1963-08-06 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 6, 1963
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with Vice President McCall presiding. The Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Councilman La Croix and was followed by an inspiring Invocation delivered by
The Reverend Mr. Franklin Scott, Pastor of the Santa Clara Avenue Methodist Church.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen La Croix, Jr., Rose and Vice President McCall, (3), were
noted present. ,Absent: Councilman Freeman and President Godfrey, (2).
Vice President McCall explained that Councilman Freeman was out of the State on her annual vacation
and, unfortunately, President Godfrey had had an accident and was suffering from a seriously broken
elbow.
At this time, Vice President McCall said it was his pleasure to introduce the recently appointed
City Attorney, Mr. Frederick M. Cunningham, who was attending his first City Council meeting. Mr.
Cunningham was extended a cordial welcome.
MINUTES:
1. The minutes of the regular meeting held July 16, 1963, were approved as transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2. From Alameda Firemen's Association, Local No. 689, signed by Mr. Noel D. Van Der Haeghen, Sec-
retary, expressing thanks on behalf of the City Firefighters for the reduction of their work -week
from 67.2 to 63 hours.
The letter was noted with appreciation and was to be acknowledged and filed.
3.V From Mrs. Mary R. Rudge, 2124 Rodgers Court, complimenting the City on its clean and well -run
Pound and, especially, for the courtesies shown by the City employees in its operation.
Vice. President McCall expressed the pleasure of the Council for this commendation and commented that
both Messrs.. Lee Erwin and Lee Musquiz, the Poundmaster and his Deputy, respectively, had done an
excellent job over the years. It was directed that copies of this letter be referred to the Person-
nel Office for filing in the appropriate records.
4 S From Madeline, Peter, Angela and Jack Vallerga, in protest against the amount charged for clean-
ing the vacant lot known as 1183 Broadway and requesting a review of this matter.
Mr. Jack Vallerga was noted present at the meeting and was invited to address the Council in this
matter. Mr. Vallerga stated he was presently residing in Carmichael, California, although he still
maintained a legal address at 2025 Clinton Avenue, Alameda. He pointed out that the members of his
family took exception to the amount charged for the weed abatement work performed by the City, feel-
ing that the sum of $148.06 was excessive. He claimed that they had notified the City they were
going to have a private party take care of cleaning the lot and a price of $75. had been agreed
upon. He begged the Council to give this consideration and, if possible, to reduce the amount to
the sum of $75.
The matter was reviewed by the Council, during which discussion it was pointed out that, under the
provisions of the Alameda Municipal Code, the proper posting of notices and notification to the
parties affected had been carried out by the Public Works Department. Copies of the report of the
City Engineer covering detailed records of this transaction had been sent to the Councilmen for
their information on the subject.
Mr. Vallerga admitted there had been some dereliction on the part of his family in having the large
lot cleaned within the ten -day period stipulated and in contacting the City office concerning the
arrangements made. He agreed the lot should have been cleaned but emphasized that their objection
at this time was only to the amount charged, which they contended was excessive.
Following further discussion on the breakdown of costs to the City for performing this job, it was
agreed some adjustment could be made even though the City had fully complied with all regulations
covering such weed abatement operations, and was not at all responsible for the delay in taking care
of this matter which had caused the controversy in question. Therefore, upon advice of City Attorney
Cunningham, Councilman La Croix moved the Council sustain the appeal made by Madeline, Peter, Angela
and Jack Vallerga on the determination of the City Engineer setting $148.06 as the amount charged
for clearing the lot located at 1183 Broadway and, instead, determine said charge to be $123.39 and
direct the City Engineer to make appropriate correction in his records. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Rose and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Councilmen La Croix, Rose and
Vice President McCall, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Freeman and President Godfrey, (2).
5. From The Honorable John C. Houlihan, Mayor of the City of Oakland, reviewing the history of the
operation of the fireboat, "Port of Oakland ", along the Estuary - outlining the proposed formation
of a "Special District" before the expiration of this fiscal year to continue protection against
fire - and requesting that the City of Alameda re- examine its position regarding contribution to the
maintenance of the fireboat in the protection of taxable properties on the common waterfront. It
was stated that time was of the essence in order to take the steps necessary to obviate the termina-
tion of operation of the fireboat now scheduled for August 16, 1963.
