1977-02-01 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CTTY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY - - - - - - - - - - FEBRUARY 1, 1977
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President Corica presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance
was led by Eagle Scout Alan Schroeder and was followed by an Invocation delivered by the Reverend
Don Taylor, Pastor of the Central Baptist Church.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Beckam, Dfament, Hurwitz, Sherratt and President Corica, (5),
were noted present. Absent: None.
1. At this time, President Corica announced that the Twenty-fourth Anniversary of Boy Scout Day
in the City of Alameda would be observed at this meeting.
On request, the City Clerk read a Proclamation declaring the observance of the Day, following w!'ich
President Corica presented the Proclamation to Boy Scout Mayor of the Day, Engle Scout Alam Schroeder.
The President called upon Assistant City Manager Creaqh, who had coordinated the day's program, to give
a report on the activities. Mr. Creaqh said there were 16 participants requresting 8 troops in the
city. He stated the Scouts had assembled at 1:45 o'clock p.m' in the Council Chamber for general
orientation; at 2 p,m, they had met with Department and UiViSiOn Heads who had acquianted them with
Department activities; and from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., they had taken a tour of the Police and
Fire Departments.
President Corica presented each participating Boy Scout with a certificate of his achievement in the
program. He congratulated Mr. Creagh and the staff for their work and participation in the program
and commended the SCOUtinp program in Alameda, especially the Scout Leaders and parents of members
of the Boy Scouts of America.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2. From Garden Isle Homeowners Association- Signed by Richard Noble, Managpr, requesting property
at the corner of Holly Street and Oleander Avenue be retained by the city and developed as a park.
Assistant City Manager Creaqh requested that, in light of a resolution pertaining to the issue on
the agenda for consideration, the prospectus bid openeing date be extended from February 7 to
February 22, 1977.
Councilman 3h2reOtt moved acceptance of the written communication, that the bid date be extended
from February 7 to February 22, 1977; and the resolution be taken out of order. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and on voice vote carried unanimously.
The meeting proceeded to "Resolutions".
RESOLUTIONS:
3' The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sherratt, who moved its ddOptbD:
"Resolution No. 8558
Resolution of Intention to Abandon Unimproved Park Site not Used by
the Public for Park Purposes and Conveyed to the City by Parcel Map
for Park Purposes."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Beckam.
Councilman Hurwitz noted the resolution would set the date of March 15, 1977 for a public hearing
On the matter. He qUetf00ed the second pdrdgrapn of the resolution which stated the deed and parcel
were transferred to the City to satisfy the subdivision requirements for dedication or payment of
fees for park and recreational land.
Councilman Hurwitz asked that information be provided prior to the date of hearing as to what
transpired in the agreement, as it was his understanding the developer would have preferred to pay
the fee but was required to dedicate land which was to be used for park purpO5eS.
Concerning the opening of the prospectus bids, the Assistant City Manager explained the City had the
flexibility to either reject or hold all bids up to a period of sixty days after the opening date;
also the prospectus was prepared for informationly only and there was no requirement that the bids
bebe accepted or any action taken on them, however it would be necessary within a sixty day period
O public indication be made of whatever decision was reached.
On the call for the question, the motion to adopt said resolution carried on the following roll
call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
The meeting returned to the regular order of business.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
4, From Mrs, Joy F. Johnson, President, H.O.P.E', submitting proposal for inclusion in the HCDA
application for 1977-78.
Councilman Hurwitz inquired if the proposal was an eligible project for inclusion in the application.
Administrative Assistant Rob Wonder replied that it was.
Councilman Hurwitz moved the communication be referred for consideration in connection with the
public hearing on the HCDA application scheduled for February 15, 1977. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Beckam and on voice vote carried unanimously.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
5. From the Auditor-Assessor, recommending a refund of taxes erroneously levied and collected
on leased land improvements - Pan America Industries, Incorporated.
Councilman Sherratt moved acceptance of the report and the resolution be taken out of order. The
motion was seconded by Councilman DinmeOt and carried unanimously on voice vote.
The meeting proceeded to "Resolutions".
