Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1948 09-07 CC MIN48 National City, California, September 7, 1948. Regular meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Gilbert E. Fritz at 7:30 P. M. o'clock. Councilmen present: Adams, Curry, Matthews, Thatcher, Fritz. Councilmen absent: None. Moved by Matthews, seconded by Curry, that the reading of the minutes of the regular meeting of August 17, 1948, be dispensed with. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS present: Rogers; Dickson, Campbell, Smith, Gautereaux. BILLS AUDITED by the Finance Committee presented: General Fund..,. . • $ 6,347.66 Street Fund • • ... . • 2,449.10 Park M & I Fund . •.. • 706.01 Light. Dist. #1 . ,. • . 43.65 Cap! Outlay Fund. • . . 17,166.E3 194 Sewer Fund . • • . 37,297.26 Unapp. Tax Fund • . • • 145.02 Payroll 19,219.46 TOTAL $74,3744079 Moved by Curry, seconded by Adams, that the bills be allowed and warrants ordered drawn for same. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Adams, Curry, Matthews, Thatcher, Fritz. Nays: None. RESOLUTION NO. 4773 was read, authorizing $17,166.63 expended from the Capital Outlay Fund as follows: National Lumber Co., $101.31, Com. Bldg.; Crook Co., $3,377.38, Street; Federal Works Agency, $925.00, rental payment Com. Bldg.; Brown -Bevis Equip. Co., $12,643.38, Street; San Diego Office Supply Co., $119.56. Moved by Adams, seconded by Matthews, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. APPLICATIONS TO THE STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION for beverage license were submitted as follows: Mark K. & Richard I. Wilson, DBA Dick's 49 2105 National Avenue, on sale beer; Anela C. & Jose G. Reyes, 1712 McKinley Avenue, off sale beer and wine; Eva B. Mills, DBA Jackson's Place, 623 W 15th Street, on sale beer. The applications were approved by Chief of Police Bates, and Mayor Fritz ordered them filed. COMMUNICATION FROM THE DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS was read, requesting that the budgets for the fiscal year be submitted and approved by Septem- ber 30th. Mayor Fritz suggested that the matter be referred to the Street Supt. and Engineer. Moved by Matthews, seconded by Thatcher, that the Mayor's suggestion be carried out. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM STEPHEN B. ROBINSON relative to the California Water & Telephone Co. request for increased rates, was read and ordered filed. SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY Resolution No. 106 setting the water tax rate of $.14 per hundred dollar valuation for the fiscal year 1948-1949 was read and ordered filed. COMMUNICATION FROM THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES was read, requesting immediate repairs of the Library Building. Mayor Fritz stated that plans are being made for the repairs, and that Mrs. Baeder be con- tacted and informed of the work to be done. COMMUNICATION FROM L. M. HUGHES was read, which enclosed the plans drawn for the proposed golf course. COUNCILMAN CURRY inquired as to the date authorization was given to have the plans drawn. COUNCILMAN THATCHER suggested that the Council hold a joint meeting with the Planning Commission relative to the golf course, to which Mayor Fritz was in accord. COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS stated that he would like to have a public hearing on the question, also a representative from the County courses to give a report. COUNCILMAN ADAMS held that the question should be put on the ballot for a vote of the people -'MAYOR FRITZ stated that the Council is elected by the people, to take care of City business and felt that the Council should shoulder that 50 responsibility instead of calling an election every time scme money was to be spent. Moved by Thatcher, seconded by Matthews, that the plans be accepted and the fee paid. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC CO. was read, stating that the power meter at 23rd and Wilson had been out of operation apparently since March, 1946, and suggested that an estimated bill of $60.00 per month be paid by the City for a three months period, less $15.00 per month which was paid during that period, leaving a balance of $135.00. Mayor Fritz suggested that the matter be referred to Attorney Campbell to check. RESOLUTION NO. 4774 was read, authorizing City Clerk Rogers to negotiate with the County of San Diego to make final payment on option No. 5177 in the amount of $1,200.00 on the following described property: N 3/4 of WIC 80 Acre Lot 2, Section 128; thus making a saving of $200.00 to the City of National City. Moved by Thatchers seconded by