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1953-12-15 Regular CC Minutes476 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 15, 1953 The meeting convened at 8:05 o'clock P. N. with President Sweeney presiding. Upon President Sweeney's request, Councilman Moresi introduced and welcomed a large group of Camp Fire Girls who were in attendance. The meeting was opened by the girls leading the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. They then sang, several beautiful Christmas Carols in a very impressive manner, under the direction of Mrs. Howard Seymour. Councilman Moresi and President Sweeney thanked the girls for their melodious singing and, as a token of appreciation, presented a large box of individually wrapped candies for distribution to the girls. The group then retired. 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 adjourned regular meeting held. December 8, 953 were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2: From the Alameda Play Center, Inc., requesting the Council's assistance in procuring temporary quarters for its activity in operating n school for children of the ages from 2 to 5 years, pending the time the organization is able to erect its own school building on the property known as 1210 Paru Street, which it has already purchased for this purpose. President Sweeney stated the communication will be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further study and consideration. dri 3: From the following families, commending the Council and the Recreation Commis- sion for their action in deciding to build a swimming pool, which they feel the children of Alameda have sorely needed for many years: T. F. E. Hopkins, A. C. Eichholz, J. May, E. W. Bayley, L. C. Tiedman, G. W. Kingery, L. Mann and Jean L. Brenton. The communication was noted and ordered filed. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. George T. Hansen addressed the Council, stating he was glad to have the opportunity to speak on the matter of the increase in his real estate property assessments and the consequent increase in his taxes. He explained that the reason he did not appear when the Council sat as a Board of Equalization was because he had understood the increase would be only 11-7; which, he felt, was in order. He read a list of assessment and tax figures covering his several pieces of personal property, which compared the amounts of previous years with those of this year and indicated what he thought was too great an increase. He said he realized. the City needs the money but felt the people are entitled to know that - and also said he felt the method of obtaining this additional revenue is wrong because it is throwing too great a burden on the businessmen and industrial firms. He pointed out that busi- ness is not too good even now and it is already difficult enough to get businesses to come into the City. He thought that anyone who has money to invest will not want to invest it in Alameda because the business property cannot stand this extra load. President Sweeney pointed out that in the "Memos on Your City" there had been a statement about the reappraisal going on and also a recommendation from the Citizen's Advisory Committee to this effect. He stated City Assessor Jost had been invited to attend the meeting and he thereupon called upon him to speak at this time. Mr. Jost read a prepared statement giving the facts concerning, the program of re- appraising land values in the City. He pointed up that this project was the result of the recommendation of the State Board of Equalization who had advised the assessors throughout California that if their assessments were not made to conform to the requirements of Article 1, Chapter 2, Division 1, Part 3 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, the State Board would undertake the task of equalizing local asses,s- ments to conform to the state-wide average. He stated that the revaluation of land assessments was carried on under provisions of standard assessing practises and also pointed out this is the first reassessment program carried out in the history of Alameda. He also emphasized that the public was informed of this proposed reappraisal - and referred to page 10 of the "Final Report of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Municipal Affairs", issued in 1951; page 11 of "Your City, Alameda, 1951-52" issued by the City Council and distributed to all City offices in October, 1952; page 45 of the report on "Revenue Structure and Fiscal Trends - City of Alameda, California" submitted by the Public Administration Service to the Mayor and City Council and dated March 8, 1951. Mr. Jost asked Mr. Robert ("rafel Deputy Assessor, to read the several references, which was done. Mr, Jost also read a list of ten of the heaviest industrial-business taxpayers, the executive heeds of which firms had signed a statement to the effect that it was understood the revaluation of land assessments had been Foin on. Mr. Jost concluded by stating that the job of assessing is big business and his office is willing; at all times to discuss with anyone the assessed valued placed on his property and he invited everyone to avail himself of this privilege. Mr. Hansen stated he appreciated Er. Jost's remarks and his position - he realized there was nothing to do at this time, but said his great concern is that taxes in Alameda are higher than those of any other community in the East Bay area. Mr. Joseph Platzer, 1823 Pearl Street, disagreed with Er. Hansen's claim that the business taxpayers are carrying the "extra load" - he stated his residential property assessrnent had been doubled since last year. Councilman Anderson gave a resume of the many meetings the Council had held for discussion of the budget for 1953-54; emphasizing that he had clearly understood the reappraisal program would result in the additional revenue needed to operate the City Government. He pointed up some of the larger expenses involved - the police and fire pension system which had been voted in by the people of the City; the Civil Defense program, the employment of a Planning Consultant and Planning Engineer, greater sum to support the schools and the general increase in the cost of equipment and supplies. He felt that all will agree it takes just so much money to accomplish the work which should be done in the City and to do the job properly. President Sweeney stated everyone should realize that practically 5 of City land has been completely wiped off the tax rolls by the Federal Government, Councilman Jones pointed out to Mr. Hansen that the Council's authority as a Board of Equalization is no longer in effect and, in any event, its only consideration in that capacity is to determine the equality of assessments in comparable cases. Mr. Hansen agreed he understood this situation. President Sweeney thanked Messrs. Jost and Gra_e for their appearance this evening. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 5. From the City Planning Board, recommending that the rear 65-foot depth of the property known as 2.520 Central Avenue be reclassified from the "A-1" One-Family Dwelling District to the "C" Multiple Dwelling District. The front 100-foot depth of this lot is already zoned for "C"District use and the rezoning of the rear portion of the lot will allow the owner to utilize his property. The matter was referred to "Introduction of Ordinances". INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 6, Councilman Jones 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 2-541 Thereof, Relating to Annual Vacations of Officials and Employees." Upon request, City Manager Froerer explained that this ordinance will make it possible under the ordinance establishing vacations and the resolution establishing salaries, that those members of the Police and Fire Departments who have a holiday coming within their vacation period may be paid for that day rather than be allowed the additional day of vacation. He stated it is made operational strictly at the discretion of the Head of the Department. He pointed out that it affects only the Fire Department at this time and has been necessitated since the establishment of the 67.2 hours work- week in order that the department will be fully manned at all times. 7. 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 Reclassifying Property by Adding Section 73 to Ordinance No. 725, New Series." (Rear 65 feet of 2520 Central Avenue) 8. Councilman McCall 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 Adding Thereto a New Section to be Numbered Section 1-214, Providing for the Enforcement of the Provisions of the Alameda Municipal Code Within Certain Areas of the City of Alameda Owned and Occupied by the United States of America." 9. Councilman McCall introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid- over under provision of the law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by AddinF Thereto a New Section to be Numbered Section 5-127, Relating to the Public Use of Streets Within Certain Areas of the City of Alameda Owned and Occupied by the United States of America." 10. Councilman Moresi introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of the law and the Charter; "Ordinance No New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Subdivision (17) to Section 17-333, Relating to All Time No Parking." 11. Councilman Jones introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of the law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Subdivisions (46) to (57) inclusive, to Section 17-432 Thereof, Relating to Stop Intersections." At the request of President Sweeney, Mr. Froerer explained that the last four ordinances affect the 600-unit Naval Housing Project with regard to policing and enforcing certain regulations of the City. He pointed out the Commander of the Naval Air Station plans to have his personnel handle this area - the principal reason being to enforce traffic rules and regulations. 12. "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Section 11-1329 Thereof, Relating to Front Yard Setback Requirements in the "C" Multiple Dwelling District." Councilman Anderson moved the matter covered in this proposed ordinance be referred to Mr. Campbell, Planning Consultant, for a written analysis and report to the City Council as soon as possible. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None, Absent: None, RESOLUTIONS: 13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4854 Amending Resolution No. 4786 by Amending Paragraph 2 of Section 3 Thereof, Relating to Holiday Pay For Police and Fire Departments" The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the following vote. Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Noresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 1,4. The following resolution was introduced, by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 1855 Adopting Specifications for Operating Refreshment Concession in Washington Park, Lincoln Park, Krusi Park, McKinley Park and Thompson Field for the Period Commencing January 1, 1954, and Ending December 31, 1955, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 15. "Ordinance No. 1105, New Series An Ordinance Amendnp the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Section 5-231 Thereof, Relating to Repair of Sidewalks." Councilman Anderson moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Council- men Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 16. "Ordinance No. 1106, New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Subdivision ()45) to Section 17-432 Thereof, Relating to Stop Intersections." Councilman Jones moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Noresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Council- men Anderson, Jones, McCall, Mores' and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. At this point, President Sweeney introduced and welcomed Smith Anderson, the son of vice-Mayor Anderson. 17, Councilman Anderson stated that since this is the last meeting of the Council before Christmas, it has been the custom at this time to express the Council's appreciation to all of the employees of the City for their cooperation and under- standing in the solving of mutual problems. He said he felt the people of Alameda have a great deal to he thankful for in the fine City we have - which does not just happen by accident or by policy - but is accomplished largely through its administra- tion. On behalf of the Council he extended to all employees its best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, 18/ Councilman Moresi reported that she had recently represented the City of Alameda at the luncheon Riven by the organization which sponsors the Easter Seal Drive for crippled children. She lauded the very worthwhile work of this group and expressed the hope that all would support its next sale of seals. FILING: 19. Auditor's Financial Statement - City of Alameda as at November 30, 1953 - verified by Middleton, Suman & Hackleman. 20. Specifications - No. MS 12-53-1L - For Operating Refreshment Concession in Certain Parks. BILLS: 21. An Itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the several Depart- ments thereof, in the total amount of 02._t 060.36, 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 December 8, 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 vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. ADJOURNMENT: 22. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, January 5, 1954, at 8:00 o'clock. Respectfully submitted,