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1956-12-04 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING DECEMBER 4 1956 The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock P.M. with President Kranelly presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Councilman Moresi, followed by a most inspirational Invocation delivered by the Reverend Carl R. March, Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church. 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 adjourned regular meeting held November 13, 1956, were approved as transcribed. OPENING OF BIDS: 2. One bid was received and read from Southwest Sewer Tool Co., for furnishing one Trailer-Mounted Sewer Rodding 1 +.chine, in accordance with Specifications and Provisions therefor, No. MS 11- 56 -31, at the price of $4,433.52. The bid was accompanied by a Cashier's check in the amount of $443.35. 3. Five bids were opened and read for Furnishing Paints, Varnishes, Thinners, etcetera (excluding traffic paints and thinners), in accordance with Specifications and Provisions therefor, No. MS 11- 56 -32, as follows: From Alameda Paint and Wallpaper Co. Accompanied by a check in amount of From R. N. Nason & Co. Accompanied by American Trust Co. M.O. From Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company Accompanied by a check in amount of From W. P. Fuller & Co. Accompanied by certified check in amount of 71.00 50.00 70.00 70.04 From James Paint Co. Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of 100.00 4 4. Two bids were opened and read for the project of Furnishing and Erecting Chain Link Fence Along Doolittle Drive for the New Municipal Golf Course on Bay Farm Island, in accordance with Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans therefor, No. PW 11- 57 -24, as follows: From San Jose Steel Company, Inc. $1,397.76 Accompanied by a Bid Bond From The Colorado Fuel and Iron Corporation 1,276.80 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - 250.00 The foregoing bids were referred to the City Manager for review and recommendation. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 5. From Thor Realty Company of San Leandro, dated November 21, 1956, submitting a report on the progress to date on its proposed South Shore Marina Development - being a Yacht Harbor Program, encompassing 70 acres of tidelands lying south of the property of Utah Construction Company, roughly between the westerly line of Washing- ton Park and Grand Street, extended. It was stated a revised plan will be ready for submission shortly after the first of the year. President Kranelly requested the letter be acknowledged and that copies of it be given to the Planning Board for its information. 6. From Miss Virginia Gohn, 1200 Bay Street, protesting against the dismissal of Mrs. Wiley from the City Planning Board. The communication was noted and ordered filed. 7V From Alameda Chamber of Commerce, in appreciation of the Council's consider- ation of the request for arrow -type directional traffic signal lights _at the intersection of Buena Vista Avenue and Park Street. President Kranelly stated the communication will be referred to the file on the subject and requested that a copy of Chief Doran's report on the matter be sent to the Chamber. 8.` From the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, submitting copy of a letter from O'Driscoll Construction Corp., concerning disposition or development of its property located south of Central Avenue in the west end of the City. It was stated a copy had also been sent to the Alameda Real Estate Board. President Kranelly said he assumed the Chamber is exerting every effort toward the sale and improvement of this property. Councilman Haag asked if the matter had been called to the attention of other developers, as well as members of the Real Estate Board, and suggested the matter be referred back to the Chamber with the recommendation it acquaint all builders of the fact that the land is available for development. 9`. From the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, with regard to the Navy's interest in expanding the Naval Air Station Housing Project into the property immediately north therefrom. The Clerk stated she had received four telegrams during the afternoon pertaining to this matter - from the following: K. E. Zigelhofer, 1522 High Street; A. H. Bicknell, 3255 Fernside Boulevard; Arthur D. Ramsey, 2890 Clay Street and Louis B. Groper, 1503 Webster Street. The messages were to the effect that the Council make a thorough investigation and give serious consideration to the "so- called Navy land grab before taking any action. President Kranelly stated this matter came to public notice just recently and he asked the City Manager to report on the subject. Mr. Froerer explained this "interest" came to the attention of the Planning Department when inquiry was made by a firm.of architects in San Francisco with regard to the zoning and land use of the area in question. It was stated the Navy was interested in developing this forty -six acres. Immediately thereafter, he contacted. Congressman Miller and invited his attention to the situation and asked if he would secure factual inform- ation as to just what the cirecumstances are. He had received a letter from Congressman Miller a few days ago in which it was stated he had not yet ascertained any definite information, but he would let the City know just as soon as possible. Mr. Froerer stated he had no definite further information. Councilman Haag suggested letters be sent to both of the State Senators, apprising them of the situation. He said this would be another forty -six acres which would be taken off the tax rolls - and he pointed out that, not too long ago, the Navy had informed Alameda Bayside Construction Corp. there was no need for additional Navy Housing. He said he would like to have the fact emphasized that the Navy