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1969-03-18 Regular CC Minutes- REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING MARCH 18, 1969 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held March I, 1969, were approved as transcribed. , HEARINGS: 2.'7 In the Matter of the proposed Comprehensive General Plan - 1990 for Alameda, California. The Affidavit of Publication indicating this time and place for Hearing in the matter was on file. The Planning Board had recommended in Resolution No. 639, presented to the Council at its meeting of February 18, 1969, that the Plan be adopted without ex- ception or condition. President M cCall announced there would be a presentation by representativEB of Daniel, Mann, Johnson and Mendenhall, the firm which had prepared the Plan, followed by a question and answer period during which any member of the audience alight speak, and then the members of the Council would have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the subject. City Attorney Cunningham stated the issue before the Council was to consider whether the City should adopt the document presented this evening as the General Plan of the City of Alameda. He defined the Plan as covered in his memorandum. He stated the narrow issues were two - (1) whether the Plan was technically in accordance with the requirements of State law, all of which had been met to the satisfaction of the Planning Director and himself and (2) whether the substantive matters contained in the document should be adopted as the City's General Plan. This could be done by a simple motion, with instructions to the staff to prepare an ordinance for later formal adoption. The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President McCall presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Fore and was followed by an inspiring, Invocation delivered by The Reverend Father Thomas Gallagher, Assistant Pastor of St. Philip Neri Church. ROL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Fore, Isaacs, La Croix, Jr., Levy and President McCall, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. MINUTES: If any changes were desired, the matter must, under general law, be sent back to the Planning Board for its report on the proposed amendments. It could not be changed and adopted by the Council without first obtaining such a report. Dr. Donald Johnson, Planning Director, was called upon. He reviewed the action of the Board in the matter and then presented Mr. James Kuebelbeck, Project Manager for the Consultants, who gave some background information on the project. Mr. Kuebelbeck then introduced Mr. Graham Stubblefield, who made a presentation of the Plan following the lines of the printed document, with slides and explanatory comments. In summation, Mr. Stubblefield stated the primary purpose of the General Flan for the City of Alameda was to establish guidelines for setting City policy with regard to community improvement and long-range development. He said as policy, it recognized the various levels of growth potential indicated by the economic analysis and es- tablished the framework for directing this growth to the benefit of all residents. As elements, it established the amount, general location and distribution of land uses in the City within the "horizon" plan level of development. As action programs it desig- nated areas requiring specific improvements. As capital improvements, it related the public expenditures required for implementing the action programs and for proceeding to the level of development indicated by the General Plan elements. Finally, through the use of the development sector concept, the weaknesses of conventional zoning as a tool to General Plan implementation were recognized and the gap was bridged between short-range control of land use and long-range direction to growth and change as em- bodied in the elements and the action programs of the General Plan. President McCall thanked Messrs. Kuebelbeck, Stubblefield and Johnson for their presen- tations. He also acknowledged with appreciation the coverage given the Plan by Mr. Michael Ackley in the Alameda Times-Star. The public was then invited to submit questions. Mr. Patrick McDaniel, 1104 Pacific Avenue, inquired as to the typo of transportation facilities which would be employed. Mr. Kuebelbeck stated, for the City, continued use of the bus system had been discussed with the possibility, as traffic would dictate in the future, of a tram system between the major areas. For out-of-city transpor- tation, possibly there would be a tram system from central locations to the rapid transit station in Oakland. The attempt would be made to channel the majority of private traffic through certain heavy collector streets and to minimize through traffic in residential areas. Yr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, inquired as to the drainage at the north end of Webster Street and whether this had received consideration. Mr. Kuebelbeck replied the Company engineers had concluded, after studying the situation, that with the new pro- posed north side relief drain and possibly some minor adjustments in the future, most of the drainage problem on Webster Street would be alleviated. Mr. Kuebelbeck stated and City Engineer Hanna reiterated that, if Webster Street were to be raised, several other streets in the area would also have to be raised