Loading...
1953-10-06 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 6, 1953 The meeting convened at 8:30 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 September 15, 1953, were approved as transcribed. OPENING OF BIDS: 2. Bids were received and read for the project of Constructing Culverts at Lincoln Avenue and Benton Street, in accordance with Specifications, Special Pro- visions and Plans therefor, No. PW 9-53-10, as follows: From Gallagher & Burk, Inc. - $ 9,426.25 Accompanied by certified check in amount of ----- 1,000.00 From J. Henry Harris 00820.55 Accompanied by a Bid Bond From McGuire and Hester 11,902.50 Accompanied by a Bid or Proposal Bond The bids were referred to the City Manager and City Engineer for study and recommen- dation. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 3. From The Board of Supervisors of Alameda County, submitting, copy of its Resolu- tion No. 68173, adopted by it on September 15, 1953, which authorizes the contribu- tion to the City of Alameda of 1125,000. from the County Good Roads Fund for the acquisition of a right-of-way for the through route from Webster Street at Atlantic Avenue to Versailles Avenue near the southerly end of the Fruitvale Avenue Bridge via Atlantic Way, Lincoln Avenue and Tilden Way, in the City of Alameda. President Sweeney stated the Acting City Manager and he had received the County's check in the amount of ''125,000. and it was acknowledged with thanks and apprecia- tion. 4": From 'Test Alameda Association, transmitting petition signed by thirteen residents in the vicinity of Lincoln Avenue, Marshall Way and Fifth Street intersection, which requests the City to landscape or otherwise care for its triangular parcel of Property on the northwest corner of this intersection. President Sweeney suggested that, if agreeable to the Council, this matter would be turned over to the City Manager for his investigation. From the following - Helena R. Kavanagh, Central Pet Shop; Ethel Hall, Alameda Pet Shop; D. S. Neidiger, Al-Del Pet Shop and M. M. Murphy, Scotties Market - stating they are licensed to operate pet shops in the City and requesting that the ordinance be amended to permit them to carry certain livestock. President Sweeney stated that, with the Council's permission, this matter should be referred to the City Attorney for further investigation and report back to the Council. 6Y:7 From C. C. Howard, protesting against certain actions of the Council with regard to sending a member of the Chamber of Commerce to Washington as a special representa- tive concerning the Southern Crossing; increasing the advertising allowance to the Chamber of Commerce from 7,500. to ,10,000. per annum and the employment of a special technician on planning. The communication was noted and ordered filed. ORAL COMMTTICATIONS: 7. Mr. Frank Gottstein spoke at great length concerning the traffic congestion at Atlantic Avenue and Webster Street and suggested the elimination of left-hand turns at Atlantic and Pacific Avenues and also the route from the Naval Air Station which he felt would divert a great amount of traffic. He pointed out the fire hazard in the fact that traffic at peak hours blocks the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Webster Street, which would prohibit the apparatus from the Pacific Avenue Fire Station getting through to any point North of that avenue. . „ , Councilman Anderson stated he thought one thing that could be done would be to make Atlantic Avenue a one-way thoroughfare going west. He stated that, at one time, when traveling from East Alameda to the Tube, one could Ro in back of Makassar Straits Housing Project and come out to Webster Street via Tynan Way - but it cannot be done now because the Federal Government has stopped such travel over this road. Councilman Moresi stated Pacific Avenue, going into Marshall Way, is very congested at the evening peak hour - almost as much as Atlantic Avenue and also, that Central Avenue is equally terrific. Councilman Jones pointed out that the City Council has many times acted upon certain of Mr. Gottsteints suggestions - and he thought possibly the City Manager might comment on this situation. Mr. Froerer stated that about two years ago an analysis of the traffic in the entire area was prepared. He agreed that many of Mr. Gottsteinfs suggestions have merit and he is not prepared to state that this proposal does not have merit. He said the analysis of the traffic on all streets, as traffic counts have revealed, shows that a congested condition on these principal streets prevails at peak hours. He said it is known that if additional traffic is filtered across Webster Street, there is going to be reater delays of traffic passing the street and consequently there is going to be traffic piling up to the north of Lincoln Avenue - from that inter- section to Atlantic Avenue. He stated the City could make a trial of the proposed route with Police Officers being stationed at Webster Street and Lincoln Avenue, Lincoln Avenue and Eighth Street and possibly one at Eagle Avenue and Thau Way. He said the Police Department feels that the trial of this route will reveal the situa- tion to be as stated here, but, if it is the desire of the Council, the City can do this, but he knows the Police Department will have to detail three additional officers to traffic duty. Councilman McCall felt there is no reason why the City could not set a trial period for a certain number of days and if it is