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1948-10-05 Regular CC MinutesREGUIAR MEETING OF TUE COUNCIL OF THE CITY r OF AIATEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, 13303E2 5, 1943 The meeting convened at 0:00 2. . with President Bsranscheid presiding. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Anderson, jores, Osborn, Sweeney and President 'Branscheid, (5), were noted Present. Absent: :one. MINUTES: 1. The minutes of the adjourned regular meeting held September 20 1043, were approved as transcribed. MITTEN COMMUNICATION': 2:" " From the Fernside-Marina Homeowners Association, requesting that steps be taken to remedy the existing traffic hazards on Blanding Avenue, between. Pearl Street and Broadway. City Manager Froerer reported on this matter, stating that on the particular section of Blanding Avenue referred to in the communication, the City has no right-of-way - It being a part of the Southern Pacific Company's right-of-way - and in order to accomplish the work requested by the Ferns ide-arina Homeowners Association, it would be necessary for the City to acquire the right-of-way for approximately 250 feet west of the net line of Pearl Street, to the end of Blanding Avenue. o. Prom the "Committee to Save the Housing Projects," requesting that its delega- tion be heard by the Council on the matter concerning those residing in the tem- porary housing units of Encinal, Estuary, Pacific, Webster and Chipman Projects. Mr. Wayne Hultgren represented this group and addressed the Council followin3 the reading of this communication. He stated that at the last regular session of Congress, the date fixed for the removal of temporary housing was set by law as January 1, 1050, but that a further nrovision of this act rakes It possible for the City Government concerned to request the Congress for an extension.. of the life of the projects for one year and it is anticipated that such requests will be granted unless the housing shortage has been solved in the particular area affected. Yr. Hultgren called the attention of the Council to the fact that there are some 20,000 people residing in the Alameda Housing Projects and that while none of them consider the housing projects to be of a permanent nature, they foresee little possibility of permanent housing being constructed. to take care of the situation in our City. He stated that the Committee wishod,therefore, to request the Council to take immediate steps to extend the life of the projects by requesting the Federal Cevernment to extend the time for their removal to January 1, 1951, In response to Mr. Hultgren's remarks, President Branscheid stated that this natter was coming before the Council for the first time this evening and it would hardly be In a position to take the action requested by Mr. Hultgren at this time. He stated, however, that the Council would give the matter its most serious considera- tion and would be able to make a progress report at its next meeting on October 19, Gottstein spoke on the same subject stating that while there bas been. a tremen- dous growth in population within the City, the growth has been nothing more than a boom. growth. Ho pointed out that while tonight there has been some protest against the removal of the housing projects, prior to their construction there was just as violent objections to their being built in. the City, but that by reason of the war conditions, the protests carried very little weight. Mr. Gottstein also stated that the housing projects keep the local Police Department :busy at all times and suggested that inasmuch as these buildings were presumed to be for temporary use only, they should be demolished at the earliest possible opportunity OPENING 02 BIDS: 4. Bids were presented and read for the furnishing of nine new, 1948 or 1949, Two- Door Sedans for the Police Department, in accordance with Specifications and Provi- sions therefor, No. MS 9-48-16, as follows: From Garland Chevrolet Co. 4114, .11,550.00 .4,4(6.08 ' Accompanied by certified check in aniount of 247 .30 Less allowance on turn-in automobiles From Morris randy Motors - - - - - - - - -- ---- - Less allowance on turn-in automobiles Accompanied by cashier's check in amount of From Morris Landy Motors - Less allowance on turn-in automobiles (Alternate Bid) Accompanied by cashier's check in amount 15,905.70 10,100.00 5,805.70 500.53 15,153.52 10,100.00 5,050.52 505.85 The bids were referred to the City Manager for study and recommendation. HEA=GS: 5. President Branschoid stated that the continued hearing on the Bay Farm Island Sewer Assessment District would now be called up. e indicated that since the last hearing on the matter, when the property owners had notice of what their ap- proximate assessment would be, bids had boon received from responsible contractors for doing the work; that following the opening of the ')Ids, the Council had thoroughly analyzed the problem, had gone into all the various factors involved and had come up with some now ideas which will be of greet benefit to the property owners on Day Warm Island. :To thereupon called upon Mr. Ernest A. Wilson, legal Consultant in the ratter, to ex lain the situation as it exists at the present time. Mr. Wilson made the following statement: There has been a great deal of work done from the administrative standpoint and by the lawyers and engineer S connected with this matter and also by the City Council from a discretionary standpoint and they are now ready to report on what has happened and to present certain papers which will constitute the next move in this proceeding. This afternoon he reported. to Mr. E. K. Sturgis as to what he had done and what the Council contemplated doing this evening. Mr. Sturgis has boon in touch with the City through the entire proceeding and is very well aware of what has been going on in the matter. As you were told at the last meeting, following the opening of bids, there would be a substantial reduCtion in the assessment. In. addition to the reduction re- sulting from the low bid received, a careful study has been made of the boundaries of the Assessment District and all property to be assessed. As was stated at the last meeting, the reason the public property was not assessed was primarily due to the fact that the City badgone considerably overboard for the people on the Island in having expended '1261,000. in providing a trunk line sower to the Island along with a Pumping Plant. We