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1953-02-03 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 3, 1953 The meeting convened at 8:00 o'clock P. M. with President Osborn presiding. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones and President Osborn, (4), were noted present. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held January 20, and the special meeting held January 27, 1953, were approved as transcribed. OPENING OF BIDS: 2. `� One bid was received and read from W. R. Ames Company, for the furnishing of 2,000 lineal feet of 6" Portable Quick Coupling Aluminum Pressure Pipe and Auxiliary Fittings and 40 lineal feet of 8" Portable Quick Coupling Aluminum Suction Pipe and Auxiliary Fittings - in accordance with Specifications therefor, No. MS 12 -52 -17 - at the total bid price of X4,027.97. The bid was accompanied by a certified check in the amount of ,450. 3.V' Bids were submitted and read for the furnishing of One 8" Jointer, mounted on a Cast Iron Stand and Equipped with a 1 HP, 3- Phase, 220/440 Volt Motor and Accessory Items, in accordance with Specifications therefor, No. MS 1 -53 -1, as follows: From The Merrill -Brose Company - - - - $ 530.19 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - - - 53.02 From Delta Equipment Agency - - - - 515.93 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - - - 60.00 From C. W. Marwedel - - - - $ 515.93 Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of - - - - 51.59 4. ✓`Y Bids were presented and read for the furnishing of One 20" Band Saw, Complete with a 1 HP, 3- Phase, 220/00 Volt Motor and Accessory Items, in accordance with Specifications therefor, No. MS 1 -53 -2, as follows: From C. W. Marwedel Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of - - - - $ 489.29 - - - - 56.43 From Merrill -Brose Company - - - - $ 544.57 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - - - 52.72 From Delta Equipment Agency - - - - $w' 464.29 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - - - 60.00 C. W. Marwedel also submitted a bid on a combination of the two above mentioned items in the total amount of $1,080.21. This combination bid was accompanied by a cashier's check in the amount of 1'108.02. 5.,/ Bids were submitted and read for furnishing Ninety -one Single Pendant Type Light- ing Standards with Luminaires, in accordance with Specifications therefor, No. MS 1 -53 -3, as follows:. From Westinghouse Electric Supply Company - - - - $ 11,463.18 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - - - 1,350.00 From Taper Tube Pole Co. - - - - 4 11,279.47 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - - - 1,300.00 From Graybar Electric Co., Inc. - - - - $ 12,503.58 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - - - 1,260.00 All of the foregoing bids were referred to the City Manager and City Engineer for study and recommendation. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 6. 1 From the Boy Scouts of America, requesting the Council's approval of a plan for "Scout Scout Day in Government", at which time certain Boy Scouts will represent various civic offices of the City and will participate with the City Officials at the Council meeting to be held February 17. President Osborn stated Mr. Rigor, Field Scout Executive, had approached him with regard to this proposed "Scout Day in Government" and at that time it was, unfortunately 327 too late to have been arranged to take place this evening. He said that after dis- cussing it with members of the Council it was concluded that it was a very worth- while matter and it was the desire of the Councilmen to participate with the Boy Scouts as all realize this fine organization is giving wonderful experience to the youth of our country. 7. From the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, requesting permission to place certain signs on City -owned electroliers located on Park and Webster Streets - to advertise "Alameda City Wide Dollar Days, Friday and Saturday" - the signs are 4 feet by 3 feet in size and are to be posted on ,Friday and Saturday,' February 20 and 21, 1953. Councilman Anderson moved the request of the Chamber of Commerce be granted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones. Councilman Branscheid stated he thought the motion should include "subject to the approval of the City Manager" as is usual. Councilman Anderson and his second were agreeable to this amendment. The question was then put and the motion as amended was unanimously carried. 8. °'From the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, submitting a copy of its Resolution No. 5204, urgently recommending that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Alameda appropriate 997,000. from its 1953 fiscal budget to enable the survey of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit Commission to proceed. President Osborn stated this information is of great interest owing to the fact that the Bay Area Rapid Transit problem has been of concern for a considerable length of time. He mentioned that Councilman Branscheid has served on this commission and has attended many meetings in connection with this matter. He said he was happy to hear of this resolution having been adopted by the Chamber of Commerce and thereupon ordered it filed. 