Loading...
1961-02-21 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING ,FEBRUARY 2 , 1961 The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President McCall presiding. The Pledge of Allegi- ance was led by Councilman Freeman and was followed by a most inspiring Invocation delivered by The Reverend Mervin Megill, Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Collischonn, Freeman, Petersen, Schacht and President McCall, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regula meeting held February 7, 1981, were approved as transcribed. 1RITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: � 2. From District Council of Painters Nn^ 18, signed by Mr. Leslie K. Moore, Secretary-Treasurer, requesting the Council to adopt a resolution concerning the establishment of a "line of demarcation as to the amount of maintenance paint work to be performed by City employees at the Fire Department on fire stations and equipment". It was stated the City's present practice is in line with the request of the Union and it was, there- fore, considered unnecessary to adopt a formal resolution. The Clerk was instructed to inform the District Council accordingly. / 3« From Mrs. Robert Eschen, 1700 Dayton Avenue, Civic C6aitman of Alameda Garden Club, expressing appreciation for improvement of certain City lagoon property on Grand Street. The communication was noted and ordered filed. 4. From Mrs. Gwyn J. Tebault, 1711 Santa Clara Avenue, commending the firemen heir excellent work at the recent Church fires. The communication was noted with appreciation and ordered filed. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: "v .. Mrs. Inez Kapellas, 1810 Encinal Avenue, referred to the current relocation of the basketball court at Franklin Park and felt it should have been paved with concrete "as formerly" instead of the asphalt presently used. It was later developed through the City Engineer that this court has always been paved with asphalt. 6. Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, spoke of a sidewalk encroachment on certain premises located at 0iut6.Street and Central Avenue and inquired if any such construction does not require a permit from the City and,if said permit had been granted. Councilman Freeman felt that many people do not realize they have to procure a building permit for any improvement to their property and suggested some publicity be given to this fact. It was developed that this applies to any replacement maintenance or addition in the minimum amount of Twenty Dollars. Considerable discussion ensued on this matter. It was pointed out by Mr. Hanna this regulation is primarily for the protection of the people so that when any such work is done it will be satisfactory. It was determined that a report on the subject would be sent to the Councilmen by the City Engineer. _V /° Mr. G. N. Pope, 1820 Bay Street, addressed the Council with regard to the question of "flush" or "vertical" curbs and it was pointed out that the Council has already adopted the policy of installing vertical curbs. BEAR 8. Continued from the last meeting was the matter of proposed amendments to Zoning Ordinance No. 1277, New Series, pertaining to regulations in the ''C-l',, Neighborhood Business, District. The Clerk stated copies of the letter dated February 16, 1961, from the Planning Board had been sent to the Councilmen. This set forth the policies of the Board concerning the "C-1" provisions and was accompanied by a revised draft of regulations, incorporating the modifications which had been suggested at the last meeting. The City Attorney stated the language of the proposed ordinance has been clarified and now meets the intent of the Planning Board in this matter. Upon inquiry, there was no one who wished to speak as a proponent in this matter. The President then called for any opponents who desired to voice their objections. Mr. Pope spoke in protest against the exclusion of dwellings being constructed in a commercial district. It was pointed out that living quarters will be permitted in the district in question provided they are within the same structure and do not occupy more than forty-nine per cent of the whole building. ��«��)�� ^�"� Also included in the motion was the suggestion that the proposed letter be drafted by the City Attorney in conjunction with the City Manager and the City Engineer and that it be submitted to the City Coun- cil for approval prior to being forwarded. The motion was then seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes; Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 4. From Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, signed by Mr. George M. Taylor, Secretary, informing the Council that its recent request for reduction of bus fares covering "Sunday Passes", "Shopper's Special" and "student's fares on week-ends" had been referred to the Project Development Committee of •the Board for study. Mr. Robert E. Nisbet, Attorney for the "District", personally explained that these requests will be given full consideration, in relation to the other cities in the District. In response to a question, Mr. Nisbet replied that when rates are involved a Public Hearing may be called, at which time the representatives of all areas may present their views. 5. From Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, signed by Mr. William J. Bettencourt, President of the Board of Directors, transmitting copies of its Resolution No. 196^ expressing opposition to Senate Bill 499, which would authorize use of San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge revenues for alterations to San Francisco Terminal for use of privately-owned transportation equipment, regardless of whether such equipment travels trans-bay routes. The District strongly urged the Council's opposition to said Bill, as a public agency vitally interested in the welfare of the East Bay. Mr. Nisbet reviewed the history of the San Francisco Terminal and the use of its revenue funds. Councilman Collischonn then moved the Council support the position of Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District in its opposition to Senate Bill 499. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. The Clerk was instructed to write letters to the Toll Bridge Authority, the State Senators, the Transit District and any others concerned, informing them of this Council action. 6. From Mrs. Virginia McNeese, 517 Santa Clara Avenue, submitting excerpts from the Annual Reports of the Library from 1952 through 1960, and requesting that an open hearing be held, consisting of mem- ' hers of the City Council, the Library Board, the Librarian, the Library Staff and all interested citizens. It was stated this presentation should be made to the Library Board and it was agreed the requested hearing should be held in order to clear up several controversial issues concerning the operation of the Public Library and its branches. Mr. Miles McNeese, 517 Santa Clara Avenue, addressed the Council on the subject. Following some dis- cussion as to procedure in this case, Councilman Collischonn moved the Clerk write to the Library Board requesting that a Public Hearing be held in this mutter, setting the time and place as some mid-week evening in the Council Chamber of .City Hall, and that the Councilmen would attend as individual citi- zens and not as the Council. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht, who asked that the sugges- tion be made to the Library Board that said meeting be set for Tuesday, March 28. This amendment was acceptable to Councilman Collischonn and the motion, as amended, carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. At this point, the Clerk read a letter from Mrs. Kay Walsh Rolleri, 2936 Gibbons Drive, praising the expert management and functions of the Library. The communication was noted, referred to the file on the subject, and a copy directed to the Library Board. , /.` `/ From Mr. Leo J. Gunston, 1077 Park Avenue, submitting a copy of a letter addressed to the Mayor. Councilman Collischonn read a prepared statement on the matter. Councilman Petersen moved the communi- cation be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and unanimously carried. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 8. Mr. G. N. Pope, 1820 Bay Street, once more protested against the policy of installing vertical curbs in the City. He cited the need for flush curbs, particularly at the intersection of Eighth Street and Pacific Avenue, due to the fact there are a number of elderly and incapacitated people in this vicinity. Mr. Al 8uebel, 1710 Eighth Street, an amputee who travels in a wheel-chair, submitted a plea for a flush curb at this specific intersection because of the hardship being created for many people in proximity thereto. 'In response to Councilman Freeman's question about the City,a policy in this respect, Mr. Hanna explained that the storm water drainage in any specific area determines whether a flush or vertical curb will be installed. Councilman Freeman suggested the Council amend the resolution (No. 5750, adopted Febru- ary 18, 1958) to replace with "flush" curbs wherever possible. Councilman Petersen concurred. Councilman Collischonn felt this immediate problem should be acted upon and he thereupon moved the City Engineer be authorized to install a ramp or curb cut at the site in question as requested in the petition. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht ood.carried by the following roll cull vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. The City Engineer was then asked to re-evaluate this matter, prepare a full report and submit his recommendations with regard to the need for vertical curbs versus flush curbs, including a comparison of cost estimates. HEARINGS: Y. The matter was called up concerning the requested rezoning of certain properties situated south ~ of San Antonio Avenue and west of Weber Street, being more specifically described in the petition - from the 'D-2'', Two-Family Residence District to the "R-4", Neighborhood Apartment District. The petition was filed by Ralph and Mary Kearney, 2712 Central Avenue. The Clerk stated the Planning Board had recommended denial of the reclassification, and a letter was on file from Mr. and Mrs. Kearney in protest against the Board's decision, copies of which had been sent to the Councilmen. Also on file was the Affidavit of Publication of the Notice of Hearing and all other pertinent data in this case. Mr. Schoenfeld, Planning Director, reviewed the background of the zoning and use of the area involved. He quoted the five major points on which the Planning Board had based its decision to deny the petition, as contained in its letter of recommendation, dated February 17, 1961. Speaking on behalf of the petitioners were Mr. E. A. Sabatini, 1518 Pearl Street, and Mr. Frank Gottstein, who owns property adjacent to that in question. Mr. Ralph Kearney, 2712 Central Avenue, reviewed the procedure he had pursued to initiate the desired rezoning of his property and the area adjacent thereto as outlined in the petition. He stated the development of his property would greatly improve the neighborhood and add considerably to the tax base over the years. Be felt the granting of his petition would benefit the entire City. The President then called for any opponents to the question and Mr. Ernest Chase, 833 Portola Avenue, addressed the Council. He stated he also represented four property owners on Portola Avenue and they object to any part of Portola Avenue being included in dzdae rezoning proceedings, because they do not want apartment dwellings on their street. Considerable discussion was had on the issue and it was developed that the two lots fronting on Portola Avenue and situated at the extreme easterly end thereof could be excluded from this rezoning action. This was agreeable to all concerned, and the President declared the Hearing closed. Councilman Freeman then moved the Council disapprove the recommendation of the City Planning Board and grant the reclassification of the area in question, excluding the two lots fronting on Portola Avenue, from the "R-2" District to the "R-4" District, and the City Attorney be directed to have ,the necessary ordinance covering this action prepared for introduction at the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. Upon Mr. Schoenfeld's suggestion, Councilman Petersen thereupon moved the matter of the two lots fronting on Portola Avenue be referred to the Planning Board to initiate proceedings to rezone them from the "R-2", Two-Family Residence District to the »B-l'', One-Family Residence District. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. lO. The matter was called up concerning the Appeal, filed by Mr. and Mrs. George Eden, from the deci- sion of the Planning Board to deny renewal of their Use Permit for warehouse purposes of the premises known as 1308 Union Street. The Clerk stated letters were on file from Mrs. C. L. Brockhage, 1307Union Street, and Mr. William D. Hauselt, 1847 Eighth Street, in protest against the business activities which have been carried on in this residential district. Mr. Schoenfeld, Planning Director, reviewed the history of the use of the structure in question. The premises have been leased to the Henderson Automotive Supply during the past year for storage pur- poses. Snapshots of the block in question were passed around for the information of the Councilmen. The proponents were called upon and Mr. L. L. Hendricks, Realtor, addressed the Council as the agent for Mr. and Mrs. Eden, who were also present. Mr. David D. Henderson, President of Henderson Auto- motive Supply, explained the operation of his business. Mr. Julius Ferreira, 1755 - 67th Avenue, Oakland, owner of the apartment house at I884-1806 Central Avenue, the rear of which abuts the premises in question, spoke in opposition tn'the continuation of this business operation in a residential area. There being no one else who desired to speak, the President declared the Hearing closed. Councilman Collischonn moved the Council sustain the ruling of the Planning Board and deny the Appeal. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht. Speaking on the question, there was some further discussion and a clarification of the non-conforming phase of the situation by Mr. Annibale. The question was then put and the motion carried on the fol- lowing roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman Petersen, (1). Absent: None. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, ETCETERA: ll. From City Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, requesting an additional sixty-day extension of time for completion of its consideration and action concerning certain amendments to the "C-2n, Central Business District regulations. Councilman Schacht moved the extension of time be granted as requested. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and unanimously carried. V 12. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Morris Landy Motors, -low bidder, for furnishing four sedans to the Police Department, at the total cost of $9,315.28. Councilman Freeman moved the recommendation be approved; that contract be awarded to said firm for furnishing the specified automobiles at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman, Collischonn and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 13. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Lee Adams Pontiac, Inc., low bidder, for furnishing one sedan to the Police Chief, at the total cost of $2,450.55. Councilman Schacht moved the recommendation be followed; that contract be awarded to said firm for furnishing this vehicle at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. l4VFrom City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Gallagher & Burk, Inc., low bidder, for the project of Reconstructing Versailles Avenue from Fernside Boulevard to Marina Drive, at the total cost of $6,518.32. Councilman Collischonn moved the recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to the desig- nated firm for said project at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. / v 15^ From the Mayor, Acting City Manager and City Auditor, submitting their report on the Count of Money held February 15, 1961' showing the sum of $4,162,775.04 in the City Treasury at that time. The report was noted and ordered filed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 10. Councilman Petersen broached the subject of that certain triangular parcel of land at the south- westerly tip of the Alameda Naval Air Station which encroaches into the City and County of San Francisco. This situation had been created by fill operations which had extended the land beyond the boundary line between Alameda County and that of the City and County of San Francisco. The complexities of the problem were briefly discussed. Mr. Weller suggested that Assemblyman Crown be asked to introduce legislation to modify the boundary lines of the two counties concerned which would, in effect, be an annexation which crosses county boundaries. He said this procedure has been followed in certain instances in the past and is no real problem. He felt there was no great urgency and that the matter can be corrected through legislative action. The City Attorney was asked to submit full information on the subject and also to contact Assemblyman Crown relative to the matter. RESOLUTIONS: 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6198 Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda Authorizing Installation of Spur Trackage in and Across Grand Street by Alameda Belt Line (Between Clement Avenue and Eagle Avenue)." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. The President thereupon declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 18. "Ordinance No. 1363, New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) Relative to Regulations in the vC-l' District. Councilman Collischonn moved the ordinance be adopted as auhMltted. The motion was seconded by Council- man Schacht and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 19. "Ordinance No. 1364, New Series An Ordinance Authorizing the Exchange of Real Property Between the City of Alameda and Shizutoshi Takeda (Tilden Way)." Councilman Freeman moved the ordinance be adopted as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. BILLS: 20. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the amount of $66,555.35, 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 Schacht moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on March 7, 1961, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. ADJOURNMENT: 21. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, March 21, 1961, at 7:30 o'clock. Respectfully submitted,