1960-03-01 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, MARCH 1, - - - - - - - - 1960
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President McCall presiding. The
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Freeman and was followed by an inspiring
Invocation delivered by The Reverend Mr. Robert A. Peters, Pastor of the First Assembly
of God.
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 February 16, 1960, were approved as
transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2./ From Hackleman & Larzelere, CPA, signed by Mr. Hackleman, suggesting the Trust
Department of one of the local banks be employed to hold and service the Treasurer's
investments in order to maintain proper internal control.
Councilman Collischonn suggested the matter be referred to the administrative staff for
investigation, based on its favoring the idea, with a report to be made by the City
Manager. There being no objections, it was so ordered.
3:l From St. Barnabas Church, signed by The Reverend Father Selhorst, requesting per-
mission to erect a twelve -foot cyclone fence along the entire westerly, and a portion
of the northerly, property lines in connection with the recreation and parking lot
area of the Church, located at Sixth Street and Taylor Avenue. This would protect the
children and adjacent property by keeping the balls within the boundaries of the
playground.
In view of the fact the Church has also filed an application for certain variances in
connection therewith, it was suggested this matter be referred to the Planning Board
with the information that the Council approves the request for the erection of a twelve -
foot fence, as indicated, if it does not conflict with the other aspects of the situa-
tion to be considered by the Board. There being no objections, it was so ordered.
\1
4• From Alameda Chamber of Commerce, signed by Mr. Gus Levy, President, requesting the
Council give consideration to cleaning up and beautifying the Doolittle Drive approach
to the City by an appropriate tree- planting program and the installation of permanent -
type fencing which would screen the City Dump.
Discussion was had favorable to the suggested tree - planting program but the cost of
fencing was questioned. The City Engineer was to investigate and report on the types
of trees which could be procured and submit an estimate covering the cost of said fenc-
ing. It was also suggested Mr. Hanna check into the feasibility of the "crash" rose-
bush type of planting the State Division of Highways is considering. It is supposedly
attractive as well as providing a safety barrier along highways.
It was also suggested the Junior Chamber might be approached to undertake this project
of planting trees as one of its community activities, and that the Boy Scouts would
probably work with this group.
The Clerk was to write a letter of thanks to the Senior Chamber for its suggestion and
inform it that the Council is wholeheartedly receptive to the idea of beautification of
this area. The matter was thereupon referred to the Junior Chamber for its support as
a community improvement program.
5/ From Alameda Chamber of Commerce, signed by Mr. Levy, President, requesting the
amendment of Section 5 -264 of the Alameda Municipal Code to permit installation of
planter boxes containing ornamental shrubs throughout the commercial sections of the
City.
Mr. Weller explained that Mr. Nutzman, General Manager of the Chamber, had recently dis-
cussed this matter with him and he had suggested the City Attorney's office draft a
proposed ordinance to see if the mechanics of the request could be worked out. It is
proposed to submit this draft to the Chamber members to ascertain if it is acceptable
to them and if so, to then present it to the Council for its consideration. The idea
in mind is that these would be actual boxes which would be constructed, planted and
maintained by the abutting property owners. The City would be under no obligation
whatsoever for the care of the shrubs.
It was developed that the necessity for the Code amendment is because these boxes would
encroach into the sidewalk areas and provision would thus be made to allow Revocable
Permits to be granted for such purpose. It was pointed out there are still some details
to be discussed and resolved. The City Manager was instructed to follow through on
this matter.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
6. Mr. G. N. Pope, 1820 Bay Street, referred to the subject matter of the communica-
1 2
tion from Hackleman & Larzelere and inquired why the City deems it advisable to employ
the services of any bank to handle its money. Mr. Weller cited the large sum of money
for which the Treasurer is responsible and pointed out that said official is bonded for
only $100,000. He felt this step is being proposed for the protection and benefit of
the City Treasurer's office.
The Clerk was asked to read the letter in full and considerable explanation was given
for Mr. Pope's clarification. As already indicated, Mr. Weller is to submit a report
on the situation. Mr. Pope stated he would like to hear Mr. Dallas' personal opinion
of this suggestion.
71 Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, alluded to the beautification program of
the Chamber of Commerce and felt the City itself should do some cleaning up of certain
areas. He spoke of the rundown area in the vicinity of a new apartment house on Thau
Way - the vacant property being filled with debris which should be eliminated. Mr.
Gottstein also mentioned the two little corrugated iron shacks on the Bureau of Elec-
tricity property on Webster Street. He stated one of them is all rusty and he felt
both of these sheds should be sprayed to improve their appearance and also to protect,
them. He spoke of several other unsightly locations and urged some action be taken to
clean up such areas. He was assured proper steps would be taken.
