1955-04-05 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, APRIL 5, 1955
The meeting convened at 8 :00 o'clock P. M. with President Anderson presiding.
The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by City Manager Froerer.
ROLL CATL :
The roll was called and Councilmen Haag, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President
Anderson, (5), were noted present. Absent: None.
MINUTES:
1. The minutes of the adjourned regular meeting held March 22, 1955, were approved
as transcribed.
OPENING OF BIDS:
2. Bids were opened and read for the project of Furnishing and Erecting Chain Link
Fences in Washington Park, in accordance with Specifications, Special Provisions and
Plans therefor, No. PW 3-55-4, as follows:
From San Jose Steel Co., Inc. $1,451.38
Accompanied by. Proposal or Bid Bond
From The Colorado Fuel & Iron Corporation
Accompanied by certified check in amount of -
From Anchor Post Products, Inc.
Accompanied by check in amount of
From United States Steel Corp., American Steel
& Wire Div., Cyclone Fence Dept.
Accompanied by certified check in amount of -
1,411.12
150.00
1,466.98
150.00
1,373.00
200.00
3. Bids were opened and read for the project of Installing Storm Sewer Line "B"
Along Flower Lane, from Beach Road to Island Road, Bay Farm Island, in accordance with
Specifications and Special Provisions therefor, No. PW 3 -55 -6, as follows:
From John H. McCosker, Inc.
Accompanied by Proposal or Bid Bond
From Manuel Enos
Accompanied by Bid Bond
From Paris Brothers
Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of
From Daniel Trade
Accompanied by Bid Bond
From H. H. Anderson
Accompanied by Bid Bond
From McGuire and Hester
Accompanied by Bid or Proposal Bond
$17,023.50
16,512.80
12,536.50
1,500.00
11,777.77
10,919.60
11,945.80
4. Bids were opened and read for the Furnishing of one new Complete Truck, Including
Hoist and Dump Body, in accordance with Specifications and Provisions No. MS 3 -55 -3,
as follows;
From International Harvester Company
Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of -
From Morris Landy Motors
Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of -
From Smith Motors of Alameda, Inc.
Accompanied by certified check in amount of -
From Brunk GMC
Accompanied by check in amount of
From Garland Chevrolet Co.
Accompanied by check in amount of
$2,265.99
230.00
2,275.74
227.57
2,678.00
260.00
2,688.88
270.00
2,710.64
272.00
5. Bids were opened and read for the Furnishing of one new Complete Truck, Including
Service -type Body, in accordance with Specifications and Provisions No. MS 3-55 -4,
as follows:
From Morris Landy Motors
Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of -
From International Harvester Company
Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of -
From Brunk GMC
Accompanied by check in amount of
From Garland Chevrolet Co.
Accompanied by check in amount of
From Smith Motors of Alameda, Inc.
Accompanied by certified check in amount of
31,572,79
157.28
1,668.28
168.00
1,806.31
185.00
1,860.67
187.00
1,866.10
181.18
6" Bids were opened and read for the Furnishing of one new Complete Truck, Including
Pickup -type Body, in accordance with Specifications and Provisions No. MS 3-55 -5, as
follows:
From Garland Chevrolet Co.
Accompanied by check in amount of
From Smith Motors of Alameda, Inc.
Accompanied by certified check in amount of -
From Brunk GMC
Accompanied by check in amount of
From International Harvester Company
Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of -
From Morris Landy Motors
Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of -
$1,536.92
154.00
1,463.78
142.12
1,537.84
155.00
1,344.62
135.00
1,312.34
131.23
7 Bids were opened and read for the Furnishing of Eight New Two -door Sedans for
the Police Department, in accordance with Specifications and Provisions No. MS 3 -55 -6,
as follows:
From Morris Landy Motors 6 cylinder 416,602.28
8 cylinder 7,177.00
Accompanied by cashier's checks in amounts of 660.23
717.70
From Kehoe Pontiac Company 12,327033
Accompanied by. certified check in amount of - 2,000.00
From Garland Chevrolet Co. 6 cylinder 10,463.00
8 cylinder 11,122.20
Accompanied by check in amount of 1,113.00
All of the foregoing bids were referred to the City Manager for study and recommen-
dation.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
. From Alameda Bayside Construction Corp., y submitting its offer of 493,750. to pur-
chase 0.83 acre of City -owned tidelands on the southerly line of Central Avenue oppo-
site Fourth Street.
