1948-01-06 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
HELD TUESDAY EVENING. JANUARY 6, - - - - - - _ 1948
The meeting convened at 8 :00 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 December 16, 1947, were approved as
transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2 From Key System Transit Company, concerning the question of near and far -side
bus stops.
Following the reading of this communication, Councilman Osborn stated he felt the
Key System had made a very comprehensive study of the situation and that after
hearing the letter read and making an analysis, he quite agreed with the Key System
that a change of general practice from near to far -side stops would increase rather
than decrease the hazard. He suggested that the Council not ask the Key System to
make such a change in general. He stated, however, that in cases where the inter -
section is controlled by traffic lights, he thought it would be desirable to have
an arrangement made whereby the busses would stop in the middle of the block and
not at the intersection.
There followed a general discussion, entered into by all members of the Council
concerning bus stops throughout the City. It was finally decided that with one
or two exceptions, the entire matter of further changes in bus stop locations,
should be referred to the Police Department for its study and recommendation.
The feeling of the Council with regard to middle -of- the -block stops was that such
stops would use up a lot of space that would otherwise be used for parking purposes
and this question was worthy of some further study.
At the conclusion of the discussion on the matter, Councilman Anderson moved the
recommendation of the City Engineer - that the bus stop at Central Avenue and
Broadway, for the southbound busses, be moved from the north side of Broadway to
the south side - be transmitted to the Key System with the request that this change
be made. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and carried.
President Branscheid thereupon requested the City Manager to take this matter up
with the Key System with the idea of having the proposed change carried out.
Councilman Sweeney stated he felt the City Engineer and Chief of Police should in-
vestigate the advisability of providing middle -of -the -block stops on Santa Clara
Avenue, between Oak and Park Streets, Park and Everett Streets and east of Webster
Street. He suggested the President request the City Manager to take this matter up
and report back to the Council.
Councilman Anderson stated that in view of the fact that the City Engineer has made
a survey of the matter of diagonal parking on Park Street, at the suggestion of the
local Chamber of Commerce, this organization be notified that the study has been
made and also that it be given the opportunity to review the report.
President Branscheid stated the report on this situation is to be submitted to the
Chamber of Commerce before any action is taken.
3:' From Loop Lumber and Mill Company, addressed to the City Attorney, concerning
certain sidewalk installations in the vicinity of its property, and informing Mr.
Whitney that the sidewalks will be installed in the near future.
President Branscheid stated this communication was the result of a follow -up made on
a complaint registered by certain residents in the neighborhood of the plant of Loop
Lumber and Mill Company and that from the letter, it is apparent the matter has been
taken under consideration by the company and a sincere effort is being made to rec-
tify the objectional practices complained of.
One of the persons who presented the petition previously filed with the Council, ad-
dressed the Council, stating that the tractors are still working in the street and
the whole area looks like a lumber yard.
President Branscheid assured her the Council is continuing to study the situation
and that a map has been prepared by the City Engineer which will permit the Council
to determine in just what area the company shall be allowed to dump and pile its
lumber, pointing out that if the operations are in the industrial zone, the company
is perfectly within its rights to pile, load and unload lumber and when the study
of the map has been made the necessary action, if any is called for, will be taken.
Councilman Sweeney suggested that inasmuch as the Council has had no opportunity
to study the crap covering this situation, the matter should go over until the next
meeting of the Council.
Mrs. Augusta Reid continued to argue the question, pointing out the desire of the
people in that neighborhood for some definite action and decision. The City Attor-
ney presented her, and the group she represented, with a copy of the map prepared
by the City Engineer in order that they might be fully informed of the zone within
which the company is now permitted to operate. She was assured by the President
that there would be a definite report on this situation at the next meeting of the
Council.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
4. Mr. Frank Gottstein addressed the Council, stating that he would like to see
the Council Chamber restored to its size of fifty years ago, pointing out that the
Chamber used to terminate at the outer end of the building and was sufficiently
large for all who attended Council meetings but that since it was remodeled and
shortened, most people who want to hear what goes on at the Council meetings are
unable to get in.
5. Mr. Jack Peters, representing the Junior Chamber of Commerce, addressed the
Council, stating that his organization has been requested by the Governor to con-
duct a campaign to help load the California Gift Ship and that the Chamber of Com-
merce has been asked to request the Council to pass a resolution endorsing the
project and to send a copy of such resolution to the Governor. He stated that
the committee working on this matter is trying to raise funds, canned food and
clothing donations to send to France, Greece and Italy and it is cooperating with
the Alameda Church Council, pointing out that all clothing will be turned over to
that organization and all funds collected by it will be turned over to the Junior
Chamber of Commerce.
In response to Councilman Sweeney's inquiry as to whether or not this is the CARE
organization, Mr. Peters stated that it is not - that CARE is a private organiza-
tion but this is an organization conceived by the Governor who has directed that
the "Golden Bear" be sent to Europe this year rather than to South America for
her annual cruise and that she carry food and clothing to those peoples from the
people of California.
