1973-11-20 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY NOVEMBER 20, 1973
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President La Croix presiding. The Pledge
of Allegiance was led by Councilman McCall and was followed by an Invocation delivered by the
Reverend Charles Beadle, Pastor of the Calvary Christian Center.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Corica, Hurwitz, McCall and President La Croix, Jr.
(4), were noted present. Absent: Councilman Beckam (1).
Councilman Hurwitz introduced his mother-in-law, Mrs. Alma Unger, who has been visiting his
family and is a resident of New York City.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
1. 0 From the Alameda Animal Rescue and Control, Steering Committee, signed by Mrs. Carmen
Lasar, submitting recommendations and requesting opportunity to address the Council.
The Clerk stated, in this connection, a petition had been submitted, containing 480 signatures,
requesting an Animal Control Program, and a communication had been received from Mr. Vern W.
Dennen, 1926 Everett Street concerning loose dogs.
President La Croix congratulated the Committee for their efforts and recognized Mrs. Lasar.
Mrs. Lasar, 612 Waterview Isle, presented to the Clerk additional petitions containing 55 sig-
natures. She reported the Committee had carefully studied animal problems, both locally and
in other cities, and had concluded the responsibility for animal control should be placed with
the pet owner. Their first recommendation was enforcement of the leash law, with patrol service
at varied hours of the day and night to pick up animals running loose. Secondly, they recom-
mended a tightening of the licensing law, and suggested a door-to-door canvass with notices left
where residents were not at home, and a future follow-up. She noted a change in the State law,
effective January 1, 1974, which would require a doubling of the license fee where an animal
had not been spayed or neutered, and stated the Committee recommended a licensing fee of $6,
reduced to $3 when the animal had been so altered, and a penalty of $6 when an animal was found
to be unlicensed.
Mrs. Lasar suggested applications for dog licenses might be handled through the mail, with the
submission of the rabies and spay certificates and license fee. She commented on the increased
revenue which could be obtained by a stricter application of the licensing law and stated the
Committee recommended notices be mailed to all residents, possibly through the cooperation of the
Bureau of Electricity, informing the public of details and date of enforcement.
Mrs. Lasar said the Committee further recommended an emergency ambulance service, during the
hours the Pound was closed, to pick up injured and dead animals, and a veterinarian service to
care for unidentified injured animals. She elaborated further on the report which had been
submitted by the Committee.
President La Croix said he agreed with an increase in the license fees, which were far below
those charged in other communities, and a stricter enforcement of the leash law. He questioned
the necessity for a 24-hour emergency ambulance service and the statement in the report that the
City would be responsible for first aid treatment to the animal if the owner could not be located.
He noted there were many stray dogs in the City and said he felt payment for their care should
not be imposed upon the taxpayer, and questioned whether this would be a proper use of tax dollars.
He stated it had been suggested the W.A.Y. program be utilized in the canvassing program.
On question, the City Attorney stated he was in the process of preparing an ordinance for
Council consideration which would increase licensing fees.
There followed considerable discussion regarding the suggested emergency ambulance and veter-
inarian services and the possibility of contracting with the County or the S.P.C.A. for these
services. It was brought out that the City, at the present time, paid a $35 per month fee to
the Oakland Animal Shelter which covered the disposition of dead animals brought to it by the
Pound, this including those carcasses picked up from local veterinarian offices, at no charge.
Mrs. Lasar pointed out that, IL the past, any injured animal delivered to one of the local veter-
inarians by either the Pound or a Police Officer was treated or put to sleep, at no cost to the
City. She said the Committee felt it was wrong that a private citizen should have to pick up
and pay for an unidentified injured animal.
Councilman Corica stated the primary concern was to get dogs off the streets and he proposed
that a stray animal, picked up by the Pound, be kept for only a 3-day period and then disposed
of.
Dr. Clifford S. Munns, D.V.M., 433 Whitehall Road, explained the proposal submitted by Alameda
veterinarians, copies of which had been provided to the Council, and responded to questions.
He further explained the services provided by the County and the S.P.C.A. and recommended
against them.
Mr. Hugh Tebault, 1612 Clinton Avenue, urged enforcement of the existing leash and licensing
ordinances, and adoption of measures necessary to provide 24-hour emergency injured animal
pickup service and first aid care.
