1949-07-05 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR NEETTNG OP TE COUNCIL OP TEE u,TY 02 ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY /2N 2, JULY 5, - - 1949
The meeting convened at 2:00 o'clock P. M- with President Branscheld pres.ding
ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, aweeney and. Presi-
dent Branscbeid (5) were rood oresent. Absent: . None.
s-
MINUTES:
The minutes of the regliar meeting held June 21, and the adjourned regular
meeting beld. June 28, 1949, were approved as transcribed.
President Branscheld extended a warm welcome to the approximately 250 citIzens
of the City of Alameda gathered for this meeting of the Council, and expressed his
pleasure at the evident interest in the affairs of the CA:ty.
CCITETITIICrr TUNS
Mr, James W. Clasby, 56 Maitland Drive, addressed the Council with. an Inquiry
as to the .11t2 's acceptance of the newly instalaed sewers on Bay Farm island, stat-
ing that there was some doubt in the minds of some of the residents ofthe Island
OS to the construction by reason of the fact that there was a large amount of water
seeping into the main line at the present time - estimated at about 1,000 r„:,allons
wer day, He inquired as to whether or not this condition would continue, stating
that in. the case of some who had tried to hook onto the main line, there was a tre-
mendous back pressure.
At the request of the President, City Manager Froerer explained the situation to
Mr Clasby, stating there Is some infiltration in a11 sewer lines and that to this
particular instance, the lines to which, the side connections have not been . made are
well within the limits of the normal infiltration found in newly constructed lines.
He stated that in this matter the Engineering Departmert has come to to conclusion.
feat the cause of this condition is to be found in. the stub ends of the sewer which
run to the lines to which the property will connect. He stated, further, that after
the connections have been made and the houses have been tied up to the line, there
will not be excessive infiltration and, 1 u any event, there will never be any back
pressure because the punp oOlTL be operated at all tines; In connection. with the
pumping operations, Mr. Froerer stated. that arrangements have beer . made to have the
water pumped out of the line every four days.
Councilman Jones stated . that last Friday, at the request of the President, he
had attended a. meetin2 of the Cali_fornia Safety Couneil and was awarded, on behalf
of the City, a Certificate of Honorable Mention for its efforts in reducing traffic
fatalities during 194e. Councilman or stated that the designation of "Honerable
Mention." does net slolify that the City of Alameda has been lacking in its accom-
piiabilerts but or17, clties bad, inP(A QnACtPCUM1' r ro,zress He stated
— — ,D , a , — • • .
that Professor May of the University of California was 1 principal (0 on this
O03 sion and outlined. some of the objectives which were discovered to be in. line
with the objectives of the City riO 01iicJ, e stated that the CIty is trying,
through education.. and enforcement of tne lam, to promote safety in the City and, _a
line with. a thought expressed. by Professor May, the City. Is trying to make good
safe pedestrians out of the students in its schools as the first step in. its safety
campalgn.
President Branscheld stated he WRS very proud that the City has been recognized as
one that has endeavored to protect its citizene and, with a little extra effort,
the City has Increased its safety efficiency and he expressed the hope that the
City's record will continue to imp rove during Inc future years.
5. y Yrs. Woodworth addressed t2 Council, inquiring about dredging operations
adjacent to Bay Farm Island.
The President explained in detail the purpose of the dredging operations and the
disposition. of the waste material.
6. MT. Frank Gettstein. addressed the Council, stating he would like to have an
explanatIon of Mr. Froerer's trip back to 'Mashington in connection with yacht har-
bors, inquiring; as to whether or not tne construction. of yacht harbors depends
upon the adoption. of the Master Plan.
At the request of fae President, Yr. Froerer explained the situatlor wlth reference
to the CLty's application. for the constretion by the United States EngIners of
yacht harbors, outlining the various steps through which 01.02 00 application must
travel before 4ny construction. Is undertaken. He stated. that on the present trio
to ',Plashington he is going to make an effort to ascertaln juet what has been done
and what the Government contemplates doing concerning the construction of yacht
harbors.
7' YargaYet F. Dillworth appeared before the Council and inquired as to the
reasofl . for the great interest Ifl . her operation of the :Ironing buainess in her home.
She stated it is a small enterprise; she has three children to provide foy; and she
is net really breaking any: laws because she has such a small organization. She
stated Che has employed no help on the premises since it was pointed. out that this
,Ic^Mr.r, bP nblocticynabl., qnd that she es-,ne between 4-11'''''0 81-)C f'0"r (1011 ner (lay lr
the performance of this work.
