HomeMy WebLinkAbout1951 04-17 CC MINi
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National City, California, April 17, 1951
Regular meeting of the City Council was celled to order by Mayor
Clinton D. Ma.tthews at 7:30 P.M. o'clock. Councilmen present:
Carrigan, Clarke, Curry, Hart, Matthews. Councilmen absent:
None.
Moved by Clarke, seconded by Hart, that the reading of the
minutes of the regular meeting of April 10, and the adjourned
meeting of April 13, 1951, be dispensed with.
Councilmen present voting aye.
Carried, all
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS present: Alston, Sullivan, Campbell,
Gautereaux.
COUNCILMAN CLA=.KE reported that Mr. Barnes had called him and
requested that he Ask the City Manager to kindly give him the
answers to the insurance questions which he previously requested..
CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN said that she answered Mr. Barnes' last
inquiry, and that she did not know of any questions that have
not been answered. Councilman Curry asked if the meeting they
promised to have with Mr. Barnes was ever held. CITY MANAGER
SULLIVAN stated that the Council were going to have a meeting
with Mr. Barnes and we had the insurance policies here repeat-
edly for a number of weeks and he never came to the meeting
which the Council granted him, MAYOR MATTHEWS sail he received
a call from both Mr. Barnes and Mrs. Barnes and one of the
things he is worried about is that the City Manager said at
one time,he did not have the proper license for his insurance
`�.4siness. and he believes his honor is at stake. CITY 'HANACFn
.:'LLIVAN said that as she recalls the matter of iir, Barnes'
- cense, he raised the issue in connection with Mr. Kempsey
who has an insurance license in the City and that Mr. Ba-•-az
did not. He operated under a real estate license, and it hen':
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been the practice in the past for the real estate license to
be issued and if a real estate broker did some insurance,
very
incidental and not the major activity the License Department
did not require an insurance license. MRS. SULLIVAN said it
seems to her that if an individual is as concerned about insurance
business as Mr. Barnes, he should reasonably expect to have an
insurance license so no action could be brought against him.
COUNCILMAN CLARKE said that he has an item which he considered
very serious, and it effects him ay well as the other Councilmen.
He referred to an editorial in the National City News of last
Fr iday regarding the City's finances and the responsibility of
the Council to the people. MR. CLARKE said he talked to the
publisher and told him that he thought the people should know
he recommended that the City hire a disinterested auditor to
check the books and the money in the bank. MR. CLARKE said
that this matter can be brought up under new business. MAYOR
MATTHEWS asked that the Council give this some thought and
bring it up later in the meting, and decide whether or not ',re
want a complete audit to be made.
ATTORNEY CAMPBELL reported that the acceptance of the final map
on the Beverly Glen Subdivision would have to be continued for
at least another week. Re received a call from Mr. Poulter on
Monday stating that the contracts for Mr. Gordon to sign with
the Water Ceany had net been returning from San Franeiaso.
Mrs Gordon will sign the contracts with the Water Company and
they in turn would issue the certificate in conpliance with the
Ordinance. MAYOR MATTHE'1S stated that on the advice of the
City Attorney this matter would be held over until the next
meeting.
APPLICATION FOR BEVERAGE LICENSE by Alan R. ilcClendon, 23)6
Highland Avenue, for on sale beer, was presented. This is a
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transfer of a license. MAYOR MATTHEWS ordered the application
filed.
APPLICATION TO MOVE A BUILDING by Clifton N. Brewster, was read.
The building is to be moved from 2614 Strandway, Mission
Beach to 14 N. Drexel Avenue. It is a gailage and is to be
used for storage. BUILDING INSPECTOR BIRD and CITY PLANNER
WAGNER inspected the building and the site to which it is to
be moved, and found that the structure is in excellent con-
dition and will fit into the location. They recommend that
permission be grantea with a 30 day time limit. Moved by Hart,
seconded by Curry, that the. application be approved as recommended
by the Building Inspector. married, all Councilmen present
voting aye.
"APPLICATION FOR BEVERAGE LICENSE by Lee I. is Stella Cochran,
2240 National Avenue, for off sale beer and wine, was read.
This is not a transfer but the issuance of a new license.
COUNCILMAN CARRIGAN said it was his understanding that at an
informal meeting the Council went on record as protesting all
new licenses on the ground that we have an ample amount. MAYOR
MATTHEWB mid the Council will heve to decide if they wtah to
spend the annoy for the Herrings on protests of the off sale
beer licenses. and that he is not quite as much in favor of
protesting the off sale as he is the on sale in the congested
areas where there are already a number of licenses. Moved by
Carrigan. seconded by Hart, that the Council object to the
issuance of this lieense. COUNCILMAN CLARKE said he is not
entirely in favor of being against all new licenses, only as they
effect on sale., Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes:
Carrigan, Curry, Hart, Matthews. Nays: Clarke.
CITY CLERK ALSTON st'ated that at the lost meeting a motion was
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made granting Gordon and Hattie Kimball permission to build a
triplex. It should have been granted by Resolution and there
has been one prepared.
RESOLUTION NO. 5423 was read, granting a special zone variance
permit to Gordon and Hattie Kimball for the purpose of building
a triplex 22' X 60 subject to a 10 foot side yard on the E
100' of Si of W of E# of NI. EXCEPT street, 20 Acre Lot 1
in Quarter Section 133. Moved 18y Carrigan, seconded by Hart,
that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen pres-
ent voting aye.
CITY CLERK ALSTON stated that on February 20, 1951, a zone
variance was granted to Ina M. Tillas Just on a motion, and it
was necessary to have a Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 5424 was rend, granting a special zone variance
permit to Ina M. Tilln.s for the purpose of installing a kitchen
with a guest house situated over t three car garage, situated
on the following: E 75' W 390' & of W* of 20 Acre Lot 1,
Quarter Section 131. Moved by Hart, seconded by Clarke, that
the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present
.a
voting aye.
