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1958-01-21 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 21, ------- 198 The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President McCall presiding- The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Councilman Freeman and an inspiring Invocation was then delivered by The Reverend Mr. Frank P. Randall, Minister of the First Congrega- tional 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 January 7, 1958, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2. From Mr. Harry B. Conway, Jr., 1012 Azalea Drive, transmitting copy of letter sent to the Bureau of Electricity in protest against the inadequate service during a recent emergency when thirteen power poles had been blown down by a windstorm - and also, protesting against the condition of the roads in this area. President McCall stated he is sure the Bureau is taking this matter under considera- tion and the City Manager will, no doubt, discuss the situation with it. The City Attorney stated he had been in consultation with the Manager of the Bureau and he reported that letters have been sent to the individual consumers in the vicin- ity expressing the Bureau's regret at the inconvenience due to the incident and he also stated all claims similar to Mr. Conway's had been deferred to the insurance carrier for further action. With regard to the condition of the roads, the City Engineer said Mr. Conway is undoubtedly speaking of those in the immediate vicinity of Tract No. 1250. These are undedicated roads which the City is not obligated to maintain in any better con- dition than when they were given to the City. He said the City does a nominal amount of maintenance, however, and the streets in question are actually better at this time than they have ever been. He said he suspected the main concern of Mr. Conway is the depression in the unimproved portion of the intersection of Necartney and Island Roads. He stated this can be filled in to make it more traversable. It was agreed this should be done as the people in this new development had made quite an investment in their homes. 3. From the Alameda Historical Society, signed by Mrs. Theodora L. Killinger, Sec- retary, informing the Council the Society has no further interest in the Southern Pacific Station, but stating this action does not indicate a lessening of its need for permanent quarters. The communication was noted and ordered filed. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, stated he felt the construction of the shopping center in the South Shore Project would be detrimental to the Park Street business district, claiming the homes should have been built first in order to fur- nish the customers. President McCall referred to the request from Mrs. Ella May Waterbury, as a representative of the Bay Farm Island Improvement League, to have some route estab- lished as an emergency exit from the Island. He called upon the City Engineer to explain what had been determined in this respect. Mr. Hanna did so through dis- play of a map entitled "Possible Emergency Routes to Serve Bay Farm Island - Jan. 1958", on which was indicated the several routes for emergency use. President McCall asked Mr. Hanna to discuss the matter with the City Manager so that a full report can be made at the next meeting and the Council can proceed to author- ize the necessary work. It was so ordered. Upon request, Mr. Hanna reported on the status of the Beach Road improvement under formation of the Assessment District. He stated a notice to begin work had been given to the engineering firm who will do the job and a meeting has been set up with the officials concerned to establish a calendar of work schedules in order to know the exactchtes for public notices and deadlines for receiving plans. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 7. From the Library Board, signed by Mr. Wallace D. Miracle, President, informing the Council of the death of Mr. William T. Johns, a long-time member of the Board. The matter was referred to "Resolutions". 1 8. From the Mayor, nominating Mr. John Nazro, Jr., for appointment as a member of the City Planning Board, to serve the remainder of the unexpired term of Mr. Dallace W. Ogilvie, resigned. The term of office will expire June 30, 1960. 4 9. From the Mayor, nominating Mr. Joseph F. Durein for appointment as a member of the Library Board, to serve the remainder of the unexpired term of Mr. William T. Johns, deceased. Theterm of office will expire June 30, 1960. 4 10. From the Mayor, nominating Mr. Richard S. Diament for appointment as a member of the Pension Board, to serve the remainder of the unexpired term of Mr. Arthur A. Hobe, deceased - said term will expire December 31, 1958. The foregoing nominations were referred to "Resolutions". UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 11. Councilman Petersen stated he had received the very conclusive and concise report from the City Attorney on the status of the Housing Authority - but he would also like to know if the Authority prepares a budget. Mr. Annibale replied that the Authority does prepare a budget, copies of which are available to the Council. In response to Councilman Peterson's request, Mr. Annibale said he would procure a copy of the current budget for him. V 12. Councilman Freeman referred to a recent newspaper article in which it had been stated the Alameda Chamber of Commerce would do its best to put the Housing Author- ity's position before the citizens of Alameda. She said this concerned her in that she felt it would be more appropriate to ascertain the City Council's thinking in this matter inasmuch as the Council felt the project should go to private developers and get moving very quickly. She stated this point has not been explained in the local paper and it is very important. She said she thought the Chamber should have been most anxious torptify the realtors of the whole East Bay area that there was a possibility of the sale of this property. Councilman Freeman pointed out she was concerned because the very fact that the Council is anxious to have this property developed for the benefit of the West End merchants had never been brought out. She felt if all avenues