1948-07-06 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUINICIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
1948
HELD TUESDAY EVENING. JULY 6
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 adjourned regular meeting held June 29, 1948, were
approved as transcribed.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
2: From Goodell, Byers &. Co., submitting proposal to audit the financial records
of the City during the fiscal year 1948 -1949, for the total sum of 43,300. ap-
portioned as follows: City of Alameda, 1,650.; Public Utilities Hoard, $1,650. -
at the monthly rate of 4275.
Councilman Jones stated this firm has served the City of Alameda satisfactorily
for many years and he thereupon moved the City renew its contract with them on
the basis outlined in the letter. 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.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
3. Mr. Frank Gottstein addressed the Council in protest against the congestion
of Posey Tube and the further blocking of traffic by the busses traveling on
Atlantic Avenue from the Naval Air Station, when they turn into Webster Street,
especially at the peak hours.
HEARINGS:
4:' Presented at this time was the matter of Resolution of Intention No. 3738,
which was adopted by the Council on June 15, 1948, to order the vacation of a
portion of Broadway, north of Blanding Avenue and south of Harrison Avenue, aban-
doned.
The Deputy City Clerk stated the Affidavit of Publication of said resolution, giving
the time and place of hearing, and the Affidavit of Posting the Notices in connec-
tion with this matter pursuant to provisions of the Street Vacation Act of 1941,
were on file.
There having been no written protests filed, nor any protests voiced at this time,
Mayor Branscheid declared the matter would be referred to "Resolutions" for final
action.
OPENING OF BIDS:
5:. One bid was presented and read from McGuire & Hester in the amount of 415,207.
for the project of the construction and installation of a Storm Water Line on
Fountain Street, south of Calhoun Street, in accordance with Specifications,
Special Provisions and Plans therefor, No. PW 6 -48 -8. The bid was accompanied by
a certified check in the amount of $1,700.
The bid was referred to the City Manager and City Engineer for study and report.
6 No bids were received on the City's call for the project of making improve-
ments and alterations to the Health Center Building under Specifications, Special
Provisions and Plans No. PW 6 -48 -9.
Thereupon Councilman Jones moved the City Manager be authorized to negotiate in
the open market for the performance of the work in connection with this project.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the fol-
lowing vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President
Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None.
7 No bids were received on the City's call for the project of constructing a
garage at the Health Center Building, in accordance with Specifications, Special
Provisions and Plans No. PW 6- 48 -10.
Councilman Jones moved the City Manager be authorized to have this work done in the
open market. 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.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES;
8. From the City Manager, recommending that fifteen days extension of time be
granted Heafey -Moore Co. for the completion of its work in connection with the
realignment and reconstruction of the intersection of Buena Vista Avenue and
Everett Street.
Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager's recommendation be followed and the speci-
fied extension of time be allowed for this project. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried.
9. From Public Utilities Board, submitting a resolution adopting the budget for
its Department, showing the amount of 089,737.50 as the total dividends pledged
to the City of Alameda during the fiscal year 1948 -1949. A copy of the budget was
also attached.
Mayor Branscheid stated the matter would be filed, to be given further study at the
time the City's budget is being considered.
10. From George R. Doran, Chief of Police, submitting a report of articles listed
as lost, stolen or unclaimed, which have been held by the Police Department for
over a year and which have now been turned over to the Treasurer.
The report was ordered filed.
11: From Homer R. Dallas, Treasurer, requesting authorization to sell the bent and
foreign coins taken from parking meters during 1947 -1948, and to deposit the pro-
ceeds in the Parking Meter Fund.
Councilman Sweeney moved the Treasurer's request be granted and he be authorized to
dispose of these coins and deposit the proceeds in this Fund. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried.
12:' From F. J. Croll, requesting authorization to cancel taxes in the amount of
x;77.05 on a small lot located between Webster Street and the entrance of the Mari-
time shipbuilding yards. This property was acquired by the United States Govern-
ment in January, 1945, and since that time has been erroneously assessed to Anna F.
Demeritt, to whom it had been assessed for many years previously. The authorization
to cancel taxes is requested in order to clear the Auditor's record?.
Councilman Osborn stated that due to the fact there are some legal aspects involved,
he would move the matter be referred to the City Attorney for study and report.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried.
13. From F. J. Croll, submitting the final assessment figures for the fiscal year
1948 -1949, showing the gross assessed valuation of the City to be $41,808,525., the
highest in its history. The net valuation to be used in computing the tax rate is
$38,383,919.
The communication was ordered filed, to be considered and studied in the final
analysis of the City's budget.
14. The City Manager verbally reported on the matter of the loudspeaker used in
Lincoln Park for the night baseball games, concerning which a complaint had been
registered at the last meeting of the Council.
He stated that subsequent investigation had ascertained that the volume of the speak
er had been toned down considerably and it was not now so disturbing. He also re-
marked that a further check is to be made to see if the speaker can be so placed as
to keep the sound more within the park area itself and thus confine its radius.
15' Mr. McMillan reported on the matter of the contemplated Dahlia and Flower Show,
which had been referred to him for investigation at the last meeting of the Council.
He stated he had met with Mr. Henry Pope and Mr. John Strong, Vice President of the
Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the request for an additional appropriation made by
Mr. Pope.
IIe stated Mr. Strong felt that before an attempt was made to present the show - in
view of the expenditure of public funds and the publicity involved, in addition to
the work and time of the Street Department for the erecting and tearing down of ex-
hibitors' stands, etcetera, there should be a stronger committee working to be sure
of proper impetus being given to all phases connected with the presentation and
further assurance that the show would definitely be held and would be a credit to
the City.
