1957-10-01 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 1, - - - - 1957
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President McCall presiding. The
edge of Pllegiance was lead by Councilman Freeman, followed by an inspiring invoca-
on delivered by the Reverend Mr. W. Bryan Judge, Pastor, Central Baptist Church.
LL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Collischonn, Freeman, Petersen, Schacht and
asident McCall, (5), were noted present. Absent: None.
NUTES :
The minutes of the regular meeting held September 17, 1957, were approved as
anscribed,
At this point, President McCall called upon Mr. Sumner M. Graham, member of the
ard of Green Cross, for the presentation of two awards to the City. Mr. Graham
rst introduced Mr. C. C. Slusser, Assistant Manager of the East Bay Chapter, Nation
rety Council - and then stated it is always pleasant to have the opportunity to
ve someone a "pat on the back" for a job well done. He thereupon presented two
adsome plaques as Certificates of Achievement for the Cityls outstanding perform-
e in Public Safety Education and Safety Organization. Mr. Graham pointed out thes
re won by the City in competition with cities of its population class throughout th
ited States.
asident McCall thanked Messrs. Graham and Slusser and stated it is a pleasure for
n and the City Council to accept these Certificates on, behalf of the "people who
d the job" - the traffic safety officers and all members of the uniformed services
the City of Alameda.
F BIDS:
Six bids were received and opened for the Furnishing of Athletic Supplies and
aipment, to the Recreation Department, in accordance with. Specifications therefor
MS 9-57-23, as follows:
From W. J. Volt Rubber Corp.
Accompanied by certified check in amount of
From Abe Rose, Inc.
Accompanied by certified check in amount of
om Greater Sports, Inc.
Accompanied by certified check in amount of
- - - $125,00
185.00
- - - 221.01
From Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
Accompanied by a Bid Bond
From Marvin S. Stroh, dba Stroh & Co.
Accompanied by check in amount of 147.05
From Yellow Jacket Sport Shop
Accompanied by a Bid Bond
3 foregoing, bids were referred to the City Manager for review and recommendation.
LTTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
From Utah Construction Company, signed by Mr. Charles T. Travers, informing the
moil a study is being made of the dust and sand condition on the South Shore fill
3a and that a report will be made of its findings. It was also noted a similar stu
being made by the City's Engineering Department relative to the l'!ashington Park fi
resnonse to a question from Councilman Petersen, Mr. Clark stated Mr. Travers had
7ormed him the Company would begin spraying the area with bitumuls probably by the
I of this week. He said careful studies have been made and the Company is satis-
3d this material will stabilize the s and and dust.
D0,000.1 which included a well and irrigation system as well as the actual turfing.
ere was some discussion on the matter of selling off the portion of t his fill-area
soon as possible in order to avoid further expense to the City. Mr. Clark statec
legal descriptions are being worked on now and he felt that, within thirty days,
e conditions of sale for Washington Park could be brought before the Council for
proval and then the property could be offered for bid on the open market.
esident McCall said the City would be much better off by simply closing the area
d posting No Trespassing" signs rather than to spend so much money for a temporar3
nce - but to proceed with the application of the bitumuls.
uncilman Freeman felt the main concern now is to spray the area as reasonably and
quickly as possible in order to eliminate the dust storms.
flowing further discussion concerning cost of the spray, the City Attorney sug-
sted that, in line with the great emergency and necessity which appears to be the
se in this matter, a motion be made authorizing the City Manager to investigate an
cure the best price on the open market for this public work.
uncilman Freeman stated she would so move. Councilman Collischonn seconded the
tion which, on roll call, carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None
sent: None.
uncilman Schacht thereupon moved the City Manager, City Engineer and other proper
ty authorities be authorized to post "No Trespassing" signs upon the complete area
the sand fill at Washington Park, in line with the proposed application of the bit
is to retain the sand in place. The motion was seconded by Councilman Petersen and
animously carried.
From the Joint Alameda County Admission Day Committee, signed by Mr. George H.
art and Mrs. Edna C. Williams, Co-Chairmen, expressing appreciation for the CityIs
ntribution toward the Admission Day Celebration.
communication was noted and ordered filed.
