1954-01-19 Regular CC Minutes48
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 19, 1954
The meeting convened at 8:00 o'clock P. M., with President Sweeney presiding.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, lead by Councilman
Jones.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and.
President Sweeney, (5), were noted present. Absent: None.
MINUTES:
1. The minutes of the regular meeting held January
transcribed.
1954, were approved as
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2. From the National Iron Works, requesting the refund of $70.13 which was an over-
payment of City Sales Tax for the quarter ending September 30, 1953. A letter was
also read from the Treasurer's Office, verifying the facts and figures submitted in
this matter and requesting that the refund be approved for payment to this Company.
Councilman Jones moved the refund of 170.13 be granted to the National Iron Works.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the
following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Andel'son, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President
Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
3. From Mr, Eli R. Deming, protesting against the taxes levied in the amount of
1400. on certain property known as 1107 San Antonio Avenue, owned by Mrs. L. W.
Jessup. A memo was read from the Auditor and Assessor setting forth data concerning
the dwelling and pointing out that the City's assessed value of the house, lot and
personal property was $5,700. - with a City tax of 110.01. It also stated the
County tax was 1246.61 - making a total tax of 1356.62 for the year 1953 -54.
Councilman Jones suggested the letter be answered with an explanation to Mr. Deming
of the facts as outlined in the Assessor's report. Councilman Anderson also
suggested the letter should contain some of the pertinent items in the budget
which have caused the increase in the City taxes. It was determined that Mr. Jost
should write this letter and it was so ordered.
Two communications were read from Johns-Manville, each dated January 12, 1954,
submitting collations of data on its Transite Asbestos-Cement Building Sewer Pipe
and Transite Asbestos Gas Vent Pipe. The communications requested that these
materials be approved for use in the City of Alameda and be incorporated in the
Plumbing Code accordingly.
President Sweeney stated that, with the Council's permission, he would refer both
of these communications to the City Manager with the request that he, in turn,
refer the matter to the Plumbing Inspector.
Councilman Anderson suggested that in giving study to this matter, the plumbers
doing business in Alameda be informed that this proposition is under consideration
and their recommendations be requested.
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5. From Mr. E. W. Paterson, concerning the seven-story apartment house proposed
to be constructed at the northeast corner of Chestnut Street and Central Avenue by
Mr. M. E. Lee - and protesting against Mr. Lee's operation of his "residential
hotel" with a restaurant in the basement which also serves meals to those living
in the houses on his adjoining properties.
President Sweeney stated that, with the permission of the Council, he would refer
the letter to the City Attorney for a complete analysis and report of all the points
involved.
Councilman Jones made a motion to this effect, which was seconded by Councilman
Anderson and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson,
Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
Councilman Anderson stated he thought that after the City Attorney had given his
opinion to the Council and the matter had been fully discussed and everything is
understood, then a letter should be sent to Mr. Paterson in answer to his communi-
cation.
6. From Hugh H. Tebault, 1612 Clinton Avenue, commending the personnel of the
Fire Department for their recent speedy action in putting out a fire on his
premises. He expressed deep appreciation for their expediency, thoroughness,
limiting of damage and considerate courtesy.
President Sweeney stated the Council certainly thanked Mr. Tebault, on behalf of
the Fire Department personnel, for his letter of commendation and pointed out the
City is very proud of its Fire Department and the services it renders to the citizens
of Alameda.
Councilman Jones suggested the letter be referred to the editor of the Ace News in
order that the personnel involved would be informed of this commendation through
this source.
7 From Corporal Leonard B. Hollywood Post No. 939, Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States, requesting a permit to sponsor the West Coast Shows, Inc. to be
held on the Bethlehem-Alameda Shipyard parking lot during the period from June 1
to 6, inclusive.
Councilman Anderson moved the permit be granted to this organization to sponsor a
carnival during the period specified. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi
and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones,
McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
8: Mr. Frank Gottstein thanked Mayor Sweeney for the interest and time he has
taken to inspect the miserable condition of traffic congestion on Webster Street.
