HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - May 16, 195616
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY HALL
MAY 16, 1956
This regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Lodi held
beginning at 8:00 o'clock p.m. of Wednesday, May 16, 1956; Councilmen
Fuller, Hughes, Katzakian, Robinson, and Mitchell (Mayor) present;
none absent. City Manager Weller and City Attorney Mullen also present.
Minutes of the previous meetings of March 21, 1956 and April 1+,
1956, were approved as written and mailed after amending the last sen-
tence in the paragraph entitled "Mayor's Report" to read as follows:
"He reported that Congressman Johnson, Senator Knowland, and Senator
Kuchel had been very cooperative."
PUBLIC HEARINGS
MILLS- Mayor Mitchell called for those persons wishing to protest
TURNER ROAD the proposed abandonment of a portion of the public right
ABANDONMENT of way at the intersection of Mills Avenue and Turner
Road to address the City Council. No protest was heard,
ORD. NO. 557 either written or oral. On the motion of Councilman
INTRODUCED Fuller, Katzakian second, Ordinance No. 557, ordering
the abandonment of that portion of the right of way was
introduced by unanimous vote.
S. SACRAMENTO
Myyor Mitchell then called for those persons wishing to
ST. SET -BACK
protest the amendment of the set -back line on South Sacra -
AMENDMENT
mento Street north of the alley between Lodi Avenue and
Chestnut Street to address the City Council. Mr. Vincent
ORD. NO. 558
Scotti, 515 South Sacramento Street, was assured by the
INTRODUCED
City Council that the proposed, amendment would not affect
the property south of the indicated alley south of Lodi
Avenue. The City Clerk read a letter from Fred Spiekerma:
dated May 11, 1956 stating that he did not object to the
proposed amendment of the set -back on Sacramento Street.
There being no protest offered, Councilman Hughes moved,
1
Fuller second, the introduction of Ordinance No. 558
LOUIE AVENUE
amending the set -back line on South Sacramento Street
STREET LIGHT-
between Lodi Avenue and thea alley south of Lodi Avenue
ING DISTRICT
to effect the widening of that portion of the street on
the east side. Councilman Robinson stated that he would
agree to the introduction of this ordinance, but he wanted
to tie this action up with the proposed widening of West
Lodi Avenue between School Street and Hain Street. The
motion was then passed by unanimous vote.
AMEND ZONING Mayor Mitchell then called for those persons wishing to
ORDINANCE
protest the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance
REDUCE BLDG.
to reduce the required front yard set -back from 25 feet
SET -BACK
to 20 feet in the R-1 and R-2 districts and from 20 feet
to 15 feet in the R-3 district. City Attorney Mullen
GRD. N0.s49
stated that he had discussed this proposed amendment
7NTR00JC6D
with FHA officials and they had offered no objection
to the proposed change. No protests were offered.
Ordinance No. 559, amending the Zommng Ordinance to
provide for reduced front yard set -back requirements
in residential districts, was intorduced on the motion
of Councilman Katzakian, Fuller second.
EUREKA-
Mayor Mitchell then called for those persons wishing
LOUIE AVENUE
to protest the formation of the Eureka -Louie Avenue
STREET LIGHT-
Street Lighting District to address the City Council.
ING DISTRICT
City Clerk Glaves read a petition containing 83 un-
verified signatures protesting the formation of the
special assessment district and the installation of
street lights. The City Clerk also presented a petition
containing 33 unverified signatures stating that they
had signed the original petition requesting the street
lights and asking that their names be removed. All
names appearing on this petition also appeared on the
petition protesting the formation of the district.
City Attorney Mullen stated that this second petition
asking the withdrawal of names from the original peti-
tion was not balid since there is no provision in the
law for removing names from the original petition, par-
ticularly after the City Council has acted upon it.
Councilman Fuller asked if anyone in the audience that
had signed the original petition would explain to him
why he had changed his mind. Mrs. Theo Schmidt, 519
Eureka Avenue, -stated that she did not sign the original
petition, but she felt the people were opposed to the
special assessment district because they felt one light
at the street intersection would be enough and the people
should not have to pay for this type of lighting. Mr.
Rude Liebelt, 735 North Grant Street, asked that his
name be removed from the petition objecting to the
special assessment district. Mr. Al Sperring delivered
to the City Clerk the written request of Mr. Fred
Schnaible, 758 Eureka Avenue, asking that his name be
removed from the petition objecting to the district.
Mrs. R. J. Jacobsen, 755 Eureka Avenue, stated that
she had signed the original petition and had been re-
quested to sign the protest. The person circulating
the protest petition had stated to her that the instal-
lation of lights would raise taxes and that the lights
to be installed were the old type with concrete standards.
Mrs. Harry Bauer, 749 Eureka Avenue, stated that she
4 could verify Mrs. Jacobsen's statement. Mrs. Delwin
Maas, 223 Eureka Avenue, stated that she had too much
' footage and the cost would be too great. Mr. Al Sperring,
400 Eureka Avenue, stated that he had circulated the
original petition and that he had told the people the
cost would be between $1.30 and $1.80 per front foot.
