1975-09-02 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY - - - - - - -SEPTEMBER 2, 1975
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President Corica presiding. The Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Beckam and was followed by an Invocation delivered by the Reverend
Mervin R. Megi7l, Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Beckam, Dfament, Hurwitz, Sherratt and President Corica,
(5), were noted present. Absent: None.
MINUTES:
I. The minutes of the regular meeting held August 5, 1975, were approved as submitted.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2. From Mrs. Vail Rasmussen, I17 Central Avenue, concerning after-school child supervision.
It was directed the communication be referred to the Alameda Unified School District, and brochures
describing City recreation programs be sent to Mrs. Rasmussen.
3. From Mrs. A. Ricupito, 1739 Central Avenue, regarding patient and employee smoking in conva-
lescent homes and hospitals.
The City Manager was requested to determine jurisdiction in the matter.
4. From Dana Estates Land Co., signed by Mr. George A. Hackle0dO, Secretary, requesting an
extension of time until May 8, 1976, for the filing of Final Maps of subdivision Tracts Nos. 3568
and 3569, property located at 2125 and 2145 Santa Clara Avenue.
The communication was referred to the City Attorney and City Engineer for a report at the next
regular meeting on September 16, 1975,
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
5. From the City Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, submitting recommendation on policies
dealing with locations and specifications for church and business area off-site directional signs.
President Corica reported the purpose of this recommendation was to provide direction to some areas
which were difficult to locate, i.e., Pacific Marina, Mariner Square and Ballena Bay.
Councilman Hurwitz asked if the businesses would pay for the cost of the signs. Planning Director
Patterson stated this was his understanding. He referred to the City Engineer's memorandum of
August 26, 1975, for further clarification and noted it stated the full cost of materials and
installation was to be borne by the business district. He said the City would work with the
Chamber of Commerce who would coordinate with the business community. He reported the Planning
Board had referred the matter to the Design Review Board, which approved the recommendation and had
further approved the Sign before them at their meeting. However, he said, the Design Review Board
had indicated they would like to see the signs identifying more than one business district, and
this was acceptable to the Chamber of Commerce.
Councilman Beckam referred to the specification sheet showing a pi t ure of the typical sign, he
suggested the word »3cotchcal" be eliminated as this .s4441e4111-�1A W40I+ z44_4-ziy, and the word , ' �~
"reflective" or "non-reflective" be used in its place, depending on the use for which the sign was
intended.
Mr. Harry Potter, General Manager of the Chamber of Commerce, proposed the City bear one-half the
cost of installing approximately 11 signs at 5 locations. He stated these were also recreational
areas containing small businesses and the signs were non-commercial,
At the conclusion of discussion, Councilman Hurwitz moved approval of the recommendation, with amend-
ments, i.e., the word oSC0tChCal'/ be eliminated from the sign instructions and replaced with either
"reflective or "non-reflective", and specifications be changed to indicate there would be no cost
to the City for either church or business area off-site directional signs. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Diument and carried unanimously on roll call vote.
6. From the City Manager reporting completion of public improvements in connection with Tract
No. 3534, recommending acceptance and release of faithful performance bond, (2133 Santa Clara
Avenue - Price, Anders & Hoopaugh)
Councilman Hurwitz moved acceptance of the public improvements in Tract No. 3534 and release of the
faithful performance bond. The motion was seconded by Councilman Beckam and carried unanimously on
roll call vote.
7. From the City Manager reporting completion of public improvement in connection with Tract No.
3608, recommending acceptance and release of faithful performance bond. /2115 Central Avenue - INDEV
Company)
Councilman Sherratt moved acceptance of the public improvements in Tract No. 3508 and release of
the faithful performance bond. The motion was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried unanimously
on roll call vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
8. In the Matter of the Relocation of Police Headquarters.
On request, City Manager Goss reported the matter had been before the Council, in various forms,
for well over a year. He stated several clear policy directions had been developed, namely, (1)
that the City's most pressing capital improvement need was to provide a modern Police Headquarters
(2) that the City approach the provision of this and other capital improvement programs on a pay-
as-you-go basis, not resorting to the delay and expense of a long-term funding mechanism:, (3) that
the Post Office building was important architecturally to the City and should be saved from demoli-
tion and (4) that the interest of the taxpayers be served by accomplishing the project at the
least possible cost and, if possible, without requiring additional tax revenue to complete the job.
