1955-10-18 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 18, 1955
The meeting convened at 8 :05 o'clock P.M. with President Kranelly presiding.
The Pledge 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 October 4, 1955, were approved as
transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2. From the Key System, addressed to the City Manager, requesting the Council's
approval of its application before the California Public Utilities Commission to
abandon their No. 50 Buena Vista Avenue line, which serves the Encinal Housing
Project primarily, in view of the closing of that Project.
With the closing by the Housing; Authority of the Sherman Street gate to this
Project, on October 31, 1955, the transportation company states it will be physi-
cally impossible to serve this area. Also, in view of the use of the line having
fallen off to practically nothing, it is their desire to eliminate the service as
quickly as possible.
It is anticipated that removal of all families from the Project will have been
completed by January 1, 1956.
The Council felt it is not advisable to discontinue this bus service as long as
there are residents still living in this area, the Project being a considerable
distance from the Santa Clara Avenue bus line, and on the west from Webster Street.
The opinion was also expressed that cutting off one access by closing the Sherman
Street gate while families are still living within the Project will impose hard-
ship in several ways, in going to and from the homes, and in the way of fire and
police protection.
The City Manager was therefore requested to write a letter to the Key System, re-
questing that they defer the abandonment of this bus service on their No. 50
Buena Vista line until such time as all families have been removed from the Encinal
Housing Project.
The City Manager was also asked to write to the Housing Authority of the City of
Alameda recommending that the Sherman Street gate not be closed until such time
as this removal of families has been completed.
3. From Boyden- Hansen Company, requesting modification of the Zoning Ordinance,
No. 724, N. S., to allow a maximum of 24 inches overhang including the eave trough,
in place of the 3 -inch overhang now permitted for every foot of side yard.
The present Zoning Ordinance provision of a 5 -foot side yard area permits a maxi-
mum of a 15 -inch overhang. With the architecture of homes being constructed today,
Boyden- Hansen Company feel that a wider overhang would enhance the aesthetic value
of new houses.
This matter was referred to the City Planning Board, for its consideration and re-
commendation to the Council.
44. From the Board of Directors of the Waterside Terrace - Thompson Home Owners
Association, Inc., signed by Henry R. Levo, President, requesting information as to
how three public ways which extend from the easterly side of Fernside Boulevard to
the U. S. Tidal Canal are to fit into the new Master Plan of the City, and what
development is contemplated for them.
The Council had, at its regular meeting held August 17, 1954, denied the requested
closing of these three ways. This was a reversal of the decision of the City
Planning Board in the matter.
The City Manager was requested to write this association that nothing is contemplated
at the present time on these three public ways insofar as the new Master Plan is
concerned. However, the matter will be kept under consideration and at the appro-
priate time will be given proper study, and a decision made.
err
5. From the East Bay Division of the League of California Cities, signed by
Mr. R. B. Johnson, Secretary- Treasurer, suggesting that the Council appoint a
representative from this City to the Executive Board of that Division.
Councilman Moresi has served in this capacity during the past year. The other
four members of the Council being agreeable to having their colleague continue as
the representative, Councilman Hove moved that Councilman Moresi be reappointed to
the membership mentioned. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and unani-
mously carried.
6:. From the American Association for the United Nations, Inc., signed by Mrs.
Ernest M. Upshaw, Secretary, outlining the program contemplated by that organiza-
tion in observance of United Nations Week, October 17 to 24, 1955, and requesting
that the City contribute X70. toward the expenses thereof.
This letter also extended an invitation to the Council to take part in the third
day, Wednesday, October 19, of Open House at their Center located at 477 Fifteenth
Street, Oakland, on which day the City of Alameda is to be spotlighted.
President Kranelly urged any members of the Council or people in the audience who
might find it possible to attend, to plan to be present on this day.
Councilman Moresi then moved that this matter be referred to the Alameda Chamber
of Commerce, as is customary in requests of this kind. The motion was seconded by
Councilman McCall and unanimously carried.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
7`. Mr. Frank Gottstein rose and expressed the opinion that City employees who
are looking for remunerative ways to use their spare time could well purchase some
of the old homes in the City, renovate and sell them. This thought was apparently
in conjunction with publicity being given at the present time to the periodic
declaration of civic employees as to the few hours per week s pent by some in part
time employment, outside of their regular positions.