HEARING Mrs. Manna, 1201 Louie Avenue, stated that she had
CONTINUED nearly 400 feet of vineyard fronting on Louie Avenue
and this would be too expensive for her. The hearing
was then continued to the next regualr meeting of the
City Council, June 6, 1956, on the motion of Councilman
Katzakian, Robinson second.
LIPELT Mr. R. M. Lipelt, Woodbridge, addressed the City Council
TRAILER to explain that he was the owner of property fronting
COURT on the river just north of the cemetery in Woodbridge,
and he planned to develop a modern trailer court on the
property. He asked the City Council for water service
to this property. The Council explained its policy of
not granting service outside the City limits. Mr. Lipelt
stated that his property was contiguous to the City
limits and he would agree to annexation. In the ensuing
discussion Mr. Lipelt stated that he felt the City of
Lodi should bear part of the cost of the extension of
the water line since it Tust pass through Lodi Lake
Park and be subject to use by the City. The matter was
referred to the City Manager for report on the motion
of Councilman Robinson, Katzakian second.
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
ZONING- The City Manager read the following report from the
COMMITTEE Zoning Committee of action taken at its meeting of May 14,
REPORT 1956:
i� rti uubc� U1 :•lay 10, ly?o, continuea
"Several months have now passed since the member
electric resale cities of the Northern California Muni-
cipal, Electric Association received their approved
contracts from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
These contract documents, and the economic benefits
they represent, were signed after approximately one
and one-half years of negotiations between the supplying
firm and the representatives of the nine resale cities.
"You are, of course, aware of the benefits provided
to your city by the negotiated contracts. Substantial
savings have been realized by each city through the
terms of the agreements as compared to the regularly
filed tariff which had been previously approved by the
State Public Utilities Commission.
1. Granted front yard variance from 25' to 20' of all
lots in Tokay Gardens, except lots 22 through 28 and .-
lots 45 through 48, Ted Schneider, owner.
2. Granted front yard variance from 25' to 20' to
the First Church of God at 900 North California Street,
the variance to apply to a parsonage to be built on ther
property on Palm Avenue.
3. Denied a request for a Use Permit to install a —
metal sign in a C-1 zone on the southwest corner of Locke -
ford Street and Pleasant Avenue, Edward Wallof, owner.
COY1W. NSCATIONS
MAYORS' AND
Letter from the League of California Cities regarding
COUNCILMEN'S
the 4th biennial Mayors' and Councilmen's Institute
INSTITUTE
to be held in the City of Monterey, May 23-24-25.
COURTESY
Letter from the local$ostmaster stating that he had
MAIL BOX
received a request frol the President of the Farmers'
and Merchants' Bank for a courtesy curb -side mail box
to be located on the east side of South Church Street
just north of Lodi Avenue. He asked that the City
reserve the curb space equivalent to two parking spaces
for this mail box. On the motion of Councilman Katzakian,
Fuller second, the Council referred the request to the
Chief of Police and City Engineer for recommendation.
ABC LICENSE
Alcoholic Beverage License application for Off -sale
Beer and Wine to Elvira.and Richard M. Hurych for
Hurych'd Grocery Store, 433 North Church Street, and
on On Sale Beer License for Marvin Reimche for Rex
Pool Hall at 9 North Sacramento Street.
CITY MANAGER
Letter dated May 1, 1956 from Jerome Keithley, City
PRAISED
Manager of the City of Palo Alto, commending Mr. Weller
and expressing gratitude on behalf of the member cities
of the Northern California Municipal Electric Association
for Mr. Weller's efforts during the recent negotiations
with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company for the pur-
chase of bulk power. Councilman Hughes moved, Fuller
second, that the letter be spread in full in the official
minutes of the meeting. The motion passed by unanimous
vote.
"The Mayas and Members of the City Council
City of Lodi
Lodi, California
Gentlemen:
"Several months have now passed since the member
electric resale cities of the Northern California Muni-
cipal, Electric Association received their approved
contracts from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
These contract documents, and the economic benefits
they represent, were signed after approximately one
and one-half years of negotiations between the supplying
firm and the representatives of the nine resale cities.
"You are, of course, aware of the benefits provided
to your city by the negotiated contracts. Substantial
savings have been realized by each city through the
terms of the agreements as compared to the regularly
filed tariff which had been previously approved by the
State Public Utilities Commission.
19
"When the resale cities decided to organize them-
selves into a bargaining unit in an attempt to negotiate
a more favorable contract, the Northern California Muni-
cipal Electric Association was born. The success of
this organization's efforts is due in great measure to
the ability of its chairman and spokesman, Mr. H. D.
Weller, your City Manager.
