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1950-08-15 Regular CC MinutesREGULA,7 MEETING OF TUE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 15, 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 he transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: August 1, 1050, were approved. as 2: From Unit 87, Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association, offering its services in connection with Disaster Defense. President Branscheid observed that this is a very fine gesture from the organiza- tion in response to the current discussion with regard to Disaster Defense. He stated that, following the line taken with similar cormunications received from several other veterans organizations which 1-lave come forward and offered their services, he would, if there were no objections, refer the matter to the Disaster Defense Coordinator, with instructions to acknowledge the letter, stating that the Auxiliary would be contacted when a call for volunteers is made. There being no objections to this manner of handling the communication it was re- ferred to the Defense Co-ordinator. / _ 3: irom Mrs. B. r'orris, 2259 San Antonio Avenue, concerning her claim for damages in connection with a radio cabinet broken during recent activities of firemen in her apartment. The matter was referred to the City Attorney for disposition. 4. From The Harbor Tug and Barge Cor:pany, offering to enter into a new lease for a period of twenty-five years, with an option to renew for another twenty-five years. The City-owned property involved is located at the north end of Grand Street and the proposed lease would cover an area reduced in size to that under the existing lease. President Branscheid pointed out that the present lease between the City and this com- pany will expire in December, 1052, and that in order to bring the Council up to date on the situation, he would refer the matter to the City Manager, with the request that he make a study of conditions, surrounding this lease and report back to the Coun- cil 5V From the Congress Construction Corporation, requesting authority to institute dredging operatLons on certain submerged property now under the jurisdiction of the City of Alameda and located in the west end of the City. President Branscheid stated the City Manager is now making a study of this matter in connection with the Master Plan of the City and an outer freeway as sot up in that Plan. He stated the Manager is not yet ready to report on that phase of the situ- ation. In response to the President's remarks, Fr. Proerer stated that preliminary compu- tations of the quantities of fill involved had been made for the property of both the Congress Construction Corporation and for that area which is proposed to be used by the City as a freeway and recreation area. He stated also that there is a pro- posed yacht harbor to the south and west of the area which it might be possible to prepare for future use in connection with this operation. Mr. Froerer stated it would take a little time to get the pertinent data, whereupon President Branscheid referred the matter to the City Manager for further report. 6. From John F. Ward, requesting the Council to issue a temporary permit to him to conduct his real estate and insurance business from his home at 2,312 BuenaVista Avenue. President Branscheid stated that inasmuch as this dealt with the matter of conduct- ing a business in a residence, it would be referred to the City Planning Board. v"/ From Laurence Stout, Chairman of the Parade Committee, requesting the City of Alameda to participate by entering a float in the parade to be held on September 22, as the finale for the coming Berkeley Football Festival. This letter was read and Councilman Anderson moved the matter be referred to the Chamber of Commerce as the advertising outlet for the City. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. ormmat, ' MeMgS,V-5MMZ-VVIMPMPrkMMIMMPXqMVM.VIVg,VMMVWANIMIMWMAMAV2M*MVIMSMMMV.',,,,',',,,',,,,,'".'',',—*.,," Mr. E. Costello, representing the Berkeley Junior Chamber of Commerce, was present and addressed the Council on this subject. He stated he would like to extend to the Council a personal invitation to join with Berkeley in putting over this Bay Area program. He described the plans in detail and the advertising value of the affair through radio and television outlets and stated he had already contacted the local Chamber of Commerce only to find it had no funds for this purpose. HEARINGS: 8. The matter of the continued hearing was presented, concerning the adoption of Sections 1 and 2 of the Bay Farm Island Master Plan. Councilman Sweeney moved this matter go to the foot of the agenda. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and unanimously carried. 9. An application was submitted from George T. Hansen, for a Permit Fill certain tidelands east of Fernside Boulevard, between Liberty and Encinal Avenues. After a full explanation of this matter by City Manager Froerer, Councilman Ander- son moved the Permit be granted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and carried unanimously. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: v7 10. From the City Manager, recommending acceptance of offer of 2,325. from Roberts-Hill Corporation for the purchase of certain Marshall Way Right-of-Way excess property. Councilman Anderson moved that the City Manager's recommendation be followed; that the lot in question be sold to the designated party and the bid deposit 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. 