President Kranelly thanked Mr. Gottstein for his remarks.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
8: From the City Manager, recommending that Mr. George McCoy, Sanitarian, be
permitted to attend a Civil Defense Training Course to be conducted by the Depart-
ment of Health, Education, and Welfare - Food and Drug Administration Division -
at San Francisco from October 31 through November 4, 1955; that $12.50 be appro-
priated for this purpose, and Mr. McCoy be granted the use of a City automobile
for his transportation.
Councilman McCall moved that the recommendation of the City Manager be adopted,
that Mr. George McCoy be allowed to attend the specified Training Course, that
$12.50 be appropriated for this purpose, and he be granted the use of a City
automobile for his transportation. 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.
9. From the City Manager, briefly reviewing the history of the Alameda City
Reserve Police Organization, and recommending that, inasmuch as membership has
dwindled over the years to one remaining active member, the organization be
terminated by motion of the Jouncil, with thanks to all the men who had served the
City so long and unselfishly.
Councilman Haag moved that this Reserve be terminated. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Hove and unanimously carried.
President Kranelly then requested that the City Manager write to any of the men who
had served in this movement on whom addresses are available, expressing the appre-
ciation of the Council and of the citizens of Alameda for their many years of
devoted and unselfish service.
4
10. From the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to W. P. Fuller
& Co., for furnishing Items 1, 3 and 4 of specifications on Traffic Paint and
Thinner requirements for the remainder of the fiscal year 1955 -1956, at their low -
bid prices; and to Alameda Garden ?. Hardware Co. for furnishing Item 2 of said
specifications, their bid being low on this item.
Councilman Hove moved that contracts be awarded as specified on this purchase and
the bid bond or check be returned to the unsuccessful bidder. 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.
11:4. From the City Manager, stating that the Southern Pacific Co. have indicated
they do not wish to make a voluntary conveyance to the City of rights of way
controlled by them from Park Street and Lincoln Avenue to the Fruitvale Avenue
Bridge and from Eighth Street at Lincoln Avenue to Atlantic Avenue near Webster
Street.
The City desires to acquire this property in connection with the development of
Tilden and Patton Ways, and the Council was requested to make a determination of
policy as to whether or not it is the City's intention to condemn the property
for the proposed improvements.
Councilman Moresi moved that the City take the necessary steps to condemn this
property if it cannot be acquired by negotiation, in order to proceed with plans
for these improvements. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and unani-
mously carried.
12: From the City Manager, stating that all work in connection with construction
of Sanitary and Storm Sewers to Connect Alameda's Sewer System to the EBMUD Sani-
tary Interceptor, Unit V, under Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans No.
PW 12- 54 -23, has been satisfactorily completed, recommending that the work be
accepted and Notice of Completion be ordered filed.
Councilman McCall moved the recommendation of the City Manager b e adopted, that
this work be accepted, and Notice of Completion be ordered filed. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Haag and unanimously carried.
13: From the City Manager, stating that all work in connection with the construc-
tion of a Well at the New Municipal Golf Course, under Specifications, Special
Provisions and Plans No. PW 6- 55 -19, has been satisfactorily completed, recommending
that the work be accepted and Notice of Completion be ordered filed.
Councilman Haag moved that the recommendation of the City Manager be adopted; that
this work be accepted, and Notice of Completion he filed. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Hove and unanimously carried.
14' From the City Manager, recommending that an extension of time to April 1, 1956,
be made in the contract for rental of grading equipment for construction work on
the New Municipal Golf Course.
With the winter season coming on, and the probability of wet weather, it appears that
this work will have to be continued until next spring. The prices under this con-
tract are favorable and the contractor, Mr. Joe Peters Soto, is agreeable to the _
time being extended to the date mentioned.
Councilman Hove moved that this time extension be made on this contract, in
accordance with the recommendation of the City Manager. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Moresi and unanimously carried.
15'< From the City Manager, stating that, a review of the insurance carried by the
City having been made, specifications and form of proposal had been prepared in-
viting bids on the liability insurance carried by the City.
The letter suggested if the Council elects to proceed in this manner a motion
should be made declaring it to be the policy of the Council to invite bids on all
insurance, award of contract to be made to the lowest and best bidder, the com-
missions on premiums to be distributed as may be designated by the agent or company
to whom the contract is awarded. This action is necessary to clarify insurance
procedures, if a change in policy is made.
