Loading...
1958-02-04 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF TEE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY RYE-JUNG, FEBRUARY L, ------- 198 The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President McCall presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Councilman Freeman followed by an inspiring Invoca- tion delivered by The *verend Mr. l'raichi Oyanagi, Minister of the Buena Vista Avenue Methodist Church. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Collischonn, Freeman, Petersen, Scha ,t and President McCall, 5), were noted present. Absent: None. MIITTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held January21, 1958, were approved as transcribed. OPENING OF BIDS: 0 One bid only was received and read for the Furnishing of One Speed Radarscope for the Police Department - from Muni-Quip Corporation in the total amount of n,585.1_10. The bid was accompanied by a certified chock in the sum of 200. This was in connection with Specifications and Provisions therefor, No. MS 1-8-1. V 3. Seven bids were opened, and read for the project of Installing a Sanitary Sewer on willow Street, South of Clinton Avenue - in accordance with Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans therefor, No. Pr 1-58-1, as follows: From McGuire and Hester From E. T. Haas Co. From E. & J. Construction Co., Inc. From Halbach. Pipe Line Construction Co. From Paris Bros. From R. B. YeNair Sons From William H. Morison, dba Morison Constructien Co. $ 6,110.50 5,757.25 4,285.00 3,203.92 5,026.10 3,836.05, 4,807.00 All of the bids on this subject were accompanied by Bid Bonds. Following the read- ing of the bids, they were referred to the City Manager for his review and recommenda- tion. 4 Upon request of President McCall, in view of the fact there was only one bid for the furnishing of a Speed Radarscope, Mr. Weller stated this is a specialized piece of equipment and, after examination by the Police Department of the several types marketed, this is the one felt to be the best suited to the City's needs. He said, therefore, he thought it would be entirely proper for the Council to make the award this evening if it so desires. Councilman Schacht thereupon moved the contract be awarded to Muni-Quip Corporation, sole bidder, for furnishing the Radarscope at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noos: None. Absent: None. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONIS: V 5. From Mesdames Anne Roth and Rosalie Liechti, in response to the City Manager's letter of January 8, 1958, with regard to certain recommendations for the proposed closing of a portion of Market Street, between San Jose Avenue and Madison Street. It was stated they will agree to such recommendations, providing they are granted an additonal thirty feet adjacent to their property which will thus provide three full buildable lots, as outlined and recommended by the City Engineer on the plot plan accompanying the letter of January 8. 6. From Fernhoff and Wolfe, transmitting petition signed by twenty-two property owners on San Jose Avenue, easterly from Peach Street, requesting that at least the portion of Market Street for a distance of 100 feet north from San Jose Avenue be abandoned. It was stated these people also consent to and endorse the recommendations of the City Engineer in this matter. It was brought out this matter is now being discussed with the Attorney for Mr. Forest E. Lynch, one of the property owners particularly concerned, and the City Manager has recommended no action be token by the Council pending a report from Mr. Lynch. There being no objection, the communications were referred to the City Manager for further report, ee 7. From Mr. Louis J. Bowler, 1A29 Gibbons Drive, protesting against the location of the "Park Street Business District" sign now directly outside his living room window - and suggesting it be attached to the nearby light standarC with the street sign. There being no objection, the matter was referred to the City Manager for Investigation. 8. From South Shore Lflnd Co., signed by Mr. Caries T. Travers, Vice Presir'ent, transmitting copies of the report by Stanford Research Institute on its survey of the use of flush crosswalks. Councilman Collischonn read a prepared statement on the subject, empbsizin tEie sig- nificant point that the survey hid covered nineteen cities and five counties in the Bay area and Alameda stands alone in its requirement for flush crosswalks. He also felt an important fact is that the installation of flush crosswalks costs considerably more than vertical curbs and, obviously, this cost will be passed on to buyers of homes in any developments. The Institute also reports the cost of maintenance is greater for the flush curbs and, thereforo, the City must assume this cost which, in his opinion, is economic waste. If the City requires future developers of the high- density, low-rental units in the forty-acre Chipman Housing Project, it will, in effect, be substantially increasing the rental costs thereof, which will defeat the Purpose of the project. It was urged that the Council act with realistic and mature judgment by making a change in policy that will give Alameda a reputation of being a progressive City. Councilman Freeman moved the communication be filed with other matters on the subject. The motion was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call lost by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Freeman end Petersen, (P). Noes: Councilmen Collischonn and Schacht and President McCall, (3). Absent: Aone. Councilman Petersen questioned several statements in the Report and felt an equitable comparison could not be made between the type of flush curb used in other communities and that used currently in Alameda. Ho said the Report is not only e general survey