and this would make the proposal economically unfeasible. Mrs. Ina Ratto, 1053 Island Drive, pointed out that two existing schools, Edison and Washington, had been omitted. Mr. Stubblefield explained this was merely an oversight as these schools were definitely a part of the Plan. Mrs. Ratto also requested clarification of a statement on Page 82 of the Plan "that when the Plan is adopted, the development sectors recommended in Figure 49 will become the policy of the City". Mr. Stubblefield explained the development sector concept which was shown in the document was just that, a concept, and not completely worked out. Mrs. Ratto also asked, if the Plan should be adopted, if it would constitute a Workable Program under the concept of Housing and Urban Development. Mr. Stubblefield replied that this would not be true. He enlarged briefly on the requirements of the latter program. Mr. Larry St. Runk, 2533 Santa Clara Avenue, a realtor, asked if high-rise units as they might develop had been considered as not interfering with the view of people living in the surrounding Oakland hill areas, as a matter of common interest. He suggested great anta7onism might be developed if a wall of buildings were to be constructed across the City of Alameda. Mr. Kuebelbeck said this had been considered, that the type of skyline to be projected would be predominantly low-rise with clusters of high-rise in particular areas. The attempt had been made to create a pleasing skyline for the people of Alameda, rather than those of Oakland, in terms of space allocation, etcetera. This was not deemed a problem. Mr. qeorge Osborne, 656 Westline Drive, called attention to a letter to the Planning Board protesting against the extension of Westline Drive south and the southern ex tension of Ninth Street. He asked is this letter had been submitted to the Council. Mr. Johnson replied the Council had not received the communication. Mr. R. H. Robinson, Superintendent of Alameda Belt Line, stated in order for the Belt Line to serve its customers located in Alameda it would be necessary that its status quo be maintained for the time being. He added as changes occur the Line would cooper- ate with the City in developing according to the General Plan. Mrs. Ray Weirmack, 2910 San Jose Avenue, President of the Alameda Art Association, stated the Association was in favor of the Plan in general and particularly interested in the proposed cultural center. She inquired if there would be State or Federal funds available for assistance in the construction of such a center. Mr. Kuebelbeck replied there wore a variety of sources of funds, such as Federal and State programs and even non-profit corporations. On a break-even potential there was also a capability of setting up a foundation through non-profit funding. Mrs. Lynn Mall, 467 Santa Clara Avenue, protested against the overcrowding of the City, with the proposal to construct large apartment buildings. It was pointed out that growth would occur and the purpose of the Plan was to attempt to control the development. Mr. Jim Burress, 1118 Grand Street, asked if there was an alternative to high density housing in Alameda, and if low-density housing were used, if it would be possible to support some of the things mentioned as desirable. Mr. Kuebelbeck stated that, his- torically, the Master Plan had not been able to reverse the economics of urban develop- ment. There was some discussion on this general sebject. Mrs. June Orr, 1715 Encinal Avenue, asked what plans had been made for the disposal of garbage. President McCall interjected that the City had two or three plans under study relative to this situation. Mrs. Orr also commented on statements of some years ago that new assessments would cover the services for the community. She said she was not convinced this had happened nor that it would be true in the future if this Plan was adopted. Mr. Kuebelbeck stated the garbage problem was investigated. He said there were studies underway which, hopefully, would come up with a nationwide solution in the sense of technology. Mrs. Joy Osborne, 656 Westline Drive, wondered, as a development sector concept, if the north Webster Street area could be considered for low-density housing instead of medium density. She suggested thought should be given to what would have to be done about schools by 1975. Mr. Gottstein inquired if anything had been done with regard to transportation coming from Posey Tube, in the immediate future, before the Southern Crossing was completed, if this should ever be. Mr. Kuebelbeck commented on the series of alternates and overpass across Webster, inbound and outbound, the extension of Ninth Street, Singleton Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, the potential widening of Webster Street, use of left-turn signals and left-turn lanes, etcetera. He said Webster Street was the main access and egress to the City and unless the Southern Crossing comes in about 1972 to alleviate the condition, the congestion was going to become progressively worse. Mr. Gottstein sug- gested the use of the old Southern Pacific right -of -way as a street and also a bridge between Park and Webster Streets. over the Estuary. Mrs. Marjorie Belt, 3239 Bayo Vista Avenue, commented that the site of the garbage dump was some years ago used as a wildlife preserve. She deplored the loss of areas such as this by covering up