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1975-01-21 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY - - - - - - - - - - JANUARY 21, 1975 The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President La Croix presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman McCall and was followed by an Invocation delivered by the Rever- end Noel C. Estergren, Pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Beckam, Corica, Hurwitz, McCall and President La Croix, Jr., (5), were noted present. MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held January 7, 1975, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2. From Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gresh, 3201 Monte Vista Avenue, concerning vehicular traffic on High Street, and from Mr. Richard D. Thomas, 1300 Hansen Avenue, regarding the extension of Fernside Boulevard. The communications were referred to the Planning Board for consideration in connection with the hearings to be held on the proposed amendment to the General Plan. HEARINGS: 3. Hearing on Preliminary Application for Housing and Community Development Act Funds. The City Manager reported copies of the preliminary draft application as well as the pertinent HUD regulations were available at the press table for those members of the audience desiring the same. Mir' Goss stated the preliminary application included (1) a survey of housing conditions and a discussion of housing needs as prepared by the Planning staff, using 1970 census data; (2) a state- ment of needs based on the housing survey data; (3) a statement of long-term objectives, i.e., those which would requ1r€ 'nOr2 than three years to accomplish; (4) a statement of short-term objectives designed to make measurable progress against identified community development needs over a period Of up to three years; and (5) a statement of projects for first year funding under the Act. For the benefit of those in attendance, he read in full and explained his written report to the Council on the subject. Mr. Goss noted the difficulty encountered in developing the application because the funding was limited to $267,000 of the approximately $4,800,000 which would be received by the City over the six year period, and the short period of time allowed for its planning and prep- aration. Mr. Pn53 summarized the proposed first year projects which included the hiring of a Housing Planner and a Community Development Assistant; acquisition, removal and rehabilitation of 22 to 25 residential structures which would otherwise be demolished as part of the Alameda High School expansion project; acquisition by the Alameda Housing Authority of 40 modular units of housing for inclusion in its Makassar Housing Project; rehabilitation of two existing perimeter buildings for Use by those occupying senior citizen housing units to be constructed at 820 Park Street; and provision of improved security and better lighting at the Makassar Straits Village. Mr, Goss explained the procedure to be followed in finalizing the application which would require the preparation of an EIR on the Community Development Plan, the holding of public hearings on both the EIR and Final Application, and the submission of the Final Application to ABAG before the end Of February. He stated ABAG would then have a period of forty-five days within which to review the application after which time it would be submitted to HUD prior to the April 15, 1975 deadline. Mr. Don Patterson, Planning Director, and Mr. Michael Church, Assistant Planner, reviewed the data submitted in connection with the housing needs and housing assistance plan. Mr. Patterson reported the data and research developed would also be used in preparing the Housing Element of the Compre- hensive General Plan, and additional material would be garnered from the Goals Study. Mr. Richard D. Marquardt, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, answered questions put by the Council concerning the proposed first year project involving the residential structures acquired and being acquired by the Alameda Unified School District. He stated a meeting had been held this date between the City Manager, Mr, Charles Tuder and Mr. Malcolm Longaker of the School District, and himself, at which time it was learned the District had gained title to only three of the homes and acquisition of an additional seven homes was in escrow. He reported the District was not pre- pared at this time to discuss any specific plans for moving the homes and his plan called for moving them in bunches of as many as five at one time. Also, with negotiation pending for the acquisition and relocation of 40 modular units, the Authority was uncertain as to how many of the homes they would be able to take but would take as few as 10 and as many as 22. He said he had agreed to furnish the District a list by address of those homes in which the Authority was most interested, and the District had agreed to try to proceed a little more quickly in the settling of title on those homes. Mr. Marquardt stated the Housing Authority Commissioners had authorized putting up the "seed" money and they would go ahead with the project even thouyh the City might be unsuccessful urder its application for the funds. There followed a general discussion cf the possibility of payment of relocation costs to the home owners and the process by which the School District would acquire the properties. Mrs. Ann Taylor, 1049 Otis Drive, Vice President of Ala0edaD3 with HOPE, complimented the Council on the application. Mr. John Doherty, 1329 Weber Street, suggested the homes be relocated on the old Lincoln School property. President La Croix offered an explanation of the title to school lands, and stated this subject would be before the Council some time in February. Mrs. Lola Pruitt, 156 Maple Way, a resident of the Esperanza complex, requested consideration be given to better lighting and security in the complex. The President declared the hearing closed. On request, Mr. Goss stated the Preliminary Application took into account alternate ways in which to approach the improvement of housing stock with respect to the Housing Authority projects; that One of the purposes of the Act was preservation of existing housing stock within the City. He said no specific action was required on the Application at this point, however in order to meet the timing schedule, if the Council had any serious problems with the application projects, as stated, this would be the time to discuss it as the Environmental Impact Report would be based on the information evolved from this hearing. Councilman Beckam suggested Item C-7, "Short-Term Objectives", of the Preliminary Application, be expanded to include placement of handicap ramps on curbs and streets adjacent to public buildings. At the conclusion of discussion, the Preliminary Application was approved, as submitted, to include the suggestion of Councilman Beckam with regard to Item C-7. Mr. Goss noted the Final Application would be presented to the Council for consideration at its second meeting in February. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: 4. From the Auditor-Assessor requesting cancellation and refund of real and personal property taxes erroneously levied and paid. Councilman Hurwitz moved acceptance of the report. The motion was seconded by Councilman Beckam and on roll call vote carried unanimously. There being no objection, the meeting proceeded to "ResOlUtfOD5". RESOLUTIONS: 5. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hurwitz, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 8304 Ordering Cancellation and Refund of Real and Personal Property Taxes Erroneously Levied and Collected." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Beckam and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. The meeting returned to the regular order of business. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: G. From the City Planning Board, signed by the Secretary, making recommendations on amendment to the Alameda Municipal Code relating to the abatement schedule for non-conforming outdoor adver- tising display signs. The hearing date on the amendment was set for the next regular meeting of the Council to be held On Tuesday, February 4, 1975. 7. From the City Manager regarding the Bay Farm Island fire station. Mr. Goss reviewed his written report and recommendations that the City Council authorize renovation of the Training Center and acquisition of a 20/X40/ trailer in order to provide a fire station on Bay Farm Island; that Engine Company No. 5 be relocated from the Jackson Street site to the Bay Farm Island fire station when the facility was available; that the Jackson Street fire station be sold with the proceeds deposited in the Capital Improvement Fund; that the project be included in the adopted 1974-75 Capital Improvement Program and be financed from the Capital Outlay Fund; and that consideration be given to the establishment of a permanent station on Bay Farm Island when the level of development and general ecoromic factors supported such a facility. Fire Chief Ernest Servente and Fire Captain Richard Quarante, utilizing a map posted in the Council Chamber, noted the locations of existing Fire Stations and their respective response districts. Chief Servente expressed his support of the recommendations of the City Manager. Councilman Corica suggested the Library Board might be interested in acquiring the Jackson Street Station to expand their facilities. Mr. Goss stated the funds needed to accomplish the move to Bay Farm Island would have to be derived from the sale of the Jackson Street property. However, he said, consideration should be Over to providing a branch of the Library on Bay Farm Island at a later date. Following discussion, Councilman Corica moved acceptance of the report and the City Manager be auth- orized to proceed with his r2C0m0eDddti0DS. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 8. From the City Manager submitting status report on Animal Control 5erYiC2, Mr. Goss summarized his r8pOrt. He recommended the follow-up to the summer canvass program be continued; that staff be authorized to utilize a mail out license application form for the re- licensing period beginning June, 1975; that staff be authorized to negotiate a service contract with veterinarians as outlined in the report; and the ordinance previously approved in principle extending enforcement capabilities in certain circumstances to the County Health Department be formally introduced and adopted by the City CVunCi], Councilman Hurwitz requested the Police Department General Order be updated to conform with the new hours of operation of the Pound. Councilman Beckam commended the City Engineer for his report on the activities of the Animal Shelter for the month of December, 1974. He asked that a similar report be submitted to the Council each month. He further suggested a method of direct communication between Police vehicles, Police Headquarters and the Pound be explored to provide more rapid response. Mr. Charles Tillman, 2415 Roosevelt Drive, thanked the City Manager for his comprehensive report and the progress which had been made in improving animal control services. Mr5, C. R. DUVdl, 2210 Encinal Avenue, referred to her recent letter to the Editor which had appeared in the Alameda Times-Stur, Councilman Beckam moved acceptance of the report and approval of the recommendations of the City Manager. The motion was seconded by Councilman Corica and carried on the following roll call Yote, Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 9. From the City Manager recommending acceptance of the bid of Ar-Go Pump Company to undertake the inspection, cleaning and repair to the well and pump on the South Golf Course, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3-15 of the City Charter. Councilman Corica moved approval of the recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: NUD2, Absent: None. 10' From the Mayor's Ad-Hoc Finance Committee on Capital Improvements, signed by the Chairman, submitting progress report. President La Croix expressed his appreciation to the members of the Committee for their r2p0rt. He noted it was their recommendation, in which he concurred, that the financing alternatives not be placed on the March 11 ballot for an advisory vote, but that they proceed with a final report to be presented at the next regular meeting of the Council. Councilman McCall then offered the foregoing as a motion, which was seconded by Councilman Beckam and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: Nnn£, Absent: None. A ten-minute recess was called. Upon reconvening, the meeting proceeded with the regular order Of business. 