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Vice President McCall asked that the Councilmen present agree to defer any action on this matter
until such time as there had been the opportunity to discuss this question further with a full City
Council and with City Manager Weller, who had sat in on the discussions pertaining to the fireboat
with the Mayor and the City Manager of the City of Oakland. He explained that his reason for this
was that the City of Alameda had been asked to pay a portion of the maintenance cost during the
interim period prior to the formation of the Special District comprised of the property owners along
the Estuary, and he felt there were many unanswered questions with regard to the conditions embraced.
Vice President McCall said he felt the Council should, also ask the Industrial Committee of the
Alameda Chamber of Commerce to call a meeting to ascertain the thinking of all interested firms
located on the Estuary about the formation of the suggested Special District and the coots involved.
Therefore, he asked that, in order to leave the matter open for further negotiation, the matter be
withdrawn from the agenda at this time.
Councilman Rose stated he, too, had many questions in mind about the fireboat operation which were
not answered in Mayor 8puliheo'u letter and he agreed with the steps proposed by Vice President
McCall. Councilman La. Croix stated he also concurred with these statements.
At this time, Mr. John Seaborn, 1316 Lafayette Street, the operator of a fleet of tugboats, spoke of
the inadequacy of the "would-be" fireboat in question. He felt it was not properly equipped and
could do more damage than good in the event of a real emergency and claimed this had already been
proved.
Vice President McCall then stated that, if there were no objections, he would ask that a communica-
tion be sent to The Honorable John C. Houlihan, Mayor of the City of Oakland, informing him that the
matter had been withdrawn from the agenda, pending a discussion by the full membership of the Coun-
cil of the City of Alameda in consultation with City Manager Weller on the subject. It was so
ordered.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
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6. At this point, Vice President McCall introduced Mr. Frank McElhinney, Jr., Chairman of the
Third Annual Regatta Parade conducted by the Alameda Junior Chamber of Commerce on July 27, 1963.
Mr. McElhinney distributed copies of a list of the prize-winning entries under the oeveralcmtegor-
ieu and proceeded to call up the representatives of the various winners to receive the handsome,
engraved brass Cups mounted on walnut bases which were awarded to the First,, Second and Third Place
Winners. There were also several cash awards mode. The Grand Prize and two First Prize awards
were won by the Alameda Coast Guard and Lt. Commander James Stgmun, Training Officer at Government
Island Base, was present to receive these trophies on behalf of his men. Altogether, there were
about twenty-five entrants of different organizations in the Parade.
Mr. McElhinney expressed the thanks of the Alameda "JC's" to the Alameda Police Department, the
Recreation Department and the City Officials who had exerted efforts toward the success of the
Parade and Regatta and had participated therein. He also commented that Dr. Donald D. Lum was the
Grand Marshal of the Parade and was to be presented with an engraved Cup as a memento of this occa-
sion. Unfortunately, Dr. Lum could not be present at this meeting and his Cup would be delivered
to him.
Mr. McElhinney was congratulated upon the Junior Chamber's work in building up this annual event
for the enjoyment of the citizens of the community.
7,,v Mrs. Inez Kapellas, 1128 College Avenue, referred to a recent article in the Oakland Tribune
concerning the State, Legislature's consideration of "Metropolitan Government", which, it was felt,
would jeopardize the principle of "home rule". Mrs. Kapellas strongly stated this disturbed her
considerably and she urged the City Councilmen as the elected representatives of the citizens of
Alameda to fight any attempt to destroy the people's rights and privileges under the home-rule
system.
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U. Mr. Frank Gottutein, 731 Haight Avenue, agreed that the fireboat operation, as discussed earlier
in the meeting, was certainly not effective Protection against any fire hazard. Mr. Gottstein also
spoke of the increased criminal element in the City and he felt it was false economy in not provid-
ing for six more police officers as requested by the Police Chief, instead of having authorized
uuly�four additional officers.
9. Mr. Lynn H. Wolcott, 1609 Broadway, asked for information about the legal boundary of his front
property line and was advised to consult with the City Engineer and the City Attorney on this matter.
lO.° Mr. Walter J. Monaach, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Alameda,
distributed copies of the monthly report of the Agency to the Councilmen and called attention to the
fact that he had been instructed to discuss with the City Manager and the City Attorney the.poaoi-
bility of an ordinance providing for a temporary restriction on building permits within the Park
Centre Project Area. He expressed the hope that the Council would, before too long, take this mat-
ter under advisement.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, ETCETERA:
ll. From City Manager, reporting all work satisfactorily completed on the project of Resurfacing
the Tennis Courts at Washington Park - recommending it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be
ordered filed.
