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1948-02-17 Regular CC Minutesbi REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 17, - - - - - - 1948 The meeting convened at 8:00 P. Y1. with President Brarscheid presiding. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and Presi- dent Branscheid, (5), were noted present. Absent: Hone. MINUTES: ) 1. The minutes of the regular meeting held February 3, 1948, were approved as transcribed. WHITTEN COMMUNICT1ONS: 2. From 1:r. S. A. Henderson, 2504 Noble Avenue, requesting permission to leave a fence approximately 7 feet in height along the west side of his rear yard. Following the reading of this communication, Councilman Osborn observed that accord- ing to the contents of certain letters written by the Building Inspector, this offi- cial has gone into the matter very thoroughly and has expressed his opinion as to the inadvisability of allowing the fence to continue at a height of over 6 feet. He thereupon moved that Mr. Henderson's request be denied and he be instructed to rebuild his fence to conform with the requirements of the ordinance. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and carried unanimously. 3. From Alameda County Women's Christian Temperance Union, requesting the Council to take steps to eliminate smoking on the local Bay transportation systems. Councilman Jones offered the opinion that an Alameda ordinance on this subject would be of no effect unless similar ordinances were adopted by all the Bay area cities and even under those conditions, he felt that such ordinances would be very difficult to enforce. He expressed the view that the Council should take no action on this matter at the present time and the request should be filed for future con- sideration. President Branscheid ordered the communication filed, 0iriAI CMMUNICATION 4:`' Mr. Prank Gott stein addressed the Council on the subject of traffic conditions reading a portion of an editorial from the Alameda Times-Star of February 16, 1948, and referring to certain suggestions made by himself during the past several months. 5. Mr. Joe Hagen, 331 Santa Clara Avenue, addressed the Council on the matter of the provision of facilities along the southshore for getting boats into and out of the Bay waters, pointing out that there is but one spot on the entire southshore - namely, Washington Park, where one can get a rowboat into the water. He recom- mended the City select several sites for building ramps to give access to the water. In response to Mr. Hagen's suggestions, Mr. McMillan stated that on property at the north end of Grand Street, preparations for just such facilities are now being made and the plan for this work will be ready for action by the Council at its next meeting. President Brans 'd assured Mr. Hagen that this matter would be fully considered. OPENING, OF BIDS: 6y Bids were received and read for the furnishing of one new 1940 Half-Ton Pick Up Truck for the Health Department, in accordance with SpecificatiOflS and Provisions No. 2-43-2, as follows: From Morris Landy Motors Accompanied. by cashier's check in amount of From Garland Chevrolet Co. Accompanied by certified check in amount of From Jack Erwin Motors 367.45 130.75 1,165.82 116.58 1,400.00 160.00 The bids were referred to the City Manager and City Engineer for study and report. REPORTS OF COMI,ITTEES: 7. From the City Manager, requesting authorization for him to attend a meeLing of the City Managers' Section of the League of California Cities, to be held in Santa Monica on February 21, 22 and 23, 1040, and an appropriation for his expenses. Councilman Jones moved the City Manager's request be granted; that he be au- thorized to attend the specified meeting and that a sum not to exceed 100. be appropriated for his 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. 8. From the City Manager, recommending that Mr. Werner King, Chief of Sanitation and Milk Inspector, be allowed to attend a Conference of Wilk Inspectors, to be held in Davis on February 16, 17 and 18, 1948, and Dr. David Frost be permitted to attend the Conference of Local Health Officers, to be held in Merced on Febru- ary 19 and 20, 1948, and that appropriations be made for their expenses. Councilman Sweeney moved the recommendation of the City Manager with regard to Mr. King be adopted; that he be authorized to attend the conference mentioned and a sum not to exceed e50. be appropriated for his expenses. 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. Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager's recommendation with regard to Dr. Frost be adopted; that he be permitted to attend the designated conference and a sum not to exceed 440. be appropriated for his expenses. The motion was seconded by Council man Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 9. Mr. McMillan verbally reported on the matter of the State Highway budget as it appertains to the construction of a second tube and referred to a communication just at hand from Congressman George Miller concerning his appearance before the Congressional Committee on Highways and the Committee's possible action on the passage of an appropriation bill for Federal Aid Highways which might be made to include sufficient funds for Federal Aid in the construction of a second tube under the Estuary. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 10' from the last meeting of the Council was the appeal by Harold A. Best from the recommendation of the City Planning Board that the reclassification be denied concerning certain portions of his proposed subdivision - known as Tract No. 824. In connection with this matter a communication from Shaw and Lunt, Realtors, was read - in which letter the writers asked that the Council defer its decision until such time as an opportunity has been given the writers to ascertain the true feel- ing of the neighbors concerning multiple-unit dwellings. Messrs. Best and Caulkins addressed the Council, outlining their plan for the erection of certain four-unit dwellings, on the west line of the subdivision, and duplexes on the opposite side of the street - pointing out, however, that the entire frontage along Central Avenue would be used for the construction of one- family dwellings. Er. Best pointed out that the original request for the reclassification of certain areas had designated a particular area as "commercial" but by reason of the vigor- ous protest to the inclusion of any commercial district in the subdivision, they were now prepared to, and would hereby, withdraw the request for the reclassifica- tion of any portion of the subdivision to a Commercial District. Mr. Robert Yeager and Mr. J. Dorward addressed the Council on behalf of the pro- testants, presenting the same arguments as had heretofore been presented in oppo- sition to this matter. Mr. James Wiley and Mr. Larsen also addressed themselves to the Council to oppose the reclassification. At this point, Councilman Jones stated that for the information of all interested persons, he would like to have it known that when the Zoning Ordinance was adopted in the City of Alameda, certain areas were definitely zoned and designated; that there were at the same time certain marginal lands which were not considered de- sirable for development and that all lands, including these marginal lands, not otherwise designated, were established as being in the "A" One-Family Dwelling District, with the idea that a proper zoning could be determined upon for that particular area when theCity felt such a designation should be made. He stated that from his point of view, the proper action in this matter would be for Yr. Best to withdraw his request for this reclassification inasmuch as he is now asking for a change in the plans originally submitted to the Planning Board and also for the reason that some consideration should be given by him to the desires of the neigh- boring property owners as expressed here this evening. He stated that all members of the Council had visited the property and were fully informed concerning the location and nature of the reclassification requested. At this point, Councilman Jones requested that 1IIr. McMillan explain how the proposed freeway would skirt this property, and with the aid of the City map, Mr. NcYillan pointed out that the proposed freeway would make its course inside the present fence line of the Naval Air Station and would act as a separation between the subdivision and Navy property. Councilman Jones continued his remarks, reiterating his opinion that Yr. Best should withdraw his application, for the further reason that he has not taken into con- sideration the course to be followed by the proposed freeway and that this considera tion may change his view on the subject. He pointed out that Mr. Best will, of course, be required to submit a map to the City for its acceptance, under provisions 01 Ordinance No. 700, New Series. Councilman Sweeney queried if Mr. Best withdraws his petition and makes the changes suggested and still desires to have a certain portion of the subdivision reclassi- fied to "B" District, would it be necessary for Ur. Best to go back to the Planning Board and then come back to the Council on the ruling of the Board. Asked for his opinion on this question and as to what steps the Council could take in disposing of this matter, Mr. Whitney, City Attorney, stated this application had gone before the Planning Board and had been dented and that whatever is now before the Council in the way of an amendment has no official bearing on the recom- mendation of the Planning Board. He stated the Council could (1) accept the recom- mendation of the Planning Board and deny the petition; (2) send it back to the Planning Board; or (3) Mr. Best might withdraw his application and start anew at some future time. Following 1,r. Whitney's remarks 1;, . Best announced to the Council that he wished to withdraw his application. In closing the matter, President Branscheid stated that the Council has the best interests and welfare of