HomeMy WebLinkAbout1954 06-15 CC MIN311
National City, California, June 15, 1954
Regular meeting of the City Council was called to order by
Mayor Hodge at 7:30 P.M. o'clock. Council members present:
Heck, Hollingsworth, Jensen,.Parchen, Hodge. Council members
absent: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS present: Alston, Bailey, Curran,
Gautereaux, Warwick.
The meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance to the
Flag, followed by invocation by City Manager Gautereaux.
Moved by Heck, seconded by Hollingsworth, that the reading of
the minutes of the regular meeting of June 1, 1954, be dis-
pensed with. Carried, all the Council present voting aye.
FRED MILLER, representing the Insurange Agents Association,
was present in regard to the City's insurance coverage.
CITY CLERK ALSTON stated there were some policies issued on
the library and fire station while they were under construct-
ion, and now that the buildings are completed the Association
want these documents returned and new policies have been
issued, and asked that they be referred to the City Attorney
for approval. There are four policies, each in the amount of
$9,000.00, on fire protection for City buildings and this has
been increased, but in order to accept the new policy the
old policies must be returned and cancelled. Mrs. Alston
stated she will have to have authority from the Council to
return these documents to the Insurance Company. MAYOR HODGE
requested this be referred to the Attorney.
RICHARD CRAIG representing G. C. Trotochau, was present, in
regard to the property at the Northeast corner of 12th and
Highland. This property was involved in litigation relating
to the declaration of an easement for drainage purposes. The
Superior Court of San Diego County decreed a drainage easement
over this lot, 60 feet in width, and it is his understanding.
that the drainage channel is substantially completed now, and
the plans for the construction of the culvert under Highland
Avenue have been submitted to the State and approved with
some minor changes. During the month of March, before this
suit was completed by decree, the City of National City filed
a suit in condemnation for the declaration of an easement for
drainage purposes over the same lot. Mr. Craig said he would
like to request that the Council entertain a motion for the
dismissal of the suit in condemnation on the grounds that the
Superior Court in another action has covered the same field
and has decreed an easement. ATTORNEY CURRAN stated he question-
ed the approach on the dismissal on the grounds that the matter
has been settled; it has not been settled. There are some
engineering problems involved, and when they get settled, if
the suit can be settled it will be, but this is not the way to
bring this up. G. C. TROTOCHAU, 935 E. 12th Street, was present
in this regard. MR. CRAIG asked if it would be possible for
Mr. Trotochau, Mr. Warwick, Mr. Curran, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Phelps
and he to get together and work out a program for the solution
of this problem sometime this week and then submit it to the
Council at the next meeting. ATTORNEY CURRAN stated if Mr.
Phelps can assist on the engineering along with Mr. Trotochau
and Mr. Craig that it would be very helpful; as a means of
settling a law suit it is not the proper procedure. MR.
CRAIG suggested that they try to settle the law suit by having
6/15
312
this meeting and then submitting their findings to the Council
for their approval, if acceptable to them. This to be an
informal meeting, possibly next week, with the parties
mentioned. MAYOR HODGE asked if there were any objections.
COUNCILWOMAN HOLLINGSWORTH stated she felt it is a matter for
the City Attorney and City Engineer to settle. The Council
cannot do anything about it until it is settled. COUNCILMAN
PARCHEN stated he assumes Mr. Curran means by the proper place
that he and the Attorney for Mr. Trotochau can get together
and discuss this at another tithe. MR. CURRAN stated that is
correct. MAYOR HODGE requested this be laid over and have the
informal meeting, as discussed.
MAYOR HODGE announced that it is now time for the hearing on
the 1911 Act for Roselawn Avenue. COMMUNICATION FROM BYRL
PHELP', Engineer of Work; was read, stating that the property
owners on Roselawn between "L" and "N" Avenue have presented
a petition protesting against the proposed assessment for the
improvement of Roselawn Street which represents 82.7% of the
frontage. COMMUNICATION FROM MR. PHELPS was read, stating
that the property owners on Roselawn Street have protested
their improvement due to high cost. He has investigated the
soil conditions on Roselawn Street and would recommend that
a 2" A.C. pavement be placed on the existing subgrade and that
sidewalks 4 feet wide be installed. This would reduce the cost
of the assessment on this project to about $350.00 per lot.
