Loading...
1948-10-19 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD TUESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 19, 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 of the Council held October 5, 1948, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 2 ' From the Alameda Belt Line, requesting that a successor to Don C. McMillan be named to represent the City of Alameda on its Board of Directors. Councilman Jones moved that City Manager Froerer be nominated as the member of the Alameda Belt Line Board of Directors to succeed Mr. McMillan. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. 3' From Miss Mabel L. Dewing, 1414 Bay Street, requesting that passed prohibiting smoking on busses in the City. President Branscheid ordered the communication filed. 4: From George E. Swansborough of Vacaville, inquiring if it would be possible to obtain a permit from the City to operate a miniature railroad on private property as an amusement concession. Councilman Anderson suggested this matter be referred to the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, with the request that it assist Mr. Swansborough in finding a location for his miniature railroad and that Mr. Swansborough be informed that he has the right to operate within the City of Alameda, provided he can find a piece of property which is properly zoned for this purpose. Councilman Osborn made 'a motion to this effect, which was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 5: Mr. David Blodgett addressed the Council on behalf of residents in the housing projects .. of the City and made inquiry as to whether or not the Council had a report for his people on the matter of petitioning Congress to extend the life of the housing projects beyond the now scheduled termination date of January, 1950. President Branscheid stated that the matter is now actively under consideration by the Council; that inasmuch as it is considered to be an area problem in which the Federal Government, as well as the municipalities, is vitally interested, meetings are being held by representatives of the several East Bay communities to determine upon the policy to be followed; that one such meeting has been held and another will be held during the current week and that information as to any steps taken will be available to anyone who desires it on Friday of this week. The President stated, further, that it is the intention to present this matter to the American Municipal Association at its meeting in Washington in December and following this, to have the matter taken up with the Congressional Committee di- rectly concerned with this situation. Mr. Blodgett queried as to whether or not the Council had decided to present such a petition to the Congress and was told that when the matter has been thoroughly explored and some definite information has been obtained as to the procedure to be followed, the Council will be in a position to take such action as it deems necessary and proper. The President assured Mr. Blodgett that the Council fully recognizes that the people in the housing projects must be taken care of until some relief is at hand and gave him further assurance that so far as the Council is concerned, none of the people in the housing projects will find themselves out on the street. Several others addressed the Council, among them being Eugene von Prusen, Interna- tional Longshoremen's Union, Local No. 6; Sally Attarian, representing the Inde- pendent Progressive Party; and Mr. Pendel, representing the Machine Workers Union, Local No. 1412. an ordinance be At this point, President Branscheid declared a three - minute recess for the purpose of permitting those who did not care to hear the remainder of the proceedings, to leave the Council Chamber. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 6. From the City Manager, recommending Fire Chief Lane be granted permission to attend the Annual Conference of Pacific Coast Association of Fire Chiefs in Sacra- mento from October 31, to November 3, and also the Conference,, of the International Association of Fire Chiefs at Miami, Florida, from November 9, to 14, 1948, and that the sum of $500. be appropriated for his expenses. Councilman Anderson moved the recommendation of the City Manager be accepted; that Chief Lane be authorized to attend these two designated Conferences and a sum not to exceed $500. be allowed to defray his expenses. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Council- men Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5) . Noes None. Absent: None. 7. From the City Manager, requesting authorization to dispose of certain miscel- laneous junk now accumulated at the Corporation Yard. Asked as to the value of the junk to be disposed of, Mr. Froerer said it would not exceed $40. Councilman Osborn moved the City Manager be authorized to dispose of the specified items. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried. 8 From the City Manager, recommending that the City of Alameda affiliate with the Shoreline Planning Association of California since it would materially help the City in its beach development program. The annual cost for membership dues would be $250., which is based on a population basis and the City would also be entitled to four members on the Board of Directors. Councilman Jones moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that the City join this organization. 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. 9. From the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to McGuire and Hester for the project of installing the sanitary sewer system on Bay Farm Island at their bid price of $74,947. This matter was referred to "Resolutions." 10: From the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to Garland Chevrolet Company for the furnishing of nine automobiles to the Police Department in accordance with Specifications and Provisions therefor, No. MS 9- 48 -16. Councilman Sweeney moved the City Manager's recommendation be adopted; that con- tract be awarded to the company named for furnishing the specified automobiles and the bid checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidder. The motion 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. 11. From the Civil Service Board, submitting the question concerning the City employees working on the outside while in the employ of the City, stating it felt this was a matter of policy which should be established by the Council and that it is not within its jurisdiction. The matter was referred to the City Manager for further study and report. 12. From the City Planning Board, requesting the Council to have the necessary ordinances enacted making certain proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance of the City, which will clarify some regulations which have been the source of much question and controversy. The matter was referred to the City Attorney. 