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1967-06-20 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING JUNE 20, 1967 The meeting convened at 7:30 olclock p.m. with President McCall presiding. The Pledge of Allegi- ance was led by Councilman La Croix and was followed by an inspiring Invocation delivered by The r_, Reverend Mr. J. Paul Coleman, Pastor of the First Methodist Church. ROTZ CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Bartley, La Croix, Jr., Levy, Rose and President McCall, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. MINUTES: • The minutes of the regular meeting held June 6, 1967, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2. From Messrs. William S. Moore, 1524 Benton Street, and Franklin R. Haley, 1501 Santa Clara Avenue, registering their complaint about the continued business operation at 1423 Santa Clara Avenue, in spite of a denial of a Use Permit renewal for such an enterprise - and requesting compliance with applicable zoning regulations. Upon inquiry, City Attorney Cunningham replied that Planning Director Johnson had met with the District Attorney concerning this matter and a citation Hearing had been set. It was anticipated that prosecu- tion would be instituted on this case. Messrs. Moore and Haley were to be so informed. 3/ From City Council of San Leandro, signed by Mr. R. H. West, City Clerk, in appeal for financial support to send the "Young America" group to Expo 67 in Montreal to represent the United States. There being no objections, the President referred this matter to the Alameda Chamber of Commerce for its attention. 4. From twelve residents in the 3200-block of Adams Street, with regard to the deplorable condition of said street between Post and Peach Streets. The President stated it was the City Engineers recommendation that this block be included in the con- templated Assessment District which would be formed to improve a number of streets in the vicinity of Otis School. He said the Council would look forward to Mr. Hanna's report of the review of this entire matter. Mr. Hanna briefly explained the procedure involved. 5. From Alameda Chamber of Commerce, signed by Mr. Charles C. Borden, President, concerning its participation in the opening ceremonies of Alameda Municipal Golf Course. The President pointed up the fact that quite an elaborate ceremony was being planned for this occasion and many organizations and civic-minded citizens would participate. Councilman Rose expressed his opinion that the Advisory Golf Commission should spearhead arrangements for the opening observances. 6. From Alameda Police Association, signed by Officer Robert W. Carlson, President, submitting its request for a salary increase and fringe benefits for Alameda Police Officers. The communication was referred to the recommendations from the Civil Service Board to be given con- sideration later in the meeting. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 7. Mrs. Harry Remick, 3276 Adams Street, one of the signers of the petition for improvement of Adams Street, inquired about the apportionment of the cost. The matter was clarified by the President and the City Attorney. 8: Mr. Richard Riehl, 826 Oak Street, also owner of property on Pearl Street, referred to the petition which had been presented to the Council at its last regular meeting concerning the improvement of Pearl Street. He felt the matter should be discussed at this meeting. L. It was explained that any such street improvement had to be undertaken in conformity with provisions of the State law and, therefore, no action could be taken at this time. There was considerable dis- cussion in clarification of the situation and procedure which would eventually be followed. 9,3( Mr. Ralph M. Smith, 628 Sandalwood Isle, reported that the Alameda Chamber of Commerce had been represented at the Public Hearing before the Alameda County Board of Supervisors with regard to the recommendation from the County Administrator to close the Berkeley and Alameda Health Clinics. He stated the Chamber Committee covering this matter had conducted a survey of the use of said facility and its report had been the basis of the Cityls protest against the proposed closing. President McCall supplemented this report and said he believed the matter was status quo for this year at any rate. He pointed out the Board of Supervisors had requested Supervisors Pursel and Sweeney of Berkeley and Alameda, respectively, to make a review and report on the subject. 10Y Mr. Edmond L. Plonczak, 3209 Otis Drive, referred to his letter of June 5, 1967, calling attention to the heavy trailer- trucks being parked on the continuation of Otis Drive. He claimed this was in violation of an ordinance prohibiting the parking of trucks in a residential area. It was pointed out this area was the undeveloped section of t'Hester Tract", south of Otis Drive just westerly of Bay Farm Island Bridge. Mr. Cunningham stated he had not yet had time to research this matter and there was some question about the '"street" being a dedicated public thoroughfare or private property. He commented that he and the City Engineer would check into the records to ascertain the status of this property and would confer with the Chief of Police. HEARINGS: 11. The matter was called up concerning the Appeal filed by Mr. Arlo S. Nish, from the decision of the Planning Board to deny the application for a variance to allow a seven -unit apartment building to be constructed on the property known as 3237 Briggs Avenue - with an area deficiency of three hundred forty -five square feet. The Clerk stated the interested party had been notified that the Hearing on this matter would be held at this time and place. Also, copies of the minutes of the meeting of the City Planning Board at which this case