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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1960 05-24 CC MIN455 National City, California, May 24, 19a) Regular meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Hollingsworth at 1:30 o'clock p.m. Council members present: Allen, Hart, Morgan, Reid, Hollingsworth. Council members absent: None. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS present: Alston, Biggs, Bird, Curran, Gautereaux, Kerr, Osburn, Stockman. The meeting was opened with pledge of allegiance to the Flag by City Manager Bird, followed with invocation by Rev. Raze. Moved by Allen, seconded by Reid, the minutes of the regular meeting of May 17, 1960, be approved. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. RESOLUTION NO. 7755 was read, a ceepting a Corporation Grant Deed from San Miguel School. Moved by Hart, s econded by Allen, the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. RESOLUTION NO. 7756 was read, "RESOLUTION DECLARING WITHDRAWAL OP CER- TAIN LANDS FROM THE LOWER SWEETWATER LOCAL FIRE DISTRICT." Lands withdrawn are described ass "Lois Annexation"; "Hobson Annexation"; 'Hynum No. 2Annexation"; and "Sweetwater Annexation Unit No. 1." Moved by Hart, seconded by Reid, the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. RESOLUTION NO. 7757 was read, approving a contract between City of National City and National City Lion's Club; and the Mayor is author- ized and directed to execute the same for and on behalf of the City. Moved by Reid, seconded by Hart, the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. RESOLUTION NO from John and Resolution be ORDINANCE NO. . 7758 was read, accepting a Covenant Running With Land Nora E. Thompson. Moved by Hart, seconded by Allen, the adopted. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. , "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 842 REGULAT- ING OUTDOOR ADVERTISING," was presented far the first reading, and read in full. ATTORNEY CURRAN reported the Attorney for California Water & Telephone Company advised the City Attorney he thought it would be advisable to have a written oontract with reference to the relocation costs on 8th Street between Sanitarium and "L" Avenues. The City Attorney's posi- tion was it was not necessary to have such an agreement in view of the record, however there was no objection to it, and if such a contract was submitted it would be presented to the City Council. This morning a contract was submitted, and Attorney Curran said at this time he cannot recommend the oontract be adopted by the City because of the 5-24-60 456 fact it provides no work would be done on the street until the facil- ities had been removed. It has been brought to the City Attorney's attention the California Water & Telephone Company has not yet com- menced work of relocating these facilities; therefore it is the City Attorney's recommendation the Company be advised a contract w ill be made and entered into, however it cannot provide for the relocation facilities having been accomplished prior to the wtiark going forward because of the provisions of the contract; also cannot give the Cali- fornia Water & Telephone Company forty days in which to do the work; and the City Manager be authorized and directed to advise the oompany we expect them to proceed forthwith with the relocation costs and if the Attorneys can agree on the contract the matter will be brought up at the next Council meeting. Moved by Allen, seconded by Reid, the recommendation of the City Attorney in regard to the contract with the Water Company and his recommendation the City Manager be requested to negotiate with the Company for immediate action be approved. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. ATTORNEY CURRAN stated the report of the Chamber of Commerce as to its activities during the past year, and particularly with reference to the activities carried on by the Chamber pursuant to its agreement with National City, has been examined by him. The examination reveals the report does give the steps taken by the Chamber of Commerce to carry out the purposes of the agreement; it contains an itemized list of expenditures made for such purposes, and contains an evaluation of the results of activities undertaken by the Chamber with reference to this agreement. It therefore appears the three main requirements of the clause in question have been complied with by the Chamber in the report which has been submitted to the City Manager. It was the City Attorney's recommendation the report be filed. Moved by Hart, sec- onded by Reid, the report be filed, as recommended by the City Attor- ney. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. ATTORNEY CURRAN stated he had been requested to check the legality of National Plating Company of Texas' lease for a certain portion of the tidelands be assigned to E-Z Set Windows, Inc. Attorney Curran said be is of the opinion there are legal objections in making such an assignment, therefore it is his recommendation in the event the City desires to negotiate with E-Z Set Windows, Inc. for a lease that the National Plating Company surrender its lease, so the City will be in a position to make a new lease with E-Z Set Windows, Inc. Moved by Allen, seconded by Morgan, the recommendation of the City Attorney in regard to the National elating Company's lease being transferred to E-Z Set Windows, be approved, that the officers or President of 5-24-60 457 National Plating Company be notified of the recommendation and