Councilman Jones suggested this letter be referred to the Committee of the Whole for
the Council's further study and consideration. It was so ordered.
9. From the Civic League of Alameda, signed by Eunice Drayer, Secretary, concern-
ing the petition filed with the City Council by the Alameda Citizens Progress Commit
tee in approval of the Council's Agreement with Utah Construction Company - and
requesting certain information -with regard to the signers of this petition.
President Anderson stated it is the desire of the Council that this letter be referred
to the City Manager in order that he may draft a tentative reply to this organization
which will be approved by the Council before it is forwarded.
Councilman McCall stated he would like to clarify one point - reference is made in the
letter to the "deal" made by the Council with Utah Construction Company. He stated
an Agreement was negotiated - and the use of the term "deal" is a slur against the
Council.
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10. From Allan, Miller & Groezinger, Attorneys for Mrs. Kate G. Pedersen, with regard
to the lease between their client and the United States Navy of certain property on
Clement Avenue at the foot of Stanford Street. The Navy wishes the consent of the
City of Alameda to the lease because part of the land is owned in fee by the City.
It was requested that the Council authorize the execution of the consent.
This matter was referred to "Resolutions ".
11. From Alameda Unified School District, enclosing Oakland Title Insurance Company
check in the amountof $10.76, covering pro rata taxes on the Jack Bartoni property
at 2260 Alameda Avenue. The property was recently purchased by the District and can-
cellation of taxes thereon was requested.
The matter was referred to "Resolutions ".
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12. The affidavit of Proponent of Referendum Measure on Filing Petitions and Signa-
tures in Connection with Such Measure, signed by Augustin Keane, was read. There
were 120 sections of the Petition, containing a total of 3,050 signatures.
The Certificate of the City Clerk was also read, certifying that the Petition had
been filed in the proper manner and the signatures thereon are equal in number to at
least ten per cent of the registered voters of the City of Alameda.
President Anderson called upon the City Attorney to give his ruling on the proper
action for the Council to take at this point. Mr. Clark stated that, as outlined in
the Petition, the Council has two alternatives - (1) to repeal the ordinance or (2)
to submit the matter to the voters of the City at a general or special election
called for the purpose. He stated that the State Elections Code provides that if
a special election is to be held, it shall be not less than thirty, nor more than
sixty days from the presentation of the Petition.
Mr. Walter Harcourt, 2423 Roosevelt Drive, addressed the Council - stating there has
been some misgivings as to the motives of the group of citizens designating itself
as the Civic League of A lameda. This organization has been accused of being a group
of selfish people. He pointed out the Civic League was formed principally to delay
the effective date of Ordinance No. 1148, New Series, because these people felt time
was needed for further study and discussion of the matter of filling the south shore
area - and until there was a Master Plan set up which would take into consideration
the development of this area. He stated the Council has its choice of three actions:
(1) repeal the ordinance - the Civic League would prefer its outright repeal; (2)
let the matter go to the next General Municipal Election and (3) call a Special
Election.
He emphasized that if a Special Election is called, it is the responsibility of the
Council alone.
Councilman Jones stated that in order to clear this situation, he would move that the
Council go on record as opposed to the repeal of Ordinance No. 1148, New Series.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Haag and on roll call it was carried by the
following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Jones, McCall, and Moresi, (4) . Noes:
President Anderson, (1). Absent: None.
President Anderson stated he would like to explain his vote. He, personally, felt
the Council has proceeded too rapidly in this matter. What is proposed by Utah
Construction Company can't be changed. He knew there, had been a financial study
made of the south shore alone - but what is the financial status of the development
of Bay Farm Island, which is a larger project in total area than the south shore.
