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1961-01-17 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 17, 1961 The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President McCall presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Freeman and was followed by an inspiring Invocation delivered by The Reverend Mr. O. T. Erickson, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Collischonn, Freeman, Petersen, Schacht and President McCall, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held January 3, 1961, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2. From Alameda - Contra Costa Transit District, signed by Mr. William J. Bettencourt, President, expressing appreciation to the Police Department for its assistance relative to the parade recently held to introduce the District's fleet of "Transit Liner" motor coaches. The letter was noted with thanks and ordered filed after being acknowledged. 3.1 From Alameda Lodge No. 1015, B. P. 0. E., signed by Mr. Owen D. Cant, Chairman of Building Committee, requesting the City to consider selling to the Lodge that certain parcel of land, con- taining approximately 3.9 acres, located at the southeast corner of Doolittle and Maitland Drives. Following discussion, it was agreed the City is not in a position to have a formal appraisal made in view of the fact the purchase has not yet been officially authorized by the Lodge membership as a whole but that further negotiations could proceed in this matter. The Building Committee of the Lodge was to be so informed. 4. From Hardin, Fletcher, Cook & Hayes, Attorneys at Law, signed by Mr. Herman Cook, concerning the recent award of contract for the project of Improving Mound Street. The President suggested a conference be held between Mr. Cook and his client, Mr. Oliver de Silva, and the City Manager and the City Engineer to discuss the circumstances. There being no objections, it was so ordered. 5. From Alameda Junior Chamber of Commerce Auxiliary, signed by Mrs. Jack Veasy, Corresponding Secretary - and from Bay Farm Island Improvement League, signed by Mr. George T. Butler, President, in support of the recent request from the Alameda Garden Club that efforts be made to assure the landscaping and beautification of the approaches to the Estuary Tubes. The President pointed out the City is vitally interested in such a program and the City Engineer is in contact with the State Engineer in charge of the new tube construction. A file on the subject is to be established for reference of all concerned. It was also developed that there are other areas in the City which need beautification. V 6. From Mr. Thomas L. Ferro, 2700 Washington Street, inquiring whether the recent Council direc- tive dated December 9, 1960, demands of the Civil Service Board that it make specific salary recommendations. Mr. Ferro personally addressed the Council at great length, contending that the Board could not make an intelligent recommendation with regard to salaries since it does not understand the tax basis and the budget of the City. During the course of much discussion, it was pointed out the Board does not have to be concerned about the money involved. If a salary increase is to be given, the final decision is always made solely by. the Council and then it is the responsibility of the Council to determine how the money will be raised to meet it. The Board has no obligation in this phase of the matter whatsoever. Councilman Schacht expressed: his opinion that the Civil Service Board should not be required to make a specific salary recommendation because he thought it was meaningless in view of the fact that the Council makes the final decision regardless of what the recommendation might be. Council- man Petersen stated he was inclined to agree with Councilman Schacht's remarks. Mr. Weller commented an the situation in a further attempt to clarify the Council policy on this subject. Following more discussion, it was agreed that the Board would act in accordance with the policy statement contained in the letter referred to by Mr. Ferro, particularly as =set forth in Item "2" - "The Board will be expected to review the data so assembled and to make such specific recommenda- tions as may seem appropriate, considering any or all of the following ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 7. Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, spoke of the great amount of debris and refuse through- out the City, especially in the vicinity of Thau Way, Pope Street and Eagle Avenue. He strongly urged that greater effort be made to clean up the City and steps be taken to keep this condition from recurring by arresting anyone who litters the streets or vacant properties. The Acting City Attorney was asked to review the City Code regulation in this respect to ascertain if it can be strengthened to remedy this condition. 8. Mrs. Inez Kapellas, 1610 Encinal Avenue, stated the construction of the swimming pools in Franklin Park is now in progress. She pointed out there is a great hazard there due to the heavy equipment which is being left on the premises overnight and children are playing on it. Mrs. Kapellas felt the equipment should be removed or fenced off when not in use on the job for the protection of the youngsters. The City Engineer was asked to check into this situation. 