but does not intend to evaluate the type of flush curb Alameda hes and he did not think it could. He felt the flush curb certainly has advantages over other types of curbs, and he did not think this type of Report is a reliable one. President McCall spoke on the subject, stating he felt the important factor in this matter is the cost and he asked if the City Manager and City Engineer would give any further factual information on the subject they might deem necessary. Mr. Weller stated he had nothing further to add to the several reports he has made, as he feels this is a matter for Council decision. He thereunon deferred to the City Engineer. Mr. Hanna stated he has attempted to show the merit of the flush crosswalk and, he could say, it does have some merit - there is no question about that in his mind at all. However, in terms of the direct value received, he believes it is quite expen- sive. If, however, it were desirable that he were to make a recommendation, he would be inclined to recommend the vertical curbs because he knows it would make the City's work easier, faster, and it would be able to improve more intersections with the money available. Councilman Freeman, through interrogation of the City Engineer, brought out that flush crosswalks have been used in Alameda since 1913, and during the pest twelve years the City has converted many of the old flush and vortical curbs to the new typo which have given excellent service, at a minimum of cost for maintenance. She pointed out that if a change is made now, which would lower the City's standard in this respect, it could be done again at some future time with possibly another type curb. She stated that, as far as she could determine from the Police Department records, there had been no accidents which could be attributed to the flush crosswalks - the claim hav- ing been made they wore accident-prone due to cars gping over the curb. However, she asked that this point be checked further by Mr. Hanna. Councilman Freeman said she realized it would be nice to save a subdivider money, but she wondered how far the City's responsibility goes toward making a profit for any concern, when it is lowering standards of any kind. She stated she understands the flush crosswalks also make it easier for the sweeper to clean the streets - it takes less time and a cleaner, neater job can be done - which is one of the reasons why there is no maintenance problem. In reply to her question on this, Mr. Hanna stated he did not believe there is an appreciable difference in the time saved or in the efficiency of cleaning at the intersections, but there is a different schedule used, and he doubted if the advantage or disadvantage between the two could be determined. Following considerable discussion, President McCall stated this is not a question of saving a subdivider any money but whether or not the taxpayers are going to be asked to nay more in the future developments of the City. Councilman Schacht stated that, when this matter first came up, the Councilmen had been asked to express a preference and he had indicated he preferred the flush cross- walks. In the discussion, there had been no concrete proposal of acceptance one way or the other and it had eventually developed that many of the questions were academic. At a recent Council meeting, after receipt of e letter from the Chamber of Commerce, there was a vote taken on whether or not the Council would like to be furnished with more information on the subject and he voted for receiving the information. However, it was determined at that time the Council could eot be "bound" by the findings of any such survey, therefore, the information was not forthcoming. Since that time, this Report has been forwarded from the Stanford Research Institute which he under- stands is not an official function of Stanford University but it is comprised of a group of outstanding research people. He had, therefore, learned that Alameda is unique in its requirement for flush crosswalks out of the nineteen cities and five counties in the Bay area. He said he assumed that if there is some saving made through the installation of one type of curb over another, it will be passed on to the purchasers of the lots. He inquired of Mr. Hanna if, in his opinion, there is any vast difference in the efficiency, in the workability to do the job, between these two typos of crosswalks - to which Mr. Hanna answered, "I would feel they are almost identical in function." Councilman Schacht pointed out there will be many people affected on Bay Farm Island through an assessment district for street improve- ments, since there is a considerably greater cost in the initial installation of flush crosswalks, and the Report shows there is a greater maintenance cost. He felt this Report shows him it would be needless expense on the part of the City and on its taxpayers to continue to insist on the flush crosswalks in the future. Based on the facts now presented, he felt the Council has been rather unrealistic in its approach in this respect. Councilman Collischonn thereupon moved the Council abandon the requirement for flush crosswalks in the South Shore projects or any place in Alameda in the future. Councilman Schacht agreed the Council should affirmatively state what it desires but felt the motion should be amended to provide that the matter be left in the hands of the City Manager and City Engineer as an administrative procedure as to design and depth. Upon request, Mr. Annibale stated the motion should be to direct the City Attorney to abandon the requirement for flush crosswalks on any pending or future street improvements. He pointed out all new curbs will be installed according to the City Engineer's specifications. Councilman Collischonn so moved. At this point, Mr. Weller suggested a change in the motion. He felt