1954-03-02 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, MARCH -2, 1954
The meeting convened at 8 :00 o'clock P. M. with Vice President Anderson
presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by City Manager Froerer.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen McCall, Moresi and Vice President Anderson, (3),
were noted present. Absent: Councilman Jones and President Sweeney, (2).
MINUTES:
1. The minutes of the regular meeting held February 16, 1954, were approved as
transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2./ From Rusk R. Rigor, Field Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America, expressing
appreciation to the Council for allowing the boys to participate through their "Scout
Day in Government ". It was also suggested that next year the Scouts be invited to sit
in on the preliminary meeting which immediately precedes the City Council Meeting, for
informative purposes.
Councilman Moresi thought it would be interesting for the boys and moved that next year
on "Scout Day's, the boys be invited to attend the preliminary session. The motion was
seconded by Councilman McCall and unanimously carried.
3.V` From the City of Richmond, submitting a copy of its Resolution No. 5594, recommend-
ing that the Richmond -San Rafael Brodge be renamed the EARL WARREN BRIDGE - and urging
the City Council to adopt a similar resolution.
Vice President Anderson stated that, while the City Council has great admiration for
ex- Governor Earl Warren, the feeling is that the present name is the best one due to
the fact that it indicates the location and, therefore, all people using the bridge
would known where it is. Also, the Council felt it is not proper to act on this request
at this time since it has not heard what attitude the City of San Rafael might have in
this matter.
Upon Councilman MoresiTs suggestion, Vice President Anderson instructed the City Clerk
to write a letter to the City of Richmond, explaining the position of the Council.
4. ✓From the County of Alameda, submitting a copy of a report from the County Surveyor
with regard to the lighting in Posey Tube. It was explained by Mr. Boggs, County
Surveyor, that the Alameda Portal of the Posey Tube presents difficulties as a result
of slowness of eye adjustment between the bright sunlight and the artificial illumi-
nation inside the Tube, which condition becomes acute due to orientation of the
approaches with respect to the path of the sun. He pointed out the problem of lighting
within the Tube has been given study and it involves both the installation of new and
more modern lighting facilities and also the cleaning of the walls and ceilings inside
the Tube. He said experiments have been made both with improved lighting units and
with various types of paints - but he felt no major renovation and change can be made
in the structure until a new parallel Tube has been constructed and it becomes possible
to shut down the present Tube for complete rehabilitation, as the changes necessary
cannot be made under the heavy traffic conditions which exist in the Tube.
Councilman Moresi felt the Council should not wait until a second Tube is constructed
before some action is taken to improve this situation. She moved the County Surveyor's
letter be referred back to the Board of Supervisors with reference being made to the
original letter and also, to send copies of the correspondence to the State Highway
Division and to the Green Cross. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on
roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen McCall, Moresi and Vice
President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones and President Sweeney,
(2).
5. From the Alameda Junior Chamber of Commerce, commending the Council for its action
to correct the existing hazard of low - flying aeroplanes over the East end of the City.
Mrs. Eugene Daggett, 1506 Mound Street, asked for some report on this matter.
City Attorney Clark stated he had been requested to make a study and report of this
matter, but due to the many legal ramifications of this situation, and being very busy
with other phases of his work, he has not been able to complete his investigation. He
said he would endeavor to submit a report at the next meeting.
6'. From Mr. F. V. Stambaugh, President of the Carmen's Union, Division No. 192,
addressed to the City Manager, concerning a proposed resolution which prohibits unions
striking against public utilities. He implored the committee to consider this matter
very seriously and prayed the final decision will vote this resolution.
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Upon request, City Attorney Clark stated Mr. Stambaugh is under a slight misconcep-
tion about the proposed legislation. He said that, during the strike, there was
considerable agitation for State intervention. He explained that representatives
had met with the universal point of view that there was no machinery set up to take
care of such a situation. The several City Attorneys of the East Bay Cities were
requested by the Legislative Bodies of the various cities to propose, or draw up,
certain legislation which might be successfully passed and which would handle a
situation of this sort. He pointed out that the purpose of the act is something
entirely different from what Mr. Stambaugh sets forth in his letter. The proposed
legislation provides that the Government, in case of a threatened strike, may take
it over and with either the existing employees or those who might be recruited to
replace the strikers, maintain service in the interests of public safety and welfare.
Mr. Clark stated the legislation is not in final form and will not be presented to
the Legislature until next year and he felt the Council should not take any definite
action on the matter at this time.
The communication was thereupon ordered filed.
7. From the City of Berkeley, submitting a final report concerning the activities
of the Key System Investigation Committee - comprised of representatives of the
County of Alameda and the eleven East Bay Cities which had entered into an Agreement
on June 1, 1950, for the purpose of jointly conducting an investigation and study of
the financial structure of the Key System Transit Lines and related companies. At
the final meeting of the Committee held on January 21, 1954, the work was completed -
the City of Berkeley was authorized to make the refunds, terminate the investigation
and dissolve the Committee. A warrant in the sum of 51,285.18 accompanied this
report, which represented the pro rata refund due the City of Alameda.
