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1966-08-02 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING ---- - - AUGUST 2, 1966 The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with Vice President Rose presiding. The Pledge of Alle- giance was led by Councilman Bartley and was followed by an inspiring Invocation delivered by The Reverend Mr. H. W. Van Delinder, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Bartley, La Croix, Jr., McCall and Vice President Rose, (4), were noted present. Absent: President Godfrey, (1). MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held July 19, 1966, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2. From Davis, Craig & Bartalini, Attorneys for Bay Farm Island Reclamation District No. 2105, signed by Mr. James B. Davis, requesting approval of Warrant No. 110 in the sum of $88,145.73 in payment of certain dredging work. The matter was referred to "Resolutions". 3:1 From Mr. Walter D. Alsing, 3215 Encinal Avenue, in protest against any action being taken to eliminate the center "park strip" of Encinal Avenue between High Street and Post Street. Subsequent to receipt of this communication, a petition had been received, signed by sixty-eight residents in the vicinity, also in protest against this proposed action. Vice President Rose explained that this matter was still under study and, if there were no objections, he would ask that any discussion be deferred until the next regular meeting of the Council, at which time a report could be made by the City Manager. 4Y From Mrs. Paul Lauck, 2216 Santa Clara Avenue, in protest against the hardship placed on apart- ment house owners by the raise in garbage collection rates. The Vice President stated Mr. Weller had been in consultation with the Alameda City Garbage Associa- tion with regard to these rates and he felt sure there would be a report ready on this matter also at the next regular meeting of the Council. 5. A petition signed by twenty-two residents of the 2000-block of Buena Vista and Eagle Avenues and the 1800-block of Stanford and Willow Streets, requesting police patroling of these immediate areas because of excessive speeds and noise from cars with no mufflers and also from motorcyclists who rode on the sidewalk and destroyed property. Upon inquiry, Mr. Weller stated he would discuss the circumstances with the Chief of Police to deter- mine what type of special enforcement might be required. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: NJ 6. Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, referred to the traffic pattern on the Oakland side of Posey Tube. He suggested the City Manager contact the Oakland Traffic Engineer and ask him to have arrows painted on Harrison Street at Eighth Street which would then indicate that the motorists traveling from Alameda could either make a left-hand turn or proceed straight ahead from the two lanes in which they were driving. 7. V Mrs. Mary Ann Nofte, 2040 Eagie Avenue, referred to the petition requesting the police patrol. She stressed the importance of the situation being more than just 'speeding ° and cited several hazard- ous motorcycle incidents. Mrs. Nofte was assured the matter would be investigated. HEARINGS: 1 1 8:f The matter was called up with regard to an Appeal from the decision of the City Planning Board to deny the application for a Use Permit to allow construction of a sixty-bed Convalescent Hospital on properties known as 1701, 1705 and 1711 Central Avenue. The Appeal was filed by Whitney & Hanson, Attorneys, on behalf of Mr. Donald B. Bitner, owner of said properties. Upon request, Planning Director Johnson referred to his memorandum of July 26, 1966, in clarification of this case. He also reviewed the history of the matter for the Council's information. City Attorney Cunningham then stated the issue before the Council was whether or not the action of the Planning Board under Section 11-162(e) of the Zoning Ordinance section of the Alameda Municipal Code should be affirmed, modified or reversed. Councilman McCall inquired if the variance which had been granted by the Council some time ago, on Appeal by Mr. Bitner, pertaining to the proposed erection of a twenty-one unit apartment house on this same parcel of land was still in effect. Mr. Johnson answered in the affirmative. Vice President Rose then called upon any proponents who desired to speak in favor of the Appeal. �i.r. Stanley D. Whitney represented Mr. Bitner and submitted his arguments in support of granting the requested Use Permit to allow the proposed construction of a convalescent hospital. Be first pointed out that Gr. Bitnor'a plans for bOildiug an apartment house had to be abandoned because of the lack of adequate financiog. He distributed copies of the plot plan and a picture of a building to show the type of architecture to be employed. Mr. Whitney reviewed the advantages which would result from the demolition of three existing old buildings and the erection of the new structure. Upon the call for opponents to the question, there was no response. The Vice President tbun declared the Hearing closed. It was developed that Mr. Bitner was assured of financing for his convalescent hospital even though he could not procure said funds for an apartment house. He stressed the fact that he had invested considerable money in this property and most utilize the land. The Council then entered into a discussion of the situation and Councilman McCall moved the Council uphold the ruling of the Planning Board and the Appeal be denied. Vice President Rose seconded the motion. Speaking on the question, there was a further question and answer period. On behalf of his client, and upon his authorization, Mr. Whitney offered to agree to certain "cunditiony" whereby Mr. Bitner would present his architectural plans for Council approval before he applied for a building permit. Upon inquiry, The Reverend Mr. Hodgkin, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, located in the same block as the proposed hospital, expressed his personal opinion that such use was compatible to the neighbor- hood in view of there being a Church, Boy Scout Headquarters, apartment houses, medical buildings and several single-family dwellings in proximity thereto. After some further detailed discussion, the question was put and the motion was defeated on the fol- lowing roll call vote. Ayes: Councilman McCall and Vice President Rose, (2). Noes: Councilmen Bartley and La Croix, (2). Absent: President Godfrey, (1). Mr. Whitney