1972-07-18 Regular CC Minutes448
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY JULY 18, 1972
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President La Croix presiding. The Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Councilman Longaker and was followed by a most inspiring Invocation delivered
by Rabbi Gunther Gates of Temple Israel.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Levy, Longaker and President La Croix, Jr., (3), were
noted present. Absent: Councilmen Fore and McCall, (2).
MINUTES:
1. The minutes of the regular meeting held July 5 and the special meeting held July 14, 1972, were
approved as transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2. 4 ' From Mr. and Mrs. Scott Smith, 821 Paru Street, in support of the plan to remove billboards
from the City.
The communication was acknowledged with appreciation and referred to the file on the Hearing to be
held at a later meeting on the proposed ordinance for regulation of off - premise signs in the City.
Councilman Longaker suggested it be noted that the City Council appreciated and perused letters from
people in the community on important matters. Councilman Levy concurred in these comments.
3. From Alameda Jaycees, signed by Messrs. J. B. Healy, President, and James A. Stonehouse,
Secretary, in support of the proposed ordinance prohibiting off - premise advertising signs.
The President stated this communication would also be referred to the file on the subject for consider-
ation in connection with the Hearing on the subject.
4. / From Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Ekstrom, 1826 Clinton Avenue, in opposition to further development of
the Bay Farm Island area.
President La Croix said the concern indicated in this communication was similar to that of many
members of the community. He suggested the letter be acknowledged and referred to the file on the
subject for consideration at the time the development proposal was submitted to the Council.
5. From Mrs. Rosemary Arnold, 3228 Calhoun Street, expressing opposition to the proposed rezoning
of the Bay Farm Island fill area and the accompanying widening of the Bay Farm Island Bridge and Otis
Drive which was proposed in connection therewith.
The communication was also referred to the file on the subject of the proposed Harbor Bay Isle develop-
ment for consideration at the proper time.
6. From Mr. Leif E. Lange, 475 Buena Vista Avenue, suggesting the Grove - Shafter Freeway be extended
into Alameda along Main Street, terminating at Atlantic Avenue or Central Avenue, to alleviate the
traffic situation in the west end of the City, rather than to widen Eighth Street to connect with the
old Southern Pacific right -of -way to the Tube.
President La Croix remarked that this route, including another tube connecting with Main Street, had
been suggested in connection with the Southern Crossing proposal.
It was directed that the communication be acknowledged and referred to the City Engineer for consider-
ation.
7. V From Mrs. Carmella Jost Cooley, 2809 Otis Drive, protesting further development of Alameda and
Bay Farm Island, pointing out if 5,000 to 15,000 new dwellings were to be constructed the congestion,
pollution, noise, et cetera, would be unbearable, and pleading that the Council give serious thought
to the proposal before permitting further enlargement of Alameda.
President La Croix commented that the "no development" program of the City of Livermore was under
contention by the Courts and this was something of which everyone should be cognizant.
The communication was referred to the file on the subject for consideration at the proper time.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
8. °` From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to East Bay Excavating Co., Inc., low
bidder, for the project of Resurfacing Clement Avenue from Oak Street to Broadway at an estimated
price of $9,009.45.
Councilman Levy moved the recommendation be accepted, that the contract be awarded to the designated
contractor for the specified project at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Longaker
and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
9. From the City Manager, recommending authorization be given under provisions of Section 3 -15 of
the City Charter to negotiate for the project of repairing the lagoon water control gates at the
Bayview weir structure at a cost not to exceed $6,100.
This matter was continued to the next regular meeting of the Council on August 1, for attention by the
full membership.
10. vf From the Retirement Board, signed by the Vice President, recommending approval of an amendment
to the Agreement between the City and the County of Alameda relative to retirement benefits for former
Health Department employees, and requesting authorization to proceed with the financing indicated.
Upon request, City Manager Weller explained, as set forth in his letter of July 7, 1972, that in 1957,
at the time the City had contracted to include its employees in the State Employees Retirement System,
now the Public Employees Retirement System, the City health function had been transferred to the County
of Alameda and the employees of that Department transferred to the County. He said it had been originally
understood that the retirement benefits would also be transferred; however, this had not been done and,
as a result, there was now a deficit in the System. The City had retained the obligation for providing
retirement benefits for the Department employees on the same basis as the then existing County retire-
ment system and this had been administered and financed by the City. Attempts had been made repeatedly
in the intervening years to straighten out the matter. It was stated nine people were involved at this
time.
