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1957-08-20 Regular CC Minutes4 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 20, 1957 The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President McCall presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Councilman Petersen, followed by a most inspir- ing Invocation delivered by the Reverend Mrs. Gladys C. Grier, Minister of the Home of Truth. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Haag, Petersen, Schacht and President McCall, (4), were noted present. Absent: Councilman Freeman, (1). MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the adjourned regular meeting held August 13, 1957, were approved as transcribed. OPENING OF BIDS: 2. The Clerk stated no bids had been received on the call for the sale of Encinal Housing Project Property. President McCall stated that, if there were no objections, he would refer the mat- ter to the Acting City Manager for further study and report back to the Council on negotiations in this respect. It was so ordered. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 3. From Skiatron TV, Inc., submitting an Application for License, the proposed form of Ordinance granting such License and a Brochure explaining the Closed Circuit System. In response to President McCall's question as to the City Attorney's attendance at meetings on this matter, Mr. Annibale replied that it is anticipated the model ordinance will be ready by the end of the week and it can possibly be presented to the City Council at its next meeting. He suggested the matter again be referred to him. Such was the order. 4. From Public Works Department of Naval Air Station, signed. by Mr. Ralph E. Lane, Master Mechanic, expressing appreciation to the City and Park Department Employees for the fine facilities of Lincoln Park for recreational purposes and the help of the Staff in planning a r ecent picnic. The President stated the Council and members of the Park Department are very happy to receive this type of comment. 5/ From Longs Stores, signed by Mr. A. L. DeBenedetti, Manager, requesting the removal of a bicycle rack located in front of its store on Park Street, as it is a dirt catcher and detracts from the appearance of the street. Upon request of the President, the City Engineer stated the rack had been removed last Friday as it was no longer serving its purpose. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 6. Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, addressed the Council on the subject of street names. He felt it was very thoughtful of Councilman Petersen to ask that streets in the proposed South Shore Subdivision be named after deceased war heroes. He said there were other people who were prominent in the affairs of the City for whom streets should be named and he suggested the following might be recognized: Knowland, Warren, Probst, Eisenhower and Crown. Mr. Gottstein also spoke of the advantages of keeping the Library open on Sundays. the Acting City Manager stated a report on this matter had been prepared several months ago and he would be glad to have a copy made available for Mr. Gottstein. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 7. From the Bureau of Electricity, Department of Public Utilities, signed by Mr. G. A. Baxter, Manager, submitting the following recommendations of the Public Utilities Board for the Council's consideration of the applicability of any such benefits to all City employees: Vacations of twenty working days after twenty - five years' service, effective January 1, 1958; Hospital and Medical Insurance for which the City would pay at least a portion of the monthly premium and Group Life Insurance for which the. City would pay fifty per cent of the monthly premium, the amount of insurance up to a specific maximum to be optional with the employee. Councilman Haag said he realized such benefits are being offered in private indus- try and through the Unions and the Council has known about these proposals for a long time but he pointed out they are, in effect, a raise in pay and he did not see how they could be favorably considered at this time in view of the tight budget proposed for this fiscal year. It was determined the matter would be referred to the City Manager for further study and report. 8. From the Advisory Golf Commission, signed by Mr. Elliot S. Peterson, Secretary, recommending a certain "plan" be put into effect, on a trial basis, whereby non - paid City of Alameda Board members would be allowed certain starting privileges at the Golf Course. President McCall asked the City Attorney to make a statement on this recommendation. Mr. Annibale stated there is no legal justification to put such a plan into effect. He said the Charter specifies that all Board members of the City are to be non - compensated individuals, so one certainly could not justify this privilege on the grounds of compensation. Furthermore, such a plan would be allowing privileges to certain members of the community as against other members. On that basis, he would certainly recommend the request of the Commission be denied. Considerable discussion ensued on this matter - it being suggested that possibly a meeting could be arranged between the City Attorney, City Manager and the Commission to discuss the situation. However, Councilman Schacht felt that, in, view of the City Attorney's opinion as to the Charter provisions, the Council has no legal or moral right to allow such privileges and, therefore, there is no point in further discussion. Councilman Peterson concurred. Councilman Schacht thereupon moved the City Attorney inform the Advisory Golf Com- mission concerning the illegality of any preferential starting time privileges under the City Charter - and, if such has been the case, even though over a period of years, now that it has come to light, he felt such practice should be stopped. Councilman Haag seconded the motion which was unanimously carried. 