1957-10-15 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 15, - - - 1957
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock p.m. with President McCall presiding. The
pledge of Allegiance was load by Councilman Freeman, followed by the Invocation
delivered by The heverend Father William J. Knapp, Assistant Pastor of St. Josent
Catholic 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 Octoher 1, 1957, were approved es
transcribed.
OPENING OF BIDS:
P. Four bids were received and read for the project of Constructing a Rest Room
Building Near the 15th Green on the Ne1,- Municipal Golf Conrse, in accordance with
Snecifications and Special Provisions therefor, No. PW 10-57-20, as follows:
From Dyer & Truitt 3,6L3.
Accomnanied by a Bid Bond
From Warren D. Burns - - -
Accompanied by a cashier's check in amount of
From John H. Buestad
Accompanied by a Bid Bond
From industrial Contractors, Inc.
Accompanied by a Bid Bond
3,573.
375.
3,498.
The bids were referred. to t he City Enpineer and City Manager for review and recom-
mendation.
WRITTEN COKYUNICATTOYS:
3. ). From the Reverend Dir. O. C, willis, Pastor, First 15nntist Church, bay Form
Island, requesting to lease the old Golf Course Clubhouse at the rate of Fifty Dol-
lars ner year, in order to provide a more adequate place of worship for his Church.
President McCall stated the Recreation Commission has already requested the use of
this building for recreational purnoses and, if there were no objections, he PC Id
refer the communication to the City Manager for review and report to the Council
with regard to the use of the old Clubhouse. It was so ordered.
From California Marine Perks & Harbors Association, signed, by Mr. Leonard G.
James, President, concerning the legislation to set up a Division of Small Craft
Harbors in the Department of Natural Resources and the appointment by the Governor
of a Small Craft, Harbors Commission, comprised of five members.
President McCall stated notice will undoubtedly be received concerning the person-
nel of the Commission.
5. From Commander W. L. Miller, Mrs. Alfred Huntoon and Mr. Seth Simpson, express-
ing appreciation to the Council for its action in reopening Longfellow Park and
maintaining a program there. The letter was accompanied by a list of one hundred
signatures of people in the vicinity, endorsing the sentiments of the letter.
The communication was noted and ordered filed.
6. From Miss Ethel Spencer, 183 5 Alameda Avenue, with regard to the ban on backyard
burning, Pointing up the fact that, if people are not to be allowed to use the chimney-
type incinerators permanently, they should be informed that such is the case, because
buying the new-type incinerator would work a hardship in many cases.
Councilman Schacht stated this letter reiterates his thinking on the subject and he
feat that in view of the fact that all burning on private property, whether the
approved incinerator is used or not, is bound to be banned, possibly quicker than
most people think, and he thought it would be wise to warn the citizens of Alameda
to save their money and not buy an incinerator.
President McCall stated he had checked with the Fire Chief concerning the bon being
complete within six months. He said he believes there is a communication en route
from Mr. Benjamin Linsky, Air Pollution Control Officer, that will indicate there
will be at least four years during which burninF can't) e done on private nroperty, in
the approved type incinerators.
Following further discussion, it was determined no one could predict exactly what
the time limit would be before all burning was banned.
7. From Utah Construction Company, signed by Mr. Charles T. Travers, informing
the Council its work of spraying the South Shore fill area to stabilize the dust
has started, and it should be completed. about October 25. It is recommended the
City coordinate its treatment of the Washington Park fill area as the sand blowing
from that section would cover Utah's treated area and render it ineffective.
Upon inouiry of the City Engineer as to the City's position with regard to its simi-
lar project on the Washington Park area, Mr. Hanna replied three bids have been
submitted for the work. He said these will be presented to the City Manager and,
with his approval, the City can proceed as soon as desirable. He stated he had
talked with Mr. Travers today and had been, informed that his company would not be
interested in trying to work out a solution with the City.
President McCall stated there had been some discussion with Utah to the effect that,
while it was doing its spraying project, it could also do the same work for the
City and he is interested to know why Utah has changed its mind. He said it would
have been less costly to the City for this spraying project, since Utah has its
equipment right there.
The City Manager was requested to investigate this matter through Mr. Travers.
8. From Alameda Chamber of Commerce, signed by Mr. Jerry C. Jacobs, President,
urging the City to proceed with plans for the early disposal of certain Washington
Park property and offering the services of the Chamber in this respect.
