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1953-05-05 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING) MAY 5 - - - - - - - - - - 1953 The meeting convened at 8:15 o'clock P. M. with President Sweeney presiding. 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 April 21, 1953, were approved as trans- cribed. OPENING OF BIDS: 2. V Bids were opened and read for the furnishing of Two New„-Complete Trucks, Including Hoists and Two Cubic Yard Capacity Dump Bodies, for the Street Department, in accordance with Specifications and Provisions therefor, No. MS 3 -53-5, as follows: From Jack Erwin Motors Accompanied by check in amount of - - $5,175.53 - - 520.00 From Cochran and•Celli - - $5,000.00 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - 500.00 From International Harvester Company - - $5 178.00 Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of - - 604.65 From F. H. Dailey Motor Company - - $4,963.50 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - 600.00 3.7B ds were opened and read for the furnishing of One Tractor (Dual Rear Wheel) for towing Fairway Mowers at the Golf Course, in accordance with Specifications and Provisions therefor, No. MS 4- 53 -11, as follows: From California Toro Company - - $1,895.20 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - 200.00 From Contractors Machinery Co. Accompanied by a Bid Bond OA ,481.00 From H. V. Carter Company, Inc. - - 31,951.85 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - 200.00 The above bids were referred to the City Manager and City Engineer for study and recommendation. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 4.1 From the Civic Section and the Arts and Crafts Section of the Adelphian Club, requesting assurance that space would be provided for cultural activities in the proposed recreational centers should the Bond Election be approved in June. President Sweeney stated that, if agreeable, this communication would be referred to the Recreation Commission for its consideration if and when the bond issue passes. 5.V From Haight Parent Teachers Association, expressing its desire to recommend a woman to fill the position of member of the Board of Education if and when a vacancy thereon appears. President Sweeney stated this is the second organization which has written to the Council on this matter and due to the fact that there is no vacancy on this Board at this time, the letter will be held in abeyance. 6< From the Alameda County Centennial Commission, urging the City to enter a float in the Centennial Parade to be held Sunday morning, June 28, 1953, at 10:00 o'clock, in Pleasanton. President Sweeney stated there is no provision for spending City funds for such activities and since the Alameda Chamber of Commerce is designated to carry on community advertising, the letter will be referred to that organization. 7. From The Taxpayers League of Alameda, withdrawing its opposition to the proposed bond issue since the proposed facilities will be self sustaining in a large measure, but also stating it felt that a bond election at this time is ill advised. President Sweeney thanked the League for its public spirit in writing this letter to indicate its support of the thinking on this matter. 25 8. From Alameda Home Owners Association, Inc., stating its group had organized to cooperate with the various City agencies in the furtherance of proper civic develop- ment, as well as to protect the best interests of the home owners residing in the area bounded by Union Street on the East, Caroline Street on the West, and from Central and /or Encinal Avenue to the Bay. The communication pointed out that many dwellings in this area are being used for multiple residences in violation of current ordinances, since this is a Class "A" One - Family Dwelling District. It was also stated the overwhelming majority of the Residents are eager to cooperate with the proper authorities and assist them in their attempts to enforce the Zoning Ordinance. President Sweeney thanked the Association for its interest in this matter and stated he felt this work would be very helpful. He then referred the communication to the Committee of the Whole. 9:. A second communication from the Alameda Home Owners Association, Inc. was also read - submitting a resolution adopted by it on May 4, which made several recommenda- tions to the effect that (a) plans should be studied and prepared to preserve and protect the best features and interests of the City and to that end steps should be taken to initiate the preparation of a Master Plan for the future; (b) that the advise of the most competent planning consultants be sought in determining what should be the provisions of such a Master Plan; (c) that the services of a master planner be retained and a planning engineer be employed to aid in coordinating the work of the planning consultant with the functioning of the City Planning Board; (d) that an iterim committee be appointed to prepare suggestions for the organization of a committee of citizens to cooperate with City officials and the planning consultants in preparing, carrying out, adopting and enforcing a Master Plan for the City of Alameda. President Sweeney stated that, with regard to the resolution, there are certain sugges- tions therein which the Council is in the midst of working on at the present time. said this matter would also be referred to the Committee of the Whole for considera- tion. Councilman Anderson stated these communications from the Alameda Home Owners Association touch on a vital spot of community life, the foundation of which is the