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1950-01-17 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING JANUARY 17, 1950 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 3, 1950, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2' a group of 23 citizens residing in the vicinity of 908 Lafayette Street, complaining of a nuisance created by dogs from these premises. The matter was referred to the City Manager and City Attorney for their determina- tion as to what can be done to regulate the canine population of the City. 3. From Wm. G. Werner, new Publisher of the Alameda Times-Star, stating he had found the City of Alameda has been paying a higher rate for its legal advertising than the County of Alameda and offering to charge the City the same legal rate of $1.25 per square for the first publication and 1.00 for any subsequent issues - a square to be based on 216 ems of non-pareil type President Branscheid expressed the gratification of the Council in the adjustment of a matter which has been pending for a long time, and felt the City has been more than fairly treated by the new Publisher of the Alameda Times-Star. The City Manager was requested to make acknowledgement of the communication and express the thanks of the City for this consideration. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 4; Mr. Frank Gottstein addressed the Council at length on the matter of the flooded condition of Webster Street during the recent rains and pointed to his recommendations over the years that Webster Street should be raised. City Manager Froerer was called upon to explain certain matters with reference to the drainage problem on Webster Street and outlined the manner in which the water is drained from that area. OPENING OF BIDS: 5: Bids were received and read for furnishing eight new, 1950 model Two-Door Sedans for the Police Department, in accordance with Specifications and Provisions therefor, No. MS 1-50-1, as follows From Garland Chevrolet Co. $7,444.88 Accompanied by certified check in amount of - - - 744.50 From Cochran & Celli Accompanied by certified check in amount of - From Morris Landy Motors Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of - - 8,314.80 831.48 7,238.12 723.81 6: Bids were submitted and read for furnishing two new, 1950 model Coupes for the Building Department, in accordance with Specifications and Provisions therefor, No. MS 1-50-2, as follows: From Cochran & Celli $2,22-T)-671'"7 Accompanied by certified check in amount of From Garland Chevrolet Co. 2,031.22 Accompanied by certified check in amount of 203.18 From Morris Landy Motors 2,121.34 Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of 212.13 The bids were referred to the City Manager for study and report. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 7. From the City Manager, recommending that Werner King, Milk Inspector, be authorized to attend the Dairy Industry Conference to be held at Davis Agricultural College, from January 30, through February 1, 1950, and the sum of $'25. be appro- priated for his expenses. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that Mr. King be authorized to attend the specified Conference and the sum of $25. be appropriated for this purpose. 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. 8.f From the City Manager, recommending the Alameda Historical Society be granted permission to insert a plaque in the sidewalk at the Northwest corner of Lincoln Avenue and Webster Street, indicating the location of the first transcontinental railroad. Arrangements have been between the Society and the State Centennials Commission for this installation. Councilman Jones moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that the Alameda Historical Society be granted permission to place the plaque at the site indicated. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. 9`. From Glenn A. Baxter, Secretary, Public Utilities Board, requesting that Charles M. Romanowitz, member of the Board, be granted permission to absent him- self from the State for a period of approximately ten days from January 9, 1950. Councilman Sweeney moved that Mr. Romanowitz be granted the specified leave of absence. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. 10. From the Board of Education, requesting cancellation of City taxes on certain property in the vicinity of Krusi Park, acquired by the Alameda Unified School District for school purposes. This matter was referred to "Resolutions." 11. From the City Manager, concerning the call for bids for the Rehabilitation of Street Trees on Bay Street, and recommending that, because of certain improper re- quirements contained in Specifications and Provisions therefor, No. PW 12- 49 -18, all bids received be rejected. He also recommended that a Notice to Bidders be immediately readvertised under new Specifications, the new bids to be opened on January 24, 1950, and the contract to be awarded at the same meeting if the bids are in order. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendations with regard to this matter be followed as set forth. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and unanimously carried. 12: the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Cochran and Celli for furnishing one new, half -ton Cab and Chassis and Special -Body Truck for the Pound Department, in accordance with Specifications No. MS 12- 49 -12, at the total bid price of $1,920.95. Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager's recommendation be followed; that con - tract be awarded to Cochran & Celli for furnishing this truck and the bid checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilmen Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 13/ From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Herbert M. Watson for furnishing one Main Radio Station Transmitter on 155.61 Megacycles to the Police Department, in accordance with Specifications No. MS 12- 49 -14, at the bid price of $2,173.30. Councilman Jones moved the City Manager's recommendation be followed; that con- tract be awarded to Mr. Watson for furnishing this equipment. 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. 