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1975-09-16 Regular CC Minutes5 kEGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA NELD TUESDAY - - - - SEPTEMBER 16, 1975 The meeting co vened at 7:30 o'clock p,m. with President Corica presiding, The Pledge of Allegiance was led hy Councilman Sherratt and was followed by an Invocation delivered by the Reverend Albert Laren, Assistant Pastor, First Presbyterian Church. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Beckam, Diament, Hurwitz, Sherratt and President Corica, (5), were noted preent. Absent: None. 1. , President Corica introduced Mr, Sam Coffey, Assistant Regional Director of the Pacific Region, American Bicentennial Administration. Mr, Coffey presented the Council with an official Bicentennial flag and a Certificate of Official Recognition as a Bicentennial Community signed by the Honorable John W. Warner, Administrator. He commended the committee for its fine programs. President Corica introduced members of the Bicentennial Committee present in the audience. 2.- President Corica introduced Mr, Suren Dutia, Executive Director of the ACTEB/ACAP program. Mr. Dutia explained the functions of the Alameda County Training and Employment Board and the Associated Community Action program, and presented Council with an overview of the two programs. He stated Alameda presently participated in ACTEB and it was hoped the City would join ACAP also. President Corica requested Councilman Beckam, a member of the ACTEB Board of Directors, to prepare a report on the possibility of the City's joining the ACAP program. MINUTES: 3. The minutes of the regular meeting held August 19, 1975, were approved as submitted. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIO 4. From Alamedans membership on the Ho President Corica rep housing authority, c S: ith HOPE, signed by Robert W. Bolton, Corresponding Secretary, concerning sing Authority. rted the Governor had signed a bill mandating tenant representation on the e of which should be a senior citizen if the authority had senior citizen tenants. After discussion, the City Attorney was directed to prepare a resolution for consideration at the next Council meeting-increasing membership on the Housing Authority to seven members, two of whom were to be tenants and one a senior citizen. 5. From Mr, Warren P. Schilling, 912-A Oak Street, questioning the proposal to widen Oak Street. The City Engineer was directed to respond to Mr. Schilling's questions. 6. From Mrs. Joy F. Johnson, 2146-A San Antonio Avenue, requesting application be made to California Housing Finance Commission for funds to rehabilitate Makassar Housing Project. President Corica repo,ted this was a new program and Mr. Marquardt, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, had met with Mr. Arnold Sternberg and Mr. Carl Henken of the program and planned to submit an application as soon as possible. Mrs. Johnson elaboratid on her request and presented pictures illustrating conditions in the Makassar housing project. Ms. Beverly Moore, 1005 Parrot, supported Mrs. Johnson's remarks and urged the Council to act quickly to rehabilitate the project. Mrs. Toni Solari, 2116 Pope Street, commented on maintenance problems and the lack of fire escapes. Mr. Saqueira, 625 22nd Avenue, Oakland, a student at the College of Alameda, stated he was doing a report on some of the conditions and the formation of a Tenants Union, and requested help on some of the needed research. Mr. George LeForgey, 1217 Santa Clara, Vice Chairman of the Alameda Tenants Union, urged support of the fund application, and related his experiences with requested maintenance. Mrs. Dorothy Allen, 1020 Pacific Avenue, suggested the Council include tenant representation on planning the rehabilitation. After further discussion of the problems, the City Manager was requested to obtain a copy of the pertinent legislation. The Housing Authority was requested to report on aspects of the bill, and a review of maintenance problems and what it would take to effect repairs, for submission at the next Council meeting on October 7. Housing Authority Commissioner Willeta O'Dell, who was present in the audience, was asked to relay the concerns of the Council to the authority. 7. \ i From Alameda Family Service Agency, requesting adoption of an ordinance exempting Senior Citizens from payment of telephone, electricity and gas users tax. The request was referred to the City Manager for report, 8. From Mr, William M. Bostwick, 1149 Bismarck Lane, concerning A/C Transit service to Bay Farm Island. President Corica announced the appointment of a committee consisting of Vice Mayor Beckam, City Engineer Hanna and himself to work with A/C Transit to improve service. Councilman Hurwitz questioned the status of acquiring the Dial-A-Ride program for Alameda. City Engineer Hanna was requested to investigate. 9. From Davis, Craig and Bartalini, regarding election of Trustees of BFI Reclamation District No. 2105. Councilman Hurwitz moved acceptance of the report, The motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried unanimously on roll call vote. There being no objection, the meeting proceeded to "Resolutions', RESOLUTIONS: 10. Councilman Hurwitz introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 8413 Appointing Those Nominated as Trustees of Reclamation District No. 2105," The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman Diament, (1). Absent: None. The meeting returned to the regular order of business, WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 11. From Reclamation District No. 2087, concerning election of Trustees. Councilman Hurwitz moved acceptance of the report, The motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried unanimously on roll call vote. There being no objection, the meeting proceeded to "Resolutions", RESOLUTIONS: 12. Councilman Sherratt introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: "Resolution No, 8414 Appointing Those Nominated as Trustees of Reclamation District No. 2087." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman Diament, (1), Absent: None, The meeting returned to the regular order of business. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: 13. From Mayor's Ad Hoc Finance Committee submitting Interim Reports. President Corica thanked the Committee for their diligence and asked if the Committee were considering a transfer tax. He stated the recommendations would be evaluated, Chairman Jim McClure, 2811 Yosemite, stated the matter had come up a number of times, but they were still exploring other avenues. Councilman Sherratt moved the report be accepted, Mr. Royce Gladden, 1512 Encinal Avenue, stated he was a small businessman and objected to the recommended business license increases as the proposed rates would practically eliminate small businesses. Mr. Don Lindsey, President of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, read a letter regarding existing inequities in the businesslicense ordinance and urged the Council to remedy these inequities. He offered the Chamber's assistance, Mr. Joseph Sullivan, 3221 Liberty Avenue, expressed his disagreement with the Committee on a number of items, one of which was to request official response from various groups in town regarding their studies President Corica noted the meetings were open to the public and comments from any business district, individual or special interest were welcome. The motion to accept the report was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and carried unanimously on roll call vote, 14. From the City Manager, transmitting report concerning employee participation in Occupational Health Services, Inc, Councilman Hurwitz moved acceptance of the report, The motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried unanimously on roll call vote. On question from Councilman Diament, City Manager Goss briefly explained the program, There being no objection, the meeting proceeded to "Resolutions". RESOLUTIONS: 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hurwitz, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No, 8415 Establishing Policy Statement with Regard to Providing an Employee Assistance Program through the Occupational Health Services, Inc." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five: Noes: None. Absent: None, The meeting returned to the regular order of business. REPORTS APCRECOMMEHDATIONS: 16. From City Manager recommending contract be awarded tc Ferma Corporation, lowest and best bidder, for project of construction of Phase 1, Area B, Washington Park. Councilman Hurwitz moved acceptance of the report and award of the contract to Ferma Corporation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried unanimously on roll call vote, 17, From City Manager recommending contract be awarded to Economy Garden Supply, lowest and best bidder, for project of construction of Northside Park, Councilman Sherratt moved acceptance of the report and award of the contract, as recommended. The motion was seconded by Councilman Beckam and carried cnanimously on roll call vote, Councilman Beckam questioned the amount of work scheduled to he done in the public right-of-way and suggested some of it could be paid out of Gas Tax funds rather than the park funds, thereby increasing the reserve for construction of the building. Parks and Recreation Director Mainland stated the suggestion could be worked out. 18. From the City Manager recommending all bids be rejected for the project of the construction of Northside Park Recreation building, Councilman Beckam moved all bids be rejected. Tne motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried unanimously on roll call vote. A ten-minute recess was called. Upon reconvening, the meeting continued with the regular order of business. 19. From the City Manager, transmitting report on 1975-1976 Budget and Fax Rate, City Manager Goss reviewed his report and stated the increases were mainly due to the two-year salary agreement, increased insurance costs and pension system "1079 which, though phased out, must still be paid. He said the net result of these increases, plus general inflationary rates, would be an estimated deficit of S600,000. he reviewed the measures undertaken to reduce the budget. Mr. Goss stated he had prepared three rates for consideration. (1) Increase the tax rate to $2.46 and increase the utility users tax rate from 51 to SN%' to balance the operating budget; (2) Set the tax rate at $2.52 which would balance the operating budget; (3) Set the rate of $2.58 which would balance the operating budget ard provide the additional amount needed to build the Police Station on the City Hall site and retain the Post Office. A discussion of property tax vs etility tax increase followed, Mr. John Barni, Sr., 2000 Central Avenue, expressed his opposition to an increased utility tax, suggested the limits of spending be set now to avoid future increases, and urged Council to adopt the lowest of the three rates. Mr. Joseph Sullivan, 3221 Liberty Avenue, urged the Council to consider alaternative revenue sources prior to setting the tax