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1952-11-05 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING, NovEmBER 5, - - - 1952 The meeting convened at 8:00 o'clock P. M, with President Osborn presidin g. 0 L CALL: 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 October 21, 192, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2.V' From Mrs. F. C. Winkler, 3232 Madison Street, requesting that a certain portion of Madison Street be repaved while other street work is being done in the vicinity. Councilman Jones stated this is a matter to be referred to the City Engineer for investigation and report at the next meeting and thereupon moved that it be referred accordingly. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. 3. v.' From H. P. Gleason, Sheriff, County of Alameda, concerning the matter of a resolution from the City of Alameda urging the retention of the facility at Santa Rita by the County - and asking that he be heard in order that he may present some thoughts to the Council with regard to this subject. President Osborn noted Sheriff Gleason's presence and called upon him at this time. Sheriff Gleason stated that since 19)1.6 the County has operated the facility on lease from the Navy, on which the County has established a Rehabilitation Center and other activities. He pointed out the County started in with only 69 acres but the Navy insisted the County take over some 3,300 acres. The County has had splendid rela- tions with the Navy and has saved it money. He said that recently the Air Force has expended a large sum of money on facilities at Camp Parks Air Force Base, also reactivating what used to be Camp Shoemaker. He stated that recently in Washington it has been requested, and the Navy has agreed, to return title from the Navy to the Air Force - and General Parks has informed him and the Board of Supervisors of Alameda County that the Navy intends to reoccupy the whole area. He said the question is not up for discussion, but the County is merely asking the various cities and other groups to request that the County of Alameda be heard by the proper authorities before any final decision is made. He pointed out the County is ask- ing that it retain the 69 acres originally leased and the buildings thereon. He said that they have been assured the matter will be given serious consideration. He pointed out that the Director from Washington is not a policy maker and his instructions are that the Air Force requires the entire facility and the County is asking that the Air Force be ordered to show need of the service. He thereupon requested that the City of Alameda draw up a resolution in line with the proposed procedure. He said the hearing will probably come before the Joint Air Services Committee. President Osborn stated there is a tentative resolution already drawn up for pre- sentation at this meeting under the heading of "Resolutions". Councilman Jones suggested the resolution should be read at this time in case Sheriff Gleason had to leave early, which was done. President Osborn inquired of Sheriff Gleason if the resolution were satisfactory and upon being assured that it was he declared the order of business would now be under the heading of "Resolutions". RESOLUTIONS: )r. Councilman Branscheid introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: uResolutiOn No. )i_6711_ Requesting Department of the Air Force to Hold a Public Hearing Before Reoccupying Naval Reservation on Which Santa Rita Rehabilitation Center is Located." 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. 287 Sheriff Gleason thanked the Council for allowing him to appear and for its support in this matter. President Osborn stated the Council is honored by his visit and extended an invita- tion for him to return whenever possible. At this noint, the meeting was referred back to "Written Communications". WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 5.‘,/ From Victor G. Flashman, requestinE an amendment of Diagram and Assessment of certain parcels of the Bay Farm Island Sewer Assessment District, Project No. 1, pertaining particularly to Tract No, 1155. This matter was referred to the City Engineer for his study and report. ORAL COMUNICAfIONS: 6. v Yr. Frank Gottstein voiced his objection to the fact that the City Hall was closed on the day of election, pointing out that many people had business to attend to even though it was an election day, and he felt this rule should be abolished. Upon President Osborn's reouest, City Manager Froerer stated the City Council has no jurisdiction in this matter as he understands it is governed by State law. City Attorney Clark corroborated this statement, explaining that State law requires the City Hall to close on a "Legal Holiday", which an election day is. 7. v Mrs. Gilda Piziali inquired how often street signs are put up where needed on certain corners - she wondered if the City had a program for the renovation of such signs or does it just wait until someone calls its attention to the matter. The City Manager was called upon and he explained that there is a program to put standard street signs on telegraph and light poles and also the names on the corner curbs but it has to be handled gradually. Mr. Froerer asked to what district Mrs. Piziali referred particularly, and she stated there were no signs along San Antonio and Alameda Avenues, among others. President Osborn asked the City Manager to give this matter his attention. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 8. From the City Manager, recommending that Or. David Frost, Health Officer, be permitted to attend a meeting of the California Conference of Local Health Officers, to be held in Fresno, on November 19, through the 21st, 1952 - that he be allowed to use a City car for transportation and 6O. be appropriated for this purpose. Councilman Branscheid moved the City Eanager's recommendation be adopted; that Dr. Frost be authorized to attend the designated Conference for the period specified; he be allowed to use a City automobile for his transportation and 60. be appropria- ted to defray his expenses. The motion 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. 