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1953-07-07 Regular CC Minutes411 REGULAR MEETING OF. THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING JULY 7 ----- 1953 The meeting convened at 8:00 o'clock P. M. with President Sweeney pr ding. 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 adjourned regular meeting held June 29, 1953 were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2Y From The Taxpayers' League of Alameda, with regard to several matters as follows: The raise in the sales tax and the electric rates; the proposed southern crossing of San Francisco Bay and the Government Housing Projects. President Sweeney thanked the Taxpayers' League for its interest in these matters and stated the communication would be taken under advisement. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 31/: Mr. Frank Gottstein addressed the Council concerning several suggestions he had previously made and on which he claimed nothing had been done. One was the matter of making Buena Vista Avenue a one-way street. He also stated that if Pacific Avenue were made a one-way street easterly it would benefit people in the morning peak traffic. He pointed out that, in the evening peak hours, the bid problem is to get people out of the City along one-way streets instead of adding to the congestion on Webster Street. Another matter was that of the removal of the tracks on Lincoln Avenue and he alleged that no action had been taken. He also spoke of the poor traffic light situation at Webster Street and Atlantic Avenue and suggested something be done to eliminate the condition of allowing the left-turn traffic coming out of Atlantic Avenue to force the north bound traffic on Webster Street to stop for only a few cars. Mr. Gottstein spoke of the southern crossing, stating it is the right thing as all of the growth is going to he from San Jose to Oakland. He pointed out that the free- way is already inadequate. He stated the City of Alameda should be in favor of the southern crossing as its people, particularly in the east end and on Bay Farm Island will benefit from it. President Sweeney asked the City Manager if he would inform Mr. Gottstein on these matters. Mr. Froerer stated that, subsequent to Mr. Gottstein's suggestion made approximately fourteen months ago with regard to one-way streets, the City did make a very careful study of this method and the survey showed there was nothing to be gained by the establishment of one-way streets. He said that, concerning the signalization on Webster Street, the City has reques4d that a change be made by the State and he expected there would be a precise answer by the next meeting of the Council. Upon the request of President Sweeney, City Attorney Clark explained the status of the situation with regard to the removal of the tracks on Lincoln Avenue. He stated the application of the Southern Pacific Company is in the hands of the Interstate Commerce Commission and is taking its natural course of procedure. He said the application has been filed for about a month now. He remarked that the Interstate Commerce Commission is conducted very much in the same manner as the Courts - it holes hearings, has a calendar and, cases take their turn. He pointed out he has received letters from both Mr. Foulds of Southern Pacific Company and Mr. Matthew of the firm representing the City, to the effect that they have written letters to the Interstate Commerce Commission. He said he has been informed by these gentlemen that the matter should be reached within six weeks from the original filing and, therefore, he felt there should be a definite answer in about two weeks. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 4. From the City Manager, stating all work on the project of Reconstructing Peach Street, from Washington to Madison Streets, has been satisfactorily finished and recommending it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered filed. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that the work of this project be accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and unanimously carried. 5. From the City Manager, stating all work on the project of Resurfacing the Golf Course Parking Lot has been satisfactorily finished - and recommending it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered filed. Councilman Anderson moved the City Managers recommendation be adopted; that the work of this leoject be accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and unanimously carried. 6. From the City Manager, recommending a thirty-day extension of time be granted to J. Henry Harris in which to complete the project of the Reconstruction of San Antonio Avenue, from Morton to Ninth Streets. Councilman Moresi moved the City Managers recommendation be followed and a thirty- day extension of time be granted to the contractor in which to complete the speci- fied project. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. 7:e From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to the Alameda Times- Star Publishing Company for legal advertising during the fiscal year 1953-54 at the prices quoted in its proposal. 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. 8" From the Recreation Commission, stating it has evaluated its entire improve- ment program and urging that some park improvements be made year by year from capital outlays of the General Fund. It recommended that $60,000. be appropriated for park improvements during the fiscal year 1953-54, as follows; l';41,000. for construction of a Clubhouse at Lincoln Park and $19,000. for the outside develop- ment of Krusi Park - also, that the Krusi Park Special Fund of $5,584.81 be used this year for additional development of that Park. Councilman Anderson moved the recommendations of the Recreation Commission be referred to the City Manager for his study and to the Committee of the Whole for its consideration. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and unanimously carried. 