Mr. Charles Tillman, 2415 Roosevelt Drive, commented on the Committee report and recommendations.
At the conclusion of discussion, the proposal was referred to the office of the City Manager
for a complete study, with recommendations to be made by the City Engineer concerning problems
of the Pound and by the City Attorney.
2. v From Mr. John W. Heckenlively, Attorney at Law, requesting permission to address the
Council on behalf of the Bayview Estate Homeowner's Association.
President La Croix reported this matter would be held over to the regularly scheduled meeting of
December 4, 1973, at which time the East Bay Regional Park District would have representatives
present for a full discussion regarding the control of the beaches, and the erosion and odor
problems.
3. 1, From Alameda Christmas Tree Lane Homeowners, signed by Mrs. Dee Wood, regarding Christ-
mas lighting of trees on 3200 block of Thompson Avenue.
President La Croix stated this was a voluntary recommendation by the residents of the area, who,
in their concern over the current energy crisis, had agreed to reduce, by 50% the lighting of
trees on Christmas Tree Lane.
The Assistant City Manager was requested to respond to the communication, indicating the
Council's concurrence with the proposal.
4. V From Alameda Jaycees, signed by Mr. Robert W. Gorman, Secretary, submitting resolution
of Board of Directors recommending minimizing utilization of lighting during holiday season.
Mr. Thomas Rolleri, President of the Alameda Jaycees, was recognized by the President. President
La Croix stated he would respond to the communication and indicate the concern of the Council
regarding the consumption of energy during the present power-fuel crisis.
5. ' From Mrs. Vail Rasmussen, 117 Central Avenue, concerning the Halloween custom of house-
to-house trick or treating, and suggesting alternatives.
The communication was referred to the Social Service Board for study and report.
6. From Mrs. E.L. Yost, 1813 Nason Street, urging examination of action taken by the
Alameda Board of Education to purchase the Wood property as a site for a new Lincoln School.
President La Croix pointed out that the Board of Education was a duly elected body and the
Council had no jurisdiction over its actions. He suggested the City Auditor be requested to
prepare an eatimate of taxes which would be lost if the Alameda Unified School District should
acquire all or part of the Wood property, the information to be supplied to the Council and the
Board of Education. It was so ordered.
President La Croix and Councilmen McCall and Corica expressed their opposition to the Wood
property site for a school, stating they would prefer Lincoln School to remain at its present
location.
HEARINGS:
7. v Continued from the regular meeting of August 7, and the regular meeting of November 6,
1973, in the Matter of a Petition to rezone a 6,300 square foot parcel on Otis Drive southerly
of Powell Street, from "R-3-PD", Restricted Apartment, Planned Development District, to "C-2-PD",
General Business, Planned Development District, filed by Wayne and Brenda Cowen.
On request, the Clerk read a communication which had been received from the applicants, in which
they had withdrawn their application and rezoning petition. She further stated there was on file
the Affidavit of Publication of the Notice of Abandonment of the Proceedings and all interested
persons had been so notified.
The communication was accepted and the matter withdrawn from consideration.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
8. From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Contra Costa Landscaping, Inc.
low bidder, for the project of the installation of turf and irrigation improvements at Lincoln
Park, at an estimated price of 53,222.50.
Councilman Hurwitz moved acceptance of the recommendation. The motion was seconded by Council-
man Corica and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent:
Councilman Beckam, (1).
9. V From the City Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, making recommendation on Tentative
Map for Tract No. 3534, a proposed 29-unit condominium subdivision at 2133 Santa Clara Avenue,
filed by Rudd Gast and Associates for John Pirce, Paul Anders and Marvin Hoopaugh.
On question, the City Engineer replied the Unit Dwelling Tax would be paid on this Tract before
the Occupancy Permit was issued.
Councilman McCall moved the recommendation of the Planning Board be adopted, that the Tentative
Map for said Tract be approved, subject to the terms and conditions of the City Engineer's report
dated October 25, 1973. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and carried on the fol-
lowing roll call vots. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Beckam(1).
