1977-11-15 Regular CC Minutes9
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 1977
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President Corica presiding. The
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Tillman, followed by an Invocation delivered
by the Reverend Albert Larsen, Assistant Pastor of the First Presbysteian Church.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Beckam, Diament, Tillman and President Corica,
(4), were noted present. Absent: Councilman Sherratt, (1).
MINUTES:
1. Councilman Beckam moved the minutes of the regular meeting held November 1, and
special meeting held November 8, 1977, be approved as submitted; seconded by Council-
man Diament, carried by unanimous voice vote.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2. From Mr. Joseph M. Sullivan, 3221 Liberty Avenue, concerning site of the Senior
Center.
President Corica explained the Environmental Impact Report for the Senior Citizen
Center would be the subject of a public hearing to be held by the Planning Board at
its meeting of December 5; that following their decision the matter would be referred
to the City Council for hearing. The communication was received and it was directed
a copy be forwarded to the Planning Board for their consideration.
3. From Mr. John Beery, Mariner Square, calling attention to traffic needs in the
area of Mariner Square.
President Corica noted the City Engineer had received a similar communication, had
responded to Mr. Beery's questions, and the Council members were in receipt of a copy
of his reply and report on the subject. The communication was ordered received.
Councilman Tillman stated he had contacted Mr. Beery, who had mentioned the possibility
of creating a center strip for parking on Mariner Square Drive. He turned over to the
City Engineer a map indicating the areas of Mr. Beery's concerns.
4. From Alameda High School student representatives requesting permission to make a
presentation to discuss parking problems at Alameda High School.
Mr. Mark Sigmon, Student Representative to the Board of Education, commented on the
increased number of traffic citations which had been issued to the students in the
last two months. He reported there were insufficient parking spaces available on the
streets around Alameda High School, as most were used by teachers and other adults
on the campus during school hours and by apartment dwellers in the area, leaving few
spaces for use by the 50 to 60 driving students. He stated that most students who
drove to school had need of their cars in order to get to after school jobs, and the
parking situation would not improve when the new school opened. He recommended (1)
that parking meters be removed from the 2200 block of Central Avenue; (2) that a 12-
minute parking zone be created in front of the apothecary and medical building at 2241
Central Avenue; and (3) a one -car blue zone be established in front of the Veterans
Memorial Building to serve the needs of senior citizens and handicapped persons.
There followed a discussion of the Senior Citizen luncheon program held daily at the
Veterans Memorial Building. Councilman Diament noted it had been because of complaints
received from participants of the program that parking meter zones were being more
strictly enforced in the area.
President Corica stated he had noticed a vacant lot located on the north side of
Central Avenue west of Walnut Street, and questioned whether the School District
would be interested in approaching the owner with the idea of paving it for park-
ing use.
Councilman Beckam concurred with President Corica's suggestion that the School
District be brought into the matter. He suggested the Traffic Engineer make a
survey of needs and bring it to the attention of the Traffic Advisor Committee.
At the conclusion of discussion, President Corica directed that this matter be
placed on the agenda of the Traffic Advisory Committee's next meeting of December
14, 1977, for consideration.
5. From the Alameda Unified School District, signed by the Superintendent, request-
ing consideration of temporary waiver of the Parcel Map requirements for the 8 -acre
Amelia Earhart Elementary School on the Harbor Bay Isle development.
President Corica reported the School District had designated the specific location
of the school site and, in order to acquire title as soon as possible, and make
application for its funding, were requesting the temporary waiver.
On question, Deputy City Attorney Quan stated the problem had been researched and
it was his and the City Attorney's opinion that in order to assure the School Dis-
trict would have clear access to the funding, it would be proper to temporarily
waive the Parcel Map requirements which could be reinstated at a later date so the
procedure would not be circumvented.
Board of Education Member Lois R. Hanna questioned if taking this action would cause
the School District to give up their rights to an improved site. Deputy City Attorney
Quan replied that it would not.
School Superintendent Kline reported the School District and the developer were very
close to a settlement; that the action of the City Council, if affirmative, would
enhance their position.
Councilman Tillman moved the resolution be taken out of order, seconded by Council-
man Diament, carried by unanimous roll call vote.