the opinion of the City Attorney, and if possible set up the time and date to have E-Z. Set Windows meet with the Harbor Committee if they are still interested in leasing after the release. Carried, all the Coun- cil present voting aye. ATTORNEY CURRAN reported he has received the formal written report of the Governor's Conference on Yublie Library Service which was held in Sacramento on April 7th and 8th, and it has become clear from reading the report we have not yet met the end of the road with reference to the question of State aid to public libraries. ATTORNEY CURRAN reported he has received a copy of the certificate fur- nished to the County Auditor of San Diego County by the Metropolitanm Water District of Southern California which lists the lands of National City that are included in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for tax purposes, and, as provided by law, the properties recently annexed to National City; those are the properties which were described in the Resolution of withdrawal from the local Sweetwater District read earlier in the meeting are not included in National City for the purposes of taxation by the Metropolitan Water District but remain a part of the South Bay Irrigation District for taxation purposes. MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH asked whether the properties should be transferred to National City or left in the South Bay Irri- gation District. ATTORNEY CURRAN stated it is a matter he called attention to because of the fact the law provides now for taxation purposes they remain in the South Bay Irrigation District, however, with reference to the negotiations which we have pending with the South Bay Irrigation District regarding the possible taking over of the,Califar nia Water & Telephone Company's system would enter into it; it is somethirg the agreement has attempted to set up so the areas annexed to National City would become of the service area of National City upon annexation. ROBERT STODDARD, Manager of National City Chamber of Commerce, was present and stated the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce this morning at their meeting passed a resolution which they asked him to present to the Council, in regard to the phasing out of the Olive - wood Housing Project west of National Avenue. The Board also asked him to explain why they are so vitally interested in this area, par- ticularly west of National Avenue should be made available to industry at the City's earliest convenience. Moved by Morgan, seconded by Allen, this be referred to the Finance Committee. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. 5-24-60 4:s E. H. ALSDORF, 2105 "J" Avenue, was present and stated he was not in accord with the statment regarding the Housing; he thought the City should make available the places vacated as soon as possible; we will have difficulty in getting the tenants out in 120 days, it should be at least December 31st. Mr. Alsdorf stated at the Planning Commission meeting last night Foster & Kleiser were granted authority to place a billboard on the first block entering National City from Main Street. Foster & Kleiser, according to the State are -only allowed to put their billboard 500 feet apart on the freeway. There are three signs in the block entering off of Main Street, and this will now make four signs, and he did not think it added to the betterment or beauty of our City, and protested the placement. MRS. ROBERT RICHARDS, 1411 E. 16th Street, was present and said her husband would like to know if National City has a litter law. CITY MANAGER BIRD stated we do. MRS. RICHARDS asked who would be respon- sible for damage done to a car or to children resulting from glass being left in the street or on the side of the street after an acci- dent. CITY MANAGER BIRD stated the question is a legal one and he could not answer it. It implies definitely to legal responsibility. Moved by Morgan, seconded by Reid, this be referred to the City Attor- ney. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. COUNCILMAN ALLEN to the backwater the odor is very COUNCILMAN ALLEN is some painting side of National asked the City Manager what could be done in regard in the slough on 18th Street west of Roosevelt Avenue, bad. stated he has found in three or four instances there and redecorating going on in the Housing on the West Avenue more so now than there was before we discussed about disposing of the Housing, and asked why the money is being expended at this time, and asked for a report from Mr. Gautereaux at the next meeting in this regard. COMMUNICATION FROM CITY MANAGER BIRD was read requesting confirmation of the appointment of A. V. Roberts, Assistant City Engineer, to the position of Acting City Engineer effective May 23, 1960. Mr. Roberts will serve as Acting City Engineer until the termination date of City Engineer Lill, September 1, 1960. His salary shall be $1,000 per month on a full time basis. Moved by Hart, seconded by Morgan, the appointment of A. V. Roberts as Acting City Engineer for the length of time stated, be approved. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Allen, Hart, Morgan, Reid, Hollingsworth. Nays: None. APPLICTION FOR ON SALE BEER BEVERAGE LICENSE by Clifford O. & Shirley J. Bennett to do business under the name of Lefty's Pizza Parlor, 831 5-24-60 459 E. 8th Street, was presented. REPORT FROM POLICE CHIEF CAGLE stated at the present time there is no building at this location and the application is issued under Section 24044 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. The property in question is owned by Jerry Harris and construction is contingent upon the approval of the On Sale Beer Lic- ense. Investigation disclosed no grounds for protest of the applica- tion. Moved by Allen, seconded by Morgan, we forward a letter to Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control against issuing any further beer, wine or liquor licenses in newly established places in the City of National City. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Allen, Hart, Morgan. Nays: Reid, Hollingsworth. COMMUNICATION FROM CITY OF NORWALK was read, stating they are enclos- ing a copy of their Resolution No. 530, which is in regard to control of motion pictures as to morality, etc. Moved by Allen, seconded by Reid, the communication and resolution be filed. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. RESIGNATION OF JUDSON T. NAIMAN of the Engineering Department, was read, to be effective June 30, 1960. CITY MANAGER BIRD stated this has been approved by the City Manager's office and the Personnel Clerk. Moved by Allen, seconded by Morgan, the resignation be accepted. Car- ried, all the Council present voting aye. CITY MANAGER BIRD requested authorization to have the City Clerk advertise for bids for plant mix for the coming fiscal period. Moved by Hart, seconded by Allen, the City Clerk be authorized to advertise for bids for plant mix. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM MACCO CORPORATION was read, requesting acceptance of the improvements of Unit #1, National Award Homes. CITY MANAGER BIRD recommended it be referred to the Acting City Engineer for a report. Moved by Alien, seconded by Reid, the recommendation of the City Manager in regard to National Award Homes be referred to the Acting City Engineer for a report. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM SAN DIEGO CLINTON CLOTHING MFG. CO., was read, requesting a thirty day extension of their going out of business sale. Moved by Morgan, seconded by Hart, we grant them an extension of time until July 2nd, providing the police report shows there has been no additional merchandise added. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM SAN DIEGO TRANSPORTATION CO. was read, stating they are interested in submitting a proposal to the City for construction of a dock and other facilities. In order they may formulate such a 5-24-60 460 proposal they would be interested in receiving a map of the National City Harbor area which shows the area available for such a dock and an outline of any land space which would be available for lease. CITY MANAGER BIRD recommended it be referred to the Harbor Committee and we will also send them maps so they can make a concrete proposal to the Harbor Committee. Moved by Allen, seconded by Hart, the recommen- dation of the City Manager in regard to the possibility of a pier and forwarding a map to San Diego Transportation Co. be approved. Car- ried, all the Council present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM JAMES R. MASTERSON III, Secretary Loyal Order of Moose, was read, stating they recently held a talent show with the youth of National City, Chula Vista and Imperial Beach participating for prizes. The money derived from this program is to be used to advance safety training for children in the South Bay area. They have given out safety stickers for bicycles and automobiles and have pur- chased school signs, two for each school, stating "Protect Our Chil- dren"; also have had representatives check with the various City Coun- cils but as yet have not put up any of these signs. The City's co- operation is needed to finish this project. They wish to know the height of the posts necessary, also of what material the posts should be and from whom they can get permission to install the signs. CITY MANAGER BIRD recommended this be referred to the Chief of Police and the Sign Division. Moved by Hart, seconded by Allen, the reoommenda- tion of the City Manager be approved. Carried, all the Council pres- ent voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM DIRECTOR OF HOUSING GAUTEREAUX was read, stating attached hereto is a comprehensive survey of the occupancy of the entire 0livewood Housing Project. The results of this survey cover the period of May 9 through May 17, 1960. It is intended this be part of the report as was submitted to the Council May 17, 1960. The Plan- ning Commission has been supplied with maps and information and have made possible to them the plans and information that can be had at the 0livewood Housing office. It is believed this request, as made by the City Council concerning Olivewood Housing is now a mplete. Moved by Hart, seconded by Morgan, this be referred to the Finance Committee for consideration at their next meeting. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. REPORT FROM PLANNING COMMISSION was read, relative to the tentative plans for the development of the area between 24th Street and the South City Limits, between Montgomery Freeway and Highland Avenue in conjunction with the phasing out 'of the 0livewood Housing. The report sets forth the zoning in the hous.ng area, and although the Commission 5-24-60 461 favored commercial zoning for the area between National and "D" Avenue it was their opinion it should be considered under a precise plan pre- sented by a future developer. It was the general thinking of the Com- mission the area south of 24th Street west of "C" Avenue should be retained by the City for future recreational facilities and small neighborhood park for the commercial and industrial area. A street pattern was outlined in the report. The Commission recommended appro- val of the tentative plans subject to the phasing out procedure being left to the discretion of the Public Housing Director. Moved by Mor- gan, seconded by Reid, this be referred to the Finance Committee. Car- ried, all the Council present voting aye. COUNCILMAN HART stated he would like to have Mr. Gautereaux, Housing Director, present at the next meeting of the Finance Committee. CITY MANAGER BIRD stated Mr. Gautereaux will be present, he is familiar with a lot of information the Finance Committee Val want; also the City Planner has completed the maps which were requested, and the City Planner will also be pres- ent. COUNCILMAN ALIEN asked if it would be a closed meeting. MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH stated none of our meetings are closed. COMMUNICATION FROM CHIEF BUILDING INSPECTOR BIGGS was read, recommend- ing the request of Robert E. Bedingfield for refund of $25.00 deposited for installation of driveway at 1040 "B" Avenue, be granted. CITY MANAGER BIRD recommended the refund be made. Moved by Allen, seconded by Reid, the recommendation of the City Manager and the Building Inspector for a refund be approved. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Allen, Hart, Morgan, Reid, Hollingsworth. Nays: None. APPLICATION FOR EXCAVATION PERMIT signed by F. Dale Faris, was pre- sented. CITY MANAGER BIRD stated the application has been processed, the grading map is here, and it is the recommendation of the Engin- eering Department and the City Manager the excavation permit be auth- orized. Moved by Morgan, seconded by Allen, this permit be authorized. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. CITY MANAGER BIRD stated there are five City employees in the audience and asked they appear before the Council. The employees were: N. S. Biggs, Robert Myers, Donald Newberry, Robert 0nley, Cleo 0sburn, and Bill Gaston, who because of his work was not present. These five gen- tlemen present, and the one absent, have successfully completed an 18 week course which was put on by the City Managers' Association and the Public Works Association and was held in the City of San Diego. Mr. Bird said he had their certificates and they are all "A" students. MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH presented the certificates to each of the five employees present. 5-24-60 462 COMMUNICATION FROM CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION was read, stating attached is a copy of a letter which, with the Council's approval, the Commis- sion will send to the League of California Cities regarding the Fair Employment Practices lawful and unlawful preemployment inquiries. A brief which outlines some of the objections by the Commission was attached to the communication. Moved by Hart, seconded by Allen, the Civil Service Commission be allowed to send this letter to the League of California Cities. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. COMMUNICATION ADDRESSED TO CHAIRMAN JENKINS OF THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COM- MITTEE from Kile Morgan, was read, stating it is necessary for him to resign from the Committee as he is now a member of the City Council. Moved by Allen, seconded by Reid, the resignation be accepted with regrets. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. REPORT FROM THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE was read, recommended for the Council's approval, stop signs on 16th Street at "N" Avenue, stopping the traffic going north and south across 16th Street and placing stop signs at 20th Street stopping traffic crossing Lanoitan Avenue east and west. Moved by Allen, seconded by Reid, the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Committee be approved. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. REPORT FROM THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE was read, recommending the bus stop at 26th and National Avenue in front of the La Siesta Motel be moved making it a near side stop. Moved by Allen, seconded by Mor- gan, the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Committee be approved. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. REPORT FROM THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE was read, recommending "No Parking" signs on the alley between National Avenue:and "A" Avenue, 7th Street and 8th Street, be installed. Moved by Morgan, seconded by Reid the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Committee be accepted. Car, ried, all the Council present voting aye. REPORT FROM THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE was read, recommending a cross- walk at 22nd Street and Grove Avenue on the north side of 22nd Street across Grove Avenue be installed due to the foot traffic to the Munici- pal Swimming Pool. Moved by Hart, seconded by Morgan, we accept the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Committee. Carried, all the Coun_ oil present voting aye. CITY MANAGER BIRD stated the Traffic Safety Committee recommends the widening of 12th, lath and 15th Streets to a minimum of a 40 foot travelway, which are off Highland Avenue. Moved by Alien, seoonded by Hart, the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Committee for the widen- ing of these streets be referred to the Planning Commission for study 5-24-60 463 and report. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. CITY MANAGER BIRD stated the new Bank of America at 13th Street has requested they be allowed to set their curb back at the expense of the property owner. REPORT FROM THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE was read, approving the rec- ommendation of the Traffic Safety Engineer, Chief of Polioe, in regard to Sanitarium Avenue; and Mr. Bird said the work has been done. CITY MANAGER BIRD stated they offset the center line of Sanitarium Avenue to the east from 4th to 8th Street allowing two lanes of traffic on the west side of Sanitarium Avenue, and one lane of traffic only with no parking at any time on the east side of Sanitarium Avenue: This became a hurry up job because of the opening of Euclid Avenue, and we discussed the matter with the Paradise Valley Sanitarium people and they have no objection to the elimination of parking on their side of the street from 4th to 8th Street at this time. CITY MANAGER BIRD stated in regard to the application for a deviation in driveway for the Bradshaw Market by the Hobart Investment Company, it was the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Committee and also the City Manager and Engineer, it be allowed. Moved by Allen, seconded by Reid, the recommendation of the City Manager and City Engineer be approved. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. COMMUNICATION PROM DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS was read, regarding the Memo- randum of Agreement providing for expenditure of gas tax allocation for major streets for the fiscal period of 1960-61. It was requested this be presented to the Council for approval by resolution, CITY MANAGER BIRD recommended the City Attorney be authorized to prepare the neces- sary resolution. Moved by Allen, seconded by Reid, the recommendation of. the City Manager be approved in regard to the allocation of the gas tax for 1960-61. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. VICE MAYOR HART stated he has been considering the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Committee relative to the widening of the streets, and questioned why the interested property owners did not petition for a 1911 Jot Improvement. MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH stated a recommendation will come back from the Planning Commission. COUNCILMAN Al7u1N asked if the Council appointed anyone to fill the vacancies on the Traffic Safety Committee. COUNCILMAN MORGAiN stated there is only one vacancy on the Committee. MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH said the Committee will make another recommendation. THE MATTER OF THE TRAMPOLINE ORDINANCE was presented at this time. MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH asked Col. Lippincott and Mr. Thomas if they have had time to study the Ordinance of El Cajon. COL. LIPPINCOTT, opera- tor of the Trampoline Center at 720 E. 10th Street, was present, and 5-24-60 464 stated he wished to point out in Section 4710.2, the word "principal" would remove certain trampoline centers if they had another operation such as Mr. Thomas has in his miniature golf; on his case his principal business is miniature golf, which would exempt him from being a tram- poline center. Col. Lippincott said he has a snack bar, which the way business is now, could possibly be the principal business at that loca- tion rather than the trampoline center. Under Section 4711, trampoline equipment, line 11, the last word "pea gravel" is called for, and Col. Lippincott said the stone they have in their centers is crushed stone, and not pea gravel; there may be a difference. Section 4713, supervi- sion of trampoline centers, line 5, "for each additional 12 trampolines or fraction thereof", Col. Lippincott has 20 trampolines at his center and he could rope off 10 of those trampolines if this particular word- ing was adopted. It was his recommendation it read: "If the center contains more than 12 trampolines there shall be an additional tram- poline supervisor for each additional 12 trampolines or fraction there- of in use". MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH asked if they would object in having Section 4714 relative to insurance, next to the last line, to read $100,000.00, and $300,000.00. COL. LIPPINCOTT stated he has that insurance and also medical, Which is an additioh. We are covered with insurance to the very maximum we could obtain. MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH stated there is one thing which she thought should be put in the ordi- nance, if we are going to adopt one, is the padding around the trampo- line should be polyetheline or that sort of material, rather than sponge rubber. COL. LIPPINCOTT stated he has no comment on that because he has polyetheline, but did not believe Mr. Thomas had. WENDELL THOMtS was present and stated he has the trampoline center at 35 E. 16th Street. His opinion of the ordinance of the City of El Cajon is very good except two paragraphs with which he does not agree; one is rela- tive to the insurance. He has $50,000.00 for personal injury and $25,000,00 for anyone person per occurrence, and $5,000.00 P.D. Mr. Thomas said this is the maximum his insurance company issues. The other objection he has is relative to the fence required; the El Cajon ordinance requires a five foot fence around the center; he has the five foot fence on three sides of his trampoline center, but one side which adjoins the miniature golf course has a three foot fence; perhaps the wording could