Mr. Gottstein also felt the former parking lot of Bethlehem Shipyard should be properly
marked by the City for those who wish to use it for practice when learning to drive
and park. However, it was pointed out this is Federal property and neither the City
nor anyone else should trespass thereon.
8! Mr. Hanna stated that recently his office had received a request from Pacific
Bridge Company to plant trees at the entrance to the former Encinal Housing Project
property. This is the area in the vicinity of the apartment house Mr. Gottstein had
referred to, which also leads into the Drive -in Movie. He explained that plans have
been made and he expects to proceed with this work as soon as certain decisions are
made.
HEARINGS:
9. The matter was called up concerning the requested reclassification of property
known as 647 Buena Vista Avenue from "C -3 " General Commercial District to the "M -1"
Intermediate Industrial (Manufacturing) District.
The Clerk stated there was on file the Affidavit of Publication of the Notice of Hear-
ing and the recommendation from the Planning Board to deny said reclassification.
Mr. Stanley D. Whitney, Attorney, representing the proponents in the petition, stated
this matter has been pending before the City of Alameda since December 15, 1959. The,
present status is the same as the day the petition was filed. He claimed this is an
unfair and unjust manner in which to treat an owner of real property in the City. He
pointed out there is a prospective buyer who has made a bona fide offer for the prop-
erty but they cannot proceed until some decision is made. Mr. Whitney stated the
property in question was for many years in an industrial zone and then, through the
medium of the Zoning Ordinance, the property was reclassified and placed in a commer-
cial zone. He felt there were no conditions in this area which justified the reclassi-
fication and he contended that no commercial enterprise of any sort will ever use the
premises. The property is presently vacant, due to its zoning - the taxes are sub-
stantial and it is unfair to maintain said zoning which prevents the owner from realiz-
ing any return. The property is part of an estate which cannot be settled until the
property is sold.
In connection therewith, considerable discussion took place concerning the proposed
amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to allow "rug cleaning" to be carried on in the "C_3"r
District as well as in the "M -1 " District. This had been presented to the Council at
its last meeting by the Planning Board and had, at that time, been referred back to
the Board for a public hearing to be held, which is the required procedure under the
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Annibale emphasized that this is an intrinsi-
cally different issue and the only question before the Council at this meeting is the
rezoning matter.
Following further discourse, Mr. Weller remarked that the two issues, while entirely
different, are interrelated in this particular instance. In order to expedite settle-
ment, he suggested that, if the Council is not unalterably opposed to accomplishing the
desired result by a rezoning, it might proceed this evening to introduce the ordinance
to reclassify the property. This is the only action toward this end which could be
taken at this meeting in any event. Then, by the next meeting, presumably, the Council
will have had the opportunity to learn the recommendation of the Planning Board on the
other alternative. At that time, the question can be discussed with Mr. Whitney to
ascertain which procedure would be mutually preferable.
Councilman Schacht expressed his thinking on the subject in general and his opposition
to any action which would ultimately allow rug cleaning establishments to carry on
business in commercial districts - they should be in industrial districts.
Councilman Petersen agreed and said he felt that the City's economic situation calls
for the utilization of every available parcel of land and-the Council should take
advantage of this opportunity.
Councilman Freeman raised the question of "spot " zoning for a particular parcel and
party, and said she believed it would set a precedent. She thought the recommendation
from the Planning Board on the matter relative to this rezoning would be ready for the
next meeting of the Council and action would, therefore, be delayed only two weeks.
She felt a definite determination of the issue could be made then. Councilman
Collischonn concurred.
On the question of "spot" zoning, Mr. Whitney commented that all of the surrounding
properties were formerly in an industrial district - one of which is a lumber yard..
They, too, were placed in the commercial district by the adoption of the present Zon-
ing Ordinance. He stated that, in all fairness and equity, all of this area should be
reviewed and all put tack into a light industrial zone.
Councilman Freeman agreed that if a great change has been made in this neighborhood
then a study should be made, but it should embrace the entire area and not just one
parcel.
Mr. Whitney then suggested that, in view of the situation, the ordinance to reclassify
the property be introduced. This will then give the Council two courses of action to
follow when the matter is presented at the next meeting (concerning the recommendation
of the Board on the proposed amendment which is relative thereto).
Councilman Collischonn felt it was a very short - sighted approach to this problem to
ignore the potential need for a commercial district in this area when, eventually, he
felt there would be several thousands of people residing in the former Chipman Housing
property. He stated this would stimulate a great deal of business in the West End and
he believed the Council could look forward to this area being developed.
