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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1965 09-28 CC MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA, SEPTEMBER 28, 1965 230 The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Gautereaux at 7:30 p.m. Council members present: Allen, Colburn, Hogue, Gautereaux. Council members absent: Morgan. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS present: Carstens, Foster, Gautereaux, Huffaker, Minogue, Osburn, Stockman. The meeting was opened with salute to the Plag led by City Manager Osburn, followed with invocation by Mayor Gautereaux. Mayor Gautereaux presented a pin to Deputy Chief of Police John Owen for his thirty years service to the City of National City and commended him for his many accomplishments. RESOLUTION NO. 9008, "RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION TO WINNER OF MUNICIPAL YOUTH RECOGNITION AWARD (James D. Melillo, David Barajas, Larry E. Ritchie)" was read. Moved by Alien, seconded by Colburn, the Resolution be adopted. Carried, by the following voter to -wit: Ayes Allen, Colburn, Hogue, Gautereaux. Nays: None. Absent: Morgan. Mayor Gautereaux presented keys to the City to the young men and complimented them on their achievements. MOVED BY ALLEN, seconded by Colburn, the minutes of the regular meeting of September 21st be approved. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. Resolution No. , resolution directing notice of filing of assessment and time of hearing thereon (9th Street and "K" Avenue, Assessment District No. 143) was presented. Moved by Allen, seconded by Colburn, the reading of the resol- ution be waived and it be adopted by reading of the title only. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. RESOLUTION NO. 9009, "RESOLUTION DIRECTING NOTICE OF FILING OF ASSESSMENT AND TIME OF HEARING THEREON (9TH STREET AND "K" AVENUE, ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 143)." Moved by Colburn, seconded by Allen, the Resolution be adopted. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan, Ordinance No. , an ordinance of the City of National City providing for the payment of salaries to members of the City Council of the City of National City, was presented for the second reading. Moved by Allen, seconded by Hogue, the second reading of the ordinance be waived and it be adopted by reading of the title only. E.H. Alsdorf, 2105 "J" Avenue, was present and protested the adoption of the ordinance saying the raise should be put up to the voters at the next election. Vice Mayor Allen statedthe raise would benefit only those elected in April and the two Councilmen whose terms did not expire. Councilman Hogue stated legislators in California were underpaid and the increase would barely cover expenses necessary to the position. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Absent: .Morgan. ORDINANCE NO. 1118, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF SALARIES TO MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF' THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY," Moved by Colburn, seconded by Hogue, the Ordinance be adopted. Mayor Gautereaux stated he favored adoption of the ordinance; the legislature recog- nized the need fox councilmen to be compensated within a reasonable area for their time and the amount hardly covered expenses out of pocket. Motion carried, by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Allen, Colburn, Hogue, Gautereaux. Nays: None. Absent: Morgan. COUNCILMAN HOGUE announced a member of the Planning Commission, David Colvin, moved out of the City into San Diego and indicated he would like to withdraw his uteme as a member. Moved by Hogue, seconded by Colburn, his resignation be approved. Mayor Gautereaux stated this was a verbal resignation only and he would forward a communication to Mr. Colvin asking him to forward his written resignation. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. 9/28/65 231 VICE MAYOR ALLEN asked the City Attorney if it would be possible legally for the City of National City to initiate 1911 Improvement Acts. City Attorney Carstens asked if he meant if the Council initiated the improvement act without a petition submitted by the individual property owners. The Vice Mayor stated this was what he had in mind. City Attorney Carstens said the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California, which governs 1911 Acts, does not provide anywhere as to how a 191/ Act will be initiated; it i.s often the practice to have the citizens themselves initiate an act but it is not a requirement; the Council may order the work if it is deemed necessary and reasonable, or words to that effect. City Attorney Carstens stated some cities do initiate their own 1911 Act improvements without a petition from the citizens and it is entirely legal. Moved by Allen, seconded by Colburn, the City Attorney_ draw the necessary instruments for the City Council to initiate a 1911 Act Im rovement District for curbs sidewalks, and utters on L Avenue from 18th Street to 24th Street, and on 24th Street from L Avenue to Highland Avenue, and 20th Street from L to K Avenue sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and paving. Councilman Colburn asked if the proceedings would take place the same as if initiated by the people. Vice Mayor Allen stated one additional hearing would be necessary. The Vice Mayor stated the reason for the motion was there were property owners on all of these streets who want the improvement but do not want to antagonize their neighbors by circulating a petition and Council initiation of the project seemed to be the only way to accomplish the improve- ment. City Attorney Carstens recommended the motion include the "the City Engineer prepare plans and specifications and also submit an estimate of costs and expenses for the project." Moved by Allen, seconded by Colburn, the City Attorney's recommendation be included in the motion. Councilman Hogue stated this would be interesting and sh ould be be tried; the City endeavors to participate in the costs and he hoped the estimates would not frighten the individuals. Mayor Gautereaux stated it was impossible for the Council to know the desires of the people living on streets which were not improved and needed to be improved; by holding the hearings necessary for the improvement the Council will be able to determine the desires of the people. City Engineer Foster stated i.f the project was iniated in this manner it would mean the Engineering Department would have to prepare plans, etc., and if there were a majority protest under the 1931 Debt Limitation Report, all the work would have been lost; on petition the debt limitation and protests could be waived if the Council was resolute. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. VICE MAYOR ALLEN inquired when the City Manager would report on the improvement of "M" Avenue north of 16th Street as requested by Mr. and Mrs, Knight, City Manager Osburn stated the City Engineer and he made an on -site inspection of the area and expect to have the report on next week's agenda. VICE MAYOR ALLEN stated the City Attorney's contract had either just elapsed or would expire any time. Moved by Allen, seconded by Colburn, the City Attorney draw up a new contract with his firm for the next year similar to the other contract. Councilman Hogue stated i.t would be interesting to have a report on the comparison between the costs this year and the year before, taking into consideration the cost -of -living; his understanding was this would be done at the end of the contract, Mayor Gautereaux suggested a personnel meeting. Vice Mayor Allen asked if the motion could include the report be made and if unsatisfactory we wouldn't have to accept the contract. Councilman Hogue stated this year we tried a staff of lawyers and now we should have an expend- iture report and the type of service we had this year as compared to the year before. Councilman Colburn withdrew the second; Vice Mayor Allen withdrew the motion. Moved by Allen, seconded by Colburn, the City Attorney and the City Manager make such a report to the Council with the difference of expenditures for the legal department before the contract and with the -contract and including all hours. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. VICE MAYOR ALLEN stated there were only two General Law Cities in San Diego County with an elected Mayor. Moved by Allen, seconded by Colburn in recogni- tion of this fait the main hall in the Community Building be named Richard E. Gautereaux Hal , ,and that the City Manager be instructed to provide a suitable plaque stating it was named in honor of the first elected Mayor of the City of National City. Councilman Hogue stated he would Iixe to table it and continue 9/28/65 232 a previous discussion of something of a more appropriate nature than the Community Building. Moved by Hogue, seconded by Colburn it be tabled. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. MAYOR GAUTEREAUX stated the Council adopted a Resolution supporting the National School District Bond Election; October 19th; at the same election there will be a bond issue for Southwestern Junior College; and he would like the Council' to go on record as endorsing that bond issue as well. Moved by Alien, seconded by Hogue, the Mayor's recommendation be approved. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. MAYOR GAUTEREAUX reported receipt of a communication from the Ninth District Congress of Parents and Teachers that October 3-9, 1965, will be "N ational P.T.A. Week" and stated with permission of the Council he would so proclaim. Moved by Allen, seconded by Hogue, the proclamation be approved. Carried by unanimous vote, Absent: Morgan. MAYOR GAUTEREAUX reported receipt of a communication from the International Toastmistress Club requesting a pr oclamation honoring 'toastmistress Week" beginning October 24th and with concurrence of the Council he would so proclaim, Moved by Allen, seconded by Colburn, the pro,,lamation be approved. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. MAYOR GAUTEREAUX reported receipt of a communication from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works stating the week of September 26th to October 2nd will be "National Public Works Week" and requesting the mayor to so proclaim. Moved by Allen, seconded by Colburn, the proclamation be approved. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. MAYOR GAUTEREAUX stated a communication from Mr. Gene Holmes of the San Dego Transit System was listed on the Agenda; he had occasion to speak to Mr. Holmes in regard to the franchise fee and transit as it pertains to the City of National City; the Transit Company has taken a hard look at all routes and those in National City are not produvtive. The Mayor continued some of the least productive routes may be curtailed or abandoned and he talked to Mr. Holmes in regard to a possible bargaining position relative to the franchise fee refund if the Council were to take a pro position to this request, if we had some type of guarantee of not reducing our services or abandoning further routes in National City. The Mayor said it might result in not complete abandonment of routes but consolidation of routes; and because of the communica- tion on the Agenda, he wished to report this to the Council. E.H. ALSDORF, 2105 "J" Avenue, was present and stated in regard to the increase in salary for the Councilmen he would secure petitions changing their minds; he stated he has advised the Council in regard to street improvements, the City should pay 1/3 of the cost and the individuals 2/3 and they would get farther; and also said the speed of cars on "J" and "X" near 21st street was too fast and a hedge on the corner of 21st and "J" blocked the view of traffic. Moved by Allen, the Director of Planning check the hedge at "J" and 21st to see if i is higher than permitted. MRS. CONSUELA RUBIO, 1729 Cleveland Avenue, was present and stated she learned a group called t he san Diego Advisory Committee on Mexican.- Americans was granted facilities free of change by the City Council and quoted from a newspaper article of September 23rd which stated the program was to assist them to become fluent in the English language and to learn their duties as citizens and learn their rights under the President's "Poverty Program." Mrs. Rubio said a center of this type was not needed as similar classes are offered at Kimball School,at the Casa, at Sweetwater Union High School, etc., and strongly protested the granting of the office facilities and services. Mrs. Rubio continued the problems in our community have always been taken care of by leaders in the City; the action taken by the Council indicated they believed there was need fox such a center; if so, let the people of the City work for their own individual needs, Mrs. Rubio said the San Diego Advisory Committee las using the people of National City to create jobs for themselves, (some of which pay 10 thousand dollars or more): the original letter from the Committee 9/28/63 233 requesting the office space was dated June and the Committee was not regist- ered until July 23rd. Councilman Hogue stated he voted against the granting of the office space and services and agreed with Mrs. Rubio; there was a human relations board in National City but none of the members were contacted as to whether or not there was a need for such a center; if there was a problem in National City, it was a local problem and the area of home rule might be taken away from us if we turn it over to the Federal Government before we determine whether or not there is a problem. Councilman Hogue stated if there is a problem before calling for help, an attenpt should be made to work it our locally. Councilman Hogue stated he thought a terrific job had been done in our area and Federal help is not needed, he was against the free rental and services and did not know who would ask next for the same thing. Mayor Gautereaux stated the program of the sponsoring agency would not force anyone to do anything; they would give people an opportunity to take advantage of what they have to offer; if only one person was provided with a job opportun- ity through the agency he was for it. Moved by Hogue, seconded by Colburn,the grant be withdrawn and tabled until a representative appears before the Council andoutlines the program and tells us what they feel our needs are and what they are planning to do, Mayor Gautereaux stated a number of professional people have pledged to donate their time; they submitted a program in some detail, Mayor Gautereaux stated the motion was not sufficient and asked what was being tabled; to withhold the grant would require a resolution rescinding the previous resolution granting the office, which As in effect a contract. Moved by Hogue, seconded by Colburn, the Resoluti cn as passed be rescinded until the Council has a chance to review these papers and if necessary a person comes before the Council to give answers:. and tell everyone, Mrs. Rubio and other people of the community what our problem is and what they can do to help us. City Attorney Carstens stated the resolution adopted last week authorized a contribution in services and rent as the Ci.ty's contri- bution equivalent to 10% of the total grant and since there was a resolution it would have to be rescinded and if at a later time it was decided to re- enact that resolution it could be