14. From the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Garland Chevrolet Company for furnishing one new, 1950 model Two -door Sedan for the Health Depart- ment, in accordance with Specifications No. MS 12- 49 -15, at the bid price of `1,188.83. Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager's recommendation be accepted; that con- tract be awarded to the designated company for supplying this automobile and the bid checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. 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. 15. the City Manager, recommending contract be awarded to Mr. A. L. Alexander, only bidder, for the operation of the refreshment concession in Washington, Lincoln and Krusi Parks for the two -year period commencing January 1, 1950, and ending December 31, 1951, for the sum of $2,000. Councilman Sweeney moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that con- tract be awarded to Mr. Alexander for operating the concession in the stipulated parks of the City. 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. Councilman Sweeney inquired as to a concession in McKinley Park when it is again used as a football field. Mr. Froerer replied that, in his opinion, it would be necessary to advertise for bids and enter into a new contract covering the refreshment concession in this park. 16. Concerning the matter of awarding a contract for the furnishing of one Rubber Mounted Tractor, with Front End Loader, for the Golf Course, as called for under Specifications No. MS 12-49-17, Councilman Anderson moved this matter be referred back to the City Manager for further study. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. 17: From the City Manager, recommending acceptance by the City of Plans and Speci- fications submitted by Mr. R. L. Wooldridge of Hayward for the improvement of por- tions of Post, High and Calhoun Streets, and that Mr. Wooldridge be permitted to proceed with the work, upon the execution of a contract and the posting of the re- quired bond with the City. Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager's recommendation be accepted; that Mr. Wooldridge's Plans be approved and he be allowed to proceed with his contemplated work upon fulfillment of certain requirements. The motion was seconded by Coun- cilman Jones and unanimously carried. 18. / From Thomas M. Lane, Chief of the Alameda Fire Department, notifying the City Manager that his Department has won first place in the state of California for fire prevention work for the third consecutive year. President Branscheid expressed the gratification of the Council and other City Offi- cials for the efficiency of the Fire Department which has gained for it such worth- while recognition. He requested the City Clerk to extend to Fire Chief Lane the Council's congratulations on the splendid showing of his Department. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 19. 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 Authorizing the Acquisition of Certain Real Property for Street and Highway Purposes." 20. 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 Section 17-431 of the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Subdivisions (6) and (8) Thereof and Adding Subdivision (21) Thereto, Relat- ing to Through Highways." UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 21. Under this heading, President Branscheid called up several matters which have been pending for sometime in the Committee of the Whole file, as follows: A - Lights in Krusi Park: Councilman Jones pointed out this matter has died a natural death by reason of the recovery by the City of McKinley Park and there- upon moved it be permanently filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. B - Regulation of the Sale of Comic Books within the City: Councilman Jones directed the attention of the Council to the fact that the reason for this matter going to the Committee of the Whole was that at the time it came up for considera- tion in regular session there was an action pending in Los Angeles County testing the validity of an ordinance similar to the one under contemplation here. He stated, further, that inasmuch as the Court in the Los Angeles case had ruled this is a matter which is not subject to control by city ordinance, and also, that none of the law enforcement agencies were interested in having such legislation enacted, he would move the matter be referred to the permanent file. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. C - Shore Bird Refuge on Bay Farm Island: President Branscheid observed this matter has been settled to the entire satisfaction of the proponents of the refuge. Mr. Froerer stated that under arrangements made with Mrs. Junea Kelly, at whose re- quest the subject was first investigated, full consideration will be given to the installation of a bird refuge, to be built in conjunction with the City park to be established on the property in question. Councilman Osborn thereupon moved this matter be referred to the permanent file. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. D - Installation of Benches at Bus Stops Throughout City: President Branscheid called to the attention of the Council that this matter had originally been referred to the City Manager who had made a very exhaustive report on the subject. Councilman Sweeney stated he had made a check on this matter with some stores in Oakland and found that most of them were not happy with benches of this sort. Councilman Osborn stated that, from his own experience, this was true of the mer- chants of Alameda, and he thereupon moved that the Council go on record as being opposed to the installation of advertising benches in the City of Alameda and that the matter go to the permanent file. In seconding the motion, Councilman Anderson stated the businessmen in the City are not in favor of the benches. President Branscheid then put the question and the motion was unanimously carried. E - The Filling of Tidelands North of San Francisco Bay Bridge Approach Toward Richmond, for Promoting a World's Fair Site: President Branscheid stated the Council had made a study of the situation to the point where it felt it was of no particular interest to the City at this -time. Councilman