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1959-09-01 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 1, 1959 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 Mr, Harold Petroelje, Pastor, First Christian Reformed Church. POLL 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 August 18, 1959, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2\/. From James and Helen G. Cable, 3276 Washington Street, with regard to certain variances granted by the City Planning Board for the construction of the house known as 3270 Washington Street. Some discussion ensued, during which it was developed that no appeal had ever been filed against the action of the Planning Board and, therefore, the matter had not come before the City Council. Also, the construction had been in accordance with the variances granted. It was determined the City Attorney should write a letter of explanation to the "Cables". 3. From South Shore Land Co., signed by Mr. Charles T. Travers, Vice President, reiterating its request for release from Bond No. 7984154 of Federal Insurance Com- pany, retroactive to August 13, 1959. This bond had been filed in connection with Unit I, Tract No, 1866. Mr. Hanna explained that the principal work yet to be done lies in the lagoon struc- tures themselves, which is included under this bond and in the agreement with Utah Construction Company. He cited in detail the items included in the computation for the amount of the bond, the total of which is $1,168,775. Mr. Annibale corroborated Mr. Hanna's position that the bond can be reduced, but since there are some improve- ments yet to be done, the City should retain a certain amount of the bond in effect. It was emphasized that the City had accepted only the street system and, therefore, the proportionate coverage for that improvement can be released. Mr. Hanna estimated that a bond in the amount of $20,000. would be sufficient for the remainder of the work to be performed. Councilman Schacht moved the City allow a reduction in the amount of said Bond No. 798h154 to A20,000., effective as of August 13, 1959. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 14 -L. From San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, signed by Mr. Clair W. MacLeod, President, submitting a progress report of the major activities of the Dis- trict since the date of its creation in November, 1957. The communication was noted and ordered filed. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 5: Dr. Lester Johnson, Director and Chairman of Home & Child Division, Eastbay Chap- ter National Safety Council, presented a Plaque to the City, an Award for its Achieve- ment in Traffic Safety Activities and Improvement for its Traffic Death Record. Dr. Johnson stated that, as a citizen of this City, he appreciated the efforts and interest of all the City Departments and the City Council in the safety program and urged their continued endeavor toward bringing the death rate down. On behalf of the City, President McCall accepted the Plaque with thanks and expressed appreciation to Dr. Johnson for his fine work in the interests of the community through the Safety Council and his Service Club. 6\.1 At this point, President McCall introduced Messrs. Don Geisert, General Chairman, and Martin Silva, President, of the Island City Gun Club. Mr. Geisert then presented in detail the proposal of the Club to construct and operate a Rifle Range on Bay Farm Island. Brochures covering the contemplated enterprise had been distributed to the Councilmen and the presentation was illustrated by the display of sketches showing the location, plot plans and design of the installation. Mr. Geisert pointed up the need for a-facility of this type in the City, emphasizing that many hundreds of juveniles have been trained in the safe use of firearms by the Club, under the instruction of Mr. Vern Thorp. He stated the Rifle Range can be fur- nished without any cost to the City or the taxpayers. The only thing required from the City would be a satisfactory lease covering the site for a suggested term of twenty to forty years and he expressed the hope that such would be granted a t the "legal nominal fee". Mr. Geisert remarked that the total investment for this facil- ity would be A50,000. and he described specifically the many safety factors incor- porated in the construction plans. He cited the number of organizations endorsing the proposal, including the Bay Farm Island Improvement League, the Chamber of Com- merce, Board of Education and the City Police Department. Mr. Geisert said the Club is endeavoring to build a facility in which it will take great pride and which will, eventually, be acquired by the City at no cost to it. Following a question and answer period and general discussion of the subject, it was the consensus of the Council that this proposal deserves approval. However, it was felt the matter should be reviewed by the Recreation Commission, too. Therefore, Councilman Schacht moved the matter be referred to the Recreation Commission for its study and recommendation as a priority measure and also, to further expedite action, the City Attorney was instructed to work with the Club Attorney and draft a lease for the site and prepare the necessary ordinance for introduction authorizing the execu- tion thereof. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 7: Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, inquired if it is true the Branch Library now closes at 6:00 o'clock p.m. - and the City Manager was asked to check on this matter. Mr. Gottstein again spoke of the absence of a police officer at the junction near the Alameda entrance of the Posey Tube during the morning peak hours. He contended there should be an officer on duty at this point until 9:00 o'clock a.m. because people are still going to work almost up to this time and whenever there is the slightest block- age in the Tube, the traffic congests on Webster Street and it is a "free- for -all" in trying to work into the single lane when entering the Tube. Mr. Gottstein also referred once more to the number of commercial vehicles doing busi- ness in the City which do not display the City "decal" indicating the business license has been obtained. He claimed the City is losing the fees from the business trucks coming in from other cities merely because the regulations are not being fully enforced. Considerable discussion was had on this matter and it was suggested the City Manager investigate this situation further and ascertain what the best course of action might be to enforce the business license regulations. 