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1948-11-03 Regular CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 3, , 1948 The meeting convened at 8:00 P. Y. 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 October 19, 1948, were approved as transcribed. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2:/ From the District Attorney of Alameda County, J. F. Coakley, stating that Judge Knox of the Alameda Police Court felt a Deputy District Attorney should be available for consultation at the Alameda City Hall for a longer period of time each week than is provided for by the present practice and assignments of his office. He also advised that his office is prepared to make such services of a Deputy District Attorney available at the Alameda City Hall whenever adequate office space, equipment and stenographic assistance is furnished by the City of Alameda. President Branscheid observed that this matter has been before the Council several times in the past and that there are many public services which could be made available to the City of Alameda if proper accommodations could be furnished by the City. He thereupon referred the matter to the City Manager for his study and recommendation. 3. From the Bay Farm Island Improvement League, thanking the Council for its efforts in providing sewers for that district. President Branscheid expressed the appreciation of the Council for this letter, and its gratification for the successful conclusion of this matter. 4. From the Bay Farm Island Improvement League, stating that the residents in that area were without public transportation service after 8:00 o'clock in the evening since the termination by the Key System of its Line No. 71, after 7:53 P. M. This new schedule went into effect October 3, 1948. The League requested the assist ance of the Council in remedying this problem. President Branscheid stated the Council was very much surprised to learn of the change in the schedule mentioned as it was the understandin7 that no change in service on any line in the City would be made by the Key System without the consent of the Council. He thereupon referred the communication to the City 1anager for the purpose of investigating the situation and checking with the Key System as to the restoration of the old schedule. 5. From the Alameda Woman's Improvement Club, requesting the replacement of benches at the bus stops in the City. President Branscheid stated that by reason of the failure of this communication to name points at which it was hoped that benches might be restored, it would be neces- sary to refer the matter to the City Manager to get exact information and to make a detailed report to the Council as to the advisability of providing benches along the bus lines. 0. From Alameda Post No. lights in Krusi Park. The American Legion, urging the installation of President Branscheid stated that inasmuch as this matter was now under consideration by the Board of Education, the communication would be referred to it. 7. From the Alameda Junior Chamber of Commerce, reaffirming its support of the subject of "Lights for Krusi Park." This communication was also referred to the Board of Education. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: 8. Mr. Frank Gottstein addressed the Council on the matter of the continuance of the Federal Housing Projects in the City of Alameda, and registered his objection to the Government attempting to extend 'the period of their life beyond 1950. He pointed out the Government had pledged the removal of these buildings by 1950 and stated that he felt it should be held to its pledge. He indicated that in Richmond and Vallejo many housing projects have been torn down and felt the City of Alameda should proceed in similar fashion. Councilman Jones stated he had recently attended a meeting at which the matter of housing had been discussed by representatives of several East Bay Cities. As to the buildings which had been demolished in Richmond and Vallejo, these were all dormi- tory buildings and not apartment dwellings. He stated there is now a questionnaire submitted by the Federal Government, to explore the matter of attitudes and desires concerning low-rent housing and that after giving it some further study, the City will be in a position to fill out the questionnaire, definitely placing itself on record as to its policy on the subject of continuance of this housing. President Branscheid stated the City has no control over the buildings in the housing projects and offered his opinion that the Federal Government is now endeavoring to pass the responsibility for the continuance of these projects on to somebody else, by either selling them to the Cities in which they are located or to private persons. He assured Yr. Gottstein that the whole question would be given very close attention when it finally comes up for action. HEARINGS: 9. Two applications were presented from W. A. Dusenbery for permits to fill property situated west of E-Pierhead Line between Liberty and Encinal Avenue, begin- ning approximately 100 feet east of Fernside Boulevard, bordered by Alameda City Nursery on the northwest corner - and also Block 6 and 7, south of Otis Drive, be- tween Mound and Fountain Streets. Following the reading of both applications, Councilman Jones moved they be consoli- dated and considered as one and that permission to fill be granted by the Council, subject to the conditions of the Alameda Municipal Code and the posting of a bond in the penal sum of 5,000. to guarantee performance of the work. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 10. From the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to Paris Brothers of Berkeley, for the project of installing an extension of the storm water line on High and Post Streets, across Otis Drive, at its bid price of cI4,337.50. Councilman Anderson moved the City Manager's recommendation be accepted; that con- tract be awarded to the specific firm and bid checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and Presi- dent Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 11. From the City Manager, recommending that contract be awarded to William McIntosh and Son of San Francisco, for the project of making alterations to the City 'Tall, at their bid price of ;2,641. Councilman Osborn moved the City M'anager's recommendation be adopted; that contract be awarded to the designated firm and bid checks be returned to the unsuccessful bidders. 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. 12. From the City Manager, reporting on the subject of outside employment of City personnel, and recommending that the existing ordinance be amended to incorporate certain regulations. On motion of Councilman Anderson, seconded by Councilman Sweeney, this matter was referred to the City Attorney, with the request that he prepare a resolution cover- ing the subject, for adoption by the Council. 13 From the City Planning Board, recommending denial of petition from Thomas O'D. Buckley and Harold A. Best, for the reclassification of portions of Tract No. 824, situated in the west end of the City, being more specifically described in the peti- tion. It was requested that certain portions of the Tract be rezoned from the "A" One-Family Dwelling District, to the "A-1" One-Family Dwelling District and "3" Two- to-Four Family Dwelling District. Following the reading of this communication, Mr. Richard Thunder, representing the petitioners in the matter, addressed the Council, stating that, in his opinion, some serious consideration should be given the Planning Board's attitude on the question of limiting housing construction in the City of Alameda to single family dwellings. He pointed out that this is a great demand for duplex buildings for rental and in- vestment purposes and that this type of dwelling blends very well with a neighbor- hood largely built up in single-family dwellings. He suggested that, in the absence of some action to alter the position taken by the Planning Board in this and other similar matters, the City would soon find itself in a very bad position on the housing question. President Branscheid stated this matter has just now come before the Council and no member has had an opportunity to examine it in detail. Therefore, he suggested it might be advisable to lay the matter over for study. Councilman Jones moved this matter be held over until the Council has had an oppor- tunity to make a thorough study of it. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. 14. From the City Planning Board, transmitting the Tentative Map of Tract No. 903 - McGah Subdivision, for final approval of the Council. This Tract is located in the west end of the City, south of Central Avenue, roughly between Third Street and Lincoln Avenue and is a part of the area covered by Tract No. 824. The Map was studied by the Council and explained by the City Engineer, who stated that it now meets all requirements of the Subdivision Ordinance of the City. Councilman Sweeney moved the Tentative Map be approved as submitted. 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. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 15. Councilman Anderson introduced the following ordinance, after which it was laid over under provision of law and the Charter: "Ordinance No. New Series An Ordinance Authorizing Sale and Exchange of Real Property." UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 16. The matter of action on the City Planning Board's recommendation to deny the requested reclassification of property at the northwest corner of Lincoln Avenue and Paru Street was presented - Nellie Hollingsworth's property. The most recent communication from Miss Hollingsworth in this natter was read. Councilman Sweeney moved it go over for further consideration. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. 17. The matter of action on the City Planning Board's recommendation to deny the requested reclassification of property known as 2900 Lincoln Avenue was presented - Oscar Sundby's property. Councilman Jones moved this matter also be laid over for further study. The motion was seconded by Councilman Osborn and unanimously carried. RESOLUTIONS: 18. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3867 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing One (1) New 1949 Two-Door 6 or 8 Cylinder Sedan (To Replace Wrecked Police Car), to the City of Alameda for the Police Department, Calling for Bids and Direct- ing the 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. 19. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3868 Adopting Specifications for Furnishing One (1) New 1949 Station Wagon to the City of Alameda, for the Recreation Department, Calling for Bids and Direct- ing the City Clerk to Advertise Same." 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 Anderson, who moved its adoption:- 167 I, "Resolution No. 3869 Accepting Conveyance from Edgar A. Jones, a Widower, of Certain Real Property and Consenting to the Recordation Thereof." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Csborn, 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 Sweeney, who moved its adoption:' "Resolution No. 3870 Accepting Option of Purchase of Certain Real Property from Celestina Cosso, a Widow, and Consenting to the Recordation Thereof. 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. 22. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3871 Accepting Option of Purchase of Certain Real Property From Anita Spadoni, and Consenting to the Recordation Thereof." 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. 23. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3872 Accepting Option of Purchase of Certain Real Property from Gino Spadoni, and Consenting to the Recordation Thereof." The motion to adopt said resolution was seconded by Councilman Jones and on roll call carried by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Csborn, 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. 