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1951-12-04 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 4, 1951 The meeting convened at 8:00 o'clock P. M. with President Osborn presiding. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4), were noted present. Absent: Councilman Anderson, (1). MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held November 20, 1951, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2' the Christian Science Committee on Publication for Northern California, enclosing a clipping from the Portland Oregonian which urges the medical council to "go slow" before backing the program of fluoridation of public water systems. The communication was ordered filed. 3' the Alameda Art Association, requesting the Council's consideration of its proposal to have the 4White" Mansion, now situated in the,twenty-two hundred block on Santa Clara Avenue, moved to a suitable location and established as an Art Center, encompassing meeting places for cultural groups, studios and an Art Gallery. Lincoln or Jackson Parks were suggested as possible sites. This letter was accompanied by communications from the Alameda Photographic Society, the Art & Craft Section of the Adelphian Club, The Wednesday Afternoon Club, the Alameda Woman's Improvement Club Inc. and the Fuchsia Society - all of which en- dorsed the proposal. Councilman Branscheid stated this matter is one that should be given consideration. However, in view of the fact that the proposition has been heard about only this evening, and there are many problems involved, particularly that of financing the project, he felt that nothing could be decided until such time as more pertinent information is available. He therefore moved this matter be referred to the City Manager for further study and report. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 4, President Osborn inquired if anyone present desired to address the Council. There was no response. HEARINGS: 5 The matter was called up with regard to the request from A. B. Dubbs for the division of Diagram and Assessment No. 16 of Bay Farm Island Sewer Assessment District, Project No. 1 - into three parcels, to be numbered 1-4, 1-5 and 16-1. The Clerk stated the Affidavit of Publication was on file, showing notice of hearing had been published twice as required by law. The report of the City Engineer was also on file. There were no objections to the proposed division. Councilman Jones stated this was a routine matter and moved the request of Mr. Dubbs be granted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Branscheid and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Anderson, (1). OPENING OF BIDS:' Bids were received and read for the project of Constructing Three Temporary Equipment Shelters, in accordance with Specifications, Special Previsions and Plans therefor, No. PW 11-51-17, as follows: From Anderson-Haglund Incorporated - - - $ 3,939.00 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - . 400.00 From Bos Construction Company - - - 5,172.00 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - - 600.00 From J. H. Fitzmaurice - - - 4,251.00 Accompanied by a Bid Bond From Jay Bailey Construction Company - - - 5,034.00 Accompanied by a Bid Bond 135 From Samson, Lindner & Shannon Accompanied by a, Bid Bond From Steadman & Powell, Inc. Accompanied by a Bid Bond From Mincey Construction Company Accompanied by a Bid Bond From Pisano Bros. Accompanied by a Bid Bond From George B. Green Accompanied by a Bid Bond - 0 4,839.00 - - 4,965.00 _ _ _ 4,998.00 - - - 3,975.00 - - 3,162.00 The bids were referred to the City Manager and the City Engineer for study and recommendation. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 7:/ From the Mayor, Acting City Manager and City Auditor, submitting their report on the Count of Money held November 21, 1951, showing the sum of 03,641,750.76 in the City Treasury. The report was noted and ordered filed. 8. Councilman Jones stated that upon the request of the City Engineer, and the recommendation of the City Manager, it would be advantageous to have Keith G. Ferrier and Charles A. Woolridge, Jr. of the Engineering Department attend a two and one-half day course on the Lambert Conformal Projection (for control of surveys of California coordinate systems) given by the Institute of Transportation and Traffic Engineering of the University of California, in cooperation with The California Division of Highways. This course is being held in San Francisco beginning December 5, 1951. He therefore moved these Engineers be authorized to attend the specified course and the sum of 15. be appropriated to defray their expenses. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Absent: Councilman Anderson, (1). INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: N0( 9. Councilman Branscheid 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 Subdivisions (16) and (17) of Section 17-432 and by Adding Subdivisions (33), (34), (35), (36), (37), (38) and (39) to Section 17-432 Thereof, Relating to Stop Intersections." It was pointed out that this ordinance provides for the establishment of an arterial along San Antonio Avenue from Ninth to Morton Streets. Councilman Jones also brought out the fact that in connection with this matter, the City Manager had been asked to study other phases of the traffic problem in this area Mr. Froerer stated the investigation is proceeding and the City Engineer and the Police Department have secured permission from the owners of the property on the northwest corner of St. Charles Street and San Antonio Avenue to remove the shrub- bery which has prohibited a full view of traffic at this intersection. Councilman Branscheid inquired of the City Attorney if it is within the province of the Council to demand that "blind" corners be opened up. Mr. Clark answered that he has investigated this matter and finds there are local ordinances in effect in several cities and, while they have not been tested in the Courts, there seems to be no doubt but what they can be enforced. He pointed out that our own ordinance covers only the height of fences, which is limited to four feet. It was brought out that most ordinances require that there be nothing within twenty-five feet of the corner which would prevent a full view. Central Avenue and Fourth Street was mentioned as another particularly bad corner in this respect. Councilman Jones stated this is a very definite problem which has not, up to nowt received all the attention it deserves. Councilman Branscheid said he felt that after careful study it will be possible to correct these several problems. President Osborn instructed the City Attorney to draw up the proper ordinance to cover this situation. 10. 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 Authorizing the Execution of a Lease of Certain Real Property to the United States of America and Approving the Form and Terms of Said Lease." President Osborn stated this is certain property on Bay Farm Island acquired by the United States Government for use in its Defense Program. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 11. From the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to William McIntosh & Son, the low bidder, for the project of Sandblasting, Painting, Repairs and Other Work at Alameda City Hall and Garage - at the bid price of 9,525.16. Councilman Jones stated the Council has been studying the bids on this project for some time and frankly felt the cost ran considerably higher than had been antici- pated. He therefore moved the work be held in abeyance at this time and the bidders notified accordingly and their checks or bid bonds be returned to them. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Anderson, (1). 12/ From the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to John H. McCosker, Inc. for the project of Improving Central Avenue, East of Fernside 'Boulevard at the bid price of $7,767. Councilman Sweeney moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to the designated firm for this project and the checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman Branscheid and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Anderson, (1). 13. Councilman Sweeney asked if anyone had heard from the Police Department of Oakland about an Officer being stationed at Ninth and Harrison Streets in Oakland. He said the traffic is terribly blocked at this point during the evening peak hours. City Manager Froerer stated he had addressed a letter approximately a month ago to Chief Lester Devine but had not received a reply. The City Manager was asked to follow up on this matter. RESOLUTIONS: 14. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4500 Fixing Time of Payment of Salaries and Compensation'.' The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by CounciThian Branscheid and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Cpuncilman Anderson, (1). 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Branscheid, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4501 Adopting Specifications for Operating Refreshment Concession in Washington Park, Lincoln Park, Krusi Park, McKinley Park and Thompson Field for the Period Commencing January 1, 1952,. and Ending December 31, 1953, 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 Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Anderson, (1). 16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4502 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for the Surfacing of Basketball Court at Godfrey Park, Bay Farm Island, Calling for Bids and Directing 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 Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Anderson, (1). 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Branscheid, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4503 Abolishing the Position of 'Police Officer-Chief Radio Officer' in the Police Department and Creating the Position of 'Chief Radio Technician' in the City Hall Department as Defined Herein and Setting Salary Thereof." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Anderson, (1). 18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4504 Accepting Grant of Easement from the Regents of The University of California in Certain Real Property, for.Sewer Purposes, and Consenting to Recordation Thereof." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Branscheid, and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Anderson, (1). 19. The following resolution was introduced by n y _ounc ilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4505 Authorizing Execution of Lease Between City of Alameda and Alameda unified School District of a Portion of McKinley Park Known as,Thompson Field." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Branscheid, and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen ,Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: L;ouncil—an Anderson, (1). Councilman Jones stated it might be interesting to those present to learn that the City has reserved for itself the use of Thompson Field when it is not actually being used for football games or other athletic activities of the School Department. President Osborn stated he was happy this condition has been stipulated In the present lease and the Field will be available for recreational purposes for all of the people of Alameda. 20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Branscheid, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4506 Granting East Bay Municipal Utility District Permission to Construct Underground Pumping Plant Near Northeast Corner of Clement Avenue and Grand Street." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney, and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Branscheid, Jones Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Anderson, (1). 21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4507 Approving First Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement For Expenditure of Gas Tax Allocation for Major City Streets and Authorizing the Execution Thereof. The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Branscheid, and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Noes:- None. Absent: Councilman Anderson, (1), 22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4508 Providing for Extra Compensation for Ray Burton, Radio Technician, for City Service Performed During Part of Vacation Period." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Branscheid, and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Anderson, (1). ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 23. "Ordinance No. 1043, New Series An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding Section 68 to Ordinance No. 725, New Series. (1358 Regent Street)." Councilman Branscheid moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None, Absent: Councilman Anderson, (1). FILING: 24. Specifications - No. MS 12-51-21 - For Operating Refreshment Concession in Certain Parks 25. Specifications - No PW 12-51-18 - Project of Surfacing Basketball Court - Godfrey Park - Bay Farm Island. 26. Auditor's Balance Sheet - Month Ending November 30, 1951. 27. Lease - Between City of Alameda and Alameda Unified School District - Thompson Field, McKinley Park. 28. First Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement - Between State and City - Ex- penditure of Gas Tax Allocation for Major City Streets. BILLS: 29. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and several of the Departments thereof, in the total amounts as follows, was presented to the Council at this meeting: General Departments, $2,254.25: Fire Department, $21.25; Street Department, 913.50: Gas Tax No. 2 Fund, $5,966.27: Engineering Depart- ment Deposit Fund, $219.77; Traffic. Safety Fund, $2,150.31 and 1951 Sewer Bond Fund, $39,055.91. Councilman Sweeney moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on December 4, 1951, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Branscheid, Jones, Sweeney and President Osborn, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Anderson, (1). 30. At this point President Osborn asked if there were any further oral communi- cations. Councilman Jones stated that recently the Key System had made a change in its bus schedules and he had noticed a great deterioration in service and had also heard many complaints. He felt the City should take some action, but before registering a definite protest, a check should be made so the Council would have factual data to present. President Osborn pointed out that conditions might be abnormal now due to the Christmas shopping rush. 139 It was developed, however, that curtailed service has gone into effect and the City should ascertain if Key System is giving the bus service called for and as shown on its timetables. It was requested that the City Manager investigate this situation by making a definite check and then present the matter directly to the Key System for remedial action if necessary. ADJOURNMENT: 31. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, December 18, 1951, at 8:00 o'clock P. M. Respectfully submitted,