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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1956 05-15 CC MIN317 National City, CaHHfornia, May 15, 1956 Regular meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Hodge at 1:30 P.M. o'clock. Council members present: Fessman, Hart, Heck, Hollingsworth, Hodge. Council members absent: None. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS present: Alston, Bird, Holgate, Wagner, Curran. The meeting was opened with pledge of allegiance to the Flag, followed by invocation by Rev, Thompson. Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Heck, that the minutes of the regular meeting of May 8, 1956, be approved. Carried, ail the Council present voting aye. RESOLUTION NO. 6653 was read, requesting the Board of Super- visors of the County of San Diego to make its order that the San Diego County Auditor cancel the delinquent taxes for the fiscal year 1950-1951 on property described as Lots 1 to 20 inclusive, in Block 1, and Lots 1 to 10 inclusive and lots 17 to 20 inclusive, in Block 2 of D. E. Lozier's Subdivision, of the west half of 10 Acre Lot 11 is Quarter Section 154, Rancho de la Nacion. Resolution No. 6623 is hereby rescinded. Moved by Heck, seconded by Hart, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. RESOLUTION NO. 6654 was read, accepting all that real property described in Grant Deed dated March 5, 1956 executed by FRED LUXTON, VIOLET M. LUXTON, LILLIAN HESSELTINE and L. WENDELL HESSELTINE. Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Hart, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. REPORT FROM TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE was read, requesting that if the ordinance so permits, the City Manager's office install two hour parking signs for one-half block east of National Avenue on 5th Street (both sides). Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Heck, that the request of the Traffic Safety Committee be approved. Carried, all the Council present voting aye, THOMAS H. COSBY, Traffic & Safety Representative of the Metropolitan Mass Transit Study Committee, was present, and read his report of the meeting of this group which was held May 7th. Three committees were formed: Thomas H. Cosby was appointed on the Committee to study and draft proposed State Legislation for the formation of a Metropolitan Transit Authority; John Foster was appointed on the Committee to study revenue bond financing; and Councilman Claude Hart was ap- pointed on the Committee to appraise the value of the present transit systgm and determine what price the Authority could purchase it for, THOMAS H. COSBY announced that Friday, May 25th the Highway Committee of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce plans to hold a meeting at the San Diego City Council Chambers at 3:00 P.M. for the purpose of hearing Ed. Hall, Director of Research on Transportation, explain the work that his organization is doing in behalf of communities in the Metropolitan area. The cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Chula Vista and National City will be particularly interested in the meeting. If the members of the Highway Committee are interested in the work being done an invitation is extended to them to attend the meeting. 5-15-56 318 THOMAS H. COSBY stated the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, the Veterans of have passed resolutions Post 6300oand dnthe American Legion Post 255, ding Councilman Fessman for his stand on requesting traffic lights at 13th and Harbor Dr. REPORT FROM THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE stated a motion was passed that the study on the intersection fa„ " Avenue and nd National Avenue be tabled. Mr. Finney gave traffic counts on Highland Avenue, and it was reported that no substantial change has occurred. Also the widening of Highland Avenue was discussed, and a motion was made that the matter be tabled. A letter from Mr. Ronis of Ronis Market was read re- questing that the bus stop in front of his store be moved. The Committee recommended that Mr. Rader of the Transit Com- pany be contacted and asked to eliminate the bus stop at "A" Avenue and 8th Street and to invite him to attend the next meeting to discuss the matter. Moved by Fessman, seconded by Heck. that the following be re- ferred to the Traffic Safety Committee for study and recommen- dation: necessary boulevard stops, ei.c, in the area from 13th Street to Harbor Drive where Cleveland intersects Tidelands and the turn off from Harbor Drive onto 13th Street and Cleveland Avenue, and on 11th Street where the turn off goes down McKinley. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. MAYOR HOD3E stated he thought the matter of a traffic signal at 13th and Harbor Dr. should be referred to the Traffic Safety Committee. COUNCILMAN FESSMAN said all they could do would be to come back with a recommendationtohtsealouncileadyband d we would have to ask the State Highway, which done; but he would be glad for aiy recommendations theymight have as to ways and means of pressure that could be applied. One idea is to enforce the speed law and see that traffic is slowed down, and another idea is if there is any way possible for us to control the traffic without having the State enter into it any recommendation or thought the Traffic Safety Committee might have in this regard would be appreciated. Moved by Fessman, that the Police Department be instructed to enforce all the Motor Vehicle Codes applicable to that inter- section. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLIN3SWORTH asked if Mr. Fessman would add to his motion, 21.E hours a day for a period of time. COUNCILMAN FESSMAN stated those violations are committed at all times, they are worse during the hours of 7:00 A.M. to 8.30 A.M. and from 3:30 P.M. to about 5:30 P.M., and he did not mean that a policeman should be stationed there, but the general area should be policed often enough so that these violations can be caught. COUNCILMAN HECK said he thought that perhaps the solution to the problem is to put in for radar, and if we had radar equipment it would assist tremendously in slowing down traffic, Motion seconded by Hollingsworth. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Fessman, Hart, Heck, Hollingsworth. Nays: Hodge. Moved by Heck, seconded by Hollingsworth, that the City Clerk send a memorandum to the Traffic Safety Committee in time for their meeting tomorrow, so that action may be taken regarding the request of Attorney Ronis for street lights on 21st and 22nd Street on McKinley Avenue. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. Moved by Hollingsworth; seconded by Fessman, that the Traffic Safety Committee make a study and recommendation for a traffic signal at 8th and Roosevelt; also reconsideration of a traffic signal at 8th and Palm; 18th and "D" Avenue; and a signal at 8th and Harbison, Carried, all the Council present voting aye. 5-15-56 319 HEARING ON THE CLOSING OF EUCLID AVENUE BETWEEN DIVISION AND FOURTH STREET was held at this time, CITY CLERK ALSTON stated she received no written protests; and no one was present ob- jecting to the closing. Moved by Heck, seconded by Fessman, that inasmuch as there have been no written or oral protests that the hearing be closed, and referred to the Attorney for the preparation of a resolution. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Fessman, Hart, Heck, Hollingsworth, Hodge. Nays: None. ATTORNEY CURRAN reported that yesterday he attended a hearing called by the Public Utilities Commission in order to deter- mine proposed rules and standards for the conduct of a water system by private public utilities. There are now regulations which have been drafted by cities to the attention of the staff of the Public Utilities Commission and the entire matter is submitted to the full Commission and it is anticipated that in due course we will have some definite standards by which water companies can operate their system. CITY ATTORNEY CURRAN stated on April 24th the Council authorized him to prepare a resolution approving the recommen- dations by the Civil Service Commission regarding a change in Civil Service regulations; and inasmuch as no resolution is necessary, it is requested the action authorizing the prepara- tion of a resolution be rescinded. Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Heck, that the request be granted. Carried, all the Council present voting aye, COUNCIL'WOiMMAN HOLLINGSWO.TH asked the City Attorney if the Council has the right to change or make amendments to the Civil Service rules under State laws. ATTORNEY CURRAN stated the question cannot be answered until he examines our own ordinances and procedures by which we came a part of the State system and the applicable State statutes. ATTORNEY CURRAN reported on the action brought by F.E. Thibodo against the United States of America whereby the United States seeks to name National City as a party defendant. This matter was set for a,hearing before Federal Judge James Carter. In reviewing th4/ pleadings Judge Carter ascertained that he him- self was the United States Attorney at the time the stipula- tion was entered into by one of the Assistant U.S. Attorneys when this condemnation action was filed. He therefore dis- qualified himself from hearing the motion of the Government. However, he made it clear that in his opinion this was a matter that should be settled; and Attorney Curran stated he is hope- ful that this expression from Judge Carter will add weight to the request of the present United States Attorney so that Washington will see fit to settle this controversy rather than forcing it to trial. In the meantime the hearing has been continued to June 4th before Judge Weinberger. ATTORNEY CURRAN reported that the case of Frank Hynum dba Chula Vista Sanitary Service has been set and the trial will be continued on Wednesday, May 23rd. BILLS AUDITED BY THE FINANCE COiV!ITTEE presented: General Fund $20,119.Li6 Traffic Safety Fund 1,938.80 Library Fund 7.50 Park Fund 513.24 Retirement Fund 2,1}92.20 Special Street Fund 201.29 • Payroll Fund0,)534.8z TOTAL .$5,�07.34 5-15-56 320 Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Fessman, that the bills be approved, and warrants ordered drawn for same. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Fessman, Hart, Heck, Hollingsworth, Hodge. Nays: None. J.T. HASTINGS, 2104 Wilson Avenue, was present and stated he would like to see a comprehensive and understandable article in the newspaper explaining the proposed zoning ordinance, PRICE AVERY, 14i.1 Highland Avenue, was present and suggested that the Council speak more directly into the microphones as it is hard to understand what same of the members are saying. In regard to an action taken by the Council relative to an 1911 Improvement Act from 21st to 24th Street on "I" Avenue, that map was brought in by the Engineer and a statement was made that the travelway in that area would be reduced from 48 feet to 40 feet because it would cut the expense of the project about $7,000,00 or $8,000.00, thus by so doing it would be mandatory for one of the owners on "I" Avenue to cut their curb out or the City would cut it out for them. Mr. Avery said he wondered why we look so far ahead in the development of one area and cannot see the development of another area that might be just around the corner; and wondered Why the City could not see the development of "I" Avenue between 21st and 24th Street would be necessary for the commercial development of the City in a master plan. If possible that travelway might be reconsidered. COMMUNICATION FROM ARMED SERVICES PETROLEUM PURCHASING AGENCY was read, in regard to a lease for some tidelands. Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Hart, that the letter be filed until we have a Finance Committee report. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. Moved by Fessman, seconded by Hollingsworth, that the City Manager be instructed to get a Dun and Bradstreet report on this firm who seeks to get the lease so that we can have it when the Finance Committee meets and we will know what type of company we are dealing with. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. APPLICATION FOR ON SALE BEER BEVERAGE LICENSE by Lyman B. and Violet E. Lucore, at 704 Highland Avenue, was presented. RE- PORT FROM CHIEF OF POLICE SMITH was read which stated that 704 Highland Avenue is a residenceand is approximately 3.0 feet from the First Baptist Church located at 7th and "F It is recommended a protest be filed against the issuance of this license. Moved by Heck, seconded by Hart, that in ac- cordance with the recommendation of the Police Chief that a protest be filed, and referred to the City Attorney. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM LEOPOLD GONZALEZ was read stating he wishes to know how long a period of time he will be allowed to in- stall sidewalks which was a requirement in the granting of a zone variance, COUNCILMAN HECK stated that inasmuch as the time limit of the variance is set for 90 days the work should he commenced within that period of time and brought to com- pletion as near as possible within the time limit, otherwise we should give an extension of time to the zone variance. We should not permit a zone variance to be granted without re- quiring all stipulations and specifications to that variance to be complied with beyond the variance date. Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Heck, that this be referred to the City Manager to answer, and request Mr. and Mrs. Gonzalez to apply to the Planning Commission for an extension of time for putting in their sidewalks. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. 5-15-56 321 COMMUNICATION FROM PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION was read stating that the application filed by San Diego Transit System seeks authority to operate buses not to exceed 40 feet in length and 102 inches in width over its certificated routes, in accor- dance with the California Vehicle Code. Moved by Hollings- worth, seconded by Hart, that the City Clerk answer the letter stating that National City has no objections. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Hart, Heck, Hollingsworth, Hodge. Nays: Fessman. REPORT OF CITY TREASURER for month of April, 1956, was pre- sented and ordered filed. CITY CLERK ALSTON stated she has a report from the Chairman of the 9th Annual Maytime Band Review and it will be on file in her office. Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Hart, that the City Clerk write a letter to Tom Leonard commending him on his handling of the Band Review. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM M. CARRI3AN, City's representative of the San Diego County Water Authority, was read regarding Proposi- tion "W" which will be voted on June 5th. A resolution was attached and asked if the Council sees fit that they adopt same. Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Hart, that it be referred to the City Attorney for a report at the next meeting. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. CITY CLERK ALSTON announced the League of California Cities meeting would be held Friday, May 18th at the Coronado Yacht Club. CITY MANAGER BIRD stated that City Engineer Lill has pneumonia but is getting along very well. CITY MANAGER 3IRD presented a projected agreement with the Division of Highways controlling the expenditures of 1957 gas tax allocation funds. Project 47, widen and pave and con- struct portion of McKinley Avenue from 14th to 24th Street, 435,000.00. Project 51, 18th Street from Palm to Rachael, add additional amount to construction proposed, $15,000.00, Project 55, Tidelands Avenue from 13th to 19th Street, addi- tional amount of 31,000.00. Project 28, major city streets and secondary streets, maintenance July 1, 1956 to June 30, 1957, $31,000.00. Project 59, contingencies, $2,297.24. There is a resolution attached to the Memorandum of Agreement, and it is the Manager's recommendation that it be adopted. RESOLUTION NO. 6655 was read, adopting budget and approving memorandum of agreement for expenditure of gas tax allocation for major City streets. Moved by Heck, seconded by Fessman, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. CITY MANAGER BIRD presented an informative memorandum on the San Diego Bay Survey by Mott and Associates of Washington, D. C. Moved by Heck, seconded by Fessman, that the memorandum be filed. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. CITY MANAGER BIRD stated there is a matter of slope easements in connection with the development of the highway from the South City limits of National City to the North City limits of Chula Vista, wherein the County has acquired easements from three different parties, and they have transferred those ease- ments to us as it lies within the City limits of National City. 5-15-56 322 COMvIUNICATION FROM COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONER & ROAD SURVEYOR was read. The County of San Diego has advertised for bids for the widening of two bridges over the Sweetwater River on National Avenue between National City and Chula Vista. After the bridge work is completed the County Road Department pro- poses to widen the roadway on National Avenue between the two cities to four lanes. Although the right-of-way of the Avenue is 100 feet in width it was necessary to obtain from some of the adjacent property owners easements to extend em- bankment slopes and drainage structures beyond the dedicated rights -of -way because of the elevation of the road bed above the adjoining land Two of these easements lie within the City of National City so are forwarded for acceptance by the Council and recording. They are executed by the Kelco Company and L.W. and Lorraine I. Badders. CITY MANAGER 3IRD recom- mended that the City Attorney be authorized to prepare the resolution of acceptance of these casements. Moved by Fessman, seconded by Hart, that the City Manager's recommendation be allowed. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE CO:IMISSION was read stat- ing that on Sept. 28 1955, Mr. Finnerty resigned as Street Supt., and on Oct. 18, 1955, City Manager Bird was temporarily appointed to this position. In view of the fact that this temporary appointment is now past the 90 day time limit, it is apparent that the Commission should announce examinations for the position of Street Supt. unless the City Council decides to abolish said position. Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Heck, this be referred to the City Attorney and City Manager. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. COMvUNICATION FROM ARTHUR HENDERSHOT, Recreation Director, was read, tendering his resignation effective August 15th. COM- MUNICATION FROM SUPT. OF PARKS AND RECREATION GAUTEREAUX was read stating Mr. Hendershot's resignation is to become ef- fective August 15th and prior to this date he has a vacation due him of 15 working days which will end his active duty on or about July 25th. Because of the time element involved it may be necessary to hire a Director on a temporary basis pend- ing examination and selection. CITY MANAGER BIRD recommended the acceptance of the resignation of Arthur Hendershot as Recreation Director, and that a letter of thanks and apprecia- tion for his services be extended. Moved by Hart, seconded by Hollingsworth, that the City Manager's recommendation be fol- lowed. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Heck, that the Civil Service Com- mission be informed immediately so that they can set up an examination for the position of Recreation Director. Carried, all the Council present voting aye, CITY MANAGER BIRD rcco_nmended he he authorized to employ Harry Haws on a temporary basis as Pound Master to start work on May 21, 1956. This is necessary to temporarily fill the va- cancy in this position created by the resignation of Ben Bowman effective today. Mr. Haws to be employed at Rate 15, Step B, Z287,00 per month. The Civil Service Commission has been notified and they will have an examination as soon as possible. Moved by Heck, seconded by Fessman, that the City Manager's recommendation be allowed. Carried, all the Council present voting aye. COUNCILMAN FESSNAN stated several years ago we had a municipal election in National City and there was quite a bit said about sidewalks and curbs and the City owns property that -does not have sidewalks and curbs and he thought it was about time we did 5-15-56 323 something about it. The property referred to is on 24th Street, through the Housing Project. Mr. Fessman stated he realizes that 24th Street is to be paved, but the situation of sidewalks at least on City property should be considered. Moved by Fessman, seconded by Heck, this be referred to the Finance Committee for consideration in the budget for this coming year, and try to get the sidewalks installed this summer< if possible; and that a feasibility report be made by the City Engineer, whether it would be feasible or not to put in sidewalks before the project is done, or whether it would coincide with the street work. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Fessman, Hart, H ck, Hollingsworth, Hodge. Nays: None, Moved by Hart, seconded by Hodge, that the meeting be closed.. Carried, all the Council present voting aye„ Meeting closed at 3:00 P.M. MAYOR, CITY OF N! T I O .TAL CI %l` i' , CALIF. ATT S T : CITY CLERK