of interest were notified, the development could be done more quickly through private enterprise. Councilman Freeman quoted from the City Attorney's memorandum, dated January 20, 1958, and stated it would seem the Housing Authority, though it may buy housing pro- perties, cannot do so for the purpose of resale to individuals. She pointed out the memorandum had stated "--- there is room for an honest difference of opinion regard- ing the questions set out herein. Judicial determination would supply the only final answer." Therefore Councilman Freeman wondered if the Council should ask for an opinion from the Attorney General inasmuch as the housing Authority seems so deter- mined to go ahead without the Council's sanction, though she is lead to believe the Authority needs it. Following some discussion on the advisability of requesting the Attorney General's opinion at this time, Mr. Annibale suggested the matter could be worked out whereby the Authority and the Council could conjunctively ask for such an opinion. He pointed out that, prior to doing so, he would like the City Manager to see his memorandum and also, he would like an opportunity to speak on the subject to the Council in an execu- tive session. There being no objections, President McCall stated said session would be arranged prior to the next regular meeting of the Council. 4 13. Councilman Schacht stated he had yet failed to hear from either Mrs. Killinger, Librarian, or Mr. Miracle, President of the Library Board, with regard to a confer- ence on the possibility of some library service on Sunday. He asked Mr. Clark to confer with the City Manager and follow through on this matter to ascertain if such a meeting can be held. 4 14. Councilman Petersen asked that the City Manager be requested to give an explana- tion of the Chamber of Commerce item in the amount of $1,500, for the month of December. 4 15. Councilman Petersen inquired of the City Engineer, concerning the status of the work being done on Otis Drive. Mr. Hanna explained that the sewer line which has been installed along this street is for Utah Construction Company and the contrac- tors have done an excellent job of keeping the street open as much as possible for traffic. Ho stated the crew is now ready to start repaving. 4 16. Councilman Freeman stated she attended the last meeting of the Planning Board to hear the discussion on the proposed new Zoning Ordinance. She commended. the Board for its hard work in this respect and stated the Board wants to submit it to the Council just as soon as possible. She said the Board had inquired as to the attitude of the Council in the matter of its meeting with the Board to discuss certain controversial provisions which could thus be clarified. Councilman Freeman stated she had indicated her willingness to meet with the Board at any time and had assured the Board she felt the Council would cooperate wholeheartedly. She asked that the Coun- cil concur to such a meeting and the Nayor so inform the Board. President McCall stated he felt sure there would be no objection to such a meeting, but he pointed out there is already a request before the Board from the Citizens' Advisory Committee on Local Housing for a meeting - and, in all fairness to the Com- mittee, he thought the Board should hear it first - and then, the Council would meet with the Board. Councilman Collischonn asked that the Councilmen be furnished with copies of the pro- posed Zoning Ordinance in order that they will have ample opportunity to study it and be informed on the subject before they are asked to meet with the Board. Mr. Clark was instructed to have the rough-draft copies of the Zoning Ordinance sent out to the members of the Council. 17. Councilman Petersen referred to the situation with regard to shipyard activities on the West Coast and in response to his request, President McCall commented on this subject andother matters relating to properties in the City which are owned by the Federal Government and are, therefore, not on the tax rolls. He pointed out that all announcements made recently with regard to certain lands being declared surplus are absolutely premature. This includes the Alameda Reserve Training Station and Beth- lehem Shipyard. President McCall stated that when Mr. Weller-returns from Washington he will have a full report on several matters, including Fruitvale Bridge, which has been a joint effort on the part of the County, City of Oakland, Port of Oakland and City of Alameda. President McCall spoke at length concerning the situation involving Moore Dry Dock Company and its relationship to the Federal Government and the City in connection with its shipbuilding projects. He also mentioned the request from Congressman George Miller that Governor Knight call a special session of the Legislature and ask it to declare an exemption from the personal property tax on ships while under construction. Councilman Petersen asked if it would be in order for this Body to request the repeal of the seven per cent tax at this time. Following some discussion, Mr. Annibale suggested a resolution would be of more effect. Therefore, the matter was referred to "Resolutions , and the City Attorney was instructed to prepare said document in the proper form. Councilman Collischonn felt the Council should answer the telegram received some time ago from The Honorable George Christopher, Mayor of the City of San Francisco, con- cerning shipbuilding contracts. President McCall concurred and stated a copy of the resolution to be adopted could be forwarded to him. 18. V Councilman Petersen. called attention to the many complaints he has heard with regard to the traffic congestion at the intersection of Park Street and Clement Avenue. He asked that the City Manager be requested to investigate the situation to ascertain if automatic signals should be installed at this location, and to submit a report thereon. There being no objections, President McCall stated it was so ordered. 