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1948-01-20 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF TUE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 20, 1948 The meeting convened at 8:00 P. M. with President Branscheid presiding. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held January transcribed. WRITTEN COMM ' CATIONS: 1948, were approved as 2" the Fernside Marina Homeowners Association, Informing the Council that its directors had adopted a resolution endorsing the proposed Master Plan of Shore- line Development of the City of Alameda, in the belief that this plan is of vital importance to the future progress of Alameda and every effort should be made to bring it into being. The communication was ordered filed. 3: From the War Department, Corps of Engineers, submitting two drawings, showing the general plan and profiles of the proposed new Fruitvale Avenue Bridge. This matter was fully explained by the City Manager, who detailed the negotiations with the Corpos of Engineers leading up to the modification of the original plans to comply with suggestions made by the City. Councilman Jones moved that inasmuch as the plan of the War Department is in line with the thinking of the City, the City Manager be authorized to notify the Corps of Engineers of the City's approval of the general plan and lay-out submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and carried. OPENING OF BIDS: 4' bid was received from Taper Tube Pole Co. for the furnishing of 129 single pendant type Light Standards, in accordance with Specifications and Provisions therefor, No. 1-48-1, for the total amount of 26,094.60. The bid was referred to the City Manager and City Engineer for study and recom- mendation. At the close of the meeting and just prior to adjournment, Mr. McMillan reported on the bid of Taper Tube Pole Co. for furnishing the Light Standards. He stated that the bid as received had been approved by the City Attorney as to form and content and the bid price is exactly the same as that quoted in January, 1947. He stated that in view of this fact, and the knowledge that there is a definite increase in the price of these standards to become effective within the next two weeks, he would recommend the bid be accepted at the present time. Councilman Osborn moved the recommendation of the City Manager be adopted and the contract be awarded to Taper Tube Pole Co. for the specified Light Standards. 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. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 5: From the City Manager, recommending that Police Officers LeRoy Anderson and T. L. Stuart be given permission to attend the Traffic Police Institute to be held at the University of California in Berkeley from February 9 to 21, inclusive, and that, a sum not to exceed 410. be appropriated for their expenses. Councilman Sweeney moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that the officers named be authorized to attend the Institute and the specified sum of 110. be allowed for their expenses. 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. 6. From the City Manager, recommending that Fire Chief Lane be permitted to at- tend the Conference of the Southern California Fire Chiefs in San Bernardino on January 24, 1948, and that a sum not to exceed 50. be appropriated for his expenses Councilman Osborn moved the recommendation of the City Manager be adopted; that Fire Chief Lane be authorized to attend this Conference and a sum not to exceed .r,50. be allowed for his expenses. 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. 7/ From the City Planning Board, recommending the reclassification of certain property of Alaska Packers Association from the "G" Light to the "H" Heavy In- dustrial District. The area in question begins 585.04 feet west of Hibbard Street and extends westerly to Sherman Street, north of the north line of Buena Vista Avenue - being more specifically described in the petition. The matter was referred to "Ordinances for Introduction." 8. From the City Planning Board, recommending against the reclassification of certain property of General Engineering and Drydock Corporation, from the "B" Two-to-Four Family Dwelling District to the "G" Light Industrial District. That portion of the property requested to be rezoned being situated on the north line of Eagle Avenue between Minturn and Union Streets. Mr. H. Albert George, Attorney, appeared to represent the petitioner and stated that while he would be willing to present the matter for decision of the Council at this time, he was not fully prepared to do so because of the shortage of time within which to collect all the data which should be presented. He stated that he would like to have the matter continued until such time as would give the Council opportunity to inspect the property for the purpose of determining the highest use to which it will be put in the future. Following some further discussion along this line, during which Councilman Osborn stated that he felt the Council would like to go down and see the property before hearing Mr. George's presentation of the matter, Councilman Jones moved the mat- ter be postponed until the next regular meeting of the Council. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and carried. yf 9. From the City Manager, recommending that an extension of time of sixty days be allowed for completion of the project of constructing the sanitary sewer along the north side of Otis Drive by B. Miles Thomas, Contractor. Councilman Anderson moved the recommendation of the City Manager be followed and the extension of time be granted for the period specified. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and carried. 10. The Clerk stated that the City Attorney desired the authorization of the Council to negotiate with the assignee of Bert Cann, doing business as the "Master Builders", for payment of City personal property taxes assessed in the amount of 21000. Councilman Osborn moved the authorization be granted and the City Attorney enter into said negotiations. 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. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 11. 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 Addin Section 42 to Ordinance No. 725, New Series. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 12:( The matter of a report concerning the operations of Loop Lumber and Mill Company was presented. President Branscheid called on the City Attorney to make a final report on this situation. Mr. Whitney referred to the map of the area prepared by the City Engineer and stated that the Loop Lumber and Mill Company is operating in both the "Heavy" and "Light" Industrial Districts and had been for many years past and prior to the enactment of the existing Zoning Ordinance. He pointed out that under these conditions the Company has the right to operate a lumber yard and do what it is presently doing without any restrictions on the part of the City of Alameda. As to the loading and unloading of trucks in the Light Industrial Dis- trict, Mr. Whitney stated this is a permitted use in that zone. Moving into the matter of sidewalks, he stated the walks on the property of Loop Lumber and Mill Company have now been installed and that the Southern Pacific Company is preparing to install sidewalks on the property owned by it and under lease to the Loop Lumber and Mill Company. He pointed out that under this situation no further action can be taken by the City in this matter, and also called attention to the fact that Loop Lumber and Mill Company has stated in a communication to the City Attorney that no further night work in the area, as to the loading and unloading of trucks, will be done. n's. Augusta Reid stated she had talked with the Land Department of the Southern Pacific Company about the storage of lumber in the part of the property leased to Loop Lumber and Mill Company and that she had been informed the property is leased solely for the purpose of loading and unloading railroad cars and no storage is provided for, neither is any provision made for the unloading of trucks. Mr. Whitney informed Mrs. Reid that if the storage of lumber and the use of trucks in the area is a violation of the terms of the lease, that is a matter to be set- tled between Loop Lumber and Mill Company and Southern Pacific Company. Mrs. Reid asked about the continuance of the fire hazard and the danger to child- ren of the high-piled lumber. President Branscheid stated the Company is operating within the provisions of the City Zoning Ordinance and the City is without authority to attempt to regulate the manner in which the Company conducts its business, if all the ordinances are complied with. Mrs. Reid stated that Loop Lumber and Mill Company is still piling lumber on the sidewalks. Nr. McMillan told her that all the sidewalks will soon be in and this practice will be brought to an immediate stop. Councilman Jones stated that from information gathered by him through the reading of the Zoning Ordinance, there are a number of residences within the Heavy Indus- trial District and that if they should be destroyed they could not be rebuilt be- cause of the prohibition against residences within the Heavy Industrial District. President Branscheid brought the matter to a close with the statement that the Company is operating within its rights; that there are no infractions of the law and there is nothing further the City of Alameda can do about it. RESOLUTIONS; 13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption; "Resolution No. 3670 Transferring 41,632.50 from Contingent Fund 70-b to Various Accounts for Payment of Salaries." 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. 14. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved it adoption: "Resolution No. 3671 Transferring $72.00 from Contingent Fund 70-b to High-Fernside Widening Fund." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes; Councilmen Andersen, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption; "Resolution No. 3672 Rescinding Resolutions No. 2836 and No. 2837 Creating an Additional Position of Deputy City Clerk and Ap- proving Appointment of Robert A. Worden to Said Position." 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. Mr. McMillan explained that this was a war-time appointment for the purpose of swearing in fire and block wardens and civilian defense workers. 16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3673 Authorizing the Combining of the Positions of Senior Stenographer-Clerk and Deputy City Clerk and the Holding Thereof by the Same Person with Compensation for Each Position and Entitling Same as "Senior Stenographer-Deputy City Clerk." 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. 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3674 Creating and Establishing One (1) Additional Position of Deputy Assessor in the Assessor's Office of the City of Alameda and Fixing the Salary of the Position of Deputy Assessor." 