9. From. the Acting City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to 0. C. Jones & Sons, low bidder, for the project of Paving in the vicinity of the New Golf Course Clubhouse, at the price of P10,16O.75. Councilman Haag moved the recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to said firm for the specified project at the price quoted and the bid bonds or checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Freeman, (One). 10. From the Acting City Manager, reporting on the investigation of the recent request to establish Taylor Avenue, between Fifth and Sixth Streets, a one -way street westerly; to allow parking only on the north side in this block and to relo- cate the stop sign now at Sixth Street and Taylor Avenue to Fifth Street and Taylor Avenue. The Chief of Police had found the request was plausible. The matter was referred to "Ordinances for Introduction ". 11. From the Acting City Manager, reporting on the investigation of the recent request to have stop signs established at the intersection of Clinton Avenue and Oak Street. The Chief of Police had found there was a great deal of merit in the request. The matter was referred to "Ordinances for Introduction ". 121. From the Acting City Manager, reporting on the recommendation of the Advisory Golf Commission that the rental rate for large lockers be increased to $1.00 per month or ��10.00 per year and the small lockers at the Municipal Golf Course Club- house be replaced with large lockers. It was stated forty - one additional large lockers can be installed in the men's locker room, the cost for which would be $1,148., and on the basis of the increased locker rental, the additional lockers would be paid for in a period of three years. It was pointed out, however, no pro- vision has been made in the 'tentative Budget to cover said cost. The existing small lockers can be used at the Golf Maintenance Building and at the Corporation Yard for employees. It was recommended the rental rate be increased as stipulated, effective September 1, 1957. A discussion was had on the financial situation of the Golf Course and the financing of the proposed purchase of the additional lockers. Councilman Petersen then moved the recommendation of the Commission be adopted and the rental rates of the large lockers be increased to $1.00 per month or $10.00 per year, effective September 1, 1957 - and the matter of purchasing more lockers be reconsidered at a later date. Councilman Schacht seconded the motion which, on roll call, carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Freeman, (One). 13. From the Auditor and Assessor, informing the Council of a change in the Final Public Utility Roll of assessed valuations., The State Board of Equalization had informed him the final figure will be 83,605,879. The new total estimate for 1957- 58 will, therefore, be 852,953,179. instead of the original estimate of 852,807,000. The communication was noted and ordered filed. From the Acting City Manager, reporting all work satisfactorily completed on the project of Constructing the New Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse - recommending it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered filed. Councilman Petersen moved the recommendation be approved; that the work on the speci- fied project be accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and unanimously carried. 23 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 15. Councilman Haag introduced the following ordinance: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Subdivisions (80) and (81) to Section 17 -132 Thereof, and Amending Subdivisions (45) Thereof, Relating to Stop Intersections." 16. Councilman Petersen introduced the following ordinance: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Subdivision (5) to Section 17 -571 Thereof, Relating to One -Way Streets." 17. Councilman Schacht introduced the following ordinance: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending Section 17 -333 of the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Thereto Subdivision (22), Relating to All Time No Parking." 18. Councilman Haag introduced the following ordinance: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending Section 16 -511 of the Alameda Municipal Code, Relating to Dangerous Weapons." All of the foregoing ordinances were laid over, under provisions of law and the Charter. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 17. Councilman Haag recalled that, in discussing the "Utah" Agreement at the last meeting, he had objected to the $100,000./$300,000. limits on public liability insur- ance, believing those amounts were too low, based on the existing and repeated jury verdicts which are being given. He quoted from a copy of the minutes of a meeting of the Board of Trustees of Reclamation District 2087 in which it was recommended the limits of such insurance be increased to $500,000./81,000,000. for contracts being let by Utah. Therefore, he felt it was in order for the City to require higher amounts of coverage from. Utah. Upon Councilman Haag's request, Mr. Annibale pointed out the City has another condi- tion in the Agreement whereby the City is held harmless from any and all liability, which extends over and beyond any insurance coverage. Furthermore, the certificates of insurance in connection with Utah's Agreement are actually in the amounts of $500,000.%g1,000,000. Councilman Haag said he was happy to learn the coverage was already in the larger amounts. 