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1954-03-16 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA ,LD TUESDAY EVENING, MARCH 16, - - - - 1954 The meeting convened at 8:30 o'clock P. M. with President Sweeney presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Councilman McCall. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCai President Sweeney, (5) were noted present. Absent: None. Moresi and MINUTES-: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held March 2, 1954, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2' the Key System Transit Lines, requesting the Council for an amendment to the franchise held by the Company to delete that portion providing for tax payments, effective for the last half of 1953 and thereafter. Councilman Jones stated, the City of Alameda is in no position to make any decision at this time with regard to eliminating the tax portion of the franchise. He explained that the City Managers of the various East Bay Cities are studying the matter at the present time and are to meat with representatives of the Public Utilities Commission to ascertain exactly how factual are the claims of the Key System with regard to its finances. He thereupon moved that the letter be referred to the City Manager, and after conclusions have been reached by the group of City Managers, he can make his report to the Council. The motion was seconded by Council- man Moresi and unanimously carried. 3' the Alameda City Dental Society, endorsing the creation of an Advisory Health Board and recommending that the dentist appointed thereto be one approved by this Society. Councilman Anderson stated the plan of the newly created Advisory Health Board calls for the appointment of two doctors and one dentist among the membership and he would move that the Alameda City Dental Society and the Staff of the Alameda Hospital be written a letter by the City Clerk, asking those two organizations for their recom- mendations for personnel for this Board. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi. Speaking on the question, Councilman Jones stated it is the Council's usual practice to have several names suggested in order that the Council may have more than one name from which to choose. He said he would not like to have it felt that any organization would have the right to appoint a member to a Board and he would offer the amendment that each organization be requested to submit more than one name. The amendment was accepted by Councilman Anderson and his second and the motion was unanimously carried as amended. 4/ From Thomas O. Knick, President, East Bay Division of the League of California Cities, submitting copy of its resolution adopted on February 11, 1954, "Establishing an East Bay Transportation Committee and Outlining the Purposes and Functions and the Composition of Such Committee". It was requested that the Council appoint its representative member and an alternate to this Committee - such appointees to be either the Mayor, a Councilman or the City Manager. Councilman Moresi moved that the Mayor be appointed to serve as the City's representa- tive on this Committee, with the City Manager being the alternate member. 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, 5Y From the Alameda South Shore Land Company, requesting that the City Council give to the Company a commitment that said Company may use and take sand from the borrow pit for the purpose of filling its submerged properties along the south shore of Alameda without cost to the Company - it being mutually understood that the commitment will be contingent on the fact that the sand will be used to fill the land in accord- ance with plans and specifications approved by the City of Alameda. President Sweeney stated that, in answer to this letter, he would like to have a meeting next Tuesday evening at 8:00 o'clock in the Council Chamber with the principals of the Alameda South Shore Land Company, its attorney, Mr. Duggan and all connected with the Company, who are contemplating this new project - with the City Planning Board, the Council and City Officials. He said he also felt the City owes it to the public to know what is going on and, therefore, asked the Council's permission to hold such a meeting. 1 "I Councilman Anderson moved the Council hold an adjourned regular meeting on Tuesday evening, March 23, 1954, at 8:00 o'clock in the Council Chamber for such purpose. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and unanimously carried. Councilman Anderson moved that an advertisement concerning this public meeting, paid for by the City, be inserted in both the Alameda Times-Star and the Oakland Tribune just as soon as management deems it advisable. The motion was seconded by Council- man McCall and unanimously carried. Councilman Anderson stated it has been agreed by the Council that, at this meeting to be held next Tuesday, the City will have a stenotype reporter present who will take down and record everything that is said. He pointed this out so that those citizens who would like to have questions answered or make statements might be pre- pared and everything would be down in black and white in writing. Mr. Bert Mansfield, 2020i Clinton Avenue, and Mr. Alfred Cantor, 1814 Clinton Avenue, questioned the advisability of holding the meeting in the Council Chamber as they did not think the room would hold everybody interested in attending. Councilman Anderson stated he would make a motion that the meeting be held in the auditorium of the Alameda High School. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and unanimously carried. 6( From the Alameda Municipal Civil Service Employees' Association, requesting information concerning the Council's decision with regard to the Association's request that the Council initiate a Charter amendment at the next General Election affecting the present requirement that City employees live in the City of Alameda. This matter had been submitted to the Council at its meeting held January 5, 1954, and, at that time, was referred to the Committee of the Whole for further study. Councilman Jones stated this matter has been under consideration by the City Council since the date of its presentation as described in this letter. He said the Council has gone over the situation with great care and has concluded that it could not justify the expenditure of a considerable sum of money to have such a proposition placed on the ballot of either the June Primary or the November General Elections, by Council action. He thereupon moved a letter be sent to the Employees' Association, informing it of the fact that the Council is willing to place the issue on the ballot of the next General Municipal Election, but will not consider doing so on the ballot at the elections this year. He pointed out the alternative is that, if the employees feel it is mandatory to have the matter presented to the people before the Municipal Election to be held in March of next year, it would then be necessary for them to have petitions signed by 10 per cent of the electorate in order to make the proposition eligible for the ballot in this year's elections. He stated he felt this would not be the proper action to take in the interests of economy. The motion was then 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. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: /7 City Attorney Clark stated he wanted to make a progress report on the matter of low-flying aeroplanes. He remarked that he had hoped to have a complete report ready by this time, but upon contacting the California Aeronautics Commission, Mr. B. M. Doolin, Director of Aeronautics, volunteered to come here to go over the situation with us, being well aware of the problem. Mr. Clark stated Mr. Doolin will be here one week from tomorrow and at the next regular Council Meeting, the first Tuesday in April, he would have a report, particularly with reference to Mr. Doolin's investigation concerning planes flying at proper heights. 8. v/ Mr. Frank Gottstein called the Council's attention to the disgraceful condition left by the Congress Construction Corporation in its filling operation along the south shore in the west end of the City. He felt it was a very unhealthy situation. 9' Richard Renli, 1728 Lincoln Avenue, stated the tracks on Lincoln Avenue were supposed to be covered up sometime ago and he wondered when this was going to be done. Upon request, City Manager Freorer explained that the process of getting an Agreement between the Alameda Belt Line and the Southern Pacific Company has been a very procrastinating one. He said he had talked to the Secretary of the Belt Line last week and had been advised that the agreement had been executed by all officials of the Belt Line and it was now in the hands of the Southern Pacific Company for completion. He thought it would be a very short time until the matter was completed. Mr. Froerer pointed out this matter has been worked on for seven years and he said the officials of the two companies have assured him it would be completed in the very immediate future. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 10. From the City Manager, requesting authorization to dispose of certain obsolete and scrap materials at the highest price available, including some worn tires and dead batteries, etcetera. Councilman Jones moved the City Manager's request be granted and he be authorized to sell the items listed in his letter. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and unanimously carried. 11. From Donald M. Roderick, Secretary of the Board of Education and the Alameda Unified School District, notifying the Council that the Board is prepared to purchase and clear a site for the proposed swimming pool in the vicinity of the Alameda High School and will proceed with the acquisition of property as soon as the written Agreement between the Council and the Board of Education is completed. Councilman Moresi moved the City Manager be instructed to proceed with the execution of the Agreement. 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, V( 12. From Forrest V. Routt, Jr., Secretary, Retirement Board, with regard to the actuarial valuation of the Retirement System which must be made during 1954, and the presentation of several proposed amendments to the Retirement Ordinance by the Employees Association, The Board requests that 81,400. be appropriated to finance the cost of the regular actuarial valuation and an additional sum of 3750. be appropriated to study the proposed amendments simultaneously. Councilman Anderson moved the recommendations of the Retirement Board be adopted; that the sum of 81,400. be appropriated for the regular survey of the existing retirement plan and an additional sum of 750. be appropriated for the study of the proposed amendments. 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. 13. From the City Planning Board, calling the Council's attention to the fact that the Atlantic Trailer Project is to be closed out on July 1, 1954, and requesting that the City Council seriously consider the feasibility of acquiring this area of 2.66 acres as a site for some public purpose. It was pointed out that the Planning Staff will undertake a study of the Project site in its relationship to the Woodstock School and the adjoining Clark Pottery property to determine the best use for the properties involved. This matter was referred to the Planning Consultant, Planning Director and the City Manager for further study and recommendation. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 14. 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 Adding Subdivision (58) to Section 17-432 Thereof, Relating to Stop Intersections." (Haight Avenue and Fifth Street) RESOLUTIONS: 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4891 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to the City of Alameda Eight (8) New 1954, Latest Model, Two-Door Sedans, with Standard Shift, for the Police Department Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." 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. 16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4892 Authorizing Execution of a Lease of Certain Real Property to Ed. Deemer Buick, Inc., and Approving the Form and Terms of Said Lease." 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. 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4893 Transferring 8503.40 from Account 199.200 (2) -- Reserves for Other Contingencies -- to Account 183.200 -- Fire Insurance-Buildings, to Cover Additional Cost of Insurance Over Budget Estimate." The notion 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. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:. 18. "Ordinance No. 1120, 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." 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- men Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None, 19. At this point, President Sweeney called upon Councilman McCall to give a brief resume of the arrangements for the observance of Flag Day. Councilman McCall stated the celebration of Flag Day will be June 13, and the theme will be based on the Youth of the City. He mentioned that Mr. Neil Clark is ably assisting in making arrangements. The first meeting of the Committee will be held next Monday evening, March 22, at 8:00 o'clock, in the Council Chamber - and all are invited to attend. FILING: 20. Specifications - No. MS 3-54-4 - For Furnishing eight (8) 1954 Two-door Sedans to the Police Department. 21. Lease - Between City and Ed. Deemer Buick, Inc. 22. Financial Statement - City of Alameda as of February 28, 1954 - Verified by Middleton, Suman & Hackleman. BILLS: 23. An itemized list of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof in the total amount of 820,353.25, 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 March 16, 195L, and submitted to the Council at this time, be allowed and paid. 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. ADJOURNMENT: 24. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in adjourned regular session on Tuesday evening, March 23 1954, at 8:00 o'clock, in the Alameda High School Auditorium. Respectfully submitted, City C