Mr. Goss said there were certain implications by the proposal to move the Police Department to
Other quarters. These were (1) to solve the space and operational needs of the Department;
(2) to solve the space needs for existing City Hall departments by the space which would be freed
On the first floor of the building; (3) to permit the moving of City staff located in the Health
building, owned by the City but operated by the County, to the City Hall, thus permitting the
County to proceed with its expressed intent and plans to remodel the Health building to better
provide service to Alameda residents; and (4) to possibly permit the incorporation of a Historical
Museum in City Hall and freeing space in the Library.
Mr. Goss stated initially there was little opposition to the proposed conversion of the Post
Office building, except there was an expressed fear the project might intrude upon existing off-
street parking. However, some time ago it had been reported no off-street parking spaces would be
lost in terms of total numbers through this prO'ect.
Another issue, Mr. Goss said, had been the concern the City would lose the Municipal Court if it
were not incorporated in the Police Station project. He reported the County Board of Supervisors
had determined, based on evaluation of the Court's caseload and other operational factors, that
One Court should be maintained in Alameda and, presumably if the Court were ever moved from
Alameda, it would be because these factors did notjistify its continued existence here. He said
if the situation ever did develop, the Court probably would relocate whether or not it was
included in the Police Station project. He stated there was every likelihood the Court would be
retained in Alameda for at least the next five years, and probably beyond that if the caseload
and operational factors continued to support its operation.
Mr. Goss reviewed the alternative proposals of the Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Robert Lippert.
Police Chief Young referred to his statement made on August 5, 1975, concerning location,
construction, architect, cost and the counter prUpoSal. He re-emphasized that a Police Head-
quarters building did not have to be adjacent to a City Hall or other municipal offices. He
said recently a couple of suggestions had come to his attention on which he wished to comment.
First, that one or more rooms or areas be eliminated, which were included in the Post Office
plans, from any plan of a building on the City Hall parking lot. He said it had been argued
this would reduce the cost of the parking lot building to a point where it would be financially
compatible with the estimated cost of the Post Office project. Chief Young said he was convinced
that if the City were to construct a facility which would ensure efficient and professional
operations for the remainder of this center, the plans would already be compromised as much as
possible. He opposed further reduction or elimination of either space or the specific use of the
total space of the new facility.
Chief Young said the second suggestion was to explore other locations. He reported that before
developing serious architectural plans for the use of the Post Office building, other possibilities
had been investigated induding new construction on now vacant land, and the remodelling of other
public and private structure. He statedthey all seemed wanting either due to excessive cost or
impractical design. He said he sincerely believed that unless there was a dramatic new proposal
which would enhance civic operations and was financially feasible, the choice seemed to be between
the Post 3ffice building and the City Hall parking lot. He stated if the Post Office project were
completed, it would serve as a Police Headquarters for the remainder of this century, which was
about the efficient life of any police facility.
Architect Burns Cadwalader introduced his partners and associates, Mr. Robert Ratcliff, Mr.
Murray Sloan, Mr. Don Tasamoto, Project Architect, and Mr. Lee Salor, Cost Estimator. He reviewed
their comparative analysis of the two proposals, and reported they had omitted from both architec-
tural and engineering fees, cost of projects communications systems, furniture and equipment which
would be added to both projects. He estimated the cost of the projects, excluding the above
items would be as follows: Post Office - $1,500,000; City Hall site - $1,730,000 and each month
of delay would add another 310,000 to the cost. He stated they had arrived at the conclusion,
after study, it would be most appropriate to continue the use of the Post Office building in some
public function and that it would be adaptable to use as a Police Headquarters within the allocated
budget. On questioned, he said a 9.6% per year inflationary figure had been included in their
estimate,
Mr. Cadwalader reported if they were given authorization to proceed on a new site, by September 15,
the following timetable had been worked out. Schematic design would be completed by the middle
Of October, design development by the 24th of November, working drawings would be approved around
March 15, it would take approixmately four to five weeks to accept bids and obtain necessary
approvals, construction contracts could be awarded about April 26, 1976, with an occupancy
date of mid-April or June of 1977.
As to the inclusion of a Court facility in either proposal, Mr. Cadwalader noted the Court would
require 8,360 square feet of space and there would be other joint US3ge. It was his opinion this
facility could not be incorporated in either of the proposals.
