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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1950 11-14 CC MIN3E0 National City, California, November 14, 1950. Regular meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Clinton D. Matthews at 7:30 P.M. o'clock. Councilmen present: Carrigan, Clarke, Curry, Hart, Matthews. Council- men absent: None. Moved by Curry, seconded by Clarke, that the reading of the minutes of the regular meeting of November 8, 1950, be dispensed with. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS present: Alston, Sullivan, Warner, Gautereaux. ORDINANCE NO. , en ordinance approving the annexation of "Pritcherds" was presented for the second and final reading. Moved by Carrigan, seconded by Curry, that only the heading be read. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Carrigan, Clarke, Curry, Hart, Matthews. Nays: None. ORDINANCE NO. 805, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE ANNEXATION TO THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA, OF CERTAIN UNINHABIT- ED TERRITORY, IN THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATED AS "PRITCHLRDS". Moved by Carrigan, seconded by Clarke, that the Ordinance be adopted. Carried, all Council- men present voting eye. CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN statod that in regard to the proposed annexation of "Fisher", at the lest meeting she reported that all but one family in the territory had replied. There are five members in the family who own the property jointly and ell but one had been contacted. The fifth member was 321 being contacted this evening, and Mrs. Sullivan asked if the Council so wished that the second reading of the Ordinance be hold over another week. Moved by Clarke, seconded by Curry, that the second reeding of the Ordinance on the annexation of "Fisher" bo laid over until the next meeting. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. THE M/TTSR OF THE FORTY HOUR WEEK was presented. A letter from the Civil Service Commission was read which stated that they have boon unable to make a recommendation regerd- ing the proposed forty hour work week due to numerous meetings to conduct examinations, etc. but will submit a recommendation before the next meeting of the Council. A communication from the National City Employees' Association was reed, which stated that after taking a vote of the members of the Employees' Lesocietion, the consensus of opinion is to further the request thet a decision be reached on the forty hour week. COUNCILMEN CL!RKE said he did not see why all the delay, that he hed checked this matter from every angle end that he did not heve any trouble in making up his mind he was for the forty hour week. COUNCILMAN HART stated that he has 'talked to a number of�employees and he knows they went a forty hour week, and he has checked a number of other cities and Chula Vista, San Diego, El Cajon and La Mesa ere all on e forty hour week, and that he too fevered the forty hour week for National City. Moved by Hert, seconded by Curry, that we wait another week for the recommendation from the Civil Service Commission. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. 322 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION VACANCY was discussed. MAYOR MATTHEWS said thet Henry Tikkanen had been suggestod,for the Commission. There is also the vacancy on the Community Redevelopment Agency to be filled. CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN stated she had written the letter to the main office of the Bank of America regarding Mr. Dyster serving on this Agency and that she received a bitter stating there would be another letter shortly giving their decision. The name of Charles Stein had been suggested for this Agency if Mr. Dyster is unable to serve. Moved by Hart, seconded by Clarke, that the matter of appointing a member to the Civil Service Commission and one to the Community Redevelopment Agency be laid over until the next meeting. Carried, all Council- men present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM HERBERT A. BARNES was presented. COUNCIL- MAN CLAM asked if this was the letter from which all the Councilmen received a copy. MAYOR MATTHEWS stated that it was. Moved by Clarke, seconded by Hert, that the letter be filed. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM JOHN W. BRIGHT, was read. The letter stated that he applied for a zone variance approximately one year ago and was granted same for a period of one year with the provision that if no complaints were received from his neighbors he could apply ^gain for the extension of the zone variance without additional cost. Mr. Bright asked that the zone variance be extended. ATTORNEY WIRN!R stated the Resolution for a special permit that was granted to Mr. Bright was only f-r a period of one year and that it ex- 3E3 pared October 18, 1950. If it was the desire of the Council to extend the time, a new Resolution would have to be passed. Moved by Curry, seconded by Hart, that the request be laid over until the next mooting and that the Attorney prepare a Resolution to extend the zone variance to Mr. Bright. Carried, all Ccunaailmon