At the request of. ?resident Branachaid, the Secretary of the City Planning Board
outlined the background of the Use Permit allowed and the cond4,tions under which
it was originally granted.
lfirs. D=worth said sha had found it imnossibla to meet the expense af an uptown
store for the ((Cut of her business.
Councilman Jones inquired. as to whether er not the Planning Board was within the
scone of its authority in granting the Uee Permit.
MT, Whitney, City Attorney, stated that if the Board had been Informed a laundry WPS
contomulated it had nn authority to grant the Use ermit. He quoted from Ordinanoe
No 549 Tiew Series under the definitions of which iIrs. Dillworthds business would.
be classifihd as - laundry, ard. cited .the reasons why the Dillworthe do not conform
to the ordnance aside from. the fact that their property is not inuthe proper Zone
for the conduct of such. a. business.
Councilman jones asked Mrs. Dillworth if she had agreed to the conditions of the bee
Permit at the time it was granted and «1 stated she had agreed to them. but found it
was entirely impossible to comply.
Councilman Osborn. pointed out that it :Is not within the jurisdiction of the Council
to grant any such permit under Ordinance No. 549, New Series, and according to the
law, Mrs. Dillworth should cease her operatIone and. should have ceas0 d. them last
September. He stated that the case being what it is, and it being impossible for
thenCouncil to grant a permit to conduct a laundry in that particular district,
there is no alternative but to unhold the decision of the Planning Board.
Councilman Anderson.. observed that the entire questlon revolves about the matter of
location and he pointed out that there are locations within the City In which such
a business can be legafly carTr,o d on
Following Councilman Sweeney 's observation that Yrs. Dillworth. should be given a
little leeway to at least take care of the work she hap on hand, Councilman Jones
moved the decision. of the Planning Board be suetained.
Councilman Anderso0 . stated he would like to suggest that this matter be referred to
the City Yanager for investigation, which. will permit Yrs. hillworth to operate
until the Manager's report bas been made. He stated that, in his opinion, this
would be legal procedure and give her at least two weeks within. whIch„ to operate.
Thereupon. Councilman Jones withdrew. his metion and Concilman. Anderson nnved the
matter be referred. tothe City Yianager for investigation. and recommendation. The
motion was seconded by Council:man. Sweeney and unanimously carried.
Councilman. Osborn said. It might be a good idea to suggest to Mrs. Dillworth that
she take no further work which. would involve her beyond the two weeks' eeriod,
8. In the matter of the adoption of the is Pay..k portion.. of the Master Plan of
Parks and. Playgrounds of the City of Alameda, President Branscheid outlined, the
City's aims and objectives in. the delialopment of a recreational program and stated
that the City. was desirous of having the cooperation. of all the people in. the City
Go making this program a successful one.
Following his remarks he called upon Ralph Jones, Landscape Architect for the City,
Go outline .1u . general the Krusi Park Pla n. which had been approved by the City Plan
nIncy 10 'd
As a ureliminary to Mr. Jones explanation of the Plan, Mr. Froorer reviewed. NT.
Jones' educational and professilonal background, stating Ghat he was employed by the
City about two years ago to develop the City's nark plans.
Mr. Jones thereupon undertook a complete and detailed exT) ianatIon of Krusi Park Plan--
at the conclusion of which the following information. was brought out through ques-
tions nut to Mr. Jones by President BranschnId: (1) that the kitchen in the adminis-
tratIon building is not a Concession, but is for the use :of people in the neighbor-
hood, under the supervision. of the Recreation Department; (2) that the reason
there are no tennis courts in the ni an. is because there wasfound to be no room for
them. after Shifting certain of the areas around to meet the suggestions of the
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nelgnooring resloent,s, ..1)) L,I1M1, provis,„on loc a i0G(..0(,.11 pao.nc. aaa pareopez aAd
definitely eliminated; .(4) that the seating capacity of the bleachers in tbe base-
ball 0 ield is approximately 900 and tbat the bleachers would. be about 12 feet in
height; (5)mthat there are for softball areas set up in the plan - three on the
baseballmdiaMend and one in the school 2 rd. and (6) that there has been. nPC) pro-
„ya_ .
vision for li7htin5 any.park area for night
Councilman Jones questioned the location of a softball field in the yard of a
school which. is desicned to accommodate children In the third and fourth grades --
commenting that children. of this age would not play softball.
Jones pointed out to Councilman Jones that this was an area that the park
could use at the school's convenience when it would not interfere with. the school
Itself. This use would. take place in majormpart after school hours and during
vacation perlods.
