1963-01-10 Special CC MinutesADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD THURSDAY EVENING: JANUARY 10 1963
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President Collischonn presiding.
ROLL CALL*
The roll was called and Councilmen Godfrey, McCall, Rose, Schacht and President Collischonn,
(5), were noted present. Absent: None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. The Council continued its review of the proposed revised Charter with the Clerk reading section
by section, beginning with Article IV. Explanations were given by the City Manager and the City
Attorney in each case where questions were raised concerning some aspect of the provisions as set
forth therein and full discussions were had thereon.
Section 401 - with regard to "City Clerk" - Mr. G. N. Pope, 1820 Bay Street, stated he felt this
office should be elective.
Sections 401 and 402 - "City Clerk" and "City Attorney" - Councilman Schacht strongly urged that
these two officials should retain the authority to make appointments and dismissals of their own
deputies or assistants as now provided in the current Charter. Also, he felt there should still be
a requirement for some minimum number of years of experience necessary before an attorney qualified
for appointment. Councilman Schacht suggested these two sections should be given further considera-
tion in this respect.
Section 503 - concerning the "Board of Education" - Mr. Pope inquired if an alternate proposition
for an elective Board would be on the ballot and it was indicated that the Council did not contemplate
such action.
After a thorough deliberation on the proposed Charter through Section 607, President Collischonn
stated he felt that from the number of sections yet to be examined, there was little time left for
the Council to give the adequate attention and study the document deserved. He recommended °that no
further attempt be made to meet the deadline for the March Election but to complete the review of
this draft as soon as possible and return it to the Advisory Committee for its consultation with the
several boards or commissions and others concerned. Then, a final draft would be resubmitted to the
Council for its action.
Councilman Schacht concurred with this thinking. Considerable debate was had on the question. Coun-
cilman Rose agreed that it was improbable that the issue could be placed on the March °ballot but
indicated he was 'still willing to try. Councilmen Godfrey and McCall strongly felt there was yet a
possibility of meeting the deadline if further effort was put forth.-
During the discussion, it was developed that there was to be a Junior College District Election in
the early fall and it might be possible to submit the Charter measure on this ballot - rather than
to have to call a special election or to wait until the primary election of 1964. This would be
advantageous in that the question would still be alive in the minds of the citizens. Also, the
expense of a special election would be avoided.
Mrs. Helen Freeman, 831 Laurel Street, addressed the Council in favor of postponing the submission
of the proposed Charter to the people on the March ballot. She urged that further consideration be
given the entire document in order that everyone could feel it had been given ample study and stated
it was then up to the Council to convince the electorate that it should be adopted.
However, it was felt a final attempt should be made to meet the deadline and Councilman McCall moved
the Council meet again this Saturday morning, January 12, 1963, to complete its review of the pro-
posed Charter. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rose and carried on the following roll call
vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman Schacht, (1). Absent: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
2. There being no further business to come before the- meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble
in adjourned special meeting on Saturday, January 12, 1963, at 9:00 o'clock a.m.
Respectfully submitted,