He also spoke on the subject of the Fruitvale Avenue Bridge and pointed out that
new twin bridges should be constructed at High Street, rather than to replace the
existing old bridge at Fruitvale Avenue.
Mrs. Juneau W. Kelly, 1311 Grand Street, expressed interest in the City's
employment of a Planning Consultant and a Planning Director and the salaries involved.
Upon the President's request, Mr. Froerer explained that a Planning Consultant had
been employed by the Council to make a complete study and survey of various items
affecting the economic situation of the City. He stated he is to be paid $18,000.,
and his contract will be completed in about 15 months. He said there has also been
employed a Planning Director who will begin his duties on February 1, at a salary
of $509. per month.
10. Mrs. Eugene F. Daggett, 1506 Mound Street, called the Council's attention to
what she termed a near tragic accident in the case of the aeroplane which "bounced"
back into the air off of San Leandro Bay just recently. She said she understood
the plane was flying over the City with only one motor operating and she felt it
could be that in a similar situation, the plane might not make the Oakland Airport.
President Sweeney stated the matter of low-flying planes has been called to the
attention of the proper authorities many times.
Councilman Moresi asked that the City Manager explain the proposed plan for the
Oakland Airport. Mr. Froerer stated this project plans for changing and improving
the Oakland Airport. He said there had been a plan presented which was vigorously
opposed by the City of Alameda and, subsequent to that time, the Port of Oakland
employed a firm of architects of New York City to review the expansion program.
He stated the latest plan provides for the runways to be south of Bay Farm Island
and all landings and take-offs will be over water. The plans are not perfected to
date - and the architects have expressed their willingness to work with the cities
of Oakland and Alameda. He said he felt that this condition of flight, or "low
flying" over Alameda, will eventually be eliminated - but flight across the City
will never be terminated.
President Sweeney stated it is the thinking of the City that the Oakland Airport
could be moved easterly by acquiring some of those lands already available and thus
alleviate the condition of 10w-flying planes over the City. He said he felt the
City is progressing along the right lines.
Councilman Anderson stated he felt the City Manager should be instructed to outline
the situation to the proper authorities and request a reply as to what can be done.
He said he thought the matter should be followed through. He pointed out certain
people are responsible for the management of the airport and it is up to them to
explain what happens. He thereupon moved the City Manager be instructed to recite
the facts of the situation to the Oakland Airport and request a reply from the
proper authorities on behalf of Alameda. The motion was seconded by Councilman
McCall,
Councilman Jones stated he felt it would also be desirable to have a letter from
Mrs. Daggett concerning the matter - and she indicated her willingness to write
such a letter.
The question was then put and the motion was carried unanimously.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
11. From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Mr. Pete Alexander
3406 - 35th Avenue, Oakland, the only bidder, for the operation of refreshment
Krusi
concession in Washington, Lincoln,/and McKinley Park and Thompson Field, for the
two-year period from January 1, 1954, through December 31, 1955, at the price of
A2,000.
Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that the
contract be awarded to Mr. Alexander for the refreshment concession in the specified
parks at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall,
Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None, Absent: None.
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12. From the Board of Education, nominating Mr. Jack Blunden as a member of the
Recreation Commission, in accordance with provisions of Section 3 of Ordinance No.
1102, New Series.
The matter was referred to "Resolutions".
13. From Mr, George A. Rose, Chairman, Recreation Commission, submitting a copy
of its Resolution No. 1 which recommends that the City Council and the Board of
Education enter into an agreement whereby a swimming pool would be located in the
vicinity of the Alameda High School - the cost of procuring and clearing the site
to be borne by the School District, the cost of construction of the facility to be
borne by the City of Alameda and the operation and maintenance costs to be shared
in accordance with the relative use by the two parties as set forth in a written
program agreement fixing times of use by each and the respective responsibilities.
