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1960-04-19 Regular CC Minutes19.4 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, APRIL 19, 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. Franklin Scott, Pastor, Santa Clara Avenue Methodist Church. 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 April 5, 1960, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2:" From Mrs. John P. Watson, 1706 Second Street, requesting an explanation of the reason for the Stop Signs at Dayton Avenue and Grand Street. It was stated Dayton Avenue is only three blocks long and, therefore, not frequently used - whereas, Grand Street is the main artery to South Shore. The communication was referred to the City Manager for reply. 3 ✓ From Mrs. James Wiley, 1232 St. Charles Street, commending the Council for its action in connection with the State Beach -Park project. 4. From Mr. Virgil R. Archbold, 772 Lincoln Avenue, thanking the Council for its efforts in connection with the State Beach -Park project. These two communications were noted with appreciation and ordered filed. 5.V From Department of Public Works, Division of Highways, signed by Mr. L. A. Weymouth, District Engineer, informing the Council the proposal of installing a "con- veyor device" in the Estuary Tubes has been given serious consideration and the conclusion has been reached that it is not feasible, particularly at this time. The Clerk was directed to acknowledge the letter with thanks for the Division's inves- tigation of this matter. 6/ From Alameda Democratic League, signed by Mr. Richard S. Diament, Chairman, com- mending the Council for its efforts on behalf of the citizens in connection with the State Beach -Park project. The communication was noted with thanks and ordered filed. 7. From Mr. Homer R. Dallas, 3106 Central Avenue, expressing his gratitude for the honor extended to him by the Council's adoption of a "Resolution in Appreciation and Commendation" of his services. This letter, too, was noted with pleasure and ordered filed. 8`f From Bay Farm Island Improvement League, signed by Mr. Robert E. DeCelle, Presi- dent, urging the Council to incorporate into Godfrey Park usage that area formerly used by the National Guard Anti - Aircraft Unit. It was noted the City Manager had already informed Mr. DeCelle concerning the several tentative plans under consideration for this site and the letter was referred to the file for discussion when a long -term program has been prepared. Councilman Petersen commented that this area is not very sightly and since the City has taken over this land it should be cleaned up and made more presentable. 9. From Alameda Chamber of Commerce, signed by Mr. Gus Levy, President, concerning the present lack of work in Bay Area shipyards. The Council was urged to join, the Chamber in its appeal to the Maritime Administration and Congress to reduce the price of Liberty vessels to be scrapped - from $70,000. to $25,000. per ship. This would allow the ship scrapping operators to again bid on this work, which has not been feasible at the going rate of scrap steel and scrapping costs. Following a discussion in clarification of the situation, it was agreed the Council should support this effort on the part of the Chamber and letters were to be written to the proper agencies. It was so ordered. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 18. At this point, President McCall presented Certificates of Completion to certain City Officials who had taken the professional training course in Supervisory Methods in Municipal Administration sponsored by the Institute for Training in Municipal Administration of the International City Managers' Association. Those present to accept their Certificates were: Raymond E. Brown, City Auditor; Floyd E. Drake, Chief of Police; Mark J. Hanna, City Engineer; William L. Hilbish, Fire Chief; D. Grant Mainland, Director of Recreation; E. Max McMurry, Manager of Golf Course; A. Raymond Schoenfeld, Planning Director; Shirley H. Tennier, City Clerk. Also, James R. Cowan, Superintendent of Utility Operations, and LaVerne F. Randall, General Supervisor, Accounting and Customers, of the Bureau of Electricity, had taken this course and their Certificates had been presented to them at a meeting of the Public Utilities Board. President McCall and the Councilmen expressed congratulations to the officials upon their satisfactory completion of this worthwhile course and commended them for their interest in the improvement and development of themselves and their jobs and the giv- ing of their own time in this respect. Mr. Weller pointed out that Mr. Forrest V. Routt, Jr., Personnel Director, had been the leader in arranging for this course. He had devoted much time and effort in preparation of each week's "lesson" and was to be greatly commended for the fine job he had done. Mr. Routt was introduced and President McCall expressed the Council's appreciation for the excellent program he had presented. He also thanked Mr. Routt for the efficient work he is doing for the City in connection with its personnel. 11. Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, again spoke at length concerning the need for a police officer at the Alameda entrance of Posey Tube to handle the peak morning traffic. It was developed that this situation has been investigated but it was suggested it be re- examined. The City Manager was then instructed to further check the matter, parti- cularly the point that a police officer should be at this location until 8 :00 o'clock a.m. 12 Mr. Lewis Groper, Jeweler at 1503 Webster Street, claimed the attitude of the Council at the last meeting when the State Beach -Park project was being discussed -was most reprehensible. He felt there should be opportunity for all to express honest differences of opinion. He wanted all to know that he did not think the State project was an assured fact. He felt the Council would have plenty of fighting to do before it would have the project "rammed down the throats" of the people of Alameda. 13. Mr. Gottstein again addressed the Council and referred to the letter from the Division of Highways with regard to the "conveyor device" for the Estuary Tubes. He expressed his disappointment at their conclusion that the "conveyor device" cannot be installed as he definitely believes it is quite possible and he felt the people will have to suffer later for the engineer's "mistake ". President McCall pointed out that sometime in the future some device of this type might be perfected and the Division of Highways had indicated it could then further consider its installation in the Estuary Tubes. He encouraged Mr. Gottstein to be alert for any such future developments. 