1960-02-16 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING FEBRUARY 16 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 a most inspir-
ing Invocation delivered by The Reverend Mr. Johnnie Douglas, Pastor of First Church
of the Nazarene.
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 of the Council held February 2, 1960, were
approved as transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2'pf From Alameda Chamber of Commerce, signed by. Mr. Gus Levy, President, requesting
the Council to authorize a change in the on- street parking meter pay periods from
"9:00 a.m. to 6 :00 p.m." to "10 :00 a.m. to 5 :00 p.m."
3. From Alameda Chamber of Commerce, signed by Mr. Levy, requesting the Council to
review the directional sign program for the Municipal Parking Lots and consider pro-
viding more and larger signs in areas surrounding said Lots. -_
It was suggested the Clerk inform the Chamber that the Council proposes to withhold
action on these requests until the study now being made of relative parking meter
conditions is completed by the Chamber. It was so ordered.
4. From Alameda Chamber of Commerce, signed by Mr. Levy, requesting that the City
provide electrical outlets on the electric light poles in the Park and Webster
Street areas in order that desired Christmas decorations can be installed during
future Holiday Seasons.
It was mentioned that a study of this same matter had been made about three years
ago and it was suggested a copy of that report be sent to the Chamber, together with
a copy of Mr. Cowan's memorandum of February 11, 1960, concerning "Cost of Installing
120 V. Outlets on Street Light Poles to Serve Decorative Lighting ". It was developed
that these reports both indicate it is not economically feasible to install such
electrical outlets on the poles.
Mr. Weller pointed out he had sent a copy of his memorandum on the subject, dated
February 15, 1960, to the General Manager of the Chamber. Also, he had talked with
Mr. Baxter, General Manager of the Bureau, and had suggested the two Managers fully
discuss the situation in order that both will have a definite idea of what the mer-
chants want, what the costs might be and what various alternatives there might be.
There being no objections, the Council determined it would await further report
from the Chamber following a more detailed study of the matter.
5.% From Department of Public Works, 'Division of San Francisco Bay Toll Crossings,
signed by Mr. N. C. Raab, Projects Engineer, relative to studies of proposed termini
of the Bay Crossings. Enclosed with the letter was a report entitled, 'Studies of
Southern Crossings of San Francisco Bay January, 1959.' One terminus proposal is
on Bay Farm Island and it was requested that the City indicate if it has any objec-
tions thereto - also, particularly to Locations Nos. 7, 8 and 9, as shown on Figure 16
in said report.
A lengthy discussion ensued concerning the different plans which have been prepared
and studied during the past several years. It was pointed out by Mr. Hanna that the
"Dolwig Act" died July 1, 1959, due to lack of financing, and he explained other
phases of the situation.
It was agreed the matter should be referred to the City Planning Board for its thor-
ough review and report back to the Council. It was so ordered.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
6'. President McCall noted the presence of a large group of eighth grade students
from Porter School, accompanied by Mr. Carl Payne, Principal; Mr. Renzo Quilici, Vice
Principal; and several of the teachers. They were welcomed with hearty applause, and
the President praised them for their interest in City Government. Upon Mr. Payne's
request, each of the City Officials was also introduced.
7, Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, then spoke again of the need for a traf-
fic officer on Webster Street near the Posey Tube until the morning peak hour conges-
tion is entirely cleared. He urged that some action be taken to correct this situation
before a bad accident occurs.
Mr. Gottstein also referred once more to the hazardous condition created by large
trucks when parking to load or unload merchandise, which obstruct the sidewalk areas
and block the passage of pedestrians.
8. Several other traffic conditions were submitted and requested to be investigated,
as follows: the bus drivers do mt curb their vehicles properly in making their stops;
the "jaywalkers "; the amount of debris scattered along the route to the City Dump on
Sundays; the intersection of Broadway and Central Avenue and the poor visibility of
stop signs at night.
The City Manager was instructed to check into these various situations.