COMMUNICATION FROM ANNA DAVIS was read stating that she is
the owner of, several residential and commer9ial buildings in,
the M-3 Zone,
located in Project #1 of the Redevelopment area,
and asks that she be advised what the plans are in regard to
her property. She states she would like zone to stay "Commercial"
as it now is. MAYOR MATTHEWS suggested that this be referred
to the Community Redevelopment Agency with the suggestion that
they advise Mrs. Davis in writing in regard to their latest
plans. CITY ATTORNEY CAMPBELL said that he believed the
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630
Community Redevelopment Agency is the proper party to answer
all her questions more fully, and that if they could answer
her and make reference to the fact that every member of the
Council, the City Clerk and the City Attorney had received a
letter from her and the answer is including all the Council.
MAYOR MATTHEt"S said he thought it might be in order for Mrs.
Sullivan to send Mrs. Davis ^ letter from the City Council
Advising her thAt the information she wishes has been referred
to the proper Agency. COUNCILMAN CAR_RIGAN stated that inas-
much as he received a letter personally he answered her setting
forth the facts that he could not answer herquestions.
REQUEST FOR REFUND FROM THE MODERN CLEANERS, 1342 First Avenue,
San Diego, was read. This is a request for a refund on License
No. 581, in the amount of >75.00 for a retail truck. This
route was discontinued on March 17th and are asking for refund
on the unused portion of their fees. ATTORNEY CAMPBELL ruled
that regardless of the merit of the refund the Ordinance pro-
hibits the refund on an annual license. MAYOR iiATTI ttS asked
if it would be possible to amend the Ordinance for future natters
of this kind, so that half of the money could be refunded.
ATTORNEY CAMPBELL said that nrovisions could be made to make
refunds on any basis that you see fit, monthly or quarterly.
MAYOR MATTHEWS asked if we would be able to make it retroactive
to take erre of this one. ATTORNEY CAMPBELL said it would not
be. MAYOR MATTHEIPS said that this situation has come up before
and that he felt it is unfair not to be able to return part of
the money at least when they are in business less than half a
year, and that he thought it would be in order to Amend the
Ordinance. MR. CARRICAN stated that there are other discre-
nancies in the License Ordinance and wondered if it would not
be well to re -vamp the whole Ordinance. ATTORNEY CAMPBELL said
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631
he would suggest that all the changes be done at one time.
and that it night be advantageous to have at least one hearing
on the Ordinance or an examination by the Council. MAYOR
MATTHE1!S said he thought a hearing more suitable because there
have been numerous requests in the past two years that changes
be made. The hearing w's set for Wednesday evening,
April 25th
in the Council Chambers. Mayor Matthews ordered the request
of the Modern Cleaners be held over until the hearing and advise
her of sane. COUNCILMAN CARRIGAN suggested that Officer Rea
be requested to attend this meeting. CITY HAMS. ER SULLIVAN
stated that Officer Rea h-s had n number of complaints and
there is a file of a number of requests that the Ordinance be
amended. At the time the Ordinance was adopted it was not
anticipated that any business in National City would exceed
$500,000.00 in revenue and we now have several over a $1,000,000,.0o
anc1 it makes a difference in the structure of Cross receipt9.
CITY CLERK ALSTON announced the hearing on the rezoning of
portions of Block 1 of National Avenue Terrace; property des-
cribed as Lots 6 to 11 inclusive, Lots 18 to 23 inclusive and
Lots 14, 16 and 17 in Black 1. There were no protests. The
Planning Commission recommended that Lots 6 to 11 inclusive,
and Lots 18 to 23 inclusive be changed from R-4 Zone to C-3
Zone and Lots 14, 16 and the easterly 23.9' of Lot 17 be changed
from R-2-Zone to R-4 Zone. CITY PLANNER WAGNER stated that
there were no objections voiced at either of the two hearings
held by the Planning Commission. Moved by Clarke, sec-'nded by
Hart, that the Attorney be instructed to prepare an amendment
to the Ordinance as recommended by the Planning Commission.
Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye.
REQUEST FOR REFUND TO CHARLES DAVIS for refund on business
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632
license, was read. The Business License Department received
an over payment of $1.00 on License No. 1190 on Apartment
House, issued to Charles M. Davis, 1630 McKinley Avenue, and
requested that a refund of $1.00 be made to Mr. Davis. Moved
by Hart, seconded by Curry, that the refund be granted. Carried,
all Councilmen present voting aye.
REQUEST FOR TAX SALE nn Lots 18 and 19 in Block 117, City Plat,
was read. The application was made by W. H. Vincent, 923
Harding Avenue and his bid is for $159.38 plus advertising
charges. The tax figured to date amount to a159.43. BERNARD
BANKE asked if that bid includes the County's interest. CITY
CLERK ALSTON said it was just the City's.
MR. BANKS said that
he intends to compete with Mr. Vincent and that he would like
to see the bid raised a little and include the County's interest.
CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN said that we have an option with the
County nn this and that perhaps it should be referred to the
City Attorney. Moved by Carrigan, seconded by Hart, that this
be held over for one week for investigation and also referred
to the City Attorney. Carried, all Councilmen present voting
aye.
CITY CLERK ALSTON stated that at the last meeting she brought
up the matter of Mr. Chamberlain requesting to participate in
the employees group insurance, which was referred to the City
Attorney. Mr„ Chamberlain withdrew his request so action is
not necessary.
CITY CLERK ALSTON reported that she received a notice from the
Public Utilities Commission of the Application from the
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company for Authority
to Construct Extension of a Lead Tract in and Along Harrison
Street in the City of National City.
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COUNCILMAN CLARKE stated that he thought the natter of the
editorial was to cone up under new business. MAYOR MATTHEWS
said that he believed the City Manager and City Attorney would
have sane reconnendation as tn the transfers of funds and your
recnnnendation so that we can either ❑ake a. statement to the
papers of our financial condition nr have a complete audit in
order tn get this natter of uncertainty straightened out in
the peoples's minds since it has received so such publicity.
COUNCILMAN CLARKE stated that evidently the publisher of the
paper thinks there is something serious about it, and nnst
penple who rend the paper are somewhat impressed by editorials.