From Miss Jayne Langdon, 507 Central Avenue, commending Police Officers Cumming
d Ege for their prompt and courteous assistance in a recent emergency, and also
pressing pride in the Police Department of the City of Alameda, as a whole.
on request of Councilman Schacht, the letter was read in full, for the record.
esident McCall thanked Miss Langdon for her complimentary letter and stated the
uncil is very proud of the Police Department and the work it does.
From Mr, S. J. Dowling, requesting the City to abandon a portion of Mound Street
uth of Waterton Street, in order to facilitate the cleaning up of this area.
. Hanna stated this is a short section of Mound Street which has no purpose inas-
ch as the lagoon now cuts it off. He said he could see no objection to the abandor
nt, but the matter should be explored further.
was determined the matter should be referred to the City Planning Board for its
udy and recommendation. It was so ordered.
(1I, COMMUNICATIONS:
Mr. Seth Simpson, 1525 Linden Street, addressed the Council as the spokesman fo/
group of citizens protesting against the closing of Longfellow Park. He pointed
t a great many children now using this park would have to cross Lincoln Avenue to
ay in Woodstock Park and this would be hazardous to them. He felt the expense of
ving the existing equipment from the park would be as great as its continued main-
nance cost.
esident McCall explained the situation in detail in connection with the tight budge
the City and quoted from a report submitted by the Director of Recreation, recom-
nding certain, changes which will make Longfellow Park a "passive" park with no
adership or supervision required.
was noted, however, the average daily attendance for the past year has been 110
ildren and, therefore, the park, for its size, rates high in its usage. Consider-
le discussion, ensued, it being felt that something could be worked out to the
tual satisfaction of all concerned_
mander Winston L. Miller, 3111 Haight Avenue, stated he had purchased his home
:Ruse of its proximity to the park - only to discover that the park has not been
Llized to its maximum potential, considering the large number of children who do
ly there, in view of the fact that they cannot play ball in the park. He felt it
)uld not be a difficult problem to lay out the area in such manner that at least th
tiler children could play ball. He could not understand how the City could think o
)sing this facility or do anything which mi_ght tend to discourage children from pia
);
in, a park. They should have such a facility to let them get off the street. Ho
30 felt the Council should investigate the possibility of fixing the fences so ball
nes could be played.
)sident McCall thanked the parties for their comments and assured them the Council
interested. in working out this problem.
Janice Huntoon, 555 Haight Avenue, also spoke in protest - pointing up the danFe
a large Magnolia Tree in the park which the boys will climb if there is no directo
duty.
Mr. Frank V. Thornton, representing the Military Order of the Cootie, Veterans o
,eign l'rars, said n representative of his organization had requested permission from
) Recreation Department to conduct a "Donkey Baseball Game" at Washington Park on
;urday, November 2, 1957. He had been advised to write to the City Council for sue
-mission. Mr. Thornton stated he a ssumed the letter had not arrived in time for th
incil Agenda; therefore, he respectfully requested permission to use Washington Par
's aid name.
Clerk was called upon and explained that Mr. Lil Arnerich, Sunervisor of Athletic
checked into the request and has pointed out that a regularly scheduled Winter
lgue Baseball Game is to be held Sunday, November 3. Mr. Clark stated the Donkeys
tear up the turf and, therefore, it is the recommendation of the Recreation Depart
lt that this activity not be permitted because there would not be time to restore
diamond to proper condition for the next day's game.
was developed that the money raised from the game is used by this organization. to
)vide two scholarship funds. Mr. Thornton stated it is a softball Fame and the
lkeys wear rubber shoes and he claimed the turf would not be damaged. He said ther
no admission charge but the organization sells hot dogs, soda pop, etcetera, after
ring made arrangements with the park concessionaire to do so.
)n request, Mr. Anribale agreed if such arrangements can be made, it is permissible
possible.
Incilman Collischonn felt the organization is sponsoring a very worthy cause - and
;er further discussion, it was determined to work out a date for the use of Lincoln
'k.
