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1956-01-17 Regular CC Minutes)1u1 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 17, 1956 The meeting convened at 8:10 o'clock P. M. with President Kranelly presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Councilman Moresi. President Kranelly called upon Rabbi Gunther Gates of Temple Israel, who delivered an inspirational invoca- tion to the Deity for the spirit of wisdom to prevail in the Council's deliberations. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Haag, Hove, McCall, Moresi and President Kranelly, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held January 3, 1956, were approved as trans- cribed. OPENING OF BIDS: 2. Three bids were opened and read for the project of Constructing a Rest Room and Equipment Building at Krusi Park, in accordance with Specifications and Special Pro- visions therefor, No. PW 12-55-24, as follows: From Frank Mossey Accompanied by a Bid Bond From Robert L. Wilson Accompanied by a Bid Bond From John H. Buestad Mob Accompanied by a Check in amount of $16,431.00 18,888.00 13,470.00 104o0.00 The bids were referred to the City Manager for study and report to the Council. WRITTEN COMMUNICAliONS: 3. From the Board of Trustees of Reclamation District 2087, signed by Charles T. Travers, President, requesting Council approval of a certain warrant in the amount of 371,495.81, in payment of a proper claim against the District. President Kranelly stated this matter will be laid over to the next meeting, to come up under "Unfinished Business". 4 L. From the Board of Trustees of Reclamation District 2087, signed by Charles T. Travers, President, submitting specimen signatures of the duly elected Trustees of the District, for use in connection with the approval of Demand Warrants. President Kranelly stated this document will be filed for future reference. 5. From the Board of Trustees of Reclamation District 2087, signed by E. C. Mower, Secretary, requesting Council approval of certain warrants in the amounts of 206,879.54, $5,000. and $10,000., respectively, issued by the Board in payment of certain claims against the District. President Kranelly stated this request will also be laid over to the next meeting to be taken up under "Unfinished Business". 61 From the County of Alameda Board of Supervisors, submitting copy of Notice that there has been filed with the Board a Notice of Intention to Circulate Petition seek- ing incorporation, as a Municipal Corporation, certain territory in the County of Alameda - the proposed City of Washington Manor. The Notice is given in compliance with the provisions of Section 34302.5 of the Government Code of the State of Cali- fornia, in view of the fact that some ofsaid territory lies within three miles of the boundaries of Alameda. The communication was ordered filed. 7. From the Park Street District Association, extending its thanks to the Council for the use of the Council Chamber in its organizational meetings. President Kranelly stated the Council congratulates and compliments the Association for its organization. From Lt. Commander Carl E. Smith, 3230 Calhoun Street, lauding the Council for its prompt action with regard to the shanties along the east shore. From Mr. and Mrs. George Carbone, 1708 Minturn Street, expressing appreciation of the Council's action in the matter of the arks at the east end of the City and thus helping to make it possible for a nice development in that area. 0 11 At this time, Mr. F. B. Fernhoff, Attorney, spoke on behalf of the owners of these properties, among whom is Mr. Thomas Paul Wood. He stated there is quite a bit of property involved on which these arks are located, which was acquired a little over a year ago. It was pointed out that most of the property is occupied by tenants and these owners have never accepted any rent. They do not recognize the occupants as tenants and propose to move them off - they want to cooperate with the City in ridding it of this nuisance. He stated that some of the arks are situated in City streets, unimproved as such, of course - and merely for the record, he wanted the people of Alameda to know that the owners are not conniving with those living in these shacks. They hope to eliminate them as soon as possible. President Kranelly thanked Mr. Fernhoff for this information. 10. From Miss Ethel Spencer, 1835 Alameda Avenue, protesting against the increase of rates for garbage collection - especially as it affects two groups in particular (1) owners of small furnished apartments of not more than four units and (2) elderly women living alone on pensions, both of whom must now furnish additional garbage cans for individual "family" use. President Kranelly stated the Council had given great consideration to the matter of garbage collection when discussing details with the Scavenger Association - and it had been assured by the Association that such cases would be handled fairly by it. He explained that the Council has requested the City Manager to take this matter up with the Association and to reply to Miss Spencer. l. A petition was read, signed by fifty-one residents on Clinton Avenue, St. Charles Street, Bay Street, Palmera Court, Dayton Avenue and Weber Street, protesting against the deplorable and nerve-wracking all-night noise emanating from the Utah Construction Company project along the south shore. President Kranelly stated the Council has discussed this situation with Utah and the Company has assured the Council that every effort is being made on its part to keep the noise down to a minimum. He explained that some of the noisier work is now being done in the daytime. He said the City Manager has been requested to investigate the condition and try to eliminate any reason for complaint. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 4" 12. Mr. John Huston of San Francisco, owner of the property on which the Island Auto Movie is located, addressed the Council with regard to his position concerning the exclusion of his property in any proposed redevelopment program. He pointed out he has his plans for the use of his land and felt there is some cause for disagreement in the plan contemplated by the City. Councilman Moresi stated there had been no decision as to his land actually being considered in any program - City Manager Froerer agreed that no specific study has been made. Mr. Huston stated his only defense is to be assured now that his land will not be considered before any Redevelopment Agency can be created and before it can then condemn his land. He said he understood the area could be determined to be a "blighted" area which would qualify it for the creation of this Agency - and he felt he must protect himself by taking necessary action in time to have his land excluded and further, he must protest against the designation of this land as a "blighted" area. President Kranelly stated that, surely, before any final plans had been arrived at, Mr. Huston's position would be taken into consideration - and Mr. Froerer emphasized that he was sure no one could determine at this point what land would be involved. A Mr. Price spoke as the representative of the operators of the Island Auto Movie, stating that he had just heard of this matter and he would try to protect what he considers extremely valuable property for their use. President Kranelly explained that the City wants to acquire the property so that it can be developed as an industrial park which can be controlled. Mr. Huston stated he thought the property was being taken over for "housing" purposes - which impression was quickly dispelled by the emphatic denial of the Council, collect- ively. The City Manager pointed out the City is taking it over so it can really be developed properly. Councilman McCall stated the City hopes to take it over and establish a clean and well-operated industrial park which, taxwise, will furnish additional revenue to the community. If it just goes along as it is now, that area could be filled with ware- houses which, he felt, is not what the people in that vicinity want. The planned industrial park will build up the tax base for the benefit of the City. 0 • 13. Mr. Frank Gottstein addressed the Council concerning the flooding of Webster Street near Posey Tube. He stated it had not been raised in grade sufficiently to keep it clear of water during heavy storms and he felt this should be done. An offi- cial elevation should be established for future building. 14. Mr. Gottstein also spoke of the wash job that is now being carried on by the County in Posey Tube. He pointed out that the area already washed is light and com- pared it to the effect tile would have in the Tube - the visibility is greatly increased and traffic can go through the Tube without danger. He said he understood that, eventually, the County Board of Supervisors is going to install tile in the Tube which will be much more satisfactory. Councilman Haag said he thought credit should be given where credit is due - and pointed out that Supervisor Sweeney has been fighting to get the Tube cleaned up - and to date, the only progress he has been able to make is to get the assurance and appropriation to have the Tube steam cleaned. He felt he has made a good start and perhaps he can eventually get the tile. Councilman Moresi suggested the Council address a letter to the County Supervisors pointing out the tremendous improvement the washing of the-TubeJlas made.'-President Kranelly thereupon requested the City Manager to write such a letter. HEARINGS: 1 • The matter was called up concerning the request from Harold C. and Lois V. Ward for the Amendment and Division of Assessment of certain parcels of land in the Bay Farm island Sewer Assessment District - Project No. 1. The parcels are now known as Nos, 22A and 18-1 and are to be known as Nos. 18-5, 18-6, 18-7, 18- 18-9, 18-11a, 18-13 and 18-14. There was no response to President Kranelly's query as to there being any objections to the requested division. Councilman Hove thereupon moved the Amendment and Divi sion of Assessment of these specified parcels be made. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and unanimously carried. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 1 . From Mr. G. A. Baxter, Secretary of Board of Public Utilities, requesting per- mission for Mr. Charles M. Romanowitz, Board member, to be absent from the United States for a period of approximately six weeks from January15,1956, as he has to take a business trip to Korea. Councilman Moresi moved permission be granted to Mr. Romanowitz to be absent accord- ingly. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and unanimously carried. 