9. An Application for Permit to Fill Property was read from Eugene Dashiell. The property to be filled is known as 520 Central Avenue and the work to be performed is to be done by Rhodes and Jamieson, Powell Bros., Salvage Service and Healy Tibbets, by trucking sand and gravel, materials from excavations and dredging. The Application was accompanied by a surety bond in the amount of 95,000., which had been approved by the City Attorney and signed by the Mayor. Councilman Jones moved the application be granted to permit the filling of the property in question. The motion was seconded by Councilman Branscheid and unani- mously carried. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 10. President Osborn stated that, at this time, with the permission of his fellow members of the City Council, he would like to make a statement in connection with a statement which appeared in the local newspaper this afternoon with regard to a meeting held here last night. He said the statement was made that the meeting was "cleverly arranged" so that it could not be given publicity in the newspaper. President Osborn asked the City Manager if he would kindly announce to the audience at what time he got in telephone communication with him at his office in San Francisco yesterday that Mr. Jackson of the Alameda Bayside Construction Corp. wanted to talk to him. Mr. Froerer stated it was shortly before 2:00 o'clock yesterday afternoon. President Osborn then asked Mr. Everett Johannes, the Times -Star Reporter, to tell the audience what time is the deadline for his newspaper to receive news for publica- tion that day. Mr. Johannes stated 1 :20 is the deadline for the newspaper to get news copy which can be printed in that day's paper. President Osborn explained that when he received word from Mr. Froerer that Mr. Jackson wanted to talk to him he had said he would get in touch with Mr. Jackson, which he did from his San Francisco Office. In talking to Mr. Jackson he had told him he is only one member of the City Council and he does not discuss matters that should be discussed with all. He had pointed out it is not his policy and he had told Mr. Jackson he did not care to discuss the ,matter on an individual basis, but if it is his desire, he would try to arrange a meeting. At that time, Mr. Jackson informed him he was leaving tomorrow and therefore President Osborn stated he would endeavor to call a meeting. He said he first called Councilman Sweeney who agreed to be present, then he called Councilman Jones who said he could attend - and at the same time, he had suggested that the members of the press be invited to be present also. President Osborn said he thought it was a good suggestion and agreed he would ;do so, if Mr. Jackson approved. President Osborn said Councilman Anderson was then contacted and he said he would attend the meeting, he was also told of Councilman Jones' suggestion and asked what he thought about inviting other interested organi- zations! representatives. He mentioned that he had not been able to contact Councilman Branscheid. President Osborn stated he then came to Alameda, arriving here about 3 :00 o'clock, at which time he contacted Mr. Jackson and told him the meeting was on and asked him if it would meet with his approval to invite these other interested people. He was agreeable and President Osborn stated he immediately telephoned the heads of several organizations, to -wit: Senior Chamber of Commerce, Junior Chamber of Commerce, West Alameda Association, Fernside Homeowners Association, Fernside- Marina Home Owners Association, Alameda Real Estate Board, the Managers of the two local banks and many other citizens, all of whom are interested in the future welfare of the City. He stated that, in spite of the inclement weather of last night, he was glad to report there were approximately 50 people here. President Osborn stated that in this evening's paper, he had been accused of "rigging" this meeting. He pointed out that the only protest the Council had received at the meeting last night was from Mr. Werner, Publisher of the local paper. He stated that as far as the citizens themselves, who were here, were concerned - everybody was given an opportunity to speak on the question. He mentioned that the only ones who did rise and speak were Mr. George T. Hansen, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Lowell Duggan, Realtor, Mrs. Irene Moresi, member of the West Alameda Association, Richard Thunder, Realtor, all of whom addressed the meeting in support of the Council's position. Messrs. William McCall and Ed. Agnew spoke against the City's protest, President Osborn stressed the fact that the Council's action is in the best interests of the City of Alameda, it is anxious to protect the City and anxious to keep the, Federal Government from acquiring any further land in the City. He said that if this sale goes through to the Navy Department of the Federal Government and then this property is leased for 75 years, the law of diminishing rates