Curry, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. RESOLUTION NO. 4775 was read, authorizing City Clerk Rogers to negotiate with the County of San Diego to make final payment on option No. 5196 in the amount of $25.00 on the following described property: W 30' of E* of WI (EXC N 40') (EXC S 401), 40 Acre Lot 2, I Section 131; thus making a saving of $5.00 to the City of National City. Moved by Matthews, seconded by Adams, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. BID FROM THE SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC CO. of $200.00 for 1 - 50 Kva 2400/4160Y, 120-240 volt G. E. Transformer, was read. Administrative Officer Dickson recommended that the bid be accepted. RESOLUTION NO. 4776 was read, accepting the bid of $20040 from the San Diego Gas & Electric Co. for 1 - 50 Kva 2400/4160Y, 120-240 volt 51 G. E. Transformer. Moved by Matthews, seconded by Thatcher, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. APPLICATION BY ANSELMO HERNANDEZ to move a building to Lots 13-14, Block 147, City Plat, was read. Moved by Curry, seconded by Matthews, that the application be approved, provided the building complies with the building code and is completed within six months from this date. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: ,Adams, Curry, Matthews, Thatcher, Fritz. Nays: None. COMMUNICATION FROM LUIS DEL RIO, 1712 McKinley Avenue, was read, requesting a refund of $5.00 on his business license. License Collector Bates approved the refund. Moved by Adams, seconded by Matthews, that the refund be made. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Adams, Curry, Matthews, Thatcher, Fritz., Nays: None. COMMUNICATION FROM S. Z. GREENBERG, 14 W 18th Street, was read, requesting a tax sale on Blocks 105-106-152-20, and Lots 13-19, Block 19, all in City Plat. Mr. Greenberg was present and urged the sale. Administrative Officer Dickson called the attention of the Council of the natural drain flow through this property and that said property was acquired for the deposit of dredging sons Mr. Greenberg stated that the Government would never do anything about that now. Mr. Dickson stated that the Army Engineers are now making a study of the project. Mayor Fritz stated that he would like to have the Engineers check in regard to the channel. Councilman Matthews thought the City should sell the property. Administrative Officer Dickson questioned the immediate improvement of the property, if it were sold. Mr. Greenberg stated that Chas. M. Davis has a contract with the Navy for its used lumber and that Mr. Davis plans to put his saw and lumber on the property. Administrative Officer Dickson questioned the probability of Mr. Davis using the property for scrap iron. Mr. Greenberg said he didn't know. Councilman Adams questioned the 52 abeyance of the quiet title suit. Attorney Campbell stated that the suit is in the process of negotiations. Mayor Fritz reported that the City acquired the County's interest in the property at a very reasonable figure, as the property was to be used for City development. Councilman Curry questioned the immediate development of the property, if it were sold. Mr. Greenberg stated that the fill would cost between five and six thousand dollars. Councilman Adams stated that he didn't believe the Navy was going to fill any more land. Mayor Fritz stated that the City would be in its former predicament if we sell the land. At one time the City could have obtained spoil but didn't have the land available. Councilman Adams stated that the City has no way to develop the property and believes we should sell four blocks as a starter. Mayor Fritz inquired whether it is the saw and lumber on Bay Blvd. that Mr. Davis plans to move to this property. Mr. Greenberg stated that was the plan. Mayor Fritz stated that he didn't see how that would be an improve- ment to the property. Councilman Thatcher inquired whether the property was to be used as a Navy dump. Administrative Officer Dickson suggested that Engineer Ireland make a report as to the location and size of the channel, to which Councilman Adams agreed. Mr. Dickson also suggested that in case the property is sold, there should be a binding agreement on the channel opening. Attorney Campbell suggested that it be referred to the Engineer. Councilman Matthews suggested that it be referred to the Planning Commission, Moved by Matthews, seconded by Curry, that the matter be referred to the Engineer, and the Attorney, and have a meeting with the Planning Commission before the next meeting. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM MRS. J. E. CUSACK, 2937 National Avenue, was read. relative to the grade formerly established and the condition it leaves her driveway when the present sidewalks and curbs are built. Mayor Fritz stated that he had talked with the Engineer about the 53 condition, and the Engineer felt that the City should give the property owner some relief. Mr. Penick was present and stated that if the matter was referred to the Engineer, he would help work out the problem. Mr. Penick reported that Mrs. Mamie H. Tinkler, 2905 National Avenue, has property in the same condition and suggested that the two be taken care at the same time. Moved by Adams, seconded by Matthews, that the matter be referred to the Engineer. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM L. E. C. SMITH protesting the Council's action on retirement which would affect Engineer Ireland only at this time, was read and ordered filed. COMMUNICATION FROM DOROTHY F. JENSEN was read, enclosing the affidavit signed by the three property owners affected by the closing of that portion of 25th Street, who agree to assume the responsibility of extending the sidewalks and curbs from the present street boundaries to what will be the new street boundaries. Mayor Fritz ordered the communication and affidavit filed. COMMUNICATION FROM MRS. J. B. JOHNSTONE, 1940 Highland Avenue, was read and ordered filed. COMMUNICATION FROM POPULAR CORN PRODUCTS was read, protesting be- cause the City hasn't oiled their street, and their communications hadn't been answered. Administrative Officer Dickson stated that he answered the communication July 21st, and that Street Supt. Finnerty and himself had twice called at the establishment and were unable to find anyone present. Mayor Fritz ordered the communication filed. REPORT FROM ENGINEER IRELAND recommending that concrete sewer pipe be used in the construction of sewer laterals, was read and ordered filed. 54 REPORT OF THE TRAFFIC COMMITTEE was read, making the following recommendations: that the speed limit on 18th Street from Rachel to Grove Streets be changed from 55 to 25 miles per hour; that 18th and 8th Streets be designated as through streets and that all streets entering them be posted and made boulevard stops, except Highland Avenue, National Avenue, and Bay Blvd.; that boulevard stops be established on Roosevelt Avenue at 4th Street; that two hour parking signs be posted on both sides of 8th Street from A Avenue to Highland Avenue; that the recommendations of Chief Bates regarding the intersection of 24th Street and L Avenue be approved; that a 15 minute parking zone be established for a length of 38 feet in front of the 8th Street Feed Store at 718 E 8th Street and for a length of 40 feet in front of the Post Office on A Avenue; that Ordinance #532 be amended to prohibit the planting of trees or shrubs within 10 feet of the block corners and to authorize the removal of any now existing. Moved by Matthews, seconded by Curry, that the report be accepted, and referred to the Attorney for preparation of the necessary ordinances. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM ENGINEER IRELAND was read, requesting that Blanche Dorn, Clerk, be allowed her vacation from September 7th to 21st inclusive. Moved by Thatcher, seconded by Curry, that the request be granted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM CLIFFORD A.-FOY, Jr. Park Gardener, was read, requesting that his resignation be accepted and his name be placed on the eligible reserve list. COMMUNICATION FROM PARK SUPT. GAUTEREAUX was read, requesting that the resignation of Clifford A. Foy, Jr. Park Gardener, be accepted, and his name be placed on the reserve list. Moved by Thatcher, seconded by Adams, that the resignation be accepted and the name be placed on the eligibility list as per Civil Service regulations. 55 Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. - RESOLUTION N0. 4777 was read, authorizing the appointment of Claus G. Merrill to the position of probationary Jr. -Park Gardener, effec- tive September 7, 1948, salary $199..00 per month, as recommended by Park Supt. Gautereaux. Moved by Adams, seconded by Matthews, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. RESOLUTION N0. 4778 was read, authorizing the appointment of Clyde Renfro to the position of temporary Jr. Park Gardener, salary $180.00 per month, effective September 13, 1948. Moved by Matthews, seconded by Thatcher, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. REPORT -FROM ENGINEER IRELAND was read, approving the statement of Walter H. Barber for work completed on the sewer contract as of August 31st, and recommended the payment of $36,864.81. Moved by Thatcher, seconded by Curry, that the payment be made. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Adams, Curry, Matthews, Thatcher, Fritz. Nays: None. COMMUNICATION FROM ENGINEER IRELAND was read, requesting that he be allowed to take his vacation from September 16th to 30th inclusive. Moved by Adams, seconded by Matthews, that the request be allowed. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. - COMMUNICATION FROM ENGINEER IRELAND was read, which stated that the plans and specifications are ready for the lateral sewers. Attorney Campbell requested that the plans and specifications be presented to the Council to be filed with the City Clerk. Mayor Fritz ordered the matter laid over until the next meeting. COMMUNICATION FROM FIRE CHIEF BIRD was read, requesting permission to take the remainder of his vacation, from September 16th to 24th 56 inclusive. Moved by Thatcher, seconded by Matthews, that the request be granted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM PARK SUPT. GAUTEREAUX was read, relative to the trees George Ronis offered to the City for their removal. Mr. Gautereaux stated thatthe trees are such size and variety that they are of no use to the Park Dept. Moved by Matthews, seconded by Curry, that Mr. Ronis be allowed to remove the five trees from his parkway at 504 K Avenue, at his own expense, and to make a deposit of $10.00 with the City Treasurer for the security of replacing two of the trees. Said deposit to be refunded when trees are growing to the satisfaction of the Street Supt. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. COMMUNICATION FROM THE DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS was read, enclosing the agreement for the fiscal year July 1, 1948-through June 1949, for the maintenance covering the State Highway routes in the City. RESOLUTION NO. 4779 was read, authorizing Mayor Gilbert E. Fritz to sign the City -State Maintenance Agreement covering the State Highway routes in the City for the fiscal year July 1, 1948-through June 30, 1949. Moved by Thatcher, seconded by Matthews, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER DICKSON reported that the City will have to adopt a rental schedule for City equipment and submitted a rate schedule. Mayor Fritz inquired where the figures were obtained. Administrative Officer Dickson reported that City Accountant Harkey had worked of them out from the City and County/San Diego rates. RESOLUTION NO. 4780 was read, adopting the following rental schedule for City Equipment: 57 RENTAL RATES TYPE OF EQUIPMENT HOURLY MILAGE G M C Dump 5 ton 2.20 G M C Flat Rack 3 ton 1.20 G M C Water wagon 2 ton 1.10 Federal Dump 2-3 ton 1.70 Federal Dump 5 ton 2.20 Federal Flat Rack Dump 2-3 ton 1.70 Ford Pickup ton (Street) .05 Ford Pickup ton (Engineer) .05 Elgin Sweeper (old) 2.00 Elgin Sweeper (new) 2.00 Chair. Pickup * ton (Electrician) .05 Ford Pickup * ton (Sewer) .05 Caterpillar 35 H. P. 1.50 Case Tractor 18 H. P. 1.00 A-C with Loader 1.40 Scoopmobile 1.40 Adams Patrol Grader 2.20 Adams 8' Pole Grader 2.20 Caterpillar Grader 2.20 Sullivan Compressor -Model 105 .90 Seaman Mixer 1.50 3" Diaphragm Pump .75 4" Diaphragm Pump .75 Trencher 3.00 Painting Machine :75 Roller 3-4 Ton 1.00 Moved by Thatcher, seconded by Adams, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. RESOLUTION NO. 4781 was read, accepting the following deeds for a public alley in Jennie M. Hobson's Sub.; Ernest L. Bartlett, the Ely 10' of Lots 11-12-13-14-15-16-19, and the W1y 10' of Lots 20- 23,24+-25-26-27-28-29-30; C. Glenn and Margaret Mitchell, the E 10' of Lot 9; Floyd D. & Meriem I. Goad, the E 10' of Lot 9, Jennie lie- Hobson's Sub.; P. B. Speake and Vernice Speake, the E 10' of Lot 10, Jennie M. Hobson's Sub.; Florence de Waard, the E 10' of Lot 10, Jennie M. Hobson's Sub.; and the City Clerk to have same recorded. Moved by Adams, seconded by Matthews, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. RESOLUTION NO. 4782 was read, accepting a grant deed from William H. & Laura E. Green for street purposes only on the Sly 30' of N1y 3301 of W 1401 of Ely 2401 and the Nly 401 of Wly 80' of Ely 58 1801 of the following described property: commencing at the NE corner of 40 Acre Lot 1, * Section 132, Ro. de la Nacion, thence S 71° W along the Nly line of said 40 Acre Lot 1, 40 rods to point of beginning; thence S 71° W 20 rods; thence S 19° E 40 rods; thence N 71° E 20 rods; thence N 19° W 40 rods to point of beginning. Moved by Matthews, seconded by Thatcher, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. RESOLUTION N0. 