HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973 03-27 CC MIN222
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA
March 27, 1973
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of National City was
called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Morgan,
ROLL CALL
Council members present: Camacho, Pinson, Reid, Waters, Morgan. Absent:
None. Administrative officials present: Campbell, Foster, Gerschler,
McLean, Osburn, Stenberg.
SALUTE TO FLAG AND INVOCATION
The meeting was opened with salute to the Flag led by City Manager Osburn
followed with invocation by the Rev. Reginald Berry, First Congregational
Church.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Waters, seconded by Camacho, the minutes of the regular meeting
of March 20, 1973, be approved. Carried by unanimous vote,
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
CITY CLERK CAMPBELL read the Mayor's
Schools Week" (April 1 through April
Reid, this proclamation be adopted.
Morgan presented the proclamation to
proposed proclamation of "Public
7). MoVed by Camacho, seconded by
Carried by unanimous vote. Mayor
MR. J. WHITE, Master of Masonic Lodge.
MAYOR MORGAN recommended the appointment of MRS. LUCY UNGAB, 3330 Lou
Street and NICHOLAS J. NASTAVE, 2840 "M" Avenue to the Community Develop-
ment Committee and MRS. GLEN HAGdAN, 613 East First Street, to the Street
Tree Committee. Moved by Reid, seconded by Camacho, in favor of the
Mayor's recommendation. Carried by unanimous vote,
ORAL Cc14MUNICATIONS - None
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS
Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, the resolutions be presented to Council
by title only. Carried by unanimous vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 10,999, "RESOLUTION DEFERRING REQUIREMENTS OF INSTALLATION
OF PERMANENT PAVING FOR ONE.HALF THE STREET WIDTH AT: (1) FOURTH STREET
1604, 1638 EAST FOURTH STREET; AND, (2) "Q" AVENUE .. 410, 430 "Q" AVENUE,
A CORNER PROPERTY." Moved by Reid, seconded by Pinson, Resolution No.
10,999 be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote.
RESOLUTION NO, 11,000, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING COVENANT RUNNING WITH THE
LAND AND DIRECTING THE RECORDING THEREOF." Moved by Pinson, seconded by
Reid, Resolution No. 11,000 be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 11,001, "RESOLUTION APPROVING LOT SPLIT (TENTATIVE PARCEL
MAP) AT 2132 GRANGER AVENUE." Moved by Waters, seconded by Reid, Resolu-
tion No. llf 001 be adopted, Carried by unanimous vote,
RESOLUTION NO. 11,002, "RESOLUTION GIVING NOTICE OF PROPOSED ANNEXATION TO
THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY OF UNINHABITED TERRITORY DESCRIBED HEREIN AND
DESIGNATED "LEWIS ANNEXATION" AND GIVING NOTICE OF TIME AND PLACE FOR
HEARING OF PROTESTS THERETO." Moved by Reid, seconded by Pinson, Resolu-
tion No. 11,002 be ad2pted. Carried by unanimous vote.
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ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES
Moved by Camacho, seconded by Reid, the Ordinance be presented to Council
for second reading and adoption by title one. Carried by unanimous vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 1354 S,429143, "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1227
RELATING TO THE OPERATION AND LICENSING OF CARNIVALS, CIRCUSES AND MIDWAYS."
Moved by Camacho, seconded by Pinson, Ordinance No. 1354 3/4Q0448 be adopted.
Carried by unanimous vote.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY - None.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
BILLS AUDITED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE were presented:
General Fund $ 5,811.54
Traffic Safety 3,428.28
Park 1,207.78
Gas Tax No. 2107 91.64
Sewer 463.33
Total $11,002.57
Moved by Camacho, seconded by Pinson, these bills be paid and warrants
drawn. Carried by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Camacho, Pinson,
Reid, Waters, Morgan. Nays: None.
