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1960-01-05 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 5, 1960 The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President McCall presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Freeman and was followed by an inspiring Invocation delivered by The Reverend Miss Gladys C. Grier, Minister of the Home of Truth. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Collischonn, Freeman, Petersen, Schacht and President McCall, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held December 15, 1959, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2V From Mr. Barry Parker, 735 Palmera Court, requesting a traffic signal be installed at the intersection of Grand Street and Encinal Avenue, for the safety of pedestrians crossing Encinal Avenue. There being no objection, this request was referred to the Planning Department, the Police Department and the City Engineer for a study and report on the necessity thereof. It was so ordered. 3. From the following, requesting the installation of an overhead street light at the corner of Broadway and La Jolla Drive: Dr. Alice Challen LoGrasso, William L. and Darlene Erdman of La Jolla Drive; Emma and Kenneth E. Phinney, Eleanor Ray and Bernard D. Liebel of Broadway. It was stated the light poles in the nine hundred block of Broadway had been moved to the opposite side of the street and the last light had been eliminated, which leaves the end of the street in total darkness. During the course of a lengthy discussion on street lights in general and the replace- ment of this light in particular - the opinion was expressed that this request seems justified, but it was also developed that there are many similar situations in the City and much of the street lighting is now obsolete and inadequate, especially at intersections and at the ends of streets. Further ramifications were discussed. Mr. Hanna pointed out that in 1947 the City Council had adopted a resolution establishing a standard street lighting standard and luminaire which has been modified once or twice. He said there are still in existence, however, a number of so- called "temporary" lights which is the type being spoken of here. Mr. Hanna explained that the installation of permanent lighting is the responsibility of the property owners being benefited, except in the cases where a traffic hazard also exists. It was brought out that the "temporary" light would cost A50. and the "permanent" type would cost about A500. Mr. Stanley D. Whitney, Attorney, represented the petitioners concerned, stating there had been a "dishpan" light there before with which the people were satisfied, and all they are complaining about is that now they've been left in total darkness at the dead -end of a street. They are only asking to have the light replaced and he did not think they should be required to pay for this restoration. Mr. Weller emphasized that the only point he and Mr. Hanna would like to make is that this particular situation has been investigated by both the Police Department and the City Engineer's office and it is their judgment that it is basically the same situa- tion as the City is confronted with from time to time every year. If the Council wishes to have the light installed, he would suggest it just be so ordered - but he would further suggest that it be noted at the same time that this is substantially at variance with the existing Council and City policy. Councilman Collischonn thereupon moved the Council authorize the installation of a temporary light at a cost not to exceed fifty dollars and said cost be borne by the City of Alameda General Fund with the understanding this action is at variance with City policy but in this case, since there had been a light at this location which had been removed, the City is merely replacing it - and the Council makes no deter- mination that other areas should be so handled. The motion was seconded by Council- man Petersen and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. There was then some further discussion with regard to the City's street lighting modernization program and other lighting conditions. Mr. Weller remarked that he had talked with Mr. Baxter, General Manager of the Bureau of Electricity, and the Board of Public Utilities some time ago with the idea in mind of recommending to the Coun- cil that the Bureau take over the entire operation and improvement of the whole street lighting system. He explained the details of the proposal and stated that as soon as he and Mr. Baxter have been able to settle certain phases of the question, they would expect to submit the matter to the Board and to the Council and he would hope it could be done, if the Council so desires, for the transfer to be made for the next fiscal year - perhaps sooner, if the Council would prefer it. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 4 v Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, brought to the Council's attention several hazardous situations which prevail throughout the City and he urged that steps be taken to enforce the local ordinances and other laws which are being violated, parti- cularly with reference to bicycle riding at night without lights, moving vans and delivery trucks which park in such manner they obstruct both the sidewalk area and protrude out into the street, and also the jaywalkers. Mr. Gottstein also felt the police patrol cars should not be uniform in color so they would not be so easily identifiable. It was pointed out the Police Department is conducting a very thorough educational program in the schools for safe bicycle riding, and checking all bicycles to see that they are properly equipped. 5. President McCall stated the Nash Automobile Agency on the southwest corner of Park Street and Clement Avenue has a yellow flashing "attractor" sign which is right in line with the regular traffic signal at t his intersection and is dangerous for southbound motorists who might be confused by it and go through the red light. He asked that this condition be corrected immediately. 6. Mr. Paul Spicer, 1615 Chestnut Street, spoke of a construction problem he is faced with in connection with his attempted renovation of this old house, which he had purchased in May, 1959. Mr. Hanna stated he had just finished a detailed report on this situation and explained the requirements in this respect of both the Electrical and Building Codes. It was developed that this is not a matter for Council action and it was suggested Mr. Spicer discuss the problem further with the departments concerned to effect proper recon- struction of his dwelling. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, ETCETERA: 7.. From City Manager, recommending authorization be given, as provided in Section 3 -15 of the Charter, to purchase in the open market a polygraph, or "lie - detector's unit, for the Police Department. Councilman Freeman moved the recommendation be adopted and the City Manager be author- ized to purchase the specified equipment as outlined. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 8. From City Manager, reporting all work satisfactorily completed on the project of installing Storm Drainage Culverts at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Oak Street - recommending it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered filed. Councilman Schacht moved the recommendation be approved; that the work be accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and unanimously carried. 9`. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to John H. McCosker, Inc., low bidder, for the project of Installing a Storm Water Pumping Plant in the vicinity of Third Street and Atlantic Avenue, at the price of 46,190. Councilman Collischonn moved the recommendation be followed, that contract be awarded to the designated firm for the specified project at the price quoted and the bid bonds or checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Council- man Schacht and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 10. Councilman Schacht introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Certain Real Property for Street, Highway, Sewer and General Municipal Purposes (S. W. Corner Park Street and Otis Drive -- Powell)." UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 11:) The matter was presented concerning the protest by the Bay Farm Island Improve- ment League against littering along the levee and the disregard of "No Parking" signs. The President referred to the report of the City Manager, dated December 28, 1959, covering his investigation of these conditions. There being no objections, the City Manager was directed to write to the League on the subject. 12. Councilman Freeman inquired if the City had been notified by Utah Construction Company of the completion date for the shaping and retention of the lagoons from Park Street east and Mr. Hanna replied in the negative. It was developed that the 156 expiration date for completion of improvements in Unit I of the South Shore develop- ment, which includes the lagoons, was about August, 1959. Councilman Freeman said she would like to see the lagoons shaped and completed and thought "Utah" should be asked to complete its work in Unit I now. After discussion, it was determined the City Engineer would write to Utah, asking why it has not completed its work and requesting information about its time schedule in this respect. It was so ordered. 13. Councilman Freeman also requested that when the amended map from Reclamation District No. 2087 is submitted, showing the new boundaries after the recent exclu- sions, the City Clerk procure sufficient copies for the members of the Council. It was so ordered. 14. Councilman Collischonn asked about the status of the proposed new Fruitvale Avenue Bridge as discussed at the recent meeting of representatives of the several local agencies and the Federal Government. Mr. Weller verbally reported on the sub- ject, pointing up that the principal suggestion made was for the formation of a "District" tofacilitate negotiations with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the attorneys of the several entities are to explore this idea. President McCall supplemented the report with further details and said he believed Colonel Harnett of the "Engineers" would sincerely like to accomplish definite settlement of this project before he leaves this area in July. RESOLUTIONS: 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Freeman, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6027 Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement by and Between the City of Alameda and the Alameda Unified School District, Relating to the Provision of a Program for Public Recreation in the City of Alameda." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Collischonn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6028 Cancelling City Taxes on Property Acquired by the City of Alameda for Municipal Purposes (Tilden Way)." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Collischonn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6029 Requesting Cancellation of County Taxes on Property Acquired by the City of Alameda for Municipal Purposes (Tilden Way -- Rosenberg and Rausher) ." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. The President thereupon declared all of the foregoing resolutions duly adopted and passed. FILING: 18. Agreement - Between City of Alameda and Alameda Unified School District re Program of Community Recreation. BILLS: 19. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the amount of $88,841.17, was presented to the Council at this meeting. The list was accompanied by certification from the City Manager that the Claims shown were correct. Councilman Schacht moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on January 5, 1960, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Petersen and carried by the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 20. At this point, Mr. Hanna referred to Mr. Gottstein's suggestion that a conveyor be installed in the new Webster Street Tube during its construction and stated he understood Mr. Gottstein had been invited to meet with certain engineering officials in Sacramento to further discuss his proposal. Mr. Gottstein said he was happy to have the opportunity to explain his idea because he is sure it is feasible and he asked the City Clerk to read the letter from the State of California Department of Public Works, signed by Mr. A. L. Elliott, Bridge Engineer, which was done. Mr. Gottstein said he would plan to go to Sacramento on Friday, January 8. 21. President McCall asked that the Council meet in a Committee of the Whole session next Tuesday evening, January 12, 1960, at 7:30 o'clock in the Conference Room, to discuss certain appointments to fill existing Board vacancies. ADJOURNMENT: 22. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, January 19,1960, at 7:30 o'clock. Respectfully submitted, Jerk