done. Councilman Colburn asked if there was a contract to be signed. The City Attorney stated he would have to check with Mrs. Osburn to see if anything has been accomplished as a resultof the adoption of the resolution that would put us in a position where i.t would be difficult to rescind; from a strictly legal point it would take a rescinding resolution. Mayor Gautereaux said the resolution itself met the criteria that would enable the sponsoring agency to make application to the Office of Economic Opportunities and would be either approved or disapproved. City Manager Osburn stated it started back in June; on August 3rd the Council took action to approve this request and the program director, Lary Montoya, was so notified by the City Manager; a resolution was prepared and adopted at the last Council meeting; the resolution was not forwarded to Mr. Montoya, he was still holding it; however, he did forward a letter stating the Council approved the granting of office space and services at 24th and B. Councilman Hogue stated if Mr. Montoya was sincere he would not mind appearing before the Council and outlining his wonderful program. Vice Mayor Allen stated there was more than one motion on the floor. Mayor Gautereaux stated the previous motions were withdrawn by the makers of the motions. Vice Mayor Allen stated he did not hear them do so. Mayor Gautereaux stated the motion on the floor was to rescind the resolution until the Council reviews the papers submitted and possibly a representative of the agency appears before the Council. City Attorney Carstens stated this would not accomplish the purpose; it would require another resoluti az to rescind the resolution and he could have one prepared for next week; or action could be held until the gentleman appeared before the Council. Motion and second were withdrawn. Moved by Colburn, seconded by Alien, the City Manager hold up any further communication or action until the Council has time to study it. Councilman Hogue stated he hoped this meant someone would appear before the Council to explain the goals. Moved by Colburn, seconded by Allen, the motion include Mr. Montoya be invited by the City Manjer to appear before the Council. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. Ruben Rubio, 1729 Cleveland Avenue, was present and stated tnere was a misunderstanding, the group was not the G I Forum; they have no part of it; the San Diego Advisory Committee on Mexican -Americans was formed in July and are too new and untried to be entrusted with the administrat- ion of $100,000 ; if a group such as the G I Forum were to handle i.t, it would 9/28/65 234 be all right. Mr. Rubio said he would not like National City to fall into their hands. Mayor Gautereaux stated he might avail himself of the program to learn Spanish. Mr. Rubio said the Mayor could learn Spanish at the local schools. Mr. Rubio also stated either you are Mexican or American, he did know what the term Mexican -American meant. Mayor Gautereaux read a list of the groupes alleged to be connected with the San Diego Advisory Council. Mr. Rubio stated he checked and they are not connected, Mr. Rubio said if National City needs the program a committee should be formed to investigate and ask for it and requested the Council to investigate fully before granting their request. E.H. Alsdorf stated he was an American of German ancestry, but thought himself as an American; and everyone who is born in this country is an American, CITY ENGINEER FOSTER stated he would expand on the situation in regard to Manchester beyond the requested report on the possible effectiveness of paint- ing wavy white lines on the street, The City Engineer stated he received a map prepared by the City of San Diego showing proposed roads which might relieve the situation in the Manchester area; one proposal was that they develop Ranger Road to connect with Reo Drive, with National City to develop - a road to connect in the vicinity of Harbison and P".aza Boulevard. The City Engineer stated the exact locations are not dot xmined but are close. The City Engineer reported staff representatives of San Diego asked if National City would do their portion if San Diego did their portion. The City Engineer stated to obtain the necessary right-of-way within 'the City might disturb three houses and the corners of some other proper,,*..es, The City Engineer stated the City of San Diego wants to know if they should try to get it financed and he was presenting the proposal to the Council to see if they were interested in National City's part. The City Engineer said the San Diego Traffic Department had no objection to closing Manchester but the Manager's Office said they could not recommend it, The City Engineer stated he discussed speed zones from Eleanor Place to Plaza Boulevard on Manchester due to the grades with the Chief of Police, The City Engineer said in regard to the wavy white lines, there was nothing in the catalogue of traffic paint- ing to indicate what the lines meant; they have been used to indicate approach- ing "Stop" signs; but he did not believe they would prove effective on Manchester Street. Councilman Colburn