will very, very definitely go into effect and at the end of 75 years, that land will be owned by the Federal Government and no one can give any satisfactory answer on the taxable returns of that land to the City of Alameda. He concluded by stating that as long as he has any responsibility in the City Government, it is his bounden duty to prevent any further land in this City being acquired by the Federal Government. He emphatically declared he will always fight for the best interests of the City of Alameda and will never be influenced by private interests. President Osborn's statement was followed by a generous round of applause. Councilman Jones then stated that he deplored the "Editorial" which had appeared in the newspaper this evening. He also mentioned that along with that was the story that the "City opposed the building of 500 living units in the west end of the City'. He said he felt it is a most regrettable story. He pointed out that the only stipu- lation the City has ever placed upon this development was that•it should be by private enterprise. He said that any hint of this property going into Federal ownership had been dispelled from the Council's mind by the Congress Construction Corp. He emphasized that the Council has done its utmost to encourage building along the lines of private enterprise in contrast to trying to hinder it. He mentioned that in the Oakland Tribune there is a story on the subject which he believes is very largely true - it simply presents the facts, while the article in the Times -Star distorted the facts and placed the City and Council in opposition to the progress of the City. He pointed out that the Mayor has answered in full dignity the charges as made in the Times -Star and he felt that for future reference both accounts of this story should be made a part of the minutes of this meeting. He thereupon moved that the articles appearing in this evening's Alameda Times -Star and the Oakland Tribune be incorporated in and become a part of the minutes of this Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. Councilman Anderson stated he felt the citizens and people of Alameda must realize what kind of elected representatives they have, when the five Councilmen can be called up on an afternoon for a meeting that night and all five show up. He said he thought the trend of the Government has gone far enough in putting a mortgage on our children of today and even the children of the third generation. He pointed out that the most valuable asset an individual or a group can possess is land and once it is released, it is gone forever. He stated that at the meeting last night he had asked the City Manager how much land the Federal Government has and he had been informed that the Government now owns and controls 50% of the high land of Alameda. He said he felt it is only reasonable that the Navy could use some of this 50% of the land it already has. He said he believed the Council took the right stand in not letting any more land go out of Alameda and ultimately off the tax rolls. President Osborn asked Councilman Branscheid if he would care to make any remarks. Councilman Branscheid responded by stating he felt the subject had been well covered and he heartily agreed with the stand which has beent aken. Mr. Ed. Agnew addressed the Council, stating he had attended the meeting last night. He mentioned he has been at many Council meetings, both to criticise and to con- gratulate it on certain actions. He said he wanted to commend the Mayor and the Council for their courage and the stand they made at the meeting last night. President Osborn stated he felt very gratified. He said there is a real sense of gratification and satisfaction in doing what one knows, or what one believes is right. He said the Councilmen and he do what they believe is right and there is no ulterior motive involved. V29 The following article appeared in the Oakland Tribune, Tuesday Evening, February 3, 1953: "ALAMEDA CLAIMS BAD FAITH IN DEFENSE HOUSING DEAL Alameda, Feb. 3. - -At a special session last night the Alameda City Council charged that the Alameda Bayside Construction Company 'had not acted in good faith' in negotiating to sell 20 acres of its west end property to the government for development of a naval housing site, Mayor Frank P. Osborn declared that the company 'had led the Council to believe over the past two and one half years that the land would be developed and remain under private ownership and control. Now we find that the parent company, the Congress Construction Corporation of New York, has been secretly negotiating sale of the land to the Navy which would in turn give the land back to Bayside on a 75 year lease hold. And this may eventually result in the City losing forever the land to the Federal Government,' said Osborn. Under terms of the proposed lease, 500 housing units would be built for naval. personnel stationed at all Oakland area Navy installations by the Bayside firm, with the Navy footing the bill. 