REFERRALS
The CITY MANAGER'S communication stating CITY PLANNER, CHIEF BUILDING
INSPECTOR, and CITY ATTORNEY have investigated possibilities of what could
be done with the City -owned, partially built triplex on 16th Street,
"...there is no way that the structure could be made to comply with exist-
ing zoning laws without removing substantial portions of the existing wood
framing and concrete foundations" and suggesting the City either clear the
site or sell the property, with clearance required as a condition of sale,
and attaching excerpts from Council minutes in regard to this property,
were presented. Moved by Waters, seconded by Morgan, that the recommenda-
tion of the City Manager, City Planner, Chief Building Inspector and City
Attorney to clear the site be authorized. There was discussion, The
Planning Director was asked if the structure could be modified to comply
with existing code. Planning Director Gerschler said the existing zoning
law covering this type of building says that where the front doors of the
unit face onto the side yard, the side yard should be a minimum width)10
feet; the existing building is designed in such a way that the front doors
would have to face onto the side yards unless the walls were taken down and
rearranged; ,,,it would be impossible to make the building have front doors
off the side yard and still comply with the zoning ordinance, without tear-
ing down walls and rearranging doors; if this were done, it would comply.
Mr. Gerschler said he had pointed out in a memorandum to Council that a
zone variance could be considered; the City would have to be the applicant
in this case and go before the Planning Commission, There was further
discussion. Mayor Morgan withdrew his second. Councilman Pinson seconded
the motion, There was discussion of the City's becoming involved in
private enterprise and the possibility of the City's completing construc-
tion of the building as a duplex under a zone variance and then selling it.
Motion to clear lot failed by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Pinson,
Waters. Nays: Camacho, Reid, Morgan. Mayor Morgan asked if a motion
could be made to have the City Manager have a bid go out and make a recommen•
dation as to how this can be made into a duplex and send it to the Planning
Commission. Moved by Reid, seconded by Camacho, that the City Manager, use
any department (it's left up to him) to take this over and get this moving
and make a recommendation on it. Carried by the following vote, to -wit:
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Ayes: Camacho, Pinson, Reid, Morgan. Nays: Waters.
NEW BUSINESS
Consent Calendar Items:
a. City Manager's notice the San Diego Gas & Electric Company requested to
cut off power to Civil Defense Siren at 4th and Palm for approximately
three weeks and there are no objections from County Civil Defense Di..
rector. (Ordered filed, See motion under Item "g". )
b. City Manager's recommendation the minutes of 2/28/73 meeting of Civil
Service Commission be approved and filed. (Ordered filed. See motion
under Item "g".)
c. City Manager's recommendation the minutes of 3/8/73 meeting of Park &
Recreation Advisory Board be approved and filed.(Ordered filed. See
motion under Item "g".)
d. Communication from County of San Diego stating a report entitled "Noise
Impact Assessment for San Diego County Airports," prepared by Daniel,
Mann, Johnson and Mendenhall, indicated that the various community
noise exposure levels traced indicate that, with the exception of
Lindbergh Field,the noise impact area is zero for all civil airports
in San Diego County. (Ordered filed. See motion under Item "g".)
e. City of San Marcos resolution in regard to petitioning the State
Legislature to undertake a study to determine another form of taxation
for funding cities, counties and school districts. (Ordered filed.
See motion under Item "g".)
f. City of San Marcos resolution requesting Federal Government relinquish
collection of two cents of the Federal governments six cent gasoline
tax to the State, and that said two cents be distributed to cities and
counties for street maintenance and construction purposes. (Ordered
filed. See motion under Item "g".)
g. Items to be filed with City Clerk: 1) Letter from San Diego County
Water Authority, 2750 4th Avenue, San Diego, dated 2/1/73, enclosing
tabulations showing changes in quantity of water stored in San Vincente
Reservoir as of 1/31/73; and average monthly water deliveries in cfs by
Authority to member agencies for fiscal year 1972-73; 2) Minutes of
the regular meeting of the Board of Directors, San Diego Water Authori-
ty, dated 2/8/73; 3) Letter from San Diego County Water Authority,
2750 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, dated 2/28/73, reporting Authority oper-
ations for the month of February, 1973; 4) Letter from California
Council Criminal Justice, 1927 13th St., Sacramento, dated 3/19/73, re
National City Law Enforcement Communications Program Grant No. 1239;
5) Cert. of Ins. fr. Industrial Indemnity Co., P. O. Box 80965, San
Diego, insuring Arrow Electric Co., 3559 Sweetwater Way, Lemon Grove,
Policy No. LG 6075914, covering all operations of the insured as
respects Hart Field, Kimball Park lighting; 6) Cert. of Ins. from
Peacock Ins., P. O. Box 1128, Laguna Beach, covering Younger Bros.