20. Councilman Haag also spoke of the second draft of a letter by the Acting City Manager, for review by the Council, to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, requesting that all monies allocated in this year's County Budget for Posey Tube, be expended for lighting on the Alameda side. He said he felt this letter was entirely adequate now. The other members of the Council concurred and Mr. Clark was instructed to forward said communication to the Board. 2 . Mr. Annibale stated Councilman Haag's remarks concerning public liability insur- ance prompted him to bring up this point. At present all contracts require said insurance in the amounts of 43100,000./ 1300,000. and, if it is the Council's desire to increase those amounts, he would like to have such direction att his time, and a definite policy established. Following some discussion, it was determined that public liability insurance require- ments would henceforth be 250,000./$500,000. It was so ordered. NEW BUSINESS: J 22. Mr. Jerry Jacobs, President of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, presented to Councilman Haag, on behalf of the Chamber and the citizens of Alameda, a Certificate of Merit, in recognition of his fine work on the Council. He said everyone is sorry to see Councilman Haag leave the City Council and all knew that he, at all times, was fighting for the City of Alameda. He expressed the hope Councilman Haag would be as proud of the plaque as the Chamber is to present it to him. Councilman Haag responded most graciously, thanking Mr. Jacobs and complimenting him on being President of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, which he felt was a very fine organization. He said the two managers of the Chamber arevery aggressive men and he felt special mention should be made of the many business and professional men who give freely of their time and effort to do whatever they can to accomplish things for the City of Alameda. RESOLUTIONS: V 23. "Resolution No. 5684 Amending Resolution No. 5472 Relating to Public Off- Street Metered Parking Lots, Allowing Parking Spaces in Such Parking Lots Available for Monthly Rental." Councilman Haag reviewed the history of the parking situation in Alameda, the estab- lishment and operation of the off-street parking lots and the revenue therefrom. He said he felt it was up to the merchants, themselves, and their employees, to keep off the streets and use the parking lots - otherwise, the plan will not work. He pointed out it has also been suggested that possibly the parking lots should be restricted to thirty-six minutes, in the belief many shoppers and people transacting business for only that length of time would be glad to find a space. Councilman Haag said he knew the parking lot plan would work, with the proper cooperation and control, and he also felt certain stalls should be made available on a monthly basis in order to increase the revenue. Councilman Schacht proposed a monthly rentalfee of seven dollars and fifty cents. During further discussion, it was pointed out certain private parking lots are avail- able at lesser amounts and it was determined that five or six dollars per month would be more attractive for customers - the objective being to increase the revenue from all of the Municipal Lots. Councilman Schacht thereupon moved that twenty spaces be allocated in Lot C (Central Avenue) at the monthly rate of Five Dollars; ten spaces in Lot A (Park Avenue) at Six Dollars and ten spaces in Lot W (Webster Street) at Five Dollars. The motion was seconded by Councilman Haag and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None, Absent: Councilman Freeman, (One). It was also determined that monthly parking privileges would be extended to handi- capped persons at the rate of Five Dollars, Councilman Schacht then introduced the foregoing resolution and moved its adoption. The motion was seconded by Councilman Haag and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None.. Absent: Councilman Freeman, (One). 24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Petersen, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5685 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to the City of Alameda False Arrest Insurance, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four, Noes: None, Absent: Councilman Freeman, (One). 25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Haag, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5686 Transferring $150,000.00 from the Cash Basis Fund to the General Fund." 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 Freeman, (One). 26. "Resolution No. Resolution of Intention of the City of Alameda to Approve an Amendment to Contract Between the Board of Administration of the State Employees' Retirement System and the City Council of the City of Alameda." Councilman Schacht spoke at length in opposition to any amendment to the State Retire- ment Contract which would allow additional pensions to those employees who had retired prior to January 1, 1957, at which time the City had entered the State System. He felt the City is not legally or morally obligated to assume this extra expense when sofew of the pensioners would really benefit appreciably. Councilman Haag concurred, pointing out that even in industry and union pensions, the retirement rate stays con- stant and fixed. Councilman Petersen also agreed, feeling a pension is based on contributions and not upon promoting increases. The Council was sympathetic toward the situation but felt the taxpayers should not be burdened with the additional expense involved. Therefore, upon advice of the City Attorney, it was determined no action was necessary to maintain the status quo. 27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Haag, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5687 Declaring Building Known as 2256 Pacific Avenue, Alameda, California to be a Public Nuisance, and Ordering Abatement `hereof." 