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1953-03-03 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, MARCH 3 195 The meeting convened at 8:00 o ROLL CALL: P. M. with President Osborn presiding. The roll was called and Councilmen Anderson, ,Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (5) were noted. present. Absent: None, MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held February 17, 195 transcribed. e approved as OPENING OF BIDS: v/ 2Y bids were opened and read for the project of Santa Clara Avenue Resurfacing and Culvert Construction, from Park Street to High Street, in accordance with Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans therefor, No. PW 1-53-1, as follows: From J. H. Fitzmaurice, Inc. Accompanied by a Bid Bond From Gallagher & Burk, Inc. - $55,325.25 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - 6,000.00 From J. Henry Harris $56,614.20 Accompanied by a Bid Bond 456,299.05 From Underground Construction Co. Accompanied by a Bid Bond From Ransome Company Accompanied by certified check in amount of - $79,707.00 1-57,12,„00 6,000.00 The bids were referred to the City Manager and City Engineer for study and recommendation. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: k 3'; From County of Alameda, requesting the City to waive the required thirty-day waiting period, and give its consent to the sale of certain tax-deeded land - being a strip .92 of a foot wide by 160 feet in depth, running off the north line of San Antonio Avenue, beginning 125 feet west of St. Charles Street. Councilman Jones moved that on the basis of the request made by the County of Alameda, the City waive the waiting period and consent to this sale at auction and notify the County of the City taxes outstanding against the property in the sum of '';36, and request that the minimum bid acceptable include this amount of taxes due the City. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried by the follow- ing vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (5). Noes: None, Absent: None. / From Southern. Pacific Company, referring to its letter of November 18, 1952, to which was attached an application to the City requesting permission to construct, reconstruct, maintain and operate a spur track across Main. Street, at Atlantic Avenue. The present communication. requested favorable action on this permit so that the matter can be processed with the Public Utilities Commission in order that early construction can be started to serve the Naval Air Station. Councilman Anderson moved the request of the Southern Pacific Company be granted. The motion. was seconded by Councilman Jones, City Attorney Clark stated the motion should include the provision that the City Manager be authorized to issue the permit to allow this construction across Main Street. The motion was amended accordingly and unanimously carried. 5. From Southern Pacific Company, stating it is proceeding with the completion of necessary data to be incorporated. into a formal application on its behalf to the Interstate Commerce Commission:, for authority to exercise trackage rights over Alameda Belt Line, under the terms of an agreement now in the course of preparation, in lieu of Southern Pacific Company's operation over the present line on Lincoln Avenue. This application when filed will be in connection with that filed hereto- fore by the City, in which a certificate of public•convenience and necessity is sought permitting the abandonment of the Lincoln Avenue line. It was pointed. out that as soon as the necessary authority can be obtained . and its operations trans- ferred . to the Alameda Belt Line, Southern Pacific Company will (1) Cover up the 344 rails in Lincoln Avenue with some appropriate material so the entire street will be in a usable condition for ordinary street traffic; and (2) Execute to the City of Alameda a bill of sale of the tracks in place, Councilman Jones moved the City agree to the procedure outlined in this letter and the City Attorney and City Manager be authorized to proceed with the necessary steps to accomplish this purpose. The motion was seconded by Councilman Branscheid and unanimously carried. From Ed. Deemer, Buick, Inc., requesting to lease certain City-owned property located on the northwestcorner of Webster Street and Atlantic Avenue, at an offered rental of O. 200. per year for the purpose of a Used Car Department of its Agency. President Osborn. stated this matter had been investigated by the City Manager and his investigation shows that it would be a profitable and wise step to take. Upon Councilman Sweeney's inquiry, City Manager Froerer stated this land had been purchased as an access road and has been, held for highway purposes. He stated, however, that the request has been taken up with the State Highway Department and it is agreeable to have this property leased for this purpose, with the provision that the lease contain a sixty-day cancellation clause. He pointed out that the State Highway Department has to annrove the lease as well as the City and Mr. Deemer had stated he was agreeable to these terms. Councilman Sweeney also asked whether or not any parking or traffic problem would be created by this used car lot and Mr. Froerer explained that the only entrance to the area would be off of Wadsworth Street, just northerly from Atlantic Avenue and running parallel to Webster Street. Councilman Branscheid moved the City Attorney be authorized to draw up the lease along the lines as requested. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. 