the City at heart and all plans and problems involving these interests are thoroughly studied and considered. He pointed out that tho ground area of any community must be divided into different classifications; that it cannot all be single family dwellings; that there must be provision made for service centers and for multiple dwelling units. he stated this was simply good planning. He pointed out that the Council has endeavored to give this matter its best consideration but that every time there are any proposed developments before the Council, there is opposition. He stated that in his opinion it will be neces- sary to have open forums for the education of the City's population along these lines. He remarked that while the greatest fear of the people is on the question of multiple dwellings in the outer sections of the City, the real problem is cen- tered around those old buildings converted into multiple family dwellings right in the middle of the City. He stated, further, he would plan to have open forums at which some problems might be ironed out to the satisfaction of everybody concerned. NEW BUSINESS: 11:-/ The matter of the appointment of an official representative of the City to serve on a committee formed for the purpose of organizing an Urban Planning Commis- sion, was brought up. Councilman Jones moved the City Eanager be appointed as Alameda's representative on said committee. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. 12Y The appointment of two representatives on a committee to discuss the subject of transportation throughout the East Bay area, was discussed. Councilman Anderson moved that President Branscheid and Councilman Sweeney be appointed as the City's representatives on this comnittee. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. RESOLUTIONS: 13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3682 Creating a Special Fend to be Known as "Park Street Extension Fund" and Transferring 1;3,000.00 from Capital Outlays Fund Thereto." 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, (3). Noes: None. Absent : None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 14. The following adoption: elution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its "Resolution No. 3663 Creating a Special Fund to be Known as "North Side Sewer Fund" and Transferring q425,000.0O from Capital Outlays Fund Thereto." VW. 154 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. 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3684 Creating and Establishing the Position of "Director of Public Health Nursing' in theHealth Department of the City of Alameda, Prescribing the Duties and Fixing the Salary Thereof." 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. Councilman Sweeney asked the City Manager to explain this matter. Mr. McMillan stated this position is being created in line with the requirements of the State Health Department for the City's qualifications for State funds in the operation of its Health Department. 16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3685 Abolishing the Position of 'Supervising Public Health Nurse' in the Health Department of 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, 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 Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3686 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing One (1) New 1948 4-Door Sedan and One (1) New 1948 2- Door Sedan and/or 4-Door Sedan to the City of Alameda (Health Department), Calling for Bids and Directing the City Clerk to Advertise the Same." 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. FILING: 18. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers Co. - City of Alameda, as at January 31, 1948. 19. Specifications - No. MS 2-48-3 - For furnishing two automobiles for the Health Department. BILLS: 20. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and the several de- partments thereof in the total amounts as follows, was presented to the Council at this meeting: General Departments, 410,310.46; Police Department, 1,722.35; Civil Service, „80.92; Pound Department, ,45.27. Fire Department, '01,343.52; Health Department, ,>590.99; Street Department, e7,411.18; First Aid Department, J,96.69: Recreation Department, ::461.95; Park Department, ,21565.22; Golf Course Department, :1;859.85; Store Department, ,,451.74; Social Service Depart- ment, 81.67; Bay Farm Island Sewer Fund, 310.43; Traffic Safety Fund, 40,632.03; Special Street Lighting r'und, y17,567.59; Special Street Lighting Fund, d10,293.09; Parking Meter Operations Fund, 0_4.03; East Bay Municipal Utility District Fund, .4,994.; Gas Tax No. 1 Fund, ;92.78; Gas Tax No. 2 Fund, i?80.34; Park Street Extension Fund, ,u2,600.; Otis Drive Sewer Fund, 1,186.38. Councilman Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on February 17, 1948, and submitted 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. ADjOURNMM I 21. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, March 2, 1948, at 8:00 o'clock.