refused the certification of need for housing - because he was afraid there might be some warehouses contemplated for this area. Councilman Moresi asked if the City had contacted the Twelfth Naval District - to which question Mr. Froerer replied it had been contacted and the matter was denied. The City Manager was requested to write letters to the State Senators and to the Twelfth Naval District and, pending receipt of further information, the matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole. 10. From the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, requesting the Council to give further attention to the matter of installing decorative flower baskets on Alameda streets, which could be suspended from electric light poles and which would, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, add materially to the beauty of Alameda business streets. President Kranelly pointed out the Council is already giving consideration to the matter, with respect to ascertaining the maintenance costs. In response to the question as to when this information might be available, Mr. Froerer answered the report is in the process of being prepared. The letter was thereupon referred to the file on the subject. J 11. From the California Conference of Machinists, submitting copy of its resolution concerning the disgraceful condition of water pollution on the shoreline of the City of Emeryville, calling for action to stop such pollution and requesting the Council of the City of Alameda to support the resolution. President Kranelly stated all members of the Council are thoroughly in accord with the request. Councilman Moresi stated she thought the City had already adopted a similar resolution, which Councilman McCall corroborated and he also pointed out the City has made a presentation before the Water Pollution Control Board. The City Manager was instructed to so inform the California Conference of Machinists and to send a copy of the resolution previously adopted by the Council. The communi- cation was then ordered filed. 54 12. From Alameda Realty, signed by Lowell H. Duggan, requesting a time extension of one year in which to complete certain improvements in Tract No. 1289, as set forth in the Agreement, dated October 28', 1955, between the City of Alameda and Lowell H. and Janet A. Duggan. Upon request, Mr. Froerer stated practically all improvements have been installed, with the exception of certain sidewalks and street lights - and if the subdivider. desires additional time-, it should be granted to him. Mr. Duggan stated this is merely a technical procedure - it is just a matter of completing some minor items and since the Agreement was for the period of one year, this officially extends the time to allow completion. He stated the work will be finished in a much shorter period of time. Mr. Annibale recommended the motion be such as to "modify the Agreement" in this respect. Councilman Hove thereupon moved the request of Mr. Duggan be granted and the Agree- ment in question be modified to extend the time limit for one year. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and unanimously carried. 13`. At this time, two sets of Petitions were presented, consisting of several sections each. One set, signed by 194 residents, "urgently requested the Council to pass a resolution to 'SELL NOT MORE' than forty per cent of the Washington Park Fill area" - also, "Though the citizens voted you the power and authority to dispose of the total area, we feel that a resolution with your policy decision to 'SELL NOT MORE' than forty per cent of the area would in a sense be a temporary safeguard and protection for our public land in this area and a show of good faith on your part ". President Kranelly pointed out the citizens "did not vote the Council the authority to dispose of any land ". He felt the wording in the petition is an erroneous state- ment - the citizens voted on a bond issue, as such. He said he understands the Council has the power to sell land and he asked for the City Attorney's ruling on his statement. Mr. Annibale stated he is correct. The second set, signed by 103 residents, stated, "If consideration is being given to remodeling the present City Hall and purchase of property nearby, we urge that you consider the sale of the present City Hall and adjacent property. It is our con- viction that the money accrued from such a sale, plus savings of remodeling costs, might provide the nucleus of a fund to develop a new civic center to be located in the new Washington Park Area as shown in the Master Plan, as recommended by Mr. Camp- bell, Planning Consultant, Mr. Williams, Planning Director, and the City Planning Board ". Mrs. Julie Marquart, 835 Portola Drive, referring to the first set of petitions, said the reason for the requested change of language from "not less than forty per cent" to "not more than forty per cent" is because this is a new area to be developed and, eventually, some new Council might want to sell the entire area. President Kranelly suggested the petitions be referred to the Committee of the Whole. It was so ordered. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 14. Mr. Frank Gottstein addressed the Council concerning the apparent lack of busi- ness in the off - street parking lot just east of Webster Street, running between Haight and Santa Clara Avenues. He felt it was a poor location for the parking lot because of the large parking area in connection with the Lucky Market just across Santa Clara Avenue. He said the only way to make it pay would be to have one -hour parking limits on Haight Avenue or any of the nearby streets, and also to have some yellow loading zones established along Webster Street. President Kranelly explained that the three off - street parking sites were decided upon by a committee of merchants. He said Mr. Gottstein's point about the yellow loading zones beingestablished is well taken - and now that the City does have its parking lots in existence, the Council can give further consideration to this matter. The Council also agreed the parking on the side streets should be investigated and asked that the City Manager immediately institute such study and make a- report. 