10. V From the Alameda Recreation Commission, signed by the Secretary, reporting on appoint-
ments to the Bicycle Task Force.
Councilman Hurwitz moved acceptance of the report. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall
and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman
Beckam, (1).
11. / From the Alameda Recreation Commission, signed by the Secretary, transmitting preliminary
plan, narrative and cost estimate for redevelopment of the present Washington Park and develop-
ment of two parcels of land directly below the Park.
Mr. Robert O'Maley, President, 1250 Bay Street, summarized the preliminary plan and stated con-
sideration had been given to the need for a first-class baseball facility and a cultural center,
to be developed in conjunction with the over-all concept of the adjoining Regional Park. He
stated the Commission had been quite pleased with the fact that the Architect and the Committee
had considered the problem of off-street parking and offered proposals for its solution. He
commented on the public hearing which had been held on Spetember 20, 1973, and the input received
from the community, particularly with reference to the relocation of the baseball field. Mr.
O'Maley endorsed the concept of the preliminary plan and requested the approval of the Council.
The members of the Council entered into a thorough discussion of the plan, expressing their concern
with the size of the community center, relocation of the baseball diamond and tennis courts, the
Eighth Street widening project, traffic, parking, drainage of Area B, and the possibility of State
or Federal funding. Questions were answered by the Architect, Mr. Theodore Osmundson, and Mr.
O'Maley.
Also discussed was the need to develop an overall capital improvement program and the acquisition
of a Northside Park and Northside Pumping Station.
Councilman Corica objected tothe relocation of the baseball field and stated, in his opinion,
it should remain at its present site.
Councilman McCall remarked that before the Recreation Commission could investigate the possibility
of funding, it would be necessary that approval be given by the Council to the preliminary plan,
and changes could be adopted at a later time.
Messrs. Don and Richard Sherratt of the Alameda Athletic Association requested the Council to
withhold its recommendation until such time as they could present their views on the proposal.
At the conclusion of discussion,Councilman Hurwitz moved approval of the proposed Washington
Park Improvement preliminary plan. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and carried
on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: Councilman Corica, (1). Absent: Council-
man Beckam, (1).
12. From the City Manager, reporting all work satisfactorily completed on the project of the
reconstruction of Third Street from Santa Clara Avenue to Pacific Avenue, recommending it be
accepted and Notice of Completion be ordered filed.
Councilman Corica moved the recommendation be accepted, that all work on the designated project
be accepted as satisfactorily completed and the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was
seconded by Councilman McCall and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes:
None. Absent: Councilman Beckam, (1).
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
13./ President La Croix asked the Council members to submit their recommendations regarding the
makeup and goals of the Human Relations Commission to the Assistant City Manager, as he would
like to hold a meeting some time in December to formulate the powers of the Commission.
NEW BUSINESS:
14.v Councilman Corica stated he would like to bring up some points dealing with the energy crisis.
He read a letter which had been sent by the City Attorney to Arthur D. Little, Inc., regarding
the Environmental Impact Report for the Harbor Bay Isle development, requesting that they consider
and include in the report matters affecting the project arising because of the increasing energy
shortage. Specifically requested was a determination of the amount of electric current and gas
which would be used over and above that now consumed in the City, assuming some 5,000 new resi-
dences and about 12,000 additional persons.
Councilman Corica stated it had been brought to his attention that heat for the swimming pool
located at Casitas Townhouses had, been voluntarily turned off, and he hoped residents of the
Islandia Townhouses would follow suit, as well as other pool owners in the City, with the excep-
tion of pools used for swimming instruction or school activities.
He further suggested that in the future, with the exception of the Police Department, City
automobile purchases be confined to the compact car class.
Councilman Hurwitz asked the Recreation Director if there was a possibility of lowering the
termperatures in the City pools. Mr. Mainland explained the methods used in heating and the
consideration given to varying climatic conditions at the two City swimming pools.
President La Croix read, in full, Resolution No. 2865, adopted this date by the Department
of Public Utilities, entitled, "Curtailment of Sale of Electrical Energy". This resolution
urged all consumers within the limits of the City of Alameda to immediately proceed with volun-
tary control and efforts to reduce their use of electrical energy by means of reducing their
load requirements or less operating hours, or both, as soon as possible. He requested the Council
go on record as supporting this resolution, as a goal of the City.