Councilman Freeman stated, for the information of those present, the Council is just
awaiting the proper descriptions and documents from the City Engineer and City Attor-
ney before it can proceed with the sale of said land.
Councilman Petersen inquired as to what portions and how much of the existing park
and the fill area are to be sold. Mr. Clark stated there are approximately L.6
acres in existing Washington Park for sale, together with some thirteen acres south
of the baseball field and some other areas actually below the bluff.
Councilman Freeman pointed out the baseball diamond site is the most saleable por-
tion of the property - being high land.
Following some further discussion, Councilman Collischonn pointed out it will be
approximately December 1, 1957, before the property can be offered for bid. Presi-
dent McCall stated each of the Councilmen would have an opportunity to look over
the conditions of sale prior to this date, and make any comments.
In response to Councilman Schacht's question as to opportunity for further Council
discussion, Mr. Annibale stated the Council will still have to approve the condi-
tions of sale which, of course, will contain the exact points being discussed - also,
an ordinance will have to be passed, authorizing the sale which, again, means a
period of about six weeks. Since the ordinance has not even been introduced as yet
there will be opportunity for discussion at that time.
Councilman Petersen felt the baseball diamond in Washington Park should rot be elim-
inated through sale of that portion of the park before another diamond is estab-
lished in the fill area to replace it. He delved into the financial situation con-
cerning the sale of the land and the future development of the Park.
At this point, Mr. Weller stated if Councilman Petersen, will explain just exactly
what information he wants, he will be very happy to get it for him and the other
members of the Council. He offered to talk to Councilman Petersen after the meet-
inr and said he would be glad to procure all the information desired on the subject.
From Mr. G. J. Cummings, 869 Walnut Street, protesting against the sand blowing
into his home.
President McCall pointed out a spray treatment of the area is now being conducted to
take care of the situation and also, a dust-control ordinance is in preparation at
this time. Mr. Annibale stated said ordinance will be ready for introduction at the
next Council meeting.
President McCall thereupon stated Mr. Cummings should be informed that the ordinance
is being prepared.
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10. From Sullivan, Roche, Johnson 8.: Farraher, Attorneys at Law, stating the Alameda
Parkside Improvement Association will present to the Council at its meeting of
November 5, 1957, the first installment of petitions in opposition to the proposed
relocation of Southern Pacific Depot at Jackson Park - and requesting the Association
be given the opportunity to present its arguments in support of the petitions.
President McCall stated he felt it will not be necessary for the Association to make
an appearance because it is not the intention of the Council to take any action with
regard to Jackson Park.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
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11. President McCall stated a presentation was to be made at this time and ho
announced that Nr. Leland W. Sweeney, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Alameda
County, had called him today to express his resets at not being able to participate
in this event. He recognized Mr. James R. Brummer, Chief of the inspections Divi-
sion, who addressed the Council and introduced Mrs. Isabel Rogers, widow of the late
Mr. E. H. Rogers. Mr. Drummer stated Mr. Rogers hod been the Building inspector of
the City of Alameda for thirty years and for twenty-five years had been very active
in the international Building Officials Conference. A medal has been awarded to Mr.
Rogers, posthumously, for the valuable services rendered by him, both as a City
Building Inspector and es a committee member of the Conference. Mr. Brummer said he
had been asked to present this Service Award to Mrs. Rogers on behalf of the Confer-
ence, in view of the fact Mr. Marcus S. Carlson, President of the Conference, is ill.
President McCall addressed Mrs. Rogers, stating the Council and citizens of Alameda
are very proud of the fact that "Ernie" has been recognized in this manner. Many of
those Present remember him, not only as the Building Inspector but also as the main
"trouble shooter" in the City Hall. All recognized his ability, end we are honored
and proud that you have appeared to receive this medal.
12. Mr. Raymond Barbera, 122)4 Park Avenue, representing the Alameda Parkside Improve-
ment Association, said he voeld like to welcome the new City Manager. He stated he
knew of the fine work he had done in the pest and felt sure he would certainly be an
attribute to the City of Alameda. He then referred to the proposed relocation of the
Southern Pacific Depot to Jackson Park and said his organization f-els itwants to be
heard at the Council meeting of November 5, because this is the third time it has
become necessary for the residents in the Jackson Park area to indicate their wishes -
and now they want to make sure, once and for all, that everybody understands not
only the impracticability of the situation but the desires and mandetes of these
people.