present voting aye. ATTORNEY WARNER stated that the first item on his report is the matter of the San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway hear. ing. A communication from the San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway Company was read, in regard to tho discontinuance of passenger train service between San Diego and the Imperial Valley. The letter states that this train is losing about $336,000.00 a year. MR. FIELDING, Traffic Manager of the San Dieg0 & Arizona Eastern Railway Company, was present. Mr. Fielding stated thct they hove a large amount of money at stake and it is their thought that there is no chance of mak;ng this trein pay, thus tho reason for discontinuance of service. Mr. Fielding stated that Mr. Hanson, Passenger Traffic Manager of the-Southern"Pao'ific was 'present -end -- would answer any questions, end that after the facts have been presented, the Council loave it to the Public Utilities Commission, who they think are in a position to judge whether the sorvice should be continued. MAYOR M&TTHEWS stated that thoy had quite a discussion et the Chamber of Commerce mooting this morning in regard to this matter, and the Chamber voted to try to take some action that this line would be continued. They did not have all the information available, and sent a letter to the San Diego Chamber of Ccmmerce asking why they had ntt objocted. It was brought 3E4 out that we hate to depend solely on our one line to Los Angeles for transportation in case of an emergency, but Mayor Matthews said their letter stetod that this service would be available in ease of any emergency. COUNCILMAN CLLRKE said that he would like to ask Mr. Hanson how long have they been operating this line tc the East from San Diego. MR. HANSON said that they established the S. D. & A. Rail- road in the year 1919 and we have for many years been operat- ing through service to Chicago in connection with the Rock Island Railroad. we have never been successful in carrying the passenger load sufficient to warrant the expense of this operation except during the war years when passenger traffie was fairly satisfactory. In case of an emergency, disaster, etc. you will find the Southern Pacific always ready and willing in an emergency of any kind, that has been proven in connection with the disaster that occurred in the City of San Premise() in 1906. The Military forces have been assured that the line is available and we do not propose to abandon the railroad, but hope to make it a strong freight carrying railroad, and if any need of it is necessary from the standpoint of Military we are here to serve them and they have been told so and are satisfied with that situation. MAYOR MATTHEWS. said that there was some talk from the labor side that they might put cn a faster and a little more comfortable train. MR. HANSON said that because of the physical situation of the property, it is quite out of the question to expect any speed over that line. We are now making the run in about five hours. We have done everything within our power over a period of yoars to think • 1 0 326 up ways and means of getting business over this railroad, but the potential is just not here. It has been advertised thoroughly throughout the oast, advertised locally and cannot even inveigle the boys of tho Military Services to use this service even though we have met competitive rates. It is a terrific expense, $335,000.00 to $350,000.00 a year, which somebody has to pay for, end it comes out of the other side of the house, the freight revenue. Passenger service has' lost $650,000,000.00 over the nation. We are doing everything on our railroad to reduce the losses so that we might operate efficiently and more favorably to tho trssvei- ing public. We are not going out of business in San Diego. We will be just as energetic as we have always been. At the present time ninety-five percent or more of the business out of San Diego on the railroad goes through the North by way of Los Angeles. We are going to protect that business and advertise and hope for more. It is not going to effect the passenger personnel as far as our ticket office, sales and solicitations are concerned. There have been some rumors sproad that there will be a tremendous loss from this area of railroad employees, that is not true. Our oporating officials have assured us that not more than fifteen employ- ees will possibly be out of work in this area, they have indicated that anyone who wants to protect their, pension rights, pass rights, will be given en opportunity for service on some other part of the Southern Pacific. COUNCILMAN CLARKE asked why then were people protesting. MR. HANSON stated thst the only people protesting the discontinuance of this servics aro the labor people& The business man realizes that business cannot operate on been filed directly except that Brotherhood. COUNCILMAN CLLRKS of tha people in the volley who railroad. MR. HANSON said that pending on the railroad to code practically no feeling against service in the valley, because 326 that basis, no protests have which was instigated by the asked what the feeling was have boon depending on the the people