1954-04-20 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, APRIL 20, 1954
The meeting convened at 8:30 o'clock P. M. with President Sweeney presiding.
The Pledge of Allegiance was 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 April 6, 1954, were approved as
transcribed.
OPENING OF BIDS:
2 y/ Bids were opened and read for furnishing Two New Complete Trucks including
Hoists and Two Cubic Yard Capacity Dump Bodies, in accordance with Specifications
and Provisions therefor, No. MS 4 -54 -5, as follows:
From International Harvester Co.
Accompanied by cashier's check in amount
From Cirimele Ford Sales, Inc.
Accompanied by certified check in amount
From Smith Motors of Alameda, Inc.
Accompanied by check in amount of
From Brunk GMC
Accompanied by check in amount of
From Garland Chevrolet Co.
Accompanied by certified check in amount
From Cochran & Celli
Accompanied by certified check in amount
of - - '80.00
- - X44,999.63
of - - 500.00
- - $5,432.6
- - 543.2
- - $5,239.50
- - 525.00
- - 5,459.26
of - - 545.93
- - X5,259.17
of - - 526.00
The bids were referred to the City Manager for his study and report.
3" Bids were opened and read for the project-of furnishing and erecting Chain Link
Fences and Chain Link Baseball Backstops at Krusi Park, in accordance with Specifi-
cations, Special Provisions and Plans therefor, No. PW 4-54 -6, as follows:
From United States Steel Corporation, American
Steel & Wire Division, Cyclone Fence Dept.
Accompanied by a Bid Bond
From Colorado Fuel and Iron Corporation
Pacific Coast Division - - 15,539.33
Accompanied by certified check in amount of - 750.00
From San Jose Steel Company, Inc. - - $5,256.18
Accompanied °by certified check in amount of - - 700.00
From Anchor Post Products Inc. - - 7,349.22
Accompanied by check in amount of OM Y.
- - $5,345.45
The bids were referred to the City Manager for study and recommendation.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
4 From Alameda County Taxpayers Association, Inc., requesting that its repre-
sentatives participate in the preliminary budget hearings of the City of Alameda.
Councilman Jones moved the City Manager be instructed to notify the Alameda County
Taxpayers Association that the City is agreeable to having its representatives
participate in the City's preliminary budget hearings - however, it is to be under-
stood that, until the budget in its final preliminary form, is submitted to the
Council for its consideration, no publicity is to be released with regard to the
Association's views on the subject until the Council itself has decided upon the
budget. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and unanimously carried.
5 From Miss Muriel Hansen, submitting her appeal from the decision of the City
Planning Board to deny her petition for the reclassification of her property known
as 601 Central Avenue, from the "C" Multiple Dwelling District to the "F" Central
Business District - and requesting an extension of time for this hearing until the
next meeting.
GU
President Sweeney stated that, if there are no objections, this matter will be laid
over to the next meeting to be held May 4.
6." From Alamedans, Inc., submitting a copy of the resolution adopted by its Board
of Directors, highly recommending that the City Council of the City of Alameda
purchase the property at 343 Cypress Street, known as the Atlantic Trailer Project,
for the purpose of creating a park with adequate recreational facilities.
President Sweeney stated that, if there are no objections, this letter will be
referred to the file on this subject, pending receipt of the report from the
Planning Consultant and the City Manager.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
7. Mr. Dan Rourke, 1325 Burbank Street, wanted to know what is going to be done
to put Central Avenue, between Sherman and Webster Streets, in a good condition.
He read an excerpt from the Alameda Times -Star with regard to the repaving of another
portion of Central Avenue.
Upon President Sweeney's request, the City Manager stated that this particular
section of Central Avenue is part of Highway No. 226 and it is the responsibility
of the State Highway Division to repair and maintain it. He pointed out the City
has had a request into the Division for this work, which might be termed extra-
ordinary maintenance, for the past three and one -half years. He said that last
July it had looked like the City was going to get a little action sympathetic to
its request - considerable work had been done as to cost estimates - but a few days
ago, the City was advised by Assistant State Highway Engineer, B. W. Booker, that
this section of the highway had not been included in the appropriations at this
time - but the Division would still keep considering the matter. Mr. Froerer
remarked that this is not a decision that can be made by the City Council or the
City Staff by virtue of the fact that the sole authority lies with the State High-
way Commission. He suggested, however, that the City would continue to make appli-
cation and use such persuasion as it can to get some action.
8. Mr. Frank Gottstein asked if anything further has been done concerning the
painting of Posey Tube - pointing out that it is getting very black and dirtier
all the time.
In response to President Sweeney's request, Mr. Froerer reviewed the sequence of
steps taken to remedy the lighting in Posey Tube. He stated there have been, to
his knowledge, five attempts made to arrange a meeting of representatives of the
Cities of Alameda and Oakland, the Board of Supervisors of Alameda County, the
National Safety Council and Mr. Boggs, County Surveyor and Road Commissioner. The
principal reason for the delay is that the City Manager of Oakland has been ill
and away from his office for sometime. He remarked that he will continue to press
for this conference.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
9. From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Garland Chevrolet
Company, the low bidder, for furnishing eight New 1954, Two -door Sedans for the
Police Department in the net amount of X7,680.99.
Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that
contract be awarded to the designated company at the price quoted and the bid check
be returned to the unsuccessful bidder. The motion 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.
10. From the City Planning Board, recommending the denial of the petition from
Miss Muriel Hansen to reclassify her property at 601 Central Avenue, from the "C"
Multiple Dwelling District to the "F" Central Business District - for the reason
that it would be "spot zoning" and also, because the Board did not want to recommend
any reclassifications of this character until the Planning Consultant's survey of the
entire City has been completed.
President Sweeney stated that, in view of Miss Hansen's foregoing request, action
on this matter will be withheld until the next meeting of the Council.
11. From Homer R. Dallas, City Treasurer, stating that his review of the Annual
Reports of the Key System Transit Lines disclosed that this Company had operated
at a loss during 1953.
President Sweeney stated this report has been noted and will be filed. He then
called upon the City Manager to explain the situation with regard to the Key System
Franchise.
Mr. Froerer stated that, several months ago, a communication had been sent to the
City Council from the Key System, in which it was requested that the City cancel the
tax payments of its franchise for the last half of 1953, and also that the franchise
then be cancelled. He said that all cities in the East Bay, with the exception of
San Leandro, have franchises. He pointed out that, to date, action has been taken
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only by the City of Richmond, in which it has refused to cancel the franchise tax -
also, the City of El Cerrito cannot waive this payment by virtue of the fact that
its Charter does not permit it. The Alameda Council has instructed the City Manager
to confer with the other cities in the East Bay on this matter. He said the Public
Utilities Commission was contacted, as it is presently making a review of the opera-
ting conditions of the Key System, to supply such information as it might have to
the representatives of the East Bay Cities in order that they might determine just
exactly how "sick" the Key System Transit Lines is. He stated the Public Utilities
Commission complied with the request and did furnish this information just today at
a meeting held in Oakland. He explained that they had prepared certain charts
showing trends of use of public transportation - which, incidentally is down through-
out the United States - also, cost figures and other data concerning the impact that
fares have upon transportation conditions. He said all of this information showed
the Company is operating in the "red ". He mentioned that copies of this information
from the Public Utilities Commission, will be available to all interested parties to
determine just what the trends are. He stated there has been no determination made
by the representatives of the cities to bring recommendations to their respective
Legislative Bodies as yet because this information became available just today -
and what the answer is to be, he would not attempt to predict.
127 From the City Manager, requesting permission be granted Forrest V. Routt,
Executive Secretary, Civil Service Board, to attend the Western Regional Conference
conducted by the Civil Service Assembly, to be held in Santa Monica from May 17,
through May 19, 1954, and that X100. be appropriated for this purpose.
Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's request be approved; that Mr. Routt
be permitted to attend the specified Conference and a sum not to exceed $100. be
appropriated to defray his expenses. 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 Mr. H. Lewis Mathewson, member of the Social Service Board, addressed to
Mayor. Sweeney, explaining that his business necessitates his moving to San Francisco
and, under the circumstances, he must ask that his name not be considered for re-
appointment to this Board when his term expires within the next month or two.
President Sweeney stated the Council is certainly very sorry to hear that Mr.
Mathewson is leaving the City and remarked that he has been a very valuable member
of the Social Service Board.
The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge his letter and express the Council's
appreciation for his service to the City.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
14. Councilman Anderson asked if the Council could have a report on whether or not
the Southern Pacific Company's trains have stopped running on Lincoln Avenue yet.
Mr. Froerer stated the freight trains are still running on Lincoln Avenue. He
explained that, about two or three weeks ago, the City was advised that the Southern
Pacific Company would have its track cut over and all mechanical arrangements made
to transfer its service to the Alameda Belt Line track within a month or six weeks
and he believed that schedule would be maintained. He emphasized that all arrange-
ments are definitely complete.
NEW BUSINESS:
15 Councilman Anderson stated that, in the past, the Council has considered the
City budget for each coming year - it is a big job and takes a lot of time - but
after all is said and done, that is the crux of the welfare of the City of Alameda
for another year. He pointed out this is really the people's business and he wanted
to suggest for consideration of the other members of the Council that, as far as he
is concerned, those meetings on the matter of budget should be held right in the
Council Chamber where everyone could meet and discuss it.
Councilman Jones stated he could agree, in principle, with what Councilman Anderson
suggests - but he felt there are some phases of the budget, such as employees'
salaries, which should be discussed in private. He said he felt that, if he were
an employee of the City, he would rather have his salary discussed confidentially.
Otherwise, he would be willing to have the budget discussed in open meeting.
