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1953-10-27 Regular CC MinutesADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 27, 1953 The meeting convened at 8:00 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 October transcribed. 1953, were approved as 2. President Sweeney called attention to the gavel he was using which had been Presented to him, as Mayor, by the Kiwanis Club. He stated Mr. Sumner Graham had made the gavel and he wanted to publicly thank Mr. Graham and the Kiwanis Club. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 3. From the Shoreline Planning Association of California, Incorporated, enclosing a sample resolution and suggesting its adoption, which requests the Committee on Impounded Funds from Tide and Submerged Lands to find that the best interests of the State and its people lie in keeping the present provisions of Section 6816 of the Public Resources Code intact to the end that the remaining balance in this Fund be distributed as follows: (1) Thirty percent to the General Fund; (2) Twenty-three and one-third per cent to the State Beach Fund and (3) Forty-six end two-thirds per cent to the State Park Fund. The communication pointed out an effort is being made to divert the impounded oil royalty funds for purposes other than beaches and parks and the Association favors acquisition or development along the shoreline for bigger and better recreation facilities. The matter was referred to "Resolutons". 4: From The Taxpayers' League of Alameda, signed by C. C. Howard, Secretary, with regard to future City planning and the Planning Consultant's procedure. President Sweeney thanked Mr. Howard for his interest and the letter was ordered filed. _). From Alameda Real Estate Board, signed by Lowell H. Duggan, President, with regard to a survey of the City of Alameda by the National Association of Real Estate Boards. It was pointed out that, following a discussion of the subject with Mr. Campbell, Planning Consultant, it was felt this study would not conflict with his Flenalysis. It was also requested that the City set aside a sum of 20000. to be used in conjunction with funds advanced by the California Real Estate Association and the National Association of Real Estate Boards for this survey. President Sweeney explained that Mr. Duggan had to attend another meeting and had asked that this matter be considered toward the end of the meeting, by which time he would be present. Councilman Jones moved the Council defer discussion of this letter until Yr. Duggan arrives. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and unanimously carried. OR AL COMMUNICATIONS: 617 Mr. John ten Bosch asked if he could speak on Mr. Duggan's letter now as he could not stay for the entire meeting. He pointed out that the City has engaged Mr. Campbell as its Planning Consultant and, on behalf of the Alameda Home Owners Association, he wanted to file a protest against a survey by the National Association of Real Estate Boards. He said he felt very strongly that Mr. Campbell would be placed in an untenable position if this.. second survey were allowed to proceed at the same time - especially if its recommendations were in conflict. He stated he thought the City would be in a very awkward position. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 7:/ From the City Manager, recommending Inspector Joseph Bertrand of the Police Department be authorized to attend the Fourth Annual Western States Conference of Safe Burglary Investigators, to be held in Sacramento, from October 28-30, 19.) 5 and (;35. be appropriated for this purpose. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation beadopted; that Inspector Bertrand be authorized to attend the specified Conference and 035. be appropriated for his expenses. The motion was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and Presi- dent Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 457 8. From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Gallagher & Burk, Inc., the low bidder, for the project of Culvert Installation on Lincoln Avenue at Benton Street, at the bid price of 9,L26.2 5. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that contract he awarded to this firm for the designated project at the price quoted and the bid bonds or checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. 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. 9. From George R. Doran, Chief of Police, submitting his report on the Alameda Boys' League of 1953, and listing the Sponsors of the twelve teams and the names of the Police Officers who had volunteered their services to manage the teams. President Sweeney complimented Chief Doran, the merchants and Officers who had made this League possible. He stated it was a splendid program for the boys. Councilman Anderson suggested the City Clerk write to each of the merchants and Officers, expressing the Council's thanks and appreciation for their cooperation in this work. It was so ordered. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 10. Councilman Anderson introduced thc following ordinance, which was provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code Amendtng Section 7-1114 Thereof Relating to Self Insurance by operators of vehicles for Hire." Upon request, City Attorney Clark explained the details of the provisions of this proposed amendment. by id over under RESOLUTIONS: 11. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 83E1 Eemorializing U. S. Maritime Administration in The T'atter of Maintaining in Active Status the Alameda Maritime Service Training Station." The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall. Speaking on the question, Councilman Jones stated the members of the Council had met with Congressman Miller and had carefully gone into the matter of the proposed closing of the Alameda Maritime Service Training Station by the Federal Government. He felt the proper action was to ask that this Stetion remain open. He said he had first thought that if the Station were closed down it would be possible to get the land back on the tax rolls of the City, but after discussing the situation with Congressman Yiller, it was found that this would not be the procedure, as other Governmental Agencies would have first call on its use if it were declared surplus. He stated it would cost 5100,000. per year just to keep the Station in "mothballs", whereas it costs 400,000. per year as presently operated. He pointed out that if the Station is kept open it is an economy in comparison with the spending of any sum and not have any training going on at all. He also suggested that, in the event this resolution is adopted, Senators