14. Mrs. June R. Orr, 1715 Encinal Avenue, referred to the lengthy discussion held at the last meeting concerning the State Beach -Park project. She commented that many people spoke too long, frequently incoherently, and often losing sight of the issue at hand - many of the remarks were in no way pertinent to the question. She urged that, in the future, when there are so many people to be heard on such controversial questions, a very strict time limit be imposed. She also suggested that only a cer- tain number of proponents and opponents be designated as spokesmen in representation of their respective groups. There was some discussion of procedure in this respect. The Council expressed its appreciation of the manner in which Mrs. Orr had presented her statement and all agreed better control of and more dignity in future meetings where controversial subjects are being heard would be desirable. Mr. Annibale explained that; in such cases, the present procedure of allowing time to all of the proponents and then all of the opponents, or vice versa, is rot only proper and legal but is also practicable. This is general practice and the Chair has the right to limit the time of discussion of an individual or a particular side on the question. He stated it is his opinion that a fair hearing has been afforded on every subject to any citizen who wanted to be heard. He suggested, however, that during the course of presentation to the Council by any opponent or proponent the only interrup- tion should be as to points of clarification or as to a definite question, and, speci- fically, not to enter into debate on the subject. 15. Mr. John J. Mulvany, Realtor, 14182 Park Street, stated he represented Mr. Leo J. Purcell, owner of property at 434 Central Avenue, which property he has requested to be rezoned from "R -4." (Neighborhood Apartment) District to "R -5" (General Apartment) District. He inquired if this matter was to come before the Council at this meeting. President McCall replied that a letter from the Planning Board on this subject would come up under "Reports" and the only action the Council could take at this meeting would be to set the date of a Public Hearing which would be on May 3, the next meeting of the Council. There being no objections to a revision of the Order of Business, and to settle the matter for the time being, Councilman Petersen moved the date of Hearing on this mat- ter be set for May 3, 1960. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, ETCETERA: 16. City Planning Board, signed by Mr. Schoenfeld, Secretary, submitting its report with regard to the proposed termini of Bay Crossings as they affect Alameda - and recommending the Council give consideration to alternates 2 or 3, as listed, when advising the Division of Bay Toll Crossings of its current position. Councilman Collischonn moved a copy of the Board's report be submitted to the Division of Bay Toll Crossings as a matter of current advice. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and unanimously carried. 17Y From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to George F. Cake Co., sole bidder, for furnishing one "Patrolmaster 500 Speedmeter" (Radar Unit), at the total price of $1,348.88. Councilman Schacht moved the recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to said firm for the specified equipment at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 18. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to O. C. Jones and Sons, low bidder, for the project of Removing Rails Across Atlantic Avenue at Decatur Street, at the total cost of $2,428.75. Councilman Collischonn moved the recommendation be followed; that contract be awarded to this firm for the designated project at the specified price and the bid bonds or checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 191 From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Antonio Sanchez, dba Mex- Cal Construction Co., low bidder, for the project of Grading and Improvements at Krusi Park, at the total cost of $3,840. Councilman Schacht moved the recommendation be accepted; that contract be awarded to this Company 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 Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 20. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to J. S. Evans Co., low bidder, for the project of Painting and Decorating Portions of City Hall, at the total cost of $1,933. Councilman Schacht,moved the recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to said Company for this particular project at the price quoted and the bid bonds or checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Council- man Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 21. Councilman Petersen introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance of the City of Alameda Repealing Section 12 -571, Article 7, Chapter 5, Title XII, of the Alameda Municipal Code, Relating to the Regulation of the Hours of Sale of Uncured or Uncooked Meats." UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 22:r The matter was presented concerning the "silting" situation along South Shore and San Leandro Channel - as submitted to the Council at its meeting of January 19, 1960, by Aeolian Yacht Club. The matter had been laid over at two subsequent meetings pend- ing receipt of certain reports on the subject. Upon request, Mr. Weller reported on a meeting held yesterday, April 18, at which representatives of the City and Utah Construction Company appeared before the United States Army Engineers. The purpose of the meeting was to offer the City the, oppor- tunity to make a specific proposal to "Utah" for the removal of the excess material the City believes has accumulated in these areas due to the filling operation. He cited the estimated quantities and the result of the meeting was that Mr. Travers of "Utah" stated he would submit the proposal to his Company and, probably within two weeks, he would be able to state its position in response to the City's proposal which he would convey to the "Engineers ", who would then set up another meeting - probably within the next month. 