stated numberous "Curve Ahead" signs were posted on country roads and asked if the curves on Manchester because of the banking qualified for a 25 mph speed. Moved by Colburn, seconded by Allen, the Council go on record favorin the ro ram of National. Cit 's artici ation in the Reo Drive connection to Harbison. Councilman Hogue stated the original intention was to get San Diego to run Ranger Road into Plaza Boulevard; 16th Street and Manchester feed out of the area and this would create a third road and another problem for the citizens of National City; the problem would be taken from the hill people and given to the valley people, The Mayor stated this would give an opportunity to engineer the road properly; Manchester was not designed as a collector street; there should be decent access out of the area. Motion carried, by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Alien, Colburn, Gautereaux. Nays: Hogue. Absent: Morgan. City Engineer Foster asked if the Council wanted him to get in touch with the people in San Diego and put the matter of closing Manchester before them and get an answer on i.t. Mayor Gautereaux stated the closing was what the people requested. Moved by Allen, seconded by Colburn, the City Engineer be instructed to get such an answer in regard to Manchester. After discussion, Councilman Colburn withdrew his second ; Motion was withdrawn. Mrs. Leta Faye Riggs, 1515 Harbison, was present and asked where the connection from Reo Drive would cross Harbison. The City Engineer answered it would be near Plaza at Earle Drive. CITY MANAGER OSBURN read his report dated September 28, 1965, in regard to "Civil Defense Operations, Activities and Communications," and stated consider- ation was given to mailing informational pazphlets, etc. to the citizens of National City which would require an expenditure of approximately $200.00 not included in the Budget. Councilman Hogue stated people who are critical, should offer constructive criticism; he did not feel it was his place to offer suggestions; but he did think the man had time to communicate with the citizens of the community; he received some telephone calls from citizens who did not know we had a Civil Defense Department. Councilman Hogue stated not 9/28/65 235 enough information was received in the homes and a report should be made periodically by the Deputy Director of Civil Defense. Councilman Hogue also stated the City Manager must have gone to a lot of trouble to make the gentlemen's report for him and if the man believes in Civil Defense he should have a way of teaching his philosophy and he could do it if he would exert some effort. Councilman Hogue said if it would take $200 to cover a mailing to the citizens, the Federal Government will pay half of it anyway. Vice Mayor Allen stated the laws of the State of California made people go to school whether they want to or not; there was no law forcing anyone to attend Civil Defense training; the U.S. Government paid for a Civil Defense Booklet which could be picked up free at any Post Office and nobody went after it; he, himself,picked up a quanity of the booklets and distributed them to the citizens. Councilman Hogue stated the Vice Mayor was doing the Deputy's job again by passing out the booklets; an interest can be created in something; the Deputy was trained and paid and it was up to him to create an interest on the part of the people in National City, Mayor Gautereaux stated the City Manager's report recognized there was an area to be improved upon and there was something the Council could do;that would be to authorize a mailing. Councilman Hogue stated he would not make a motion until he saw what would be going out and what the person intends to do. E. H. Alsdorf, 2105 "J" Avenue, stated it has been from 3 to 5 years since any instructions on what to do in case of disaster have been received in the mail; the public should be advised of changes each year and asked what he should do in the case of a major disaster. Mayor Gautereaux stated Mr. Alsdorf should go directly to Mr. Osburn or the Civil Defense Office for information. Moved by Allen, seconded by Colburn, the City Manager's report be accepted. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS TO OPERATE TAXICABS in National City by the Carnation Cab Co. for a new license and Diamond Cab Co, for one additional cab were presented. Moved by Colburn, seconded by Allen, the applications to denied until the new ordinance is approved, Carried by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Allen, Colburn, Hogue, Gautereaux. Nays: None. Absent: Morgan. A COMMUNICATION FROM THE SAN DIBGO TRANSIT SYSTEM requesting relief in the form of payments, in lieu of discontinuing the franchise fee of 2% of annual gross, similar to the action taken by the City of San Diego was presented. Gene R. Holmes, Vice President and General Manager of the San Diego Transit System, and Mr. Redding of the Transit System were present. Mr. Holmes stated everybody was acquainted with the fitancial position of the Transit System; they have been operating at a loss for some time; studies were made on the least productive routes, two of which