Loading...
1948-04-06 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, APRIL 6, - - - - - - r 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 March 16, 1948, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2: From the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of California, concerning the enactment of an ordinance to prohibit smoking in busses in the City of Alameda. President Branscheid referred the communication to the file on this matter, now in possession of the City Manager, for further discussion and action. 3."f From the J. R. Pierce Plumbing Co., 1844 73rd Avenue, Oakland, requesting the refund of a fee of $4.50 paid to the City in error for a duplicate plumbing permit. Following the reading of this letter and the recommendation of the Plumbing In- spector that the refund be made, Councilman Sweeney moved the J. R. Pierce Plumb- ing Co. be refunded the amount of $4.50. 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. OPENING OF BIDS: 4.. Bids were presented and read for furnishing one new 1948, 12 -Ton Dump Truck to the Golf Course Department, in accordance with Specifications and Provisions there- for, No. MS 3 -48 -5, as follows: From Jack Erwin Motors Accompanied by certified check in amount of From Garland Chevrolet Co. Accompanied by certified check in amount of $2,162.50 250.00 2,060.61 206.06 The bids were referred to the City Manager and City Engineer for study and report. 5: Bids were presented and read for the project of realigning and reconstructing the intersection of Buena Vista Avenue and Everett Street, in accordance with Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans therefor, No. PW 2 -48 -1, as follows: From Lee J. Immel Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of From Heafey -Moore Co. Accompanied by ce rLified check in amount of From J. Henry Harris Accompanied by certified check in amount of From Independent Construction Co., Ltd. Accompanied by certified check in amount of ''19,348.75 2,200.00 15,511.10 1,600.00 18,539.98 1,900.00 16,187.75 1,700.00 The bids were referred to the City Manager and City Engineer for study and report. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 6: From the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to Morris Landy Motors for furnishing one four -door and one two -door new, 1948 Sedans to the. Health Department for the total bid price of 3,186.06. Councilman Sweeney moved the recommendation of the City Manager be accepted; that contract be awarded to Morris Landy Motors for furnishing the two specified automo- biles and check be returned to the unsuccessful bidder. 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. 7: From F. J. Croll, City Auditor, suggesting the amendment of the Alameda Munici- pal Code to make penalties on delinquent City taxes conform to provisions of the new State law. Councilman Osborn moved the matter be referred to the City Attorney for preparation of the required ordinance to cover this situation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. 8 From J. P. Clark, General Chairman, thanking the Council, on behalf of all City Employees, for the Annual Service Award Party. President Branscheid thanked the employees and the City Clerk for the enjoyable evening spent by the members of the Council and ordered the communication filed. From the City Manager, concerning the request of Henry R. Bilodeau, Jr. for permission to construct a small wooden building on Webster Street between Santa Clara and Lincoln Avenues, to be used for a news stand - and recommending the matter be held open until a complete report can be made. President Branscheid stated this matter is under active consideration by the City Manager and requested that he make a further report on it at the next meeting of the Council. 10. From the City Manager, recommending that Dr. David Frost, City Health Officer, be permitted to attend a meeting of the Medical Officers of the Western States, to be held in Los Angeles on April 29 and 30, 1948, and that c100. be appropriated for the expenses of his trip. Councilman Jones moved the recommendation of the City Manager be followed; that Dr. Frost be authorized to attend this meeting and a sum not to exceed w100. be appro- priated for his trip. 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. 11. From the City Manager, concerning the adoption of an ordinance prohibiting smoking in busses in the City of Alameda. Councilman Jones moved the report, as well as the letter from the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, read earlier in the session, be referred to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. 12. From the City Manager, recommending that Murphy and McNair's request be granted for a twelve -day extension of time in which to complete the project of constructing the Webster Street Storm Water Disposal System. Councilman Sweeney moved the City Manager's recommendation be followed and the re- quested extension of time be granted to the contractors. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. 