1953-01-27 Special CC MinutesSPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF TEE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 27, - - - 1953
The meeting convened at 7:30 o'clock P.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and. Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and
President Osborn, (5), were noted present. Absent: None.
(I. with President Osborn presiding.
1. V President Osborn announced this special meeting has been called for the purpose
of acting on certain resolutions setting the date of the coming City election and
submitting certain amendments to the Charter and Pension Ordinance No. 1079, New
Series, to the vote of the people on March 10, 1953.
2. President Osborn stated that he had been approached by Mr. C. Merritt Cowell,
Manager of the local office, and. Mr. William Park, East Bay Division Manager, both
of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, to ascertain just what was contemplated
in the proposed. Charter amendment. He said he had told them he would prefer that
they appear before the members of the City Council to discuss anything pertaining
to the proposed Charter amendment. President Osborn pointed out that the request
for the amendment had been made by the Board of Public Utilities. He explained
that he had also notified the members of the Board of the meeting tonight in order
that both sides might be represented. He thereupon welcomed Messrs. Rix Maurer,
Frank McClintock and John O'Dea of the Board, as well as Messrs. Cowell and. Park
of Pacific Gas and. Electric Company.
RESOLUTIONS:
3. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4722
Calling General Municipal Election to be Held in
The City of Alameda on March 10, 1953; Establishing
Election Precincts; Fixing Number of Election
Officers on the Board of Election for Fach Precinct;
and Fixing Compensation of Flection Officers."
The notion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones,
Sweeney and President Osborn, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the
President d clared said resolution duly adopted arid passed.
L. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Branscheid, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4723
Submitting to the Voters of the City of Alameda
a Proposal to Amend the Charter of the City of
Alameda, Said Proposal to be Voted Upon at the
General Municipal Election to be Held on
Tuesday, March 10, 1953."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones.
On the question, President Osborn inquired if Mr. Park desired to make any remarks.
Nr. Park responded by stating that, at times, there are items in the newspapers and
his Company does not know the intent and he, being in the field, is instructed to
ascertain just what is meant. He said he was appearing here tonight only to find
out about this matter, in line with his duty to his Company. He said he now felt
assured that the amendment was looked upon as good businees to be able to enter
into longer-term contracts. He said his Company will renegotiate a contract for
a period of ten years, which will be equal to, or even better than, the one the
City now has.
President Osborn then asked if any member of the Public Utilities Board had any
remarks.
Mr. O'Dea stated that, in his experience on the Board, the City's relations with
the Pacific Gas and Electric Company have always been of the best. He pointed out
the only reason for the Board's request for this amendment is that the Board
itself feels that if there is an extension of time from five to ten years, it
could make a better contract which would be to the benefit of the people of Alameda.
Mr. McClintock added that there has been no intention on the part of the Board to
not live up to its present contract, which still has four years to run.
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President Osborn observed that this discussion has eliminated the fear of subsequent
results.
Councilman Anderson asked if the only change being made in the Charter provision is
that of the term of contracts from five to ten years. City'Attorney Clark stated
this is true.
President Osborn then put the question and on roll call the motion was carried by
the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and
President Osborn, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President
declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
5. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4724
Submitting an Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 1079,
New Series, Entitled, 'An Ordinance Establishing a
Relief, Pension and Insurance _System for Members of
the Police and Fire Departments of the City of
Alameda, and Repealing Ordinance No. 276, New Series,
as Amended', to be Voted Upon at the General Municipal
Election to be Held in the City of Alameda on Tuesday
March 10, 1953."
Upon Councilman Jones' request, the City Attorney was called upon to explain this
matter. Mr. Clark stated that under Ordinance No. 276, New Series, as amended,
there was a provision which gave the dependent fathers and mothers of deceased
pensioners the right to receive one-third of the salary of the pensioner at the
rank held by him ,at the time of his retirement. It was the understanding that
all benefits inherent in Ordinance No. 276, New Series, as amended, should be
carried over into Ordinance No. 1079, New Series. He remarked, however, that in
rewriting the ordinance, there was an error made in the wording which changed this
provision. He pointed out it was an honest mistake - the draft of the ordinance
had been reviewed not only by himself, but by the Police and Fire Department
Committees and the actuaries, but unfortunately, it was not until after,the election
at which the ordinance was adopted b7 the people that the mistake showed up. He
stated he felt it was a matter of good faith with the Police and Fire Committees
that the matter should be submitted to the voters for their approval.
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones,
Sweeney and President Osborn, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the
President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
ADJOURNMENT:
6. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council
adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, February 3, 1953,
at 8:00 o'clock.
Respectfully submitted,
, ttt-e
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