RESOLUTIONS:
6. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Diament, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 8821
Waiving Parcel Map Requirements of the Subdivision Map Act
for Property Located on Bay Farm Island Designated as Lot 3
on Tract Map 3773."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Tillman.
Councilman Beckam questioned whether the contemplated action had the concurrence of
legal counsel for the School District and developer. Mr. Kline replied in the affirm-
ative, and Attorney James B. Davis, representing the developer, said he believed it
could be done
On a call for the question, the motion carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes:
Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sherratt, (1).
HEARINGS:
-7. In the Matter of the proposed vacation of an electrical power easement within
Tract No. 1866, a portion of South Shore Center, Alameda.
The City Clerk reported the Affidavit of Publication of the resolution declaring
intention to vacate the easement and fixing the date for hearing, and the Affidavit
of Posting of the required Notice of Easement Vacation, were on file.
On request, the City Engineer reported the easement to be abandoned had originally
been granted to the City in 1960, and was for an underground power line to serve
the Bank of America at South Shore Center. That the power facilities to serve the
Bank had been moved to allow for an expansion of Mervyn's and it would be in order
to abandon the easement.
The President declared the hearing opened. On the call for proponents or opponents,
there was no response. The hearing was declared closed.
Councilman Beckam moved acceptance of the request and the resolution be taken out of
order, seconded by Councilman Diament, carried by unanimous voice vote.
RESOLUTIONS:
ti8. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Beckam, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 8822
Ordering Vacation of Electrical Power Easement (Within
Tract 1866 - Portion of South Shore Center)."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried
on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman
Sherratt, (1).
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
9. Continued from the meeting of November 1, 1977, from the Planning Board, signed
by the Secretary, submitting recommendation on Tentative Map for Tract 3883, located
at 520 -530 Central Avenue.
President Corica noted the recommendation contained 27 conditions.
Mrs. Josephine Bixler expressed her concern with the developer's plan to install
rolled curbs, and the increased traffic which would generate from the development of
76 units. She reported the extreme difficulty which a handicapped person in a wheel-
chair would encounter in attempting to negotiate a rolled curb.
President Corica stated the issue had been discussed at great length by the Planning
Board and staff and approved by a five to one vote. City Engineer Hanna reported
one of the conditions of the Planning Board was that there not be rolled curbs.
Planning Director Patterson noted the recommendation was for vertical curbs, basi-
cally on entry to the project with development on one side.
On question, Mr. John Kihn, 2119 Los Molinas, San Rafael, a representative of the
property owners, stated he had no question or argument with the conditions except
with vertical curbs as opposed to rolled curbs, which they would prefer aesthetically.
He requested a clarification of Condition #18, which referred to lighting along the
project, especially with relation to the bikepath.
The Council members and Mr. Kihn entered into a discussion of lighting elevation,
intensity, direction, cost, and energy consumption.
President Corica reported Condition #18 stated further a City policy would be recommended
by the City Engineer, Planning Director, Bureau of Electricity, and the Design Review
Board, and the City Council, if it approved, would implement the policy by an appro-
priate resolution.
Councilman Beckam noted the bikeway lights would be located on private property and
would be the responsibility of the Homeowners Association. He asked that the policy
recommended to the Council for approval include consideration of lighting which would
be usable, soft, and compatible with the shoreline and its use, and not just a stand-
ard type street light with attendant glare.
Councilman Tillman asked if the developer had considered drilling a well in relation
to the landscaping. Mr. Kihn stated they had not given this any consideration due
to the lack of available open space area, however they would look into it and , if
feasible, would consider it.
Councilman Beckam moved acceptance of the findings and recommendations of the report
together with the admonition on Condition #18, and the resolution be taken out of
order. The motion was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried unanimously on voice
vote.
RESOLUTIONS:
10. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Beckam, who moved its
adoptions:
"Resolution No. 8823
Approving Tentative Map for Tract 3883, a Division of Property
Located on the South Side of Central Avenue West of Sixth
Street, Finding Said Tentative Map Consistent with the City's
General Plan and Determining that Discharge of Waste into
Sewer System will not Violate Regional Water Quality Control
Regulations."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried
on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman
Sherratt, (1).
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
11. From the City Manager transmitting the City Engineer's report concerning the
reallocation of unspent Mayor's Formula funds.
President Corica complimented the City Engineer on his very comprehensive reports.
