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1961-03-21 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF &L&M8DA. HELD TUESDAY EVENING, MARCH 21, 1961, The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock pan. with President McCall presiding. The Pledge of Allegi- ance was led by Councilman Freeman and was followed by an inspiring Invocation delivered by The Reverend John Shively, Assistant Rector, Christ Episcopal 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 regular meeting held March 7, 1961, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2/ From State Department of Public Health, signed by Dr. Malcolm B. Merrill, Director, giving noti- fication the County of Alameda has been redeclared a rabies area under provision of Section 1901.2 of-California Health and Safety Code - and requesting information concerning the City's regulations pertaining to this situation. The matter was referred to the City Manager for disposition. %. From South Shore Land Co., signed by Mr. Charles T. Travers, Vice President, requesting an exten- sion of time to July 15, 1961� in which to commence installation of improvements in Unit II, Tract 1898 (West of Grand Street), South Shore project. Councilman Freeman moved the completed reports of Harland Bartholomew & Associates, Land Planners, be provided for review of the Council and the Planning Department so they can be fully informed, upon a possible request by the subdivider to change the existing map of record for the resubdiviaiou of the area - and the extension of time then be granted to July 15, 1981, as requested. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 4/ From South Shore Land Co., signed by the Vice President, requesting an extension of time to July 15, 1961, in which to commence installation of improvements in Unit III, Tract 1986 (Park to Broadway), South Shore project. For the Council's information, this was accompanied by a copy of a letter to the Planning Board, asking it to defer consideration of the Tentative Map filed with it relative to Trace 2277, Subdivision of Lot 1, Tract 1986, Unit III, South Shore project. Councilman Freeman moved the completed report of Dames & Moore, Soil Mechanics Engineers, with regard to the reteotibn in this area, be submitted to the Council, the Planning Department and the City Engineer for study - and the extension of time then be granted to July 15, 1961, as requested. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. / �. From Alameda Chamber of Commerce, signed by Mr. James C. Taylor, President" urging the Council to support AB 544, as amended, which calls for a State Highway connecting Lincoln Avenue at Webster Street via Tilden Way to Nimitz Freeway. Following some discussion in clarification of the ramifications involved, Councilman Schacht moved the City Council adopt a resolution endorsing the proposed legislation, to be prepared by the City Attorney, including the provisions that the support given AB 544 is conditioned upon the understanding that there would be no exchange or substitution of the present State Highway Route 226 for the contemplated one and, further, the City would in no way be expected to expend any funds to raise the proposed high- way up to State standards. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and carried by the fol- lowing roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman Petersen, (1). Absent: None. The matter was then referred to "Resolutions". 6. From Lesley N. and Jean Forden, 1448 Page Street, urging the Council to reject the proposal to have an "outside" survey of the Library operation and that the Library Board be asked to reconsider its decision not to hold a public hearing. 7. From Mrs. Grace Jones Morgan, 912 Lafayette Street, urgently requesting the Council to deny money and consent for a special survey of the library operation, and that the Council again set a date for a public hearing in the Council Chamber and use its influence in persuading the Library Board, Librar- ians and all concerned to attend the meeting. Relative to this mutter, the Clerk read a letter from the Library Board, signed by Mr. Walter A. Sharafanowich, Secretary, dated March 21, 1961. It was stated the Board felt that little could be accomplished by a meeting for a public hearing at this time and requested, instead, that the City Manager appoint a competent outside library survey team of five to investigate the library operation, independently of the Library Board, the Librarian and the Library Staff. Councilman Freeman read a prepared statement setting forth her opinion concerning the operation of the Library and whether or not proper services are being provided. She believed the expenditure of funds for an unbiased and objective survey and report would be entirely warranted. HoneVer, during the course of considerable discussion, the other members of the Council felt the Library Board should be willing to hold a meeting at which time the entire problem could be discussed and resolved. Therefore, Councilman Schacht moved the City Clerk be instructed to write to the Library Board, requesting that it hold a public hearing on March 28, 1961, in the Council Chamber. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman Freeman, (1). Absent: None. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 8. Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, referred to his previous protests against the closing of the Branch Library in the evening and also stated he felt the Library should be open on Sunday mornings. 