RESOLUTIONS:
O. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Beckam, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8659
Ordering Cancellation and Refund of Taxes Erroneously Levied and
Collected on Leased Land Improvements."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried on the f0llOwiOo
roll call vote. Ayes: FiVO, Noes: None. Absent: Nnne,
The meeting returned to the regular order of business.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
7. From the City Manager regarding assessment procedures.
City Manager Goss reported that what was recommended was not to be considered a transfer of the City
assessing/tax collecting functions to the County, but retention of these functions under the authority
Of the Auditor-Assessor, and Treasurer-Tax Collector in accordance with the City Charter, with the
City contracting with the appropriate firms and the County for the use of computer tapes of the
assessment roll. He explained the offices of the Auditor-Assessor, and Treasurer-Tax Collector
would continue to provide the same services to the public as they had in the past, that no personnel
would be laid off and any personnel savings involved would be as a result of attritdi0O. Mr. Goss
stated that after evaluation it was estimated that over a period of time as much as 565,000 annual
savings would ultimately accrue to the City as a result of the change in assessment procedures.
On request, City Auditor-Assessor Raymond Martin reported that, should the procedural change be
approved, his office would still be responsible for the assessments, and the duties of the Office
of Auditor-Assessor could not be transferred to the County without a vote of the people. He noted
the change would eliminate duplication of work between the City and County in assessment procedures,
and offered an explanation of what was involved. On question, he stated he would recommend the
change. Mr. Martin said the City's accounting system was in need of a complete overhaul, and if the
change in the assessment procedure was approved, it would provide the needed time and personnel to
accomplish this goal.
City Treasurer-Tax Collector Ellen Schmalenberger reported that at this point the would not be
too involved with the duplication of effort; that her office would continue to follow their present
procedure with a change in the form of the tax bill. She explained at this time it was not to the
City's advantage to have the County collect taxes, as the lag time for investments had not been
resolved, however this should be resolved within the next year or so. She stated she and Mr. Martin
and the City Manager had discussed the matter and she felt it would not make a burden on her office.
City Manager Goss explained the recommendation was for a procedural change in the assessment procedure
by contracting with the County for the assessment roll and other assessment services, and it was
not recommended that anything be done at this time with regard to tax collecting.
Mrs. IDe0 Kapellas, I128 College Avenue, said she would agree that costwise the change would be of
advantage to the taxpayer, however it was her opinion this was the first step to remove the elected
positions of Auditor-Assessor and Treasurer-Tax Collector from the control of the electorate.
Mr. Joseph Sullivan, 3221 Liberty Avenue, spoke in favor of the Channe. He based his reasoning on
previous recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Finance Committees, and said it was his understanding
Alameda on the only city in California making its own assessments.
At the conclusion of discussion, Councilman Hurwitz moved acceptance of the report and approval of
the recommendations of the City Manager. The motion was seconded by Councilman Beckam and on voice
vote carried unanimously.
8. From the City Manager regarding the Bay Farm Island school.
President Corica reported the Alameda Unified School District wished to buy an 8-acre site for the
first Bay Farm Island School, and pursuant to the terms of the letter of Agreement signed by Utah
Construction, the School District and the City, all requests to purchase school or park sites must
be made upon demand by the City.
Councilman Hurwitz noted the City Manager recommended the City Council file the demand as
requested subject only to the general condition that the City reserve the right to review the
design compatibility of the school to the overall development. He asked if the Design Review
Board had the right to review civic or government buildings:
City Manager Goss replied the Board did have that right at this time on an advisory basis. He said
taking the recommended action would disclose the City's desire for mutual cooperation between the
School District and the City for design compatibility. He noted the School District had further
requested reservation of a 9-acre site adjacent to the initial site as well as a third school site
of 8 acres to be located elsewhere in the development, however it was his recommendation these
site reservation requests be deferred pending review of the Combined Lane Use Element and the
processing of subdivision maps as appropriate.
Councilman Hurwitz asked that a point be made to inform the School District of the City's request
tomserve the right to review the design compatibility of the school to the overall development.