Incilman Petersen thereupon moved the Council grant permission to thi organization
hold this event at Lincoln Park on a date satisfactory to it and the Lecreation
)artment. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and unanimously carri
'ORTS OF COMYITTEES:
, From Mr. Franz S. Collischonn, submitting his resignation as a member of the Cit-,
tnning Board, effective as of September 11, 1957.
lncilman Schacht moved the resignation be accepted. The motion was seconded
incilman Freeman and unanimously carried.
r
From Acting City Manager, reporting on the request that the newspaper and maga-
le section of the Main Library be kept open on Sundays. A letter from the Libraria
attached, indicating the physical setup of the Library does not lend itself to
h a proposal, as the newspapers and magazines are not concentrated in one section
the building.
tncilman Freeman pointed out tibo discussions on this subject had always pertained
the Main Library. She suggested the Branch Library be considered, as it might be
;sible for only one person to be on duty there. President McCall concurred and fel
Acting City Manager should ask the Library Board to give the matter consideration
tncilman Schacht commented that he had inquired at the recent League Convention con
ming Library services provided by other cities and had ascertained many of them
raking on the question, Councilman Schacht inquired if there was any other City
;ility where some of these items might be used, to which Mr. Clark replied that all
the equipment is commercial size and thus too large for practical use in any other
ility.
incilman Freeman pointed out the old Clubhouse is to be used as a recreation center
• meetings of groups and asked if there are facilities available there now for pre-
'ing refreshments. Mr. Hanna answered that it is expected to install a refrigera-
', hot plate and other items for such purpose, but the size needed would be much
iller than those there now.
]siderable discussion was had, Councilman Collischonn suggesting the City Manager
id out what he can get for this equipment which might be sufficient to take care
the pieces needed in the future. He also suggested that, in, offering the items
• bid, the buyer would remove the equipment.
;h the consent of his second, Councilman Collischonn withdrew his original motion.
thereupon moved the City Manager be authorized to explore the possibility of sell-
, this equipment en toto and in place and report to the Council the bids he receive
1 the Council will take action thereafter. The motion was seconded by Councilman
)eman and unanimously carried.
From the Acting City Manager, requesting authorization to dispose of certain use
Til Defense fire apparatus and equipment.
ancilman Schacht inquired how this equipment would normally be disposed of and Mr.
Irk replied it would be offered as automotive equipment and failing in that attempt
would be offered for any salvage value.
was noted there were two extremely antiquated fire engines and it was suggested
of these might be placed in one of the parks.
incilman Schacht moved the City Manager's request be granted and he be authorized
dispose of the equipment, taking into consideration the possible salvaging for the
;y of one of the engines which might be of interest to children in a park if the
;y cannot secure what would be considered a reasonable price if sold as scrap iron.
motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the
Llowing vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
, From the Acting City Manager, reporting on the matter of traffic control. The
ry has agreed to assume responsibility, effective October 1, 1957, for operating
&ffic signals during peak traffic hours at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and
Ln Street. It was also stated other plans to relieve additional police officers fo
iffic and patrol duty are now under study.
response to Councilman Petersen's question as to what the other plans entail, Mr.
Irk referred to a memorandum dated September 13, 1957, from the Chief of Police con
ming the release of Police Officer personnel from certain fixed traffic posts to
Idle moving traffic. Mr. Clark felt this matter should be held over until the new
;y Manager has an opnortunity to review the situation rather than to attempt at thi
ne to discuss the possible reorganization which might be necessary. He pointed out
Navy had been requested to help with traffic only at this one intersection becaus
) traffic generated emanates wholly from the Naval Air Station - but Navy assistanc
the Webster Street area might raise some problems. Mr. Clark stated copies of the
no in question had been sent to the Councilmen for their information.
ancilman Schacht concurred with Mr. Clark's suggestion that the new City Manager be
/en an opportunity to study the situation as outlined in the memorandum. Therefore
moved this matter be referred to the new City Manager for his study and review wi
Council and a recommendation from him as to how the City might best utilize the
Lice Officers in taking care of moving traffic. The motion was seconded by Council
Freeman and unanimously carried.