Councilman Anderson moved the communication be referred to the Committee of the
Whole.
Councilman Jones stated he thought the matter should be referred to the City Manager
and City Attorney to draw up a tentative agreement for submission to the Council
for consideration.
Councilman Anderson stated this was agreeable to him and he withdrew his motion.
Councilman Jones thereupon moved the matter be referred to the City Manager and
City Attorney for the purpose stated. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi
and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones,
McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None, Absent: None.
The Clerk was then asked to read the following Statement of Policy of the Alameda
City Council in the Matter of the Improvement of Park and Recreation Facilities:
"STATEMENT OF POLICY
OF THE,ALAMEDA CITY COUNCIL IN THE
MATTER OF THE IMPROVEMENT OF PARK
AND RECREATION FACILITIES
'The City Council, over a period of years, has followed a program
of making gradual improvements in park and recreation facilities; and
to finance this program annual atJpropriations have been made to the
Capital Outlays Fund. The program was curtailed during World War II
and the Korean action because materials for park and recreation purposes
were 'frozen' during these periods. Now that the 'freeze' has been
lifted, the improvement program can be expedited to some extent because
funds have been accumulated over the past several years.
'The City Council's decision to submit a bond issue to the voters
of Alameda was based upon the recommendations of the Recreation Commission
who urged this method to provide for more rapid financing of a proposed
program of park and recreation improvements, including swimming pools,
than was possible on available funds and pay-as-you-go basis.
'The City Council believed that the people of Alameda should decide
whether or not the City should go into debt in order to finance the
proposed facilities. As a result the Bond Election of June, 1953 was held.
'Mayor Leland W. Sweeney, on June 3, 1953, the day following the Bond
Election, made the following public statement:
'The results of the Bond Election indicate to me and the
Council that the citizens of Alameda, by a large majority,
approve and desire the expansion of recreation facilities,
but do not wish to go in debt; for, although the necessary
two-thirds majority was lost by 404 votes of the total of
of 6,7)4 votes cast, there were 4,092 'Yes' votes and
2,652 'Noe' votes. The Council and I believe that we should
work for the expansion of our recreation facilities as
rapidly as possible from current revenues.'
491
'The City Council is presently following out this policy.
CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
Leland W. Sweeney, Mayor
S. Chesley Anderson
Sherwood Jones
William M. McCall
Irene L. Moresi"
Councilman Jones stated this is an exact statement of the policy of the Council with
I, regard to the recreation program improvements and he moved the Council adopt this
statement as its policy; that it be spread on the minutes of this meeting and a copy
be given to the Press in order that all may be informed on the matter. The motion
was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes:
None, Absent: None.
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14. From the City Planning Board, recommending the reclassification of property
known as 1416 Seminary Avenue, Bay Farm Island, from the "A" One-Family Dwelling
District to the "A-1" One-Family Dwelling District, for the purpose of making it
possible to finance the enlargement of the dwelling.
The natter was referred to "Ordinances for Introduction".
1' the City Planning Board, recommending the reclassification of the rear 34
feet of that property known as 710 Central Avenue, from the "A" One-Family Dwelling
District to the "D" Commercial District. The front 100 feet of this lot is already
in the "D" District.
The matter was referred to "Ordinances for Introduction".
1619 From the Board of Education, requesting the cancellation of City Taxes on
certain property recently acquired by the Alameda Unified School District - being
situated on the south side of Central Avenue, known as the old Sunny Cove Beach
property.
The matter was referred to "Resolutions".
From the City Manager, recommending that certain personnel of the Recreation
Department be authorized to attend the Sixth Annual California Recreation Conference,
to be held in Santa Rosa from February 14 to 18, 1954, as follows: Mr. Gene
Saalwaechter, to attend all sessions; Mrs. Geralding Leydecker, Supervisor of
Recreation; Mr, Lil Arnerich, Supervisor of Athletics; Miss Beatrice Rowney,
Supervisor of Special Activities to attend one day each. Also, that those members
of the Recreation Commission who desire to attend, be authorized to do so - that
the sum of ''3130, be appropriated for this purpose and permission be granted to use
a City car for transportation.