tax base to operate and pay the expenses of this City - and the protection of the hard earned money of the citizens which has gone into the buying and paying for their homes. These communications are going to the Committee of the Whole. He pointed out the Planning Board has been wrestling with this problem, and as much as a year ago, it asked for trained personnel and a planning engineer to help it in the solving of these problems. He stated the Council had made funds available in the budget for that work, but the planning consultant who had been working on the project had recently resigned. He said he felt this is the most important matter before the people of Alameda at the present time and he emphasized that action should be taken now. He suggested the Council should have a meeting in the Council Chamber on this subject alone - with the Planning Board present and all interested citizens, especially those of this group and get down to work on the basis of solving this problem. President Sweeney stated he concurred with Councilman Anderson wholeheartedly and agreed there are many ramifications of the zoning set -up in the City. Councilman Moresi asked if it would be possible to have the City Manager coordinate such a meeting and Councilman Jones stated it would be difficult to set an actual date at this meeting as the City Planning Board should be consulted about a time. President Sweeney directed the City Manager to arrange for the proposed meeting and stated the public would be notified when it will be held. Mr. John ten Bosch stated the group appreciated the matter of working on a Master Plan but realized it is one that will take considerable study and it cannot be achieved next week or even next year - therefore, he pointed out that the organization is greatly concerned and very anxious that the City survey its particular area and that it be done as early as possible. 100/From Leonora W. Luntsford, 1143 Mound Street, protesting about the increase of property taxes for the proposed swimming pools and park improvements. President Sweeney ordered the communication filed. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 11.\/Mr. Dan Rourke, President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, stated their committee has been working for some time on a study of the off- street parking situation and it has reached a point where their findings can be presented to the Council for discussion and determination. He requested that a meeting of the Council and the Committee be set as soon as possible for discussion of the matter. Councilman Anderson stated he and the City Manager had attended a meeting at the Senior Chamber office where the question of off- street parking was definitely discussed. He said he thought it would be wise if the Senior and Junior Chambers could get together on the matter- coordinating their viewpoints and then arrange to meet with the Council. Mr. Rourke stated the Junior Chamber would be glad to invite the Senior Chamber to discuss the situation and then present their findings. President Sweeney stated they could advise the City Manager when they were ready and he would then arrange the proposed meeting. 12. Mr. Frank Gottstein protested against the closing of the City Hall offices during the noon hour. Upon request, City Manager Froerer stated the offices of the Police, Fire, Auditor and Treasurer were open straight through the day. Councilman Jones stated this is an administrative function and suggested the matter be referred to the City Manager for his attention. It was so ordered. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 13./From the City Manager, recommending permission be granted to David D. Hughes, Assistant Purchasing Agent, to attend the International Convention of National Association of Purchasing Agents, to be held in Los Angeles, from May 25 to 27, 1953, and A120. be appropriated for this purpose. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that Mr. Hughes be granted permission to attend the designated Convention and the sum of Al20. be appropriated for his expenses. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilman Anderson, Jones, Moresi, McCall and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 14. From the Mayor, notifying that, in accordance with provisions of Ordinance No. 1079, New Series, the Fire Department has nominated Mr. Malcolm McGown as its representative to the office of member of the Pension Board - to serve the unexpired term of William M. McCall, resigned. This matter was referred to "Resolutions ". 15. ✓From the Bureau of Electricity, Department of Public Utilities, submitting a copy of its Resolution No. 1361 which approved its budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1954. The communication and attachments were ordered filed. 16. /Upon Councilman Jones' request at this time, President Sweeney called upon Councilman McCall to give an oral report concerning the Flag Day Observance. He ex- plained that Councilman McCall has taken over the chairmanship of this celebration. Councilman McCall stated that William Powell has been appointed as co- chairman and remarked that, as many know, he has always been very active in arranging certain portions of the Flag Day programs. Councilman McCall announced that the Flag Day celebration will be held on June 14, at Washington Park. He said the Sixth Army Band will participate and also the Shrine Chanters - together with all of the other rep- resentatives of civic and fraternal organizations. He said he felt it will be an outstanding program, that the City will have a very successful Flag Day Observance and urged all to participate. President Sweeney pointed out that this is the first time the City's celebration has actually fallen on Sunday, June 14, which is officially Flag Day. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 17. Councilman Anderson introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Authorizing Conveyance of Certain City Owned Property to George T. Hansen." 18. Councilman Jones introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Authorizing Reconveyance of Reserve Strip in Tract No. 1085.n (Hansen's Subdivision) RESOLUTIONS: 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: 6' "Resolution No. 4762 Cancelling City Taxes on Property Acquired by the City for Municipal Purposes." (Purchased by Alameda Unified School District - Central Avenue, West End) 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. 20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4763 Appointing Member of the Pension Board." (Malcolm McGown) The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Anderson 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. 21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4764 Memorializing the Legislature of the State of California in the Matter of Passage of Senate Bill 109 Re Development of Plan for Nine Bay Area Counties Rapid Transit." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Anderson 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. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 22. "Ordinance No. 1086, New Series An Ordinance Calling a Special Municipal Bond Election in the City of Alameda for the Purpose of Submitting to the Electors of Said City the Measure of Incurring a Bonded Indebtedness of Said City for the Acquisition, Construction and Completion of the Following Municipal Improvement, to -wit: Recreation and Park Improvements; Declaring the Estimated Cost of Said Municipal Improvement, the Amount of the Principal of Said Indebtedness to be Incurred Therefor, and the Maximum Rate of Interest to be Paid Thereon; Making Provision for the Levy and Collection of Taxes; Fixing the Date of Said Election, the Manner of Holding the Same, Establishing Election Precincts and Polling Places for Said Election, Appointing Boards of Election Therefor, and Providing for Notice Thereof." President Sweeney stated that before calling for the motion and vote on the adoption of this ordinance, he would ask the City Manager to explain the cost. City Manager Froerer stated the cost of this Special Election, if held, will approximate $4,000. He said it is worthwhile to make a comparison between a eneral and a special election of this type - pointing out that ordinarily there are 128 precincts but for this special election that number is consolidated into 22 precincts in view of the fact that the polling places will be established in the school buildings in order to reduce the cost. Mr. Tom Neil stated no special election should be held because the public does not come out to vote and only a minority of public opinion is indicated. He pointed out that the last election like this was for the school bonds and very few people had voted. He said the City has waited this long for swimming pools, it could wait a little longer. Councilman Jones remarked that in order for the bond issue to carry, it will be necessary to have a two - thirds vote. He felt the City Manager should explain how much this would cost the individual taxpayer. 77 37 Mr. Froerer stated it is anticipated it would be a thirty -year issue - they would be serial bonds and probably there would be an average number of bonds retired each year. He said the interest rate on this type of municipal bonds, at the present time, probably would average somewhere between, 2.6 and 2.8 per cent. He pointed out that for the average taxpayer, whose property had an assessed valuation of $3,000., this would mean about $2.58 per year. Councilman Moresi stated the people should know there would be a minimum charge for the use of the pools, which would help sustain the. President Sweeney called upon Mr. Gene Saalwaechter, Director of Recreation, who pointed out that the cost to the individual taxpayer would amount to eight cents per $100. assessed value of his property per year. Councilman Anderson moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 23, "Ordinance No. 1087 New Series An Ordinance Amending Section 17- 364.1, Article 6, Chapter 3, Title XVII, of the Alameda Municipal Code, Relating to Parking Limits in Parking Meter Zones." Councilman Jones moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Council- men Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi, and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. FILING: 24. Financial Statement - Middleton, Suman & Hackleman - Bureau of Electricity, as of March 31, 1953. BILLS: 25. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the several Depart- ments thereof in the total amount of $66,148.66 was submitted to the Council at this meeting. The list was accompanied by a certification from the City Manager that the claims as shown were correct. Councilman Anderson moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on May 5, 1953, and submitted to the Council at this time, 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. 26. Prior to adjournment, President Sweeney inquired if there were any further oral communications. ADJOURNMENT: 27. There being no further business to come befcr e the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, May 19, 1953, at 8 :00 o'clock. Respectfully submitted,