The communication was ordered filed.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
8. Mr. Frank Gottstein complained about several matters - certain sewer conditions
on his property at the foot of Ninth Street; lack of action with regard to the con-
struction of a Pumping Plant at the foot of Eighth Street; flooding of Webster Street
and the need for regulations covering the elevation or grade of fill.
Upon Vice President's request, Mr. Froerer explained these several matters to Mr.
Gottstein►s satisfaction.
HEARINGS:
9. From the East Bay Excavating Company, submitting its application for a permit
to fill the property known as 456 Central Avenue (William G. Paden School Site).
Said fill will consist of 35,000 cubic yards of earth and rock material by truck
dumping on the property in question which is owned by the Alameda Unified School
District. The application was accompanied by the required bond in the amount of
$5,000.
Councilman Moresi moved the permit be granted. The motion was seconded by Councilman
McCall and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen McCall,
Moresi and Vice President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones and
President Sweeney, (2).
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
10:r From the Mayor, City Manager and Deputy City Auditor, submitting their report
on the Count of Money held February 17 - showing the total amount in the City Treasury
to be 03,556,563.59.
The report was ordered filed.
11 From the City Manager, stating the Bureau of Electricity recommends that contract
be awarded to the lowest bidder conforming to the Specifications for furnishing 80
Single Pendant -Type Lighting Standards with Luminaires, in this instance - and further
that a complete review be made of all lighting standards that may be suitable for use
in the City prior to the preparation of plans and specifications for future lighting
projects. The communication pointed out that the low bidder in this case was the
Taper Tube Pole Company at the price of $9,833.62.
Councilman Moresi moved the recommendation of the Bureau of Electricity be adopted;
that contract be awarded to Taper Tube Pole Company, the low bidder conforming to
the specifications, - for furnishing the 80 Lighting Standards at the price quoted
and the bid checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded
by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Council-
men McCall, Moresi and Vice President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Council-
man Jones and President Sweeney, (2).
Councilman Moresi stated they were going to make a complete survey for the future and
it might be well to see that this survey proceeds rapidly in order that the Council
may be ready before any further need for lighting arises.
12. From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Garland Chevrolet
Company, low bidder, for furnishing 1 new 1954, Business Coupe for the Building
Department of the City of Alameda at the bid price of 81,557.51.
Councilman Moresi moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that contract
be awarded to the specified company for furnishing this automobile and the bid checks
be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman
McCall and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen McCall,
Moresi and Vice President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones
and President Sweeney, (2).
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13. From the City Manager, recommending that Miss Gertrude Anderson, Director of
Nursing, be permitted to attend a Conference in Public Health Administration,
conducted by the Bureau of Public Health Nursing, State Department of Public Health,
to be held at Pacific Grove, from March 18-20, 1954 - and $25. be appropriated for
this purpose.
Councilman McCall moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that Miss
Anderson be authorized to attend the designated Conference for the period specified
and $25. be appropriated for her expenses. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen McCall,
Moresi and Vice-President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones
and President Sweeney, (2).
14■ From George A. Rose, Chairman for the Recreation Commission, recommending the
Council authorize the construction of 1 trial Shuffleboard Court in Franklin Park
at an estimated cost not to exceed $350.
Councilman Moresi moved the recommendation of the Recreation Commission be adopted;
that the construction of one trial Shuffleboard Court in Franklin Park be authorized
at the estimated cost of not to exceed 8350. The motion was seconded by Councilman
McCall and on roll call carried by the following vote, Ayes: Councilmen McCall,
Moresi and Vice President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones
and President Sweeney, (2).
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
15. 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 the Building Code of the
City of Alameda by Amending Subsection (b) of
Section 1302 Thereof, Relating to Requirements
for Group H Occupancies."
Upon request, City Attorney Clark explained that this ordinance is aimed at raising
the standards insofar as fire resistance is concerned. He pointed out that Group H
occupancies embrace homes for the aged, for children of more than 6 years, lodgings,
etcetera - and the amendment is to provide a greater factor of safety.
RESOLUTIONS:
16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4876
Authorizing Execution of Agreement with Housing
Authority of the City of Alameda with Respect to
Certain Temporary War Housing Projects."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded. by Councilman McCall and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen McCall, Moresi and Vice President
Anderson, (3). Noes: None, Absent: Councilman Jones and President Sweeney, (2).
Thereupon the Vice President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
17. The following seven resolutions were introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved
their adoption:
"Resolution No. 4877
Approving Request for Transfer of Temporary Public
Housing to the Housing Authority of the City of
Alameda - (Housing Authority Resolution No. 22L.)"
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"Resolution No. 4878
Approving Request for Transfer of Temporary Public
Housing to the Housing Authority of the City of
Alameda - (Housing Authority Resolution No. 225)."