Mr. McMillan also said Mr. Pope had informed him that arrangements have been made
for a fine show; that Mr. Harry Bartell, Chairman of the Alameda County Board of
Supervisors, had promised the sum of 4500. for prizes and, in addition, County funds
would match the expenditure of any funds from the City's advertising monies that
would be appropriated. He pointed out that Mr. Pope has asked for $400. which,
altogether, would make available for the show the amount of ;1,300. He remarked
that Mr. Pope is certain the show would be very successful if he is granted the aid
to put it on and in addition the membership of the Dahlia Society of Alameda would
receive an impetus it has lost in not being able to present its show during the
war years.
Councilman Osborn inquired as to whether those members from outside Alameda are
professionals or amateurs. Mr. McMillan responded that they are about fifty-fifty -
some are commercial growers and others just get personal enjoyment in displaying
their flowers. Councilman Osborn stated he felt we should help the amateurs in
every way possible, but the commercial or professional growers should contribute.
It was pointed out that the commercial growers do rent their display space.
Councilman Anderson stated that the City makes a contract with the Chamber of Com»
merce to take care of City advertising and he thought the expenditure of monies
in this case was under the jurisdiction of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce Directors
Mr. McMillan recommended the Council instruct the City Manager to discuss the
subject with Mr. Bartell and in turn they would take the question before the
Chamber of Commerce for decision.
Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be accepted and he be
authorized to present this matter to the Supervisors and then confer with the
Alameda Chamber of Commerce. 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.
16. The City Manager reported he had received a request from the City of San
Leandro for permission to use the Fire Drill Tower for the training of its Fire-
men. He stated the City of San Leandro has agreed to assume all liability in
so doing. Mr. McMillan recommended permission be granted to this City for the
use of the Fire Drill Tower.
Councilman Jones moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved and the City
of San Leandro be granted permission accordingly. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried.
17 Mr. McMillan stated he had received a request to sell two of the old type
street lighting standards and he recommended that he be authorized to sell these
items at 2.50 each.
Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be approved and he be
authorized to sell any of the old street lighting standards desired, at a price
of 82.50 each. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously
carried.
It was pointed out that the price of 4$2.50 each had been set by the head of the
Light Plant and the City Engineer.
18: From the City Manager, tendering his resignation as City Manager of the City
of Alameda, effective as of July 17, 1948. He expressed his thanks to the members
of the Council and the people of Alameda for having given him the opportunity of
working for them during the past five and one -half years.
Councilman Osborn stated that, with regret, he would move the resignation of Mr.
McMillan be accepted. Councilman Sweeney seconded the motion which was unani-
mously carried.
RESOLUTIONS:
18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3781
Calling for Bids for Legal Advertising for the
City of Alameda for the Fiscal Year 1948 - 1949."
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.
19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3782
Rescinding Resolution No. 3751 and Appointing
Carl Froerer City Manager of the City of Alameda
and Fixing His Salary for the Position of City
Manager of the City of Alameda."
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.
the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed.
20. The followin resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson
its adoption:
Thereupon
who moved
"Resolution No. 3783
Fixing the Salary for the Position of City Engineer."
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,.
21. -The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved
its adoption:
"Resolution No. 3784
Ordering the Vacation of a Portion of Broadway
North of Blanding Avenue and. South of Harrison
Avenue, Abandoned."
The motion to adopsaid 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.
22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney,
its adoption:
who moved
"Resolution No. 3785
Transferring 5,000. from the Caoital Outlays
Fund to the Bay Farm Island Sewer Fund."
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.
23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved
its adoption:
"Resolution No. 3786
Adopting Specifications for Furnishing One (1)
New 1948 or 1949 Two-door and/or Four-door Sedan
to the City of Alameda for the Social Service
Department, Calling for Bids and Directing the
City Clerk to Advertise the Same."
The niotion 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.
24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved
its adoption:
"Resolution No. 3787
Transferring 315,000. from the Cash Basis Fund
to the Library Fund."
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.
FILING:
25. Specifications - No. ES 7-48-13 - Sedan for Social Service Department.
BILLS:
26. An itemized List of Claims against some of the departments of the City of
Alameda, in the total amounts as follows, was presented to the City Council at
this meeting:
Councilman Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the
City Clerk on July 6, 1948, and submitted to the Council at this time, be allowed
and paid.
120
The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the fol-
lowing 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.
27. At this time, Mayor Branscheid stated there was a special matter to be taken
care of at this time and called upon Mr. Harold R. Richards, Executive Secretary
of the Civil Service Board.
Mr. Richards asked. Mr. McMillan to step forward and on behalf of the employees of
the City of Alameda presented him with a handsome set of luggage and also a match-
ing overnight case to Mrs. McMillan. The gifts were accompanied by a parchment
scroll on which the names of all the donors had been inscribed.
Both Mr. and Mrs. McMillan expressed their thanks and appreciation for the gifts.
Mayor Branscheid then stated that when Mr. McMillan's letter of resignation had
been presented, no special remarks had been made because the Council had another
resolution it wished to adopt expressing its sentirnents, and it would be presented
at this time.
28 The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its
adoption:
"Resolution No. 3788
Commending Don C. McMillan for his Meritorious
Service as City Manager of the City of Alameda."
The Motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Counciluan 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.
ADJOURNMENT:
29. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council ad-
journed to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, July 20, 1948, at
8:00 o'clock.
Respectfully submitted,
DepuyC y C erk