From the acting City Manager, requesting authorization, to employ the firm of
ites, Herfurth and England to prepare an actuarial evaluation of the Police and Fir
lsion Systems at the estimated cost of 2,100.
ancilman Schacht moved the Acting City Manager's request be granted and he be authc
3d to retain the specified firm for the actuarial service on the Pension Systems
,Tolved. The motion was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by
3 following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None, Absent: None.
e matter was referred to "Introduction of Ordinances".
• From City Planning Board, recommending the property of Messrs. Angelo Bianchi
d Joseph D. Gershick, known as 6I42-644 Pacific Avenue, be rezoned from the "3" Iwo-
-Four Family Dwelling District to the "F" Central Business District, for the nur-
se of extending the existing building and providing a parking area for Tim's Res-
urant which fronts on Webster Street.
s matter was referred to "Introduction of Ordinances".
"I From Acting City Manager, stating the City has the opportunity to obtain approxi
tely 1,500 cubic yards of topsoil without charge except for the cost of hauling,
is estimated the transportation cost will be ninety-five cents per cubic yard. Ir
.1,1 of the savings to the City, it is requested the Acting City Manager be authorize
purchase the material in the open market.
lengthy discussion ensued as to the possibility of using trucks of the Alameda Gar-
7e Association to do the hauling at a lesser amount. Mr. Hanna pointed out the
sociationis license would not cover this type of trucking which is under the juris-
ction of the State Contractor's License Board and all firms in, this type of busines
uld have every right to complain.
on the President's request, Mr. Annibale stated he did not think any problem would
ise with regard to a City ordinance, and he is not familiar with State laws concern
7 trucking and licenses required, but it appears there may be the possibility that
special type of license is required for this activity. However, it also appears tc
T there may be a union question involved as to whether or not the Garbage Associati
Lad engage in this typo of activity. He felt it would be worthy of further investi
tion and he believed the attorney for the Association could quickly provide the nec
ry answers.
uncilman Schacht thereupon moved that, in view of the urgency and emergency, the Ac
7 City Manager's recommendation be adopted and he be authorized to purchase said
terial on the open market, without contract, upon the condition that it is impossib
move the topsoil at any lesser price by any means. The motion was seconded by
uncilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noe
ne. Absent: None,
FRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
.
Councilman. Schacht introduced the following ordinance:
"Ordinance No.
New Series
An Ordinance Amending Subsection (b) of Section 6-223
of Article 2, Chapter 2, Title VI, of the Alameda
Municipal Code, Relating to Deposits of Sewer
Connection."
• Councilman Collischonn, introduced the following ordinance:
"Ordinance No.
New Series
An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding Section
83 to Ordinance No. 725, New Series." (2232 Lincoln
Avenue)
• Councilman Petersen introduced the following ordinance:
"Ordinance No.
New Series
An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding Section
8L to Ordinance No. 725, New Series." (642-044 Pacific
Avenue)
3 foregoing ordinances were laid over under provision of law and the Charter.
BUSINESS:
enue at Morton Street and on Santa Clara Avenue at Stanton Street and felt such
7,hts should be established on Central Avenue at the point mentioned.
esident McCall asked the City Manager to request the Chief of Police to review this
tuation and submit a report and recommendation to the Council. It was so ordered.
• Councilman Petersen then inquired concerning the City program for removing adver
sing signs which is now being considered by the Planning Board es set up in the prc
sed new Zoning Ordinance.
• Schoenfeld, Planning Director, was called upon and stated that certain comments t
en received from the advertising industry with regard to provisions in the proposec
dinance to abate certain non-conforming signs within a stipulated period of time.
said they feel the time limit is much too s hart and have raised certain valid 011eE
ons about the language being somewhat vague in the Ordinance as to where they will
permitted to place signs. Mr. Schoenfeld pointed out these matters will be dis-
ssed at an early date by the Board in work sessions, to iron out the ambiguous poir
ssident McCall stated the members of the Council would be interested in, knowing the
estions which have been raised and then be able to check that section of the Ordi-
nce with regard to the matter. Mr. Schoenfeld said he would be glad to make availe
the Councilmen copies of the letter from the Northern California Council of Outdoc
vertising which raises these points.