House Moving, Herbert C. Younger & Herbert A. Younger dba: 3770
Placentia, Riverside, Policy No. 650.8188124-COF; 7) Letter from Chubb/
Pacific Indemnity Group, Suite 2216, Union Bank Bldg., San Diego, dated
2/7/73, stating Summons and Complaint No. 331764 entitled Wayne David
Corum vs. City of National City, has been referred to the law firm of
McInnis, Fitzgerald, Rees & Sharkey, 1010 Second Avenue, Suite 1301,
San Diego; 8) Cert. of Ins. from A. J. Cecchin Company, 2231 Camino Del
Rio So., San Diego, insuring Duane M. Campbell, individually and dba:
Campbell Truck, 1540 Tidelands Avenue, Policy No. CP390953. (Approved
.by City Council, see motion in next paragraph.
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225
Moved by Camacho, seconded by Pinson„ Consent items a through g be filed.
Carried by unanimous vote.
The BUILDING AND HOUSING DIRECTOR'S recommendation the request of National
Building Ind. to move building from 2300 Cleveland Avenue to another loca-
tion on same lot be approved subject to corrections being made was present-
ed. Moved by Waters, seconded by Camacho, this item be referred to Plan-
ning Commission. Carried by unanimous vote.
The LICENSE COLLECT0R'S recommendation the request of the Arthritis Founda-.
tion to conduct annual fund drive the month of May be granted was presented.
Moved by Waters, seconded by Camacho, in favor of License Collector's
recommendation. Carried by unanimous vote.
The CHAMFER OF COMMERCE request that the City contribute expense money for
National City resident to represent U.S. in Yugoslavia Tennis Match 4/5-15
was presented. Moved by Pinson, seconded by Camacho, in favor of Chamber
of Commerce's request. It was stated bhe tennis player lives in La Mesa.
The motion and second were withdrawn. Moved by Waters, seconded by Reid,
the request be denied. Carried by unanimous vote.
The POLICE DEPARTMENT'S report of taxicab license refusal for LeRoy C.
Schiedelman was presented. JAMES R. ALBRIGiT, Attorney at Law, 1003
Plaza Boulevard, was present to represent LeRoy Schiedelman, Councilman
Waters asked what constitutes reckless driving. City Attorney McLean said
this gentleman was arrested for driving under the influence and he pled
guilty to the lesser charge of reckless driving; he pled guilty to reckless
driving in exchange for having charges of drunken driving dismissed.
Councilman Waters asked if this was a first offense. Attorney Albright
said this was a first offense. Moved by Waters, seconded by Reid, that
LeRoy C. Schiedelman be reinstated and allowed to drive a taxicab. There
was discussion. Carried by unanimous vote.
The REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S report in regard to the
transfer of City property to the Redevelopment project was presented. City
,Manage* Osburn said he recommended the transfer; the City will be paid for
it when the project is completed. Moved by Waters, seconded by Reid, in
favor of the Redevelopment Agency's recommendation. Carried by unanimous
vote.
The CITY ENGINEER'S request the consultant agreement with Associated
Engineers for services in connection with the Hodge Street Assessment
District be approved subject to the City Attorney's approval was presented.
City Engineer Foster explained the Council has taken action already to set
up an assessment district for Hodge Street down in the area of Golden Arrow
Dairy; to accomplish this: he wants to hire his own engineer, Associated
Engineers; this is a contract for his services; the agreement has been
reviewed by the City Engineer's office and the City Attorney's office, and
as far as we can tell they are ready for your approval if you want to go
ahead with this. Moved by Waters, seconded by Reid, in favor of the City
Engineer's request and recommendation subject to the City Attorny 's
approval. Carried by unanimous vote.
The MAYTIME BAND REVIEW CCIMITTEE'S recommendation the City draft an
ordinance regulating concessionaires selling in the streets during a
parade and requiring them to obtain a business license was presented.
Councilman Waters asked the City Manager why we can't just instruct the
police when these events occur to go around and ask each and everyone if
they have a license and, if they have none, tell them to cease and desist.
