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1966-12-06 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING - - - - - - - DECEMBER 6, 1966 The meeting convened at 7 :30 o'clock p.m. with President Godfrey presiding. The Pledge of Alle- giance was led by Councilman McCall and was followed by an inspiring Invocation delivered by The Reverend Mr. Charles Nahnsen, Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Bartley, La Croix, Jr., McCall, Rose and President Godfrey, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held November 15, 1966, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 24. From Bay Farm Island Reclamation District No. 2105, signed by Mr. Gordon R. Briggs, Secretary, requesting approval of Warrants Nos. 117 and 118 in the respective amounts of $228,160.94 and $50,000., in payment of certain dredging work. The matter was referred to "Resolutions ". 3. From Shore Line Properties, Inc., signed by Mr. H. L. McGinnis, Resident Engineer, requesting the City to accept the streets in Tracts Nos. 2822 and 2833, with the understanding that the Sub- divider would install the street trees at a later date - and also, to authorize the reduction of the Subdivision Bond to $2,000. Councilman McCall moved the streets in the specified Tracts be accepted accordingly and, further, that the Subdivision Bond be reduced to $2,000. Councilman Rose seconded the motion which carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 4': From Alameda Municipal Civil Service Employees Association, signed by Geraldine E. Higby, Presi- dent, concerning the five per cent salary increase granted Bureau of Electricity employees, effective October 1, 1966, in comparison with the two and one -half per cent salary increase granted other City of Alameda employees, effective July 1, 1966, plus a number of individual adjustments. It was pointed out there were some depressing disparities in salaries between the "Bureau" and "Non - Bureau" employees. In the course of discussion, it was brought out that "mid- year" salary increases were not favored because the budget had already been established. It was thought this matter would be given con- sideration during the budget sessions for 1967 -68. The opinion was also expressed that there should be uniformity in the salaries of all City employees and when this question comes up next year, the City Council and the Board of Public Utilities should strive toward this goal. The City Manager was asked to draft a letter to the "Board ", expressing the thinking of the Council in this matter. COMMUNICATIONS: 5. Mrs. Inez Kapellas, 1128 College Avenue, Chairman for the Preservation of Property Rights, addressed the Council with regard to a new Civic Center as had been proposed by Mr. William M. Bartley. She voiced at length the objections of this organization to the proposed taking of a prime area of Park Street for such a development. Mrs. Kapellas also protested against the alleged "badgering" of the Park Street merchants to enhance the business district. Mr. Bartley stated he had copies of his speech on this subject in his office which he had given to many interested citizens and they were also available to this group. He emphasized he had spoken on the matter as a private citizen, upon the invitation of several of the "Service Clubs ". Later in the meeting, the following others commented on Mr. Bartley's proposal: Councilman La Croix, who expressed his opposition to the suggested location; Mrs. Ina Ratto, 1053 Island Drive; Mr. Stanley D. Whitney, who supported Mr. Bartley's concept; Mr. S. M. Mathews, Town House Furniture Co., 1427 Park Street; and Mr. Adolph Adragna, Alameda Drug Store, 1501 Park Street, who objected to the proposal. Mrs. Kapellas also broached the subject of the proposed new Post Office to be built in the City of Alameda and registered her objection to the taking of another choice site for such a structure. She claimed this would take a large parcel of land off the tax rolls, under the Federal Government's new policy of buying the property instead of leasing it as heretofore. 6. Mrs. Eleanor Tattersall, 1520 Central Avenue, again inquired what progress had been made toward solving the problem of low- income housing. President Godfrey stated there had been a very fruitful meeting recently and a statement would be made at the next meeting of the Housing Authority to be held December 15, by a member of the Housing Commission who had also attended said previous meeting. 7' Mr. Joseph Selby, 2026 Clinton Avenue, also referred to the proposed new Post Office and its contemplated site of the Webb Avenue parking lot. He stated he had a list of five hundred thirty -one people who used this parking lot to some more or less extent. Mr. Selby inquired if there was anything the Council could do to discourage the United States Post Office Department from deciding upon this particular location. President Godfrey reviewed the history of this matter, pointing up that he had talked with a Mr. Mayfield of the San Francisco Regional Office and had arranged for the recent meeting with certain Federal Authorities, Congressman. George P. Miller, Councilman Bartley and himself. There was considerable discussion of the subject and Mr. Selby urged the City Council to officially oppose the site in question for the proposed new Post Office building.. He thought a "united front" against this location might have beneficial results. It was also suggested that a study be made by the Planning Staff with regard to the feasibility of this location and, too, that as much information as available be obtained from the Postal Authorities so the Council could evaluate the effect of using this site. Further, President Godfrey asked City Manager Weller to submit a report on what had transpired at the meeting originally held with Mr. Mayfield and his associates. 8.