Councilman Jones also wished to know why the playground fields are so far removed
from. the school and it was explained to him that it was a matter of protection. for
the children. who pour out of the school into ,the yard. and could be very liable to
injury if there were apparatus spread all over the school. premises.
Councilman Sweeney asked about the gates leading into the park and Mr. Jones
pointed out ithe various entrances.
At this point, President Branscheid Invited the audience to comment on the plan.
Mr. Howard. Shervey addressed the Council, suggesting that the presence of the large
ball grounds would attract a throng of people to the games and would present a park-
ins problem which would be very difficult to solve. He also vo iced objection. to
the loudspeakers which are used at ball games and stated that while he recognized
the need for ball grounds, he would not like to see one as large as that contem-
plated for Krusi Park, expressing the fear that successors to the present Council-
men might install lights and might increase the size of the bleachmrs with the
result that large crowds would gather to witness the games.
Yr. William. Harlow addressed. the Council and suggested that the space presently set
apart for a ball field be C1 up into two ball fields, with a view to making it un-
attractive for semi-pro teams to use the fields at all. He stated that, In his
opinion, a ball park in the size contemplated cannot be kept an amateur affair.
President Branscheld inquired if Yr. Harlow had any objection to the softball
fields and he replied that they wanted the softball fields because their children .
are growing up and this is a necessary recreation for them.
When. asked if he would object to the lighting of the softball fields, he answered
very emphatically that he would, citing what has occurred in. Lincoln and Washington
Parks and in the depreciation of property values that follews_nicht softball. .He
stated that furtIser objection to the softball fields being used at night was the
matter of numerous cars parked around the neighborhood, the littering of the streets
surroundina: the park and the general running down of the entire area
Yr. Harlow was asked if he would object to the lighting of any tennis court which
might be placed in the park and he stated that while he does not play tennis, he
believes that as a rule when. the courts are ligbted the aro put a considerable
distance from neighboring residences.
Councilman Jones stated that while there has been a complete plan laid before the
Council, there seem.s to be certain objections to it and tot obviously the proper
manner of meeting the situation would he to meet each of the objections raised
with a view to determining how they can be reconciled with the rroper handling of
the plan by NT. Jones. He stated that it is important to ascerta in. whether the
ball field should be sacrificed for the provision of more general park activities
and that he felt It was important that the Council be fully aware of the possible
effect of Krusi Park on that particular area in order that it might intelligently
work toward any revision of the plan.
Nr. Cudabac stated that the reason for the objection to the ball field is that this
particular part of the City has developed. so much that it does need a nice park and
it Is necessary to make every foot of land count for park purposes. He suggested
that it might be possible to reduce the paved area In the park and put it in lawn.
He also pointed out that the area for small children is In the s0 uth. end of the
park where they will be exposed. to the prevailing winds which blow across the park
every day. He stated that he felt no one would object to nicht lights for tennis
courts if they were placed in the center of the park and surrounded by trees.
Yr. Buchan pointed out that the area in lawn is 1.0 acre and that the ball park
embraces 4.2 acres and the entire area of the par k. is only 8 acres, and deplored
the use of so much of the area for a single sport which results in the crowding up
of everything else In the park. de suggested the danger which might arise in case
of fire on the adjoining streets jammed with cars of persons who :might be witness-
ing the ball game.
Councilman Jones suggested it might be revealing to the people in the neighborheodm.'
of Krual Park to 70 down and make an. inapection of Longfellow Park, which is an
example of the greatest possible use being made of a small amount of 1 and available.
He stated, further, there is one thing .he thought 'should be settled right•new and
that was the matter of the yeuns boys • Jot being allowed to play on. the ball fields
of Lincoln and Washington Parks.
At the request of President Branscheld Yr. Proerer stated that Lincoln. and Washing-
ton. Parks are very. extensively ueed for right games and that It is necessary to clear
the fields at 400 oclock in order to make them available for night use. He stated
further, that during the vacation reriod and in the spring during the baseball prac-
tice season there are many games scheduled for week day afternoons, and that, of
course or those occasions, the boys in. the neighborhood are precluded from. the use
of the gounds.
Councilman Anderson stated that at tbe 'nn-: of the mooting, 7r. Jones had given
an. explanation of the plan which. was laid out by rim in Its entirety, but stated he
woulrl . like to hear from Mr. Jones why the things appearing in the plan were placed
in. the plan at all and why tbey were placed a the particular locations in. the plan-
Yr. Jones stated that eact .. item. appearing the plan was requested. by the Recrea-
tion.Departnent.