Mr. Phelps would like permission to hold an informal meeting
with the property owners on Thursday; June 17th, to determine
if they would be willing to proceed with the improvements on
the basis of these reduced costs. If permission be granted,
he would request that this petition of protest be held in
abeyance for two weeks. COUNCILMAN PARCHEN asked Mr. Phelps
how long he would guarantee these roads to last. MR. PHELPS
stated that after investigation of the soil conditions he
would say that they would last 10, 15 or 20 years. He would
recommend, as an engineer, that they be allowed to put in the
2" A.C. pavement on this particular project since there is
such a good subgrade. COUNCILMAN HECK asked if this was not
contrary to our ordinance. CITY ENGINEER WARWICK stated you
can put in a 2" A.C. paving that requires just about the best
type of subgrade that you could possibly find. If we are
going to deviate at all, we should have some tests run, two
of them, which cost approximately $35.00 each. Moved by
Hollingsworth, seconded by Heck, that the City Manager, City
Engineer and Mr. Phelps be authorized to contact the people
and ascertain their feelings in this regard, and if they wish
to proceed on this basis the ttists can be run. Carried, all
the Council present voting aye.
THE HEARING on the 1911 Act for Harbison Avenue was held at
this time. REPORT FROM BYRL PHELPS, Engineer of Work, was
read, stating the property owners on Harbison Avenue between
8th and Division Street have presented a petition protesting
the proposed assessment. Forty percent of the area in this
district have protested. F. W. ANDREWS, 3035 E. 7th Street,
was present, and stated that out of 113 property owners there
were 61 signatures of property owners objecting, and asked
how Mr. Phelps arrived at the 40% protesting. MR. PHELPS
stated it is the amount of area involved, not the number of
property owners. COUNCILMAN HECK asked if the Council now
proceeds on the basis of the petition presented. MR. PHELPS
stated under normal conditions the Council would go ahead
with the proceedings, but since there has been some misunder-
standing regarding the amount of signatures needed he would
suggest that it be held over until the next meeting, and let
6/15
313
the people be the judge. In the meantime they may be able to
obtain more signatures either for or against. M. RECKEWEY,
234 Harbison Avenue, was present and asked if it is necessary
to contact just those who are protesting, or is it necessary
to get the signatures of every property owner. He would like
to see them get a petition that covers every house. It was
his understanding at the last meeting that there would be a
traffic count of Harbison Avenue to see if there was sufficient
traffic to declare this a major street, and asked if this had
been done. CITY ENGINEER WARWICK stated at the present time
the.City's traffic counters are not operating. We are trying
to get them back into operation without too much expense on
the part of the City. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLINGSWORTH asked what
is the matter with our traffic counters, why they are not
working, and why they are not fixed. CITY ENGINEER WARWICK
stated the City does not have anyone whd► is particularly adept
at handling them, as they are very delicate instruments, and
he the Chief and Capt. Owen are trying to get someone from
the County to determine what is necessary to have them repaired.
CITY MANAGER GAUTEREAUX stated he told Capt. Owen that he would
take care of having them repaired immediately, or enough re-
paired so we can use them on the street. COUNCILWOMAN
HOLLINGSWORTH stated there are several thixgs that are being
held up on account of traffic counts and she would like to
see the whole matter expedited and if possible ready by the
next Council meeting. COUNCILMAN HECK stated he thought the
City Manager could be instruct4d to see this is taken care of
without putting it in the form of a motion. MAYOR HODGE stated
we will want a report of the count by the next Council meeting.
Moved by Heck, seconded by Hollingsworth, that the Harbison
Avenue 1911 Act project be tabled until the next meeting to
give the property owners the opportunity to protest out this
Act; otherwise at the next Council meeting we will take action
and proceed on the next step of the 1911 Act. Carried, all the
Council present voting aye.
REQUEST OF CHARLES M. DAVIS to cancel his agreement, was present-
ed. ATTORNEY CURRAN stated there was a report at the last
meeting that Mr. Davis was advised there were certain portions
of his contract he had not complied with, and unless we have
a report that he has now complied:with them there is nothing
further to be done. CITY MANAGER GAUTEREAUX stated Mr. Davis
has not complied with the requirements in regard to the
posting of the necessary bonds, and he has stated he would
like additional time in which to terminate this contract, and
in so proposing has made a payment within the last few days
of a couple of months.rent which would run into July.