He states the views of apposite extrenes and they call far re-
seach and study and bnth cannot be right,and Mr. Clarke said
he wanted tn knnw what is right and see that right is done.
CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN said she was not quite certain whet should
be said at this point., She made a report to the Council as of
the end of the quarter, there is one transfer that has been in
question informally, it has not been before the Council except
last Friday, and that it was her understanding that Attnrney
Campbell was to answer three questions in connection with it.
Except for the one item under discussion, the report of the
Manager on interfund transfers as far as the records are con-
cerned, that she thinks is clear, and that the Council has a
copy of it, also a copy of the budget which the Council adopted
and copies of the statements fron the City Clerk of her bonks,
And that she realizes that it takes time tn interpret the
budget in terns of expenditures, and that an analysis of the
individual accounts is not nrdinarily possible for a City
Councilman, end that it is not possible for her 'o,: analyse
the accnunts daily. Mrs. Sullivan said she did not think that
the Clerk is in disagreement with the transfers except one which
she raised n. legal question, and the transfers as far as she
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knows are bnakkeeping transfers and do not require action.
The Council adopted the budget and outlined the nnney in it,
if the Clerk wants a motion or resolution for transfer that
it is quite all right. The Honey according to the budget and
an analysis of the clerk's records, the statement has been made
of trhat has happened in the first three-quarters. A statement -
has been nade of the anticipated revenue and expenditures as
of the first of April, and if the Council wishes to go further
with it, if they want a narrative report she would be happy to
do anything that will clarify the financial standing in relation
to the budget. I4AYOR MATTHEWS asked if there had been adequate
transfers fror the other funds to the General Fund to pay the
bills for the rest of the fiscal year. If the transfers have
not been made we should coke them as it is very important to
get this matter off the agenda, and if an audit is necessary,
it should be done. Mayor Matthews said it looks all right to
him but there is still sone doubt in people's mind. MAYOR
MATTHEWS inquired as to the amount of Money In the General
Fund, and if the bills could be paid tonight. CITY CLERK ALSTON
said it would be short about a2,800.00 and we have a payroll
to meet Thursday. The adjustment transfer only gives about
S2,200.00 to the General Fund because according to the ruling
of the City Attorney we cannot Hake the Sewer Fund transfer
until we get further authorization either from the Legislature
or by vote of the people. CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN said she did
not understand the Attorney to say specifically that. ATTORNEY
CAMPBELL said his conclusion is that the fund cannot be trans-
ferred to the General Fund. You have to get Legislative approval
or approval by a Court, those are the two primary possibilities
as far as the usage of the fund is concerned. There was some
discussion at the last meeting as to the prior use of the Honey,
and at that tine Attorney Campbell said all the money that was
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expended upon the original project is chargeable against the
fund, there was money from the State Allocation Board and the
sale of the bonds, and at that time Mr. Collura had shown sone
A355,000.00 expended leaving an unaccountable expenditure inso-
far as the sewer is concerned, some $53,000.00 of which this
thirty odd thousand is a portion, and that is the questionable
transfer. CITY CLERK ALSTON said that in the transfers there
is the amount of $3,163.20 which would cone out of the Sewer
Fund but that is part of the $50,000.00. ATTORNEY CAMPBELL
said any of the expenditures as set forth on the separate
sheet and that he believed they wore all supported, so that there
is nn question but that there is sufficient Honey in that fund.
CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN said they were all supported from Mrs.
Alston's books. Mrs. Alston did not set up the $31,500.00 in
the General Fund but she did set up the expenditure items in
the budget, of the Sewer Fund for expenditures in the Sewer
Department, so we are in this peculiar position of Mrs. Alston
in good faith set up the expenditure item but did not set up
the money as required in the budget, sn with the ruling that
it cannot be transferred it just neans that the budget is
$31,500.00 in error at this point, as of last July. CITY CLERK
ALSTON said she believed that this money came in after the
budget was,set up and the City Treasurer put it in the 1946
Sewer Fund, not the City Clerk. MAYOR MATTHE?iS said it seemed
as though the Council was getting.the squeeze play between the
bookkeeping system and the budget, and we are going to end the
fiscal year with substantial surplus but the money is not in
the correct fund now to be able to expend it to pay the bills.
ATTORNEY CAMPBELL stated that it is his opinion that it would
be improper to transfer the 130,000 to the General Fund. To
carry out other reconnendatinns, there was a Resolution dis-
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solving the 19446 Sewer Fund, and it is his conclusion that was
an e»rcneous dissolution, because it should remain and must
remain in the 1946 Sewer Fund, so for that
reason it could be
used for specific purposes which hove been connleted, so far ns
he knows. If the project hos not been completed the honey cin
be used for that purpose.
MAYOR MATTHEWS asked what action
WAS necessary to get tho banks straightened out. ATTORNEY
CAMPBELL said you can either file an notion, a writ of nandote
to compel transfer, or to h^ve the Legislature adopt sone change
or prevision to allow you
either in maintenance and
to use it in either the General Funft
repairs of particular sewer lines,
for the repayment of principal and interest, or anything that
you wish to reconnend. It is of course necessary to convince
the Legislature that is the proper use. IQAYOR MATTHEWS inquired
what is necessary to broow money from another fund so that the
bills can be paid and we can continue until we can get the
funds straighten out. CITY ATTORNEY CAMPBELL said we had the
right to borrow up to 85 percent of the income that you are
to receive between now and July 1st. from any fund that you
have, such is the Capital Outlay Fund. There is a S27,000.00
loan which must be taken into consideration and if you do that
make the loan in total, then repay the 127,000.00 because that
must be repaid first. Mr. Campbell said he can prepare Reso-
lution on the transfer but he suet have some certification as
to the amount of Accruing income as it must be figured on a
percentage basis. MAYOR MATTHEWS asked if the City Manager
could submit a report to the Attorney as to how such money
will be needed to the end of the fiscal year. CITY MANAGER
SULLIVAN said she thought this could be done. The only thing
that can be done is transfer from the Capital Reserve Fund n
sufficient amount of money until the legal problem is settled.
