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1955-08-16 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 16, - - 1955 The meeting convened at 8:00 o'clock P. M. with President Kranelly presiding. The Piedge of Allegiance was lead by Councilman Moresi. 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 August 2, 1955, were approved as trans- cribed. IgRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2. From Harvey L. Eshpeter, requesting permission to erect a twelve-foot wall or fence on his property located at 616 Buena Vista Avenue, to eliminate the hazard to children. He explained that his machine shop is next to the Chipman Housing Project and the children climb around the present fence and on to the roof of his building. President Kranelly stated the Council has considered the letter from Mr. Eshpeter but would like more information with regard to the type and location of the proposed wall or fence. Therefore, it has been decided to refer the matter to the Acting City Manager for referral to the City Engineer for his investigation and report. 3. From The Honorable John J. Sheridan, Mayor of Richmond, and Honorary Chairman of its 50th Anniversary Committee - inviting the City of Alameda to participate in its Cavalcade Parade with a band or float, to be held Saturday evening, October 8, 1955, at 7:00 o'clock P. M. This matter was referred to the Acting City Manager, who in turn will refer it to the Chamber of Commerce to work out. 4i From the Naval Officers Realty Corporation, requesting the Council to waive the requirement for a street frontage of 20 feet - in order that this Corporation may build an additional 26 units on its property. The frontage is now 19.5 feet. Also, to give consideration to acquiring an additional 20 feet south of the present access way for the purpose of establishing a regular City street to its property. President Kranelly stated this matter probably belongs before the City Planning Board and it will, therefore, be referred to it. 5. From Utah Construction Company, submitting its Application for an Order Appoint- ing a Time and Place for Election of a Board of Trustees of Reclamation District No. 2087. President Kranelly stated the Council has not had sufficient time to study this mat- ter and it will, therefore, be laid over to the next meeting. The City Attorney stated he would like to suggest to Utah Construction Company the propriety of submitting matters for Council decision well in advance of a certain meeting in order that due consideration may be given the subject - and he said he would be glad to so inform the Company. From Mrs. Mackey, 3015 Kansas Street, Oakland, protesting against the noise of aircraft engines and low-flying planes. President Kranelly thanked Mrs. Mackey for her letter and stated the matter will be referred to the Acting City Manager for his reply and explanation that the City has been doing, and will continue to do, everything it can to remedy this situation. 74 From the State Board of Equalization, giving notice that the assessed value of all taxable property contained in the local roll of the County of Alameda be increased by the addition of twenty per cent. This notice was noted and ordered filed. 1 From the Alameda County Taxpayers Association, Inc., making several recommenda- tions with regard to certain items in the City budget for 1955-1956 - principally, that the City assessing and tax collecting programs be performed by the County and also, that the City's health functions be transferred to the County. President Kranelly expressed appreciation for this letter and stated that, in connec- tion with the Health Department's functions, he would like to mention that this mat- ter is presently being studied by the Council. The proposed purchase of another accounting machine for the Auditor and the mail addressing machine for the Treasurer had also been given consideration. The letter was thereupon referred to the City Manager for review and report to the Council. 9. From City of Alameda Taxpayers! League, Inc., submitting its recommendations with regard to certain items in the City budget for 1955-1956 and requesting further consi- deration of the following matters: Sales and Use Tax Revenue; School Tax; Civil Defense and Recreation and Parks expenses. The letter was thereupon referred to the City Manager for review and report to the Council. HEARINGS: 10. The matter of the abatement of a nuisance - the dilapidated building at 1536 Ninth Street - was called up for Hearing. City Attorney Clark stated this is a hearing to show cause why the building known as 1536 Ninth Street should not be condemned as a public nuisance and said nuisance be abated. He stated the proceedings were conducted under provisions of Chapter 4, Title XI of the Alameda Municipal Code, which deals with the subject of dilapidated buildings. He explained that the statutes require that a Notice to Abate Nuisance be posted on the premises and a copy of said Notice be s ent to the owner of the property by registered mail with a return receipt requested. The City Attorney thereupon filed with the Clerk the "Affidavit of Posting and Mailing the Notice to Abate Nuisance", signed by Daniel E. Weller, Building Inspector, and the return receipt, signed by P. McEachern, owner of the property. Mr. Clark called upon James R. Brummer, Chief of Inspections Division, who was regu- ]arly sworn in by the Clerk. In response to Mr. Clark's questions, Mr. Brummer testi- fied that he had prepared an estimate of cost for the necessary repairs and improve- ments to the dwelling