the City Engi- neer should be instructed to prepare a typical cross section for submission to the Council at its next meeting so the Council can specify the particular type. There will be some latitude by administrative action but he would not like to be put in the position - and he thought Mr. Hanna would agree - of having to determine the exact height of the vertical curbs. There should be some reasonably specific stand- ard set forth by the City Council. Mr. Hanna concurred, and added that his depart- ment is drafting up all standards at this time so they might be adopted by ordinance which is both desirable and necessary in order that all subdividers may realize they are being treated the same. He said it would simplify the engineering work. Upon request, Mr. Annibale stated the motion is "that the City Engineer be directed to abandon the requirement for flush crosswalks insofar as any pending or future street improvements in the City of Alameda are concerned." Councilman Collischonn so moved and Councilman Schacht seconded the motion with the understanding that an ordinance will be prepared and presented to the Council setting un a standard by which all shall be bound. The motion carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Councilmen Collischonn and Schacht and President McCall, (3). Noes: Councilmen Freeman and Petersen, (2). Absent: None. 9. At this time, President McCall introduced the "Scout Officials" who were parti- cipating in the program of Scout Day in Government and also recognized the group of "Dads" who were present and paid tribute to them for the fine job they are doing for scoutinr. There were many Troops represented at the meeting. In resnonse to the President's call, Mr. "Chet" L'ilson, Scout Executive, thanked the City and Councilmen for their cooneration in setting an this program and said he felt the boys had learned a great deal about their City Government. Scout "Mike" Meany, Mayor of Alameda for Scout Day in Government, presented Mayor McCall with a bronze Scout Emblem on behalf of the Alameda Council of Boy Scouts. The Mayor responded with thanks and stated it was his pleasure to present to each of the Scout participants an Honorary City Official Certificate. At this point, a five-minate recess was declared. Upon reconvening, the meeting continued under the heading of "Written Communications." 4 10. From the Bay Farm Island Improvement League, signed by Mrs. Alice S. Gronner, Secretary, submitting its request for the installation of underground wiring for et least a certain section of the area and urging that long-range nlanning to remove all overhead wires be considered. It was again pointed out that, during the recent emergency while power poles were lying across Maitland Drive, there was no exit from the Island. Councilman Schacht suggested the matter of underground wiring be referred to tho City Manager and Bureau of Electricity for further inquiry and discussion. Mr. Weller referred tohis memo sent to the Councilmen with the agenda wherein he had suggested the possibility of the City Engineer meeting with the Improvement League members to explain fully tie three proposed emergency exit routes from the Island. He asked that the City Engineer outline the procedure to ascertain if it meets with Council approval. Hanna explained that smali maps have been prepared for distribution which show the routes and sufficient information so that, in an emerrency, anyone could find his way oat. ales() will be mailed to every address on the Island. He also mentioned that another route is actually developing - the Port of Cakland is constructing a very fine road from Doolittle Drive, which will run along its side of the Oakland- Alameda boundary line and continue to the point where the Golf Course entrance road, extended, would intersect and eventually there will be a connection to this road also. However, for the time being, he surgested the maps be mailed out via the Mana- ger's office and he would meet with the League to explain the particular routes. There was considerable discussion concerning the condition of the Bay Farm isl and roads, levee and dike. There being no objections, it was determined the procedure as outlined would be ol- lowed. The matter of the underrround wiring would be referred to the Bureau of Electricity. ORAL COMYUNICAUIOTTS: 11. 1\_r. frank Gottstein, 731 Haie;ht Avenue, spoke of the barricades surrounded by torches which are placed around any street breaks during their repair. He claimed these create mole of P hazard than the holes themselves - and suggested that, instead of using these antiquated barricades, the City place an iron plate, which has been beveled around the edges, ever the break in the pavement and bolt it down through the center. He thought this would save the City some money. Mr. janna stated this seems like a valid suggestion and he would like to discuss it with M. Weller - and, if arreenble, he would try it out 12. Mr. Gottstein also brought out the fact that Utah Construction Company was not required to put in a bulkhead along its fill area and stated a lot of land is wash- ing away. He wanted to know who is responsible for the erosion of his property at the foot of Ninth Street. T'resident McCall asked the City Engineer to investigate this situation and present his findings to the City Manager who will report to the Council. It was so ordered. FEPORTS OF CONYITTETS: 13. From the City Manager, reouesting authorization to dispose of approximately 750 Pounds of damaged brass couplings and fittings which nre now stored et Fire Station No. 2. Councilman Petersen moved the request be granted and the City Manager be authorized to dispose of the specified items. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schacht end on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. n. At this point, Councilman Collischonn referred to Nr. Weller 's covering memo with the agenda, suggesting a change in procedure for the disposition of minor sur- plus propert, reasonably valued at less than '1,000., by the adoption of a resolu- tion giving the City Manarer such authorization without formal Council consideration of each case. Upon request, Mr. Annibele stated this matter should be handled by resolution as there should be some standards set up for the City Mannger to follow. :There being no objection, the City Attorney was directed to prepare said resolution for the next Council agenda. From the City Manager, requesting authorization to dispose of approxmately four tons of scrap iron and junk now accumulated at the Corporation Yard. Councilman Schacht moved the request be granted and the City Manager be authorized to sell the items indicated. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the followinr vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 1r). From the City Nanager, with regard to the extensions of time granted to Mr. Manuel Marques, contractor for the project of installing Interceptor Sewer Along tho Northerly Edge of Estuary Housing - and recommending the penalty feature of the Specifications and Contract be invoked, effective February 2, 1958. Councilman Freeman moved the City Manager 's recommendation be adopted and the penalty feature become effective as set forth. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll cell carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: • 4 17. 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 Chapter 3, Title XIII, of the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Thereto a New Section 13-330 Feinting to the Exemption of Estab- lished Churches and Religious Organizations from the Provisions of the Alameda Municipal Code Relating to the Obtaining of Solicitation Permits." TJNFINISHED BUSINESS: 18. The matter was called up concerning the Council's support of a county-wide study of freeways and streets. Mr. Weller stated the subject was discussed at the last meeting of the Mayor's Conference and no conclusion was reached as far as a showing of the proposed cost was concerned. Subsequently, the City Engineer has attended a meeting with other officials and the County apparently proposes to employ the firm of Weber Smith and Associates, a recognized engineering survey organiza- tion, at a bid cost of 107,000., but no commitment has as yet been made. Assuming this will be the cost, the State will pay one-third of it under the Senate Concur- rent Resolution, the County will pay one-third and the balance will be paid by the cities on a pro rat basis - Alameda's share being approximately 32,600. Mr. Weller said that, to his knowledge, no City has taken any action on the proposal and, to his recollection, the matter is to be considered further at the Mayor's Conference meeting to be held later this month. He suggested the Council await the results of that meeting before taking any action. There being no objections, it was so ordered - and the City Manager will report on the situstion at the proper time. 19. Mr. Weller brought up his suggestion for a change in the procedure for the open- in of bids. He felt there would be adequate protection for all concerned if the bids were publicly opened in the office of the City Clerk several days prior to a Council meeting which would give time for the bids to be tabulated and then, when the results are presented to the Council, a recommendation could be made simultane- ously for the award. Pr. Weller said he thought this would save some money as the bidders realize they now have to hold the bid open for an additional couple of weeks and this might have some effect on their bid. In response to Councilman Collischonn's question as to procedure to effect the change, Mr. Annibale stated it would require an ordinance to amend the existing ordi- nance - and direction to the City Attorney to prepare said necessary ordinance would be in order. There being no objections, Mr. Annibale was instructed to prepare the proper ordi- nance for introduction at the next Council meeting. V 20. Councilman Petersen called attention to the letter from George A. Hackleman, dated November 25, 1957, which had been discussed at the Council meeting of Decem- ber 3, 1957. This concerned the recommendation to require two signatures, one from each the Auditor's and Treasurer's offices, before the bank permits access to the City's safe deposit box, as a means of strengthening the City's internal control and the safeguarding of securities. Councilman Petersen cited the great amount of money represented in the coupon bonds and the fact they are counted only once a year. He felt that, as a safeguard to the individual responsible for the safe deposit box and a protection to him, Hr. Hackleman's recommendation is a valid one. He, therefore, requested that the Council or City Manager check into the matter further. Mr. Weller stated he now has the respective recommendations of the Auditor and Treasurer on the subject. He said he had no objections to Mr. Hackleman's sugges- tions, but, in his opinion, they are not necessary. The total amount of assets the City has is not necessarily any measure of the degree of security which has to be employed. He pointed out that most of the City funds are tied up in such a way that it would be extremely difficult for anything to hanpen. He felt it is sometimes pos- sible to sot up security features which are so stringent that it costs the City more money than it could ever lose. He said, however, the Council should have the benefit of the comments of the Auditor and Treasurer rather than his own - and he would, therefore, submit a report to the Council at the next meeting, which can be acted upon at that tire. It was so ordered. 