He felt all the pertinent facts are not "on the table ". He said he had heard rumors
that the Board of Education, starting with the next fiscal year, will ask the City
Council to levy a tax rate of forty cents instead of twenty cents per one hundred
dollars. He wondered if the City knows that this development will make money for the
taxpayers or make a burden for them. He felt this matter should be analyzed by out-
side experts. He pointed out the project will take about seven years to fulfill and
it will take ten years for all of its ramifications and results to become evident, -
even a five -year plan requires a great deal of far - sightedness. He said the. City has
spent sizeable sums for surveys to procure detailed advice on pensions, salaries,
etcetera - but in this case, the Council did not get such advice. He stated, there-
fore, he would vote to repeal the ordinance.
Councilman Jones stated that in 1947 the City o f Alameda was considering a Master Plan
at the instigation of the State Legislature. It is estimated that 30,000 people per
month are coming into the State and many of them into this area. In having adopted
a Master Plan, it was felt that this would be a guide as to the direction in which
Alameda is growing. These tidelands are owned by private individuals. If Utah Con-
struction Company should apply to the City for a permit to fill its land, the Council
could not deny such request. Utah wants to use certain fill controlled by the City
and, therefore, negotiations were possible. The Agreement with Utah Construction
Company was adopted after long and careful study. He felt he was voting for the best
interests of Alameda as a whole. He wondered if the City will have a proper and con-
trolled development of the area if its fill is not used.
Councilman Haag stated the Mayor has mentioned the rumor that the Board of Education
is going to request an increase of twenty cents in the tax rate, and that he didn't
know why. He said there is no doubt as to why this might be - it is simply because
the School Board is losing some of the money it formerly received from the Federal
Government due to the Housing Authority taking over some of the housing projects. He
said this loss of revenue was pointed out by the Board of Education in a letter writ-
ten last year and the matter was also discussed at a meeting of the Council and
Housing Authority at that time. He emphasized it has no connection whatsoever with
the south shore matter.
Councilman Moresi stated she concurred wholeheartedly with the statement that the
Council has given this matter much study. The statement has been made that the Coun-
cil is "giving away $1,000,000. worth of sand ". The act should be considered that
the City is getting land for schools, parks, etcetera. She pointed out that on Bay
Farm Island, it will be necessary to have fifty acres of property for public purposes -
this Utah has agreed to sell to the City at 02,500. per acre. Utah has also agreed to
fill - at a nominal cost - certain land at Washington Park which has needed filling
for years.
In addition to those conditions, Utah must still live up to the Zoning Ordinance and
be in line with the Master Plan. All planners who have come to Alameda recognize the
need for the proper use of the land available - more industry to build up the tax
base. On Bay Farm Island, there will be 200 acres allocated for industrial use. The
Council has it within its power to procure these benefits for the City under the
Agreement with Utah.
In response to a question as to why the fill operation did not start on Bay Farm
Island, President Anderson replied that a forty -acre tract of the filled area at the
south end of Park Street is to be a shopping center which would make it more attract-
ive for Utah Construction Company to start filling this area first.
Councilman Jones stated there is another consideration in this phase of the filling
operation which is that the exact location of the proposed southern crossing has not
yet been set and it would, therefore, be impossible for Utah Construction Company to
make definite plans.
President Anderson stated the situation is that the Council will not repeal the ordi-
nance and the next question calls for action on the two remaining possibilities:
(1) call a special election or (2) let the matter go to the next regular election.
He thereupon called up the City Attorney to give his ruling on this question.
Mr. Clark read Sections 1722 and 1773 of the Elections Code of the State of California
and gave his opinion that it was mandatory for the Council to call a Special Election
under the circumstances in this matter rather than allow the question to go over to
the General Municipal Election to be held two years hence.
The matter was then referred to "Resolutions ".
13• From Mrs. R. P. Kranelly, 3200 Adams Street, requesting permission to build a
fence at the rear of her property which will be 83 inches in height, which is 11 inches
over the maximum height prescribed in the Alameda Municipal Code. It was pointed out
that the adjacent neighbors had no objections to the extra height.
