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1954-08-03 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 3,. 1954 The meeting convened at 8 :00 o'clock P. M. with Vice -Mayor Anderson presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Councilman Jones. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Jones, McCall, Moresi, Mayor Sweeney and Vice -Mayor Anderson, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held July 20, 1954, were approved as transcribed. OPENING OF BIDS: 2 v/ Bids were received and read for the project of Installing the Nautilus Street Sanitary Sewer in the vicinity of Alaska Packers - in accordance with Specifications and Special Provisions therefor, No. PW 7- 54 -18, as follows: From Stolte, Inc. Accompanied by a Bid Bond From Paris Brothers Accompanied by a Bid Bond From Daniel L. Trade Accompanied by a Bid Bond From McGuire and Hester Accompanied by a Bid Bond 9,765.00 $12,220.00 7,498.75 8,997.50 The bids were referred to the City Manager for review and recommendation. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 3. From Lawrence A. Keenan, 1105 Sherman Street, requesting approval of a six- foot board fence with a two -foot Plexolite clear, corrugated glass top on the property line between 1101 and 1105 Sherman Street. The fence starts sixty -eight feet back from the street and is to serve as a windbreak. Mr. Keenan was noted present and was called upon to explain the situation. He stated the fence extends from his house over to the property line and then that portion along the property line is not supposed to be over six feet high and, there- fore, he is requesting permission to allow the extra two feet in height. He stated the people next door have no objections - right now the owners are in Palm Springs. He said they need this extra height as a windbreak for their patio. In response to Councilman McCall's question, Mr. Keenan answered that the eight - foot section of the fence would extend for about thirty feet - or the length of their patio. Vice -Mayor Anderson stated that, according to the ordinance, no fence should be over six feet in height and if the Council allows one to go two feet higher than the maximum specifically set forth, it leaves the City wide open for eight -foot fences all over. He felt that, if the Council grants permission for one eight -foot fence, there would be no basis on which the Council could deny anyone else requesting the same thing. He pointed out that lanais or other higher structures in rear yards come under the regulations of the Building Code and he suggested that Mr. Keenan discuss the matter with Building Inspector Rogers. Councilman Jones asked if Mr. Keenan could make a show before the Council that, in refusing to grant permission for this eight -foot fence, a hardship would be created. Mr. Keenan stated he certainly could because the fence was already constructed before they knew it should not exceed six feet in height. Councilman Jones suggested the City Attorney review the precedents which might have been established within the past few years on the matter of fences. He thereupon moved this matter be deferred until a report is received from the City Attorney as to what decisions were reached in the preceding cases. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and unanimously carried. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 4. Vice -Mayor Anderson inquired if anyone wished to address the Council - and there was no response. HEARINGS: Continued from the meeting of June 15, the matter was now called up concerning the proposed closing of Fountain Street, south of Otis Drive. City Attorney Clark stated that Mr. Bestor Robinson who represents Mr. Michael Hester in this matter, telephoned him today and asked that the Hearing.be continued to August 17. Mr. Clark stated he then consulted with Mr. Williams, Planning Director, who feels they are making some headway in their negotiations concerning Mr. Hester's property in that vicinity and on, or before August 17,. some satisfactory conclusions may be reached. The matter was laid over to that date. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 6`. From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Paris Brothers, low bidder, for the project of Installing Storm Sewer Line "A" to serve County and Garden Roads, Bay Farm Island, at the bid price of $5,886.53. Councilman Moresi moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that contract be awarded to this firm for the specified project and the bid bonds or checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, McCall, Moresi, Mayor Sweeney and Vice -Mayor Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 7 ✓ From the City Manager, reporting that all work on the Resurfacing of Central Avenue, from Fourth Street to Pacific Avenue, has been satisfactorily completed and recommending the Notice of Completion be filed. Councilman Moresi moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that the work in connection with this project be accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, McCall, Moresi, Mayor Sweeney and Vice -Mayor Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 8:7 From George A. Rose, Retiring Chairman for the Recreation Commission, reporting on the thorough study given the proposed commercially operated merry -go -round in Washington Park and recommending that such a facility not be installed in said Park as it is doubtful that any revenue the City might realize would justify the possible annoyance to neighboring residents and the large area it would take out of the Park that is now used for passive recreation.; Since this suggestion originated from Mr. Gottstein, he was called upon for comment. Mr. Gottstein stated he had merely brought the matter ,before the Council because a great many people had made the suggestion to him over the past few years. He stated, however, he thought it was too bad that the City did not do something about develop- ing its beaches. Councilman McCall stated,it might be well for Mr. Gottstein to know that the City Council, the City Manager and everyone is interested in the City's beaches and the City has already asked the State Division of Beaches and Parks to develop Alameda beaches as part of the State system of beaches. He pointed out that, if this can be accomplished, the City will step in and see that it gets proper facilities. Councilman McCall thereupon moved the Council concur with the recommendation of the Recreation Commission. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones. Speaking on the question, Councilman Jones suggested that the members of the Recrea- tion Commission investigate the possibility of other locations where a merry -go- round might be established. Mr. Froerer explained that the Recreation Commission did thoroughly investigate other possible sites for such an amusement. The question was then put and the motion was unanimously carried. 