13. From the City Manager, with regard to the operation of jitney service in the City of Alameda. Following the reading of the report, Mr. McMillan stated that while there was a direct application before the Council for a permit to operate a jitney service, the application is so vague and indefinite as to offer no basis for the formation of an opinion as to whether or not this type of service should be permitted in the City. He felt that under the circumstances, it would not be possible to act upon the ap- plication even though there were an ordinance in effect. Councilman Sweeney stated that he felt because of the wide ramifications involved in the opening up of service of this type, the matter was worthy of further study and consideration by the Council. Councilman Jones stated that in his opinion, the request now before the Council is not sufficiently definite for the Council to make a decision one way or the other, and opined that there would be no justification for further study on the subject until a concrete proposal is placed before the Council. He thereupon moved the report of the City Manager be placed on file for further study, if and when a defi- nite application or proposal is made. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. NEW BUSINESS: 14. Under this heading, President Branscheid recalled to the attention of the Council that on February 27, 1948, at the request of Mayor Robinson of San Francisco a meeting of representatives of Bay Area Cities and Counties was held in San Fran- cisco to consider the possibility of organizing a Bay Area Transit Authority. He stated that the consensus of that meeting was that a representative from each muni- cipality and county should be appointed to discuss the procedure to be followed in the formation of such an Authority. He thereupon suggested that the City of Alameda should appoint a representative and an alternate to attend any further conferences to be held on this matter. President Branscheid then asked for suggestions as to the persons to be appointed. Councilman Sweeney moved the Mayor be appointed as the active representative and Councilman Osborn be appointed as the alternate. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. 15. President Branscheid observed that the Coastal Region is now suffering a power shortage, stating that the Public Utilities Commission has requested the Council to consider the appointment of a local Power Conservation Committee, whose function it would be to study the situation within the limits of our City and recommend measures for the conservation of power. He stated that a similar request is being made of all communities in the State. The President remarked he thought it would be advisable to line up with the Public Utilities Commission in this matter and stated he would like to submit the names of Rix Maurer, President of our Public Utilities Board, A. C. Carrington and Walter V. Howe, as the members of such a committee if it is formed. Councilman Anderson moved the committee to be known as the Power Conservation Com- mittee of the City of Alameda be established and that Rix Maurer, A. C. Carrington and Walter V. Howe constitute the members thereof. The motion was,seconded by Councilman Jones and unanimously carried. RESOLUTIONS: 16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3697 In Memoriam of Harry H. Buddington. "WITH PROFOUND SORROW, the Council of the City of Alameda records the death of one of the loyal citizens of the community, HARRY H. BUDDINGTON, who served as a member of the Library Board; "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, in recognition of the faithful and diligent service rendered by Mr. Buddington as President of the Library Board for the past several years, and his warm- hearted friendliness with all his associates, the Council of the City of Alameda hereby expresses its sense of personal loss and its deep appreciation for having had such a zealous worker in this phase of the City's activities. "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread in full upon the minutes of this meeting, and that a copy thereof be transmitted to the family of Mr. Buddington, that it may extend to its members a sincere expression of sympathy and condolence; and " BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that when this meeting of the Coun- cil of the City of Alameda adjourns, it shall do so in respect to the memory of HARRY H. BUDDINGTON." 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 Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3698 Creating Two (2) Additional Positions of Public Health Nurse in the Health DeparLment of the City of Alameda." Mr. McMillan stated the reason these positions carry no salary is because the per- sonnel is being furnished by the Anti - Tuberculosis Association of the County. The nurses would appear on the City payroll as they will be riding in City vehicles and their designation as City Employees will work for the protection of the City. He recommended this procedure and hoped for the adoption of the resolution. President Branscheid observed that the Tuberculosis Association had been very active during the last few years in building up its program in the City of Alameda, stating that many thousands of tests have been made and the Association is actively assist- ing in the conduct of the clinic for this work and its work had been a great contri- bution to the welfare of our City. 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. 18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3699 Declaring Every Saturday a Holiday as .Respects the Transaction of Business in the Health Department and the Social Service Department of the City of Alameda." The question was raised as to whether or not the closing of the Health Department would affect the First Aid Station. Mr. McMillan stated that definitely the First Aid Station would be open at all times. 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. 