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1960-07-05 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 5, 1960 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. Robert F. Hakes, Pastor, Calvary Baptist 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 June 21, 1960, were approved as trans- cribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2. From Alameda Chamber of Commerce, signed by Mr. Gus Levy, President, in com- mendation of the Alameda Fire Department and other City officials for their work relative to the City's retention of Class III designation by the National Board of Fire Underwriters. The communication was noted with appreciation by the Council and then referred to the Fire Chief for the information of his men. 3."/ From Mrs. F. B. Dignon, 13340 Doolittle Drive, San Leandro, protesting against certain building inspection practices while the painting of her property at 2114 Santa Clara Avenue was in progress. Mr. Hanna stated he had not yet had an opportunity to interview all parties involved and as soon as he has done so, he will submit a report. 4. From twelve owners of property on Waterton Street, submitting a petition, dated June 23, 1960, requesting that Mound Street be paved between Otis Drive and Waterton Street. Mr. Sidney Dowling, Jr., 1211 Sherman Street, addressed the Council as spokesman for the petitioners. He pointed up the fact this request has been made on several pre- vious occasions and also emphasized that those who have purchased homes on Waterton Street have already paid for the improvements there. Further, the home owners on Otis Drive have also paid for their improvements. He referred to the earlier attempt to form an assessment district for this street improvement but said he felt this procedure is not proper because charges are assessed against those who have previously paid for their respective improvements. Upon request, Mr. Hanna explained the situation. Mr. Annibale suggested the request be referred to Mr. Hanna and himself for a study of the entire matter and a report to the Council. They would also discuss the circumstances with Mr. Dowling to obtain his views on the subject. There being no objections, such was the order. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 5. Mr. G. N. Pope, 1820 Bay Street, addressed the Council in opposition to the adoption of two resolutions listed on the agenda concerning the participation of the City in the proposed "Association of Bay Area Governments" and the recommended five per cent salary increase for all City employees and officials. 6:1 Mr. A. H. Bonstin, 3259 Fernside Boulevard, also spoke against the City's parti- cipation in said Association of Bay Area Governments, as contemplated in the resolu- tion on the agenda. 4 7. Mr. John P. Gutleben, 1917 Stanford Street, inquired what progress has been made toward the installation of sanitary facilities at the site of the Boat Ramp at the north end of Grand Street. He urged that immediate steps be taken to provide these necessary facilities. Considerable discussion ensued with regard to the installation of "temporary" or "permanent" structures - it being pointed out there are certain property entangle- ments to be resolved and, eventually, a long-term lease entered into. Mr. Gutleben stressed the fact there should be some sanitary facilities there now. Councilman Petersen then moved the matter be referred to the City Engineer for a report at the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried unanimously. 8. Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, again offered the suggestion that the Times-Star publish the complete agenda in its newspaper the day of the Council meet- ing for the information of the public. He also spoke in favor of giving a salary increase to the City employees. Mr. Gottstein referred to the decal stickers for truck windshields issued by the License Collector. He felt the City is losing revenue by not investigating every case where a truck does not display this decal which indicates the firm has paid the required license to do business within the City. He stated the Alameda decals are too large. Mr. Gottstein urged that the ordinance be enforced and the out -of -town firms doing business locally be checked and requested to pay the necessary license fee and display the decal sticker. HEARINGS: 9`..7 The matter was called up concerning the requested reclassification of proper- ties bounded by Concordia Street and Patton Way and Pacific and Buena Vista Avenues, from "R -5" (General Apartment) District to "C -3" (General Commercial) District for a business development by Safeway Stores, Inc. The Clerk stated there was on file the Affidavit of Publication of the Notice of Hearing and the file of the Planning Board containing all documents pertinent to this case. It was stated the Council had been sent copies of the minutes of the Board's meeting at which this matter was heard and the Board's recommendation that the petitition be approved. The President called for the proponents and Mr. H. G. Cason, 15 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, Real Estate Representative of Safeway Stores, Inc., addressed the Council. He pointed up the efforts made by his company during the past several years to pur- chase an area of land in the Webster Street business district large enough to accom- modate the existing store's needed expansion and also to provide more adequate park- ing space. He mentioned that forty per cent of the new site is already in a commer- cial zone. Mr. Cason stated the contemplated "supermarket" would cost about one -half million dollars and he felt it would be of benefit to the Webster Street area as a whole. Messrs. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, and Ray Henshaw, owner of property at 750 Pacific Avenue, also spoke in favor of this proposed development. The opponents were then called upon and the following spoke in protest against the reclassification of the properties involved for said business development: Messrs. Ben Kopf, 845 Pacific Avenue, and Lewis Groper, Jeweler on Webster Street, both pointed up their belief that this improvement should be retained in the existing business district. Mr. Leo Gunston, 1077 Park Avenue, said he objected to "spot zoning" for this development. There being no further comments forthcoming, the President declared the Hearing closed. Councilman Petersen thereupon moved the Council uphold the recommendation of the Planning Board and grant the rezoning as requested. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Freeman, Petersen and President McCall, (3). Noes: None. Not Voting: Councilmen Collischonn and Schacht, (2), who abstained due to conflict of interests. Absent: None. The matter was then referred to "Introduction of Ordinances ". 10v The matter was next called up with regard to the reclassification of properties known as 1125 Park Street and 2306 -23062 San Jose Avenue from "R -5" (General Apart- ment) District to "C -1" (Neighborhood Business) District for expansion of the former business site. The Clerk stated there was on file the Affidavit of Publication of the Notice of Hearing and the file of the Planning Board containing all documents pertinent to the case. Also, the Council had received copies of the minutes of the Board's meeting at which this matter was heard and the Board's recommendation that the rezoning be approved. Upon the President's call for the proponents, Mr. David Garfinkle, 1171 Park Avenue, owner of the property in question, addressed the Council. He explained that, until very recently, this Park Street site had been occupied by a grocery store for many years and it had been zoned for such commercial use under the previous zoning ordin- ance. He stated he now has a tenant who desires a ten -year lease to operate a large market and who wants to modernize and expand the premises. He had, therefore, acquired the San Jose Avenue lot for the addition to the existing building. He felt such a market is greatly needed in this neighborhood and he wants it operated in the proper zone. Upon inquiry, there were no opponents to the proposed reclassification and President McCall declared said Hearing closed. Councilman Petersen moved the recommendation of the Planning Board be upheld and the property be rezoned accordingly. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. The matter was then referred to "Introduction of Ordinances ". REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, ETCETERA: 11✓ From City Manager, recommending the sale of the Fitchburg Avenue property to the high bidder, Mr. Anthony J. Bertero, for the amount of $2,600. Councilman Freeman moved the recommendation be adopted and said property be sold to Mr. Bertero at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll call carried unanimously. The matter was then referred to "Introduction of Ordinances ". 12. From Auditor and Assessor, notifying the Council that the total assessed valua- tion of the City for the tax rate basis for 1960 -1961 is estimated to be $58,428,303. The communication was noted and ordered filed. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 13. 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 Authorizing the Sale of Certain City - Owned Real Property to Anthony J. Bertero (Excess Property - Fitchburg Avenue and Beach Road) ." 14. Councilman Freeman 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." (Concordia Street and Patton ay, Pacific and Buena Vista Avenues) 15. Councilman Petersen 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." (1125 Park Street - 2306 -23062 San Jose Avenue) UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 16. The request was again presented from South Shore Land Co. for a one -year exten- sion of time - to June 25, 1961 - on the Agreement relative to the installation of improvements in Unit II, South Shore Tract No. 1898. Councilman Freeman pointed up the fact that the present assessed value of this 125 - acre unit is $300,000. for the raw land and as soon as the improvements are in, the area can be assessed "per lot ", the total of which will then be close to $1,500,000. She, therefore, felt it is very important to the economy of the City of have the installation of the improvements completed as soon as possible. Councilman Freeman stressed the point that the "assessment year" begins with the first Monday of March, and by granting a one -year extension of time it allows, in effect, two years before the "improved "property can be on the assessment rolls for tax purposes. Following discussion of the subject, Councilman Freeman moved the extension be granted for a period of six months to January 3, 1961. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Council- men Freeman, Petersen, Schacht and President McCall, (4). Noes: Councilman Collischonn, (1). Absent: None. 17. The matter of a salary increase for City employees and officials was submitted for further consideration. Subsequent to the last meeting, additional data had been sent to each Councilman for his information on certain details. Councilman Freeman suggested that all overtime pay be deleted and, instead, "free" time off be allowed for any overtime work - and the question should be submitted to the employees to vote on whether or not they would wish to accept this setup. She felt the saving thus effected would permit a salary increase of about two and one - half per cent across the board. Mr. Weller explained the fallacy of such an arrangement insofar as personnel adminis- tration is concerned and felt it would be a mistake for the Council to adopt this policy. Councilman Freeman also said she noted that in the City of Stockton they now have patrol cars in which a police dog accompanies one officer and she would like to have inquiry made as to how this system is working out and how much the insurance costs. 