not feasible, then cancel it. Councilman Moresi agreed with Mr. Gottstein that the situation is most annoying and all are hoping that there will be developed some major plan which will alleviate this condition. She pointed out the traffic moved along with such speed that it is hazardous through the residential areas. Councilman Jones asked if the possibility of a stagger system had ever been consi- dered by the Naval Air Station and Mr. Froerer replied that there is presently em- ployed such a system, but even so, the amount of traffic is just too much. He pointed out the Police Department and the Naval Air Station are in almost constant conference with regard to traffic matters. Councilman Anderson stated that, in view of the fire hazard, the time has come when the City is no longer in a position to grant privileges insofar es the use of the right lane is concerned, and there is no reason why this third lane going north on Webster Street, which is now reserved for busses only, should not be opened to other traffic. He emphasized that certainly there should be no blocked streets and lights should be at Pacific Avenue and Webster Street. President Sweeney stated the Police Department certainly knows the City and what the congestion is and with diligent study it can go after the problem right now - someone in the Department should be delegated to work on this matter. Councilman Anderson stated that, in all fairness to the City Manager who appoints the Chief of Police and Fire Chief, it should be pointed out that the number of police officers in Alameda is on a very reasonable basis. He felt it is a fundamental duty of the Council to provide its citizens with police and fire protection and he said the time has come when we cannot be too saving of the almighty dollar when money should be spent to take care of the needs' of the City. He emphasized that the City is short on manpower in the Police Department to do this job. Councilman Jones moved the City Manager survey all matters discussed this evening in this respect and make a report to the City Council at the next open meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi. Speaking on the question, Councilman Anderson stated it is only fair to ask the City Manager if he can have such a report ready in three weeks time - the next meeting to be on October 27. The City Manager stated this is rather a large order - if the whole matter is going to be reviewed, it will mean all details of the several suggestions must be investi- gated in order to ascertain the number of additional officers actually required. Councilman Jones stated he would amend his motion to the effect that the matter be kept alive and the City Manager at least make a progress report at the next meeting. The amendment was accented by his second, Councilman Moresi, and the motion was unanimously carried. U City Manager Froerer further stated that the City has lived with this problem for a long time - and he felt it is a matter of manual control. He said the City could have all the signals it is possible to have - but what it really needs is additional manpower in the Police Department and with these additional men, the City could do a very capable job concerning traffic on Webster Street. Mr. Froerer referred to the report prepared by the Public Administration Service some time ago which covered precisely the matters discussed. He said the Police Department of the City of Alameda has been reviewed and it has been re-organized, but the City does not have men on patrol during the night hours to nearly the extent recommended by the Public Administration Service. He said he has discussed the man- power situation many times with both Chief Doran and Captain Drake and the Chief urgently needs another Patrol Sergeant for night duty. He pointed out that Webster Street is not the only congestion problem - the north end of Park Street is equally bad, and if all of these conditions mentioned are to be controlled, the City is going to have need for skilled men to check these matters. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 8:11 From the City Manager, recommending the rejection of the bid from Shields Harper & Co., the only bidder, for the furnishing and installing of a Hydraulic Hoist and Air Compressor at the Corporation Yard, in the amount of ''2,396.02 - and that authorization be given for the purchase and installation of this equipment on the open market. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that the only bid be rejected; the bid check be returned to this firm and the City Manager be authorized to purchase this equipment on the open market. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Council- men Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 4/ 9. From Acting City Manager Clark, recommending authorization be granted to Dr. David Frost, Health Officer, to attend the California Conference of Local Health Officers, to be held in Eureka on October 22-23, 1953 - that '60. be appropriated for this purpose and he be permitted to use a City car for his transportation. Councilman McCall stated it is State law requirement that all local Health Officers attend these conferences and he thereupon moved the Acting City Manager's recommenda- tion be adopted; that Dr. Frost attend the designated Conference; $60. be appropria- ted to defray his expenses and a City car be used for his transportation. 