Loading...
1956-08-07 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 1956 The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock D. '1. with President Kranelly presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Councilman l'oresi, followed by the invocation, delivered by the Reverend Thomas VJefr, Pastor of First Christian Church. ROLL CALL! The roll was called and Councilmen Haag, Hove, McCall, Moresi and President Kranelly, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. WRITTEN COMEUNICATIONS: 1Y/ From Mr, Gustaf A. Johnson, requesting the refund of 0.26 paid to the City of Alameda as personal property tax on his boat which has been moored in Richmond since February, 1955. The matter was referred to the Auditor for recommendation. 2. From Alameda County Voters Registration Committee, signed by Mr. Edward Hirsch, President, urging the Council to assist in voter registration by doing whatever possible to allow City firemen to be deputized as permanent registrars. Mr. Hirsch was present and, in response to the President's invitation to speak, he stated there are approximately 120,000 people in the County to be registered between now and September 13. The registration figure in the County has dropped approxi- mately 7,000 in number between 1950 and 1956 and everyone will agree that the population has increased during this period. He pointed out Alameda is the only City which is not volunteering for voter registration and he urged the Council to do whatever possible to correct this situation. President Kranelly remarked that this matter has been discussed before by the Council and, since Chief Lane is present this evening, perhaps he might like to review the situation with the Council at this time. Chief Lane stated that when the request was first made that the firemen be deputized as registrars he had talked with the City Manager and Mr. Jack G. Blue, County Clerk, on the subject. He had pointed out that the fire stations are locked when the men are away for their training. Mr. Blue had agreed that if the firemen would get people to serve, he would deputize them to act as registrars. Chief Lane said his men had tried to ,;et people in the neighbor- hood of each station, but they had no success. He said he did not want his firemen to have anything to do with the registration of voters or being' responsible for the Affidavits of Registration. President Kranelly stated it looks bad from Alameda's standpoint that it is the only City not c000era;ing in getting people to register. He felt it would be a north- while cause to have the firemen take on this job. Councilman Hove said that, as he understands it, in the event of a fire the stations are left absolutely empty and Chief Lane is afraid of leaving the Affidavits unpro- tected. He felt, however, something should be worked out - Alameda has been criti- cized about being the only City which would not cooperate in this respect. He agreed there is a problem when the stations are closed, but maintained the City wants to eliminate the adverse criticism. Mr. Hirsch stated he had a list of fire stations in other cities which are cooper- ating by handling this work. Chief Lane explained that the Alameda Fire Department has in-service training every afternoon - and also, that they had not I-)een able to procure outside people for permanent registrars. Councilman McCall asked vaby the City could not go on a trial basis until Fontember 1956, to see what kind of cooperation is given by the people. The Chief could see that the fire stations are covered during the day. Councilman Haag inquired if the Chief has made an attempt to contact the heads of the respective parties in Alameda - they have organizations to do this work and he felt that among these two groups sufficient volunteers should be procured. Councilman McCall asked Chief Lane if he had any objections to trying out the job until September 13, and Chief Lane stated he would be glad to do so if the Council so desired. The City Manager said Chief Lane has explained the situation exactly as it is. He suggested the firemen could be deputized - and they would register people when they are at the stations - but he felt publicity should be given the fact that the sta- tions have to be closed at times and people desiring to register would then under- stand the circumstances. Mr. Hirsch agreed this is a very fair arrangement. President Kranelly suggested notices be prepared and posted at the stations for the public's information. Councilman Hove moved the Council follow the suggestion of the City Manager and certain members of the Fire Department be deputized to register voters at the fire stations through September 13. The motion was seconded by Council—an Moresi and unanimously carried. From Wilfred and George Eleanor Keene, owners of qeorge W. Murphy Mortuary, requesting additional time in which to remain in their present location, particu- larly as far as the mortuary building is concerned, pend'ng completion of the con- struction of their new mortuary on High Street. It was explained that State law actually prevents them from continuing in business unless they have "in being and usable embalming facilities" on their own premises - they cannot contract for this service or join with any other funeral director or establishment even or a tempor- ary basis. It was pointed out that ground will be broken and construction started at their new location on August 8, and it is estimated the work will take about five months. President Kranelly asked Mr. Haulman, the contractor, if he could shorten the building period and ir. Haulman stated he would be doing very well to complete the building in that time, but he did feel quite sure it could be finished within that period. Mr. Annibale asked that