11' the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to Steadman and Powell, Inc. for the project of repairing fire damage to the "Armory" in Washington Park and constructing a Steel Wire Mesh Fence, at the bid price of S,180.40. Councilman Jones moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that the con- tract be awarded to this firm for the specified work and the bid checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. 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. 12. From the City Manager, recommending that the work in connection with the in- stallation of a Storm Water System on Brush Street at Third Street, be accepted and the Notice of Completion be filed. Councilman Sweeney 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 Anderson and unanimously carried. V 13. From the City Manager, requesting authorization to sell three partition metal screens to the School Department - which screens are now stored in the basement of the Health Department and are not used. Councilman Jones moved the City Manager be authorized to dispose of these items. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. 14. From the City Manager and Chief of Police - submitting their Affidavit concern- ing the expenditure of money out of the Police Secret Fund during the period from December 31, 1949, through June 30, 1950. The Affidavit was ordered filed. 15. From the Chief of Police, reporting on the lost, stolen and unclaimed property - now in possession of City Treasurer. The report was ordered filed. 16. From the City Planning Board, recommending the reclassification of certain property from the "A-1" One-Family Dwelling District to the "B" Two-to-Four Family Dwelling District. The property is known as 763 Buena Vista Avenue and is more specifically described in the petition. The matter was referred to "Introduction of Ordinances." 17. From the City Planning Board, recommending the reclassification of certain property from the "A-1" One-Family Dwelling District to the "B" Two-to-Four Family Dwelling District. The property is known as 735 Buena Vista Avenue and is more specifically described in the petition. This matter was referred to "Introduction of Ordinances." 13. From the Board of Education, concerning its lease of Thoinpson Field in McKinley Park, and requesting the Council to consider extending the period of the lease from one, to two years, due to the fact that there will be considerable expense in get- ting the field in proper shape and the Board would like to have the assurance of its use for a longer time. Councilman Jones pointed out that the granting of a two-year lease as requested by the Board of Education would require the enactment of an ordinance which might de- feat the purpose of the Board in getting the field in shape for the coming football season. He stated he felt it might be best to proceed with the lease as presently prepared, for a tern of one year and then, perhaps later on, another lease for the two-year period might be entered into. He thereupon moved the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the lease as prepared with the slight alterations suggested by the Board of Education and that the Board be notified of the attitude of the Council with regard to the term pro- posed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. 1/7 19. From Alameda Municipal Civil Service Employees Association re placing on No- vember ballot propositions (2) dealing with the subjects of extended vacation peri- ods and non-residence of City employees within the City. President Branscheid stated that the matter of extended vacations has been considered informally and offered the opinion that, in view of the fact that a survey of the City's finances is now being made and this matter is closely related to the financial picture, it might be well to lay it over until the survey has been completed. The President thereupon referred the matter to the Committee of the Whole. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 20. Councilman Osborn 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 ljunicipal Code by Adding Subdivision (29) to Section 17-432 Thereof, Relating to Stop Intersections." 21. Councilman Sweeney introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding Section 58 to Ordinance No. 725 New Series." (78.3 Buena Vista Avenue 22. Ccuncilrnan Jones introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding Section 59 to Ordinance No. 725, New Series." RESOLUTIONS: 23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4233 Cancelling City Assessment on Property Acquired by the State of Califcrnia for a State Highway." 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. 24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Re elution No. 4234 Cancelling City Taxes on Property Acquired by the State of California for a State Highway." 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. 25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4235 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing Fill for City Nursery 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 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. 