have not been de - to San Diego. There is the discontinuance of this the Los Angeles - Chicago train goes through the Imperial Valley end that service will not be disturbed. COUNCILMAN CARRIGAN asked if this $335,000.00 to $350,000.00 loss was on this particular ,end of the line. MR. HANSON said it is on the San Diego & Arizona Railroad passenger service. Under the Inter -State Commerce Commission formula we aro losing in passenger ser- vice $34,000,000.00 a year, which is on the entire system. COUNCILMAN CLRZIGAN asked how long the company has been, absorbing the loss. MR. HANSON said that it has been practically continuous except possibly during the last war period. COUNCILMAN CARRIGLN stated that he felt we did not have sufficient information to protest for or against the service. MR. HANSON stated that they are not asking for any support from any group or organization. They feel that the public Utilities Commission is Bet up and equipped to .analyze this thing thoroughly and render a decision, and WO abide by whatever decision made by the Commission. Tho continued hearing will be Thursday, November 16th. Tho application was filed with the Commission July 14th and advertised in all the newspapers. MAYOR M"lTTHEWS said that he did not think that any action on the part of the Council 3E7 was necessary. ATTORNEY WARNER stated that he had a letter signed by Mr. Starke in regard to Superior Court Suit 150935. The letter stated that the City of National City has filed a cross complaint and have named his client, Mr. Green cross de- fen3ent. The letter also stated thet Attorney Warner ask his client what they went for their deed and that his client will probably talk it over. Mr. Werner said this was the case that was,discussed about the $100.00. Under Ordinance No. 671 it would be necessary far him to make his application' In writing. Moved by Clarke, seconded by Hart, that Attorney Werner be authorized to so advise Mr. Starke. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. ATTORNEY WARNER stated that in the matter of sales tax he thought it might be a good ides to have this discussed et e. League meeting. Mr. Werner said he felt that all the Cities' throughout the County should have some sort of a uniform Sales tax ordinance. MAYOR MATTHEWS asked if Mr. Werner thought it would be well to take this matter up at an open League meeting. ATTORNEY WARNER said that perhaps it could be taken up at a Mayors' meeting. COUNCILMAN CPRRIGAN suggested that we call a meeting of all of the City Attorneys in the County, outside of the city of San Diego end see if this nattor could not be atraightenod out. ATTORNEY WARNER reported on the proposed Boo Ordinanco and stated that he is trying to secure information from sons other Cities. 328 ATTGR E Y WARNER stated that in regard to the matter of side- walks he did not have the data to present at this meeting, but hoped to have something in this regard for the next meeting. COUNCILMAN CURRY stated thst he is of the opinion we are overlooking the possibility of a sales tax on liquor. Mr. Curry said thet when you buy packaged liquor there is a sales tax but when you consume it over the bar, there is no sales tax, and ho thought a sales tax should be paid for consumption also. ATTORNEY WARNER said that he believed the enswer to that is that one tax is on the consumer and the other tax cn the retailer. MR. CURRY said he thought this question of a sales tax on liquor should be thoroughly gone into and if there is no way of charging a tax at the present time to work out some way. ATTORNEY WARNER said that he would check into this matter. REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION was read. Tho Planning Commission at their mooting of November 13, 1950, approved the request of Mr. Richard McCune for the closing of tho alley in Block 19, City Plat. CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN stated that if tho Council approves of this closing it will bo necessary to introduce en Ordinance of Intention for the vacation. ORDINANCE NO. , en ordinencj of Intention to veeate and close en alley in Block 19, City plat, was prosiantod for the first roadinc. Moved by Carrigan, soccrded by Hert, thet only the hording be read. Cerriod, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Carrigan, Clerko, Curry, Hart, Matthews. 329 Nays: None. ORDINANCE NO. ; AN ORDINANCE OF INTENTION TO VACATE AND CLOSE A PUBLIC ALLEY LOCATED IN BLOCK 19, CITY PLAT, CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA. Moved by Hart, seconded by Clarke, that the Ordinance b., laid over until the next 'meeting for the second and final reading, Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Carrigan, Clarke, Curry, Hart, Matthews. Nays: None. CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN reported that she had received a re- quest from The San Diego Transit -Mixed Concrete Company, to lease 75,000 square feet of tidelands. Mrs. Sullivan stated this would be relatively close to the last parcel of property leased and is a portion of Parcel 2. It was the recommend- ation of Mrs. Sullivan that the lease be authorized. RESOLUTION NO. 6358 was read, authorizing the Mayor