15. Mr. Gottstein also spoke on the subject of keeping the Library open on Sundays like the City of Oakland does. He felt many people would appreciate the opportunity to have these facilities available. President Kranelly explained this question would come under the jurisdiction of the Library Board. However, all agreed the suggestion was a very good one and the matter should be referred to the Library Board for its consideration. The City Manager was instructed to ascertain from the City of Oakland what procedure is followed in this respect and then the matter will be referred to the Library Board. 5 ,'f 16. Mrs. Marquart asked if all City and County Offices are in the City Hall. It was explained the City rents office space in the Times -Star Building for the Deputy District Attorney and the Court, for which the rental is 4110. per month. It was also pointed out the City pays the salary of the stenographer for the Attorney. HEARINGS: 17V . Continued from the last meeting was the matter of Tract No. 1811 - the Hester Subdivision. Mr. Annibale stated the Subdivider's attorney has agreed to a continu- ance of the proceedings to the next regular meeting of the Council, to be held December 18, 1956 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 18. From Mr. C. Delwyn Elfers, dated November 19, 1956, submitting his resignation from the office of member of the City Planning Board. Councilman Moresi moved the resignation be accepted. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall, who suggested a fetter of thanks be sent to Mr. Elfers for his service on this Board. The motion was unanimously carried. The City Manager was asked to prepare such a letter for the Mayor's signature. V 19. From the Advisory Health Board, signed by E. S. Ashuckian, D.D.S., Chairman, submitting seven recommendations to the City Council, for its consideration and action as to the specific steps to be taken with regard to the merging of health services for the City of Alameda with the County of Alameda. The communication was referred to the Committee of the Whole for further study of the recommendations. 20. From the City Manager, submitting the report from the Chief of Police concern- ing the requested installation'of arrow -type directional traffic signal lights at the intersection of Buena Vista Avenue and Park Street. It was the Chief's opinion that the installation of such signal lights would not help the flow of traffic. Councilman Haag suggested the matter be held in abeyance until the Chamber of Commerce has had an opportunity to review the Chief's report, as indicated earlier in the meeting. It was so ordered. 21. From the Mayor, City Manager and City Auditor, submitting their report on the Count of Money, held November 21, 1956 - showing the total sum of 34,709,393.59 in the City Treasury at that time. The report was noted and ordered filed. 22. From the City Manager, reporting work satisfactorily c ompleted on the project of Installing Sanitary Sewer Interceptor in Pearl Street, recommending it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered filed. Councilman McCall moved the City Manager's recommendation be followed; that the work be accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Haag and unanimously carried. 23. From the Mayor, nominating Mr. Dallace W. Ogilvie, 3104 Lincoln Avenue, for appointment to the office of member of the City Planning Board, to serve the remainder of the unexpired term of Mr. C. Delwyn Elfers, resigned, which term will expire June 30, 1958. The matter was referred to "Res lutions ". 24, From the Mayor, nominating Mr. John M. Bridge -, 924 Broadway, for appointment to the office of member of the City Planning Board, to serve the remainder of the unexpired term of Mr. Ford H. Thomason, resigned, which term will expire June 30, 1957. The matter was referred to "Resolutions ". INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 25. Councilman Hove 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 (75) to Section 17 -432 Thereof, Relating to Stop Intersections." 56 26. Councilman McCall introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance - Amending Section 17 -364.1 and Section 17 -333 of the Alameda Municipal Code to Provide That Parking Shall be Prohibited on the East Side of Park Avenue Between Central and Santa Clara Avenues." NEW BUSINESS: 27. The Clerk presented the matter of increasing Election Workers' pay and also increasing the rental paid for the Polling Places - in connection with the next General Municipal Election to be held March 12, 1957. She asked for verbal author- ization at this time to indicate to prospective workers, and in signing up the polling places, that the pay will be raised from $9. and $10. to $11. and $12. for the Election Board members and from $7.50 to $10. for the rental of Polling Places. It was pointed out that, at the proper time, a resolution will be submitted for the Council's adoption which will incorporate the amounts as indicated. There being no objections, the Clerk's request was granted accordingly. RESOLUTIONS: 28. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Haag, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5488 Resolution Stating Participation of the City of Alameda in the "California Cities Employee Safety Contest" as Sponsored by the League of California Cities and the State Compensation Insurance Fund." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Hove and on roll call carried by the - following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 29. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hove, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5489 Providing for Extra Compensation for Eladio R. Muzquiz, Deputy 'oundmaster, for City Service Performed During Part of Vacation Period." 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. 30. The following resolution eas introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5490 Requesting Cancellation of County Taxes on Property Acquired by the City of Alameda for Public Purposes." (Off - Street Parking Sites) 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. 31. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5491 Resolution of the Council of the City of Alameda Strongly Urging That the California Toll Bridge Authority Immediately Proceed with the Financing, Construction and Other matters Necessary to Effectuate the Buildings of a Southern Crossing." 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. 32. With regard to the following resolution, Councilman Haag recalled that the attorney for the opponents had requested a period of time, until this meeting, in which to file an "Answer ", in connection with the Hearing on the matter held at the last regular meeting - and he asked if the City Attorney had received this document. Mr. Annibale replied that nothing in this respect had been filed in his office or with the City Clerk. Councilman Haag thereupon introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 54 -92 Resolution of the City Council of the City of Alameda in the Matter of Assessment in the Sum $3,946,872. Upon the Lands Within Reclamation District No. 2087, and Order Approving Assessment." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Hove and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 33. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hove, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5493 Amending Portion of esolution No. 5376, Relating to Positions and Salaries by Increasing Salary of Position of Emergency Surgeon (Part -Time) From 40150. to 40200. in the First Aid Department." 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. 34. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5494 Appointing Members of the City Planning Board." (Dailace W. Ogilvie and John M. Bridge -) 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'. 35. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5495 Adopting Specifications, .pecial Provisions and Plans for Construction of Parking Lot on Central Avenue near Oak Street, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." 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. 36. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Haag, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5496 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Building Protection of Fifty Housing Buildings in the Encinal Housing Area, Calling -for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Hove and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Five. Noes: None. Absent: None. 37. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hove, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5497 IN MEMORIAM TO JACK D. BANKS "WITH SINCERE SORROW, the Council of the City of Alameda records the death of one of its loyal employees, JACK D. BANKS. "WHEREAS, Mr. Banks had worked for the City of Alameda since October 20, 1952, in the capacity of Electrical Helper in the Bureau of Electricity; and "WHEREAS, his tragic and untimely death has greatly shocked and grieved his fellow workers. "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, in recognition of his faithful and efficient performance of his duties and his spirit of friendly cooperation with his associate employees, the Council of the City of Alameda does herewith express its sincere grati- tude for the conscientious effort put forth by Mr. Banks in his work. "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread in full upon the minutes of this meeting, and that a copy thereof be transmitted to Mr. Banks' family, that it may extend to its members a heart- felt expression of sympathy and condolence in their bereavement; and "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that when this meeting of, the Council of the City of Alameda adjourns, it shall do so in respect to the memory of MR. JACK D. BANKS." 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. At this point, President Kranelly called upon Mr. Froerer, who spoke in eulogy of Mr. Banks - pointing up that he was a very fine young man who leaves his widow and three young children. He remarked that all of the employees at the Bureau were deeply saddened by his unfortunate death and he will truly be missed by his associate workers. Mr. Froerer also spoke of a letter which had been received, addressed to the Mayor, from an elderly lady in Pasadena, who inquired as to just how she could aid Mr. Banks' family. President nranelly declared all of the foregoing resolutions duly adopted and passed. 38. President Kranelly stated at this time that Mr. Dallace Ogilvie, one of the newly appointed members of the City Planning Board was present - and he introduced and welcomed him. FILING :: 39. Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans No. FN 12 -5 -25 - For Project of Construction Parking Lot on Central Avenue near Oak Street. 40. Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans No. FN 12 -56 -26 - For Project of Building Protection of 50 Housing Buildings in Encinal Housing Area. BILLS: 41. Itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of $37,691.31,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 December 4, 1956, and presented 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: 42. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council ad- journed in respect to the memory of JACK D. BANKS - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, December 18, 1956 at 7:30 o'clock. Respectfully submitted,