4783 was read, accepting a quit claim deed from Kenneth Moulton on the following described property: the N 3/4 of the Southwest Quarter of + Section 128, Rancho de la Nacion. Moved by Curry, seconded by Matthews, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. AGREEMENTS signed by Harold F. & Ida A. Gorham; and the West Coast Corporation, requesting annexation to the City and willingness to assume their portions of indebtedness or liability which the City may have contracted prior to or existing at the time of such annexation were presented. Moved by Thatcher, seconded by Matthews, that the agreements be accepted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. CITY CLERK ROGERS requested permission to take his vacation from September 24 to October 15th and authorization to leave the State during that period. Moved by Thatcher, seconded by Adams, that the request be granted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. PETITION FROM THOMAS LEONARD, 18 E 8th Street, was read, requesting the City Council and Treasurer to transfer the City's entire banking business to National City Banks. COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS stated that he had brought up this matter when he first became a Councilman, and felt that the City was setting a bad example by 59 doing their banking in San Diego. MAYOR FRITZ stated there was two sides to the story. That in 1934 when the City had all of their business with the Bank of America, and the City was having financial difficulties, this bank refused the City ant further credit. The U. S. National Bank came to the Cityts aid and has given the City excellent service to date. Mayor Fritz questioned the probability of the re-occurance of the incident, if the City changed banks and the City should have financial difficulties again. Moved by Matthews, seconded by Curry, that all the Cityts funds be transferred to National City Banks. MAYOR FRITZ explained that each bank in National City has $400,000.00 of the City's Funds and that the First National Bank is unable to put up security for any more of the City's money. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Adams, Curry, Matthews, Nays: Thatcher, Fritz. Mayor Fritz explained that it was within the province of the City Treasurer to keep the funds where he wished, and that the Council could only request the Treasurer to make the transfer. COMMUNICATION FROM CITY TREASURER VANSANT was read, stating that the Sinking Funds will require $.38 on the rate this year. RESOLUTION NO. 4784 was read, setting the following tax rate for the fiscal year 1948-1949: General Fund Library Fund .22 Park M & I Fund .20 __ Planning Commission .08 Sinking Fund S . Sinking Fund #6 o6 Sinking Fund #8 .26 TOTAL 1,70 Moved by Matthews, seconded by Curry, that the Resolution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye, DOROTHY JENSEN was present and requested the Council to cut the golf course out of the tax rate. Mayor Fritz stated that the golf course 6o was not included in the tax rate, but there was money saved from the settlement of tidelands for this purpose. Mrs. Jensen asked why the City shouldn't spend that money on a gymnasium instead of a golf course, as a golf course would never pay. Administrative a Officer Dickson stated that the Golf Courses were/paying recreation to the City of San Diego. Councilman Adams stated that he opposed the acquisition of the golf course land and thought that the ex- penditure of a golf course should be put to the vote of the people. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER DICKSON recommended that the City Council authorize development and construction of a parking area on the south side of the present City Hall in the Park. Moved by Adams, seconded by Curry, that the City Engineer and Street Supt. be authorized to install said parking lot. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER DICKSON requested authorization to advertise for bids for the street name signs. Moved by Thatcher, seconded by Matthews, that the request be granted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER DICKSON person to obtain right-of-ways suggested that the person must salary be left open. Moved by the employment be authorized. voting aye. requested permission to employ a for sewer laterals. Mayor Fritz be very diplomatic and that the Curry, seconded by Matthews, that Carried, all Councilmen present ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER DICKSON requested permission to have the sewer laterals installed next week on National Avenue to 30th Street before Mr. Penick starts his contract. from 18th Asset Engineer Smith questioned having the work done at this time. Mr. Dickson stated it was to keep from breaking curbs at a later date. 6� 1 Mr. Smith stated he was of the opinion that the City now has equipment to take care of that type of situation. Moved by Adams, seconded by Thatcher, that the matter be referred to Administrative Officer Dickson and Engineer Ireland. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. RESOLUTION NO. 4785 was read, authorizing the transfer of $15,169.00 from the General Fund to the Capital Outlay Fund, which was recommended by Administrative Officer Dickson, and is an annual transfer. Moved by Adams, seconded by Matthews, that the Reso- lution be adopted. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. ATTORNEY CAMPBELL presented an ordinance for the closing of a portion of 25th Street for the first reading. Moved by Adams, seconded by Thatcher, that only the heading be read. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Adams, Curry, Matthews, Thatcher, Fritz. Nays: None. ORDINANCE NO. _ AN ORDINANCE OF INTENTION TO VACATE AND CLOSE A PORTION OF A PUBLIC STREET, TO -WIT: 25th STREET IN THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA. Moved by Adams, seconded by Thatcher, that the ordinance be laid over until the next meeting for the second and final reading. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Adams, Curry, Matthews, Thatcher, Fritz. Nays: None. ATTORNEY CAMPBELL presented an ordinance for the first reading, making,it compulsory for all employees to retire at the age of 65 years. Councilman Adams stated that when he proposed the Ordinance, he had no intention of hurting anyone, particularly the Engineer. That he would like to have the ordinance adopted, but not effective for one year in order for the sewer work to be completed from the engineering standpoint. Councilman Adams reproached the National City News and its Editor for the article they printed in regard to this ordinance. Editor Vurgason was present and stated 62 that he is still of the same opinion that he had when the story was written. Moved by Thatcher, thpt the ordinance be tabled. Mayor Fritz stated that we have a Civil Service Commission and thought that the matter should be referred to them for consideration and recommendation, as the other Commissions have always been given consideration on problems pertaining to their departments. Moved by Matthews, seconded by Thatcher, that the matter be referred to the Civil Service Commission. Carried, by the following vote to -wit: Ayes: Curry, Matthews, Thatcher, Fritz. Nays: Adams. DOROTHY JENSEN inquired how long Engineer Ireland had been employed by the City. Mayor Fritz stated twenty five years. RAY NEWBERRY was present and inquired what action had been taken on the retirement. Mr. Newberry stated that any employee who stayed with the City after they were eligible to retire, certainly did so in a sense of loyality. Mr. Newberry further stated that the Council shouldn't vote for something they are not familiar with. Councilman Adams stated that if the Engineer's Department is loaded down with work, it would certainly be better to have a full time Engineer. J. R. HARVEY was present relative to the $100,000.00 to be spent on the golf course, and demanded that it be put to the vote of the people. MAYOR FRITZ stated that the Council was elected by the people of National City to make such decisions, instead of calling an election every 30 days at the cost of the taxpayers. Mr. Harvey stated that he believed in the majority rule. D. W. WELLS, 434 Highland Avenue, was present and requested per- mission to remove two trees in his parkway as they obstruct his business. Moved by Adams, seconded by Thatcher, that Mr. Wells be authorized to remove the trees at his own expense. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. 63 COUNCILMAN ADAMS inquired whether requests had been made to the utility companies relative to the improvement of Highland Avenue. Administrative Officer Dickson reported that the companies have been contacted. COUNCILMAN ADAMS inquired about the business license on card tables. After being informed as to the fee, Mr. Adams thought it was comparable. MAYOR FRITZ suggested that the Council meet with the Planning 'Commission after the Council mooting September 14th, for an in- formal hearing on the golf course. R. B. KEMP was present in regard to a tree on A Avenue south of 24th Street, which is a traffic hazard, and wants the City to remove the tree as it is in the street. Moved by Thatcher, seconded by Matthews, that the tree be removed. Carried, all Councilmen present voting aye. MAYOR FRITZ adjourned the meeting until September 14, 1948, at 7:30 P. M. o'clock. ATTEST: - CITY CLER /27 gic;lart SLAG—T.- MAYOR, CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, C RNIA