Councilman Corica then offered the foregoing as a motion, which was seconded by Councilman
Hurwitz and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent:
Councilman Beckam, (1).
The Clerk was directed to furnish a copy of the resolution to the Alameda Times-Star for their
information, noting the endorsement of the City Council.
15. v President La Croix introduced Mrs. Marian Goodman, a representative of Social Advocates
for Youth, 975 North Point, San Francisco.
Mrs. Goodman stated their organization worked with problem youths between the ages of seven and
fourteen years. She referred to the voluminous written material which had been supplied to the
Council and commented on the program which was active in other communities. Mrs. Goodman said
they would like to embark on such a program within the City and asked for the endorsement of the
Council.
Mr. Mike Carrere, of the organization, explained the program which had been set up in Santa
Rosa and stated a report had been furnished to the Alameda Police Department by the Sonoma County
Probation Department.
At the conclusion of discussion, Mrs. Goodman was asked to submit a proposed budget for the
program. President La Croix stated he would request the California Council for Criminal Justice
to provide an evaluative report, and copies of the report of the Sonoma County Probation Depart-
ment would be obtained.
RESOLUTIONS:
16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hurwitz, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8136
Rejecting Claim of Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Against City."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman McCall and carried on the [ollowirg
roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Beckam, (1).
17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hurwitz, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8137
Amending Resolution No. 6232 Relating to Police and
Fire Department Holidays, by Amending Section 2b and
Adding Section 2c Thereto."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman McCall and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Beckam, (1).
The President declared the foregoing Resolutions adopted.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
18 Councilman McCall introduced the following ordinance, after which it would be laid over under
provision of law and the Charter:
0 0 ri
"Ordinance No.
New Series
Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Article 3
to Chapter 1 of Title XII, Consisting of Sections 12-131
Through 12-135, Relating to Placing and Removal of Political
Signs."
The motion was seconded by Councilman Corica and carried on the following roll call vote.
Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Beckam, (1).
On request, City Attorney Cunningham explained this ordinance would govern the placing and
removal of political signs on private property by a candidate or political committee, and
would not control the actions of a private home owner on his own premises.
19. Councilman Corica introduced the following ordinance, after which it would be laid
over under provision of law and the Charter:
"Ordinance No.
New Series
Authorizing Sale of City-Owned Real Property to Housing
Authority (Northeast Corner Park Street and Otis Drive)."
The motion was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and on roll call carried by the following
vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Beckam, (1).
The City Attorney stated the Deed would not contain a reversionary clause, for practical
reasons dealing mainly with financing, however this condition would be set out in a sepa-
rate agreement betweenthe City and the Housing Authority.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
20. "Ordinance No. 1705,
New Series
Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Sections
9-1415, 9-1416 and 9-1417 Thereto, Relating to Enforce-
by Poundmaster of Animal Control Regulations, Prescribing
Penalty for Violation Thereof, and Relating to Citation
Procedure for Violations."
Councilman Corica moved the ordinance be passed as submitted. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Hurwitz and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes:
None. Absent: Councilman Beckam, (1).
21. "Ordinance No. 1706,
New Series
Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Sections
2-311, 2-312 and Subsections (2) and (5) of Section 2-314
of Article 1, Chapter 3, Title II Thereof, Relating to
Membership and Duties of the City Recreation Commission."
Councilman McCall moved the ordinance be passed as submitted. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Hurwitz and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None.
Absent: Councilman Beckam, (1).
BILLS:
22. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in
the total amount of $112,031.69, 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 Corica moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk
on November 20, 1973, and presented to the City Council at this meeting, be allowed paid. The
motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four.
Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Beckam, (1).
23. Councilman Hurwitz moved the Council retire to an executive session for discussion of
personnel matters. The motion was seconded by Councilman Corica and carried unanimously.
After a five-minute recess, the Council reconvened in the Conference Room of the City Hall for
its deliberations. At the conclusion of the discussion, it was determined no action would be
taken at this meeting.
ADJO NT:
24. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned,
to assemble in regular session on Tuesday, December 4, 1973, at 7:30 o'clock p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
City Clerk