23. Councilman Collischonn raised the question of the proposed new two -lane Fruitvale Avenue Bridge and commented that it would appear the City is not going to get the four -lane bridge as requested by the local agencies, comprised of the County of Ala- meda and. Cities of Oakland and Alameda. He felt it would be wise to settle for the new two -lane bridge now rather than to get no replacement of the old structure while fighting for many years in the hope of obtaining the four -lane bridge. Mr. Weller said he felt somewhat more optimistic in some respects with regard to this situation. He explained the details involved in the negotiations between the local agencies and the United States Army Engineers over the years and the legal technicali- ties involved in the expenditure of public funds for maintenance and operation and ultimate reconstruction of the new bridge and the existing railroad bridge parallel thereto. He pointed out there have been some gains made in the overall case. It was developed that there was to be another meeting of the parties concerned tomor- row, April 20, and a report thereon will be forthcoming. The City Attorney was also instructed to inquire how the United States Army Engineers can make the "condition" that a local agency assume certain responsibilities for the railroad bridge, in con- nection with the construction of the new bridge. NEW BUSINESS: 24. Councilman Freeman read a prepared statement to the effect that the Council approve the' undertaking of a study by the Council, the Planning staff and the City Manager of the "Maritime" property to determine if there is a valid need and use to the City, either now or in the future, for a Civic Center or any public use of these lands and buildings as they now exist. If such study and evaluation is approved, she requested that an inspection tour be arranged by the City Manager for a time when all Councilmen can be present. Further, that the Planning Board be advised of the pro- posed study and the Planning staff study, evaluate and submit to the City Council whatever data it may have now and procure in the future. Also, that the City Manager include all departments necessary for a comprehensive study, and report to t he Council. It was agreed the Council should ascertain exactly what facilities there are on this property and be more fully informed concerning the area in question. Mr. Weller expressed the opinion that probably the Council should approach this situa- tion in two steps - first, a tour through the facilities and second, in connection with the study, he felt a review and evaluation of this kind ought to be made by an outside consulting firm. There are numerous phases involved - the determination of whether or not a Civic Center is - desirable at all is an important consideration - the matter of economics, plan timing, plan development and many other details. He pointed out this is a different field than that in which the City Planning staff is experi- enced. He felt the Council should be in possession of all facts from the best source possible and he urged that, if the Council desires to go this far into it, the study ought to be done by an independent firm experienced' in this field. It was determined that an inspection tour would be made by the Council and other inter- ested parties or representatives of organizations would be invited also - the Realty Board, Merchants Associations, Planning Board and Chamber of Commerce. This next' Saturday, April 23, at 1:00 o'clock was then set for the tour through the Maritime property by all parties concerned. President McCall suggested that while in this vicinity the members of the Council should also inspect the property at 434 Central Avenue, the requested rezoning of which will come up at the next meeting for a Hearing. �5 At this time, Councilman Collischonn expressed his thanks to the local newspaper for publishing the full text of the City Manager's letter concerning the Washington Park Fill Area in connection with the State Beach -Park project. Mr. Weller also com- mented that he thought the editorial in this evening's paper was a very fine one. RESOLUTIONS: 26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Freeman, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6063 Resolution of the City of Alameda, a Municipal Corporation, Authorizing, Etc., the Use of Facsimile Signatures by the Auditor and Treasurer of the City of Alameda." 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. 27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Petersen, who moved its adoption :, "Resolution No. 6064 Resolution of the City of Alameda, a Municipal Corporation, Authorizing the Signing and Endorsing of Checks and Other Instruments." (Crabb, Barneich, Wheatfill) . 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. 28. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Freeman, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 6065 Extending to Joseph R. Knowland Thanks and Appreciation of the City of Alameda for the More Than 60 Years of Public Service." 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: 29`� "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Reclassifying and Rezoning Certain Property Within the City of Alameda by Amending Zoning Ordinance No. 1277,New Series." (647 Buena Vista Avenue) Councilman Schacht moved the ordinance be adopted as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Petersen and lost on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Councilmen Petersen and Schacht, (2). Noes: Councilmen Collischonn, Freeman and President McCall, (3). Absent: None. 30.'% "Ordinance No. 1330, New Series An Ordinance Amending Chapter 1 of Title XI of the Alameda Municipal Code, Relating to Uses Permitted Within a 'C -3' (General Commercial) District. (Laundry, Cleaning Works, Etc.)" Councilman Collischonn moved the ordinance be adopted as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Councilmen Collischonn, Freeman, Petersen and President McCall, (4). Noes: Council- man Schacht, (1). Absent: None. FILING: 31. Financial Statement - Bureau of Electricity, as of February 29, 1960 - Verified by Hackleman & Larzelere. 32. Auditor's Quarterly Financial Statement - City of Alameda, as at March 31, 1960 - Verified by Hackleman & Larzelere. BILLS: 33. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the amount of $28,068.14, 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 April 19, 1960, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and carried by the follow- ing roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. ADJOURNMENT: 34. There being no further busins ss to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, May 3, 1960, at 7 :30 o'clock. Respectfully submitted,