City Manager Osburn said this could be done, however: to be assured we get
the fee) _ they would have to be cited. Mayor Morgan said he would
like this set up so that a high school student could get a waiver. Moved
by Waters: seconded by Camacho, the Maytime Band Review Committee's request
Jag denied and the discussion and recommendation we have just had be handled
in that manner. There was discussion. Moved by Waters, seconded by
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Camacho, the motion include that monies collected be turned over to the
Maytime Band Review, City Attorney McLean recommended this be handled on
a year»to..year basis by the Council at that time; he further recommended
that this not be put in a motion; he did not recommend committing public
funds that way in advance. There was discussion of the fees formerly
charged by the Maytime Band Review. City Attorney McLean said the problem
is they have been charging people $50 and when someone said "I will not pay
you $50 because I don't have to" and it turns out he is right and they have
no legal right to charge anyone anything so the question is whether you
want to substitute what they have been getting out of that on a voluntary
basis; if Council wants to, Council can impose a special tax for one-time
street vendors, the second question is, if you do impose a special tax, do
you want to commit that money to Maytime Band Review; there are two separate
problems; how much you want to charge the man who comes in on the day of
the parade to sell balloons or runs a candy truck or whatever, and secondly„
when the Finance Committee meets, are you going to consider that money as
belonging to, or being committed to,the Maytime Band Committee. There
was further discussion. City Attorney McLean said there were no legal
problems with having a special one -day fee for a street vendor on parade
day; it is a matter of policy. Carried by the following vote, to -wit:
Ayes: Camacho, Reid, Waters, Morgan. Nays: Pinson. Councilman Waters
requested the City Attorney write his recommendation for handling this
matter for consideration at the next regular meeting.
The CITY MANAGER'S recommendation the City follow the six Planning Depart-
ment recommendations in relation to the proposed Chula Vista "Sphere of
Influence" forwarded to the Local Agency Formation Commission for incorpora..
tion into it's regional plan for spheres of influence was presented.
Moved by Waters, seconded by Pinson,, that Council vote in favor of the City
Manager's recommendation and that the "Sphere of Influence" recommendation
of Chula Vista be denied. There was discussion. City Manager Osburn spoke
of a study made by Chula Vista in relation to Chula Vista's use of the
Metropolitan Sewer Agreement with San Diego as a base for the Sphere of
Influence determination. Carried by unanimous vote,
REPORTS
CITY MANAGER OSBURN said at the Mayor's request he wrote to Assemblyman
Deddeh requesting that he introduce legislation to declare Route 54, from
I-5 westward to Tidelands Avenue in National City and Chula Vista, a part
of the State system; Mr. Deddeh is in process of introducing this bill at
this time and we have received the Port District's support and the City of
Chula Vista's support, The City Manager recommended that Council adopt
a resolution next week to be sent to both Mr. Deddeh and Senator Mills
requesting they support this. Moved by Reid, seconded by Camacho, in
favor of the City Manager's recommendation. Mayor Morgan said he called
the Mayor of Chula Vista and he, too, has been in touch with Assemblyman
Deddeh; we are trying to save $700,000 for Chula Vista, National City and
the Port District. Carried by unanimous vote.
CITY CLERK CAMPBELL reported receipt of a communication from the County
Auditor and Controller giving date and time of information and/or instruc-
tional conference regarding preparation of budgets and calculation of tax
rates and attaching a reservation form for same. City Manager Osburn said
he is planning to attend.
CITY CLERK CAMPBELL reported receipt of Local Agency Formation Commission
resolution approving proposed annexation to National City (M. A. Lewis
Annexation) which is on file, (See Resolution No. 11,002 page 222.)
CITY CLERK CAMPBELL reported receipt of City of Chula Vista resolution
endorsing AB 123 which would require the San Diego County Assessor in 1975
to furnish estimate of assessed valuation no later than May 15 for the
succeeding year which is on file.
CITY CLERK CAMPBELL reported receipt of Notice of Hearing before Public
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227
Utilities Commission "In the matter of the application of San Diego Gas &
Electric Co. for...steam electric generating Unit No. 5 at Encina Power
Plant.,." which is on file,
CITY CLERK CAMPBELL reported receipt of a Master Plan, San Diego Unified
Port District which is on file.
CITY CLERK CAMPBELL reported receipt of State Board of Equalization Annual
Report for 1971-72 which is on file.
The PLANNING COMMISSION recommendation Zone Variance (No. Z-2-73) from
required 4' side yard setback to 1' to permit construction of a patio
addition (connecting an existing duplex to an existing detached garage) at
2220 E l0th St. be granted was presented. Planning Director Gerschler
said the patio would have the effect of connecting the house to the detached
garage. Moved by Waters, seconded by Camacho, in favor of the Planning
Commission's recommendation on Z-2-73. There was discussion. Carried by
unanimous vote.