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There is ovor $300,000.00 in tho bank so that you can make tho
loan. MAYOR MLTTHEWS asked what certification the Attornoy
would need before he draws up tho Resolution. LTTORNEY CAMPBELL
said tho amount of revenue that will be received between now
and July 1st. CITY CLERK LLSTON said she would liko a Resolu-
tion to transfer the adjustments which Mrs. Sullivan recommended,
because thoy aro fund transfers and not budget transfers, and
it is her understanding that sho cannot transfer from one fund
to another without Council action. ATTORNEY CAMPBELL said ho
believes that has boon the ostrblishod policy to change from
one fund to the other by Rosolution. CITY CLERK LLSTON said
she is in accord with theso adjustmonts except the one fund,
the Sower Fund. CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN said that wo ere in the
position of tho Council having adopted the budget, and in some
cases duo to the conversion through mechanics, or whatever, the
books of the Clerk do not conform specifically with tho budget
as to funds, and that sho would hesitate to see the Council
transfer by Resolution something that has alroady been dono.
The Resolution should be carefully reviewod. You wcro in the
same position with the Highway Funds for which you passed a
couple of Resolutions on gasoline tax. Your budget specifically
named tho fund and it is tho fund that is the correct fund by
law, but the books wore not kopt in that manner so you mado a
transfer to somothing thet you bed already done. Mrs. Sullivan
said she bolieved that tho Council should not be passing
Rosolutions to do something that you have elroady dono end do
it a second tito. In some cases Mrs. Sullivan said sho could
not say that the Council hes not dono it because they havo
done it and if the Clerk's books don't conform, thet she
thought the Council had taken tho action. CITY CLERK LLSTON
stated that Mr. Bouthel from
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the State Highway was out and conferred with the Council and
it is in the State Highways Code that any gas tax Honey coning
to the City mist be set up in the 1/4 cent gas tax fund and
kept separately. A Resolution was passed last June whereby
you dissolved that fund, transferring all Honey into the Street
Fund. Mrs. Alston said the City Manager has accused her of
not keeping her books prnperly according to that fund or we
would not be in this cnndition, but the nnney was illegally
transferred. Mrs. Alston said she want to gn on record ns
stating that the Auditor that recnnmended the mechanizing of her
office last July, assisted in the budget, her books were set
un according to the way he specified. It was a new system,
if it wrong, Mrs. Alston said that she should have the Auditor's
assistance and straighten it out because he gave the records
to set it by. CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN said she thought Mrs.
Alston should have the Auditor's assistance to straighten this
out and do it the way that you have passed that it should be
dene, MAYOR MATTHEWS said he did not believe the touneil is
putting the blame on either the City Manager or City Clerk for
these things that have been already done with the approval of
the Auditor and the approval of the City Attorney. If a mis-
take has been made we Tra.nt to correct it so that we can go
ahead with City business, and the only criticism is that they
have not been working close enough together or these things
would not have happened. This transfer rust be made tonight.
ATTORVEY CAMPBELL str.ted that in regard to the sale of National
City property to the Schonl District, the legal description has
not been completed as yet and the Resolution will be rendy for
the next meeting,
Age CMS= said that in the natter of tk}o tease on the
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parking lot, Mr. Simmons feels that the lease should provide
that the Council will agree to black top Mr. Goodwin's property
provided the agreement continues after July 1st. That is he
has the right to cancel up to July 1st without anything per-
haps other than en oil coat, but with no obligation of black
top, but if you decide to continue he feels that Mr. Goodwin
wants that included. Mr. Goodwin has provided that in tho
evont of a sale tho City has tho first option to purchase then
there would b a prorato adjustment upon tho black top. If tho
added provision is agroceble to tho Council tho Attornoy will
complete the agroomont on that basis. COUNCILMAN CARRIGAN
stated that ho would objoct to thet because this is a trial
run end it would be quite impossible to hove all tho facts and
figures together as of July 1st, end that it would be proper
to provide a thirty day's grace in the agroomont to see if it
were a paying proposition and wo want to continuo. CITY
MANAGER SULLIVAN said this was to avoid having two agrocmonts.
If it becomos a very good paying proposition Mr. Goodwin may
not want to lease it et tho end of the temporary period. If it
is an agroomont that is cancellable and it is a good paying
proposition then there is no probltm about putting the black
top on aftor the first of July, which would be the time, or
wo can make it tho first of August which would be the timo that
tho City would went it pormanontly. MAYOR MATTHEWS said to
mako it tho first of August. CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN said sho
thought it should bo 90 days. COUNCILMAN CARRIGAN said por-
haps the 90 days would bo satisfactory with the undorstanding
that wo do have the breakdown on the operation of the lot prier
to the continuation of tho permanent agroomont. ATTORNEY
CAMPBELL stated th^t Mr. Goodwin would not have any control
whatsoevor on tho operation. The ropert on tho operation could
be made no doubt on tho first of July which would givo ono
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month's porlod of timo to study the report. MAYOR MATTHEWS
ordorod tho City Lttornoy to pr0000d on the ninoty days basis.
REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION rogarding Potition No. 385
cf Fritz and Bowors roquosting a zone variance on 18th Street
and "J" Lvonuo to ellcw R-4 usago in R-1 and R-2 zones, was
road. Tho skotch shcwod c plot plan with throe 70' x 115'
lots and ono 80' x 115' lot upon orch of which was located a
two story apartment houso made up of four 1-bodroom units and
two 2-bodroom units making a total cf six units per lot, or
a grand total of 24 units. It also provided 6 car storago
spaces and a laundry and drying yard for oach lct. The request
was approved by th B Planning Commission with tho provision that
final and complote plans and specifications for the apartment
houso devolopment bo approved by the Planning Commission as con-
forming to the tentative plan as submittdd by Mr. L. W. Hamilton
for 24 units. Thero were no protosts.