Kuchel and Knowland he urged to support the request to keep this Training Station open. Councilman Anderson stressed the point of the Government's decision to close the Station as an economy measure and he felt the City is not qualified to pass judgment on how these economies are affected. Councilman Moresi stated the situation boils down to one of t1,-o courses - to keep the Station operating or to "mothball" it. She emphasized that Alameda has been handi- capped because the Federal Government owns so much of the City land, and she felt that if the Station is kept open the City is giving its blessing instead of trying to work every angle to get the property back on the City tax rolls. Councilman Eoresi agreed that anywhere the City can work with the Federal Government in affecting economies it should do so. Councilman McCall pointed out that Congressman Nilier has made a speedy trip to Wash- ington with regard to this one particular matter. He said he had accompanied Congress- man Miller in attending the Senate Interim Committee hearing which was held this past week in San Francisco, He felt Er. Rothchild, U. S. Maritime Administrator, had taken this step in a quick manner to close the Station befoke Congress reconvenes. He said that the California Senators did not even know about this contemplated closing. He pointed out the City of Alameda has this installation here which is of importance to our Navy and men serving in ships at sea and he felt closing the Station would certainly not be a measure of economy. President Sweeney stated Congressman Miller had explained the matter thoroughly and if the Maritime School is closed, other Federal Agencies would have priority in its use, then educational institutions and finally, the municipality. He pointed out that if .100,000. is spent just to keep the Station in "mothballs"- it will just deteriorate anyway - and he strongly urged that the Station be kept open. The question was called for and the resolution was adopted by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, McCall and President Sweeney, (3). Noes: Councilmen Anderson and Moresi, (2). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. Councilman Jones moved the City Manager be instructed to contact the cities of the Bay Are requesting that they pass similar resolutions urging that the Maritime Training School be kept in operation - and also, that communications be directed to both of the State Senators urging their attention and support in this matter. The motion was seconded by Councilman McCall and on roll call carried by the followin5 vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, McCall, Moresi and President Sweeney, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None, 12. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Moresi, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4839 Memorializing the Committee on Impounded Funds from Tide and Submerged Lands to Protest the Amendment of Section 6816 of the Public Resources Code in Any Manner which would Result in the Distribution of The Moneys Referred to in Said Section in a Manner Different from That Now Provided." 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. 13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall, who moved its adoption: "Resolutlon No. 4840 Transferring k3,000.00 from Reserve for Other Contingencies Account 199.200 to Professional and Consulting Service Account 105.250 in Order to Increase Fiscal Year Budget For Services of James M. Campbell, Planning Consultant." 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. • 14. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4841 Authorizing the Execution of Contract with the State of California for Federal Allocations to Local Public Health Agencies for Fiscal Year 1953-1954 (1999.00)." 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. TIEreupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4842 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans For Furnishing and Erection of a Chain Link Fence at City of Alameda Corporation Yard, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." 459 The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Moresi and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: jouncilmen 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 Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4843 Authorizing Attendance of Councilmen at Conference of American Municipal Association, New Orleans, Louisiana, November 29, to December 2, and Appropriating Pp1,200.00 to Defray the Expense Incident to Such Attendance." 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. 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman McCall who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4844 Establishing 67.2 Hour Work Week for Uniformed Personnel of the Alameda Fire 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. 18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. U125 Transferring 8310.00 from Reserve for Other Contin7encies Account to Community Advertising Account." 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 Fresident declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 19V At this point, President Sweeney inquired if there were any further oral communications. Mr'. Frank Gottstein. stated he was glad to report that the situation is greatly improved with regard to the traffic congestion on Webster Street and he thanked. the .Council for having acted to remedy this problem. Councilman McCall stated, credit should be given to the City Manager and Chief of Police who had gone to work. to effect these solutions., 20'. Mr, M. E. Lee stated he operates a hotel at 2909 Central Avenue. He said also he has four other houses and the people living in them have their meals at the Central Avenue premises. He explained that he had been notified by Mr. Rogers, Building Inspector, that he could not feed. these people and wondered why he was getting such an order to stop supplying food to these tenants. He pointed out a dining room is part of a hotel and he felt he should have the right to feed these people. President Sweeney called upon the City Manager for his explanation. Mr. Froerer stated Mr. Rogers had spoken to him this morning briefly about Mr. Leets situation. He suggested that he be given an opportunity to investigate all phases,of this matter. President Sweeney recommended to Mr. Lee that he follow the normal procedure and present this matter to the City Manager, City Attorney and Building Inspector for discussion. 