Anderson moved the matter be permanently filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. President Branscheid stated there are several other matters in the Coin ittee of the Whole file which are not yet ready to be disposed of, but that they will be called up for disposition just as soon as studies thereon have been completed. NEW BUSINESS: 22. Under this heading, Councilman Anderson suggested that inasmuch as Flag Day is in the offing, and the City would probably undertake a full -dress observance of the Day, it would be well to move up on the matter and have the chairman of the Flag Day Celebration appointed at this time. He suggested that in view of the fine performance of Councilman Sweeney in taking charge of this matter in 1949, it would be entirely appropriate to reappoint him to this chairmanship. Councilman Sweeney signified his willingness to undertake this arduous job and he was thereupon appointed by President Branscheid to be Chairman of the City's Flag Day Observance. RESOLUTIONS 23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4123 Commending Henry P. Wichman and Expressing to Him the Appreciation of the City of Alameda for His Service." 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. 24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4124 Rescinding Resolution No. 3500 Relating to Maximum Parking Time Allowed in Parking Meter Zones." 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. 25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4125 Transferring 427,947.50 from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Fund to the General Fund of the City of Alameda." 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. 26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4126 Transferring $48,581.96 from the In Lieu Tax Fund to the General Fund." 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. 27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4127 Cancelling City Taxes on Property Acquired by Alameda Unified School District. 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. 28. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4128 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for the Rehabilitation of Street Trees on Bay Street, Calling for Bids and Directing the City Clerk to Advertise the 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. 29. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4129 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for the Installation of House Laterals for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1950, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." The motion to adopt said resolution 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. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. FILING: 30. Auditor's Balance Sheet - For Month ending December 31, 1949. 31. Financial Statement - George B. Middleton & Co., - Bureau of Electricity, as at November 30, 1949. 32. Specifications - No. PW 1 -50 -2 - Project of Rehabilitation of Street Trees. 33. Specifications - No. PW 1 -50 -1 - Project of Installing House Sewer Laterals. 34. Ex Committee of the Whole: a. Lights in Krusi Park b. Regulation of Sale of Comic Books c. Shore Bird Refuge on Bay Farm Island d. Installation of Benches at Bus Stops e. Filling of Tidelands North of San Francisco Bay Bridge Approach for World's Fair Site. BILLS: 35. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the several depart- ments thereof in the total amounts as follows was submitted to the Council at this meeting: General Departments, $8,695.82; Parking Meter Fund, $83.69; Police Department, $1,738.45; Fire Department, $1,081.52; Street Department, $4,114.52; Health Department, $924.81; First Aid Department, $164.06; Recreation . Depart- ment, $273.38; Park Department, $1,358.41; Golf Course Department, $1,074.27; Social Service Department, $47.68; Store Department, $413.45; Pound. Department, 062.62; Civil Service Department, $125.; California Sales Tax Accrual Fund, 0_3.49; East Bay Municipal Utility District Fund, $2,005.83;. Bay Farm Island Sewer Fund, $554.; Traffic Safety Fund, $1,910.47; Gas Tax No,. 1 Fund, $99.61; Gas Tax No. 2 Fund, $1,286.52; Special Street Lighting Funds, $1,529.85; Northside Storm Water Disposal System Fund, $4.00; Library Remodeling Fund, $43.86. Councilman Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on January 17, 1950, 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, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5) . Noes: None. Absent: None. 36. Prior to adjournment, President Branscheid re- opened the subject of "Oral, Communications and Mr. Frank Gottstein commented on the letter from the Alameda Times -Star, notifying the City of the reduction in advertising rates. He stated that over the years there has been considerable criticism of the monopolistic attitude of the Times -Star in the matter of rates to the City for its legal ad- vertising and that this very fine gesture on the part of the new publisher will meet with public approbation. 374. Councilman Jones noted Mr. Clyde Herring of the Oakland Tribune at the press table and stated this was the first opportunity the Council had of publicly ac- knowledging its appreciation of Mr. Herring's very fine review of the history of Alameda in the special edition of the Oakland Tribune sometime ago. He stated he wanted to congratulate Mr. Herring on the very interesting write up he did on this subject and express to him the appreciation of the Council on behalf of the City for the vast amount of research that went into the preparation of the story. 38. President Branscheid stated that, in order to expedite the matter of the re- habilitation of street trees, the bids received under the Specifications filed this evening will be opened on January 24, 1950. Councilman Sweeney thereupon moved the Council meet in an adjourned regular session on Tuesday evening, January 24, 1950, at 6 : 00 o'clock. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. ADJOURNMENT: 39. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council ad- journed, to assemble in adjourned regular session on Tuesday evening, January 24, 1950, at 6:00 o'clock. Respect tted, ty Clerk