9. From the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda, with regard to the sewer separation problems affecting Estuary and Webster Housing Projects. The communi- cation stated plans and cost estimates had been received from the Utility District which the Authority would be glad to review with representatives of the City and receive concurrence in what appears to be a most desirable solution to the sewage disposal problem of these projects. Councilman Jones moved this communication be referred to the City Manager so that he may submit a report to the City Council as to his recommendations on the matter after he has reviewed the data. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. 10. From George R. Doran, Chief of Police, submitting a list of lost, stolen or unclaimed property, which has been turned over to the City. Treasurer. The communication was ordered filed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 11. The matter was presented concerning the report and contemplated discussion with regard to Trailer Parks. This was in response to the petition from Dorothy OtBrien and R. Ferrero to repeal certain sections of Ordinance No. 631, New Series, cover- ing "Limitation of Residence" and "Police Reports". Upon request, City Manager Froerer stated that, at the last meeting, the Council had instructed him to prepare a report on the subject of Trailer Parks. Among others involved, he had been instructed to confer with the Alameda Chamber of Commerce. He said there had been a meeting with the Chamber, but it has not acted upon the matter and, therefore, he could not return to the Council with a complete report. He said this would be ready by the next meeting. Councilman Jones moved the matter be continued to the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. RESOLUTIONS: 12. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4803 Providing for the Amount Per Diem for Officers and Employees of the City of Alameda for Trsveling Expenses." 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. 41 13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4804 Declaring Public Interest and Necessity Require the Acquisition of Certain Lands for Public Street and Highway Purposes." 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 t'e President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4805 Transferring $30,000.00 from the Cash Basis Fund to the Library Fund." The motion to adopt said resolution 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. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4806 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for the Resurfacing of High Street from Central Avenue to the High Street Bridge, 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, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4807 Transferring $10,500.00 from the Cash Basis Fund to the Interest and Redemption Fund #13." 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. 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: Resolution No. 4808 Amending Portion of Subsection 11 of Paragraph 2, Section 2, of Resolution No. 4786, Relating to Schedule of Positions and Pay Ranges, by Changing Pay Range Number of Position in the Pound Department." 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. Upon Councilman Jones' request, 4r. Froerer stated this resolution effects a change in the range of the pay scale for the Poundmaster. He explained that, subsequent to the adoption of the annual salary resolution, and upon the instruction of the Council, there has been a re-evaluation of this position and, in order to keep it In line with that of other communities, this adjustment is being made. President Sweeney spoke of the fine service offered by the Poundmaster in his care of animals in connection with his work. Councilman Anderson pointed out the raise amounts to $7.00 per month. 18. At this point, Councilman McCall brought up the matter of the southern crossing. He stated he has not been a member of the City Council long but his main and primary interest is in working for the improvement of Alameda. He stated the Dolwig Bill is a State law passed by the State Legislature and in it there is provision for another Tube across the Estuary. He pointed out that San Leandro and Hayward have gone on record as endorsing the southern crossing and stated he would like to put forth a motion, in the form of a resolution, that the City Council endorse the southern crossing. Councilman Jones, stated he was not prepared to second the motion because he is not in agreement. He stated he felt Alameda is going to have to live with this bridge for a great many years and the Council should, therefore, be sure that it is going to be built in the right place and know where the east end approaches will be. He said he felt there are too many points not satisfactorily answered. He pointed out that, at the present time, the studies are very fragmentary and any estimates which have been made are not all in accord, and he felt the Council ceedd not take any stand whatsoever for endorsing the southern crossing. He pointed out that Alameda's position is quite different from that of San Leandro and Hayward - the City can be very seriously affected. He mentioned that it would be best for Alameda to have a second Tube near the existing one instead of in the extreme west end. He said he certainly did not want any citizens of Alameda to believe he was opposed to any proper consummation of this plan, but he wants to see that Alameda's plans are not jeopardized as they go along. Councilman Anderson stated this is the first time, furing the six years he has been on the Council, that a resolution has been presented for decision right now. He stated the usual procedure is to get a copy of the agenda the night before in order to study and concentrate on the matters listed. He said he concurred with the remarks of Councilman Jones and felt the City did not have all of the facts. Councilman McCall declared that seven years of time and taxpayers' money have gone down the drain in the fight to get a second Tube. He said agreement between the Congressmen and Senators has been reached that the tolls are to be kept in order that if one, two or five San Francisco crossings are constructed, they can be financed. Councilman Moresi stated she is most heartily in favor of coming to a definite decision but felt there are now too many conflicting statements. She said that when the facts are definitely known, then action will be taken in no uncertain terms. President Sweeney stated that a bill has been adopted and it is a law - which covers the southern