1975-09-11 Special CC MinutesSPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD THURSDAY -
SEPTEMBER 11, 1975
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. in the Council Chamber of the City Hall with
President Corica presiding,
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Beckam, Diament, Hurwitz, Sherratt and President Corica, (5),
were noted present. Absent: None,
1. Receipt of the Notice and Agenda of this Special Meeting had been acknowledged by the Council-
men and was on file. The purpose of the session was to consider a proposal to increase miscellaneous
City charges and fees, action thereon if desired, and an executive session for discussion of pending
litigation.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
2. In the Matter of the Proposal to increase miscellaneous City charges and fees,
President Corica reported many of the fees and charges made by the City had not been updated in a
number of years, some having been in effect since 1935. He said, in view of the anticipated
budget deficit, it was felt these fees and charges should be evaluated,
On request, City Manager Goss explained that in approving the Tentative Budget general direction had
been given by the Council to explore updating various City revenue sources, and proposed revisions
and additions to the City's fees, charges and rates were now being submitted for consideration.
President Corica stated the proposals would he reviewed item by item, and action taken as each was
considered.
Street Use Permit: The City Manager stated this was a two part proposal: 1) a monthly rental
amount be charged, in addition to a deposit, for such activities as placing construction shacks,
trailers, toilets, temporary storage of building materials such as lumber, gravel, pipe and refuse
boxes or "Dumpsters" on City streets; 2) impose fees for overnight parking of trailers, boats,
recreation vehicles, trucks, etc., over and under 20 feet long on City streets.
President Corica noted part one of the proposal recommended that, for those activities which required
temporary utilization of public streets, a deposit of $300 be imposed, as well as a $50 monthly
rental rate for use in metered parking areas, and a $20 monthly rental rate for use in unmetered
areas, He said provisions for damage and clean-up were in addition to the rental rates, and the
City had for many years issued street obstruction permits upon the deposit of $20, which was fully
refundable after the obstruction had been removed, the area cleaned and any damage corrected.
Councilman Hurwitz suggested a daily rate be charged on "Dumpsters" based on the $50 and $20 monthly
rental rates recommended,
Mr. J.B.S. Johnson, representing the Chamber of Commerce, said it was their opinion these refuse
boxes should be exempt from any rental charge.
Mr, Leon F. Corcos, 3125 Bayo Vista Avenue, objected to a deposit fee of $300 to be paid by a pri-
vate home owner. He stated many residents would forego cleaning up their homes as they would be
unable to afford such a charge.
In discussion it was brought out the $300 deposit fee for "Dumpsters" would be paid by the Alameda
City Disposal, who furnished the receptacle and not by the individual home owner. City Engineer
Hanna stated the company probably would maintain a continuous deposit with the City.
Councilman Beckam moved the proposal be approved, as recommended, with the amendment that a daily
rate of $1 per day be charged in unmetered zones and $2 per day in metered zones. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried unanimously on roll call vote.
President Corica stated the second proposal was that a monthly charge be imposed on overnight
parking of trailers, boats, recreation vehicles, trucks,etc.; the charge to be $10 per month for
items under 20 feet long and 80 inches wide and $30 per month for single items large—than 20 feet
long and 80 inches wide.
There followed a discussion of Ordinance No, 1241, New Series, and pending State legislation governing
overnight parking of the described vehicles. Councilman Beckam reported AB 2272 had passed in both
the Assembly and Senate and would limit parking commercial vehicles of 6,000 pounds or more, without
the necessity of signing, within the jurisdiction limits on every street.
The following persons spoke in opposition to the proposal as it applied to other than large commercial
vehicles: Mr. William M. McCall, 1105 Mound Street; Mr. Robert Pardee, 1026 Court Street; and Mr.
J.B,S, Johnson, Jr., of the Chamber of Commerce.
At the conclusion of discussion, the City Engineer was requested to refer to the Traffic Advisory
Board the parking of large vehicles adjacent to intersections.
Sanitary Sewer Lateral Maintenance: President Corica stated the City presently assumed responsibility
for repair of sanitary sewer laterals within the public street right-of-way; the proposal was to
require property owners to make repairs on laterals out to the main sewer and to pay a $20 fee for
City inspection.
On question, the City Engineer stated the proposal concerned repairs to existing sewer laterals.
The following persons spoke in opposition to the proposal: Mr. John Barni, Sr. and Mr. J.B.S.
Johnson, Jr., both representing the Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Leon F. Corcos.
Following discussion, Councilman Diament moved approval of the proposal. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Beckam and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three.
Noes: Councilmen Beckam and Sherratt, (2). Absent: None.
Condominium Conversion: President Corica stated the City's recently passed condominium conver-
sion ordinance required an Engineer's Report on the adequacy of an apartment building proposed
for conversion to a condominium; the proposal was to establish a $300 minimum charge for the
preparation of the Engineer's Report and where the value of the work exceeded the minimum, the
developer would pay the entire cost.
City Manager Goss noted the Chamber of Commerce had recommended a flat rate of $150.