HEARINGS:
9.Y The matter was called up concerning the abatement of a public nuisance created by
the building located at 422 Taylor Avenue.
An official stenotype operator was present to record the proceedings and the transcript
thereof is, by reference, made a part of these minutes.
The President declared the Hearing closed and the matter was referred to "Resolutions ".
10: Councilman Freeman referred to the two old theatre buildings on Park Street and
inquired if they had ever been inspected on the basis of fire and safety hazards. Mr.
James R. Brummer, Chief of the Inspections Division, stated that just recently certain
cleaning -up -work has been done to the "Rio" Theatre and he will check further into
the matter.
It was developed that the Council is concerned with the appearance and condition of
some of the old buildings on Park Street and the fact that there are so many vacant
stores. It was pointed out the Chamber of Commerce is aware of the situation and
plans are being made to take steps to "revitalize" the main business areas.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, ETCETERA:
11 ' From City Planning Board, signed by Mr. A. Raymond Schoenfeld, Secretary, sub-
mitting its thinking with regard to "A Report on a Proposed Alameda County Highway
Master Plan ", with specific reference to the off -shore freeway contained therein.
Councilman Collischonn said he felt that, from his study of the problem, the City is
going to have a freeway - either through it or along its South Shore. It might be
ten or twenty years from now, but he believes the lesser of two evils is to endorse
the plan as submitted by the Planning Board - showing the proposed freeway as far
south of the shoreline as possible. He stated he, therefore, concurs wholeheartedly
with the recommendations of the Board.
Councilman Freeman asked if it is his understanding that the shoreline freeway is
separate from the bridge approaches - to which Councilman Collischonn replied he
thought the second bridge construction will be apcomplished much sooner than the
freeway in question and, therefore, the freeway will have to conform to the necessary
approaches for said bridge.
Councilman Freeman suggested the Council postpone action on this freeway plan, pending
receipt of the Planning Board's report covering its study of Locations Nos. 7, 8 and 9
as indicated in Figure 16 of the "Studies of Southern Crossings of San Francisco Bay" -
and then take action on both of these plans at the same time and make one presentation
to the County,
During the course of a lengthy discussion, it was developed that any decisions on cur-
rently proposed plans will probably be changed many times in the future; the contem-
plation of a freeway running through the center of Alameda would be disastrous to the
City, not only by its appearance but also by the destruction of property values and
the loss of taxable property. It was felt the Council should go on record in favor
of the freeway being located off the South Shore.
It was pointed out these two studies cover entirely separate freeway programs and it
would be a matter for the State to coordinate the approaches - one, the Bay Toll Cross-
ings and the other, the Shoreline Freeway.
Councilman Petersen inquired if the City Council and the people of Alameda would have
an opportunity to voice their opinions as to the location of a freeway, if and when
one is actually set for this area. It was stated that in such proposals there would
be public hearings for the benefit of the communities affected. He felt the Board's
letter should be more positive in this respect.
Mr. Hanna stated that, in the case of the Southern Crossing, the City representatives
were well received in Sacramento and were effective in creating some changes in the
law - and he felt the City would have some effect upon similar proposals.
Councilman Schacht concurred with the Board's thinking that the proposed freeway be as
far off -shore as possible. He felt this issue can be viewed only as plans exist
today - not knowing what is to be developed with regard to the proposed bridge.
Therefore, basically, the Council should generally agree with the Planning Board in
its recommendation. Further, he stated the Council should have ample opportunity in
the future to reassess the City's position and make its opinion known to the proper
agency in carrying out its ultimate objective of some day helping relieve the traffic
of the entire County via this freeway approach along the South Shore.