Councilman Anderson stated that, in expressing his viewpoint, he was assuming that
phase of the budget would be over and done with. He said the results would probably
be announced and the public would have the opportunity to express itself. He said
that, this year, the way things seem to be going along, he thought the salary question
in all of its ramifications would have been decided and he felt that everything else
in the budget could be discussed publicly.
Councilman Moresi stated she had no objections to this - feeling that, if anyone
wanted to sit through such sessions, there was no harm in it.
Councilman McCall concurred and stated he had always felt the public was interested
and the budget review should be in open meeting.
RESOLUTIONS:
16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4899
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans
For the Reconstruction of Ninth Street from San
Antonio Avenue to Santa Clara Avenue, Calling for
Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Sane."
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 Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4900
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and
.Plans for the Resurfacing of- Central Avenue Between
Fourth Street and Pacific Avenue, 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 Anderson, Jones, McCall,
Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes:, None. Absent: None. Thereupon the
President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4901
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and
Plans for the Resurfacing and Culvert Construction
on Central Avenue from Park Street to Cottage
Street, 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.
19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4902
Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and
Plans for the Construction of Two Sewage Pumping
Plants on Eighth Street, One at Portola Avenue and
One at Taylor Avenue, Calling for Bids and Directing,
City Clerk to Advertise Same."
The motion to dopt said resolution was seconded by Councllslan (Tones 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:
20.
"Ordinance No. 1122,
New Series
An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding
Section 76 to Ordinance No. 725, New Series.'
(704 Central Avenue, Rear 10 feet)
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.
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21. "Ordinance No. 1123,
New Series
An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding
Section 77 to Ordinance No. 725, New Series."
(1518 and Portion of 1522 Pearl Street).
Councilman Moresi moved the ordinance be adopted as read. 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.
22. "Ordinance No. 1124,
New Series
An Ordinance Authorizing Acceptance and Execution
of a Lease of Certain Real Property Made by Alameda
Unified School District, a Public Body, and
Approving the Form and Terms of Said Lease."
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:
Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Councilman Jones stated this ordinance will take effect thirty days from the date of
its adoption and, consequently, that period must elapse before the Council can
execute the Agreement with the Alameda Unified School District. However, in order
to save time and in order that the Council may proceed with the fulfillment of this
plan, he moved the City Manager be authorized to neEptiate with two or more swimming
pool architects - explaining to them that the City wants an architect who will draw
plans and specifications for the proposed pool, but who will not be allowed to sub-
mit a bid on the actual construction - because that is deemed unfair - also, with
the proviso that these architects will submit the design and agree to supervise the
construction - and the City Manager can, in line with this motion, contact these
architects and bring back his report to the City Council, and it can then determine
which of these architects will undertake this part of the project. The motion was
seconded by Councilman McCall.
Speaking on the question, Councilman Anderson stated that, as he understands the
situation, what is attempted to be accomplished is that, in the Capital Outlays
Fund of the City Budget, there is a sum of $57,500. for the construction of a
swimming pool. The Board of Education is to buy the site and this ordinance just
adopted concerns the leasing thereof. He said he understands that an architect,
to be selected by the City Manager, shall be retained on a per diem basis to ascer-
tain and inform the Council how much it will cost to build a pool on that site.
With this inforlaation, the Council will then know if it has enough money to go ahead
with the project - and when ready to proceed, the plans and specifications will be
drawn, bids called for and the architect will supervise the construction.
President Sweeney stated this is the procedure and agreed that the inspection by
the architect of the construction will certainly be a definite part of the plans
and specifications.
The question was then put and the motion was carried by the following roll call
vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5).
Noes: None. Absent: None.
23. At this point, Councilman Jones stated this evening marks a very important
occasion for two of the members of the Council - theTreshmen" Councilmen have now
become "Sophomores" in view of the fact that this is the anniversary of Councilmen
Moresi and McCall becoming members of the City Council. He wanted to express his
pleasure in having worked with them during the past year.
Councilman Anderson stated he wanted to extend his personal greetings to Councilmen
Moresi and McCall. He said he felt there was no doubt they have endeavored to do
their very best for the City and. Alameda is being well served by these members of
the Council.
FILING:
24. Financial Statement - City of Alameda, as at March 31, 1954 -
Verified by Middleton, Suman & Hackleman.
25. Specifications - No. PW 2-54-2 - Reconstruction of Ninth Street, from
San Antonio Avenue to Santa Clara Avenue.
26. Specifications - No. PW 3-54-3 - Resurfacing of Central Avenue, Between
Fourth Street and Pacific Avenue.
27. Specifications - No. PW 3-54-4 - Resurfacing and Culvert Construction on
Central Avenue, from Park Street to Cottage Street.
28. Specifications - No. PW 3-54-5 - Construction of Two Sewage Pumping Plants.
BILLS:
29. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments there-
of, in the total amount of $26,o68.87, 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 April 20, 1954, 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.
30. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council
adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, May 4, 1954, at 8:00
0t clock.
Respectfully submitted,