be changed to cover him in that respect. VICE MAYOR HART said he did not think the wording would have to be changed in this regard, Mr. Thomas has a five foot fence on one side; the purpose for that he believed was to keep children from crawling over the top to get into the trampoline center, not out of it. MR. THOMAS said from the outside the fence is five feet high on all sides. Mr. Thomas requested the amount of insurance required be changed. Moved by Allen, seconded 5-24-60 465 by Hart, we do have a recommendation, if possible, from the City Attor- ney on the minimum amount of insurance he thinks would be safe for us to carry in this ordinance, and recommend this ordinance be studied with the changes as recommended by Col. Lippincott and Mr. Thomas. VICE MAYOR HART said he thinks the insurance they carry does not con- cern National City; if they do not carry sufficient insurance and they should be sued for more money he believed it would be up to them to pay the bill, not the City, and asked the City Attorney if that was correct. ATTORNEY CURRAN stated the City would not be responsible, this is similar to the requirement of having as a condition to the granting of a taxi cab license the company have adequate insurance so if the passengers are injured there will be insurance to cover the situation. The point was made earlier that one of the parties had in addition to the liability insurance, medical payment which would be payable regardless of fault; the only time the liability police would come into display would be in the event of negligence but the medical payment would be regardless of fault; and if we are going to have any ordinance and if you are attempting to make these facilities safe for the public you should require medical payments. Carried, all the Coun- cil present voting aye. CITY CLERK ALSTON reported she -received the application for an exca- vation permit from F. Dale Faris at noon today, for excavation of the Korthwest corner of Block 102 and the Southeast corner of Block 92. CITY CLERK ALSTON stated she wished to thank the Council for allowing her to attend the International City Clerk's Conference which was held at St. Paul. It was very enlightening and Mrs. Alston said she feels she received information that will be very beneficial to the conduct of her office. They had a speaker from the Census Bureau who gave a report and said the increase in population in California would probably give California seven more Representatives. Many of the midwestern cities, including St. Paul, have decreased in population due to rural areas becoming so populated, which is going to make it real hard on the midwest cities under the gas tax program. All the delegates were taken on a tour of the City Hall which is an 18 story building built in 1932, but at the present time they have outgrown their facilities. With our contemplated increase in population she wished the Council to keep this in mind when planning to build our city hall in National City, as people do not realize how fast the cities are growing, espec- ially those in California. There was a very fine attendance record, including several delegates from our new 50th State, Hawaii; becoming a state has changed their legislation greatly and they are very eager to conduct their cities as any American city is conducted, and were 5-24-60 i f / 4ou very eager for information. The reason this conference has been named the International Institute of Clerks is because there were so many in attendance from other countries. Canada was very well represented and we had representatives from Central and South America. Mrs. Alston stated she would like to elaborate on legislation which was discussed at the conference the Clerks had at Berkeley; only the cities in San Diego County and the City of Seaside voted to elect a mayor, of the general law cities. Many of the cities in the northern part of the State knew nothing about it. In attending the International Conference and learning how other cities operate, many of the other cities are under the strong mayor form of government, some of them are in for four years and others for two years. Under former leadership here in National City it was brought up that the City Clerk's office be made appointive by the mayor, and many of the cities have that; the entire set up is appointed by the mayor, every two years they have a "clean sweep"; and Mrs. Alston said she wondered how the cities could operate with inexperienced people when they follow that form of government. Mrs. Alston said she thought the Council should keep this in mind since we have voted for the election of mayor, there could be some changes made. The Institute also went on record as trying to get a national uniform legislation for elections, both primary and general, because California is the only State that is so liberal in resident require- ments. When our residents move to another State and are not eligible to vote there they can vote absentee ballot on the primary and general elections, and they thought it was such a fine thing they are going to try to get legislation through to make it national legislation for the primary and general elections. Another speaker was from Minnesota Mining and told the amount of ore United States has compared to Russia; another speaker told about the balloons being launched and they are made from polyethelene, and it showed the launching of one balloon which had cameras inside, and the balloon went up to such heights the camera took pictures of the sun, they recovered the equipment and showed movies of the spots on the sum. The speaker said they had launched a balloon at 4:00 a.m. that morning and by noon it was up 100,000 feet. COUNCILMAN ALLEN thanked the City Clerk for the infor- mation she brought back to the Council. VICE MAYOR HART said he thought she had made a very good report. COUNCILMAN ALLEN stated last week the matter of the showers at the Casa de Salud was referred to the City Manager and Supt. of Parks and Recreation for a report. SUPT. OF PARKS AND RECREATION GAUTEREAUX was present and stated he has no written report as yet as to the procedure but there have been steps taken to eplace.the: shower.and rest; -room facilities. 