COMMUNICATION FROM CITY MANAGER GAUTEREAUX was read regarding
the elimination of trash disposal area located on City Tide-
lands. The area now being used for the disposition of rubbish,
and in part burning of same, located on the tidelands at the
mouth of Paradise Creek is no longer adequate to accommodate
the requirements of the City trash disposal mainly for the
following reason: that the former existing lowlands suitable
for such a few years ago are now filled with ash residue and
materials to a height above normal grade of the established
surroundings except for a small area which will be required
to receive the excess material fill from the present burning
site. It is recommended that this disposal area known as the
City Dump and all tidelands within the City limits be closed
to the City, and/er the public, for the depositing of wastes,
rubbish, etc., and no further dump operation shall be, or
exist in this area after July 31, 1954. COUNCILMAN PARCHEN
asked if there has been any consideration given regarding our
present contract for trash collection. This matter was
6/15
314
previously discussed and the contractor had threatened to raise
their charges about $1,000.00 per month if the dump was closed,
and he believed the contract has one more year to run. CITY
MANAGER GAUTEREAUX stated the contract does have a year to run,
however it has been examined and there is nothing compelling
in it regarding the dump. ATTORNEY CURRAN stated the contract
has been checked and apparently there is no obligation on the
part of the City which makes it mandatory that we maintain the
dump for the benefit of the contractor. COUNCILMAN HECK stated
he thought the Council should go on record closing the dump and
also go on record to instruct the present contractor that he
will dump his trash at some other point other than on the tide-
lands area. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLINGSWORTH asked Attorney Curran
if Mrs. Alston should be given some authority to refuse any
more payments of money from Mr. Davis, cancelling the contract.
ATTORNEY CURRAN stated he wondered whether Mr. Davis was now
taking the position that he was cancelling his attempt to
terminate his agreement. If he is then in the event he is
abandoning his attempt to terminate and the Council wishes to
terminate it, puts us in a different position than we were
before. Mr. Curran said he believes there is a clause which
permits the City to terminate, and if so then it would take
action on the part of the Council to determine and instruct
the City Clerk to notify Mr. Davis to that effect. COUNCIL-
WOMAN HOLLINGSWORTH stated that has been illegal ever since
it was started because there was a community use map adopted
in the City on August 21, 1951, and that area was designated
as a recreation area. If the map was legal that was adopted
then this City has been illegal in ever using that as a City
dump. If the map is not legal then we should have the help
of the City Attorney to get us "off Of the hook" of that map
one way or the other. The map was adopted by resolution. CITY
MANAGER GAUTEREAUX stated that setting the date of July 31st
for closing of the dump was in consideration of the fact that
we would be notifying Mr. Davis also the depositor of the trash
in ample time. Mr. Davis has stated that he would be willing,
upon due notice by the City, to give up the running of the
dump and clean it up. COUNCILMAN HECK asked if the City Manager
has received Mr. Davis' performance bond. CITY MANAGER
GAUTEREAUX stated he has not. He wrote Mr. Davis a letter,
which he has admitted receiving and said he had a form of bond
that his secretary had failed to mail, and that he would deliver
a performance bond in the' amount of $500.00. COUNCILMAN HECK
stated he did not know whether they could follow the City
Manager's recommendation and close the dump until we get Mr.
Davis' bond, as he could leave the dump in bad condition and
the City would be responsible to clean it. He would be in favor
of preventing any dumping after the 31st of July. COUNCILWOMAN
HOLLINGSWORTH asked that if the map was adopted by a former City
Council and the procedure was wrong in adopting it; then is
this Council held by it; if the procedure was all right and the
City Council at that time adopted the map and we do not wish
to go under the land use procedure; what is our procedure to
get out from under it. CITY ATTORNEY CURRAN stated he thought
there should be a formal reference by the Council to the City
Attorney so that he can ascertain the pertinent facts and then
he can come back with a report. Moved by Hollingsworth, second-
ed by Jensen, that a request be made of the City Attorney to
determine the legality of the land use map that was adopted
August 21, 1951, whether we are bound legally by it or whether
it was an illegal method adopted by the City. Carried; all
the Council present voting aye. Moved by Heck, seconded by
Hollingsworth, that the present trash contractor be notified,
formally by letter, that effective July 1, 1954 no further
6/15
315
dumping will be permitted on the tidelands area, and that he
will have to make his own arrangements for dumgang. Carried,
all the Council present voting aye.
REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION regarding Application for
Conditional Exception No. 489, signed by John N. Cantua, was
presented. Petitioner is requesting reduction in the required
fifty foot frontage to forty feet. This request was previously
granted by the Planning Commission and the City Council, but
the ninety day time limit lapsed before contmencement of con-
struction. It was the recommendation of the Commission that
the variance be granted, to be transferrable and assignable.
Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Heck, that the recommend-
ation of the Planning Commission be approved. Carried, all
the Council present voting aye. MAYOR HODGE referred this to
the City Attorney to prepare the resolution.
REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION was read regarding a
petition requesting that the alley running east and west be-
tween "B" Avenue and "C" Avenue and lying between 16th Street
and 17th Street be named 16th Place. The City Engineer advised
that the past and present planning was the establishment of
standard width streets and he felt that establishing this
alley as a street by giving it a name should not be recommended.
The Commission recommended this be rejected since the alley
does not have the adequate footage for street dedication and
should remain as an alley. COMMUNICATION FROM M. F. HUFF was
read; stating it is his understanding that the Planning
Commission denied the request to name the alley and asked that
the Council name it 16th Place so they may have mail delivery
to the houses facing on the alley. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLINGSWORTH
stated it is her understanding that this request was again
presented to the Planning Commission last evening and it was
turned down, and asked City Engineer Warwick what the basis
was for this action. CITY ENGINEER WARWICK stated after it
was rejected by the Commission Mr. Huff came in with the in-
formation that the post office was having trouble delivering
mail. There are people living in that alley, there are houses
facing on it and the regulations prohibit the delivery of mail
to any unnamed street, and Mr. Warwick said he suggested to
Mr. Huff that he present those facts to the Planning Commission.
They have not changed their opinion since first presented.
COUNCILWOMAN HOLLINGSWORTH stated she thought this should be
held over until the next meeting. COUNCILMAN PARCHEN stated
he thought Mr. Huff should be notified he has a right to
appeal. MAYOR HODGE requested City Clerk Alston to write
Mr. Huff a letter.
REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION was read regarding the dis-
cussion held relative to the flood drainage area in National
City. City Engineer Warwick explained that he had received a
copy of the proposed San Diego County Flood Control District
Act which will include all territory within the County of
San Diego. The object and purposes of the Act are to provide
for the control and conservation of flood, storm and other
waste waters of the district; to conserve such waters for
beneficial and useful purposes; to protect harbors, waterways,
highways, life and property in the district; to obtain, retain
and reclaim drainage, storm and flood waters for beneficial
use in the district. Discussion held as to whether it would
be possible through this Act to obtain aid and financial
assistance from the County to control the drainage due to
flood conditions in Paradise Creek. It was the feeling of the
Commission that any assistance secured along this line would
be well worth the effort extended. The Commission recommended
6/15
316
approval of the idea of unity flood control in flood zones in
the County of San Diego whereby given area will pay for the
flood control within the area. CITY ENGINEER WARWICK said he
believed that current legislation is somewhat a dead issue,
that he did not believe there is a flood control engineer in
the County any more, which means that we will probably have to
pay our own bills.
ORDINANCE NO. 859, "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 7162
OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA, BY
AMENDING SECTION ONE OF SAID ORDINANCE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE
NO. 824", was presented for the second and final reading, and
read in full. Moved by Jensen, seconded by Parchen, that the
Ordinance be adopted. Carried, all the Council present voting
aye.
APPLICATION BY BEREAN BIBLE CHURCH to move a building was
presented. REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR stated that the
building has been inspected and found to be approved subject
to placing on foundation, stucco entire structure, add toilet
facilities, wiring and plumbing, and $2,000.00 bond, 90 day
time limit for compliance with Building Code. Moved by
Hollingsworth; seconded by Jensen, that the application be
approved as recommended by the Building Inspector. Carried,
by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Heck, Hollingsworth,
Jensen, Parchen, Hodge. Nays: None.
APPLICATION TO MOVE A BUILDING by Robert L. McCormick was
read. The present location of the building is 2015 "D"
Avenue and it is to be moved 40 feet to the rear of the same
lot. REPORT FROM BUILDING INSPECTOR BIRD stated he recommend-
ed the granting of this request subjectnto 90 day time limit,
bond of $500.00, foundation, electric service, connect to
sewer. Moved by Heck; seconded by Jensen, that the application
be approved subject to the recommendation of the Building
Inspector. Carried, all the Council present voting aye.
