HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03/19/1956257
March 19, 1956 - 7:30 P. M.
City Hall - Petaluma, California
Regular meeting of the Council of the City of Petaluma called to order by
Mayor Schoeriingh.,
ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmen Adams, Brown,
Mayor Schoeningh
Absent: Councilman Bigelow.
INVOCATION
Gustafson, King, Norwood and
Invocation was given by Reverend Petersen, E1im Lutheran Church.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes from the meetings of March 5, 9 and, 12; 1956, were approved as
recorded.
I.
PETITIONS &, COMMUNICATIONS:
Letter from Petaluma Chamber °of .Commerce dated March 15, 1956, request-
ing $450.00 to 40 used for reprinting Industrial Prospectus of Petaluma and for
copicv .o "A Guide to Industrial Locations in the San. Francisco Bay Area, "read and
.filed.
The Council felt that -this, request was in order, as the money requested had
been budgeted for this. purpose'. The City Manager was directed, to inform the
Chamber of Commerce accordingly.
Copes of applications f or liguo licenses filed with the Alcoholic Beverage
Control De , t. by T Medico Dru I Com p an. and South City Market and approved by
Chief of Police' Del Maestro, submitted and filed,
Letter from Ken Colin, Secretary of Petaluma General: Contractor's
Associatio -n,' dated March 14, 1956, expressing the support of the members of
said organization to the decisions of the Planning Commission of the City of
Petaluma, read and filed.
Letter of resignation dated February 29, 1956, received from Phil Talamantes,
member of-'the Planning Commission, read and filed..
The City Attorney was directed to prepare. a resolution accepting the
resignation of Mr. Talamantes'
Notice dated March 15, 1956, of North. Bay League of Calif. Cities meeting
to be held in Vallejo, Saturday, April 21, 1956 read And filed..
Members of the Council wishing to attend. this meeting were requested to
notify the City Manager so that reservations could be made.
Letter. from I. J. Ely Company dated March 16, 1956, requesting extension
of time on contract on "A" Street Parking Lot to April '16, 1956, read and filed;
whereupon
Res. #1633 N. C. $.
introduced by Councilman .Brown, seconded by Councilman Adams,, entitled,
"RESOLUTION EXTENDING TIME OF COMPLETION OF WORK UNDER
CONTRACT BY I. J. ELY COMPANY. "
was read and .adopted by 6 affirmative votes,
1 absentee.
• J
(1)
March 19, 1956
PETITIONS & COMMUNICATIONS cont;
Letter from Office of Civil Defense dated March 16, 1956, , enclosing State
warrant in the amount of :$1, 083.52 for reimbursement under DisAstOrRelief
Project, Public Law #875, read and filed.
REPORTS, OF CITY OFFICIALS:
City. Manager
Claims approved for payment by the City Manager- were submitted; whereupon,.
Res.. #1,03,4 N. C. S.
introduced by Councilman Gustafson, seconded by Councilman Adams, ap
claims and bills (Nos. 3098 to 3267 inclusive) was adopted by th& f6llo
wing vb
Ay6s: Councilmen.Adams, Brown, Gustafson', NbrwoOd'and'Ma'yor
Schoeningh
Noes-.- Councilman King..
Absent.: Councilman Bigelow.
City MaA4gqr'a.§ ng Conf erenc e ;Report
m" .
Rpp6kt`fro City r dated re City. Manager's Spring
-
Conference held in Anaheim ,, Calif Feb. 29, to Mar. .3 .1956 submitte filed.
.Mayor Schoeningh noted' that this report contained Valuable'information
as to the procedure of other Counties with r"' to, the Uniform Tax Program,
Councilman Brown s.uggest0d that the City Manager ke ' ep the ouncil.
p
informed on this subject.
Jec
Mr. Frank reported that the"'next meeting -of the C ities Would b held -in
Petaluma: on April 5.
Armo
Report re Status r
M Ar
of T
Report of "City . Manager Ma dated March 15, 1956, re Armory Construction
Program, submitted and fil e d_.