Councilman Sherratt moved acceptance of the report and approval of the recommendations of the City
Manager's report. The motion was seconded by Councilman Beckam and carried unanimously on voice
vote
Planning Director Patterson reported the Bay Farm Island School had already been submitted to the
Design Review Board and returned to the School District as there were design problems. He stated
the School District had asked their architect to make modifications, and a new application had not
as yet been submitted for processing to the Design Review Board.
9. From the Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, makino recommendation on proposal to rezone
from "R-1", Single-Family Residential District. to the 0, Open Space District, a 2.4 acre site
located easterly of Crown Memorial State Beach Park, bounded by Westline, Eighth Street and
Portola Avenue.
The hearing on this matter was set for February 15, 1977.
10. From the Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, making recommendation on proposal to rezone
from R-4-G, Neighborhood Apartment, Government Owned or controlled District, R-3-PD, Restricted
Apartment, Government owned or controlled District, R-3-PD, Restricted Apartment, Planned Development
District and R-1, Single Family Residential District, to the C-G, Open Space Government owned or
controlled district, the upland portions of Crown Memorial State Beach Park.
The hearing on this matter was set for February 15, 1977.
11. From the Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, making recommendation on proposal to rezone
from R-5, General Apartment District to A-P-G, Administrative-Professional Government Controlled
District, the Federal Center located southwesterly of the intersection of Central and McKay Avenues.
11. From the Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, making recommendation on proposal to rezone
from R-5, General Apartment District to A-P-G, Administrative Professional, Government owned or
controlled district, the Federal Center located southwesterly of the intersection of Central and
McKay Avenues.
The hearing on this matter was set for February 15, 1977.
12. From the Golf Commission concerning staffing at the Golf Course.
President Corica reported the Golf Courses had previously been maintained by 241/2 nen, there were now
less, and inasmuch as the courses were in excellent shape the Commission was askinc that two
vacancies be filled to bring the work crews up to full complement. He commented the courses were
watered by the well system and two reservoirs, and during the current water shortage being experienced
in other area it might be possible the Alameda courses would be the only ones to remain green. He
stated that in case of emergency the water could be used and was drinkable.
City Manager Goss noted that at present there were 16 full time employees, and two vacancies would
be coming up because of retirement, at which time they would be filled through the normal process.
In addition, he said, there were 3 full time CFTA positions and 3 part time positions at the Golf
Course.
Councilman Sherratt moved acceptance of the report. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz
and on voice vote carried unanimously.
13. From the City Manager regarding the oroposal to one-way Fernside Boulevard-High Street.
President Corica reported the Traffic Advisory Review Committee had held a special meeting on the
proposal and it had been their decision the one-way suggested should not be implemented at this time.
Councilman Sherratt commented on the report of the Committee which listed several items which were
potentially detrimental. He said he was of the opinion the real issue was the residents of High
Street were looking for some alleviPtion to the traffic problem, and he felt it was important that
staff be instructed to look at alternatives to the traffic situation in that area.
Councilman Diament questioned several statements made by the Committee in their report, concerning
basic traffic engineering guidelines for one-way streets, A/C Transit, traffic volumes and truck
volumes. Assistant City Engineer Eichelberner responded.
(;)
Mr. Joseph Sullivan commented on the projected increase in residential units whth would be built on
Bay Farm Island, and their impact on traffic in the vicinity of the east end of Alameda. He asked
that steps be taken to ease the traffic problems now existing before others developed.
Mrs. Amey Stone, 1623 High Street, reviewed and commented on the report of the Committee. She
repeated her reason for proposing Fernside Boulevard and High Street be made one way was to provide
some relief for the residents of the areas; and if it was not feasible to divert traffic to Fernside
Boulevard, that some alternative be sought. She suggested that perhaps trucks could be rerouted,
which would reduce the congestion.
Mr. Ernest Hanna, 1406 High Street, commented on the number of 18-wheel dump trucks using High Stree
on their way to the Bay Farm Island development. He stated he had lived at his present address
since 1941 and it was becoming increasingly more ctifficult to drive his automobile from his driveway
onto High Street because of the traffic congestion. He noted the structural design of Fernside
Boulevard would permit truck and suggested it be used for this purpose.