President McCall assured Er. Barbera the City Council is aware of thefbeling of the
people in this area He sugr-ested the Association attorney confer with the City
Attorney, prior to the meeting of November 5, to deuermine the legal status of Jack-
son Park in the mutual interests of the home owners and the City. He reiterated the
Council hes "weshed its hands" of the matter of the relocation in question and the
subject is closed as far as the Council is concerned.
Nr. Barbara still persisted that his organization would present its "story" at tho
next meeting.
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13. Mr. Frank Gottstein, 731 Haight Avenue, also said he -,las glee to see the new
City Manager. He then spoke of the fight he has been making for years against double
narking end the need for yellow loading zones. He mentioned particularly the corner
of Ninth Street and Santa Clara Avenue where violations are committed frequently,
causing the bus to have to s tup in the middle of the street because sore truck is in
its space. He stressed the fact these violations would stop if those comr'itting them
were given citations and demanded that something be done eboirt the situation.
President McCall stated the matter would be referred to the City Manager, who in
turn, will request the Chief of Police to have an investigation made, and he will
report bark to the Council.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
From Plameda Planning Board, signed by Mr. A. Raymond Schoenfeld, Secretary,
commending the unqualified endorsement of the proposed Alameda County Master Plan -
end advising that an expression from the Council would be of assistance to the Board
of SuPervisors in making the important decision to adopt the Plan.
The matter was referred to "Resolutions".
In resnonse to Councilman Petersen' que;tions Councilman Freeman explained that
three members of the Planninr Board, Mr. Schoenfeld and herself had attended the first
Hearing on the "Plan" and it was considered a very fine one. She mentioned that both
Yr. Eric Essex and Ni'. John M. Bridge of the Planning Board -ere in the audience -
and possibly the latter could explain the situation.
Mr. Bridge stated the Plan for the County incorporates into it the Master Flans of
all cities which have adopted such Plans, plus the Tentative Master Flans of those
cities which have not yet adopted Final Master Plans. He pointed. out it also coor-
dinates general area planning for the County - industrial, recreational, residential,
commercial. At the time the County Master Plan was first considered by the City
FlanninF Board in April of this year, copies of the Tentative Master Plan of the
County were sent to the Council. What objections the Board had et; that time were made
a matter of record with the County Planning Board and these features were taken into
consideration. He said, so • far as he knew, there is no movement afoot to establish
a Regional Planning District. Mr. Bridge stated he felt, and he is sure the rest of
the members of the City Planning Board believe, the Alameda County Master Plan is a
good. one, and the Board. has, therefore, made its recommendation that the City Council
go on record as fully endorsing the Plan.
15. From Acting City Manager, recommending awards be
in certain items of the Athletic Supplies during the
view of the fact no bid. was received on Item No. 3d -
City Manager be authorized to purchase said item on.
made to six firms for furnish-
current fiscal year. Also, in
26" Archery Arrows - that the
e open market.
(7)
2
070
Mr. Annibale informed the Council that five of the bids will amount to less than one
thousand dollars and therefore the Council should authorize the purchases to be made
without contract or bond.
Councilman Schacht moved the Acting City Manager's recommendation be approved and he
be authorized to make said purchases according to the lowest bid without contract or
bond, the bid bonds or checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders, and the Arch-
ery Arrows be purchased on the open market. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Freeman and on, roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes None.
Ab ent: None.
16. From City Manager, reporting all improvements in Tract No. 1757 satisfactorily
completed and recommending they be accepted and the Subdivider, Mr. Robert L.
Wooldridge, be released from his bond.
Councilman Freeman moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that the
improvements in said Tract be accepted and the Subdivider be released from his bond.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on roll call carried by the
following vote. Ayes: Fjv6. Noes: None. Absent: None.
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17. From City Manager, recommending an extension of time of thirty-five days be
granted to Mr. Manuel Marques, Jr., contractor, for completion of his project of
Constructing an Interceptor Sewer Along the Northern Edge of the Estuary Housing
Project.
Councilman Petersen moved the recommendation be followed and Mr. Marques be granted
the specified extension of time for completion of the project. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Collischonn and unanimously carried.
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18. From City Manager, reporting all work satisfactorily completed on, the project
of Grading and Paving Krusi Park - recommending the work be accepted and the Notice
of Completion be ordered filed.
Councilman Schacht moved the recommendation be adopted, the work be accepted and
the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Collischonn
and unanimously carried.