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. Councilman Anderson suggested the City Clerk notify the Alameda Chamber of Commerce that if the City Health Officer can go to Eureka and have his expenses paid - and the same privilege holds true of all such health officers - this conference certainly ought to be invited to meet sometime in Alameda. He felt such a gathering would be of some benefit to the City. It was so ordered. 10. From Acting City Manager Clark, recommending Clarence Vargas, Park Maintenance Foreman, and Joseph Vargas, Tree Trimmer, both of the Park Department and. William Sousa, Greenskeeper of the Golf Course Department, be authorized to attend the Northern California Turf Grass Conference, to be held at the University of California at Davis on October 8, 1953; that 19.50 be appropriated to cover their expenses and a City automobile be used for their transportation. Councilman Anderson moved the Acting City Manager's recommendation be approved; that the employees indicated be authorized to attend the designated Conference; r;19.50 be appropriated to cover their expenses and a City automobile be used for transportation. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the follow- ing vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 11. From Miss Mildred S. Meyers, member of the City Planning Board, requesting a leave of absence from the State for a period from October 5, through November 26, 1953. She also expressed appreciation to the Council for taking the important step of em- ploying a Planning Consultant. Councilman Jones moved Miss Meyers be granted the leave of absence as requested. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and unanimously carried. 12. From the Bureau of Electricity, Department of Public Utilities, transmitting copies of its Resolution No. 1396, adopted by its Board on September 10, 1953, en- titled: "Recommending Electrical Inspection Fee Schedule, Electrical Code, City of Alameda, Section 10-2318, be Amended." Councilman Moresi made a motion that, before taking action on this matter, the Council instruct City Manager Froerer to turn the entire fee schedule over to the Alameda 451 Chamber of Commerce and invite any electrical contractors to peruse and study it and give their recommendations. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and unanimously carried. w' 13. From Stanley D. Whitney, Special Counsel, transmitting a report of the pro- ceedings at the conference held on September 17, 1953, in the office of the Honorable Robert B. Anderson, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. in connec- tion with the proposed Southern Crossing of San Francisco Bay. Copies of this report had been sent to each Councilman - and it was, therefore, ordered filed. 14'el At this point, Councilman Anderson moved the City Officials and Officers be authorized to attend the 55th Annual Conference of the League of California Cities, to be held in San Francisco, October 19-21, 1953, - and that 1500. be appropriated therefor. Councilman Jones seconded the motion which was carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. President Sweeney announced that, in connection with this Conference, he was to be on one of the discussion panels to be held on Tuesday, October 20. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 15. The matter of the recommendations from the Recreation Commission was called up. Councilman McCall stated that, having received a letter from the Recreation Commis- sion dated August 31, 1953, submitting recommendations for the improvement of Krusi Park, the erection of a Recreation Clubhouse Building in Lincoln Park and the con- struction of a swimming pool, the location not yet decided upon - he would move that the City Manager be instructed to have architectural plans drawn for the Recreation Building in Lincoln Park, the over-all plot plans for Krusi Park and also, Plans to be submitted by swimming pool engineers to the City Council. The motion 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. RESOLUTIONS: 16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4832 Cancelling City Taxes on Property Acquired by the City for Municipal Purposes," (West end School) 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 Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4833 Requesting State of California, Department of Public Works, Division of Highways, to Leave in Place the South Abutment of old Bay Farm Island Bridge for Use as a Fishing Pier." 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. 18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4834 Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with James M. Campbell, Planning Consultant, and Approving the Terms Thereof ." 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. Councilman Jones stated the citizens should know that the Planning Board and City Council have met on many occasions and several candidates have been interviewed - and it is the unanimous opinion that Mr. Campbell will do an outstanding job for the City. President Sweeney stated Councilman Moresi and Miss Meyers and Mrs. Wiley of the Planning Board had spent one whole day going over some of the work Mr. Campbell had done in another county and Er. Campbell had been given an "A-1" recommendation, not only from the county, but from the particular city in which he had performed planning services. Councilman Moresi pointed out his survey will also include highway and major street studies and their proper routes. 