Mr. Frank stated that Assemblyman' McCollister had done, eve'rythin
. 'g,that
could be doing on this matter and that it was now
in, the hand's of th6 Senate Finance
Committee.• The Finance COrriniitte& will submit their recommendations , to the
Senate and - it is then up t6 the Senate to either accept or reject the Cbmmitteia's
recommendations:
A letter received from A s's6m Richard H. McCollister dated March 15,
1956, stating that the', recent victory he h d
a obtained in the LOg'1614ture ' providing
an appropriation for the immed an a iAte�construction of "rumOty-wat Petaluma could
not fiave> boqn achieved without the able anddctive help. give 'n by City MAn4gek
Ed Frank, Was t6dd and filed.
City"Banning Com
Copy-of resolution recommen"diiiLy that East Washington Street f I tom. Valle
Street to Hopper :St*reet., from d'"2 to C 2 Zo6e:: submitted and filed;
letter of explanation thereon ddted'March 13 1956,• read and filed;
It was tho'wish of the Councii that this ordinance be i until the Council
- could meet with the Planning Commmission for discussion on th6subi6et.
City : Attorney _
Report re Flood , Da mage. Claims
C riley. - pu4rd reported that the following claims for dam
ity�'Attb _' � Ed ' ' . �... . ... I . . � . I . � I I I I . aPs
suffered as a result Of the floods occurring, last dacomb& had been D to
the City.
(2) (cont.
March 19, 1956
REPOR Of CT FY OFFICIALS1 cont.
City. Attorney
RiepQrt. re Flood Damage Claims - cont.
N, Ame Address
,
l i
R. Russ . Kent Street
Clyde E & Sara E. Callaway 307 Third Street
Amount
$ 175.00
3,657.50
Mr. Robert remarked that these claims would be turned over to the City's
insurance company.
Report re Status. of P-hilbert vs,. City
4'r
Robert stated that, he 'had received a letter from Lounihos & Lounibos,
attorneys t representing the ,City of Petaluma on this case, stating that the action is
now at issue; depositions are - about , to be' taken some time during the next month;
4 depositions have been scheduled; there may be as ma,ny';as 15 depositi6n,s taken
prior to the trial; and, they - ,estimate that the case will take approximately 3 weeks
if it goes to,trial. The attorneys stated that they are not, at the present tune,
in a position to evaluate the p resent claims in the absence of full and complete
depositions
Council Committee
3__ 5 9
Re re Wate r- Line. Easem Through Oak Hill Park
Councilman King, Chairman bUth6' Committee Working on this project,
reported that "the Committee recommended that' the City ,stand 'on the $750.00 fee
to the Calif. Water Se rvic e ' Co. fo r the easement through Oak Hill Park, and that
it will
not b& n
necessary for the Water Company to remove their line unless give
notice" by the Council to do so. It was . pointed'out that-a,new �description from
Pleasant Street down along 'the southeast. line of Oak Hill Park for the 15' to be added
to the easement will have to be prepared.
The City Attorney Was directed to proceed with necessary legislation thereon.
The City Engineer was to set-the proper grade, followiqg-th.e plans
as aLitlined, by the Recreation Commission, so that the ,National Guard' and Engineer-
ing Company who are W'or'king on the project now may proceed with plans for
improving the' park.
Other City Officials
Mofithly,reports of the Police Dept. and Librarian were submitted and filed.
Director of Public Works
Report re Weed' Abate 'Progr4m -. 11956 -57
Rep6.ft-� of 'the Director of Public, Works - dat.ed March 15, 1956, requesting the
Council to set forth a definite, policy to follow re weed abatement, read and filed.
Afffi_7-r, some discu . ssion on the 'Subject, it was decided that -the-lots should be
'
posted and the discussion on the method to be used was deferred until next Monday
night's work session;
Councilman Norwood brought out the fact that the City was not in the weed
abat& me''nt.busine'ss and would 'greatly prefer that the''property owners take care of
the matter them selves.
(3)
3 60
March 19, 1956
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS: cont.
Report re.Amendment to Plumbing Ord.
Report dated March 15, 1956, submitting to the Council a rough draft of an
amendment to the Plumbing Ordinance to establish an Administrative Board of
Review, submitted and filed.
It was the desire of the Council that the matter be referred to the Plumbing
Committee, which had previously been appointed to, study the Uniform Plumbing
Code, for their consideration and recommendation to the Council.
1VLd111 t l LIJL .
