1951-01-30 Regular CC MinutesADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE'COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 30, 1951
The meeting convened at 8:00 o'clock P. M. with President Branscheid presiding.
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and Presi-
dent Branscheid, (5), were noted present. Absent:, None.
MINUTES:
1. The minutes of the regular meeting held January 16, 1951, were approved as
transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2. From Harold C. and Frances M. Ward and Lois V. Ward, requesting an amendment of
Diagram and division of certain parcels embraced in the Bay Farm Island Sewer Assess
ment District, Project No. 1, as follows: Parcel No. 70- into six lots to be num-
bered 73-1, 73-2, 73-3, 73-4, 73-5 and 73-6 - and Parcel No. 70-2 into three lots
to be numbered 69-2, 69-3 and 69-4. The communication was accompanied by a drawing
showing the proposed amendment.
The matter was referred to the City Engineer for his report.
3: From the Public Administration Service, concerning the delivery date of the
report on its studies of the Government of the City of Alameda.
The communication was ordered filed.
4: From the Bowling Committee, March of Dimes, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, extending an invitation.to the City Council to present certain awards in the
March of Dimes Bowling Tournament.
President Branscheid suggested this letter be acknowledged after the Council had
been polled as to who might be present on this occasion.
REPORTS OF C OMMITTEES:
5: From the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to Herbert M.
Watson, the only bidder, for furnishing one New Main Radio Station Transmitter on
155.61 Megacycles, with Accessories, at his bid price of $2,670.27.. The bid was
accompanied by a certified check in the amount of 1300.
Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that contract
he awarded to Mr. Watson for furnishing the designated equipment. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes:
Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes:
None. Absent: None.
6. From the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to P. E. Van Pelt
of Oakdale for furnishing one new chassis for a ladder truck for the Fire Depart-
ment, at the bid price of $9,070.71.
Councilman Sweeney asked if any firm in Alameda had bid on this equipment. He was
informed by the City Manager that, while there were two bids in addition to the one
made by Van Pelt, nobody in Alameda had submitted a bid.
Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager's recommendation be followed; that P. E.
Van Pelt be awarded the contract for furnishing this equipment and the checks be
returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney
and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones,
Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
7; From the City Manager, recommending that Werner King, Director of Sanitation,
be authorized to attend Annual Dairy Conference to be held at Davis, California,
from February 5, to 7, 1941, and the sum of 125. be appropriated for this purpose.
Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be accepted; that Mr.
King be authorized to attend the specified Conference and 125. be appropriated for
his expenses. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried
by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and
President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
B. From the City Manager, reporting that the City Engineer has prepared a plan for
a bench to be installed at the northwesterly corner of Lincoln Avenue and Webster
Street to serve as an historical marker of the westerly terminus of the first trans-
continental railroad. It has been approved by the Historical Society and the esti-
mated cost to the City for its installation will be, approximately 1600.
Councilman Osborn moved this matter be referred to the Committee of the Whole for
further study. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and unanimously carried.
9° From the City Manager, recommending that he be authorized to purchase on the
open market another siren and certain equipment for auxiliary fire apparatus - due
to the present great emergency requiring immediate action.
Councilman Jones stated that it appeared to him, from the meeting at Sacramento,
that air raid warning devices have not been fully decided upon and requested the
City Manager to explain what he has said in his letter, as the City does not wish
to spend money on equipment which may shortly become obsolete.
Mr. Froerer stated General Robertson's recommendation was to put in the warning
system as early as possible and use whatever equipment was on hand for this pur-
pose. He stated, further, the State Office of Civil Defense has established the
fact that any warning will be given by siren and has specified the type of blast
to be used.
Councilman Jones raised the question of the ability to obtain an additional siren
if the particular one mentioned in the communication were not acquired at this time.
• The City Manager stated it is quite true that it might be several months before
another one could be obtained.
As to the equipment for the fire rigs, Councilman Jones stated he couldn't under-
stand why the normal procedure in procuring materials of this sort could not be
followed.