Councilman Tillman asked that copies of the reports be forwarded to Lt. Col. K. J.
Loughan and Mrs. Amey Stone.
Councilman Diament moved adoption of the report, seconded by Councilman Tillman,
carried by unanimous voice vote.
12. From the City Manager regarding Federal Aid Urban applications for Road Improve-
ment Funds.
On request, the City Manager identified the projects to be proposed as (1) Mariner
Square Loop from Tynan Avenue to Tinker Avenue; (2) the Atlantic Avenue Extension
from Webster Street to Patton Way; and (3) the Fernside Extension. He stated the
source of money was limited and the projects were evaluated on a priority point basis.
Councilman Beckam moved acceptance of the report and approval of the recommendation,
seconded by Councilman Diament, carried by unanimous voice vote.
13. From the City Manager regarding furniture and furnishings for the Police Adminis-
tration Building.
Lt. Charles Wood and Officer Greg Garrett of the Police Departmant answered questions
asked by the Council members.
Councilman Beckam moved acceptance of the report and approval of the recommendation
that the furniture and furnishings listed be acquired in the amount of S61,459.18,
through the cooperative County purchasing contract. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Tillman and on voice vote carried unanimously.
Councilman Tillman asked the amount of floor space which would become available on
removal of the Police Department from City Hall. Lt. Wood stated there was approximately
6,000 square feet of usable floor space.
Councilman Diament requested some consideration be given to allotting space on the
ground floor of the City Hall building to be used as an office by Council members
14. From the City Manager regarding proposals for CETA Title VI, Round III.
City Manager Goss offered an explanation of the proposals which he said, represented
a continuation of existing programs and projects funded under Rounds I and II, but
with a different program emphasis. In addition, he stated, applications had been
received prior to the deadline of October 25 from community based organizations, both
within and outside of Alameda, and after staff evaluation recommendations were made
in the categories of Primary Funding and Secondary Funding.
Councilman Diament questioned the availability of CETA clerical assistance for the
Alameda Heritage Days Committee. Mr. Goss replied the request had not been submitted
prior to the application deadline, however if there was a desire on the part of the
Council to offer some part time clerical assistance, this possibly could be provided
through an existing position. Councilman Tillman questioned the number of CETA employees;
the City Manager replied there were 109.
Mr. Donald Clark, Executive Director of the California Veterans Coalition, requested
consideration be given to funding their program which was designed to service disabled
War Veterans, primarily those of the Vietnam era.
Following discussion, Councilman Beckam moved acceptance of the reports and approval
of the recommendations for CETA Title VI, Round III funding. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Diament and on voice vote carried unanimously.
15. From the City Manager concerning sale of the Otis- Rosewood property.
President Corica reported the proposal had been evaluated by the City Manager and
City Attorney, that there did not appear to be any disadvantages to it and it appeared
to be in the City's interest to accept it and close the Otis- Rosewood and Harbor Bay
Isle Park exchange of properties.
Councilman Diament moved acceptance of the report and the ordinance be taken out of
order, seconded by Councilman Beckam, carried unanimously on voice vote.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
16. "Ordinance No. 1892,
New Series
Authorizing the Transfer of Certain Real Property in the
City of Alameda Between the City and Harbor Bay Isle
Associates (Otis Drive Property and HBI Park)."
Councilman Beckam moved the ordinance be introduced and passed as submitted. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried on the following roll call
vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sherratt, (1).
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
17. From the City Manager regarding the availability of CETA employee to aid the
Alameda Heritage Days Committee.
Following a brief discussion, Councilman Beckam moved that clerical assistance from
existing CETA personnel be provided not to exceed 4 hours per week. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Diament and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes:
Three. Noes: President Corica, (1). Absent: Councilman Sherratt, (1).
President Corica explained his "no" vote by stating he believed the Committee
would have sufficient volunteers who would be able to provide clerical help.
18. From the City Manager on funding of Arch Culverts at Fountain and Adams Streets
and Court and Washington Streets.
Councilman Beckam moved acceptance of the report and the resolutions be taken out of
order, seconded by Councilman Diament, carried on unanimous voice vote.
RESOLUTIONS:
18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Beckam, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 8824
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for
Construction of Arch Culverts at Fountain Street and Adams
Street and at Court Street and Washington Street, Calling
for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried
on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman
Sherratt, (1).