pleaded for the matter to be laid over in order that his client might have the benefit of a vote of the full Council. The City Attorney rendered his opinion on the parliamentary procedure which could be employed as a result of the existing tie vote. He also explained further actions available to Mr. Bitner for reconsideration of his application. It was determined that the issue was dead as of this presentation but that Mr. Bitner could refile his application before the Planning Board at any time he desired. REPORTS OF OFFICERS BOARDS ETCETERA: . From Bureau of Electricity, Department of Public Utilities, signed by Mr. L. F. Randall, Com- mercial Manager, concerning the Employee's Retirement and submitting the request of the Public Utilities Board that the City Council be urged to ,investigate the State EnpIoyeeo'Retiroment System Retirement Benefits with the thought of changing the City's present plan to include the «1957 Survivors' Benefits" and that the Personnel Director be requested to investigate the cont, The matter was referred to the City Manager for study and report. lO* From Auditor and Assessor, requesting permission to absent himself from the City for more than thirty consecutive days - from September 11 to October 18, 1966. Councilman Bartley moved the request be nted and the Auditor and Assessor be allowed to be absent from the City for the period designated. Councilman La Croix seconded the motion which carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four, Noes: None, Absent: President Godfrey, (I), lI. From Recreation and Parks Commission, signed by Hz. Raymond kraoelly, Chairman, recommending the firm of Ribero and Sue be retained to develop plans and specifications and to supervise the redesign of Woodstock Park for the flat fee of $3,500. Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be adopted and the City Attorney prepare a resolution to effect a contract in this respect. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley and carried on the following vote. Ayes: Four, Noes: None. Absent: President Godfrey, (1). 12. From City Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, recommending the reclassification of three large sections of Bay Farm Island, on the Board's Own Motion, from "R-l-A-8-40", "C-M_PD-8-40" and nC-M-PD-8-50", all to "R-l-A-PD". The three areas comprised a total of 76.4 acres. There being no objections, the Hearing on this matter was set for the next regular meeting of the Council, to be held August 16, 1965. 13. From the Mayor, recommending the appointment of Mr. Clarence Gilmore as a Commissioner of the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda for the term ending August 10, 1970. 14. From the Mayor, nominating Messrs. Al, F. Blanchard and John S. Towata for appointment of members of the Recreation and Parks Commission for terms ending August 31, 1969^ The last two subjects were referred to "Resolutions'. 15. From City Manager, reporting all work satisfactorily completed on the project of Culvert Recon- struction on Encinal Avenue from Pearl Street to Fountain Street - recommending it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered filed. lxv' From City Manager, reporting all work satisfactorily completed on the project of Widening and Resurfacing Atlantic Avenue between Main and Webster Streets - recommending it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered filed. Councilman La Croix moved the recommendations on the two foregoing projects, as specifically desig- nated, be approved; that the work be accepted and the Notices of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four, Noes: None. Absent: President Godfrey, (1). Councilman McCall raised some questions about the scheduling of the work involved in the project of culvert reconstruction in this section of the City. City Engineer Hanna was to investigate and sub- mit a report on the matter. 17. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to R. C. King, only bidder, for furnishing Soil Ro, 1 at $2.81 per cubic yard and Soil No. 2 at $2.60 per cubic yard, in such quantities as might be required for the Municipal Golf Course project. There being no objections, this matter was laid over to an adjourned regular meeting which would be set later in this session. 18, ' From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Pacific Guano Company, low bidder, for furnishing Fertilizer for the Municipal Golf Course, at the cost or $74.38 per ton. Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be followed; that contract be awarded to the designated Company for furnishing this item at the price guoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: President Godfrey, (1). 19. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Northrup, King' & Co., low bidder, for furnishing Lawn Seed for the Municipal Golf Course, at the total cost of $8,827,68. Councilman Bartley moved the recommendation be accepted; that contract be awarded to said firm for furnishing the specified item at the price quoted. Councilman La Croix seconded the motion which carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: President Godfrey, (1). INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 20, Councilman La Croix introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under pro- vision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Authorizing Purchase of Real Property for Public Street Purposes (.0295 Acre -- Alameda Belt Line)." UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 21Y Upon request of the Vice President, Councilman La Croix verbally reported on the situation con- cerning the Community Action Program Committee under provision of the Office of Economic Opportunity. Be referred to a letter of May 16, addressed to Mayor Godfrey from the organizing committee, in which it was stated that the immediate aim of this group was to arrange for a survey as stipulated and paid for by "OEO" to discover the nature and extent of the actual need in the City. Councilman La Croix pointed up that an Executive Committee was formed about two weeks ago for this Community Action Program. The Reverend Mr. L. I. Nutting was elected President and those serving with him were Messrs. C. W. Moore, Neil Clark and himself, as liaison between the Council and said Community Action Program Committee. It had been decided at that time to ask Dr. Floyd Hunter of the Social Science Research & Development Corporation to appear before the City Council to answer any questions with regard to the study in question, the