19. From Aecreation Commission, signed by Mr. Terry LaCroix, Chairman, requesting a
meeting with the Council during the week of October 28, in order to discuss several
subjects, as specifically itemized, in connection with the Master Plan for the new
Washington Park.
After some discussion, Councilman Schacht suggested the date of October 30 for the
requested meeting, which was satisfactory to all of the Councilmen. The City Mana-
ger was instructed to make the necessary arrangements with the members of the
Recreation Commission for said date, at 7:30 o'clock p.m. in the Conference Room.
20. From Mr. A. Raymond Schoenfeld, Planning Director, informing the Council the
City Planning Board has approved the proposed vacation of hound Street, south of
Waterton Street, with the proviso that said vacation meet with the full approval of
the City Engineer. This action was taken by the Board at its meeting of October 7,
upon recommendation of the Planning Department Staff.
Upon request, Mr. Hanna stated the proposal has been reviewed by his Department and
he has no objections to it. He felt it would be a fine thing to do and pointed out
the City would reserve a storm sewer easement.
Mr. Annibale explained th.e procedure - the Council would first pass a "Resolution of
Intention" to abandon - on which there is a waiting period of twenty-one days, and
then a Public Hearing is held, following which the Council can, act to vacate. The
Council will abandon that portion of Mound Street as indicated by the City Engineer,
reserving to the City the necessary sewer easement. The whole matter is taken care
of by one action of the Council in adopting said instrument. The only action to be
taken by th.e Council at this meeting is to direct the City Attorney and the City
Clerk to proceed with the necessary steps to effect the abandonment according to law.
In response to Councilman Schacht's request for diagrams indicating the portion of
the street to be vacated and the adjacent properties, Mr. Hanna stated such informa-
tion could be sent out through the City Manager's office very soon and still not
interfere with the possible schedule of abandonment.
It was finally determined that the City Attorney would prepare a Resolution of
Intention for consideration at the next meeting.
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21. From the Mayor, nominating Mr. Frank D. Nagers, 1626 Broadway, for appointment
as a member of the City Planning Board for the remainder of the unexpired term of
Mr. Collischonn, resigned - which term will expire June 30, 1959.
The matter was referred. to Resolutions".
INTRODUCTION OF OFDINA'\TC'ES:
22. Councilman Collischonn introduced the following ordinance, after which it was
laid over under provision of law and the Charter:
"Ordinance No.
New Serie
An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by
Adding Thereto Section 17-562 Prohibiting Metal-Tired
Vehicles on Certain Bridges." (Park and High Street
Bridges)
President McCall queried why Bay Farm Island Bridge was omitted - to which Mr. Hanna
replied the ordinance had been reouested by the County to protect the new coatings
which it has placed on the decks of the two bridges mentioned therein, to prevent
skidding during the wet weather.
In further response to President McCall, Mr. Hanna pointed out tho accident record
does not indicate the Bay Farm Island Bridge has the same problem.
Following further discussion, Mr. Annibale stated he felt it would require State
approval for the City to regulate traffic conditions on a State-owned bridge. He
said it is a factor which he would like to investigate further before such an ordi-
nance was enacted.
NEw BUSINESS:
23. The matter was called up concerning the appointment of a Councilman as a member
of the Executive Committee of the East Bay Division of the League of California
Cities, as the City Representative on said Committee.
Councilmnn Collischonn moved the appoIrtment of Councilman Freeman. The motion was
seconded bv Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
Councilman Petersen called attention to the tragedy which recently occurred at
the Substation on Webster Street when, a young boy, Howard Rogers, Was fatally burned
in trying to rescue a five-year old child who had climbed a power pole. He sug-
gested a letter be written on behalf of the Council expressing the deep sympathy of
the members to the parents of Howard Rogers and tbnt the meeting be adjourned in
respect to his memory.
Councilman Schacht also requested that a letter of commendation be written to Mr.
Steve Gutowski, employee of the Bureau of Electricity who did rescue the small boy
at groat hazard to his own life. He felt such a letter to a faithful employee, who
has worked for the City a number of years and is soon to retire, would be a fitting
expression of appreciation from the Council to a fine City employee.
The City Manager was asked to prepare appropriate letters for the Mayors signature.