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
19. From the Planning Department requesting permission to apply for State Historical
Preservation funding.
Mrs. Inez Kapellas questioned the purpose of the fund. President Corica reported it
would be used to develop a program to conduct a historical inventory in the Northside
Target Area; that it was estimated S30,000 would provide adequate funds for the
survey, $15,000 to be provided by the State and matching $15,000 by the City, half
as in -kind contribution and half from HCDA funds.
Mrs. Kapellas asked if the City was planning to go ahead to place the downtown
area, Park Street, portions of Santa Clara, Alameda Avenue, and others, in the
National Resister. Planning Director Patterson stated the request was for the
Target Area but the study did not have to be limited to that area and could be
expanded provided there was adequate time. He said they were definitely interested
in pursuing the areas mentioned by Mrs. Kapellas and all areas having historical
significance. He reported this would lead to a part of the Urban Design Element as
well as the Historical Preservation Element, and noted that in -kind services provided
by volunteers would count toward the City's contribution.
Councilman Diament moved acceptance of the report and staff be authorized to submit
the application for funding. The motion was seconded by Councilman Tillman and on
voice vote carried unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
20. Councilman Tillman read a communication directed to the Alameda Times Star from
Mr. Fred Laughlin, dated October 24, 1977, concerning the operation of the Bureau of
Electricity. He turned this over to the City Clerk with the request that copies be
distributed to the members of the Council. He noted that he had since received a
copy of a letter addressed to the City Manager from the General Manager of the Bureau
commenting on Mr. Laughlin's communication, however he did not believe Mr. Shepard's
letter contained the information he was looking for. Councilman Tillman requested
the City Manager to obtain a copy of the Daly City budget covering operation of their
Electrical Department for comparison purposes. He further asked him to supply compa-
rative information of the PG &E operation.
21. Councilman Diament asked what effort was being made to bring the minutes of
Planning Board meetings up to date.
Planning Director Patterson stated the minutes were running behind by approximately
three or four meetings, that there had been several special meetings in addition,
and there was only one secretary assigned to the Department who transcribed the minutes.
Councilman Beckam noted this subject had been discussed before and it had been the
decision of the Council that the minutes of the Planning Board be less verbatim and
more of an action -type minutes.
President Corica stated he would contact the President of the Planning Board and
request a poll of its members to ascertain if they would be satisfied with action
minutes.
NEW BUSINESS:
22. President Corica proposed the formation of a five - person Citizens Committee to
conduct an efficiency evaluation of the City's municipal operations. He suggested
the members be persons from the business community, and asked that each member of
the City Council nominate one person.
Councilman Beckam stated he thought the idea was quite good and recalled that several
months prior he suggested consideration of zero -based budgeting to justify operations.
Subsequently, he said, Councilman Tillman had suggested a management consultant be
utilized and had requested a report on the costs involved. He said he would like to
know what the guidelines would be before proceeding with the setting up of a committee.
Councilman Tillman questioned the availability of a printed budget to assist in analyz-
ing the City's fiscal condition.
President Corica stated he would be interested in knowing the exact amount of the one-
time windfall coming to the City this year because of the changeover to using the
County's tax rolls.
RESOLUTIONS:
23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Beckam, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 8825
Naming 'Alameda Heritage Days Committee' as Official Steering
Committee."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried on
the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sherratt,
(1)
The President declared the foregoing Resolutions adopted.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
24. "Ordinance No. 1893,
New Series
Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Section 17 -137
of Artical 3, Chapter 1, Title XVII Thereof, Authorizing
Civilian Police Employees to Issue Citations and Enforce
Provisions of the Alameda Municipal Code and the California
Vehicle Code Relating to Stopping of Vehicles in No Stopping
Zones in the City of Alameda."
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Councilman Beckam moved the ordinance be introduced and passed as submitted. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Tillman and carried on the following roll call vote.
Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sherratt, (1).
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
25. "Ordinance No. 1894,
New Series
Authorizing the Transfer of Certain City-Owned Property
to the City of Oakland."
Councilman Tillman moved the ordinance be passed as submitted. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Diament and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes:
None. Absent: Councilman Sherratt, (1).
26. "Ordinance No. 1895,
New Series
Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Section 7-1112
Thereof Relating to Conditions and Amounts of Public Motor
Vehicle Liability Insurance Required by City."