are in National City. Mr. Holmes said the Transit System Was planning to apply to the Public Utilities Commission for curtailment of certain services; the two routes in National City lose approximately $28,000 a year. Mr. Holmes said last year the Transit System paid the City of National City $2,356 franchise, what they were seeking was relief in this amount. Mayor Gautereaux stated if relief were granted the Council would be in position to bargain so services would not be curtailed appreciably. Mr. Holmes stated certain things would have to be done; they wanted to give National City service and with a minimum effect on those needing service; instead of atiminating a route, two routes might be combined (W and 12). Vice Mayor Allen asked if the relief would aid in continuing services of the V and 0 routes. Mr. Holmes said some lines operate at a considerably heavier loss than others. Councilman Hogue asked if Mr. Holmes could verify the $28,000 loss on the W and 12 routes and said before he voted to give the grant he would want to see the verification and stated he did not know how long the Transit System would keep the buses running after they received a grant; the Transit System uses the City streets, Councilman Hogue said he read the Transit System would not let people see their books, Mr. Holmes said Councilman Hogue did not read the whole story; he wculd be happy to let him see the books. Moved by Alien, seconded by Gautereaux, the Council relieve the Transit Company of the franchise money. Mayor Gautereaux stated this was not the first time the request has been made of the City; in view of the fact there is now an Enabling Act for a Transit District, with an election in June, 1966, his views on the problem were different. The Mayor stated the Transit System is faced with operation for another year; perhaps it 9/28/65 235 enough information was received in the homes and a report should be made periodically by the Deputy Director of Civil Defense.`- Councilman Hogue also stated the City Manager must have gone to a lot of trouble to make the gentlemen's report for him and if the man believes in Civil Defense he should have a way of teaching his philosophy and he could do it if he would exert some effort. Councilman Hogue said if it would take $200 to cover a mailing to the citizens, the Federal Government will pay half of it anyway. Vice Mayor Alien stated the laws of the State of California made people go to school whether they want to or not; there was no law forcing anyone to attend Civil Defense training; the U.S. Government paid for a Civil Defense Booklet which could be picked up free at any Post Office and nobody went after it; he, himself picked up a quanity of the booklets and distributed them to the citizens. Councilman Hogue stated the Vice Mayor was doing the Deputy's job again by passing out the booklets; an interest can be created in something; the Deputy was trained and paid and it was up to him to create an interest on the part of the people in National City. Mayor Gautereaux stated the City Manager's report recognized there was an area to be improved upon and there was something the Council could do;that would be to authorize a mailing. Councilman Hogue stated he would not make a motion until he saw what would be going out and what the person intends to do. E. H. Alsdorf, 2105 "J" Avenue, stated it has been from 3 to 5 years since any instructions on what to do in case of disaster have been received in the mail; the public should be advised of changes each year and asked what he should do in the case of a major disaster. Mayor Gautereaux stated Mr. Alsdorf should go directly to Mr. Osburn or the Civil Defense Office for information. Moved by Allen, seconded by Colburn, 'die City Manager's report be accepted. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS TO OPERATE TAXICABS in National City by the Carnation Cab Co, for a new license and Diamond Cab Co. for one additional cab were presented. Moved by Colburn, seconded by Allen, the applications to denied until the new ordinance is approved. Carried by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Alien,. Colburn, Hogue. Gautereaux. Nays: None. Absent: Morgan. A COMMUNICATION FROM THE SAN DIEGO TRANSIT SYSTEM requesting relief in the form of payments, in lieu of discontinuing the franchise fee of 2% of annual gross, similar to the action taken by the City of San Diego was presented. Gene B. Holmes, Vice President and General Manager of the San Diego Transit System, and Mr. Redding of the Transit System were present. Mr. Holmes stated everybody was acquainted with the financial position of the Transit System; they have been operating at a loss for some time; studies were made on the least productive routes, two of which are in National City. Mr. Holmes said the Transit System vas planning to apply to the Public Utilities Commission for curtailment of certain services; the two routes in National City lose approximately $28,000 a year. Mr. Holmes said last year the Transit System paid the City of National City $2,356 franchise, what they were seeking was relief in this amount. Mayor Gautereaux stated if relief were