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1953-08-18 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 18, 1953 The meeting convened at 8 :00 o'clock P. M. with President Sweeney presiding. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held August 4, 1953, were approved as trans- cribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2/ A letter of thanks was read, signed by thirty families, expressing appreciation for the good time their children had through the day -camp program conducted by the Recreation Department. President Sweeney stated the City is proud of its Recreation Department and the work it is doing in connection with the new Recreation Commission. He thanked these parents for their thoughtfulness in writing this acknowledgement. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 3: Mr. Frank Go pointing out that of copper pipes. obsolete. ttstein stated Alameda should bring its Plumbing Code up to date, this is the only City in the East Bay which will not allow the use He also pointed out other existing requirements which are now Upon request, City Manager Froerer stated that, as informed by the Plumbing Inspector, a committee has been working on this matter for a period of months and there are to be certain revisions made in the ordinance recently adopted by Oakland which will make the necessary changes to fit conditions in Alameda. He stated the ordinance will be presented to the Council at an early date for its consideration. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 4'. From the City Manager, recommending that Fire Chief Thomas Lane be authorized to attend the convention of the Pacific Coast Inter - Mountain Association of Fire Chiefs, to be held in Tacoma, Washington, from September 7, through the 10th - and the convention of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, to be held in Toronto, Canada, from September 15, through the 19th, 1953 - and a sum of $450. be appropriated for this purpose. Councilman Jones moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that Chief Lane be authorized to attend the specified conventions and $450. be appropriated to cover his expenses. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and Presi- dent Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. President Sweeney stated the City is fortunate in having the caliber of man in its employ such as Chief Lane of the Fire Department. He pointed out that the City's Fire Department places second to none in the United States and he felt that when the Chief returns from these conventions he will have information which will be of benefit to the City. 5 ✓ From Marshall S. Pease, submitting his resignation as a member of the City Planning Board, effective immediately. He asked that his resignation be accepted because he believes his thinking with respect to future plans for the welfare of the City of Alameda does not coincide with that of the majority of the members of the Alameda City Council and of the Alameda City Planning Board. President Sweeney stated the Council was indeed shocked to receive this letter from Mr. Pease. Councilman Jones stated he would like Mr. Pease to enlarge upon his letter. He said he felt that no one person's ideas prevailed at all times and he pointed out that, at a recent meeting of the Council and the Board, he had felt the members' thinking lead in the same direction. Mr. Pease stated he had hoped to accomplish certain things as a member of the Planning Board but due to the difference in thinking he now felt that any attempts to carry on progressive ideas would attain no results. He stated he thought the Planning Board is a most important Board and there is much to be done. He felt the City is going slowly into a certain amount of decay and unless the Planning Board takes very active 429 430 measures, nothing is going to be done to deter the downward trend. He pointed out that, if supported by the Realty Board and the Chamber of Commerce, the Planning Board can accomplish great things. Councilman Jones suggested the Council withhold action on this resignation until later on in the meeting and it was so ordered. 6. From the City Planning Board, recommending Section 11-1329 of the Alameda Municipal Code be amended to read as follows: "FRONT YARD REQUIRED IN "C" DISTRICT, except as otherwise provided in Article 5, is fifteen (15) feet in depth." Mr. Pease addressed the Council on this subject, stating that this proposed amend- ment sounds very innocent. He pointed out the Zoning Ordinance presently required that the setback in "C" Multiple Dwelling District be 10 feet. He emphasized that if Alameda is to grow - it must grow "up and only along Central Avenue and Santa Clara Avenue. He stated the argument_ispresented that lesser setbacks will eliminate gardens - but no consideration is taken of the economic phase of multiple construction. He read Section 11 -157 of the Zoning Ordinance concerning front yard variations, which is the portion of Article 5 regulating the procedure whereby setbacks are determined. Mr. Pease also read Sections 11 -182 and 11 -183 of the Zoning Ordinance which he interpreted as requiring that public hearings be held when any such amendments were proposed. He said he felt the matter is urgent and that all interested people should have an opportunity to present their views. Mr. Richard Thunder stated he was officially representing the President of the Alameda