Councilman Osborn moved the City Attorney be instructed to draft a resolution as
requested by Mr. Peters and that it come up under the heading of "Resolutions" at
this meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and carried.
6. William Sachs, President of the Student Body of Alameda High School, addressed
the Council, requesting that it have placed on the agenda for the next meeting, the
matter of the development of Krusi Park for athletic purposes in Alameda.
President Branscheid stated that the Council would be glad to take the matter under
consideration but that inasmuch as the Council has three or four development matters
coming up for discussion within the next thirty days, it would be rather difficult
to go into the Krusi Park matter unless something definite is suggested.
Mr. Sachs thereupon directed his remarks toward the matter of lights in the park
for night football purposes, stating that they would like to have this matter defi-
nitely settled and that he had previously discussed this matter with the City
Manager.
Called upon by President Branscheid for his suggestion, the City Manager suggested
that Mr. Sachs write a letter to the Council on the matter, or that it be brought
up under "Oral Communications" at whatever meeting he might so choose to bring it
up.
Mr. McMillan also outlined the progress of the condemnation proceedings now under
way for the purpose of acquiring lands for the extension of Krusi Park.
Mr. Sachs stated that he would write a letter with the hope that it would be
brought up at the next meeting.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
7 ✓ From the City Manager, recommending the acceptance of work performed in con-
nection with the project of the reconstruction of Webster Street from Santa Clara
to Atlantic Avenues and that the Notice of Completion be filed.
Councilman Sweeney moved the recommendation of the City Manager followed. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried.
8. From Dr. James F. Brady, City Physician, reporting on the subject of rabies
in connection with a previous request that the City adopt an ordinance making it
mandatory to have all dogs vaccinated at the time their licenses are applied for.
Councilman Osborn moved the report be referred to the incoming Health Officer of
the City, when he takes his position, for study and recommendation. The motion
was seconded by Councilman Anderson and carried.
9. From the City Engineer, submitting a map of land use and zoning of area lying
between Pearl and Everett Streets, north of Eagle Avenue in the vicinity of the
Loop Lumber and Mill Company.
Councilman Sweeney suggested the Council study this matter and report on it at the
next meeting of the Council. and in the meantime that it be referred to the Committee
of the Whole. President Branscheid ordered that this be done.
10. ` From the Secretary of the Public Utilities Board, requesting a thirty -day
leave of absence from the State for IVTr. Charles M. Romanowitz, Vice President of
the Board.
Councilman Anderson moved the request be granted and Mr. Romanowitz be allowed to
leave the State for the period specified. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Osborn and carried.
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
11. Councilman Sweeney introduced the following ordinance, after which it was
laid over under provision os law and the Charter:
"Ordinance No.
New Series
An Ordinance Amending Section 12 -665 of Article 6,
Chapter 6, Title XII, of the Alameda Municipal Code
Relating to Milk Production, Distribution and Sale. ;!
UNFINISHED BUSINESS ::
12. President Branscheid stated that it had been indicated at the last meeting of
the Council that a continued hearing would be held on the matter of the adoption
of the Master Plan of Shoreline Development on January 21. This was done in order
to give proper notice. He stated that he felt the matter should be considered as
soon as possible and his feeling was that the continued hearing should be held on
January 21, in Porter School and if it is found necessary to do so, another meet-
ing will be held on January 29, pointing out that the Council would like to have
the hearing concluded and before it for final consideration by February 3, 1948.
He inquired of the City Attorney as to the legality of adjourning a meeting held
on January 21, to January 29, and the City Attorney stated this could be done.
President Branscheid asked for a motion to hold a special meeting of the Council
to conduct a hearing on the Shoreline Development Plan, this meeting to be held
at Porter School at 8 :00 P. M. on January 21.
Councilman Osborn moved the Master i'lan of Shoreline Development be further con-
sidered at a meeting to be held on Wednesday evening, January 21, at Porter
School at 8 :00 o'clock - the meeting to be first called to order in the Council
Chamber of the City Hall and thereafter adjourned to Porter School. The motion
was seconded by Councilman Anderson and carried.
NEW BUSINESS
13 The Clerk presented the request of the City Attorney that he be authorized by
the Counci]. to accept an offer of settlement in the condemnation proceedings now
pending in the property of T. F. Boric, located at the foot of Park Street in
Alameda. The owner offers to accept from the City the sum of 2,600. for the
property and the performance by the City of certain conditions with reference to
the removal of dirt.
Councilman Osborn moved the City Attorney's request be granted and he be authorized
to act accordingly, with the stipulation that the amount involved is to be paid out
of the "Capital Outlays Fund." The motion 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)
RESOLUTIONS:
14. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
Resolution No. 3661
Authorizing Deposit of Public Funds in Active
and Inactive Deposits in Certain Banks."
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.