granted the Council would be in position to bargain so services would not be curtailed appreciably. Mr. Holmes stated certain things would have to be done; they wanted to give National City service and with a minimum effect on those needing sdsvice; instead of eliminating a route, two routes might be combined (W and 12). Vice Mayor Allen asked If the relief would aid in continuing services of the V and 0 routes. Mr. Holmes said some lines operate at a considerably heavier loss than others. Councilman Hogue asked if Mr. Holmes could verify the $28,000 loss on the W and 12 routes and said before he voted to give the grant he would want to see the verification and stated he did not know how long the Transit System would keep the buses running after they received a grant; the Transit System uses the City streets. Councilman Hogue said he read the Transit System would not let people see their books. Mr. Holmes said councilman Hogue did not read the whole story; he would be happy to let him see the books. Moved by Allen, seconded by Gautereaux, the Council relieve the Transit Company of the franchise money. Mayor Gautereaux stated this was not the first time the request has been made of the City; in; view of the fact there is now an Enabling Act for a Transit District, with an election in June, 1966, his views on the problem were different. The Mayor stated the Transit System is faced with operation for another year; perhaps it 9/28/65 236 would preclude curtailment of services and application before the Public Utilities Commission. Mr. Holmes said he would be happy to sit down with the Council, or committee, to discuss it before the plans are finalized; he could not say the relief would eliminate curtailment of all the services they have in mind; but they would be glad to make some kind of agreement with Naticnai City the same as they did with San Diego. Vice Mayor Allen asked if it were true today, the same as five years ago, this would not stcp the Transit System from having to sell some of their stock and go broke anyway. Mr. Holmes said it would not solve their problem; the property was up for sale; the San Diego Transit System was the only transit operation of any size that was privately owned and it was impossible to kee t4i.th the increasing costs, the competition of freeways and automobiles; it was a problem through- out the country. Vice Mayor Alien stated although he has voted in the past against relief to the Transit System,based on studies of the Transit problem he made the motion to grant relief; senior citizens particularly were interested in maintaining service because they were dependent on transit for transportat- ion. Councilman Colburn stated he was against granting of relief; more than likely they will become publicly owned; and the request made was for such a small amount compared to the losses, he could not see there was much bargaining power. Motion failed in a tie vote, to -wit: Ayes: Allen, Gautereaux. Nays ; Colburn, Hogue, Absent: Morgan. Mayor Gautereaux told Mr. Holmes a member of the Council was absent and the matter could be considered at a future time when he will be present. Mr. Holmes stated he would be happy to furnish any information any of the Council might wish. A OOMMUNICATION FROM j.C. BAILEY, Fire Chief, recommending approval of a public display 0f fireworks in the South Bay Plaza on October 8th was presented. Moved by Alien, seconded by Colburn, the recommendation be approved. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan, A COMMUNICATION FROM B.J. GAUTEREAUX, Event Chairman, National City Art Association, requesting use of Kimball Park area south of the City Hall to 14th Street, between National and "A" Avenues, for an outdoor art exhibit on October 31st was presented. Moved by Alien, seconded by Colburm, the request be granted. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. A COMMUNICATION PA M CALIFORNIA-WESTERN STATES LIFE INSURANCE CO. advising rates on life insurance will be increased $.18 per month on each $2,500 policy was presented. Vice Mayor Allen stated it appeared all anyone could do would be to accept the increase. City Manager Osburn stated the Employees Association has been studying insurance policies for a year and they have not been able to come up with a better and cheaper policy. Moved by Allen, seconded by Colburn, it be accepted. Carried, by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Allen, Colburn, Gautereaux. Nays: Hogue. Absent; Morgan. CITY MANAGER OSBURN reported receipt of a certificate of insurance for the fireworks display at the South Bay Plaza, reviewed and approved by the City Attorney and the City Manager, and recommended it be filed. Ordered filed by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. CITY MANAGER OSBURN reported receipt of a communication dated September 27th from the California Disaster office stating National City qualified for matching funds for the fiscal year 1966. Ordered filed by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. CITY MANAGER OSBURN reported receipt of a communication from the U.S. Army Engineer Corps regarding a pier head line in the vicinity of 24th Street in National City, as requested and approved by the Port Authority, and recommended it be filed. Ordered filed by una'himous vote. Absent: Morgan CITY MANAGER OSBURN reported receipt of the minutes of the Board of Directors of the South Bay Irrigation District meeting of September 7th. Ordered filed by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. CITY MANAGER OSBURN reported receipt of a communication from the San Diego County Water Authority regarding a change in administrative code specifying times of day agencies may call for additional water. Moved by Allen, seconded 9/28/65 237 by Colburn, it be filed with the City Manager. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Horgan. CITY MANAGER OSBURN requested an executive session be called before the conclusion of the meeting. CITY CLERK MINOGUE reported receipt of a petition for the improvement of Harbison Avenue from Plaza Boulevard to 16th Street and the City Engineer's recommendation the petition representing more than 60% of the property owners be accepted and the Engineer authorized to proceed with said project and present improvement plans, specifications and an estimate to the City Council. Moved by Allen, seconded by Colburn, the City Engineer's recommendation be approved* Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. CITY Ei3GINEER FOSTER reported work continues on 16th Street and on Lanoitan Avenue; the Gas Company has Prospect from 22nd to 24th Street torn up at the present time. DIRECTOR OF PLANNING STOCKMAN presented the Planning Commission recommendation of September 27th the request for waiver of curb, gutter and sidewalk instal- lation at 30th Street and Harding Avenue by Pay D. Harroun, Dimppx.e Construct- ion Company, be granted subject to the property owner entering an agreement with the City that; (1) when the City, property owners and the Railroad Company develop plans for the spur track and public team track - the property owner will install the improvements to the north, (2) when the property to the west is developed improvements will be installed with said development, and (3) if the property owner fails to install the improvements as stated, the City can then install the improvements and place a lien against the property. Moved by Alien, seconded by Colburn, the recommendation of the Planning Commission be approded. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. DIRECTOR OF PLANNING STOCKMAN stated Public Utilities Commission hearings on underground utilities are to be held September 29, 30 and October 1. Mrs. Stockman stated she talked to the hearing examiner who would like to hear from cities what they would like to see done and to learn what has been done; further hearings will be held in the Los Angles and San Diego areas. Moved by Hogue, seconded. by Colburn , the meeting adjourn to executive session. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. The meeting adjourned at 9:56 p.m. Mayor Gautereaux called the meeting back to order at 10:40 p.m. Council members present: Allen, Colburn, Hogue, Gautereaux. Council members absent: Morgan. CITY MANAGER OSBURN stated the executive session was called to discuss the establishment of a personnel policy regarding employees going with another governmental agency for longer than twelve months. City Manager Osburn stated Lt. Cracolici. requested 24 to 30 months leave without pay to accept a position with the State Department to train in the field of professional police work in Viet Nam. Mayor Gautereaux stated the Council considered the request not on the basis of the individual or the personality but on the problems it poses relative to similar requests from other City employees: replacing the employee and then having him return after a long period of time, the status of the person returning and the person filling in. The Mayor stated under Civil Service Rules and Ordinance a twelve month leave of absence may be granted; and an individual could request an extension before the end of the period. Council- man Hogue stated a situation such as this could "snowball" if it were known i.t was possible tp obtain a long leave withay; he favored extending the leave if the request were made before the end of the twelve months. Mayor Gautereaux stated the Council could amend the Ordinance to allow a longer leave; under the present ordinance the twelve month leave may be granted through the Depart- ment Head and City Manager. Councilman Hogue suggested the present Council recommend to the future Council the request for extension of the leave be concidered. Moved by Allen, seconded by Hogue, the Civil Service Rules and 9/28/65 238 Ordinance not be changed at this time and a recommendation be made to the future City Council that the request of Mr. Cracolici through the head of department be allowed and if it doesn't become entangled in a situation where more people make the request. be Oven consideration at that time. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. Moved by Colburn, seconded by Allen, the meeting be closed. Carried by unanimous vote. Absent: Morgan. The meeting closed at l0:50 p.m. ATTEST: ��'yticr�eE� AL CITY, CALIFORNIA 9/28/65