President Corica reviewed previous actions which had been taken and meetings held with the Chamber
Of Commerce and members of the business Co0muDity. He said it was his opinion, if the Police
Department could be relocated on the City Hall site with all the amenities available at the Post
Office site, for which the money was available and there would be no additional cost to the taxpayer,
he would favor the mOVe. He said it was agreed new quarters were needed and urged the Council to
make a decision at this meeting on the location, however he expressed his opposition to any plan
which would result in increased property taxes. President Corica recalled statements made by Mr.
Lippert guaranteeing the full price of the Police Station if relocated on the City Hall site, and
concerning a rumored referendum. He further noted the Chamber of Commerce and Park Street District
Merchants Association had publicly stated they would support the City's decision to contest the Post
Office proposal through litigation.
Councilman Hurwitz expressed his agreement with President Corica's remarks, He said his main
concern was to get the best possible quarters for the Police Department at the best possible price
for the taXpdy2rs. He asked if Mr, Lippert would be willing to guarantee the price of $I,500,200
for the City Hall site, or guarantee it wouldn't go over the price as e5timnted. He noted there
was now a difference in the estimate of $230,000.
Councilman Sherratt questioned hidden costs which might arise in the remodelling of an older building.
Mr. Lee Salor stated in estimates of the two proposals a 5% contingency had been allocated to cover
this factor.
Mr. Don Lindsey, President of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, again expressed their opposition to
a police facility in an older downtown area, He questioned the architects' fees not being included
in the price estimates given, and the estimate of purchasing property for off-site parking in the
vicinity of the Post Office for S96,000, which he alleged to be lower than market volue. He said
it was his opinion the project would cost closer to $l,672,000. He stated it appeared to him the
cost estimate for purchase of land at the City Hall site was high, as was the estimate to accommodate
parking.
A lengthy discussion of project costs, with opinions offered by representatives of the Chamber of
Commerce, the business community and individual citizens followed.
At the suggestion of Councilman Beckam, a ten-minute recess was called for a work session.
Upon reconvening, City Manager Goss reported the total cost, including architects' fees, on the
Post Office site had been computed at $l,645,000. He stated the budget being dealt with in connection
with the Capital Outlay Fund had been related to site acquisition and construction costs, and matters
of fees, communications systems, furniture, etc., would be accommodated in other portions of the
City's operating budget. He said it appeared the City Hall site, using figures projected by the
Chamber, would cost $l,716,000, however it was his opinion this was subject to question as the cost
of site acquisition was an unknown factor.
Councilman Hurwitz asked for clarification of the offers made by Mr. Robert Lippert.
Attorney James Stonehouse, representing Mr. Lippert, stated the first offer was to buy from the
City the Post Office building for the amount of money expended for the purchase plus architectural
and appraisal fees. He said it now appeared the City had spent $I91,000 on the project. He said
this offer, which included return of the building to the City without charge after a 20 year
period and to provide free space to the Historical Society would expire on September 3.
Attorney Stonehouse stated the second offer was in reference to construction of the Chamber of
Commerce proposed annex and was based on a particular concept, as proposed by the Chamber at the
meeting of August 5, He said Mr. Lippert had guaranteed that he would enter a bid for the construc-
tion of that scheme for no more than the figure which had been presented by the Chamber at that
meeting. He noted that since that time the plans had been changed and he and Mr. Lippert had not
been consulted, nor had they been given an opportunity to review the chung2I.
Attorney Stonehouse reported Mr. Lippert had been in attendance at this meeting but had left
during the recess because of ill health. He said he was not empowered to make any commitment on
behalf o; Mr, Lippert based on materials they had not had an opportunity to review, nor to agree to
an extension of time on either offer.
Mr, Robert DeCelle, 276 Beach Road, urged the Council to pass the Ordinance to purchase the Post
Office property, however, stated he favored construction of a new building to house the Police
Headquarters. He stated he would not be against an increased property tax to pay for its cost,
provided the tax rate was reduced once this had been accomplished.
Mrs. Lola Brown, 2938 Fernside Boulevard, expressed her support of the original plan to relocate
the Police Headquarters at the Post Office building.
Mr. Joseph Sullivan, 3221 Liberty Avenue, suggested if the Ordinance were put to a referendum vote,
a bond election be held at the same time to obtain necessary funding. He referred to his prior
suggestion that other sites be explored.
Mr. John 8drni, Sr. , 2000 Central Avenue, expressed his doubt adjoining properties to the Post
Office site could be purchased for the estimated $I20,000. He urged the Council to provide a new
structure for this facility at the City Hall site.