RESOLUTION NO. 5425 was rood granting a special zcne variance
permit to Robert L. Bowers and Gilbert E. Fritz for the purpose
of allowing R-4 usage on tho following property: Lots 11 to
20 inclusive, Block 2 of Fronk P. Rood's Subdivision of tho
Ne of 20 Acre Lot 2 in Quartor Section 133 of Rancho do le Nncion.
Also_that portion of 19th Stroot adjoining Lot 11 cn tho south
and closed by resolution 4170 That said permit is g8atot
upon tho conditions and rocommondations of tho City Planning
Commission as horeinaftor sot fcrth: That final and comploto
plans and specifications for tho apartment houso dovolopmont
bo approved by the Planning Commission as conforming to the
tentative plan rs submittod by Mr. L. W. Hamilton for 24 units.
Movod by Carrigan, socondod by Hart, that tho Rosolution bo
adoptod. Carriod, all Councilmen presont voting ayo.
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REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION regarding Potition No. 366
of C. E. Williams Jr. et 16th Street and Pnlm Avenue to build
a triplex 20' x 60' on a lot 55' x 110' facing on 16th Stroot,
was read. Tho zone line passos through this lot with 20' in
R-2 zono and 35' in R-1 zone. Tho Commission members egrood
that the variance was being roquosted for tho 351 of R-1 zono
as 20' was elready in an R-2 zone. Tho roquost was epprovod
by the Planning Commission.
RESOLUTION NO. 5426 was road granting r special zone verinnco
permit to Charles E. Williams, Jr. for tho purpose of building
e triplex 20' x 60' on proporty doscribod as: A portion of
1/4 Section 128, boginning at tho northwost corner of said
Socticn; thonco southerly along tho wostorly lino of said 1/4
Section, a distenco of 410 foot; thenco at right anglos
easterly 240 foot; thonco et right englos northerly 140 foot
to tho northerly lino of said 1/4 Soction; thence at right
angles wostorly along sold northerly lino 240 foot to the point
of boginning. Movod by Clnrko, seconded by Curry, that tho
Rosolution bo adoptod. Carriod, all Councilman prosont voting
aye.
REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION was rood. The mattor of
recommendation of now regulations governing stroot surfacing
in now subdivisions vies considered and it was decided to hold
this item over to enablo tho Acting City Engineer to complete
his study. Tho problom of location of Scrvico Club signs was
discussed and tho Planner was lnstructod to write to the Clubn
and invite roprosontetivos to attend tho Planning Commission
mooting Monday April 30, 1951, so thoy can arrive at a satis-
factory solution. Tho proposed solo of the City block botwoon
14th and 15th Streets on National Lvenuo was discussed and tho
members felt that this problom should bo invostigatcd thoroughl;-
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beforo a recommendation wrs sont to the Council and caked that
tho Council allow thou cnothor weok of study on this mattor.
COUNCILMEN HLRT stated that Mrs. Willinns wes prosont in regard
to tho connoction of the sower to hor property. llcng Highland
Lvenuo the sower connoction wns put insido tho sidewalk on tho
side of the bathroom, oxcopt in tho easo of Mrs. Williams. She
was informed that tho sewer would h-vo to bo put on the othor
side of tho houso, end ell along tho stroct ono sower hook up
was need for oech house, but in this easo thoy usod tho Cafo
Le Maze end Williams houso, and this nedo an additional cost of
going across tho lot of about 50 foot, which will bo approxi-
mately cn additional $150.00. Mr. Hart said ho thought this
oxtrn cost should bo ccnsidorod as ho did not think it was
nocossary for this typo of installation. MLYOR MLTTHEWS suggost-
od that this bo roforroU to the Sowors Lppocl Bcard. COUNCILMLN
CURRY said that perhaps Mr. Smith could give us information.
WLYNE SMITH, LCTING CITY ENGINEER stated that he did not hoppon
to have control of that particular piece of work, howovor tho
cost of running the letora]s from the main to the property was
so high that on pnvod stroots an attonpt was made to put double
connocticns whorovor possibh., but ho did not know of this
particular ceso and some people may havo suffored somewhat from
that practice. Mr. Smith said ho bolieves tho Ordinanco calls
for o detormination of tho oxact locati'n of tho sowor connoct-
ion to bo nedo by sonoono connoctod with tho City and that he
did not recall whothor it was the Sower Foreman or the City
Engineer. }ARS. WILL1LMS was prosont and etc -tad that sho would
liko to know what they ere going to do about it, the coss pool
is draining on tho lot at the prosont tino. The ditch is dug
and thoy aro willing to put tho sower in on this opposito silo
but she cannot undorstend why thoy should bo inconvoniencod tho
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$150. to pay for it across tho lot. Thorn should be some ad-
justment redo for tho inconvonionco. MLYOR MLTTHEWS said that
is tho roason for tho Sowor Lppoals Board and ho would like this
roforred to thorn, end askod that Mrs. Williams appear with tho
Board tomorrow morning ct 9:00 L.M. CITY MLNIGER SULLIVLN said
thoro 1s a logel prcblon which tho Lttorney would explain.
LTTORNEY CLMPBELL said it is quostienablo, and that ho did not
boliovc sho is ontitlod under tho Ordinance to any portion of
a rofund of tho $170. That is sot forth as a minimum chcrgo,
end tho Sowor Lppoals Board is grantod certain powors whore it
is necossary to chargo an oxtra amount to hoer en eppoal from
tho property owners. MRS. WILLILMS askod why should sho have
tc pay $75.00 for the hook up to tho lateral as Cafo Le Mazo
has alroc.dy paid that chergo and wondorod why sho should hrvo
to pay it else. LTTORNEY CLMPBELL said th-t ho will attond the
mooting in tho morning and have an opinion to offor.