Councilman Jones moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that the
several persons designated be authorized to attend the Conference as indicated;
that 130, be appropriated for their expenses and a City car be used for transporta-
tion. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the
following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President
Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
18. From the City Attorney, with regard to the Claim for damages submitted by Mr.
H. J. Thomas, 1001 Regent Street, as a result of certain work of the Bureau of
Electricity. He said that Mr. Thomas' chief complaint is that the insurance company
arrived at its determination that there was no liability on its part without ever
visiting the premises or making an inspection of the claimed damages. Mr. Clark
stated that he has been informed by the General Manager of the Bureau of Electricity
that the insurance company will undertake a thorough survey of the entire situation
to ascertain if its present position is tenable - and he will report further upon
receipt of advice from Mr. Baxter.
The Council will await further report from the City Attorney,
19. At this time, President Sweeney stated it gives him great pleasure to appoint
Councilman William McCall as the General Chairman of the Flag Day Celebration - and
r-, he will be aided by Neil Clark, Administrative Assistant,
Councilman McCall stated he would be glad to accept the appointment and the theme of
the affair would be the Youth of the City.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
20. Councilman Anderson introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid
over under provision of law and the Charter:
"Ordinance No.
New Series
An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding
Section 74 to Ordinance No, 725, New Series.
(1416 Seminary Avenue)
21. Councilman Jones introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid
over under provision of law and the Charter:
"Ordinance No.
New Series
An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding
Section 75 to Ordinance No, 725, New Series.
(Rear 34 feet of 710 Central Avenue)
RESOLUTIONS:
22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4862
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing Eighty (80)
Single Pendent Type Lighting Standards with Luminaires
to the City of Alameda, 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 Anderson, Jones, McCall,
Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None, Absent: None. Thereupon the
President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4863
Appointing Members of the Recreation Commission."
(Daniel James Rourke and Jack A. Blunden)
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall,
Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None, Absent: None. Thereupon the
President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4864
Cancelling City Taxes on Property Acquired by the
City for Municipal Purposes." (School on old
Sunny Cove Beach property)
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall,
Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the
President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
25. "Ordinance No. 1113,
New Series
An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code
by Amending Sections 17-3L, 17-364.1 and 17-364.3
Thereof, Relating to Parking Meter Zones and the
Maximum Parking Limits Therein."
Councilman Anderson moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded
by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Council-
ment Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None,
Absent: None.
26. "Ordinance No. 1114,
New Series
An Ordinance Amending the Building Code of the
City of Alameda by Adding to Section 1605 Thereof
a New Subsection Numbered (e), Relating to the
Floor Area of One-Story, Type IV Construction
Buildings in Fire Zone No. L."
Councilman Anderson moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5).
Noes: None. Absent: None.
27. At this time, President Sweeney introduced one of the newly appointed members
of the Recreation Commission, Mr, Daniel J. Rourke - and mentioned that he is a
past president of the Alameda Junior Chamber of Commerce.
He also introduced and welcomed Forrest V. Routt, Jr., Executive Secretary of the
Civil Service Board, Miss Mildred S. Meyers and. Mrs. Tova P. Wiley, members of the
City Planning Board.
FILING:
28, Specifications No. MS 1-54-1 for furnishing (80) Lighting Standards with
Luminaires.
29. Auditor's Financial Statement as of December 31, 1953 - verified by Middleton,
Surnan & Hackleman,
BILLS:
30. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments
thereof, in the total amount of 20,320.41 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 Anderson moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with
the City Clerk on January 19, 1954, and submitted to the Council at this time, be
allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi
and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
31. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council
adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, February 2, 1954.
Respectfully submitted,
CitylClerk
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