Councilman Schacht and Petersen reiterated their thinking that the area in question
should be rezoned to the "M -1" Industrial District.
At this point, President McCall inquired if there were any opponents who wished to be
heard in this matter. There being no response, the President declared the Hearing closed.
Councilman Schacht then moved the Council overrule the Planning Board's decision and
recommendation to deny the petition for reclassification of the property known as 647
Buena Vista Avenue. The motion was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call the
motion was lost by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Petersen and Schacht, (2).
Noes: Councilmen Collischonn, Freeman and President McCall, (3). Absent: None.
The matter was then referred to "Introduction of Ordinances ".
REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, ETCETERA:
10. From the Mayor, Assistant City Manager and Deputy Auditor, submitting their report
on the Count of Money held February 17, 1960, showing the sum of $3,982,082.06 in the
City Treasury at that time.
The report was noted and ordered filed.
11. From City Planning Board, signed by Mr. A. Raymond Schoenfeld, Secretary, recommend-
ing approval of Record of Survey Map for Lot 107, Block 3, Tract No. 1866, South Shore
Unit #1, subject to the stipulated conditions. The property is located at Willow Street
and Otis Drive.
Councilman Collischonn moved the recommendation of the Planning Board be adopted and the
Record of Survey Map for the specified parcel be approved, subject to the conditions set
forth. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll call carried by the
following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Collischonn, Freeman, Petersen, Schacht and President
McCall, ((5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
12. From the City Treasurer, submitting the monthly report covering collateral held
concerning investment of surplus funds, in the amount of 1,100,000. This is in com-
pliance with Resolution No. 6026.
The report was noted and ordered filed.
13. From City Manager, concerning the walkways considered necessary for pedestrian traf-
fic in Posey Tube and the new Webster Street Tube. It was stated that the feasibility
of installing power - driven patrol cars in these Tubes is under study by the State Division
of of Highways. If such installation is found to be practicable, only the one walkway in
Posey Tube would be available to accommodate foot traffic. It was pointed out this
would be adequate in most instances, but in case of an accident in the new Tube, .the
passengers involved might have difficulty in getting off the traveled way since there
would be no sidewalk available. If this possibility were brought to the attention of
the State for its evaluation, there would seem to be no further objection to the plan
as proposed.
Councilman Collischonn stated he concurred with the thinking of the City Manager and,
therefore, recommended Mr. Weller write to the State Division of Highways requesting
that the walkway in the new Tube be reinstated in the plans, in addition to the "con-
veyor" apparatus. It was agreed the safety factor for pedestrians' egress from the
new Tube was most important. Mr. Weller was then directed to write to the "Division"
on the subject.
14.f From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to El Dorado Fence Co., low
bidder, for the project of Furnishing and Erecting a Baseball Backstop and Adjacent
Fencing in Krusi Park, at the price of
$3,944.60.
Councilman Schacht moved the recommendation be accepted; that contract be awarded to
said Company for the specified project at the price quoted and the bid bonds or checks
be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes:
None. Absent: None.
15 From City Manager, recommending a twenty -day extension of time be granted to
Valley Engineers, Inc., for completion of its project to Construct Storm Sewers on
Walnut Street from Lincoln Avenue to the Estuary.
Councilman Freeman moved the recommendation be followed; that the designated extension
of time be granted to this firm for said purpose. The motion was seconded by Council-
man Collischonn and unanimously carried.
16. From Homer R. Dallas, submitting his notice of termination of his service as
Treasurer and ex- officio Tax Collector, effective as of April 16, 1960. He stated
it had been a pleasure and an honor to have served the people of Alameda for the past
thirty -six years in this capacity and to have worked with the various Councils and
City officers in their activities. He expressed his thanks for the kind consideration
he has received.
Councilman Schacht moved Mr. Dallas' notice of termination be accepted with reluctance
and the City Clerk write an appropriate letter of commendation for his fine service.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and carried on the following roll
call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
President McCall stated the City has been very, very fortunate to have had the services
of a man of such integrity in an elective office for such a long period. He remarked
that it will now be the responsibility of the City Council to make an appointment to
fill the unexpired term of Mr. Dallas which will run until March, 1961, the time of
the next General Municipal Election. He indicated he would possibly plan a meeting of
the Council for the latter part of this month for consideration of this appointment.
17y From the Library Board, signed by Mr. Walter A. Sharafanowich, Secretary, request-
ing authorization to establish an additional position of Senior Librarian.