crossing - and in which it is specifically stated that the termination will be on Bay Farm Island and also, what is known as the "fish hook" approach will run from the freeway to Main Street. He felt this is definite and questioned that it can be changed. Councilman Jones recalled what had happened in the matter of constructing the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge - Alameda's connection having been left out when it came to financing the structure. Councilman Anderson stated that, at the present time, as had been explained at the meeting held last night, the southern crossing is a law of the land, and, therefore, he felt it does not require endorsement. He pointed out that the required Tube for Alameda and the Alameda south shore freeway are included and he felt there is nothing to gain by endorsing the southern crossing. He said that when it seemed the parallel crossing might be the bridge to be built, Alameda had directed its City Manager to meet with a group of East Bay Cities and a seven- point program was decided upon for the development of highways on this side of the Bay. He emphasized that, by diligent and hard work, an agreement was finally reached among his group that the first call on public monies would be for the second Tube. President Sweeney emphasized that, fundamentally, Alameda wants a second Tube, regardless of where the San Francisco Bay crossing begins or ends. Mr. John O'Dea stated he had been a commuter for thirty years and pointed out that it is the approaches to the bridge which cause the traffic problem. He said he took the same position on the subject as Councilman McCall and if Alameda does not take any action in favor of the southern crossing, that leaves only the City's opponents, who have prevented us from getting the second Tube, and he felt that if it were not for downtown Oakland, Alameda would probably have had the second Tube many years ago. Mr. Lowell H. Duggan stated it had been his privilege to attend several sessions of the Legislature with regard to the southern crossing, and he had sat through the hearings on the Caldecott Bill. He said statistics flew back and forth and after all studies had been made and the State Engineering Department had sub- mitted its report, the Assembly saw fit to overwhelmingly pass the Dolwig Bill. He mentioned that there was only one dissenting vote and felt that this, in itself, shows there had been given adequate study to the matter. He pointed out 41 that, in connection with this particular Bill the City had been adequately represented by the Assemblyman from Alameda, who had carried the ball on this particular legislation for some years. He also said that, during this same period of time, officials of Alameda had been in attendance at the meetings and had represented the people of Alameda in making sure adequate protections were being made. He said he did not like to see delaying tactics. He felt the City has always been in the position of having to look to its neighbors across the Estuary for some kind of support. He pointed out that for many years the City was promised a Tube, which at the last moment was cut out - the same thing happened with the Caldecott Bill - but now, with the passage of the Dolwig Bill, Alameda for the first tine, has the opportunity to dictate its own terms. He said the lack of endorsement of the Dolwig Bill would be a lack of support to the people of Alameda who are all for a southern crossing. He felt the Bill is comprehensive - it specifically states where the easterly terminus would be placed - also states where the second Tube would be located, which is near Webster Street. He thought that should prove there has been adequate coverage in Sacramento to protect the Cityls interests. He stressed that the City should be fighting for the provisions of this Bill to hold its position. In answer to the question as to what is to be gained by the Cityts endorsement, he stated that the City has parties who have already made preliminary studies for the development of these tidelands and are interested in making this area the next community growth for Alameda, which will be the greatest the City shall ever have - but it is strongly contingent upon the southern crossing coming into Alameda. He pointed out that the Master Plan will not be worth anything unless people come in to develop this area. He felt the con- currence of the local Municipal Authority is necessary when financing agencies come in to underwrite the financing of any development. He concluded by stating that he was not hero to discuss economic feasibility of whether or not bonds can be issued, whether or not engineering studies are adequate to go ahead - but whether or not it would be advantageous to have a tremendous community growth by endorsing the southern crossing. Mr. Jack Peters stated he is baffled by this situation. He pointed out the Bill has become law, it specifically lays out the location for a new bridge and tube and this same Bill provides the means whereby Bay Farm Island can be developed. He said people cannot get financing for this development if this bridge is not brought into Alameda. He urged the Council to take a stand at this time in favor of the southern crossing. Mr. Gottstein again spoke in favor of supporting the southern crossing. President Sweeney inquired if any members of the Council desired to say anything further on this subject. Councilman McCall's motion died for lack of a second. FILING: 19. Specifications - No. PW 6-5 9 - Resurfacing High Street, from Central Avenue to High Street Bridge. 20. Financial Statement Middleton, Suman & Hackleman - Bureau of Electricity, as of May 31, 193. BILLS: 21. An itemized List of ments thereof, in the to this meeting. aims against the City of Alameda and the several Depart- amount of $52,698.2 was submitted to the Council at The List was accompanied by a certification from th shown were correct. y Manager that the Claims Councilman Anderson moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on July 7, 1953, and submitted to the Council at this time, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, \lcCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. ADJOURNMENT:- 22. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, July 21, 1953, at E3..:00 Respectfully submitted,