did . not at the time of setting out the boundaries of the District consider that this public property was really benefited by the proposed sower lino because we could not conceive of any public use of this property which would make a sewer line necessary. However, the matter has been reconsidered in order to present this matter in as favorable a light as possible from. an economic standpoint and it was concluded that these public properties for a reasonable depth back might be converted to a private use, leaving the remainder of the depth to such public use as might be found necessary. As a result of that reconsideration, the assessment has been respread, using the same measuring stick, and ',9,329.25 of the reduced amount has been transferred from the private property and spread on the public properties at the same rate and on the same basis as all other private properties being assessed. The result of this is that on a 50-foot lot, the assessment for the main trunk sewer is re- duced from 414.03 to 305.19 and the lateral running from the main line to the property line has been reduced from 80. to 50. For a 50-foot lot, the assess- ment - instead of being :499.20 - is proposed to be '353.19, including the house lateral. That v,rill be all contained in one assessment on the individual lots and may be paid either in cash or by installments on annual tax bills. These proposed changes have been set forth in two resolutions which will undoubtedly be adopted this evening - the first of which sets forth the new amount of each assessment in place of the old assessment - the second resolution explains a great • many matters as its title indicates and sets the entire matter for further hearing on October 19, 1943. Mr. Proerer stated he would like to supplement Mr. WilsonTs remarks by stating that the matter of refunding any excess of assessment should be emphasized and that all • possible savings which can be effected in any way will go toward a reduction of the individual assessment and will be refunded to the property owners. Mr. E. K. Sturgis, representing the protesting property owners on Bay Farm Island, stated that he would. like to reiterate some remarks made by Mr. Wilson ...for the purpose of clarifying them for the benefit of his clients. He stated that his understanding of the situation Inc that any savings which might be affected in the matter of contingencies, engineering costs or construction costs, would be used toward reducing the assessments in the District. Upon being assured that this was the case, Mr. Sturgis stated that while he was not • in •a position to,WithdraW the protests of his clients - there being too many on the list to canvass the situation. this evening - as far as he was concerned, and speaking for his clients, if the amended resolution is passed, taping in the public property and including in it that any excess will be refunded to the property owners, he would assure the Council there would be no organized protest on the amended resolution. Mr. James Hall, representing Miss Pearl Mecartnoy of Island Road, raised the ques- tion of the soundness of the bonds to be issued in this matter in view of the possi- billty of the levee on Day Farm island breaking and causing the inundation of most of the properties within the Assessment District. [ t He was assured by City Manger Froeror that while it bas cost the City considerable , money to maintain. the levee and protect the adjoining property owners, he has every confidence that the City- will at all times be able to ice the water within its ProPer bounds. There being no further remarks forthcoming from the audience, Pros'dent 5ranscheld called for a motion to continue this hearing to October 19, 1940. Councilman Jones so moved, but i=r. 4.11son suggested that before any such motion was made, it would be proper to adopt the first two resolutions appearing on the agenda this evening. Thereupon Counci1man Jones withdrew his 1,otion. (7): Al; this point, the following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved Its adoption: up e elution No. 3342 Ordering Chanos and HodificaLions in Amount of Assessments - DaY i1arm Island Sewer Assessment Project Ho. 1" The motion to adopt said resolutton was seconded by Councilitan sborn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Junes, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheld, (9) . Koos: kOPO. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. The following resolution' was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved 1 adoption: f "Re olution No. 3843 t [ Of Preliminary Determination to Make Improvements Without Compliance with Division 4 of the Streets and Highways Code, and of Intention to Make Changes in the T5oundaries of the District and Areas of the Lands to be Assessed Therefor, and in the Estimate of Costs and Amounts of the Several Assessments, and to Modify the Resolution of In- tention to Provide that all Surplus will be Applied as a Credit to Each Assessment." 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. 0. Councilman Anderson then moved that all matters under the Resolution of Inten- tion be continued to October 19, 1940, at the hour of i :00 o,clock P. M. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. REVORTS OF COMMITTEES: 9:/ From Fire- Chief Thomas M. Lane, extending an invitation to the Council to be present at the dedication ceremony of the Volunteer :ire Department Bronze Bell at the Drill Tower on Day Farm Island, Saturday, October 9, 1943, at 2:00 o.,clock. Councilmen Jones and Osborn and President 2,ranschold sinnificd their intention to be Present at this ceremony. 10 . ro'rom the Ctty ■anager, recommendinr. denial of the request of Ca,ore E. Swans- borouh to install a miniature railroad train at Washington Park because the park is relatively small and is extremely crowded on many occasions and in order to make a complete circuit of the area, it would be necessary for the tracks to cross path- was, run adjacent to play areas and its installation would be hazardous in general. Also, the track would detract materiall: from the beauty of the park. Councilman Sweeney roved the recommendation of the City , anager be followed and the request be denied. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. 