`'' Officer Robert W. Carlson, 130 Dahlia Drive, President of the Alameda Police Association, addressed the Council on the subject of its request made earlier in the year for wage increases and fringe benefits. This plea was being reiterated at this time by his personal presentation. He emphasized that Police Departments throughout the State were beginning to experience recruitment difficulties and he thought that, sooner or later, this problem would strike Alameda. He pointed up the City's growth and the consequent necessity for expansion of the Police Department. In recruiting additional officers, the Department wanted to be able to procure qualified top men in order that it could continue to give the good services it had always given in the past. Therefore, Officer Carlson stated his Association was asking for consideration of granting its requests to keep the Alameda Department up with the other Departments in the State of California. 9.f Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, first inquired if the City Police Department was under- manned. Both President Godfrey and City Manager Weller assured him that any time the Chief of Police had felt he needed additional manpower, such had been authorized by the City Council. Mr. Gottstein also questioned the advisability of City Engineer Hanna attending a Traffic Safety Meet- ing recently in Sacramento. He felt a representative of the Police Department should have attended said meeting, too, as well as the City Manager. Further, Mr. Gottstein spoke of the signals at the intersection of Central Avenue and Webster Street - with regard to the "Walk" and "Don't Walk" time allowed. He thought it was altogether too short a period for people to walk across the street. HEARINGS: 10. The matter was called up concerning the requested reclassification of several properties in the 2000 -block of ClintonAvenue from the "R -4 ", Neighborhood Apartment District, to the R -5 ", General Apartment District. Dr. Gregory A. Haddad, 'Petitioner, was the owner of the parcel known as 2065 Clinton Avenue. The Clerk stated there was on file the Affidavit of Publication of the Notice of Hearing in this case. Also, copies of the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Board at which this matter was considered had been sent to the Councilmen for their information. Upon request, Mr. Donald Johnson, Planning Director, reviewed the history of this case and referred to his report to the Council dated November 10, 1966, which set forth pertinent details of the situa- tion. He pointed up the purpose of the requested rezoning was to allow construction of a medical - dental building on Dr. Haddad's property. Mr. Johnson also called attention to the fact that such a professional building in the "R -S" District would require a Use Permit, application for which had already been filed with the Planning Department for a Hearing before the Planning Board at its next meeting, to be held December 12. City Attorney Cunningham then recited the legal issue before the Council was whether the findings and recommendation of the Planning Board in its advisory report based on Section 11 -175 of the Alameda Municipal Code should be approved, modified or disapproved. The President called for the proponents of the question and Mr. Stanley D. Whitney, Attorney, appeared on behalf of Dr. Haddad and spoke in support of his request. Mr. Whitney pointed up the facts that the existing old building would be razed and the new building erected for the purpose set forth, and there would be adequate parking provided. Mr. Whitney emphasized that this rezoning would also benefit the status of Dr. Henderson's property immediately adjacent to the west of the land in question, as it would validate the zoning of his medical building. Councilman McCall argued at length against the proposed reclassification of these properties to an "R -5" District but stated he was completely in favor of rezoning the parcels to an "A -P ", Administrative - Professional District. Mr. Johnson explained the advantages of including these six parcels in the package reclassification. During the course of a lengthy discussion, it was pointed out that all of said lots were less than the seventy -five feet in frontage which was required in the "A -P" District. Dr. Ernest W. Henderson, 1538 Gibbons Drive, owner of the lot westerly of the subject parcel, spoke in support of the requested rezoning, particularly these two lots - known as 2065 and 2059 Clinton Avenue, owned by Dr. Haddad and himself. Mr. Reiser, Real Estate Developer, spoke on behalf of the development as originally proposed. Mr. Robert Guthrie, 2030 Clinton Avenue, expressed his agreement with Councilman McCall and said he thought the rezoning to an "A -P" District would be much more appropriate. It was finally suggested that the Council reclassify just the two lots known as 2065 and 2059 Clinton Avenue from the "R -4" District to the "R -5" District. Mr. Whitney agreed this would accomplish the purpose sought by his client and also Dr. Henderson and save a great deal of time. Upon inquiry for opponents, there was no response. The Hearing was declared: closed. Mr. Johnson then reviewed the circumstances involved from the planning aspect for the clarification of the Council. Councilman La Croix concurred with the recommendation of the Planning Board and moved its decision be upheld and the reclassification be made accordingly. The motion was seconded by President Godfrey and lost on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Councilman La Croix, (1). Noes: Council- men Bartley, McCall, Rose and President Godfrey, (4). Absent: None. Councilman Rose then moved the two parcels known as 2065 and 2059 Clinton Avenue be reclassified from the "R -4 ", Neighborhood Apartment District to the "R -5 ", General Apartment District. Councilman Bartley seconded the motion which carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. The matter was then referred to "Introduction of Ordinances ". 