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1950-10-04 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 4 195© The meeting convened at 8 :00 o'clock P. M. with President Branscheid presiding. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Anderson, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4), were noted present. Absent: Councilman Jones, (1). MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held September 1 transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 1950, were approved as 2. From the Alameda Boys' Club, Inc., requesting the Council to grant concession privileges at Thompson Field during football games to be played by the Alameda Beachcombers, sponsored by the Boys' Club. Permission had already been obtained from the Board of Education, lessee _of Thompson Field. Councilman Osborn moved the request be granted, with the understanding that it would be on a temporary basis and only until a call was made for new bids for operating the park concessions. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson. President Branscheid explained that it has been the policy of the Council for a num- ber of years to take bids for the refreshment concessions in City parks, but that inasmuch as McKinley Park and. Thompson Field had been in the hands of the Navy for sometime, and were not open for City use the last time bids were requested, this park and field were not included in the park concession contract. He stated bids will not come up again until the latter part of the year, at which time these areas will be included in the park concession contract. The question was then called for and the motion was unanimously carried. 3. From the Key System Transit Lines, requesting approval of its proposed rerout- ing of the No._42 Naval Air Station line between the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Fifth Street, via Marshall Way and Pacific Avenue to Third Street. Authoriza- tion to make this change must be procured from the State Public Utilities Commission and the Key System is anxious to file .the necessary application. Councilman Sweeney requested the City Manager to stated the rerouting requested would be a marked. in that area and would contribute greatly to the ing nearby schools. He stated, further, that it any of the prospective passengers as the service from where it is new operating. explain this matter. Mr. Froerer' improvement in the traffic.pattern safety of school children attend - would work no great hardship on would be removed only one block Councilman Anderson moved the Council approve the requested rerouting of the No. 42 line. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. 4. the Triangle Club, requesting recognition as the representative group in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the Alameda Police and Firemen in which the Council desires to meet with their spokesmen. President Branscheid stated he felt this request would create quite a problem, inas- much as most of the matters pertaining to the operation of the Police and Fire De- partments are purely administrative, in character, with the Council having .no juris- diction. He stated, however, that in matters of policy affecting the Departments, he was certain the Council would be pleased to sit down and discuss the subjects with the representatives of the Departments. He pointed out, though, that as far as delegating the Triangle Club as the agency for holding such discussions, he was un- able to see how that .could be accomplished. He suggested the Council instruct the City Manager to contact the Triangle Club and explain the position of the Council as he had outlined it. Councilman Sweeney in- corporated the Mayor's suggestion in a motion, which was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. 5. From the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, submitting a copy of its Resolution No. 5007, endorsing the construction of the Johnson, Drake & Piper Company apartment house development on Bay Farm Island and.urging the rezoning of_the property to permit same. Councilman Osborn stated it was his understanding that no definite plans have as yet been submitted on this project and that when such plans are presented, the matter will come before the Planning Board. He therefore moved the matter be tabled and filed. Councilman Sweeney offered the opinion that this matter should be referred directly to the Planning Board. President Branscheid stated he agreed, inasmuch as this resolution would ultimately become a part of the : record in the matter referred to. Councilman Osborn thereupon withdrew his original motion and then moved the letter and resolution be referred to the Planning Board. The motion was seconded by Coun cilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. 61 From the Alameda Historical Society, concerning the placing of a plaque com- memorating the passage of the first transcontinental train through Alameda. It was pointed out that sometime ago permission had been granted to insert a plaque in the sidewalk at the northwest corner of Lincoln Avenue and Webster Street. However, this type of marker does not meet with the approval of the Centennial Commission. It has been suggested that a masonry monument in the form of a bench with a wooden seat would be suitable - the plaque being placed high in the back of the bench so all could see it. The bench would be located at Lincoln Avenue and Webster Street, in front of the Safeway Store there. Judge Daniel H. Knox appeared before the Council and stated he considered this to be one of the most important plaques of which he had any knowledge and that in talk- ing the matter over with the Publisher of the Alameda Times -Star, he had learned that he contemplates putting out a special edition on this matter. He stated it was his suggestion that the plaque could be mounted on a bench and the Safeway Management had approved the location of the bench in front of its store. Councilman Sweeney stated he agreed with the Judge that there should be a plaque commemorating this event, but he was not entirely satisfied with the suggestion that it be mounted on a bench, because of the painful experience the Council has had with benches in the past. He thereupon moved the matter be referred to the City Manager for investigation and, recommendation as to the type of plaque and its possible location. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. President Branscheid told Judge Knox that the Council is very appreciative of the fact that the plaque has been offered and said that as soon as the City Manager's report gets back to the Council, it would be in a position to act on the matter. 7. From Harold C. Ward, et al, requesting Division of Diagram and Assessment No. 116 -, into three parcels, pursuant to Sec. 27, Refunding Assessment Bond Act of 1935, as referred to by Sec,. 19 -641 of the Alameda Municipal Code. The property is located on Seminary Avenue, Bay Farm Island and is included in the Bay Farm Island Sewer Assessment Project No. 1. Councilman Anderson moved the request be granted. The motion was seconded by Coun- cilman Osborn. Councilman Sweeney inquired if a public hearing would be had on the matter and he was informed this was the requirement of the statute. The question was then put and the motion was unanimously carried. 8r From Corporal Leonard B. Hollywood Post No. 939, Inc., Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, requesting a permit to sponsor a carnival from October 17, to 22, inclusive, on the Bethlehem Shipyard parking lot. Councilman Sweeney moved this matter be referred to the City Manager for further in- vestigation and with power to act in the premises. The motion was seconded by Coun- cilman Osborn and unanimously carried. 9. From Minton and Kubon, Contractors, requesting an extension of time within which to finish their work on the construction of garages at the Health Center. The City Manager stated that, in his opinion, the request was a reasonable one and an additional thirty days would be ample to enable completion of the work. He recom- mended this extension be granted accordingly. Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager's recommendation be followed and the con- tractors be granted a thirty -day extension of time. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. } 10 At this point, President Branscheid introduced Mr. Barron -H. Maynard, the new City Engineer, and extended an official welcome to him. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 11. Mr. Frank Gottstein addressed the Council at length on the subject of Estuary crossings, with the suggestion that the Posey Tube be turned over to the Government for use in the conduct of its military installations and the City of Alameda concen- trate on the construction of two new bridges, rather than an additional tube - one bridge to be located at Webster Street and the other, midway between Webster and Park Streets. OPENING OF BIDS 12. Bids were presented and read for the project of the installation of a Storm Water System on. Sherman Street, North of Buena Vista Avenue to the Northside Sewer - in accordance with Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans therefor, No. PIN 2- 50 -15, as follows:' From McGuire and Hester, a Corporation Accompanied by a Proposal Bond $16,712.10 From Paris Bros. 18,544.60 Accompanied by a Proposal Bond The bids were referred to the City Manager and City Engineer for study and recom- mendation. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 13. From the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to Herbert M. Watson, the only bidder, for furnishing Three Fre uency Modulated Mobile Radio Units in 152 -162 M. C. Band, at his bid price of 1,693.32. Councilman Sweeney moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to the specified party at the price quoted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Council- men Anderson, Osborn Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones, (1). 144. From the City Manag Engineer, be authorized Hueneme, from October 14 be appropriated for this er, recommending that Richard F. Lovejoy, Chief Designing to attend the Civilian Defense Course to be held_at Port , through October 29, 1950, and a sum not to exceed $125. purpose. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved; that Mr. Lovejoy be authorized to attend this course and the sum of $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, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones, (1). 15: From the City Manager, recommending that four members of the Engineering De- partment be authorized to attend the Extension Division Course on Inspection and Control of Concrete 891, to be held on the Berkeley Campus, and a sum not to exceed $36. be appropriated for this purpose. Mr. Froerer explained that the classes in this Course would be conducted on five successive Saturday mornings beginning October 14, and the men were willing to give of their time for the purpose of gaining some knowledge in the new technique in the handling of concrete. He pointed out that the y$36. would merely cover the registra- tion fee for each of the four men taking the course. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be accepted: that four of the engineers be authorized to attend this course and $36. be appropriated for their expenses. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones, (1). INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 16. 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 Repealing Ordinance No. 1007, New Series Entitled, An Ordinance to Insure the Loyalty of the Officers and Employees of the City of Alameda by Requiring Them to Take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America and the State of California and to Require an Affidavit Relating to Membership in the Communist Party'." Mr. Froerer explained the reason underlying the repeal of the City Ordinance, stat- ing that it had been more 'or less superseded by a State law which would make unneces- sary the taking of an oath under a City Ordinance. RESOLUTIONS: 17. Councilman Osborn introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: 453 "Resolution No. 4251 Changing the Name of Disaster Defense Fund to 'Civil Defense Fund' and Transferring $10,000, from the Cash Basis Fund Thereto." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones, (1). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4252 Resolution Making the City of Alameda a Member of The Joint Cities and County Civil Defense Planning Board of Alameda County and Designating Said Board as the Duly Empowered and Authorized Agency of Said City in the Planning and Operation of Certain Fields and Phases of Disaster Preparedness and Civil Defense." The motion to adopt said resolution was - seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones, (1). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. President Branscheid pointed out that this resolution merely confirms the action taken by the Council at its last meeting. 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4253 In Memoriam of James B. Lear "WITH DEEP REGRET, the Council of the City of Alameda records the death of one of its faithful employees, JAMES B. LEAR, Assistant General Manager of the Bureau'of Electricity, who had worked for the City since April of 1945; "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, in recognition of Mr. Lear's efficiency and leadership in the performance of his duties at the Light Plant, the Council of the City of Alameda hereby ex- presses its sense of personal loss and its sincere appreciation for the noteworthy service rendered by this loyal employee. "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread in full upon the minutes of this meeting, and that a copy thereof be transmitted to the family of Mr. Lear, that it may extend to its members a sincere expression of sympathy and condolence; and "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that when this meeting of the Council of the City of Alameda adjourns it shall do so in respect to the memory of JAMES B. LEAR. The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones, (1). Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 20. "Ordinance No. 1009, New Series Authorizing Sale of Real Property to James Hill." (Excess right -of -way property on Marshall Way) Councilman Osborn 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, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones, (1). 21. "Ordinance No. 1010, New Series An Ordinance Amending Sections 17 -364.1 and 17 -364.2 of Title XVII, Chapter 3, Article 6, of the Alameda Municipal Code Relating to Parking." Councilman Anderson moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the:followin vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones, (1). FILING: 22. Financial Statement - Middleton, Hiller & Hackleman Bureau of Electricity, as of August 31, 1950. BILLS: 23. An itemized List of Claims against the City ar Alameda and several of the Departments thereof, in the total amounts as follows, was presented to the Council at this meeting: General Departments, $3,806.90; Police Department, $83.86; Engineering Department Deposit Fund, $50.; Health Department, 22.34; Gas Tax No. 2 Fund, $31,499.10; Traffic Safety Fund, $508.91. Councilman Anderson moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on October 4, 1950, and submitted to the Council at this time, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones, (1). ADJOURNMENT: 24. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned in respect to the memory of JAMES B. LEAR - to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, October 17, 1950, at 8 :00 o'clock. Respectfully + '.tted, ty Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 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 October 4, 1950, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2. From Middleton, Hiller and Hackleman, concerning certain suggested changes in the City's accounting and financing procedures. Councilman Jones moved this matter be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimou carried. ly 3 From the Alameda Christian Grammar School, 2226 Pacific Avenue, requesting per- mission to extend the fences on its property to enlarge the play area for its in- creased enrollment of children. Councilman Osborn moved this request be referred to the City Manager for study and recommendation. 4. From the Alameda Junior Chamber of Commerce, endorsing the proposed rezoning of certain land on Bay Farm Island in order that the firm of Johnson, Drake & Piper, Inc. might proceed with its plans for a $15,000,000.'development of an apartment house area. By order of the President, this communication was referred to the City Planning Board. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 5g', Mr. MacDonald addressed the Council, stating that about one year ago, he wrote a letter about the bad condition of sidewalks and while he had received a response thereto, nothing has been done in the matter of correcting the condition complained of. He stated the sidewalks of the City are still in bad shape and pointed out that Berkeley and San Leandro have had judgments taken against them by reason of accidents suffered through negligence in repairing defective sidewalks. President Branscheid stated this matter would be referred to the City Manager and asked Mr. MacDonald to call Mr. Froerer's attention to any particular bad spots he had in mind, pointing out that we do have a sidewalk inspector who covers the City, but it would help to have Mr. MacDonald point out any specific spots so that it would not be necessary to comb over the entire City. Councilman Jones suggested the City Manager might like to make a statement on the subject. Mr. Froerer stated the City does not have an inspector to walk the streets looking for bad sidewalks. He stated, however, the City does ask its employees to report any bad sidewalks and reports from citizens as to such matters are welcomed. He remarked that he would be very pleased if Mr. MacDonald would come to his office and go over this matter completely and suggested he might go out on the streets with Mr. MacDonald to make a cursory inspection. 6. At this point in the proceedings, President Branscheid stated that if there were no objections, and considering the deep interest that every good American has in the pronouncements of the President of the United States during these parlous times, he would call a recess and provide for the reception of the broadcast of the President's address from San Francisco. Mr. Frank Gottstein stated he would like to have the meeting referred back to "Oral Communications" at the conclusion of the address. There being no objections, a recess was taken for the purpose of permitting the Council and audience to listen to the President's address. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 7. From Mr. R. E. Bosshard, tendering his resignation as a member of the Board of Education, effective October 14, 1950.