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4835 Fixing the Time Limit of Residence Within Trailer Camps." (Six months in any one year) 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. 20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4836 Extending to the Honorable Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States, the Congratulations, Thanks and Appreciation of the People of the City of Alameda. 'BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA: 'That, for and on behalf of the people of this City, there be, and there is hereby, expressed to the Honorable Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States, congratulations upon his elevation to this high office; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that tlis Council, for and on behalf of the people of the City of Alameda, express, and does hereby express to the Honorable Earl Warren, thanks for and appreciation of his outstanding service to the State of California as qovernor, and the thoughtful study given the many local problems presented, by the City for his consideration; and 'BE IT F7 _HER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be transmitted to Chief Justice Warren and that it be spread in full upon the minutes of this meeting.' 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. 21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4837 Extending to the Honorable Goodwin J. Knight, Governor of the State of California, the Congratulations and Good. Wishes of the People of the City of Alameda. 'BE IT RESOLVED EN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAHEDA: 'That, for and on behalf of the people of the City of Alameda, there be, and there is hereby expressed to the Honorable Goodwin J. Knight, Governor of the State of California, warmest congratulations and best wishes upon his elevation to his high office; and 'BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED thnt this Council, for and on behalf of the people of the City of Alameda, express, and does hereby pledge to Governor Knight a full and confident support of his administration of the affairs of the State of California; and 'BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be transmitted to Governor Knight and that it be spread in full upon the minutes of this meeting." * * * 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. Councilman Jones said he thought these congratulatory resolutions should be set up in a manner befitting the occasion - and it was suggested they could be printed in Old English type on parchment, which would make the proper presentation. 22. At this point, Fresident Sweeney inquired if there were any furtner oral communications. President Sweeney stated Lyle Hunt, a young local Judo expert, has recently won the National AAU Judo Championship and is eligible to compete, in the world, tournament to be held in Paris, France. He asked that all support be given the drive presently underway to raise funds to send Mr. Hunt to participate in this tournament. Councilman Anderson felt the Council should give Mr. Hunt a letter of introduction to present, containing the good wishes of the Official Body of the City. He there- upon moved a letter be written expressing the fact that the Council recognizes Mr. Hunt as representing this community, State and Country and wishes him well. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the follow- ing vote. Ayes: (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. President Sweeney stated he would be glad to write such a letter. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 23. "Ordinance No. 1097, New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Thereto a New Section, to be Numbered 18-212, Relating to False Calls or Reports for Police Help Or Protection." 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: Council- men Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 24. "Ordinance No. 1098, New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Sections 17-271 and 17-281 and by Repealing Section 17-291 Thereof, Relating to Crosswalks or Pedestrian Lanes." Councilman Moresi moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones 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: 25. Agreement - Between City of Alameda and James M. Campbell, Planning Consultant, for services. 26. Report on Examination of Accounts - Middleton, Suman Hackleman - City of Alameda, for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1953. 27. Financial Statement - Middleton, Suman & Hackleman - Bureau of Electricity for 2 Months ended August 31, 1953. BILLS: 28. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the several Depart- ments thereof, in the total amount of 29,121.71, was submitted to the Council at this meeting. The List was accompanied by a certification from the City Manager that the Claims shown were correct. Councilman Anderson moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on October 6, 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, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None, ADJOURNMENT: 29. President Sweeney stated that, at the time of the next regular meeting of the Council, the City Officials would be in attendance at the Conference of the League of California Cities in San Francisco. Councilman Jones thereupon moved the Council adjourn this evening - to assemble in adjourned regular session on Tuesday evening, October 27, 1953, at 8:00 o'clock. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Respectfully submitted,