Past practice has been to place this insurance business with the Alameda Insurance
Exchange, with division of the commissions among the members on a pro -rata basis.
Considerable discussion ensued between the members of the Council with regard to
the adoption of this policy. Councilman Hove felt time should be allowed for more
study to be given the change of procedure before it is adopted.
Councilman Moresi pointed out that the matter has been unofficially considered
for several months, that there is nothing hasty about the action.
Councilman McCall stated that the Council's responsibility to the taxpayers of the
City entirely justifies this policy of inviting bids on these insurance requirements
the same as it places business on o ±her needs to the best advantage of. the City. He
also mentioned the 5% preference allowed local business people, which is a Charter
provision.
Councilman Haag replied that this 5% applies only to materials, supplies and public
works, not to insurance. The City Manager suggested>;etting a legal interpretation.
Councilman Haag added that the purpose of this motion is to make it possible for
anyone in this City or any other City to quote sothat the lowest possible bids can
be entertained, that the reason for this action is to obtain figures to compare and
study.
Councilman Moresi thereupon made the motion that this policy be adopted by the
Council: to invite bids on all insurance, award of contract for insurance to be
made to the lowest and best bidder, the commission on premiums to be distributed as
may be designated by the agent or company to whom the contract is awarded.
The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the
following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, McCall, Moresi and President Kranelly, (4).
Noes: Councilman Hove, (1). Absent: None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
16. Laid over from the last meeting of the Council, held October 4, was the commu-
nication from the Alameda Junior Chamber of Commerce, submitting progress report of
Youth Advancement Committee, and requesting official sanction of the Committee and
of the name, "The Mayor's Youth Commission'.
Receipt of this report shortly before the previous meeting of the Council had made
impossible any study of the progress made by this Committee to date.
Councilman McCall moved the Council indicate its official sanction of this Committee
and its approval of the name, "The Mayor's Youth Commission ". The motion was
seconded by Councilman Haag and unanimously carried.
RESOLUTIONS:
17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Haag, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5177
Favoring and Supporting the Application of
the East Bay Municipal Utility District for
an Additional 125 Million Gallons Daily of
Water from the Mokelumne River."
Upon request, the City Manager commented that the East Bay Municipal Utility Dis-
trict has an application with the State for an additional 125 Million gallons
daily of water to supplement the 200 million gallons which they have at the present
time. The purpose of the application is to be legally allowed to construct addition-
al dams and conserve this water f or additional needs of the East Bay. The amount of
water being used at the present time runs between 105 and 190 million gallons per day
and, with the rapid growth of the area, the acquisition of this water is very impor-
tant.
In seconding the motion, Councilman Hove stated he had some reservation in view of
the fact that the Council had recently made requests of the EBMUD pertaining to
needed construction in the west end of the City which have not been satisfactorily
answered; however, the good this additional water will do for this entire area is
worthy of consideration. On roll call the motion 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.
18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Hove, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5178
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions
and Plans for Furnishing and Installing a
Turbine Pump for the New Well at 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 adopted and passed.
19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, o moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5179
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions
and Plans for Furnishing and Erecting Chain
Link Fences 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 McCall and on
roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Haag, Hove, McCall
Moresi and President Kranelly, (5). Noes: None. Absent None. Thereupon the
President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5180
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to
the City of Alameda General Comprehensive
Public Liability and Property Damage Insurance,
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: Councilmen Haag, McCall, Moresi and
President Kranelly, (4). Noes: Councilman Hove, (1). Absent: None. There-
upon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
In voting against this resolution, Councilman Hove mentioned and reiterated his
previous objections to this action.
21. At this point, Councilman McCall advanced the suggestion that some temporary
means of parking be devised for the Christmas shopping rush that will soon be here,
inasmuch as the off - street parking program is still in the working stages. There
are some lots available in both the Park Street and Webster Street shopping areas
which he felt might be rented for a short period to provide this aid to local
shoppers, that doing so would undoubtedly keep a considerable number of "hard -
earned dollars" in this community.