the Council defer action on this matter until he could examine the commitments concerning the bonds sold in connection with the con- struction of off-street parking lots. Councilman Moresi asked how many stalls the City would be deprived of if the mortuary building were left intact at this time - and the City Engineer answered, "about twenty". Councilman Moresi also inquired if the delay in removing this building would entail any additional cost. Fr. Hanna replied there might be some additional cost in construction - it is just logical that to do the work piecemeal would cost a little more. Upon request, Mr. Froerer stated the City can 7o ahead and develop the rest of the parking lot anyway. He explained that, upon receipt of his copy of Mr. Keene 's letter this morning, he immediately started investigating to ascertain what could be done. The City will have to have the necessary exit adjacent to the easterly side of the mortuary building and remove the residence existing there now and put in parallel stalls along the westerly side of the mortuary. He felt, however, the lot can be put in without the full number of stalls at present and it will be just as convenient to Central Avenue. He said this procedure would cost very little more. He said that, in view of the circumstances Fr. Keene finds himself in, he had tried to ascertain what would be a fair rent on the mortuary building. He had checked with a couple of realtors and had assumed that Mr. Keene would be willing to pay a fair rent for his extended occupancy. Mr. Keene observed that the Richmond Funeral Home had been in a similar situation. The City of Richmond had allowed it to stay and operate for a certain sum. He said he naturally expected to pay rent and suggested he talk with the City Manager about it. President Kranelly assured Mr. Keene the Council certainly did not intend to put him out of business. He also suggested to Mr. Froerer that probably consideration should be given to any possible additional expense in constructing the lot in this way. Councilman Haag stated the Council was most adversely affected by the condemnation proceedings and he wondered if it would be possible for the City Attorney to make an immediate check on the matter and then give Mr. Keene an answer tonight. Mr. Annibale asked that he be allowed to checkttomorrow as he could not determine the proper facts now. Mr. Keene said he had asked Mr. A. Hubbard Moffitt, Attorney, if there were any technicalities involved In the bond issue which would affect this situation and he had said the City would automatically take possession of the pronertya nd could then lease it back to him. Councilman Hove asked the Cit7 Attorney when title would pass on this property and Mr. Annibale replied it is in escrow right now In response to the President's question as to how long it would take to clear, Mr. Annibale answered it will take about one week. President Kranelly also asked the City Attorney if there would be any legal entangle- ments involved if this matter is laid over to the next meeting and Mr. Annibale replied that he could see none. Mr. Froerer stated that, as a matter of fact, LIr. Keene was planning to move from his establishment by September 1 in any event. Mr. Keene agreed, stating that they are already about half rnoved out of their residence. President Kranelly thereupon stated the rnatter will be laid over to August 21. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 4 4. At this time, Mr. Paul E. Jackson, representative of California State Auto- mobile Association, stated he had the pleasant duty of presenting to the City an Honorable Mention Award in the Pedestrian Protection Contest. He remarked that this National Contest had started in 1930, and at first it was not well received - but in 1955, 1611 cities had received awards. During this period of time, the pedestrian fatalities have dropped fifty per cent throughout the country, while traffic fatalities, on the whole, were rising. He commended the Police Department and pointed out it is very highly respected for the kind of work it has done. The award is given to the City of Alameda for "No Pedestrian Deaths in 1955" and he mentioned that, in the class of 50,000 to 100,000 population, the number of fatalities averaged four, while Alameda had none whatever. Alameda competed against 88 cities in this population class, President Kraneiiy stated he appreciated very much being, able to accept this award on behalf of the City and thanked ifir. Jackson for his presentation. President Kranelly, in turn, presented the award to Chief Doran of the Alameda Police Depart- ment and commended his Department for its excellent work. Chief Doran accepted the award and said it was made possible through the cooperation and good work of the Traffic Squad and Engineering Department. V 5. President Kranelly stated he had another award to make this evening - pre- senting Certificates of Completion to five firemen. He called upon Chief Lane who introduced the following members of his Department: Paul F. Comunelli, Don Johnson, iilliam C. Magby, Norman O'Dell and Paul E. Swanson. President Kranelly complimented the men for taking their own time to complete the training course, and stated the Council is appreciative of any employee who takes time to further his education and prepare himself for his profession. He congratu- lated the group for the effort put forth. HEARINGS: 6. The rnatter was called up concerning the requested approval of the Tentative Map for Tract No. 1811 - a subdivision proposed to be developed by Mw. Michael Hester - situated south of Otis Drive at High Street. The City Planning Board, at its meeting of June 27, 1956, had recommended to the Council that this Flap ho disapproved due to its conflict with the City's Policy for the alignment of the connection between the existing Bay Farm Island Bridge and the South Shore highway. Mr. Annibale stated the attorney for M.P. Hester had requested a postponement of the continued Hearing for three weeks or a month - and he would, therefore, s suggest it be laid over to the meeting of Septernber 4. It was so ordered. 