9. v From H. H. Richards, Executive Secretary, Civil Service Board, submitting an explanation with regard to the request of August 18, 1952, that Section 12 of Ordinance No. 642, New Series, be elrended to provide City emp loyees the right of appeal from any disciplinary action. President Osborn stated he believed it would be advisable, if agreeable to the members of the Council, that this letter be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion and consideration. Councilman Jones made a motion to this effect, which was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. 10. From B. E. Jost, Auditor and Assessor, with regard to the current revision of the Cityrs accounting system, and recommending the adoption of the proposed Chart of Accounts which will facilitate the maintenance and postino; of records on the bookkeeping machine. President Osborn stated the ma ter would be referred to 'Resolutions". 11.v From B. E. Jost, Auditor and Assessor, in connection with the revision of the City's manual, cash bookkeeping system to n modern accrual machine bookkeeping system, and recommending the creation of a new revolving fund to be known as the City of Alameda General Bank Account and authorizing the Treasurer to maintain a bank account with the Bank of America for such fund. This set ur will simplify the Accounts Payable procedure for the City. President Osborn stated the matter would be referred to "Resolutions". Councilman Sweeney inquired concerning the designation of the use of Bank of America in this matter. Mr. Froerer explained that the "payroll account" which was established several months ago was opened with the American Trust Company and now this accounts payable fund will be with the Bank of America. Councilman Jones stated he was very much in favor of giving full use to this accounting, machine, but he has noticed a substantial increase in the number of employees and he wondered why this was necessary if more City functions are going to be taken over by the Auditor's Department. He felt some explanation should be given as to what is going on in the several Departments. The City Manager was called uoon and he stated this form of change in the method of accounting is presently being put into effect. He pointed out that formerly all payroll warrants were prepared by each Department, but now they are being drawn by the Auditor's office. He called attention to the fact that provision is being made here tonight to further centralize and mechanize the bookkeeping to include all accounting. He said one additional employee has been hired for the Auditor's Department and to date, there has been a reduction of one employee in the Street and Engineering Department because the load of work there has been reduced. He stated he had anticipated the reduction of one employee in the Recreation Department by virtue of the same reason - but due to the fact of the reorganization of that Department, he would be loath to make such a statement tonight. He said he felt, however, further economies will be possible when the consolidation of the Building Department is effected under a Director of Public Works and he felt sure the mechanical equipment in the Auditor's Department will prove to be very economical. 12. From the City Manager, recommending that Joseph L. Tancredy be granted a fifteen-day extension of time in which to complete the construction work at the Northside Sewer Pump Station, Councilman Sweeney moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that Mr. Tancredy be granted the requested extension of time in which to complete the specified project. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 13. 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 Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Subdivision (3) of Section 17-342 and by Adding Subdivision (27) to Said Section 17-342, Relating to Two-Hour Parking." NEW BUSINESS: 14.1' Councilman Sranscheid stated he understands the City of Oakland has completed the survey ofits coast and shoreline plans and he wondered what progress is being made in the matter. Upon request of President Osborn, City Manager Froerer stated it is true the Oakland Master Plan for Shoreline Development has been completed and conveyed to the County by resolution, urging the completion of the County Master Plan. During a recent discussion of the matter of shoreline development, it was learned that Berkeley's Master Plan would shortly be completed, and when it is presented to the County, Berkeley will request that the County Proceed. He said there has not been any further developmtnt of the plan for the unincorporated areas. He pointed out the reason given by the County for the delay is that it is waiting for the plans from other cities. He mentioned that Oakland's plan includes Emeryville. President Osborn pointed out that within the last three months, two communications have been addressed to the Board of Supervisors, requesting action. He suggested the City Hanager again communicate with the Board of Supervisors, asking it to proceed with the development of the unincorporated areas. Mr. Froerer called attention to the fact that the City's Master Plan for Shore- line Development was adopted by the Council in 1947. He also emphasized the fact that the City cannot secure any financial aid from the State or endeavor to go further with its improvement of the shoreline until the County Master Plan is complete. Councilman Branscheid stated that for many years money has been impounded which has been accumulating until there is an amount of some q.40,000,000. which might be released for this use by the cities. 289 Nr. Froerer stated that last year a bill passed both houses of the Leg,islature, in which it was provided that those cities who did not need money to acquire pronerty for shoreline development, could use certain of these funds for improve- ment purposes. The City of Alameda itself needs only some small areas. He pointed out that the support of the Shoreline Planning Association has been assured. RESOLUTIONS: 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. )467 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to the City of Alameda Three (3) "Federal" Yodel 5 Vertical Air Raid Sirens Complete, for Operation on 220 Volt 60 Cycle AC Current, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." 'Pie 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). "Toes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: Resolution No. 4676 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing to the City of Alameda One (1) One-Half () Ton, Latest 'Yodel, Pickup Truck, for Golf Department, Calling for Bids and Jirecting 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. 