Following explanation offered by the City Engineer, Councilman Beckam moved approval of the
proposal. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried unanimously on roll call
vote,
House Mover's Permit: President Corica reported the moving of a house over public streets entailed
considerable city expense, which was not recovered by the present combined fees of $11; the proposal
was for the permit fee to remain at $5, but a $100 fee be charged for administrative costs involving
redirecting traffic, te.m.p=c4w-i44.-Go-n-nke.c4;4-4g—e-1-e.c4,r4-c—(1--01-o-n-e-14-n-e-s-,--e-t,c,, along with a $35
inspection fee.
It was noted the Chamber of Commerce had recommended a flat fee of $150,
Councilman Beckam suggested the fee should cover the actual cost plus the necessary overhead for
the job.
Following discussion, Councilman Hurwitz moved approval of a flat rate of $150. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four, Noes:
Councilman Beckam, (1). Absent: None,
Sidewalk Construction/Repair Permit: President Corica reported the proposal was to institute a
$7 ($2 permit, plus $.03 per square foot with a $5 minimum) total charge for services in controlling
and inspecting the construction or repair of sidewalks, curbs, and driveways (across sidewalk area);
the City currently made no charge.
It was noted the Chamber of Commerce had recommended a flat $10 fee be charged.
Mr. Aldo Ferrero, 776 Lincoln Avenue, objected to the proposal.
Following discussion, Councilman Hurwitz moved approval of a flat $10 fee. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Beckam and on roll call vote carried unanimously.
Voluntary "Requested Certificate of Occupancy" of Buildings for Sale: President Corica reported it
was proposed that, for a minimum fee of $75, the City offer a voluntary compliance report service
to owners or prospective buyers of buildings for sale which would indicate the structural/electrical/
plumbing status of the building and, where appropriate, culminate in the issuance of a "Certificate
of Occupancy"; the City did not presently offer this service.
Mr. J.B.S. Johnson, Jr., stated the Chamber of Commerce recommended the minimum fee be set at $150,
the 'Certificate" be more appropriately referred to as a "Condition Report",
On question, the City Engineer stated the "Certificate of Occupancy" would only be issued after the
building had been brought up to Code, and could be completed within five days after the inspection.
Mr. John Barni, Sr. recommended it be clearly stated in the governing ordinance orresolution that
before an inspection were made, the consent of the owner should be first obtained.
After discussion, Councilman Sherratt moved approval of a minimum fee of $150 and that the "Certifi-
cate of Occupancy" be issued within five days after inspection. The motion was seconded by Council-
man Beckam and carried unanimously on roll call vote.
Sewer Connection Charge: President Corica reported it was proposed a $100 charge be made for a
first time sewer connection on the basis that new connectors should buy into the system which had
been paid for by the existing community; and that currently no connection charge existed.
Mr. Leon F. Corcos noted other communities charged for sewer connection on a per unit basis, and
reported Pleasanton charged $1200 per unit. He recommended a charge on this basis be considered.
At the conclusion of discussion, Councilman Hurwitz moved the City Manager investigate the possibility
of a per unit sewer connection charge. The motion was seconded by Councilman Diament and on roll
call vote carried unanimously.
Garbage Dump Rate Increase: President Corica reported it was recommended the rates charged at the
dump be increased to $1 per cubic yard, that the present rate of $.50 per cubic yard had not changed
since August, 1962. He stated the President of Alameda City Disposal approved of the recommendation.
President Corica complained Of non-residents using the dump Site.
Councilman Hurwitz moved approval of the recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Sherratt and carried unanimously on roll call vote.
Plumbing and Mechanical Permit Application Fee: President Corica reported the City presently
imposed plumbing and mechanical permit fees which were set in September, 1963; it was proposed that
in addition to increasing the individual permit fee, a permit application fee of $3 be established.
Mr. J.B.S. Johnson, Jr' stated the Chamber of Commerce recommended a permit application fee of $5.
Councilman Hurwitz moved approval of the recommendation with the permit application fee to be set
at $5. The motion was seconded by Councilman Diament and on roll call vote carried unanimously.
Parking Meter Rate Increase: President Corica noted the last increase in the parking meter rate
was in 1946; the proposal was to reduce from 12 minutes to 6 minutes the amount of time a penny
coin would buy in a parking meter, and tc increase stall rental rates from $8 to $16 per month.
Mr. William M. McCall reported the City Of Oakland charged ten cents for one-half hour, and
suggested a minimum of five cents per half hour be established.
On question, the City Engineer stated the cost of converting the meters to eliminate the penny
could be accomplished at approximately $4,850, however a timing change retaining the penny could
be accomplished by the City crew.
Mr. J.B.S. Johnson stated the Chamber of Commerce recommended elimination of the monthly rental
Of stalls and preferred to see a discontinuance of the bands, thus making thOsetall5 available to
shoppers.
At the conclusion of considerable ds[u5siOn, Councilman BeCkam moved approval of the proposal to
reduce from 12 minutes to 6 minutes the amount of time a penny coin would buy in a parking meter.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried unanimously on roll call vote.
Councilman Hurwitz moved the monthly rental of stalls be eliminated. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Diament and carried On the following roll ca]] vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman
Sherratt, (1). Absent: None.