President Kranelly requested that the City Manager investigate such possible
temporary parking lots and report back to the Council at the earliest possible
date; he then pointed Councilman McCall to represent the Council and work with
the City Manager and the Off- Street Parking Committee, in this matter.
22. Councilman Moresi then inquired of the City Manager as to the present status
of the off - street perking program. Mr. Froerer replied that the appraisals had
just been received on the property in the west end of the City. He had a long
conference with Mr. Jewett, the appraiser, last week, at which time he had been
informed that appraisals would be forthcoming on the Park Street properties
within the next couple of weeks. Mr. Jewett is progressing as quickly as possible
and indicated that he would give preference to the needs of the City of Alameda.
FILING:
23. Auditor's Report - City of Alameda - as of September 30, 1955.
24. Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans - No. PW 10 -55 -22 - Furnishing
and Installing Turbine Pump for the New Well at the New Municipal Golf Course.
25. Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans - No. PW 10 -55 -23
Furnishing and Erecting Chain Link Fences for the New Municipal
Golf Course, Bay Farm Island, Alameda
26. Specifications and Provisions - No. MS 10 -55 -18 - for Furnishing to
the City of Alameda Comprehensive Public Liability and troperty
Damage Insurance.
BILLS:
27. An Itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments
thereof, in the total amount of $32, 826.57, 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 October 18, 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.
28. Before adjourning, President Kranelly expressed the pleasure of the Council
in having present, members of the Junior Chamber as well as of the Alameda Chamber
of Commerce; also a group of Cub Scouts, taking an interest in the proceedings.
From R. A. Wondolleck Co., quoting on
Fireman's Fund Indemnity Company
Proposal No. 1 - - - - - -
Accompanied by a Bid Bond.
From Ross Wright, quoting on
Fireman's Fund Indemnity Covspany
Probosal No. 1 - - - - - -
Accompanied by a Bid Bond.
From Maurice A. Gale & Co., quoting on
Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Company
Proposal No. 1 - - - - - - - - - - -
?roposai No. 2
Proposal No. 3
Accompanied by a Bid Bond.
From Richard P. Thunder, dba Shaw ?.c Lunt, quoting on
Fireman's Fund Indemnity Company
PrQposal No. 1 - - - - -
Accompanied by a Bid Bond.
From Marsh & McLennan,quoting on
Travelers Insurance Companies
Proposal No. 1 - - - -
Proposal No. 2
Proposal No. 3
Accompanied by a Bid Bond.
From Marsh & McLeman, quoting on
Fireman's Fund Indemnity Company
Proposal No. 1 - - - - - - -
Accompanied by a Bid Bond.
8 572.14
18,572.14
21,493.45
51, 963.79
64,480.35
22,285.60
65,269.14
66,856.80
18,572.14
The above bids were referred to the City Manager and City Engineer for study and
recommendation.
WRIWEN COMMUNICATIONS:
5. From Mrs. Blanche Maynard, 2109 Encinal kovenue, addressed to the City Clerk,
thanking the Mayor and Council for the tribute paid her late husband, Mr. Horton D.
Maynard.
President Kranelly acknowledged this communication with the thanks of the Council
and ordered the letterfiled.
6‘./ From Mr. Thomas F. Morgan, 2121 San Jose Avenue, inquiring why two swimming
pools already located in the City were not reconditioned, rather than to allocate
funds to build a new pool which is hardly of sufficient size to accommodate a
swimming class from the High School, much less for the entire City.
Upon request, the City Manager stated that four or five years ago the matter of
using these two local pools was brought up and investigated. It was found that
the cost of satisfactorily reconditioning them would be far more expensive than
it would be to construct a new pool.
The City Manager was also requested to write Mr. Morgan, to this effect.
From the Boy Scouts of America, signed by Mr. Chet E. Wilson, Scout Execu-
tive, requesting that Tuesday, February 7, 1956, be set aside as Scout Day in
Government.
This has proved a highly beneficial experience for these Boy Scouts, eliciting
considerable favorable comment from the participants.
Councilman Hove moved this day, r:uesday, February 7, 1956, be set aside as Scout
Day in Government. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and unanimously
carried.
,)v('
From the East Bay Municipal Utility District, signed by Louis J. Breuner,
?resident, thanking the Council for adopting Hesolution No. 5177, in support of
the District's application for an additional supply of water from the Mokelumne
River.