rate. President Corica pointed out the Council was required by law to set the property tax rate this evening. A discussion of funding construction of the Police Department and possible uses of the Post Office building followed. Mr. Larry Patton, 1020 San Antonio Avenue, spoke regarding the property tax rate and the effect the Ad Hoc Committee's recommendations might have on the budget, After further discussion, of the three alternative rates, Councilman Hurwitz moved the report be accepted and the rate of $2.52 be adopted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried on the following roll call vote, Ayes: Four, Noes: President Corica, (1). Absent: None. There being no objection, the meeting proceeded to "Resolutions', RESOLUTIONS: 20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hurwitz, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 8416 Fixing the Pate and Levying a Tax on All Real and Personal Prope-ty in the City of Alameda for the Fiscal Year 1975-1976 and Apportioning the Same Amcnp the Several Funds of the City,' The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried on the folloir,(;- roll call vote. Ayes: Four, Noes: President Corica, (1), Absent: None. City Manager Goss advised the Council that he and the City Attorney had reviewed the provisions of SB 90 in regard tc the projected increase and had determined the rate increase was allowable under provisions of that law. The meeting returned to the regular order of business, REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: 21.. From thc Library Board regarding faesibility study for Library. Dr, Neylan Vedros, President of the Library Board, noted the contract for the study would be awarded at the next Board meeting, with completion anticipated 90 days thereafter, Councilman Hurwitz mentioned the possibility of public subscription to fund Library improvements. Further discussion of various methods to raise money followed. Councilman Diament moved acceptance of the report, lhe motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried unanimously or rol call vote. 22. From the Assistant City Manager regarding garbage rates, Discussion of this item was deferred to consideration of the rate increase requested by Alameda City Disposal. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 23. From Mr, Randal F. Dickey, Jr., Attorney for Alameda City Disposal, requesting an increase in the basic collection rate. Assistant City Manager Creagh elaborated on his report. Attorney Randal F. Dickey, Jr., and Mr. Wesley Suman, representing the Alameda City Disposal, reviewed the reasons for their request, and responded to questions from the Council. There followed considerable discussion of the report of the Assistant City Manager, the amount of return yained by the City from the franchise agreement, the conditions of that agreement, the disposal site, and a comparison with operations of various neighboring cities. It was noted the franchise agreement was binding until 1982. Mr. Dickey and Mr, Suman, representing the Company, offered to enter negotiations with the City to revise the agreement provided allowance he made to allow the company to retain its profit margin. Councilman Hurwitz moved the matter be tabled and asked the Disposal Company to come up with some alternatives to a rate increase. The motion was seconded by Councilman Diament and failed on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Two, Noes: Councilmen Beckam, Diament and Sherratt, (3), Absent: None. Councilman Beckam moved acceptance of the report. The motion was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried unanimously on roll call vote. There being no objection, the meeting proceeded to "Introduction of Ordinances". INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES; 24. Councilman Beckam introduced the following ordinance, after which it would be laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No, New Series Amending Subsections (a), (h) and (c) of Section 15-6210 of the Alameda Municipal Code Relating to Rates for Collection cf Garbage and Refuse,' 9 The motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried on the following roll call vote, Ayes: Three, Noes: Councilman Hurwitz and President Corica, (2). Absent: None. The meeting returned to the regular orderof business. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 25. Continued from the meeting of September 1, from Dana Estates Land Company, signed by Mr. George A. Hacklernan, Secretary, requesting extension of time until May 8, 1976, For filing Final Maps for subdivision Tracts Nos 3568 and 3569, property located at 2125 and 2145 Santa Clara Avenue. Mr. George A. Hackleman, 1630 Clinton Avenue, reviewed the history of the proposed conversion of apart- ments to condominiums and related the delays experienced. Councilman Hurwitz noted a memorandum from the City Engineer and City Attorney stated the extension of tine could not and should not be granted, City Engineer Hanna and City Attorney Stroud explained that the subdivision ordinance in effect at the time this conversion was begun specifically stated the request for extension of time must he made prior to the expiraticr of the filing period. Since the applicant had not complied with the provisions of the ordinance, they had no choice but to recommend against the extension. Councilman Hurwitz moved denial of the requested extension of time. The motion was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried unanimously on roll call vote. 26. Councilman Diament requested formation of a Handicapped Persons Committee to study problems of architectural barriers. The City Engineer was requested to provide the Council with his report on barriers at various stores for the meeting of October 7. 