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1949-12-20 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF-THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 20, 1949 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 adjourned regular meeting held December 1 approved as transcribed. 1949. were WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2 From the Bay Farm Island Improvement League, commending the City Manager for his fine cooperation and helpfulnessin solving the problems which have beset the residents of that area. The communication was noted and ordered filed. 3Y" From the Matson Navigation Company, addresse recognition of the efficient manner in which his aboard the SS Hawaiian Rancher and commending the courage in confronting the dangerous situation. enclosed for the Alameda Firemen's Relief Fund As d to Chief Lane, expressing its Department fought a recent fire firemen for their exceptional In appreciation, a gift check was sociation. In directing that this communication be filed, President Branscheid made the obser- vation that Alameda is very proud of its Fire Department and is glad to have recog- nition such as this given it. 4. From Clarence J. Nobmann, tendering his resignation as a member of the City Planning Board, effective December 31, 1949, due to his being transferred to New York City in his business. Councilman Jones moved the Council reluctantly accept this resignation and that a letter of thanks and appreciation be written to Mr. Nobmann for his service to the City in'this capacity. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. President Branscheid observed that the City is grateful for the fine service ren- dered by Mr. Nobmann and is very sorry to see him leave. 5:i From Richard C. Ehrman, tendering his resignation as a member of the Civil Service Board, effective January 1, 1950, due to his imminent transfer to Cleveland, Ohio, in his business. Councilman Osborn moved the resignation be accepted and the regrets of the Council be expressed to Mr. Ehrman, as well as the thanks of the City for the fine service rendered by him. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. President Branscheid stated that while the City is very sorry to lose Mr. Ehrman as a member of the Civil Service Board, it rejoices in the fact that he is going to an advanced position in the company by which he is employed. The matter was then referred to "Resolutions." ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 6./ Mr. Wayne Hultgren stated he wished to address the Council on behalf of the Projects' Tenants' Committee on Permanent Housing, and outlined briefly the pro - ceedings had at former visits of this Committee with the Council and again pre- sented the demand that the City of Alameda immediately take some action to provide 5,000 units of permanent low -rent, non - segregated housing under the provisions of the Housing Act of 1949. At the conclusion of his remarks, Mr. Hultgren filed a petition containing the signatures of 2,000 persons. Mr. Hultgren's remarks were amplified by Arthur R. Franklin, representative of Local No. 36, Carpenters' Union; Mrs. Sally Attarian; Albert Agard of the Estuary Project; Mrs. Hultgren and Mr. Howard Vierra. Following Mr. Hultgren's remarks, Mr. Frank Gottstein addressed the Council, urging in very strong language that nothing be done by the Council in the direction of ob- taining permanent low -rent housing for the City. Councilman Jones stated he wished to point out that the Urban Redevelopment Act was not designed to take care of the situation under discussion. He stated that investigation of this matter shows the intent under that Act is to provide for the elimination of slum areas and the Housing Act of 1949 makes it possible for cities having such areas to come within a slum clearance program. He stated that under such a program, the Government will clear the houses from such property and turn it over to the city in order that it may begin the building of new homes. He pointed out that in the City of Alameda the lands 'on which the housing projects are presently located, are owned by the Federal Government and the Housing Act of 1949 therefore cannot be made applicable to the local situation. He stated that under the Housing Act of 1949, houses must be erected for rental at. rates 20% less than the average rental paid in the City and those eligible to occupy such homes would be those only whose income does not exceed five times the monthly rental. Councilman Jones reviewed the meeting of the City Council with the Congressional Committee which recently held a hearing in this City, and stated he felt some very definite progress has been made toward the solution of this problem. He stated the petition presented by Mr. Hultgren will receive very careful consideration by the Council and that it will become a part of the supplemental report to the Congres- sional Committee to point up the necessity for immediate action. Councilman Anderson remarked that, in his opinion, Mr. Hultgren's question as to what the City of Alameda intended to do about the Housing Act of 1949, has a self- evident answer - pointing out that if the Act of 1949 provides the answer to the problem in the City of Alameda, it would not seem logical that a Congressional Com- mittee would come out to California to investigate the City's situation. As to what the City intends to do about the matter, Councilman Anderson stated the Federal Government has the matter under consideration and what it might want to do is of paramount importance. He stated he was well aware that the feeling in the projects is certainly a factor to be taken into consideration but that the Council must have sufficient time to work the matter out in an orderly fashion. He there- upon moved this matter be referred to the Committee of the Whole. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn, who stated he was well aware there were 20,000 citizens living'in the housing projects, but aside from those living in the projects are some 52,000 living in other parts of the City, and the Council must consider those people also, and their wishes as to what should be done about this matter. He offered it as his opinion that in order to give consideration to those people, the proper thing to do would be to submit the matter to a referendum vote and if the voters decide they are willing to have this type of housing in the City of Alameda, it would be immediately incumbent upon the Council to make applica- tion for such housing. He stated very definitely that, in his opinion, the City of Alameda as a whole should be allowed to express itself on this question. At this point, President Branscheid put the question, and the motion was unanimously carried. President Branscheid pointed out to the audience that the matter is being referred to the Committee of the Whole to give the Council further opportunity to study the problem. He .stated there are many factors which will have an important bearing on any housing project in Alameda. He pointed out that under the Housing Act of 1949, the projects must be tax free and this requirement poses a problem to the City inas- much as 46% of the property within the City is now off the tax roll. He stated fur- ther that City revenues are falling off and any further reduction in these amounts is a matter of vital importance to the City. He brought out the fact that the prob- lem of finding land on which to place such housing is going to be a hard one to solve and also, that the burdens of the local Government have been borne by people of Alameda not living in the housing projects and that further burdens cannot be imposed upon them with impunity. He observed that there are many ramifications to the situation which must be studied and worked out thoroughly and the Council is not prepared tonight to give any answer and cannot say if it will be prepared to make such an answer at the next meeting. 7: Mr. Frank McCloy, one of the young men of St. Joseph's High School who had acted as a City Councilman during the recent Youth Week held in Alameda, stated he wished to make a report on juvenile delinquency in the City of Alameda as suggested at the closing meeting of the Youth Government in November. He stated that, in his opinion, many of the devices worked out to keep the youth of the community busy and thus out of mischief, have a certain value but do not go far enough and that until the problem is recognized as a strictly moral one, no adequate solution can be found. He reiterated it was his considered opinion that the answer or solution must be a moral solution and that nothing can be done until everyone realizes this fact. President Branscheid stated he and the Council greatly appreciate the report, and he then related the experience of the youth in running the City, stating that, in his opinion, they did a splendid job and the report heard this evening reflects the in- terest they took in the matter. He expressed the hope that a similar program will be arranged for the coming year. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 8. r From the City Planning Board recommending the reclasslf cation of certal_n property from the "A" One- Family Dwelling District, to the C Multiple Dwelling District, for the purpose of constructing a bungalow court and apartments. The area involved is the rear portion of that property known as 724 Central Avenue - being more specifically described in the petition. The matter was - referred to "Introduction of Ordinances." From the Mayor, nominating Mr. Arthur W. Agnew for appointment to the office of member of the Civil Service Board to serve the unexpired term of Mr. Richard C. Ehrman, resigned. The term will expire June 30, 1954. The matter was referred to "Resolutions. rt 10.x/ From the City Manager, recommending an extension of time to December 30, 1949, be granted to McGuire and Hester, Contractors, for the completion.of the installa- tion of the Storm Sewer on the East side of Peach Street - Specifications No. PW 10- 49 -17. Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager's recommendation be followed; that McGuire and Hester be granted the specified extension of time for the completion of their work on this project. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unani- mously carried. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 11. 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 Reclassifying Property by Adding Section 55 to Ordinance No. 725, New Series. 12. 