Mr. McMillan explained that this was a routine matter required by law for the pur-
pose of enabling the City's inactive funds to draw interest.
15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3662
Declaring Every Saturday a Holiday as Respects
the Transaction of Business in Certain Public
Offices of the City of Alameda."
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.
16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its,
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3663
Declaring What Hours Shall Constitute a Legal Day's
Work for Various Employees of the City of Alameda."
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.
17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3664
Fixing the Salaries for Certain Offices and
Positions of Employment in the City of Alameda."
The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll
call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Osborn and Sweeney,
(3). Noes: President Branscheid, (1). Absent: Councilman Jones, (1). Thereupon
the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3665
Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with
the State of California for Maintenance of State
Highway in the City of Alameda."
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.
19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3666
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing 20 -Foot
Light Center Pendant Type Street Lighting
Standards to the City of Alameda (For Buena
Vista Avenue), Calling for Bids and Directing
the City Clerk to Advertise the Same."
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.
Mr. McMillan stated this was to provide for the installation of lighting standards
on Buena Vista Avenue from Webster to Park Streets, similar to those now installed
on Encinal Avenue. He stated the equipment would not be available for about four-
teen months.
20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3667
In Memoriam of Frank Simas.
"With Profound Sorrow, the Council of the City of
Alameda records the death of Mr. Frank Simas, employee
of the City in the Parks Department.
"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, in recognition
of Frank Simas devoted service, the Council of the City
of Alameda hereby expresses its sense of personal loss and
its deep appreciation of the loyalty of this deceased em-
ployee of the City. He was an outstanding exemplar of
friendliness, and was held in high esteem by his fellow
workers as one who could be depended upon to willingly,
cheerfully and capably perform any duty assigned him.
" BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be
spread in full upon the minutes of this meeting of the
Council, and that a copy thereof be transmitted to the
family of Mr. Simas as a sincere expression of sympathy
and condolence.
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that when this meeting of
the Council shall adjourn, it shall adjourn in respect
to the memory of Mr. Frank Simas."
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.
21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3668
Authorizing Payment of Seven Cents Per Mile for
Use by City Employees of Their Privately Owned
Automobiles on City Business."
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.
Mr. McMillan stated he had conducted a survey to determine what other cities are
paying for the use of privately owned cars and found that almost universally the
amount is seven cents per mile, it being found that automobiles cannot be operated
for five cents per mile.
22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3669
Endorsing Governor Earl Warren's Gift Ship Project
and Urging Local Support of Alameda Junior Chamber
of Commerce's Participation in the Campaign."
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.
ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE:
23.
"Ordinance No. 929,
New Series
An Ordinance Amending Section 12-323 of Article 2,
Chapter 3, Title XII, of the Alameda Municipal Code
Relating to Hours of Conducting. Public Dances."
47
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: Councilmen Anderson, Osborn and Sweeney and President Branscheid, (4).
Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones, (1).
24. "Ordinance No. 930,
New Series
An Ordinance Amending Section 17 -432 of the
Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Subdivisions
(24), (25) and (26) Thereto."
Councilman Sweeney moved the ordinance be adopted as read. 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).
FILING:
25. Specifications - No. MS 1 -48 -1 - Buena Vista Avenue Lighting Standards.
26. Auditor's Balance Sheet - Month ending December 31, 1947.
27. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers & Co. - Bureau of Electricity,
as at November 30, 1947.
BILLS:
28. An itemized List of Claims against some of the departments of the City in
the following amounts was presented to the Council at this meeting: General
Departments, p38.50; Webster Street Storm Sewer Fund, 11,301.26; Krusi
Park Extension Fund, 4p3,350.; Gas Tax No. 1 Fund, ,12,296.26; Gas Tax No. 2
Fund, $20,417.17.
Councilman Osborn moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with
the City Clerk on January 6, 1948, and presented at this time, be allowed and
paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried
by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Osborn, Sweeney and Presi-
dent Branscheid, (4). Noes: None. Absent: Councilman Jones, (1).
29. Prior to adjournment, the City Manager presented the matter of the communi-
cation from the Chamber of Commerce asking that consideration be given the sub-
ject of changing the parking on certain streets in the City from parallel to
angle parking. He stated that pursuant to this request and on order of the Coun-
cil, the Engineering Department has made a complete study of this matter and the
report is now ready for submission to the Council. He felt it was unnecessary
to make any recommendation on the report but that he wished to file it with the
Council at this time in order that the Chamber of Commerce Committee might go
over it with the Council and the findings of the engineers can be pointed out to
them. He stated that in general, angle parking will not provide very much more
parking space than parallel parking, pointing out that yellow loading zones will
have to be provided in order to obviate double parking.
President Branscheid stated the report would be accepted and filed with the City
Clerk.
ADJOURNMENT:
30. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council
adjourned in respect to the memory of Frank Simas - to assemble in regular
session on Tuesday evening, January 20, 1948, at 8:00 o'clock.
Respect • tted,
Clerk