to make it habitable, which totalled ;'41000. Mr. Clark read the itemized list in full. He also submitted photographs of the exterior of the premises and asked Mr. Brummer if they were a fair representation of the condition of the property. Mr. Brummer agreed they were. The photographs were then displayed to the Councilmen. Mr. Clark asked Mr. Brummer if he had inspected the interior of the house and to tell of its condition. Mr. Brummer stated it was in bad condition - pinster had fallen, light fixtures and many windows were broken, and there was evi- dence of dissolute persons having used the premises. Mr. Clark asked if the building was easily accessible and Mr. Brummer stated it was when he first inspected it - anyone could walk right in - but since then an attempt has been made to board up the windows and lock the doors. The City Attorney then called upon Thomas M. Lane, Fire Chief, who was sworn in by the Clerk as the next witness. Mr. Clark asked him if he had inspected the premises and Chief Lane replied that he had - not only this time, but twice before - and had contacted the owner and informed her that the house was a fire hazard and should be cleaned up. He pointed out that the house was old and dry and the slightest spark would start a fire. Mrs. Phyllis McEachern, owner of the premises in question, asked if she could make a statement at this time. She agreed that everything said was true. She stated she had purchased the property about two years ago "as is" with the expectation at that time of tearing down the old house and constructing a court. Then a change occurred which prevented her from proceeding with her plans. She said she has now placed the property on the market for sale, hoping to be able to sell to some contractor who would want to construct a number of living units, since the lot is 50 feet by 267 feet in area. She pointed out she could not guarantee that the property would be sold very soon - and if not, she still hopes to be able to protect her investment by remodeling the existing house - or, if she can procure the necessary financing, she would like to demolish the house and carry out her original plan of constructing several apart- ments. There was considerable discussion about the condition and appearance of the premises and the desire of the City to abate the nuisance. Mrs. McEachern stated she had tried to cooperate with the Police and Fire Departments, whenever a protest had been made. She said she had the windows and doors boarded up and locked - but someone would still force entry. She agreed to have the unsanitary conditions cleaned up at once - but asked for a continuance of the hearing to enable her to try to work out the problem. In response to Mr. Clark's question, Mrs. McEachern replied that the property had been vacant about three years. Councilman McCall stated that, in view of the fact that Mrs. McEachern has put the property up for sale - and there is the possibility that someone will buy it and reno- vate the building, he would move the hearing be continued. The City Attorney stated there is no objection to a continuance of the hearing and he would suggest that the Council inspect the premises in question. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi. Mr. Clark pointed out that it is very clear this is a dilapidated building and it is an eyesore to the neighborhood and, therefore, the continuance of the hearing should G be only for a reasonable extension of time to allow Mrs. McEachern to proceed with, cleaning up the property or disposing of it. With the consent of his second, Councilman McCall amended his motion to the effect that the hearing would be continued for ninety days. The motion was then unani- mously carried. The City Attorney pointed out that Mrs. McEachern's agreement to clean up the house immediately should be a part of the motion. Councilman Haag then moved the original motion regarding the hearing be rescinded. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and unanimously carried. Councilman McCall then moved that the hearing be continued for ninety days, with the understanding that the owner of the premises cleans up the unsanitary condition of the house immediately. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hove and unanimously carried. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 11. From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Scott Co., of Oakland, low bidder, for the project of Furnishing and Installing a Complete Irrigation Sys- tem at the Now Municipal Golf Course at the price of 858,365.51. Councilman Hove moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to Scott Co. for the specified project and the bid bonds or checks be re- turned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion 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. 12. From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Malott & Peterson- Grundy, of Berkeley, low bidder, for the project of Constructing Tennis Courts at Krusi Park in the amount of .13,277.26. Councilman Moresi moved the City Manager's recommendation be followed; that contract be awarded to the designated firm for this project and the bid check or bond be returned to the unsuccessful bidder. The motion 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. 