Councilman Anderson askPd Yr. Jones If he had made a plan .. as requested or if the
plan . was made by him as one which, from his experience, would best serve (The in-
terests of the people of Alameda.
r. Jones answered tbat the plan incorporates all the facilities asked for but is
an integrated pattern: that functione as well as any pattern could in this particu-
lar site.
Councilman Anderson asked Yr. Jones how he conld justify the use of 4.2 acres out of
a total area of 111 acres for a baseball field and asked. him to ex, hie reason in.
this particular matter.
jones repi ied. that his reason. was that tre City needs baseball and it needs good
fields rather than the sub-standard fields now being rlayed on at Lincoln and. Wash.-
ington. and that to satisfy the neod for more baseball fields there has been
one provided for Krusi Park.
Kir. Rees stated he would like tu have some tennis courts put in Krusi Park.
President Branscheid asked Yrs. Johanser if the people -ha the East end are organized
irto one group or mere than one group and whether they were 0 united groun or
whether there were two or more orgarizatiore functioning in thnt particular situation.
Yrs, Johansefl . stated that as of thls evening, tre group Is very deflritely united
in one organization and that the members were present at the meeting to assist the
City In.. developing Krusi Park and to assert very definitely that they do ret want
ball park In Krusi Park-
President Branscheld stated he felt the discussion had this evening would prove very
beneficial but that the Council did net wish. to take any action that would. not be in
accorl . with.. the wishes of the people. He suggested that It might be well . if the or-
ganization.. would appoint a committee (9 17() to sit with the Council to discuss the
natter of this pa* . to see if something can .'t be done about getting the plan lined
up a little mere closely to their wishes,' pointing out that the City does not want
a
plan. that will net be satisfactory.
Councilman Jones thereupon meved the rearing on. the adoption of the Krusi Park por-
tion of the .Master Plan. be continued to Tuesday evening, Auguet 2, 1$49, and tbat
the Mayor be authorized. to appoint a comnittee of five people selected from the mem-
bership of the East Alameda Association. to sit with the Council in further considert
tion of the rlan. The moticm. 1701' seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously
carried.
0
-ara t, o,-,i.t, -,.,
c. 1:pr,em e gr kanaier submitting I-110 report and resommendatior concerning
self-service" gasoline stations, to the effect that an ordinance be enacted 010-
r'9 Y1 this type of gasoline station.
Councilman Osborn moved the natter be referred to the committee 00
motion, was seconded. by Councilman Sweeney' an3 . unanimouely carried.
Councilman Jones requested that President Branscheid explain to the audience the
procedure followe(3 . by the Council wren a natter is referred to the Committee of the
Whole, stating he wished to eradicate the idea that seems to be present it the minds
of some people that a reference to the Committee of the Whole is tantamount to
pidgeon-holing the matter.
thee Whole. The
Following the President's explanation of this procedure, Councilman Osborn stated
that the case of the report on "self-service" gasoline stations is a very pointed
one and remarked. that he bad received this report, which covers about thirty pages,
only last evening and had had re opportunity whatsoever of studying it in order to
arrive at an intelligent decision as to how the. Council should act upon.. the question.
TO. From the City. Manager, submdtting his report and recommendation . with regard to
providing quarters for the Alameda Historical Society. It is estimated that the
cost of remodeling a portion of to Main Library and work appurtenant thereto will
be '1;5,500 .
Councilman Osborn roved the City Manap-er be instructed to have the necessary plans
and s'oecificatione for this work prepared and that the City Attorney be requested
to prepare the necessary resolution. The motion. WaF, seconded by Councilman
Anderson and oisiy carried.
11. From. the Ci-ty Planning Board, recommending the reclassification of the south
side of Buena Vista Avenue, between Webster Street and Concordia Street - being
more specifically described in the Board's Resolution. 00 Intention - from. the
Dwelling; District to the "D" Commercial District.
The rratter vJas re f rred to "Introduction. of Ordinances."
INTRODUCTTON OF CaDM=S:
12. Councilman Jones introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid
provision of law and the Charter:
"Ordinance No.
New Series
over under
An Ordinance Reclassifying Property by Adding
Section.. 49 to Ordinance No. 725, New Series."
RESOLUTIONS:
13. The following resoit ion was introduced by oouncilman Sweeney, who neved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4056
Appointing an Acting Ci'ty Manager During the
Absence of the 62t Manager."
The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the fol-
lowing vote. Ayes : Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President
Branscheid, (5). Hoes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon. the President declared
said resolution duly adonted and passed.