27, Councilman Beckam requested a status report from the City Manager on the items provided in Resolution 8381, adopting the Goals Study, for the meeting of October 7. 28. Councilman Beckam requested a timetable for construction of the new Police Station be available at the meeting of October 7. 29. Councilman Beckam requested the agenda packets be complete on Tuesday preceding the Council meeting, in accordance with a policy set several years ago. 30. President Corica introduced Mr. William Thomas, founder of the Good Neighborhood Program, who was in the audience. 31. Councilman Hurwitz mentioned the backlog of Planning Board minutes and requested e written report on action taken to remedy the situation for the meeting of October 7, NEW BUSINESS: 32. President Corica spoke about the Chamber of Commerce's efforts to bring new business into the City and directed the City Manager to request a report from the Chamber as to the progress being made and their intended implementation plans. 33. Councilman Sherratt reported the Beach Erosion Committee had met once and would be meeting again at 2:30 pm,, October 3, in the Council Chamber and invited public attendance. 34. Councilman Diament asked the City Manager about planning for the Housing and Community Develop- ment funding program for fiscal 1976-1977. City Manager Goss reported staff had begun work ort the program, 35. Councilman Hurwitz requested consideration be given to providing directional signs to various Parks in the City. RESOLUTIONS: 36. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Beckam, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 8417 Declaring Intention of Council to Order Vacation cf Portion of Blanding Avenue, a Public Street in the City of Alameda, and Referrirg to a Certain Map for Particulars Thereof." The motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 37, The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hurwitz, who moved its adoption: 'Resolution No. 8418 Approving and Adopting a Budget for the Fiscal Year 1975-1976; Appropriating Certain Moneys for the Expenditures Prcvided in Said Budget for Said Fiscal Year and Ratifying Certain Expenditures Heretofore Made." 10 The motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried cn the following roll call vote, Ayes: Four. Noes: President Corica, (1), Absent: None, 38. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sherratt, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 8419 Authorizing Employment of Special Consultant to Develop Information for Proceedings Against Certain Oakland Airport Operations, to Assist in Evaluation of Oakland Airport Expansion Plans and to Assist in Development of a Noise Element," The motion was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None, The President declared the foregoing Resolutions adopted, INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 39. Councilman Beckam introduced the following ordinance, after which it would be laid over urder provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series Authorizing Purchase of Real Property from State of California (Director of Transportation) for Sum of $16,000.00 (Excess State Properties by Bay Farm Island Bridge)." Planning Director Patterson reported the Planning Board had corsidereu this item at its meeting of September 15, and found the proposed use to be in compliance with the General Plan, The motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried on the following roll call vote, Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. BILLS: 40. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of $70,194,34, was presented to the Council at this meeting. The List was accompanied by certification from the City Manager that the claims shown were correct. Councilman Eeckam moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on September 16, 1975, and presented to the City Council at this meeting be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and carried unanimously on roll call vote. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, GENERAL: 41, Mr. William Thomas, 1918 Everett, founder of the Good Neighborhood Program, thanked the Council for supporting his program, described its purpose and commended the Council for their efforts to help Alameda become a better place in which to live. FILING: 42, Final Budget - Fiscal Year ending June 30, 1976. 43. Financial and Operating Report of Bureau of Electricity for period ending June 30, 1975 - Verified by George A. Hackleman, 44, Councilman Eeckam moved the Council retire to executive session to discuss appointments to various Boards and Commissions and pending litigation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried unanimously cn roll call vote. After a five-minute recess, the Council reconvened in the Conference Room of the City Hall for its deliberations. At the conclusion of discussion, it was determined no action woule be taken at this time. It was requested that the office of the City Attorney prepare an appropriate resolution to effect the appointments on which the Council had reached agreement for action by the Council at its next meeting. ADJOURNMENT: 45, There being no further business to cone before this meeting. the Council adjourned to assemble in regular session on Tuesday, October 7, 1975, at 7:30 o'clock p.m, Respectfully submitted, e . City Clerk