19. At this time, Councilman Freeman referred to the ordinance to reclassify certain property, listed on the agenda for passage this evening, which would permit more mul- tiple dwellings in Unit No. 1, Tract No. 1866, of the South Shore Development. She pointed out the Tentative Map of Unit No. 2 has now been filed and it indicates an additional twenty acres of multiple-family dwellings which, under original planning, was to be one-family dwellings. Councilman Freeman stated she understands this will cause a great deal of change in the planning for schools and recreational facilities. She felt, if possible, action on the passage of the ordinance in question should be delayed pending further information from the Planning Board as to its thinking, on the matter. Councilman Freeman agreed. Unit No. 1 is in line with good planning and she concurred this particular ordinance to reclassify a portion of that area is in order but con- tended she would still like to hear the opinion of the Board as to the effect of Unit No. 2 before further action is taken. There being no objections, the ordinance for passage was deleted from the agenda and President McCall stated it would be laid over to the next meeting. RESOLUTIONS: 20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Petersen, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. ,1737 Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda Accepting Certain Surplus Personal Property from The State of California, Department of Education." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll tail carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 0 21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its adoption: Resolution No. 5738 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to the City of Alameda One (1) Speed Radarscope, for the Police Department, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None, 22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Freeman, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5739 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Installing a Sanitary Sewer on Willow Street South of Clinton Avenue, 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. 23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Petersen, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5740 Appointing Member of the City Planning Board." (John Nazro, Jr.) 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. 24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Collischonn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 57L1 Appointing Member of the Library Board." (Joseph F. Durein) 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, 25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht,-who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5742 Appointing Member of the Pension Board." (Richard S. Diament) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Petersen, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5743 Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda Urging That State Legislation be Enacted Exempting Ships Under Construction from Personal Property Tax." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five, Noes: None. Absent: None, 4 27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Petersen, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5744 In Memoriam to William T. Johns "WITH DEEP SORROW, the Council of the City of Alameda records the death of one of its faithful, civic-minded citizens, MR. WILLIAM T. JOHNS, who was appointed a member of the Library Board on March 3, 1936, and had served in that office continuously since then. "WHEREAS, Mr. Johns had given unstintingly of his time and effort in the performance of his duties - having attended every meeting of the Board during his long tenure of office, with the exception of the past year when his ill health forced his absence on several occasions; and "WHEREAS, Mr. Johns experience with, and knowledge of, construction and maintenance requirements were invaluable to the Board in conducting its business in the best interests of the public libraries. "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLD, that, in recognition of his constancy in promoting high standards for the City, his understanding of the economic relationship between the Board and the Library employees and the high esteem in which he was held by his many friends and associate workers, the Council of the City of Alameda does hereby express its sense of loss and its gratitude for Mr. Johns' many years of outstanding service to the City. "BE IT FURTHE RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread in full upon the minutes of this meeting, and a copy thereof be forwarded to Mrs. Johns that it may extend to her a sincere expression of sympathy and condolence in her bereavement; and "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that w hen this meeting of the Council of the City of Alameda adjourns, it shall do so in respect to the memory of MR. WILLIAM T. JOHNS." 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 declared all of the foregoing resolutions duly adopted and passed. FILING: 28. Specifications and Provisions No. MS 1-8-1 - for One Speed Radarscope for Police Department. 29. Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans No. PW 1-58-1 - for Installing Sanitary Sewer on Willow Street south of Clinton Avenue. 30. Auditor's Financial Statement - City of Alameda, as of December 31, 1957 - Verified by George A. Hackleman & Co. BILLS: 31. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda, and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of $26,829.65, was submitted to the Council at this i ti meeng. 1 The list was accompanied by certification from the City Manager that the Claims shown were correct. Councilman Petersen moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on January 21, 1958, and presented to the Council at this time, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 4 32. President McCall asked the members of the Council to reserve Tuesday, January 28, 1958, at 7:30 o'clock p.m. for a meeting as a Committee of the Whole. 33. There being no further business to come before the meeting, President McCall asked that all rise for a moment of silence in honor of Mr. William T. Johns, and the Council then adjourned in respect to his memory - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, February 4, 1958, at 7:30 o'clock. ADJOURNMENT: Respectfully submitted, 0 Fit)! Clerk