Councilman Beckam reported a written offer had been received this date from Mr. Abe Kofman to sell
the Times-Star building to the City. The proposal was that the building would adequately house
the Police Headquarters and the Municipal CDurt, The City Clerk was requested to read the communication.
It was noted the offer was dependent upon Mr. KUf0aO's being able to obtain a suitable building
in Alameda to house the Time3-5tar plant, the parking lot at the rear was subject to a five-year
lease, no down payment would be required, and the purchase price could be paid over a 20_year
period at not more than $5,000 per month.
On question, Councilman Beckam stated Mr. Kofman had quoted the sale of the building at about
$600"000 at 6% interest, and the renovation would cost approximately $500,000 which would come
from the Capital Improvement Fund. He said the architect had reported a Phase I study could be
done at a cost of $2,500 and would take two weeks. At that time, if it proved satisfactory, a
Phase II study would be made at an additional cost of approximately $5,000 and take an additional
two weeks.
City Manager Goss recalled his report of January 20, 1975, indicated the proposed purchase price
of the building had been $450,000, and an evaluation had determined renovation costs would exceed
$500,000,
Mr. Lee Salor reported the architectural firm had looked the building over and found planning
difficulties with the structure, He stated it would be quite difficult to achieve all of the
space the Police Department would need. Mr Cadwalader reported there would be insufficient space
to accommodate both the Police facility and the Court.
Mr. Lindsey stated their final comparison indicated a total of $l,716,537 projected current cost
of the City Hall site. This was broken down to provide $85,000 for site purchase plus site improve-
ments; $10,000 for landscaping; 21,600 square feet of finished space plus 5,500 square feet of
unfinished space $1,382,200; land purchase for off-site parking 580,000; improving that land $40,000;
and architect's fees at 8TZ, of $118,337. As to the proposal made by the Chamber at the last
meeting, there was a difference of 5,600 square feet of unfinished space in the building of approxi-
mately $70,000 cost; there was an additional oost in parking because of the elimination of the
Class xA'/ garage and the necessity to purchase land for this purpose estimated at $66,000; and their
initial projection of the architects' fees at $85"200 was inaccurate as they were now estimated
at $118,337. He noted there was a difference of approximately $168,000 between their two proposals.
He suggested the possibility of eliminating the 5,600 square feet of growth space at a saving of
$70,000 and stated this could be accomplished in future years.
In comparing these figures with the revised Post Office project estimate of $1,645,200, which did
not include a $25,000 estimate for demolition, Mr, Lindsey contended there was only a $40,000
difference between the two projects. Mr. Cadwalader stated they substantially agreed with the
figures given, however there could be a difference of from $40,000 to $l00,000 depending on the
evaluation of land value.
After further discussion, Councilman Beckam moved a new facility be constructed on the City Hall
parking lot site, not to include the 5600 square feet of growth 3paC2. and the Post Office
building be retained for other public use. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and
carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: President Corica, (1). Absent:
None.
There followed a discussion of funding sources for the project. Councilman Hurwitz recommended
staff look into the possibility of using the Post Office building for other public use, or the
possibility of putting it up for sale. Councilman Beckam suggested the Capital Improvement Program
for the coming year might also be re-evaluated,
9. In the Matter of the Proposal to increase miscellaneous City charges and fees.
Consideration of this matter was continued to a special meeting to be held September 11, 1975,
10. In the Matter of Crossing Guard salaries.
President Corica reported a survey had been taken of eight neighborhing cities which indicated
Sal-,ries paid to Alameda Crossing Guards were above the area average.
Mrs. Alice White, 1528 Pacific Avenue, representing the Crossing Guards, stated the survey did not
show pay increases which Other areas would be receiving. Also, she said, wages in some of these
cities were paid on a step scale. She reported Alameda paid a newly hired crossing guard the same
salary as someone who had served for many years. and their request was for a step pay plan and a
reclassification to permanent part-time employee so they might be eligible for fringe benefits
and representation by the Employees Association.
Following discussion, the City Manager was requested to submit a report on all part-time employee
classifications having a step pay scale.
NEW BUSINESS:
Il, President Corica noted the Alameda Youth Symphony Orchestra would give its first public perfor-
mance on Sunday, September 7, 1975, at 2:00 o'clock p.0,, in the Alameda High School auditorium.
He invited attendance, and introduced Mr. Gerald Johansen, 1044 Melrose Avenue, a representative
Of the Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Johansen thanked President Corica for issuing a Proclamation in
the matter, which he read in full.