to sign a lease on behalf of the City of National City with The San Diego Transit -Mixed Concrete Company, for the lease of the following described property for the term of five years on the following conditions: Two cents (20) per square foot per year: Northerly one hundred and eighty feet (180') of Southerly two hundred and twenty feat (220') of Parcel 2 as shown oh the tentative parcelling of National City Tidelands. Moved by Carrigan, seconded by Hart, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting ayo. APPLICATION TO MOVE L BUILDING by W. A. Harlow was reed. The building is to be moved from 3946i Vermont Ave., San Diego to 7th Stroet and "T° Avenue, National City. ,5UILDING 330 INSPECTOR BIRD recommended that the building be brought up to the building fegulations and completed within 90 days time. ,Moved by Carrigan, seconded by Hart, that the request be granted provided it is completed within the 90 days time. Carried, all Councilmen present voting ayo. APPLICATION TO MOVE A BUILDING by W. A. Harlow was read. The building is to be moved from 120E-04 Hendricks St., San Diego to the 1900 block on E. 8th Street. The applicat- ion was approved by J. C. BAILEY acting for BUILDING INSPECT- OR BIRD, building to be completed within 90 days. Moved by Clarke, seconded by Carrigan, that the request bo granted provided it is completed within 90 days time. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. REQUEST OF BILLIE H. PENDLEY, 508 "0" Ave., for refund of $2.50 on Business License, was road. The request was approved by LICENSE COLLECTOR BATES. Moved by Carrigan, seconded by Hart, that the refund be granted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting eyo. COUNCILMAN HART asked if any action has been taken in regard to having the busses stop On the far side of the street. CITY MSNAGER SULLIVAN stated that the Traffic Safety Committee has not had a quorum for several meetings and there are several items on their agenda which will have to bo taken up again whoy they have a quorum present, this being one of the items. COUNCILMAN CLARKE asked how the taxi company located the spot on the corner of 8th and National, whether it was granted by the City Council or whether they just located thorn of their own accord. MAYOR 331 MQATTHEWS said permission must have been granted at one time. ATTORNEY WIRNt! said it is quite common practice for the Cities to grant taxi companies permission to locate on an important corner as they feel it is for the convenience and the good of the public. CITY CLERK ALSTON said that it was her recollection that there was a Resolution passed which granted the taxi company permission to locato at 8th and National Avenue. Moved by Curry, seconded by Hart, that this be referred to the City Manager and City Attorney for checking. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN stated she had roceived a request from R. P. McCullough and S. G. Ashenberg, 2711 28th Street, San Diogo to connect onto the National City sewer line which is adjacent to their property. ATTORNEY WARNER stated that for some reason or other we have our sewer in the County, and if it is the desire of the Council to grant this request he believed it could bo worked out. MAYOR MITTHEWS stated that this is the property that we cannot annex for another year. COUNCILMAN HART said that if we did not grant the request it would be necessary for them to dig a cess pool and then if they came into National City next year it would hardly be fair to put them to that expense. COUNCILMAN CLRRIGAN said he thought these were the people who did not wish to be annexed to National City. WAYNE SMITH was present and stated that there are sovorel portions of that sewer which are in the County. portions,along Sweetwater Road, East of "I" /venue. That was the natural course of the valley and it was put in there by design to ovoid cutting through the high hills. ATTORNEY WARNER askcd if the City 332 has easements over all that County territory. MR. SMITH said that they have, and also have permits from the Ccunty on those portions of County road and easements from the property owners on private land. COUNCILMAN CARRIGAN asked if it would be legal to make a monthly or yearly charge for use of the sewer and then cancel it at the time it becomes a portion of National City. ATTORNEY WARNER said he be- lieved that would be possible. COUNCILMAN CARRIGAN said he thought we should have a letter from them stating their willingness to be annexed to National City end that they pay for the sewer line connections and $3.00 per month charge. CITY MANAGER SULLIVAN said she would so notify Mr. McCullough. CITY MLNLGER SULLIVLN brought up the matter of the Managers' Conference to be held in Houston, Texas, November 26th to 29th. MRS. SULLIVAN said she felt that such a meeting would be worth her while. Moved by Carrigan, seconded by Cuff VAIErs.-Salttyam • •he•• gran ted-femiss/ ot>v-tot-attend the,Conforonce in Houston, Texas. 'Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. Mrved by Carrigan, soconeee by Hart, that the meeting be closed. Carried, all Councilmen present votinz aye. CITY C ERK MAYOR, C TY OF NLTION;L CITY, CALIF()