APPLICATION TO MOVE A BUILDING by Lorraine K. Franklin was
read. The building is to be moved from Jamacha Road and
Sweetwater Road to 1909 National Avenue. BUILDING INSPECTOR
BIRD recommended the granting of this application subject to
90 day time limit, $1,000.00 bond, foundation, electric
service, general remodel for business purpose, sewer connection.
Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Jensen, that the applicat-
ion be approved according to the recommendations of the Build-
ing Inspector. Carried, all the Council present voting aye.
APPLICATION TO MOVE A BUILDING by Robert Milligan was read.
The building is to be moved from 517 E. 8th Street to the
1800 Block on E. 16th Street. It was the recommendation of
the Building Inspector that the request be granted subject to
90 day time limit, $500.00 bond, foundation, electric service,
connect to sewer. Moved by Jensen, seconded by Parchen, that
the application be approved. Carried, all the Council present
voting aye.
FINANCIAL REPORT OF CITY TREASURER for month of May, 1954,
was presented. Moved by Parchen, seconded by Jensen, that
the report be filed. Carried, all the Council present voting
aye.
PETITION for street lights in the Northeast section of the City,
was presented. They are asking that lights be installed at the
intersection of S. Belmont. and Kenton, S. Belmont and Drexel,
and at such other places as are recommended by the Gas and
6/15
317
Electric Company. CITY MANAGER GAUTEREAUX stated he and the
Electrical Engineer of the Gas and Electric Company made a
survey of this area and the Engineer is to make a report of
the findings to the City Manager.for recommendation to the
Council. Moved by Heck, seconded by Hollingsworth, this be
tabled until the next meeting.
PETITION from residents asking the Council to resurface 4th
Street and open it to Harbor Drive, was read. CITY CLERK
ALSTON stated sometime ago the Council took steps to get 4th
Street opened but we were unable to get the Navy and State
Highway Dept. to cooperate. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLINGSWORTH stated
she heard Mr. Wallace, District Engineer of State Highway Dept.
say that they did not want 4th Street opened to Harbor Drive
as they would then have to install signals and that was the
last thing they wanted to do as they do not want too many
signals along a freeway. At one time the Navy was in favor of
the opening but when the State Highway Engineer disapproved,
the Navy went against it. Even though the majority of people
in National City want to see 4th Street opened there are a
number of obstacles to overcome. Moved by Hollingsworth,
seconded by Jensen, that a letter be written to the State
Highway Dept., the Navy, the San Diego & Arizona Eastern
Railway and the Santa Fe. Railway, asking them what their
feelingsare regarding the opening of 4th Street from Roosevelt
Ave. to Montgomery Freeway. Carried, all the Council present
voting aye. Councilman Heck requested the City Clerk to write
the letters.
PETITION from Northeast Civic Group was read, asking the Council
to dedicate the parks, according to the Planning Commission's
recommendation of March 22nd. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLINGSWORTH
stated the map which was adopted August 21, 1951, has all of
the schools and all the parks designated on it, and until we
know where we stand regarding the legality of the map, this
Council may not make any moves as far as any dedication of any
parks. Moved by Heck,,seconded by Hollingsworth, that action
be deferred until the next meeting, until a interpretation has
been received from the City Attorney: Carried, all the Council
present voting aye.
COMMUNICATION FROM SAN DIEGO CITY & COUNTY VISITORS' BUREAU
was read, stating that under date of March 4, 1954, they re-
quested the City to allocate $1,000.00 in our budget. Moved
by Hollingsworth, seconded by Jensen, that it be tabled. Carried,
all the Council present voting aye.
COMMUNICATION FROM PACIFIC COAST BUILDING OFFICIALS CONFERENCE
was read, stating the 32nd Annual Business Meeting of the
Pacific Coast Building Officials Conference is being held in
Denver, October 5 to 8, 1954, with important committee meetings
on October 4. It is of considerable importance that the City's
building official attend this meeting. COUNCILWOMAN
HOLLINGSWORTH asked if our Building Inspector has requested
permission to attend. CITY CLERK ALSTON stated she talked to
Mr. Bird and he said he was interested. COUNCILWOMAN
HOLLINGSWORTH said she thought Mr. Bird should be permitted to
attend this meeting with expenses paid. MAYOR HODGE asked what
mode of transportation should be used. MAYOR HODGE requested
this be referred to the Building Inspector and have him submit
an estimate of expensesnprior to the next meeting.