26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4236 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing One New Latest Model 2-Ton Cab and Chassis and 3-Nozzle New, Street Flusher with 1000-Gallon Tank Capacity, to the City of Alameda, Calling for Bids and Directing the 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. 27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4237 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing Three (3) Frequency Modulated Mobile Radio Units in 152-152 M. C. Band, to the City of Alameda, for the Police 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). Roes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 23. President Branscheid stated he had a resolution which he wished to present, which dealt with a request to the interested Federal Agencies for the construction of a second tube under the Estuary. He pointed out that the City has gone through an era in which it was handicapped by the lack of manpower and critical materials - and for those reasons was unable to sufficiently impress the Governmental Agencies with the importance of a second tube, which was then, and is now, vitally needed as a connecting link between the local Naval Air Station and other Governmental installations and defense plants and the Governmental installations and defense plants in the City of Oakland. He stated it was his considered opinion that now is the time to call the attention of the Government to the fact that the installation of a second tube will vitally and materially affect the administration of the present war effort in this entire area. Thereupon Councilman Sweeney introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4238 Memorializing the Congress of the United States, The Secretary of Defense, The Navy Department, The Department of the Army and the United States Air Forces in the Matter of the Construction of a Second Estuary Tube Connecting the Cities of Alameda and Oakland as a Means of Accelerating Traffic Communications between the Defense Plants and Government Installations in the East Bay Area." 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. ORAL COMMUNICATION—: 29. Mr. Ed. Agnew was present and stated he was out of town recently when a matter of considerable importance came before the Council for action and that he wished to commend Mayor Branscheid for having the courage of his convictions, with or without any pressure from any source. Councilman Sweeney stated he would like to say at this time that he feels hat Mr. Agnew's words are ver7 well spoken and very commendable, but that he would also like to say, with reference to the matter of pressure, that no one person or group of persons in this City will ever be able to "pressure" him as a Councilman. 30. Mrs. Vera V:oodworth stated that recently, while walking past Liashington Park on Central Avenue, with her four children, a baseball came over the fence and narrow- ly missed one of the children. She stated she would like to suggest that an exten- sion be added to the fence on Central Avenue. President Branscheid requested the City Manager to investigate the matter. v/ 31. Mr. James Chapin, representing the Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Yacht Races sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Aeolian Yacht Club will be held on Sunday, August 20, 1950, and the Chamber of Commerce will have a Coast Guard craft in the water from which the races can be followed. He said it was his pleasure to extend an invitation to the members of the Council to boardthis craft to watch the races. President Branscheid thanked Wr. Chapin for the invitation. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 32. "Ordinance No. 1002, New Series An Ordinance, Regulating the Erection, Thnstruction, Enlargement, Alteration, Repair, Moving, Removal, Conversion, Demolition, Occupancy, Equipment, Use, Height, Area and Maintenance of All Buildings and/or Structures in the City of Alameda; Providing for the issuance of Permits and Collection of Fees Therefor; Providing Penalties for the Violation Thereof and Repealing Ordinances Nos. 690, 904 and 961, New Series, and All Other Ordinances and Parts of Ordinances in Conflict Herewith." 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). roes: None. Absent: None. 33. "Ordinance No. 1003, New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding to Title Xi, Chapter 1, Article 8, Section 11-1811 Thereof, a new Subsection to be Known as Subsection (4)." Councilman Jones moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney 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: 34. Auditor's Balance Sheet - Month ending July 31, 1950. 35. Annual Financial Report - George B. Middleton - Bureau of Elect 'el as at June 30, 1950. 36. Specifications - No. MS 8-50-14 - Pill at City nursery. 37. Specifications - No. MS 8-50-15 - Truck and Street Flusher. 38. Specifications - No. MS 8-50-16 - Mobile Radio Units. BILLS: 39. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the several Depart- ments thereof, in the total amounts as follows, was presented to the Council at this meeting: General Departments, 5,744.36; Parking Meter Fund, ,;0.26: Police Department, ;,3,070.65; Fire Department, W36.05; Street Department, 4, y2,531.19; Health Department, 4675.60; First Aid Department, r,24.32: Park Department, 41,570.12; Recreation Department, ,;457.61: Golf Course Department, 4;)1,258.52; Store Department, W05.90; Social Serve Department, .51.977 Civil Service Department, 34.67; Pound Department, 5.35; Traffic Safety Fund, :y268.38: East Bay Municipal utility District Fund, 2,021.08; Engineering Deposit Fund, 70.00; Gas Tax Yo. 1 Fund, (-36.77; Gas Tax Pc 2 Fund, '°3 40 Calhoun Street Storm Serer Construction Fund, ,281.75. Councilman Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on August 15, 1950, and submitted to the Council at this time, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and Presi- dent Branscheid, (5). Noes: none. Absent: None. , HARINGS: 40. The continued hearing was again presented concerning the adoption of Sections 1 and 2 of the Bay Farm Island Master Plan. President Branscheid asked for questions concerning these two sections of the Bay Farm Island Master Plan from the audience and from the Council. Councilman Jones stated the Council had received a transcript of the hearing held on these sections at the meeting held August 1, and there seems to be only one slight exception taken, which pertains to that certain strip of property to be used for "A-1" or duplex dwellings rather than "A" One-Family Dwellings. He pointed out that each section of the Plan must be adopted by ordinance and must have a hearing before the Planning Board and the Council and that it appeared to him that Sections 1 and 2 of the Plan could be adopted at this time. He stated he wished the record to show that objections to the "A-1" classification of certain property on the Island had been made and inquired if the regulations re- quired that the Council hold this matter over for a certain period before acting on the matter of adoption. He was informed that nothing of that sort was required. President Branscheid stated the Council has taken this Plan up in sections as a matter of convenience and inquired concerning the opinion of the Council as to the desirability of waiting until all four sections had been heard before the Council before taking any action on any of them. The City Attorney suggested the matter be laid over until Sections 3 and 4 have been heard by the Council - but stated that if the Council felt disposed to adopt Sections 1 and 2 at this time, he could think of no reason why it should not do so. Councilman Sweeney inquired as to whether or not there was anything in Sections 3 and 4 which would overlap Sections 1 and 2. He was informed that there was nothing of this sort - that each section dealt with a subject not touched upon in any other section. President Branscheid asked the City Manager if anything had been heard with regard to the locations of fire houses on Bay Farm Island. The City Manager stated the Plan for the Municipal Area near the center of the community was acceptable to the Fire Chief and that there was only one possible obstacle which was that, in the event the plan was constructed in sections, it would probably mean the present fire tower would have to be used as the fire station until such time as that portion of the Plan near the community center is completed. A Er. Swanson inquired, as to how Sections 1 and 2 would affect the tidelands on Bay Farm Island. Mr. Froerer advised that there are no established sections so far as actual construction is concerned. The word "section" is used only with reference to the portions of the entire Plan. He pointed out that the tidelands may be filled in a little at a time, but that under such circumstances the Master Plan would not, in any way, be affected. Councilman Anderson stated it was his understanding that the adoption of Sections 1 and 2 would not, in any way, change the zoning on Bay Farm Island as it now stands. Er. 'hitney assured him this was true and it would require an ordinance to change any zone. Councilman Jones stated that, as long as there appears to be no opposition and as long as the Council has seen no objection to it, he would move that Sections 1 and 2 of the Bay Farm Island Master Plan be adopted. The motion was seconded by Coun- cilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. 41. Just before adjournment, President Branscheid re-opened the heading of "Oral Communications" for the benefit of those who had something to offer on matters which had been considered on the agenda. 42. Mr. Frank Gottstein stated he was very happy to hear the resolution on the second tube and offered the opinion that copies should be sent to Senator Knowland, Congressman Miller and Governor Warren. 43. Colonel Saunders addressed the Council, stating he was amazed that no one had considered the matter of building another bridge rather than a second tube. He pointed out that in time of dire emergency, the tube would not be available for use and that a mass movement of population could be better handled over a bridge in any event. He said he was not opposed to anything, but was asking the con- sideration of other means of getting out of town by bridges. President Branscheid pointed out to Colonel Saunders that the Military authorities have turned down the proposition of a bridge at that point by reason of its inter- ference with navigation and access by air to the Naval Air Station. ADJOURNMENT: 44. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned, to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, September 5, 1950, at 8:00 O'clock P. M. Respectf ubMitted, Clerk