13. From the City Planning Board, recommending the denial of the petition for the reclassification of that property known as 2900 Lincoln Avenue, from the "A" to the "A -1" One- Family Dwelling District, for the purpose of converting the existing old dwelling into two apartments. Councilman Anderson moved this matter be continued to the next meeting by reason of a death in the family which prevents the petitioner from being present at the meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jones and unanimously carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 14. r The matter of action by the Council on the City Planning Board's recommendation to deny the requested reclassification of property at the northwest._corner of Paru Street and Lincoln Avenue, from the "B" Two -to -Four Family Dwelling District, to the "D" Commercial District. Miss Nellie Hollingsworth was present and addressed the Council, stating that she had purchased the property 22 years ago as business property and was desirous of having it reclassified as a matter of protection in view of the fact that it is now considered to be a "non- conforming use,' Councilman Jones asked why Miss Hollingsworth wished the property rezoned and she replied that in case of destruction, she wanted to be in a position to rebuild. It was brought out also, through questioning by members has been a grocery store on these premises for the past property would not be suitable for residential purposes of the store by reason of the fact that the size of the width and 116 feet in depth. Councilman Jones moved the matter be continued to the next meeting of the Council, to give the members an opportunity to view the property. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and carried unanimously. HEARINGS 15. Hearing was called up on Resolution of Preliminary Determination and Intention to Make Changes and Modifications. Protests being called for by President Branscheid, the Clerk read a telegram from Mrs. Mignon Mecartney Hall. Mrs. Holmes of Bay Farm Island addressed the Council, stating that she thought the bid price on this sewer system installation was very much too high and cited the cost of sewers in the Orinda District which she stated are being built for less than $2.00 per running front. Councilman Jones suggested that inasmuch as Mrs. Holmes had made a protest concern- ing the cost of sewers, he felt she should be informed concerning the manner in which bids are taken; the study given the bids, and further, that the engineering problems on Bay Farm Island are very extreme. He suggested that the engineer could probably explain to Mrs. Holmes why the bids are so high. Whereupon President Branscheid called on Mr. Froerer, who stated that the cost of this project, or any project, is determined by the bids received in competition with other bidders and pointed out that the low bid on this particular project is some 014,000. lower than the next succeeding bid. He stated that the project has been very carefully engineered, pointing out that Bay Farm Island is a very flat area and that sewage must be pumped across the San Leandro Channel and, by virtue of its flatness, it is necessary that some sewers be placed somewhat deeper than they are in more hilly areas. He stated another thing which contributes very largely to the high cost of the project is the fact that all the construction is in water. Also involved was the matter of the installation of the line along Maitland Drive where it was found to be more economical to build two lines - one along each side of the road, rather than to cut through the deep rock fill on Maitland Drive. Mr. Froerer stated he was thoroughly convinced that the City has gotten an especi- ally good price in this instance and that it is the best price the City will ever be able to get under existing economic conditions. There being no further discussion, President Branscheid declared the hearing closed. RESOLUTIONS: 16. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: of the Council, that there 70 years and that the in case of the destruction lot is only 18 feet in "Resolution No. 3855 Overruling Protests Under Resolution. of Preliminary Determination and of Intention. to Make Changes and 111odifications - Bay Farm Island Sewer Assessment Project No. 1." 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. 17. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3856 Determining to Make Improvements Without Compliance with Division 4 of the Streets and Highways Code, and Making Changes in the Boundaries of the Assessment District and Areas of the Lands to be Assessed Therefor, and in the Estimate of Costs in the Amounts of the Several Assess- ments, and Amending the Descriptions of Certain Parcels Proposed to be Assessed, and Modifying the Resolution of Intention to Provide that All Surplus be Applied as a Credit to Each Assessment - Bay Farm Island Sewer Assess- ment Project No. 1." 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. 18. At this point, President Branscheid announced that the Council would now pro- ceed with the continued hearing under Resolution of Intention No. 3817. The Presi- dent noted that at the opening of this hearing there were several protests filed and upon inquiry, was told that no further communications had been received. Whereupon, President Branscheid invited anybody who wished to do so to speak on the subject. A resident of Bay Farm Island inquired as to how long it would take to install the sewers. City Manager Froerer answered that the time limit for this installation is 4 months and that he was quite certain the project would be completed within that date. He stated he was very sorry to report that some complications have arisen with the installation of the main sewer line but that he hoped to have this installation completed at the same time as the Assessment District Sewers. . Upon inquiry as to whether or not the project included repairs to streets and side- walks, Mr. Froerer stated the streets will be repaired to their present state or to a better condition and that the sidewalk on Maitland Drive will be a new one. There being no further discussion, President Branscheid declared the hearing closed. 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3857 Overruling Protests on Resolution of Intention - Bay Farm Island Sewer Assessment Project No. 1." 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 Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3858 Adopting the EngineerTs Report, Finally Confirming the Assessment and Ordering the Work, as Modified - Bay Farm Island Sewer Assessment Project No. 1." 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. 21. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3859 Of Award of Contract - Bay Farm Island Sewer Assessment Project No. 1." 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. 22. The following resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: 161 "Resolution No. 3860 Directing Validating Suit - Bay Farm Island Sewer Assessment Project No. 1." 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. Mr. Wilson explained the reason for the commencement of this action, stating that it was a matter of precaution to protect the validity of the ordinance. 23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Rresolution No.3861 Authorizing City Manager to Make Application to State 'Director of Finance on Behalf of the City of Alameda for State Assistance in Defraying Cost of Plans for Bay Farm Island Sewer System and Pumping Plant. (Project No. 47 -19)." 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. 24. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3862 Authorizing City Manager to Make Application to State Director of Finance on Behalf of the City of Alameda for State Assistance in Defraying Cost of Plans for Improvement of Pacific Avenue from Main Street to Fourth Street; Improvement of Lincoln Avenue from Fifth Street to Eighth Street; and Construction of Lincoln Way from Fourth Street and Pacific Avenue to Fifth Street and Lincoln Avenue. (Project No. 47 -20)." 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. 25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3863 Authorizing City Manager to Make Application to State Director of Finance on Behalf of the City of Alameda for State Assistance in Defraying Cost of Plans for Installation of a .Lateral Street Sewer System on Bay Farm Island. (Project No. 47 -21)." 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. 26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3864 Accepting Conveyance from Stokely Foods, Inc., a Corporation, of Easements in Certain Real .Property 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: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. Mr. Froerer explained, at the request of Councilman Sweeney, this is an easement necessary for the installation of the storm drainage line on the north side of the City adjacent to the Fortman Basin. 27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3865 Accepting Amendment No. 1 to License to the City of Alameda, California, Granted by the United States of America Under Date of April 4, 1945." 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. 28. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3866 Transferring $50,000. from the In Lieu Tax Fund to the General Fund 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. ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE: 29. "Ordinance No. 944, New Series An Ordinance Amending Sec. 6 -223, Article 2, Chapter 2, Title VI of Alameda Municipal Code." Councilman Jones suggested it should be explained that this ordinance does not have any application to the proceedings had in the hearing this evening in con- nection with Bay Farm Island. He thereupon moved the ordinance be adopted as read. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Council- men Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5)._ Noes: None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and FILING: 30. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers & Co. - Bureau of Electricity, as of August 31, 1948.. 31. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers & Co. - City of Alameda, as of September 30, 1948. 32. Grant of Easement - From Stokely Foods, Inc. BILLS: 33. 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 City Council at this time General Departments, $7,059.87; Police Department, $1,977.37; Fire Department, $1,236.89; Street Department, $2,010.74; Health Department, 0711.54; First Aid Department, $65.54; Recreation Department, $464.46; Park Department, $2,907.29; Golf Course Department, $1,243.41; Social Service De- partment, 01,952.09; Parking Meter Operations Fund, $7.23; Store Department, 0937.42; Pound Department, $107.85; Civil Service Department, 97.16; East Bay Municipal Utility District Fund, $2,003.83; Traffic Safety Fund, 07,655.78; Gas Tax No. l Fund, 072.01; Gas Tax No. 2 Fund, 068.77; Special Street Light- ing Fund, $4,233.94; Longfellow Park Improvement Fund, 03,522.85; Bay Farm Island Sewer Fund, ;7111.04; Special Public Health Fund, $6,679.90. Councilman Jones moved the bills as itemized in the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on October 19, 1948, and presented to the Council at this meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Anderson and on roll call carried by the follow- ing vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 34` Prior to adjournment, President Branscheid stated there has been under dis- cussion for sometime a hearing on that portion of the master Plan of the City relating to "Freeways and Major Streets" and in an informal discussion, the 3rd day of November had been tentatively set as the date for the hearing. He stated, however, that Mr. Riley of Harold Bartholomew and Associates, will be on the Coast a week later than that date and suggested that the hearing on this matter be set for the evening of Tuesday, November 9, 1948, at 7 :30 o'clock in order to have the advantage of Mr. Riley's presence since he is on the Coast on another matter. Councilman Jones moved this action be taken and the proper notice of hearing be published. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and carried. ADJOURNMENT: 35. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Council adjourned to assemble in regular session on Tuesday evening, November 3, 1948, at 8:00 o'clock. Respectfully ubmitted, OPENING OF IDS: y Clerk W.' Bids were presented and read for the project of making alterations to the City Hall, in accordance with SnecIfications, Special Provisions and Plans there- for, —o. P3 48-12, as follows: From Steadman & Powell Accompanied by certified check in amount of - From William McIntosh Son Accompanied by certified check in amount of - 0,005. 310. 2,641. 400. The bids were referred to the City Manager and City Attorney for study and report. 37 Bids were ...presented and read for the project of installing an. extension of the Storm Water Lines on High and. Post Streets Across Otis Drive, in accordance with Specifications, Succial Provisions and Plans therefor, ,NO. PW 9-48-13, as follows: From McGuire and. Hester - - - - - - - - - Accompanied by certified check in amount of From Paris Bros. Accompanied by cashier's check in amount From Douglas E. Carlson Accompanied by cashier's check in amount From Associated Electrical and Mechanical Co. Accompanied by a bid bond The bids were referred to the City Nanager and City. Attorney for study and report. ,768.75 700.00 4,837.50 600.00 0,188.75 520.00 4,988.75