HomeMy WebLinkAbout1957 01-08 CC MINRegular meeting of the Ci
Mayor Hollingsworth at 1:
Fessman, Hart, Heck, Holl
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS
Bird.
183
National City, California, January 8, 57
ty Council was called to order by Vice
30 P.M. o'c1Ick. Council members present:
ingsworth. Council members absent: Hodge.
Present: Alston, Lill, Holgate, Curran,
The meeting was opened with pledge of allegiance to the Flag,
followed by invocation by Rev. George Thompson.
Moved by Heck, seconded by Fessman, that the minutes of the regular
meeting of January 2, 1957, be approved. Carried, all the Council
present voting aye.
RESOLUTION NO. 6828 was read, consenting to the assignment and
transfer to California Bench Company, pursuant to that certain
contract by and between B.J. Primmer, doing business as the San
Diego Seat Advertising Company, and City of National City dated
August 19, 1947, and extended by agreement dated January 6, 1953.
Moved by Heck, seconded by Fessman, that the Resolution be adopted,
Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Fessman, Hart, Heck,
Hollingsworth. Nays: None. Absent: Hodge.
RESOLUTION NO. 6829 was read, "RESOLUTION DIRECTING WORK TO BE
DONE UNDER DIRECTION OF THE ENGINEER OF WORK (Hoover Avenue)".
Moved by Fessman, seconded by Hart, that the Resolution be adopted.
Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Fessman, Hart, Heck,
Hollingsworth. Nays: None. Absent: Hodge.
RESOLUTION NO. 6830 was read, "RESOLUTION DIRECTING ASSESSMENT TO
BE PREPARED AND SIGNED BY ENGINEER OF WORK (HOOVER AVENUE)".
Moved by Hart, seconded by Fessman, that the Resolution be adopted.
Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Fessman, Hart, Heck,
Hollingsworth. Nays: None. Absent: Hodge.
RESOLUTION NO. 6831 was read, accenting and approving the grant of
easement between City of National City and the United States of
America, and the Mayor is authorized and directed to execute the
same for and on behalf of the City of National City. Moved by Hart,
seconded by Fessman, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, by
the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Fessman, Hart, Heck, Hollings-
worth. Nays: None. Absent: Hodge.
RESOLUTION NO. 6832 was read, "RESOLUTION DIRECTING NOTI
FILING OF ASSESSMENT AND TIME OF HEARING THEREON (Fifth
Moved by Heck, seconded by Hart, that the Resolution be
Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Fessman,
Hollingsworth. Nays: None. Absent: Hodge.
ATTORNEY CURRAN reported that Swett & Crawford have filed an en-
dorsement No. 1 to certificate number LAB 1617, continuing the
liability policy for the Police Department and Police Reserve
Association, and recommended it be approved and filed. Moved by
Hart, seconded by Heck, that the Attorney's recommendation be
followed. Carried, all the Council present voting aye.
ATTORNEY CURRAN reported that the Public Utilities Commission has
given notice of Application No. 38372, which is an application of
the Southern California Edison Company. The notice states that
the hearing will probably result in an order that will affect all
public utilities, as the matter involves the method of accounting
for income tax allowances because of recent changes made in the
Internal Revenue Code of permitting accelerated depreciation. Mr
Curran stated that upon receiving this notice he contacted the
San Diego Gas & Electric Company, and Mr. Dij,ion, Executive Vice
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Street)".
adopted.
Hart, Heck,
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President, informed him that it was the intention of the San Diego
vas & Electric Company to adopt the accelerated depreciation
permitted by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954; therefore it
appears this is a matter in which the City of National City does
have an interest, and we should be a party to the proceedings in
this application.
ATTORNEY CURRAN stated after the last meeting, the Attorney for
the South Bay Irrigation District and himself contacted Leeds,
Hill & Jewett by means of a conference telephone call and it be-
came clear that rather than the two Attorneys go to Los Angeles,
we would probably save time and expense for Mr. Jewett come here,
which he has agreed to do. Tentative arrangements have been
made, subject to approval, to have Mr. Jewett here on Wednesday,
January 16th, and in the meantime Mr. Jewett is reviewing the
matters, which from the engineering point of view would determine
physical features as to the feasibility and break down of the water
system into two units rather than one. He has also been furnished
a Copy of the conference memorandum which we had with the officers
Of'Q'Melgery & Myers and has been authorized to consult with
P!Me;yeny $. 40grs if any question whould arise, so that he can be
fully prepared to Jo into the matter, which the Attorneys think
should be presented both to the City Council and to the Board of
Directors of the South Bay Irrigation District. Moved by Heck,
secdn4ed by Hart, that Wednesday, January 16th at 2:00 P.M. be
the date of the meeting with Mr. Jewett. Carried, all the Coun-
Ci'1 present voting aye.
