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1960-07-19 Regular CC Minutes236 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 19, 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. Mervin R. Megill, Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church. POLL CALL: The roll was called and. Councilmen Collischonn, Freeman, Petersen and President McCall, (L), were noted present. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the adjourned regular meeting held June 28, 1960, and the regular meeting held July 5, 1960, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2Y' From Tidewater Oil Company, signed by Mr. E. S. Espeseth, Construction Engineer, requesting permission to install a marquee, four feet wide and twenty-five long, on an existing building, which will encroach said four feet over the sidewalk area. The Service Station involved is located at the gore of Central and Encinal Avenues. The matter was referred to the City Manager for appropriate action. 31 From Burl Blair, Ruth Carlson and W. A. Guthrie, owners of properties on the north side of Powell Street, between Oak and Park Streets - requesting that this block of Powell Street be abandoned. Upon advice from Mr. Annibale, he was directed to prepare a Resolution of Intention to abandon the block in question and the City Engineer to resubmit his report on the situation for the Council's information. The matter would then be ready to come up at the next meeting of the Council. Lci From Mrs. Ray G. Knight, 347 Pacific Avenue, in protest against the unsightly condition of the property adjoining hors - and requesting that action be taken to have the area cleaned up. Mr. Hanna reported that said property has now been burned off. 5./ From Mrs. Forest E. Black, 1741 Versailles Avenue, tendering her resignation as a member of the Youth Activities Committee due to the fact that she is moving from Alameda. Councilman Collischonn moved the resignation of Mrs. Black be accepted with. regret. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and carried. The Clerk was instructed to write a letter to Mrs. Black expressing the Council's appreciation for her excel- lent services in the work of said Committee. 6. From Dickey and Dickey, Attorneys for Alameda City Garbage Association, request- ing the extension of the Modification of Contract between the City and the Associa- tion for a period of one year - to July 29, 1961. Councilman Freeman moved the Modification of Contract be extended to July 29, 1961, as requested. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). V 7. From Whitney & Hanson, Attorneys for the Triangle Club of Alameda and the Munici- pal Civil Service Employees' Association, signed by Mr. Stanley D. Whitney, request- ing the opportunity to address the Council with reference to salary increases for City employees during fiscal year 1960-1961. The President assured Mr. Whitney he would be called upon to speak on this subject under "Oral Communications". 8. From Mr, Leo J. Gunston, 1077 Park Avenue, with regard to salary increases for City employees. The letter was referred to the file on salaries. 9. From Mr. Leo J. Gunston, concerning the rezoning of property known as 422 Taylor Avenue and the surrounding area - pointing up the delay of the Planning Board in sub- mitting a further report to the Council. It was again suggested to Mr. Gunston that ho should file an application for the rezoning of his property which would then, under provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, have to be acted upon within thirty days and a recommendation submitted to the Council. Mr. Annibale reviewed the procedure in this matter and, following discussion of the ,7 situation, Councilman Petersen moved the Planning Board be directed to submit a report on its study of the proposed rezoning of the area, embracing the property at 422 Taylor Avenue, within sixty days from July 19, 1960. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 10. Mr. Stanley D. Whitney, Attorney, stated his firm has been retained by the Tri- angle Club, an organization of Police and Firemen, and the Alameda Municipal Civil Service Employees' Association, to present to the Council some facts relating to the recommended salary increases for City employees. He thereupon presented a detailed argument in favor of granting the five per cent salary increase, citing statistics on the rise in the cost of living - the cost of uniforms and other required gear the Police and Firemen have to buy - and the comparison of Alameda salaries with other cities. He pointed up the fact that the Federal, State and County Governments, the Alameda School Department and some other cities, have already granted their respec- tive employees an increase in salaries. Mr. Whitney stressed the cost to the City of training the employees who do certain specialized work and the advantage of retaining these employees once they have reached proficiency in their jobs. He said it has been claimed that a salary raise would necessitate an increase in taxes and he felt this point should be of less concern to the Council than two questions (1) Are the employees entitled to have their salaries increased and (2) Have they earned that raise? If so, the Council should grant the raise and then it is its responsi- bility to find the money - and if it is necessary to increase taxes to do so, it is right and proper that such be done. He emphasized that both the Civil Service Board and the City Manager have recommended the salary increases, and urged that fair con- sideration be given and the raise be granted. The following also spoke in favor of granting a salary increase: Messrs. Leo J. Gunston, Michael Tilles, 1812 San Jose Avenue; Pete Hanson, 1064 Central Avenue; Richard Bartalini, 1715 Second Street. Each of the Councilmen then made a statement on the subject. Councilman Collischonn said he believes it is definitely a function of the Council to watch how the tax- payers' money is being spent and to try to guard against increasing the cost of the Alameda City Government. He felt the Council must be mindful of the great number of people who do have a real problem in paying their taxes because of their low income. He said he had reluctantly come to the decision, though, that he could not hold out against voting to grant a five per cent salary increase in view of the fact all other Governmental Agencies and the School Department had given a raise. How- ever, he stated he would vote to approve the salary increase as recommended by the Civil Service Board and the City Manager only if the Council would increase the tax rate by the amount necessary to cover this salary increase. He said, he is unalter- ably