the land. This portion of the Hearing was declared closed and the members of the Council were invited to submit anyquestions they might have. Councilman La Croix asked what consideration had been given to retaining the present civic center area, that is, the Library and City Hall, etcetera, and expanding on it. Mr. Kuebelbeck said study had been given to three alternate locations, one of which was the present location of City Hall. The site at Tilden Way, Buena Vista Avenue and. Foley Street was seen as an entity and an anchor at the north end of Park Street. similar to the shopping center at the south end. It was felt this site could do much to enhance its own image and to create an image for Park Street as well. All things involved, this was considered the best location. Councilman Levy expressed the opinion that the Plan was flexible and comprehensive, but the big problem was implementation. If it should be adopted, it was urged that certain steps get started. He believed some guidance would be needed from the experts but, un- less the recommended steps were taken, the Plan would have no value whatever to the City. He said he was very much in favor of it and felt the Council should go on record as a- dopting it. Councilman Isaacs inquired as to the Development and Mortgage Insurance Corporation referred to, if the technique had been used in other cities and how the initial funding was provided. Mr. Kuebelbeck said this had not been tried in other cities as recom- mended in the Plan. It had been attempted in various forms and had been used suc- cessfully in the East, especially in Urban Renewal, and Urban Redevelopment projects. The funds could come from a variety of sources, possibly from the Housing Authority or surplus earnings of the Bureau of Electricity. It would be the City's task to in- vestigate the details as part of the implementation of the particular portion of the Plan. Councilman La Croix inquired as to height restrictions in high- density areas. Mr. Stubblefield pointed out that on Page 84 some residential intensity standards were listed. This was indication that there were means of deriving good ratios between open space and height other than specifying an absolute maximum of height. He felt the maximum would be five or six stories and these only on Park Street or Webster Street, to be determined by the Planning Board. Councilman La Croix asked if ingress and egress to the City for vehicular traffic were adequately covered for the long- range pull. The answer was affirmative. Mr. Kuebelbeck felt there would be some decrease in the central city over the years. The City was urged to keep a very critical eye on the amount of accessibility being designed into the Southern Crossing for it and not be willing to settle for less than would allow for traffic expansion. Councilman Fore suggested that one way to relieve traffic congestion in the City if the Southern Crossing should be constructed, with the increased population on Bay Farm Island, would be the new bridge off Broadway. Mr. Kuebelbeck said this bridge should be anticipated for some time in the future. It was felt that at such time as a Master Plan for Bay Farm Island was considered, a Broadway bridge should be indicated as a probable future thing. President McCall mentioned the problem of one -way streets, and asked if there were any recommendations on this. Mr. Ku belbeck stated the Plan recommended a pair of one -way couplets in the Park Street and Webster Street area, but these had not been finalized. This might be something the City would want to consider. President McCall also inquired regarding the practice in some cities of restricting use for on- street parking in congested areas of traffic between certain periods of time and then reversing the traffic. Mr. Kuobelbeck said this had been done in some major cities. Enforcement was a necessary rule for success. Councilman La Croix asked, in the plan for high -rise multiple development areas, what was seen as to projected rental level and availability for senoir citizens and persons on fixed incomes. Mr. Stubblefield stated the south end of Park Street had been con- sidered as such an area. However, programs of this kind were coming out which would make their recommendations obsolete. When relocation occurs, the programs available should be considered and it should be made evident to the community that this is a policy of the City. The Hearing was then declared closed. City Attorney Cunningham reviewed the procedure required to take action on the Plan. Councilman Levy moved the General Plan be adopted as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilman La Croix. It was requested that the motion include the direction that the City Attorney prepare an appropriate ordinance. Councilman'Levy amended his motion to include the instruction. This was acceptable to his second. Speaking on the question, Councilman Fore stated the Plan,'if adopted, should be carried forward or a lot of money and time would be wasted. The question was then put and the motion carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes None. Absent: None. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: 3.r From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to McGuire and Hester, low bidder, for the project of Reconstructing Sanitary Sewers on Pacific Avenue and Central Avenue, at a cost of ,33,333. Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation of the City Manager be accepted, the contract be awarded to the specified contractor for the designated project at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Levy and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 4.K From the City Manager, recommending the Cash Basis Fund be increased to the amount of $550,000. This matter was referred to "Resolutions ". 5./ From the City Manager, recommending approval be ,given to exceed the budgeted figure on the project of Alterations and Additions to the Animal Shelter. Councilman Isaacs moved the recommendation be accepted and approval be given to exceed the budgeted amount on the specified project. The motion was seconded by Councilman Levy and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. RESOLUTIONS: 6. ✓ The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Levy, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. ?450 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Pavement Repairs on Shore Line Drive and. Broadway, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Isaacs and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 7/ The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7451 Declaring Canvass of Returns and Result of General Municipal Election Consolidated with Special Municipal Charter Amendment Election Held on March 11, 1969." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Fore and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 8. At this time, President McCall introduced and congratulated Councilman -elect Malcolm M. Longaker and Mr. C. Richard Bartalini, elected to the Board of Education. He also welcomed Mr. John E. Mitcheom, one of the unsuccessful candidates for Councilman in the Municipal Election held March 11. 9. `` The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Fore, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7452 Apportioning; the Sum of $200,000 from General Fund to the Cash Basis Fund." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Levy and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 1C. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7453 Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda in Memoriam to Thomas P. Bolger, Former Member of the City Planning Board "WITH HEARTFELT GRIEF, the Council of the City of Alameda records the death of one of its loyal and civic- minded citizens, THOMAS P. BOLGER. "WHEREAS, Mr. Bolger had served the City as a member of the Planning Board from the date of his appointment on November 7, 1956, until he found it necessary to resign on May 21, 1957; and "WHEREAS, Mr. Bolger had engaged conscientiously and capably in the activities of this important Board and had aver been most cooperative with the others involved in this phase of City responsibility. "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, in recognition of his contribution of person- al service to the City on behalf of its citizens and his friendliness toward all of his associates, the Council of the City of Alameda hereby expresses its sense of personal loss and its gratefulness for Mr. Bolger's unselfish efforts in the interests of the City. "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution bespread in full upon the minutes of this meeting and that a copy thereof be forwarded to the family of Mr. Bolger in order to extend to its members a sincere expression of sympathy in their bereavement. "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that when this meeting of the Council of the City of Alameda adjourns, it shall do so in respect to the memory of THOMAS P. BOLGER." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Isaacs and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. The President declared the foregoing resolutions adopted. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 11. "Ordinance No. 1584, New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Subdivision (17) of Section 17-431 Thereof and Adding Subdivisions (169) and (170) to Section 17-432 Thereof, Relating to Stop Intersections." Councilman La Croix moved the ordinance be passed as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Levy and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None, Absent: None. BILLS: 12. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of $43,173.35, were presented to the Council at this meeting. The List was accompanied by certification from the City Manager that the Claims shown were correct. Councilman Levy moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on March 18, 1969, and presented to the City Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Fore and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. FILING: 13. Specifications No. PW 3-69-5 - Pavement Repairs on Shore Line Drive and Broadway. 14/ President McCall requested all to stand in a monent of silence in observance of the passing of Thomas P. Bolger, U. S. Army Lt. Ronald L. Warnett; who had met death in,Viet Nam on March 5, and Carl V. Payne, Principal of Porter School, who had passed away on March 12, 1969. ADJOURNMENT: 15/ There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned in respect to the memory of THOMAS P. BOLGER, LT;RONALD L: WARNETT and CARL V. PAYNE - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, April 1, 1969, at 7:30 o'clock. Respectfully submitted, 1 City Clerk