11: Next presented was the matter with regard to an Appeal filed by Mr. William M. .:Walker from the decision of the Planning Board to deny the renewal of a Use Permit for the continuation of a general appliance sales and service business at 1423 Santa Clara Avenue. The Clerk then read a letter from Mr. Walker, dated December 5, 1966, requesting a continuance of the Hearing in this case. The Council indicated it was ready to proceed with the-Hearing but agreed that Mr. Walker should be given the opportunity to be heard. Therefore, the Hearing was continued to the Council meeting to be held December 20. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, ETCETERA: 12:7 From City Manager, notifying the Council that the membership of the Police Department had re- elected Mr. Edward N. Souza as a member of the Police and Fire Pension Board for the term expiring December 31, 1969. The matter was referred to "Resolutions ". 13. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Manuel Enos, low bidder, for of Installing a Storm Sewer in Sherman Street from Pacific Avenue to Buena Vista Avenue, total cost of $8,056.50. 14. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to BEPCO, Inc., low bidder, for of Drainage Improvements on Sherman Street from Central Avenue to Santa Clara Avenue, at cost of $5,685. the project at the the project the total Councilman Rose moved these recommendations be adopted; that the two contracts be awarded to the specified bidders for the designated projects at the prices quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 15. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Good Chevrolet, lowest and best bidder, for furnishing one new Station Wagon for the Parks Department, at the total cost of $2,227. Councilman Bartley moved the recommendation be accepted; that contract be awarded to cated for furnishing the designated vehicle at the price quoted. Councilman La Croix motion which carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: President Absent: None. 16. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Morris Landy Motors, low bidder, for fur- nishing one new Sedan for the Street Department, at the total cost of $1,764.44. 17. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Good Chevrolet, low bidder, for furnishing one new Van for the Recreation Department, at the total cost of $2,094.61. Councilman La Croix moved these recommendations be approved; that contracts be awarded to the respective firms designated for furnishing the specified vehicles at the prices quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. the firm indi- seconded the Godfrey, (1). 18. From City Manager, reporting on the breakdown of the tractor at the Golf Course, the repair of which would cost approximately $2,000. It was recommended the Council find that great necessity existed and the repair work be accomplished without formal contract, as provided in Section 3 -15 of the City Charter. Councilman Rose moved that the City Manager be authorized to proceed under said Section of the Charter for the repair of this tractor at an approximate cost of $2,000. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bartley and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 19i From City Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, recommending approval of Tentative Map of Tract No. 2907, Harbor Land Community Development, subject to the terms and conditions of the City Engineer's Report dated November 22, 1966. Councilman McCall moved the recommendation be adopted and the Tentative Map of Tract No. 2907, Harbor Land Community Development, be approved, subject to said terms and conditions. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rose and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Not Voting: President Godfrey, (1). Absent: None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 20. Councilman Rose introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Reclassifying and Rezoning Certain Property Within the City of Alameda by Amending Zoning Ordinance No. 1277, New Series." (2065 and 2059 Clinton Avenue) UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 21. President Godfrey called attention to the recent election of Mr. Albert Spadoni, Plumbing Inspector, as a Director of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials of the Western Plumbing Officials Association. The Council wished to extend its congratulations to Mr. Spadoni for this recognition and directed the City Clerk to write a letter of commendation. 22. The President also referred to the next meeting of the Association of Bay Area Governments to be held December 16, and said he thought the Council should instruct its delegates. He remarked he would like to receive directions in accordance with the memorandum dated December 5, 1966, from the City Manager, to the effect that "referral action" be taken in order that more objective study of the Goals and Organization Committee could be made. Councilman McCall commended the City Manager for his excellent analysis of the Committee Report and felt it should be given full publicity so the citizens of Alameda would understand the Council's position in this matter. Councilman McCall moved the President and Vice 'resident follow the sug- gested course and act to refer the matter for a full review of the subject - and that the City Manager prepare a press release for the information of the people of Alameda. Councilman Bartley seconded the motion which carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 23: The President then inquired if Mr. Weller had any further report to make concerning the progress of the three -way negotiations and agreements between the State, the East Bay Regional Park District and the City, pertinent to the Alameda Memorial State Beach. The City Manager replied that the situation appeared to be the same as at the last meeting. He com- mented he had talked with Mr. Mott of the "District ", who had said he had heard nothing further from either the State or Federal Agencies in this respect. 24. Councilman La Croix stated he and Councilman Bartley had met last week with Mr. Harold Michaels, Administrator of the Alameda Hospital, for a two -hour discussion of the First Aid issue. He remarked they were now ready to request a meeting with the City Manager in order to obtain further information which would enable them to submit a report to the Council. RESOLUTIONS: 25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7062 Authorizing Acceptance of Settlement Offer by Sangamo Electric Company, and Authorizing City Attorney to Compromise Litigation." 