1954-11-16 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 16, 1954
The meeting convened at 8:00 o'clock P. M. with President Sweeney presiding.
The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Councilman Moresi.
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 November 3, 1954, were approved as
transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2. From the Alameda Junior Chamber of Commerce, extending an invitation to the
Council to attend the eighth annual "Voice of Democracy" contest to be held Novem-
ber 17, at 8:00 o'clock P. M. in the Assembly Room of the Times -Star Building.
President Sweeney thanked this organization for its invitation and stated that
Mrs. Irene Moresi will represent the Council at this event.
3. From Mr. LeRoy F. Krusi, with regard to the development of Krusi Park and
urging that the money donated by his father be used at this time to proceed with
the plans for developing a Tiny Tot area.
Upon request, City Manager Froerer briefly outlined the situation with regard to
the development of Krusi Park. He stated that, during World War II, it was impos-
sible to purchase materials for park purposes. He also pointed up the fact that
the original gift of land for this park was that portion lying southerly from Clay
Street, between Court and Mound Streets - which area represents only about one -
fifth of the entire area presently comprising the Park. Since that time, the City
of Alameda has acquired considerably more land at its own expense - thus increasing
the total site of Krusi Park to about eight acres. He remarked that about the time
a second proposal was being considered for improving this Park, the Korean incident
occurred - which again prevented anything being done. He stated that, at present,
plans for the Tiny Tot area are to be presented to the Recreation Commission tomor-
row night - and he also emphasized that the money which was donated by Mr. Krusi
has been kept in the City Treasury for this particular purpose. Mr. Froerer said
he believed the installation of the Tiny Tot area can be expected within the next
few months.
President Sweeney stated a letter should be written to the Krusi family to inform
it of the present status of the situation.
41. From Messrs. Glen L. Myers and Vernon L. Sutton, requesting an amendment of
Diagram and Assessment of Parcel 2.4, Bay Farm Island - into two parcels to be
known as Nos. 2L4 -and 24 -1.
This matter was referred to the City Engineer.
5< From Mrs. C. H. Patterson, 3219 Central Avenue, requesting permission to
replace the old eight -foot fence along her rear property line with a modern, eight -.
foot grape- stake, redwood fence. It was explained that a recent fire had destroyed
the garage, as well as a portion of the old fence.
Councilman Anderson moved that the request of Mrs. Patterson be granted -to remove
the old fence and erect a new eight -foot fence as described. The motion was
seconded by Councilman McCall and unanimously carried.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
6`. Mr. Terry LaCroix, President of the Alameda Junior Chamber of Commerce,
addressed the Council with regard to S. D. - "Safe Driving" - Day, which President
Eisenhower has proclaimed to be December 15, 1954. He thanked the Council for his
appointment as Chairman of this event and stated the Junior Chamber is wholeheart-
edly behind the program. He said they are soliciting the support of all organiza-
tions and he displayed certain stickers and printed cards which are to be distributed.
President Sweeney said he felt a Proclamation should be issued for this Day and he
would be glad to see that this is done.
Councilman Jones said he thought it would be a very fine idea to send a letter to
all organizations of the City, informing them of the program and the official status
of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in this respect.
1.2 i
Councilman Moresi moved that such a letter be written by the Mayor, outlining the
plans for this event. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and unanimously
carried.
7. At this time, Councilman Moresi moved that a letter be sent from the City
Council to Mr. William Powell, Alameda Parade Chairman, commending him for his fine
work in connection with the Veterans' Day Parade. He did an outstanding job and
she felt the Council should express its appreciation for his efforts - also, letters
should be sent to the two Policemen and two Firemen who comprised the Color Guard of
Alameda's unit - and to Mr. William J. Meyers, General Chairman of the 1954 Veterans'
Day Observance. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously
carried.
HEARINGS:
8: The matter was called up concerning the proposed closing of Fountain Street,
south of Otis Drive. The hearing had been continued from the meetings of June 15,
August 3, August 17 and September 21. The matter had originated with the request
of Mr.. Paul Wood, to close this portion of Fountain Street in order that he might
fill and improve this area together with adjacent properties owned by him on both
the east and west sides thereof.
City Attorney Clark stated this matter has had a full and complete hearing both
before this Body and the Planning Board. The Planning Board had recommended that
this portion of Fountain Street be closed. The hearing has been continued from time
to time - in order that the parties concerned might have an opportunity to enter
into negotiations. He pointed out that he had consulted with the Planning Director
just this morning - and had been informed that nothing has been heard from the oppo-
nents of this matter for the past month. Therefore, the matter is ready for Council
action.
Councilman Jones stated the Attorney for the opponent had stated the Council could
be sued for damages if this street were closed as he claimed his client would not
have access to his property. Mr. Clark agreed that the owner of abutting property,
who is deprived of ingress and egress to his property, does have a right of action -
but he explained that this portion of Fountain Street has never afforded anybody
access to anywhere - it has never been improved and presently it is a morass.
Councilman Moresi stated the plans of the area involved, which had been studied in
connection with this matter, had shown other means of access to the adjacent pro-
perty.