CITY MANLGER SULLIVLN said that there have boon a number of
quostions raisod on card rooms in eonnoction with tho roeont
Ordinance. Mrs. Sullivan said, as sho indicrtod to tho Council
in hor report, that hor undorstaftding of the Ordinance had
nothing to do with social club parties or an ordinary soeitl
activity whoro cards arc played and prizes are awarded. This
question is askod daily by ono orgtniznticn cr tho othor. and
thoro cro Sono ladios in tho audionco who undorstood thrt this
nattor was to bo brought up tonight, end that inasmuch es it
continuos to bo a ouostion, that it night bo woll to ask tho
Lttornoy for an opinion. LTTORNEY CLMPBELL said ho has boon
quostionod in this rogard, and that es far es a club having a
card party and awarding prizos thrt ho cannot soo anything in
tho Ordinanco that would prohibit it, howovor ho boliovod that
it would prohibit any association or group from setting up card
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tables if they sell tickots to tho public or if they invite
the public. If it is closod to their own organization thoy can.
BERNLRD BANKE nskod if tho Lttcrnoy would toll tho pooplo about
temporary honorary nonborships, would that bo alright? LTTORNEY
CLMPBELL said that ho boliovod that any private orgainzetion
could porhaps maintain card rooms, not in violation of tho
tho Ordinanco. Howovor, if it woro n temporary membership
affair that is open actually to the public, that it would bo
subterfuge, at least it would ralso a point of porhaps litigation.
If it is a bone fide club like any of tho church organizations,
any of the fraternal organizations, thoro is nothing in tho
Ordinanco that prohibits it, if it is not for hiro. If there aro
prizes, that is alright, but if thorn is salo to the public, it
is prohibitod. If anything also is sold, thoro is nothing to
prohibit tho solo, it is just tho sale for the cards. COUNCILMLN
CLLRKE said that in his mind tho Ordinance was not srocific
enough and that is the reason ho raisod tho questions ho did.
Mr. Clarke said ho thought tho intontion should bo stated in
the law, thore sh uld be no surmising. MRS. WLSSNER of Fletcher
Hills said the thing that worried hor is tho fact that sho is a
nombor
onto
of a fraternal
a month and
called the Police
cerd party, or wo
we ro
organization and thoy havo a card party
told that thoy could net play cards. They
today and woro
told that we could not haw) a
would run tho chance of boing raided.
Sho said
it did not seem reasonable but they did not know what to do
about it. CITY M12JL:GER SULLIVLN said sho told ell social groups
who ordinarily have this type of party that our City was not
intorosfed in thou, and unloss ordorod difforontly the Polico
Dopt. will not be interostod in raiding social afternoon card
parties.
CITY MLNLGER SULLIVLN stated that the California Sewage Works
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645
Lssociation ere pecplo dealing with end intorestod in sowago
problems end they ere convening in Frosno, and two invitations
havo boon received. Tho convontion bogins Lpril 25 and
closos Lpril 28.
CITY MLNLGER SULLIVLN said sho rocoivod e 7o ttor from the
Chamber of Commorce addressor to tho City Ccuncil stating that
tho Board of Diroctors in sossion Lpril 5th votod unanimously
to oxtond congratulations to ycu on boing supported by tho
community in the recont card room oloction.
CITY MLNLGER SULLIVLN said sho would like to givo cut the
budget forms. Tho only item sho wishod to coil os;ocielly to
tho nttonticn of the Ccuncil is that tho schodulo calls for e
public hoaring on Juno 19th end it was plecod on thoro assuring
that you want to havo c public hoaring on the budgot aftor you
havo had nn opportunity tc study it. MLYOR MLTTHEWS said ho
thought it should be a night othor than a ro5uler Council moot-
ing, end suggested Wednosday, Juno 20th, for tho hoaring. CITY
MLNLGER SULLIVLN said sho would liko to know whothor tho Council
would liko to have copios of tho budgot properod to hand out
to anyone who is intorestod. COUNCILMLN CLLRKE said ho thought
it was a vory good idon to put as many of thoso es wo possibly
can to tho public, placo thou in tho Library, Chanbor of
Comnorco and various othor placos. MLYOR MITTHEWS said ho
thought it was a very good idon to furnish copios tc those
interested.
CITY MLNLGER SULLIVLN said thoro is nn appraisal report on tho
block that Mr. Tyson ()flared to purchaso from tho City, and
thet sho has gono through it rather thoroughly to tho point
that she could give tho Council tho boiled dcwn appraisal of
tho nppraisor end wondorod if tho Council would liko to hold
4/17
646
this ovor until tho noxt meeting. COUNCILMAN CURRY said ho
thought it should bo held over until tho next mooting. MRS.
SULLIVLN said she would pro oro a digest for tho Council.
CITY MLNLGER SULLIVLN said sho had a lottor from tho California
Water end Tolophono Company and attached to it e copy of thoir
petition of opplic-tion boforo tho Public Utilities Commission.
Mrs. Sullivan said sho boliovod thnt each of tho Councilman had
a copy of tho roquost of thoir addition to the rulos end re-
gulations govorning the Swootwator District, and sinco this is
a Public Utilitios HoarinG, and an instruction for nn appear-
ance should be mado, that sho would liko to suggost this bo
similar to the Public Utilitios Hoaring whoro wo appearod on
tho rate caso. That diroction bo given to tho City Lttornoy and
tho City Mcnngor to prepare for the eppoeranco prior to the
tino of tho Hearing which is Mny 4th, for you to have en
op2ortunity to review before it is prosontod. MAYOR MLTTHEWS
said that tho City Manager and City Lttornoy should act accord-
ingly.
CITY MLNLGER SULLIVLN sold that tho nattor of the Justice Court
proposal has cone up during tho wook. Tho City of Chula Vista
hos said thoy would make avc11ab1; land on which a Court could
bo built, end Mrs. Sullivan wondorod if the Council wonted to
make n similar offor by making space available for tho Justice
Court, COUNCILMAN CLRP.IGLN said the most simplo mettor would
bo for the Justico Court to use the soma room that has been used
in tho post. MRS. SULLIVLN said sho beliovos tho Board of
Suporviscrs would liko to have o jostor from tho Council that
thy would nttonpt to nnka qunrtors available. CITY MANLGER
SULLIVLN said sho could toll tho Board of Supervisors, that ycu
would mcko a sight available in connection with the Civie Cantor
or you would mnko spaco available for tit') Court, on a rental
4/17
647
basis. The mombors of tho Council folt it would bo unwiso to
offer e sito at tho prosont time as thoro is tho possibility
a municipal court woulc' be sot up whon tho population
roaches 40,000.