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Branscheid, who moved its adoption: solution No. 4677 Authorizing Adoption by City Auditor of Proposed Chart of Accounts for City of Alameda and Approving the Necessary Revision in 1952-1953 ducThet Accounting." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll cell carried by the following vote. A-es : Councilmen hnderson, Branscheid, dones, Sweeney and President Osborn. (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 10. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: esolution Up. 11678 Creating a New Fund to be Known as "City of Alameda General Bank Account Fund" and Authorizing the Opening of an Account with Bank of America, Said Acconnt to be Known as "CLt7 of Alameda General Account". The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, nranseneid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn. (5). ft)es: 1Tone. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and nassed. ORDIJI\NCES FOR 2ASSAGE: 19. "Ordinance No. 1072 New Series An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No, 642, New Series by Adding Subdivision (i) to Section 2 Thereof, Pertaining to Civil. SerVice." (Exempting All Part- Time Positions from Civil Service) 29U Councilman Anderson moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Branscheid and on roll call carried by the rollowin-, vote. Ayes: Councilmen :inderson, Brenscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn (5). Jone. Absent: 2Tone. 20. "Ordinance No. 1073 New Series An Ordinance Vacating a Certain Pole Line -_;asement and Anthorizing the ___]xecution of a Quitclaim Deed to Roger Leidy and Dorothy Leidy." Councilman Branscheid moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried by the followinF vote. Aes: Coucilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (5). Noes: Hone. Absent: None. FILING: 21. Specifications - No. NS 11-52-14 - For Furnishing Three Air Raid Sirens for Civil Defense. 22. Specifications - No. MS 11-52-15 - For Furnishing One One-Half Ton Pickup Truck for Golf Department, 23. Auditor's Funds Balances Sheet - Month of October, 1952. BILLS: 24. An itemized List of Claims 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, 4,516.38; Fire Department, 131.36; Health Denartment, 178.10; necreation Department, '250.00; Traffic Safety Fund, Y14,538.95; 1951 Bond Issue Sewer Fund, ;16,320.57; Capital Outlays Fund, 1-k )167 14 Councilman Branscheid moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed in the City Clerk's office on November 5, 1952, and presented to the Council at this time, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (5). Iloes: None. Absent: None. 25. /At this point, Councilman' Jones stated it has been many years since there has been a change in the Administration in Washington and he wondered if now it might be appropriate, as a member of the League of California Cities, to bring certain matters before it and suggest that the League, through its Board of Directors, work out a full program to submit to the President to effect a more satisfactory economic set up than we have had in the past. He mentioned that many times difficulties have been encountered in dealing with certain Bureaus established in Washington. He felt the cities could offer their aid and assis- tance in dealing with local matters; that their experience with Federal Agencies trying to handle these matters on a local level had been very bad and he believed that, if there could be a direct contact as between cities and Federal Agencies that satisfactory results could be worked out and the desires of the local people would be more nearly met. He stated it might be that such a program has already been done. He said that since there is this opportunity he thought perhaps the City of Alameda should approach the League headquarters with regard to the merit of this community doing its full part in presenting such a program. He said that probably Councilman Branscheid, as a former Director of the League, might be better able to inform the Council if this would be advisable. President Osborn asked Councilman F3ranscheid if there is any possibility of effect- ing good results along this line. Councilman Branscheid stated he felt the first step would be to talk the matter over with Richard Graves or Howard Carpenter of the League office as it might affect 'a matter of policy - or, it might be a suggestion that would be accepted. President Osborn asked Councilman Branscheid if he would be willing to accept chairmanship of a sub-committee to act in this matter. Councilman Branscheid said he would be glad to but he would be away next week and, therefore, would not have an opportunity to contact Mr. Graves until after that. Councilman Jones said he thought this called for fast action as he would like to see the League do something about the situation. He felt that if action were taken now then the League would have something concrete to present when the American Municipal Association Conference meets in December. Councilman Branscheid reiterated that it is a matter of policy and one on which the Council would have to consult with Mr. Graves. Councilman Anderson stated the thought expressed is very timely and he felt that now is the time to do something about it He pointed out that the League repre- sentctives will be at the Convention of the American Municipal Association. in Los An7eles and, if the members of the (2ouncil are in a-reement, the Mayor could write a letter to the Executive Secretary of the League stating the Council feels it would like to suggest this prop'ram and then leave any action entirely in the League's hands. President Osborn stated he would be happy to write such a letter. 2(). At this time, Mr. Gottstein again spoke of the hazardous traffic conditions at the Oakland entrance to the Posey Tube due to the poor arrangement of handling traffic in the recent establishment of certain one-way streets in this vicinity. President Osborn asked the City Manager if he would contact the Traffic Department of the City of Oakland concerning this situation. ADJOURNMENT: 27. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, "November 18, 1952, at 8:00 o'clock. Respectfully submitted, 1.17 C00' V4t, 29