2 . Councilman Petersen stated he would like to reouest of the City Manarrer that
the intersection of Central Avenue and Oak Street be investi-ated to determine if
it warrants stop signals. He felt there has recently been quite a change in the
traffic pattern at this location since the drive-in diner has been established on
the northeast corner, especially the pedestrian traffic. He said he thought there
is a greater necessity for signals at this point because the traffic is now heavier
there than at the intersection of Santa Clara Avenue and Oak Street.
It was so ordered that a survey would be requested through the City Manager to the
Chief of Police - and a review and report be made to the Council.
RESOLUTIONS:
26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht who moved its
adoptIon:
,esolution No. 5706
Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda
Authorizing H. D. Weller, City Manager, to Sign
For and Accept Surplus Federal Property Under
Public Law 6i---;5, and Rescinding Eesolution N. 5703
Relating to the Same Subject."
The motion to :adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Freeman and or roll
cell carried by the following vote. Aye s: vli ',7 e . Noes: None. Absent: None.
27, The following resolution was introduced by Councilmen Freeman, who moved its
"Resolution No. 5707
Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda Author-
izing H. D. Weiler, City 1,-.amp;e2: of the City of Alameda,
as the Representative of the City of Alameda to Sign Certain
Warehouse Issue Sheets of the California State e.oucoltionta
Agency for the P urpose of Obtain2.,ng S urnlos Prooerty for the
City of Alameda, end Fescind-ing Resolution 7o. 5.)32, Hein',ing
to the Same Subject."
adoption:
271
7 9
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,
28. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Collischonn, who moved
its adoption:
"Resolution No. 5708
Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda
Designating and Appointing H. D. Weller, City
Manager, as a Member of the Board of Trustees of
the Alameda Belt Line, a California Corporation."
"Resolution No. 5709
The motion, to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Petersen and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: 2ive. Noes: None, Absent: Hone.
29. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its
adoption:
Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda
Urging and Requesting the Adoption by the Board of
Supervisors of the County of Alameda of the Alameda
County Master Flan."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Collischonn and on
roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Four. Noes: Councilman Petersen,
(One). Absent: None. Councilman .Petersen explained his vote by staoting he did not
feel well enough informed on the matter of the County Master Plan to cast a favor-
able vote on the adoption of the resolution.
30. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Petersen, who moved its
adoption:
?tRe
clutiori No. 5710
Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement by and
Between the City of Alameda and the Alameda Unified
School District Relating to the Provision of a
Program for Public Recreation in the City of Alameda."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
31. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Schacht, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5711
Authorizing Execution of Contract with Alameda Chamber
of Commerce for Advertising for the Fiscal Year Ending
June 30, 1958, and Appropriating ';18,000. for Such
Purpose."
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.
32. The following, resolution was introduced by Councilman Colli,-chonn who moved
its adoption:
"Resolution No. 5712
Appointing Member of the City Planning Board." (Frank D.
Magers)
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.
At this point, Councilman Collischonn stated Mr. Magers was present and he thereupon
introduced him. President McCall welcomed Mr. IvIagers and stated his appointment had
been made on the basis of merit and ability.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
• 33.
"Ordinance No. 1251,
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 for Sewer Connection."
Councilman Schacht moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Freeman and on roll call carried by the following vote. Aye s : Five .
Noes: None. Absent: None.
"Ordinance No 1252,
New Series
An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding
Section 83 to Ordinance No. 725, New Series.°
(2232 Lincoln Avenue)
Councilman Collischonn, moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Petersen and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five .
Noes: None, Absent: None.
"0 ,Inance No. 1253,
New Series
An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding
Section 8/4. to Ordinance No. 725, New Series."
(642-644 Pacific Avenue)
Councilman Petersen moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Schacht and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five.
Noes: None. Absent: None,
36. Financial Statement - Bureau of Electricity, as of August 31, 1957 - Verified
by George A. Hackleman Co.
37. kgreement - Between City and Alameda Unified School JJ-istrict - Re Public
Fecreation Program.
38. Agreement - Between City and Alameda Chamber of Commerce - Ro Advertis
and Publicizing the City.
BILLS:
39. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof
in, the total amount of '122,322.09, was subrjitted 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 October 15, 1957, and presented to the Council at this time, be allowed
and paid. The motion Irlrfs seconded by Councilman Schacht and on roll call carried by
the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None.
ADJOURNhENT:
L0. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the President called
up the Council and audience for a moment of silence in respect to the memory of
Howard Rogers and the Council thereupon adjourned accordingly. The Council will
assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, November 5, 1957, at 7:30 o'clock.
Respectfully submitted