Councilman Sherratt moved acceptance of the report of the Traffic Advisory Committee, with the request
that staff -anntinue to look for and pursue alternatives and report back to the Council as soon as
possible. The motion was seconded by Councilman Beckam and carried unanimously on voice vote.
On question by Councilman Diament, Planning Director Patterson reported the Combined Land Use
Element would address all gssible alternatives.
On question by Councilman Diament, Planning Director Patterson reported the Combined Land Use Element
would address all possible alternatives.
Councilman Beckam stated he was of the opinion an agreement had been reached with the developer that
trucks using the Bay Farm Island development would not use the High Street route, and asked that
this be investigated further.
14. From the City Manager recommending award of contract to Moraga Builders for rehabilitation of
the Alameda Unified School District building.
City Manager Goss noted there had been a modification to the bid based upon prevailing wages,
which had been opened the previous day.
Administrative Assistant Rob Wonder reported the modified bid had been submitted in the amount of
$255,492.80, He stated the specifications originally submitted to the bidder did not include a copy
of the prevailing wage scale. therefore an addendum had been submitted to the builders and the
modified hid submitted by Moraga builders was the lowest and best bid on the project.
Councilman Hurwitz moved acceptance of the report and award of the contract to Moraga Builders in
the amount of $255,492.80. The motion was seconded by Councilman Diament and on voice vote
carried unanimously.
15. From the Assistant City Manager concerning proposal for study of municipal liability insurance.
President Corica commented on the increased premiums which had risen from $126,000 to $275,000 this
year.
Assistant City Manager Creagh reviewed his written report. In conclusion, he recommended the City,
in conjunction with the Bureau of Electricity, retain Mund, McLaurin & Company to perform a
preliminary study that would include an examination of (1) the City-Bureau current liability
insurance Program; (2) various alternatives to thacurrent program; (3) adequacy of coverage of the
current program; and (4) the advisibility of a joint self-insurance program. He reported the
preliminary study would cost $2,500 of which the City's shre would be $1,500.
Councilman Sherratt moved acceptance of the report and approval of the recommendations at the cost
figure stated. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and carried unanimously on voice vote,
16. From the City Manager regarding contract with Alameda County on the 911 System.
Councilman Beckam moved acceptance of the report and the resolution be laken out of order. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and on voice vote carried unanimously.
The meeting proceeded to "Resolutions".
RESOLUTIONS:
17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Beckam, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8660
Authorizing Execution of Agreement with County of Alameda Providing
for 911 Emergency Telephone Service."
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.
A ten-minute recess was called. Upon reconvening, the meeting returned to the regular order of
business.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
18, City Attorney 5trOUdn2qU8sted a hearing date be set on amendments to the Alameda Municipal Code
relating to the abatement and removal of nonconforming signs'
ThehenrfDg was set for February 15, 1977'
19. Councilman Diament asked that Mrs. Darlene Banda's request for a police report on the crime
rate at Crown Memorial State Beach Park and Washington Park be honored. She inquired if A/C Transit
would provide transportation past the proposed Senior Center silt at Westline Drive and Eighth Street.
The City Manager was asked to follow through on the requested Police report. Mr. Goss stated the
matter concerning transportation would be addressed in the architect's report on the proposed site
plan
NEW BUSINESS:
20. Councilman Hurwitz referred to a letter received from the Alameda Fttorical Society concerning
their need for museum space and asked that a search be made for possibl e funding or space.
Mrs, Inez Kapellas stated there were moneys available for hisotircal preservation and restoration
under the State Park Bond Act and suggested an application be made by February 18, 1977, to the
Alameda County Parks Advisory Commission.
21. Councilman Hurwitz commented on unlit street barricades. He asked that an ordinance or amend=
ment be prepared requiring they be provided with flasher marker lights.
22. Councilman Hurwitz inquired if records were aVaild3e on wells located within the City.
Councilman Beckam suggested a Chek be made with EBMUD for their requirements Onthe use of well water.
23. Councilman Diament announced the Social Service Bureau of the East Bay wculd start a Senior
Nutrition Program on Friday, February 4, at the Veterans Memorial Building, and would be serving
meals to senior citizens from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m' Mondays through Fridays.