Parking Violation Bail Increases: President Corica reported the current bail on parking meter
violations was $2 and bail on other parking violations ranged from $3 to $15; the proposal was an
increase in bail of 51 for each parking violation, to include both parking meter violations and all
other parking violations.
Councilman Sherratt moved approval of the prOpOsd1. The motion was seconded by Councilman Diament
and carried unanimously On roll call vote.
Charge for Report and Travel Certification: President Corica stated it was proposed the City
charge $3 for certifying reports made for insurance purposes and clearance letters for travel. He
noted there was no charge for these services at present.
The City Manager was requested to contact the Police Chief and ascertain the nature of the services
for which the charge was proposed.
Variances: President Corica reported the City presently processed minor variances for $15 and
major variances for $25; the proposal was to eliminate the distinction between major and minor an
charge a flat rate of $I00 per variance.
Planning Director Patterson said he would agree $100 would be a high fee for a minor sideyard or
rear yard setback, however it was his opinion major variances which were decided by the Planning
Board should carry a larger fee.
Councilman Hurwitz suggested a fee of $50 be charged for those variances handled by staff, and
$100 for those handled by the Planning Board.
City Attorney Stroud stated he was in the process of developing an amendment to the governing
ordinance in which the fee schedule had been broken down.
It was the consensus of the Council that action on this item be deferred until such time as the
ordinance was presented for consideration.
Use Permits: President Corica stated Use Permits were currently processed for $25; the proposal
was to increase this fee to $75.
Consideration of this item was also deferred pending consideration of the ordinance amendment.
RezUnin : President Corica reported the City presently processed rezonings for S65; however, to
basically cover the cnSt, it was suggested a fee of $200 plus $25 per acre be charged.
Mr. J.B.S. Johnson, Jr., stated the Chamber of Commerce recommended an increase to a flat rate of
$250.
Planning Director Patterson said the Planning Department had made a revenue comparison of East Bay
cities and recommended a fee of 5200 plus $I7,50 per manhour to cover staff time involved.
Councilman Hurwitz moved approval of the recommendation of the Planning Director. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Sherratt and on r0]] call vote carried unanimously.
Planned Developments: President Corica stated the City now charged $100 plus $1 per each five
dwelling units; the proposal was to charge $500 plus $I7.50 per manhour,
Mr. J.B.S. Johnson, Jr., reported the Chamber of Commerce recommended a flat fee of $1,000 for
the first ten units plus S25 for each additional unit. He objected to charges being made on a
manhour basis. Mr, John Barni, Sr. concurred with Mr. Johnson's remarks,
Councilman Sherratt moved approval of the proposal. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Sherratt and carried unanimously on roll call vote.
Subdivision and Parcel Map: President Corica noted the City currently charged subdivision and
parcel map fees of $25 for the first five lots and $IU each lot thereafter,
The City Manager reported the Chamber of Commerce had recommended a charge of $25 for the first
lot and $25 for each lot thereafter, in which he concurred.
Councilman Sherratt moved approval of a flat fee of $25 per lot` The motion was seconded by
Councilman BeCkd0 and on roll call vote carried unanimously,
Design Review: President Corica reported the City presently charged $25 for residential applica-
tions and $50 for commercial applications; the proposal was to charge minor residential applications
$lO, major residential applications $25, and commercial applications to remain at $50.
Planning Director Patterson noted the Chamber of Commerce had recommended a charge of $lO for
residential applications and $IOO for commercial opplicutiOns. He said it was his recommendation
$IC be charged for minor residential applications, 25 be charged for major residential applications
and commercial applications be increased to $I00.
Councilman Sherratt moved approval of the $10 - $25 - $100 fee schedule recommended by the Planning
Director. The motion was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried unanimously on roll call
vote.
Signs: President Corica stated that currently the City did not charge for a sign permit; the
proposal was to charge $10 for signs under $I,000 value and S25 for signs with a value over
$1,000.
Action on this item was deferred until the sign ordinance under preparation was presented for
consideration.
Home Occupations: President Corica stated the City did not presently charge for home occupations;
the proposal was to charge $50.
Action on this item was deferred, to be considered in an overall review of the business lincense
tax structure.
Increase in Permit Fees Issued by the City Clerk/5 Office: President Corica noted many of these
fees had been unchanged since I935; the proposal was to increase permit fees based on recovering
actual processing costs.
Councilman Sherratt moved approval of the following increased permit fees: Owner's permit to
operate a public motor vehicle, $40; Relocation permit, S40; Private watchman's permit, $25;
Private patrol system permit, $100; Permit to operate carnival, circus or fair, $I00; Driver's
permit to operate a public motor vehicle, $3; Charge for printed copies of ordinances S.25 each.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and carried unanimously on roll call vote.
The City Attorney was directed to prepare any necessary ordinances and resolutions to effect the
Changes authorized by Council action.
3. Councilman Sherratt moved the Council retire to executive session for a discussion of pending
litigation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Beckam and carried unanimously on roll call vote.
After a five-minute recess, the Council reconvened in the Conference Room of the City Hall for
its delib£ratiOns.
At the conclusion of discussion it was determined no action would be taken at this meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
4. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
~~�'
City Clerk