7. From Paul H. Stang, Chairman, March of Dimes Bowling Committee, inviting the Council to attend the concluding night of the Bowling Tournament next Sunday and take art, in the presentation of awards. The Clerk announced that this letter had been undated, therefore, it was impossible to know what Sunday was referred to - but she now understood that the affair had already taken place. President Osborn stated that last Sunday evening he had attended this affair, witnessed the final matches of the Tournament and had the pleasure of awarding the trophies to the winners. He said he understood that about had been turned over to the March of Dimes Fund through this Bowling Tournament. From the Boy Scouts of America, expressing thanks to the Council for giving such fine experience to the boys in the recent "Scout Day in Government". From American Legion Post Nc. 9 and the Veterans of Foreign ars, Post No. 939, requesting permission to sponsor the Clyde Beatty Circus in Alameda, May 28, to 31, inclusive, to be held on the Bethlehem parking lot at the foot of Webster Street, for the Catholic Youth Organization of San Francisco and the East Bay. The Clerk announced that this communication had been given to he just prior to the meeting. President Osborn asked the City Manager if he knew anything about this matter. Mr. Froerer stated that Mr. Fred. Strain of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and. Mr. Golub, Manager of the Clyde Beatty Circus, had come into his office just that morning and Mr. Strain had stated the Veterans' organizations wished to sponsor this show, as outlined in the communication. He emphasized that the profits would be participated in equally by the Catholic Youth Organization and the Clyde Beatty Circus. He pointed out that the regular business license fees which are usually charged will accrue to the City. He said that permission has been given to the American Legion to sponsor a carnival from May 12 to 18; to the Veterans of Foreign Wars from September 8, to 12; and the Sons of St. George from October 12 to 20. He stated that requests for this joint sponsorship have been made by the Commanders of both Posts. Councilman Jones moved the City Manager be authorized to issue the necessary permit for the sponsorship of this Clyde Beatty Circus subject to his further investigation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney. Speaking on the question, Councilman Anderson stated permits have already been granted to the American Legion for its carnival and to the Veterans of Foreign Wars for its carnival - and now, they want to jointly sponsor another. He wondered if the Council should establish a policy for some limitation and felt 345 this point should be given some consideration as there have never b • ore been these requests. The question was then put and the motion was unanimously carried. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 10v.1 Mr. Robert E. DeCelle, President of the Alameda Municipal Civil Service Employees Association, addressed the Council with reference to a letter dated February 17, 1953, written by him on behalf of certain employees in connection with their salaries. Copies of the letter had been sent to the Councilmen. There was some discussion of the situation and Mr. DeCelle was advised to follow the regular procedure and go through the normal channels. REPORTS OF COMMITTEE-: 11' the City Manager, certifying that Mr Mark J. Hanna has been appointed to the position of City Enpineer, effective March 1,193. President Osborn stated he was sure he spoke for all members of the Council in congratulating Mr. Hanna on his appointment. He assured him of cooperation and wished him success. i/ 12. From the Mayor, City Manager and City Auditor, reporting on the Count of Money held February 18, 1953, at which time there was the sum of 14.16,507.93 in the City Treasury. The report was ordered filed. 13' From Dr. Gerald E. Cheadle, Chairman for the Recreation Commission, submitting the Commission's Report entitled., "Planning Ahead for Recreation in Alameda" for study, and -appropriate action. . Councilman Sweeney stated the Council had graciously appointed him as a member of the Recreation Commission. He said there were five members, one being from the School Board. He pointed out the Commission has been meeting for some three months and the City Manager sits in on their meetings, plus three citizens of the City. He said he wanted to tell the Council there has been a lot of study put into this program. He mentioned that just this evening some discrepancy has come out con- cerning the total over-all cost involved and he would like to recommend to the Council that the matter be referred to the Committee of the Whole - not for a long study, but in order that he could go into the matterfurther. He said he felt an answer could be arrived at by the time of the next Council meeting. President Osborn stated he had not had time to study the matter in detail at all and could not venture an opinion upon the situation until it had been thoroughly discussed. Councilman Jones stated he agreed the report should be referred to the Committee of the Whole and also felt a letter should be sent to the Recreation Commission commending it for the fine work it has done. President Osborn stated he would be happy to write such a letter if it is agreeable to the Council and, in the meantime, the letter and report would be referred to the Committee of the Whole for early consideration. 14. From the City Planning Board, recommending the denial of the petition for the reclassification of the property known as 1001n Paru Street, owned by Vladimir and Olga Turski, who had requested that it be rezoned from the "A" One-Family Dwelling District, for the purpose of remodeling the existing dwelling into four apartments. President Osborn asked if anyone present wanted to sneak on this subject. There was no resnonse. He went on to state that the matter has come to the attention of the Council just this evening and while Councilmen Anderson and Branscheid are more or less familiar with the situation, he and Councilmen Jones andSweeney were not in a position to have an opinion on the matter or to make a decision. There- fore, if it meets with the approval of the Council, he would lay the matter over to a subsequent meeting in order that they may have an opportunity to study it. He stated that he, personally, would inspect the property and suggested the other members of the Council do so also. Upon Councilman Jones' suggestion, President Osborn ordered the matter to come up at the next meeting of the Council under the heading of "Unfinished Business". Councilman Anderson stated he had looked at the property and he was now ready to vote on the matter, but in deference to the other members