CITY CLERK ALSTON stated there is a City Clerks' Institute at
Fresno, dune 24th and 25th, and she would like authorization
6/15
318
to attend. Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Parchen, that
the City Clerk be permitted to attend this Institute, and
that her expenses be paid. MAYOR HODGE stated in his business
they allow transportation plus $20.00 a day for other expenses,
and asked if the Council would like to set a precedent of this
type. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLINGSWORTH said she thought that would
be a very fair way instead of having to give a full accounting
of all money spent, that it would be better to allow so much
per diem. COUNCILMAN HECK said he thought when an official is
away on a conference, etc. they should be granted a stipulated
amount. COUNCILWOMAN JENSEN asked if this could be legally
done, or do you have to produce vouchers for everything that
is spent. ATTORNEY CURRAN said it can be legally done. You
can establish a per diem amount. Carried, by the following
vote to -wit: Ayes: Heck, Hollingsworth, Jensen, Parchen,
Hodge. Nays: None. Moved by Heck, seconded by Hollingsworth,
that all City officials attending an authorized conference be
granted $20.00 per day expenses, plus commercial transportation
to be furnished by the City. COUNCILMAN PARCHEN asked if that
eliminates the use of an automobile. MAYOR HODGE stated if you
drive you can draw the amount of commercial transportation.
COUNCILMAN HECK stated that the Council has to authorize each
official attending the various functions, and at that time the
Council can ask the individual which mode of transportation he
would prefer to use. COUNCILMAN PARCHEN stated it might be
a good idea if there was some form letter on which the
individual could include his preference, as to the type of
transportation, as most of the officials who go to the con-
ferences are not at the meetings. Councilman Heck said he
would incorporate Dr. Parchen's suggestion in his motion, and
was seconded by Hollingsworth. Carried, by the following vote
to -wit: Ayes: Heck; Hollingsworth, Parchen, Hodge. Nays:
Jensen.
APPLICATION FOR A TAX SALE by Harold Risdon on Lot 16, Block 234,
was presented. COMMUNICATION FROM CITY TREASURER HOLGATE was
read, stating she has in her possession a certified copy of
the decree of settlement of the estate of Ruth L. Risdon.
CITY CLERK ALSTON stated Mr. Risdon has all titles to the
property except the City's title, And he has offered $100.00
as the minimum opening bid. The amount of taxes against the
property is approximately $75.00. COUNCILMAN HECK asked if
it was not customary to have an appraisal made. CITY CLERK
ALSTON stated she referred the application to the City Manager
and he returned it. CITY MANAGER GAUTEREAUX stated he returned
it because there was no appraisal authorized. Moved by
Hollingsworth, seconded by Heck, that this be referred to the
Attorney for his recommendation at the next Council meeting.
Carried, all the Council present voting aye.
COMMUNICATION FROM UNIFORMED DEPARTMENTS addressed to the Civil
Service Commission, was read, stating that the employees of the
uniformed departments of the City have been informed of the
pending wage survey, and wish to express their appreciation
for this much needed adjustment. As members of the Commission,
you are no doubt aware of the fact that the salaries of the
uniformed employees of this City are much less than those of
the City of San Diego, and the higher the position or rank
the greater the differential in the salary bracket. The major-
ity of the miscellaneous employees enjoy approximately the same
wage, in some cases slightly higher, as employees in comparable
positions in the City of San Diego, while the uniformed employees
are considerably lower. We feel that this matter warrants your
attention and consideration. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLINGSWORTH asked
if this has anything to do with the request received from the
6/15
319
employees sometime ago asking an increase in salaries. We are
working on the budget at this time and feels that the employees
should be considered for some sort of a raise at the present
time, and recommended a five percent increase to all employees;
and the consideration in equities in different grades be re-
ferred to the Civil Service Commission. Moved by Hollingsworth,
seconded by Heck, that we go on record on this new budget
that we raise all City employees five percent and that any
further raises or equities be turned over to the Civil Service
Commission to make their adjustments and come in with a report
to the Council. COUNCILWOMAN JENSEN said she cannot go along
with the idea of National City trying to do what San Diego
does; she is in favor of doing what other sixth class cities
do. DAVID REA, Patrolman in the Police Dept., was present and
stated $298.00 is starting pay for probationary patrolmen, and
the top bracket for patrolman is $360.00 a month, motorcycle
men get $18.00 more a month. COUNCILMAN PARCHEN stated that
since the National, State and County theme has been to reduce
costs he did not see how the City was going to do this with
granting raises, and if this is a justified raise he would go
along with it, but from the list furnished he did not see it.