4if 21: At this point, Mr. Duggan arrived and the letter from the Alameda Real Estate Board was again read. President Sweeney explained to Mr. Duggan that Mr. John ten Bosch had registered a protest against this proposition on behalf of the Alameda Homo Owners Association. Councilman Jones read a letter dated October 26, written by Mr. Campbell to the City Manager, with regard to the proposed survey by the National Association of Real Estate Boards. He stated that he, together with the other members of the Council, does not know the exact scope of the proposed survey or whether or not there would be the possibility of conflict and duplication of cost and effort. He said he felt that 460 before the Council would be justified in spending this requested sum of money, it would have to know exactly what is proposed by this organization. He said he under- stood the Association is meeting next week in Los Angeles and he felt the Council would have to know much more in detail as to just what phases would be undertaken by the Association and how the citizens of Alameda would benefit - bearing in mind that the City has already engaged a Planning Consultant. Councilman Anderson stated the Council has received a written communication re- questing the City to appropriate 2,000. and, very frankly, he does not know what he would be spending this money for and he would, therefore, say "No". He said he doubted very much if this survey would be maintained as a complementary situation and he felt that, in the interests of the citizens of Alameda - especially since the City is spending 118,000. to have a competent man make a complete survey - it is only fair that the Planning Consultant should have freedom of the field in which to work. Mr. Duggan explained that during the past three years the National Association of Real Estate Boards has had occasion to designate certain Cities in the United States as a "survey city" - Boston, Massachusetts and Lake Charles, Louisiana - and in both of these instances, the surveys were very beneficial to the cities involved. He stated that very highly trained technicians and experts were brought in to make the study. He pointed out that this opportunity to have Alameda designated as a "survey city" is not an accomplished fact - it must pass through all channels and be com- pletely analyzed. He stated that, after .a discussion of the matter Mr. Campbell had agreed the survey would be complementary. He emphasized that the survey would work very closely and in harmony with City Officials and the Planning Consultant. He said that in making its report, the experts would again return to Alameda and evaluate what action and accomplishments had been effected. He said that the City would not need to appropriate any funds now, but it would speak well for the City if he had some type of endorsement - he suggested the Council could support this matter, subject to and contingent upon, certain provisions. President Sweeney asked if these men were planning consultants and Mr. Duggan re- plied that they are experts in their field - not necessarily planning consultants - but experts in the field of industrial land utilization, etcetera. Mr. Duggan reiterated that he is not asking for an appropriation at this time, but is asking for some evidence of support. At this time, President Sweeney excused himself and yielded the Chair to Vice- President Anderson, Vice-President Anderson inquired when the real estate survey would start and would it be in progress during the same time as Mr. Campbell's project. Mr. Duggan answered he thought nothing would start until the early part of next spring. Mr. Delwyn Elfers, member of the City Planning Board, addressed the Council, stating he favored the Council not accepting this proposal. He strongly felt it would be a duplication of Mr. Campbell's project and pointed out the Association's survey would be slanted from the real estate values and not be an over-all picture of the City's problems. Councilman Jones stated the Council would not be prepared to commit itself to any expenditures, nor would he be willing to commit himself to any definite policy at this point - but he felt the Council is duty bound to explore everything which might be of benefit to the community. He pointed out there is a definite problem in Alameda and that is why a Planning Consultant has been hired. He thereupon moved the Council go on record as being receptive to the proposal that has been made and that it will give consideration to any proposal that might come to the City from the National Association of Real Estate Boards provided the City has the assurance of the National Association that the two projects would be undertaken in a manner to avoid duplication of cost and effort, to complement each other and to avoid the possibility of conflict to the detriment of each. Mrs. Tova P. Wiley, member of the City Planning Board, addressed the Council, stating the City should have a chance to review the projects undertaken at Boston and Lake Charles and study them very carefully before any decision is made. She said she felt one important consideration in the hiring of Mr. Campbell was that he is nearby and is familiar with the local situation - and the City has the opportunity to call on him any time. Councilman McCall seconded the motion and stated he felt the local representatives are going to Los Angeles to learn more about this situation and, after further discussion, the City has the right to accept or reject the proposal. The motion was carried on the following roll call vote. Ayes: Councilmen Jones, McCall and Moresi, (3). Noes: Vice-President Anderson, (1). Absent: President Sweeney, (1). FILING: 22. Contract for Federal Allocations to Local Public Health Agencies - Between State and City. 23, Financial Statement - Middleton, Suman & Hackleman - City of Alameda, as at September 30, 1953. 24. Specifications No. PW 10-53-13 - For project of Furnishing and Erecting Chain Link Fence at Corporation Yard. BILLS: 25. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and ments thereof, in the total amount of '";23,657.39, was submitted this meeting. The List was accompanied by a certification from shown were correct. Councilman I:cCall moved the bills as itemized in City Clerk on October 27, 1953, and submitted to and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Noes: None. Absent: President Sweeney, (1). ADJOURNMENT: the several depart- to the Council at the City Manager that the Claims the List of Claims filedwith the the Council at this time, be allowed ivioresi and on roll call carried by- Jones, McCall. and Moresi, (4). 26. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned, to assemble in regular session onTuesday, November 3, 1953, at 8:00 o'clock. Respectfully submitted, or) y Clerk