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 Amending Sections 6 -221 and 6 -222 of Article 2, Chapter 2, Title VI, of the Alameda Municipal Code, Relating to Sewer Connections." 13. 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 Amending Sections 17 -362, 17 -363, 17 -364 and 17 -365 of Article 6, Chapter 3, Title XVII, of the Alameda Municipal Code, Relating to Parking Meter Zones, and Adding Sections 17- 364.1, 17 -364.2 and 17 -364.3 Thereto; Repealing Subdivision (3) of Section 17 -341; And Amending Subdivisions (6) and (15) of Section 17 -342 of Article 4, Chapter 3, Title XVII of Said Code." NEW BUSINESS: 14. Councilman Jones suggested that while the Council has been advised with regard to the rerouting of certain Key System busses, no official action will be required by the Council in this matter, but he wished everybody to know that the plan is receiving the careful study and consideration of the Council. President Branscheid inquired if anyone was present who was interested in the matter of transportation as outlined by Councilman Jones. Mr. Gottstein stated he was glad to hear the Key System was finally doing something about sending some transbay busses over the Park Street Bridge. He stated that, in his opinion, the company had not gone far enough with the matter and felt it should be asked to run some local busses over the same new route. RESOLUTIONS: 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4117 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 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. 16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 4118 Appointing Member of the-Civil Service Board." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Osborn, who stated that, in his opinion, the Council has arrived at a conclusion acceptable from every standpoint inasmuch as a young man of outstanding ability and a long -time resident of the City has been selected for this office. On roll call the motion was 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. 986, New Series An Ordinance Amending Title XIII, Chapter 1, Article 9, of the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Thereto a New Section to be Known as Section 13- 1941.1, Relating to Drive -In Theatres." 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, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). _Noes: None. Absent: None. 18. "Ordinance No. 987, New Series An Ordinance Vacating Certain Sewer Easements and Authorizing the Execution of Quitclaim Deeds to Santa Cruz Oil Corporation and to Alameda City Land Co." 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, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. ;FILING 19. Financial Statement as of 20. Specifications - No. on Ba - George B. Middleton & Co. - City of Alameda, November 30, 1949. PIN 12 -49 -18 - Rehabilitation of Street Trees Street. BILLS: 21. 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, $24,512.62; Police Department, $''2,152.36; Fire Department, $2,120.67; Street Department, $5,681.85; Health Department, $2,744.82; First Aid Department, $60.76; Recreation Department, $630.97; Park Department, $3,015.21; Golf Course Department, $1,595.47; Social Service Department, $70.67 Store Department, $1,041.44; Pound Department, $106.55; Civil Service Department $15.; Gas Tax No. 1 Fund, $157.52; Gas Tax No. 2 Fund, $19,739.97; Library Remodeling Fund, $111.; Bay Farm Island Sewer Fund, 07.06; Bay Farm Island Levee Improvement Fund, $4,880.89; East Bay Municipal Utility District Fund,, 2,010.25; Special Street Lighting Fund, $401.81; Traffic Safety Fund, $1,934.19. . Councilman Anderson moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on December 20, 1949, and submitted to the Council at this time, be al- lowed and paid. 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.. 22. Prior to adjournment, Councilman Jones stated that since Christmas is here and a New Year is about to begin, he wished to extend to the employees of the City the thanks of the Council for the fine services rendered during the past year and to wish them the compliments of the season. He thereupon moved the City Manager con- vey to the City employees, through the Department Heads, the Council's best wishes and thanks for the efforts of the past year. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. 23" Councilman Sweeney stated he had just returned from a trip East and wished to congratulate the merchants of the City and the Chamber of Commerce on the fine job that has been done in decorating the City streets for the Christmas season. He stated that the street decorations in none of the cities he had visited could com- pare with the decorations that had been put up in Alameda. 24. President Branscheid re- opened the matter of Oral Communications to permit further opportunity for anyone who might wish to address the Council. Mr. Gottstein responded by pointing out to the Council the flooded condition on Webster Street following last Saturday's rains and offered the opinion that the street should be raised at least another foot. ADJOURNMENT: 25. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council ad- journed, to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, January 3, 1950, at 8 :00 o'clock.