7. From the City Manager, reporting all work completed on the project of Install- From the City Planning Board, requesting the Council hake steps to have a dust control ordinance drafted for the adequate control of the emission of dust from land fill opera tions REPORTS OF COIVTLITITEES: ing an Irrigation System for the first nine holes of the New Municipal Golf Course, recommending it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered filed. Councilman Moresi rnoved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that the work on this project be accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and unanimously carried. The matter was referred to the Committee of the Vlhole. 9. From the Advisory Golf Commission, requesting Council approval of a revised method of play at the Municipal Golf Course, taking in the new nine holes, com- mencing September 1. Also, the approval of the Junior 'Mir Tournament, involving from 70 to 100 youths, to be held on the new nine holes starting August 20, and continuing for four days. Councilman McCall stated the judgment of the Commission and its presentation for the revised play is well taken and he, therefore, moved the Council adopt the recom- mendation as set forth. The motion was sec-nded by -ouecilman Haag and unanimously carried. Councilman Haag then moved the suggestion of the Commission as to holding the Junior Golf Tournament for four days beginning August 20, be approved. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hove and unanimously carried. 10. From the City Manager, reporting on his review of the matter of the demolition of the Vowinkle house and utility buildings at Woodstock Park. It was pointed out the City has received an informal bid from Bayshore Dry Kiln Company of San Francisco to complete all of the work outlined in the Specifications for the project, at the price of lap2,575. As previously ascertained, the total cost of the project would be „4.2,350. - under Mr. Dave Gillette's bid of Q1,200., plus the City having to complete the job at a cost of 41,150. It was stated that Mr. Gillette's position is so vague with regard to his securing a contractor's license that, even though the Bayshore bid is ,,525. higher than the cost if Mr. Gillette did the work, it is the City Manager's opinion that probably the best action would be to reject all bids submitted under Specifications No. PW 5-56-10, and authorize the City Manager to proceed to accomplish the work on the open market with the intention that award be made to the Bayshore Dry Kiln Company within the thirty-day period unless a better offer could be secured before that date. Councilman Hove moved the City Manager's suggestion be followed: that all bids be rejected and the bid bonds or checks be returned to the bidders and the City Manager be authorized to accomplish the work on the open market as indicated. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes Hone. Absent: -Tone. 11V. From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to C. C. Jones Sons, low bidder, for the project of Constructing Three Off-Street Parking Lots at the price of 30,079.95. Councilman Moresi moved the City Manager's recomleendatton be adopted: that contract be awarded to the designated firm for the project sneciried at the price quoted and the bid bonds or checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call c.rried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 12. From the City Manager, submitting the Tentative Budget for the fiscal year 1956-1957. The proposed tax rate is ,p2.20 per Q100. of assessed valuation, which is an increase of ).03 over the rate of last year. Councilman McCall moved the Tentative Budget as submitted by the City Manager be accepted by the City Council. The motion was seconded by Councilman Haag and unanimously carried. President Kranelly remarked that an increase in the tax rate of only three cents is certainly noteworthy and the City Manager is to be commended. 1 13. From the City Manager, reporting on his review of the bids received on the project of Planting the Second Part of the Lawn for the New Municipal Golf Course - Specifications No. PW 7-56-16. It was pointed out the City Engineer had made a careful investigation of all costs involved in this project and his estimate of cost is P16,899.85. This sum is 5,045.55 lower than the lowest bid of ''22,94',.40. The City Manager recommended, therefore, that all bids be rejected and he be authorized to purchase all materials and supplies and rent necessary equipment on the open market so the work can be done by City forces. The motion -as seconded b y Council- man Hove. Speaking on the question, Councilman McCall asked if this procedure will delay completion of the second nine holes. Mr. Froerer replied, "No", and said that as a matter of fact, he thought the City would be able to prosecute the work a little more rapidly than a contractor would. He stated the City Engineer has already investigated and knows the source of all items to be used. Councilman McCall asked if the matter had been discussed with the Advisory Golf Commission, to which Mr. Froerer answered, "No, but it has been discussed with the Golf Pro and the Head Groundskeeper". Councilman Moresi inquired if it was anticipated that many more people would have to be employed and if it would be difficult to get them. Mr. Froerer said the skilled people will be of the City force but it may be necessary to supplement them with men of lesser skill. He felt arrangements can be worked out very well indeed. The question was then put and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 14. Councilman Moresi introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Subdivision (28) to Section 17-342, Relating to Two-Ho'ir Parking." 