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 Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 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. 3675 Requesting Cancellation of Taxes on Property Acquired by the City of Alameda for Municipal Purposes." 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. Mr. McMillan explained that the property is that acquired by the City for the purpose of widening High Street at Fernside Boulevard and the resolution requests the County to cancel its taxes because of City ownership. 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3676 Cancelling City Taxes on Property Acquired by the City of Alameda for Municipal Purposes." 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. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 20. "Ordinance No. 931, 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." Councilman Jones moved the ordinance be adopted as read. 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. FILING: 21. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers & Co. - City of Alameda, as at December 31, 1947. BILLS: 22. 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, 7,455.85; Police Department, c3,876.80; Civil Service Department, 4262.09; Pound Department, 135.28; Fire Department,* Health Department, 606.58; Street Department, !3,395.61; Recreation Depart- ment, :19115.62; Park Department, 43,545.96; Golf Course Department, :1,018.80; Store Department, :,1,194.80; Social Service Department, 66.78; Initiative Relief Fund, 43.00; Gas Tax No. 1 Fund, 8,975.16; Gas Tax No. 2 Fund, 42,868.75 Park Meter Operations Fund, 41,427.77; Traffic Safety Fund, 4,657.56; Special Street Lighting Fund, 4259.78; Bay Farm Island Sewer Fund, 4149.45; Webster Street Storm Sewer Fund, 42.00; Bay Farm Island Sewer Fund, 420.00; East Bay Municipal Utility District Fund, 41,994.; Planning and Engineering Survey Fund, 839.33; Webster Street Sewer Fund, 415.40; High-Fernside Widening Fund, 472. Councilman Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on January 20, 1948, and presented 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 President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 23. Councilman Sweeney suggested the City Manager be asked to tell about the fire week award to the City of Alameda. Mr. McMillan stated that our Fire Department had recently won this award and that in making such an award all activities of Fire Departments throughout the year are fully considered - the factors being training, the facilities placed at the dis- posal of the department and the personnel. He stated that several times in the past the City of Alameda has earned honorable mention but that this year Chief Lane and his department are to be congratulated for winning first place in the State of California. He observed that as to the national award, the local department will have a very good chance of winning this also as the award in the past has many tirnes gone to a department in the State of California. President Branscheid stated that in connection with the training of the personnel of the Fire Department in fire prevention and the demonstration of the drill tower, the department had taken several reels of motion pictures and that very shortly these pictures will be presented at a meeting of the Council - probably about February 17. 24. Mr. McMillan stated he had another matter to report on - the meeting of a group of eight City Managers with the Director of Public Works to discuss the new law pro- viding for uniform street signs. He stated that the consensus of the meeting was that it was going to be rather difficult to enforce this law because of different methods of placing signs on State highways and city streets and it was felt some type of ten-year program will have to be developed for the majority of streets. In connection with the signs presently in use in the City of Alameda, Mr. McMillan stated that as to type and size, they are within the required standards. He fur- ther pointed out that this law will effect only signs to be installed in the future- the law requiring that no signs be placed after January 1, 1948, without approval of the Highway Commission. He stated he was presenting this matter to the Council to get its reaction. Councilman Jones suggested that inasmuch as the signs we are using are within the law and that we will not be required to change the position of any City signs, there was nothing for the Council to do in the situation. Mr. McMillan reiterated that he was simply trying to get the reaction of the Council Councilman Jones asked about the progress being made in the installation of signs throughout the City and City Engineer Froerer reported that the signs on both Buena Vista Avenue and High Street have been ordered. Mr. McMillan stated that the delay in getting these signs up was due to the diffi- culty of the manufacturers in getting sheet metal. ADJOURNMENT: 25. Councilman Jones moved the meeting be adjourned to assemble in adjourned regular session on Wednesday evening, January 21, 1943, at 8:00 P. M. for the purpose of further discussion of the Shoreline Plan and that the meeting be called to order in the Council Chamber and then adjourned to reconvene at Porter School. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and carried. * Fire Department, 44,477.95 i.:,,A,~ommornom.lftwonftftegmmgoo,.