Mr. Weller said negotiations had been concluded at the staff level, with the understanding that an
actuarial survey would be made of the single - premium present value cost of the transfer reflecting the
City's present and prospective obligation. Following the transfer, if approved, the County would under-
take all future obligations with respect to any future changes in its retirement system, salary levels or
any other considerations concerning retirement for the employees involved. He said he had discussed the
matter at considerable length with the County legal staff and County Retirement Board representatives,
the actuarial survey had been made and it had been agreed that the City would pay the amount of $170,400
immediately and the balance would be paid on an annual basis over a period of not to exceed ten years,
the total amount having been determined to be $199,126. He said the City had insisted on a provision
that it would have on one occasion the opportunity to have the system resurveyed, that this was important
in view of the small number of people involved. He commented that the method of handling the situation
had cost the City a substantial amount of money and had damaged the people concerned considerably, in
terms of retirement benefits. Mr. Weller explained the suggested method of financing the transfer.
There being no objections, the meeting proceeded to "Resolutions ".
RESOLUTIONS:
11. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Longaker, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 7960
Authorizing Execution of Amendment to Agreement Between City and County
of Alameda, Relating to Former Health Department Employees."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Levy and carried on the following roll call
vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
The meeting returned to the regular order of business.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
12. From the Planning Board, signed by the Assistant Secretary, recommending approval of Parcel Map
No. 818, subject to terms and conditions of the City Engineer's Report dated December 21, 1971, and
negotiations with the Bureau of Electricity pertaining to certain easements. This involved division of
property fronting on Otis and Westline Drives by Alameda Convalescent Hospitals Inc.
It was stated this matter would be continued to the next regular meeting of the Council on August 1, 1972,
pending receipt of an easement in connection with the property division.
13. From the Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, recommending adoption of an amendment to the
Municipal Code (Zoning Section) with regard to off -site sign prohibition.
The Hearing on this matter was set for the regular meeting of the Council on August 15, 1972.
14. From the Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, recommending rezoning from the "R -6 ", Hotel -
Apartment, to the "R -1 ", One- Family Residence District, certain property known as 904 Regent Street.
This matter was set for hearing at the next regular meeting of the Council on August 1.
NEW BUSINESS:
15. President La Croix said he felt it was incumbent upon the Council to take action on a matter which
had been brought to his attention involving a proposed parking lot to be established by the Navajo Trucking
Company in an industrial area on the Oakland side of the Estuary for the purpose of parking its trucks and
equipment. He said the proposal was in violation of the zoning in the master plan for the area wherein
the Bay Conservation and Development Commission had approved the site for a park. He pointed out the
proposal was of concern to the residents of the City of Alameda as it would be an industrial use directly
across the Estuary from the homes in the Fernside Marina District, adjacent to the High Street Bridge.
He said there was to be a hearing on the matter on Thursday, July 20, 1972, and he suggested that the
Council go on record in opposition to any change in the master plan of the area and that BCDC should
adhere to the plan for use of the location in question.
Councilman Longaker said he felt the Council had an obligation to protect the interests of the people of
the City in this matter. He moved the Council go on record in opposition to the proposal and notify the
Bay Conservation and Development Commission of its position. Councilman Levy seconded the motion
which carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
The City Manager was requested to draft an appropriate communication to BCDC, for the President's
signature, setting forth the thinking of the Council with regard to the application.
RESOLUTIONS:
16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Levy, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 7961
Confirming Canvass by Board of Supervisors of Alameda County of State
Primary Election Held June 6, 1972."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Longaker and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Longaker, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 7962
Approving Map Showing Locations of Proposed City Street Construction
Work to be Performed with 1972 -1973 Fiscal Year Moneys Payable by County
of Alameda Under 'Mayors' Formula', and Derived from State Highway Users
Tax Fund."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Levy and carried on the following roll
call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
18. "Resolution No.
Authorizing Execution of Architectural Services Agreement with Robert Dean
Putman in Connection with Municipal (South) Golf Course and Related
Facilities."
It was stated this resolution would be continued to the next regular meeting of the Council on
August 1, when it was anticipated a full Council would be present.
r
19. ; The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Levy, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 7963
Authorizing Execution of Contract with Griffenhagen - Kroeger, Inc., for
Furnishing Personnel Testing and Scoring Services."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Longaker and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
/
20. / The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Levy, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 7964
Authorizing Execution of Contract with Alameda Chamber of Commerce for
Advertising for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1973, and Appropriating
Therefor the Sum of $19,200.00, or as Much Thereof as May be Required."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Longaker and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
21. "Resolution No.
22.
Authorizing Execution of Agreement for Construction and Completion of
Improvements in Connection with Parcel Map No. 818 and Approving Faithful
Performance Bond as to Sufficiency (Division of a Portion of Lot 2,
Block 11, Tract 1898 - Alameda Convalescent Hospitals Inc.)"
"Resolution No.
Approving Parcel Map No. 818 for Division of a Portion of Lot 2, Block 11,
Tract 1898, Alameda, California, and Permitting Recording Thereof (Alameda
Convalescent Hospitals Inc.)"
The foregoing two resolutions were continued to the next regular meeting of the Council on August 1,
1972, in connection with the Planning Board report on the matter.