Councilman Freeman moved the request of the Library Board be adopted and the City
Attorney be directed to prepare a resolution. to this effect. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Collischonn.
Speaking on the question, there was considerable doubt expressed about the exact
intent of the communication - whether an additional position was to be created or one
of "Junior Librarian" reclassified to "Senior Librarian ".
Mr. Weller suggested the City Attorney be directed to prepare the resolution for con-
sideration at the next meeting, to be held March 15, and during the interim he would
check into the situation and report to the Council.
Following further discussion, and with the consent of her second, Councilman Freeman
withdrew her motion. It was agreed, however, Mr. Annibale would prepare a resolution
for presentation on March 15.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
18. Councilman Schacht introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid
over under provision 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."
(647 Buena Vista Avenue)
NEW BUSINESS:
19. Mr. Hanna stated the Street Department has received a request from the East Bay
Municipal Utility District to install a nine -inch water main in the north side of
Shoreline Drive, running from Park Street west for five hundred thirty feet. He
explained the circumstances involved in the necessity for such service now. The City
has indicated its displeasure with the prospect of cutting up this thoroughfare and
has expressed the hope the "District" can provide this service from within the Shop-
ping Center area. The matter was presented for the Council's information.
Mr. Weller further explained that all of the interested parties had been present at
the conference prior to the initial construction of Shoreline Drive. He pointed up
that it is the City's policy to try to determine any utility installations which are
going to be necessary before any street pavement is accomplished. The alternative
location suggested by the City for this water main is in the sidewalk area, which
would actually be less expensive. Mr. Weller stated it is obvious the line has to go
in and the issue is principally one of aesthetics. He said he would certainly'like;to
feel the public is advised of the fact the City had anticipated the possibility that
pavement cuts would be necessary and the City had tried to forestall such happening.
Following discussion of the matter, Councilman Collischonn requested the City Adminis-
tration take as firm a stand as possible on the issue and insist upon the District
installing the water main in the sidewalk area rather than in the street. It was
agreed the City would do its utmost to negotiate this matter in its best interests.
20.V At this point, President McCall stated he had attended a meeting this afternoon
with regard to the contemplated relocation of the Veterans' Administration Hospital
from Oakland to Martinez. He explained the situation in detail, emphasizing that the
great majority of those concerned desire to have said hospital facilities retained in
Alameda County. The President stated a Hearing has been set in Washington, D. C., on
this issue and a large delegation from Alameda County is planning to attend. He asked
that the Council adopt a resolution at this meeting in support of the Veterans'
interests in Alameda County, a copy of which would be used by the delegation in its
presentation at the Hearing, which is to be in about three weeks. President McCall
stated that copies of said resolution could be forwarded to Congressmen Miller and
Cohelan, Senators Kuchel and Engle and the Board. of Supervisors of Alameda County, for
their information that the City of Alameda is supporting this endeavor. He asked that
the City Attorney prepare an appropriate resolution.
Councilman Freeman thereupon moved the Council adopt such a resolution. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Collischonn and unanimously carried. Councilman Schacht requested
that a copy of said resolution also be sent to Congressman Baldwin of Contra Costa
County. The matter was then referred to "Resolutions ".
RESOLUTIONS:
21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Freeman, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 6045
Resolution of the City of Alameda Urging and Requesting
Location of Veterans Hospital in the County of Alameda."
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.
22 The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 6046
Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda
Supporting and Urging all Citizens to Support
'California Public Employees' Week'."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Collischonn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 6047
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to the City
of Alameda One (1) New, Latest Model, 6- Cylinder
2 -Ton Pickup Truck for the Parks Department, Calling
for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same."
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 Petersen, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 6048
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans
for Installation of a Storm Drainage System on Eighth
Street, from Buena Vista Avenue to Lincoln Avenue,
Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise
Same."
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.
The President thereupon declared all of the foregoing resolutions duly adopted and
passed.
25. At this time, President McCall noted the presence of several members of the Coun-
cil Visitation Committee of the Junior Chamber af Commerce and expressed appreciation
for their attendance.
FILING:
26. Specifications and Provisions Noy MS 3 -60 -2 - Pickup Truck for Park Department.
27. Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans No. PW 1 -60 -1 - Construction of
Storm Drainage System on Eighth Street from Buena Vista Avenue to Lincoln Avenue.
1' 6
BILLS:
28. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments
thereof, in the amount of $74,505.28, 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 1, 1960, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be allowed
and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and carried by the fol-
lowing roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
29. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned
to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, March 15, 1960, at 7:30 o'clock.
Respectfully submitted,