Specifications for removi.
submitted and filed.
irking Dist. #_1955 -1
structure on. Main tStreet parking lot: were
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
.A
of -Fu'nds for Rem o v ing .Structure from
Ord. #432 N. C. S.
introduced by Councilman 'Gustafson, seconded by Councilman :Norwood, ; entitled,
''AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE DISMANTLING AND REMOVAL
OF THE BUILDING LOCATED AT 122.1 130 MAIN STREET, SITUATE
OF LOT - 3;57, AS SHOWN ON THE OFFICIAL MAP OF THE CITY OF
PETALUMA AS MADE 'BY JAMES T. STRATTON,. AND PROVIDING
FOR THE REMOVAL OF ALL DEBRIS THEREFROM.
was read and ordered posted by 6 affirmative 'votes, 1 absentee.
I
Res. Directing City. Clerk to: Call for Bids
Res. #1635 N. C. -S.
introduced by Councilman Norwood, seconded by Councilman Brown, entitled,
"RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO CALL FOR BEDS FOR
WORK. OF DISMANTLING AND REMOVAL OF THE BUILDING LOCATED
AT 122 -130 MAIN STREET AND THE REMOVAL OF ALL DEBRIS
THEREFROM.'
was read and adopted by 6 affirmative votes, 1 absentee.
Res #1636 N. C. S.
introduced by Councilman. Adams, seconded by Councilman Norwood' 'entitled,
"RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SERVE .NOTICE
UPON TENANTS IN THE GERVASONII PROPERTY AT 1;22= 130 MAIN
STREET, NOW OWNED BY THE CITY,, TO VACATE THE PREMISES.''
was read and adopted by 6 affirmative votes, 1 absentee.
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES
Amendment to. Business: License Ord,, re.-;Reauty, & - Barber &hools
Ord. 4431 N. C. S.
introduced by Councilman Brown, seconded by Councilman Gustafson, entitled,
"AN ORDINANCE AMENDING. THE BUSINESS LICENSE ORDINANCE NO. 373,
N. C. S. TO ADD SUBSECTION 12. 1 TO PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSING
OF BARBER AND BEAUTY SCHOOLS. "
(4) (coast. )
J6 1_
March 19, 1956
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES: cons.
Re Beauty & Barber Schools - cont.
adopted.' by 6 affirmative votes, 1 absentee.
CONSIDERATION OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Parking District #1955 -1
Res. Requesting Cancellation of Uncollected, Taxes
Councilman King questioned the payments to the Sonoma County Land Title Co.
in so far as the pro rate of taxes was concerned, asking if the taxes from Jan. 1,
1956, t- la _.the date of closing had been collected from the sellers in accordance with
the instructions to the title' company.
City Attorney Robert explained that it was his understanding that the City
had advanced the taxes from January to July and that the title company is to hold
the money so that the taxes would not become a lien against the property in the event
that this cancellation does not move in sufficient time to free the property of the lien.
The resolution requesting cancellation of uncollected taxes was then adopted
a s jP.1low s :
Res. #1637 N.C. S.
introduced by Councilman Brown, seconded by Councilman Norwood, entitled,
"RESOLUTION REQUESTING CANCELLATION OF UNCOLLECTED TAXES. "
read and adopted by the following voter
Ayes: Councilmen Adams, Gustafson, Norwood and Mayor Schoeningh.
Noes: Councilmen. Brown and ling.
Absent: Councilman Bigelow.
Rea, Granting Encroachment Permit to John A Costa
i
Res. #1638 N. C'. S.
introduced by Councilman Gustafson,, seconded. by Councilman Adams, entitled,
"RESOLUTION GRANTING PERMIT TO JOHN A. COSTA FOR CONSTRUC-
TION Or STAIRWAY ENCROACHING ON CITY`RIGHT -OF -WAY OF
WATER STREET. "
read and adopted by 6 affirmative votes, 1 absentee.
Re 'Correction of Certain, Ambiguities, in Zoning Ord. #340 NCS
Report of City Attorney dated March 9,.1956, pointing out two ambiguities
in the zoning ordinance; submitted and filed.
The City Attorney was directed to draft. an amendment to the zoning ordinance,
correcting these ambiguities.'