21. Councilman Freeman referred to the notes of the meeting of the Board of Trustees of Reclamation District No. 2087, held January 29, 1958, and quoted paragraph 3 of item 2 - to the effect that there will be a final settlement in connection with the fill contract and lagoon excavation which will be in order in time for action by the Board at its next meeting. Councilman Freeman stated the next Board meeting will be February 12. She said she did not know if the Reclamation District has been informed of the City's requirement that the lagoons be cleaned out to the beach level they were formerly and that there was to be a hard bed of sand nut in the bot- tom. If this is a Reclamation District matter and it actually feels it is going to be completed on February 12, she thought the City Manager or City Engineer should call it to the Board's attention that the City has an ae'reement with Utah Construc- tion Company or South Shore Land Co. in which all requirements are stated. She thought it should be brought to the Board's attention as the District is the res- -onsible agency for this. Upon request for any information on the matter, Mr. Hanna stated that, certainly, before the work could be finished, the Board would have to annly to the City for acceptance of the work. Normally, before acceptance would be made, the Engineering Department would actually probe the depths of the lagoons and measure their configura- tion and submit a recommendation to the City Eanager who, in turn, would make a recommendation to the Council. He suggested the matter be investigated to ascertain the exact status of the situation. President YeCall asked the City Manager to report on the matter. PP. At this point, President 1\:cCall stated he had called on Supervisor Sweeney this evening and had been given a communication addressed to Mr. Sweeney as Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors, from Nr. Olof Anderson, County Surveyor and Road Comrissioner, reporting on tho application of skid resistant surfaces to the decks of the Park and High Street Bridges. The sums of '?5,0C('). and '13,000., respec- tively, had been allocated for these projects, but the actual cost had been about (9,0nn. and ''3,600. It was pointed out that since the completion of the work late in November, 1957, there had boon no "skidding" accidents on either of the bridges. The hone vas expressed that the surplus monies from those projects could be applied to the installation of rore and better lighting facilities in Posey Tube. With further reference to the Tube, it was reported that in September, 1957, the grease cake was removed from the rondway and tho center line was repainted. Details are now being completed for the installation of lighting at the Alameda entrance and around the curve, and the call for bids should be made late in February. Complete steam cleaning, nainting of walls nnd ceiling area will be accomplished by separate jobs for which bids will be called at about the same time as the lighting project. President McCall stated Nr. Sweeney wanted the Council to know of these developments as soon as possible. He thereupon asked the Clerk to write a letter of apnreciation to Mr. Sweeney for his efforts in this respect. RESOLUTIONS: 1 23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Collischonn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5-745 Puthorizing the Execution of Amendment to Contract NOy(7)-22357 (Change IL') Relating to Direct Scrvicos to Navy Public Quarters and Navy Housing Homoja 'B'." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by the following vote. Pyes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 24. The followin7 resolution was introduced by Councilman Peterson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 57)16 Approving Tentative Map of Tract No. 1811 Subdivision)." Hester The -otion 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 followin7 resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its adontion: The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll cal] carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five, Noes: 2,Tone. Absent: -Lone. 26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Freeman, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 571L7 Amending Salary 5:esoluton No. 5656 by Deleting the Position of Right-of-lray Engineer and Adding One Position of Junior Civil Engineor, in the Street and Engineering Department." ution No. 5748 Declaring Public Interest and Necessity Require the Acquisition of Certain Lands for Right-of-way Purposes, including Street and Highway, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Purposes (S. W. Corner Park Strut and Otis Drive)." 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. 8 President McCall declared all of the foregoing resol ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 27. "Ordinanee No. 1260, New Series _s duly adopted and passed. An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding Section 86 to Ordinance No. 725, New Series. (Tract No. 1866 - South. Shore Unit No. 1)." Councilmen Collischonn moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five, Noes: None. Absent: None. FILING: n • 2t. Contract YOy(U)-22357 - Between United States of America, Twelfth Naval District and City of Alameda - re Public Quarters and Homoja "B" Services. BILLS: 29. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda, and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of '14,1)26.90, 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 Petersen moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on February L, 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: Fiue. Noes: None. Absent: None. ADJOURNMENT: 30. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, February 18, 1958, at 7:30 o'clock. Respectfully submitted,