalk, Driveway, Curb and Gutter during fiscal year 1965-66,
at the estimated amount of $5,086.
Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be adopted - that contract be awarded to the firm.indi-
cated for the specified project at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley
and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
12�. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to A. C. Bashnick for the project of-Install-
ing a Storm Sewer Extension in the Southwest Corner of Washington Park, in the total amount of
$1,752.50.
Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be followed and the contract be awarded to the designated
bidder for the specified project at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley
and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
13.4( From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to McGuire and Beater for the project of
Installing House Sewer Laterals and Street Patching during fiscal year 1965-66, in the estimated
amount of $13,398.50.
Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be approved - that contract be awarded to the designated
firm for the specified project at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley and
carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
14. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Hoyt & Buettner Tractor Co., sole bidder,
for furnishing one Disk Harrow for the Golf Department, in the total amount of $1,248,
Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be adopted and contract be awarded to said Company for
turoisbing said piece of equipment at the total price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Bartley and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: 0one,
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15. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to De Soto Chemical Coatings, Inc., for fur-
nishing Traffic Paint during fiscal year 1965-66 and that authorization be given to purchase Paint
Thinner in the open market.
Councilman La Croix moved the recommendations be approved - that contract be awarded to said Corpora-
tion for furnishing the required Traffic Paint and that authorization be given to purchase Paint Thinner
in the open market as oeaded. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried
by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
l6.°-Fzom City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Times-Star Publishing Co. for legal adver-
tising during fiscal year 1965-66 at the prices of $3.1O per column-inch for first insertion and $2.90
per column-inch for subsequent insertions.
There was discussion of the fact that the prices quoted were an increase of twenty-three per cent over
those in effect during the previous fiscal year. The question was raised as to whether or not this
was a trend and all such newspaper advertising had gone up to this extent. The City Manager was to
investigate the situation.
The Clerk was also instructed to compile a report setting forth the total sum paid annually for legal
advertising during the past several years.
Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be followed - that contract be awarded to said Company
for legal advertising as indicated. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five, Noes: None. Absent: None.
172/ From City Manager, reporting all work satisfactorily completed on the project of Installing Storm
Sewers on Kitty Hawk Road and at Peach and Washington Streets - recommending it be accepted and the
Notice of Completion be ordered filed.
Councilman Rose moved the recommendation be followed - that the work on said project be accepted and
the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and carried on the
following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
182"-- From City Manager, requesting approval of action taken in proceeding with immediate repair of
water well at the Golf Course, under provision of Section 3-15 of the City Charter, applicable to
emergency conditions. The estimated cost was $2,500,
Councilman Bartley moved the request be granted and the Council approve the action taken in this emer-
gency. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rose and on roll call carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
19.
"Ordinance No.
New Series
An Ordinance Authorizing Execution of Lease of Certain Tide and Submerged Lands
to Pacific Shops, Inc., a California Corporation."
Upon request of the President, Councilman Rose gave a verbal report on the provisions of the lease
referred to in this ordinance. Be stated the terms had been agreed upon at a meeting of City Attorney
Cunningham, Mr. Gene Dele,apnkeoman for the owner of Pacific Shops, Inc,, and himself. Councilman
Rose pointed out a minor change in the language which had been made for clarification in future nego-
tiations, and said he felt the lease was mutually equitable.
Councilman Rose then introduced the foregoing ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision
of law and the Charter.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
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2O. Presented again at this time was the letter of May 10, I965, from the Recreation and Parks Commis-
sion concerning the completion of the Alameda Swim Center. A detailed report of its findings and
recommendations had been made. The matter had been laid over in order that the Councilmen might have
ample opportunity to consider the City swim program and the need for additional facilities. It had
been y6ioted out the sum of only $35,000. was budgeted in the City Capital Outlay Fund for this
development.
Much discussion ensued with regard to the financing possibilities and the establishment of a priority
for said swimming installation. There being no objections, the President then directed that this mat-
ter be referred to the Council Committee on Capital Outlays Program for its study with the City Staff.
Mr. Weller also explained that in the original arrangements between the City Council and the Alameda
Unified School District the »Diatrict" would supply the site and all the costs of construction would
be undertaken by the City. | He pointed out this contemplated the ultimate construction of three swim-
ming pools.