In this connection Councilman M Call ment i. oned that the City Manager had
attended this hearing in Sacralento.
President Kranelly then expressed the appreciation of the Counci 1 for this lette'
and ordered it filed.
9. irom Mrs. Chris Freeman, 831 Laurel Street, with reference to the Mas ter
specifically the Alameda Freeway Approach to the Southern Crossing, and submitting
the idea of requesting repeal of the port on of the State law vsh icn concerns that
Approach.
President Kranelly stated the Counci 1 had been faVorably impressed with Mrs.
Freeman's letter and would like the opportunity to study this matter as fully as
possible and to make a report at a later meeting.
To a questi on by Mrs. J. B. Coffman, 2846 Santa Cass ra Avenue, as to where these
matters can be brought out and discussed, President Kranelly replied that the
final hearings on the Master Plan will provide this opportunity.
Mrs. Freeman rose and stated her letter presented one , question, - What political
pressure or action does the Council consider necessary to take steps to repeal
the law in reference to the Alameda Southern Crossing Freeway approach?
Councilman McCall stated this is a legislative matter, inasmuch as the Southern
Crossing program has been enacted as a State law. Any attempt to change or revise
this Bill should be proposed by the ,Assemblyman from this di strict, who could
make suggestions with this object in view.
Both Mrs. Freeman and Mrs. Elizabeth T. Lassen, 1720 Palmera Court, stated that
correspondenbe they have had with the State Department of Public Works on this
subject has indicated that any desired action on the part of the citizens, either
for or against this measure, should have its inception with the City' Council.
Upon request, the City Attorney expressed the opinion that this is not necessarily
true, but it is a logical place for such inception. The Counci 1, through the City
offices, would contact the Assemblyman, requesting that he present its views to
the legislature, and that he take whatever act!. on. it might request.
Counci lman Haag pointed out that at such time as the City Planning Board, after
considering the facts developed by their neighborhood meetings, comes to the Council
with its recommendation for or against the South Shore Freeway, the Counc! 1 will be
in a better position to go into this matter.
As stated earlier in this discussion by President Kranelly, this matter was re-
ferred to the Committee of the Whole for further study.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
10. Mr. Carroll Z. Morgan, 220 Santa Clara Avenue, inqui red if something could
be done about the bad street crossing at Third Street and Atlantic Avenue, in the
way of repairing the tracks or street.
Asked to comment on this, the City Manager stated this was a temporary crossing
granted by the Public Utilities Commission to the temporary War Housing as a mat-
ter of fi re protection. If they were to grant a permanent crossing here, it
might necessitate instal ling of signals which would be quite costly and require
additional budgeting to provide for it.
President Kranelly then requested that the City Manager investigate the use of
this crossing, and its needs, and report back to the Council.
11. Mrs. Chris Freeman rose at this point and requested that a copy of her letter,
covered earlier at this meeting under "Written Communicatims", be transmitted to
the City Planning Board so that they can decide whether they want the Freeway in
the Master Plan "picture", and make known their position to the Council.
The Clerk was requested to forward this :Letter and request.
REPORTS Or COMMITTEES:
12. From the City Manager, requesting that permission be granted Dr. avid Frost,
City Health Officer, to attend a meeting of the California Conference of Local
Health Officers to be held at Santa Ana, December 7 to 9, 1955, that $125. be
appropriated for this purpose and use of a City automobile be authorized.
Councilman. Moresi moved the City Manager's request be gran ted, that Dr. Frost be
permitted to attend the stated mee,ting, that the specified appropriation be made
for his expenses, and use of a City automobile be authorized for his transportation.
The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll cal 1 carried by the follow-
ing vote. Ayes: (5). Noes: None . Absent: None.
13. From the City Planning Board, recommending to the Council the modification of
Zoning Ordinance No. 724, New Series, to provide a maximum overhang amounting to
forty per cent of the required side yard dimension, including the eave trough and
gutters, in place of the three-inch overhang now permitted for each foot of width
of such side yard.
This matter was referred to "Introduction of Or nances".
ADJOURNMENT:
29. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council
adjourned - to meet again in regular session the evening of November 1, 1955,
at 8:00 P.M.-
Respectfully submitted,
IHMA L. NELSON
Deputy City Clerk