Councilman Moresi moved that a revocable permit be granted to Mrs. Kranelly for this
purpose. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and unanimously carried.
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14. From Alameda Citizens Progress Committee, signed by John R. Wendt, Chairman,
submitting additional petitions containing the signatures of 3,986 citizens - making
a grand total of 10,011 signatures of those who have gone on record as endorsing the
proposal for the new residential and recreational development along the south shore.
The communication and petitions were ordered filed.
1 . From Shoreline Planning Association of California, Incorporated, requesting that
the City's dues for this organization be included in the budget for the ensuing fiscal
year - and reporting on its activities in the interest of retaining all of the oil
royalty monies for expenditures in connection with the development of beaches and parks.
This matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole for consideration in the budget
discussions.
16. Several persons, interested in the south shore matter, spoke on several phases
of the subject.
Councilman McCall stated there is one pertinent factor which has not been brought out -
when this development begins, the Bureau of Electricity will have a contract with Utah
Construction Company for the furnishing of power in connection with the operation of
the dredge, which will bring in a considerable amount of money to the Bureau for this
service.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
1. From Mr. Raymond P. Kranelly, tendering his resignation as a member of the
Recreation Commission, effective April 18, 1955, due to his having been elected to
the position of Councilman of the City of Alameda.
Councilman Jones moved Mr. Kranelly's resignation be accepted as requested, and a
letter be written, expressing the thanks of the Council for his fine service to the
community as a member of the Recreation Commission. The motion was seconded by Coun-
cilman McCall and unanimously carried. President Anderson instructed the City Clerk
to write such communication..
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18. From Mr. Wallace D. Miracle, President of the Library Board, requesting a leave
of absence from the State during the months of April, May and June, 1955, for a trip
through Europe.
Councilman Moresi moved Mr. Miracle be granted the leave of absence as requested.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Haag and unanimously carried.
19. From the City Manager, reporting all work has been satisfactorily completed on
the project of Constructing a Basketball Court at Franklin Park - and recommending
it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered filed.
Councilman Moresi moved 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.
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20. From the City Manager, requesting permission to dispose of certain obsolete
articles now stored in the City Hall.
Councilman Haag moved the City Manager be authorized to dispose of the items listed.
The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and unanimously carried.
21. From George R. Doran, Chief of Police, concerning the transfer of the Off -Sale
Liquor License of R. Jurich from 1405 Park Street to 1216 Park Street - and stating
the Police Department has no objection to this transfer.
This matter had been referred to the Chief, at the last meeting of the Council, for
his investigation and report.
Councilman McCall moved the Council send a letter to the Liquor, Control Board, indi-
cating its approval of this request. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi
and unanimously carried.
2 From the Recreation Commission, signed by R. P. Kranelly, Chairman, commending
the Council for proceeding with the construction of the Ida Krusi Memorial Tiny Tot
Area in Krusi Park - and recommending that an appropriate plaque be approved as a
memorial to Mrs. Ida Krusi. The architect's sketch of the plaque and the inscription
thereon accompanied the communication.
Councilman Moresi moved the Council indicate its approval of the plaque as submitted.
The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and unanimously carried.
23. From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Frank Mossey, low
bidder, for the project of Constructing the Swim Center on Alameda Avenue, at the
quoted price of $96,738.