467 15. Councilman McCall introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: " 7\T Ordinance eo. New Series An Ordinance Amending Section 131933 of Title XITT, Chapter 1, of the Alameda Municipal Code, Relating to Business Licenses and Business License Fees." UNFINISHED BUST NESS: 16. The matter was called up with regard to the recommendation from the City Planning Board to deny rezoning of certain property from the "9" Two-to-Four Family Dwelling District to the "G" Light Industrial District, as requested by Alaska Packers Association - for the purpose of constructing a warehouse for canned goods. The Clerk read a letter from Encinal Terminals, dated August 6, 1956, and signed by Mr. D. L. Dullum, President, stating the one offer received by it for sale of the property was not acceptable and requesting the Council to approve the petition and adopt an ordinance rezoning, the property for light industry. It was stated the Company is entirely agreeable to provide reasonable setbacks for the proposed warehouse, construct a building of pleasing appearance, submit final sketch of the building for Council approval and also, to furnish parking space at the foot of Sherman Street for the employees who will work in the contemplated building. A copy of a letter was also read from Mr. Ridgway "ioodburn, addressed to Encinal Terminals, dated August 6, 1956, asking that the Company indicate its price for the land in question and stating that his client, Mr. Claire V. Goodwin, is definitely interested in negotiating for the purchase of the property. President Kranelly observed that considerable time has already been spent discussing the matter of this requested rezoning but if there are any new points to be brought out, the Council would be glad to hear them at this time. He then called upon 7r. Dullum who said 7r. vloodburn had called him at his home over the week-end. He had told Mr, Woodburn that his Company is not anxious to sell the property and he should submit an offer as the previous orfer had been entirely unrealistic and, therefore, unacceptable. He had told Mr. vroodburn that his Company is not going to suggest a selling, price. He then pointed out the Company is desirous of having the property rezoned so that it can construct a warehouse. He reiterated the Company is quite agreeable to maintain setbacks of 17 feet on Buena Vista Avenue, 10 feet on Benton and Sherman Streets and 20 feet on Pacific Avenue. He said the matter of parking is of great interest to the people in the area and the Company has negotiated with Alameda Belt Line for such space at the foot of Sherman Street. He felt it will be quite practical to provide a setback of sufficient depth to accommodate parking space for employees working in the proposed building at either street frontage. Dullum pointed out they are undecided as to the Council's desire with regard to the setback of the building adjacent to the rear of the existing homes fronting on Pacific Avenue. He said he would be glad to submit a scale drawing of the latest plan and again urged the Council's early action as they would like to dispose of the matter as soon as possible. President Kranelly asked if any of the protestants had anything further to add - and :Jr. Samuel Watts, 1314 Pacific Avenue, said the residents of the neighborhood dicl not want that property rezoned for any reason - no matter what is pronosed for the land. He reiterated that if industrial use is permitted there the residential property would be damaged. He said that, as far as the time factor is concerned, action could be postponed. On the basis of the fact that property will be available soon in the new industrial development, he would like to have the Council defer action. He felt the time factor is not so important that the matter has to be settled here tonight. Councilman Hove stated there has been mentioned an underground or overhead connection and he asked if an underground passage is possible. Ur. Dullum replied that it is possible to engineer such a connection, and it would be used to convey canned goods between the new building and Plant No, 48. It was developed that there is a large sewer of the East Bay Municipal Utility District on this property, running parallel with Buena Vista Avenue. The City Engineer explained it has a six-foot outside diameter with about eight feet of coverage. He pointed out there are other sewers in this area, toEether with water and gas lines - and it would require some investigation to determine their exact locations. In response to Councilman Haag's question as to their depth, Mr. Hanna answered they generally have about three feet of coverage. Dullum stated that if it is not practical to engineer an underground connection it would not be pursued - he agreed it would be desirable to have a conveyor belt but it is not essential. Councilman Hove said he felt the Council should have a strong written agreement between the City and Alaska Packers Association so there would be no misunder- standing concerning all details involved. He stated this matter has been discussed at length and each member of the Council has inspected the property in question and has given consideration to the benefits to be derived by the City in general. He thereupon moved the Council reverse the action of the City Planning Board and the City Attorney be authorized to draft the ordinance rezoning the property in question and that