4 13. From the Advisory Health Board, informing the Council that the Board is currently making a study of the public ambulance service in the City - and it has found that, during the first four months of this year, the City ambulance made sixty runs to High- land Hospital with strictly "county" cases. The Board recommends to the Council that attempts be made to have the County develop a contract to cover the City of Alameda - either with a private ambulance company or with the City, or a �ombination thereof. President Kranelly stated the Council is going to arrange a meeting with this Board to discuss this and other matters which it has submitted recently. 14. From the Board of Education, submitting the name of J. Roger Hooper for consi- deration by the Council for reappointment to the Recreation Commission. This matter, was referred to "Resolutions". 15. From the Civil Service Board, submitting its Annual Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1955. President Kranelly complimented the Board on its very informative Report and then ordered it filed. 16. From the Recreation Commission, making the following recommendations with regard to play equipment in the Tiny Tot Area at Krusi Park: That a charge of fifteen cents per hour be made for the use of the pedal vehicles provided for public use, in order to create funds for their replacement - also, that only parents or adults be allowed to check out the vehicles from the playground directors and thus be responsible for their return and proper use. President Kranelly stated this matter will be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further study with the Recreation Commission. 17. From the Mayor, nominating Mr. Leslie Bruzzone, for appointment to the office of member of the Civil Service Board, for the term expiring June 30, 1960. The matter was referred to "Resolutions". A 18. From the Mayor, nominating Mr. William Raimondi and Mr. J. Roger Hooper for reappointment to the offices of members of the Recreation Commission for terms com- mencing September 1, 1955, and expiring August 31, 1958. The matter was referred to "Resolutions". 2b6 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 19. 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 Ordinance No. 1044, New Series, by Extending Term of Lease of City Property Authorized Thereby." (Gun Position on Bay Farm Island) NEW BUSINESS: 261 President Kranelly stated that, at the last meeting, the City had been presented with a Plaque by the American Automobile Association in honor of the City's excellent record of only one pedestrian death in 1954. He said the Council felt the Police Department should receive this Plaque in recognition of its fine work in achieving this record. He thereupon presented the Plaque to Lt. Joseph Bertrand, the Police Department representative, for display in this Department. Lt. Bertrand accepted the Plaque with thanks and said he felt it was through the cooperation of the Board of Education and the Engineering Department, with the Police Department, that this record was made possible. RESOLUTIONS: 21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5157 Accepting Deed from John J. Manning, Jr., of Real Property on High Street Between Fernside Boulevard and the Estuary, and Consenting to the Recordation Thereof." 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. 22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Haag, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5158 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to the City of Alameda Automobile and Truck Tires and. Tubes for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1956, 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: 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 Hove, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5159 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Planting and Establishment of Lawn for the New Municipal Golf Course, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." 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. 24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5160 pointing Member of the Civil Service Board." (Leslie Bruzzone) 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 ZOO 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 McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5161 Appointing Members of the Recreation Commission." (William Raimondi and J. Roger Hooper) 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. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 26. "Ordinance No. 1156, New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Thereto a New Section to be Known as Section 7-1132, Relating to Smoking in Public Conveyances." 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: Councilmen Haag, Hove, McCall, Moresi and President Kranelly, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. FILING: 27. Financial Statement - Bureau of Electricity, as of June 30, 1955 - Verified by Middleton, Suman & Hackleman. 28. Preliminary Report - Financing Off-Street Parking in the City of Alameda - by Stone & Youngberg. 29. Specifications and Provisions - No. MS 8-55-16 - for Furnishing Automobile and Truck Tires and Tubes for Fiscal Year 1955-56. 30. Review of Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1955 - by Civil Service Board. 31. Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans - No. PW 8-55-21 - for Planting and Establishment of Lawn for the New Municipal Golf Course. BILLS: 32. An Itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departmentsthereof, in the total amount of 36,11-li-4•76, 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 16, 1955, 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: 33. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, September 6, 1955, at 8:00 otclock. Respectfully submitted,