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3700 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing Frequency Modulated Mobile Radio Units in 152 -162 m. c. Band to the City of Alameda, for Police and Fire Depart- ment Vehicles, Calling for Bids and Directing the City Clerk to Advertise Same." Mr. McMillan pointed out that the adoption of these Specifications and calling for bids did not contemplate the renewal of all radio equipment in Police and Fire De- partment vehicles; that it was being done in connection with the preparation of the budget for the coming fiscal year in order that in the event of any renewal of radio equipment becoming necessary, the City would have a fixed price at which it could be obtained and thus keep the budgets of the departments in line. 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. 20. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3701 Approving Second Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement for Expenditure of 1/4 Cent Gas Tax Allocated for State Highways." 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. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 21. "Ordinance No. 933, New Series An Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Subdivision (19) to Section 17 -342 Relating to Two -Hour Parking, and by Repealing Section 17 -451 of Article 5, Chapter 4, Title XVII, and Adding a New Section Numbered 17 -451 Relating to Right Turns Against Traffic Signals." Councilman Jones 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, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes None. Absent: None.. Mr. McMillan pointed out that the portion of the ordinance relating to right turns against traffic signals had specific application to the light at Sherman Street and Central Avenue, stating that under the State law, a driver has the right to turn against a red light after coming to a stop unless the City has posted a no- tice prohibiting such a turn and that the proposed ordinance would provide for the posting of such notice. Councilman Jones suggested in connection with ordinances to be presented to the Council that in the interests of clarity and furnishing the Council with some indication of what is covered by the ordinance, the agenda should, in addition to giving the title, outline briefly the contents and application of the provi- sions of the ordinance. FILING: 22. Second Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement - Between City and State For Expenditure of 1/4 Cent Gas Tax for State Highways. 23. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers & Co. - Bureau of Electricity, as of February 29, 1948. 24. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers & Co. - City of Alameda, as of February 29, 1948. 25. Auditor's Balance Sheet - Month ending March 31, 1948. 26. Specifications - No. MS 4 -48 -6 - For furnishing Frequency Modulated Mobile Radio Units for Police and Fire Department Vehicles. BILLS: 27. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and some of the depart- ments thereof in the total amounts as follows, was presented to the Council at this meeting: General Departments, $1,111.39; Bay Farm Island Sewer Fund, $ 1, 251.24; Otis Drive Sewer Fund, $2,123.57; Webster Street Storm Sewer Fund, $7,133.87; Health Department, $1,406.75. Councilman Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on April 6, 1948, and presented to the Council 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, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 28. Prior to adjournment, President Branscheid stated he was very glad to see so many present at the meeting this evening inasmuch as such attendance evidences an interest in the affairs of the City. He stated that while the meeting was about to adjourn, the Councilmen would be present in the Chamber for a few minutes after- ward and would be happy to discuss informally any matters which anyone might care to present. 29: Councilman Sweeney suggested the City Manager outline the fortunate situation in which the City finds itself through having obtained a very substantial refund on its Workmens' Compensation Insurance premium. Mr. McMillan presented the matter in detail, stating that three years ago, the City's accident rate was a little over 100% and, as a means of cutting this down, an Acci- dent Investigation and Prevention Committee had been formed. He stated that as a result of the efficient functioning of this Committee, the City's accident rate is now 59% instead of 116%. By reason of this excellent showing, the City had re- ceived a 70% dividend from the State Compensation Insurance Fund amounting to over 39,000. He stated that furthermore, the City will receive a .,reduction of 25% in its automobile insurance rate for the coming year. Therefore, the total savings to the City, by reason of a campaign to eliminate accidents, will be in excess of $15,000. or five cents on the tax rate. Mr. McMillan commended the employees of the City for their cooperation in achieving this fine record. 30: Councilman Jones stated he felt that in the adoption of the resolution "In Memoriam of Harry H. Buddington," the Council did not properly express its feeling toward this man. He pointed out that besides being very active in the affairs of the Library, Mr. Buddington took a very keen interest in all activities of the City, attending various City meetings and accompanying the Council to the meetings of the League of California Cities and all other City functions. He pointed out that while the resolution might have seemed perfunctory to some persons present this evening, it was an attempt to express feelings which it is most difficult to ade- quately put in writing. ADJOURNMENT 31. There being no, further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned in respect to the memory of Harry H. Buddington, to assemble_ in regular session on Tuesday evening, April 20, 1948, at 8:00 o'clock.