CITY COUNCIL recessed for 10 ninutos. Tho mooting is to rosumo
at 10:00 P.M.
THE MEETING was roconvenod by Mryor Clinton D. Mrtthows.
RESOLUTION NO. 5427 was rood, strting: Whorocs it is tho
dosiro of tho City Council of tho City of Nrtion-1 City,
California, to diroct thrt e tonrorrry transfer of funds in
amount of $76,500.00 bo made from the Capital Rosorvo Fund to
tho Gonoral Fund, and whoroas it hrs bocn cortifiod by tho
City Manngor Doris Sullivan tho taxes now accruing onding
Juno 30, 1951 is in oxcoss Gf $90,000, now therefore, bo it
rosolvod that the City Clerk is hereby diroctod to transfer
$76,500.00 from tho Ccpitrl Roservo Fund to the Gonor-1 Fund
es a temporary loan and to bo ropaid to tho Capitol Resorvo
Fund from tho first nenips rocoivod by tho City of National
City. Movod by Clarko, socondod by Cnrrigrn, thrt the Rosolution
bo adoptod. Carried, by tho following voto to -wit: Lyos:
Carrigan, Clarke, Curry, Hart, Mrtthows. Nrys: None.
RESOLUTION NO. 5428 was rood: Whoroas on the 27th dry of March,
1951, a loan in the sum of $26,227.72 was made by Resolution
No. 5417 from tho Capital Rosorvo Fund to tho Gonorel Fund,
now therefore be it resolved that tho loon in the sun of
$26,227.72 nedo on March 27, 1951 from the Capital Rosorvo
Fund to tho Gonoral Fund bo horoby repaid, end tho City Clerk
is horeby directed to transfor $26;227.72 from tho Gen.:ral Fund
to tho Capital Rosorvo Fund. Movod by Carrigan, socondod by
Hart, that the Resolution bo adopted. Carried, by the following
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648
vote to -wit: Lyos: Carrigan, C1^rke, Curry, Hart, Matthews.
Nays: Nono.
BILLS LUDITED by the Finance Co^=ittoo, as follows:
General Fund $11,258.08
Capital Reservo Fund 43.98
Library Fund 577.93
Park Fund 1,870.10
Pica. Con. Fund 177.38
Stroot Fund 1,237.95
Licht. District #1 32.65
Harbor Fund 195.95
TOTLL $15,394.02
Moved by Curry, secondod by C1^rke, that tho bills bo ollowod
end warrants drawn for sane. Carriod, by the following vote
to -wit: :.yes: Carrigcn, Clarke, Curry, Hart, Metthows. Nays:
Nono.
CITY CLERK IIS TON brought up tho natter cf tho adjustments that
the Managor suggested r.nc told the Ccuncil they should make a
thorough study es they were considered in tho budget. I have
an explanation to make and would like e ruling from the City
Lttorney. It is corroct, thoy are in tho budget but most of
them are for labor charged to the Streit Dopertment which was
out
done for other dopertmonts end was Enid/of the Stroot Fund. All
purchase orders aro approvod and signod boforo coming to my
offico and thoy ere posted accordincly. If they are not charged
direct thon those trnnsfors hevo to bo made and they aro from
ono fund to anothor. CITY LTTORNEY CLMPBELL statod he boliovod
it nocossery to havo a rosolution authorizing the change and
felt thet this should bo laid over fcr ono wook.
MAYOR MLTTHEWS asked City Managor Sullivan what she folt should
bo done to straighten out the Sewer Fund. CITY MLNAGER SULLIVLN
stntod that sho folt that it was tho intention of the Council
when they discussod it earlier for the City Lttornoy, City Clerk,
City Treasurer, and City Managor to rosolvo the soveral problems
4/17
649
not only in tho 1946 Sower Fund but any othors that night occur
in relation to the rosponsibility of tho bookkooping syston
to the rudgot and any difforoncos thoro night bo. If it is
satisfactory with City Clerk Alston, it soon that Mr. Collura
in conference with us would bo holpful. City Mrnagor Sullivan
believed it would tako ouite a whilo to resolve it but is
sure thst every ono concorncd with it will bo glad to discuss
it. If we cannot agree, rnd if it is c logo). ;roblon thou
tho City Lttornoy will have to solvo it; and if wo can't agree
administratively thon tho City Council will h^vo to salvo it.
Since most cf this is now, it is to bo oxpoctcd that ell would
not bo agreement. CITY CLERK LLSTON stated that tho only thing
which concornod her was tho Sowor Fund. If wo erc going to
take it before tho St^tc Logisloturo shouldn't action bo takon
soon? CITY MLNLGER SULLIVLN stated that she thought that thoy
had agrood a^rllor with Mr. Canrb oll that that wes ono possible
ronsdy and maybo it isn't tho ronody tho City noodod. MLYOR
MLTTHEWS thon caked if tho City Managor, City Clark, and City
Lttornoy would study tho mottor end try to como up with sons
agroonont on it. CITY ATTORNEY CAMPBELL statod that thoro aro
throe possibilitios, (1) tho propor ch^rgos of oxponsos against
the funds, (2) tho logisl-tivo chrngo, (3) and court approval
by Writ of Mandato. Ho folt that it night bo wise to have this
introducod in the Logislaturo as it would bo writton into tho
law for tho bonofit of oll other citios. Thoro is a bill in
tho Hoclth and Safoty Code et tho prosont tiro and a ridor
could bo tacked on to it. Lt locst you could sook that change,
but to request a change sono consideration should bo given to
tho typo of logislrtion, whothor you want to sock legislation
to put unused funds into a Gonorol Fund, into a fund for tho
repair ^nd maintenance of tho particular project, or tho ro-
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650
payment of bonds and intorost. Tho bill that Assonblyman
Cloyed and Sonator Kraft havo in nt the prosont time aro for
tho ropaynont of bonds and intorest. Tho Bond Lct of 1889
provides that any unused money can bo put into tho Gonoral
Fund so that the Logisl^turn probcbly has nc objoetion to any
such anendnont. MAYOR MLTTHEWS st-tcd that tho 1946 Sewer
Fund was under the Bond Lct of 1901 which clid not have a. ridor
which allowed tho unused funds to bo transforred to tho Gonoral
Fund. CITY ATTORNEY CLMPBELL statod that it has no provision
at all and oust bo used exclusively for the stated purposo.