9.1 Mr. G. N. Pope, 1820 Bay Street, agreed with Mr. Gottstein's remarks about the refuse and expressed his opinions concerning the directive to the Civil Service Board; the high salaries of City employees; the long hours of the duty week of the firemen and urging the Council ta take some action in this respect to retain control of the latter rather than have it appear on the ballot. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, ETCETERA: 10. From City Manager, reporting all work satisfactorily completed on the project of Remodeling Room 310 - Auditor's Office - recommending it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered filed. Councilman Freeman moved the recommendation be adopted; that the work on said project be accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and unani- mously carried. V/ 11. From City Planning Board, signed amendments to the "C-1", Neighborhood requested sixty days' additional time ments to the "C-2", Central Business, by the Secretary, recommending the Council approve the proposed Business, District regulations, as drafted. Also, the Board from January 9, 1964 to further consider the matter of amend- District regulations. The date of Hearing on the "C-1" matter was set for the next Council meeting, to be held February 7, 1961. With regard to the extension of time, Councilman Collischonn moved the Board be granted sixty additional days for continued study of the "C-2" amendments. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None, 12. From City Manager, reporting that no valid bids were received on the call for the project of Wrecking and/or Removal of Dwelling .known as 1631 Everett Street and recommending the work be under- taken without formal contract, in accordance with Section 3-15 of the City Charter. Councilman Freeman moved the recommendation be approved; that the City Manager negotiate this mat- ter in the open market. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 13. From City Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, concerning proposed amendments to subpara- graph (d), Sec. 11-14A6 of the Zoning Ordinance, relative to "Small Lot Provisions". A draft of the contemplated ordinance to effect said amendments was transmitted, together with comments from the Fire Department and pertinent excerpts from the City of Richmond Code. Before setting a date of Hearing, it was determined the matter would be laid over to the next Council meeting in order that more data on the subject may be obtained from other City departments concerned. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 14. Councilman Collischonn introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Reclassifying and Rezoning Certain Property Within the City of Alameda by Amending Zoning Ordinance No. 1277, New Series." (Block bounded by Buena Vista and Pacific Avenues and Pam, and Stanton Streets) UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 15. Councilman Freeman broached the subject of First Aid service and stated that reports had been made and discussions had, but no decisions reached. She felt that possibly now would be the time to ascer- tain from the people whether or not they wish this service continued and what type. Considerable discussion ensued -about the manner in which proper information pro and con this question could be furnished to the citizens and some indication obtained from them as to their desires on the subject. The latest report on the operation of the First Aid Station was to be sent to the Councilmen. 16. Councilman Freeman referred also to a letter dated July 18, 1960, from the U. S. Corps of Army Engineers concerning the studies being made of the "silting" condition in the Channel and Bay in the vicinity of Bay Farm Island Bridge. She inquired what progress has been made in this matter. Mr. Weller and Mr. Hanna explained that the situation has been persistently followed and the latest answer is that the matter is under consideration and any further progress will be transmitted to the City. Mr. Hanna was asked to continue his efforts toward expeding some action from the "Corps". NEW BUSINESS: 17. At this time, the Clerk read a prepared statement concerning the submission of arguments for and against the proposed Charter amendment relative to the duty week of Alameda Firemen to be sub- mitted to the electors at the Alameda General Municipal Election to be held March 14, 1961. It was stated the date of Friday, February 10, 1961, has been set as the deadline for receipt by the City Clerk of any such arguments. The Clerk stated copies of this article had been given to the Press. 