NEW BUSINESS:,
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2l� Councilman La Croix referred to the initial Memorial Day Ceremony in the City of Alameda which
had been held in front of the Veterans' Memorial Building, Monday, May 31. He remarked that the
observance was very inopirihg, and he expressed the hope that such a program would be continued.
Councilman La Croix also complimented Mayor Godfrey for his excellent address on this occasion.
The President said he believed such a ceremony should be conducted in the City of Alameda as an annual
memorial service. President Godfrey also asked the Clerk to write a letter of appreciation and com-
mendation to Mr. Oscar Zeisz, Chairman of the Day for this event. It was explained that this year
the ceremony was sponsored by the Leonard B. Hollywood Post No. 939, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Councilman Rose also thanked the City forces for their work in erecting the stands and seats, and Mr.
Hanna was asked to pass this expression of appreciation on to the proper men in charge.
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22� Councilman McCall referred to the heavy accumulation of sand in the gutters along the streets at
South Shore and wondered if this would clog the catch basins. Mr. Hanna explained that this was
washed back onto the beach area.
RESOLUTIONS:
23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Rose, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 6798
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Widening of
Clement Avenue between Park Street and Oak Street, 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.
24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Bartley, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 6799
Providing for the Amount Per Diem for Officers and Employees of the City
of Alameda for Traveling Expenses."
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.
25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Rose, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 6800
Approving Warrant of Board of Trustees of Reclamation District No. 2105.'''
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.
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26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 6801
Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda In Memoriam to George B.
Verrinder, Lieutenant in the Alameda Fire Department
°WIT8.P8OF0O0D SORROW, the Council of the City of Alameda records the death of one of
its faithful employees, Lieutenant GEORGE H. VERRINDER of the Alameda Fire Department.
"WHEREAS, Lt. Verrinder had been employed as a Fireman by the City of Alameda on Sep-
tember 1, 1944, and by his earnest and steady efforts in the performance of his duties through
the years, had won promotion to the rank of Lieutenant on November 16, 1953, in which post he
was most efficiently serving at the time of his unexpected death; and
"WHEREAS, Lt. Verrinder had been a very 'knowledgeable and capable Officer and had also
been a most friendly and cooperative person and had thus enjoyed the respect and goodwill of
his fellow Fire Fighters and all of his associate City employees.
"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, in recognition of Lt. Verrinder's twenty-one years
of excellent service, the Council of the City of Alameda does hereby express its gratitude for
his constant endeavors on behalf of the City and its sense of personal loss in the untimely
death of this fine young man.
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be spread in full upon the minutes of this
meeting and a copy thereof be sent to the family of Lt. Verrinder in order to extend to its
members a sincere expression of sympathy in their bereavement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that when this meeting of the Council of the City of Alameda
adjourns, it shall do so in respect to the memory of GEORGE H. V8DDIND8R."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Rose and on roll call carried by the
following
The President then declared all of the foregoing resolutions adopted.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
27 ^ "Ordinance No. 1505,
New Series
An Ordinance Authorizing Acquisition by Purchase of Certain Real Property
for City Public Utility Purposes. (2.35 Acres -- Pacific Shops, Inc.)"
President Godfrey moved the ordinance be passed as auhmitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman
La Croix and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
FILING:
28. Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans No. PW 6-65-17 - Widening of Clement Avenue between
Park Street and Oak Street.
BILLS:
29. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total
amount of $78,863.15, were presented to the Council at this meeting.
The List was accompanied by certification from the City Manager that the Claims shown were correct.
Councilman McCall moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on
June 1, 1965, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was
seconded by Councilman La Croix and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes:
None. Absent: None.
30. At this point, President Godfrey asked that all stand for a moment of silence in observance of
the death of Lt. George 8. Verrinder of the Alameda Fire Department.
31, The President then declared a recess to allow the Council to retire to the Conference Room for an
executive session to deliberate on prospective appointees to the several City Boards.
Following a lengthy discussion of potential Board members at said session, it was determined that no
definitive action would be taken at this time.
ADJOURNMENT:
32. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned in respect to
the memory of GEORGE H. VERRINDER - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, June 15, 1965,
at 7:30 o'clock.
Respectfully submitted,