5-24-60 467 REPORT FROM PLANNING COMMISSION was read, stating a request was received from the Bahia Vista Development Corporation for the closing of 19th Street between Hoover and Roosevelt Avenues, and the alley in Block 45. The Commission recommended the closing subject to the City Engineer preparing the legal description to delete the area included within the planned drainage facilities. The legal description pre- pared by the City Engineer was attached to the report. Moved by Allen, seconded by Reid, the recommendation of the Planning Commission be approved, and referred to the City Attorney for preparation of an ordi- nance. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. REPORT FROM PLANNING COMMISSION was read, stating a petition was received signed by eight property owners requesting the closing of the alley running between 20th and 21st in the block between "K" and "L" Avenues. Report received from the Engineering Department advised the grades on 20th Street have been established so the alley may be used for surface drainage to 21st Street. Drain channels have been designed by that department accordingly, therefore they recommend the alley not be closed. The Commission, in view of the report from the Engineering Department, recommended against the closing of the alley. Moved by Allen, seconded by Morgan, the recommendation of the Planning Commis- sion be approved. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. REPORT FROM PLANNING COMMISSION was read recommending acceptance of a grant deed and construction easement from Luis L. and Emilia D. Livag for the widening of a portion of the West half of "Q" Avenue, North of Division Street. Moved by Allen, seconded by Hart, the recommendation of the Planning Commission be approved and referred to the City Attor- ney for a resolution. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. CITY PLANNER STOCKMAN stated at the last meeting of the Council, Wil- liam Gibbs and James L. Dodd were appointed to the Commission; and since this is not an expiration of term but to fill vacancies she asked if the Mayor would designate th ich Commissioner is to fill the place of Mr. James and which Commissioner is to fill the place of Dr. Rock- well. MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH appointed Mr. Gibbs to fill the unexpired term of Mr. James, which term expires Jan. 21, 1961; and Mr. Dodd was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Dr. Rockwell, which term expires March 2, 1962. Moved by Allen, seconded by Hart, the police and firemen be given the opportunity of living within a ten mile radius of civic center. MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH stated she would be opposed to it until she had a recom- mendation from both the chiefs. COUNCILMAN ALLEN stated they were both notified and asked by him personally if they would have a recommendation 5-24-60 468 in. MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH stated she would ask the request be made by the City Manager and not aiy Councilman. COUNCILMAN ALLEN asked the reason. MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH stated she did not think any Councilman had any right to go to any chief or department head and ask them to do anything, if you want something, go to the City Manager. COUNCILMAN ALLEN stated he thought the Council told the City Manager what to do, and he thought he had every right to go to anybody in this City at any time and ask anything he wants to know. MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH stated he had no right to give any orders to anybody. COUNCILMAN MORGL N said he thought the request should come from the department heads through the City Manager. MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH stated there is a regular channel of affairs, and it goes through the City Manager. Motion lost, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Allen, Hart. Nays: Morgan, Reid, Hollingsworth. Moved by Allen, seconded by Hart, the City Manager request the two heads of the emergency services, the Police and Fire Departments, to make a recommendation whether the people under their department can live within a 7i or 10 mile radius of civic center. CITY MANAGER BIRD questioned the 10 mile radius, and VICE MAYOR HART said they would exclude Coronado. Carried, by the following vote to - wit: Ayes: Allen, Hart, Morgan, Reid. Nays: Hollingsworth. Moved by Reid, seconded by Hart, the meeting be closed. MAYOR HOLLINGS- WORTH stated there will be no City Council meeting May 31st or June 7th; neat week is the fifth Tuesday of the month, and June 7th is a legal holiday, election day, so there will be no meeting until June 14th. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. Meeting closed at 3:23 p.m. ATTEST: MAYOR, CfTY 0 NATIONAL CITY, Ci;LIFORNIi. CITY CLERK 5-24-60