Mr. Froerer answered that the reason is that the City now has certain auxiliary
fire rigs ready to go into operation the moment this equipment is on them, point-
ing out there are now on the rolls a sufficient number of volunteer auxiliary fire-
men who require training in the handling of this equipment. He stated that in view
of these factors, and in the best interests of civil defense, it is necessary to
activate these units immediately and get the personnel properly trained.
Councilman Anderson pointed up the fact that we have a definite procedure under
which the City operates and stated he felt the Council should not be asked to act
upon a matter of this importance at what might be termed a "special meeting" -
especially when it requires a setting aside of a provision of the Charter.
Councilman Jones stated that as far as the sirens are concerned, the recent test
revealed that many people could not hear them and he was able to see than an emer-
gency would apply to that particular type of equipment. He stated his principal
objection was to the purchase of equipment for the Fire Department rather than to
the siren. He thereupon moved the City Manager be authorized to procure one addi-
tional siren under Section 3 -15 of the Charter. The motion was seconded by Coun-
cilman Osborn.
At this point, City Attorney Whitney suggested that the emergency clause be inserted
in the motion. Councilman Jones, with the consent of Councilman Osborn, amended his
motion to read that the City, Manager be authorized to acquire one additional siren
under provisions of Section 3 -15 of the City Charter, in view of the emergency con-
ditions and need for immediate action. The motion as amended was seconded by Coun-
cilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen
Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: Councilman Anderson,
(1). Absent: None.
Councilman Jones stated that, with respect to the Fire Department material, he would
move the request of the City Manager be denied and he be required to follow the
usual procedure in acquiring that equipment. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Anderson.
Councilman Osborn stated that, while he did not wish to appear in the light of dis-
regarding provisions of the Charter, due to the necessity for economy, he felt that
under existing circumstances, and in consideration of the amount of money involved,
it would be wise to follow the recommendation of the City Manager and repose confi-
dence in him and permit him to purchase this material in the open market. He sug-
gested the Council would be in a bad position if an emergency arose and the. City
were found unprepared to meet it. He concluded his remarks with the statement that
he thought it would be well not to adopt this motion as made, but to give the CiLy
Manager permission to acquire this equipment under the same emergency provision as
in the previous motion.
Councilman Sweeney agreed with Councilman Osborn, pointing out that the Council has
already passed on the matter of a siren but in the matter of Fire Department equip-
ment, just as urgently needed, there is opposition. He stated he felt all the
equipment is necessary and the City could not afford to wait around and try to
determine when an emergency is going to arise.
President Branscheid stated that, in his opinion, this is a matter of extreme emer-
gency; a matter of great seriousness and one on which the support of everyone is
needed. He offered his opinion that when a volunteer civil defense crew is ready
to go into action, there should be no quibbling about the expenditure of money to
properly equip them to perform their duties. He pointed up the fact that it is
going to take time to build up an organization and nothing should be done to hamper
this work.
After some further discussion of the subject, along the lines of too active prepara-
tion causing fear and panic among the population, the question was called for and
the motion was lost on the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson and Jones,
(2). Noes: Councilmen Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (3). Absent:
None.
Thereupon, Councilman Osborn moved that, in view of the fact that an emergency
exists and immediate action is required, the request of the City Manager be granted
and he be permitted to purchase the necessary equipment for the auxiliary Fire De-
partment vehicles in the open market. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney
City Attorney Whitney was asked to rule upon the propriety of this motion in view
of the action taken by the Council on the previous motion - and he ruled the motion
was in order.
President Branscheid put the question and the motion carried on the following roll
call vote.. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Brans -
cheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
Councilman Jones stated he felt it would be well to point out to the City Manager
that it should be possible to anticipate matters of this sort so the items might be
purchased in the normal manner. He stated that, in his opinion, the City Manager
should be instructed that the action taken by the Council in this particular instanc
should not be construed as a policy of the Council in the matter of purchasing civil
defense equipment.
President Branscheid suggested there should be no move on the part of the Council to
tie the hands of the City Manager in the matter of making recommendations to the
Council and a determination as to when an emergency requires a rush purchase.