cost, and what it was hoped would be accom- plished thereby. The Council had been furnished with copies of a letter dated July 12, 1966, addressed to the Mayor, from the Social Science Research & Development Corporation, signed by Dr. Floyd Hunter. This sub- mitted the proposal of the ''Corporation" for its community development survey at the estimated cost of $5,000. The Councilmen expressed their thinking that were such a survey to be made, several consulting firma should be screened before one would be selected for this project. It was suggested Councilman La Croix have this Executive Committee submit a progress report and make recommendations for the Coun- cil's consideration. Councilman La Croix further explained the possibility of Federal Funds being granted to the City under this Program of "OED" subject to certain uooditioos. In view of the fact that Dr. Hunter was present at the meeting, he was invited to address the Council. He spoke merely in general explana- tion of the type of study his firm was able to perform and offered to answer questions if there were any. 22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Bartley, who moved its adoption: ' "Resolution No. 7005 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Tennis Court and Playground Resurfacing at Longfellow Park, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same.° The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman. La Croix and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: President Godfrey, (1). 23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7006 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Surfacing of Parking,Lot at the Grand Street Boat Ramp, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman La Croix and on roll call carried by 1 the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: President Godfrey, (1). 24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7007 Approving Warrant No. 110 of Board of Trustees of Reclamation District No. 2105." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by .•• the following vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: Councilman La Croix, (1). Absent: President Godfrey, (1). 25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Bartley, who moved its adoption: :• The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman La Croix and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: Councilman. McCall, (1). Absent: President Godfrey, (1). 26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: President Godfrey, (1). 27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Bartley, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7010 The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman La Croix and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: President Godfrey, (I). ( 28. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Bart. iey and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: one Absent: President Godfrev, (1). "Resolution No. 7008 Appointing Commissioner of the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda," (Clarence Gilmore) "Resolution No. 7009 Appointing Member of the Recreation and Parks Commission. (Al F. Blanchard Appointing Member of the Recreation and Parks Commission." (John S. Towata) "Resolution No. 7011 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for the Mixing of Materials at the Alameda Municipal Golf Course, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." The Vice President declared all of the foregoing resolutions adopted. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 29. "Ordinance No. 1534, New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Subdivision (27) Of Section 17-333 Thereof, Relating to All Time No Parking.' (North side Atlantic Avenue, between Main and Decatur Streets) Councilman La Croix moved the ordinance be passed as submitted. The motion was seconded by Council- man Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: President Godfrey, (1). 70 30. At this time` Vice President Rose stated that, if agreeable to the Councilmen, he would set Wednesday, August 10, 1966, at 5;30 o'clock p,m, for an adjourned regular meeting. This would be primarily for giving consideration to awarding contracts for furnishing Top Soil and the project of Mixing Materials for the Greens at the Municipal Golf Course. ]l. At this point, Councilman McCall noted the new Municipal Golf Course in San Leandro was to be named the "Tony Lema Memorial Golf Course". Be remarked that the City Council of San Leandro had adopted a resolution to this effect at its meeting held last night. Councilman McCall suggested a letter be written to the San Leandro City Council on behalf of this City Council complimenting it on this timely action in honor of such a fine young citizen of their community who was indeed a great golfer. It was felt this was certainly a most appropriate memorial and the Clerk was to write such a letter. 32y Councilman McCall also referred to the news of the resignation of Mr" John D. Phillips as City Manager of the City of Berkeley. He had been appointed City Manager of the City of Pasadena and would assume his new duties on October 1, 1960. Councilman McCall said he thought Mr. Phillips was one of the finest City Managers in the State of California and he had had many opportunities to work with him during his years on the Council. He also suggested that a letter be written to him in congratulation upon his new position and extending thanks for his cooperation and courtesies during the years' associations in the East Bay Division of the League of California Cities and also in the Mayors' Conference. FZLING:. 33, Specifications N u. Park. 34. Specifications No. 35. Specifications No. DILLS: PW 7-66-22 - PW 8-68-23 - PW 8-66-24 - Project of Resurfacing Tennis Court and Playground at Longfellow Project of Surfacing Parking Lot at the Grand Street Boat Ramp. Project of Mixing of Materials at the Municipal Golf Course. 36. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of $90,517.81, 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 McCall moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on August 2, 1966, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman La Croix and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four, Noes: None. Absent: President Godfrey, (1). ADJOURNMENT: 37. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned to an adjourned regular session to be held Wednesday, August 10, 1966, at 5:30 o'clock p.m. Respectfully submitted,