234 Mr. Weller pointed out the City of Berkeley pioneered in this field and eventually stopped the use of dogs. He agreed, however, he could ascertain the results of the Stockton experiment. Councilman Freeman said, too, she noted in the budget there are three separate auto- motive departments in which mechanical repairs are made and she questioned why one would not be sufficient. She felt this is an overhead expense the City cannot afford at this time and suggested the matter be given study. Further discussion ensued, embracing the contemplated loss of revenue from State allocations due to the decrease in population; the level of services given by the City employees and the economic status of the City in general. It was the consensus of the Council that it simply could not afford to give a five per cent salary increase and that it should 'hold the line" and "take a stand" in this respect. It was also agreed there should be a complete review of service levels. Mr. Weller stated he is presently in the process of such a project but it will take some time to obtain a complete report. During the course of the lengthy discussion on the subject, it was also developed that the recommended increase could be granted under the present tax rate of $2.114 for 1960 -1961 and the chances are good that the City could maintain the same rate in 1961 -1962, insofar as salaries are concerned. Councilman Schacht said he still would like to have further information on the ser- vice levels and related questions before making a determination in the matter. To bring the question to a vote, the matter was then referred to "Resolutions ". RESOLUTIONS: 18. "Resolution No. A Resolution Designating the Number of and Providing for the Compensation of Certain Officers and Other Employees of the City of Alameda and Providing Rules and Regulations Relative Thereto." Mr. Annibale explained that this resolution incorporates the recommendations of the Civil Service Board and the City Manager to grant a five per cent salary increase to City employees and also sets forth the number of positions. Vice President Schacht assumed the Chair in order that the President could initiate action on the resolution. President McCall thereupon introduced the resolution and moved its adoption. The motion died for lack of a second. Mr. Annibale then stated the resolution is ready to be passed, as amended by any of the Councilmen. Upon advice of Mr. Annibale, Councilman Freeman thereupon moved said resolution be adopted with the amendment that the rate of pay for City employees be the same as the previous year and the number of positions included be those set forth in the Tentative Budget already approved by the City Council. "Resolution No. 6103 A Resolution Designating the Number of and Providing for the Compensation of Certain Officers and Other Employees of the City of Alameda and Providing Rules and Regulations Relative Thereto." (As Amended) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Collischonn, Freeman, Petersen and Schacht, (4). Noes: President McCall, (1). Absent: None. 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Collischonn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6104 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to the City of Alameda Five (5) New, 8- Cylinder, 4 -Door Sedans, 1960 Model with Automatic Transmission, for the Police Department, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same.h 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 thereupon declared the foregoing resolutions duly adopted and passed. 201. "Resolution No. Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement for the Formation of an Association of Bay Area Governments and the Participation of City of Alameda Therein." It was first suggested this resolution be laid over to the meeting of July 19, for further consideration. However, it was the opinion of several that this organiza- tion would entail a possible increase in City taxes and in view of the Council's effort to "hold the line" in this respect, it was felt the resolution should be put to a vote at this time. Therefore, in order to bring the matter up for official action, Councilman Schacht moved the adoption of the resolution in question. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman. Speaking on the question, President McCall said he felt there is a misunderstanding about this proposed association and he explained its purpose and objectives. The question was then put and the motion to adopt said resolution was defeated by the following vote. Ayes: None. Noes: Councilmen Collischonn, Freeman, Petersen and Schacht, (4). Not Voting: President McCall, (1). Absent: None. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 21/ "Ordinance No. 1339, New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Sections 9-149, 9-1410 and 9-1411 Thereof, Relating to the Vaccination of Dogs." Councilman Collischonn moved the ordinance be adopted as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. FILING: 22. Specifications and Provisions No. MS 7-60-10 - for Five New, 8-Cylinder, 4-door Sedans, 1960 model with Automatic Transmission for Police Department. BILLS: 23. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the amount of $6,647.88, 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 July 5, 1960, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and carried on the fol- lowing roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. ADJOURNMENT: 24, There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, July 19, 1960, at 7:30 o'clock. Respectfully submitted,