"A" St... Parking Lot - Amendment to Plans' to.. Permit .Driveway Access
djacent to "A "' St
to Private Property Adjacent
.
P Y A
A- rnendrnent of plans 'Oh 'the "A" St. Parking Lot were submitted and filed
Mr. , Mahoney, operator of a service station on the corner of Fourth and'
"A" Streets, addressed the Council requesting that they accept the ;plan which called
for a 23�' driveway entrance to the garage area of the station and a 34' entrance in
the center of the lot, allowing access, to the lubrication area
A S minute recess was called to allow the Council to study the plans.
(cont.
Tlie meeting was called back to order. (5) )
6 2,
March 19, 1956
CONSIDERATION OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS: cont.
"A" Street, Parking Lot - cont.
Mr.. Mahoney again addressed the Council asking that they also eliminate
parking space #34 as :shown on the map.
After discussiAg the matter, it was the decision of the Council to pass the
resolution approving the amendment to the plans as requested by Mr. Mahoney,
with the exception of the elimination ,of parking space #34. It was the opinion of the
Council that this parking space should be left in until there is just cause to remove it
The following resolution was then adopted:
Res,. 41639 N. C. S.
introduced by Councilman. Brown, seconded by Councilman Gustafson, entitled,
"RESOLUTION, APPROVING AMENDMENT TO PLANS MARKED "A STREET
PARKING LOT" AS FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK ON 10 -3 =55. "
was read and adopted by 6 affirmative votes, 1 absentee.
Res.. Providing for Special Charter Election
Councilman King suggested that the prople of Petaluma be given an opportunity
to vote on the location of the Veterans' Memorial Building ,as to whether it should be
on the Washington Grammar School site or the corner of Kenilworth Park'. He felt
the matter should be on the ballot along with the Charter issue.
Councilman Adams stated that he had no objections to this..
Councilman .Brown objected on the basis that this would detract from the
Charter issue, which he felt was very important.
There being no further comments on the subject,
Res. #1640 N. C. S.
introduced by Councilman Gustafson, seconded by Councilman Brown, entitled,
"A RESOLUTION CALLING AND PROVIDING FORA SPECIAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY OF PETALUMA, MAY 15, 1956,
TO VOTE ON THE MEASURE, "SHALL THE CHARTER PREPARED AND
PROPOSED FOR THE CITY OF PETALUMA BY THE BOARD OF FREE-
HOLDERS ELECTED THE 28TH DAY OF JUNE, 1955, . BE RATIFIED
AND ADOPTED''
was adopted by 6 affirmative votes, 1 absentee.
Res. Appointing Corrinne Shields to Attend, Governor'.s Conference on
Res. #1641 N.C. S.
introduced by Councilman Norwood, seconded by Councilman Adams, entitled,
"RESOLUTION APPOINTING CORRINNE SHIELDS THE MAYOR'S AND
COUNCIL'S REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND THE GOVERNOR'S
CONFERENCE 'ON CALIFORNIA'S CHILDREN AND YOUTH:
adopted by.6 affirmative votes, 1 absentee.
Re Parking Meters.for, New Lots
Councilman. Norwood brought up the subject of parking meters for the new
parking lots which the City is putting in, suggesting that some thought be given to
the type of meters the City wishes to install.
The matter was to discussed at the next Council work session.
(6)
U 3
March 19, 1956
CONSIDERAT OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Cont.
:¢ e East Washington St. (Petersen) Rezone
Awl r. 'Robert Taylor, `Chairman of the Planning Commission, addressed the
Council reviewing action that had taken place on the Petersen property rezoning
to date.
C,larles" Robfogel, 179 Payran Street, asked the Couna"1 why this property
had; been rezoned and if it was going to be the policy of the Council to rezone property
any dace they see fit.
Mayor Schoeningh stated that he could not inform him as to the future voting
of the Council.
Councilman King informed ,Mr. Robfogel that he would not consider this,
rezoning as spot zoning. He stated that he would be in favor of every rezoning on
East W'a'sh; St.- as he felt that the street was improperly zoned now. He believed
that all of the Councilmen who had voted in favor of this rezoning had done` so, not
as a favor to any one-man, but because they believed that East Wash. St. was no
longer a good residential street, and that it should be commercially rezoned.