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. Mr. Weller pointed out for the record that all such recovery funds had been placed in a special trust account by the City Treasury pending ultimate determination between the City Council and the Public Utilities Board what disposition should be made of said monies. 26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7063 Approving Warrants Nos. 117 and 118 of the Board of Trustees of Reclamation District No. 2105." ($228,160.94 and $50,000.) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Rose and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman La Croix, (1). Absent: None. 27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7064 Appointing Member of the Pension Board." (Edward N. Souza) 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. 28. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7065 Requesting Cancellation of County Taxes on Real Property Acquired by the City of Alameda for Municipal Purposes (Jenkins, Brooks, Smith - Park Street and Encinal Avenue)." 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 La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7066 Requesting Cancellation of County Taxes on Real Property Acquired by the City of Alameda for Municipal Purposes (Alameda Amusement Co. - Park Street and Encinal Avenue)." 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. 30. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7067 Cancelling City Taxes on Property Acquired by the City of Alameda for Municipal Purposes (Northeast Corner Park Street and Encinal Avenue)." 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 Rose, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7068 Amending Salary and Position Resolution No. 6974 by Creating One Additional Position of Police Lieutenant in the Police Department and by Creating One and One -Half Additional Temporary Positions of Librarian I in the Library Department." 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. 7069 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to the City of Alameda One (1) New 4- Wheel, 3 Cubic Yard Sweeper with One Gutter Broom, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." 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. 33. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Bartley, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 7070 Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda in Memoriam to Harold B. Fisher (Formgr Member of City Planning Board "WITH DEEP SORROW, the Council of the City of Alameda records the death of one of its pioneer and civic - minded citizens, HAROLD B. FISHER, who had served as a member of the City Planning Board from June 7, 1938, to June 30, 1953. "WHEREAS, Mr. Fisher gave unstintingly of his time, effort and experience in discharg- ing the duties of this important Board and was most conscientious in his deliberations and the promotion of proper development of the City; and "WHEREAS, Mr. Fisher was greatly esteemed for his leadership in the Scouting movement in Alameda and his active participation in the program of his Church; and "WHEREAS, Mr. Fisher was ever most amiable and cooperative with all of his associates and his many friends have been greatly saddened by his passing. • 1 - • 'NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Alameda recognizes with appreciation the wholehearted concern of Mr. Fisher in the Civic, Youth and Church life of the community and does hereby express its sense of personal loss and its gratitude for the fine example set by Mr. Fisher in his endeavors on behalf of the City. "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread in full upon the minutes of this meeting, and a copy thereof be sent to the family of Mr. Fisher that it may extend to its members a sincere expression of sympathy and condolence in their bereavement; and "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 HAROLD B. FISHER." 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. The President then declared all of the foregoing resolutions adopted. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 34• "Ordinance No. 1541, New Series Councilman La Croix moved the passage of the ordinance as submitted. Councilman Mc Call seconded the motion which carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. Councilman McCall moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on December 6, 1966, and presented to the City Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rose and on roll. call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 38. The President asked that the Council assemble in the Conference Room after the closing of this meeting for an executive session to discuss certain personnel matters. An Ordinance Reclassifying and Rezoning Certain Property Within the City of Alameda by Amending Zoning Ordinance No. 1277, New Series." (Certain Properties along Encinal Avenue near the intersection of Pearl Street and also on Pearl Street) FILING: 35. Financial Statement - Bureau of Electricity, as at October 31, 1966, Verified by Hackleman, Larzelere & McKenna. 36. Specifications No. MS 12-66-25 - Furnishing One (1) New 4-Wheel, 3 Cubic Yard Sweeper with One Gutter Broom. 37. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of $99,560.91, was presented to the Council at this meeting. The List was accompanied by certification from the City Manager that the Claims shown were correct. ADJOURNMENT: 39. President Godfrey then called up the audience to stand for a moment of silence in observance of the passing of Mr. Harold B. Fisher. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned in respect to the memory of Harold B. Fisher - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, December 20, 1966, at 7:30 o'clock. Respectfully submitted, p_it7:y Clerk