Councilman Osborn stated it occurred to him that the provisions of the Charter are
there to govern just such situations as that which has come up this evening. He
pointed out that the drafters of the Charter were sufficiently far - sighted to
visualize these possibilities.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
10. 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 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: Municipal Sewage System Improve-
ment; Declaring the Estimated Cost of Said Municipal
Improvement, the Amount of the Principal of Said In-
debtedness 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 Dates
of Said Election, the Manner of . Holding the Same, _.
Providing for Notice Thereof, and Consolidating Said
Special Municipal Bond Election With the General
Municipal Election to be Held on March 13, 1951."
Councilman Jones suggested that, in view of the large number of persons present at
the meeting, the Mayor outline the necessity for support of the bond issue at the
coming election.
President Branscheid proceeded to outline the history of the inception of the sewage
disposal plan, the obligations placed upon the City of Alameda in the direction of
separating the storm and sanitary sewage and the necessity for citizen support of
the required bond issue in order that this work might be done by the City rather
than by the State and charged back to the City at probably a much greater cost. He
pointed out that a two - thirds vote will be necessary to carry the bond issue and re-
quested the solid support of the citizens of Alameda in making this very desirable
improvement possible out of bond sale funds.
RESOLUTIONS:
11. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption: '
"Resolution No. 4308
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing Five (5)
Frequency Modulated Mobile Radio Units in 152-162
M. C. Band, to the City of Alameda, for the Po-
lice Department, 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, Osborn,
Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes None. Absent: None. Thereupon the
President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
12. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4309
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing Eleven (11)
Pack Sets, Link Model #2295 or Equal, Six (6) AC
Power Supply Units and Extra Tubes for Above Units
to the City of Alameda, Calling for Bids and
Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon
the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4310
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing Double
Jacketed, Rubber Lined Fire Hose and Semi-Hard
Suction Hose for Civil Defense Department„
Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to
Advertise Same."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and President Branscheid, (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. 4311
Creating a Special Fund to be Known as 'Special
Fire Ladder Truck Fund', and Transferring Thereto
the Sum of $6,500.00 from Capital Account 124-d
(Fire Department) and the Sum of $2,570.71 from
the Capital Outlays Fund."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon
the President declared. said resolution duly adopted and passed.
Councilman Anderson inquired about this matter - whether or not the Fire Department
was going over its budget and needed the amount to be transferred from the Capital
Outlays Fund to meet the cost of the truck.
City Manager Froerer stated the cost of the work in preparing the truck for opera-
tion has increased by that amount since the City had received its first estimate
on the job.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
15.
"Ordinance No. 1016,
New Series
Amending Article 4, Chapter 2, Title XVII of the
Alameda Municipal Code, Relating to Left,Turns."
Councilman Jones moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Coun-
cilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes:_
None. Absent: None.
FILING:
16. Specifications - No. MS 1-51-4 -
17. Specifications - No. MS 1-51-5 -
18. Specifications - No. MS 1-51-6
BILLS:
Furnishing Mobile Radio Units,
Furnishing Pack Sets, Power
Supply Units and_ExtraTubes.
- Furnishing Fire Hose.
19. 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 time General Departments, 025.25; Health Department, 421.79.
Councilman Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the
City Clerk on January 30, 1951, and presented to the Council at this meeting, be
allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call
carried by the following vote. Ayes:: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney
and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
20. Prior to adjournment, President Branscheid stated there has been some trouble
with flood conditions in the west end and he felt it would be a good time to have
a report from the City Manager on this situation.
Mr. Froerer stated the reports of flooding in the west end, particularly in the
neighborhood of Third and Brush Streets, are true. A complete investigation has
been made and the cause of this flooding is an obstruction in the pipes from Third
Street to Webster Street. He stated that, in checking this matter, it was found
the water was not getting through to the pumps; that winches and cleaning equip-
ment have been acquired and it is expected that the crew will be down there to
clean out the pipe line Wednesday afternoon or Friday morning, with the expectation
of getting this condition cleared up very shortly.
ADJOURNMENT:
21. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council
adjourned - to assemble in regular meeting on Tuesday, February 6, 1951, at 8:00
o'clock P. M.
Respec f lly sb.tted,
y Clerk
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