HEARINGS
The HEARING ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED SITE
DEVELOPMENT OF PROPERTY NEAR THE SOUTHEASTERLY CORNER OF 30TH STREET AND
HIGHLAND AVENUE (SANTA ANITA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION) was held at this time.
(Certificate of publication of notice of the hearing is on file.) Planning
Director Gerschler said this is the case heard by the City Council March
13; no changes were made; the reason it is back before Council is because
it is a question of the statutory requirement for hearing notice period; we
are asking that Council reaffirm the previous action, No one was present
to speak on this subject. Moved by Waters, seconded by Camacho, the public
hearing be closed and the Environmental Impact report on 30th Street and
Highland Avenue be approved and all stipulations of Staff be adhered to.
Carried by unanimous vote.
The HEARING ON PROPOSED ZONE CHANGE ZC-4-73 and AMENDMENT TO GENERAL PLAN
ON THE AREA BETWEEN 6TH AND 7TH STREETS AND "A" AND "D" AVENUES AND AMEND-
MENT TO THE GENERAL PLAN ON THE AREA BETWEEN NATIONAL AND "A" AVENUES AND
BETWEEN 7TH AND DIVISION STREETS was held at this time, (The City Clerk's
affidavit of mailing and Certificate of publication of the notice of the
hearing are on file.) Planning Director Gerschler said this area is shown
on the existing Zoning Map as "commercial"; it is shown on the existing
General Plan as "very high denisty residential"; after considerable study
and following Council policy, the Commission is recommending that the
commercial zoning remain on all but three properties, (these being very
recently constructed apartment units) and that the General Plan density be
reduced from the present designation of "very high density" to "high
density" with a maximum of 30 units per acre; the three properties that
would not be changed would be 622 B, 610 & 620 C and 203 through 223 7th
for a total of 11, 8 and 8 units on those properties. There was discussion.
RICHARD RAMAGE, 2515 "L" Avenue, was present and stated he owned property
at 626 C Avenue; 610 to 620 C Avenue is being changed to an R-4 and
inquired about the rest of the block, Mr. Ramage said 626 C is a single
family home; would like to see it go back to R-4 as it was before; others
were supposed to be present to speak on this tonight; he was not notified
of this action. Planning Director Gerschler urged these property owners,
if they share the common desire, to come in and file an application with
us and we will bring it up; it is not necessary that the property owners
come to Council meeting but contact Planning Department and file applica-
tions. MR. STONE, owner of property at 607 and 629 Co was present and
said he bought this property because it was zoned commercial and would like
it to remain that way. Planning Director Gerschler said that is what is
being done tonight. MARIA HALFORD, 611 C, was present and said her
property, purchased by her mother, was rezoned to commercial and she was
never notified about it and she would like to have it changed back to
residential. Planning Director Gerschler said he would suggest she get
together with Mr. Ramage and coarse into the Planning Department and file an
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228
application for this change. Moved by Pinson, seconded by Camacho, that
the Public Hearing be closed and zone change ZC..4-73 and the amendment to
the General Plan be approved with all stipulations of the staff adhered to.
Carried by unanimous vote.
The HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENT (A-2-73) TO EXISTING NATIONAL CITY ZONING
REGULATIONS TO PROVIDE LPEATIONAL CRITERIA, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, AND
OPERATIONAL STANDARDS FOR METAL PLATING AND POLISHING was held at this time.
(The Certificate of Publication of Notice of the Hearing is on file.)
Planning Director Gerschler said the Planning Commission was requested to
interpret the City Zoning Code by a person who wanted to put an electro-
plating business in the M-2 zone; a search of zoning codes revealed no
mention of electroplating business at all and the Commission felt it was
not a question of interpretation but of a code amendment. Mr. Gerschler
said the Planning Commission considered reports from the Fire Department
and recommend to you that the zoning code be amended to allow electro-
plating businesses in the M-4 zones; the original request was for M.2 how..
ever what is recommended is M..4 zones. No one was present to speak.
Moved by Camacho,, seconded by Reid, the heariRg be closed and Proposed
amendment A.2-73 to existing National City Zoning Regulations be approved_ and all Commission's recommendations adhered to. Carried by unanimous
vote.
COUNCIL CUNICATIONS
COUNCILMAN REID congratulated and commended City Attorney McLean on his
handling of the water condemnation suit.