COUNCILMAN HECK asked Attorney Curran if Mr. Winder is going to
be.in attendance at the Public Utilities Commission hearing on
the application of the Southern California Edison Company, as
he -usually represents the City of San Diego in the rate cases.
ATTORNEY`CURRAN stated he has not contacted anyone from the
City of San Diego. Moved by Heck, seconded by Hart, that the
City Attorney be authorized to attend the hearing. Carried,
all the Council present voting aye.
COMMUNICATION FROM ANTHONY 2ITNIK was read in regard to the traf-
fic signal at 16th street and Highland Avenue, which stated he
does not believe there was any reason for a traffic signal at
that location. Moved by Heck, seconded by Fessman, that the
communication be filed. Carried, all the Council present vet-
ing aye.
COMMUNICATION FROM SAN DIEvO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY was present-
ed•which gives an opinion of the preferential right of the Auth-
ority Act. CITY CLERK ALSTON suggested this be referred to the
City Attorney. Moved by Heck, seconded by Fessman, the commun-
ication be referred to the Attorney. Carried, all the Council
present voting aye.
HEARING on 26th Street 1911 Act was held at this time. CITY CLERK
ALSTON stated she received no written protests, and no one was
present protesting this improvement. Moved by Heck, seconded by
Hart, that the 1911 Act on 26th Street between "B" and "D" Ave-
nue be continued and the Attorney prepare the necessary resolu-
tions for continuation of the project. Carried, all the Council
present voting aye.
COMMUNICATION FROM ARVEL TRUEBLOCD was read requesting return
of the bond which he posted for moving a building. REPORT FROM
B1J LDIN:i INSPECTOR BI3GS was read which recommended the release
of the bond. Moved by Hart, seconded by Fessman, that the bond
be returned to Mr. Trueblood. Carried, all the Council present
voting aye.
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COMMUNICATION FROM MRS. FRANK HOBBS, President of El Toyon
P. T. A., was read stating the membership of the El Toyon P. T.
A. wish to express their appreciation for the action taken by
the City Council in regard to the dedication of the park and
recreational area in that community. Realizing that appropria-
tions have not been made to develop this area, they suggest that
a plan be drawn by the Recreation Department specifying the lo-
cation of facilities and park areas. They also hope that the
Council will make it possible for the people of this community,
the service organizations, and others interested in the welfare
of our youth to participate in the development of this community
park and recreation center. Moved by Heck, seconded by Hart,
that the letter be referred to the Planning Commission for
future consideration, after the park is dedicated. Carried,
all the Council present voting aye.
CITY ENGINEER LILL reported that the petition for 1911 Act Im-
provement of Orange Street, 20th to 22nd Street, was signed by
owners of 29% of the street frontage on the proposed improve-
ment. An additional 14% of the street frontage is owned by
the National School District. Moved by Fessman, seconded by
Hart, that the City Clerk write a letter to the circulator of
the petition, Le, tomez, stating that only 29% of the property
owners have signed the petition, and an additional 14% of the
street frontage is owed by the School District, and that ad-
ditional signatures should be obtained. Carried, all the Coun-
cil present voting aye.
CITY ENi1NEER LILL reported that the petition for 1911 Act Im-
provement of Delta Street from the West boundary of Scott Ter-
race, Westerly 569 feet was found irregular as to authorized
signatures. It is understood that a new petition is to be
Submitted to the City.
CITY MANAGER BIRD stated a hearing was held last evening on the
Improvement• of 18th Street. The Engineer of Work made a very
comprehensive report and there were but two protestants to the
proposed improvement, Mr. Bird suggested that the Council
authorize the City Attorney to prepare the necessary resolution
and the report of the project engineer and himself as hearing
officers, will be filed in writing at the next meeting. Moved
by Fessman, seconded by Hart, that the Attorney be authorized
to prepare the necessary resolution. Carried, all the Council
present voting aye.