"Resolution No. 4879
Approving Request.for Transfer of Temporary Public
Housing to the Housing Authority of the City.of
Alameda - (Housing Authority Resolution No. 226)."
"Resolution No. 4880
Approving,Request for Transfer of Temporary Public
Housing to the Housing Authority of the City of
Alameda - (Housing Authority Resolution No. 227)."
"Resolution No. 4881
Approving Request for Transfer of Temporary Public
Housing to the Housing Authority of the City of
Alameda - Housing Authority Resolution No. 228)."
"Resolution No. 4882
Approving Request for Transfer of Temporary Public
Housing to the Housing Authority of the City of
Alameda - (Housing Authority Resolution No. 229)."
"Resolution No. 4883
Approving Request for Transfer of Temporary Public
Housing to the Housing Authority of the City of
Alameda - (Housing Authority Resolution No. 230)."
The motion to adopt the foregoing seven resolutions was seconded by Councilman
Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen McCall,
Moresi and Vice President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones
and Mayor Sweeney, (2). Thereupon the Vice President declared said resolution duly
adopted and passed.
18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4884
Amending Paragraph 11 of Section 2, of Resolution
No. 4786, by Increasing Junior Civil Engineer
Positions from 4 to 5, and Decreasing Engineering
Assistant Positions from 3 to 2, in the Street and
Engineering Department."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen McCall, Moresi and Vice -
President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones and President
Sweeney, (2). Thereupon the Vice President declared said resolution duly adopted
and passed.
19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4885
Creating a Special Fund to be Known as "1954
Special Census Fund" and Transferring $9400.00
From Contingent Fund (199 -200) Thereto."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen McCall, Moresi and Vice
President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones and President
Sweeney, (2). Thereupon the Vice President declared said resolution duly adopted
and passed.
20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4886
Declaring the Need for a Redevelopment Agency
to Function in the City of Alameda."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen McCall, Moresi and Vice
President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones and President
Sweeney, (2). Thereupon the Vice President declared said resolution duly adopted
and passed.
21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4887
Transferring $34,583.67 from the In Lieu Tax Fund
to the General Fund."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen McCall, Moresi and Vice
President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones and Presidert
Sweeney, (2). Thereupon the Vice President declared said resolution duly adopted
and passed.
22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4888
Transferring $11,149.50 from the Special Public
Health Fund to the General Fund."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen McCall, Moresi and Vice
President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones and President
Sweeney, (2). Thereupon the Vice President declared said resolution duly adopted
and passed.
23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4889
Transferring $40,000.00 from the Parking Meter
Fund to the General Fund."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen McCall, Moresi and Vice
President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones and President
Sweeney, (2). Thereupon the Vice President declared said resolution duly adopted
and passed.
24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4890
Transferring $12,058.44 from the Alcoholic Beverage
Control Fund to the General Fund."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen McCall, Moresi and Vice
President Anderson, (3). Noes: None.. Absent: Councilman Jones and President
Sweeney, (2). Thereupon the Vice President declared said resolution duly adopted
and passed.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
25, "Ordinance No. 1118,
New Series
An Ordinance Creating an Advisory Health Board,
Providing for the Appointment of the Members
Thereof, and Prescribing the Powers and Duties
of Said Board."
Councilman Moresi 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-
men McCall, Moresi and Vice President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Council-
man Jones and President Sweeney, (2).
26. "Ordinance No. 1119,
New Series
An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code
By Amending Section 18 -615 Thereof, Relating to
Loitering on the Streets and Sidewalks of the City."
Councilman McCall moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Council-
men McCall, Moresi and Vice President Anderson, (3). Noes: None. Absent: Council-
man Jones and President Sweeney, (2).
27. At this point, Councilman Moresi stated there has been a series of articles
running in the Oakland Tribune concerning Nursing Homes and the poor operation of
many of them. She said she felt the Nursing Homes in Alameda are operated and
maintained in a satisfactory condition - but she would like assurance this is so.
She suggested that the Health Department make an inspection and asked the City Manager
if this could be done.
Mr. Froerer answered this would be taken care of.
FILING:
28. Financial Statement - Bureau of Electricity, as of January 31, 1954 - Verified
by Middleton, Suman & Hackleman.
29. Agreement - Between City of Alameda and Housing Authority of the City of Alameda,
re Temporary War Housing Projects.
BILLS:
30. An itemized list of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments
thereof, in the total amount of 316,757.49 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 McCall moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the
City Clerk on March 2, 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 McCall, Moresi and Vice President Anderson,
(3). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones and President Sweeney, (2).
31. Vice President Anderson expressed appreciation to those citizens attending the
meeting. He stated the Council is endeavoring to give the very best service and it
is very fine to have the people participate.
ADJOURNMENT:
32. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council
adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, March 16, 1954, at
8 :00 o'clock.
Respectfully submitted,
City, {lerk