• Councilman Petersen spoke of the Amble-Wagon recently purchased by the City for
a Police Department and the alleged dissatisfaction with its use as an ambulance.
nsiderable discussion ensued and it was finally determined that, since the vehicle
s not yet been given use, no one is qualified to judge whether or not it is an ade-
ate piece of equipment.
• Councilman Schacht referred to a memo from the City Manager and City Engineer cc
rning charges for depositing rubbish at the City Dump. He said he recalled that,
the informal meeting of the Council and the representatives of the Garbage Asso-
etion - and, also, in the contract between the City and the Association, the charge
s quoted as twenty-five cents for certain size loads - but now he notes the charge
to be fifty cents.
on inquiry of the City Attorney, Mr. Annibale agreed the price was twenty-five cent
✓ the average passenger vehicle, or pickup from a residence.
slowing some discussion concerning the proper interpretation of the provisions of
s contract, the City Attorney was requested to check the document in question and
bmit an opinion on the matter for the information of the Councilmen.
• At this time, Councilman Schacht referred to the action taken by the Council at
s last meeting authorizing the filing of an application with the Bay Area Air PollL
on District Hearing Board for an extension of time within which to comply with the
n against open burning at the City Dump, which is effective as of today, October 1
d inouired as to the status of the situation at this time.
on request, Mr. Annibale stated the formal application for a variance has been file
said the question arose, "If an application is filed, can a City continue burning
ring the interim before the Hearing has been had, or not?" From a strictly legal
Dndpoint, with nothing more in the background, he would have to say "No", as the be
in effect on October 1. The variance may lift the ban insofar as the City is con-
rned. The application for a variance was filed on September 30, and the date for
aring has not been set as yet. He said he would estimate the period of time befor
e Hearing could be held would be one or two months, at least, in view of the number
applications filed.
nsiderable discussion took place concerning the new type of incinerator approved fc
e - and the fact that even private burning will probably be prohibited within a fel,
nths and people should be informed so the would not go ahead and buy a new inciner
✓ and then not be able to use even that, in a comparatively short while.
• Clark called attention to the fact that the City Engineer should have a statement
Policy by the Council about this matter of continuing to burn pending the Hearing
the City's application.
uncilman Schacht pointed out Mr. Hanna's memo indicated that, upon receipt of the
tv's annlination bv the "Distrint'. Alameda would he granted a temnorary vari.anne
• Councilman Freeman brought up the subject of the proposed relocation of the Sout
n Pacific Depot to Jackson Park and stated she had not heard whether or not the
ameda Historical Society actually wants the building moved to this park or to any
her place. She noted the estimated cost is close to c2)1,000. for moving the struct
Jackson Park and she felt the Council should hear from the Society before any dis-
ssion or action is taken on, the matter.
uncilman Schacht moved the matter be referred to the Committee of the Whole for cor
deration. The motion was seconded. by Councilman Petersen.
this point, Mr. Raymond Barbera, 1221t Perk Avenue, addressed the Council on the su
ct, stating his principal request this evening is that the Council postpone any jut
nt or decision until the residents in the Jackson Park area have an, opportunity to
esent their case. He quoted from the remarks made by Mr. Max G. Funk, General Mar
✓ of the San Francisco Park and Recreation Department, in an address at the Confer-
ee of the League of California Cities recently held in San Francisco. In emphasizi
a value of parks and playgrounds, Mr. Funk had stated all California cities have he
fight to keep them from being encroached upon by schools, libraries, fire houses,
cetera. Mr. Barbera said he just wanted to leave this thought with the Council for
e present and he would appear again with a very complete story on this matter.
esioent McCall pointed out a postal card survey of the residents adjacent to Jackso
rk had been made and he called upon Mr. Clark for information relative to the resu
• Clark stated fifty-four cards were sent out - forty-one of those returned indicat
position to the building being placed in Jackson Park and one was in favor of the
pposal.