MAYOR MLTTHEWS askod if it would bo egrooablo to tho City Council
to havo the City Lttornoy drew up such a bill and hove ono of
our reprosontetivos introduco it in tho Logislaturo. MAYOR
MLTTHEWS eskod if an anendnont to Bond Lct of 1901 would sclvo
our problem if wo find no othor way? CITY ATTORNEY CAMPBELL
stated that to givo retroactive offoct to en Ordinenco that
provides usage is quostionnblo, particularly within tho Gonoral
Fund, but ho would suggost that tho City Council ask tho logis-
loture to make the ehengo and than 1f that is tho only problem
we hevc to salvo, if you direct, Attorney Campbell would dolvo
into the rotroactive offoct. Tho bill which our roprosontativos
aro presenting in tho Logislaturo is for anothor set, en amend-
ment to the Sanitation Let; however, the Sanitation Lct has the
sand provision. It states that tho money cbteinod from tho Bond
Issuo shall bo used oxclusivoly fcr o particular purposo and
then stops. Thoy are identical in tho exclusivo use and than
lack of diroetions. Movod by Cl.u'ko, soeondod '-y Hcrt, thct
tho City Attorney bo instructod to draw up this anondnont.
Carried, all Councilmen prosont voting aye.
COUNCILMAN CURRY asked if the Groyhcund Busos havo a franehiso
in the City. CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN statod that thoy did not
4/17
651
and wns ono of the legal problems that CITY LTTORNEY CLMPB ELL
inhoritod. City Lttornoy Cnitoll was instructed to draw up
a frenchiso with the Groyhound Bus Company
COUNCILMLN CURRY roquostcd a Traffic Roport as to whet action
thoy hevo takon and roconmondations thoy hevo mado on tho
things roforrod to thou by tho Council. CITY MLNLGER SULLIVLN
stated that tho Traffic S-foty Comnittoo hod a rough draft of
consolidatod Traffic Ordinancos which thoy would soon prosont
to tho Council.
COUNC n,MLN CURRY brought up the nettor of the Sumner Concossions
in the park so that a decision could be reached es to how the
natter would be hendleca. CITY MLNLGER SULLIVLN stated that the
Rocroation Commission has roconnondod thot tho Cnnteon bo run
ns a concession rather then by City onrloyoos. Howovor, they
hove made o rocomnondation that tho location of tho Canteon bo
changod. Lt tho prosont tine tho Planning Commission is study-
ing•tho location. Tho Rocroation Commission folt that the public
would bo bottor served if it wns run by a privato concossion on
a percontago basis.
RESOLUTION NO. 5429 was rood, authorizing tho payment of the
following sum from tho Cipitcl Reservo fund: National City
Glass Company, $43.98, for City Hall Romodoling. Movod by
Clarko, soeondod by Curry, that tho Resolution be edopted.
Carried, by the following voto to -wit: Lyes: Cerrignn, Clnrko,
Curry, Hort, Metthows. Nays: Nono.
MLYOR MLTTHEWS asked if there wns my rule rogording tho
ettondanco of numbers of the Planning Commission at their noot-
ings. There aro one or two nonbors who aro not attending noot-
ings and he felt it unfair to tho nonbors who aro ettonding ever:,
4/17
652
mooting to have to writ for sono porson who night bo lrto to
got a quorum. If thoro is c rulo which would dismiss e nonbor
rftor missing so many nootings tho Mayor thought it should bo
put in offoet. CITY LTTORNEY CLMPBELL statod that an erointoo
of tho Planning Commission can be ronovod by tho appointing
official subjoct to tho app rovrl of tho logisletivo 'body.
M..YOf MLTTH'3WS stctod th-t from this dato that any nonbor of tho
Planning Commission who nissos two consocutivo nootings without
notifying tho Council shall bo subjoct for dismissal for not
having onough intorost in tho job. CITY PLLNNER WLGNER reconnond-
od that this be changod to throo consocutivo meetings es there
have been incidents whoro soma slight action occurred end it
was necessary for e good ettonding comnissionor to bo absent
two consocutivo meetings. COUNCILMLN HLRT felt that it should
bo loft et two unless thorn is sickness or something which
causes then to be ebsont. MRS. HOLLINGSWORTH, member of tho
Planning Commission, felt that three should bo permitted, however
if things keep going tho Council will soon heve to sorve thou
breakfast. COUNCILMLN CLRRIGLN stated that ho thought the re-
commendation of the Planning Commission should bo considered..
MLYOR MLTTH'3WS said thct throe nootings would bo allowed. When
any member hes missed throe consocutivo nootings the Chairmen
of the Planning Commission is to notify the Council end his
recommendation. CITY LTTORNEY CLMPBELL atatod th^t until en
amendment to tho Ordinance was drawn up, eech individual dis-
missal should be acted upon rather than a blanket policy. Tho
Council members approved tho Mayor's recommendation.
COUNCILMLN CURRY brought up tho matter of a license for the
gave, Shuffleboard, which now pays no license fee. Ls other
people with other typos of gapes must pay a license fee he felt
that they should also. CITY LTTORNEY CLMPBELL stated that the
4/17
653
study of the License Ordinanco is coming up a week from tomorrow
and this should be kept in mind.
MOVED by Clarke, seconded by Curry, that the meeting be closed.
Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye.
LTTEST:
CITY CLERK
MLYOR, CITY OF NLTIQNLL CI , CLLIFORNIL
4/17