Further discussion was had and it was reiterated that the objective of the Shoreline
Freeway is to serve traffic traveling between such points as Berkeley and communities
16
in the southern part of Alameda County, as indicated in the proposed Alameda County
Highway Master Plan. In response to Councilman Freeman's question, it was stated the
amount of traffic using this route has been determined by the Wilbur Smith study,
just completed. It was also explained that it is recognized the Nimitz Freeway can-
not take care of future traffic and this proposed freeway is the cheapest way, and
perhaps the only way, without destroying a great deal of privately -owned property, to
bring another route from south Alameda County into Oakland and San Francisco.
Councilman Freeman contended engineering surveys and testings have indicated there was
"softness to great depths'? even closer to the South Shore. Now it is proposed to
locate the freeway two thousand feet off - shore, but unless it can be determined that
somewhere along that way it will be economically feasible, she said she doubts very
much if the City will have any voice in its location. Councilman Petersen felt the
City should make known its desire that the freeway would be off -shore or "not at all ".
Following additional discussion, Councilman Collischonn moved the Council concur with
the findings of the Planning Board and a copy of its letter be forwarded to the Ala-
meda County Planning Commission and the State Division of Highways and the letter of
transmittal be couched in more positive terms,_as suggested, with regard to the loca-
tion definitely being off the South Shore - and the City having an opportunity to be
heard at a Public Hearing to be held in Alameda. The motion was seconded by Council-
man Schacht and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None.
Absent: None.
12. City Manager, transmitting a request from U. S. Naval Air Station, signed by
E. L. Farrington, Commanding Officer, to relocate two signs concerning Naval personnel
from the vicinity of the East Gate of the Station to the south side of Atlantic Avenue
east of Main Street. It was recommended a Revocable Permit be granted to allow the
change to be made.
Councilman Schacht moved the recommendation be accepted and a Revocable Permit be
issued for said purpose. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and c arried on
the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
vf
13. From City Planning Board, signed by Mr. Schoenfeld, Secretary, recommending
denial of petition to rezone property known as 6!7 Buena Vista Avenue from "C -3"
General Commercial District to "M -1" Intermediate Industrial Manufacturing District.
The petition had been filed by Whitney & Hanson, Attorneys, on behalf of the Estate
of James K. Robertson.
The Hearing on this matter was set for the next meeting of the Council, to be held
March 1.
14: From City Planning Board, signed by Mr. Eric Essex, President, requesting the
Council to consider removing the classification of "rug cleaning" from the "M -1"
District of the Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Whitney submitted prolonged arguments involving each of the subjects contained
in these two letters from the Board which developed a great deal of discussion. How-
ever, the City Attorney and the City Manager advised the Council it has no alternative
but to follow the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance in such cases. Therefore, before
the Council can give consideration to the "rug cleaning" item, a Public Hearing would
have to be held on the question by the Planning Board itself. Thus, the only action
to be taken by the Council at this time is to refer the matter back to the Board in
order that a date of Hearing can be set and held.
Following this lengthy discussion, Councilman Collischonn moved the City Clerk direct
a letter to the Planning Board, stating the Council would like to have it hold a Hear-
ing on the matter of adding the classification of "rug cleaning" to the permitted
uses in "C -3" District, as well as keeping this item in the "M -1" District. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and unanimously carried.
15/ At this point, Councilman Petersen referred to some recent correspondence between
the Planning Board and the "Chamber" Special Zoning Committee concerning proposed
revisions of the Zoning Ordinance. He felt some definite information should be forth -
coming relative to action on the certain contemplated amendments submitted by the
Chamber for consideration by the Board.
It was stated the Chamber Committee is still working with the Board on this question
and it was felt that both parties should be notified that the Council is looking for-
ward to receiving their recommendations. There being no objections, a letter will be
directed to each agency to this effect.
NEW BUSINESS:
16. Councilman Collischonn said he believed there have been numerous accidents at the
intersection of Alameda Avenue and Paru Street and he recommended serious consideration
be given to placing either "Yield Right -of -Way" or "Stop" signs at this location for
whichever direction is appropriate. The matter was referred to the City Manager for
investigation.