23.x, /The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Levy, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 7965
Rejecting Claim of Lurae E. Jarrard Against City (Bureau of Electricity)."
451
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Longaker and carried on the following
roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
The President declared the foregoing resolutions adopted, as specifically indicated.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
24. Councilman Longaker moved the following ordinance be introduced, after which it would be laid over
under provision of law and the Charter:
"Ordinance No.
New Series
Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Certain Sections of
Chapters 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Title III Thereof, Relating to Assessment,
Collection and Equalization of Real and Personal Property Taxes."
The motion was seconded by Councilman Levy and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three.
Noes: None. Absent: Two.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
25. "Ordinance No. 1670,
New Series
An Ordinance Amending Section 15 -6210 of the Alameda Municipal Code,
Relating to Rates for Collection of Garbage and Refuse."
Councilman Levy moved the ordinance be passed as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Longaker
and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
26. "Ordinance No. 1671,
New Series
An Ordinance Amending Certain Portions of the Alameda Municipal Code
Relating to Traffic Regulations."
Councilman Longaker moved the ordinance be passed as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Levy and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
27. ",, "Ordinance No. 1672,
New Series
Authorizing Purchase of Certain County -Owned Real Property Located in
Vicinity of Posey Tube (1.149 Acres, More or Less)."
Councilman Longaker moved the ordinance be passed as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Levy and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
BILLS:
28. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total
amount of $51,805.40, was presented to the Council at this meeting.
The List was accompanied by certification from the Acting 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 July 18,
1972, and presented to the City Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Longaker and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, GENERAL:
29.E "` Mr. Raymond P. Kranelly, 1150 Admiralty Lane, President of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, thanked
the Council on behalf of the Directors and members of the Chamber for the appropriation of finances for
the year's program, offering assurance that every effort would be made to put the funds to the best possible
use.
Mr. Kranelly expressed disappointment that the matter of employing the Golf Course Architect had not been
settled at this meeting but said he felt sure when a full Council was in attendance it would act as quickly
as possible on the resolution authorizing the Agreement.
30.5 `� Mr. Frank A. Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, inquired if there would be discussion at this meeting
with regard to the proposed widening of Eighth Street.
President La Croix answered negatively and said he understood the recommendation of the Recreation Commis-
sion would be before the Council at its next meeting on August 1.
31.v Mr. John Barni, 1364 East Shore Drive, said he wanted it understood that his comments would not be a
reflection on the job being done by the Auditor and Assessor. He said he would hope that some assistance
could be given Mr. Martin to rectify the inequities which continued on the tax rolls of the City, saying
he referred to under - assessments, pointing out that the City Assessor used the figures of the County
Assessor. Mr. Barni said he had a book of assessments on all parcels in the City of Alameda and he
would venture to say that hundreds of properties were under - assessed from 20 to 40 %, while others paid
taxes based on assessments as high as 110% of the property value.
Mr. Barni said he had spoken with the County Assessor, who had stated his office would go through the
rolls from time to time and correct the inequities but this had not been done. The County had come
to use the computer rather than to go out and re- assess the various properties and, consequently,
inequities continued to exist. He cited examples of these inequities in the assessments on homes,
condominiums and open parcels in various areas of the City, and said in the case of claims of over -
assessments it was very difficult to obtain equitable solutions as the burden was on the taxpayer to
prove that the assessment should be reduced.
Mr. Barni pointed out that corrections were not actually being made in assessments or at least not
fast enough and dollars were lost to the taxpayers and to the taxing agencies as well, primarily the
schools. He urged that a determined effort be made to correct the tax rolls.
Mr. Martin was called to the microphone. On question, he stated the City did not necessarily use the
County tax figures, that the South Shore area, for example, had been re- assessed by his office last
year before the County assessments were known. He said it was impossible to re- assess properties in
the City each year because of the time involved, although he would like to do so. Mr. Martin explained
the procedure followed in assessing properties and said he felt in many instances Mr. Barni was
correct in his statements.
President La Croix expressed the opinion that the Auditor- Assessor and his staff had been doing an
outstanding job and the problems encountered by the Department were well known. He thanked Mr. Barni
for his presentation.
FILING:
32. Agreement - Between City and Griffenhagen- Kroeger, Inc. - re Personnel Testing and Scoring
Services.
33. Agreement - Between City and Alameda Chamber of Commerce - for community promotion during
fiscal year 1972 -73.
34. Agreement - Between City and County - re Former Health Department Employees.
35. Financial Report - City of Alameda, as at June 30, 1972.
36. Affidavit of City Manager and Acting Chief of Police - re Police Secret Fund for period from
January 1, 1972, through June 30, 1972.
ADJOURNMENT:
37. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned, to assemble
in regular session on Tuesday, August 1, 1972, at 7:30 o'clock p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
1,9L-
City Clerk