opposed to taking the raise out of "usable" funds and thus reduce the reserve which might be needed for some unexpected emergency. Councilman Petersen said his concern is with Alameda's fiscal problems and the fact that so many older people here live on "fixed incomes". He felt that, economically speaking, the granting of pay raises every year will lead to ruin, and it just cannot go on as the City expenditures are increasing much faster than its revenues - which means higher taxes on the people who are being "taxed to death" now. He said he thinks probably the whole mode of efficiency and operation of the City should be overhauled, and he just cannot agree with the thinking expressed. It was pointed out that a five per cent salary increase would mean an additional twenty-five cents on the tax rate for 1960-1961. President McCall concurred with the statements made that the City of Alameda has the best services of any city in this area. He said he felt each Councilman believes the raise is justified, but it is tied to a budget. He stated, however, he could not agree with the salary increase being based on a raise in the tax rate because he felt it is not necessary and he could not justifiably raise the people's taxes for a principle. Councilman Freeman said she agreed with Councilman Collischonn that the tax rate should be increased accordingly if a raise were to be granted, and she felt this would be "quite-a jump". She believes it is the Council's responsibility to watch the tax rate. Further discussion ensued on many phases of the subject - the rising expenditures and declining revenues of the City, the City's attempt to "hold the line" and the economic situation in general. In order to bring the matter to a vote, and upon advice of Mr. Annibale, Councilman Collischonn moved the Council adopt a resolution amending salary resolution No. 6103 to reflect the salary increases recommended by the City Manager and the Civil Service Board which were considered by the Council at its regular meeting held July 5, 1960, including a five per cent increase for the City Manager, also, and said resolution would be retroactive to July 1, 1960. The motion was seconded by President McCall, and failed to carry on the following tie vote. Ayes: Councilman Collischonn and President McCall, (2). Noes: Councilmen Freeman and Petersen, (2). Absent: Coun- cilman Schacht, (1). President McCall declared a ten - minute recess at this time, and, upon reconvening, the meeting continued under "Oral Communications ". 11� Mr. Sidney Dowling, Jr., 1211 Sherman Street, referred to the petition presented to the Council at its last meeting, requesting the improvement of Mound Street between Otis Drive and Waterton Street. He noted, a report had been made by the City Attorney and the City Engineer on the matter and inquired if some action could be taken this evening. Mr. Annibale explained the proceedings which the Council could follow under the Improvement Act of 1911, Streets and Highways Code, to accomplish said improvements. It was developed that this matter has been broached several times within the past three years and still no improvements have resulted even though the property owners responsible for them have been contacted many times in an effort to set up a mutu- ally satisfactory procedure. After a lengthy discussion, Councilman Collischonn moved the Council direct the Superintendent of Streets to proceed in this matter under Sections 5870, et seq., of the Streets and Highways Code to notify the owners or persons in possession of the properties fronting on both the east and west sides of Mound Street, between Otis Drive and Waterton Street, to construct or cause to be constructed in front of their property, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and pavement. The motion was seconded by Council- man Petersen and carried on the roll call vote as follows: Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). Mr. Dowling and Mr. Roger Hooper, signers of the petition in question, expressed their thanks to the Council for its action in this respect. 12. Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, referred to the remarks made by Council- man Freeman at the last meeting with regard to the possible use of police dogs with the patrolmen. He felt this was a good idea and the Police Chief and his Officers should be the ones to determine whether or not it would be feasible. The President assured Mr. Gottstein the matter is being checked and a report will pro- bably be ready for the next Council meeting. Councilman Freeman asked that action on said report be postponed until she returns from her vacation. It was agreed the report would be held in abeyance until the meeting of September 6, 1960. 13/ At this time, President McCall announced, for the information of all concerned, that the matter of salary raises will be on the agenda for the Council meeting of September 6, 1960, for final consideration prior to the adoption of the Budget for fiscal year 1960 -1961. 1J4%I. Mr. G. N. Pope, 1820 Bay Street, referred to a certain type of unbreakable bulb for street lights which is being manufactured by Ee.stman Kodak Company. He suggested the City Manager's attention be directed to this item for referral to the Bureau of Electricity, which might effect a saving through the use of this bulb. Mr. Clark was instructed to transmit this suggestion to the Bureau. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, ETCETERA: 15`! From Acting City Manager, submitting a proposed Disaster Plan for City of Alameda - recommending the Council approve said Plan and authorize the expenditure of $00. to have 20,000 copies printed for distribution with the electric light bills. Councilman Freeman moved the recommendation be accepted; that the Disaster Plan be approved and the designated sum be authorized for the specified purpose. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). 16`f From Treasurer, in compliance with Resolution No. 6026, submitting a report on the collateral held in his office during the month of June, 1960, in the amount of ?1,000,000. The report was noted and ordered filed. 17. From City Manager, requesting the Amendment of Diagram and Assessment of Parcel No. 133 of the Bay Farm Island Sewer Assessment District, Project No. 1, by subdivid- ing it into two parcels to be known as Parcels No. 90 -26 and No. 133 -1. The date for the Hearing in this matter was set for the Council meeting to be held August 16, 1960. 