3873 Accepting Option of Purchase of Certain Real Property from Guido Spadoni, and Consenting to the Recordation Thereof." 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. 25. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3874 Accepting Option of Purchase of Certain Real Property from Marie McCloud 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. 26. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3875 Dedicating Certain Real Property to Public Use for Street and Highway Purposes." 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. 27. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3876 Creating the Position of "Health Educator" in the Health Department of the City of Alameda, Pre- scribing the Duties and Fixing the Salary 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 Branscheid, (5). Noes None. Absent: None. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. Councilman Sweeney asked for an explanation of this matter. The City Manager stated that certain health funds coming from the Federal Government are granted with the proviso that a fully rounded staff be maintained and that the "Health Educator" is a part of the required staff. He pointed out that the entire salary of the Health Educator would be met out of Federal Funds. 28. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3877 Creating a Fund to be Known as the "Bay Farm Island Sewer Assessment Project No. 1 Construction Fund." 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. 29. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Jones, who moved its adoption: resolution No. 3878 Creating a Special Fund to be Known as "Storm Water Line on High and Post Streets, Across Otis Drive Fund" and Transferring 5,500. from Capital Outlays Fund Thereto." 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. 30. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3879 Transferring -,i7,500.00 from the Cash Basis Fund to the Library Fund." 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 matter. The City Manager stated it was an advance to the Library until such time as property taxes can be collected and apportioned. 31. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Anderson, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3880 Transferring 150.22 to the Unapportioned Personal Property Tax 1947-1948 Fund and 449.78 to the General Fund from the Bert Cann .Doing Business as Master Builders, Tax Fund." 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: :one. Thereupon the President declared said resolution duly adopted and passed. 32. The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Osborn, who moved its adoption: "Resolution No. 3881 Transferring T78.80 from the Interest and Redemption No. 3 Fund to the General Fund." 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. 33, The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Sweeney, who moved ' adoption: "Resolution No. 3882 Transferring ;1.00 from the Special Fire Alarm System Fund to the General Fund." 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 Pre 'dent declared said resolution duly adopted and, passed. FILING: 34. Specifications - No. MS 11-43-18 - For furnishing 1 new 1949 Sedan to the Police Department, to replace wrecked car #3. 35. Specifications - No. MS 21-43-19 - For furnishing 1 new 1949 Station Wagon to the Recreation Department. 36. Auditor's Balance Sheet - For flonth ending October 31, 1948. 37. Financial Statement - Goodell, Byers & Co. - Bureau of Electricity, as of September 30, 1948. 38. 0 tions of Purchase from Marie McCloud, Cel stina Cosso, Anita Gino and Guido Spadoni. 39. Deed from Edgar A. Jones - Liberty-Garfield area. BILLS: 40. An itemized List of Claims against several of the departments of the City of Alameda in the total amounts as follows, was eresented to the Council at this time: General Departments, 809.01; Fire Department, i229.; Bay Farm Island Sewer Fund, '7,711.88. Councilman Anderson moved the List of Claims filed with the City Clerk on November 3, 1948, and presented to the City Council at this meeting, be allowed and paid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and on roll call carried by the fol- lowing vote. Ayes: Councilmen Anderson, Jones, Osborn, Sweeney and President Branscheid, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 41',' Prior to adjournment, Richard Lovejoy, Engineering Department of the City, addressed the Council, stating that he reeresented a committee appointed by the Alameda Municipal Employees Association to make a study of the question of outside employment of City personnel. He inquired as to whether or not this matter could be taken care of by ordinance rather than resolution, in order to give the employees an opportunity to look it over and study the situation before the ordinance might become effective. President Branscheid stated it was the feeling of the Council that a resolution would provide more flexibility than an ordinance and that the matter would be handled in this fashion. He assured Mr. Lovejoy that his committee would have ample opportunity to look over any proposed resolution and discuss it before any action would be taken upon it. 42Y President Branscheid announced that on next Tuesday evening, at 7:30 o'clock, there will be a hearing on that portion of the Master Plan of the City of Alameda, dealing with the subject of "Freeways and Major Streets." He pointed out that the plan had been approved by the Planning Board several months ago and that it is now coming on for public hearing as required by law. He stated that anybody interested in the plan may appear at that time and be heard and in the meantime, would be able to get a copy of the plan from the office of the City Manager. ADJOURNIEN 43, Councilman Jones moved the meeting adjourn to 7:30 P. m., Tuesday, November 9, 1948, to meet at that time in adjourned regular session. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sweeney and unanimously carried.