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1950-01-30 Regular CC MinutesADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALADA HELD MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1950 The meeting convened at 5:00 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. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES; 1. From the City Manager, recommending the contract be awarded to Mr. Ford J. Denman, for the project of the Rehabilitation of Street Trees on Bay Street, at his bid price of ,r;11300. - in accordance with Specifications and Plans therefor, No. PW 1-50-2. Councilman Jones inquired as to the statements made by the references furnished by Mr. Denman. City Manager Froerer stated the references had been contacted in person and that those for whom Mr. Denman had done work of this sort were very well pleased with his performance and he was given a good credit rating and sound financial report. Mr. Froerer read a memorandum from Mr. Ralph Jones, Landscape Architect, in which he reported on his interview with the Manager of the Country Club at Sacramento, who was very enthusiastic about Mr. Denman's work - but Mr. Jones stated he was not too greatly impressed with the character of the work performed, and recommended against awarding the contract to Mr. Denman. Mr. Froerer pointed out that, in his opinion, Mr. Denman could not possibly do anything but lose money on this job at the price bid. He stated, however, that in the financial interests of the City, and due to the requirements of the sneci- fications, the City could employ a competent tree surgeon to inspect and direct this work and that he would feel confident the City could get the kind of job it wants. He stated that if this course were pursued, there would result to the City a saving of about 1,500., even after paying for this extra inspection. Councilman Sweeney stated he was unable to understand this matter in the form pro- posed, especially if it were felt that a tree surgeon should be employed to inspect Mr. Denman's work. Councilman Osborn inquired if Mr. Denman was so incompetent that he would damage the trees irreparably. Mr. Froerer stated that, in his opinion, this could be obviated if there were a competent inspector on the job at all times. Councilman Anderson asked what would happen in the way of settling a disagreement between the inspector and Mr. Denman as to the manner in which the work should be performed. Mr. Froerer replied that the specifications take care of this by leav- ing the adjudication of any disagreement in the hands of the City Engineer. Councilman Jones asked about Mr. Denman's ability to furnish a performance bond, and Mr. Froerer answered that if he could not furnish the bond, he would forfeit his deposit of j130. President Branscheid expressed his views on the subject, stating it was his feeling that the City should not enter into a contract with the knowledge that the bidder is going to lose money and he said he was confident Mr. Denman could not perform the work at this price and come out even. He stated that, under these circumstances it was quite apparent Mr. Denman would wind up in a bad mess and that the City would be in a predicament because of the time element involved, pointing out that the sap would be running before the job could be finished under these conditions and that it might cause considerable damage to the trees. He offered the opinion that it might be well, in view of the situation, to reject all bids and defer any action on the trimming of these trees until next fiscal year. Councilman Osborn moved that all bids be rejected; the checks be returned to the bidders and this work be deferred until sometime in the future. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney. In response to a question by Councilman Jones, the City Manager stated he thought there would be no serious results due to the delay of this work and as to the cabling of the trees, this could be done in the open market. Councilman Anderson raised the question as to whether or not the Council would be justified in rejecting Mr. Denman's bid without giving him an opportunity to explain to the Council how he expected to perform the work at the price bid. He stated he felt the taxpayers should be protected and the Council should not place itself in the position of rejecting a bid under which the bidder might properly perform. 3541 Councilman Osborn stated he felt his responsibility to the City requires that he give consideration to the preservation of these trees and that he could not vote to award a contract to a man in whom he has no confidence, stating it was his opinion that Mr. Denman could not do a proper job on these trees at the price quoted. He thereupon called for the question and the vote was unanimously in support of the motion as made. 2. From the City Manager, recommendin; that contract be awarded to Morris Landy Motors, for furnishing eight new, 1950 model, Two -Door Sedans to the Police De- partment, in accordance with Specifications No. MS 1 -50 -1 - in the total net bid price of $7,238.12. Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that con- tract be awarded to the specified firm for furnishing the Police cars and the bid checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Coun- cilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 3: From the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to Garland Chevrolet Company, for furnishing two new, 1950 model, Business Coupes to the Building Department, in accordance with Specifications No. MS 1 -50 -2 - in the total net bid price of ,;P2,031.22. Councilman Sweeney moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that con- tract be awarded to the designated company for furnishing these coupes and the bid checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. 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. 4. From the City Manager, reporting that the work in connection with the in- stallation of the Storm Sewer on the East Side of Peach Street, at Washington Street, has been satisfactorily completed, and recommending that it be accepted and the Notice of Completion be ordered filed. Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager's recommendation be followed; that the work on this project be accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. 5. From the City Manager, requesting that he be authorized to attend the Spring Conference of the City Managers' Section of the League of California Cities, to be held in Santa Barbara from February 17, through the 19th, 1950 - also asking that a City automobile be used for his transportation and the sum of 75. be appro- priated for this purpose. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's request be granted; that he be au- thorized to attend this Conference; he be permitted to use a City automobile and that W5. be appropriated for his expenses. The motion was seconded by Council- man Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. RESOLUTIONS: 6. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4130 Memorializing the California Toll Bridge Authority to Immediately Proceed with the Refinancing of the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge for the Purpose of Improving Present Approaches and Constructing New Approaches to the Existing Crossing on Each Side of San Francisco Bay." 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. ADJOURNMENT: 7. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council ad- journed, to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, February 7, 1950, at 8 :00 o'clock.