17. Also submitted was the matter of solicitors calling between the hours of 6:00
o'clock and 10 :00 o'clock p.m. and inquiry was made about City ordinances restricting
the hours of such activities.
Mr. Annibale explained the entire question of solicitations is under consideration at
this time and an ordinance is expected to be prepared which will be mutually acceptable
to the Social Service Board and the Council.
At this point, the meeting was referred back to "Unfinished Business ".
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
16. Councilman Freeman referred to the protest made at the last meeting by Mr. Arthur
Smith, 1417 Everett Street, concerning the required installation of certain barriers
to protect his property, which had not yet been erected along the property line of
1419 Everett Street. She inquired of the City Attorney if this issue had been resolved
and he assured her the problem is being given attention.
19:/ Councilman Petersen asked concerning the recent request for the installation of
traffic signals at the intersection of Grand Street and Encinal Avenue. Mr. Weller
explained a traffic count had been made and the data had been forwarded to the State
Division of Highways. Further information on this matter will be available in about
three weeks.
20. Councilman Collischonn inquired if any further progress has transpired with regard
to Fruitvale Bridge. President McCall stated a conference has been held, those
involved have been asked to make a study, and the matter was referred to Mr. Coakley,
the District Attorney. He said Col. Harnett of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is
sympathetic to this cause and is anxious to accomplish settlement of this project.
Mr. Weller stated he had checked several times with Mr. Coakley's office and he has
no progress to report at this time but he would check again.
RESOLUTIONS:
21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 6040
Resolution of the City Council of the City of Alameda
Adopting and Approving the Master Agreement for Expendi-
ture of Funds Allocated Under Section 2107.5 of the
Streets and Highways Code."
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.
22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Collischonn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 6041
Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda
Approving Proposed Budget for Engineering Funds
Pursuant to Section 2107.5 of the Streets and
Highways Code -- Fiscal Year 1960 -61."
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.
23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Petersen, w ho moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 6042
Declaring Building Known as 422 Taylor Avenue,
Alameda, California, to be a Public Nuisance, and
Ordering Abatement Thereof."
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.
24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Freeman, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 6043
Amending Salary Resolution No. 5965 by Creating the
Position of Fire Lieutenant (Administrative), and
Establishing the Salary Therefor."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Schacht.
Mr. Terry LaCroix, 920 Grand Street, questioned the purpose of this resolution. Mr.
Annibale explained it is merely setting up a position in the Fire Department to take
care of a situation where a person alleges he is medically unable to attend to his
normal duties and this position will allow him to perform this type of work. It was
developed that if the position is ever utilized, it will be greatly to the benefit of
the City of Alameda in terms of dollars and cents.
The question was then put and the motion carried on the following roll call vote.
Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 6044
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and
Plans for Furnishing and Erecting a Chain Link
Baseball Backstop and Adjacent Fencing in Krusi
Park, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk
to Advertise Same."
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.
The President thereupon declared all of the foregoing resolutions duly adopted and
passed.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
26. "Ordinance No. 1329,
New Series
An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Certain City -
Owned Real Property to Louis L. Eickmeyer (Excess
Property -- Tilden Way)."
Councilman Collischonn moved the ordinance be adopted as submitted. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Schacht and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes:
Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
FILING:
27. Master Agreement - Between City and State of California, for Budgeting and
Expenditure of Engineering Allocation for City Streets Section 2107.5
Streets and,Highways Code.
28. Financial Statement - Bureau of Electricity, as of December 31, 1959 -
Verified by Hackleman & Larzelere.
29. Specifications Special Provisions and Plans No. PW 2 -60 -2 - Furnishing and
Erecting chain Link Baseball Backstop and Adjacent Fencing in Krusi Park.
BILLS:
30. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments
thereof, in the amount of $51,112.41, 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 February 16, 1960, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be
allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and carried by
the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
31. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council
adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, March 1, 1960, at
7:30 o'clock.
Respectfully submitted,