18. From City Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, informing the Council the Board will hold in abeyance its initiation of amendment proceedings to delete from the Zoning Ordinance the requirement of Use Permits for docks, etcetera, pending receipt of notification that appropriate Standards and Specifications have been approved by the Council for control of such structures. The matter was referred to the City Engineer for the drafting and submission of "Standards" for approval of the Council. 19. From Acting City Manager, reporting all work satisfactorily completed on Janitor- ial Services in the City Hall during 1959 -60 - recommending it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered f iled. There being no objections, it was so ordered that the work be accepted and the Notice of Completion be f iled. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 20." Councilman Collischonn inquired if there is any current information concerning the Fruitvale Avenue Bridge situation. Mr. Annibale stated the City had received a letter just yesterday from the Chairman of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, copies of which will be sent to the Councilmen. The Council may desire to take action on this communication at its next meeting. 21. Councilman Freeman referred to the request for sanitary facilities at the Boat Ramp, north end of Grand Street. A report had been made by the City Engineer, dated July 18, 1960, in which it was pointed out the Boat Ramp is under the jurisdiction of the Recreation Department. It was therefore determined the matter would be referred to the City Manager for sub- mission to the Recreation Department with all information on hand from the Alameda County Health. Department and others concerned. It was so ordered. Mr. Annibale pointed out the City does not own the land on which the Boat Ramp is located. At present, it is merely leased from Moore Dry Dock Company. It was suggested this information should also be transmitted to the Recreation Department. RESOLUTIONS: 22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Collischonn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6105 Resolution of Intention to Order the Vacation of a Certain Portion of Oak Street, in the City of Alameda (North of Blanding Avenue)." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). 23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Freeman, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6106 Declaring Public Interest and Necessity Require the Acquisition of Certain Lands for Right-of-Way Purposes, Including Street and Highway, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Purposes (Howey - Tilden Way)." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). 24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Collischonn, who moved, its adoption: "Resolution No. 6107 Resolution of the City of Alameda Rescinding Resolutions No. 5586, 5,587 and 6102, All Relating to the Vacation of Pearl Street (South of Otis Drive).' The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). 25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Petersen, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6108 Amending Salary Resolution No. 6103 by Providing for the Retention of Previous Salary Levels for Two Employees in Street Department (Truck Driver and Laborer)." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). 26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Collischonn, who moved its adoption: 240 "Resolution No. 6109 Authorizing Execution of an Agreement by and Between City of Alameda for Don W. James, Relating to Permitted Use of City Off- Street Parking Lot (Central Avenue)." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). 27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Freeman, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6110 Authorizing City Manager to Execute all Documents Necessary for the Utilization of Certain United States Navy Facilities for Recreational Purposes." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). 28. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Petersen, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6111 Adopting Terms and Conditions for Sale of Certain City -Owned Property to the Highest Competitive Bidder and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same (East side of Beach Road southerly of Seminary Avenue) ." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). The President thereupon declared all of the foregoing resolutions duly adopted and passed. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 2.9. "Ordinance No. 1340, New Series An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Certain City - Owned Real Property to Anthony J. Bertero (Excess Property - Fitchburg Avenue and Beach Road) ." Councilman Collischonn moved the ordinance be adopted as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). 30. "Ordinance No. 1341, New Series An Ordinance Reclassifying and Rezoning Certain Property Within the City of Alameda by Amending Zoning Ordinance No. 1277, New Series." (Bounded by Concordia Street and Patton Way and Pacific and Buena Vista Avenues) Councilman Petersen moved the ordinance be adopted as submitted. 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: Councilman Collischonn, (1). Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). 31. "Ordinance No. 1342, 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 and 2306 -23062 San Jose Avenue) Councilman Freeman moved the ordinance be adopted as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four, Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). FILING: 32. Financial Statement - Bureau of Electricity, as of May 31, 1960 - Verified by Hackleman 8: Larzelere. 33. Auditor's Financial Statement - City of Alameda, as at June 30, 1960 - Verified by Hackleman & Larzelere. 34. Agreement between the City and Don W. James. 35. Terms and Conditions for Sale of City property located on Beach Road southerly of Seminary Avenue. BILLS: 36. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the amount of 824 224.15 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 Collischonn moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on July 19, 1960, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Schacht, (1). 37.' At this time, President McCall spoke of the death of Mr. B. W. Booker, former Assistant State Highway Engineer, District IV, who had retired in 1959. He said Mr. Booker had been acting as a consultant to the Alameda County Highway Committee, and had always worked for the best interests of all the cities in the Bay area. 38.V President McCall also regretfully announced the death of Mrs. Chester Stanley, wife of one of the Supervisors of Alameda County. ADJOURNMENT: 39. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, August 2, 1960, at 7:30 o'clock. Respectfully submitted, 0 ity4Cierk -"`"i --- 241