CCMIN052476 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mrs. Judy Earl, 11635 Los Ranchitos, Dublin, President of the Dublin Historical Preservation Association, presented the history of the Fallon House and stated it was to have been moved to the California Heritage Center in Dublin~ She expressed great concern regarding the mistaken identity which allowed the building to be burned, even after firefighters were advised it was the Fallon House. She stated the Dublin Historical Preservation Association intended to seek legal counsel re- garding replacement of this historic home. She also urged Council to investigate the passing of an ordinance to prevent this type of mistake from happening again. Mrs. Marie Cronin, 8989 Dublin Boulevard, Hayward, representing the Dublin His- torical Preservation Association, rebutted the official report of May 21, 1976, stating permission was given by Stoneson Corporation's secretary to burn a Stone- son building with specific instructions not to burn Fallon House. She presented her version of the burning after she arrived on the scene and stated that Chief Phillips, of V~C.S.D. Fire Department, having arrived earlier had advised the firemen they were burning the wrong building. Mrs. Cronin stated she told fire- men to put out the blaze as they were burning Fallon House but her plea went un- heeded. She stated she felt this event was a ~gligent and deliberate act, and requested City Council to adopt procedures whereby this kind of tragedy could be averted by requiring proof of ownership and identity. She also requested that restitution be made in order that a facimile might be built to replace the razed Fallon House. Mrs. Mary Jane Hyde, 7426 Mancini Court, Dublin, Chairman of the Dublin His- torical Preservation Association, read a letter expressing her concern that the Fallon House had been mistakenly burned, and suggested bureaucratic incompetence in this matter. Mr. Jim Glockner, Pleasanton Fireman, advised the Council and audience that the firemen at the training exercise were volunteers and not members of Local 1974. He stated the members of the Local Union had taken much harrassment re- garding this matter. Mr. Jim Gaul, Dublin teacher, stated his class had taken the Fallon House as a Historic Project, and he felt that Pleasanton had an obligation to society and the people of the Valley to replace the building. Each Councilmember expressed regret that Fallon House had been mistakenly burned and stated that Council would consider undertaking some action to assist the Dublin Historical Preservation Association. Councilmember Brandes reiterated his opinion that the Police and Fire Divi- sions should be separate departments for better responsibility and supervision of each Division° He advocated that strong disciplinary action be taken against the Fire personnel involved in this incident. Council discussion ensued regarding administrative directives and procedures related to proof of ownership of buildings to be used in Fire Training Exercises, posi%ive i~]entification of buildings, approval of buildings to be burned, etc. Councilmen~er Herlihy requested staff to communicate with Stoneson Corpora- tion to request chat they reimburse the $3,000.00, originally agreed upon to pay the City for costs involved in removing Fallon House from the Stoneson property, to the D~biin Historical Preservation Association, for their use in replacing Fa]lop House at the Dublin Historical Center~ Councilmember Brandes asked the City Manager what disciplinary action, if an~, was contemplated against the firemen on this matter. Mr. Edgar stated that a final decision had not been made at this time, however~, the people involved had been orally reprimanded~ It was moved by Councilmember Brandes, and seconded by Councilmember Mercer, that disciplinary action be taken against Ted Klenk and George Withers in regard to the mistaken burning of Fallon House~ Mr. Scheidig advised Council that the City Manager is legally responsible for disciplinary action for this Department Heads; not the City Council. 2. 5/24/76