a written agreement be entered into by the City and Alaska Packers Associa- tion in connection with the construction of the bulding,. Councilman Moresi seconded the motion and pointed out that while this action is in the process of being culminated, it will give any real estate broker tine to come in with an offer. On roll call the motion carried by the following vote. Aires: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. Councilman Moresi stated none of the City Council is in a position at the present time to set up specifications concerning setbacks and details to be worked out for the agreement. Mr. Dullum stated his Company is quite agreeable to albmit plans to whomever is the proper authority and he will proceed to have his Engineering Department draw up the sketches. President Kranelly stated the matter will now be left in the hands of the City Manager and City Attorney. Councilman Moresi mentioned the fact that Benton Street should be established at its full width in the agreement. The City Engineer explained that while Benton Street now looks like a full street only half of it has been dedicated - and it was brought out that half of the street in this block is owned by Alaska Packers Association. RESOLUTIONS: 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its adoption.: "Resolution No. 5425 Amending Portion of Resolution 7o. 5376, Relating to Positions and Salaries, by Creating One New Position of Traffic Engineer in the Street and Engineering Department, and Fixing the Salary Thereof." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes : Five. Noes None, Absent: None. 18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5426 Amending Resolution No. 5376, Salary Resolution for Fiscal Year 1956-1957, by Allowing Time Off to Employees Who Are Required to Appear and Testify in a Court of Law or Other Forum Under Subpoena." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Haag and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None, Absent: None. 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Haag, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5427 Transferring 1,551.00 from the Traffic Safety Fund to The Special Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Hove and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: 'Tone. Absent: 'Tone. 20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hove, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5428 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Wrecking and/or Removal of Buildings Located on Off-Street Parking Site on Central Avenue Near Oak Street, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise San®. 4 6 9 The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes None. Absent: None. 21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5429 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Filling Portion of North Side Sewer Between Arbor Street and Hibbard. Street, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." The motion, to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the foll ing vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5430 Supporting the Program Recommended by the Alameda County Highway Advisory Committee for Improvement and Development of the State Highway System in Alameda County -- Fiscal Year 1957-1958." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded bv Councilman Haag and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five, Noes: None, Absent: 1:one. President Kranelly thereupon declared all of the foregoing resolutions duly adopted and passed. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 23. "Ordinance No. 1192, New Series An Ordinance Amending Title XVIII, Chapter 6, of The Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Thereto Section 18-618 Relating to Refusal to Pay Fare for Taxicab or Auto- mobile for Hire." Councilman Haag moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hove and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: 'one. Absent: None. 24. "Ordinance No, 1193, New Series An Ordinance Amending Title XVII, Chapter 4, of The Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Thereto Article 6, Sections 17-461, 17-462 and 17-463, Relating to Yield Right-of-Way Traffic Signs." Councilman Hove moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 25. "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Authorizin; the Acquisition of Certain Real Property Known as Encinal Project Cal-4113." The City Attorney stated information had reached his office concerning certain provisions and conditions involved in this transaction. He said he had prepared a detailed memorandum for each Councilman, in explanation of the situation. However, realizing they had not had time to digest all of the facts eat forth, he would suggest the Council adjourn this meeting to an adjourned regular meeting to be held this Thursday evening, August 9. This was agreeable to the Councilmen. FILING: 26. Specifications No. 711 9-56-18 - Project of 'rrec1,-ing and/or Removal of 7utldings Located on Off-Street Pa-king Site on Central Avenue. 27. Specifications No. PV! - iiroject of Filling Portion of North Side Sever Between Arbor and Hibbard Streets. 28. Tentative Budget - Fiscal Year 1956-1957. BILLS: 29. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of 079,720.31, 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 McCall moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on August 7, 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: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. ADJOURNMENT: 30. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council ad- journed - to assemble in adjourned regular session on Thursday evening, August 9, 1956, at 7:30 O'clock. Respectfully submitted,