'The Council finds this situation intolerable, what with -the government already owning or controlling some 50 per cent of the City of Alameda', added Osborn. William Jackson, general manager of Bayside, said that the negotiations 'were not secret. We were faced with certain difficulty financing the project under terms of the National Housing Act and believed that we could present a more attractive deal to the city under Navy subsidy', A. Hubbard Moffitt, attorney for the construction firm, said that it might be expedient for the city to accept the company's plan for subsidy because if it didn't the Navy may condemn the property and build Navy housing on it anyway. But when the mayor asked him if this was a veiled threat, Moffitt replied, 'Not necessarily, merely a possi- bility'. Last week Osborn, in letters addressed to Senator William F. Knowland and Congressmen George P. Miller and John J. Allen, voiced strong protest over proposed govern- ment purchase of this land. Osborn asked the lawmakers to 'aid us in every way to prevent further acquisition of City land by the govern- ment'. The proposed construction site is at the south end of Central Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Streets, adjacent to Encinal High School." The following article appeared in the Alameda Times -Star, Tuesday Evening, February 3, 1953: "CITY OPPOSED TO CONSTRUCTION OF 500 LIVING UNITS Leading citizens last night charged the Alameda City Council with 'consistent efforts to block a major housing development on the South Shore' although the City 'has everything to gain and nothing to lose by supporting the plan'. The charges were levelled at the councilmen during a special meeting called to thrash out present opposition to Navy acquisition of 20 acres of land from the Alameda Bayside Construction Corp., which would pave the way for construction of a 500 -unit development for Navy personnel. William Jackson, Bayside Construction Corp. manager, and A. Hubbard Moffit Jr., corporation lawyer, said that the Council's stand against the development 'may have killed its chances.' MAY CONDEMN PROPERTY Moffitt warned that if the proposal is defeated, there is a 'good chance' that the Navy will condemn the property and 'the city will be the loser'. Under the terms of the proposal, the Navy would purchase the parcel of South Shore land and then lease it back to Bayside Corporation, which would construct and operate the 500 rental units. The program would be worked out under a•75 -year irrevocable lease and would bring the city taxes under terms of the Wherry Bill which would be 'equitable' to taxes the city could collect if the development were built under private ownership, Jackson pointed out. HITS OPPOSITION •The Council's opposition to the plan on the grounds that it would remove additional property in the city from private ownership was lambasted by citizens including William G. Werner, Times -Star publisher. 'This development is sound business, 'Werner said. 'It would aid Alameda merchants and the city, through higher tax collections, and it would provide more sorely needed permanent and livable housing facilities for Alameda Navy Families'. Werner underscored that the development also would be a 'sound way' to move families out of present ramshackle temporary war housing projects and speed the clearance of those projects. 'If the Council is really interested in the city's welfare, why hasn't it made an aggressive attempt to purchase•the temporary projects from the federal government and restore the property to city ownership and the tax rolls'? Werner asked. 'If this were done, the projects could then be sold to private enterprise'. Letters from Congressman George P. Miller were intro - duced.in support of Jackson's claim that the property would remain subject to state and .local taxation, even if owned by the federal government. One letter from the congressman pointed out that 'there are many ramifications to this (plan) that I do not believe are fully understood in Alameda'. 'It is not the question of taking this property off of the city tax rolls as the value of the lease -hold is taxable', Congressman Miller wrote. 'I have asked the defense agencies for a comprehensive report, not only on this. project, but similar projects that are in effect in California and other states in the union. 'I want to call your attention to the fact that the Navy has a pretty good case for taking over the Makassar Straits project that now pays in excess of $24,000 a year to the city in lieu of taxes. If it is taken over the city will only collect a little over ,16,000 a year in service fees. It is well to bear this in mind in dealing with this subject.' TO PERMIT ALLOCATION In answer to Councilman S. Chesley Anderson's question as to why the Navy must purchase the land in order to build the development, Jackson said that the Wherry Bill has a provision that the Navy must own the land before any money is allocated for building. Earlier plans of the corporation to construct the development under private ownership, which had the 'full blessing' of the council, fell through because of lack of financing and restrictions on private ownership of such developments since the Korean conflict, Jackson said. 