Councilman Rose moved the recommendation be approved; that the work on the designated project be
accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman La Croix
and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two
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l2. From City Manager, reporting all work satisfactorily completed on the project of Resurfacing
Certain Streets - recommending it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered filed.
Councilman La Croix moved the recommendation be adopted; that the work on the specified project
be accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rose and
on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
l3Y From City Manager, reporting all work satisfactorily completed on the project of Reconstruct-
ing and Widening Sherman Street from Buena Vista Avenue to the Segregation Line - recommending it
be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered filed.
Councilman Rose moved the recommendation be approved; that the work on said project be accepted
and the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman La Croix and carried
on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
14. From City Manager, concerning a Fill Permit issued in 1957 to Mr. Q. F. Burk covering approxi-
mately five acres of land north of Mecartney Road and west of County Road. Be outlined the cir-
cumstances involved, and recm/m/ende6 the Fill Permit be cancelled and the bond be released
immediately.
Upon inquiry, City Attorney Cunningham stated the cancellation of the bond in this case was in
order. Councilman La Croix then moved the Fill Permit be cancelled and the bond released at once.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Rose and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes:
Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
15.%7 From City Planning Board, signed by the Acting Secretary, recommending Council approval of the
Property Division Map filed by Mr. John Hanan, subject to compliance with certain requirements con-
tained in the City Engineer's Report dated July 24, 1963. This covered the property located at the
southerly dead end of Versailles Avenue on the northerly side of the lagoon system of Unit IV,
South Shore Project.
Councilman Rose moved the recommendation of the Board be accepted; that the Property Division Map
filed by Mr. Hanan be approved, subject to compliance with the City Engineer's Report of July 24,
1963. The motion was seconded by Councilman La Croix and carried on the following roll call vote.
Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
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l6.` From City Planning Board, signed by the Acting Secretary, requesting an extension of time of
thirty days in which to fully consider the requested rezoning of certain properties in the Pacific
Marina Complex.
Councilman La Croix moved the Board's request be granted to allow a thirty-day extension of time
for its consideration of the particular matter in question. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Rose and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
RESOLUTIONS:
17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Rose, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 0506
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to the City of Alameda One (1)
Used, Reconditioned, Caterpillar D-4 60", or Acceptable Equal, Tractor,.
Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise ~
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman La Croix and on roll call carried
by the following vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Rose, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 6507
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to the City of Alameda One (1)
Aero-Thatch Fairway Aerifier, Model X61 P.T.O., or Acceptable Equal,
for the Golf Department, 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: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Rose, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 6508
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to the City of Alameda Two (2)
Three-Wheel Carriers for Golf Department, Cushman Model 783 Haulster,
Westcoaster Greensmaater, or Acceptable Equal, 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: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman La Croix, who moved its adoption:
"Resolution No. 6509
Amending Salary Resolution No. 6484 by Deleting One Position of Junior
Civil Engineer, Creating One Additional Position of Assistant Civil
Engineer, Creating the New Position of Junior Traffic Engineer,
Deleting One Position of Policewoman, and Creating the New Position of
Policewoman-Stenographer."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Rose and on roll call carried by
the following vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent: Two.
The Vice President then declared all of the foregoing resolutions adopted.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
21. "Ordinance No. 1438,
New Series
An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Thereto
Subdivision (38) of Section 17-333, Relating to Limited No Parking."
(East side of Service Road along Main Street between Pacific Avenue
and Brush Street)
Councilman La Croix moved the ordinance be passed as submitted. The motion was seconded by Coun-
cilman Rose and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Three. Noes: None. Absent:
Two.
FILING:
22. Specifications and Provisions No. MS 8-63-10 - One (1) Used, Reconditioned, Caterpillar D-4
60", or Acceptable Equal, Tractor for Golf Department.
23. Specifications and Provisions No. MS 8-83-11 - One (1) Aero-Thatch Fairway Aerifier, Model
X61 P.I.O., or Acceptable Equal, for Golf Department.
24. Specifications and Provisions No. MS 8-63-12 - Two (2) Three-Wheel Carkiers for Golf Depart-
ment, Cushman Model 783.8auloter, Westcoaster Greensmaster, or Acceptable Equal.
BILLS:
25. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the
total amount of *58,350.86, 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 Rose moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on
August 6, 1963, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion
was seconded by Councilman La Croix and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Three.
Noes: None. Absent: Iwo.
ADJOURNMENT:
26. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble
in regular session on Tuesday evening, August 20, 1963, at 7:30 o'clock.
Respectfully submi ed,