COUNCILMAN WATERS spoke in regard to the third level of government, C.P.O.,
saying they are making the same decisions we could make here; this is a
tremendous waste of taxpayers money. Councilman Waters said their budget
represents an increase of $105,000 over the current year with the added
funds coming from the State and Local Transportation fund, and asked how
they got their fingers in that pie? Councilman Reid replied that C,I;O,gets
their fingers in all health plans, criminal justice and lots of things.
Councilman Waters asked who authorized them to use this money...if the
cities don't authorize it, how can they use it? Councilman Reid explained
CPO is a clearing house for grants. There was discussion. Councilman
Reid invited Councilman Waters to attend the next meeting; C:t is here to
stay whether Councilman Waters likes it or whether he, Councilman Reid,
likes it; it is here to stay and they have quite a little authority and
they will continue having this authority.
MAYOR MORGAN asked City Manager about 1911 Act improvements,, where they
stand and when we can go to bid?
MAYOR MORGAN asked City Manager Osburn to check out the stamp machine
downstairs and see the latest that letters can be mailed and this sort of
thing.
MAYOR MORGAN asked Planning Director Gerschler how many places in National
City can a van and storage build, just a plain van and storage; there is a
man who has 7 van and storages and he wants to move into National City; do
we want a van and storage built all over this section: Planning Director
Gerschler said he would research this.
MAYCIR MORGAN asked City Attorney McLean how can we work it out, the 600..
1000 people up by the Police for drunk driving so we can take these
peopeople le home, woit out where they don't have to be locked up and where
y notget called at 3:30 in the mornin
the Police Department's time, these people t9S thes es a waste of
their cars are towed in; they come in and have twoucalls; andular thererise$368
bail to get out. City Attorney McLean said he had been instructed to
write to the Legislature about the possibility of some sort of a State
mandated detoxification center for alcoholics; he heard back from
Assemblyman Deddeh, and has recently heard from Assemblyman Sieroty who
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229
has sponsored this kind of legislation in the past and who has a bill
before Assembly now and the City Attorney is to communicate with him to
present the City's views that this would be a good thing if handled
properly. The City Attorney said the prospect of that bill passing is
fairly remote; insofar as the handling of criminal law violators, first,
if they are driving under the influence they are violating the law and
they are to be arrested for a lot of reasons other than the fact that
they are violating the law, they are a hazard to anybody who is on the
roadway; now, as long as they are in our custody we have to do two things;
we have to protect their property and we have to protect their person; we
can't leave their car sitting out in the street for anyone to come along
who knows they have just been jailed to steal their car or strip it; we are
certainly going to be responsible; that's why the car is towed away and is
impounded; it is not to punish them, it is to protect their property;
secondly, as long as they are in the City's custody, we have to take steps
to protect them while they are intoxicated; there is only one place in this
City to do it and that is the City jail; so they are in the jail, and as
long as they are in the jail and they are intoxicated, they must be kept
segregated from the other prisoners; they may be violent and they have to
be kept in a place where they won't injure themselves. The City Attorney
continued as fax as he knew, there has never been a claim against the City
for anybody being injured in the City jail; this indicates the Police are
handling the prisoners properly; the third thing is, what do you do with
them when they sober up; you have a choice, you can release the person,
without bond, and they do in appropriate cases or you can bring them before
the magistrate, Mayor Morgan said that could be the next day or two a
week maybe. City Attorney McLean said or they could make bail. Mayor
Morgan asked if the bail could be eliminated. City Attorney McLean said
this would be up to the Chief of Police; the Chief of Police and his agents
have the legal power to release people without bail; there is no question
about that....in 849B of the penal code they can do that, but if they are
arrested and they are technically taken against their will into City custody
in the jail and they don't want to be there - it's not a voluntary program..
the question is do you let them go then without making them come to court
and the Police have the discretion to do that (but that is up to the Chief
of Police, he runs the Police Department) now if the Council has a view
that it would be a good thing if more people were released without bail,
then the City Attorney said he thinks the Council motion can tell the Chief
that that is how Council feels about it; City Attorney does not think
Council can mandate to the Chief of Police how to run the Police Department.
The Mayor requested he be kept informed.
Moved by Camacho, seconded by Water4 the meeting be closed. Carried by
unanimous vote. The meeting closed at 8:43 p.m.
City lerk
City of Nation City, California
The foregoing minutes were approved by the City Council of National City at
the regular meeting of April 3, 1973.
No col-- -tions
Correct 3 e as noted below
Mayor, it y National City, California
3/27/73