Dr. Hall Weston, member of the .Petaluma School Board, addressed the
Council stating hat the Board had submitted the ir
g ` protest to this rezoning.
He stated that before buying property for the new Jr. High School site the
Board had met'with the City Planning Commission,. "County Planning Commission and
Mr. Rivers of Sacramento,, who has to do with school housing. Dr. Weston went on
to say that they were told at that time that the area would be left as a residential
zone with some small exceptions which they were informed of. The School Board had,
as of now, ,spent about $108, 000.00 of the Petaluma' School District's money to buy
that piece of property to put up' the new Jr. High School; with the understanding that
there was not too many changes in the zoning "of the area. He stated that the Board
was very unhappy about the Petersen. rezoning having been granted since that time.
Mr. Norman Neal, member of the Petaluma School Board, addressed the
Council remarking that he hoped theC'ouncil would take into consideration, when
making their decision, that the School Board represented all of the people. .
A lengthy discussion 'ensured in which the following residents in the adjacent
area voiced their strenuous protests to the action that the City Council took in
granting this commercial rezoning:
Mr'.
Charles Robfogel
Mr.
Gail Spalding
Mr.
HarleyyMcAskill
Mr.
Van Kirk
Mr.'
Nblviii Ingerson
Mr.
Virgil Mills
A letter dated March 19, 1956„ signed by Martin Rimestad, Jr. and Viola S.
Rimestad, 202 Payran St. , which had been submitted to the Council by Mr. Robfogel,
was read and filed.
The letter stated in part" as follows: "Inasmuch as we` the undersigned find it
impossible to attend the Council meeting, this date, we are taking'this means of
going on record of disapproving , of the plan to rezone East Washington Street-from
residential to commercial. We disapproved bf the possibility of rezoning Payran St:
likewise when it was requested sometime ago. "
Mr Taylor again spoke cin the subject, noting'that on August 1, 1955, the
Council received the deci "sign of the�PlanAing Commission. On Sept: 6, 1955, the
Council held a public hearing on the matter: The - Council made no, decision at the
( (cont. )
364
March 19, 1956
CONSIDERATION OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS cont.
East Washington St: Rezoning - cont.
meeting -of Sept.. but referred the matter to the City Attorney for legislation
th ereon, and on, Jan. 16, 1956, 'the Council, voted to grant the Petersen.
rezoning.
Mr. Taylor noted that a period of approximately 4'months had 61apsed from the time
the Council had received the recommendation and report from the Planning Com
mission until the date on which the Council took , on the, matter., Mt.
-
Taylor then quoted from the zoning ordinance* as fo Chapter 11, Section 11. 14.'(b)
"The decision of the City Council shall be tendered within sixty (60) days after the
receipt of a report and recommendations from the Planning Commis . . ........ it
sion
The matter was referred to the City Attorney for clarification of the clause
referred to- in ,the zoning ordinance, by Mr.. Taylor.
.Plaque Presented to George Dickerson
MayokEdhoenih& presented _M.k.. Ge'drge Dickerson, former Planning
Commission Chairman, 'with A,plaque in . appreciation , for his services to the - City of
Petaluma.
Re Box Factory Building on First Street,
Mir, Frank Silva addressed the' 'Council
9 t o know the status, of the+.
box factory which- Mr... Goff of Sacramento is planning on opening in Petaluma...
it was explained. by the City Manager and Cit y Enginee�i
that one building
which Mr. - Goff is p lanning structure g on using., was. built as a temporary stru prio r * to
the time that the Fraise r Box Factory went bankrupt and that this building ilding w not
built in accordance with certain safety I and fire :standards. At this ti - Mr. Goff
is awaiting - an answer from - a civil engineer on the de'sign . of the building - etc.
Mayor Sch.oeningh ok r ii 0, erything. possible
exp lained furthe' that the City had done v
to aid ;Mr Goff in his attempt .to open thefacfbry, and that the .immediate , 'problem
lies in trying y to find out what has to be done in order to - make the building -in
quest-ion conform with certain safety'and 'fire standards..
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the meeting, the m eeting
ing
was adjourned.
Mayor
Attest:-
" City Clerk
I
1
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