1_54 11. From the City Manager, concerning the awarding of the contract for the pro- ject of installing a sanitary sewer system an Bay Farm Island under the proposed • Assessment District. Mr. Froerer requested this matter be laid over until the conclusion of the hear- ing on the Bay Farm Island Assessment District. Councilman Sweeney made a motion. to this effect. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and unanimously carried. ORDINANCE FOR INT2RODUCTION: 12. Councilman Jones introduced the followinc, ordinance, after which it was laid over under provisions of law and the Charter: RES UTIONS "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Amending Section 6-223 of Article 2, Chapter 2, Title VT Y th of e Alameda Municipal Code." - 13. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3844 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for Alterations to City Hall, Calling for Bids and Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." 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. In response to a request by President Branscheid, 1'Sr. Froerer stated that the pro- posed alterations were to the City Manager's office for the purpose of providing office space for the Administrative Assistant. 14. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3845 Adopting Specifications, Special Provisions and Plans for the Extension of Storm Water Line on High and Post Streets Across Otis Drive, Calling for Bids and. Directing City Clerk to Advertise Same." 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: Hone. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and ea eed. 15. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution P0. 3846 Accepting (_ption of Purchase of Certain Real Property from Albert n. Songey and Helen G. SonEey, His Wife, and Consenting to the Recordation 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 for an explanation of this resolution and the following seven similar resolutions. City Iranager Froerer explained that the properties are being acquired for the purpose of the improvement of Lincoln Way - \Lidening it to a ntandard width highway. Lr. Froerer stated the cost of this project, which is part of the project for the extension of Lincoln and Pacific Avenues - Is being borne by the County of Alameda to the extent of J05,500. - the balance of the cost is being furnished by the City from the 1/4 Cent Gasoline Tax proceeds. 16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3047 Accepting Option of Purchase of Certain Real Property from RobertG. Andrus and Elizabeth G. Andrus, His Wife, and Consenting to the Recordation Thereof.' The motion, to adopt said resolution vas seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President P,ranscheid, (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 ts adoption: "R,,solution. 3848 • Accepting Option of Purchase of Certain Real Property from Prank. Razzano and Guiseppina Razzano, His Wife, and Consenting to the Recordation Thereof."„ The notion 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: Hone. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 10. The following rosoluti on was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 5940 Accepting Option ,of Purchase of Certain Real Property from Katherine Hudson, a Widow, and Consenting to the Recordation 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 TIranscheld, (5). Noes: None. Absent: Nene. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 19. The following resolution, was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved it adoption: "Resolution No. 3850 Accepting Option of Purchase of Certain Real Property from, Ernest S. Bowmer and Effie G. Bowmer, His Wife, and Emily E. MacKenzie (Married and Consenting to tie Recordation 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. 20. The following resolution was introduced by Conci1ran Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution. No. 3351 Accepting Option of Purchase of Certain. Real Property from Clarence W. Cabral and Edna L. Cabral, His Wife, and Consenting to the Recordation Thereof." 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 Dranscheid, (5) . Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 21. The following resolution was intuoducod by Councilman Anderson, who moved it adoption: "Resolution 10. 3852 Accepting Option of Purchase of Certain Real Property from Gertrude Christensen, and Consenting to the Re- cordation Thereof." 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: Tone. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. =-,•;r•r••.;r•rrr,,,o;m••■•.,-,wrrvrrn•s•;,vrv••,,,,r,,,fov,„-o,,o;rm-r•,••;',,r,M'rO•rm•r•r••mrgk.-or••••Maay,•Mrrr,r;:MVMP.•',MrMr,MM'r..........-Vr-'rn.o.,rr, rr, 22 , The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved Its adoption: "Resolution :o. 3053 Accepting Option of Purchase of Certain Real Property from David B. Christy and Cone S. Christy, His and Consenting to the Recordation Thereof." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Co-.:ncill'len Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President 7ranscheld, (5) . roes: Hone. Absent: :'one. Thereupon the Pr3sidont declar9d said resolution duly adopted and asseo. 23. The following resolution was Introduced by Oouncilman Anderson, who r„oved its adoption: "Resolution No. 0054 Transferring i300.00 from Contingent ]lind 70-b to Capital Account No. 144 City Attorney -- Library)." 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 ?resident Tliransch.cid, No _e. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. FILING: 24. Specifications - No. PW 9-43-12 - Alterations to City Hall. 25. Specifications - No. -2,; 0-40-13 - Installation of Storm I:later Line on HIR and Post Streets, Across Ctis Drive. 26. Auditor's Balance Sheet - 1,onth ending September 30, 1043. 27. Options from Songoy, Andrus, Razzano, Hudson, Bowmer, Cabral, Christensen and Christy. BILLS: 28. An itemized List of Claims against the City of Alameda and several of the departments thereof, in the total amounts as follows, was presented to the City Council at this meeting; General Departments; 470.19; Bay Farm Island Sewer Fund, ',25,744.84; Krusi Park Storm Sewer Fund, 2,604.93; Lincoln Park Extension. Fund, l 010. Councilman Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on October 5, 1940, 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 Branscheld, (5). Noes: None.: Absent: None. ADJOURNMENT 29. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Connell adjourned to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, October 19, 1040, at 8:00 o'clock.