RESOLUTIONS:
24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sherratt, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8661
Expressing Appreciation to Mrs. Florinda Bartalini for Her
Contributions to the Community."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hurwitz, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8662
Appointing Commissioner of the Housing Authority of the City of
Alameda." (William Trujillo)
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.
On request, the Clerk administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Tru'illO,
26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sherratt, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8663
Rejecting Claim of Randy Heffley Against City."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Beckam and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: N0ne,
27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sherratt, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8664
Authorizing Modification of Lease Between City and Todd Shipyards
Corporation Respecting Certain City Owned Tide and Submerged Lands."
The motion to adopt said resolUjon was seconded by Councilman Beckam and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: FiYe, Noes: None. Absent: None.
28. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Beckam, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8665
Authorizing and Approving an Agreement with the State of California, Department
Of Transportation, Division of Highways, for Fedora' Funds to be Made Available
to the City of Alameda."
288
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried on the fabwing
roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
29. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sherratt, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8666
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for the Construction
of Arch Culverts at the Intersection of Pacific Avenue and Wood Street,
Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Beckam and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
30. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hurwitz, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8667
Approving Conflict of Interest Codes for: Department of the Auditor/Assessor
Fire Department, Purchasing Department."
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.
31. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Beckam who meved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8668
Approving the Application Submittal of the Buena Vista Neighborhood Park
for Consideration by the California Park and Recreation Society's
1977 Environmental Awards Program."
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.
32. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Beckam who moved its adoptbn:
"Resolution No. 8669
Commending Tom Fogarty, Tom Cavagnaro and Steve Pola, Street
Department Employees."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Diament and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
33. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Beckam, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8670
Commending Rice Sergeant Berg for His Successful Completion of the F.B.I.
Advanced Latent Fingerprint Course,"
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.
34. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Diament, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8671
Commending Eddie Sommerauer, Junior Civil Engineer, for His Educational
Achievement."
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.
35. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hurwitz, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 8672
In Commendation of Police Officer Robert A. Leach."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Beckam, and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
The President declared the foregoing Resolutions adopted.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
36. Councilman Beckam moved the following urgency ordinance be introduced and passed, as submitted:
"Ordinance No. 1851,
New Series
Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Sections 17-342 and
17-344.I Thereof Relating to Parking Limits."
The motion was seconded by Councilman Sherratt and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes:
Five. Noes: N0ne, Absent: None.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
37. "Ordinance No. 1852,
New Series
An Ordinance Reclassifying and Rezoning Certain Property Within the
City of amedo by Amending Zoning Ordinance No. 1277, N.S.»(Alumedu
Municipal Golf Course)
Councilman Beckam moved the ordinance be passed as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Sherratt and carried On the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: NOne, Absent: None.
38. "Ordinance No. 1853,
New Series
An Ordinance Reclassifying and Rezoning Certain Property Within the
City of Alameda by Amending Zoning Ordinance No. 1277, N•5."
(Godfrey Park)
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: Five. Noes: NnDS, Absent: None.
BILLS:
39. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof in the total
amount of $255,501.82, 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 Beckam moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on
February 1, 1977, and presented to the City Council at this meeting be allowed and paid. The motion
was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and on voice vote carried unanimously.
FILING:
40. Financial Report for City of Alameda as of December 31" 1976.
41' Modifications of Lease between City and Todd Shipyards Corporation re certain City-owned
tide and submerged lands.
42. Agreement between City and California Division of Highways for Federal Funds.
43. Specifications No. PW 2-77-1 - Construction of Arch Culverts at Intersection of Pacific Avenue
and Wood Street.
44. Agreement between City and County of Aalmeda - re 911 Emergency Telephone Service.
45. Affidavit of City Manager and the Chief of Police re Police Secret Fund for period July 1, 1976
to December 31, 1976, inclusive.
ADJOURNMENT:
46. There being no further business to come before this meeting, the Council adjourned at 9:40
o'clock p.m. to assemble in regular session on Tuesday, February 15, I977, at 7:30 o'clock p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
City Clerk