4 9^ Mr. G. N. Pope, 1820 Bay Street, referred to the City Manager's memorandum covering the agenda which is sent out to the Councilmen prior to each Council meeting, and suggested a copy of this should be posted on the Bulletin Board for the information of all. HEARINGS: 10. The matter was called up concerning the Appeal by the Island City Gun Club, Inc., from the deci- sion of the Planning Board to deny a Use Variance for the operation of a shooting range on certain property on Bay Farm Island which is in the "R-1" Residential District. The Clerk read a letter received just this date from the Bay Farm Island Improvement League, sighed by Mr. George T. Butler, President, stating it was taking no stand on this case at the present time. Speaking on behalf of the Appellants was Mr. Tom Caton, Attorney, who reviewed the history of the Gun Club, itself, as well as the circumstances involved in this particular issue. Mr. Martin Silva also explained certain points. The opponents were then called upon and the following spoke: Messrs. Walter C. Brakebush, 369 Maitland Drive; John Kirby, 962 Purdue Street, San Leandro, representing Manuel Olivera, owner of approximately ten acres in the vicinity of the proposed site of the Gun Club. Mr. Kirby also read and filed with the Clerk a petition signed by ninety residents of Bay Farm Island requesting the Council to refuse issuance of the Use Variance. Paul Sutton, 506 Fitchburg Avenue; M. E. Lee, 315 Park View Terrace, Oakland, owner of a certain easement adjacent to the site involved; John Olivera, on behalf of his father, Manuel Olivera; and Mrs. John Clowser, 503 Fitchburg Avenue. A lengthy question, answer and discussion period was had, following which Councilman Collischonn stated he would like to have the Hearing continued in order to explore the possibility of procuring another site in a more isolated location for the Gun Club. Be thereupon moved the Hearing be con- tinued to the next meeting of the Council. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and car- ried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. It was suggested the representatives of the Gun Club contact the City Manager to arrange for a meet- ing at which to discuss the feasibility of obtaining another location which might be less objectionable. Also, the Recreation Commission is to be informed concerning the situation as discussed at this meeting pertaining to the present site in question as well as any other location to be considered. REPORTS OF OFFICERSL BOARDS, ETCETERA: V 11. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Morris Landy Motors, low bidder, for fur- nishing one half-ton Pickup Truck for, the Street Department, at the total cost of $2,142.92. Councilman Collischonn moved the recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to said firm for furnishing this vehicle 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. 12. From City Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, recommending adoption by the Council of Draft No. 2, as amended, dated March 9, 1961, containing proposed amendments to Zoning Ordinance No. 1277, New Series, relative to front setback regulations. In consideration of the newly-elected Councilmen, and in order, to give them an opportunity to familiar- ize themselves with the provisions entailed in the contemplated amendments, the Hearing was set for the Council meeting to be held May 2, 1901. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 13. Councilman Collischonn introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under pro- vision 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. (South of San Antonio Avenue, west of Weber Street, excluding two lots fronting on Portola Avenue - from R-2 to R-4 District)." UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 14. Councilman Petersen referred to the awkward traffic route immediately across Park Street Bridge in Oakland and asked i.f the City of Alameda could do anything to have this condition corrected. The City Manager was asked to contact the City Manager of Oakland in another attempt to remedy this unsatisfactory traffic design. 15. Councilman Collischonn inquired when a report might be expected on the Traffic Survey being con- ducted. Mr. Hanna explained the progress made to date and said the traffic consultants should be arriving at their conclusions very shortly. J l6, Councilman Collischonn also broached the subject of the City Manager's memorandum of March 7, 1961, concerning the City's method of expressing its position to the City's representatives in Sacramento on certain bills before the State Legislature. Mr. Weller explained the procedure involved in the processing of bills, and outlined the need for emergency action in some instances. Councilman Collischonn moved the City Manager be authorized to poll the Council or obtain its advice and consent in every case of important basic legislation, whenever it is feasible, before conferring x..7it6 the legislative representatives - however, in case of other bills where the press of time is such that it is not possible to do so, the letters expressing the position of the City will be sent to the League of California Cities and &lamedu'o legislative representatives and, simultaneously, copies thereof will be sent to the Councilmen, with the understanding that if any Councilman feels the position taken does not reflect the view of the Council, a telephone call to