• Joseph Durein President of the Alameda Historical Society, next spoke on the sub
ct, stating his organization has acquired a very valuable collection of documents
d data pertaining to Alameda history. He pointed out much of this material is stor
several places and is not available for display because the Society has only the
sement of the Library for its use and the room is already overcrowded. He stated t
3iety has a membership of over one thousand citizens who are enthusiastic in preser
7 the collection and finding adequate quarters. He stressed the importance of prot
- these historical data and relt the City should take advantage of opportunity when
arises. Mr. Durein referred to the City Engineer's estimate of cost to move the
ructure in question and felt it was not fair to include some of the items listed as
direct cost against this project - pointing out that )2,500. of the amount would be
id by gasoline tax funds, and the cost of landscaping should be a normal park main-
aance charge. He stated much of the work of remodeling and renovating the building
Ald be done by the members of the Society, under supervision of the Engineering
partment. He asked the Council to consider this factor in its thinking. He stated
3kson Park is the only location the Society has been able to find where it can affo
place the structure, due to the cost of cutting wires in making the move. He said
could guarantee that the members of the Society would not leave the citizens livi
Dund Jackson Park with anything that would resemble an eyesore or depreciate the
Lue of their properties. He stressed the fact the Society has to have an establish
at in which to expand and to store these valuable records where all citizens can se
3111 .
sident McCall stated the Council realizes the predicament the Alameda Historical
i_ety is in, but pointed out the postal cards were mailed in order to obtain the
lotion of the people most affected - those in the area of Jackson Park. In view of
air apparent opposition, he sug7ested the Society, in the interest of harmony in
a community, select some alternate sites to which the building might be moved.
sident McCall felt there are other locations or even other buildings for which
a City can help in negotiations.
. Durein stated the Society needed two things basically, i.e., space to display its
Election and a room for its meetings, and the Southern Pacific building meets these
luirements. He further explained the Society's plans for remodeling the structure
I reiterated that advantage should be taken or the opportunity to use this building
)ncilman Collischonn questioned if the Society has sold its thinking Properly to th
)ple in the vicinity of Jackson Park who have objected. He said the Society has an
:ist's rendition of what the reconstructed building will be and he, personally,
)ught it was quite attractive. He felt that, perhaps, if the forty-ono people who
looted to the idea of moving the station to the park could see the sketch and wou
ie a better idea of what the Society has in mind, it might relieve some of the obje
)ns they now have.
-
question was then put and the motion was unanimously carried.
ancilman Collischonn said he wanted clarification on one point and inquired of Mr.
-ein, "You're not asking the City of Alameda to bear any expense of this relocatior
Durein replied, The only expense the Society had anticipated the City would bear
al_ol be the cost of an adequate concrete foundation on which to place the building.
said he was speaking without authority, but felt he could guarantee there would be
other expense to the City, after the gasoline tax item was removed. Councilman
Ilischonn felt it might be well to express this forcibly through the press.
*S'OLUTIONS:
. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Freeman who moved 'its
pption:
"Resolution No. 57o5
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans
for Construction of a Rest Room Building Near the 15th
Green on the New Golf Coarse, Calling for Bids and
Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same."
motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on rol
Ll carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. Pres
lt McCall declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
LING:
• Annual Report - Civil Service Board.
• Financial Statement - Bureau of Electricity, as of July 31, 1957 - Verified
by George A. Hackieman & Co.
• Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans No PW 10-57-20 - Construction
of a Rest Room Building on Nev Golf Course.
LLS:
. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments there
the total amount of 4.-13,552.80, was submitted to the Council at this meeting.
e list was accompanied by certification from the Acting City Manager that the Clai
awn were correct.
ancilman Petersen moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the
ty Clerk on October 1, 1957, and presented to the Council at this time, be allowed
1 paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by
following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
JOURNMENT:
• There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourr
assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, October 15, 1957, at 7:30 o'clock
Respectfully submitted,
pity / Clerk
(