Real Estate Board. He said this Board felt Mr. Pease had a clear insight into this problem. He emphasized that the City is full and the land area is gone. He pointed out the number of automobiles is increasing at a fantastic rate and space must be provided for cars - and this just cannot be done if multiple dwellings are required to setback 20 and 25 feet because there is no room for parking at the rear. He expressed the sincere hope that the Council would refuse the recommendation of the Planning Board and make a 10 -foot setback in the "C" District. At this point, President Sweeney acknowledged and welcomed the presence of Mrs. Wiley and Mr. Thomason, members of the Planning Board. Mrs. Wiley stated that so far only the interests of the businessmen and builders had been considered but she felt the home owners' interests should be considered also as they are a very important group. Councilman Jones stated this matter had been informally discussed before the meeting' and it is his feeling that it would be best to withhold action until the Planning Consultant has been procured, which is anticipated in the near future. He felt this question should be referred to the new Planning Consultant as the No. 1 matter to be studied. He pointed out the Council did not want to do anything to hamper his attempts to arrive at the proper solution. He said he is opposed to taking any action with regard to amending this section of the Zoning Ordinance until after the Planning Consultant has had an opportunity to survey the situation. Councilman Moresi stated she would like to explain her position. She felt the Council should at this time amend this section to allow the ordinance to remain as it reads now with regard to the 10 -foot setback, but add the provision referring to Article 5. She said this should be done in view of the fact that the Planning Board has been working under the assumption that the provisions of Article 5 determined the setback requirement. She thought the City should amend this section of the ordinance so the "C" District is in line with the interpretation the Planning Board has been using all the time. President Sweeney stated he felt there are many problems involved and that the matter should be left alone until the Planning Consultant has been hired. Mrs. Wiley stated that, according to Building Inspector Rogers and the members of the Planning Board, they had been ruling on setback questions by computing the average of the block. She pointed out that many people have built apartment houses and doctor's offices and have been forced to erect them with at least a 20 -foot setback. She said they were informed that the intent of the present ordinance was that the 10 -foot setback requirement in the "C " District applies only to new areas of development. Councilman Jones moved the matter be referred to the Committee of the Whole - it being the privilege of any member of the Council to ask for an amendment to be drawn for consideration at a later date. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall. Councilman Anderson stated that an expert is going to be hired to study this matter and the use of land in the City, and because it is such an important subject, the Council wants to employ the best qualified person obtainable. During the interim until the Planning Consultant presents his findings and public hearings are held, he felt that, according to the section of the Zoning Ordinance read, it is absolutely the intent to make the setback in the "C" District 10 feet, and he would not be in favor of making a change to 15 feet at present. He pointed out that the Board's actions in this respect have covered areas already developed and have been on the basis of the average setback of the block involved. The question was then put and the motion was carried by the following roll call: Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 7. From the City Manager, reporting all work satisfactorily completed in connection with the Reconstruction of San Antonio Avenue, from Morton to Ninth Streets, and recommending the Notice of Completion be ordered filed. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; of this project be accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. The seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5 ). Absent: None. that the work motion was vote. Ayes: Noes: None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 8. Councilman Anderson introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of Law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Section 12-756 Thereof, Relating to Limitation of Residence Within Trailer Camps." Upon request, City Attorney Clark explained that this ordinance provides that the Council may, from time to time, determine the length of time within which any person may reside in a trailer park. He stated that, at present, the ordinance provides that a person is limited to ninety days within any six months of a given year. This proposed ordinance will enable the Council to change the length of residence at any time and it will certainly have the effect of keeping the matter open until such time as the Interim Committee of the Legislature has completed its report on the continuous or permanent status of trailers as living quarters. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 9" matter of the proposal from Middleton, Suman & Hackleman, Certified Public Accountants, for auditing services during the fiscal year 1953-54, was presented from the Committee of the Whole file. As quoted in the proposal, the maximum fee for such services will be 4$3,600. per annum. Councilman Anderson moved the contract be awarded to this firm for performing auditing services during the current fiscal year at the total sum quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 10. At this time, Councilman Jones, stated he was wondering if Mr. Pease could possibly reconsider his resignation from the Planning Board. He thereupon moved the Council table Mr. Pease' resignation, if this is agreeable to him. Councilman McCall stated he would not like to accept this resignation and seconded Councilman Jones' Motion. It was the consensus of the Council that the City of Alameda is faced with serious problems in all phases of planning, but through the cooperation of all in the proposed study of the situation, differences of opinion can be ironed out and proper solutions effected. RESOLUTIONS: 11. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4820 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to the City of Alameda Thirty-Three (33) Chrome Easy Chairs for Fire Department, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 12. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4821 Accepting Grant of Easement from United States of America and Consenting to the Recordation Thereof. (Chipman Project Cal -4114) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll- call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption:. "Resolution No. 4822 IN MEMORIAM TO JOHN BONINO 'WITH DEEP SORROW, the Council of the City of Alameda records the untimely death of one of its loyal employees, JOHN BONING, who had worked in the Street Department of the City of Alameda since April, 1951. 'WHEREAS, Mr. Bonino was held in high esteem by his fellow workers and had most efficiently performed his duties; 'NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, in recognition of his conscientious efforts in the performance of his trade, the Council of the City of Alameda does hereby express its sense of personal loss and its sincere gratitude for the excellent service rendered by this faithful employee. 'BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread in full upon the minutes of this meeting and a copy thereof be transmitted to the family of Mr. Bonino, that it may extend to its members a heartfelt expression of sympathy and condolence; 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 JOHN BONING." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 14. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4823 Urging Key System Transit Lines and Labor Organizations Concerned to Resume Negotiations fora Settlement of Their Differences and to Continue Such Negotiations Until Agreement is Reached." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared saif resolution duly adopted and passed. President Sweeney stated the City Manager and City Attorney have constantly been in attendance at the meetings with regard to this matter. 15. At this point, President Sweeney called upon Councilman McCall for a brief report of the contemplated Fishing Derby. Councilman McCall stated the second annual Better Fishing, Inc. Derby will be held on Saturday, August 22, along the south shore from the foot of Broadway to the new Bay Farm Island Bridge. He said there will be a good tide from 10:00 to 1 :30 o'clock on that day and after the fishing period, prizes will be awarded. He stated Krusi Park is being used for the headquarters and the affair is being sponsored by the Recreation Department and the Alameda Rod and Gun Club and many other interested individual citizens will help. He said they anticipated a big day for the boys and girls participating. 433 16. Councilman Anderson stated he would like to report on his attendance, as the representative of the Mayor, at a meeting of the Fleet Reserve Association. He stated this organization has an Alameda membership of about one thousand and it met in the Veterans' Memorial Building to hold a caucus and instruct its delegates who will attend the National Convention in New York. He pointed out this is the second year the Association has held this meeting in Alameda and several of the officers had indicated they would like to participate in the civic affairs of Alameda. FILING: 17. Grant of Easement - From United States of America, through the Housing and Home Finance Agency, Public Housing Administration. 18. Annual Report - Civil Service Board - For the Fiscal Year 1952 -53. 19. Financial Statement - Middleton, Suman & Hackleman - Auditor's Report for the month of July 1953. BILLS: 20. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the several Depart- ments thereof,.in the total amount of $22,749.06, was submitted to the Council at this meeting. The List was accompanied by a certification from the City Manager that the Claims shown were correct. Councilman Anderson moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on August 18, 1953, and submitted to the Council at this time, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the following ote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. ADJOURNMENT: 21. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned in respect to the memory of JOHN BONING - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, September 1, 1953, at 8 :00 o'clock. Respectfully submitted;