You are increasing your tax rate. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLINGSWORTH
stated anybody that is a good business man would not want turn-
over of help and that is what you will have in a City that does
not pay enough. Some of the City employees are holding down
more than one job in order to live, and that is not right.
COUNCILMAN PARCHEN asked if they would still hold that job
if they were given a five percent increase. COUNCILWOMAN
HOLLINGSWORTH stated the time when the inequities are ironed
out that we might do as San Diego is doing, limiting the amount
of hours of employment on the outside. COUNCILWOMAN JENSEN
stated when this question came up last year an employee in the
Fire Dept. stated he did not want to give up his job on the
outside, he would rather give up his job in the Fire Dept. than
the one on the outside. COUNCILMAN HECK said that San Diego
limits their hours of outside employment to 16 hours a week,
and this Council can go on record using some basis similar to
San Diego. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes:
Heck, Hollingsworth, Hodge. Nays: Jensen, Parchen. COUNCILMAN
PARCHEN stated he would appreciate a little more information on
the differential between the employees, we do not have the hours
worked per week, we do not have the additional duties, and that
he would like to have a broad overall picture before he can
intelligently vote on this.
GEORGE SCOTT, 4506 Delta Street, San Diego, was present and
stated he had a subdivision map he would like to have presented
tonight. CITY ENGINEER WARWICK stated it was just presented to
the Planning Commission last night. MAYOR HODGE stated it will
not be possible to take action on this until the next meeting.
CITY CLERK ALSTON stated several weeks ago she was authorized
to employ a Junior Bookkeeping Machine Operator and she had to
replace her with Joyce Dowless, who has been certified by the
Civil Service Commission, and starts work tomorrow. Mrs. Alston
said she would like to retain the present Bookkeeper, if possible,
until the first of July to help train Mrs. Dowless. Moved by
Hollingsworth, seconded by Heck, that the City Clerk be author-
ized to retain her Bookkeeper until July 1st in order to train
the new girl. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes:
Heck, Hollingsworth, Jensen, Parchen, Hodge. Nays: None.
CITY CLERK ALSTON announced the League of California Cities
meeting in Carlsbad; Friday, June 18th.
6/15
.j=
320
APPLICATION OF LIONS CLUB for permission to use fireworks in
the Park on the fourth of July, was presented. The application
was approved by Fire Chief Bailey. Moved by Heck, seconded by
Parchen, that permission be granted to use fireworks on the
fourth of July. Carried, all the Council present voting aye.
RESOLUTION NO. 6187nwas read, amending Resolution No. 5349 as
follows: That the paragraph IV of said Resolution No. 5349 is
hereby deleted and the following be inserted: "IV. That
applicant will continue to operate said housing as long as it
is needed to meet the local housing requirements of the
national industries". All other provisions of Resolution 5349
are hereby ratified and reaffirmed. Moved by Heck, seconded
by Parchen, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all the
Council present voting aye.
RESOLUTION NO. 6188 was read; approving a certain agreement
between the National School District and the City of National
City. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the same for
and on behalf of the City. Moved by Parchen, seconded by
Jensen, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all the
Council present voting aye.
BERNARD BANKE was present and stated he would like to have the
Council return to the Metropolitan Securities Company the money
held by the City which was deposited for a tax sale. CITY CLERK
ALSTON stated it is on the warrant register tonight.
BILLS AUDITED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE presented:
General Fund $14,944.13
Traffic Safety Fund 683.89
Park M & I Fund 1,028.97
Harbor Fund 14.29
Trust & Agency Fund 403.00
Payroll Fund 19,796.42
TOTAL $36, ti70.70
Moved by Hollingsworth, seconded by Heck, that the bills be
allowed, and warrants ordered drawn for same. Carried; by
the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Heck, Hollingsworth, Jensen,
Hodge. Nays: Parchen.
CITY ENGINEER WARWICK stated when he came to National City for
an interview for the position he now holds, the Council then
in office and he had some understanding of just what they ex-
pected of him, and what he expected of the Council in return.