4 17. From the Library Board, signed by Wallace D. Miracle, President, concerning the recent damage to the Main Library building, in that the brick facing on the east para- pet fell off and the west parapet and all four corners are loosened and in danger of toppling. The Council was informed that the Board will have to request additional funds for the rehabilitation work anticipated. This matter was referred to the City Manager and City Attorney for review and report. 1 . From the City Manager, requesting permission be granted to William S. Souza, Greenskeeper, to attend the Annual National Turf Grass Conference and Show, to be held in Long Beach from February through the 10th, 1956 - and $125. be appropriated for this purpose. Councilman McCall moved the City Manager's request be granted and. Mr. Souza be auth- orized to attend the designated conference for the specified time and $125. be appro- priated for his expenses. The motion was seconded by Councilman Haag and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Hove, McCall, Moresi and President Kranelly, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Councilman McCall stated that, with the building of the new second Golf Course at this time, he felt it is very important that this employee attend the conference in question. 4 19. From the City Manager, requesting that the type of unit for the new Park Street lighting system be changed from fluorescent "Deluxe Warm White" to fluorescent "Cool White", as the former type is not manufactured now. Councilman Haag moved the City Manager's request be granted and the type of unit for this project be changed accordingly. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hove and unanimously carried. 20. From the City Manager, recommending that Justice-Dunn Company, contractor, be granted a ninety-day extension of time to complete the work on the project of plant- ing and the establishment of lawn for the new Municipal Golf Course. Councilman Hove moved the City Manager's recommendation be followed and the contractor be granted the specified extension of time for completion of the project. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and unanimously carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 21. The matter was called up concerning the appointment of three Assessment Commis- sioners - in connection with the filing of the Original Plan for Reclamation of Lands Within Reclamation District No. 2087 With Estimate of Cost Thereof. The matter was referred to "Resolutions". RESOLUTIONS: 22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi tion: "Resolution No. 5211 o moved its adop- Authorizing Execution of Agreement with Alton S. Lee, Architect, for Architectural Services to be Performed in Construction of Proposed New Park and Playground at Site of Atlantic Trailer Court." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Hove, McCall, Moresi and President Kranelly, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5212 Authorizing Attendance of City Manager and Mayor at Conference of Mayors to be Held at Washington, D. C., February 16-17, 1956, and Appropriating 8900.00 to Defray Expenses Incident to Such Attendance." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Haag and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Hove, McCall, Moresi and President Kranelly, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Haag, who moved its adop- tion: "Resolution No. 5213 Appointing Three Assessment Commissioners for Reclama- tion District No. 2087." (Prescott J. Kendall, Myron B. Dowd and Walter D. Gregory) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Hove and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Hove, McCall, Moresi and President Kranelly, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hove, who moved its adop- tion: "Resolution No. 5214 Indicating the Intention and Desire of the City of Alameda to Enter into an Agreement with the Federal Government to Accept Transfer of Encinal Housing Cal-4113." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Hove, McCall, Moresi and President Kranelly, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 26. "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Certain Real Property for the Purpose of Street and Highway Improvements." (Northwest corner of Park Street and Buena Vista Avenue) President Kranelly stated the Council has decided to lay this ordinance over to the next meeting for further consideration. FILING: 27. Financial Statement - BureaU of Electricity, as of October 31, 1955 - Verified by Dalton, Graupner & Barber. 28. Auditor's Financial Statement - City of Alameda, as at December 31, 1955 - Verified by Dalton, Graupner & Barber. BILLS: 29. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of $230648.111 was submitted to the Council at this meet- ing. The list was accompanied by certification from the City Manager that the Claims shown were correct. Councilman McCall moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on January 17, 1956, and submitted to the Council at this time, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Haag and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Hove, McCall, Moresi and President Kranelly, (5). 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 7, 1956, at 8:00 o'clock. Respectfully submitted,