1967-02-03 Special CC MinutesSPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD FRIDAY AFTERNOON - - -FEBRUARY 3, 1967
The meeting convened at 3;30 o'clock p.m. with President Godfrey presiding.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was taken and Councilmen Bartley, La Croix, Jr., MdCall, Rose and
President Godfrey, (5), were noted present. Absent: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
11/ Receipt of the Notice and Agenda for this special meeting had been acknow-
ledged by each of the Councilmen and was on file. The purpose of said meeting
was for the consideration of the intention of the United States Department of
Justice (Bureau of Prisons) to establish a "Guidance Center for Released Federal
Prisoners" on the premises of the General Services Administration Facility,
formerly the Maritime Academy Quarters, located in the City of Alameda.
President Godfrey referred to an article which had appeared in the Oakland Tribune
with regard to the contemplated establishment of a "Half Way House" in Alameda.
He said he was amazed that the Federal Government would proceed with such plans
without having contacted and discussed with the City Officials the installation of
this type of facility. President Godfrey remarked that it was inconceivable that
this was the policy of the Federal Government. He expressed his strong disapproval
of having such a Guidance Center in this primarily residential community, and in-
quired of the Councilmen what their thinking was on the subject.
Each of the Councilmen expressed his concurrence with the President's statements
and his definite opposition to the proposed facility in Alameda. All felt some
action should be taken to prohibit the establishment of the proposed Guidance
Center.
It was developed that there would be twenty-five to thirty "inmates" of this
Halfway House who would be under close surveillance. They would travel back and
forth to their jobs but would live in this facility. They were men who were eligible
for parole within a short time.
During the course of the discussion it was brought out that Mr. Kenneth McDannell,
Superintendent of the Los Angeles Federal Pre-Release Guidance Center, was to be the
Supervisor of the Alameda Center but even he had not been properly notified. He
expected to be in Alameda on February 15, at which time he would contact the Alameda
City Officials to discuss the matter.
Messrs. Weller and Cunningham clarified certain aspects of the situation. The City
Manager suggested the City should strongly urge the General Services Administration
to turn this property over to, possibly, the East Bay Regional Parks District, the
State Division of Beaches and Parks or to the City itself for development of
recreational facilities.
Councilman McCall then moved the Mayor be authorized to write to Congressman Miller,
with copies to Senators Kuchel and Murphy, informing him the City Council had been
shocked to learn of this proposed installation without prior contact - indicating
the Council's strong disapproval - and asking him for all his assistance possible
to have the matter investigated and to submit a report to the Mayor for transmission
to the City Council. Further, that in the future, all Federal Agnecies first
notify the officials of the City of Alameda of any of their contemplated plans
which would affect the City. The motion was seconded by Councilman La Croix.
Speaking on the question, Councilman Rose suggested the City Attorney continue his
research to ascertain if any action could be taken to enjoin the establishment of
this facility in Alameda.
The Reverend Mr. Craig Jessup, 2125 Central Avenue, was allowed to address the
Council at this time. He commented that the Council should not take such hasty
action in opposing this type of rehabilitation center. He said he felt sure these
twenty-five men living in this Half Way House would not increase the crime rate of
the City.
The question was then put and the motion carried on the following roll call vote.
Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
2. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
lerk