COMMUNICATION FROM BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LIBRARY was read re-
commending salary increases, effective January 1, 1957, for the
following library clerks: Mrs. Claire Goldsmith, $273.00 to
$287.00; Mrs. Lillian Johnson, $248.00 to $260.00; Mrs. Lois
Flynn, $248.00 to $260.00. Mrs. Johnson and mrs. Flynn are
eligible for automatic increases February 1st and March 1st
respectively. The increase will not raise their salary budget.
CITY MANAGER BIRD stated this matter has been before the Finance
Committee and has their favorable recommendation. Moved by
Hart, seconded by Fessman, that the increases be allowed. Car-
ried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Fessman, Hart, Heck,
Hollingsworth. Nays: None. Absent: Hodge.
REPORT FROM CITY ENGINEER LILL was read regarding paving and re-
surfacing of "D" Avenue, 24th Street to 30th Street, recommend-
ing that bids for the work be opened at 3:00 P.M., February 4,
1957. It is also recommended that the County be requested to
improve the intersection of 30th Street and "D" Avenue, con-
current with the subject improvement. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER
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BIRD was read, recommending that the report of the City Engineer
be approved and the work be processed according to plan. Negotia-
tions with the County of San Diego regarding the 30th street and
"D" avenue transactions will be opened. It is a budgeted item,
another portion of our proposed street plan. Moved by Heck,
seconded by Hart, that the City Engineer's and City Manager's
recommendation be allowed, and bids be opened at 3:00 P.M.,
February 4th, and the necessary resolution be prepared. Carried,
all the Council present voting aye.
RESOLUTION NO. 6833 was read, approving and accepting Engineering
Department Specifications No. 607 for the Paving and Resurfacing
of "D" Avenue, 24th Street to 30th Street, and the City Clerk is
authorized and directed to advertise for bids for same. Moved by
Hart, seconded by Fessman, that the Resolution be adopted.
Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Fessman, Hart, Heck,
Hollingsworth. Nays: None. Absent: Hodge.
COMMUNICATION FROM JOHN McQUILKEN, COUNTY ASSESSOR, was read
stating that inasmuch as the Assessor of the County of San Diego
serves as Assessor also for most of the cities, school districts
and governmental bodies within the County, it is his opinion that
closer liaison and understanding should be developed between these
agencies and his office. He is therefore requesting that each of
the major political subdivisions designate an official represent-
ative to meet periodically with him in order to advise him, and to
review the many problems and procedures incidental to the operation
of his department. VICE MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH requested this be held
in abeyance until the mayor is present.
COMMUNICATION FROM JOHN A PENNOCK, Director Coordinating Councils,
was read stating that as a follow up to the Town Meetings held
last year, the Coordinating Councils in sponsorship with many other
organizations, are planning a series of meetings to implement the
recommendations that were made at the Town Hall gatherings. They
requested the Mayor to appoint a representative of the City to meet
with the planning body for this conference, and also proclaim the
month of February as "operation follow-up", thereby making all of
the citizens aware of the need for participation in this important
series of meetings. A planning meeting for all co-sponsors and
the City's representative is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8, 1957
at 3:00 P.M., Room 360 Civic Center. VICE MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH
requested this be held over for Mayor Hodge to make the appointment.
CITY MANAGER BIRD stated in regard to the report concerning Mr.
Kaesser, he is unable at this time to give any further report as
it will take considerable more study. It is relative to the open-
ing of 24th Street between Cleveland and Harrison Avenue. Mr.
Bird said he has had a meeting with Mr. Mack and Mr. Dekema, and
we are now searching titles and we will need some help from
l''ttorney Curran in a matter relative to that particular described
property.
CITY MANAGER BIRD reported that a communication has been sent to
the Division of Highways requesting a new study for traffic signals
at 13th & Montgomery Freeway.
REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION was read regarding Application
for Conditional Exception No. 573 signed by the Atchison, Topeka
and Santa Fe Railway Company relative to a parcel of land 16 feet
by 73 feet located 123 feet west of Harrison Avenue south of the
westerly prolongation of 15th St. Petitioners are requesting
permission to install a 10,000 gallon propane storage vessel for
the storage of LP -Gas, with a transfer pump and appurtenances.
The LP -Gas will be transferred to other containers as needed for use
in mobile equipment, and vapor through a pipe system for cutting
work. The Planning Commission recommended the granting of this
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variance in accordance with the new plan submitted December 17, 1956,
subject to the final approval of the Fire Chief and the State Boiler
Inspector. Moved by Heck, seconded by Hart, that the Planning
Commission's recommendation be sustained, and the necessary reso-
lution prepared. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes:
Fessman, Hart, Heck, Hollingsworth. Nays: None. Absent: Hodge.
REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION was read regarding Application
for Conditional Exception No. 574 signed by Bertha Hutchins,
owner, and Stanley Burkett, leasee, relative to the property north
of 8th Street approximately 135 feet west of Palm Avenue in an
R-4 Zone. Petitioner is requesting permission to place a sign of
standard billboard size and construction along the easterly lot
line next to property now being used commercially. The corner of
Palm and 8th Street is in a C-2 Zone. The Commission recommended
denial of this variance due to the three protests present. CITY
CLERK ALSTON stated she has received no appeal on this denial.
Moved by Heck, seconded by Fessman, that the Planning Commission's
denial of this variance be sustained. Carried, all the Council
present voting aye.
VICE MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH stated we have two people in the audience
that are here because of the opinion that was given in the National
City Star -News Monday morning in regard to the contract with the
Navy, and it was the opinion of our City Attorney that it would be
a breach of contract if we sold any part of it to the School
District. COUNCILMAN HECK asked if the City Attorney would re-
iterate his opinion, rather than just reading it in the newspaper.
ATTORNEY CURRAN stated when the newspaper reporter called him
apparently some question had arisen from some quarters as to the
meaning, or least the dissertation of the language which is used
in the opinion. There did not appear to be any question in the
reportor's mind, and certainly no question in the Attorney's mind
as to what he intended, it meant simply what it said, that the City
prior to the time it received the property had under the law to
make certain representations to the Federal Government, and those
representations were made, and two of them cited in the opinion,
and the one that is particularly applicable, is that the City
promised to keep it as a housing unit as long as it is needed by
the National Defense Industries. If the City has so contracted, and
Attorney Curran stated there is no question about it in his mind,
certainly if the City takes any action which is not in conformance
with the covenant which the City made it would be in breach of
contract. VICE MAYOR HOLLINGSWORTH stated it brought up .a very
important point to her as she remembers when we were considering
purchase of the property it was in the minds of the Council at that
time there would be orderly disposal of the housing, and the
person who talked with them before the City bought it said the
buildings had to be "flat" beforewe could dispose of the land. At
various times the Council has discussed about disposing of certain
areas, and in view of this opinion, when we do dispose of it, and
the need is no longer there, does it mean that we have to dispose
of all of it at one time. ATTORNEY CURRAN stated that subject is
not covered by the opinion. COUNCILMAN HECK stated he felt that
determination should be made by the City Council as to the dispo-
sition; if the Defense Industries states that the housing is no
longer needed then it would be incumbent upon members of the
Council to work out a disposal plan in the manner which they deem
proper. Mr Heck said he is of the opinion that if the Defense
Industries feel that we can dispose of a portion, and they spoke
of an area that could be disposed of for the school, but the
Attorney's opinion is that it cannot be released at this time so
a direct answer should be given to the School Board so they can
go ahead and prepare their future planning. VICE MAYOR
HOLLINGSWORTH stated we deferred making any opinion because Mr.
Hart was absent last week, and this week the Mayor is absent.
JAMES H. RUSK, Supt. Elementary School District, was present and
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stated he thought it should be made clear what they found out as
a School District. Mr. Rusk said he went to Mrs. Hartman, Director
of Federal Housing Administration to find out who, because the
contract said nothing about that, would say it was still needed for
the National Industries, and Mrs. Hartman said it was not made
clear in the contract but as far as the Housing Authority was
concerned, they would look to the Navy to give that answer. It
seems to have been the supposition of the Housing Administration,
and the Navy, so that was the basis upon which the School Board
had gone to the Navy. Mr. Rusk said he is now sneaking as a
taxpayer, in view of this, from whom and when will the City be
able, or the Council, to get a release of the 70 acres. Moved by.
Fessman, seconded by Hart, that in order to be able to decide
whether or not we can sell it to the school, or whoever we wish
to sell it to, the City Attorney be instructed to contact the
Government agency to t-y to find out who has the responsibility,
so for future reference we might know. Carried, all the Council
present voting aye.
Moved by Hart, seconded by Fessman, that the meeting be closed.
Carried, all the Council present voting aye. Meeting closed at
2:32 P.M.
ATTEST:
VICE MAYOR, CITY OF NA
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