"Mr. Weller's leadership, knowledge of the -problems
encountered, and negotiating ability resulted in the contrac
from which the people of Lodi now benefit, along with the
residents of the other member cities. I feel that the
efforts of the orgatization would have been seriously
handicapped or perhaps unsuccessful without the skill
and stamina displayed by Mr. Weller.
"Writing for the representatives of the member cities
of the Northern California Municipal Electric Association,
I wish to express our gratitude and appreciation to you
for authorizing Mr. Weller to assume the leadership of
this organization which served as an instrument to insure
that its member cities could provide better public service
at a realistic, yet equitable cost.
"To this, I want to add my personal commendation
to Mr. Weller for his outstanding ability in coping with
a serious and difficult situation.
"It was truly a gratifying experience to work with
Mr. Weller throughout the long, and sometimes frustrating,
period of negotiating, and I would be most happy to have
the opportunity of serving as his team-mate again if the
occasion should arise.
Sincerely yours,
CITY OF PALO ALTO
JEROME BEITHLEY
City Manager"
REPORTS
OF THE CITY MANAGER
CLAIMS
Claims in the amount of $69,257.06 were approved on the
motion of Councilman Robinson, Hughes secon.
SPECS FOR
Specifications for the supply of oils and greases needed
OILS AND
for the fiscal year 1956-57 were approved and advertising
GREASES
for bids authorized on the motion of Councilman Fuller,
Katzakian second.
OASI
Mr. Weller reported that the eligible employees had
APPROVED
voted on the question of coverage by the Federal Old
Age and Survivor's Insurance and the results had favored
RES. #1926
the integration of OASI with the local system by a vote
ADOPTED
of 71 to 33, including two employees that did not vote.
On the motion of Councilman Robinson, Fuller second, the
Council adopted Resolution No. 1926 approving the agree-
ment with the State of California for the inclusion of
the members of the Lodi City Employees' Retirement System
under the Federal OASI. Councilman Robinson then moved,
Fuller second, that the Pension Board be asked to prepare
a recommendation for increasing the retirement benefits
to the members of the Police and Fire departments in
keeping with the City's participation under the OASI
program extended to the other City employees. The
motion passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Weller stated that
'it should be understood at the outset that equal contri-
butions by the employee and the City will not provide
benefits which will cmmpete with those provided by OAST.
He also pointed out that police and firemen should have
an option to retire before age 65, but to provide for
such retirement materially cuts down on the amount of
the payments received by the retired employee.
REZONE LOTS
ORDINANCE NO. 556, ENTITLED "AMENDING THE OFFICIAL DIS -
8 AND 9,
TRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF LODI AND THEREBY REZONING LOTS
BARBOUR
BAND 9 OF BARBOUR BECICXAN TRACT TO BE IN THE R -L RESI-
BECIQtAN TR.
DENCE DISTRICT", having been introduced in regular meeting
of May 2, 1956, was brought up for passage on the motion
ORD. NO. 556
of Councilman Katzakian, Robinson second. Second reading
ADOPTED
was omitted after reading by title, and was then passed,
adopted and ordered to print by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmen - Fuller, Hughes, Katzakian,
Robinson and Mitchell
NOES: Councilmen - None
ABSENT: Councilmen - None
Ordinance No. 556 was then signed by Mayor Mitchell in
approval thereof.
BLAIS
City Attorney Mullen then reported that he had negotiated
DEED
an# agreement with Mr. R. L. Blais for the dedication
of the necessary rigAht of way for the completion of West
RES. #1927
Vine Street between Lee Avenue and Hutchins Street.
ADOPTED
He stated that Mr. Blais had agreed to dedicate the
necessary land if the City would pay $900 for the damage
to his garage and install the cubb and gutter and pave
the street. Resolution No. 1927, approving the acceptance
of the deed from Mr. Blais was adopted on the motion
of Councilman Robinson, F21 er second.
CAPITAL
Councilman Fuller then stated that he felt immediate
OUTLAY
action should be taken to acquire the needed park sites,
turf the school playgrounds and construct the swimming
pools as proposed by the Recreation Commission. In
response to a question from Mayor Fuller, Mr. Weller
stated that the time needed for the completion of a
swimming pool would depend upon whether it would be
necessary to advertise for bids. City Attorney Mullen
RECREATION
stated that he would check the laws and report back
PROJECTS
to the Council. Councilman Rbbinson stated that the
City Council should meet with the Recreation Commission
prior to authorizing construction of capitol outlay
projects. On the motion of Councilman Hughes, Fuller
second, and the Council voted to ask the Recreation Com-
mission and the City Manager for recommendations for
capitol outlay projects to Deceive immediate action.
LEE AVENUE
Mayor Mitchell then asked that the City Engineer plan
for the paving of South Lee Avenue and the installation
of sidewalk over the Sturla property in the vicinity
of Needham School.
The meeting was adjourned at 10.40 p.m. on the motion
of Councilman Fuller. ?
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ATTEST: HENRY A. GLAVES,, R.
City Clerk