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 Freeman, (One). 28. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Petersen, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5688 Amending Portion of Salary Resolution No. 5656 by Deleting Therefrom the Position of Assistant Director of Civil Defense and Disaster, and Adding Thereto the Position of Assistant Labor Supervisor in the Street and Engineering Department." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Freeman, (One). 29. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5689 Authorizing Execution of an Agreement by and Between City of Alameda, Alameda Unified School District and Ralph Jones, Landscape Architect, Relating to Use of Landscape Architect's Services.. (Tract No. 1866, South Shore Unit No. 1) ." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Haag and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four, Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Freeman, (One). 30. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Haag, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5690 Authorizing Execution of an Agreement by and Between the City of Alameda and Ralph Jones, Landscape Architect Relating to the Development and Preparation of a Plan for Certain City -Owned Property. (Washington Park)." 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 Freeman, (One). 31. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Petersen, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5691 Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda Commending Vice -Mayor and Councilman Sidney A. Haag for Meritorious Service to the City of Alameda." Councilman Schacht lauded Councilman Haag, stating it had been a great pleasure and honor for him to have served with Councilman Haag, who had been an outstanding man on the Council. He felt the Council is going to have a very difficult time to find a replacement who will measure up to Councilman Haag's stature. Councilman Schacht thereupon seconded the motion which, on roll call, carried by the following vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Not Voting: Councilman Haag, (One). Absent: Council- man Freeman, (One). Councilman Haag stated he was really touched by the resolution and appreciates it. He said that, if he has made any contribution at all to the City of Alameda which has benefited it, he is humbly grateful for having had the opportunity to do so. He wanted to thank those who had been most helpful - the Heads of Departments and those under them who had been unselfishly kind and cooperative and especially the various Boards and Commissions without whose untiring help any Council could not find sufficient hours in the day to accomplish its job. He particularly mentioned the representatives of the Press, and thanked them for their cooperation. Also, he thanked those fellow Alamedans who have attended the Council meetings and who have helped materially by their presence, their suggestions and their constructive cri- ticism and whose support, morally and verbally, meant a great deal to him when the going was awfully rough. He wished the Council "all the luck in the world". President McCall thereupon declared all of the foregoing resolutions duly adopted and passed. 32: At this point, President McCall brought up the matter of the appointment of the certified public accountant for auditing services during this fiscal year, which is still pending. At the meeting of the Council held July 2, all bids for this service had been rejected and the subject referred to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration - and also, to ascertain the attitude of the Public Utilities Board with regard to the selection of an accountant. According to a memo to the members of the Council from the Acting City Manager, dated August 15, the Public Utilities Board agrees that the services of George A. Hackleman & Co. are very satisfactory. Councilman Schacht moved that, upon recommendation of the Acting City Manager, the City enter into a contract with George A. Hackleman & Co., Certified Public Accoun- tants, for auditing services during the current fiscal year at the maximum price quoted of 83,000. Councilman Haag seconded the motion, adding that it was the con- sensus of the members of the Public Utilities Board that Mr. Hackleman's services be employed. On roll call the motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Freeman, (One). FILING: 33. Specifications No. MS 8 -57 -22 - for Furnishing False Arrest Insurance. 34. Agreement - Between the City of Alameda, Alameda Unified School District, and Ralph Jones in re Landscape Architect Services. 35. Agreement - Between the City and Ralph Jones in re Services for Washington Park. 36. Ex Committee of the Whole: (a) From Key System Transit Lines, dated April 1, 1957 - concerning proposed revision of certain schedules. (b) From Utah Construction Company, dated April 2, 1957 - with regard to the treatment of that part of the Lagoon System at the foot of Ninth Street. (c) From Recreation Commission, submitting Rules and Regulations for use of Bay Farm Island Recreation Center. (Old Golf Course Clubhouse). BILLS: 37. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of X26,975.21, was submitted to the Council at this meeting. The list was accompanied by certification by the City Manager that the Claims shown were correct. Councilman Haag moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on August 20, 1957, and presented to the Council at this time, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Freeman, (One). ADJOURNMENT: 38. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, September 3, 1957, at 7:30 o'clock p.m. Respectfully submitted, (City /Clerk fi