12' President Corica commented on the Good Neighborhood Program recommended by the Crime Prevention
Task Force,
The City Manager was directed to implement the Program,
13. President Corica announced the formation of a Senior Citizens Discount Committee which would
contact local merchants to work out a program wherein discounts would be given to senior citizens
DO specified monthly dates. He named the members of the Committee as Chairman Don Oransky, Mr5,
Gail Young, Mr. Ken urkhart, Reverend Raymond Currie and Mrs. Cuba Patton,
14. COurCilman Diament suggested formation of a Handicapped Citizens Committee to make recommen-
dations concerning barriers throughout the City. She again commented on barriers which had been
placed at entrances to several supermarkets and prohibited handicapped persons from entering the
premises.
The City Engineer volunteered to contact management of the markets in an effort to have the barriers
removed, or the problem solved in some other manner.
15. Councilman Hurwitz commented on the unsightly weed condition existing at the Southern Pacific
Company right of way at the Fernside Shopping Center in the vicinity of the loading dock.
The City Engineer was requested to pursue abatement of this weed problem.
16. Councilman Hurwitz noted there was a problem on the north side of Shore Line Drive caused by
an accumulation of sand.
City Engineer Hanna reported efforts were made to pick up the sand at intervals, however these
efforts were hampered because of vehicles being continually parked in the area.
President Corica stated Recreation Director Grant Mainland had contacted the East Bay Regional Park
District who would investigate the pr0bl8n.
RESOLUTIONS:
17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sherratt, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8410
Authorizing Execution of Contract with Alameda Chamber of Commerce
for Advertising for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2976, and
Appropriating Therefor the sum of $25,550.00, or as Much Thereof
as May Be Required."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Beckam and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: F0ur, Noes: NOne, Ab3tahiOg: Councilman Diament, (1). Absent: None.
President Corica requested the City Manager to distribute copies of the quarterly reports made by
the Chamber of Commerce to the Council members,
18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Beckam, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8411
Supporting Immediate Replacement of the Dumbarton Bridge."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman Hurwitz, (1). Absent: None.
Councilman Hurwitz restated his objection to the resolution. He noted AB 1322 introduced by
Assemblyman Vasconcellos would allow voters of affected communities to decide the issue.
19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sherratt, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8412
Appointing Member of the Public Utilities Board." (Hadi Monsef)
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: Five, Noes: None, Absent: None.
On request, the City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Monsef.
The President declared the foregoing resolutions adopted.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
20, "Ordinance No. I770"
New Series
Authorizing Purchase from United States of America of Former Post
Office Building and Real Property Located on North Side of Central
Avenue Between Park Street and Park Avenue."
Councilman Diament moved the ordinance be passed as 5ub0itted. The motion was seconded by Council-
man Beckam and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
21. "Ordinance No. I771,
New Series
Amending Section II-1334 of the Alameda Municipal Code Relating to
Uses Permitted in C-2 Districts."
Councilman Beckam moved the ordinance be passed as Sub0itted. The motion was seconded by Council-
man Dfd0eOt and carried On the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five, Noes: None. Absent: None.
22. "Ordinance No. 1772,
New Series
Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Subsection /71\ to
Section 17-333 Thereof, Relating to All Time and Limited No
Parking."
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: Five. Noes:
None. Absent: None. It was noted this ordinance would become effective immediately.
BILLS:
23. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the
total amount of SI70,088,52, was presented tc the Council at this meeting.
The List was accompanied by certification from the City Manager that the claims shown were
correct.
Councilman Beckam moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on
September 2, 1975, and presented to the City Council atthj3 meeting be allowed and paid. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and on roll call carried by unanimous vote.
FILING:
24. Contract Between City and Chamber of Commerce - Advertising for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 1976.
25. Financial and Operating Reports of Bureau of Electricity for periods from December 1, 1974
through May 31, 1975 - Verified by George A, Ha[k]2mdO,
26. Councilman Beckam moved the Council retire to executive session for a discussion of pending
litigation and personnel matters. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and unanimously
carried on roll call vote.
After a five-minute recess, the Council reconvened ir the Conference Room of the City Hall for its
deliberations.
At the conclusion of discussion, Yt was determined no action would be taken at this meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
27. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned to assemble
in regular session on Tuesday, September 16, 1975, at 7:30 o'clock p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
CITY CLERK