8'. Mr. Paul Gutleben, 1917 Stanford Street, Commodore of the Alameda Boat and Ski Club, read a prepared statement concerning the need for regulations covering boating activities and urging the City to make an overall study of the problem. It was stated the City should pioneer safety laws in this respect due to its natural environment and the increased number of small craft in the waters surrounding the City. It was also pointed out the boating organizations of the City would be very willing to work with any committee to survey the conditions. Mr. Gutleben distributed to the Council- men certain printed copies of "Guideposts to Safe Skiing ". President McCall thanked Mr. Gutleben for submitting this matter to the Council. 9'. Mr. G. N. Pope, 1820 Bay Street, referred to the side yard requirements set forth in an ordinance listed on the agenda for introduction. He questioned the intent of this section with regard to the proposed regulation for the street side of corner lots when any structure is more than one story in height. He said he felt this penalizes the property owners in this respect. The matter is to be given further consideration. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, ETCETERA: 10 \. From the Mayor, City Manager and City Auditor, reporting on the Count of Money held August 21, 1959 - showing the sum of 4,005,459.75 in the City Treasury. The report was noted and ordered filed. 11. From City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to George Reed of Modesto, low bidder, for the project of Slurry Seal Treatment on Certain Streets, at the total cost of 812,637.80. Councilman Petersen moved the recommendation be approved; that contract be awarded to Mr. Reed 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. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: l \. Councilman Collischonn introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending Section 11-14A6(d) of Chapter 1, Title XI, of the Alameda Municipal Code, Relating to Front, Side and Rear Yard Requirements on Lots of Record of Less Than the Standard Area or Dimensions." Councilman Collischonn stated that, in view of the question raised by Mr. Pope with regard to the side yard requirements on corner lots, he would like to request that the City Clerk ask the Planning Department for a detailed explanation of exactly what effect this proposed regulation would have and the specific reason - or planning theory - why such requirements have been set up. It was so ordered. 13. Councilman Freeman introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending Section 2-522 of the Alameda Municipal Code, Relating to Fees to be Charged for the Removal of Dead Animals." 14. 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 Amending Section 9-1115 of the Alameda Municipal Code, Relating to License Taxes on Dogs and Time for Procuring Said Licenses." 15. Councilman Schacht introduced the following ordinance, after which itwas laid over under provision of law and the Charter: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Lease to Alameda Art Association, Inc., of Certain Real Property (Former Boys' Club Building in Washington Park)." 16. Councilman Schacht remarked about the traffic condition at the intersection of Park Street and San Jose Avenue and inquired if another check could be made to ascertain if automatic signals would now be warranted. Mr. Weller stated he would have the sur- vey of a year ago reviewed and updated. RESOLUTIONS: 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5988 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Installation of Storm Drains on Pearl Street at Otis Drive and on Mound Street at Otis Drive, 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 declared the foregoing resolution duly adopted and passed. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 18. "Ordinance No. 1316, New Series An Ordinance Authorizing Sale of Real Property to Alfred V. Horine and Hazel A. Horine, His Wife (Strip at Rear of 1727 Broadway--Tilden Way Project)." Councilman Collischonn moved the ordinance be adopted as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht and carried by the following roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 19. "Ordinance No. 1317, New Series An Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Certain Real Property for Public Park and Other Municipal Purposes (Grand. Street and Otis Drive--South Shore)." Councilman Schacht moved the ordinance be adopted as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. FILING: 20. Specifications No, PW 8-59-13 - Installation of Storm Drains on Pearl Street at Otis Drive and on Mound Street at Otis Drive. 21. Report of Audit - Housing Authority of the City of Alameda - Year Ending June 30, 1959 - by I. A. Calpestri, Jr., CPA. 22. Lease - Between City and Alameda Art Association, Inc. - Building in Washington Park. BILLS: 23. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the amount of $23,932.84, was submitted 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 September 1, 1959, and presented to the Council at this time, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and carried by the fol- io ing roll call vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 24. At this point, President McCall announced that the Air Fair will be held at the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport this next Sunday and Monday, September 6 and 7, and he informed the Council he had asked Mr. Clark, then Acting City Manager, to contact Captain Weston and request that the aeroplanes not fly over the City of Alameda. Captain Weston promised to do all he could to cooperate in this respect and have the planes turn out and fly over the water area. ADJOURNMENT: 25. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, September 15, 1959, at 7:30 o'clock. Respectfully submitted,