9Y' From Ray P. Kranelly, newly elected Chairman for the Recreation Commission, submitting a plan of the proposed development of Krusi Park and making the following recommendations: That the Krusi Park Development Plan as submitted by Andrew T. Hass, Architect, be approved in principle as the general Master Plan of the park; That the existing Krusi Park Fund of X5,584. be utilized immediately for the development of a small children's "Tiny Tot" area and dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Ida Krusi. The request was also made that the Council meet with the Chairman and Secretary of the Commission to discuss the entire project. Councilman Jones stated the Chairman of the Recreation Commission should be notified that the City Council will be very happy to meet with him and other members of the Commission and thereupon moved the Mayor be authorized to arrange such a meeting at a mutually convenient time. Mr. Froerer stated there is a regular meeting of the Recreation Commission scheduled for 7 :30 o'clock P. M. tomorrow night and he felt the Commission would be happy to invite the Council to attend this meeting, which would then expedite the conference on this particular subject. Vice-Mayor Anderson stated the Council could decide later this evening if they could meet at that time. 10. From Fire Chief Thomas M. Lane, addressed to the City Manager, submitting the Annual Report of his Department - and pointing up the low fire loss record of only $46,741. during the past fiscal year as compared to an amount of 5134,389.50 for the previous year. Councilman,Jones felt it would be in order to send a letter of commendation to the Fire Department, through Chief Lane, on the fine record established - and made a motion to this effect, which was seconded by Councilman McCall and unanimously carried. The City Clerk was instructed to write said letter. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 11. The matter of the Construction of a Club House at Lincoln Park and Rest Rooms and Storage Building at Krusi Park was brought up at this time. The report on the situation, made by the City Manager under date of July 20, was again read. Councilman Moresi stated that, because of the fact that all bids had far exceeded . the amount set up in the budget for these projects - and in view of the conference held with Mr. Hass, Architect, at which time it was agreed the buildings should be redesigned - she would move that all bids be rejected and the bid bonds or checks be returned to the bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall, who pointed out that Mr. Hass had informed the Council that, at the time the bids were made, there was a lumber strike on and this fact was taken into consideration by the bidders in submitting their quotations. Vice -Mayor Anderson stated that Councilman McCall had made the suggestion that the buildings at Krusi Park be constructed of cement blocks which would save the City money on this project. The question was called for and on roll call the motion carried by the following vote. AYes: Councilmen Jones, McCall, Moresi, Mayor Sweeney and Vice -Mayor Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. RESOLUTIONS: 12. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. -4965 Transferring 330,000. from the Cash Basis Fund to The Library Fund." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, McCall, Moresi, Mayor Sweeney and Vice -Mayor Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the Vice -Mayor declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4966 Memorializing the Alameda County Planning Commission in the Matter of Expediting Adoption of the Alameda County Shoreline Master Plan." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, McCall, Moresi, Mayor Sweeney and Vice -Mayor Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the Vice -Mayor declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. Upon request, the City Manager stated this is approximately the fifteenth resolution which has been forwarded to the County in an attempt to effect some action in this matter. He pointed out that, before the City can get any State Park development or participate in matching State funds for its beaches, there must be a Master Plan of the County of Alameda. He emphasized that the City completed its section and adopted its plan in February, 1948 - more than six years ago - and ever since then, it has been urging Alameda County to complete and adopt its plan. He said it has been reported lately that some progress is being made and he felt that, by a little prompting at this time, the County might take some action. 14. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4967 Authorizing Execution of Lease Between City of Alameda and Alameda Unified School - District of a Portion of McKinley Park Known as Thompson Field." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Councilmen Jones, McCall, Moresi, Mayor Sweeney and Vice-Mayor Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the Vice- Mayor declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4968 Accepting Grant of Easement from Alaska Packers Association in Certain Real Property, for Sewer Purposes, and Consenting to the Recordation Thereof." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, McCall, Moresi, Mayor Sweeney and Vice-Mayor Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the Vice-Mayor declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. v/ 16. At this point, Vice-Mayor Anderson inquired if there were any oral communications - and Councilman Moresi asked the City Manager if he knew whether or not the appropria- tion supposed to have been requested by Mr. Wallace Boggs, County Surveyor, for the repairs to Posey Tube had been made. Mr. Froerer replied that the County budget had not yet been adopted and he could not say if this particular appropriation had been included. FILING: 17. Annual Audit Report - Alameda Municipal Employees' Retirement System - For Fiscal Year 1953-54 - Middleton, Suman & Hackleman. BILLS: 18. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Departments thereof, in the total amount of $63,850.71 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 Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on August 3, 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 Jones, McCall, Moresi, Mayor Sweeney and Vice-Mayor Anderson, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. ADJOURNMENT: 19. There being no further business to come before the meeting the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, August 17, 1954, at 8:00 o'clock. Respectfully submitted,