of the Council, it was satisfactory to lay the matter over. 15. From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Gallagher and Burk, Inc. for the improvement of the westerly half of Garfield Avenue, between Liberty and Central Avenues, at the low bid price of Councilman Sweeney moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to this firm for the designated project and the bid checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman Branscheid and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None, NTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 16. Councilman Sweeney introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Lease of Certain Real Property to W. D. McElwain, Doing Business as Bay City Fuel Oil Company, and Approving the Form and Terms of Said Lease," RESOLUTIONS1 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4741 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for the Reconstruction of San Antonio Avenue from Morton Street to Ninth Street, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise same." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney 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. 18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4742 Requesting Cancellation of County Taxes on Property Acquired hy the City of Alameda for Municipal Purposes." 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, Sweeney and President Osborn, (). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4743 Supporting the Recommendation of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit Commission in the Matter of Surveys and Reports on All Phases of Rapid Transit in the Nine Bay Area Counties and the Manner of Payment Therefor." 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, Sweene and President Osborn, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None, Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption:. "Resolution No. 4744 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for the Resurfacing of the Golf Course Parking Lot, Callinf for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." 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, Sweeney and President Osborn, (5). Noes: None, Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. V745 Adopting, Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for the Reconstruction of Peach. Street from Madison Street to Washington Street, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." 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, Sweeney and. President Osborn, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Branscheid, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4746 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to the City of Alameda Nine (9) New, 1953 Latest Model, Two Door Sedans, for the Police Department, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney 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. 0 23, CES FOR PASSAGE: "Ordinance No. 1 New Series An Ordinance Amending Article 6, Chapter 3, Title XVII, of the Alameda Municipal Code, Relating to Parking Meter Zones, by Adding a New Section to be Known as Section 17-362.1." Councilman Branscheid moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was sec ended by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (5). Noes: None, Absent: None. FILING: 24. Specifications No, PW 9-2-]4 For project of Reconstructing San Antonio Avenue from Morton to Nlnth Streets. Specifications No, PW 3-53-4 - For project of Resurfacing of Golf Course Parking Lot. 26. Specifications No. PW 3-53- - For Project of Reconstruction of Peach Street from Madison Street to Washington Street. 27, Specifications No. MS 3-53-4 - For Furnishing Nine (9) New Latest Model Sedans for Police Department, 28. Lease - Between City of Alameda and Bay City Fuel Oil Company. ILLS: 29. A list of hills against the City of Alameda and several of the departments thereof, in the total amounts as follows, was submitted to the Council at this meeting: General Departments, 11,92)1.09: Special Gas Tax Street improvement Fund, 4,'13,776.77; Engineering, Department Deposit Fund, 850.00, The Clerk read a letter from the City Ivianager, certifying that the claims as listed were correct. Councilman Sweeney moved the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on March 3, 1953, and presented to the Councll at this time, be allowed and mid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Branscheid and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (5). Noes: None, Absent: None. At this point, Councilman Jones inquired about the change in procedure with regard to the listing of the bills. City Manager Froerer stated that about a month or six weeks ago a letter of explana- tion had been sent to the Council by City Auditor Jost, concerning this matter. Also, among other things there was a resolution adopted by the City Council creating a special fund in the Bank of America through which the bills would be paid. He stated that the list of bills was to be nrepared by Mr. Jost's office on the new accounting machine. He felt there was some misunderstanding about the procedure 347 and thought the list should show more details. He said he would take the matter up with the Auditor and see what could be done. ,leased to President Osborn stated the new procedure may facilitate the work but the Council would be more satisfied with more detail. 30. President Osborn asked if there was any further business to come before the meeting. Councilman Sweeney stated he would like to bring to the attention of the citizens of Alameda that, over the Mayor's signature, letters have gone out to announce the first meeting of the Flag Day Committee which will be Monday, March 9, at 8:00 o'clock P. M. in the Council Chamber. He expressed the hope that there would be a large attendance. At this time, he noted the presence of Mrs. Drisdom in the audience, and announced that she has worked for several years on this Flag Day Observance and thanked her for her great interest. ADJOURNMENT: 31. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, March 17, 1953, at 8:00 o'clock. Respectfully submitted,