Councilman McCall moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that contract
for this project be awarded to Mr. Mossey and the bid checks or bonds be returned to
the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Jones, McCall, Moresi
and President Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
24. 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 Amending Subdivisions 0) and (21) of Section
17 -333 Thereof, Relating to All Time and Limited
No Parking." (Webster Street, between Eagle and
Atlantic Avenues)
RESOLUTIONS:
25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, whorrnved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5082
Providing for the Issuance of 5700,000. Principal
Amount of 'City of Alameda 1955 Municipal Improve-
ment Bonds', Prescribing the Date and Formaf Said
Bonds and of the Coupons to be Attached Thereto;
Fixing the Maximum Rate of Interest on Said Bonds;
and Prescribing the Maturities Thereof; Authoriz-
ing the Execution of Said Bond and Coupons; and
Providing for the Levy of a Tax to Pay the Principal
and Interest Thereof; and Directing Notice of Sale
of Said Bonds to be Given."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Jones, McCall, Moresi and
President Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President
declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
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26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5083
Ratifying Appointment by. City Clerk of Deputy City
Clerks to Check Referendum Petition Signatures."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Jones, McCall, Moresi and
President Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President
declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5084
Determining That Required Furniture for Lincoln Park
Clubhouse can be Purchased at a Lower Price in the
Open Market Than by Inviting Bids Thereon."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Jones, McCall, Moresi and
President Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President
declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
28. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5085
Cancelling City Taxes on Property Acquired by School
District for Public Purposes." (2260 Alameda Avenue)
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll= call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Jones, McCall, Moresi and
President Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President
declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
29. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5086
Consenting to Sublease to the United. States of America ,
of Real Property Under Lease by City of Alameda to
Kate G. Pedersen."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Jones, McCall, Moresi and
President Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President
declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
30. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5087
Appointing Member of the Pension Board."
(Arthur H. Bicknell)
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Jones, McCall, Moresi and
President Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President
declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
31. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5088
Calling Special Municipal Election to be Held in the
City of Alameda on May 24, 1955; Establishing Election
Precincts; Fixing Number of Election Officers on the
Board of Election for Each Precinct; Fixing Compensa-
tion of Election Officers and Designating Hours of
Voting."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Jones, McCall, Moresi and
President Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President
declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
32. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5089
Transferring $8,000.00 from Reserves Account No.
199.200 to Special Elections Fund No. 108 to
Defray Costs of Special Referendum Election."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Haag and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Jones, McCall, Moresi and
President Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President
declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
33• "Ordinance No. 1150,
New Series
An Ordinance Amending Section 17- 364.1 of the
Alameda Municipal Code, Relating to 24- Minute
Parking Limit in Parking Meter Zone." (Oak
Street, between Santa Clara Avenue and Times Way)
Councilman Jones moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Moresi and on roll callcarried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen
Haag, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
FILING:
34. Financial Statement - Bureau of Electricity, as of February 28, 1955 -
Verified by Middleton, Suman & Hackleman.
BILLS:
35. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departmentsthereof,
in the total amount of $30,093.16, was submitted to the Council at this meeting.
The list was accompanied by a certification from the City Manager that the Claims
shown were correct.
Councilman Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the
City Clerk on April 5, 1955, and submitted to the Council at this time, be allowed
and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll c all carried by
the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President
Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
6. At this point, President Anderson inquired if there were any further oral communi-
cations - and Mr. Stanley D. Whitney addressed the Council.
Mr. Whitney stated the City has again reached a milestone in its civic history - when
two officials have decided to retire. He stated all agree that Mayor Anderson and
Councilman Jones have been most conscientious in making their decisions on all mat-
ters, bearing in mind what would effect the best interests of the City. He congra-
tulated them and thanked them for a job well done and, on behalf of the Chamber of
Commerce and the people of Alameda, presented each of them with a gift in token of
appreciation for their efforts.
Councilman Jones thanked Mr. Whitney for his gracious remarks and stated that, having
served on the Council for so many years, it has become a very important part of his
life. He reminisced over the period of, his "official life" and said he felt very
happy about many of the accomplishments of the City Council during this time. He
urged that all citizens pull together to continue the work for the good of the City.
President Anderson stated it is by the grace of Councilman Jones that he has had the
opportunity to serve briefly as Mayor of the City and stated it has been areal plea -
sure to serve with all the members of the City Council and the other City Officials.
He felt it had been a privilege to have been associated with people who desire to, do
something positive for the building of their community. He thereupon introduced his
charming wife, two of his lovely daughters and his son. He thanked the Chamber of
Commerce for its gift and expressed his appreciation to all.
ADJOURNMENT:
37. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned -
to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, April 19, 1955, at 8 :00 o'clock
P. M.
Respectfully submitted,