Councilman Diament moved the ordinance be passed as submitted. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Beckam and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes:
None. Absent: Councilman Sherratt, (1).
27. "Ordinance No.
New Series
5
Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Article 2 to
Chapter 13 of Title III Thereof, Establishing a Dwelling Unit
Tax for Mass Transit and Non-Motorized Transit Purposes."
Councilman Beckam moved the ordinance be passed as submitted.
Mr. Joseph Sullivan spoke in opposition to passage of the ordinance. He questioned
the availability of future funding for mass transit once the construction of the 3200
dwelling units proposed for Bay Farm Island and the 76 units on Central Avenue were
completed. Mr. Sullivan quoted figures in support of the increase in the property
transfer tax previously considered.
Mr. Lawrence Patton said it was his opinion a City-owned interconnecting bus system
was not needed, and any additional service felt necessary could be adequately provided
by A/C Transit.
Councilman Tillman called attention to the recommendation of the Planning Board, set
out in its Resolution No. 950, relating to measures to be taken by the developer for
Harbor Bay Isle to lessen anticipated auto volume. He reported the developer would
pay up to $25,000 for an independent study. Councilman Tillman said he felt the
increased traffic which would be created by this and other developments within the
City was of grave concern. He referred to Senate Bill 402 recently signed by the
Governor, which pertained to mass transportation.
There followed a lengthy discussion concerning whether or not the City should enter
into the transportation business.
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Councilman Beckam noted many persons in the City wanted additional public transportation
services to be made available; that this was a recommendation of the Transportation
Task Force of the Goals Study; and in an effort to follow through the Planning Board
had worked on the problem for many months and had come up with certain criteria. He
said the transit tax was one way to accomplish transportation services which were
needed and desired by the people, and would lessen the individual car impact on each
street of the City. He reported the ordinance would cover all new development within
the entire City and was a one-time tax only; that the funds received would provide
for an evaluation study, following which a decision could be made.
An exchange of opinion ensued between Councilman Beckam and President Corica.
Councilman Diament indicated that until there was more definitive information on the
matter, she would vote against passage of the ordinance.
The following persons also spoke in opposition to passage of the ordinance: Mrs. Inez
Kapellas, Mrs. Helen Freeman, Mrs. Ella Mae Waterbury, and Mrs. Josephine Bixler.
The motion by Councilman Beckam that the ordinance be passed as submitted was seconded
by Councilman Tillman.
Councilman Beckam amended his motion, and moved that the ordinance be tabled until the
next meeting. There was no second.
On a call for the question, the first motion failed on the following roll call vote.
Ayes: Two. Noes: Councilman Diament and President Corica, (2). Absent: Councilman
Sherratt, (1).
BILLS:
28. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments
thereof in the amount of S171, 326.67, was presented to the Council at this meeting
and was accompanied by certification from the City Manager that the claims shown
were correct.
Councilman Diament moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the
City Clerk on November 15, 1977, and presented to the City Council at this meeting be
allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Tillman and carried
unanimously on roll call vote.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, GENERAL:
29. Mr. William M. McCall commented on the possible loss of the boat ramp and fishing
pier project. He reported the funds were available however would go back into the State's
General Fund on January 1, 1978 unless immediate steps were taken by the City Council
to preserve them. He requested that a letter of intent be sent to both the State
Wild Life Conservation Board and the Department of Navigation and Ocean Development.
Following a brief discussion and explanations offered by both Mr. McCall and the City
Engineer, the City Council approved by consensus that some immediate action be taken
to preserve funding of the project.
30. Mr. Fred Laughlin, 924 Versailles Avenue, referred to his previous communications
and appearances before the City Council concerning the operation of the Bureau of
Electricity. He complimented President Corica on his proposal to establish a Citizens
Committee to investigate the City's operations, and suggested a similar committee be
formed to look into the affairs of the Bureau.
FILING:
31. Bureau of Electricity Financial and Operating Report for three months ended
September 30, 1977.
32. Specifications PW 7-77-9 - Construction of Arch Culverts at Fountain and Adams
Streets, and at Court and Washington Streets.
ADJOURNMENT:
33. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m^ to
assemble in regular session on Tuesday, December 6, 1977, at 7:30 o'clock p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
City Clerk
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