this effect will be immediately relayed by the City Manager to Sacramento. The motion was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 17^ 7 Councilman Freeman referred to a recent inquiry made by the City Engineer of the U. S. Corps of Army Engineers about the completion date of the South Shore Land Co" for its Fill Project and asked Mr. Annibale if he would request that the date of completion for said project be submitted for the City's file. NEW BUSINESS: cV lo. The canvassing of Absent Voter Ballots of the General Municipal Election held March 14, 1961, was then undertaken, after which the matter was referred to "Resolutions". RESOLUTIONS: 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Collischonn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution 0o^ 6199 Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda Authorizing the Acquisition of Certain Real Property for Public Street and Highway Purposes -- Tilden Way (Musso - Pedemonte)." 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. 20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Freeman, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6200 Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda Authorizing the Acquisition of Certain Real Property for Public Street and Highway Purposes -- Tilden Way (McDonald)." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll call carried by the following 21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6201 Declaring Canvass of Returns and Result of General Municipal Election, Consolidated with Special Charter Amendment Election, Held 0orc6 14, 1961,° The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. J 22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its adoption: ^,Resnlution No. 6202 RESOLUTION IN MEMORIAM TO FRED H. MILIAN 'WITH PROFOUND SORROW, the Council of the City of Alameda records the death of one of ' its retired employees, FRED O. MILIAN, who had entered City employ on January 1, 1921, as a member of the Fire Department and who had served the City for a period of twenty-five years. 'WH8DE&S, Mr. Milian, through the efficient performance of his duties, had advanced to the position of Fire Lieutenant, effective September 1, 1936, and had been serving in this capacity at the time of his retirement on January 1, 1940" 'NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, in recognition of his loyal and conscientious efforts on behalf of the City and his excellent cooperation with his associate firemen, the Council of the City of Alameda hereby expresses its appreciation for his capable service during the long period of his employment. 'BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread in full upon the minutes of ' this meeting, and a copy thereof be transmitted to the family of Mr. Milian that it may proffer 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 FRED H. MILIAN." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Colliaobonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who monad its adoption: "Resolution No. 6203 RESOLUTION IN MEMORIAM TO GEORGE A. DALY 'WITH GREAT SADNESS, the Council of the City of Alameda records the death of one of its former employees, GEORGE A. DALY, who had been employed by the City on November 10, 1911, as a Patrolman in the Police Department of the City of Alameda; and , 'WHEREAS, Mr. Daly had earned promotion to the position of Police Lieutenant and was so appointed on July 15, 1918, and had served the City faithfully and capably until his retirement on September 6, 1928. 'NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, in acknowledgment of his many years of excellent service on behalf of the City and the esteem with which he was regarded by his fellow officers, the Council of the City of Alameda hereby expresses its gratitude for his loyalty and efficiency during the seventeen years of his employ. 'BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution he spread in full upon the minutes of this meeting, and a copy thereof be forwarded to the family of Mr. Daly that it may extend to its members a sincere expression of sympathy and condolence in their bereavement; and `8E 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 GEORGE A. DALY.^, 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. 24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6204 Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda Supporting and Urging the Adoption of Assembly Bill 544 on Certain Provisos (State Highway in City of Alameda)." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Colliacbono and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman Petersen, (1). Absent: None. The President thereupon declared all of the foregoing resolutions duly adopted and passed. FILING: 25. Financial Statement - Bureau of Electricity, as of January 31^ 1961 - Verified by 8ocklemon & Larzelere. BILLS: 26. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the amount of $35,135.24, 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 21, 1961, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Petersen and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: Noue, Absent: None. ADJOURNMENT: 27. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the President asked all to stand in observance of a moment of silence in respect to the memory of Fred H. Milian and George A. Daly. The Council then adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, April 4, 1961, at 7;30 o'clock. Respectfully submitted,