11' From the City Manager recommending selection of an architect for design of the Police Head- quarters. Mr. Goss reported the recommendation was the result of the approval of the 1974-76 Capital Improvement Program which included as a major project the provision of modern headquarters for the Police Department, particularly in connection with the acquisition of the former Post Office property at Park Avenue and Central Avenue. He stated the proposal was the outcome of an investi- gation by the Police Department in identifying architects with expertise in the area of designing Police Headquarters and rehabilitation of an older building, and the architectural firms had been interviewed by a panel consisting of himself, the Chief of Police, Senior Civil Engineer Dave Edwards, Police Lieutenant Charles Wood, and an architect employed by Alameda County. It was their recommendation that the Firm of Ratcliff, Slama and Cadwalader be hired to perform the architectural work on the project. Lieutenant Wood commented on the objections expressed to the proposal by the Alameda Chamber of Commerce in its letter to the Council dated January 20' He noted parking and traffic would not be increased over the previous operation of the site as a Post Office which had involved about 150 employees and 33 vehicles, as compared with 108 Police employees and 25 Police VehicleS, Police Chief Young, in response to the Chamber objection that "the movement of the Police Depart- ment away from the 'Civic Center' causes a decentralization which is neither economical nor desirable", stated the proposed move would involve a distance of only three blocks and most of the Department's business with other City offices was conducted by telephone. He said they did more business with the Municipal Court and the office of the Deputy District Attorney and this was being worked out with the County. Chief Young stated he was sure there was no disagreement that the present Police Headquarters was over-crowded, uneconomical, and had a depressing effect on the personnel and those conducting business with the Department, He said under the present situation they were unable to provide Police services at maximum efficiency. Chief Young referred to previous space studies and reports and roted that as far back as 1951 the quarters allocated to the Police Department had been described as seriously inadequate. He urged the Council to approve the proposal as recommended by the City Manager and himself. Mr. Don Lindsey, Vice President of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, and as an adjacent property owner, stated the Chamber did not support the proposed use of the Post Office building as a Police Headquarters. He said they did not oppose new quarters for the Department but were concerned by its proposal to locate within the central business area. Mr. Lindsey commented on the City Manager's written report to Councilman Hurwitz dated January 20, and said he had serious reservations on the costs provided in the three proposals. He stated the Chamber recommended (1) a complete study be conducted to determine the needs in terms of space both immediate and for the next ten years; (2) consideration be given to procurement of the Times-Star building; (3) a cost study be conducted relative to the construction of an annex building to the present City Hall, including acquisition Of Ward's Body Shop; and (4) consideration be given to expanding the Police Department within City Hall and moving the displaced departments to the Post Office site. He spoke at lenath on these recommendations. Mr' J. B. S. Johnson, Jr,, President of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, requested a 30-dDy delay in signing of the architect's contract in order that the Chamber might have time within which to prepare a statement of the business community's point of view concerning the relocation of the Police Department. On request, Mr. Dwight Cadwalader, Architect, 3408 Grove Street, Berkeley, answered questions put by members of the Council concerning the proposed agreement for architectural services for design of the Police Headquarters. At the conclusion of a lengthy discussion, Councilman McCall moved acceptance of the report and approval of the recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Beckam. Councilman Hurwitz stated he was concerned by the remarks made by Chamber representatives as to the effect the relocation might have on the Park Street area and, for this reason, did not feel there would be any great harm in delaying a decision until the next meeting of the Council so the Chamber, or other interested groups, might prepare their report. He said he would also be inter- ested in receiving a report from the Planning Director as to what effect the placing of a Police Headquarters in the middle of a shopping area would have on City Planning. On a call for the question, the motion carried Or the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman Hurwitz, (1). Absent: None. There being no objection, themeetiOg proceeded to "Resolutions". RESOLUTIONS: 12. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 8305 Authorizing Execution Of Architectural Services Agreement with Ratcliff, Slama and Cadwalader, In Connection With Proposed Remodeling of Building Located at 2417 Central Avenue to House Police Headquarters." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Beckam and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman Hurwitz, (1). Absent: None. The meeting reverted to the regular order of business. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 13. Councilman Hurwitz inquired concerning the status of the proposed "Dead-Bolt Lock" ordinance. The City Manager stated he had received reports from the City Engineer and Chief of Police and would complete his report and transmit it to the Council for their information. NEW BUSINESS: 14. President La Croix noted the Alameda Council of PTA were embarking on a voter registration program as a part of the Bicentennial program for the City. He requested the Council adopt a motion of support of the drive which would commence on February 1. Councilman Corica then offered the foregoing as a motion, which was seconded by Councilman Beckam and carried unanimously On roll call vote. 15' Councilman Hurwitz referred to a letter received this date concerning maintenance of the Southern Pacific right-of-way at Lincoln Avenue and Eighth Street, and requested the City Engineer to submit a report on the matter. RESOLUTIONS: 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Beckam, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 8306 Proposing an Amendment to the Charter of the City of Alameda on Motion of the City Council; Calling a Special Municipal Charter Amendment Election in the City of Alameda for the Purpose of Submitting to the Electors Thereof a Proposal to Amend said Charter, viz: Amending Section 2-5 Thereof by Deleting the Three Year Residency Requirement for Elective Offices; Fixing the Date of Said Election, the Manner of Holding the Same, and Providing for Notice Thereof; and Consolidating said Special Municipal Charter Amendment Election with the General Municipal Election to be Held in said City on March 17, 1975." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. The City Clerk reported the final date for receipt of written arguments in support of or against the Charter Amendment had been set as Friday, February 7, 1475, at 5:00 o'clock p.m. President La Croix noted the amendment was proposed on direction of the State Attorney General/� office as the City residency requirement had been deemed improper. 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Beckam, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 8307 Setting Policy Regarding Participation in Service Clubs and Other Community Organizations by Employees of the City of Alameda." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Corica, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 8308 Appointing Member of the Pension Board." (Edward B. Smith) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hurwitz, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 8309 Rejecting Claim of Lucy M. Atherton Against City." The notion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman McCall and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: FfY2, Noes: None. Absent: None. The President declared the foregoing Resolutions adopted. At this point, Councilman Beckam absented himself from the Council Chamber. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 20. Councilman Hurwitz introduced the following ordinance, after which it would be laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Subsection (d) of Section 3-1412 Relating to Definition of 'Transient' in the Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax Ordinance of the City of Alameda." The motion was seconded by Councilman Corica and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Beckam, (1). 21. Councilman Hurwitz introduced the following ordinance, after which it would be laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series Amending Certain Portions of the Alameda Municipal Code Relating to Traffic Regulations." The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and carried on the following roll call vote Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Beckam, (1). ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 22. "Ordinance No. 1749, New Series Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Renumbering Section 11-1211.1 to 11-1211'2; Adding Sections 11-1211.1, 11-1211.3 and 11-1220'1 Thereto; and Amending Sections 11-1330, 11-1331, 11-1334 and 11-1335 Thereof, Relating to Zoning District Regulations," Councilman Hurwitz moved the ordinance be passed as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Corica and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four, Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Beckam, (1). 23. "Ordinance No. 1750, New Series Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Chapter 10, Articles 1 Through 6, to Title X Thereof, Consisting of Sections 10-1011 Through 10-1003, Relating to Noise Insulation Standards." Councilman McCall moved the ordinance be passed as submitted. The motion was seconded by Council- man Hurwitz and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Beckam, (1). It was noted Councilman Beckam had returned to his seat in the Council Chamber. BILLS: 24. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of $294,]00.7], was presented to the Council at this meeting. The List was accompanied by certification from the City Manager that the []dims shown were correct. Councilman Corica moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on January 21, 1975, and presented to the City Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, GENERAL: 25. Mr. Donald Bruzzone, member of the Library Board, stated the Board had met earlier this evening and had discussed the possibility of using the building housing the Jackson Street Fire Station as a future library site. He reported the Board had concluded they would be unable to use the parcel, however, if the City were to relinquish the property, which was valued at approximately $40,000, perhaps a portion of the proceeds could be used to finance the $11,000 library study. He said the Board had, in the past, looked into obtaining library facilities on Bay Farm Island and would be interested in joint planning of a Fire House - Library structure if a new building should be constructed. President La Croix stated in future years there would have to be a complete Fire House developed on Bay Farm Island. He suggested the Council consider the possibility of using funds from the sale to pay for the needed Library study. Mr. Goss said the Fire Chief and City Librarian had explored the possibility of joint usage of a permanent structure and this shculd be a part of the City's long-range planning. Councilman McCall stated he would agree if the sale produced more than $40,000 that the excess funds be allocated to the Library study. FILING: 26. Architectural Services Agreement - Between City and Ratcliff, Slama and Cadwalader. 27. Councilman Beckam moved the Council retire to executive session for a discussion of pending litigation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hurwitz and carried unanimously on roll call vote, After a five-minute recess, the Council reconvened in the Conference room of the City Hall for its deliberations. At the conclusion of discussion, it was determined no action would be taken at this meeting. ADJOURNMENT: 28. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned in respect to the memory of Mr. Joseph P. Lombardo, a 22-year employee of the Bureau of Electricity, to assemble in regular session on Tuesday, February 4, 1975, at 7:30 o/Uock p.m. Respectfully submitted, City Clerk