14. The following resolution was introduced Ly Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
Resoluti on No. 4057
Memorializing the Sub-Committee of the Armed Forces
CommIttee of 0110 21st Con7ress to Recommend to the
Armed Forces Committee Favorable Action. on That
Certain Bill Numbered S. 1390."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded: by Councilman Jones and on roli .
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn,
Sweeney and President liranscheld, (5) . Noes: None. Absent: jene. Thereupon
the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
Councilman Osborn suggested it might be advisable to inform. the Council just what
this resolution covers and what Is the purport of 011.71 S. 1390,
Yr. Froerer explained the entire situation at length,
15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved. its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 4050
In Ifiemeriam of Alfred G. Stewart.
"ANIUTH PROFOUND SORROW, the Council of the City of Alameda
records .the death of one of its faithful employees, ALFRED G.
aflmiuu, who served in the Street Department of the City _for a
period.of fifteen years.
"NOW, TR7=700E, 37 IT RESOLVED, that, in recognition of
MT. Stewart's long years of service, the Council of the City
of Alameda hereby expresses its sense of personal loss and its
gratitude for the loyalty ofthis deceased employee. He was
an outstanding example of friendliness and was highiy respected
for his spirit of cooperation and dependability in carrying on
his work.
"BE IT FTMTHER RESOLVED, that this 'Resolution be spread.
in. rUl 1 upon the minutes of this meeting of the Council, and
that a copy tnereof be transmitted to the family of Mr.
Stewart as a sincere expression of symrathy and. condolence.
"BE IT FURTNER RESOLVED, that when this meeting of the
Council adjourns, it shall do so in respect t( the memory
of ALFRED G. STINEWNE7,"
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 Branacheid, (5), Noes: None. Absent:: None. Thereupon.
the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
16. Tho f ollowing resolution was introduced by Councilman wh moved Its
adoption:
"Resoluton Kb. 4059
In. Memoriam of Jack D. Lemoine.
"INTTN' DEEP SOKRUAT, the Council of the City of Alameda
recordsthe death of (0C of its former City employees, JACK
D. LEMOTENE, who served. the people of the City of 51 000(10
a member of the Fire Department for a period of seven years.
"NOW, THE=OTE, FT, IT RESOLVED, that, in recognition
of his effEcient service, the Council of the City of Alamedo .
hereby expresses its sense of personal loss and its deep
mpreciation fn 1 i 1-57,--114-7 lfl rtlrir,
In performIrT, his duties while employed as a fireman 0? the
City.
"BE TT FURTHER 15511T11 ID, that this Resolution be spread
in full upon, the minutes of this meeting of the Council, and
that a cop thereof be transmitted to the family_of Mr.
Lemoine as a sincere expression of sympathy and condpienee.
"151 IT FUTENEINR 11 05555, that when this meeting of the
Council shall adjourn, It shall do S in respect to the
memory of JACK D. INEIMOINE,"
The motion. Lo 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._
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:.
17. "Ordinance No. 975,
NOW Series
An Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition. of Certain
Real Propertydryinp,, Adjacent to the City Nall."
Councilman Osbori moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded
by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried by the followin vote. Ayes:-
Councilmen Anderson, Jones, OsIxyr.rn, Sweeney and President Brarscheid,
None Absent None
President Branscheid explained that this ordinance authorizes the purchase of
piece (. ?Jr_ property on Lincoln. Avenue, which backs up to the City Nall - it being
the goal of the Council to acquire considerable heighboring„property for a civic
center.
Financial Statement _ Goodell, Dyers Co, - Bureau of Electricity,
as of May, 1949.
Auditor's Balance Sheet - Month ending June 30, 1949,
20. An itemized List of Claims against some of the departments of the City of
Alameda, in the total amourIts as followo, was presented to the Council at this
meeting:: r r"f`
General Departments, 2,735.; Gas-Tax No. 2 Fund, ',..20,1to.2.4,; Bay
Farm Island Sewer Fund, N2,449.5
Councilman Jones moved the as Itemized. in the List of Claims filed with. the
City Clerk on July 5, 1049, and submitted to the Council at this time, be allowed
and paid, Themmetion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and oo roll call carried.
282
by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson,_, Jones, Osborn, .;weeney and
President Branscheld, (5). Noes: None. Absent; None.
ADJCURNM=T:
21. There being no further buslnesq to come before the meetinr,7. the CounciJ
ourned• in respect to the memories of Messrs. AT G. ST:glARt5 and, JACK D.
to assemble in regular session on Tueeday eveningJuly 15, 194:5 at
8:00.01C1OCko