'Our protest is not against the development, but against the idea of the federal government gaining control and ownership of any more land in the city', Mayor Frank Osborn said. 'We feel the federal government already has too much land under control'. The meeting was called because Jackson leaves for Washington, D. C., today for conferences with the Navy on the plan. 'You've made every effort to see that it won't happen', Jackson told the councilmen. E. S. Agnew, Alameda realtor, said that in light of the fact that the Navy may condemn the property and take it for a housing development if present negotiations are not successful, perhaps 'it would be wise for the council to reconsider its stand." 11. Mr. Frank Gottstein stated he has been attending Council meetings for twenty - two years - having missed only a very few meetings during that period. He compli- mented< the Council on its liberal attitude toward asking people to talk under Oral Communications and stated he thought more people in the City should show enough interest to attend Council meetings to bring matters before it which they felt should be taken care of. He said he believed the Council would see that problems were remedied if they were just presented by enough interested people. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 12.✓ From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Mr. Herbert M. Watson, for furnishing 3 Frequency Modulated Mobile Radio Units in 152 -162 MC Band, at the total bid price of $1,776.75. Councilman Branscheid moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that contract be awarded to Mr. Watson for furnishing the .x specified items at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). 13. /From the City Manager, recommending that Mr. Werner King, Director of Sani- tation, be permitted to attend the Dairy Industry Conference, at the University of California at Davis, to be held on February 9, 10 and 11, 1953; that a City car be used for transportation and $25. be appropriated for this purpose. Councilman Anderson stated that in years gone by he has attended these sessions and they are very informative. He thereupon moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that Mr. King be permitted to attend the designated Conference, using a City car for his transportation and $25, be appropriated to defray his expenses. 14, From Chief Thomas M. Lane, reporting that the City of Alameda has received Honorable Mention among cities of its population class in the Nation and Second Place in the State of California for its Fire Prevention Week Activities during 1952. President Osborn stated this situation is really becoming a habit. Chief Lane and his Fire Department do such an outstanding job for the people of Alameda and the efficiency of his Department is such that it is recognized nationally, not only by the awards the City receives, but by the Board of Fire Underwriters who make the insurance rates on the homes and business establishments in the City of Alameda. This record has resulted in the reduction of fire insurance rates in the City, which makes a difference to the people of Alameda of approximately $60,000 per year in fire insurance premiums. He pointed out this is a considerable sum of money and it is due solely to the high efficiency of the men who protect our homes. President Osborn expressed appreciation to Chief Lane and his men of the Fire Department and stated we should look upon our men in uniform, both those of theFire and Police Departments with great pride. 15. ✓From the Civil Service Board, protesting certain action recently taken by the Council with regard to increasing the salary step of a City employee. Councilman Jones stated he felt it is apparent from the contents of the letter received from the Board that it is concerned about the Council's position. He thought it would be desirable to hold a meeting with the Board so that they could review in full detail the issue mentioned. He thereupon moved the members of the Civil Service Board be invited to meet with the Council following the regular Council meeting to be held on February 17. Councilman Branscheid seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried. President Osborn asked the City Manager to take the necessary steps to make this meeting possible. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 16. Councilman Branscheid introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Subdivision (44) to Section 17 -432.. . Thereof, Relating to Stop Intersections." NEW BUSINESS: 17.4/Councilman Branscheid stated he had noticed an article in the Oakland Tribune tonight concerning the Fruitvale Avenue.Bridge and the fact that the Army or Navy was trying to get an aeroplane through there and had to get a derrick to hoist the plane over the bridge. He said this pointed up the great need for a new bridge and should help get one. President Osborn stated that possibly the people in the audience do not fully realize how much effort has been put forth by the City in trying to get a new bridge. He stressed the fact that the Fruitvale Avenue Bridge is the responsibility of the Federal Government under a contract which came into existence many years ago. He explained that he and Councilman Anderson had discussed the matter with certain officials in Washington, D. C., last year and he regretted that the meeting was not encouraging at all and not productive of results - they had been told it would take 7 years to get financing through Congress to construct a new Fruitvale Avenue Bridge. RESOLUTIONS: 18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Branscheid, who moved. its adoption: "Resolution No. 4724 -A Transferring $2500.00 from Street Lighting Construction Assessment District No. 1 (1952) Revolving Fund to the Capital Outlays Fund." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). There- upon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4725 Authorizing the City Auditor to Make a Refund of Over - Assessment to the Property Owners in Street Lighting Construction Assessment District No. 1 (1952), as Their Interests May Appear, Aggregating $172051." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Branscheid and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). There- upon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4726 Accepting Grant of Easement (Makassar Straits Village) From Public Housing Administration and Consenting to Recordation Thereof." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Branscheid and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). There- upon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Branscheid, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4727 Authorizing Execution of Agreement with Central Pacific Railway Company and Southern Pacific Company for Grant of Easement for Sewer Purposes -- Unit IV Bond Issue Sewers Along the Segregation Line." 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 and President Osborn, (4). Noes None. Absent: CouncilmanSweeney, (1). There- upon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4728 Authorizing Acquisition of Real Property at Intersection of Island Road and County Road, Bay Farm Island for Street and Highway Purposes, and Appropriating 250.00 Therefor." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Branscheid and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). There- upon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4729 Accepting Deed from Alameda City Land Co., a Corporation, of Real Property at Intersection of Island Road and County Road, Bay Farm Island and Consenting to Recordation Thereof." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Branscheid and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). There- upon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Branscheid, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4730 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for the Improvement of the Westerly Half of Garfield Avenue Between Liberty Avenue and Central Avenue, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." 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 and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 25. "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Establishing a Pension System for Those Members of the Police and Fire Departments of the City of Alameda Entering City Service After January 1, 1953." At this time, the Clerk announced that Councilman Jones withdraws the above entitled Ordinance for Passage, as introduced at the last meeting. Councilman Jones thereupon requested the President to refer back to "Introduction of Ordinances ", which was done. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 26. "ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Establishing a Pension System for Those Members of the Police and Fire Departments of the City of Alameda Entering City Service After January 1, 1953." FILING: 27. Specifications No. FW 2-53 -2 - For the project of the Improvement of the Westerly Half of Garfield Avenue, between Liberty and Central Avenues. BILLS: 28. An itemized List of Claims against the, City of Alameda and several of the Depart- ments thereof, in the total amounts as follows, was submitted to the City Council at this meeting: General Departments, $8,792.07; Fire Department, $5.33; Capital Outlays Fund, $350.00; Pound Department, $10.98; Street Department, $5.20; Store Department, $37.20; 1951 Bond Issue Sewer Fund, $19,506.06; Street Lighting Construction Assessment District No. 1; 5172.51; Federal Planning Fund, 3532.32; Capital Outlays Fund, $1,043.92; Special Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund, $5,704.80; Engineering Department Deposit Fujd, $486.00. Councilman Branscheid moved the bills as .itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on February 3, 1953, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones and President Osborn, W. Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Sweeney, (1). 29. Prior to Adjournment, President Osborn _stated he wanted to announce that negotiations have approached the point where the train traffic along Lincoln Avenue is about to stop. 30. President Osborn again inquired if there were any further Oral Communications. ADJOURNMENT: 31. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, February 17, 1953, at 8 :00 o'clock. Respectfully submitted,