1954-09-15 Special CC Minutesjj
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 15, 1954
The meeting convened at 6:35 o'clock P. M. with President Sweeney presiding.
ROLL CALL:
1
The roll was called and Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Moresi and President
Sweeney, (5), were noted present. Absent: None.
1. The Call and Notice of Special Meeting was read by the Clerk, setting forth the
time and place of meeting and the purpose thereof - to consider the matter of the ex-
pansion of the Oakland Airport and the request made by the Port of Oakland to excavate
fill off the south shore of Bay Farm Island, and subjects related thereto. Receipt of
said Notice had been acknowledged by each of the Councilmen.
RESOLUTIONS:
2' following entitled resolution was read in full:
"Resolution No.
Protesting the Location of the Proposed Expansion of
Metropolitan Oakland International Airport and Requesting
the Port of Oakland to Reconsider the Planning and Location
of That Project in the Light of the Public Interest."
Mr. Randal F. Dickey addressed the Council, stating he was acting in a dual capacity -
(1) as co-author of the Southern Crossing Bill and (2) as a taxpayer. He said he is
going to do everything possible to see that the Southern Crossing is protected and he
felt the Council is absolutely right in setting forth its reasons for protest in this
matter. He respectfully requested, however, that action on this resolution be
deferred at this time. He pointed out there are approximately nineteen days left
within which the City may file its nrotest on the application of the Port of Oakland.
That being true, he would like to have a commitment from the Civil Aeronautics
Administration and he would like to talk to the Port Authority of Oakland - he intends
to do this within the next few days - and he would then report back to the Council.
He said that a great many of the questons the Council wants answered could be answered
in writing prior to the filing of a protest. He pointed out the resolution could be
filed at a later date without disfranchising the Council - and there is a chance
certain differences might be erased - at least there is additional information which
might be obtained.
Councilman Jones said he felt there is considerable merit in the request advanced by
Mr. Dickey. He stated that, as a member of the Council, he, personally, was reluctant
to act on this resolution. He stated the City Council has always taken the position
that the airport in this area was beneficial, but the Council must also very carefully
consider what effect any development will have on the City. The purpose of the
resolution as drawn is to bring to light these differences and to present these facts
for determination at the hearing. He felt it might be appropriate for the Council to
submit a copy of this resolution to the Port of Oakland and, in line with Mr. Dickey's
suggestion, the Port may be able to give the Council certain facts in writing for its
information. He said there has been some feeling of dissatisfaction because, from the
reports received from the Port of Oakland, the Council still does not know the Port's
actual intentions. He indicated he would be agreeable to not take action this evening,
provided a copy of the resolution, in its unadopted form, is presented to the Port of
Oakland for its unofficial knowledge and consideration.
President Sweeney stated that what disturbed him is the dredging to be done on
property owned by Utah Construction Company, which would then be forever ruined for
future devlopment. He pointed out that, as elected officials, the Council has to see
that there is as much property on the City tax rolls as possible. He said he is also
disturbed by the question of what it is going to do to the Southern Crossing - and
the Council must see that the City is not jeopardized.
Councilman Anderson stated it is imperative, before making a decision, that the facts
be learned - and he felt there are still certain facts to be properly ascertained. He
thought no action should be taken on this resolution until a.11 facts are known and he
felt the City Council of Alameda should invite the Port of Oakland to meet with the
Council and discuss the matter and determine if we can ascertain tee full facts in the
case and arrive at an amicable understanding. He thereupon moved this matter be
deferred until at least the next meeting, which is next Tuesday, September 21 - and in
the meantime, the Council endeavor to have a meeting with the Port of Oakland to discuss
and ascertain the facts, as requested by Assemblyman Dickey.
Mr. Dickey suggested Councilman Anderson include Mr. Frank H Durkee, State Director
of Public Works, and the Civil Aeronautics Administration, in the invitation to this
meeting.
Councilman Anderson amended his motion accordingly, which 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 inquired how soon this meeting could be arranged. Mr. Dudley Frost,
General Manager of the Port of Oakland, replied that he would contact the Port
Commissioners the next morning and, while he could not speak for them, he said it
would be his guess that next Monday, September 20, would probably be the earliest
time that could be set.
President Sweeney asked him to notify the City Manager in this respect - Mr. Dickey
also asked that he be informed.
ADJOURNMENT:
3. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned -
to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, September 21, 1954, at 8:00 o'clock.
Respectfully submitted,