It was his understanding that he was to do engineering for the
City and the work to be done on the City's streets was to be
done in accordance with the best modern practices, according
to standard and accepted practices. Since he has been here
the contractors have taken the attitude that he is personally
"picking" on them. We have some work going on at present on
which he issued a stop order this morning. There is supposed
to be a set of specifications on file on that job and they
are not in existence as far as he can find, so he has gone
ahead on that particular project on the assumption that there
are two fairly good authorities in this area, the State Highway
Dept. and the Standard Specifications of the City of San Diego,
and there is also a set of Standard Specifications similar to
those of San Diego which this City adopted. Mr. Warwick said
he would like to know if he is to go ahead on the same pre-
sumption that he has in the past. Do you want things done
according to the practices which are accepted in the engineer-
ing profession, or do we turn it over and let the contractors
6/15
321
do as they determine should be done? Are we going to set the
standards or are we going to allow somebody else to set them?
COUNCILMAN PARCHEN stated he would personally like to go on
record as backing the stand of the City Engineer. COUNCIL-
WOMAN JENSEN stated she would like to add her vote of con-
fidence to the City Engineer's work, he has done a very good
job since he has been here. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLINGSWORTH
stated if we are going to have a City Engineer and an Engineer-
ing Dept. she does not see how the Council can have any con-
fidencenin any department head or a department unless we know
they are going to fulfill the job for which they are hired.
There is nobody in town that should be getting any special
services, or any special concessions, and if the ordinances
we have adopted are not good, let's find it out. COUNCILMAN
HECK said he too wished to add his vote of confidence to Mr.
Warwick, he is doing a very good job, and that he knows the
contractors will try to take every advantage to make a little
more profit. Our Engineer is going to have to be firm and we
are going to have to give him the necessary support. We should
adhere strictly to our ordinance in the construction of all
subdivisions and streets.
RESOLUTION NO. 6189 was read, authorizing the sum of $13.66
be paid from the Capital Outlay Fund to the National Lumber
Company. Moved by Heck, seconded by Hollingsworth, that the
Resolution be adopted. Carried, all the Council present
voting aye.
COMMUNICATION FROM CITY TREASURER HOLGATE AND CITY CLERK ALSTON
was read, stating in view of the fact that there is a possibility
of the City employees receiving a five percent wage increase
we would like to have a review of our salaries. As it is now
the pay schedule for some clerks and secretaries is but within
a few dollars of being equal to ours without having to assume
any responsibility. It is hereby requested that we be given
a ten percent wage increase to equalize our salaries. Moved
by Hollingsworth, seconded by Heck, that the City Attorney
prepare an ordinance approving a ten percent increase in
salaries for the City Clerk and City Treasurer. Carried, by
the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Heck, Hollingsworth, Hodge.
Nays: Jensen, Parchen.
COUNCILWOMAN HOLLINGSWORTH stated at the last meeting of the
Council there was a request from an employee for one month's
leave of absence without pay, and it was recommended this be
granted. According to Section 10.3 of the Civil Service Rules
no employee can be granted any more than two weeks leave of
absence for personal reasons. Mrs. Hollingsworth asked the
City Attorney where the Council stands now. ATTORNEY CURRAN
requested this be laid over until the next meeting so he can
give some study to it. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLINGSWORTH said she
would like the rest of the Council to be thinking this over
as she does not think it a very good ruling. If the head of
the department feels that an employee can be spared; a month
is not --an unreasonable amount of time to request. The Civil
Service Commission should change the rules.
COMMUNICATION FROM CITY MANAGER GAUTEREAUX was read, regarding
his temporary appointment as City Manager. On July 28, 1953,
Resolution No. 5983 was passed granting B. J. Gautereaux a
leave of absence without pay as Park Supt. for the full period
allowed by law, which was six months, to fill the position of
City Manager on a temporary basis. As of January 19, 1954,
Civil Service Rule 10.3 regulating leaves of absence was
6/15
322
amended by Council action extending the maximum leave to one
year. At this time the leave of B. J. Gautereaux from the
position of Park Supt. was extended for a period not to
exceed one year from the date of his appointment as temporary
City Manager. 0n July 28, 1954, the 12 month leave of absence
will have expired. In the interim period consideration by
the Council should be given this matter.
MAYOR I40DGE stated he wished to congratulate the Council for
standing behind the City Engineer:and that he too wished to
go along with the Council., but that he should not let his
authority affect his public relations.
Moved by Heck, seconded by Hollingsworth, that the meeting be
adjourned until June 29, 1954, at 8:30 A.M. o'clock. Cartied,
all the Council present voting aye.
ATTE T:
G
ri
MAYOR, CITY OF NATIONAL'�ITY, CALIFORNTh
CITY CLERK
6/15