was considered had been sent to the Councilmen for their information. Upon request, Mr. Robert Venable, Assistant Planning Director, reviewed the history of this case. He referred to the memorandum of June 15, 1967, written by Planning Director Johnson in explanation of this subject. It was emphasized that the parking area was minimal and maneuverability would be diffi- cult from two of the spaces. Further, the Board could make no finding of hardship in order to grant the variance. Mr. Cunningham then stated that certain actions had been taken by the Board under Sections 11- 161(b) and (e) of the Alameda Municipal Code and the issue before the Council was whether or not said actions should be affirmed, modified or reversed. Upon the call for proponents, Mr. Nish spoke in favor of his requested variance. He said he believed the deficiency of three hundred forty -five square feet was a reasonable allowance for such develop- ments and cited several cases where much larger deficiencies had been permitted. Upon inquiry for opponents to the issue, there was no response. The President declared the Hearing closed and inquired the pleasure of the Council. It was developed that an existing old dwelling at the front of the lot in question would be razed if the variance was granted to allow construction of the proposed seven -unit apartment dwelling. The increased density from such a structure was an important consideration. Councilman La Croix then moved the action of the Planning Board be upheld and the Appeal be denied. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rose and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen La Croix, Levy, Rose and President McCall, (4). Noes: Councilman Bartley, (1). Absent: None. REPORTS OF- OFFICERS, 12.` From the Mayor, the respective terms BOARDS, ETCETERA: nominating the following for appointment to the several Boards of the City for indicated: William E. Derbyshire - Building Code Board of Appeals; Leroy M. Vay, Civil Service Board, for term expiring June 30, 1972; Jack 0. Lubbock, Board of Education, term expiring June 30, 1972; Jerry J. Holst and Milton J. Soma, Planning Board, for terms expiring June 30, 1970; Armitte S. Kimbrough, Public Utilities Board, for term expiring June 30, 1971; Smith C. Anderson, Jr., and Mrs. W. J. Pooley, Social Service Board, for terms expiring June 30, 1970. These nominations were referred to "aesolutions". 13. From Public Utilities Board, signed by Mr. L. F. Randall, Secretary, submitting a copy of its resolution adopting the Budget for the Bureau of Electricity for 1967 -68. Also transmitted was a copy of the Budget and notifying the Council of the Boards pledge of an S800,000.- dividend to the Cityas General Fund. A motion prevailed that the copies of the resolution and the Budget be accepted with appreciation for the dividend to the General Fund as specified. President McCall expressed his commendation of Mr. Frank McClintock, who had been a member of the Public Utilities Board for many years and who did not desire appointment for a new term at this time. 14( From I. A. Calpestri, Jr., Auditor, requesting permission to be out of the country from Septem- ber 2, to October 4, 1967, to attend the International Conference of Accountants - the expenses of which trip would be borne by him. Councilman Bartley moved the request be granted and Mr. Calpestri be allowed to leave the country for the period indicated. The motion was seconded by Councilman La Croix and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 15. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to M. Williams and Sons, Inc., low bidder, for the project of Exterior Painting of City Hall Metal Eaves, at the total cost of S1,830. 1 Councilman Bartley moved the recommendation be approved; that contract be awarded to the designated firm for the specified project at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Levy and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 16. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Rhodes & Jamieson, Ltd., low bidder, for furnishing Portland Cement Concrete Transit Mix during fiscal year 1967-1968 at the estimated total cost of S5,315. Councilman Bartley moved the recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to said firm for the furnishing of the specified material at the price quoted. Councilman Levy seconded the motion which carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. At this point, two communications from the City Manager - (1) concerning the salary and fringe benefit recommendations of the Civil Service Board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1967, and (2) submitting his Recommended Budget for the City of Alameda for fiscal year 1967-68 - were deferred to the end of the agenda for concentrated discussion. 17. From the Mayor, City Manager and City Auditor, submitting their report on the Count of Money held May 17, 1967 - showing the sum of 7,696,536.59 in the City Treasury at that time. The communication was noted and ordered filed. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 18. Councilman Bartley introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provi- sion of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending Subsection (b) of Section 6-223 of Article 2, Chapter 2, Title VI, of the Alameda Municipal Code, Relating to Deposits for Fees for House Sewer Connections." UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 19' was called to the matter of accepting Tracts Nos. 2822 and 2833, subdivision develop- ments of Hotels and Apartments, Inc., as requested at the last meeting. It was stated the street trees had been planted in accordance with the approved plan and other minor requirements of the City Engineer had been fulfilled. Councilman La Croix moved these Tracts be accepted and the Subdivision Bond be released. The motion was seconded by Councilman Levy and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Not Voting: Councilman Bartley, (1). Absent: None. Councilman Bartley explained his abstention was because he had been the realtor involved in this transaction. RESOLUTIONS: 20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7147 Acknowledging Appointment of Member of Building Code Board of Appeals." (William E. Derbyshire) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7148 Appointing Member of the Civil Service Board." (Leroy M. Vay) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7149 Appointing Member of the Board of Education." (Jack O. Lubbock)' The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7150 Appointing Member of the City Planning Board." (Jerry J. Holst) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7151 Appointing Member of the City Planning Board." (Milton J. Soma) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7152 Appointing Member of the Public Utilities Board." (Armitte S. Kimbrough) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7153 Appointing Member of the Retirement Board." (Solvig B. Erickson) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7154 Appointing Member of the Social Service Board." (Smith C. Anderson, Jr.) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7155 Appointing Member of the Social Service Board." (Mrs. W. J. Pooley) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 29. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Levy, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7156 Approving Extension of Joint Powers Agreement with Counties of Alameda and Contra Costa, and Cities of Alameda and Richmond, Relating to Operations of East Bay Cooperative Library System, and Authorizing Execution Thereof." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman La Croix and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 30. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7157 Establishing Rates and Fees to be Charged for Play on Alameda Municipal Golf Courses." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 31. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7158 Authorizing Year -End Transfers on the Books of Account of the City of Alameda." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 32. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix,who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7159 Authorizing Submission of Petition to State Division of Highways for Accumulation of State Highway Funds in Amount of 85,525.25." 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. 33. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7160 Authorizing Execution of Contract for Services of Certified Public Accountant for Fiscal Year 1967-1968." 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. 34. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7161 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for the Construction of a Traffic Island on Encinal Avenue at High Street, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." 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. 35. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7162 Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Brink's Incorporated, for Their Services Relating to Parking Meter Collections, for the Fiscal Year 1967-1968." 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. 36. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7163 Authorizing Execution of Agreement Between City and County of Alameda in Connection with Modernization Work on the Park Street Bridge and the High Street Bridge." 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. The resolutions with regard to the salaries and the Budget were deferred until after the Council's consideration of these items. FILING: 37. Joint Powers Agreement re Library - Counties of Alameda and Contra Costa and Cities of Alameda and Richmond. 38. Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans No. PW 5-67-11 - Traffic Island on Encinal Avenue at High Street. 39. Agreement Between City and County of Alameda - re Modernization Work on Park Street and High Street Bridges. 40. Recommended Budget - City of Alameda - Fiscal Year 1967-1968. 41. Contract - Between City and Hackleman, Larzelere & McKenna - for Auditing Services - 1967-1968. BILLS: 42. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of 576,591.89, 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 La Croix moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on June 20, 1967, and presented to the City Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 43.1 At this point, the deferred items with regard to the recommended Budget and the recommended salary and fringe benefits for City employees were presented. By the projected display of various tabulations, charts and recapitulations, Mr. Weller submitted in detail his recommended Budget con- taining the estimated cost of Governmental operations and explained the several funds therein. After some general discussion thereon, Mr. Weller asked that the Council take action at this time on a number of special recommendations submitted in his Budget letter of June 20, 1967. Mr. Weller called attention to the impending retirement of Mr. Max McMurry, Manager of the Alameda Municipal Golf Courses, and said that, in view of this event, he thought it was appropriate and opportune to make the recommendation for this departmental reorganization and its assignment under the Recreation and Parks Department at this time. Councilman La Croix interjected the thought that, in this situation, those members of the Advisory Golf Commission who agreed, could possibly be assimilated into the Recreation and Parks Commission. The Council then proceeded to give attention to the several particular items as clarified by the City Manager, with the following results: (1) Golf Courses - Councilman Rose moved the administrative and supervisory control over the Golf Courses be assigned to the Recreation and Parks Department, effective July 1, 1967. Councilman Bartley seconded the motion which carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. (2) Cash Basis Fund - Councilman La Croix moved the sum of S150,000. be transferred prior to July 1, 1967, from the General Fund Reserve to the Cash Basis Fund to provide a total of $350,000. in said Fund. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. (3) Tidelands Fund - Councilman La Croix moved the City Attorney and the City Manager be instructed to prepare an ordinance or resolution, whichever would be proper, making provision for separate and appropriate accounting for all tidelands revenues. (4) Capital Outlay Fund Reimbursement from Golf Course Revenue - Councilman La Croix moved the Capital Outlay Fund be reimbursed at the rate of S30,000. annually from Golf Course Revenue and said sum be included in the Budget for 1967-68. Councilman Levy seconded the motion which carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. (5) Police and Fire Longevity Pay - Councilman Rose moved some type of longevity pay be estab- lished for these uniformed employees and that the City Manager be authorized to pursue the study of this subject during 1967-1968 and to prepare a report thereon. The motion was seconded by Councilman Levy and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. (6) General Fund Transfers - Councilman Bartley moved the sum of 3150,000. for the General Plan Study be transferred to an account for this purpose from the General Fund and 3100,000. be trans- ferred to the Capital Outlay Fund from the General Fund. Councilman La Croix seconded the motion which carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. The matter of the recommended Budget was then referred to "Resolutions". The recommendations of the Civil Service Board with regard to salaries and fringe benefits for Alameda City Employees during 1967-1968 were then given specific consideration. Following a thorough question and answer discussion with regard to the subject, Councilman Rose moved that Items Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 under the Summary of Recommendations of the Board's memorandum dated June 13, 1967, be approved; that a five per cent increase also be granted to the Assistant City Manager, Fire Chief, Police Chief, Personnel Director, Planning Director, Librarian and City Physician; that a seven and one-half per cent increase be granted to the City Engineer, the Recreation and Parks Director and the City Clerk; that a ten per cent increase be granted to the City Attorney - all as recommended by the City Manager - and that a ten per cent increase be granted to the City Manager, upon Councilman Rose's recommendation, in recognition of his accomplishments on behalf of the City. Councilman Bartley seconded the motion which carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. With reference to the recommended additional vacation allowance, the City Attorney explained that it would be necessary for an ordinance to be enacted to amend the Alameda Municipal Code in this respect. He said he would, therefore, prepare said document for the Council's action at the next meeting in order to effect the motion on this item. Councilman Rose remarked that with the increased assessed valuation of the City, he was hopeful that the City Council would reduce the tax rate as much as possible in order that the people would pay the same "dollars and cents" on their ad valorem taxes as they did last year. He mentioned several sources of tax revenue which could be used - such as on transient hotel roans and on cigarettes. During the course of Councilman Rose's remarks, he commended most highly the Switchboard Operator. (Mrs. Minnie Sass) for her very pleasant, courteous and accommodating voice and manner. He said that anyone calling City Hall had an excellent introduction to the City through her. Councilman La Croix concurred with the suggested reduction in the tax rate. He also pointed out that this was Councilman Rose's last meeting and he complimented him for his analysis of the Budget and his pertinent comments relating thereto. The matter of salaries was then referred to "Resolutions". 44. Mr. Forrest V. Routt, Jr., Personnel Director, and Secretary of the Civil Service Board, addressed the Council in praise of Mr. Gustave Levy, who had served with distinction as a member of this Board. He said the Board was very proud of the excellent work Mr. Levy had done and of his appointment to the City Council. The members knew the Board's loss was not only the Council's gain, but also that of the entire City. RESOLUTIONS: 45. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7164 Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda Designating the Number of and Providing for the Compensation of Certain Officers and Other Employees of the City of Alameda." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Rose and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 46. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Levy, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7165 Approving and Adopting the Tentative Budget of the City of Alameda for the Fiscal Year 1967-1968." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Rose and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. The President declared all of the foregoing resolutions adopted. ADJOURNMENT: 47. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Wednesday evening, July 5, 1967, at 7:30 otclock. Respectfully submitted, tity Clerk