18. Councilman Petersen spoke of the legislation recently proposed by Assemblyman Robert W. Crown through the introduction of a bill to allow open dump burning under certain conditions. He felt the Council should express a vote of confidence in Mr. Crown and a letter of thanks be sent to him for his efforts toward providing a more favorable burning ban than the regulations now in effect under the Air Pollution Control Board., President McCall also referred to another. bill introduced by Assemblyman Crown which provides that Lincoln Avenue be made a part of the State Highway System. He suggested the Clerk write letters to Mr. Crown commending him for each of these measures and thanking him for his worthwhile efforts on behalf of the City. It was so ordered. RESOLUTIONS: 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Collischonn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6172 Cancelling City Taxes on Property Acquired by the Alameda Unified School District for Public Purposes." (North side Santa Clara Avenue, east of St. Charles Street - Mastick School) The motion to, adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. carried 20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6173 Adopting .Specifications., Special Provisions and Plans for Construction of Arch Culverts on Buena Vista Avenue from Bay Street to Lafayette Street, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 21. The following resolution, was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6174 Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda Approving Proposed Budget for Engineering Funds Pursuant to Section 2107.5 ' of the Streets and Highways Code -- Fiscal Year 1961 - 1962." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Freeman, who moved its The motion to adopt the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. "Resolution No. 6175 Transferring $25,000.00 from the Lincoln Avenue Repair Fund (No. 530) to the Special Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund (No. 222)." adoption: said resolution was seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll call carried by 23. The following The motion to the following resolution was introduced by Councilman Collischonn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6176 Authorizing the Execution of Amendment to Contract NOy(U)- 22357 (Change '0') Relating to Direct Services to Navy Public Quarters and Navy Housing Homoja 'B'." adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Freeman and an roll vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. call carried by 24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6177 IN MEMORIAM TO MR. WILLIAM J. CARD 'WITH GREAT SADNESS, the Council of the City of Alameda records the death of one of its former employees, Mr. WILLIAM J. CARD, who had served the City for a period of twenty -two years. 'WHEREAS, Mr. Card was employed by the City of Alameda as a fireman on September 17, 1918, and retired from that position on November 8, 1940; and 'WHEREAS, Mr. Card performed the duties of his position diligently and faithfully and in full cooperation with his fellow firemen. 'NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, in recognition of his loyalty and efforts on behalf of the City, the Council of the City of Alameda hereby expresses its gratitude for his capable service during the long period of his employment. 'BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread in full upon the minutes of this meeting, and a copy thereof be forwarded to the family of Mr. Card, that it may extend to its members a sincere expression of sympathy and condolence in their bereavement; and '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 Mr. WILLIAM J. CARD." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. The President declared all of the foregoing resolutions duly adopted and passed. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 1 25. "Ordinance No. 1360, New Series An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Certain City-Owned. Real Property to the State of California (Portion of Washington Park Fill Area)." Mr. Pope made an earnest plea for the Council to retain this property under the sole control of the City. Councilman Collischonn moved the ordinance be adopted as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman. Speaking on the question, Councilman Petersen expressed his opposition to the proposed sale of this area. The question was then put and the motion carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Council- men Collischonn, Freeman, Schacht and President McCall, (4). Noes: Councilman Petersen, (1). Absent: None. FILING: ,26. Budget Proposal for Engineering Funds - Between State Division of Highways and City of Alameda. 27. Auditor's Financial Statement - City of Alameda, as of December 31, 1960 - Verified by Hackleman & Larzelere. 28. Contract - Between Federal Government and City of Alameda - re Navy Housing, Contract NOy(U)-22357 (Change '0'). 29. Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans No. PW 1-61-2 - Construction of Arch Culverts on Buena Vista Avenue from Bay Street to Lafayette Street. BILLS* • 30. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of $44,555.66, 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 Schacht moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on January 17, 1961, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None, Absent: None. ADJOURNMENT: 31. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the President asked all to stand for a moment of silence in respect to the memory of Mr. William J. Card. The Council then adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, February 7, 1961, at 7:30 o'clock. Respectfully submi ted,