Councilman Jones felt that since the proponents of this proposed closing of Foun-
tain Street were not present, the hearing should be laid over until they are inter-
ested in bringing it before the Council again.
At this point, Mr. Walter Dusenberry addressed the Council, stating he owns a
certain lot adjacent to Fountain Street, to which there would be no means of access
if this street were closed.
Mr. Froerer explained that the property to which Mr. Dusenberry refers is shown
on the map of the area involved as being in the name of Theresa Mehrtens and there
is a frontage of 14.53 feet on Fountain Street.
The City Attorney pointed out that, with only this small street frontage, Mr. Dusen-
berry does not have a "lot" - he has a parcel of land.
At this point, Councilman Anderson moved the Hearing be continued. 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.
Councilman Jones stated he thought Mr. Dusenberry, as one of the interested parties,
should be notified concerning any future date set for continuing this hearing. It
was so ordered.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
9. From the City Manager, reporting that all work on the Installation of Storm
Sewer Line "A ", to serve County and Garden Roads, Bay Farm Island, has been satis-
factorily completed - and recommending the work be accepted and the Notice of
Completion be ordered filed.
Councilman Jones moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that the work
on this project be accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. 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.
161'. From the City Manager, stating that all work in connection with street improve-
ments, sea wall, etcetera, in Tract No. 1249 (Hansen Subdivision) has been satisfac-
torily completed - and recommending that these be accepted and the subdivider be
released from his bond.
Councilman Moresi moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that these
improvements in Tract No. 1249 be accepted and the subdivider be released from his
bond. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by
the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall., Moresi and Pres
dent Sweeney, (5)'. None. Absent: None.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
11. Councilman Anderson introduced the following ordinance, after whi.ch'it was
laid over under provision of law and the Charter:
'Ordinance No.
New Series
An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale and Conveyance
of Certain Real Property Owned by the City of
Alameda." (Alameda Municipal Nursery)
There was some discussion as to whether or not the money derived from the sale of
this property could be used during the current fiscal year and for any specific
purpose. The City Attorney was instructed to check the law on this situation.
RESOLUTIONS:
12. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5006
IN MEMORIAM TO CAPTAIN JOHN LANE
'WITH PROFOUND SORROW, the Council of the City of Alameda records
the death of one of its former employees, JOHN LANE, retired Captain of
the Fire Department.
'CAPTAIN LANE joined the Fire Department on April 7, 1920, and
served the City diligently and loyally for the following twenty -eight
years, steadily advancing in rank, due to his conscientious performance
of his duties. Captain Lane retired from City service on January 16, 1948.
'NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, in recognition of Captain
Lane's faithful and excellent work, and his spirit of cooperation and
helpfulness among his fellow firemen, the Council of the City o f Alameda
hereby expresses its sense of personal loss and its gratitude for the
efficient service so wholeheartedly rendered by this competent employee.
'BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread in full
upon the minutes of this meeting, and that a copy thereof be transmitted
to the family of Captain Lane, that it may extend to its members a sincere
expression.of sympathy and condolence; and
'BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that when this meeting of the Council of
the City of Alameda adjourns, it shall do so in respect to the memory of
CAPTAIN JOHN LANE, retired."
The motion 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.
13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 5007
IN MEMORIAM TO CAPTAIN GEORGE G. MONTEIRO
'WITH HEARTFELT SORROW, the Council of the City of Alameda records
the death of one of its former employees, GEORGE G. MONTEIRO, retired
Captain`of the Fire Department.
'CAPTAIN MONTEIRO began his service with the Fire Department in
January, 1913, and performed his duties faithfully and efficiently for a
period of twenty -five years - having attained the rank of Captain during
that time, due to his untiring efforts on behalf of.the best interests
of his Department and the City. Captain Monteiro retired as a member
of the Fire Department in February, 1938.
'NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, in recognition of Captain
Monteiro's loyal and proficient performance of his duties, and his spirit
of cooperation and friendliness among his fellow firemen, the Council of
the City of Alameda hereby expresses its sense of personal loss and its
deep appreciation for the excellent service so conscientiously rendered
by this competent employee.
'BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread in full
upon the minutes of this meeting, and that a copy thereof be transmitted
to the family of Captain Monteiro, that it may express to its members a
sincere note of sympathy and condolence; and
'BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that when this meeting of the Council of
the City of Alameda adjourns, it shall do so in respect to the memory of
CAPTAIN GEORGE G. MONTEIRO, retired."
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.
FILING:
14. Financial Statement - Bureau of Electricity, as of September 30, 1954 -
Verified by Middleton, Suman &: Hackleman.
15. Auditor's Financial Statement - City of Alameda, as of October 31, 1954
Verified by Middleton, Suman & Hackleman.
BILLS:
16. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the Department
thereof, in the total amount of X27,325.78, 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 November 16, 1954, and submitted to the Council at this t ime, be
allowed and paid. 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.
ADJOURNMENT:
17. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council
adjourned in respect to the memory of JOHN LANE and GEORGE G. MONTEIRO, retired
Captains of the Fire Department - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday
evening, December 7, 1954, at 8 :00 o'clock.
Respectfully submitted,
City C